Best Wedding Entrance

I love cool weddings especially when they have that fantasy icing to it. Well, it is your wedding and will happen just 1ce in your lifetime except of course you get married more than once. Either ways, you will be married to that same person just once.

A few weeks at work, we were discussing the fine girl song by Harrysong and a colleague of mine showed us the video you are about to watch and I couldn't stop smiling. I don't want to spoil the fun for you but all I can say is, it was quite a dramatic and fun video.

For those of you planning your wedding, watch this and take a cue. If you have the time, why not.  So, for this week, this is the post for you.

Watch!

My Experience with Cancer

 As much as I love my job, sometimes I get exposed to certain things that grip my heart with fear. On the brighter note,  fear or excitement, it opens my eyes to the realities that I may have turned a blind eye to, choosing to convince myself that it is either fiction or another propaganda by the elites.

Cancer has become a trending phenomenon that has caught the attention of the global community; almost relegating HIV/AIDS to the rear. It has claimed lives and destroyed dreams; turning the wealth of many to a pack of cards or rather, a pile of dust. Apparently,  it used to be a disease common in the lives of older women until very recently when even the young have become prey to this disease. Men have joined the list of those hunted by the disease, calling our attention to the many types of cancer.

As part of my assignment for the May edition of the magazine I work with, I had to interview someone who has worked closely with cancer patients and, women who have survived the breast cancer. Not because other types of cancer are not relevant to the organization, but it chose a focus under its Corporate Social Responsibility which is the breast cancer.

I started my journey by going to interview one of Nigeria's finest female photographers, Yetunde Ayeni-Babeko, who had put together a group of female photographers to exhibit the works they had done with breast cancer patients and survivors. The exhibition which took place at the Goethe institute was tagged 'battle scar'. According to her, it was tagged the battle scar because, the breast cancer patients continue to fight the deadly disease as soldiers and the survivors live with the scar. (To read my interview with Yetunde Babaeko, pick a copy of the May edition of Genevieve Magazine).

As I walked into the exhibition room where I was to interview Yetunde, the first picture that caught my eye was that of the body of a breast cancer patient but instead of her face was a mirror. Looking through that mirror, you could see your face but not your body. This gave me the feeling as though that was my body in the picture and it was at that moment that the reality of breast cancer dawned on me. I suddenly found myself trying to touch my breast to be sure that I had no lump.

Yetunde was nice enough to give me a personal tour of the exhibition room and all I could see through those pictures was the pain which these women go through in the bid to fight for their lives. Some have become lonely; probably because their families have abandoned them but some because they have lost their esteem. The stigmatization puts them in the dark with no one to really discuss their fears with and some just sit by waiting for the disease to take them out of this world.

I eventually met with the breast cancer survivors, Mrs. Gbadamosi and Miss Veronica, thanks to Dr. Salako of the Sebeccly Cancer Care foundation. I must say that these women were so healthy and really did not look anything like those who have been through the cold hands of cancer. They were beaming with smiles even as they narrated their ordeal to me. Yes, they had moments when they switched and became sober but, they were happy women. (Pick a copy of the May edition of Genevieve Magazine and read their story).

By the time I was done with the interview, I became aware of so much that I wish to share with you some other time but most important is the need for us all to go and get our mammography done. Kill the fear of finding out and embrace strength that you can conquer the disease like most people have if only you find out in good time. Early detection is key.

If you know any organization organizing a mammography, please share on this space or send me an email- ijehiri@gmail.com- so that others can be a part of it. Spread the word as much as you can, start by sharing this post with all your networks and pick a copy of the May edition of Genevieve Magazine. Begin to live a positive life by getting your mammography done and, show love to those who are in the battle already.

Till I come your way again, keep sharing this post till all those you know and all those that you know know,get the message

And yeah, it is my baby brother's birthday today. Happy birthday dearie. Luv u munchos!

Stay inspired,

Oma!

The Power of Social Media

 Happy Friday fam! I hope you enjoyed last week's post by our guest blogger, Jumoke Sijuwade. If you missed that post, just click here. We left it here just for you.

Today on the blog, I wish to bring your attention to a tool we all have in our hands and within our reach all this while yet had no clue that it could be our access card to the rest of the world in terms of publicizing the ills of the nation, the pains that we face, the calamity that has befallen us. A tool that has proven to be the hope of the hopeless.

Some times we feel so helpless especially in a country like mine where it feels like nothing works. Actually, some things do work but really, the people barely feel the impact of whatever it is that is working. Those who may be able to attest to what works are mostly the elites in the society.

In the midst of all the crisis, the people seek for a way to get their voice heard. I hate violence and I will never be an advocate of using the sword so mightily that it leads to blood shed. Rather, I am an advocate of the pen. That is quite understandable considering my profession as a writer. But, without any form of bias, the reality is, the social media is a powerful tool.

The recent development in the country has shown that the social media is our voice. It is our friend and our only source of comfort. I am speaking of how the hash-tag #BringBackOurGirls got the attention of not just the Nigerian Government but got the international communities' attention that our Government is now forced to listen.

As much as we do not have the details and we may not be certain if the girls are truly missing or not, the reality is if they are, some families are grieving and the rest of us are in fear. With the social media, we have solicited for help and the entire world is taking us super serious. Within the week, the First Lady of the United States joined the campaign when this picture was shared on her instagram page.

At this point, I have complete faith in the social media. Let us stop using the social media for just gossips and begin to use it to send out important messages that will bring us the help we desire. Hopefully, the girls are brought back alive and then, who knows? Maybe, like a colleague said, we should have #GiveusStablePowerSupply.

Till next week Friday when I post another major post for you, keep checking the blog regularly for posts. You can subscribe via email so that you be among the first to get the posts. Add me on your google+ circle (Oma Ehiri), follow me on facebook with the same name, follow me on twitter, @omateddy and then on instagram, @oma26.

Have a great weekend

Oma!

#BringBackOurGirls Walk

Even as the search for the missing Chibok girls continue, people continue to organise potest walks to get the attention of the Government.
Over the weekend, another group of people carried out another walk from Falomo and ended up at the Lagos State Governor's house.
Pictures from the Walk

photo credit: Bukky Karibi-Whyte and Kola Oshalusi

Women in Journalism (WiJ) Conference 2014

 The countdown to the Women in Journalism Conference 2014 has begun with exactly three weeks and two days left to go.

The conference is a brief reminder for women to come together and initiate a workable structure that will not only seek to break a timeless divide in the global quest for equality (in all ramifications) but also to drive affirmative actions in the pursuit of an authentic 21st century Media- a media where female journalists, especially in Africa, signal to the world that more than ever they are ready to stand up as a formidable force in the profession.

There are certain unique challenges facing journalism today, including how we arrive at truth in an era of abundant and unverified information, and the demand to objectively present information fair-mindedly.

A vast array of both local and international keynote speakers have confirmed their attendance to WiJ2014 and will be mightily involved in the break-out sessions designed to discuss and answer if not all your questions, at-least a judicious number of them.

With regards to registration, kindly note that if you do not have a confirmation for your registration, chances are, you may have supplied an incorrect email address, hence, a confirmation mail sent to a wrong email. Such complaints should be forwarded to enquiries@wij2014.org for it to be treated. To however confirm your ticket, reservation(s) can be checked following these steps below:
 

1. Log-in to your account in the wij2014 website at www.wij2014.org
2. Highlight the Conference Menu on the Main Menu bar
3. Highlight Reservation menu
4. Click on My Reservation menu from the sub-menu option. This opens the reservation(s) you've made.

Remember, nothing trumps the good old fashion of word-of-mouth communication however intimate New Media has become. So zealously talk about this conference to your friends, share with colleagues at work and anticipate with us as WiJ2014 unfolds before our very eyes.

To stay updated please connect on Twitter @wijnigeria and you can like the page on Facebook- Women in Journalism 2014.

Tempting Fate

If you are planning to have an early summer holidays or going to be in the States for some reason on the 4th of July, 2014, you shouldn't miss the Private VIP Screening of this movie, Tempting Fate. Be among the first to see the movie and get to party with the stars in the US. For more about this action filled movie and the premiere, click here!
For all the latest update, follow the Kevstel Group on twitter @kevstelgroup and on facebook as Kevstel Group.

Clearly Misunderstood

photo credit: marieclaire.com

 I have a question...Girls would you ever make the first move and ask a guy you like out? Guys, do you mind if a girl asks you out? I know, these are questions of life...well these questions and my experience this week inspired this post.

In an attempt to rejuvenate my social life, I went for a house-party being organised by a friend of mine.  It was a closely knitted one as the organizer found it easy to introduce me to all of his friends at the party. They were really OK but one of them stood out. I will call him, K We hung out all night at the party discussing various topics and I found him very intelligent, cool and nice. When I was ready to leave the party, we exchanged contacts and then I bade him farewell.

The next day, he called me up and we spent quite some time on the phone chit chatting. That became the trend for the next few days. By the weekend, I found out a new restaurant and bar was opening in my area. So, I called K and asked if he would like to try the restaurant with me since he told me he was also a foodie (like I am). He sounded really excited and he did say yes.

I didn't exactly see it as a date but rather, just two friends hanging out and having fun. However, I didn't expect him to come as late as he did. I got there in good time, probably because the restaurant is a stone throw from my house. K. showed up one hour later and didn't deem it fit to apologize. He was just acting funny. I tried not to take it to heart choosing to assume that he probably had a bad day.While we were eating, he barely spoke and kept giving me monosyllabic answers.

I began to get tired of the attitude and immediately the main course was over, I decided I had had enough of the attitude. I asked him what was wrong and his explanation came to me as a surprise. He says he is not certain what I want from him and at that moment, he was not ready for a relationship. I was clearly amazed because i was no longer sure what he was talking about. Like I had said earlier, I did not see it as a date. I had to make it clear to him that I only invited him because he did mention that he is a foodie.

I was so disappointed at his action that i had to leave the restaurant. Disappointed because I expected better from him and really, we are in the 21st century. If a girl likes a guy and she makes the first move, that shouldn't make her less of a person or make the guy disrespect her. Actually, it only shows how bold and strong she is. However, in my case, I was clearly misunderstood or, what do you think?

By Jumoke Sijuwade 

Jumoke is presently doing her masters degree and has an event planning application called, black ivory. It is available on android phones. So, feel free to download and exploit it. She equally hosts a blog called, The diary of a Very Single Girl. To read more of her stories, visit http://theverysinglegirl.blogspot.com/ .

If you have a good article that you will like for me to put it up, just send it to ijehiri@gmail.com. Share your comments on what you think about the article.

Call For Volunteers: Kick Out Malaria Program 2014

Dear all,
April 25th of every year is always a special day for me. It is a day that reminds me of my ambition to make Sub-Saharan Africa free of the dreaded malaria disease. It is the World Malaria Day.

There are many activities planned for that day by a lot of stakeholders to combat malaria. You may or may not be be involved. So, I thought it will be nice for you to join in the opportunity to fight against a disease that kills out mothers and young ones. This is why I want to humbly extend this invitation to you. Please join me and a whole lot of others to combat malaria using three strategies:

A. Distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets
B. Massive environmental sanitation
C. Use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests Kits

The event will take place on May 17th at Banana Estate, Isheri-Lagos. Please see flyer for more details.

The US Consul General, Lagos, Mr. Jeffery Hawkins has been booked for the event alongside several other top local officials. Please save the date.

If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach me on peeryouths@gmail.com

Yours in community development,

Mayowa Salu
CYFI Alumna - Public Health Team | US Consulate Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative, Nigeria | www.cyfinigeria.org
SET Africa Fellowship Member - Health Team | www.setafrica.org

Justice Oputa is Dead

Photo credit: Ynaija.com

The Nigeria Bar Association and Nigeria as a whole, loses another gem, Justice Oputa passed away yesterday, the 4th of May, 2014. This was after he suffered a brief stroke in February and was due to be flown abroad but, since he recovered, the trip was put off. Unfortunately, the sickness came back again and just after he was taken to the hospital, he passed away. He would have been 96  by his next birthday this year. He is survived by his wife and children; one of which is the popular musician, Charly Boy.

Justice Oputa is known for heading the popular Oputa Panel instituted by the former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo to investigate human right abuses in Nigeria. His funeral arrangements are yet to be made known as his family is yet to give an official statement.

I join the family to mourn this gem!

Role Model Of The Month

I am pleased with all the encouragements you gave the personality of last month, April and even for those of you who found her contact useful. I hear some of you have contacted her for tutorials. If you missed that feature, just click here.

This month, we are featuring another person for the month but, rather than personality, we have a role model. She is older and has achieved a lot in her career. This is not to say she has stopped as she still continues to achieve a lot.

Recently, she got feature on CNN and was referred to as the Oprah of Africa. In her interview, she did talk about her efforts to meet with Oprah which failed, when she was trying to start her own TV station which today, is the only indigenous TV with African content owned by a woman. Isn't that a feat against all odds?

Still wondering whom I am referring to? Meet the Role  Model of the Year, Mosunmola Abudu who is fondly called, Mo Abudu.

photo credit: iamfar.com

Mo was born on September 11, 1964 in the UK. At the age of 7, she came back with her parents to Nigeria when they relocated to Lagos. Though, she went to stay with her grandparents on their cocoa farm in Ondo to understudy the African culture. At age 12, her dad died and she returned to the UK.

Not certain what she studied as her first degree, she does has a masters degree in HR management from the University of Westminister in London. She started her career as a recruitment consultant in 1987 and has gone to work for other establishments like the Arthur Andersen for Esso Exploration & Production Nigeria Limited now called Exxon Mobil among others.

She got into the media industry with no prior media experience, she hosts the Moments with Mo talk show and has recently started a TV station called, Ebony Life TV. Recently, she got interviewed by CNN and was tagged the Oprah of Africa.

Did you know that it wasn't exactly a bed of roses for her? she didn't just get past every door she knocked. At least the CNN interview reveals that she did try contacting Oprah and never got a response. That did not stop her from realizing a dream she had carefully dreamt and nurtured and today, it is a reality. This just goes to say that whatever we put our mind to, it doesn't matter who isn't there for us. What really matters is who is there for us.

I am proud of the feat this phenomenal mother of two has made. I sure hope to be where she is someday and become an international brand as well. Congratulations Mo on being the Sociotectonic Role Model of The Month as you continue to inspire many.

For more on the CNN interview, click here.

I do hope you enjoyed the article on Mo and do share with as many as you think need to be inspired. watch out on the blog for an article on my best Ebony Life TV programs.

Till then,

Stay Inspired!
Oma!

Buntricia Bastian, Joy Adenuga, Bayo Haastrup, Lola Maja, Eni Balogun, Khuraira, Others Gather For The Makeup In Nigeria Conference

One of Nigeria's makeup and beauty company, House of Tara, organised the first edition of the Makeup in Nigeria Conference (MINC), on the 30th of April, 2014 at the Oriental hotel, Lagos. The event featured over 700 makeup artistes, entrepreneurs and beauty influencers as well as various beauty brands being represented even from outside the shores of the nation.

The facilitators and speakers were Bayo Haastrup, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Idy Enang, Bimpe Onakoya, Eni Balogun, Bunmi Oyeniyi, Funmi Irantiola Olurinola, Bolanle Okusanya Feyita, Lola Maja Okojevoh as well as International artistes Buntricia Bastian, Joy Adenuga and Khuraira Musa. Honorary awards were given to Bayo Haastrup, the late Ewa of Ewa makeover and Chief Mrs. Oprah Benson.

I did get to do a lot of networking and and well, got a few hints of what goes on in the makeup industry. Atleast, now I can decide some of the products I want to use. I hope to share some skin care and beauty tips with you in future posts. So, keep visiting the blog to get these tips.

For now, here are some of the pictures from the events.

 Come back for more!