Showing posts with label Edition 229. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edition 229. Show all posts
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Fruit confectionery market
(Biz tool Kits)
BY AGBOLADE OMOWOLE
LAST week, we started our series on fruit packaging business. This is the concluding part. The fruit confectionery market also consists of four product categories: Jams, jellies and preserves; Fruit rolls, bars, and snacks; Pie fillings and Fruit butter.
Liquid fruit juice drinks
These come in four different forms:
• Frozen concentrate: This is diluted with water after purchase.
• Dry concentrate: This is also diluted with water after purchase.
• Reconstituted liquid: This has been concentrated but is diluted prior to sale.
• Unconcentrated beverage called Not From Concentrate (NFC).
The latter two types are also known as Ready To Drink (RTD) juices.
The Manufacturing Process
The process is as follows:
• Harvesting/collection
• Cleaning/Grading
• Extraction
• Concentration
• Reconstitution
• Pasteurisation
• Packaging/filling
Byproducts/waste control
Byproducts from fruit juice production come from the rind and pulp that is created as waste. Products made with these materials include dehydrated feed for livestock, pectin for use in making jellies, citric acid, essential oils, molasses, and candied peel. Certain fractions of orange oil, for instance, known as d-limonene, have excellent solvent properties and are sold for use in industrial cleaners.
Quality control
Quality is checked throughout the production process. Inspectors grade the fruit before the juice is extracted. After extraction and concentration, the product is checked to ensure it meets a number of the nation’s quality control standards.
Target market
• Individual consumers: Infants, school children, adults —. Young adults, nursing mothers, working professionals, etc.
• Corporate Consumers: Schools, business organisations, worship centers, marketplaces, eateries, posh and local restaurants, hotels, formal gatherings and events, parties and celebrations
Technical and other requirements
NAFCDAC’s registration is important and inevitable to operate in this industry. Some manufacturers of bottling water machines have made the machines in such a way it can be used for both water and fruit juice production. But this has to be done under stringent supervision and care to avoid contamination of both products.
Income Potentials
Let’s take for instance Lagos State with an unofficial population of about 18 million people (from the state’s website). If 25 per cent of this number take one form of bottled fruit juice product, this translates to 4.5 million potential customers. If this market consumes a bottle of fruit juice once a week, it means this market equals the sale of 18 million bottles a month and 216 million bottles a year from one state government in the country. Now, if you as a company produce 200 cartons of 12 bottles daily for 20 days in a month and 10 months in a year (to factor in capacity underutilisation) at N600 per carton, your monthly income would be worth N2.4 million and N24 million per annum and a profit in the region of about N11 million. Imagine if you’re selling your products in 6 more states in the country? And like I hinted earlier, you can combine this with your packaged water business.
Additional Information/Value Added
AS a value added for consumers, the addition of vitamins and other essential health-promoting minerals can help to further promote your brand in the market, making you the brand of choice for many Nigerian families who use your products for beverage and health purposes.
For space constraints, to make a success of this business, you’d need a comprehensive business plan to guide you in the area of marketing, branding, technical and business architecture for the business, etc, so you can experience competitive advantage from the start.
The Future
Future processing improvements are likely to come from the use of computer controlled sizing and grading of fruit. Fruit juice formulations will see changes as the trend towards adding more nutrition-oriented ingredients, such as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, continues.
In addition, future formulas are likely to be blends of fruit juices with other more exotic fruit flavours, or even vegetable juices, like carrot, like what is being done by fruit juice producing companies in the country today.
bridgetolotu@gmail.com, Olotu is the CEO/Lead Consultant, DEAIM Innovative Resources Ltd.
You have all it takes
(Life Coach)
BY AGBOLADE OMOWOLE
JOHN Foppe, a renowned motivational speaker, has no hands. He has developed himself so much that he uses his leg to drive his car. His core message is that there is ability in disability.
In the context of this article, a disable is someone, who is not using his talents to make a positive difference in the world. Nobody is disabled except the person, who has not discovered his place in the world.
What limits you is you. There are no limits anywhere. We only have limits in our minds, based on how we have been conditioned from childhood. When you don’t challenge your proposed limits, you will limit your ability to perform and achieve extra ordinary results that are mind blowing.
You are here on a mission. I told participants that they are created to solve a problem, and not to be problem to others. In other words, there is something only you can do. There is a problem that only you can solve. There is a solution that only you can provide. You need to uncover all your latent talents.
Don’t limit yourself. If you don’t limit yourself, then nobody can limit you. No one can limit you without your own permission. Do all it takes to achieve your dreams. Fly. If you can’t fly, run. If you can run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. If you can’t crawl, get someone to carry you. By every positive means, make something of your life.
Discover the real you. Who you are today may be a shadow of the real you. The real you is a champion. The real you is a celebrity. The real you is a superstar. The real you is a hero. The real you is a winner. The real you is unstoppable. You may not look like a success now, but time will reveal the real you.
Create the future you want. Everybody leaves either by default or by design. Living by default means living your life the way it comes. If you wake up in the morning without a plan of how to spend that day, then you will be on the receiving end in the sense that things will happen to you.
Make things happen. You can either be the object or the subject in life. When you are the subject, you determine what exactly you want. You create the circumstances that you desire. When you are the object, someone else is in charge of your life. Decide to happen to things. Don’t wait for things to happen to you.
Be in charge of your life. Your life is your life, and when you don’t decide the kind of life you want to live, the society will decide it for you. Learn to live your own life positively. You can inspired by others. You can learn from others. But when you begin to look at other people’s life to determine your own, you are trying to become another person, and not you.
Focus on what you have. The way to become successful is by capitalising on those things that you already have to live a better life. What you don’t have, you don’t have. So it is important to commercialise what you have a natural flair for. If you like to sing, you can make money from singing.
Get customers. The profit you will earn from developing your natural endowment and making it profitable is dependent on how effective you are at getting people to be interested in your product/ services.
Learn to advertise. Let people know what you have to offer you and they will patronise you.
Take action. Marketing yourself is not about knowing what you can do to make money alone. You have to wake up earlier make some calls, some handbills and send some e-mails. By all means, market your skill, and then you will smile to the bank.
agboolaa_coach@yahoo.com
BY AGBOLADE OMOWOLE
LAST week, we started our series on fruit packaging business. This is the concluding part. The fruit confectionery market also consists of four product categories: Jams, jellies and preserves; Fruit rolls, bars, and snacks; Pie fillings and Fruit butter.
Liquid fruit juice drinks
These come in four different forms:
• Frozen concentrate: This is diluted with water after purchase.
• Dry concentrate: This is also diluted with water after purchase.
• Reconstituted liquid: This has been concentrated but is diluted prior to sale.
• Unconcentrated beverage called Not From Concentrate (NFC).
The latter two types are also known as Ready To Drink (RTD) juices.
The Manufacturing Process
The process is as follows:
• Harvesting/collection
• Cleaning/Grading
• Extraction
• Concentration
• Reconstitution
• Pasteurisation
• Packaging/filling
Byproducts/waste control
Byproducts from fruit juice production come from the rind and pulp that is created as waste. Products made with these materials include dehydrated feed for livestock, pectin for use in making jellies, citric acid, essential oils, molasses, and candied peel. Certain fractions of orange oil, for instance, known as d-limonene, have excellent solvent properties and are sold for use in industrial cleaners.
Quality control
Quality is checked throughout the production process. Inspectors grade the fruit before the juice is extracted. After extraction and concentration, the product is checked to ensure it meets a number of the nation’s quality control standards.
Target market
• Individual consumers: Infants, school children, adults —. Young adults, nursing mothers, working professionals, etc.
• Corporate Consumers: Schools, business organisations, worship centers, marketplaces, eateries, posh and local restaurants, hotels, formal gatherings and events, parties and celebrations
Technical and other requirements
NAFCDAC’s registration is important and inevitable to operate in this industry. Some manufacturers of bottling water machines have made the machines in such a way it can be used for both water and fruit juice production. But this has to be done under stringent supervision and care to avoid contamination of both products.
Income Potentials
Let’s take for instance Lagos State with an unofficial population of about 18 million people (from the state’s website). If 25 per cent of this number take one form of bottled fruit juice product, this translates to 4.5 million potential customers. If this market consumes a bottle of fruit juice once a week, it means this market equals the sale of 18 million bottles a month and 216 million bottles a year from one state government in the country. Now, if you as a company produce 200 cartons of 12 bottles daily for 20 days in a month and 10 months in a year (to factor in capacity underutilisation) at N600 per carton, your monthly income would be worth N2.4 million and N24 million per annum and a profit in the region of about N11 million. Imagine if you’re selling your products in 6 more states in the country? And like I hinted earlier, you can combine this with your packaged water business.
Additional Information/Value Added
AS a value added for consumers, the addition of vitamins and other essential health-promoting minerals can help to further promote your brand in the market, making you the brand of choice for many Nigerian families who use your products for beverage and health purposes.
For space constraints, to make a success of this business, you’d need a comprehensive business plan to guide you in the area of marketing, branding, technical and business architecture for the business, etc, so you can experience competitive advantage from the start.
The Future
Future processing improvements are likely to come from the use of computer controlled sizing and grading of fruit. Fruit juice formulations will see changes as the trend towards adding more nutrition-oriented ingredients, such as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, continues.
In addition, future formulas are likely to be blends of fruit juices with other more exotic fruit flavours, or even vegetable juices, like carrot, like what is being done by fruit juice producing companies in the country today.
bridgetolotu@gmail.com, Olotu is the CEO/Lead Consultant, DEAIM Innovative Resources Ltd.
You have all it takes
(Life Coach)
BY AGBOLADE OMOWOLE
JOHN Foppe, a renowned motivational speaker, has no hands. He has developed himself so much that he uses his leg to drive his car. His core message is that there is ability in disability.
In the context of this article, a disable is someone, who is not using his talents to make a positive difference in the world. Nobody is disabled except the person, who has not discovered his place in the world.
What limits you is you. There are no limits anywhere. We only have limits in our minds, based on how we have been conditioned from childhood. When you don’t challenge your proposed limits, you will limit your ability to perform and achieve extra ordinary results that are mind blowing.
You are here on a mission. I told participants that they are created to solve a problem, and not to be problem to others. In other words, there is something only you can do. There is a problem that only you can solve. There is a solution that only you can provide. You need to uncover all your latent talents.
Don’t limit yourself. If you don’t limit yourself, then nobody can limit you. No one can limit you without your own permission. Do all it takes to achieve your dreams. Fly. If you can’t fly, run. If you can run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. If you can’t crawl, get someone to carry you. By every positive means, make something of your life.
Discover the real you. Who you are today may be a shadow of the real you. The real you is a champion. The real you is a celebrity. The real you is a superstar. The real you is a hero. The real you is a winner. The real you is unstoppable. You may not look like a success now, but time will reveal the real you.
Create the future you want. Everybody leaves either by default or by design. Living by default means living your life the way it comes. If you wake up in the morning without a plan of how to spend that day, then you will be on the receiving end in the sense that things will happen to you.
Make things happen. You can either be the object or the subject in life. When you are the subject, you determine what exactly you want. You create the circumstances that you desire. When you are the object, someone else is in charge of your life. Decide to happen to things. Don’t wait for things to happen to you.
Be in charge of your life. Your life is your life, and when you don’t decide the kind of life you want to live, the society will decide it for you. Learn to live your own life positively. You can inspired by others. You can learn from others. But when you begin to look at other people’s life to determine your own, you are trying to become another person, and not you.
Focus on what you have. The way to become successful is by capitalising on those things that you already have to live a better life. What you don’t have, you don’t have. So it is important to commercialise what you have a natural flair for. If you like to sing, you can make money from singing.
Get customers. The profit you will earn from developing your natural endowment and making it profitable is dependent on how effective you are at getting people to be interested in your product/ services.
Learn to advertise. Let people know what you have to offer you and they will patronise you.
Take action. Marketing yourself is not about knowing what you can do to make money alone. You have to wake up earlier make some calls, some handbills and send some e-mails. By all means, market your skill, and then you will smile to the bank.
agboolaa_coach@yahoo.com
How not to teach Nigerian students
BY ISMA’IL ADAMU ISHAJOBI
THE day was Thursday, March 4. Time was 10pm. That was when Bimbo Aduke, 100 level student of the department of Human Nutrition, University of Ibadan, realised she was lying on a sick bed and was actually on drip at the University College Hospital, UCH.
She had fainted while receiving a Chemistry lecture, CHE 157, which was supposed to last for an hour from 5 to 6pm.
From an eyewitness account, Bimbo stood in front of the dais because she could not secure a sit.
Suddenly, she started feeling dizzy and as she tried to excuse herself from the pool of students, she fainted and was rushed to Jaja Clinic from where she was transferred to UCH.
Four days later, a similar incident also occurred at the Agric Large Lecture Theatre, when Ife, another 100 level student of Forestry, fainted while receiving a lecture, Mathematics for Agric and Forestry (AGE 112).
CBN is a lecture theater situated between Faculty of Science Lecture Theatre and department of Computer Science at the premier university.
A structure built from a Central Bank of Nigeria grant of N30 million and commissioned on October 31, 2003 by the then governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasheed Ladoja.
Seven years later, it does not look it. The facilities and furniture are in their end time. The reason is not farfetched. From its inception, it has always housed more than its capacity.
Bimbo and Ife’s stories are just the tip of the iceberg of how hostile some lecture theatres could be when student converge for lectures.
The irony of the whole issue is that those responsible cannot claim they do not know how the lecture theaters are always overstretched beyond their capacity.
Prior to Bimbo’s incident, Prof. Adebowale, Dean of the Faculty of Science, had made several attempts to split the 100 level students receiving lectures in CBN into groups for conveniences, but this is yet to be realized.
After Bimbo’s incident, Dr. Babalola, a lecturer from Chemistry department came to make the same announcement. The question then is; why wait until a casualty is recorded before taking a pragmatic step. After all it is lecturers who come to lecture in this same lecture theater and they see students packed like canned fish when they are supposed to sit comfortably as undergraduates.
CBN is a true reflection of how the educational system in Nigeria has dwindled over time.
In a situation where a student leaves his/her hall of residence as early as 6am for a class starting at 9am not because he or she wants to read but to secure a comfortable sit in the acclaimed ‘First and Best’ university is a tragedy.
niyas1985@yahoo.co.uk
Lords of campus on the prowl
By Opeyemi Dibua
NIGHTLIFE on campus begins at sunset. In a way, the night fits into some people’s lifestyle such as attending shows and night parties, visiting female hostels, etc. It is the time when lectures are on hold and another life begins.
These days, students don’t wait for the Student Union Government (SUG) to organise shows before they catch their fun. They hits the clubs every night, while those who do not fancy going outside the campus at night organise small hostel parties, which is always fun too. For the churchgoers, there is always a programme to attend every evening.
At the dawn of late evening, different types of cars in different shapes and sizes invade the campus. As always, the owners have come to see their loved ones.
Cars are parked at every dark corner, especially those close to female hostels daily between 7 and 11pm such that any day cars are not sighted, it is always glaring.
Just recently, the student’s vigilante committee caught a man coming out of a lady’s room long after the deadline for male visitors. He claimed to have spent the night in his car and had only seen her host off to her room.
According to the leader of the vigilante committee, Mr. Femi Ishola, “what he was doing at that time of the day in a lady’s room is better imagined than said.”
Another incident occurred when a guy beat his girlfriend after she disappeared for two days. He asked where she was coming from and the lady said she was coming from her uncle’s place. “Oh, so that was your uncle who brought you back and kissed you for three minutes?” Before she could say anything else, a slap had landed on her face.
During examination period, you are sure to observe a different chain of activities at night. These include suya and toasted bread joint, just to mention a few. There is also an astronomical increase in students’ population, also is the upsurge in joint and couple tutorials. Many others take delight in burning the midnight candle in the quest for academic excellence. They read until the night turns to day (TDB). Bukateria and cafeteria operators also join in the TDB, as kola nut sellers hawk till daybreak.
Of special mention is the change in student’s appetite. Rice, which most males claim to be bird’s food because of its inability to quench hunger, becomes the number one staple for everybody, while heavy but sleep-inducing foods like bread, beans and yam records low demand. Those in the habit of eating eba twice a day re-adjust their diet, as all is at stake to scale the exam hurdle.
Nightlife on campus is something that everybody looks forward to at the end of the day.
magodoboy@yahoo.com
Winners emerge on Zain Africa Challenge
BY TOPE TEMPLER OLAIYA
ZAIN Nigeria has announced the first batch winners in the Home Viewers Game segment in the on-going pan African television quiz show, Zain Africa Challenge.
The segment is a feedback platform created to allow viewers test their intellectual aptitude during the quiz contest, also affording them an opportunity to win fantastic prizes such as high-end phones, Internet data card and airtime.
According to Head, Corporate Communications of the company, Emeka Oparah, nine winners emerged from the first episode after providing the correct answer to a singular question asked during the show, adding that the answers were sent as SMS (Short Message Service) to the short code: 35056.
While commending the winners for the feat, Oparah said the initiative is designed to excite Nigerians as well as give customers an opportunity to win big in the academic competition, stressing that his company will always look for opportunities to reward Nigerians in the contest.
The winners from the first episode were: Oluwadamilare Sadiq, Shodipo Lekan, Dayo Adebayo, Stanley Okeke and Yeni Ajayi. Others include Ubani Michael, Olubiyi Sunbi, Nnabuife Ikechukwu and Adebimpe Obadan.
The fourth season of the Challenge is televised every Monday on STV by 8pm; Wednesdays on NTA by 8:30 pm and Thursdays on AIT by 7:30 pm. The contest is also broadcast across the whole of Africa on the DSTV satellite platform on Magic World on Monday at 7:30 pm; on Africa Magic Plus on Tuesdays at 9:20 am and 6:20 pm, and Wednesdays at 12:30am.
THE day was Thursday, March 4. Time was 10pm. That was when Bimbo Aduke, 100 level student of the department of Human Nutrition, University of Ibadan, realised she was lying on a sick bed and was actually on drip at the University College Hospital, UCH.
She had fainted while receiving a Chemistry lecture, CHE 157, which was supposed to last for an hour from 5 to 6pm.
From an eyewitness account, Bimbo stood in front of the dais because she could not secure a sit.
Suddenly, she started feeling dizzy and as she tried to excuse herself from the pool of students, she fainted and was rushed to Jaja Clinic from where she was transferred to UCH.
Four days later, a similar incident also occurred at the Agric Large Lecture Theatre, when Ife, another 100 level student of Forestry, fainted while receiving a lecture, Mathematics for Agric and Forestry (AGE 112).
CBN is a lecture theater situated between Faculty of Science Lecture Theatre and department of Computer Science at the premier university.
A structure built from a Central Bank of Nigeria grant of N30 million and commissioned on October 31, 2003 by the then governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasheed Ladoja.
Seven years later, it does not look it. The facilities and furniture are in their end time. The reason is not farfetched. From its inception, it has always housed more than its capacity.
Bimbo and Ife’s stories are just the tip of the iceberg of how hostile some lecture theatres could be when student converge for lectures.
The irony of the whole issue is that those responsible cannot claim they do not know how the lecture theaters are always overstretched beyond their capacity.
Prior to Bimbo’s incident, Prof. Adebowale, Dean of the Faculty of Science, had made several attempts to split the 100 level students receiving lectures in CBN into groups for conveniences, but this is yet to be realized.
After Bimbo’s incident, Dr. Babalola, a lecturer from Chemistry department came to make the same announcement. The question then is; why wait until a casualty is recorded before taking a pragmatic step. After all it is lecturers who come to lecture in this same lecture theater and they see students packed like canned fish when they are supposed to sit comfortably as undergraduates.
CBN is a true reflection of how the educational system in Nigeria has dwindled over time.
In a situation where a student leaves his/her hall of residence as early as 6am for a class starting at 9am not because he or she wants to read but to secure a comfortable sit in the acclaimed ‘First and Best’ university is a tragedy.
niyas1985@yahoo.co.uk
Lords of campus on the prowl
By Opeyemi Dibua
NIGHTLIFE on campus begins at sunset. In a way, the night fits into some people’s lifestyle such as attending shows and night parties, visiting female hostels, etc. It is the time when lectures are on hold and another life begins.
These days, students don’t wait for the Student Union Government (SUG) to organise shows before they catch their fun. They hits the clubs every night, while those who do not fancy going outside the campus at night organise small hostel parties, which is always fun too. For the churchgoers, there is always a programme to attend every evening.
At the dawn of late evening, different types of cars in different shapes and sizes invade the campus. As always, the owners have come to see their loved ones.
Cars are parked at every dark corner, especially those close to female hostels daily between 7 and 11pm such that any day cars are not sighted, it is always glaring.
Just recently, the student’s vigilante committee caught a man coming out of a lady’s room long after the deadline for male visitors. He claimed to have spent the night in his car and had only seen her host off to her room.
According to the leader of the vigilante committee, Mr. Femi Ishola, “what he was doing at that time of the day in a lady’s room is better imagined than said.”
Another incident occurred when a guy beat his girlfriend after she disappeared for two days. He asked where she was coming from and the lady said she was coming from her uncle’s place. “Oh, so that was your uncle who brought you back and kissed you for three minutes?” Before she could say anything else, a slap had landed on her face.
During examination period, you are sure to observe a different chain of activities at night. These include suya and toasted bread joint, just to mention a few. There is also an astronomical increase in students’ population, also is the upsurge in joint and couple tutorials. Many others take delight in burning the midnight candle in the quest for academic excellence. They read until the night turns to day (TDB). Bukateria and cafeteria operators also join in the TDB, as kola nut sellers hawk till daybreak.
Of special mention is the change in student’s appetite. Rice, which most males claim to be bird’s food because of its inability to quench hunger, becomes the number one staple for everybody, while heavy but sleep-inducing foods like bread, beans and yam records low demand. Those in the habit of eating eba twice a day re-adjust their diet, as all is at stake to scale the exam hurdle.
Nightlife on campus is something that everybody looks forward to at the end of the day.
magodoboy@yahoo.com
Winners emerge on Zain Africa Challenge
BY TOPE TEMPLER OLAIYA
ZAIN Nigeria has announced the first batch winners in the Home Viewers Game segment in the on-going pan African television quiz show, Zain Africa Challenge.
The segment is a feedback platform created to allow viewers test their intellectual aptitude during the quiz contest, also affording them an opportunity to win fantastic prizes such as high-end phones, Internet data card and airtime.
According to Head, Corporate Communications of the company, Emeka Oparah, nine winners emerged from the first episode after providing the correct answer to a singular question asked during the show, adding that the answers were sent as SMS (Short Message Service) to the short code: 35056.
While commending the winners for the feat, Oparah said the initiative is designed to excite Nigerians as well as give customers an opportunity to win big in the academic competition, stressing that his company will always look for opportunities to reward Nigerians in the contest.
The winners from the first episode were: Oluwadamilare Sadiq, Shodipo Lekan, Dayo Adebayo, Stanley Okeke and Yeni Ajayi. Others include Ubani Michael, Olubiyi Sunbi, Nnabuife Ikechukwu and Adebimpe Obadan.
The fourth season of the Challenge is televised every Monday on STV by 8pm; Wednesdays on NTA by 8:30 pm and Thursdays on AIT by 7:30 pm. The contest is also broadcast across the whole of Africa on the DSTV satellite platform on Magic World on Monday at 7:30 pm; on Africa Magic Plus on Tuesdays at 9:20 am and 6:20 pm, and Wednesdays at 12:30am.
For the poet, they gathered
(L-R) Odia Ofeimun; Guest lecturer, Prof. Mahmood Mamdani; Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chairman of the event; and Ambassador Segun Olusola, Chairman, African Refugees Foundation.FOR the poet, Odia Ofeimun, it was a birthday well earned last Tuesday, March 16, 2010, as the world gathered to celebrate his 60th birthday. The event, which drew elite, artists, family and friends was organised by Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), in collaboration with Odia Ofeimun Committee of Friends.
The celebrations started in the morning with a lecture at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos.
The Director General of CBAAC, Prof Tunde Babawale, in his welcome address, explained the parastatal’s primary decision to collaborate with the Odia Ofeimun Committee of Friends, “in recognition of the celebrant’s sterling qualities and his contributions to scholarship, arts and culture.”
The CBAAC head went on to underscore Ofeimun’s contribution to human capital development.
“As a poet, Ofeimun’s verses initiated a paradigm shift in the ethics and aesthetics of the poetry of socio – political engagement in Nigeria,” he said.
Entitled Sudan and Congo: What lessons for Nigeria? and delivered by the Columbia University, USA, scholar, Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, the lecture renewed the search for all-inclusive reforms in all key institutional frameworks that hold the country together.
The guest lecturer was unequivocal in his recommendation: “One lesson of Congo and Sudan is that it may be time to rethink the legacy of both the colonial past and the reforms you (Nigerians) undertook to end the civil war.”
The evening event was a festival of culture, poetry, music and dance. There were poetry renditions by Chike Ofili, Jumoke Verissimo, Toyin Akinoso and Remi Raji. There was also dance drama presentation by Crown Troupe of Africa led by Segun Adefela and performance of The Feast Of Returns — a drama by Odia Ofemiun and directed by Felix Okolo
Highpoint of the event was cutting of birthday cake by the celebrant and a few friends and colleagues.
Odia, a native of Iruekpen in Ekuma, popularly known as Ekpoma, was influenced by his grandfather to embrace education at an early age. This marked the beginning of his obsession for knowledge.
With his exposure to literature and works of critics of religion and society such as Tolstoy, Rousseau, Obafemi Awolowo, and Wole Soyinka, the bible and even quoran, he became an accomplished writer.
Odia, who wanted to be a Chemical Engineer, but was forced to abort that dream after the death of his father, won the Nichols Fonlon prize in 2010.
If it is comfy, it’s...Biola
BIOLA Boris is a model. Her career on the runway started when she left secondary school. While still waiting for admission into university, the Lagos State-born lady and the last of her parents’ five children had begun to strut the runway with ease and confidence, which surprised many . The graduate of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management (IRPM), who is pursuing a master’s degree in Public and International Affairs at the University of Lagos, began her modeling career with Dakova, who gave her the first break because he liked her shoulder, which he called Hanger. The multiple awards winner — The African Face (LASU), The Best Runaway Model in Abidjan and an achievement awards from the Nigeria Next Super Model in 2009 — tells KEHINDE OLATUNJI what fashion is to her.
What is fashion to you?
It is embedded in style. It is a trend that builds an individual’s personality; it says who you are and what you represent.
Style of dressing
My style is less or more. It’s what makes me comfortable, but I prefer make up from professionals.
Favourite piece of clothing
My little black dress, couple with my high heel sandals.
Signature scent
D&G.
Favourite designer
Dakova. His style is embedded into a whole lot of sense.
Turn on
Honesty brings tears to my eyes; it humbles my spirit and gets me drawn to people even if the truth hurts.
Turn off
Stealing, I hate a thief with passion.
Your opinion of the country’s fashion industry
It evolved from where it was to where it is now.
Role model
Naomi Campbell, Mrs. Joan Okorodudu, Dakova, Modella and Frank Osodi. These people have made huge contribution to the industry and to the life of the upcoming models and I also wish to make greater impact.
Social life
I enjoy dancing, so, I do it in church and sometimes, once in two months, I go clubbing and also I like meeting people. However, I’ll say I’ve got a limited number of friends and countless acquaintance.
Leisure time
I play basketball, dance, listen to music and read books. I also give back to the society by giving free grooms to upcoming models in the country.
Philosophy of life
Silence is golden. The less you say, the more intelligent you appear.
What would you like to change in Nigeria?
I will wage war against corruption. The war will start from tertiary institutions and end up at government parastatal.
Code for work
BY KEMI AMUSHANDRESSING for work, sometimes, is very difficult, as there are tendencies to dress down or exaggerate appearance.
Clothes that work well for beach, dance clubs, exercise sessions, and sports contests may not be appropriate for a professional appearance at work.
Many offices, however, to save situation, draw up dress codes for their employees. These are actually issued out on assumption of office. Items that are not appropriate for the office are listed, too.
The list will reveal what is generally acceptable or not as business casual attire.
No dress code can cover all contingencies, so employees must exert a certain amount of judgment in their choice of clothing to wear to work.
If you experience uncertainty about acceptable, professional business casual attire for work, ask your supervisor or your Human Resources staff because they are the ones that lay down the rules.
The following rules should be considered when thinking of work clothes.
• Clothes that reveal too much cleavage, your back, your chest, too much of your legs, your stomach or your underwear is not appropriate for a place of business, even in a business casual setting.
• Clothes should be well ironed and not rumpled. Torn, dirty, or shabby clothing is unacceptable.
• No thread should be hanging out from your dress.
• Any clothing that has words, terms, or pictures that may be offensive to other employees is unacceptable.
• Clothes that have company’s logo are encouraged.
Certain days can be declared dress down days, generally Fridays. On these days, jeans and other more casual clothing, although never clothing potentially offensive to others, are allowed.
• Slacks and other makers of cotton or synthetic material pants, wool pants, flannel pants, dressy, capris, and nice looking dress synthetic pants are acceptable.
• Inappropriate slacks or pants include jeans, sweatpants, exercise pants, shorts, leggings, and any spandex or other form-fitting pants such as people wear for biking.
Jos keeps talking
(Strictly for the young)
BY TOSYN BUCKNOR
ON Tuesday, March 16, several young men and women travelled to Abuja, and joined those already in Abuja, to say, Enough is Enough.
These young men and women left school and work, took the day off, went to the National Assembly, and demanded to be heard. Enough is Enough they said. We do not have electricity (we would have said stable electricity but really!), water, and more.
And now, when there isn’t some form of violence in Jos, it is State Houses getting blown up. As if that was not enough, nothing is ever said to us. Not about the state of the President’s health, nor what steps are being put in place.
Enough is Enough was not only a peaceful rally in Abuja. It was also a trending topic on twitter, as those who were there kept those who were not there updated, while those, who could not be there physically, showed their support on the social networking site. There were facebook status updates and notes, and blog posts.
The Nigerian young adult was speaking.
And they were demanding to be heard.
DID they get heard?
Not by the people they were trying to talk to. Sources say the speaker of the House left the building, possibly to avoid speaking with the teeming youth at the gate, who were first cordoned off by police, but managed to fight their way through (peacefully, thankfully).
But they were heard!
They were heard by their peers who were either supported or felt it was a waste of time. They were picked up by conventional media, including Channels Television, this paper, and CNN. And they were definitely heard everywhere else!
They will keep talking. But some say talk is cheap.
The other day on my radio show, I asked a simple question. What can the young person in Nigeria do, to be heard, to get change, to move Nigeria forward?
I will s.h.a.r.e with you some of the answers we got!
• Vote. Even when it feels like it does not matter. Vote. We didn’t vote the last time. So can we really talk now?
• Keep talking. Talk is cheap, and so it should be used. Seminars! Symposiums! Every medium open to us! Talk about it
• Stand for election. This is interesting! For we see young people in law, in music, in movies, in fashion... but where are the policy makers? Where are the young people in governance and politics? (or politricks)
• Pray. Seems so simple, and possibly too simple. But it never hurt anyone to get down on their knees, or stand up, or raise their arms up and just offer up a simple sincere prayer.
• Listen. And learn. So how did we get here? Are we asking? Are we learning? Or are we just accepting the status quo and imbibing the very habits we condemn. How many of those at the rally have paid, will pay, or will collect, a bribe? How many have cheated their fellow man? How many young people abuse the positions they are in? How many people cheat during JAMB? How many? How many pay taxes (even though we do not see the corresponding rewards. If I pay, I should be paid!). How many young adults are truly ready to change the status quo? How can we be a voice where words are short?
THINGS seem futile sometimes, and in all honesty, there are days I sit and wonder what will happen, and how I fit in. But I do know that we cannot fit in by burying our heads in the sand, not speaking out, and hoping it will all blow over.
We must sing, speak, stand. Do something.
And as for Jos... It could happen to any state. So with this, we plead-
• Jos’t stop the violence
• Jos’t keep the peace
• Jos’t see the bigger picture
tosinornottosin@yahoo.com
‘Stucked’ and other Nigerian words
(Just Life)
BY OMOLIGHO UDENTA
IN one of his songs, the musician, Lagbaja sings ‘English no be your mother tongue ... so ta bon...’ and sometimes, it seems quite clear that some of us take this seriously and proceed to ‘ta bon’ almost gleefully.
Take for instance the time I first heard this new word, ‘stucked’, I was sure the speaker had made a mistake and was soon going to correct himself, but I waited in vain.
I am sure that if we’d been talking about the weather or something equally mundane, he might have been able to notice his error, but alas as we were talking about our very own ‘man in Purdah’ (to quote a newspaper headline), otherwise known as ‘The ‘Sicking’ President’ (as against ‘The Acting President’), his emotions got the better of him.
‘I really feel for the man. He has been ‘stucked’ to machines and being in one place for over three months now,’ he said.
‘Em, oh yes,’ I muttered mainly to myself as I struggled to unravel and ‘re-piece’ (my Nigerian word) together the sentence.
‘And where did they ‘bought’ the billion naira ambulance for him, eh? They have ‘waste’ so much money,’ he continued as he gesticulated furiously.
By this time, he was getting more agitated and I was sure this could only get worse because usually most of us are less able to control ourselves when we get worked up. I didn’t have very long to wait before he continued.
‘Prices of everything have go up because fuel queues is everywhere, people are died in Jos and the man (otherwise known as ‘The ‘Sicking’ President’) have not even ‘spoke’ to us!’
I quickly found something that needed my urgent attention because trying to decipher what he meant whilst also trying to keep a straight face was almost killing me. As soon as I left, I heard someone else say, ‘Yels oh! The whole something is just ‘disturb’ me!’
LATER that day, my little boy, aged three, asked ‘Mummy did you ‘bought’ this for me?’ and I laughed and laughed especially when I remembered the 40-plus year old man I had been speaking with earlier who could very well have made a sentence like this one.
As I corrected my little boy, I couldn’t help thinking that it just goes to show the level of decay in our educational system along with everything else.
Electricity supply is ‘babbas’ (another Nigerian word), we lack good, affordable healthcare for all, we have arguably the worst roads in this hemisphere, etc.
Last week, I was speechless when I saw the horrible photograph which was making the rounds showing a scene from an accident/robbery attack.
This week the photographs from Jos have been indescribable. To think that we could do this to ourselves is mind-boggling, shocking.
We have so very many issues to deal with in this nation and the last thing we need is a ‘Sleeping President’ who perhaps needs a kiss from his ‘Mrs Charming’ to reawaken.
omoudenta@yahoo.co.uk
BY TOSYN BUCKNOR
ON Tuesday, March 16, several young men and women travelled to Abuja, and joined those already in Abuja, to say, Enough is Enough.
These young men and women left school and work, took the day off, went to the National Assembly, and demanded to be heard. Enough is Enough they said. We do not have electricity (we would have said stable electricity but really!), water, and more.
And now, when there isn’t some form of violence in Jos, it is State Houses getting blown up. As if that was not enough, nothing is ever said to us. Not about the state of the President’s health, nor what steps are being put in place.
Enough is Enough was not only a peaceful rally in Abuja. It was also a trending topic on twitter, as those who were there kept those who were not there updated, while those, who could not be there physically, showed their support on the social networking site. There were facebook status updates and notes, and blog posts.
The Nigerian young adult was speaking.
And they were demanding to be heard.
DID they get heard?
Not by the people they were trying to talk to. Sources say the speaker of the House left the building, possibly to avoid speaking with the teeming youth at the gate, who were first cordoned off by police, but managed to fight their way through (peacefully, thankfully).
But they were heard!
They were heard by their peers who were either supported or felt it was a waste of time. They were picked up by conventional media, including Channels Television, this paper, and CNN. And they were definitely heard everywhere else!
They will keep talking. But some say talk is cheap.
The other day on my radio show, I asked a simple question. What can the young person in Nigeria do, to be heard, to get change, to move Nigeria forward?
I will s.h.a.r.e with you some of the answers we got!
• Vote. Even when it feels like it does not matter. Vote. We didn’t vote the last time. So can we really talk now?
• Keep talking. Talk is cheap, and so it should be used. Seminars! Symposiums! Every medium open to us! Talk about it
• Stand for election. This is interesting! For we see young people in law, in music, in movies, in fashion... but where are the policy makers? Where are the young people in governance and politics? (or politricks)
• Pray. Seems so simple, and possibly too simple. But it never hurt anyone to get down on their knees, or stand up, or raise their arms up and just offer up a simple sincere prayer.
• Listen. And learn. So how did we get here? Are we asking? Are we learning? Or are we just accepting the status quo and imbibing the very habits we condemn. How many of those at the rally have paid, will pay, or will collect, a bribe? How many have cheated their fellow man? How many young people abuse the positions they are in? How many people cheat during JAMB? How many? How many pay taxes (even though we do not see the corresponding rewards. If I pay, I should be paid!). How many young adults are truly ready to change the status quo? How can we be a voice where words are short?
THINGS seem futile sometimes, and in all honesty, there are days I sit and wonder what will happen, and how I fit in. But I do know that we cannot fit in by burying our heads in the sand, not speaking out, and hoping it will all blow over.
We must sing, speak, stand. Do something.
And as for Jos... It could happen to any state. So with this, we plead-
• Jos’t stop the violence
• Jos’t keep the peace
• Jos’t see the bigger picture
tosinornottosin@yahoo.com
‘Stucked’ and other Nigerian words
(Just Life)
BY OMOLIGHO UDENTA
IN one of his songs, the musician, Lagbaja sings ‘English no be your mother tongue ... so ta bon...’ and sometimes, it seems quite clear that some of us take this seriously and proceed to ‘ta bon’ almost gleefully.
Take for instance the time I first heard this new word, ‘stucked’, I was sure the speaker had made a mistake and was soon going to correct himself, but I waited in vain.
I am sure that if we’d been talking about the weather or something equally mundane, he might have been able to notice his error, but alas as we were talking about our very own ‘man in Purdah’ (to quote a newspaper headline), otherwise known as ‘The ‘Sicking’ President’ (as against ‘The Acting President’), his emotions got the better of him.
‘I really feel for the man. He has been ‘stucked’ to machines and being in one place for over three months now,’ he said.
‘Em, oh yes,’ I muttered mainly to myself as I struggled to unravel and ‘re-piece’ (my Nigerian word) together the sentence.
‘And where did they ‘bought’ the billion naira ambulance for him, eh? They have ‘waste’ so much money,’ he continued as he gesticulated furiously.
By this time, he was getting more agitated and I was sure this could only get worse because usually most of us are less able to control ourselves when we get worked up. I didn’t have very long to wait before he continued.
‘Prices of everything have go up because fuel queues is everywhere, people are died in Jos and the man (otherwise known as ‘The ‘Sicking’ President’) have not even ‘spoke’ to us!’
I quickly found something that needed my urgent attention because trying to decipher what he meant whilst also trying to keep a straight face was almost killing me. As soon as I left, I heard someone else say, ‘Yels oh! The whole something is just ‘disturb’ me!’
LATER that day, my little boy, aged three, asked ‘Mummy did you ‘bought’ this for me?’ and I laughed and laughed especially when I remembered the 40-plus year old man I had been speaking with earlier who could very well have made a sentence like this one.
As I corrected my little boy, I couldn’t help thinking that it just goes to show the level of decay in our educational system along with everything else.
Electricity supply is ‘babbas’ (another Nigerian word), we lack good, affordable healthcare for all, we have arguably the worst roads in this hemisphere, etc.
Last week, I was speechless when I saw the horrible photograph which was making the rounds showing a scene from an accident/robbery attack.
This week the photographs from Jos have been indescribable. To think that we could do this to ourselves is mind-boggling, shocking.
We have so very many issues to deal with in this nation and the last thing we need is a ‘Sleeping President’ who perhaps needs a kiss from his ‘Mrs Charming’ to reawaken.
omoudenta@yahoo.co.uk
Art...weapon against imperialism
BY TAJUDEEN SOWOLEHaving devoted nearly 20 years to a cause, Peju Layiwola looks forward to using Nigeria’s 50th Independence Day celebrations to showcase her ancestral link to global cultural objects.
Called Benin 1897.com: Art and the Restitution Question, the show will feature paintings and installations.
To be declared open by HRH, Edun Akenzua, the Enogie of Obazuwa, the show runs from April 8 to 30 at University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka and would continue in Ibadan and Benin till the end of the year.
Layiwola, grand-daughter of Oba Akenzua II (1933-1979) and daughter of sculptress, Princess Elizabeth Olowu, says, “they, who once enjoyed the splendour of the palace, are now trapped behind glass walls in foreign lands.”
The year 1897, she recalls, “means much to me and my people. It was the year the British invaded our land and forcefully removed thousands of our bronze and ivory works from Oba Ovonramwen’s Palace, my great grandfather.”
She may not possess the skill of Hollywood’s John Rambo to break the glass walls of the so called “universal museum” and rescue the objects, but she has got art to give the captors enough sleepless nights.
In such works as the installation, Unpainted Calabash, an assemblage of large gourds; 1897.com, inlaid copper, brass, wood, animal horn, and paper; Long live the King, painted version of the calabash series; Layiwola adds art as a resilient medium against modern day imperialism.
And just in case you are not seeing enough of the visual art venom, “a colloquium and publication by nine scholars drawn from across the globe” is part of the tour.
Layiwola, in recent times, has added her voice to this cause at a global event, which had her ancestral subject in focus. The event was the closing ceremony of the exhibition, Benin Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria held in Chicago, U.S. two years ago, where she delivered two lectures.
On return to Nigeria, she revealed that, in the US there were several protests against the persistent refusal to return Benin works held in foreign museums.
According to her, “the protests in Chicago brought about a decline in the number of art forms showing at the Art Institute.”
Layiwola argues that similar pressure groups can be set up in Nigeria. She notes that collaboration between Nigerian government and Benin Royal family, is all that is needed to bring the antiquities back to Nigeria.
Strengthening that cause back home is her effort to take 1897.com on tour. “After the Lagos show, is “Ibadan from August 19 to September 19 at the Museum of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.” And at a date yet to be announced, Edo State government will be hosting the show”, she explains.
The message, she adds, is also important for the youths, as such, the show will run for about two months, to enable as many primary and secondary schools pupils and students to partake in it. Workbooks for students, she notes will be made available for free at the venue. And in the painting, Long Live the King, the young ones are not left out, because it’s child friendly.
Supporting the project are; The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), Edo State government, the universities of Lagos and Ibadan, and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Abuja.
Growing annuals
ANNUAL plants are easy to work with, and can liven up any garden with an infusion of colour. They are garden flowers that complete their life cycle in the span of one growing season. Some examples of annuals include geraniums, petunias and sunflowers.A starter can follow some simple steps outlined by gardeners for successful growth of these plants. To grow annuals, it is important to first start by making good choices.
Determine whether to start the annuals from seed or from established plants. Established plants are fastest and easiest but cost more and are available in a limited variety. Starting from seed takes a bit of skill and more time but hundreds of flowers can still be got for what is spent on just one flat of established annuals.
Look carefully when buying seeds. Beginners should choose annuals that are touted as being especially easy or that perform especially well. Also look for those that germinate fast.
Look for short, stocky (not leggy) established plants that do not have roots coming out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Blooms indicate that the plant is putting too much energy into the flowering when you want it first to put energy into root development at planting time; roots coming out of the bottom of the pot is a sign that the plant has been in the pot too long.
Read the label or packet carefully and note the plants needs for sun soil, water and other conditions. Ensure that conditions can easily be met.
Planting annuals
PREPARE the planting area well. Prepare a flowerbed. Also work a little slow-release granular fertilizer into the planting area if desired. Fertiliser can help fast- growing annuals reach their maximum height and bloom. Follow the required directions. Pinch off any flowers on the plant. (There will be some in most cases). This will help the plant get established and produce more flowers in the long run
Plant annuals close together. It helps the plants to attain good health in addition to the providing visual effect. Plant in groups. Most annuals look far better when grouped in plantings of 12 or more.
Caring for annuals
USE mulch such as grass clippings or wood chips. Mulch suppresses weeds, conserves moisture and prevents some soil-borne diseases. Apply a layer one to three inches thick.
Keep annuals appropriately watered. Most require one inch of water per week, either as rainfall or watering. It is better to water them deeply and occasionally rather than giving them just a little water here and there.
Remove deadhead from most annuals regularly. This means trimming or pinching off spent blooms every few days. This not only keeps the plant looking tidy but it also encourages more flowers.
Fertilise regularly during growing season, using food formulated for flower production, following label directions.
Tear out annuals when they are spent. Dispose of healthy annuals in a compost heap. If disease has been a problem, put them in a separate area or in the garbage.
Seafood delicacy
By FABIAN ODUMGOOD buffet or cocktails usually present a variety of dishes. The-serve-yourself style and in any manner of mixes leave the dinner plates wonderfully coloured as some could dish rice, spiced with carrot (in coleslaw) and topped with savoury egusi soup. Such is the beauty of the merry-go-round on tables.
However, sometimes you will notice that guests gravitate around particular dishes. It is not without a good reason.
It could be a snack of beef or vegetable samosa or in the case under consideration, well made shrimps or prawns.
Tasty
Ordinarily, fresh sea foods are not commonly available or when in cocktails and buffets, shrimps (or prawns) are served, it is only a matter of few dips of the fork and the plate is emptied.
Getting the nutritional best
As good tasting as shrimps/prawns may be, experts say much could be lost if the right kind of cooking is not applied.
Deep frying (in oil) of foods especially in this case can unto their benefits. Best methods should be by baking, broiling and steaming. This way the nutrients in it would be preserved better and rendered to the body more beneficially.”
Brain Boosting Power
Researchers have shown that eating some sea foods with other low fat and carbohydrate foods (potatoes or bread) or alone creates energy—boosting chemicals in the brain.
It is reported to increase mental alertness by sending a dose of body chemical known a tyrosine to the brain, Shrimps (prawns) are analysed to be low in fat and carbohydrate and mainly of pure protection.
Proteins, the studies say, delivers large supplies of tyrosine (amino acid) which is later transformed into two chemicals, dopamine and norepinnephrine, which mentally energies the brain.
Function Of Tyrosine
The study also found that taking about the required quantity becomes of none effect. In addition, tyrosine works to create the alertness chemicals only when the need to produce more only comes to the brain is already using them up.
However, it found out that the consumption does not take the brain beyond its capability.
Health Benefits
Shrimps are rich and dense in nutrients. It is an excellent source of selenium and unusually low-fat, low-calorie protein as well as a good source of vitamin D and vitamin B12.
Shrimp and cholesterol
It’s the total fat profile of a food, not the food’s cholesterol content, that most impacts your cholesterol readings, the study reveals.
With increasing health consciousness focused on total fat intake rather than on dietary cholesterol, there are few objections to eating shrimp. According to the Rockefeller study, shrimp can be included in heart-healthy nutritional guidelines.
Storing raw product
When storing any type of seafood, including shrimp, it is important to keep it cold since seafood is very sensitive to temperature. Therefore, after purchasing shrimp or other seafood, make sure to return it to a refrigerator as soon as possible. Take the sea food in ice box until ready storage in freezer to avoid spoilage.
Snow peas
(Food Value)
BY CHINELO NWAGBO
(Good for a healthy heart)
ARE you one of those who carefully separate peas from other foods on your plate to avoid eating them? If so, you are missing out greatly. They are very nutritious and have health benefits / healing power.
If you want to prevent coronary disease or perhaps, you are suffering from heart disease, snow peas are good for you. They are a good source of protein, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, dietary fiber, foliate, provitamin A (beta-carotene), E, phosphorus, niacin, magnesium, copper, zinc and contain significant amount of carbohydrate. Additionally, they are a good source of B group vitamins (vitamin B1, B2, B6) vitamin C, potassium and iron all these nutrients are essential for proper functioning of the heart and nervous system.
Uses and preparation of snow peas
Cooked: Snow peas should not be cooked for more than five – 10 minutes. Longer cooking times destroy almost the entire vitamin content, therefore, it is recommended that you briefly boil or steam them.
Dried: They may be stored for a very long time than fresh ones, as they contain very little amount of protvitamin A and vitamin C.
Frozen: They are eaten after being thawed and briefly heated.
Canned: They may also be canned. In fact, canned ones are available all year round.
Healing power/health benefits
Good for a healthy heart (help prevent heart disease): They contain nutrients that are necessary for proper function of the heart. Additionally, they do not contain fat and sodium, which are two substances that are antagonistic to heart health when taken in excess. They are also rich in fiber that helps to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Prevents nervous disorder (depression, anxiety, insomnia and irritability): The seed is very nutritious and rich in B group vitamin (vitamin B1, B2, B6) and magnesium. These nutrients are necessary for proper functioning of nervous system.
Good for pregnant and lactation: This health benefit is as a result of its high protein, vitamins and mineral content, which are very appropriate for pregnant and lactating women. They also contain float, which prevents fetal nervous system malformation.
Good for healthy bones: Snow peas and other green peas serve as a very good source of folic acid and; vitamin B6. These two nutrients help to reduce the buildup of a metabolic byproduct called homocysteine, a dangerous molecule that can obstruct collagen cross-linking, which results to poor bone matrix and osteoporosis.
Gives energy and contribute to overall wellness: They are one of the most important foods to include in the diet when one feels fatigued and sluggish. This is because they provide nutrients that help support the energy-producing cells and systems of the body. They are very good source of thiamin-vitamin B1 and a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin-vitamin B2 and niacin-vitamin B3, all of which are nutrients that are necessary for carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism which provide energy to body.
Prevents Cancer: They provide nutrients, including vitamin C and antioxidant vitamins that inhibit formation of cancer-causing compounds in the body such as the nitrosamines — chemicals produced when the body digests processed meats containing nitrates. Also, high intake of vitamin C has been shown to reduce the risks for virtually all forms of cancer, including lukaemia, lymphoma, lung, colorectal and pancreatic cancers as well as sex hormone-related cancers such as breast, prostate, cervix, and ovarian cancers.
Boost the immune system: Vitamin C in snow peas is important for keeping the immune system primed to fight off infection and plays an important role in wound healing. It also keeps skin and joints in great shape.
chineloeby@yahoo.com
A talk with Funmi, Chris Dada
Funmi on a ride with Area Fada, Charley BoyBY CHUKS NWANNE
THIS morning, she looked sweet. She’s just had a production meeting and was relaxed. She appeared as sweet as morning angel.
For so many years, she had come to the living room of every NTA watcher with the best of television presentation. Her interviews had drawn many to her side. Suddenly, when the ovation was getting loud, she announced she was quitting the show. Many wondered why.
Was it the end of a dream to see quality talk show? May be yes. May be no.
Suddenly, the news filtered across that Funmi was indeed cooking a new meal. What was it?
Talk With Funmi, which was premiered exclusively on DStv’s Africa Magic channel on February 7, at 7pm.
The first time I called to fix this interview, Funmi Iyanda didn’t take the call that day. Suspecting that she might belong to the growing list of Nigerians, who don’t pick ‘unknown’ mobile phone numbers, I decided to send her a text, detailing clearly my aim of ringing her that early morning.
Few minutes later, my phone rang. Just as I predicted, the broadcaster said.
“I’m really sorry, I’m always careful with unknown phone numbers.” And she adds: “It’s ok, we can do the interview, but I will give you a phone number to call in case there’s any change in plan. I will send you the address right now.”
Just as she promised, we scheduled to meet in two days time, but she added, “I will also like you to speak to the producer of the show (Talk With Funmi); I will get him to be part of the chat.”
Her Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos office, is an insight to the taste of the team; simple but detailed. In fact, if care is not taken, one could easily mistake the well-kept apartment for a home; there was no signpost.
Not long after we stepped into the reception, the secretary ushered us into an office, where Chris Dada, producer of the TV show, Talk With Funmi, was waiting with about two laptops and a desktop system on, ready to show clips of the show; he’s more like a practical guy; no long story.
THE first child of her parents, Funmi was born and bred in Lagos. After her secondary education at the Methodist Girls’ High School, she proceeded to the University of Ibadan for a degree in Geography.
Yes, Funmi studied Geography not broadcasting, though she had a stint with studying International Law and Diplomacy.
Fresh out of university, Funmi explored her deep passion for sports and, for people when, between 1995 and 2003, she became an active member of the NFA. It was during this time that she was consulted to act as chaperon to Nigerian sports legend, Charity Okpara as well as Chioma Ajunwa, who, two years later, went on to win an Olympic gold medal.
She reported the 1999 female World Cup, the All Africa Games in Zimbabwe, as well as the Sydney Olympics in Australia. She also worked on a documentary on the team that participated in the African Cup of Nations in South Africa 1996.
However, with encouragement from the likes of Tunde Kelani and Tunde Agboola, Funmi subsequently took up TV production and presentation, starting with a syndicated programme, Good Morning Nigeria, on NTA. She was a presenter with Saturday Sports, Milo World of Sports and Guinness World of Sports. Funmi had also done Concert Fever, Heart To Heart, and a musical programme that ran for over a year before she moved to MITV, where she presented MITV live for more than two years. Her adventurous spirit soon moved her to leave MITV for the NTA where she anchored the breakfast show, New Dawn On 10, a show that introduced a new era in breakfast television.
AFTER eight years of producing and hosting the acclaimed studio talk show, Funmi announced the end of the New Dawn, with a broadcast of the final show in September last year.
“What I’d like to say though is this: I was done on the Dawn, done with inspiring people (which I never set out to but honoured to have achieved). I am set now to ignite those who would like to come along with me to exciting new possibilities the beginning of which will be a brand new show,” she wrote on her blog.
Funmi’s decision to rest New Dawn was a thing of concern to her fans. But just as many were still wondering if she’s retiring from broadcasting, she returned with yet another show tagged, Talk With Funmi, which was premiered exclusively on DStv’s Africa Magic channel on February 7, 2010 at 7pm.
“When we stopped New Dawn, I thought of what next to do. I wanted something else, but I wasn’t clear on what I wanted to do. I wasn’t sure of what to do, but I knew that the best thing to do was find the right producer and director to work with. You might have a great idea on you mind, but most times, it’s better to find someone who can help actualise those ideas.”
Just as Funmi was still toying with the idea, a close friend linked her up with Chris Dada, who as at then, was based in London.
Chris, a Nigerian born producer had always wanted to return to the country to do some productions and here’s a Funmi, searching for the right partner.
“He flew in from London and we started talking. I had this idea of a road show, but I didn’t really know how it was going to work. How it all started and got this far, is his idea. I wanted to do outdoor, but it wouldn’t have worked without him; I think he wanted to do something similar, I don’t know… Chris talk now,” Funmi busted into laughter, nudging Chris to speak.
“From my point of view, when she came to see me, and we started talking, I thought to myself that the original idea Funmi had in her head was fine. But I kind of wanted her to do more, because she could actually do more. We were seeing a situation where we kind of go out on some road show to bring out things people don’t usually bother to do or show to the world. We talked for three days and then finally arrived at a conclusion. I was like, ‘let’s get rid of the constraints and just go out and meet the people.”
He continued: “I really didn’t know much about Funmi until I met her. But looking at New Dawn… the things that really struck me were the obvious kind of fan base she had built for herself and I told myself, ‘she was worth it and good to work with,” Chris said.
On his own part, Chris had always wanted to tell the stories of those people whose stories don’t normally get told. Meeting Funmi was like a lifeline to that idea.
“I saw her as someone who was doing just that, and that kind of informed the marriage of ideas. It was one of the main things that brought me back to Nigeria and I felt it was a way to get at it.”
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CHRIS left Nigeria many years ago, working in the production sector. He had toyed with the idea of bringing back his wealth of experience back home and Talk With Funmi did just that.“It was strange, everything was happening at the same time and within a week, I got a phone call. I knew that she (Funmi) is somebody, who shared my ideas and I could confidently work with,” Chris said.
No doubt, there’s so much life in the show.
“Its not like the Nigerian thing where people take stuff for granted. We are looking at a situation where people will meet us, watch and hear things about themselves and have the ability to pick up the next question and not be emotional,” Chris said.
“I think that was also a joint effort thing,” Funmi added. “I remember when we started talking in the house and I said I wanted to know what Joel (her gateman) thinks, what the baba next door thinks, what Umoru thinks and what’s going on in their own world. At a time with New Dawn, I just wanted to hear from everybody; everyone was important.”
The idea of featuring Charly Boy on the show was actually by accident.
“I actually wanted to do Okada in Lagos and someone said, ‘ha, Charly Boy, Area Fada of Okada riders.’ That was how the idea came and we followed up. The principle behind it is to give a voice to everyone, especially those without a voice; usually not heard. I sat in the studio for years talking to politicians and celebrities. No matter how skillful you are, there is something they are not going to tell you, even sometimes, they have an agenda and they want to come and use you to push such agenda. It’s all well and good. I also want to hear from those who don’t have anything to lose in their mind,” Funmi said.
TO prove that the show is actually for all no matter the social class, Talk With Funmi was also in Ajegunle. Till date, a lot of people still wonder how Funmi and group coped in that jungle part of Lagos.
“We had finished Lagos and gone to other states and he (Chris) was like objecting. Initially, Ajegunle wasn’t in our plan, but he kept saying we have to shoot Ajegunle. Even Ifee (my assistant producer) kept talking about Ajegunle; the different dancing styles that have evolved from there and the creativity of the people from that locality.”
“At a point, you discover that much of the talent of Nigeria have evolved from that locality,” Chris said. “At least, five of the national football stars are from there. You talk about their music, their life style … I just wanted to show these beautiful people to the world. It was a burning dream. For example, the reigning alanta dance, I heard evolved from there and has its origin by reason of many mosquitoes in the area. You know the steps and how you kill mosquitoes,” he said with laughter.
You might think that Ajegunle residents are hostile, but Talk With Funmi has a different story having recorded in that location.
“The people are also friendly,” Funmi quipped. “I remember in 1995 when we went there; some boys came together to form a vigilante group and we had gone to film in the night. They saw us and started shooting at us. I didn’t know what Ajegunle was like then, but what followed was interesting then. I grew up in Mile 2, so, I know much about AJ,” Funmi disclosed.
“Even in their poverty and unhealthy environment, they are some of the most happy Nigerians and are always happy to be doing what they are doing,” Chris observed. “I remember a situation in which we had to go there to record at the football field, a jolly young fellow brought her wine. He opened it and was so happy to be entertaining us; it’s amazing the kind of life you experienced when you go there.”
To Funmi, Ajegunle is a place full of strength.
“The women are always so cool in their gele. Every Sunday, you see them proud and happy not minding the slum and swamp. I remember this girl I had an encounter with, so pretty, looking beautiful in her dress and I was like, ‘where did you get this dress from.’ She said, ‘na Okrika, second hand now, from boundary market.’ The pride and dignity with which she said it alone was amazing. I attend a lot of celebrity parties and the women there in all their affluence and wealth don’t exhibit the kind of carriage you see these poor Ajegunle women exhibit. I think we ought to do an urban renewal of that community. It also reminds me of the story of Nigeria where the average people are the most inspiring and hard working.”
According to Chris, the show, which is currently running on DSTV, will definitely get to terrestrial TV stations.
“It’s in our plan, we will definitely show it on TV stations across the country. We are still talking to them, but expect it on either NTA or AIT.”
“If we have our way, we will put the show in all the TV stations in the country,” Funmi said. “We want everyone to see the show because it’s for the people.”
For your information, this is not a re-branding Nigeria project.
“Before the government came up with the idea, we had already started conceptualizing the programme. We are interested in telling the true story of Nigeria to the world. When you travel out of Nigeria, you see proud Nigerians working hard. Nigeria is not about bad news; there are more good people here than bad ones. You can’t believe the development in some of the states we’ve visited just because of this show. This is not re-branding Nigeria; we are just telling the true story of Nigeria.”
For those who are excited about the show so far, just fasten your seat belt; the best is yet to come.
“I don’t even know where the show is going; we can’t say now. But what we are promising is quality and interesting productions,” Funmi said.
One-on-one...with Anason
Orifayo Anasifayo (aka Anason) relocated to Lagos from Bauchi as result of the crisis in the state in 1991 to pursue his childhood dream — music. The reggae artiste from Ugboshi-Ele, Edo State, is set to launch his debut album titled Okada Man. He speaks with DANIEL ANAZIA.How did you get into music?
Music runs in my family. My father is a musician, but not a professional. I have been in music for over 20 years. I was with the Police Band, Ikeja, Lagos, before I moved to Bauchi, however, I had to relocate as a result of the 1991 crisis in the state.
Why music?
Music is life, without it, life will be boring. Music rejuvenates soul and helps keep the spirit alive, especially philosophical ones such as reggae, afro-beat and highlife.
What’s your genre of music?
I play reggae with a fusion of afro-beat. At a time, I was doing highlife, but switched because of its deep philosophy and rhythms. It enables you pass messages to people and edifies the mind.
Why Reggae?
Reggae artistes are like prophets, they tell the future, using present happenings. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Lucky Dube and Majek Fashek others are still relevant to the society. Their music is evergreen because of their messages. The music enables one to think deep.
With your album, what messages are you trying to pass on?
The eight track-album is loaded with words of exhortation to both elders and youths. Parents should take care of the children, train them to be useful to themselves and the society and never to be a problem to anyone. Youths on the other hand, should listen to the elders and their parents, accept their godly counsels to become better persons in life. Okada man is one of such tracks. It talks about the safety of the riders; and why they don’t need to be reckless on the highway.
Influence
Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Majek Fashek and Peter Tosh. The music of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti also gives me great inspiration.
Performance so far
Though, I am yet to feature in any big event, I strongly believe with my album launch, concerts and tours will come knocking for me.
When is the album hitting the shelf?
Hopefully July, when all would have been set.
How would you like to be remembered?
Like the Catholic Nun, Mother Theresa, I want to very close to the poor and down trodden.
What’s your philosophy of life?
Live for mankind.
Teeth For Teeth
BY JUSTIN AKPOVI-ESADE
At last, they got Paulo
T4T told you sometime last year when trouble was brewing for president of the Association of Movie Producers, AMP, Nollywood actor, Paul Obazele, popularly called Paulo, was embattled. But he quickly denied the claim, as he, alongside producer Zeb Ejiro, stuffed in large quantities of grilled fish at O’jez. Well, the bubble has finally bust. Alleging Paulo’s Abacha-like style of administration, nearly all Nollywood big and small producers have decided to jump ship and form a new body called Association of Nollywood Core Producers, ANCOP. The media unveil is planned for end of this month at Rita Lori Hotels, Lagos. The president of the new body, Alex Eyengho, gave all these details. Without mentioning names, no known producer is still with Paulo’s AMP anymore. At the moment, the song that is apt to play for the now embattled president of AMP, is Azizat’s Lonely. One needs a crash course on how to blindside somebody from these ANCOP members.
Paulo is truly embattled this time, no doubt.
Segun Arinze’s sweat
IF someone told me that president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Segun Arinze, has so much sweat in him like what I saw recently, I would have argued blindly. But thank God I saw it with my koro koro eyes. As usual, I had finished my round at a hangout in Surulere and I was just by the parking lot, heading to my tuke tuke, when another car pulled up and Black Arrow, as Arinze is popularly called, alighted. He was clutching about four mobile phones. But that is not the issue. The way sweat was dripping from his face actually scared me. His shirt was soaked. T4T thought he would pass out the next minute, but thank Jehovah, he didn’t. He hailed your darling T4T and hurried away to the VIP section to no doubt be cooled by the air-conditioners.
The import of this little story is that presido’s car no get air condition or the many wahala for AGN dey make am sweat like no man’s biznes. Anyhow sha, na so life be.
D’banj And Genevieve?
WHAT have I been hearing in recent times? That hip-hop star D’banj and Nollywood screen idol, Genevieve, are doing what...? Someone swore he read an interview where D’banj was praising ‘Gene baby’ as well as extolling her virtues (D’banj has extolled many women’s virtues, so that is not news) but what keeps rearing up is that they are... I can’t say the word, just fill the blank spaces.
Hmmm, if it’s true, then D’banj don fall in love tru tru dis time. No be me talk o o.
Ernest Asuzu Rebrands, Now El Grin
NOLLYWOOD star turned hip-hop act, Ernest Asuzu, has finally re-branded. He appears to have left movie and now into hip-hop music full time. He launched his debut album recently. So folks, when you come across a CD with a grinning face of Ernesto on the cover sleeve, but with the name El Grin, do not get confused, it is the same fella.
Na so life be, no be one road peson dey take enta maket.
Revealed, how Dadi Monso was caught
NOLLYWOOD star, Dadi Monso... you don’t recall Monso? Hold on, let me refresh your memory a bit. The actor was the same person that T4T reported had resorted to hiding in a spot inside the National Stadium premises where cheap beer is sold after declaring he was tired of playing the star and drinking beer at high prices at celebrity hangouts. Yes, it is the same Monso, but this time, he did not go to drink beer or eat goat head at reduced prices, he was seen at about 11.30pm at Yeside Bus Stop, Aguda, with a friend (if you like say na man or woman, na you come talk o). They were walking to the bus stop and from the way the ‘friend’ was dressed, you will know that the ‘friend’s’ house is not far from the location they were sited. I met Monso days after and told him I would let the world know that he was seen at that ungodly hour of the night (as if Curfew dey Lagos) and if he has any explanation, he should send his disclaimer to the Editor, The Guardian Life magazine.
Truth is he attempted to appease (or bribe) me with a bottle of ... but sorry, T4T has kicked the drinking habit. Monso, epele o.
Desmond Elliot, the star
NOLLYWOOD star actor turned director, Desmond Elliot, was at the National Stadium recently on location. They used the Chinese restaurant there as set. But that is not the issue, after the shoot, to show people in the open air section of the popular hangout in the vicinity that a star was in the vicinity, Elliot came out in full glare, making loud jokes with crew members by a white bus. Desmond boy laughed the loudest among the people there that evening and some of his detractors were quick to say, he wanted to be noticed.
But the Desmond I know is not a notice me kind of person, but then, people do change sha.
Lolo, the caterer
THE actress,Oby Okafor, popularly called Lolo, may have bidded acting farewell. Why did I say so? On Monday night, someone was distributing a complimentary card at Ejike Asiegbu’s permanent table at one popular hangout, a careful look at the card showed Lolo’s picture and the information that she is into professional catering. Her company’s name is De Giggles, so in case you see a card with Lolo’s picture bearing that company’s name; you know who it is. However, her decision to delve into catering may not be unconnected to the global economic meltdown that has refused to leave Nollywood alone.
Chuma Onwudiwe again
NOLLWOOD comedian and Secretary General of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Chuma Onwudiwe, has done it again! Recall I told you how Chuma single-handedly devoured a baby whale at a popular hangout in Surulere some weeks ago, good. Last Friday, he was at it again at the celebrity hangout. It was some minutes past 8pm when the waiter brought the gigantic grilled fish with lots of chips that can feed four people, but it took Chuma and his female companion just 15 minutes (dis T4T na timer o) to demolish the fish obstacle. Attempts to document event for posterity was rebuffed by Chuma, as he kept blocking the camera view with his wide hands.
But did it stop T4T from telling the world even if he has no pictures to show? Whoosai.
ogbuus@yahoo.com
At last, they got Paulo
T4T told you sometime last year when trouble was brewing for president of the Association of Movie Producers, AMP, Nollywood actor, Paul Obazele, popularly called Paulo, was embattled. But he quickly denied the claim, as he, alongside producer Zeb Ejiro, stuffed in large quantities of grilled fish at O’jez. Well, the bubble has finally bust. Alleging Paulo’s Abacha-like style of administration, nearly all Nollywood big and small producers have decided to jump ship and form a new body called Association of Nollywood Core Producers, ANCOP. The media unveil is planned for end of this month at Rita Lori Hotels, Lagos. The president of the new body, Alex Eyengho, gave all these details. Without mentioning names, no known producer is still with Paulo’s AMP anymore. At the moment, the song that is apt to play for the now embattled president of AMP, is Azizat’s Lonely. One needs a crash course on how to blindside somebody from these ANCOP members.
Paulo is truly embattled this time, no doubt.
Segun Arinze’s sweat
IF someone told me that president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Segun Arinze, has so much sweat in him like what I saw recently, I would have argued blindly. But thank God I saw it with my koro koro eyes. As usual, I had finished my round at a hangout in Surulere and I was just by the parking lot, heading to my tuke tuke, when another car pulled up and Black Arrow, as Arinze is popularly called, alighted. He was clutching about four mobile phones. But that is not the issue. The way sweat was dripping from his face actually scared me. His shirt was soaked. T4T thought he would pass out the next minute, but thank Jehovah, he didn’t. He hailed your darling T4T and hurried away to the VIP section to no doubt be cooled by the air-conditioners.
The import of this little story is that presido’s car no get air condition or the many wahala for AGN dey make am sweat like no man’s biznes. Anyhow sha, na so life be.
D’banj And Genevieve?
WHAT have I been hearing in recent times? That hip-hop star D’banj and Nollywood screen idol, Genevieve, are doing what...? Someone swore he read an interview where D’banj was praising ‘Gene baby’ as well as extolling her virtues (D’banj has extolled many women’s virtues, so that is not news) but what keeps rearing up is that they are... I can’t say the word, just fill the blank spaces.
Hmmm, if it’s true, then D’banj don fall in love tru tru dis time. No be me talk o o.
Ernest Asuzu Rebrands, Now El Grin
NOLLYWOOD star turned hip-hop act, Ernest Asuzu, has finally re-branded. He appears to have left movie and now into hip-hop music full time. He launched his debut album recently. So folks, when you come across a CD with a grinning face of Ernesto on the cover sleeve, but with the name El Grin, do not get confused, it is the same fella.
Na so life be, no be one road peson dey take enta maket.
Revealed, how Dadi Monso was caught
NOLLYWOOD star, Dadi Monso... you don’t recall Monso? Hold on, let me refresh your memory a bit. The actor was the same person that T4T reported had resorted to hiding in a spot inside the National Stadium premises where cheap beer is sold after declaring he was tired of playing the star and drinking beer at high prices at celebrity hangouts. Yes, it is the same Monso, but this time, he did not go to drink beer or eat goat head at reduced prices, he was seen at about 11.30pm at Yeside Bus Stop, Aguda, with a friend (if you like say na man or woman, na you come talk o). They were walking to the bus stop and from the way the ‘friend’ was dressed, you will know that the ‘friend’s’ house is not far from the location they were sited. I met Monso days after and told him I would let the world know that he was seen at that ungodly hour of the night (as if Curfew dey Lagos) and if he has any explanation, he should send his disclaimer to the Editor, The Guardian Life magazine.
Truth is he attempted to appease (or bribe) me with a bottle of ... but sorry, T4T has kicked the drinking habit. Monso, epele o.
Desmond Elliot, the star
NOLLYWOOD star actor turned director, Desmond Elliot, was at the National Stadium recently on location. They used the Chinese restaurant there as set. But that is not the issue, after the shoot, to show people in the open air section of the popular hangout in the vicinity that a star was in the vicinity, Elliot came out in full glare, making loud jokes with crew members by a white bus. Desmond boy laughed the loudest among the people there that evening and some of his detractors were quick to say, he wanted to be noticed.
But the Desmond I know is not a notice me kind of person, but then, people do change sha.
Lolo, the caterer
THE actress,Oby Okafor, popularly called Lolo, may have bidded acting farewell. Why did I say so? On Monday night, someone was distributing a complimentary card at Ejike Asiegbu’s permanent table at one popular hangout, a careful look at the card showed Lolo’s picture and the information that she is into professional catering. Her company’s name is De Giggles, so in case you see a card with Lolo’s picture bearing that company’s name; you know who it is. However, her decision to delve into catering may not be unconnected to the global economic meltdown that has refused to leave Nollywood alone.
Chuma Onwudiwe again
NOLLWOOD comedian and Secretary General of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Chuma Onwudiwe, has done it again! Recall I told you how Chuma single-handedly devoured a baby whale at a popular hangout in Surulere some weeks ago, good. Last Friday, he was at it again at the celebrity hangout. It was some minutes past 8pm when the waiter brought the gigantic grilled fish with lots of chips that can feed four people, but it took Chuma and his female companion just 15 minutes (dis T4T na timer o) to demolish the fish obstacle. Attempts to document event for posterity was rebuffed by Chuma, as he kept blocking the camera view with his wide hands.
But did it stop T4T from telling the world even if he has no pictures to show? Whoosai.
ogbuus@yahoo.com
Tricia’s Bold face again
BY SHAIBU HUSSEINIAS Nollywood actress and popular television hostess, Tricia Esiegbe, now Tricia Kingsley Kerry, sauntered into the room, where the organisers of a new reality television show, Street Champz, were performing a special media unveiling ceremony, all eyes turned on her. It was her first major outing since her marriage. Moviedom had a chat with her after the ceremony.
Congratulations on your wedding
Thank you very much. I want to also thank God because it was a day I wished for in my life. At a particular point in a woman’s life, she wants to settle down, otherwise, it becomes a problem, especially when the age is almost on the older side. I want to thank God again for His favour. It came at a time I did not expect. Before I got married, things were a bit shaky because there were a couple of stories making the rounds about marriage break-ups and what have you. I became scared and prayed never to have such experience.
Now with marriage, will you still do your stuff?
My husband is different, he is very unique in his own way. He told me even before we got married that I should not be scared because nothing will change except my name. He assured that I was still going to be the Tricia people knew and that it would not affect my business. He said the marriage would even enhance my business, because he is a trained motion picture director. So far, he has put all that to test on my programme Bold Faces and we have been receiving lots of calls from African Magic and outside the country. He got all the software and background to build Bold Faces to the level it is today.
Marriage is good, but love first
It is safe to marry someone in your line of business if the love is there. Not love based on popularity, fame and wealth, but unconditional love. It should be love for who you are and not what you are. People are always afraid of marring people in the entertainment industry because they feel they are prone to all kinds of immorality. However, one has to pray to God for a decent, God fearing and homely husband. My husband is one of such.
When will you appear on screen?
Very soon! We are coming out with some new television shows, which will equally be shown abroad. We are talking to African Magic on some of them. We are also going to be doing home movies and television soaps. My husband wanted me to act in one of them to cut cost. Since he is comfortable with that, who am I to say no? Acting for me is a passion. I am not into kiss-kiss type of acting, which of course, he knows. But even at that, my husband is not that kind of person. He is just God sent.
And Bold Faces?
Already, the programme has gone international. We are all over the stations in Nigeria. We are also in Europe. We have moved up in terms of technical details. It is now different from what you are used to. We will in no distant future spread to other continents of the world.
Maryam Babaginda
I cried when Maryam Babaginda died. It was a big loss to me. She was a mother and motivator to me. She gave a lot of mileage to my show. The interview I had with her would remain evergreen. Her death would also rank as one of the saddest moments of my life.
Regrets
None for now. If I have opportunity of living my life again, I will still be an entertainer. The only thing I don’t like about the industry is the publicity — you see people writing what is not true about you just to sell their papers; some even plant negative stories in the media to run people down. I have had doses of it. It was once rumoured that I dated a footballer, which was nothing, but falsehood. I have never dated a single footballer in my life. Because these people are difficult to get on set, people just conclude that to get them you must be dating one. But that is not correct. I am happy that God has elevated me. I have even gone past African footballer. I now talk to big time footballers in Europe. Will they say I am dating the foreign footballers such as David James, too?
Street Champz
This is a reality television show being put together by a team of credible people from the United Kingdom and, my husband, Kerry, happens to be one of the directors. He is also the operations and technical director of the show. Though based in London, the team will be coming to Nigeria to discover talents on our streets. One thing that makes the show different from other is the four-art category they talked about. There is a music, drama, comedy and dance part of it. I think this is quite different considering the background of those behind it.
Around and about Nollywood...
Zuma gets Jury for 2010 festival
THE jury for 2010 ZUMA Film Festival has been announced. With seasoned filmmaker, Rahmatou Keita, as head, it has Prof. Adamu Abdalla Uba of the Bayero University Kano; Dr. Femi Shaka of the University of Port Harcourt; Mr. Bond Emeruwa, President of Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and Mr. Jahman Anikulapo, Editor of The Guardian on Sunday as members. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has announced the receipt of 71 entries for all categories of the film festival at close of submission on February 28. A statement from the secretariat said the quality of entries received is encouraging. A breakdown showed that of the 71 entries, Nigerian films account for 51 while 20 are foreign. The number of potential exhibitors for the film market of the festival, the statement added, is also encouraging as everything is being done to ensure that it’s success. The 2010 edition with the theme Global Images: Global Voices seeks bridge the gabs between developed and developing film cultures.
… As organisers secure partnership deal
MORE organisations (private and government) have indicated interests in partnering with the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) for a successful edition. Some of them are the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Abuja; Consolidated Media Associates; Babylon International; Terracota Awards; Teens Resource Centre; Nicon Luxury Hotel Limited, Abuja; and Silverbird Communications. The festival holds from May 2 to 6 in Abuja. A statement from the organisers said that while the Consolidated Media Associates, Nigeria’s largest Television content provider on entertainment (Televista, Soundcity, Spice TV, Village square TV) would use its network to educate, propagate, mobilise participation and support as well as coverage and reportage of events, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry would, in addition to providing financial support, take advantage of the platform to promote the commercial and industrial aspects of the motion picture industry. Meanwhile, the EU Media backed Babylon International Workshop (on Film) being promoted by Scripthouse (Germany), Scenario films (UK), Playfilms (France) and Media International, which began last November, and also held from February 16 to 20, in Berlin, is scheduled to end next month in Nigeria. The workshop holds from April 26 to May 1. Selected film projects are billed for screening during the festival in Abuja. Similarly, the Terracotta Awards promoted by Classic Events and Teens Resource Centre, promoters of International Children Film Festival, have also signed on to use ZUMA Film Festival 2010 platform to promote, recognise and reward excellence and creativity in the film and television industries. Also, Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), based in the United States of America is to fully participate in this edition.
BOBTV ends fest, Akunyili assures Fund
THE 2010 edition of the Best of the Best Television and Film Market, otherwise known as BOBTV, ended on Friday. The festival, which started on March 16, held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja. At the opening , former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, reiterated government’s resolve to establish a film fund for the Nigerian film industry. Also, the Chairman and Founder of Galaxy Television, Chief Steve Ojo, Chief Zebulum Ejiro, Opa Williams and Emem Isong were among those honoured for their outstanding contributions to the development of television and film in Nigeria. While Ojo was recognised as a producer, director, entrepreneur and broadcaster per excellence, Ejiro, who is popular as the movie sheik, was honoured for his pioneering work in the film industry and enduring work on TV. Isong was honoured for her role in the shooting of indigenous language films particularly the Efik and Ibibio languages. Every year BOBTV recognises hardworking professionals, who have contributed to the growth of the movie industry in Nigeria.
Waka pass…
Producer- Amebo A. Amebo
Director- Mr. Gossip
Actors- Nollywood Celebrities
Has any one seen Tonto Dike for us?
AS hard as we have tried, we have not been able to get hold of the popular Nollywood actress, Tonto Dike. We have called, sent short messages and emails, but whooooooosai, we have not been able to get across to the charming actress, who we are told, used to have something to do with the main dude at Mo’ Hits records. Anyway, if you know someone, who knows where she is, please do let her know that we need to ask her a few questions. One waka pass wants us to believe, even when we know it can’t be true, that the reason our own darling Tonto has not been mobilised for youth service is because she needs all the time in the world to cement her relationship with, ‘a Nigerian international whom she met at Tricia Esiegbe’s wedding last year’. And the question we want to ask Tonto? Was she at Tricia’s talk of the town wedding? Is any Nigerian international on line? What has her intention to cement a relationship got to do with her educational pursuit? Questions, questions, questions! Our number? No, Tonto knows how to reach us…
We saw Uche Jombo
WE thought we should mention this here before some waka pass begin to sell fake gist to us. We ran into Nollywood actress and Glo Ambassador, Uche Jombo, in the United States, last week. The now chopped up Jombo was on a movie location with Desmond Elliot and Van Vicker when we saw her. In fact, yours sincerely watched with his mouth wide opened, as the threesome stepped out of one ogbonge Limousine that brought them on set. Don’t know now when they are due back, but Uche and Desmond send their love. And to say the truth, if na me dem carry for that limousine, I no go return again. I for seek asylum. True, Oyibo dey respect them artiste.
Remy Ohajianya is busy
THOSE who think that former Lagos State chapter chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Chief Remy Ohajianya, will walk out of relevance once he leaves office should go and eat their hearts out. The former teacher turned actor has landed a big job. Put differently, Chairman, as he is popularly called, has ‘arrove’. The bulky actor has been named Project Manager of a new reality cum television show dubbed Street Champz. Ohajianya’s task is to manage the reality programme and to ensure that they deliver. And if we know Ohajianya very well, then ‘delivery’ is certain, not even when the folks behind the reality programme are all based in the United Kingdom. Meaning that Chief may be paid in pounds and he is likely to even visit London before the end of the show… Kai! This is good. But Chief we go wash am ooo. But abeg, try sign better contract ooo and make you shine your eyes ooo. One waka pass think say na shine wey you no shine your eyes make small boys push you commot for your AGN seat ooo. Twice beaten for your case no go be twice shy at all. To God be the Glory!
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