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GAFF 2023 Convener Highlights Role of Fashion as Catalyst for Development
Published
1 year agoon
GAFF 2023 Convener Highlights Role of Fashion as Catalyst for Development
Convener of the Glam African Fashion Festival (GAFF), Naomi Olapeju Sigismund, has emphasised the pivotal role of fashion as a catalyst for change and development in the society through creation of opportunities, empowerment and fostering entrepreneurship.
She added that it also aids as a vital enabler of identity, culture, and art.
The fashion promoter fondly called Olori Peju, who doubles as convener for Hope For sure Foundation and the Project Director of African Canada Investment, made the statement while speaking at the 2023 edition of the GAFF Fashion Festival Nigeria which held in Lagos at the weekend ahead of the grand finale in Canada.
She stated: “The GAFF festival is more than just fashion. It is about empowerment. It is about celebrating the untapped potential within our communities and providing a platform for emerging designers to shine. It is about creating opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and transforming lives. Through fashion, we can uplift and inspire, promoting economic growth, cultural exchange and development.”
“Fashion has always been a powerful expression of identity, culture, and art. It transcends boundaries, connects people, and tells stories that are deeply rooted in our heritage.
“The Glam African Fashion Festival is a testament to the richness and diversity of African fashion, showcasing the incredible talents and creativity of designers from across the continent,” Sigismund noted.
During the event which had many colourful African fashion designs and talents on display, popular fashion icons and designers including Modela Couture, Mankatah-di-nane, Kudos Clothing, Prince Kevin and Tinuade Fayomade promoted their talents and latest designs to the world.
It also featured dazzling displays of craftsmanship, innovation, and passion, ranging from breathtaking traditional ensembles to cutting-edge contemporary designs, with the runway coming alive with a kaleidoscope of colours, textures, and patterns that encapsulated the essence of Africa.
Speaking further, the Convener explained that the event was designed to showcase creativity, diversity and richness of African fashion and also helps designers to exhibit their work through collaboration with international fashion brands.
She said the event seeks to celebrate the vibrant spirit, ingenuity, and beauty of African fashion, urging Nigerians to appreciate the models to enable Nigeria take world stage.
Sigismund said: “Tonight, as the models grace the runway, let us applaud their artistry and embrace the vision of a future where African fashion takes its rightful place on the world stage. Let us be inspired, captivated, and moved by the talent that lies within our borders.”
The Convener also reassured of her commitments to promoting the continent for significant changes through fashion and lifestyle.
She stated: “I stand here today as a proud African woman, deeply committed to promoting the beauty and creativity of our continent. Together, we can break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and redefine the global fashion landscape.”
The glamorous event was also graced by dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, represented by Otunba Moses Olafare; movie star Mercy Aigbe and husband, Adekaz; Chief Obani Oluwabiyi, Anthony Boyede Greenlyte, Adjua fadojutimi, Lolami Agbalajobi, Jumia murmurni, and Hon Ola Kukoyi.
Meanwhile, a female physically challenged online content creator and artist, Abosede Okeowo was empowered with an award for her sketching talents while some others were given merit awards.
Outstanding designers from the event will participate in the GAFF event in Ontario, Canada, which will hold from November 7th to 12th in conjunction with the African Canada Investment Expo & Summit.”
“The African Canada Investment Expo & Summit is a prestigious business gathering, bridging the gap between African businesses and Canadian investors. This premier event creates conducive platform for networking, business growth and investment prospects between African and Canadian enterprises.
Other designers at the event include Afolabi Adesanya Temitope, Qudus Olamilekan Jamiu, David Patience Oke,
Akindele Toyin Felicia, Bisola Adesola, Seyi Lawal, Atanda Olaoluwa Emmanuel, Austin Nortey, Gideon Jwine Wulu, Mankatah Di Naire, Abigail Kyere,
Lydia Adiku, Kwasi Aidoo Whyte, Joseph Agbo, Omolara Odoh,Theatre Centrik led by Olayinka Esther Boyede and Bold ideas
Other dignitaries include Senator Lekan Mustapha, Prince Adesegun Oniru, Alhaji Aminu Olatunji Afeez, Ms Mocha Brown, Mr oluwaseye Kehinde, Mr Abdul Abiola, Prince Festus Olorunfemi, Princess Folashade Ogunwusi Fadairo, Apostle Abosede Oshinowo, Dr Akin Faminu, Fatima ishiaku and others.
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Laffmattazz: Lagos 3rd Coming Features Star-Studded Lineup with Dbanj Gandoki, Akpororo, Taooma, Seriki Dariya, others
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 19, 2024Laffmattazz: Lagos 3rd Coming Features Star-Studded Lineup with Dbanj Gandoki, Akpororo, Taooma, Seriki Dariya, others
Legendary comedian Gbenga Adeyinka is set to host the much-anticipated third edition of his comedy show, Laffmattazz: Lagos 3rd Coming on November 17, 2024. The event will take place at the prestigious Balmoral Convention Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, promising an unforgettable night of laughter and entertainment.
The lineup features a mix of iconic comedians and musicians, including Omobaba No.1, Gandoki, Dr. Smile, Bash, Queen Salawa Abeni, Reminisce, and a host of surprise acts, with D’Banj headlining the show.
Gbenga Adeyinka remarked, “Laffmattazz: Lagos 3rd Coming will be the biggest comedy show of the year! We’ve curated an incredible roster of iconic headliners, and I’m excited to bring this level of entertainment to Lagos.”
Laffmattazz has cemented its place as a leading comedy brand, showcasing Nigeria’s finest comedic talent. This year’s event is poised to outdo its predecessors, featuring performances from Akpororo, Forever, Seriki Dariya, Princephelar, Dee One, Taooma, Baba Alariya, Madiba of Comedy, ATM, and more.
The night will also include musical performances by Tee Famous, The Countryman, Dami Cruz, and others, with DJ Wiki spinning on the decks.
Event Details:
– Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024
– Time: Red Carpet (3:00 PM), Show Start (5:00 PM)
– Venue: Balmoral Convention Center, Victoria Island, Lagos
Ticket Information:
– Regular: ₦7,000
– VIP: ₦20,000
– Table of 8 Gold: ₦1.5 million
– Table of 8 Platinum: ₦3 million
Purchase Tickets at:
1. Ile Iyan by PODs, GRA Ikeja
2. Ofada Boy, Surulere
3. Prince Ebeano Supermarket, Lekki
Online Tickets Available at:
1. Ariiyatickets.com
2. Grandtickets.ng
3. Laffmattazz.ng
For ticket purchases, sponsorships, inquiries, and collaboration opportunities, please contact: (+234) 08156111111.
Brought to you by: Maltina, Goldberg, Ace Roots, Goldberg Black
Supported by: Parralex Bank, Enclave Green Homes, FIRS, Lagos State Government
Media Partners: African Magic, Royal Roots Cinema, Hip TV, Views Channel, Vybz FM, Ibrand TV, Rapid Broadcasting Network, City FM, Jordan FM, Rainbow FM, Mainland FM, Boom Radio, TVC, Kennis FM, Beat FM
Outdoor Partners: Nimbus Media, FPL Media, Folham, Media Crush, Elev8 Media
Stay updated by following Laffmattazz on social media @laffmattazz_ga1st for the latest news and behind-the-scenes content.
Don’t miss this epic comedy event! Secure your tickets now and join the conversation online using #LaffmattazzLagos3rdComing #GbengaAdeyinka.
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We Must Build A Virile Legislature For The Future, Speaker Obasa Says
Published
3 weeks agoon
October 13, 2024We Must Build A Virile Legislature For The Future, Speaker Obasa Says
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Sunday, counselled members of the House to strengthen the legislative arm of government ahead of the future.
Dr. Obasa gave the advice in Abeokuta, Ogun State at the opening of a three-day budget retreat for lawmakers and staff of the House with the theme: ‘Optimising the legislature’s power of the Purse’ for effective service delivery in Lagos State’.
The Speaker challenged the lawmakers to be committed in their legislative duties as they must leave lasting legacies for the future, strengthen governance, responsibility and accountability.
He charged the lawmakers on improved and effective legislative oversight functions being one of the responsibilities of the legislature.
“What we do now is really not about us; it is for the totality of the system.
“I appreciate this budget retreat. Each one of us must be responsible in carrying out the assignments we are tasked with. This is very essential.
“We carry out budget scrutiny based on what is presented by the executive. Once we give a go-ahead, it means the executive must comply and treat it accordingly because it has become a law.
“Going forward, all the reports of each committee must be presented at the floor of the House. This will help us decide on how to act for the sake of transparency and accountability,” the Speaker said.
He advised the lawmakers against docility in the task of ensuring that Lagos continues to weather economic storms.
“We all have roles to play and, in doing that, sentiments and self-benefits must be removed. The day you start with self-benefit, you have become a failure.
“If you do your job the way you should do it, you will earn your respect and will be held in high esteem by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“We are here today again to look at how we can improve on the laws we make at the House of Assembly as well as our oversight functions.
‘Let’s continue to be dedicated and loyal and I am sure we will get there. Let’s always straighten the path for Lagosians and those coming behind us,” he urged.
In his opening remark, the Clerk and Head of Service of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, described the retreat as an avenue to have insights into the state’s budget.
While commending the Speaker, he urged the participants to “be attentive and take home fresh ideas and knowledge.”
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
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Bridging the Gap, Dr Anthony Aduro’s Vision for World-Class Healthcare in Nigeria”
Published
4 weeks agoon
October 10, 2024
Bridging the Gap, Dr Anthony Aduro’s Vision for World-Class Healthcare in Nigeria”
In a nation grappling with an ailing healthcare system, Dr. Anthony Aduro, a dedicated healthcare practitioner and CEO of Aduro Foundation, is emerging as a beacon of hope. Driven by a deep-seated passion for improving the lives of his fellow Nigerians, Aduro is spearheading a transformative approach to healthcare in Nigeria.
In a media chat the CEO noted that the Nigerian healthcare system is a mess, urging the government to
invest in healthcare infrastructure and partner with private sectors.
As a healthcare professional, Aduro explained that he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by patients in accessing quality care, noting that the lack of adequate infrastructure, limited resources, and the prevailing apathy towards healthcare among government officials fueled his determination to make a difference.
He said: “The state of healthcare system in Nigeria is saddening, about 80 percent of Nigerians
use the general hospitals where you sometimes go and see patients sharing bed space, some of them not properly equipped.
“That is why I have a lot of interest in the healthcare system in Nigeria, and I’m putting in efforts to develop something where we can have an impact that if other people see, they can actually assist in building the health sector of the country.”
Speaking on some of his significant milestones in the healthcare of Nigeria, he said: “During the #EndSARS protest, my home town was affected. The healthcare centre there was demolished, and I reached out to the local government chairman, and they took me there. So, I rebuilt it, and equipped it, and I told them that it should be for the community. I thank God, a lot of things are going on there, it’s like a mustard seed; something that is small, but it will still grow and I still intend to build more health centres so that a lot of people, especially the low income earners will benefit from it.”
He disclosed plans to facilitate medical outreach in underserved communities in Okitipupa, Ondo state, where he hails from and also employ manpower to drive the growth of the healthcare sector.
In light of the above, the healthcare practitioner outlined strategies to revamp Nigeria’s
healthcare, including partnership with the private healthcare sector; Creating insurance systems for low-income earners; Investing in healthcare infrastructure; Telemedicine solutions.
“Telemedicine is one of my areas of research. Telemedicine is where you can still have the doctors and nurses in the US, and they can still treat you here,’’ Dr. Aduro explained.
Speaking on some of his philanthropic activities, he stated “I believe so much in a clean environment. When the environment is clean and you have some clean water, you are solving some problem that you don’t even know is there.”
Aduro explained that he has drilled a solar powered clean borehole water in seven villages including Okitipupa, Oloto, Ilumeje in Ondo State, noting that his core objective is to set a pace that others can emulate, and create employment opportunities.
“I was there at the commissioning of the town hall that I built and that was where one of the community members proposed to donate books for the students. That was the time I promised them that I’m going to build a library for them, and today, I opened the library and it cost N150 million. The library is an ultra modern one, powered by solar energy,” the healthcare practitioner noted.
Aduro believes that giving back doesn’t have to be monetary, stressing the need to create lasting impacts through job opportunities and infrastructure development.
The CEO noted that the Aduro Foundation was established to transform life through community empowerment, and creating opportunities. He noted that the core objective of the foundation is just to give back to, and have an impact on the community.
“You have to be creative when you want to give back to the community. It doesn’t have to be money, rather let it be something that will create a lasting impact. For example, if you create job opportunities, where you employ people, they will take care of others which gives ride to multiple effects. Giving back to the community entails making sure that something which will positively impact their lives is happening and it is continuous. It will not be one-off,’’ the CEO noted.
Speaking on his farm project, Aduro Farm, he explained that he got the idea while thinking of a way to reduce unemployment in Nigeria and boost sustainability.
He said: “It is just like creating an opportunity economy for people to get employed, and some people will have the opportunity to trade and do businesses with it. It is a highly mechanised farm, and there are staff working there. There are close to 60 people working there.
“We’re building a large piggery farm right now. We have a poultry pen that will take about 20, 000 layers. We have a fish outdoor pond that will probably take up to half a million fishes, we have about 15 people working there. And then you see people doing business, for instance we have egg sellers coming to buy eggs and resell them,’’ he added.
Dr. Aduro’s philanthropic endeavours are driven by a belief in the power of community-based solutions. He emphasises the importance of creating lasting impact through initiatives that empower individuals and communities. By providing access to healthcare, clean water, and economic opportunities, Aduro’s foundation is helping to build a more resilient and equitable Nigeria.
The CEO expressed optimism over the future of healthcare in Nigeria. He believes that
with the right investments and a commitment to community-driven solutions, it is
possible to transform the country’s healthcare system and improve the lives of millions
of Nigerians.
On how his upbringing influenced his present personality and values, he said: “My upbringing was very humble. It takes a community to raise a child. I was raised within a community and that influenced me because I love to have people around me. I was surrounded by people while growing up and I saw the knowledge my mother and father impacted on me on how I have to be nice to people. With that at the back of my mind, I grew up within a very large family comprising uncles, aunties, cousins etc while in Okitipupa and that influenced my upbringing, I really respect the communal life, I can never go away from that, and then the influence I saw within the community is what actually brought me to where I am today. Whatever I am doing or what I am trying to do, that community influence will always come into it and I can never forget that community which I grew up from.”
Educational background
“I attended St. John RCM School, it is a Roman Catholic school that time. I later moved to Joala, where my father was working then. I later moved Saint Columbus RCM School. After graduating from there, I think that should be around 1975 or 1974 or thereabout, I then moved to Modern School, from there to Local Authority Modern School at Okitipupa for three years, after that I went to Government Secondary School, Idanre.
“During that time, things were tough for me. I think the secondary school fees that time was less than N500 per year but it was a tough thing to pay but my parents tried. My mother had to sell her propperties put things together for myself and my siblings to go through secondary school. After my secondary school, I go admission to read anthropology in Maiduguri and I really did not like it because I have interest in health.
“I was actually thinking that I should be a doctor, which was my dream, because if I am a doctor I will be able to give something back to the society; I would be able to take care of other things at home but it did not walk out that way. I went to a technical school, it is more of an engineering school that time but it was a private school. I was there for one year but things were not going like I wanted it.
Going to India
:The purpose of my travelling to India was for education. It was hard in India, very tough, I left Nigeria with $100 that time. During that time, you can only take $100 out of Nigeria and then but being a strong headed person, I went through a lot of things in India. When I got to India, it became so difficult even that $100 was stolen from me because we were placed in a dormitory, like an hostel. We were like 16 of us in the hostel. Before I could register, the money was gone. But I thank God, I went to a church and I told them what happened to me because my passport was stolen also. Then a church community in India, though they are Hindus. The church community gave all they could, their offerings, everything like that, they gave it to me. Till now, that thing never left my memory because when people come together to give you a purpose for life, it will ever stay there.
“That is how I started. I went to Nigerian embassy, I got a little money, I was able to register for college because didn’t register for the university in Belgrade and I couldn’t go to medical school there. I have to go to a Business school. So I got myself into commerce and then I moved to the central part of India, that is Mapal, where I graduated with a Bachelor degree in Commerce and Accounting after which I did Master’s degree in Business and Commerce. But health was still very much in my head.
Why I moved to Kenya
I moved to Kenya for educational purpose. That was where I thought I can survive. there was no job, so we were looking for a best way to survive. I am very entrepreneurial. I have a lot of Kenyan friends when I was in India and from there I knew what was going on there. They are so much involved in coffee and tea export and I got into horticultural export in Kenya. My wife is a Kenyan. I went there to see if I could see a better opportunity rather than going into a main stream employment, maybe I could actually create employment, that was why I set up the horticultural export in Kenya. I did it for a while, exporting to France, UK and Italy. It was very competitive then because I was competing with Indians. Indians were exporters and importers, I didn’t make much in Kenya at all. It was tough.
My sojourn to USA
Things were becoming so difficult, the competition was very high, I love to be in competition but it was very higher for me. The Kenyans and Indians dominated the economy and for you to be able to be successful you have to go through them. The Kenyans and Indians fixed the prices for everything, prices that you are going to use to export and that is only price you’re going to use to export unless you have other means of getting your own deal from London or France or so.
When it was becoming so difficult I just have to move on and I said I would be focused on my dream. It was not because of education that I moved to US, I moved because I was looking for a better opportunity. So when I got to the US I have to start from scratch, that is what a lot of people don’t know. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are coming from or something like that, America will humble you, whether you have Ph.D or whatever you have, you’ll start from the scratch.
The American dream
“The American dream is always there, if you open your eyes, if you are determined, then you are very committed to what you are doing, straight forward, you’ll make it. You can be who you want to be and that is what is there. So,m I got into US and then started working in the healthcare sector. I was employed just like a programme kind of something, to co ordinate programmes within the health sector. “I was in finance, I had a Master’s degree in Finance from India but when you can coordinate programme, it doesn’t mean you are practising. You coordinate programme like the finance part of it, although that is in the heath sector. Then I have to start changing my ways. That was when I developed interest in how the health system works, like how to take care of aged and disabled people, people with disabilities, like autism, various types of disabilities. It is a different sector of health care system that actually focuses on human not on symptoms or treatment. It focuses on you and your health outcome. So healthcare is a big field where you have the physician and co.
“So I got into that and I started developing, I was actually growing in the heath sector. I became the residential manager for healthcare system which was Anthony Wince Services in Texas, Houston then after working in Houston about two years, I moved to Forthwin, Indiana through one pastor from Zambia. We got talking and he said “if you are in this sector, you can get something better in Forthwin in Indiana.” And he spoke with a friend of mine from South Africa. He spoke to Anthony Wince Services. It is one of the biggest health care providers for people with age and disabilities. That was in year 2001. That time I was made a programme coordinator for a sector of heath care, that is residential service of people with disabilities.
“That was what led me into the healthcare education. I moved from there and then I also have a doctorate degree in health care from World University in Minnesota. I grew up and I saw what I was doing there, I have to set up my own. I grew up to the policy level when we started doing policy for Anthony Wince Services now called Benchmark and from there I kind of broke out and started my own called Medị-link. That was the very first aspect of it, it is the first amputatery kind of services that deal with the people leaving with disabilities. I was able to talk to the state of Indiana that I have a better policy on healthcare sector and I was told to bring a proposal.
“That was why I was saying that your dream is possible, the American dream, if you are focused but the idea is that you have to be humble, because whatever the case, you are going to start from zero. It doesn’t matter what and how you are and then. I put my proposal together and it was approved. I started my own healthcare operation system in 2013
Have you been intimidated or were you affected by racism which is usually in practice?
“First of all, I don’t feel intimidated. I remembered one time in 2003 when I was a programme coordinator for Benchmark and we would go for healthcare. the entire hall would be filled and I would be the only black person there. Racism is something that cannot be taken away but you can actually create an opportunity from racism. That is what led me to where I am today, when you use that kind of negativity to create a positive thing for yourself. When you are able to modify the thinking and make use of the best of racism.
Any particular incident when you were in the US Healthcare sector, you were subjected to any form of racism before?
“It is like an unmentioned racism, it is something that you feel and know. There were a couple of times that, I think 2005/2006, I was supposed to be a programme director of a major programme for the healthcare system, we were five of us that were there and I was the most qualified when it comes to that aspect but things moved here and there but I am very grateful for the organisation.
“Everything I am able to build up on my own, it is because of that issue of racism. I won’t say it is a big issue but it has always been there, you’ll feel it. You know, the position you are supposed to get, you’ll probably not get them. There are so many people that I have trained that they will put on top of me. “Those are areas that I told myself that there must be opportunity in this thing. If I can train this person to be in this position, I can actually step out and create opportunities for myself
Regardless of who you are or the colour you are, you can achieve the American dream. It might be difficult but you can always achieve it.”
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