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CONTENT<br />
FEBRUARY 2017<br />
www.mediaroomhub.com<br />
EDITOR’S NOTE<br />
SPECIAL FEATURES<br />
ASO-EBI<br />
CIRCUIT<br />
Nhn Ways<br />
COUPLE’S HILLS<br />
COVER<br />
STORY PG. 4<br />
BY AZUKA OGUJIUBA<br />
Clothes by Enthyst Fashion Klinik<br />
And Ouch.<br />
Hair by It’s Hair We Are for Wigs<br />
THE JOURNEY<br />
OF MARRIAGE<br />
TURNED<br />
INSIDE OUT<br />
THE OBAMA OF<br />
RIVERS STATE<br />
CREDITS<br />
Hair stylish-Ferdinand odinaka orji the wig<br />
lord . CEO ferdinandshair Studio.<br />
Mercy Johnson Okogie’s Costumes by Ndidi<br />
Obioha, CEO, Enthyst Fashion klinik.<br />
Henry Odianosen Okogie’s costumes by<br />
Uche Nnaji, CEO Ouch<br />
Stylist<br />
Moses Ebite for Moashystyling<br />
Makeup-Davesucre<br />
Mide’s Mane, It’s Hair We Are for Wigs, BK<br />
unique hair.<br />
Cover photography<br />
Bamiyo Emina<br />
SUBSCRIBE TO MEDIA ROOM HUB<br />
www.mediaroomhub.com<br />
At a certain stage in one’s life, you want to pick<br />
up your mantle and stir the direction <strong>of</strong> your<br />
journey, even if you can’t foresee what lies ahead,<br />
and not even if you consult a crystal ball. The<br />
arduous plod <strong>of</strong> survival, clustered by fear, drains<br />
your ability to take a leap at any adventure.<br />
But the journey must sternly continue, even if<br />
l don’t know whether it’s leading to the four<br />
cardinal points.<br />
The Media Room Hub has begun a journey and<br />
<strong>of</strong>f course I am the pilot, I must confess fear <strong>of</strong><br />
the unknown occupied the tunnel <strong>of</strong> this trip,<br />
but I hear a voice from my inner man saying ‘it is<br />
well’. Well, has that fear disappeared completely,<br />
I guess not, but my mind is made up to go on<br />
this journey, whether it is on a camel’s back or a<br />
speed car.<br />
This site was suppose to be up on the 14th <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>February</strong> but we had some technical issues, then<br />
it occurred to me that <strong>February</strong> is the month <strong>of</strong><br />
celebrating love. People celebrate love everyday<br />
though. As a hopeless romantic, I chose the season<br />
<strong>of</strong> love to commence this journey and also I<br />
love the color red. It simply oozes the word love.<br />
<strong>February</strong> is known as the month <strong>of</strong> love and this<br />
is mainly because Valentine’s Day, a day which<br />
love is celebrated <strong>world</strong>wide, is on the 14th <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>February</strong>. On this day, people show their affection<br />
and love towards others by sending cards,<br />
flowers and gifts to them. Valentine is every<br />
day for some people while some others can’t be<br />
bothered.<br />
This maiden edition celebrates love, the color<br />
red, it’s fashionable antics, its bold and enchanting<br />
presence, how it’s glued to your memory,<br />
your eyes, your mind, your heart, soul and how it<br />
finally turns you to a foolish clown. Nevertheless,<br />
it’s also a beautiful feeling.<br />
We all know the Nigerian sweetheart, Mercy<br />
Johnson Okojie, our beautiful talented thespian<br />
and the girl-next-door. Back from her last movie<br />
set, we were able to able to hang out a whole day<br />
with her and her amiable hubby, <strong>of</strong>f to our<br />
Media Room Hub set for our Valentine edition.<br />
This debut edition is jam-packed with<br />
celebrating couples who have stood the test<br />
<strong>of</strong> time in making sure their holy matrimony<br />
works. Also for the fashion segment, we are<br />
showcasing fashionable and stylish women<br />
who have made bold statements in their<br />
red outfits, from evening gowns to little red<br />
dresses to traditional outfits. The bold and<br />
daring men are not left out either.<br />
Mabel Makun, the CEO <strong>of</strong> Midas Interior,<br />
also tells us why the red color is a stimulant<br />
for her. And guys find out who is the Obama<br />
<strong>of</strong> River state.<br />
How can I not mention the bold voices God<br />
used as instruments to destroy my fear on<br />
this journey. Simon Kolawole, my former<br />
Saturday editor, Thisday Newspapers was<br />
like a guardian escort in the media jungle,<br />
Lanre Alfred my brother from another<br />
mother, the only Akogun <strong>of</strong> the Nigeria<br />
media, Efe Tommy, my fashion mirror, Konye<br />
Chelsea Nwabogor, my sister from another<br />
mama, always ready to listen to me even<br />
my irrelevant gists, Ifan Ifeanyin Micheals,<br />
Chuks Nwanne, Femi Salau, Funke Osai<br />
Brown, Toyosi Ogunseye, Lanre Odukoya,<br />
Bolaji Okusaga, Bola Balogun, Archie Ezenagu,<br />
Ndidi Obioha, Chika Acholonu -Ekezie,<br />
Mercedez Richards. My four special friends,<br />
My baby’s god-mother Sylvia Mordi-Moemeke,<br />
My childhood, primary and secondary<br />
school Kate Imafidon, my Yinnnngiii Yannnngiii,<br />
my friend turned blood sister Joy Chico<br />
Ejiro and Bamidele Bentley Sharayi, their<br />
friendship supportive system woke me from<br />
my slumber. I know l will never stop saying<br />
THANK YOU forever, l am grateful. Above<br />
all l am extremely grateful to the big lion <strong>of</strong><br />
3<br />
my little kingdom, he never sleeps nor slumber<br />
over my affairs. He goes before me with his Holy<br />
ghost sword and maketh the way as easy as can<br />
be, thank you God.<br />
On this maiden <strong>cover</strong> project, l worked with my<br />
friend who has also turned my sister Ndidi Obioha,<br />
ever supportive <strong>of</strong> anybody’s dream. I called<br />
her up and told her <strong>of</strong> my plans even in the face<br />
<strong>of</strong> daunting anxiety. She laughed at me, gave me<br />
the push word. She opened her Enthyst Fashion<br />
Klinik doors to us. All Mercy Johnson Okogie’s<br />
outfits for the shoot were from her store. Uche<br />
Nnaji <strong>of</strong> Ouch, with the moniker, Nigeria Style<br />
Doctor gladly made sure Henry Okogie looked<br />
dapper in his black suit.<br />
Moses Ebite <strong>of</strong> MoashyStyling, thank you so much<br />
for taking out time to style this project. It was so<br />
much fun pulling this idea with you. Davesucre,<br />
thank you for coming to my aid at the last minute,<br />
you are so reliable and this explains my gratitude.<br />
My Lord <strong>of</strong> wigs, Ferdinand Ordinaka Orji you<br />
have been amazingly supportive, thank you for appearing<br />
at a shirt notice. Bamiyo Emina shot and<br />
produced the <strong>cover</strong> pictures, Bamiyo thank you<br />
for not hesitating to agree to do this, even at a very<br />
short notice. Thank you Mide’s Mane hair, BK<br />
unique hair and It’s Hair We Are For Wigs. My<br />
team, yes we had sleepless nights getting ready,<br />
secretly l was scared you guys will give up on the<br />
project because <strong>of</strong> the hard floor where we all<br />
spent the night, thank you Seyi Akindubi, Pelumi<br />
Sharayi, Daniel Oluseyi and Oluwatobi Ogidiolu,<br />
l am so grateful to God for bringing you guys into<br />
my <strong>world</strong><br />
A big thank you to all my friends whose names I<br />
regrettably couldn’t mention for want <strong>of</strong> space. I<br />
say the biggest thank you to everybody who has<br />
chipped in a word <strong>of</strong> encouragement one way or<br />
the other from the ‘ikebe’ <strong>of</strong> my heart. You are welcome<br />
to join me on this jolly journey!!!<br />
Azuka Ogujiuiba
Cover<br />
Cover<br />
MERCY JOHNSON OKOJIE<br />
A NEW WORLD OF ‘MERCY’<br />
For Nollywood heartthrob, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, the rain <strong>of</strong> pains simmered into light showers until the grim tale finally<br />
gave way for a bright <strong>new</strong> day. She has waltzed out <strong>of</strong> despair, perhaps eternally too, and Mercy left nothing to return to in her<br />
past. Welcome to a <strong>world</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>new</strong> ‘Mercy’, an adoring mother, witty wife and riveting actress as she takes us through some <strong>of</strong> the<br />
secrets held to close her chest these past years. Enjoy this exclusive Valentine’s special from us to you<br />
Are there things you’re looking forward to this Valentine?<br />
That’s very hard to tell. Last week I was saying to my husband ”valentine is next week o, hope<br />
you’re planning a surprise,tell me now if you have a plan.” Every Valentine something always<br />
happens in our marriage and since last week I’ve been hearing some whispers here and there<br />
and when he starts whispering, something is going down.<br />
Are you also surprising him?<br />
No, I’m not surprising him. I’ll just smile all day, that’s enough, isn’t it?<br />
Which has been your best Valentine’s Day celebration together?<br />
It was actually the one we had when he visited me in Asaba, Delta State. I actually know the<br />
very day I conceived for Henry. I was working then when he came to see me. After the Valentine<br />
’s Day get-together, my son Henry came.<br />
Has motherhood not slowed you down? You had just a few outings last year?<br />
I’d say yes, motherhood has slowed me down, but does it matter? I’d say no, it hasn’t slowed<br />
my life down. In my life, with marriage, dealings with people and so on I’ve learnt to appreciate<br />
myself first and recognize integrity before I can dish it out to any other person. I know what it<br />
means to have a scale <strong>of</strong> preference and do things in a manner <strong>of</strong> importance. Work has slowed<br />
down because I want it to slow down, if I want to leave my home and my kids at home and go<br />
to Asaba to work back to back or stay in Lagos and work like that, it’s not a problem because I<br />
get calls every day. It’s a way <strong>of</strong> life that I’ve chosen, so if you call me and it’s not convenient for<br />
me, I’d just tell you I cannot do it. My kids are in school right now and I have to do the school<br />
‘runs’, wake up to get the kids ready for school, take care <strong>of</strong> the house, my husband, it’s fun and<br />
I love to do it. If anything just collides with what I’d planned I just let go. If you call me for a<br />
movie and it’s convenient I’d just tell my husband, ‘my love I’m going to shoot next week’, and<br />
he’d say ‘sure, you can go’. But if I can’t make it due to one issue or the other having something<br />
to do with my husband and/or my kids, I just let it go.<br />
Some celebs have gone on maternity leave and by the time they’d return, <strong>new</strong> kids on the<br />
block have taken their place. Don’t you fear that you might lose your place?<br />
I can never lose my place or be displaced by anybody. My name is Mercy Johnson Okojie, I never<br />
have such fear. Nollywood is like a family; it’s a large field and nobody can take anybody’s<br />
place. Even though I don’t get to do many films, when I do one, people will know that Mercy<br />
has done this. It’s not pride, I’m just saying that I know who I am and I know what I’ve got. So<br />
you can do all the ones you can do and I’ll do the ones I can do. It’s a not a tussle, I’m very comfortable<br />
in my space. If I have to do one in three months, it’s fine as long as I have something<br />
back home that makes me smile all day.<br />
Are there targets you have in 2017?<br />
With marriage and motherhood, when you have one it’s tough let alone having three kids, so<br />
I’m doing my own TV show entitled ‘Mercy Marriage and Cooking’. I birthed the idea after<br />
I saw a tweet by ElDee, when he said something about role models and young girls <strong>of</strong> these<br />
days picking Kim Kardashian as a role model when they have people like Ndidi Obioha, Betty<br />
Irabor and others doing well in their marriages and career. When you follow people like these,<br />
you sum it up all, you’re a like a full package. So I’m going to have them come and do some<br />
dishes while we talk about some things that make their marriage work. The tweet got to me<br />
and I realized that we don’t even have a talk-show that talks about these career realities and<br />
nuggets <strong>of</strong> marriage. Part <strong>of</strong> the things that have made my marriage work is that I have a good<br />
foundation- I have mother, pastors, and elders who say, ‘Mercy, do it like this, do it like that’.<br />
And then I chose to learn and it has paid <strong>of</strong>f. That’s what prompted the TV show and it’s going<br />
to be on-air soon. I’ve had some delays just like with any production. After the show comes a<br />
short drama on marriage and that’s going to keep me busy for the year.<br />
Aren’t you going to be on location for some other scripts?<br />
I don’t have much time for that now because I’m doing a series for Glo, ‘Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Johnbull’ and<br />
I’m doing one for Africa Magic now which has only just started. In between them I have a few<br />
4<br />
By Azuka Ogujiuiba<br />
Yes,<br />
motherhood<br />
has slowed me<br />
down, but does<br />
it<br />
matter? I’d say<br />
no, it hasn’t<br />
slowed my life<br />
down…<br />
‘<br />
projects to handle too.<br />
Six years ago when you were on your way to marrying your ‘knight’, a scandalous tale<br />
made the rounds, so many had fears for you. Would you say that was the most trying<br />
time <strong>of</strong> your life in marriage?<br />
To be honest, when all <strong>of</strong> those things were going on, I love husband’s soul; it’s not about his<br />
physical appearance or any other thing. I remember very well that I was fasting from 12am to<br />
12pm, and then when I heard what people had to say even though they didn’t truly know what<br />
was happening and kinds <strong>of</strong> things people were writing on their pages, they just tarnished<br />
someone’s image when they k<strong>new</strong> nothing about the real story. I said to God one day at 12<br />
midnight, “these tears I’ve shed before this marriage are the last I will shed, and this would be<br />
my last embarrassment. When I get into this marriage, I’m going to be happy.” And it’s been<br />
that way. Yes, that was my most trying time (with tear-laden eyes) because I’ve never had a<br />
cause to be as sad as I was then. In marriage you’d have some minor misunderstandings (cheering<br />
up transitorily as she wipes her tears) and I could frown at him and pretend I was going to<br />
sleep in another room. It’s been so much fun marrying my husband I must confess. I know at<br />
what point to get to him because we’ve evolved, so we understand how to let go <strong>of</strong> everything.<br />
What’s been the longest time you quarreled? Have you had nights or days you didn’t talk<br />
to each other?<br />
No, that’s not possible because I play too much. My husband is tired <strong>of</strong> hearing ‘I’m sorry’. The<br />
other day he said, “My love why did you do this?” I said, “I’m sorry” and he responded, “don’t<br />
tell me you are sorry, just don’t do it again.” When I ask him to come and eat and he goes like<br />
I’m not eating. I’d just say “come on, that small thing I did is why you angry at your baby?” I’ll<br />
make him the food, go to him and say, “don’t eat it o, just smell it.” We’ve evolved from those<br />
little quarrels. At the early stage <strong>of</strong> our marriage when I’m angry, I’d squeeze my face and there<br />
was nothing he says that I’d listen to. You’d hardly even notice when I’m annoyed, the only<br />
thing is that the names I call him, “sex”, “my love”, “my life” and so on, you would not hear anymore.<br />
For like five years now, we hardly even ever quarrel because we always have something<br />
to talk about, he’s my gossip partner. We have a way <strong>of</strong> getting above quarrels now, it just<br />
doesn’t last anymore.<br />
The days you don’t have shoots to do and he’s also at home, what actually goes into your<br />
day?<br />
5
Cover<br />
Hair by BK Unique hair<br />
Outfit by Ethynst Fashion Klinik<br />
6<br />
We have fun, we gist, we talk, we plan and so on. Yesterday, the kids couldn’t go to school, and<br />
I can’t remember exactly what they were doing behind the house. From upstairs I just saw my<br />
husband swimming, and in my mind I was like, wow, I got you. I just took <strong>of</strong>f my wig and jumped<br />
in the pool. So, we chat, we play and he’s like every breath I take in with an aroma <strong>of</strong> his name on<br />
it. We do basically everything together.<br />
What else do you wish your husband has?<br />
Well, you may find this shocking, nobody is perfect but everything about him speaks <strong>of</strong> perfection.<br />
Even when he doesn’t get it right, he makes me laugh and when a man takes me and the kids<br />
as priorities at all times, what else would you possibly desire? I think that has taken away my<br />
consciousness <strong>of</strong> every other thing that he lacks. I can’t even see it maybe I’d need someone else to<br />
help me pinpoint it.<br />
Before you married, you took some brazen roles as a very crude village girl but now that city life<br />
has impacted you this much, would you still be able to deliver roles requiring you to play a village<br />
girl?<br />
I will still play my role that old way but just that I will do it with a lot <strong>of</strong> caution now. Some <strong>of</strong><br />
the things I did before I cannot do anymore because I hate to embarrass my husband. Most <strong>of</strong> the<br />
things I did then, so many people didn’t understand that it was acting. I do my job passionately<br />
but even with the passion, I recognize the fact that it’s not pleasant to embarrass my husband.<br />
You’re almost entirely missing on the red carpets, how long do you want to be away?<br />
I love to be on the red carpet, but Angel, my last daughter, is crawling now and I have to pursue<br />
her. Is that the kind <strong>of</strong> thing to leave and go to the red carpet? If it’s extremely important that I<br />
should be there, I will be there. If it’s not I won’t just go and take photographs and be 24hours on<br />
live streaming, I don’t have that time.<br />
Is there anything you miss about being single?<br />
Well that was breathing not living, now I’m living and now I have something to live for. I told<br />
my husband this last mother’s day that I wanted a gift and he also told me he wanted a gift too.<br />
When sleep is sweetest at 4am, Purity is coughing, when Angel is hungry at 3am that’s when I’m<br />
dreaming about something so sweet yet wake up and attend to them. When they are sick, my<br />
temperature is high because I’m worried, I know how their voice sounds when they cry and that’s<br />
why I was telling my husband that I needed a gift. So no, I don’t miss anything about being single,<br />
not even the freedom, I like my life now better.<br />
Sometimes when you sit back and watch some <strong>of</strong> your movies, which one makes you cry the<br />
most and makes you laugh the most?<br />
‘Dumebi’ and Immaculate Heart are my favourites. ‘Dumebi’ for the one that makes me laugh and<br />
I keep asking myself, ‘are you normal?’ Then ‘Immaculate Hearts’ makes me cry, I feel proud <strong>of</strong><br />
myself when I watch it.<br />
In one <strong>of</strong> your interviews, you said you were looking up to Genevieve Nnaji, and that you<br />
had to find a way into her booth just to catch a glimpse <strong>of</strong> her. If you k<strong>new</strong> you would grow<br />
this big in the industry, would you still have done that?<br />
love my humble beginnings; I love the fact that something about her nurtured me to this level.<br />
don’t think I would have grown this big if I wasn’t mentored to structure myself in the manner<br />
I have now. Growing up, she had a lot <strong>of</strong> influence in my career, most <strong>of</strong> the times when she<br />
couldn’t work, she’ll have them call me to go do it. I think I would have grown but not as quick as<br />
I did learning from her, and I got to understand the intricacies <strong>of</strong> film making. I got to understand<br />
that ‘who pass you, pass you’ and when you give respect to ‘who pass you’ you will grow and not<br />
just grow and fade away, you grow and you last. Life is extremely spiritual, forget that we look at<br />
it in the physical realm, that’s how I see it. Most <strong>of</strong> my success in Nollywood, most <strong>of</strong> the movies<br />
I’ve done were courtesy <strong>of</strong> her, probably when she was busy she recommended me, I’ve heard<br />
about a lot <strong>of</strong> recommendations like that. I would never deny the fact that I like her and that her<br />
mentoring structured me to be who I am today so no shame at all.<br />
What’s your style? Who is a stylish woman to you?<br />
Style for me is comfort; as long as I’m comfortable with what I’m wearing I’m good to go. I’m not<br />
good with wearing what’s in vogue except <strong>of</strong>f course when I have good stylists like Moses and co.<br />
to dress me up, on my own I can’t.<br />
What’s your take <strong>of</strong> all the drama between you and Tonto Dikeh?<br />
There’s nothing to it, sometimes youthful exuberance will make you do some things you shouldn’t<br />
do. I’ve has my own fair share too, I’m human and I’ve made errors, some I k<strong>new</strong> I made and some<br />
I didn’t know I made. It’s part <strong>of</strong> evolvement and we should be proud <strong>of</strong> the women that we all<br />
have grown up to be. When I was younger I made errors too and same with her, what makes you<br />
honourable is your ability to know that you have hit the wrong buttons and then you come back<br />
and make amends. That shows who a changed person is, shows the strength <strong>of</strong> going through<br />
that thing called labour. The whole thing with Tonto was never an issue actually.<br />
The media, sometimes they make and other times they mar. What time in your life would<br />
you say the media has been unfair to you the most?<br />
Media people! I think that perhaps the time before I got married was the most misconstrued time<br />
<strong>of</strong> my life. I just wish that the media understood the kind <strong>of</strong> hurt people go through when they<br />
write things without verifying. This is like adding petrol to a burning fire, and it’s sad. People will<br />
say what they want to say with or without but it’s good to sometimes put yourselves in the shoes<br />
<strong>of</strong> those people you are writing about. Almost ninety nine percent <strong>of</strong> the Nigerian artistes have<br />
been misconstrued and labelled as things they are not and the media, as an intermediary between<br />
the artistes and the fans should be more investigative. I’ve had my own fair share <strong>of</strong> hurtful things<br />
been said to me by the media but I’ve been able to correct everything by my character and not by<br />
making noise. For example, some people predicted three months for my marriage and I’ll say, that<br />
fine boy out there, my husband ain’t going anywhere.<br />
7<br />
Cover<br />
I love to be on<br />
the red carpet,<br />
but Angel,<br />
my last<br />
daughter, is<br />
crawling now<br />
and I have to<br />
pursue her
Cover<br />
I can never lose my place or be displaced<br />
by anybody, my name<br />
is Mercy Johnson-Okojie, I never have<br />
such fear<br />
Super lover, enchanting dad,<br />
that’s Prince Okojie<br />
Husband <strong>of</strong> Nollywood belle, Prince Odianosen Okojie, has etched on the sands <strong>of</strong> time subliminal nuggets<br />
for successful marriage, the avid tycoon and politician did this effortlessly. Only the brave will give wings to<br />
his wife’s towering career when <strong>of</strong>f course something back at home may well suffer for it. Theirs, read like a<br />
fairy tale, and more interestingly are the unassuming roles Okojie played in calming the tempest that greeted<br />
their marriage in the wake <strong>of</strong> it. About love, business and family, the Benin prince speaks:99999999<br />
Hair by It’s Hair We Are for Wigs<br />
Outfit by Ethynst Fashion Klinik<br />
When did you meet your wife and how has your marriage been so far?<br />
Prior to our marriage, I’ve known my wife for three years, we actually met in 2008.<br />
We started living together in 2009 and we got married in 2011. It’s bezen God all the<br />
way, there’s no miracle or anything much, it’s just been God. With marriage breakups<br />
and celebrity dramas, I think it depends on what one wants, for me, when I met<br />
my wife, I k<strong>new</strong> she was the one for me. The love, the affection and the tender care is<br />
there and though we might have some misunderstanding but when we sleep over it,<br />
we move on. My wife is my best friend and I hold her in high esteem and as a result<br />
<strong>of</strong> this, we don’t quarrel <strong>of</strong>ten. When we do, we grow from it and move to the next<br />
level.<br />
Have you gone on for a day or night without talking? Sometimes when you are<br />
angry, do you want to sleep over it and not talk to her?<br />
No! Never! I have a very big house, my wife has a very big room and so do I, but she<br />
has never spent the night in her room for one day. Sometimes when I tease her and<br />
say ‘go to your room’, she tells me ‘this is our room not your room’ and so most times<br />
we are always together. I have never experienced anything like this, my marriage to<br />
her is so sweet and I’m enjoying it to the fullest. Like I said, I won’t give the kudos to<br />
man but to God Almighty who has kept us in happiness, in peace and in harmony.<br />
What kind <strong>of</strong> work do you do and how long does it take you?<br />
I am a business man and I’ve been in business since 2006 since I got into Nigeria. I do<br />
oil and gas, I work with the federal government on contract basis, I’m into transportation<br />
and I’m into real estate. I’m a workaholic; I do any kind <strong>of</strong> business provided<br />
it’s legal. Any legitimate business that will fetch me money, I do it.<br />
What is the longest time, you have spent away from your wife?<br />
I think about two to three weeks. I travel a lot and when I do, I’m usually in a hurry<br />
to get home. The most time I’ve stayed abroad is three weeks, no matter what part <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>world</strong> I’m in, in three weeks, I must be back home.<br />
Kids take so much attention when they start coming, and now that you have<br />
three, do they threaten how much time you should enjoy with your wife?<br />
Not at all, my kids are lovely. They are also reasons why I hurry to get back home<br />
when I travel because they are always saying ‘where’s my daddy, call my daddy, I<br />
need to speak to him’. There’s no divided attention at all, love is where it is. I play<br />
Ludo, Chess and Scrabble with my wife and my kids know that mum is fun to daddy<br />
and dad is fun to mummy.<br />
Do you have people or marriages that you try to pattern your marriage after?<br />
Not at all, God sent my wife to me. A lot <strong>of</strong> people want to emulate me, they look up<br />
to us and say they want to be like us. I do not give glory to man but to God because <strong>of</strong><br />
this and what I think has kept us strong is because I’ve been able to love her.<br />
What has being the longest holiday you’ve spent together and where did you<br />
both go?<br />
We travel together a lot, we’ve been on all the continents together. The last time we<br />
went to the US, we had a very quiet time, we were in the US for three weeks and<br />
from there we also went to other parts <strong>of</strong> the <strong>world</strong>. We do everything possible to<br />
enjoy ourselves whenever we travel.<br />
8 9<br />
God sent my<br />
wife to me, a<br />
lot <strong>of</strong> people<br />
want to<br />
emulate us, they<br />
look up to us<br />
and say they<br />
want to be like<br />
us. I do not give<br />
glory to man<br />
but to God<br />
‘
Cover<br />
Cover<br />
Suit by Uche Nnaji<br />
Ceo Ouch<br />
How are you able to deal when you watch your wife on screen?<br />
I do not watch her movies. I’ve not done a lot <strong>of</strong> interviews but the few I’ve<br />
done, I usually tell them this. My best TV channels are <strong>new</strong>s channels like CNN<br />
and Channels TV. I have multiple decoders in my house and so when the others<br />
are watching movies, I’m in the other parlour watching <strong>new</strong>s or football.<br />
How then have you been able to critique her?<br />
Well I know my wife is good in her job because a lot <strong>of</strong> people give her compliments.<br />
Sometimes when I’m travelling, people walk up to me and tell me that<br />
my wife is their best actress and when I get home, I tell her and I’m sure that<br />
encourages her.<br />
Apart from acting, in what other field do you encourage your wife?<br />
I encourage her in every field, whenever she comes up with an idea, I always<br />
try to look into it with her, and if it’s something that will help her positively, I<br />
encourage her to do it.<br />
What other thing does she do outside acting?<br />
She has a TV show that she just launched titled ‘Mercy, Marriage and Cooking’.<br />
A lot <strong>of</strong> my friends have told me they would like to see more <strong>of</strong> her, so I’ve been<br />
encouraging her in that field.<br />
On a typical day that the both <strong>of</strong> you do not go out, how do you spend the<br />
day?<br />
We play Scrabble, we play Ludo, we eat, we swim together, and before we<br />
know it, it’s 4:30 and the kids are back from school and then she starts chasing<br />
them about in the house.<br />
There’s this popular saying; ‘a couple that stays together, pray together’.<br />
When it’s time for prayer, who prays more?<br />
We are born again Christians and we are proud to be, my wife is a very prayerful<br />
woman. A lot <strong>of</strong> times she won’t even pray for herself, she’s always praying<br />
for me all the time. Now my daughter has imbibed this habit, and so anytime I’m<br />
going out, she places her hand on my head and says ‘God bless my daddy’ and<br />
this makes me feel happy and fulfilled.<br />
Are you beginning to see traits <strong>of</strong> either you or your wife in the kids?<br />
Which <strong>of</strong> them takes after you or her?<br />
Well, you know my wife looks like me in a way and a lot <strong>of</strong> people tell me this,<br />
and like I said, God predestined us to be together. I’m a very quiet and reserved<br />
person, and I think my son took this from me. He’s private, quiet and reserved.<br />
My daughter is very active and she’s more like mummy.<br />
To you, what is style? What do you think being stylish is about?<br />
Well, I think it depends on what fits you, for me, I do a lot <strong>of</strong> natives and that’s<br />
my style. I feel comfortable in them, and I’m able to wear them to wherever I’m<br />
going, even when I attend meetings, which I attend a lot.<br />
Who makes your clothes for you?<br />
My stylist is in Ikeja, I won’t mention his name. He sews good natives for me;<br />
he’s the one that makes all the natives I wear.<br />
Your wristwatch is very fine, do you always wear designers?<br />
Well I do not usually crave for designers, even though most <strong>of</strong> my things are<br />
designers. Most times when I see anything that I like, I go for it, as long as it fits<br />
me.<br />
What’s your costliest fashion accessory?<br />
I have a Rolex GMT-Master and I bought it for twenty six thousand dollars in<br />
Dubai. That was during our second or third year wedding anniversary.<br />
Apart from your kids, what’s the biggest gift your wife has ever given you?<br />
I’ve received a lot <strong>of</strong> gifts from my wife, and I do not know the one that’s the<br />
most expensive. Whenever she travels, she always gets things for me.<br />
What more do you want in your wife?<br />
I don’t want anything, I just want her to keep loving me, and that’s all.<br />
My wife is a very<br />
prayerful woman,<br />
a lot <strong>of</strong> times she<br />
won’t even pray<br />
for herself, she’s<br />
always praying for<br />
me all the time<br />
‘<br />
10 11
Cover<br />
Cover<br />
Are there any misconceptions about your marriage that you would like to<br />
address to the <strong>world</strong>?<br />
One thing I’ll like to address is this; people tend to criticize even when they do<br />
not know you. Until you get close to someone, do not criticize or judge that<br />
person, because the person you are judging might just be a lovable and caring<br />
person. I have a unique character and I don’t need anyone to tell me that, I try<br />
as much as possible not to <strong>of</strong>fend anybody. I always try to keep my head up<br />
and do my thing.<br />
Do you have future political ambitions?<br />
Yes, I vied for the deputy governor position in Edo state during the last election.<br />
This position is not by election but by selection, but my party chose<br />
someone else, and in all humility, I worked for the person that was selected but<br />
we didn’t win the election. I think I’m a kind person, and because <strong>of</strong> this nature,<br />
I need a platform whereby, I’ll be able to assist a lot <strong>of</strong> people and politics<br />
affords me this because my business funds won’t be enough. A lot <strong>of</strong> people<br />
depend on me to eat, pay their school fees, and sometimes help with medical<br />
bills and for me to be able to do more <strong>of</strong> these things, I need a platform and<br />
that’s why I’m going into politics<br />
Your wife is not a red carpet person, in fact she’s one <strong>of</strong> the most shy faces<br />
on the red carpet, but even the few times she has had to come on the red<br />
carpet, you are not always with her, why?<br />
My wife has a lot on her hands, she’s got three kids to take care <strong>of</strong> and it’s not<br />
easy. My wife cooks my meals; she never let anyone prepare my meals ever.<br />
We have two house helps but they never cook my meals. So now, the issue <strong>of</strong><br />
the red carpets is all about priorities, which is more important; the home, or<br />
the red carpet? As regards why I’m not usually on the red carpet with her, my<br />
wife is a celebrity, I’m not. She’s busy with her celebrity thing and I’m also busy<br />
with my business. I’m a very busy person, if you know what it took to bring me<br />
here for this interview, you’ll understand. I’m busy every day, so I don’t have<br />
time for red carpets. If it’s so important that she wants us to go together or<br />
when I’m free, <strong>of</strong> course, I would go with her.<br />
There was a time that there was so much negative things about you on the<br />
media, and when you spoke, everything died a natural death, what has<br />
been the worst thing that was said about you?<br />
I’m a private person and like I said, it’s until you get close to someone that you<br />
can tell who the person is. A lot <strong>of</strong> people do not know me, neither do they<br />
know Mercy so, <strong>of</strong>f course, they believe what they want to believe. For me the<br />
only judgment I will believe is God’s judgment. Whatever anybody says about<br />
me, I’m not hurt in anyway, I’ve learnt how to move on.<br />
How did you feel when you were being called an irresponsible father, and<br />
that you abandoned a lady abroad with your kids?<br />
People will always talk, but the thing is, the people that know me know the<br />
truth. I am very responsible and I’m living up to it so I was not hurt.<br />
What do you miss about Mercy when she’s on set and not at home?<br />
Well, I’m also very busy so most times when she’s on set, I’m most probably<br />
not around too. However, my wife is a very lovable person; we play a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
games together, so when she’s not around I miss those times.<br />
What is the best Valentine gift she has ever given to you, or the best Valentine<br />
you guys have spent together?<br />
The best for me was in 2014. She was in Asaba and I was in Edo, so I drove all<br />
the way to Asaba on the 13th because I wanted to be with her. We spent the<br />
whole day together before I left. A short while later, she told me she was pregnant<br />
for Henry (laughs) so I guess Henry was a Valentine conception.<br />
Does she sing to you sometimes when your mood is down?<br />
You can’t be down when you are with my wife, we are always happy together.<br />
A lot <strong>of</strong> things take our time so we try to be happy most <strong>of</strong> the time.<br />
My wife is a<br />
celebrity, I’m not…<br />
I’m a busy man, so I<br />
don’t have time for<br />
‘<br />
‘<br />
My wife cooks my<br />
meals; she never let<br />
anyone prepare my<br />
meals ever. We have<br />
two house helps but<br />
they never cook my<br />
meals<br />
How do you guys make up and move on when you quarrel?<br />
She lives in my room, she’s there every time, and even when she’s not, l miss<br />
her and call her to come, so we settle things there.<br />
Hair by It’s Hair We Are for Wigs<br />
12 13<br />
red<br />
carpets
The Obama <strong>of</strong> Rivers State<br />
Couples’<br />
Hills<br />
Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi<br />
Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi<br />
To get married is quite easy, to stay married is the big task. Over the years, there have been<br />
several stories <strong>of</strong> couples that were not able to stand ‘the test’ in their marriages and as a result<br />
<strong>of</strong> this, they had to get separated. The question that comes to mind then is;<br />
Is Love not Enough? ‘For better; for worse’, ‘for richer; for poorer’, ‘in sickness; in health’ are<br />
phrases that are exchanged between husbands and wives on their wedding day. Some might<br />
consider these phrases a cliché, but time has shown couples who said these phrases from their<br />
hearts. Marriage is not a child’s play, there is bound to be challenges, ups and downs, mountains<br />
and valleys, however, no one promised it would be a joy ride either. These couples that<br />
inspire us might have had challenges that has threatened to tear them apart. Some have said<br />
that, when kids gets in the equation, things might get tough a bit. However, these couples<br />
have kids and have stayed together for years; ranging from ten to thirty three years in marriage.<br />
Keeping a steady career and keeping a marriage, these couples have become role models<br />
to the younger generation.<br />
We celebrate these couples and a host <strong>of</strong> others whose pictures we couldn’t put up because <strong>of</strong><br />
space and time this Valentine. These couples have been able to weather the storms together.<br />
They have stayed with each other through thick and thin, and showed the <strong>world</strong> that Love is<br />
indeed enough if you let it.<br />
Governor Wike Nyesom is the incumbent governor <strong>of</strong> Rivers States. He and his beautiful<br />
wife Eberechi are known for their PDAs (public display <strong>of</strong> affection). They are our very own<br />
Barack and Michelle Obama in the area <strong>of</strong> showing their affection for each other publicly and<br />
not being shy about it. They’ve been photographed several times locked in warm and passionate<br />
embraces and truth be told we are loving every bit <strong>of</strong> it.<br />
This Valentine, we bring to you this wonderful couple that shows that PDAs and romance is<br />
not dead.<br />
Oluwaseun and Eyobasi<br />
Chico and Joy Ejiro<br />
AY Makun and Wife, Mabel<br />
Tony Elumelu with wife<br />
Basket-mouth and Wife<br />
14 15
Aso ebi Circuit<br />
Aso ebi Circuit<br />
Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi<br />
The nhn way<br />
Nkechi Harry Ngonadi, the CEO <strong>of</strong> nhn couture<br />
is a fashion designer and fabric merchant.<br />
The beautiful mother <strong>of</strong> two is stunner anytime.<br />
She has made beautiful and jaw-dropping<br />
outfits for celebrities and dignitaries.<br />
Nkechi strongly believes in modesty, and<br />
advocates this in the way she dresses. In this<br />
special edition <strong>of</strong> asoebi circuit, enjoy different<br />
and exorbitant red asoebi outfits from<br />
Nkechi Harry Ngonadi<br />
Lami Tumaka<br />
Kiki Okewale<br />
Aisha Gombe<br />
Helen Inegbenikin<br />
Mabel Makun<br />
16 Oyin Adenuga<br />
17
THE “LRD”<br />
Everyone knows about the Little Black<br />
Dress (LBD) but today we introduce to you<br />
the ‘LRD’ (Little Red Dress). Just like LBDs,<br />
LRDs are easy to wear and chic at the same<br />
time. The best way to pull <strong>of</strong>f LRDs would<br />
be to dress it down with darker colors since<br />
red is quite loud in itself.<br />
“Red Glow”<br />
If you want to make a bold statement and make heads<br />
turn when you walk into a room, putting on a red gown<br />
is your sure bet. Aside from the fact that red gowns are<br />
attractive, they can also be elegant even if the dress is<br />
sewn in a simple style. You are almost good to go in red<br />
as long as you don’t match it up with bold colors.<br />
Uche Ibezue<br />
Kite<br />
Ene Lawani<br />
Tania Egbo-Adelana<br />
Ïrene Kayoma<br />
Nike Oshinowo<br />
Adesuwa Etomi<br />
Nike Oshinowo<br />
Mercy Aigbe - Gentry<br />
Ndidi Obioha<br />
Latasha Ngwube<br />
Rita Dominic<br />
18 19
Red Shades Of<br />
Davidson<br />
Petit-Frere<br />
Julius<br />
Agwu<br />
Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi<br />
Menswear designer, Davidson Petit-Frere is known<br />
for his dapper style and good looks. He has an eye<br />
for details, and he looks extremely good in almost<br />
everything he wears, infact, we think he slays all<br />
his outfit; there has been no exceptions. Petit-Frere<br />
is mostly seen pulling <strong>of</strong>f unexpected hues for his<br />
blazers and pants, colours that the average man will<br />
shy away from putting on. When asked how he’s<br />
been able to slay in red, orange, purple and burgundy<br />
coloured suits, he’s says ‘ my family is from Haiti,<br />
and Haitian men are known for being very colorful’.<br />
For this Valentine season, we chose to display his<br />
red outfits as our style inspiration. We hope you can<br />
become as daring as he is when you dress up this<br />
season.<br />
Efemena<br />
Tommy<br />
Adabamu<br />
Abovi<br />
Ugboma<br />
Swanky<br />
Jerry<br />
Men Valentine’s<br />
Day Look<br />
Men who saw a photo <strong>of</strong> a woman against a red background<br />
perceived her as more attractive and sexier. But what about<br />
women’s perception <strong>of</strong> men? Does red enhance the desirability<br />
<strong>of</strong> men to women?<br />
Not really but Red is the colour <strong>of</strong> love, but turn up in crimson<br />
tailoring and expect your date to turn on heel the minute<br />
you’re spotted propping up the bar.<br />
A scarlet lining, however, <strong>of</strong>fers a mood-setting flash without<br />
overdoing the Rod Stewart thing.<br />
Your Valentine’s may tend more towards impromptu road<br />
trips than dinner and movie, but that doesn’t mean you can’t<br />
suit up.<br />
Efemena Tommy Adabamu<br />
20 21 Creative Head at BespokePR and www.Uberstyle.org<br />
Siji Ogundele<br />
(Siji Motors)<br />
Yomi<br />
Casual
Red pants and Jumpsuits<br />
Nothing can be more sultry than these beautiful ladies in<br />
red pants and jumpsuits accentuating their figures. The<br />
makeup and hair gives more life to this look and we are<br />
thrilled by them.<br />
Red Hot!<br />
BEAUTY PUNCHLINE<br />
RED LipSticks<br />
By Pelumi Sharayi<br />
Nothing screams hot and<br />
sexy louder than a red lippie!<br />
It can transform a subtle<br />
make up to a fierce one in an<br />
instant. If you ever want to<br />
look fierce, bold and sexy, try<br />
a red lipstick.<br />
Linda Ikeji<br />
Betty Irabor<br />
Ndidi Obioha<br />
Biola Alabi<br />
Irene Kayoma<br />
Ono Bello<br />
Adunni Ade<br />
fifi Dilly<br />
Millen Magsse<br />
22 23
Giacomorelli Skate Shoes at fusion<br />
Vonne Fluffy Slippons<br />
MRH<br />
Editor’s Choice<br />
Oud Perfume From Oud Majestic<br />
Statement Neck piece<br />
From RUBY & PINK<br />
YOU CAN BE<br />
A VALENTINE<br />
BRIDE<br />
We are not<br />
saying the lady<br />
in this picture<br />
got married<br />
on valentine day,<br />
we love her dress<br />
and think it can be<br />
appropriate too for a<br />
valentine wedding.<br />
Isn’t she beautiful<br />
and sumptouly<br />
appealing to the eyes?<br />
And it is<br />
Davesucre again<br />
on the face beat!!<br />
Story by Oluwseyi Akindunbi<br />
KOREDE ROBERTS<br />
Red Bumper Jacket at Fusion<br />
Nkem<br />
Midas interior throw Pillow<br />
24<br />
Crocodile Wood Meat Leather Bag<br />
From Nicole Byhaguanna<br />
25
TIWA SAVAGE<br />
Mrs. Kele Kele<br />
TIWA SAVAGE<br />
Interior Concierge<br />
Midas Interiors<br />
Mabel Makun is the wife <strong>of</strong> popular comedian AY and<br />
also the CEO <strong>of</strong> Midas Interiors. Over the years, she has<br />
built a great career for herself with her beautiful and detailed<br />
designs. When asked about the colors that inspire<br />
her especially this valentine season, she said<br />
‘Generally, white signifies purity, cleanliness, good<br />
hygiene, simplicity and all but in the <strong>world</strong> <strong>of</strong> interior<br />
designs. White is actually the most commonly used, the<br />
reason been that it’s not necessarily a color, it is actually a<br />
neutral. It is very useful when starting out the decoration<br />
or design <strong>of</strong> a space, once I start with white walls, l can<br />
gradually build up colors around it. It is a very safe way<br />
to boost your confidence while using other colors. White<br />
helps make smaller spaces appear larger, it is an excellent<br />
backdrop for displaying artworks as well. The color red<br />
for me is a stimulant. I love to use red as a highlight for<br />
most <strong>of</strong> my designs. It signifies courage and fearlessness.<br />
Enjoy the creativity in Midas Interiors splash.<br />
<strong>February</strong> Birthday<br />
Princess<br />
26 27
TOLA SPEAKS<br />
So what’s wrong with corporate Cupid?<br />
ERIC ARUBAYI<br />
Story by Azuka Ogujiuba<br />
Its <strong>February</strong> , and love is likely to be in the air<br />
- seeing that we spend the most part <strong>of</strong> our<br />
day with colleagues within our organisation,<br />
chances are that falling in love in or around the<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice environment is highly likely and is happening<br />
now more frequently than ever.<br />
The best predictor <strong>of</strong> attraction is propinquity;<br />
it’s really no wonder they happen considering<br />
we spend over 8 hours a day in the near presence<br />
<strong>of</strong> others, it is no surprise that you get to<br />
like and feel attracted to them. You are people<br />
with similar levels <strong>of</strong> education, interests and<br />
values being recruited to organisations so the<br />
process <strong>of</strong> assortative mating begins at corporate<br />
selection itself.<br />
So why should the <strong>of</strong>fice not be a good place to<br />
find a partner? Can, or indeed should, anyone<br />
try to legislate matters <strong>of</strong> the heart or hormones?<br />
Workplace relationships happen; full stop.<br />
Being open, grown-up and sensible is best.<br />
Quite a few <strong>of</strong> us meet our partners at work,<br />
28<br />
but you don’t need to be a killjoy to realise<br />
that workplace relationships can get us<br />
into trouble. Even if things go smoothly,<br />
undisclosed relationships can give rise to<br />
conflicts <strong>of</strong> interest, <strong>of</strong>fice gossip and there<br />
is always the risk <strong>of</strong> blurring boundaries,<br />
which could lead to allegations <strong>of</strong> poor performance<br />
or misconduct.<br />
Here are a few tips to managing workplace<br />
relationships.<br />
· Keep communications and behaviour<br />
in the workplace pr<strong>of</strong>essional.<br />
· Avoid a relationship with someone<br />
who reports to you, or to whom you report.<br />
If you think there may be a conflict <strong>of</strong> interest,<br />
consider disclosing the relationship<br />
· Remember confidentiality. You may be<br />
party to work-related information that you<br />
must not share, even with your partner<br />
· Consider how your workplace dealings<br />
with your partner may be construed by<br />
other colleagues<br />
· Have a plan for how to deal with what<br />
happens if the relationship breaks down.<br />
While employees are entitled to a private<br />
life, employers should only interfere in<br />
personal relationships only when there is a<br />
direct impact on the workplace.<br />
Setting Cupid aside for a moment, Good<br />
working relationships give us several other<br />
benefits: our work is more enjoyable when<br />
we have good relationships with those<br />
around us. Also, colleagues are more likely<br />
to go along with changes that we want to<br />
implement, and we’re more innovative and<br />
creative. It also gives us freedom, enabling<br />
us to focus on opportunities. Maintaining<br />
good relationships will not only make<br />
you more engaged and committed to your<br />
organization; it can also open doors to key<br />
projects, career advancement, and raises.<br />
Just remember – not all relationships will<br />
be great; but you can make sure that they<br />
are, at least, workable!<br />
In 2007, l was one <strong>of</strong> the keenly anxious<br />
entertainment journalists who watched and<br />
reported the West African Idol. And immediately<br />
l noticed Eric Arubayi and his stylish<br />
dress sense, his handsome face,his ever<br />
enchanting smile that obviously welled up<br />
from his very soul, I rooted for him to win- he<br />
was my choice candidate and there was no<br />
hiding it. His dress sense stood him out and<br />
you could seamlessly tell he was in love with<br />
fashion, but sadly, he lost out to Timi Dakolo<br />
and my birthdaymate and a lady l later<br />
k<strong>new</strong> to be a sweetheart and very respectful<br />
Omawumi Magbele. After the competition,<br />
they all struggled to grow their career, the<br />
three winners were so talented and were<br />
able to carve a name for themselves in the<br />
Nigerian entertainment industry against all<br />
odds. Then Eric opted to be a full time gospel<br />
artiste and l heard he led the House on The<br />
Rock choir. After the competition, l ran into<br />
him at different places and events. We talked<br />
briefly and exchanged pleasantries, a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
times at Korede Roberts Fusion store on<br />
Awolowo road, Ikoyi or Uche Nnaji’s Ouch<br />
outlet, during this occasions he told me about<br />
an opening he was going to do and wanted<br />
me to assist him in inviting the media. I never<br />
showed up for any <strong>of</strong> the meetings and didn’t<br />
even attend the opening eventually. I was not<br />
trying to be tough to access, but I was running<br />
an incredibly tight schedule and traveled<br />
out and about in the process. I saw him again<br />
at a function and wanted to dodge him, but it<br />
was apparently tad late, so l quickly apologised<br />
for not living up to my words.<br />
What shocked me was that he was not angry,<br />
instead he flashed a smile at me and said it<br />
was okay and that he understood the nature<br />
<strong>of</strong> my job. What a humbling reaction from<br />
someone whom my absence could have hurt. l<br />
felt I owe him so much.<br />
That was how he effortless earned my<br />
respect. His maturity beat me and left me<br />
wondering if he ever gets angry. I would have<br />
met him again before his demise, if my friend<br />
Chika Acholonu CEO <strong>of</strong> Oud Majestic and<br />
her friend Mercedez Richards (who was<br />
supposed to style the shoot) were able to get<br />
a suitable location for her campaign shoot.<br />
After a rigorous search for a cute model<br />
who will fit the role <strong>of</strong> an Arabian prince,<br />
we settled for Eric and his wife would be<br />
the makeup artist for the campaign.But that<br />
never came to pass with the rude shock <strong>of</strong><br />
his sudden death. When l saw his picture<br />
on Instablog9ja, l thought Eric was looking<br />
29<br />
And the<br />
sunset at<br />
noon<br />
extremely handsome as he ages, so l<br />
wonder what the story on him was all<br />
about, l read the piece and melted with<br />
pain thickened by sadness.When l got<br />
back from church, a bad habit l am<br />
trying to shed is the freedom <strong>of</strong> strolling<br />
in and out <strong>of</strong> social media randomly but<br />
what would change the nature <strong>of</strong> an<br />
acutely restless journalist like me? I was<br />
flabbergasted to see that Eric’s pictures<br />
<strong>of</strong> people mourning him had flooded<br />
every nook and cranny <strong>of</strong> the social<br />
media space.<br />
I jerked back to ponder. When he was<br />
struggling, how many celebrated him?<br />
How close do they know him? When he<br />
released his gospel singles how many <strong>of</strong><br />
these people celebrating or fake mourning<br />
him posted it on Instagram? How<br />
many <strong>of</strong> them celebrated his birthday on<br />
the social media when he was alive? Or<br />
do they just want to splash his handsome<br />
face on their IG pages?<br />
And I know if the dead sees life behind<br />
them, Eric will just be wondering why<br />
didn’t this army <strong>of</strong> sympathisers notice<br />
and support him or his gospel music so<br />
that he would ‘blow’ or ‘hammer’ as they<br />
say it? He was one <strong>of</strong> the coolest and<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the most stylish entertainers who<br />
didn’t really need anybody to style him.<br />
Everything including colours sat well<br />
on him, I like this lovely picture <strong>of</strong> him<br />
wearing a near red maroon color suit.He<br />
was a romantic guy and loved his pretty<br />
wife Chinonso and his son, Jayden.<br />
He died in the month <strong>of</strong> <strong>February</strong>, the<br />
month love is celebrated all over the<br />
globe and we at the Media Room Hub<br />
could not resist paying such a stylish<br />
man and a great lover <strong>of</strong> the gospel a<br />
tribute.<br />
Rest well and be not afraid Eric, safe be<br />
the trip to your maker.
And Davidson leads the runway<br />
Davidson Obennebo, Elite Model Look Nigeria (EMLN) 2016 winner, is the first black model<br />
to win the Elite Model Look World (EMLW) in the past 33 years. The 20 years old model<br />
sure captured the judges at the EMLW which held in Lisbon, Portugal and was awarded<br />
50,000 Euros. After his success in the EMLW 2016, he has been seen on some major runways<br />
abroad. He opened and closed the runway for Versace in Milan Fashion Week 2017, he was<br />
also on the runway for Givenchy at the Paris Fashion Week 2017. We strongly believe that<br />
this is the beginning <strong>of</strong> greater things for him and we wish him good luck in his career.<br />
Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi<br />
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