Naija Times Issue4 Web 1

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naijaTimes www.naija-times.com

for what we were, are and will be

AUG 2009 | ISSN 1758-6275

Micheal Jackson Death that shook the world

The Effects of Global Meltdown

Etisalat’s the One

Million Dollar Dream

Calling all Contestants Enter Today to WIN!

A taste of Paris

Fashion: Bola | 3

Eyo Festival spiritual rejuvenation

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After Michael Jackson, which of these artists is likely to be the next

King/Queen of Pop?

Credits: Published by: Publisher: Dayo Elegbe

A. Beyonce

Managing Editor: Funke Adetutu

B. Chris Brown C. Tu Face

Writers: Adedoyin Johnson, Omolola Ogunbadejo, Kweku Brown, Yinka Oyekunle, Derin Adefulu, Odiri Etireri

D. Usher

Associate Writer: Omolola Ogunbadejo

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visit www.naija-times.com everyday for lively discussions and more

Contact Details

August 2009

Poll

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Walking This Way

Editor’s note Walk This Way is a song by American hard rock group, Aerosmith. It was written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. It was originally released as the second single from their 1975 album Toys in the Attic. In addition to being one of the songs that helped break Aerosmith into the mainstream in the 1970s, it also helped resurrect their career and revolutionised the new hybrid sub-musical genre of rock and rap. It became an international hit and won both groups a Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap single in 1987. The song was also covered by the UK girl groups Sugababes and Girls Aloud as the official Comic Relief single in 2007. It’s a wonderful song I love. And so, in the spirit of this song, we warmly welcome you to a bumper edition of NaijaTimes. It’s a brand new month for us here. We have been off the news stand for a while and we are glad to be back again. In this maiden return edition, there are stories which cut across different areas

of human interest. Uche Nnaji of OUCH Couture tells us in his own voice the story behind the success of his label while there is an interesting ‘war’ between Femi Branch, actor and Clarion Chukwura, actress as Femi shares what he knows about women while Clarion says what she knows about men. In this edition also, there is a special section on the ongoing One 9ja Million Dollar Game Show, where people from all works of life have the rare opportunity to win millions of dollars. In fact, some people are already winning millions of naira as our story on the Kaduna leg of the show reveals. Also, some new and interesting sections have been added to this re-launch edition for your delight. Hence we invite you to walk this way with us every month as we promise more interesting stories in subsequent editions. See you again next month. Abientot!

- Adedoyin

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naijaTimes In The Next Issue... Watch out for our Mysterious Shopper, find out about Obi Asika’s Lagos, and we learn more about Africa’s number killer, Malaria. We will also be offering to put you in the picture...all this and more next month. Make sure you don’t miss out, subscribe to NaijaTimes, and have your very own copy delivered to your door. Visit www.naija-times.com/subscribe-today for more details.

August 09 Top 5 Things

to watch out for in August

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1. The new Ultimate Search Hero 2. Maltina Dance All Winning Family

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3. Drama at theatre @ terra 4. Art Exhibition at Quincessente Falomo

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5. Night of Comedy at City Mall, Onikan (Last Friday of the month)

The Million Naira Night 46 Travel & Culture A Taste of Spring in Paris Restaurants in Lagos Eyo Festival Culture Ball of the Year Lagos A City Trapped in Flood Fashion & Lifestyle Momo Wows at London Fashion Show The Young Entrepreneur Bola|3 More than Just a Shop My Bohemian Style Money Should You Buy Stocks Now My Lagos

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20 22 26 28

30 32

Careers & Development The Effects of Global Meltdown Model Reader

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Entertainment The Man Whose Death Shook the World Etisalat and the One Million Dollar Dream The Millionaires’ Night Up Close and Personal with Djinee The Divergent Roadmap What’s Happening in the Cinemas Let Me Tell You About Women Let Me Tell You About Men Campus News Everyone is Talking About...

38 44 46 48 52 54 56 58 60 63

Directories WebFILE Business Listings

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Travel & Culture

A taste of spring in

PARIS By ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

I

t is a few minutes past four on a Sunday evening in June and the long stretch of Avenue des Champs-Elysees, Paris, is full of tourists streaming along the sidewalks. The sun casts long shadows of skyscrapers on the road, forming an interlace of beautiful images for a warm spring evening.

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The impressive promenade stretches from the Place de la Concorde to the Place Charles de Gaulle, the site of the Arc de Triomphe. At its western end, the Champs-Elysées is encircled by cinemas, theatres, cafés and luxury shops; each of them buzzing with activities. Near the Place de la Concorde, the street is surrounded by the Jardins des Champs-Elysées. This beautifully arranged garden has fountains and some grand buildings including the Grand and Petit Palais at the southern side, and the Elysée at its northern side, which has been the residence of the French Presidents since 1873. The noise from the bars and restaurants creates an impression that some kind of

View from the top of Arc de Triomphe

celebration is in the air. The wining and dining depicts what the avenue is known for --- celebrations. This site is where Parisians celebrate New Year’s Eve and where the military parades are held every 14th of July. Historic national events, like the Liberation at the end of the second World War or the soccer World Cup victory are also celebrated on this broad avenue. In the 16th century, this area was nothing but fields outside the centre of Paris. However, in 1616 Marie de Medicis decided to create a long tree-lined path going east from the Tuileries. The route was redesigned in 1667 by renowned landscape designer André Le Nôtre, as an extension of the Jardins des

Tuileries. The boulevard, now called Grande Allée du Roule or Grand-Cours has become a fashionable place but still isolated from the city with few buildings surrounding the area. Twenty-seven years later, the street was renamed Champs-Elysées (derived from Greek mythology) or Elysian Fields in English. A tour guide explains that in 1724 the Champs-Elysées was extended all the way to l’Etoile, the site of the Arc de Triomphe. Its current form took shape in 1838 when French architect Ignaz Hittorf - who was redesigning the Place de la Concorde created the Jardins des Champs-Elysées. He also installed sidewalks, gas lamps and fountains. The Champs-Elysées started to

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attract more and more restaurants and hotels, especially after 1900 when the Paris metro line reached the Etoile station. “The current redesign of the prestigious avenue was done in 1994 by Bernard Huet, a French architect. The side lanes were converted into pedestrian zones, an underground parking lot was created and new trees were planted. Cars now only occupy half the width of this grand avenue,” the guide explains. After walking a few metres, we arrived at Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris. It is situated between the Tuileries and Champs-Elysées. A large statue of king Louis XV adorns the large space. The statue, I understand was erected at the site to celebrate the recovery of the king after a serious illness. The statue was built by architect Jacques-Ange Gabriel in 1772. An Obelisk is also located in the square. The 3200 years old obelisk from the temple of Ramses II at Thebes was installed at the

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centre of the Place de la Concorde. The 75 feet structure was offered by the Viceroy of Egypt to Louis Philippe in1831. It is called ‘L’aiguille de Cléopâtre meaning Cleopatra’s Needle and is covered with hieroglyphs picturing the reign of pharaohs. Overlooking the Cleopatra’s Needle is the Fontaine des Mers. Its design is breathtaking and almost everyone wants their pictures taken in front of it. After touring the long avenue, I was exhausted yet something inside me longed for more. Paris is a city to visit at least once in a lifetime. It is unique in its style and the restaurants with tents overhead are a treat to watch and relax in. You will definitely fall in love with the city with its charm and romantic feeling. There is certainly romance in the air of this famous city. I was not disappointed by Paris’ claim that it owns some of the world’s most famous attractions. This beautiful city surely has something to offer the world.

Travel & Culture

You are what you wear.

naija Man

www.naijaclothing.com

Restaurants in Lagos

Bungalow Restaurant

Oceanview Restaurants

Type: International Address AkinAdesola off Adeola Odeku, Tel: 01 2610235 www.bungalowrestaurant.com Price of Menu: Between N1,000-N5,000 email: [email protected]

Type: International Address: Adetokunbo Ademola Street

Pearl Garden

Pearl Garden Restaurant 10A Tiamiyu Savage Street. Victoria Island, Lagos 14/15 Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Kingsway Road Ikoyi, Lagos. 7, Aboyade Cole Street.V/I

Type: Chinese Address 10A, Tiamiyu Savage Street Tel. 01 2708889

Flamingo MultiComplex Restaurant Restaurant complex with different possibilities. Type: general Address: 10 Kofo Abayomi Street,Victoria Island, Tel: 234-1-2622225, 234-1-612211 Price of Menu: $20 per head

Pizza Garden Type: Italian Address: Eko Hotel

Jade Garden Restaurant 60, Isaac John Street GRA, Ikeja Lagos

New Koreana Restaurant, 113 Awolowo rd. Ikoyi

Prime Chinese Restaurant Piccolomondo Restaurant Type: African and International Tel: 017927922 www.piccolomondorestaurant.com Address: 19B, Plot 975, Idejo Street, Off Adeola Odeku Street Price of Menu: N700 - N3500

21 Orosa St. Victoria Island.

Terra Kulture’s Restaurant, 376 Tiamiyu Savage St. Victoria Island

Reeds Restaurant Type: Thai Saipan Type: Chinese Oju Olugbon Street.Victoria Island, Lagos.

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Travel & Culture

trademarks of the Eyo festival; explains Tajudeen Onigemo, the Onigemo of Lagos in a television interview. “The chants are like prayers to the ancestors. They are almost similar. Each chanter learns as much as his memory allows him and leaves the remaining to others. The Eyo festival is a kind of spiritual rejuvenation of the people of Lagos,” he says. Onigemo also adds that part of the tutoring includes learning how to manoeuvre the long flowing white regalia called Aropale made of poplin material running into 10 yards per mask.

Eyo Festival

The origin of the Eyo Festival is still shrouded

a beehive of activities this sunny Friday morning in April. Women in uniform Iro and Buba, Yoruba traditional attire, are energetically beating big local drums while some others dance to the rhythm of the drums. It’s some hours before the set date for the Eyo festival, and this area remains quite impassable, as there are thousands of people milling around the Oba’s palace in preparation for the D-Day. Everyone including the tailors, who design the beautiful Eyo regalia, are doing last minute preparations which the owners would wear the following day. This kind of unusual preparation is expected for a festival that does not hold annually.

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There are different categories of Eyo explains Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, chairman Eyo Agere in a television interview. “The top four are Eyo Adimu, Eyo Laba Ekun, Eyo Oniko and Eyo Agere. The members of the Eyo Adimu belong to the matured group, those who hold very important positions in the society.”

“The chants are like prayers to the ancestors”

More Than a Spiritual Rejuvenation

Iga Iduganran Street on Lagos Island is

most of the spectators, it’s not about the spiritual cleansing. It’s about the awesome acrobatic display of the different kinds of Eyo who are robed in beautiful regalia. It’s also about the beauty of colourful insignia associated with the Eyo festival.

Therefore, whenever the Eyo festival is to be staged, it means the good conducts of a prominent son or daughter of Lagos is being celebrated or a well-known personality is visiting Lagos, the centre of excellence. Historians observe that the Eyo festival was not held for 21 years and there was a time it took place three times in one year. It took place three, four, five times in 1903, 1909 and 1906 respectively. This explains why the preparations that led to the grand celebration of the Eyo festival this year is rooted in an age-long tradition. This morning, all the participating Iga otherwise called families are at work. Each Iga has been through some kind of tutoring and screening on how to chant the Aro, a special chant for the festival. Chants are some of the essential

in controversy and there are many accounts as to its origin. The most popular of these accounts says Eyo festival is brought into Lagos from Ibefun, a village in Ogun state, south-western Nigeria while there is yet another account that traces its beginning to the primordial Benin Kingdom. Regardless of the controversy, Eyo Festival today has become a preserve of Lagosians. D-day: Saturday, 25th of April, 2009 Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos Island is packed full of people from different parts of the country and beyond. Vendors of souvenirs and art works litter almost every corner of the large arena while those who cannot afford to pay for the stand hawk their wares at the entrance of the square. Both old and young, male and female throng the TBS to catch a glimpse of the most publicised Eyo Festival in years. In the early hours of the morning, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, led by the Abore was at the Ojubo Egungun Oba Addo to pour libation to the gods and seek for spiritual cleansing for the people. But for

The members of the Eyo Adimu wear black hats with a symbol of a star and crescent engraved on it, a sign that they are superior to the rest. It is regarded as the first born more like the first among the equals. “It takes the lead in virtually all the activities of the festival. The most notable is the public parade of the staff which signals for all preparations to begin. Since the festival takes place on Saturday, the Adimus usually go to town the preceding Sunday,” he adds. Going to town means they pay visits to the residences of a select few like the state governor. Once prayers are offered, the procession goes back to its base. The other four Igas: Laba Ekun, Oniko, Ologede and Agere then go on the street in that order. The Laba Ekun, explains a spectator is the group that challenges the Eyo Adimu. “They are like the State Security Service for the whole masquerade. They are very flamboyant and could be really oppressive,” he observes. In deed, the Laba Ekun are quite flamboyant as their red hats on white frock dazzled in a way that dominated the minds on onlookers.

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Travel & Culture

The cultural ball of the year By Lola Ogunbadejo

University life isn’t just about studying.

Although the primary function of a university is for learning, it stimulates the social façade. It’s a place to relax, have fun and enjoy life. The University of Nottingham, United Kingdom (UoN), is a classic example of an institution that does just that. It provides some of the best shows and events for students. Being one of the biggest universities in the UK, the UoN has numerous societies headed by students to ensure they have active and enjoyable lives

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outside of books and exams. One of such societies is the Afro Caribbean society, which is specifically aimed at students of African or Caribbean origin. Last June, a well acclaimed event was held at the university ---- the Afro-Caribbean society had its annual cultural ball. It was the talk of the town, literally, with many people from different parts of the UK attending. The celebration of cultures, the infusion of traditions and the collaboration of national identities made the night one to remember. More than a hundred students watched over seven artistes showcase their talents. There were singers, dancers and musicians who displayed riveting performances all night long. The performance by Peridot, a break dance group of Britain’s Got Talent 2009 fame, was astonishing. The audience was captivated by its explosive body movements.

Also, up coming singer, Shamiso Mathema, sang the classic and beautiful song, Kissing You by Desiree. Her performance was superb. Likewise, Eddie Kadi, an awardwinning comedian in the UK, who hosted the show was vibrant and extremely entertaining. He also entertained us with his iconic humorous songs and show stopping dance moves. What would a ball be like without food, you’d ask? The cuisine, which consisted of African and Caribbean dishes, was served with Supermalt, a common malt drink. The food was a combination of jollof and fried rice, served with plantain, goat meat, and chicken. Of course, meat-pie was not missing on the menu list. This fabulous cuisine was enjoyed by those new to exotic flavour.

The highlight of the evening for me, was the humanitarian service of the black community that donated blood and bone marrows. It is important because there is currently a serious lack of blood and bone marrow donation. It was moving to reflect on the statistic that black people with leukaemia have 1 in 250,000 chance to find a suitable match for a bone marrow transplant. This moved most of us to make a decision to help this number decrease. We were not just entertained but we also learnt we could make a difference in society. For me, that was what really matters. Need I say the event was a success? The celebration of African and Caribbean culture is something that should occur more often and on a larger scale. I hope it will as I look forward to the next one.

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Travel & Culture

expressway from Sanya Bus Stop to Mile 2. The five minute journey now takes over three hours. One of the Lagos’ highways, the ApapaOshodi Expressway which connects the Murtala Muhammed International Airport with two of the nation’s busiest seaports, Apapa Quays and Tin Can Island Port has failed at several locations. The worst spots are on Tin Can Island itself, Coconut Bus-stop to Sunrise, at Berger, and at the turn-off to Lagos-Badagry Expressway at Mile 2, where motorists paddle their vehicles through flood waters. Other failed sections are at Rainbow Bus Stop, stretching forth towards Sanya Bus stop for several hundred metres. This spot has particularly worsened the agonies of motorists in the last few days, with traffic backing up for many kilometres and throughout the day. It’s mid-day. Ligali Ayorinde, a street on Victoria Island, is completely overtaken by water on a cloudy afternoon in July. It’s just one of the many streets of Victoria Island that is usually flooded whenever it rains. Residents of the area have to wade through the large pool of water to work in their cars or on foot.

Lagos:

A city trapped in flood By ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

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“My car broke down on this spot last week,” laments Dare Ogunbiyi,” a resident of Dideolu Estate, Victoria Island. “It costs me a fortune to have it fixed. It’s really sad that I have to pass through this body of water to get to work.” Since last June, Lagos has been paralysed by intractable traffic snarl-up, worsened by heavy downpour witnessed in the last few weeks. Vehicles wade through the flooded Apapa-Oshodi

“It’s been raining continuously for more than two weeks now,” says Caroline Asiegwu, a resident of Sanya. “It’s sad that we should experience this kind of flood since the state government is starting its megacity dream some parts of the state. Something should be done about the poor drainage system.”

road have also continued to increase in size as the flood washes off most parts of the road. Hence only trailers and heavy trucks with big tyres and axles could afford to wade through the road and it takes them over six hours or more to go through the distance of about one kilometre. The effect of the flood however has taken a toll on businesses along the axis as many shop owners have to close down. Some of the shops have been covered by flood forcing the owners take off for fear of getting infected in the dirty water. Some banks on Oshodi/Apapa expressway have also been adversely affected by the flood as customers stayed away. An anonymous banker with one of the new generation banks says customers hardly visit them since the downpour started as most of them were scared of falling inside the flood. He also explains only those who could not keep their money in their safes dared the flood for fear of being visited by robbers. “It was not easy, we almost lost one of our staff yesterday who fell into the drainage unknowingly because the drainage was covered by flood,” he says.

Some roads in Lagos have become notorious for ghastly motor accidents for unsuspecting motorists who speed into the craters at night. This has also led to bad traffic logjams as the heavy downpour enters its second month.

However, most motorists now use alternative routes around the area to avoid the flood on the expressway. Some motorists say these alternative roads are not better than the expressway but the only difference is that they are not flooded like the expressway.

With the increasing flood, most areas in the metropolis have become a no-go areas for small cars and buses which could not wade through the flood. Even the failed parts of the

With the untold hardship being suffered by commuters and motorists, Lagosians are complaining the Federal Government is not doing anything to salvage the situation.

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Fashion & Lifestyle

MOMO ‘WOWS’ AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

“Tuesday brought together some irresistible fashion elements – Jourdan Dunn, Alek Wek and one of Africa’s most talked about design talents – to make the show one of the most intriguing of the day.” VOGUE.COM

Momo exceeded all expections as it sent

some of the world’s top models sashaying down the catwalk to launch its Autumn/ Winter 2009 collection at London Fashion Week. As the only African label to show, all eyes were on Designer Fati Asibelua – and she didn’t disappoint. With the venue over-flowing with press, buyers and fans of the label, we were wowed by beautiful pixelated animal prints, oversized painted knits, futuristic suiting, and ultra stylish dresses, all topped off with incredible architecturally designed head dresses and slick black latex leggings.

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Already a huge fan of Momo, supermodel Alek Wek was joined by models of the moment Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman and Karlie Kloss to create an amazing show to remember which merged old world African influences with new world technology. Judging by the reaction, her first London show is sure to catapult Fati Asibelua onto the international stage. Watch this space!

“Momo, a timeless luxury label by Fati Asibelua showed the most delish show today called The Mosaic of Africa….I want EVERY piece of this collection!!! The organic textures & prints, timeless cuts, hi tech latex head & legwear was lust inducing. It was ‘out of Africa’ meets ‘urban traveller’.” Thehouseofstyle.com

“This collection

had us wishing for more.” Urbanjunkies.com

Momo, a timeless luxury label by

Fati Asibelua

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Fashion & Lifestyle

THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR Without a silver spoon Uche Nnaji of OUCH Couture on the success of his label

T

here are many Nigerian youths that are living their dreams in Nigeria and they are getting huge financial returns for doing what they love. I believe you don’t have to live abroad to be successful. Success lies within the individual. Some people may not realise that the streets of Nigeria are full of business opportunities; the problem is most young people are in a hurry, they don’t want to work for their success or watch their dream grow. OUCH Couture formally took off some 30 months ago from a small 19-square-metre outlet at Maryland, Lagos, Nigeria and within 24 months it expanded into a 45-squaremetre outlet in the same location. It started like a joke back then at the University of Lagos when my classmates used to negotiate for my shirts. They made me realise there was something more to me than just wearing good clothes. One day, I decided to go to a local market with the little money I had. I began my business with just about N2,500. That was the first capital I used to buy ties from the market, which I resold. This experience underlies the vision and the philosophy behind the OUCH label. OUCH is an expression hence our brand consultant company, Avenue3 Media, decided to tie the label to the ideology that there are no two expressions that are same. I believe style is an individual thing, therefore, OUCH tries to help its OUCHaholics (for so are the label’s addicts called) achieve that individuality. 22

I was born into a family of seven kids. I am the fifth kid and the second male. Growing up was really challenging and at the same time interesting. However, as a child who was born without a silver spoon, I was determined very early to live a better life. The business environment in which I operate is not so favourable. For instance, the last tanker drivers’ strike contributed in no little measure to the cost of transporting raw materials, which also made it almost impossible to fuel the generating set I use in running the outfit. Of course, getting loans from banks could be really tough. Getting a long term loan to finance the business for expansion has not been easy but I have never been deterred by that. I’ve always focused on my goals. I strongly believe there is no problem that is insurmountable. It takes courage to succeed as an entrepreneur. Success in business requires a lot of strategy. One of the strategies I have employed is to venture into new markets because my vision is not only to cater for the need of the Nigerian

market. I am trying to build Nigeria’s first global fashion and style retail brand. That is the vision. Therefore, we create beautiful pieces that will suit an individual regardless of race, colour or class. I also discovered that Nigerians are crazy about foreign labels. Hence I decided to provide affordable clothing that will compete with foreign labels. There are other local labels doing very well too. What the owners of foreign labels understand very well more than us is the business angle to fashion. Building a global fashion label differs in every country both economically and socially. For instance, a middle class person in Nigeria may not be classified as middle class in Spain or Japan, when the currency is converted. To be successful as a business person, research is important. My findings have further strengthened my vision to provide nice stylish clothing for humanity regardless of race. People often ask me why I don’t produce in Nigeria. Our country doesn’t have the technology required to produce some of these

Age: 30 School Attended: University of Lagos Course: Political Science

The secret behind my success: God and him alone

Greatest fear: Not being all that God has given me the ability and grace to be for my generation

Favourite colour: White, red, orange, purple among others

Style sense: It is simply OUCH (VINTAGE-CLASSIC) Award: Future Awards Style Entrepreneur, 2008 Nickname: The Igwe of Style

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items to meet global standard. Recently, I toured one of the factories I work with in Europe when I was shown a laser machine that they newly acquired. The machine’s worth over $2m and it cuts several volumes of material in a speed of light. This kind of technology is lacking in Nigeria. Nigerians must understand that the business of fashion in the 21st century has gone beyond depending on local manufacturers. The European government is not against the likes of Ralph Lauren, Zara, Nike or other established fashion brand for producing in countries other than their countries of origin. What most people don’t know is some of these brands are made in the United States, Spain,Vietnam, China, Peru, Bolivia, and Turkey.

Globally, the practice is for designers to look for factories in countries that will give them the best deal on a particular item. A good example is the OUCH Couture badge. OUCH Couture is the only fashion label in Nigeria, right now, that has its own badge made from the same factories that make for the best in the world. My clients can put the badge side-by-side with any brand in the world and they cannot tell the difference in terms of quality. It’s because I use the same manufacturers who produce for well known brands. By producing abroad, I am just doing business the global way. Future plans could be really scary when I recall what I have been through in the past few months. Hence, I have stopped talking about future plans. All I just do is allow tomorrow take its course. I want tomorrow to unfold new surprises.

“I want tomorrow to unfold new surprises”

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NaijaConnects.com Internet Phone Did you know you can use the Internet to make free to cheap international and national telephone calls. This is all possible through the revolutionary Voice Over IP technology. NaijaConnects.com utilises this technology, together with its powerful set of applications to offer members telephony services through their internet connection. All you need is a Laptop or PC, a microphone and some speakers and away you go! Calls to other members on Naijaconnects are absolutely free, whilst calls to fixed lines and mobiles are very cheap. Join the Revolution now. Tell friends and family and start connecting. NaijaConnects.com “Now we’re talking”

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Fashion & Lifestyle

in her discovering her calling---- designing jewellery, working with rare and exotic gemstones. Her one-of-a-kind pieces are handmade with exquisite attention to detail using age-long techniques. They are modern and feminine, yet reminiscent of time past. The journey for Bola has been a short and interesting one. In 2006, Bola and her partner and sister, Jumoke Allison, opened their flagship store, BOLA|3, to further showcase their award winning one-of-akind jewellery designs. BOLA|3, could be described as a brand that has changed the landscape of fine jewellery market in Nigeria. Hence as soon as it was launched, the national and international fashion community quickly embraced Bola’s iconic 18k gold designs and beautiful palette colour pieces. As a student in England and the United States, Bola was drawn to the study of Ancient Rome and Africa. She came across stories which later inspired her jewellery collections. In November 2006, Allison was awarded the Best Accessory Designer, Jewellery by City People magazine.

The Shop

BOLA 3 A glittering bead store located at the second entrance of the Palms shopping mall, Lekki, Lagos Nigeria, remains noticeable even to an infrequent visitor to the Palms. Coral beads and pearls of different colours adorn

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Her pieces are made of precious and semiprecious stones, though the only metals visible on them are gold and platinum and most of them are named after Bola’s friends and family. “All my works are original pieces and I don’t copy anybody. It’s for this reason there’s a guarantee on my work; your money would be refunded if you see the same piece on someone else,” she adds. Anyone who collects rare pieces or desires to have a deep knowledge of precious stones would not make a mistake stopping by at BOLA|3 as the store boasts of rare coral beads and other precious stones. Her creations are in galleries and fine jewellers’ stores in the United States.

A perfectionist, she wears each piece long enough to test its comfort and practicality before it is put into production. Bola Allison’s inspiration comes from all forms of art and life. From nature to ancient Rome, each collection reflects a distinct aesthetic.

More than a name How bold are we when it comes to fashion?

product of the imagination. They are oneof-a-kind pieces. “I don’t ever make two pieces, says Bola Allison, the store’s managing director, that are the same and they are all hand-made.”

transparent showcases. Conspicuously displayed in front of the store is the name BOLA|3, one that is known for quality beads for the discerning woman. A casual visit paid by Bola Allison to a bead shop in Washington, DC in 2004 resulted

BOLA|3 releases one signature collection every year and new designs on a continual basis. And so, the inspiration of her Fall 2007 collection is evident in the name, Clusters. Most of the pieces in BOLA|3could be described as master pieces that are truly a

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Fashion & Lifestyle

My Bohemian

style

Nikky Khiran, designer

all. My mum had the biggest influence on my style. She was extremely fashionable, an all-rounder, she was what the bible described as a prudent woman. However, there are some international designers whose works I admire. Designers like Elie Saab, a Lebanese. I love his work for its greatness. He does exotic evening wears, his works are purely evening wears.

by: Yinka Oyekunle

M

y style is what I describe as bohemian chic. I’m a very eclectic person, I’m very artistic hence I like my clothes to be very glamorous and sophisticated. I don’t allow them to be too loud but just simple. I don’t like any material that is too serious. Thus, I create that extra by mixing the fabrics, texture and colours. What makes an outfit mine is the way I put the fabrics together. Some women like shoes, some like bags; while some like jewellery, others like clothes. t But as a designer, I’m more concerned about the outfit. My outfit comes first and every other thing follow. Also, what makes an outfit mine is the way I carry my body so it’s basically an individualistic thing. My style is also a mood thing. When I’m working, I’m extremely casual because I want comfort. I wear my pants or jeans, and T-shirt. I have a wardrobe full of clothes, any moment I feel like dressing up, I open my wardrobe and do just that. Whatever mood catches me, I follow it. I don’t really have a style icon. My style is very distinctive. I could look at a woman and say ‘wow, she looks great,’ and that is

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I like Christian Lacroix. He is artsy and mixes fabrics very well. I love the way he cuts his fabrics and I find it very appealing. Also, Valentino for his occasional and evening wears, and Givenchy. These are some of the designers that I admire their works but I can’t say I have a style icon. In addition, I admire some Nigerian women for their style. Of course, Oprah Winfrey for her style. Her style has been wonderful over the years and it keeps getting better and better every day. Nigerian women have always been very fashion-conscious. Even abroad, when Nigerians come to town, you see them in the shops or tube stations, you know which ones are Nigerians. They are probably the most fashionable in Africa. Nigerian women like to look good and they make a lot of effort to look good. I also like beads. I like chunky beads, precious stones in addition to my casual layer skirts, t-shirts and my Louis Vuitton and Fendi bag. Basically, I don’t have a particular fashion item. I’m not a logo freak, if I see something I like, I just go for it, I don’t follow a particular brand. Besides, I wear more of my designs, I wear my own brand, Nikky Khiran. But whatever I choose to wear, I always try to be comfortable in it. My most prized fashion items are my perfume and body products. I like my bath

oil, body scrub, perfume and clothes. What I do every evening is to put on my body oil, body scrub, body lotion and take a nice shower. I’m not really a party person but each time I go out, I make sure that I’m good. But body products are things I use everyday so these are the things I could say are my most priced items.

“My most prized fashion items are my perfume and body products.”

For fabrics, I love a lot of silk. They inspire me. I like different types of silk like Cupion and soft silk plus French Laces with lots of different sorts of fabrics. Only in recent times did I start working with Adire, a local fabric. I don’t like working with Ankara because I am not inspired by it. I find the print on it too big and busy hence I prefer Adire because it is a little more versatile and abstract. But I usually end up mixing it with western fabrics. This explains why my style is more western. I have been influenced more by western designs and creative ideology because I grew up abroad. Yet I still try to make clothes that have African influence. These are the sort of clothes I go for. Drapy fluid fabrics are also my favourite. I design for women who have good taste and who like good quality clothing. Women who want something different and clothes that have a perfect fit. Hence I design for a few celebrities. My unique selling point is that when it comes to finishing, I am very serious about quality control. I do a personal supervision of what goes out of my shop. Its the quality of the product that I give to people that keeps them coming back. My favourite colour is brown, bronzes and gold. But I also like bright colours. Image: google.com

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Money

Should you buy stocks now? by: Kweku Brown Kweku Brown, financial analyst

A

re the bulls really back in the Nigerian stock market? In the last few weeks, the market has seen a strong rebound and investors are now wondering if they should start buying stocks again. Are we seeing a market rally that will be sustained or will the bearish trend that has characterised the market in the last eighteen months resurface soon? To answer these questions, investors need to ask more questions that will determine if they should start buying shares again.

Did the market bottom out before the current rally? The banking sector took the biggest hit in the market down turn, where average prices dropped as low as 60 percent. However, driven by a series of good financial results, dividend and bonus announcements, most of the stocks in the sector have seen a

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steep rebound in their share prices. For example, Zenith Bank has seen its share price appreciate by more than 60 percent in May following the announcement of an impressive mid-term result and bonus issue of one share for every two held by investors. Almost all listed banks saw an appreciable improvement in their share prices in May. The banking sector rally was primarily responsible for the steep rise in the all share index since banks control more than 60 percent of the Nigerian Stock market capitalisation. The rise in share prices in the banking sector has helped muster positive sentiment for other sectors of the capital market. Will this rally be sustained beyond the second quarter earnings season? This is doubtful. The earnings season is expected to wear off with intensive profit

making by speculators, who took position ahead of the earnings season and loss cutting from investors, that have been hard hit by the steep drop in the market. This has dampened the current upbeat in the market since June when the earnings season was over. The race by banks to boost their balance sheet position towards the end of the year following the common year requirement for Nigerian banks will ensure tightened liquidity and most likely squeeze life out of a sustained market rebound. So if you are a speculator, and looking for some cheap bargains in stocks, perhaps hold on to your money and shop for some bargain stocks after June. However, those hit hard by the market down turn will have to sell now as the chances of selling at a good bargain after June is slim. Crude oil prices may up the stakes Analysts have traced a positive correlation between the direction of crude oil prices in the international market and share prices on the Nigerian stock market. The higher the price of crude oil in the international market, the bullish the Nigerian stock market. With crude oil prices looking up for the rest of the year, with the Economist magazine forecasting it to stay above $50 compared to the budget benchmark of $45, there is the feeling that the market may turn bullish. The credibility of this argument arises from the fact that Nigeria’s economy is 90 percent dependent on crude for its foreign exchange earnings and subsequent government financing. Based on this argument, long term investors may need not wait till the second half of the year to take a position in the market. They have to take their positions now to maximize their returns. Those hard hit by the market however, can hold on to

their shares and sell later in the year when prices will be significantly higher. Are you a long term investor? If you are a long term investor, you can conveniently ignore all the above arguments and start buying stocks now. With most stocks still significantly selling at a discount to their boom prices, there may be no other better time to get into the market than now especially if your investment horizon is more than ten years. The market will rebound sooner or later. There is another bullish run in the making and the best time to position for such a bullish run is now when everyone is afraid and cautious. A research done in the United States shows that between 1926 and 2008, the percentage of times that investors lost money in the capital market over a 20 year period was zero percent while the percentage of time investors made an annual return of 10 percent over the same period is 69 percent.

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Money

My Lagos Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN

I grew up in a Lagos that was clean, safe

warm and friendly. A huge contrast to what Lagos is today. Although at the time, Lagos was regarded as a village. I will always say that the same Lagos that was called a village at the time gave birth to the current society. What I found most fascinating about the Lagos I used to know was the fact that there was no social stratification. There was no rich or poor in the city I grew up in as a child. It was a communal kind of living. Everyone was the same. I was not brought up in a privileged background. It was not rough and difficult as some people would describe it. My upbringing was neither privileged nor rough or difficult. It was just a conducive environment that some people could not have. At the time, I was satisfied with all I had.

It’s saddening that the city I used to adore has gone chaotic and it is no longer favourable to my childhood ambition given its current disorder that comes with the debris of poverty, leadership and insolvency of people, ideas and dreams. It’s a shame, really. However there is hope. In spite of its current hectic nature, I still adore Lagos. I like it for its pulsating energy, enterprise, diversity and the people. These days, I dislike Lagos for its disorderliness, chaos, too much taxation which is carefully disguised. Lack of power supply, bad water, dirty environment, bad roads and a general lack of modern infrastructure put me off. I am still nostalgic about the Lagos of my days. I relax at the waterways because I love the

“There was no rich or poor in the city I grew up in as a child.” Although I reside in Lagos, I am proud to be an indigene of Isara, Ode Remo, Ogun State. I studied law at Havard Law School and Selwyn College, Cambridge University hence I am qualified to practice law in Nigeria, England and Wales. I am currently the managing partner of Olaniwun Ajayi LP. I could recall that in those days, there was a balance between the middle and working classes. One could not tell the difference. There were decent middle class people as much as there were decent working class group. All classes had good lives. As a young adult, I had a boisterous nightlife. It was very interesting, a period I hanged out with friends. Although I would not like to go into details but I would say again I had an interesting nightlife.

serenity. The sight of the water calms the nerves. A good way to relax for me. It is therapeutic. Although I love the waterways, I still love to spend my weekends resting at home. And I truly enjoy home cooking. I don’t have any favourite restaurant neither do I have any favourite bar or club because I am not a night charger. I spend a typical evening after work unwinding. In the near future for Lagos, I hope to see a clean modern and orderly Lagos. I am fondly called Konyin by close contemporaries. I have written and cowritten over 120 legal papers under various heads of commercial law, focusing largely on project finance and on the Nigerian and international capital markets. Text by Derin Adefulu

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Careers and Development

Ripples are generated when

interference is introduced on the surface of a liquid. A typical example is when a drop of water escapes a dripping tap into a container of water creating ripples which grow in sizes as they travel to the end of the container. It is usually said of some world powers that when they sneeze, the rest of the world catches a cold. This statement cannot be truer in the case of global financial meltdown that started in the United States and is now being experienced in virtually all the continents of the world with large corporations in various sectors of world economies cutting thousands of jobs and repatriating funds simply to reduce operational costs. In Nigeria, it became a debate within government and among public officers as to whether the economy was actually insulated from the credit crunch that hit the developed nations of the world. Conflicting statements were issued to the press on the subject and with the passage of time, those who made the statements denied them or claimed to have been misunderstood or that their statements were misconstrued. In any case, the billion Naira question is not whether or not

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Nigeria’s economy is insulated from the global financial meltdown but ‘is Nigeria prepared to handle the effects of ripples that are generated by the meltdown?’ Another question is ‘what is the fate of the Nigerian recruitment industry in the wake of this international crisis?’ ‘Will the industry be able to meet the demand for work/employment that will be borne out of these ripples?’ It is a known fact that information is the backbone of the 21st century, the industrialization of the 19th century and the technological reforms of the 20th century. Nigerian firms now embrace global thinking in their organizational/business strategies. Gone are the limiting visions of capturing only the local market to establish brands. In addition to this, is the adoption of global standards for increased profitability. This shift in paradigm has widened the gap between talent need and availability. Not only that, the Nigerian skill pool has now been stratified such that each stratum is distinct and can be easily distinguished from the other. This ‘segregation’ as some call it, is a function of the ills of an educational sector of the economy that continues to churn out half baked graduates owing to a number of factors such as obsolete syllabuses that have remained unchanged since the 1960s and ‘70s, the period of inception of some of these institutions. Is it expected that these graduates will be ranked alongside those from foreign institutions with state-of-the-art teaching aids? For instance, holding a masters degree from Nigerian universities, especially federal institutions like the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Lagos

(UNILAG) or University of Ibadan (UI) and University Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) used to be prestigious, but nowadays, every other graduate holds a masters degree from Nigerian Universities. What value do these degrees hold? Do they guarantee that the holders are good at what they do? Definitely not! Global organizations or globally focused firms now adopt complicated recruitment processes structured basically to identify ‘recruitment errors’ before they slip into the organizations’ system and become viruses that destroy their financial or cultural health. This development has been informed by the existence of a mixed lot comprising mediocre graduates and uninformed workforce which form a majority of the working class in Nigeria. Talent search and management is no longer left to just Human Resources (HR) but now involves the buy-in of the organizations’ management and line managers who were not previously perceived as stake holders. Recruitment specialists/consultants now have a more difficult task and require a special skills-set in recruitment that will give the edge to employers who seek to attract and retain the right talent. Recruitment agencies have now developed voracious appetite for filling their skill pool with high fliers who also possess the right attitude in order to satisfy the endless demand made on it as a result of stiff competition existing among organisations, both indigenous and foreign, in the different sectors of the economy.

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Careers and Development

The influx of repatriates into the country, which had started long before the global crisis began, has been steadily on the increase. Among these numbers of repatriates are skilled executives who have had exposure at international levels, familiar with global standards and can be considered as best fits for today’s jobs.

repatriates are returning to the country as a result of loss of jobs (worsened by the global financial crisis) and increased difficulties associated with living in foreign countries such as payment of heavy taxes etc. Hence, the recruitment industry has been hit with several of these needs from the both employers and jobseekers.

The basis of the return of this group of people to the motherland was on the one hand because of the emerging markets in Nigeria which provided rewarding opportunities to technocrats that had the global finesse required by the new and reengineered organisations with global strategic objectives towards securing global markets. A good example can be seen in the Nigerian

Looking in to the near future, it should be expected that with the current effects of the financial meltdown reaching Nigeria through the reduction in the value of crude oil in the international market, the nation’s sole source of revenue; and anticipated reduction in demand for the product (especially by the US since the declaration of President Barrack Obama to explore other sources of energy), will be felt in all sectors of the economy which may result in cutting of jobs and salaries.

“There may be a continued gap in the quality of employable jobseekers” banking sector which after the 2005 recapitalisation exercise that narrowed down the number of commercial banks to 25 (at the time but is now 20 through mergers and acquisitions) and brought about a highly competitive race for deposits, investment strategies as well as a need to establish international presence in the major cities of developed countries of the world. With these developments also rose the need for experienced and exceptional talents with the right amount of exposure to manage the banks’ interest in foreign economies. On the other hand, in recent times many

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The skill pool that will be available to the Nigerian recruitment industry will be a more enlightened and exposed mix. There may be a continued gap in the quality of employable jobseekers within the pool. The expectations of employers and business owners of recruitment consultants would be to undertake more difficult tasks of sifting the best fits from a large mass of the talent pool. In conclusion, the ripple effects of the global financial meltdown has made it imperative for job holders to take on the responsibility of self development as competition in the recruitment industry will not only increase between employers to hire and retain only the best, but also manifest itself between the underperforming employee and a highly skilled one in acquiring or retaining a job.

Model Reader Name: Tobi Ibukun ‘Ibk’ Jaiyeola Education Background: Queens College Yaba, Lagos, Major - Integrated Marketing and Communications Minor - Multimedia

Although reserved in character, Ibukun

discovered her leadership abilities from her days in secondary school with responsibilities ranging from class captain to holding executive positions in school committees. After graduating from secondary school, Ibukun filled internship positions in places like; Junior Achievement Nigeria, Alder Consulting Ltd. It was while at Junior Achievement Nigeria that Ibukun conceptualized the idea of a youth camp to enhance teenager’s intellectual and social

development. The camp known as R-S-G “Ready, Set, Go” was later approved by the board after its first successful run. Also in JA Nigeria, Ibukun became a volunteer and a facilitator of the Junior Achievement Careers with a purpose program (CWAP). Here Ibukun interacted with students of schools around Lagos, informing them of the importance of setting goals and aims in terms of one’s future. Ibukun has also been involved with the UNILAG Junior Chambers International and has been recognized for her contributions to the group as a facilitator in two of its training programs. In the inauguration speech given by the current JCI Unilag president, Adenike Balogun, Ibukun was noted as being one of her personal influences. Ibukun’s influences can be linked to various divisions of social, educational and religious types. One of her favourite verses in the Bible is 1Timothy 4:12 - Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Perhaps this is why this young woman has not let the age factor hold her down. Currently on her school campus she is a peer-minister to young students, encouraging spiritual growth and accountability. She is also counsellor-in-training to victims of sexual assault as well as an executive board member of the black students association (BSA) of Pepperdine University, USA. Other projects: Creator, BOOST Xtian Youths Central Group Columnist, YADA Magazine Former TEENS group executive

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Entertainment

Michael Jackson: The man whose death shook the world

The world in mourning The whole world was thrown into mourning when the death of world renowned pop star, Michael Jackson was announced on June 25, 2009. Michael lived a very colourful life and during the 50 years he spent on earth, he made an unforgettable mark on the world’s music scene. Jackson, who had a history of health problems, had been due to stage 50 concerts at the O2 arena in London, beginning on 13 July, 2009. Concerns were raised last month when four of his planned comeback shows were postponed, but organisers insisted the dates had been moved due to the complexity of staging the show. Unfortunately, he never lived to see that day. Jackson thought this summer’s concerts would be his final curtain call. Between two worlds: The man Michael Jackson Mike was born a cute African-American

guy. Despite the current, sad stories about his lonely, sad childhood, Mike grew up surrounded by famous people and an adoring public. Mike gets his nose slightly narrowed and his eyebrows shaped. This was during his Thriller era. People did notice this facial change and commented on it. Some in the Black community made comments about him having a problem with his African-American looks and making his nose more like a Whiteman’s. In spite of the many controversies that marked his life, Michael Jackson had influenced many people through his music. Just as

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he touched so many others through his generous deeds. Michael often invited underprivileged children to his Neverland Ranch where they could forget about the outside world and their troubles and experience a part of childhood he never had. He also raised millions of dollars for countless charities and he had an empathy for children with special needs, those who were at risk or were sick and needed sunshine their lives. One of his biggest breakthroughs, and what he would be remembered for, started in 1983 when he continued to dominate the pop charts with the sensation of the moonwalk. That same year, Jackson helped to break racial barriers with videos such as Billie Jean, Beat It, and Thriller. However, for such an extraordinary and creative talent, he was not like anyone else. He once famously said, “I’m just like anyone, I cut and bleed. And I embarrass easily.” For many of Michael Jackson’s fans, the memorial service held for him at the Staple Centre, Los Angeles, was an event to remember. It was a celebration of the life, of a man, they adored. Many hearts were grieved as the mortal remains of the singer was carried to the stage in a $25,000 bronze casket covered with flowers. Michael Jackson was an entertainment phenomenon who lived a triumphant but troubled life. He was described as a dazzling performer who transcended barriers, transformed the music world and transfixed fans in every corner of the earth. However, the memorial service was not for just for

Michael Jackson as those closest to the legend gave the audience a glimpse of Michael Jackson, the man. In a solemn and tranquil service, the portrait they painted was of a human just as remarkable, making his loss doubly painful to bear for those who truly loved him. Quite instructive was what Brooke Shields’ eulogy for Michael Jackson. She recalled the wonderful moments she shared with him, from their early years. While speaking, she tried hard to fight back the tears streaming down her eyes. “I and Michael have been friends since I was thirteen, she said amidst sobs, we had a bond. Michael’s sensitivity was more than his talent.” Brooks made everyone know that most of the songs that made Michael’s fans stood in awe of him were not his favourite songs; the one he loved most was the song ‘smile’, which was later performed brilliantly by his brother Jermaine Jackson. The song was a parody of Jackson’s life itself. Did MJ’s title as King of Pop die with him? After Michael Jackson, there is a probability that his ‘King of Pop’ title didn’t die with him. He will still retain that honour among his multitude of fans the world over not just for his music but his personality. With Michael Jackson’s death, who becomes the new King of Pop? Is the question on the lips of almost every one. Although the title has always been associated with Michael Jackson, but who will step forward and become the top pop artist in the world? Lovers of Michael Jackson’s say his talent will probably never be matched in this century

“The first album paved the way”

Entertainment

because whenever he climbed on stage to perform, the atmosphere was almost surreal. An argument online says if anyone is going to be considered, it is Beyonce. While some people favoured Beyonce, some others argue in favour of Justin Timberlake because of his second album, FutureSex / LoveSounds, which was released in September 2006. It sold more than eight million copies around the world, placing three singles on the popularity chart of the United States. He also won four Grammy awards plus an Emmy Award.

Confessions became nine times platinum and sold 16 million copies. The first single was Yeah! Which he did in collaboration with Lil Jon and Ludacris, and was at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks while on Hot R & B / Hip-Hop Singles was five. To date, he has sold approximately 38 million albums worldwide and has won five Grammy Awards. Usher’s achievement is pretty impressive but then can he match the legacy that Michael Jackson left behind? Robbie Williams is another choice. With overall sales that reach 50 million including singles. With several awards, including 15 Brit Awards and three Ivor Novello.

Some people believe Beyonce qualifies as the next King or Queen of Pop because “She’s one of the top 10 black movie stars in Hollywood, she’s had three multi-platinum albums, she’s liked by black and white people, ” says an online report.

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Chris Brown is another choice for this coveted throne. Although he recently has problems with the U.S law. Chris has two successful singles Kiss Kiss with T-Pain and With You, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. He also launched a Deluxe Edition, titled The Forever Edition. The first single from it, Forever, was released in May 2008 and reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. It is said to have reached an exclusive worldwide multiplatinum. English singer-songwriter and instrumentalist, Chris Martin, is also likely top be the next King of Pop. Best known as the lead vocalist of the band Coldplay, he also happens to have a huge ego which is a must for any pop star. Wave making Usher may also be the next Pop King. Back in 2004, he released the most successful album to hit the street.

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He is considered one of the best voices among male artists on the planet. And he also doesn’t hold back any punches. Brian McKnight has also been seen as another King of Pop. Back in 1999, his Back At One album sold three million and has collaborated with music personalities of the like of Mase, Puff Daddy, Mary J. Blige, Vanessa Williams, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men or Quincy Jones. His latest album Ten, back in 2006 it got great reviews. During his career he has received 16 Grammy Awards nominations. However, music critics say the music business is different. What most of them look for in the next King of Pop is someone who actually changes things by his or her mere presence since that was the aura that distinguished Michael Jackson. Tributes to the King of Pop Michael did a fantastic job with this music. It’s a pity he didn’t live to do the tour billed to take place next month in the U.K. we must learn to appreciate his greatness regardless of the many controversies that surrounded his life. He was a great artist. Odia Ofeimun, Nigerian poet and literary critic My prayers go out to the Jackson family, and my heart goes out to his children. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world, and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world. I feel blessed to have performed with him several times and to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever.

Mariah Carey, American singer We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of, not only pop music, but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations. Justin Timberlake, Pop star I can’t stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever. My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. Madonna, Pop star I am so devastated by this terrible news. From the beginning of my career, he was my idol in show business. He was a genius and an incredible artist! I remember when I was growing up and watching him on TV, and all his videos. I had his poster on my wall, he was so amazing, his singing, his writing, his dancing. It’s unbelievable that he’s no longer with us. Celine Dion, singer Michael Jackson was my musical god. He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music, he can live The million naira night ADEDOYIN JOHNSON Babatunde Coker never new what laid ahead of him one fateful Saturday evening last July as he journeyed to the Indoor Sports Centre at the Ahmadu Bello stadium, Kaduna. It was the

Guaranty Trust Bank

Micheal Jackson The King of Pop

1958-2009

Contact:

London Subsidiary: Guaranty Trust Bank (UK) Ltd 62 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TF &: 0207 947 9700 Fax: 0207 947 9720 web: www.gtbankuk.com Head Office: Plural House, Plot 1669, Oyin Jolayemi Street Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria &: +234-1-700 48266 6328, 448 0000

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Etisalat and the One Million Dollar Dream Nigerian’s are already gripped by the unique and history-making event tagged the 9jillions promotion, which was recently launched by Etisalat Nigeria. And so, new and existing Etisalat subscribers have various ways to win $1,000,000.00 (One million dollars)! Arguably, the largest single prize draw in African history. Naijasounds (parent company of Naija Times) has collaborated with Etisalat in the launch of this innovative marketing concept. It is indeed an exciting time for Etisalat since at the mere cost of an Etisalat sim card, subscribers get the opportunity to win significant prizes, and one Nigerian will walk away with a cash prize that will change his/her generation. The concept developed and delivered by Naijasounds, together with its partners, for Etisalat is sure to delight the nation as Nigerians look forward to see who the first million dollar live game show winner will be in Africa! The competition commenced on Monday 8th June 2009 with the chance to win one of two phones every hour of the day, for ninety days -via the win a phone competition. Prospective entrants who recharge their Etisalat phone lines with =N=200 and text their states of residence and full names to the short code 5000, are automatically qualified with the opportunity to win either a Nokia 2680 Slide or Nokia 5130 Express Music.

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Participants who recharge their phones with =N=500 and above could win high-end phones like the Nokia E63, Nokia 6600 Slide, Sony Ericsson C902 or Samsung S8300. In a bid to simplify the process, Etisalat has stated that once an entrant has sent an SMS with his full names and state of residence, all subsequent entries should be submitted by simply texting the word ’ENTER‘ to 5000.

Second Chance Winners To reward diligent participants who do not win any of the available phones on the hour, the “Second Chance”provides the opportunity to win the One Million US Dollars through the One 9ja Million Dollar Game Shows which would be held at various regional events. Participants do not have to do anything beyond their regular attempts at the Win-a-Phone Competition. These participants will be selected by the 9jillion$ automated system and once selected, participants will be notified via SMS from Etisalat, with a winning code whilst entrants who do not win would also receive an SMS encouraging them to try again. Winners should simply call the Etisalat call centre to determine how to claim and collect their prizes.

concerts held in various cities across Nigeria. At the event, participants will stand the chance to win up to One Million Naira each, plus the opportunity to attend the grand finale. Game Show participants who emerge through the Win-a-Phone Competition will be required to take along a friend on the Etisalat network to attendthe Game Show either at the regional level or at the grand finale. Also, grand finale participants will also be required to take along one friend who is on the Etisalat network when attending the grand finale of the One 9ja Million Dollar Game Show. Game Show participants who emerge through the Second Chance opportunity, will be required to take along three of their friends on the Etisalat network in attending the GameShow either at the regional level or grand finale.

Maximizing chances of winning One Million US Dollars To stand the chance to win the grand prize of One Million US Dollars, participants

simply need to load and use a minimum of =N=1,000 airtime monthly. Participants should send a text with their states of residence and full names to the short code 5123. Each text costs =N=10 only. With each entry, participants stand a chance to head straight to the grand finale of the One 9ja Million Dollar Game Show where somebody would win the One Million US Dollars! Successful participants will receive an SMS notification from Etisalat, and once received such successful participants should then call Customer Care on 200 to confirm. All participants for the grand finale of the One 9ja Million Dollar Game Show will be notified at the end of each month within which they qualify. Go on, keep buying and recharging your phone lines, you may be the One million US Dollar winner! For more information visit www.etisalat.com.ng

Regional Game Shows Before the grand finale where the grand prize of One Million US Dollars will be won, there will be eight regional Game Shows and live

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Entertainment Entertainment

The millionaires’ night By: ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

Babatunde Coker never new what laid ahead

of him one fateful Saturday evening last July as he journeyed to the Indoor Sports Centre at the Ahmadu Bello stadium, Kaduna. It was the first leg of the Etisalat’s 9jillion Game show. Like every one that evening, he just wanted to try out his luck at winning the millions being given away by Etisalat. As one of the early birds, when he arrived the venue, he picked up the ticket and sat down, waiting for the show to begin. He got his mobile ticket scanned at the entrance before he was admitted into the venue. Before long, the whole hall was filled with people from all works of life. Corpers, mechanics, nurses, doctors, teachers, bankers, engineers

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among others were all there to try their luck. It was among this enthusiastic and engaging audience that Babatunde Coker was seated. As soon as the show began, the first set of participants was selected by the regional manager, north. He picked three tickets one at a time, whenever the basket containing the tickets was rolled. As soon as the number on the first ticket was announced, the person ran onto the stage and it was Babatunde Coker. He was overjoyed.“080...,” Babatunde shouted excitedly. “Naija!” answered the audience. “Number 54,” Babatunde said. The button with number ‘54’ was pressed revealing the amount of money in the box. It was N1 million. The whole hall erupted in resounding excitement. And when the box was rolled for the second time, the audience screamed “roll it, roll it!” in the end, there were nine teams in all, each consisting of four people. Each team selected six boxes.

“I am a businessman and I never knew I could win,” explained Babatunde Coker, after his team won the sum of N2.2 million. My intention is to invest the money in Etisalat, that is, I wish to be one of their major distributors. I am also going to buy sim cards for my friends so that they can have the opportunity to win too.” Quite interesting was the story of the Egeonu family. Each member of the family of four was dressed in colour green, identifying with the Etisalat brand. They were the first group to have girls as members of the team. They walked away with N2.2million. It could be said that they were fully rewarded for buying into the Etisalat One9ja dream. There was also a music concert to mark the presence of Etislat in the region. Music was supplied by Wande Cole, M.I, El Dee among others.

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Djinee is a household name for most

people who have seen him on Soundcity television shows. And by growing assent, he has made a name for himself in the Nigerian music industry with his hit single, Ego. Hence on a sunny July morning when I was billed to meet him for a chat, I was unsure of what lay in stock. Yet, the circumstances of our interview was not in any way unnerving.

Up close and personal with

Djinee By: ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

After I’d waited for a few hours, Djinee showed up the hallway smiling heartily.“My name is Djinee,” he said introducing himself. “I understand that you are here to have an interview with me. That’s why am dressed in my Sunday best, ” he added jokingly. What he had on is not what I would easily regard as his Sunday best. He spotted a white shirt with pink embroidery on the sides on a black pair of jeans. “You will permit me to have my breakfast first,” he added. After waiting a few minutes more, Djinee and I are confronting each other on two black cushioned chairs. We have an audience, Djinee’s manager, who is there to take notes from the interview. The voice recorder is placed between us and the tape starts to purr. Djinee describes himself as a singer, song writer, music producer and show anchor. He is also interested in music and TV programming. If his hit singles are anything to go by, his latest self-titled album, will sell thousands and hopefully lead him to instant fame. “The sales are picking and it’s cool,” he says laughing. In addition, he recently got an offer to anchor the Etisalat One 9ja Million Dollar game show. Djinee began his music career professionally

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in 1997. As a self-taught artiste, he had spent a greater part of his life singing in orchestras. His experimentation with different genres of music has also influenced his songs. “The kind of music I play has always eluded me,” he explains without any apology. “I have had different inspirations and foundations in music. I’ve had a taste of reggae, opera, soul, and rock. But I will call what I do urban contemporary, with a tinge of classical music.” Therefore, his latest album is a combination of different genres of music he had encountered while under personal tutelage. “My latest is a 17-track album. I have a bit of everything in it. I have been able to pour out a part of myself and a part of my foundation is in it. It is greatly reflected in it. It contains different songs, I have a bit of highlife and others in the album.” Although he considers all his songs as being close to his heart yet he recorded each song

Djinee began his music career professionally in 1997. in a different moods as the circumstances surrounding the recording are different. “There is no song that I will pick and say, I love. The ones I recorded with Cobhams are the most memorable. I wrote all my songs myself. I feature people I like. The song I did with Ego Ogbaro, I wrote her part. She delivered the lines wonderfully. She is a good vocalist. But the rappers did the rap themselves. Of course, I chose the themes

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they wrote on. I didn’t want them to do just anything.” Djinee says the themes in most of his songs are the same as they deal with social issues. And the most memorable for him was the last song he recorded titled: Over Killin. “In Over Killin, I moved away from the love songs that people know me for. I wrote on what I think people want to feel. The reason why it is the strongest is because I was letting go a part of myself. I was being unapologetic for who I am. It has a moral message to it--- why people should not give in to pressures and why one’s personality should speak for itself. It does not matter what kind of car one drives. We all should stop leaning on the material success. I put all that in a four minute song that is why it is so special to me.” As a young man, Djinee had a mixed childhood, one he describes as wonderful. “My father was always taking us to the beach,” he recalls somewhat nostalgically. “It was good. There was a time I was with my parents but I had to be alone much later. There was also a time when I had to read, I read a lot. My father made us read and that is why I am a little bit logical with my analysis.” Some times people expect a little less from an artiste because they think his intelligence quotient is a little low. But I always want them to know I went to school like every other person. I have read books on medicine and history, media among others. I have books on religion. I made some wrong choices while growing. As a youth, I did not know which way to go. I have faced everything that a young man at a certain age would have. What I don’t want to do is dwell on them.” At a particular time, Djinee was so independent and he wanted to make money 50

at all costs but today, he has more legal means to make money as the anchor of the Etisalat’s television game show. He was one of those shortlisted among other seasoned actors and on-air personalities for the highly coveted position. “Any one of them could do it but I think they were looking for a particular thing. We all anchor in different ways and I am to the kind that focuses on his spoken English. Most of the time, I am not a script person. I think my ability to be a able to hold a conversation with the audience and sustain it. May be that was what got me the ticket. I think that is what they like.”

get noticed

Djinee explains that what he finds amazing about the game show is that ordinary people have the opportunity to win millions of naira, and most of them have been winning since the game began last month. “Three regional champions will contest for the grand cash prize. We have not finished all regions so I cannot tell who the winner will be. It’s purely based on luck. Of course, the luck begins as soon as you get the Etisalat sim pack. You can push your luck further by getting the sim. It’s based on purely luck. Anybody can win, it is not scripted.” Djinee has had experience on TV presenting. He anchored the reality TV show, Star Quest for two seasons. And he was always interacting with people even while at Soundcity. This is what he considers the secret behind his success as a television presenter. “It is important that the audience stay glued to their TV,” he says. Djinee’s greatest fear is failure and his life philosophy is nobody is born dull and God does not waste. The fact that every one on earth is born with a purpose is the philosophy that drives this computer Science graduate from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State in Nigeria, every day.

There is no better way to get through to your hard to reach customers.

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Entertainment

Book Review

The divergent roadmap The Difference Author: Ubah Maxwell

Title:

Publisher: Winning Strategies, Lagos, 2008 Pages: 134 Reviewer: Funke Adetutu

A

s a motivational book, The Difference questions the individual’s ability to look into his inward self in other to be able to make the difference. Divided into two parts, the first part takes an eponymous title and it deals with diverse issues on how to arrive at a new definition of success. The first step to achieve this is for the individual to believe in himself and this is only realisable if he understands what it takes. Hence the take off point to greatness begins the moment a person starts to see himself from the perspective of his potential. Successful people are born with the seed of greatness in them and this promptly brings to mind the biblical quote which states that some are born eunuchs while some are made

eunuchs by men. This therefore sums up the belief that great men are born great but not made. The author is a bit fictional in his approach as he illustrates his points with true life stories and fiction. At the beginning of the book, Ubah anchors his focus on the biblical parable of an entrepreneur who plans to embark on a journey and he calls his staff each of whom he gives talents according to their abilities. This he brings into larger perspective when he relates it to the human life. Just as the employees are given talents by the entrepreneur to succeed in their engagements, the creator has given all humans irrespective of race the capability to accomplish certain things perfectly. Just as one can count the number of seeds in an apple or count the numbers of apples in a seed, the same way men of destiny are bigger than where they are or what they have accomplished. And so the message is since all humans are born with great potential, the next step is to have faith in one’s ability. And

so the secret of maximizing one’s potential is hidden in the realization that one is better than what one thinks therefore one needs to begin to think better of oneself. The book also offers some potential principles for the discerning man. The first principle is for the individual to know that he has what it takes and this knowledge leads to a sense of mission. So the only way to have a sense of mission is to have a mission statement which will be the guiding force in attaining the next level. The book also distinguishes between vision and mission which people often confuse. While vision tells people what to become, mission tells them what they hope to do in the process of becoming who they want to be. Just as a clear sense of mission assists in organizational growth and success, it is also very important for personal success. Since life is a race, the third principle is for the individual to seize the day and have a sense of urgency. Therefore living a life of urgency is to learn to prioritize the different activities which life throws on our laps. This has to do with being able to differentiate between the urgent and the important. Equally of utmost importance is

one’s attitude to time which is a precious commodity for success-driven people. The fourth principle is risk, initiative and intuition. And successful people are those who “succeed when they follow their talents to the dark places where it leads even if it is through the valley of the shadow of death. They take the bull by the horn, burn their bridges behind and run into the battle fields of life.” The fifth and sixth principles are the responsibility factor and an opportunity mind-set. The price tag for greatness is the responsibility factor which anyone who wants to achieve greatness in life must not fail to see on the bookshelf of life. Ubah uses quotes from great achievers like Theodore Roosevelt as an introductory nugget to summarize his aim in each chapter. For instance he uses a quote by Thomas Edison to reinforce the place of time in the scheme of human endeavour. To this end, The Difference is an essential rhapsodic companion for the modern man who constantly finds himself enmeshed in some unproductive activities. The Difference is a book that tells how to solve this riddle of self-discovery.

“The author is a bit fictional in his approach as he illustrates his points with true life stories and fiction.”

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Entertainment

What’s happening

in the cinemas Terminator Salvation (PG - 15) Starring: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Bryce Dallas Howard, Moon Bloodgood, Common, Jane Alexander and Helena Bonham Carter Time: Friday to Thursday: 12:00pm, 2:30pm, 5:10pm, 8:00pm (10:15pm Friday and Saturday only, “Movie of The Master”)

Coraline (PG - 15) Starring: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Ian McShane, Jennifer Saunders, Keith David and John Hodgman Time: Friday to Thursday: 11:00am, 12:50pm

Star Trek (PG - 15) Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, John Cho, Ben Cross, Bruce Greenwood Time: Friday to Thursday: 2:50pm, 5:30pm, 8:10pm Angels & Demons (R)

Duplicity (PG - 15) Starring: Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Tom Wilkinson, Paul Giamatti, Rick Worthy Time: Friday to Thursday: 3:00pm, 5:40pm, 8:20pm

He’s Just Not That Into You (PG - 15) Starring: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Bradley Cooper, Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson, Justin Long Time: Friday to Thursday: 11:30am, 2:00pm, 4:40pm, 7:20pm (10:00pm Friday and Saturday only, “Movie of The Master”) Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG - 15) Starring: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Hank Azaria, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan Time: Friday to Thursday: 12:30pm, 5:10pm

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Starring: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer, Stellan Skarsgard, Pierfrancesco Favino, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, and Armin Mueller-Stahl Time: Friday to Thursday: 2:40pm, 5:40pm, 8:30pm

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (PG-13) Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston, Taylor Kitsch Time: Friday to Thursday: 2:50pm, 7:30pm (10:00pm Friday & Saturday only, “Movie of The Master”) Race to Witch Mountain (PG - 15) Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Ciaran Hinds, Anna-Sophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig, Carla Gugino Time: Friday to Thursday: 11:30am, 1:00pm

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Entertainment

Most people think women are more

emotional than men, but I think otherwise. The only difference is men are able to conceal their emotion more than women. Women are deeper and they have more emotional profundity than men. They have more strength to deal with emotion which could be sexual or physical. I believe they are stronger than men. I don’t consider them weaker sex when I consider what they go through in life such as childbirth, doing household chores, raising the kids etc. Men run away from those things by giving the excuse that they go to work and return home late.

Of course, as an actor, I have to learn how to handle my female fans. Sometimes ago, a lady saw me in Ibadan. I was on the road when she ran up to me, jumping and saying: ‘I love you.’ I had to hold her back, she was trying to hug me, else both of us would have ended on the ground. It’s funny her fiancé was watching us. After a while, he didn’t find it funny anymore, I had to find an escape route. That’s the greatest experience I have had with a female fan. I don’t draw a line between the male and female fan. I see them as people who appreciate me. Therefore, I appreciate them also. I have been lucky not to have an issue

Women endure a lot more than men. Women endure a lot more than men. They are the stronger and they are the pillar of any relationship. They give support emotionally, physically, spiritually and psychologically. I don’t see them as being weak in any way. My mum and wife, Ibitola, are different individuals. The only similarity is that they are both wives and mothers. My mother is a very strong woman. For her to have raised seven sons shows she is strong. She is a disciplinarian and a spiritual being. My wife on the other hand, by reason of age and experience, is a loving woman. She is a very strong woman. She holds our relationship, marriage and home. If not for her, things wouldn’t have been the same because of my profession.

with the female folks like some of my colleagues. My experience with my past relationships has also helped me, I’m still learning, though. I have found out that women can make or mar a man, which depends on how they are treated. I consider women to be very strong. Their support is very essential to whatever am doing as a man, whether it is my career or project. The support of my woman for the project will determine its success or failure. May be my admiration for women made me have a female, Momoreoluwa, as my first child.

Femi Branch, actor

“Let me tell you about women”

by Femi Oyewale

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Clarion Chukwurah, actress

“Let me tell you about men” by Femi Oyewale

I think women are more emotional because they express themselves more easily. Men feel deeper but they handle it perfectly. They have more emotional control than women. I don’t think the insinuation that men love sex but women seek for love in a relationship is true. Every woman looks for love in every relationship that comes her way. Whereas a man is just looking for friendship and doesn’t usually share a woman’s feeling about him. He may see other things that make her his great friend, a confidant, someone he can speak with. All men are not the same. I don’t generalise. You have men who come your way and all they want is to use you. I have had experiences of men coming my way and all they want is use me because I am a star .They feel I have money. Then I have also come across men who are my friends, I mean my best friends. They don’t ask anything from you, they are just there for you. You can talk to them and share with them and it stays there. But some just want to sleep with you and boast about it. That is what suits their ego. Others have inferiority complex and their relationship with women of a superior complex is just to run her down or humiliate her.

“My best friends and

greatest fans are men” My dad was my best man in the world. I always look for my dad in every man. My father was very westernized. The concept of love I have comes from him. He was a great dad. As a celebrity, I experience crazy things from my male fans. They send me text messages everyday, some want to marry me when they know they are just two years older than my son. I have so many of them. My best friends and greatest fans are men, while my worst enemies are women. They come around me and lie that they are this and that. It is from the women that I get acidic and abusive text messages.

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Campus News United Kingdom Nigerian Students beat others for top prizes in UK

Anambra ranks high on fake varsity list

Nigeria was recently made proud by two of its nationals studying at Nottingham Trent International College, in the United Kingdom. They won top prizes in the Young Creative Awards 2009.

Anambra state has the highest number of fake universities in the country, and state ministry of education is battling to shut them down says Dr. Kay Onyechi, the state’s commissioner for education.

Ugochukwu Nwokoro (Ugo), 18 years old, won first place in the 14-to-18-years-old Built Environment category for his model of a 2030 underwater hotel in River Trent, while Olurotimi Odeyemi, 19 years old, won second prize in the 19-to-22-years-old Built Environment category for his architectural design on a radical building for Hyson Green.

She said this when the management of Buckingham Academy of Management and Technology, Ogidi, paid her a courtesy visit.

Nigeria Security operatives arrest Imo State University students for kidnapping Three students of Imo State University (IMSU) have been apprehended by security operatives at Imo Concorde Hotel, Owerri, for kidnapping. The Director of the State Security Service (SSS) in Imo state, Mr. Abudu Salami, said the suspects , Chibike Theodore Diala, Emmanuel Chinonso Ikedinibi and Chukwudi Ikedinobi, had on May 28, allegedly kidnapped a predegree student of the university and held him hostage at Umuerem, a village in Mbaitoli Local Council of the state.

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However, the victim miraculously escaped, which led to the manhunt of the kidnappers. However, the suspects fled to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, before returning to Owerri, where they had been spending the loot stolen from the victim.

“We have many fake Universities and Polytechnics, she explained, and we have been battling to have them closed down. We have to write to the Nigerian University Commission most times to ascertain most of them. Currently, we have one in Ogidi that we are battling with. We want to make sure that what we have in the state are schools that can give out qualitative education to our youths, and the ministry of education is happy that Buckingham Poly is partnering with us to achieve that.” The commissioner, who eulogized the institution for its effort in bringing quality education to the state, said he was happy that Buckie Poly, as the institution was called, pursued its license with vigour, as the ministry advised in 2005. The Rector of the institution, Victor Echezona, who had earlier presented his address before presenting the license to the commissioner said that the state Ministry of Education had been very supportive of the institution since inception in 2004.

Scholarship Opportunities

University of Bridgeport Scholarships, United States of America

Undergraduate Scholarship, Saudi Arabia

2009 and the deadline for accepting scholarship applications will be on August 19, 2009.

The University of Bridgeport , located in Bridgeport , CT offers over 50 programs of study. Scholarships are available to both freshman (first year applicants) and transfer students seeking an associate or a bachelor degree. All awards are renewable yearly based on satisfactory academic achievement and good standing at the University. All undergraduate applicants are considered for these scholarship awards once all application materials are received. No separate application form is required. Applications and required documents for the fall semester must be received by July 1, and for the spring semester by November 1. Academic scholarships range from $5,000 to $12,000 USD per academic year, and are based on academic excellence and demonstration of English proficiency (through a standardised test such as TOEFL or IELTS).

Contact Information

Contact

The Office of Scholarship and Financial Assistance: Alfaisal University King Faisal Old Palace , Ma’ather Road (behind King Faisal Specialist Hospital ) P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Telephone: +966 (01) 215-7827 E-mail: [email protected] For more info visit: http://www.alfaisal.edu/ scholarship/undergraduate.htm

University of Bridgeport 126 Park Avenue Bridgeport , CT 06604 Phone :203-576-4552 800-392-3582 (Toll Free) For more information visit: http://www. bridgeport.edu/pages/1.asp

Alfaisal University is seeking competitive applicants who have previous outstanding academic achievements, personal growth, and ambition to excel in their chosen educational program of study and their professional aspirations, for its scholarship program. Application deadline dates The Office of Scholarship and Financial Assistance starts receiving applications for scholarship for the academic year 2009/2010 from April 18,

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Entertainment

Everyone Is Talking About Amazing animal friendships In 2002, Casey rescued a 5-month-old cub, who was born into captivity. From that day, an unbreakable bond was formed. When he was a little baby, he was bottle feeding him. Casey looked down in his eyes and he had a little tear. Several years later, Brutus got a bit of a bellyache, and Casey was rubbing his belly. And in his eye, he had the same tears. And at that moment Casey realised that grizzly bears can feel the same emotions humans do. ----Oprah.com Kate Moss to launch model X Factor? Is Kate Moss set to get the X Factor? Is the question on the lips of nearly everyone. The supermodel is reportedly teaming up with Louis Walsh, to launch a modelling version of the hit talent show, in a bid to find Britain’s hottest new model. The pair first met last year, and struck up a friendship when Moss visited the X Factor set. Kate wants to find a new model. She knows Louis has got all the experience in finding diamonds. ----- Marie Claire, UK

FSDH

Fashion revolution The UK photographer Nick Knight’s show studio is invading Somerset House during London Fashion Week this September with an exhibition that challenges conventional perceptions of fashion imagery. Fashion Revolution will showcase the talents of innovators as various as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Gareth Pugh, Kate Moss and Björk - alongside Knight himself. With this show, Nick is moving away from illustration

and stills photography. He is now entering the restless world of interactive, selfcreated, digital-imaging; that is accessible, downloadable and constantly changing. ----- Vogue.com Terminator Salvation The whole series, ever since it began in 1984, has been a celebration of berserker extremity.... The film is bleached of colours. It’s stripped of new ideas. It feels tired and redundant. Arnie, or at least a digitally tricked-up version of him, appears briefly: intended as a cutesy nod to the Terminator fanbase, it feels impertinent, a piece of cinematic grave robbery. The first film, appearing in that late 70s/ early 80s golden age of sci-fi-tinged futurist pulp – Mad Max, Alien, Blade Runner – felt brutally and exhilaratingly new. Salvation, by contrast, is haggard, an exhumation. -----Telegraph.co.uk GUS Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) now in its sixth edition continues in earnest this month. A select group of men and women go through a series of challenges to see who will emerge “the Ultimate Hero”. Maltina Dance All Maltina, Nigeria’s number one malt drink, kicks off its annual reality dance competition Maltina Dance All. Families have a chance to express themselves through dance and win great prizes.

FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED

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Dragons Den Nigeria TV Show

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Afrigator Social Media Aggregator

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May Foods African Foods 16C Market Row, Brixton, London. 07863309258

Sinto & Biggie Afro/European Hairstylists 721 Old Kent Road, London. 020 76357340, 07984385090

Domemerit Store General Goods Store 396 Cold Harbour Lane, Brixton, London 02077372958

Barber D’s Barbershop and Internet Café 4 Manor Park Parade, Lee High Road, Lewisham 07939933757

Park ‘N’ Shop General Goods Store Eleganza Plaza Libra Block 1 Commercial Rd Apapa. 01 4975046

Naturally Nice Beauty Salon 21 Rushcroft Road, Brixton 02077338891

Blacker Dread Music Store 406 Cold Harbour Lane, Brixton 02072475095, 07956946495

Beautiful Gate Unisex Salon Beauty Salon Shop A3, Falomo Shopping Complex, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos 01 2682617

Atlantic Bar & Restaurant Restaurant and Bar 14B Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos 01 2610584, 0802-3271564

Bliss Kolection Fashion and Accessories Shop 8, 12-13, Alade Market, Allen Avenue, Ikeja Lagos 01 4976805

Katch A Fire Restaurant and Bar 64-68 Atlantic Road, Brixton, London. 07904280733

Fay Fashion Design and Tailoring 52 Granville Arcade, Brixton, London 07828419894

Ayus Restaurant Resturant 2 Ibiyinka Olorunimbe Close, Off Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos 08033162543

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