MEDIA RELEASE: BOOK TOUR FOR CHUDE JIDEONWO’S “ARE WE THE TURNING POINT GENERATION?” KICKS OFF IN JOHANNESBURG (PHOTOS)

Media entrepreneur and young African leader, Chude Jideonwo has kicked off the global tour for his new book. A book. reading for the book, Are We the Turning Point Generation? held on Saturday, 17 May 2014 at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

The event, which attracted young leaders from across Africa, was hosted by Media Advocacy and Development Initiative (MADinitiative). “I was starting to give up on Africa but after this reading I am challenged,” said Mahlatse Masimene, from South Africa. “This is further an evidence that Africa is the future – I am so happy I heard these words,” said Rosina Mabapa a student of Wits University, who also attended the event.

This book reading officially kick off the book tour which will span major world cities including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Berlin, London, Washington DC & New York taking the message the book shares to young African leaders and change-makers the world over.

“Are We The Turning Point Generation? Is a collection of essays written by renowned entrepreneur and young leader, Chude Jideonwo. The book aptly captures the evolution of youth-led ideas in managing Africa’s leadership and social development challenges. The book will be launched in Lagos at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island on Sunday, 25 May.


About Chude Jideonwo

Named by Forbes as one of Africa’s 30 best entrepreneurs under 30, Chude Jideonwo’s career is centred on using the media as an active tool to galvanise a generation of Africans to action. He is Managing Partner of RedMedia Africa, owners of The Future Africa Awards Africa & Summit, Y! Africa, and YNaija.com; and founding Executive Director of The Future Project, which empowers young people across Africa through leadership and enterprise.

In 2010, he founded EnoughisEnough Nigeria, which has become the country’s foremost good governance group for young Nigerians. A lawyer and award-winning journalist, he has a Masters Degree in Media and Communication from the Pan-African University. He is a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum and sits on the boards of the Oando Foundation and Micosoft4Afrika.

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LIVING HIS DREAMS! TIMI DAKOLO TO SHARE ON HIS JOURNEY AT THE INCUBATOR THIS SATURDAY...OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE AUDU MAKORI, TARA FELA-DUROTOYE & CHUDE JIDEONWO

Nigeria’s king of soul; Timi Dakolo will be sharing on his life, career, musical journey at the 2nd edition of Live Your Dreams Africa scheduled for Saturday April 26, 2014 at the Incubator, opposite City of David Church Road, Victoria
Island, Lagos.

"Being able to share my story amongst people that I truly admire is such a dream come true. I'm hopeful participants will learn something from my
story about working hard towards achieving their dreams. I always believe that it is never impossible to achieve your dreams," said Dakolo.

The event, organised by award winning author and life coach, Bankole Williams is a platform to help Africans bridge the gap between the potentials they possess and their current reality.
This second edition will showcase people in different walks of life who have, against all odds, consciously pursued their dreams and are today
celebrated for what they do. Other speakers at the event include Tara Fela Durotoye, Chude Jideonwo, Audu Maikori, Ik Osakioduwa, Toyosi Ogunseye and Olakunle Soriyan.


For more information visit: www.timidakolo.ng

About Timi Dakolo

Timi Dakolo is an award winning R&B/Soul music artist born on January 20, 1981. He hails from Bayelsa State, Nigeria and grew up in the city of Port-Harcourt, where he started his singing career at age of 12, singing in his church choir. Following his win as West African Idol first and only winner; he released his debut album titled “Beautiful Noise” in 2012, receiving great reviews for the work as well as chart successes. Timi Dakolo released another single after his debut album titled “Great Nation” which many have described as the new National Anthem of Nigeria.

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SO YOU THINK YOU CAN BLOG? REGISTER FOR THE FUTURE AWARDS NEW MEDIA BUSINESS MASTERCLASS WITH LINDA IKEJI, JAPHETH OMOJUWA, NOBLE IGWE,CHUDE JIDEONWO

As part of the pre-awards activities for its Season 7, The Future Awards Central Working Committee has announced The Online Media Business MasterClass for July 25 in Lagos, Nigeria. The MasterClass is for young people who want to run online media businesses in Nigeria and are looking for practical steps and guidelines.

"With success models like BellaNaija, LindaIkeji, YNaija, and others, young people are now taken in by the power of new media to influence conversations, drive agendas, inform, and entertain at the same time," says Chude Jideonwo, who is executive director of The Future Project. "A passionate set of bloggers and young people who seek to build career in social media have since emerged; what they need now are the skills required to build a reputable - and most importantly, profitable - new media brand."

Themed 'So you think you can blog?', the full day interactive session will feature the facilitators sharing knowledge and information about running a media business in Nigeria; emphasising the opportunities, challenges, and strategies; especially in the peculiar Nigerian environment.

The training scheduled for July 25 in Lagos, is set to be a memorable experience for bloggers and new media entrepreneurs as the facilitators constitute some of Nigeria's finest, influential, online personalities.

Facilitators at the MasterClass are Linda Ikeji (Creator and Editor, Linda Ikeji Blog), Chude Jideonwo (Editor, Y!/YNaija.com), Noble Igwe (Publisher, 360Nobs.com), Cheta Nwanze (Chief Information Officer, DailyTimes), Japheth Omojuwa (Editor, Omojuwa.com) and Ediong Umoh
(Curator, NigeriaNewsDesk), who will share how _NigeriaNewsDesk_ became the fastest breaking news service in Nigeria from its base in Calabar.

Topics to be treated include The Talent for Blogging, How to Drive Your Numbers, Building an Online Personality,Location is Irrelevant, Getting Your Technology Right, and Standards Still Matter.

The Future Awards Online Business MasterClass holds on July 25 at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos with a registration fee of N2,500. Interested participants should visit www.ynaija.com/onlinemasterclass to register or call 08022226712.

The MasterClass is organised as part of The Future Enterprise Support Scheme (TF-ESS); a platform designed to equip young people with adequate Business and Creative skills to succeed in their chosen area of profession. TF-ESS is one of the programmes of The Future Project.

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RED, content and communication company, launches

The strategy team at Red Media, a media content and communication company based in Lagos, has announced the formal launch of the firm. Red Media enters the market as a leading media company with a prominent development subsidiary called The Future Project.

“Metamorphosing from our previous incarnation as RedSTRAT Communications, we are launching ourselves as Red Media, a new company with a sharpened vision,” said a statement from the company. “Red Media stands at the cusp of a new direction for the communication business, as much across the world as in Nigeria, for at least two reasons:
“First, we are headlining a new model that combines a strong marketing communication business with media content ownership. Furthermore, in a new media space defined by ubiquitous new/digital media platforms, we are one of a very small community of firms that has a depth of practical experience with both Traditional and New media and understand how brands should integrate both spaces – so we are able to give experience-based advice on where best to spend monies to achieve targeted results.”

Structured into two main businesses, its content arm is headlined by the premium Y! brands (Y! TV, Y! Radio,Y! In ‘D News and Y! Magazine), YNaija.com as well as The Future Nigeria Awards, reputed to be Nigeria’s biggest youth event; while its communication arm offers full-service communication solutions with a focus on Public Relations, New Media, Demographic Marketing (and a reputation as a pioneer in Youth Marketing), Editorial Consultancy and Perception Management.

“Our advantage includes an integrated marketing communication mix that gives our clients access to premium content and platforms, a wide network of national and international partners and goodwill, thanks to our network, as well as a knowledge-based approach to brand building,” said Adebola Williams, who is a Partner at the firm.

The company’s heritage over the past six years covers communication services for clients across a wide spectrum including Government, Oil & Gas, Financial Services, Technology, Development, Social Services, Entertainment, Fashion & Style, Education, and Personalities. Clients have included corporates and their brands such as Nigeria LNG Limited, PZ Cussons, Oando Limited, Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Nigeria Leadership Initiative, Nigerian Breweries, British Council, House of Tara, Veda Technology and Alder Consulting, with a strong entertainment PR business that manages communication for international recording artiste Asa, entertainment brand Storm 360 amongst others.

The company is led by Chude Jideonwo, a journalist and communication expert with 10 years experience including work at the Nigeria LNG Limited, Virgin Nigeria, Bank PHB’s The Apprentice Africa, amongst others. Recently reputed for securing an exclusive print interview with President Goodluck Jonathan – his first since assuming office - he is a winner of the Nigeria Media Merit Award and is part of the editorial board of NEXT Newspapers.

Other directors include Mfon Ekpo (Strategy); Cheta Nwanze (Technology), Aziza Uko (Corporate Planning) and Debie Magnut (External Relations). The firm will be presented formally at a media and VIP event in Lagos in September. More information is on www.rednigeria.com and via info@rednigeria.com. RED can also be found on facebook.com/RedNigeria, twitter.com/RedNigeria and youtube.com/RedNigeria.

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“This is a national disgrace,” says #ProtectTheCorpers

The coalition of groups behind #ProtectTheCorpers,m formed in the wake of the killing of young National Youth Service Corps members in the North has called on the Federal Government and the Government of Rivers State to give the nation a report on the whereabouts of the kidnapped corps members in the state and the plans to get them to their families safe.

“Tomorrow, the 16th of June, is the passing out parade for the Batch B Corps Members, and more than once week since Olumide Yusuf and 4 other female corp members were kidnapped from Community Secondary School in Omademe village Ikwerre LGA of Port Harcourt, Rivers State,” said Chude Jideonwo, of The Future Project. “The matter of kidnapping is one of
general national concern and is not specifically an NYSC issue, and as such we had hoped, as with all Nigerians, the government would decisively tackle this development, but we are alarmed that about ten days later, these young helpless people serving their nation are yet to be found!”

The coalition described as “unconscionable”, the fact that expatriates and prominent Nigerians happen to find freedom based on the negotiation and activities of various government functionaries, but in this case there has been a surprising national silence.

“This comes as we should be gladded by news that the Federal Government has not acceded to the first of its seven demands for short-term measures to guarantee the safety and security of young Nigerians under the National Youth Service Scheme,” said Yemi Adamolekun of the EnoughisEnough movement. “The number one demand was for the government to “Identify
violence-prone “hot-spots” states and/or districts and ensure that corps member posting to these areas is voluntary. This voluntary posting must also come with an institutionalised incentive. In news reports last Friday, Gabriel Ibe, the Oyo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), announced that the NYSC management will no longer post corps members to crisis prone areas in the country; revealing that each state coordinator has been so directed and the directive will take effect with the next deployment of corps members on July 7.”

This sad development follows the conclusion of the coalition’s petition drive. It will be recalled that the call for signatures for the formal petition to be forwarded to the Presidency and the Ministry for Youth Development was brought to a successful close after the petition was
brought to the attention of the President at his pre-inauguration meeting with young Nigerian leaders and groups. The coalition extracted a commitment from the President to speed up the process of reforming the youth corps scheme amid a directive to his Minister for Youth Development who was also present at the meeting.

“Unfortunately,” said Samuel Joseph, who is project manager of this campaign, “This is now two steps backwards. The continued kidnap is a national disgrace. Reform of the NYSC is a long term project that involves thought, strategy perspective true – but in the meantime, we demand that
President Goodluck Jonathan as the Chief Security Officer of the nation be seen as doing everything in its power immediately, to free these young people. At this point, nothing matters more.”

The coalition behind #ProtectTheCorpers is led by The Future Project, and includes SleevesUp Nigeria, the National Youth Council, AIESEC, EnoughisEnoughNigeria, NigeriaVillageSquare.com, Friends of Aik and Paradigm Initiative Nigeria.

More information is on www.thefuturenigeria.com/protectthecorpers.

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On Y! TV this Sunday - How do we hold them accountable?

Some love it, some hate it. Wherever you stand, you must have a riot of emotion since the President’s speech at his inauguration last Sunday. President Goodluck Jonathan promised plenty that was good to hear but he got a lot of people wondering if they would come true this time or just turn out as the same old chatter from those elected into office.

Join us on Rubbin’ Minds this Sunday as Chude Jideonwo and Shade Ladipo review the May 29 President speech with Atom Lim (Journalist), Yemi Adamolekun (Consultant), Taiwo Akinlami (Lawyer and Social Analyst), Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (Lawyer and TV Host) and Cheta Nwanze (Journalist/CDO Daily Times)

We shall be discussing high and low points of the speech, whether this president can be trusted, how we can hold him to his promises, the new movement “watching “ the president and how this impacts the rest of the nation, from the Governors to the Legislators.

Rubbin’ Minds airs every Sunday on Channels Television, 3 – 4pm. Channels also shows on DSTV (Channel 134), and online. It’s LIVE and you can call in!

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“We are watching you, Mr. President.”

Being Text of a Speech Given By Chude Jideonwo, Managing Partner of Red Media/The Future Project, at the Pre-Inauguration Youth Lunch with President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday, 24 May, 2011.

I was a bit worried when I was asked yesterday to speak about youth corps members and corruption at the same time. Beyond the ‘C’ in both words, how does one link both? But then it hit me.

You see, sir, the issues are simple: the National Youth Service Corps, like many Nigerian institutions that are ailing, needs urgent reform. It is the reason The Future Project, in conjunction with EnoughisEnough Nigeria, Sleeves Up, AIESEC and the National Youth Council, has activated the youth-led #ProtectTheCorpers campaign, which is urgently demanding this reform.

But beyond that, the question is: why hasn’t this change come – even after so many years and so many lives lost? Why is it so difficult to restructure a scheme that has been ridden by neglect of its young people, lack of basic amenities from uniforms to water in camp, a complete inability to provide these young people with genuine learning opportunities and a total collapse of the original intent of this programme to forge unity?

Sir, it is corruption. People who benefit from this corrupt, inept system will fight tooth and nail, rain and shine to ensure that they continue to plunder the commonwealth. They cannot want change, they do not want change, and they never will. And now sir, these corrupt people are part of this government… your government, and therefore your responsibility.

Therefore, the times call for you, dear sir, to make a sharp break from the past and impress us – and we are not easy to impress - with the sheer strength of character to fundamentally restructure our state of affairs. Good intentions are great, a positive disposition is desirable, and your personal credibility is not in doubt, but those cannot dislodge such a fundamentally flawed system.

Sir, you have a prime opportunity to be a hero and change this system - for good - in a way your predecessors have sadly been incapable of. We will be watching sir. But we won’t just watch, we will demand it, and we will work to make sure that we get it. We will hold you to every one of your promises. God keep you sir, and God bless Nigeria.

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Take 2! Goodluck Jonathan answers the hard questions – in exclusive Y! Magazine interview!

After three successful editions, the editors of Y! Magazine are pleased to announce its elections issue! Themed The RSVP Issue, (Register.Select.Vote.Protect), this historic edition achieves an impressive string of firsts.

In an unprecedented show of acceptance, President Goodluck Jonathan sits down to a live interview with Y! – a two-hour exclusive with Chude Jideonwo, the Editor, and Aziza Uko.

Mr. Jonathan – the one candidate with everything to lose as the incumbent and the only democratic president not elected into office - takes on hard questions about the youth debate, the power sector, the Benin-Ore road, Wikileaks, the EFCC, the PDP, with exclusive pictures from TY Bello and Obi Somto.

Sample questions below:

Power – you took it as a priority when you came into office – but, as with successive governments, one year down the line in terms of practical change in everyday lives, not much seems to have changed. Why not?

I cannot agree with you that not much have changed. Before Nigeria started investing in the IPPs our production was just about 1000MW now we have attained 4000 MW even though by the investments we have made we should have attained 10,000MW if not for the constitutional challenges that we faced in investing money from all ties of government into the IPPs. But we are back on track and will make quick progress.

Also, we have seen the usual band of millionaires who seem to support every government of the day making headlines as supporters of your campaign. Many believe that these people are not inspired by your message, rather their own selfish interest to remain in favour of your government. Can you assure us of independence from these money-bags if elected?

I run an independent government and at all times our decision-making process has placed national interest over special interests. This is how we have managed to solve problems like perennial fuel scarcity.
Many Nigerians have also come out to strongly identify the PDP’s big umbrella with its many narrow interests, as the problem with the country. Some like Prof Wole Soyinka, have said the PDP is wired against Nigeria’s good, what would you say to that?
Nigeria is a country with many challenges and I can appreciate our collective impatience to make progress. The problems we have cannot be belittled to the point of seeing them as problems of PDP or problems caused by the PDP. The problems we have are problems that the PDP is not solving fast enough. I concede.
More of these hard questions on the lips of every Nigerians and frank answers are in the latest issue of Y!

“We are proud of this achievement because it is the first time that a serving President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would grant a lifestyle magazine an interview,” said Ms. Uko, who assumed the position of Y!’s Editor-at-Large in March. “And it is the first time that Mr. President would grant a face-to-face sit-down with any media outfit this campaign season. We are obviously very proud of this scoop – hence our special double-cover issue.”
It’s a double cover – and the second cover has MI, Banky W, Omoni Oboli, Sound Sultan, Ruggedman and Ice Prince share their thoughts on these elections and the future, plus an exclusive RSVP shoot with Obi Somto.

Y! also chronicles the historic youth participation and organization in these elections. Nmachi Jidenma reports on how young people are organising in Working for Change, James Sambo scores on youth volunteering for various campaigns in Team Spirit, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu shares his experience hosting Nigeria’s first ever youth-focused presidential debate, Ifreke Inyang takes a crucial look at the impact of Twitter and Facebook in these elections in Online vs Offline, there’s an interview with Nigeria’s youngest campaign manager Ohimai Amazie, Cheta Nwanze writes Don’t forget the Governors and for those Spoilt for Choice, four supporters tell what’s special about their Muhammadu Buhari, Nuhu Ribadu, Goodluck Jonathan and Ibrahim Shekarau.

In a style shoot, Y! captures the young (and the old) in everyday situations who say one thing – it’s cool to vote! And, in addition to this bumper package, Y! debuts Y! XTRA – a pictures, parties, fashion, and style pullout that comes free!

“Call it recommended reading for the 2011 elections - and after!” said its Managing Editor, Adebola Williams. “We call this a collector’s item – and we know for certain that this historic RSVP edition is guaranteed to blow you away.”

The magazine is available from Tuesday, April 11 nationwide. In Lagos, it is available at the Silverbird Stores, The Palms and Terra Kulture in Victoria Island as well as Osata Supermarket in Ikeja and all airports. In Abuja, it is available at the Silverbird stores and with vendors. In Port Harcourt, it is available with vendors at Emele, NTA, at the Airport and Roundabout. Customers flying on Dana Air also get copies of the magazine inflight. More information and a list of stores and vendors are available on www.ynaija.com.

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Charity, Fashion and Sheer Brilliance at The Future Awards 2011 Nominees Reception!

On Sunday 19^th December 2010, under a bright, beautiful skyline, Nigeria’s most influential youth event, The Future Awards hosted its 2011 nominees to its annual Nominees Reception for charity. Held at Ember Creek, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, it unveiled the nominees to the public and the press and also was an opportunity to network.

Adebola Williams, Operations Director of the awards noted that “all the nominees deserve to be winners. They are all exceptional individuals and we are celebrating them at this event”. Certificates, signed by members of the awards board: former national planning minister Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi and chairman of The Guardian Editorial Board Dr. Reuben Abati, were presented to all the nominees at the event.

Hosted by Wale Dizzy, on-air personality and actor and Face of Sleep 2010 Makida, it also featured the Get Your Green On! fashion show. The Get Your Green On! fashion show is a Naija-centric campaign where the Nigerian image is celebrated in colour and content. The campaign had designers Zebra, IamISIGO, Onyx & Pearl and House of Nwocha showcased green inspired designs from their collections – giving guests ideas for the awards proper.

The Nominees Reception – which started with the national anthem by new act Darash - also had smashing performances from Chidynma, award-winning MoCheddah, and young rapper, Skales. Tiwa Savage also spiced the event up with a honeyed rendition of Alicia Keys’ If I aint got you before performing her Kele Kele Love. Comedian Castro and Newcomer Hip-hop duo, One Block Away also performed. Guests at the event were a roll call of A-list celebrity including Ini Edo, Mercy Johnson, Uche Jumbo, Kel, Tinsel’s Gideon Okeke, Toni Payne, and others.

The Future Awards 2010 had earlier in the month unveiled the full list of Nominees. The nominees were spread 21 categories. Categories include Actor of the Year, Best Use of Advocacy, Best Use of Science, Best Use of Technology, Business Owner of the Year, Comedian of the Year, Creative Artist of the Year, Creative Professional of the Year, Designer of the Year and Excellence in Public Service. Other categories include: Journalist of the Year, Magazine of the Year, Musician of the Year, OAP Radio, OAP TV, Corporate Professional of the Year, Screen Producer of the Year, Sport Person of the Year, Team of the Year and Young Person of the Year.

The organisers also opened up a two-week window period where complaints can be received on the age or qualification of the nominees. Public voting ends on December 31. The awards night is scheduled for 30 January 2011.

The event was supported by Access Bank, HiTV, Miccom Gold Resorts, Cool FM and Wazobia FM. Official Media Partner is Y! (www.ynaija.com).

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You can still send Xmas gifts to the children of the Dustbin Estate!

The Future Awards hosted nominees to a reception on the 19^th December, 2010. At the event, there was a campaign to raise awareness for the Love on The Street (LOTS) Foundation, the supported charity for The Future Awards 2011.

Tolu Sangosanya, 2010 winner of the Best Use of Advocacy, runs the LOTS Foundation and spoke to the guests at the reception about the work she does. “The foundation works with children of the Dustbin Estate in Ajegunle,” she said. “LOTS aims to provide basic needs: feeding, clothing, proper education and exposure. To further achieve this, the foundation is building a resource center for the needs of the children.”

“We appreciate the many gifts we got at the event on Sunday – everyone from celebrities to volunteers - and the children are excited!” said Kenneth Oliko, the awards’ spokesperson. “You can still send in your gifts to The Future Awards Secretariat, please contact us on 08022226712 or info@thefuturenigeria.com”

Cash donations can be sent to: GTBank Ajah Branch A/c Number. Acct Name: LOTS – LOTS of THINGS.

Also, the organisers of the awards would like to inform all The Future Awards 2011 nominees who have yet to receive their nomination certificates of the modalities for getting them.

Nominees are to contact Kenneth at kenneth@thefuturenigeria.com or on 0802226712 to have them picked up at The Future Project Secretariat. Nominee certificates can be picked up until Thursday, December 23, after which our offices close for the end-of-the-year break. After Wednesday, Secretariat will not be responsible for certificates not collected.

The Future Awards 2011 is supported by Access Bank, HiTV, Miccom Golf Resorts, Cool FM and Wazobia FM. Official media partner is Y! (www.ynaija.com).

Don’t forget that voting is still on and ends on December 31 2010!

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YQ on Y! TV and RoofTop MCs on Y! Radio this week!

They have been around for a decade. In the past 10years, they have thrilled audiences, broken boundaries and inspired people. They are particularly making history by distributing 500,000 copies of their new album free to their family members (as they refer to their fans) and allowing for free download of the album on the Y! Website. Catch up with the Rooftop MCS this week on Y! Radio.

On the #IamNigeria special series, Rooftop MCs (The Future Awards 2010 Nominee for Musician of the Year) will tell us what they have been up to this past year since their nomination. We hope to hear from them what prece

dent they hope to set by free distribution of the Back at One album.

On Sunday, YQ will be live on Rubbin Minds on Channels TV. We expect him to talk about the reception to his debut I am YQ album. He shall also talk to us on what keeps him strong and relevant in the industry and what he is currently working on.

Rubbin’ Minds is live on Sunday on Channels Television 3 – 4pm. Channels also shows to the continent though DSTV channel 134 – and you can call in! #IamNigeria is a special weekly Friday series attached to The Future Awards, running from October – February: this week 8:30am on Wazobia FM and 9:30am on Cool FM.

Don’t forget, you can also follow @YNaija on Twitter if you are outside the country or YNaija on Facebook.

Rubbin’ Minds is a production of Y! TV, and the #IamNigeria special series is a production of Y! Radio.

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Taruwa’s new edition: It’s all about The Future!

Taruwa, the arts and culture magazine, grown out of the bi-monthly event Taruwa for performers and artistes, has unveiled its October edition.

The Independence Issue has on the cover the two guys behind RedSTRAT, the content and communications firm that owns the popular The Future Awards – Adebola Williams and Chude Jideonwo. RedSTRAT also owned new youth culture brand Y!, which includes Y! magazine, TV and radio shows and online platform. RedSTRAT is also communication company to a range of brands including the Nigeria LNG, Storm 360, Harambe Nigeria, amongst others.

“The interview centers on the work that they have done over the past five years, the hot brands they have introduced to the market, their inspiration, where they get their strength and what plans they have for the future,” Lydia Sobogun, founder of Taruwa and publisher of the magazine, said. “Most times, they are busy celebrating others and giving platforms for others to shine and it was pleasure to have this in depth conversation with them.”

This edition also has an exclusive interview with the legendary gospel singer Panam Percy Paul as well as an article by singer Christine Ben-Ameh on 50 years of Nigerian music, and what the future holds. Taruwa is an idea to promote the arts and culture in Nigeria and to retain pride in our common heritage. Its flagship is the bi-weekly event Taruwa, which grew out of Lagos and has now spread to Abuja and Kaduna – holding monthly.

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BUMPER PACKAGE! Ifeoma Williams, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Matilda Kerry, Celia Bissong and Ene Maya on Y! TV this week!

BUMPER PACKAGE! Ifeoma Williams, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Matilda Kerry, Celia Bissong and Ene Maya on Y! TV this week!

+ Mo’Cheddah, and Ify Aniebo on Y! Radio!

What have they been up to? They were once dazzling beauties capturing the attention of the nation and climbing up to instant fame. But after their reign as beauty queens, many have gone on to brighter and bigger things!

This Sunday on Rubbin’ Minds, we will be finding out the most intimate details of what they have been up to and how they have done it: marriage, family, work, international acclaim, and impact. Williams was Miss Lux, Akinnifesi, Kerry and Bissong were Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria winners and Maya was Miss Nigeria. We know you know that you don’t want to miss this!

As an icing of the cake, Nigeria’s reigning music diva Mo’Cheddah, who launched her debut album last Saturday, will also be on the show – telling us about her new album, what it means to be The Franchise Celebrity and how she plans to take over the world!

And on the #IamNigeria special this week, it’s another dazzling young female doing truly fantastic work outside our shores. Ify Aniebo is the reigning Young Person of the Year for The Future Awards, beating Asa, IK Osakioduwa, Tolu Ogunlesi, Stephanie Okereke and others to win the prize for pioneering breakthroughs in malaria research. She’s live this Friday. Join us!

Rubbin’ Minds is live on Sunday on Channels Television 3 – 4pm. Channels also shows to the continent though DSTV channel 134 – and you can call in! #IamNigeria is a special weekly Friday series attached to The Future Awards, running from October – February: this week 6am on Cool FM and 6.30am on Wazobia FM.

Don’t forget, you can also follow @YNaija on Twitter if you are outside the country or YNaija on Facebook.

Rubbin’ Minds is a production of Y! TV, and the #IamNigeria special series is a production of Y! Radio. More detail is on www.ynaija.com

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Cancer is on our minds - On Y! TV and Y! Radio this week

Cancer is on our minds - On Y! TV and Y! Radio this week

We are turning our attention fully to cancer this weekend. On Rubbin’ Minds this Sunday, we are having the Pink Pearl Foundation, which has been working hard on cancer issues for years now.

The organization has been very active, using mobilization, entertainment – including celebrity endorsements and involvement with the recent Felabration - and other tools to get young people involved in the battle against cancer.

There have been walks organized around Lagos constantly, and soon Delta State will be invaded by a team of young celebrities and professionals who are joining the mission for early detection and access to treatment.

You’ll be shocked at how much you are yet to know, and inspired to join this race – which is why we have them on TV and radio this weekend!

Rubbin’ Minds is live on Sunday on Channels Television 3 – 4pm. Channels also shows to the continent though DSTV channel 134 – and you can call in! #IamNigeria is a special weekly Friday series attached to The Future Awards, running from October – February: this week 10am on Cool FM and 10.30am on Wazobia FM.

Don’t forget, you can also follow @YNaija on Twitter if you are outside the country or YNaija on Facebook.

Rubbin’ Minds is a production of Y! TV, and the #IamNigeria special series is a production of Y! Radio. More info on www.ynaija.com

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Change workers, change makers - on Y! TV this Sunday

Y! TV is getting some young Nigerians making change across the world, and especially in Nigeria to share ideas on what we can do on large and small scales to make change happen in our country.

The three guests work in charity, health and education. Chizoba Imoka, who is based outside of Nigeria but deeply interest in its issues, founded Unveiling Africa, which is working on reading and learning for young people, especially in schools. Jade Orode Uduaghan runs the Pink Pearl Foundation, which is working on cancer education and care and has been working on it for a few years in Lagos, Delta and other states – saving lives though early detection and subsequent support.

And then there is Toyin Fajj, of Show Some Love (SSL), who – with a group of friends – has visited derelict schools, Old People’s Homes and the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison.
We will be talking to them about their work, successes, and challenges and how you can get involved in the work that these young women are doing! You’ll be inspired.

The show is live on Sunday on Channels Television 3 – 4pm. Channels TV also shows to the continent though DSTV channel 134 – and you can call in! Don’t forget, you can also follow @YNaija on Twitter if you are outside the country or YNaija on Facebook.

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Why we are Nigeria

By Chude Jideonwo

Being Keynote Address, delivered at the launch of The Future Awards Season 6 at Terra Kulture, Lagos on Thursday, September 30, 2010.

Last year, on this same stage, we spent a few words reminding Nigerians about what we have to celebrate as a nation. One year after, celebration is, literally, in the air. Tomorrow, our country completes its 50^th year, and Nigeria begins yet another cycle in its evolution.

But is there, really, anything to celebrate? For the month or two, many Nigerians have relocated to Abuja, joining a posse of our compatriots looking for a bit – any bit – of the billions of naira budgeted to celebrate 50 years. All over the country, tomorrow, there will be concerts and parties, raves and grooves, all to celebrate this nation that many of us have regularly criticized and cursed.

Shouldn’t it be a day for, as Nigerians say it, sober reflection? Shouldn’t we be having summits, conferences, seminars, work and talk shops, instead of feel-good parties, dissecting where we went wrong as a nation; and how the next 50 will be different?

Allow me quote liberally from Ako Amadi, a columnist with NEXT newspapers. “On October 1,” he said this week. “Nigerians will surely wake up to the pounding of marching boots and martial music, complemented by a rumble of armoured vehicles, the flight display of combat aircraft. What else? The inspection of a guard-of-honour and, in the evening, a state banquet, valedictory speeches, laughter and music, cultural dances, comedians and clowns.”

But, rejoice though we may, the truth is none of this will help us find out when young school-leavers will get jobs, or how tens of millions of Nigerians who live on less than a dollar a day will find that basic of all needs – food. It won’t answer where the many displaced from their homes in shanties in Lagos will live or where the banned okada riders will find jobs.

At the drop of a hat, we will rejoice and we will felicitate, but it would seem that when it comes to the urgent business of nation building, we are found wanting. We have been called a neo-failed state; we have been described as a sleeping giant, we have been identified as one of a club of Africans countries that have qualified the continent to be called, by The Economist, the “basket case of the world”.

And so when many say that October 1, 2010, must be marked, not celebrated, one sympathises, understands; in fact almost embraces, that point of view. Those are the people that say this occasion should be a serious warning that time is running out for this nation; that “vultures are hovering above in expectation of a putrescent cadaver, when a very sick Nigeria is finally strangled to death by its corrupt elite.” Because, indeed, our dear country has not fulfilled, or even neared its potential. Our leaders are fiddling – paying for carnivals to declare for president of a crippled colony - while Nigeria decays and burns. “The masses don't care about anything, anymore. This jubilee will be anything but golden. The thrill, perhaps, is gone.

Still, we announce today, not with wanton excitement, but with guarded optimism that there is yet something to celebrate. It is instructive for us that The Future Awards, founded to show hope in our future, is passing its 5^th year in the same year that Nigeria is passing its 50^th because we see it as a fantastic opportunity to emphasise our message.

Our message is and has always been that we have something to celebrate in the fact that young people have managed to excel in spite of our many problems. That faith that the young people have retained in the country is most responsible for its existence and most responsible for the hope that we have in the nation’s future.

We tagged today TheAuthenticCelebration because we said to ourselves that we cannot allow this symbolic occasion be hijacked by the old guard, the same old destructive forces.

This is the cusp of a truly new dawn, and we must seize this moment to lay claim to our future; to our country; to our vision of a society that works, and which people can truly achieve their potential. Sitting at home or shouting on Twitter and moaning, while they spend our national resources in a farce is not acceptable. We also must celebrate - celebrate the possibilities, the opportunities, the vista. The old guard counts on the fact that we will continue to cede the field to them, same way they expect that next year – after all our noise – we will not Register, we will not Select, we will not Vote and we will not Protect our votes. From tomorrow, the new beginning of a new dawn, we must begin to more strongly send a message that the game has changed.

We must state that any national celebration or nation building effort that does not have the youth at its centre and at its core is not legitimate. That is why today we have gathered 50 of Nigeria’s best, whom we describe as the Face of the Future; past winners of these awards – scientists, engineers, innovators, pioneers, professionals, entrepreneurs, artists - who have made continued impact and are relevant at the moment. The old rank of leaders has had the last 50 years. These young people are icons for the thousands who will chart Nigeria’s course for the next 50.

Because we, who almost singlehandedly built new industries in technology, IT, new media, music, fashion, style, events, movies, comedy, development, are the real Nigeria. We are the ones who decided against fleeing the country in a moment of frustration; who have stuck with it through rain and shine; who have maintained a resolute faith in the works of our hands and the power of our visions. We are Nigeria, not them! Not them!

Enough of allowing them – and you know who the3y are – claim a destiny, a country that belongs to you and me.

In 2008, The Future Awards campaign was “We are the future”, last season we made bold to say “We represent Nigeria”. But this year, we are leaving no room for error or ambiguity. We are not just Nigerians, we are not just the future, we don’t just represent Nigeria; we are Nigeria.

We are a generation of pioneers, of innovators, we are roses that grew out of thorns, the generation they called wasted but the whole world is now celebrating; we are the generation that will go out into the lections next year and take our country back. We are the generation that, in the last year of Nigeria’s first cycle of 50, finally said: enough is enough.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the future.

www.thefuturenigeria.com

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Celebrity, Inspiration as The Future Awards launches Season 6!

- Nominations now open for The Future Awards 2011

The highly anticipates launch of the sixth season of Nigeria’s biggest youth event, The Future Awards, held on the eve of Nigeria’s 50^th anniversary, Thursday, Sept 30 – at Terra Kulture in Lagos. The event was hosted by Tinsel’s Gideon Okeke and Omalicha of Rhythm FM.

The event, which as usual attracted the crème of young professionals, entrepreneurs, artists and others as well as national media, was different this year. Themed #TheAuthenticCelebration, it was the most prominent youth celebration of Nigeria at 50, it honoured 50 of the past winners of the awards over the past five years who have made sustained impact and who are relevant as role models to young people.

“We tagged them the Face of the Future,” said Shade Ladipo, a member of the awards’ Central Working Committee. “Because we believe that they are icons for the next generation of Nigerian leaders, who will take our country back. And we did this to ensure that young people claim Nigeria’s 5oth anniversary from the old guard of leaders.” The 50 selected winners will also be featured in the special Commemorative Independence Edition of Y! magazine, which hits the streets on Monday, October 11 2010.

Ladipo also made a presentation of the awards’ activities over the past years, which includes courtesy visits to political and economic leaders, post-awards school seminars, helping to found Nigeria’s most prominent political advocacy campaign for young Nigerians, EnoughisEnough Nigeria, partnering and helping to launch several high-visibility projects targeted at developing young people.

Performers included Waje, Omobaba, Christine Ben-Ameh, and new artiste Sagay unveiled an #IamNigeria theme song. Also at the event, this year’s media campaign was also launched. Every year, The Future Awards season is driven by a media campaign. 2006 was ‘it’s about time’, and 2009 was ‘I am the future’. This year’s campaign is tagged #IamNigeria – and promos unveiled at the venue featured 2face Idibia (Musician of the Year 2006), Tosin Otitoju (Young Person of the Year 2006) and Stephanie Okereke (Young Person of the Year Candidate 2010).

“#IamNigeria is a campaign we wanted to run last year for the 2010 edition, but decided to delay because we thought it would be more appropriate as Nigeria marches into the next 50 years of its life,” Ladipo said. “So last, year, the Resource Group and the Central Working Committee decided to launch the #IRepresentNigeria/#IRepresentNaija campaign, which was massively successful and continues to be popular with young people up until now. #IamNigeria is the natural progression from last year’s campaign.”

Explaining the idea behind #IamNigeria, the creative director of the awards, Chude Jideonwo, in a speech delivered at the venue, said: “This year, we are leaving no room for error or ambiguity: we are not just Nigerians, we are not just the future, we don’t just represent Nigeria; we are Nigeria. We are a generation of pioneers, of innovators; we are roses that grew out of thorns, the generation they thought was done for, but the world is now celebrating. We are the generation that will go out into the elections next year and take our country back. We are the generation that, in the last year of Nigeria’s 50 year cycle, finally said: enough is enough.”

Nominations were also declared open for the 2011 awards. The categories for this year range from On Air Personality of the Year (TV) to Best Use of Science. A full list of all 20 categories is on the website www.thefuturenigeria.com.

Judges for this year’s event were also revealed including Biola Alabi (MD, Mnet Africa), Kadaria Ahmed (Editor, NEXT), Leke Alder (Principal, Alder Consulting), Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, Abike Dabiri (Member, House of Representatives), Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, Jimi Agbaje, Hafsat Abiola-Costello and others.

Guests at the event included Ndidi Nwuneli, Toni Kan, Efere Ozako, Banke Meshida, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Ohimai Atafo, Matse Uwatse, Inyanya, Tosyn Bucknor, Ikhane Akhigbe, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Warebi Martha, Gbenga Sesan, Abiola Aloba, Femi Brainard, Andre Blaze, Carol King, Dimeji Alara, Mosunmola Umoru, Adaora Oleh, Uche Odoh, Debola Lewis, and others. Announced media partners for the event this year include Silverbird, Channels TV, Soundcity, Nigezie, TEN, Excite on TV, Inspiration FM, City FM, NEXT, BusinessDay, Made, Mode, Encomium, Naijatimes, Acada, BellaNaija.com, Notjustok.com, Ynaija.com, Gistmaster.com and Olamildentertainment.com. The official media partners are Cool FM nationwide, Wazobia FM nationwide and Y!

THE SELECTED 50 FOR FACE OF THE FUTURE

· Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Writer of the Year 2006, Young Person of the Year 2008)
Toyin Sokefun-Bello (Artist of the Year 2006)

· Tara Fela-Durotoye (Entrepreneur of the Year 2006, Young Person of the Year 2007)

· Adedayo Osholowu (Professional of the Year 2009)

· 2face Idibia (Musician of the Year 2006)

· Ikpowusan Osakioduwa (On-Air Personality of the Year 2006, On-Air Personality of the Year 2007)

· Cobhams Asuquo (Producer of the Year 2006)

· Bright Okpocha [Basketmouth] (Comedian of the Year 2006)

· Adeolu Akinyemi (Professional of the Year 2006)

· ‘Gbenga Sesan (Best Use of Technology 2006, Best Use of Advocacy 2007)

· Oluwatosin Otitoju (Young Person of the Year 2006)

· Modupe Adefeso (Professional of the Year 2007)

· Funke Bucknor-Obruthe (Entrepreneur of the Year 2007)

· D’banj (Musician of the Year 2008, Young Person of the Year 2009)

· Denrele Edun (Producer of the Year 2007)

· Ali Nuhu (Actor of the Year 2008)

· Bamidele Odufuye (Best Use of Technology 2008, Best Use of Technology 2009)

· Toyosi Akerele (Best Use of Advocacy 2008)

· Bukola Adubi (Entrepreneur of the Year 2008)

· ID Cabassa (Music Producer of the Year 2008)

· LEAP Africa (NGO of the Year 2006)

· Banke Meshida-Lawal (Style Entrepreneur of the Year 2008)

· Abdulkareem Baba Aminu (Journalist of the Year 2008)

· Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi (On-Air Personality of the Year 2008)

· Funke Akindele (Actor of the Year 2009)

· Linda Ikeji (Style Entrepreneur of the Year 2010)

· Emmanuel Etim (Best Use of Advocacy 2009)

· 9ice (Musician of the Year 2009)

· Onye Ubanatu (Screen Producer of the Year 2009)

· Uche Nnaji (Style Entrepreneur of the Year 2009)

· Funke Adetutu (Journalist of the Year 2009)

· Omobaba (Comedian of the Year 2009)

· Mosunmola Umoru (Business Owner of the Year 2009)

· Stephanie Okereke (Young Person of the Year Candidate 2010)

· Asa (Young Person of the Year Candidate 2010)

· Knighthouse (Team of the Year 2009)

· Kemi Lala Akindoju (Actor of the Year 2010)

· Tolu Sangosanya (Best Use of Advocacy 2010)

· Ify Aniebo (Best Use of Science 2010, Young Person of the Year 2010)

· Adebola Lewis (Business-Owner of the Year 2010)

· Fatima Zara Modibbo (Excellence in Public Service 2010)

· Tolu Ogunlesi (Young Person of the Year Candidate 2010)

· Warebi Martha (Model of the Year 2010)

· MI Abaga (Musician of the Year 2010)

· Maste Uwatse (On-Air Personality of the Year, Radio 2010)

· Andre Blaze (On-Air Personality of the Year, TV 2010)

· Omoyemi Akerele (Style Entrepreneur of the Year 2007)

· Ifunanya Maduka (Professional of the Year 2010)

· Kenneth Gyang (Screen Producer of the Year 2010)

· Yagazie Chukwumerije (Sportsperson of the Year 2009)

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