Design Shark International is on a mission to find Africa’s next top Fashion  Designers. This initiative is committed to instituting a fair equitable and sustainable system in the selection of talented and marketable fashion designers in Nigeria, that  is replicable, adaptable and measurable across Africa.

Nigeria is blessed with so many talents spanning various industries. Different industries around the nation are currently being celebrated and making headlines around the world; from entertainment, to sports, arts, and more. Fashion is not to be left out of this wonderful narrative and Design Shark hopes to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s budding fashion industry.

Design Shark International was created to be the bridge that connects talented African designers to an international audience that is waiting for them.

This initiative is the brainchild of a team of industry experts with over seventy years combined experience in fashion and business, who are passionate about giving Nigerian Fashion designers the opportunity to showcase their craft to Africa and the world at large.

When asked about why the founders came together on this impactful project, they responded saying “Every single person in the world perceives fashion in a different way, but it is safe to say that fashion is universal and inclusive of various cultures;
helping keep our history, heritage and individualities alive . Through Design Shark, we hope to create impact. Fashion is an industry that is truly open to everyone – the opportunity here is undeniable – to change the trajectory of a creative life, we are
excited for this journey.”

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Design Shark (@designsharkinternational)

The DSI fashion designer search is set to be at the forefront of promoting and celebrating the next generation of African fashion designers by offering beneficiaries of the Fashion Designer search an opportunity to attend and participate in the Portugal Fashion Week as the start of a journey to scaling their businesses.

These designers have to participate in the two qualifying online contests for a chance to be among 12 finalists who exhibit their designs at a fashion show on Saturday, 3rd of September in Lagos, Nigeria.

DSI’s first contest is in full swing! If you are an interested fashion designer or know someone who is, you can enter the competition by submitting a 1 minute video/reel of their start to finish process of an outfit.

Participants should make their “video cover” the finished outfit look and use the  hashtags #DSIContest# DiscoverWithDesignShark. Your caption should include @designsharkinternational and why you would like to be chosen as a beneficiary of DSI’s fashion designer search. Submissions will be accepted from now until August 27th, 2022.

This grand finale of the DSI Fashion competition is a grand fashion show that will feature Bolanle Olukanni and Kaylah Oniwo as hosts, Bridget Chigbufue of STV as the red carpet host, alongside an illustrious panel of judges consisting of Noble Igwe, Adebayo Oke-Lawal of TheOrangeNerd, Oluwatosin Ogundadegbe of TheStyleInfidel and Ejiro Amos Tafiri.

You can trust every designer to put their best foot forward to impress these influential judges, as well as the famous personalities who will be in attendance.

DSI anticipates this fashion event to be the biggest fashion and talent search out of
Africa!
Date: Saturday, September 3, 2022
Venue: Victoria Island, Lagos
Follow DSI more information

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/designsharkinternational/

Ini Dima-Okojie in Edo attire and Abasi Ene-Obong in Efik attire

The wedding bells are ringing for Nollywood’s leading lady Ini Dima-Okojie who recently starred in the Netflix Original Series ‘Blood Sisters.’ The star actress recently tied the knot to the love of her life, Abasi Ene-Obong.

Abasi is the founder and CEO of 54gene, an African genomics company building the world’s first pan-African biobank.

Ini Dima-Okojie in Efik attire for her 2nd look

Abasi Ene-Obong in Efik attire 

Ini and Abasi announced their engagement on social media in June 2021, marking the beginning of their forever journey. Abasi proposed after two years of courtship. The couple got legally married on Thursday May 19th, 2022 and traditionally on Saturday May 21st, 2022.

Ini Dima-Okojie and Abasi Ene-Obong at their civil ceremony

The traditional wedding ceremony took place at the luxurious event center, Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos. Ini and Abasi were graced by their two loving families and a great group of 1000 supportive friends, star-studded guests and well-wishers in attendance. 

Wedding hall decor

Friends praying for Ini Dima-Okojie 

The Couple with their friends

The special day was an exotic mix of  two Nigerian cultures – Edo and Calabar. Ini, who is from Edo state, was styled by famed Nigerian Designer, Tubo for her Edo outfit and after party look while renowned fashion designer, Lanre Dasilva transformed her into the regal Calabar bride ready to take on marriage. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Noble Igwe (@noble_igwe)

Consistently true to her stylish persona, we anticipated Ini’s ever-chic appearance. She is a fashion favourite who is always on every best dressed list. Alongside all her fans, we were waiting to see her fashion choices at the wedding, and we were jaw droppingly pleased!

Ini Dima-Okojie 1st outfit- Edo bride 

Ini Dima-Okojie 2nd outfit- Efik bride 

Ini Dima-Okojie’s After Party look

Master of Ceremony, Roby Ekpo, together with music superstars such as Wandecoal, Dj Crowd-controller, Chike, Event Compere Jimmie and others thrilled the guests at the wedding party. We could tell that no one wanted to leave!

The Bride and her mother

Ini and Abasi’s traditional wedding #Achocolatelovestory was a star-studded affair as the Nollywood industry came together to celebrate their colleague. Celebrities like Kate Henshaw, Nancy Isime, Toke Makinwa, Shaffy Bello, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Bovi, Waje, Omawumi, Daniel Etim-Effiong, Osas Ighodaro, Akah Nnani, Uti Nwachukwu, Denrele Edun, and lots more. Celebrity fashion designers who made the stunning bride’s outfits, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi and Tubobereni were also in attendance. 

The wedding was indeed a vibrant traditional function and every minute of it was filled with beauty and glamour. There certainly was no shortage of  good vibes, and love to last a lifetime.

Wedding cake

We wish Ini and Abasi a long and jubilant married life.

Ini Dima-Okojie with her Asoebi ladies

Ini Dima-Okojie with her sisters

Bride’s friends in their bridal robes

Wedding guests table

Traditional bridal gifts

Credits:

Bridal Robe – @myt5s

Civil Ceremony Outfit-  Derin Fabikun Co

Bride’s Edo Outfit – Tubo 

Veil-  Derin Fabikun Co

Bride’s Calabar Outfit- Lanre Dasilava 

Efik Outfit: @lanredasilvaajayi

Efik Hair: @quisitehair

Bride’s After-Party Outfit: – Tubo 

Turban: @turbantempest

Makeup artist – Ada Kenneth 

Groom’s outfit – Atafo Official

Event planner- Zapphire events

Event decor- Wedding guru

Photography: @the.alfe @tmoorphotography

Location: Ebonylife Place

Ini and Abasi are Social!

Follow Ini on Instagram- @inidimaokojie

Follow Abasi on Instagram- @abasieneobong

Hashtags: #AChocolateLoveStory, #StarringIniAbasi

Rita Dominic at her bridal shower

The delightful actress celebrated at the Ebonylife place’s Jinja restaurant; on Sunday, April 10th, 2022 in the company of a few good friends. Friends enjoyed a 3 course Asian fusion menu, paired elegantly with Moët and Chandon champagnes. 

A toast with Moët & Chandon

Moët & Chandon has created magical moments for more than 270 years, toasting the most glamorous of royal weddings in history and delighting couples and their guests worldwide with grand gestures in the celebration of love. On Rita Dominic’s special day, the luxury brand celebrated the nollywood bride-to-be in style. 

Rita Dominic’s metal signpost designed by Moët & Chandon

“I do, only with Moët & Chandon”

Rita Dominic stunned in a gorgeous shift dress, looking every bit the bride-to-be.

Rita Dominic with Doreen Ene, Nse Ikepe-Etim and Michelle Dede

It was an evening of fun, gifts and games, and a feeling of warmth for the beautiful movie star, in celebration of the wedding to come. We could truly see how beloved Rita is to her industry friends as they took turns to give speeches and words of advice to the bride to be. 

Rita Dominic with Chioma Akpotha

Friends mingling at the bridal shower

Nollywood icons Ajoke Silva, Ego Boyo and sister of bride-to-be, Doreen Ene who have enjoyed long-lasting marriages dropped words of wisdom for Rita. Joke gave a heartfelt speech that included a Yoruba proverb which translates ‘Who has taken their time before taking a step will not make a mistake.’ 

Doreen Ene advised the bride-to-be to keep good communication with her spouse and said ‘you must continue to have fun and smile with your husband.’

Nigerian actress and movie producer, Ego Boyo sharing insights

Co-Maid of Honour, Michelle Dede giving her speech

The pre-wedding party was filled with several emotional moments. One of such moments was when Actress Kate Henshaw, joined by all the ladies, sang Dionne Warwick’s “That’s what friends are for”, moving Rita to tears of joy. In her own speech, Rita stated that so many of her friends, many who were not there, had showered her with so much love already. Rita told her friends ‘I am honestly overwhelmed by the amount of love you all have shown me by being here today, your presence and warm words have made my heart melt like butter tonight. I will hold on to your words dearly as I go into this new phase.’

A special moment for Rita Dominic

And in response, fellow actress and friend, Ini Edo said she was about to witness how much people in the industry love her, saying “many are changing their already tight schedules to attend the wedding”. 

The evening ended with media mogul and owner of Ebonylife, Mo giving the vote of thanks. Thereafter, the ladies took to the dance floor and showed us what Nollywood does best, even when it comes to dancing. Nobody wanted the night to end as it was indeed filled with great camaraderie!

Rita Dominic with Actress Dakore Eguson-Akande

Rita Dominic with her sister Mercedes Richards

Watch the celebration here——- >https://www.instagram.com/tv/CcNSPqtovgk/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

L-R: Ego Boyo, Mo Abudu, Ajoke Silva, Hilda Dokumbo, Doreen Ene and Chioma Ude with Rita Dominic

The cake for the bride by Moët & Chandon

L-R: Kate Henshaw, Mercedes Richards, Najite Dede and Mercy Eke with Rita Dominic

A toast to the bride!

The movie stars take a selfie !

Media Personality, Mercy Eke

Bridal Shower Squad: Actress Kate Henshaw and Actress Nse Ikepe-Etim

The line-up of functions have already begun for the couple. Plans for the nuptial are concluded, and it’s count down season as we anticipate all the blissful moments to come.  

Actress, Ini Edo

Actress, Dakore Egbuson-Akande

L-R: Lanre Da Silva, Rita Dominic, and Femi Da Silva

Chioma Ude, Founder and Executive Director, AFRIFF speaking during the bridal shower

Rita Dominic with Juliet Ori Eche 

Rita Dominic with Vicky Sogunro

L-R: Lilian Afegbayi, Susan Peters, and Ini Edo with Rita Dominic

Moet & Chandon Balloons

Official Hashtags for the event:

• #ReelDeel2022
• #ihunanyanaudokanma
• #toastwithmoët

Deputy Governor, Nasarawa State – Dr. Emmanuel A. Akabe

On the 13th of July, 2021, LifeBank launched their latest product, an oxygen plant; AirCo, in Orozo, Nasarawa state, Nigeria. At the event, the LifeBank team detailed their excitement about the innovation which they believe will improve the quality of healthcare that hospitals currently provide within Nasarawa and nearby regions. 

AirCo is a tech and data driven oxygen PSA plant for the people of Nasarawa and the North Central, LifeBank’s goal is to use this technical innovation to save the lives of the most vulnerable. Lack of access to much needed supplies leads to avoidable deaths.

The event which was held in Orozo, Nasarawa state, was graced by prominent guests such as the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa state, His excellency, Dr Emmanuel Akabe; Commissioner for  Health, Nasarawa state, Phar Yahaya Baba Ahmed ; StateRepresentative of the Director General, NCDC; Dr Ifeanyi Abali. Director General, NASIDA. Dr Gaza Gwamna, Executive Secretary Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency.

In an interview, when asked why the launch of the oxygen plant was taking off first in Nassarawa, Temie Giwa – Tubosun (CEO of LifeBank) responded by saying that Nasarawa State is a beautiful state, a state of deep waterfalls, rich land, and a gentle people. What sets them apart is the shared ingenuity of the people, commitment to bringing change, and the willingness of its government to work hard with the private sector to innovate in a way that solves problems. Innovation is the path that will allow our country to live up with its promise. By working with LifeBank and our team, Nasarawa state has shown itself to be Nigeria’s home of innovation that drives impact. We are so glad to bring this plant with the capacity to produce 700 cubic meters a day to the state. 

CEO LifeBank – Temie Giwa-Tubosun

The launch event was an avenue to bring together health care professionals, and stakeholders who all shared common interests in improving the quality of healthcare in Nigeria.  The event was attended both physically and virtually.

LifeBank delivers medical supplies to Hospitals in Africa using technology and a multimodal distribution platform.

About LifeBank:

Website: www.lifebankcares.com

Instagram @lifebankcares

LinkedIn: LifeBank

“The administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is determined to successfully accomplish the Computer Village relocation to a more conducive and business-friendly environment. This would help to address the environmental challenges created by the market in Ikeja”.

These are the words of the Honorable Commissioner of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako, when he was speaking on the partnership between the state government and Bridgeways Global Projects Limited  on the development of the Lagos ICT Business Park in Katangowa, with the Coalition of Associations in Computer Village (CACOVI) as the major beneficiaries funded by Sterling Alternative Finance. 

The Lagos ICT Business Park, Katangowa is the first of its kind in Africa and will elevate the status of Lagos as a global technology location. It is far beyond providing real estate for the development of another ‘computer village.’ The ICT Business Park will provide the infrastructure to incubate and accelerate the development of technology solutions that can improve development outcomes on the African continent. 

The first phase of the project boasts of 3810 Lock up shops, 4336 Kee Klamps, 1020 Market Stalls, 24 Premium Shops, 128 2 Bedroom Apartments, 3 Stand Alone Food Courts, 12 300-Seater Kitchen Buka and 1 Terrace Food Court.

Sterling Alternative Finance offers attractive financing opportunity to eligible traders under the umbrella of Coalition of Associations in Computer Village (CACOVI) who are currently hosted in Computer Village, Ikeja. Eligible traders will enjoy Non-Interest Lease Financing with as low as 5% deposit and a N23,197 monthly instalment payment. 

The partnership with Sterling Alternative Finance offers eligible traders an opportunity to own a shop in the ICT Business Park and a piece of choice real estate investment based on convenient and affordable financing terms. 

Nigerians can expect more exciting, value providing & enriching partnerships from the Sterling Alternative team in the nearest future.

If you have ever experienced Shaffy Bello, her graceful aura envelopes you, as she commands a room quite effortlessly.

With 24 years in the entertainment industry ,she has proven herself as a phenomenal thespian in the entertainment industry, spanning both English and Yoruba roles.

She first shot into the entertainment scene when she featured vocals in a 1997 hit song by Seyi Sodimu titled “Love Me Jeje”. She has an outstanding body of work including starring in the Afircan Magic television Tinsel,  Taste of Love, and Desperate Housewives Africa. She has a number of movie titles under her belt including Hire a Man, Love is War, When Love Happens, Elevator Baby,  Your Excellency, Its her Day, From Lagos With Love, Chief Daddy and so much more. She has won numerous awards and has a number of projects to reveal 2021.

Fun-Fact -did you know that Shaffy Bello  is currently the Nigerian actress with the most movie titles on Netflix this year. What a wonderful feat for a wonderful woman.

Her fashion sense transcends generations, as she constantly gives the young’uns a run for their money, It is no surprise that the best of the best came out to capture the quintessential lady of the screen Shaffy in various shoots. We asked Shaffy Bello the theme behind the shoot and she had this to say.

“For me, Opal signifies the birthstone for the month of October, It is a stone that is associated with love and passion, It also purifies the Aura and is a symbol for fidelity and assurance. Over the years, I have worked on my self confidence and self worth, and so as I turn 50 everything is greatly enhanced, I can truly say I am as ASSURED as I am seasoned.

Interestingly, Opal stone stimulates originality and  dynamic creativity, As an actress, I have delved in the art so many times and this has aided in my true self expression, It was important I found a way to capture my journey thus far, my love for the arts, fashion, diversity and creativity in my 50th birthday shoot, the team outdid themselves’’

The superstar released some pictures to the delight of her fans, we got some of those images and we must say they are stunning. The Opal month of October totally belongs to Shaffy Bello,  we cannot wait to see some more pictures from the shoot.

A little birdie told us she is hosting her nearest and dearest in an intimate invite only COVID Complaint classic dinner. We are certain it will be an affair to remember.

1st Shoot. DESTINATION SHOOT

Venue: The Museum at the Railroads Yaba.

Photogragher: THE LEGENDARY @kelechiamadiobi

Stylist:@YolandaOkereke

Railway dress: @SpectrumbyAisha

Vintage look: @LadyBeellionaire For SHAFY BELLO

Vintage car: Kunle Afolayan

MUA: @tmtbylayinka

BTS Shoot: @madewithdexterity

2nd Shoot. DESTINATION SHOOT

Venue: @houseofsplendorboutiquehotel

Photogragher: THE LEGENDARY @kelechiamadiobi

Stylist: @yolandaokereke

Atelier: @ladybillionaire for SHAFY BELLO.

HAIR: @zubbydefinition

MUA: @tmkbylayinka

BTS: @madewithdexterity

3rd Shoot STUDIO SHOOT

Photogragher : @trans4mazfotography

ALL DRESSES : The Amazing @odeva_nigeria

MUA: @keemamua

Head shots photography: @keemamua

Gele: @gele_by_segunlagos

Black and silver lace. HOH By

@elsiesfabrics

Shoes: @larritshoevillage

Red Dress: @spectrumbyaisha

Hair: @hairbyugo

Aso OKE: @twealthlani_asooke

The whole of Lagos will be watching as the movie premiere is set to kick off on Saturday, 2nd of November at Filmhouse IMAX Cinemas, Lekki phase 1. With the ‘Demons in Diamonds’ theme for the remarkable night, our VVIPs are sure to be dazzled up and ready to strut the red carpet with all eyes on them at this exclusive invitation-only premiere. The night will definitely be the most fashionable and a night to truly remember this year! 

From the old nollywood celebrities who are pacesetters of Nigeria’s biggest entertainment industry, to the younger generation of nollywood actors, fashion influencers, music artists and media, the premiere will definitely be unrivaled as guests will be glammed up in showstopping outfits while showing their dark side. It is an invitation, to walk on the dark side of glamour, excess and opulence. Think blood artwork on couture gowns. Spiked halos and jewel encrusted garments

Date: Saturday, 2nd November 2019
Theme:  Demons In Diamonds
Venue: Filmhouse Cinemas, Lekki phase 1

Living In Bondage: Breaking Free will hit cinemas on November 8, 2019

Here’s all the fashion inspiration you need to nail your red carpet look

Watch the official trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJhfreO1xmI

For more info on the movie:

IG: @livinginbondagethesequel, @playnetworkafr

“Here in Britain, we know a lot about the history of Black American slavery, civil rights, and the African American experience. But very little is known about the black British struggle. This is just one of our stories.” Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

The title refers to a social practice in which Nigerian immigrants to Britain would temporarily give their children to white foster families, sending money for a child’s keep while they studied to make a better life for themselves. Out in Nigerian Cinemas on the you don’t want to miss out on A chilling drama about combative need to face down the past, before embracing a future of hope.

Farming won the the Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film at the 2019 Edinburgh International Film Festival in June. Damson Idris won the award for Best Performance in a British Feature Film at the festival.

According to Moses Babatope, Managing Director, FilmOne, the film is an important one for the region. “We have so many stories that need to be told. Many, like Farming, have relevance beyond Africa and affect the history and culture of other countries where there is a Nigerian diaspora. We want to ensure that audiences in west Africa get to watch movies that shift the conversation around our impact on the world.”

Farming will be released in Nigeria cinemas from October 25^th in cinemas in Nigeria, Ghana and across west Africa.

Watch trailer below

For more info you can follow the hashtag #farmingfilm #farmingmovie