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Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) kicked of f to a f lamboyant star t for i ts debut launch in London dur ing August 2011. With an impressive turnout of over 4,700 at tendees, the 2-day ext ravaganza created an unprecedented plat form for over 50 international designers to showcase thei r col lect ions. Glowing press reviews and high at tendance f igures in 2011 have boosted AFWL prof i le and now led to capt ivate a wider internat ional audience in 2012, benef iciat ing of an est imated 7 mi l l ion London visi tors set to be in the capi tal for the Olympics. AFWL pledged to cont inue of fer ing equal oppor tuni t ies & exposure to designers f rom al l backgrounds whom are inspi red by Af r ican designs, pr ints & text i les. Of fer ing cut t ing edge fashion, inter iors, or iginal ar tworks as wel l as food, Spi tal f ields Market, winner of the 2007 Best New Open Space, is sur rounded by independent shops, cafes, bars and awarding winning restaurants such as Canteen, Galvin

 By Niyi Tabiti The newly appointed acting inspector general of police in Nigeria, Mr.Muhammed Abubakar was close to tears today as his beloved wife, Hajiya Maryam was buried in Kano today. The deceased was 47 year old. According to what gistmaster gathered, she died of cancer this morning. As soon as the news was passed to the new police chief, he flew to Kano to pay his last respect to his late wife.

[caption id="attachment_6689" align="alignleft" width="424" caption="Al-Mustapha"] [/caption] Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos High Court has sentenced Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former chief security officer to Late General Sani Abacha to death by hanging. The sentenced was handed down toAl-Mustapha today for his role in the killing of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of late business mogul and politician, Bashorun MKO Abiola. Lateef Shofolahan, the personal assistant to the Alhaja Kudirat Abiola as at the time of the commission of the crime was also indicted as an accomplice. The court also sentenced him to death. -Report by Niyi Tabiti niyi@gistmaster.com news@gistmaster.com

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha,a former Chief Security Officer to late General Sani Abacha, has been sentenced to death by hanging.He was found guilty of masterminding the death of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola,whose husband , Late Bashorun MKO Abiola won the 12 June 1993 election.  Also  sentenced to death by hanging is Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan, a personal assistant to late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola at the time of the commission of the event. He was an accomplice.Before this breaking news, the trial of Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan had been on for 12 years. -Gistmaster

All is now set for the much talked about London Fashion Week. The event is scheduled to hold this February in the United Kingdom. Top designers such as House of Jola, Ayo Van Elmar,House of Farrah Studio 24,Zoe Taglit and Hallero are expected to to showcase their create designs to the world at the Fashion Week. Media organizations from all over the world are expected to be  in London for the event. -Niyi Tabiti niyi@gistmaster.com  

  [caption id="attachment_6676" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Minister for Petroleum,Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke"] [/caption] The Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, over the weekend debunked media reports alleging that the Federal Government was losing over N700 billion annually in projected revenue through the Kaduna Refinery as well as N12 billion on remuneration of staff whom the reports alleged were largely idle as the refinery was not functioning. The report which came on the heels of an oversight visit to the Kaduna Refinery by the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) earlier last week portrayed the 32-year old plant as a drain pipe. However, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Dr. Levi Ajuonuma, in a press statement issued to journalists stated that the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company, KPRC, is a functional and viable Strategic Busine

[caption id="attachment_6668" align="alignleft" width="426" caption="Mrs. Folashade Okoya"] [/caption] By Niyi Tabiti Top socialite and industrialist, Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya and his wife, Folashade have awarded schorlaships to 40 less priviledged students in tetiary institutions in Lagos State. Folashade Okoya said the schorlaship scheme is part of her husband's vision to empower youth through education.She noted that her husband, who is the Chairman of Eleganza Group of Companies,RAO Property and other business concerns has been a great supporter of the educational sector through his philantropic gestures. He has been helping a lot of indigent students, he has also donated books and given support to various schools in the past.The students would get N100,000 each. Before now,the Okoya's are known to host some of the most flamboyant parties in town. Only few people in Nigerian can out do the Okoyas when it come to hosting parties. Click

Three female protesters who went topless in Switzerland were today arrested.The three ladies who are from Ukraine said they were protesting on behalf of poor people around the world. They were arrested by Swiss Police at the entrance of the congress centre of  the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.Just wondering how the policemen managed to hold the protesters!

Lord Of Ajasa releases video for ID Cabasa-produced track - ANywhere I Dey Go. LORD OF AJASA drops the video for his new single titled ANYWHERE I DEY GO Produced By ID Cabasa, Directed By Ayoola 'Awizzles' Opere.

DestinyPiz hit the entertainment scene at 19 when she began appearing in Nollywood movies in Nigeria.  Finding an interest in writing and poetry, she went on during her university days to feauture in several social shows and gigs and also performed alongside others as part of a congregational choir at her local parish. She continued to develop her skillset and recorded a handfull of songs during her time in Nigeria whilst studying and following expatriating to the UK in the early part of the new millenium, she settled down and began to put more of an interest into her entertainment projects. A warm, affable, down to earth and beautifully west african damsel, DestinyPiz is most recognised for her stage presence, vibrance, vivacious and engaging stage presence and endearing; touching vocals. Her message ' My music is about love, life and experiences, I don't just love to sing, I love to bring my acting skills into play when I present my music videos and I am happy that I have had

Niyi Tabiti Several branches of Intercontinental Bank that have been tagged 'not performing' has been shut down by Access Bank, the new owners of the bank just as over one thousand staff of the same bank  lost their jobs. Gistmaster gathered some of the braches of Intercontinental Bank shut down by Access Bank includes the one at Ikeja, Ibafo and Akute.Austin Edoja, the corporate affairs manger of Access Bank confirmed the new development. Already, close to two thousand staff of Intercontinental bank has been sacked. However, we gathered that this just the first batch. Sources told gistmaster that Access Bank also plan to sack thousands of others soon. Intercontinental Bank was hit by massive low patronage after the Central Bank of Nigeria indicted the erstwhile Managing Director of the Bank, Erastus Akingbola and other directors of fraudulent practices.

[caption id="attachment_6654" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Tchidi Chikere"] [/caption]   Ace and celebrated multiple award winning movie director, writer, producer and actor has responded to those peddling the story currently circulating on the internet that he is in a 5 million naira debt as low life failures looking to achieve cheap publicity using his name. “ I would usually not even respond to such hogwash, but let me just say this, the story is false, baseless and the worst is I don’t even know where it is coming from! In this business of show biz, you sometimes hear things about yourself that make you wonder if there are two of you,  some things I hear and I wonder if I have been cloned while I slept, and  another Tchidi Chikere operating and doing things somewhere else. It all goes to show how the internet is being misused and it is very unfortunate. The cyberspace is free and you can write anything, any witch hunt piece against

By Niyi Tabiti Several branches of Intercontinental Bank that have been tagged 'not performing' has been shut down by Access Bank, the new owners of the bank just as over one thousand staff of the same bank  lost their jobs. Gistmaster gathered some of the braches of Intercontinental Bank shut down by Access Bank includes the one at Ikeja, Ibafo and Akute.Austin Edoja, the

Olufunsho Amosun, wife of Ogun State Governor"] [/caption] By Niyi Tabiti When it comes to Fashuon, most Nigerian women are always in their best. Durning the first and second tenure of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, Onari Duke was adjudged the most beautiful of all the first ladies. The effortless elegance of Mrs. Onari Duke made her the favorite of many fashion followers. In Our special edition that is coming up soon, Gistmaster.com would be taking a look at the new first ladies and how they they have been promoting the dress African culture. What more?We are also going to take a look at who is truly the Most Beautiful First lady. We are also going to take a look at various projects they are doing to alleviate the lives of the less priviledged.It would be published as part of our special lifetyle package. Click here to read Inside Patience Jonathan's Fashion Cabinet [caption id="attachment_6641" align="alignleft" width="336

 As the New Year unfolds, Nigeria’s leading Telecommunication network, MTN is partnering with GTBank to deliver a more convenient means of money transaction between family, loved ones and business partners across the country. In partnership with GTBank, the newly introduced service “Mobile Money” is a secure, convenient and affordable way of sending money using an MTN mobile phone. With this new exciting service powered by MTN, you can: 1)      Send and receive money across the country with your phone. 2)      Recharge your phone by purchasing airtime. 3)      Pay bills e.t.c. Mobile Money is a fast and convenient way of sending money when in an emergency or when paying bills, we have been able to create this new service which will be beneficial to a lot of Nigerians on the MTN network as well as Non-users MTN Users can dial *500# and follow the instructions to activate MobileMoney service. Visit www.mymobilemoneyng.com for more details. You can also visit www.facebook.com/MTNLoaded

  [caption id="attachment_6630" align="alignleft" width="314" caption="Liyel Imoke, Governor of River State"] [/caption] Abuja - Nigeria's Supreme Court on Friday sacked five ruling party state governors for over-staying their positions in a move that has added to confusion in a nation reeling under security woes. The ruling, which overturns a decision by a lower court, affects governors from President Goodluck Jonathan's ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) who took office in May 2007. Five governors won re-run elections a year after their initial victories in the 2007 polls were annulled because of irregularities. A high court ruled in January last year that they had to start a fresh term, but supreme court Judge Walter Onnoghen said on Friday that their tenure started the day they were first sworn into office. “To allow the governors seeking tenure elongation will allow a culture of impunity in the system,” he said. Affected stat

Amara the beautiful wife of Nigeria born , International footballer celebrated her 25th birthday anniversary recently. She also had her graduation party.Important guests from far and near came to celebrate with Kanu and his wife. Here are some of the photos from the event.

The food business seem to be one enterprise that most people in the Nigerian music and movie industry find attractive Kefee, according to news available to gistmaster.com would be opening her own restaurant and bar in Mende, Maryland, Lagos. Things to be looking up for Kefee who left her husband sometime back. Before opening the restaurant,she has gone several step higher with the way she turned out at events. She is now the stunning superstar that many people wants to meet. With the restaurant business, Kefee has joined celebrities like Dbanj,Joy and Chico Ejiro,Tee A and others who are also in the restaurant and bar business.Chika Ike, another Nollywood star once operated a restaurant and bar business. -Gistmaster.com

  As the New Year unfolds, Nigeria’s leading Telecommunication network, MTN is partnering with GTBank to deliver a more convenient means of money transaction between family, loved ones and business partners across the country.  In partnership with GTBank, the newly introduced service “Mobile Money” is a secure, convenient and affordable way of sending money using an MTN mobile phone.  With this new exciting service powered by MTN, you can: 1)      Send and receive money across the country with your phone. 2)      Recharge your phone by purchasing airtime. 3)      Pay bills e.t.c. Mobile Money is a fast and convenient way of sending money when in an emergency or when paying bills, we have been able to create this new service which will be beneficial to a lot of Nigerians on the MTN network as well as Non-users  MTN Users can dial *500# and follow the instructions to activate MobileMoney service.  Visit www.mymobilemoneyng.com for more details. You can also visit www.facebook.com/

  By Gistmaster Seven years after their talk of the town wedding,Seal and his wife, Heidi finally confirmed that they are divorced. The celebrity couples who have four children from the marriage said they decided to go their seperate ways due to irreconciliable differences. This would go down in history as one of the least expected marriage break-ups in nollywood. Nobody expected that the two would be calling it quit after having four children. They are seen within and outside of Nollywood as one of the most cherished celebrity marriagesthe world. Reasons for seal and Heidi marriage break up, according to what sources told a high powered Hollywood tabloid include tight schedules on the part of the talented singer and his wife.According to reports monitored by gistmaster.com Seal and Heidi have grown apart due to workloads they both have before them in their professions. Sometimes, they could go months without seeing each other. Seal otherwise known as Henry Olumide was born by Nigerian

Stephanie Okereke needs little or no introduction here. A past most beautiful girl in Nigeria contestant and actress, Stephanie has also made name for herself as a producer. She is one of Nollywood's most talked about celebrities. The latest gist everyone is curious to know about the star actress is her wedding plans. After her first marriage with a footballer crashed some years and friends of the delectable actress have been looking forward to when she would finally give marriage another try. gistmaster.com gathered that all his now set for that now. That Stephanie is dating city businessman,Linus Idahosa is not news. The two have been an item for sometime now. They have been all over the place showing off that they are indeed in love. A recent report by Punch disclosed that Stephanie and her man, Linus will be getting married in February 2012  in the French capital of Paris.It is expected to be a close knit thing but trust, there is no hiding place for the golden fish.

Babatunde Omidina (Baba Suwe) the popular tele-comedian and movie producer is gradually getting his groove back.The actor, who was the centre of what could best be described as one of Africa's most controversial drug trafficking arrest some months back was not in public glare for sometime. Shortly after he was ordered released by a Lagos High Court, the comedian was not seen in public. gistmaster.com gathered that the star actor is getting over his ordeal with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). We gathered that he has been visiting one or two places now.Baba Suwe was one of the star celebrities who showed up at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom park for the anti- subsidy removal protest organised by a coalition of civil rights group and the Nigerian labour congress. At the moment, Baba Suwe is already planning to release a movie on his ordeal with the anti- drug law enforcement agency.

[caption id="attachment_6573" align="aligncenter" width="412" caption="Kabir Umar Sokoto"] [/caption] Nigerians president, Mr. Goodluck Jonathan is praying over two major things at the moment.A quick solution to the Fuel hike crisis in his country and the arrest of Kabir Umar Sokoto, the suspected mastermind of the christmas day bombing in Niger State. A ransome of 50 million Naira (More than 300,000 US Dollars) has been placed on thehead of suspected leader of Boko Haram Islamist group in the country. The suspect, who was arrested at the Borno State Government lodge in Abuja escaped while in Police Custody. According to reports monitored by Gistmaster.com, most Nigerians have been pointing accusing fingers in the direction of the Nigerian police. "There is high level complicity in the issue.The way and manner he escaped gives room for doubts" a source said.    

[caption id="attachment_6569" align="alignleft" width="479" caption="Imade Ogbewi"] [/caption] After her marvelous debut at the South Africa Fashion Week and subsequent appearance at the Gambia Fashion Week, the new star of Nigeria's runway, Imade Ogbewi is prepared 'hug' the limelight in europe as she look forward to the London Fashion Week this February in the United Kingdom. The 18 year old model from Edo State Nigeria was the winner of the Nigeria Next Supermodel 2011 in Lagos Nigeria.When gistmaster.com met her recently, she was very confident about what the future holds in stock for her with her modelling career. The model told our correspondent that she has not been sexually harrassed but confirmed that since she won a lot of guys have been pestering to date her but for now, she is only going to 'date' her career. Other models from Isis Modelling agency such as Aishetu Bello, Bunmi Ademokoya are also going to feature at

Popular Yoruba actress cum producer, Laide Bakare has taken delivery of a glittering Range Rover sport car. Sources hinted that she bought the wonder on wheel in the United States of America and got it shipped to Nigeria. Whether brand new or used, the car must have cost the star actress some millions of Naira. Laide has joined the likes of MI, Bisi Ibidapo Obe, Susan Peters,Ini Edo and other notable stars in Nigeria entertainment industry who have been cruising the Range Rover Sport as their signature auto.-By Niyi Tabiti

Dear Compatriots, 1.    This is the second time in two weeks I will address you on the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. In the last seven days, the nation has witnessed a disruption of economic activities.  Although, the economic imperatives for the policy have been well articulated by government, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) went ahead to declare a nationwide strike. 2.    There was also near-breakdown of law and order in certain parts of the country as a result of the activities of some persons or groups of persons who took advantage of the situation to further their narrow interests by engaging in acts of intimidation, harassment and outright subversion of the Nigerian state. I express my sympathy to those who were adversely affected by the protests. 3.    At the inception of the deregulation policy, Government had set up the Justice

The organised Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress (TUC) announced after the meeting with the Federal Government that the strike actions embarked upon by Nigerians will continue as no compromise was reached at the meeting with the Federal Governmemt over the controversial fuel increase in the country.  Millions of Nigerians

K ENNIS MUSIC, one of the country’s biggest record label company, has rolled out plans for the new year even as its helmsman, Kenny Ogungbe just got elevated to the position of the 24-member of the Board of Directors, DAAR Communications Plc. His appointment was endorsed at the multinational’s AGM held on Friday, December 30, 2011. With his new position, Ogungbe, a prolific music presenter and entrepreneur, is now part of policy making of the media conglomerate which includes

Top Yoruba actress, Fathia Balogun and Goriola Hassan , ex-husband of fellow actress, Ayo Adesanya are the newest couples in town!They have been sighted together stepping out together at various events, giving room for speculations that they ignited the fire of love.  City People magazine this week made an headline banner story of their romance. Fathia and Gori have been going to functions together. They were both at singer, St.Janet's show together. They stepped in together

Well endowned Yoruba actress, Ronke Odusanya now has a growing traffic of fans.The talented actress who has appeared in several Yoruba movies has been dating fuji musician, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma for years now. There were speculations here and there last year that the marriage plans

The House of Representatives has called for the suspension of the removal of the  fuel subsidy by the  federal government. The decision was taken at a special session of the House held yesterday in Abuja. It however set up two committees to meet with respresentatives of Labour and the federal government and monitoring of the subsidy regime. Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal said the decision of the house was in the best interest of the country. "We have a responsibility to ensure that the government and the country is governed through due process and respect for the rule of the law" the Speaker stated

Award winning  singer and actress, Beyonce and her husband, Jay Z have announced the birth of their daughter at the highbrow Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. The new baby, according to what this blog gathered, have already been named Ivy Blue Carter. Fans and friends of the high profile celebrity couple are already rejoicing with them on the birth of their first baby since they got married some years ago.  Report says when Beyonce went to the hospital, she was checked in as Ingrid Jackson

  The Nigerian President,Mr.Goodluck Jonathan has been doing all within reach to convince Nigerians why the prices of fuel in his country skyrocked as a result of removal on fuel subsidy.Here we present you the full test of his broadcast to Nigerians. Dear Compatriots, 1.    A week ago, I had cause to address Nigerians on the security challenges we are facing in parts of the country, which necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in 15 Local Government Areas in four states of the Federation. That course of action attracted widespread support and a demonstration of understanding.

It has come to our notice that a well coordinated campaign of calumny against the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, founded on outright lies and despicable distortions is being executed by cowardly persons hiding behind the ongoing controversy over the government’s decision to deregulate the petroleum sector.   For obvious reasons, the faceless campaigners have elected to tell their lies online because the normal journalistic principles of facts and balanced reporting are generally absent there.   For instance, we have received numerous enquiries regarding an alleged threat by the Coordinating Minister to resign if the government goes back on its decision to end the fuel subsidies. The threat was supposedly made during the emergency Federal Executive Council meeting which held yesterday.   This speculation, like numerous others is absolutely false. DR OKONJO-IWEALA WAS NOT AT THE MEETING BECAUSE SHE WAS OUT OF THE COUNTRY WHEN IT WAS GOING ON. In other word

Music star, Naeto C  and his girlfriend, Nicole Chukwueke have finally taken the bold step in marriage.Maestromedia broke the news of their mandatory introduction recently as the first part of their grand wedding ceremony. This will be followed by the traditional engagement, registry and church wedding.

Happy New Year! So says M-Net who kicked off 2012 with the news that the seventh season of the continent’s attention-grabbing Big Brother Africa series will be hitting DStv screens in May 2012! With TV commercials promoting the series’ return now screening on M-Net, entry for the new season opens in just a few short days. What can viewers expect from the reality TV powerhouse that continues to draw widespread audience interaction, fan fervor and some of the most entertaining personalities on African television? According to series executives,

Nigeria's finance minister, Mrs.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has denied reports that she issued a threat to President Goodluck Jonathan that she would resign if the latter reversed the removal of oil Subsidy.Okonjo Iweala said this through her tweeter handle. Nigerians have been protesting against the removal of fuel susbsidy, which skyrocked the price of the essential commondity to 65 Naira per litre to 150 Naira.   It would be recalled that Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala was

 When President Olusegun Obasanjo was in power we spent 300 billion per year on the fuel subsidy. Under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan it shot up to 1.3 trillion naira in the last one year alone. Can someone please explain to me how it got so high in 4 years and what exactly they were subsidising with the extra one trillion naira? When the Obasanjo government left power in 2007 the country was no longer in debt and the 30 billion dollar foreign debt that Obasanjo met when he came to power in 1999 was fully paid off.   Today, under the administration of Jonathan,

Nigerians in the UK have concluded arrangement to protest against the recent fuel subsidy removal by the Nigerian President, Mr. Goodluck Jonathan and members of his national executive council.  The London Metropolitan Police hours ago granted permit to Nigerian Students In Diaspora