Top Artistes, Mega 99, Wale Tekoma, Segun Blessing, Others Perform As Faaji F.M. Marks 5th Anniversary

For the management, staff and independent broadcasters on Faaji 106.5 F.M., Lagos, Friday, December 1st, 2017, was more than just the public holiday declared in Nigeria for Maolud Nabiyy to celebrate the birthday of Holy Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W.). The day was coincidentally, the 5th anniversary of the soar away radio station. And to mark the day modestly, the management of the station, led by Dr. Ambrose Olutayo Somide, the Director, Radio Services, Daar Communicatuon PLC, organized an exclusive party for themselves and a few members of the public.

The celebration started few minutes past 2 P.M. with a special broadcast anchored by top On-Air-Personalities on the Yoruba and Pidgin English based station; Banjo Ojedeji who kick-started the broadcast in Yoruba, and Omo Jesu who spoke in Pidgin English to carry the two denomination of audience along. Shortly after the two presenters of note introduced the special broadcast as one meant for the 5th anniversary celebration, Dr. Somide came on the microphone to speak to their teeming audience.

The very articulate broadcaster in both English and Yoruba languages, said the journey so far for the radio station, as smooth as it seemed to the members of the public, had its own ups and downs, but their fighting spirit surmounted all the challenges that reared their ugly heads. He added that what makes Faaji F.M. tick is because the radio station is an avenue where talents meet opportunities. In other words, he revealed that the many talented broadcasters who present programmes on the station are given ample opportunity to showcase themselves through the platform of the station with varieties of interesting programmes. And that is what, according to him, does the magic of Faaji F.M.'s front line position amidst radio stations in the country.

After the brief broadcast, there was cutting of anniversary cake and photo sessions in the studio before the party moved to an alfresco level within the premises of the station where a marquee had been set up and tables and chairs underneath it arranged in banquet form. There was also a stage in the distance for musical performances, and as was in the studio, Banjo Ojedeji and Omo Jesu in their very jocular and witty characters navigated the proceedings.

There was a table for top management staff of the station at the fore front of the marquee. And those who sat there together with Dr. Somide included: Madam Jire Kuforiji, Madam Ibiyemi Olufowobi, Madam Yewande Iwuoha, Madam Abiola Aberuagba and Mr. Johnson Onime. For the event to take off effectively, there was an opening prayer in Muslim way by Imam Mustapha Daud, and in a Christian way by Madam Yewande Iwuoha. And shortly after, Dr. Somide took his opening remarks on the stage.

Apart from briefly tracing the history of independent radio broadcasting in Nigeria which was flagged off in 1993 by Raypower F.M., a sister station to Faaji F.M. and how its success story set off a domino effect of independent radio stations opening in the country, one after the other, he reiterated what he said earlier in the studio about the reason behind the headway of the highflying Faaji F.M. within the last five years. There was general cake cutting exercise and photo session of all the presenters on the station who were in attendance, before a toast to Faaji F.M. at 5 was taken by Madam Ibiyemi Olufowobi.

Without further ado, musical performance began on the stage while eating and drinking went on under the marquee. Some of the artistes that graced the stage with electrifying performances included: Dare Majemu, Yomi Apase Emi, Yetty Swift, Wale Tekoma, Aladesanmi Ibile, Jerryman, Shakirat Wahab Ogo Tuntun, Mega 99, Segun Blessing and Bunmi Akinnanu Adeoye. But Little Angel, an 8 year old girl stole the show with her unbelievably exciting performance, and Ademuyiwa Wikipedia dazzled with his uncanny ability to reel out current affairs off hand, like a human computer.

Some of the top presenters on the radio station who were at the well organised celebration included: Yemi Sounde, Sulaiman Adegbenro Consoligbadun, Otunba Yemi Odunodu, Yemi Ajide Olayinka, Ifankehaleluyah, Goke Babalola, Imalian Boy, Abiodun Oropo, Soji Alabi Famous, Kayode Adejumo, Doyin Olatunji, Dayo Amusan, Skin Dudu, Fatai Bantale, Sina Adegbite, Bidemi Olukuewu, Kokoro Alujanna, Abass Adefulu, Kudirat Asani Olayinka and a host of others.

APAPA HOLDS FIRST ECONOMIC SUMMIT

Hitherto Apapa is regarded as gold mine Local Government which has many opportunities and enriched potentials  for both Nigerians and the outside world. But suddenly, the aforementioned Golden pastures have been eluding investors and promising entrepreneurs. This greatly affected the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

It is in consideration of the challenges faced by the Local Government that necessitated the brain storming which brought about *HARNESSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC AND SUSTAINABLE TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS*

In order to find  lasting solutions to this lingering challenges, the Local Government partnered with Apapa Development Initiative.

The Summit spans two consecutive days 21st - 22nd Nov, 2017 at Rock View Hotel.

Hon. Owolabi Elijah Adele, Executive Chairman of Apapa Local Government said the Summit was a significant milestone because it will create platforms for brain storming and cross fertilize ideas with opportunities for self and community development. He stated that Apapa is regarded as the gateway to the Nation's economy and presently in a state of despondency as a result of scourge of hellish traffic situation affecting every sphere of life in the Government.

He narrated the ordeals of the Local Government as most companies are relocating, residents selling their properties for peanuts, workers go through hectic times getting to and off work. The problem which is caused by bad roads, lack of capacity of ports to manage their cargo throughout.

With this synergy, according to him, all major players, experts and professionals will not only unravel the mysteries surrounding the traffic problem but also examine how economic life can return to Apapa and how thr people can optimize the potentials of having two large ports in Africa within their domain through concrete workable and implementable solutions.

Her Excellency, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, wife of the Governor of Lagos State gave keynote address on *WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT* She noted that the topic was relevant to the summit because economic development of any society comes faster with the involvement of women. She stated that women dominated the informal sector of most economies. And that in addition to domestic responsibilities at home, women are involved in petty trading that would generate income.

The first Lady submitted that many Nigerian women are now heading the management teams of banks, Major manufacturing companies and other blue chip firms with branches beyond the shores of Nigeria and Africa. Also, many influential Nigerian women, politicians and appointees in positions of authority, daily contribute to major economic decisions at the highest level determining official policy directions.

 Mr Mike Egbayelo, Executive Secretary/CEO Apapa Development Initiative said the summit was a thoughtful constellation of ideas across different sectors how to positively impact on the generation of revenue and overall development of Apapa Local Government. According to him, he is visualising Apapa as indispensable hub of economic Haven.

In recognition of her Her Excellency's role as epitome of general philanthropist and founder of *"HOPE FOR WOMEN IN NIGERIA"*The Apapa Local Government Executive Chairman, Hon. Adele Elijah Owolabi together with Apapa-Iganmu's Chairman Hon. Funmilayo Mohammed and CEO ADI Presented award to her.

Majority Leader, Hon. Muyiwa received award on behalf of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa.
The following topics were deliberated upon for way forward: EFFECTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MODEL FOR APAPA - CIS PERSPECTIVE,
EFFICIENT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND TRUCK TRANSIT PARK-THE REGULATORS PERSPECTIVE,
AUTOMOTED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND CALL-UP SYSTEM - THE INVESTORS, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF TRAFFIC PROBLEM, REVENUE GENERATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN APAPA, OPTIMISING OPPORTUNITIES IN MARINE INDUSTRY, THE NEW PORTS MASTER-OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITIES AND STAKE HOLDERS and many more.

There were many important personalities at the summit who equally delivered wonderful speeches.

LAGOS COUNCIL BOSS, OLABISI ADEBAJO CELEBRATES 1ST 100 DAYS IN OFFICE WITH ‘LIVES’ TOUCHING PROJECTS

The Executive Chairman, Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alimosho, Lagos State, Hon. Princess Olabisi Adebajo popularly called Abisco, has set a pace for others to follow in service delivery as political office holders in the country. The hardworking woman, within a space of just 100 days at the helms of affairs at her fast developing LCDA, has achieved what some would struggle to put in their score cards in terms of dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots, at the end of their 3 or 4 year tenure.

For Abisco whose—like many other council bosses in Lagos State—tenure just clocked 100 days on Monday, 7^th November, 2017, it was a catalogue of achievements for her weeklong celebration. The week started off with graduation of about 200 beneficiaries of what was tagged: Abisco Skills Acquisition Programme (ASAP) where the graduands, after acquiring basic skills for 4 weeks in different crafts including Fashion Designing, Hairdressing, Tailoring, Barbing, Beads Making, Pedicure/Manicure, Soap, Insecticide, Liquid Soap and Hand Sanitizer Making, Shoe and Other Leather Crafts Making, were equipped with the tools and facilities necessary to start off their own businesses immediately.

While the beneficiaries could not hide their joy at the kind gesture from the first female Executive Chairman of the LCDA for a project which was said to be only a 1^st Phase, Abisco who asserted that she believed in teaching people how to fish rather than giving them fishes, further admonished the graduands at the ceremony that: “While I would like to thank the instructors in the various crafts during the just concluded programme for doing diligent jobs, I want to encourage all the participants to nurture a cordial relationship with their different instructors so that they can always go back to them whenever necessary for clarifications on any grey area in what they learnt as the case may be. Knowledge is always continuous, so learning doesn’t end here.”

And like the acronym for her Day 1 project: ASAP connotes, the amiable chairman was apparently a woman willing to succeed As Soon As Possible (ASAP) as the Day 2 of her celebration of 1^st 100 Days in Office witnessed another laudable event. Tuesday, 8^th November, kicked off with the hosting of Widows and Elders from Mosan-Okunola LCDA where the chairman interacted and danced with them before they were all handed cash gifts for their welfare. According to some of the benefiting Widows and Elders, that was the “first time ever,” that they would be remembered by anyone taking charge of the LCDA. Meanwhile, Abisco had earlier told them in her speech that, “…While we may also not be carrying out an exercise like this day in, day out, we would ensure that it happens from time to time because we recognise that this set of people needs to be supported and cared for at this stage of their lives. Life is in phases and everyone’s turn to a stage like this is bound to come at some point in time. And it is whatever we sow today we shall reap tomorrow.” Hence, they all left happily as they looked forward to another round of such gesture.

Day 3 of the celebration was dedicated to what was tagged: Abisco Health Fitness Walk/ Health Talk during which the chairman led a section of people from the LCDA on a fitness walk that took off from Estate Gate, Mosan, and travelled through different areas of the local council as residents and traders who could not take part in it waved approvingly to those doing the exercise. The walk eventually terminated at the Multipurpose Hall of the LCDA where a fitness expert had health talk with the people at which they were told the importance of taking such walk. “…Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce our risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. And unlike some other forms of exercise, walking is free and doesn’t require any special equipment or training”, the expert explained as Abisco kept nodding in affirmation which went to show same was her rationale for initiating the exercise and for also taking part as a demonstration to all.

Because her aim was evidently to touch lives of everyone within her domain, and having done something for the youths on Day 1, and something for the old on Day 2, Day 4 of the celebration was then dedicated to children at school. The indefatigable chairman whom many from her LCDA have started referring to as “Abisco Talk and Do” donated 400 Chairs and Desks, 3000 School Bags and 27000 Exercise Books to all the 4 public Primary Schools in Mosan-Okunola. At the event for the donation which took place at Abesan Primary School where the chairman mingled and danced with the obviously appreciative children, she reasoned in her speech that her gesture was to make learning environment conducive for the children. “… If truly, they (the children) are the leaders of tomorrow, we owe them the responsibility of being soundly educated as a foundation. And that is indeed, our driving force in this direction.” She concluded before Student Representatives from Lagos State University (LASU) presented her with a merit award as the Best Performing Chairman of the Year 2017 at the event.

The final day of the celebration which was Friday, 10^th November, witnessed commissioning of Steel Link Bridge at Water/Cele Village which was constructed to make the adjoining communities more accessible for the residents. Residents carried placards to appreciate the gesture of the chairman in constructing the bridge for them while the commissioning proceeded. The next project in line for commissioning on the day was school toilet and potable water supply for African Church Primary School, Akinogun, and the two projects were commissioned promptly by Abisco. And to end the week of celebration, the chairman later led her Executive Committee members and some party chieftains to inspect patching of bad portion and overlaying of asphalt on Mr Biggs Junction By 21 Road (Gowon Estate) aimed at easing the stress usually faced by road users on the stretch of road in the LCDA. As at the time of this report, works have since been completed on the said road.

See pictures from the events…

WE HAVE THE CAPACITY TO FETE 20 THOUSAND GUESTS AT A GO

FINGER KING SMALL CHOPS' BOSS, WALE ADEOWO

Cool, calm and collected, Mr. Wale Adeowo is the brain behind the top of the range finger foods brand, Finger King. The top brand which used to be known as Adedaas Small Chops ranks among those located within Sura Shopping Complex, Simpson Street, Lagos Island. Few days ago, SAHEED OJUBANIRE, was at the cozy office of Mr. Adeowo where he fielded questions relating to his small chops business and his other business interests. He revealed the reason that necessitated the change of name of his brands, the number of guests they can take care of at a single event, and responded satisfactorily to other questions posed to him. It was a very interesting interview session. Enjoy it:

Q: For the purpose of this interview, please introduce yourself…

R: My name is Wale Adeowo. The C.E.O., Finger King, the C.E.O., Meridien Paint, the C.E.O., Adedas Interior.

Q: You have one of the big brands in the finger foods industry, Finger King, what spurred your interest into that line of business?

R: Before I ventured into the business, there were two major players in the industry then. So, I saw the vacuum and with my informal training from my mother’s restaurant I felt that I could fill the gap. I saw what those two major players couldn’t see then and I tapped into it. And by the grace of God we were able to leverage on that and we became a name to reckon with in the industry.

Q: What year exactly did you start off?

R: That was 2003. We started 2003 precisely and the first job we did was impromptu. We were ready; we already have our kitchen, our office but we were still sourcing for clients. But Otunba Dayo Adeneye, D1, he is a very good brother, he was being installed as Otunba Gbobaniyi of Odogbolu then, so he now called for our service. That was the first event we handled and it was a success. And from there, we got about ten other jobs. So, that was how we started.

Q: When you started, you had a different brand name, Adedaas; why the change to Finger King now?

R: Yes, because our vision for the industry has changed. We want to become a global name and we don’t want to be synonymous or identified with a region. When you see ‘Ade’, you know Ade comes from Yoruba language, but we want to cover all the regions in Nigeria and outside Nigeria, so we thought of a name that goes with what we do that you don’t have to explain to people, that is what inspired that name. Being a major player in the industry, we sought for different names which were not approved. So, it was only Finger King that was approved by C.A.C. and the name has been so helpful in the industry because before then, we needed to tell people before they could differentiate between the Adidas that does sports and the Adedaas that does small chops. So, with Finger King, you don’t need to explain to anybody that that is what we do. We are into food industry and we have vision of opening different outlets all over the country. We have vision of giving people our franchise to open outlets in other parts of Lagos and the country at large. So, having that name will make it a lot easier for us and that is the reason we felt we had to rebrand so that we could become a house-hold name that identifies with what we do.

Q: As a professional, how important do you think finger foods are for any good event? Are finger foods necessary when you already have real food served?

R:  When you don’t have finger foods at your event, your event is not complete. It gives your event a kind of classic setting because you would agree with me that what people serve, the normal catering people serve at events are the normal rice, Amala, and the rest which we are used to at home. Everybody eats that at home. But finger foods are not what you can just wake up in your house and say you want to prepare. It needs professionals; it is not everybody that can do it. So, when people get to events, a lot of people, the elites, the big men, they don’t like eating the usual foods. They ask for small chops and when you don’t have small chops at your event, they might end up not eating anything at your event. So, that is what finger foods add to events. At least, people can have varieties. Okay, I’m going for this event and I’m not going to have the usual foods but I would take finger foods. So, finger foods make your event complete.

Q: While walking into this place I saw an outlet which is actually an eatery that belongs to Finger King. So, apart from being engaged for events and outdoors, are you also into eateries?

R: Like I said earlier, we are only using that place to test run. Our vision is to have outlets all over Nigeria, all over Lagos. We want to start with Lagos first where people can walk in and book for their small chops and in ten minutes, they get it ready. So, we are test running with the one you saw. We notice that people come in and sit down, take small chops with drinks. So, that has given us an idea of what we can achieve having outlets all over Lagos and eventually, all over Nigeria. So, the one here is just a test run.

Q: What makes Finger King different from others in the industry?

R: Yes, first of all, it’s the taste. We have unique taste. You don’t have to see our name; if the pack or foils are not branded, if you taste the foods you would know this is from Finger King. We have that distinct taste which stands us out. And our service delivery—we are prompt—we have prompt delivery practice. If we say we are going to deliver in 5 minutes, you can rest assured we will deliver in 5 minutes. And if we say it is one hour, you will get it in 1 hour. We work every day, we make delivery to offices, to homes, everyday. When orders come in, we give priorities to orders according to the time of request. So, we are prompt in delivery. And talking about events, we have well trained staff, well dedicated waiters who are there to attend to you at your beck and call. They are well behaved, well trained, well dressed. So, in terms of taste, prompt delivery and service delivery, we are number one. We take our customers as kings, we give them priority, because without customers there can never be us. We give them priority and value for money. And when I say value for money, I mean we don’t cut corners. If you pay for five thousand guests, you’ll get the five thousand guests and extra. We don’t give you less than what you book for. If you have any return, if we come to your event and there is return, we will tell you this is what we reserved. If you want the money, we will refund the money for the return and if you want the return to be served at another event, we would do that for you.

Q: Is there a maximum number of guests that Finger King can cater for at a single event?

R: One of our outlets can handle five thousand guests, maximum. But when we put all our outlets together where each outlet can do maximum of five thousand guests, putting all our four outlets together, we can do maximum of twenty thousand guests at a single event.

Q: As the CEO of Finger King, what is your relationship like with other players in the industry?

R: They are all my friends. I see them as my driving force because without competition, you cannot go anywhere. They are the ones that make you focused and they drive you. If you don’t have competitors you will feel that you are the champion, you are there. But when you see people behind you or people ahead of you, you’ll want to catch up with the people ahead of you and you don’t want the people coming behind to catch up with you. So, they are all my friends, we have very cordial relationship. Aside from the work we are doing that we are trying to say I’m the best in the industry, outside that, we have very good relationship.

Q: Let’s talk about other lines of businesses you are into and how you manage all of them together…

R: After ten years in business, we thought of diversifying after finding our roots in finger foods, so we thought of going into furniture and interior decoration. And we set up Adedaas Interior. And we have also gone into paint manufacturing in collaboration with my Lebanese friend. And in that too, we are doing very fine. And very soon, our bottle water line will come out. What makes me happy is getting people employed. It is not really the money to be made that drives me but getting people off the street and looking at them that these people are feeding their family and themselves through what we are doing. That gives me joy that they don’t have to go to anybody to beg for food. They work and get paid for their services. So, that is my driving force; when I see people looking for job and I say I’m going to employ you and they are okay. So, the number of people I employ, the happier I am. That my vision; create businesses and get people employed.

Q: How easy as it been combining and managing all the businesses together?

R: I competent work force, my wife is very competent and I have managers who are very dedicated. So, I can rely on them. And I am up and doing as well. It is 100 percent monitoring and when they know the employer knows what he is doing, they would sit up and won’t want to mess up. And we don’t compromise on standard and what we want. So, once they know all of that, they too will give you what you want.

Q: Tell us a little about your family…

R: Well, I’m happily married to a lovely woman and we have wonderful kids.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your educational background?

R: Yes, I am a degree holder in Business Administration. And as Associate Member of Nigeria Institute of Management, and I hold a Certificate from Nigeria Institute of Purchasing, Management and Supply. I’m a Chattered Marketer in view and that is all.

Q: Where did you have your first degree?

R: Federal University of Technology, Akure.

Q: Finally, what is your message for the potential clients of Finger King out there?

R: My message is, Finger King is the only place, I repeat, the only place they can get value for money. They will not regret patronizing us. And when they taste our finger foods, they are hooked because that is a taste they cannot get anywhere else. And my philosophy of life is I don’t give people what I cannot eat. I eat small chops almost every day, so I’m sure of the ingredients we use, the oil we use, everything we use are world class standard. So, Finger King is the only place they can get value for their money. They will not regret coming to us or choosing us as their finger foods providers. We always appreciate our customers, we know it is not easy to come by money these days, so we go extra mile to give them satisfaction.

Islamic Music Stars Storm IMAN Awards 2017

As Seye Kehinde, Ambrose Somide, MC Oluomo, 5 Others Were Honoured

The much anticipated Islamic Music and Associated Nominees (IMAN) Awards 2017 has finally held on August 20th, 2017, at White House Hotel Multipurpose Hall, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos, amidst pomp and pageantry. The only industry award event for all Islamic artistes in Nigeria and diaspora had been much publicised by the organizers, Synergy Media, weeks before the event in all the available media platforms from online, to print and broadcast, hence, practitioners and stakeholders in the industry were already upbeat for the awards which was just in its second edition.

Like in its inaugural edition in 2016, the 2017 edition was also hosted by the multitalented broadcaster and event compere, Musiliu Sanni, better known as Mr. Bebe or Bebe Musiliu, who doubled as the Master of Ceremonies (MC) and stand-up comedian for the whole period of the event and ensured that he took his audience on countless comic excursions back and forth while it lasted. Not to bore the audience with talks and jokes only, the MC also invited some of the artistes who arrived early after they had done Red Carpet interviews hosted by Lekan Adebayo, a fast rising entertainment personality,  to show the stuff they were made of on the stage and the artistes included Golden Son, Hyb Addis, Lawizzy, Ade Omo Ade, Al-Mubarak Kewuyemi and few others.

After the hall was already jam-packed by artistes and many of their fans from far and near, Saheed Ojubanire was invited to the stage to give a welcome address on behalf of the organizers. And when the tall and dark complexioned young man stepped on the stage in his silver coloured dry lace buba and sokoto under a silver colour agbada sewn with Atiku material, he collected the microphone from the MC and drew the microphone stand to himself. When he slide the microphone into its hold and the audience gave a murmur of confusion born out of not knowing if he was going to sing or speak, he quickly put them out of their misery by saying that he was not going to sing but needed the stand to hold the microphone since he was going to be reading his address from his android phone and would need his two hands; one to hold the phone, the other to scroll it.

Reading his address, Saheed Ojubanire, welcomed the audience officially to the event and told them they were in for an exciting experience. And he adduced the reason to the fact that IMAN Awards was one of the few award events in Nigeria in which winners are not pre-informed of their emergence just to encourage them to come. He said rather, what brings people to IMAN Awards is confidence derived from their committed participation in the short code based voting process which usually precede the award event since winners are decided 100 percent by people’s votes. And those with the highest votes in all the categories honestly emerge winners. He listed 5 categories that were not going to be awarded because no vote was recorded in them, before he climaxed that with the fact that voting results were printed and brought to the event as he displayed a sealed brown envelope containing copies of the results.

He then went into talking about the theme for the 2017 edition which is: “Opening the Hall of Fame” in which 8 distinguished personalities who had contributed to the growth of Islamic music industry were listed for induction. He reeled out their names as Dr. Seye Kehinde, the Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief of City People magazine, Dr. Ambrose Somide, the Managing Director, Radio Services, Daar Communications Plc., Mr. Olugbenga Sunday Esan, a renowned music and movie marketer, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, a popular transporter and major pillar of financial support to entertainers, Alhaji Latifu Oloto, a veteran Islamic artiste, Alhaji Wasiu As-Sideeq, a long-standing Islamic artiste, Alhaji Bolaji Bello, a veteran music producer and Mr. Dare Zaka, an ace music video director, who all came to the event for their decoration into the Hall of Fame in appreciation of the different roles they played in elevating the Islamic music industry to the great height it has attained today.

Saheed Ojubanire also spoke about a new development which he said would transform the media platform on which IMAN Awards is organized from Synergy Media to Different Stroke Media. He said they were two people who started the awards in 2016 but one had pulled out his further participation for personal reasons which necessitated a restructuring. He hinted that Different Stroke Media was going to be setting up a functional website in which profiles of all willing Islamic artistes would be stored at a cost, so that members of the public could be referenced to such profiles if any of the artistes are nominated into any category of IMAN Awards in future to read about them in other to make informed decision before voting. He added that, such profiles were also going to be used as part of contents of a book to soon be published on: The Evolution of Islamic Music in Nigeria (The origin, the artistes/stakeholders & the new dimensions) by Different Stroke Media. He promised that further details would be communicated to whom it may concern as time goes on.

He rounded up his address by thanking all the worthy partners to the event from Otunba Adewale Adeowo, the MD/CEO of Finger King Small Chops and Cocktails that served delicious finger foods for everyone to munch at the event, Intercontinental Distillers Limited (IDL) which served top of the range Veleta Sparkling Fruit Wine to every guests as their personels were physically on ground to ensure everyone had a taste of it, Mr. Akeem Salami, the MD/CEO of Balkeem Nigeria Limited, the manufacturers of proudly Nigerian staple food aesthetically packaged for local and international markets, Ijebulawa Garri, which was distributed to guests, and his friends who stood by him such as Say Zolar, Destiny Vision,
Sleek Impression, Bebe Musiliu Productions, Abiodun Ogundairo as well as his lovely wife.

Right after the welcome address by the organizer, it was time to decorate inductees into the Hall of Fame and to coordinate that exercise, Comrade Desmond Abiodun Nwachukwu, the National President of Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), was invited to the stage. And Saheed Ojubanire stood beside him on the stage to state the reasons each of the inductees were selected. He said Dr. Seye Kehinde was selected for being a very liberal Christian who had been giving support to Islamic artistes with adequate coverage in City People magazine as well as hosting many of them on the platform of City people Entertainment over the years. Dr. Ambrose Somide was selected for being another very liberal Christian who allowed adequate airplay for Islamic music on one of the radio stations under his watch, Faaji 106.5 F.M. over the years, especially, by not relegating playing of Islamic music to only Fridays affair like it is in many other radio stations. Mr Olugbenga Sunday Esan was selected for being another Christian in the music marketing business with strong bias for Islamic music into which he had brought a lot of innovations over the years.

Others, such as Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, better known as MC Oluomo was said to have been selected for being a consistent financial backbone to the Islamic music industry. Alhaji Latifu Oloto, a veteran Islamic artiste was selected for being one of those who set the pace for others to follow in what has become a booming music industry. Alhaji Wasiu As-Sideeq was selected for being a solid bridge between the old and new generation of Islamic artistes who has remained very relevant in the industry despite the years he has spent singing. Alhaji Bolaji Bello was selected for being one of those who made their name producing and singing Islamic music when the going was still very tough but remained steadfast. And Mr. Dare Zaka was selected for being a music video director whose name is synonymous with high quality Islamic music videos over the years. He has proven his magic touch is for real.

Immediately after the basis of their selection had been stated, the inductees were decorated by the FIBAN President with rosettes inscribed with IMAN Awards’ Hall of Fame won round their necks and Certificate of Induction presented to them before they moved from the stage one after the other to sign their autographs against their names on IMAN Awards Hall of Fame Inductee Autographs’ banner hung on the wall and meant to be displayed in all future editions of the awards. The first six personalities that were inducted because they arrived early, except MC Oluomo and Alhaji Wasiu As-Sideeq, then came back to the stage where customized Induction Cake with customized IMAN Award plaque designed on it, to cut the cake while Saheed Ojubanire also stood in their midst as the cake was cut with the spelling of I-M-A-N-A-W-A-R-D-S-H-A-L-L-O-F-F-A-M-E. When MC Oluomo and Alhaji Wasiu As-Sideeq arrived eventually, same was done for them.

Presentation of awards to winners began in earnest after the induction with Dr. Seye Kehinde being the first person called to carry out the exercise of presentation, followed by Dr. Ambrose Somide, Alhaji Lateef Oloto, Mr. Olugbenga Sunday Esan, Mr. Akeem Salami (Ijebulawa), and a host others till the last plaque was presented.

Some of the top Islamic music stars who were physically present at the event with some of them winning awards and appreciating the organizers include: Alhaji Mumeen Damilola (Esinogbamilaye), the president of Islamic Musicians’ Association of Nigeria (ISMAN), Alhaji Qamardeen Odunlami (Ayeloyun), Alhaja Basirat Iya-N-Ghana, Alhaja Mujidat Lawal Damilola (Wabilahi Taofeeq), Alhaja Medinat Barry Tide, Alhaja Mistura Temi Ni Success, Alhaji Mutiu Akasho, Hassan Omo Idunnu, Aishat Ayopo, Golden Son, Fadhilat Sheikh Aderemi T.K. (Alfamini), Alhaja Ruqoyaah Gawat, Alhaja Sophiat Iya-N-Kaola, Crescents and many others. Popular transporter, Alhaji Ganiyu Ayinde better known as Koko Zaria, Pappy and Smart Olayinka accompanied MC Oluomo to his day of glory. Meanwhile, Ayeloyun took over the stage towards the end of the event to appreciate the organizer and everyone that came before everything was brought to a close.

IMAN AWARDS 2017 WINNERS AT A GLANCE

(1) Akeem Ijebulawa Award for Best Male Islamic Artiste: Saoti Arewa
(2) JIMLAT Award for Best Female Islamic Artiste: Ruqoyaah Gawat
(3) Best Islamic Music Album: Apase (Kifayat Singer)
(4) Hasolad Award for Best Islamic Music Video: Temitope (Ruqoyaah Gawat)
(5) Best Islamic Music Collaboration: I Miss You Muhammad.
(6) Best Islamic Hip Hop Artiste: Hyb Addis
(7) Face of Islamic Music [Male]: Ayeloyun
(8) Face of Islamic Music [Female]: Obi Rere
(9) Best New Male Islamic Artiste: Mutiu Akasho
(10) Best New Female Islamic Artiste: (Joint Winners) Aminat Akobi Omo & Nafisat Eniafe.
(11) Most Fashionable Male Islamic Artiste: Ere Asalatu.
(12) Most Fashionable Female Islamic Artiste: Wabillahi Taofeeq.
(13) Bolaji Bello Award for Best Islamic Music Producer: Kazeem Akogba.
(14) Best Islamic Music Video Director:  Lukman Anisere.
(15) Best Islamic Music Instrumentalist: Kazeem Demola Ayeloja.
(16)Alfamini Award for Best Islamic Kid Artiste: Aishat Ayopo.
(17) Best Islamic Artiste in Stage Performance: Mistura Temi Ni Success.
(18) Best Islamic Artiste in Diaspora: Sekinat Omidiya (London/Dublin).
(19) Best Popular Tune Adaptation in Islamic Music: Ere Asalatu (Yinka Ayefele’s Tune)
(20) Sulaiman Alawe Award for Best Azikiri Based Islamic Artiste: Iya-N-Ghana.
(21) Best Islamic Soul (Nashid) Artiste: Crescents.
(22) Best Islamic Artiste’s Manager: Muritadho Sulaiman (Mistura Temi Ni Success).
(23) Best Featured Non Islamic Artiste in Islamic Music: No vote recorded.
(24) Best Islamic Music Video Editor: Saheed Oyeledun.
(25) Best Featured Movie Actor in Islamic Music Video: No vote recorded.
(26) Saheed Ojubanire Award for Best Islamic Music Marketer:  Golden Point.
(27) Best Islamic Music Promoter: Okiki.
(28) Best Supportive Radio Station to Islamic Music: Family f.m. (Abeokuta).
(29) Best Supportive Tv Station to Islamic Music: No vote recorded.
(30) Best Supportive Newspaper to Islamic Music: No vote recorded.
(31) Best Supportive Magazine to Islamic Music: No vote recorded.
(32) Best Supportive Individual to Islamic Music: MC Oluomo.
(33) Best Islamic Music Friendly Broadcaster (Male): Baakini.
(34) Best Islamic Music Friendly Broadcaster (Female): Ewa Islam.
(35) Okiki Award for Best Supportive Islamic Cleric to Islamic Music: Sheikh Muri N Bariga.
(36) Akeem Ijebulawa Award for Best Reporter of Islamic Music: Gbolahan Adetayo.
(37) Best Make-Up Artist in Islamic Music Video Shoot: Aminat Ganiu.
(38) Best Camera Handler in Islamic Music Video Shoot: Yomi Tijani.
(39) Okiki Award for Best Studio Engineer in Islamic Music Production: Ola Akewusola (Zeal Mark Studio)

Lagos Top Publisher, Ola Muhammed Loses Dad At 72

Alhaji Raji Muhamned, father of top Lagos journalist and publisher of Islanders International and Lifestyle  Magazine, Ola Muhammed  ,died last week Thursday, the 20th of July, in his home at Abule-Foli, Ibeju- Lekki,Lagos.

The late father of the stylish publisher who passed on at 72 was buried the next day according to Islamic rites. The late Seriki as he's  popularly called, until his death was the chairman of Ajah Butcher Progressives Association and member, Board of Trustees of Eti-Osa Butchers Progressive Association.

To honour him, the Butchers Progressives Association of Eti-Osa has given order to her members not to open on Friday, 28th of July, which is the 8 day fridau prayer and final burial.

May his soul rest in perfect peace. He is survived by two wives, children and grandchildren.

Again, Pasuma And Saheed Osupa Go Head To Head For IMAN Award Glory

… As Hip Hop Star, Seriki Omo Owo Joins The Fray

Nominations for Islamic Music and Associated Nominees (IMAN) Awards 2017 have again thrown up an interesting contest between two Fuji music stars, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Odetola popularly known as Pasuma and his main rival in Fuji music industry, Alhaji Saheed Okunola better known as Saheed Osupa, as they have again been both nominated in the category for Best Featured Non Islamic Artiste in Islamic Music. According to the organizers, Synergy Media, their category was the most fiercely contested of all the categories in IMAN Awards 2016. Even far more than other categories that involved core Islamic artistes directly.

“It was so interesting last year that the category which is not even directly an Islamic music category was the most keenly contested. The fans of Pasuma and Saheed Osupa really took the voting to each other’s door step as the two star artistes were neck to neck with the votes coming in till the last minute when Saheed Osupa edged out Pasuma to the coveted award with a slim margin,” the organizers disclosed.

Though, the two of them were not the only Fuji artistes nominated in the category, the organizers further revealed, but the two of them left others far behind with their vote volume. Meanwhile, unlike last year when Fuji artistes only made the category, there is an inclusion of a hip hop star, Seriki Omo Owo, for the 2017 edition amidst other Fuji artistes who were featured in Islamic music collaborations in the last one year. Seriki Omo Owo was featured by an Islamic hip hop crooner, Hyb Addis, in one of the tracks in his recently released Islamic hip hop album which is a first of its kind in Islamic music.

To see other nominees in the category, and in fact, other categories of IMAN Awards 2017 and how to vote, interested people can google IMAN Awards 2017 Nominations or simply search for #IMANAwards2017Nominations on Facebook.

IMAN AWARDS 2017 NOMINATIONS ARE OUT

The much awaited nominations for Islamic Music and Associated Nominees (IMAN) Awards 2017 have been finally released by the organizers, Synergy Media. The nominations which were supposed to have been released before the commencement of the 2017 Ramadan fasting were delayed till after the fasting period due to what the organizers described as agitations from a good number of stake-holders in the Islamic music industry who canvassed that the nominations should be left till well after Ramadan so that albums meant to be released during the Ramadan period and for Sallah celebration could also be considered for nominations into relevant categories. “And since IMAN Awards are meant for the industry, the agitations from the stake-holders were given serious consideration, so we had to delay the nominations till after Ramadan,” the organizers rationalized.

Meanwhile, unlike the 2016 edition where votes for nominees in all the categories of the awards were sent to two regular telephone numbers, the organizers also asserted that they have put in place a short code for the 2017 edition. The organizers then explained that the main rationale behind the short code is to ease the collation process of the votes as it would now be done by a central computer system through an agency that has been commissioned for it, and it is also meant to enhance the credibility of the awards as voting results as recorded by the computer would by the grace of God, be displayed on a projector screen at the award ceremony for everyone to see how people voted before winners emerged. “The computer collation system we adopted is a foolproof one that would definitely not allow for any manipulation from any quarters,” the organizers assured.

Hence, the short code is: 33811. And to vote any nominee in the following award categories, the process has been made very simple. All the voter would have to do would be to type as a text message on any kind of phone they use, the word “IMAN”, leave a space, type the serial number of the category they are voting in i.e.: “1”, leave a space, and then type the name of their favourite nominee as written on the list and send to 33811. For example: IMAN 1 Lanre Atorise or IMAN 2 Esther Igbekele and send to 33811. Each vote costs #50.00 (Fifty naira) and multiple votes are allowed on all mobile telephone networks in Nigeria. The voting which has just started would end on Sunday, August 13^th, 2017, and the award ceremony would hold on Sunday, August 20^th, 2017, at White House Hotel Multi-purpose Hall, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

IMAN AWARDS 2017 NOMINATIONS

Islamic Music:

(1) Best Male Islamic Artiste: Saoti Arewa, Ere Asalatu, Ahmad Alawiye, Ayeloyun, Ibraheem Labaika, Amir Cisse.

(2) Best Female Islamic Artiste: Obi Rere, Omotayebi, Ruqoyaah Gawat,   Mistura Temi Ni Success, Kifayat Singer, Iyanghana.

(3) Best Islamic Music Album: Islam (Saoti Arewa), My Lord (Ahmad Alawiye), Eyipada (Ayeloyun), Ola Azikiri (Iyanghana), Apase (Kifayat Singer), Iwa Rere (Mistura Temi Ni Success).

(4) Best Islamic Music Video: Ami (Saoti Arewa), Oro Olohun (Obi Rere), Temitope (Ruqoyaah Gawat), Kadara Mi (Aishat Ayopo).

(5) Best Islamic Music Collaboration: Ija Agba Meji, Ojo Idajo, Ajulo, Master Key, Alao Jowujowu, I Miss You Muhammed.

(6) Best Islamic Hip Hop Artiste: Hyb Addis, Lawizzy, Al-Mubarak Kewuyemi, Omo Ola, Ade Omo Ade.

(7) Face of Islamic Music [Male]: Ere Asalatu, Ahmad Alawiye, Ayeloyun, Saoti Arewa, Mumeen Esinogbamilaye, Ibraheem Labaika.

(8) Face of Islamic Music [Female]: Mistura Temi Ni Success, Obi Rere, Iyankaola, Omotayebi, Mariam Akiki, Wabilahi Taofeeq.

(9) Best New Male Islamic Artiste: Mutiu Akasho, Hassan Omo Idunnu, Omo Ara, Saheed Aotipoto.

(10) Best New Female Islamic Artiste: Ajike Arewa, Silifat Talolohun, Eyinju Tayebi, Aminat Akobi Omo, Shakira Ododo, Nafisat Eniafe.

(11) Most Fashionable Male Islamic Artiste: Ahmad Alawiye, Saoti Arewa, Ere Asalatu, Ayeloyun, Amir Cisse.

(12) Most Fashionable Female Islamic Artiste: Wabillahi Taofeeq, Queen Seidah Rasheedah, Ruqoyaah Gawat, Iyanghana, Eyinju Anabi, Iyankaola.

(13) Best Islamic Music Producer: Kazeem Akogba, Ariyo Producer, Kehinde Oriyomi, Ara99, Yemi Olabisi Crownfit.

(14) Best Islamic Music Video Director: Big Doo, Dare Zaka, Lacadelly, L. Anisere, SP Media, Hakmate.

(15) Best Islamic Music Instrumentalist: Kazeem Ayeloja, Elegun Akeem, Kanamo Ganiu, Rotimi Obeke.

(16) Best Islamic Kid Artiste: Aishat Ayopo, Malik Okiki, Sabeeq Eleshinla, Tip Sound, Eyinloju Obi, Golden Son.

(17) Best Islamic Artiste in Stage Performance: Mistura Temi Ni Success, Ahmad Alawiye, Omotayebi, Mariam Akiki, Ayeloyun, Saheed Ife Araye.

(18) Best Islamic Artiste in Diaspora: Sekinat Omidiya (London/Dublin), Tajudeen Olanrewaju Rahman (USA), Seidah Bashirat Olaogun (Dublin), Khadijat Badejoko (USA), Salmot Alayande (London), Adhakir Tijani (London).

(19) Best Popular Tune Adaptation in Islamic Music: Ere Asalatu (Yinka Ayefele's Tune), Kayefi (Haruna Ishola's Tune), Barryslam (Ayinde Barrister's Tune).

(20) Best Azikiri Based Islamic Artiste: Kifayat Jejeniwa, Queen Seidah Rasheedah, Ridwan Dosunmu, Opeyemi Jemila, Iyanghana, Fatimoh Alijafariyah.

(21) Best Islamic Soul Artiste: Crescents, Abdul-Azeez Shakirudeen,
Muhammad Abdullah, Husayn Zaguru.

(22) Best Islamic Artiste's Manager: Lukman Abdulsalam (Saoti Arewa), Ore-Ofe Idowu (Ere Asalatu), Babajide Sholu (Ayeloyun), Kehinde Alawiye (Ahmad Alawiye), Muritadho Sulaiman (Mistura Temi Ni Success).

Associated Nominees:

 (23) Best Featured Non Islamic Artiste in Islamic Music: Pasuma, Saheed Osupa, Sefiu Alao, Sule Alao Malaika, Taye Currency, Seriki Omo Owo. 

(24) Best Islamic Music Video Editor: Saheed Oyeledun, Michael Oke, Emmanuel Agbozo, Sulaimon Solaja, Aduragba Ahmed.

(25) Best Featured Movie Actor in Islamic Music Video: Okunnu, Sanyeri, Afeez Oyetoro, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Murphy Afolabi, Wasila Coded.

(26) Best Islamic Music Marketer: Okiki, Golden Point, Epsalum, Mustoy, Dammyjay, Hasolad.

(27) Best Islamic Music Promoter: Golden Point, Okiki, Eleshin-nla, Hasolad, Olasco.

(28) Best Supportive Radio Station to Islamic Music: Faaji f.m. (Lagos), Bond f.m. (Lagos), Radio Lagos, Family f.m. (Abeokuta), Harmony f.m. (Ilorin).

(29) Best Supportive Tv Station to Islamic Music: Africa Magic Yoruba, MITV, Tiwantiwa TV, LTV 8, OGTV, Orisun.

(30) Best Supportive Newspaper to Islamic Music: The Sun, The Nation, Nigerian Tribune.

(31) Best Supportive Magazine to Islamic Music: City People Magazine, Alariya Oodua, Akede Agbaye.

(32) Best Supportive Individual to Islamic Music: MC Oluomo, Ibraheem Dende, Yusuf Oko-Oloyun.

(33) Best Islamic Music Friendly Broadcaster (Male): Kokoro Alujana, Anasri, Baakini, Daud Alapotiowo.

(34) Best Islamic Music Friendly Broadcaster (Female): Kudirat Ashani Olayinka, Ewa Islam, Iya Sunna.

(35) Best Supportive Islamic Cleric to Islamic Music: Sheikh Muri n Bariga, Sheikh Alfulanny Olanrewaju, Sheikh Jamiu Ami Olohun, Sheikh Sakorphy, Sheikh Sannu Sheu, Sheikh Buhari Musa.

(36) Best Reporter of Islamic Music: Gbolahan Adetayo, Taofiq Afolabi, Oyekunle Babarinde.

(37) Best Make-Up Artist in Islamic Music Video Shoot: Aminat Ganiu, Dammy Adams, Oluwatosin Adenusi, Joke Kupoluyi, Dayo Samuel, Titilayo Alausa.

(38) Best Camera Handler in Islamic Music Video Shoot: Yomi Tijani, Adewale Yusuuf, Azeez Luqman, Adisa Lawal.

(39) Best Studio Engineer in Islamic Music Production: T Reign (HXT Sound Studio), Ola Kewusola (Zeemac Sound Studio), Abiodun Ifedolapo (GWS Sound Studio).

It should be noted that the theme for IMAN Awards 2017 is: Opening The Hall Of Fame, and the likes of Dr. Seye Kehinde, the Publisher, Editor-in-Chief of City People Magazine and Dr. Ambrose Somide, the Managing Director, Radio Services, Daar Communications PLC., are among about eight other distinguished personalities who have contributed to the growth of the Islamic music in the country in their different ways over the years, that would be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the awards.

For participation or enquiries, call Saheed Ojubanire on: 08076160817.