NENESI Ibru, the beautiful daughter of Olorogun Oscar Ibru, is in her best moments. Nene, who has been romantically linked with the rap sensation, Shina Rambo, the cousin of the hip-hop sensation, Davido, graduated from her Masters programme at the Savannah College of Arts and Design, Atlanta. USA.
Nene, as she is fondly called is the co-owner of Olivia’s Trunk Consignment Boutique in Lagos with her sister, Makashe Awogboro.
On Saturday, June 21 when the Super Eagles tackle Bosnia & Herzegovina at Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba for their second match at the 2014 World Cup, it would be exactly 20 years to the day Nigeria made her debut at the FIFA World Cup with a thrilling 3-0 thrashing of Bulgaria. Yet USA’94 has gone down in history of Nigerian football as one of its finest moments and Emmanuel Amuneke, who was later crowned the 1994 African Footballer of the Year, here speaks about the Super Eagles of yore as well as his predictions for 2014.He spoke to MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN.
Twenty years ago Nigeria qualified for the World Cup for the first time and here we are 20 years after Nigeria is going to Brazil 2014 under similar scenario as African champions , do you fancy the chance of the Super Eagles?
I fancy their chances but at the same time we have to be realistic and objective because you have to play the matches first before you can talk about winning the trophy. It is not enough or as simple as saying that we are going to beat Iran, Bosnia & Herzegovina; we have to play first. I’m not only concern about Nigeria but my prayer is for all the African teams to represent the continent very well in Brazil. African football has grown but I think it was a bad outing at SA 2010 because almost all the team fell out in the first round except Ghana. But they also paid the price of inexperience and immaturity on a big occasion. My joy would be to see the African teams especially Nigeria, to make huge impact and above all, play as a team. I pray they function as a team and on my part; I want to really wish the Super Eagles very well especially starting with their first game against Iran. Winning the first game is important and that would give them the relief to play and consolidate their position against Bosnia.knowing that they would have secured their ticket to the next stage before playing Argentina.
How did you feel to be part of that team that first qualified Nigeria for the World Cup 20 years ago in 1994?
For me, it was a privilege to be part of the team that first represented Nigeria at the World Cup because it a big moment for us as players as well as the country. Everybody recognised Nigeria as a big football playing country but going to the World Cup confirmed our place as true African champions. Yes, there was confidence in the team because we were the African champions after we won the Cup of Nations in Tunisia but going to the World Cup was a different scenario and we went to USA 1994 with a lot of expectations. We thank God that we were able to justify the expectations of Nigerians and we did wonderfully well.
What was the feeling since Nigeria was grouped along with Argentina that had a player like Maradona?
It was something we were really looking forward to because most of us grew up to watch great players like Maradona but we were really looking forward to all the matches. I remember that encounter very well because when we lined up for the game, we were surprised about the size of Maradona but we can see that he commands a lot of respect from his teammates. We went into that game with a lot of confidence but lour lack of experience was exposed especially despite the fact that we were leading them 1-0. But we made two mistakes as we were complaining to the referee but before we knew, Maradona had put a through ball to Cannigia to score. It was a great experience having the privilege to play against Maradona, Cannigia, and Batistuta…and we remain grateful to God that he gave us such opportunity.
Nigeria eventually topped the group to meet Italy in the second round, what was going through the mind of you guys before the match?
We actually went into that match with the conviction that we were going to win. The confidence was already there after we came on top of the group that also had Greece and Bulgaria. In that match, we gave everything but again, lack of experience was our greatest undoing because we were just minutes away from winning the match but in two minutes, we lost everything. If we were a bit experienced, we would have handled the game differently.
You scored the only goal against Italy before you got injured, what was the mood in the dressing room after the match?
It was a long night after the match because that was a match we lost due to carelessness. We were all mad with ourselves because we failed to take on a huge opportunity…It was a very disappointing night because we missed narrowly the opportunity of playing in the quarter finals. If we had beaten Italy, I think we would have been unstoppable because we would have grown in confidence to play any team. All the same, we proved that we were a very good team and some of us had the opportunity to show how good we were at the Olympic Games two years later in Atlanta.
What is the difference between playing at the World Cup and the Olympic Football Tournament?
Playing at the World Cup is something special than at the Olympics. At the World Cup, all the best and greatest players are involved unlike the Olympics where you only have few stars. Don’t also forget that the attention of everybody is about only football during the World Cup unlike during Olympics when you have the opportunity of watching other sports. The World Cup is therefore and looks at all the excitement about the coming World Cup in Brazil. We are going to see some new stars as well as the old ones who want to prove that they are still the great deal. World Cup has its own buzz and that is why each edition is always a special occasion because there is a lot of glamour and football in place. My advice to players is to make sure of the best opportunity because you might not have a second chance.
USA’94 World Cup eventually happened to be your only appearance, why were you left out of the France’98 World Cup?
I was a key member of the team that qualified the Super Eagles for the France-98 World Cup but unfortunately for me, I sustained a serious injury and I had an operation. Then it took me some time to recover and that was why I couldn’t make it to the World Cup. Frankly, it was painful to miss out of the World Cup because I really had a huge expectations because I was then with Barcelona. It was painful because that could have been a good opportunity for me to add more value to what I had already achieved and that could really be painful. Take for instance the present condition of Falcao who will miss Brazil 2014 because of injury, everybody was actually looking forward to see what he can do at this level but we would have to wait till another time.
Earlier, you spoke about football being a collective effort but who do you think would be Nigeria’s best player at Brazil 2014?
If I may take two players, I would pick Ogenyi Onazi and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama because of what they bring into the team. I picked Onazi because he would be a key factor in the midfield and for some time now, he has helped John Mikel Obi to function much better in the midfield. He would be a key factor for the Super Eagles. Vincent on the other hand, would bring a lot of experience to the team. Take for instance, theTueday’s friendly match against Greece, If not for his goalkeeping experience, we might have lost the game. I’m praying for the two players as well as the rest of the team to do very well.
In case Nigeria doesn’t win, which other country do you think would win the World Cup trophy in Brazil?
My support had always been for Argentina and Germany since I was young because they are the sort of teams that you expect would give their best at any given time. Argentines are fighters and of course, the Germans would never give up till the final whistle. Though more teams are coming up like Spain but I’m sticking with my traditional team.
IT would be a different kind of World Cup for lovers of football and the World Cup in the Northern part of the country. For these set of Nigerians the Brazil World Cup will be devoid of funfair, celebration, and merriment.
According to cross section of people our reporter spoke with on preparation towards the global soccer carnival kicking off this week, many prefer to watch the matches from the abode of their home with their families. Meaning the joint celebration and supporter ship associated with the World Cup will be lacking here no thanks to the terrorist group, Boko Haram.
The fear of Boko Haram and inherent danger remain the nagging security challenge which has continued to kill social life in parts of the North, of which public viewing centres are being targeted by suicide bombers.
A cross section of football enthusiasts expressed reservations, sighting insecurity as a major factor that may hinder them from patronizing public view centres, while concluding that owing to this situation, the 2014 world cup may come and go without much glamour in this part of the world.
A sport enthusiast, Jafar Jafar said, “We are praying that before the World Cup kicks off, we hope that the security situation in the country must have improved. Watching footballs match in group or in viewing centres is much more thrilling and interesting than watching it alone in the comfort of your bed room. At viewing centres, you can hear analysis; you discuss logically and you view some decisions which some may perceive as questionable a better way. So, we urge the Federal Government to expedite action in ensuring the security of lives and property, not only in the football viewing centres, cinema halls or theatres, but in every corner of the country.”
Another female soccer fan, Madam Zahra Sabo said sports is a unifying factor in the world but the current insecurity issue in the Northern part will hamper soccer fans from watching the game in viewing centres. “When people converge like this it could be hazardous because that is where all manners of people can come and plant explosives to arm others.”
For Mallam Hafisu Danbappa, the prevailing security challenges will hamper communal viewing. “My plan is to watch the World Cup in my house with my family.”
Frances Dele echoed similar sentiment: “I beg I don’t want to lose my life prematurely by going to viewing centre at that odd time to watch a match. The only watching the World Cup is my bedroom and as such, I am well prepared and I have subscribed to DSTV that will beam the matches live to my bed room.”
In his own view, an operator of a Viewing Centre in Sabon Gari area of the state who simply gave his name as Simon said he would keep his centre open for the World Cup. “I personally frisked customers before allowing them inside the centre; and if I suspect any movement, I have the contacts of security agencies; I always alert them in such circumstance and they respond.”
Elsewhere in Kaduna, owners of viewing centres are preparing hard for the World cup, in spite of the security situation. While some people who normally patronise viewing centres told The Nation on Sunday that they are planning to watch the matches at home, some others claimed that they always want to watch matches where there are many people. Some others who said they will not be going to the viewing centre are concerned about the timing of the games rather than the security situation. Investigations revealed that many viewing centres have procured additional television sets and chairs in anticipation of a large turnout.
Asked what security measures they are putting in place, some of those spoke to said “it will not ideal for us to disclose our security strategies to you. But we are aware of the attempt to bomb a viewing centre in Jos during the Champions League finals. We are taking measures to ensure that nothing of such happen during the World Cup. But we will not tell you what we are planning right now”. Some soccer fans also told The Nation on Sunday that their plan is to watch the competition close to their houses saying “when you are close to your house, you don’t have to go the viewing centre in a car. So, we expect that the owners of the viewing centres will not allow people to pack their cars or even motor cycles close to the viewing centres. We also expect them to employ adequate security to constantly monitor the surroundings to ensure that nobody will come and drop something close bye and disappear. The world cup is supposed to be a full one month of fun and we expect even members of the Insurgents to be part of the fun by laying down their arms and coming out to enjoy the matches with other Nigerians”, said Kabiru Adamu, a soccer fan in Kaduna metropolis.
Martins Negedu, a Journalist with Daily Newswatch on his part said he plan to watch the matches at home and has already acquired a small generating set for that purpose. He said “I plan to watch the matches at home. I have bought a small generator for that purpose. Even though there is a viewing centre close to my house, I don’t plan to go there because of the timing of the matches.”
Brazil 2014: Jos fans not scared of bombers
Meanwhile, citizens of Plateau state are insisting that they will watch all the 64 matches for the World Cup final scheduled to take place in Brazil later this month.
But the fear of suicide bombers said to be lurking around the state is already forcing citizens to devise strategies to watch the matches without falling victims of suicide bombers.
A car loaded with explosives directed to a football viewing center where over 400 fans were watching the champions’ league final on the 25th of May last month failed to get to its target before the explosive went off. It kills the suicide bombers and two others. Before then, there were three other attempts in the past to detonate explosives at football viewing center in Jos city. It happened in Ondus as well as Tina junction all at Bauchi Ring road Jos. There was another one near Tudunwada Park. Those attempts only recorded minimal casualties in injuries.
Such tournaments like World Cup do attract citizens, both old and young to football viewing centers available at every nook and crannies of the state, some people are already afraid and are already rushing to purchase StarTimes decoder or DSTV so as to watch the World Cup at the comfort of their parlor.
Barr Emmanuel Gwash said, “I have lost interest in watching football at public places, I have DSTV but I always enjoy the game more in public places, but that was then, I have resolved to watch every match in my room, I will no longer go to viewing center, it is my own personal security” he said.
As for Samson Gana, a banker in Jos said, “I just purchase my StarTimes decoder for the matches because, I don’t trust government security agencies any more, they will be at every check point, yet these devils called Boko Haram will walk through them with explosives and carry out their wicked acts. So, I will watch this World Cup in my room”
Mahmoud Sani who owns a football viewing center in Bukuru, Jos said, “Since we know the target of bombers is the viewing center, I will improve on the security of the premises. With adequate security, we can keep the bombers away and enjoy the full benefit of watching the games.”
EBONY TV CEO, Ms. Mo Abudu, was on Sunday June 1st, 2014, conferred with an honorary award of Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa).
She was accorded the honour by one of Nigeria’s private universities, Babcock University, at its 12th convocation ceremony.
Mo was awarded this enviable degree by the private Christian co-educational institution owned and run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria.
The other recipient was Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance, who was awarded Doctor of Science in Global Economic Development (Honoris Causa).
Abudu, in her acceptance speech, said she felt honoured by the gesture. She added: “There are so many men and women deserving of this award today. I thank you for finding me worthy. Today marks another very important milestone in the exciting journey of this institution.
It is a moment of pride and glory for the school as much as it is for all graduands, parents, family members, friends, our nation and the continent at large.
NICKI Minaj would like to hold her wedding in a tropical climate on a quiet beach.
The ‘Starships’ hitmaker, who has recently sparked rumours she’s engaged to her boyfriend of 10 years Safaree Samuels, has already starting planning her big day and has an ideal location in mind.
She told In Touch Weekly magazine: “I’d want it to be on a beach somewhere, like Turks and Caicos.”
The 31-year-old rapper has also already lined up her dresses for her big day and is adamant she’ll have at least three wardrobe changes throughout the romantic event.
She said: “I’m gonna have 10 [dresses] … OK, maybe more like three — a big princess dress, something short I can dance in at the party and then an Alexander McQueen gown that’s sexy and figure-hugging.”
With less than a week until the start of the World Cup and with 32 teams and around 736 players heading to Brazil it’s going to be tough to keep track of everything once the tournament kicks off on June 12. Below is a handy guide on which headline acts to focus on and some of the key battlegrounds to keep an eye on during the opening-group phase. We compile a list of players to watch. The list exhibits both talent fulfilled and potential untapped.
Cristiano Ronaldo
(Portugal)
Ronaldo quelled a great deal of burning ambition this season, finally beating Messi to claim another Ballon d’Or, helping Real Madrid clinch that long-elusive Decima of European Cups and finally convincing many that he, not the Argentine at Barcelona, is the best player in the world today. Why is he third here? Well, will he be fully fit at the World Cup? That could be the deciding factor as to whether CR7 can eradicate Portugal’s status as perennial also-rans and clinch them the major international trophy they’ve come close to in the past. “With a goal a game, when Ronaldo starts it feels like we start 1-0 up” said Real boss Carlo Ancelotti. Every Portuguese football fan will be praying that he remains fit enough to give them seven ‘head-starts’ in Brazil.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
That Messi has endured his most disappointing season in recent years for Barcelona in the immediate run-up to this tournament hasn’t fooled many – especially when his national form has, to the contrary, picked up in the face of questions over whether Lionel applied himself as much for his country as he always did at Camp Nou. Messi remains THE man to be wary of, with his Argentine team-mates supplying superior service and back-up than Ronaldo’s Portugal or Suarez’s Uruguay, and his long run as the sport’s premier name offering far more experience of the ‘big dance’ than Brazil’s Neymar or Belgium’s Hazard. Do not be surprised in the least bit if Brazil 2014 is the setting for where Lionel Messi finally completes his trophy collection.
Neymar (Brazil)
Neymar has been Brazil’s top sporting celebrity for some time now – barely a week would pass without another amazing highlight reel of his skills at Santos – and now he has moved onto a bigger club platform with Barcelona, he returns home for what could be the crowning moment of a career which may yet have over another decade to run. Neymar stands a very strong chance of being the man who fires the host nation to an unprecedented sixth World Cup. Between his explosive attacking, mesmerising ball skills, versatile goal threat and much-maligned gamesmanship (face it: even a player going down easily from a light challenge could be enough to decide the final), the 22-year-old has the world – and this World Cup – at his feet.
Diego Costa (Spain)
Injury soured a great season for the Brazilian-born forward, as after Atletico’s Liga title win he was handed a start in the Champions League final in Lisbon despite not being fully ready to participate and was withdrawn before the 10 minute mark. However, signs are encouraging during Spanish pre-tournament training for a man who could provide the cutting edge up top which revives the ‘tiki-taka’ concept in time for a staggering fourth straight major international tournament win for the reigning world champions.
Eden Hazard (Belgium)
Many Chelsea fans and Belgian fanatics felt Hazard’s contributions to the 2013/14 season were largely overlooked, with names such as Ronaldo and Suarez on an absolute tear. As the creative star of the tournament dark horses, Hazard could do some serious damage to sides who expect to have too much experience or name value for Belgium. Hazard has constantly wowed over the last four years for Lille, Chelsea and his country, and the World Cup in Brazil will be his biggest platform yet.
Luis Suarez (Uruguay)
Suarez proved in the past season what he can do when he isn’t bringing football into disrepute with his reprehensible antics. Tempered by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, Suarez was deservedly crowned England’s best player in 13/14 as he broke goalscoring records and almost inspired the Reds to an unthinkable league title. Some feel Uruguay do not have enough as a team to go all the way in Brazil but Suarez’s talent, form and undeniable desire to win (like it or not, that 2010 handball against Ghana paid off) makes it impossible to jump to conclusions.
Mario Balotelli (Italy)
Controversial, unpredictable but also lethal in front of goal, Balotelli showed what he can do on the big stage at Euro 2012 and could be key to whether Italy are amongst the trophy contenders in Brazil. If he’s firing on all cylinders throughout the month, the nation’s team spirit laced with Balotelli’s goals and Pirlo’s threat at set pieces will be extremely difficult to beat. Of course, the key reason ‘Super Mario’ doesn’t make it any higher than 10 was highlighted by his hot-and-cold first full season at AC Milan. Which Balo will show up?
Thiago Silva (Brazil)
Silva is one of the world’s top centre-backs, and though the eyes of a nation will focus on the likes of Neymar as Brazil strive for a sixth World Cup in front of their own, the PSG man will be just as crucial at the other end of the pitch if the tournament’s greatest-ever participants are to extend their trophy record. The next month serves as the perfect opportunity for Silva to underscore his leadership qualities and enter the history books with a potential seven inspirational performances from the back.
Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)
In 2010, Ghana came agonisingly close to finally realising the potential most experts have claimed African nations possess at World Cups for yonks. And if you were to pick out one African talent in 2014 who could spark an even better campaign than the Black Stars’ run to the last eight four years ago, it’s box-to-box beast Yaya Toure. Though a magnificent, title-winning season with Man City was soured at the end by an unbelievable story casting doubt over his Etihad future because of how the club celebrated his birthday, such manoeuvring for a transfer/pay rise will be firmly on hold when he looks to help his nation (and continent) to new frontiers in Brazil.
John Obi Mikel (Nigeria)
In a Chelsea shirt Mikel might be the sideways pass made flesh, but for his country he plays in the more adventurous role he was once earmarked for before he had the joy squeezed out of him at Stamford Bridge. In what could be a tough group against Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran, Mikel needs to make the difference for his country – and we don’t mean keeping his pass completion rate above 85%.
Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
Jokes about his age aside, Eto’o showed in flashes during the Premier League season that he can still find the back of the net against quality opposition. He has scored 55 goals in 116 games for Cameroon and the Indomitable Lions will need his sharp shooting if they are to get out of a tough group. Eto’o is a free agent this summer and will look to show clubs that he’s still worth a big pay packet.
Tim Cahill (Australia)
Premier League fans know all about Tim Cahill, who could always pop up with a goal from midfield. Australia have a brutal draw with Spain, Netherlands and Chile, so will likely play a disciplined style and look to score from set-pieces where Cahill is particularly dangerous attacking crosses. He scored a trademark header against South Africa in a recent pre-tournament friendly and also scored for the New York Red Bulls in his last MLS game before joining up with the squad. An in-form Tim Cahill is a dangerous beast.
Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
If Chile are going to emerge from a group featuring 2010 finalists Spain and Netherlands, then they are going to need their talismanic forward on-song. Sanchez scored a rocket from a near-impossible angle against Atletico on the final day of the Liga season a strike which would have secured Barcelona the title had their opponents not found a leveller. A skilful player on his home continent, Alexis could be the man to carry Chile into the latter stages of the tournament.
Karim Benzema (France)
Two international tournaments; no goals. A dire Euro 2008 campaign led to the national media labelling Benzema ‘impotent’ and he was dropped altogether for the World Cup in South Africa. He fared a little better at Euro 2012, setting up two goals as France reached the last eight, but it’s in the last two years that Benzema has belatedly sparkled for club and country. He spearheaded Real Madrid’s attack as they claimed La Decima and is now finally ready for his name to flash on the vidiprinter after firing home in Brazil.
Andres Iniesta (Spain)
The perennial nearly man of football’s major awards, Iniesta has been consistently overshadowed by Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi. Time, then, for the Spaniard to forget a dismal club campaign and add another bit of World Cup history to his tournament-winning strike in South Africa. Iniesta is closing in on 100 international caps, so what better time to remind the world that tiki-taka is very much alive?
Wayne Rooney (England)
Cast your mind back to Euro 2004. Wayne Rooney, 18, burst onto the international scene with four goals and was named in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament. The future looked extremely bright. But flash forward to the present day, and the once energetic striker has seemingly stagnated as a player adding just one goal to his international tournament haul. Arguably Manchester United and England’s finest player last season, Rooney now has the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong and show that he truly is among the world’s greatest.
Paul Pogba (France)
Pogba has flourished since switching to Juventus from United and is now one of the best young footballers in the world. Serie A might have diminished over the last decade, but Pogba’s panache and power have not gone unnoticed by the big clubs who will be desperate to pry him away from Italy should he enjoy a fine World Cup. Given France are alongside Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras in Brazil, the midfielder seems destined to sparkle.
Luka Modric (Croatia)
Croatia have assembled an imposing side for the World Cup, with Modric situated at the heart of it. The diminutive midfielder thrived during Real Madrid’s European run and his Group A opponents will be acutely aware of his ability to pick an inch-perfect pass while swarmed with opponents. If he can orchestrate keep-ball with team-mate Ivan Rakitic, then the Croatians might have enough to not only worry Mexico and Cameroon, but also hosts Brazil.
Arturo Vidal (Chile)
Vidal has the tenacity to disrupt the flow of the Spaniards, survive the relentless pace against the Dutch and spark ominous forays versus the Aussies. Quite simply, he is one of the finest box-to-box midfielders operating in the game. The World Cup is the perfect platform for Vidal to showcase his versatility and fiery attributes as Chile seek to dislodge a 2010 finalist. A summer switch from Juve beckons.
Daniel Sturridge (England)
Sturridge comes to Brazil on the back of his finest club season to date, having endured hit-and-miss tenures at Man City and Chelsea before finally settling in at Liverpool. His strike partnership with Luis Suarez was the Premier League’s finest in 2013/14 – though of course he will stand opposite his buddy when England meet Uruguay in the group stages. A versatile and confident finisher, Sturridge is capable of finding the goals which could counter-balance any complacency or climate-related struggles the Three Lions may endure.
Robin van Persie (Netherlands)
Though RVP did not enjoy the best season of his career as Manchester United sank under David Moyes, his efforts in almost single-handedly winning a just-as-weak Red Devils the 2012-13 Premier League in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season will be fresh in the minds of any defence who has to deal with the talismanic striker in Brazil. The classy van Persie will also be keen to offer outgoing Dutch boss (and next United manager) Louis van Gaal a glimpse of the next 12 months they spend working together, and the Netherlands being somewhat forgotten by some experts after a dismal Euro 2012 could play perfectly into the forward’s hands.
Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)
The towering shot stopper, contracted to Chelsea, is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world today after helping Atletico Madrid to the most unlikely of La Liga title wins and being seconds away from adding a Champions League medal to his haul. The Belgians head to South America in a similar position to Atleti’s 2013/14 campaign, as very popular (and very formidable) dark horses. If the relatively goal-shy 2010 tourney in South Africa is anything to go by, teams’ reluctance to go all-out in attack for fear of making a fatal error could leave the door open for a back-five player to steal the show.
Mike Abdul, a member of the popular gospel group, Midnight Crew, who has featured in so many musical videos with other gospel artistes, has decided to go solo by dropping a new single, ‘Morire’. He speaks with Dorcas Omunagbe on his passion and why he decided to go solo.
CAN you tell us why you decided to go solo from the Midnight Crew?
As I answer you, I am at an event with the Midnight Crew at Teslim Balogun Stadium. Our solo efforts run across board. It is an initiative targeting expansion and empowering the individuals in the crew. We have come a long way as a group, investing our time and life; we are not ready to destroy what we have. In other words, we are creating more bands from the mother band.
What are the new challenges the Christian music industry is facing with this new decision?
Same challenges you encounter while building something new. We are not new to such challenges; we always win.
Passion is key in what you do. How do you manage passion with a desire to make it financially?
Giving direction to your passion will help you find a desired structure and organisation for your gifting or talent. If you are able to develop a working structure for your talent, it stands you out to give value to society which in turn will pay you for adding value. You are only worth what you give.
Do you see a form of competition between the gospel and the non-gospel artistes in getting the attention of Christians?
Gospel and secular artistes have the same target audience. It is the same people who go to clubs on Friday that attend church on Sundays. People spend five days listening to secular music on their radio, one extra day to enjoy live performances of secular music in parties on Saturday and only one day for gospel music; this seems to be the design. We all seek the attention of souls. We are not in music just to play our songs to ourselves. It seems more difficult for the gospel artiste; it is a challenge we must surmount.
What efforts can you say are made to keep up with music trends and maintain the Christian audience? What I mean is there are different music trends which are mostly set by the secular artistes; for example, some words from their songs get into the vocabulary of listeners with time. What efforts are made to keep up with these trends and maintain the Christian audience?
Following trends can be difficult and most times inappropriate for gospel artistes. Most trends have sexual undertones and/or are inappropriate for faith-based presentations. Some of us have done our researches and once a while used some of the trending beats but we have discovered that despite all, gospel is meant to be different. We will make the music, write the lyrics, promote the songs as hard as we can and keep sowing the seeds of the spirit as often as we can.
What are your expectations from the Christian music industry or what gaps do you think are there to be filled?
There will always be gaps to fill. Development is a constant feature. We are not where gospel music used to be. Yes, we are not satisfied with where we are; we need to attain a sound that is international, a sound that will make our local content go global. Gospel music and artistes need to be more professional in approach and delivery. Professionalism will make us brands; enviable and desirable brands. We are working, we will get better.
Family is most important in a person’s life. How do you manage time with your job and family?
I believe in separating work from home. Be diligent with work but at the close of work, please go home and create special moments. Let home truly be a home.
What’s your fashion style?
I love to look smart and enviable. Comfort and respect are good enough statements for my fashion
What advice do you have for young upcoming Christian artistes? There is an idea that their colleagues, probably of the same age bracket, make it better in the secular.
Secular music industry will always make more visible money than gospel music just that the money will always never go round even amongst them. Many secular artistes are living below expectation, so let no one think it is greener on the other side. Stay by your calling, fall for nothing. The purpose of gospel music is not the money. Frustration comes when money is all the focus. Understand the music business, make your research, preach the gospel in your music with all sincerity and understanding of your target audience; trust me, you will be comfortable as long as you add value to society.
A very finicky man of style, the chief promoter of the defunct Rite Time, the owners of World Airways, Peter Obafemi, is one Nigerian whose personality and ways have continued to keep tongues wagging, especially among the Lagos in-crowd, particularly his short-lived venture in aviation and bad outing in politics. Well, those may have been forgotten issues as the Ekiti born businessman, sources saidm, is re-strategising. Not too long, the man of means pampered himself with a G-series Gulfstream private jet. If information available is anything to go by, the last has not been heard of Otunba Peter Obafemi.
ZARA Abubakar, the delectable wife of the Inspector General of police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, is on nine months course. Her husband and other family members are gearing up for the arrival of the tiny tot. The beautiful lady, who is the daughter of Bunu Sherrif Musa, Nigeria’s Ambassador to France in 1999 and former Minister of Industries, Mines and Power, Water Resources, Employment, Labour and Productivity, got married to the police chief in a three day carnival like wedding fathia that kicked off at the home of the bride’ father in Maiduguri, Borno State and rounded off with another fabulous ceremony in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory last year September. And it was attended by who-is-who in the political landscape of the country.
In her late 30s, Zarah had her formative education at the Cobham Hall School, in Kent, United Kingdom, her university education at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the Loughborough University in the United Kingdom. She had worked at Impresit Bakalori; CVL; Sahara Group; and is currently employed at the External Relations Department of AFREN plc, an independent oil and gas company.
Mohammed Abubakar, a father of three took another shot at matrimony barely two years after his wife, Hajia Maryam Abubakar, died. The late Mrs. Abubakar passed on in the morning of January 30, 2013 less than a week her husband, Abubakar, assumed office as the Acting Inspector General of Police. She was 48 and reportedly died of complications from a protracted battle with cancer.
WITH few days to kick-off of 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the soccer fever is spreading rapidly and Nigeria, the most populous black nation and one of the 32 nations represented at the Mundial, have caught the contagious fever.
There is clearly a great interest in the World Cup globally and Nigeria with its reach history in the game is not far behind in the ‘Economics of World Cup’ a term used to describe the immediate and after effect of the World Cup on countries in the world. It also illustrates the micro and macro effect on global economy.
From the area of business, to social and recreation the reactions and figures gathered by Sunday Nation are staggering and a pointer to the fact that Nigerians are painstakingly prepared emotionally and physically for Brazil World Cup.
The preparation, actually, starts from homes and spread rapidly to the streets, private and public offices and businesses.
The World Cup officially kicks off this week, with Brazil taking on Croatia on June 12. The final is scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro on July 13 and for one-month, Nigerians will lap-up this showpiece of soccer fiesta.
HOME FRONT
A football enthusiast, Engr. Alade Adebayo, who has bias for Real Madrid and Manchester United, began his groundwork from the home front: “I don’t want to miss the World Cup for anything and that is why I have ensured that I pay up my pay-per-view subscription for the duration of the tournament. Not only that I will be servicing my generator so that whether there is NEPA (Electricity service provider) or not I would be able to watch all the games.”
It means the entrepreneur will also have to be ready to fuel his generator come rain come shine to be able to see all games of the Mundial.
“Yes” he affirmed before continuing. “I am ready for that. Ordinarily I don’t watch football matches until the weekends when my favourite clubs; Manchester United and Real Madrid are playing, but the World Cup is a daily affair so I am prepared to sacrifice the extra cash to fuel my generator.”
Adebayo, who runs an Engineering firm (The Roots Ventures), says he is also making contingent plans in his office. “I run a business and I am aware that many of these matches would be played around office time so I have to plan ahead or my business will suffer. The plan is that we would make provision for an accessible Television so that my staff and I can watch together otherwise I would lose some of them whenever the matches are on.” This is because many people will leave their offices for home in World Cup matches.
Unlike Asians, Nigerians may however not keep awake at midnight to see World Cup matches live, a situation that has been predicted to affect workers’ focus and turnover, in the World Cup month.
According to an online poll conducted by careers website FinancialCareers, This month’s World Cup means workers in Asia will have to get up in the early hours of the morning to catch the football action in host country Brazil and 75 percent of financial services sector professionals in Singapore, Hong Kong, and China intend to watch World Cup games. About 26 percent of those who participated in the poll suggested that they plan to work all day and watch all night. In addition, 10 percent said they planned to call in sick and 8 percent said they would take annual leave.
“In terms of work, you will still be professional but World Cup fever will take over to be honest and that’s what you’re going to be talking to clients a lot about,” said Chris Weston, chief market strategist at IG in Melbourne.
“There is clearly a great interest in the World Cup and the figures suggest that professionals in Asia will find a way to watch, even in some cases if this means staying up all night,” said George McFerran, managing director, Asia-Pacific at eFinancial Careers. “Companies that plan ahead and take the interests of their staff as well as the needs of the business into consideration will be best placed during the World Cup period.”
Definitely, the World Cup trigger emotions and emotional moments most times, wives and girlfriends may be at the receiving end of it. Ask an average housewife her interest in the World Cup? and you will receive an answer like this one from Mrs. Hannah Olupinla, a Church Secretary and mother. “World Cup, hmmm, I don’t watch World Cup because I cannot give myself hypertension (laughs). It is true. I do not think I will be watching it. I pray God will help them to reach the final stage so that they will bring the trophy home. However, when they bring the trophy home, the money that government will give them, I will not have a part in it. So, what is the essence of watching it, wasting my saliva, wasting my energy and jumping up when they win, “it is a goal!” before you know it my BP will rise up.”
For her it is a matter of misplaced emotions but for her husband, it is rightly placed and this situation may create conflicts unless madam is willing to play along. “An accountant, Rashid Sanusi says: “Nothing comes between me and my football, especially the World Cup. It comes only once in four years.”
BUSINESS
While it is a ‘feel good’ thing for most Nigerians, to many equally, it is time to expand businesses and catch in on the fever to boost their businesses. Kenneth Okonkwo runs a Viewing Center in Shomolu area of Lagos and he informs that he has spent the last one-month preparing his business to meet the demands of The World Cup. “Aside from the Premiership, The world Cup is another money spinning moment in this business (Viewing Center). I have been preparing for it by setting some money aside to fuel my generator and providing additional generator because I will have to remain open for longer period for the duration of the tournament.”
The story is near similar for a sales representative of Hanaco Nig. Limited, a Lagos based distributors of electronics and general goods. According to the sales person, who wants to remain anonymous, the sale of Television sets has shot up in the last one month, “In this line of business it is not unusual for this to happen because many Nigerians want to watch the World Cup in the comfort of their homes and with their families. So some will change their television set for a new and modern type and others that don’t have will save to buy one for the family.”
The same scenario, he adds, plays out in the area of generating sets; “We have sold more generators in the past weeks than all the months of this year put together and the sales cut across from the smaller SPG1800 to the biggest SPG 850E2. “
Retail markets are not the only ones benefiting from the World Cup largess, online markets in Nigeria are reaping bountifully too. Sunday Nation observed that frontline online retailer JUMIA recently stepped up its promotion and advertisement for Television sets prompting inquiry into it. A simple reply via email, however, confirmed our earlier verdict that more TV sets are been sold in the weeks leading up to the World Cup in Brazil.
Some companies have also created their own special effect to sell their products to people who are otherwise, emotionally attached to the World Cup.
This appeal, which, has led to the creation of special viewing centers, is synonymous with beer makers allowing viewers to go in free of charge but with a clause; indulge in our brands while you are here. Of course, many would willingly cuddle the bottle to celebrate a win or douse their misery following a loss.
DESTINATION BRAZIL
The BBC has estimated that around 600,000 tourists are expected to travel to Brazil during the event, an approximation of $3 billion been injected into the economy meaning for many leaders of industry and other Nigerians that can afford it, Brazil is the preferred destination this summer and Travel Agencies in the country are catching in on it.
A call to the South African Airways office in Nigeria revealed a special offer for nine people traveling for Brazil World Cup from Nigeria. “The World Cup happens every four years and Nigerians are very passionate about football hence this promo and others that we cannot mention here,” offered one of their customer service staff who call simply calls himself Ola.
Suffice to add that Nigerians from all work of life; sportspeople, captains of industry, government officials, businessmen, families who have planned their holidays to coincide with the World Cup and fun seekers, are trooping to Brazil.
For the rest at home, nothing will stop the round leather magic from spreading, not even the emotional trauma sometimes associated with watching your country at such an international contest, or the grumbling housewife seeking attention from her man. There is no doubt that the World Cup fever is really catching on and trust Nigerians to get the maximum benefits from it.