NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE · the people around you because the disease is transmitted through air and ... this will us give some time to know how best to manage

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15-18 OCTOBER 2020 LAGOS

# E A C H F O R E Q U A LINTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

CELEBRATINGFSDH AMAZONS

NOW HOLDS ON

SocietyCONTENT

FashionFIDELITY APPRECIATES CUSTOMERS PG 4-5

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GLOBAL CELEBRATION PG 18

DUAL CAREER COUPLES: FINDING BALANCE PG 18 PEOPLE ARE TALKING

ABOUT PG 209 SMALL ACTIONS WITH BIG IMPACT FOR GENERATION EQUALITY PG 19

BLACK WITH A TWIST PG 22

The history of International Women’s Day dates back to 1908. From then on, the date, March 8th, was set aside as a global day to celebrate the social, eco-nomic, cultural and political achieve-ments of women all over the world.

This year, these conversations are being had under the theme: “#Each-forEqual”.

To mark this special day, STYLE is join-ing in on this conversation by speaking to the women of First Securities Dis-count House Merchant Bank Limited (FSDH), a leading financial institution which specializes in delivering expert financial services within Nigeria to se-lect clientele, with the aim of creating long term sustainable wealth. KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR reports

THISDAY STYLEFASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

RUTH OSIME

EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR

SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG

CONTRIBUTORSRUKY SALAKO

ISIOMA USIADEIYANU AYODELE

PHOTOGRAPHERTY BELLO

DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTIONCHUKS ONWUDINJO

08111847085

08111847086

08111847087

07054965500

08077092196

POSTPONEMENT OF ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020These are trying times, not just for Nigerians but for the world at large! We

are facing an epidemic if not properly managed...a virus called Coronavirus. COVID19! I remember Richard Quest of CNN saying it would be most difficult to cough or sneeze inside a plane or in public without igniting fear amongst the people around you because the disease is transmitted through air and touch. Constant washing of hands have been strongly advised. Avoiding crowded places is also advices at this time. 88 countries, including Nigeria,

have been affected by this virus. Even though only one case has been recorded here, extreme measures are being taken to nip it in the bud. So it only logical for ARISE, to yield to caution and postpone our ARISE

FASHION WEEKEND from 9th-12th of April 2020 to 15-18 October 2020. Hopefully, this will us give some time to know how best to manage the situation at hand in

time to come. We were looking forward to presenting the most spectacular fashion show but as you all know, delay is not denial and you will agree it is unwise to throw caution to the wind at a time like this. So until then, stay safe and stay clean!

Speaking of which, who better to ensure caution as top most priority than mothers and wives in their homes. Women have always been the glue that holds not just homes, but communities, not to mention even some countries, together. Today is International Women’s Day, March 8th. The message for this year is Generation Equality where women have equal rights and opportunities. Equal pay. Equal political leadership. Equal say in decisions affecting their lives, policies and environment. The Generation Equality campaign is to accelerate such actions. The theme is #EachforEqual, the most visionary agenda for Women’s rights and empowerment everywhere. This does not in anyway, take away women’s feminine attributes or men’s contribution to society. It just accords women their deserving place on the table...beside the men.

In celebrating IWD, we have featured five amazing women who hold the helms at FSDH Merchant Bank. They have excelled in their various positions and proven to us that there is no glass ceiling when it come to pursuit of growth, performance and success, regardless of gender!

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

15-18 OCTOBER 2020LAGOS

NOW HOLDS ON

BIYI & SOLADEMEJI EDWARDS

FIDELITY APPRECIATES CUSTOMERS

Since it began three years ago, the annual year end party of the bank is always a thrill and people look forward to it. The 2019 Year End/Customer Appreciation Party, held early this year did not disappoint. Many who wondered why the bank decided to host the party in January 2020, can now understand the strategic move in its decision to stay away from the December 2019 clutter.

The event which held at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Towers was attended by stakeholders of the bank, Captains of Industry, High Commissioners and members of the Diplomatic corps, Businessmen as well as public and private sector leaders.

Themed ‘Give them Wings’ to underscore the banks Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts at giving back to the society, the high octane event will remain the talk of the town for some time to come. Customers and guests were thoroughly entertained with good food and assorted drinks with scintillating performances from comedians; Bovi and Larry J. Musicians who performed on the night included; Flavor, Timaya, Niniola and a host of others.

The high point of the day was the new lease of life given to the physically challenged teacher Michael Sowunmi, who was offered employment by the bank.

BELLO MANDIYA

NASIRU GAWUNAHASSAN IMAM

BADARU UNGOGO

ALIKO DANGOTE

MOHAMMED BALARABE

MICHAEL OKEKE OLISA AGBAKOBA ADAMU ALIERO IHEANACHO & CHIJIOKE UGOCHUKWU BASHARI GUMEL OBA SAHEED ELEGUSHI

DEP GOV OF LAGOS STATE, OBAFEMI HAMZAT

ERNEST NDUKWE ALEX OJUKWU

PAT UTOMI DAKUKU PETERSIDEEUNICE ORTOM, FIRST LADY BENUE STATE

UJU & EMMANUEL IFEJIKAROTIMI AMAECHI

KEN & NNEKA ONYEALI-IKPE

CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE

CHIDOZIE AGBAPU

SEGUN OGUNSANYAKENNEDY UZOKAGOV VICTOR ATTAH

IFEOMA & DAN ULASI RAYMOND & BETHY OBIERI OBARO & EMUOBOR ODEGHE KAYODE & OLUSOLA OLOWONIYIAKU & BOB ODINKEMELU CHARLES & CORDELIA UMOLU

EMEKA ONWUKA

UK EKEDAVID ILUYOMADE

ALLEN ONYEMA

JOHN OBAYUWANA

DAVID OGBA ONUOHA-BOURDEX

GBOLAHAN JOSHUA

SENI & JANET ADETUNNAMDI & UCHE OKONKWO

LEO-STAN EKEH

ELIZABETH & ERNEST EBI

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FSDH AMAZONS

CELEBRATING

INTERNATION WOMEN’S DAY!

The history of International Women’s Day dates back to 1908, when roughly about 15,000 women marched the streets of New York City for the right to have better working hours, fairer pay, and to vote. Three years later, the first official International Women’s Day was celebrated throughout Europe as more than a million women rallied again for the right to work, hold office, vote, and end gender discrimination. From then on, the date, March 8th, was set aside as a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women all over the world

Even though we have come a long way from where we used to be, there are still a lot of conversations surrounding gender bias, social justice, discrimination, violence against women, access to education and advancement to leadership (just to mention a few) that affect the everyday Nigerian woman.

This year, these conversations are being had under the theme: “#EachforEqual”. This campaign theme is drawn from a notion of ‘Collective Individualism. We are all parts of a whole. Our individual actions,

conversations, behaviors and mindsets can have an impact on our larger society. Collectively, we can make change happen. Collectively, we can each help to create a gender equal world. We can all choose to be #EachforEqual.

To mark this special day, STYLE is joining in on this conversation by speaking to the women of First Securities Discount House Merchant Bank Limited (FSDH), a leading financial institution which specialises in delivering expert financial services within Nigeria to select clientele, with the aim of creating long term sustainable wealth.

FSDH became a merchant bank in 2013, the first merchant bank to be awarded a license by the CBN in the new banking dispensation in Nigeria in this new era. In this interview, they let us in on their career journey as women, the gender balance culture at FSDH and issues surrounding the much talked about gender related abuse in the banking sector. KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR reports.

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9068 Sunday, March 8, 2020


HAMDA AMBAH MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO, FSDHCan you give us a brief insight into your childhood?

I think my childhood was largely dictated by my father’s career as a diplomat and so my earliest memories are growing up in Cairo. The early experiences I had of living in different countries and being exposed to different cultures, really made a big impact in my life and has stayed with me until today.

This must have exposed you to lots of languages. Did you per chance learn any?

Yes, I did. But the thing is when you learn to read and write a language you never forget it, but if you only learn to speak a language as you grow older you will forget it. My late father always used to tell me l spoke Arabic like a native but now can’t speak it anymore. Now what I have left is French. I am fluent with that.

It’s a thing that runs in my family though. My father spoke eight languages and it reflects particularly clearly in his grandchildren. I have three daughters, one of them speaks Mandarin. She spent a year in China as part of her degree, the other one speaks very fluent French, she also spent one year in Paris as part of her Law degree and my youngest is currently studying modern languages; French and Spanish.

And my nieces and nephews, they’ve speak the Portuguese and other languages too. True, language isn’t hereditary, but I think there’s definitely something in the genes.

Who would you say played a pivotal role in making you the woman that you are today?

I think as we say in Africa, it takes a village to raise a child particularly in our generation. A lot of people were involved but I know my parents made a very strong impression on me. After that, I would say the people who taught me. There was one woman in particular, the late Mrs Coker, who was at the time, was our principal at Queens College. You couldn’t go

through QC without her having a major impact in your life. She was truly an inspiration to all of us.

What has your journey in FSDH being like so far?It’s been wonderful. I have been here since 1993 and

I wouldn’t have stayed this long here if I wasn’t really enjoying it. One of the things I like about FSDH is that the philosophy of the organization rhymes with my personal philosophy. 1993 till date is 27 years!

What would you say the bank provides for its clients that makes it stand out from others?

Honestly, one thing we are known for in FSDH is this question of partnership and reliability. You know, we currently have some people working with us on branding and they have held some focus groups with clients and asked, “What is it about FSDH?” And we have been told the most resounding response is that our word is our bond.

Let’s talk a bit about women. What stringent measures do you advice they take to ensure their rightful place in gender equality?

Women have to speak up. And especially for those of us who are mothers, we need to change the narrative. Sometimes women can be their own worst enemies and I say that as a mother of three daughters myself. So, we have a situation where a woman has two children,

a boy and a girl. For the boy, as long as he goes to school and passes his exams, he has done what Napoleon couldn’t do but for his sister, it’s a different ball game. She must go to school, pass her exams, come home, sweep and wash and there’s also the pressure of “Don’t you know you are going to be married one day?”. To be honest it kind of helps the woman later in life but what I don’t like about it is that it makes our girls afraid to fail. So, they may do well in jobs but when it comes to stepping out and taking that chance, doing something entrepreneurial, we make girls feel like failure is the end of the world.

We have to make them understand that you can’t achieve anything worth achieving if from time to time you don’t fail. You learn many lessons from failure that you can’t learn from success.

Do you also think a woman can be seen as too aggressive and too?

Definitely! We are made to feel that if we are assertive and all of that, we won’t be likeable. Some would say, yes she’s successful but she’s too aggressive about it. What’s wrong with wanting to succeed?

We have to start telling women that there’s nothing wrong with wanting to achieve success. If a woman shouts on her subordinate, you hear, “Ahh that’s how women are, always so temperamental”. But when it comes from a man, he’s just being assertive. This shouldn’t be the case.

I believe that sometimes our culture and tradition is what also restricts our daughters, sisters or mothers from reaching their peak. What’s your take on this?

I agree with you, but who perpetuates these culture and tradition, it’s people! We hear women complain about problem in-laws, and going by record, the problem rarely comes from the father or brother in-law. It’s usually the sister and mother in-laws. So basically, its women being difficult and mean to other women.

I always remember what Madeleine Albright said “There’s a special place in hell for women who tear down other women”. We need to support one another, and we need to make it clear to our daughters there’s nothing wrong in to wanting to achieve and even if that has been the narrative over centuries, it can change.

Do you still believe in the norm that the woman should be submissive to her husband?

I feel that marriage is a partnership and the partnership differs according to individuals. And so, I hesitate to prescribe things to people. I had someone who was getting married years ago ask me if I thought it was necessary to have a joint account with her husband. I replied her saying, “Whatever works for you and husband together is right for you, I can’t tell you to do what I do in my house”. I have friends who have joint accounts with their husband and it works wonderfully for them. This one-size-fits-all is a mistake. In any relationship, two people can’t be on a high horse at the same time, so there has to be a give and take and an ebb and flow. Our culture makes us believe that the woman should be submissive in all situations. I think when that happens, over time, you have things exploding in the wrong way.

There’s also this myth that says when a woman is financially independent, she’s going to be extremely unruly in her marital home. I actually believe it’s the contrary. I feel that when you know you have the wherewithal to be independent, you then don’t feel you need to exercise it immediately because you can afford to be patient. If you have money today, you will still have it tomorrow. But when you feel helpless, it’s almost as they say, a rat that is backed into a corner.

In some organizations especially in the financial sector, they set very high target for their staff and wrongly or rightly, some banks have been accused of sending women, preferably attractive ones, to potential clients to market accounts and this perception remains till date, some have called it ‘high class lobbying’, what’s your take on this?

It is true, it happens! But what I would like to say proudly, and this is not because I am now the MD of FSDH, is that this has never been our approach here. I think it’s wrong on all levels.

There is a difference between targets, you have to

have targets in life, and they should always be a little lofty because if a target is very easy to attain then is it really a target? When you are equipped with knowledge and professionalism to achieve your target, that is your best protection against gender abuse.

I would say that even when you work in an organization that stands against that, sometimes these things are bound to happen. I remember we used to have a young lady here and she was married and very attractive. She used to get hit on by her prospects, but she would say “I didn’t come here for that”, and then intelligently go on to explain what the bank had to offer

I have also seen many bankers who come to me and they say, “Give me a deposit”. They can’t explain why. All they are saying is please help me to meet my target. My staff here will tell you that if I ever hear you went to market anybody and you tell them to help you meet a target, if I know about it , I will fire you because you are not doing your job. Nobody wakes up in the morning planning to help you meet your target, but if you offer a prospect something that gives them value, they may consider you.

I think it is important to let our staff members know that if you are sexually harassed, you are at liberty to walk away. As a matter of fact, I think it’s your duty to walk away.

If you are made aware of such a situation being experienced by

younger staff under your watch, what steps will you take to right the wrong?

It’s very easy to point fingers another people and you don’t know if the same thing is even happening in your own organization. I am not aware that it has happened, but I think our women need to know that you don’t have to put up with this. Come back and tell us, we would believe you and you won’t go back there.

Have you personally experienced such harassment?I haven’t. I must say in the job I have experienced

other source of unfairness, but it hasn’t been sexual harassment. But what I do know as someone who developed physically very early, it can bring you unwanted attention from the sort of men that you would normally not expect it from.

While climbing up your career ladder, were there women that you looked up to that inspired you, if so whom and why?

Not particularly while climbing the career ladder. I had earlier referred to the late Mrs Coker of Queens College. She died recently at the age of 95. She was an amazing woman. She was the longest serving headmistress for 14 years and also the first Nigerian principal of the school.

I was there from 1973 to 1976 and they were the best years of my life. The friends I have now, 90% of them go back there and we all had the same upbringing. I always say that the women of my generation were taught the right thing, true some of us may have deviated, but none of us can say we weren’t taught the right thing. Her standards were so high. She took an interest in each and every girl in that school and you kept thinking, when I am doing my own job, I want to do it the way this woman has done hers. When she died, it was the old girls who buried her. Not that her family couldn’t, but we wanted to have the honour of being part of it.

There is a difference between targets, you have to have targets in life, and they should always be

a little lofty because if a target is very easy to attain then is it really a target? When you

are equipped with knowledge and professionalism to achieve your target, that is your best

protection against gender abuse.

We have to start telling women that there’s nothing wrong with

wanting to achieve success. If a woman shouts on her

subordinate, you hear, “Ahh that’s how women are, always so temperamental”. But when it comes from a man, he’s just

being assertive. This shouldn’t be the case.

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HappyInternationalWomen's dayMarch 8th

#EachforEqual #GenerationEquality#ThinkW

Inspiring Connecting Empowering. .

MAYOWA OGUNWEMIMO AIDEVO ODU-THOMASMANAGING DIRECTOR, FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY SECRETARY/GENERAL COUNSEL AT FSDH HOLDING COMPANY

Tell us a little bit about yourself?I am married with two children. I studied

Accountancy at the University of Ife. I joined FSDH 20 years ago as a youth corp member and have risen through the ranks.

How did you get into the Asset Management space? Chance, passion or a bit of both?

I guess that it’s actually a bit of both. I love numbers, probably why I studied Accountancy and I guess I love making money! (Laughter) I started my career in Risk Management and spent some time carrying out financial research. When the opportunity came to join the Asset Management team 16 years ago, I gladly jumped at it, having a foresight of opportunities available in that space in Nigeria.

What has your FSDH journey been like so far (from when you started to your current position)?

Like I said, I joined FSDH as a youth corp member, fresh out of university and today, I am the MD of the Asset Management subsidiary. This speaks to my work ethics and to the fact that FSDH recognizes talents irrespective of your gender and age. FSDH remains a good place to work – I guess that is why I have been here for 20 years!

With your vast experience in Asset Management, what makes FSDH different?

At FSDH Asset Management, the needs of our customers are important to us and we take them into consideration when developing products. Most of our products have low entry points thereby making them accessible to a wide variety of potential clients. We have relationship-managers that work with our clients to ensure that their goals and financial aspirations are met.

In a patriarchal society like ours, how would you describe the gender balance culture at FSDH?

At FSDH there is a level playing field for all employees irrespective of their gender. As a result, there is a healthy gender balance across the group.

A few years ago, FSDH Asset Management had an all-female board. This was not by any deliberate design, and it just goes to show that we ensure that there is a seat at the table for the best performers irrespective of their gender.

What is your take on the #metoo movement that has raised a voice so loud it cannot be ignored?

This is a good initiative and I am glad that it has empowered many who have been sexually harassed/ abused in the workplace to speak up. However, I feel that it is not an opportunity for women to dilute the importance of the movement by making false claims. That being said, anyone who has been sexually harassed should speak up, as this is a heinous crime

Tell us a little bit about yourself?I am a Lawyer, called to the Nigerian Bar. I have a Law

degree from the University of Ife and a Master’s degree in Computer and Communications Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London. My first job was with the Law firm of Ajayi , Olonfinade & Co in Western House at that time. I subsequently took up employment in Nitel where I rose through the ranks to become the Head of Legal for the organization’s Lagos Zone. From there, I moved to UBA as a Senior Manager. I worked in the Bank’s Legal Department and was eventually appointed as it’s Company Secretary. I moved from UBA to Etisalat now 9mobile initially as it’s Company Secretary and subsequently, I covered both roles of CS and Head of Legal. After Etisalat, I took up appointment as Company Secretary/Legal Adviser for FSDH Merchant Bank and upon the restructuring of the business to a holding company structure, I was appointed General Counsel/Company Secretary for FSDH Holding Company, my current role.

How did you get into the legal space? Chance, passion or a bit of both?

I will say by divine design. Growing up as a teenager, I wanted to be a Doctor. I did very well in all the science subjects, but I made a pass in Mathematics. The only option left for me was to read Law as I had also passed arts subjects very well. Up till this day I have not regretted the decision. I am glad I studied Law and stayed on in the legal profession.


It has been a relatively short journey. I joined the Merchant bank in 2018 and moved to the Holding Company in 2019. Expectedly, there are new things to learn and ideas to offer to the organization.

With your vast experience in Law, what makes FSDH different?

My role in FSDH is different because I work in the Holding company. The implication of this is that I have to be able to speak to legal issues regarding both the Holding company and its subsidiaries; Pensions Alliance, FSDH Merchant Bank, FSDH Asset Management and FSDH Securities. I also have to understand the products and services that are delivered across the group. This is different from other companies I have worked where the focus was only on the company, its products, services and the legal issues relating to that company alone.


In FSDH gender is not considered in promotions, postings and recruitments. If a candidate has earned a promotion or is qualified for appointment the candidate will get it. Gender does not come up in the discussions.

that should not be condoned under any guise. Some Organizations, especially in the Finance

sector, set very high targets and have been, wrongly or rightly, accused of preferring to send women (preferably attractive ones), to potential clients/customers to market for accounts and this perception still remains till date. Some have even called it ‘high class lobbying’ for lack of a better phrase to use. What is your take on this?

I am glad that this does not happen in FSDH. Even though we are in a highly competitive industry, every FSDH employee is expected to be a brand ambassador, who represents our values and culture. One of our core values is professionalism. Therefore, we must court our clients professionally. If done otherwise, this can cost you your job.

Have you ever experienced any situation at work in the course of your career that made you uncomfortable or feel taken advantage of because of your gender? And if so, how did you handle it?

I have heard of such examples from many people, fortunately, I have never had any experience of my own.

If you were made aware of such situation being experienced by a younger staff under your watch, what steps will you take to right the wrong?

I do not condone such and will immediately takes steps to ensure that the staff in question feels safe enough to share his or her experience. In addition to this, the situation that led to the unfortunate incident will be reviewed to ensure that it’s immediately stopped and does not reoccur.

Are they any products or programs designed within your organization for the empowerment of women?

We have the FSDH Coral Income Fund and FSDH Treasury Bill Fund, which is a money market fund. These products are used by many mothers to save for their children in order to give them a chance at living the lives that they desire.

Do you also have any corporate social responsibilities aimed at supporting or empowering women?

It is said that when you educate a woman, you educate a nation. As a result, we have been engaged in activities that focus on providing financial literacy to children, especially the girl child. Over the last couple of years, some of our very senior members of staff have visited a number of girls and co-ed schools to teach financial literacy.

We have also made donations to a number of female organisations – St. Mary’s girls School and the Women Helping Hand initiative (for vulnerable girls and women)

While climbing up your career ladder, were there women you looked up to that inspired you, and if so whom and why?

A few inspired me as I climbed the career ladder. Two that stand out for me are my mum and Mrs. Funmi Roberts, who is a well-respected Lawyer and is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Wimbiz.

Growing up, I watched my mum juggle her career and family. She made me believe that as a career woman you had two full time jobs – one at work and the other in the home. I also learnt that it was possible to succeed at the two, as long as you had the right support system and could create the right balance between both roles.

For Mrs. Roberts, it was a chance meeting in my teenage years. An interaction that left an impression - that women should support one another within and outside the workplace. She also inspired the desire to be the best I can be at what I do, in order to ensure my financial independence.


I believe that for some sex bullies, the fear of being exposed now or in the future, will serve as a deterrent but like in any other situation, there will be some who will persist irrespective of the threats. The movement is laudable, but it deals with the situation after the fact. In my view we need to also do a lot of work in the area of preventing these harassments as much as we can. Mothers need to take their place in this regard. In addition to teaching the girl child all the virtues that she needs to have in order not to get pregnant at the wrong time, mothers should also teach their daughters from a very young age, those tricks that uncles, fathers, brothers and that man out there can get up to in order to take advantage of them. Mothers need to find the time and make the effort to cultivate a relationship of trust between them and their daughters, such that their daughters are able to report everything to their mothers no matter how mundane. Our sons also have to be trained to respect girls and treat them with the dignity that they deserve. I know that some churches and nursery/primary schools have started to educate young girls with a view to preventing these harassments, but the children must be able to report to an adult who can protect them.

Some Organizations, especially in the Finance sector, set very high targets and have been, wrongly or rightly, accused of preferring to send women (preferably attractive ones), to potential clients/customers to market for accounts and this perception still remains till date. Some have even called it ‘high class lobbying’ for lack of a better phrase to use. What is your take on this?

This is not right. It debases who we are as women. I have heard arguments that organizations set targets for males and females alike and that it is up to the employee to achieve those targets in the manner he/she wants to. It is clear from the question you have asked that the backlash is not on the female employee but on the organizations and the financial services sector. The industry should take steps to stop this. In FSDH we do not practice it and we do not encourage it. Having said that

I believe that a woman should set boundaries for what is acceptable to her and on how far she is willing to go to keep her job. It is really a question of choice for any woman who is exposed to gender bias or harassment. I know for most, it is a tough choice to make but your values are “You” and you should do what you have to do to keep them.

Have you ever experienced any situation at work in the course of your career that made you uncomfortable of feel taken advantage of because of your gender? And if so, how did you handle it?

This is one of those things that has not happened to me. I believe the Good Lord has shielded me.

If you were made aware of such situation being

Growing up, I watched my mum juggle her career and family. She made me believe that as a career woman you had two full time jobs – one at work and the other in the home. I also learnt that it was possible to succeed at the

two, as long as you had the right support system and could create the right balance between both roles.

I believe that a woman should set boundaries for what is acceptable to her and on how far she is willing to go to keep her job. It is really a question of choice for any woman who is exposed to gender bias or harassment. I know for most, it is a tough choice to make but your values are “You” and you should do what you have to

do to keep them.

experienced by a younger staff under your watch, what steps will you take to right the wrong?

I will encourage her to make a written complaint to HR and I will personally follow up to ensure that it is addressed.


We have no designated products for women but in FSDH Asset Management there are products that will enable any prudent woman make investments. Investments start from N5,000 and FSDH Asset Management will grow the funds for you.


FSDH engages in financial literacy trainings and the renovation of schools, a larger proportion are done in girls’ schools


Several women have inspired me and still inspire me. I will mention just one in the legal profession. Chief Mrs. Olufolake Solanke SAN, CON, First female Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Given her generation, she was evidence to me very early in my career that being focused and with hard work a woman can get to the top of her career.

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STELLA-MARIE OMOGBAI OLUFUNSHO OLUSANYAGENERAL MANAGER CORPORATE BANKING GROUP, FSDH MERCHANT BANK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FSDH MERCHANT BANK

Tell us a little bit about yourself?My name is Stella-Marie Omogbai. I head the

Corporate bank and the branches at FSDH Merchant Bank Limited. I am a Lawyer by qualification. I graduated from the University of Benin then went to the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos. I also have an MBA from the University of Wales and I am a WimBoard Africa Fellow from the IE Business School, Madrid, Spain. I have also been the beneficiary of several scholarships. My university education was sponsored by Shell and my Law School was sponsored by the Edo State Government. I joined the banking industry in the 90s and I worked in six banks. FDSH is my seventh and last bank.

How did you get into the corporate banking space? Chance, passion or a bit of both?

I got into Corporate Banking by chance, discovered a love for it and have remained ever since. I was working in another Commercial bank and was transferred to the emerging Nigerian Corporates team to head it. I discovered I had a flair for working with wholesale clients. Corporate banking is a dynamic and constantly changing terrain. I love the challenges of working with various clients with multifaceted needs and challenges and seeing these businesses develop and grow and being a part of their change process and story. Also working across multiple industries both established and new. I see myself as financial advisers. We work with clients, diagnose their needs, advise them, recommend solutions for them and manage them across their various stages of growth.


I joined FSDH approximately seven years ago in 2013. It has been interesting. The bank was transiting from a Discount House to a Merchant Bank, a hitherto relatively new terrain. My team and I dug in and did the work. It was tough initially, still is tough because of the ever constant changing regulatory and business environment but we have recorded a lot of milestones.

With your vast experience in corporate banking, what makes FSDH different?

FSDH is a wholesale bank focused on the corporate and wholesale sector. However, what makes it different is that we approach our relationships with knowledge coupled with service and backed by digital experience. We have a pioneering mindset and we are not afraid to create products that are specifically designed to address the peculiar needs of our clients.


FSDH is actually the opposite of the typical financial institutions. Two out of three of our Executive Management are women - our Managing Director and an Executive Director. We have two general Managers and I am one of them. I will state that there is a good

Tell us a little bit about yourself?The earlier part of my childhood was spent in the

Northern part of Nigeria where my father worked as a civil engineer. I was drawn to the social science against my father’s bias for medicine; and my distinct curiosity informed my choice to focus on subjects like literature, mathematics, geography, history and economics. This led to studying Banking and Finance at the University of Lagos, and later to starting my banking career with one of the international banks in Nigeria.

I have been fortunate and privileged; meeting, working and knowing some of the exceptional talents in the banking industry. These are people that are exceptional not only because they are smart and intelligent, but also because of their sense of purpose, simplicity, humility, honesty, hard work and diligence.

My typical role model is an embodiment of selfless commitment to what he/she does, to family, and to the embracement of a more sustainable way of life. I am passionate about my work as it gives that constant opportunity to provide solutions and create value.

I am very grateful for the supports I get from my family, friends and colleagues. Without their support and love, and the grace of God, I won’t be where I am today. These are things that I do not take for granted and for which I am deeply humbled.

How did you get into the Treasury and Global markets pace? Chance, passion or a bit of both?

I studied Banking and Finance as a result of my fascination with the concept of finance and investment; and started my banking career in the Organization and Methods Department of an international bank. An opportunity to document the bank’s procedure manual for its treasury department, brought me to have my first encounter with treasury and global markets. The fact that the bank was an international bank, made it possible for me to very quickly have access to other banks in Nigeria, and grow my knowledge and contact network.


Just like life, the journey has been full of pleasant surprises, lot of challenges and loads of opportunities. Prior to rejoining FSDH in 2013, I was the Group Treasurer of United Bank for Africa - one of the biggest and most dynamic banks in Nigeria. However, when FSDH received its merchant banking licence in the last quarter of year 2012, I couldn’t resist the chance of being part of its transformation story.

The ever-changing nature of banking and its regulations make the banking sector a very challenging albeit an interesting one. Our goals however remain, understanding our customers’ needs, being innovative and constantly providing solutions that are sustainable but rendered within a reasonably time frame.

With your vast experience in treasury and global markets, what makes FSDH different?

gender balance in FSDH.

Some organizations, especially in the Finance sector, set very high targets and have been, wrongly or rightly, accused of preferring to send women (preferably attractive ones), to potential clients/customers to market for accounts and this perception still remains till date. Some have even called it ‘high class lobbying’ for lack of a better phrase to use. What is your take on this?

My take as a woman is know your onions. Ensure you are adequately equipped and skilled to more than deliver on your job. Work hard. Continue to add value to yourself so you can deliver value. Looks might get you in the door but is unable to take you much further.

When you show a client that you have knowledge and can add value to them or have value to bring to the table, in most cases, other things become secondary.

Have you ever experienced any situation at work in the course of your career that made you uncomfortable of feel taken advantage of because of your gender? And if so, how did you handle it?

My Mum had a PHD and taught us from a young age to focus on these things and gender will never come into the equation.

Are there any products or programs designed within your organization for the empowerment of women?

As a Merchant Bank, we really do not have specific products supporting women because most women businesses fall under SME, retail, personal products and MSME which is outside our area of operations as defined by regulation, however, we actively nurture and support the women businesses that we can do business with and we have a few of what we regard as emerging corporates women businesses in our books.


At FSDH we believe very firmly that we, as women, can break boundaries and are entitled to our seats at the table if we work hard. In that light, for Corporate Social Responsibility “CSR”, we focus on education and engage in a number of activities for the purpose of educating grass root children with a special focus on the girl child. In so doing, enriching women across Nigeria.

We make yearly donations to schools, perform renovations to ensure a comfortable learning environment, visit schools to teach young ladies about financial literacy and make donations to organizations focused on rescuing, nurturing and empowering women and girls that are most vulnerable in society.

Examples of schools that we have done this are:

• St Mary’s Girls School, Lagos Island where we did the school renovation.

• The Women’s Helping Hand Initiative (for vulnerable girls and women).

• Dominican Sisters College, Anambra (a co-ed school

where we taught but with a special focus on the girl child)

• Girl Senior Academy, Sura, Lagos Island. I have personally been there twice to teach the girls about financial literacy.

We have also donated monies to the International Women’s society “IWS” and have on numerous occasions, over the years, been co-sponsors in programs of Women in Business, Management and Public Service “WIMBIZ”. We have also ensured that the senior women within the organisation are associates of this NGO.

Additionally, in 2018, FSDH won the CFA award on one of the best places for women to work in Nigeria. This is a recognition of FSDH’s promotion of gender diversity in the workplace.


I am drawn to strong, intelligent successful women who walk their paths and chart their destinies. They are also not afraid to break through glass ceilings despite the odds.

A few women have actually inspired me for different things, and I will name a few of them. Oprah Winfrey – rich yet grounded with a fantastic work ethic. Sheryl Sandberg – her ability to dominate in a male driven world and yet maintain her core. Justice Sotomeyer - a Supreme Court Justice in the US – A lady of firsts. These are all driven women, who are firsts in their field and hold their own. On the local scene, there are a few women I admire and follow including a recent Director of mine. For her calm intelligence and deep knowledge and profound understanding of current global issues. I try and take a few tips from their leadership styles and the way they comport themselves.

The following are some of the things that make FSDH different: 1- Our people – we have experienced trading and

investment banking teams that are dynamic and committed; they are ever ready to go the extra mile.

2- The uniqueness of our product offerings – FSDH has recorded so many firsts in the Nigerian financial sector. We introduced the Open Back Buy (OBB) product that is unique to Nigeria and still very relevant in the Nigerian money market, with monthly turnover in excess of N3.5Trillion. We created the very first dollar investment product linked to Eurobonds and also created awareness around investing in and trading the instrument. We consummated the very first secondary market trade in the Federal Government Bond. We were also the first to dematerialize and trade the recently issued Federal Government Promissory Note.

3- Our knowledge of the market – vast knowledge of the local and international markets, especially in terms of investment opportunities that our customers can tap into. As well industry and market insight backed by excellent network.

4- Our responsiveness, quick turnaround time, attention to details and service delivery.

Also, of note is a fact that most people tend to overlook in business (especially that of banking), which is ‘access to senior management’. At FSDH, we don’t stand on ceremony, you can always reach us. Most especially the senior people!


I am in strong support of people not being harassed or assaulted especially women and children. I do not believe people should be discriminated against as a result of their gender, religion or race.

Have you ever experienced any situation at work in the course of your career that made you uncomfortable or feel taken advantage of because of your gender? And if so, how did you handle it?

I have had the privilege of working in organizations that have high ethical standards, thus, I have been fortunate not to have been put in a situation of being taken advantage of due to my gender. These organizations (one of which is FSDH), have put in place duly approved codes of conduct and policies to guard against discrimination and gender inequality, among others. They support gender equality and inclusion, and they stand for fairness at the workplace.

If you were made aware of such situation being experienced by a younger staff under your watch, what steps will you take to right the wrong?

The first step is to address the situation as quickly as possible and make sure that appropriate actions are brought against whoever is found guilty. The next step is to offer extensive counselling and support to the

member(s) of staff being victimized or assaulted.


Being a wholesale bank, our focus is on creating value for our customers; irrespective of their gender. Nonetheless, we recognize the uniqueness of being a female and the key roles that women play in the society. In recognition of these factors, the female perspective is a key element in any of our product development and rollout.


The greatest influence in my personal life which then extends to my professional life, has been some of the women in my close-knit family and circle of friends. They challenged me to be better, taught me to think differently and to be resilient.

My first boss at FSDH (PUO) and my current boss (HAA) are a constant source of inspiration. Both are extraordinary women that have continued to do extraordinary things.

At the Duke of Edinburgh International Award for Young People event that took place in Lagos recently,

I was privileged to listen to the speech delivered by a 16 years old young lady named Esther Banire. Listening to the story of the amazing (but simple) things she is engaging in and seeing how far she has come in overcoming her fears, I came to the realization that being a role model is regardless of age or experience. It is that ability to connect, be relatable and be a change maker.

The females and their attributes as mentioned above, continue to be the driving force for my alignment to the kind of person that I want to be remembered as.

I was privileged to listen to the speech delivered by a 16 years old young lady named Esther Banire. Listening to the story of the amazing (but simple) things she is engaging in and seeing how far she has come in overcoming her fears, I came to the realization that being a role model is regardless of age or

experience. It is that ability to connect, be relatable and be a change maker.

My take as a woman is know your onions. Ensure you are adequately equipped and skilled to more than

deliver on your job. Work hard. Continue to add value to yourself so you can deliver value. Looks might get you in

the door but is unable to take you much further.

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10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GLOBAL CELEBRATION

9 SMALL ACTIONS WITH BIG IMPACT FOR GENERATION EQUALITY

I N T E R N A T I O N A L W O M E N ’ S D A Y I N T E R N A T I O N A L W O M E N ’ S D A Y

While International Women’s Day is now largely aimed at inspiring women across the world and celebrating

their achievements, its roots are in movements campaigning for better pay and voting rights.

The first National Women’s Day was marked on 28 February 1909 in the United States after a declaration by

the Socialist Party of America.

During an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen the following year, Clara Zetkin,

leader of the ‘Women’s Office’ for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, suggested the idea of an International Women’s Day. She proposed that every year in every country there should be a

celebration on the same day. The idea was met with unanimous approval.

1911 saw IWD honoured for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on March 19.

Over a million people attended rallies campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination.

On the eve of World War 1 campaigning for peace, Russian women observed their first International

Women’s Day on the last Sunday in February 1913. In 1965, it was declared as a non-working day in the USSR.

International Women’s Day was transferred to 8 March that same year and has remained the global date for

the event ever since.

In 1975, the United Nations gave official sanction to International Women’s Day and began sponsoring it

The United States now designates the whole month of March as ‘Women’s History Month’.

IWD is also an official holiday in 15 countries including China, Ukraine and Vietnam.

Over the past few years Google have marked the occasion with a “Google Doodle”, changing their logo on the search engine’s homepage to reflect the occasion.

1. Share the careEver heard the saying “a woman’s work

is never done”? Well, it’s true: women take on three times more unpaid care and domestic work than men. That’s time and energy taken away from women to advance their careers, earn more money and enjoy leisure activities.

Show you care: Commit to evenly sharing household chores, parenting responsibilities and other unpaid work. Here are some strategies to get you going:

Start with a family or household discussion. Identify care needs and domestic responsibilities.• Consider and discuss your

strengths when sharing caregiving responsibilities.

• Lay out the household activities through a chores roster.

• From setting the table to cooking, encourage children of all genders to be involved equally in household chores.

• If one partner works full-time in the home, recognize and acknowledge the value of their labour.

2. Call out sexism and harassment

From catcalling to mansplaining to inappropriate sexual jokes, women are faced with all kinds of sexist and disrespectful behaviours in public and private places on a daily basis.

You can be an active bystander by disrupting the status quo and challenging your peers. Start by calling out any inappropriate behaviour in a safe, respectful manner. Challenge any stereotypical notions of gender, such as “a woman should know her place” and “stop getting emotional”, through open dialogue. When it comes to engaging in conversation, learn the facts, so that the next time someone makes statements

like the “wage gap is a myth!”, you can eloquently squash that misinformation in its tracks.

If you witness harassment, speak up and step up. Get the help of others if you feel unsafe doing so. Take the time to listen to the survivor and ask how you can support.

3. Demand an equal work culture

From sexual harassment to the gender wage gap, women face a full roster of discriminatory practices when it comes to the workplace. Demand a progressive work environment through the equal representation of women in leadership and boardrooms, equal pay for work of equal value and education courses on gender equality.

Women often make significant professional sacrifices to have a family, with consequences for their economic and personal wellbeing. One way to level the playing field is to push for unified parental leave policies that offer ample paid leave to both biological and adoptive parents. It’s also important to encourage fathers to take parental leave to play an active role in caretaking.

4. Exercise your political rights

Women remain woefully underrepresented in the highest political positions. What’s the easiest, most direct

way you can make a difference? Vote! And consider voting for women!

Stay informed on upcoming elections and spread the word about strong women candidates. Register to vote if you haven’t yet and check in with friends and family members to make sure they’re registered, too. Then, hit the polls. (It’s the least you can do, given how hard women fought for suffrage.)

You can also make an impact by donating your time or money. Help get the word out with minimal effort by making calls or sending texts in support of your preferred candidate. If you’re ready for a bigger commitment, join a political campaign full-time, encourage women you know to run for office, or launch your own campaign!

5. Amplify feminist books, movies and more

The next time you’re browsing the bookstore or settling in for a movie night, consider something written or directed by women (and for women).

Movies, books, newspapers, podcasts, and other popular mediums have lasting effects on cultural perceptions of gender, offering women a powerful platform to share their stories and perspectives. Yet, the film and publishing industries remain heavily male-dominated, and popular narratives commonly portray women as one-dimensional characters or sex objects—or else exclude them altogether. You can amplify the voices of the women and feminists rewriting this narrative by watching, listening, reading and investing in the media they produce.

6. Teach girls their worthLittle princess. Vulnerable. Bossy.Before even hitting puberty,

girls across the world already carry internalized beliefs about their place, worth and role in society as dependent, vulnerable or incapable and are told to act accordingly, reinforcing gender stereotypes and keeping girls from realizing their full potential.

It’s hard to unlearn these kinds of beliefs. That’s why it’s so important to start addressing them early. Remind girls in your life that they are strong, capable

and deserving of the same respect as boys. Make sure they know they are more than their appearance: praise them for their intelligence, strength, leadership, athleticism and so much more.

Encourage girls

to speak out and assert themselves. Counter narratives and language that discourage them to do so: say they are “bold,” not “bossy.” Show them their thoughts matter by asking their opinions and listening when they speak.

7. Challenge what it means to “be a man”Man up. Boys don’t cry. Boys will be boys.

These traditional notions of masculinity often discourage boys and men later in life from openly communicating their feelings.

Whether in your friendships or relationships or within your family, support expressions of masculinity that involve vulnerability, sensitivity, caretaking and other traditionally non-masculine traits. Foster an environment where boys and men feel safe expressing their emotions: let them know their feelings are valid and give them the opportunity to share. Don’t mock or dismiss them and call out others who do.

8. Challenge beauty standards

Though beauty standards vary from place to place, they almost always promote a narrow, unrealistic vision of femininity. Women are often expected to devote far more time, energy and money to their appearances than their male counterparts. This kind of double standard proliferates the sense that women’s bodies aren’t really their own––that they’re objects intended for public consumption.

Rethink your beliefs on what it means to be beautiful. Start in the mirror: notice the way that you think and talk about your own appearance, and the next time you catch yourself being critical, try to give yourself a compliment. Treat all bodies as equally valuable and deserving of celebration—regardless of size, ability, or colour—and call out body shaming when you see it.

9. Respect the choices of others

Every person has the right to make decisions about their body, well-being, family and future.

When someone’s choices make you uncomfortable, ask yourself why. Examine the biases that may be driving your reaction and consider the circumstances that make their life different from yours. Listen to their reasoning.

It’s often hard to understand a choice that you’ve never had to make. Take it upon yourself to learn and think critically about the situations of others.

International Women’s Day (IWD), which is observed annually on March 8, is gaining recognition as an important worldwide celebration. Given the strides that women have achieved in recent years in terms of empowerment, the day is worth celebrating. The special day acknowledges women’s cultural, economic, political, and social accomplishments. The celebration also aims to advance gender equality. Find below 10 things you didn’t know about this global celebration.

Change isn’t just about big headline moments, legal victories and international agreements: the way we talk, think, and act every day can create a ripple effect that benefits everyone. As we celebrate women today, take stock of global progress on women’s rights and show your support through these simple everyday actions.

WORKIN IRLG Dual Career Couples: Finding Balance

Having made partner at 30 in one of the big consulting firms, Solape who had broken a record in this organisation was very clear about what she needed to prove herself in the role and she was ready.

Ndukwe her husband of 5 years was equally doing well in the corporate he worked. Both their jobs required intense travel which meant they were increasingly spending less mornings and evenings together. Only recently, did they did they manage to meet up in London when their paths crossed for upwards of 5 whole days. It was exhilarating but also worrying as even though they didn’t owe anyone an explanation Solape sometimes felt their families had questioning eyes and with work always on her mind, she also didn’t think she was being a ‘great partner’ to Ndukwe as her Mum had taught her.

Even worse, they who were hitherto both ‘’church people’ were repeatedly absent from church based on their schedules. The last time she did it was coincidentally ‘family Sunday’ and she

had to endure a sermon on who a good wife was or what a good wife should do. The other time before that was a drama presentation by a visiting church group who talked about a travelling working wife who lost her husband to a stay at home neighbour who ran a shop at home.

Indeed, trust was no issue between them, and truth be told Ndukwe was very easy going, but still she found too many things where unnerving her in recent times.

For the first time, Solape who wasn’t given to female gatherings or networking events sought out a senior female who she had once been connected with for mentorship opportunities. Mrs. Zanku was the Chairperson of a leading downstream Oil and Gas company in the country and she felt would have both practical and theoretical guidance to give. It was this session which helped her unpack all the challenges of a dual career couple.

She was quite methodological in her approach which worked for Solape’s style of linear thinking. She asked her about her values, what mattered

to her, what she was willing to trade off, if she had a good home support structure and lastly if her husband supported her ambition. Finally, she assured her that there were many couples keeping fast paced schedules and given they don’t have children as yet, there were a few ways to manage themselves namely:

*Share Schedules – especially if you work in non-conflicting corporates. This way you each get a sense of where the other is during the day. This also saves you from a disastrous personal assistant

*Find connection moments during the day - All sorts of instant messaging apps allow you stay connected to the humour or whatever is your glue. Just share kind and thoughtful messages during the day.

*If you can check in with your line Manager several times a day, then you can also do that with your spouse- add a reminder on your phone if you must.

*Seize Opportunities- When some free time suddenly arises, find date time or one partner can travel with the other or build in date nights.

*For now, live free of relatives, you

actually don’t need anyone to judge what is a mutually agreed phase in your lives.

*Reappraise your goals biannually - have open conversations around your goals, boundaries and timelines for key important activities in your life.

Solape felt quite at peace and extremely thankful as she was leaving Mrs Zanku. She sat back in her car and picked up one of the many magazines she buys even though she usually didn’t have time to read it – Pschycology today.

It was both interesting and ironic that the first page she opened was ‘’New research shows an increasing number of women required fertility assistance after 30”’ . With no interest at shattering her newfound peace, she dropped the magazine and picked up another.

Nkiru Olumide Ojo is an Author, Corporate General Manager, Female Enthusiast and Lover of Africa.

Connect with her via LinkedIn: LinkedIn/in/Nkiru-olumide-ojo

Twitter: @nkiruolumideojo IG: @nkiruolumideojo or FB:NkiruOlumide-Ojo

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STORIES BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

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S T Y L E & D E S I G N S T Y L E & D E S I G NTHISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9068 Sunday, March 8, 2020

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9068 Sunday, March 8, 2020

Come Saturday, 14 March the city of Lagos will stand still for the most anticipated movie award in Nigeria, Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards. Taking place at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, the AMVCA is Africa’s most prestigious celebration of film and TV talent behind and in front of the cameras. The event also represents the significant investment made by MultiChoice as a show of its commitment to the development of skills and talent on the continent.

Currently in its seventh edition, the AMVCAs have 27 categories which includes a brand-new category: The Multichoice Talent Factory Award. For some of us it’s an opportunity to see what the trends and style the bevy of stars will wear on the red carpet. For others, particularly those in the industry, it will be the excitement of who takes whatever award home. Either way, it will be a night of glitz and fun and we can’t wait.

AMVCA 2020

DURO OLOWU X ESTÉE LAUDERWhen he made a splash in the U.S. in 2005 with his heralded prints, Nigerian-born British fashion designer Duro Olowu didn’t know that a cosmetics marriage was in his future. When he originally teamed up with cosmetics giant Estée Lauder on a packaging design project, he couldn’t have imagined that it would have

morphed into an entire collection with this creative stamp. But that’s exactly what happened.

The Estée Lauder x Duro Olowu collection includes two Pure Color Envy Lipsticks, two eyeliners and two eye shadow palettes packaged in the beautifully designed color prints we’ve come to associate with Olowu.Pic- duro olowu, model for duro olowu x estee lauder collection, duro olowu x estee lauder collection.

LUPITA IN LAGOSRecently Oscar-winning actress, Lupita Nyong’o was hosted in Lagos by novelist Chimamanda Adichie. Nyong’o, famous for her roles in critically acclaimed movies such as 12 Years a Slave and Black Panther, is coming ahead of the screening of Americanah, a television series adaptation of Adichie’s acclaimed novel of the same title. American subscription video-on-demand streaming service, HBO Max, gave a straight-to-series order for the Americanah project in 2019.Nyong’o is set to star and also act as Executive Producer of the show.

1 MILLI.Nigerian Afro beats and Afro-pop star, Davido has released a brand-new track titled “1 Milli”, taken off his new A Good Time Album. He recently dropped the visuals for the track alongside a photograph of him and longtime girl/fiancée Chioma Rowland in what seemed like a traditional wedding ceremony. This finally puts paid to break up rumours amidst controversy

with singer and song writer, PeruzziIn the video, the smitten lover confesses his love for Chioma as he also gives us a sneak peek of what to expect from their forthcoming wedding. The colorful music video which was shot in the popular Balogun Market in Lagos, has now gained almost a million view on streaming platform, YouTube.

KENNETH IZE’S PARIS FASHION WEEK DEBUT Recently Nigerian fashion designer Kenneth Ize debuted at Paris Fashion week and put on an undeniably spectacular show. The designer wowed with his Autumn/Winter 2020 collection and then topped it all off by having international supermodel Naomi Campbell walk the runway last and bring the show to a close. Ize, who is also a 2019 LVHMH Prize finalist, brought to life the vibrant colors and rich textures of the aso oke material that he’s become known for when creating his signature ensembles.

PEOPLE ARE

ABOUTTALKING BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE AND LUPITA NYONGO

MODELS FOR KENNETH IZE

DURO OLOWU ESTEE LAUDER COLLECTION

MODEL

DAVIDO AND CHIOMA, A GOOD TIME ALBUM AKAH NNANI, ADESUWA WELLINGTON, JEMIMA OSUNDE AND TIMINI EGBUSON AT THE AMVCA 2020 NOMINEE COCKTAIL PARTY

20

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9068 Sunday, March 8, 2020S T Y L E & D E S I G N

BLACKTW

IST

WITH A

Just

like

ther

e

are

som

e

piece

s

in y

our

war

drob

e th

at

are a

must

-hav

e,

cert

ain c

olou

rs

are al

so a

key

to

mult

iple a

nd tim

eles

s

look

s. B

lack

is a

cla

ssic

colo

ur fo

r a

reas

on. N

o

mat

ter wha

t eve

nt you

have

com

ing

up, the

re is

an

all-b

lack

outfi

t to

suit a

ny

occa

sion

. Dar

k sh

ades

will

help

you lo

ok sha

rp a

nd so

phist

icat

ed,

even

in a

cas

ual set

ting.

Bla

ck is

a

colo

ur th

at lo

oks gr

eat o

n eve

ryon

e,

rega

rdless

of t

heir

ski

n ton

e. It

’s al

so

the m

ost v

ersa

tile col

our yo

u’ll eve

r

have

: you

can

wea

r it fo

r ab

solu

tely

any

occa

sion

and

tim

e, fr

om ear

ly in

the m

ornin

g to

mid

night

. Whe

ther

you p

refer ca

sual

or so

met

hing

mor

e

form

al, h

ere’s a

guid

e on

how

to

wea

r

all-b

lack

outfi

ts w

ith

styl

e.

BY USIADE ISIOMA

INI EDO

CHARLOTTE KAMALE

KOSMIOS

CASUAL: For the ultimate

laidback aesthetic, pair black jeans or

power shorts with a black wrap skirt and top, finish the look

with sneakers or boots.

POLISHED & FORMAL:

Just like most people think, all-black

outfits are perfect for formal occasions

and pulling a cute one is a no-brainer. Try adding a black

leather piece such as a cute belt, and you’ll

transform a regular outfit into an edgy and stylish refined

look. KOSMIOS

BUSINESS CASUAL

You can’t go wrong with an all-black business

casual ensemble. High waisted black pants

and heel will give you an edgy and cool look, which will for sure, turn

heads at your workplace.

SMART CASUALYou can wear an all-black outfit at any time of the

year and look effortlessly sophisticated. A black on

black outfit is nothing without a statement piece.

A belt, purse or necklace can instantly elevate a regular

workwear outfit.

BLACK PARTY

OUTFITSFor an all-black

party outfit, remember your

LBD and add the right accessories to complement and give you for a cute yet sexy

look.

TITILOLA SOGUNROJULITHA KABETE

22 23

S T Y L E & D E S I G N THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9068 Sunday, March 8, 2020S T Y L E & D E S I G N THISDAY Style

Vol. 22, No. 9068 Sunday, March 8, 2020

NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE · the people around you because the disease is transmitted through air and ... this will us give some time to know how best to manage

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