We Admire: Kwesi Abbensetts' Photography.

Perspective. Something we are all born with, but something that must be fine tuned over time. Some individuals have perspective so acute, they see things that others can't. These people manage find beauty & wonder in everything. Kwesi Abbensetts has to be my favorite photographer..



his photos are more than just images


his photos tell a story..





a story of power


a story of freedom
















To see more of Kwesi Abbensetts's stunning photographic perspective, click here.
Source ThatGoodGoodBlog

Crazy Shoes...

I tell you, they don't get crazier than these. Some are fun, some crazy, some hilarious, while some are just out of this world. We bring to you some really really crazy shoes. Enjoy.

Courtesy Giddipages.









Now tell me you don't think they are crazy...lol,

The Police is Your Friend...NOT!

by Noble



A few days ago, Nollywood starlet, Ufuoma Ejenobor, wrote this on her FB status;

“I was assaulted by policemen attached to the convoy of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker (Adeyemi Ikuforiji) on the 29th of October 2010. They hit my car and drove on without regarding their act. When I started recording it, they got angry, assaulted me and took my blackberry phone... which they still have till date.”

Normally that's where Naija police stories end, but it's being taken a step further. Today, the Lagos Assembly announced plans to sue Ufuoma for blackmail and extortion. Before I even rant, abeg watch this video of what happened exactly;

listen to what the driver of the police car had to say;

"Even if it is true that we hit her car, which cannot be proven from the video recording, when there is an accident on the road, the first thing you do is not to call a lawyer. So, it was obvious she was onto something right from the beginning and that was why the Speaker directed that everything be recorded," he said.

they hit her car, assaulted her, tried to belittle her as a woman and are now going to sue her? Of all the ridiculous things I've heard in my life. That is why I laugh at Naija police. They are a prime example of the saying absolute power corrupts absolutely. "Even if we hit her", can you imagine the nonsense? HER FUCKING CAR WAS IN THE GUTTER! Why the fuck won't she first call her lawyer? Were they expecting she'll first call her daddy and mommy to cry? She gave them fire for fire and now they are trying to use unjust government politics to further maltreat her? I just love how she entered blaze with them. Why would you hit my car and shout on me on top? Maka gini kwa? O bu onye?

Source: Kilonsparkles.com

Jon gets trashed by Nollywood stars at Writer’s Angst

The Lagos book fair which took place from the 11-14 of November featured a segment tagged, ‘Writers Angst’,coordinated by Onyeka Nwelue, a platform created for young writers to vent their frustrations on publishers and publishing firms.
The maiden edition of the event organized by CORA and moderated by Kachiri Nnochiri, former contestant, AMBO, had discussants such as Onyeka Nwelue (Award Winning Author of Abysimmian Boy) Ifedigbo Nze Sylva(writer) Gimba Kakanda (poet) Eromo Egbejule (writer) Wana Udobang (writer/TV and radio presenter) who was one of the absentees, Prince Adewale Oreshade (lawyer/ poet) and tosin Otitoju (poet/lecturer) who both arrived late and had the curtsey to admit it was very rude of them.
The discussion which graced the Main Exhibition Hall of the National Theatre, Iganmu, focused on the absence of Publishing firms and the ineffectiveness of existing ones in the country. It also revealed how Publishers dictate what kind of stories should be told and the style of writing that should be adopted by writers in other to get published.
Jon Ogah, winner of the maiden edition of Naija Sings and one of the numerous celebrities present emerged to buttress a point on what was being discussed but disappointed his fellow celebs present and the audience by being able to mention famous American Writers but not knowing the author of the age-old world-wide award-winning book, ‘Things fall apart’
The (Nollywood) stars present such Patrick Doyle, Francis Onuoha and veteran publisher,, each trooped out to tongue-lash the singer for his poor memory. Even stage writer, Wole Oguntokun gave his own fair share of criticism. Albeit the misfortune, Jon made a very good point which, in fact, paved way for these same Celebs and others to make theirs and take a cue from.
He urged Directors and Film Producers among the crowd to adopt their predecessor’s method of producing millions of dollar movies today- by making a movie out of Nigerian Books. Patrick Doyle and Francis Onuoha went further to stress the possibility of the idea with Mr Onuoha revealing his missionary journey to take Nollywood round the world and the warm reception he gets wherever he goes. Ace photographer, Soibifa Dokubo was not left out of it as he took his turn advising the young writers to write about their environment and culture rather than tag along the foreign mode of telling stories.
But the supposed ‘Writers Angst’ became the ‘Publishers angst’ when veteran publisher,, took the mic to rant about why it isn’t the duty of a publisher to publish a writer’s manuscript. He cited an example of the Olympics Bronze medallist, Yagazie Chukwumerije and how his success today solely depends on his father’s huge expenses. In his words, ‘’if you want to get published, tell your father to pay for it. It is a two-way thing. Play your own part. Every good manuscript would eventually find a publisher.’’
He went ahead to encourage the young writers to stop waiting to be spoon fed. ‘’They should get out there and get their books self-published. That’s the only pride they’d have over it.’’

UNILAG Law Undergraduate Honoured at LEAP AFRICA Awards

By Olaitan Balogun


University of Lagos (UNILAG) law student, Adeola Austin Oyinlade, who is also the presenter of a programme, Know Your Constitution, on UNILAG 103.1 FM radio station,  has won this year 7th Annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards of LEAP AFRICA. Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability & Professionalism ( LEAP ) Africa is a nonprofit organisation developing dynamic, innovative and principled leaders who will drive Africa ’s realization of its full potential and it recognizes and celebrates the contribution of Young people to Nigeria’s development.

Adeola,  who was commissioned on May this year as United Nations Young Ambassador for Peace for his contribution to National and International development,  was yesterday, Thursday 11th November, 2010,  presented the LEAP AFRICA awards among other four young Nigerians out of over 140 young people nominated for this year awards at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos through his initiative, Know Your Constitution.

According to Adeola, "Know Your Constitution" on UNILAG 103.1 FM is a radio programme being presented to Lagosian in a simple language that ordinary man on the street can comprehend.  According to Adeola, ‘the programme asks people from all walks of life on the awareness of their rights as contained in the Nigeria ’s constitution and other laws in force in Nigeria ’. The young ambassador also brings lawyers to studio to educate people on the positions of law to solve legal issues that arise in listeners daily activities. Among Legal luminaries that have contributed on the programme to educate people include, Muhammad Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria; Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, immediate past president of the Nigerian Bar Association; Professor Akin Oyebode, International law expert; Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos; Mr. Bamidele Aturu, Human Rights Activist; Professor Ayo Atsenuwa; Mr. Akintayo
Akinola, Mr. Malachi Ugwumandu, human rights experts, among others.

In his words: "My mission and vision for this initiative is to contribute immensely to expanding the frontiers of liberty, human rights, democracy and happiness of ordinary citizens in Nigeria . To empower Nigerians and Non-Nigerians alike on how to enforce their rights and to achieve Nigeria been delisted from the list of Human rights violation countries". The programme has however empowered Lagosian to make legal decisions on legal matters. Many Listeners who had land issues for example with 'OMO ONILE' after free legal counsel on the programme now boast of valid titles over plot of lands bought when it was established on the programme that reliance only on receipts from the family that sell plots of land gives buyers 'equitable title' not 'Legal title title' until such Land is perfected, it will not stop being subjected to court litigations and fraudulent extortion from sellers most especially when such plots are sold to more than a buyer.

Sill on the impact of the programme, it has created easy access to the Lagos state police incase of emergency and effective response from Lagos state police command to the yearning of Lagosians. Adeola said ‘I invited the Lagos state Police Public Relation officer, Mr. Frank Mba live on the programme to speak on 'the constitutional power of the police and its duties' and i also allowed listeners to call in live to clarify issues. I asked for on behalf of Lagosians direct phone contacts of all 8 police commandas in Lagos state which was disclosed to the public by Mr. Mba himself during the course of the interview so that people can have direct access to the police in case of emergency. The feedback so far from Lagosians and the police gave me joy the programme is having direct impact on people.’

The human right crusader is planning to go to many streets of Lagos and empower Lagosians by giving out 50,000 copies of the 1999 constitutions free of charge on 10th December, United Nations International Human rights day as to reduce the high percentage of ignorance of Law and encourage political participation needed from Nigerians to sustain Nigeria's nascent democracy as Nigeria goes in to general elections in the year 2011. The award winner is seeking partnership from Individual and organizations for donations of 50,000 copies of the 1999 Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria and two buses to move people and copies of the constitutions on the streets of Lagos .

Birthday Album Release

The norm is to expect gifts on your birthday. However, this year, Bez has something a little different planned. He is doing all the giving.

This young musician’s rise to prominence has been little short of meteoric. One moment he’s sitting on an ottoman playing his guitar and singing to five awestruck people in a studio, the next he’s opening for world-famous soul crooner, Asa. In 2009 & 2010 he was selected to perform in the global event, Hennessy Artistry Concert Series. Bez can also lay claim to having showcased several rousing performances at Rhythm Unplugged, Sax Appeal, and Lagos Jazz Series.

He was also one of the featured artist on Smooth 98.1fm “Love Music Love Life” Luxury Concert featuring the likes of Angie Stone, Gerald Albright and Mike Stern and he is being touted as the next musical export from the Nigerian music scene.

Bez is currently working with one of Nigeria’s most gifted producers, Cobhams Asuquo. Together, they are crafting a sound that is truly a breath of fresh air. A sound that is distinctly African,Sophisticated and Urban.

Well on Wednesday the 10th of November, Bez turns a year older. To commemorate his birthday, Bez shall give a free concert at De Marquee, which is on the rooftop of Mega Plaza in Victoria Island. He will perform a number of songs from his highly anticipated album. Bez will also debut his latest single titled “Super Sun”, which is the title track of the album. Unlike his previously released gems, the single “Super Sun” rides on a classic hip-hop beat, with a touch of whimsy, but still very rooted in his signature alternative soul sound.

Other remarkably talented artists from the stable of Cobhams Asuquo Music Production (C.A.M.P.) are slated to perform as well.

It’s not likely that watches will be given out, but you are guaranteed to have a great time.


Download Super Sun here

Source Sheifunmi

Premiere - Asa - Broda Ole

Finally an album worthy of a Grammy since Fela has arrived! Asa put in the works to her latest sophomore album titled Beautiful Imperfection, in as much as the album is close to perfect. We all have seen her new video for the first off her official sophomore album under Naive Records titled 'Be My Man'. Here is one song titled Broda Olé (Brother Ole) off the new album which has been released and we urge you to please go buy the album.

“Asa has succeeded a flawless pop album, that doesn’t sound at all like the Africa we knew so far.” Zeit (01.11.2010)

“… everything is produced with calmness, ease and self-confidence. The fact that the wheel was not reinvented is self-evident, but likewise they did nothing wrong.” ”Conclusion: Fine soul-pop without corners and edges.” Melodie & Rhythmus (Nov. 2010)

BUY NOW- ASA-BEAUTIFUL IMPERFECTION

Source- TruSpot!

11 Most Influential Young Nigerians Under 20

By onyeka Nwelue
Edited by Ada Igboanugo.

22 year-old award-winning Nigerian author of The Abyssinian Boy, Onyeka Nwelue thinks that young people under 20 are perfectly doing fine. He picks out eleven creative minds who are leading the way.

1 Jon Ogah – 19


Right from the beginning, Jon Ogah impressed me. No one can fault the conclusion that he is the most important among all these young people under 20 who are shaping the future of Nigeria. There are people, younger people, who sing better than him, but Jon won Naija Sings last year when he was 18. He is our spooky tour guide through a world of fame at young age, as he became a household name and quickly moved to Arizona State University to study Medicine. Unconsciously, the $100,000 USD musical prodigy has become dear to our hearts. His debut single, Gbedu, in which he features female rapper, Sasha, topped charts and was widely viewed on YouTube. So, while in the country recently to promote his new single, Tonight, which has been favourably received by fans and critics alike, we met up to talk about his career and vision. His style in Tonight has been likened to that of Wande Coal and the tone of the rhythm mooring with Omawunmi’s Today na Today. But in all, Jon has taken us to an arena of bliss with his sonorous voice and good looks.

2 Wizkid Ayo Balogun – 18


Wizkid is like a virus and his influence is an unconscious effect. He is leading a generation of muscular stars with a unique style. Anyone would be forgiven for saying that so much attention is being paid to him, because of his ‘relationship’ with Banky W, which is not bad anyway, but the truth is, Wizkid has a life of his own. Infact, he is a big force to reckon with and he could be tagged the heavyweight champion of the new hip hop generation, punching at his age. Currently a student of Lead City University, Wizkid’s performance is electrifying and his vocals, amazing.

3 Chibundu Onuzo – 19


She is not a musician, she’s a writer. And she’s not only a writer. Her appearance on CNN introduced her to me and since then, she has charmed me. She has catapulted herself to fame for her first book, The Spider King’s Daughter, which has been bought by one of UK’s finest publishing houses, Faber. I hope I get charmed by this book that gets released by the Summer of 2011. For her tale has inspired a lot; Chibundu Onuzo grew up in Lagos. She’s the youngest of four children to doctor parents; she moved to the UK four years ago and is in her first year at King’s College London studying History.

4 Sheifunmi – 19


SheiFunmi is a one-off: an independent-minded blogger, who calls himself a ‘gossip-journalist’, but he really doesn’t gossip. Infact, he has gone on to promote Nigerian and US musical artistes on his website, through series of interviews with celebrities and entertainment gurus. He has forged a strong and happy working relationship with Hollywood, as he is based in the United States of America. However you may want to put it, online, he is more popular than his contemporaries. But one thing remains, most celebrities don’t like him; still he gets to interview them, which shows a lot of commitment, determination and strong-will.

5 MoCheddah – 20


This lousy ranking of MoCheddah as number 5, just goes to show that it’s quality, not quantity that counts. She is sexy and speaks softly like a child, but that is not all. Her single, If You Want Me stole my heart and is on replay on my laptop. Sometimes I don’t understand what she sings, but as music beats to the heart, MoCheddah is my sweetheart and that goes to show how much I see her as a recluse. I actually went to meet her in person, specifically to know her age, which she quickly replied to: “I’m 20.” She is a fabled figure indeed, having released a debut album, Franchise Celebrity which fans love and critics are waiting to tear apart. But then, she is the beauty of the new generation and she is the reason why I believe that young female musicians can hold our breaths.

6 Eromo Egbejule – 19


The most accomplished among all of them and one of the most respected young creative people today – by me. An introvert, a brilliant graphic designer and an engaging writer, Eromo Egbejule organized the “Nsukka Book Trek” in 2009 that preceded the 11th Lagos Book and Art Festival. His simplicity reflects in what he does, as he is a final year student of Bioresources Engineering at the University of Nigeria. He has done investigative journalism for the Guardian during the Nsukka Riot in January. His writings could be found online, as they are scathingly funny and straight from the heart.

7 Noble Ezeala – 19


Noble is the ‘gossip blogger.’ His criticism of the Nigerian entertainment industry is, at once, annoyingly harsh, and humourous. Infact, he has a very investigative eye which could be described as the best. Very nosy about what is happening in Nigeria, while a student at College Park, Baltimore in the US, Noble has the gift of the gods, as he has a compelling way of keeping the readers wanting more of what he has to ‘gossip’ about. Truth is, he doesn’t call himself a ‘gossip’, but we know it is what he does, as he has actually got annoyed with what Ini Edo wore to a party and wasn’t impressed with one of the videos of Wande Coal.

8 Adebayo Oke-Lawal- 19


One of the least well-known designers in Nigeria, maybe, because he’s young? Well, now that he’s the Creative Director of Onyx & Pearl, ‘Bayo, (this is what most people call him) can’t get onto the red carpet and you won’t notice him. Intelligent, focused, geeky as well and amazingly Bohemian in dressing, he has clothed fellow young celebrities, like Jon Ogah and MoCheddah and works at one of the city’s top artsy joints, LifeHouse. He doesn’t talk much, but he does much. He has his eyes set on conquering the world, as he has just graduated from university and is ready to break records with his designs. Still, a lot of people consider his designs as childish, but come to think of it, they are on their way to stardom, like LaQuan Smith was, a few years ago. So, it’s about time we embrace him and say to him, ‘Young man, you are great!’

9 Chizitere Ojiaka – 20


No one on this list travels more than she does. And no one can fault that conclusion too. From Paris to Frankfurt to Venice to New York to Maryland to Lagos to Nsukka and to where angels fear to tread, Chizitere Ojiaka is fearless. She has created a distinctive way of connecting with people. At 20, she is an artiste manager, publicist and final year student of economics at the University of Nigeria and has done investigative reports for newspapers and written for magazines, both at home and abroad. Her images of the Nsukka Riot made the front pages of the Guardian in January. She has been interviewed by Financial Times (London) by famous Kenyan writer, Parselelo Kantai and heads a media organization. Her book on war is already inducing shudders. But the thing is, can she for once sit down and finish it?

10 Mervis Ifeoma Emelife – 19
(Mervis; Front row; second from the right)

She is not just sexy, she is calm and reserved. A writer, poet and motivational speaker, she deserves to be known. She founded Young Visionaries Initiative of Nigeria (which is a youth based organization that focuses on changing the negative mindset that most young people have about their purpose in life, education, success and corruption). Sounds didactic, yes? Well, in 2008, a documentary of her life as a Nigerian teenager was aired by ChannelOne News in New York to about six million students in the US via 24/17 TV. Currently a student of Mass Communication at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, she is the editor of a magazine in Lagos. Earlier this year, she travelled to the ancient city of Addis Ababa to present a paper on ‘Young People and Stigmatization of People Living with HIV/AIDS’ at the 4th African Conference on Sexual Health and Rights.

11 Aboyeji E. Iyinoluwa – 19


Those who know him very well, find it difficult to believe he got so polished and became this articulate so early. He is politically engaged, maybe thoughtfully and comment-wise. But he’s just 19 and is currently studying at University of Waterloo in Canada, where he heads a publishing firm. He has written articles on the fates of international students in Canada, highlighting their plights. He is very charismatic and persistent, which is why he made the list anyway, but he should set his mind on accomplishing goals that will engage the young Nigerian.


Onyeka Nwelue wrote The Abyssinian Boy (DADA Books, 2009) when he was 18, won the 2009 TM ALUKO Prize for First Book, 2nd runner-up, IBRAHIM TAHIR Prize for Fiction, nominated for the Future Awards 2010, lectured at NSS College, Ottapalam in Kerala, South India, appeared at The Man Hong Kong International Literary Festival alongside South African writer, Andre Brink and has interviewed Wole Soyinka for the Guardian. He is currently working on his debut film, The Distant Light and second novel.

Young Nigerian Leaders advocate for Visionary Leadership at the 16th Nigerian Economic Summit

The 16th Nigeria Economic Summit held recently at the Transcorp Hilton hotel Abuja. This 2010 is acclaimed to be the best and most productive ever. It was the coming together of brilliant minds to strategise the way forward for our great nation Nigeria. For the first time in its 16 year existence, the youths were given an opportunity at the summit through a special youth summit. The youth summit was well attended by leaders of Corporate Nigeria and delegates from The Rise Group {www.risenetworks.org}, the Nation’s Leading youth Empowerment and development organization.
The youth summit was originally billed to discuss the dearth of blue collar workers and vocational training in the country. But the passion and energy of the youth shifted the course of the summit into discussing Visionary Leadership as the primary catalyst for Nigeria’s emergence as a great nation. At a time when politicians were more particular about zoning and not competency, the youths had their own agenda of defining our future by choosing right; the 2011 elections the defining battle ground.
The youth summit of the 16th Nigerian Economic Summit was mentally engaging.


It highlighted the strategy for the emancipation of the Great Nation Nigeria; where the Established [Old guard] must work with the Emerging [Youths] to birth a better Nigeria
Our cause was championed by the brilliant Fela Durotoye, Linus Okorie, Super Toyosi Akerele, Fareeda Muhktar and Tosin Otitoju. The youth summit brought together the deliberation of minds from both the emerging [youths] and the established [elderly] leaders in the room. It was passionately engaging with elderly people standing for over 15 minutes to have their points heard, a proof that together we can make Nigeria a great Nation.

Below is an experience as narrated by one of the distinguished Young Participants:
Adeshina Oyetayo, 1st Runner Up, CNN African Journalist of the Year, 2007

As a writer, I have always held strongly that the value system of Nigeria could only witness a positive change if among other things, there was an availability of biographies and autobiographies of those leaders and role models that a vast majority of youths look up to. And I was glad when this argument was upheld by a panelist at the emerging leaders’ forum of the 16th Nigerian Economic Summit which held Wednesday, October 20th at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
According to the panelist, a banker actually, he admitted that Nigeria has a large youth market that must be made to dream audacious dreams by reading the true life experiences and trajectories of those that came before. “Youths need role models in order to have big dreams and a clear vision of where they are headed; and they must be made to realize that hard work pays,” he said, I nodded in agreement. If not anything else, the summation of this particular panelist was like a clarion call to me especially, and other writers in general, to be more proactive with our skills and help re-orientate the Nigerian youth that the surest path to fame and success is hard work and a clear vision.
Another highlight for me particularly was the large number of youths doing wondrously well in their different endeavours and who all came to be part of the forum. I was (still am) bowled by the fact that Adebola Williams is just 24 and yet, we have been acquainted for more than five years; that my friend, sister and collaborator, Toyosi Akerele, founder, Rise Group has in a short while become a successful entrepreneur and compulsive motivational speaker with speaking engagements all over the world; and even more profoundly, Gbenga Sesan’s astronomical heights in information and communication technology and advocacy.
Even the elders present during the Session who were made up of respectable Nigerians who have made commendable impact on the Economic landscape of Nigeria agreed and attested to the fact that we are ‘the turning point generation’.
The NESG Director General, Mr. Frank Nweke jnr should be applauded for sincerely and passionately pushing forward the Course of young people while also believing strongly in their innate potential, creativity and capacity to propel Nigeria to an enviable height.
He also promised to compile the insightful and practical recommendations of the Discussants and send them to the Government for further approval and inclusion in our national policy.

Writers' Angst!

Writers’ Angst
@ The 12th Lagos Book & Art Festival

Date: Saturday, 13th November 2010.
Time: 3 pm - 4pm
Venue: Main Exhibition Hall, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

Are young writers in Nigeria getting published? Is there a publishing industry in the country? If so, how vibrant is it? What do young writers think about writers’ agencies? What can they do to be heard? Are their dreams of getting published lingering for so long? Are they also writing the stories people want to read?

TV & radio presenter, Kachiri Nnochiri will moderate a panel of ‘angry’ young writers.

Discussants: Wana Udobang (TV & radio presenter and writer)
Binyerem Ukonu (writer and architect)
David Nnaji (Actor, historian and writer)
Onyinye Ihezukwu (Radio presenter & writer)
Ifedigbo Nze Sylva (Writer)
Onyeka Nwelue (Writer)
Tosin Otitoju (Poet and lecturer)
Prince Adewale Oreshade (Lawyer and writer)
Eromo Egbejule (Writer)
Gimba Kakanda (Poet and essayist)

Writers' Angst is co-ordinated by Onyeka Nwelue (onyeka.nwelue@hotmail.com)