OOU students’ death, a loss to all Nigerian students—NANS •Losing our colleagues is disheartening—OOU SU President

From left, Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga and Akinbo Ibukun, the only survivor of the accident, during their visit to the Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan, Ogun State on Sunday, to visit her.

Written by: Doyin Adeoye

The executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have commiserated with the friends and families of students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, who died in a ghastly road accident on Friday, June 26.
Speaking with Campusbeats, the president of the association, Tijani Usman, said that the incident was not just a loss to the OOU community, but to all Nigerian students.
Tijani, while sympathising with the management, staff and students of OOU, described the incident as tragic and devastating.
“It is really sad to hear that lives of young future leaders were cut short in their prime. Seeing young, energetic and promising students die in such a manner is not something that sits well with us.
“On behalf of all Nigerian students, I pray God will grant the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.
The accident was said to have occurred at Ilishan Junction, along Sagamu/Benin Expressway, where a container-laden truck with number plate BDG 779 XE, had a head-on collision with a Mazda commercial bus with number plate XV 311 MUS, killing all occupants, except one, in the bus instantly.

CEO, Kreatif Ink Media celebrates birthday with orphanage •Donates books to schools

It was a fun filled day for children at the Total Parental Guardian Home, Mobil, Ibadan, when entertainment journalist, Doyin Adeoye celebrateesire to give the children a sense of belonging and excitement.

“Today is not about celebrating myself, but these children. I have been here a couple of times and I just felt the need to celebrate the day with them. They are beautiful and they deserve all the fun they had and even more,” she said.

While receiving the celebrants and her friends, d her birthday with friends and well-wishers at the home. Speaking on what influenced the gesture, Doyin said the celebration was born of the dthe matron of the home, Evangelist Grace Akpan, appreciated the gesture, while also praying that God will continue to be a source of strength to her.

“Celebrating the children definitely means a lot to them. And we pray that God will reward you for this. I must confess that it is not easy running an orphanage, but with well-meaning individuals like her, it is helpful. And we really appreciate this,” Akpan said.

The song ‘Sade’ actually my real life story

Ever since he dropped ‘Sade,’ a cover to One Direction’s ‘Story of My Life,’ Adekunle Kosoko has become a popular name in the Nigerian music industry. From one stage to another, Adekunle Gold, as he is popularly known portrays creativity and style. He speaks with DOYIN ADEOYE in this interview on his career, label mates and craft, among other issues.

Foray into music...
I grew up listening to a lot of songs, from the old to the new. And it has been amazing how, over the years, I’ve learnt different genres. I was a member of the teen’s choir in church back in the days, and later on in life, I joined a band. So the interest has always been there; I’ve always been a music lover.
I later decided to take it up professionally because I believe that I have something to offer the industry and I could turn heads to the some extent with my kind of music. So in 2011, I started out with a band called ‘The Bridge,’ and we dropped a couple of singles; we featured Skales on the track ‘Norm Breaker,’ we did another one with GT The Guitarman titled ‘Make It Happen,’ and some other covers. So basically, I came into the industry officially in 2011.
What influenced your decision to go solo?
Things were not working for us the way we wanted it. It can be hard for a duo to break into the industry. It is even a hard for a solo artiste, not to talk of a group. So my partner and I discussed and decided to part ways to see how it would work out. And so far, it turned out to be the best decision I have ever made.

How I sold 39 cars to Mayweather

Obi Okeke is the co-owner of American based prestige car dealership, Fusion Luxury Motors. His clientele list includes Floyd Mayweather, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Britney Spears and the likes. He speaks with DOYIN ADEOYE in this interview on his foray into being a celebrity car dealer, among other issues. Excerpts:

How I carved a niche for myself

I would say it is the result of me following my passion for cars. I’ve always stayed true to myself in the automotive industry and it has always paid off. My focus was always to learn, and try to be the best. I always knew what I wanted, but did not know exactly how to get there. So after years of trial and error here I am. I’ve always appreciated every opportunity that came my way.

Foray into being a car enthusiast

The journey began when I was only four years old. I remember being very intrigued with automobiles while in Nigeria. My father at that time had a classic American car in Enugu, Nigeria, and he would take us for a ride in it on Sundays.

So when the Nigerian Civil War broke out, my mother took us out of Nigeria; we were five children at that time. My father, being a Nigerian, had to stay and fight in the war. So my mother, my sisters, brothers and I arrived in the USA as refugees.

Nigerians making waves in Hollywood

They are Nigerians and they are world class entertainers. From movies, to art and music, these Nigerians are forces to be reckoned with in their various choices of career. DOYIN ADEOYE writes about Nigerians making waves in Hollywood.

Chiwetel Ejiofor
A renowned British actor of film, television and theatre, Chiwetel Ejiofor was born in July 1977 in London to Nigerian parents. He gained a scholarship to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art after he enrolled at the National Youth Theatre in 1995 and by age 19, and only three months into his course, Chiwetel was chosen by Steven Spielberg to play a small part in Amistad as James Covey.

His archive of awards and nominations include the BAFTA Orange Rising Star Award in 2006, five Golden Globe Award nominations and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor for his performance in Othello in 2008.

Finance’s simple rule: ‘No risk, no profit’

Christian Ngan is the CEO, Madlyn Cazalis, a bio-cosmetics company that produces natural body oils, lotions and soaps for ethnic skins. Starting with only $3,000 in 2012, the company is now worth million dollars. Recognised by Forbes Africa as one of 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa 2014, he speaks with DOYIN ADEOYE in this interview, on what it takes to run a successful business in Africa.

What exactly does Madlyn Cazalis stand for as a brand?
Madlyn Cazalis is an all-natural African cosmetic company. We fight against bleaching products and through our brands, we provide quality African-owned products. I noticed that we don’t have enough major African international brands; we depend a lot on foreign products, forgetting that Africa has a lot of resources that we could work with. So Madlyn Cazalis is an African identity; the Zebra logo represents our African pride.
So what spurred you into being an entrepreneur?
I left Cameroon in 2002 to study in France. I was working in the Private Equity and Investment Banking Industry. I achieved my main goals: attending great universities and having professional experience, but I needed more. I needed to express my creativity, be my own boss and build something new, especially for Africa. So in 2012, I resigned and started my own company.

Piracy can never be eradicated, but...

Rykardo Agbor has been in the Nigerian movie industry for 23 years. Making waves in both the English and Yoruba sector of the industry, the actor who hails from Cross River State, speaks with DOYIN ADEOYE on his experience and prospects of the industry, among other things.

A friend introduced me to acting
I started acting through a friend, Leo Mirani. We were both fashion models then, but he was the one who introduced me to acting. I had always had it in me, but I never knew how to go about it. So, we both went for an audition, after which we went for cast selection for a TV commercial. When we got through with that, he took me to a movie audition and I remember Fidelis Duker was the one who coordinated it; that was in 1992. I got picked, my friend wasn’t. And that was the beginning for me.