Sunday, June 16, 2013

I Had A Great Father, One Of The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boys Of World War II

(In memory of my father Sunday Eke)


Daddy, you were a warrior from Umuahia in Eastern Nigeria and proved yourself as one in Burma during the World War 2 and returned home as one of the heroes of the West African Frontier Force (WAFF).
But you never told me about your exploits in Burma, because I was too young to understand until when you passed on and my uncles gave me the graphic illustrations and even how you always used your World War II bugle to call a fellow Word War II hero in the village.
The only thing you showed me was your violin which you never taught me how to play, because you did not want me to do music. And to prove it, you threw away my first recording contract from the U.S when I was only 18.
But at 18 from my earnings as a TV script writer and TV puppeteer I could afford to pay thousands of naira for your medical bills for months until you passed away that fateful day on November 19, 1983.
So, unforgettable and so regrettable, because you left behind a heavy burden. Yet I thank God for the grace that has seen me through the challenges of your absence.


Daddy, I am still proud of you and guess what?
I am launching outdoor cinemas in Lagos on Saturday June 22, at the Old Broad Street Prison grounds opposite the General Hospital on Lagos Island. In fact, you would be wowed to see how they turned the prison into the Freedom Park, and transformed where Prof. Wole Soyinka was jailed during the Nigerian civil war into a tourist attraction.
Just a walk from where Sheila Cinema and Royal Cinema used to be and not so far away from our most frequented Kings Cinema in Lafiaji.
I remember the many evenings you often took us to the open air Kings Cinema, Sheila, Royal and Plaza to watch the movies of cowboys and Indians fighting, starring Marion Mitchell Morrison (May 26, 1907 – June 11, 1979), better known by his stage name John Wayne and war films like my all time favourite "A Bridge Too Far" in 1977 and also Bollywood stars Dharmendra and Jeetendra with Bollywood beauties like Hema, Malini and Helen.
It would have been great if you could just appear at the launch of Screen Naija One Village, One Cinema on Saturday and I would be proud to introduce you to the audience.


Daddy, my memories of you are unforgettable and if I continue, I will never stop recalling them all.
All I can say now is, I miss you every time I see a movie or hear the violin and of course the bugle.

Happy Father's Day my great daddy!





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Saturday, June 15, 2013

Win $8,000 in Shell V-Power : MOFILM African Adventure 2013 Competition

What's Your Formula For Excitement?

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For more details, please download the full brief!

Don’t forget that you can apply for production grants to help towards the cost of making your entry, and that the winning filmmakers will win up to $8,000 plus a trip of a lifetime to Africa on Safari in the world famous Kruger National Park.


If you need help, have any questions or would like feedback on your ideas then please email us at support@mofilm.com or ask on Facebook or via Twitter.





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Governor Rochas Okorocha Has Done Well for Imo State - Pastor Gods Elect

Special Interview with Pastor Gods Elect, General Overseer, Angelhearts Christian Mission (Storehouse of Blessings), Owerri, Imo State.



SIR, YOU ARE FROM IMO STATE AND A PROVEN LEADERSHIP COUNSELOR. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF OWELLE ROCHAS OKOROCHA TWO YEARS AFTER AND OUR MARCH TOWARDS 2015?

Yes, I am from Imo State. Ihitte, Otulu in Ahiara, Ahiazu-Mbaise L.G.A. to be precise. The bible says in Romans 13 v 1  “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” so if you expect I am going to run my anointed mouth in the press about my Governor, sorry, I will do no such thing. Rather, I will continue to pray for him and his team even when he does badly hoping they will not be bereft of divine wisdom and human compassion as they reel out, execute and enforce their state policies.
I would say anyway, that His Excellency, Owelle Rochas has raised the stake of governance in Imo-State since after late Dee Sam Mbakwe’s tenure and has provided in Imo State a yardstick for future governments to rely upon to do better and for us the good citizens of Imo-State, probably (time will tell!) a bench-mark for judging good governance.
Our Lord’s prayer says  “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”- so you see God’s intention for leaders! It is a common biblical saying in proverbs that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; shouldn’t this be the ambition of this government?
I have witnessed great improvement in infrastructural development and in human capacity building but unfortunately a seeming decline in human resource enhancement and legitimate government structural organs.
So obviously, you are sure to see those who may think he is not doing well or those who readily celebrate him, depending on which divide they belong. This however is the joy of democratic government and provides the leadership a focus on subsequent plans. All I can say, is that he still has the people’s mandate and more time ahead before the next elections so he should concentrate and consolidate on his plans and vision for Imo State and national politics rather than give in to the temptation of running after national political office, for now! Our God is a God of process and he should respect God’s choice in him and allow himself complete his assignment in this State. Owelle is a man in a hurry to fulfill his dream of success but where there is good counseling; God’s time is the best and at the appointed time, there will be fullness of purpose. Amen! There is nothing wrong with his personal interactive governance style as long as it does not displace the rule of law. Charm and public office as complimentary as it may seem can actually be in conflict with each other and this is what he needs to constantly discern.
Let me finally say that during the elections of 2011, it was the people’s cry in prayers and their resolute decision to protect their votes that God heard, granted and answered in the choice of Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha. It was not his personality, wealth, influence, network, party affiliation nor was it any caucus agreement of any such that gave him the mandate. All power belongs to God! Therefore in 2015 again, it is our prayers and trusting our commitment of the whole process to God, that will count and He will choose for us in His answer who will be in Douglas House. My advice is that everyone seeking to be used for this opportunity must continue in sincere prayers to seek for divine wisdom and be compassionate to the good people of this state. In the meanwhile, we will watch, pray and give our counsel wherever and whenever it is sought. To God be the Glory!

PASTOR, RECENTLY THE CHURCH IN NIGERIA SEEM TO HAVE JOINED FORCES WITH GOVERNMENT TO DECLARE WAR ON THE RISING PROFILE OF HOMOSEXUALITY AND LESBIANISM WITHIN OUR SOCIETY. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THIS?
Sincerely speaking, the Church has remained the custodian of moral values and will certainly not close its eyes or fold its arms to such endemic evil set to corrupt human creation. Yes, I do know that the national legislative arm of government passed a bill on this matter that provided a 14 years jail term for offenders and maybe their accomplices and this is waiting assent by Mr. President.
Having said this, I would rather see it the other way and that is that Government has risen to complement the Church in her continued efforts to regain our societal moral values.
This is a very unfortunate development and let me say quite strongly that as a Christian, it is absolutely against God’s will for Humanity. At birth, we had our sex designations and more recently, a genetic study has shown that no one is born with such disoriented gene constitution as to warrant such. This is surely a result of persuasions and exposures to unhealthy tendencies and immoral inclinations emanating from our negative environmental interactions. We have been struggling to deal with the issues of fornication and adultery and as if that were not enough, these too are becoming so prevalent. This is the devil’s bold plan in these last days to steal God’s joy and mock us as God’s creation and it is really so unfortunate that it cuts across all social strata and in some instances have become a defining factor for worldly accomplishments or achievements. What a shame!
It is a very sensitive issue and we should not accept it but only be careful not to throw away the baby’s bath water together with the baby. We need to pity those we identify as such and give them the compassion we would give to sick persons because they have had their minds and bodies abused. For some, they would need our tolerance in view of their confessed remorse fulness and repentance so as to undergo spiritual and body rehabilitation needed to fully recover themselves of this satanic captivity. The word of God in Philippians 3 v 21 encourages and strengthens our belief in looking up to Christ Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself”.  If we believe that the voice of the people is the voice of God, then let us rise up and together condemn this evil and wicked act, protect and save the yet unadulterated young ones and adults amongst us. God help us. Amen!

SIR,WITH THE STATE OF AFFAIRS NOW,WHERE EXACTLY DO YOU THINK NIGERIA IS HEADING?

It is not an issue of who is the president or his or her personality but an outcome of divine time. We are certainly heading for a better future under the pragmatic leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan. Most times people have associated his name “Goodluck” with what they hope to see but let me tell me prophetically, that his name carries what challenge he will have to deal with “ill luck|”?. 
But then again, look at it this way, what lies ahead of us? Oh sure, challenges, trails, temptations. If you watch very carefully, it is as if all the problems of Nigeria over the years are now being deposited on the present leadership. You can describe his administration as a major sewage channel - it smells awfully and has a lot of debris in it but yet is the only reason why the environment is clean, safe and healthy. This is his predicament but I would say, a good one at fulfilling God’s purpose. It is enormous but grace is available to triumph over these challenges and just this will Jonathan do. In Psalm 34 v 19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all”.  It shall be good. Amen!
If we are determined as a nation and walk in fear of God, we will make it to the glorious point and then have every reason to celebrate our success. A word of note here: let us enjoy what we are now, for we are what we are by His grace and look ahead with excitement into the future for the promises that await us. I pray we will “Trust in the LORD with all our heart; and lean not unto our own understanding.  In all our ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct our paths”  (proverbs 3 vs 5 & 6)

REV, WHY DO MOST MEN OF GOD MAKE THEMSELVES TOO DIFFICULT TO REACH? IS THIS RIGHT?

I believe we are passionate to touch the  lives of our various  congregations and others who may need our attention at any time. However, you must understand that the office of the Priest or Pastor is such that demands a very high level of discipline requiring adherence to ministerial protocol, here meaning norms and ethics but unfortunately these may not be convenient to some. Much as I have said this, I do rather believe that most of us if not all, gracefully receive and reach out to as many people as possible with a strong keenness of the Spirit on a daily basis yet in the eyes of many, this is not satisfactory.
Remember, of course Jesus said in Matthew 9 v 37 (paraphrased) ; "...the
harvest is truly plenty but the labourers are few". I am convinced, we will keep trying our best, trusting that by the absolute grace of God, we will not fail or become irresponsible to our divine obligation. Regarding myself, I am easily reached directly on +234(0) 703 9610 123 / (0)818 1093 999 or by e-mail throughelectsofgod@yahoo.com  
It is well.



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Thursday, June 13, 2013

Quintessentially and Angel Champagne Wows Abuja with Glitz and Razzmatazz

Queen Ahneva and some guests.  

QUINTESSENTIALLY AND ANGEL CHAMPAGNE WOWS ABUJA WITH EYE POPPING EXHIBITIONS

Wednesday 29th May and Thursday 30th May, 2013, were two days that witnessed the highest display of luxury and class ever to be seen in Nigeria. These were the two days that Angel Champagne and Quintessentially (an internationally renowned concierge company) held the crowds spell bound with a super high profile display of their top international brands at an event that incorporated the style of a super-high class cocktail party and the presentation format of an exhibition. It was a night that wowed a vast collection of guests, made of individuals in the top echelon of the Nigerian success ladder. It was an event designed for the celebration of pomp, pageantry, luxury, Quality and class distinction in the utmost superlative.


Former Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Chief Tom Omoghegbe Ikimi and a guest.

 
Annie Inyang and Aderemi. 

 Deliberately put together by Zakaa Luxury concepts, with the co-hosting auspices of Quintessentially, it was a debut night for some of the world’s top brands, who purposed to make a grand entrance into Nigeria’s luxury market by creating a stir in the system; and they indeed succeeded through the event, in achieving just that objective. Never has so much opulence been in display in a single event under one roof in Nigeria before; indeed, the ante and definition of glitterati were raised and redefined on the occasion.


Masade and a guest admiring the classy Angel Champagne.

Venue was the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Situated in the heart of the FCT and easily the only six star hotel on the West African Coast, and a perfect venue for an event that sought to beat the highest standards and records in Luxury. Wednesday 29th May saw the start of the event with a cocktail party which commenced by 6pm. So vast was the list of guests that people were still stringing in by as late as 9pm at night. The apparels on display on the guests were enough in value, and the individuals themselves were a roll call of who is who among those with nine figure incomes in the country. It was not an event for individuals who take orders from others; it was rather an event for those who give orders, in whose hands lay the economic destinies of themselves as that of others. Apart from providing them with a forum in which to mingle and network, it was also an excellent opportunity for them to relax, unwind and enjoy themselves. Food and classy drink was available in quantities and varieties that gave the event the ambiance of a royal banquet.

Abayomi, Queen Ahneva and Adams Yakubu.
Abayomi and Thelma.
Adams and Fatima.
Andy James.
Belen and Laura.
Debbie Oghene.
Dennis Ifidon Ojeonu, Stanley O.
Dr. and Dr. (Mrs) Ndukwe.
Farrah Onoja.
Francisca Sambo and Bertine.
Lilian Okafor and Stephanie.
Hon. Wale Ogunbanjo.

30th May was the second part of the event which was the Luxury and lifestyles Salon presentation. It started by 3pm. The auditorium was furnished with a tasteful design of exhibition platforms with some of the worlds highest luxury brands in display. Chief among the brands on show was Angel Champagne, by far one the most beautifully and exquisitely made champagnes in the world today and with price tags befitting royal treasure. Angel Champagne was inspired by British entrepreneur Stefano Zagni. Angel has limited annual production so its exclusivity is assured. Thus it is only available for purchase at very select venues around the world. In the entire West coast of Africa, Angel Champagne is solely distributed by Palatially Wines and Spirits, another new enterprise riding the top of the crests of the luxury market in Nigeria.


Kunle Odeyemi.
Mr. and Mrs. Jolly Cole.
Morrilyn Ogor, Aderemi, Adijohn.
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew.
Mr. and Mrs. Somze.

Another exhibitor at the event that held attention of the elitist crowd was “Quintessentially”. This company was established in 2000 as a private member’s club and concierge Service Company. Quintessentially stand today as the world’s leading concierge and lifestyle management group.


Other exhibitors were Zakaa, a Nigerian brand with over 20 years experience in distribution and retailing of luxury brands, presently having franchise of more than thirty luxury brands including, Ulysses Nardin Watch, which was manufactured by Swiss Watchmakers, and founded in 1846. They have been dedicated to excellence for over 165 years in manufacturing mechanical watches. Also at the exhibition is Serapian, which was established in early 1940, the Serapian brand has always been synonymous with quality, dedication, creativity and refinement. Montagrappa , which was the first Italian Pen and was founded in 1912, they has carved a niche for themselves with their unique masterpieces and beautiful work of art, Pesavento was also at the exhibition and they specializes in precious material, gold, silver and gemstones, crafting them into original shapes and extraordinary volume.


Queen Ahneva, Abayomi and Lilian.
Prince Jeff, Eloka Anene, Hon. Phil A.

Remarkably, a great number of the guests came out to pick up these products for themselves, confirming the fact that they are those for whom money works, and not those who work for money. The most attention was curiously focussed on the super-packaged Angel Champagne. Indications showed that from the appreciation of the guests, exquisite wines, such as Angel Champagne, may soon become the next line of alternative investment in Nigeria as new collectors and connoisseurs will soon emerge. With the champagne’s great quality, being made out of the best vines, from the best vineyards in the world and brewed by the best wine makers, using the highest standards, its long cellar life and is perfectly assured and prices are bound to rise with age of the wine, thus making it an item of elitist value storage and financial speculation, apart from a great item of luxury. Quintessentially also proved to be a novel entrepreneurial adventure with a lot of attraction for the guests at the event.



Quintessentially is the world’s leading concierge/lifestyle management group. It was founded in the UK in 2000 as a private members’ club and concierge service. Their services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Quintessentially group encompasses 39 sister companies with physical offices in 72 cities world wide. It is the only truly localized concierge service in the world. Services include informational services, hotel/restaurant reservations, arranging of spa services, recommending nightlife hot spots, booking transportations (Limousines, airplanes, boats) procurement of tickets to special events and assisting with various travel arrangements and tons of local attractions. Quintessentially is crafted to enhance the output of long hour working super executives and high achievers who need special assistance in providing a work-life balance. The exhibition ended by 11 pm on Thursday night and left a feel that will forever remain a source of deep nostalgia in the mind of guests as such event will be very difficult to replicate; except if Quintessentially and its associate companies chooses to titillate Nigeria’s rich folk with a repetition, any moment soon.

  Media Contact 
  Mr. Ingram Adichie Osigwe
MD/CEO Fullpage International Communications Limited.



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Akokwa Christian Elites Holds 2013 Eminent Persons’ Dinner

2012 Guest Speaker,Bar. James Ocholi (SAN) with Mr Cliff Onyeje, Lagos branch President.

AKOKWA CHRISTIAN ELITES HOLDS 2013 EMINENT PERSONS’ DINNER
~ By Ingram Osigwe
An independent and politically neutral group of highly accomplished indigenes of the Akokwa Community in Imo State of Nigeria, known as Akokwa Christian Elites, will host its annual dinner on Saturday June 15th 2013 at the main banquet hall of the Lagos Sheraton and Towers Hotel.


 Bishop Charles Ubatu.
Akokwa Christian Elites is made up of businessmen and women, professionals, intellectuals and other categories of peace loving and socially constructive men and women who believe in the supremacy of God and who live a life guided by Him through the Christian faith. The group in its entirety believes that God is the source of all providence and is committed to efforts towards the provision of good living conditions for everyone, as right of all Akokwa indigenes. Astute in their nation building efforts, their primary focus is Akokwa community where they foster positive changes in the lives of the indigenes but their activities inspire community efforts in the surrounding environs where they are viewed as excellent examples. The group desires to see truth, honesty, love, integrity and fear of God prevail above all other things in Akokwa.
They aim to increase positive aspirations among all, especially the young and developing generations by inviting distinguished citizens of Nigeria with Godly charisma as Guest Speakers and role models at the annual dinner party.


 ENGR Greg Obioha of Mantrac Nigeria Ltd, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Mr. Cliff Onyeje.
Previous editions have hosted distinguished Nigerians like Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa of Neimeth International Pharmaceutical Plc., and former Chairman Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Tony Ewelike, CEO, A. G Homes, Arc. Azike Diribe, a First class Architect of the Integrated Consortium, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Administration, Professor Pat Utomi of the Lagos Business School, His Excellency Rt Honourable Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (GCON) Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF),  Bar. James Ocholi (SAN), the Pro-Chancellor of Salem University, Kogi State. The 2013 dinner will host as guest speaker, Arc Ifeanyi Odedo, Managing Director, Sharon Ultimate and Sharon Regency Hotels, Abuja.

The Guest Speaker, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.
It will be recalled that Akokwa Christian Elites, in its quest to add values to the lives of Akokwa citizens have evolved several welfare programmes ranging from financial grants and empowerments for Widows every Christmas season to Banquets for the Royal fathers encouraging them to keep their thrones Godly. The group also organizes mass Christian Evangelical programmes (crusades), University Scholarship Schemes for indigent students. The essence of the University Scholarship Scheme is to fund the education of high performing students from indigent backgrounds as the group believes that the best form of empowerment and the highest legacy any generation can receive is sound education. Their scholarship scheme has stirred up academic competition in Akokwa clan leading to some of the recipients graduating with first class degrees from higher institutions. They have also sponsored for two consecutive years willing traditional rulers to the “ANNUAL SOUTH EASTERN CONFERENCE OF TRADITIONAL RULERS” which  holds at the House of Assembly Enugu. This is a forum where the traditional rulers were taught how to administer from their thrones with a sense of equity, fairness and justice, tempered with the fear of God, in the belief that their changed lives will cascade down to their subjects and bring peace to their various communities.


Mr. Cliff Onyeje reading his welcoming address. Left is SGF Senator Anyim Pius Anyim with Mr. Jackson Ebasa.


Akokwa Christian Elites shuns all divisive tendencies and recognizes only the leadership of God in its decisions. The group is not inclined towards any factionary camps political or otherwise. Their vision is reconciliation, truth, fairness, progress, sacrifice and unity. The group is preoccupied with putting smiles on the faces of the people with no conditions attached. Members are not levied to fund projects rather all budgets are voluntarily sponsored by members.


Mr. Iyke Simeon Ebelebe and Mr. Charles Anusionwu. 
The general public are hereby invited to unwind, socialize, reintegrate and refocus for a life of purpose in an evening of Godly fellowship that will engender positive transformations in the lives of all guests.


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