PREGNANCY OF THE GODS TAKES CENTRESTAGE AT A BOOK READING IN LAGOS

Story & Photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter



Olaide Awobajo-Soetan, a Nigerian based pharmacist and owner of Reader's Haven, a book store in Lagos pulled men and women of the literary community to Ogba in Lagos for the reading of 'Pregnancy of the gods' by Odili Ujubuonu.
The book won the 2006 Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA) award 2006. Ujubonu,a graduate of University of Nigeria took us back to the pre-colonial legal system in Eastern part of Nigeria.
Abomination! Ekemma, a widow is pregnant while still in her mourning cloth. To further humiliate her late husband, she chose to commit the atrocity with his rival in the wrestling game. When confronted, she claims the pregnancy belongs to her late husband, Udo. Alot of people found the claim hard to believe because after 10 years of marriage without any issue, she chose to honour him posthumously with a child.
Ekemma’s issue is further complicated when 10 months after Udo’s demise, she had not put to bed. The Ezeani council must meet to decide her fate for daring to desecrate the land with her action. The Isi-Ani seems to be taking a special interest in the case. Does he have something at stake and why is he plagued by a series of misfortunes?
Deserted by family and friends, Ekemma has only the gods as her witness. Are the gods going to remain silent or will they appoint someone to unearth the hidden truth?
It is a book rich in idioms and the cultural heritage of the Igbo people were well highlighted. The author who also attended Christ the King College,Onitsha, is one of Nigeria's most promising novelists. Ujubuonu is in charge of the commitee organizing a befitting progamme to celebrate the golden jubilee of Chinua Achebe's THINGS FALL APART. The event starts on 12 April 2008.

Pix shows-Chuks Ohai of National Mirror Newspapers,Ujubonu and Mrs.Olaide Soetan shortly after the reading this evening.

DAKORE SET TO ANCHOR HIP- HOP WORLD AWARD TOMMORRROW

Story by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter
Photo courtesy-starsontherunway.com

The much anticipated hip hop world award is finally here.The ceremony, which promises to be the best of its kind in the country, would take place in Lagos on Saturday 15 March 2008.The venue is Planet One,Maryland,Lagos.
Yesterday,the organisers of the award led by Ayo Animashaun, put together an exclusive award nominee party at a private beach known as Babylon. Celebrities were ‘ferried’ from Walter Carrington jetty, Victoria Island.
Perhaps, you have read so much about the forthcoming event but no one has told you the anchors for day. A reliable source told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that all eyes would be on Dakore Egbuson tomorrow as she anchors the music award. We gathered that the actress cum model would be supported by a wonderful guy. Soon, we will get the identity of Dakore’s co-anchor.
We gathered that the Ayo Animashaun’s led team have perfected ways of giving celebrities a befitting star treatment as they come into the award ceremony. According to what I gathered, state of the art cars would be stationed at Sky Power ground, GRA, Ikeja.After parking their cars, the stars would be moved to the venue in Limousines and other eye popping automobiles.
Don’t let me forget to hint you that Bat Man, a group from Ghana would be flying into the country today.The R70 crew from United Kingdom, comprising Ayo Shonaiya,Ronke Apampa,DJ Abass and others would also be at the ceremony.Whoelse?Of course...gistmaster!

GET SET FOR THE REVOLUTION!

Story & Photo by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

I remember when I took a decision to start Nigeria's first daily celebrity & photo news online.I have not gotten there yet but when i look back now, I am grateful to my creator that I followed my dream.Later in life, I wish to write a book 'How a workshop got me into trouble'.

Let me tell you a little from it.I had been nursing the ambition to resign my job and start off the online stuff.I was already addicted to reading stories of celebrities online.It was so regular that when you want to know the latest report on an American or British star you can click on the news button on google.It was so simple.I just told myself that someone has to do it in Nigeria.Sometimes,when I wanted to do research on Nigerian stars,what you get are old pictures and stories.I told myself that must change.Rarely do we get stories or details on hangouts in Nigeria.In fact,most of them don't even have a website.I told myself that must change.

So,when Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim,the Group Managing Director of Global Fleet Oil and Gas (Help me,I think the company is now called Energy or something) was having his 40th birthday,Olumide Iyanda, an entertainment journalist of repute who happens to be my boss in Daily Independent kept warning me of the consequence of missing any of the activities lined up for Jimoh's event.

There was a workshop organised by some corporate gurus in honour of Jimoh at Le Meridien Hotel,Victoria Garden City.I sat and listened with rapt attention as Madam Ceceilia Ibru,Managing Director of Oceanic Bank inspired everyone present on how people can realise their full potential. I have attended countless number of workshops and events where you have high profile personalities but everything that was said on that occasion touched me, deeply.

I know this write up would definately inspire one or two people.Alot of people have ideas but they are always afraid to start off.The excuse is finance.Shortly after I started the blog,a friend followed me to a cyber cafe where I used to make postings.Mosquitoes bite made life unbearable for him.Apart from overcrowding,my friend was shocked when he realised that most of them were into internet fraud.My friend later told me that no matter the situation,I must continue.He said reuters or BBC started in someone's head!

He also told me that when God told Abram to leave his father's house to a land he would show him,he did not ask baba GOD how much he would make.

Let us thank God because the story of Gistmaster is gradually changing.If you notice, I have not been all out to get advert on the blog.Its good to get it right first. Whenever I get photo or publicity jobs, I invest most of what I gain into Gistmaster.You may not know but it is expensive getting materials and posting it.This is Nigeria...apart from what you pay to get connected,you need a generator if you are browsing from the comfort of your home or office.Talk about the expensive transport fare and all that.

Lets thank God because the story is changing.www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com is shaping up.The gistmaster got an office recently.Soon,we would be scouting for correspondents in all parts of the world.Nigerians reside everywhere.We are also making contacts for a 'tush' website designer for Gistmaster.com.Please, if you can help, I would be very glad.

Who told you that a world class celebrity agency can not spring up from Nigeria? however, we want to try as much as possible not to get 'dirty' materials on the blog.

I want to thank all that have calling and writing in private to me.I must thank my life coach in the United Kingdom.'Thinking B', you are wonderful and I love you soooooo much!

Omosewa,bellanaija,lindaikeji,Sholapacheco,Maria Shoyinka and Ghanaentertainment.com guys, iyaeto...please pardon me if I don't mention you here... I am running out of time.One day,we would be on the wall street stock exchange.People would buy shares to be part of us.Abeg,lets dream on.I love you all.

Hey!Don Moen would be at House on the Rock on Sunday 16 March 2008 at Muson Centre in Lagos.It would be a lovely time in the presence of the lord or what do you think?

SO,WHATS D'BANJ WEARING FOR HIP HOP WORLD AWARD?

Story & Photos by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

I got a call sometime ago from a Nigerian based in the United States.The person told me he loves the way we focus on celebrities.He also told me that every aspect of a celebrity lifestyle is a news.For over 2 hours I was being lectured on how the socks a Micheal Jackson is wearing or a puppy owned by a Beyonce would be accorded a star status just because of the owner.The person whom I wouldn't want to mention his name says it is rather unfortunate that some people only think that its only when a celebrity is engaged in a monumental sex scandal that it becomes news worthy.

Well,lets leave it at that.One of the hottest gist around town is the forthcoming hip hop world award on Saturday 15 March 2008 at Planet One,Ikeja-Lagos.Nigerian celebrities would try as much as possible to outshine one another on the 'yellow carpet' (Its Yello'because MTN is a major sponsor of the event).

I got accross to Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D'banj and he told me that he would be wearing a suit made by Nigerian based Okunoren Twins.Kehinde, one of the Okunoren twins told me that they are up to the task.He boasted that all the 'kokolets' would definately give D'banj a second look because of the designer suit.He also told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that the cost of the suit is about N150,000.

Pix 1-D'banj

Pix 2-One of D'banj cars

Pix 3-Kehinde Okunoren

TODAY IN NIGERIA: NIGERIAN ENTERTAINERS PROTEST INCESSANT ARMED ROBBERY ATTACKS

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

The Nigerian entertainment community registered its displeasure today over incessant armed robbery attacks on it members and other well meaning Nigerians. They carried out a peaceful protest to various electronic media houses and office of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr.Haruna Abubakar.
Those who took part in the protest include D’banj,Wunmi Obe,Efe Omoregbe of Now Music,Bayo Odusami popularly known of Howie-T of KISS Event, TEE A,Teju Baby Face,Ego,Princess,Buga,Kunle Afolayan.
At the state police command, the protesters were received by the Police Public Relations officer,Mr.Frank Mba.The commissioner was later invited to the forum and he assure the entertainers that they are trying their best. He also promised that new measures would also be put in place to curb crime in the state.
It was a pathetic scenario as one of the protesters painted the pathetic story of Kingsley James, Chief Marketing officer of Digi Prints who lost his wife to such armed robbery attack last week.Kingsley’s 7 months old baby was also shot in the process.
The commissioner said there is an urgent need for collaboration between the entertainers and the police. He also told them to be more security conscious.

Pix 1-Kokomaster,D'banj

Pix 2-Ego,Princess,Yinka Oyedeji (Lagbaja's former manager)Ayeni Adekunle and others

Pix3-Wunmi Obe

Pix 4-A group photographs with Lagos State Commissioner of Police

LOVER'S WIFE SET TO BATTLE STAR ACTRESS INI EDO

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Ruth,the wife of Phillip,the youngman star actress Ini Edo openly declared as the love of her life stormed Nigeria from her American base recently and from all indication she appears ready to stop Ini from taking Phillip away.
We gathered that Ruth decided to come down to Nigeria after reading interviews granted by Ini and Phillip that they are preparing for their wedding.On her part,Ini has been showing off the 'will you marry me' ring on her finger.
Reliable sources disclosed that Ruth appear set to tell the whole world that the duo are not being sincere in their plans.
Sources disclosed to http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that there is serious fire on the mountain because Ruth is ready to take her man back.
A source disclosed that Ini's lover who is based in USA decided to storm Nigeria after reports were published in two magazines that she is alledgedly involved in same sex.Ini's lawyer has since threatened to sue the media houses to the tune of N100 million each.Phillip and Ini also granted interviews telling the whole world that nothing of such ever happened.Phillip also told the media that he is deeply in love with Ini and vice versa.
Before now,Phillip had also alledged that his wife was having an illicit affair with a dark sinned Nollywood actor.

UCHE JOMBO ACQUIRES ANOTHER JEEP TODAY

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

Top Nollywood actress, Uche Jombo will today take delivery of a glittering new ride for herself. It should be noted that Uche’s Rav 4 jeep was snatched from her by armed robbers sometimes ago. The vehicle was later recovered but the star actress prefer a new ride so that she can completely keep the traumatic experience behind her.
www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com gathered that the actress would be perfecting papers for the new car today. When we sought her comment, she confirmed it.Uche, however, refuses to mention the brand of the vehicle but confesses that it would definitely be a jeep.What we can't confirm right now is whether the jeep would be a' tokunbo' or' tear nylon'

Whatever she buys,the friendly actress deserves a congratulatory message or what do you think?

“I AM COMFORTABLE WITH NUDITY”

Story & Photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Meryl, the Namibian girl who took part in the Big Brother Africa 2 is a reporter’s delight anytime,anyday.Aside her good sense of humour,she is down to earth. She tells you that she hate pretence that is why she is ‘real’ anywhere she finds herself. “I am always me, I can’t be somebody else”
In a chat with www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com at a movie location sponsored by Ifeayin Anago, Meryl disclosed that she is very comfortable with nude roles because she likes her body and sexuality. When we put the question to her on whether she could be so daring to take up a sex role in a movie, she said yes. According to her, it comes with the job and she would do it if her. “It comes with the job so I can do it. I am comfortable with my body. If you watch the BBA you will notice that I was walking nude. I didn’t have sex but I kissed. I also smoke. When people asked my mother how could you have raised a child like that? She told them she was not aware I smoke until that time.
On her experience in the BBA, she told www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com that it was a wonderful experience. “I have been waiting to be a part of the BBA since I was 16, so going there is like dream fulfilled” she said.
On her love life, the 21 year old declared that she has no man in her life at the moment. She also confesses that a Nigerian guy is already wooing her since she came into the country. So far, the Namibian disclosed that she is having a nice time in Nigeria.
Meryl has watched a number of Nollywood movies she considered wonderful. Coming to Nigeria to take part in a movie with Nollywood stars is adding another feather to her acting career.
Assuring that the movie being promoted by Ifeayin Anago would be the best when finally released,Meryl disclosed that there are lots of crazy scenes, beautiful women and lessons to be learnt from the movie. The working title of the movie is Player Number 1.The likes of Ini Edo and Uche Jombo are also taking part in the movie.

RICHARD THE BIG BROTHER AFRICA WINNER ROMANCE 5 SISTERS

Story & Photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Richard Bezuidenhout, winner of the last Big Brother Africa is at the centre of a controversy that is blowing hot right here in Nigeria and this is authoritive.Richard is in love with a Nigerian girl but he can’t keep his eyes off her four beautiful sisters. At the end, he succeeds in going to bed with four of them. What next?
Oooooohhh! Before you start to say to hell with such a guy, please note that it is a movie script and Richard is right here in Nollywood taking part in his first ever movie.
http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ travelled out of town to the movie location on Friday 7 March 2008.We succeeded in having a chat with the Tanzanian who carted home the $100,000 prize of the BBA 2.He told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that in the real sense of it, he is totally different from the character known as Slow in the movie. He would not state whether or not the controversial sex lifestyle with Titiana and Ofunneka earned him the controversial lead role. Richard says he is just an actor in transition because later on in life, he would be much more comfortable as a movie maker. “Right now, I am an actor because it would be helpful later in life as a movie maker” he said.
He also told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that he is having a great time in the country because Nigerians are hospitable. I asked him if he has met Ofunneka since he came to Nigeria. He smiled and said Ofunneka has been a good hostess so to say. “We have met and gone out together. We were at Jay-Jay Okocha’s club and others.This is my second time in Nigeria.The first time was durning shooting of Moment with MO (A talk show by MO Abudu)”
Richard is not the only one in the country.Meryl (Namibia) and another housemate of BBA 2 are also part of the star studded movie. Nigerian movie stars on set include Ini Edo, Halima Abubakar and Uche Jombo.The movie is being sponsored by Ifeayin Anago,the owner of East Side Music.Ifeayin’s late father started the popular ‘Mega Movies’ video rental outfit in Nigeria.

SHOW OFF!

By Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

Nigeria's prolific actress,Joke Silva and musician,Dare Art Alade showing off their pair of designer eye wears in this exclusive photo with http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/

While Dare wears John Richmond, the veteran actress prefers Bvgari.

TODAY IN NIGERIA: UBA, AMAA UNVEIL PARTNERSHIP

Story & Photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) have reiterated that its support for the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) is part of efforts aimed at promoting the African entertainment sector.
Emmanuel Obata, a senior staff of the bank who stated this at the symbolic ceremony to announce UBA as the title sponsor for the next three consecutive years, further declared that as Africa’s global bank they would not relent in ensuring that AMAA develop to a global standard.
A statement that was shared and credited to Mrs.Celine Loader, Head of Corporate Communications of the bank declared that the bank acknowledged the tremendous contributions that AMAA had made to the African Movie industry, especially in its quest to achieve positive marketing and universal acceptance of the virtues of African films and culture across the globe.
“We have looked at the potentials that could be unlocked from the growing industry and as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with a rapidly expanding global presence, UBA is convinced that this partnership will change a lot of lives and generally impact on how Africa is perceived by other nations.
On her part,Mrs.Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Fiberesima, said she is certain that the partnership would work.AMAA,she said, is conceptualized to celebrate the brightest and best African movies. It is the biggest gathering of movie makers across the African continent and Diaspora.
She also informs that UBA’s partnership transcends the award ceremony slated for Bayelsa state next month, it cover other areas including the development of an African Film Academy, which would involve large scale training, commercial distribution,marketing,production and general welfare of the African Film content among other areas.
Veteran actress, Joke Silva unveiled the new symbolic logo pronouncing the UBA, AMAA ‘marriage’.Ejike Asiegbu, President of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) also applauded the effort of UBA.

Picture show Mrs.Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Fbiberesima (Left),Mr.Obata of UBA and Madam Joke Silva, today at Terra Kulture,Victoria Island,Lagos.