NOLLYWOOD STAR ACTRESS ,INI EDO MARRIES PHILLIP EHIGWINA IN EKET,AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Reported by Niyi Tabiti

After severl postponements and speculations in the media, Nigeria born star actress, Iniobong Edo finally married her controversial lover, Phillip Ehigwina in oil rich town of Eket, Akwa Ibom State; Nigeria.The event took place yesterday 29 November 2008.
Accompanied by friends and relatives, Phillip stormed the home town of the actress in style and formally showed off that he is indeed man enough to take their daughter as his darling wife. On her path, Ini Edo was also extremely happy about her choice of man.She told friends that Phillip is her everything.
Expectedly, it was a roll call of her colleagues in Nollywood that graced the occasion. The list includes the Desmond Elliot, Oge Okoye, Rita Dominic, Mama Gee and the duo of Aki and Paw Paw. The event lasted till yesterday night. The traditional wedding was a knock out for critics of the star actress who thought that her relationship with Phillip, the United States based dude would not lead to wedding. Ini further fuelled this some months back when she denied any plan for marriage.

It should be recalled that Phillip and his ex-wife, Ruth went their seperate ways years back over allegation and counter allegations bothering on infidelity.

QUEEN OF GLAMOUR BAGS

Reported by Niyi Tabiti

She is simple yet quintessential in the craft of making some of the most fabulous bags one can get anywhere in the world. Welcome to the world of UK based Sade Popoola of Quute Illumina . Call her the Queen of glamour bags and would be right!
The intimidating profile of her works has endeared her to high profile ladies who desire to complement their dressing with the outlandishly stylish unique hand bags. According to the Ekiti State born lady, the bags are made in the United Kingdom with a special fabric known as Damask. gistmaster gathered that classy bags are hand made and so specially made.One unique selling point of the bag, according to Sade, is the fact that the bags are made with Damask a special fabric that gives it every bit of ‘africanness’ and originality. "Its a class thing and we make sure that no two people have the same design" she said. "The damask and every other thing we do is another way of showcasing our roots into producing exotic bags with vibrant designs" she added.

She revealed that her bags are not just another fashion accessory. Thanks to the innovative addition of integrated light in it. How do you feel,opening that bag at night in a party and the inner lights of the bag, keep flashing? Quute Illumina, sure have an answer.

A former televison presenter, Sade is a proud mother of three (The first is already in a US university).She told gistmaster that she loves dancing but her favourite artistes are true gospellers such as Cece Winas.Remarkably, the proudly Nigerian has been nominated for the coveted British Female Inventor and Innovator Awards.

You can visit her website: http://www.quuteillumina.co.uk/

SUBOMI BALOGUN LAUDS FCMB MD IN LAGOS

Reported by Niyi Tabiti

Otunba Subomi Balogun the group chairman of one Nigerian’s leading bank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has once again described his son, Ladi as a man after his heart.
The septuagenarian made this known at the 9th sharing experience series of the Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria, which took place on Wednesday 26 November 2008 in Lagos, Nigeria. As a recap, Subomi has never hidden his likeness for Ladi whom he described as a perfect for his shoes when he retired from active service in the bank.
At the event, Balogun disclosed that Ladi did not climb to the top in one day because the bank was founded by his father; rather he was a man who learnt the rope and made a name for himself in the financial sector. Balogun said, Ladi schooled and worked in financial institutions abroad yet he was prepared to learn when he started work in FCMB.
http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ watched as guests at the event applauded Ladi who was also present. It goes a long way to show that Ladi is indeed a chip of the old bloc.Ladi is an alumnus of Harvard Business School. The Alumni association in Nigeria is led by Professor Herbert Onye Orji.
According to one of the guests, one of the biggest problems faced by most rich families in Nigeria is continuity.“Most billionaires just bring their children to become head of their businesses in one day without putting them through the various stages. At the end, the business collapses. Examples abound in different sectors of the Nigerian economy”
“How many children of Nigerian billionaires could sustain their father’s businesses when they are alive not to talk of when the founder passes over and he left it in the hand of prodigal family members?” the guest asked rhetorically.
Citi Express Bank, Metropolitan Bank and Societe Generale Bank (SGMB) are three examples of family banks in Nigeria that are no more in existence due to what regulators tagged unhealthy financial state.
Apart from Ladi who is happily married to Banke (Iya Ibeji),Subomi other sons are Bolaji, one of the directors at West African Portland Cement Plc, and Babajide. Subomi is sits atop a financial conglomerate. The list include First City Monument bank, Primrose Investments Limited, City Securities (Registers) Limited,CSL Stockbrokers, First City Assets Management Limited and FCMB Capital Markets Limited.

NEXT LEVEL WITH GISTMASTER.COM

Some ago, we told you about the re-branding process of gistmaster.com
Yes, we are on the path to be Africa's number one celebrity, event and photos/news website. Apart from buisness storiesm which would keep you abreast of your financial interest,we shall continue to showcase the best of Nollywood glamour just as they do with Hollywood stars all over the world.We have to be proud of what we have got.The best of us is yet to come. You can help us realise this by supporting us through the promotion of your goods and services on the website. So small, you will think we are doing charity.Trust, we have loads of materials.
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NIGERIAN TELEVISION ROLE MODEL CELEBRITIES AND POLITICS

Reported by Niyi Tabiti

Wherever and whenever the success of the most remarkable electoral victory in the world (Barak Obama’s American presidential bid) surfaced in political history, the name-Oprah Winfrey would come up as one of the greatest influences of the period. Millions of people around the world hold Oprah in great awe because of the positive impacts she has been making through her lively and thought provoking television show.
In a place like Nigeria, someone like Oprah would ordinarily be classified as a mere TV presenter or better still an entertainer but in reality she is a role model celebrity. How far can our celebrities go to be genuine inspirations for positive socio-economy and political change in our nation? When it comes to political issue, do people take television personalities with so much seriousness?
Today in Nigeria, there are women who have indeed carved a niche for themselves with their commendable talk shows. Funmi Iyanda, Mosunmola (Mo) Abudu, Lola Oduba, Agatha Amata and a few others have indeed carved a niche for themselves here. Fine face, good smile and creative balance but the one billion naira question is- can it sow a seed of making you change your vote for the price of nothing?
Bimpe Fatokun a university undergraduate in Nigeria told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that television personalities like Mo Abudu and Funmi Iyanda are good brands for political influence but they have been limiting themselves.
“Look at it this way; they are popular and adored because of the issues they have been highlighting on their shows. For someone like me who has little or no interest in politics, I can easily be convinced to line up behind any candidate by these people because I admire them but I have not seen them coming out campaigning for any one”
On his part, Fola, a senior executive with a courier company in USA disagreed that some of the television personalities have not been doing much in the area of politics. Fola who was in Lagos recently for a seminar told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that most Nigerian television presenters don’t pretend about their political affinity. Citing the case of Funmi Iyanda, Fola disclosed that she has been known to be an all rounder, particularly in the media. In her newspaper columns and TV shows, she is known to have used it as a pedestal to talk about human rights abuses and short fall in the living standard of the people.
A popular actor told us there would have been more involvement of presenters in politics but they can’t openly campaign for someone they are not even sure would do their own will. Adding a humorous dimension to it, the actor said unlike America where it is a case of principle, in Nigeria politics is a case of figures. The electorates and godfathers think more about how much money they would share. So, if you like- put all the entertainers in Nigerian together for one man, they can only add colour but not change anything because the election results would have been written before the day.
“Does it mean actors and musicians have greater influences here?” gistmaster asked.
“Capital no!” he replied. “I told you earlier that what we have here is still politics of influence. Most of the musicians dancing behind politicians durning electoral period are only out for their daily bread. In America, most of them offered to be volunteers because they believe it is a moment for change. Niyi, do you know how much a Fuji musician pocked for doing an album for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as governor of Lagos State?”
“All the Yoruba artistes who were also calling Tinubu’s name in their movies also benefited from the huge purse of his political machinery. We can only have someone influence our elections like Oprah did if election is actually based on principle not money. It is a sacrifice that starts as far as the entertainer refusing to collect money for such ‘services’. I know that one day; one of these women would achieve that feat”

ITS MY PARTY!

Naturally, 27 November of every year is always my happiest day on earth. Reason? Its my birthday and i get really,really excited...somehow it has become a mystery i can't explain. Ordinarily,I am a happy person but 27 November comes with exceptional river joy flowing through me.Ohhhh...unlike last year when someone blew me a kiss via mobile phone around midnight, this year, i got it livvvvvvveeeee! I am particularly excited about the roll call of visitors already on my facebook waiting to be served african delicacies ranging from Amala to eforiro, to Iyan and egusi...and they would watch it down with moet chandon,malta guiness,Coca cola and every other drink is in abundance.

Really, 27 November is like my own New Year.I hope to do more in the area of assisting less priviledged children. There are countless numbers of child labourers in Nigeria today and we need to assist them. To me, that would be one of the ways to discover a lot of obamas in our society. Trust, i have loads of gist for you. Some politicians are not so lucky to have the kind of fantastic comments i have so far on facebook. I thank God.I would formally thank those that have so far made my day.I will also gist you about the actress who woke me up with "yeye boy,happy birthday...but we are still fighting o.Just warn those who are writing bad comment about me on your blog!"

MASTER PACKAGE FROM GISTMASTER

Watch out for our regular entertainment e-magazine. Trust us to give you first hand information about how and where the real gigs are taking place, interviews and authentic gist.

Perhaps, the reason we have remain the first port of call for those who desire up to date information about the Nigerian social and business sectors.

Important people, like you take us serious and we are pleased to inform you that thousands of Nigerians all over the world want us to do more.

Gistmaster is set to pull unprecedented number of important personalities to the site because of our new package.We want as many people as possible to come so that advertisers would continue to benefit from the platform. Remember, the blog and the website are free but not cheap! Together we can sustain the tempo by advertising here. Those who have tried us in the past have great testimonies.The prices are so small, you would think we are doing charity.

Thank you for taking your time. Join us as we re-brand the gistmaster brand.Don't forget, the top brands in the Nigerian Telecom, airline, fashion, movie,personalities,government,finacial sector, media and others would be featured here regularly.
Once again,thank you

-Niyi Tabiti

VIRGIN NIGERIA PARTNERS HOPE WORLDWIDE ON LAGOS CHARITY WALK FOR HIV/AIDS ORPHAN

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti

As part of her leading role in corporate social responsibility in Nigeria, Virgin Nigeria Airline, last saturday (22 November 2008) partner Hope Worldwide in its 10 charity walk for HIV/AIDS orphan in Lagos, Nigeria. Led by Dapo Olumide, the Chief Commercial Officer of the national carrier, several staff of the company embarked on the walk from Maryland to National Stadium, Surulere.Some of the staff also rode on bicycles, piloting the way for those that walked.
The airline and its staff, which included Mrs.Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, where commended by the wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola.While speaking with journalist, Olumide disclosed that the company has been playing its pivotal role in social responsibilty since the commencement of her operations on 25 June 2005. www.gistmaster.com gathered that the comapny has been involved in series of corporate activities that has direct impact on the lives of the people.Notably, the United Nations World Food Programme in 2006, where Virgin Nigeria provided the medium to raise funds towards eradicatinghunger nd malnutritionamong children,and the Sunny Kuku Foundation for sickle Cell.The comapny has also been involved in several other meaniful programmes.
gistmaster.com gathered that Virgin Nigeria got involved in the walk as a result of Hope Worldwide high reputation as a serious organisation truly committed to charity.

Uche Jombo Dedicates Afro-Hollywood Award to Fans

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter
Fast rising Nigerian actress, Uche Jombo has returned to the shores of the country after winning herself a laurel as the best actress (English) at this year's edition of the Afro Hollywood award in United Kingdom. The ever bubbling Uche arrived last Sunday morning and when www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com spoke with her on Sunday afternoon at the venue of Fantasy magazine launch at SAIPAN Restaurant, Victoria Island, she disclosed that she was very excited with the outcome of the award.
"Ofcourse, there is nobody who would not be excited whenever they are appreciated.Personally, I think its time to do more for the Nigerian movie industry" She said.
Uche also told GISTMASTER she dedicated the award to her fans everywhere in the world because they make her what she is today. We also saw her swinging her waist yesterday at the birthday of Psquare!
Uche Jombo's foray into professional acting started in 1998 when she took part in Visa To Hell by Fidelis Duker.Right now, she is one of best hands in Nollywood. She hails from Abiriba in Abia State, Nigeria.

CLUB PAPAS ROCK AS PSQUARE CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

By

Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

Last night (18 November 2008) in Lagos, Nigeria, the duo of Peter and Paul Okoye popularly known as Psquare treated friends and colleagues in the Nigerian entertainment industry to a lavish birthday celebration. The event, which was hosted by Frank Okamigbo led Club Papas in Victoria Island,was well attended by most of the notable entertainers particularly in the hip hop sector of the music industry. The list includes D’banj, Keke Ogungbe and D-One of Primetime Entertainment, Kaffy, Ruggedman,Sound Sultan, Banky W, MI and a host of others.Uche Jombo, Rukky Sanda, Adaora Okoh and Anita Joseph also showed up at the event. Obaro Ibru, once described as the most fashionable big boy in Nigeria, also came into the rollicking affair enjoying himself so much before he left.It was either babes are too much into Obaro or vice versa...!
Meanwhile, there were so many ‘take aways’ at the event and some of the entertainers did justice to the girls most of whom appeared as if dressing up nowadays is now out of fashion.A slim built entertainer left with two heavily 'loaded' chics and we wonder if he would have the strength to come out at all( See why some musicians are having dull performance on stage!). www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com watched most of the artistes rejoiced with the twins.Their elder brother, Jude was (obviously) very happy because of the fame and fortune in the lives of his brothers.

We are very sure some big boys from the corporate world who attended the event would be sleeping on their desk now.The party is a typical rock yourself and lets dance...!

FOREMOST IJESHA BUSINESSMAN, CHIEF LAWRENCE OMOLE LEAVES FOR THE GREAT BEYOND AT 93

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

One of Nigeria's most influencial men, Chief Lawrence Omole is dead. The prominent Ijesha citizen,Osun State in South West,Nigeria died on Friday 14 November 2008. He would be buried at his Okesha,Ilesa home on Wednesday 19 November 2008. He was aged 93.
Omole was so proud of his heritage that the customised plate number of his cars read "Omole Ilesa".Sons and daughters of the Omole are already planning a befitting burial for the great man.
Omole, omo owa obokun sun re o!

STEVE AYORINDE UNVEILS NEW BOOK

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter



Steve Ayorinde, a leading Nigerian journalist and editor of The Punch, one of the most widely read newspapers in the country and beyond, has unveiled his book entitled Masterpieces: A critic's timeless report.
Chief Femi Adeniyi Williams, Ex-first lady of Cross River State, Mrs. Onari Duke, Former Commissioner of Information in Lagos State, Dele Alake,Dr. Doyin Abiola,Wunmi Obe,Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Funmi Smith Tejuosho, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, top journalists and other important guests were part of the presentation, which took place on Thursday 13 November 2008.
The book is a collection of classic art reviews by Ayorinde in the Nigerian Guardian, Comet and Punch spanning a period of about 10 years.
A leading art writer and critic in Nigeria, Steve has travelled to most continents of the world, attending workshops and Film festivals. The award winning journalist has a large followership base and he is respected because of his intellectual prowess, professionalism and friendly approach to all and sundry.
The book was launched as part of this year's anniversary of the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON).Remarkably, Bisade Ologunde,the musician popularly known as Lagbaja thrilled the audiance with his short performance.
Ayorinde, may not have made billions of Naira from the book launch (Afterall, he is not a politician)but sure he got a blank cheque of goodwill from eminent personalities who spoke glowingly about his person.

IJEBU PEOPLE OF SOUTH WEST NIGERIA PREPARES FOR 2008 OJUDE OBA FESTIVAL

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter


The Ijebu people of Ogun State, South West, Nigeria are already preparing for their popular Ojude Oba festival.This year's edition has been slated to hold on Wednesday 10 December 2008.Every year the colour event attracts Ijebu sons and daughters from different parts of the Nigeria and other parts of the world usually attend the event.
The age grade societies such as Bobagunte, Bobagunwa,Bobakeye (The Governor of Ogun State,Otunba Gbenga Daniel and fuji musician,King Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe belong to this group) would spice up the events with their colourful dresses and show off (Ijebu for show) . The Oloroguns and Baloguns of Ijebuland would ride usually ride on horses in style to the palace of Oba Sikiru Adetona,the Awujale of Ijebuland.
Other activities lined up include the ikokore and ebiripo night and beauty pageant. The Chairman of the 2008 Ojude Oba planning commitee, Chief Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuf reveal at a press conference that their would good security measures put in place.He urged all Ijebu sons and daughters to promote their cultural heritage.
The major sponsors of the event are Globacom, headed by Nigerian born billionaire,Otunba Mike Adenuga (He is a cousin to the the Awujale), First City Monument Bank (FCMB) owned by Otunba Subomi Balogun, a prominent figure in the acient town.Other sponsors include Maltina.
The awujale of Ijebuland ascended the thrown of his forefathers in 1960 at the age of 26 ( At that time, his parents were still alive).Today, he is one of the most respected kings in Nigeria.Ijebu people (Omo Alare) are known to be successful in different fields of human endeavour and they can be found in different parts of the people.

BREAKING NEWS -APPEAL COURT DECLARES ADAMS OSHIOMOLE AS GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE NIGERIA

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Former President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Adams Oshiomole has been declared the governor of Edo State in Nigeria. This follows a judgment passed few minutes ago (11 November 2008) by the Appeal Court, Benin. Adams contested under the platform of Action Congress (AC).The court upheld the decision of the election tribunal headed by Justice Umeadi, which declared Oshiomole as the authentic winner of the 2007 gubernatorial election in Edo State.
The court ordered the incumbent governor of Edo State, Professor Oserhiemen Osunbor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should vacate the post and Oshiomole sworn into the state house. We gathered that certificate of return would soon be given to the former NLC president by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).There is wild jubilation in Edo State as the other party conceded defeat to Oshiomole by the appeal court. Remarkably, all the five judges concurred to the lead judgement.

MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN NIGERIA 2002,CHINENYE OCHUBA MARRIES KUNLE IN LAGOS,NIGERIA

By Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

Ex-Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria,Chineye Ivy Ochuba got married to Kunle Akinlade,yesterday 8 November 2008. The church service took place at Surulere, while reception was at Regency Hall, Ikeja,Lagos.

Chinenye won the coveted crown of the MBGN in 2002. She later enrolled for Computer Science at University of Lagos but had to relocate to the United Kingdom to complete her studies.

MI ALBUM LISTENING PARTY IN LAGOS

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Audu Maikori's Chocolate City, literarily set Lagos on fire as lyrics merchant and rapper extraordinaire,Jude Abaga popularly known as MI had his album listening party. The event took place at Swe Bar.It was a full house as entertainers from far and near came to the event.

Photo 1- Omawunmi and Steve Babaeko at the event

MC of the day,Tosyn Bucknor doing her thing.

Photo 3-MI

Photo 4-Banky W, Remi Fagbohun and Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi having a good life.

NIGERIA BORN EX BEAUTY QUEEN,SHIRLEY ALERO AGHOTSE SAYS ITS TIME TO TACKLE NIGERIA'S PROBLEM FROM GRASSROOTS

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter



Shirley Alero Aghotse needs little or no introduction. In 2005, the 6 feet tall lady won the coveted crown of Miss Tourism International put together by Mrs. Nike Agunbiade-Etiebet.She fizzled out of limelight shortly after her reign. Now, the beauty appears to be back but this time in another dimension.
She told GISTMASTER that she is championing a new organization that would map out a new strategy for peace and stability in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country. According to her, the aim of the organization is to inject the right values and philosophy into the Nigerian youth.
The name of the non governmental organization is “Nigeria Rebirth Renaissance and advancement initiative”. Shirley, a native of Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, disclosed the next thing on her agenda is the conference being planned by the NGO and it is expected to come up in March next year.
On her part, it is bye-bye to bikini or strutting the run way. She noted that her ambition now is to become an erudite scholar that would champion the cause of the common people. “Don’t be surprised to see me becoming a professor in the next few years.I am really passionate about education and all I want to do is to ensure that people of my generation represents the right values that would help make us progress as a nation.I think beauty pageants and all that is now a past of my life. This is a new phase because i believe there are so many issues that needed to be tackled particularly from the grassroots.
Greatly influenced by the great amazons such as her mum, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dora Akunyili and others,Shirley said the doors of the NGO is open to progressives, ready to contribute their quota to the lives of an average Nigerian and the country as a whole.
You can call or text Shirley on 08064573201 or shirleylove3000@yahoo.com

VIRGIN NIGERIA FLIES VICTOR POLITIS PHOTO EXHIBITION AT DIDI MUSEUM

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter



Virgin Nigeria Airline sponsored the photos of Lagos depicted by the camera lenses of Victor Politis, a Greece national.The event took place on 2 November 2008 at Didi Museum managed by Mrs.Newton Jibunoh in Victoria Island,Lagos-Nigeria.We bring you some of the faces at the event.

Photo 1- Mr. Donald Duke (ex-governor of Cross River State) in the middle and friends.Photo 2-Abiola Aloba of Encomium,Azuka Ogujiuba and Nkiru Olumide-Ojo of Virgin Nigeria Chude Jideonwo anchor of the event

Sola Omoniyi,Sola Oladele,Toyin Ashaolu and Catherine Ashenuga at the event

Mrs. Jibunoh of Didi Museum with popular comedian,Tee A

Wonderful combination

Winner of a ticket to London after a raffle draw

Azuka Ogujiuba of Thisday Newspapers

Isioma Nwankobia at the event on Sunday

Victor Politis and wife with one of Nigeria's most respected art writers,critic

and Editor of Nigerian Sunday Guardian, Mr.Jahman Anikulapo

EL DEE LEAVES BACHELORHOOD...FRIENDS STORM ENGAGEMENT

By Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

Photo credit (El Dee)

Lanre Dabiri, the American based Nigerian born rapper and music producer was the centre of attraction last weekend as he formally enagaged the love of his life,Dolapo at a talk of the town event in Lekki. The bosigbangba kajo crooner went to 'postrate' to his in-laws.D'banj led a powerful delegation of eligible barchelors in the entertainment industry to support El Dee.

Information at the disposal of http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ shows that the another event has been slated for Thursday 6 November 2008.

Congratulations to El Dee the Don.

Aside El Dee who is just taking the step, almost all the big boys in the music industry are still very much eligible.

Check out D'Banj,Don Jazzy,Tuface Idibia,Sound Sultan,Wande Coal,Psquare,Banky W,MI,2shortz,Olu Maintain,KC Presh....!(They all have a wondrous sex appeal with their female fans but one of them is still the hottest).Most of them keep saying they are still looking for the right woman (After sampling almost every babe in Lagos...Haba!)