JOURNALISTS WIN SINGING COMPETITION

Members of the fourth estate of the realm were pleasantly surprised last week as they were called upon to engage in a “sing and win” competition during the official unveiling of MTN Project Fame West Africa in Lagos.
Compere at the event and hip hop singer, Michael Ugochukwu a.k.a Ruggedman, suddenly called for five ‘bold’ journalists to come to the stage. Initially about 20 journalists headed for the stage, but when he added that he wanted five journalists who can sing on the stage, most of them went back to their seats.

Five journalists comprising two ladies and three men, however, made it to the stage and were asked to sing any song of their choice and win fantastic prizes.
According to the compere, entertainment journalists always criticize the performance of musicians in their media and that Tuesday night was an opportunity to give them a dose of their own medicine.
So the microphone was handed over to them, each was given three minutes to sing, and one by one they sang, from contemporary to old school to gospel, some croaking it up, some going off key and some going it just flat. The MC jokingly called it the “worst voice” singing competition.
They were judged by a participatory audience that scored them through voice votes. At the end of the exercise, Mr. Gbenga Adegunle from The Nation Newspapers was adjudged the best singer; Mr. Seun Awosika of Star FM came second, while a lady from Nigezie TV came third.
For their efforts, the first prize winner went home with a 32inch flat screen TV, second prize winner smiled home with a home theatre sound system, while the third place winner went away with a Blackberry phone from MTN. The fourth place winner also got a Blackberry phone from MTN, while the fifth person was given a midget tape recorder.
Speaking at the end of the event, most of the journalists in attendance expressed surprise at the gesture from MTN. According to them, it was unprecedented as no organisation in the country had ever invited them to such impromptu contest and to win such magnitude of prizes.
First prize winner, Gbenga Adegunle, who expressed gratitude to MTN for the gesture said he was completely surprised that a prize of that worth could be given out for just trying to sing.
“When the MC announced the prizes, I thought he was just pulling our legs. I just decided to have fun singing. But when I was pronounced the winner and the prize handed to me, my joy knew no bounds,” he said.
Adegunle disclosed that while coming for the event, he was slightly late because of the heavy traffic jam and had to alight from the commercial bus he was traveling in and board a commercial motor bike (Okada) to take him to Planet One, Maryland, venue of the event.
MTN Project Fame West Africa is a reality music TV show where 16 young people are selected from a pool of others to be trained and groomed in the act of music performance.
The show has been successfully staged in over 15 countries of the world. The last edition that was held in South Africa had a Nigerian, Dare Art Alade as one of the three winners.
Dare Art Alade is billed is to anchor this year's Project Fame being hosted this time in Nigeria.

MTN PEOPLE POLICE MARATHON :OKIRO UNVEILS CO-SPONSORS IN ABUJA YESTERDAY IN ABUJA.

The Inspector General of Police Sir Mike Okiro Tuesday (yesterday) July 22, 2008 in Abuja officially unveiled co-sponsors of his pet project, the MTN People Police Marathon.
The co-sponsors, according to http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ – Dana Motors, IGI Insurance, Oceanic Bank Plc, Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST), Grace Point Hotel, Silverbird Television, Rhythm FM, Aso FM, and Hot FM Abuja were unveiled to a large number of audience that include senior police chiefs, journalists and a host of other stakeholders on the project. This list of sponsors would be joining the title sponsor, MTN Nigeria as partners on the project.
At the unveiling ceremony at Louis Edet House, the sponsors explained why their organisations are committed to the social course project.
IGI Insurance Plc pledged to insure the entire over 20,000 professional and non-professional runners participating in the Marathon , which is in its maiden edition. “We are insuring all participants. This is just to assure them that IGI is insuring them against any kind of unforeseen bodily injury during the race,” says the company’s deputy managing director, Mr Rotimi Fashola who was represented by Mrs. Zainab S. Abdullashe, branch manager IGi head office annex in Abuja.
There was the special unveiling of the star prize, a brand new Kia Rio car donated by Dana Motors. The vehicle, branded in the colours of MTN People Police Marathon, was ceremoniously unveiled to guests and the media by the Inspector General. This was after the key to the car was publicly presented by the General Manager of Dana Motors Mr. Lachman B. Relwani.
Explaining the participation of Dana Motors in the project, the Marketing Manager Dana Motors Limited, Mr Chetan Mehan, said that his organisation cannot stand aside when it comes to sponsorship of such a good course. In his words: “We have an outstanding good relationship with the Nigeria Police. This relationship has been on ever since we started business in Nigeria . More so, the initiative is great. I believe it is a good idea because it allows the Police to find a more civil way to bond with the people.
This kind of harmonious relationship between the Police and the citizens will ultimately result in good partnership to jointly fight crime, and for us at Dana, it is a laudable initiative that we have to support.”
Silverbird TV, Rhythm FM, Aso FM Abuja and Hot FM Abuja also partnered on the project to give maximum media coverage and mileage on the project, while the official hotel for the project is Grace Point Hotel, Abuja.
On its part, NIPOST disclosed that it has always supported any kind of activity from the Police that can make the organisation function maximally especially as it relates to crime reduction. NIPOST, which was represented at the ceremony by Mr. Joseph Ojo, the president of NIPOST Sports and Social Club, is the official courier for the project.
Thanking the sponsors, Sir. Okiro thanked all those that have supported the initiative in kind and cash. He described the MTN People Police Marathon as “a baby close to my heart.” He enjoined all Nigerians and foreign residents in the country to come out enmass and run in any of the categories.
The marathon, which starts at different points by 7 am on Saturday, July 26, will end at the Eagle Square . The VIP race starts at the Federal Secretariat entrance by Ahmadu Bello Way , while the mass race start up point is the Civil Defence Car Park on Michael Okpara Street , Wuze Zone 5. The Elite race will start at the Old Parade Ground.

MONALISA CHINDA THREW CAUTION TO THE WIND AT MOVIE PREMIERE LAST WEEKEND IN LAGOS

Nollywood star actress, Monalisa Chinda threw caution to the wind last weekend in Lagos as she openly embarrassed a journalist with a romance magazine. The incident took place Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos-Nigeria, venue of the movie premiere of Eme Isong latest film “When the heart lies”
The fair skinned and robust journalist had exchanged pleasantries with Dejo Richards, the young and handsome husband of actress who was carrying their baby. They got on well until Monalisa noticed the fellow around her husband. Monalisa refused to pose for a snapshot with her husband as requested by the guy. www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com gathered that she almost caused a scene when her husband pleaded that they should obliged the journalist his request.Monalisa’s husband later begged the journalist should be a man and forget the whole episode. I am still trying to get across to Monalisa for her own side of the story but her phone has not been helping matters.
The journalist later lamented to www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com that Monalisa is probably taking her own pound of flash following what she must have termed a negative story in his magazine. “I am shocked that she went about it that way. When we write positive story about them they would never call you for a minute that they appreciate it but when its what they call bad press, they would insult the living day out of you”
Meanwhile, elegant and glomourous celebrities stormed Civic centre last Sunday as Emem Isong had the premiere of her movie “When The Heart Lies”. Co-produced by Desmond Elliot, the movie paraded Omotola Jolade-Ekehinde, Paul IK Dairo, Uche Jombo, Enebeli Elebuwa and others. It was a double because “Reloaded” another movie by Vivian Ejike was also premiered that night.
OH! I missed the event otherwise I would have brought you the photos of our superstars. I had to take my marriage counselling session seriously on that day.GISTMASTER is about to leave bachelorhood next month!
I will gist you guys what I learnt from the session later.

HANNAH EHIAGWINA TELLS GISTMASTER "NOLLYWOOD SHOULD GET SET TO EXPERIENCE ME"

Hannah Ehiagwina is young and talented.She told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ that she is ready to take the Nigerian movie industry by storm. A native of Uromi, Edo State in Nigeria, Hannah believe that if she is given the opportunity she can prove as self. "I am up to the challenge.Nollywood should get set to experience me because I am the bomb!"

Hannah told http://www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com/ in a chat that Nollywood star actress, Omotola Jolade-Ekehinde is her idol. "I love her to a fault. Everytime, I imagine when I will come in contact with her. I also love her figure after four kids" she said.

Beautiful Hannah said she is not desperate to the point of posing nude in movies. The farthest she can go is to wear skimpy clothes. "I can act any role.I also believe I am sexy but i can't pull off my clothes completely in movies.Let the man go crazy after seeing a bit of your stuff.When they see everything, then there would be nothing left to the imagination"

On the issue of sex, she said it is wonderful but people should think of the consequences before doing it. People who can't hold their body when its on fire should use condom or else, they would keep on aborting or giving birth to children who will turn out to be menace to society.
Hannah who is looking up to producers to test her acting prowess said she can fit into English or movies perfectly.

Got a job for her? call 234 (0) 8077477484 or email: ehighannah@yahoo.com

OLORI MUYIBAT, WIFE OF OBA SAA OYEFUSI THE AYANGBUREN OF IKORODULAND CELEBRATES 70TH BIRTHDAY IN LAGOS,NIGERIA.

By Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter



It was a show of elegance and glamour as The Ayangburen of Ikoroduland in Lagos, Oba S.A.A Oyefusi gathered the who is who in Nigeria to the 70th birthday of his beloved wife, Olori Muyibat last weekend.

Fondly called the 'The most glamourous woman of our time', the celebrant showed everyone present that when it comes to maximum enjoyment, Ikorodu people are not backward no matter their age.

The event was graced by the Likes of Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo a.k.a Baba Iyabo, Alayeluwa Oba Sikiru Adetona of Ijebuland,Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola,. Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa,The Olori Omooba of Ijebuland,Otunba Subomi Balogun and his beautiful wife, Adetutu.Other important dignitaries were also present.
The security situation at the party was so tight but trust us to give you photos from the event.
One thing that you can't take away from the Ikorodu people is their love for achievement, clothes and enjoyment.
You need to see the interior and exterior of the Oba's palace, then you will proud that life has really changed.Its an edifice that anybody that comes from that part of Nigeria would be proud of.

Photo 1-The celebrant and her husband
Photo 2-The celebrant and Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State.
Photo 3-The celebrant and Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
Photo 4- Otunba Subomi Balogun and his wife, Adetutu
Photo 5-The edifice where the event took place at the palace of Oba Oyefusi, the Ayangburen of Ikoroduland.

ABIMBOLA JUNAID (GUEST WRITER):YOU HAVE COME THIS FAR;TRUE HERO...TRUE FIGHTER!

You know, it is very easy for people to judge you by where you are or what you are going through.But tell them not to quickly judge you,if only they know how far you've come, how many a tough battle you have survived.And how you are keeping alive by God's grace,hanging on to hope,not giving up on yourself. If only they knew,the bitter tears you have shed, in the daytime, afternoon and nightime;the sleepless nights.

The lamentations of your heart;questioning your very existence. Asking the question,"why you".Nobody but you know of the several attempts you have made at reaching your goals, how endlessly you have searched;high and low,for a lifting up,for a hand to reach out to you,for someone to care,for someone to say "it will be alright" for a breakthrough.Nobody knows of the things you have had to sacrifice, things you have lost, things that have been forcefully taken from you, what advantage was taken of your vulnerability.

The trauma,of it all,that you have live with and working your self slowly through to forget.That your reaching out again,trying yet again,dreaming again,daring to laugh again,are all signs of your recovery,from it all,You are daring to keep keeping on,at all cost. And someone else,talks down at you,look down at you,think you are irresponsible and not making the most of it in life?You know the truth,and that is all that matters.

They judge you by their own standard of success, which always include; the degrees, the lovely house, posh ride, bank account,beauty,class,eloquence.But no one has a clue that your being alive is a success on its own.That you are a true fighter, that you are healing, recuperating from the many falls and blows you have encountered.

My dear,if no one celebrates,your past with you,to appreciate your presence, do your self that honour, hold your head high, your shoulders straight and say to the world,"I AM PROUD OF ME, I AM A SURVIVOR, I AM A FIGHTER ,I HAVE COME FAR AND I WILL MAKE IT AND I LOVE ME AND ALWAYS WILL,I HAVE COME FAR"I join in celebrating you with you, I give a toast to you, and I believe in you.Well done,true fighter.Go at your pace,take all the time you need,do not be weary,but remain steadfast.

Chief Reporter's note: Abimbola Junaid is a human and business development coach based in the UK.She is available for a one to one.Contact her through:thinkingbee@gmail.com or visit her blog www.thinkingb.blogspot.com

PROJECT NOW IS NOW: WWW.GISTMASTER.COM

Dear readers,
We appreciate your support since www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com came on board. There is no way we can thank you all enough. Soon, we shall be doing a listing of those who have been there for us. Right now, i have got two hot gist for you. Soon, www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com would flag off our www.gistmaster.com. I call it project 'now is now'. Please, we are doing the 'test transmission' now.Soon, we would invite friends to a small come chop for the launch of www.gistmaster.com
We would be very happy if you can take your time to check the website and advertise with us. I thank my friend, Miss Abimbola Junaid for her free human and business development coaching.Please join me in thanking my friend and co-director, Mrs. Funmi Yusuf Odunaike for her support.You are more than a sister.
Temidayo...temidayo..hmmm...(The person know himself and how much i pursued him day and night on the phone and e-mail everyday).I will tell you about him later and others that have supported me to date.