The Future Nigeria

Ayodele Arigbagbu

The 29 year old owns the one year old Dream Arts & Design Agency: a creative enterprise with interests in 1.) Design and Architectural consultancy through a professional division called Dream Arts & Design Associates, 2.) Publishing through their imprint – DADA books. They also plan to venture into other divisions for film, animation, music publishing and interactive media in a couple of years.

The agency consults for Children And The Environment (CATE), Crown Troupe of Africa and the African Artists’ Foundation, founded a magazine in 2008 called Design Pages and collaborates with other magazines in a quest to enliven and inform the Nigerian creative space through cutting edge design journalism, and works with an average of 10 people at any time.

Facing challenges of undercapitalization, understaffing and the absence of an established distribution framework, the company has still managed to use goodwill, outsourcing, volunteers and collaborations to publish three titles in the past 13 months: I am memory by Jumoke Verissimo, The Abyssinian Boy by Onyeka Nwelue, and A fistful of tales by Ayodele Arigbabu. The three books have been well received locally and internationally. It is also in advanced stages of pre-press on two other titles: The Land of Kalamandahoo by Ruby Igwe and The Search by Kanmi Olatoye. Both books will be introduced into the market in the first quarter of 2010. The company has also consulted in a creative capacity on programming, marketing communications, etc for the African Artists’ Foundation (AAF), Crown Troupe of Africa, and Children And The Environment (CATE). The company can boast of a turnover of N 1, 500, 000.00

Its architectural division has worked for two different clients on luxury apartments in Lekki (Lantana International Limited) and Parkview Estate, Ikoyi (a private client), both projects currently under construction. They have also also developed design proposals for Mainframe Productions and The Hubert Ogunde Estate in Ososa, Ogun State .

Oghenekaro Kevin Agono

The 29 year old owns Tremor Perfect, which he calls a “Live Sound Reinforcement Company that provides equipment rental and audio management for mostly corporate organizations. They also do consulting and acquisition for other organisations including churches and event management firms.

5 years old now, they have 8 full time staff and several contract staff based on the project or event and have worked in the past one year for the MTN Innovation Day featuring Les Brown, the Silverbird Man of the Year, Flytime Promotions (Wande Coal Album Launch/Rhythm Unplugged), Magic Moment (Spelling Bee), Alibaba Again, Rise Networks, Pepsi Footvolley Competition, the Dangote Logo Relaunch, HITV (Koko Mansion), Coca Cola(launch of the Rebranded 5 Alive), The Quadrant Company, GTBank End of Year party, the Etisalat 9jillion concert, the Ovation Red Carol, 001events (Gani Fawehinmi’s Funeral in Akure) and the American Women’s Club (233rd Independence celebration).

Adebola Olufemi Lewis

The 30 year old owns Yvent Kouture, an events decorating company, which “strength lies in highlighting elegance and style in simplicity.” 2 years in February 2010, the company has shown a capacity to comfortably handle 2 events of 1,500 guests in different states simultaneously and has 10 full time staff and about 30 contract staff. Some companies they worked for in the past one year are: BGL securities, Visafone, Cornerstone Insurance, KCOBA, NLI, the Lagos State Judiciary, and social events include former governor, Bola Tinubu’s 57^th birhtday, former governor Abubakar, Audu’s son’s wedding, Senator Omilani’s daughter’s wedding, amongst others. They have also

A finalist for this award last year, they have had a quantum leap in the period, launching a training school, developing its pyrotechnics department, partnered with 3 more youth development and charity organizations (Brand it Nigeria, Sisi Oge peagent, & Inside Out communications) in addition to the two they already partner with (Rise Networks and The Future Awards). They also successfully hosted FACING THE GIANTS, their 1^st annual events training seminar geared at encouraging and empowering youth in self employment.

They have won 2 awards: Decorator of the year 2009 by the wedding planner magazine and also the Best Nigerian Wedding and Event decorator by the WEAN (Wedding and Events in Nigeria) Awards and intend to fully build up the training school by January 2010, with an intention to have trained 40 seasoned decorators by the end of next year: 10 every 3months.

Hassan Rilwan

This 27 year old owns Focal Point Publishing Limited, a 4 year old company, which publishes the monthly Sardauna Magazine and organizes the annual Sardauna Excellence and Leadership Awards. He also manages Focal Point Laundry Limited (machines under production in Italy ) and Focal Point Constructions Limited. From a total amount of about N25, 000 the business now has an average annual turnover of up to N100 million, with 26 staff (from 16 when he was finalist for this award last year) and up to 40 depending on the project.

Despite disappointment from major awards sponsors leaving them with a deficit of 55 million 30 days to the last edition and inability to deposit for the production of the machines for the laundry outfit, they have successfully commenced monthly publication from our December edition by beefing up the editorial team and synchronizing production time table and then hosted another successful award ceremony despite the deficit by taking the huge risk of borrowing from bank and individuals and just carrying on till the very last minute for the break. They had to sell our seats at a prize of N103,000 and N250,000 for reserved seat. This was a huge risk which only paid up two days to the event. They also built up the image of the award which also justified the amount, by bringing together a former Prime Minister of New Zealand and former DG of the World Trade Organisation, a representative of President Yaradua, 20 ambassadors, 6 governors, several senators and corporate CEOs like the UBA MD amongst others. They have also successfully deposited for their grade A laundry equipments and are targeted to commence operations in March 2010.

The magazine has also started selling in major cities in the north and Lagos, with increased staff salaries and welfare package: monthly salary outlay stands at N1.7 million from about N500,000 last year, and they have also had as clients, Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited, the Federal Road Safety Commission, the NERC, UBA Plc, MTN, NIPOST, FinBank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Intercontinental Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, SMEDAN, Dangote Group, Access Bank Plc, the National Action Committee on Aids, and the Bank of Industry. They also offer  I.T Consultancy to the National Assembly. Amongst other things, Mr. Rilwan is the founder and financer of the Sardauna Media Child Destitution Eradication Foundation: which constructed a school and hostel to house 21 almajirais (northern child destitute) to be educated and taken care of up till university level.

Erefa Temitayo Fynecontry

28 years old, Doheney Services Ltd is a Human Resource Consulting outfit set up in November 2004. The Firm is a one- stop firm providing specialized and in depth human resource consultancy services across several key industries. Some of the industries we cover include Oil & Gas, Telecommunications, Banking & Financial Services, Transport & Logistics, manufacturing, FMCG and Food Industries etc

They have 10 staff, and routinely work with facilitators for their trainings, consultants for projects and their foreign partners Abeceder for trainings and HR Consulting projects. Despite the fact that, with the global economic crisis, banks stopped giving credit and their clients have had to cut their hiring and training budgets, they have managed to develop other streams of income like immigration process documentation (since they provide expatriate recruitment services, they now manage the whole immigration process for the companies they recruit them for) and having a GTA partnership, which allows their sell insurance to friend’s families and some of their clients. They also introduced a new arm; Doheney Drivers, a driver’s scheme where they provide trained and certified drivers.

In the past year, they have trained 20 station managers for the Lagos Internal Revenue Service, trained trainers for Sahara Group, recruited for First Guarantee Pensions, recruitment and training for Adata C Track, Bell Oil & Gas, and Dragnet. They also handled recruitment, training, immigration documentation process & HR – Reengineering Process for Raeanna Nig Ltd, and HR structuring and management for the Blue Water Group.

Doheney Services launched a Graduate Finishing School Scheme in 2008 where they train graduates for a month preparing them for the labor market and subsequently placing them at a fee, they reviewed this in 2008 and started again in 2009 at no cost to the graduates apart from the cost of the Dragnet test which they have now also reviewed and the training will be at no cost to the graduates  from January 2010, as they now have sponsors for the program like dragnet etc. They then place them to organisations at no cost to the organisations as well.

Henry Nnamdi Orajiaka

25 years old, his company Motomedia provides advertising and marketing solution to companies by developing; implementing a range of impressive technologies to create advanced advertising solutions, futuristic interactive information
displays and fully enhance the Street-level Billboards and TV concept. 3 years olf now, they have 8 staff, and 14 other contract staff.

Despite the challenge of companies cutting down on their advertising budget, they have successfully deployed their advertising solutions in high profile places such as Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA) Terminal 2, Silver Bird Galleria, Mega Plaza and e-center, expanded our territory by deploying they advertising
platform in Tanzania for clients like Zantel/Etisalat, partnered with Advertange Media to further market their advertising platforms in Nigeria and won a mega contract to handle Globacom lamppost advertising yearly which gives them the room to get concession of each location for a period of 10 years by the Lagos state government.

They also designed and deployed the navigation campaign interactive content for the Nokia E71, 6710 in MMA2 and Silver-Bird Galleria, and deployed the Nokia “on line as it is Touch screen” N97 campaign in Silverbird, Mega Plaza, E-center using
Motomedia interactive touch screen to bring to live the key feature of the phone which is the ability to customize phones simply by touching your screen. They delivered the Yo Yogurt campaign for Nutricima successfully using their street level TV platform in MMA2 and other prime locations in
Nigeria ; this is despite the yearly contract to install and maintain 361 scroller type lamppost on street light for Globacom in 4 major roads annually

They did the digital display for the Today’s Nigeria.com in the airport using our wall
interactive platform, they delivered the PimpJuice interactive floor in 2 locations in Murtala Mohammed Airport 2 for Fillmore Brewery’s brand PimpJuice during their launch period in
Nigeria , and worked hand in hand with MediareachOMD, Mediacom, Advertange media in making each of these campaigns successful. They are also involved in the importation of Pimpjuice, Toys and Hot Air Ballon Advertising service and are the sole distributors for Nelly’s premium energy drink (PimpJuice) in
West Africa .

Sylvester Olusola Adade

The 22 year old owns Pearl Creations (a branch of The Pearls Incorporated), which he started two years ago, after moving to Canada in August, 2006 to complete his tertiary and medical education at McMaster University. This company essentially makes two (2) products: button-badges and apparel. He provided button-badges for personal use, effective advertising and marketing of Companies, goods and services; promotions, campaigns, special occasions, holidays and international events

Pearl Creations, which has 3 employees, is based in Ontario , Canada , but§ also operational in Lagos , Nigeria . Despite poor credibility due to his race, rejection letters from comic stores, film companies, theatres, and cinemas when who he approached for contracts to make buttons he now supplies buttons to groups and organisations within Hamilton, and supplies buttons to individuals, international Events and Companies within Canada, the PR of China, United States, Nigeria, Mexico and English, in the past one year working with The Invisible Children, the 2010 Business Network for Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, and Cure Canada. He has also had as clinets, the Hope for David Charity Show [Hamilton, ON, Canada], i-Rep Fashion Show [Hamilton, ON, Canada],  Ontario Universities’ Competition for Hip-Hop (O.U.C.H.) 2008 Dance Off [Hamilton, ON, Canada], the University of Lagos Engineering Faculty [Lagos, Nigeria], the  University of Windsor African Union [Windsor, ON, Canada], the Legacy Festival’s B.H.M. Event [Toronto, ON, Canada], the McMaster African Students’ Association (M.A.S.A.) [Hamilton, ON, Canada] and the Erindale College African Students’ Association [Mississauga, ON, Canada].

The Parent Company of Pearl Creations is The SKA Group; and it will be starting up “Suave Clothing” soon which will be making Dress Shirts, Suits and Ties; and selling classic Watches (partnering with LR Watches), Cufflinks, Tie Clips and Belts from Reputable Designers and Jewelers like Cartier, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent.

Uyi Omokaro

The 27 year old’s company is into advertising and brand building and began in June 2006, now having 9 full time staff and 6 contract staff.

Despite cut advertising budgets, they handle 360 campaigns for Mouka Foam, Sprite, Schweppes, Interswitch, Acorn Petroleum and have also done work for ARM Investments, Marion as well as brokered sponsorship deals For Celebrity takes 2 with Platform for Skye bank.

Its client Mouka was nominated for brand of the year 6 times last year and won 5, especially with its animated TV ad.

BEYOND the customary New Year jam of the early part of the year, the year was not quick in coming alive in the entertainment industry. Activities did not really begin in full-swing in the Nigerian music

industry, but before anyone could note, the commencement of the season a flurry of new works from both established and up-and-coming acts hit the scene.

Top international music events of the year that affected Nigeria comprise the winning of the Britain-based reputable award, Music Of Black Origin (MOBO) by Germany-based Nigerian musician Nneka. Singer Asa also got a similar honour in Paris, France while the year’s ending was marked by the nomination of Nigerian afrobeat music exponent, Femi Kuti for the Grammy Awards 2010. These, as well as a plethora of local and continental platforms where the country’s musicians and music excelled made the scene interesting.

But it still progressed gradually before a momentum picked up towards the middle of the year.
Just as followers of Nigerian music were anticipating what the year has to offer, organisers of The Future Awards, which recognises enterprising young Nigerians, on January 18 at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos named Abolore Adegbola Akande (aka 9ice) as the Musician of the Year, while his fellow singer Dapo Oyebanji (aka D’Banj) was decorated with the Young Person of the Year award.
February 20, witnessed a musical concert put together by the United States Mission, Nigeria in collaboration with Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja. It was a night of musical rebirth where two star acts and veteran of both the Nigerian and American music scene, the Grammy Award-winning artiste, Chris Thomas King and the respected Nigerian lady of songs, Onyeka Onwenu treated guests to an outstanding selection of matured lyrics and penetrating rhythm. for more click here

Voting for The Future Awards has been extended by one week! The major reasons for this extension, the organisers reveal, is because short profiles of the various nominees have just been uploaded on the website www.thefuturenigeria.com.

Also, after the two week complaint period, certain minimal challenges have been made on the Nominees List.

Therefore, people who wanted to vote for nominees in specific categories but were unable to do so because they did not know anything about the nominees or their achievements can now make informed choices and vote to reward achievement in the various categories.

And if you already knew who to vote for, then you have a greater opportunity to make sure that your candidate gets more votes! Remember you can vote as many times as you want!

To vote: sms TFA (space) Name of nominee (space) Category

To vote in Nigeria, sms to 33120
To vote in the UK, sms to 81696
To vote in the US, sms to 97605

The voting ends at 12 midnight on Friday the 7th of January 2010. There will be NO more extensions after this one.

Grab this opportunity…. NOW!!!!!:-)

PS: You can get all the info on www.thefuturenigeria.com

The past two days have been really argumentative at Vendor stands across Lagos, people having different opinions as to the motives behind this 23-year-old suspect in the attempted Christmas day bombing of Northwest Flight 253.  It was however captivating reading an account of his friends who said Umar expressed hardline views as far back as 2001.

He is said to have justified the plane attacks by saying that US troops stationed in Saudi Arabia since the 1991 Gulf War had “humiliated” Muslims. One friend said his views had provoked the first row between them when they discussed the terror attacks in 2006.

“We were talking about 9/11. I was saying under no circumstances could it ever be OK to kill all those innocent people. He was much more equivocal,” he told US papers.  ”He called 9/11 an act of war – American troops were on Saudi soil and had humiliated Muslim countries so these actions might be necessary. That’s the only time I had an argument with him.”

Another friend quoted by in Next newspapers said he had watched new reports of the 2001 attacks with Abdulmutallab in Lome, Togo, where he attended the International School.

“We were together in Lome when the twin towers crashed and we watched it on TV,” the friend said.  “We used to call him Pope because of the stately manner in which he carried himself. He was kind of quiet but anytime when there was an argument he would just come alive.   

“After the 9/11 thing he actually defended the Taliban’s actions saying that they were provoked. Everyone thought he was kidding but he stood his ground.”

Shortly afterwards, Abdulmutallab visited London on a school trip and posed for pictures with classmates in front of Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square.

His father, Alhaji Umaru Abdulmutallab, 70, is from Funtua in the largely Muslim northern state of Katsina, and retired as chairman of Nigeria’s oldest bank, First Bank, earlier this month after a distinguished career in finance that included 13 years on the board of the bank.

He reported his concerns about his son’s increased radicalization to the US authorities two months ago and has since spoken of his devastation at the news of his alleged terror bid.

An unnamed brother of Abdulmutallab said that it had been Umar’s “extreme views about religion” that had worsened a rift with his family after he graduated from an engineering degree at University College London and dropped out of an MBA in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

According to This Day, he told his family he wanted to go to an Arab country to learn Arabic, and that he had found an alternative course in Yemen that would take seven years to complete.

The unnamed brother said Umar was a “quiet, nice and gentle” boy and “morally upright”. “We know Farouk’s extreme views and were always apprehensive of where it may lead him to,” he told This Day.

 “He has maintained his distance from us and we never bothered him much. He always wanted to be left alone, so we respect his wishes.”

It sounds so typically arrogant. Nigerians fooling themselves thinking they can take over everything.
Is this really taking place?
Or is it just Nigerians going a bit too far in the self-appreciation department?

In the past few years, Nigerian entertainment has undergone radical changes. As such, you have to be just as radical to fit in… or better still stand out. It is at the stage where you have to be either really, really good, or very, very bad to get any attention.
It is safe to say that the Nigerian entertainment industry as a whole has taken the position of frontrunner in the whole of Africa .

My experiences in Ghana have taught me that such has not been the case with Ghanaian singers for instance. The artistes have not been appreciated the way Nigerian artistes are by their countrymen.

“Ghanaian artistes sing absolute rubbish, only a few of them actually make fresh” says Elom a student of the University of Ghana .

Now, the case in Nigeria is a sort of gave and take if you ask me.
A solid output by artistes results in pleasant uproar from the public which only encourages them to do better. Yes it’s all just one vicious cycle of talent and creativity and appreciation.
Unfortunately, as seen from Elom whose opinion echoes a lot of what I’ve been hearing, Ghanaians do not really have that sort of appreciation for their artistes.

“Why won; t they want to sing like Nigerians? After all Dr Poh did it and it was an instant success.”
When it all comes down to it, all any artiste wants to do is put out good stuff thats gonna be appreciated. This is the opinion of one Ebenezer Anangfon.
He says that Ghanaian artistes are simply copying a formula thay have seen to work for their Nigerian counterparts.

“I have noticed with dismay over the years how the Ghanaian (artiste) always wants to behave like a westerner or look like the Nigerian and copy what a Nigerian has done,” Ebenezer once wrote with bigger vigour. “It is confirmed that Nigerians have taken over our once vibrant industry and are now dictating the pace”

True words of a concerned citizen? Or just the ramblings of a has-been with a serious complex?
The truth is, his words represent the feelings of many in this country that their originality is being lost to Nigerians.
However, this really is not the case.
To the ears of a Nigerian, there are similarities in music coming from the two countries but it doesn’t really go beyond that. Granted the Ghanaian musicians seem to have adapted to a more modern sound and like their Nigerian counterparts are becoming less afraid to experiment with western influences. But still, even a complete outsider would be able to tell the difference.
This doesn’ t change the fact that Nigerian music is quite popular here.
Take a listen to your radio here; you’re bound to here a good number of Nigerian songs played. Perhaps a night spent at the club would also be needed to convince you.
Virtually all the music played, will be, yes WILL be, of Nigerian origin.

Television is quite different though.
“I really enjoy Nigerian movies. Most of the ones in this country are about the same thing”

Sit in front of a TV and flip through channels.
Eight out of ten movies you will see are products of Nollywood. A significant number of TV shows as well are from Nigeria . Shows such as Flatmates (yes, the same one) and “Half-sisters” are very popular here.

This whole topic has been paid a lot of attention in recent times. People have taken to various media to state their opinions; from newspapers to blog posts, to Nairaland and the discussion boards on Facebook.

One thing is certain; there certainly is a Nigerian presence on Ghana ’s entertainment scene.

Enough to deserve all the fuss?

Well, you be the judge.

Nigerians woke up to the shocking news on Christmas day, December 25, that citizen , the son of one of Nigeria’s top bankers, tried to blow up a trans-atlantic Northwest Airlines plane as it prepared to land in Detroit, in the United States of America.

The White House has called the attack “an attempted act of terrorism.”

Reports reveal that Flight 253 had originated in Nigeria and flown through Amsterdam to Detroit. Mr. Muttalab was in seat number 16A alongside 277 passengers and 11 crew members aboard, with the plane less than 30 minutes away from the airport, when he used a syringe full of chemicals to ignite some powder taped to his leg.

But doing so “caused him to catch fire,” said Richelle Keepman, who sat a few rows in front of Mr. Mutallab.

As other passengers panicked, Jasper Schuringa, from Amsterdam, told the CNN that he heard a sound similar to a “firecracker in a pillow” and then noticed a burning object between Mr. Mutallab’s legs. “I pulled the object from him and tried to extinguish the fire with my hands and threw it away,” Mr. Schuringa said.

Mr. Mutallab was then stripped of his clothes to make sure he didn’t have any more explosives on him and then he was restrained with his own shirt and, later, a pair of handcuffs.

Elizabeth Isham Cory, a spokesperson for the US federal aviation administration, disclosed that crew members requested law enforcement officers to meet the flight, which landed at 6:51 am Nigerian time, at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Mr. Muttalab was immediately taken into custody for questioning. Reports state that he suffered second-degree burns to the legs.

Fellow passengers also reveal he was handcuffed to a stretcher, and told international media organisations that, though he “was burned very severely on his leg”, Mr. Muttalab remained “very calm and didn’t show any reaction to pain.”

Mr. Schuringa, now called the “hero of Flight 253″, described Mr. Mutallab as “staring into nothing” following his unsuccessful attempt.

The White House has termed the incident as an “attempted act of terrorism” while US national security agencies call it an “attempt to blow up the plane”.

Barack Obama, president of the United States, was reportedly notified of the incident immediately by military aides in Hawaii, where he is on vacation, according to White House spokesman Bill Burton.

Mr. Obama reportedly went into a meeting via conference call with John Brennan, his Homeland Security and Counter-terrorism adviser, and Denis McDonough, acting chief of staff for the National Security Council.

In Nigeria, citizens woke up to the news courtesy of foreign media and social networking websites.

Around 12pm Nigerian time, Dora Akunyili, the minister for information and communication, issued a statement, which read in part: “The vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has directed Nigerian security agencies to commence full investigation of the incident. Our security agencies will cooperate fully with the American authorities in the on-going investigations.”

Source: www.234next.com

Four days ago, I bought a Christmas tree for my small mini-flat; complete with lights, corny Christmas music, and those fake boxes of gifts underneath. My friends don’t understand what is going on. But my mission is straightforward: I am looking for the Christmas spirit.

You see, ever since I left high school, Christmas – that end-of-the-year season of joy and laughter that Yorubas call “Feferity” (with the abundant food at home and from neighbours, and music and light) – has steadily become sourer.

Last year, I thought staying at home and watching the local TV stations (those delightfully clichéd “I want to make a request to my muuuummyyy, to my daaaaddyyy and to Aunty Helen, our house girl” broadcasts, with “Father Christmas” lurking ominously behind) would help bring back those memories. I didn’t even go to church because my congregation doesn’t do all that Christmas Day stuff. Bored out of my skin though, in the night, I decided to join friends for one of those yearly praise jams.

By the time I was through praising the God of Christmas in the midst of “true believers” however, my Nokia E71 had changed hands. Stolen, on Christmas day! Good tidings of great joy for someone else, obviously. It would have been better if I had stayed bored at home.

So this year, I have methodically planned my Christmas. I have been planning it for weeks in fact.

I will worship at a church with a colourful Christmas service. I will have many good laughs with my mother. I will aggressively visit my favourite aunts and their kitchens, and, in the evening, I will drive slowly by Ajose Adeogun to view the beautiful lights that Zenith Bank gave to Lagosians as a gift.

I know. My determination to be merry this Christmas no matter what the devil may say, still gives my friends something to talk about.

But, you see, the truth of the matter is rather simple: what I really have is a longing for those Christmas days when my father (who is late) and my mother (who will live forever) would take their seats in the sitting room I grew up in – smells of her rice and stew enveloping the entire apartment – and share delightful anecdotes, exchanging banter, while I listened in awe and couldn’t wait to grow up. Without a doubt, those were the days.

RedSTRAT is proud to support one of its mentees, who is organising the Grip Beach Party!

This is a social event for individuals and families to get together in the atmosphere of fun and relaxation,spending quality time with one another in a leisure venue which is the ONIRU PRIVATE BEACH on the 30th december 2009,coming in celebration of the end of the recessive year and the beginning of a better year.

It is an event where various play activities like beach soccer,volleyball and other water games would be displayed.It is also an avenue for various services and talents to exhibit themselves.Being the first of its kind,the event which  already promises to be an annual event,also promises to be a very colourful one with lots of security.

Various Appearances would be made by celebrities like Da Grin,Durella,Jimmy Jatt,Benny Moore,Dark Poet and also lots of upcoming acts in the entertainment industry.

The event is also a charitable one because 5 percent of all proceeds goes to charity,so we use this avenue to invite the general public to come and part-take to this course

The event is being hosted by GRIP ENTERTAINMENT and supported by REDSTRAT COMMUNICATIONS,NAIJA FACEBOOK CARNIVAL(NFBC),P and P SAM ENTERTAINMENT,DUDUMOBILE,FRO.APPARELS and some others.
FOR ENQUIRES_07055844276,07028617681.

The Future Enterprise Scheme begins internships

In 2009, The Future Project/The Future Awards kicked off a new arm called The Future Enterprise Support Scheme (TF-ESS). This was launched after three years in the works.

TF-ESS is a practical series where we will offer selected young people intensive trainings that will cover entrepreneurship and creativity every six months. Included in the period is a two-month internship programme with selected winners and associates of The Future Awards, which the organisers call “the most crucial part of the process.”

The trainings are scheduled to hold weekly for six months, and kicked off October 17 2009. Speakers are drawn from a pool of former winners of the awards, as well as other partners and experts. The programme will be yearly and will have different themes each year. It is held in partnership with the After Graduate Development Centre (AGDC).

Speakers over the past two months have included Bukola Adubi (CEO, Miccom Golf Resorts), Anwuli Ojogwu (Fate Foundation), Phillip Uwumarogie (Head, Corporate E-Solutions Devt), Mosunmola Umoru (The Future Awards Business Owner of the Year 2009), Bamidele Odufuye (The Future Awards Best Use of Technology 2009), amongst others.

The programme is separated into three sections: the first two months are for trainings and classes, then internships take place in December and January. The programme wraps up with the second half of classes in February and March. All trainings are expected to attend at least 75% of the classes, with compulsory internships before they can be graduated and given certificates in April.

The internships kicked off this December on schedule, and the students are presently interning with the programme’s partners, which include Strom 360, Soundcity Blast, Zapphaire Events, Yvent Kouture, Adstrat Communications, Visible Impact, House of Tara International, Clothsense, Blackdove Communications, Icebox Limited and Nigezie.

The Future Enterprise Support Scheme is one of The Future Awards’ many spin-offs. Other platforms are the “Do Something Conference”, which holds on February 6, a day before the next awards, the Post-Award Schools Seminars, The Future Mentorship School, The Future Interventions, The Young Writers Network, amongst others.

For further information, the Faculty Officer can be reached on 080-2222-6712 or you can mail info@thefuturenigeria.com. All other infor on The Future Project/The Future Awards is on www.thefuturenigeria.com.