A PLUS FOR NIGERIA AS OMG, RBF PARTNER AIRTEL TO UNVEIL NIGERIA’S GOT TALENT SHOW

FROM L TO R-AIRTEL'S CMO-OLU AKANMU,CEO OPTIMA MEDIA GRP. ROTIMI PEDRO, MARKETING DIRECTOR OMG- ADEOYE ROLUGA

FROM L TO R- OBINNA AUICHE, EMEKA OPARAH, OLU AKANMU, MD AIRTEL DEEPAK SRIVASTAVA, ROTIMI PEDRO & ADEOYE ROLUGA

Rapid Blue Format and Optima Media Group (OMG), the organizations behind the hugely successful Nigerian Idols TV show which has graced our TV screens with outstanding entertainment for two seasons, have brought the 6-year-long, globally popular “Got Talent” Franchise to Nigeria. The debut season of what will be known as the “Nigeria’s Got Talent” reality show will last from June to December 2012 whilst auditions begin from the 4th of July 2012. Thousands of talented Nigerians of all ages and sexes each bearing a unique talent will troop to audition centres located across the country, to audition for a chance to be the next Susan Boyles, Diversity, or Bianca Ryan – performers who have received worldwide acclaim and super star status courtesy of the “Got Talent” franchise.

Speaking about this new entrant into the Nigerian entertainment space, Mr. Rotimi Pedro, Managing Director of Optima Media Group enthused, “The group puts Nigeria on the world map again, side-by-side with countries like America, France, and India who have bought into the ‘Got Talent' franchise; which is one of the fastest growing in the world. Through the franchise, we are glad to be able to provide a worldwide platform for raw, unique, and dynamic talent in this country and at the same time present the worldclass entertainment which is our trademark. Amongst the significant features of the show is that it gives an opportunity to talented amateurs or unknown performers, with the results being decided by an audience vote. There is no age restrictions for contestants on the show. Anybody can audition with any talent.”

Speaking on Airtel's sponsorship of the Nigeria's Got Talent reality TV show, the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Airtel Nigeria, Deepak Srivastava said the telecommunications operator is committed to driving its brand vision of being the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians by passionately creating credible platforms that celebrate and reward young, talented Nigerians.

"Airtel connects Nigerian youth to their friends, fun and life aspirations. Nigeria's Got Talent is essentially a platform to fulfill our mission to enable Nigerian youth to have the best of fun with their friends while also fulfilling their life dreams. Our youths are very talented; they have delivered great music, great acting and have achieved a whole lot in other endeavours like sports and even in academics.  And that is why Airtel is here to demonstrate its commitment to such lofty goals," said Srivastava.

For Evita Mousalli, COO Cool, Wazobia Info Radio stations who are the official media partners “It is exciting that this show finally comes to Nigeria. It’s a franchise I have followed since inception and for us at Cool FM it’s huge and we must be part of it. So we are excited to take the news of Nigeria’s Got Talent across Nigeria with all our 11 radio stations and counting.”

In this debut season, a panel of three reputable judges will be faced with the daunting prospect of identifying unique talents to face the viewing public who will decide, in a series of semi-finals and final shows, who most deserves the chance of stardom. Nigeria is the only country on the African continent, with the exception of South Africa that has been able secure the franchise.”

The “Got Talent” franchise has produced many notable performers in the last couple of years.1st runner up of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 Susan Boyle’s debut album became the fastest selling UK debut album of all time, selling over 3 million copies in the U.S. This is the sort of platform which OMG, through “Nigerian’s Got Talent” hopes to give many budding and equally talented performers in the country.

The franchise is one of the fastest growing international franchises, closing the gap on other successful franchises such as ‘The Weakest Link’, ‘The X Factor’, ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’, ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ amongst others. OMG is excited to close the gap and be a springboard for the many talents across the country.

WELCOME TO SABUNTA.COM-THE NEW RETAIL EXPERIENCE

SABUNTA.COM

REDEFINING NIGERIA’S ONLINE FASHION SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

The world is a global village and almost everything is now done online; from airline check-in to meeting up with friends via social networking sites and even studying; the list is endless.

One aspect of life which isn’t left out is Fashion & Style. Trendy pieces, notable brands and fashion accessories can now be viewed from the comfort of our homes. Even better still, in more developed countries, one can actually acquire them by shopping online and having it delivered right at your doorstep. Such bliss!

This bliss was previously out of reach of Nigerian divas and men of style, but not anymore!

Introducing SABUNTA.COM - the largest online Fashion store in Nigeria. We are here to offer Nigerians great deals and the biggest selection of today’s top fashion shoes, clothing, accessories, including all the favorite international brands and more nationwide.

With over 100 global brands on offer, there is definitely something for everyone. From the fashion forward professional woman, the busy suave gentleman, to the fun loving students and everyone who recognizes quality and style. SABUNTA.COM offers a convenient, innovative and better way to shop.

The SABUNTA.COM shopping experience is centered on a huge selection of top quality products, great customer service and most especially saving Nigerians the time of being stuck in traffic. With SABUNTA.COM, you now have 100% easy, fast and secure shopping anywhere at any time.

The best part is there is no risk in trying this new shopping experience as SABUNTA.COM offers FREE and FAST DELIVERY of products, and returns them for free as well. We also offer secure and easy payment options suiting everybody.

SABUNTA.COM is made up of an international, diverse & young team, building a great company from the ground up along with the best of local expertise. 

The parent company Rocket Internet, who have invested in major e-commerce websites like Groupon, Zando and were early investors in Facebook, have now invested in Sabunta.com making it Nigeria’s biggest fashion e-commerce website with over 100 global brands to start.

Leonard Stiegeler is the Managing Director of Sabunta and heads the major developments of the new Rocket Internet venture from Lagos, Nigeria. He brings a wealth of experience from previously engaging roles where he was a Cooperation Partner at the Boston Consulting Group and attended The London School of Economics. Leo’s most recent role was as Business Development Manager at Zando (Sabunta's sister company, located in Cape Town, South Africa) where he expanded the market share of the e-commerce website to become the biggest online fashion site in South Africa.

Anthony Vita, a Princeton University graduate, is Sabunta's Vice President of Operations where he’ll perform his role from its base in Lagos, Nigeria. Prior to Rocket Internet, Vita spent two years as an Investment Banking Analyst at Deutsche Bank in New York and three years as an associate at Apelles, a private equity fund, in New York City as well. He most recently served as VP Operations for Zando in Cape Town since January 2012 before joining Sabunta.

Onyeka Akumah is the Marketing Leader at the new Rocket Internet venture – Sabunta. He graduated from Sikkim Manipal University, India with a First Class Degree in Applied Information Technology. He oversees all traditional and new media marketing operations coming from his most recent role where he was Online Marketing Manager since December 2010 at Wakanow.com. His previous roles also includes functioning as E-marketing coordinator for Deloitte in East, West & Central Africa and before that, Webmaster for British Council, Nigeria.

Sabunta.com aims to revolutionize the fashion shopping experience in Nigeria. Are you ready for this new shopping experience? Then start off by visiting the Website, www.sabunta.com and sign up for the newsletters to receive a N1000 discount immediately. You can also visit the Facebook page, and don’t forget to hit the “LIKE” button!

SABUNTA.COM - Welcome to a new online fashion shopping experience.

·         Website: Sabunta.com

·         Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sabunta             

·         Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/SabuntaOnline

·         #sabuntaswag @sabunta

CHURCH REACTS TO PASTOR KRIS OKOTIE'S MARRIAGE BREAK-UP

After the initial shock of hearing the news about the break-up between the Presiding Pastor of the Household of God Church-Pastor Kris Okotie and his former wife Stephanie Henshaw Okotie, the church has decided to issue a press statement about the situation. 

The Church apparently decided to clarify a few issues about the marriage that was supposedly, signed, sealed and settled amidst loads of pomp and pageantry about 4 years ago, which has now hit the rocks. 

Mr. Ladi Ayodeji, who is the church spokesperson in a signed statement, said the decision to cut asunder the marriage was consensual. 

Going further-“The Pastor of our Church, the Household of God, Oregun, Lagos, Rev Chris Okotie announced his separation from Stephanie his wife of four years, at the end of last Sunday service. 

'' Both parties arrived at this decision after careful review of the prevailing circumstances which pointed to the fact that it is the best option for them at this time. They also agreed not to divulge details of this incident for personal reasons. 

“Rev Okotie thanked concerned friends and well-wishers and asked for understanding. He also expressed the hope that their decision would be respected as no further details would be given on this issue.” 

Pastor Kris Okotie was married to the former Pastor Tyna Okotie for several years (17 years to be more precise) before they got divorced several years ago. After staying single for several years making him one of the most eligible bachelors in town then, he got married a second time to divorcee Stephanie Henshaw in August of 2008, a decision that was hailed and supported by many and frowned on by a few. The nuptial ceremony was a very classy affair, with many friends of the very eloquent and Flamboyant Pastor falling over themselves to show support. We were present at one of the ceremonies at Nos. 6,George Street, Ikoyi, Lagos then. We hear these would be Stephanie's third attempt at being married and she has 3 kids from the marriages. 

Now after only 4 years, the marriage contracted has fallen apart and broken down irretrievably, according to Pastor Okotie himself “Stephanie and I are no longer married. We have separated. You can see she’s not in church today. It’s due to irreconcilable differences and you should please respect our wishes at this time because there is no going back.” 

We wish both parties well in their future endeavors.

STEPHANIE & PASTOR KRIS

WELCOME TO INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, LAGOS.

 If you are a regular on the Island, by Island we mean Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria, there's the possibility that you would have seen this mighty all glass & aluminum composite-cladded edifice that dots the Victoria Island skyline magnificently. From the Akin Adesola end, once you are in front of the Porsche franchise and you look up, it stares back at you in glory and splendor. That's the new 5-star hotel that is gradually grinding towards its opening date. It is planned to be world-class, in all ways that you can think about, there is the extended terrace and there would be the world-class luxury showrooms inside the hotel when it is done.

If we can call a building gorgeous at least from the outside, then this one is. Not only is it imposing and very eye-catching, that the promoters were able to get the location to build the hotel called - the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos must mean that they are very powerful and highly connected. Talking about the promoters, many names are being bandied, but the main ones that have re-occurred most often- are the likes of the Chagoury's, a former , highly influential Governor in the state of aquatic excellence, who is still a top party chieftain and a former 2nd-in-command in the Nation from the Northern part of the country, who is said to be stupendously rich.

From the unconfirmed feelers we have gotten, the ownership of what we feel is Nigeria's 2nd authentic 5-star hotel seems to tilt towards the last 2. We hear all things being equal; the hotel should be on the go before the end of the year.

ABDULSALAM POPOOLA & MARYAM OLAJUMOKE BELGORE’S WEDDING- THE FINAL INSTALMENT

We had landed in Ilorin from Lagos, having a mindset already, thinking what could these people possibly do, that can wow us. So we weren’t expecting too much so as not to be disappointed. But truth be said, all that we saw swept us off out feet.  Ilorin, the Kwara State capital was filled that week with many dignitaries from far and near, the bride’s family took fantastic care of all of us and other guests who had also flown in from wherever. So it was like Eko for Show, Ilorin for substance. 

First night, we had a great Bride’s eve, first time we would encounter such on the scale we saw it, and next day was the Wolimat another very colorful event, though a lot more religious, it was still much fun to behold. Then was the cake of it, the NIKKAI Ceremony itself, which had the bride looking as if she just dropped in from heaven, looking ravishingly beautiful, first in her all white outfit, wearing silver shoes and carrying a silver bag and with those gorgeous jewelry that sparkled like thousand stars. She later on after the ceremony, changed into another beautiful lace outfit, which was another wonder to behold. Truly- Maryam Olajumoke Onikijipa now Belgore is a gorgeous lady.

Then on the fourth day, we all had to rest; a well deserved one at that.  The 4th day was Abdulsalam’s Wolimat and because he had lost his mom the previous day, it was more of a very quiet affair. 

The fifth day, which had been planned as the reception day, was to have been the icing on the cake.  But for the death of the groom’s mom, it should have been.  The groom and his wife, had to stay away from the last day’s merriment as a mark of respect for the dearly departed. But that didn’t in any way cloud the merriment at all.

On the bandstand was K1 the ultimate and like many know him to do, he was at his best, dishing it out like his life depended on it, and the appreciative guests got up to shake body and did as was expected of them, spraying money and more money he was ably supported by a deejay, who rocked the house to the delight of the younger crowd. The exquisite hall was like a picture from the Arabian Nights, it looked fantastic and created the air of magic, the wedding coordinator was Funke Bucknor-Obruthe and her staffs were professional to the core, the glorious looking hall that had everyone salivating was decorated by Zarahlinda. The cake was exquisite looking and was by Absolute Elegance, the couture cake bakers from Lagos. The event centre used was Romichs Event Centre, Gaa Budu, Offa Garage, Ilorin, Kwara State.

The day's event(reception)was chaired by Billionaire Business Owner of Sifax Grp. Barr. Taiwo Afolabi.  Check out the event in pictures.  Over 150 plus fantastic pictures for your viewing delight.

PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE VENUE

IRADAT & A GUEST

IRADAT ONIKIJIPA & A GUEST

BRIDE'S MOM

THE FANTASTIC CAKE

FRIENDS OF THE BRIDE

IRADAT & HRM OBA ELEGUSHI & HIS OLORI

FUNKE BUCKNOR-OBRUTHE & IRADAT WITH ANOTHER GUEST

HAJIA ONIKIJIPA WITH BARR. TAIWO AFOLABI & WIFE WITH SISTER

LOADS MORE PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK. CLICK ON READ MORE

GISELE COVERS VOGUE BRASIL

The ultimate modeling icon in the whole universe, Brazilian bombshell extraordinaire-Gisele Bundchen covers the latest edition of Vogue Brasil showing off what many have come to believe is a sign of her baby bump.  If confirmed that she's truly preggers, this would be the 2nd child for both Gisele and her husband-Tom Brady who plays as a quarter back in the American Football league for the New England Patriots. 

The 31 years old Super-duper model has continued to lead the top modeling earners for several years now. Before marrying Tom, she had dated one of Hollywood's bigwig actors Leonardo Di Caprio for 5 years. Her 1st son Benjamin is 2 years old now.

50CENT ESCAPES DEATH

Rapper Curtis Jackson aka 50 cent is thanking his stars right now, the reason was that yesterday morning at about 2.30AM he and his driver had a ghastly car accident in New York, USA. A Mack Truck hit the bulletproof SUV they were riding in from the back. They were both immediately rushed to a Hospital in Queens, New York and after being examined and kept under observation for a while they were both released to go home. 

Both trucks had extensive damages. But thank God for their lives. 50’s nine lives are still intact.

THE MACK TRUCK

ERELU BISI FAYEMI SUPPORTS AFWL 2012

The First Lady of Ekiti State, Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi Named as Africa Fashion Week London Patron

Africa Fashion Week London is proud to announce that Her Excellency, Chief Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, the First Lady of Ekiti State in Nigeria has pledged her support to AFWL as a patron. As well as lending her name to the event, Chief Mrs. Fayemi will also be attending the second edition of AFWL scheduled for 3-4 August 2012 at London Spitalfields.

Chief Mrs. Fayemi is the former Executive Director of London-based NGO Akina Mama Wa Afrika (AMwA), co-founder and president of African Women’s Development Fund, (AWDF) - the first Africa-wide, grant-making fund, which supports the work of organisations promoting women’s rights in Africa and has since supported over 800 women’s organisations in 42 African countries with over U$16m in grants. She is recognised globally for her work with African women. As well as receiving numerous awards and honours for her work; in April 2009, Chief Mrs. Fayemi was named by New African Magazine as one of the 20 most influential African women on the continent.

As the wife of the Governor of Ekiti State where she continues to pioneer a range of community development projects with her Ekiti Development Foundation, Chief Mrs. Fayemi also continues to lend her support to motivate and encourage positive initiatives led by African women, and as part of this, she has taken a keen interest in Ronke Ademiluyi's brainchild Africa Fashion Week London, pledging her support for the event. 

“Chief Mrs. Fayemi has chaired a number of NGOs and worked with Comic Relief, so as well as being a friend of AFWL, she is someone who understands the challenges of funding for fashion designers. It is therefore a pleasure to have her as the patron of Africa Fashion Week which aims to create a platform and new opportunities for up and coming designers,” said Ronke Ademiluyi, the founder and CEO of Africa Fashion Week London.

With a brand new venue, London’s hip Spitalfields Market which is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors at the height of the Olympic summer, over 60 designers showcasing and exhibiting over two days including stellar names of African fashion such as Adebayo Jones and Anita Quansah, high profile partners such as Mizani and MoneyGram, and Her Excellency, Chief Mrs. Bisi Fayemi as a patron, Africa Fashion Week London is set to be the hottest fashion extravaganza of the season.

Purchase your tickets on www.africafashionweeklondon.com

Ticket packages include:

• Basic (free) - access to the show and exhibition

• Shoppers delight package (£7.00) - access to the show and exhibition + 10% discount on all purchases made on the day + AFWL magazine

• VIP (£50.00) - access to the show and exhibition + access to the VIP lounge + welcome drink + 10% discount on all purchases made on the day + AFWL magazine

For more information about Africa Fashion Week London please visit www.africafashionweeklondonweek.com

ERELU BISI FAYEMI

LE PETIT MARCHE JUNE 2012 EDITION

LPM as it is known by all, needs no introduction whatsoever. But for the benefit of those not in Nigeria, and who might not have heard about it before, it is the now regular end of the month bazaar market or fair like some would call it. The regular venue has been The Get Arena, located on the Island, not too far from The Palms Mall.

This month's edition had the regular mix of the fashion designers, young entrepreneurs in fashion related businesses etc. Who altogether always make a very colourful mix. It must have been another very successful outing for those that had their wares on display, as many were seen happily doing brisk sales and counting their Naira.  Many are already eagerly awaiting the next edition in July of 2012.

We have a few pictures of those at the fair for your viewing delight. ENJOY! PICTURES BY CHP FOTOS-08092438533

BEATRICE BLACK

ADAEGO OHANENYE

ALAEZI AKPURU & TOMILOLA OLOTU

ALAEZI AKPURU

KEJE PREST

FUNMI AHMED & KEJE PREST

DOMINIC OKEKE & MAUREEN ONYEJIAKA

FRANCES APUTAZIEH

PLENTY MORE PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK. PLEASE CLICK ON READ MORE

ELOHOR ELIZABETH AISIEN ROCKS: NOW THE NEW FACE OF THE NEW MISS NIGERIA PAGEANT

African Times Network presents MISS NIGERIA 2012: The New Era

Daily Times Nigeria and African Times Network (ATN), the franchise owner of Miss Nigeria Pageant, are proud to announce that the 38^th Annual Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant will be held this year. 

ATN is made up of a global brand of companies based in Nigeria with various other offices and operations around the world and specializes in delivering trusted and quality products and services in media and communications.

The Miss Nigeria Pageant is the premier beauty pageant in Nigeria and is a well sought after title with world-class standards. Taking part in Miss Nigeria Pageant is a life-changing experience as it is the most prestigious beauty competition in Nigeria and the oldest pageant of all time, dating back in history to 1957.

Empowering women is Miss Nigeria Pageant’s passion and opportunities arise on many different platforms within and outside Nigeria. The winner of the pageant works for the organization during her reign, undertaking special duties and attending special events pertaining to governmental and non-governmental organization projects.

As the Queen Ambassador, Miss Nigeria will portray exemplary qualities and will serve as a role model for young women around the country.

A rigorous search for potential contestants will commence in October 2012. The casting auditions will be held in Nigeria, England and America, after which the Miss Nigeria Pageant grand event will take place in December 2012.

From 2009 to 2011, Chief Mrs Adenike Oshinowo-Soloye held the position as the Creative Director of the Miss Nigeria Pageant to inject elegance and pageantry to the brand.  During her time in office she maintained an exemplary reputation for Miss Nigeria and remains an active affiliate of the pageant.

For the year 2012, ATN has assembled a brand new board of directors and a new Creative Director and team led by Beth Model Management Africa, the organisers of Elite Model Look Nigeria.

Beth Management Limited was founded in 2005 by former beauty queen (Miss Nigeria UK 2001/2002), Mrs Elohor Elizabeth Aisien.

Under the new Creative Directorship of Mrs. Elohor Elizabeth Aisien, Miss Nigeria 2012 aims to deliver a fresh and innovative direction to the pageant this year.

Further information on casting dates and venues for the 2012 Miss Nigeria pageant will be announced shortly.