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<strong>June</strong> <strong>21</strong>, <strong>2020</strong><br />

Father’s<br />

Day Dapper<br />

Look<br />

Ibidun Ituah<br />

- Ighodalo:<br />

Ex-Queens<br />

Pay Tribute<br />

JEREMIAH OGBODO<br />

Redefining Fashion Styling


7<br />

6<br />

3<br />

IN THIS ISSUE<br />

email: <strong>allure</strong>fortheworld@vanguardngr.com<br />

HAPPINESS<br />

4 Cover: Jeremiah Ogbodo:<br />

Redefining Fashion Styling<br />

6 Sexmatics: Sleeping Better In<br />

The New Normality<br />

CELEBRATION<br />

3 Fashion : Father’s Day Dapper Look<br />

7 Fashion : Ibidun Ituah-Ighodalo:<br />

Exit Of A Queen<br />

...Ex- Queens Pay Tribute<br />

<strong>21</strong> JUNE <strong>2020</strong><br />

8 Instagram Moments<br />

WELCOME...<br />

Quotes<br />

Since the advent of this evil<br />

pandemic that has bedevilled the<br />

world, it looks like all elements have<br />

conspired to ensure that one’s joy this<br />

season never lasts.<br />

With no social events, birthdays,<br />

weddings, graduation, promotion,<br />

movie premiers or anniversaries like<br />

Father’s Day today that give room for<br />

some excitement, we are left with the<br />

gloomy reports coming from the<br />

COVID-19 pandemic.<br />

Last week was particularly heavy<br />

for many Nigerians who were thrown<br />

into mourning. Several prominent citizens passed on. But most<br />

shocking was that of former Miss Lux, 39-year-old boss of<br />

Elizabeth R, Ibidun Itua-Ighodalo, who reportedly died of a heart<br />

attack in Port Harcourt. We had barely recovered from the shock<br />

when news filtered in on Wednesday of the sudden passing of<br />

Radio personality, Dan Foster, who died of complications from<br />

COVID-19.<br />

Nigerians took to social media— Instagram and Facebook,<br />

to mourn a truly beautiful soul. It wasn’t a case of speaking good<br />

of the dead; it was a testament to the life of service that she<br />

lived. Those who knew her closely and those who just saw from<br />

afar, penned very kinds words for a woman who, after years of<br />

battling infertility, set up a foundation to assist other women in<br />

their fight against infertility.<br />

This outpour of encomiums at death reaffirms the words of<br />

Scottish song writer, Horatius Bonar, which says you will “only<br />

be remembered by what you have done”.<br />

Building that legacy starts now.<br />

As we bid farewell to the wife of Pastor Itua Ighodalo,<br />

ex-beauty queens; members of her first constituency, in this<br />

edition, pay tribute to one of their<br />

own.<br />

J . E<br />

May Ibidun’s kind soul rest with<br />

God.<br />

Jemi Ekunkunbor<br />

lookposh2017@gmail.com<br />

08052201126<br />

“A good father is a<br />

man who supports his<br />

children even when he<br />

has no money”.<br />

- Shweta Mishra<br />

“Menopause, menstrual<br />

cramps, mental illness,<br />

mental breakdowns…<br />

ever notice that all of<br />

your problems begin<br />

with men?”<br />

“If you argue with an<br />

idiot, after a while it is<br />

hard to tell who the<br />

real idiot is.”<br />

- Juston<br />

“LEARN from<br />

yesterday, LIVE for<br />

today, and HOPE for<br />

tomorrow”.<br />

- Madeline<br />

- Kayla<br />

6<br />

EDITOR<br />

JEMI EKUNKUNBOR<br />

ASST. EDITOR<br />

YEMISI SULEIMAN<br />

REPORTER<br />

Josephine Agbonkhese<br />

CONTRIBUTORS<br />

LINDA ORAJEKWE<br />

ADESUWA EWOIGBOKHAN<br />

BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA<br />

CONT. EDITOR<br />

LATASHA NGWUBE<br />

TEAM<br />

COPY EDITOR<br />

DODOIYI WILLIAM-WEST<br />

LAYOUT / DESIGN<br />

OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE<br />

PHOTO<br />

OSCAR OCHIOGU<br />

(08034746487)<br />

HEAD MARKETING<br />

JANET NAJOMOH<br />

(08037156911)<br />

HEAD OF PRODUCTION<br />

CHARLES KAMMA<br />

Printed and published by Vanguard Media Ltd<br />

Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal; P.M.B 1007 Apapa, Lagos.


Look 1: Try a blazer<br />

Blazers are versatile and can be worn<br />

over a cotton shirt, on a chinos pant. This<br />

is a perfect look for the day with family.<br />

Button-up the shirt so you can easily take<br />

it off when the temperature begins to<br />

rise. Finish up with a pair of brogues or<br />

sneakers for a more trendy feel.<br />

FASHION<br />

Father’s Day<br />

Dapper<br />

Look 2: : Shorts<br />

and a Polo T-shirt<br />

Go from casual to classy in a pair of shorts, polo<br />

T-shirt and a pair of multi-top slip on for a sporty,<br />

yet fashion-forward vibe.<br />

Look<br />

By - Temitope Ojo<br />

It is Father’s Day; and yes, we<br />

know that fatherhood can be all<br />

joy, but it also can be a tiring,<br />

messy business.<br />

You’ve been doing a splendid job,<br />

putting so much effort into trying<br />

to make your family thrive, feel,<br />

and look great.<br />

This Father’s Day, you need<br />

to take care of what to wear. It’s<br />

an important occasion, whether<br />

you’re a new dad or an expectant<br />

dad, or simply celebrating<br />

your own father or grandfather.<br />

And because it is a day spent<br />

with family, hopefully enjoying<br />

an amazing meal or a special<br />

activity, which means you need<br />

to look sharp.<br />

For some dapper dad<br />

inspiration, we’ve picked three<br />

looks, which, whether smart or<br />

casual, will stand you out today.<br />

We think our picks will have you<br />

covered when it comes to what to<br />

wear for Father’s Day. More than<br />

sharp, even, presentable, stylish,<br />

and classic.<br />

RMD<br />

Look 3: Pair Your Pant/<br />

Denim With A T-Shirt<br />

Whether you’re celebrating<br />

in church, Sunday<br />

brunch or a casual<br />

day around the house,<br />

a crisp, classic and<br />

well-fitting pair of<br />

dark pant or<br />

denim never<br />

goes wrong.<br />

Paired with<br />

light sharp<br />

linen or<br />

T-shirt,<br />

this is<br />

perfect<br />

to<br />

protect<br />

your skin<br />

from the<br />

sun and<br />

looking<br />

dressed and<br />

professional while<br />

staying cool.<br />

<strong>June</strong> <strong>21</strong>, <strong>2020</strong> / 3


INTERVIEW<br />

INTERVIEW<br />

Jeremiah Ogbodo:<br />

Redefining Fashion Styling<br />

Christened Jeremiah Ogbodo, Swankyjerry is everything rolled into one— an image/<br />

brand strategy Consultant, public relations influencer, fashion stylist, designer and<br />

much more. The New York City and South Africa-trained designer, though a<br />

graduate of Insurance from the University of Lagos, became a global brand for his fashion<br />

styling prowess; a talent he describes as in-born.<br />

The Creative Director/CEO of Swanky’s Signatures, Ogbodo, who was this year listed in<br />

Forbes 30 Under 30, is famous for styling A-list political leaders including Presidents,<br />

celebrities and socialites. In this interview, Swankyjerry, a recipient of several awards for his<br />

many talents, speaks on his childhood, work and more.<br />

How did you get into styling?<br />

Growing up, I was always the go-to guy when it<br />

came to fashion. My family and friends formed the<br />

habit of seeking my opinion about what they wore or<br />

wanted to wear before stepping out. So, I’ve actually<br />

been styling since I was a boy.<br />

I launched my fashion brand Swanky’s Signatures<br />

in 2012, but later added styling. I made my first<br />

collection and it sold out in three days.<br />

Prior to that, I had worked as one of the biggest<br />

Public Relation agents on the Lagos Island for beauty<br />

brands, clubs, small businesses, hotels, etc. I<br />

practically specialise in helping businesses reach their<br />

next level.<br />

Who gave you your first break professionally?<br />

After the launch of my line in 2012, I attended my<br />

first ever fashion show in New York (Mercedez Benz<br />

Fashion Week). Whilst in New York, Davido contacted<br />

me for his music video shoot “All of You”. I styled him<br />

and I began trending in Nigeria from America during<br />

the shoot and after the video came out. I came back<br />

to Nigeria and suddenly, became the new bride<br />

among stylists in the country.<br />

What was the experience like?<br />

It was the most amazing experience ever. Styling a<br />

music video three weeks after my launch was<br />

definitely amazing. More especially, working in NYC<br />

was a first time experience for me; and it was<br />

definitely unforgettable.<br />

What drove you on? Was it passion or what you<br />

earned from that job?<br />

Of course, my passion drove me. I mean, it was<br />

the first music video I styled and it was international.<br />

You can imagine how excited I was. My passion and<br />

desire to put Africa on the map, drove me all the way.<br />

Words By -Josephine Agbonkhese<br />

Celebrities now depend heavily on stylists to<br />

create looks for them; share with us the process of<br />

getting the job done. (Laughs) How much are you<br />

paying for this info? Honestly, the process is<br />

sometimes very hectic. Basically, I take a look at<br />

clients’ past and present fashion history so I know<br />

where to come in. I also try to get to know their<br />

preference, what they are comfortable in and what<br />

their dislikes are when it comes to clothes.<br />

I proceed to sketching what the final look will be,<br />

present to the client and then make changes on<br />

request.<br />

I make sure my client is comfortable and stand out<br />

in whatever I’m putting them in.<br />

On the day of their events, we start off with hair,<br />

make-up, etc. before the final Swanky’s touch that<br />

transforms the entire look.<br />

Who are some of your go-to designers for styling<br />

now?<br />

Way too many designers are doing it for me right<br />

now but, I am definitely starting with myself. Then<br />

also, I love Donamatoshi, Valdrin, Alexander<br />

McQueen, Lanre da Silva, etc. The list is endless.<br />

Do you favour leaving a personal style signature<br />

on the people you style?<br />

You already know “NoSwankyNoStyling”. If you<br />

see someone on red the carpet, newspaper or<br />

magazine covers, music videos, pre-wedding photos,<br />

campaign ads, etc., you just know that Swanky styled<br />

this person. So, my signature touch is always evident<br />

in the people I style.<br />

How do you like to use colours?<br />

It depends on how I’m feeling. I like a mix of<br />

everything sometimes. I like a blend of colours and I<br />

like single colour sometimes. It really depends on the<br />

look I’m going for; and the event too.<br />

What’s the one thing you’d never put a client in?<br />

Anything that doesn’t make them comfortable. So<br />

long as my client is comfortable, we are good to go.<br />

Are you a closet editor or builder?<br />

I’m a mix of both world.<br />

Favourite look that you have styled till date?<br />

I’m extremely passionate about my job. So, every<br />

look is a hit and a favourite for me. But do I have the<br />

option of listing like 20 favourite looks? I’m sure the<br />

answer is no. So, I’ll just go ahead and drop one; the<br />

look I pulled for South African actress Pearl Thusi for<br />

the first ever African original Netflix series, Queen<br />

Sono. I styled her in a high slit dazzling dress with the<br />

finest precious stones, set of diamond jewelry, big hair<br />

to represent Africa, and subtle makeup.<br />

What’s the most fun part of your job?<br />

When you enjoy what you do, every part is fun and<br />

doesn’t feel like work. But the most fun part would be<br />

that it allows me to travel the world, meet people from<br />

all walks of life, wear the most stylish outfits, and also<br />

put a smile on clients’ faces.<br />

...And the Most challenging?<br />

I like to say every job is extremely challenging, as<br />

every job comes with a different task. But the most<br />

challenging will be styling Dangote’s daughter’s<br />

wedding. That was a tasking job; everything had to be<br />

perfect and I had to style about 25 people on same<br />

day. Hectic though, but it was really worth it.<br />

As a renowned stylist, what will you advise<br />

anyone to steer clear of?<br />

Steer clear of imitating people. You can draw<br />

inspiration but don’t copy.<br />

How would you describe your personal style?<br />

My personal style is a wide range of styles. I like to think<br />

my personal style is Swanky. Yes, very sophisticated,<br />

sometimes vintage, sexy, exotic, alternative and vibrant. My<br />

style is broad and expressive. I’m a mix of all the sweetness of<br />

life.<br />

Which style icon do you adore the most locally or<br />

internationally?<br />

Kanye West and Lanre da Silva.<br />

If you could wear one designer for the rest of your life<br />

who would it be?<br />

That’s hard. I’ll like to wear every good designer all<br />

my life (Laughs). On a serious note though, I’ll choose<br />

me. I’ll wear my own design for the rest of my life.<br />

You were recently listed in the Forbes 30<br />

under 30. You also won at the Africa Magic<br />

Viewers’ Choice Awards, AMVCA, this<br />

year; how has it all been for you and what<br />

do you look forward to now?<br />

Making it to Forbes 30 Under 30 as<br />

the Most Sought After Fashion Stylist in<br />

the continent is definitely a huge one for<br />

me. Being among the revolutionary<br />

thinkers of <strong>2020</strong> is an epic feeling. I felt<br />

very accomplished making the list<br />

because, it showed me nothing is<br />

impossible. I dreamt it and it came to<br />

pass. It’s every young person’s dream<br />

to be on Forbes’ “Rich and Famous”.<br />

Remember I started my business with<br />

absolutely no support financially. I wasn’t<br />

mentored, trained or empowered by anyone. I<br />

used my in-built talent to chase my dream, then went<br />

to finishing school to master my craft.<br />

The most important thing about being on Forbes, for<br />

me, is to inspire young people never to give up on their<br />

dreams; to remind them that their dreams are valid. It will not<br />

be easy—people will disappoint you, drag you down, tell you<br />

‘no’, but you owe yourself the responsibility to make sure your<br />

dream comes true.<br />

On winning at the just concluded AMVCA, for me, it was<br />

another huge fashion moment. Being the first stylist to ever<br />

win this category as that was the first time in AMVCA’s<br />

history that an award was given out for Best Dressed At The<br />

Show.<br />

It’s really huge because the show had every industry<br />

creative working for months, preparing and putting in so<br />

much work. It’s probably the biggest red carpet event in the<br />

Nigerian entertainment industry. My client, Mercy Eke, also<br />

won Best Dressed. It was great and I loved the fact that my<br />

work spoke for me in the middle of a fashion crowd. That’s an<br />

unforgettable crown.<br />

Now, I look forward to a brighter future. Like Forbes said,<br />

as you have made it to this list, you must work hundred times<br />

harder. So, I’m not slowing down at all.<br />

What have been some of your favourite career moment<br />

thus far?<br />

This list is endless but I’ll drop a few. Styling the biggest<br />

African Pepsi campaign during the World Cup, where I worked<br />

with celebrities in different professions. I styled DJ Spinall, DJ<br />

Cuppy, DJ Exclusive, DJ Obi, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Davido,<br />

Alex Iwobi, Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Jayjay Okocha,<br />

Shehu, and many more. Those were huge moments.<br />

Styling one of the biggest artists from the Middle East,<br />

Mohamed Ramadanws, for one of the biggest concerts in<br />

Marrakech; over 15 looks with 40 seconds to change each<br />

outfit with a client who doesn’t speak English—like I literally<br />

had to speak Arabic half the time.<br />

Another is my collaboration with telecom giant, MTN, to<br />

help give tips to young people across the continent and insight<br />

on fashion and lifestyle. Being honored in Ghana as “Africa’s<br />

Style Influencer and Stylist 2019” for my impact in the fashion<br />

industry was another. Winning the Continental Influencer<br />

Award in Uganda was also a great moment.<br />

When you<br />

enjoy what<br />

you do,<br />

every part<br />

is fun and<br />

doesn’t<br />

feel like<br />

work.<br />

4<br />

/ <strong>June</strong> <strong>21</strong>, <strong>2020</strong><br />

<strong>June</strong> <strong>21</strong>, <strong>2020</strong> / 5


...continued from previous week<br />

with Adesuwa 07011289316 | adesuwaewoigbokhan@hotmail.com<br />

Sleeping Better In The New Normality<br />

If you get sleepy before bedtime, get engaged<br />

in something gently stimulating such as<br />

washing plates, or getting clothes ready for the<br />

next day. If you decide to give in to your<br />

drowsiness, you may wake up later in the<br />

night and have problem getting to sleep.<br />

Control your exposure to light. Melatonin is<br />

a naturally occurring hormone controlled by<br />

light exposure, which helps in regulating your<br />

sleep and wake up cycle. Your brain secretes<br />

more of this when it is dark thus, making you<br />

sleepy. And when it is less, this keep you alert.<br />

As such, you expose yourself to bright sunlight<br />

in the morning, and spend more time outside<br />

during the day time. *Keep curtains and blinds<br />

open during the day and at night, avoid bright<br />

screens within one to two hours of your<br />

bedtime. *Say no to television and listening to<br />

soothing music or audio books instead.<br />

*When it is finally time to sleep, make sure<br />

the room is dark or keep the light down, this<br />

you can do by using heavy curtains to block<br />

out light from the windows.<br />

*Indulge in calming activities such as taking<br />

a bath.<br />

* Learn how to get back to sleep as it is only<br />

natural to wake up briefly during the night.<br />

*Make sure to exercise during the day, as<br />

people who indulged in this activity frequently<br />

sleep better at night, and feel less sleepy<br />

during the day. Regular workouts improve the<br />

symptoms of insomnia, and increases the<br />

amount of time spent in the deep restorative<br />

storages of sleep.<br />

*Practice relaxation techniques before<br />

sleeping, it is a powerful way to wind down,<br />

calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep.<br />

*Watch what you eat and drink, your<br />

daytime eating habits have a role to play in<br />

how you sleep, especially hours before<br />

sleeping.<br />

*Limit intake of caffeine and smoking as<br />

these stimulants can disrupt sleep. When<br />

close to bedtime, cut down sugary and refined<br />

foods.<br />

*Never go to sleep hungry or stuffed. Avoid<br />

heavy meals within couple of hours before<br />

bedtime. Your discomfort may keep you<br />

awake. Alcohol, caffeine and nicotine need<br />

to be checked as the stimulating effect<br />

takes hours to wear off, in the process,<br />

wrecking the quality of your sleep and may<br />

also result in frequent bathroom trips<br />

throughout the night.<br />

*Limit daytime nap. Spending several hours<br />

on daytime napping can interfere with night’s<br />

sleep. If you have to nap, reduce yourself to<br />

up to 30 minutes and should not be done late<br />

in the day. When you work at night, you may<br />

need to nap late in the day to make up your<br />

sleep debt.<br />

*Try managing stress by resolving your<br />

worries before going to bed. Write down what<br />

is on your mind and set it aside for next day.<br />

Stress management might help, start with the<br />

basics like getting organized, set your priorities<br />

and delegate tasks.<br />

Know when to check with your family doctor<br />

as almost everybody has an occasional<br />

sleepless night. So contact your doctor if it is<br />

getting too frequent. Identify and treat the<br />

underlying root cause. This can help get the<br />

better sleep you deserve.<br />

Sleep in varying positions, changing your<br />

sleeping positions can make a very big<br />

difference in the quality of your sleep. If you<br />

wake up in the middle of the night, make a<br />

conscious effort to follow this guide lines until it<br />

becomes habitual.<br />

Make sure to keep your body in a ‘mid-line’<br />

position where both your head and neck are<br />

kept roughly straight. This should help with<br />

your slumber and don’t lie on your stomach as<br />

it can be difficult to maintain the proper<br />

position, and be sure to use a suitable pillow.<br />

Try placing a pillow between your legs if you<br />

sleep on side and a pillow under your legs if<br />

you sleep on your back.<br />

*If possible, avoid sleeping pills, the easy<br />

solution is the one that carries the most risk.<br />

Prolonged use of sleep aids such as<br />

benzodiazepines or anxiolytic without the<br />

directives of an health care can affect one. It is<br />

always better to adopt a healthy lifestyle than<br />

to depend on medication both in normal<br />

situation and during confinement due to<br />

corona virus.<br />

*You have to sleep well to be able to work<br />

effectively. A a sound sleep results<br />

in increased energy,<br />

productivity, improved heart,<br />

immune system health, a<br />

better mood and even a<br />

longer life. So much<br />

improved by eating healthy,<br />

having fun, taking care of<br />

loved ones and after a<br />

satisfying eight hours of rest.<br />

Talk<br />

SPOT<br />

By - Rita Okoye<br />

What some of your favourite<br />

celebrities said and we listened.<br />

“We make plans but only God<br />

can bring it to pass. I have asked<br />

myself, Oluwatoyin, why are you<br />

chasing shadows when God is<br />

the one that holds your life? Not<br />

everything that glitters is gold<br />

and there is no forever in<br />

affluence. I have found my peace<br />

in knowing that whatever God<br />

has destined to be mine will be<br />

mine ‘cos at the end of the day,<br />

only God truly has the control”.<br />

Toyin Abraham takes time to<br />

reflect on life.<br />

“Your dignity can be mocked,<br />

abused, compromised, toyed with,<br />

lowered and even badmouthed, but it<br />

can never be taken from you. You<br />

have the power today to reset your<br />

boundaries, restore your image, start<br />

fresh with renewed values and rebuild<br />

what has happened to you in the<br />

past,” Biodun Okowo’s<br />

motivational message.<br />

“The measure of your life’s value isn’t in<br />

the duration, but in the donation. What<br />

you do with the life you have, in the<br />

time you’re given, is all that counts. Mrs<br />

Ighodalo was the kindest, sweetest,<br />

most giving and most beautiful soul. I<br />

will never forget her words of<br />

encouragement and acts of kindness<br />

towards my family and I.. and to so<br />

many others who were lucky enough to<br />

have crossed paths with her at all. She<br />

was a blessing to so many”.<br />

BankyW mourns late Ibidun<br />

Ighodalo.<br />

“Avoid people who do not<br />

believe in your dreams<br />

especially when you ‘re sure you<br />

are on the right track. We must<br />

say ‘NO’ to negative vibes. And<br />

for those who ignore their friends<br />

claiming they ‘re busy, ensure<br />

you continue to ignore when<br />

God remembers them. Life is<br />

turn by turn”.<br />

NaniBoi’s words on marble.<br />

6<br />

/ <strong>June</strong> <strong>21</strong>, <strong>2020</strong>


Ibidun Ituah-<br />

Ighodalo:<br />

Exit Of A Queen<br />

...Ex- Queens pay tribute<br />

By - Rita Okoye<br />

Sunday <strong>June</strong> 14, will remain a sad one for many Nigerians as news of<br />

the death of ex beauty queen and boss of Elizabeth R, Ibidun Itua-<br />

Ighodalo broke, throwing family and friends into mourning.<br />

The 1998/1999 Lux Photo Beauty Queen and wife of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo<br />

of Trinity House Church, reportedly died of cardiac arrest in Port Harcourt<br />

while on a business trip to the oil rich city.<br />

Ighodalo, 39, was due to celebrate her 40th birthday on Sunday July 19.<br />

Beside running a successful upscale, event management company she<br />

also provided grants for women to pay for IVF treatments through her<br />

Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation.<br />

As Nigerians continue to mourn the exit of a rare gem, ex-beauty<br />

Queens pay tribute to one of their own who’s life they greatly admired.<br />

She was my Helper, Confidant,<br />

Sister -<br />

Ifeoma Williams<br />

(Lux Photo Beauty Queen 1999/2000 )<br />

The news came as a shock and left me in<br />

despair and confusion. Most of all, I felt alone.<br />

Ibidun met me at a point only a few could ever aspire<br />

to;<br />

Helper, Confidant, Sister, Listener, Defender, Loyalist.<br />

Whenever people heard us call each other LUX ‘O’, they wondered what it<br />

meant and it made us giggle. Now I ask your permission to let them in on the<br />

meaning; it meant – LUX ORIGINAL!<br />

During the Lux competition, as I walked on the corridor that afternoon, after<br />

checking in, I looked up and saw who I still believe to be the most beautiful<br />

human in physical form that I have ever seen. We stared at each other. Later,<br />

I emerged winner and after the competition was over, we talked. Apparently,<br />

as I sighted her, the thought that crossed my mind was; if this girl is one of the<br />

contestants, what exactly am I doing here? She looked like a living angel! At<br />

the same time, the thought that crossed hers was; if this girl is a contestant,<br />

she surely is the winner. Our souls bonded from that day until forever.<br />

Thank you LUX O’. Sleep Well, Rest Now.<br />

Ibidun was a good human being -<br />

Sylvia Edem Emechete<br />

(Miss Nigeria 2002)<br />

The news came as a shock to me and to many<br />

others who knew Ibidun. But I’m conscious that<br />

death is inevitable for us all. That knowledge humbles<br />

us<br />

and reminds us again that each day is a precious gift<br />

from<br />

our Creator and we must use it only for good.<br />

Ibidun’s journey on this earth brought light to all those who knew her and<br />

her love was felt by even those who didn’t know her. I was a recipient of that<br />

love which she showed me with her friendship.<br />

She had a tenacity for doing things properly. As the event planner for my<br />

wedding, she radiated grace and inner beauty but most of all, she was just a<br />

good human being.<br />

She was a source of joy to all who knew her, and she always inspired me<br />

with her humility and kindness. She was a beautiful Soul and I wish her safe<br />

travel with Love and Light to accompany her.<br />

She was an exemplary beauty Queen -<br />

Dr. May Ikeora<br />

(Miss ECOWAS 2003-2005)<br />

I got to hear about Ibidun Ighodalo’s passing from<br />

a friend on that sad morning. “You make a crown, a<br />

crown does not make you”. I did not know her well<br />

but this was how I saw her. She was an example of<br />

what<br />

a beauty Queen should be. Miss Lux may not have been<br />

Miss Nigeria; but, she made that pageant what it was, setting an amazing<br />

standard for her successor. She did not stop there but continued to be a<br />

Queen that many women could emulate.<br />

I cannot begin to imagine the shock and sorrow her family and friends are<br />

feeling right now. I hope they take solace in the fact that she lived a good life<br />

of service to many. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may God<br />

grant her loved ones the strength to live through her painful departure.<br />

Ibidun left an imprint in my heart -<br />

Omowunmi Akinnifesi (MBGN 2005)<br />

My heart is shattered and I’ve been numb. Ibidun<br />

was a quiet spirit, beautiful woman and very motherly.<br />

With the type of society we are in, you would wonder if<br />

she was pretending or faking it. She was that<br />

extraordinary. With her consistency, you will quickly realize<br />

that<br />

she just wanted good for everyone and being kind was her<br />

nature.<br />

She was hardworking, driven and focused. We met over a decade ago at an<br />

Award ceremony. She would always ask, are you okay? Do you want anything<br />

to eat? At every event, she made sure I was attended to even as I was much<br />

younger than her. That was Ibidun. She had a servant spirit. A Christ-like spirit.<br />

She often joked that she saw herself in me, that if people knew how nice and<br />

sweet I was, they would think I was faking it. Her words were always comforting.<br />

Ever graceful with her captivating smile.<br />

Ibidun left an imprint in my heart. I believe she has gone home to our maker<br />

and the angels are singing praises to her return home. God will comfort her<br />

family in this time.<br />

May her soul rest in perfect peace; my dear friend and sister Ibidun.<br />

Your legacy will never be forgotten -<br />

Dabota Lawson (Miss Nigeria UK 2009)<br />

It’s so sad to see a beautiful and virtuous Queen<br />

gone too soon. I never met late Mrs Ibidun Ighodalo<br />

but I was privileged to see and observe some of her<br />

works through her foundation and events company. I<br />

have seen so many people talk about her and one thing<br />

that<br />

they all have in common is an experience of help, healing and<br />

support to those she came In contact with. A life worth emulating. Even in<br />

death, she has inspired me to continue to do whatever I can to make the world<br />

a better place, to give and share selflessly, to overcome limitations and do all<br />

with a killer smile.<br />

Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord Queen. Your legacy will never be<br />

forgotten. May the Holy spirit comfort her family and friends. This is indeed a<br />

very painful loss.<br />

<strong>June</strong> <strong>21</strong>, <strong>2020</strong> / 7


INSTAGRAM<br />

MOMENTS<br />

With Yemisi Suleiman<br />

In case you missed, these were the most Interesting<br />

pictures and stories on Instagram last week, as posted by<br />

your favourite celebrities.<br />

Chioma on domestic<br />

violence allegation<br />

For those spreading false stories concerning Singer Davido<br />

and girlfriend Chioma on their alleged breakup and domestic<br />

violence, Chioma last week, came out to refute such claims via<br />

her handle, with stern warning for defaulting bloggs. It reads:<br />

“I know you guys absolutely love to spread all sorts of<br />

rumours and stories for your entertainment and I’ve known from<br />

Day 1 what to expect from blogs and the internet, especially with<br />

myself and family being in the public space. I have never once<br />

come out to respond to any blogger, or react to any rumour<br />

monger before as quite frankly, it has never been my nature to<br />

engage in online battles, or pay too much mind to social media.<br />

But I must say, I have found quite disturbing, the stories of<br />

domestic abuse between myself and David and for once, I feel a<br />

need to speak up.<br />

Domestic violence and abuse is NO JOKE and not<br />

something to ever take lightly. Never has there ever been an<br />

incident of abuse in my home. He has never in his life lifted a<br />

finger to touch me and I have never so much as even pushed<br />

him. I believe with everything we peddle as human beings,<br />

whether offline or online, we should have a bit of the fear of<br />

God, more so when speaking on things we know absolutely<br />

nothing of. I’m not sure where in the world such stories have<br />

started from, but I want to ensure everyone showing concern<br />

whether fake or real, that such has never and will never<br />

happen.”<br />

She added, “we do not take such allegations of abuse lightly<br />

at all and if such persists, then we would be jointly taking up<br />

action against the perpetrators of these disgusting rumors.”<br />

Fans mourn Dan Foster<br />

It was a sad time for<br />

Nigerians last week, as<br />

we woke up to the sad<br />

news of the demise of<br />

popular Nigerian-American<br />

broadcaster, Dan Foster.<br />

Foster’s death has been<br />

linked to COVID-19. He<br />

was one of Nigeria’s finest<br />

radio presenters and has<br />

worked in quite a number of<br />

radio stations since his return<br />

to Nigeria.<br />

Fans of the broadcaster floored<br />

their timelines with his photos, while<br />

paying tribute to him.<br />

Forster who became a favourite of many radio<br />

listeners on Cool FM, would also be remembered for his<br />

witty banter with contestants, as a judge on Idols West Africa<br />

alongside Dede Mabiaku and Nigeria’s Got Talent with Kate<br />

Henshaw.<br />

Dbanj says he’s not a rapist<br />

Trending on the social media<br />

last week was the arrest of<br />

Seyitan Babatayo, the lady who<br />

accused singer D’banj of raping<br />

her at Glee hotel in Victoria<br />

Island, Lagos, in 2018.<br />

Seyitan was allegedly arrested<br />

few hours after the singer, through<br />

his lawyers, asked Seyitan to pay<br />

N100 million as compensation for<br />

falsely accusing him of rape, and<br />

to tender a public apology.<br />

Meanwhile, Dbanj has since<br />

come out to debunk the rape<br />

claim via his handle, saying he is<br />

not a rapist.<br />

Regina Daniels<br />

Glam Pregnancy<br />

shoot<br />

Nollywood actress and wife<br />

of billionaire bussinessman<br />

Ned Nwoko, Regina Daniels<br />

is obviously enjoying being<br />

pregnant. Regina has been in<br />

the news for some weeks now<br />

after she shared photos of her<br />

baby bump. The actress who<br />

was also seen dancing with<br />

her pregnancy, is not done<br />

showing off her pregnancy as<br />

seen in this glam photoshoot,<br />

posted on her handle, attached<br />

with the caption “Motherhood is<br />

beautiful.”

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