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9

OLUJIMI

AGBAJEINTEGRITY + CAPACITY

Last week we had APC Lagos gubernatorial candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for cover so we thought it only fair to give his major contender Olujimi Agbaje a

fair chance to also have his say. l am not usually one to discuss politics on this platform even though l am very interested in the topic. In fact, many a fight has occurred in homes, beer parlors and other gatherings as people voice their views from opposite sides. l must admit that even l, have lost my voice, on many occasions during the various heated arguments that have ensued over this trending topic...elections! It is a miracle many friendships haven’t been broken with the extent these debates have gone to. Needless

to say, each party supporter is convinced their party is the best answer to Nigeria’s problems. Realistically, the two topmost candidates might not have necessarily been

the best options but it’s not just a question of the candidate but also the party they belong to. The onus therefore is on us to chose wisely under the circumstances. It is a

question of who is the most capable candidate to lift us out of this abyss. We however, cannot overemphasis the money lost by business people, or those who travelled far and wide

to participate in the election that was cancelled, was any thought given to the utter disappointment felt by the citizens of the nation for such act?

Truth is, our lives are not chessboards for politicians to play with as they see fit. And rather than expect voter fatigue from the people or seek for more room to maneuver as speculated, the cancellation actually incited people to go out en mass to vote for the candidate of their choice regardless of how the final results play out!

Now all we have to do is wait and see if our votes really counts and the true winner emerges.

THISDAY STYLEFASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

RUTH OSIME

EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR

STYLE CORRESPONDENT MOJISOLA ALLEN

STYLE CORRESPONDENT SAFINA MOHAMMED

SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG

CONTRIBUTORSRUKY SALAKO

JULIET ALUAYODEJI ROTINWA

PHOTOGRAPHERTY BELLO

DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION. CHUKS ONWUDINJO

08111847085

08111847086

08111847087

08116759745

07054965500

08077092196

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

A major contender in the Lagos state gubernatorial election, Olujimi Agbaje of the People Democratic Party (PDP) is the opposition candidate shaking up the incumbent political party that have ruled Lagos for 20years. A three time aspirant, Olujimi is keen on making a change in Lagos and he is by no means throwing in the towel just yet as he is back on the race with his sleeves rolled up to embark on one of the toughest gubernatorial elections to date. He speaks to OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI about his reason for forging on. But the question is, are Lagosians ready for a change?

CONTENTFashionACCESSORIES MAKE THE OUTFITPG 8-9

CAPSULESPG 18

COLOURS OF LIFEPG 18

WIDE LEG PANTSPG 20

THE GORGEOUS HAIR TOTRY NOWPG 22

Society

MAISON DEBETHANY’SCUPID LOVE FAIR PG 4

PRINCE IFEANYIONOCHIE @ 50EPG 6 Beauty

Recently, luxury shopper Erhi Tamuno hosted friends and clients to a pre Valentine shopping party. Back for the third time, the Cupid Love Fair which comes under the umbrella of her personal shopping brand, Maison de Bethany took place at the Maison Farenheight VI, Lagos. The event, which had a few other luxury brands display their wares, was a fun shopping haven for not only lovers but also luxury buyers.

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By CHUKS ONWUDINJO

PRINCE IFEANYI ONOCHIE @ 50

RUDOLF OBI NDUKWE AMEZE IFENNA

PRINCE IFEANYI AND CHINYELU ONOCHIE

ISSYOMA OKONKWO AND MOJISOLA ADEWALE

UGO OKAFOR AND CHUKA OKOLO

NNEKA AND ISAAC MOSES

DR. UCHECHI NWACHUKWU

CHINWE NWAFOR

UCHENNA NNOLI

PETER IBEKWE

HUMPHREY NWAFOR

OLUFEMI HASSANCHUKS

ONWUDINJO

OKUNDOLA BAMGBOYE

OBI AND UZO NKEMDIRIM

ARINZE AND CHIKA ODIARI BEATRICE OLATERU-OLAGBEGI

TUNDE OSUNSEDO

DR. KEVIN EJIKE

EMEKA OSOMEJU

ONYINYE IKENNA-EMEKA

CHINWE ANYIGBO

EMEKA OKOLO

OYERONKE GEORGE

NKIRU OKPARAEKE

IDU NWAKUCHE-

OKWUOSA

WINIFRED UMERAH

It was all glitz and glamour as friends and well wishers stepped out at the Board Walk on Adeola Hopewell, Victoria Island, Lagos State recently to celebrate Prince Ifeanyi Onochie, the regent of Umunnachi, Anambra State who turned 50. The event, tagged ‘An Evening With The Man, Myth and Legend’ put together by his beautiful and amiable heartthrob, Chinyelu, was well attended with choice cuisine and champagne to liven up the evening. The event took off with red carpet appearance, then later accompanied with an exotic range of cocktails and mocktails.

The celebrant, Ifeanyi, the founder/Managing Director of Eagle Systems Integrated Services Limited and former Global Head of the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, exchanged banters with his guests just as up-coming comedian Odogwu kept the rig cage of the guests busy with laughter. The high point of the evening was when the children of the couple came on screen from their bases abroad to give their father a wonderful birthday message. Edu, the first son, sent his wishes from his university in New Jersey, U.S.A followed by their only daughter, Kosy, who also sent her message from her base in Boston, Massachusetts, while the baby of the family, Obiora, spoke live at the event.

BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

Do you ever wonder how certain girls always seem to look good no matter what they wear? They could be rocking just a tee shirt and jeans, but yet the

outfit comes off as simply stylish.While you might think it’s a designer brand name, the aid of a stylist, or a

never-ending closet to blame, there’s another piece to the puzzle that can make or break an outfit.

It’s the secret to looking great in even the most basic clothes, something that the world’s most stylish girls have mastered: the art of accessorizing.

Putting the right accessories together is a basic fashion skill that separates well-dressed people from those who just look boring. Once you’ve got it down, you’ll always look great in

whatever you wear. The best part? You can find incredible accessories at any budget, so it’s a great way to stretch

your wardrobe and save money.

Accessories make

theOutfit

ALERO

FISAYO LONGE

CRYSTAL KASPER

KEFILWE MABOTE

SAMYJO VALENTINE OG OKONKWO YUKI AKINOSHO

SIMPLY PALESA

It’s totally okay to mix metals when it comes

to jewelery. Mixing up your jewelry creates

a fabulous vintage look, so don’t be afraid to throw things together

and see what happens. You

might come up with some amazing

combos!

The more basic the outfit, the bolder your accessories can be. Amazing outfits are all about balance. For example, pair a simple tee shirt and jeans combo with a pair of polka dot flats, a long sparkly pendant necklace and a few layered bangles in different types of metals. Accessories can add complexity

and interest to a plain look, balancing everything out.

Buy accessories that convey a part of your personality. This is so important, and it’s also so much fun. When you buy accessories, go for pieces that you’re attracted to - even better if they have a personal meaning to you.

Large sunglasses can be a great way

to dress up a casual or formal

outfit. They draw attention

to your face and give a feel of confidence.

Be careful with proportions. If you’re wearing an outfit

that is big and voluminous, scale back on the accessories. If you’re wearing something sleeker, you can go a little bigger

and bolder with a chunky cocktail

ring or big, bright handbag.

Don’t wear too many accessories at once. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and you don’t want to resemble a kid playing dress up in mom’s closet. Exercise a little bit of restraint with accessories - if you have statement earrings on, don’t add bangles, a cocktail ring, and a scarf. Keep it to one or two main pieces.

Add a belt. Yet another hot trend at the moment, cinched waists are in. Add a wide belt

over a flowy dress, or use a brightly

colored belt over a black cardigan and white tank to add interest to the outfit

and emphasize your curves.

Add pops of color. If your outfit is plain (black and white, black and

grey, etc.), create a pop of color with jewelry, a scarf, a handbag, or a bright shoe.

Remember that outfits don’t have to MATCH, but they do have

to GO - keep things in similar color families (warm colors or cool colors), and you’ll generally be fine.

8 9

S T Y L E & D E S I G NTHISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8704 Sunday, February 24, 2019

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8697 Sunday, February 17, 2019S T Y L E & D E S I G N

Follow the Nigerian elections of 2019www.arise.tv

41644519

#arise&voteARISE NEWS ANCHORS// FRONT ROW L-R: IDIA AISEN; OJI OKPE BACK ROW L-R: MODELE SHARAFA YUSUF; OLANIYI OYELOWO; ARON AKEREJOLA; VICTORIA PEPPL E; NDEE AMAUGO; MAERCY AJISAFE; ADESUWA OMORUAN, REUBEN ABATI; VERONICA ODEKA

2019

A major contender in the Lagos state gubernatorial election, Olujimi Agbaje of the People Democratic Party (PDP) is the opposition candidate shaking up the incumbent political party that have ruled Lagos for 20years. A three time aspirant, Olujimi is keen on making a change in Lagos and he is by no means throwing in the towel just yet as he is back on the race with his sleeves rolled up to embark on one of the toughest gubernatorial elections to date. Olujimi intends to give it his all in his bid to cinch the coveted seat of Lagos state Governor. This riveting interview has dispelled the notion of him being a ‘leap year candidate’ who only shows up every fours years to contest again. Although many believe Olujimi’s presence on the political scene should be more felt than just a four year appearance at every election, this interview reveals the amount of work Agbaje has done behind the scenes with his plans for Lagos State should he win. He speaks to OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI about his reason for forging on. But the question is, are Lagosians ready for a change?

Being a Lagosian and having lived in Lagos all your life, what has changed about the city and what will you like to see come back to the state?

I am a Lagosian to my deepest roots. On my paternal side, I come from the Onilegbale chieftaincy family of Isale Eko while my paternal grandmother is of the Lasunwon family of Ikorodu. I have extremely fond memories of growing up in Lagos. We lived in Apapa, but I also spent a lot of early childhood with my maternal grandmother on Idoluwo St, Lagos Island.

Apapa was a new development, so we still had wide open spaces to play. I rode my bicycle to and from primary school which was close enough to home. I was safe, my parents knew I was safe. Incredible as it sounds, we used to catch little fish and tadpoles in the gutters flowing round our homes, that’s how clean they were! Crouching in these gutters to get home and escape my father’s attention was standard. They were clean, I only wet my feet!

Idoluwo was different, though just as enjoyable. Isale -Eko, with its Agbo-Ile’s. Whole extended families living in close proximity, looking out for each other, a spirit of community.

We were everybody’s children, liable to be scolded by any adult if we did wrong, with my granny adding her own spanking or scolding to the punishment already suffered. Though living in such relatively densely populated compounds, Isale Eko was clean. Sanitary inspectors (wole wole) did their jobs properly and ensured inhabitants kept decent compounds.

My days at St Gregory’s College - the best! Disciplined, thorough teachers, good food, sound pastoral care, healthy academic and social competition which exposed us. I was adjudged responsible enough to be made a Prefect. Sports was an integral part of the school curriculum and this made us healthy and hardy. My choice of sport was cricket and I played for my school and Lagos State at the National Sports Festival. I treasure the friendships developed from school and sports which have remained for life. I developed a basis and solidification of my Catholic faith. In short, an education at par with any in the world, without leaving Lagos State. We used the public transport system - Benson Transport, Oshinowo Transport, LMTS/LSTC, Ferries.

l regret to say that most of what I enjoyed as a child is now beyond the reach of the average Lagosian. Our gutters are filthy and do not flow. Our sidewalks are no longer safe for children to play, with cars and buses driving on them. Traffic has become a nightmare wherever you live, Okokomaiko or Osborne Road. No class of Lagosian is spared.

Infrastructure has seriously deteriorated with planning permissions ignored or circumvented. Neighborhoods are no longer anywhere as safe for us

or our children, most of our primary and secondary schools now mere square or rectangular structures without soul. It’s my passion to see that sense of order restored and improved in a modern Lagos that underlines my running for office.

This will be your third time contesting for the governorship election in Lagos state. How confident are you that you will be elected this time?

This election, as have been the two previous ones in which I offered myself, isn’t about me. It is about the people of Lagos versus an oligarchy. As long as the people feel they deserve better and are willing to commit themselves by voting, then their voices will be heard in this election. My electoral base from the previous election remains relatively intact. I have since expanded the base to be much surer of victory this time round. I also believe that my vision is even that much clearer for Lagos. We are addressing issues that are important to Lagosians – the quality of their lives in this State, the economy and their future.

I believe many know my antecedents by now. I am a pharmacist by training and have devoted most of my adult life to caring for the health needs of the communities where my pharmacies have been located over the years - Apapa, Victoria Island, Ikeja. Over the years, my company has represented reputable transnational companies in Nigeria - Pfizer, Wyeth, Sanofi etc. I have been very active in the pharmacy profession holding many positions including National Chairman of the then Nigerian Association of General Practice Pharmacists and Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Lagos State. I was awarded Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN), the youngest Nigerian to be so honoured; Fellow of the West African Post Graduate College of Pharmacists (FPCPharm), Fellow of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (FNAPharm). I have served on the boards of educational institutions across the country. Nigeria has also honoured me with Officer of the Order of The Niger (OON) for services to pharmacy and politics.

How did you choose your running mate?

My running mate is Mrs. Haleemat Oluwayemisi Busari. A legal practitioner with over 30 years working experience at the top level of her profession. I had

never met her prior to this election campaign but I was clear in the qualities I was looking for in a running mate. I needed someone as a partner who in her own right could be a governor.

We went through a long list of people and shortlisted a few names based on my agreed specifications. I asked about her and then decided to meet her. After a series of talks with her, it was decided that she would be the one. Yemisi will have a specific role to play in our government and I know will be extremely hands on and operational because of her very successful private sector antecedence. She is very experienced in structuring deals especially with respect to investments and fund raising. I know she will adequately oversee our contractual relationships with the private sector and see to our commercial governance issues, which is going to be so important in the light of our plans for Lagos.

The impact of women at the highest levels of government continue to be positively felt worldwide. Yemisi has not been selected as a token female in our government but brings very strong values to the partnership. She has held her own during this campaign. We are going to make a great team.

The slogan for your campaign this year says, “The Mandate To Free Lagos Starts Now”. What inspired this slogan?

The slogan for our campaign is actually Freedom Democracy Lagos and it speaks to the unspoken

OLUJIMI AGBAJE

We live in a State where no one

quite knows the revenue being generated by

the State, a State where activities by

the Government are determined by a few vested interests. Lagos is one of the only States left that hasn’t signed

the Freedom of Information Act.

14 15

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8704 Sunday, February 24, 2019

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8704 Sunday, February 24, 2019C O V E RC O V E R

challenges that the people of Lagos face. The first being to seek freedom from godfatherism, selfish interests, monopolized opportunities, unachieved lives, hopelessness by the masses, freedom from want and poverty and the terrible traffic that ensures you sleep only four hours a day. The list goes on and on.

The second is the absence of true democracy in the state, where there is a godfather, who has literally derailed democracy in the state and recently truncated the term of a sitting Governor through what was clearly state capture. This is a clear example of people not only losing their freedom to vote, based on how many were harassed in the attempt to do so, but the absence of democracy in the process.

The third aspect of our slogan is about Lagos itself and its unfulfilled potential. Lagos is the 5th largest economy in Africa. Bigger than the economies of Ghana and Kenya combined. Despite this economic status, how is Lagos viewed compared to these countries? Not very well I am afraid.

We live in a State no one quite knows the revenue being generated by the State, a State where activities by the Government are determined by a few vested interests. Lagos is one of the only States left that hasn’t signed the Freedom of Information Act.

This is a State that doesn’t feel it needs to be accountable to its citizens. As I said earlier, Lagos needs to be free from godfatherism, vested interests, traffic, poor school results, a poor health care system. Using traffic as an example, the average Ikorodu resident spends four hours in traffic trying to get to work on the Island and another four hours getting back home. That’s an average of two months in a year in traffic. What kind of life is that? Is that freedom? Lagos is failing. Lagosians need freedom now more than ever.

Lagos and its residents should be free to dream big, to rise to their highest potential, to participate freely in governance, to demand for accountability, to make their choice of leaders, to create prosperity, share in prosperity and live a good quality life.

Governance in Lagos State over the last two decades, has failed to meet even the most basic current needs of our people nor has it laid any foundation for the future. Our citizens have been unwittingly coached into believing that the model of development in small increments foisted on the State since 1999 is a marker of excellent governance.

If elected, what is the first and most important issue concerning the state that you will address and why?

This is a loaded question. Lagos State is failing on so many fronts. We have a situation where the Lagos State population stands in excess of 20 million with a million migrants coming into Lagos annually. Our greatest resource is therefore our people and we have to make them valuable to our society.

If I lock just twenty of our top brains in this State in a room for a week to come up with solutions to deal with our traffic, water, waste, infrastructure and other pressing problems, I bet you they will. Thereafter, the challenge will be the will of leadership to execute with integrity and the care of the people in mind. I intend to do that but honestly, that is the easy part. Solving the problems of Lagos as seen today is not the only pressing issue. But, answering the question of where Lagos will be in the next five, ten and even fifteen years, is the real challenge. That is what I have decided to focus on as the way to rescue our children from a pending economic, social and even political catastrophe in the State.

I am going to focus on human capacity development, using education as the anchor. I launched my BIG IDEA initiative for Lagos, where I have declared a bold vision to spend up to 50% of the State’s resources on building an Education Economy. This simply means that every Ministry, Department and Agency must seek ways to devote up to 50% of their finances, time, manpower and other resources to building a world class knowledge economy for Lagos State.

I am not in the least surprised that we have received mixed reactions to this proclamation, and some say it’s impossible and that I do not know what I am talking

about. This, to me, is an example of how we have lost our ability to envision for the future. Nobody wants to do anything bold or audacious anymore. We have been brow beaten into accepting incrementalism, doing bits and pieces here and there. Do you think that is how Dubai got to where it is today? Yet we celebrate them for their vision. I have this big vision for Lagos, and it is my role as a leader to envision for the future and thereafter challenge my team to make it happen, obviously supporting and pushing them all the way.

I will kill two birds with one stone on my plans for Lagos State. First, I will jump start the economy, secondly, by focusing on creating an Education driven economy, I will create sustainability and the path of growth for the future.

While moving immediately to tackle the menace of indiscriminate trailers/trucks on our roads and bridges. Within the first six months as Governor, I will rehabilitate the over 1,700 primary schools in the state. For every school, we will provide borehole facilities, power and internet access. We will embark on a massive fast track recruitment, training and retraining of teachers, paying them additional allowances and providing additional privileges.

I want to make the schools, other education institutions and skills development centres the heart of every community in the 57 Local Government Areas, which we will split into five economic zones. Our skills development initiatives will be designed to respond to the needs of these economic communities.

My BIG IDEA ties in with our strategy for immediate inner-city rejuvenation by an economic engagement with the local communities in the initial rehabilitation of our schools, for which we estimate an injection of N100bn and further subsequent investment in the total education value chain and eco-system. The change has to be transformational rather than incremental or cosmetic,which has been the case in the past twenty years, given the resources that have been available to government to date (close to N7.00tr). We will make everything else – infrastructure, roads, power etc. revolve around education which must be our priority for the next 10years - building a knowledge economy.

Of course, my BIG IDEA will not be at the

expense of other investments that have to be made. l honestly believe, and do challenge any one, about us making human capital development our value proposition for Lagos State. The knowledge, skills and health of our people, will equip them and future generations for a lifetime of prosperity.

Education is so critical to our success and even more critical to our ability to sustain that success and it will become an anchor for our economic, social and even political development.

l have been challenged about the funding of my BIG IDEA. I will surely get funding to actualise this vision based on the quiet assurances received from those too timid to step out and say so publicly for fear of political reprisals. Hence our cry for freedom! First of all, I am confident that the state will get greater value for money in executing these projects. I also know that I will gain the implicit trust of all those who invest in our mission. They will trust how I will spend, engage and manage their money. They know I will not steal, nor condone it. I know they will trust the integrity of my leadership. I will also raise money from just plugging the huge holes that exist in Lagos State’s Treasury and the wider financial economy of the state. For example, there is the Alpha-Beta company, which, by the admission of its Managing Director receives at least 10% of the State’s tax revenue every month, serving as a conduit pipe for a massive money laundering scheme, tax evasion and other vices and has become an avenue for the official corruption of government officials.

I am extremely excited about our BIG IDEA

You have vowed to remove the Lekki tollgate if elected. But it’s been argued that the toll generates money to maintain the road, so why will you want it removed?

I state it here again, I will remove the Lekki Epe toll gate. My reason is simple, that axis does not have a motorable alternative route. For many of those that live on that axis or are indigenes of that area, they have no other option but to pay the toll.

A tolled road MUST have an alternative. Even though the toll is generating revenue, Government’s infrastructural decisions cannot be based solely on money. I have also heard the argument that by cancelling the tollgate you are sending a message to private investors that there isn’t sanctity of contracts. That argument is flawed. In case people do not know, this particular toll road is no longer a private concern, it is fully owned by the Lagos State government as they

have bought back the concession.

Our local governments are no longer as relevant and accountable as they used to be. Do you

intend to revive them to their past glory?Our local governments have been turned

into political machineries as opposed to agents of development. The State government has

purposefully withheld their funds so they can continue to play the Power game for selfish reasons. The local government is an

essential partner and plays an important role in the development of any State.

They function at the community level and are thus close to the

citizens. Our local governments need to be revived, given the resources that are due to them

and be monitored effectively for accountability purposes.

The Local Governments in Lagos State will be empowered

like they have never been before, to step up and take responsibility for the urban renewal, which our education economy is going to drive. Clearly some will struggle initially but it will be our role to support and encourage them.

Being in the medical field, what will be your immediate solution to dealing with waste disposal, pollution and health care in Lagos?

The Healthcare model we intend to run is very similar to the UK National Health Service Scheme that revolves around the private general practitioner. It will place emphasis on primary healthcare that is responsible for up to 75% of our health issues. Part of our school rehabilitation programme, includes the

situation, where physically possible, of basic health care centres within the school premises, or certainly near its vicinity, so that it can benefit from the facilities of the school, e.g. water, power, security etc. This will serve as transition, whilst the private general practitioners get embedded in the health scheme. All this is in our bid to make the community life revolve around the schools.

Lagos State generates 12,000-14,000 metric tonnes of waste on a daily basis, equivalent to an estimated 400 trailer loads. We need to implement the 3Rs of waste management; Recover, Recycle, Reuse.

All we significantly do is the Recovery model where we concentrate on collection of refuse, look for places to dump the waste which then end up on the streets. So we have to learn to recycle our waste by sorting into organic or inorganic waste and “process” accordingly. The final and ironically profitable part of our waste management strategy will be the reuse of waste. Options include the conversion of organic waste into biogas, or compost. Inorganic waste such as plastics being turned into pellets and back into bottles.

We must aim for a zero-waste policy. We must see waste as a valuable resource and start working to change that mindset right from our kids in schools.

On infrastructure, most especially road transportation, what are your plans to improve on the present situation and not just major roads but the inner roads too?

The dilapidated state of our roads has led to the terrible state of traffic we experience in Lagos State today. Like I said earlier, people in particular parts of Lagos state spend an average of two months a year of their lives intraffic!

Our short term, quick fix approach is to fix all potholes regularly as they arise. Again, the local governments must take active part in this. Our traffic lights must be working and also working smarter. No reason why the traffic lights can’t work with radar thus sensing where traffic is heavy and adjusting the lights based on traffic flow. Our traffic operatives must also work more efficiently, with adequate training and support required to make sure they bring sanity to our roads. We must restore order on our roads.

Our mid to long-term solution will give Lagos a multi modal transportation system of a combination of road, water and rail transportation. I talked about using ferries as a young lad growing up in Lagos. We must take full advantage of our waterways, dredge them when necessary so that bigger safer ferries can ply deeper waters. Ikorodu, Badagry, Epe to Lagos MUST become a reliable option to commuters because it will be safer and more conducive for goods transportation. A light rail system that has been 12 years in the making is an offence against Lagosians. It will be completed soonest and come into use. We must also promote a walkable city. Sidewalks must be enforced, and they make the environment neater.

Lagos transportation issues are deeper than fixing the roads. There is also an urban planning problem. Why must people in Igando or Agbara have to travel to VI every day to work? As I mentioned earlier, we intend to split Lagos State into five economic zones, almost like self-contained cities where accommodation, jobs,

school, recreation are all provided in a locality reducing the daily movement of Lagosians across the State. This will have a significant positive impact on the traffic situation.

What will be the philosophy of your government?My governance will be an open and accountable

government. A government that is about the people and not a few. A government that allows for feedback and actually listens. A firm but humane government. A government where the buck stops on my table.

Do you have any plans for the youths, less privileged and how do you intend to make sure they are accommodated in your government?

As part of our manifesto, we have pledged that 10 percent of the Lagos State procurement budget will be set aside specifically for the youth, less privileged, the disabled and women. So, our BIG IDEA is going to incorporate this as we increase the level of community participation in our inner-city rejuvenation. SMEs will also implement majority of the capital expenditure of our Big Idea (the Education Ecosystem).

This is not a charity case but providing that support required in the first step towards being entrepreneurial. This will also come with the appropriate mentoring and training.

I have also said I will be the oldest member of my cabinet.

When you are not being a pharmacist, businessman or politician, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy reading, travelling, watching movies and having a quiet time relaxing with family. My wife, Biola and I, have been married for 37 years. As our family has expanded, catching up with our lives, discussing Lagos, Nigeria and global events is always lively! I also enjoy quality time with friends.

Do you have any pet peeves?I do not like procrastination or dishonesty.

Procrastination makes for missed opportunities, dishonesty is just plain bad.

Any last word to the electorate on the importance of voting during the coming election?

Lagos State has enormous potential. We are talking about the 5th largest economy in Africa but does it feel or look that way?

Voting is the only way for the people to change their story. Without voting, all the frustration, vocal opinions and arguments we have on a daily basis amount to nothing.

l have heard a few people say what’s the point in voting? Our votes don’t count. Trust me, they do. When you are registered to vote, and you don’t cast your vote, someone else will vote for you.

I want to ensure that Lagosians get value for the huge sums of money made by this state. I have a clear and workable strategy to realise this vision for the benefit of every Lagosian, not just the few who have held our beloved state hostage for so long.

My BIG idea will catapult Lagos state into a totally new realm, bringing with it the fresh opportunities for people that this State so desperately need. Remember that it took Obafemi Awolowo less than seven years to create a legacy that so many wish to be associated with. It took Alhaji Lateef Jakande three months to abolish the three -shift education system In Lagos. Jakande’s ferries were operational within two years of coming into office. In four years, he built six mini waterworks; 14,000 low cost houses and contracted for the Lagos Metro line project. It took Mudasiru less than two years to establish new standards for low cost housing and rebuilt 30 schools in Lagos. It took Malaysia and Singapore (countries poorer than Nigeria in 1964) less than 20 years to become ten times richer than Nigeria. All of this, driven by a strong vision.

I therefore ask Lagosians to share this vision with me. It has been done and it can be redone. It is time to try something new and bold. There will be no regrets.

Lagos and its residents should be free to dream big, to rise to their highest potential,

to participate freely in governance, to demand for

accountability, to make their choice of leaders, to

create prosperity, share in prosperity and live a good

quality life.

Education is so critical to our success and even more critical to our ability to sustain that

success and it will become an anchor for our economic,

social and even political development.

C O V E R C O V E R

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8704 Sunday, February 24, 2019

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8704 Sunday, February 24, 2019

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

A young girl eons ago in tears and pain sang under her breath whilst trying to make sense of her situation: “sticks and stones may hurt my bones but words can never hurt me”......She lied, words hurt.

Words are powerful, they carry life and death and though many believe they are doing no harm but just “talking”, oftentimes you are doing a lot of harm as words are like eggs once they hit the floor and break, you cannot scoop them back in the same degree.

Words hurt, that is why verbal abuse is a form of abuse.There are people who believe that others need to be told

the truth but truth when not told in love burns the spirit to depression level.

There is this dude I used to know who delights, I mean really delights in watching people bleed after shooting them with the poison in his nasty tongue, this guy was so mean and cruel, he made the definition of mean and cruel kind in comparison, little wonder that his mirror never told him the truth by cracking when faced with his image, I beg the guy bad.

There is yet another person who used to tell fake stories just to watch her victims squirm, she will then plant her fake stories on soil that can grow them, walahi, the babe mean enh.....she had a recipe for her campaign of calumny, a teaspoon of truth with twenty tablespoons of lies, mix with “believability” to create a a sweet story, and people actually bought it.

There was yet another who was the queen of embellishments, oh my, she could dress a lie with style and frock it with panache, and other members of her “pepper them gang” will go home crying after developing fever over her “pepper them” stories. These hapless lot lose their peace over well packaged lies designed to help them lose their peace. Pity really.

Many are good at adding petrol to fire enh, yeah they are not originators of these tall tales but rather than calm a raging storm they rage it further with their bile.

Don’t let’s even go near romantic liaisons, that na die, from a man telling his wife her weave looks like “the tail of a horse” to treating his girlfriend whose horse tail is longer than Rapunzel’s like a queen, seriously our men are interesting to say the least.

A lady once asked me whilst crying uncontrollably why it is so difficult for people to be sincere whilst dating. She was in so much pain as she had just found out that her boyfriend of many years had lied to her through it all and with that lie destroyed her life. She was broken.

There are different expectations from different relationships, friends bank their trust with each other expecting loyalty as return on investment “through thick and thin, sick and sin” they believe their friends will have their backs, until they don’t and give them crumbs.

I am not pointing fingers and playing “angel perfect” as I have given a few verbal backhanders of my own in my time, It is wrong people,Words hurt.

Many hypocrites abound, “I don’t say anything about anyone that can hurt them” they point out.....yeah right, are you a spirit? Your “I better pass my neighbour attitude” is so “blah” , meanwhile you are quick to point at the speck in your brother’s eyes o.....is that talking to the wind?

We must train our tongues to build rather than destroy, It profits you nothing when others are emotional wrecks because of something you said to them or about them.

We will pass this road called life only once, it is important that we leave people with a feel good feeling upon interaction.

Words hurt, be mindful..

CAPSULESAlero Adolloaleroadollo@yahoo.com

Colours of Life

Once upon a time, three women set out on a journey. They bore the same surname, they were widows and they were all sad. One of them was old

and two were young. One was Jewish while the others were gentiles; the older woman was Naomi, wife of Elimelech and mother of Mahlon and Chilion. The younger women were Orpah and Ruth, wives of Mahlon and Chilion, respectively.

Naomi, Elimelech and the boys had moved to Moab because there was famine in Bethlehem. Then Elimelech died and later his sons married Moabite women. Some ten years down the line, Mahlom and Chilion also died. Naomi became childless while Orpah and Ruth joined her in the company of widows. The trio were united in grief.

As Naomi sorrowed, news came to her that the famine in Bethlehem was over, God had visited his people and blessed them. Naomi decided to return home and her daughters-in-law choose to accompany her. So, the three set off towards Judah. But Naomi turned around, blessed Orpah and Ruth, and encouraged them to return and make a new life for themselves. It was an emotion-laden farewell that gives us an insight into the type of women Orpah and Ruth were. They must have been kind to their husbands and their mother-in-law. That explains why Naomi could pray that they would re-marry, and be happy in their new homes. We can also assume they were caring and devoted, the reason they insisted on following her.

But Naomi took the young women through an objective assessment of their situation. She made them see that there was no apparent future for them with her. She was too old to have children and even if she had children immediately, they could not replace the husbands the Orpah and Ruth had lost. This was the turning point in the lives of the three women. “Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her”. (Ruth 1:14). At the valley of decision; the young widows reviewed their lives. While Ruth decided to remain with her mother-in-law, Orpah chose to say goodbye.

Whereas Ruth has been applauded by history for her choice, Orpah has been castigated. If Orpah went back to the gods of Moab as her mother-in-law suspected, then that would be sad. We have no proof that she did. But we can sure learn

something from Orpah’s decision. Infact, we can learn a great deal. In addition to the qualities Orpah had going for her, she had the grace to draw the curtain on a phase of her life and move on; she had the gift of goodbye.

I particularly appreciate Orpah’s choice because the gift of goodbye does not come easily to me. I tend to hold on to past friendships, past memories, souvenirs of the past. This could seem like a harmless trait until it hinders progress. When you get to the point where your past stands in the way of your future, you need the gift of goodbye.

Here, we have two women with similar challenges but different responses. While Ruth’s way of dealing with her grief was to throw herself into the culture of her late husband, Orpah’s was to literarily walk away from her past. So, at this cross road of life, Ruth went with her mother-in-law, but Orpah had the courage and strength of character to make a clean break. She did not succumb to the pressure to please people. She did not mind the controversy that would surround the news of her departure. She did not care that history may judge her unkindly for taking the road less travelled. She went ahead to be true to herself. She bade Naomi and Ruth goodbye, and closed the door on her yesterday.

Every now and then life brings us to a junction like it did Ruth and Orpah. Sometimes the door to our future will only open when we shut the door to our past. Some of us need to find closure on existing relationships so we can enjoy new ones. There are people amongst us who have to mentally disengage from past projects to see new possibilities. Some parents and children need to say goodbye to each other to enable the latter enjoy their matrimonial homes. A number of us have to let go of loved ones we have lost to death and allow them ‘Rest In Peace’. Those holding people in un-forgiveness need to set them free. There are yet those of us who need to bid sin farewell and embrace God’s forgiveness and new life in Christ.

If you have the grace to say goodbye easily then go ahead and exercise it. If, on the other hand, like me, it is an uphill task, ask God’s help. Whatever it takes, as we begin 2019, let go of yesterday and embrace tomorrow.

Koko Kalango is author, Colours of Life devotional. Contact@coloursoflife.org

The Gift ofwith Koko Kalango

Goodbye

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S T Y L E & D E S I G N

W I D ELEG PANTS

Long before skinny jeans ever had a place in our closets, wide-leg silhouettes ruled our wardrobes. In fact, we spent the better part of the ‘90s and early ‘00s wearing bell-bottoms, flares, and

palazzo pants. Now, like any good trend worth repeating, wide-leg trousers are

having resurgence, and we’re all in. They’re comfortable, leg elongating, and both elegant and fashion-forward, all depending

on how you style them.

TRENDING

JENNIFER OSEH

ONYII

STELLA UZO

OLA ADEBOWALE

BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

Keep things classic with a button-down that makes these pants perfect for the office.

Keep things classic with

a button-down that

makes these pants

perfect for the office.

Tame standout trousers with an everyday shirt, and tuck it in to temper the

volume.Go the print

route, and the look is perfect for taking to brunch

or a cocktail party.

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8704 Sunday, February 24, 2019S T Y L E & D E S I G N

A tribute to the style that works on everyone.

Yes, even you!

The Gorgeous

Hair To Try Now

There’s a strong emphasis on individuality this season. Bobby-pinned hair, center parts, and curtain bangs

are just a few of the trendiest and most up-to-date hair ...Whether it’s curly, straight, or half-up, tying your

‘do, Style consulted Jbronze luxury beauty brand, who revealed some hair flair add-on to your ensemble that

makes you look even younger!

This stick-straight, blunt bob—ahem, lobs—looks positively gorgeous! Which means you really, truly can’t go wrong taking a chance and chopping off your weave this season.

Curly ladies, you all can let go of the pressure to straighten your hair. Curly hair can make you feel oh-so-fancy and elegant. The bigger the hair... the cooler!

This is the easiest way to edge up your short weavy dark-root blonde hair. Who said your hair has to be the same tone all over? Take a cue from this ultimate cool-girl.

Only one word comes to mind: F-I-E-R-C-E! The hair chameleon, has donned many styles, but this sky-high bun is one of my all-time faves. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your perfectly Lashed by Jbronz and lense.

Here’s a prime example of Tonto Dike turning a curly side-swept bang into a lewk which is the ideal I-woke-up-like-this style if you’re not into trying hard with your hair.

There’s nothing quite like a gorgeous shade of pink , and what better way to show off your hue than these shiny mermaid waves?

JOAN AAMAIGOR

TONTO DIKE

MONICA SAMUEL

SKY-HIGH BUN

HALIMA

DABOTA LAWSON

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8704 Sunday, February 24, 2019B E A U T Y S T Y L E & D E S I G N