Lifestyle - Women Times

Ebettz Fashion and Accessories Unveils “The Unapologetic” Collection: Redefining Confidence and Style

by Women Times on September 17, 2025

Ebettz Fashion and Accessories, a leading name in premium e-fashion renowned for its daring fusion of sophistication, edge, and empowerment, has unveiled its latest collection, “The Unapologetic.”

Sourced directly from top designers worldwide, this new lineup features striking statement pieces designed to inspire confidence, celebrate individuality, and embody strength. Every item has been carefully curated to ensure women receive the highest quality and style, allowing them to look commanding and feel authentically themselves.

More than just apparel, “The Unapologetic” signifies a movement for women who own their uniqueness and approach every situation with authority. The collection showcases sharp tailoring, elegant silhouettes, and timeless accessories—each piece a testament to attitude, identity, and bold self-expression.

Under the mantra “Act like a Lady. Dress like a Boss,” Ebettz continues to revolutionize fashion retail by offering high-end, designer-quality pieces through a seamless online shopping experience. Known for its commitment to originality and empowering style, the brand remains a trusted destination for women seeking to make a statement with their fashion choices.

The “Unapologetic” collection is now available exclusively at www.ebettzfashion.com.ng.

About Ebettz Fashion and Accessories
Ebettz Fashion and Accessories is a premium e-fashion brand that sources and curates designer-quality clothing and accessories for women. With a commitment to originality and empowerment, the brand ensures every woman can stand out confidently and
unapologetically. Operating under its powerful slogan, “Act like a Lady. Dress like a Boss,” Ebettz continues to merge edge and elegance, redefining modern fashion for women everywhere.

Lifestyle

Nigerian Designers Set to Showcase Collections at Africa Fashion Week London 2025

by Women Times on August 8, 2025

Two prominent Nigerian fashion houses, Henri Uduku and Black Fine and Fly, are set to showcase their collections at Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2025, taking place on August 9–10 at Space House, London. This event, under the auspices of the British Council, highlights Nigeria’s vibrant contribution to Africa’s creative industry on an international stage.

The event will feature a dedicated British Council runway presentation and an exhibition pavilion spotlighting innovative young designers from across Africa. The initiative aims to foster new global connections, open markets, and promote cultural exchange, collaboration, and business expansion within the fashion industry.

Joining the Nigerian designers are eight others from Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, and Zimbabwe—all alumni or current participants of the British Council’s Creative DNA fashion accelerator programme. Since its inception in 2020, the programme has supported over 200 fashion entrepreneurs through mentorship, business development, and showcasing opportunities, strengthening Africa’s creative economy and fostering international partnerships.

Henry Uduku, founder and creative director of his eponymous menswear label, is no stranger to international exposure. He has previously showcased his work at major platforms such as Cairo’s Creative Africa Nexus and Zimbabwe’s Creative Economy Week, exemplifying a new generation of African designers redefining fashion with purpose.

Black Fine and Fly, a recent addition to the programme, is an Afro-European collective inspired by African heritage and culture, known for its denim designs rooted in African style.

Beyond the runway and exhibition, participating designers will attend business clinics, panel discussions with UK fashion experts from Westminster University and the Fashion Retail Academy, and explore London’s retail and manufacturing ecosystems. These activities offer valuable insights into sustainable production, industry standards, and international markets. The cultural exchange emphasizes exploring the UK’s fashion landscape, including supplier networks and retail collaborations.

This year’s British Council Pavilion will also showcase the future of fashion through the integration of technology—highlighting collaborations between African designers and AI labs or robotics engineers to explore virtual reality runways and digital avatars, paving the way for virtual fashion presentations across continents.

Donna McGowan, British Council Nigeria’s Country Director, emphasized Nigeria’s significant role in the global fashion scene, noting that the country’s creative industry contributes over $7 billion annually. She highlighted AFWL’s role in providing emerging Nigerian designers critical international exposure to expand their brands sustainably.

Farai Ncube Tarwireyi, Regional Arts Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, British Council and Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week London

Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, founder of AFWL, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that it advances the mission to elevate African fashion globally and deepen cross-cultural connections.

Visitors are encouraged to attend the British Council Pavilion and the Creative DNA catwalk show scheduled for Saturday, August 9, at 4:00 PM.

Entertainment

Wordsofazia Unveils ‘Modern Wihegou’. A Spiritually-Rich Debut EP Rooted In Ancestral Memory And African Womanhood

by Women Times on July 12, 2025

’Listen Here | Watch Here | EP Release Date: July 11, 2025

With the release of her debut EP Modern Wihegou, Ivorian-born storyteller and experimental jazz artist wordsofAzia steps fully into her voice; one shaped by ancestral echoes, matriarchal lineage, and a deep spiritual journey that spans continents.
Currently based between Paris, London, and Abidjan, wordsofAzia draws from the
Bhété oral tradition of her people in Ivory Coast, weaving together spoken word, jazz, ambient textures, and indigenous rhythms. The result is a body of work that feels both ancient and futuristic, deeply rooted yet fearlessly forward.

“Each song is a dialogue with the women who walked before me – my grandmothers, my mother, my ancestors. I am their echo,” says Azia.

Created across Dakar, Paris, London, and Abidjan using her portable studio setup, Modern Wihegou is an intimate, nomadic creation. The project was mixed and mastered by UK-based sound engineer Eliade Krön, and features tape recordings, vocal samples from her mother and grandmother, and layers of minimalist percussion and ambient synths.

From the soul-stirring track Lagô, written in Dakar and inspired by prayer, to voice notes passed down through generations, Modern Wihegou is a sonic ritual. It’s music for stillness. For walking. For lighting a candle. For listening not just with ears, but with the spirit.

“The music is instinctive,” Azia shares. “Sometimes I start with one instrument, other times with my mother’s voice, or an archive of my grandmother singing. I’m building bridges, between generations, between worlds.”

—
About wordsofAzia | Socials: @wordsofazia (IG / TikTok)

Born in Ivory Coast and raised in Paris, wordsofAzia is a multidisciplinary artist blending music, spoken word, and visual storytelling to explore feminine divinity, ancestral power, and African identity. Her work lives at the intersection of Alternative Jazz, Afrofuturism, and oral tradition, resonating with audiences seeking depth, healing, and cultural immersion.
Visually, her work evokes the spirit of royalty and spiritual symbolism. Sonically, she lives in the same world as Mayra Andrade, Asa, Fatoumata Diawara, Blick Bassy, The Cavemen, and Kokoroko.

Genre: AfroJazz | Alternative Jazz | Spoken Word | Indigenous Fusion | World Music
For media inquiries, interviews, or further press materials, please contact woa@yaaas.co

Health

Revolutionizing Healthcare Access: AXA Mansard Introduces Digital, Installment-Based Health Insurance

by Women Times on June 25, 2025

In a significant stride to improve healthcare accessibility across Nigeria, AXA Mansard Health Limited has introduced a fully digital health insurance product featuring flexible monthly payment options. This innovative offering allows customers to spread their premiums over up to 10 months, replacing the traditional single annual payment and making health coverage more affordable for millions of Nigerians.

Designed to meet Nigerians where they are, the new product eliminates common financial and procedural barriers that have historically hindered access to quality healthcare. The solution is entirely digital, enabling seamless onboarding and management through an intuitive, mobile-friendly platform.

“Health insurance shouldn’t be a luxury; it should be a lifeline,” said Mrs. Adebola Surakat, Chief Marketing Officer at AXA Mansard. “With our extended solution, we’ve simplified the journey. Nigerians can now access the protection they need—anytime, anywhere—without the burden of a large upfront payment. It’s affordable, flexible, and accessible.”

Addressing a key challenge in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape—low insurance penetration due to cost and accessibility—the new offering aims to reach a broader demographic, including students, artisans, young families, and professionals. By removing paperwork and incorporating digital onboarding, AXA Mansard is bringing innovation to the market and empowering more Nigerians to prioritize their health.

“This isn’t just another health insurance product; it’s a gateway to quality healthcare that everyone can afford,” Mrs. Surakat added. “Customers can choose from tailored plans that suit their income and health needs. The platform’s user-friendly design ensures a quick, seamless experience.”

Nigerians can explore and enroll in the new health insurance plans easily online by visiting [https://www.axamansard.com/health/plans-details](https://www.axamansard.com/health/plans-details).

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Health

AXA Mansard Health Pledges Enhanced Service Delivery, Customer-Centric Approach at South-West Providers’ Forum

by Women Times on May 1, 2025

AXA Mansard Health, Nigeria’s leading health insurance provider, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to delivering quality healthcare to its millions of customers nationwide.

During the recent South-West Provider Forum held in Ibadan, CEO Tope Adeniyi emphasized that the event underscores the company’s ongoing dedication to collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure affordable, accessible, and high-quality medical services across Nigeria.

Adeniyi explained that the forum serves as a platform for AXA Mansard Health to engage with its providers and explore innovative ways to enhance patient care. “At AXA Mansard Health, our core value is putting the customer first. This isn’t just a slogan—it’s the guiding principle behind everything we do, from product development and process improvements to CSR initiatives. We are built on protecting what matters most to our customers, and it’s through our providers—hospitals, clinics, labs—that this value is realized. Today’s gathering is about strengthening these partnerships to ensure our customers receive the best healthcare possible,” he stated.

He further highlighted, “Our customers always come first, followed closely by our providers. Maintaining this model will keep us at the forefront of healthcare in Nigeria. Our vision is to expand our reach across the country, bringing premium healthcare services to every Nigerian, because they deserve it. These forums are vital for building strong collaborations with our providers, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for all.”

Since its inception, the forum series has been held in major cities, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Ibadan, and Abuja, over the past four months. It reflects AXA Mansard Health’s commitment to bridging the healthcare gap and making quality services accessible beyond Nigeria’s urban centers. This nationwide approach fosters collaboration, sharing best practices, and addressing the distinct healthcare challenges faced across different regions.

Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant hurdles, with just about 4.08% of GDP allocated to health and a doctor-to-patient ratio of approximately 1:10,000—far below the WHO recommendation of 1:600. Rural areas often experience limited access and higher out-of-pocket costs, underscoring the importance of initiatives like this Providers’ Forum to improve healthcare delivery for all Nigerians.

AXA Mansard Health remains committed to enhancing its offerings and the overall healthcare experience through these engagements. The company plans to host future forums in the Southeast region, further demonstrating its dedication to ensuring quality healthcare is within reach for every Nigerian.

“As we look toward 2025, the insights and feedback from these forums will be instrumental in shaping our strategies to improve customer experience and expand access to quality healthcare across Nigeria,” Adeniyi concluded.

Fashionista

Empowering Through Style: How Omidiora Titilayo is Redefining Nigerian Fashion from Ibadan

by Women Times on April 18, 2025

For Omidiora Titilayo Alice , the founder and Creative Director of Blaze Seam Fashion house located in Ibadan the Capital city of Oyo state, Fashion is part of her soul . But unlike other Fashion designers, her mission is to help people especailly fashion enthusiasts to express their individuality and confidence through intentional styling and timeless designs.

The Ibadan based designer who has successfully carved herself a niche in Nigeria’s fashion industry said she aim to tailor her brand to specifically suit and compliment Nigerians , while remaining stylish yet comfortable, functional and affordable.

Before venturing into Fashion World, Titilayo had a stint in modeling while she was a student of University of Ibadan .According to her , Blaze Seam was born out of a passion she had nurtured while studying and modeling

She said “The Brand idea came up when i was modeling for fashion brands and then began crafting pieces during school breaks.The rest is now history . My aim is to shift away from Western-centric fashion styles and norms, i want to put a Pan Nigeria/African clothing needs with versatile fabrics and fits, where it will be acceptable and accomodated globally..

When asked about her unique selling point, She smiled and said ” Sometimes last year , we decided to think outside the box by shifting from the industry style of focusing only on branding for a particular gender . At the moment, my brand is gradually gaining huge followership among the male folks beacuse of our unique style of making Vintage.Shirts and the rest .”

Born to a family of Five children where she’s the only female child . , the award winning entrepreneur who has won several fashion awards believe Nigerias Fashion industry is the place to be due to the economic growth and development activities taking place.”There are lot of opportunities in the industry , we are just scrathing the surface. Famous Fashion designers are trooping in to different countries in Africa daily to seek for new ideas and styles .one only needs to get into it with full confidence.” she disclosed . This could mean – as a next step – expanding her business, and providing high-quality clothing across Nigeria and beyond .

With its headquarter in Ibadan, Blaze Seam have showcased its brand in several runways and Fashion shows in Nigeria including the famous Ibadan Ankara Fiesta . .The Brand is expected to participate in the forthcoming Swiss/Nigeria beauty and Fashion exhibition where she aim to expand her clientele outside south west part of Nigeria to other part of Nigeria and beyond.

Health Uncategorized

UNICEF Donates 1.4 Million Polio Vaccines to Adamawa, Aiding Women and Children’s Healthh

by Women Times on April 17, 2025

By Prosper Mene, 18 April 2025

In effects to eradicate polio in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated 1.433 million doses of polio vaccines to the Adamawa State government. This generous contribution, announced on April 17, 2025, targets children aged 0 to 59 months in an upcoming immunization campaign, reinforcing the state’s efforts to protect its youngest citizens from the crippling disease. Beyond its immediate goal of polio eradication, this initiative carries profound benefits for women in Adamawa, empowering them through improved child health, reduced caregiving burdens, and enhanced opportunities for personal and community development.

Polio, a highly infectious viral disease, can lead to irreversible paralysis, particularly in young children. Adamawa, like many regions in northern Nigeria, has faced challenges in achieving universal immunization coverage due to logistical barriers and socio-economic constraints. UNICEF’s donation addresses these gaps by ensuring a robust supply of vaccines, enabling health workers to reach even the most remote communities. The campaign will involve door-to-door vaccinations and community health outreaches, ensuring that every eligible child is protected.

For women in Adamawa, this initiative is a transformative step forward. Mothers, grandmothers, and female caregivers bear the primary responsibility for nurturing young children, including those affected by polio-related disabilities. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of caring for a child with polio can be immense, limiting women’s ability to engage in income-generating activities, education, or community leadership. By preventing polio through widespread immunization, UNICEF’s donation alleviates these burdens, freeing women to pursue opportunities that enhance their economic independence and social empowerment.

Moreover, the campaign creates ripple effects for women’s health and agency. Immunization drives often serve as platforms for health education, where women learn about childcare, nutrition, and disease prevention. These interactions strengthen community health networks, many of which are led by female health workers and volunteers. In Adamawa, where women make up a significant portion of the community health workforce, such initiatives amplify their visibility and influence, fostering leadership and advocacy for broader gender equality.

Adamawa’s health authorities have expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s support, noting that the vaccines will bolster routine immunization programs and strengthen the state’s health infrastructure. For women, this means not only healthier children but also a more resilient healthcare system that supports their families’ well-being.

Entertainment

Nigerian Women in Nollywood Shine as “My Father’s Shadow” Heads to Cannes 2025

by Women Times on April 14, 2025

By Prosper Mene, April 14, 2025

Excitement showed across Nigeria’s creative scene as online conversations lit up with pride for women in the arts, particularly those shaping Nollywood’s bright future. At the heart of the buzz was “My Father’s Shadow,” a groundbreaking film by Akinola Davies Jr., which has earned a historic spot in the 2025 Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection. The milestone sparked widespread celebration, with many spotlighting the vital role Nigerian women are playing in elevating the country’s film industry on the global stage.

Social media platforms buzzed with praise for Nollywood’s female trailblazers, producers, writers, actors, and directors who are pushing boundaries and telling authentic Nigerian stories. Funmbi Ogunbanwo, the film’s co-producer and CEO of Fatherland Productions, was a point of admiration for her work in bringing “My Father’s Shadow” to life. The film, a deeply personal drama set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s 1993 presidential election, weaves together Yoruba, Pidgin, and the vibrant streets of Lagos and Ibadan, resonating with audiences for its cultural authenticity.

“Women like Funmbi are showing the world what Nigerian creativity can do,” one online post read, capturing the sentiment of many who see this Cannes selection as a win for female filmmakers. Discussions cited how women are not only starring in Nollywood’s stories but also steering its direction, crafting narratives that reflect Nigeria’s rich heritage and complex realities. From Uzoamaka Aniunoh’s powerful performance in the film to the countless women behind the scenes, the contributions of Nigeria’s female talent were front and center.

For many, this moment feels like a turning point, a chance for Nigerian women to claim their space in global cinema. “Our women are telling stories that matter, and the world is finally listening,” another fan shared online, summing up the pride swelling across the nation.

Come Cannes 2025, from May 13 to 24, Nigeria’s creative community is rallying behind “My Father’s Shadow” and the women helping make it a reality. Their work is a reminder that Nollywood’s heart beats strong, driven by the vision and resilience of its female storytellers, ready to captivate audiences worldwide.

Entertainment Uncategorized

Nollywood Drama: Opeyemi Aiyeola and Eniola Badmus Clash Over Hair Comment

by Women Times on April 11, 2025

By Prosper Mene, April 11, 2025

Two prominent Nollywood actresses, Opeyemi Aiyeola and Eniola Badmus, have set social media ablaze following a clash that began with a seemingly humorous comment about Aiyeola’s appearance. The public feud, unfolding across Instagram and other platforms, has captivated fans and ignited debates about body-shaming, sensitivity, and boundaries in the entertainment industry.

The controversy started when Opeyemi Aiyeola, a respected actress known for her roles in Yoruba films, posted a video engaging with her fans. In the clip, her receding hairline was visible, drawing attention from viewers. Among the comments, Eniola Badmus, a fellow actress and Special Assistant to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, wrote, “Ope, where is your front hair?” The remark, perceived by many as lighthearted banter, did not sit well with Aiyeola.

In a fiery Instagram Live session on April 10, 2025, Aiyeola responded, accusing Badmus of body-shaming and expressing disappointment, particularly given Badmus’s own history with public criticism over her appearance. “You, Eniola, who have experienced the hurt and pain of body-shaming, could come under my video,” Aiyeola said, calling the comment insensitive and unwarranted. She noted that the two rarely interacted online, making Badmus’s remark feel out of place. Aiyeola’s response was raw and emotional, with strong words labeling Badmus as “ignorant” and questioning her empathy as a public figure.

The video, which Aiyeola later deleted, went viral, fueling discussions among fans. Some praised Aiyeola for standing up for herself, with comments like, “Exactly, you don’t do that with people you aren’t close with,” while others felt her reaction was excessive, suggesting Badmus’s comment was a harmless joke. One fan remarked, “Opeyemi’s reaction reeks of jealousy and resentment. Eniola was joking, maybe a bad one.”

Badmus responded with an apology in the comments section of Aiyeola’s post, stating, “Babe, I was just joking with you, and heaven sees my heart that it’s coming from a place of love based on our relationship, but if you find it offensive, no vex.” However, Aiyeola dismissed the apology as insincere in a follow-up video on April 11, saying, “Her comment of apology, to me, is not genuine.” She also urged her fans not to escalate the conflict, emphasizing that she didn’t want a “social media war.” Aiyeola clarified that she removed her initial video after receiving support from colleagues and fans privately, not because of Badmus’s response.

The clash has highlighted deeper issues within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where public personas are often subjected to intense scrutiny. Aiyeola’s supporters argue that her response sheds light on the emotional toll of unsolicited comments, especially for women navigating personal challenges like hair loss, which may stem from conditions such as frontal fibrosing alopecia. Badmus’s defenders, meanwhile, point to her track record of enduring harsh criticism herself, suggesting her comment was misjudged rather than malicious.

For now, the spotlight remains on Aiyeola and Badmus, whose clash serves as a reminder of the fine line between humor and harm in the age of social media.

Gist Me Lifestyle News

Nigerian Women Rewrite the Rules of Travel and Adventure.

by Women Times on April 2, 2025

By Prosper Mene

In today’s world where travel can be daunting for those holding Nigeria’s often-stigmatized passport, two Nigerian women are boldly redefining what’s possible. Through media innovation and fearless exploration, Pelumi Nubi and Omolewa Adesuyi

Pelumi Nubi, a Lagos-based travel influencer, launched her much-anticipated YouTube travel show this week, offering an unfiltered look at solo travel across Africa. Her journey is no small feat: Nigeria’s passport ranks among the world’s least powerful, granting visa-free access to just 45 countries, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index. Add to that safety concerns tied to regional instability, and the odds seem stacked against her. Yet, Nubi’s mission is clear. “I want to show people, especially those with the Nigerian passport, that traveling is possible,” she said in an interview with The Guardian. Her debut episode, featuring a trek through Ghana’s bustling markets and Senegal’s coastal villages, has already garnered thousands of views, striking a chord with young Nigerians eager to see their continent through her lens. Nubi’s work blends practical tips, like navigating visa rejections, with a celebration of African culture, making her a beacon for aspiring travelers.

On a parallel path, Omolewa Adesuyi is rewriting the script for adventure. The 29-year-old motorbike enthusiast embarked last month on an ambitious ride from Nigeria to South Africa, a 12,000-kilometer journey through diverse terrains and border checkpoints. Documenting her trip on Instagram and TikTok, Adesuyi has captivated followers with footage of dusty savannahs, roadside encounters, and her own grit in the face of mechanical breakdowns and cultural curiosity. “People see a woman on a bike and assume I’m lost or crazy,” she posted recently, laughing off the skepticism. Her ride isn’t just about mileage—it’s a statement against gender norms in a country where women are rarely seen in such rugged pursuits. By amplifying her story on global platforms, Adesuyi is showcasing the tenacity of Nigerian women to an audience far beyond Africa’s borders.

Both women are part of a broad wave of Nigerian female trailblazers gaining traction in 2025. Their efforts come at a time when Nigeria’s travel industry is grappling with economic hurdles—high airfares and a weakened naira—yet their ingenuity shines through. Nubi’s show, funded through crowdfunding and small sponsorships, sidesteps traditional media gatekeepers, while Adesuyi’s self-reliant journey relies on her savings and a growing online fanbase. Together, they’re proving that limitations can fuel creativity.

Their stories resonates beyond personal triumph. For many Nigerian women, who face societal expectations to prioritize family over ambition, Nubi and Adesuyi offer a powerful counter-narrative.