Naija Times July 2008

naijaTimes
www.naija-times.com
for what we were, are and will be
Tinapa
Waiting to Excel
Grace Amah
on STYLE
Will Visafone
survive
Femi Oyeniran on
AdULTHOOD
Book Review
Scratch
the sky
Album Review: 9ice
Gongo Aso
A new voice with nigerian roots

Interview with Adama
Planning for an Fashion: Equatorial

Exciting Career Last Lap Fads Guinea
naijaTimes 1Free
Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 1 6/24/08 7:07:35 PM

Credits: A season of change emotions with which we follow the English
Premiership league. This hopefully would
Published by: Change is in the air; and also in the news. Or make us more interested, and participatory
is there a better word to describe this air of in the way we are governed.
Publisher: Dayo Elegbe expectancy, this atmosphere of it-will-soon-
happen. This air has gingered excitement all In this edition we interview a rising star
Managing Editor: Toun Aderele over the globe, and Nigerians are not left out. Adama, whom some have called the next
Deputy Editor: Lanre Idaomi Sade. We review what is likely to be the
Writers: Sope Williams, Tokunbo Elegbe, Kenny The race for the presidency of the United smash hit album of the summer, 9ice Gongo
Joseph, Terry Adebambi, and Adeola Abulude States of America has moved from the Aso. We also have a story on Jim Ovia, the
Associate Writer: Omolola Ogunbadejo climatic ending of the primaries of the astute banker who founded and grew Zenith
Democratic Party to the kick-off of the into one of Africa’s biggest banks, and whose
Advertising Sales (UK): Korede Atiba presidential elections proper. latest foray into the telecommunication
(Korede@naija-times.com) industry has sent tongues wagging.
Advertising Sales (Nig): Wale Olarewaju How does this affect non-Americans? Well,
(Wale@naija-times.com) one word Obamania! The possibility of a Let’s get inside this edition of change, before
black man emerging as the president of I disclose all. My hope as I sign off is that this
Photography: Olalekan Shoetan the United States of America, or as some edition will make you audacious enough to
Art Director: Nick Lay will put it, the most powerful person in the hope.
On the cover Distribution: James Anthony world, has made us all realise that with some
audacity and hope, “We Can”. Nigerians Enjoy!
Singer/Song Writer - Adama
at home have followed this drama with a
Photography: Courtesy 4D People Records
Contact Details passion that can only be equalled by the Toun Aderele
Illustration: Nick Lay
NIGERIA:
Poll Toun Aderele
4th floor UBA House,
“Yes, Hillary would have 57 Marina, Lagos, Nigeria Points of View:
made a better US presidential Tel: 234-1-2665469
candidate” Fax: 234-1-2665325
Dangote: The Richest Man in Nigeria...Officially.
Mobile: (0802) 27696860, (0803) 3097426
No, Obama is the man for Email: toun@naija-times.com “Now that Dangote is officially the richest Blackman will people see the
the job. potential in developing services targeted at Africa” Kemi.
UK:
“I think Dangote should start to expand into markets like the US and Europe
To Vote YES Text “NTPOLL Yes”, If Dayo Elegbe
and give those foreign businesses a run for their money…” Shayo
you think NO Text “NTPOLL No” to 239 Old Street
London, EC1V 9EY, UK
Tel: 44 (0208) 1443403 You know you are African if…
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Visit www.naija-times.com Publisher) is strictly prohibited. Individual advertisers are “If the temperature of your house/flat (in autumn/winter) is comparable to that
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naijaTimes “Everybody on this
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In The Next Issue...
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July 08
Top 5 Things to
Interview with ADAMA 34
watch out for in July
1. Man Utd and Portsmouth set to play a

Travel & Culture Careers & Development
friendly match in Nigeria
Equatorial Guinea 6 Career in the Spotlight: - Law 32
2. Rise 2008, 13th July, London. The Scratch the Sky 8 Planning for an Exciting Career Par t 1 36
largest anti racism music festival in Tinapa: Waiting to Excel 14
14 Europe Entertainment
Fashion & Lifestyle Cover Story: A New Voice With
3. Burundi, Malawi and Liberia celebrate Grace Amah on STYLE 16 Nigerian Roots - ADAMA 38
their independence days on the 1st,
Last Lap Fads 19 Femi Oyeniran on AdULTHOOD 44
6th and 26th of July respectively.
38 4. Finals of the tennis Championships at
Smell Right
Looking “Trendy” in Pregnancy
20
21
9ice Gongo Aso
Mr. Fine Boy Daily Tonic
46
48
Wimbledon Fashion Show Down! 23
Directories
5. 12th Annual Nigeria Reunion, July 4th, Money WebFILE 52
Baltimore, Maryland USA
Diary of an Angry Marketing Man 24 Featured Business 53
18 44 36 Will Visafone survive 30 IndustryFILE 54
4 naijaTimes 5

Travel & Culture
Equatorial
Guinea
Written by Sope Williams considered to be one of the worst despots management program with the World Bank a per capita GDP of more than US$30,000,
Source Material – The World Bank in African history. In 1979, Nguema was and IMF. Government officials and their family which is the second highest in the world, the
overthrown and executed by Lieut. Col. members own most businesses. Undeveloped country ranks amongst the least developed
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Obiang natural resources include titanium, iron ore, countries in the world - 121st out of 177
Equatorial Guinea is a small country in has been gradually modernizing the country manganese, uranium, and alluvial gold. countries on the United Nations Human
West Africa that comprises the mainland, but has retained many of his predecessor’s Development Index.
located between Cameroon and Gabon dictatorial practices, including the amassing A recent offshore oil boom resulted in
and two islands, one of which contains the of personal wealth by siphoning it from the extreme economic growth by 71.2% and this Currently, politics within the country are
capital, Malabo. The mainland was originally public coffers. phenomenal rate of growth has continued. dominated by tensions between Obiang’s
inhabited by Pygmies. The main tribes- the Large oil and gas deposits were discovered son, Teodorin, and other close relatives with
Fang and Bubi migrated there in the 17th In terms of its economy, before in the mid-1990s and their exploitation powerful positions in the security forces.
and 19th centuries. In the 18th century, the independence, Equatorial Guinea counted has driven the spectacular growth. In 2004 The tension may be rooted in power shift
Portuguese ceded the country to the Spanish on cocoa production for hard currency Equatorial Guinea had the world’s fastest- arising from the dramatic increase in oil
and from 1827 to 1844, Britain administered earnings, however, the neglect of the rural growing economy. Between 2002 and 2005, production which has occurred since 1997.
Fernando Po, but it was then reclaimed by economy under successive regimes has the GDP skyrocketed from $1.27 billion to In November 2004, Mark Thatcher, the son of
Spain and gained independence from Spain diminished potential for agriculture-led $25.69 billion. It is unlikely however, that the ex-British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher
on Oct. 12, 1968. It is Africa’s only Spanish- growth (the government has stated its country’s new wealth will benefit the average was named as a financial backer of a March
speaking country. intention to reinvest some oil revenue into citizen—the president’s family and cronies 2004 attempt to topple Obiang. However,
agriculture). A number of aid programs control the industry. A huge proportion of the trial of the persons implicated in the
From independence, the then President, sponsored by the World Bank and the IMF the petro-dollars are confiscated by the coup attempt failed to produce conclusive
Francisco Macías Nguema, considered the have been cut off since 1993, because of president while most of the 520,000 citizens evidence that a coup attempt had actually
father of independence, began a brutal reign, corruption and mismanagement. No longer subsist on less than a dollar a day, sewage taken place.
destroying the economy of the fledgling eligible for concessional financing because runs through the streets of the capital
country and abusing human rights. Calling of large oil revenues, the government has Malabo, and there is no public transport and
himself the “Unique Miracle,” Nguema is been trying to agree on a “shadow” fiscal little drinking water or electricity. Despite
6 naijaTimes 7

Travel & Culture
all the ingredients of a great movie The brilliant job. This book is almost like watching Sometimes Brian was just too descriptive. I
first lesson about this book is that you a DVD, in which the narration option on will confess that I was tempted on several
should not attempt to read it if you do the DVD is selected so that as you see the occasions to skip some paragraphs so I
not have the intellectual capacity to do images you still hear words that describe a could move on with the story instead of
so. If you do try and you cannot cope lot more than you think you see. This was acknowledging the literary power of the
with it, you will discover very quickly how the book worked for me. author. My mind kept saying “Okay Brian,
that your connection with the book I know and acknowledge your power and
begins to fade by the end of the second It is very difficult to separate the author mastery of the English language – now please
chapter of each story. This means that Brian Browne from his book. To read a book can we get on with the story, I promise I will
there are two ways in which you can by an author you know personally has its come back and read the heavy philosophy
read this book: pros and cons. It was Brian’s voice that I and idioms that you are so very good at.
heard throughout the book – narrating the
The first is to go for the plot and the stories to me and yet, the style of the book I do feel frustrated that I cannot tell you
story by skipping many paragraphs and this narration sounded so different from the stories because I will end up depriving
and seek for the ‘action’ and not the the person I know to be Brian Browne. It you of the pleasure of discovery and the
words; and the second tougher but was not the implied intellectual capacity that thrill of anticipation that accompanies the
most fulfilling route is to read the went into the stories that caught me off reading of such literary masterpieces. More
book thoroughly and patiently, with a balance but the emotional and even spiritual over, I will make the purchase of the book
dictionary beside you and a readiness expression which philosophized so much on so pointless for you, which is the opposite
to make a few re-takes on some pages the stories of life. I had a continuous feeling of my intentions. To tell the stories would
Scratch the Sky or paragraphs in order to understand of – “Hey Brian – where on earth did all this be almost like walking into your living room
Stories of life by Brian Browne the depth of meaning or appreciate the come from?” seeing the family watching an exciting and
Book Review By Foluso Phillips, message of the moment. You will have to captivating movie that you’ve seen before
founder and head of Phillips Consulting. concentrate and appreciate very early in Sometimes, one’s inability to express and you blurt out how it ends – literally
the book, the coaching and mentoring thoughts and emotions similar to that which killing the climax that crowns the effort of
Briane Browne the former United States embedded in the words that seemingly I experienced in the pages of this book, the investment made in going so far.
Consul General to Nigeria, is an on the surface describe the ‘action results in frustrated silence, knowing that
African-American truly passionate about scenes’, but really say a lot more. your power of expression is not adequate The same applies to my restraint in talking
Nigeria and Africa. He is married to a to do justice to what the heart needs to say. about the characters in these two stories,
Nigerian and currently resides in Nigeria. Like most books, the author not only Reading this book and knowing that I had to which If I were to do so would more than
“Scratch the Sky” his new book is published takes you into the minds and thoughts review it created a double jeopardy for me, ruin it for you also. The personalities were
by SON OF AFRICA and available at most of the characters, but also analyses the first was to read and see if I enjoyed the so true to life that it was easy to identify and
leading bookstores. the experiences, implications and book or not and the second to explain my make strong value judgments about their
circumstance in which they play their reasons for either of the choices. actions. My discovery of the personalities
This book contains two stories - No Beauty roles; and will sometimes go further to in each story was a gradual process, which
in a song unsung and Eyes of compassion tell new stories within a story, which There were a lot of personal experiences I allowed me to form an opinion and even
tears of hope – two for the price of one! Two eventually create a context for the am sure Brian shared in this book. They had stand in judgment of the decisions and
great stories, two plots, in two locations, with plots. This is where Brian for me, did a to be personal because some were so trivial actions of each person. So many lessons
and yet could only be expressed in the detail were taught by our author philosopher.
“Two great stories, two plots,

that he did through personal experience and
not the outcome of the study of another’s I would love to share with you the many
in two locations, with all the writings quotations deserving of mention, but I
honestly found that there were too many
ingredients of a great movie”

8 naijaTimes 9

Travel & Culture
things to quote and they would not mean Spirituality Regrets I could see the author eager to pass on power of expression, which allowed him to
much to you because each was always in the Insight Politics the wisdom of his philosophical teachings personify his experiences through the raw
context of the story and the plots as they Relationships History through the speech and thoughts of the philosophy scattered all over the book. The
evolved. You just have to read the book to Love Memories characters. I kept trying to match these question is whether this is a literary work of
understand what I mean. Young love Reality words with the character and had a problem art or a philosopher’s outing? I would call it
doing so. Remember I mentioned the need a Philosopher’s work of art. It is a book for
Affection Old & young
The plots in the two stories – especially the for a good dictionary beside you – preferably literary students and those seeking a new
Innocence Mother & father
first – No Beauty in a song unsung, would Oxford, to not only appreciate the dexterity approach to studying philosophy. This book
Trust Youth
make an absolutely great script for the of Brian’s command of the written word, but reveals more of the character and personality
Integrity Freedom of the author – almost like there are two
proliferation of the Nollywood movies for to understand the message he was trying to
Honesty Emancipation get across. sides to him – the Brian Browne I know in
which Nigeria now has a new claim to fame.
Honour Deceit person and the now newly discovered author.
Trust me that I do not take away from the
Friendship Lies In both stories, there was romance and its
brilliant work that Brian has done. Instead
Reliability Showdown pain; there was action, fear, excitement and Brian Browne took the opportunity to
Brian should take all the Nollywood movies
and enhance them by converting them into anticipation – so much so that I got to a express his views, veiled in his character’s
You must agree with me that if all these point where I could not put the book down. thoughts and words, about religion,
story books, which, through his lucid writing
words describe the content of this book, I shared my personal experience with the spirituality, innocence, integrity, the righteous
he will be able to philosophize, analyse, teach,
then surely there must be something truly author when in my bid to make for lost time path, purity and so much more through the
mentor, guide, counsel and lead the reader
in store for you in reading the book. These and not miss the excitement building up - I many soliloquies, which for the unrefined
through the plots that are true stories of life,
words summarize all the emotions, feelings, brushed my teeth and shaved while I read reader will mean its time to skip the page!
but from which little or no lessons are learnt
characters and actions that were packed in the book because I just could not put it
on celluloid.
the 384 pages of ‘Scratch the Sky’. down. I once again claim the fifth amendment on
This first story reveals Brian’s connection this book review of mine and hide under the
There is a ‘Yoruba’ saying that literally The plots of the two stories were so canopy of ‘ it’s the first time I have ever done
with Nigeria and the Nigerian Psyche. The
translated means ‘Proverbs are the backbone unexpected and hardly predictable, which this’. That is my excuse – which ever way you
first story would pass as a true foreigner’s
of words, when we are at a loss for words, heightened the anticipation and even anxiety take it.
guide to ‘understanding Nigeria’ and maybe
we find our meaning through proverbs’. of the reader on behalf of the characters in
a more descriptive version of Enaharo’s
Clearly, whilst I cannot confirm which the book. If you do not believe all I have said about
“How to be a Nigerian”. Brian did a great job
tribe sold Brian’s great grandparents into the book, then obviously you have to read
analyzing our people by finding in the various
slavery, there is no doubt about the genetic What did I enjoy the most about this book? the book to prove me wrong, so – read the
characters, an opportunity to personify the
confirmation of his antecedence through his The idioms! (Oxford defines an idiom as “an book, but once again I do warn that you
many parts of a true Nigerian as we know
prolific use of proverbs to find the words expression whose meaning is different from must possess the intellectual capacity to
him to be today – if truth be told. There
that he seeks. The African in Brian shone the meanings of the individual words.”) I have read, absorb, understand and enjoy all that
were so many interesting characters and
right through the book by the proliferation of never been so amused, fascinated and even is packed into each and every one of those
personalities, which in playing their role, I
proverbs and sayings, which added meaning impressed by the use of idioms that Brian pages.
had to smile more for Brian’s accuracy and
to the words that were already finely crafted. mastered so well. It takes a lot of creativity
observation than the incidences described.
to come up with such expressions. So when To Brian I say well done, your work has only just
In both stories, youth played a great part and you combine a proliferation of proverbs with begun, but then you are one of the lucky ones.
What words came to mind as I tried to
indeed created one of my slight concerns a strong dose of idioms, you truly begin to There are many that are still searching how to
summarize in my thoughts what I got out of
about the author’s style. It was difficult for challenge and tease the intellect of the reader. bring true meaning to their lives.
this book?
me to reconcile the depth and complexity of
thought and speech, which were attributed The author Brian Browne must have been Congratulations and Good Luck.
Philosophy Bullying
to the young people who played a major inspired to write this book and this initiative
Proverbs Stardom
role in both stories at one time and another. has been enhanced by his undisputed
10 naijaTimes 11

Internet Phone
Did you know you can use the Internet to make free to cheap
international and national telephone calls. This is all possible through
the revolutionary Voice Over IP technology.
technolo together with its

NaijaConnects.com utilises this technology,
powerful set of applications to offer members telephony services
through their internet connection.
All you need is a Laptop or PC, a microphone and some speakers
and away you go!
Calls to other members on Naijaconnects are absolutely free, whilst

calls to fixed lines and mobiles are very cheap.
Join the Revolution now. Tell friends and family and start connecting.
NaijaConnects.com “Now we’re talking”
Social Networking
disc
Meeting and discovering new and old friends online can be very
exciting. NaijaConnects.com acts as a social networking platform
that puts you in contact with people like you. Discovering new
people on NaijaConnects.com is very easy, you can even search
against Schools, Universities and Work places for friends you might
have known but lost touch with.
You can share memories by up loading and sharing photos with your
friends and family. They can even leave you comments
You can share and discover new music as well as share your home
made videos online all for free!
12 16 naijaTimes 13

Travel & Culture
Tinapa: Waiting to Excel Duke administration. The areas completed from all federal, state and local government Currently, to boost the profile of the Tinapa,
were a cluster of five warehouses located taxes, levies and rates. These exemptions are there are series of activities lined up to
D espite its bewitching scenery, Tinapa, within the Calabar FTZ; an integrated not strange because some of the places that draw the focus back to Tinapa and what it
Nigeria’s biggest tourism venture in years, is shopping complex of over 80,000m2 of Tinapa was modelled after in Dubai, Hong represents. The Tinapa business Expo has
struggling to reach its potential. Conceived retail and wholesale emporiums, plus an Kong, Singapore and other places, enjoy this already been held. Other activities coming up
by the former governor of Cross River State, entertainment centre which includes cinemas, status. However, altercations between the include a football march between
Donald Duke, it is one of Nigeria’s greatest food court, games arcade among others; and Nigerian Customs Service, which is insisting the English premiership champions,
selling points at the moment. But official a 150-room two star hotel, and outdoor that duties must be levied on all goods in the Manchester United Football Club and
indifference and logistics problems are stifling leisure. The project was commissioned by ex- zone, and traders who demur have almost Portsmouth . It is tagged Tinapa International
its progress. president Olusegun Obasanjo on April 2, 2007. turned Tinapa into a ghost town. Soccer Fiesta, also to hold there is the Tinapa
Style Week.
Tinapa is located in Adiabo, in the outskirts In building Tinapa, Duke’s plan was twofold: Watchers say the state government needs
of Calabar, the state capital. To foster trade, he wanted Cross River to be the location of to do more to ensure that the Tinapa dream Tinapa could not be said to be in full swing as
economic growth and attract tourists its Africa’s premier tourist centre and he planned does not die. For one, Cross River is one the top most business and relaxation resort
location was designated a Free Trade Zone to use the windfall to jumpstart the state’s state with one of the country’s best tourism that it was envisioned to be, but there is
(FTZ) by the government. Built on the twin economy. At the moment none of the two centres. Such centres include the Agbokim no doubting the fact that is still the boldest
concept of business and leisure, the resort goals is being achieved. With Duke’s departure Waterfalls, Cross River Wildlife Park, Afi effort by Nigeria to join the league of top
was planned to provide investors with a from power, the passion and dedication with Wildlife Sanctuary and the Obudu Cattle tourism destinations in Africa and also reap
healthy platform on which to participate in which the state government had prosecuted Ranch, whose undulating mountain is home the economic benefits that comes with
Nigeria’s rapid economic growth. Trading is the project has ebbed. This has slowed the to herds of well-fed cattle. Calabar, the state tourism.
expected to take place in state-of-the-art- phase of its development. With all this, the capital is also a tourist delight. Besides being
facilities while a regime of tax benefits and Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and an ancient historic town, it is also blessed However, though not fully operational, Tinapa
access to large markets, both in Nigeria and National Orientation, which ought to be with a rich culture. and indeed Cross River and its tourism spots,
regionally, was to create a once-in-a-life time championing the course of Tinapa, seems are always places to visit. While waiting for
opportunity for businessmen to maximize unbothered. However, with the more than 350 million the business section to be fully operational,
investment returns. dollars expended on it, so far, Tinapa the place is still worth visiting, for the
Tinapa’s problems started when a controversy deserves to live, and the state and federal scenery and ethereal peace.
The first phase of work at the resort was ensued over its Free Trade Zone status. Within government hold the key to its future.
completed a few months to the end of the the zone, investors were to enjoy exemption
14 naijaTimes 15

Fashion & Lifestyle
appreciate and embrace the beauty of African

prints. As for casuals, I am a jeans person.
Colours
Red and fuchsia pink.
Most outstanding fabric

Ankara, the texture is very nice. It is flexible
and it can be experimented with. Either on
its own or when stylishly mixed, once you
get your creativity right, it will bring out the
best in you. Moreover, Ankara is good for our
weather.
Bags
I love bags, big or small. Where I am going
Grace Amah on STYLE and my dress’ design determine the kind of
bag that I carry. I can’t carry an oversized bag
‘Style is what you make out of nothing’ to a dinner party. So, my style and the event
determine what bag I use.
A t the recent Nigerian Music Awards,
petite Grace Amah, one of Nigeria’s foremost Beauty
Nollywood actresses, looked smashing in Thank God, naturally, I am blessed with very
a simple, yet stylish, mint green Pharaohnic good skin. I take lot of water; this rejuvenates
dress. In this interview with Kenny Joseph, and detoxifies the skin. Also, I use my Clear
she says one doesn’t need a fortune to look Essence body cream religiously. Then at night,
good. I make sure that I take my shower, cleanse my
face and then apply my night cream. That is
Fashion all, I don’t have any special beauty practice.
Style is what you make out of nothing. It’s
what gives you a unique look, a trend that Her spotless and unblemished skin
others will follow. One doesn’t have to There is no magic, I can’t really say this is
break a bank vault to look good. It is not what I use. There are times I don’t go out
where I got it from or how expensive it was with what I normally use, I just make use of
that matters, it is the creativity that went whatever is available.
into bringing out the beauty in me that’s
important. I wear more of African fabrics Make-up
and accessories. In as much as I want to I like variety. For the sake of variety, I can
be stylish and trendy, I like being simple. decide to use something different because I
Gone are the days when African fabrics and want a change. I don’t think there is actually
fashion accessories were relegated to the anything I can’t really do without.
background. Now, people have come to
16 naijaTimes 17

Fashion & Lifestyle
“boldness and outrage were the

biggest themes in design last year”
Last lap fads while local fabrics, especially Ankara, soared
to unusual heights. For example, Ankara is
What to watch out for in the latter part now used to sew Western style dresses
of 2008 of the 50s, 60s and 70s mode. So, without
looking at the crystal ball, this is what to
You need not peer into a crystal ball to expect in the other half of the year.
know what will be in, in the last six months
of 2008. All you need is to be abreast of the • metallic pump shoes
fashion happenings of last year, the fads that • wedge shoes
dominated in the last six months, and what’s • Ankara: either as a stand-alone fabric or
been the rave since the beginning of the year. in combination with others
• LBD: Little Black Dress
So, what will dominate the scene in the next • Clutch purse: the dinner delight
six months? Well, boldness and outrage were • Oversized handbag: every woman’s
the biggest themes in design last year, and companion
they are yet to recede from the scene. • Skinny jeans
Designers didn’t just stop at the usual • Abortion belt and medium size belt with
themes: allure, class, elegance and style, but big buckles
stormed the scene with works that made • Maxi gown
buzz-adjectives like unusual, crazy and out-of- • Corset top and gown
this world resonate far beyond our shores. • Kimono top
• Big cuff bangles
Elements from the old school made a splash • Chandelier earrings
18 naijaTimes 19

Fashion & Lifestyle
Smell “mothers are

changing
Right the face of

maternity
wear”
Looking trendy
in pregnancy
A re you pregnant for the first
time, or a pro that’s about to have
another baby? You don’t have to be
worried about looking trendy. With
a little care and expertise you can
look gorgeous as you looked before
your tummy started bulging.
All over the world, millennium

expectant mothers are changing the
Perfumes, a mixture of sweet smelling enough fragrance to feel good and make the
face of maternity wear. You don’t
have to give up your style because of
essential oils and aromatic compounds give right impression.
that baby.
the human body, objects and living spaces a
pleasant and inviting smell. A perfume with a Wearing it right:
What you wear while you are
stunning scent oozes an overwhelming and *Spray on the pulse points (usually the wrists,
pregnant doesn’t have to be dull,
irresistible aroma that hardly fades. the neck and the throat). But do not over-
boring, long-flowing, and drippy.
apply thinking that the scent should stay
But care should be taken when using strong all day long. Soft touch is the key to
Today’s ‘preggies’ now spot trousers,
perfumes. Some have allergic reactions to proper application.
stylish gowns and casuals like
fragrances in general and these cause damage
jeans trousers and simple tops.
or injuries when applied directly on the skin *Do not rub wrists together afterwards, this
Other items of clothing you can
or on broken skin. Some perfumes also cause flattens scent. Just allow to dry out.
pick from include stretchy gowns,
permanent stains on some clothing.
tops (camisoles and tank tops) and
*Restrain from spraying more perfume,
trousers like Capri’s jeans. And the
Perfumes are used for different purposes periodically, throughout the day.
good thing is that some of these
and producers have learnt to make perfumes
items can still be used even after
with people’s needs in mind. Some are for *Put some perfume on the nape of the neck
pregnancy.
seduction, others are used to make fashion and shoulder for intimate moments.
statements, enhance sensuality feeling and
what have you. In all, the aim is to wear
20 naijaTimes 21

Fashion & Lifestyle
You are what you wear.

naija Man
www.naijaclothing.com
Fashion Show Down.

So What Are You Wearing?
Two law students, living in two different continents,

each with a unique sense of style, but whose style do
you prefer? Let us know what you think by visiting
www.naija-times.com/whatareyouwearing
Adure, 20yrs old,

Law Student, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Top-atmosphere
Jeans-Next
Sunglasses – Christian Dior
Accessories: New Look
Wristwatch- JACOB&Co(Replica)
Oluyombo, 21yrs old,

Law Student, University of Nottingham, UK
Shirt- T. M. Lewin
Knitwear- Zara
Jeans- True religion
Bag- Sergio Rossi
Send us your picture, describing what you are wearing via

email to:
WhatAreYouWearing@naija-times.com
and you could get featured on the website or even in the

magazine. The best submissions will also get a chance to
win exclusive naijaclothing merchandise.
22 naijaTimes 23

Money
I am often extremely vexed when I see or

hear about companies that waste a lot of
money on ineffective forms of marketing;
clinging on to old myths like “I know half
my advertising doesn’t work am just not
sure which half it is”. Well in this day and
Marketing Tips
age of advanced technology and thinking, an
DIARY OF AN ANGRY advertiser really should have more than a
MARKETING MAN! good idea as to what is working for his or her
Dayo Elegbe, Managing Partner, One Naija company.
The Results Driven Marketing and Number one on Chris Cardell’s “Essential
Technology Services Company. strategies to ensure that your advertising
Dayo@naijasounds.com is a success” is – If your Advertising isn’t “If your Advertising isn’t working – STOP IT.”
24 naijaTimes 25

Money
“Companies should customers are called to request brochures or direct sales, PR, strategic alliances, and “At the centre of brand
call a specific toll free number or even send a affiliate marketing.
also ensure that text to the company.
advertising, should be a
they have the right Remember, however, that you can always brand idea.”
Brand advertising, on the other hand, is an build your brand in other non-advertising be a brand idea. The bigger the idea, the
proportion of direct
important tool used by brand managers ways. Responding quickly and effectively to better. A brand idea takes its lead from
response advertising to communicate the ideals and values of inquiries, maintaining a quality website and the philosophy that drives the company,
to brand advertising” a company/product, thereby increasing providing good customer-centric marketing in fact it is at it’s best when the two are
the company/product’s perceived value to materials can often enhance your company’s indistinguishable. When they aren’t, the
working – STOP IT. I could not agree with the customer. The benefits of developing image more than a 30sec brand ad. company runs the danger of coming across
this sentiment any more strongly. This rule or maintaining a strong brand is that it as either inconsistent or worse, insincere.
might seem obvious, but as a magazine should lead to increased sales, by making a Now, I don’t want you to think I am against Either way trust is eroded, and trust is vital
publisher with many years experience comparison with competing products more brand advertising, far from it. It just isn’t when building a brand. Many commentators
running integrated marketing campaigns both favourable. It may also enable you to charge always the right option for all companies, and have asked the question whether brand ideas
on the client and agency sides, I have seen more for the product, thereby increasing recognising that will save a lot of advertisers, are too big for traditional notions of brand
too often people pour good money after bad your profit. The most effective form of advertising agencies and media owners a lot advertising. Can you really communicate
advertising programs. So how do we ensure brand advertising is one that engages with of hassle. the entire essence of a brand within a 30
we eradicate waste in our advertising? By its intended audience. The level at which second ad spot, and how do you balance that
making sure our advertising is measurable, it engages a particular target market is A proper appreciation of the place of brand with the very important objective of most
and by setting key performance matrices measurable, contrary to what some people advertising will help advertisers make advertising, which is to sell the benefits of
that we can measure and monitor our might have you believe, it simply requires a more informed decisions about the type of the product to the target audience. Well, I
performance against, right at the beginning different set of matrices and tools to that of advertising they should be doing so they can submit that you can’t, and why would you
of any advertising program. The legendary direct response advertising. direct their ad agencies better. This in turn want to? In an age where people consume
Ad man David Ogilvy is quoted as saying will help ad agencies focus their creative media through a variety of channels from
“The most important word in the vocabulary Strong brands, like Rome, are not built in energy on coming up with messages that not the conventional to the not so conventional,
of advertising is TEST. If you pre-test your a day and many relatively small companies, only resonate with their target audience but an integrated approach that utilises the
product with consumers, and pre-test are likely to be less interested in investing work – to borrow again from Ogilvy “it’s not various strengths inherent within these
your advertising, you will do well in the in activities that do not have an immediate creative if it doesn’t sell”. In all this, media multiple channels is what is called for. Brand
marketplace.” I would go as far as saying even impact on sales. They are more interested in owners will be happy as their advertising values are reinforced with each encounter
when your advertising is in the marketplace, generating an income now, and surviving, than clients and their respective ad agencies see a consumer has with the brand. This goes
you should continue testing your messaging anything else. Direct response advertising an improvement in their businesses – which a long way in building up the story of the
with the aim of constantly improving it. would be more appealing to such a company; in turn will lead to greater revenue. brand within the target audiences mind.
as sales generation and developing a healthy
Companies should also ensure that they sales pipeline is often the number one priority. One of the most recognisable brands in the
have the right proportion of direct response To this effect you might want to employ in world, Coca Cola, a very important brand
advertising to brand advertising. This addition to direct response advertising other advertiser, in its early days was one of the
proportion will depend on what stage of marketing strategies - telemarketing, direct early pioneers of direct response advertising,
development a particular company is at. mail, search engine marketing, email marketing, distributing thousands of coupons for a
complimentary glass of Coca-Cola through
Direct response advertising, like the name “Strong brands, newspaper ads. It eventually went on to
suggests, is advertising that produces a clear
response, and is almost always characterised like Rome, are not create an incredible brand.
by having a clear call to action. Potential built in a day” At the centre of brand advertising, should
26 naijaTimes 27

get noticed
There is no better way to get through to your hard to reach customers.
Call: (UK) + 44 20 8144 3403

or (Nig) + 234-1-8765994, + 234 8028360592
for a Media Pack.
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www.naija-times.com/advertise
28

Money
“founder and Chief the Nigerian Communications Commission.

The spectrum licence, which will be valid for
Executive Officer an initial period of five years, offers frequency
spaces totalling 3.75MHz in the 800MHz
of Zenith Bank, one band. The regions covered by the licence
of Nigeria’s ten are Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti Benue,
Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara,
biggest banks” Kebbi, Sokoto, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, Taraba,
Plateau, Kwara, Edo, Delta, Bauchi, Gombe,
banks (post consolidation) in Nigeria Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, States and the FCT,
with total assets plus contingents of over Abuja. Visafone also secured a $200 million
N714.5 billion as at 30 June 2006. In March, start-up fund from a consortium of 13 local
it announced a profit before tax of N40.63 banks comprising Access Bank Plc, Afribank
billion for the nine months ending March, Plc, Bank PHB Plc, Eco Bank Nigeria Plc, First
2008, a 111 per cent jump over the N19.25 City Monument Bank, Fidelity Bank Plc, First
billion recorded for the same period in 2007. Bank of Nigeria Plc, First Inland Bank Plc,
The bank’s unaudited results for the period Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Intercontinental
also showed a 70 per cent increase in gross Bank Plc, Oceanic Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc
earnings from N70.76 billion to N120.30 and Zenith Bank Plc. The company has also
billion and a profit after tax rising to N33.32 said that it will employ close to 5000 people
Business
But Ovia is not an upstart businessman. billion from N14.08 billion, a 137 per cent in five years and its commencement of 3G
Will Visafone make He is the founder and Chief Executive jump. services immediately after its launch (none
an impact? Officer of Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s ten of its predecessors did that), a development
biggest banks. He has a reputation of being But some observers who believed that Ovia, that is certain to help it tap into the
For sure, Jim Ovia doesn’t care about head thorough, bold, imaginative and ICT-centric. who has spent 25 years in banking, will be popularity of the Internet among Nigerians
starts. If he does, he would have listened According to his online profile, he is “the operating in a new and untested terrain is a plus.
to those who tried to dissuade him from founder of the ICT Foundation for Youth still expressed doubts. But the earliest However, the Nigerian telecoms sector is
launching, Visafone, a cellular firm, many Empowerment, which “focuses on improving indication that Visafone’s potential might the graveyard of many an upstart company.
years after the major players in the sector the socio-economic welfare of Nigerian have been underestimated emerged after Would Visafone, which has launched already
came on the scene. Although lucrative, the Youths by inspiring and motivating them to its surprise win of a hotly-contested-for in 12 states so far, go their way? Are the firm
Nigerian telecoms sector is very competitive embrace Information and Communication auction for a mobile licence in a field of strides, which the company has made since
and it is dominated by two of the continent’s Technology. He is the Chairman of the local and international telecommunication its debut, indicative of a bright future? Ovia
biggest telecoms firms, South Africa’s Nigeria Software Development Initiative firms. The companies, which competed with says yes. Speaking at a news conference to
MTN and Nigeria’s Globacomm. MTN, and also Chairman, National Information Visafone for a 3-carrier 800 MHz spectrum mark the launch of the company’s service
Africa’s biggest cellular operator, started Technology Advisory Committee. He is a licence, included South Africa’s national some months back, he said, “We have tested
operations in 2001 and has since snapped member of the Governing Council, Nigerian telecommunication company, Telkom’s the network over and over again and are
up almost half of Nigeria’s 42 million cellular Investment Promotion Council [NIPC] and Nigerian subsidiary Multilinks; GiCell sure that we have a network that can deliver
subscribers, while Globacom, which launched also a member of the Honorary International Wireless Limited; and TC Africa Telecoms good services.” Adding a personal testimony,
in neighbouring Republic of Benin this year, Investor Council.” Network Limited. Before then Visafone had “I have been using only my Visafone line for
has been described as Africa fastest growing caused a stir in the industry by acquiring more than a month now and haven’t got a
network. Hence, the question in several Zenith is reputed to be Nigeria’s most three telecoms firm, Cellcom, Bourdex and hitch whatsoever. That is to tell those that
quarters is whether Visafone will be able to tech-savvy bank, with a vision that is wholly Cell Communications shortly after been have been trying to reach me on my former
survive in a field where these two aggressive technology-driven. It has 180 business offices granted a Unified Access Service licence by phone numbers that I have changed lines.”
players hold sway. and is one of the largest and most profitable
30 naijaTimes 31

Careers and Development
Union and provided training on international question is the same as the first. My area
humanitarian law and international criminal of law is public international law which
law to diplomats, military officers and other mainly deals with the law that applies to the
government officials. In addition, he has relations between States but increasingly
advised and assisted counsel in several cases also applies directly to individuals and
before international and national courts. corporate entities, for example in the area
of international criminal law and the law of
NT: Why did you decide to study law? Also, foreign investment.
give brief information about your academic
background NT: What are the benefits you have from
working in your particular field?
Dapo: I’ve always had an active interest in
current affairs, international relations, law, Dapo: I certainly enjoy my work - that is
politics stuff like that. So I always knew from the greatest benefit. There’s nothing like
childhood that I would either study law or doing what you enjoy. So for me, picking up
“There’s nothing like doing what you enjoy”

international relations. I guess international a journal of international law to read a good
law combines both very well. article is not work, it is actually pleasurable
reading - most of the time! Also, it means
So after I finished secondary school at that I meet a lot of interesting people from
Career In Spotlight: Law International School Ibadan, I went onto all over the world - some of them are
Written by: Sope Williams study law at University of Ife (now Obafemi very important people. It is great to mix
Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, Nigeria. From with academics from Universities all over
We interviewed two high profile legal the field of international law and has
published articles on aspects of the law of there, I headed to Nigerian Law School and the world. The nature of the subject also
professionals to get an insight into what it is qualified as a barrister/solicitor. Immediately means that one is teaching, writing about
international organizations, international
like pursuing a career in law. after, I left for England to do an LLM (Master or practicing are issues which are being
criminal law and international dispute
of Laws) at London School of Economics, discussed in the news and in the pages of
settlement. His article in the 2003 volume
Dapo Akande, Yamani Fellow and Lecturer University of London. newspapers .
of Journal of International Criminal Justice
in Public International Law; University of
was awarded the Giorgio La Pira Prize. He
Oxford I’ve always enjoyed teaching as well, and I NT: In your opinion, what are the benefits
has acted as Consultant for the African
knew I wanted a career as an academic. I of a law degree and choosing a legal career?
“ always knew
Dapo Akande, is a University Lecturer actually started teaching quite early in my
in Public International Law. Prior to his career because I used to give tutorials to Dapo: Well, first of all, in England, you don’t
appointment in Oxford, he held full time
academic appointments at the Universities of
from childhood the first and second year law students when
I was in the final year of my undergraduate
need to do a law degree in order to have a
legal career. But doing a law degree certainly
Durham and Nottingham and was a Visiting that I would degree. trains your mind to think in a particular
Professor at the University of Miami School
of Law. He has also taught at the London either study law NT: What area of law are you currently in
way. You learn to extract important issues
very quickly and it develops your analytical
School of Economics and Christ’s and
Wolfson Colleges, Cambridge.
or international and how did you get into this line of work skills. So I would say that studying law is
relations”
a subject that has good transferable skills.
He has varied research interests within Dapo: So obviously the answer to this It can prepare you for a career in politics,
32 naijaTimes 33

accounting, the media etc. You’ll notice that

many US presidents and Vice Presidents have
“I have always been working as a barrister and solicitor in
F.O. Akinrele & Co, one of Nigeria’s leading
amazing and talented people both within the
company and externally. It would be remiss
law degrees. Remember that Tony Blair is a
barrister.
been plagued law firms, since my return from Cambridge,
combining the intricacies of corporate
of me not to mention that for one that loves
to travel, I have been blessed with a role
with what I term and commercial law with the rigours of that has afforded me the opportunity to visit
In terms of the benefits of choosing a legal
career, well if you work as a lawyer in a an inherent commercial litigation. In 2004, the firm was
briefed to conceptualise the company that
parts of the world I had always wanted to
go - for example I was in Brazil last month
big firm, you’ll be well paid. I guess that is
what most people find attractive. But also,
sense of fairness became known as Virgin Nigeria and I was
on the transaction team for the 8 months it
closing off a transaction. So all in all, I’d say
it’s been a fantastic journey so far with so
it is a respectable career, you’ll find that and justice” took to conclude all the background work much more to come by God’s grace.
lawyers can or at least can pretend to talk required to establish the company that is
intelligently about anything. It develops your Funke: I have always been plagued with
self confidence. The fact that you have to what I term an inherent sense of fairness
keep on studying during your career means and justice and as a child I was profoundly “study hard and choose your schools with
that you will keep your mind active for a long affected by perceived wrongs witnessed care. There are no shortcuts to success.
time. You find that many judges and barristers from family relations, movies, books and
practice well into their seventies. indeed the school playground! In addition, my
father is a professor of law and he manifestly now Virgin Nigeria. After the company was NT: In your opinion, what are the benefits
lived and still lives by the law and its core duly constituted, the firm was asked to assist of a law degree and choosing a legal career?
NT: What advice would you give to
principles such as integrity, fairness, equity with setting up a legal function within the
someone who was thinking about studying
and justice. So I suppose you could say it was company and I was thus seconded to Virgin Funke: I am firmly of the view that going
law?
inevitable I would become a lawyer. Nigeria from March to July 2005. I ended up through the rigours of becoming a lawyer
staying on and the rest, they say, is history. does 2 things to a person - at worst, it
Dapo: What advice would I give? First,
be sure that it is something that you’re I studied law at the University of Lagos hones one’s mind to becoming analytical,
where I obtained my LL.B (Hons) degree NT: What are the benefits you have from logical, objective and meticulous and at
interested in. There’s nothing worse than
(nursery, primary and secondary school were working in your particular field? best, it shapes one’s character into strength,
doing a job that you don’t enjoy. If you have
no commercial awareness and no interest all in Unilag too) and was called to the Bar courage, integrity, courtesy and fineness.
in 1999 after attending the Nigerian Law Funke: The main benefit my role provides These traits above all else are to be highly
in the business world, then perhaps a career
School. I proceeded to the University of is the exposure to a multiplicity of issues, priced, cherished and nurtured and I would
in commercial law is not for you. Second,
Cambridge for my LLM where I obtained a concepts and documentation, some of which therefore recommend becoming a lawyer
you’ve got to be prepared to work hard
Masters in International Commercial Law in I had never had to deal with or was even any day. This not to say that the world should
and be disciplined with your work. Lawyers
2001. aware of before I took on my current role. be full of lawyers (God forbid!); I’m simply
work long hours - that applies both to
It’s a steep learning curve which I believe has partial to the profession.
practitioners and academics. Finally, a bit of
NT: What area of law are you currently in provided me with invaluable experience as a
mental toughness is helpful. Develop your
and how did you get into this line of work lawyer and a senior manager in a world class NT: What advice would you give to
self confidence.
organization. I have also had to conceive and someone who was thinking about studying
Funke: I am currently immersed in articulate company wide and role specific law?
Funke Adeyemi, Head of Legal and Company
Commercial and Corporate Law, with strategies for supporting the business. I have
Secretary, Virgin Nigeria Airways PLC
emphasis on Aviation. I currently head up the been initiated into the cult of numbers- that Funke: Go for it, study hard and choose
legal department at Virgin Nigeria Airways hitherto sacred realm where most lawyers you schools with care. There are no
NT: Why did you decide to study law? Also,
and am also its Company Secretary. I guess fear to tread, and I must confess I now shortcuts to success.
give brief information about your academic
the journey here is one of those rare twists wonder what all the fuss was about.
background
of fate that just turn out so well - I had - numbers tell a story!
Of course, I have also met some of the most
34 naijaTimes 35

Planning for an access to information through technological 2. Peer pressure: A number of civil societies and non
development within the last two decades. As with the parental influence, peer pressure governmental organisations have sprung up
Exciting Career Still, some successful parents are often faced is a very strong force that acts on the will of to fight this cause.
by Tayo Omisore
with worries about the continuity of their even the strongest among us. At some point
businesses and thus mount pressure on their in our lives, especially as a teenager, you most 5. Cultural beliefs:
The best way to avoid harping, lamentably, children to follow in their footsteps. On the probably have been nearly stifled by this This is not so pronounced in Nigeria. There
on a dream career when you are on the other hand, some still delude themselves with global phenomenon. In more matured circles, are areas in which cultural beliefs that do not
wrong side of 40 is to make the right the now disproved myth that Lawyers, Medical this pressure is found in the desire to own support certain career choices border on
decision when you are, at most, two decades Doctors, Accountants, Engineers etc. are the what people believe is necessary to belong sexism. Examples can be found in the case of
younger. most successful. to particular social strata. It is natural to feel Saudi Arabia where women are not allowed
pressured by what your peers are doing but to drive or be pilots.
Discovering an exciting and, eventually, utterly foolish to base your decisions on
satisfactory career path is a task that such. In choosing an exciting career, you don’t 6. Personal interests:
is a function of your ability to skillfully gamble with your options, you carefully plan This is the most interesting factor and the
manoeuvre through and leverage the major your way into them. most crucial to finding and securing an
factors that influence career choice ‘exciting’ career. Personal interests simply
3. Economic trends: refer to the specific activities that arouse
These influences or factors can be broadly In many developing economies of the world the interest of an individual. For instance,
categorized as: and more so in Nigeria, certain career paths someone who is naturally inquisitive may
are more lucrative than others. Indeed, quite choose to be a reporter or a scientist.
1. Parental nudging; a number of these professions are beginning
2. Peer pressure; to lack succession plans simply as a result of The general idea is that doing whatever
3. Economic trends; poor turn out of graduates in these areas. arouses your interests, or the things you get
4. Sexism passionate about will always help in making
5. Cultural beliefs; and 4. Sexism: you feel rewarded and contented.
6. Personal interests. The impact of sexism on career choices is
a complex phenomenon that is fast being In the second part of this article, we will
1. Parental Nudging: addressed for the sole purpose of gender examine in detail, how to plan for an exciting
Nowadays, the influence of parents on equality (including gender stereotypes). career based on your own interests.
the career decisions of their wards is less
assertive, although it used to be quite
strong years earlier. This might largely be
hinged on the level of awareness created by
you don’t gamble

with your options,
you carefully plan
your way into them.
36 naijaTimes 37

Entertainment
Interview By: Tokunbo Elegbe NT: So your new album, ‘DELICATE

DRAGON’, tell us a little about that, how did
it come about?
M eet Adama, a sensational new singer
songwriter born in London, based in New Adama: ‘Delicate Dragon’ is my debut
York, with a parent from Nigeria. Adama album and it is how I have always wanted to
is seriously talented and brings a fresh represent myself as an artist to the world.
approach to R&B/Soul. NaijaTimes met up The making of ‘Delicate Dragon’ has been
with her and this is what she had to say. a journey in itself. I had always wanted to
record it in some exotic place away from the
NT: Please introduce yourself to anyone not city. After I signed with 4Dpeople Records I
in the know about who Adama is? went out with my producer, Gili Wiseburgh
(Frou Frou Sugar Babes), to a studio by the
Adama: I’m a singer-songwriter and Dead Sea to record the album. We worked
performer, born and raised in London, with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra and
England. My father is from Cornwall, other world class musicians on my album,
England and my mother is an Igbo Nigerian. which was a real blessing.
Over the past four years I’ve been moving
around between the United States and the NT: Why did you choose to call the album
UK. Recently I recorded my debut album ‘DELICATE DRAGON’...dragons seem far
‘Delicate Dragon’ by the Dead Sea desert from delicate?
in Israel. Right now I’m currently residing in
New York City where I’m performing with Adama: Yes, you are quite right! The name
my band. came to me whilst I wrote a song called
Delicate Dragon. It ended up being the
NT: Your sound is often compared with title of the album. The lyrics are about my
another great Nigerian export - Sade, but emotions and my soul; fierce and strong yet
how would you describe your style? vulnerable and fragile. I have been through
quite a bit of hardship in my life and found
Adama: My style is not easy to describe myself channelling my energy in many
because I do not think it sounds like anything different ways.
out there. A lot of people say that I have
some of the same tonal quality in my voice When I was younger I was very into
as Sade which is not surprising as we both martial arts and ended up so devoted to
have Nigerian roots. I would describe my it that I entered and won the UK Kung
album as pop but it’s unique as I write Fu Championships and represented the
from my own spiritual and imaginary world. UK in Hong Kong. At some point I made a
Every song I write has deep meaning to me transition from that into making music and
ADAMA
and was written from my heart. My sound the way I channel myself is with the same
incorporates many flavours like electronic passion.
music, jazz to classical music. All in all it is my
own style. NT: Wow a martial arts expert as well, I will
make sure I stay on your good side for the
38 naijaTimes 39

Entertainment
“Pride will never

rest of the interview. So who would you say way to communicate directly with fans. It’s Adama: Every day that I’m alive is perfect.
are your musical influences? a beautiful thing to hear from people from It may sound cheesy but it’s just great to be
Adama: My all-time favourite band is

get the better all over the world that they are feeling my
music. It’s impossible for me to stay in touch
alive. Any day I write music is perfection too!
Heatwave. They were and still are my biggest of me because i with every single person as the community NT: So what have you got playing on your
MP3 player?
influence as a writer. Rod Temperton (of has grown to the tens of thousands, which I
Heatwave) wrote great songs such as ‘Boogie know where i’m am so fortunate for. However, I do my best
Adama: It’s a vast library, but my recent
coming from and
Nights’ and ‘Always and Forever’. He also to read my mail and reply to fans because
wrote songs for Michael Jackson, such as they are very important to me. So I’ll listens are The Art of Noise, Autechre, Dire
‘Thriller’. My mother got me listening to the
music of Bob Marley when I was a kid. She
where i’m going.” conclude by saying God bless the Internet! Straits, Fleetwood Mac, Kate Bush, Heatwave,
Jeff Buckley, Toto, The Planets by Gustav
also played a lot of Nigerian music such as NT: So there is a lot of momentum building Holst (1914), Leonard Cohen, Timbaland,
Cardinal Rex Lawson and His Mayor’s Band early 19th century style clothing, rushing to up behind you right now, how do you stay Biosphere, Gypsy music, Middle Eastern
of Nigeria. My mother also loved Western conduct an orchestra. I understood what grounded and what advice would you give music, Ali Farka Toure, Mahavishnu Orchestra
pop music and she had thousands of records. each section of the orchestra was playing. artists coming up? to name a few!
I listened to them all! Today I still love music In real life I had never seen or heard an
of past times, as most of the music today orchestra before, at that time and I didn’t Adama: I stay grounded by remembering NT: Very eclectic, so what are you looking
- that I love - is more production driven. know what an orchestra was. Ever since then that everybody has an opinion of me as an forward to?
There’s nothing wrong with that, I love and to this day, I still dream music. I receive artist and of the music I make, be it a good
cutting-edge pop production, but I find that several pieces of music each night but so far one or a bad one. I like to remember that if Adama: My album being released and doing
that is what I like about much of the music I can only bring one song or piece with me I touch somebody with my music, even one lots of shows across the United States!
today, as opposed to the richness of the when I wake up, so I have to choose which person, I have been successful. Everybody
songs themselves. Jeff Buckley wrote some one whilst I’m sleeping. I can dream heavy on this earth is born with the potential to Listen to samples of Adama’s latest album on
incredible music. He’s another big influence. metal, classical, pop, rock, folk, world music, make his or her dreams happen. For that I’m www.naijaconnects.com
Kate Bush is another. Fleetwood Mac to and I get all of the instrumentation, lyrics no different to everybody else. The advice I
me is timeless. My musical tastes are varied (if any), and arrangements. It’s endless and would give to up and coming artists is the
and eclectic. I’ve been listening to a lot of infinite like the stars in the sky. It’s a magical same advice I got from a very successful
Autechre, who are from England.Their music is place where I feel closest to God. Sometimes singer a long time ago. That is to be yourself.
so very inspiring, kind of electronic soundscapes I jam with the ‘forces’, so I’m collaborating. Have confidence in your own voice and style,
with beats.The list goes on and on. Other times it’s a purely receptive process even if nobody is doing what you do and
and less ‘lucid’. I use the term ‘lucid’ as it you appear different. That is your strength,
NT: I read somewhere that your song describes the way you can control your don’t forget it. Also, learn about the business
writing comes from your dreams. That you dreams. I guess sometimes it’s lucid and of music. If you want to put your music out
‘receive’ everything from melodies to string sometimes I’m channelling. there and do shows, etc, it is still a business,
arrangements whilst you are sleep, how does and the more you learn the more effectively
this happen and how long have you had such NT: You are on the cover of magazines, on you can protect yourself, whilst making the
a gift? TV, but you are also very active online, why is best decisions for your career. Lastly, don’t
this medium so important to you...and why forget to nurture yourself artistically. At
Adama: This is a subject that’s close to my aren’t you on NaijaConnects.com? the end of the day, it’s all about your
heart. I have started to write a book about creativity. I recommend buying the book ‘The
it. It all started when I was three years old. Adama: NaijaConnects.com? I must check Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron.
At least, that’s my first memory of dreaming it out! Thanks for the heads up! Yes, I am very
music. In the dream I was a man wearing active online. The Internet has given me a NT: Describe your perfect day?
40 naijaTimes 41

42

15/3/08 17:12:20
Entertainment
“I don’t have
a manual or
formula but
I know hard
work pays off.”
picked up Mcing/Rapping in the playground
and now I’m preparing to do it in a big way.
I return to the studio on June 9th and we
hope to finish my album ASAP and hopefully
we negotiate a record deal, if not we’ll work
it ourselves.
AdULTHOOD
Written by:Omolola Ogunbadejo NT: So apart from acting you are also a
Musician, and soon to be Lawyer....is there
I t seems 20 year old Femi Oyeniran can tell NT: Both movies reflect on what it is like
of my family still live in Nigeria so I definitely
anything else you still want to have a go at?
us a lot about AdULTHOOD. AdULTHOOD to grow up in 21st century Britain. What was
identify with Nigeria. Femi: Hopefully God opens up more and
is the sequel to the widely acclaimed and it like growing up for you, especially coming
more avenues for me. You never know what’s
very successful British hit movie Kidulthood. from Nigeria?
NT: You are obviously making a name for round the corner. If you told me when I was
Barely out of his teens, this remarkable young
yourself in the British movie industry, but 16 that I would have made 2 movies before I
man set to graduate from the London School Femi: It was alright. It was a major shift and
what do you think of Nollywood and does it turned 21 then I would have called you a liar;
of Economics with a degree in Law, has two at first the kids would tease me about my
figure in any of your plans ? so it’s all in God’s hands.
hit movies under his belt and a burgeoning accent but I eventually adjusted. I went to
music career, Femi is certaintly not kidding a boys school called St. Aloysius Secondary
Femi: I’m waiting for that Nollywood phone NT: What advice would you give up and
around. School. That was a defining experience and
call! coming young performers, based on your
thankfully I got As/A* at GCSE and went
experience?
NT: So AdULTHOOD your new movie, tell on to do 4 A levels and managed to study
NT: Tell us a bit about your other passion,
us what it was like revisiting the character of law at one of the best universities in the
music? Femi: I don’t have a manual or formula but I
“Moony”, which you first played in Kidulthood? world (LSE). Growing up in a North London
know hard work pays off. Hard work is the
Council Estate could have been detrimental
Femi: I record under the moniker Blazay. catalyst to all the great things achieved in this
Femi: It was a good experience. Showing to my progression but I knew that I wanted
First and foremost check out world.
the character development; since you rarely to be successful. One of the potential means
www.blazay.com for my blogs, my music
get to do that. Adam Deacon(who plays Jay) of achieving that was striving for excellence
video, and much more. That details NT: What’s next?
and I sat down together for a few days and at school.
everything about my music and the more
went through the characters. We also had
people support it the more I know I’m doing Femi: God knows better than I do. A Blazay
rehearsals with the director Noel Clarke; just NT: Do you still identify with Nigeria?
big things. Leave your comments and send album. More movie, theatre and television
to fine tune the character. Femi: Most definitely. That’s who I am. Most
me messages. It’s basically the best way to roles. Hollywood! Nollywood! Bollywood!
contact me. Whilst at secondary school I Bring it on!
“two hit movies under his belt”

44 naijaTimes 45

Entertainment
Entertainment
“Gongo Aso has

made a name
for him as top
African artiste”
There is also Ati jelo which featured Pasuma

Wonder. In a rather ironic twist, Pasuma was
not singing in Yoruba, but rapping. Wonders
Album Review: shall never end one may say.
9ice Gongo Aso
Other tracks such as Wedding Day,
This album was a joy to listen to. 9ice, real top songs like Olu Maintain’s Yahoozee and Photocopy, Jule, Party Rider are all tracks
name Abolore Akande, has a “voice depth” and X-Project’s Lori Le to the background. that lovers of music especially dance hall
unlike many local singers. In his latest album music would be at home with.
“9ice-Gongo Aso”, 9ice’s voice is very The album opens with Kinda Life, which is
distinct, a feature that first got him noticed a display of 9ice’s language dexterity and Born January 17th, 1980 as Abolore Akande,
on the Ruggedman album “Ruggedy Baba”. unique sonorous voice. It was an admixture 9ice, who many close friends described as
of pidgin English and Yoruba language. The really nice, is currently riding on the crest
In Gongo Aso, the title track, 9ice not song has a predilection towards R and B. It of musical popularity. At the age of fourteen,
only showed this quality, but displayed an puts one in mood good enough to want to the artiste whose father wanted him to read
endless flow of music skills which only a have more from the same stable. Then what law in the university, started music, writing
person who is naturally gifted can possess. followed is an Afro hip-hop remix of King and composing songs. He later formed a
His rich sonorous voice is backed by good Sunny Ade’s Pamurogo. boy band and released a demo. In 2000 he
instrumentation with heavy percussion that embarked on a solo career and released his
only a dead man could afford not to nod and Street Credibility, a duet with Tuface Idibia is freshman album The Certificate. While his
sway to. And then what many have seen as a another good track to listen to. Bachelor’s freshman’s album made people take notice
the most distinctive asset of 9ice, the deep Life featured Reminisce, XP and Six O. of his, his latest album, Gongo Aso has made
grasp of his native tongue comes to the a name for him as top African artiste. No
fore. His deep and rich command of Yoruba wonder the awards are rolling in.
would make anyone think it was back to ‘old “His rich sonorous
school’ but with the infusion of the street
voice is backed by To rate and comment on this album review, as
slang showed where he is coming from.. All well as submit your own
put together the result is a monster hit that good instrumentation visit www.naija-times.com/albumreview
no one seems to get tired of. It has relegated with heavy percussion”
46 naijaTimes 47

Entertainment
Mr. Fine Boy

Daily Tonic
blog
little things he does.” Me I was bored outta everywhere. Na wa o. I thought to myself “E

my mind but I no wan eff up the chances of be like say na this one and dog go dey sleep
booty now, ah ah! So I played along o. on top bed.” The female one just appeared
from nowhere and landed on my lap, wagging
Mr Fine Boy’s Tonic friday out here, let’s call her Giselle. Correct She said, “We should hang out at my crib its tail like crazy. See disrespect. My first
from the www.naijafineboy.blogspot.com looking babe o, she looked kinda like a black tomorrow. So Roscoe and Princess can get instinct was to slap this rat-lookalike off
Giselle Bundchen. No lie. We had a couple used to having a man around the house. I my lap, but the chick sat down next to me,
I’ve been having an amazing holiday o. I of phone conversations and hooked up one think you’re gonna be their new daddy.” smiling.
hadn’t been back to the States since I moved sunday night to get dinner. All through the
to England, and I’ve fallen in love with this date, the babe just kept on talking about Oloshi. “Aww, how sweet. She likes you.”
place all over again. In fact I wonder how I her baby Roscoe. Roscoe this. Roscoe that.
survived in London for a year. Enjoyment dey Roscoe’s so cute. He’s so smart, he’s so Na your own papa go be dog daddy. I was cringing men. E be like say the dog dey
Yankee, kai! discerning, I love him. Blah blah blah. smell sef. The dog now started coming closer
I didn’t say that o. I just smiled and said, “Oh to me, licking and all sorts. Ah ah! This dog
I’ve spent a couple of weeks in my old city Ask me who Roscoe be o? Her dog. I said of course.” no fear sha.
just reliving my college days. These Yankee na wa. I just kept nodding my head like I was
babes no fit change. Lord have mercy. I don’t really interested in the mutt. She now told Kai, things we do for yansh. “She wants a kiss.”
know if it’s the food or the weather, but God me that she broke up with her last boyfriend
definitely spent extra time on these girls because the guy didn’t respect Roscoe. Chei. I drove up to her apartment the following From who? E no go better for dog and
men. I’ve been getting my Denzel on HARD I wasn’t about to act like I didn’t send the night. The whole time I was thinking she’d owner men.
over here o, in fact I wish I could give you dog o. Na so I begin ask questions. have the dogs leashed on her patio or
the full gist but this is a PG blog. balcony or something. Men, not so o. These Ah ah! I was just imagining this happening in
“How old is Rossy?” two little devil animals were running up and Nige. Them never born any dog to come and
Before you start talking long story, Fineboy down her apartment. When she opened the be standing on it’s oga’s lap. The slap wey e go
is single at the moment o. So allow me. AND “What’s his favorite game?” door, I was stunned. They were tiny! I don’t chop ehn? I kept trying to avoid the thing’s
NO QUESTIONS PLEASE! Gbe boruns. But know if I missed the part when she said they tongue, I swear it was just licking my hand
on the real, I understand why people stick “Does he do tricks?” were Chihuahuas, but these things were ugly and everything. I wan throw up men. When
with one partner for years and years. The as hell. Giselle got up to go get something from her
number of weres that you meet when you’re The babe was getting excited o. She was bedroom, if you see the way I threw the dog
dating eh? Kai. I met some chick on my first really describing the dog and all the “funny Na so I siddon on top couch o. See dog hair off me ehn? Americans don crase.
48 naijaTimes 49

Directories
We ended up ordering pizza, and when it I kicked the mutt away from the box. It yelped
came, na so the dogs begin dey dance o. and came back. I gave it another nice Jackie
Wagging their tails and everything. I was Chan kick and it rolled to the side of the sofa.
thinking in my head, “Why are these ones Bastard dog.
celebrating? You’re not getting shishi out of
this grub men.” Giselle put the pizza on the My people, please don’t think I’m cruel to
center table and opened the box and omo, animals o. In fact I love dogs, but these ones
both dogs just jumped on the couch and no get respect men. When Giselle came back,
started staring at the box. Ah ah. Me I quickly the dog started barking loudly. I didn’t even
pulled out a big slice and bit into it, because I answer the were, I just kept on chopping my
wan make sure say I chop at least one before pizza.
one of these ugly bingos begin put tongue on
top my pizza. Giselle- Aww, what’s wrong Ros? You know
you can’t eat the crust because of the gluten.
Giselle- No baby, you can’t have the crust. Okay here’s a piece of beef baby.
Okay here’s a piece of beef.
I looked at her. In my mind, I was just thinking,
She took off a chunk of ground beef and put “Plus you o, plus your dogs o, all of you don
it in Princess’ mouth. The dog took it and crase.” Who talks to dogs like they’re human
licked her finger. This girl took that same beings? Come dey explain diet for them again.
hand and rubbed it on the couch! Yeeeee! I
couldn’t believe it. Roscoe started standing Me- Why can’t they eat the crust?
upright on its hind legs begging for grub too.
She took off another piece and put it into his Giselle- Because gluten’s bad for dogs’
mouth, then she licked her finger. digestive systems. They can’t eat bread.
Jesus Christ! God forbid say I go kiss this Me- All dogs?
one. Emi ko. Not me.
Giselle- Yeah. Dogs don’t eat bread.
The babe left the room to answer her phone
one time and I saw that Roscoe dog going Mumu. My dogs in Nige dey chop bread, egg,
towards the box. yam, stew, anything. In fact I remember one
dog that Akinzo had like that, Muritala. This
Me- Kai! Kurombe! dog used to eat cake with icing. I swear.
Roscoe- Growl Men, when we finished the pizza, I noticed that

the chick didn’t even wash her hands. She now
Me (whispering)- My friend gerraway from wanted to be hugging me and kissing on me.
there!!! See the way I exited the place ehn? Nonsense.
Roscoe- Grrrr.....
Me (whispering)- You’re growling at me. You

think you can fight me?
50 naijaTimes 51

Directories
Webfile a map with business descriptions of shops in Feature Business

Naija Times Site To Watch: the computer village, is a website that every
Village first timer, and regulars, needs to visit
before making a trip. It provides the locations
of the Village’s best shops and some other
information that would help in making a
successful buy. It also divides the shops into
speciality-based categories, with sections like
computer sales and accessories; computer BQM Consulting is a multi-disciplined management
repairs; laptop sales; laptop repairs; songs and consultancy, based out of Bristol, UK. Specialising
software downloads; networking; security in a range of disciplines from business strategy
systems and others. to leadership development, BQM Consulting also
boasts of a range of public and private sector
clients of various sizes in the UK.
The company describes its culture as one that

delivers uncompromising value, excellence and
Other Sites integrity. Its founder and managing director Jimi
Ogunnusi describes himself as a hybrid Leader - a
Worth A Visit: strategist, motivator, enforcer, technocrat and
an entrepreneur all rolled into one. For further
PureFoto
information on BQM Consulting visit www.
www.villageyell.com Picture Gallery
bqmconsulting.com, and for a free consultancy
www.purefoto.com
paper “Effectively Empowering Your Business”,
For a first timer, Nigeria and West Africa’s
email articles@bqmconsulting.com
biggest computer and associated accessories Sturvs
market, the Computer Village, is always a Social Bookmarking
BQM Consulting’s telephone number is
huge maze; a beehive of trade, confusion and www.sturvs.com
+44(0)117 917 5217.
babblers.
Bellanaija
“If you have an interesting business you believe we
Walk into any of the five streets that make Fashion/Lifestyle Blog
should feature, or would like to be included in the
up this market, which is located in the heart www.bellanaija.blogspot.com
IndustryFile, please send a brief email describing
of Ikeja, one of Lagos’ top commercial hubs,
your business including the relevant contact details
and you are sure to be mobbed by chattering Point Blank News
to directories@naija-times.com.
canvassers and touts bent on ensuring Breaking news and views
that you buy that personal computer, ink www.pointblanknews.com
cartridge or webcam from a shop they will
recommend. Touts, in particular, are always Apprentice Africa “uncompromising
on the prowl for first timers who often end
up with poorly cloned computers and fake
TV Show
www.theapprenticeafrica.com value, excellence
accessories.
Naija Jams
and integrity”
Villageyell.com, an online business directory Music Blog
with loads of addresses, phone numbers and www.naijajams.com
52 naijaTimes 53

Directory May Foods
African Foods
Listings 16C Market Row, Brixton, London.

07863309258
Sinto & Biggie Domemerit Store

Afro/European Hairstylists General Goods Store
721 Old Kent Road, London. 396 Cold Harbour Lane, Brixton, London
020 76357340, 02077372958
07984385090
Barber D’s Park ‘N’ Shop

Barbershop and Internet Café General Goods Store
4 Manor Park Parade, Lee High Road, Eleganza Plaza Libra Block 1 Commercial Rd
Lewisham 07939933757 Apapa. 01 4975046
Naturally Nice Blacker Dread

Beauty Salon Music Store
21 Rushcroft Road, Brixton 406 Cold Harbour Lane, Brixton
02077338891 02072475095, 07956946495
Beautiful Gate Unisex Salon Atlantic Bar & Restaurant

Beauty Salon Restaurant and Bar
Shop A3, Falomo Shopping Complex, 14B Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island,
Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos Lagos 01 2610584, 0802-3271564
01 2682617
Bliss Kolection Katch A Fire

Fashion and Accessories Restaurant and Bar
Shop 8, 12-13, Alade Market, Allen Avenue, 64-68 Atlantic Road, Brixton, London.
Ikeja Lagos 07904280733
01 4976805
Fay Fashion Ayus Restaurant

Design and Tailoring Resturant
52 Granville Arcade, Brixton, London 2 Ibiyinka Olorunimbe Close, Off Bishop
07828419894 Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
08033162543
54 naijaTimes 55

56
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for what we were, are and will be

A new voice with nigerian roots

Planning for an Fashion: Equatorial

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 1 6/24/08 7:07:35 PM

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 2-3 6/24/08 7:07:39 PM

1. Man Utd and Portsmouth set to play a

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 4-5 6/24/08 7:07:42 PM

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 6-7 6/24/08 7:07:49 PM

“Two great stories, two plots,

ingredients of a great movie”

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 8-9 6/24/08 7:07:51 PM

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 10-11 6/24/08 7:07:51 PM

technolo together with its

Calls to other members on Naijaconnects are absolutely free, whilst

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 12-13 6/24/08 7:08:28 PM

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appreciate and embrace the beauty of African

Most outstanding fabric

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 16-17 6/24/08 7:08:38 PM

“boldness and outrage were the

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 18-19 6/24/08 7:08:41 PM

Smell “mothers are

Right the face of

All over the world, millennium

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 20-21 6/24/08 7:08:48 PM

You are what you wear.

Fashion Show Down.

Two law students, living in two different continents,

Adure, 20yrs old,

Oluyombo, 21yrs old,

Send us your picture, describing what you are wearing via

and you could get featured on the website or even in the

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I am often extremely vexed when I see or

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 24-25 6/24/08 7:09:02 PM

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There is no better way to get through to your hard to reach customers.

Call: (UK) + 44 20 8144 3403

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“founder and Chief the Nigerian Communications Commission.

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“There’s nothing like doing what you enjoy”

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accounting, the media etc. You’ll notice that

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 34-35 6/24/08 7:09:12 PM

you don’t gamble

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Interview By: Tokunbo Elegbe NT: So your new album, ‘DELICATE

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“Pride will never

Adama: My all-time favourite band is

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Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 42-43 6/24/08 7:09:25 PM

“two hit movies under his belt”

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 44-45 6/24/08 7:09:28 PM

“Gongo Aso has

There is also Ati jelo which featured Pasuma

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 46-47 6/24/08 7:09:31 PM

Mr. Fine Boy

little things he does.” Me I was bored outta everywhere. Na wa o. I thought to myself “E

Naija-Times-Issue2-redo5.indd 48-49 6/24/08 7:09:38 PM

Roscoe- Growl Men, when we finished the pizza, I noticed that

Me (whispering)- You’re growling at me. You