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Tag: SEGUN ODUNAYO

  • It’s not easy to shoot babies – Bisola Ijalana

    It’s not easy to shoot babies – Bisola Ijalana

    Bisola Ijalana, owner of M12Photography is the first baby and children photographer in Nigeria. She speaks on the challenges of the job, the uniqueness of her profession and the journey so far with SEGUN ODUNAYO, PRAISE OLOWE and SOLOMON ODENIYI.

     Excerpts:

     

     Why children photography?

    I started children photography because I felt there was a need in Nigeria for baby photography. After I got married, my husband noticed I had a passion for photography and he encouraged me to go for photography training. After the training, I had my baby and it dawned on me that I needed to take my baby’s photographs.  From there I realized that, we had more of wedding photographers in Nigeria. This made me thirsty to learn more and then specialize in that genre of baby photography.

    After specialising, what did you discover about children photography?

    Children are wonderful gifts from God and they all have different characters. It is not easy to shoot babies; it requires a lot of patience, care and you have to be safety conscious in order to gain the trust of their parents.  It is also capital intensive compared to the other genres of photography. I keep buying props because I don’t want to repeat same setups /concept for every child.

    How have you been able to muddle through?

    Well, there is no job without its own challenges but I have been able to combine it effectively because I have a supportive family. My husband supports me one hundred percent and this has kept me going.

    What keeps your drive in this profession?

    The comments and feedback I get from my clients and people keeps me going, I am happy I help my clients create beautiful photographs of their children to cherish forever. I recently won an award which gave me more hope that there is need to keep doing what I do.

    What award did you win?

    I won the female photographer of the year at the Exquisite Ladies of the year award (ELOY) last year.

    Do you combine photography with other jobs?

    No, I don’t combine. I am a full time Photographer.

    What inspired the name M12?

    (Smiles) I met my husband on his birthday which happens to be March 12. And when I was making a decision on what name I wanted to use, it dropped in my heart, I thank God for that.

    What big names have you worked with?

    All my clients are special; I value the business they give me. The genre of photography I do is baby unlike events photographers that tends to work for organizations. I tend to work more for individuals and they are all special to me.

    Who are your role models in the industry?

    Photography in general is Ty Bello, for Baby photography Ana Brandt, Kelly brown and Luisandan.

    Don’t you have any Nigerian baby photographer you look up to?

    I started it first in Nigeria.

    How long have you been in the business?

    As for photography in general, it has been over six years but for baby photography, five years.

    What is your educational background?

    The secondary school I went to is Lagos state model college, Meiran.  For my tertiary education, I went to University of Ilorin where I bagged a BSc in Biochemistry. I have done other certification courses in Business /Entrepreneurial Management.

    What has been the pains and gains of the job so far?

    No pains, all gain. I enjoy what I do and I have no regrets.

    And what has been the gain?

    I have been able to create awareness and carve a niche in photography that has never been existing in Nigeria, I have also become an employer of labour.

    As a pioneer, what measures are you putting in place to take baby photography to the next level in Nigeria?

    I do training for photographers who are interested in becoming baby photographers.

    Do you do this for free?

    I have done both free and both paid training and I still do. I take interns as well.

    How will you rate the Nigerian photography industry?

    It is growing positively, the number of photographers increases and people are beginning to value and respect photographers professionally.

  • Photo: Freed Igbonla boys

    Photo: Freed Igbonla boys

  • Arole and I are not one – Asiri comedy

    Arole and I are not one – Asiri comedy

    In an online interview with The Nation Online, Osundare Damilare also known as Asiri comedy, a comedian speaks about his relationship with Arole, his career among other issues with OLOWE PRAISE, SOLOMON ODENIYI and SEGUN ODUNAYO. Excerpts:

    How did comedy begin for you?

    Comedy for me started as interaction among my peers. Friends naturally gather round me because I was very lively and I throw funny jabs too. Later when I gained admission into the university I joined a drama group where I get to act the funny roles.

    How long have you been in this industry?

    I have been in the industry since 2010

    What university did you attend and what course did you study?
    I attended Obafemi Awolowo University Ile ife I studied Microbiology

    What has been your ups and downs so far in the industry?
    The comedy industry in Nigeria is a battle of USP (unique selling point), If you don’t have one you will be lost in the crowd. For me, every opportunity I get to make people happy is fulfilling. As for the downs, they are part of the plan to greater heights

    What’s your unique selling point?
    Depth, intelligence spontaneity and observational strengths as well as creativity

    Many believe Arole is your superior, what is your view about this?
    (Laughs) It’s not a game of superiority. We are two individuals with diverse strengths. Our duo is a fusion of individual strengths that is why as individuals we still function in our respective capacity. We have been doing active stand up as individuals before the duo came to play. Even in the midst of the duo our individuality is still pronounced

    So, you guys are not one?
    We are not one. We are different brands. Our coming together gave us remarkable mileage

    Many believe Arole  grace bigger events  than you do, especially as he travels outside the country to perform, do you think they are right?
    Arole has paid his price and he has given to the industry. He deserves every bit of achievement he is getting now. It is not a competition between us. It is Friendship. We have our respective niche and audiences and it depends on what you mean by the big stages because we have graced the stage of almost all comedy events in Nigeria this year.

    How did you come about the name Asiri?
    I got it from Mark 4:11

    Which states?
    It is given unto men to know the Mystery of the kingdom of God. Asiri means secret or mystery

    Are you a circular comedian or a religious one?

    I’m far from being religious. I appeal to all cliques

    So, why the religious inclination of some of your videos on Instagram?

    Give me examples

    Your videos tilt towards Christianity, isn’t so?
    That is not true, Its about dynamics. When I’m in a religious setting I stay within the confines of religion if that is what they can relate with. When I’m in a corporate setting I speak their language to them and utilize their registers to get their attention, just recently I did a joke on Davido

    Give us an insight into your background
    I grew up in Ibadan, I have two  sisters. I am the only male child. My parents were disciplinarians. I enjoyed reading a lot. I have read books like Oliver Twist, Animal Farm and Things Fall Apart since when I was just about seven years old

    What’s your name and what secondary school did you attend?
    Osundare Damilare Simeon. I attended Stars Comprehensive College in Oke koto sawmill area, Ibadan. I was very stubborn then. I loved playing pranks a lot

    What’s your state of origin?
    Oyo state

    Who are your mentors in the profession?
    I don’t really have my mentors in the comedy profession. However, I have Great men like Alibaba, Bovi that I have understudied and learnt from them from afar

    What should your fans expect from your stable soon?
    I am staging a two hour stand up show soon tagged “InspiComedy”, I will be blending inspirational stories will full dose of comedy for two hours, It’s going to be one of a kind.

    Will you be collaborating with other comedians or entertainers on this?
    They will be around as guests, but it will be exclusively about me

    Where do you see yourself in five years?
    I would have been a global voice

    What has been your most embarrassing experience from a fan?
    I was pressed this fateful day, so I hurriedly entered a mall. Few meters before getting to the rest room, this lady blocked me requesting for a selfie. I tried my best to oblige her. As soon as I allowed her, she beckoned on five other friends, I just ran off the scene. To my surprise, I met them still waiting while returning from the rest room

    Thanks for your time Asiricomedy
    You are welcome, thanks for putting me on the hot seat.

  • Listen to the voice of the people, Meduoye urges leaders

    Listen to the voice of the people, Meduoye urges leaders

    The General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Felix Meduoye has urged leaders in the country to always listen to the yearnings of the people.
    Felix spoke at the 70th birthday and valedictory service for Rev.Victor Iwala. The cleric noted that this would enable them get feedback needed to move the nation forward.

    Meduoye described the celebrant as an Agape pastor, who loves and share with all adding that he’s a minister that brings people together. He added that he wished Iwala does not retire but for the church’s constitution, however, he stated that the septuagenarian was “retiring to re-fire”.  He said: ” I personally Dont wish to let him go because of his active role in the church.  He has provided focused leadership at various hierarchy within the church. He has represented the church both at National and international level. He is still agile. But according to the constitution he has to go. I believe he’s retiring to re-fire. I am sure he will still make himself present in any Foursquare related activity.”

    Also, the wife of the former General overseer of the church, Rev. Mrs Badejo described  Iwala  as a personification of Christ’s love whose good human relations cuts across all and sundry. One of his daughters, Oluwaotoke Iwala described him as a supportive man, mentor and a man committed to the upbringing of his children, adding that he gives himself for the comfort of others.
    Dignitaries at the event are; Wife of the former General Overseer of Foursquare church in Nigeria, Rev. Mrs Badejo, The National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, General overseer of Four square, Rev. Felix Meduoye, Assistant General overseer of the Redeem Christian Church of God, Pastor Johnson Kalejaiye among others.

     

  • MMM donates  to orphanage home in Plateau

    MMM donates  to orphanage home in Plateau

    An orphanage home, Kingdom Kids Klub based in Jos, Plateau State, has been given a major face-lift through a generous donation from MMM Nigeria, an online community where participants provide and get financial assistance with their spare money.
    With the donation, the home which was founded on February 4th 2006 and duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC), got its dinning room painted in addition to provision of new dining room tables and chairs for the 54 children who are currently in the facility.
    The kids also got brand-new bedsheets and blankets from the donation.
    Aside the physical facelift given to the facility, caregivers, numbering 15, who work in the home, also got generous sums of money from the online community for the sole purpose of encouraging them to do more for the orphans.
    While commending MMM for the donations on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Directors and staff of the home, Sandra Chikan, global coordinator of the home, said the donation helped a great deal in making a difference in the lives of the orphaned and vulnerable children in the country thus helping to secure their future.
    Kingdom Kids Club is a one stop resource centre for children in Plateau State, founded for providing help and care to orphans and vulnerable children majorly through education and medical care.
    The club which started with 18 children now has 54 children in the facility and many more are enrolled in the villages at Riyom and i Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
  • Olabimtan Hails Akeredolu’s at 61

    Olabimtan Hails Akeredolu’s at 61

    Former Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan on Friday extolled the virtues of the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on his 61st birthday, saying “You are a character that outwit, outlast, and outplay the rest of your contemporaries”.
    Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who was born on 21st July 1956 at Owo in the Northern Senatorial District of the state, clocks 61 today.
    In a congratulatory message personally signed by him a, Olabimtan who was the Director General of the Governorship Campaign of Akeredolu said history and posterity will always be kind to the governor whenever the story of consistency, doggedness, firmness, honesty and sincerity of purpose is being told in the nation.
    Olabimtan also congratulated the wife of the governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu who marked her 64th birthday on Thursday, describing her as woman of valour worthy of emulation by the younger generation.
    “On behalf of all the nuclear and extended members of my family, i congratulate you, your Excellency as you add another year today. I want to say without mincing words that your consistency, doggedness, firmness, honesty and sincerity of purpose are unparalleled.
    “Today, we may not say much about you but history and posterity will always be kind to you for being sincere to your belief. Without being hypocritical, i can say that you certainly outwit, outlast, and outplay the rest of your contemporaries.
     “I wish you more wisdom, knowledge and understanding needed to lead our dear state into Canaan land; triumph against the tangles of life and the grace to live in good health till the end.
    “Also, permit me to use this opportunity to congratulate her Excellency, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu who added a new year to her age yesterday. Such woman of valour and a personification of beauty worthy of emulation only deserve a man of uncommon destiny like you.” Olabimtan said.
  • Mass Communication Academic Summit holds July 21

    Mass Communication Academic Summit holds July 21

    Changing digital trends in the media industry will be the focus of the eight edition of the Academic Summit, organised by the Christian Communicators for Christ fellowship of the Mass Communication department, University of Lagos.

    The theme of the summit tagged TAS 8.0 scheduled to hold on July 21st is “The Digital Leverage: Opportunities in the contemporary media.”

     “ We are seeking to help students/ participants find out how the digital space is creating new opportunities in the media sphere. We are aware that ‘digital’ has brought new opportunities but our focus this year is the newer opportunities,” the organizers said in a statement.

    “ Be it in broadcasting, with Digitization giving you power to practically own a TV station or in Advertising with Digital agencies and the need for digital marketing experts rising, it is needless to say that digital is the new way. Traditional advertising campaigns are not complete without a digital adaptation, Public relations is ineffective if there’s no digital engagement and social media being flooded with the story the brand is telling.

    “Newspaper readership is on the decline while blogs and online news sites are garnering more traffic by the day. Even newspaper houses have had to invest significantly in their online operations. Every facet of Mass communication has had to incorporate a new level of digital in its operations.

    “With all this in view and with the vision of TAS of equipping media students with necessary knowledge to thrive in the media space, it is expedient that we draw attention to the new leverage ‘digital’ is providing. Guiness Nigeria recognizing the gap TAS is trying to bridge has already committed its resources to the event. Other top organizations are also committing resources to make sure that TAS lives up to its billing.

    “The structure of this year’s TAS shies away from the established pattern of a key note speaker and a Panelist session. We would like to give time to each segment (Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising and Broadcasting) to explain the leverage digital has afforded each of these segments.

    “Workshop sessions intended to expose students to new territories will also be part of the event. Classes such as Copy wrting, Art Direction, Content Marketing, Stiil and Motion Pictures have already been planned with top coaches for each class.

    “The list of the speakers would definitely leave you gasping. The official photographer of the President of Nigeria, Bayo Omoboriowo would be taking one of the classes. Enitan Denloye, Vice President, Brands and Advertising of Airtel Nigeria would also be around. Other guests include Chuka Obi, Creative Director DDB Lagos; Toyin Adeleye,  Editor Content, Accelerate TV; Feyi Olubodun, CEO, Insight Publics and a host of others.

    “Without doubt, all is set for the biggest media event. Participants can be sure that after the event they’d begin to see and explore the numerous uncharted opportunities that surrounds them.”

     

  • Entrepreneurship: Osinbajo hails YPNI 

    Entrepreneurship: Osinbajo hails YPNI 

    Nigeria’s Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has commended Young Progressive Nigerians Initiatives (YPNI) for its advocacy drive on Entrepreneurship, Skills Acquisition and Citizenship Education in the country.
    Osinbajo gave the commendation last Thursday in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital  while receiving a copy of the book on Entrepreneurship and Citizenship Education authored by YPNI’s Chairman of BoT, Adekunle Osibogun at a two-day clinic on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) organized by the office of the Vice-President of Nigeria in collaboration with the Ogun State government.
    In his words, Osinbajo said “Service to humanity is the best work of life. Please continue to serve humanity. The more you take the indigents and under-privileged out of obscurity, the more favour and mercy you receive from God.
    “On behalf of the people and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, i appreciate your efforts towards enhancing job creation in Nigeria. I salute your sense of patriotism towards nation building. I urge you not to relent.”
    The Acting President who was at YPNI’s exhibition stand at the clinic also advised the youths that were recently trained by the non-profit organization on Entrepreneurship, Citizenship and Skills Acquisitions to be focused, diligent and consistent, urging them to keep striving until they get to the top.
    With Osinbajo at the event was the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and some officials of the Federal and State Ministries of Industry Trade and Investment, Corporate Affairs Commission, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control, Standard Organization of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, Raw Materials Research and Development Council and other MDAs whose operations affect activities of SMEs in the nation.
  • Akeredolu to Investors: Leave Lagos, Come to Ondo

    Akeredolu to Investors: Leave Lagos, Come to Ondo

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Monday urged investors in the country and outside the shores to bring their investments down to his state, instead of concentrating their investments in traffic-ridden and human congested Lagos State, saying that “my state is blessed with abundant resources”.

     The governor made this known in Akure, the state capital while welcoming the delegation of Federal Government Industrialization and Economic Diversification team led by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani to his office.

     The Governor said Ondo state would be ready to partner with investors so that the State can become the hub of economic activities in Nigeria.

     He said, “According to the Nigerian Police Force and Department of Security Services (DSS), Ondo state is the 3rd most secured state in the country, therefore, i want to urge investors in the country to come and explore untapped resources which are abundant here.

     “We have them in their numbers here, let them come. The rain in here is not much while the harmattan is not harsh. Ondo has the second highest reserve of bitumen in the world. Ondo sustained the Western region before independent and during the first republic because of the Cocoa from Ondo state.

     “The Federal government should also build a sea port in Ondo state. The Atlantic Ocean that passes through Ondo State is the deepest in West Africa. Also, from Araromi in Ilaje is about 45 minutes drive to Ibeju/Lekki in Lagos. So, investors should prefer Ondo state that is free without any traffic to Lagos that is over-congested and has no land?” Akeredolu said.

    The governor further said that the state is well placed and situated to connect other states across the country for economic and business activities because those coming from the eastern part, the north and other Niger/Delta States passes through the state while going to Lagos for business transactions.

    Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Usani said federal government set up an initiative that focuses mainly on Agriculture and Manufacturing sectors in order to explore the opportunities in states in the country.

     He said moribund industries would be revived and that agriculture would be made attractive not only to farmers but the youths.

     Reacting, the Minister said “we are here in view of the Presidential initiative that focuses on the manufacturing and agricultural sectors. The Federal Government want to work in conjunction with states so that various moribund industries could be revived towards jobs creation and economic development.

     The Minister said the agricultural sector will be prioritised in the sense that incentives will be provided to interest Nigerians with special consideration for the youths. He promised that something visible will be done for Ondo state before the end of the current financial year.`

     He commended Akeredolu for his response to the scheme, stating that of all 10 states selected for the first phase, Ondo state was the first state to be visited because the state is the most forthcoming.

     Partners in the Initiative include the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission (NNPC), Ministry of Mines and Steels Development, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and Nigerian Export-Import Bank.

     Others are Bank of Industry, Ministry of Niger Delta affairs and the New Economic Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD).

     At event were the Deputy governor of the state, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde ,the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale; the head of service ,Mr. Toyin Akinkuotu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Investment, Mr. Boye Oyewumi and numerous top officials of the state government.

    Others on the delegation of the Federal were the representative of Minister of Mines and Steels Development, Mrs Onyeku Okeke, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Economic Matters, Mrs Fola Oyeyinka, National Coordinator, Senior Investment Corporation, Dora Akugbulo and many others.

  • Questionable media awards

    Questionable media awards

    Awards are evidence of work well done. Awards are meant to serve as acknowledgement of one’s efforts in a particular field. The media is referred to as watch dog of the society. It’s the duty of the media to strengthen the society by steadily pronouncing the bad deeds of individuals to the public and equally appreciating the works of great persons who have positively affected their environment.

    However, what happens when the media present awards to politicians who many believe don’t merit them? Is it not questionable when politicians who have corruption allegations levelled against them are rewarded with awards from the media? This is clearly against the tenets of journalism. Of course, some may argue in support of award given to politicians majorly because of its financial gains, which is a source of revenue for media organisations. But shall we sacrifice the proper practice of the job on the altar of money? The answer is NO.

    Recently, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were honoured by Daily Times newspaper, the oldest newspaper organisation in Nigeria, with awards. This attracted criticism from far and wide as many considered the awards bizarre to the profession –  journalism. Both men have various allegations levelled against them and the duo has had people who served under their administrations being interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Senator Bukola Saraki, the Senate President, was also awarded with the ‘Politician of the Decade’ trophy by the same media house. This award was given at a time when the former Kwara governor was standing trial at the code of conduct tribunal (CCT) for false assets declaration.

    Also, Governor Nyesom Wike was awarded the ‘Governor of the Year’ by the Sun newspaper. Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi got nominated for an award by a foreign medium.

    In a statement, Kingsley Fanmo, the director general on media and strategy to the Kogi State governor, announced the nomination of his boss and credited it to the many ‘giant strides’ of the government. One wonders when those strides will bring students of various tertiary institutions of the state back to their campuses after many months out due to the strike embarked upon by their teachers.

    At a point, the umbrella body of journalists in Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), awarded Governor Ibikunle Amosun with the ‘Best Governor in Nigeria’ diadem, when many projects in the state have remained uncompleted for years.

    The media needs to wake up and be alive to its responsibilities of simply being the watch-dog of the society instead of being a lap-dog.

    Much as media houses may have been hard pressed to resort to churning out awards to boost revenue, that option will go a long way in eroding their credibility. If the media houses have the task of holding the various governments accountable, they cannot afford to be seen as unnecessarily patronising the same government officials they are supposed to be closely monitoring.

    Readers will find it hard to trust what they read in newspapers about state governors who have been beneficiaries of awards whose basis of assessments are questionable.