Mai Nasara returns as guest of honour at the public presentation of the winner of the prize, organised by the Nigeria LNG. The event holds at
the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos – and will be attended by leading lights of Nigerian literature, including the “father” of modern-day Nigerian
poetry Gabriel Okara and Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka.

“Obviously I am delighted to be coming back home to engage with the public and the literary community,” Nasara said. “And I thank the
Nigeria LNG for this honour and for this platform. I am looking forward to getting home on Saturday and discussing the prize and the book on
Monday. This is a humbling experience for me.”

Starting from 126 submissions from Nigerian authors of children’s literature, ‘The Missing Clock’ made the shortlist, eventually beating
an intimidating six of some of the best children’s authors in Africa. This shortlist included Ayodele Olofintuade and Chinyere Obi Obasi, and
Nasara won the coveted $100, 000 cash prize.

The novel explores the reversal of fortunes for a Nigerian family and how they grew to overcome their circumstances. In an earlier interview,
the author explained that he was inspired by the concept of a conservative traditional family. The author admonished families to work
on their personal and family histories as the first step towards changing the world.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature is rated the 22nd most valuable in the world. It is endowed by the Nigeria LNG, which also awards the Nigeria
Prize for Science annually.

The event will be shown on Monday on NTA and AIT and will also be streamed online via www.nlnglive.com at 10am.

Stephenie & Linus

She’s reported to have said: ‘I don’t know where they got that from but my wedding is not in February but will hold sometime soon, this year definitely. The invitations will soon be out but its definitely not in February’.

Tola Odunsi Director Storm, Christian Audigier Nigerian Ambassador Ms. Jaie &Mr. Afeez Balogun Christian Audigier Regional Partner

Christian Audigier constantly reminds us that their brand transcends fashion and beverages, its a brand that represents an entire lifestyle.

“We were looking for a sophisticated and highly fashion forward personality to represent our prestigious range of designer wines, champagne and vodka and who better than the fashionable Ms. Jaie. Our striking Christain Audigier bottle designs, were inspired by Audigiers rock ‘n’ roll street style and Hollywood glam and we believe Ms. Jaie captures the essence of Glam and together we have amazing plans for 2012. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Tola Odunsi of Storm 360 for leading on the partnership and for making this happen..”

Kim tells People “We have to get everything tailored, so in this collection, we wanted to make sure that you didn’t have to tailor anything. It was the exact way we like it—from the fabrics being very comfortable and stretchy to fitting all of our body types.”

Kim, Khloe and Kourtney

El

El Prince (born Prince Chimaobi Adieze on March 26th) is a Nigerian prodigy: singer-songwriter, dancer, instrumentalist and entertainer. El Prince, who started singing and playing the guitar, piano and drums from the age of 9. HE was performing hooks for other artistes, and appearing as young talent, alongside veterans like Daddy Showkey, Marvelous Benji and others as he grew up in the Olodi – Apapa area of Lagos.

El Prince, signed unto Awestar Entertainment drops his new single OH NANA, Produced by Del B.

Listen Oh Na Na:

Download El Prince – Oh Na Na

Music Video for Bez’s new single “That Stupid Song” featuring Praiz. The video was directed by Clarence Peters. Produced by Cobhams Asuquo Music

Hosts with guest judge Sasha P

“I have never had this much fun in Nigerian Idol, international choreographer and judge Jeffrey Daniel exclaimed excitedly. “The talent is so good; it appears as if I am watching the top nine stages of the show and not the wildcard. Really, Nigeria has an incredible amount of talent and Nigerian Idol appears to have collected the cream of them all!”

The electrifying show kicked off with a performance by Tega who reprised her role as a woman afraid to lose her man as she sang Mary J Blige’s ‘Be without you’. Ebbi Paul Otti who once again showed his vocal dexterity with a brilliant rendition of KC &Jojo’s ‘All my life’ followed her. The charming Byno upped his last performance with an irresistible mix of vocals and drama as he sang Bruno Mars hit ‘The way you are’. After him, G Circuit gave the performance of his life with an outstanding performance of Usher’s ‘There goes my baby’. The booming Joe Blue was next and he outdid his last try with a superbly mastered presentation of Michael Bolton’s ‘How am I supposed to live without you’. For Phunky Sings with Vanessa Williams ‘Save the best for last’, Jeffrey Daniel renamed her ‘Phunky Smooth’ for the flawless performance she gave.

Soon it was impromptu duet time again as a Yinka Davies favourite, Stephen Onochie performed Peabo Bryson’s duet ‘Celebrate my love’ with the star judge. Sophyn also got a duet with Yinka as she sang Diana Ross’s ‘Endless Love’. The audience’s applause was deafening as they acknowledged the spectacular music coming from the Idol stage and the judge’s table. Sly 1 ended the performances with an R&B tinged version of Jimmy Cliff’s ‘I can see clearly’.

The wild card allows three winners into the Nigerian Idol finals. The contestant with the highest number of votes will be the first to get into the final stages of the competition while the judges will select two other contestants for the final stage.
“This season, there will be a top 12 final on the show,” Project Manager Tiwa Medubi pointed out. The voting public gets to choose one, while the judges will be picking two more. The real contest begins on February 12, in the Nigerian Idol finals, then a whole team comprising of a music director, voice coach, stylist and others work together to craft the Nigerian Idol who can stand on his or her own amongst other Idol alumni worldwide.”

The winner of the show goes home with a brand new SUV and total prize money valued at $100, 000. Other top ten finalists also win mouth-watering prizes. The winner of season two will be announced at a grand gala in April.

Nigerian Idol is proudly brought to you by Etisalat in association with Pepsi and Sony. It is also supported by Air Nigeria, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Megalectrics (owners of Beat FM, Classic FM and Naija FM

Badiya – Emperor

Oluwademilade Oyebanji a.k.a Emperor is a young musician with music that belies his age – he was born 1996.

EMperor makes music of different genres and he is a multi-instrumentalist comfortable on the keyboard, guitar, bass and drums.

Demilade lives with his parents and two sisters in Lagos, Nigeria and is currently a final year student and a prefect at a leading secondary school in Lekki.

Natalie Nunn

Let’s introduce Natalie Nunn to the several new Nigerian fans of yours. Who is Natalie Nunn?

Natalie Nunn is a reality television/model/actress who graduated from the University of Southern California with 2 majors and a minor.( Communication, sociology and minor in Spanish). In college I played soccer and ran track for the university. I also have owned and operated her own clothing store. I’m a bad girl who loves to enjoy myself have fun, well rounded person and love culture.

Let’s talk growing up – parents, siblings, childhood career and challenges growing up.

Growing up I was raised in a single mother household with one older brother. We were very involved in education and sports. My mother worked two jobs to afford to take care of us and made sure we always had a roof over our head and food on the table. My father came around more when I got older, he had some hard times when I was young which caused him to not always be around.

Hear you own a boutique in Northern California, outside that what do you do now?

Yes I did own and operate my own clothing store in Northern California where I was born and raised. The store was a trendy clothing store for the younger crowd. Now I’m living in Los Angeles and filming reality television shows/ music videos I was just in the music video “Bad Girls Club” by Wale and J.cole also the Young Berg video “so amazing” and starred in Bad girls club reality show and also the spin off show ‘Love Games’ where I was looking for love!

Natalie Nunn

How did you join the ‘Bad girls club’?

I sent the producers of the Bad Girls Club a home casting tape. It was me just being me! They producers loved me and asked me to come for more in person interviews were later I was picked to be apart of the show.

You dated a Nigerian, Olamide of Sesame street for six years, That’s pretty interesting.

Yes my first boyfriend was Olamide Faison from the group – Imajin he was the lead singer, he also starred on the show sesame street and would sing to the kids. We dated for 7 years and he was the sweetest and very humble guy. Things after being on the bad girls club show made things a little difficult for us to continue to date, but we are still very close friends.

Did or have you ever got into things that are Nigerian – food, music, movie, fashion and sorts.

Yes while dating Olamide, I use to join the family in many cultural Nigerian customs. I joined the family in passing the Nut around in the circle and everyone taking a bite, hahaha. I forget what it was for but I did it. I also would join Olamide’s family who run’s the “NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE” in Harlem, New York for cultural African shows (African plays, and musical shows). I also joined Olamide’s family in a African funeral for the famous Dr. Barbara Ann Teer in New York City one of the most memorable days of my life.

What is ‘Nawti’?

Nawti — is Natural African women totally inspiring. I love this meaning… sends out a message that natural black women are inspiring and beautiful.

Who directed the video?

The video was shoot in different cities, my part was in Los Angeles by a very well known director

How were you contacted to be a part of the video? How did it happen?

My manager asked me if I would be interested in being apart of a music video by a Nigerian Artist and the song was called Nawti. The first thing I said was I want to hear the song and read the script and if I feel like its something I like I will do it. I loved the song, I loved the meaning and I love Nigerians so I said yes I’ll do it.

Did or do you find Olu Maintain attractive? You kissed him, I know it is all scripted and all. You think Olu Maintain is attractive?

Olu is a sweetheart. I really enjoyed working with him and the whole Nigerian crew! Yes the kiss was a part of the script but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it ! hahaha

Let’s take the business side of you in the Nawti video, How much did Olu Maintain cough out to get a bombshell like you in his video? How much was it to have you star in the video? Give me an idea

Hahahhaah being ‘Americas favorite bad girl’ and currently doing music videos such as “Bad girls club” with Wale, J Cole and Rick Ross. I wasn’t cheap . Olu Maintain made sure I was well taken care of and had everything I could desire on set of the music video!

Would your new found Nigerian fanbase be seeing more of you; talking videos, making trips down for club appearances and sorts?

Hopefully I will be coming to Nigeria soon. We have some pending contracts with people in Nigeria for appearances. I would love to come down there and do appearances at clubs, meet the lovely (NAWTI) people of Nigeria!

To other followers, critics who think you are an attention seeker, how do you deal with them?

The people who think I’m just an attention seeker. I honestly let people think what they want. I’m living a dream, enjoying traveling all over the world, meeting people NAWTI people of all different race, religions, colors! I love everyone and would never feed into what a hater has to say I LIVE MY LIFE.

Let me in on your future plans, What are you working on?

I have a few new projects I have finished coming this spring on Oxygen channel. Also a fun project that will hit the internet on February 14th, Valentine’s day that I did with the television channel Mun2 super SEXY. I also am the new cover model for Show magazine coming out in March. I will be featured in J’adore magazine coming February 1st.

Thanks for the interview guys.Much love from California (L.A.)

Miss Natalie Nunn

Banky W.

Banky W is a renowned singer and EME [label Wizkid and Skales are signed] vice president.

“Every Country has the Government that it deserves” – Joseph Marie de Maistre (French Philosopher).

Despite the fact that more than seventy percent of Nigerians live on less than $2 per day; the first thing the Government did in 2012 was to make life harder by almost tripling the price of fuel. Invariably, the cost of food, transportation, etc.. all went up, and yet the basic income/salary of the average Nigerian stayed the same.

No matter how you look at it, it’s unfair. If the Govt took steps to make life a little better for its citizens; if we had electricity, or Security, etc.. it wouldn’t be so bad. If they invested in refineries, so that we could refine/produce our own oil products, we wouldn’t be buying our own oil back at exorbitant prices, and there would be no need to subsidize fuel.For some of us, the Fuel Subsidy Removal was just the straw that broke the camel’s back. In a Country already plagued with decades of unresolved problems, the Government, in one fell swoop, made a decision, that at least in the short term, made life harder for the majority of its citizens; most of whom already had it hard to begin with.

There’s still nothing close to constant electricity for most of Nigeria; nothing close to quality basic education for all, healthcare, clean water, good roads, etc. In a country already dealing with tribal strife and armed robbery raining terror on citizens, we entered a new year now also having to deal with organized Terrorist Groups like Boko Haram claiming the lives of so many innocent citizens on an almost weekly basis, with the Government showing no signs of slowing them down.But the blame should not go to the government alone.

If Nigeria’s leaders are guilty of consistently providing failed, corrupt leadership, the citizens, on their own part, are guilty of consistently supplying apathy. We vote our leaders into power (or we sit at home and let others decide who should lead us). We see them inflating budget numbers, stealing, disrespecting the offices they hold, trampling on the citizens they are supposed to protect, and blatantly refusing to do the jobs we elected them for; yet we respond by saying “God dey” and “its Naija”. And every election cycle comes and goes, yet the story remains the same.We can no longer accept this of ourselves.

We are to blame for the leaders we put in office. We are to blame for the state of Nigeria. We owe it to future generations, not to hand them the same Nigeria we are seeing today, or one that has deteriorated further. Change comes when we decide it should. We have two powers as citizens; the power to vote, and the power to protest. I was encouraged by the thousands of Nigerians that FINALLY took to the streets to speak up for what they believe in. This is just the beginning.

We must continue to protest, non-violently, in every medium possible, until the Government starts to do a decent job, or until we are angry enough at their actions, that by the next election cycle, we change the Country by voting for the kind of people who actually deserve it, and not the status quo.It is with this in mind, that I’m teaming up with fellow associates of the October 2011 Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI), to create a song and music video, that will hopefully inspire Nigerians worldwide to be a part of the Change they want to see in the country.

The song is supposed to express the expectations we have of our Leaders, as well as what we expect of ourselves; the hope is to create a song that inspires each person to believe in the dream of a brighter future for Nigeria, and to play whatever role necessary to make that dream a reality.However, instead of just creating a song to preach to Nigerians, we’ve decided to give every Nigerian a chance to be a part of it, by allowing everyone to contribute lyrics to the song. The idea is for this to be the song created “by Nigerians for Nigeria” (suggestion: “by Nigerians, for Nigerians, about Nigeria”).

We will upload an incomplete draft of the chorus idea for the song, so that everyone gets a feel for where the song is going musically. We’ll then open up online mediums (Twitter, Facebook, email etc) to Nigerians all over the world to send in suggestions for lyrics. The lyrics will be collected and vetted by members of the NLI class; the final lyrics will be used to craft the verses and the final chorus for the song… and the hope is that this song, created by Nigerians for Nigeria, will travel far and wide; and the message will be communicated to every leader and citizen of this great country…We will continue to protest by speaking up; we will continue to stand up for ourselves and for our country. And if our issues continue to be ignored, when the time comes, we will Vote for Change on EVERY level. We must, because Nigeria must change. Nigeria WILL change.

PS: Step-by-Step Instructions as to how you can submit lyrics to be a part of this project will follow shortly… please join us and be involved. Thanks!