‘We Don’t Live Here Anymore’, a new film by The Initiative for Equal Rights is set to premiere on Sunday, 14 October, 2018 at the Lekki IMAX cinemas, Lagos.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker, Tope Oshin, the film tells the story of two teenage boys, Tolu Bajulaiye and Chidi Egwuonwu, who find themselves involved in a scandal and are forced to deal with the consequences of their sexual orientation that could ultimately alter the course of their future.

‘We Don’t Live Here Anymore’ leads the audience through an emotional and nuanced journey of two families, as they are forced to confront ‘taboo’ issues and navigate their realities at home, school, and in the society at large. The movie takes an in-depth look at violence, discrimination and the many struggles faced by persons of non-heteronormative sexual orientation, and presents a narrative that seeks to educate and inform the society.

The film is produced by Tope Oshin, Executive Produced by Olumide Makanjuola and The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs), and stars Funlola Aofiyebi Raimi, Katherine Obiang, Osas Ighodaro Ajibade, Francis Sule and Temidayo Akinboro. This movie will captivate you from start to finish, and promises to make you listen, feel, and think.

The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs) is a Nigeria based not-for-profit organization working to promote a society free from discrimination, and protect human rights regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Some of their past works include the short film, ‘Hell or High Water’, the YouTube series ‘Everything in Between’, and the book, ‘She Called me Woman.’

You can watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/HdiNboktJSc

60 million Nigerians have been estimated to be at risk of suffering from depression according to a groundbreaking national report on depression.

The Nigeria National Depression report, produced by Joy, Inc., the benefit corporation building happier and flourishing Africans, in partnership with NOIPolls, the number one country specific public opinion polling and research organization in West Africa, has been released in commemoration of the World Mental Health Day 2018.

According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability in the world; the number of people suffering from depression and/or anxiety disorders have increased by almost 50 per cent, from 416 million in 1990 to 615 million in 2013, with chances of an annual increase.

Mental and emotional health are the single biggest predictors of individual happiness. However, 3 in every 10 Nigerians reportedly experience depressive symptoms, according to the National Depression Report.

The report, which is the first nationwide study of happiness and depression, contains results from the nation-wide happiness and depression survey conducted across all the 36 states in Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), internal surveys from The Joy Congress, and up-to-date data on the state of the depression crisis in Nigeria. The survey equally focused on gauging public perception of Nigerians regarding their happiness and experiences with some factors that may affect their state of happiness and depression. The national poll also assessed the perception of Nigerians on how they feel about their lives five years ago, currently, and five years from now.

All interviews were conducted by telephone, in five major Nigerian languages: English, Pidgin English, Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo. All the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were surveyed, with at least 1,000 interviews. Survey state quotas were assigned and it was ensured that every state was proportionately represented in the sample.

“Joy, Inc. aims to provide coping tools and mechanisms and draw our attention as a citizenry to the state of our mental and emotional well-being. This report is a product of our surveys as we seek to better understand the needs of the population we serve,” one of the authors of the report and member of the Central Working Group, Glory Apantaku explained. “Our results serve as an important reminder of the urgency of this work, mental health issues are real and it is high time we paid attention,” she said.

Other highlights of the report include:

• Most Nigerians surveyed defined happiness as having the basic needs of life. The second largest group of respondents defined happiness as having peace of mind.
• Several Nigerians believed that they are averagely satisfied (4.99) with their life as a whole these days, and are hopeful that they will be better satisfied in life five years from now. Most Nigerians also felt they were better five years ago (standing at 6.41) than they are currently.
• 6% of polled respondent reported experiencing depressive symptoms. Putting this in perspective, 3 out of every 10 Nigerians are at risk of depression.
• 8% of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety
• While both physical and mental health are important for a flourishing life, mental illness explains more of the misery in the society more than physical illness, poverty or unemployment.
• Nigeria need to be proactive in taking mental and emotional health seriously by reviewing the national mental health policy and creating a viable legislative framework to meet global standards, investing in public education to influence the culture to one that promotes resilience and creates safe spaces for emotional and mental healing, and investing in research, innovation and development.

The report also recommended that new metrics for measuring human progress should move from the use of financial values like GDP and focus on happiness and flourishing of citizens.

“Human misery is real, the goal of every intervention should be to reduce misery while increasing the happiness of people. Investing in citizens’ happiness and well-being should not be a luxury, but a necessity. Only when people are sustainably happy can they truly flourish, innovate, and make the world a better place,” said Damola Morenikeji, a research associate at Joy, Inc. and one of the authors of the report. “The collective roles of governments, businesses, and other stakeholders have to transcend from creating an environment purely for wealth creation to creating environments that facilitate the genuine well-being and flourishing of people,” he added.

The National Depression report can be downloaded at report.joyinc.xyz.

Pastor Siju Iluyomade will lead the second edition of the ‘Arise Walk for Life’ – a charity walk leading to the 10th edition of the Arise Women Conference – which is aimed at promoting healthy living and taking preventive measures. He will be joined by influential celebrities including Desmond Elliot, Kate Henshaw, Waje, DJ Cuppy and Rita Dominic.

The walk which will kick off at the Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, 13 October, 2018 by 7am, will feature free medical screening, talks on disease prevention, music, exercises, and more.

Other celebrities like Beejay Sax, DJ Exclusive, DJ Jimmy Jatt,  Funke Bucknor, Lala Akindoju, Bukola Bekes, Trevor Akindele will be present at the walk to encourage other participants.

“For the last 10 years, we have used the Arise Women platform to inspire women by helping to improve their quality of life. The Arise Walk for Life is aimed at advocating healthy living, fitness and wellness, regular health checks, amongst others so we can all live a long, fulfilled life,” said Pastor Siju Iluyomade, the Convener of the Conference.

ARISE, a faith-based non-governmental organization, is committed to accelerating nation-building through the empowerment of women. It has provided training for interested participants in various vocational skills through the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

“This is another opportunity to inspire the continent again through Arise Walk for Life. This time, we want everyone to stand up and take a walk for life,” Iluyomade added.

Passionate about women’s health, ARISE has consistently offered free preventive medical care to over 1,000 women, providing them HIV tests, eye screening, blood pressure and blood glucose test – with support from organisations such as Emzor, Cadbury, Evans, May & Baker, Christian Medical & Dental Association (CMDA), Women of Faith Doctors, Famfa Oil and individuals who have contributed in different ways to make impact.

The Arise Conference will, in the preceding days, have medical checks and other health interventions for the wellness of the over 2,000 women who attend annually.

Lipton yellow label tea in partnership with African Artist’s Foundation (AAF) celebrated leading creative voices at the Lipton and Literature tea party (L&L) which held in Victoria Island, Lagos on 7 October, 2018.

The event featured works of artists like Oyinkan Braithwaite, Ifeoluwa Nihinlola, Isaac Akah, Seun Odukoya, REZthapoet, Pelumi Kolade and Dami Ajayi. There were poetry renditions by Koromone Koroye and William Moore, as well as a special installation by leading Hip Hop artiste and Chocolate City CEO, MI Abaga.

Speaking at the event, Senior Brand Manager Refreshment, Unilever, Abimbola Ogunsemi emphasized Lipton’s commitment to supporting artists and the importance of arts and literature in building communities.

“Literature is crucial in telling the stories important to people, and the arts help us place the spotlight on the societal issues that exists in today’s world. We are excited about our partnership with African Artist’s Foundation to celebrate some of Nigeria’s leading creative voices and contribute our quota to improving the creative sector,” she said.

Charlotte Langhorst, Creative Director of African Artist’s Foundation said: “The Lipton and Literature party is aimed at celebrating contemporary African artists who are using their voices to advocate for transformation in their communities. We are focused on providing assistance to artists driving social change with their works. Through this partnership we are able to further amplify the messages of the artists exhibiting today.”

The exhibition audience was made up of a diverse mix of art enthusiasts, content creators, media practitioners, policy advocates amongst others, leading to robust conversations on the importance of arts in shaping societies.

Access Bank, Nigeria’s leading commercial bank, has partnered with global technology giant, Microsoft to improve security and banking experience for customers in Nigeria and Africa, as both companies accentuated their commitment to providing custom made products and services that addresses pressing challenges in the banking industry in Africa.

This was announced at a meeting between the Bank’s Group Managing Director, Herbert Wigwe and Microsoft Chief Executive Officer, Satya Nadella in Seattle, United States of America on Thursday, September 27, 2018.

Speaking at the meeting, Herbert Wigwe said: “As one of the biggest providers of digital products and services in Africa, this partnership and collaboration between Access Bank and Microsoft will enable us to be strategically positioned to improve security for online transactions, increase financial inclusion for the unbanked population on the continent, as well as create simpler and more efficient banking processes for customers.”

Supporting this stance, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft stated, “I want Microsoft to enable organisations like Access Bank to innovate digitally and grow their business exponentially.”

According to him, only two entities are capable of being the Alibaba of Nigeria – a massive retail operation or a large financial institution.

“We need partners like you who have deep ambition for exceptional customer service. We will be delighted to form a deeper relationship with Access Bank to drive innovation and by extension exceptional customer experience in the African financial services space.”

Wigwe also disclosed that the meeting touched on Access Bank’s massive progress as a leader in the Nigerian financial industry, especially its commitment to promoting the adoption of technology and other digital platforms as a tool to disrupt the banking sector in Africa.

With the recent announcement of its five-year goal to open the African continent to the world, Access Bank has consistently positioned itself to lead the innovation conversation among financial institutions by leveraging on technology to provide fast, secure, reliable and seamless cross-border transactions experience for customers in Nigeria and across Africa.

Public speaker and career specialist, Jimi Tewe is the featured personality in the latest edition of David Wej’s ‘Live Your Dream’ campaign video.

Tewe, who is known for his passion for a new Nigeria explained that speaking makes him feel alive, and people feel motivated for success when they listen to him.

He also spoke about his sense of fashion and style saying: “My dress style is an expression of who I am. Free is my style which shows I am ready to work and deliver.”

The ‘Live Your Dream’ campaign has featured several icons across industries telling stories of passion, hope, and determination to inspire the younger generation.

David Wej stores are located in Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikeja, Surulere and Yaba. Follow @davidwej for more on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Credits
Muse: Jimi Tewe
Suits: David Wej
Videography & Creative Direction: Tosin Odunfa
Location: Landmark Towers, Water Corporation Drive, Victoria Island

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…the health soap brand will partner with Well-being Foundation Africa and Sightsavers to improve maternal and child health in Nigeria

Lifebuoy, Unilever’s health soap brand, on Thursday, 6 September, 2018 relaunched in Nigeria, as the brand also unveiled renowned Afro-pop singer-songwriter, Omawumi Megbele as its new ambassador during an event held in Lagos.

In partnership with NGOs, Lifebuoy’s ‘Help a Child Reach 5’ global campaign will also advance critical hygiene interventions such as handwashing with soap to address child mortality due to preventable diseases in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch event, Osato Evbuomwan, Category Manager, Skin Cleansing, Unilever Nigeria Plc. said, “Private corporations can play important roles in impacting the survival of the society, and through the Lifebuoy brand, Unilever is absolutely committed to changing the hygiene behaviour of a billion people worldwide by 2020. With strategic partnerships, we can expand programs to drive lasting and impactful change within Nigerian communities.”

Giving the keynote speech, Deputy Director, Co-curricular Department, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Ogunlamoye Ayodeji said, “As a nation, our growth depends solely on the education of the majority of our people, but not many are willing to apply their knowledge for the benefit of the nation. Since we recognise this challenge, the state government is working in line with Lifebuoy’s ‘Help a Child Reach 5’ initiative – an endeavour which addresses the mortality rate of children under 5.”

Mr. Ayodeji also commended Unilever and Lifebuoy for the initiative and pledged the government’s support and commitment in line with the state’s policy on public/private participation.

Nigerian singer and Lifebuoy’s newest brand ambassador, Omawumi expressed her support saying, “As a mother of two young children, I simply cannot imagine losing them to preventable infections. It is a shame that hundreds of thousands of Nigerian children die before their fifth birthday every year, so we have to take further steps to address this issue. I’m thrilled to partner with Lifebuoy to empower parents with the lifesaving message of handwashing with soap. I look forward to lending my voice and influence to advance this wonderful effort.”

Dr. Sunday Isiyaku, Country Director, Sightsavers, further explained that classrooms are important touch points to empower Nigerian youth, especially as a wide-reaching platform to bring hygiene practices acquired in school back to their communities – a critical step to ending the spread of neglected tropical diseases like blindness-causing trachoma.

Mrs. Amy Oyekunle, CEO, Wellbeing Foundation Africa, commented that, “Newborn babies are vulnerable to infections, which is why ensuring access and availability to skilled care under hygienic conditions is imperative. Along with Lifebuoy, we seek to empower mothers in Nigeria through our MamaCare classes led by qualified midwives to help make handwashing with soap an everyday habit early on. This partnership supports our global campaign, led by our Founder-President, Her Excellency, Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki, to ensure mothers and their babies survive and thrive.”

More than 215,000 children under the age of five in Nigeria die due to preventable infections like diarrhoea and pneumonia each year – the highest across Africa. The simple act of handwashing with soap is one of the most cost-effective, yet often overlooked ways that could have prevented many of these deaths.

Group photo caption

Photo 1; L-R: Amy Oyekunle, CEO, Wellbeing Foundation Africa; Osato Evbuomwan, Category Manager Skin Cleansing, UNILEVER Nigeria plc; Omawumi Megbele, Brand Ambassador, Lifebuoy; Soromidayo George, Director, Corporate Affairs, UNILEVER Nigeria plc; Dr. Sunday Isiyaku, Country Director, Sightsavers at the relaunch of lifebuoy anti-bacterial soap in Lagos.

Photo 2; L-R: Mr Ogunlamoye Ayodeji, Deputy Director, Co-curricular Department, Lagos State Ministry of Education;Amy Oyekunle, CEO, Wellbeing Foundation Africa; Lanre Odupe, Brand Manager, Lifebuoy, UNILEVER Nigeria plc; Osato Evbuomwan, Category Manager Skin Cleansing, UNILEVER Nigeria plc; Omawumi Megbele, Brand Ambassador, Lifebuoy; Soromidayo George, Director, Corporate Affairs, UNILEVER Nigeria PLC; at the relaunch of lifebuoy anti-bacterial soap in Lagos

Unilever seasoning brand, Knorr in partnership with LG Electronics, Chevrolet and Shoprite capped off the 5th Season of Knorr Taste Quest – a reality TV cooking show with Gbolabo Adebakin emerging the winner amongst the five finalists that competed for the ultimate mouth-watering prize.

Gbolabo’s terrific cooking skills earned him a ₦5million cash prize, brand new Chevrolet car, one-year supply of Knorr, Shoprite vouchers, LG refrigerator, gas cooker and microwave oven, after an explosive finale judged by Celebrity Chefs, Dr. Robert and Chef Fregz, along with Knorr Brand Ambassador, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde.

The first runner up, Busuyi Komolafe got a ₦1.5million cash prize, one-year supply of Knorr and LG gas cooker. Dasola Abaniwonda, the second runner up, received a cheque of ₦750,000, one-year supply of Knorr and LG gas cooker.

Speaking after the announcement, Gbolabo described the finale as the biggest moment in his life, saying, “I want to thank Knorr for the amazing opportunity and great learning experience. The judges have been amazing, and the other contestants were fantastic people to compete against. I can’t thank Knorr enough for this valuable opportunity. Beyond the prizes, the knowledge and experience I have gained in the Knorr Taste Quest kitchen is immeasurable and will enable me make the most out of my passion for cooking.”

The prizes were presented by the Marketing Director, Foods, Unilever Ghana and Nigeria, Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe, and representatives of the Sponsors; Mr. Gaurav Kaul, General Manager Koncept Autocentre and Mr. Hari Elluru, Head of Marketing LG West Africa Operations.

Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe had this to say: “As a brand, Knorr has consistently focused on improving the lives of Nigerians by empowering youth through the Knorr Taste Quest TV Show. We are glad that the fifth edition was a success and we look forward to building on this to support more talents in the future.”

Discussing the importance of the cooking show, the Marketing Manager Savoury, Unilever Ghana and Nigeria, Nnenna Osi-Anugwa, stated that “It is a wonderful day for the winners of Knorr Taste Quest 5. I am quite sure that they have had such a great learning experience over the course of the show. Knorr remains committed to supporting the creativity and culinary prowess of Nigerians and we promise to bring an even more exciting and educative show next year.”

Knorr, Nigeria’s top food seasoning brand, aims at constantly improving lives by helping people create great-tasting dishes always, and through initiatives like the Knorr Taste Quest Competition.