₦airaland Forum

Chrysolite is a Nigerian urban clothings with inspirational designs, whether it’s Branded, Promotional, Customised or for retail they get it done with Top quality in a short time frame.

The CEO of the company, Eleshin Samiayo in a #ChatwithOpecareem talks about the challenges, creating awareness and selling his products to his target audience. The graduate of Social works also seized the opportunity to react to the statement made by Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari that Nigerian youths are lazy. Read excerpts from our chats.

How did you get involved in screen-printing t-shirts?

My initial interest was graphic designing, and I dealt with designs for tshirts. So, at a point, i knew i wasn't complete until i added something special to mix with my designs. Screen printing therefore came to my mind, and since i learnt it, it has been a great combination to my business.


How long have you been in business?
About 5 years now, but started selling online 2 years ago.


What did you study in school and why did you delve into tee shirts making?

I studied Social work. Like i said, i love to design a lot , so adding tshirt to what i do made me outstanding.

What's your idea about Entrepreneurship in the country?
I think it's of great joy, to see youths doing their own thing. Left for me, i feel the hardship of this country alone has pushed lots of Nigerians to become their own boss. Imagine if the government is willing to invest heavily in entrepreneurship in the country, we would be greatly known for exportation in all fields. Nigerian youths are hardworking, creative. We are not Lazy!

What do you think sets your business apart from other print shops?
Creativity!

Where do you get your inspiration from?
From God and from the hardship of the country.

To start a business like yours, how much is required?
Money isn't the principal thing, motivation is. You need to be highly motivated.

Who are your target audience?
Youths, young adults who love fashion.

How do you promote/sell your products?
Through social media, B2C, Adverts.

Where do you see Chrysolite in 5 years time?
I see us doing greater and extraordinary things.

For people out there who want to go into a business like yours, what skills do they require?
Deeper knowledge of graphics design, deeper knowledge of the different kinds if tshirt print.. & knowing where & who to sell them to.

Do you have people you mentor?
Yes, sure, I do.


Aside from tee-shirts, is Chrysolite into something else?
We plan going into something bigger soon. Our plans isn't unveiled to the public yet.

How many brands do you have out there?
We've got two different brands for now. Chrysolite designs and Not from This Planet Wears.

What's your Instagram handle?
@dchrysolite

Order yours via: https://www./chrysolite-designs/

Yep, he who finds a wife findeth a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord....this is why we at OCB always celebrate anything that has to do with weddings..... Get ready for the biggest society wedding coming up in Lagos, Nigeria between Tomi and Dayo. The couple have recently released amazing photos ahead of their wedding coming up in November. According to reliable sources, the wedding is scheduled to hold from Thursday 16th of November to Saturday 18th of November, 2017. As for the venue, address is available for the friends and families..... #Ok #Bye. Scroll down for more pictures.

Updated details of the wedding can be found on www.opecareemblog.com

Juventus manager, Massimiliano Allegri, has said he does not think Marco Verratti will leave Paris Saint-Germain for Barcelona this summer. Verratti, who has previously been linked with a switch to Juve, has told PSG of his desire to leave the club this close-season. Barca is understood to be keen on the Italian.

But Juve boss Allegri thinks Verratti, who was pictured at the same restaurant in Ibiza as Barca star Lionel Messi this week, will ultimately remain at PSG. “He is a great player,” Allegri told Corriere dello Sport.

Read more here: http://www.opecareemblog.com/2017/06/verratti-will-not-join-barcelona-allegri.html

Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has joined other celebrities in Gospel artiste, Nathaniel Bassey‘s Instagram live praise session tagged Hallelujah Challenge. At the end of the the prayer session the actress made the following proclamation in the comment section, ‘Emi naa Dolomo’ which means ‘I have become a mother’

The actress also proclaimed that no more barrenness, miscarriage and no more delay in marriage would be witnessed.

Read more here: http://www.opecareemblog.com/2017/06/hallelujah-challenge-funke-akindele.html#more

adewumiopeyemi:
yeah,,, u are right.. bh how mch is the pay....and can i also apply also to have the certificate
hw can i do that

According to d site after d training u will b certified.
By d way who d pay epp?

adewumiopeyemi:
hw far ope./....u won leave zain

Nope. I need the certificate. Script writing is just for 3 months se? That's what I applied for. I write a lot but I believe having a certificate in writing will also be an added advantage...don't you think...
Abinibi and ability

Donpuffy:
The program is for everyone

N-power knowledge and N-power build are meant for you and others lower degree holders

Only N-power teacher corps requires NYSC certificate

I applied for n power Creative under knowledge...n I DID upload my CV, Passport, B.Sc cert and NYSC call up number.

From what I gathered, everyone that applied for n-creative only got 1 Congratulatory msg for signing up. No reference number....m I right?

From what I gathered, everyone that applied for n-creative only got 1 Congratulatory msg for signing up. No reference number....m I right?

Pls has anyone applied for n-creative and got the congratulatory message waiting for email like me?
They only sent my log in details to my mail.

As a good CSR, you need to be calm, patient, compassionate and talk to people with respect.
May I know if "we" are aware that some people are monitoring this thread?
I will STRONGLY suggest that we watch what we type here.
Where is your FAITH?
You have done your part...why don't you let God do HIS.
Don't be in a hurry rather keep praying.
EMTS knows what they are doing.
God bless you all. @opecareem

God is able
Guess what! BUDDY INVITE just rolled in.

Patience

Team Thursday 14th 2016.

#KeepHopeAlive

His name is Patrick and he is the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger..that muscled man...hehe the lovebirds shared passionate kiss.....during Hawaii Beach getaway...Miley and Patrick have been dating for 3months now..cute guy *winks* noHomo.good for them! Continue here to see more photos

http://www.opecareemblog.com/2015/01/miley-cyrus-arnold-schwarzeneggers-son.html?m=1

Saudi king Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died at the age of 90. He had been in hospital for several weeks reportedly suffering from pneumonia. Saudi state television cut to the recitation of Koranic verses, which often signifies the death of a senior royal.

Saudi state television cut to the recitation of Koranic verses, which often signifies the death of a senior royal. Abdullah had ruled Saudi Arabia as king since 2005, but had run the country as de facto regent for a decade before that after his predecessor King Fahd suffered a debilitating stroke.

Abdullah's brother and crown prince, Salman, was declared the new king, according to a statement attributed to Salman. "His Highness Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and all members of the family and the nation mourn the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who passed away at exactly 1:00am this morning," the statement said. A royal court statement said the late monarch will be buried later on Friday following afternoon prayers.

Source: http://www.opecareemblog.com/2015/01/saudi-arabias-king-abdullah-dies-aged.html?m=1

Yesterday, a post went viral online about Top Ten Sexiest
Yoruba Actresses and it generated lot of controversies...hmmmm well, Opecareem took his time to ask for people's opinion via BBM, Twitter and Facebook and at the end of the day he came up with this super Ten List...

First, it depends on your own definition of 'SEXINESS'....according to their fans, some are termed SEXY cos of their body shape, intellect, dress sense, acting prowess, selling point, voices and duration of stay in the industry.

What is the real definition of 'Sexiness'?
If you judge solely by our culture’s mainstream media outlets – television, movies, magazines, etc. – you would think we all define “sexy” in the same way: super skinny bodies, pouty lips, and over-exaggerated “come hither” looks.

•SEXY: Sexy is a state of being sexually attractive by either outlook, actions or behaviour. One can be sexy in the way they dress up, talk, walk, dance or pose for photographs. The term is used more for the female gender than the male gender.

1. Jaiye Kuti
Jaiye Kuti is an actress, who has been visible in series and soaps on TV stations in Nigeria. The mother of two hails from Yewa North Local Government, Ayetoro Ogun State. She is Super Sexy, when you are on TV and its Jaiye Kuti, Her open teeth will make you wanna...........congrats ma!
•Highlight: To many in the Nigerian film industry, aka Nollywood, Jaiye Kuti is not a new name. She is one woman who has paid her dues in the industry. Jaiye Oluwakemi Kuti (not a relation of the Ransome Kuti family) joined the make-believe profession some years back, and has made a name in it. Born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Kuti in South West Nigeria, Jaiye, a native of Ayetoro in Ogun State, knew what exactly she wanted even though she had began life as a Personal Assistant to the chief executive of a company. But she couldn’t remain on that seat for long, as she soon switched over to the “location and action” profession. And years down the road, Jaiye declares: “I don’t have regrets.” This woman's sexiness can not be over emphasised.

2. Tope Osoba
Her Royal Sexiness as I like to call her, Tope Osoba, a graduate of Business Education from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) , came into nollywood in 2005.
The sensational and dazzling diva Since her arrival on the scene a few years ago has dazzled in hit flicks like Igboro Ti Daru produced by late Bisi Komolafe, Gucci Girls by Mercy Aigbe, Oga Sailor by Lola His Grace, Arinzo from the stable of Iyabo Ojo and many more. Her calmly look and sexy voice and her b**bs would make you want to have her bb pin...and do wat? *lols*

3. Biodun Okeowo
Popularly known as Omo Butty, Abiodun Okeowo's *hips* is exceptionally different from all other hips in the industry, she shares hips with the likes of Mercy Johnson, Toolz and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. Tolani Osirin is soft spoken and smiles like that of an angel.

4. Mide Funmi Martins Abiodun
Mide Funmi Martins is a daughter of Late Funmi Martins. Funmi Martins was one of the few Yoruba actresses that brings about glamour changes into the Yoruba Movie industry. Her contributions and achievements could not be measured. Since death took her away, the daughter Mide martins has been doing perfectly well and become a top movie star which many Yoruba movies lovers have described as the return of her mother. Mide is Married to Afeez Abiodun and thay are blessed with kids. Mide is sexy no doubt about that, her ability to interpret roles very well distinguishes her from her fellow actresses. After those cute children, mide is stil super sexy!

5. Liz Aisha-Anjorin
The recently turned to muslim actress, Liz Anjorin now Aisha Anjorin is the perfect description of sexiness, there is this thing about her that makes viewers want to stay glued to their screen. Her slim shaddy and straight body is no doubt exceptional.

6. Toyin Aimakhu- Johnson
The Alakada Star and the one and only Mrs Johnson also made the list. You can not talk about sexiness and swags in nollywood in general without mentioning the OOU graduate. You really do not wanna see her play sexy roles in movies....

7. Doris Simeon
Blessed with an enviable stature, the mother of one can be considered as a sexy amazon in the Yoruba movie industry. Doris hasn’t changed much in terms of her looks, light- skinned body and slim fit with a flat tummy. In the July 2013 edition of Reel E magazine , she flaunted her sexy body for the cameras. Doris clads in a blue risqué lace lingerie, a sheer black polka dot shirt and dark shades that makes her radiate like the fragrance from a flower.

8. Mercy Aigbe
She is one of the most recognizable female beauties in the Yoruba movie industry. The Niger Delta actress who thrilled fans with her movie, OSAS has continued to stay true to her skin type and beauty regime. Her fashion appeal and unblemished skin makes her a potential run away model if height were not an issue.

9. Allwell Ademola Apeke
She is Big, Bold and sexy...she is one of the few actresses who has proved herself to be extremely different and maintain high quality of dress sense. There are two things this Nigerian actress, scriptwriter and movie producer, Allwell Ademola is very passionate about and they are movies and music, she sings like an angel. Allwell wore some bad ass costume in her coming Adada movie...Big and *segzy*

10. My number ten list consist of actresses also with high nominations. You can not talk about sexiness in the yoruba movie industry and put aside my number ten fabulous divas, these set of damsels are WOW!!!!
Ayo Adesanya (her big sexy eye balls 'yeeepa' I kinda love the way she roll them sexy balls) Anuoluwapo Sosanya, Oluwaseyi Edun, Liz Da-silva, Idowu Philips, Mercy Aigbe, Unforgivable Dayo Amusa, Mestura Asunramu, Bukky wright, Fadekemi Momoh, Funke Akindele, Ireti Osayemi, Biola Adebayo, Sola and Bidemi Kosoko, Iyabo Ojo, Regina Chukwu, Kate Adepate, Habibat Jinad,

A Big Thank You To Alliowe Fateema For Her Immense Contribution To The Success of This List.

You have comments and contributions? What are you waiting for keep them coming!

If this news is anything to go by, then I think this is surely a happy moment for the Nollywood Star Actress Funke Akindele. According to our olofofos, Funke Akindele has found love again after a tumultuous first marriage which recently crashed.

Funke’ secret love for an aide to former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has been revealed. Jenifer is said to be deeply in love with the new found lover.
According to our sources, Funke Akindele went extra mile recently by procuring a Honda car for the lucky Bode, who was though an aide to former governor, but not as rich to have procured a car for himself. The love for Bode has totally overwhelmed Funke as she is so in fun and proud of the new found love.
If Funke is richer than Bode as reported by our source, definitely, the star actress must have learnt how to love and love indeed having suffered a setback in his first marriage to a ready-made rich polygamous man.
Once beaten, twice shy.

Note: OCB is still trying to confirm *how factual the gist is* from Funke Akindele, trust me once I get through to her, I would let you know.
More Mad Hot Gist @ www.opecarreem.com

This is hilarious!!! Geneveive Nnaji has threaten to slap EME singer, Skales If he mentions her name in his lyrics again.

EME rapper, Skales probably never saw this coming. Well incase you didn’t know Skales in a song titled “no time” said that genevieve was top on his list and he wants to give her the D, but now Skales might get the ‘S’.
The far from happy star actress issued a statement, and I quote:

“Can you imagine that boy telling me he wants to give me the D ..what does he know, is the D sef? ..that is by the way..the next time i hear him mention my name in his lyrics again, I’m gonna give him a dirty slap, he’ll never forget..what sort of nonsense, am I his mate? how much does he have?”

Banky W was contacted but all he could say was “I told Skales..upcoming artist don’t mention her name in songs…now we have to go and beg all together….Wizkid is already buying her gifts..we cant spoil EME’s name, A slap on Skales is a slap on the whole family”

More of Gist like this when you visit www.opecareem.com

A publicist for May D says the Pop singer acquired this house (pictured right) for N150m
I can’t really say what I felt when I got the mail in my box–Pictures: Mister May D buys N150 million mansion in Magodo. I was simply dumbfounded.
Now, I have no issues with anyone buying a house or a car or whatever appeals to their vanity. I don’t care. Do I really need to?

But this particular mail got to me. I’ve lived with ignoring it for a week now but somehow this morning while scrolling through my inbox, I stumbled on it again and started writing this piece.
Everyone has heard of May D by now; at least every music buff has heard or noticed him by now. He is a talented artiste. We recognise that and have given him his place for it. But why he and whoever is his PR person would decide to sell us this crap baffles me.

A piece of the mail (unedited) reads:
“There seems to be every reason for this promising Nigerian musician to actually be high as things are falling into place for him in quick succession, Mayokun Awodunmila popularly known as May D who recently returned from his trip to United States of America…

The Ekiti State born music sensation also recently, moved into his new 6-bedroom duplex in Magodo Phase II GRA.”
Then, four pictures– one of a side part of the house with a back view of May D’s unregistered Mercedes; one with the front view of the Mercedes; one, of May D himself under some studio lights and one of a white generator. And that amounted to N150 million! Yes, we know that artistes make good money these days and May D is not an exception.
Though he is not squatting in anyone’s house, he is at best a tenant in a two or three bedroom apartment and that’s all!
The ‘high’ in the second line could only point to the amount of ‘igbo’ they smoked to come up with a puerile yarn like this.

May D has not yet made enough money to buy a house of N150 million. Even if he somehow has N150 million, would he spend it on a house and starve inside it?
If, also, he actually bought a N150 million house, he would have a ‘confam’ way of telling us; not with four inconclusive images.
Why he would want to get into trouble with his landlord by claiming the house is anyone’s guess but it is downright stupid and even criminal.
The email that is fraught with spurious innuendos and grammatical disagreements was virtually only talking about new music but why they have to go into real estate hyperbolism to do that bothers me.

If that was all his PR crew came up with then he is with a crew that is greatly handicapped both in ideas and abilities. This is one of the saddest parts of an artiste’s career in this country– moving with a wrong crew.
The Social Media has proliferated and liberalised the dissemination of information to the extent that ‘Bedroom Reporting’ is now a full-fledged genre. Bloggers and website attendants immediately grabbed the email and pasted on their pages with absolutely no form or inquiry, investigation or fact checking in their rush to generate traffic.
I’ve even seen it on some papers and this is really sad.
That’s how artistes would want to control the media by feeding them crap about themselves and when the media begins to associate them with it and the public buys into, they’d start complaining.

A typical example is the great Michael Jackson. The late King of Pop claimed he bought the ‘Elephant Man’s bones, slept in oxygen chambers, adopted a chimpanzee, Bubbles, who slept in his bed and so on. Yet, when the press named him ‘Wacko Jacko’, he became sad.
A popular OAP recently complained that most of the artistes that were literally begging for airtime and exposure earlier in their careers are now very unwilling to appear on the same shows that featured them on their way up. They instead prefer to sell us crap news to report.

I have also experienced a situation that an artiste I have supported since the beginning of the career refused to respond to an interview I sent via email claiming it was too opinionated which made me wonder if an interview wasn’t meant to get the opinion of the interviewee in the first place.
Wande Coalwas mostly running away from the media but when naked pictures of him surfaced, he called a Press Conference.
Davidohas been busy planting pictures and stories of himself and different naked and semi-naked womenfor cheap and notorious publicity not knowing that the persona he has created today will not die tomorrow.
Celebrities only want good things to be written about them and if you are not doing that, you become their enemy.
However, information is power and the press is in authority to deliver this and therefore owes the public the responsibility of telling the truth.
The media owes the world the responsibility of rising above board and reporting truthful, meaningful and accurate news.
An egocentric celebrity and an irresponsible media are dangerous to society.

By Chilee Agunanna
More Mad Hot Gist @ www.opecareem.com

The Malta Dance all season 7 is over. It started with 10 families who underwent rigorous and stressful training under different teachers who are masters in their own fields of dance.

The theme of the season was the evolution, and sticking to the theme of the show, the families took us through the evolution of dance. As the competition became tougher, families who were not equal to the task got evicted and the 10 families came down to 5.

The grand finale was held today, and the 5 families entertained us with two different dance styles. And they were left in the hands of the viewers to vote their winner.

Then the moment came for the winner to be announced! The moment of truth!The Ibrahim family came 5th, the Ikumoinein family came 4th, the Ebute Family came 3rd, the Enweribe family came 2nd.
And the winner was the Briggs family! They went home with 6 million naira and a brand new car.

Moe Juicy Gist @ www.opecareem.com

Four elements contribute to the success of a movie at the box-office. They include good script, experienced director, professional publicist, and most importantly, the big name stars.

Of all the four, there is one a producer should never violate at the market place and that is the ‘star’ aspect of it. There could be a bad script, inexperienced director and not too good publicity for the movie but it is almost impossible to have Return On Investment (ROI) with un-bankable stars.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde:
On the list is Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde with box-office gross of N60 million. She made N24 million with Last Flight to Abuja, N6 million from Private Storm and her N30 million share in Ije bring her total earning to N60 million.

This year alone, no actress has made as much as N24 million from a single movie; Funke Akindele would have done so with The Return of Jenifa but the movie hit the box office in 2011.
Omotola, who was reported to have been paid N5 million by Tarila Thompson all in the bid to make his movie a blockbuster, has been described as the biggest box office actress of 2012. She recorded successes back to back but it remains to be seen if she can pull off the box office magic again with Amina and other movies coming in 2013.
Omotola has been an A-list actress even before Genevieve got her first big break and so what has been working for her is the wise investment in her brand. Her enduring presence and unceasing contact with her fans via the social media has made her popular even in an environment where a mother of four like her is not fashionable.

Genevieve Nnaji:
Next is Genevieve Nnaji. Love or hate her, Genny as she is fondly called, has a way with cinema audiences that make them come back again and again for her movies.
So far, Genevieve’s starring in the movies has grossed over N83 million at the box office. Mirror Boy (described by the actress as her first major film and the first to put her at the box-office) made N18 million, while Ije netted N60 million turning out to be Nigeria’s highest grossing movie ever. But Genevieve had to share the money with Omotola, who also acted alongside her. If the sharing formula is 50-50, then Genevieve gets N30 million of the total gross.
Genevieve’s next movie, Tango with Me went on to make N35 million. So, putting all the figures together, Genny remains at the head of the pack. What seem to be working for Genevieve are her enduring power, popularity and social media connection. The actress has been there for over a decade and is still waxing stronger. Her wine seems to taste better with age.
Another plus for Genny is her popularity. Genevieve is hugely popular across Africa and most especially among the youths. Before now, she has been very active on the social media especially Twitter. She even had to put up a Facebook advert after reports emerged that some acts were ahead of her there.

Funke Akindele:
Surprisingly, the third person on the list is Funke Akindele, a young lady who rose to fame in I Need To Know, a TV series, and went on to earn a monstrous fame with Jenifa.
Funke is an unlikely candidate on this list. Now, how can one explain that she is third on a list parading heavy weights like Omoni Oboli, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Stephanie Okereke among others?
So far, Funke has made over N56 million, netting over N20 million in 2012 alone. In The Return of Jenifa, Funke netted N35 million. The movie ran till February 2012. Her movie, Married but Living Single made N9.9 million while Maami made N11 million. The actress is on her way to another cinema glory with a movie, A Wish. Let’s hope she will be able to wave the magical wand again and create a box-office success.
For Funke who recently got married but ooooops, the plus factor for her is her huge popularity among the masses and elites. Her movie, Jenifa cuts across all social groups with the street parlance in it becoming the mode of communication in social gathering. And as an icing on the cake, Funke has moved upscale, she is now the toast of events organized by the rich and not so rich. Her box office credibility transcends the cinema as all DVDs parading her face turn into gold.

Continue the list here: http://www.opecareem.com/2013/09/meet-richest-and-most-powerful-babes-in.html?spref=tw&m=1

Do you think its a campaign strategy? Well his blog url is www.atiku.org
Read his message on his blog below:

ATIKU
My Thoughts & Opinions
I will never stop fighting for democracy. Here is why…
On the night of April 19, 2007, I sat with the head of my media team in a long conversation over dinner. It was a light-hearted conversation about many things: family, religion, and history. We joked about a recent visit by a friend, and the recent pranks by his youngest child. Everything but politics.
This might sound strange because that was two nights before the 2007 Presidential Elections, and we were about to lose. It was my first, and only, run in a general election for president, and I knew it would be a heavy loss.
Two weeks prior to that evening, two state governors had visited my home to beg me to step aside. There had been rumours the results of the yet-to-be-held elections had already been tabulated and sent to INEC. In their thinking, they felt a need to warn me, for old times sake, not to go into an election in which the outcome may already have been concluded, and which may embarrass me to the point of destroying my political career.
I told them I had heard them and understood. The next morning, I told my team to ramp up activity on the campaign effort. We were still running.
Why did I continue in an election that I knew clearly I was about to lose?
Over the preceding four years – at great risk to my own political future – I had engaged in a long, tough battle to maintain the viability of our young democracy by preserving the presidential term limits prescribed by the constitution.
The issues that led to these battles were rooted in principle. The key element was, that after a productive first term as Vice President, I was faced with a fundamental question of loyalty: should I remain loyal to my boss and party, or should I remain loyal to our constitution and democracy?
The tough, correct choice – our constitution – was the path I chose. And in doing so, I shunned an offer that could have kept me in high office for a potentially long period of time. After struggling for decades along side many other brave patriots to enshrine democracy and wrestle power away from military rule, the choice to defend our democracy was non-negotiable.
At the time I believed the people of Nigeria would see this as a battle to save the soul of the country, and would judge me fairly. What I did not see coming was one of the best-executed smear campaigns aimed at tarnishing everything I had legitimately worked to achieve in our struggle for democracy.
The aggrieved power-mongers threw every contrived accusation they could at me, from the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), to the National Council of Privatisation (NCP) committee. And despite constant and total vindication at every turn by our courts, in the end battles are won and lost in the court of public opinion. And despite zero evidence or guilt, these opponents of democracy remain unyielding in their attempts to smear my hard-earned reputation.
It never mattered that I had a history of business success prior to entering politics. It never mattered that from the moment I bought my mother a home as a 14-year-old boy, I was running various businesses to provide for my family.
It never mattered that as a customs official, I maintained one of the best ever records of returns to government, and always beat my revenue targets. You do not do that by ‘taking’. Further, during the so-called “53 suitcases” saga during the 80s, it was my record of service that saved my job. In the face of intimidation by a ruthless military government, I did my job, without fear or favour. After leaving customs, I used my knowledge and drive to build a very successful string of business ventures.
It never mattered that my asset declaration forms filed prior to entering office showed my successful business record of creating jobs and opportunity in Nigeria.
What mattered was I was wealthy, and after the smear-campaign and various frivolous charges leveled at me by the aggrieved power-mongers, public opinion ruled against me.
But that’s politics. You need thick skin to survive. But, more importantly, in life, you must keep your soul intact. After decades of standing on principle and truth, I may be bloodied and calloused, but I am still upright and still willing to fight for our democracy and a better Nigeria – with all of my soul.
So there I was, orphaned from the political party I helped start, hounded by the very people I helped bring into government, hunted by the EFCC I helped establish with startup funding, after having been merely a shell agency when it was initially set up. Yet, in the end, the EFCC proved not one case against me.
Because in the end, all the charges brought against me had nothing to do with any actual crimes and everything to do with punishing me for standing on democratic principles. The entire smear-campaign was about preventing one man from contesting an election – something constitutionally permissible for a citizen of the Federal Republic.
At that point I knew if I did not run in that election, all those battles over the years would be lost. People in the future could potentially be banned from contesting elections because petty personal vendettas outweigh legitimate court rulings.
I also ran because, win or lose, I would have given a gift of legitimacy to our democracy, even if I was not going to enjoy the results.
So the next morning, I went out, voted, went home and waited for my loss as expected. I knew that while I was going to lose a battle, I had won the war – a war to preserve the sanctity of our democratic process.
Am I a perfect? No, far from it. After all, I emerged from the same imperfect system we all came from. But life has been kind. As a child I was an orphan, but Nigeria gave me an education and blessed me with opportunity to succeed.
I have been given a chance to give back, a chance to fight on the right side for the rule of law, for the entrenchment of democracy, and blunting impunity.
We are all products of our history. Mine was formed in the spring of 1995, when our dictator, General Sani Abacha, sentenced my mentor Shehu Musa Yar’Adua to death and former boss Olusegun Obasanjo to life in prison in sham trials.
And Abacha went so far as to send a hit squad to open fire on my family and me at our home in Kaduna.That was the very night I vowed that when we defeated this military junta, I would never allow another despot sit and rule over the people of Nigeria.
This gift of life and of dreams is why I stay in the fight for justice, in the hope it will eventually bring the kind of government Nigeria truly deserves. This is what democracy means to me – freedom, opportunity and dignity for all Nigerians.

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Cheeky: The ladies would entertain fans before kick-off

In a bid to raise the number of people who attend home games, a football club in Switzerland FC Luzern is employing strippers to entertain the crowd during the half time break.

According to OCB the idea was raised by the club ownerBernard Alpstaegwho wants the ladies to remove their clothes and dance before the match and during half time.
‘We are doing well this season and we have a great team, but we want to be even more attractive. I want a show before kick-off. I want scantily clad strippers and sexy dancers to entertain fans before the game. The stadium would be full – that’s guaranteed!’said the club owner.
The proposal has been sent to the Swiss FA to get their final clearance.

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Mr Feyi Agagu, the first son of the late Olusegun Agagu, a former governor of Ondo State, on Saturday said his father was hypertensive and diabetic.

The elder Agagu, who returned from United States on Thursday, reportedly slumped in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he was having a meeting with Ondo indigenes on Friday evening.
“He just had a medical examination, which showed that he had a little cholesterol, and was hypertensive.

“There is diabetics in our family, but it’s nothing major; it was just something he had been dealing with for the past 10 to 15 years. So, there was no inkling that something was about to happen,” Agagu said.

According to him, his mum has lost her best friend and her husband. He confirmed that his father passed away in Lagos on his way to St Nicholas Hospital.
He added that his father had the usual illness that comes with age, “so there was no stand out cause for his passing”.
“He lived a simple but a fulfilled and happy life. He left amazing memories and fantastic legacies behind.
“I will miss the friendship, I will miss the advice; he was pretty much anything any wife, son or daughter could ask for in a father.

“He was a mentor to many, a brother, a benefactor; I’m sure a lot of people will miss him,” he said.
Mr. Agagu said the family had just returned for their annual two and a half weeks family vacation and during that time his father showed no sign of illness.
“I guess when it’s time to go, when your maker comes to get you, when he brought you, he did not ask anybody, so he can take you when he sees fit,” he said.
He said that arrangements for the burial were yet to be made.

In his response to the development, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former Governor of Osun State, said he was “grieved”.
“We met in politics and he remained a very nice senior colleague and when he came back two days ago, we talked about a meeting tonight,” Mr. Oyinlola said on Saturday.
He said that he would miss everything about his late colleague, who was the perfect gentleman, who always cared for the welfare of others.

“I asked him if he would be coming to Ibadan and he answered no, he then invited me to meet on Saturday in Lagos, unfortunately that was not to be,” he said.
Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, described the late Agagu as an unassuming, brilliant and hardworking governor, who served the nation meritoriously.
Source:NAN

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Am not sayn dey can't hangout oooo, I said dey look cute togeda n dey r gettn closer by day....just saying

BET Award winner Iceprince was spotted with RIRI...Rita Dominic...remember her interview on The Juice with Toolz

The photo was taken yesterday in New York when Rita was about to leave....
So,Rita Dominic and Ice Prince seem so close that they pray together.

Wait o, Ope is not saying they are dating oooo lol, but hey! Don't they look adorable 2geda? It would be recalled that Iceprince once dated Ghanian divalicious beauty queen Yvonne Nelson (have ur mercy *inIyanya'sVoice*).....Una like amebo kai!

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Nollywood Actress Empress Njamah had an exclusive interview with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo of Punch about her fashion and style. She had 285 shoes and gave out 85 with 200 left. She also said there was a time she bought a perfume for N300,000.

From the interview:
I was able to give out 85 pairs of shoes to orphanages in Abuja and Lagos. I was left with more than 200. You would feel you have given out enough but at the end of the day, when you go back and count, you will find out that they are still there.
On her love for perfume
I am a perfume person. I have bought a perfume that is worth over N300, 000. I have over 200 bottles. It is either you are into something or you are not. It doesn’t mean that there is no cheaper perfume that smells better than that one, but it is something you like and you want to pick it.
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Mister Gabon . Williams , came in second, while Mister Ghana Guiseppe Nkansah placed third.
The excited winner of the second edition of the search says feels great and happy to have won the title and he is already looking forward to working with various organisations and being part of a new generation of young adults that want to make a difference in the world. The keenly contested finale started with a non-scoring round in traditional wear. The top 12 competed in swim wear, evening wear as well as answering questions from the judges. The judges selected the top 5: Ghana , Gabon, Sierra Leone , The Gambia and Botswana. Based on the answer to the question and performance in the previous rounds, the judges adjudged Jaydon as the most capable. The special award of the night went to Mr Gabon.
As winner of Mister Africa International 2013 , Jaydon will work with the YoungCEOs network to raise money for small scale businesses in Africa and with the help of his runner ups , promote education and tourism in thecontinent. The founder of the competition, Ayotunde 'Twitch' Fabamwo says ' the Mister Africa International is committed to empowering young Africans , we are not selling a dream , we are building a future with the help of our contestants and we believe that the Mister Africa International will benefit the continent immensely and move us all a step closer to the Africa we want to see'.
Jaydon Anderson
Excerpts.....Opecareem:
Whao congratulations. So what was going through your mind seconds before they called your name as the winner?
Jaydon:
I was very nervous, although it was so close it still felt far away and the lady who announced it made it feel like forever building the suspense.
Opecareem:
You walked straight down the runway immediately your name was called out, without your sash placed on you. how did it feel when you were called as winner ?
Jaydon:
It was a dream come true and I just felt so thankful I still am.
Opecareem:
Did you ever have it at the back of your mind that you would ever win this ?
Jaydon:
To tell the truth no. The other guys I was competing against we're all greatcontenders. I'm a big believer in Law of Attraction, I just kept visualising myself winning and I did.
Mister Africa Int'l and Ayotunde TwitchOpecareem:
What made you want to compete in male pageantry ? rather than the usualfitness shows that guys go for ?
I believe people look up to you more through pageantry. Jaydon:
They realise I'm not just a man with a good body I have morals, beliefs and a brain.
Opecareem:
Now you mentioned to me earlier that you wanted the platform to change lives , whats the plan now that you are Mister Africa International ?
Jaydon:
i intend to reach out to them and teach them that there is more to life than drugs, alcohol and living a gangster life style. I believe that showing them how to stay fit, healthy and active will give them a healthy mind.
Opecareem:
How has your life changed since you have won ?
Jaydon:
No, I pride myself on being a down to earth friendly guy. Winning has allows me to start making a difference to children's lives and has given mea voice.
Opecareem:
Whao , now lets talk about your pictures , they are very steamy! how do you handle all the attention from the ladies ? and just before you became mister Africa international , what were you into or still into ?
Jaydon:
I stay professional and polite. It does help keep me confident too. I was and still am modelling. I was lucky enough to win a £20,000 modelling competition through being crowned Mister Africa International. I will also to continue doing the things that help me relax.
Opecareem:
What's the one advice you have for someone else out there, in one of those countries hoping to be in your shoes one day ?
Jaydon:
Set yourself little goals in order to reach the big ones and practice the Lawof Attraction. Visualise yourself reaching that goal and you will.
Opecareem:
What are your hobbies ?
Jaydon:
I like keeping fit, I'm in the gym 5days a week. Cooking, reading and educating others.
Opecareem:
So after you are done with Mister Africa International , what next ?
Jaydon:
I will do what ever needs doing in order to keep my daughter feed and clothed but I'm hoping winning Mister Africa International will open many new doors for me.
To stay up to date on Mr Botswana's reign please follow him on twitter and Instagram @MisterAfricaInt
He's got some mad hot pictures I can't post here, see more of his hot pics here, 18+ abeg o:
http://www.opecareem.com/2013/09/exclusive-interview-with-jaydon.html?m=1

The Nigerian movie industry otherwise known as Nollywood is poised for a showdown as the Association of Nollywood Core Producers,ANCOP, has petitioned EFCC and SFU over the N50 million largesse donated by Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State to support the industry.

The association is alleging massive fraud in the disbursement of the fund. It has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) to investigate the matter.



According to a copy of the petition made available to HVP, signed by the association’s President, Comrade Alex Eyengho, the group is asking the agencies to invite the National President of the Association of Movie Producers, AMP, Zik Zulu Okafor, the National President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, DGN, Andy Amenechi; the Secretary General of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Yakubu Abubakar and actress Stephanie Okereke- Linus Idahosa for obtaining the fund and disbursing it without the consent of the industry’s stakeholders.

Part of the petition dated August 19, 2013 and addressed jointly to the EFCC and SFU, read thus:

“On June 15, 2013, news broke out that some Nollywood stakeholders under the auspices of a non-existent ‘Guild of Nollywood Stars’ visited Governor Akpabio in his office in Uyo for the purpose of collecting the N50 million pledge to Nollywood.

“The Governor presented to the visitors a prototype post-dated (25-06- 2013) Zenith bank cheque number 00063639 with Akwa Ibom State Government as the account name, issued in favour of Guild of Nollywood Stars. “We also gathered that the Governor, in his usual generosity, gave each of the visitors N500, 000 cash. “Expectedly, the massive publicity given to the entire episode by the press generated heated debates. In fact, it polarised the industry till today.

“Suspecting fraud, ANCOP immediately raised the red flag when it queried the use of a non-existent ‘Guild of Nollywood Stars’ to access the N50 million pledge, by those who visited Governor Akpabio.

“We are demanding that you immediately commence a full-blown investigation into the alleged fraudent act over the N50 million Governor Akpabio gave to Nollywood to carry out a specific task but now domiciled in the account of one of the the over 30 associations and guilds in Nollywood…Sir, anything short of this is an invitation to anarchy in Nollywood.”
http://www.opecareem.com/2013/09/stephanie-okereke-in-big-messover.html?m=1