Women
Women On The Rivers Project At 49
From the creation of Rivers State on
May 27, 1967, almost every sphere of our existence has, more or less, been dominated by men.
In the colonial era, women were more active regionally. Take, for instance, the Aba Women Riot of 1929. Nationally, the likes of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Margret Ekpo etc. were active.
The Rivers Story is quite different as we are tilted towards a more male domineering system.
Despite stereotypical roles assigned to the women, through the years, women have struggled to break out and have a voice to protect the collective interest of the state.
Despite the struggle for emancipation, it is obvious that the age old restrictions through traditional institutions and cultural barriers though reduced are still far from being totally eliminated.
Women still remain underprivileged, oppressed, exploited and downtrodden.
The almighty Beijing Conference in 1995, championed by the late First Lady, Mariam Babangida was a rude awakening for women the world over, including Nigeria with particular reference to Rivers State. This gave rise to the birth of Women Affairs Ministries nationwide, the reservation of 30% of appointments exclusively for women, (with time increased to 35%.)
Women, we can adduce, are making a big difference as significant progress has been recorded in various spheres of life where they hold sway in recent times.
Against this back drop, we can highlight women who have made giant or remarkable strides in Rivers State from the creation till date.
We have women in politics, Sports, Education, Religion, Government, Engineering, Medicine, Fashion, Music/Entertainment, etc.
1967 – 1975
Politics and government in 1967 could not have favoured women for the singular reason that the Nigerian Civil War had just started with women and children bearing the brunt as the men were at the fore front of the battle. The first Government of the new state, created on the 27th of May 1967, with His Royal Highness Alfred Papa Preye Diette-Spiff ran until July 1975.Within this period, women made more impact in the academia and sports.
Miss Ethel Jacks won the African table tennis championship in 1973 and was quite outstanding during her reign.
Conscious effort to exploit her prowess was quite obvious in the tenacity with which she approached her reign. It is on record that she also won the Championship in 1975.
From that foundation, Rivers State has been able to, over the years, produce other star athletes such as Mercy Akide, who has been a two-time female African Footballer of the Year from 2000 to 2002.
Mrs Inyengiyikabo Okumgba won several medals nationally and internationally in swimming.
However, the path of women in the Rivers project is littered with pains, hopes and ultimately gains, at the end of its struggle. Over time, there has been a conscious effort to harness their potentials in any government or institution that recognised such potentials.
By and large, we have had many firsts. For instance, the first female Commissioner in any government dispensation from the creation of Rivers State was appointed during the Okilo administration from 1979 to 1983, Miss Constance Sarowinyo served as the Commissioner for Higher Education and Commissioner for Economic Development and Planning. She was also a member of the National Committee on FESTAC 77.
Then came Prof. Mrs Willy Bene Abbey, who served under Group Captain Ernest Adeleye as the Commissioner for Information and Tourism/Culture. She was again the only female in the cabinet and she held her own because Rivers State Television RSTV began full transmission on Channel 22 UHF, while Radio Rivers and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation were overhauled and brought back to life. She was also a pioneer member of the board of National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) as well as a pioneer member of the steering committee of West African Research and Innovation Management Association.
Still on firsts, the first Rivers woman to win a beauty contest was Miss Syster Jack who became Miss Nigeria in the year 1980. Though not much has been heard about her after that, she did make waves, when she won the crown of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria to the delight of Rivers people.
Agbani Darego put Rivers State on the spotlight worldwide when she won the coveted crown in the beauty world, the Miss World Crown on the 16th of November, 2011 in the 51st version of the pageant held in South Africa.
Women In Government
As earlier mentioned, the first Government set up after the creation of Rivers State had no prominent female presence except maybe as workers in the various offices held by the men. However, there were women who were forces to be reckoned with at that time, like the late wife of Hon. Justice Nabo Graham Douglas, Prof. Mrs Christiana Owiyeba Graham Douglas, the first female graduate in the Eastern region.
Women did not make any notable impact in Spiff’s Government from 1967-1975. The next regime of Zamani Lekwot was not different. He held sway in Rivers state from 1975-1978.
Suleiman Saidu was next and though he ruled for only three months, he also did not carry women along. May be it was due to the fact that they were military men and so did not consider it appropriate for women to be involved in the running of the affairs of the state.
To the credit of late Chief Melford Okilo, there was breakthrough for women in governance and that was through the appointment of Constance Saronwiyo, the first woman to be appointed a Commissioner in Rivers State and she served as the Commissioner for Higher Education as well as Commissioner for Economic Development and Planning.
Dr. Constance M.S. Saronwiyo is a medical scientist, a consultant on oil spillage and environmental pollution, a one time member of the governing council (10th) of Rivers State University of Science and Technology. She holds the title of “Tuago Pya Neewa” (First Eagle Lady) conferred on her for being the first female Commissioner in Rivers State. She is also an author and is the winner of the Niger Delta Development Commission “Motto/Logo Award.
Then, there was another lull until Group Captain Ernest Adeleye took over the saddle in 1988 and appointed Prof Mrs Bene Willy Abbey, who holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) in Nutritional Biochemistry from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.
A graduate of Agricultural Biochemistry from the University of Ibadan, Prof. Abbey was appointed the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Culture. She also supervised the Women Affairs Ministry, hers was the case of a square peg sitting comfortably in a round hole. As Information Commissioner during her tenure recorded milestones such as the Rivers State Television (RSTV) transmitting fully on Channel 22 UHF while Rivers State Newspapers Corporation and Radio Rivers were over hauled and given new lease of life. She was surprisingly the only female in the cabinet of Group Captain Adeleye.
Prof. Abbey also served in the National University Commission at various times as a member of the National University Commission on the accreditation panel of many universities’ academic programmes such as Edo State University, Ekpoma.
She also served on the Rivers State Scholarship Board, and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), the Committee of Deans and Provosts of Nigerian Post Graduate School, just to mention a few.
Then came Group Captain Sam Ewang who also favoured the women, with the likes of Ms Medline Ngo Tador as the Commissioner for Information and Culture and later as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development between 1997 and 1999.
Mrs Julie Wika was also a onetime Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development. She holds a BSc, MSc and PhD in Sociology of Development with particular interest in Gender Studies. Mrs Wika is a recipient of so many awards including that of Woman of Excellence conferred on her by the National Council of Women Societies and Best Performing Director-General in the 36 States of the federation.
Mrs Julie Wika has three publications to her credit.
Then came Dr. Peter Odili from May 29, 1999 to May 29 2007, and there was quite a number of women in his cabinet. Such women like Mrs Toru Ofili served as the Commissioner for Women Affairs in 2003. Prior to this, she had served as Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) and also was in charge of Social Services in 2000.
Born in 1957 in Port Harcourt to parents of Ancient Bonny ancestry, she holds a certificate in German Language and a Diploma in Secretarial Administration, another Diploma in English and Communication and an HND in Public Administration.
She has several awards from various bodies such as Distinguished Leadership Award for Women Empowerment and Nigeria’s Excellence Award in Environmental Development and African Human Development Achievers award among others.
Also in Odili’s cabinet was Ms Gloria Fiofori, who served as Commissioner for Women and Youth Affairs. Mrs Fiofori is a dynamic women leader, who worked and served her state and country in so many ways. She was the General Manager of both Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation and Rivers State Television (RSBC) and (RSTV). She also served as the Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Under her watch as Commissioner, a Rivers indigene won the coveted Miss World crown (Agbani Darego).
Dr. Ngozi N. Odu was the Commissioner for Education under the Odili administration. She had hitherto worked in the civil service, and occupied various positions including attaining the height of a Permanent Secretary.
She was at one time the State President of National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
Born in Obite, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA in 1952, she received her educational training in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Her tenure as Education Commissioner witnessed the pursuit of pragmatic and progressive educational policies.
Between 2003 and 2006, Okpete F. Ovai was the Commissioner for Works, the first woman to be appointed into that Ministry.
Born in 1961, Ovai attended Holy Rosary Secondary School, Rivers State University of Science and Technology as well as University of Port Harcourt. She holds a BSc and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering.
Okpete has held various positions of responsibility in the state and she is also a member of various professional bodies such as Nigeria Society of Engineers, Institute of Mechanical Engineers and Society of Agricultural Engineers.
Professor Mildred Amakiri, an erudite scholar with vast technical knowledge was appointed by the Odili administration as the Commissioner for Higher Education. An administrator and academic, she brought her experience to bear in the education sector.
Prof. Amakiri was born in Sapele in Delta State, she attended Baptist Girls High School, Agbor in Delta State from 1958 to 1963 when she obtained her West African School Certificate.
She proceeded to St. Anne’s School, Ibadan for her Higher School Certificate in 1970. She got BSc (Hons) and then got a Masters and PhD in Agronomy in 1974. From there, she moved to the University of California, Davis for a post doctoral degree programme.
Amakiri became a Professor in 1990 and she belongs to 10 national and international professional societies.
Prof. Roseline Konya is a meticulous, hardworking, intelligent and humble woman who also served in the Odili administration as first woman to occupy the position of Chairman, Civil Service Commission. Born in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, she holds a PhD in Environmental Biology and Toxicology.
During her tenure as head of the Civil Service Commission, she re-instated 200 civil servants who were wrongly terminated by the military.
Mrs Konya has several scientific publications and three books to her credit. She has received over twenty awards, including one from Tell Magazine as one of the country’s best Commissioners in 2006.
She remains committed and dedicated and is currently serving in Governor Nyesom Wike’s cabinet as Commissioner for Environment.
Ms Emily Solomon also served as the Commissioner for Special Duties under Governor Peter Odili.
Dame Aleruchi CookeyGam was the first female Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and also Secretary to State Government under Governor Odili. In Governor Amaechi’s cabinet, she served as the Sole Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority.
Sir Celestine Omehia’s cabinet also had its fair share of female Commissioners.
Then came Rotimi Amaechi’s cabinet which had women like Dame Alice Lawrence Nemi of the Education Ministry; Mrs Joeba West, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Patricia Simeon Hart, Water Resources.
Mrs Emmanuela George Izunwa was also a Commissioner in Governor Amaechi’s cabinet, so also Mrs Ibim Semenitari, who was Commissioner for Information and Communications and currently the Acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Governor Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike’s cabinet has so far given women the most important appointment and consideration with the choice of a woman as his Deputy Governor in the person of Mrs Ipalibo Harry Banigo, who had earlier worked as the Secretary to State Government in a military regime.
The Rivers Project: Women in Politics
That women constitute the greatest number in the population of Rivers State is a statement of fact. Unfortunately, the strength of number in this instance does not seem to be favouring the women. Despite their large number, women participating in politics, though much improved, now, is still not significant especially as it concerns electoral positions.
Measures have over time been taken to encourage full participation of women in politics with exclusive reservation of 30% of all political appointments for women and the removal of fees for political forms purchased by women, but the fear of the murkiness of politics scares the women away.
The return of democracy in 1999 paved the way for more women at the national level but not much progress was recorded in Rivers State.
In the present democratic dispensation, we have a woman as the Deputy Governor in Rivers State, for the first time since the creation of the State. We also have women in the House of Representatives and in the State House of Assembly.
One of the women is Hon. (Mrs) Betty Joce Iyne Apiafi representing Abua-Odual/Ahoada East Federal Constituency. She was elected in 2007 making her the first female member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State and she is still a member till date.
Hon. Mrs Blessing Ibiba Nsiegbe is the second woman representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 11 in the House of Reps. She was elected in 2011 and re-elected to represent her constituency a second time.
Quite a few women have been in the State House of Assembly such as late Mrs. Anthonia Membere, who was very outspoken and active.
Mrs Linda Somiari Stewart, a renowned journalist who veered into the murky poltical terrain and conquered.
There is also Hon. Barizasi Tane Felicia who was elected in 2007 into the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Hon. Irene M. Inimgba became a member of the House in 2007 too. So also was Hon. Victoria Nyeche Wobo.
Women have also been appointed as Caretaker Committee Chairmen of Local Government Areas in the State at various times by different governments.
Despite the breakthrough by women in politics, we are yet to witness a female politician who would stand to contest as a governorship candidate. We did have a contestant though in the PDP primaries whose only vote was the one cast by the candidate for herself.
Hopefully, the situation would turn out for the better as more women become politically aware.
Hon Justice Mary Ukaego Odili is a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Her educational career spanned through Lagos, Owerri Mbaise, Onitsha and Nsukka.
She started her career as a pupil counsel in Abeokuta, in 1997, and to Benin in 1998.
Justice Odili relocated to Port Harcourt as Magistrate Grade II, 1979 to 1981; she was the Chairman Juvenile Court 1979 to 1981; Chief Magistrate Grade 1, 1981 to 1992 and High Court Judge, Rivers State 1992 to 2004. She also served as Justice of the High Court of Appeal Abuja 2004 – 2010 before moving to Court of Appeal Kaduna (2010-2011).
She was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (JSC) making her the first woman to be so honoured in Rivers State.
From the educational view point, the womenfolk are obviously not doing badly. Women have been able to leave a positive impact on the society with strings of firsts in the educational sector.
Dr. Constance Tamuno is the first female Registrar of Rivers State extraction. She was appointed Acting Registrar of the University of Port Harcourt on the 3rd of April 2000 and she was confirmed a Substantive Registrar on the 24th of October the same year.
The Pioneer Vice Chancellor of a tertiary institution from Rivers State is Professor (Mrs) Rosemund Dienye Green-Osahogulu of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt. She holds quite a retinue of certificates from various schools both from within and outside Nigeria.
Prof. Osahogulu is a very prominent member and Fellow of several professional bodies.
Next is Dr. Balafama Wilcox, Provost of the Rivers State College of Arts and Science in the year 1991.
Still on education, in the literary world, we have Kaine Agary who returned to Nigeria from her educational sojourn outside the country to improve legal literacy through a quarterly magazine ‘TAKAii;’ Workshop and Pocket series. Her first novel ‘Yellow-Yellow’ won the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature, Chevron Prize for Environmental writing in 2007 and co-winner of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust 2007 and Book of the Year Award 2007.
In the corporate world, we have Mrs Alice Omoni Ajeh who held sway in Shell Petroleum Development Company. Her career started as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Illorin from 1982 to 1983. She veered into Journalism as an Associate Editor with the defunct Sunray Publications.
She was appointed Publications Manager of Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC)
In 1998, Ajeh became Government Relations Adviser, Shell Petroleum Development Company. She rose to the position of the Manager, Public Relations East. Since 2012, she has been the Manager NGO and Stakeholder Relations, Shell Nigeria.
Dr. Ajeh has many awards and honours to her name including the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi Presidential Awards in 2005 – 2006. Ajeh belongs to numerous professional associations and has held different positions. Among other positions Dr, Ajeh was the Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State chapter (2002 – 2004), senior member, International Public Relations Association and member, International Association of Business Communication, New York, United States.
Juliet Chinda Njiowhor
Cooking is the process of preparing food by using heat. It involves a variety of techniques and methods, such as grilling, baking, boiling, frying, and steaming. Cooking also requires ingredients, utensils, and appliances to create delicious and nutritious meals. Cooking is for all irrespective of sex.
It may interest you to know that there are many benefits to cooking at home, including the ability to control the ingredients and portion sizes, save money, and customize dishes to suit individual tastes and dietary restrictions. Cooking also allows for creativity and experimentation in the kitchen, as well as the opportunity to share meals with family and friends.
When you cook, it enables you to know the right ingredients to use for a particular meal. Getting prepared food outside home will not give such opportunity and in fact it is cheaper.
For you to carry out cooking successfully, prepping ingredients ahead of time, is very important. Using the right tools and equipment, adjusting cooking times and temperatures as needed will make one a good cook and tasting and seasoning dishes to ensure they are well-balanced. A good cook should be able to taste and add adequate seasoning to ensure that dishes are consumed without stomach crams.
Cooking can be a fun and rewarding activity, whether you are a novice or experienced chef. It can also be a form of self-care and a way to explore different cuisines and flavors from around the world. Overall, cooking is an essential skill that can help you eat healthier, save money, and enjoy delicious meals at home.
Good chefs earn a living through cooking. Good ones who are opportuned to work in big hotels and smaller eateries make huge sums of money as well as earn free meal at work.
According to experts, cooking involves a wide range of techniques that can be mastered through practice and experience. Some common culinary techniques include sautéing, searing, braising, roasting, marinating, poaching, and blanching. Each technique contributes to the flavor, texture, and appearance of the final dish.
In addition, understanding how different ingredients work together to create a balanced flavor profile is key to successful cooking. This includes experimenting with sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami flavors and learning how to add these flavors in a dish to create depth and complexity. The right ingredients work together to give the right aroma and taste a good cook deserves.
Furthermore, exploring the diverse culinary traditions from around the world can open up a world of new flavors and cooking techniques. Trying out recipes from different cultures can help you broaden your culinary horizons and develop a deeper appreciation for global cuisine.
You may discover that different cultures believe in their own food and meals. Someone from the Eastern part of the country may not be comfortable with the kind of food or meal prepared and consumed in the northern part of the country.
Interestingly, gas cookers are in vogue because they cook faster especially in families with the presence of kids. Having the right tools and equipment in the kitchen can make a big difference in your cooking. From basic essentials like knives, cutting boards, pots and pans to specialized appliances like blenders, food processors, and slow cookers, having the right equipment can help you cook more efficiently and effectively.
In this 21st century, a lot of innovations have actually come into the practice of cooking. The use of wood and stove are gradually going down especially in the urban centres.
Planning your meals ahead of time can save you time, money, and stress in the kitchen. Meal planning involves selecting recipes, creating a shopping list, and preparing ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process. This can help you eat healthier, reduce food waste, and make the most of your time in the kitchen.
A lot of families plan their meals so as to minimize waste, especially now because of high cost of living.
The safety of the food to be consumed in a home should be the concern of every good cook. Practicing proper food safety and hygiene is essential in cooking to prevent foodborne illnesses. This includes washing hands, utensils, and surfaces regularly, storing food at the correct temperatures, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
A cook should ensure that ingredients for a particular meal are properly washed. Food stuffs must be properly preserved if they are not to be used immediately. When it comes to refrigeration, experts should be contacted for proper advise on how long they should be kept.
Some persons due to health challenges are placed on special diets. Medically, some persons are advised to consume food with low salt intake as well as sugar. It is important that a good cook adheres to those instructions. If you or your loved ones have dietary restrictions or preferences, learning how to cook for special diets can be a valuable skill. This may involve accommodating allergies, intolerances, or lifestyle choices such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb diets.
Moreso, cooking at home allows you to have better control over the ingredients used in your meals, leading to healthier eating habits. By cooking from scratch, you can avoid processed and unhealthy ingredients, reduce the amount of added sugars and preservatives, and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Meals prepared at home obviously may not taste as the one consumed from outside. The food got outside may contain excess spices more than meals prepared at home.
Cooking is deeply intertwined with culture and tradition, and exploring different cuisines can be a great way to learn about different countries and regions. Trying out recipes from various cultures can expand your culinary skills and palate, introducing you to new ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques.
As peoples culture differs that is how the kind of food they consume also differ. When a chef finds himself or herself in a particular region, it is better to learn the kind of food that is being consumed.
When you talk about cooking, the meal prepared for an adult definitely differs from that of a baby. Excess pepper in meal may not be good for infants.
The use of mutter and pestle is gradually phasing out with the innovation of electrical appliances such as blenders. A good cook should be able to train herself on the usage of such kitchen equipment.
With the use of microwave oven has come to stay as hotels (eateries) and homes use them thereby saving the use of kerosine in stoves and gas.
Odoo-e Precious is a student of Pan African Institute of Management and Technology, Port Harcourt.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the role of the girl child has become increasingly crucial to the growth and development of society. For far too long, girls have been held back by traditional gender roles and societal expectations, but today, their contributions are more vital than ever. When given the right opportunities, girls can help shape not only their own future but also the future of their families, communities, and the world. To truly understand the impact girls can have, we need to examine their roles in education, the economy, social change, and health. Education is the key to unlocking a girl’s full potential. When a girl is given access to quality education, it opens doors to a brighter future for her and her family. Educating girls doesn’t just benefit them personally; it also helps create stronger communities and societies.
An educated girl is more likely to delay marriage, avoid early pregnancy, and pursue a career or further education. Studies have shown that educated women earn more money and reinvest it in their families, which improves their children’s health, education, and well-being. Educated girls are also more likely to break out of cycles of poverty, creating long-term positive changes in society.However, in many parts of the world, girls still face barriers to education, such as cultural norms, early marriage, and gender-based violence. These challenges are particularly common in rural areas where girls are seen more as future homemakers than future leaders. It is essential that governments and communities work together to remove these obstacles and ensure that every girl has the chance to go to school.
Beyond education, girls can also contribute economically, unlocking their potential to drive growth and development. Once a girl is empowered, she becomes a key player in the economy. When girls are given the chance to work and contribute, they can drive economic growth in both their local communities and countries. Girls can participate in all parts of the economy, from agriculture to technology, healthcare to business. In many countries, women already make up a large portion of the workforce, but their contributions are often overlooked. Research shows that when girls and women are given equal opportunities to work, the entire economy grows. Closing the gender gap in the workforce could add trillions of dollars to the global economy. For society to prosper, girls need to be able to pursue careers, start businesses, and contribute to their communities.
Girls are also playing a vital role in social and cultural change. They are not just passive participants in society but active agents of change who challenge outdated traditions and fight for equality. Today’s girls are using their voices to raise awareness about social issues like climate change, human rights, and gender equality. They are leading movements that are transforming the way people think about the world. A great example is Greta Thunberg, a young climate activist who has inspired millions worldwide to take action on climate change. By encouraging girls to become leaders and advocates, society can benefit from new perspectives and solutions to important problems. Girls tend to see issues from fresh angles and are more likely to question harmful norms, leading to a more just and progressive world.The health and well-being of a girl are crucial to her future success and the success of society.
Girls who grow up in healthy environments, with access to proper nutrition, healthcare, and emotional support, are more likely to succeed. Unfortunately, many girls face serious health risks, including early marriage, early pregnancy, and violence, which limit their opportunities. Early marriage, for example, is a major problem that prevents many girls from completing their education and living healthy, productive lives. Married girls often face health risks, drop out of school, and have fewer opportunities. To address this, societies need to change attitudes around child marriage and give girls the support they need to stay in school and delay marriage. Access to healthcare is also vital. Girls need access to proper health services, including reproductive health education, so they can stay healthy and live fulfilling lives. When girls are healthy, they grow up to become strong, capable women who can contribute to society and raise healthy families.
Breaking down barriers can lead to equal opportunities for all girls. The biggest obstacle to realising the potential of girls is gender inequality. To truly empower girls, societies must tackle the barriers that hold them back, such as discrimination, gender-based violence, and lack of access to education and resources. Governments and organisations must work together to create policies that ensure girls have equal opportunities. This includes making laws that prevent child marriage, protect girls from violence, and guarantee access to education and healthcare. Community awareness is also important. We need to challenge stereotypes and harmful traditions that limit girls’ potential. Education and awareness campaigns can help people understand the importance of gender equality and the benefits it brings to everyone. The girl child is not just the future of society; she is a powerful force in the present. Today, girls are making a difference as leaders,
Ihedinihu is a student of Pan African Institute of Management and Technology.
IVY-K Fashion by Igiebor Daddy Lucky, a Nigerian-born designer now based in the UK, has launched the latest menswear line, Dapper Man.
One of the collection’s strengths is its classic, clean aesthetic. Dapper Man delivers sharp, structured suits in a timeless black and white color scheme that exudes a sense of luxury and professionalism. The use of high-quality fabrics like wool and silk ensures that the suits not only look high-end but also feel luxurious to the wearer. The designer’s focus on detail is evident in the meticulous tailoring, with fitted blazers and crisp trousers forming the foundation of the collection.
Where IVY-K Fashion shines is in the subtle yet elegant touches. The inclusion of beads as embellishments on lapels and cuffs adds a unique flair, blending traditional craft with modern tailoring. This nod to African heritage gives the collection a distinct identity, offering something more personal and culturally significant than your standard menswear line.
However, despite the elegance of the Dapper Man collection, there is a lingering sense of missed opportunity. The black-and-white color palette, while classic, feels overly safe. In a fashion landscape where bold colors and daring patterns often make the strongest impact, the collection could benefit from incorporating more vibrant hues or experimenting with unconventional fabrics. Pushing the envelope with color or texture could elevate these designs from simply elegant to truly memorable.
In addition, while the tailoring of the blazers and trousers is immaculate, the collection lacks a sense of playfulness or modern edge that many contemporary menswear lines are embracing. The suits are undoubtedly stylish, but the collection as a whole leans heavily on tradition. Experimenting with asymmetrical cuts, bold patterns, or even layering could add an exciting dimension to Dapper Man. The challenge is to maintain the sleek sophistication of the collection while infusing it with a fresh, innovative spirit.
Another area that could use improvement is the overall cohesion of the collection. While the suits are well-crafted, there is a feeling of repetition across the pieces. More variation in design, such as different lapel styles, pocket configurations, or even bolder accessories, would give the collection greater diversity and visual interest.
In conclusion, Dapper Man by Igiebor Daddy Lucky showcases the designer’s strong grasp of classic tailoring and elegant design, but to truly capture the attention of a broader audience, IVY-K Fashion would benefit from more daring choices. By infusing the collection with bold colors, unexpected textures, and a more modern edge, Dapper Man could move from a well-crafted line to a trendsetting force in men’s fashion. With such a solid foundation, there’s no doubt that Igiebor Daddy Lucky has the potential to lead his brand toward greater heights