The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Glo X Factor eviction shocker

    Glo X Factor eviction shocker

    THE deficiency of voting pattern in reality shows reared its face again when two favourites of the judges and studio audience were technically thrown out at the early stage of the ongoing Glo X Factor music competition.

    Sonorous singer, Vicky and vocal potpourri group, SmoothBoiz were tipped for eviction for recording the lowest number of votes from the Nigerian and Ghanaian publics, save for the veto power of legendary musician Onyeka Onwenu, rap star, Jude Abaga (MI) and Ghanaian hip-life artiste, Reggie Rockstone who are judges in the competition.

    The intrigue brings to mind, the fate of Vickiola, a singer with great prospect, but who was kicked out of the Glo Naija Sings competition as first evictee, some years back. Viewers who thought she probably did better than one or two participants did not feel were not comfortable with her early exit. Even some judges of the competition who saw the prospect in the lady couldn’t do anything to keep her in the house. Perhaps, that experience is the improvement that has given Vicky and SmoothBoiz a second chance.

    The Dream Studio on Bamako Street, Ogba, Lagos was filled to capacity. Excited, fans of the contestants yelled with great hope for their singers of choice. They could have guessed who will be going home, judging by the artistes’ previous renditions. But when representative of renowned auditors, Alexander Forbes handed the result to show host, Tools who announced: “the two acts at the bottom having secured the least votes are… Vicky and SmoothBoiz.” A palpable silence engulfed the crowd. The judges too, were dumbfounded. And then there was an outburst of disagreement.

    Vicky and SmoothBoiz were among the contestants that not only performed brilliantly during the previous show, but were also honoured with standing ovation after their performances. “I am so shocked, I am surprised, but it is all good,” Vicky said, fighting back tears.

    And coming from Victor of SmoothBoiz: “I can’t explain what happened, I am really surprised.”

    But there was ray of hope for the two, even as Tools proceeded to usher the rest of the contestants; Eshum, Pheel, Ankara Boi, Princess Pat, DJ Switch, Symphony and DNA out of the stage for a return show.

    Both acts were made to sing for survival so that the judges could determine which of the two would go home. Again, the two dazzled the crowd with superlative performances, ascertaining their musical ingenuity.

    Commenting on their performances, Reggie Rockstone spoke about his mentees, SmoothBoiz: “First of all, I want to thank God for two of you. You both have brought it on. Now, it is really a hard one for me to make this decision. SmoothBoiz are my boys and I am extremely proud of their performance. Vicky I love you. And I say Vicky you are not going home.” In his characteristic style, Reggie tries to be objective, in spite of the desire to support the artistes in his custody. Obviously, the Ghanaian star won the heart of the audience who gave him a resounding applause.

    “I don’t know what happened,” began Onyeka Onwenu… “Why the two of you are here in the bottom two. Both acts are exceptionally good. I know West Africans don’t want Vicky out of this competition, so I ask all of you here and those watching at home to put your vote where your mouth is,” she stated. And to SmoothBoiz, she said, “SmoothBoiz, you are smooth. I believe West Africans don’t want you to go home either. So I am not going to vote for anybody to go home. The two should remain the in the competition.”

    Perhaps for the first time in the competition, MI tends to agree with Onyeka: “I don’t understand what happened. I don’t know why the two acts made the bottom two. From the reaction of the crowd, it is obvious they don’t want the two to go. I am going with Onyeka. I think both deserve to be in the competition. I am not voting,” the rapper declared.

    And when the organizers decided that the two artistes should remain in the show, their fans jumped for joy.

    How did Vick feel being spared? “I thank God, the judges and my fans for keeping me in the competition. On my part, I will give my best and pray that people’s hearts will be touched to vote for me.”

    Victor, the leader of the SmoothBoiz spoke for the group a second time: “We are very excited the way things turned around for our good. Even though we thought we gave our best last week and didn’t expect to be in the bottom two, we are glad we have come this far. To make Top 9 out of several thousands of people that came for the auditions is quite some achievement. The Glo X Factor platform has indeed made us explode.”

    As if to sing for the joyous resolution, visiting artiste, Burna Boy got on the stage, singing his hit song “Tonight”. The fast-rising music act and Glo ambassador set the tone for the evening of the Result Show with a spectacular performance that thrilled the audience.

    But just before he dropped the microphone, he shared his thought with the contestants: “One key thing I say to them is: be yourself. At the end of the day, that is what matters. No one can be you better than yourself. Nobody should tell you how to be you. This is what has worked for me.”

    And to the voting public, Onyeka and MI bared their mind. According to Onyeka; “People should not take it for granted that a good contestant will always get by; they should not leave anything to chance. They have to put their votes where their mouths are. If a contestant is the best of the lot but is unable to garner votes, they will exit the competition. I am asking people to vote and keep voting.”

    MI noted with surprise that the reaction of the audience when the result was announced showed they did not want Vicky and SmoothBoiz to exit the competition: “So, how come this did not reflect in the voting pattern?” He asked. “The explanation is that people are not voting enough for their favourite singers. You have to vote for the act you want to remain in the competition,” he said.

  • Love across boundaries

    Love across boundaries

    A co-founder of Newswatch magazine, Ray Ekpu, has given out his second daughter, Edikan, in marriage to Alexander, son of a Lagos politician, Fidelis Osho. The event was held at Redeemed Christian Church of God, (Victory Chapel), Magodo Phase II, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    SHE is worth waiting for and he waited for her despite his friend’s proddings to forget her and move on with his life. She was in Switzerland then and he kept agonising that he is missing her. “Why waste your time on her? Why don’t you look for another woman and move on with your life?” friends urged the lovestruck Alexander Osho.

    “There was a time some of my friends advised me to forget the relationship and move on with my life. But I couldn’t … I just couldn’t,” Osho said.

    His patience paid off last Saturday as he took Edikan Victoria, daughter of Mr Ray Ekpu, a founding editor of Newswatch Magazine, to the altar.

    The journey of Alex, son of a Lagos politician, Mr Fidelis Osho, an investment accountant at FirstBank Capital and Edikan, an employee of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), is obviously one ordained by God. They were colleagues at KPMG auditing services, where their journey to the altar began.

    “Every time she gets into the complex, he gets restless. He suddenly becomes absent minded, restless and his body goes jigi jigi,” best friend of the groom Lawrence Amadi told The Nation.

    However, they soon parted ways when Edikan travelled to Swizerland for her Masters at the Institute of Management and Development. Alex left for FBN Capital, but still kept in touch with her.

    To cut the long story short, their friendship climaxed into a colourful wedding in Lagos last Saturday. The previous week, the couple was joined traditionally in Ikot Udo Ossiom in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, where the bride hails from.

    Edikan is Ekpu’s second daughter.

    Their union was solemnised at Redeemed Christian Church of God (Victory Chapel) Magodo Phase II, Lagos. Their friends, family members and well-wishers came to share in the joy of the day.

    The marriage was officiated by Pastor Adebisi Olowoyo.

    From there, guests moved to the reception at Grandeur Events Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, where they were feted with sumptuous delicacies and choice drinks.

    The hall was embellished with crystal lightings dropping from the roof. The chairs and table linings were all white. The walls had loop patterned gold fabrics over the white coated wall. At the centre corner stood a couch with the word LOVE, boldly written on it, and illuminated with colourful lighting. There, the couple sat.

    Opposite them were Ego and the Indigo Band, dishing out timeless music to guests’ delight.

    Soon after, the couple was ushered into the hall by the groomsmen and bridesmaids. They danced to songs like Flavour’s Adanma and D’Banj’s Scapegoat. Their appearance caused many to turn in their direction and stare. With their dressing and their dance steps, they held guests spellbound.

    While Edikan wore a simple off-shoulder fitted white gown, she rolled up her hair with a glittering hook. It shone simultaneously with her dangling earrings.

    The chemistry between the couple was felt by all. They stared at each other at intervals.

    With Luther Vandros’ hit song, Dance with my Father, Edikan had an emotional dance with her father. Ekpu held her close and gave her reassuring pats on the back. He then handed her over to the groom, who displayed scintillating dance steps.

    Chairman on the occasion and former governor of Ogun State Chief Segun Osoba, urged guests to stand for a minute and pray for the couple to have a blissful marital life blessed with children.

    Playing on the bride’s middle name, Victoria, he prayed for her to have victory and be victorious always.

    The couple cut their simple four-layered flowered white cake with Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, officiating. Senator Ita-Giwa said unions like that of Alex and Edikan showed the country was “truly united.” To her, the marriage is a fusion of two great families.

    Ekpu described his ‘new son’ as an intelligent person.

    “Excited is the word to describe how I feel right now. I am so proud and I urge the lovebirds to narrow down their areas of disagreement and expand that of agreement,” he said.

    The older Osho knew he had every reason to be happy, having got a daughter-in-law with the striking qualities of her father.

    “Her father is honest and has a large capacity. I see her on that binocular as one who can face challenges. And because her mother is also a strong woman, she is indeed a product of a rugged terrain,” he said.

    He urged the couple to be cautious of the company they keep.

    At the event were Publisher of Vanguard Sam Amuka- Pemu; Guvnor of Nightshift Coliseum, Ken Caleb Olumese; Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Dan Egbese and Kunle Afolayan (SAN) among others.

     

  • Love at first sight

    Love at first sight

    The Michael Olawale-Cole and Adebayo Ekundayo families have become one. Their children Abiola Oladipupo and Rebecca Oyindamola got married in Lagos. The traditional wedding was witnessed by the high and mighty. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

    Fashion, glamour, class, prestige and beauty were on display on Saturday July 13, when the Michael Olawale-Cole, President of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and Lagos politician Adebayo Ekundayo families became one following the marriage of their children, Abiola Oladipupo and Rebecca Oyindamola.

    The Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, venue of the event, was a beehive. Family members, friends and well-wishers were there to share in the families’s joy.

    The Olawale-Coles brought baskets of gifts and fruits, tubers of yam and boxes for their in-laws.

    Guests were resplendent in pink and yellow attires. The bride’s family wore pink, the groom’s yellow.

    The Shell Hall of the centre, decorated in white, was split in two. Each family occupied one half eating and dancing to the music of a popular female Juju artiste Ayo Balogun and her Harmonic Voices.

    The parking lots within and outside the venue were jam-packed. Some roads were turned into parking lots.

    Street urchins made brisk business hailing guests as they stepped out of their posh cars.

    At noon, the ceremony began with drumming and singing of traditional songs. The female Master of Ceremony (MC) spiced up the gathering with her rib-cracking jokes.

    The groom, an accountant, beamed with smile as he waited to be summoned by his in-laws before his ‘asset’ is handed over to him.

    “Have they called me, ma?” He asked nervously from The Nation reporter, mistaking her for a family friend.

    “No, sir. I’m just a reporter. Congratulations, sir! I just want to ask you how you feel today,” the reporter replied.

    “I’m just here thinking if they have called the whole thing off. I have waited long enough and I can’t wait any further. Besides that, I am the happiest man,” the excited groom said.

    When he was ushered into the hall, his joy knew no bound as he danced with his friends, spreading wide his hands to display the green embroidered agbada he wore. On his head rested a cap, which he stylishly wore.

    The itinerant ballad drummers that provided more entertainment did not regret their coming. For the MC alagaduro, it was the right time to strike as the groom and his friends mangled the Yoruba language. The MC would have none of that as he ordered the groom to pay a fine or return home empty handed. Though the bill was high, the groom’s friends rallied round him to pay.

    They were also fined for subsequent mistakes made, provoking laughter from guests. When he got to the front of the hall, where his parents and those of his bride sat, the groom and his friends prostrated. They rose after guests stretched their hands and blessed him.

    Abiola recounted how he met Rebecca five years ago.

    “After work, I hooked up with my friend who came with his cousin. I was struck when I saw her.

    “She has it all; everything from beauty, class, humour, brains and intelligence. The likeness was instant and we exchanged numbers and here we are today. Though there have been challenges, the good times have the better part. No reason my father loves her more than he loves me,” he said.

    The Ekiti-born bride stepped in, accompanied by pretty damsels, including some foreigners she met friends while studying in England.

    After prayers, the couple, cut their cake to the admiration of all. Among the gifts brought by her in-laws, she picked a copy of the Bible.

    On it, was a boxed ring, which her husband placed on her finger, sealing it with a kiss.

    At the event were: former deputy governor of Lagos State, Princess Sarah Sosan; Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Mr Bosun Jeje; High Chief Folarin Williams; White Cap chiefs who represented Lagos monarch, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; paramount ruler of Yewaland and the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbende.

     

     

  • In Zik’s hall of fame

    In Zik’s hall of fame

    This year’s Zik Prize in Leadership was won by House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and three governors, among others. They received their prize in Lagos last Saturday, at a ceremony, which attracted eminent personalities. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports.

    BEING a Saturday, the traffic on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road in Victoria Island, Lagos was light. So getting to the Civic Centre was easy for the guests. They had no traffic to contend with.

    Security officials ensured orderliness especially in warding off some social miscreants who sang praises of the dignitaries for cash.

    The expansive centre was chilly, thanks to the ocean behind it, from where cold breeze blew.

    While some women in strapless attires looked for scarves to cover their bodies, others in full outfits, especially those in traditional iro, buba, ipele and gele, took time to savour the gift of nature.

    A huge banner at the entrance welcomed guests into the main building

    The banner heralded the event: Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC) Year 2012 Zik Prize.

    There were other big banners giving pictorial explanation of the winners.

    The awardees were Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal; Kano State Governor Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi; Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Mr Reginald Ihejiahi and former Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, (NB) Chief Festus Odimegwu.

    Tambuwal received the Public Service Award; Kwankwaso, Uduaghan and Fayemi bagged Good Governance awards.

    The event began around 7:30pm with music by star musician-cum actress Onyeka Onwenu. It was delayed for a while to allow the Muslims break their fast. Fruits were served before Ebele – The Flutist rendered the National Anthem.

    Her rendition evoked the memory of flutists of old. She got a round of applause.

    Chairman on the occasion Chief Sunny Odogwu and Special Guest of Honour Chief Ernest Shonekan gave short remarks before the gathering adjourned for dinner.

    Odogwu said the list of awardees was impressive.

    He congratulated the organisers for their painstaking effort in choosing the recipients.

    He described the late Azikiwe as a great man.

    Shonekan, former Head of Interim National Government (ING), said the awards were well-deserved because the recipients had made contributions to the country’s development.

    Shonekan added: “Whatever we do in any human endeavour is being recorded and does not go without being noticed.” Hence, everyone should not relent in contributing positively to the development of Nigeria.

    He described Zik as Azikiwe was fondly called as a dynamic leader.

    “The late Nnamdi Azikiwe believed in Nigeria where people are achievers and could hold their heads anywhere in the world. I had the opportunity to meet him twice; one of the occasions was at Onikan where Zik was playing lawn tennis. I used to go there to look for pocket money. One day, I got three pence from him; a huge money then. Since then, I have always admired him,” he said.

    He urged the recipients not to rest on their oars.

    After the dinner, Mr Sony Irabor took the microphone to read the citation of the awardees one after the other.

    Some members of the House of Representatives shouted ‘Sayi Tambuwal!’ during the Speaker’s turn. Fayemi got the loudest ovation. His supporters from Ekiti outnumbered those of other awardees and they did not hesitate to recite the Ekiti Anthem when Fayemi was called to the podium.

    The awards were presented by Shonekan and Odogwu, but Tambuwal and Anambra State Deputy Governor Emeka Sibeudu presented Professional Leadership plaques to Ihejiahi and Odimegwu.

    A short drama played out over who should respond on behalf of the awardees.

    Uduaghan was given the microphone by the moderator; he passed it to Tambuwal who in turn gave it to Fayemi.

    Fayemi pledged that the recipients would rededicate themselves to the struggle for a just and prosperous Nigeria, while also working with and for the people to make the country greater.

    “In accepting this award, we are conscious on one hand of the increased burden of expectations on us as we join the distinguished cadre of winners of the Zik Award across the continent. On the other hand, we are cognisant of the weight of responsibility that comes with being a recipient of an award that was inspired and named after Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria, of blessed memory”, he said.

    According to him, the zeal and impetus for Nigerians “to trust one another, dream together, work together and succeed together in building the Nigeria of our aspirations” comes when the hearts of citizens beat together in patriotic rhythm.”

    PPRAC Advisory Board member Emeka Obasi said Shonekan and Odogwu requested Tambuwal to also respond.

    Tambuwal said jokingly “all the recipients except myself are qualified for the award.”

    He hailed the three governors on the list, saying they have done well to merit the honour.

    Onyeka Onwenu brought the glamorous event to a close with one of her hit album – One love.

    In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; wives of Ekiti and Delta State Governors Bisi and Roli; former Governor of the Ekiti State Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Senator Tony Adeniyi; Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai; Hon Ayo Omidiran and her husband Alhaji Moroof; Hon Oyetunde Ojo; Hon Robinson Ajiboye; Hon Bamidele Faparusi; Hon Bimbo Daramola; Hon Ife Arowosoge; Action Congress of Nigeria National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Prof Akin Oyebode; Prof Patrick Aina; Dr Femi Orebe; the Owa Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji; the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ajiboye; Chief of Staff to Ekiti State Governor Chief Yemi Adaramodu; Delta State Commissioner for Education Prof Hope Eghagha, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation in Ekiti State, Mr Tayo Ekundayo, his counterparts in the ministries of Land, Urban and Regional planning as well as Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mr Remi Olorunleke and Chief Ronke Okusanya; Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and Multilateral Relations Mrs Bunmi Dipo-Salami, Editor, Hallmark, Mr Casmir Igbokwe.

    Some notable past recipients of the prize include former Ghanaian President J.J. Rawlings (1995); former Tanzanian President Nwalimu Julius Nyerere (1997); Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim (1998); former Nambian President Sam Nujoma (1999); former South African President Nelson Mandela (2000); for Ugadan President Yoweri Musoveni (2003); former Ghanaian President John Kuffor (2008); President Seretse Lan Khama (2009); Senator David Mark, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed and Otunba Subomi Balogun (2010); President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (2011), amongst others.

     

  • A union of like minds

    A union of like minds

    The families of Chief and Mrs Olatunde Onakoya and the late Prof and Mrs Adegbesan Adenuga celebrated the union of their children, Babajide and Ayodele, at Darlington Hall in Ilupeju, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI writes.

     

    Yoruba culture was on display at the engagement of Babajide, son of the Chief Executive Officer, TED Limited (makers of Lanson Champagne), Chief Olatunde Onakoya and Ayodele, daughter of a former Chairman of the Ogun State Civil Service Commission, the late Prof Adegbesan Adenuga.

    Dignitaries, family members, friends and well wishers came from within and outside the country to share in the couple’s joy.

    Les Genies Live Band and Fresh Wave (DJ) entertained guests.

    Darlington Hall in Ilupeju, Lagos, the venue of the event, was decorated in gold and white. There were also sparkling lights across the hall.

    The bride’s family, friends and well wishers wore orange head gears and caps; the groom’s family looked radiant in blue.

    The hall was filled to capacity and guests looked resplendent in traditional attires.

    There were choice foods and drinks.

    A set of young pretty women ushered guests to their seats. They wore gold mixed with a brown traditional attire, popularly called Oleku.

    The groom, Babajide, looked charming in his cream Agbada and Sokoto with cap to match. The bride dazzled in her cream lace buba, iro and gele. She wore a pair of silver shoes.

    Babajide, an engineer, hails from Ikorodu in Lagos State. He was accompanied into the hall by his friends after the families had been introduced.

    He and his friends prostrated for his family and his in-laws and they prayed for him after he was introduced.

    They danced to the music supplied by the Alaga’s drummers and took their seats.

    The bride, Ayodele, from Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun State, was also escorted into the hall by her friends and some family members amid songs.

    She knelt to greet her in-laws and parents, after which they prayed for her.

    The bride later joined her beloved on the cream bridal chair.

    A minute of silence was observed in honour of the bride’s late parents.

    Dr Ronke Ibirogba, Dr Paul Adenuga, Senator Olabiyi Durojaye and Chief S. B. Falegan represented bride.

    Leap 4 Joy Dance Company enlivened the atmosphere with traditional dances. They danced to Igwe by Midnight Crew and other songs supplied by the DJ and a band.

    The groups ensured that there was no dull moment.

    Princess Temilolu Ibirogba read the marriage letter from the groom’s family. The bride’s family did the same.

    The couple took to the floor and later cut the cake.

    A session of photographs followed.

    Prayers were said for the couple following which they returned to the dance floor. Families and friends joined them on the floor.

    The groom said he was happy and excited.

    He described his lovebird as a woman who knows what she wants and would make any man happy.

    The bride described her beau as loving, caring and nice. She said she was happy for the joy of the day.

    The groom’s father urged the couple to study the word of God, saying that it would guide them on the right path.

    He prayed God to sustain and keep them all the days of their lives as they embark on their life-long journey.

    Deputy Governor of Ekiti State Prof Modupe Adelabu, advised the couple to live together as friends and protect each other so that they can have a happy marriage.

    Present at the event were former Governor of the Old Western State Gen Adeyinka Adebayo and wife Modupe; former Governor of Ekiti State Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Chief Alani Akinrinade; an entrepreneur, Mrs Kike Ojo, Oba Adeleke Ogunleye and Oba Oladejo Olayiwola, among others.

  • So You are Scared of Public Speaking? Good… So am I!

    Dealing with the fear of speaking requires the willingness of the person concerned. By now, we have learnt that we are not alone in our fear of speaking and that there is a need to renew our minds. Now, we must take deliberate steps to deal with the fear. Some of those steps are:

    •Know what you want to talk about: when you talk about something you don’t know so much about, you will lack confidence. You should be so familiar with your subject matter that you won’t have to think (or try to recall) while speaking. If you are good at what you do, then you need not fear speaking about it.

    •Know your audience: if you don’t know the people you are talking to, you will find communication difficult. Do a detailed analysis of the people you intend to speak to; who are they? What do they want to know? What do they need to know? How do they prefer to learn? If you can answer some of these questions, you will feel familiar with them enough to be comfortable. Remember that familiarity eliminates animosity; if you are comfortable with your audience, not only will you enjoy speaking with them, they will also enjoy responding.

    •Prepare adequately: don’t leave anything to chance. Prepare for your presentation diligently. Remember, you must be worth listening to before people do. One of the major rules of public speaking is that you can never prepare enough. Till the moment you deliver the speech, you must be preparing. We shall dwell on the subject of preparation later in the column.

    •Be passionate: if you talk about something you are passionate about, you will quickly forget your fear. The excitement of your topic will take you through the speech before you remember your nervousness. Have you ever seen a group of young men discussing premiership football? The energy with which they defend their clubs may force a passerby to wait and listen. That is the power of passion.

    •Be yourself: the worst mistake you can make is to try to be someone else while speaking. The only way you can be at ease is to be yourself. If you try to speak like someone else, your audience will judge you by the standards of that person and you will fall short. Who can be better than you in playing you? I attended a speech competition and a young man did a fantastic rendition of Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech. It was so good that the ovation was resounding. But the question on my mind was this, “If he has to present his own speech, will he be as successful?” Dr. King’s persona may not be appropriate all the time. So, it is important for you to develop yourself, not to mimic others (though it may be needed in some contexts), but to be yourself to your audience.

    •Stay in your comfort zone: find out what works for you and do it. If, due to your nervousness, you prefer to stand at the podium, do so without looking stiff. If, on the other hand, you prefer to walk around, try not to be clumsy and do not distract your audience. The posture you adopt will say a lot about you to your audience (we will deal more on that later).

    •Know that your audience will listen anyway: once you stand to speak, know that people are listening to you. If you are confident, they will listen, and if you are fearful, they will still listen (of course with a different reaction). So, forget about the fear and focus on your presentation.

    •Focus on being a showman instead of being a mind reader: whenever you are speaking, know that your main concern is to satisfy your listeners instead of reading their minds. You cannot worry and speak at the same time. Leave the minds of your listeners to them and you keep your mind on your speech. What they think may be useful to you later in preparation for future speeches, but while your current speech lasts, you don’t need that distraction.

    •See multitudes as one person: I have heard some people recommend that when you stand before a crowd, look over their heads so as to avoid anxiety. Some others say that you must look into their eyes. We will leave arguments on that for another day. But this is what I recommend; treat the crowd like you will treat an individual. I don’t mean that you pick out one person from the crowd and focus on him/her; I mean that you should adjust your mind to be comfortable with all as though they are but one. Will you look over the head of one person when having a conversation? Will you be scared of communicating with one person? If your answer is no, then transfer the same mentality to your audience; after all, every crowd is a collection of individuals.

    Fear of public speaking is not new. As you are sacred of it, so am I. But I will not let that keep me from speaking when next I have the opportunity to. When you are afraid, you are underestimating yourself. Fear is not strong enough to prevent you from speaking; only you can do that! If you don’t stop yourself, no one else can! This concludes our three part exploration of dealing with the fear of public speaking.

     

  • Ayefele donates N50m hall, books to school

    Ayefele donates N50m hall, books to school

    APPARENTLY irked by the deplorable state of his Alma mata, Yinka Ayefele, on last Thursday made a donation of 5000 big notes to Ipoti Community Secondary School in Ipoti Ekiti where he left 28 years ago.

    The popular musician also laid the foundation of a N50 million multi-purpose hall for the use of the school and the community.

    Earlier in her speech, the representative of the state governor, Dr (Mrs) Eniola Ajayi, the Commissioner for Environment said the state want kind hearted indigenes of the state that can come back and improve their community to complement the efforts of the state government.

    “The government of Dr. Kayode Fayemi has done a lot in terms of turning the fortunes of the state around. The government has done a lot in the areas of education.” She said.

    The event which comes up at the school premises was attended by the Chairman of Ijero local government, Hon. Bode Agbeleye, the newly installed Onipoti of Ipoti Ekiti, HRH James Oladipupo Kolade.

    Ayefele enjoined members of the community to always give back to the community saying “It is not that I’m very rich but I believe that the little I can contribute will still go a long way in making some impacts” he said.

    Reacting to the gesture, the Principal of the school, Mr. Bolarinwa Rufus Taiwo thanked the donor and enjoined other old students of the school to emulate Ayefele.

  • As Star Trek moves to Abeokuta

    As Star Trek moves to Abeokuta

    ANTICIPATION is on the rise as Rock City, Abeokuta plays host to some of Nigeria’s favourite artistes in the 8th leg of Star Music Trek, Today, Saturday 27. Award-winning international artiste, D’banj is joined by fast rising Yoruba rap star, Olamide as they both make their debut performances on The Trek having been missing from the 7 other legs of the concert held around the country.

    Olamide promised fans who have been patiently awaiting his appearance on ‘The Trek’ not just a thrilling time but lots of surprises in store for them as. Also, D’banj who has been enjoying an extremely rewarding year has urged fans to come all out to have fun at the venue;

    “I’m reaching out to all my fans everywhere, not just in Abeokuta, but in Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Akure, Benin, Asaba, Warri and other cities, this is my open invitation to you to be my special guest. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the Abeokuta Sports Club this Saturday,” said Olamide.

    Sound Sultan who appeared last in the FESTAC edition of the show joins Dr. SID who made his debut in Lokoja to also perform for the second time in Abeokuta. The 9th leg of the concert will hold in Agege, Lagos State. The 10 week 10 city Trek will be wrapped up with a Grand Finale August 10 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

  • Omotola Jalade- Ekeinde on child marriage

    Omotola Jalade- Ekeinde on child marriage

    NOLLYWOOD star Omotola Jalade who was in Bayelsa State last weekend for the 2013 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant, spoke on the Senate bill, endorsing child marriage in Nigeria.

    The actress who was among the panel of judges for the beauty competition, was presented with a Silverbird Unique Personality Award.

    After receiving the award, Omotola who wore a black-and-white striped maxi dress, delivered an emotional speech on the trending topic of child marriage.

    “Let me first and foremost thank the Lord Almighty, my saviour and help for this award. Thanks also to Silverbird Group, organizers of MBGN. Thanks to my wonderful husband, Capt. Matthew Ekeinde, my support and best friend who is also here tonight. I am today one of the most influential people in the world because I wasn’t given off to marriage before the age of 18.

    “It scares and totally shocks me that the Senate in Nigeria (the most populous Black Nation in the world and Giant of Africa) would not be passing in a law ensuring that every child should compulsorily be enrolled in school.

    “A very alarming number of children today are on the streets hawking or have been abused, raped or are married to men/women who should be protecting them. Who protects the children of Nigeria? Would we wait for another Milala before we act?

    “Should we now remove the parental caution on movies that says “Not for persons below 18″.This is a call for justice and equity for children, especially the Nigerian girl child, who has the right to quality education, a childhood and the decision of whom and when to marry.

    “My Name is Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and I say No to phedophilia and No to the Senate Bill endorsing child marriage in Nigeria.”

  • Plans underway to bring IMAX to Nigeria

    Plans underway to bring IMAX to Nigeria

    EFFORTS by a Nigerian to wrestle the soft monopoly enjoyed by the few cinema houses in the country received a positive nod recently, when the IMAX Studio’s Vice President of Global Marketing for Europe, Africa and the Middle East Mr. Giovanni Dolci, visited Nigeria for the first time.

    The two-day working visit by the IMAX on Monday July 15 to16, 2013 was preparatory to the decision to establish the first IMAX Cinema in Nigeria, to be located in Festac, in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    IMAX’s Nigerian partner, Mr. Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima who was with the visitor at the Bank of Industry (BoI), Amuwo Odofin LGA Secretariat and the CEO of Dvworx said “we building more than an ordinary cinema like the inadequate local ones in Nigeria, we are building the larger than life mega IMAX Cinemas not only in Lagos, but also in other states.”

    Chima is optimistic that the cinema is a groundbreaking project that will boost the international distribution of Nigerian movies. He is also certain that with the production of Nigerian IMAX movies, the project will boost the Nigerian film industry.

    Dolci was during his stay, taken around by Chima’s team, comprising his legal adviser Mr. Biola Ladipo, COO of Screen Outdoor Open Air Cinema (SOOAC) and his associate Mr. Hope Obioma Opara, President of the annual Eko International Film Festival. At the Lagos office of BoI, the delegation had a meeting with Mrs. Cynthia Uche Nwuka, Mr. Okechukwu Madu and Mr. Lawrence A. Ewah.

    It would be recalled that the Bank of Industry is investing millions of dollars in the sustainable development of the Nigerian film industry. One of the bank’s project is the co-funding of the film adaptation of award-winning novel “Half of A Yellow Sun” written by Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie. The film is due for release during the yuletide season.

    Dolci also met with other stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry, including Mr. Femi Odugbemi, CEO of Dvworx and Festival Director of the annual iRepresent International Documentary Forum and Patrick Lee, General Manager of Ozone Cinemas in Lagos. He also visited Ozone, Silverbird and Genesis Deluxe cinemas all located in Lagos and scheduled to also visit the Silverbird Cinemas in Accra, Ghana before returning to London.

    “The first IMAX Cinema in Nigeria and likely also the first in West Africa will be built in Festac, one of the most urbanized towns in the Amuwo Odofin local government area of Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria and the most densely populated state in the country. Lagos has the biggest economy in West Africa and is the hub of the booming entertainment industry,” said Michael Chima at the preliminary meeting of Giovanni Dolci with Comrade Ayodele Adewale, the Executive Chairman of the Amuwo Odofin Local Government at the secretariat in Festac on Tuesday July 16, 2013.

    The first IMAX Theater in Nigeria is going to cost $23 million and expected to be ready before next Valentine and projected to attract over 500, 000 people weekly from all the communities in the Amuwo Odofin local government area and nearby towns.

    Dolci has been in charge of IMAX sales and business development, responsible for negotiations with exhibitors and distributors throughout EMEA to support the market’s transition to digital projection technology. He joined IMAX after 10 years at London-based Arts Alliance Media, which specializes in digital cinema technology and was also film finance executive, and executive producer with Beach Front Films, a New Zealand-based film production company, where he oversaw financing international co-production projects.