₦airaland Forum

[size=13pt]I CAN ONLY SEE A FEW 'MUMUS'.

[url]Ref:http://www.lindaikeji..com/2013/08/the-principle-of-mumuism-as-practiced.html[/url]

Well I came across this debate between Lagbaja and Okey Ndibe (see link above) bordering on Lagbaja's 200 million mumu song. It turns out that both men are in agreement that Nigerians are indeed mumus, sighting our collective failures as a nation.

Who is a Mumu? By my own definition, a mumu is a ‘bloody fool’, end of story.

Lagbaja's response was an epistle while Okey's initial article was 'just there’, same old social crusading story.

I first heard Lagbaja's 200 million mumu song many months ago and I found it very disappointing. I dislike Nigerian celebrity hypocracy; where someone decides to use his/her star power to castigate Nigerian society while somewhat overlooking their own core individual faults.

Fela was a great music legend no doubt; he criticized government immorality and everything that was wrong with Nigeria. But at the end of the day Fela himself lived a lewd life, used drugs, kept multiple sex partners and died of AIDS. Fela in many of his songs attacked personalities like Obasanjo, Buhari and Yaradua; but if asked to choose, which of these personalities would you rather leave your children with? Fela?

The other day my sister Stella Damascus made a soul inspiring video speech against Nigerian senators and the child marriage controversy. Stella’s views were on point but on the other hand, here's a lady that is ‘allegedly’ a bona fide husband snatcher...go ask Doris Simeon.

I am of the view that Nigerians are too hard on themselves, we overlook our very good traits and dwell too much on the negatives. Few years ago (even till this day) I was bombarded with by the giant strides made by our neighbour Ghana. Nigerian journalists (like Okey Ndibe) were probably the ones singing “Ghana this, Ghana that” ...So tey, I vex packed my load and went for a Ghana vacation, starting with Accra. Lo and behold Accra, the capital city and pride of Ghana, in my own opinion is just a cleaner and more functional version of Ikeja district in Lagos state.

Accra is not even on the same level with Lagos marina, Victoria Island and I'm not even mentioning Abuja. In Accra I saw Nigerian banks everywhere, the only modern cinema in the entire country is owned by a Nigerian. Yet, in many discussions about developmental strides you hear Nigerian commentators singing Ghana’s praises and castigating their own nation. I tire for my people o.

We Nigerians are too quick to belittle ourselves even in the presence of foreigners and when they disrespect us, we start complaining. The United Kingdom government has recently informed us that from November Nigerian travellers will deposit a £3,000 bond before being granted a UK visa. How many Nigerian social crusaders have suggested to our government that perhaps it’s time Nigeria exits the Commonwealth group?

Back to Lagbaja, since the ‘200 million mumu song’ has re-emerged in my consciousness thanks to Linda Ikeji’s blog, I'd like to state here categorically that Nigerians are NOT in anyway mumus. Yes, we ‘dey dull’ in certain areas and we also have a very sick political leadership in both ruling and opposition camps but which nation doesn’t?

As a political scientist (and I have my 2.2 degree to show for it), I dare say that in every modern human society including the advanced western world, the concept of 'government' has always been used to hoodwink the populace.
For example in the almighty USA, an American president once accused another sovereign middle-eastern President of possessing weapons of mass destruction. Based on that assumption, America went to war, lost thousands of American soldiers, countless civilians and yet no weapon of mass destruction was ever found. Are Americans 350 million mumus too? Are American soldiers currently in Afghanistan also mumus? Your opinion is as good as mine.

I once watched an international news documentary on the Congo DRC war where countless bands of rebels and militants have taken over resource rich zones mostly in the Eastern Congo region. When asked why he was fighting, a Congolese rebel leader responded by saying, "The corrupt government in Kinshasa has taken us for fools for too long; we are fighting to free our country."

How do the likes of Lagbaja and Okey-Ndibe propose that Nigerians rid themselves of their so-called mumuism? Take up arms and march to Abuja? Kill all our civilian leaders? Adopt the Egyptian style and beg for military rule? Or perhaps there's no hope,let all Nigerians join Boko Haram and lets blow ourselves up.

Seriously, what are our options?

As far as I’m concerned most Nigerians have already chosen the best option. The option of constantly striving to be the best at what we do individually while looking forward to democratic elections as a platform for leadership change.

I’d like Lagbaja and Okey Ndibe to note that members of this 200 million mumu Nigerians are the small, medium and large scale business men and women pushing this country forward in their own big and little ways. From these 200 million mumus, we also have inspirational youths that are constantly developing progressive ideas and life changing web applications. We have our ‘mumu’ entertainers,professionals, sports men and women doing Nigeria proud in their respective fields.

Above all, we have this one ultimate mumu, a Nigerian CEO of a Nigerian telecommunications firm that agreed to pay this same Lagbaja millions of Naira to become a brand ambassador. The mumu masquerade collected the money too.

As far as I’m concerned the only difference between Nigeria and other advanced nations is that while most western nations have used excellent infrastructures to distract their citizens from observing government corruption, our Nigerian leaders have not done same and as such ‘we don see them finish’.
[/size]

[size=13pt]P-SQUARE’S 'PERSONALLY' TOPS ONE MILLION YOUTUBE VIEWS IN 4 WEEKS.

Nigeria's hip hop sensation Psquare have scored another music milestone, by African standards.

Psquare's new music video ‘Personally’ has just exceeded over one million views on YouTube’s VEVO roughly 4 weeks after it was first posted. It is important to note that the video would have achieved this feat much earlier but for a minor error.

YouTube-Vevo had initially uploaded an incomplete version of Psquare’s ‘Personally’ which attracted over two hundred thousand views in its first three days but the video had to be deleted and a new complete version uploaded. Psquare's personally ended up losing over 200,000 views. But here they are now, four weeks later.

Well done guys.[/size]

[size=13pt]"Is it not disgraceful that in the Islamic republic of Iran for example, over 55% of their university undergraduates are women but in ‘Islamic’ core Northern Nigeria illiteracy is the order of the day among both sexes? And the best majority of their (male) senators can fight for is the perverted right to marry children."[/size]

[size=13pt]A MAD PROFESSOR, A DICTATOR’S DAUGHTER AND A HIPPOPOTAMUS.

Politics is like a sewer, there’s no way one will enter a suck away and not come out smelling like 'faeces’, even though your mission was to clean it up.
Professor Wole Soyinka for many years has always been a rebel ‘with or without’ a cause. In his younger days he sided with the separatist Biafra government; and ever since became a renowned federal government critic, but was briefly tamed by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.

At the ripe old age of 79, the professor is still ‘vocally’ active in Nigerian politics with the same routine of siding with the opposition and condemning the ruling party. Many times, social critics like Professor Soyinka ‘subconsciously’ ignore the fact that even within Nigeria's opposition ruling class, there exists a very dangerous kleptomaniac elitist leadership that have successfully hoodwinked their followers using intense ethnic solidarity, media prowness,a pinch of religion and a very convincing vilifying machinery against the ruling party. But this is POLITICS, it’s allowed.

Nigeria’s River State has now become a boiling polarized society which cumulated into a show of shame by elected representatives in the state house of assembly. Apparently, many have traced the origin of Rivers state crisis to a yet to be declared vice-presidential ambition of its governor Honourable Rotimi Amaechi. Obviously, the president of the country Dr.Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his wife Dame Patience Jonathan are being blamed by the opposition for fermenting the crises in Rivers state. Surprisingly, many opposition characters have pitched their tent on the side of Governor Amaechi jettisoning the fact that he and his state belongs to the ruling People’s Democratic party. Suddenly, Amaechi’s camp of the PDP has now evolved into sainthood while the rest of PDP remains evil...according to the opposition.

At 79, again making reference to his age, the respected Wole Soyinka should (some of us believe) have naturally assumed the role of a statesman, but unfortunately, especially as it concerns Rivers state, he decided to take sides joining the opposition in laying blames on the first family.

According to news reports, the professor was particularly hard on the first lady suggesting that she was (plus or minus) a ‘bush woman’ that would at best have remained an ordinary house-wife but for her husband's good fortune of becoming president of the federal republic of Nigeria. Well, unconfirmed reports also said that the professor likened the Nigerian first lady to a Hippopotamus.

Perhaps, the professor's ‘un-gentlemanly’ verbal attack on Dame Patience Jonathan was what jolted a relatively unpopular and largely ignored daughter of the late General Sani Abacha to sort of speak out. Gumsu Abacha (or somebody using her twitter handle) out of the blues, took to the social media network where she tweeted and described Professor Wole Soyinka as a "Mad Empty Professor that lives on bad mouthing his Motherland and continent for Dollar and euro!"

You know, some of us can neither agree nor disagree with Gumsu's opinion of the literary giant. However, we can’t but suggest that the professor perhaps brought this upon himself and if he as much as replies her then she'd be justified. Gumsu Abacha's mother Mariam Abacha used to be first lady too, is it possible that Gumsu recalls all the glamour and near worship the first lady's seat once commanded in Nigeria and is appalled by its current disregard? How come most 'opposition' figures did not dish out these types of insults on Turai Yaradua who it was alleged, practically took over the reins of power when her husband the President became clinically indisposed?

It is also possible that Gumsu Abacha’s rant against Professor Soyinka is totally unconnected with the first lady’s issue.

Another ‘crazy’ conspiracy theory from my part would be, how come a relatively silent Gumsu Abacha suddenly finds her voice barely a week after her father's former chief security officer was released from prison? Is this a pointer to the direction Major Al-Mustapha will be going? Politics, oh politics!

There's a saying that, “When an Eagle constantly mingles with chickens, it will eventually forget how to fly.” Professor Wole Soyinka is an icon and one of Nigeria's greatest personalities; he must truly elevate himself to 'statesmanship mode' and not get involved in political pillow fights with minors.

As for Dame Patience Jonathan, for now I see no fault in her-Nigeria has never really been blessed with eloquent, polished, articulate and inspirational first ladies, what we see is always what we get. Though, the late Maryam Babangida eventually gave a fairly good account of herself while Justice Fati Abubakar’s stay was too short to be analyzed.

However, if the saying that ‘behind every successful man there is a woman’ is anything to go by then you can’t help but admire Dame Patience Jonathan. A woman that stood by her husband all the way from oblivion to the highest and most covetous position in the land, is worthy of praise. Many of the first lady's harshest critics that are by themselves or have spouses that are classy, polished, refined and articulated will never lay hands on even the accumulated dust inside the presidential villa.



STANLEY NWABIA
[/size]

[size=13pt]AL-MUSTAPHA VERSUS ZIMMERMAN: A TALE OF TWO JUDGMENTS.

On Friday 12th July 2013, the court of Appeal sitting in Lagos discharged and acquitted Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, the former Chief security officer to the late General Sani Abacha. Major Al-Mustapha had been on trial and in prison custody for over 14 years due to allegations that he masterminded the assassination of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of presumed winner of the June 12 1993 presidential elections. This ruling has become a very bitter pill to swallow, especially for those in the pro-democracy and human rights community.

As at the time of this article, the ruling party Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other major opposition parties have not issued any formal reaction to this ruling-apparently it seems most of them are quietly studying the situation and looking at leveraging Major Hamza Al-Mustapha's apparent popularity in core Northern Nigeria. Talk about popularity, on Sunday 14th of July 2013, barely two days after his release, Major Al-Mustapha flew into his home based of Kano where a jubilant crowd of sympathizers and supporters were on hand to give him a rousing welcome.

Interestingly, a sizeable delegation of the Odua People’s Congress, including its founder Dr Frederick Fasheun was part of Major Al- Mustapha's Kano entourage. Analysts are still trying to process these peculiar associations in order to determine the future political linings of the newly freed and politically relevant military officer.

Expectedly, after Major Al-Mustapha's discharge and acquittal, many Nigerians especially those sympathetic to the June 12 struggle condemned both the ruling and the Nigerian judiciary, calling it a sham, a miscarriage of justice. As is typical of Nigerians’ displeasure at a single occurrence in their country, they tend to relate and equate that single occurrence with several other (nonrelated) issues that make Nigeria a failed or failing country.
As usual, President Goodluck Jonathan who has hardly ever commented on the Al-Mustapha trial since assuming office was blamed by some as having a hand in his eventual freedom...2015 things!

Just as Nigerians were in the process of digesting Al-Mustapha's unexpected freedom; in far way United States of America, an equally controversial character was set free by their courts. His name George Zimmerman, his crime? Racially profiling, stalking and killing a 17year old black teenager. George Zimmerman is not exactly white but he is closer to that race, probably ‘Latino’ or ‘Hispanic’ or mixed, but his victim Trayvon Martin was a pure black kid.

Zimmerman was set free based on the US state of Florida's ‘stand your ground’ rule, which in a nutshell makes it legal to kill someone in self defence if you are convinced that your own life was truly at stake. This ruling shocked many Americans and global watchers who had expected at least, worst case scenario, a manslaughter verdict. George Zimmerman walked home free and many American and civil rights groups are protesting, peacefully for now.

Many Americans condemn Zimmerman's not guilty verdict, describing it as extremely racist and an injustice. In as much as America remains the greatest nation on earth, it still has a racism problem that may never go away. Many American civil rights scholars have argued that most of America’s judicial laws were enacted when blacks and other minorities were yet to find their voices. According to them, the American Judicial system was never designed to protect the blacks and other minorities.

It is obvious that in America, race will continue to play a major role in their polity regardless of the racial makeup of their president.
In Nigeria, tribe, religion and political lineage will (unfortunately) always play a major role in our polity but it's not necessarily a bad thing.
Many societies have been able to prosper their economies in spite of numerous inequalities and social tensions. America has always been a racially divided society but the country has still prospered same as Brazil and even South Africa under apartheid.

The problem in Nigeria is that whenever our inequalities rear its head, the first point of action for most of us is to run back into our respective ethnic, religious or political enclaves, until the dust settles. When the dust settles we all come out of our shells and together keep wondering why 'Nigeria' has remained stagnant.
[/size]

Akaraiwe: Coscharis finish higher institution,orange drugs na pharmacist,ABC na pilot before before.
I get what u trying to say,u may not really need the certs to get there. Phd on the streets too can get u there!

OBAMA AFRICA VISIT:
IGNORING NIGERIA IS AMERICA’S LOSS.

In spite of being one of Nigeria's major crude oil buyers and a somewhat destination of choice, the United States of America does seem to be having a dwindling sphere of influence as it relates to Nigeria. I can't say much about the rest of Africa.

Economically, America remains a global force to be reckoned with; militarily she is still revered, but for Nigeria a subtle shift has already taken place. Gone are the days when anything ‘American’ was the ultimate yardstick for measuring the level of progress or success in our society.

Many Nigerians from my generation grew up idolizing American music and movies but today, things have changed. Nigerians have Nollywood and majority of Nigerians and I dare say Black Africans find much more relevance in Nollywood than anything Steven Spielberg, Tyler Perry or Spike lee can offer. In music, oh boy! During my high school days, if you could recite the lyrics to R Kelly’s or Boyz II Men's hit tracks, you’d be a star. In today's Nigeria entertainment circuit, ‘Naija’ music is the norm and an essential part of our pop culture. Yes, some of us still feel the Drake's and Lil Wayne's but they are secondary-Nigerian music dominates our airwaves; the United States has lost out here.

Nigeria is one of Africa's fastest growing economies, poverty is still rife but the strong growth of Nigeria's middle class is undeniable. A struggling company like Canada’s RIM owners of Blackberry will attest to the fact that Nigeria is one of the major markets still keeping the Blackberry brand alive. The dynamic auto mobile industry in Nigeria is being driven not by Ford motors but by Asian brands Toyota and Kia. American auto mobile brands are barely visible in the new Nigeria.

The United Kingdom recently touted Nigerian visitors as being the fourth highest spending foreign shoppers in London. Nigeria has a virgin retail space as most Nigerians still prefer to shop in crowded open markets where prices can be haggled. However, the Nigerian middle class still have an appetite for luxury goods and convenient shopping malls; this retail space is now aggressively being filled, not by America's Wal-Mart or a major UK retail brand but by South Africa's Shoprite.

Shoprite entered the Nigerian market about six years ago and has opened about eight outlets in Nigeria spread across six cities, Lagos alone has three. Right now in Nigeria, a city is deemed to have 'arrived' once a Shoprite Mall is opened for business. Most of Nigeria's 36 state governors are presently struggling to have Shoprite Malls opened in their respective cities. Many more Shoprite Malls are presently under construction across Nigeria.

America's cultural and social influence in Nigeria has been further hampered by the 'abominable' Gay rights debate. Homosexuality apart from traditional Christian and Islamic doctrine, is a taboo in most African societies, it’s a lifestyle that is condemnable. Many Americans, including Obama seem to be at the fore front of campaigning globally for gay rights. The Americans base their arguments on freedom, choice and equality while most Nigerians view it from the perspective of religion and morality.

Many traditional Africans question the hypocrisy behind America and some western powers trying to impose such 'awkward' lifestyle on us Africans, whereas a culturally acceptable ‘African’ lifestyle such as Polygamy is frowned upon by America and the west.

NIGERIAN CELEBRITIES MUST TAKE CHARGE OF THEIR OWN HEALTH.

A while back it was Ngozi Nwosu and now it's OJB Jezreel, God knows (and God forbid) the next Nigerian celebrity that will be plagued with another health condition?

Nigeria, regardless of our ills as a nation is still a very compassionate society- we love to help and we love to be seen while helping. For as long as I can remember, it has never been unusual to find less privileged Nigerians using the media space to ask for help and raise funds for their respective health challenges with support from celebrities. Unfortunately, I’m beginning to get worried at the growing sight of Nigerian celebrities using the media space to solicit for funds to treat their own health conditions. Such scenarios depress me, not just because I lack the resources to help out but also a strong feeling that this should not be happening.

Over the last decade, the Nigerian entertainment industry has grown to become one of the most financially rewarding in Africa. Some of our entertainers are touted to be earning six digit figures-or so they say. Many of them use the social media to flaunt their latest expensive toys, drinks or gadgets; they post pictures and promote songs with lyrics suggesting that ‘money is everywhere.’

So, how come this buoyant industry is now producing well known celebrities that cannot cater for their own health needs? The truth is that a lot of our celebrities live reckless lives and do not have future health plans or health insurance. They are like the rest of an ignorant ‘high earning’ bunch that never see the need to save for a rainy day. The rest of us can be forgiven but for celebrities that are constantly in the public eye and require a good dose of health to keep entertaining fans, ignoring their own health is criminal.

This is probably a Nigerian problem; the poor truly don’t have the resources to subscribe to a comprehensive health plan but the middle to higher class have no excuse. Where do Nigerian celebrities fit in as it relates to our social stratum?

Nigeria has a variety of formidable Health Management Organisations (HMO), Health insurance outfits and the likes but for some reason their services has not taken root. Maybe these HMOs are not creating enough awareness; with the way our celebrities are succumbing to health issues, shouldn’t this be a huge marketing opportunity for health service providers? If a star like Tuface Idibia endorses any HMO, can you imagine the amount of fans and potential clients that HMO will attract? ***these people should be paying me***

Anyone can fall sick at any time and we pray for God's mercies but I’d rather have these “donate generously, passionate pleas and help xyz" campaigns restricted to less-privileged and ordinary poor Nigerians.

Our Nigerian celebrities (and the rest of us) must as a matter of urgency take their health very seriously, especially when they are on top of their game. When our entertainers earn their millions from concerts, endorsements, album sales etc, they must endeavour to divert part of their profit to a comprehensive Health insurance or ‘Health and wellness’ trust fund-they exist in Nigeria. Such that years down the line when probably they are no longer 'big stars’, any sudden health challenge will be nipped in the bud and ‘privately’ taken care of.

My good Ghanaian friend Juliet Ibrahim was recently criticized for an alleged demeaning comment she made regarding OJB Jezreel's health. I read her comment and all she was trying to say was that instead of focusing on raising a whopping $100k for OJB's kidney transplant, there are several other cost-effective options which his managers can explore-she proposed a few. Juliet Ibrahim runs a foundation that is focused on Kidney ailments, she should know better.

I wish OJB Jezreel and every other ailing Nigerian (celebrity or not) a smooth journey to full recovery.

Health is NOT wealth, Health is EVERYTHING!



-STANLEY NWABIA

[size=13pt]THE ANNOYING TRUTH ABOUT NIGERIAN TV COMMERCIALS.
Yes, I am among other things also a freelance copywriter/media consultant and as such this article can duly be considered as biased, xenophobic and a ploy to attract more patronage. ***go and call police***

To those of us that have access to foreign satellite television stations, you’ld agree with me that in addition to enjoying their exciting programmes, most of us are also hooked to their very entertaining Television commercials. Speaking for myself, I actually watch several foreign TV channels just to catch a glimpse of their creative TV commercials.

In Africa, the South Africans are ahead of the game, as they constantly churn out unique, fun and entertaining TV commercials meant to sell their various products and eventually increase their market share. Why won’t South Africa remain Africa's largest and most diverse economy?
Back to Nigeria, the so-called second largest economy in Africa; our TV commercials arena has become a disaster. It wasn’t always like this. In the 1980s, Nigeria constantly produced some of the most memorable TV commercials which those of us growing up in that era can still relate to. Fast forward to this day and what do we have?

Most of Nigeria's top companies who make the bulk of their profits in Nigeria opt to patronize foreign affiliated Ad Agencies that in turn shoot TV commercials in Southern African countries there by giving Nigerian TV viewers top quality rubbish. You'd see various Nigerian brands be they noodles, spaghetti, Air fresheners, soaps, detergents, tooth pastes, banks just to mention a few-all subscribing to shooting their TV commercials in Southern African countries.

The most annoying part of it is that these Ad producers start by mobilizing a Southern African cast, dress them up as Nigerians and have them use fake Nigerian accents. When the Nigerian accent ‘tingy’ stopped sounding convincing, they began to sync Nigerian voice-over talents on such TV ads. This is why if you closely watch many of Nigerian brand’s TV ads shot in Southern Africa , their voices never tends to flow properly with their mouth movements.

What broke the camel’s back for me was when I recently saw a toothpaste TV Ad claiming that it “really loves Naija”;the Ad was shot in a Southern African city street corner with a fake ‘Danfo’ coloured bus. Unfortunately for the production team, they forgot that Nigeria operates a left-hand drive vehicle system, the ‘Danfo’ in that toothpaste Ad was a right hand drive.

Every day we cry that there's unemployment in Nigeria, we all look to government to create jobs for us, yet those who have an equally pivotal role to play in employment generation are proudly taking jobs meant for Nigerians to foreign lands.

Nigeria has enough indigenous producers, directors, locations, actors, actresses, models and creative writers (like me) who can put together top notch television commercials that will excite the Nigerian TV viewers. Even if the brands in question are multinational in nature, so long as they have firm presence in Nigeria and make profits from Nigeria they MUST ensure that their Ad/media campaigns have a high degree of local content. Go check out Coca-cola in China or India!

Many 'guilty' stakeholders will want to claim that producing quality TV ads in Nigeria is too expensive, my answer to them in “fa fa fa fowl.” I have personally witnessed instances where ‘young’ Nigerian Ad agencies and creative people make decent-cost effective pitches to big Nigerian owned companies but are rejected. The same Nigerian owned big company would rather opt for a South African affiliated Ad agency, and ends up paying 100% more than what the young Nigerian talent proposed.

Most of us love the Heineken TV ad series, this Ad campaign is being handled by an American agency known as ‘Strawberry frog’ founded by some young guys in their 20s and early 30s. We have many more young creative minds in Nigeria but our big companies will never give 'us' a chance, they’d only consider your proposal if you make a pitch presentation to them and at least one member of your delegation is a white mechanic from South Africa.

In any case, we must commend some of our telecoms operators; a lot of them (of late) have begun to insist that their respective Ad agencies or communications departments patronize Nigerian talents in their TV media campaigns.

As for those of us belonging to the creative media industry, it is also expected that we step up our game and ensure that if given the opportunity we will not disappoint.


Finally, we must all join forces and locate the producers of Segun Arinze's Viju Milk TV Ad in order to have them shot. ***Have you seen that Ad?***[/size]

YINKA OLONODE’S SUICIDE: “BROS,SO YOU FINALLY KILLED YOURSELF?”


According to the report I culled from Linda Ikeji's Blog,
"On Monday April 29th, police said an unidentified man jumped from the rooftop restaurant of The Nines Hotel at 525 S.W. Morrison St, downtown Portland, USA. The man who jumped and died has been identified by the Multnomah County Medical's Examiner's Office as 34 year old Yinka Olonode."

The report continued thus,
"Portland Police Bureau spokesman said Yinka jumped from the hotel building's 15th floor around 6:30pm that Monday evening. He said they do not suspect foul play but that the death is under investigation. If Yinka indeed committed suicide, nobody knows why he did it.
Yinka was a model back in the day and worked briefly for Rhythm FM before relocating to the US in 2003. Continue to see the popular MTN 'Shy Guy' TV commercial he featured in over 11 years ago."


Yinka Olonode was my friend; we became close during my latter years at the University of Lagos where we both resided in the same hall of residence (Jaja hall). We were not room mates.

Immediately after Unilag, we both auditioned and got a part time job at Coolfm, Lagos, sometime in early 2002. We became co-presenters on a youth orientation radio show called ‘Get-a Grip’. The show was sponsored by ARDA (African Radio Drama Association).

Anchoring the radio show was a very fun experience; there were two other ladies on our team - Lolade and Tope. All four of us where a crazy young bunch on radio and the show did quite well, I think.

Yinka and I also auditioned for the MTN 'shy guy' TV commercial, he got the lead role while I got an executive N2,500 worth 'waka pass' role of which I opted out from.

Eventually, NYSC came calling and I landed a bank job from ‘Iseyin’ camp, decided to abandon showbizness and the rest is history. But this article is not about me, it’s about my friend Yinka. I believe Yinka was running a 5 year course or had some issues with some subjects, but we didn’t graduate together.

When I first read the report about Yinka's suicide in the US, the first thought that came to my mind was "Guy, you finally killed yourself." And then it hit me, realized that I’ve just lost a buddy.

Yinka's parents were separated, I once accompanied him to go visit his dad somewhere around Ago palace way. Yinka was a hustler in his own right, and like most of us, he loved being the centre of attraction.

I remember ‘yabbing’ (and biffing) Yinka as soon as his MTN 'shy guy' TVC hit the air waves. Okay, here's what happened; Yinka had dyed his hair golden brown for the TVC role but after shooting, he cut his hair and allowed his natural (black) hair grow. Months later, as soon as his MTN TVC kicked off on television, my guy quickly re-dyed his hair golden brown (for easy recognition) and truly relished the attention. ***Chei, if una see as babes rush this my guy back then eh***

Anyways as I sojourned into my new world as a corper/banker far away from Lagos, I was still in touch with Yinka, by this time he had landed a job as an OAP on Rhythm fm with the alias 'Noble'-and he seemed happy.



The last time I laid eyes on Yinka was sometime mid or early 2003 when my bank transferred me back to Lagos. My office was then at Ozumba Mbadiwe avenue, Victoria Island. I bumped into Yinka on Kofo Abayomi junction-he was riding a nice power bike, wore short dreadlocks and had these huge muscles from God knows where. He parked and we gisted for over an hour - catching up on life and all that.

Sadly, our last discussion was not a pleasant one- he revealed to me that he was leaving Nigeria for good. Yinka lamented to me about how he had no real friends and how people had sort to take advantage of him - at that time his famous MTN ad had stopped running. His lamentations were so deep that I vividly recalled saying to him (jokingly), "Bros, no go use worry kill yourself o, dis one wey u don dey drive heavy-okada for Lagos road." We laughed about it, exchanged pleasantries and parted ways. That was it.

Beyond the alleged suicide story, I don’t know the real details of what exactly happened to Yinka Olonode in the USA but I kind of wish he stayed back in Nigeria. Yinka left the shores of Nigeria in 2003 just when our entertainment industry was taking off – and Yinka LOVED showbiz. I have this belief that if Yinka had ‘persevered’ perhaps he would have attained much bigger success and fame in today’s Nigeria.

A lot of people that 'kissed' Yinka's Ass between 2002 and 2003 are now very big stars today; I can personally name three of them.

In conclusion, I'm a very bad mourner; I prefer celebrating the life and times of my loved ones that have crossed over.

I hope this article is a worthy tribute to my good friend Yinka Olonode. Rest in peace brother, we are all going to ‘sleep that sleep’ sooner or later. My warmest regards to Yinka's family and real friends.

-STANLEY NWABIA

Nigeria's army has said it seized rocket-propelled grenades during last week's fighting in Baga - believed to have been one of the first times Boko Haram has used heavy weapons.

It says 37 people were killed, while others maintain at least 185 died.

The army says 30 members of the Boko Haram Islamist group, one soldier and six civilians died.

The Red Cross has backed local officials who say the figure is higher but they have not been into the town.

An army statement said three rocket-propelled grenade launchers had been recovered, along with bomb-making material.

The previous most deadly incident of the three-year Boko Haram uprising came last year when at least 160 people were killed in co-ordinated bomb attacks in the northern city of Kano.

The group is fighting to install Islamic law in the predominantly Muslim north of Nigeria.


'Military siege'
Baga is close to the border with both Chad and Niger and a multinational force from the three countries was attacked, its commander Brig Gen Austin Edokpaye said.

The Red Cross is still trying to gain access to the town to help those affected by the violence, national co-ordinator Umar Mariaga told the AFP news agency.

Local MP Isa Lawan told the BBC Hausa service that "what happened is Baga is sad and beyond description".

"We have already started despatching relief materials, including building materials and food stuff. We want to make sure that people get the necessary assistance to start rebuilding their homes."

He said there were "many versions of what happened. Everyone tells his own version. So no-one is sure which version to believe.

"Many people died. But the figure of casualties given by the people of Baga is 185."

A resident who did not want to be named told AFP:

"Baga is still under military siege... The town is at a standstill, with little food and water, which has forced even those of us that stayed behind to start leaving."

One unnamed rescue official said that 40% of the town had been destroyed by fire following the clashes.

But Brig Gen Edokpaye disputed this, saying Boko Haram's weapons had exploded, causing "fire to about 30 thatched houses in the predominantly fishing community".


He said that five militants had been arrested.

Many of the town's residents fled during the clashes and say they returned to find their homes burnt to the ground.

Bodies were still being found and buried on Monday, two of the town's inhabitants told BBC Hausa.

One eyewitness told the BBC that the fighting started when gunmen entered a video-viewing centre, looking for a man, who then fled.

The militants opened fire, attracting the attention of nearby soldiers, who were initially overpowered, before returning with reinforcements, leading to a fierce gunbattle, he said.

Correspondents note that the Nigerian military often plays down the number of people killed in clashes with militants.

Communications with parts of northern Nigeria are difficult since mobile phone masts were destroyed by militants

[size=13pt]REVIEW: MTCHEEEEEEEW, TIWA AND DON JAZZY,UNA NO TRY JOR!

Now, this is one of my best Tiwa Savage songs, the music video just got released about 24 hours ago and...........


As a semi-creative writer, I had subconsciously created a mental script for this music video and had hoped that the 'without my heart' video would at least meet 60% of my expectations, unfortunately it only met 5%-being the scene with Don Jazzy sitting on a chair.

I'm of the view that music videos should tell a story, not necessarily in a ‘Nollywood like’ dramatic sense but via artistic representation. When I first heard the lyrics of ‘without my heart’, the image of a VIP strip club came to mind-Yes, my Hot mind at work again.

I pictured Tiwa Savage playing the role of a top-rated stripper (or go-go dancer); her posters at the entrance of the club and of course there'll be no nudity, Wizkid achieved that with 'Tease me'.
And so, Don jazzy walks into the club flanked by his crew (Wande, Sid and D'prince) as they enter the club. Wande, Sid and D'prince are overwhelmed by beautiful women everywhere and they find their levels leaving Don Jazzy all alone. Don Jazzy makes his way to the VIP or restricted lounge where ‘go-go girl’ Tiwa is waiting for him...and the music starts.

The story line here is that of Tiwa's character, a top rated adult entertainer and Don Jazzy, a major client that has fallen in love with her, or vice versa. She hopes that Don Jazzy’s character will rescue her from this 'life of sin' and take her far far away where they'll live happily ever after.

With this story line, the entire song could have evolved into a creative visual medley...ending with Don Jazzy simply walking away and leaving Tiwa on the floor...hopes dashed or whatever. Hey, Mavin records should really have paid me to write a script for this music video.***I’m vexing, seriously****

Did I also mention that the video was shot in Cape Town, South Africa? As usual: 'oyinbo' director, good visuals, poor storyline; typical SA production. And you wonder why Nollywood is still on top in spite of her crappy visuals and pitiable audio.



PS: I also have an idea for Psquare's Forever music video o...if una sabi Jude Okoye,tell am make he holla me sharp sharp o. Cos if I see another Psquare music video with Caucasian or mulatto girls and some fat bearded 'native doctor' looking guy with big boobs, I won’t find it funny o.[/size]

dotNaira: But why is this same APGA that is said to be "not just a political party but a POLITICAL MOVEMENT of the igbo nation"[b] indirectly romancing with the PDP? [/b]Don't forget that Obi who is the second in command of APGA(if I am right) made it obvious his support for Jonathan who belongs to the ruling party of PDP, who in the last APGA's rally emphasized it.

If APGA really want to be taken serious, the party should stand on it own without aligning with any other party. Why is it that Okorach was 'crucified' and labeled 'political love peddler' while nothing was said of Obi even when he has ever since been puppet to the PDP?

Lastly, I don't see APGA strong enough to be the "Political Movement of the Igbos". A party that can't capture more than two states from it region, already with one of the states dumping the party. Internally not united and being manipulated by the ruling party as an easy to get puppet.

'CIGARETTE SMOKING' RIGHTS FOR NIGERIAN WOMEN.
At a recent informal social gathering, I bumped into an interesting group of ‘Naija babes’ and we got talking. Along the line, the issue of female discrimination in Nigeria came up and of all the yardsticks used in measuring such discrimination, 'cigarette smoking rights' made it to the list.

Here's a summary on what the ladies had to say...obviously, I won’t be using their real names.

Folashade: “My brand is Dunhill menthol and I smoke at least two sticks daily. I don’t smoke in public places or during day time because when Nigerians see a woman smoking they quickly conclude that she's a prostitute or a 'runz girl'..

Nkechi: “My brand is London Menthol and I smoke mostly on Wednesdays and Fridays when I go clubbing. No, I can’t smoke outside in broad day light because our weather is very hot and I sweat a lot. I enjoy smoking in an Air-conditioned environment. Most Nigerian men (at least in clubs) are easily seduced by pretty girls that smoke”

Barbara: “I enjoy smoking Cuban cigars (laffs),but since it's not lady-like, I only smoke it when I’m with my trusted circle of friends. I can never some in pubic or during the day, people will think I've run mad.”

Aisha: “Consulate is it for me o,it kinda makes me feel high, especially right after sex****Stanley said,"Yepa"****. But No, I can’t smoke in the afternoon, our society still looks down on women that smoke openly, they'll think you are an 'ashawo'.

Samantha: “Believe it or not I smoke Marijuana ****she looks like an aje butter o****, and it's a wonderful feeling. I hear it's even safer than cigarettes. Of course I wouldn't dare smoking weed in broad day light or in public. Smoking 'Igbo' is a crime in Nigeria; I could end up in jail. But most Nigerian men smoke it openly and nothing happens.”

Kemi: "When I lived in Dublin, there were several parks where I could go to in a cool afternoon and enjoy my Marlboro lights. When I returned to Nigeria in 2009, my cousin took me shopping at Idumota one late afternoon, I hadn't smoked in while-so I put a cigarette in my mouth and lit it. I had barely inhaled my third drag when a lady walked up to me, told me to put out my cigarette and asked me if I knew 'Jesus'. Ironically, on my way out of the market, I came across a group of men sitting on benches, drinking local gin and smoking like no man's business, yet no one was preaching to them.”


Well,readers,what do you guys think?

A NIGERIAN’S OPEN LETTER TO OSCAR PISTORIUS.

Okay, Mr Oscar Pistorius, let me get this straight-you were aware that Reeva Steenkamp was staying at your house that night, right? And from the look of things, you both slept on the same bed.

So, a strange sound wakes you up deep into the night, and what would a ‘vulnerable’ person do in that scenario? If Reeva was indeed sleeping next to you, you’d tap her gently, she wakes and you ask her-"Did you hear that sound? It’s coming from the bathroom." And Reeva would have said, "Oh my God, it could be a burglar, call the police" or "Bring your gun, let’s go check it out." But no, that didn't happen Mr Oscar, you didn’t first check to know where your girlfriend was. You simply picked up your gun and headed straight to where the ‘strange noise’ was coming from-your bathroom.

I don't know the level of sophistication or stupidity of South African burglars and intruders, but in Nigeria, burglars or intruders don’t enter your house just to use the bathroom, like seriously?

I understand Mr Oscar that you live in one of those highbrow neighborhoods in Pretoria-South Africa, a fortified housing estate with armed private security guards and all-a burglar/intruder beats all this and heads straight to your bathroom? By the way, what was the ‘strange noise’ that got your attention? Was it the sound of footsteps, or the loud farts emanating from your bathroom as the ‘intruder’ did his/her thing?

For argument sake let’s agree that you truly thought she was a burglar/intruder hiding in your bathroom. So Oscar, you come out with your gun pointed towards the bathroom door, you still don’t know where Reeva is. You were not worried if this ‘intruder’ had raped or murdered your girlfriend or if she was being held hostage right there in the bathroom.

A normal gun owner in that situation would probably have asked, "Who's there? Reeva, is that you?" but NO...our ‘blade runner’ closed his eyes and opened fire, three or four times hitting his target spot on. I also want to believe that as soon as the first shot was fired Oscar, you could have heard a female voice scream from inside the bathroom, but unfortunately, our ‘blade runner’ is apparently deaf too. Three bullets hit Reeva and she dies eventually.

Dear Oscar Pistorius, you are very lucky that you are from South Africa, a nation with a police force that can murder about 30 poor miners on live TV but still defend itself and charge the survivors for murder.



The Nigerian police probably have worse records but believe me, if you had committed this type of crime in Naija and gave us this 'I thought she was an intruder' story? ***I laff in Naija accent***** by the time our Police men shove one of your prosthetic legs up your A$$, you will not realize when you start spilling out the whole truth on what actually transpired that night.

For now, you have been granted bail until June, you now have more time to improve on your story. The South African police also now have more time to further scuttle this murder case and probably look for an ex-Police officer on death-row to come lead this investigation.

It does look like several ‘powerful’ elements in South Africa (and the sports branding world) want you to become a free man. You are one of those international-inspirational icons that make the ‘rainbow’ nation look good. Mandela is already too old and expiring. Another thing you've got on your side is that you are not a fire-brand critic of President Jacob Zuma or the ANC and so they may let you off the hook.

Trust me, if Julius Malema's wife or girlfriend was mysteriously shot and killed in a town 100 kilometres away from Julius' house, he (Julius) would still be arrested and charged for her murder...they'll probably find him guilty.