Zimbabwean Farmers Find a New Life in Nigeria

Forced out of Zimbabwe by President Robert Mugabe's infamous land-reform program, a small group of farmers are taking advantage of a second chance in Nigeria.

The governor of Kwara State, wooed the commercial farmers despite some local opposition. He hopes to harness the expertise of the farmers from Zimbabwe to jump-start Nigeria's commercial agricultural sector. Nigeria spends billions annually on food imports.

Farmer Dan Swart says teaching people "the finer points of farming and finance" could "make Nigeria the breadbasket of West Africa."

He coordinated the move to Kwara state and he's recruiting an additional 40 farmers to join the initial band of 13.

As he prepared to fly to Zimbabwe to recruit more farmers, Alan Jack said he looked forward to coming back to Nigeria, his new home.

"We're very happy here," he says. "We're back doing what we do best, which is farm... Africa needs more success stories."

B A NUSANCE

B A Nu-sance is a charismatic songwriter and producer. Born in Chelsea, London to Nigerian Parents. He got involved in making music from a really early age. He formed his first band called Shock 3 when he was in high school and through his crew, they were able to cover his favourite Hip Hop and RnB songs at school shows and house parties. His passion for music and performing has since grown and matured into what he is today- a very credible producer! Having been in the music industry for more than ten years, he has acquired great business acumen and experience through working with acclaimed Producers such as D Influence and Paul Waller to name a few. As part of the Chunky Fox Production house, B A Nu-sance has just completed a production deal with Masters Elites Records. He produced a 14 track Hip Hop album for their debut artist called Ill Jake aka Sir Jake Masters. This is available for download on www.illjake.com.

September 2008, B A Nu-sance will be dedicating his facebook page to the Naija music industry for 1 week! He will upload a few Naija remixes so you can get familiar! Check out B A NUSANCE myspace page

'Ikechukwu' Who?

Ikechukwu, formerly based in the US, came back some years back to establish himself in the Nigerian music industry. His hit single from his previous album "Ikechukwu", was shot in US. The World Famous Academy star is under "Storm records" alongside his childhood friend "Naeto C".

However, Ikechukwu's closeness with "Mo hits crew" is scary! Hope it's not that Ikechukwu wants to change his record label?! I have seen him in almost all the new videos by the "Mo hits crew".

Ikechukwu was nominated for Best male video for his song "wind am well" in Channel 0 music awards 2008. so please Naija lets vote for him!

Ikechukwu's new single 'LIKE YOU' is amazing, and he recently got nominated for Channel 0 awards....

Tu Face Birthday Bash

The past weekend would sure be a memorable one for Tu Face who celebrated the event of his adding one year in great fashion. The celebrations were a weekend long event that climaxed in the evening at Jazz Sessions Restaurant & Bar, Victoria Island last Saturday.

Right from midnight, Jazz Sessions came alive with Tu Face's fans and well wishers who couldn't afford to miss out on the rare opportunity granted them to party with Tu Baba himself and other celebrities especially on a special occassion as his birthday.

The party kicked off with a red carpet a little before midnight which saw the likes of Tu Face, Naija's foremost female dancer, Kaffy, reigning gulder ultimate man, Mike Nwachukwu, ace music video director, DJ Tee and Hip TV's Dizzy pose for snapshots to the delight of the ever present paparazzis.

The main party kicked off without much ado with the attendees taking to the dance floor almost immediately...bobos and chics alike. There were a whole lotta them, I mean the chics...uhm, lead us not into temptation, oh lord.

Cynthia wins Nigeria’s Next Super Model

Twenty-year old Cynthia Omorodion from Edo State has emerged winner of this year’s Nigeria’s Next Super Model (NNSM). She beat 15 other contestants to clinch the award. The contest was held at the NNSM Dome, inside the Nigerian Air Officers’ Mess, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos last weekend.

Judging from what the organisers offered; from the red carpet to the professionally constructed stage and runway, the sitting arrangement of the modestly decorated hall, the contest which debuted last year has become one of the biggest modelling contests in the country.

The girls strutted the runway in exclusive fashion collections from one of South Africa's most brilliant designers, Tula Sindhi, and Nigeria's high profile designer Frank Osodi of House of Bunor. There were also designs from House of Jola, owned by Joan Okorodudu, originator of Nigeria's Next Super Model contest.

Judges for this year's contest were selected from a crop of international model managers and directors from South Africa. They included Deon Redman, CEO and creative producer of the Joburg, Durban and SA Fashion Weeks in South Africa; Rowlene Friedlander, Casting Director at G Casting; and, Christal William, model director at LC Models, South Africa and Mrs Remi Diagbare, editor of Vanguard Allure.

9ice gives reason for ‘No-Show’ in Dublin

9ice's Alapomeji Records have come out to clear the air surrounding the recent non-appearance of 9ice at a show held on Sept 19, 2008 in Dublin. Various stories were in the media giving various reasons for the happening. Some even took 9ice to the cleaners saying he was becoming too arrogant. But according to a statement recently released by Alapomeji records, those stories could not have been further from the truth.

The statement, contrary to Krystal Promotions' claims, stated that the non-appearance was not due to any fault of 9ice's but of the organizers of the show who refused to make available all the necessary documents to facilitate 9ice's transit to Dublin.

"We are stating factually, that 9ice did everything he had to do to make sure the show would hold but the fault lies in the hands of the organizers and his lack of appearance was due to their negligence and breach of our contract, a breach that could not be overlooked by us at Alapomeji Records."

Alapomeji Records claim that the organizers, after failing to make available visas for 9ice and his crew's legitimate entry into Dublin, offered to 'smuggle' him to Dublin through London which they did not find suitable for the artiste's profile.

"The organizers and their liaisons stated that 9ice should not worry about the visa and that there is an illegal entry way from London into Dublin 9ice can follow. We blatantly refused, as we were not willing to put our artist image or welfare at risk because of their negligence and lack of honesty from the start."

The statement also urged his fans in Dublin to bear with them as "9ice's main concern are his fans and he is highly disappointed and pained that he could not make it to a show he was looking forward to. "We at Alapomeji hope you the fans of 9ice in Dublin understand our stance on this issue and we look forward to someday having 9ice in Dublin with you, performing live on stage".

Alapomeji also tendered their unreserved apologies for the no-show and urged other organizers not to expect 9ice to cut corners for or with them.

"A note to other organizers, 9ice is an artist just like other artists around the world and exceptions cannot be made in terms of following the laws of the country. We will not cut corners at the risk of our artist. At Alapomeji we believe in things being done the proper way and no short cuts being made".

John Mikel Obi Happy He Chose Chelsea FC

John Mikel Obi insists he made the right choice to choose Chelsea over Manchester United - and the midfielder now has sights on his first Premier League title.

Mikel, 21, was at the centre of an ugly tug-of-war between the two clubs and was pictured with a United shirt until the matter was resolved, at the cost of around £16million, and he made his Chelsea debut two years ago.

"I love being here - it is a fantastic club with fantastic people and I wish to be here for a very long time. I just have to keep on working hard and see what comes up." said Mikel.

"When I go out there I just want to play well,

"Maybe it turns out every time against Manchester United I play well but I just have to keep it going and make sure I do it in every game.

A 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday preserved Chelsea's six-point lead over United, and Mikel wants to keep their rivals at arms length until the end of the campaign.

"That is what we want to achieve and I will pray we do that," he said.

"The first 10 minutes on Sunday was a bit difficult but after that we calmed down and passed the ball. From then until the end of the game we played much better than them."

Nigerians Bid To Take Over Newcastle United

A consortium based in Nigeria is planning a bid to take over Newcastle United, according to reports in Africa.

The Nigerian company claims to have £350million - and is bidding to secure the remaining funding which would improve its chances of a successful takeover.

Chief Executive Officer of the NVA Management Chris Nathaniel, whose company are said to be handling the deal, told Kick Off Nigeria: "All along I have been working hard to get wealthy and football loving Nigerian entrepreneurs to buy the club since Mike Ashley indicated his willingness to sell the club to the person, people or entrepreneurs who can meet the £400million selling price of the club.

One of the main aims of the Nigerian consortium's would be to reappoint Kevin Keegan as manager. Keegan is a major part of their plans.

Venus and Serena Williams to Visit Nigeria

November 2008, Nigerians will have the privilege of having tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams on a three-day visit to the country after a long wait.

The sisters will be in Lagos from November 10 to 12 and will among other activities, play an exhibition match; their first ever in Africa, and host a tennis clinic for aspiring tennis players that abound in the country.

The sisters, who won the women's doubles event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, will also have a talk with thousands of youths according to the organiser of the visit, Godwin Kienka.

Another member of the organising committee, Paul Bassey, expressed his joy at the coming of the Williams sisters and assured that it is for real as arrangements for the visit have been in the pipelines for the last two months to ensure a hitch-free visit

Timaya, X-project, Sir Shina Peters in the UK

The trio of Timaya, X-project and Sir Shina Peters are expected to perform at the upcoming Nigerian Independence awards Night in London, United Kingdom. Nigerians in the UK would have the opportunity of enjoying, first hand, those hit tracks that have made Timaya and X-project overnight music stars. You know those tracks now...Dem Mama and Lorile...O di gombe, I'm already singing the song here, you can join me. Lest I forget, the afro juju king would also be there in person to perform.The event would be hosted by Ben Television of the Uk with support fromKomo, Ragga Remi, Jiff, Koko Rev, Da Twinz and Ife all of the Uk.For y'all londoners who might want to attend, the show is billed to hold on the 4th of October, 2008 at Troxy, 490 Commercial Road, London.

World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight Title

Nigeria Nightmare, Samuel Peter, prepares himself to defend the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight belt in his cabinet against Vitali Klitschko.

Although the October 11 bout against Klitschko may be a step towards realising his dream, Peter is ready to go the extra mile to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
The current WBC champion says he’s prepared to get the best shot at all the existing heavyweight titles by fighting Klitschko’s brother, Wladimir, who holds the International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Organisation (WBO) and the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) heavyweight belts. [Source]

D’ Banj and the Naija Music Scene

For anybody at all in Nigeria, D'Banj is not a person that needs much introduction, except maybe for his real names. From the bus conductor on the streets to the high executives in those air-conditioned offices. Those 'who have not encountered him directly...maybe by purchasing his CDs....they have through one person or the other...maybe their kids or their friends. Full name Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, D'Banj has also made unprecedented headway with corporate organisations. He has many endorsement deals which has seen him climb the ladder of the top ten richest Nigerian artistes to the second spot behind Tu Face. He is said to be worth about a hundred and eighty million Naira.... that's a lotta money.

When D' Banj happened to Nigerians a couple of years ago, not many people thought he would come this far in the industry. He stole the attention of Nigerians with the masterful way he played the harmonica. Hits like 'Tongolo' and 'Mobolowon' ushered him into the hearts of Nigerians and since then, there has been no stopping him. He has been moving from strength to strength which has made him one of the most successful musicians in motherland today.

Find your way around Nigeria on the Nokia 6210

A Nigerian firm, 3D Technologies, has compiled a detailed digital map of an appreciable percentage of Nigerian cities and towns. They should work with Nokia on making their maps available on the 6210.

The nokia 6210 runs the latest Symbian OS 9.3 with S60 3rd and FP2 with a 6-month navigation license. It is only 14.9mm thick and 103 x 49 mm in height. It's a very handy phone with a weight of 117grms. The Slide mechanism feels very firm and reliable.

Apart from having a very sleek design, the phone is available in 2 colours; Black and Red. So are you new in Naija? Get yourself a nokia 6210 for navigations round our cities.

NAS live in Nigeria

NAS AT THE 2008 SMVAs IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Britain Commends Nigeria over Zimbabwe Deal

Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, David Miliband yesterday lauded the role played by Nigeria in securing Thursday’s power-sharing deal between Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe and opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai.
Mugabe is to retain control of the army and chair cabinet meetings, according to leaks from Thursday's power-sharing deal. Tsvangirai will control the police force and chair a new council of ministers.
An enthusiastic Miliband who called Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe yesterday, commended and affirmed the role played by Nigeria in the search for peace in Zimbabwe. [Source]

Nigerian artistes prominent on the African Music Scene

Channel O released its nominations for this year's edition of its annual music video awards…In all, the Nigerian music artistes booked a total of thirteen slots in nine of the total thirteen categories.

In the best male category, Ikechukwu is repping Nigeria with his widely accepted 'Wind Em Well' which is also contesting for the Video of the year award.

Nigeria's flag is also hoisted in the Best Female Video Category with Sasha's comeback hit, 'Adara'

9ja Boyz' is one oft the five newcomers who would be hoping to win the best newcomer award.

Also in the best duo or group category, P Square's 'Do Me' would be battling for honours

Tu Face maintains his African prominence by booking a slot in the Best R&B video category with 'True Love'.

It's sort of a Nigerian affair in the Best African West category with Ikechukwu, Faze and D'Banj coccupying three of the five places on offer.

Nigeria got two slots in the Best Hip Hop Video Category, thanks to KC PResh and Naeto C's effort in putting together 'Sengemenge' and 'U know My P' respectively.

Finally P-Square and Ikechukwu stand the chance of being named Video of the year for 'Do Me' and 'Wind Em Well'

With this year's theme as "One Africa; Uniting Africa Through Music', The Channel O Music Video Awards is billed to take place in Johannesburg on the 9th of October. You can also vote, just visit www.channelo.co.za

Third Paralympic Gold for Nigeria

Nigeria won her third gold medal at the ongoing Paralympic Games in Beijing China through Lucy Ejike in the women's Powerlifting event.

Ejike made a lift of 130kg in the -48kg women's category to set a new world record while her first lift of 125kg set a new Paralympic Record. She however failed in an audacious attempt to lift 137.5kg.

Ejike joins Ruel Ishaku in winning Paralympic gold for Nigeria in the Powerlifting event, and both set new World and Paralympic records as well. Eucharia Iyiazi has also won gold, and set a new world record as well in the women's Shot Put F57/58.

In Table Tennis meanwhile, Biyi Olufemi lost his third match in the round robin stage to Gerben Last; his 3-0 loss to the Dutch man coming after victories over Yuriy Shchepanskyy and Xiaolei Lu.

On the medals table, Nigeria now lies 15th with three gold while Great Britain now leads with 17 gold medals ahead of host China who have 16 gold medals. The United States come in third with 11 gold medals.

South Africa remains in ninth position with five gold and one bronze medal while Algeria have three gold and three bronze in 14th place.

Tunisia have two gold and bronze medals apiece while Egypt now have one gold along with the two bronze medals won previously. The only other African nations on the medals table, Kenya and Angola, have one silver medal and one silver and bronze medal respectively.

Water as Car Fuel

Is it possible to run your car on water? Yes you Can! Safe and easy

Watch video

Your thoughts?

Nigeria’s finest DJ Jimmy Jatt, Featuring Sasha, Blaise, Bouqui and Kemistry.... that's Too Much

'Too Much remix' harnesses the effort and brilliance of Nigeria's leading female rap artistes... Sasha, Blaise, Bouqui and Kemistry.

Watch the ‘Too Much’ video

With Sasha, Bouqui, Blaise and surprise inclusion, Rhythm 93.7's Kemistry in top form, to borrow a sport jargon, you can be pretty sure the result would be...er...spectacular - yeah, that's the word. With lines like "mathematically, I expand exponentialy....", and "I'm mortal combat celebrity, I never just finish.. I'm ending with fatality", Blaise put the fire department on red alert. And "You got Miss Kemi, just like a semi.. automatic to the brain when I drop bombs with pain....", confirmed it; Kemistry is planning mass murder.

Do you like the video? Your Thoughts?

University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield has a long established relationship with Nigeria. The first known Nigerian graduate of Sheffield graduated from us in 1950 and there are now over 250 known graduates of the University of Sheffield living in Nigeria.

The University has trained some of Nigeria's finest and most prominent academicians and practitioners, including Dr Abolaji Ajenifuja, OFR, (1959), a consultant Physician and Paediatrician and Professor Lateef Salako CON, NNOM, (1969), an Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Ibadan.

Professor Tolu Olukayode Odugbemi has recently been appointed as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos. Professor Odugbemi completed his PhD at the University of Sheffield School of Medicine in 1978, and has since made an outstanding contribution to the treatment and prevention of disease both in Nigeria and world-wide. We wish him every success for his time as Vice-Chancellor.

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the first Prime Minister of independent Nigeria was awarded an Honorary Degree from the University of Sheffield in recognition of his outstanding achievements.

World Cup Qualifiers – Nigeria beat South Africa

Nigeria, beat South Africa by a goal to nil to cement their place at the top of their 2010 Nations Cup/World Cup qualifying group. In a must-win match for the South Africans played at Port-Elizabeth, Nigeria - led by stand-in captain, Yakubu Aiyegbeni showed resilience and patience by soaking up waves of pressure from the home side before striking a sucker-punch through Ike Uche.
The Getafe of Spain striker collected a pass outside the eighteen yard box, shimmied past an opponent before drilling a low shot past the South African goalie, Itumeleng Khune, with 20 minutes left to play. The goal seemed to knock all enthusiasm out of the home team as the Super Eagles, in professional fashion, knocked the ball around confident of victory. [Source]

Christina Aguilera and Seal Set for THISDAY Africa Rising Gala in London

The stage is set for the fourth and final leg of the 2008 THISDAY Music and Fashion Festival tagged African Rising concert with the confirmation of American pop/R&B singer, Christina Aguilera and Nigerian - British soul singer, Seal (Henry Olumide Samuel) for the show.
The gala night will hold at London’s Royal Albert Hall on October 14 at 7pm. This is the final stop on the four-city, three-nation year-long tour which kicked off in Abuja on July 11. The second and third legs held in Lagos, July 13 and in Washington DC on August 1st.
Tickets for the London show are currently on sale at the Royal Albert Hall box office and can be purchased through a call to box office telephone number (020) 7589 8212. [Source]

Young Nigerian to meet President of Cyprus and Turkish Cypriot leader

Nigerian graduate Olalekan Oshunkoya will meet President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat as part of a youth peace-building programme taking place in Nicosia next week.

Oshunkoya, 24, from Ogun State, was selected from hundreds of young people around the world to take part in a week-long programme of activities relating to the theme “Conflict and Beyond” as part of the Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme. The event comes just a week after long-awaited reunification talks between the Cypriot President and Turkish Cypriot leader are due to commence.

Oshunkoya is a graduate in Mass Communications and works in graphic design. He has been closely involved with youth work in Nigeria having been the director of Dreamakers International which works to empower talented young people.

As well as discussing conflict resolution with the respective leaders, Oshunkoya, along with 28 other gifted youth delegates from 21 Commonwealth countries, will take a rare tour inside the Green Line with UN Peacekeepers and participate in workshops with the UNDP and British Council.

“We need to let young people wake up to know that they are worthwhile people with unique talents and skills, and that they have the power to make a difference in their community.”

Olalekan will bring valuable enthusiasm and experience to the programme which aims to inspire leaders of tomorrow.

Want to be the Next Nigerian Elite Model?

Elizabeth Isiogho, the CEO of Beth Modeling agency Ikoyi, is working round the clock to ensure a hitch free Elite Model Look Nigeria 2008. The event billed to take place at the Civic Center 27th September 2008 is open to every Nigerian female, who aspires to become a top international model.

The main criteria for contestants are that they are at least 172cm in height and between the ages of 16-21 years of age.

According to her, the auditions for the contest starts September 3rd 2008 at Eko hotel & Suites Victoria Island, Lagos and Elites representatives will choose twenty finalists from the open auditions.
“Selected contestants will be accommodated for a week of intensive grooming. This training will cover all the professional aspects of modeling. The finalists will experience and undergo fitness training, makeovers, nutrition lectures, professional photo sessions as well as a run through of the event.

The winner of the Elite Model look Nigeria 2008 will receive $50,000 towards international tuition and also gets a chance to compete alongside peers from 70 other countries at the Elite Model Look finale Sanya, China. Right now our sponsors are: Hair Ltd, Black up, Clarins, Moet & Chandon and many more.”

For more info visit: http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/fashionbeauty/2008/sept/05/fashion-05-09-2008-001.htm

Parents from India but born and raised in Nigeria

Nigerian perspective from an Indian man, born and raised in Nigeria.

Scholarships for Nigerians to study Abroad

Aerial view of the UBC Vancouver Campus





Four new undergraduate scholarships each valued at $40,000 over four years will be awarded this fall at the University of British Columbia as a result of the largest gift to date by the Bank of Montreal to the university.

The new scholarships will be awarded to students entering UBC from high school or transferring from other institutions who demonstrate academic excellence in combination with significant contributions to the community through volunteerism, athletics, or artistic excellence. In four years, the annual scholarships will result in a total of 16 UBC Bank of Montreal National scholars on campus each year.

For more information visit: http://www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca/media/releases/2001/mr-01-19.html

The "Unsung Hero" Behind the Internet

The Internet owes much of its existence to Philip Emeagwali

Name: Philip Emmanuel Emeagwali .
Date of Birth: 23/08/1954.
Place of Birth: Akure (Ondo State - Nigeria).
Family Lineage: Nigerian (Ibo) Father and Mother.
Race: Black African.
Citizenship: Nigerian.
Marital Status: Married with children
Location: USA
website: www.emeagwali.com
Occupation: Mathematician/Computer scientist.

More information on this hero please visit TIME magazine website www.time.com/time/2007/blackhistmth/bios/04.html

First Black Woman to win Miss World Beauty Pageant

Agbani Darego

Name: Ibiagbanidokibubo Asenite Darego.
Date of Birth: 1982.
Place of Birth: Abonnema, Rivers State.
Family Lineage: Nigerian Father and Mother.
Race: Black African.
Citizenship: Nigerian.
Marital Status: Married.
Location: USA

Occupation: Model, Computer scientist.

Chamillionaire - Rapper and Record Executive

Name: Hakeem Seriki.
Date of Birth: 29/11/1979.
Place of Birth: Washington D.C (USA).
Family Lineage: Nigerian father and mother.
Race: Black African.
Citizenship: American.
Marital Status: Single
Location: USA
website: www.chamillionaire.com

Occupation:Rapper,Record executive and enterpreneur.

Nigeria's Next Top Model

Search has begun for Nigeria's Next Super Model 2008. 23 young aspiring models were selected from about a hundred and fifty young girls, after a rigorous screening process held at the Air Officer Mess Victoria Island recently. These girls who will be in camp for the Reality Show, which will be aired in all TV stations from september 8th, will consequently be reduced to 16, for the grand finale of Nigeria's Next Super Model.

The Nigeria Fashion Week 2008

The 2008 edition of spring summer collection of The Nigeria Fashion Week comes up between 15th – 17th September 2008 at the Muson Center. The 3 consecutive days of fashion shows and exhibition/fair will present the collection of over 70 designers from across Nigeria and Abroad.

The Nigeria Fashion Week will feature daily fashion shows, exhibition/Trade Fairs, symposium, lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions between buyers and producers and daily after event parties.

Already, international media who have confirmed coverage of this year’s event include Fashion TV from Paris, Video Fashion from New York, Italian Vogue & Cosmopolitan and French Elle.

Christopher Gardner in Nigeria 08

The MTN XtraPro Inspirational Seminar Series featuring international business icon and motivational speaker Christopher Gardner, was held at the Civic Centre, Lagos and also at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja August 2008.