9ICE PERFORMS FOR MANDELA ON 90TH BIRTHDAY

Nigerian singer Abolore Akande a.k.a. 9ice performed at London Hyde Park last friday alongside Will Smith, Amy Winehouse, U2 and many others; in honour of South African leader Nelson Mandela who clocked 90 recently.
It is 9ice's first international exposure, being his first performance abroad ever, and he is starting on a very good note.According to info gathered by www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com, 9ice's performance was backed by the Soweto Gospel choir.The concert which was primarily designed for an audience of about 40000, was transmitted live to millions across the world through different cable networks.It was shown live on Nigeria's AIT.He was the only artiste taken from Nigeria. 9ice was accompanied by his manager Ola Dehinde.He is expected back to Nigeria eon Monday June 30.

At 90, Mandela is the real 'gongo aso' world leader. Here is a salute to the mandiba.
www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com would have brought you loads and loads of photos of what London big boys and girls wore to the party but...Lets just pray that soon and very soon,I would have the opportunity to cover events like this...still working concerning the Nottinghill Carnival, which I gathered would hold in August.

Photos-9ice,Mandela,Will Smith and others

LOOK AT THE PHOTO CLOSELY AND SEE IF YOU CAN ALSO MAKE A CHANGE JUST LIKE MUTIU LESHI AND FRIENDS IN USA!

By Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

You see the glamour pictures of celebrities here everyday but that is not all that is happening in the Nigeria.There are millions of people who can not feed themselves let alone send their children to school.Their life savings can not even buy an 'original' Versace shirt.

I took the photo on this post sometime ago at Victoria Island,Lagos.It shows a group of area boys desperately begging a former aide of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,Dr.Doyin Okupe for money to feed themselves. More children are going out of school to turn to child labourers, area boys and evetually criminals.

Mutiu Leshi, a pal who lives in the United States of America is one of those who believe that lives of millions of Nigerian children who are out of school would change if we all contribute our quota.Recently, Mutiu and friends sent thousands of books, pencils and erasers for less privildeged school children.The distribution would be facilitated next week by www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com and friends.

According to Mutiu "My friends and I recently started a books and stationeries drive to schools in Africa called Africa Outreach Program. We were able to collect donations of books, pencils, erasers and other stationeries that we recently shipped to Lagos Nigeria for low income schools. We are still fairly new but we hope to continue and expand on our outreach to poor families that can not afford good education"

You too can make someone happy today.Someone you have never seen but could feel his or her problems far away.It could be clothes or just anything worth at all for less priviledged people in Nigeria.Soon, i will bring some photos related to the topic.

Founding members-

Mutiu Leshi ---- Founder and co-ordinator of the program. I presently work for BearStearns now part of JPMorgan Chase.

Ese Aigbegun---- she is very resourceful, and she has acted as the organization publicity manager. She presently work for MorganStanley

Jong Lee--- He is my best friend and very concern about any issues affecting motherland. I will call him Asian African. he is been very supportive both physically and financially. He presently work for Decorum

Dimeji Ayanwale-- He works for Citibank

Tunde Tella --- He is a former employee of Oceanic bank Lagos, and presently an MBA student at University of Connecticut ( UCONN). He is one of our volunteers. He is very emotional about the issues affecting Africa educational system

Bidemi Babajide--- He is a former IT student at Intercontinental Bank, and presently a Freshman at Baruch College. One of our dedicated Volunteer.

Fatima Olude--- She is very supportive and committed to the organization. She is one of the Nigeria in diasporas that as never been to Nigeria before, but the she committed to the growth of the continent. She graduated from University of Illinois in Chicago,

RE: SO, WHO IS THE HOTTEST IN NIGERIA?

Everyday we continue to receive text messages , e-mails and calls concerning the hottest actress story we posted on the blog.People have also left comment on the blog.We are particularly excited becaus a lot of people who should know better are interested in voting for the actress who turned out the best in terms of looks and dressing.

Someone is sending us goodies for the Best actress and some voters from the United States of America.I don't want to let the whole gist out now.Details of the sponsor would be made available later.

We are also thinking of adding more adding more names.From what I gathered so far,Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic and Omotola Jolade-Ekehinde appear to be leading (Though not in that particulat order) . Here is the link-http://niyitabiti.blogspot.com/2008/06/so-who-is-hottest-in-nollywood.html

MORE PHOTOS FROM AUSTIN 'JAY JAY' OKOCHA'S RECEPTION ON TUESDAY

Photos by Niyi Tabiti
Nigerian celebrities came to register their presence at the Grand reception for Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha on Tuesday 24 June 2008 in Lagos,Nigeria. Here are some of the photos in addition to the ones earlier been posted.
Photo 1-Austin 'Jay Jay' and Nkechi Okocha.
Photo 2- Nollwood actress, Jennifer Eliogu
Photo 3- Ace presenter,Michelle Dede and another person.
Photo 4-Nollywood actress,Ebube Nwangbo
Photo 5- Omotola Jolade-Ekehinde (Omo sexy) and friend
Photo 6-Monalisa Chinda and husband,Dejo Richard (They shamed critics who said they are no longer married)
Photo 7-Ever 'bubbling' Cossy Orjiakor at the event.

AT THE SPECIAL RETIREMENT PARTY FOR AUSTIN 'JAY JAY' OKOCHA IN LAGOS, NIGERIA ON TUESDAY

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter



Former Hull City FC midfielder,Austin Jay Jay Okocha was honoured by Boldfaces International owned by actress cum TV presenter,Tracia Eseigbe on Tuesday 24 June 2008 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Okocha was full of thanks for the company, friends and associates who came from far and near to be part of the event in Lagos.Okocha arrived in company of his beautiful wife,Nkechi in a state of the art cars provided by Today's Cars.There children were absent but that same day happens to be their daughter's 10th year birthday.
Like most events put together in Nigeria, the event started late and alot of guests who arrived much earlier let in annoyance.Tracia herself confessed that the governors Rotimi Amaechi and Babatunde Raji Fashola,of Rivers and Lagos state respectively, came early and left in annoyance because of the delay.She, therefore, appealed to anyone that can reach the two governors to plead on behalf of the organisers.

Okocha and his wife, http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ observed enjoyed themself thoroughly. Every opportunity that Nkechi had to wriggle her waist or a do a complete Gongo Aso dance step, she never 'slacked'

Same for Newcastle player, Obafemi Martins and Joseph Yobo.Martins was the cynosure of all eyes.

One man who got all of us reeling with laughter at the event was star comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka otherwise known as Comedian of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR).He compered the event alongside, actress Jennifer Eliogu.She took the place of Kate Henshaw who is reportedly on a foreign trip.

Top Nigerian artistes who performed at the event included Mamozee,KC Presh, African China and Tuface Idibia.
Actors and actresses at the event included Omotola Jolade-Ekehinde,Chidi Mokeme,Elfreda Rowland,Uche Iwuji,Ebube Nwangbo,Emeka Ani,Anita Hogan, Lillian Bach,Steph Nora-Okere,Aki and Paw Paw etc.



Photo 1- Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha and his wife,Nkechi with Tracia Esiegbe on the stage



Photo 2-Footballers wives-Mrs.Ijeuru Julius Aghaowa and Nkechi Okocha

Photo 3-Austin 'Jay Jay'Okocha,Mamozee.Aki and Paw Paw, Jennifer

WIFE GIVES ALI BABA A LAVISH SUPRISE BIRTHDAY

Mary, the beautiful wife of Ali Baba, fondly ragarded as Nigeria's king of comedy pulled a fast one on her man with a suprise birthday party on Tuesday 24 June 2008.www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com missed the event because it was at the same time I was attending the Austin Jay Jay Okocha' event in Ikeja-Lagos.

Any ways, it was a boat cruise meant to suprise Ali Baba.According to a text message sent to selected close friends of the humour merchant,Mary wrote:Its my dear hubby's birthday(Ali Baba) birthday tommorow the 24th and you are invited for a dinner on boat NIRE REST.It sets sail at 5.40 pm from Admirality Way,Lekki Phase 1 (Emperor Chinese)...

TUFACE IDIBIA CONFESSES:"I AM A VERY GOOD FOOTBALLER!"

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter


Nigeria born international music star, Tuface Idibia got almost everyone at Planet One, Lagos-Nigeria reeling with uncontrollable laughter last night when he confesses that “I am a good footballer”
Tuface who was trying to impress, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Nigeria’s international football star in whose honour the event was being organised by Tracia Esiegbe’s Bold Faces International, got more than he bargained in the hands of the audience immediately he said he is indeed good with the round leather game.
Okocha was not the only footballer at the event. The likes of Joseph Yobo, John Utaka, Abbey George, Obafemi Martins and Julius Aghaowa were also at the event to celebrate with Okocha, who has just retired from the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national team.Okocha's contract with Hull City in United Kingdom was also not renewed as well.
Someone screamed: Hmm...Tu baba! Who says you are not a good footballer after all, only you can score three goals at the same time”
Another person said: “Super striker. Small time, you will produce a team of 11 players from your bedroom football”
Another person describe Tuface as a super footballer after all he plays for Pero United, Annie Macaulay FC and Sumbo...!

LILLIAN BACH FOUND LOVE AGAIN IN EX-LOVER,JOHNSON DAVIDSON

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter



Nollywood star actress and model, Lillian Bach and her ex-lover, Johnson Davidson are back at 'it' and this time they show every sign of seriousness.

Before now, it appeared like specualto because Lillian romance with Davidson collapsed some years back.Ever after, Lillian had been linked to other 'fine boys' within and outside the industry.Of all the men,Lillian's liasion with co-actor, Pat Atta was more pronounced.

Right now, all indications pointed to the fact that Lillian had fallen back in love with Davidson and they are both ready to go all the way. Last night (24 June 2008),www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com sighted the two of them as they stepped into Planet One,Ikeja,Lagos-venue of the reception hosted in honour of Nigeria's international soccer star, Austin 'Jay jay' Okocha by Tracia Eseigbe's Bold Faces Intenational.

They held hands and Davidson walked majestically on the red carpet as if telling everyone looking at them that 'I have got her back,shame to bad people'.Throughout the event they whispered into each others ears like young people who are falling in love for the first time.They also left the event together.

When http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ sought to know the present state of relationship with Davidson , she laughed and after sometime she managed to whisper "We are business partners"

Even a primary school pupil could read it in her eyes that Lillian was only saying he is my 'man' again.No one could say whether or not, the two lovers are ready to 'ring' the wedding bells.

On the other hand, Lillian said the reasons her fans have not been seeing much of her in movies in recent times was due to the production outfit she was putting together.It is now ready, complete state of the art equipment. Aside that you know I dont like appearing in home video anyhow.I look out for somethings before offering to take part in any job" she said

WHEN KORA ALL AFRICA MUSIC AWARD MADE ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU A PATRON IN LAGOS, NIGERIA.

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter



It was a gathering of who is who in Nigeria when organisers of Kora, all Africa music award made former governor ofekud8 Lagos State, Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu a patron. The even took place on Sunday 22 June 2008 at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Kora is regarded as one of the biggest awards in the continent of Africa. Since inception ten years ago; South Africa is the only country that has hosted it. This year’s edition will, however, take place in Cross River State, Nigeria. kORA is the brain work of Ernest Adjovi,a native of Republic of Benin (one of Nigeria's neighbouring countries)
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was ably supported by friends, relations and political associates at the event.Those who graced the event included billionaire businessman, Mr.Oba Otudeko,Professor Wole Soyinka,Chief Molade Okoya Thomas (Asoju Oba of Lagos),Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos,Mr.Akisola Akinfenwa, the Managing Director of Skye Bank
Former governors,Chief Bisi Akande, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Chief Olusegun Osoba.Gubernatorial Candidate of Action Congress in Ekiti at the 2007 election, Dr.Kayode Fayemi and his deputy, Mrs.Olufunmilayo Olayinka also came to the event.
Professor Wole Soyinka did not stay longf and when http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ sought to know why he was leaving the event too early, the Kongi of Africa said, 'they did not start early and I have another event to attend'
Soyinka also took sometime out to joke with a female reporter who tried so much to get him to talk.
We will definately upload more photos from the event.

Photo 1-Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governor of Lagos State, Mr.Raji Batbatunde Fashola (SAN)
Photo 2- Professor Wole Soyinka taking his exit from the event
Photo 3-Mrs.Olufunmilayo Olayinka, ex-banker and politician.
Photo 4-Musician, Yinka Davies 'singing' the national anthem
photo 5-Senator Olurunnibe Mamowora exchanging pleasantries with Mr.Akinsola Akinfenwa, the Managing Director of Skye Bank.On the background is Ex-governor of Ogun State,Chief Olusegun Osoba.

Photo 6-Star comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka the first,Mr.Kayode Akinyemi the Head of Corporate Affairs divison,Skye Bank and friend.

OLIVER DE COQUE ALSO LEFT THIS SINFUL WORLD LAST FRIDAY

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

When I got the shocking news on Saturday that popular Igbo musician,Chief Oliver De Coque had died on Friday night,I didnt believe that death would come so soon for the man.He was actively present at the Nigerian Music Award in Imo State last month.
Death be not proud!
Friends, family members and fans would miss the Musician so much.
In this photo, I captured him exchanging pleasantries with Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye of Primetime Television aboard the aeroplane that took us to Imo.
May His soul rest in perfect peace.
Meanwhile, I just returned from KORA Award nominees party at the Civic Centre,Victoria-Island,Lagos.I will upload on Monday!

HAPPY WEEKEND WITH LOVE FROM GISTMASTER!

Hmmm..we have prapared a table before you so...have your cut!

Happy weekend with love from Gistmaster,right here in Lagos, the centre of enjoyment.

COUNTDOWN TO NIGERIA MODEL AWARD SCREENING

Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

The much anticipated Nigeria Model Award(NMA) 2008 has been fixed for 26 July in Lagos, Nigeria. The event is organized on the stable of Legendary Gold Limited. According to information made available to www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com that screening would take place in different parts Nigeria.
Screening for interested participants would take place in Benin on 26 June 2008; Abuja would be on 28 June while the one of Lagos takes place on 5 July 2008.
Nigerian Model Award is an annual event put together by Legendary Gold, a proudly led by Lexy Mojo-Eyes.The winner is given the opportunity to compete with other models from round the award at Ford Supermodel of the World contest in the United States. Every year,Robert Knapp the head Scout of Ford Super Model travels down to Nigeria to choose the winner.

Last year, Blessing Bassey won the NMA and she represented Nigeria in the USA. Aside Nigeria Model Award, Lexy Mojo-Eyes also organizes the annual Nigeria Fashion Show (NFS) in Nigeria and France.They have also done stuffs in Italy,Israel and South Africa.Right now, they are making an in road into the United States of America fashion and modelling industry. Last year, Legendary Gold also started the Nigerian Fashion Week.

"JIM IYKE NEVER PULLED A GUN AT DERELE'S PARTY"-PALS OF THE NOLLYWOOD ACTOR INSIST

By Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

The bet by now you should have heard about the star studded birthday party for Derele Edun at Papas, a top hangout in Victoria Island. The event took place last weekend and it was organized by Frank Okamigbo, the man about town behind the club and his aides in honour of the likeable television presenter.
The rumour mill is already agog with the news that controversial Nollywood actor, James Asomugha popularly known as Jim Iyke had a hot argument with some people at the event. The gist merchants did not stop at that. They alleged that the Nollywood actor was so upset that he pulled a gun. Trust us to always find out the true 'gist' behind the gist.
Trust http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ to always find out the ‘gist’ behind the gist. We spoke with Frank Okamigbo, the man behind Papas Club this afternoon and he told us there was no truth in the story. “Instead, the story was the other way round” he explained.
According to Okamigbo, people are peddling unfounded rumour.He said Jim and friends packed their car in front of one of the houses around the club, belonging to a former Inspector-General of Police,Mr. Sunday Adewusi. Policemen guiding the house felt uncomfortable and they challenged Jim Iyke and friends.www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com gathered that it almost turned into a heated argument but the matter was later settled amicably. It was the police men that were holding guns not the actor.Efforts made to speak with Jim Iyke on his mobile phones proved abortive.

An actor who begged for anonymity told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that people should learn to separate acting from reality. The reason why someone like Jim Iyke is the target of the rumour mongers is because of he is known for his bad boy roles in Nollywood movies.

NOMORELOSS SET FOR BACHELOR'S EVE

By Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

Olumuyiwa Adeyemi Oshinuga popularly known as Nomoreloss would be having a talk of the town Bachelor’s Eve on Friday 20 June 2008.www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com gathered that the party would take place at Visa, the new hangout in Ikeja owned by man about town, Kingsley James.
Its part of activities marking the musician, comedian and music video director exit from bachelorhood. He would be getting married to Adeola Ogunrionla popularly known as Phoenix Child on Rhythm 93.7 FM in Lagos, Nigeria.
We thank GOD for Nomoreloss taking the bold step into holy matrimony. We congratulate you on behalf of International Union of Nigerian Bachelors.
On the side, Bachelor’s eve is always fun. Friends will pomp champagne and bath the husband to be in it. Those who have the resources import girls from different places. Most times, the guy would be given a babe to ‘fire’ for the last time. It could even be his former girlfriend so that after that he would face his wife and never looked outside. See why most guys would not permit their wife-to-be to organise a Spinster’s Night.I once attended a bach on Awolowo road,Ikoyi.The young man who is a typical 'butter' boy was given his former girlfriend to 'fire' as the last babe he would 'do' before his wedding.Two months after the bach eve, the babe told our friend she was already carrying his baby!(Did I hear you say he misfired?)

The young man who happens to work with a telecom company in Nigeria that likes 'yellow colour' was so confused and he promised the chic half a million Naira to get rid of the pregnancy.The babe refused, insisting that they have to get married because it a taboo in her home town to abort.Eventually, we got to know that the babe was only out to frustrate the guy.

SO WHO IS THE HOTTEST IN NOLLYWOOD?

By Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter



We have posted photos of many Nollywood stars at various events on http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/. If you are one of those who has been following Nollywood and this blog for sometime, I bet you can tell who is really the hottest among our actresses when it comes to the clothes they wear and how they turned out at major events in town.

When it comes to choosing between Omotola Jolade Ekehinde,Genevieve Nnaji,Ini Edo,Rita Dominic,Stephanie Okereke and Rita Dominic, who will you regard as the best dressed Nigerian actress?



Photo 1-Genevieve Nnaji

Photo 2-Ini Edo

Photo 3-Rita Dominic

K-1 THE ULTIMATE,WALE THOMPSON,SOLA ALLISON, OTHERS DAZZLED AT NEWS OF THE PEOPLE ANNIVERSARY IN LAGOS,NIGERIA

The king of mordern fuji music,K-1 the Ultimate (Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe) gave a good account of himself on Sunday 15 June 2008 at Aquatic Hall,Ikeja,Lagos-venue of the first year anniversary of News of the People magazine.
The magazine was founded last year by Loye Amzat,a versatile society journalist and former editor with City People magazine.The anniversary party was the peak of a week long activities marking their one year on the news stand.
It was a gathering of notable socialites from far and near.Aside
Wasiu Ayinde, other artistes that dazzled the crowd included the Wale Thompton, the Lalale Friday Exponent and Sola Allison popularly known for her hit track 'Eji Owuro' a movie by Bimbo Oshin and her husband,Ola Ibironke of Dudu Heritage Production(The track later gave birth to an album entitled 'Eji Owuro' and it a sold out effort.If you are lady and you want a guy to fall in love with you, just play that 'Eji Owuro' and the guy will get inspired to fall in love)

Photo 1-K-1 the Ultimate being 'endorsed' with dollars and Naira bills by Loye Amzat.
Photo 2- Wole Arisekola, publisher of Street Journal,Ireland, spraying K-1 the Ultimate
Photo 3- A socialite spraying Wale Thompson at the event.

ELIZADE BOSS, CHIEF ADE OJO CELEBRATES 70TH BIRTHDAY IN GRAND STYLE

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Chief Ade Ojo is one of Nigeria's most admired personalities.Alot of people both at home and abroad are proud of his achievements and they just pray to be like him.
Ade Ojo, the father of Deola Sagoe, the internationally acclaimed fashion designer behind Odua creations, was full of thanks last Saturday as friends and relatives praise him for his monumental achievement as a family man, a businessman and a national figure.
The billionaire is the Chairman of Elizade Motors, the biggest distributors of Toyota cars in Nigeria. The 70th birthday party took place at P[olice College,Ikeja and it has all the tapings of an A-list event. Ali Baba,The Grand Commander of Comedy business was at his best while King Sunny Ade (Baba Eleshin ni Bariga) was on the bandstand.He moved everyone so much that alot of Dollars,Pound Sterling and Naira notes were showered on him.
The security was very water tight.Those who gained entrance into the venue are very,very A-list people.
Photo 1-The celebrant and his wife
Photo 2-Society women at the 'riviledged'party
Photo 3-Olori Ladun Sijuade, wife of Oba Okunade Sijuade the Ooni of Ife and her friend,Erelu Ojuolape Ojora,wife of The Otunba Adekunle Ojora

Photo 4-King Sunny Ade on the bandstand
Photo 5-General Alani Akinrinade (retd) and Oba Rilwan Akinolu,Oba of Lagos
other photos-Some guests at the events.

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE 8TH DAY FIDAU PRAYERS FOR LATE ALHAJI WAHAB IYANDA FOLAWIYO IN LAGOS NIGERIA

AT THE EIGHTH DAY FIDAU PRAYERS FOR LATE ALHAJI WAHAB IYANDA FOLAWIYO,BABA ADINNI OF NIGERIA

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter


The 8-day Fidau prayers for late Alhaji Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, the Baba Adinni of Nigeria took place at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos,yesterday.
Eminent personalities from far and near graced the event.Expectedly,it was a 'harvest' of fashion and style as Nigerian women came to outshine one another in thir wondrous fashion designs.Beads and jewelleries was also heavily on display.

Folawiyo is one of Nigeria's richest men when he was alive.He made his mark in the business.He also has several children who are successful in different fields. He has since been buried according to Islamic rite.www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com gathered that children, in-laws and beneficiaries of Folawiyo's philantrophic gesures are already planning a maga party, which will go down in history as one of the biggest so far in Lagos.


The event was filled up with several high profile personalities in attendance.Alot of people who could not tender satisfactory reasons for attending the event were turned back at the date by bouncers. More photos later...!