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Super Falcons’ Chiamaka Nnadozie Nominated for FIFA The Best Women’s Goalkeeper Award 2025

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Nigerian international, Chiamaka Nnadozie, the talismanic goalkeeper for the Super Falcons, has been shortlisted for the prestigious FIFA The Best Women’s Goalkeeper Award for 2025, highlighting her meteoric rise as one of the world’s elite shot-stoppers.

The 24-year-old, currently starring for Brighton & Hove Albion in England’s Women’s Super League, earned the nomination following a stellar 2024/25 season that blended club triumphs and international glory. FIFA announced the shortlist today, placing Nnadozie alongside a formidable field of global talents, including Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Spain’s Cata Coll (Barcelona), Chile’s Christiane Endler (Lyon), England’s Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), England’s Anna Moorhouse (Angel City FC), and the USA’s Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United).

Nnadozie’s campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. At club level, she anchored Paris FC to their first Coupe de France Féminine title in over two decades, delivering a clean sheet in the final against rivals Paris Saint-Germain and saving two penalties in the shootout to seal victory in May. Her commanding presence helped the team reach the French league playoffs, earning her widespread acclaim for consistency and leadership between the posts.

On the international front, Nnadozie was the linchpin in Nigeria’s triumphant return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown in Rabat, Morocco, in August. Across six matches, she secured four clean sheets, conceding just twice from open play—including both in the final against the hosts—and claimed the Golden Glove as the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper. Her clutch saves in the knockout stages were instrumental in the Super Falcons’ 10th continental title.

This FIFA nod caps a year of accolades for Nnadozie, who became the first African nominated for the Women’s Yashin Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or, where she finished a respectable fourth in September. She is also in contention for a third consecutive CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award at the upcoming Confederation of African Football ceremony, a feat that would further solidify her status as Africa’s premier custodian.

“If Nnadozie lifts the Yashin or any of these honors, it would be historic,” said Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu, who himself made waves as the first African nominated for the Ballon d’Or Best Coach award earlier this year. “Her journey is about persistence and faith—it’s not just for her, but for every young girl in Africa dreaming big in football.”

Nnadozie’s form has carried over seamlessly to Brighton, where she recently earned a nomination for the Barclays WSL Save of the Month for October after a stunning denial of Tottenham’s Eveliina Summanen from a free-kick. Her quick reflexes, aerial dominance, and penalty prowess have drawn comparisons to the likes of Endler and Coll, positioning her as a frontrunner for the FIFA award.

The winners of The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025 will be revealed at a gala ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland, on December 17. As Nigeria celebrates another milestone for its women’s football stars, Nnadozie’s shortlist spot underscores the growing global influence of African talent in the women’s game.

For Nnadozie, who burst onto the scene as a teenager with the Super Falcons, the recognition is deeply personal. “This is to encourage every goalkeeper in Africa: Keep working hard, because anything is possible,” she shared earlier this year after her Ballon d’Or nod.

With eyes now on Zurich, all of Nigeria and the continent will be cheering for the Super Falcons’ unbreakable wall to claim the ultimate prize.

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Health

Walk for Her: Women in Advertising Leads Industry-Wide Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

by Women Times on

 

Women in Advertising (WIA), an initiative of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), has taken a proactive stance on health advocacy by successfully launching the “Walk for Her” Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Lagos. Held in observance of World Cancer Day, the event united the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) industry in a collective effort to fight breast cancer.

Organized by WIA in partnership with sectoral groups including the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), the Media Independents Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN), the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), the walk showcased the industry’s commitment to leveraging creativity and communication for public health advocacy.

Participants embarked on a three-hour walk covering key areas such as Ikeja GRA, Opebi, Oregun, and Agidingbi, culminating at the AAAN Secretariat in Alausa. The route, passing through vital parts of Ikeja, served as a powerful reminder that the fight against breast cancer must be active, inclusive, and ongoing.

Beyond symbolic visibility, the event provided tangible benefits, offering free breast cancer screenings to 200 participants, hosting expert-led discussions on early detection and care, and facilitating interactive sessions on preventive practices. The initiative seamlessly combined advocacy with community service, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early intervention.

Oluwaseyi Layade, Chairperson of Women in Advertising, described the initiative as personal and purpose-driven. She highlighted that breast cancer impacts many women and stressed that early detection saves lives. Layade emphasized that the walk was more than a ceremonial gesture; it was a strategic movement to empower women, normalize breast cancer conversations, and inspire community action. She expressed gratitude for sector-wide support and reaffirmed WIA’s commitment to sustaining these efforts through partnerships, survivor stories, and outreach programs.

In his remarks, Lanre Adisa, President of AAAN and Chair of the Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG), recognized the significance of the initiative. He praised the WIA leadership for organizing the walk and urged the industry to embrace its role in fostering healthier communities. To ensure the initiative’s longevity, he recommended establishing a working committee tasked with developing a long-term strategy for collaboration, client engagement, and public education.

Other industry leaders joined the call for a healthier Nigeria, including Tolulope Medebem, President of EXMAN; Adeola Odesanya, President of WOHAN and OAAN Executive Council Member; Brenda Nwagwu, Vice President of MIPAN; Onome Odili, Chair of NIMN Ikeja; Roseline Abaraonye, Assistant Secretary of NIMN Ikeja; and Eunice Braimah, Vice Chairman of Women in Advertising. Together, they pledged to partner with NGOs, health organizations, and stakeholders to sustain and amplify the fight against breast cancer.

The “Walk for Her” initiative has set a new standard for industry collaboration—merging creativity, communication, and compassion toward a common goal. More than a one-day event, it marks the beginning of a sustained movement. Future activities include webinars, survivor storytelling sessions, NGO partnerships, and digital outreach to keep the message alive.

As participants marched under the pink banner of hope through Lagos, one message rang clear: the IMC industry is committed not only to building brands but also to building a healthier future for all.

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NewsEntertainmentRelationship

Actress Regina Daniels Opens Up: “My Mum Warned Me, But I’m Ashamed I Fell in Love”

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has confessed to ignoring her mother’s heartfelt warnings about love, only to find herself grappling with deep regret. The 24-year-old star, known for her roles in films like Plantain Boy and The Royal House of Ozubulu, shared her story in an exclusive interview, baring her soul about the pitfalls of young romance.

Daniels, who married billionaire businessman Ned Nwoko in 2019 at the age of 18, has long been a figure of public fascination, her whirlwind romance with the 63-year-old politician sparking debates on age gaps, power dynamics, and the pressures of fame. But in a candid sit-down with Vanguard Entertainment on Tuesday, the actress peeled back the layers of her fairy-tale facade, admitting that her mother’s intuition was spot on.

“My mum warned me,” Daniels said, her voice cracking as she recounted the crucial conversations that preceded her decision to tie the knot. “She saw things I was too blinded by love to notice, the red flags, the imbalances, the way it could change everything. But I was young, headstrong, and convinced it was destiny. Now, years in, I’m ashamed of how I fell so hard, so fast, without listening.”

The confession comes amid a string of  social media posts from Daniels over the past month, including a now-viral Instagram story featuring a broken heart emoji overlaid on a wedding photo, captioned simply, “Regrets in the rearview.” Fans had speculated wildly, from marital woes to career burnout but Daniels clarified that her remorse comes not from malice or betrayal, but from the sobering clarity of hindsight.

“I don’t blame anyone but myself,” she continued, wiping away tears. “Love makes fools of us all, especially when you’re in the spotlight and every move is magnified. Mum was protecting me from losing pieces of myself, and I wish I’d heeded her. But shame doesn’t mean defeat; it’s a teacher. I’m learning, growing, and reclaiming my story.”

Daniels’ mother, Rita Daniels, a veteran actress and producer, has been a vocal supporter in the family’s public narrative, often sharing glimpses of their bond on social media. Sources close to the family tell disclosed that Rita’s warnings were rooted in her own experiences navigating the cutthroat world of entertainment and high-profile relationships. “Rita always says love should lift you, not weigh you down,” one insider revealed. “She saw the weight early on.”

The actress, who shares two young sons with Nwoko, emphasized that her marriage remains intact, though she hinted at ongoing “conversations” about boundaries and personal space. “We’re human, ups, downs, all of it. But this isn’t about ending chapters; it’s about writing better ones. To every young girl out there: Listen to your mum. Love is beautiful, but wisdom is eternal.”

Nollywood has rallied around Daniels in the wake of her disclosure. Fellow stars like Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde flooded her comments with messages of solidarity, with Nnaji posting, “You’ve got the strength of queens, sis. Healing starts with honesty. ❤️” On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #ReginaDanielsConfession trended nationwide, sparking a broader dialogue on maternal advice, celebrity vulnerability, and the myth of the perfect union.

Daniels, ever the resilient force, ended the interview on a note of empowerment. “I’m not ashamed of loving, I’m ashamed of not loving myself enough first. But that’s changing. Watch this space.”

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Regina Daniels’ unfiltered truth is reminding us all that even stars stumble and rise by the light of hard-won lessons.

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HealthLifestyle

Nigerian-Born US Nurse Urges Free Annual Cancer Screenings for All Nigerians

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

A US-based Nigerian nurse practitioner and oncology researcher, Edith Declan, has urged the Federal Government to provide free annual preventive health screenings to every citizen, emphasizing that early detection and prevention are the most effective and affordable strategies to curb cancer deaths in Nigeria.

Speaking from her position as a clinical translational research and community engagement nurse practitioner at Texas Southern University (TSU), Declan highlighted the lack of structured preventive healthcare and public awareness as major barriers to cancer control in the country.

“The first step in the cancer management continuum is prevention,” she said. “Our environment is filled with carcinogens in food, water, and air. We must start with awareness, early screening, and lifestyle changes—areas where government policy can have the greatest impact.”

Declan, a former oncology nurse with five years of experience, advocates making prevention the cornerstone of Nigeria’s cancer strategy. She proposes a national health card system entitling all citizens to free annual screenings, including prostate-specific antigen tests for men, mammograms and cervical cancer screenings for women.

“Early detection saves lives and reduces costs,” she stressed, noting that Nigeria’s cancer burden is exacerbated by delayed diagnoses and the absence of evidence-based policies.

Rather than creating new infrastructure, Declan recommends strengthening existing oncology institutes and research centers. She also called for partnerships with global pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer, Moderna, GSK, and Sanofi to conduct local cancer research. “These companies are eager to collaborate if invited,” she added.

Declan’s expertise stems from her focus on breast and prostate cancer prevention. She is leading a $2 million grant-funded program in Texas, offering free breast cancer screenings to 2,400 women and health education to 15,000 over three years. She plans to replicate this model in Nigeria soon, introducing free screenings for breast, prostate, cervical, and lung cancers alongside awareness campaigns.

“Cancer is enormous and multidimensional, affecting patients physically, mentally, and financially,” Declan said. “Without insurance, treatment is devastating. It often leads to depression and anxiety.”

She pinpointed modifiable risk factors driving Nigeria’s cancer rates, including excessive alcohol, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, smoking, and high-sugar foods. “Nigerians’ love for sugary drinks, fatty foods, and even high-glycemic staples like rice, combined with environmental hazards, multiplies the risks,” she warned.

Declan also criticized the scarcity of reliable medical and genetic data in Nigeria, which hinders identifying hereditary risks. “Many don’t know their family history and attribute cancer to witchcraft. Genetics plays a huge role—if a first-degree relative had cancer, your risk rises significantly.”

As founder of Penn Health Institute and a former educator who trained over 1,000 nursing students, Declan integrates data-driven research into her teaching and community outreach. “I teach nurses evidence-based decision-making in class and healthier living in the field,” she explained.

Urging a shift from treatment-focused spending, she said: “Treatment is costly and inaccessible to most. Prevention is cheaper and saves more lives—it’s the smartest government investment.”

For aspiring oncology nurses, Declan advised: “Know your ‘why.’ It’s emotionally demanding, patients can deteriorate rapidly but the fulfillment from making a difference is immense.”

Declan, a global advocate for cancer awareness, remains committed to her homeland. “Cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. With awareness, screening, and lifestyle changes, we can drastically reduce deaths in Nigeria.”

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LifestyleFashionista

Grammy Winner Ciara Celebrates Lagos’ Glow-Up on Stylish City Tour

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Grammy-winning singer Ciara Princess Wilson lit up the streets of Lagos this week, hailing the city’s remarkable transformation while embracing its rich fashion heritage. The global icon, known for hits like “Goodies” and “Level Up,” arrived for the 15th anniversary of Lagos Fashion Week and a guided cultural tour, turning heads in traditional Adire attire that blended her superstar flair with Nigerian artistry.

Accompanied by Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Ciara kicked off her visit with a warm welcome that set the tone for an immersive adventure. The tour, organized in collaboration with Lagos Tourism, took her through the bustling heart of Africa’s most populous city, spotlighting its evolution from a chaotic urban hub to a polished beacon of progress. “I’m so happy to be here,” Ciara beamed in a viral video, her excitement palpable as she marveled at the changes since her last trip.

Gone are the days of dusty, cluttered roads that once defined her first impressions of Lagos, Ciara shared. “Now I see paved streets everywhere, it’s clean, it’s beautiful,” she gushed, crediting local efforts for the visible upgrades in infrastructure and cleanliness. Her words struck a chord with residents and fans alike, who flooded social media with praise for the government’s strides in urban renewal. One netizen quipped, “Finally, a global star sees the real glow-up!”

Dressed in a stunning Adire ensemble, hand-dyed indigo fabric adorned with intricate Yoruba patterns, Ciara didn’t just tour; she honored.

The singer, who has long championed empowerment through style, used the outing to spotlight local designers. At the Onalaja Official showcase during Fashion Week, she paired up with influencer Chi-Chi in looks from the Nigerian label, seamlessly weaving her birthday vibes into the event’s creative pulse.

Ciara’s embrace of Adire went beyond aesthetics; it was a nod to sustainable fashion and cultural preservation. Adire, a time-honored craft from southwestern Nigeria, represents resilience and storytelling through textile. By donning the fabric, Ciara amplified its global appeal, drawing attention to artisans who keep the tradition alive amid modern trends. “Lagos is Africa’s creative capital,” she declared, urging visitors to dive into its art, rhythm, and unfiltered energy.

Ciara’s visit underscores Lagos’ magnetic pull on international icons, from Cardi B’s 2019 escapades to Stefflon Don’s frequent jaunts. For a city often stereotyped, her endorsement feels like a love letter, inviting the world to witness its heartbeat.

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NewsSport

Nigerian Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie Nominated for Prestigious 2025 IFFHS Women’s World Best Goalkeeper Award

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Super Falcons star Chiamaka Nnadozie has been shortlisted for the 2025 International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) Women’s World Best Goalkeeper award, placing her among an elite group of ten global nominees.

The 24-year-old Nigerian sensation, who currently plies her trade for Brighton & Hove Albion in England’s Women’s Super League, earned the nomination through a string of breathtaking performances that have solidified her status as one of the world’s premier shot-stoppers. If victorious, Nnadozie would etch her name in history as the first African woman to claim the honor, following in the footsteps of previous winners like Spain’s Sandra Paños and Germany’s Almuth Schult.

The IFFHS, founded in 1987, honors excellence in football through votes from journalists and analysts across more than 120 countries. The 2025 winners, including rankings for goalkeepers, players, referees, and coaches, will be unveiled in December. Nnadozie joins a formidable shortlist featuring the likes of Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Spain’s Cata Coll (Barcelona), England’s Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), and Chile’s Christiane Endler (Lyon).

This nod caps a banner year for Nnadozie, whose heroics have lit up both club and international stages. At club level, she was instrumental in Paris FC’s Coupe de France Féminine triumph in June, where she heroically saved two penalties in the final against Paris Saint-Germain. Her move to Brighton in July marked a historic transfer, making her the first Nigerian player to join the Seagulls and bolstering their ambitions in the WSL. There, she’s already earning accolades, including a recent nomination for the Barclays WSL Save of the Month for October after a stunning stop on a Tottenham free-kick.

Internationally, Nnadozie’s brilliance shone brightest at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where she backstopped Nigeria to a record-extending 10th title. Keeping multiple clean sheets en route to victory, she was crowned Best Goalkeeper and earned a spot in the Tournament Team of the Tournament. Earlier, she made waves at the 2024 Paris Olympics and became the first Nigerian and African nominee for the Women’s Yashin Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or, finishing an impressive fourth.

Nnadozie’s journey from the Nigerian Women’s Premier League with Rivers Angels, where she won the title in 2019 and multiple cups, to Europe’s elite circuits underscores her rapid ascent. She debuted for the Super Falcons in 2018 against France and has since amassed 55 caps, including becoming the youngest goalkeeper to record a World Cup clean sheet at 19 during the 2019 tournament against South Korea.

As she eyes a potential third straight CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, Nnadozie’s nomination serves as a beacon for aspiring African talents. “It’s an honor to be recognized alongside the best,” she said in a recent interview. “But my focus remains on the team, whether at Brighton or with the Super Falcons. This is just fuel for more.”

Fans and pundits alike are buzzing with anticipation. Should Nnadozie lift the IFFHS trophy, it would not only validate her individual prowess but also highlight the growing global impact of African women’s football.

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SportNews

Ogun Governor Abiodun Boosts Super Falcons with ₦50m Incentive Ahead of Crucial Benin Clash in Abeokuta

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has announced a generous ₦50 million incentive package for the Super Falcons, just days before their crucial return-leg qualifier against the Benin Republic in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The gesture, revealed on the eve of the match, is aimed at firing up the nine-time African champions as they seek to seal qualification at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta.

The Super Falcons, fresh off a commanding 2-0 victory in the first leg played in Lomé, Togo, on Friday, returned to Nigerian soil over the weekend and wasted no time ramping up preparations at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena. Midfielder Deborah Abiodun was the standout performer in the away win, delivering two pinpoint assists that set up strikes from Chinwendu Ihezuo in the 24th minute and Esther Okoronkwo just before halftime. Her creative flair not only handed Nigeria a two-goal cushion but also showed the team’s evolving style under head coach Justine Madugu.

Governor Abiodun’s financial boost has been hailed as a timely morale lifter, especially as the Falcons defend their WAFCON title and eye a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. “This is more than money; it’s a testament to our commitment to nurturing the stars who make Nigeria proud on the global stage,” Abiodun said in a statement released by his office. The package is intended to reward the players’ dedication and fuel their drive for another triumphant campaign.

Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Chairman of the Ogun State Football Association and a Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Board Member, was quick to applaud the governor’s initiative. “On behalf of the Ogun State Football Association, we say a big thank you to the Governor,” Majekodunmi declared. “This demonstrates His Excellency’s passion for sports development. I urge residents and football lovers across Nigeria to fill the MKO Abiola Stadium tomorrow and roar the Super Falcons to victory. Come out and support our champions!”

Midfielder Deborah Abiodun urged fans during a pre-match training session on Sunday to pack the stands. “We’re eager to reward you with another strong performance,” she said. “Benin is a capable side, and we’re not underestimating them despite our lead. Your support will make all the difference.” Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who joined camp earlier in the week alongside stars like Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, and Asisat Oshoala, is expected to lead the midfield charge, with forwards Ihezuo, Okoronkwo, and Folashade Ijamilusi primed for more goals.

Coach Madugu, speaking ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. kickoff, emphasized a no-nonsense approach. “We take nothing for granted,” he warned. “The Beninoise will come fighting, but we’re ready to deliver a clinical performance and secure qualification. Goals are promised – we’re gunning for them to put this tie to bed.” Madugu’s squad boasts depth, with potential cameos from six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala adding firepower if needed.

On the other side, Benin’s coach expressed guarded optimism, noting their improved understanding of the Falcons after the first-leg defeat. “We know them better now,” he said, hinting at tactical tweaks to exploit any complacency.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Madagascar’s Dominique Rosa Hanjavola as center referee, assisted by Zimbabwe’s Claris Simango and Madagascar’s Hasimbola Rasoloniaina, with Grace Gimo of Zimbabwe as the fourth official. With a passionate home crowd and the governor’s backing, the stage is set for the Super Falcons to soar once more, extending their legacy as Africa’s queens of the pitch.

Tickets for the match are available at the MKO Abiola Stadium box office, with gates opening at 2 p.m. Football fans in Ogun and beyond are encouraged to turn out in force, turning Abeokuta into a cauldron of green-white-green fervor.

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Fashionista

DOS Marks 15 Years of Timeless Elegance with an Intimate Legacy Dinner

by Women Times on

For DOS, the Legacy Dinner was a beautiful reflection of fifteen years of creativity, style, sisterhood, and storytelling through fashion.

Hosted in the intimate warmth of the DOS Lekki store, located at 55a Akintunde Adeyemi Drive, Lekki, the womenswear brand founded by Debola Obanikoro, the evening gathered fashionistas, Influencers, loyal clients, and women who have, in one way or another, been part of the brand’s remarkable journey.

From Elizabeth Elohor to Diana Eneje, Style Connoisseur, Ify Okoye, Ifeoma Odogwu, Chika Uwazie, Onyeka Michael Agwu, and more gracefully hosted by Ozinna Anumudu, the event was filled with laughter, connection, and shared pride in a brand that has quietly defined Nigerian fashion for over a decade.

From the warm candlelight to the beautifully dressed tables adorned with florals, every detail told a story of grace and craftsmanship. Guests were treated to a five-course culinary experience by Tash Bistro, perfectly curated to complement the evening’s mood.

Between courses, stories and laughter flowed easily as guests reminisced about the pieces they’ve worn and the moments that made DOS more than a brand, a shared experience of womanhood and timeless pieces.

It wasn’t just a dinner, it was a toast to 15 years of vision, craft, and community.

The highlight of the evening came when Debola Obanikoro, founder and creative director of DOS, shared a few heartfelt words about the brand’s 15-year journey, from its modest beginnings to becoming a household name in Nigerian fashion, and now expanding its story to London.

Her message was simple yet powerful:

“DOS has always been about more than clothes; it’s about women, identity, and storytelling”.

Every woman in the room, from loyal clients to friends of the brand, represented a piece of that legacy.

Staying relevant in fashion for 15 years takes more than beautiful designs, it takes consistency, purpose, and resilience. DOS has stayed true to its DNA through changing trends and evolving markets, continuing to tell stories of strength, femininity and understated confidence.

Through the years, DOS has built a community, not just of customers, but of women who see themselves reflected in every collection, every silhouette, and every detail.

As the evening drew to a close, guests clinked glasses to the next chapter, *The DOS Lekki Store Launch, on Sunday, 26 October,* at 55A Akintunde Adeyemi Drive, Lekki, a shopping experience that promises to usher in a new era for the brand. One story, one woman, one design at a time.

Fifteen years on, DOS remains a symbol of grace, growth, and grit, proof that true legacy isn’t just built, it’s worn.

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NewsHealth

Katsina First Lady Calls for United Front Against Polio: “Every Child Deserves Protection

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

October 24, 2025 –

Hajiya Zulaihat Radda, the First Lady of Katsina State, has rallied residents, community leaders, and health stakeholders to unite in the fight to eradicate polio once and for all. Speaking at a high-level media dialogue on immunization organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Katsina State Government, she emphasized that collective action is the only path to a polio-free future for the state’s children.

“Polio is not just a health challenge; it’s a threat to our children’s dreams and our shared prosperity,” Hajiya Radda declared. “We must all play our part—parents, fathers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media—to ensure no child is left behind. Vaccines are free, safe, and our greatest weapon. Let us commit today to a Katsina where every family thrives without fear of this preventable disease.”

The event, held in the state capital, focused on the upcoming Integrated October Polio Vaccination Campaign, which aims to reach at least 4.8 million children aged 9 months to 14 years with measles-rubella vaccines and 2.3 million under-fives with novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). This initiative comes as Katsina remains one of Nigeria’s “Axis of Intractable Transmission” states, grappling with circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2). Earlier this year, the state reported 16 cases across five local government areas, underscoring the urgency of intensified efforts.

Hajiya Radda’s remarks built on her ongoing advocacy, including a December 2024 gender mainstreaming program that engaged men’s groups like “Majalisar Riga-kafi” to boost immunization rates. UNICEF Kano Field Office Chief Rahama Farah, who addressed the dialogue, praised the First Lady’s leadership, noting that her involvement has been pivotal in targeting over 45% fully immunized children by year’s end. “With partners like the First Lady, we’re not just vaccinating, we’re transforming communities,” Farah said. “The governor’s support and these male involvement strategies will help us end transmission and close the zero-dose gap.”

Health experts at the forum highlighted operational challenges, such as security issues in hard-to-reach areas like Batsari LGA, where 98% of recent cases originated. World Health Organization (WHO) representatives reiterated their commitment to supporting door-to-door campaigns and directly observed oral polio vaccination (DOOPV) to reach every eligible child. “Nigeria is close to certification as polio-free, but Katsina’s role is critical,” said WHO State Coordinator Dr. Abdulnasir Adamu. “Through relentless outreach, we’re ensuring access to quality healthcare for all, aligning with our triple billion targets.”

The First Lady’s call loudens broader African initiatives, where first ladies have historically championed polio eradication, from the 2015 African Union pledge to recent continent-wide summits. In Katsina, her efforts are part of a multi-pronged strategy: community sensitization, media mobilization, and accountability measures to reduce missed children, a persistent hurdle identified in past studies, where non-compliance rates once hovered near 50%.

While the vaccination campaign kicks off, officials urge parents to present children at designated posts and dispel myths about vaccine safety. “This is our moment,” Hajiya Radda concluded. “Together, we can vaccinate our way to victory and build a healthier Katsina for generations to come.”

 

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Lifestyle

The Price of Fame: BBNaija’s Thelma Lawson Reveals the High Cost of Post-Show Life

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Lagos, Nigeria – October 23, 2025

In a candid revelation that’s striking a chord among reality TV enthusiasts, former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 10 housemate Thelma Lawson has laid bare the glittering yet grueling realities of life beyond the house.

The 27-year-old lifestyle influencer and skincare entrepreneur, who captivated audiences with her bold fashion choices during the show’s “10/10” edition, confessed that her newfound spotlight has come with a hefty price tag, both financially and emotionally.

Speaking in a recent interview with Yanga FM in Lagos, Lawson didn’t mince words: “This new life is expensive.” The Rivers State native, who exited the house earlier this month amid the season’s dramatic finale, explained that the constant demand to “show up” for events has transformed her everyday existence into a high-stakes performance. Dubbed the “most fashionable” housemate by fans and media alike, Lawson now finds herself under a microscope, with an eager audience dissecting her every outfit.

“You’re constantly showing up for events,” she elaborated. “I came out of the house and found out that I’d been named the most fashionable. Now, there’s an audience waiting to see what Thelma is wearing.”

The pressure to curate a flawless wardrobe isn’t just about vanity, it’s a survival tactic in the cutthroat world of influencer culture, where one underwhelming look could dim the glow of her rising star.

But the expenses don’t stop at sequins and stilettos. As the owner of a thriving skincare business, Lawson revealed how the dual demands of fame and entrepreneurship are stretching her resources thin. “It’s not just the lifestyle, my business requires constant restocking, and it’s very, very overwhelming,” she admitted.

From sourcing premium ingredients to fulfilling online orders that spiked post-show, the behind-the-scenes grind is as relentless as the red-carpet circuit.

Lawson’s lament echoes a familiar refrain among BBNaija alumni, who often trade the house’s structured drama for the unpredictable chaos of celebrity.

Past seasons have seen housemates grapple with similar post-eviction blues, from mounting endorsement deals to the isolation of sudden scrutiny.

Despite the strain, Lawson remains optimistic. “It can be draining, but it’s rewarding too,” she noted, hinting at upcoming projects that blend her passions for beauty and bold style.

As BBNaija Season 10’s echoes fade, crowned by winner Imisi earlier this month, Lawson’s voice serves as a timely reminder: Fame’s door may swing wide open, but keeping it from slamming shut demands more than just star power. It takes a bank account to match.

For aspiring reality stars tuning in, Lawson’s message is clear: Dream big, but budget bigger. In the world of lights, cameras, and endless events, the real challenge isn’t surviving the house, it’s thriving outside it.

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