Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Wearing Anklets: Tradition Meets Fashion
Anklets are now trending among the young and old in the Nigerian fashion scene.
They are now seen as an essential part of any dressing, casual or formal.
At most parties, women and girls are seen wearing clothes that show off their ankles, with different ornaments and chains of high quality.
Anklets are chains or Ornaments worn around the ankles.
A cross section of Nigerians expressed different views on the use of anklets.
Some told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that wearing anklets beautified women, while some others were of the view that it added no beauty to the users.
Mrs Amarachi Joseph, a Historian, said the use of anklets had become the most controversial fashion among ladies in Nigeria.
Joseph said that Nigerians from different backgrounds read meanings to the use of anklets.
She said that in some tribes, both men and women wear anklets during cultural festivals and other special ceremonies like chieftaincy title conferments or coronation.
“Anklets worn by the Igbos connote prestige, wealth, and beauty. These anklets are made with brass, beads and elephant tusk,” she said.
Joseph said that in some Yoruba communities , anklets are worn by the certain chiefs as insignia.
According to her, the votaries and worshippers of deities also wear anklets as insignia of their offices and to signify spirit children.
“Among the Hausas, some of them wear anklets to beautify their feet on their wedding day,’’ Joseph said.
She added that women of high class wore them as ornaments, as they are regarded as being prestigious.
Joseph said that in some climes, anklets signify protection or identification of certain groups.
” In some societies it is used to identify gay community or commercial sex workers, while in some parts it is used as contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.
“Generally, when I was younger, there was this perception that ladies that wear anklets were commercial sex workers.
“So we don’t associate with anyone seen with it as our parents also forbade us from being friends with them.
“In some communities in West Africa, anklets are given to brides by the groom to show that she is now married but now, almost everyone wears it.
Dr Doris Usman, an orthopaedic doctor, however, told NAN that anklets were not just for fashion they could be therapeutic too.
“They are the most beautiful piece of ornaments worn in the world,” she said.
According to Usman, it is not only worn occasionally but some also prefer wearing it daily. It comes in various sizes, styles and designs.
“It provides relief from leg pain and weakness of heels, it also regulates blood circulation, which helps in curing swollen heels,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson Ade, a businessman, said that to him the use of anklets connotes waywardness or homosexuality.
“I hate seeing ladies wearing anklets and I don’t think I can have any relationship with ladies who wear it,” he said.
Mr Rasaki Ishola, however, said that he does not see anything wrong in women wearing anklets.
“As far as I am concerned, people can believe whatever they want to but I don’t see anything wrong with its use.
“Infact I love it when my wife uses anklets. I see it as a piece of decoration worn by women,’’ he said.
Madam Omifunke Salami, an Osun devotee, explained to NAN that all the deities in Yoruba had their specific ornaments worn either on the ankle, the neck or the arm by their devotees.
She said that specifically devotees of Osun wore yellow and white beads on the neck and ankle.
“Osun was beauty personified, she wore beautiful ornaments in her time, on her neck and ankle, that is why her devotees wear same now.
”It is worn for beauty and for identification, so we know that we are children of the same kindred spirit,” Salami said.
Gbemisola Olusayo, an undergraduate, who sells anklets and wears too, told NAN that anklets were the trend in fashion.
Olusayo said she made different anklets and waist beads to the specifications of her customers.
According to her, her client base cuts across ages, students, workers, traders and even grandmothers.
”Some want crystals, some just beads or chains, and I make for them to suit their pockets and requirements.
”I buy strands of beads, chains and other ornaments and make on demand for my customers.”
she also said she had made a lot of money from the business, on campus and outside.
.“If I invest N50,000 , i usually make between N30,000 and N50,000 profit.
”Sometimes, I need to replace the beading tools, because they break or get worn out,” Olusayo said.
She said that the trend in fashion was also a money making venture for her. (NAN)
Canadian International rapper, Drake, has lost a massive 600,000 dollars bet after Anthony Joshua knocked out Francis Ngannou in their much-hyped heavyweight showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Reports says that Anthony Joshua secured a brutal knockout(KO), against Francis Ngannou in the second round of the ‘Knockout Chaos’ clash on Friday night.
The superstar recording artiste, known for placing massive bets on sporting events, posted earlier on Instagram that he was betting $615,000 on Ngannou to beat Joshua outright.
“Betting on a scary man,” Drake said.
Drake joined several fans of combat sports to believe that Ngannou could get the job done against Joshua, and if the bet had clicked, it would have paid out $1.
9million .Although Drake has recorded some big wins and losses in betting, he has gained notoriety with the “the Drake Curse”, assertion by fans accusing him of ‘cursing’ athletes and teams after being pictured with them.
The ‘curse’ has affected numerous victims such as quarterback Johny Manziel,UFC fighter Kamaru Usman, Tennis star Serena Williams, and even the entire Kentucky Wildcats Basketball team in the United States.
In January, the rapper lost over half-a-million pounds when he incorrectly backed Sean Strickland to defend his UFC middleweight championship against Dricus Du Plessis.
One of Drake’s biggest bets in 2023 was on YouTube boxer, Logan Paul to knocout Conor McGregor’s training partner Dillon Danis in their Misfits Boxing fight.
The rapper won $1.3million after Danis was disqualified in the final round for trying to choke Paul unconscious, prompting a massive brawl to break out in the ring.
Earlier before that fight, Drake missed out on a $920,000 payout after Nigerian born Israel Adesanya lost his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland.
Drake was routing for Adesanya to knockout Strickland in their world title clash, but Strickland produced a massive upset to win on points.(NAN)
Nollywood stars and fans have felicitated with veteran actor, Pete Edochie as he clocked 77 on Thursday, March 7. expressing gratitude to God for his life.
Actress Rita Edochie, who happened to be the celebrant’s brother’s wife, took to her Instagram page @ritaedochie to celebrate the Nollywood icon.
According to her, the celebrant has been loving, caring, concerned and amazing, adding that she is delighted to be his sister-in- law.
She thanked God that she had no regrets knowing Edochie as her brother-in-law due to the kind of person he is.
” In over 30 years of knowing you as my dear husband’s brother, I have never known any regrets nor discomfort .
“Ibobo , you have been remarkably loving, caring , concerned and amazing. I am greatly delighted to be your sister-in- law.
“I have said it before and I will say it again, in my next life , I will surely be married by the Edochies.
“On this special day that marks another year of wonderful existence, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible person you are.
“Happy birthday my great husband, your charisma, wisdom and warm heart have left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know you.
“May this year bring you so much joy, success, unforgettable moments. As you blow out the candles, may your wishes soar high and your dreams come true.
“Your presence in our lives is a true blessing, today is a reminder to cherish the remarkable soul that you are.
“Here is to another year of laughter, love and unforgettable memories, cheers to you my great brother-in- law like no other.
“I will always love and respect you, live in longevity and soar immensely. Wishing you more of March 7, the great lion of Africa,”she wrote.
Also, actor Yul Edochie, son of the legend, took to his Instagram page to wish his daddy a remarkable birthday celebration.
He wrote, “A very happy birthday to you, Daddy. The Lion of Africa. The Legendary Chief Pete Edochie @peteedochie. The most handsome 77yr old man. Ibobo Umueri, The Greatest. I wish you many more beautiful years filled with God’s blessings.May God lead you always..’
Actor Kanayo O Kanayo wrote, “We are birthday mates. He makes it a duty to call me on March 1. Ebubedike, Ogadagidi, Mmuo nabu. Great to celebrate you while you are alive and kicking wellA fan @amoson_01: “Happy birthday, living legend. My Godfather. God bless your new age. Many more fruitful years to come sir.”
Another fan @donracy wrote, “Happy birthday Ogadagidi nwoke ike. Age in grace sir.”
Meanwhile, the celebrant Pete Edochie, also known as ‘Lion of Africa’, has taken to his Instagram page @peteedochie to celebrate himself for the gift of life as he marked 77 years on earth.
Edochie flooded his Instagram page with adorable pictures in different outfits with a warm smile to specially celebrate his 77th birthday with a caption ‘Ibobo 77.” (NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
German-based oil Company Unveils Nollywood Actor, Pete Edochie as Ambassador
A Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, was on Saturday, unveiled as the brand ambassador of Rowe Motor Oil distributed by a German based company, 9th Integrated Energy Solutions Ltd.
Speaking during the endorsement held in Enugu, Mr Okechukwu Benjamin, the Managing Director, of the company, said the deal was a multimillion Naira contract that would last for two years.
The managing director said the deal was renewable after its expiration in 2026.
He said the company chose Edochie because of his class and impeccable character in Africa and beyond as a reputable movie star.
He explained that 9th integrated Energy Solutions Limited was a German company that brought Rowe oil into Africa and owned the franchise for the whole of Africa.
“We are here today to officially unveil Chief Pete Edochie, as the brand ambassador of Rowe oil Nigeria and we are glad that he accepted the offer.
“Our product is a German premium oil that comes with a seal which makes it difficult to be adulterated in the market.
“We have different categories of the oil that would improve Nigerian vehicles, their engine efficiency and save fuel for them.
He added that they sold the oil based on specification of vehicles.
Reacting, Edochie thanked the company for choosing him noting that companies endorsed him as their brand ambassadors because of his reputation and impeccable character.
Edochie popularly known as “Okonkwo and Ebubedike” by his fans, said he had managed to live above board within a society marked with criminal tendencies, describing the offer as a “credible achievement”.
“I am glad to be here and to be made the ambassador of Rowe oil and I am stating my reputation on the quality of this product.
“I have enjoyed a very international marketable reputation for a very long time and I am glad to say that if you go outside this country, first thing they come across as a thespian is Pete Edochie.
“It is a not magic. When I did Things Fall Apart, I became so celebrated even before the Nollywood came into existence.
“There are some parts of the world I am being moulded and people lean on them to take photographs and pay,” Edochie said.
Speaking on his endorsement, the Nollywood actor, who expressed gladness over the organisation’s choice, said the Rowe oil was unique as it sustained the life of a car.
He said Nigeria had come of age to be introduced into things that were modern and scientific, hence, there was need for them to patronise the oil due to its quality and effectiveness. (NAN)
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