Nigerian Idol recently held the unveiling of its final 12 contestants. The
event was graced by sponsors, celebrities, members of the press and fans
of the show.
Davido thrilled guests with his hit Dami Duro. Other performing acts
included Yinka Davies, Yeka Onka Nigerian Idol season 1 winner and Naomi
Mac – 1st runner up.
Here are images from the red carpet and other pictures.

On Thursday December 29, the biggest players in Nigerian music and
entertainment unite to throw the biggest ‘Thank you’ party of the year.
This year, Flytime Productions teams up with TRACE Urban TV, 1Music and
Silverbird entertainment to say a big ‘Thank you’ to the industry,
artists, record labels, brand managers, advertisers, Nollywood and
everyone that has  been part of the entertainment industry this year.

“We’ve thrown the HUSH party in previous years but this year, we have
come together with TRACE Urban TV, 1Music and Silverbird entertainment to
make it bigger and better.” Cecil Hammond,  CEO of Flytime Productions
explained.

The party which is an invite only, complimentary drinks and all night
affair is sponsored by Jameson Whiskey. However, a few lucky people can
win tickets by visiting the HushNigeria2011 page on Facebook.

“This party is going to be hot!” promised Matthew Ohio of Industry Nights.
“Coming together with TRACE and Flytime to take it to a higher level for
the end of the year is fitting.” Carnaval Events has been the organizer of
the popular weekly Industry Nights events for years. The event has had
amazing shows with 2Face and many other popular artistes. Fast rising
musician, Davido was the main act last week.

The 2011 Hush Party is proudly supported by Jameson Whiskey, Dealdey.com,
Cintron Energy Drinks and Industry Nights

It was an unusual blend of fantastic music and nail biting suspense as Nigerian idol aired its group stages in the fabulous Christmas edition that aired last weekend. Now in its 6 th and 7 th episodes, the popular show presented to viewers the elimination of the top 100 contestants as they were pruned to 30 in a keenly contested series of performances.

“The group stages are always a mixture of emotions,” explained director Peter Bode. “It is sad to see a lot of these talents go because they represent the best 100 from around the country, it is however rewarding to see the joy on the faces of those who have made it. In the end, the toughest and the most talented make the top 30 in the competition.”

The competition started with group performances from the top 100 contestants who split up into groups of three and four. After the group performances, the judges had the unenviable task of breaking the bad news to the contestants who had to go home. Judge Yinka Davies was almost in tears as she announced some of the groups that made it into the top 40. But the competition was not over yet; this time, the top 40 had to perform duets in groups of 20. Finally, the judges selected their top 30 while the 10 who did not scale through had to leave. It was a very excited 30 contestants who sang, danced, prayed and shed tears of joy at their achievement.
The 7th episode fell on Christmas day and the talented contestants treated viewers to a very soulful and powerful rendition of popular Christmas carol ‘Jingle Bells’ at the grand Nigerian Idol stage.

This Friday, the battle is on in Nigerian Idol as 30 of Nigeria’s most talented young musicians slug it out in front of a live studio audience. The Nigerian Idol top 30 will take the competition to the next level as they fight for the chance to make it to the next stage as top 10 finalists. The show will end in April 2012 when a new Nigerian Idol is crowned at a glamorous closing gala. Yeka Onka is the season one winner and she joins a bevy of other Idol greats worldwide including Timi Dakolo, Jordin Sparks and Ruben Stoddard.

Fans of the hit show can win tickets to the live studio show as well as other give-aways from this season by visiting the websitewww.nigerianidol.com and other popular blog sites.

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 the Beat 99.9 FM, Classic FM, and Naija FM]

The Central Working Committee (CWC) for The Nigeria Symposium for Young & Emerging Leaders has unveiled the full list of Keynote Speakers, Lead-ins, and Discussants at the historic event, which will gather young Nigerian leaders from across the country to discuss governance and leadership.
The Symposium holds on 11 & 12 January 2012 at the Muson Centre in Lagos Nigeria and is presented by The Future Project, in association with EiE Nigeria and the International Republican Institute. 50 percent of the seats for participants have been reserved for open nomination. You can nominate yourself or someone else on www.thefuturenigeria.com/category/symposium.

“We are incredibly excited about all the young people we have managed to bring together,” says Adebola Williams, a Director of The Future Project. “We are gathering some of the brightest and best of young Nigerian leaders from all the six geo-political zones to talk about how the next generation will choose to lead. This generation wants to be different from the last – but how can it do that practically? The target is for a truly transformed and functioning Nigeria – but unless we actually and define that leadership ideal, we will be unable to achieve it. This symposium takes the first giant step.”

The Headline Speaker is Obiageli Ezekwesili, World Bank VP for Africa; she is supported by Bishop Matthew Kukah, Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese of the Catholic Church. The Opening Address will be given by the Minister for Youth Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
The hosts are Tolu Ogunlesi, winner for CNN African Journalist of the Year 2009; and Adaure Achumba, a correspondent for Reuters.
See the full list below:
The Perspective from Government
A) Emerging Leaders: Public Officers/Civil Servants – Is it Possible to Stand Out in Government? (Lead-in – Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Executive Governor of Ekiti State)
The Challenge of Governance in Nigeria is the continuing perception that when “good people” enter government; they become unrecognisable, lost in a web of waste, corruption and deceit. With examples, models and prescriptions, this panel will assess the viability of standing up for positivity in government.
Discussants – Hauwa Abdullahi-Booth (Senior State Counsel, Federal Capital Territory Administration), Babasola Alokolaro (General Counsel to the Governor of Lagos State), Dolapo Badru (Special Assistant on Youth, Lagos State Governor), Emmanuel Etim (Programme Manager, AUYVC-PMU/Partnerships & Ext. Relations Adviser, African Union Commission), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin (Special Assistant to Oyo Gov Special Projects), Emmanuel Okocha (Special Assistant, Federal Minister of Youth Development/Former Special Assistant, Kwara State Commissioner for Education), Umaru Tanko-Yakassai (Chief Personal Physician, Executive Governor of Kano State).
Moderator: Mfon Ekpo (Maritime Lawyer/Negotiator)

B) Emerging Leaders: Technocrats – Understanding the Problem: Politics or Competence? (Lead-in – Mr. Oronto Douglas, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Strategy, Research, and Documentation & Prof. Pat Utomi, Director of the Centre for Applied Economics, Pan-African University)
From the return of democracy in 1999, there has been a clamour for “technocracts” in government – people who are uniquely qualified in their area of appointment. More than a decade after, has this led to any transformative change? Or are we doing it all wrong? We assess the impact and relevance of this set of public officials.
Discussants – Tope Akande (Head of Corporate Affairs, Lagos State Signage & Advertising Agency), Ohimai Amaize (Special Assistant on Advocacy, Minister of Youth Development), Chime Asonye (Associate, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Millennium Development Goals), Asawo Ibifuro (Managing Director, Cinfores), Amara Nwakpa (IT Consultant),  Olasupo Olusi (Technical Assistant, Coordinating Minister of the Economy), Hakeem Shagaya (Director, Unity Bank/Former Technical Adviser, Ministry of Finance).
Moderator: Aziza Uko (Editor-at-Large, Y! Magazine)
C) Emerging Leaders: Politicians – The Matter of Mud (Lead-in –Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Executive Governor of Rivers State & Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, Former Minister of the FCT)
One of Nigeria’s more popular borrowed clichés is “Politics is a dirty game”. But with many politicians managing to be in or leave government with either reputations intact and/or praise for their achievements, how can a new generation of leaders achieve this feat – and make politics more palatable for greater involvement?
Discussants – Jibrin Abdulmumuni (Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance), Olaide Agboola (House of Representatives Candidate, Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Ogun State), Uche Chuta (Board Member, Engage Nigeria Forum), John Lebo (Member of the House of Assembly, Abi Constituency, Cross River State), Egghead Odewale (Personal Assistant to the Governor of Ekiti State), Babatunde Sarumi (2011 PDP House of Representatives Candidate), Bilyaminu Shinkafi (Member of the House of Representatives, Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency, Zamfara State).
Moderator: Deji Badmus (Head, Reportorial Desk, Channels Television)
The Private Sector Alternative
A) Emerging Leaders: Professionals – The Degrees of Separation (Lead-in – Austin Edoja-Peters, Head of Corporate Communications, Access Bank & Folake Ani-Mumunney, Chief Marketing Officer, First Bank)
Is there a need for a greater interest in government by professionals – or is it enough to sit behind desks and do our jobs well? The historic EnoughisEnough rallies last year and the #ABSURape saga this year signpost a new era of professional involvement which is effective because of its independence from government and politics. This panel will assess impact and the future.
Discussants – Jumoke Adekunle (Communications Manager Nigeria, Girl Hub), Idiare Atimomo (Manager, Youth Segment, Etisalat), Kunle Durojaiye (Cranfield MBA Grad), Austine Imoukhuede (New Business Development Manager, Nutricima Ltd), Mariah Mogoli, (Petroleum Economist, Sahara Energy Field Limited), Jennifer Obayuwana (Executive Director, Polo), Femi Odusote (Reservoir Engineer, Chevron), Akintunde Oyebode (Head SME Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC), Nana Shehu (Senior Analyst  –  Lotus Capital Limited Kano), Kehinde Shote (Consultant, Shell Petroleum).
Moderator: Ferdinand Adimefe (Research & Development Executive, Century Energy Services Ltd)
B) Emerging Leaders: Artistes – When is it More than a Job? (Lead-in – Biola Alabi, Managing Director, Mnet Africa & Obi Asika, CEO, Storm 360)
The last presidential elections threw up a new and dominant scenario where several high profile entertainers endorsed candidates for office. While this is proper practice in many developed democracies, the transactional nature of our politics led to criticism as to motivation and reward. We seek to explore the burden on entertainers; the criticism over discharge of professional duties and the correct context within which to situate such engagement.
Discussants – Funke Akindele (Actor/Producer), Ikhane Akhighe, (CEO, AbOriginal Productions), Lanre Dabiri – Eldee (Rapper/Producer), Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde (Actress/Producer), Audu Maikori (CEO, Chocolate City Group), Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (TV/Event Host), Stephanie Okereke (Director, Del-York International), Nkiru Sylvanus (Special Assistant to the Governor of Imo State) Bankole Wellington – Banky W (Director, EME).
Moderator: Matse Uwatse (Presenter, Nigeria Info FM)
C) Emerging Leaders: Entrepreneurs – Building an Alternative Resource-Base to Affect Governance (Lead-in – Tonye Cole, CEO, Sahara Group & Dumo Lulu-Briggs, CEO, DLB Marine Ltd)
Is it time for young people with thriving businesses to put their monies where their mouths are? Is it possible to be a force for good from the outside, financing candidates, and marshalling resources to support positive change in the Nigerian society? This session will stimulate thought and action – as well as effective strategy for engagement.
Discussants – Toyosi Akerele (CEO, Rise Group), Segun Demuren (Managing Director, Evergreen Apple Nigeria – EAN Hangar Jet Center), Bisola Edun (Managing Director, Tae), Gbolahan Fagbure (Managing Director, Road Repair Company), Kingsley James (Deputy Managing Director, DigiPrints), Chioma Nwagboso (Private Sector Specialist, World Bank), Tayo Oviosu (CEO, Pagatech), Hassan Rilwan (CEO, Focal Point Group), Perez Tigidam (Creative Director, Arden & Newton), Mosunmola Umoru (CEO, Honeysuckles PTL Ventures).
Moderator: Ohimai Atafo (Creative Director, MAI)
Driving Change from Outside
A) Emerging Leaders: New Media Commentators – Questioning The Effectiveness of Arm-Chairs (Lead-in – Dele Momodu, Publisher, Ovation)
The evolving phenomenon of the online commenter and thought leader is extensively explored, perhaps for the first time in our nation’s history. It is important to identify the dichotomy between the arm chair critic and the force for change. The accessibility and egalitarianism of the online space – blogosphere and social networks – can be a veritable tool for development – but how? And what are the rules of effective engagement?
Discussants – Nmachi Jidenma (Programme Coordinator, Sub-Saharan Africa, Google), Daibat Garuba ( Lawyer), OO Nwoye (CEO, SOLUTION Y/Founder, TechCircle Nigeria), Henry Okelue (Presales Consultant, Galaxy Backbone Plc), Japheth Omojuwa (Editor, AfricaLiberty.Org), Babatunde Rosanwo (Economy and Society Research Student, Graduate School for Social Research, Polish Academy of Science, Warsaw, Poland), Seyi Taylor (CEO, Blouuve).
Moderator: Kola Oyeneyin (CEO, Venia Business Hub)
B) Emerging Leaders: Traditional Media – The Challenge of Responsible Influence (Lead-in – Ibim Semenitari, Former Editor, Tell Magazine/Commissioner for Information, Rivers State)
The Nigerian media has consistently been accused of duplicity and corruption, severely weakening its moral authority to drive the conversation. It is important to explore how much of this is exaggerated and how much is reality with a view to establishing a new credibility and moral order for the media in an information age where the consumer drives the news via a 24-hour media cycle. This panel will look at that future critically.
Discussants – Al-Kassim Abdulkadir (Contributor, CNN), Abdulkarim Baba-Aminu (Saturday Editor, Daily Trust), Tosyn Bucknor (On-Air Personality, Top Radio/Columnist, The Guardian), Biola Kazeem (Head of Strategy, Elev8), Cheta Nwanze (Chief Information Officer, Daily Times), Ahmed Shekarau (Editor, People’s Daily), Funke Treasure (Controller of Presentation, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria).
Moderator: Dr. Peju Adeniran (Editor, DocSays)
C) Emerging Leaders: Issue Advocates/Activists – How Far Away should We Stay from Government: Driving a Credible Agenda (Lead-in – Ndidi Nwuneli, Founder, LEAP Africa & Osayi Oruene, Executive Director, FATE Foundation)
Nigeria’s vibrant activism culture has seen many erstwhile activists make a quick cross over to government – leading to cynicism within the populace, convinced that activism is often an open invitation to patronage. This session will ruthlessly assess youth-led civil society organisations and how they can succeed with regard to motivation, intent and, sustainability.
Discussants – Yemi Adamolekun (Executive Director, EnoughisEnough Nigeria), Esther Agbarakwe (International Advocacy fellow, Population Action International, Washington DC, USA), Kingsley Bangwell (Team Leader, Youngstars Foundation), Mosun Layode (Executive Director, LEAP Africa), Zaynab Lukat (State Representative, Department for International Development, DFID Nigeria), Linus Okorie (President, GOTNI International), Gbenga Sesan (Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria).
Moderator: Rebecca Enobong Roberts (Executive/Operations Officer, Youth Empowerment & ICT Foundation)
Special Africa Session – Identifying a Continental Leadership Context
We often speak of leadership incidents that happen “only in Nigeria” – but the continent is replete with governance that is seen as corrupt, inefficient and pre-modern. The possibility of a continental push for good governance or creating a ripple effect through a network of countries working together is explored at this special session, alongside alternatives for development and growth.
Discussants – Hon. Evelyn Anite (Youth Representative, Parliament of Uganda – Uganda), Ewajesu Asala (Commonwealth Youth Representative for Nigeria/Deputy Chair, Commonwealth Youth Panel for Africa – Nigeria), Uzodinma Iweala (Author/Medical Doctor – Nigeria), Roselyn Kangara (Agribusiness Consultant – Kenya), Acha Leke (Partner, McKinsey & Company/Founder, African Leadership Academy – Cameroon), Kathleen Ndongomo (Ideation Consultant – Cameroon).
Moderator: Emmanuel Etim (Programme Manager, AUYVC-PMU/Partnerships & Ext. Relations Adviser, African Union Commission)
The event is held in partnership with and support from the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Youth, Ekiti State Government, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, and the Nigeria Leadership Initiative. Media partners are Channels Television, Africa Magic, FAB, Beat FM, Business Eye, LASAA, BellaNaija.com and CP-Africa.com; and the Official Media Partner is Y! (www.ynaija.com)
The application form and more information about the symposium and The Future Project are available on www.thefuturenigeria.com. Follow @TFProject on Twitter or The Future Project, Nigeria on Facebook.

DARING TO DREAM! RAPE SURVIVOR & OTHERS TELL THEIR STORIES OF COURAGE AND DETERMINATION AS NIGERIAN IDOL AIRS EPISODES TWO AND THREE

It was a mixed basket of emotions for viewers last weekend on Nigerian Idol as the hit show aired its second and third episodes. The two episodes which ran from Friday December 9 to Monday December 11 across television stations in the country showed the auditions that took place in the cities of Abuja and Enugu.
“And still, these loaded episodes are only a tip of the iceberg,” explained Producer Lilias Bode. “Nigerian Idol will bring to the fore all the drama, excitement and beautiful music it is known for. Dreams are being born here and it is our pleasure that viewers get to see the entire picture behind these immensely talented young people.”
Starting off in Abuja, viewers were first introduced to new Nigerian Idol judge Charly Boy who wasted no time settling into the show. The episode which aired from Friday took viewers through some of the talent the Capital City had to offer, from the melodious to the ridiculous. At the end of the day, young talents were offered golden tickets to appear at The Dream Studios in Lagos.
Then it was Port Harcourt’s turn. In dramatic fashion, Charly Boy chose to arrive the venue on a motorbike while the other judges; Yinka Davies and Jeffrey Daniel flew down via official airline partner, Air Nigeria. Port Harcourt had its own fair share of hilarious moments: a professional barber took hair grooming to a new dimension; rapping ‘Gangster’s paradise’ while giving a mock haircut. Perhaps the most touching story from the episode was that of rape survivor, petite Sylivia Ita Bassey who was determined to help people in her own shoes by using her unique voice. Port Harcourt also brought Peace Akraka-Elom who has overcome her inferiority complex and stage fright through music.
As viewers recover from the exciting weekend package presented by Nigerian Idol, the next weekend also promises more drama and excitement as the audition train makes a stop at Enugu and Lagos in search of the next Nigerian Idol.
The Idol franchise is the world’s biggest and most popular platform responsible for the discovery of popular stars like Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Adam Lambert, Timi Dakolo and Nigeria’s own Yeka Onka. The show begun airing on December 4 and will run through the new year until April 1st when a new Idol is announced.
Nigerian Idol is proudly brought to you by Etisalat in association with Pepsi and Sony. It is supported by Air Nigeria, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Megalectrics (owners of Beat FM, Classic FM and Naija FM).

ABOUT NIGERIAN IDOL
Following the premise of the original show Pop Idol, Nigerian Idol is a television reality show with a nation-wide search for Nigeria’s next solo superstar, which will offer one young talent the opportunity that raw talented singers have until now, only dreamed of. Nigerian Idol aims to find the best singer in the country who can be defined as the “National” singer, and an International Artiste.
Nigerian Idol Season I was won by Yeka Onka, a former beauty queen and contestant from Abia State,
Just as it happened on the previous season following the Idol format, a panel of three judges, made up of some of the music industry’s most influential experts, will be faced with the daunting prospect of choosing  talented singers to face the viewing public who will decide, in a series of live shows, who most deserves the chance of stardom. These hopefuls will be set tasks to prove that they have got the musical talent to make it in one of the world’s fastest-growing and most competitive music industries. The Winner will be chosen after a live show in which the final two contestants sing to the nation in the hope of clinching the prize that will change their lives forever.

The Managing Partner of Red Media Group, Chude Jideonwo has been invited as a panelist for the Nollywood day at the Wennovation Hub, holding on 30 November, 2011.
The Theme for the event is ‘Powering Nollywood Using Technology’. The purpose for the event is to highlight the interconnectivity of Wennovation’s recent content distribution technology and mobile application initiatives with top content creators in Nollywood in order to achieve synergy with key actors.
Also speaking at the event are Nse Ikpe Etim, Nollywood actress and Best of Nollywood Awards 2011 winner, Uche Eze, Founder, Bellanaija.com, Mukhtar Oyewo, MobiQube Nigeria Limited, Modupe Ajibola, OTGPlaya Entity LLC and Femi Babajide, Intel West Africa.
Wennovation Hub is the first privately held start-up business accelerator/incubator in Nigeria operated by LoftyInc Allied Partners Ltd. The hub is focused on enabling the next wave of entrepreneurs and innovators in Nigeria leveraging on partnerships across various sectors: including finance, media and education.

The event starts by 12pm at the Entrepreneurship Development Center Large Auditorium, Plot C, Obasa Road, off Oba-Akran Avenue, Ikeja Lagos.

Mfon Ekpo, entrepreneur, consultant and lawyer, received a Golden Quill Award from The National Academy of Best-Selling Authors at the Second Annual Best Sellers Summit and Awards Gala.

Mfon Ekpo, Founder of Premier Pioneers Network, who has already achieved the impressive distinction of being the first African to co-author a book with global leadership expert Brian Tracy, was recognised at the Second Annual Best Sellers Summit and Awards Gala hosted by National Academy of Best-Selling Authors. The event took place on October 20-21, 2011 at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California.

Mfon Ekpo was honored for becoming a best seller of the book Pushing To The Front: Front Line Strategies From The Worlds Leading Entrepreneurs.
The book features top advice from leading entrepreneurs and marketing experts from across the globe. It offers proven business strategies to help people adapt and thrive in the new economy.  Pushing To The Front was released on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 by business book publisher Celebrity Press. On the day of release, Pushing To The Front reached best-seller status in three separate Amazon.com categories, making Ms.
Ekpo the first Nigerian to achieve this rate of bestselling sales on the first day of a book launch. The book reached #6 in the Direct Marketing category, and was a top seller in both the Communications and Entrepreneurship categories.

Mfon Ekpo is a maritime lawyer and an entrepreneur who also juggles multiple roles as a strategy consultant, professional negotiator and arbitrator, writer, speaker, singer and songwriter. She is the founder of Premier Pioneers Network (http://www.premierpioneers.org), training people in the art of public speaking, writing, negotiation, ideas generation and implementation since 2006.

A staunch advocate of personal development and a firm believer in the limitless possibilities of the human capacity, she is a founding partner of the John Maxwell Team and a Member of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law. She is currently the Director of Strategy at Red Media (http://www.rednigeria.com), a leading Media and Communications Development Company and trains young people on humanitarian issues as a school speaker for the British Red Cross. As a teacher, she enjoys expounding life lessons to her readers on her blog, The School Called Life (https://theschoolcalledlife.wordpress.com/)

This year at the Awards Gala, The National Academy of Bestselling Authors also recognised Brian Tracy, the author of more than 50 Best-Selling books and trainer of more than 2.5 Million people, with a Lifetime Achievement Award.  Last year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to renowned author of The E-Myth, Michael E. Gerber.

To learn more about Mfon Ekpo visit
https://redmediaafrica.com/team/management

November 27, was an unforgettable day at the Genesis Deluxe Cinema as fashion and music collided at the spectacular Season II movie style premiere of Nigeria’s biggest music reality show Nigerian Idol.
Celebrities and guests turned out in their best for the show providing an eye catching fashion show at the venue.

On the ladies side, Nigerian Idol judge Yinka Davies arrived in a cute little black dress and bright red stilettos wowing the audience with her toned legs. West African Idol runner up; Omawumi was on top of her game with her red mini gown showing paired off with blue studded pumps.
Actress Omoni Oboli channeled subtle sensuality with her flowered long dress. Singer, Waje strutted the blue carpet in a short red mono strap gown and her winning smile giving off her sexy long legs. First ever Nigerian Idol Yeka Onka was stunning in a double hued little black dress. While rap star Sasha did colour blocking glamour in a red see through blouse and green pants. Bibi, third runner up of Season I channeled Arabian chic in her black and white harem get up.

The men were not left out as Jeffrey Daniel was casually dressed in a simple T-shirt and pants with a bowler hat. Charly Boy on the other hand made a very dramatic entrance, dressed in his usual black on black leather strapped outfit and boots with black eye shadow smeared around his eyes and lips, he was also accompanied with two unusual scantily-clad female sidekicks dressed in weird looking ninja costumes.
West African Idol winner, Timi Dakolo was fitted in white ruffled shirt and black pants.

As the season premiere is concluded, all attention will be on to the upcoming TV debut on December 4. The show will run into 2012 and will end at a grand gala in April 2012 where the next Nigerian Idol will be announced.

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

The Managing Partner of Red Media Group, Chude Jideonwo has been invited as a guest speaker to the final conference of the Rise National Youth Forum, holding on 26 November, 2011. This year’s forum is themed: SUPER YOUNG STARS; MADE IN NIGERIA.

This year, an impressive list of youth mentors is scheduled to speak at the conference. The participants will have the privilege to listen to achievers like Audu Maikori; CEO Chocolate City Entertainment, Banky W; Musician, Uche Eze; founder of Bella Naija which is West Africa’s most successful lifestyle website, IK Osakioduwa; host of Big Brother Africa and on-air personality at Silverbird Rhythm 93.7FM and Toyosi Ogunseye; 2011 CNN African Journalist of the year and news editor of Punch Newspapers.

Some notable opinion leaders like Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, MD/CEO of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals and President, Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce, Pastor Tunde Bakare; Pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly and 2011 CPC Vice Presidential Candidate, Mr Idy Enang; Managing Director of Samsung Nigeria and Mr Jimi Agbaje, Lagos State gubernatorial aspirant 2007 general elections would be guest speakers at the event. The opening and closing remarks will be given by Tonye Cole, Managing Director, Sahara Energy and Mrs Nike Ogunlesi, CEO, Ruff and Tumble respectively.

The Rise National Youth Forum comes up at 10.30am at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

How does your organization respond to new opportunities?

Most companies launch new things, try out new initiatives, brainstorm new approaches. The internal response (or reaction) to these ventures is a cultural choice, one that often turns into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

If your organization is both pessimistic and operationally focused, then every new idea is a threat. It represents more work, something that could go wrong, a chance for disaster. Read More