tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62365987864774806912024-03-13T13:56:50.693-07:00Chude!Rantings, Ravings, Caustic Irreverence, Passion, Youth ... But Above All, A Good Heart.Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-37953271656554766872008-09-20T04:57:00.000-07:002008-09-20T05:01:07.630-07:00welcome to the futurehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCGfNYJlQTIChude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-64551587186911492152008-05-16T02:40:00.000-07:002008-05-16T02:41:53.582-07:00My Loss.Mystories just post a comment on my last post and it just occurred to me I hadnt told my blog readers ... I lost my dear father on thursday, the 8th of May, 2008. <br /><br />At times like this, I find myself without words - so I leave it like that. <br /><br />I have been shown more than enough love in the past few days and for that I am grateful. <br /><br />Chude.Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-84109323079648720732008-04-25T09:53:00.001-07:002008-04-25T10:05:04.792-07:00Fair is Fair...Fair is Fair <br />By Geoff Garin<br />Friday, April 25, 2008; Page A23 <br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/SBIN_Ja-W1I/AAAAAAAAAKA/at3A_sXnbBg/s1600-h/Obama.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/SBIN_Ja-W1I/AAAAAAAAAKA/at3A_sXnbBg/s320/Obama.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193228698823580498" /></a><br />What's wrong with this picture? Our campaign runs a TV ad Monday saying that the presidency is the toughest job in the world and giving examples of challenges presidents have faced and challenges the next president will face -- including terrorism, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, mounting economic dislocation, and soaring gas prices. The ad makes no reference -- verbal, visual or otherwise -- to our opponent; it simply asks voters to think about who they believe is best able to stand the heat. And we are accused, by some in the media, of running a fear-mongering, negative ad. <br /><br />The day before this ad went on the air, David Axelrod, Barack Obama's chief strategist, appeared with me on "Meet the Press." He was asked whether Hillary Clinton would bring "the changes necessary" to Washington, and his answer was "no." This was in keeping with the direct, personal character attacks that the Obama campaign has leveled against Clinton from the beginning of this race -- including mailings in Pennsylvania that describe her as "the master of a broken system." <br /><br />So let me get this straight. <br /><br />On the one hand, it's perfectly decent for Obama to argue that only he has the virtue to bring change to Washington and that Clinton lacks the character and the commitment to do so. On the other hand, we are somehow hitting below the belt when we say that Clinton is the candidate best able to withstand the pressures of the presidency and do what's right for the American people, while leaving the decisions about Obama's preparedness to the voters. <br /><br />Who made up those rules? And who would ever think they are fair? <br /><br />I am not making any bones about the fact that our campaign has pointed out what we believe are legitimate differences between Clinton and Obama on important issues. We have spoken out when we thought the Obama campaign made false distinctions, such as when it ran advertising in Pennsylvania on standing up to oil companies, particularly when Clinton was the one who did stand up to the oil companies by voting against the Bush-Cheney energy bill. And we believed it was appropriate to debate Obama's comments about working people in small towns, because they expressed a view of small-town Americans with which Hillary Clinton strongly disagrees. <br /><br />But throughout that debate, Clinton deliberately focused on the content of Obama's comments without making sweeping statements about his character. <br /><br />It's an important distinction. The Obama campaign has chosen from its inception not to treat Clinton with the same respect. In fact, the Obama campaign has made an unprecedented assault on her character -- not her positions, but her character -- saying one thing about raising the tone of political discourse but acting quite differently in its treatment of Clinton. <br /><br />Obama's campaign manager, David Plouffe, held a conference call with reporters and called Hillary "one of the most secretive politicians in America today" -- a striking personal charge in the era of Dick Cheney. <br /><br />Axelrod described Clinton as having "a special interest obsession." <br /><br />Obama himself has joined the character assault from time to time, saying, for example, that Clinton "doesn't have the sense that things need to change in Washington" -- a patently false and demeaning observation. <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/SBIPIZa-W3I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/TSmQeoTwPOA/s1600-h/Clinon+drawing+-+lovely+.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/SBIPIZa-W3I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/TSmQeoTwPOA/s320/Clinon+drawing+-+lovely+.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193229957248998258" /></a><br /><br />In the Philadelphia debate last week, Obama incorrectly said that his campaign addressed Hillary's misstatements on Bosnia only when asked to by reporters. In fact, Obama's campaign has organized several conference calls on the topic, including one this past weekend in which the featured speaker said that Clinton lacks "the moral authority to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Memorial Day" (a statement the Obama campaign thankfully repudiated after we called it on it). Even though many reporters participated in those calls, Obama's misstatement in Philadelphia was almost completely ignored. <br /><br />The bottom line is that one campaign really has engaged in a mean-spirited, unfair character attack on the other candidate -- but it has been Obama's campaign, not ours. You would be hard-pressed to find significant analogues from our candidate, our senior campaign officials or our advertising to the direct personal statements that the Obama campaign has made about Clinton. <br /><br />The problem is that the Obama campaign holds itself to a different standard than the one to which it holds us -- and sometimes the media do, too. <br /><br />Hillary Clinton is a strong and determined person, and she will continue to discuss real solutions to America's problems and the need for strong leadership to implement those solutions -- even if she must play by a different set of rules than Barack Obama. But wouldn't it be better if in this campaign what's good for the goose were also good for the gander? After all, in America, fair is supposed to be fair. <br /><br />(c) Washington PostChude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-72444430941704130532008-04-14T03:22:00.000-07:002008-04-14T03:35:19.503-07:00Why Hillary is All About WomenWhy Hillary Clinton Is All About Women<br />By Chude Jideonwo<br />Published in The Guardian, Sunday 13th April, 2008 <br /><br />It started as a relatively innocuous question on a TV show recently. The guests were discussing the new Nigerian music industry, and someone casually asked about the dearth of bright young women dominating the scene. Someone else immediately identified it as a gender issue, and I immediately thought that sounded ridiculous. <br /><br />But then another guest followed the thought through: women are generally expected to conform to certain images, and women in music are not exempt. It would seem that our expectation from the female artiste is a certain sense of mystery, of being here but not completely in our face. Agree with her or not, the evidences abound - look at the successful women in music, Asa and TY Bello for instance; they have to maintain that sense of mystery. When females like Sasha or Kenny St. Brown decide to burst through that limitation, they get on our nerves. The one female artiste who has escaped this limitation is Weird MC ...ah, but that one dresses like a man! <br /><br />In another TV show discussing the American elections, someone had mentioned that Hillary Clinton's losses were perhaps tied to sexism, and here I agreed, but only to a larger, more inclusive extent. The fact is, no one is going to the polls thinking, "I won't vote for Hillary because she's a woman". The world has learnt to act and think politically correct enough not to do a silly thing like that. <br /><br />The problem, however, is the sexism that has constantly been Hillary's foe for many years. The sexism that she faces, just like the female artistes, is a more enduring, subtle, yet potent sexism. People are not reacting to her now because she is a woman; it is a culmination of all the reaction to her as a different kind of woman in the public space. <br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/SAMyY03UkdI/AAAAAAAAAJo/gKtwx0OHlQI/s1600-h/clinton+pretty.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/SAMyY03UkdI/AAAAAAAAAJo/gKtwx0OHlQI/s320/clinton+pretty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189046597749871058" /></a><br />People forget that the reason why Hillary is a "polarising figure", as Obama doesn't tire of gleefully pointing out, is because of her novelty at the time that she arrived in the public consciousness - a strong wife who refused to "sit at home and bake cookies"; who fought as hard as the men, gave as good as she got, and shocked many American men into a new appreciation for women. What kind of a First Lady was this? They couldn't believe it; they had never seen anything like this before! And so they fought back at her with everything, caricatured her; titled her "bitch", demonised her, but she bounced back each time. <br /><br />That's the reason Hillary is to America what Thatcher is to the world. And that's why people have hatreds for her that have caked over the years. Why do people accuse her of dishonesty, for instance, and hold her to it when she is no more or no less dishonest than the average politician? It is simply because they cannot come to terms with a woman who can play the game as good as the rest of the men. She proved that there's no inferiority lurking anywhere; that the pantsuits can fit the goose and the gander. <br /><br />More importantly, as the most activist First Lady since Eleanor Roosevelt, the first to move from the White House into elected office, she cleared the way for many women and is doing so now. Even if she does not win the Democratic primaries, because of the imperfections of her candidacy (that is, the fear of the Clinton-Bush dynasty; the oft-analysed missteps of her campaign, her prominence as a so-called "Washington insider") or the phenomenal Obama momentum, the next women coming up won't have to deal with the issues that she has. Just as Jesse Jackson, flawed as his own candidacy was in the 80s, cleared up some of those issues for Barack Obama. <br /><br />LET us look at the way women have been defined over time using one strong example - Margaret Thatcher. She certainly did more than enough to present an alternative, strong, effective image of the female. And how did the world react to her, starting with the British press? She was quickly stereotyped and continues to be stereotyped as an extreme; as the Dragon Lady. <br /><br />That is the kind of thing that limits and restricts women; there's no win-win; you are going to be seen as extreme: you are either too emotional, or too "tough". When the governor of New Orleans messed up big time after the floods, she was mercilessly caricatured as the clueless grandmother, a gender specific put-down. But when a George Bush screws up, he is only seen as a dullard, no gender colourations. <br /><br />That is why I laugh when my female friends say they see no pressing reason to identify with Hillary. It is because they do not understand. Because they think the battle has been won. Indeed, any minority - black, women, Hispanics, Niger Deltans - that thinks the battle for "emancipation" is won, is basically fooling himself or herself. Any battle that starts with you at a disadvantage can hardly end. You are in a race with competition that had a head start many years before you and you think you should stop being vigilant at any point? <br /><br />That is why it is gratifying that, state after state, a majority of women are flocking to vote for Hillary, especially women above 50 who know what it was like, and know why this is important. Blacks have a more overwhelming understanding of what is at stake, and that is why they have swallowed their reservations about Obama, and are flocking to his side. They understand. <br /><br />The fact is that women have significant perception handicaps. The world still has certain images, deny as much as it does, about how the woman should be. A question will suffice: have you ever seen a woman display the charisma that Obama has on the national stage anywhere? Bhutto? Ghandi? Sirleaf? Even Thatcher? The female is a different specie. That charisma, that attractive cockiness, the boyish charm; that same quality of Bill Clinton's that we now adore in Barrack Obama is something that has been associated with men for ages. Whilst it is not something women are incapable of, it is not something that has come naturally - for decades. <br /><br />When people say Hillary doesn't give as inspiring a speech as Obama, they miss the point that Hillary has been a better speaker than any other presidential candidate in recent history apart from, perhaps, John Edwards, Bill Clinton and Obama. She was definitely a better speaker than Bill Richardson, or John Kerry, or Mitt Romney, or Rudy Gulliani, or for that matter, Al Gore. More than that, she is a much better speaker, much better with crowds than any woman politician on the national stage that America has seen. Because she is almost "manni-sh" in disposition, she has been able to project that charisma and attractive charm that we only associate with men, making her able to compete with the ultimate alpha male that Obama is. <br /><br />Still she is a woman, so she still has that perception limitation. Females are better in intimate communication, just like Hillary works better in town hall meetings; notably, Obama does poorly in those settings. But people look at that basic difference between masculine and feminine appeal, and based on that stereotype deepened by years of masculine prominence, conclude she is not inspiring. Yet someone says sexism is not affecting her negatively? <br /><br />When Obama was given the national stage to give the 2004 speech for the Democratic Party, he more than rose up to the occasion, delivering an unremarkable speech with more-than-remarkable aplomb, but just last year, his supporter, Governor Kathless Selibbus, was given the same opportunity to respond to George Bush's State of the Union address, an astute and popular politician that she is, the consensus was that she looked uncomfortable on stage and on TV. That is the gap. <br /><br />And it is not the only one. Why is it okay for a man to call a woman "bitch" as a joke on mainstream television in America, but a white man cannot do the same and call a black man a "nigger"? Why was there no outrage, only mirth, when men came to a Hillary rally crying "Iron my shirt!" but Rush Limbaugh had to apologise when a caller compared Obama to a monkey? Because... women are still fair game. <br /><br />When Hillary shows different sides to her - angry, sarcastic, etc. - columnists refer to her as unstable, but when Obama does same, he is seen as cool. <br /><br />It is simply a difference in behavioural patterns, and the reactions are just a deepening of existing stereotypes. We are so used to men dominating public space that we do not know how to deal with the female in the same space yet. It is not our fault but it is still sexism. <br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/SAMypU3UkeI/AAAAAAAAAJw/whTKBhwEUKE/s1600-h/clinton+supporters.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/SAMypU3UkeI/AAAAAAAAAJw/whTKBhwEUKE/s320/clinton+supporters.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189046881217712610" /></a><br /><br /><br />In fact, women (American women) have Hillary to thank for clearing the way for them. What they do not realise is that her continued history being strong, being tough, fighting and winning battles, being constantly elegant and admirable, she has made it clear that women can stay the course, women can stand the distance, women can do it all - and she is doing it on the biggest stage possible. <br /><br />Men have this sorted for them, at least in America. Before Obama, there was Martin Luther; and then there was Jesse Jackson, to a much lesser extent of course. Before Hillary there was ... who? All the powerful American women - Jackie Kennedy, Barbara Bush, Oprah Winfrey - have more or less risen only because they still maintained the traditional female roles. Oprah is powerful because ... she spoon-feeds America! Condoleezza Rice is that other woman, who, if she stays on the national stage for some more quality years like Hillary, will make the point clearly. <br /><br />How much of a surprise is it that powerful, successful women are the last to get married in any situation? Look around. How is it that strong, successful powerful men have no qualms settling down, and women who are successful, strong and powerful still find that a stretch? And you say women are free?<br /><br />Is it surprising that the one ethnic group that flocks to Hillary - Hispanics - are those from a culture that has seen strong women and political wives over time? <br /><br />Why were the men in an Ohio plant surprised and impressed to their bones when Hillary woke up at 4pm just before the day's primaries to campaign? Because they certainly did not expect such strength from a woman. And for each battle that she wins, for every hurdle that she crosses there, in the full glare of the world media through the CNN, the BBC, Fox News, Al Jazeera, Yahoo! News and the rest, she remains a poster child for the issues and challenges that women face in many parts of the world. And which they should not. At least, not in 2008. <br /><br />So, please let us all feel free as proud black people to identify with Obama, and to support him with our hearts, because we too have fought battles of our own. But let no one even seek either to undermine the relentless challenges that the first woman to win a primary in America is facing solely because of her gender, and let us not even seek to understate the significance of each victory that she has won despite these stereotypes. Because the famed feminist, Gloria Stern, was absolutely right when she spoke up: gender is still the most restricting force, not just in America, but in many parts of the world. And my sympathies lie with any woman, or girl, who does not know this yet.Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-77664577229468215732008-02-15T13:12:00.000-08:002008-02-23T05:41:25.039-08:00The TFA Winners Afterparty!<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YHP0VnKtI/AAAAAAAAAJg/d_i3WuBkqEk/s1600-h/Toyosi+Akerele+(best+use+of+Advocacy).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YHP0VnKtI/AAAAAAAAAJg/d_i3WuBkqEk/s320/Toyosi+Akerele+(best+use+of+Advocacy).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167325590782946002" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YGj0VnKsI/AAAAAAAAAJY/7BeDCGcsnHA/s1600-h/Tosyn+Bucknor,+Ebuka,+etc,+at+the+Award+party+proper.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YGj0VnKsI/AAAAAAAAAJY/7BeDCGcsnHA/s320/Tosyn+Bucknor,+Ebuka,+etc,+at+the+Award+party+proper.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167324834868701890" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YFl0VnKrI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/i3A0twEOlrY/s1600-h/The+match+up+Erin-Ijesha+waterfalls.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YFl0VnKrI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/i3A0twEOlrY/s320/The+match+up+Erin-Ijesha+waterfalls.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167323769716812466" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YEvEVnKqI/AAAAAAAAAJI/Zf7RJhUFy8s/s1600-h/Professional+of+the+year,+IKe+Ochonohor,+with+wife.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YEvEVnKqI/AAAAAAAAAJI/Zf7RJhUFy8s/s320/Professional+of+the+year,+IKe+Ochonohor,+with+wife.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167322829118974626" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YD_EVnKpI/AAAAAAAAAJA/vYXjRTbt4aI/s1600-h/Emilia+(Director+RedSTRAT)+addressing+guests+at+Erin-Ijesha.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YD_EVnKpI/AAAAAAAAAJA/vYXjRTbt4aI/s320/Emilia+(Director+RedSTRAT)+addressing+guests+at+Erin-Ijesha.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167322004485253778" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YDOEVnKoI/AAAAAAAAAI4/q0plINl3QXs/s1600-h/Comedian+Lepacious+Bose+wioth+The+Future+Award+volunteers.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YDOEVnKoI/AAAAAAAAAI4/q0plINl3QXs/s320/Comedian+Lepacious+Bose+wioth+The+Future+Award+volunteers.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167321162671663746" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YCBUVnKmI/AAAAAAAAAIo/XcM9rOeO_Oc/s1600-h/Bukola+Adubi,+ED,+Miccom.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YCBUVnKmI/AAAAAAAAAIo/XcM9rOeO_Oc/s320/Bukola+Adubi,+ED,+Miccom.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167319844116703842" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YBj0VnKlI/AAAAAAAAAIg/QfuHeYh1yTM/s1600-h/Anwuli+%26+Eniola+of+Farafina+(representing+Chimamanda,+with+Mak+Kusare+(Screen+Producer+of+the+year).JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7YBj0VnKlI/AAAAAAAAAIg/QfuHeYh1yTM/s320/Anwuli+%26+Eniola+of+Farafina+(representing+Chimamanda,+with+Mak+Kusare+(Screen+Producer+of+the+year).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167319337310562898" /></a><br />The Future.. Awards Winners After-Party At the Miccom Golf Resorts - when we got winners, nominees, judges, press, volunteers and friends of the awards for a weekend getaway... as usual, apart from anything to do with Hillary Clinton I dont want to attempt to string together any thoughts, so will just let the pictures speak. What I did was take a picture from each separate thing that happened... <br /><br />Me? Right now I am in Port Harcourt en route Abuja. No rest for the wicked! By the way, The Apprentice africa starts in 10 days, so check the <a href="www.theapprenticeafrica.com">website</a> out, anmd continue to give ypour feedback!Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-67006873001791412002008-02-15T13:07:00.000-08:002008-02-15T13:11:04.760-08:00Eyes Still on the Dem Primaries, of course!<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7X_kUVnKkI/AAAAAAAAAIY/2ONB2rsNURw/s1600-h/capt_41289e49ee844bf689ba78588f302b4d_aptopix_clinton_2008_ohck114.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R7X_kUVnKkI/AAAAAAAAAIY/2ONB2rsNURw/s320/capt_41289e49ee844bf689ba78588f302b4d_aptopix_clinton_2008_ohck114.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167317146877241922" /></a><br />On the little matter of the Obama-Hillary run: this only will I say until March 4th; Weeping may last for two weeks, but Ohio and Texas come in March!!<br /><br /><br />That said; a 'comment-er', Ola, on my last post had this on-point comments about the 'freshness' and 'trandescending vision' of the 'change' candidate, Obama: <br /><br />Hi Chude,<br />I'm another Nigerian who gets the 'Are You Crazy?'stare for preferring Hillary to Barack.Undoubtedly, Barack is a fine young man with immense charisma and a political talents but I still remain sceptial about the 'substance behind the style'.I have a problem with the change and unity message as no one has been able to tell me what the change is from or to? Is the process of governance going to change? are the rules of proceeedings in the US congress going to change? Is the deliberate, thorough and often slow process of legistlation going to change? I assure you talk about UNITING everyone will end the day he gets into office when he has to take a position on approving or vetoing a bill on some hot-button issue which splits america right down the middle. By the way-he is far left on abortion and that automatically guarantees him hatred form almost half of America(See http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=51121 as an example, maybe a partisan one, of how divided the country will remain) His careful and nuanced positions going by his Illinois senate record will not work then. His lofty goals of unity and change are simply not SMART (Simple, measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Bound)-unite america, change washington? What does that mean exactly?<br /><br />Beyond that, I have been quite disappointed about how quickly the black community hung the Racist label on Bill clinton-so much for his friendship with African-Americans. The media also has been rather easy on Obama-almost unintelligently so-there are hard tough questions-based on Obama's previous record that haven't been asked. It would be naive of the Democrats to prop Obama up against John McCain-the GOP attack machine will simply tear him apart-unfortunately the liberal label will hang even better on him than it did John Kerry and Michael Dukakis. . I can just imagine Karl rove begging to be let in on the action. John kerry's was the flip-flopper label-Obama's will be soft on crime (illinois voting record opposing a ban on an early release for sex offenders), soft on dictators and America's enemies(comments about meeting unconditionally with the leaders of Iran, Venezuela, Cuba etc), soft on drugs(his documented use of crack and his alleged support for de-criminalsing marijuana(http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080131/NATION/896961936/1001)-they'd certainly accuse him of being to the extreme left on the abortion issue. These attacks may not always be accurate or entirely truthful but they have worked over and over again and you can be sure the GOP will use them again. Have you even noticed how some conservative pundits have been emphasising his middle name? These are all the tricks they'll play and I think it's a stong argument that they (the GOP<br />)have thrown their best at Hillary and will have no more tricks against her left in their hat. Besides, I have listened to her again and again and there's just this passion and resolve to her about tackling America's problems that just get me.Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-83382682114911269332008-02-03T12:04:00.000-08:002008-02-03T12:24:08.249-08:00What's my own with Hillary, eh?<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R6YioUCAokI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/-5ZEW6bOhd4/s1600-h/abc_mccain_clinton_obama_080105_ms.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R6YioUCAokI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/-5ZEW6bOhd4/s320/abc_mccain_clinton_obama_080105_ms.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162852098794103362" /></a><br />One of my 'well-wishers', well aware of my obsession (as many across the nation are, since I never shy away from gratuitously dropping her nme of our show every week!) with the American elections and especially Hillary Clinton, pointed me to this a piebe <a href="http://fiyanda.blogspot.com">by Funmi Iyanda</a> on the American elections - on the 21st of February.<br /><br />Lemme quickly say thought that my interest in the Democratic primaries (and suddenly the Republicans, since McCain became frontrunner) is simply a hobby. Yes, what America does will affect teh world dramatically, and whoever is at the 'bully pulpit' tyhat the Presidency is will be defining the rest of the world, including Africa, but that is not why I am interested. I am interested because the campaign's central characters fascinate me, and inspire such emotions and passions in me that our own politicians are underwhelmingly unable to. <br /><br />Well back to Funmi, as expected the reactions to her post were passionate AND heated, and many of our 'black brovas' <a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35104533&postID=4539887700553967667">tore at </a>Funmi for a lot of things, but underlying a lot of it, no matter the intellectual pretence, is SHOCK at a black person not supporting the historical candidacy of another black person who says the right things and looks the part. <br /><br />For blacks in America this is an emotional issue and I can understand. If Obama becomes president it will be a HUGE psychological as well as a social lift. <br /><br />But people like me who live here at home are lucky to be able to afford objectivity, and from an unecumbered viewpoint can say who we like, who we trust, who we believe in, who we would vote for if we had the chance. Funmi took the words right out of my might in being suspicious of an Obama who hasnt been tested and trusted. They stand on the same team in terms or policy: the difference being that one is vetted and tested, the other gives inspiring speeches. Say what you may, speak all the obscurantist grammar, it's really that simple. Hillary is a worker, Obama, a talker. <br /><br />I dont like - or trust - Obama. It's that simple. Trust has to be earned. Trust has to be worked for. Trust has to be built. What the Obama supporters are riding on now is a huge wave of 'feel-good' opium. For people like me, that is not and can never be enough. <br /><br />Being 'the good, clean, new guy' was what took Bush to the white house twice - and where did that leave the world? Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, etc. Obama is riding on that same wave - good clean, new guy. Same as any guy that comes up on the scene now. <br /><br />All in all, any two of them would be better than a Mitt ROmney, or a Republican President at any rate. It is my fervent wish that Obama humbles himself, works hard to earn cogent trust, and then join hands with Hillary to win a TRULY historical presidential contest. Until then, I'm enjoying the thrills of the race!Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-31718668635408687132008-01-24T12:18:00.000-08:002008-01-24T12:48:42.290-08:00This and Plenty of THAt (Convoluted as usual)!<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R5j2ykCAohI/AAAAAAAAAH4/VeZW6fodL58/s1600-h/oby.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R5j2ykCAohI/AAAAAAAAAH4/VeZW6fodL58/s320/oby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159144721678901778" /></a><br /><em>Oby Ezekwesili (World bank VP), her husband and Sen. Ita-Giwa at The Future.. Awards '08</em>Tell me about it. IT's been CRAZY!! <br /><br />Why havent I been able to blog? Plenty of reasons. <a href="www.theapprenticeafrica.com">The Apprentice</a> (I am in charge of the website, as well as pubblicity, so read the website and tell me what you think!), my NYSC at the NLNG (9-5 EVERYDAY - it KILLS), and OF COURSE The Future.. Awards. And bits and pieces here and there. <br /><br />In betqween the last time I blogged, I took a LONG-DESERVED holiday, spending a BEAUTIFUL no-phones, no-laptop weekend in Joburg, and have been travelling all around NIgeria. Will try put up the Jo-burg pics. <br /><br /><a href="www.thefuturenigeria.com">The Future,, Awards</a> was such a HUGE success I am still tingling from it. Bella weighs in on it <a href="http://bellanaija.blogspot.com/2008/01/future-awards-2008.html">here</a>. <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R5j3jUCAojI/AAAAAAAAAII/6l4zLXflghQ/s1600-h/ty.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R5j3jUCAojI/AAAAAAAAAII/6l4zLXflghQ/s320/ty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159145559197524530" /></a><em>Ty bello and Emem Ema - I swear, this is the EXACT look for the future! (And it's official, I SERIOUSLY, TRULY Have a crush on Emem!)</em> I generally dont talk about somethinmg so huge because I get lost in it - I am sure by next week or end of month, at least before the after party in Febraury at <a href="www.miccomgolfhotels.com">Miccom</a>, I will have been able to form my thoughts, and gratitude. <br /><br /><strong>On Hillary</strong><br />And it's still Hillary COuntry in America: she won New Hampshire, she won Nervada, and they foregt she WON Michigan by 55%, WITHOUT campaigningt - if she had lost she would have been news. Bill Clinton is doing what he has to do, and Obama is <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120104819435508233.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries">whining</a>! Complaining about the same thing he has been accusing HIllary of? I wish people could really see through this audacity opf Hype. <br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R5j3MECAoiI/AAAAAAAAAIA/v-X7pDmf7_s/s1600-h/22clinton-heisler.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R5j3MECAoiI/AAAAAAAAAIA/v-X7pDmf7_s/s320/22clinton-heisler.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159145159765565986" /></a><br /><em>Hilary is 'doing it' - and winning!</em><br />That having been said, I am pretty disappointed with the black vote. Voting for Obama just because he is a viable black candidate does worse to deepen racism. After all that tyeh Clintons have worked on in civil rights issues, to just sweep that aside because Obama is bvlack and he can win? Shameful. What does that say to the whites who came out to sweep the polls for Obama in Iowa? So what? The blacks should go for Obama and whites for Hillary? My man, Naijadude is even more [passionate than I am (I didnt know THAT was possible) about Hillary and has plenty to say (plus great pics!! - I LOVE her pics - its formidability brought down!) on his <a href="http://naijahomo.blogspot.com">blog</a><br /><br /><strong>Apologies</strong><br />I a[pologise to all those who have placed comments I couldnt reply to - I will try to do so this wekend. And OF COURSE pictures from the future awards will be up. But you can see most of them on <a href="http://purefoto.com/blog/ConcertsShows/TheFutureAwards2008">purefoto</a> in the mean time. <br /><br />Plenty coming up - pray for me let's blog together, and thanks <strong>Wienna </strong>and the others fo rkeeping the comments coming; i appreciate itChude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-27756345063263867122007-12-20T17:37:00.000-08:002007-12-20T17:52:06.467-08:00What Makes Hillary Tick..<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2sb3zYDslI/AAAAAAAAAHw/JoencF-ngqI/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2sb3zYDslI/AAAAAAAAAHw/JoencF-ngqI/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146237644698792530" /></a><br />Common Ground. <br /><br />Coming from the divisive politics that has made America two countries really instead of one spirit, we need someone who isnt afraid not to be extreme on the left and on the right, but to say: no one is wiser than the other; we are all seeking the same things - a better country, and we can work together and get it. <br /><br />I'm in a hotel with broadband that;s such a dream come true, and have been waltzing through Youtube all night. SO many videos t share (especially those DELICIOUS The View meltdowns - you should check them out), but listen to what Hillary has to say about the gap between pro-life and pro-choice<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kVpT-tHs5A&feature=related">HERE</a><br /><br />And she's not just saying it. She has for the past couple of years built such strong bi-partisan alliances that have won her praise, AND respect from both sides. Contrast this with rock-star Obamaa's ugly spat with the Republic campaign over the failure of a bi-partisan agreement <a href="http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2006/02/an_outraged_sen.html">HERE</a>Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-49575282061664503902007-12-17T18:55:00.000-08:002007-12-18T14:31:27.495-08:00TFA Nominee Party Pics!It went down on the 12th of November (wednesday), at Waka Restaurant, Sanusi Fafunwa, Victoria Island, Lagos!<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2dJiDYDskI/AAAAAAAAAHo/E6KhdMoixiM/s1600-h/-4560.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2dJiDYDskI/AAAAAAAAAHo/E6KhdMoixiM/s320/-4560.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145161948664672834" /></a><br />Comedian, Jedi, who emceed the event, digging it down with Entrepreneur of the Year nominee, Mosun!<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2dD6zYDsjI/AAAAAAAAAHg/h4mkxkQuikk/s1600-h/-4497.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2dD6zYDsjI/AAAAAAAAAHg/h4mkxkQuikk/s320/-4497.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145155776796668466" /></a><br />Yours Truly with Linda Ikeji of the delicious legs!<br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2c_NjYDsiI/AAAAAAAAAHY/BhXKnAlWxbg/s1600-h/-4454.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2c_NjYDsiI/AAAAAAAAAHY/BhXKnAlWxbg/s320/-4454.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145150601361076770" /></a><br />The megastar's in the room!<br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2c-mDYDshI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/LIerLo6vq_w/s1600-h/-4473.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2c-mDYDshI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/LIerLo6vq_w/s320/-4473.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145149922756243986" /></a><br />Fela Durotoye - Deliciously Dapper!<br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2c8MjYDsgI/AAAAAAAAAHI/qTgJzRTuuOo/s1600-h/-4438.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2c8MjYDsgI/AAAAAAAAAHI/qTgJzRTuuOo/s320/-4438.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145147285646324226" /></a><br />It's Don Jazzy Again!<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2c66zYDsfI/AAAAAAAAAHA/enMn1V8V4Ds/s1600-h/-4428.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2c66zYDsfI/AAAAAAAAAHA/enMn1V8V4Ds/s320/-4428.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145145881192018418" /></a><br />Guess who!lol<br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2c4LDYDseI/AAAAAAAAAG4/QpsgQbufhNo/s1600-h/-4384.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2c4LDYDseI/AAAAAAAAAG4/QpsgQbufhNo/s320/-4384.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145142861830009314" /></a><br />TY Bello with Fela Durotoye<br /><br />You can see PLENTY of pics <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=78237&l=05130&id=545040626">HERE</a>Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-61127459826701354122007-12-17T08:41:00.000-08:002007-12-17T09:16:33.122-08:00Hillary Finds Her Voice...<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2at1zYDsdI/AAAAAAAAAGw/Ti5xO4nCwUo/s1600-h/nm_hillary_071206_ms.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2at1zYDsdI/AAAAAAAAAGw/Ti5xO4nCwUo/s200/nm_hillary_071206_ms.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144990764153156050" /></a><br />Funny, all the time Hillary was leading in the polls - I wasnt impressed. As far as I was concerned, she was only coasting because she was the most viable; not because of who she was/is. <br /><br />Fire Mark Penn! I used to scream to myself. He wasnt doing enough to communicate the essence of Hillaryland - so that once Obama stepped up his opportunistic attacks, and abandoned the politics of hope with which he hoodwinked Americans desperate for change, her lustre began to fade...<br /><br />For someone like me who reads up ACTIVELY on Hillary, and can boast of solid insight into her personality as much as public persona can allow, I know that she's the best choice for America, and if she would only show a bit of why she is the best - why her evolution into a political heavyweight is the biggest asset the Democrats need now ... she wuld be there. She needed to stop being formidable alone - she needed to start communicating .. <br /><br />Well maybe I should say thank Obama and that irritant Edwards for their attacks! Now the Hill opens her mouth and she's talking ... her soul is seeping through - and I know she will regain her traction.<br /><br />Hear her: <br /><br />"That work means knowing when to find common ground and when to stand your ground," she said. "If you are too unyielding, then you are likely to end up with nothing to show for it. If you are too compromising, you may very well give up your principles and your values. You've got to find that balance." (Read the full piece <a href="http://www.startribune.com/politics/12534471.html">HERE</a>) <br /><br />"<strong>You dont get change by hoping for it (read Obama and his romantic tales of change and hope), you dont get change by demanding it (read Edwards and his annoyingly slippery tirade against Corporate America), you get change by working for it." </strong><br /><br />The Des Moines Register endorsement captures the essence of Hillary, and is a must read for everyone who wants to be convinced on why she is <a href="http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071215/NEWS/71215018">THE BEST CHOICE</a>. I was overjoyed that they captured so brilliantly the very thoughts I have about Hillary. The very thoughts that will make her win. <br /><br /><strong>Hear them: <br />"Indeed, Obama, her chief rival, inspired our imaginations. But it was Clinton who inspired our confidence. Each time we met, she impressed us with her knowledge and her competence."</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070035903">HERE</a> is another Hillary story that wins my heart. <br /><br />You will hear more and more about her and why exactly I can;t get enough of her as the days go...Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-16721171846224432782007-12-13T22:23:00.000-08:002007-12-13T22:39:21.092-08:00Runaway blogger!<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2IkxDYDsbI/AAAAAAAAAGg/7UV5Mjlv7Dw/s1600-h/PH2007110102432.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/R2IkxDYDsbI/AAAAAAAAAGg/7UV5Mjlv7Dw/s200/PH2007110102432.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143714149548929458" /></a><br />People, <br /><br />SO MUCH has been happening since the last time I wrote on these pages, and it's such a shame that I've not had time to blog. I would have tried but my blogger has simply REFUSED to sign in since AND I havent been able to find space to go use somoene else's!! Seriously man. I get so increasingly busy I wonder how I manage to get it all together - people ask, but I truly, TRULY dont know! It's grace. Unmerited. Unlimited. <br /><br />It's strange at this point - everything is going so well; it is just a dream come true for me! I am SO thankful. Unfortunately, the only blot on that is how I dicsover those people who are closest to you are sometimes the greatest stmbling blocks to ur moving froward and my gift to myself in the new year is to get rid of them slowly, painfully but surely - as I come to the painful fact that I can't allow anyone kill my joy!<br /><br />The Future.. Awards, The Apprentice Africa, my NYSC posting etc etc - there;s SO much to say. The nominees party for the awards held this last wednesday and it was such a blast! Dbanj, Ashionye, DOn Jazzy, Linda Ikeji, Ebuka etc ... Hopeflly I will blog properly on that anedput put up pics. <br /><br />However, I must say that for someone who is enamoured with Hilary Clinton it;s a shame I havent blogged much about her here. It's SO sad to see Hilary slipping in the polls - the only true liberal in that race (at least amongst the top 3), she is a remarkable, brilliant woman and will make such a formidable and successful leader. She might still win, sans the toga of inevitablility, and I certainly hope she does. EVerytime I read a bad story about her, I mourn, it hurts me like it's a personal loss! (Just had to blog that! More on that too later!)<br /><br />I wil respond to ur comments before the day ends. <br /><br />Sorry about the random blogging - I am in a rush to the airport AND there;s only 24 hours in a day, AND I have SO much to say!<br /><br />Stay well people! (And kudos to the great spirits who have found the will t keep blogging! Btw, you DO know that naijafineboy is in town right?!) <br /><br />Cheers!<br />Chude<a href="http://"></a>riChude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-24022768410865555492007-12-02T22:55:00.000-08:002007-12-02T23:00:51.424-08:00Mikel Obi, Chimamanda, TY Bello, Don Jazzy, Others, Make The Future.. Awards Longlist for 2008!After four weeks of grueling research and investigation, following the close of nominations in November, the Central Working Committee for The Future.. Awards is glad to release the definitive list of the brightest and best young people Nigeria produced in 2007!<br /><br />With the excitement that has built up in the past few weeks – this is a list that young Nigerians from all around the world have been waiting for! Understandably so, since the list came out a bit later than usual this year. Adebola Williams, Operations Director for the awards explains, “This year the nominations we received more than tripled – it was truly massive! It’s no doubt due to the extensive national media campaign and tours – and we are most grateful to our media partners. And not just any nominations, we got a diverse and impressive pull. It was arduous wading through them, but what can we say really? We like to think it’s what you get when you do an awards like this that people have come to believe as credible and trustworthy.”<br /> <br />As usual, from the thousands of nominations (47, 234 this year) 120 nominees (8 per category) have been selected for the race towards the ultimate prize. In all the 15 keenly-contested-for categories, there are brilliant, high flying young achievers all between the ages of 18 and 31. It is fine cocktail of the famous and the seemingly obscure, the skilled and the talented, professionals and artistes – a truly balanced representation of the next generation. <br /><br />From TY Bello, who is on the long list for two awards, Artist of the Year and Young Person of the Year, investment guru Boye Olawole and others for Professional of the Year, through the likes of D’banj and Psuare for Musician of the Year, Tosin Dekalu, Chika Nwobi, Funke Bucknor and co for Entrepreneur of the Year. And with others like Mak Kusare of BBC’s Wetin Dey, Joke Jaiyesinmi of Hip TV, Abdulkareem Baba Aminu of Daily Trust, Ayeni Adekule of Thisday, divas like Genevieve Nnaji, Oge Okoye and Ini Edo battling it for Actor of the Year, and for the first time ever, a sports personality, Mikel Obi, emerging, for Young Person of the Year, this is one list you have to read through! <br /><br />The 4-stage judging process begins immediately, with the Independent Audit Committee, headed by Dr. Reuben Abati and having such credible Nigerians as Ms. Sienne Alwell-Brown, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, amongst 30 others screening through this list to decide who will be crowned as icons of the future!<br /><br />Further information can be gotten on www.thefuturenigeria.com <br /><br /><br /><br />THE LIST<br /><br />Professional of the Year <br />Ike Ochonogor – FedEx <br />Temitope Ogunfayo – Procter & Gamble <br />Adebayo Omole – Matrix Solicitors<br />Boye Olawoye - Investment Banking Group <br />Lola Talabi – Cadbury Nigeria <br />Bode Makanjuola – Caverton Group <br />Omowale David Ashiru - Accenture<br />Noble Igwe – Virgin Nigeria<br /><br />Artist of the Year <br />Karo Akpokiere <br />Jide Alakija<br />TY Bello <br />Ogunnubi Babadeji <br />Chukwuma Ngene <br />Seyi Taylor<br />Adolphus Opara<br />Abraham Oghobase<br /><br />Music Producer of the Year <br />Alex Yangs <br />Don Jazzy <br />Mosa <br />ID Cabassa<br />Jeremiah Gyang <br />Wole Oni <br />Jokaynie <br />Mr. Daz<br /><br />Screen/Programme Producer of the Year <br />Mak Kusare – AveHill<br />Michael Oyeyiola - Soundcity<br />Lamide Opere – Nigezie <br />Seke Somolu – Wetin Dey <br />Effiong Eton - Silverbird<br />Soji Ogunnaike – Real Time <br />Joke Jaiyesinmi – Hip TV<br />Nasir Muazu – BBC<br /><br />Musician of the Year<br />Obiwon <br />Olu Maintain <br />Konga<br />Ashionye <br />Psquare <br />Dbanj <br />De Indispensables<br />Faze<br /><br />Best Use of Technology <br />Adejuwon Saheed<br />Femi Odewunmi<br />Ayorinde Olalekan<br />Mubarak Mohammed Abdulahi <br />Icebox Studios<br />Olufemi Akande <br />Odufuye Bamidele<br />Seun Medunoye<br /><br />Best Use of Advocacy <br />Emmanuel Etim <br />Toyosi Akerele <br />Temidayo Israel <br />Olatorera Majekodunmi <br />Adeola Akinremi <br />UNITeS<br />Oyebisi O. Babatunde <br />Amina Alli<br /><br />Entrepreneur of the Year <br />Abiodun Ajibola - CGMIE Consulting<br />Tosin Dekalu – Lady Cobbler<br />Funke Awobokun – Cocktails In & Out <br />Funke Bucknor – Zaphaire Events <br />Gbenga Ashiru – Nebula Media<br />Bukola Adubi – Miccom Resorts<br />Chika Nwobi – Mtech <br />Mosunmola Umoru – Honeysuckles PTL<br /><br />On-Air Personality of the Year<br />Adaure Achumba <br />Keke Adenuga <br />Nike Coker<br />Lamide Akintobi <br />Denrele Edun <br />Mike Magic <br />Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi <br />Ebuka Obi-Uchendu<br /><br />Journalist of the Year <br />Samson Adeoye – The Guardian <br />Ayeni Adekunle – Thisday <br />Azuh Amatus – The Sun<br />Abdulkareem Baba-Aminu – Daily Trust <br />Adedeji Ademigbuji – National Standard<br />George Elijah Otumu – The Week <br />Nonye Iwuagwu – The Punch <br />Julie Odia - Simply Woman<br /><br />Best Use of Goodwill <br />TELD<br />Generation 4 Change <br />Do Sumthing Positive <br />Utopia <br />AIPA- Against Illiteracy Poverty and AIDS<br />Shade Ladipo <br />Omowunmi Agagu <br />Ngozi Ekeh<br /><br />Entrepreneur of the Year (Beauty & Style)<br />Omoyemi Akerele<br />Toni Payne <br />Okunoren Twins<br />Muyiwa Osindero<br />Banke Meshida<br />Linda Ikeji <br />Lisa Folawiyo <br />Bunmi Oyeniyi<br /><br />Actor of the Year<br />Genevieve Nnaji <br />Ini Edo <br />Funke Akindele <br />Ali Nuhu <br />Osita Iheme <br />Mike Ezuruonye <br />Oge Okoye<br />Nonso Diobi<br /><br />Magazine of the Year <br />RISE<br />Juice<br />Bubbles <br />Applause<br />Dynamix <br />Acada <br />Tripz<br />Blast<br /><br />Young Person of the Year<br />Mikel Obi <br />TY Bello <br />Oluchi Orlandi<br />D’banj <br />Chika Nwobi <br />Toni Payne<br />Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie <br />Mubarak Muhammed AbdulaiChude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-86670429105440174382007-11-21T15:47:00.000-08:002007-11-21T16:14:43.336-08:00TFA Organisers Grab Awards of Their Own!<em>Let's blow our own trumpet jare!lol</em><br /><br />PRESS RELEASE<br /><br /><strong>TFA Organisers Grab Awards of Their Own!</strong><br />As if to further validate their credentials as resource for Nigeria’s biggest youth event, two of the directors of RedSTRAT, organisers of <a href="www.thefuturenigeria.com">The Future.. Awards</a>, have been declared winners of some of the nation’s most prestigious awards. <br /><br />At Nigeria’s numero uno media event, the Nigerian Media Merit Awards, hosted by the Osun State Government on the 17th of November 2007, and in the presence of such veterans including Prince Tony Momoh, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, Amb. Segun Olusola, Mr. Dele Adetiba, Mrs. Duro Onabule, Mr. Bode Alalade, amongst other judges, the RedSTRAT Creative Director, Chude Jideonwo, was named the Entertainment Journalist of the Year, for selected copies in market leader, True Love West Africa. <br /><br />The youngest recipient of the 2007 NMMA, at 22, Jideonwo, who also got called to the Nigerian bar just two days before the awards, is a prominent freelance writer whose by-lines can be found in Time Out, Made, Farafina. Thisday, The Guardian amongst others. <br /><br />Following from that, <a href="http://justinkwisitive.blogspot.com">Emilia Asim-Ita</a>, 20, has been declared one of the winners of the highly coveted Leap Africa Youth Leadership Awards, for her sterling work with what was for many years Nigeria’s leading youth talk show, Youth Talk (on the NTA). The awards presentation holds on the 22nd of November, in conjunction with the International Youth Foundation. <br /><br />Incidentally, the two award winners are together the presenters of Rubbin’ Minds - a weekly talk show on the <a href="www.channels.tv">Channels Television Network</a>; Sundays at 3pm that has become the most prominent media voice of young people on the national stage. <br /><br />This is indeed more power to their elbows as they get ready to deliver another punch that will yet again win the nation’s admiration, setting standards and giving inspiration, through the event, to thousands of youth around the country. <br /><br />It will be remembered that The Future… Awards, which the London Metropolitan University recently referred to as ‘the biggest youth award in Africa’ is being held in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Education on the 13th of January 2008 in Lagos. Further information can be gotten on www.thefuturenigeria.com <br /><br /><br />For further information or details, please contact me, Adebola Williams, on 08027064260. Best regards!Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-72313627943472514082007-11-15T22:28:00.000-08:002007-11-15T22:38:31.915-08:00The newest Barrister/Solicitor in Town!On wednesday, I was called to the Nigerian Bar. <br /><br />On thursday, I was enrolled at the Supreme Court. <br /><br />We thank God for all the progress He grants us. But at the risk of soundcing anti-social I was not excited about any of it, and though I kept up the act cause it was one day my dearest dearest mum was so proud about, I forbade most other people around me from making too much of it.<br /><br />I see nothing to be proud of in graduating from college. Tens of thousands of graduates come out of Nigeria yearly, and at least 5000 people were called to bar with me this week - so what is there to be so proud of? <br /><br />Now, my albino friend who, with both parents dead, left his village in Edo State, went through tears and blood, severe physical and financial difficulties, to graduate along with us, with a 2'1 Degree at University and another at Law School, and was the only Unilag graduate from our set to win a Law School prize is a story I can celebrate. And I do. Examples like his make it extremely difficult for anyone to have any excuses for failure. <br /><br />What I AM excited about is the fact that with school done with and all the certificates receieved, the second and most important phase of my life begins. Let the REAL games begin!Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-83878157865814708382007-11-02T22:39:00.000-07:002007-11-02T22:54:54.416-07:00Do YOU have what it takes?<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/RywLNE0IQlI/AAAAAAAAAGY/HB9me60tjFA/s1600-h/biodun+shobanjo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/RywLNE0IQlI/AAAAAAAAAGY/HB9me60tjFA/s320/biodun+shobanjo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128486394926744146" /></a><br /><strong>From Biodun Shobanjo: 'You're Fired!'</strong><br /><br />The man called 'Godfather of Nigerian Advertising', Biodun Shobanjo has joined the A-list cadre of business moguls as the US' Donald Trump, the UK's Allan Sugar and SA's Tokyo Sexwale as a consortium of The Executive Group, <a href="www.stormnigeria.com">Storm Vision </a>and <a href="www.bankphb.com">Bank PHB </a>has unveiled him as CEO for The Aprentice Africa!<br /><br />The debonair icon, Biodun Shobanjo, at 63, is Chairman of the Troyka Group, which is the holding company for Nigeria's biggest ad agency, Insight Grey, SKG2, <a href="http://www.optimumexposures.com/">Optimum Exposure</a>, Media Perpective, MediaCom, Quadrant and Halogen, employing over seven thousand Nigerian men and women.<br /><br />The Godfather is bringing this intimidating resume to bear in coaching 18 young African men and women on the principles of business, success and winning. <br /><br />For him, "Winning is not the most important thing, it's the only thing."<br /><br />Applications are now being <a href="www.theapprenticeafrica.com">accepted</a> from young Africans all over the world - people with brilliance and street-smarts. Apply on www.theapprenticeafrica.com. Do you have what it takes?Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-8631932467544278812007-10-31T23:48:00.000-07:002007-10-31T23:55:15.890-07:00Did Yaddy have to do anything?Democracy ran it's full course. Yar'adua respected the democratic institutions that the contitution in its wisdom so structured, and didnt interfere. The people spoke, the members battled, he continued his own job of building the nation. And at the end Etteh went down - in a completely democratic process! <br /><br />Did Yar'adua have to decend into the arena of battle? Did he have to interfere in the process? Did he have to soil his hands for democracy to work? Aren't those whole insisted he had to step in thoroughtly ashamed of themselves now?Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-3611800883231858582007-10-25T02:47:00.000-07:002007-10-25T02:57:51.372-07:00Yaddy Hits Bull's Eye - Again!Please can someone join me in giving applause to President Yar'adua for this resounding eloquence of intellect... <a href="http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=93303">HERE</a><br /><br /><em>Excerpt:<br /><br />People forget that we had a similar situation in the past when, following a crisis which also bordered on allegations of corruption and abuse of office in the legislative arm, the then President, in a national broadcast, told the world that certain members of the National Assembly took bribes", he posited.According to him, "one of the two former House of Representatives members publicly indicted in that unfortunate episode, one is a Governor and the other a Senator", he noted.<br /><br />He pointed out that "neither of them was even indicted in the report compiled by the same government before the April elections, raising questions about the propriety of executive intervention on an issue that is better internally resolved by the legislature or at best adjudicated upon by the judiciary.Yar'Adua who spoke through, his Special Adviser on communications maintained that his oath of office demands of him to act within the law at all times hence his resort to the dictates of the rule of law.<br /><br /><strong>"The importance of the rule of law, which has become an article of faith for President Yar'Adua, and adhering strictly to the principle of separation of powers, lies partly in the arbitrary powers it denies to individuals and the discipline it imposes on all and sundry", he argued.</strong> PLEASE, EVERYONE, NOTE!</em>Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-82003410266080592272007-10-21T02:00:00.000-07:002007-10-22T02:17:40.478-07:00Tara's Day of Glory!<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/RxsjgCUYwwI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/2CpAkAksJM0/s1600-h/IMG_1848.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/RxsjgCUYwwI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/2CpAkAksJM0/s320/IMG_1848.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123728034349236994" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/RxsdKiUYwvI/AAAAAAAAAGI/OqsLw96zh1o/s1600-h/IMG_1848.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/RxsdKiUYwvI/AAAAAAAAAGI/OqsLw96zh1o/s200/IMG_1848.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123721067912282866" /></a><br />The Hall at Tara's 10th Annivesary ... breath-taking orange ... <br /><br /><br />Last sunday, Nigeria joined Tara Fela-Durotoye to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of House of Tara, and the launch of her new perfume range, Be Inspired. It was a beautiful evening with some of the most colorful people around ... people you want to share a moment like that with. <br /><br /><a href="www.thefuturenigeria.com/redstrat">RedSTRAT</a> was in charge of the event's media management, and we are proud of the success that it was - and prouder of the role model that Tara is - incidentally she was also Young Person of the Year 2007 at the <a href="www.thefuturenigeria.com">Awards</a>. <br /><br />Plenty of pictures can be got on <a href="www.purefoto.com">Purefoto</a> or via <a href="http://bellanaija.blogspot.com">Bella's blog</a>Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-36846402043185715612007-10-16T00:40:00.000-07:002007-10-16T00:50:35.156-07:00Not AWOLI'm not AWOL. Facebook has stolen my heart, along with many other bloggers - but i am keeping faith people!<br /><br />But please nominate for The Future.. Awards on www.thefuturenigeria.com. Let no one give any excuses that they didnt hear o!! www.thefuturenigeria.com www.thefuturenigeria.com www.thefuturenigeria.com <br /><br />How are you all doing?<br /><br />Cheers<br />ChudeChude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-46842200423745527552007-09-30T10:45:00.000-07:002007-09-30T10:57:48.456-07:00Reuben puts his mouth where his money is...Reuben Abati's force of perspective and clarity of thought are clearly what make him arguably Nigeria's most popular columnist. Last week, his piece on Big Brother Africa was spot on; and this week, his piece on the shape of banking and the plight of banking staff is truly FANTASTIC. <br /><br />To take a quote:<br /><br /><strong>"Banks must be told to stop soliciting for deposits like beggars on the streets. I once mistook a female banker for a corporate beggar, and I was going to give the poor girl N500 to get rid of her before I saw the T-shirt she was wearing.<br />The CBN should stop banks from sending their staff onto the streets to dance and entertain prospective shareholders. The banks must also be told to set realistic targets for their marketing staff (if they must set targets), design other<br />performance measurement benchmarks, and concentrate more on raising the quality of their service: the surest way to build customer confidence. The present methods dehumanise and endanger the lives of staff..."</strong><br /><br />YOu should read the entire piece. <a href="http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=7302">HERE</a>Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-49918219420515948032007-09-27T10:35:00.000-07:002007-09-27T10:45:57.978-07:00Apologies ...I apologise for not explaining my absence, at least for those who have asked. I must also apologise for not posting the comments - I kept postponing and postponing because my connection has been slow, and when I finally decided, I accidentally deleted the comments!<br /><br />It's The Future.. Awards and Rubbing Minds sapping my energy - but what you don't see of me here, you will soon see, both here and on <a href="www.thefuturenigeria.com">The Future's</a> website. <br /><br />If you can, please resend thh comments and I will post. And I will do my darndest to update, so don't leave o!!<br /><br />ChudeChude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-85617048805396838502007-09-22T14:38:00.001-07:002007-09-22T23:42:10.224-07:00IT’S A BUMPER, BUMPER PACKAGE!<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/RvYJmne7CAI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Ud922H4qdUU/s1600-h/Sayo+(Editor,+Xpressions)+with+Ebuka.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_wMKBQpEY78I/RvYJmne7CAI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Ud922H4qdUU/s200/Sayo+(Editor,+Xpressions)+with+Ebuka.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113284985964136450" /></a><br />This weekend of our nation’s independence celebrations, young people in Nigeria will be kept very busy, if not directly, then by extension, as RedSTRAT presents two of its major events back to back in its relentless bid to inspire a generation of young Nigerians into taking charge of their destinies! <br /><br />On Sunday, the 30th of September 2007, in conjunction with Channels Television, it will be hosting the initially postponed Rubbin’ Minds talk shop, which will be broadcast live at 3pm on the Channels TV Network. <br /><br />The event – to be held at Planet One in Lagos – is for a select 200 young people between the ages of 16 and 30, who will gather to discuss ‘President Yara’adua’ and Co: First Impressions – an avenue to effectively inject a strong and genuine youth component into national discourse. <br /><br />To attend that event, or to recommend someone to attend, send an email to redstrat@thefuturenigeria.com. <br /><br />The very next day, 1st of October, as has become the tradition, RedSTRAT will be formally kicking off the 2008 edition of Nigeria’s biggest youth event. “The Future..” Awards, at an exclusive media and VIP event at rave venue, SixDegreesNorth in Ikoyi. <br /><br />A cocktail event that sees a gathering of some of the brightest and best upwardly mobile young Nigerians it is an opportunity to bounce the plans for the next Awards directly off a cross-section of its target. At this pre-event cocktail, the promos and campaigns will be unveiled, alongside the new categories, revised criteria, sneak preview of the plans for the event and its build-up, media partners and sponsors, and the guests are free to ask questions, record observations and make suggestions. <br /><br />About 25 seats are still available – if you think you or someone you know qualifies to fill in the slots, send an email to chude@thefuturenigeria.com, with name, age, and details of occupation. <br /><br />The organizer of these events, RedSTRAT, with its national spread and mainstream relevance, has quickly established itself as the first name on the lips when it comes to young people in Nigeria, relentless in its bid to act as principal change agent for its generation, presenting positive role model and creatively engaging the hearts and minds - and it is resolutely committed to this imperative. Further information on all the events can be gotten on www.thefuturenigeria.comChude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-76165317560903501262007-09-16T08:34:00.000-07:002007-09-16T08:41:36.888-07:00It’s An Assembly of Heavyweights Judging The Future… Awards 2008!In a matter of days, the three-month journey towards Nigeria’s biggest youth event “The Future…” Awards 2008 (holding on the 13th of January 2008), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, will formally kick off - a journey that many across the nation and beyond are certainly looking forward to with excitement. <br /> <br />But before the formal launch at an exclusive media and vip event on the 1st of October, the organizers can reveal the names of the distinguished Nigerians who have made the list of the Independent Audit Committee, judging the awards. <br />As has become the tradition, TFA prides itself on having perhaps the most transparent and rigorous Nigerian awards process, where nominees go through four stages that span 12 weeks - and the Audit Committee is the most important arm in this process. Therefore, it is understandable that, each year, part of the excitement of the awards is to see who would make the committee. <br /> <br />Yet committed to making the process even more fool-proof, the committee has been enlarged to a membership of 30, drawn from across every sector of the Nigerian society, through an elaborate selection process by the Central Working Committee. <br /> <br />From the corporate environment, there is Dr. Yemi Osindero, COO of Virgin Nigeria, Mrs. Funmi Omogbenigun who heads corporate communications in MTN and Siene Alwell-Brown of the NLNG – who is engaging in her first public/media activity after a long hiatus from the public space. <br /> <br />From the media there is Mr. Seye Kehinde, publisher of City people, Mr. Simon Kolawole, editor of Thisday, Mrs. Eugenia Abu of the NTA, Tajudeen Adepetu, who runs Soundcity amongst others in his massive TV network and Dr. Reuben Abati who is also the Chairman of the Audit Committee and has so been for three years now. <br /> <br />Iconic entrepreneurs, Tosan Jemide of Cakes by Tosan, Mrs. Mo Abudu of Vic Lawrence & Associates and Bolanle Austen-Peters of Terra Kulture also make the list. <br /> <br />Advocacy sees Mrs. Hafsat Abiola-Costello, Dr. Judith Burdin Asuni, Ms. Nike Awoyinka of Common Ground Productions and Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli of LEAP Africa, and from government there’s Hon. Abike Dabiri and Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, Chief of Staff in the EFCC. <br /> <br />In fashion, there are two doyennes, Ms. Ruth Osime who sits atop Thisday Style and Mrs. Data Okorodudu, Creative Director of JD7; and from entertainment there’s the legendary Onyeka Onwenu (MON), ace comedian, Ali Baba, and AMAA Awards chief, Peace Fiberesima. <br /> <br />And to top off the list are Ms. Bennie Uche from the US Consulate, human resource guru Fela Durotoye, Mr. Tunde Soyinka, Creative Director of IMS, sports icon Chief Segun Odegbami (MON), Dr. Emman Shehu Usman, Farafina publisher Muhtar Bakare, and Mrs. Funke Aboyade who is managing partner with Babalakin and Associates. <br /> <br />The Board of Trustees also sees new heavyweight additions including Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, and Chief Olusegun Osoba, who are joining the likes of Prof. Jadesola Akande, Prof. Pat Utomi, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Dr. Reuben Abati, Mr. John Momoh and Hon. Nduka Irabor. Further information on the event can be gotten on <a href="www.thefuturenigeria.com">www.thefuturenigeria.com</a> <br /> <br />There’s no doubt about it, this 2008 edition, “The Future…” Awards is set to take the nation by storm!<br /> <br /> <br />The List <br /> <br /> Dr. Reuben Abati (Chairman, The Guardian Editorial Board)<br /> Dr. Yemi Osindero (COO, Virgin Nigeria) <br /> Mrs. Sienne Alwell-Brown (Head, Corporate Communications, NLNG)<br /> Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi (Chief of Staff, EFCC) <br /> Mr. Seye Kehinde (Publisher, City People) <br /> Ms. Onyeka Onwenu (MON) <br /> Mr. Tosan Jemide (CEO, Cakes by Tosan)<br /> Hon Abike Dabiri (Member, House of Representatives)<br /> Mrs. Mo Abudu – (CEO, Vic Lawrence & Associates/ Inspire Africa)<br /> Chief Segun Odegbami (MON)<br /> Dr. Judith Asuni (Executive Director, AAPW) <br /> Mr. Simon Kolawole (Editor, Thisday Newspapers) <br /> Mr. Fela Durotoye (CEO, VIP Consulting) <br /> Mr. Tajudeen Adepetu (CEO, Consolidated Media Associates) <br /> Mrs. Funmi Omogbenigun (Head, Corporate Communications, MTN) <br /> Ms. Ruth Osime (Editor, Thisday Style) <br /> Mrs. Hafsat Abiola-Costello (Executive Director, KIND) <br /> Mrs. Funke Aboyade (Managing Partner, Babalakin & Associates) <br /> Ms. Bennie Uche (Information Officer, US Consulate) <br /> Mrs. Eugenia Abu (Head of Presentation, NTA News)<br /> Ms Nike Awoyinka (Publicist, Common Ground Productions) <br /> Dr. Emman Usman Shehu (The Presidency) <br /> Mrs. Peace Fiberesima (CEO, AMAA Awards) <br /> Mrs. Data Okorodudu (Creative Director, JD7) <br /> Mr. Alleluya Atuyota Akporobomeriere (CEO, XQZMOI) <br /> Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli (Executive Director, LEAP Africa) <br /> Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters (CEO, Terra Kulture) <br /> Mr. Muhtar Bakare (Publisher, Farafina) <br /> Mr. Tunde Soyinka (Creative Director, IMS)Chude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236598786477480691.post-15215617643672100982007-09-09T11:01:00.000-07:002007-09-09T12:21:30.765-07:00Rush Hour 3 v MY Rush Hour Week!<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9a/RH3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9a/RH3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO (That's the sound that comes when you blow out air out of your mouth - it's actually the elder cousin of a sigh of relief). <br /><br />I haven't slept at home for an entire week!!! Just got back a couple of hours ago - and I tell you: have I ever been so glad to see my room - and my bed!!!! <br /><br />It's all been about the new Rubbing Minds we were working on - shuffling between our new office space, the Channels TV studios (you know you've almost become staff when the security just waves you in!) and Planet One - and I was even the one doing the least work! I felt so sorry especially for <a href="www.thefuturenigeria.com/redstrat">Adebola</a>, our director of operations who is the one directly in charge of this project. But we managed to survive it - and then a couple of days ago it was cancelled, but for very good reason. Channels always wants stuff to be perfect, and that is always a positive thing; except that, as I joked, too much 'perfection', can be a bad thing! <br /><br />You'll be the first to know of the new date (in September) etc etc. Myself and Adebola were actually on <a href="www.channels.tv"> Sunrise</a> (I've ALWAYS wanted to go on Sunrise!) yesterday to talk about the postponement. <br /><br />In between all of that though, I was able to get - AT LAST! - internet on my computer (everyone's gotten it before me: my excuse of 'no time yet' was beginning to sound stupid even to me!), had lunch with fellow blogger, <a href="http://lindaikeji.blogspot.com">Linda</a>, and then (the big one) was able to go see Rush Hour 3!!!<br /><br />Now, my friends at <a href="www.rottentomatoes.com">rotten tomatoes</a> I have always agreed with on each and every fantastic movie (Notes on a Scandal, for instance) and the truly horrendous (Are We Done Yet picks up that trophy for now), but on Rush HOur 3 which got all of 13percent there ARE wrong! Add that to the fact that I went into the movie armed with cynicism and all the righteous snobbery of a movie critic, and then to have laughed so hard and almost at every turn?! Yes, Jackie Chan's face might be looking like a ton of bricks right now, and his mate isnt looking as dandy, but they still know how to tickle - and that whole subtle but very telling sub-theme on how America is the country that 'kills for no reason'? Brett Ratner certainly did the right thing in squeezing the last juice from teh franchise. Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant. If you havent seen Rush Hour 3, it's still at the cinemas (at least, Silverbird) - HURRY!!!<br /><br />Speaking out what ele's good; it's a shame that the series <a href="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commander_in_Chief_(TV_series)">Commander-in-Chief</a>, only did one series before it was pulled off. <a href="http://justinkwisitive.blogspot.com">Emilia</a> was raving about it, cos she bought the series after she saw Oprah raving about it, and I was hooked all night until I had seen ALL 18 episodes and it is splendid! President Allen Mackenzie is perhaps the most brilliant character ever created.. Only worry though, seeing as after one episode, the viewers interest shifted (people blame ABC for 'mismanaging' the series, whatever that means) would that be a metaphor for how America sees Hilary Clinton's candidacy? I most certainly hope not. <br /><br />And once more I say: Rush Hour 3 was FANTASTIC!<br /><br />My week in a nutshell! Yours? <br /><br />ChudeChude!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04452863522535198765noreply@blogger.com7