This unsigned upcoming act ISODE RAKIM  released this new chunee titled cold. Its is a real song to all the youngins and most especially to the beautiful ladies.

bump the joint and DL.

Here is a touching song from Realself to the senators of this country
on behalf of the children regarding the New law being passed which we
see as a sabotage to this our great Nation Nigeria. He called this
ChildNotBride, which contain some Emotional and melifilous lyrics.
CHILDNOTBRIDE  is a kind of song that will surely make our Leaders
have a re-think and go back to their drawing board. Download,Listen
and Share till it get to them.

About real self

In the competitive world of urban music where millions of talent
emerge every day, young fresh talented musicians and producer UCHENNA
popularly Known as REALSELF MR POTORIKO is poised to make a remarkable
difference. Started music way back in secondary school, and took it as
a profession in 2004. Realself has a slight similarity with the
popularly known Nigerian music Star Terry G. Realself has participated
in so many music showcase, has performed alongside, well known
musicians in Nigeria to mention but few, like Wizkid,Terry G , Davido,
tuface and many more. Realself possessed a balanced of smoothness,
toughness more also energetic with intelligence

Connect with Realself on twitter : @realselfmrpotor

Lagos Comic Con is Nigeria’s first popular culture convention that happens once every year in the city of Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria and organized by the COMICPANEL Entertainment Company. Founded in 2012 by Ayodele Elegba, as am avenue for comic lovers to meet and share ideas. The Lagos Comic Con has soon grown to become Nigeria’s biggest comic event so far. Once again 2013 the event hopes to pack more fun and the very best of Nigerian comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies and television to the public like never before. Our scheduled panels, seminars, discussions and autograph sessions give fans a chance to interact with their favourite creators. Our screening rooms feature sneak peeks at films and television shows still in productions as we hear from producer and directors of such work. Lagos Comic Con is a market place, bringing together the major players in the comics and entertainment industry.

Time: 9:00am to 7:00pm

Date: 6th of September to 7th of September,2013

Venue: Waterparks, Ikeja

Serious vex from DJs this season, heres another one from DJ Law featuring hot tracks like “Sho Lee” and of course “Goody Bag”. Feel free to share your thoughts below:

//K//

Introducing a new 30 minutes entertainment-packed Radio Show on 19jaRadio – #Playlist101 With NsicoMichaels and MagSandee; a sequel to the popular #LassBPlaylist With NsicoMichaels. The 3 segmented Radio Show will be coming up Every Week Saturday by 6 PM on www.19jaRadio.com and is sure to be an entertaining and fun-packed show. The show premièred on #Aug3, 2013 and below is how the playlist looked like:

THE PLAYLIST

TRACK 1 – WantTo PlayMe (Anijamz)

TRACK 2 – Fiesta (Weird MC)

TRACK 3 – I Jala Wa (SammieBlacc ft Sarkodie & Jsb)

TRACK 4 – My DJ (MyaK)

TRACK 5 – Breathe Your Love (JasmineVillegas)

TRACK 6 – Kelekele (Tiwa Savage)

TRACK 7 – Yes Sir No Sir (OgaSir)

TRACK 8 – I Wish – Response (SaShayGaan)

TRACK 9 – Ame Nwod (IndigenousMaliQ)

TRACK 10 – Shimbolobo (ReflexSoundz ft Seaflo)

MUSIC PREMIÈRE – WantTo PlayMe (Official Remix) ft KayDizzle & SaShayGaan

DOWNLOAD AT    https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/g33u7oh40cheixh/%23Playlist101%28S1E01%29.mp3?token_hash=AAGSiM1IBzgSWHlgLwajQsggp0VzCuOenJ9PCDvqu1YPmw&dl=1  

I’m excited to introduce a new column on our site today! It’s a real life journal of a young Nigerian medical student. It’s my hope that readers can relate with Serena and some of the things she rants about here. Do leave her a comment telling her what you think about her journal entry. Enjoy!   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 05/08/2013

Dear diary,

     I realized today that being liked is a burden. Not everybody can carry that burden. There is a certain safety in being ‘unliked’. Not bothering to watch what you say or how you respond to questions and to people because what more can happen? You already do not like me so what do I stand to lose? Being liked on the other hand is delicate. As much as you may claim to not care and the rest of that, the fear of being unliked by those that like you sort of governs how you deal with them. It makes you partial towards them. You find yourself doing things you ordinarily would not do. You let them cross lines. While this may not be bad, I think it is a burden. This particular burden is one I do not have the strength to carry right now. The heaviest part of the burden of being liked is that you are expected (or even required) to like back. Why please?

I do not need to like you back.

I do not want to like you back.

Please, do not smile at me and say those funny things and make me open my door wider each time you come around. The ones I like are the ones that run circles around my heart. (Not always in a good way).

Having said that, I can now announce that today is Monday. Not like I forgot or it is big and new news but maybe writing it here will make me feel something. I miss the days when I grumbled about and cursed Mondays. Now it just comes and goes. Old week rolls into new week and the same cycle is repeated. I wake up, fetch water, heat water, fuss over what to wear and then iron, bathe, dress up and walk to the hospital. The same faces. Sick people everywhere. Why are there so many sick people? I don’t blame them for being sick because that will be mean right? I mean, sickness is something nobody prays for but why are there so many sick people?

It is like pushing water with your hand, the water always flows back to replace what you have pushed aside. You discharge the patient on bed 8 today and tomorrow somebody else occupies the bed. A different name and different illness; still another branch of sickness. I just wish the root of sickness could be found and killed. You know, like the ‘eradicate polio’ campaign. Let us eradicate sickness forever. I hate the smell of sickness.  And of drugs too. The smell stays on my clothes and in my hair. I hate the way the relatives of chronically sick patients gradually disappear. When they are first admitted, the entire family can be seen hovering around, months after only one person remains by the side of the patient. Or even none. Almost like sickness has erased them. And you cannot blame them, because you see, life goes on. It has to go on.

At times I fear that I would not be able to complete my medical training and I find myself wishing I had listened to my mom. When I told her I wanted to study medicine, she asked if I was sure. She said ‘Serena, I know you are intelligent but I think you are too soft’ and I was like ‘What? Iron lady like me?’. I remember how I cried shamelessly in the theatre when I watched an amputation and I laugh at the iron lady I thought I was. I am in my fifth year now, eighteen months left till I finish. I beg God for the strength to finish well.

The thing is, I hate the medicine of a thing some times, at other times I like it. Most times, it fills me with a sense of usefulness. Like, even if all I do is hold a patient’s hand or explain to a worried mother what the consultant has just said in doctors’ language, I know that I am doing something. I feel like I am helping to fight the bad guy. Just that this bad guy is very bad and he wins sometimes. Not every time though.

Can you tell now that I have never kept a diary? How do I know if I am doing it right? Is there a wrong way to keep a diary? Funny thing is I already feel like you are a person.( Maybe I should give you a name). I like you already. I know judgement will not be found here. And of course, you do not talk back. It is about time I did all the talking you know?

I am not starting this week exactly optimistic, I am also not pessimistic. I am just starting the week with plenty of room for (pleasant) surprises. That is some form of optimism right?  

I hope it does not rain as much as it did last week.

Love,

Serena.

 Photo credits: Dancing Bran Flakes

Like the movement of the winds

Fueled by elements unseen

Driven by pride invisible

Invincible

Answer us oh god of old

For we are your children

We know your names

All of them

Transient

And in different forms

We bow

And are subject

To your awesome.

Baba sighed

It was time

The king arrived

And so did his queen.

Oba Adebayo Omotunrayo Ogedegbe

The roots of iroko

Have indeed not strayed far from the will

Like the seeds of the magnifera

You spring forth

indica

Bringing with you

Joys unknown

To the bowels of the people

You bring with you

The sweetness of melodies

Unheard of

Melodies that bring peace to the mind

And soothe the spirit

The people will dance oh great one

They will.

Oba Ogedegbe

The iron fist

That rules firm

The one who tells the sun to stop

And sees day turn night

The hunted who turns on the hunter

The bushmeat that became king

And told the fire to burn the pot crisp

The ears of god himself

One who watches on the people

Like errant children

And returns the order

In times of trouble

You wrestle with god for the people

The king that never fails nor falters

The one true king

Kabio-osi-o

Kabieyesi..

The Drummers settled in rhythm

Baba swung to the beat

The whole village fell into trance

Just watching him

He held them spellbound

They could bend to his will at any minute

It was like dream

Like magic

Baba seemed to be

To be..

Just be

Not for something at all

Neither for nothing at all

He seemed to float

To drift

In and out of realms

Realms the people were afraid of

The drummers increased intensity

It weighted heavy on their shoulders

Like a responsibility one does not ask for

And one does not reject either

And they drummed

Beat

They drummed

With sweat pouring from their pores

They drummed.

Baba suddenly screamed..

“Abeni O Abeni

The daughter has come of age

Happened on instant wisdom

Wisdom so big

Too big for her small head

She has come for the identity of her father

‘Mami mi o (My mother!!!!!)

Tani Baba mi (Who is my father?)”

And when the child asked this question

Abeni looked and looked

Sighed and sighed

She looked upon her perfect calabash

And sighed some more

‘Omo mi (My Child)

Ma lo (Be gone)’

She said

But no no no no

The daughter was having none of that

She had to know

She was not backing down

Not today

She needed to know

Who he was

Who is my father?

Haven’t you ever wondered

Who your father was?

She needed to know

Right from the horses’ mouth

‘Mama mi O

Tani baba mi?’

Abeni sighed again

She knew it

Oh she did

She knew it

Like the certainty one has

That the sun will surely rise

Come morning

She knew it too

Just like she knows

That the crops will multiply come rain.

Are you a Nigerian, male or female between the ages of 17 to 25. Do you have what it takes to become the Best Model of the World? This is your chance to actualize your dream to rock the international runway. Two winners get an expense paid trip to represent Nigeria at the Best Model of the World competition in Brussels, Belgium, International modeling contracts and lots of consolation prizes!

To register walk into any Zenith Bank near you and pay N3,000.00 into Account: Modelslink International. Account number: 1013092037. Text the following information: Your Names, Email, Teller No, and your choice of audition city to 08033868726.

You will receive a CODE. Come to the audition venue with your Teller and the code clearly written on it.

Enquires, partnership, sponsorship, participation: 08033868726, 08127099077, 08067389576, 07054390062, BB: 220B8387.Website: http://www.bestmodeloftheworldnigeria.com/

http://www.modelslink.net/

Modelslink International Company is the franchise owner of one of the worlds largest modeling competition BEST MODEL OF THE WORLD

At the end of the Audition, 30 contestants 10 male and 20 females will be selected to participate in the competition which will be held in Lagos from 29th to 31st August 2013 and a Gala Night on the 31st August.

The event will feature: Fashion runway – Culture –Style – Music – Comedy – Glamour

To participate, get your forms for N3,000 only, pay into any Ecobank branch.

Account Name: 2Side Modeling concepts

Account No: 0803000536

Requirements:

Heights 170cm and above

A copy of your recent 5’7 size photograph

Grand Prize

• Exciting tour of fabulous African cities, Ghana & Ivory Coast
• Cash Prize  of 200, 000 naira
• A modeling contract with 2Side Models
• Brand Endorsement
• Professional career guidance
• Own a personal Blog
• Opportunity to win a contract with an International Modeling Agency
• Featuring on TV, Radio & Print Adverts, Free Nails and body care maintenance for the year
• Photo sessions with industry Professional photographers around the world

1st and 2rd Runners-up

• Brand Endorsements
•  Contract Awards
• Coaching and exposure

Program Schedule:

Casting/ Audition details

Venue: Mainspring Ventures, suite 6, block B, 2nd floor, Alausa Business Mall, 131 Obafemi Awolowo way, Ikeja, Lagos.

Date: 27th September, 2013.

Time: 9am – 12 noon

Camping details

Venue: Capital City Hotel & Suites, 50 Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

Date:8th – 12th October, 2013

Welcome Party

Venue: Capital City Hotel & Suites, 50 Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

Date: 11th October 2013

Time: 7pm – till dawn

Grand Finale

Date: 12th October, 2013

Venue: Mozida Lounge, 64B Toyin Street, inside Ikeja Palace hotel, by Opebi roundabout, Ikeja, Lagos. Nigeria.

Time: 2pm (Red Carpet)

Style: Elegant & Glamorous

For sponsorship and inquiries:

08163050278, 07062273856, 08183014960

E-mail: 2sidemodellook@gmail.com

Lagos Fashion Week 2013 (“International Fashion and Ready-to-Wear Garments Exhibition”), is happening at Eko Hotel New Exhibition Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria 8th to 10th of October.

Nigeria, with its largest population in Africa, and its fast growing and dynamic economy, is one of the future stars in the world which today attracts exporters and investors from all over the world. There is a huge demand for the fashion and ready-to-wear garment industries in the country which is unreluctant to trade all kind of products.

Lagos city, being the business hub of West Africa, is running today more than 50% of the overall Nigerian economy with its West African hinterland.

The exhibitors participating in the exhibition will have the chance to:

• meet with the Nigerian fashion and ready-to-wear garment industries professionals
• Evaluate the Nigerian market and realize the possibilities of how to make business with Nigerian businessmen
• See the possibilities of making contacts to export their products to Nigeria and establish direct investments, open factories or offices in Nigeria

The professionals visiting the exhibition will have the chance to:

• See the best quality fashion and ready-to-wear garment industries products from all over the world
• Meet directly with the professional managers, decision-makers from the fashion and ready-to-wear garment manufacturing countries
• Directly discuss possibilities with the exhibitors

Lagos Fashion Week is supported by the following authorities:

NACCIMA, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture

Product Groups

Womenswear, Menswear, Kids Wear, Knitwear, Sportswear, Denim, Swimwear & Beachwear, Lingerie & Hosiery, Evening Wear, Fashion Accessories, Designers, Bags, Shoes, Sunglasses, Belts, Hats, Jewellery, Socks, Accessories

Organizers

Organized by :  Meridyen International Fair Organization Organizer’s Address : Halil Rifat Pasa Mah. Abdullah Eraslan Cad. Guler Sk. No:51 Sisli, Istanbul/Turkey Mobile : +902122105050 Email : bpolatbora@meridyenfair.com Website : http://eng.meridyenfair.com/

About the Organizers :

Meridyen International Fair Organization is renowned for its international standards as the fundamental principles with its new and unique approach activated itself in 1998, and makes no concessions on its service quality. Meridyen International Fair Organization has gained great achievements in a very short time. Headquartered in Sisli, Istanbul/Turkey with its branch office in Lagos/Nigeria Meridyen International is a major event management company holding exhibitions in many different countries like Poland, Romania, Spain, Ukraine, Russia, DR Congo, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, Lebanon, Belarus, South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, Turkey, Greece, Serbia, Jordan, specialized in sectors like fashion, textile, furniture, cosmetics, machinery, tools, home textiles, leather and footwear. Meridyen has organized 520 exhibitions successfully by providing turnkey facilities and the most resourceful ways thanks to the experience acquired through the global forums to its customers apart from the tourism services.

DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE THE NEXT SUPERMODEL?

Elite Model Look Nigeria is searching for that girl that has what it takes to become the next super model.

Elite Model Look is the most renowned international modeling contest in the world and it has discovered some of the most successful models around the globe.

It is unique in providing the opportunity for young girls to enter the fashion industry and become models by beginning a fabulous career.

The Elite Model Look contest is a prestigious event open to beginners with a professional aim: looking for and discovering the young hopefuls who will become the Top Models of the future.

Since 1983, this competition has discovered future industry luminaries such as Cindy Crawford, Stephanie Seymour, Tatjana Patitz, Claudia Schiffer, Karen Mulder, Linda Evangelista, Denisa Dvorakova and Gisele Bundchen whom were all discovered through ELITE.

For the 6th consecutive year, the Elite model look scouts will be touring around cities near you in Nigeria in search for that girl who has what it takes to represent Nigeria on the International stage.

NATIONAL CASTING FINALS

MORE INFO AFTER THE BREAK. PLS CLICK ON READ MORE

CRITERIA:

- Female

- Be between the ages of 14 years to 22 years

- Be a minimum height of 172cm

PRICE

A chance to win 150,000 USD at Elite Model Finale in October 2013 in china

Here’s your chance to win a modeling contract with Elite Model Management and an all Expense paid trip to New York plus

$ 1,000 shopping Spree!

To participate upload your pictures on Elite Model website page or facebook page

For more information about casting centres and dates:

Email: info@elitemodellooknigeria.com

Phone No.: 08033278752 or 08091892258

Hello everyone! Hope  you’re having restful Saturday! I’m delighted to introduce a new member of our team to you: Frank Ugo. Frank will be doing reviews and picks of everything (really) on the behalf of the team. Enjoy! 

Directors – Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud.

Actors – (voices of) Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove.

Year Of Release – 3rd July 2013.

Genre – Animation, Comedy, Crime, Family.

Duration – 1hour, 38 mins.

Rating – PG (Parental Guidance)

Before you read on, if you haven’t seen Despicable Me 1, you should so you understand this movie. Despicable Me 2 is a sequel to the first part released sometime in 2010.

Now back to Despicable Me 2. One word to describe this, awesome. My brother, who saw the movie before I did said it had to be the best movie he saw this year. Considering the fact he’s more of a movie person compared to me, let’s say I had to watch because I wanted to debunk all he said and tell him it wasn’t.

So I got the movie on my laptop from a site, (don’t ask me where, money cannot waste) and sat down to watch on a lonely Friday night. To be very honest, I had really high hopes for this movie and I never do that, so I don’t get disappointed. But I couldn’t help it with this one.

I heard that Pharell was on the OST and then came the mobile game with the minions and a bunch of other well done marketing schemes by the creators.

Fortunately, I didn’t get disappointed. Without revealing too much of the story, Gru (the main character) is no longer a villain but a hero – at least he’s expected to be one, when a secret intelligence agency captures him and asks to give him a job.

I initially thought I’d hate non-villain Gru, but I didn’t. He’s still quite the same, except on the other side of the law and also, he’s a father. Remember those girls he adopted in the first movie? Yeah, they’re still around and growing up in fact. One of them happens to end up in a romantic relationship with the son of …

(Nah, you need to watch that for yourself. I’m just here to give you my take on the movie)

I can’t even lie though, the main attraction of the movie wasn’t the storyline or the fact that Gru ends up finding love (oops. Did I just say that?) It was the minions.

Yeah, those yellow perpetually chattering creatures that serve Gru. They were given a more active role in this new entry or more active roles rather.

And with every scene, there was minion injected humour. Everywhere. That was the selling point of this animated movie, I tell you. The breaks in between laughter were appreciably short.

My opinion, the movie is a strong 78 percent. I love a good, fun comedy any day especially one with minions.

So it’s coming from me to you, go see this movie. Probably get it same way I did (if you know how ) or go to a cinema (let them take some of your money) and grab some popcorn and a drink.

Do me a favour anyway, watch it and drop a comment on what you feel about it. I’ll be waiting to hear what you have to say.

See you next week Saturday!

RATINGS

70 – 100 : HAYY! You should see this movie as soon as you can. It is so ah-may-zing and I’m this close to finding flaws

60 – 69 : Beautiful movie. A few flings here and there but the flings are quite few compared to the wonderful elements

50 – 59 : Average. The film is just in between. Balance between the flings in the movie and the good parts.

40 – 49 : I won’t advise you to spend your money on this but you just might like a few things

0 – 39 : Epic fail, thank you.

Hehehehe…I got your attention, didn’t I? Of course I did. However, I must inform you that the intent of today’s topic is not to merely get your attention like those other attention-grabbing headlines you see on other blogs or newspapers.

This should get your attention because of the inherent paradox but going further, you realise that your attention is being drawn to the truth. The topical assertion above is nothing short of the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

What are mistakes then, you may wonder? A mistake is simply an action or judgment that is misguided or wrong. It is an error or fault resulting in defective judgment, deficient knowledge or carelessness.

From the above definition, I must issue out a disclaimer; mistakes are only good for people who DECIDE to make it good for them. The conscious choice or decision to move forward as a much wiser person in that specific erroneous regard is what makes all the difference.

In other words, I’m talking of those who don’t just stay focused on the immediate consequences of their mistakes but focus on the useful lessons learned which hold the key to achieving the desired results after subsequent tries.
Take for instance Thomas Alva Edison, the American inventor. After several failed attempts at inventing the electric light bulb, he was asked what he thought about his failure to create a light bulb, he said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” He went on to create the electric light bulb.

Mistakes are a very necessary part of an active existence. A person who has never made a mistake has never done anything and has never learned anything. For this reason, you should never be shy or scared about making a mistake. A friend of mine once told me, “You never lose money; you buy lessons.” Lessons learned from mistakes that costs you something dear are those that stick.

Every mistake should be a voyage of discovery. Mistakes can be embarrassing but its better to suffer the embarrassment that comes from mistakes than suffer the consequence of sustained ignorance borne out of the fear of making mistakes.

You must configure your mind-set to shed all fear of mistakes, though costly they may be. Never let the fear of making a mistake keep you from taking that step. Do your homework, venture into that which you seek to do and take lessons from whatever mistakes you make and venture into it again and again(persistence is key), armed with the experience and knowledge gathered from previous mistakes.

There’s nothing you can’t do if you set your heart to it. Just appreciate your mistakes for what they are; learning the hard way and most times, learning the hard way is the best way.

So go ahead and make that mistake…and be sure to learn from it!

Written by Malcolm Ifi

Photo credits: The Modern Career Girl

We brought you the track Cold few months back by Isodeking and here is another banger titled Charlie Sheen. Bump this joint and let us know your thoughts and yeah it is actually a freestyle.

The ABUJA ANNUAL MERIT AWARD came into existence six years ago (2006) under very unique and exceptional conditions being that the impetus that led to its conceptualization was stimulated by a desire to see those who strive and labor day in and day out to better there fellow man and humanity as a whole get rewarded and appreciated.

Its primary focus is recognizing and rewarding exceptional and distinguished personalities from all works of life within the FCT and Nigeria as a whole. Personalities considered as role-models, pace setters, achievers, socially conscious policy makers, philanthropist etc.

It was fully endorsed shortly after its debut by the then Executive Secretary, FCT Social Development Secretariat Garki, Abuja in the person of Barrister Segun Awolowo. This endorsement came closely on the heels of the Awards merit and relevance.

The maiden edition held on the 13th of December 2007 at the Aso Hall of the International Conference Center, Abuja. The second edition followed on the 23rd of October 2008 at the prestigious Executive Hall of the same International Conference Centre Abuja, while the third edition took place at the highly reputable Yar’adua Center, Central Area, Abuja. Subsequent events have been great successes, colorful and full of glamour without losing its primary essence which is to give honor to whom honor is due.

The splendor and color of these unique award nights can hardly be described as it has attracted a lot of marvelous dignitaries from the business world, corporate and international establishments, government officials like Governors, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, Ministers, Commissioners and even those classed as ordinary Nigerians graced and received awards under different categories.

Past awardees include- Senator David Mark, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Senator Philps Aduda, Hon Demeji Bankole, and Hon Femi Gbajabiamila.

LIKE us on facebook  http://facebook.com/abujameritaward and follow us on twitter http://twitter.com/abujameritaward)

THE 2013 ABUJA MERITS AWARDS – GOING FORWARD

The 2013 ABUJA MERITS AWARDS is scheduled to hold in September 2013 in Abuja and already preparations have reached maximum level. It promises to surpass previous awards as the list of prominent individuals who are creating positive social and national impacts keeps expanding. Also, the structure and organization of The ABUJA MERIT AWARDS has gotten bigger and more effective which without a doubt will position firmly ABUJA MERIT AWARDS as the singular accolade for individuals who have reached acme.

The slate of nominees have been carefully compiled with the greatest of details and back ground checks with the nominees shortlisted by media practitioners across Nigeria under close observation by the awards organizing committee.

There are 27 award categories in total which include – Most Dynamic Senator of the Year, Individual Award for Grassroots Development, Best Community Sensitive International Organization of the Year, Best Achieving Governor of the Year, Most Visionary Minister of the Year, Role Model Award for Exemplary Achievements, Outstanding Woman Award etc.

The 2013 Abuja Merit Awards nominees include amongst others – Victor Udoma Egba, Sen. Philip Aduda, Hon. Ekwunife, Ms. Evelyn Oputu.

The event will be an awards dinner complete with exotic buffet, beverages, wines and corporate gift items. All Individual, media and corporate supporters will be entitled to special invites/tables for 2.

Please read on.

NOMINEES

LIST OF NOMINEES 1.

Name:  ALH. SHAMSIDEEN OLALEYE

(Chairman, Isolo Local Council Area)

Award:  “INDIVIDUAL AWARD FOR

GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT “

Name:  CHAIRMAN ABAJI LOCAL

GOVERNMENT.

Award:  “INDIVIDUAL AWARDS FOR

GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT”.

Name:  GOV. MUSA KWANKWASO

Award:  “BEST ACHIEVING GOVERNOR

OF THE YEAR AWARD”.

Name:  HON. UCHE  EKWUNIFE.

Award:  “MOST DYNAMIC HONORABLE

MEMBER OF THE YEAR”.

Name:  MR. LABARAN MAKU (Hon.

Minister of Information)

Award:  “MOST VISIONARY MINISTER

OF THE YEAR”.

Name:  MRS. STELLA ADAEZE ODUAH

– OGIEMWONYI (Hon. Minister of

Aviation)

Award:    “MOST VISIONARY MINISTER

OF THE YEAR”

Name:  SENATOR VICTOR NDOMA

EGBA

Award:    “MOST DYNAMIC SENATOR OF

THE YEAR”

Name:  ALH. ABUBAKAR MISAU

(Administrator Public Service Institute of

Nig.

Abuja)

Award:  “CIVIL SERVICE AWARD FOR

EXCELLENCE”

Name:  ARCH. MIKE ONOLEMEMEN

(Hon. Minister of Works)

Award:  “MOST VISIONARY MINISTER

OF THE YEAR”.

Name:  GM, CHANNELS TV ABUJA.

Award:  “TV STATION OF THE YEAR”.

Name:  HIGH CHIEF EDEM DUKE (Hon.

Minister of Tourism)

Award:  “MOST VISIONARY MINISTER

OF THE YEAR”

Name:  MALLAM  SANUSI LAMIDO

SANUSI (GOV. CENTRAL BANK OF

NIGERIA)

Award:    “CORPORATE INDIVIDUAL

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE”.

Name:  MRS. AMINA ZANNA IBRAHIM

(MD / CEO, AMIRA YOGHURT ABUJA)

Award:    “BUSINESS PERSONALITY

AWARD OF THE YEAR”.

Name:  GM, ROCKVIEW HOTEL,

ABUJA.

Award:    “MOST OUTSTANDING HOTEL

OF THE YEAR”.

Name:  GM, WAZOBIA RADIO (AIMS

COMMUNICATION)

Award:    “RADIO STATION OF THE

YEAR”.

Name:  ALH. SALISU ABUBAKAR

MAIKASUWA (MNI, FNIM, CIROMAN-

KEFFI,

CLERK TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY)

Award:    EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR

PARLIAMENTARY STAFF.

Name: BARR. LAIDE OSIJO

(FIIN,FCIDA,FCIB, President, Nig. council

of

Registered Insurance Brokers)

Award:    “CORPORATE INDIVIDUAL

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE”.

Name:  DR. OKEKE KANAYO

Award:  INDIVIDUAL AWARD FOR

GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT

Name:  HON. AKEEM MUNIRU

Award:  “BEST PEOPLE-CONSCIOUS

HONORABLE MEMBER OF THE YEAR”.

Name:  MR. BISI ONASANYA (MD,

FIRST BANK PLC)

Award:  INDIVIDUAL AWARD FOR

BANKING EXCELLENCE.

Name:  MRS. EVELYN OPUTU (MD,

Bank of Industry)

Award:    “INDIVIDUAL AWARD FOR

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT”.

Name:  SENATOR PHILIP ADUDA.

Award:    “BEST PEOPLE – CONSCIOUS

SENATOR OF THE YEAR”.

LIST OF NOMINEES 2.

Name:  GOV. BABATUNDE RAJI

FASHOLA (Executive Governor of Lagos

State)

Award:  BEST ACHIEVING GOVERNOR

OF THE YEAR

Name: MRS. FOLORUNSHO ALAKIJA

(G.M. D, THE ROSE OF SHARON

GROUP, EXECUTIVE

VICE CHAIRMAN, FAMFA OIL

LIMITED)

Award:  OUTSTANDING WOMAN

AWARD

Name:  MR. AMIN MUSALI (CEO,

WAZOBIA FM)

Award:  RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR

Name:  MR. JOHN MOMOH

(CHAIRMAN/CEO, CHANNELS TV)

Award:  TV STATION OF THE YEAR.

Name:  MR. TAJUDEEN ADEPETU (MD/

C.E.O, CONSOLIDATED MEDIA

ASSOCIATES)

Award:  MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE

YEAR AWARD

Name: GOV. GODSWILL AKPABIO

(EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF AKWA-

IBOM STATE)

Award:  BEST ACHIEVING GOVERNOR

OF THE YEAR

Name:  MR. AMIN MUSALI (CEO, AIMS

CONSULTANTS)

Award:  BUSINESS PERSONALITY

AWARD OF THE YEAR

Name:  MR. STEVEN EVANS (CEO,

ETISALAT NIGERIA)

Award:  OUTSTANDING

TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANY OF

THE YEAR.

Name:  DR. MICHAEL ARUMEMI-

IKHIDE (CEO, ARIK AIR)

Award:  MOST OUTSTANDING AIRLINE

OF THE YEAR AWARD

Name:  GOV. ROCHAS OKOROCHA

(EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF IMO

STATE)

Award:  BEST ACHIEVING GOVERNOR

OF THE YEAR

Name:  MR. STEVEN EVANS (CEO,

ETISALAT NIGERIA)

Award:  BEST SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE

COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Name: MR. RAPHAEL AFAEDOR & MR.

TUNDE KEHINDE (CO – CEO’s JUMIA

NIGERIA)

Award:  OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF

THE YEAR AWARD

Name:  HON. AKINWUNMI AYO

ADESINA (MIN. AGRIC. & NATURAL

RESOURCES)

Award:  “MOST VISIONARY MINISTER”.

Name:  ETISALAT NIGERIA

Award:  “OUTSTANDING

TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANY OF

THE YEAR”.

Name:  INTERSWITCH NIGERIA

Award:  MOST OUTSTANDING ICT /

COMMUNICATION COMPANY OF THE

YEAR.

Name:  APOSTLE HON. EKPE JAMES

(EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, IBESIKPO

LGA, AKS)

Award:  INDIVIDUAL AWARD FOR

GRASSROOT DEVELOPMENT

Hello people! It’s a brand new week and I (might be the only one but) am glad the weekend is over and Monday is here to usher in new things. As some of you know, we started a new column last week! Serena’s diary is non-fiction and is an actual diary of a young medical student in a Nigerian university. We hope that some way, some how, our readers  will see a little bit of themselves in Serena ad maybe empathise with the next medical student they get to meet. Read, enjoy and share!

Dear diary,

I am crying. I have not cried since March (and that is a big deal). The last time I cried was when I failed my pathology and pharmacology examination and I thought my world had folded up. I cried non-stop for like two whole weeks and then I stopped. I told my mother my tears had finished. It felt that way. Since then there has been this sort of numbness, sort of like I was in a bottle and seeing the world through that bottle. Everything that happened echoed dully through my bottle. Everything that was thrown at me hit my bottle with a thud, but not me. So I was aware but unaffected; safe in my bottle.

But guess what? The bottle broke.

J and A are leaving.

On many levels, I still cannot talk about the first six months of this year. It felt like someone came into my house and broke everything, defecated on every corner and defaced my white walls with mud. I was in that tunnel everybody talks about and J and A were the light at the end of it. I had gotten to my end then they came and showed me another path. I do not think I ever told them this. Or maybe I did. I tell them a lot that they saved my life and they laugh and tell me I exaggerate a lot. But they did.

They were my ex’s friends, they ought to have gone with him in the ‘divorce’. They are both doctors and about six years my senior. They think I am a kid and I do not know life. I think they are old school and they ought to loosen up more and yet the friendship thrived.

It is this country I hate. If Nigeria were a little better, J and A would stay. If the system worked or even showed a little proof that it existed, so many people would not have to go to different corners of the earth searching for greener pastures.

I am happy that they got to get out. I am happy that they found better and were not afraid to take it. I am so proud of them. Leaving the comfort of home and the basic and fringe benefits that comes with being a doctor in these parts to a strange (and cold) land. I am happy.

And sad too. I barely have friends left around me. Why can’t these two stay? Who is going to do all they do for me for me? Who is going to sit while I explain who Miley is and why her twerking is such a big deal? Who is going to wait for me to get to the very end of my explanation and then say “wait what is twerking?”. Who is going to take me seriously?

Did I mention I am jealous? I feel like they have escaped the jungle and left me in it. They got away. I want to get away. I want to be a stranger in another man’s land. Maybe my grass is green enough but how would I know if I do not see the grass in the other yard?

It is more than just wanting to see the other side. It is more than that. I am positive that this country would squeeze out any juice of greatness I have left in me. It will fold me and keep me in this box and convince me that the box is there for my own good.

I see my future here, I finish school in less than two years, and then there is internship and youth service. What next? Husband’s house. Anything else is out of the ordinary. My mother is already telling me I must know who I am going to marry before I get to final year. Marriage, kids, then I get fat and answer to everybody else’s needs but mine.

I want more.

Makes me sick to my stomach when I am asked what area of medicine I want to specialize in. I say orthopedics surgery or heamoatoncology.  Then I hear shit like ‘Surgery? Don’t you want to marry? You want to leave your kids for house girl to train? We don’t really have heamatoncology units in Nigeria o. I think there is one in Ibadan but they are just starting, why don’t you choose something more attainable and woman friendly? Like family medicine or community health’

There is more. There has to be more. There has to be. I have excess material and I do not want my country to slim fit me to its size because I know I am bigger than this box I have been put in.

But what of if I am not? What if that future is mine? I feel out of place here what makes me think I will not feel out of place there? This might be all I will ever be. I might spread my wings to fly and then discover that I  just a centipede. No wings.

Safe journey J and A (or A and J as A would point out) I love you both. I miss you and I feel like something has left me. I pray America is good to you. I can feel your dreams unfolding. Thank you for being my light.

Love,

Serena.

P.s : why are tears so salty?  Is it God or nature’s way of reminding us that no matter how bad things get, life will always be tasty?

Photo credits: webmd

The most talented creative minds can draw connections between seemingly unrelated things—like diapers and a field of crops–in order to produce new solutions. That’s how Mexican chemical engineer Sergio Jesus Vaelasco created Solid Rain, a highly absorbent polymer scientifically known as potassium polyacrylate. Originally intended to make diapers more absorbent, Vaelasco’s blend can soak up water to about 500 times its size, and it looks like large salt crystals:

For landscape architects and environments designers it could mean more creative options for plants in drought-heavy areas. Solid Rain could ensure that green landscapes exist and thrive even in water-scarce urban areas, and other places where greenery has a tougher time surviving and so is conspicuously missing.

And the stuff is fairly inexpensive: For $25 you can buy a pound of it, which can go a long way—10 grams of the crystals can absorb up to a liter of water.

When full of water the crystals form a translucent gel blob that can then provide moisture to plants for up to one year, depending on the size and amount of Solid Rain used. The water never evaporates or runs off—it is only absorbed by the roots of plants. And the plants don’t absorb the polymer because it is, oddly enough, insoluble in water.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2-0wreEmry4

On Mexican farms, Solid Rain has showed a proven increase in crop yields by up to 300 percent. Because the product is highly efficient, doses are quite low, making them profitable for farmers. You can use 25kg per acre for a surprisingly-long stretch of up to 10 years.

Homeowners or anyone in landscape design will also find the product easy to use: For a lawn, you just mow it, make holes, place either hydrated Solid Rain or have it mixed with soil—and then bury it in the holes, cover and water. The benefits are shown here with a side-by-side comparison of two lawns. The very green one, treated with Solid Rain, is watered only 35 times per year, while the untreated, dry one, sucks up 300 waterings annually.

While the greener grass or more abundant crops is something you can see in the photos, there is an additional benefit that you can’t see:

A great benefit beyond the added moisture is the preservation of nitrogen in the soil. Because little watering is needed, the nitrogen is not as likely to be washed away. It’s been nominated for a Global Water Award by the Stockholm International Water Institute. And it’s been used in Mexico for more than a decade. It only arrived in the U.S. less than a year ago.

Since climate change is creating an increasing and troubling uncertainty in global weather patterns, Vaelasco’s invention may continue to be a critical solution for areas hit by unexpected droughts. Of course, any water conservation project is a good thing, so Solid Rain may inspire new designs for distributing the crystals in ways that could help us all—regardless of climate.

Source: Core77

Ever wondered when the first picture was taken? Apparently the first camera invented took about 8 hours to take a single picture, and it was barely visible and black and white!

The Interactive Design Institute have decided to make a visual guide showing the history of photography. Here are some other interesting facts you probably didnt know about:

• The first ever photograph was taken in 1839
• First colour photograph EVER printed was made in 1861 (that’s about 152 years ago!)

• The first ever “portable” digital camera weighed almost 4kg and was the size of an A4 paper in 1975
• Kodak created the first ever “miniature” point-and-shoot camera
• First time a picture was uploaded online was in 1992

• The first commercially available mobile phone with an integrated camera is the J-SH04 introduced by J-Phone in 2000
• The almighty INSTAGRAM was first launched in 2010, allowing people to edit and share photos easily without the hassle of learning any photoshop tricks. Since then, smartphones account for over 1/4 of all photos taken worldwide

So the question is, do you think its the beginning of the end for proper cameras?

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO FULL HISTORY TIMELINE

Chairigami is an innovative designer and manufacturer of cardboard furniture. They provide lightweight, flat-packing, recyclable, and inexpensive products to fill the need for temporary yet durable furniture. The Chairigami company makes furniture that is free of nasty resins and glues and they strongly  believe in producing recyclable furniture from renewable resources. But just like expensive hybrid cars, saving the planet comes at a premium. Still a neat idea though.

Each piece of furniture is hand crafted in New Haven, Connecticut.  Most people call it “cardboard furniture”, Chairigami is actually made with Triple Wall, a three ply corrugated board that is tough yet forgiving. Triple wall is made from 70% recycled cardboard and 30% FSC certified virgin fiber. Though Triple Wall hails from the world of military and industrial packaging, it also makes for some good furniture.

To find out more about Chairigami, you can head over to their site