From left:  Nollywood Actress, Sola Shobowale, students of Wellspring College Omole Phase 2 with the Chef, Adeniyi Williams, during the ‘Art of Milk’ initiative among schools in Lagos State by Peak Milk.

It was creativity galore when leading dairy brand, Peak Milk, a stable from Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria, took its ‘Art of Milk’ initiative to the next level by engaging some secondary schools in Ikeja and its environs, ahead of the World Milk Day coming up on June 1, 2016

When the brand team of premium milk comprising of Nollywood actress, Mrs. Sola Sobowale, Head chef/MD, We Are Food Limited, Mr. Adeniyi Williams, who are also members of the panel of judges visited Cayley College, Agidingbi and Wellsprings College, Omole Phase II, students of both schools showed amazing talents as they gave their presentations of prepared meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner, using milk as the main food item.

Speaking about the initiative, Sobowale said, “Over the years, we have been eating the same kind of food. Milk is one of the essential foods we need. It is not just for Quaker Oats, Pap or Cornflakes. We have a lot of things we can do with milk, and that is why I love the fact that Peak is making us use milk wisely.”

For Chef Williams, the ‘Art of Milk’ initiative is very close to his heart and he believes everyone should get involved. “There is so much fun in the kitchen. I believe if you let these kids start cooking at 10, 11 years; by the time they are 18 to 20, I do not see why they can’t be the best in Africa,” he said.

As a food enthusiast, Williams added that milk is important for all and sundry. “I still drink milk and I am 28. It is a good source of Vitamin D, phosphorus and calcium. Coming from the point of Western cooking, there are amazing things you can do with milk when cooking and baking - and that is what Peak is showing,” he added.

Mrs. Deborah Oladimeji, Food and Nutrition teacher, Wellsprings College noted that the competition has helped students and their teachers to try out unbelievable recipes. “We went through some recipes and tried to create our own, taking into cognisance the period of the meals,” she said.

Their presentation was Sweet potato pancake made with milk and beef kebabs (breakfast); chicken egusi soup with vegetable and milk semovita (lunch) and milk rice with crayfish and pepper for dinner.

For the organisers, the idea was to showcase ingenuity using milk in unconventional cooking practices. To enter the competition, schools in Lagos would enter in recipes using milk to peakmilkng@gmail.com. Ten finalists will be chosen from which the winning school would emerge on June 1.

The grand prize is a branded LED screen, while the second and third prizes would be air-conditioning units for six and three classrooms respectively.

Prof. Michael Faborode

For Nigerian universities to rise to world-class status, there must be continuous training in both formal and informal process for system facilitators and administrative staff, who are considered the engine room of university management.

Secretary-General, the Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU), Prof. Michael Faborode stated this at the 3rd Registry Annual Lecture Series of the Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria.

Speaking on the theme: “The Registry, University Autonomy and Strategic Advancement,” Faborode said Nigerian university system has deviated considerably from the ethos of quintessential ivory tower, hence the registry must be acquainted with internet-based management tools of governance and administration.

According to him, registry staff, as custodian of records and images of their respective institutions need different kinds of exposure to perform optimally and become relevant locally, regionally and globally.

He charged them to leverage on information communication technology (ICT) and re-strategise for future challenges through strategic rethinking process, as well as see themselves as part of those to ensure teaching excellence rather than transferring such responsibility solely for teaching staff.

The don bemoaned the overall decadence in Nigerian universities and the steady fall in national and international prestige linking to factors such as highly unfavourable political and socio-economic climate, regular strikes, facilities depletion and gross underfunding among others.

Faborode pointed out that Nigerian universities must not fall in achieving the focus of the world on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seek to end poverty, hunger, ensure healthy living for all ages and ensure inclusive and equitable quality education among other goals.

Using Salmi, 2009 model of a World Class University (WCU), Faborode observed that the nations’ universities must be facilitated with quality assurance and framework needed to enhance research, teaching and learning, noting that this would enable them provide leadership at the national level and create supportive administrative framework for national development.

He said once those conditions are granted, Nigerian universities would be able to harness natural resources for sustainable development, bridge the innovation skills gap and harness the youth bulge and the inherent demographic dividend to mitigate dangerously growing youth unemployment and hopelessness.

“(STI) plan (2012), for example projects to produce 2000 PhDs yearly from 2013, yet no serious synergy exists among the Ministries of Science and Technology, Education and Communications Technology, talk less of collaboration of the other key sectorial ministries, such as agriculture, manufacturing and transport”, he stated.

Abayomi Ajao (left), Annie Idibia, Campari Ambassador, 2Baba and CEO, NowMuzik, Efe Omorogbe at the Campari celebration of 2Baba honorary masters degree at Rumours Nite Club, Ikeja, Lagos.

In celebration of his honourary Master’s Degree from Igbinedion University, premium bitters liqueur, Campari Nigeria recently hosted Tuface Idibia to a special party at the Rmours Nite Club, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

The fun-filled night attracted colleagues and fans of 2Baba, who came out in numbers, to celebrate living legend and Campari ambassador on his recent achievement.

Notable among guests are comedian, Tee A, renowned writer, Toni Kan, CEO Now Muzik, Efe Omorogbe, Portfolio Manager - International Premium Brands, Nigerian Breweries, Sampson Oloche and Dotun Omotoye. Other guests include Kelly Handsome, Annie Idibia, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, City FM OAPs, Sensei Uche, Cvon, Kemi Smallz and others.

According to Head of Marketing, Brian Munro Limited, Abayomi Ajao, “we are excited to be celebrating an icon in the music business industry and Campari ambassador, 2Baba. His music has made so much impact in Africa and beyond, we are proud to be in collaboration with a brand like him.”

Meanwhile, talented artist and medical doctor, Folabi David had his dream come true at the event, as he presented 2Baba with a painting from his Campari photo shoot. Excited David revealed that he is a dedicated fan of 2Face and thanked 2Baba for giving him the opportunity to attend the event and present his painting.Guests partied into the night, as various assorted cocktails were served and a plethora of songs by 2Baba through the years filled the air.

To celebrate the first anniversary of her shoe brand Gbémisókè, radio host Gbemi Olagbegi-Olateru recently staged a special party in Lagos.
The event, which attracted notable celebrities such as Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Olakunbi Oyelese, Tania Omotayo, Sasha, Omalicha, Bovi, Fade Ogunro, Dami Elebe, Olamide Akintobi, Kate Henshaw, Taje Prest, Debola Williams, Tee A and others, saw the formal launch of a new TV advert for the brand and website.

“I’m overjoyed and excited at the turn out. Starting this shoe line a year ago was terrifying, but seeing how far it has come and the reception it has enjoyed, I’m excited for the great things that are ahead. I’d like to thank everyone that came to celebrate with me, my ever loyal customers and all Gbémisókè Shoes’ supporters,” Gbemi, the Beat FM presenter said.

Created for ladies with big feet, Gbémisókè is a bespoke plus-size feminine shoe range specially designed for the discerning customer who desires to merge comfort with style.

“For women like me, who wear size 42 and above, it is very difficult to find nice shoes. Stores rarely have big sizes available and when they do, they sell out quickly. After suffering from this issue for such a long time, I decided to proffer a solution for myself and other women with big feet, thus Gbémisókè Shoes was born,” she said.

At last, rapper and CEO of Pendulum Records Transcript, has completed his Doctorate Degree in Pharmacy from the Touro College of Pharmacy. The singer had earlier paused his music career to pursue his doctorate and today, that dream has come true.

From an official statement issued by his management team, it’s been a story of dedication and perseverance that spanned nine years and four degrees.

“Pendulum Records CEO, Transcript, is arguably the first and only rapper and concurrent label executive with a Doctorate Degree. One might consider him a geek with all these qualifications but as an artiste, he is far from that. Having released three singles and videos namely Dream With Me, Don’t Waste My Time and Young To Die within the past seven months, it is right to assume we can only expect more now that he has completed his academic training,” the statement reads.

Aside his latest qualification, Transcript boasts of an associate degree in Biology, Bachelors Degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience and Bachelors Degree in Labour Studies and Employment Relations from Rutgers University, New Brunswick.
“Life is all about progressing and thus, one can’t afford to be stagnant,” he enthused.

Phyno, Olamide, Burna Boy, Korede Bello, Others On Parade
As part of activities to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, on air personality and theater artiste Steve Onu is back with his yearly show, Yaw Live On Stage. Now in its eight edition, the show will feature a stage play with Yaw and comedian AY tagged Shalanga.

Holding tomorrow at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event, which will start with the traditional red carpet reception at 6pm, will be spiced with musical performances by the likes of Olamide, Phyno, Burna Boy, Korede Bello and Solidstar. Other performances include sets from Reekado Banks, Naomi Mac, Koker, Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, CDQ, Splash, Immaculate, Tjan, Vintage Band, Reminisce and Ycee, while some notable comedians will be on hand to deliver jaw-breaking jokes.

Written and directed by Femi Branch, Shalanga, which will showcase the acting talents of Yaw and comedian AY, is a satirical take on the past and present of Nigeria in the last one year.

Speaking on the event, Yaw said, “a lot of people do not know that I come from a Theatre Arts background and as such, I have a very keen interest in the complete spectrum of entertainment. This is what I have tried to achieve over the past 7 editions of Yaw Live On stage, and I believe this year’s event is set to be the best ever. We will be incorporating a hilarious stage play, music, dance and comedy into a 360-degree entertainment experience for the audience. I want everyone to come out and have fun with me on Democracy Day; it is going to be spectacular,” he enthused.
Previous editions of the annual stage production have seen Yaw feature Funke Akindele, Julius Agwu, Jude Orhorha, Koffi, Owen Gee, MC Abbey and Okey Bakassi on stage.

Leicester City's Italian manager Claudio Ranieri (2R) and Leicester City's English defender Wes Morgan hold up the Premier league trophy after winning the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Everton at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on May 7, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS

LEICESTER CITY: FROM RELEGATION TO STARDOM
In life, there is no permanent record; records exist to be broken. Such is the story of the current king of the English Premier League (EPL): Leicester City FC. Niccolò Machiavelli once said, “Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.”

One of the amazing and awe-inspiring stories that defied the precision of football spectators and soothsayers is the unimaginable rise of Leicester City FC from the base of EPL as underdogs to becoming the Premiership Champions in the face of overwhelming odds. A feat that is likely to become the greatest sporting story of all times!

It looked like an impossible hope for Leicester City to achieve anything meaningful after Nigel Pearson’s messy departure. Last season they were at the bottom of the table for four-and-a-half months and managed to put together a run of seven wins from their last nine fixtures to survive. The present coach, Claudio Ranieri, was actually brought in just to avoid relegation but the Italian coach took the meaning of relegation a little bit far to mean ‘not settling for less’. Ranieri believed firmly that when a man settles for less, he would eventually get less than what he settled for!

One of the former world leaders and the 30th president of the United States of America, Calvin Coolridge, emphasized the supremacy of grit and tenacity when he said: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; rewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

The city of Leicester is known for a magnificent statue of William Shakespeare, sculptured by Giovanni Fontana. The legendary Shakespeare had Leicester City FC in mind when he wrote in one of his plays, Julius Caesar, a reverberating line that will always define man’s destiny and destination.

He said: “Men at sometimes are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings.” The most ‘levelling’ reality of life is the fact that at any given moment in life, you alone have the power to say this is not how the story is going to end. No soothsayer, sorcerer, enchanters or flawless seer has the right to predict that this is how your story will end. I took my time to do a deep analysis towards unravelling the secret of their success and it was amazing to discover that the normal over-bloated reasons for football success were not on their list- money, star-studded team, the best coaches, past successes etc. I have come to realise from the deep analysis that the greatest hindrance to success is not failure but rather the previous success.

One of the former Prime Ministers of Great Britain nicknamed, ‘The British Bulldog’, Winston Churchill, once said, “success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” No man is ever defeated, we simply quit, John C. Maxwell said, “I have never known a man who quits his way to the top’’. It is not failure when you are finished; it is failure when God has finished with you.

Columbus faced incredible difficulties while sailing West, in search of a passage to Asia. He encountered storms, experienced hunger, deprivation and extreme discouragement. The crews of his three ships were near mutiny, but his account of the journey says the same thing over and over again: “Today, we sailed on.” His perseverance paid off. He didn’t discover a fast route to the spice rich Indies; instead he found new continents. When you are confronted with the fear of the unknown, remember Columbus and his persistent statement, “Today, we sailed on!”

Henry Ford forgot to put a reverse gear in his first car. Thomas Edison invented the light bulb after trying 999 ways without success. He didn’t learn to talk until he was four years old. He attended formal school for only three months, and his teacher thought his brains were “scrambled” because he asked so many questions. Edmund Hillary failed to surmount Mount Everest in 1952, but he never gave up and on May 29 1953, he conquered Mount Everest and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II later that year.

I was so much inspired by the ability of Claudio Ranieri to rally round common ‘out-casts’ into a formidable team; the coach had the audacity to believe in his team despite all the evidence to the contrary. It was amazing how one man can magically blend together a squad largely comprising of rejects- players that other teams across the continent deemed unnecessary and undesirable- into a weapon of ‘astronomical destruction’! Who will ever imagine that a nonentity, Jamie Vardy, who was virtually trying to eke out a living as a factory worker six years ago, would become the nightmare and punisher of league favourites. The 29-year-old Vardy eventually became a ‘verdict’ for even overbearing league giants.

Ranieri meticulously blended his band of ‘misfits’ and ‘cast-offs’, eventually succeeding in etching their names in sporting folklore for the rest of time, making them the first squad ever to break the jinx and give Leicester City its first-ever title in the club’s 132-year history. From the Algerian ‘miracle’, Riyad Mahrez, to the four fox behemoths- Simpson, Captain Wes Morgan, Robert Huth, and Christian Fuchs, to Andy King, Danny Drinkwater and the Japanese whizkid that entertained fans with an amazing bicycle-kick goal, Shinji Okazaki; Malian-French national, N’Golo Kante, their authoritative goal keeper, Kasper Schmeichel and finally to Leicester talisman Jamie Vardy, it has been a story of blended misfits in the hands of a coach with a magic wand.

There are many reasons responsible for Leicester’s rise to international limelight but one that stood above the rest is their tough team spirit. Their team spirit, rugged determination, flexibility, adaptability, selflessness, terrifying understanding and common sense are Leicester’s seven greatest assets. Intelligent application of all seven has done the rest. The beauty of the team was its individual’s ability to play different roles during a game and they used it to catch opponents who were wedded to rigid formations by surprise. One of the virtues to learn from the charismatic coach is his ability to celebrate his players; his genial and humorous personality gave the players the enabling environment to always be themselves. The players always look forward to training because it was always full of fun. He has an unprintable nickname for the talismanic Jamie Vardy and once ordered a standing ovation for Shinji Okazaki after the Japanese striker passed his English exam in London.

The virtue of selflessness among the team members is so contagious to the extent that they all go out to play for one another. One moment, in particular, sums up the selflessness of this squad. It was in the 2-1 win over Watford in November: Leicester had just been awarded a penalty and Mahrez was about to take it. Mahrez gave a vivid description of the whole scenario: “The manager said at the beginning of the season that I was the designated penalty taker,” Mahrez recalls. “I took the ball but ‘Vards’ came to me and said ‘Riyad please give me the ball, I want to get the ninth goal in a row’. I was going to take it but then I thought no he’s right, so I gave him the ball to continue his run. I could have taken the penalty but it would have been no good to him. I would expect the same from him if I’d been on such a run! It shows why we are together. We are all like brothers.” Vardy did score that penalty and later that month shattered the 12-year-old record held by Ruud Van Nistlerooy by scoring in 11 successive league games.

Thomas Edison said: “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” I want to reach out to the Nigerian youths to be fearless like the fox (the Leicester City FC symbol); every man is defrauded by their fears. The greatest pain in life is giving up because pain is temporary, it may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever. DON’T EVER GIVE-UP!

DJ Moonlait

For Queen Martha Udeme, who is well known by the moniker, DJ Moonlait, disc jockeying is not as demanding as most professions. The female DJ who is making wave in South-South region of the country is a household name when it comes to disc jockey.

According to her, she is not in the league of people who prefer to sit in their comfort zones, as she recently relocated to Lagos with a view to find herself a space in the DJ business in the nation’s commercial capital and hub for entertainment.

In a chat with Weekend Beat, Moonlait says she has what it take to make wave in a male dominated game and competitive city like Lagos, adding that her quest to make greater impact and leave imprint in the showbiz influenced her decision to relocate.

She said, “I am here to stay and I’m doing well already; Lagos is the hub of entertainment. I already have a brand in Port Harcourt, but I need to reach out to more people.”

Like most Nigerian DJs, Moonlait didn’t have any formal training. The Rivers State University of Science and Technology Computer Science graduate said she was very conservative in school, as such not a fan of parties or shows.

“I never knew I would be a DJ until 2012. I just noticed that when people meet me for the first time, they asked if I was a DJ, even when I was yet to think of it. It was a church member that told me to give it a thought. I went into disc jockey because I felt I could do better mixtapes than the ones I was hearing inside commercial buses.

“But my mentor, DJ Big Joe, said that I must start going to clubs and shows to be a better DJ. I fell sick and there were cases I slept in the club when people were still having fun. I fought my boss severally because he didn’t allow me to go home when I insisted. But I got used to it gradually; now, I find it hard to sleep at night even when I am not working,” she added.

When she needed to pick a name, there was confusion. But DJ Big Joe was quick to inform her that there must be something distinct about her. “When I opened the door, my complexion reflected and the next thing he said was ‘see moonlight ooo.

“I love the name (DJ Moonlait) so much despite the fact that many people have tried to convince me to change it. When I joined Rhythm 96.7FM Port Harcourt in 2012, they tried to make me change it to my first name, Queen.”

Though no more with Rhythm 96.7FM, she still goes there to play whenever she visits Garden City as she has kept the relationship intact. Her fathers’ undying support is one key thing that has kept going in the showbiz.

According to her, when she told her father four years ago that she wanted to be a DJ, he didn’t object or rebuked her like most fathers would do, especially being a girl child.

“When I told him, he gave me money to buy instrument. At parties, he comes on stage to cheer me up and tell people that I’m his daughter. I played at the weddings of my two elder brothers and my sister’s child dedication ceremony too. My family members are happy I’m a DJ. When they see a man with me, they always ask if he knows what I do. They don’t want a man who is not interested in what I do.”

She doesn’t think she can sacrifice her love for music for marriage. As a Christian, she holds unto God’s promise to give all her heart desires. “So, a man who loves me must allow me to do what makes me happy.

“I am single at the moment, but all my ex were supportive of what I’m doing. Some of them were always coming to where I work. Though they had friends or people around them who questioned the relationship, they stood their grounds. As time goes on, I see myself reducing night events. I’m deeply into this and I expect my would-be husband to support me as a DJ.”

For her, disc jockeying is not as demanding as most professions. “The way we look at things most times is wrong. Bankers go to work in the morning and come back late at night.

Akiin Shuga (left) and Mrs Fashola present gifts to a receipeient.

In line with his resolve to assist people with disability, singer Akiin Shuga, through his Shuga limb Foundation Empowerment Project recently staged The Gifted and Talented initiative amidst accolades and appreciation.

Held at the Social Place, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event, which was organised to celebrate and empower people living with disabilities, witnessed an assemblage of accomplished personalities.

Having sponsored the Children’s Day celebration for People Living with Disability for four consecutive years, Shuga says SLF intends to chart a new course in line with the global focus to promote Inclusion, Access, and Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities.

Shuga, who was recently honored as one of the icons of ability in disability by the Lagos State Governor, Akinwummi Ambode, said, “The objective of this worthy cause is to empower, promote and create opportunities for sustainable livelihood and employment for People Living with Disabilities. The plan includes a quarterly monitoring mechanism on sales, expenditures and profit margin for their ventures.”

“I got my break in life when Alhaji O.K Alli bought me my first set of airbrushes which I used in designing cards. I later got a direct link to the makers of international cards back then in the 1990’s. This was my source of living before I ventured into music business fully,” he recalled.

The high point of the event was the presentation of work tools to beneficiaries of the Shuga limb Foundation Empowerment Project. They include a physically challenged cobbler, Matthew David, a physically challenged photographer, Olaitan Keshinro and a speech impaired fashion designer, Jamiu Fatai. Others are a physically challenged student, Tope Akinleye and a physically challenged Visual Artist, Toma Onu, who paints with her legs.

While Keshinro was handed a professional canon camera and photo printer, Fatai was gifted a fully equipped tailoring set. Akinleye on the other hand, had her tuition and accommodation paid for just as Onu went home with work tools and a three-month tutelage with a visual art instructor.

To round off the occasion, special recognition awards were handed out to media personality, Adenike Oyetunde, Engr. Idiat Amusu, art instructor, Micheal Oluwatosin, a physically challenged cobbler, Olumide Adegbenro and the legendary Cobhams Asuquo.

Rochas Okorocha

NigerianEye, (a newspaper, established in Ghana seven years ago), will be partnering with civil societies and  Citylights to organise a public lecture on June 18 at New Concorde Hotel Owerri, to mark Imo at 40.

The event will feature technocrats, educationists, captains of industries, civil society leaders, opinion molders and the general society in a discussion that will elaborate on the need of inculcating self-sustaining ability, positivism in our daily activity, as ways of strengthening Nigeria’s future.

It would be recalled that the pivotal South Eastern States of Imo and Anambra turned 40 in February this year and thus presents an ample opportunity for this commemorative lecture in Imo which reflects on what the future holds for Nigeria as a united nation regardless of its  regional tensions, like Boko Haram in the North East, Niger Delta militancy in the South-South and Biafra agitations in the South -East.

Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof.Chidi Osuagwu, Prof.Phillip Anyaehie, Mr.Linus Okorie, Prof.B.E.B Nwoke, Dr Cally Cussons, Chike Okafor  among others, are expected as the major resource persons to present papers on the confab  being put together by Nigerian Eye in collaboration with Leadership Development Foundation for Civic Literacy, GCFN Consult and Society for Advancing literacy and social right.

The theme of the lecture is: “Analysing the future of socio-political persuasion in todays Nigeria; the way forward.”

The Executive Governor of Imo State, Anaya Rochas Okorocha is going to be the special guest of honour. He will present the keynote address on the topic`:”IMO At 40 The Journey So Far.”

50 youths selected from  tertiary institutions in the South East will be present to discuss and state their various positions on the challenges the future generation are facing in present day Nigeria.

This event will peak with honoring of exceptional individuals and brands that have contributed in the Socio- economic advancement of South East in the past four decades regardless of the tribal loyalty, religious or political affiliation of the individuals.

The Imo Development Award

Dee Sam Mbakwe, Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa ,Dr.Sir Warrior of the famous Oriental Brothers are to be honoured posthumously at the event, while the Executive Governor of Imo  Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha will be specially recognised for his accomplishments in the educational and infrastructural sector of the state,  Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu , Dr.AC Ejiaku and Amb. Kema Chikwe are to receive Lifetime Achievement Honours.

Imo Law Makers Sen.Hope Uzodinma,Sam Anyanwu, Hon.Nwawuba, Chike Okafor, Acho Ihim,Emeka Lloyd ,Ugonna Ozuruigbo and Obinna Onwubuariri are to be recognised for their pro-activeness in the legislative activities of this dispensation both at federal and state levels.

Economically; Chief Tony Chukwu,Mr. Frank Nneji, Onyewuchi Asinobi former DG Nigerian Stock Exchange, Barr.Osita Oparaugo, Sir Tony Ezenna, Mazi Owunna are to be honoured for their dexterity in elevating economic status of the state and the nation.

South East community leaders like His Royal Highness Eze Ohiri, Chief Uche Nwosu, Dr.Emma Okeson, Sir B.K Amandi, High Chief Victor Nwankwo, Hon. Tony Offiah, High Chief Emeka Inyama and young entrepreneurs like Chima Anyanso, Uchechukwu Igboanugo,  Chike Okoroafor ,Linda Ikeji, Kanu Nwankwo  are to be specially recognised, other brands in the state are also in the run for honours. The event is sponsored by Citylights,  West Africa biggest lighting company and Rennys Foods.

Former Governors of Imo State Chief Ikedi Ohakim, and Chief Achike Udenwa would be appreciated for their indelible records in the state. Imo past Senators, technocrats are invited to make their contribution to the confab. This event is meant to celebrate Imo and its people.

Busayomi

As a follow up to her earlier release, Gospel Waka, which is gradually gaining airplay, Busayomi Adebanjo, otherwise known as Elere Oba, is back with a new video for her song, Olododo Dajudaju (The Faithful God).

The Ogun State native, who started her music career in her Church choir, sees music as a medium to reach out to people.

“I let my songs by the inspiration of Almighty God and I work on myself daily to get better at what I love doing. I learn from my shortcomings and I try to be original; I hate copying people because I believe if there’s nothing different about my music, God wouldn’t call me into it.

“I’m convinced that God called me into music and it shows in everything I do. No one can receive anything except it is given to him/her by God Almighty,” she said.

She began singing professionally since 2000, as an undergraduate at the University of Lagos, Akoka, where she was also a chorister in LVCU fellowship.

“There was more to me than singing only in the fellowship. I ministered in songs to both students and non students, who come to worship with us,” she recalled.

Parents, Guardians and teachers of the Children International School, Lekki recently gathered to watch their children displayed their power of creativity in fabric designs and modeling in Lagos.

The pupils who were members of the Volt Club of the school brainstormed to design some clothes for themselves; modeled with them and sold it for a competitive price to empower the less privileged.

Volt Club is a student-led club that helps make a difference in the lives of the less privileged members of the community.
According to the coordinator of the club, Mrs. Bukky Peters said, the idea of making the fabrics to help the less privilege was berthed by the students.

Speaking at the Modeling, which took place in the school premises in Lekki, the founder of Children International School (CIS) Lekki, Lagos, Mrs. Joke Chukwumah charged parents and other school proprietors in Nigeria to ensure they give quality education to their children in various homes and schools with a view to making them world leaders tomorrow.

Chukwumah said the Charity Fashion Show organised by Volt Club of her school is an effort made towards catering for the less privilege.

She said one of the major problems of the country is bad leadership and the effect is taking toll on the Nigerian youths because the leaders had amassed what would have been used to cater for them and make the country a better place.

Chukwuma said she was motivated to establish the club in the school to help less privileged pupils. “Our own pupils are privileged and we must be concerned about the less-privileged children in our society. Nobody choses to be privileged or under-privileged but if you are privileged, you should rise up for others who are under privileged.”

Also speaking at the event, the coordinator of the club, Mrs. Bukky Peters disclosed that the proceeds from the last year empowerment programme on photography by the Volt club members was used to buy computers for some public schools in Lagos.

“Volt Club gives more confidence to members of its club and they are all willing to take more challenges to make Nigeria a better place tomorrow,” she said.

Amadi

Adaeze Anastesia Amadi, Public Relations Officer (PRO)/Corporate Affairs Officer of Temple AegeanDas Limited, Lekki, Lagos is a fresh graduate and a model.

As an aspiring contestant for the 2016 Miss Nigerian beauty pageant, Amadi, a combination of brain and beauty, has always loved modeling and fashion as a child. Knowing the importance of combining education with modeling, Amadi decided to acquire university education at the right time, so as not to allow it clash with her modeling career.

Knowing that young models face a lot of challenges, Amadi promises to create a strong foundation for young girls when she finally wins the contest.

“I vow to make impact, especially on girls and to redirect the path of girls who may have gone astray. I promise to ensure that young female models do not fall victims to fraudsters or sexual harassers and I will do something that girls will benefit from …ensure that young models enjoy modeling as a career,” she said.

Her contesting the beauty pageant as a fresh graduate gives her an edge over some of her peers, as young undergraduates who go into modeling are distracted from their studies.

She says with her experience in her school pageantry, she has gained some knowledge that others so not have.

The fresh graduate of Mass Communication, who sees modeling from a positive perspective, has the “I can” spirit, as she has the confidence make it to the final contest.

She advised upcoming models to be optimistic and have courage of overcoming all obstacles in modeling. Amadi claims to have great ideas to offer the Nigerian youth, which other contestants cannot offer. “I have the instinct to grow others, I have leadership skills. I want to grow people to be role models to others. I also have ideas, ability to create new things, and to touch lives,” Amadi said.

She promised that even when she retires from the career, other models would come to know her as impacting lives.

Amadi, who says that fashion means a lot to her and who strongly believes in it, loves simple dress sense; classy style, charisma. As a lady, Amadi believes that a woman’s dressing should portray whom she is.

Every occasion determines the kind of clothes she wears. She believes in descent dressing and loves casual jeans.

Amadi wants the government to diversify from oil to tourism and fashion industry.

When the Dettol Multisurface cleaner was launched earlier this year, it did so with a national campaign, The Dettol Clean Naija Campaign aimed at initiating public awareness to the problem of germs and maintaining the best hygiene practices. During the course of the campaign, the campaign team went to different cities all over the country, cleaning key national establishments chosen via online voting by Nigerians. According to the team, over a million Nigerians responded and voted. Some of these establishments include The Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital in Port Harcourt, Mapo Hall in Ibadan, The National Library in Abuja, Rumfa College in Kano and the National Stadium in Lagos.

Speaking at the final cleaning event at the National Stadium, Lagos, the general manager RB West Africa, Mr. Rahul Murgai reiterated the need for cleanliness to prevent the spread of germs and diseases in order to live healthier lives. Also speaking at the event, the Marketing Director, RB West Africa, Mr. Silivrili stated, “ According to our research, a startling revelation discovered is that 80 % of hygiene related illness are acquired at home, prompting the need for the multi surface cleaner.” He further added “The Dettol Clean Naija Campaign would not have been complete without cleaning the National Stadium- a great edifice in Nigeria’s Centre of Excellence as a demonstration of our commitment to eradicating germs and keeping Nigeria clean.” He also stated that even though the campaign had officially come to an end, they would not relent in promoting safe cleaning practices.

While commending RB, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris represented by the Assistant Director for Health Education, Mrs. Olubunmi Ilawole stated that RB has over the years been known for quality homecare and hygiene products and applauded the organisation on the launch of their innovative, effective product. In his goodwill message, the Health Committee Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Segun Olulade commended the entire Dettol Clean Naija team for the laudable initiative of cleaning one of Nigeria’s priceless monuments and encouraged Nigerians to take surface cleaning seriously to ensure a germ free nation.

Stephanie Linus

As practitioners and stakeholder in the African motion picture industry prepare to jet into Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, for this year’s edition of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Nollywood nominees are set to do battle with their counterparts from other part of the continent in the 28 categories unveiled.

While speaking at the unveiling ceremony held recently at the Protea Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, Mr. Shaibu Husseini, the President of the Jury, who also doubles as the Chairman of the College of Screeners, reiterated in his address that AMAA is a jury based award and not a voting awards where nominees embark on voting campaigns to win any of the categories. And from the quality of works submitted this year, Nollywood is indeed up for another tough battle for continental honours.

The Jury, however, announced nominees into 26 categories, as the Board of Jurors is yet to conclude on the remaining two categories.

“The remaining categories are special Jury awards and before the awards ceremony, we would have decided on the nominees and eventual winners and by that time we would have the full Jury members on ground,” Husseini said.

He also revealed that quality of movies that came into the competition have improved greatly, adding that more young people across the continent are coming into the industry as filmmakers with over 150 short film entries.

Daniel K. Daniel

“Our film makers only need to pay attention to details especially in the technical areas. We have the stories already especially filmmakers producing films in African languages. Truth is we can only compete at the Oscars with our indigenous language films and to do this we must improve on our photography, sound, editing and other technical areas. Our people need to improve on sub-titling of our films. What do as sub-titling are jokes and there is no way our films can travel within the international film festival circuits when the people can’t make sense of our films,” he said.

Meanwhile, films from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Burkina Faso are in hot chase for the AMAA glory in the acting departments and Best Director’s Category, with such films as Fifty, Dry, The Cursed One, Eye of the Storm, Ayanda, La Pagne, Tell me Sweet Something and Behind Closed Doors.

“We are very happy about the quality of works that came into the competition this year and it gladdens our heart that every year the objectives of the awards are being achieved with film makers in Africa and beyond upping their game,” added Husseini.

The Board of Jurors of AMAA, which members include academics, filmmakers, critics and Film Festival curators from Nigeria, Germany, United States, Zimbabwe, Jamaica and Burkina Faso will decide on which film and individual talents that will emerge eventual winners at a glamorous Awards Night which will take place on Saturday June 11 in Port Harcourt.

Beyond Blood, Dry, Fifty, Missing God, O’Town and Falling have all been nominated for Best Nigerian Film endowed by the Rivers State Government, while Joseph Otsiman – The Cursed One, Uti Nwachukwu – Breathless, Abidine Dioari – Eye of the Storm, Odunlade Adekola – Taxi Driver, Kenneth Nkosi – Ayanda and Thomas Gumede- Tell Me Sweet Something have been nominated for Best Actor In A Supporting Role. For Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Thishiwe Ziqubu – Tell me Sweet Something, Maureen Okpoko – Missing God, Ijeoma Grace Agu – Jimi Bendel/ Taxi Driver, Bontte Modiselle – Hear Me Move, Nthati Moshesh – Ayanda and Linda Ejiofor– Out of Luck will slug it out.

For Best Actor In A Leading Role, Oris Erhuero – The Cursed One, OC Ukeje – Ayanda, Fragass Assande – Eye of the Storm, Masego ‘Maps’ Maponyane – Tell me Sweet Something, Daniel k. Daniel – Soldiers Story and Biuferi Yakoubi – La Pagne were nominated, while Zineb Odeib – Behind Closed Doors, Adesua Etomi- Falling, Fulu Mugovhani – Ayanda, Maimouna N’Daiye – Eye of the Storm, Iretiola Doyle, Dakore Egbuson, Nse Ikpe Etim, Omoni Oboli – Fifty and
6. Nomzamo Mbatha – Tell me Sweet Something were nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Best Director Category has Nana Obiri-Yeboah- The Cursed One, Biyi Bandele- Fifty, Sekou Toure- Eye of the Storm, Sara Blecher- Ayanda, Moussa Hamadou Djingarey- La Pagne, Stephanie Linus – Dry, Akin Omotoso - Tell me Sweet Something, and Mohammed Ahed Bensouda – Behind Closed Doors, while nominees For Best Film are The Cursed One – Ghana, Fifty – Nigeria, Eye of the Storm - Burkina Faso, Ayanda – South Africa, La Pagne- Niger, Dry – Nigeria, Tell me Sweet Something- South Africa and Behind Closed Doors- Morocco.

Corporate Service Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola (left); Director, MTN Foundation, Col. Sani Bello; Chairman, MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; Nominator, Mr. Salihu Abubakar and Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma, at the event.

The prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja was alive recently, as MTN Foundation hosted a special appreciation party for all individuals that nominated their communities in the phase one of the foundation’s CSR initiative tagged What Can We Do Together Campaign.

As expected, the atmosphere was charged with a lot of pageantries. Already seated were dignitaries from across country, who witnessed the gallant entry of the heroes and heroines that brought developement in their communities.

In her opening remark, which set the tone for the event, Amina Oyagbola, Corporate Services Executive, MTN Nigeria said, “Let me join the Chairman in congratulating our nominators for taking the step to make an impact by partnering with MTN to bring sustainable, socio-economic development to their various communities. Through your efforts, many communities have now come alive with the provision of potable water; businesses are active again, thanks to the installation of electricity transformers; students in schools are definitely smiling as they learn in a more conducive atmosphere every day and the less privileged in society gets extra support,” she said, as the nominators were ushered in.

The roaring applause from the crowd simply marked a seal on the declaration that these individuals are true heroes and heroines of their various communities, having demonstrated commitment and foresight in identifying development projects that could enhance the socio-economic well-being of indigenes of their communities.

“When the idea of this initiative was conceived, we wanted to do something refreshingly different for our communities, and attempt to redefine the concept of social giving. The initial goal of this project was to thank Nigerians by implementing 200 projects across 200 communities in 200 local governments across Nigeria. All projects were selected based on nominations from members of the public. At the end, 200 communities were chosen to benefit, and announcements were made in the newspapers and social media. Today, I am pleased to report that all the 200 projects have been successfully implemented,” said Nonny Ugboma, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation.

But for these nominators, the dreams of millions living in the benefited communities may have been dashed or at least still kept in the wonderland.

Relieving the realisation of such dreams, Sadiq Oche a nominator from Abuja still wonders why his community in the old Kuntunkun Compensation layout in Gwagwalada Abuja had to wait for such a long out until he nominated his community.

“A lot of businesses have suffered in the area due to lack of electricity. Residents have long hoped for the installation of a transformer to boost distribution of power and improve the standard of living in the area. But with the electricity transformer provided by the MTN foundation in the #WhatCanWeDotogether initiative. I’m happy to be here with other nominators” Oche said.

While thanking the foundation, an excited Chairman of the residents’ association, Mr. Emmanuel Abbey said, “this is good; it’s a form of social responsibility that will benefit people in our community. Before now, we have written to several quarters for assistance but with very little success. Now, with this donation by the MTN Foundation, we are greatly relieved.”

However, some of the nominators rightly expressed doubt about the genuineness of the project out of a too- good- to- be- true feeling, apparently due to experiences from the past. One of such persons is Mudassir Adam Bello, an indigene of Bakwato community in Dutse local government area of Jigawa State.

When he heard on radio about the initiative, he first expressed doubt, but in his quest for conviction and love for his people, he still went ahead to nominate his community to be provided with water.

“At first, I was not sure of the authenticity; I was in doubt if my application will be granted. But, I just kept hope that something good will come up,” Bello said.

According to Bello, the lack of access to a good water source in his area meant they have to buy water from water hawkers, who fetched water for residents albeit also exposing them to waterborne diseases.

But when his doubt about the initiative was finally laid to rest, Bello excitedly said, “I was thrilled when I received a call from the inspection team. Today, we can boost of pipe borne water that keeps us healthy”.

Okatari Minadum, the nominator of the borehole project in Kolo Community in Bayelsa State may not have expressed as much doubt as Bello; she was determined to search for a way out to the many challenges facing the community. So, instead of expressing doubt, Minadum battled with the challenge of making the right choice of the project she wants executed in her community

“What more can I really say than a big thank you to the MTN Foundation. We saw an announcement on-line and tried to see if it will work for us. I tried and it worked for me.”

She continued: “There was an option to choose pipe borne water, electricity transformer, furniture for schools and renovation of Motherless Babies Homes. I chose the water borehole project because my community needed it. We have few boreholes built by individuals but they sell water to us and sometime we cannot afford it. Now, our mothers will no longer have to buy water for household chores anymore. The water is good for drinking and the whole village is happy,” Minadun said.

The provision of school furniture to ensure students learn under a conducive atmosphere is one of the projects under the MTN Foundation #WhatCanWeDoTogether initiative.

In Ogun State, extreme joy, excitement and gratitude are some of the feelings shown by pupils, parents and teachers of Nawarudeen Primary school Mowe, when they received brand new sets of school desks and chairs from MTN Foundation as part of the Foundation’s what Can we do together initiative.

About 1000 pupils most of who sometimes receive classes and take down notes sitting on the floor, could not contain their joy as they gladly accepted the donated furniture amidst loud celebration and sincere appreciation.

Expressing her sincere gratitude to the Foundation Mrs Akinyemi Patience, Head teacher of the school thanked MTN Foundation for the donation, describing the gesture as a laudable initiative. She added that the provision of chairs and desk came at a time when such facilities were highly needed by the children.

In Phase 1, 200 projects were successfully delivered in 200 communities across 200 Local Government Areas in the 36 states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The projects were in four focus areas of transformer, borehole, school furniture and household item donations to select orphanages. The nomination for phase 2, which started May 12, will focus on transformer, borehole, school furniture and medical supply donations to community health care centres.

That Nigerians nominated their communities in the campaign shows that they care. That the nominators were celebrated further reinforce an appreciation for an initiative that has impacted millions of Nigerians.

“At the MTN foundation, we remain committed to improving the quality of life in our communities. Indeed, since inception, the MTN foundation has invested over N18 billion to execute various projects in 550 locations across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria,” said Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Chairman, MTN Foundation.

Olajumoke Okikiolu, Head, Product Marketing, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa (left); Chef Ozoz Sokoh; Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas, Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa; Chefs Tiyan Alile and Dunni Obata at What’s Cooking Art and Photography Exhibition in Lagos.

Though various forms of art have been practised for hundreds of millennia, it is only comparatively recently that the role of the artist has emerged. During Classical Antiquity, as well as the era of Byzantium, Carolingian, Ottonian, Romanesque and Gothic art, painters and sculptors were treated as mere artisans - paint-appliers or carvers. Then, during the Renaissance, the profession of artist was raised to a new higher level, reflecting the newly perceived importance of the design element.

Today, painters and sculptors had a new unique status - on a par with architects. For fine artists, this situation has remained largely unchanged to this day, except that they have now been joined by visual artists involved in installation, video art, conceptual works, assemblage and the like. Some crafts are also included under the umbrella of visual art, although most continue to be funded by crafts bodies.

However, food art is always a compelling one, as it demands a lot of talent to be considered as an artwork. Aside from being eye-catching, it must express multiple associations apart from the food itself. It’s not just about food photography, but true food representation, which exerts ambiguous feelings and meanings.

Just recently, Samsung Electronics West Africa teamed up with Rele Gallery to present an unprecedented culinary art and photography exhibition, as well as online competition tagged #TechMeetsArtNG under the theme What’s Cooking?

The exhibition featured the works of two prominent Nigerian photographers, Kelechi Amadi-Obi and Ade Asiko Okelarin, who drew inspiration from Nigerian cuisine created by three leading chefs, Tiyan Alile, Ozoz Sokoh (Kitchen Butterfly) and Dunni Obata (Dooney’s Kitchen). Collectively, they explored artistic presentation of indigenous foot, its social, cultural context and documenting it as an art form. The coming together of these creative worlds was brought to life with the help of interactive and exciting cutting-edged technology of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Smartphone as captured by the photographs.

The winning work.

For the first time ever, Nigerian cuisines were documented as an art piece, to inspire experimentation and exploration of the possibilities. And once again, technology proved to be an important, reliable partner in establishing this narrative.

The exhibition was preceded by an online culinary art contest, which attracted over 300 entries from across the country and produced three winners, who were announced at a private viewing event to mark the beginning of the four-week exhibition at the gallery in Lagos.

The Food Art competition engaged talented Nigerians from all over the country trying their hands at culinary artistry by creating an original work of art, using real food in line with the exhibition theme. The entries were uploaded online by participants and were judged by a reputable panel of chefs and photographers based on published guidelines.

The overall winner of the competition, Ms. Haneefah Adam, a medical scientist and lifestyle blogger, whose work depicted the portrait of the African woman with ingredients of the Southeast Nigerian delicacy, was rewarded with Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S7 Edge smartphone, and had the winning picture displayed at the Rele Gallery. Second and third runners-up were also rewarded with a Samsung Galaxy Tab A and Galaxy Tab E respectively.

Speaking at the Initiative, the Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa Paul Lee, observed that art and technology derive strength and inspiration from one another.

“Hosting a competition among chefs is logical as cooking is also a form of art. Technology and art have had an unfamiliar relationship over the years with many people wondering what the nature of this relationship is. With this novelty, Samsung is rebooting the relationship between art and technology by being a part of exhibitions and initiatives that will foster new collaborations across both disciplines and industries.’’

On the online contest, Director, Information Technology and Mobility, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Emmanuoil Revmatas expressed satisfaction with the quality of entries received.

‘‘There are a number of necessities that are imperative in life and two of them include food and technology. The collaboration between Samsung and Rele Gallery has produced the #TechMeetsArtNG initiative, a platform where technology helps to enhance art on different levels. This year’s theme, What’s Cooking, is all about fusing technology and art as well as food.”

He noted that, “the special culinary delights were brought into focus with the use of Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Smartphone by renowned photographers such as Kelechi Amadi-Obi and Ade Okelarin (Asiko) to capture Nigerian art food created by all three distinguished chefs,” Revmatas explained.

According to Founder & Curator of Rele Gallery, Adenrele Sonariwo, “it goes without saying that technology has shaped and continues to shape the world e live in and increasingly riding this wave is Nigerian cuisine. It has and is having the opportunity to be appreciated on a much wider platform. As we’ve come to discover, food is much more than something we eat, through this project, we highlight that there is an art of cooking and presenting it,” she said.

The Galaxy S7 Edge features a 5.5-inch super AMOLED display screen allowing for clearer videos and images with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 (Quad HD). The series brings pictures to life like never before on a Smartphone with a simple hand gesture. With the dual pixel technology, the auto-focus on the Samsung Galaxy S7 series is quicker, thereby producing sharper and brighter images – even in dimly lit settings.

Mike Ezuronye

Mike Ezuronye, Germain, Lioane Take Centre Stage

Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State, has been in a frenzy mood since yesterday, as celebrities and stakeholders in the motion picture industry from across Africa and beyond, stormed the Garden City for this year’s Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA), with Governor Nyesom Wike as host.

Meanwhile, it’s been confirmed that the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, will, this evening, lead the Federal Government delegation to the most prestigious and respected Pan-African awards designed to celebrate and recognise practitioners in the motion picture industry.

The 2016 AMAAs will have Ghana Musician, Jon Germain, Nollywood actor Mike Ezeuronye and very popular South African Radio Personality, Kgopedi Lioane as the show hosts at the event, which holds at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt.

According to the Director of Administration of AMAA Mr. Tony Anih, the 2016 awards event will be the 12th consecutive edition and the 11th time it will hold in Nigeria, having been hosted in 2015 by the City of Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

“It is a great development in the evolution of AMAA that we are back home this year having made the first voyage outside Nigeria last year to South Africa. We are indeed grateful to His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike, the government and good people of Rivers State for accepting to host us this year. We are set to forge a good relationship with the state, going forward. Rivers State is a very strong brand and partnering with AMAA, an equally strong continental awards brand will provide a win-win for the state and the work we do to promote Africa to the rest of the world through our films,” said Mr. Anih.

On the readiness of the State to host the guests coming from over 40 countries within and outside Africa and security, Mr. Anih said Governor Wike and his government have made adequate arrangement to ensure visitors and residents in the state live in peace and harmony.

“Rivers State is a very secured State. Port Harcourt is not just called the Garden City for nothing. It is a city bustling with energy and creativity. Visitors and our international guests will have a good and exciting experience.”

The Board of Jurors of AMAA, which has members from the academics, filmmakers, critics and Film Festival curators from Nigeria, Germany, United States, Zimbabwe, Jamaica and Burkina Faso will decide on which film and individual talents that will emerge eventual winners in the 28 categories.

Lewis

After months of shooting on location and post-production works, star-studded Nollywood movie, Blood in the Lagoon is ready to premiere on July 22, courtesy of Film One Distributions.

The big budget movie, which features star actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde as lead, tells a captivating story of a young boy from the devastatingly poor fishing slums of Lagos, who is determined to pursue the dreams of his brother that was brutally murdered, against all odds.

Produced by Jerry Padney, a United States trained filmmaker, the movie was directed by Teco Benson, one of the leading filmmakers in Nollywood. Other talented thespians in the thriller that was shot both in Nigeria and the United Stats include Akin Lewis, Okey Uzoeshi, Eddie Ugbomah, Ufuoma Ejenobor, Bobby Michaels and Ben Nwosu. Also featured are Hakeem Rahman, Charles Okocha, Cassandra Odita, Phil Simmons, Jim Roach, Ken Odurukwe, Belinda Effah, Alex Ayalogu, Sotonye Green and others.

Speaking on the project, Padney described the movies as a drama that is emotionally charged, thought provoking and one that will cause the viewer’s inner being to question man’s relationship with fellow man.

“Born into abject poverty and thrust deep into the drudgery fate has dealt him, our protagonist ekes out a living in the treacherous murky waters of the waste deluged Lagos Lagoon. Just like thousands more kids in the many slums of Nigeria, his life story is already written and sealed by fate, even before he came into the world; this is not of his making. But after the murder of his brother, he was determined not to allow his brother’s dream die,” he said.

Also speaking, the director Teco Benson hinted, “Blood in the Lagoon is a ‘rags-to-riches’ tale with a different twist that is sure to wrench the hearts of all viewers. Again, our cast members are highly talented stars with great abilities in carrying a role and interpreting the script.”

DJKayce

Since the appointment of Uche Nwora as the MD/CEO of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), the media organisation has witnessed massive transformation in all fronts. Unlike in the days, when the station was more of ‘old skool’, ABS, especially the radio station, 88.5 FM, Awka, has greatly improved in terms of content and reach, with large youth followership. Among the young talents that have enlivened the station is Kelechi Dominic Nduka, otherwise known as DJ Kayce. Though a graduate of Electronics And Computer Engineering from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, the Anambra State native first came in contact with radio broadcasting when he joined UNIZIK FM as a student broadcaster. Today, he has become a strong voice in radio broadcasting in the Southeast. In this interview with CHUKS NWANNE, DJKayce, who is on the verge of jetting off to the United States on scholarship, spoke on his romance with radio and future plans.

How would you describe yourself?

Well, you already know my name. I’m from Anambra State and the last child in a family of three. I’m a presenter, voice over artiste, dancer, scriptwriter… I’m an entertainer. However, the only thing I don’t do is singing.

What’s your attraction to entertainment in general and broadcasting in particular?

I remember that my father once stopped me from secondary school for like a term; my offense was that I wanted to do entertainment. He told me that wen I’m ready to read, I would continue. At that time, I was very passionate about entertainment; I left school a couple of time for modeling calls. But in the end, we reached a consensus and my dad said to me, ‘get into school first, when you are done, you can play with your passion.’

So, how did you sort that out?

It was another battle because I had to choose a course. From the onset, I knew I wanted to do entertainment, so, I was thinking of studying Theatre Arts or travel to South Africa and study Dance. But my father said, ‘No way, not with my money. If I have to pay the fees, you have to read a serious course.’ As a young boy, I loved using my hands to loosen and screw things, so, in the end, I decided to study Electronics And Computer Engineering at the Nnnamdi Azikiwe University.

How did you come about broadcasting?

When I was in school, we started Unizik FM; in fact, my voice was the first that went on air. It was crazy and challenging then because, at the time, it was new and the fact that we weren’t trained as broadcasters was also a challenge. You could be reading the news or making and announcement and you had the VC, the HOD or Dean of the faculty looking over to ensure you don’t make mistakes. Everyday was learning experience because, we had no prior experience; we knew nothing about broadcasting, except from what we saw on TV.

As an engineering student, how did you manage to cope with broadcasting on UNIZIK FM?

I picked up pretty very fast because I’d always wanted to do radio; radio has always been a calling for me. While I was back home in Lagos, I would sleep and wake up with my radio; my parents would know I was awake because they heard my radio. I was that crazy about radio, I grew up with it. So, in less than six months on UNIZIK FM, I got a handle on it and I started looking forward to how to develop. But I watched TV a lot and listen to radio; I read a lot, so, I kept gathering knowledge. I think in about a year, I was good to go, but of course experience is the best teacher; the longer you stay, the better you get.

Did you apply for a job with ABS?

Joining ABS was like a miracle. I was done with school, but I came down to UNIZIK to get my statement of result. I decided to pay a visit to UNIZIK FM, my former work place and coincidentally, that was the day the new MD/CEO of ABS Mr. Uche Nwora paid a courtesy call on the station; I ran into him that day. My former studio manager introduced us and he said, “I’ve heard a lot about you, I need you to come work with me.’ We thought he was joking, but he gave me an appointment in two days time. I came around and we had a meeting, after which he sent me on a weeklong training at Sunrise FM, Enugu. When I got back, I resume work with ABS; I didn’t write any application letter.

Was working with ABS part of your plans after you left school?

I didn’t ever think I will be working with ABS because, they used to have really low standard. For the kind of trendy broadcasting that’s in vogue, they were really backward at that time. I was like, ‘this station is not trendy.’ But my boss (Uche Nwora) said to me, ‘what we are trying to do now, we need people like you to make it trendy. We are trying to break that barrier of people saying ABS can’t be trendy; we are trying to make it more attractive to young people. Before then, only the older people listened to ABS, but when Mr. Uche Nwora came in, he changed all that and brought in a lot of young people that helped to transform the station into what it is today.

Will it be right to say you are living your dream?

Sure, I’m living my dream; radio is something I’ve always wanted to do. I really don’t like TV as much as radio. I know I might end up on TV, but radio is my passion. I like to talk and I talk soo much that I begin to wonder why I’m getting paid for talking.

It’s fun getting paid for what you enjoy doing?

Yea, it is. Meanwhile, before I graduated from school, I told my parents that I would never use my certificate; I’ve never used it. I’m in love with broadcasting and I don’t see myself doing something else.

You were selected for the AFRIFF/Ford Foundation scriptwriting scholarship in the United State, how did you get into the contest?

First of all, I’ve acted in a couple of movies, but I’ve never thought of myself as a scriptwriter, though I can write. But Mr. Uche Nwora told me, ‘you can do this, a lot of young people like you are going for the training.’ So, I applied for it and went for the screening. They had thousands of people that applied, but they took about 150 people for the training in Lagos. There are four departments for the training: cinematography, production design, scriptwriting and acting. I decided to do scriptwriting because I feel it could help me to develop in theatre, broadcasting and movies. I went to Lagos and we were accredited and camp started; Tunde Babalola was one of our trainers. Then, I got to know the pedigree of people in my class; a lot of them were already making money from writing script; I was scared. I didn’t really thought of winning, I just decided to calm down and learn.

At what point did you know you had been selected?

At the end of our assignments, we submitted our scripts and Babalola forwarded the names of people he felt could get more impact from the scholarship. They didn’t reveal the names on the list until the closing dinner for the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2015. When I heard my name that night among people that got the scholarship, I screamed and jumped; I lost my bracelets and ruined my suspenders that night. I was that excited; I knew I did my best, but you can’t be too sure.

How was the experience during the Lagos training?

I learned a lot, it was a life changing experience. Now, when I’m watching a motion picture, I’m more critical; it’s not just about entertainment. It really opened my eyes to what young people could achieve. Unfortunately, people in Southeast don’t get to know about such opportunities. We have a lot of talented young people in the region that can do a lot, but they are not aware of opportunities like this. Some young guys in Lagos get as much as $1000 for writing a script for Tinsel, but people here don’t know about that; they don’t even know there’s a career in writing for movies. So, I’m grateful to my boss for opening my eyes to such opportunities.

How are you preparing for the US training and what’s the focus?

We are actually leaving this Friday. The scholarship is one month internship training at the Montana State University in the United States. It’s actually a full semester work, but they compressed it into a month because they believe we are young talented Africans. It’s going to be really intensive; we are going to learn all aspects of filmmaking. I know it’s going to be really hectic, but I’m ready. We are likely to leave this month and return by July. When I come back, I’m going to make a lot of money writing scripts. There’s no point going for that training that costs so much and not making use of the knowledge; that will be unfair to the sponsors and other people, who needed this opportunity.

What’s your plan for the future?

The truth is that I basically believe that, if you are alive and you are not making any impact, then you are not living. I really want to give back because; I’ve seen young guys that are productive but the environment they are in are not allowing them to do that. Most times, useful information doesn’t really get to the grassroots; they have no idea what’s happening in the wider world. When left school, I’ve been in a place where I met a lot of young people hanging around and doing nothing. There are lots of things one could do, but the problem is that a lot of these guys don’t have the information. I just want to be in a position where I can pass down knowledge or information they need to take the next step. The ones I can finance, I will help. The ones I can’t, I will pass the information to those who can assist. I also have it in mind to create a platform for young talents to showcase themselves. We have a lot of talented people around, but they don’t always get the platform to excel.