MTN PROJECT FAME WINNER IYANYA TELLS US HIS STORY WITH LYRICS!!!

Story and photos by Niyi Tabiti

Iyanya, the winner of the first MTN West Africa Project Fame reality show winner proved the has a deserving role to play in the Nigerian music industry on Sunday 4 October 2009 as he unveiled the his debut album.Tagged "Symphony of Iyanya", the ceremony had the cuts of a glam and history in the making for the Cross River state born star.
Iyanya music videos shot in Nigeria and Johannesburg were also on the big screen for personalities gathered at Ultima studio,Omole (venue of the unveiling of the album).Comedians such as Seyi Law and M & M also gave us good dosage of humour.Those who worked on the album include Ty Mix,K-solo,OJB and Wazbeat.

Top journalists from various media houses, Ayo Animashaun of HIPONTV,Ayeni Adekunkle of A.Y.E.N.I Entertainment,Timaya,MI (Whose birthday happens to be that same day), Sound Sultan,Kingsley of KC Presh,Charles O'Tudor of Adstrat and several others came to the event

AGAIN CELEBRITIES STORM FINGURINE PREMIERE IN LAGOS...TRAIN MOVES TO LONDON ON 31 OCTOBER

Story and photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

The public screening of Figurine, a movie by talented producer and actor, Kunle Afolayan took place on Saturday 3 October 2009 at Genesis Delux cinema in Lekki.Celebrities such as Wale Adebayo (Sango),Ramsey Nouah,Omoni Oboli,Kate Henshaw, Catherina Bortolussi,Kunle Faloye of GSK,Rita Dominic,Tunde Kelani and several others stormed the event.Reliable information at the disposal of www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com indicates that the train would be moving to other cities in Nigeria and outside the shores of the country.On 31 October 2009,Fingurine would be come up for screening at Odeon Cinema in the UK.

AGAIN CBN SACK BANK CHIEFS...THIS TIME ADENUGA,ATUCHE OTHERS INVOLVED

•Removes Spring Bank directors •Pumps in N200bn loans
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the result of the audit of another 14 banks, sacking the chief executives of three banks; namely Bank PHB, Equitorial Trust Bank and Spring Bank. The CBN also sacked business mogul and chairman, Globacom, Chief Mike Adenuga from the board of Equatorial Trust Bank as well as all the non executive directors of Spring Bank.

The affected chief executives are Mr. Francis Atuche (Bank PHB), Mr. Ike Oraekwuotu (ETB), and Charles Ojo (Spring Bank)

The CBN also announced the appointment of new chief executives for the three banks; namely Mr. Cyril Chukwumah for Bank PHB Plc; Mr. G.O. Folayan for Equitorial Trust Bank Plc; and Mrs. Sola Ayodele for Spring Bank Plc.

The new chief executive officers resumed duties at the banks yesterday.
However, hours before the CBN hammer, former MD of Bank PHB, Mr. Francis Atuche, was said to have “resigned” his position and disappeared. The Central Bank was said to have offered the board of Bank PHB a chance to replace Mr. Atuche with an executive of their choice. But Mr. Atuche refused to resign thereby forcing the CBN’s hand.

In a press statement issued yesterday, the CBN said the special examination conducted on 14 banks indicated that Bank PHB, Spring Bank, Equitorial Trust Bank and Wema Bank were in grave condition.

The statement said, “In furtherance of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s statutory duty to ensure a sound financial system in the country, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ordered the Special Examination of all the 24 banks operating in Nigeria.

The result of the Special Examination of the first set of 10 banks was made known on 14 August 2009. The CBN wishes to announce that the joint CBN-NDIC examination teams have completed the Special Examination of the remaining 14 banks — and as such, the books and affairs of all 24 banks in the Nigerian banking system have now been examined.

The Special Examination primarily focussed on assessing the health of the banks with particular focus on liquidity, capital adequacy and corporate governance.

After a review of the findings of the Special Examination report in respect of these 14 banks, the CBN said it came the following conclusions:

“The following 9 banks were found to have adequate capital and liquidity to support the level of their current operations and future growth: Access Bank Plc, Citibank Nigeria Limited Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Standard Chartered Bank Limited and Zenith Bank Plc.

The 10th bank — which is Unity Bank — was adjudged to have insufficient capital but not in grave situation because it has a healthy liquidity position.

The remaining four banks were found to be in a grave situation: Bank PHB Plc; Equitorial Trust Bank Plc; Spring Bank Plc; and Wema Bank Plc.

“After a careful consideration of the matter, and in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Sections 33 and 35 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2004, the Governor of the CBN, by order in writing, has taken a number of measures aimed at arresting the grave situation of these four banks. The measures are:

a)The removal of the Managing Directors of Bank PHB Plc, Equitorial Trust Bank Plc and Spring Bank Plc and the appointment of new Managing Directors for these three banks, namely: Mr. Cyril Chukwumah for Bank PHB Plc; Mr. G.O. Folayan for Equitorial Trust Bank Plc; and Mrs. Sola Ayodele for Spring Bank Plc.

b) The removal of all Executive Directors in Bank PHB Plc, Equitorial Trust Bank Plc and Spring Bank Plc. New Executive Directors will be appointed for these banks in due course.

c) The removal of all Non-Executive Directors in Spring Bank Plc.

d) The removal of Dr. Mike Adenuga, jnr., CON, as a Non-Executive Director of Equitorial Trust Bank Plc.

e) The order to the board of Wema Bank Plc to recapitalise by 30 June 2010. It is noted that Wema Bank Plc came under new ownership and management in June 2009 who took over a bank already in a grave situation and should not be held responsible for the present condition of the bank.

The CBN will work with the Bank to ensure a successful completion of the recapitalisation exercise.

f) he provision of a total of N200 billion by the CBN as liquidity support and long term loans for the four banks adjudged to be in a grave situation to enable them continue normal business, while pursuing recapitalisation options.

g) The order to the board of Unity Bank Plc. to recapitalise by 30 June 2010. It is noted that Unity Bank Plc was adjudged to have insufficient capital for its current level of operations but was adjudged to have a healthy liquidity position and with no indication of poor corporate governance practices.

The CBN has therefore exercised its powers under Section 13.3 of BOFIA to order the Board of Unity Bank Plc to recapitalise by the said date and the CBN will continue to monitor this situation.

“In addition, the CBN will assist the five banks with insufficient capital in their loan recovery efforts, just as it did with the previous five.

The CBN is happy to report that as at 25 September 2009, the five banks had recovered more than N110 billion of previously non-performing loans.

“The CBN reiterates its commitment to stand by all Nigerian banks and work with their respective boards, management and other stakeholders to restore the stability of the financial system and thus ensure that our banks are able to effectively play their role in economic growth and development.”

In furtherance of the commitment of the Federal Government to the growth and stability of the financial system, His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic, President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua has directed the Minister of Finance and the CBN governor to liaise with the Attorney General of the Federation, the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders with a view to fast_tracking the process of establishing an Asset Management Company.

The formation of this company should facilitate an improvement in banking sector liquidity, protection of the earnings of banks from further erosion and a reduction of the debt overhang on the capital market and its participants.

This should provide a much-needed fillip for the revival of the Nigerian Capital Market.

“With the conclusion of the bank audit exercise, we have come to the end of the first phase of the process of restoring financial sector stability.

Ongoing action will focus on building capacity within the regulatory regime; fast-tracking the implementation of risk-based, consolidated and cross border supervision frameworks; easing the flow of credit, particularly to the real sector of the economy; improving governance structures and practices in the financial services sector; and improving confidence in the economy in general,” the CBN said.

CULLED FROM VANGUARD

COCKTAILS IN & OUT SET TO GLAMOURIZE TASTE BUDS

The proffessional team of Cocktails In & Out are pulling in their very colorful drink trays to tease your taste buds. From their Sexy Mocktails to their Luxurious Cocktail fountains, Cocktails In and Out are set to unleash their Mind Blowing Mixes only best jugded by Your Taste Buds.  

Free PROFESSIONAL Hair Consult with HAIR SOLUTIONS.

Mrs Sharon Adefarasin, Hair Specialist and CEO of a high profile salon- Hair Solutions [an ultra modern salon which sits proudly in the heart of Opebi ,Ikeja –Lagos ] is a highly professional hair specialist. She specializes in treating various embarrassing hair problems like baldness, discolored hair, bald patches, dry , fizzy ,breaking, limp hair. 

The Hair Doctor as she is popularly known as graduated from the Morris Master Class in the United Kingdom as a qualified cosmetologist. She later trained as a hair stylist and has been in the business for the past 30 years now after working for big brands like Dark and Lovely as their Technical Education Manager.

A visit to her salon and the first thing that grabs your interest is the breathtaking ambience which is a rare mix of the Medical and Beauty. The white walls, lavender and orange setting, all reflect a pure sense of professionalism and style. With services, spread out as Hair Menu, Mrs Adefarasin believes her main focus is to repair and restore damaged hair and scalp problems transforming them into healthy, bouncy and shiny hair.

She will be there at the event to give free professional consultation on all hair issues. DON’T MISS THE STAND!

Remember, Beauty and The Feast holds on th 11th of October at the CORAL REEF hall at number 10, IKOYA AVENUE, off Macpherson, IKO YI by 1:00pm.

D LUNE gears up for BEAUTY AND THE FEAST.

Lucy of D Lune as she is popularly called, is a force to reckon with as far as bag making is concerned. Although she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in French Lucy has continually extended the frontiers of bag making with her signature works of art.

She is referred to as the optimum symbol of independence in women as she was driven into fashion by a craving to be independence. She started off with designing traditional outfits popularly known as Senegalese which was greeted with rapt attention. With time her growing clientele demanded more and Lucy was thus pressed with creating a suitable accessory to complement her unique designs. Her crave saw her reject the trend of Bag merchants, and she began to churn out her own personal designs. Today D LUNE [Her Brand], showcases versatile works running from leather to the damask, aso-oke and a diverse range of eye catching works of art. 

At the exhibition, her re-definition of Bags and other leather fashion accessories like ballet pumps and sexy plimsoles will be on full display. Each piece served for that girlie factor in YOU!!!

It's FASHION FOR LIFE at the BEAUTY AND THE FEAST.

Fashion For Life is owned by the intensely beautiful 'Lola Adewole an MBA graduate of the University of Bedfordshire. Her fashion passion is being ignited by amazing responses from her designs at F.f.l – an iconic fashion Brand which spreads across all fashion facets.

F.f.l’s bespoke designs reeks of very exceptional, flamboyant and opulent materials. For the Brand which began in London in 2006, Ffl has been able to gather a Clientele of interesting people always on the look out for different and new things.

What you will find in F.f.l’s Clothing is a fresh spin on your timeless classics. The clothing line includes couture, features fabrics and materials which in themselves carry a beautiful longevity and design.

F.f.l’s first women’s wear opened with the introduction of the Empress Kaftan, re inventing the classic kaftan look to meet the edgy modern woman look. A fussion which erupted into thousands of sales globally. F.f.l’s creative designer marries the old with the new in a collection that ranges from vintage inspired couture to trendy, contemporary pieces that will last from season to season. The beauty about F.f.l’s clothing is not simply in the fabric choices and the chic cut, but also in the intricate detailing and exquisite craftsmanship.

Fashion for life has recently introduced a commercial men’s line which embodies the afro centric classics, featuring the most exquisite embroidery ever un-imaginable.Fashion for life is embodied in its philosophy of quality and fashion forward designs with inspirations from all tribes globally. F.f.l’s clothing is classic and simple shaped to build both a functional but yet an elegant wardrobe. 

Watch out for this stand @ The Beauty and the Feast.

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KUNLE AFOLAYAN SET TO DRIVE US AGAIN TO THE PALMS FOR FINGURINE PREMIERE

By Niyi Tabiti

Prolific actor and producer,Kunle Afolayan would be taking Nigeria's celebrities to The Palms again in Lekki,Lagos as he hosts public screening of his latest movie 'Fingurine' (Translated to Araromire in Yoruba language).The first screening that we reported was the one shown to the Nigerian business community).You can click link to see photos and other relevant information on the movie and the those that took part in it.

AN AWARD FOR GISTMASTER.COM...THANK YOU!

'JUST U MAGAZINE' owned by Gbemi and Adewale Ademokoya made us proud last weekend when they decided that Gistmaster.com deserves accolade for our little contribution to celebrity news/photo journalism in Nigeria and beyond.Here,the award is presented to our man,Niyi Tabiti by Aju Elumelu on behalf of the organisers of the award.I am dedicating the award to all those who believe in us.
  Those who graced the event included Mrs.Derenle Ogunsanya, the Secretary to Lagos State Government,Kelvin Luciano Gabriel of Questionmark Records,Tokunbo Ogunsanya,Princess Latifah,Dehinde Harrison ,Joan Elumelu-Okorodudu,Wole Aboderin,actress Jennifer Eliogu and others.

D'BANJ,MI,SEAN PAUL,WANDE COAL AND OTHERS EXCITE THE CROWD AT GUINNESS 250 YEARS ANNIVERSARY SHOW IN LAGOS..SEE PHOTOS!

By Niyi Tabiti/gistmaster.com

Guinness 250 years anniversary show would go down memory lane as one of the biggest media campaigns ever witnessed in Nigeria and beyond.Everywhere you go, the message come to you face to face that Guinness is 250 years.In Lagos, the show took place at the open ground inside Oceanview.The venue was not publicised yet the place was jam packed with Guinness lovers who came to see their favourite stars.MI kicked off the day's business with a chat (shown on screen) with Munachii Abii,a former beauty queen.By the time he came on stage it was excitement all the way.Aftrewards, Wande Coal,D'banj,Psquare and Tuface also came on stage to perform their songs. Sean Paul was the last man stading on the stage and he justified the reasons he flew thousands of miles to perform in Lagos.
Sean Paul on stage at the Guinness 250 year anniversary show in Lagos Nigeria on 24 September 2009...photo by Niyi Tabiti/gistmaster.com
A big toast to Guinness!Yes from Bright Ikpocha the compere of the 250 years anniversary show in Lagos and D'banj,Nigeria's leading Afro-hip hop musician
Top presenter with Soundcity,Derele Edun (Middle) hanging out with fans at the Guiness 250 year anniversary show in Lagos,Nigeria.
A member of the Mo'hit crew,Dr.Sid giving the crowd a value for their time at the Guinness 250 anniversary show in Lagos on Thursday 24 September 2009.
Wande Coal,D'banj and Don Jazzy entertaining the crowd at the Guinness 250 anniversary show in Lagos,Nigeria.
The stage where the performance took place at the Guinness 250 years anniversary in Lagos Nigeria...
the duo of Peter and Pauul Okoye of Psquare doing their thier thing on stage alongside Tuface Idibia at the Guinness 250 years anniversary show in Lagos,Nigeria on Thursday 24 September 2009
Wande Coal doing his 'Bumper to Bumper' lyric on the stage at the Guinness 250 years anniversary show in Lagos Nigeria
This chics can't be shut down from the wave of enjoyment that took place at the Guinness 250 years anniversary show in Lagos on thursday 24 September 2009.From D'bnj to Tuface,Psquare,Sean Paul and others she gave it her 'dancing' best.
MI, the black boy who originally came from Jos Town,travelled to America and now back in Nigeria proved that he is indeed Mr.Incredible!MI doing performing on stage at the Guinness 250 years anniversary show in Lagos,Nigeria.He gave the crowd about three or four dosage of ecstacy table through his songs.Guess what?Everyone was active!!!
A member of the Sean Paul crew making a way into the heart of the crowd with his performance at the Guinness 250 years anniversary show in Lagos on 24 September 2009
Basket Mouth taught us one or two things with his rib cracking jokes at the Guinness 250 years anniversary show in Lagos on Thursda 24 September 2009
The crowd at the Guinness 250 year anniversary show in Lagos,Nigeria.
Friendship!Yes, Guinness 250 anniversary also strengthens bond and we mean it.Fun unlimited at the show!
Psquare on stage at the Guinness 250 years anniversary show in Lagos on Thursday 24 September 2009.

LAURENTS' UNDERWEAR REBRANDS + OPENING HOUSE SALES.

One of Nigeria's most exotic lingerie and underwear stockists - LAURENTS UNDERWEAR has begun its rebranding campaign which involved the creation of a new logo, identity and a new outlet in the heart of AFRICA's beauty capital; LAGOS. The shop opening is accompanied with a whooping 50% sales slash.

LAURENTS UNDERWEAR, a highly recognized name when it comes to stoking the most reliable Brands in the underwear factory. The LAURENTS range boasts of the most exotic multi-dimensional undergarments from the best Brands worldwide. The strength of the Brand lies in the diverse range of high profile Brands and professional ethics which it avails both the male and female genre.

Laurent’s Underwear has become a Brand synonymous with the most avant-garde definitions of exotic style which is reflected in the reputation of Brands it stocks. The Brand’s unisex offering only increases its appeal as very few Brands cater to the increasing needs of both sexes, as the wardrobe essentials of Negligees, lingerie, boxers, and sleep wears. Laurents Underwear recognizes that style is about a timeless confidence which can only be achieved by a holistic attention to the personal essentials which play a most important role in achieving the extra-ordinary, hence the dedication to collecting only the finest underwear from the best Brands in the world.