₦airaland Forum

The Celestial Church of Christ, God of Abraham Parish, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, marked its 22nd anniversary at the church auditorium in Ishaga, Lagos, with a well-attended celebration of thanksgiving, worship and communal fellowship.

Speaking at the event, the host and shepherd of the parish, Prophet Michael Edem expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness over the years. He recounted the church’s testimonies and progress, urging members “to always give thanks to God for His continuous blessings.”

Delivering the anniversary and harvest message, the pastor highlighted the significance of the church harvest as a “multi-faceted celebration of thanksgiving, spiritual growth, and community outreach.” He noted that harvest periods have long symbolized abundance, health, and divine provision. Citing biblical references, he reminded the congregation of Israel’s Feast of Harvest in Exodus 23:16 and Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 9:36–38 on the spiritual harvest of souls.

According to him, the harvest season represents not only the fruits of labour but also the call to win souls, strengthen faith and support the less privileged. He emphasized that it is “a time for communal celebration, sharing resources, and acknowledging God’s provision for both the church and individual members.”

The anniversary drew visitors from various parishes and neighbouring communities who joined the congregation in worship. The programme featured musical renditions, special numbers and spirited praise sessions led by the host choir, which kept attendees on their feet. Special prayers were also conducted for members, guests and the church.

The celebration continued into the evening with a feast that had been anticipated earlier in the day when three cows were sighted outside the church premises. By the time merriment commenced, they had been processed into a variety of local and continental dishes served alongside assorted drinks. The church premises, filled to capacity with many worshippers spilling outside, buzzed with lively interaction as guests were treated to a lavish meal.

The event ended on a joyful note, with members expressing delight at the successful celebration and anticipation for next year’s harvest.

By Manny Ita

The price of greatness is responsibility - Winston Churchhill

Defining business success goes beyond profitability, growth rate, and brand recognition. In today’s world, customers, employees, and other stakeholders judge a company by how its activity impacts the community, economy, environment, and society at large. In other words, by whether it cares about the greater good and not only greater profit. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices are an excellent way to demonstrate organizations' stance on the matter.

Engaging in CSR means that, in the ordinary course of business, a company is operating in ways that enhance society and the environment instead of contributing negatively to them and focusing only on the bottom line.

Leading manufacturer of 100% natural body care products in Africa, Avila Naturalle, a beacon of natural purity in Africa's body care landscape, has etched its name not just in product excellence but also in the hearts of the communities it serves. Beyond crafting exquisite, chemical-free body care solutions, Avila regularly embarks on a holistic journey to uplift and empower.

The company's CSR initiatives are a testament to its core values of faith, diligence, integrity, innovation, and customer-centricity. It’s a balanced symphony of business and benevolence, where every note resonates with the rhythm of a healthier, happier Nigeria.

Recently, the company distributed 50,000 free products to schools, sowing the seeds of holistic well-being among the nation's future leaders. Imagine classrooms filled with the sweet scent of natural care, where young minds are nurtured not just academically but also physically and emotionally. It's a tangible expression of Avila's commitment to preventive healthcare and the belief that every child deserves to feel confident and cared for.
Avila Naturalle’s commitment to the future generation isn’t just a generous act; it’s a strategic step towards fostering a healthier and more confident student body.

By providing natural skincare, haircare, and oral care products, Avila is addressing a critical gap in school health programs. These products can help prevent skin infections, promote good hygiene, and boost self-esteem. For students from disadvantaged backgrounds, access to quality personal care products can be a luxury, often leading to embarrassment and low self-confidence. Avila's initiative is a game-changer, leveling the playing field and ensuring that every child feels valued and cared for.

Beyond the immediate benefits, this initiative also serves as a powerful educational tool. Students can learn about the importance of natural ingredients, the dangers of harmful chemicals, and the connection between personal care and overall health. By incorporating these products into their daily routines, students are developing lifelong habits of self-care.

Extending its compassionate touch, Avila's recent CSR initiative also provided free products to hospitals, where healing takes center stage, with the soothing embrace of natural care intended to complement medical treatment, offering patients a moment of respite amidst their journey to recovery. It's a silent affirmation that Avila cares for the entire well-being of individuals, not just their skin deep.

Avila's empowerment of women was a premium part of it's recent CSR initiative. By gifting free products to women, the company is nurturing budding entrepreneurs. It's a lifeline to those seeking financial independence, offering them the opportunity to transform their passion for beauty into a thriving business.

Avila Naturalle's support for women entrepreneurs is a testament to their belief in the power of economic empowerment. By providing free products to women looking to start their own businesses, the company is not just offering a product; they’re providing a stepping stone to financial independence.

For many women, starting a business can be a daunting task. Access to capital, inventory, and market knowledge are significant hurdles. Avila's initiative removes one of these barriers by providing them with high-quality, in-demand products. This allows women to focus on building their brand, reaching customers, and growing their business.

Moreover, by supporting women entrepreneurs, Avila is contributing to a more equitable society. Women-owned businesses create jobs, stimulate the economy, and strengthen communities. Avila's initiative is not just about profit; it's about creating a positive social impact.

It’s clear that Avila Naturalle is more than just a beauty brand. They are a company deeply committed to the well-being of the Nigerian and African people, especially its youth and women. Through their CSR initiatives, they are not only building a strong brand but also a legacy of compassion and empowerment.

A football tournament also featured prominently. The Avila Women's Cup, a sporting part of it's recent CSR was an eight-team tournament, more than just a sporting event; it was a celebration of women's strength, unity, and spirit; a platform for women to shine, to connect, and to inspire. Avila's sponsorship is a powerful statement that women are not just consumers but contributors to society, deserving of support and recognition.

Avila Naturalle's CSR initiatives are a holistic approach to well-being. It's about nourishing bodies, minds, and spirits. It's about creating a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond the realm of skincare. It's about building a healthier, happier, and more empowered Nigeria, one act of kindness at a time.

The company's initiatives have far-reaching impact on the communities they operate in. By providing natural, chemical-free products, Avila is contributing to better overall health among students. This can lead to reduced absenteeism, improved concentration, and higher academic performance.

Enhanced Self-Esteem: Feeling clean, fresh, and confident can significantly boost a child's self-esteem. This can translate into improved social interactions, increased participation in class activities, and a more positive outlook on life.

Community Awareness: Schools often serve as hubs for community engagement. By providing products to schools, Avila is indirectly reaching out to parents and the broader community, raising awareness about the importance of natural skincare and the dangers of harmful chemicals.

Economic Growth: By supporting women entrepreneurs, Avila is contributing to the overall economic growth of the community. These businesses create jobs, generate tax revenue, and stimulate local economies.

Community Development: Women-owned businesses often prioritize community involvement. They are more likely to invest in local initiatives, support other women, and create a positive social impact.

Role Models: Successful women entrepreneurs become role models for younger generations, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.

Beyond these direct impacts, Avila’s CSR initiatives contribute to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community. By investing in the well-being of its citizens, the company is fostering a sense of social responsibility and encouraging others to follow suit.

Avila Naturalle is not just a company; it's a movement. A movement that believes in the power of nature to heal, the strength of women to lead, and the importance of community. It's a movement that is redefining the meaning of corporate social responsibility, one product, one initiative, one empowered life at a time.

By Manny Ita

Inspiring a world that is on a perilous path to achieving dubious beauty standards, through skin-lightening products promising a brighter, more flawless complexion must certainly be a herculean mission, but one which Avila Naturalle has over the years taken deftly in its strides, leaving profound impact on the health and lives of thousands of people since it's divine inception in 2017.

Skin-lightening creams typically contain toxic chemicals like mercury and lead in quantities that significantly exceed health guidelines. Chemicals are used in these products to block the natural production of melanin in the skin and make the skin look fairer. However, these chemicals are harmful to the human skin and body. Bleaches weaken and penetrate the skin, increasing the risk of cancer and other diseases. Indeed the dangers associated with skin-bleaching creams and products are real and alarming. The mercury compounds in these products are of particular concern, as they can cause long-term harm to the skin, organs, and the nervous system.

The desire to lighten skin is a global phenomenon. One of the root causes of this according to a school of thought lie in colonialism and white supremacy.
With reference to an American Sociological Society paper “To justify racial slavery, slave-holding interests espoused a white supremacist ideology which held that persons of African descent were innately inferior to whites. Whiteness became identified with all that is civilised, virtuous, and beautiful.

Yet today, in many countries movies, books, dolls, and other contemporary symbolism tend to depict paler skin tones and associate these with power and beauty.

There is a psychological component associated to dkin-lightening as well, beside the alarming physical side-effects. In pursuit of a lighter skin, many users are driven by low self-esteem, self-worth, and identity issues caused by dubious beauty standards in social media and other marketing channels.

The good news however is that, Avila Naturalle limited - a leading manufacturer of natural body care and household brands in Africa - has been at the forefront of the damaged skin restoration solutions for close to a decade, commited to enriching lives and inspiring a healthier and happier world by offering natural skincare solutions that deliver healthier, radiant, and glowing skin, while in the same vein addressing the challenge of low esteem associated with the skin type and complexion by promoting naturally healthy and glowing skin using truly natural and safe products, driven by the need to help Nigerians/Africans break free from toxic and harmful chemical-based body care products.

Avila Natural Limited, is focused on encouraging the use of pure and natural body care (skincare, haircare, mouth care, foot care) products.

Divinely inspired in 2017 to start working with natural ingredients to proffer solutions to thousands of people having skincare issues, Temitope Mayegun, the brain behind Avila began conducting research in which the result revealed that a lot of people are having skin issues like dark patches, sunburn, stretch marks. She also discovered that the beauty industry is filled with non-natural beauty products that have wreaked havoc on people's skin.
So Avila Naturalle began it's mission of offerimg natural products that will have no side effects on users, products that will make them happier and will also make their skin healthier, exploring also the need to proffer solutions to people who have stretch marks, sunburn, skin discoloration and hair issues. The results have been really positive and inspiring.

Affirming this, Mayegun posits; "People hardly believe that our products are natural because of the results achieved, they feel we infuse other components into our products but Integrity is one of our core values. We always go for quality raw materials too. We review our customers' experience and their feedback even the ones that are not pleasant. We analyze these feedback to come up with solutions that exceed their expectations. Avila is all about solutions. I must tell you that, we are proffering solutions to people's issues. We are trying to make people healthier and live a fulfilled life."

One big issue though with curbing this anomaly is that the global skin-lightening market, estimated to be worth billions of dollars is highly unregulated.

A 2018 Zero Mercury Working Group and Biodiversity Research Institute test of over 300 products from 22 countries found that approximately 10 percent of skin lightening creams contained as much as 100 times the authorized amount.

Despite what regulation there is, companies still produce harmful skin-bleaching products due to consumer demand – consumers which are mostly not aware that the creams can cause very harmful impacts on their health and wellbeing.

Yet there is hope that this vicious cycle can be broken with appropriate government policies and initiatives. In Rwanda for example, the“Black is beautiful” campaign highlights the dangers of creams aimed at lightening the skin using substances like mercury and hydroquinone and addresses prevailing beauty standards that support internalised colourism among the Black population of Rwanda.

Its Ministerial Order on harmful chemicals in cosmetics received the Future Policy Award for a Toxic-Free Future in September 2023. The aim of the Ministerial Order is to protect the people of Rwanda from the harmful effects of chemicals contained in cosmetics and support the skin health of the Rwandan population. This policy has outlawed products containing harmful chemicals and made them less accessible. The Ministerial Order regulates the use of specific harmful cosmetics in Rwanda. It lists about 1,343 cosmetics and regulates the manufacture, import, distribution, and use of cosmetics that have been identified as containing substances that are hazardous for human consumption.

Bangladesh is also one of the very few Asian countries that regulate heavy metals and other chemical compounds in cosmetic products, with an amount of around USD 10 million of these products seized from the Bangladeshi market, thus reducing their negative impact on human health and the environment

The Nigerian government can tow this line, given that Nigeria is the most populous black nation on planet earth with what that signifies in the light of this article.

Avila Naturalle since inception has redefined the Nigerian body care space by promoting the health and safety of Nigerians through the encouragement of the adoption of all-natural body care solutions comprising skincare, haircare, mouth care and foot care.

Mayegun says "The overall vision of the company is driven by the need to help Nigerians break free from toxic and harmful chemical-based body care products by creating a culture and an enabling environment for natural body care solutions to thrive".
"Furthermore, the whole essence of Avila Naturalle is to right the wrong in the society; to get people to appreciate their skin, to get people to solve self-esteem issues. A lot of people have self-esteem issues caused by the belief that only fair people are beautiful, and that is why they use bleaching products. So, Avila Naturalle is here to let them know that whatever complexion they have, they are still beautiful. We are here to give them products that will make them glow naturally. We are here to give them a healthy approach to achieve glowing skin. Mayegun assures.

With one of its core values being Innovation, Avila strategises regularly to ensure meeting customers expectations and striving to ensure sustainable growth through continuous improvement on all its products to enrich the lives of customers and give them a pleasant experience.

With a primary focus on organic products which starts by getting quality products from the farm, all products used for Avila production are organically grown.

"Our products are 100 per cent natural, free of parabens, animal by-products, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, mineral oils, colourant, petroleum and chemicals. While based on purely natural ingredients, our Research and Development team are well-equipped and constantly focused on the future. This allows us to stay ahead of trends, latest development and competition. We have premium quality products that cater to hair, face, body, mouth, foot, and other private needs. There is no exception to who uses our products. We have made it possible to meet the needs of all humanity both female, male and children". Mayegun points out.
According to her,
"A carrot for instance may not be organically grown. They may apply fertilizer to it and if we use it, it will affect the overall production".

She explains that because of the dangers caused by inorganic products, there is usually a transitioning stage when you are using natural products.
"If you have been using a kind of harmful chemical-based product that have been bleaching your skin or probably toning your skin before, when you switch to natural products there may be a kind of skin purging. People have to understand that these products are natural, and they cannot work within seven days or within five days the way chemical-based products will work".

Early this year the company diversified into the food sector. Through consistency and hard work the brand Avila continues to blaze the trail with the ripple effects of its success story solidifying it's position as the leading manufacturer of genuinely natural body care and household brands in Africa

As with most ventures divine which begin small, Avila began it's production with just 30,000 coconut oil but today has over 2,000 distributors across different cadres, with a staff strength of 150 and still counting.

"Our distributors are also part of our stakeholders, I mean external stakeholders, apart from the margin they make, there is a shared value and clear understanding of the company's vision. It is not all about Temitope Mayegun, it is about the brand, the staff, the distributors, and the vision. The value chain is what we have been able to sustain over the years, and I must tell you, that is a unique selling point for us".

Skin lightening is harmful to human health and the environment. Still, too few people are aware of the dark sides of skin bleaching. Therefore, it behoves the media to raise awareness about the threats and combat dubious beauty standards based on racism, colonialism or other negative variable.

People of colour can be proud of their skin tone. Avila Naturalle and initiatives like the Rwandan “Black is Beautiful” campaign lead the way forward. For sure, governments need to step up their consumer protection mechanisms and implement the Minamata Convention which does not allow the manufacture, import, or export of cosmetics (with mercury content above 1ppm).
In conclusion, we are all beautiful. The diversity of skin colours is what makes each and every one of us beautiful and special.

Avila Naturale introduces African Black Soap
Manny Ita
Avila Naturale is a leading organic skin care products manufacturer domiciled in Lagos Nigeria.
Having open up shop in 2017, on the heels of a divine vision to delve into the making of beauty products from natural components, the company that Kick started business with coconut oil as its only product today, seven years down the line, boasts of over 450 different products, is registered in Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda with over 2000 happy distributors spread across the globe.
Tuesday 9, 2024 marked a significant milestone at Avila with the introduction of its latest product into the market - the African Black Soap and the African Papaya Black Soap, working out its resolve to correct the wrongs in society with regard to skincare, haircare and Healthcare, very much the essence of the Avila brand, pushing boundaries and shaping the future.
The Avila story is a journey of the audacity of Faith and indeed proves that consummate success is sure when God is at the driver’s seat. With no prior knowledge in manufacturing, CEO of Avila Naturalle, Temitope Mayegun took the bull by the horn, convinced she heard God talking, telling her the market was saturated with harmful chemical products, and she should begin the production of beauty products with natural ingredients.
“We started with just coconut oil but I had a deep feeling Avila would be a global brand. Today we have over 450 beauty products”. Mayegun disclosed.
Crafted after an intensive period of research, The Avila African Black soap has a market segmentation the cuts across all markets, is premium in quality and friendly in price.
Effective for acne, rashes and other skin issues, the African Black Soap which comes in150 grams, has a 3 -4 year durability and very effective in maintaining and balancing skin color.
From a robust research, consumer behavior and key performance indicators show a tilt towards organic and natural skin products. It is therefore projected that in 2025, the Avila product users will not only increase but the Avila philosophy of righting every wrong in society with respect to skin, hair and Healthcare would have significantly been achieved.
At N600 per unit price for the black soap, and N900 for the Papaya Black soap which exfoliates the skin, Avila has once more demonstrated that very good quality products can be made affordable to the majority of the people, putting paid to the keeness in affordability of the product.
However, it doesn’t seem like Mayegun is resting on her oars anytime soon with plans and modalities in place to effectively go global in fulfilment of her divine mandate.
Registered in Kenya, Ghana and Rwanda, Avila Naturalle spearheaded by the indefatigable Temitope Mayegun, indeed remains a respectable model for a flourishing and successful business.

Lagos based Non-Governmental Organization, the Lovezone Creative Foundation has boosted the morale of students of schools in Ikeja Lagos with donation of books, uniforms, pencils and other stationeries to welcome them back to school as a new term begins.
Making the donation at the Ikeja Primary school, Lagos, founder of the organization, Princess Andrew stressed that every child had a future but what many of them lacked was the opportunity .
“A large number of parents/guardians cannot afford to send their wards to school, a situation worsened by the economic downturn. Many children have been forced to drop out of school and sent to the streets to help their families’ (and their own) survival. This calls for intervention by well meaning people and organizations”. She disclosed.
Lovezone Creative Foundation has been working in consonance with the Project Zero initiative of the Lagos State Government designed to tackle the menace of out-of-school children in the State by enrolling pupils back into government-owned primary schools, in the regular provision of exercise books and writing materials, school uniforms etc., to encourage and stimulate learning.
In his address, the Education Secretary of Ikeja Amosun Akeem Abolore who is also chairman of all Education Secretaries in the zone, said the government was investing a great deal on pupils/students in the state to bring the best out of them. He thanked the foundation for its continued support and prayed God to continue to bless its founder who has always been looking ahead of the children.
Education stakeholder Mrs. Lolade Taiwo Bello who is also the SW Coordinator of The Asiwaju Group (TAG), in conjunction with whom the event held, explained to the pupils, the need for them to take their education seriously and advised them to judiciously use the items given them which also included refreshment packs.
The pupils also had a stint with Miss Ahuva Victoria on psychology; basically, interaction with peers; dos and don’ts, bullying, good self-esteem etc.
It will be recalled that the Lovezone Creative Foundation reeled out various food items to indigent residents of Ikeja during the yuletide to help them also celebrate the season.

Non-profit organization Lovezone Creative Foundation has expressed concern over the spate of despondency in the land, calling on well meaning individuals to try and touch lives of the underprivileged ones amongst them, saying the government alone cannot do it.
Speaking during a charity event on December 31, 2022, President of the NGO princess Cynthia Andrews decried the proliferation of scammers in the society which has vitiated the spirit of giving amongst individuals.
According to her, a good number of people were willing to touch lives but were unsure of the channels through which to do so, saying the Lovezone Creative Foundation and Schools for the less privileged was a trusted channel of doing so, going by its antecedents.
An annual exercise of the organization and in the spirit of the yuletide, food items including rice, beans, garri, etc., were distributed to over about a thousand underprivileged residents of Ikeja on December 31, who thronged the office of the NGO on Toyin street Ikeja for the packages, specially prepared for them to also celebrate the New Year.
“Everyone knows how challenging the times are. As much as we can, we try to touch the lives of the downtrodden in society, and it would amount to belaboring the facts, to mention its positive ripple effects.”
The Lovezone Creative Foundation and Schools for the Less Privileged has been touching the lives of indigent women and men in society, wile giving lifeline to indigent and talented youths by way of acquiring different skills including Fashion designing, Hair dressing, Bead-making, Make-up artistry, Vulcanizer, etc.,
Over the years, the foundation has ignited the entrepreneurial journey of those who have passed out from it’s schools and are today bread-winners of their families while also positively influencing other youths and women especially.
“We cannot expect government to do everything. Everyone in their own way can support the effort of government at making life better for the indigent, towards a peaceful and more productive society. There lies our calling.” Andrews capped.

Non-profit organization Lovezone Creative Foundation based in Lagos Nigeria graced the community forum of the Lagos State Education Authority which held Wednesday November 24, 2022 at the Ikeja Primary School, Muiz Banire Street, Ikeja Lagos, where it donated educational materials to pupils in support of the enhancement of their education.
According to the founder of the foundation, Princess Cynthia Andrews while making the donation said that the foundation was all about making the society a better place for all by focusing on the less privileged in society.
“It takes a village to raise a child. When a society is an enlightened one, you will realize that so many of the things we bicker and fight over just palls in the light of knowledge, good self-esteem and an appreciable level of financial ability” Andrews averred.
“You would be surprised to know the abundant talents in these children in the streets, which represent vast assets allowed to waste away. At Lovezone, the onus is on us to work at making life meaningful for this ilk, and that is why we are here today in support of the good work of the government in making education accessible to every child in Lagos State.” She said.
Declaring the event open, host of the forum, Comrade Amosu AkeemAbolore who is the education secretary of Ikeja LGEA said that the day was dedicated to appreciate, celebrate and rejoice with amazing parents and thanked all for finding time to be present.
Speaking on behalf of Chief Opanubi Tayo the chairman of the occasion, SBMC of Adeniyi Jones primary school Ikeja Mrs. Sekaye Orimolade Okora thanked everyone for being present saying it was a complete forum which made it possible to follow up on the progress they were making in the education of Lagos State.
Eulogizing the impeccable strides of the state government in education in a chant “ Lagos State leads, others follow”, she charged the forum to continue to take up on the project zero initiative’ which seeks to mop up children in the streets in the state into classrooms, saying it was important to remember that there was still high percentage of out-of-school children, and therefore was one of “our principal responsibilities to continue to bring in this ilk and continue to consider it as a big project within our SCMC functions”.
Guest speaker at the event, Mr. Hamzat Teslim Omolaja, the H.O.D -SMO SUBEB speaking on the theme of the event “LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND” said children in a community were everyone’s children and decried abandoning the culture where a child in a community belonged to all, saying that in itself had brought many problems. He called all to see every child in their communities as their own, charging them to fish out any child that was out-of-school and bring them to school saying the government was providing 12,000 out-of-school children in the state with their educational needs.
Harping on the importance of education, founder of TOS Educational Initiative, ambassador Taiwo Ololade Salvadore reiterated that as the city of excellence Lagos State leads and others follow, thanking the women whom she described as the backbone of society evident in their numbers at the event juxtaposed with the men.
Saying parents were the first and vital educational tool of the child, she charged parents to continue to take the education of their wards seriously, assuring that the government would do its part but the rest was in their hands.
There were presentations from project zero pupils, a playlet by parents, a cultural dance and a presentation of awards which effectively culminated activities at the event with the vote of thanks given by HOS, SMO Ikeja area, Mrs. Oke Abimbola Omolola who promised they’d continue to push hard the project zero initiative within the Ikeja LGEA and Lagos State at large.

It is Akwaaba to Ghana as front-line African organic skincare and beauty products manufacturer Avila Naturalle swings open its Ghanaian doors Saturday September 24, 2022 at the Coconut Grove in Accra, as the company continues to work out its mission of taking Avila Naturalle across Africa and other parts of the globe.

Speaking on the milestone which is in furtherance of the vision of the company in positioning Avila products for global appeal and patronage, Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mrs. Temitope Mayegun disclosed that; "The opening of our Accra branch marks another step in our committed mission of taking Avilla Naturalle across Africa and beyond”.

Mayegun assured that; "our overall vision remains enriching lives and inspiring a healthier world by promoting the health and safety of Africans by encouraging the adoption of all-natural body care solutions comprising skincare, hair-care, mouth-care and foot-care”.

Since inception in 2017, Avila Naturalle has been addressing the challenge of low esteem associated with skin type and complexion among dark skinned Africans especially, by promoting naturally healthy and glowing skin using truly natural and safe products. “We have the burden to also help people break free from toxic and harmful chemical-based body care products by creating a culture and an enabling environment for natural body care solutions to thrive". Mayegun said.

A Leading manufacturer of organic skincare products in Africa as well as food supplements and a fashion line, Avila Naturalle will be making a big and bold statement with the opening of its new branch as it continues to fathom the needs of consumers for a healthy and happy lifestyle.

A household brand, Avila Naturalle is an innovative brand that commits considerable resources to research in the bid to continually sustain the excellence and finesse of its products, thus satisfying the beauty needs of its teeming clients while stimulating the economy and providing lifelines to scores of households, in fulfilment of its overall vision of enriching lives.

Borne by divine inspiration in 1997, Avila Naturalle has been at the forefront in the fight against the usage of harmful and chemical-based body creams and beauty products that have destroyed the skins of black women, in their misguided bid to become white; a situation Mayegun attributes to low self-esteem.

With sister company Avilan Foods and Supplements providing the highest quality 100% natural, healthy and nutritious food products to Nigerians and Africans at large, Avila Naturalle has been able to sustain its value chain over the years - a quality Mayegun says is the unique selling point of the brand.

Avila has over two thousand distributors spanning Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Republic of Benin, Equatorial Guinea, Zambia, Bahrain, the United Kingdom and the United States of America with plans in the offing to expand to the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Sweden and across the continents of the world.

Frontline African fashion promotion and production company, Legendry Gold Limited will be presenting 4 top African fashion designers at the 13th African Union Private Sector forum scheduled to take place in Lusaka, Zambia from July 23 to 25, 2022.
The designers are CEO of Nafika Clothing Mercy Mukupa, Kasslita brand owner Kasonde Nkole, founder of Nkanda Yatu brand Kabaso Nkando (all Zambians) and James Ajogwu, CEO of Resurrection brand based in Nigeria.

This is in furtherance of Legendary Gold’s policy of creating and utilizing veritable channels to showcase the works of African designers and promote them for global reckoning and patronage towards its overall objective of continually developing the continent’s burgeoning fashion industry.
Themed “The Role of Private Sector Towards Increasing Investment in Energy and Agribusiness to Upscale Productive Capacities and Industrialization Drive in Africa”, the forum which mandates the African Union Private Sector Forum as a key instrument of dialogue and partnership between the African Union policy makers and the private sector actors, also acts as a vehicle for empowering the African Private Sector through advocacy, sharing business and market information and skills.
The specific objectives of the forum are to strengthen the technical capacity of stakeholders through the organization of an African Union Private Sector Forum, create an inclusive African Union Innovative Private Sector Financing Instruments to accelerate energy production as articulated by AU Agenda 2063, further discussion on ways of making it easier for the African Private Sector to access relevant financial services to invest in sustainable energy and agribusiness, encourage and boost agricultural production and productivity levels through the scaling up of agro-technologies, investing in access to affordable energy, quality seeds and fertilizers, markets through value chain improvements and to mobilize for critical resources required to invest in Smart & Sustainable Energy: Smart oil and gas infrastructure.
Organized in a hybrid format due to the need to observe COVID-19 prevention guidelines, with a limited number of participants to attend physically while others shall be requested to participate virtually, activities of the forum are built into eight sessions and spread across the 3 days of the event which will culminate in a luncheon.

Official languages for the forum are English, French and Arabic and participants at the event, expected to number over 300 shall be drawn from the Public and Private sector spheres, such as Public Policy Makers, Champions of Development and Commercial Financial Institutions, Women and Youth led/ owned SMEs, Women and Youth Associations while E-Commerce trade experts and officials/experts from within and outside Africa who will be sharing their experiences.

Expected outcome of the 3-day summit include; developing a means to ensure equitable access to energy between urban and rural populations, Mechanisms to ensure SMEs’ fair access to energy value chains explored, ensuring accountability principles and information transparency disclosure measures for private actors in the energy sector to participate, Environmental and social impact mitigating measures in the energy sector are implemented with adequate transparency mechanisms, ensure Public-Private sector commitment to boost agricultural production and productivity levels through the scaling up of agro-technologies, investing in access to affordable quality seeds and fertilizers, markets through value chain improvements, promoting agricultural research and development and critical resources required to invest in Smart & Sustainable Energy: Smart oil and gas infrastructure will be mobilized.

Different panelists will be discussing different salient issues with regard to the theme of the forum with high level personalities in relevant industrial sectors moderating.

Legendary Gold Limited has been at the forefront of promoting African designers and creatives in the African fashion industry, inspiring creativity and economic opportunities with its annual events which include; The Nigeria Fashion Show, the Nigeria Fashion Week, the Nigeria Fashion Awards, the Nigeria Model Awards, Africa Fashion Reception and recently added to its fashion portfolio an ecommerce marketplace for African fashion designers and manufacturers, Agogo Africa.

In collaboration with the African Union and UNESCO, CEO and President of Legendary Gold Limited, Lexy Mojo–Eyes has through The African Fashion Reception projected African fashion designers and entrepreneurs on the global stage since 2013, bringing immense success.

The objective of the Africa Fashion Reception initiative has over the years remained advancing the essence of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063, by building bridges to stimulate economic growth in the continent.