The Return of Jenifa??????

Hmmmmmm....... I can't shout.

Nigerian Girl Honoured in Britain

This should gladden us after the Amos Adamu disgrace.

The Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom has honoured Miss Chidera Ota who excelled in the 2010 GCSE in the UK with 15 As, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Ota, 16, garnered the highest grades in English Literature and English Language; Mathematics, Statistics, French, German, Latin, History, Sociology, Chemistry, Biology, Physics and IT qualifications equivalent to three GCSEs.

Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Dozie Nwanna, described the girl’s feat as exemplary and highly commendable.

“You have wiped our face and brought pride and honour not only to your parents but to the country and other Nigerians living in the UK,” Nwanna said on Tuesday.

He said Nigeria was full of talents and outstanding personalities who continued to excel in various fields at home and abroad, making them deserving of recognition and celebration.

Also, the Head of Chancery, Mr. Ahmed Umar, said the initiative to honour Ota was a further attestation to the high commission’s policy of recognising and celebrating Nigerian achievers in the UK.

Ota, who wants to become a medical doctor, said she studied Latin twice a week during her lunch breaks to meet up with the challenges.

“I stayed home a lot and put in a lot of work for my GCSEs because I want to become a doctor though I know it is a very hard and competitive field, and I know I need to do extremely well to get into medicine,” she said.

Ota has already secured a scholarship to attend King’s School in Canterbury where she will study Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A-levels.

-Culled from The Punch

Political Quote

“There is no doubt that he wants to rule for only four years. He has said so and even told a foreign television station on Tuesday that he would run for a single term. You can quote me on that.

“His determination is just to complete the tenure of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua because the Presidency was zoned to the North for eight years in 2007. He will only complete the remaining four years and return power to the South.”

- The Director of Media and Publicity of Atiku Campaign Organisation, Mallam Garba Shehu, affirming that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will spend only one term in the office if elected.

Hmmmmm....... This politicians won't kill me with laughter!

Naija or Nigeria?

Earlier last week, Mrs. Dora Akinyuli, Nigeria’s Minister of Information, complained bitterly about the use of Naija in place on Nigeria. She promised to ensure that corporate bodies desist from the use of ‘Naija’, and I could not help but shake my head in amusement. So, of all the problems Nigerians are battling with, it is the use of Naija in place of Nigeria that is most important? I just imagine ‘Glo Naija Sings’ becoming ‘Glo Nigeria Sings’, and laughed even harder!

Then on Wednesday, FIFA handed a 3-year suspension of Dr. Amos Adamu. Dr. Adamu was found guilty of requesting for bribe in order to support a particular country in their World Cup bid. Until his suspension, he was Nigeria’s representative in the FIFA Technical Committee, and I am sure he never referred to Nigeria as Naija. So, does a change of name really make any difference about how people see us?

A change of name does not translate to a change of attitude. Corruption has become Nigeria’s second name all over the world, and that’s what madam Dora should concern herself with. The world Naija was coined to commercialize the country’s art, and frankly speaking, it has been successful. Nigeria is not the only country with a nickname, and I don’t think that has anything to do with the citizens’ attitude. Banky W may not have used the word ‘Nigeria’ in any of his songs, but he is a Naija musician who is doing Nigeria proud. Can the same be said of Dr. Adamu? No! Dr. Adamu is a card carrying Nigerian who has dragged the country’s name in the mud.

Corruption has brought loads of shame to the country, and made life very challenging for Nigerians in diaspora. I think the Federal Government should be more concerned about redeeming the country’s image rather than worry about how the country’s name is spelt. Let them provide the basic amenities, and strengthen the platform that will discourage corruption home and abroad.

What the country needs is a character change. We call every white man ‘oyinbo’, but we know the difference when they speak. No matter what we are called, our current identity is corruption- and that should be Madam Dora’s major concern for now.

By the way, what happened to her ‘Good People..... Great Nation’ project? Hmmm..... God dey!

"Say Cheese"

Ejiro Ugboma is a dear sister and colleague. She recently had a baby boy, and we visited her during the Sallah break. It was fun all the way, with Big Boy being a handful as usual. Enjoy the few photos:

Ejiro and Ogheneyoma

Moyosore, my wife, Ejro, 'Yoma

Moyo and 'Yoma

........we also visited the Serikis:

Tamilore and Moyo

SMVA Winners

Phew..... It's been a challenging week intrernet-wise, but thank God it's over. I wasn't at the Soundcity Music Video Awards (SMVA), but I have the list of winners. I'm so happy Djinee won. He really, truly deserves it. Check out the full list after the photos of some of the winners.

Djinee

Jozi (South Africa)

Banky W

P Square

Fally Ipupa (DR Congo)

Tuface Idibia

Best Male Video

Banky W – Strong Ting (Nigeria0

Best Female Video
Goldie – You Know It (Nigeria)

Best Choreography
Dama Do Bling – Moza Girl – Mozambique

Best Special Effects
Djinee – Overkillin’ (Nigeria)

Best Editing
P-Square – Danger (Nigeria)

Best Duo Or Group Video
Deep Level – We Run The City – South Africa

Best Cinematography
Teargas – Mhlobo Wami (South Africa)

Best Hip Hop Video
Jozi – Wild Life (South Africa)

Best R & B Video
Mike Anyasodo – Fine Fine Lady (Nigeria)

Best Pop Video
2Face Idibia – Implication (Nigeria)

Best Collaboration In A Music Video
Sarkodie Feat. Sway & Jayso – Lay away (Ghana)

Discovery Of The Year
JR – Show Dem (South Africa)

Best Video (Voting)
Banky W – Strong Ting (Nigeria)

Viewers Choice (Voting)
Buffalo Souljah – Ezandlha Phezulu (Zimbabwe)

Hit Producer Of The Year (As Used In A Music Video)
Sossick/Da Grin – Pon Pon Pon (Nigeria)

Best Western
2Face Idibia (Nigeria)

Best Southern
PRO (South Africa)

Best Eastern
Wyre – Kenya

Best Central
Fally Ipupa (DR Congo)

Soundcity Fresh Video
Tania Tome – Nhi Ngugu Haladza (Mozambique)

Mario Cleared of Assaulting Mother

Prosecutors have dropped misdemeanor assault charges against R&B singer and former Dancing With the Stars contestant Mario after his drug- addict mother admitted she was lying through her teeth when she told the cops that the crooner attacked her.

Last month, the artist, whose full name is Mario Barrett, had been charged with second-degree assault for allegedly shoving his mother into a wall at their Baltimore home. At the time, Shawntia Hardaway claimed her son, R&B singer Mario, beat her ass in their shared apartment and she feared for her life, she has recanted her story and, as a result, the second-degree assault charge was dropped.

According to WBAL, Shawntia, who was “the state’s only witness in the case, said her son never touched her” and “she was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when she called police.”

Mario’s attorney, Billy Murphy, says it was clear from the beginning that his client never struck his mother and that Mario “remains committed to helping his mother battle her addiction.”

Ne-Yo Becomes A Father

R&B superstar Ne-Yo, has become the proud father of a baby girl! and his baby mama Monyetta Shaw!

The baby was delivered on Friday night — nearly six weeks earlier than expected- by his girlfriend, Monyetta Shaw .

“She’s healthy and happy. Feels like I’m in luv for the first time,” Ne-Yo, 31, tweeted on Saturday. “Welcoming that lil’ girl to the world last night defined for me what ‘willing to kill and die for’ truly means. My world, my life, all hers.”

Ne-Yo was reportedly at a charity event for his Foundation when he got the call that Shaw went into labour, and the Grammy nominated singer had to rush to the hospital in Atlanta to be by her side for the birth.

Congratulations!

Eva Longoria Parker Files for Divorce

Eva Longoria has filed for divorce from husband Tony Parker just hours after denying reports they were planning to split.

The Desperate Housewives actress filed the documents at Los Angeles Superior Court this afternoon, a source told US website People.com.

The news comes after a spokesperson for the 35-year-old actress yesterday shot down a report that claimed her basketball player husband had filed for divorce on Monday in Texas.

In the divorce papers, Longoria cites the standard ‘irreconcilable difference’ as the reason for the split.

She is also seeking spousal support from Parker.

However, there was no reference to the claims her 28-year-old NBA star husband has been unfaithful. However, an insider said: ‘Eva is heartbroken by the betrayal,’ adding that Tony admitted to the behaviour after Eva confronted him with accusations of infidelity.

Eva and Tony were engaged in November 2006 and married in July of 2007 in a Roman Catholic ceremony in Paris, France.

3 years and they are tired already? Dis oyinbos sef! Lol

"....Tuface is Empty...."

“…I want to see someone like 2face to be very successful because everything is just name. But deep down, I’m sorry to say this, he’s empty and it’s not good for our artistes…”

-Afro Juju legend, Sir Shina Peters.

This is a quote from the interview he granted on a television programme. I don’t know what he meant by ‘empty’, but if it’s about Tuface’s lyrical content, then the Afro Juju maestro is guilty of this as well. His greatest hits were- and are still- empty. ‘Empty’ songs sell sir!

Yes, You Can!

A friend e-mailed this to me, and I love it. So, with his permission, I modified it. Please enjoy:

MTN came to Nigeria at a time when nobody wanted to invest in Nigeria , at a time when Nigerians did not have phones and had already given up hope of having access telephones, let alone mobile phones. It was a bumpy ride back then, but that bumpy ride has tuned to investment highway for telecomms companies.

We all know the story of the only unelected civilian president in Nigeria- Goodluck Johnathan. We know how the people said he was not going to be President, even one impetuous Personal Assistant called him Acting President to his face. Today, the rest is history.

What about Cowbell? When a company came to Nigeria , ventured into a market solidly dominated by Peak Milk, and introduced milk in sachet, the Peak Milk manufacturers laughed their heads off. They said Cowbell was meant for the poor- and they were right! 3 million poor people spending 10 naira on a satchet of milk everyday meant nothing to the Peak Milk manufacturers until they realized that Cowbell was earning 30 million naira everyday, and 900 million naira every month! Today, Peak Milk now comes in satchet.

Taking on new challenges or challenging the old ways of doing things may seem Herculean at first, but as long as we are innovative like Cowbell, prepared for the unexpected like President Goodluck Jonathan, and willing to explore new frontiers like MTN, success is only  a matter of time.

If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Yes, you can!

Photos of the Day

I don't think this will happen again in a long time, but let's savour the Stamford Bridge demolition while it lasts. Big teams have recorded home losses this season- Barcelona and Arsenal, especially- but this is by far the most scandalous!

Mike Ezuruonye Weds

Nollywood actor, Mike Ezuruonye, is married. The handsome actor and his wife, Nkechi, had their white wedding on Saturday, November 13. The event took place at Landmark Event Cenre, Oniru, Victoria island, and was graced by many of his colleagues in Nollywood.

The newest couple in town had their traditional wedding May 2010, and it took place in Imo state.

Happy married life, Mike.

Customer Service and the Company’s Integrity

A few weeks ago, I wanted to renew my DSTV subscription but mistakenly quoted the wrong smartcard number. When my service was not restored the following day, I called the DSTV customer service and quoted the same wrong smartcard number with confidence. The payment was confirmed but my service was not restored after the 5 minutes promised.

I made several calls and kept getting the same response- my account name was different, but the payment reflected and service would be restored in 5 minutes. In the evening, I called again, and because I work in the same environment, was able to control my frustration. Bisi, the customer care personnel who attended to me, probed further and that was when I realized my mistake. It took humility on my part to realize my folly, because when she asked me to check my smartcard number again, I would have ranted that my intelligence was questioned- a lot of customers do that.

Upon realization that I was responsible for the mistake, I requested that the amount paid be transferred to my account, and Bisi gave me a 2- week turnaround time. In the meantime, she restored my service with the remaining balance in my account. Exactly two weeks later, I called the customer care helpdesk to confirm the transfer, and it was confirmed. For me, that is the perfect definition of integrity.

Every organization thrives on integrity, and expects the Customer Service division to enhance this value. When customers call in to complain about issues, the end story is usually “when will the issue be resolved?”. That’s when integrity comes into play. We must never make empty promises to customers. Where we are not sure of what to tell customers, let’s endeavour to make enquiries so that we don’t give out the wrong information. When customers talk to us, they don’t see us as individuals, they see us as the organization we represent and believe that whatever we say or promise is authoritative.

When Bisi gave me a 2-week turnaround time, I did not feel too good because it seemed so far away. In the long run, I was glad she told me the truth because she could have said 2 days just to delight me at that time, but eventually frustrate me. We don’t have to make promises before we want to get customers off our back. No matter how bitter it is, the truth will always be appreciated- and there’s no better channel to tell the truth and enhance the organization’s integrity than customer service.

Integrity is isn’t just a value, it’s a value every human must have.

English Premiership Football Quotes

"I'm manager of Blackpool and I manage the players how I want. If some bright spark from the Premier League wants to tell me who I can pick then come and have a cup of coffee and you'll probably get it chucked in your lap."

- Ian Holloway (Blackpool) on why he made 10 changes to his team against Aston Villa. Blackpool lost the match 3-2.

"Well they’ve had it so good over the years you see; they’ve had it so good here. They’ve been winning every week, kept winning league championships every year, so you get upset when you don’t win – it’s hard [on them]."

- Harry Redknapp (Tottenham Hotspur) on the fans’ boo during the club’s match with Sunderland. The match ended 1-1.

"I fully accept that I was in the wrong on this occasion and accept the charge that the FA have brought against me. I would like to apologise to Chris Hughton, my team-mates, our supporters and of course to Morten Gamst Pedersen and Blackburn Rovers."

-Newcastle’s Joey Barton apologizes for his unruly behaviour towards Blackburn’s Morten Gamst Pedersen.

"I still have a lot of respect for Liverpool and Liverpool Football Club, so I don't really want to talk about them. But sometimes when someone says something I have to respond with what is in this case what I know.

"But again I would prefer not to say anything because I wish them all the best, I wish [they] stay in a really good position and do really well because for me it is what I feel too."

- Rafael Benitez.

EFCC to Arraign 6 Bank Directors Today

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will on Friday (today) arraign the sacked Chairman of Spring Bank Plc, Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa, and three management officials of the bank before the Federal High Court in Lagos, following their alleged involvement in a N5.2bn fraudulent banking transaction.

The other accused person are the former managing director of the bank, Mr. Charles Ojo; and two directors, Mr. Vincent Omoike and Dr. Hussain Mohammed.

The suspects are expected to be arraigned before Justice Binta Murtala- Nyako.

An EFCC source said that the bank chiefs had earlier been interrogated over alleged reckless granting of credit facilities and for writing off loans.

It was learnt that they would also stand trial for their alleged complicity in forging letterheads and signatures.

The EFCC is said to have engaged the services of Mr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) as the prosecution lawyer.

In an interview with the PUNCH, the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Babafemi, confirmed the development in a telephone interview with our correspondent.

He said, ”They will be arraigned by 10 a.m. before Justice Binta Nyako tomorrow (today) in Lagos.”

I don’t know if you feel the same way, but these corruption trials have becoming very boring. We all know where this one will end as well.

2011: Alao Akala Calls for Prayers

Oyo State Governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, has called on Nigerians to engage in fervent prayers for a peaceful, free and fair elections in 2011.

Alao-Akala stated this in Ogbomoso, on Thursday, at the opening of a five-day crusade being organised by world renowned German evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Alao-Akala, Mr. A. B Ojo, said it was pertinent that all hands be on deck to ensure a crisis-free election next year.

Hmmmmm..... Politics in naija is so funny. This is coming from a man who is using every evil machinery to knock off members of the opposition in his state!

D’Banj and Snoop Dogg to Perform a Duet?

The rumour mill is agog with the news of D’Banj doing a remix of Mr. Endowed with prolific American rapper, Snoop Dogg. Although Don Jazzy confirmed the rumour on twitter, I seriously hope it is not one of the hyped duet performances that end up becoming a over flogged rumours. Congratulations in advance, D’Banj- although I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Grace Amah Pregnant

Nollywood actress, Grace Amah, is reportedly pregnant- and she’s so happy about it. The 'guilty as charged' father of the unborn baby is a UK-based Nigerian, and plans are underway for both of them to walk down the aisle soon.

Grace returned from the UK not long ago after a prolonged holiday. Congratulations!

Photo of the Day

I didn't know he was sitting beside me until my wife brought out the digital camera! No wonder he always says "My daddy is my best friend".

R. Kelly for Star Mega Jam

The annual Star Mega Jam promises to be the biggest ever as R. Kelly- the ‘R’ in ‘R&B’- is billed to headline the event. The show will take place on December 17 at the Polo Club grounds in Lagos, and will also feature P Square, D’Banj and the Mo’ Hits crew, 9ice, J Martins and KC Presh.

This will be R. Kelly’s second visit to Nigeria, as he performed at the This Day music festival over a year ago. By the way, why is Tuface not on the list of performing artistes? This is a big omission oooo.

Cakes by Creamy Delight Cakes

You Are Not Alone

Several years ago, my friend passed out from the secondary with one of the best SSCE results I’ve ever seen. He gained admission into a university the following year, was the best graduating student in his class and the future seemed so bright. We were so sure that he would get a job in no time. However, jobs suddenly became scarce, and the ‘in no time’ became 5 harrowing years! For my friend, those were the worst years of his life.

Like my friend, many of us are currently experiencing the worst years of our life. Like my friend, we had hopes a few years ago but nothing seems to be working now- visa applications have been turned down, businesses have crumbled, relationships have crashed, and so many other such disappointments have messed up our hopes. Many of us still look up to our parents and siblings for feeding allowance, and have no choice but to accept the insults that come with such gestures.

At this point, death may seem like a good option, but it’s not. A dead man is a hopeless man- and my friend never thought of dying. No matter how tough life may be, we should realize that God is keeping us alive for a reason. As long as we are mentally, academically and vocationally prepared; and have the determination to succeed despite all odds, then achieving unprecedented success is only a matter of time. No matter what you are currently experiencing, you are never alone. If nobody seems to care about you, God certainly does. So when it seems like you are too tired to move on; when life suddenly becomes bleak and all you want to do is shut your eyes and never want to open them, remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Keep on keeping on, and there shall be light at the end of the tunnel.

My friend eventually got a lucrative job, and in less than three years was able to achieve what his peers couldn’t achieve in eight years. My friend weathered the storm, and has become a success story today. He went through what many of us are going through presently, and is alive to tell the story.

Without failure, success means nothing; without death, life has no meaning; without darkness, light will always be taken for granted. So, if you are going through dark moments, it’s because you know the difference between failure and success; between sorrow and joy. So, for every tough but momentary setback you may be experiencing, always remember that you are not alone.

Have a great week!

Glo Drops D'Banj

GSM operator, Globacom, has terminated D’Banj’s contract as the company’s brand ambassador. D’Banj reportedly refused to sign a new contract because the amount offered was a far cry from his first offer. D’Banj’s first endorsement was N70 million, while the renewal was N25 million. The Koko Master felt it wasn’t a fair deal and refused to sign it.

While his first endorsement contract lasted, D’Banj was accused of violating the terms of the contract, and went as far as demanding for a 100% increase- an action which reportedly angered the Globacom chairman, Mike Adenuga Jr. To checkmate Mr. Endowed’s excesses, the company signed on P Square for N30 million.

Although the endorsement contract has been cancelled, D’Banj’s photo will still appear on Globacom’s billboards and products.

Ireti Osayemi Wins Best Actress Award

Top Yoruba actress, Ireti Osayemi has been given the best actress award by Afro Hollywood Awards in the United Kingdom. Ireti Osayemi who is married to a director, Bakky Adeoye, went to the UK on Monday for the ceremony that took place on Saturday, November 6.

She is one of the most popular faces in the Yoruba movie industry, having acted in close to 70 movies. Her brilliant performance in the Funke Akindele produced comedy , Jenifa , won her even more fans.

Congratulations, Ireti.

J Martins Denies Rift with P-Square

Shame to bad people!

Talented producer and musician, J Martins, has denied having any disagreement with P Square over the ownership of the hit single, E No Easy. Reacting to a recent publication, J Martins said the singing duo of P Square owns the song, and that he only produced it.

He also said that the wave-making twins are his brothers who have helped him a lot on his way to the top.

What's Up with Dbanj?

Recently, Mr. Endowed, Dbanj, has been accused of unleashing terror on people over trivial issues. Azuka, a This Day columnist, accused the self-styled Koko Master of sending thugs after her in Kenya. The Mo’Hits crew had gone on a musical tour of East Africa and Azuka was one of reporters who covered the event. According to the columnist, Dbanj’s action in response to a piece she did on him several weeks before the tour. Azuka had suggested that Dbanj may be running out of ideas, and may not be as endowed as he in his new single.

Recently, the musician was reported to have had a bust-up with Clarence Peters and the Capital Hill crew. Clarence Peters had billed Dbanj N5 million to direct one of his videos, and Dbanj felt he was about to be exploited!

Easy does it bro. It’s not a must for Clarence to shoot your video. If you can’t afford him, walk away.

Ije Sets Record

I am not surprised at all. Ije, the interesting movie produced by US-based Nigerian, Chineze Anyaene, has become the highest grossing Nigerian movie of all time. The movie, which is also the longest running movie in Nigeria’s cinema history, netted N47 million. Other Nigerian movies that have done well in cinemas include Through the Glass (Stephanie Okereke), and Figurine (Kunle Afolayan). The movies grossed N10 million and N22 million, respectively.

I hope all the ‘Grab your copies now’ exponents learn a vital lesson from this: you don’t need to produce 40 movies in 6 months before you buy a second-hand car. One well-packaged movie can give you all the money and recognition you want.

It's November!

Happy new month, people! let's kick off the month on a sweet note. Enjoy Creamy Delight cakes. Ciao!