OGUNLEWE IS NOW 'MINISTER OF ENJOYMENT'

Story-Niyi Tabiti

Moyo Ogunlewe's photo-Niyi Tabiti

Adeseye Ogunlewe's photo-nairaland.com

Chief Adeseye Ogunlewe, Nigeria’s former Minister of Works may no longer be in government but he remains the minister of ‘enjoyment’ in town. We saw the ex-minister the other day at one of the A-list clubs in Victoria Island. He came alone in his jeep but left with ‘something’ special.
One of those who had encountered him on one or two occasions told gistmaster that Ogunlewe likes enjoying himself no doubt but he is full of humility. "Whenever he comes around,you don't to see him showing everybody that he was once a high ranking minister in this country.It seems the man is trying to fade away all the political hassles he had gone through in the past from his mind"

Moyo, the ex-minister’s son is also a chip of the old bloc. The University of Lagos student, club very well and all the big names in school respect him. He won the most 'Influential Student Award' at the UNILAG/Questionmark award. Moyo also has a younger brother who is also abig boy in town.
On the other hand, Chief Ogunlewe remains a member of the leading Peoples Democratic Party. He saw the bitter side of politics when he was sacked from the cabinet of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.He was also arrested and interrogated when his political rival, Chief Funsho Williams was assassinated in Lagos. At that time, he dropped the idea of contesting as Governor of the state. It automatically paved the away for Musiliu Obanikoro’s nomination at the last election.

Pix 1-Moyo Ogunlewe

pix 2-Chief Adeseye Ogunlewe

UBA PARTNER MTN TO BRING DRAGONS DEN, WORLD’S HOTTEST BUSINESS REALITY SHOW TO NIGERIA.

Entrepreneurs in Nigeria with great ideas will soon be provided a platform to give it expression as the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc in association with MTN Nigeria brings the widely successful business television show, Dragons Den to Nigerian television viewers.
Dragons Den is one of the hottest television reality formats in the global television market. Developed by Sony Pictures, the show has been a hit around the world, including UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Thanks to UBA and MTN, Dragons Den Nigeria will be produced in Africa for the first time in the history of show.
The idea behind the show is to give aspiring entrepreneurs, known as “Pitchers” the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of five “Dragons”, i.e. successful entrepreneurs and investors. The Pitchers must make their pitch to the Dragons and tell them how much money they need to meet their goals and how much equity (ownership) they are willing to give up in return. Each Dragon brings N10 million of his own money to the table, thus putting a princely sum of N50 million of potential investment up for grabs, the biggest amount in the history of African reality television.
Giving more insight on the show,which will debut in February 2007 with call for entries, Mrs. Celine Loader, Divisional Head, Corporate Communications, UBA Plc, said the show would provide Pitchers with every opportunity the to part the Dragons from their money. Moreover, she also expressed UBA’s commitment to the socio-economic uplift of the regions within which the group operates saying, “Dragons Den is unlike any other reality show currently on television. Apart from its signature ‘nail-biting’ tension scenes, it also has a lot of educational value. Nigeria is a nation of highly enterprising and hard working people, many of whom just need the guidance of a seasoned mind and adequate funding to get their dreams off the ground. Dragons Den aims to entertain and educate viewers on how best to go about selling that great business idea.”
UBA, she said, is Headline Sponsor of the Dragons Den Nigeria because of its belief in the importance of Small and Medium Enterprises as the engine of every economy. “Dragons Den represents an extension of UBA’s commitment to the development of the SME sector, through funding, advisory services and other areas of support.
On its part, MTN Nigeria has described its association with Dragons Den as a continued demonstration of its “Can Do” value and GO philosophy. According to its Senior Manager, Consumer Brands, Mr. Biodun Odejayi, “MTN believes in connecting to people’s passions in life so that they can go and achieve their dreams. Dragons Den will certainly empower a lot of young Nigerians to go forth and bring their dream projects to life.”
Dragons Den Nigeria is produced by Storm Vision, one of Nigeria's leading television production companies whose mission is to set the standard for dynamic and innovative content, programming and production services and facilities for TV, film and interactive platforms. Past Storm Vision productions include Brother Nigeria, Doctors' Quarters and Amstel Box Office (AMBO).
On how he feels the show would impact on Nigerians, Remi Ogunpitan, Managing Director of Storm Vision, said, "This will be another top class Storm production. There will be no other show like it. Although it would appear like a TV game-show, it is not a game. The Dragons are putting up their own money and the Pitchers are presenting real business opportunities. In addition to being great entertainment, Dragons Den Nigeria gives viewers an inside look into how to present and how not to present a business idea. It also shows how potential investors make decisions about where to put their money."

Pix (From Right) Mr.Ogunpitan,Mrs.Loader of UBA and Mr.Biodun Odejayi of MTN

NIGERIAN ARISTOCRATS SET LAGOS POLO AGLOW

Story & Photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Top Nigerians from far and near gathered this afternoon (2 February 2008) at the Lagos Polo ground on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, for the take off of this year’s edition of Lagos Polo Tournament.
Polo is fondly called the game of kings. This is on account of the large amounts of money required for the upkeep of ponies, the registration and connections among members. Polo leaves a gap between the rich and the super rich. It is not for the faint hearted.The person must also have a sound health history.
Aside the mandatory sum of N500, 000 (About $4,200) for membership registration, we gathered that the membership committee would go through the profile of the prospective members and also carry out investigations to ensure that the person is of good character.
The first game in the tournament kicked off between Lagos Luna Milk and Ibadan Lead City University team at 2 P.M. Those who played on the part of Luna Milk are Akintayo Sotomi, Usman Ahmed, Saidu Umar and Ado Shuaib.On the hand, Ibadan Lead City University had Femi Oyeniyi, Koyin Owoeye, Bola Adeyemi and Babatunde Lawal.
Other matches today are Lagos Rojo vs. Power Horse 2, Ibadan NFL vs. Ibadan Natives and Lagos Power Horse 1 vs. Lagos Rubicon.
According to this year’s schedule notable players that would participate this year include Mohammed Babangida, Bello Buba, Jamilu Mohammed, Bayo Amusan, Francis Ogboro, Bashir Dantata,Madugu Dantata,Junaid Dikko and Aminu Abubakar Alhaji.

While speaking with http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ this afternoon, the Captain of the Lagos Polo club,Francis Ogboro said all efforts are put in place to ensure a hitch free tournament.
The Lagos executive committee has Bayo Amusan as the president (Bayo is a successful businessman, so also his brother, Tayo the chairman of The Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki, Chief E.K.Omotseho as Vice President,Dapo Ojora (son of Otunba Adekunle and Ojuolape Ojora) is the 2nd Vice President.Adamu Yaro is in charge of Pony welfare while Madugu Dantata is in charge of stables.Jamilu Mohammed is a Ground Member and Prince Kunle Tejuosho is the social secretary.
The names polo players such Muyiwa Bola Ige, Alhaji Sani Dangote, Atedo Peterside and others have not been confirmed against any team.We, however, gathered that Senator Chris Ogunbanjo would not be available this year.

Pix 1-Lagos Luna Milk and Ibadan Lead University teams.Lagos won the match.Pix 2-Captain of Lagos Polo Club,Chief Francis Ogboro and a guest.Pix 3-Mr.Bayo Amusan ,President of Lagos Polo Club (left) and Mr.Wale Edun, a former Commissioner of Finance In Lagos.

PSQUARE ORDERS FOR HUMMER (H2) JEEP

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

The garage of hip hop duo, Peter and Paul Okoye, popularly known as Psquare has received a 'mighty' boost with the latest addition of Hummer (H2) Jeep. Already, they have a collection of some of the finest cars and jeeps.
http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ exclusively learnt that they have paid for the jeep and it would just take a few more days before the wonder jeep is delivered to their Omole Estate (Phase 1) home in Ikeja, Lagos. The jeep is painted red and they hope to paint the city of Lagos red with it.
According to Jude ‘engee’Okoye, their elder brother and manager, Psquare decided to spoil themselves a little bit with the Hummer (H2) jeep. This is because they worked tirelessly last year. "The jeep is a way of congratulating themselves for their numerous achievements on the music scene last year",he said.
Right now, Psquare ranks amongst the highest selling hip hop musicians in the country. They are also well patronized by corporate organizations, state governments and individuals. They have also won several awards.Their album 'Get Squared' remains a reference point in hip hop music.

Pix shows Psquare and their elder brother, Jude Okoye (Right)

WELCOME TO THE MONTH OF LOVE

I welcome you to February, the month of love. I would just advise that whatever you do, let it be done with love. So many people think that Valentine is all about sex, sex and sex.Someone needs to have a re-think here.
Last year, i followed a friend to his girlfriend's place in Unilag.I saw this babe crying...sorry,she was actually weeping.We later learnt that she was ashamed that her man failed to turn up after bragging to her friends.Please,if you know your man is not stable,please,run away from the room.
I don’t have a Val yet but I am confident that I would not be left out of the whole show. Personally, I would love to visit an Italian restaurant in the afternoon and a live band setting in the evening.
Where and how do you intend to celebrate it? What is your idea of a great Val outing?Do you think sex should be the peak of the day's celebration?
Whatever you think,Valentine is 13 days away from now and a lot of guys have started saving.

UNILAG BEAUTY TELLS US HER TAKE ON LOVE

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

"I win my boyfriend over, whenever I go to his place by helping out with domestic shores. You know everyman likes to see the wife material in their girl. Yes, a woman who is homely and diligent”.
These were the words of Alero Uli, the young lady who carted home the award of Most Beautiful Girl (MBG) on campus, courtesy Questionmark/Unilag Awards 2007.
Shortly before she traveled to Britain on holidays last December, www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com, engaged the alluring Alero in a chat.
Alero refused to reveal the identity of the man that swept her off her feet to us but volunteered that he hails from a prominent family in Ijebuland, Ogun State.
Our investigations, however, revealed the name of the fellow as Dayo.We gathered that they both met in UNILAG and they have been dating for sometime now. We also learnt that they may have resolved to marry themselves when Alero leaves school.
Alero is also a successful photography model in Nigeria. She has done prominent jobs for multinational companies such as Globalcom (A leading telecommunication company), Malta Guinness (A drink on the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc), Alora Soap and several others.
Alero, who is looking forward to a first degree in the English Department of University of Lagos, disclosed that she is fetish about big ear rings. She also likes shoes and bags.
Alero’s father works with a Federal Government parastatal, while her mum retired after a meritorious service with Ministry of Budget and Planning and other federal government agencies.Alero’s mother hails from Aniocha, the Igbo speaking part of Delta State while her father is an Itsekiri man from the same state.
When asked about her favourite destination point. She smiled and told us “Caribbean Island!”
According to her, Carribean Island is one place she would love to visit.

BREAKING NEWS: ROBBERS SNATCH 2FACE IDIBIA’S JEEP AT GUN POINT

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter

Hell was let loose in Lagos, last night (31 January 2008) as Nigeria’s hottest hip hop sensation,2face Idibia was attacked by armed robbers. In the process, he lost his expensive new Range Rover Sport jeep to the bandits.The incident happened around 9 P.M.
2face confirmed the incident.He disclosed that he was around a friend’s place in Ikeja,when the dare devil men of the underworld unleashed the dragon. “What I heard were sporadic shots from different angles.Suddenly, they hijacked me and my driver in the jeep. They said I should go to the back seat but later they allowed me to get out of the vehicle"
2face whose hit track African Queen brought him so much fame and fortune, disclosed that his driver was not so lucky. According to him, the driver was released around 3 A.M today (1 February 2008) in Agbara, a town close to the border of Nigeria and Republic of Benin.
Unlike past experiences, where he was shot and badly injured, the musician came out of the sordid occurrence unscratched.
“I only received slaps” he said amidst laughter. The Benue State born musician also said that formal report had been made to the police and they are doing their best to track down the armed robbers.
This is the third time that the award winning musician would be attacked by robbers in recent times. He was shot by bandits towards the last quarter of 2007 .He went through surgical operations for the extraction of the bullets.The first armed robbery attack happened right in his festac town abode.It was when he just bought his Lincoln Navigator.