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Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti As part of her leading role in corporate social responsibility in Nigeria, Virgin Nigeria Airline, last saturday (22 November 2008) partner Hope Worldwide in its 10 charity walk for HIV/AIDS orphan in Lagos, Nigeria. Led by Dapo Olumide, the Chief Commercial Officer of the national carrier, several staff of the company embarked on the walk from Maryland to National Stadium, Surulere.Some of the staff also rode on bicycles, piloting the way for those that walked. The airline and its staff, which included Mrs.Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, where commended by the wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola.While speaking with journalist, Olumide disclosed that the company has been playing its pivotal role in social responsibilty since the commencement of her operations on 25 June 2005. www.gistmaster.com gathered that the comapny has been involved in series of corporate activities that has direct impact on the lives of the people.Notably, the United N

By Niyi Tabiti Chief Reporter Fast rising Nigerian actress, Uche Jombo has returned to the shores of the country after winning herself a laurel as the best actress (English) at this year's edition of the Afro Hollywood award in United Kingdom. The ever bubbling Uche arrived last Sunday morning and when www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com spoke with her on Sunday afternoon at the venue of Fantasy magazine launch at SAIPAN Restaurant, Victoria Island, she disclosed that she was very excited with the outcome of the award. "Ofcourse, there is nobody who would not be excited whenever they are appreciated.Personally, I think its time to do more for the Nigerian movie industry" She said. Uche also told GISTMASTER she dedicated the award to her fans everywhere in the world because they make her what she is today. We also saw her swinging her waist yesterday at the birthday of Psquare! Uche Jombo's foray into professional acting started in 1998 when she took part in Visa

By Niyi Tabiti Chief Reporter Last night (18 November 2008) in Lagos, Nigeria, the duo of Peter and Paul Okoye popularly known as Psquare treated friends and colleagues in the Nigerian entertainment industry to a lavish birthday celebration. The event, which was hosted by Frank Okamigbo led Club Papas in Victoria Island,was well attended by most of the notable entertainers particularly in the hip hop sector of the music industry. The list includes D’banj, Keke Ogungbe and D-One of Primetime Entertainment, Kaffy, Ruggedman,Sound Sultan, Banky W, MI and a host of others.Uche Jombo, Rukky Sanda, Adaora Okoh and Anita Joseph also showed up at the event. Obaro Ibru , once described as the most fashionable big boy in Nigeria, also came into the rollicking affair enjoying himself so much before he left.It was either babes are too much into Obaro or vice versa...! Meanwhile , there were so many ‘take aways’ at the event and some of the entertainers did justice to the girls most of who

By Niyi Tabiti Chief Reporter One of Nigeria's most influencial men, Chief Lawrence Omole is dead. The prominent Ijesha citizen,Osun State in South West,Nigeria died on Friday 14 November 2008. He would be buried at his Okesha,Ilesa home on Wednesday 19 November 2008. He was aged 93. Omole was so proud of his heritage that the customised plate number of his cars read "Omole Ilesa".Sons and daughters of the Omole are already planning a befitting burial for the great man. Omole, omo owa obokun sun re o!

By Niyi Tabiti Chief Reporter Steve Ayorinde , a leading Nigerian journalist and editor of The Punch, one of the most widely read newspapers in the country and beyond, has unveiled his book entitled Masterpieces: A critic's timeless report. Chief Femi Adeniyi Williams, Ex-first lady of Cross River State, Mrs. Onari Duke, Former Commissioner of Information in Lagos State, Dele Alake,Dr. Doyin Abiola,Wunmi Obe,Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Funmi Smith Tejuosho, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe , top journalists and other important guests were part of the presentation, which took place on Thursday 13 November 2008. The book is a collection of classic art reviews by Ayorinde in the Nigerian Guardian, Comet and Punch spanning a period of about 10 years. A leading art writer and critic in Nigeria, Steve has travelled to most continents of the world, attending workshops and Film festivals. The award winning journalist has a large followership base and

By Niyi Tabiti Chief Reporter The Ijebu people of Ogun State, South West, Nigeria are already preparing for their popular Ojude Oba festival.This year's edition has been slated to hold on Wednesday 10 December 2008.Every year the colour event attracts Ijebu sons and daughters from different parts of the Nigeria and other parts of the world usually attend the event. The age grade societies such as Bobagunte , Bobagunwa , Bobakeye (The Governor of Ogun State,Otunba Gbenga Daniel and fuji musician,King Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe belong to this group) would spice up the events with their colourful dresses and show off (Ijebu for show) . The Oloroguns and Baloguns of Ijebuland would ride usually ride on horses in style to the palace of Oba Sikiru Adetona,the Awujale of Ijebuland. Other activities lined up include the ikokore and ebiripo night and beauty pageant. The Chairman of the 2008 Ojude Oba planning commitee, Chief Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuf reveal at a press conference that thei

By Niyi Tabiti Chief Reporter Former President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Adams Oshiomole has been declared the governor of Edo State in Nigeria. This follows a judgment passed few minutes ago (11 November 2008) by the Appeal Court, Benin. Adams contested under the platform of Action Congress (AC).The court upheld the decision of the election tribunal headed by Justice Umeadi, which declared Oshiomole as the authentic winner of the 2007 gubernatorial election in Edo State. The court ordered the incumbent governor of Edo State, Professor Oserhiemen Osunbor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should vacate the post and Oshiomole sworn into the state house. We gathered that certificate of return would soon be given to the former NLC president by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ).There is wild jubilation in Edo State as the other party conceded defeat to Oshiomole by the appeal court. Remarkably, all the five judges concurred to the lead judgement.