GUEST WRITER, ABIMBOLA JUNAID WRITES ON THE TOPIC- ' 30 SOMETHING,SINGLE,LIVING ABROAD AND MARRIAGE! ( PART 1)

I am a life coach, but first and foremost human too.That emotional side of me showed when I read an email sent to me by a Miss A.A who had read my blog. She asked that I advice the 30 something year old singles(women)living abroad who desire marriage but aren't having much luck finding brothers(especially of same African background)!I take this request seriously and as a priviledge knowing that my opinion on here will be taken by someone out there and their decision which will determine their destiny about marriage will be based on this.


Early on, let me start by saying,I hold various views about this topic and as a result it may seem I am not giving a straight solution to the issue. There isn't one. But hopefully this will bring some enlightenment and help in making a clearer and purposeful search possible for the 30 something(s).In my opinion and from experience I think that what will determine your ability to find the person to marry will largely depend on your flexibility, tolerance level otherwise known as humility and your personal sense of what reality is, BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE TO BE REALISTIC WITH YOUR SELF ON MANY ISSUES,STARTING WITH THIS.It may also apply to non africans, but I am talking about the 30 something year old African men and women now (AS REQUESTED).


If you are one that grew up in any of the African countries,(our cultural system is similar)you will be well accustomed to one of our beliefs; that men are to be worshipped, be it young or old. Do not be fooled, it is a deeply entrenched custom that a male child is superior to a female one, not minding the position of the son in the African family. Be he 1st child, last or only male and the more male children the merrier, you as a female is expected to treat him or them, like a king,heir,entitled than all the female children put together.


Our African men, through no fault of theirs, but true to type and this age long belief,expects a female( female here encompasses all that is not male regardless of the age, color, culture, education, tribe, wealth,class, achievement,blood ties or not,to nurture them and worship them.Now that may come in all ways and manners and highly evidenced in the character of most african male,not only grown up men(boys too), in their approach to the opposite sex,especially their african females.


Modernisation does not even change this belief,that is why, some of you already arguing with me(I know!)that” it is not all African men that is like that" are right. The men you know through their own deliberate renewing of their minds, exposure,maturity,experiences,background, religion,especially christianity,pentecostal teachings, enduring mothers who have stood to teach their sons differently from the norm which you now see as outcomes in these few men that you can point to as being caring,respectful and treating women as equals,doesn't change the fact that,the predominantly held notion still exist somewhere in the make up of even such a man though outwardly portrayed as laying dormant.


My second preamble is this, Westernisation, brings about human rights,women’s right and power, ladies you know what I am talking about, come on(lol).Westernization also brings about individuality in the form of self realisation and actualisation, it brings about the power of higher earnings,bigger visions and self made rules and self made lifestyle, which becomes your values and void of any cultural values or beliefs brought up with.


In the western world one can adequately live the life that they want without any consequence(s) and a fulfilling life too for that matter. All of this which isn't what Africaness stands for and not widely practiced as the order of the day in Africa, though some of these values have slipped through and its now a mixture of values even in Africa, but the African communities anywhere in the world, still holds some beliefs dear to its heart.The third preamble is that, men and women are different and that difference.......... TO BE CONTINUED.



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 based in the UK. She is the CEO of Complete Well Being Solutions.

DEATH HIT THE NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY AS ACTOR MUYIDEEN ALADE AROMIRE BID THE WORLD GOODBYE AFTER A TRAGIC AUTO ACCIDENT

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter


Prince Muyideen Alade Aromire, a popular actor and movie producer is dead.The man, whom many describe as the true founder of the home video business in Nigeria died on friday 4 July 2008.www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com gathered that Alade died in a tragic auto crash on his way to his home.


A prince from the Oba of Lagos royal lineage, Alade made several movies in the early 90s.Alade also started Yotomi TV, the first Indigenous cable televison station in Nigeria.He would be greatly missed by friends and colleagues within and outside the Nigerian movie industry.
At the time of posting this report, Prince Jide Kosoko the president of the Association of Theatre Arts Practitioner (ANTP) and other leaders in the Nigerian movie are deliberating on how to give the departed a befitting burial.

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.