‘Why I’m set to promote cultural heritage’

Right from time, I am addicted to reading magazines. I love reading Ebony magazines. My mum also reads magazine a lot. While growing up, I always had that idea of owing my own magazine empire. Studying law, for me, was a total diversion. I later discovered that all the style magazines in the country were […]

Right from time, I am addicted to reading magazines. I love reading Ebony magazines. My mum also reads magazine a lot. While growing up, I always had that idea of owing my own magazine empire. Studying law, for me, was a total diversion. I later discovered that all the style magazines in the country were southern-based. I therefore decided to establish a magazine that will celebrate Northern women and culture. Northern market is a virgin market. There are a lot of things we still don’t have in the North. Initially, I was scared, but later learnt that consistency is the secret of publishing. I wouldn’t say that I am successful yet, but I hope that one day I shall be a success story.

What is the Henna Ball 2009 going to be about?

Henna Ball 2009 is a show, first of its kind in Nigeria, aimed at promoting local beauty products and fashion heritage. It promises to be a fashion show of wearable couture in various categories, henna design, sample exhibitions and opportunities for on the spot henna design application, exhibition of African local beauty products, appearance of an Indian renowned  actress, world class A-list entertainment, award ceremony and networking cocktail party. It will equally provide opportunity for talented fashion designers, creative make-up artists, and trendsetting hair stylists to showcase their works before an appreciative audience of well heeled fashion consumers. Girl-child education has been recognized as one of the major setbacks of women in some parts of Nigeria especially in the North. A percentage of what is raised through sponsorship and other expected sources of income for the event will be used to support girl-child education in Nigeria. The event will also afford all those who attend to contribute to national development.

Something must have necessitated this idea.

 A lot of Northern women are not educated. In the past, it was because of the culture that forbade female education, but now poverty has set in. Some people actually want to send their daughters to school but they cannot afford to do so. I would love all Northern women to go to school to be able to take care of themselves.

In the past, a lot of people made this kind of promise, but in the end, they disappeared.

I am doing this because it is what I want to do. Henna Ball is something I am passionate about. I am passionate about Northern style, fashion, culture and tourism. I am a Northern woman, and I know that Northern women are backward.  I do not care what people think or say.

Henna Ball is just for help?

No, I have said it severally that Henna ball is not just for help, but for the promotion of our cultural heritage and the enhancement of girl-child education.

When is the event coming up?

The event is scheduled for November 13, 2009 at the Abuja International Conference Centre.

Are men invited to the show?

Yes, because nothing will be complete for women without the men. Men are also invited, but the show is for women because they are the fashion icons.

Could you say something about your style?

I am a Northerner. I like appearing always like a Northerner. I like the African cloths and fashion. You can’t catch me on western wear. I like wearing anything that is comfortable on me and can cover my body.