AT ENCOMIUM AND NIRE PREST EXCLUSIVE DINNER BOAT CRUISE ON SATURDAY 12 JULY 2008 IN LAGOS, NIGERIA.

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter


The much talked about exclusive boat cruise for top celebrities in Nigeria by Encomium magazine in partnership with the management of Nire Prest owned by Mr.Tony Prest took place on Saturday 12 July 2008. The take off a Chinese restaurant on Admiralty way in Lekki phase 1. Those who came earlier included the likes of ace broadcaster, Mrs. Teni Aofiyebi and her relation, Dr.(Mrs.) Doyin Abiola, one of the wives of the late billionaire, Bashorun MKO Abiola. Mr. Soni Irabor also turned up with his wife, Mrs. Betty Irabor publisher of Genevieve Magazine. Actresses who turned up included, Uche Iwuji, Uche Jombo, Rukki Sanda and Nike Peller.We also had top actor, Ayo Badmus,one of Nigeria male style icons and owner of Sophisticant,Mr.Lanre Ogunlesi,female rap musician, Sasha, Muma Gee, lively couple Tunde and Wunmi Obe,Sola Idowu popularly known as Weird MC also came on board, Kenny Saint Brown, Essence,ID Ogungbe,actor and producer of Irapada Film, Kunle Afolayan, Mr.Steve Ayorinde, editor of The Punch Newspapers,Kingsley James of Visa hangout in Ikeja , Bayo Odusami popularly known as Howie T of Kiss Event, Wole Aboderin and others were all on board.I must not forget to mention that journalists such as Lanre Alfred, Kayode Olanshile, Azuh Amatus of The Sun, Shina Oyetayo of Tell magazine, Folusho Arogundade of Insider magazine and others who also came to enjoy themselves.
One thing that you don’t miss at Encomium’s parties is the ‘jollification’. They ensure that there are more music than talk and people dances freely. It is what you can call more music, less talk. Honestly, I have attended some parties in the past that would be more like a symposium than a party. This is because some organizers would keep inviting people to talk.www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com promise to post more photos from the event later.

Photo 1-Mr.Kunle Bakare, the publisher of Encomium dancing with Kenny Saint Brown
Photo 2-Seyi Law, the comedian who got all of us laughing on board after listening to his rib cracking jokes.
Photo 3- Nollywood actress, Uche Iwuji and ID Ogungbe (Professor ID ON THE STREET)
Photo 4- Shy,shy Betty Irabor and her husband,Soni
Photo 5- Elkanah Mowarin of EOM Communication and Star actor, Saint Obi
Photo 6-popular Yoruba actor Ayo Badmus and 'friends' with Mr.Kunle Bakare
Photo 7- Star comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka reeling out jokes
Photo 8-Man about town, Wole Aboderin dancing with Kenny Saint Brown
Photo 9-Shina Oyetayo of Tell Magazine,Lanre Alfred of This Day Newspapers and Kayode Olanshile of Encomium magazine
Photo 10-Singing couple Tunde and Wunmi Obe with Azuh Arinze,editor of Encomium Magazine on the dance floor
Photo 11-Alhaja Tai Elemosho Okesanjo
Photo 12-Rap artist, Sasha
Photo 13,14 and 15-Beautiful serenity captured that night by gistmaster.
Photo 16-Actress Rukki Sanda
Photo 17-Actress Nike Peller
Photo 18-Rukki Sanda
Photo 19-Muma Gee
Photo 20-Uche Jombo

Photo 21-Lady Teni Aofiyebi
Photo 22-Tony Prest
Photo 23-Tony Prest
Photo 24-Ariyo,Soni Irabor,Tony Prest,Mr KB and another person
Photo 25-Mr.Lanre Ogunlesi of Sophisticant

...AND HE PROPOSED DURNING ENCOMIUM AND NIRE PREST BOAT CRUISE WITH CELEBRITIES YESTERDAY

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter






Julian Bassey and his girlfriend also made the night memorable.
Julian surprisingly popped the big question to Ijeoma on board. The babe was moved to tears after the handsome guy looked straight into her eyes, muttered some romantic words and asked her “Will you marry me?”
For a moment, Ijeoma was speechless but her eyes convey the messages of a queen who has just conquered the heart of a man she loves so much. Nothing could have been more exciting in the boat at that time. We all rocked! Everyone came around to congratulate them for taking a bold step towards marriage.
Julian, who is the Head of Marketing for KISS EVENTS, told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that they have been dating for a little over a year. No doubt, they had a great moment together that day as they took time off to thrill all of us with their great dance steps.
Believe me, it was a beautiful thing to aboard a luxury boat ride, which has several celebrities in attendance. Where else do you thing would be fantastic to propose. Someone said, everywhere is romantic enough to propose, it all depends on how the message is conveyed. I believed my friend but not like a situation where you propose to a girl right inside the over crowded Oshodi or Idumota Market in Lagos. In case the girl became so excited that she jumped up and kiss you, people would say “Awon we re wo lele yi?” (Who are these tow mad people?)

Photo 1 and 2-The lovers

photo 3-Tony Prest the owner of Nire Prest,Ijeoma Iromantus,Nollywood star actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde and the lover boy,Julian

Photo 4-The couple with Elkanah Mowarin, the CEO of EOM Communication.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS BID LATE ROTARY PRESIDENT,PRINCE JOHN OLATUNDE ATOBATELE 'GOODNIGHT' IN IBADAN,OYO STATE AND ILESA OSUN STATE.

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter


The remains of Late Prince John Olatunde Atobatele has been committed to mother earth.He was buried in Ilesa, Osun State on Saturday 11 July 2008.He was aged 61
Family members and friends came from different parts of the world to give the late pharmacist and socialite a befitting burial.
Foluso Atobatele, his only son was ably supported by his sisters, which included, Bukola (Now Mrs.Ashaolu), a Chartered Accountant,Olubunmi (now Mrs Akinmade) a University of Ibadan trained medical doctor,Feyisara (now Mrs. Ogunfowokan) , formerly of African Independent Television (now based in Republic of Ireland),Omobolanle and Oluwatosin.
The service of songs took place on Friday 10 July 2008 at the residence of the Atobateles in New Bodija GRA,Ibadan.The following day, there was a funeral service at Methodist Church of Nigeria Cathedral of Light,Agodi,Ibadan,Oyo State.Thereafter, family members and friends took off to Ilesa, Osun State where the remains of Atobs was buried.The people later returned to Ibadan for entertainment.
The late Atobatele hails from the Ijebu Ijesha Ruling House.He attended the prestigious Ilesa Grammar School and later graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife,Osun State,South West, Nigeria) in 1971.He did his internship at Apapa Health Centre, Lagos.He later joined Nigerian Hoescht Phamarceuticals in 1983 and rose to the position of National Sales Manager before he retired to start his own company, Johnat Nigeria Limited. The late Atobs, as he was fondly called by friends was a member of Obokun Social Club and also a past President of Rotary Club of Eleyele (District 9130),Ibadan.
Atobatele was also an active member of Ifedapo Society and Wesley Movement. He married the love of his life, Christiana Olufunmilayo (nee Ogundare) in 1974.
In her tribute, Oluwatosin the last daughter of the deceased said she found it hard to believe that her father had left the world just like that.Olubukola, the first daughter said the death came as a rude shock but she had the assurance that he fatrher his resting in the bossom of the Lord.Ade Atobatele, a nephew of Late Atobale described him as someone who was always willing to help people.He said he would miss him greatly.

Photos 1 and 2-A cross section of the late Atobatele children at the Church service in Ibadan.
Photo 3-From Left, A guest,Mrs.Olubukola Ashaolu,Dr.Olubunmi Akinmade and Mrs Feyisara Ogufowokan, children of the late Prince Olatunde Atobatele at Ilesa, Osun State.
Photo 4-Feyi Atobatele performing the dust to dust for her late father
Foluso Atobatele, the only son of the deceased also performing the dust to dust rite for his late father.

40 CELEBRITIES,40 FASHION AND ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALISTS GO TO THE POLL FOR BEST DRESSED ACTRESS IN NOLLYWOOD

I have been busy all day as regards the Nollywood Best Dressed Actress stuff.When I first blogged the story, I never took it with so much seriousness.I was fired up by the responces I got. http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ disclosed that a lady sent some designer clothes and make up from the United States of America. She said I should package it as part of the prizes for the winner and some readers.

Pearl Shillingford, a professional make up artist and hair consultant based in Toronto, Canada has also thrown her weight behind the contest.She disclosed that she has been following the blog for sometime.She agreed to give us Premium Indian Remy hair as prizes.

Shillingford hair extensions are made from premium remy hair and she cater for celebrities. She sells the type of extensions that Beyonce,Paris Hilton and Tyra Banks wear.The lace wig starts from $500 and goes up to $5000.Please check her website http://www.eyecandylacewigs.com/. I am begining to see the picture clearer now!Soon all the hot chicks who reads this blog would have be getting free tickets to show, win dinner for two at one of the most exquisite restaurant in town,you can also get fun packages.Remember, Now is now!

Now concerning the votes for the BEST DRESSED ACTRESS. Apart from comments from our esteemed readers,we are also 40 celebrities and 40 fashion and entertainment journalists to vote.These vote counts.I spoke with a lot people today on the phone.Those I couldnt reach on the phone, I got online.Progess is the word.Lots of people poured in their votes.www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com asked them to rate Omotola Jolade Ekehinde,Rita Dominic and Genevieve Nnaji.From I have received so far, the votes have similarities.That means people think alike and they know who deserves to be number one.I will reveal the names of the celebs and jounalists that voted later but like I promise all of them, i will not reveal their individual votes, it would be a collective thing.You too can still vote.

WHEN ITS PARTY, LETS PARTY AS ENCOMIUM AND NIRE PREST INVITE SUPER STARS FOR LUXURY BOAT CRUISE

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter



‘When its party, lets party’ is the best way to describe the heavily loaded luxury party being put together by Encomium Magazine and Prest Lunch and Dinner Cruise.
Kunle Bakare, the indefatigable publisher of Encomium magazine would be the ‘captain’ of tis great boat cruise aboard NIRE PREST. He would be ably supported by Azuh Arinze, the editor of the weekly magazine, while the ‘cabin crew’ would consist of top Nigeria stars.
On Saturday 12 July 2008, we would be on the flamboyant Nire Prest, sailing from Lekki and exploring the waterway in luxury.
The organizers stated that they are back again to “lead the way and show how wonderful and exciting, interesting and intriguing this world we live in. How awesomely enchanting and enthralling some parts of Lagos, this city of wisdom and jollification, could be”
The organizers also said apart from having great fun, the 120 guests on board would have the amazing opportunity to view parts of Lagos from the boat as it sails slowly, so that they can savour heavenly scenery and structures. They will behold in their glory under bright light stars and shimmering moonlight, Lady Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, The Palms,Mobil,Lagoon Restaurant,Carverton Helicopters’ Pad, Bonny Camp, Tarzan Jetty, Banana Island, Nigerian Law School, American Embassy, Paradise Boat Club, new Zenon Oil headquarters and other places of interest.www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com has been accredited for the event so don't worry if you miss the boat, anywhere in the world you will definately have a feel of the luxury voyage with photos and gist.
In May 2008 http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ reported the wondrous party tagged ‘White Gig’.Celebrities from far and near came to be part of the event. Interestingly, it was dance; dance, dance all through the time the show lasted. No big or small celebrity, it was a matter of choose your choice and dance with the person.

Photo show top celebrities cutting the cake with Mr.Kunle Bakare at the White Gig event in May.

NOLLYWOOD STAR ACTOR, SEGUN ARINZE WEDS LOVER.

Story & Photo by Niyi Tabiti

Chief Reporter

Forget his bad boy role in Nollywood movies, Segun Arinze is the man after many ladies heart. He may not have the charming look of a Danzel Washington or fat bank account as David Beckhams' but he is got the energy and the creativity that a lot people drool over.

The latest news reaching www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com indicates all his now set for the traditional wedding ceremony of 'Black Arrow' as he is popularly called.Authoritative sources hinted that the bride to be is simply known as Julie.She is a lawyer and a staff of Slumberger, a multinational company in Nigeria.She hails from Oguta in Imo State. The white wedding has been fixed for a late date.

www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com spoke with the 43 year old actor this afternoon and he confirmed the story.However, he declined to reveal more about his new bride whom he described as publicity shy.

Born Segun Aina, he hails from Badagry in Lagos State, Nigeria.His first marriage to Ann Njemanze, another Igbo lady produced a daughter known as Morenike.The marriage, however, crashed following allegations and counter allegations of infidelity between them.The Nollywood actor has also been linked with other women before now.One of them is a top executive witha broadcasting company in Nigeria.

JAMES AMUTA AND STORM RECORDS TAKE RAW AFRICAN POETRY (RAP) TO SWE BAR ON FRIDAY 16 JULY 2008.

On Friday 16 July 2008,Storm Records led by Obi Asika and James Amuta would be doing their thing at Swe Bar inside City Mall,Opposite Muson Centre,Onikan-Lagos.
The event is called Raw African Poetry.Don't miss it!