Toke Makinwa turned 41 this week, marking her first birthday as a mother, and she did it in a dress that made its own statement. The Nigerian media personality, who welcomed her daughter Yakira Eliana in August 2025, celebrated in a custom red gown that instantly dominated social feeds for its structure, intent, and precision.

Toke Makinwa – Instagram

The gown was everything expected from someone who understands how to communicate through fashion. Cut in a sculpted form with a fitted bodice and flowing train, it projected assurance and attention to detail. The tulle around her shoulders gave it fluidity, while the deep red tone grounded the look in strength. It was not excessive; it was measured. Every choice appeared deliberate, signaling a new stage where Toke is comfortable being seen differently.

Toke Makinwa – Instagram

Her styling stayed minimal but sharp, with cropped hair, understated makeup, and bold earrings that reflected light just enough to underline the look.

The images from the shoot were intentionally composed. There was no sense of over-performance, only a clear portrayal of a woman whose priorities have shifted.

In her caption, she wrote, “It’s my first birthday as a mom, y’all, say a prayer for me.” The note was brief but revealing. For someone whose public life has always revolved around expression, that kind of simplicity spoke volumes.

Toke Makinwa – Instagram

Toke has long used style as a form of conversation, but this moment felt more intimate. The red was not for spectacle; it represented definition, a declaration of self on her own terms. It reflected a woman embracing motherhood while maintaining her sense of identity and command of image.

At 41, she is not reinventing herself; she is refining what is already there. The gown did not just mark a birthday, it reframed it. In red, Toke Makinwa did not perform motherhood; she owned the moment completely.

Toke Makinwa surprised us with mother-and-daughter mode in white. She and her baby girl, Yakira Eliana, gave us a memorable beautiful twinning moment we’ve ever come across to celebrate Yaya dedication. Toke wore an off-shoulder dress by Bridal accent that had oversized puff sleeves with ruched detailing flattering her figure.

Toke Makinwa: Instagram

Her accessories were minimal. She wore a chain necklace, bracelet and a few rings. Her make-up was done in bronze and her short natural hair was styled perfectly. Her understated styling complemented the dress.

Now, for baby Yaya, she came dressed in Dolce & Gabbana. The white christening gown flowed beautifully with delicate hand-applied floral details. She wore a headband designed with flowers at the top.

Toke Makinwa: Instagram

Just one look at Toke cradling her daughter in that gown would show you a touching moment between mother and child. The occasion was Yakira’s dedication, a Christain ceremony where parents present their child before God and the community. It’s an important part of life and Toke treated it with all the reverence it deserved.

The beauty was in both their matching whites and the joy in her eyes as she looked at her daughter. Away from the spotlight, this is just a mother holding her baby girl.

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The 14th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2025 is currently taking place from November 2nd to 8th in Lagos, under the theme “Rhythms of the Continent: The Afrobeats Film Movement.” Its opening night hosted a star-studded event at The Royal Box, Cube 65, marked by the screening of Asurf Oluseyi’s film “Three Cold Dishes.”

Uche Jumbo: Instagram

Uche Jombo arrived at the AFRIFF 2025 Opening Night in a sculpted gown, a breathtaking display of high-fashion architecture and bold colour. She was a participant in a high-profile “Unadulterated Conversation” panel discussion alongside the likes of Davido and David Oyelowo.

Uche Jumbo:Instagram

Uche, styled by Dozie Jacobs, wore a sculpted canary-yellow gown that balanced volume and grace with fearless tailoring and femininity. The look began with a fitted bodice that had a modern, structured neckline and a subtle keyhole cutout. This provided a clean foundation for the drama that followed: exaggerated, voluminous puff sleeves that rose at the shoulder before stopping just above the elbow.

Uche Jumbo: Instagram

Instead of playing it safe with neutrals, the look embraced a stunning colour-block. Jombo paired the bright yellow gown with a deep, sapphire-blue rectangular clutch with glitter. This bold contrast was perfectly mirrored in her footwear: a pair of matching sapphire-blue pointed-toe pumps. Minimal jewelry and the impeccable finish by IROB beautyplug completed a composition that was both clean and disciplined.