Women
It Takes Two To Tango
In Marriage, problems and struggles always arise; for some, the obstacles become so great that the only way to overcome them is through the permanent separation of their union. Unfortunately, most marriages end up doing it but is that actually a panacea? This is why there should be no limit to how couples should celebrate themselves so long as they continue to stay tied in peace, love and harmony. Therefore, if you think that it is all an etravagant display of wealth and affluence, when couples call for a momentry celebration of their togetherness over a period of time, then you may need to come in contact with divorcees, males, females, who could not tolerate the heat of the cohabitation of two persons of different backgrounds made to act as one. Until you understand why a woman or man would resort to singlehood after testing marriage for a period of time, even with children to their kitty, you would not see reason to applaud, appreciate those who still kept their nuptial knot tied for a period of time ranging from two years and above.
No wonder invitees to magnificent events like 70 years and above birthday anniversaries or 20 years and above marriage anniversary, are always enthusiastic to register their attendance. Their enthusiasm I guess, may have been spurred by a quest to use the occasion as a stepping stone in their own lives. For me , not only do I admire the celebrants, I am inspired to toe their positive lines, for my own future. I do believe that I am not alone in that world of people who get lost in halucination, imagining themselves in the real action as they watch the celebrating couples magestically March through the variedly colourful and dignified congregation of invitees.
The event of Tuesday, September 27, 2022, calls to mind, the scenerio highlighted above, an occasion every sane mind would always treasure as the crowd gathered to savour the euphoria of a celebration of a milestone in marriage: The 40 years marriage anniversary of Amaopusenibo (Dr) Stephen & Dr (Mrs) Margaret Hart at St Cyprain’s Anglican Church, 37 Hospital Road, PortHarcourt, which reception party took place at Hago Heights Event Centre, Peter Odili Road, Port Harcourt. It was indeed a convention of the creme de la societe’. Of course, there couldn’t have been any better way to congratulate a woman who has put up with a spouse she did not know from Adam, for as long as 40 years. She accommodated his ugly sides and presented him to the outside world as one who knew no sin and so without blemish. How well also will a man be celebrated for having a heart of gold for always willing to lose arguments, having patience, love and being faithful even when they got into big fights.
Hurray, Dr & Dr (Mrs) Stephen Hart have hit 40 years mark! A marriage that lasts this long is considered a rare and beautiful thing, a blessing in disguise, and the celebration that accompanies this milestone would remain memorable as it was quite colourful to behold. No doubt, when people get married, they unite with the idea of having a life-long partner to share the beautiful moments in life. For Dr & Dr (Mrs) Stephen Hart, 40 years in marriage were not 40 hours, 40 days nor 40 months in marriage. Any one who had gone through this journey like our celebrants would attest that the cruise was never entirely smooth but sometimes garnished with rough weather, yet each season was recieved with utmost good faith, as they sailed together, through thick and thin for as long as 40 years. A union divinely masterminded and blessed with four offspring, the couple’s strength no doubt, had always been anchored on the fact that the steps of the righteous are ordered by God, as they have kept trusting in the Lord without leaning on their own understanding. This is as they have made tolerance, consideration for one another as well as mutual respect key in their relationship.
They both may not have been any angel thrown down to dwell among mortals,no, but their ability to believe in the workability of their unity even though in diversity brought them this far. Today, this couple is celebrated as mentors, not only to upcoming couples, but also to those whose relationship dwindles, and are at the verge of collapse, who may be misled into thinking that divorce is a sucour worth seeking. To the young, they sue for commitment towards actualisation of God’s purpose in their union, laying greater emphasis on the virtues of love, patience, sincerity, submission, and mutual respect.
Dr & Dr (Mrs) Stephen Hart believe that sound communication with consideration for each other’s feelings must be deliberately exercised to grease the wheel of every marriage relationship. Above all, they enjoin other couples to cultivate the habit of praying together for each other, and be committed to the things of God, making Christ the centre piece of their marriage and the foundation of the union, seeing that we can do all things through his strengthening, as recorded in Philippians, 4:13.
By: Sylvia ThankGod- Amadi
Women
Nigeria Deserves Stylish, Sophisticated Designs-Igiebor Daddy Lucky
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
Women
Women Can Curb Indecent Dressing
The trend of indecent dressing all in the name of fashion is fast becoming a norm in our generation and society at large. Most married women embrace this fashion as competition with single ladies.
Different scholars have given an in depth insight about dressing as a tool of communication. Non-verbal communication has been asserted as the communication between people by the means of signs or symbols. It conveys what we wish to disseminate to the public as either intentionally or not.
According to Paul Ekman and Michael Argyle, communication is carried out through what has been classified as “Presentational Code”. He listed nine codes of non-verbal communication, as body contact, facial expression, gestures, postures, eye movement, proximity, orientation, head nods and appearance.
This, being stated, married and single ladies should understand that their mode of dressing is communicative be it directly or indirectly as such body parts we call “private” are now being made public because of the trends or wearing of transparent dresses and this in turn calls on the attention of men who are weak and prone to illicit thoughts thus, resulting to most rape cases in our society.
This indecent dressing by most ladies has denied many their future husbands. The truth is that a man is attracted to his kind; his desires in marriage. It is often asserted that decency and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder, yet, in trending times of this 21st century, dress code and fashion in nudity form is gaining popularity.
This has become complicated as most men tend to toggle between their emotions (lust) and sanity (rationality) in terms of marriage, thereby setting a wrong foundation upon which most marriages are consummated.
On the other hand, most married women have embraced the trend of indecent dressing nipping it on the state of it being the choice dressing, approved by their spouses, leaving society with the question of what “responsible” man would prefer that the secrecy of the benefit of his marital vow has become the centre of attraction and viewership by the general public.
Hence, communicating with their dressing gas given licence to every male gender who is interested or attracted to what they see to make unsolicited sexual passes at them, which might be considered embarrassing.
At this juncture, it is important to state that ladies should dress decently knowing that they are the epitome of nation-building, they are nation-builders, character moulders and pacesetters not just in the lives of their families but to the society at large.
In most occasions, there are no clear border lines between the married women and the single ladies because of the rate of scanty dressing which has close the gap of differences.
Women and girls should embrace this call awakening to decent mode of dressing. Dresses that are meant to be worn indoors should remain indoors.
It is worrisome to see ladies wear shorts that are supposed to be worn in the living room on the streets without shame. This is an awakening call to our ladies, married and singles that the opposite sex do not expose their private body parts for the public. Sometimes, the ladies go about in the streets without wearing brazziers as to showcase their nipples.
The society should be sanitised of the menace of indecent dressing that is lurking and taking over the entire nooks and crannies of the society and the nation at large.
Let it be known that he or she is addressed in the manner he or she is dressed. There may be no room for a second impression. To the single ladies, your dressing decently will not stop you from meeting your Mr Right rather, it will increase your stake and place you on the list of most valued women in the society.
Dressing speaks louder than words.
Kate Chisom Isiocha
Isiocha is an OND final year student of Temple Gate Polytechnic.