Thursday, March 19, 2015
Bearded lady reveals she now loves her unshaven look after years of bullying
Harnaam, who once attempted suicide, had in the past tried to wax, bleach and shave the hair which also started growing on her chest and arms but finally decided to stop after being baptised as a Sikh, a religion that forbids the cutting of body hair. She's now speaking up about her new-found confidence.
Speaking during an appearance on This Morning, Harnaam said:
"At the end of the day, I love myself and the way that I'm formed. Going through primary and secondary school with the facial hair, kids can be nasty. It led me to self harm and wanting to take my own life. It takes a lot of strength to say, 'I want to kill myself. A split second is all it took. That thought process really empowered me to just carry on with life.
"I'm more spiritual now than I am religious, I live my life the way I see fit. I stand for what I am. To be labelled as a woman you can look however you want."Harnaam is now working on a campaign to show that name-calling has a big impact with anti-bullying charity Fixers and appears in a short film with her brother.
Source: Standard UK
Thursday, March 19, 2015
FirstBank Savings Bonanza: What FirstBank Promises, FirstBank Delivers
The event was mixed with laughter, fun challenges, popping of champagne for the winner, handing out of amazing prizes, and some “shoki and sekem” dance moves.
The exciting event was attended by the Group Head of Lagos Mainland, First Bank of Nigeria, Olufunke Smith; Group Head Products and Marketing Support, Biodun Famuyiwa; Manager of KPMG, Mr. Martins Olajide, pressmen, past beneficiaries from the quarterly and monthly draws as well as well-wishers.
According to the Group Head of Lagos Mainland FirstBank of Nigeria, Mrs. Olufunke Smith, “the FirstBank Savings Bonanza was a way of thanking the customers for their 120 Years of patronage and loyalty”. Past winners of the last draws, amongst who was a cash prize winner of N50, 000, Jonathan Okeleke and one of the grand car prize winners, Banji Ajuwon were also recognized.
Using this as an avenue to jumpstart the quarterly draws for the grand finale, past car prize winner; Banji Ajuwon was invited to extend his blessing by picking the first draw for the winners of the brand new Toyota Corolla cars, with 6 customers emerging as car winners. Other draws were made to select the winners for the 50,000 cash prize, home theatres, LCD televisions and Samsung Galaxy Phones.
To ensure winners from the draws knew the status of the prizes, winners were reached via phone calls. When one of the winners of the Toyota Corolla cars, Mrs Ebisan Onyema was called, she did not believe it was for real as she thought it was a scam. A vehicle was sent to her place of residence to convey her to the event venue and was welcomed with cheers from the crowd upon her arrival. She was very emotional and totally lost for words and when asked when she wanted her car, she said “Monday, 16 March 2015”.
As promised, one of the six cars won at the draws was presented on Monday 16 of March 2015 at the First Bank Nigeria Head Office at Marina, Lagos. The GMD, Bisi Onasanya who was on hand to deliver the car to the winner, Mrs Ebisan Onyema stated that “FirstBank enjoys rewarding its customers and will always keep to words and promises made”.
For the winner, Mrs Onyema who has been a FirstBank customer for 25 years, she couldn’t believe it when she was told she had won a car and her bankers didn’t believe it either. According to her, “People can now see and understand why I am running to FirstBank, FirstBank is truly the best and everybody should have an account with them” she added joyfully.
Amongst those who attended the car presentation event were senior executives of FirstBank and the cast of soon to be launched TV series, “Before 30” which included actress Damilola Adegbite-Attoh and Anee Icha. Also on ground were Noble Igwe and other notable media personalities.
hoto: Check out how orderly Lagos traffic was in the 60's
Doc Ayomide: 7 Ways Nollywood Might Be Misleading You on Mental Health Illness
Nollywood has stepped up plenty in the last decade or so, and become we can be proud of. From oldies (sort of) like Ije and Figurine, to recent hits like Half of a Yellow Sun and October 1, we’ve seen better and better movies and TV shows.
But there’s one area Nollywood — and Nigerian TV in general — still falls short. (No prizes for guessing which!)
Mental health.
Honestly, if Nollywood and Naija TV were our teachers, and mental health our curriculum, we’d all barely make it past Primary One! And that’s sad, because media has such a huge influence on how we see and think about things. (I’ve written before about how even Tinsel isn’t exempt.) It’s a massive opportunity just down the toilet.
But today’s not the day to rant. Today, I want to talk about what we might wrongly believe about mental health and illness if we actually believed Nollywood (and Nigerian TV as a whole — although I bet it’s probably not too different with other African countries).
Anyway, in no particular order, here are the top 7 myths from Nigeria’s film and TV scene…
People with mental illness are violent and unreasonable
Okay, I know I said these things are in no particular order, but this might well be number one misconception our media reinforces. I’ve written a series of articles on this (here, here and here), but suffice to say here that it’s simply NOT true. People with mental illness are no more violent than anyone else.
Okay, I know I said these things are in no particular order, but this might well be number one misconception our media reinforces. I’ve written a series of articles on this (here, here and here), but suffice to say here that it’s simply NOT true. People with mental illness are no more violent than anyone else.
Mental illness makes people dumb
“Dumb” as in lacking sense, I mean. This misconception is connected to the first one, but it’s slightly different: it’s the idea that mental disorders make people act stupid. On the contrary, though, mental illness doesn’t necessarily affect intelligence. I once saw a chap faking mental illness — you know how I knew? He was acting silly!
“Dumb” as in lacking sense, I mean. This misconception is connected to the first one, but it’s slightly different: it’s the idea that mental disorders make people act stupid. On the contrary, though, mental illness doesn’t necessarily affect intelligence. I once saw a chap faking mental illness — you know how I knew? He was acting silly!
There’s only one type of mental illness
Almost every instance of mental illness on Nigerian media is the same type. You’d totally be forgiven for thinking “mental illness” was only one specific diagnosis. But it’s so much more. Yes, there are disorders (and they’re not that frequent) that make people act strangely (although the way they are portrayed in media leaves much to be desired).
Almost every instance of mental illness on Nigerian media is the same type. You’d totally be forgiven for thinking “mental illness” was only one specific diagnosis. But it’s so much more. Yes, there are disorders (and they’re not that frequent) that make people act strangely (although the way they are portrayed in media leaves much to be desired).
As for the commonest mental disorders, depression and anxiety disorders: how often do you see those? And would you ever have guessed how frequent they were from watching TV? Almost certainly not.
Mental illnesses come from curses
Our number one top cause of mental illness would probably be curses. It might be different in cities like Lagos and Abuja (but is it really?). In our less urban areas, though, curses are a major risk factor for mental illness.
Our number one top cause of mental illness would probably be curses. It might be different in cities like Lagos and Abuja (but is it really?). In our less urban areas, though, curses are a major risk factor for mental illness.
People are sometimes thrown out of home because the family didn’t want the curse coming on them. (I kid you not.) And even when the person with a mental disorder is accommodated, it’s often at arm’s length. You know, just in case – which is sad, because these things are medical problems.
This also ties in to the next Nollywood-perpetuated belief…
Mental illness is not a reason to go to the hospital
It’s not like you ever explicitly hear this said, but besides Tinsel (which must be commended for trying in that area), how many movies or series have you seen where someone with mental illness was treated in hospital? (I’m serious, let me know in the comments where that happened.) Typically the first visit is to religious or traditional healers. (Which fits with believing it’s caused by a curse, right?)
It’s not like you ever explicitly hear this said, but besides Tinsel (which must be commended for trying in that area), how many movies or series have you seen where someone with mental illness was treated in hospital? (I’m serious, let me know in the comments where that happened.) Typically the first visit is to religious or traditional healers. (Which fits with believing it’s caused by a curse, right?)
The problem with that? In my real-life work, few people come to the hospital without having spent time trying out other options. Except that’s usually enough time for the problems to significantly worsen. Medical treatments are available for many mental disorders, contrary to what you might think, they actually work. Think about that.
Mental illness is caused by hard drugs
Most psychiatrists are familiar with this one. We often see people whose families are convinced that they are using hard drugs for no other reason than that they’re mentally ill. When movies don’t show people with mental illnesses as being cursed, they show them as having used drugs. But many people use drugs without becoming ill, and many become ill without using drugs. (That’s many as in millions.)
Most psychiatrists are familiar with this one. We often see people whose families are convinced that they are using hard drugs for no other reason than that they’re mentally ill. When movies don’t show people with mental illnesses as being cursed, they show them as having used drugs. But many people use drugs without becoming ill, and many become ill without using drugs. (That’s many as in millions.)
Mental illnesses are sudden
You know the typical scene when someone first develops a mental disorder, right? It’s always sudden. One minute the person is acting normally, and the next, everything’s out of whack.
You know the typical scene when someone first develops a mental disorder, right? It’s always sudden. One minute the person is acting normally, and the next, everything’s out of whack.
Not in real life. In real life, it takes weeks and months, sometimes years. It’s rare that it happens in days, and even then, suddenness may point to a more physical problem.
So what do we do about all this?
First, let’s get this straight: our media isn’t really the problem. It’s not like these beliefs are new – they mostly existed before. They’re not so much instilling them into people as perpetuating ideas we already have.
And that’s the real issue. Media has the power to influence our views, and when those who are behind it only address stereotypes instead of the complexity of reality, everyone loses.
This isn’t new. The battle against stigma in HIV/AIDS was won with the help of the media. Media helped to fight the misconception surrounding it (such as HIV/AIDS not being a real thing). But imagine how messed up it’d have been if HIV/AIDS had been depicted in ways reinforcing our wrong beliefs about it.
That’s exactly what still happens with mental disorders.
So no, our media isn’t the problem; but they aren’t being part of the solution. They can be, and they should. Because we deserve better, and we should demand better.
Question: Have you yourself had any of these ideas about mental disorders, whether from movies or TV or from other sources? Which of them do you still hold on to?
Get Ready for an Afternoon of Fun, Entertainment & Good Food! Have Brunch with Tosyn Bucknor | Sunday, 22 March
One of Nigeria’s most engaging media personalities, Tosyn Bucknor, is hosting a special brunch this Sunday, and you’re invited!
“Brunch with Tosyn” aims to connect fans with some of their most loved personalities, while creating an opportunity to network, s.h.a.r.e tips and have fun.
This edition, which is the second one in the lifestyle series, features Baseline Artiste, Aramide and Preye of MzPreye Makeovers who will be giving a makeup tutorial. There will also be goody bags available courtesy of House of Tara, SPEECHgirl Tees, and more.
It promises to be a fun-filled affair. You don’t want to miss it!
Date: Sunday, 22 March
Time: 2 PM – 4 pm
Venue: Lotus at Pattaya, 30 Adeola Hopewell, beside Diamond Bank, Victoria Island Lagos
Registration: Registration is open and can be done via e-mail: brunchwithtosynbucknor@gmail.com | or Whatsapp/Text 07038128568
For additional information: Follow @brunchwithtosyn on Twitter
Time: 2 PM – 4 pm
Venue: Lotus at Pattaya, 30 Adeola Hopewell, beside Diamond Bank, Victoria Island Lagos
Registration: Registration is open and can be done via e-mail: brunchwithtosynbucknor@gmail.com | or Whatsapp/Text 07038128568
For additional information: Follow @brunchwithtosyn on Twitter
‘Brunch with Tosyn’ is proudly supported by Bella Naija, House of Tara, Onobello, TBDC and Zapphaire Events.
Events This Weekend
#TGIT – Thank God It’s Thursday…and almost the weekend!
Take a look at some of the awesome events happening around you this weekend.
Isaac Geralds LiveEnjoy a night of amazing music with Isaac Geralds this Thursday!Date: Thursday, 19 March, 2015
Time: 6 PM
Venue: Bogobiri, 9 Maitama Sule, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
Afro Music Pop #PopPartyThis month’s Exclusive #PopParty Goes to Po Lounge Ibadan with Performances from Kiss Daniel, Lil Kesh, Ayo Jay, Pizzy, Tu-wyzze, JoeEl, Keanzo among others. The party will be hosted by K-Show D maestro
Date: Thursday, 19 March, 2015
Time: 9 PM
Venue: PO Lounge, Ring Road, Ibadan
Laolu & the Afromysterics Perform at SXSWLaolu & the Afromysterics is the brain child of Laolu Senbanjo, a self-taught musician, visual artist and a human rights lawyer. He’s the lead singer, composer, and the acoustic guitarist.
Date: Thursday, 19 March, 2015
Time: 10:30 PM
Venue: Speakeasy Kabaret, 412 N Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Contact: afromysterics@gmail.com | 646.239.6170
Afropolitan Vibes March 2015 EditionBantu invites you to the 2nd year anniversary celebration of Afropolitan Vibes. This month’s show will feature Sierra Leonean-German singer-songwriter PATRICE, Afro-pop songstress WAJE & Yoruba-Soul singer BRYMO all sharing the stage with the 13-piece BANTU collective.Date: Friday, 20 March, 2015
Time: 7 PM
Venue: Freedom Park, Lagos Island
Ticket: N500
Sounds from Africa and Sounds from the Caribbean Event
This event brings together an impressive agglomeration of Music, Film and interactive industry leaders and participants from around the world.
Date: Friday, 20 March, 2015
Time: 7 PM
Venue: Palm Door, Sixth 508 E. 6th Street
This event brings together an impressive agglomeration of Music, Film and interactive industry leaders and participants from around the world.
Date: Friday, 20 March, 2015
Time: 7 PM
Venue: Palm Door, Sixth 508 E. 6th Street
#GetFreshFriday at Vapors NightclubNeed a way to let your hair down on Friday? Be sure to visit Vapors Nightclub for their weekly #GetFreshFriday!Date: Friday, 20 March, 2015
Time: 10 PM
Venue: 879 Samuel Manuwa street (Opposite 1004 entrance gate), off Ozumba Mbadiwe street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Contact: 08062329096
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iWOW Global Possibilities Summit
For the fifth year running, Inspired Women of Worth (iWOW) invites you to theirGlobal Possibilities Summit – a life, leadership and business summit for women (and the men who love them) who want to transcend limitations and achieve their goals.
Date: Friday, 20 March – Saturday, 21 March
Time: Friday (5:30 PM – 8 PM), Saturday (8AM – 5:30 PM)
Venue: Civic Centre, Lagos
Registration: For information about how to register, please contact 08023062428 | 08096000049
Time: Friday (5:30 PM – 8 PM), Saturday (8AM – 5:30 PM)
Venue: Civic Centre, Lagos
Registration: For information about how to register, please contact 08023062428 | 08096000049
#TriporRun for EndometriosisJoin the Endometriosis Support Group, Nigeria, to celebrate 10 years of Endo Advocacy.Date: Saturday, 21 March, 2015Time: 6:30 AM
Venue: Lagos | Calabar | Abuja | Ibadan | Uyo | Ilorin | Yenogoa | Port-Harcourt | Enugu
Contact: 08074602886 | 08074343604 | endomarch.nigeria@endometriosis-sign.org
‘Nigeria Flourish’ TPH Prayer WalkThis Present House invites you to be part of a prayer walk for Nigeria themed Nigeria Flourish.Date: Saturday, 21 March, 2015
Time: 7 AM
Venue: The Dome, Freedom Way, End of Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
Contact: info@thispresenthouse.org
The Productivity SeminarThe Productive Life Seminar is a successful learning platform to teach unbeaten principles of super achievers, and encounter a mental shift towards result-oriented living and working.Date: Saturday, 21 March, 2015
Time: 9 AM
Venue: The Development Centre, 17A Adebayo Doherty Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
Contact: 08098501830 | 01-7675000 | profuctivityplus@hcdclimited.com
DIW’s Praise and Prayer Assembly for WomenJoin the Deborah Initiative for Women for a meeting that will help you to pray and unburden, receive the intervention of God you so desire as well as worship till your spirit soars with wings!Date: Saturday, 21 March, 2015
Time: 10 AM
Venue: TBC Center, Ojomu Royal Complex, New Road Busstop, Lekki, Lagos
Contact: 08165037517
Inspiring Change Conference With Adesunmbo AdeoyeJoin Adesunmbo Adeoye, Pastor Nomthi Odukoya, TyBello and a host of other leading female entrepreneurs in conferenceDate: Saturday, 21 March, 2015
Time: 10 AM
Venue: Beatrice Hall, Westown Hotels behind Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos
Contact: 08023199887| 08061371366 | InspiringChangeInitiative@gmail.com
Johnnie Walker Black Label Goes to AbujaThe Johnnie Walker Black Podium takes on Abuja this weekend, with performances by some of the country’s top artists at Club XO.Date: Saturday, 21 March, 2015
Time: 10 PM
Venue: Club XO, Abuja
Contact: seal.btc@gmail.com
Discovery for Men RallyDiscovery for Men rally is a large gathering of men in the Nigeria and this month they will be meeting for ‘Positioning for Harvest’
Date: Sunday, 22 March, 2015
Time: 4 PM
Venue: 12 Industrial Estate Road, by PZ Industries, Ilupeju, Lagos
Contact: 07098055186 | 08033436969 | ifor@discoveryformen.org
The Chronicles of Ushbebe LiveThe Chronicles of Ushbebe Live is a comedy and music concert that will showcase standup comedian, OAP with Naija FM 102.7, Compere and Actor Ushbebe in diverse comedic characters.
Date: Sunday, 22 March, 2015
Time: 5 PM
Venue: Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos
Ticket: Regular – N5000 | VIP – N10,000 | Table for 10 – N300,000
Contact: 08029906500
This Life House presents Women Rising 2015 Concert & Arts WeekenderThe Life House is proud to present Woman Rising 2015 in special celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD).
Date: Sunday, 22 March, 2015
Time: 5 PM
Venue: Wheatbaker, Ikoyi and Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos
Ticket: Regular – N5000 | VIP – N15000
Contact: banke@bobbytaylorcompany.com | 07065151423
Fool’s Day | Stage PlayThis rib-cracking play encapsulates the decadence in the family over the years in our contemporary societies. The play tries to examine dramatically the resultant effect of parent’s nonchalant attitude towards their children’s affairs outside the home.
Date: Sunday, 22 March, 2015
Time: 6 PM
Venue: Ethnic heritage Centre, 35a, Raymond Njoku Street, off Awolowo road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Ticket: Student – N1000 | Regular – N2500 | VIP – N5000
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Brunch With Tosyn
One of Nigeria’s most engaging media personalities, Tosyn Bucknor, is hosting a special brunch this Sunday, and you’re invited! Brunch with Tosyn aims to connect fans with some of their most loved personalities, while creating an opportunity to network, s.h.a.r.e tips and have fun.
Date: Sunday, 22 March
Time: 2 PM – 4 pm
Venue: Lotus at Pattaya, 30 Adeola Hopewell, beside Diamond Bank, Victoria Island Lagos
Registration: Registration is open and can be done via e-mail: brunchwithtosynbucknor@gmail.com | or Whatsapp/Text 07038128568
For additional information: Follow @brunchwithtosyn on Twitter
Time: 2 PM – 4 pm
Venue: Lotus at Pattaya, 30 Adeola Hopewell, beside Diamond Bank, Victoria Island Lagos
Registration: Registration is open and can be done via e-mail: brunchwithtosynbucknor@gmail.com | or Whatsapp/Text 07038128568
For additional information: Follow @brunchwithtosyn on Twitter
Hearty Cheers to Mothers as Baileys Nigeria Celebrates Mothers Day with a Difference
Baileys Nigeria celebrated Mother’s Day in a totally unique way, treating women to a classy tea-party themed event which held in the gardens of the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.
The event was hosted by the Beat FM Baileys Boutique team of Stephanie Coker and Fade Ogunro, with mind blowing music by the fast rising Korede Bello “Mega Super Star” of Mavin crew and sensational performance by Seyi Shay.
The exquisite tea party had in attendance guests such as Banke Meshida-Lawal, Sasha P, Yvonne ‘vixen’ Ekwere and so many others who showed up with their elegantly dressed mothers too.
The fun-filled event also provided daughters a platform to share their own version of “I am …because of my Mother”. The atmosphere was filled with emotion and love for mothers.
Seyi Shay
Korede Bello
Kaylah Oniwo & Seyi Shay
Ono Bello
Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere
A special toast from Baileys to mothers all over, Happy Mother’s Day! #HeresToMums
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