Cover Edition 219, Jan 10 - 16, 2010

E-a-g-l-e-s !!!!!! A Shot at continental glory

BY GREGORY AUSTIN NWAKUNOR
RATED as one of the countries likely to win the African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2010, Nigeria will parade a team with young, but tested players. The team comprises subtle scene-stealers, who are working their way to headlining.
On November 14, the team had done what many considered impossible to qualify for the World Cup, after trailing Tunisia by two points in the final round of the qualification series.
The Nigerian team is on a mission, and no stopping the boys, who are set to make the country’s golden jubilee year the best in sports.

Peter Osaze Odemwingie
On the sleigh, gentle shoulders of Peter Osaze Odemwingie lie Nigeria’s hope. Locomotive Moscow striker, 28 was voted Nigeria’s Footballer of the Year in the inaugural African Independent Television (AIT) Football Awards ceremony.
He was in sparkling form for Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign and was instrumental in the injury time goal that sank Mozambique, which gave Nigeria the confidence to continue with its challenge up to the final round.
Born of a Nigerian father and a Russian mother, Osaze made his full international debut a friendly against Kenya in May 2002, but it was until the 2004 Nations Cup in Tunisia that he really announced his arrival on the international scene with two well-taken strikes against South Africa.
Nigerian fans would also remember that the Super Eagles exited that particular tournament when he lost his own kick in the penalty shootout against the host nation in the semi-finals of the competition. However, since Osaze joined the U-23 team to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, where Nigeria won silver medal, his game has changed considerably, making him one of the most trusted players in the team. Before now, many had considered Osaze, popularly called ‘Oyinbo’, as one who plays hot this game and cold the next.

Nwankwo Christian Nwosu Kanu
A few years back, Nwankwo Kanu would have been the automatic choice as the arrowhead of Nigeria’s challenge. But on a good day, themost decorated African footballer in history, having won a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, three FA Cup winners medals and two African Player of the Year awards, amongst others, is a deadly player.
Born August 1, 1976, in Owerri, Kanu, captain of the team, is the only current Premier League player to have won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, Premier League, FA Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal.
Kanu has been a member of the Nigerian national team since 1994, making his debut against Sweden in a friendly. He (as of October 18, 2009) has 79 caps and has scored 13 goals for his country. As well as winning the Olympics gold in the football event at Atlanta (1996), Kanu participated in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. Earlier on at the start of his career, Kanu was instrumental in Nigeria’s overall success at the FIFA U-17 tournament in Japan (1993) and in their subsequent 2-1 victory over Ghana in the final.

Obafemi Akinwunmi Oshadi Martins
Obafemi Martins is one of the trusted strikers in the team. Known for his surging runs, blistering speed and pace. Martins appears a glimmer of gold among some otherwise rough diamonds.
Born on October 28,1984, Martins has scored 16 goals in 21 appearances for Nigeria. He was not only a part of the Nigerian team that finished third in the 2006 African Cup of Nations, Martins scored two goals in the competition, both coming against Senegal in the first round.
Martin scored a spectacular goal in the 83rd minute against Kenya in Nairobi, thus ensuring Nigeria’s qualification for 2010 FIFA World Cup.

John Michael Nchekwube Obinna
BORN in Jos as John Michael Nchekwube Obinna, Mikel John Obi is one of the country’s hopes in Angola.
Mikel gained global recognition in 2005 by starring at the FIFA World Youth Championship where Nigeria beat all opponents and made it to the final but lost to Argentina by 2–1. Obi won the silver ball after being voted the tournament’s second best player.
Mikel made his debut for Nigeria’s senior team on August 17, 2005, when he came on as a second-half substitute in a 1–0 friendly win over Libya. He did not play for the national team again prior to being named in the squad for the 2006 African Cup of Nations. In Nigeria’s first group game, which was against Ghana, Mikel was an unused substitute. However, he was introduced into the second game, against Zimbabwe, early in the second half.
Within 10 minutes of coming on, he had supplied both the corner that resulted in Christian Obodo heading the game’s opening goal, and scored Nigeria’s second goal. He made his first international start in Nigeria’s final group game, a 2–1 victory over Senegal. During the cup, Mikel said that he had been instructed not to make any public comments about his club career. FIFA is to investigate claims that Obi had received death threats.
During the 2008 African Nations Cup in Ghana, he scored 1 goal and registered one assist, both against Benin Republic, to help Nigeria qualify for the quarterfinals against hosts, Ghana where they narrowly lost 2–1.

Daniel Olusola “Danny” Shittu
Danny” is a central defender and one of the oldest in the team. Born On September 2,1980, Shittu had a good game in Ghana 2008 and is one of the respected players in the team.

Of the 23 players listed, three are making their debut. They are Elderson Echiejile, Yusuf Mohammed and Chinedu Obasi.
Vincent Enyeama, who was not in goal in Ghana, is the team’s number one choice for that position. Bamidele Aiyenugba and Austin Ejide are other goalkeepers in the team.
For the defence, we have Taye Taiwo, Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Danny Shittu, Obinna Nwaneri, Onyekachi Apam, Chidi Odiah and Yusuf Mohammed.
In the midfield are Dickson Etuhu, Sani Kaita, Oluwaseyi Olofinjana, Mikel Obi, Nwankwo Kanu, Yusuf Ayila and Kalu Uche.
Osaze Odemwingie, Obafemi Martins, Chinedu Obasi, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Obinna Nsofor will provide the striking option.

Creating multiple streams of income

(Biz tool Kits)
BY BRIDGET OLOTU
AS individuals and as a nation, we need to grow our financial intelligence to surmount the challenges we face now.
One of the solutions to Nigeria’s developmental crises is aggressive build-up of the intellectual capital of its people. If the intellectual capital of the people is low, the country’s physical assets will be useless. It would keep on depending on other nations to help it explore and exploit its natural resources. And the spiral of exploitation and expropriation of our God-given resources to other lands will continue for many generations to come.

I recently came across two stories on the web worth sharing here about a basketball star in the United States, who went from hero to zero and a woman who won a court case that removed her from the rat race but fell backwards financially just after two years. These stories are reproduced here.
“In 12 years, Antoine Walker made more than $110 million playing professional basketball moderately well. Take away taxes, throw in some Adidas endorsement money and an NBA Live 99 cover, and he’s left with, what, $60-to-65 million? Whatever the details, it was a big chunk of change, which, amazingly, wasn’t enough. That’s right, during the last several months, the once multi-millionaire athlete has been pursued by multiple financial institutions for unpaid debts. In fact, according to Shira Springer of The Boston Globe, Walker owes more than $4 million to his creditors and is facing felony check fraud charges in Las Vegas. All of these at the age of 33. Wild.
“(Walker) liked to move in an outsized entourage; his mother estimates that, during his playing days, he was supporting 70 friends and family members in one way or another. And speaking of his mother, he built her a mansion in the Chicago suburbs, complete with an indoor pool, 10 bathrooms, and a full-size basketball court. Living at the Bishops Forest condominium complex in Waltham during the Celtics season, Walker turned the pavement surrounding his home into a virtual luxury car lot — two Bentleys, two Mercedes, a Range Rover, a Cadillac Escalade, a bright red Hummer. Often, the vehicles were tricked out with custom paint jobs, rims, and sound systems at considerable added expense. He also collected top-line watches — Rolexes and diamond-encrusted Cartiers.
“Condos, luxury cars, watches... I guess that’ll eventually force you into bankruptcy, especially when you’re not investing any money or collecting $200 with every fifth or sixth roll of the die. But Walker’s lavish lifestyle wasn’t all ‘me-me-me.’ He was also a generous friend and teammate who had custom suits made for coaches, routinely picked up giant team dinner tabs and, when there were funds to spare, gave to underprivileged youngsters. He was basically spending money like it was going out of style.” Culled from www.sports.yahoo.com.

ANOTHER story of a woman’s rag-to-riches-to-rag story will tell us one or two things, and amplify the need for financial intelligence. A family friend to the woman shared it.
“Well I know it’s hard to believe but it happens. I had a friend’s mother who got hurt at work using a piece of machinery. So she sues the company who made the machine and made out in all with about $265,000.00 (about N40 million suppose at N150/dollar) which she blew in about two years gambling, treating friends, travelling, etc. (Keep in mind this woman was making nine dollars an hour before this windfall came.) After blowing the money, she was so broke that she had to go and apply for food stamps and got denied because of the amount of money that she had previously had. I think people who blow money this way have no respect for it and that’s why stories like this happen on all levels rich and poor.”

My intention for sharing these stories is to simply amplify the point that financial intelligence, business intelligence and investment intelligence are three important intelligences we all need to make it financially and keep our money sustained for a long while. After all, what is the point in making money and losing it easily afterwards?

NB: I’m working on a new series that will be very useful to SME operators, workers, investors, and the likes. This series will focus on the building of viable businesses. Specific businesses will be highlighted every week so readers can pick one or two lessons from each one treated.
Olotu is the CEO/Lead Consultant, DEAIM Innovative Resources Ltd.
bridgetolotu@gmail.com





What nobody tells you about planning
BY AGBOLADE OMOWOLE
AS you begin the New Year, it is very important to start it with a proper plan that will help achieve your goals.
Most times, some people write down their goals, and it ends there. The goals they have written do not materialise, probably because they don’t have a working plan.

Planning makes you achieve more. A research conducted on graduating students of the Standford University revealed that students, who wrote their goals down, upon graduating, achieved more in life than those who didn’t set goals at all, and those that set goals but did not write them down.

Stretch yourself to plan for success. The time spent in planning may seem to be useless, but the resultant effect is worthwhile. Spend the first 10 minutes of your day after your spiritual exercise to plan your day. Understand that planning like this daily makes you achieve more.

Develop a contingency plan. Anticipate possible problems you could encounter in your project because of people, material or mechanical errors. Come up with alternative actions incase things don’t go as planned. Always have a plan B.

Plan how to achieve simple tasks. The simple way to achieve your goals is to break long term goals into simple, manageable short-term goals. It is also important to put down your plans. It has been proved that we can only work mentally with about seven pieces of information without losing some things. So, don’t bug yourself too much, trying to store everything in your brain. Paper does not lose its memory.

Plan to win. Plan every detail. 70 per cent of the reason people are poor is lack of planning. If you have decided not to plan to win, then you have decided to lose. You will need to set aside some amount of money in a portfolio. That will be your emergency fun. When you need to spend based on an emergency, you can depend on your emergency fund. No matter how hard you plan, unforeseen events are inevitable.
Visualize the actualization of your plans. Each day, determine three important things that you have to achieve. Then visualise yourself achieving your goals. Mental rehearsals like this make you achieve your goals faster. I remember reading about visualization few years ago. I visualised myself speaking on ‘Making a difference’, just three days before the event, and before leaving my house that morning that I had to motivate a number of young people. As I got to the centerstage, I was energised and I was able to transfer my enthusiasm to participant. Just try visualizing yourself achieving your dreams.

Here’s an exercise. Imagine you are inn a cinema house. You are dresses in beautiful attire. You sat on the first row, waiting for the movie to begin. Now, visualize achieving yourself achieving your goals one after the other. See yourself succeeding. See yourself making a difference. See yourself receiving an award for a job well done.

Review your strategy. The purpose of strategising is to begin with the end in mind. When you don’t define your destination and plan in detail how to get there, it may be impossible to achieve your goals. When you review your plans, you pass a message to your subconscious mind. Your body will help you produce energy to implement your plans.

Take action. It is not the information you get that makes you different; neither does setting of goals make you different from the average person. The only thing that guarantees success in life is acting on your plans and your goals. Take charge!

Health is his breath

BY GREGORY AUSTIN NWAKUNOR
DR. Tunde Okewale is seated in a vast room, which seems a reception, with sunlight streaming through the window. The physician casts a blank look at the object by the window side. He stands up and smiles innocently. He looks through the window to see the other side of the road.
Outside, members of staff are preparing for a party for the less privileged. Everywhere is busy, but the doctor, who is just back from a tour, sits down, waiting patiently for some patrons of the Free Health Foundation he launched in 2008 to come.
You’re the journalist,” the soft-spoken Okewale asks. “Yes,” I nod in response. He looks at his wristwatch, draws a deep breath… “you’re welcome.”
His phone rings. He reaches for it. “Yeah,” he retorts. He calls out one of his office assistants, who brings a bottle of mineral water for his guest.
A breath of fresh air follows.
“Our Free Health Foundation, which the hospital is engaged in, aims to provide free health care for individuals who are not currently covered by any forms of health scheme — government or private,” he says. His tone is very warm.
With a diction that sticks out in rhyming lore, Okewale says, “whatever the reasons, many of such individuals are known to us in our various walks of life. The ailments that usually incapacitates and sometimes kill such individuals are basic healthcare issues, which are easily treatable and preventable if they had access to quality healthcare services.”
He says, “it is painful and unacceptable in this day and age to hear of deaths due to malaria typhoid, bacterial infections, childbirth, ulcers, hypertension, diabetes and other minor diseases that are easily diagnosed, prevented and treatable, just because of lack of finance, unemployment and, or ignorance. St. Ives Free Health Foundation works in partnership with benefactors, which comprises individual philanthropists, other charitable organisations and corporate bodies.”
He adds, “the sponsor (individuals, corporate bodies, other charitable organizations) nominates a minimum of 10 beneficiaries openly or anonymously for the scheme. If the benefactors have one mind, the Foundation helps to nominate beneficiaries on our list. We would furnish the benefactors the details of the sponsored beneficiaries if required. We would give regular feedback on the health of their beneficiaries. The benefactor is expected to pay N1000 per person per month. The Foundation matches and exceeds the amount depending on the health needs of the beneficiaries.”

FOR someone who has had more than half of childhood ambition fulfilled, there is much to be expected. Okewale qualified as a medical doctor at the University of Ibadan. His postgraduate training and practice as an obstetrician and gynaecologist was at the Leeds, Manchester and Oxford regional health authorities respectively within the National Health Services (NHS) UK.
After a practice spanning 10 years in the UK, he came back home to contribute his quota to the development of the healthcare service in Nigeria.
The fellow of the Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (UK) is also a member of the Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care (UK).

AS we chat, discussion veer into In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) technology. On June 7, 2008, his hospital’s first test tube baby, a boy, Christian, weighing 3.0 kilogrammes and measuring 50 centimetres in length, was delivered after 37 weeks of pregnancy.
He explains with a deep chuckle, “we offer Gynaecological services including infertility investigations and treatment ranging from ovulation induction, ultrasound follicular tracking to assisted reproductive techniques such as intra uterine insemination, Donor insemination, Gamette intra Fallopian transfer (GIFT) Peritoneal, Oocyte sperm transfer (POST) and IVF-GT, ICSI.”
The youthful doctor says, “we do not waste time, money and effort by concentrating on a long list of fanciful tests. Apart from the basic infertility tests which are necessary in the initial evaluation, extended investigations and tests do not get women pregnant and usually do not help much in deciding the best treatment for couples.”

MARRIED with children, Okewale says: “My last set of twins are special because their mum had them when she was 45. She’s been married for 20 years and you can imagine the agony she and her husband went through before they thought of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) technology.”
He asserts, “couples that come to infertility doctors for help want to have babies, not extended investigations and having to wait too long in achieving their objective. It is bad enough being infertile but going through tests that add no value to the outcome of the procedure drains the couples emotionally and financially.”
He draws a deep breath and says, “in Nigeria, about 25 per cent of couples in their fertile age group are the sufferers of infertility. Whilst about 40 per cent of infertile couples will get pregnant by themselves, by changes in their lifestyles and by the standard gynaecological treatments up to 60 per cent will not.”
Okewale says, “our mission is to provide an advanced and competitive IVF and Fertility Services of international standard with a high pregnancy rate and at an affordable cost to couples.”
On IVF treatment, he reflects: “In order for pregnancy to occur, an egg has to be released from the ovary and unite with a sperm. Normally this union called fertilisation occurs within the fallopian tube, which joins the uterus (womb) to the ovary. However, in IVF, the union occurs in a laboratory after eggs and sperm have been collected. Embryos are then transferred to the uterus to continue growth.”
The physician says, “the administration of fertility drugs, monitoring of the circle, collection of eggs, mixing egg and sperm together outside the woman’s body in a culture dish or test tube. Any resulting embryos are left to grow and the best embryos two to three are then transferred into the woman’s womb. Any remaining embryo of good quality may be frozen for future use.”
What does the process involve? “You know the saying? When there’s a will, there’s a way. IVF is a technique in which egg cells are fertilised by sperm outside the woman’s womb, in-vitro. It is a major treatment in infertility when other methods of assisted reproductive technology have failed. The process involves hormonally controlling the ovulatory process, removing ova (eggs) from the woman’s ovaries and letting sperm fertilise them in a fluid medium. The fertilised egg (zygote) is then transferred to the patient’s uterus with the intent to establish a successful pregnancy.”

The next big things!

Presenting two young Nigerians doing things that will equip young Nigerians in practical ways...


Bolanle Osoba
What’s Bolanle Osoba about?
I’m the CEO of T.I. Events Limited. I graduated from the University of Lagos with a B.Sc in Philosophy. I am from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, to be precise.

What is your project all about?
Icons protégé is a reality television show aimed at providing a platform where young aspiring entrepreneurs will get the opportunity to work with established entrepreneurs who have attained iconic or legendary status live on television, so that those at home to can learn from the show and not fill left out.


Experiences as a youth advocate
It was challenging because at that time, every young person wanted to be a youth advocate because of the success of people such as Fela Durotoye, Niyi Adesanya, among others, and the fact that corporate organisations identified with it. So when you are sourcing for funds, you are sometimes seen as someone who is just looking for money, which made it difficult to raise funds. I had to use my own money to organize events.

Did you recognise a need for the skills you are teaching in your programme?
Yes, because I found out from my research that most legends die with their knowledge without someone capable to carry on and maintain the standard set by their predecessor such as Fela Kuti in music, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, Yinka Craig, among others.

What do you intend to achieve by this movement?
To promote entrepreneurship, reduce the pressure on the labour market, to change the orientation of young Nigerians always waiting to inherit an already finished product, for them to take the bull by horn and take their future into their hands.

What other projects are you involved in?
I’m involved in Tosin Igho’s show, which is coming up next year; it is about helping young aspiring musicians.

How has the response been so far to the programme?
It has been impressive I had receive calls all parts of the country signifying their interest not minding the show will be held in Lagos.

What challenges do you face in you work as a youth advocate?
Capital, the credibility challenge of being a young person and the lack of confidence that the older generation has in young people.

What facilities do you think would have made your job easier?
Capital, increase in manpower.

Do you think our country’s particular problems have contributed to your development or not?
It means am strong and I have the Nigerian spirit of never give up on a better tomorrow.

What does being young and Nigerian mean to you?
Yes it has contribute to my doggedness, my determination, strength and passion

If you could, what changes would you implement in Nigeria now?
A solution to the power supply problem and the over dependence on crude oil.

What else do you do apart from this program you run?
I also into marketing, exportation of Nigerian fabrics to the US.

How do you juggle personal life an your own education with work?
Having a well-structured daily schedule and working on a scale of preference.


Fredrick Usikpedo
MY name is Fredrick Emamoke Usikpedo (A.K.A. UX2). I am a sound engineer music producer and a music artist.

How do you combine your job as a sound engineer and an artist?
None of what I do suffers for the other because they are in line with each other. All that matters is timing; so I try to schedule my time.

What’s your kind of music and what message do you intend to pass across to listeners?
I do dance hall and hip-hop. I encourage people by singing from the heart; influenced by my experience in life. I like to express what I can relate to in my songs be it love, spiritual, societal, etc.

Where do you get your inspiration from, would you say there was someone that made you aspire into being an artist?
Lots of things inspire me. I could be listening to an instrument and looking around me, a song will just pop up. Also, listening to a message in church, a motivational speaker or even another artiste gets me thinking of doing a song.

Do you have any plans of going into music full time and abandoning your other job as a sound engineer?
That’s totally impossible. I produce myself and doing things professionally is key to me. A song has to be done in the studio so, if my song would pass through that stage, I’ll have to still be in the studio. So, doing music full time will still incorporate my being an engineer. They go together.

How do you unwind Because I see you are always busy in the studio or on the road?
As far as work is concerned for me, there is actually no time to rest. But I try to make out time to see movies at the cinemas, swim and also I love to hang out.

As a sound engineer, how would you rate the Nigerian music industry?
I strongly believe we are trying, but if this were to be a score card, I will rate us 50 per cent. Why? Because the way songs are mixed in the country, there is no professionalism in it. I have heard a producer say, ‘if you want to hit the market, you should not go professional.’ That is wrong, because Nigerian music isn’t meant for our market only.

Some artistes do bad or ‘wack’ songs but blame record labels and media houses for not giving them a chance. What is your take on this?
In well-established music industries, there are songwriters and song performers. So you don’t say because you can write songs then, you must sing. No, if you can’t sing, then get Artistes who can to do the song for you. People also believe that the music industry in Nigeria now is a goldmine, so they jump into the studio and sing anything that comes out of their mouth. The record labels too make the mistake of signing the wrong artiste on sentimental basis.

What are the challenges upcoming artists face in our society?
Sponsorship is a major challenge. You have an artiste do a song and when he gets to a radio station, the DJ tells him to bring money before he plays his song. Even in Alaba, the marketer asks you pay for your song to enter a compilation. This is not encouraging.

What advice do you have for other young aspiring artists?
First is to discover your talent, then be focused and do not allow anyone to kill your dream because, the dream killer is you and yourself alone. Your dream begins to die once you start underestimating your potentials.

What’s your idea of a true Nigerian?
A true Nigerian should stand for the right things, acting and conducting business legitimately, thereby representing the country well both local and internationally. That’s why I would focus on my career as an entertainer rather than do yahoo or other forms of illegitimate business, which is against the law of the land.

2010... the ‘no-no’ wears

WHEN it comes to fashion and trends, we all want the same thing: to look great! Unfortunately, there are some fashion errors that we might not be aware of, but that we sometime practise. These fashion faux pas are visible, and can completely ruin a perfectly good outfit. Here are some mistakes that women often make.

Wearing oversized clothing
Now there is the wrong oversized clothing and the right over-sized clothing. The right over-sized clothing is some of this spring’s top trends such as the bubble skirt, which looks fabulous, paired with a tighter fitting top and a high waist belt. Wrong over-sized clothing is just plain wrong: huge knee-reaching t-shirts, baggy pants, you get the point. Make sure you buy clothes that fit you properly.

Wearing red and green at the same time
Honestly, you will look like a Christmas tree. Red and green are two of the colours that you absolutely must avoid wearing together. These colors completely clash, so just stay clear. Also, it’s best to stay away from green and red makeup. If you decide to go for a green eye shadow, don’t put on a bright red lipstick. Instead, opt for a clear gloss or a nude colour.

Dirty shoes
It would be bad enough if you had shoes that were out of style, or didn’t match with your outfit, but if you have dirty shoes, you’re making a big fashion faux pas. Make sure to keep your shoes in style, according to your outfit, and most importantly, clean!

Short skirt and short top
If you’re going to wear a miniskirt, don’t wear a short top with it! It is one of the worst fashion mistakes you could make because you’ll end up looking trashy. Instead, wear a miniskirt and pair it with a tee that reaches your hipbones. Play it up with a wide belt. If you’re into short tops, just wear jeans and steer away from short skirts.

Bulky shoes with feminine dress
Whenever I see this, I always have to ask myself: “what was she thinking?” A floral, feminine dress should never be paired with bulky shoes such as thick platforms. This kind of dress deserves a pair of soft, delicate shoes. Anything with a small heel, and even wedges and espadrilles.

Too much jewelry
A pair of embellished earrings; a funky necklace; some bangles; a few rings; maybe a brooch. That is way too much jewelry for you, and for your outfit. So if you don’t want to look like an ornament, keep it simple! A thin, fine necklace and a pair of earrings is enough. Or if you decide for a pair of big, adorned earrings, keep it simple by wearing a few rings or a bracelet or two with that, but stay away from the necklace. Just know your limits.

Wearing fashion that doesn’t suit you
If miniskirts are in, and you don’t have the greatest legs, that’s fine! You don’t have to abide by each and every single fashion trend that comes out. If something that suit your body type, it’s better to stay away from it. After all, most of us aren’t models and a lot of the fashion trends that spring up don’t suit everybody, so be careful what you choose.

More than one pattern
If you have flowers on your shirt, don’t wear plaid pants, or the other way around. Try to stick with one pattern in your outfit. A pair of plaid pants with a solid colored top, or a floral shirt with a pair of jeans. Don’t crowd your outfit with patterns. Keep it sweet and simple.

Tights are not for everyone
As I’ve mentioned before, not all fashion trends work for everyone. Some people should stay away from certain trends. Trends like tights for example. You know they stick to your skin and show off your legs, so if you don’t have shapely legs, don’t wear them please. I know they’re in, but if they make you look bad, avoid them I see so many women wearing tights with over-sized shirts, it absolutely amazes me. But try to avoid this very common mistake for your own good.

Panty lines
Need I say more? If you’re going to wear thin, clingy, or even white pants, be aware of it and don’t walk out with embarrassing panty lines, but opt for a thong.

An orange tan
Let’s face it: you know that it’s orange; you just don’t want to admit it. Stay away from cheap self-tanners because they will bring you nothing but trouble. Instead, shell out some money for a better product such as Estee Lauder sunless and make sure you always exfoliate before applying self-tanner.

Sneakers with everything
Sure, we all want to be comfortable in our shoes, but it’s not vise to always wear sneakers with everything from skirts, to jeans, to capris. A lot of people like to wear sneakers with a jean skirt, and that’s completely fine, as long as you don’t do it all the time. It’s a comfy, sporty look, but you can make it classy and sexy. Instead, wear a pair of wedges or high heels. Don’t always pair your jeans with sneakers: it’s boring, and it’s tasteless. Spice up your outfit with a pair of hot stilettos.

Don’t indulge
That means don’t over do sparkles, sequins, or any festive looking articles of clothing. While it’s fun to play with different colors, fabrics, and styles, keep it simple is very important. Wearing too much of a good thing can turn into a fashion disaster. If you’re going to wear a top that has sequins on it, keep it simple everywhere else and don’t embellish your outfit even more.

The designers as artists

BY BIMPE ADEBAMBO
It was an event imbued with a lot of freshness and innovation and everybody present was given a red Christmas sequinned or Santa Claus cowboy hat at the door. In attendance were artists, gallery owners, diplomats, mediamen, intellectuals and everyday people. This was the gala night of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Lagos chapter, and it held recently at the Glover Memorial Hall.
Chairman and founder of Abosede International Centre for Africans in Diaspora (AICAD), Chief Tunji Abayomi, who was special guest of honour, encouraged artists to keep producing quality works. Art and craft, he stated, could actually become major income generating sector for the country.
The gala night was a medley of events. New SNA members were inducted and there were performances including by Caliberd, a comedian as well as the the GJ band with violinist and artist, Seye Aluko. Members of Society of Performing Arts (SPAN) did an electrifying Salsa number.
The DJ James kept heads bobbing and feet tapping with an interesting mix of music that cut across the different age groups at the event.
The icing on the cake? A fashion show, which had three members of SNA, Sade Thompson, Ore Apparels and Beampeh, on show. They displayed their creativity and points of view as designers.
beampeh2000@yahoo.com

At last, Mayen wears the crown

Mayen (middle) flanked by the first and second runners up at the event


BY CHUKS NWANNE
SEVERAL times, she had entered for different beauty pageant in the country, with hopes of wearing the crown, but in most cases, Mayen Ogbenyeami Ekpo has always managed to emerged as a runner up in all the contests. Notwithstanding, her participations earned her several modeling jobs, including that of Orange Drugs Limited, where she was paid to grace their billboards and calendar.
Though she had already started making a living from her modeling job, the 23-year old graduate of Food and Science Technology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, kept her dreams alive, hoping to wear the crown someday. The opportunity came recently when organisers of the yearly Calabar Christmas Carnival called for entries in the 2009/2010 edition of Carnival Calabar Queen last December.
Out of hundreds that entered for the beauty contest, a total of 29 elegant young ladies were selected to fight for the crown, which came with N2 million cash, a Toyota Yaris saloon car and a free return ticket to London, courtesy of British Airways. As fate would have it, Mayen, a grand daughter of Margaret Ekpo was selected.
Determined to make the best out of the opportunity, the light skinned model went back to her drawing board, applying all available techniques to ensure she earned the crown.

AN indigene of Nsit Ibom, Akwa Ibom State, Mayen, who was identified as Miss Alok Monolith during the contest, first made it to the top 10 stage, alongside Miss Tinapa, Miss Mary Slessor, Miss WAPI, Miss National Park, Miss Oban Hills, Miss Millennium Park, Miss Nkarasi Monolith, Miss Margaret Ekpo, and Miss Old Residency. The number was later reduced to five leaving Miss Alok Monolith ( Mayen), Miss Tinapa, Miss WAPI, Miss Old Residency and Miss Nkarasi Monoliths.
The contestants first appeared in black top blouses with shining studs on long loin like red skirts to cat walk before the audience while in the second appearance, they came out in traditional costumes representing tourism sites, historical buildings, mountains, communities, parks and resorts from which they derived their names. They later appeared in Carnival Calabar uniforms to partake in the Unity Dance; they danced to the beats of the festival theme song.
Their last appearance was in an evening wear designed by Ituen Bassey and judged based on poise, diction and cultural presentation, which saw Miss Nkarasi Monolith winning Miss Congeniality while Miss Photogenic was clinched by Miss Marina Resort.
Drilled in a question and answer session by a panel of judges comprising actress Joke Silva, Charles Aniagolu (PR Practitioner) Adesuwa Onyenokwe (PR Practitioner/Magazine publisher), Elisha Attai (Media Consultant) and Chidi Momoh (Lawyer), the contestants were finally asked to perform their individual passionate activity.
After a thorough assessment at the grand finale and dinner held recently at the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Calabar, Mayen was adjudged the winner, beating other 28 contestants to cruise home in a brand new Toyota Yaris, N2m cash and free return ticket to London.
Elated Mayen, who lost her parents at a young age, nearly broke down in tears as the outgoing queen, Miss Queeneth Orok alongside the wife of Cross River State governor, Obioma Imoke crown her the 2009/2010 Carnival Calabar Queen. It was a dream comes true.

MAYEN was practically short of words, though she kept acknowledging cheers from members of the audience, who seem to totally agree with the judges.
“I’m grateful to God for this day. For now, I don’t really have much to say, but I going to make very good use of this opportunity to touch lives during my reign,” she said.
Meanwhile, there are indications that the Queen, who resides in Lagos, is planning to relocate to her home state for the time being to enable her carry out her projects, which she promises to make public soon.
Speaking at the event, the first lady of Cross River State, Obioma Liyel Imoke observed that the pageant, introduced in 2007, has turned out to be an interesting venture.
“The two previous winners have been exemplary ambassadors for Mothers Against Child Abandonment (MACA), a pet project initiated to take abandoned babies off the street and cared for at a shelter called The Refuge.”
While assuring that contributions received by MACA will be judiciously used towards a worthy cause, Imoke stated that over 53 babies have passed through its doors as well as some of their teenage mothers, who were instructed on the consequences of casual sex and counseled on their right to protect themselves.
“At the Refugee, they were also taught life skills to boost self confidence and re-integrate them into the society. Our queens have been role models to the youths of our society preaching abstinence and the dangers of pre-marital sex.”
The night featured musical performances by Dare Art-Alade, Banky W, Kell and Kumba Dance Theatre from Houston Texas, USA. There was also presentation of prizes to winners of the second Mary Slessor Golf Tournament, which is also part of Calabar Festival, to raise money for The Refuge.

‘Mutallab or not, Nigerians are the best at Howard’

Kitan Okelola is a 300 level student of Economics at Howard University in the United States. Looking ahead to his final year, which begins January 11, he is not losing sleep about returning to America after the attempt by the young Nigerian, Farouk Abdul-Mutallab to bomb an international airline on Christmas day. He told TOPE TEMPLER OLAIYA that Nigerians feel at home at Howard, where they are among the leading scholars in the institution.

How is your stay at Howard?
It has been fun. I started first as Chemistry major, but due to some complications, I changed to Economics. So far so good, it has been rewarding. At first, it was tough, changing from the whole Nigerian study system I was used to. But now, it’s better for me and learning is fun.

What was your first experience like?
When I first arrived there, I was younger and much smaller, and people kept asking me how old I was? Most people saw me then as a genius, since I was fresh out of high school, but at the end of the day, it was not as easy as everybody thought. The first thing I missed about home was food. It took me a long time to adjust to the diet. Everything was cheese and hamburger to me.
The learning environment was better; there was constant electricity so you could even do your practical on your own and at your own time, all by yourself. Lectures are always fun. There is no hiding place. Your professor knows everyone by name, though he may find it difficult to pronounce my name as an African, he still knows I am in his class and you are always free to talk to him about what you don’t understand in class. Some professors, of course, could be difficult, but most of them are helpful and willing to share their knowledge.

How does it feel returning to the United States as a Nigerian?
To be sincere, it’s sad. No matter your status, you can’t hold your head high anymore, especially as a young Nigerian. On Facebook, everybody is saying this is another thing we have to deal with. Apart from being labeled fraudsters and womanizers, being branded a potential terrorist is the height of banditry.
We have a lot of Nigerians in Howard. Even my phonebook is full of Nigerians. I only have about 10 American friends. Howard is basically an international school, with mostly Nigerians, Africans, Caribbean, Haitians, and South American students, but as I said, most of our friends are Nigerians and it doesn’t make sense for a Nigerian to call another Nigerian a terrorist.
But still, we have to deal with other Americans who have come to know some of us as hardworking and honest people. Overall, most of the best students in the university are Nigerians and from Africa. They can’t afford to stereotype us too much. Of course, they will since the school is based in Washington, but not to a large extent. Coming to America, it will affect us as returning students, but once we get back to Howard, which is our home, everything would be okay.

Any word for prospective Nigerian students?
Howard is a place for anybody who has gone through JSS 1 to SS 3. When I first came, I failed my first semester. I was carried away having fun, it was a new experience for me watching television all day when not having classes, there was no parent to tell you to turn off the light or switch off the television, but with time, I caught up with my academics and found my balance. Coming to Howard, one should have thesense of coming to an international environment. It is not hostile, but friendly. Anybody can pass in Howard.


Exam fever grips distance learners in UI
By Abraham Oladipupo
TSUNAMI, for students of the University of Ibadan, means failure and mass rustication, hence, it is a word every student hates to hear. While their counterparts in the regular programme continue to enjoy the long vacation heralding another session, the Distance Learning students are battling with their round of examination, which started on Monday January 4. Distance learners comprise mostly adult students and are usually not seen around campus when the regular students are in session. Their eight weeks of teaching and revision hold once the session is closed for undergraduate calendar. Before this time, they would have got their course materials, which they study at home. They only discuss likely questions and other unclear subject matters during the revision. However, due to the trade dispute between government and university staff last year, which lasted for more than four months, the distance learners were left with one month to revise with their course lecturers before the examination started. Some of the students, who spoke to Life Campus, lauded the university for giving them the opportunity to learn, adding that the course material provided for them are always hot cake, especially for students, who thirst for knowledge. They also lauded the Prof. Francis Egbokhare-led administration for continuing with the programme, while enjoining it to put in more effort at improving the adult education programme. abrahamoladipupo@gmail.com




Aggrieved NFLV staff insist on due process to resolve crisis
BY MARY AKPARANTA
FOLLOWING the failure of authorities to resolve the lingering crisis at the Nigerian French Village (NFLV), Badagry, members of the teaching and non-teaching staff have insisted that the Director, Prof Sam Aje, embark on compulsory leave pending investigation into the crisis; they also stated that Education Minister Dr. Sam Egwu has invited the chairman of council of the village, the management team and representatives of the teaching and non-teaching staff to a meeting in Abuja. According to the statement signed by Mr. Simeon Olayiwola, Representative of Academic staff and Mr. Hammed Oladapo Representative of the non-academic staff of the village, the team left Badagry on January 5, the same day the Akran of Badagry Ahonu Menu Toyi II, Oba Babatunde Akran, attempted but failed to resolve the crisis. “The Akran had persuaded the staff to allow Prof Aje to return to office pending the release of the report of an investigation panel set up by the council. But the representatives of the staff told the Akran that they are standing by the decision of the council, which said on December 16, 2009 that Prof Aje should proceed on compulsory leave to allow the governing council’s investigation panel complete its work. In an attempt to overturn the decision of the council Professor Aje sneaked into the village on December 23 2009 to resume work. He was chased out by the angry staff,” it stated Continuing, the aggrieved lecturers stated, “undaunted, Prof Aje went to the Ministry of Education where he brought a letter from the permanent secretary with a view to resuming work on January 4, 2010. When the staff knew about the development we quickly gathered at the college auditorium. We invited pressmen to witness our meeting, which featured series of fiery speeches denouncing the administration of Professor Aje. The meeting, which witnessed a massive turn out of teaching and non-teaching staff resolved that Prof Aje should remain on compulsory leave till the investigation panel set up by the governing council submits its report.” Speaking to journalists, the leader of the non-academic staff union Mr. Hammed Oladapo said that Chief Mobee, a highly respected Badagry traditional chief had on January 2, attempted to persuade the staff to allow the director return to the village, but that the plea had been rebuffed. He said staffers are determined to follow due process “we will maintain peace. We are peace-loving people. We are only saying that Professor Aje should remain on compulsory leave as decided by the council. It is only when the report is out that we can allow him to come back here.” Dr. Alawode Matthew, leader of the academic staff, said, “Professor Aje lost all available opportunities to maintain his control and leadership he refused to listen to wise counsel. He is now trying to subvert the decision of the governing council. “We will not allow that to happen” After the series of prayer sessions on January 4, Professor Adebo Adejumo, who became acting director on December 16, 2009, when Aje was asked to go on compulsory leave, addressed the staffers. He appealed for calm pleading with the staff to allow peace prevail in the institution. Carrying placards, the aggrieved members of staff demanded that the council should not contradict itself by allowing professor Aje to return to the village before the council’s investigation panel submits its report. The crisis at the Nigerian French Language Village started last year when 32 lecturers signed a petition and alleged that the director was running a corrupt administration. The petition was also forwarded to the council and to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). Meanwhile, Prof Aje has denied all the allegations in a paid advertisement in some national dailies. However the council has set up an investigation panel into the crisis, which is yet to submit its report.


Know Your Constitution on Unilag 103.1 fm now Wednesdays
The radio programme on Unilag 103.1 FM, Know Your Constitution, aimed at educating Nigerians on their rights, will now be aired between 12.10 and 1 pm on Wednesdays as against Thursdays, and for 50 minutes, instead of the former 30 minutes. A statement by Mr. Adeola Oyinlade, who anchors the programme, revealed that the changes to the seven months old programme became necessary because of the need to meet up with yearnings of the listener. To also increase its access to its numerous audiences, Oyinlade said that anyone whose fundamental rights have been infringed upon by any person, and who wants to share such experience, can email to knowyourconstitution@yahoo.com. Such person’s identity would be protected.

Nwosu-Igbo… bold strokes, deep statement

BY TAJUDEEN SOWOLE
LIFE becomes more meaningful when people, irrespective of their disciplines, get out of their comfort zones to attend to the pressing needs of their society.
This must have led painter, Nkechi Nwosu-Igbo, to extend her creative enterprise to one of the health issues affecting women – breast cancer.
At her recent outing, Not Ready to Walk Away, she addresses the ailment, expressing the need for much attention to be given to it.
In the piece, I Always Cry at the Movie — giant sculptures of two floor-length spaghetti gowns, made of used recharge card from different networks — she says, represent the urgency required to stop the spread of the disease.
Beneath the gowns was a heap of figural sculptures depicting lifeless bodies – victims of breast cancer. The composition of the figures also stresses that the ailment cuts across races; as they are in white, brown and blue colours.
The outing was the group show, Closures and Enclosures held as part of Lagos Book and Art Fair (LABAF).

In fact, Nkechi has found so much to express through telephone recharge card wastes in her past three editions. She used the medium to depict what she called Implied Walls in the exhibition, Dawning Dreams during the eighth edition of LABAF.
It could have been any cause; she says, “you need to lend your voice and passion to a cause of yours.”
Perhaps that cause is a direct calling to celebrities, who in her opinion, stand the best chance to spread the message of giving back.
Breast cancer, she notes, claims as much victims as AIDS. But the imbalance here is that it gets less awareness, so, she urges “women to go to hospital for regular check-ups.”

In the past, she had been part of several women-related causes particularly from her immediate constituency – the visual art. She featured in the all-women show Identities and Labels at Pan-African University, Ajah, Lagos; Women About Women, 2001; and Women In Visual Art (WIVA) Perspective, 2008.

THE new Lagos that Governor Babatunde Fashola, is creating, is expressed with props such as utensils, umbrella, mat and “Ghana must go” bag among others. The difference here, is that the inhabitant is not a destitute or indigent, but one who has taken up what Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo – during the last Ben Enwonwu Distinguished Lecture – described as “responsible privilege.”
The inhabitant is Nwosu-Igbo and the location, a gallery space, for the performance Ziga M Ozi (Send Me on Errand).
Still adamant not to walk away, Nkechi, also a poet, hopes to come back for a major solo outing before the

Salute to the young

BY BENSON IDONIJE
ALTHOUGH the younger players of jazz have not brought any innovation of significance to the music over the years, some of them need to be commended for keeping the spirit of the music alive and, in essence, helping to perpetuate the true meaning and culture of jazz.
Indeed, the freshness of their approach is a clear indication that something new is bound to happen at some point. Cassandra Wilson, Joshua Redman, Terrence Blanchard, Roy Hargrove, Cindy Blackman James Carter, Christian McBride, Geri Allen, Dee Dee Bridgewater among many others are currently contributing to the development and evolution of jazz as an art form. Some of them are even receiving accolades and enjoying the confidence of devotees. It’s just that nothing phenomenal, nothing extraordinary and remarkable has happened yet.
Although her recording career has been somewhat erratic, Cassandra Wilson, one of the current top jazz singers, has succeeded in breaking the barriers of conventional jazz singing. She is a vocalist with a distinctive and flexible style who is not afraid to take chances. In live setting, the direction of her vocal style is often determined by the inspiration she gets on the spur of the moment. Her mood, phrase choices in terms of improvisation are dependent on the rapport she establishes with an enthusiastic audience.
At a recent version of the North Sea Jazz Festival, she turned out to be top of the bill whereas she was not billed to be. Her performance attracted a huge audience, which refused to move to other festival venues because the session was so sizzling and captivating.
Cassandra has a remarkable album out that has added something fresh to the development of jazz- as a result of her determination to experiment with various elements and approaches. Recorded in 1968, Loverly won a Grammy for Cassandra whose profile has become big as a jazz singer and composer.
In specific terms, the experiment that earned the Grammy for Loverly is unquestionably traceable to the introduction of African rhythms to the music through Lekan Babalola, a Nigerian percussionist whose rhythms helped to change the concept and pattern of her music, bringing about a new direction.
One of the great avant garde tenor players, Dewey Redman, the father of Joshua Redman who died a few years ago, never in all his years received any where near the acclaim that his son, Joshua Redman gained in ’90s – even though Dewey was an innovative player.
Every few years, it seems as if the jazz media goes out of its way to hype one young artist, over praising him to such an extent that it is easy to tear him down when the next season comes.
DownBeat, Jazz Times, Jazz Journal, Straight No Chaser–all of them are usually full of eulogies for these hitherto unknown artists.
In the ’90s, Joshua Redman became a media darling but in his case, it was not an empty hype, and he largely deserved the attention he got.
With a recording career that began only in 1993, Joshua Redman has quickly become one of the premier saxophonists of his generation.
Redman got his first tenor saxophone at age ten and became one of the featured soloists of Berkeley High School’s widely acclaimed jazz ensemble. In 1991, he graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College, where he also was elected membership into Phi Beta Kappa.
Setting his eyes on becoming a lawyer, he achieved a perfect score on the Law School Admission Test and was accepted to Yale Law School. Before entering law school, Redman moved to New York City with some musician friends and practised and performed regularly. He also took first place in the 1991 Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz Saxophone Competition. And because Redman enjoyed these experiences so much, he decided to postpone law school to become a professional musician. Redman hasn’t looked back ever since.
Joshua Redman released over six recordings as a leader in just five years and each enjoyed overwhelming success. He has since come up with some albums that devotees describe as ground-breaking.
In his young career, he has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Dave Brubeck whose notable quartet featured the legendary white alto saxophonist, Paul Desmond. Others are the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, B. B. King, trumpeter Clark Terry, ex-John Coltrane pianist Mc Coy Tyner, among others.
His consistency, exuberance and fresh approach have shown that Redman is a truly gifted individual, artistically and intellectually. His quick, meteoric rise is unusual, yet well deserved.

Trumpeter Terrence Blanchard is not only one of today’s most acclaimed players of the instrument but also one of his generation’s most prolific composers. His musical heroes include Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, and Duke Ellington.
A Texas native who now lives in New York City, Roy Hargrove is one of today’s leading jazz trumpeters. He began playing cornet in his elementary school band, switched to trumpet, and began listening to such masters as Louis Armstrong, Maynard Ferguson, Clifford Brown, Freddie Habbard, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis.
Hargrove has established his unique voice. With a sound equally forceful and lyrical, he has released numerous recordings, which have enjoyed critical acclaim.
Cindy Blackman is perhaps the leading female drummer on the scene today. Many have attributed her success to the fact that she is alone in a terrain that is a male turf, but the truth is that she is greatly talented and creative. She counts Tony Williams, the drummer whom Miles Davis discovered for his talent in the ’60s, as her greatest percussion influence.
Influenced early in her life by the vocalists her parents listened to around the house, Dee Dee Bridge water became a good singer. She moved to New York in 1970 and soon became the lead vocalist for the Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, a big band co-led by a trumpeter and drummer. She also collaborated with legends such as Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Max Roach and Rahsaan Roland Kirk.
The list of young musicians playing pure, straight ahead jazz is not as long as it used to be. A good number of them are being attracted to the popular groove where ‘smooth’ jazz has continued to prevail for commercial reasons. Notwithstanding, the beat goes on.

To GT, the dream is over

STORIES BY CHUKS NWANNE
AT last, GT’s album is out. And like many of the works produced on Storm 360 label, it is a good production — something what the wait.
The 13-track album, which is already on facebook and myspace, include the hit single produced by TY Mix, Dreamer.
GT says, “I wrote this song years ago, when I was denied UK citizenship, despite being born there. Like every young man of my age, the norm is that there is a goldmine waiting outside, where I don’t have to strive for things we have in abundance; a place where dreams come true.”
Other songs in the album include Truly, a Yoruba love song with an English hook, which GT recorded two years ago.
Somehow, the recording fell below his expectation, so, he returned to the studio with DMM again to reproduce the track. Hope he’s satisfied now.
In Hustle, one of the songs he wrote when he was waiting for the album to be released, GT puts his soul and heart into the making. The song is already worming into the consciousness of Nigerians.
Other songs in the debut effort are Believe, Just Fine, Maga (recorded freestyle in his mini-video at home) Osima Gbomi, produced by Xela, I don’t Wanna featuring Naeto C and Kinimatise, inspired by a friend, who almost lost the love of his life due to cheating. Others include Ur loving, and Na U, a track he dedicated to God almighty. Wetin You Say, featuring the combustible Sauce Kid, and Champayne featuring DMM, Sean Teroo, Uzee Bee and Menis are also part of the new work.
The album is already on music shelf, and on the eve of Christmas, his record label hosted a release party at Saipan, Victoria Island, Lagos, where GT and his eight-man band performed.
Apart from Hustle and Osi ma gbo mi videos, which are already out, more of his videos featuring Tosin Martins, Naija Sings winner, Jon and Naeto C will be shot in no distant time.






Celebrity Takes 2 Dakore out, as Stella maintains lead Nollywood actress, Dakore Egbuson, has been evicted from the on-going Celebrity Takes 2 dance show. The decision, however, was against the popular wish of the judges, who thought the actress should have been saved by viewers.
Notwithstanding, she received a standing ovation from the audience, who were at the eviction ground, for her performances while in the house.
For scoring low in the salsa contest last week, Dakore, alongside Fathia Balogun and Yemi Blaq, were put up for possible eviction.
Dakore was eventually evicted having scored the least vote, as compiled by Alexander Consulting, the firm that audits the votes.
In an earlier chat on her future in the dance competition, the evicted actress said, “well, I don’t know about that. I am really just taking it one step at a time. I’m not thinking that far. I just want to deal with this week’s dance and move onto the next and if God sees it fit I win, fine. If I don’t, fine.”
Meanwhile, her fellow actress Stella Damasus has maintained her lead in the show. She has not been placed on probation since the programme started two months ago.
Jazz singer, Yinka Davies, who is the only surviving musician in the contest, has however, revealed that she is determined to be the last person standing and eventually win the trophy.
When the show resumed last week, Damasus and her dance partner showed that the actress was not ready to leave in a hurry.
Her Salsa performance for that week earned her 33 points out of 40.
Fred Amata, who garnered 32 points and Yinka Davies with 31 points, were behind.
With these points, the three contestants qualified to proceed to the next stage of the contest, when the audience would be treated to dancing techniques of Paso & Waltz. They would be joined by the duo of Yemi Blaq and Fathia Balogun, who were saved by their fans through the SMS voting.
Obiwon, Faze, Kel and Zakki Azzay have all been evicted from the reality TV show.

Nigerians are no terrorists, Wyclef tells the world

STORIES BY CHUKS NWANNE
UNLIKE the previous days, everybody hurried to the stadium on time, the Cultural Centre and Millennium Park were scanty that evening.
You ask why? Well, that was Wyclef Jean’s night at the recently concluded Calabar Christmas Carnival.
One after the other, people began to troop into the venue and before long, UJ Esuene Stadium Complex was jam-packed with fun lovers, who left their homes that night to watch the preacher’s son. He had flown in from the United States to perform on their soil.
Though some Nigerian acts such as Biggiano, Weird MC, Sound Sultan and D’Banj were also on the bill, Wyclef was the main attraction that night. Everyone wanted to see his usual energetic performance.
The VIP section of the stadium was filled to the brims, with the Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke, and wife, Obioma, leading other dignitaries.
Also in the VIP stand was former Super Eagles defender and one time Chelsea FC man, Celestine Babayaro and friends, including top Cross River State officials, who turned out in their number with their family members to see Wyclef; who no like beta tin?
Oh year, comedian Julius Agwu was at his very best that night, reeling out jokes like never before.
Anyway, the Rivers State native must have been paid handsomely, so, he did everything possible to justify his pay.
In fact, the petit comedian ensured he made his way into the VIP section after his performance to account for his stewardship; for sure, the Imokes were impressed.
Immediately the koko master, D’Banj, stepped out of the stage after his live performance that came to many as a surprise, Julius, who co-anchored the concert, called Wyclef’s band to duty.
The crowd roared in excitement as the five-man band mounted the stage, within few minutes, they were ready to roll; there was no ‘yea, yea…testing, testing the microphone.’

TO the sound of Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry, Wyclef made his way into the well-designed stage.
Attired in a typical African outfit, with a cap to match, the crowd was let loose in excitement.
While some kept jumping from one corner to the other, others joined him, singing along the popular tune; some were just dumbfounded, with their eyes fixed on the stage.
“When I was about coming to Nigeria, America asked me, ‘are you not scared of Nigeria?’ I told America, ‘Al Queda can’t do me anything.’ We don’t have terrorists here, what we have in Nigeria are happy people,” Wyclef sings to the admiration of the teeming crowd.
From all indications, the American government actually tried stopping Wyclef from performing in Nigeria due to Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab’s incident, but the Haitian national insisted that one man’s sin shouldn’t be put on millions of other well-meaning Nigerians; as a regular visitor to the country, Wyclef understands the people very well.
The artiste took the crowd back to the days of Fugees, a group he formed alongside Michel Pras and Lauren Hills, who is now married to one of late Bob Marley’s son, Rohan; tracks such as Killing Me Softly and Fu-Ge-La still sounded very fresh. Good production!
Michel Pras, his former band member, was actually in Calabar that night, but as a filmmaker not a musician; we caught up with him earlier in the day, filming the carnival.
Wyclef raised the tempo with the track, 911, which saw many chorusing along. You need to see his guitar tricks on stage that night; the music producer played the guitar with almost all parts of his body, before narrating his experience as a young black chap, seeking greener pastures in the US.
“I came to America at the age of 10 and I remember some Americans telling me to go back to my country. Luckily, I got a job at 13. I was 19 when we started Fugees and I worked so hard in the studio to make the best out of my life. Today, I drive around in the US with my latest BMW car. Black people have no reason not to achieve,” he sings.
The preacher’s son soon switched to Two Wrongs, a track featuring Claudette Ortiz, before paying tribute to Bob Marley with Buffalo Soldier; the song was actually played by the DJ upon Wyclef’s request.

AFTER the break, the once dreadlock-wearing artiste reappeared on stage in a jeans and black long sleeve polo shirt.
“When I’m in the US, I see you wear designer outfits such as Timberland…your culture is very important, that was why I came out with the first attire. Your culture is your power,” he says.
Ready Or Not rented the air at once, followed by Gone Till November and then Diallo, a track he rendered passionately, striking his guitar with dexterity; the atmosphere was fully charged, coupled with comments from Wyclef that held the crowd spellbound.
“Don’t let them stop you Nigeria,” he says, repeatedly. “If you want to represent Diallo, raise your hands up.”
Then he turned to Governor Imoke, “Your Excellency and your beautiful wife, you have a big fan base. If you want me to increase my fan base, when I say hands up, you raise your hands.”
Just like he pleaded, Imoke, his wife and all the VIP guests complied wholeheartedly.
In appreciation, Wyclef made his way to the VIP section through the large crowd; the bodyguards, whom he instructed not to maltreat any single member of the audience, aided him.
Gradually and gently, he moved to the VIP, acknowledging cheers from the crowd. He shook hands with the dignitaries, but to Imoke, he gave a warm embrace.
“If there’s the United States of America and the European Union, then there should be the United States of Africa. If they ask you whom you look like, tell them you look like Wyclef. If any international artistes comes to Nigeria and refuses to mix up with the people, Nigeria, don’t accept him,” he says.
Returning back to the stage, Wyclef changed his outfit for the third time; this time, he wore a red T-shirt with Nigerian map, which reads ‘Proudly Nigerian.’
At that point, Sweetest Girl, a track he did with Akon and Lil Wayne, came on.
Just few minutes into the song, Wyclef stopped the band.
“I don’t want to do this song on stage anymore, unless I see D’Banj and my cousin Sound Sultan on stage. Where are you my brothers men, where are my African brothers men,” his said repeatedly.
Within seconds, D’Banj and Sound Sultan appeared on stage and gave the visitor a warm embrace, with microphone already clutched in their hands. He held their hand and lifted them up and the track came on afresh.
“These guys are the real stars,” he says referring to D’banj and Sound Sultan.
“I’m a true African and I’m here to represent Africa; when you come to Africa, you have to represent African artistes.”
That performance was greeted with thunderous rounds of applause from the excited crowd.
For hours, Wyclef rocked the stadium till the early hours of the following day. But for the intervention of his management team, he would have played till the next day.
Notwithstanding, he continued with the instrumentals as the large crowd departed the stadium at about 3am, with most people trekking home; okada is no, no in Calabar!

LEAD Fugees rapper and sometimes, guitarist, Wyclef Jean, was the first member of his group to embark on a solo career, and he proved even more ambitious and eclectic on his own.
As the Fugees hung in limbo, Wyclef also became hip-hop’s unofficial multicultural conscience; a seemingly omnipresent activist, he assembled or participated in numerous high-profile charity benefit shows for a variety of causes, including aid for his native Haiti.
The utopian one-world sensibility that fueled Wyclef’s political consciousness also informed his recordings, which fused hip-hop with as many different styles of music as he could get his hands on (though, given his Caribbean roots, reggae was a particular favorite).
In addition to his niche as hip-hop’s foremost global citizen, Clef was also a noted producer and remixer who worked with an impressive array of pop, R&B, and hip-hop talent, including Whitney Houston, Santana, and Destiny’s Child, among many others. In deed, Wyclef rocks!

Teeth 4 Teeth

BY JUSTIN AKPOVI-ESADE

Tuvie James Is A ‘Star’
T4T was tired and wanted to retire for the night, but as he got to the glass doors of O’jez, he ran into Nollywood actor, James Tuvie and another fringe actor — who is always seen playing robber and thug in most films. They both stood trying to look through the door as T4T got there. He overheard the glorified waka pass actor say to Tuvie “any star inside?”. That got T4T’s attention, who stepped aside to see how the mini drama would play out. Tuvie looked hard through the glass door, and with a shrug —which means, there was no known star inside that would make them go in that evening — they both walked away. Hmmm, the import of this little story is that, most ‘stars’ would not want to sit where their fellow stars are not seated. They do not want to mingle with ‘common’ people like us. That is good, because there is even a popular adage that says, ‘birds of the same feathers, flock together.” But wait o, if one will excuse Tuvie (at least he can be called a ‘star’), what about the other waka pass guy? A butterfly sometimes think it is a bird… Na dia I talk reach o.

... As Chuma Blows Hot
EXPECTEDLY, ‘sacrificed’ General Secretary of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Chuma Onwudiwe, has intensified efforts to reclaim his mandate. Saw the comedy actor on Agbonyin Avenue, Surulere, Lagos holding court with some people who call the shots in Nollywood. As T4T drove his tuke tuke past the group standing close together on the street by Chuma’s car, no one needed to be told what the meeting was all about. Chuma was as usual spitting venom from his mouth (the way he gesticulated, and facial expression said it all) and the other three people (names withheld) were listening with rapt attention. Chuma is strategising and soon, he will strike back as he had promised. T4T hailed him as he drove by, he barely saw me. Dis mata strong pass as I tink!

Femi Wright... The Puzzle
THE puzzle one is trying to solve at the moment was what Yoruba yellow paw paw actor Femi Wright was doing on Irapada Church Street, Itire, on New Year’s day very early in the morning. The tall huge actor, spotting a green short and a baseball cap drawn down his face, perhaps to shield his identity, walked with a fellow who was exhibiting all his swagger ( e easy to waka wit actor?). T4T was minding his business (as if im go mind anoda peson own) when he saw the actor walking suspiciously, his face down even with the baseball. When he got to Mutairu end of Irapada, he was hailed by some touts, he just waved back and hurried off. T4T who was trailing him all this while (dis T4T get work so?), saw that he was still walking with no intention of stopping, so I stopped. Next time, we would find out where he got to, but one still needs an answer to where he was coming from that early? Does he live around that place? No, because that is T4T’s lair, so bros must have grooved from New Year’s eve and passed the night in that area. He is a real responsible family man! Na talk i talk o.

Sonny MacDon’s Snow White
RECALL the story of Snow white and the seven dwarves? Yes, then take your mind to how white her gown is... fine, that is how whitish Nollywood actor Sonny MacDon’s beards are now! This piece is authoritative. Met MacDon on O’jez staircase and I was almost tempted to fall into a shock, thinking I had run into Prof. Wole Soyinka. In fact, MacDon will beat Prof hands down if they ever decide to compete for the whitest bia bia. I told MacDon so and he was quick to remind me that a bearer of salt does not wish for rain to fall. Well, I don’t understand him because I have no grey hairs and it does not run in my family, so Mr. MacDon, I am not a bearer of any salt, whether in a bag or poly bag.

Leo’s New Status
SINCE Nollywood star Leo Mezie came back from Abia State where he took other Nollywood stars to see the state governor, his status has improved tremendously. Leo was the first to offer T4T a drink and food at O’jez days after he returned from the profitable trip. I have seen Leo on two occasions with his wife-to-be, downstairs at O’jez where he proudly announced that he was going upstairs to get FISH (emphasis his). Hmmm, Leo left his Maryland home to Surulere to get fish? You see the life of a big boy? When I grow up, I will like to be like Leo Mezie!

Rachael Oniga Dears... Sorry, Dares Them
NOLLYWOOD actress Rachael Oniga is one woman I respect in the movie world. She is good at what she does, no doubt, but what on earth was going on inside her when she made a big grammatical blunder in a movie I was watching on Hi Nolly? Rachael proudly announced in one of her lines when she was scolding her daughter: “How dear you?” I guess Mama Rachael meant to say, “How dare you?”