NIGERIAN ARISTOCRATS SET LAGOS POLO AGLOW

Story & Photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Top Nigerians from far and near gathered this afternoon (2 February 2008) at the Lagos Polo ground on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, for the take off of this year’s edition of Lagos Polo Tournament.
Polo is fondly called the game of kings. This is on account of the large amounts of money required for the upkeep of ponies, the registration and connections among members. Polo leaves a gap between the rich and the super rich. It is not for the faint hearted.The person must also have a sound health history.
Aside the mandatory sum of N500, 000 (About $4,200) for membership registration, we gathered that the membership committee would go through the profile of the prospective members and also carry out investigations to ensure that the person is of good character.
The first game in the tournament kicked off between Lagos Luna Milk and Ibadan Lead City University team at 2 P.M. Those who played on the part of Luna Milk are Akintayo Sotomi, Usman Ahmed, Saidu Umar and Ado Shuaib.On the hand, Ibadan Lead City University had Femi Oyeniyi, Koyin Owoeye, Bola Adeyemi and Babatunde Lawal.
Other matches today are Lagos Rojo vs. Power Horse 2, Ibadan NFL vs. Ibadan Natives and Lagos Power Horse 1 vs. Lagos Rubicon.
According to this year’s schedule notable players that would participate this year include Mohammed Babangida, Bello Buba, Jamilu Mohammed, Bayo Amusan, Francis Ogboro, Bashir Dantata,Madugu Dantata,Junaid Dikko and Aminu Abubakar Alhaji.

While speaking with http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ this afternoon, the Captain of the Lagos Polo club,Francis Ogboro said all efforts are put in place to ensure a hitch free tournament.
The Lagos executive committee has Bayo Amusan as the president (Bayo is a successful businessman, so also his brother, Tayo the chairman of The Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki, Chief E.K.Omotseho as Vice President,Dapo Ojora (son of Otunba Adekunle and Ojuolape Ojora) is the 2nd Vice President.Adamu Yaro is in charge of Pony welfare while Madugu Dantata is in charge of stables.Jamilu Mohammed is a Ground Member and Prince Kunle Tejuosho is the social secretary.
The names polo players such Muyiwa Bola Ige, Alhaji Sani Dangote, Atedo Peterside and others have not been confirmed against any team.We, however, gathered that Senator Chris Ogunbanjo would not be available this year.

Pix 1-Lagos Luna Milk and Ibadan Lead University teams.Lagos won the match.Pix 2-Captain of Lagos Polo Club,Chief Francis Ogboro and a guest.Pix 3-Mr.Bayo Amusan ,President of Lagos Polo Club (left) and Mr.Wale Edun, a former Commissioner of Finance In Lagos.

PSQUARE ORDERS FOR HUMMER (H2) JEEP

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

The garage of hip hop duo, Peter and Paul Okoye, popularly known as Psquare has received a 'mighty' boost with the latest addition of Hummer (H2) Jeep. Already, they have a collection of some of the finest cars and jeeps.
http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ exclusively learnt that they have paid for the jeep and it would just take a few more days before the wonder jeep is delivered to their Omole Estate (Phase 1) home in Ikeja, Lagos. The jeep is painted red and they hope to paint the city of Lagos red with it.
According to Jude ‘engee’Okoye, their elder brother and manager, Psquare decided to spoil themselves a little bit with the Hummer (H2) jeep. This is because they worked tirelessly last year. "The jeep is a way of congratulating themselves for their numerous achievements on the music scene last year",he said.
Right now, Psquare ranks amongst the highest selling hip hop musicians in the country. They are also well patronized by corporate organizations, state governments and individuals. They have also won several awards.Their album 'Get Squared' remains a reference point in hip hop music.

Pix shows Psquare and their elder brother, Jude Okoye (Right)

WELCOME TO THE MONTH OF LOVE

I welcome you to February, the month of love. I would just advise that whatever you do, let it be done with love. So many people think that Valentine is all about sex, sex and sex.Someone needs to have a re-think here.
Last year, i followed a friend to his girlfriend's place in Unilag.I saw this babe crying...sorry,she was actually weeping.We later learnt that she was ashamed that her man failed to turn up after bragging to her friends.Please,if you know your man is not stable,please,run away from the room.
I don’t have a Val yet but I am confident that I would not be left out of the whole show. Personally, I would love to visit an Italian restaurant in the afternoon and a live band setting in the evening.
Where and how do you intend to celebrate it? What is your idea of a great Val outing?Do you think sex should be the peak of the day's celebration?
Whatever you think,Valentine is 13 days away from now and a lot of guys have started saving.

UNILAG BEAUTY TELLS US HER TAKE ON LOVE

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

"I win my boyfriend over, whenever I go to his place by helping out with domestic shores. You know everyman likes to see the wife material in their girl. Yes, a woman who is homely and diligent”.
These were the words of Alero Uli, the young lady who carted home the award of Most Beautiful Girl (MBG) on campus, courtesy Questionmark/Unilag Awards 2007.
Shortly before she traveled to Britain on holidays last December, www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com, engaged the alluring Alero in a chat.
Alero refused to reveal the identity of the man that swept her off her feet to us but volunteered that he hails from a prominent family in Ijebuland, Ogun State.
Our investigations, however, revealed the name of the fellow as Dayo.We gathered that they both met in UNILAG and they have been dating for sometime now. We also learnt that they may have resolved to marry themselves when Alero leaves school.
Alero is also a successful photography model in Nigeria. She has done prominent jobs for multinational companies such as Globalcom (A leading telecommunication company), Malta Guinness (A drink on the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc), Alora Soap and several others.
Alero, who is looking forward to a first degree in the English Department of University of Lagos, disclosed that she is fetish about big ear rings. She also likes shoes and bags.
Alero’s father works with a Federal Government parastatal, while her mum retired after a meritorious service with Ministry of Budget and Planning and other federal government agencies.Alero’s mother hails from Aniocha, the Igbo speaking part of Delta State while her father is an Itsekiri man from the same state.
When asked about her favourite destination point. She smiled and told us “Caribbean Island!”
According to her, Carribean Island is one place she would love to visit.

BREAKING NEWS: ROBBERS SNATCH 2FACE IDIBIA’S JEEP AT GUN POINT

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Hell was let loose in Lagos, last night (31 January 2008) as Nigeria’s hottest hip hop sensation,2face Idibia was attacked by armed robbers. In the process, he lost his expensive new Range Rover Sport jeep to the bandits.The incident happened around 9 P.M.
2face confirmed the incident.He disclosed that he was around a friend’s place in Ikeja,when the dare devil men of the underworld unleashed the dragon. “What I heard were sporadic shots from different angles.Suddenly, they hijacked me and my driver in the jeep. They said I should go to the back seat but later they allowed me to get out of the vehicle"
2face whose hit track African Queen brought him so much fame and fortune, disclosed that his driver was not so lucky. According to him, the driver was released around 3 A.M today (1 February 2008) in Agbara, a town close to the border of Nigeria and Republic of Benin.
Unlike past experiences, where he was shot and badly injured, the musician came out of the sordid occurrence unscratched.
“I only received slaps” he said amidst laughter. The Benue State born musician also said that formal report had been made to the police and they are doing their best to track down the armed robbers.
This is the third time that the award winning musician would be attacked by robbers in recent times. He was shot by bandits towards the last quarter of 2007 .He went through surgical operations for the extraction of the bullets.The first armed robbery attack happened right in his festac town abode.It was when he just bought his Lincoln Navigator.

GOVERNOR’S DAUGHTER WHO 'WASHES' NYSC TOILETS

Story &Photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Omowunmi, the beautiful daughter of Governor Olusegun Agagu of Ondo State is a silver spoon with a difference.Omowunmi raises money so that toilets at National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are kept clean.
Many people believe she is doing a great job and that was one of the reasons she got won the award for best use of ‘daddy’s’ name at Future Award.
Omowunmi deserves applause or what do you think?

BETWEEN BISOLA DEJONWON AND HAKEEM MURI-OKUNOLA

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Apart from Dr.Tunde Soleye and Nike Oshinowo’s romance, the hottest gist that is spreading like wild fire in Lagos is the alleged romantic relationship between Bisola Dejonwon,a niece to Alhaji Rasaq Akanni Okoya and handsome dude,Hakeem Muri-Okunola(He is a scion of respected jurist, late Justice Muri Okunola).
Bisola whom many call “transcorp big girl” is beautiful and smart but many people are against the liaison because Hakeem is married.Coincidentally, the name of Hakeem’s wife is also Bisola and they got married in a high society wedding in 2001.
A few friends, however, disclosed that there is no way Wosilat Okoya-Badmus would allow her daughter to be a second wife. At the wedding of Alhaji Rasaq and Sade, we saw the two of them chatting and Bisola was obviously very happy. She laughed as she plays with Hakeem’s phone.Earlier in the day,she was very strict at the entrance while checking through invitation cards of guests.

Sometimes, I wonder what is in a name.Is Hakeem going to be falling in love with everyone that bears Bisola? Check out Bolaji Saheed,K1 the Ultimate Close associate who fell 'flat'in love with star actress,Bukky Wright the other time.The name of his real wife based in Canada is also Bukky.A friend once told me he had three girlfriends and they all bear Barbara!

AMAA CEO SAYS “I AM NOT INTERESTED IN WAR OF WORDS"

Story & Photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Peace Fiberesima Anyam-Osigwe, the chief executive officer (ceo) of African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) has called us to clarify issues concerning the allegations of breach of contract and the N2.6 million Naira (about $22,000) Adstrat alleged she owes them.
http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ met her this afternoon (31 January 2007) at her Lagos office. Peace informed that she does not want to give chances to a war of words between them. "I think the reasons why the said amount is still unpaid is because of some things that needed to be cleared in the account department.The two organizations are still sorting things out"
“We are friends. The fact that my company have problem with his company does not mean we won’t be friends again” she said with a smile.
“There was nothing like a breach of contract. The contract says “October 2006 to October 2007.Now, it has ended and we needed to move on. They tried in terms of re-startegizing and rebranding last year. This year, we are not doing any of such. We are okay with what we already have on ground.
Soulcomms, the new company he talks about, is not into all that. What they do is publicity, event and sponsorship”, she added.

NIGERIAN WOMEN LOVE LOOKING GOOD

Story &pix by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

Nigerian women like to look sweet,particularly in their traditional clothes.Its usually well designed.If dressing were to be a kind of sport,i bet it would compete with football amongst these society women.They also like to dress their neck.Check out pictures.Only,Bimbo Otuyalo is the exception here.In South West Nigeria,they will say owambe or won ma gba.

Pix 1-Mrs.Joko Oni and friends

Pix 2-Christy Andrew and Princess Cynthia Adeyemi (when Bisi Olatilo's wife,Folasade celebrated her 50th birthday).In fact Cynthia is regarded as the current 'champion' when it comes to wonder designs at high society parties now.

Pix 3-Bimbo Otuyalo,a fashion designer

pix 4-Sade Okoya (When Raymond Dokpesi's step daughter,Dolapo had her wedding)

pix 5-Jennifer

AMAA CONTRACT FALL OUT: CHARLES O’TUDOR CLEARS THE AIR

Story & Pix by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Mr. Charles O’tudor, the Managing Director of Adstrat Communications, the Public Relation outfit that handled the 2007 edition of African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) has accused the organizers of not fulfilling the contractual obligations they both signed.
He told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ this afternoon (30 January 2008) at his Ikeja (GRA), Lagos office. He alleged that till now, the Peace Fiberesima Anyiam-Osigwe led AMAA still owes his company to the tune of about N2.6 million naira ( About $22,000).At the start of the chat,O’tudor said “I hate to do this but I just have to put records straight”
O’tudor disclosed that he was shocked to see the 2008 AMAA promo in key media inspite of the fact that they have not formally terminated the contractual agreement, neither have they paid or met with terms of payment with Adstrat.
O’tudor disclosed that inspite of discussions held between the two parties at the law chambers of radical Lagos lawyer, Mr.Festus Keyamo, AMAA still failed to pay the money.
He further told us that he is not in contention with Mr.Yemi Odusote of Soulcomms, the new PR engaged by the award organizers. In his words “Mr.Odusote is my brother. I have nothing against him"

He told us that he deserves to be respected for the high level creativity and passion that his company committed into AMAA last year.O'tudor further stated that Adstrat handles accounts for about 7 banks and also state governments such as Cross River and has never failed on contractual terms.
“Our understanding of client and consultant relationship draws from the global best practice where the client and consultants are partners in progress and so keep in touch through every means possible to move the brief forward. This was definitely not so with the AMAA brief”
“It will be recalled that in spite of several concerted effort by consultant to manage client and make her see reasons why issues must be addressed from a professional perspective, client has always run off the track and engaged in activities not recommended in the strategy documents” He said
Efforts to get the President of AMAA to talk about the issue proved abortive. When http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ met her recently, she smiled and said she didn’t want to say anything.

PEACE FIBERESIMA ANYIAM–OSIGWE ASSURES ON AMAA 2008

Story & pix by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Preparations for the annual African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) are in top gear. The AMAA is unarguably the biggest movie award ceremony taking place in Nigeria. Just like the two previous editions, this year’s own will also take place in oil rich Bayelsa State.
Mrs. Peace Fiberesima-Osigwe, the President of AMAA told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that all everything is being put in place so that this year’s own will even be bigger and far better from the previous ones. Unlike last year’s own, which took place in February, the 2008 edition will be in April. “The 2007 edition was in February because of the elections that was due to take place in April. The 2008 edition comes up in April as usual”
Apart from attracting visitors from within and outside the continent of Africa, it promotes goodwill and friendship amongst practitioners and friends of the movie industry through a week long activities. Several persons also get short term employment opportunities. Journalists from different parts of the world also converge to take pictures of stars in their irresistible outfits. Last year, winners included Chief Olu Jacobs, Chioma Chukwuka (Best Actress) and Sitanda, a film sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc.

American star actress,Monique of Phat Girls fame was one of the star attractions at last year's edition

These pictures are from the 2007 edition

Pix 1-Peace Fiberesima Anyiam-Osigwe-President of AMAA

pix 2-actors-Aki and Paw paw with Olu Jacobs

pix 3-Ebube Nwangbo and Friends

pix 4-Star actress, Stella Damasus-Aboderin

Pix 5-Olu Jacob,Monique and others