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“I WAS NEVER CALLED ‘PRETTY’.. I GREW UP KNOWING I WASN’T THE PRETTIEST” -LAMI PHILIPS

Singer, Lami Philips shared a photo from her childhood days with an emotional background story of how she grew up and the battles she fought.

Read below…

Yeah.. that’s me.. the darkest person in the picture. I grew up “knowing” that I wasn’t the prettiest. My parents friends would joke “blacky”.. or ask me in Yoruba “ki lo de to se jo okunrin bayi “ ( why do you look so much like a boy). I was told I was short and thick ( it sounds worse in Yoruba).

I was also asked why i looked like my dad. Why wasn’t I light skinned like my mother? So many questions… all somehow directed at making me subconsciously question the way I looked. Over time.. I decided to ignore or compartmentalize those insecurities. I ignored the fact that I was somewhat unrecognizable in photographs or less favored for certain opportunities.

I was never called pretty as much as I can remember. I convinced myself that I was ordinary. Thank God for my sense of humour because I allowed it all dust off my shoulders by joking about it. So as a teenager when a boy said he liked me .. I wouldn’t believe it. Why would he like me when there are others prettier than me? Little did I know that I was far from ordinary. Little did they know.. that I was beautiful… TO UNDERSTAND THE FRUIT WE MUST EXAMINE THE ROOT. Excuse me as I pursue PURPOSE. (Most people won’t understand the “purpose” or meaning of this post/caption.. and that’s ok too)

Credit: LIB

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KATE HENSHAW BELIEVES ‘4TH REPUBLIC’ DEPICTS HOPE FOR A FIRST FEMALE GOVERNOR IN NIGERIA

Kate Henshaw believes Ishaya Bako’s ‘4th Republic’ shows hope for a first female governor

In an exclusive interview with Pulse, the lead character in ‘4th Republic’ said the movie speaks to a hope in the future that hopefully, a woman one day will become a governor in Nigeria.

“It was really, really good working with the Ishaya Bako, and Ben Peever, Linda, Eyinna and Uncle bimbo. It was quite an experience because it portrays our political terrain the way we do politics here in Nigeria. And it also speaks to a hope in the future that hopefully, a woman one day will become a governor, not just a deputy as is the norm,” Henshaw told Pulse.

Speaking on her role in the movie, she said her involvement in active politics five years ago really helped her get into character. She further expressed how the emotions she had to portray playing the role came from a real place.

“Another thing is, I believe why they chose me for that role is because I’d run for office in 2014. So the emotions that I had to portray playing that role were coming from a real place. It really helped me. And it was hard which was for, I think almost a month in Abuja and then I had to leave to do the world’s best because, I couldn’t complete some scenes but they had some pickup shots without me, which was okay,” she opened up.

The ‘When the sun sets’ actress was quick to note that she’s ready to go back into politics but lack the funds required to back her willingness.

Kate Henshaw said her involvement in active politics five years ago really helped her get into character in ‘4th Republic’. [Pulse]

“Willingness to serve is not going to be a problem for me but is to have the do I the war chest which is money plenty of money Nigeria’s politics is money, money very, very much capital oriented. 

“I don’t have that kind of money to throw away I’m saying through a way because sometimes if you spend that money you’re not guaranteed of a win because it’s a vicious cycle the people keep expecting money you give them money they vote for you when you vote with people they go the reps or whoever the senators are they go away for four years they come back and throw money at you, you receive it even though in this last political dispensation there are a few surprises which is very good and I think that people are their eyes are getting you know open and they’re getting wise to the political antics,” she expressed.

Henshaw contested for the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party to represent Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency vie for a seat at the Federal House of Representatives.

Credit: Pulse

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WENDY WILLIAMS FILES FOR DIVORCE FROM HER HUSBAND

According to TMZ, Wendy Williams has served her husband, Kelvin Hunter, divorce papers at the studio they both run together. They also report that divorce papers were served under tight security just in case the situation got out of control which didn’t actually happen.

Wendy Williams is living her marriage of 22 years over “irreconcilable differences” which according to the divorce documents is the reason behind her decision. The documents state a “breakdown” of the marriage over a period of at least 6 months. She wants the court to determine an “appropriate amount” of child support even though their son, Kevin Jr., is over 18.

Over the last couple of months, there have been speculations that the marriage between Wendy Williams and Kelvin Hunter was about to hit the rocks. However, Wendy Williams had come out at several occasions to deny the rumours…well it was only a matter of time.W

According to PageSix, the TV show star has been struggling to keep up with her marriage to Kelvin Hunter which has been embroiled with infidelity accusations. There have been reports of Kelvin Hunter’s relationship with his mistress, Sharina Hudson and there have been the rumours of the two welcoming a child together.

Kelvin Hunter and Sharina Hudson have been alleged to be in a relationship which has spanned over 10 years. This relationship has affected Wendy Williams to the point where it has gotten a better part of her health, says PageSix.

According to PageSix, Williams and Hunter are exploring what separation would look like, even though he remains her long-time manager. They are both partners in Wendy Williams Productions, the company that produces her popular daytime show.

Credit: Pulse

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KIM KARDASHIAN IS STUDYING TO BECOME A LAWYER

Reality tv star and beauty entrepreneur Kim Kardashian West, while speaking with Jonathan Van Meter for her Vogue Magazine May Cover, revealed that she’s studying to become a lawyer and is hoping to take the bar in 2022.

Kim had been instrumental in the release of Alice Marie Johnson, a 63-year-old woman who’d been in an Alabama prison on a nonviolent drug charge since 1996. She was released after she visited Donald Trump at the Oval Office to discuss prison reforms.

“And last summer, she made the unlikely decision—one she knew would be met with an eye roll for the ages—to begin a four-year apprenticeship with a law firm in San Francisco, with the goal of taking the bar in 2022,” Meter wrote.

She was inspired to embark on the journey after “seeing a really good result” with Alice Marie Johnson. She said:

The White House called me to advise to help change the system of clemency… and I’m sitting in the Roosevelt Room with, like, a judge who had sentenced criminals and a lot of really powerful people and I just sat there, like, Oh, shit. I need to know more.

I would say what I had to say, about the human side and why this is so unfair. But I had attorneys with me who could back that up with all the facts of the case.

It’s never one person who gets things done; it’s always a collective of people, and I’ve always known my role, but I just felt like I wanted to be able to fight for people who have paid their dues to society. I just felt like the system could be so different, and I wanted to fight to fix it, and if I knew more, I could do more.

Photo Credit: Mikael Jansson, Vogue, May 2019

Credit: Bella Naija

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WOMAN BECOMES SURROGATE MOTHER FOR HER TWIN SISTER WHO COULDN’T GET PREGNANT BECAUSE OF RARE HEREDITARY DISEASE

After watching her twin sister 34-year-old Whitney Bliesner battle a rare hereditary disease called Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) her entire life, Jill Noe couldn’t stand to see her experience another ounce of pain.

Whitney wanted a family more than anything, but her disease, which causes benign tumours to grow throughout the nervous system, prevented her from having a natural pregnancy. That’s when Jill stepped in to be her twin sister’s surrogate.

Whitney Bliesner has Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), which Mayo Clinic defines as “a genetic disorder that causes tumours to form on nerve tissue anywhere in your nervous system, including your brain, spinal cord and nerves.”

“She’s always wanted to be a mom and her disease has already taken so much from her,” Roe told Today of her inspiration behind the generous gesture. “I wasn’t going to allow (NF2) to take this opportunity from her, too. She’s my best friend and I know she would have done the same for me.”

“I really didn’t put much thought into becoming a surrogate at all,” she added. “It just felt like the right thing to do. Our family is so strong and so supportive of one another, especially since Whit’s diagnosis in 8th grade.”

Despite her initial willingness to help, the road to getting pregnant was a long one for Jill. After her first round of IVF failed, Jill was left feeling like she had failed her sister.

It was such a tough and sombre day for all of us. Whit — true to form — was positive and sweet. She encouraged me and lifted me right back up and said, ‘It’s OK. If and when you are ready, let’s try again.’”Noe is now 30 weeks along in her pregnancy with a healthy set of twins, a boy and a girl, due June 6. The soon-to-be parents have already picked out the names, Rhett for the boy and Rhenley for the girl.Noe and Bliesner have been supported by their family, especially their mother, whom Noe described as “the catalyst” for them to be such a strong family.“It’s just instilled in me and Whitney, and obviously my other siblings, that no matter what adversities we faced, we’re always there together and we’ll go through it as one big strong unit,” Noe said.

Credit: Fab Woman

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MEDIA PERSONALITY, BOLANLE OLUKANNI OPENS UP ON HOW SHE BATTLED WITH SELF-CONFIDENCE AS A TEENAGER BECAUSE OF HER STRETCH MARKS

Media personality, Bolanle Olukanni has revealed that she had to struggle with self-confidence as a teenager because she battled with stretch marks. On Tuesday, April 9, 2019, she took to her Instagram page where she wrote on her battles and finally getting over it after a while.

“I first got stretch marks on my shoulders when I had my first Growth spurt. I was probably 12. All my friends would wear tank tops and spaghetti tops and I felt like I had to cover my shoulders. It affected my confidence during my teenage years and I spent my early adulthood hiding my shoulders. Well, I finally got over it and I realized it’s not a big deal. So to women and men who have stretch marks and feel self-conscious about it …please don’t – you are beautiful no matter what ! ❤️❤️❤️ #beautylook #growingpains #stretchmarks #flawsandall,” she wrote.

Credit: Pulse

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MO ABUDU BECOMES THE FIRST AFRICAN TO BE AWARDED MEDAILLES D’HONNEUR IN CANNES AT MIPTV

Media Mogul, Mo Abudu was given the 2019 Médailles d’Honneur in Cannes at MIPTV last night.

She was one of the 4 recipients of the award and she says:

“Basking in the glory of receiving my award. I share this award with the EbonyLife Team, I thank all our partners, sponsors, my family, my dearest mother, my darling Temidee and Koko and of course my bestos that have helped and supported us on our journey. Much love always”

She added:

“Sharing the stage with 3 other incredible people honoured with this award tonight – US writer, showrunner and producer, Ilene Chaiken, chairperson of the Banijay Group in France, Stéphane Courbit, and UK managing director of Sky Vision, Jane Millichip.

Camille Bidermann, Executive Director of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, presented me with my award last night. Thank you so much Camille for your words of inspiration. Much love ❤❤❤ ___
A major part of my acceptance speech was dedicated to the creative business leaders in the room and the need for a partnership between our respective continents, so that our stories can be told with authenticity and produced to the best international standards. If these stories are told from both our perspectives there is a captive audience on both sides of the Atlantic waiting to be entertained as never before and with creative business leaders adding significantly to their bottom line!”

The Ebony Life boss makes history as the first African and Nigerian recipient of this prestigious award, given to senior executives who have made their mark in the global television industry, as well as contributed to the development of the international television community.

See the photos below:


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INDIAN GOVERNMENT EXTENDS SCHOLARSHIP FOR NIGERIAN LADY WHO BROKE 100-YEAR-OLD INDIAN UNIVERSITY’S RECORD

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) an autonomous organisation of the Government of India, has extended scholarship for the exceptionally brilliant Nigerian lady, Emelife Stella Chinelo, who emerged the best graduating student in the University Of Mysore, India in MSc Chemistry.
“ICCR takes pride in having extended scholarship to Ms. Emelife Stella Chinelo from Nigeria who recd a record 20 Gold Medals & 5 cash awards at the 99th Convo of @MysoreVarsity for her outstanding performance in M. Sc. We wish her the best” the organization announced on its official page on Friday.
Ms Emelifo,28, graduated from the Department of Chemistry and bagged 20 gold medals and five cash prizes, at the 99th Convocation of University of Mysore (UoM)
She received the Maximum Gold medals available in the institution. Nobody in the history of that university have ever won 20 gold medals.
The Anambra indigene hopes to pursue research in Cancer to find treatment for its cure as many people in her country were affected by this dreaded disease. She said that she also had plans to turn mounds of industrial waste into useful materials by pursuing research in this field.
She told reporters that it was the result of hardwork and perseverance.
“I devoted most of my time towards studies. I was either in the classroom or library. The reason why I chose India, especially the UoM, for higher studies is because of its scope for academic excellence,” she said.
Moreover, she is so good at Chemistry that she also topped Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Nigeria, where she studied BSc (applied chemistry).

ICCR is involved in India’s external cultural relations, through cultural exchange with other countries and their peoples. It was founded on 9 April 1950.

 

 

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ODUNAYO ADEKUOROYE NAMED BEST FEMALE WRESTLER AT THE 2019 AFRICAN WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

      In 2018, Odunayo Adekuoroye made headlines for winning gold at the

African Wrestling Championships

     in Port Harcourt.

(Photo: Guardian Nigeria)

This year’s edition just concluded in Hammamet, Tunisia, and not only did she keep up with her impressive energy by defending her title, but she was also named the most outstanding female wrestler in the competition.

Nigeria had 10 female wrestlers at the championships, but Adekuoroye outshined all of them by beating Senegal’s Jeannette Sambou and Algeria’s Chaimaa Aouissi to make it into the semifinals. She then went on to crush Tunisia’s Dorssaf Gharssi before taking out Cameroon’s Essone Tiako in just 29 seconds.

According to TheGuardian, her accomplishment helped Nigeria to finish tops at the championships with an impressive five gold, two silver and two bronze medals. She will also represent the country at the World Championships in Kazakhstan this September.

Credit: konbini.com

 

 

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CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE TO BE HONORED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL VOICES IN FICTION

Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is set to receive an honorary degree from American University in Washington, DC and deliver the commencement address for the university’s College of Arts and Sciences in May.

The writer will be honored as “one of the world’s most powerful voices in fiction”.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the College of Arts and Sciences commencement.

Read more here.

 

Credit: Bella Naija

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