February cover: \'A new world of MERCY\'

CONTENT
FEBRUARY 2017
www.mediaroomhub.com
EDITOR’S NOTE
SPECIAL FEATURES
ASO-EBI
CIRCUIT
Nhn Ways
COUPLE’S HILLS
COVER
STORY PG. 4
BY AZUKA OGUJIUBA
Clothes by Enthyst Fashion Klinik
And Ouch.
Hair by It’s Hair We Are for Wigs
THE JOURNEY
OF MARRIAGE
TURNED
INSIDE OUT
THE OBAMA OF
RIVERS STATE
CREDITS
Hair stylish-Ferdinand odinaka orji the wig
lord . CEO ferdinandshair Studio.
Mercy Johnson Okogie’s Costumes by Ndidi
Obioha, CEO, Enthyst Fashion klinik.
Henry Odianosen Okogie’s costumes by
Uche Nnaji, CEO Ouch
Stylist
Moses Ebite for Moashystyling
Makeup-Davesucre
Mide’s Mane, It’s Hair We Are for Wigs, BK
unique hair.
Cover photography
Bamiyo Emina
SUBSCRIBE TO MEDIA ROOM HUB
www.mediaroomhub.com
At a certain stage in one’s life, you want to pick
up your mantle and stir the direction of your
journey, even if you can’t foresee what lies ahead,
and not even if you consult a crystal ball. The
arduous plod of survival, clustered by fear, drains
your ability to take a leap at any adventure.
But the journey must sternly continue, even if
l don’t know whether it’s leading to the four
cardinal points.
The Media Room Hub has begun a journey and
off course I am the pilot, I must confess fear of
the unknown occupied the tunnel of this trip,
but I hear a voice from my inner man saying ‘it is
well’. Well, has that fear disappeared completely,
I guess not, but my mind is made up to go on
this journey, whether it is on a camel’s back or a
speed car.
This site was suppose to be up on the 14th of
February but we had some technical issues, then
it occurred to me that February is the month of
celebrating love. People celebrate love everyday
though. As a hopeless romantic, I chose the season
of love to commence this journey and also I
love the color red. It simply oozes the word love.
February is known as the month of love and this
is mainly because Valentine’s Day, a day which
love is celebrated worldwide, is on the 14th of
February. On this day, people show their affection
and love towards others by sending cards,
flowers and gifts to them. Valentine is every
day for some people while some others can’t be
bothered.
This maiden edition celebrates love, the color
red, it’s fashionable antics, its bold and enchanting
presence, how it’s glued to your memory,
your eyes, your mind, your heart, soul and how it
finally turns you to a foolish clown. Nevertheless,
it’s also a beautiful feeling.
We all know the Nigerian sweetheart, Mercy
Johnson Okojie, our beautiful talented thespian
and the girl-next-door. Back from her last movie
set, we were able to able to hang out a whole day
with her and her amiable hubby, off to our
Media Room Hub set for our Valentine edition.
This debut edition is jam-packed with
celebrating couples who have stood the test
of time in making sure their holy matrimony
works. Also for the fashion segment, we are
showcasing fashionable and stylish women
who have made bold statements in their
red outfits, from evening gowns to little red
dresses to traditional outfits. The bold and
daring men are not left out either.
Mabel Makun, the CEO of Midas Interior,
also tells us why the red color is a stimulant
for her. And guys find out who is the Obama
of River state.
How can I not mention the bold voices God
used as instruments to destroy my fear on
this journey. Simon Kolawole, my former
Saturday editor, Thisday Newspapers was
like a guardian escort in the media jungle,
Lanre Alfred my brother from another
mother, the only Akogun of the Nigeria
media, Efe Tommy, my fashion mirror, Konye
Chelsea Nwabogor, my sister from another
mama, always ready to listen to me even
my irrelevant gists, Ifan Ifeanyin Micheals,
Chuks Nwanne, Femi Salau, Funke Osai
Brown, Toyosi Ogunseye, Lanre Odukoya,
Bolaji Okusaga, Bola Balogun, Archie Ezenagu,
Ndidi Obioha, Chika Acholonu -Ekezie,
Mercedez Richards. My four special friends,
My baby’s god-mother Sylvia Mordi-Moemeke,
My childhood, primary and secondary
school Kate Imafidon, my Yinnnngiii Yannnngiii,
my friend turned blood sister Joy Chico
Ejiro and Bamidele Bentley Sharayi, their
friendship supportive system woke me from
my slumber. I know l will never stop saying
THANK YOU forever, l am grateful. Above
all l am extremely grateful to the big lion of
3
my little kingdom, he never sleeps nor slumber
over my affairs. He goes before me with his Holy
ghost sword and maketh the way as easy as can
be, thank you God.
On this maiden cover project, l worked with my
friend who has also turned my sister Ndidi Obioha,
ever supportive of anybody’s dream. I called
her up and told her of my plans even in the face
of daunting anxiety. She laughed at me, gave me
the push word. She opened her Enthyst Fashion
Klinik doors to us. All Mercy Johnson Okogie’s
outfits for the shoot were from her store. Uche
Nnaji of Ouch, with the moniker, Nigeria Style
Doctor gladly made sure Henry Okogie looked
dapper in his black suit.
Moses Ebite of MoashyStyling, thank you so much
for taking out time to style this project. It was so
much fun pulling this idea with you. Davesucre,
thank you for coming to my aid at the last minute,
you are so reliable and this explains my gratitude.
My Lord of wigs, Ferdinand Ordinaka Orji you
have been amazingly supportive, thank you for appearing
at a shirt notice. Bamiyo Emina shot and
produced the cover pictures, Bamiyo thank you
for not hesitating to agree to do this, even at a very
short notice. Thank you Mide’s Mane hair, BK
unique hair and It’s Hair We Are For Wigs. My
team, yes we had sleepless nights getting ready,
secretly l was scared you guys will give up on the
project because of the hard floor where we all
spent the night, thank you Seyi Akindubi, Pelumi
Sharayi, Daniel Oluseyi and Oluwatobi Ogidiolu,
l am so grateful to God for bringing you guys into
my world
A big thank you to all my friends whose names I
regrettably couldn’t mention for want of space. I
say the biggest thank you to everybody who has
chipped in a word of encouragement one way or
the other from the ‘ikebe’ of my heart. You are welcome
to join me on this jolly journey!!!
Azuka Ogujiuiba

Cover
Cover
MERCY JOHNSON OKOJIE
A NEW WORLD OF ‘MERCY’
For Nollywood heartthrob, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, the rain of pains simmered into light showers until the grim tale finally
gave way for a bright new day. She has waltzed out of despair, perhaps eternally too, and Mercy left nothing to return to in her
past. Welcome to a world of new ‘Mercy’, an adoring mother, witty wife and riveting actress as she takes us through some of the
secrets held to close her chest these past years. Enjoy this exclusive Valentine’s special from us to you
Are there things you’re looking forward to this Valentine?
That’s very hard to tell. Last week I was saying to my husband ”valentine is next week o, hope
you’re planning a surprise,tell me now if you have a plan.” Every Valentine something always
happens in our marriage and since last week I’ve been hearing some whispers here and there
and when he starts whispering, something is going down.
Are you also surprising him?
No, I’m not surprising him. I’ll just smile all day, that’s enough, isn’t it?
Which has been your best Valentine’s Day celebration together?
It was actually the one we had when he visited me in Asaba, Delta State. I actually know the
very day I conceived for Henry. I was working then when he came to see me. After the Valentine
’s Day get-together, my son Henry came.
Has motherhood not slowed you down? You had just a few outings last year?
I’d say yes, motherhood has slowed me down, but does it matter? I’d say no, it hasn’t slowed
my life down. In my life, with marriage, dealings with people and so on I’ve learnt to appreciate
myself first and recognize integrity before I can dish it out to any other person. I know what it
means to have a scale of preference and do things in a manner of importance. Work has slowed
down because I want it to slow down, if I want to leave my home and my kids at home and go
to Asaba to work back to back or stay in Lagos and work like that, it’s not a problem because I
get calls every day. It’s a way of life that I’ve chosen, so if you call me and it’s not convenient for
me, I’d just tell you I cannot do it. My kids are in school right now and I have to do the school
‘runs’, wake up to get the kids ready for school, take care of the house, my husband, it’s fun and
I love to do it. If anything just collides with what I’d planned I just let go. If you call me for a
movie and it’s convenient I’d just tell my husband, ‘my love I’m going to shoot next week’, and
he’d say ‘sure, you can go’. But if I can’t make it due to one issue or the other having something
to do with my husband and/or my kids, I just let it go.
Some celebs have gone on maternity leave and by the time they’d return, new kids on the
block have taken their place. Don’t you fear that you might lose your place?
I can never lose my place or be displaced by anybody. My name is Mercy Johnson Okojie, I never
have such fear. Nollywood is like a family; it’s a large field and nobody can take anybody’s
place. Even though I don’t get to do many films, when I do one, people will know that Mercy
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
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
in my space. If I have to do one in three months, it’s fine as long as I have something
back home that makes me smile all day.
Are there targets you have in 2017?
With marriage and motherhood, when you have one it’s tough let alone having three kids, so
I’m doing my own TV show entitled ‘Mercy Marriage and Cooking’. I birthed the idea after
I saw a tweet by ElDee, when he said something about role models and young girls of these
days picking Kim Kardashian as a role model when they have people like Ndidi Obioha, Betty
Irabor and others doing well in their marriages and career. When you follow people like these,
you sum it up all, you’re a like a full package. So I’m going to have them come and do some
dishes while we talk about some things that make their marriage work. The tweet got to me
and I realized that we don’t even have a talk-show that talks about these career realities and
nuggets of marriage. Part of the things that have made my marriage work is that I have a good
foundation- I have mother, pastors, and elders who say, ‘Mercy, do it like this, do it like that’.
And then I chose to learn and it has paid off. That’s what prompted the TV show and it’s going
to be on-air soon. I’ve had some delays just like with any production. After the show comes a
short drama on marriage and that’s going to keep me busy for the year.
Aren’t you going to be on location for some other scripts?
I don’t have much time for that now because I’m doing a series for Glo, ‘Professor Johnbull’ and
I’m doing one for Africa Magic now which has only just started. In between them I have a few
4
By Azuka Ogujiuiba
Yes,
motherhood
has slowed me
down, but does
it
matter? I’d say
no, it hasn’t
slowed my life
down…
‘
projects to handle too.
Six years ago when you were on your way to marrying your ‘knight’, a scandalous tale
made the rounds, so many had fears for you. Would you say that was the most trying
time of your life in marriage?
To be honest, when all of those things were going on, I love husband’s soul; it’s not about his
physical appearance or any other thing. I remember very well that I was fasting from 12am to
12pm, and then when I heard what people had to say even though they didn’t truly know what
was happening and kinds of things people were writing on their pages, they just tarnished
someone’s image when they knew nothing about the real story. I said to God one day at 12
midnight, “these tears I’ve shed before this marriage are the last I will shed, and this would be
my last embarrassment. When I get into this marriage, I’m going to be happy.” And it’s been
that way. Yes, that was my most trying time (with tear-laden eyes) because I’ve never had a
cause to be as sad as I was then. In marriage you’d have some minor misunderstandings (cheering
up transitorily as she wipes her tears) and I could frown at him and pretend I was going to
sleep in another room. It’s been so much fun marrying my husband I must confess. I know at
what point to get to him because we’ve evolved, so we understand how to let go of everything.
What’s been the longest time you quarreled? Have you had nights or days you didn’t talk
to each other?
No, that’s not possible because I play too much. My husband is tired of hearing ‘I’m sorry’. The
other day he said, “My love why did you do this?” I said, “I’m sorry” and he responded, “don’t
tell me you are sorry, just don’t do it again.” When I ask him to come and eat and he goes like
I’m not eating. I’d just say “come on, that small thing I did is why you angry at your baby?” I’ll
make him the food, go to him and say, “don’t eat it o, just smell it.” We’ve evolved from those
little quarrels. At the early stage of our marriage when I’m angry, I’d squeeze my face and there
was nothing he says that I’d listen to. You’d hardly even notice when I’m annoyed, the only
thing is that the names I call him, “sex”, “my love”, “my life” and so on, you would not hear anymore.
For like five years now, we hardly even ever quarrel because we always have something
to talk about, he’s my gossip partner. We have a way of getting above quarrels now, it just
doesn’t last anymore.
The days you don’t have shoots to do and he’s also at home, what actually goes into your
day?
5

Cover
Hair by BK Unique hair
Outfit by Ethynst Fashion Klinik
6
We have fun, we gist, we talk, we plan and so on. Yesterday, the kids couldn’t go to school, and
I can’t remember exactly what they were doing behind the house. From upstairs I just saw my
husband swimming, and in my mind I was like, wow, I got you. I just took off my wig and jumped
in the pool. So, we chat, we play and he’s like every breath I take in with an aroma of his name on
it. We do basically everything together.
What else do you wish your husband has?
Well, you may find this shocking, nobody is perfect but everything about him speaks of perfection.
Even when he doesn’t get it right, he makes me laugh and when a man takes me and the kids
as priorities at all times, what else would you possibly desire? I think that has taken away my
consciousness of every other thing that he lacks. I can’t even see it maybe I’d need someone else to
help me pinpoint it.
Before you married, you took some brazen roles as a very crude village girl but now that city life
has impacted you this much, would you still be able to deliver roles requiring you to play a village
girl?
I will still play my role that old way but just that I will do it with a lot of caution now. Some of
the things I did before I cannot do anymore because I hate to embarrass my husband. Most of the
things I did then, so many people didn’t understand that it was acting. I do my job passionately
but even with the passion, I recognize the fact that it’s not pleasant to embarrass my husband.
You’re almost entirely missing on the red carpets, how long do you want to be away?
I love to be on the red carpet, but Angel, my last daughter, is crawling now and I have to pursue
her. Is that the kind of thing to leave and go to the red carpet? If it’s extremely important that I
should be there, I will be there. If it’s not I won’t just go and take photographs and be 24hours on
live streaming, I don’t have that time.
Is there anything you miss about being single?
Well that was breathing not living, now I’m living and now I have something to live for. I told
my husband this last mother’s day that I wanted a gift and he also told me he wanted a gift too.
When sleep is sweetest at 4am, Purity is coughing, when Angel is hungry at 3am that’s when I’m
dreaming about something so sweet yet wake up and attend to them. When they are sick, my
temperature is high because I’m worried, I know how their voice sounds when they cry and that’s
why I was telling my husband that I needed a gift. So no, I don’t miss anything about being single,
not even the freedom, I like my life now better.
Sometimes when you sit back and watch some of your movies, which one makes you cry the
most and makes you laugh the most?
‘Dumebi’ and Immaculate Heart are my favourites. ‘Dumebi’ for the one that makes me laugh and
I keep asking myself, ‘are you normal?’ Then ‘Immaculate Hearts’ makes me cry, I feel proud of
myself when I watch it.
In one of your interviews, you said you were looking up to Genevieve Nnaji, and that you
had to find a way into her booth just to catch a glimpse of her. If you knew you would grow
this big in the industry, would you still have done that?
love my humble beginnings; I love the fact that something about her nurtured me to this level.
don’t think I would have grown this big if I wasn’t mentored to structure myself in the manner
I have now. Growing up, she had a lot of influence in my career, most of the times when she
couldn’t work, she’ll have them call me to go do it. I think I would have grown but not as quick as
I did learning from her, and I got to understand the intricacies of film making. I got to understand
that ‘who pass you, pass you’ and when you give respect to ‘who pass you’ you will grow and not
just grow and fade away, you grow and you last. Life is extremely spiritual, forget that we look at
it in the physical realm, that’s how I see it. Most of my success in Nollywood, most of the movies
I’ve done were courtesy of her, probably when she was busy she recommended me, I’ve heard
about a lot of recommendations like that. I would never deny the fact that I like her and that her
mentoring structured me to be who I am today so no shame at all.
What’s your style? Who is a stylish woman to you?
Style for me is comfort; as long as I’m comfortable with what I’m wearing I’m good to go. I’m not
good with wearing what’s in vogue except off course when I have good stylists like Moses and co.
to dress me up, on my own I can’t.
What’s your take of all the drama between you and Tonto Dikeh?
There’s nothing to it, sometimes youthful exuberance will make you do some things you shouldn’t
do. I’ve has my own fair share too, I’m human and I’ve made errors, some I knew I made and some
I didn’t know I made. It’s part of evolvement and we should be proud of the women that we all
have grown up to be. When I was younger I made errors too and same with her, what makes you
honourable is your ability to know that you have hit the wrong buttons and then you come back
and make amends. That shows who a changed person is, shows the strength of going through
that thing called labour. The whole thing with Tonto was never an issue actually.
The media, sometimes they make and other times they mar. What time in your life would
you say the media has been unfair to you the most?
Media people! I think that perhaps the time before I got married was the most misconstrued time
of my life. I just wish that the media understood the kind of hurt people go through when they
write things without verifying. This is like adding petrol to a burning fire, and it’s sad. People will
say what they want to say with or without but it’s good to sometimes put yourselves in the shoes
of those people you are writing about. Almost ninety nine percent of the Nigerian artistes have
been misconstrued and labelled as things they are not and the media, as an intermediary between
the artistes and the fans should be more investigative. I’ve had my own fair share of hurtful things
been said to me by the media but I’ve been able to correct everything by my character and not by
making noise. For example, some people predicted three months for my marriage and I’ll say, that
fine boy out there, my husband ain’t going anywhere.
7
Cover
I love to be on
the red carpet,
but Angel,
my last
daughter, is
crawling now
and I have to
pursue her

Cover
I can never lose my place or be displaced
by anybody, my name
is Mercy Johnson-Okojie, I never have
such fear
Super lover, enchanting dad,
that’s Prince Okojie
Husband of Nollywood belle, Prince Odianosen Okojie, has etched on the sands of time subliminal nuggets
for successful marriage, the avid tycoon and politician did this effortlessly. Only the brave will give wings to
his wife’s towering career when off course something back at home may well suffer for it. Theirs, read like a
fairy tale, and more interestingly are the unassuming roles Okojie played in calming the tempest that greeted
their marriage in the wake of it. About love, business and family, the Benin prince speaks:99999999
Hair by It’s Hair We Are for Wigs
Outfit by Ethynst Fashion Klinik
When did you meet your wife and how has your marriage been so far?
Prior to our marriage, I’ve known my wife for three years, we actually met in 2008.
We started living together in 2009 and we got married in 2011. It’s bezen God all the
way, there’s no miracle or anything much, it’s just been God. With marriage breakups
and celebrity dramas, I think it depends on what one wants, for me, when I met
my wife, I knew she was the one for me. The love, the affection and the tender care is
there and though we might have some misunderstanding but when we sleep over it,
we move on. My wife is my best friend and I hold her in high esteem and as a result
of this, we don’t quarrel often. When we do, we grow from it and move to the next
level.
Have you gone on for a day or night without talking? Sometimes when you are
angry, do you want to sleep over it and not talk to her?
No! Never! I have a very big house, my wife has a very big room and so do I, but she
has never spent the night in her room for one day. Sometimes when I tease her and
say ‘go to your room’, she tells me ‘this is our room not your room’ and so most times
we are always together. I have never experienced anything like this, my marriage to
her is so sweet and I’m enjoying it to the fullest. Like I said, I won’t give the kudos to
man but to God Almighty who has kept us in happiness, in peace and in harmony.
What kind of work do you do and how long does it take you?
I am a business man and I’ve been in business since 2006 since I got into Nigeria. I do
oil and gas, I work with the federal government on contract basis, I’m into transportation
and I’m into real estate. I’m a workaholic; I do any kind of business provided
it’s legal. Any legitimate business that will fetch me money, I do it.
What is the longest time, you have spent away from your wife?
I think about two to three weeks. I travel a lot and when I do, I’m usually in a hurry
to get home. The most time I’ve stayed abroad is three weeks, no matter what part of
the world I’m in, in three weeks, I must be back home.
Kids take so much attention when they start coming, and now that you have
three, do they threaten how much time you should enjoy with your wife?
Not at all, my kids are lovely. They are also reasons why I hurry to get back home
when I travel because they are always saying ‘where’s my daddy, call my daddy, I
need to speak to him’. There’s no divided attention at all, love is where it is. I play
Ludo, Chess and Scrabble with my wife and my kids know that mum is fun to daddy
and dad is fun to mummy.
Do you have people or marriages that you try to pattern your marriage after?
Not at all, God sent my wife to me. A lot of people want to emulate me, they look up
to us and say they want to be like us. I do not give glory to man but to God because of
this and what I think has kept us strong is because I’ve been able to love her.
What has being the longest holiday you’ve spent together and where did you
both go?
We travel together a lot, we’ve been on all the continents together. The last time we
went to the US, we had a very quiet time, we were in the US for three weeks and
from there we also went to other parts of the world. We do everything possible to
enjoy ourselves whenever we travel.
8 9
God sent my
wife to me, a
lot of people
want to
emulate us, they
look up to us
and say they
want to be like
us. I do not give
glory to man
but to God
‘

Cover
Cover
Suit by Uche Nnaji
Ceo Ouch
How are you able to deal when you watch your wife on screen?
I do not watch her movies. I’ve not done a lot of interviews but the few I’ve
done, I usually tell them this. My best TV channels are news channels like CNN
and Channels TV. I have multiple decoders in my house and so when the others
are watching movies, I’m in the other parlour watching news or football.
How then have you been able to critique her?
Well I know my wife is good in her job because a lot of people give her compliments.
Sometimes when I’m travelling, people walk up to me and tell me that
my wife is their best actress and when I get home, I tell her and I’m sure that
encourages her.
Apart from acting, in what other field do you encourage your wife?
I encourage her in every field, whenever she comes up with an idea, I always
try to look into it with her, and if it’s something that will help her positively, I
encourage her to do it.
What other thing does she do outside acting?
She has a TV show that she just launched titled ‘Mercy, Marriage and Cooking’.
A lot of my friends have told me they would like to see more of her, so I’ve been
encouraging her in that field.
On a typical day that the both of you do not go out, how do you spend the
day?
We play Scrabble, we play Ludo, we eat, we swim together, and before we
know it, it’s 4:30 and the kids are back from school and then she starts chasing
them about in the house.
There’s this popular saying; ‘a couple that stays together, pray together’.
When it’s time for prayer, who prays more?
We are born again Christians and we are proud to be, my wife is a very prayerful
woman. A lot of times she won’t even pray for herself, she’s always praying
for me all the time. Now my daughter has imbibed this habit, and so anytime I’m
going out, she places her hand on my head and says ‘God bless my daddy’ and
this makes me feel happy and fulfilled.
Are you beginning to see traits of either you or your wife in the kids?
Which of them takes after you or her?
Well, you know my wife looks like me in a way and a lot of people tell me this,
and like I said, God predestined us to be together. I’m a very quiet and reserved
person, and I think my son took this from me. He’s private, quiet and reserved.
My daughter is very active and she’s more like mummy.
To you, what is style? What do you think being stylish is about?
Well, I think it depends on what fits you, for me, I do a lot of natives and that’s
my style. I feel comfortable in them, and I’m able to wear them to wherever I’m
going, even when I attend meetings, which I attend a lot.
Who makes your clothes for you?
My stylist is in Ikeja, I won’t mention his name. He sews good natives for me;
he’s the one that makes all the natives I wear.
Your wristwatch is very fine, do you always wear designers?
Well I do not usually crave for designers, even though most of my things are
designers. Most times when I see anything that I like, I go for it, as long as it fits
me.
What’s your costliest fashion accessory?
I have a Rolex GMT-Master and I bought it for twenty six thousand dollars in
Dubai. That was during our second or third year wedding anniversary.
Apart from your kids, what’s the biggest gift your wife has ever given you?
I’ve received a lot of gifts from my wife, and I do not know the one that’s the
most expensive. Whenever she travels, she always gets things for me.
What more do you want in your wife?
I don’t want anything, I just want her to keep loving me, and that’s all.
My wife is a very
prayerful woman,
a lot of times she
won’t even pray
for herself, she’s
always praying for
me all the time
‘
10 11

Cover
Cover
Are there any misconceptions about your marriage that you would like to
address to the world?
One thing I’ll like to address is this; people tend to criticize even when they do
not know you. Until you get close to someone, do not criticize or judge that
person, because the person you are judging might just be a lovable and caring
person. I have a unique character and I don’t need anyone to tell me that, I try
as much as possible not to offend anybody. I always try to keep my head up
and do my thing.
Do you have future political ambitions?
Yes, I vied for the deputy governor position in Edo state during the last election.
This position is not by election but by selection, but my party chose
someone else, and in all humility, I worked for the person that was selected but
we didn’t win the election. I think I’m a kind person, and because of this nature,
I need a platform whereby, I’ll be able to assist a lot of people and politics
affords me this because my business funds won’t be enough. A lot of people
depend on me to eat, pay their school fees, and sometimes help with medical
bills and for me to be able to do more of these things, I need a platform and
that’s why I’m going into politics
Your wife is not a red carpet person, in fact she’s one of the most shy faces
on the red carpet, but even the few times she has had to come on the red
carpet, you are not always with her, why?
My wife has a lot on her hands, she’s got three kids to take care of and it’s not
easy. My wife cooks my meals; she never let anyone prepare my meals ever.
We have two house helps but they never cook my meals. So now, the issue of
the red carpets is all about priorities, which is more important; the home, or
the red carpet? As regards why I’m not usually on the red carpet with her, my
wife is a celebrity, I’m not. She’s busy with her celebrity thing and I’m also busy
with my business. I’m a very busy person, if you know what it took to bring me
here for this interview, you’ll understand. I’m busy every day, so I don’t have
time for red carpets. If it’s so important that she wants us to go together or
when I’m free, of course, I would go with her.
There was a time that there was so much negative things about you on the
media, and when you spoke, everything died a natural death, what has
been the worst thing that was said about you?
I’m a private person and like I said, it’s until you get close to someone that you
can tell who the person is. A lot of people do not know me, neither do they
know Mercy so, off course, they believe what they want to believe. For me the
only judgment I will believe is God’s judgment. Whatever anybody says about
me, I’m not hurt in anyway, I’ve learnt how to move on.
How did you feel when you were being called an irresponsible father, and
that you abandoned a lady abroad with your kids?
People will always talk, but the thing is, the people that know me know the
truth. I am very responsible and I’m living up to it so I was not hurt.
What do you miss about Mercy when she’s on set and not at home?
Well, I’m also very busy so most times when she’s on set, I’m most probably
not around too. However, my wife is a very lovable person; we play a lot of
games together, so when she’s not around I miss those times.
What is the best Valentine gift she has ever given to you, or the best Valentine
you guys have spent together?
The best for me was in 2014. She was in Asaba and I was in Edo, so I drove all
the way to Asaba on the 13th because I wanted to be with her. We spent the
whole day together before I left. A short while later, she told me she was pregnant
for Henry (laughs) so I guess Henry was a Valentine conception.
Does she sing to you sometimes when your mood is down?
You can’t be down when you are with my wife, we are always happy together.
A lot of things take our time so we try to be happy most of the time.
My wife is a
celebrity, I’m not…
I’m a busy man, so I
don’t have time for
‘
‘
My wife cooks my
meals; she never let
anyone prepare my
meals ever. We have
two house helps but
they never cook my
meals
How do you guys make up and move on when you quarrel?
She lives in my room, she’s there every time, and even when she’s not, l miss
her and call her to come, so we settle things there.
Hair by It’s Hair We Are for Wigs
12 13
red
carpets

The Obama of Rivers State
Couples’
Hills
Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi
Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi
To get married is quite easy, to stay married is the big task. Over the years, there have been
several stories of couples that were not able to stand ‘the test’ in their marriages and as a result
of this, they had to get separated. The question that comes to mind then is;
Is Love not Enough? ‘For better; for worse’, ‘for richer; for poorer’, ‘in sickness; in health’ are
phrases that are exchanged between husbands and wives on their wedding day. Some might
consider these phrases a cliché, but time has shown couples who said these phrases from their
hearts. Marriage is not a child’s play, there is bound to be challenges, ups and downs, mountains
and valleys, however, no one promised it would be a joy ride either. These couples that
inspire us might have had challenges that has threatened to tear them apart. Some have said
that, when kids gets in the equation, things might get tough a bit. However, these couples
have kids and have stayed together for years; ranging from ten to thirty three years in marriage.
Keeping a steady career and keeping a marriage, these couples have become role models
to the younger generation.
We celebrate these couples and a host of others whose pictures we couldn’t put up because of
space and time this Valentine. These couples have been able to weather the storms together.
They have stayed with each other through thick and thin, and showed the world that Love is
indeed enough if you let it.
Governor Wike Nyesom is the incumbent governor of Rivers States. He and his beautiful
wife Eberechi are known for their PDAs (public display of affection). They are our very own
Barack and Michelle Obama in the area of showing their affection for each other publicly and
not being shy about it. They’ve been photographed several times locked in warm and passionate
embraces and truth be told we are loving every bit of it.
This Valentine, we bring to you this wonderful couple that shows that PDAs and romance is
not dead.
Oluwaseun and Eyobasi
Chico and Joy Ejiro
AY Makun and Wife, Mabel
Tony Elumelu with wife
Basket-mouth and Wife
14 15

Aso ebi Circuit
Aso ebi Circuit
Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi
The nhn way
Nkechi Harry Ngonadi, the CEO of nhn couture
is a fashion designer and fabric merchant.
The beautiful mother of two is stunner anytime.
She has made beautiful and jaw-dropping
outfits for celebrities and dignitaries.
Nkechi strongly believes in modesty, and
advocates this in the way she dresses. In this
special edition of asoebi circuit, enjoy different
and exorbitant red asoebi outfits from
Nkechi Harry Ngonadi
Lami Tumaka
Kiki Okewale
Aisha Gombe
Helen Inegbenikin
Mabel Makun
16 Oyin Adenuga
17

THE “LRD”
Everyone knows about the Little Black
Dress (LBD) but today we introduce to you
the ‘LRD’ (Little Red Dress). Just like LBDs,
LRDs are easy to wear and chic at the same
time. The best way to pull off LRDs would
be to dress it down with darker colors since
red is quite loud in itself.
“Red Glow”
If you want to make a bold statement and make heads
turn when you walk into a room, putting on a red gown
is your sure bet. Aside from the fact that red gowns are
attractive, they can also be elegant even if the dress is
sewn in a simple style. You are almost good to go in red
as long as you don’t match it up with bold colors.
Uche Ibezue
Kite
Ene Lawani
Tania Egbo-Adelana
Ïrene Kayoma
Nike Oshinowo
Adesuwa Etomi
Nike Oshinowo
Mercy Aigbe - Gentry
Ndidi Obioha
Latasha Ngwube
Rita Dominic
18 19

Red Shades Of
Davidson
Petit-Frere
Julius
Agwu
Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi
Menswear designer, Davidson Petit-Frere is known
for his dapper style and good looks. He has an eye
for details, and he looks extremely good in almost
everything he wears, infact, we think he slays all
his outfit; there has been no exceptions. Petit-Frere
is mostly seen pulling off unexpected hues for his
blazers and pants, colours that the average man will
shy away from putting on. When asked how he’s
been able to slay in red, orange, purple and burgundy
coloured suits, he’s says ‘ my family is from Haiti,
and Haitian men are known for being very colorful’.
For this Valentine season, we chose to display his
red outfits as our style inspiration. We hope you can
become as daring as he is when you dress up this
season.
Efemena
Tommy
Adabamu
Abovi
Ugboma
Swanky
Jerry
Men Valentine’s
Day Look
Men who saw a photo of a woman against a red background
perceived her as more attractive and sexier. But what about
women’s perception of men? Does red enhance the desirability
of men to women?
Not really but Red is the colour of love, but turn up in crimson
tailoring and expect your date to turn on heel the minute
you’re spotted propping up the bar.
A scarlet lining, however, offers a mood-setting flash without
overdoing the Rod Stewart thing.
Your Valentine’s may tend more towards impromptu road
trips than dinner and movie, but that doesn’t mean you can’t
suit up.
Efemena Tommy Adabamu
20 21 Creative Head at BespokePR and www.Uberstyle.org
Siji Ogundele
(Siji Motors)
Yomi
Casual

Red pants and Jumpsuits
Nothing can be more sultry than these beautiful ladies in
red pants and jumpsuits accentuating their figures. The
makeup and hair gives more life to this look and we are
thrilled by them.
Red Hot!
BEAUTY PUNCHLINE
RED LipSticks
By Pelumi Sharayi
Nothing screams hot and
sexy louder than a red lippie!
It can transform a subtle
make up to a fierce one in an
instant. If you ever want to
look fierce, bold and sexy, try
a red lipstick.
Linda Ikeji
Betty Irabor
Ndidi Obioha
Biola Alabi
Irene Kayoma
Ono Bello
Adunni Ade
fifi Dilly
Millen Magsse
22 23

Giacomorelli Skate Shoes at fusion
Vonne Fluffy Slippons
MRH
Editor’s Choice
Oud Perfume From Oud Majestic
Statement Neck piece
From RUBY & PINK
YOU CAN BE
A VALENTINE
BRIDE
We are not
saying the lady
in this picture
got married
on valentine day,
we love her dress
and think it can be
appropriate too for a
valentine wedding.
Isn’t she beautiful
and sumptouly
appealing to the eyes?
And it is
Davesucre again
on the face beat!!
Story by Oluwseyi Akindunbi
KOREDE ROBERTS
Red Bumper Jacket at Fusion
Nkem
Midas interior throw Pillow
24
Crocodile Wood Meat Leather Bag
From Nicole Byhaguanna
25

TIWA SAVAGE
Mrs. Kele Kele
TIWA SAVAGE
Interior Concierge
Midas Interiors
Mabel Makun is the wife of popular comedian AY and
also the CEO of Midas Interiors. Over the years, she has
built a great career for herself with her beautiful and detailed
designs. When asked about the colors that inspire
her especially this valentine season, she said
‘Generally, white signifies purity, cleanliness, good
hygiene, simplicity and all but in the world of interior
designs. White is actually the most commonly used, the
reason been that it’s not necessarily a color, it is actually a
neutral. It is very useful when starting out the decoration
or design of a space, once I start with white walls, l can
gradually build up colors around it. It is a very safe way
to boost your confidence while using other colors. White
helps make smaller spaces appear larger, it is an excellent
backdrop for displaying artworks as well. The color red
for me is a stimulant. I love to use red as a highlight for
most of my designs. It signifies courage and fearlessness.
Enjoy the creativity in Midas Interiors splash.
February Birthday
Princess
26 27

TOLA SPEAKS
So what’s wrong with corporate Cupid?
ERIC ARUBAYI
Story by Azuka Ogujiuba
Its February , and love is likely to be in the air
- seeing that we spend the most part of our
day with colleagues within our organisation,
chances are that falling in love in or around the
office environment is highly likely and is happening
now more frequently than ever.
The best predictor of attraction is propinquity;
it’s really no wonder they happen considering
we spend over 8 hours a day in the near presence
of others, it is no surprise that you get to
like and feel attracted to them. You are people
with similar levels of education, interests and
values being recruited to organisations so the
process of assortative mating begins at corporate
selection itself.
So why should the office not be a good place to
find a partner? Can, or indeed should, anyone
try to legislate matters of the heart or hormones?
Workplace relationships happen; full stop.
Being open, grown-up and sensible is best.
Quite a few of us meet our partners at work,
28
but you don’t need to be a killjoy to realise
that workplace relationships can get us
into trouble. Even if things go smoothly,
undisclosed relationships can give rise to
conflicts of interest, office gossip and there
is always the risk of blurring boundaries,
which could lead to allegations of poor performance
or misconduct.
Here are a few tips to managing workplace
relationships.
· Keep communications and behaviour
in the workplace professional.
· Avoid a relationship with someone
who reports to you, or to whom you report.
If you think there may be a conflict of interest,
consider disclosing the relationship
· Remember confidentiality. You may be
party to work-related information that you
must not share, even with your partner
· Consider how your workplace dealings
with your partner may be construed by
other colleagues
· Have a plan for how to deal with what
happens if the relationship breaks down.
While employees are entitled to a private
life, employers should only interfere in
personal relationships only when there is a
direct impact on the workplace.
Setting Cupid aside for a moment, Good
working relationships give us several other
benefits: our work is more enjoyable when
we have good relationships with those
around us. Also, colleagues are more likely
to go along with changes that we want to
implement, and we’re more innovative and
creative. It also gives us freedom, enabling
us to focus on opportunities. Maintaining
good relationships will not only make
you more engaged and committed to your
organization; it can also open doors to key
projects, career advancement, and raises.
Just remember – not all relationships will
be great; but you can make sure that they
are, at least, workable!
In 2007, l was one of the keenly anxious
entertainment journalists who watched and
reported the West African Idol. And immediately
l noticed Eric Arubayi and his stylish
dress sense, his handsome face,his ever
enchanting smile that obviously welled up
from his very soul, I rooted for him to win- he
was my choice candidate and there was no
hiding it. His dress sense stood him out and
you could seamlessly tell he was in love with
fashion, but sadly, he lost out to Timi Dakolo
and my birthdaymate and a lady l later
knew to be a sweetheart and very respectful
Omawumi Magbele. After the competition,
they all struggled to grow their career, the
three winners were so talented and were
able to carve a name for themselves in the
Nigerian entertainment industry against all
odds. Then Eric opted to be a full time gospel
artiste and l heard he led the House on The
Rock choir. After the competition, l ran into
him at different places and events. We talked
briefly and exchanged pleasantries, a lot of
times at Korede Roberts Fusion store on
Awolowo road, Ikoyi or Uche Nnaji’s Ouch
outlet, during this occasions he told me about
an opening he was going to do and wanted
me to assist him in inviting the media. I never
showed up for any of the meetings and didn’t
even attend the opening eventually. I was not
trying to be tough to access, but I was running
an incredibly tight schedule and traveled
out and about in the process. I saw him again
at a function and wanted to dodge him, but it
was apparently tad late, so l quickly apologised
for not living up to my words.
What shocked me was that he was not angry,
instead he flashed a smile at me and said it
was okay and that he understood the nature
of my job. What a humbling reaction from
someone whom my absence could have hurt. l
felt I owe him so much.
That was how he effortless earned my
respect. His maturity beat me and left me
wondering if he ever gets angry. I would have
met him again before his demise, if my friend
Chika Acholonu CEO of Oud Majestic and
her friend Mercedez Richards (who was
supposed to style the shoot) were able to get
a suitable location for her campaign shoot.
After a rigorous search for a cute model
who will fit the role of an Arabian prince,
we settled for Eric and his wife would be
the makeup artist for the campaign.But that
never came to pass with the rude shock of
his sudden death. When l saw his picture
on Instablog9ja, l thought Eric was looking
29
And the
sunset at
noon
extremely handsome as he ages, so l
wonder what the story on him was all
about, l read the piece and melted with
pain thickened by sadness.When l got
back from church, a bad habit l am
trying to shed is the freedom of strolling
in and out of social media randomly but
what would change the nature of an
acutely restless journalist like me? I was
flabbergasted to see that Eric’s pictures
of people mourning him had flooded
every nook and cranny of the social
media space.
I jerked back to ponder. When he was
struggling, how many celebrated him?
How close do they know him? When he
released his gospel singles how many of
these people celebrating or fake mourning
him posted it on Instagram? How
many of them celebrated his birthday on
the social media when he was alive? Or
do they just want to splash his handsome
face on their IG pages?
And I know if the dead sees life behind
them, Eric will just be wondering why
didn’t this army of sympathisers notice
and support him or his gospel music so
that he would ‘blow’ or ‘hammer’ as they
say it? He was one of the coolest and
one of the most stylish entertainers who
didn’t really need anybody to style him.
Everything including colours sat well
on him, I like this lovely picture of him
wearing a near red maroon color suit.He
was a romantic guy and loved his pretty
wife Chinonso and his son, Jayden.
He died in the month of February, the
month love is celebrated all over the
globe and we at the Media Room Hub
could not resist paying such a stylish
man and a great lover of the gospel a
tribute.
Rest well and be not afraid Eric, safe be
the trip to your maker.

And Davidson leads the runway
Davidson Obennebo, Elite Model Look Nigeria (EMLN) 2016 winner, is the first black model
to win the Elite Model Look World (EMLW) in the past 33 years. The 20 years old model
sure captured the judges at the EMLW which held in Lisbon, Portugal and was awarded
50,000 Euros. After his success in the EMLW 2016, he has been seen on some major runways
abroad. He opened and closed the runway for Versace in Milan Fashion Week 2017, he was
also on the runway for Givenchy at the Paris Fashion Week 2017. We strongly believe that
this is the beginning of greater things for him and we wish him good luck in his career.
Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi
30