MTN MEETS MTV TO INSPIRE AFRICAN YOUTH

[caption id="attachment_4984" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Alex Okosi, Kola Oyeyemi, Nicholas Suter and Bobo Omotayo"][/caption]

MTV Networks Africa and MTN have joined forces in a groundbreaking pan-African multimedia campaign designed to inspire African youth by connecting them with some of the world’s most influential personalities.

Young people the world over are gradually taking interest in national and global affairs, and are increasingly becoming vocal on issues that affect them and the world they live in.

The pan-African broadcaster and Africa’s leading mobile operator are partnering to produce MTV Base Meets…with MTN, an 8-part youth empowerment initiative and TV series that creates a dialogue between young people and the political, business and cultural leaders who shape the world today.

[caption id="attachment_4985" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Panelists, Alex Okosi, Kola Oyeyemi, Nicholas Suter"][/caption]

The intimate documentary series will allow Africa’s young minds to put probing questions to influential, inspirational and sometimes controversial individuals. Among the eminent people who will feature in the series are: Liberian President Madame Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (Africa’s first and only elected female head of state), Mr Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and South African politician Mr Julius Malema (President of the ANC Youth League) and many African leaders or influencers who exercise a significant impact on the continent.

The gripping series will keep television viewers - young and old - on the edge of their seats.  A diverse panel of young people representing different youth interests will be assembled from across the African continent, with participants coming from Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda, among others.

Young, but well-informed, the panelists are articulate, engaging, provocative and opinionated on a range of complex subjects - be it HIV/AIDS, global warming, education, poverty, corruption or entrepreneurship.  They are fearless and have attitude. Their no-holds-barred approach will make for exciting television viewing as they fire BIG questions to the influential people whose actions and opinions have a direct impact on their lives.

African youth will be encouraged to nominate influencers and submit their proposed questions for the programme via a dedicated MTV base Meets…with MTN website or via their mobile handset. To register go to www.mtvmeets.com or http://mtvmeets.mobi from 10 May 2011 or follow the campaign on Twitter at #MTVMeets@MTVbaseAfrica.

Gistmaster.com

Newsroom: news@gistmaster.com

News Editor: niyi@gistmaster.com

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THE AFRO HAIR AND BEAUTY SHOW TAKING PLACE MAY 2011 IN LONDON

Zed Eye Presents...fashion show and Pop
Up Boutique taking place for the 2nd year running at the Afro Hair & Beauty
Show in London, the biggest trade show for young fashionable black women!
The Afro Hair and Beauty LIVE will be celebrating its 30th anniversary on
the 29th and 30th of May 2011 at the Business Design Centre in Islington.

The Afro hair and beauty LIVE show which attracts over 4000 visitors over
the two days, is set to have a bigger focus on fashion with the Zed Eye
presents... fashion showcase.  This year, the Zed Eye Presents... will be
showcasing the works of over 10 emerging and established designers, whose
work draws an influence from Africa. Some of the designers showcasing at
the show include Parisian designer Anggy Haif known for his extensive use
of  materials like Raffia , Vines and Leaves. Ghanaian influenced designer
Oheme Ohene who owns a boutique in South London and new labels such as
Adopted Culture by Award winning Ghanaian Model Nana Afua Antwi.

As well as showcasing in the show, participating brands will also be
selling items in the Pop- Up Boutique.  Other brands who will be taking
part in the Pop- Up boutique are acclaimed eponymous labels Gloria
WavaMunno and Dionne Goodings shoes.

-Gistmaster.com

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HEINEKEN GLOBAL CULTURAL DISPLAY AT ANNUAL INTERCONTINENTAL NIGHT IN LAGOS

Saturday, May 6 will remain evergreen in the memories of hundreds of guests that attended this year edition of the Annual Intercontinental Night at The Lagos Motor Boat Club on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The all night shindig was a splendid show of cultural display by different nations of the world. Sixteen countries from all the continents of the world had individual open stands where they expressed their culture through their native foods, dress, artistic display and national flags.

The colourful event which had the trappings of an international cultural festival, kicked off at exact 7pm when guests including tourists from different nations and members of the Lagos Motor Boat Club and their families, started to move around freely, gyrating to the loud music from the turn-table of the disc jockey.

 

The highlight of the night was the food tasting segment when guests were allowed to go round the stands of any country of his or her choice to taste the foods and beverages on display at no cost. Nations represented include: Greece, United States of America, South Africa, India, Turkey, Switzerland, Germany, England, India, Italy, China, Spain, Republic of Benin, Holland and the host nation, Nigeria etc.

 

Holland’ stable was represented by Heineken, a global premium beer brand with strong cultural and corporate heritage from Holland, its home country. The Heineken’ stand at the occasion was however the busiest as majority of the guests, kept besieging the stand for refreshing glasses of free chilled Heineken beer.

 

Explaining guest’s attachment to the Heineken’ stand, Jacqueline Van Faassen, Senior Brand Manager, Heineken who is also a native of Holland, stated that “Heineken is the most international premium beer brand that people enjoy. So you can see that guests here tonight couldn't resist the rich taste of Heineken beer. That is why they kept coming back for more. That is apart from our foods that also taste good.

 

“The Intercontinental Night here tonight is all about international appeal because different countries have their stands here and they share their cultural values through their foods, entertainment, arts, music. So Heineken, which is originally from Holland is representing the Dutch community and culture here tonight” She disclosed.

 

On why Heineken is sponsoring the annual event, Jacqueline said the brand is all about creating opportunities for good living, quality fun and leisure for its consumers. “We have been sponsoring this event for so many years in Nigeria. Sponsoring events like this is also in tune with the Heineken’s new tagline, ‘Open Your World’. It is really about the internationality of the beer because Heineken wants people to open their world to connect to other people from different cultural background to see many things around the world; to show that there is much around that we can share together”, explained the Heineken Senior Brand Manager.

 

The International Night is an annual international cultural display that brings people of different climes together under the ambience of fun, leisure and festivity. It is organised annually by the Lagos Motor Boat Club which has been in establishment for over a century.

 

Explaining the idea behind the concept, the chairman organising committee of the 2011 International Night, Mr. Brown Hill, a native of England, stated that the Intercontinental Night started 18 years back as a medium to socialise and widen people’s horizon to experience other cultures of different nations of the world. “Lagos Motor Boat Club which has been in existence over a century ago has membership from people of different nationalities including Nigeria. I have been a member for the past 28 years and we have 400 members altogether representing different countries of the world. The idea behind the Intercontinental night is just to allow members and people from different nations to be together at a particular night to enjoy themselves. We invited different nationalities from the diplomatic community. They came with their native meals and drinks and people eat and drink as much as they like free of charge.”

Hill further explained that the Intercontinental Night is always held in the first week of May every year for the past 18 years that it started. “We always endeavour to get between15 to 20 countries to participate in it. For the second time running, we brought African cultural dimension by bringing a special masquerade from the Republic of Benin. I think you saw their wonderful traditional music and dance display. Heineken, Nigeria is here tonight representing Holland and the brand has been sponsoring the event for so many years and we really appreciate them” Hills concluded.

-Gistmaster.com

Newsroom

email:news@gistmaster.com

News Editor:niyi@gistmaster.com

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GUINNESS THE MATCH:SIASIA SAYS NIGERIA-ARGENTINA WILL FIELD THEIR BEST PLAYERS

 

As Nigerians and international football community look forward to the much talked about friendly match between Nigeria and Argentina national team, Samson Siasia,Super Eagles head coach declared he is not carried away by the supposed Argentine list omitting World Best player, Lionel Messi and Carlos Trevez.

The Super Eagles and Argentine team are expected friendly match is slated for 1 June 2011.The match is sponsored by Guinness Nigeria Plc.

Siasia told the media that the match would be beyond just one or two names, insisting that both countries cannot afford not to field their best players.

“Messi and Tevez are not the most important players in Argentina so we are not complacent about their rumoured absence,” Siasia said. “Argentina will never raise a substandard team against Nigeria because they too want to maintain their record of the unbeaten runs.

"We are focused and will give the match all it takes. Argentina is one of the world's most successful football nations. Any team they field will be of world class quality because the depth of talent available to them is second to none. Whether they are the more well known international players or the phenomenal rising stars coming through, Argentina is amongst the best in the world"

"Facing one of the world football super powers,Siasia noted would not be an easy task but the Super Eagles will measure up to expectation, springing up surprises that would make it a reference point in the note book of football history"

Sisisa also noted that “Argentina has not lost a match in recent time and that is an indication that that we have to prepare well for the match. They are a strong side and we can’t afford to let our fans down. I can understand that Messi will play in the UEFA Champions League on May 28 while Tevez has been out for a couple of weeks due to injury and Batista will not want to risk using them. After the WAFU Cup, our efforts will be geared toward good preparations to at least revenge all the past defeat from Argentina.”

Siasia does not see anything wrong in testing new players in a friendly match insisting that any team from Argentina has the potent instinct to surprise and shock any team in the world adding that the Super Eagles team list will also have some local and foreign-based stars.

We also scoop that among the new players the coach is banking on are Chibuzor Okonkwo and Ekigo Ehiosun.

Siasia, we gathered, will send his team list for the historic match to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday and will be followed immediately by letters of invitation to the players.

In a similar development, the Argentine Football Association has also denied the purported list of players allegedly being circulated by some people.

The so called list excluded Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain and Diego Milito but AFA representative, Hernan Tofoni said that his Association is yet to make public the list of players for the match.

Hernan said that AFA accepted invitation to be part of the Guinness the Match based on the respect they have for Nigeria and the match is important to their build-up for the COPA America Cup.

Hernan said the argentine team is looking forward to a great football experience with Nigeria. Stating that they have beaten Nigeria at three times in the past and they intend to uphold that record. He noted that Nigeria, being a great football nation, this can only be achieved with their important players.

On his part, Jay Jay Okocha's former coach in Bolton,Sam Alladyce said Guinness the match is going to be a tough one, warning that Nigeria should watch out for several talented Argentine players who will play  the friendly match. It is a game that is most anticipated by most people across the globe and Nigeria can not afford to lose it.

Alladyce mentioned the likes of Zabaleta, Otomendi,Maeto Musacchio and so on, as some of the players to watch out for outside the usual names.

Meanwhile, gistmaster.com gathered that the list of players for the Nigeria- Argentina Friendly match is expected to be made public 10 days before the historic match

-Gistmaster.com

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REPORTER'S DIARY:GOOGLE NIGERIA WORKSHOP IN LAGOS

[caption id="attachment_4941" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Juliet Ehimuan of Google Nigeria"][/caption]

By Niyi Tabiti/Gistmaster.com

When i got an email inviting me for the workshop organized by Google in Nigeria. I was anxiously looking forward  to powerful presentations from staff of the online company.

I knew Larry Page and Sergey Binn, the two founders of Google must have a productive team working in what I call a multi billion dollars online empire! I looked at myself in the mirror and said "Niyi Tabiti, one day you are going to build an online empire like this too!Dreams, dreams,dreams....lol

I attended the two day special session workshop at Civic Centre, Lagos for webmasters and reporters. of course I had a pre- knowledge of some of these things but it was great being there because it served as a refresher course.

Facilitators at the event did well. Eve Andersson was my favourite!

From what gistmaster.com gathered, Google has an office in Nigeria but the address is hard to find because it is still small and they just can't take the large turn out of people that would be interested in going there.You can always reach them online. Google office in Kenya is  bigger than the one in South Africa.

Insight into Google Workshop in Lagos

Google seeks to help online news publishers build bigger audiences, keep their audiences productively engaged and generate more revenue. In a recent workshop, by Google in Nigeria, certain tools and platforms, which enables effective use of the search engine by web users of all kinds were highlighted. These includes  quick search tips, specialty tools, advanced image search, and special copora.Other tools include Trends and Research comprising of  insights for search,google trends, Google books Ngram viewer and public data explorer.

[caption id="attachment_4942" align="alignright" width="320" caption="Eve Andersson,a Google staff and Niyi Tabiti, News Editor, Gistmaster.com"][/caption]

There are other Google Apps and tools aimed at helping one manage materials and  sources and these are Maps, The get tool Map which helps  you customize maps to  your story, Google applications, Google alerts and Google translate.

For field reporters, Google provides, “Google on the go”(mobile).It comprises Google OR codes which creates 3D barcodes that can be embedded in print publications, Google goggle which allows journalists embed their reporting in physical landscapes. It also provides Google maps for mobile phones, this gives spoken turn by turn directions when a particular destination is spoken into the phone. Finally is the search by voice App and it gives weather reports, flight times, directions, images etc on your mobile phones.

On the publishing side, Google news, web search and igoogle helps increase traffic by sending about 4 million clicks monthly to news publishers. Advertising and analytics were also discussed.

YouTube Direct allows the media or public request, review, and rebroadcast user submitted videos. Others include Google earth, Google map, Google translate and Google fusion. Google also provides a Google news archive and Google fast flip which stores newspaper publications and articles in partnership with media houses  and allows you flip through Google pages at a fast pace respectively.Joseph Mucheru the google lead in Sub Saharan Africa is from Kenya

[caption id="attachment_4943" align="alignright" width="480" caption="Dr. Julie J Taylor of Google South Africa, Lucillia, also of Google and webmasters/reporters at the Google Workshop in Lagos"][/caption]

Recently, Google brought together over 1000 tech savvy entrepreneurs and developers at a web and mobile conference, focused on the future of web application development and training on Google’s products and online business skills.

Google seeks to get more Nigerian users online by developing accessible, relevant and sustainable internet ecosystem. According to worldinternetstats and international telecommunication union, Nigerian internet users make up 28.9% or 44m of the population.

Therefore in Nigeria, Google’s activities are directed towards helping to reduce access barrier facing potential internet users, helping to make the internet relevant and useful to Nigerians and then generally strengthen an internet ecosystem in Nigeria and across Africa that is viable and sustainable.

Specifically, Google has embarked on the Google university access program that will impact over 100,000 students in 6 Nigerian  universities ,and has localized its products in Nigeria such as  Google search in local languages .it also provided information on elections through out Nigeria through the Nigerian elections portal among other recent developments.

Google in Nigeria operates on the G-Nigeria platform under the leadership of these ambassadors:

[caption id="attachment_4945" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="some staff of Google at Civic Centre, Lagos"][/caption]

Joseph Mucheru,Google lead for sub-Saharan Africa ,Juliet Ehimuan, lead/country manager Google nigeria  and Lola Masha, business development manager ,Google Nigeria.

Newsroom: News@Gistmaster.com

Reporter: niyi@gistmaster.com

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GET FREE MTN,GLO CARDS + BUZZ OF THE WEEK

Some months after I started this blog, I also included free things for readers. Just be on the look out as we promise you a lot of goodies and opportunities to buy things at good prices and also attend functions using our free ticket deal!

Today, we are giving out free MTN and GLO recharge cards so that you can recharge your phone free.If you aint lucky, tommorow might just be your own day! If you are the lucky person - please let us know!Thanks

MTN- 4613 5031 5406

GLO- 65087 19371 63059 

 - Thanks ya all

Niyi Tabiti

Buzz of the Week

The name Karen Ogho seems to be driving so much curiosity online. The search for Karen who is one of the housemates of Big Brother Africa (BBA)Amplified edition going on in South Africa has skyrocketed in the last few weeks.She wanted fame and got all the attention. The petite lady, who is a niece to the great Peter Igho of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), is the searchlight of several interesting buzz - starting from her breast surgery issue, to her past as an housemate of Nigeria Next Movie Star, to her interesting 'pictures',lively personality and now a BBA Housemate.By the way, some purported nude photos of Karen is now in circulation.

Confidence Haugen, Ghanian rep at BBA Amplified, has also shown us that she is 'boobilicious' but so sad she has been nominated for eviction. Lets hope that this close pal of actress Nadia Buhari stays in the house. By the way they now call her 'Confi-gaga' the lady gaga of Africa!

 Abi Kuku & Leila Fowler Wedding plan
 The gist in town about Abi Kuku, one of the sons of Chief Bayo Kuku of Ijebu-Ode  and Leila Fowler seems to be true after all. At least, none of the two have come out to deny it. Abiola Aloba broke the story and he wrote quite frankly that Abi proposed to Leila in London during the wedding of Prince Williams and Middleton.This is going to be a talk of the town ceremony. who is the wedding planner o?!

Between Kalu Uche and Stephanie Oforka 
 Another buzz that gathered so much attention is the alleged romance between Kalu Uche, one of Nigeria's leading footballers playing in the Spanish league and  Stephanie Oforka and ex- Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Stephanie Oforka. However, Kalu Uche have come out to deny the romance tale. She called Stella Dimoko to say they are not in any relationship. The footballer also affirmed that he is single and still searching.Well, we believe him 'somehow'

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NIKE OSHINOWO LAUNCHES ASABI

Ex Beauty queen and Fashion icon, Nike Osinowo – Soleye, has lauched a debut Eau de parfum fragrance called ÀSÀBÍ which means of a special birth in Yoruba, Nike's native language.

The fragrance which will soon hit local stores is set at N5,000 per bottle. Talk of affordable Elegance!!!!

FG COMPESATE FAMILIES OF KILLED CORPERS WITH 50 MILLION NAIRA DONATION

President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria compensated the families of Youth Corpers who lost their lives during the violent riot that took place in Bauchi and other parts of northern Nigeria.

The riot was political in all ramification as some people loyal to CPC protested against the defeat of their presidential aspirant, General Mohammadu Buhari at the April 16 Presidential election

Gistmaster.com gathered that each of the families of the corp members will  go home with about 5 million Naira as compensation. They will also get other benefits as provided by the government.The announcement was made yesterday in Abuja at a meeting Mr. president had with the families.

-gistmaster.com

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Cover Girl Introduces African inspired Limited Clean Press Compact Powder

COVERGIRL Clean has introduced a limited edition Clean pressed powder compacts. These new sets will be available in African-inspired prints(though not Ankara ). Through COVERGIRL’s partnership with Children’s Safe Drinking Water, each limited edition Clean compact purchased provides a week’s worth of clean drinking water for a child in Africa, for a donation of up to $50,000.

COVERGIRL Limited Edition Clean Compact is available now at Food and Drug retailers until supplies last, and available at WalMart starting in June 2011.

RUKKIES PLANS RETAIL THERAPY

RUKKIES, a  popular lagos clothing boutique is putting together a one day exhibition tagged - RUKKIES RETAIL THERAPY. This exhibition like no other will have have UNBELIEVABLE price tags at such recession aligned rates .This event which will be taking place on the 22nd May 2011 @
the Robert's Cafe -16B Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Time - 12- 7pm
The event will also feature top fashion accessory stockist and lifestyle brands ALL in alliance with the Retail Therapy .

Admission - FREE

NOLLYWOOD ACTOR, DESMOND ELLIOT SET FOR SHOWDOWN WITH MARKETER OVER NEW MOVIE

Desmond Elliot, Nollywood actor and Glo ambassador is angry at the moment over what he called violation of his intellectual property. According to gistmaster.com gathered from news sources that the actor who is half Yoruba, half Igbo, was shocked that one of his latest movies have found its way into the market without due approval. Gistmaster gathered that Elliot jointly produced the movie with a Sierra Leonian based in the United States of America.

At the moment, Desmond Elliot is perfecting ways to bring the violators of the movies to justice. Efforts was being made to get law enforcement agents involved so that the marketers who pirated the movie can be arrested and taken to court- Story by Niyi Tabiti/gistmaster.com

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