EDO'S YOUTH NEED TO GET TO WORK ! THE FUTURE NATIONAL ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE HITS BENIN THIS APRIL

The Benin edition of The Future National Enterprise Conference has been announced to hold on Friday, April 12 at the Main Auditorium if the University of Benin.

Themed 'Our generation needs to get to work', the conferences kicked off on 26 January this year at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos to an audience of over 1500 young people. Speakers/Mentors included Nestle Executive Director Iquo Ukoh, Microsoft Manager Ugochukwu Nwosu, media entrepreneur and presenter Mo Abudu, actors Stephanie Okereke and Rita Dominic amongst others.

"Our work is centred on inspiring leadership and building enterprise and this focuses on the latter," said Chude Jideonwo, who is executive director of The Future Project. "Whether as entrepreneurs, or professionals, we need to build the capacity of young people entering the job market, as well as connect to opportunities to add value to Nigeria's economy. We are grateful to MTN for helping us actualise our vision of 

engaging young people in Edo this year." 

Speakers include The Future Awards winner for Innovator of the Year (Science & Technology) Seun Onigbinde, winner for On-Air Personality of the Year (TV) Denrele Edun, Finalist for the Best Use of Advocacy Priscilla Usibaifo and Samson Aligba, CEO BE! Technology.

The event will also feature the Benin launch of TFESS.com (The Future Enterprise Support Scheme), an online app/community to help connect students, school-leavers and graduates to jobs and opportunities.

The Benin event is presented by The Future Project in conjunction with MTN and the Start-Up Hub with support from PANS and Congos Edo state. Media partners for the event are BellaNaija & Information Nigeria. The official media partner is Y!/YNaija.com.

To register, call 07080168443, 07034951947 or email info@thefuturenigeria.com. For more information please visit the website www.thefuturenigeria.com

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"GOLDIE WAS MY SUPPORT SYSTEM" - DENRELE

They were truly more than friends. OAP; Denrele Edun reveals to us that the Late Pop Star, Goldie, was his support system.

 

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AN EVENING OF GLITZ AND GLAMOUR - FUTURE AWARDS [PORT HARCOURT]

Tonto Dike, Best Actor of The Future Awards 2012

The Season 7 of Nigeria’s premier youth awards event, The Future Awards, held on the 26th of August 2012 in the Garden City of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Although this was the first time that the awards event was taken outside of Lagos, it wasn’t a disadvantage in any way, as the organisers (The Future Project) and the host (Government of Rivers State) put together an unforgettable show. The Future Awards which was tagged “Tear Down these Walls”, brought together very important personalities including former World Bank Vice President, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, Commissioner for Information, Ibim Seminatari, Commissioner for Agriculture, Emmanuel Chinda, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, and many others.

August 25th
6am: Nominees and other guests from Lagos began to troop into the Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos for their flight to Port Harcourt.

10.30am: First set of out-of-state guests for The Future Awards arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa. Guests, who attended The Future Awards, came in from more than ten states of the federation.

6pm: Nominees and other guests were hosted in a brief cocktail event by the Deputy Governor of Rivers, Engr. Tele Ikuru, at the Rivers State Government House. Also present at that ceremony were commissioners in the state’s executive council, as well as other top government functionaries. Engr. Ikuru, who was representing the state’s governor, Rt. Hon Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, who was out of the country, welcomed all the guests, especially the nominees, and expressed excitement at hosting the future of the country in Rivers State.

Denrele Edun, Winner of TFA 2012, OAP (Television) Award

Executive Director of The Future Awards Project, Chude Jideonwo, at The Future Awards 2012, Port Harcourt, Rivers

August 26th:
8am: Out-of-state guests were taken on a tour of Rivers State by a high level executive team led by the gracious Commissioner of Information, Ibim Seminatari; the Commissioner of Power, Augustine Nwokocha; Commissioner of Agriculture, Emmanuel Chinda; Chief Executive in charge of the State’s Primary Health care centres, Dr. (Mrs) Claribel Abam, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education.

The tour which lasted for up to six hours saw the nominees visit the Rivers State Dental and Maxillofacial Clinic; State school, Elekahia; Primary Health Centre, Elekahia and Model Secondary School, Eleme. Participants were wowed by the facilities and the world class standards to which the governor aspired in providing them. The tour also took participants to the Songhai Farm, the Afam Power plant, and Banana plantation in Tai (a PPP with a Mexican firm.)

4pm: Keynote address by the Chairman of Heirs Holding and one of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurs, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu MFR, at The Atrium, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt. Elumelu spoke on the topic, “Tear down these walls.” The former UBA boss listed sacrifice, hardwork, and tenacity as the necessities for entrepreneurial success. He also revealed during his speech that he plans to begin an hour long mentoring session on twitter once in every month.

8:30pm: The Future Awards event kicked off at Aztech Arcun Events Centre on Stadium Road, Port Harcourt. It was an unforgettable evening of glamour, beauty, and celebration of excellence. Guests walked the green carpet with aplomb. The show was hosted by Tinsel Star, Gideon Okeke and top female musician, Waje. Present at the occasion were Big Brother Star, Uti Nwachukwu, Channel O VJ, Denrele Edun, Host of Nigerian Idol, Ill Rymz, and his Project Fame counterpart, Adaora Oleh. Also present were top blogger Linda Ikeji, OC Ukeje, Toolz, Andre Blaze, Chidinma, Ruby, Tosin Martins, and many more.

Idris Akinbanjo, Young Person of th Year 2012

Muma Gee performing at TFA 2012

Nominees for Young Person of the year 2012 with Obiageli Ezekwesili and the Deputy Governor of Rivers State

Waje and Gideon Okeke, Hosts of TFA 2012

Entertainers who thrilled guests on the night include Timi Dakolo, Bez, Muma-Gee, Dan the Humorous, and Denrele. Timi Dakolo also premiered his latest video “Great Nation” at the event.

The big winner for the night was Idris Akinbajo, the investigative journalist and multiple award winner, who beat other strong contenders like Psquare, Banky W, Raheem Bello, D’banj, Linda Ikeji, Jason Njoku, and Chinwe Njoku to emerge as The Future Awards Young Person of the Year 2012. The Young Person of the Year Award is the most coveted of all the awards given on any TFA night.

Other winners include Tonto Dikeh (Actor of the Year), Babafemi Oyediran (Best Use of Advocacy), Gidi Traffic (Best Use of New Media), Bayo Omoboriowo (Creative Artiste of the year), and Toju Foyeh (Designer of the Year).

Tolu Oniru 'Toolz, Winner of TFA 2012 OAP (Radio) Award

Others are Hadiza Abdullahi (Excellence in Service - Government), Alkasim Abdulkadir (Excellence in Service - Journalism), Ngozi Nkwoji (Excellence in Service - Corporate), Seun Onigbinde (Innovator of the Year -Science and Technology ), Otto Orondaam (Innovator of the Year - Education), Ola Orekunrin (Entrepreneur of the Year - General), Tochukwu Ikpegbu (Entrepreneur of the Year - Agriculture), Uyi Omokaro (Entrepreneur of the Year - Communication and Media), Michael Collins (Entrepreneur of the Year - Entertainment), and Jason Njoku (Entrepreneur of the Year - Technology).

The winner of the On-Air-Personality (Radio) award was Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru, On-Air-Personality (TV) was Denrele Edun, the Musician of the Year was Wizkid, Producer of the Year (Music ) was Jeremiah ‘J. Sleek’ Shelika and the Producer of the Year (Screen) award went to Clarence Peters .

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Oreka, Denrele and Andre Blaze to host at #Hashtag by YNaija!

#Hashtag just got hotter. The Beat FM’s elegant Oreka Godis and talented compere and rapper Andre Blaze will on Saturday, 23rd July, 2011, rock the select #Hashtag crowd, as they have been confirmed as anchors of the exclusive event. The party, which will hold at Swe Bar, Victoria Island is the latest brainwave from the new high priest of Nigerian youth culture, YNaija. The show will also be anchored by the electric Denrele Edun, who will host special segments – guests will
find out at the party!

#Hashtag is aptly tagged ‘Pause. Tweet. Play.’ At the YNaija and
Chocolate City hosted party, Twitter is guaranteed to come to life in an evening of fine entertainment and great company.

“It's a great excuse to unwind, network and connect, but prepare to be
dazzled by the electrifying ambience and stellar performances from the
Choc Boys and other first-rate performers,” said Ifreke Inyang,
Assistant Editor of YNaija. "One question - have you been invited?"

More than ever we’re looking forward to the #Hashtag party! Pause. Tweet. Play.

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KATE HENSHAW, DAREY, MONALISA CHINDA, MOCHEDDAH, DENRELE STORM CHAMPAGNE CONVERSATIONS

- All the drama, intrigues and surprises

It promised to be a star-studded event; an evening of beautiful people, lavish music, endless supply of champagne, and no-holds-barred conversations. And Champagne Conversations, which debuted in Lagos yesterday (Sunday February 27, 2011) at the Pool Side of Eko Hotels and Suites, in Lagos, more than lived up to expectations.

With a decor and ambience that made many marvel, drinks that refused to go out of supply, rich and riveting music from Shuga Band and DJ Jimmy JATT, and a community of stylish guests, the cocktail event delivered on a well promoted promise: to deliver an evening of fun and friendship. 'We took the night club out of all those enclosures and delivered a wild evening of fun right by the pool side. Such beautiful people, colorful ensembles, great music and so much to drink!' Abisoye Fagade, Principal Consultant of Sodium Brand Solutions says.

Those present to witness the epoch debut include star actresses Kate Henshaw, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Monalisa Chinda, Rukky Sanda, Annie Macauley and Najite Dede. Musicians Darey, Jaywon, Mocheddah, KSB, Goldie, Praise, Timi Dakolo, Emem Ema, TWO, Femi Adeyinka, Essence, Djinee, also spent the evening soaking up the fun. Other notable guests include: Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, ChiChi Nwoko, Denrele, Olisa Adibua, Yinka Oyedeji, Michelle Dede, Bolanle Okhiria, Gbenga Adeyinka (1st), Tee A, Segun Demuren, Jide Adediran, Toolz, Joke Jaiyesimi, Kingsley James, Tamilore Kuboye,Ayo Animashaun, Misi Molu, Dola Bamgboye, Cherry Eromosele, Emamoke Ogoro, Steve Babaeko, Bayo Omisore, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, AY, Cecil Hammond, and Linda Ikeji.

The evening's host Darey (who also anchored a special Chat Arena) joined Akin Shuga and Jummy JATT as the souls of the night, as guests mingled freely, while downing glass after glass of Champagne and various Champagne-based cocktails. Meeting and mingling with old and new contacts was not a problem, as specially-trained 'Conversation Starters' moved round endlessly, linking up guests and breaking all conversation barriers.

'I had so much fun, it should be illegal', a guest said while leaving the gig. Many admitted to making new friends; getting long-sought business appointments. Some just drank and danced, rocking away the night without any bother - fully aware that Monday was just a few hours away...

And everyone was shocked, when an argument went out of hand and a well-dressed gentleman landed in the pool. Those present say star OAP Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi and PFWA alumnus Praiz were joking and arguing about the floating technique that sustained the giant-sized Champagne in the pool all evening. Praiz, who's apparently a regular swimmer, was taking Gbemi through the details, when, encouraged by standers-by, the OAP pushed Praiz into the pool. When the singer emerged seconds later, 100% wet, bottle of Champagne in hand, not many could fathom what happened. Was it an accident? Would he be upset? was it planned? Did he have a change of clothe? Would he revenge?

Praiz simply popped the huge bottle and drank away with friends (including Gbemi, who disappeared shortly after).

By the way, there were two huge bottles of Custom-made Moet and Chaddon. After Praiz recovered the one in the pool, it occured to organisers that the second bottle was nowhere to be found. It was not at the bottom of the pool; not in the coolers, and not on any table. The organisers believe it has not been consumed.

'I'm baffled too', Fagade says. 'I believe someone is up to something. It's so funny, but I have my fingers crossed'. Will the 'missing bottle show up anytime soon? before the next event? Time will tell. Other surprises of the night include charmer Ebuka showing up in a native attire, Darey's 'Bani kidi' costume which shocked many a fashion pundit, and usually solo Timi Dakolo who showed up with a glam date.

Champagne Conversations was made possible with the kind support of MTN FUNLINK. Partners include NET Newspapers (thenetng.com), BlackHouse Media Group, The Beat 99.9 FM, BELLANAIJA, Ovation, Encomium, Equally Diverse Solutions, Virtual Exchange, Digiprints, Soul Muzik, Soundcity, Speakerboxx, Hip TV, Core Media, Shuga Band, JATT INC, and AV Edge.

Although meant to be an annual event, organisers Sodium Brand Solutions say they are considering the possibilities of staging the gig more frequently.

click to enlarge image(s)

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JULIUS AGWU, NAETO C, DENRELE, DJ NEPTUNE AND OTHERS FOR FACE OF SELARA

On 2^nd of December at the Thisday Dome, CBD in Abuja, Julius Agwu, Naeto C, YQ, and DJ Neptune will be dishing out a high dose of entertainment vibes at the Third edition of Face of Selara (FOS) make up show/beauty pageant.

The last two edition of the Face of Selara pageant saw to the crowning of Miss Blessing Osim (2009) and Miss Meg Kaka (2008) as queens and had the audience entertained by top artistes like P square, 9ice, 2 Face, Banky W, Paul Play, Djinee and Omawunmi, however, it is going to be a night of entertainment like never as the 2010 edition Face of Selara is set to lift the bar of its last two editions.

Face of Selara is a beauty pageant aimed at finding an intelligent, confident, creative and well spoken young lady to represen

t Selara Faces Beauty and Style Company; as well as a charity event to raise funds for orphanages. Life will surely never remain the same for the winners as

fantastic prizes are to be won. The overall winner, Face of Selara 2010, will be going home with a car, N250, 000 cash prize, a bill board contract in Lagos and Abuja and 1 year contract with Selara Faces. For the first runner up, it’s a 5days trip to Dubai, accommodation and ticket fully paid for, N200,000 cash prize and six months contract with Selara Faces. The second runner up will be going home with N100,000 cash prize, a weekend stay in Gambia fully paid for and 4 month contract with Selara Faces.

True to the fashion course of the show, the dress code for the night is Arabian and the best dressed participant of the night will be going home with a mouth watering prize. Red carpet on that night is to be handled by (Derenle) Sound City.

Arafa Ukonga , MD of Selara faces while speaking on the pageant said “it is undisputable that the last two editions has been a huge success but this edition will be grander in all ramifications”.

While tickets to the show is already on sale all over Abuja, activities towards the show are on the Face of Selara website www.selarafaces.com

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