Spaiz News

2012-02-16T04:48:00.000-08:00

OAU DON WINS AFRICAN AWARD

Professor Oluwole Daniel Makinde, an alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University has been awarded the African Union's Kwamme Nkrumah 2011 Scientific Award for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation.

Professor Makinde’s research focus has contributed immensely to the upliftment of disadvantaged groups in Africa especially in the area of Mathematical research and training. His research has generated new approach of tackling nonlinear problems that model real world systems.

The main objective of his research is to use mathematical theories and methodologies to gain insights into the dynamics of various engineering and biological systems, which are of industrial environmental, medical and social interest. The awardee obtained a B.Sc. Degree (First Class) in Mathematics (1987) and later an M.Sc (Applied Mathematics) (1990) from the Department of Mathematics,

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.In the recent past, he has participated in the Department of Mathematic organised seminars on the recent trend in Applied Mathematical research. He has also been mentoring some younger colleagues in research.

Prof. Makinde is currently a Senior Professor and Chair of Postgraduate Studies at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in South Africa.

2012-01-28T17:40:00.000-08:00

Kano bomb blast

Fainting Shadows

By Damilola Towobola

The holocaust in the North that has claim a number of lives is a pogram of the highest order. This is a reminiscent of the 1966 kilings of people in the north which resulted in people especially the Igbo fleeing from the North and the Hausa's leaving the East.

Bomb blast

This is a callous butchering of our kinsmen and fellow Nigerians, The government of the day must rise up ...to this crime against humanity and wield its big stick on the culprit of this destitute acts.

we must not allow this to get out of hand because Nigeria belongs to me and you. This group of people wants the country to become ungovernable for the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan's led Administration. It is time to act.

2012-01-28T17:19:00.000-08:00

5th Young Journalist Awards

Call For Entries

Nominations are invited for the 5th Nigeria Young Journalist Awards 2011 from media organisations and individuals. The award, initiated by media career services, a media training and consultancy outfit dedicated to the development of the career of journalists in Nigeria, is to recognise and encourage young journalists in the country.

A judging board made up of top media professionals will choose winners of the awards who will get media career enhancing prizes.

Awards Categories For The Year 2011 Are:

A. Young Journalist of the year 2011.

B. Student Journalist of the year 2011.

C. Mass Communication Department Journal of the year 2011.

Submission Of Entries

Interested journalists for category (A) should have a maximum of three (3) years journalism experience and must not be older than 30 by December 2011.

They must submit three (3) of their published or broadcast work between January and December 2011. For entries for the print category, entrants should photocopy their works into four (4) sets while entrants from the broadcast should also submit three duplicates of their works on compact disk, the synopsis of such works should also come in four (4) sets.

Such entries must be supported with a nomination letter from the journalist’s editor or supervisor and curriculum vitae (also in 4 set).

For category B, entries must be a student of a tertiary institution with active participation in campus journalism. He or she must have at least three published or broadcast work in campus or other medium focusing on campus issues between January and December 2011. Sample of the published works should be photocopied into four (4) places.

A nomination letter by relevant authorities and curriculum vitae is required. These should also come in four (4) places.

For category C, submitted training newspaper/magazines of Mass Communication departments will be assessed on the basis of content and production quality. A nomination letter by Editorial Advisers will be required. Samples should be in four (4) sets.

ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT TO:

The programme coordinator,

Young Journalist Awards 2011,

Media Career Services,

C/O International Press Centre,

11, Dideolu Court, Dideolu Estate,

Off Ijaiye Road, by Sweet Sensation,

Ogba, Lagos.

Tell: 08033374017, 08023000621, 08023626281

Closing date:

All entries must be received on or before Friday 17th February 2012.

Organised by:

Media Career Services

Publishers of Stop Press, the career moulding newsletter for journalists.

www.mediacareerng.org

Pictures from Notable Surveyor Adebiyi Adesanya's Daughters wedding

2012-01-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

2012-01-25T15:37:00.000-08:00

Obafemi Awolowo University
OAU RANKS SECOND BEST UNIVERSITY IN RESEARCH

Obafemi Awolowo University has been ranked second in research-oriented universities in Africa.

In his reaction to the ranking by the SCimago Institutions Ranking World Reports for 2011 released by SCimago Laboratory in Spain, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Bamitale Omole, said it would further strengthen the commitment of his administration to deepen academic research in the university.

Although delighted, the Vice-Chancellor appealed to the Federal Government to increase the funding of research activities in universities in the country. This, he noted, became necessary because investment in research development in universities would enhance the nation’s development.

2012-01-25T14:54:00.000-08:00

IGP, Ringim Booted out

· Jonathan uses Ringim as scapegoat for Police inefficiency

By Damilola Towobola

Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim Ringim was last week resigned from office alongside seven other Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGs) who were retired from active service by President Goodluck Jonathan and subsequently replaced by AIG Mohammed Dikko Abubakar. Ringim was given 24 hours to re-arrest Kabiru Sokoto; nearly one week later, the high profile suspect is still at large.


Ringim

Spaizmedia also learned that Inspector General of Police Hafiz Ringim has been ordered to go into mandatory retirement by the following a series of bomb attacks launched in various northern cities by members of the Islamist movement Boko Haram was due for retirement in March 2012.the president had during the summon of the IG asked the Police helmsman to resign.

Under Ringim’s watch, Boko Haram has enjoyed an almost unchecked run in the country. Mr. Ringim’s incompetence was highlighted by the recent escape from police custody of Kabiru Sokoto, a suspect in the Christmas Day bombing of a Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State. The attack claimed scores of lives and caused many injuries.

‘Apo Six’ lawyer, Amobi Nzelu reacting to the escape of the Boko Haram suspected likened the case to that of the Apo Six killing in 2005 when a police officer was alleged to have killed six Igbo youths coming back from a party in Abuja and the police officer was allowed to escape from custody and a police constable who was crucial to the case was allegedly poisoned.


M.D Abubakar

He criticised the escape from custody of a Boko Haram suspect, Kabiru Sokoto, who allegedly masterminded the Christmas Day bombing at St Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State.

President Goodluck Jonathan, as the Chief Security Officer of the nation, had issued presidential pronouncements on several occasions on the preparedness of government to deal with the menace of the insurgents.

Last year, the sect claimed responsibility for the bombing of the Police Headquarters in Abuja and the United Nations Building in Abuja, killing no fewer than 20 persons and wounding scores of people who were in the building at the time of the incident.

Bui and Ringim

There have been subsequent incidents of bombings in the northern part of the country specifically in Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna and Niger.
On Friday, January 20, there were reported coordinated bomb explosions in different parts of Kano.The Police Headquarters in Kano was affected and the casualty figure was said to be high. Insecurity and terrorist attacks reached their worst levels in Nigeria under Mr. Ringim's watch.

It was learned that Ringim made desperate efforts to save his job by lobbying influential emirs and leaders to intervene and prevail on the President to keep him despite the disgrace the Police under him has brought on Nigeria’s security profile locally and globally.

A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati stated that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mr. Mohammed D. Abubakar as Acting Inspector General of Police as a first step towards the comprehensive reorganization and repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force to make it more effective and capable of meeting emerging internal security challenges.

Mr. Abubakar who is currently an Assistant Inspector General of Police replaces Mr. Hafiz Ringim who proceeds on terminal leave with effect from 25^th of January 2012 was born on May 5, 1958; Mr. Abubakar enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on July 30, 1979. He holds a Diploma in Public Admin/Criminal Justice and was the AIG in charge of Zone 12 Headquarters in Bauchi, before his new appointment.

President Jonathan has also approved the retirement of all Deputy Inspectors General of Police with immediate effect. These are: Mrs. Ivy Uche Okoronkwo, DIG POL 2i/c Force Headquarters, Abuja, Mr. Azubuko J. Udah, DIG Administration (“A” Dept), Mr. Sardauna Abubukar, DIG Training (“E” Dept.); Mr. Audu Abubakar, DIG Operations (“B” Dept); Mr. Saleh Abubakar, DIG Works (“C” Dept.) and Mr. Mohammed A. Yesufu, DIG Planning and Info-Tech (“F” Dept.).

The President has also established a Special Committee to oversee the urgent reorganization of the Nigeria Police Force. The committee is to be chaired by the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr. Parry B.O Osayande, DIG (rtd) and Other Members of the Committee include; Mr. Casimir T. Akagbosu, AIG (rtd.), mni; Mr. Bashir A. Albasu, AIG (rtd.), fwc, Major Gen. S.N. Chikwe, rtd, Prof. S.D. Mukoro, Dr. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, Aisha Larai Tukur, Solicitor General of the Federation and the Permanent Secretary, SSO, Office of the SGF to serve as the Secretary to the Committee.

The Committee’s Terms of Reference is to identify the challenges and factors militating against effective performance in the Nigeria Police Force and make recommendations for addressing the challenges; examine the scope and standard of training and other personnel development activities in the Police to determine their adequacy or otherwise; determine the general and specific causes of the collapse of public confidence in the police and recommend ways of restoring public trust in the institution; examine records of performance of Officers and Men of the Nigeria Police Force with a view to identifying those that can no longer fit into the system due to declining productivity, age, indiscipline, corruption and/or disloyalty and make any other recommendations for the improvement of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Committee’s recommendations shall be implemented along with those by previous committees set up by Government on the reform of the Nigeria Police Force.

Meanwhile, the trial of Police commissioner, Zakari Biu, and some of his subordinates over the recent escape of Kabiru Sokoto, a suspected leader of boko Haram, began last week in the scorpion mess of the WU Bassey Military Barracks in Asokoro Districts of the Federal Capital territory.

2012-01-25T01:37:00.000-08:00

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TO SMILE SOON

ASUU and FG enter negotiations

NANS urges for resolutions

Damilola Towobola

Speculations that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) would call off its strike was dashed lastweek as the aggrevied Union continued talks with the Federal Government inorder “to iron out a few outstanding issues”. The strike embarked upon on Monday December 5th, 2011, by the Union was aimed at forcing the FGN to fully implement the agreement it freely entered into with our Union in September 2009.

ASUU as stated that there is no retreat, no surrender, until the FGN do the needful with regards to the implementation of that agreement. ASUU won’t call off its strike so long as government shies away from the issue of effective funding of the universities.

“We are talking about one thing: the good of the education sector in Nigeria. There are no adversaries in this matter. There are no winners. There are no losers. That is why we should work together.”

The state of facilities and equipments in our universities calls for urgent attention from the government. A student who spoke with Insider stated that the equipments in the Engineering departments of his university are an eyesore, some aren’t working yet we make use of them in examinations. He further engaged ASUU not to compromise standard but see to changes and effectiveness in the educational sector.

ASUU also commended the National Assembly for its role in the passage of the 70 year retirement age for academics in the Professorial cadre.

ASUU stated that “the Union is aware of the passage of the 70 years retirement age by the two houses of the National Assembly. However, we are quick to point out that a bill becomes a law only when it is accented to by the President. Our Union is still awaiting the law”

“That apart from the retirement age, other issues outstanding include: University autonomy (presently Governing Councils of all Federal universities have been dissolved), Funding of Universities – this is of very serious concern to our Union due to the level of degradation in those Universities, payment of earned allowances and other welfare matters to our members. Government needs to show seriousness with regards to the above outstanding issues.”

The Minister of Education Professor Ruqqayyatu also debunked reports that she had promised an end to the strike on Monday saying she was misquoted. “What I said is that it is our hope and desire that based on what we were doing so far, the strike would be called off. But if it doesn’t, I didn’t say that it will. I am not ASUU; I am not representing ASUU in any way.”

National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has also urged the Federal Government to find lasting solution to the demands of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and its sister unions.

The students’ umbrella body decried the effects of ASUU’s prolonged strike on Nigerian students. It said giving close attention to the various academic unions would alleviate the interruption of the academic calendar and sustain the confidence of the student community in President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

National President of NANS, Adakole Ochai also appealed to ASUU to always consider the effects of their action on Nigerian students.

He said: “We wish to appeal to ASUU to consider the impending doom on the successor-generation and make sacrifice where necessary to avail the Nigerian students the opportunity of getting back to school within the shortest possible time.

“We are aware that this strike action is to emancipate the academic community, but desired change is a process”

“We appeal to the Federal Government to put into consideration our tertiary institutions and the national secretariat of NANS, in the distribution provided by the Federal Government to cushion the effect of the pressure.”

Meanwhile the President of Asuu, Awuzie stated that the issue will be resolved very soon. He expressed satisfaction over the level of Federal Government’s commitment to the contending issues saying that, “If we fought there, you won’t see us smiling. All of us are patriots. We are talking about one thing: the good of the education sector in Nigeria. There are no adversaries in this matter. There are no winners. There are no losers. That is why we should work together.”

2012-01-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

A RAPED NATION

BY DAMILOLA TOWOBOLA

A solicitous new day

Born with the unfolding of a new sun

365 days of the last calendar had become history

She was merrily popping the champagne

And radiating with fun

Flash! The television set began to talk

She was struck by a greek gift

A despairing spear on a new year eve

Wines devastatingly went savoury

Her chickens began to fertilize with maggots

She became disillusionised

Cried foul and gnashed teeths


Damilola Towobola a.k.a Spaiz

Alas, racing to the streets

Carrying placards like billboards

To show her discontents

Her fruits fell by the bullets

And some out of shock

Houses razed down in the inferno

And her children beaten with clubs

Yet her kins-folk remained in dark sun glasses

On the acclaimed settlement table

Her kins-folk exercised veto power

And diabolically raped her by due process

Her subsidy was removed

Daylight embarrassment

She threatened to strike

But they struck her back

They sucked her excess account

And squeezed her lovely economy

Her wailing was in vain

What a shame to D.E.M.O.C.R.A.C.Y !

They deregulated her downstream sector

That was oily

She couldn’t say anything

But cried because they slapped her with 97 naira.

We stand as a witness to the rape of the masses.

2011-11-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

Music chose me –
Queen of swag, Anabella

Gorgeous Sensational act, Emakhu Anabel signed on to Swag Entertainment with the stage name Anabella, is gearing up to storm the industry with her “MUJOJO” single. In this interview, Queen of Swag, Anabella, tells DAMILOLA TOWOBOLA about her sojourn to music, “MUJOJO” and projects…During the chat the Edo state born sexy graduate of philosophy from UNIBEN, was witty, blunt and generous with her smile. Enjoy the excerpt.

Q: How did music start for you? Tell us how the journey began.

Before I knew I love music or I can sing, my mum usually told me how I use to sing, how I use to entertain everybody in my neighborhood because I was like chubby…so from there I found myself loving music, I developed a passion for it singing in churches, school and everywhere so it’s not like I know that everybody is doing music that’s why I came into music but I have the passion for music.

Most Nigerian parents do not support their children when it comes to showbiz? How did they react when you told them about your music career?

Even before now my mum usually tells me “You that love music, Are you not going to sing?”…my mum has been very supportive right from time; she is not biased about the showbiz of a thing even though some people ponder why someone that sings in church has started singing worldly music like most Nigerians say…My mum has been a source of encouragement right from childhood, when I return from school, she would bath me up, beautify and encourage me to go out there saying Anabel “your fans are waiting for you on the street”…she is my number one fan, dances to my music likewise loves it but she advices me to know what to do and what not to do when the trying times arises.

What kind of message does your music pass across to people?

My music is not particular about something because I believe in diversity and changes. My first single is talking about happiness because when you are happy you tend to live longer. My music would help both the poor, rich and bereaveds forget their sorrow, have fun. As a musician, I am a messenger, therefore, I use my music to communicate to people on how I feel, how others feel… not everyone can speak so my Music is a voice in disguise. My music entails what is going on, how I feel and how others feel.

Do you have any plan redefining music in Nigeria?

Yeah sort of, I believe in changes because am not a stagnant person…the kind of music I do is my own thing but first of all we need the past to build the present and future. I tend to bring my own style also into music even though I might take from the past and present to sharpen mine.

Are you working on any project presently?

I am working on the promo of my first single titled “MUJOJO”, have shot the video so watch out for Anabella on your television set, Radio and everywhere locally and internationally. Also I am bracing up for performances alongside Tuface, Terry G, Flavour, VIP from Ghana, Olamide, YQ, Jaywon on the 9^th of December likewise performances at Jozing Nite club V.I, Lagos on the 11^th, 18^th and 22^nd. I got lots of performances this December both home and abroad so I am trying to stay in the right mindset to get my fans dancing because “Mujojo” would sweep them off their feet.

Do you have any accolades to your name?

I am a born champion…laughs…I got numerous awards already such as Miss Foundation for Family Values International (FFI), Queen of Swag (Niger Delta Magazine), numerous campus awards(Most popular, Best dressed, Most Outstanding, Most distinguished, Most Sociable and Most Generous) that’s all I can remember for now. I would be giving my very best in my music so that I can add more from the entertainment scene to my shelves and rising profile.

What is your romantic life like?

Maybe I leave that for now because it’s kind of private… (Break in) Why? I think it’s too early to delve into that.

Tell us a really embarrassing story.

(Laughs)…the first time I ever travelled out, I went to Dubia with my sister…You know in Lagos when you want to cross the road, we usually run… so there was a day, my sister and I wanted to cross the road in Dubia, we didn’t know that when you step on the Zebra crossing unlike Nigeria, cars would stop for you to cross with ease but we started running… on looking back we saw people making jest of us so we inquired and was told we acted like “bush people”. Also when I was leaving my friend’s shop I thought I was still in Nigeria, she was about locking up the shop and I busted out “Una no go off Generator, Nepa dey go”… it was really embarrassing.

Who are some of your favourite celebrities and which one of them do you want to be like and why?

My first is Beyonce on the foreign scene, I love Beyonce a lot…it would be a dream come true if I ever work with her, I like her courage, charisma, protégée and personality…she is an artiste that believes in herself and her works are exceptional. In Nigeria, I like Omawunmi…she has a very powerful voice, even Waje is not bad and I think I also like Goldie too because she came into the industry with her own style even though people see her as weird. Goldie came into the industry with something different from what has been in vogue. Actually, I love a lot of practitioners in the industry and I would be happy if I get to work with them.

It’s been wonderful having this interview with you, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years…5 years is too long if you know what you are doing in the industry, let’s say 5 months?

Oh…I prefer to work with 5 month… First and foremost, Anywhere, I want to see myself is God that first of all has to take me there because I believe in him. Actually, in 5 months times, I should be like a household name…Anabella should be everywhere because the type of music I do is what people can relate with, easily know and sing along. I want to make an impact with my music in the industry, is not like I want to take without giving back to the industry and people out there. In 5 months, with my producers, Management, Marketers, Fan base and well wishers I should be somewhere great…so watch out for Anabella.

2011-11-24T06:30:00.000-08:00

Soso Trice: Ready for Stardom

Soso Trice

It’s obvious through his resume that Soso Trice a graduate of salt of the Earth and Scratch Academy, a renowned Disc Jockey’s School has style and panache. Anyone who has listened to his singles titled “BAMILOLE” can tell easily that Soso Trice would burst into the fore front in the music industry with his mix of foreign style of rap, Nigerian style and Calabar flow which would be laced in his subsequent singles.

Soso Trice currently signed under Swag Entertainment is in a class of himself when it comes to keeping bodies giggling on the dance floor.

Armed with a single featuring one of Naija finest in the industry, Bounty… Soso Trice is indeed ready to rivet the entertainment industry with his own unique musical treat reminiscent of his two inspirational heroes Jay Z and Nas

“Swag entertainment gave me the courage and hopes to do what I am doing today… I am very grateful for the privilege” Soso Trice Stated.

Given his ability to keep the party alive with his exhilarating lyrics and stage craft, he would be performing alongside established act like Tuface, Terry G, YQ, Olamide, Jaywon, Flavour at the Lagoon Restaurant come December.

Soso Trice whose real name is Douglas George is a native of Calabar State and has a lot to offer because of his distinctive style.

2011-11-18T08:33:00.000-08:00

Trail of Incompetence

President Goodluck Jonathan

*Bomb blast hits Nigeria

*Security apparatus and anti-graft agencies collapsing

*NDLEA and Baba Suwe’s Case an eyesore

*Who are Dele Giwa’s killers?

The state of incompetence of our security apparatus and anti-graft agencies across Nigeria is becoming alarming, as one can no longer have faith in them. A recent attack in the northeast of Nigeria has left at least 69 people dead in a wave of bombing and shooting carried out leaving frightened mourners burying their dead, likewise the scenario between Babatunde Omidina a.k.a Baba Suwe and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA is a signal that our security apparatus has collapsed.

Overtime, Nigeria has been hit by series of bombing, kidnapping, Rape, Assassination, Tribal wars and numerous vices, which dissipate the trust of the masses in the topmost priority of the essence of governance which is to protect lives and property and maintain peace and security.

An attack was recently launched on police station, Army base and churches in Damaturu on the eve of Eid-el-kabir before gun battles against security forces. Though there was no claim of responsibility for the suicide bombing and attacks in Damaturu, Capital of Yobe state and Maiduguri, in Borno state. But blaims immediately fell on the sect known as Boko Haram, which had staged bombings and assassinations around Nigeria’s north.

This public unrest started since July 2009 when Boko haram staged attacks in Bauchi; clashed with police and army in Maiduguri. And in December 2010, the group claimed bombings in central Nigeria and attacks on churches.

Boko haram has waged an increasedly bloody sectarian fight against Nigeria’s weak central government. A suicide bomber claimed by the group attacked the UN headquarters in August, while another bomber targeted the Federal police headquarters in June.

Boko haram whose name means, “Western Education is a sacrilege” in local Hausa language, has targeted, assassinations and bombings around Nigeria’s North. The group, whose followers wear long beards and red or black scarves, considers all who do not follow its strict ideology as infidels, whether they are Christians or Muslims. The group is demanding for addition of Sharia, Islamic law, in all of Nigeria.

It should be noted that the president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan during a post Election statement re-assured of his solemn duty to duty to defend the constitution of this country. That includes the obligation to protect the lives and properties of every Nigerian wherever they choose to live.

“ I assured all Nigerians that I will do so with all powers at my disposal as president, commander-in-Chief” he stated.

Nigerian Police

Condemning the recent bomb attack in Yobe and Maiduguri, Acting National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje stated, “ The latest bombings in Damaturu and Maiduguri were bizarre, tragic and unfortunate. They literally broke the peace, sacrife and solemnity, which the Eid-el- Kabir signifies.”

Despite the recent surge in the Northeast Nigeria, Defence Minister Mohammed Bello speaking with journalist said that a lot of progress has been made there. “I believe our security agencies are doing very well in containing the situation,” he said.

Also the U.S state department has warned travellers to stay away from three major hotels in Abuja, the Nigerian Capital after learning of a possible new assault.

The case of incompetence of our anti-graft agency, NDLEA in the case of popular Yoruba actor, Babatunde Omidina also known as Baba Suwe who was arrested at Muritala Muhammed Airport on October 12, 2011 on his way to Paris of alleged possession of Narcotics which had brought about lot of controversies over the past few weeks is a global eyesore.

Baba Suwe was granted freedom after the agencies could not prove that he has ingested the said Narcotics after putting him through series of test. Immediately he regained his freedom following a court bail injunction, his fans swarmed round him and carried him shoulder-high while screaming “O ya gbe ti”.

Baba Suwe has sued NDLEA seeking compensation for his bartered image and violation of his Fundamental Human Right by keeping him in custody for more than the constitutionally allowed 24 hours.

Insider learnt that the scanning machine employed by NDLEA, was donated by the United States government to the agency in 2008, the machine is believed to be one of the most sophisticated x-ray body scanning machine available for drug detection.

The image, integrity and ideology of the agency is skirmished for emphatically claiming through scanner result that Baba Suwe had narcotics substance in his belly yet no physical substance to prove of his guilt after series of excretion.

The level of competence of our executive arm of government calls for questions as numerous robberies, assassination, bomb blast cases are still on resolved. 25 years after the death of the backbone of Investigative Journalism in Nigeria, the person of Dele Giwa, the Police are yet to expose the killers of a man who should have been a jewel to the fourth realm of the estate.

Late Dele Giwa

Dele was home on Talabi street, Ikeja, Lagos, about to eat a meal with Newswatch’s London Bureau Chief Kayode Soyinka when his son, Billy, brought in a large brown envelope addressed to him and carrying what seemed to be the official government seal. As he attempted to open the parcel, it blew up. It was a parcel bomb. Dele’s lower half was almost severed from his body. Dele Giwa’s killers are still walking out there.

Addressing the issues of our security flaws, a statement issued by National publicity secretary of the All Nigerian People’s Party, Emma Eneukwu called on the Federal Government to urgently explore and implement a visionary and holistic security strategy that will address the remote and immediate cause of this rather unfortunate state of affairs.

The protection of lives and property of every Nigerian wherever they choose to live is a solemn duty of the government of the day as encoded in the Constitution of Nigeria; President Goodluck Jonathan must act swiftly to curtail this security flaw and also redeem is image as a capable administrator for a better Nigeria.

2011-09-21T17:07:00.000-07:00


Naira G and Mc BornBlakky

My Encounter with Muzik Africa – Mc BornBlakky

Comedy just like music is the Medicine for a broken heart. Towobola Damilola of Spaiztainment caught up with Mc BornBlakky at an event recently where the Abia State born Laugh merchant almost ripped off people's ribs. Enjoy the excerpt

When did you gain the Fame as a Comedian?

The fame as a comedian, I think came in 2007 when I started comedy but I have been acting since I was 12 years old and I have appeared in three home videos, one is “Destiny Child”. Actually, from acting I got into the comedy industry and have become a strong foothold. I have been to a lot of events both in Nigeria and outside our shores but the listed ones are over 38.

What would you say of other Comedians that copy other people’s jokes ...So what determines the kind of jokes you make?

Mc BornBlakky

I think is just familiar with all comedians but it depends on the way you copy jokes. A.Y could just come up with a comedy while another comedian would do that same comedy in a brand new style. For me, I tend to use what I see, things in front of me and my past experiences so that determines the kind of jokes I crack.(Break)... Have you ever copied people's jokes?...hmmm, No.

Who are your top five Comedians?

Laughs)...my top five comedians in the industry, my fifth position goes to, I Go Die then Buchi, Emeka Smith, Teju Baby Face and the undisputed A.Y is my number one on the count down.

What should we expect from your show tagged “NAIJA @ 51 with DURELA, BORNBLAKKY AND NAIRA G”?

I want you to expect a lot, get ready to see Bornblakky in a brand new style, expect to see me in the craziest swags and on stage expect to see me funky. A host of artiste Durella, Naira G, Sabi, danny Young, Oluwacoded, De.on, T. Black, Dhammy D1 and many more would be on stage on Oct 2nd at Lion Gate Hotel, Sabo so expect the very best from the event. There would be a lot of paparazzo’s also on the red carpet. We are actually staging the event to celebrate Nigeria @ 51 with our fans and loved ones out there.

What makes you outstanding among your colleagues?

You know there is something in you that I don't have and there is something in me that you don't have that is life for you. God makes us special with one gift so I believe this distinguishes me amongst my colleagues. I have that special gift that makes me the best.

Tell you Fans the nasty stuffs you have done?

Hush, I was at an event at Easter tagged “Easter fiesta swag” near E-center. At the event, Muzik Africa picked me up on the red carpet and was questioning me. They asked me one particular question “How many years have into entertainment?” and I was like 15 years. The V.J shouted 15 years! Then, he asked his camera man to cut-it off. The question was asked again and I repeated vehemently “15 years”, he exclaimed again and followed up with a question asking where have I been? I responded by saying I was just coming now but I know I would get there. The next time Muzik Africa saw me at a function, they refused to interview me.

One last word to your Fans out there

My Fans out there, I love you all and I want you to keep supporting me, keep believing in me and don’t be like Muzik Africa that left me because of my expensive jokes on camera. I love you all.

2011-09-16T03:32:00.000-07:00

TERRY G IS STILL MY BEST FRIEND –SIDE –ONE.

Oluwatosin Johnson Anifowoshe a.k.a Side-One is one of the brightest artiste on the naija music front though encapsulated in a battle with his close pal, Terry G who he featured in his hit single “One by One”. DAMILOLA TOWOBOLA caught up with the budding talent and he spoke on his life, career and many battles. Side-One remains a force to reckon with in the industry. Enjoy the Excerpt

We know you as side-one. Can you just introduce yourself better?

My name is Oluwatosin Johnson Anifowoshe a.k.a Side-one a.k.a Don Papa One a.ka God son.

Tell me about the music Industry?

You see we are taking the Naija music industry to another level and we thank God for the fans, we thank God for who we are today because the crowd are really supporting my music, and massively supporting me. I just thank God because the first hit single I brought out “One by One” was highly accepted by Nigerians and even outside Nigeria people really enjoyed the music so well.

What has been the challenge so far?

I would just say nothing too serious although it is not really easy getting from one show to the other, moving from one studio to the other and also trying to impress your fans. But we are just doing it the way we know how to do it best and God is really on my side.

When did you actually start music?

I started music seven years ago singing in the choir, in Secondary School and even in Primary School but I really thank God for who I am today because now that I started professionally seven years back I think it’s really great and people are supporting me.

So what can you attribute to the rift between you and Terry G?

I would just say Terry G is my friend, my very close friend. However, you know there is no how you would have brothers or sisters that would not quarrel. Terry G is still my best friend, I love him so much and I don’t have any beef with him.

In the next five years where do you see Side-One?

Already I am seeing myself as a CEO signing artiste putting them to the limelight, getting the best vipe out of them and making them sound good for the viewers.

What message do you have for Facebookers and your fans?

Facebook is the largest entertainment network, the largest relationship network, the largest friendship network, Infact as I am concerned; I think facebook is the best you can have on internet; dating, friendship, business and everything. I support facebook because I am on the social network. To all my fans, I love you all.

2011-09-16T03:09:00.000-07:00

“There Is More to Every TV Commercial On Air”- C.E.O Brand World Media, Clara Okoro Opens Up.

she might not have those killer looks that make many hearts flutter whenever they adorn movie jackets and posters, not that she is blessed with the voice that gets you dancing and frenzy but Clara Okoro is one of the exceptional faces and voices that represent changes and who dares to be different . Apart from pioneering initiatives, the fair-complexioned media practitioner- turned most- sought after, rose to the top with her Brand World TV show, Nigeria’s leading brand oriented programme that deals with branding and also research.

In this interesting chat with DAMILOLA TOWOBOLA, the C.E.O, as the brain and bold belle is fondly called opened up on her Initiative, ICE Magazine and other interesting issues. Enjoy the excerpts.

How did you get the concept of Brand World and now ICE magazine?

Brand world media came up as a need to fill the niche which most clients were looking for but didn’t know where to look. There is a lot happening around your brand apart from your 60 seconds commercials on Television and that’s what we came to fill up.

These also communicated in what we came up with as regards the publication of Ice Magazine. A lot of young people consume brands but people don’t really know there is a pattern which they attribute the way these people consume brand and if we fill up that gap and take the information back to the owners of the brand, it would help them in their planning and make for easier running of their project.

Have you always been in publishing and also if you were not a media practitioner, what would you have being?

I have always been in broadcasting, we just ventured into publishing. Anyway, if I was not a media practitioner, I would have been a teacher.

You seem to juggle so many roles. You are a Presenter likewise a Publisher, how do you cope?

It is not an easy task but for anyone who wants to achieve set dreams and objectives, you have to be ready to apply yourself twice as more as the other person does. So I must look at ways to fill up the roles and run it as a process which should be normal to me.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I am very impatient.

Do you have a role model?

I have so many role models, any hardworking individual who believes in enhancing humanity positively are my role models but the two that readily comes to mind are Ted Turner and Oprah Winfrey. Those two are rarely the people I think has achieved so many ground breaking ideas that turned around the world.

Which Nigerian do you admire, who you would like to meet, if you have not met already?

There are so many Nigerian I admire because to survive alone in this environment requires God’s tenacity so anybody who has worked and succeeded in an environment like this and build a brand from the scratch to what it is today has my utmost respect and that speaks for every C.E.O who is running an organization in this environment against all odds and are succeeding. Any Nigerian that falls into that capacity is my role model and I would love to meet them any day and anytime.

What pleasant memories would you say you have of being the boss of Brand World Media?

The fact that I have lived a fulfilled life up to this point; it was always my dream to be in a creative environment and these has afforded me so many opportunities to be at so many events that creatively inspired me.

The moment I cannot forget was when Virgin Atlantic and virgin Nigeria held their 5^th and 1^st year Anniversary in Nigeria and Richard Branson was in Nigeria, I got to speak him but the only regret I had was not being quick enough to look for a photographer to capture that moment in time. Those were moments that are unforgettable to me.

What are the Challenges you face in turning yourself into a brand in this industry?

The same other entrepreneurs like myself faces, getting clients to see things your way, being able to deliver with your turn around time intact, being able to satisfy your clients and customers and also being able to keep your processes running in terms of your bills, salaries, electricity bills and fueling the generator set.

As you get older, what are your constant thoughts?

How to provide myself long after retirement, my family and those that are immediately dependent on me, that why I am still using this period I still have a lot of energy to transform my ideas into sustainable income generating ideas and then it would provide employment for people, generate income to look after my family, myself and old age all the investment we have made should then take care of us.

We know you as a presenter, but can we get a fuller package?

I run a media company, we pre- produce a programme called Brand World TV show. We basically do other things for clients when it comes to the area of branding, they engage us and give us specific assignment and we carry that out on their behalf.

2011-07-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Olabisi Onabanjo University Inducts 72 New Pharmacists

All road led to New auditorium,OACHS, Sagamu on the 11^th of July, 2011 as the Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State inducted its 11^th set of graduating pharmacist of its pharmacy profession.

A total number of 72 graduating pharmacist under the chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor, Wale Are Olaitan were presented to the pharmacist Council of Nigeria, PCN, for induction bringing the total number of pharmacists produced from the faculty of Pharmacy, OOU, to Five Hundred and sixty since inception.

Speaking at the event, the acting dean of the faculty of Pharmacy, OOU, Dr. L.S. Kasim congratulated the new pharmacist as well as their parents/guardians. He further stated that the faculty would continue to forge ahead in producing marketable pharmacists, thereby soliciting for continued cooperation of the staff of the faculty, the University Management and other stakeholders.

He also used the forum to express profound gratitude to Professor H.A.B Coker, the dean of the faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos who he tagged “ Our Father in the Profession” for his commitment to the growth of Pharmacy profession in Nigeria which helped to salvage the faculty at the time when hope was almost lost.

Olabisi Onabanjo University hinges on his achievement as the first State University with an accredited pharmacy professional programme, both with National University Commission, NUC, and Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, PCN. The faculty of pharmacy originated as a result of the proposal for establishment of the pharmacy programme from the OACHS Advisory Council in 1991.

Pharm. Lere Baale

This was in response to the National, State and Local needs for improved health care delivery services at all levels and also to give more opportunities as a profession. The faculty is currently being housed in Oba Micheal Adeniyi Sonariwo Pharmacy Complex which was donated by the Sagamu Community and commissioned on February 21, 1998 and efforts are on to move into the new Olufunke Daniel Building.

Distinguished Guest speaker at the Occasion, Pharm. Lere Baale urged the graduating students to be humble as well as portray leadership qualities in their endeavour. He further charged them not to see themselves as subordinates to Doctors because Pharmacy is a Noble profession.

Meanwhile, the acting dean of the faculty of Pharmacy, OOU, Prof. Kasim drew the attention of the public and media to the new faculty building, the Olufunke Daniel faculty of Pharmacy Complex commissioned by the former Governor of Ogun State,Otunba Gbenga Daniel in July 2007 which is still begging for completion, thereby calling stakeholders to come to their aid.

Other dignitaries at the function include; the Registrar of PCN, Pharm. A.T Mora, Deputy V.C,Prof. (Mrs.) Oyewo (MFR), Provost, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Prof. Yomi Ogun, Permanent Secretaries, Royal Fathers among others.

2011-06-27T04:50:00.000-07:00

Sylvia Nduka Wins MBGN 2011
The much publicize Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria 2011 has come and gone, and the winner for this year is Sylvia Nduka, a University of Lagos Accountancy undergraduate from Anambra State.

Apart from the title, Sylvia also won #3 million cash prize and a brand new Hyundai car.

2011-06-27T04:39:00.000-07:00

RMD EYES THE STAGE AGAIN
Report simmering in indicates that Nollywood veteran, iconic personality and politician Richard Mofe Damijo is rolling up his sleeves to take the stage once again with his mesmerizing acts.

According to the source, Richard will make his re-entry by starring in a Nigerian popular soap opera TINSEL which airs on cable Network, as he awaits other movie roles in the pipeline.

As the current Commissioner of Commerce and Tourism in Delta State, Nigeria, Richard is arguably one of the best Nollywood has ever produced.So a re-entry is not only good news, but probably an attempt to benefit from years of hard work, and sheer passion for acting.

Spaiz media is wishing him the best!

2011-06-16T04:49:00.000-07:00

HAKANA MATATA VOL.3

Pacifiers Entertainment is bringing the biggest show in mainland to your door step.The event tagged "HAKUNA MATATA VOL.3" according to the C.E.O of Pacifiers entertainment, Micheal Favour is aimed at providing a platform for upcoming artiste and also serve as a networking event where youth can get to meet one another.

The event scheduled for 1st of October at Chic Cafe beside Ozone Cinemas Sabo,Yaba is set to bring in some bigwigs in the entertainment industry and some promising young acts who believe in Pacifiers concept.

The event P.R.O stated that artiste like Skuki, 2slim,Olamide, turntable wizard, D.j kool jay, Youngstar BB, Dhammy D1, Zeph are sure to perform at the event. "we are currently in talks with some bigwigs in the music industry but we would not like to mention the names now because we don't have a concrete agreement yet. presently we have embarked on maximum publicity to make the event bigger than Vol. 2. We got lot of publicity shirts out there, we are going to hold an awareness party on the 25th of June 2011." lare stated.

Surely come October, Mainland would be a bubbling arena for fun loving Nigerians....come and let your swaggs out.

2011-06-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

Dimeji Bankole's freedom short-lived as EFCC re-arrested him.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to former Nigerian Speaker, Dimeji Bankole who is standing trial on corruption charges.

But his freedom was short-lived as he was immediately re-arrested by agents of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the court’s premises. He is expected to be charged along with his former deputy, Usman Nafada this afternoon.

Nafada was arrested yesterday and was involved in a minor traffic accident as he was being transported to EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

Bankole was arrested on Sunday June 5, and charged to court for inflating contract awards which includes the cost of 400 units of 40-inch Samsung (LNS.3410 Television sets) purchased at the rate of N525, 000 per unit, instead of the prevailing market price of N295, 000 and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 58 (4) (a) of the Public Procurement Act No. 14 of 2007 and punishable under Section 58 (5) of the same Act.

Ini Edo Acquires Multi million naira Edifice in Nigeria.

2011-06-16T04:14:00.000-07:00

Ini Edo Acquires Multi million naira Edifice in Nigeria.

Sultry actress, Ini Edo has demonstrated to the skeptics that the Nollywood industry is still a viable and rewarding business with the right approach and work ethic. And just like in Hollywood where celebrities live a comfortable and often times overly flamboyant lifestyle, the same can be found in Nollywood. With all the success that has come her way therefore, Ini felt it was time she enjoyed from her success with the acquisition of another mansion in the new estate area of Akwa-Ibom state, Nigeria.

The beautiful piece of edifice is reportedly worth over almost a million dollars. But the news of the acquisition isn’t all in isolation with rumors already swirling that it may have been purchased by the governor of the state as an appreciation to her support for his campaign and subsequent re-election.

The acquisition of property by any individual is the person’s absolute prerogative. It sometimes is of interest for the general public and fans who look up to celebrities and leaders alike, to speculate on how they conduct themselves and dispense such wealth. At certain times, it could be said of as wasteful, and at other times philanthropic.

2011-06-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

Our wives loves Swagger

-Artquake

They might not have won Grammies but the name Artquake is always a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry. Adex and Ice-k of the electrifying group in a chat with Spaiz Media's Editor, Towobola Damilola explained their sojourn into the highly competitive world of music and other interesting issues.

You celebrated a decade on stage; did you expect you were going to grow so quickly when you started?

We just did what we knew how to do best within the decade. We equally had our ups and downs. The major thing that kept us going was the passion and the believe we had in what we were doing. As per growth, we have been very progressive. I would simply say we have never had a better yesterday, everything we have been doing have gotten better by the year.

Tell us how the journey started and what has been keeping you guys together?

We started in school while doing our national diploma in kwara state polytechnic in 1995. When we discovered that we both had individual talent that was significantly unique so we decided to come together to form a group then known as adx and icek, we subsequently performed at many of our schools shows, we quickly became the favourite of most organisers, we became local champions because any show adx and icek did rock in those days.
we moved to the polytechnic of Ibadan for our HND in 1998 and in 1999 we decided to go professional by recording our first single titled” abule lawa” the track which brought our attention to the CEO of corporate picture who signed us with a mouth watering record deal which enabled the release of our first album titled “never ending” which had tracks like shamagbadun, abule lawa and anycolor just to mention a few,
few years later we were signed to another record label know as littlefish which enabled the release of our 2nd album titled “shoe get size” in 2004 which tracks like everybody are u ready konkojabele and u chop my money in 2006. we left the record label to start up our own production outfit and record label called AQ multimedia and since then we have been in charge of all our works up till now
as a group what has been keeping us together is tolerance, respect for each other and the fact that we are just two of us because English men say two is company three is crowd

How have you been coping with your star status?

We have been used to stardom right from when we started as local champion in kwara poly so it’s been quite easy to deal with because we do not allow it get into our head, our stardom does not control us, and we control it.

Who actually is Artquake and what is the significance of your stage name?

Artquake means the exploitation of creative innovation we go extra mile to do creative things, the significance of this name is that anytime we perform on stage we create a huge and heavy presence.

With your marital status, now beaming "married”, hope it won't weight you down in terms of the swags?

We are both married and as far as we are concerned it does not change anything, in fact this is the time we concentrate the more on our career because we are not distracted by any female friend or fans knowing we are married.
We also have the swags intact the swags cannot change in fact it will even get better because our wives loves swagger ” no be small” and we always love to impress them, we no marry bush girls u know.

Let's talk about music, many are of the view that you are presently short of concept. What is your response to this?

I just think they are beefing our success because if anyone will stand up to say we are short of concepts, I wonder how we have been able to stay up this long in the industry, and many soldiers have fallen in battle. we started with so many people I won’t want to mention any names but if you cast your mind back from 1999 till now you can’t find anyone who has stayed as relevant and consistent as we have been over the years.

What is your driving force as far as music is concerned?
The drive is the passion we have for music and the fact that we make a lot of people happy; we put smiles on the faces of people. This makes us want to do more and more and more.

It seems new guys on the bloc are giving you old guys a run in the music industry?

(Amused)....new guys? We don’t see anyone as new or old we see all of them as colleagues because so many have meet us in this industry and also left while we are still here, though it’s not by our power its by the grace of god so they are not giving us a run because if they were “we for don run comot” instead most of them are looking up to us… so the truth is we are not affected in way with new influx of people into the industry all we would continually say is ‘welcome’

How would you rate the music industry in Nigeria and Africa in general?
Nigeria music industry is about the first to reckon within the whole of Africa considering the achievements of the Nigerian artiste within the last 10 years all eyes is on Nigeria no doubt even the entire world will begin to feel the impact now because “Naija music” is the future of music in the entire world we are taking over gradually.

What’s your take on piracy?
Until the federal government of Nigeria see the entertainment industry as an industry we would not see changes. They need to constitute laws that would positively affects musician and protect them over piracy. We really need the support of the federal government and join hands with them.

To whom do you owe your rise in the industry?

To God almighty and our diehard fans all over the world

How many artiste do you have presently on your record label?
We have one artiste called Young Nate. You will be hearing from him pretty soon.

Many have criticized contemporary artiste like you for having poor lyrical content, singing only about sex, booze, internet fraud and other less noble things. How would you react to this?
The lyrics we spill are what people see and do every day. That is why we sell more than the non contemporary artistes, you can’t argue that. However, Artquake don’t just sing about sex girls. we sing reality songs etc.

What’s your best delicacy?
Local dished will do that, Amala, pounded yam all with Egusi and vegetable.

What inspirational word do you have for aspiring music stars and the youths in general?

Believe in yourself and make sure you truly have talent before going into music, also try to sound like yourself don’t try to sound like Artquake be original.