How to look more matured, even when much more younger

new trends and ‘how to’-posts that you can use if you need a little help, a few tips or just some inspiration on what to wear where and how! Personal Stylist is a column that will answer some of the many questions we receive on a daily basis pioneering with a question from Cherie, who struggles with looking too young and fearing not being taken seriously. You too can ask a question on the comment icon below

I am 24 and heading to law school this fall. The only thing is, I am told often that I look like I’m 17, so at this point, older professionals do not take me seriously. I wear make up and dress my age for the most part, so I am at a loss as to what to do. Any suggestions?

Many search for answers and ideas that will make them look younger, but if you’re one of those people, including yours truly, who’ve always looked younger than they are, you sometimes need to put some effort into looking older. Here are some ideas by Joswids Blog on how to look more mature.

The Dos And The Don’ts

Like with any style or trends there are some dos and some don’ts that are good to keep in mind when going shopping or getting dressed. Take a look at these in order to start looking more mature.

DOs

Heels: Cherie writes that she mostly wears flip-flops. Heels will give you a better posture making you look more ‘in control’. Of course, who can stand walking in heels to class, so a pair of wedges will here do the trick.

Hair: Pulling the hair back will give you a more mature look without looking like a school teacher from 1960.

Skirts: Pencil skirts are elegant and feminine skirts scream professional business woman. For a young woman, we also suggest tulip skirts as pictured below.

Blazers: A classic item every woman needs in her wardrobe. Can dress up or dress down any outfit and will make you look elegant and sophisticated.

Handbag: A modern leather handbag in a fairly classic design is a great choice in stead of a handbag made of fabric.

DONTs

Slouching: Avoid slouching and clothes that make you appear like this. Hold your head high and straighten your back. This includes sweatshirts, which are great for relaxing, but not for going somewhere you want to be taken seriously.

Prints: T-shirts with cartoon characters.

Shape: Shapeless dresses.

Pastels: Items in pastels like bubblegum pink, light blue, sea green.

Some of the items pictured below are beautiful [like the Valentino headband] and may be suitable for some readers, styles and occasions, but they do show what will make people look younger and not more mature.

Ideas for your hairdo…

Instead of wearing your hair in a ponytail or letting in down without really making any effort to make it look like a hairdo, put your hair up in a bun like these Hollywood actresses pictured below. The bun can be perfectly pulled back and it can be messy. Either way it will make you look more mature and elegant.

Buns are fairly easy to make, but a good tip is to wash your hair the day before you’ll be ‘needing’ this hairdo, as freshly washed hair is a little harder to work with. However, there are many products that will make the hair easier to work with like a texture balm.

Inspirational Outfit…

Here is a look that will make you look more mature, however still keep it trendy and suitable for a young professional woman. The key is to take classic items and mix in some fun and feminine accessories. Dressing completely traditional and old-fashioned will not make people think you’re more mature – that will make them think you have no personality, which means it’s important to stay true to yourself and have a personal style at the same time.

This outfit is very classic consisting of a pair of pants, a silk blouse, black heels  and a blazer, however choosing a loosely fitted blouse instead of a classic one and a pair of tight fitted pants makes this outfit right for a young woman. Instead of the necklace, a scarf would also do the trick of making it more fun and trendy. And by scarf we don’t mean a small silk one, but rather a larger scarf with an exciting print.

What is "DATING"

These are a few frequently asked questions about dating. If you have questions of your own or need more information, you can drop your questions on the comment icon below or contact us on the contact list of our main page our trained chancellors would get back to you b4 14hours.

What is dating?

“Dating” means different things to different people, particularly across generations. At Joswids blog, we define “dating” as two people in an intimate relationship. The relationship may be sexual, but it does not have to be. It may be serious or casual, straight or gay, committed or open, short-term or long-term. The important thing to remember is that dating abuse can occur within all kinds of intimate relationships.

So, are we dating?

Whether you call it “dating” or something else, both people should agree on a definition and the same ground rules for the relationship. Keep these questions in mind:

• Do you have romantic feelings for this person?
• Are you and the person you’re interested in both looking for a committed relationship?
• Do you hang out or go on dates without a group of friends?
• Is the status of your relationship something you’ve shared with others in person or online, like on Facebook?
• Do both people in the relationship agree that it’s exclusive?

Does “hooking up” count?

Hooking up is a broad term, but generally it refers to casual encounters between two people who can be friends but don’t have to be. They may or may not be your only partner and can include sex.

Even if you are “hooking up,” your partner should not be disrespectful or controlling. You should be able to communicate your feelings without being afraid of negative consequences or abuse. Remember the rules for a healthy relationship apply to hook ups, too.

How old do I have to be to date?

There is no exact age when you can or cannot start dating. Many parents set an age according to their perspective, culture, views and beliefs. Consider talking to your parents, family and friends to see what their thoughts are. If you think that talking to your parents might be hard, start with your friends or other adults you trust. Ultimately, what matters is that you personally feel ready and confident to make this decision.

But what if I’m not dating?

There are other types of relationships that might not be considered dating that are just as real and that we can help you with here. Maybe you have a child with somebody but do not consider yourself to be in a dating relationship with that person. Having a child together could feel like more than just dating, or you might have chosen not to be together anymore; there is no one way that relationships must work.

Another possibility is that you and your partner are married. Of course marriage is different from dating in some ways, but you might be surprised at how similar they really are! What makes a dating relationship healthy or unhealthy usually applies to marriage as well.

At loveisrespect, we focus on dating but this site is relevant to everyone.

Is holding a grudge towards my partner unhealthy?

Yes, holding a grudge against your partner is unhealthy, not only for your relationship but also for you. Holding grudges for a long time can result in building up anger, distress, doubt and a lot of other negative feelings that can can make you unhappy and stressed. To maintain a healthy relationship, you need to be able to forgive your partner for their past mistakes. The other option is letting them go. Try to remember: being with a person you cannot forgive is not going to do either of you any good.

Is it unhealthy if I date someone my family doesn’t like?

Dating someone your family doesn’t like can be really hard. It may cause conflict that makes you feel like you can’t be honest or even near the people you love. Consider why your family doesn’t like your partner or why your partner doesn’t like them. Remember that isolation and no one liking your partner are warning signs of an abusive relationship.

We’re not “dating,” how can I be abused?

Abuse can affect all types of relationships, not just long-term or committed relationships. Even if your relationship is casual or you’ve only hooked up once, you can still experience abuse. If something makes you uncomfortable, scared or threatened, you could be experiencing the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. Learn more about unhealthy relationships.

I’m a teen parent. Does that mean there’s a higher chance of me ending up in a violent relationship?

Sadly, yes. Pregnant and parenting teens are at a higher risk of experiencing physical abuse. Get the stats here. Feeling discouraged? We’re here for you. You can chat with one of our advocates at any time of the day just by clicking the chat button, text us by sending “loveis” (capitalization does not matter) to 22522 or call us at 1-866-331-9474. We are available 24 hours a day!

What if I don’t feel safe talking to someone about what’s going on?

It’s common for people to not feel comfortable talking about their relationships, especially if they’re unhealthy. This is a hard topic to discuss, but talking about it can help. Here at loveisrespect, we have trained peer advocates who are friendly, non-judgmental and available 24/7. So feel free to contact us anytime and know that we’ll keep our conversations completely confidential

Fresh track by Jason James and Melvin Soul, Titled:"We Dont Stop"...

Two of the freshest sounds in gospel music, Jason James and Melvin Soul, of the budding Branded Starz Entertainment, collaborate on this amazing piece titled “We Don’t Stop” Produced by the legendary ANDRE VIBEZ.

The song has an upbeat tempo that is sure to get you dancing, with inspiring lyrics as well, encouraging you to never give up. Vocal mastery is evident in both Jason and Melvin’s performances and there’s no denying the talent of these young men.

This song is a must have, and must share as well. Get your earphones, plug in your speakers and enjoy this wonderful piece of work by Jason James and Melvin of BSE!

                              Click on the download link below to download 

                                  Download

Enjoy & Share!!! 

Lies told daily by friends and the truth behind it.

1. "Hey, Sorry I just got your text" 
What it really means: I got your text hours ago, I just wanted to pretend like I was busy.

2.  “I want to show my friend my outfit, will you take my picture?”
What it really means: I want a new Instagram picture and I need you to take my picture so it's not a selfie.

3. “Sorry I missed your call, what’s up?”
What it really means: I denied your call because I didn't want to talk.

4. “I’m so tired, I barely slept last night!
What it really means: I slept eight hours last night, but saying that I'm well-rested doesn't sound as cool.

5. “I’m not that hungry"
What it really means: I'm actually starving.

6. “I’ll be there in five minutes.”
What it really means: I'll leave my house in five minutes.

7. “I’m on my way.”
What it actually means: I'm getting ready to walk out of my house but I'm still looking for my keys.

8. “I know what you mean"
What it really means: I don't know what you mean at all, but I need a conversation filler.

9. “I didn’t mean to unfollow you.
What it really means: I unfollowed you because your tweets were annoying but I didn't think you would notice.

10. “You look tired.
What it really means: You look like crap.

11. “I have read and agreed to the terms and conditions.”
What it really means: I kept scrolling until I found the "I accept" button.

12. “Just one more episode.”
What it really means: Several more episodes until my eyes can no longer focus on the screen.

13. “Lol.”
What it really means: I didn't laugh, but I felt awkward and didn't know what else to say.

14. “I just want a bite.”
What it really means: I want to eat the entire plate.

15. “I’m never drinking again.”
What it really means: I'll drink again when I'm not hungover.

16. “I don’t have any regrets.”
What it really means: I have a lot of regrets but I pretend to not care!

17. “I’m fine.”
What it really means: I'm hella PISSSSED.

18. “It’s too much to text.”
What it really means: I can easily text it, but I'm too busy watching Netflix.

19. “Who is this? I got a new phone, no numbers!”
What it really means: I deleted your number and haven't gotten a new phone in over a year.

Tuface Idibia Unveils Plans For today which marks His 40th Birthday

Tubaba who turns 40 years old on September 18, 2015 has unveiled the plans for his birthday.

According to the multiple award winning singer, the activities for his birthday include a flag-off party, Red Cross Support Day, Book Presentation, Book presentation, Peace Awards and All Star Tribute Concert.

I hope the event would be opened to everyone.

Annie Idibia’s Loving Tribute To 2face Idibia On 40th Birthday Today

Actress, Annie Idibia paid a short tribute to her super star hubby and father of her two daughters, 2face Idibia who turns 40 today.

She shared a picture on her instagram page and added a message to her iconic musician hubby.

She wrote: Happy birthday to the best MAN I know… I love u today n always … @2faceidibia1God bless u my darling .. Eternally Yours…

The singer plans to mark his big day with children at the Red Cross Centre in Yaba area of Lagos where he is expected to raise funds for charity.

In addition, a big concert tagged Fortified is expected to hold on Sunday at Eko Hotel & Suites, V/I, Lagos.

Formal Attire for Women And Dress Codes

We are 100% committed to providing the information that you need to make an informed choice when buying the best formal attire for women. You’ll discover a wealth of invaluable information on how to choose outfits that will flatter your figure, you’ll learn how to accessorize outfit, and find the very best places to shop online. We’ll identify places that charge affordable prices without compromising on quality.
The most important aspect of formal dress is finding valuable information about fashionable styles for all occasions – business attire for women, weddings, proms, balls, cocktail parties, garden parties or evening meals. Since each of these occasions requires a totally different style of dress, it can be difficult to determine what would be most appropriate to wear. However, with our help, it will become easier and a lot more fun to shop.

Understanding Formal Dress Codes

When you’re shopping for formal business attire or casual evening wear, you’ll likely have a specific level of “formality” that you need to meet, so it’s important to understand what these levels are so that you can choose clothing that’s appropriate for the occasion. The different levels include business formal, semi-formal, black tie, and white tie.
If you have received an invitation, it’ll likely specify what type of formal dress code is most appropriate, which will remove a lot of the guess work. However, even if the invitation states the type of affair, you’ll still need to have an understanding of the differences between the codes so that you choose an appropriate outfit.

Business Attire for Women

The most common day-to-day type of clothing that you’ll require is professional business attire. This is  work clothing that is considered appropriate for the office, business meetings, court hearings, and things of that nature. Typically, women wear business suits that consist of either a pair of pants or a skirt with a dress shirt and a suit jacket. Dress shoes, such as pumps or flats, are also commonly worn.
Wearing a nice skirt paired with a dressy blouse can also be considered business formal attire, but it depends on the style and design of the separate skirt and blouse, and it would also depend on where you were wearing the outfit. A simple skirt and blouse combo may not be professional enough for a day in court or an important business meeting.
One of the main areas to focus on when purchasing professional business attire for women is finding clothes that fit well and compliment your body type. Unfortunately, many women make the mistake of wearing a suit that is too tight, which ends up completely spoiling their overall look. It doesn’t matter if you buy the most expensive business suit in the clothes shop, if it doesn’t fit right then you’ve just wasted your money so make sure you spend the extra time to get it right, and even go down the tailoring route if you can’t find something off the rack that is suitable.
When you require business attire for the office then it’s usually a good idea to observe how everybody else in the office dresses, and then build up your wardrobe around a few basic outfits that conforms to this style. Also, it’s not uncommon for a company to issue handbooks that outline expected dress codes to give you an idea on what to wear for a day at the office.

Semi-Formal Dress Code

‘Semi-formal attire’ is clothing that is worn for things like dinners, garden parties, or even as a guest at a wedding. Although this can be misleading for some, you will not be forced to wear an elaborate gown. Instead, a cocktail outfit will suffice. Examples of different cocktail outfits are a blouse, fancy skirt and top, a pretty dress or even a suit.
The cocktail dresses that are appropriate for an occasion will vary depending on if you’re attending a dinner, a wedding, or something in between. You may also notice slight differences in what women are wearing based on the time of year it is and whether the event is held indoors or outdoors.
If you want to go for a safe bet when attending an event that requires semi-formal dress code, then try choosing a knee-length cocktail dress, as this is often the perfect compromise between casual and formal. Let’s face it, you’re probably scared of wearing evening gowns with sleeves to such an event in case people view your and your outfit as looking too formal, which is why a cocktail dress is a good alternative.

Seasonal colors also work well in this type of situation. For example, if it’s a semi-formal garden party in the summer, then you’ll want to wear bright colors that fit in with the mood, and avoid anything too dark. Not only that, but the fabric of the clothing is also an important consideration as you don’t want to end up too hot during the summer or too cold during the winter.

As with any kind of professional attire for women, it’s important that you always dress for your body type and look for dresses and skirts that show off the most flattering parts of your body while minimizing the areas you want to draw attention away from. At semi-formal events showing some cleavage is okay, although don’t go overboard. If you’re getting too many stares then it is a probably a sign you need to cover up a bit!

Formal Clothing for Black Tie Events

A formal black tie event is considered slightly more formal than ‘semi-formal’. A lady should normally wear a black tie gown that touches the floor, but a gown that is of a shorter length is also sometimes acceptable. A cocktail dress is optional, but it is recommended that a gown is worn. There are many variations of black tie-appropriate gowns, such as full skirts that resemble a bell shape to ones that are form fitting and floor length.
Many women feel that a black tie event means wearing dresses that are conservative but this is not always the case, as it’s more than possible to go with something that is modern and exciting without coming across as casual.

The main thing to keep in mind is that anything you wear should be classy, which means avoiding a dress or gown that is too revealing. Typically, a plunging neckline or backless dress is the perfect way to have a more modern style and draw attention to yourself, while at the same time remaining within the boundaries of what’s acceptable for a black tie event.

Formal Attire for Cocktail Parties

While not ultra formal, cocktail parties would not be considered casual either, which means finding the right balance is key. A formal blouse and skirt is considered to be a good option when attending a party, or even long dressy pants with a cashmere sweater. Of course, cocktail dresses are by far the most popular choice, although there are so many options in this area it can be hard to know exactly what to wear.
Ultimately, this is a formal event so it’s a safer option to go with cocktail attire for women that looks more elegant and classy, rather than revealing or flashy. Knee length is normally preferred, although you might want to go a bit longer in the winter and even pair the dress with a jacket to keep the cold at bay.

Choosing Formal Attire for Women

No matter what type of event you’re attending, selecting women’s attire can be fun and exciting, but it can also be a daunting and confusing experience. That’s why we aim to give you the knowledge you’re looking for about which styles, colors and patterns will look best on you so that you no longer have to dread going shopping. One thing is for certain, though, shopping for women’s formal wear is going to be more difficult than buying every-day casual clothing. Sorry to deliver the bad news.
Making sure you are clear on the exact type of dress code is critically important, and it will help you to pick out a dress or business suit that looks great on you far more quickly. While there are guidelines surrounding what is and is not appropriate to wear to specific types of events, there is some leeway allowed in those guidelines. For instance, a gown that is suitable for a black tie event may also be suitable for a white tie event, and a cocktail dress suitable for semi-formal occasions could very well also be suitable for a black tie event. It’s no wonder so many women are confused and frustrated, but you’ll figure it all out after spending some time soaking up all the information there is here.
However, if you are out shopping and you have any doubt about whether or not the dress you’re interested in will suit the occasion you’re attending, ask for assistance from the store attendant and they will likely be able to tell you which dress would be appropriate to wear. If you take into consideration all the information on this website, you will find that buying all types of formal attire for women is a lot easier.

Akara Nigerian Breakfast Recipe

Akara, also known as Bean Cakes, Bean Balls, Bean Fritas or Acarajé in Portuguese is a Nigerian breakfast recipe made with beans.

To make Akara, you need to first of all remove the beans coat. You should remove the coat from the beans just before you make the Akara. This means that you can't use coatless beans that has been stored in the fridge or freezer to make Akara. I tried that and the Akara did not turn out well like the ones made with freshly peeled beans.

Ingredients you need for Akara

You need only 5 ingredients to make Akara:

• 1 cup of Beans  (black-eyed or brown beans)
• 2 habanero Pepper  (also Chilli pepper)
• 1 medium onion
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable Oil for frying

Tools you will need:

• Blender
• Mortar and Pestle

Before you fry Akara

1. Remove the beans coat. It is important that you do not let salt come in contact with the beans you will use in making Akara till you are ready to fry it. Salt is believed to destroy the leavening property of beans. This is what prevents spattering of the beans batter during frying.
2. Then soak the beans in water for 2 hours to make it soft enough for your blender. If you will grind it using the heavy duty grinders in Nigerian markets, it will not be necessary to soak the beans for extended periods of time.
3. Cut the pepper and onions into desirable sizes.

Making Akara

1. Grind the beans with your blender making sure you add as little water as possible. The water should be just enough to move the blades of your blender.
   
   The operators of the heavy duty grinders in Nigerian markets don't even add water when grinding beans for Akara. The less water you add at the grinding stage, the more the beans batter will stay together during frying thereby reducing spatter. Also, do not add any other ingredient when grinding the beans for Akara. It is believed that other ingredients, if added too early, reduce the ability of the ground beans particles to stick together.
2. Set some vegetable oil on the cooker to heat up. The oil should be at least 3 inches deep.
3. Put some of the ground beans into a mortar. This should be the quantity you can fry in one go.
4. Stir the beans puree with the pestle in a continuous circular motion. You need to apply some pressure so that you can energize the particles of the beans puree.
   
   This stirring technique releases the gas that will act like a leavening agent to the beans particles, making them rise and somehow stick together. This will be like the yeast making the dough rise in Puff Puff or what folding does to cake batter.
5. Keep stirring till the ground beans appears whiter and you can perceive its peculiar aroma.
6. Add some water till you get the consistency shown in the video below.
7. Check to make sure the oil is hot. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle but not too hot. If too hot, the Akara will spatter as soon as the beans batter hits the oil.
8. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and pepper to the beans puree in the mortar. Stir well.
9. Add salt to your taste and stir again. Salt should always be added just before scooping the beans mixture into the oil. If salt stays in the mixture for extended periods of time, it will destroy the leavening property of the beans. This property is what makes the Akara float in the oil and prevent spatter during frying.
10. To fry the Akara, scoop the mixture with a table spoon and slowly pour this into the oil. Dipping the spoon a little bit into the oil helps reduce spatter.
11. Fry the underside till brown and flip to fry the top side too.
12. When the Akara balls are brown all over, remove and place in a sieve lined with paper towels.

Important points to note when making Akara

Follow these and your Akara will turn out great.

1. Use freshly peeled beans.
2. Use a very small quantity of water when grinding.
3. Smoothen the mix with mortar and pestle before frying.
4. Add salt just before frying.

Serve Akara with Akamu, Custard , Agidi or Bread . The best bread to eat Akara with is oven-fresh, hot and stretchy bread like Agege Bread . lol!

Glamorous looks from Miss Nigeria 2013, As Akudo wins

This year’s Miss Nigeria beauty pageant held last Saturday at the prestigious Intercontinental hotel Victoria Island Lagos sets the stage for future celebrity styles.  .

The red carpet featured so much colour, bling, dazzling dresses, sharp suits and smiles to compliment the stars look.  This year’s trendsetters include Ene Maya, South African model Millen, Eunice Efole, Elor Aisen and Opeyemi Awoyeami who dazzled in a black transparent and lace dress.

The event which was well attended saw Twenty three year old Akudo Ezinne Anyaoha, emerge Miss Nigeria 2013. Akudo a law graduate of Abia State University beat 20 other contestants to clinch the coveted crown.

By her win, she gets a brand new car donated by Quintessentially, N3, 000, 000m, a trip to California and one year free accommodation.

She is also the country’s International Ambassador that will uphold the Nigerian culture and traditional values in our modern way of life.

High Heel shoes: The bitter price of elegance

When it comes to shoes, some women will go through hell for a pair of the London Jimmy Choo brand. The brand became notable in the fashion circles, especially for its high heeled bridals since 1996. Since wearing high-heeled shoes is an art, women deserve medals for learning to walk in them let alone run! But what effect does wearing high heel have on our bodies?

Most women believe that if they wear high-heeled shoes they will become more attractive, sexier, more cultured, corporate and sophisticated as well as boost their confidence.

These days at social functions, including churches, as every day wear, especially in the corporate world, Nigerian ladies can be seen wearing these ridiculously high-heeled shoes that come as high as 14 to 16 inches.

There are different kinds — the wedge, clogs, ankle strap heels, wedge sandals and the high heel sandals and they come in assorted colours.

Unknown to many, the constant wearing of these shoes presents some very serious health risks as experts have warned that they could constitute harm to the feet, hip, back and even lead to permanent body deformities. “The negative effects of wearing high heels can be experienced in particular sections of the feet, knees, legs and back.

Dr Onyebuchi Ahoma, a Clinical Psychologist, says that ladies who wear heels put themselves through unnecessary misery and pain. “Some of them cannot even walk straight on heels because they feel uncomfortable but because they think it is chic and trendy they want to endure and ignore the pains they feel,’’ he said.

Dr Abubakah Muhyi, an Orthopaedic Surgeon with the National Hospital, Abuja, says that high heel shoes have been the leading cause that usually brought female patients to visit orthopaedic doctors. Muhyi says that the constant wearing of shoes with high heels or narrow toes have led to a high incidence in corrective foot operations.

According to him, this is what happens when women choose fashionable footwear over health, and many of them aren’t even aware that they are causing harm to their health. “Years of wearing heels can lead to bunions or other infractions of the toe and calf. These signs often surface in middle aged women.

“When a woman is walking on heels, she is basically walking on the balls of her feet. The ball of the foot will experience intense pressure and this pressure more than doubles with every inch in the height of shoe heel. “Ankle injuries are always a threat and the degree of injuries can extend from sprains to fractures. Calluses, corns and bunions can be formed on feet due to high heels, especially if the shoes are tight or walked on for long periods.

“Metatarsalgia is a condition affecting the ball of the foot, where all the weight is concentrated on when a woman is in heels. “Hammertoes is a condition where the toes are maintained in downward curled position because of the continual confinement of the feet in the high heels. “The muscles of the feet become tight and are unable to stretch and straighten when out of the shoes.

“Women may complain of numbness, sharp pain and burn in the toes and ball of the foot when wearing high heeled shoes — all of which are symptoms of `Morton’s Neuroma’ which is the inflammation of the tissue surrounding the nerve between the third and fourth toes,’’ he told newsmen.

Dr Babalola Olatunji, a Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon with the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi (NOHIL), Lagos, says that high heels cause much more pressure on the knees than what the knees are designed for, and could give rise to a condition called osteoarthritis as well as other joint disorders.

Olatunji noted that women who wear high heels frequently have a higher incidence of degenerative joint disease of the knees. This is because they cause a decrease in the normal rotation of the foot which puts more rotation stress on the knee. He says that a similar condition could occur with the Achilles tendon where it could retain its shortened state even when a woman is not wearing high heels.

“The calves will tend to retain the contracted and shortened state due to the feet being in high heels. The calf muscles may become difficult or virtually impossible to straighten without medical intervention. “High heels can cause a change in the way the muscles and tendons work together while walking. Normally, a tendon stretches and shortens, making walking easy on the muscles of the calf.

“However, heels wearing can cause the tendons, especially the Achilles tendon to shorten, leaving the strain on the muscles of the calf to do all the work. “They can cause foot pain, increase likelihood of sprains and fractures, and make the calves look more rigid and sinewy. They can also create foot deformities, causing an unsteady gait, shorten the wearer’s stride and can also render the wearer unable to run,’’ he said.

Another Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon at NOHIL, Lagos, Dr Akintayo Akindele, is of the opinion that regular wearing of high heel shoes could affect the body posture of a woman. “The increased weight on the toes caused the body to tilt forward and to compensate, you lean backwards and overarch your back creating a posture that can strain your knees, hips and lower back. “Because the feet will be in a fixed position, the woman will have to bend her spine in the lower back more to keep her balance.

“Some women may wonder where certain back, shoulder and neck pain may come from. Well, high heels are a prime cause of such pain in the torso,’’ he added. Akindele says that with each inch added to a heel, greater problems could arise, but there are also ways to wear heels more safely… So, if you insist on wearing high heels and you are concerned about muscle and joint strains, his advice is simple:

“I am not telling people they shouldn’t wear heels, but should, maybe wear them in moderation and alternate with other flat shoes. “Women who wear high heels can take them off when feeling uncomfortable, while driving or sitting at their desk at work. Try, if possible to ease back a bit on the high footwear. “Wear high heels maybe once or twice a week. And if that’s not practical or desirable, try to remove the heels whenever possible.

“Settle for shoes that are light and comfortable and don’t have a tight area for the toes. Also, women must stray from tempting selections with a high heel. In the long run, your feet will thank you for your efforts.’’ In spite of the fuss over high heel shoes for Nigerian women, Miss Juliet Igwe, a final year student of Tai-Solarin University of Education, Ijebu Ode, Ogun, says that such shoes are like a “Fashion Mantra’’ for her.

She adds that they complete her total appearance, beauty and self esteem. “I love wedge heels, they make you walk elegantly and you feel this aura of confidence that completes your feminine personality. “Whether they are associated with any form of health risk, I am not aware,’’ she said.

Ms Rita Izunobi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ritz Make-up and Décor, says high heel shoes are an essential aspect of a lady’s dressing. “For a working class lady or a lady who deals with the corporate world, heels are a must wear to greatly enhance your personal standing and gait.

“I heard they could cause back pain, but I have never experienced any,’’ Izunobi said. A civil servant, Mrs Titi Tela, is of the opinion that high heels could be uncomfortable but inevitable when it comes to a woman’s wardrobe. “Many women wear them to look and feel sexy, professional, or to boost confidence, but most ladies carry flat slip-ons or shoes in their bags to alternate because these heels can be very discomforting and you do not have a choice but to slip out of them,’’ she said.

Mr Joe Onalo, an engineer, thinks that ladies who wear high heels look attractive. “I admire ladies on high heels because they have a way of catching one ’s fancy, attention and admiration.’’

Fire Service working on automatic call system – Controller General

 The Federal Fire Service, FFS, is working on an automatic call system in collaboration with private organisations to enable it to respond promptly to distress calls.

Mr. Olusegun Okebiorun, Controller General of the FFS, said this while answering questions at the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Forum on Sunday in Abuja.

He attributed the perceived poor response of the fire service to distress calls to the fact that most people did not know and did not bother to know the FFS’ emergency numbers to reach when there was a fire outbreak.

“You see, the response of fire service is a function of how long it takes you to call the fire service.

“If you take a statistics of people in this country and you take 100 people; if you are lucky, you get 10 people that will know the number to call.

“This is a big problem in this country and to overcome this problem, the Service has already devised a means with a private organisation, on system of automatic call,” Okebiorun said.

He added: “It comprises of a smoke alarm detector integrated with a GSM system. So, if you have a smoke detector, this one is integrated with a GSM line”.

“If there is fire, immediately the smoke gets to the alarm system, it will trigger off to alert the people in the place that there is fire.”

According to him, the system is capable of making automatic calls to the Service whenever there is a fire, resulting in early detection and quick response.

“It is going to be all over this country. They will see the location and through that electronic map, you will be able to see the street where that fire occurs and then the men will easily turn out to that street.

“So, we are looking at a case of one minute for the firemen to get out of their station and move to the fire scene,“ he said.

The Controller General noted that because most people did not know the number to call when there was a fire outbreak, they ended up crying and resorting to the use of  “running callers”, individuals using cars or motorcycles.

He noted that it sometimes took the running callers between five and 10 minutes to get to the nearest fire station to report a fire outbreak.

“A fire which burns for 10 minutes is already out of control, adding, “it takes only five minutes for any fire to gain an edge.”

Okebiorun said two other factors responsible for the poor response of firemen to distress calls were the status of vehicular traffic during a fire outbreak and the level of cooperation from the public.

He said, however, that to overcome the traffic obstruction, the FFS was planning to develop and install automatic access to fire engines at traffic control points.

“It works in the form that there will be a chip in the fire engine
which would be identified by the system right on the control junction,’’ he said.

The controller general said once the engine detected any fire outbreak about 100 metres away, it would give fire fighters’ vehicles the right of way and block other roads.

Mourinho hits back at Gerrard over Terry rift claim

Jose Mourinho has taken a swipe at Steven Gerrard as the Chelsea manager slammed claims of a rift with his axed captain John Terry.

Mourinho left Terry on the bench for Chelsea’s 4-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv in their Champions League opener at Stamford Bridge.

LA Galaxy midfielder Gerrard, working as a television pundit for the Chelsea match, claimed Mourinho’s treatment of Terry must be due to a fracturing of their relationship.

“There’s certainly a bit of friction behind the scenes because for me, you play John Terry week in, week out, he’s your captain,” Gerrard told BT Sport. But Mourinho was quick to respond. “Steven is wrong,” Mourinho said.

“I like him very much and respect him. I think he feels the same way but he is wrong because we have no problems.”

Ayeni to publish biography of ‘A very Good Bad Guy’, 2face

NET Newspaper Limited, owners of THENETNG, Newsroom and NECLive have announced the publication of the biography of Nigerian singer, songwriter and performer Innocent 2face Idibia.

The project, done in commemoration of the musician’s 40th birthday, is part of the NET book series, which kicked off in April 2015.

Idibia’s biography, edited by NET publisher and 2face’s former publicist Ayeni Adekunle Samuel, is titled ‘A Very Good Bad guy: The Story Of Innocent 2Face Idibia.’

The book contains a detailed interview with 2face, lyrics and discography, views from some of those who have shaped his life and career, an insider’s journey through his life and times, as well as a collection of some of the most important articles, reviews, features and news about him since 2004.

‘A Very Good Bad guy: The Story Of Innocent 2Face Idibia’ is first of its kind for a Nigerian pop artiste and indeed, for a contemporary Nigerian musician.

The book’s presentation is planned to coincide with Idibia’s 40th birthday celebrations. He clocks 40 on September 18, 2015

Ayeni Adekunle Samuel, speaking about A Very Good Bad Guy commented, ‘Apart from being a fantastic musician and a wonderful person, 2Face is also a personal friend and source of inspiration; so few things give me as much joy as being able to give this gentleman some of the recognition he deserves on the occasion of his 40th birthday. These are important projects Nigeria must do for our cultural posterity. We must tell our stories and document our history. NET is delighted to compile the life stories of this cultural icon of our times so that our children and our children’s children can read it and learn. And this is the first of many to come’.

A Very Good Bad Guy: The Story of Innocent 2Face Idibia is the second in the NET Books series after the Chris Ihidero collection, Wanderings of a Rapidly Degenerating Mind.

NET has been instrumental in the growth and development of the Nigerian entertainment industry through the organisation of the annual Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) which brings together all entertainment industry stakeholders to discuss mutual challenges and achievements and to set agenda for the year ahead.

Speaking about the book, 2Face himself says ‘It’s a really good feeling knowing that all these years that I’ve been surviving in this industry, someone has been taking note you know…compiling my story so that on an occasion like this, they will release it for the world to see. I’m really feeling the love but importantly I hope those coming behind will read and learn from my story.’

Born in Jos, Plateau State, 2Face Idibia was raised in Makurdi, Benue State where he attended Demonstration Primary School and Saint Gabriel’s secondary school. After a stint at the Institute of Management & Technology (IMT) Enugu, he dropped out to pursue a music career in Lagos in 1997.

In the same year, he teamed up with Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo aka Blackface to form Plantashun Boyz, which was later joined by Chibuzor Orji aka Faze. After achieving success with the band, 2Face left Plantashun Boyz in 2004 to embark on a successful solo career which has spawned six critically acclaimed studio albums and several local and international awards.

I won’t devalue naira, says Buhari

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari said, Wednesday, in Paris, France, that he opposed a further weakening of the naira and openly endorsed the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s policy of restricting foreign-exchange trading.

The President, who was answering questions in an interview with France 24 broadcast, said: “I do not think it is healthy for us to get the naira devalued. The Central Bank is providing ample foreign exchange to essential services, industries.”

CBN has been under pressure from foreign investors to further devalue the naira. Nigeria had, last year, devalued the naira to N197 to the dollar from N160. The naira was further adjusted slightly in July to N199 to the dollar. As a result of the continued pressure on the naira, CBN introduced some measures to curb the excess demand for foreign exchange.

This, however, did not go down well with some of the foreign investors. After the crash of oil prices last year, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, reacted to the naira’s drop to a record low in February by extending trading curbs and introducing bans on purchases of dollars by 41 items, which CBN said cannot access foreign exchange from the Nigeria market.

CBN, JPMorgan clash

The naira has since stabilized at the inter-bank market, but foreign investors, local businesses and even some members of CBN Monetary Policy Committee have complained that the naira is overvalued.

Reacting to these measures put in place by the CBN, JPMorgan excluded Nigeria bonds from its bond index.

Reacting to JPMorgan’s decision, CBN’s Debt Management Office and the Ministry of Finance, in a joint statement, said: “It will be recalled that Nigeria was included in the index in October 2012, based on the existence of an active domestic market for FGN Bonds supported by a Two-Way Quote System, dedicated market makers and diverse investors.

“However, in January 2015, JP Morgan placed Nigeria on an Index Watch as a result of their concerns in the operations of our Foreign Exchange, FX, market, namely lack of liquidity for transactions, lack of transparency in the determination of the exchange rate and lack of a fully functional two-way FX market.

“In our continuous bid to strengthen the Nigerian financial market and enhance our status as a preferred destination for investors, we took measures to improve the market.

Despite the fact that oil prices have fallen by nearly 60 percent in one year, which should expectedly reduce the amount of liquidity in the market, CBN ensured that all genuine and effective demands were met, especially those from foreign investors.

“On transparency, CBN mandated that all FX transactions were posted online in the Reuters Trading Platform so that all stakeholders can easily verify all transactions in the market.

In addition, the official FX window at CBN were closed to ensure a level-playing field in the pricing of foreign exchange. It is important to note that a functional two-way FX market already exists in Nigeria.

CBN justifies regulation

“However, given the high propensity for speculation, round tripping, and rent-seeking in the market, it became imperative that participants are not allowed to simply trade currencies, but are only in the market to fulfill genuine customer demands to pay for eligible imports and other transactions.

“In the light of this, we introduced an order-based, two-way FX market, which has resulted in the stability of the exchange rate in the interbank market over the past seven months and largely eliminated speculators from the market.

“Despite these positive outcomes, JPMorgan would prefer that we remove this rule, even though it is obvious that doing so would lead to an indeterminate depreciation of the naira. With dwindling oil prices, we believe that an order-based two-way market best serves Nigeria’s interest at the moment.

“While we would continue to ensure that there is liquidity and transparency in the market, we would like to note that the market for FGN Bonds remains strong and active due, primarily, to the strength and diversity of the domestic investor base.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government sees Nigeria and the interest of Nigerians as paramount. It will, therefore, only continue to take economic decisions that will impact positively in the lives of all Nigerians.”

President Buhari also said in the interview that markets were not being harmed by the delay in ministerial appointments, which he says will happen by the end of the month.

He said: “Work is being done by technocrats; they are there and they provide the continuity.”

The naira remained little changed at 199.05 per dollar on the inter-bank market at in Lagos.