Nigeria is 53

Its the 53rd Year of Nigeria's Independence...Let's all spend a moment to pray for Nigeria and hope our great Nation will assume the greatness it rightly deserves.

Apple Tops Google, CocaCola as World's No 1 Brand

 

APPLE took over from Cocacola as the World’s No 1 Brand! The report released today, is from Interbrand, a corporate identity and brand consulting company owned by the Omnicom Group that has been compiling what it calls the Best Global Brands report since 2000. The previous No. 1 brand, Coca-Cola, fell to No. 3.

Not only has Apple replaced Coca-Cola as first among the 100 most valuable brands based on criteria that include financial performance, this is the first time that the soft drink known for slogans like “It’s the real thing” has not been No. 1.

Apple’s arrival in the top spot was perhaps “a matter of time,” Jez Frampton, global chief executive at Interbrand, said in a recent interview. Apple was No. 2 last year, climbing from No. 8 in the 2011 report. Google followed Apple as the No 2 Brand, While Cocacola followed at No 3 after being No 1 for 13 previous years.

 

Nigerian Oil Tycoon Kola Aluko and Ghanian British Designer Oswald Boateng Launch $500million African Development Fund

On Wednesday 25th September 2013, Ghanaian born British fashion designer Ozwald Boateng & Nigerian Oil tycoon Kola Aluko launched the African50 initiative, the platform is an African infrastructure project development fund which was formed as a result of the joint venture between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Made In Africa Foundation. The initiative is set out to provide a catalyst for African development and growth by focusing on commercially viable infrastructure projects in Africa.

 

“Infrastructure drives growth. If we focus on the big infrastructure projects- power, good roads, and railways; then we will be creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs in other areas of endeavor which are non-infrastructure,” Aluko said in the online broadcast.

Ozwald also stated that Africa could not properly compete without the infrastructure that would drive trade. “Clearly as Africans to compete we need the roads and rail, telecommunications and urban environments that stimulate and ensure trade,” Boateng said in a statement.

So far, the cause has raised about $250 million; Aluko and the AfDB have contributed $50 million each to the fund. In conjunction with the AfDb, MIAF is determined to attract investments from development finance institutions, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and governments towards reaching the funds goal of $500 million by the first half of 2014. The money will be used to fund feasibility studies of large-scale infrastructure projects. Made In Africa is also planning to raise a $10 billion project finance fund.

Oscar winning actor Jamie Fox, who is a fanatic of Ozwald’s designs was present at the launch. The official launch took place at the NASDAQ in New York.

JCI donates Learning Materials in Lagos's Ilaje Community

JCI International, University of Lagos Branch, recently visited the Ilaje Community in Lagos to donate Books and Learning Materials in what was tagged the Ilaje 300 Project. In this community development drive, the JCI aim to promote education in these communities, eventually improving their lives. Knowledge is Power, so the best form of empowerment is through education and we laud this initiative by the JCI. It also shows the commitment of the Nigerian Students, while the Government has refused to reach a conclusion on the ASU Strike, these students have chosen to help needy communities.

To find out more about what the JCI is doing in Lagos's Slum:

follow @unilagjaycees on twitter and using the hash tag #Ilaje300.

You can also be a part of the Project by calling David on 08035464299 or Nimota on 07085038068. You can also join us at the donation event on Wednesday.

Diesel Opens First Store in West Africa

 

Diesel recently opened their flagship store recently in at Centro Mall, Lekki Phase One. Inviting customers to its first store in West Africa was a selection of champagne and cocktails made available by one of the world’s most loved brands Moet & Chandon, Hors d’oeuvre was served by Chef Fregz and a sweet serving of desert by Sokolad Chocolates.

In true Diesel prêt-à-porter style, the store hosted celebs and stylistas including Banky W, Seyi Shay, Eku Edewor, Michelle Dede, Toke Makinwa and Adebayo Oke-Lawal.

Business execs including Adeola Adetunji (MD Coca Cola), Chuka Eseka (CEO Vetiva Capital Management) and Dewunmi Ogunsanya (Chairman MultiChoice) were also present at the event.

                                                       Sheyi Shay and Emmy Nyra

                                                                     Eku Edewor                            

                                                                         Banky W

                                                                    Sheyi Shay

                                                                     Banky W

                                                                 Toke Makinwa

                                                                 Adebayo Oke-Lawal

P Diddy Tops List of Hip Hops Higest Earners

Sean P Diddy Combs tops the list of Forbe's Highest Earners in Hip Hop in the year 2012-2013 with Jay Z following Closely. The Artiste, Fashion Entrepreneur, Vodka Magnate, and recently Media Mogul has all his businesses paying off, and paying off big time.

View the top ten list below:

1. Diddy - $50million

 2. Jay Z - $43million

 3. Dr Dre - $40million

 4. Nicki Minaj - $29million

 5. Birdman - $21million

 6. Kanye West - $20million

 7. Lil Wayne - $16 million

 8. Wiz Khalifa - $14million

 9. Ludacris - $12 million

 10. Pitbull - $11million

I am Isigo Votaire Collection 2013/2014

The Voltaire Collection by I am Isigo can be said to be somewhere between philosophical, edgy and minimalist. The collection inspired by Voltaire the French Philosopher was gotten by Bubu Osigi, the mind behind I am Isigo after a visit to Paris. Wearing it gives you an edgy sexiness that makes you stand out.

GidiEvents: Sunday Night Fights

Gold Fist Promotions presents The Independence Day Celebration 'Sunday Night Fights 3^rd Edition: BATTLE OF THE MIDDLEWEIGHTS.'

 

Looking for something different to do in Lagos? Then this is for you!

 

Program:

 

·                     16 Middleweight Boxers

·                     8 Fights

·                     8 Winners

·                     8 Losers

·                     1 Ambulance

·                     5 Upcoming Talented Music Artistes.

·                     2 Sexy Number Girls. 

·                     Great Food & Excellent Drinks served all day

 

An Unforgettable Night of Supreme Action and Knockout Entertainment.

 

Date: Sunday 29^th September 2013.

Time: 4.00 pm

Venue: Hall of Fame, Pinefield Schools, Lekki, Lagos.

 

Tickets: Reguar N3,000

VIP (table for ten) N40,000

 

Oyo State Gorvenor Sacks Entire Cabinet

The Cabinet of the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, woke up to a shocker when they discovered this morning that there positions have been dissolved. The Governor in an Executive Council meeting made the decision which affected all the commissioners and cabinet members.

The reason for the Governor's decision was stated below:

The release  by the state government said the governor decided to do away with the former aides in order to create space for fresh blood he intends to inject into governance ‘in the quest to serve the state better’.

 

 

Well, let's hope the new cabinet will be more effective and would end up benefitting the people of Oyo state.

Marie Miller emerges Winner of Miss Earth Nigeria 2013

Miss Marie Miller Emerged the Winner of the just concluded Miss Earth Nigeria Pageant, going home with a brand new Toyotas Avensis and a N3 million naira cash prize. She's scheduled to represent Nigeria in the Miss Earth that will take place later this year.

The contest had the likes of Amber Rose and Boris Kodjoe as its judges.

The beauty queen who is not new to the 'beauty' industry has been a video vixen in several top videos and has been a popular runway model. We wish her the best!

 

ILAJE 300 Project: Juniour Chamber's Quest to Touch the lives of Lagos's Ilaje Community

 

Ilaje community is a slum situated in Bariga along the coast of Lagos metropolis. It borders on the continental shelf of the country and can be seen from atop the third mainland bridge. It is one of the most underdeveloped communities in Lagos state. Its population is mostly made up of the Egun tribe which is originally from Badagry.

These people are mostly uneducated and their main occupation is fishing. It is the duty of the men to catch the fish, while the women stay at home to dry and roast the fish. The children have the responsibility of selling the fish and the trade is mostly carried out by hawking. This gives the children little or no opportunity for education and so the cycle continues. However, this poor schooling situation is that way because the children are not encouraged to go to school due to the lack of basic schooling requirements like school bags, books and shoes.

 

On a visit to the community, the traditional head referred to as the “Baale” pleaded with JCI UNILAG to bring educational materials for the children between the ages of 3 and 12 years. In his words “If you bring us food, we will eat and forget. What we want are books, biros and school bags for the children.” The children of the community however requested for shoes and clothes as they walk around barefooted. A little boy said “I want shoes. I am tired of walking without shoes.”

Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a non-governmental organization with a mission to provide development opportunities for young people to create positive change around the world. Her Nigerian affiliate chapter is JCI Nigeria under whom JCI University of Lagos is registered as a collegiate chapter to bring the mission closer to students as young citizens. JCI UNILAG seeks help these children and so solicits your support to help put a smile on the faces of these children and the entire Ilaje community by supporting our project to reduce the lack of education and indirectly poverty to the barest minimum thereby creating positive change in Lagos, Nigeria and the world.  We will be taking bags, books, pens and shoes to these children in a bid to positively impact that community, fulfill the JCI mission statement and also help achieve two of the eight millennium development goals; to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger and to achieve universal primary education. We plan to cater for 300 children with these materials and your support with this project will go a long way in helping us achieve this feat.

 

The project details are as follows

Date: September 25, 2013

Time: 2pm

Venue: Baale of Ilaje’s  Compound, Ilaje, Bariga.

Materials to be donated and their cost are:

300 School bags at N1000 each

300 pairs of sands @ N500 each, and

Stationery (comprising 5notebooks, pencil/pen per child) at N500 each.

This amounts to a total of N2000 (two thousand naira) per child.

 

You can also give these items instead of cash. Your support can also be by spreading the word about the project by following @unilagjaycees on twitter and using the hash tag #Ilaje300.

To make a contribution, you can call David on 08035464299 or Nimota on 07085038068. You can also join us at the donation event on Wednesday.

It is really hoped that this project can help get the attention of those capable of doing more in this community; the government, celebrities, philanthropists and NGOs. For us at JCI University of Lagos, we really hope for such and to  see  this commnunity adopted  and to get more kids good education.

Kunle Afolayan set to Release $2million Dollar Film, October 1

 

Nigerian Producer/Director Kunle Afolayan in currently in production on his next movie, titled October 1. Produced by his Golden Effects production company, on a reported $2 million budget, the film is set in 1960, against the backdrop of Nigeria's independence, and is said to be a serial killer movie.  Written by Tunde Babalola, here's how it's describes it: ... a psychological thriller detailing the activities of a northern police detective, Dan Waziri who was posted to the western region to unravel the mystery behind a series of female murders in the community. He soon discovers that the prime suspect is Aderopo, the prince of the community.

October 1 features the likes of Sadiq Baba, Kanayo O Kanayo, Bob Manuel and other Star Actors. Kunle Afolayan shot block busters like ‘The Figurine’, ‘Phone swap’ and others.

Amber Rose Arrives for Miss Earth Beauty Pageant

Amber Rose arrived Gidi for the Miss Earth Beauty Pageant which is taking place at the Oriental Hotel today. Boris Kodjoe was also part of the judges for the event...you all know Boris Kodjoe right...all the ladies know him. Back to reality, Mrs Wiz Khalifa will be one of the Judges for the event.

DJ Switch Walks Home with 24 Million Naira in Glo's X Factor

 

After weeks of exciting performances on the Glo X Factor, Dj switch walks home with the massive 24 million naira prize money. The 29 year old rapper DJ Switch (real name - Obianuju Catherine Udeh) has been crowned winner of the 2013 Glo X Factor singing competition.

DJ Switch who is a geology graduate from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers, beat out the two other finalists Ethel Eshun and Victoria “Vicky” Gomoti in the last round of voting to walk home with the 24 million naira prize.

Just before the announcement, there were performances by UK X Factor winner Alexandra Burke as well as Efya and Flavour.

The finalists – DJ Switch, Vicky Gomoti and Ethel Eshun also took to the stage to give their farewell performances.

 

Keri Washington named World's Best Dressed Woman by People Magazine

Emmy award nominee, Keri Washington was named the "World's Best Dressed Woman" by People magazine on Wednesday.
Washington, 36, headed a list that included Academy Award-winner Jennifer Lawrence, singer-songwriter Solange Knowles and actresses Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Kate Bosworth.
"I don't wear a lot of pants," Washington said in a statement announcing the honor. "When I go somewhere I want to know I'm going to be comfortable and I'm dressed for the event."
People magazine Executive Editor Elizabeth Sporkin praised Washington for her fashion sense.

"There has been a trend this year in lady-like fashion and I think she is almost single-handedly responsible for it," Sporkin said in an interview.

Although Washington nabbed the best dressed title, Lawrence, the winner of this year's best actress Oscar for "Silver Linings Playbook," was cited as having the best high fashion style, and actress Jessica Chastain, the star of 2012's "Zero Dark Thirty" had the best red carpet style, according to People.
Solange Knowles got top marks for style risk-taking and confidence.

And by the way...Keri is married to a Nigerian, I'm sure you all know that.