The Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Ayinke Saka is an ageless beauty. Her fashion taste and style radiates class and sophistication.
In this interview with JOKE ADENIYI-JACKSON, the commissioner speaks on how she has been able to cheat nature by rekindling youthfulness through her fashion and style.
Excerpts:
What dictates what you wear and how you wear it?
There are factors that dictate what I wear. Firstly I thank God for the wherewithal which enables me to wear what I want to wear. So, to God be the glory. Then I am grateful to my parents who are my fashion role models. They taught me how to dress. They taught me how to appear and be of good conduct in public; my parents laid good foundation for their children. Though my mother was uneducated she dressed appropriately and smartly. She always gave me fashion tips. From her, I inculcated the habit of dressing well; knowing what to wear, when to wear and how to wear it.
Does your mood sometime affect what you wear?
My emotions do not dictate what I wear; you can’t know my mood from my dressing; my mood does not affect the way I dress. Your emotional problem should not affect the way you dress because it will not solve your problem. So, why should people know that you are not happy from the way you dress? More so, according to the two major religions; Islam and Christianity, cleanliness is next to godliness, so you don’t have to appear unkempt at anytime, you need to be neat and appear radiant.
What is the secret of your ageless beauty?
Secret of my beauty is my family. My husband and children are the source of my happiness. My husband is easy going, he is not fashionable but he appreciates beauty and encourages me to look good at all times. And, he’s always proud of me. My style of dressing makes my children proud of me and two of them have taken after me. The others dress religiously but even at that they wear quality fabrics and other items. Though our dressing mode differs but it has not affected the family. Everyone dress the way that makes them happy. I only ensure that they dress decently and are presentable in public.
What is your daily beauty routine like?
The first thing I do in the morning is to take three glasses of water and brush my teeth. After saying my prayers in the morning, I take bitter leaf juice that help eliminate wastes from my body system. Thereafter, I exercise; if I don’t want to use the treadmill, I walk around my street for about 30 minutes to one hour daily to keep fit. Then, I am a workaholic, which helps me to burn calories.
How have you been able to maintain your fair complexion?
I take my bathe regularly. Once a week, I massage my face with honey and egg white for about 30minutes. This I alternate with facial scrub. While taking my bath I pay attention to necessary parts of the body.
Given your age and office, are you still comfortable in corporate wears?
Yes! I have more of corporate wears than native attires in my wardrobe. There are some official occasions that demand that I appear corporate and again I travel out of the country a lot and as you know, the weather out there dictates what you wear. You have to wear trousers, long skirt and sleeves to keep warm.
What is your favourite colour?
I am in love with pink, blue, gold and white. I don’t discriminate when it comes to colours though. At a time I wanted to go all white but couldn’t because of people’s misconception. As a public figure or a politician, if you wear only white, people may misconstrue it to mean that you are fetish.
Are you then saying that being a public office holder affects how you dress?
No! What I said is that I love to wear white but constrained by people’s belief. But, it is not that I don’t wear it at all. I wear white at home when I want to say my prayers and for Islamic events.
What is the most valuable item in your wardrobe?
My costumes. Then my shoes. I have shoes that are not common. I have a designer shoe that I am the first to have it in Kwara State. I have different colours of it. The shoe is comfortable and corrects any form of feet deformity, it was recommended for me in Saudi Arabia some years ago.
How many pairs of shoe do you have?
I have more than 200 pairs.
Could it be said that you are a designer freak?
Not really. My fabric like laces, Ankara etcetera are common because most of them are Aso-Ebi, but I love my accessories and shoes to be unique.
Do you like to stand out in what you wear?
I don’t dress to attract attention. I dress to please myself and suit the occasion. My dressing is always modest.
If you have a chance to change anything about you, what would it be?
To be younger and smarter. Though regardless of my age I still feel young within me.
Where do you like to shop for your fashion items home or abroad?
I travel out for my shopping
Which country(ies) do you prefer for your shopping?
During hajj or Umrah I do my shopping in Saudi Arabia for Islamic dress, Dubai for my costumes and UK and US where my children are for my corporate wears. I get my local fabrics here in Nigeria.
Do you like to shop alone?
I go along with my children. Aside that I go alone because nobody can dictate to me; I know my taste and pocket.
