Posted by By YETUNDE OLADEINDE on
You are at home with Abike Dabiri this evening somewhere in Lekki, Lagos. The House of Representatives is on recess and the chairman, House Committee on Media.....
You are at home with Abike Dabiri this evening somewhere in Lekki, Lagos. The House of Representatives is on recess and the chairman, House Committee on Media is in a relaxed mood. She looks very smart in her casual outfit, no make up. Her sense of interior décor tells tales of great taste.
You admire some artistic works, the soft furnishing and total décor is simply breath-taking. 'The guy who owns a gallery just left. I think your home should reflect you. Most time, when you are not at work, you are at home."
Ask about her plans for 2007 and she replies this way: 'You take one day at a time. Whatever you do, it is important to leave a good legacy. It should also be one step after another. In life, an opportunity comes and you take it. However, inordinate ambition kills".
Then she confesses that she misses life on television. 'Sometimes, if I am somewhere and I see news, I always wish I had a camera. I will still do something in broadcasting later".
Her routine as a politician and life as a broadcaster are almost alike. 'They are both unpredictable. From my days at NTA, each day is different from the other. I take each day as it comes. As a journalist, you can just be called upon to travel. But my day is incomplete without my four daily prayers. Then I try to pamper myself in terms of facials, manicure and pedicure." She tells you more about her stylish side in this interview.
My style
Style for me means that you can be elegantly simple. It doesn't have to be very expensive. I believe in simplicity. I don't follow fashion blindly.
In my wardrobe
You would see a lot of trousers. I also prefer long skirt and blouse when I am going the African way. Regalia makes everything I wear except my suits. I buy them when I travel. I wear both skirt and trouser suits. Then I have a few dresses and my son noticed this recently.
Apart from Regalia, I admire Labanella, Maufechi and Tiffany Amber. Our designers are good; all they need is the required exposure. When it comes to international labels, I like Miomio when it comes to clothes. Then the cuts of Givenchy appeal to me too. Again it depends on the designs. Most times, I like the cuts and not just the designs. I also like Dior and Armani.
Shoes and bags
I am not a designer freak. I am comfortable in Prada shoes. Basically, I love high heels. Since I was a small girl I have always been comfortable in low heels. For bags I love Gucci and Levittown bags.
Jewelry
Diamonds are best. Every woman loves jewelry. When I see something nice I pick it. I don't like bogus or big accessories. As for beads I have a lot of them. They are nice, endurable and very catchy.
Perfumes
I have this lovely one I normally pick up at Harrods, Lillian's and Barley. Again I love to mix and blend my perfumes. I am a collector. I have a whole lot and I do not stick to one.
Hair
Now, I am wearing Ghana weaving. I hardly do braids. I did this because I am traveling. I have a peculiar style. But my hairdresser tries to vary my hairstyle. While I am in Lagos, Alfredo handles my hair while in Abuja it is Collins. I do more of home service. I braid once in a while. After retouching, I pack for a while. Interestingly, when I go to a new hairdresser they do the same thing, too.
Exercise
I try to do aerobics as often as I find time. Sometimes, I don't have time but I squat and do sit ups. I used to go to the gym at Eko Hotel and Suites. I was also registered at the one at Cactus until my movement to Abuja. Now, I do all that at home.
Food
I like beans and dodo. I can eat beans three times cooked in a special way, which my mum taught me. I am not crazy about food. I am not a breakfast person. This started as a student when I used to go for lectures without breakfast. For me, you should worry about what you eat and not what you don't eat.
I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. I avoid fat as much as possible. I take a lot of tea with lemon. Pawpaw is my favourite fruit. You don't need to be elaborate but the important thing is to be comfortable.
Leisure
I like dancing and singing. If I hear music, I would dance once the rhythm is good. I like soul, pop, juju, Lagbaja and Makossa. I try to read but I am not an avid reader. I read biographies, philosophical books and magazines. I also love the company of children. Even at the NTA, I always go beyond the call of duty e.g. Mary the miracle baby. Most times I call up friends to get support for them. I have 40 children that I sponsor.
Colours
I like blue, lemon green and beige. I don't mind a mixture of the colours. Black is gorgeous but I don't like all black. If I have to wear something black it must go with colourful accessories.