Happy New Year to you all!!!!

It has been an interesting year filled with different occurrences. In all, I say to my maker : thank you God! Things will get better next year!
To my friends and fans, I say: God bless you and happy new year!!!

Ada Dike

Ada Dike

Ada Dike

Ada Dike

Ada Dike

2Face, Madinga host 2014 All Africa Music Award Ø African Artistes, others storm Nigeria for Awards Ceremony

Nigerian legendary contemporary music star, 2Face Idibia and Democratic Republic of Congo “French speaking hottest” female broadcaster and music presenter, Madinga Sona Maria have been announced by the International Committee of All Africa Music, AFRIMA, to host the 2014 edition of the AFRIMA awards.

The two are the co-host of AFRIMA award ceremony holding in Lagos, Nigeria on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at the prestigious grand ballroom of Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking about the collaboration between the two popular hosts, Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada, said, “The award ceremony is going to be explosive with 2Face and Madinga Sona Maria, two accomplished creative Africans, holding sway and guiding our distinguished guests and nominees through the programme. We promise to bring to Africa electrifying performances from our nominees and invited guest performers. Then add this to the famous faces and glamour of the African icons on the first- of- its-kind red carpet activity…It is going to be a spectacular show!”

A truly home grown music star, 2Face Idibia is one of the most decorated and successful Afro pop artist in Africa. He is one of the most bankable artists in the continent. 2Face has received so many awards among which are MTV Europe Music Award, World Music Award, Headies Awards (Hip-hop award), Channel O Music Video Awards, and BET award for his musical works, MTV Africa Music Awards, MOBO award, KORA award, and numerous additional nominations. 2Baba, the stage name 2Face recently adopted, started his musical career with the Plantashun Boyz and together the group recorded two successful albums, Body and Soul and Sold Out. He went solo in 2004 and came out with his first solo album titled Face to Face. His latest album was released this year titled The Ascension and it features other artistes across the continent.

 On hosting 2014 AFRIMA 2Face expressed his excitement when he said, “I am happy to be part of this history making event. I am delighted to host Africa, Africa is the future. I welcome Africa and the world to AFRIMA here in the beautiful city of Lagos, Nigeria. Let’s celebrate Africa together! ”

Mandinga Sona Maria is a beauty to behold with a towering height of 1.78m. Mandiga who looks every inch a model is the hottest female broadcaster in Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo. Her musical show, Cite de Star is the biggest music show in Democratic Republic of Congo. A combination of beauty and brain, Mandinga presents her musical show on Digital Congo Television and Radio. She is also a performer.

With 2Face and Mandiga anchoring the event, combined with the grandeur of the Grand Ballroom of Oriental Hotel with an African ambience, truly AFRIMA is set to host Africa and the world.

In partnership with the African Union Commission, the 2014 All Africa Music Awards will be a festival style open concert of non-stop music, fanfare and fashion exhibition from countries across Africa and performances by African artistes.

AFRIMA is proudly supported by ONE, Africa 2.0, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, and PRMAFRICA. It is being sponsored by Kenya Airways, Procter and Gamble, Peugeot, Diamond Bank and Uber, among others.

AFRIMA is aimed at communicating the strength of Africa to the rest of the world for global competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Internationally-recognized music stars from Africa and around the globe are arriving Nigeria, the entertainment hub of Africa, to be part of the 2014 All Africa Music Awards Main Ceremony holding on Saturday, December 27, at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The International Committee of AFRIMA and its partner, the African Union Commission, is receiving AFRIMA nominees, friends, collaborators, and invited guests from the five regions of Africa at the concept ceremony –which is being produced in cultural themes ranging from the rich Egyptian heritage of the Pharaoh era to the earthy depth of the artistically intricate Benin Kingdom and the fierce power of the Zulu Kingdom.
Among the artistes expected at the awards event which starts at 5.30 p.m. with Red Carpet sessions are: DJ Arafat (Cote D’Ivoire); Mi Casa (South Africa); Buffalo Souljah (Zimbabwe); Ahmed Soultan (Morocco); Laurette La Perle (Democratic Republic of Congo); Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania); Betty Akna (Equatorial Guinea); Radio and Weasel (Uganda); Lawi (Malawi); Dama Do Bling (Mozambique); Wiyaala (Ghana); Davina Green (Mozambique); Cindy Munyavi (Zimbabwe); MC Mahjoul (Algeria); Elani (Kenya) and Dear Zim (South Africa). Leading the Nigerian talents who are nominees and performers at the event is Nigeria’s legendary contemporary music star 2Baba Idibia who is also the host of the awards ceremony.
Others are Cohbams Asuquo, Olawumi, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Dammy Krane, Dr, Sid, Bez, Don Jazzy and the Mavens, Ice Prince, Flavour, Niyola, Temi Doll, Yemi Alade, D’Prince, Konga, Naeto C, Olamide, Patoranking, Daddy Showkey, Jaywon and others.
To spice up the proceedings will be sizzling performances from top Africa performing artistes and bands. From the inspiration songs to classical to hip-hop and basically exportable African music as Africa speaks in one voice through music on the award night.
Talking about the specifics of the main award ceremony, AFRIMA Co-Producer, Mr Kingsley James said: “What makes this different is that we are not only rewarding artistic excellence of artistes, but we are creating a platform to recognise those who may no longer be active music performers but have attained legend status. Then, we want to honour those who work in the journalistic field conveying information and news about the creative exploits of these artists to the public through various media platforms”.
Mr James added that more of AFRIMA’s vision was to leave a lasting developmental legacy on the African entertainment industry landscape that will stimulate the industry’s growth and sustainability for the future.
AFRIMA will be rewarding excellence in the continental music industry at the awards ceremony in over 30 categories, while the coveted 23.9-carat gold-plated trophies will be received by music acts or groups in their respective categories.
Also expected to colour the award ceremony is the tribute section where an African Music Legend will be honoured with an AFRIMA trophy for outstanding artistic work. The International Committee of AFRIMA also reveals that part of the award ceremony’s programme will pay tribute to lives affected by the scourge of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in some West African states and terrorist insurgency in Northern Nigeria, Somalia and part of Kenya. This tribute programme will be anchored by ONE, an international campaigning and advocacy organisation of more than six million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa.

I like reading religious, philosophical books - Atife

Atife

Many personal assistants to high society and very important personalities in Nigeria have a n tendency of always warding people off from their bosses. But Mr. John Atife, who has been the personal assistant to Olorogun M.C.O. Ibru for many decades before his retirement in the recent past, has been described by many close to him as a good example of  how a civilized personal assistant should be. In this report, Ada Dike digs out the background of the man whom is still receiving encomiums from those  that are familiar with him, for his exemplary style of relating with people who visited his boss while he was in active service, and even after, and his love for books.

Speaking on his adventure into the office of Personal Assistant to Olorogun M.C.O Ibru, after he was employed unofficially to work in one of Ibru’s offices in Lagos far back 1972, Atife in his characteristic humourous but conservative style, tried every joke possible to make this writer forget the discussion he wanted to have with him concerning his life activities since he retired from serving his kind and philanthropic boss, the owner of Ibru Organisation, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In response to a question about how long he has lived in Lagos, Atife said: “Where I have my peace, I live.”

In a country where many personal assistants to notable people deny others any opportunity to benefitting something from their bosses, the amiable Atife philosophizes that, “It was by the grace of God that I was there. But I don’t know if I did well. How long are we going to be on earth if we can’t help ourselves?”

Considering his capability of living in high brow areas like Ikoyi, Victoria Garden City, Magodo Estate and other notable areas where rich people live in Lagos, the humble man revealed that he lives at Shomolu because he likes relating with people, generally referred to as the common masses. He attributes his living there as the grace of God. The Urhobo man, who originated from Agbarho clan in Ughelli-North Local Government Area of Delta State, also, is a blue blood in Otogor Kingdom, courtesy of his maternal royal lineage.

After series of tactics employed to avoid this writer from giving him what he calls ‘unnecessary publicity,’ Atife finally dropped his guards of conservatism and unveils his background thus, “My father is from Ikwegwhu town in Agbarho clan, while my mother is from Otogor Kingdom. However, Agbarho clan contains a lot of villages, but I grew up in my great grandmother’s place of the popular and very kindhearted Edjefia family in Ughelli-South Local Government Area.

“The Edjefia family has love for children so they allowed me to stay as I am not expected to drag inheritance with them. But my maternal grandmother is from Ekrebuo/Agbon in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, which also makes my lineage spread beyond Ughelli-North and South to other Urhobo speaking areas of the state.”

However, when asked why he is not appending prince to his name as his maternal origin is embedded in traditional royalty, Atife responded in his usual humble and unassuming manner, “What does that mean? We did not come from heaven with any title. So what is special about being called a prince? It is nothing but pride. Some chiefs are honorary title holders which do not make them royal people, yet they address themselves as princes and princesses. That is sheer pride.” He is simply called Uncle John.

He also commented about his religion and educational background that, “I am a Catholic. I attended Saint Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, Owo-Olumu, In Ughelli-South. I later attended Saint Williams Modern School Orerokpe in Okpe Local Government Area. Thereafter, I came to Lagos to write my oversea Cambridge General Certificate Examination. I got my B Sc in Business Administration from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State.

Throwing light on how he became personal assistant to Olorogun Ibru, he said, “Chief M.C.O Ibru’s mother, Chief (Mrs.) Janet Omotogor Ibru, was the one who handed me over to Mr. Panama Okagbare Osadjere, who later recommended me to work directly in Chief’s office, due to my diligence at work. I was employed without writing any application. I rose through the ranks from the position of a stenographer to personal assistant.  

“I started working with Olorogun Michael Ibru since 1972, from a very low position as stenographer and gradually rose through the ranks and became his personal assistant. I did not officially apply to work with him. I was in the audit department and people noticed my hardworking trait. That was how I was drafted to work in Chief’s office.”

While appraising Olorogun Ibru for his personality, Atife said “He is a very kind person. I don’t think we have his type in this country. He is very kind and humble.”

“I have retired from work but life continues. By God’s grace, I am in this new office courtesy of Mr. Peter Ibru who is the chief executive officer of Monigood Investments Limited. We buy invoices from suppliers of oil and gas to companies.”

At this juncture, this writer inquired about the challenge facing oil and gas suppliers in the country. Atife informed that the challenge facing oil and gas suppliers is the delay they encounter for the payment of the products supplied.

On this note, he said, “But when they are in such situation, we pay the suppliers the amount are owed. For example, after your jobs have been completed with an oil company, you no longer have to wait long to get paid by such company. We would after due negotiation and understanding with you, take over the pursuance of payment of your invoices after we would have paid you the full invoice value.”

Beaming on the type of food he eats and his social lifestyle from childhood, the amiable ribs cracker said he does not have any favourite food but avoid eating food that is not good for him.

“I was a good footballer when I was in primary school and also played lawn tennis in my secondary school days. None of my children is involved is sporting activities.

“I also spend my leisure meditating and reading books. I like reading religious and philosophical books for spiritual and philosophical development.”

The Spirit of Lagos resides in Akoka, says SOL Director

The Project Director, Spirit of Lagos, (SOL) Olaniyi Omotoso, has commended the leadership of Akoka Community Development Association for their selfless service at ensuring the overall development of the community. He made this remark at the weekend during the maiden edition of the Akoka Merit Award held at the Federal College of Education, Technical (FCET), Akoka.

Omotoso, who was a Special Guest at the event, said that the executive members of the Akoka Community Association as well as the residents have demonstrated uncommon love at bringing about the needed change in the community which he said, was the message that the Spirit of Lagos preaches.

In his words: “From the very first moment we came in contact with your representatives at one of our community events, it was obvious that we shared a kindred spirit; one borne out of a desire to serve our fellow man and our communities. Moving closer, it has become even clearer to us that the true spirit of Lagos resides right here in Akoka.”

He commended the association for their foresight and vision in bringing about positive change in the community through the various projects that it has initiated and completed largely through selfless contribution of the executive members and residents, which he explained captures the essence of the Spirit of Lagos campaign. The Spirit of Lagos, he pointed out, is the life of Lagos and the embodiment of all things good about Lagos and the very life that connects its glorious past with its future.

Omotoso added: “I am certain you now see why we believe this excellent spirit resides here in Akoka. You look it, you speak it and your individual and collective actions definitely demonstrate it. You have taken on the mantle of civic responsibility by selflessly putting yourselves out there to be counted when it comes to the look and feel of your community and the future of those coming after you. For this we are so proud to associate with you.”

 

He   advised the awardees to keep up the good work saying having laid their hands on the plough, they should not look back as they would someday be thankful that they took the plunge when it was not popular to do so. 

 He thanked the “Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola and the government of Lagos State for giving us this platform to reach out to different sectors of our society for the purpose elevating the human spirit and restoring the true and enduring spirit of Lagos.”

Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014 reveals score card

 It has been celebration all the way as The Port Harcourt World Book Capital project marked its mid term in October as Port Harcourt became World Book Capital in April.

The coordinators said, “The programmes were designed to enlist participation of stakeholders in the book industry and a wide age range. Significant amongst the programmes carried out so far are: 150 weekly Reading Tree-Book Clubs taking place in 50 primary schools in Port Harcourt, 50 monthly Book Clubs holding in 50 Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt, The Walking Book Programme for students in the 23 Local Government Areas in Rivers State and a national version for students in the 36 states as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja which led to the publishing of 2 books - 100 Years Around Port Harcourt and 100 Years Around Nigeria.

“A National Essay Competition opened to students of tertiary institutions around Nigeria whose three winners were sponsored to attend the Port Harcourt Book Festival where they received their awards.

“Three Book Donation drives (Christmas 2013, Children's Day 2014 and Independence Day 2014): The books donated by the public where collated and distributed as 'seed' libraries to nine indigent communities in the city such as orphanages, a home for street children and prisons.

“We also had a book in focus every month supported by a monthly reading of that book and a monthly drama performance (on the same book where possible). The book of the month was the subject of discussion on various platforms.

“Other programmes were a residence for a dozen aspiring writers from around Nigeria at the Songhai Farm on the outskirts of Port Harcourt. The result is an anthology titled 'Songhai 12'.

“The PHWBC also represented Nigeria in International Book Fairs in Lagos, London, Cape Town and Frankfurt.

“To round off the first half of the World Book Capital programme was the annual Port Harcourt Book Festival with the theme 'Possibilities for Nigeria at 100'. This year we were joined by international partners - UNESCO, PEN, HAY Festival and the CAINE Prize For African Writing.”