MILLIONS OF NIGERIAN UNDERAGE KIDS ARE BREAD WINNERS

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

I have been living in Lagos, Nigeria since I was born so I know a little about the city. Day and night, I move to different parts of the mega city in the cause of my work. Yesterday, I was joking with a friend that Lagos is the capital of Africa. My friend said; it is the headquarters of madness in Africa.
To an extent, I couldn’t fault my friend’s claim because Lagos is indeed the 'city of anything can happen'. Right now, what we have is the Obama 'madness'. Recently,I was passing through Ojota when I saw some underage kids on the street hawking some edible items. They did it with great marketing skills. “Oga, yes…buy Obama Bread, Obama pure water…Oba chinchin, straight from America”
We all laughed it off inside the bus but the fact remains that it was a serious matter. Those guys had to use any means possible to sell those things because they feed themselves. Some of them even feed their parents from what they sell. We are talking about kids who age falls between 8 and 14.
No matter who you are or where you live in this world, ponder over the lives of millions of Nigerian kids who are daily being ‘conscripted’ into the fast moving 'begging' business. Think about what impact you can make to help keep these kids out of the street. The most annoying aspect is when you see the parents sit right there while their parents beg so that they can eat.
Those who manage to go to school end up spend more years because of teachers' strike.

Photo 1-Model for Niyi Tabiti

Photo 2-Candid shots of some street children around Police College,Ikeja-Lagos.

FORMER PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL IN NIGERIA, REVEREND CHRIS OKOTIE CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY IN STYLE

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Former Presidential aspirant in Nigeria on the platform of FRESH political party and Pastor of Household of God Church in Lagos,Nigeria,Rev.Chris Okotie, celebrated his 50th birthday on Sunday 29 June 2008 at the Church Auditorium. Reverend Okotie who has made a oublic declaration of his undying love for a single mother of three was all smiles.He thanked God for thanking him this far in life.He also said that nothing can be compared to the new woman in his life.Okotie whose romance to Tina his ex-wife packed off some years back believe that he has seen the true bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh. The new woman also has a grace of style like his ex-wife.
Comedian, Ayo Makun popularly known as Ay and ace Juju musician and now a man of GOD,Evagelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi entertained the people.

Photo 1-Okotie and the love of his life
Photo 2-Cutting of the cake
Photo 3- Ace musician,Evagelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi (Raising his hands) and others praising the Lord.

GUEST WRITER: ABIMBOLA JUNAID TALKS ABOUT SELF LOVE

So it must be true, self love is the most important thing one can give to one's self. Many books, comments and affirmations from people I have been in contact with lately reflect that. My definition of self love, loves yourself, with all of your short comings. The ability to be your own friend and be compassionately there for you every time, not some time, everytime.Even when you keep repeating an action you are ashamed of.

Many, many, people do not have a self-relationship; some people do not know who they really are. They have forever lived in a conditioned outcome to self existence that they own it as their life but yet it isn't their choice but what was given to them by society. I am not preaching vanity, far from it. What ever you have yearned to have people be to you, 1st learn to give it to yourself, and when you start living in that state of completeness, it attracts what you want to you.

It is my heart desire to see many more people enjoying their lifes; the world is a colorful place, start splashing. Do not waste away; letting depression eat you up, a past; taking over your life, life is full of short comings, but do not give up on living, please, please, I beg of you. There is so much inside of you; I want you to see it too. Email me for a one to one if you've been affected by today's talk- thinkingbee@gmail.com or http://www.thinkingb.blogspot.com/

Chief Reporter's note:Abimbola Junaid is a human and business development coach. The CEO of Complete Well Being Solutions.

UK NEO-SOUL SINGER, NAYO SET TO STORM NIGERIA THIS MONTH

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

The latest information reaching GISTMASTER indicates that Nayo (Odunayo Abidoye) , a United Kingdom based neo-soul singer is set to storm Nigeria for good. Already her forthcoming debut album entitled ‘African Girl’ is gathering momentum and it would soon be a blast amongst music lovers. Those who should know say Nayo is indeed a bundle of talent and a very promising act.
Information gathered by those close shows that she is currently signed on Fyro music, an independent label in the UK .Right now; she is determined to be the biggest thing to happen to Nigeria and UK music scene.
Nayo- the eldest daughter of late pillar of sports ‘Dokun Abidoye- is on the cover of the current edition of TRUE LOVE West Africa, and she is billed to arrive the country by mid-July. While in the country, she expected to address the press, meet with top producers and other stakeholders relevant to her music career in the country.
A graduate of Business Administration from Pepperdine University, USA, Nayo started writing songs at the tender age of 10.Nayo’s love for the entertainment industry was like so much that she dreamt about it every night. Along the line, she got a development deal with Sony Music, where she worked on catalogues of such big names as Sade Ade, J.LO, Destiny Child and others.
For Nayo who lost her father in 2004, it has been accolades all the way from the media particularly in the British Press. The Independent once describes Nayo as ‘The new Sade (Adu)’.

REMAINS OF LATE EVAGELIST SONNY OKOSUNS' ARRIVES NIGERIA ON 4 JULY 2008...PLUS BURIAL ARRANGEMENT

The burial arrangement for the late music legend, Evangelist Sonny Okosun OON is finally out. GISTMASTER gathered that the remains of the late musician is set to arrive Nigeria on 4 July 2008 from the United States of America. Sonny Okosun died in May 2008 at Howard University Hospital, Washington District of Columbia.
In a press statement signed by members of the Burial committee and sent to GISTMASTER , various activities have been lined up to give Okosun a befitting burial in Nigeria.The statement reads in part: “The Okosuns' Royal family of Esan central area of Edo state wishes to officially announce the demise of Frances Sonny Okosuns, OON, a father, brother, uncle and grand father, who was an African music icon that employed music to fight apartheid, oppression and repression in the African continent"
OFFICIAL PROGRAMME OF THE NATIONAL BURIAL COMMITTEE OFEVANG. DR. SONNY OKOSUNS,OON.
1) Corpse of Late Evang. Sonny Okosuns, OON, arrives Nigeria from the United States of America on July 4 (This Friday). Condolence/ Candlelight Vigil organized by South- South Peoples Assembly-SSPA on 4th July at House of Prayer Ministry 10 Yaya Abatan Street,Ogba, Ikeja- Lagos
2) July 12th, 2008 at 2pm: Open Air Sonny Okosuns Memorial Concert featuring top Nigerian musicians; from the old to the very young ones as well as international musicians in Lagos state in honour of late Evang. Sonny Okosuns, OON.

3) July 13- Nigerian Youths(Eagles) an amalgam of top Nigerian comedians and musicians converge at the Excellence Hotel- Ogba-Ikeja for a Tribute Concert for Sonny Okosuns by 4pm-8pm; Same day(13th-July-2008)- New African Christian Breed- a Christian association founded by Sonny will be staging a Tribute Seminar titled: Leadership Role for Nigerian Youths by 3pm at House of Prayer Church- Ogba- Ikeja.
4). Elaborate Service of Songs on July 17,2008( Thursday) at 5pm at The House of Prayer Ministry on 10 Yaya Abatan Street, Ogba, Lagos featuring prominent Ministers of God and Church choirs from different denominations.5). July 18, 2008( Friday): Lying in state at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos from 9am to 3pm with numerous performances by top Nigerian and international musicians, notable ministers of God and speeches from Nigerians from all walks of life.
5. Carnival like procession from National Stadium to Interment at Late Evang. Sonny Okosuns' residence at 10 Yaya Abatan Street, Ogba, Lagos state.
6. Outing service on 20th July, 2008( Sunday) at Sonny Okosuns' church- House of Prayer Ministry, located on 10 Yaya Abatan Street, Ogba, Lagos state.
7. Open Air SONNY OKOSUNS Memorial Concerts featuring top Nigerian musicians; the old and the young ones like Tu- Face, D' Banj, P- Square, Faze, 9ice in the following states of the federation namely:i. Edo State: 20th July, 2008ii. Abuja(FCT): 3rd August, 2008
The Sonny Okosuns' National Burial Committee unanimously agreed and ratified Inter Continental Bank PLC, as the official banker of the burial event. The Edo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Prof. Osarehmen Osunbor, has set up a committee to immediately liaise with the Sonny Okosuns' National Burial Committee to ensure that Sonny Okosuns, OON, is accorded a heroic burial. At the moment, discussions are on- going with Envoys of South Africa Embassy, Namibia Embassy, Zimbabwe Embassy; Angola Embassy, Kenya Embassy on a classy burial programme worthy of an African icon for Sonny Okosuns, OON.

NIGERIAN CELEBRITIES ROCK FOR OBAMA

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter



If Barak Obama, the American presidential hopeful made up his mind to be in Nigeria on Friday 4 July 2008 (America's Independence Day) , we bet he would not have missed the 'trips' that would happen that night at Club Papas in Victoria Island.


Information reaching http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ from Frank Okamigbo, the man about town behind Club Papas is that they are staging a one in town party to celebtrate Obama's achievement so far in the process of making it to the White House.Frank said, Obama's fever has taken over Lagos and now is the time to stage what he calls a 'revolutionary party' in honour of a fellow black man.The party, which is expected to have so many celebrities in attendance is tagged "Naija for Obama Night"

REPORT SAYS NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, INI EDO AND LOVER,PHILLIP SETTLES FOR SEPTEMBER WEDDING DATE

Nollywood actress,Ini Edo may have lost in her bid for the crown as Nollywood best dressed actress (according to most voters on http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/) but she seems to have won completely, the heart of Phillip, her United States of America based lover boy. Reports monitored in this week's edition of Encomium magazine stated that Ini and Phillip have concluded arrangements to say 'I do' at a talk of the town wedding slated for September 2008.According to the story written by Stella Dimoko Korkus,the traditional wedding engagement would hold on 30 August 2008.

www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com also gathered that water tight security arrangement would be put in place to forestall any act of break down of law and order by those who believe they have been unfairly treated by the two lovers.