Ibrahim Babaginda's Mansion + An article by Dayo Olomu

He ruled Nigeria for 8 years (85-93) People have all sorts of things to say about him...I don't know why, but I sorta like this guy...

Here's what the home of Nigeria's former head of state looks like...

Babaginda's Mansion in pictures

What can I say? Money good o? What do you say?

Here also is an article by motivational speaker Dayo Olomu

How Do You Start Your Day?
By Dayo Olomu

How do you start you day? Do you just wake up in the morning, have your bath and go to work? If you answer yes to this question, may I say that in this day and age, that is not how to start an eventful day?

Everyday spend time thinking about your future, your life, your values and your choices. Decide where you are going and write it down. I do it early in the morning; some of my clients do it before bed. Find what works out best for you and use it.

I start my day with what I call the golden hour when I sharpen the mind by means of keeping myself physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually fit. It is about renewing yourself, which will in turn give you time to recreate yourself and boost your confidence.

The first thing I do is to shape up spiritually by prayer, reading the Bible and reading a booklet called "Word for Today" which I have been reading for years.

Then I move onto shaping myself physically by exercising. I do 50 press-ups every morning.

After that I shape up intellectually by reading a chapter of the book I am reading at the moment or anything that will shape me intellectually.

During this process I look at my things to do for today list and allocate the ABCD strategy.

A is Action Now,

B is before the end of the day,

C is Can wait till tomorrow and

D is you delegate it or delete it

By the time my family wakes up I am ready to shape up emotionally. And we listen and dance to vibrant music together. The favourite ones in the family are "A Higher Place" by Peyton, "Moving On Up" by M People and "Move It" by Reel to Reel

May I also add that it is important you go to bed early to get a good night's sleep?

Benjamin Franklin noted that "early to bed, early to rise makes a man (or woman) healthy and wise." Keeping an ambitious; rigorous daily schedule seems to help. If you do what you've always done, you will get what you've always gotten. I guarantee it!

Peak performance people know the value of controlling their daily direction. They know that starting the day with some inspiration reading or vibrant music or stimulating conversation will tend to invigorate the entire day. That is why every motivational speaker recommends listening to tapes in the morning, rather than the bad news on TV

Here are some Constructive Tips for everyday Planning that one of my teachers, Bob Proctor taught me:

Carry a small pad for jotting down things to be done. An inexpensive note pad has played a major role in the success of any executives.

Plan your day "tightly." Schedule progressive action activities.

Schedule your outgoing telephone calls so they can be taken care of at one sitting. There is less chance of finding busy lines early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Plan meetings for the beginning or close of the day, not in the midst of work periods. Write out list of things to discuss at each meeting.

Plan things that you can work on or think about while you are in transit or waiting around. Have material to read or other constructive work handy for odd moments that inevitably crop up.

The best way to stop wasting your life is to plan your time. Plan tomorrow tonight; don't wait for tomorrow morning.

Virtually everyone goes to bed at a different time each night, but as a rule, gets up at the same time every morning.

Set your alarm back one hour and you will gain nine forty-hour weeks each year.

Sir Walter Raleigh who built the great tobacco empire was asked how he accomplished so much in such a short time. Raleigh replied, "When there is anything to do, I start it."

Don't look at a thing; Start it.

Don't imagine that it is difficult; Start it

Don't put it off for a day; Start it

Don't pretend that you must think it over; Start it

Don't start half-heartedly; put everything you can muster into your start."It can't be done," but with a forceful start you can do it

You have probably done things throughout your life without using this extra force at the start.

Think how much more you could achieve by making an enthusiastic start at each task, every morning.

Start your day with purpose.

This is me now: Some people are so pissed at me for not replying their comments...now they think I'm snobbish. Me snobbish? I used to be...now I'm so busy chasing after other things that I don't even remember what it is to be snobbish, how much more being it...

If I don't reply your comment, don't think I'm trying to diss you...I appreciate you guys more than you know, I just don't remember to reply, or maybe I just play down the importance of replying comments...I apologise...I'll improve on that. Pls keep your comments coming.

Meanwhile, the second edition of my Magazine...yeah, the same one I've been making a lot of noise about for over six months...will be out in a week...

I'm so excited right now that I can't even continue typing...will bring you all the details later.

Ciao for now! Muah!

Tuface Idibia Shot + Al Mustapha granted bail

Tuface Idibia Shot

I just heard that hip hop music star, Innocent Idibia popularly known as Tuface, was attacked and shot last night by unidentified gun men at about 8:30 pm, at Cele bus stop, along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, on his way home from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja. He had just arrived the country from London.

Sources said the shots fired by the gunmen hit Tuface on his thigh and he was rushed to Cedar Group Hospital, 202 Road, B Close, Festac Town, Lagos, where he's currently receiving treatment.

Ifeanyi Orji, the elder brother of Faze, who was driving the red Honda Accord (Bullet) car also carrying 2face, had his left hand bruised after the encounter with the gunmen believed to be robbers.

A few days ago, I listed 10 reasons why Nigeria is a beautiful country...well, there are a thousand reasons why Nigeria is a messed up country. This incident is one reason why.

Please, say a little prayer for him...

Al Mustapha granted bail

Also, I saw on the news today that Major Al Mustapha, the former chief security officer of the late dictator, Sani Abacha, who has been in prison for the past nine years, was granted bail today. Does this man deserve his newly found freedom?

Also, former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, has been appointed World Bank MD...

I'm feeling a little depressed about this 2face story...hope he gets better soon. May God take care of him.

Hotels, Bars, Restaurants and Hang outs in Lagos State

For those of you who live abroad and are planning to come to Naija soon...since Xmas is around the corner, here are hotels, bars, restaurants, and night clubs you can visit when in Naija...

Hotels in Lagos
Sheraton Hotel and Towers
Address: 30, Mobolaji Bank Anthony way, Ikeja, LagosTel : +234-1-4978660-9Fax : +234-1-4970321/2 Email contact: paulonyia@sheraton.com


Victoria Crown Plaza

292b, Ajose Adeogun Str., V/Island, Lagos

Protea Hotel Oakwood Park
Lekki ExpresswayLekki Peninsular Lagos

Eko Hotel And Suites
Adetokunbo Ademola Str., V/Island

Excelsior Hotel
3-15 Ede Street, P.M.B. 1167 Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria. Casino Phone: 1803680
Room Types: 111 Hotel Rooms, 7 Suites

Federal Palace Hotel
Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, P.O. Box 1000, Lagos, Nigeria. Facilities: Bar, Shops, Swimming Pool, Tennis Court

Lagos Airport Hotel & Casino Ikeja Village, P.O. Box 3, Lagos, Nigeria. Nearby Airport: 1 Mile or 1.5 Km from the airport


Sofitel Lagos Moorhouse, Ikoyi






Restaurants In Lagos

Al Dente

Top floor, City Mall, Lagos

Alo Alo
At victoria Crown Plaza Hotel, 292, Ajose Adeogun Str., Victoria Island
Tel: 2719800

La Pizza
Manuela Residence, 13 Taslim Elias Close, V/Island, Lagos
Tel:2619736

Casa Chianti
Eko Hotel and Suites, Adetokunbo Ademola str., V'Island
Tel: 2614570


Bambuddha
1310, Karimu Kotun str., V/Island, Lagos
Tel: 764198


II Sorris
27a, Oju Olobun close, V'Island
Tel:4611719


Celia's Place

Block 116, Plot 9, Cayter 2nd round about, behind Liberty Hall, Lekki-Epe Expressway

Tel: 8970558

Bars

Thistle Bar
889, Balarabe Musa Crescent, V/I

Villa Medici
1, Alhaji Babatunde Jose Str., Onikan, Lagos Island

Tarzan Jetty

Lekki Express Way, Close to Mobil

Piccolo Mondo

19b, Plot 975, Idejo str., V/I

La Scala

Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos

Bottles

8b, Fabac Close, off Ligali Ayorinde, V/I


Fast food

Tastee Fried Chicken
Oyin JOyalemi Str., V/I, Adeniran Ogunsanya Str., S/lere

Barcelo's

Silverbird galleria, 2nd floor, Ahmadu Bello str., V/I

St Elmos
60a, Adeola Odeku Str., V/I, and on Awolowo Road Ikoyi

Swoops

Samuel Adedoyin Str, V/I

Nandoes

The Palms, Lekki.

Chicken Republic

Adeola Odeku, V/I

Night Clubs

Opium Lounge at Reloaded
113, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi

The Pitch

5a, Samuel Adedoyin Str., off Molade Okoya Thomas Str., V/Island extension

Club Towers
18, Idowu Taylor str., V/Island, Lagos.

La Casa
Lagoon Plaza, Ozumba Mbadiwe Str., V/I

Saga VIII
35b, Adetokunbo Ademola Str., V/I

Niteshift Coliseum
34, Opebi Road, Ikeja

Da Grotto
217 Etim Inyang Crescent, V/

I will get more listings later...hope this was useful to someone. Cheers!

A quote by Montayne

Yesterday, I went to a lawyer's office with two male friends. On the door of lawyer's office, we saw this quote...

"I gather the flowers by the way wayside, by the brooks and in the meadows, and only the string with which I bind them is my own." Montayne

The only problem is...we all gave different interpretations to this quote...and none of us agreed the other was right.

So, I decided to bring it here to see what you guys think this quote means and to know who got it right amongst the three of us.

What exactly is the writer trying to say? What is it's literal meaning? Chude, if you see this, I also want to know what you think...

Annie Macauley quote + Naija Entertainment News

I noticed that my last few naija entertainment gist posts didn't get that many comments. Is it that you guys aren't feeling it or you just want me to be the only culprit in this amebo game? We all know this is what y'all look forward to most on this blog...so why the silence? Ok, If I don't get many comments on this post...no more gists and gossip for y'all.

Just kidding, just kidding!lol! Just fishing for more comments.

I don't particularly like....ok...I like reporting this gists...hopefully, it won't get me in trouble one day.lol! Here goes...

Annie Macauley quote

Tuface's off and on girlfriend of over 7 years, actress and model, Annie Macauley, recently opened up in an interview granted one of our local papers, talking about her love affair with 2face. It was such a heartfelt story that I could relate to in some ways...I knew when this relationship started and 2face confessed to me many times to loving Annie to death...It just went wrong along the line...

Hear Annie...

We hear you're being threatened by some ladies believed to be 2face's lovers, how does he feel about it?

A"He knows that I'm being disturbed because of him. He keeps saying 'Juts keep your head up'"

Why did you end your relationship with 2face?

Annie"I'm not sure it was just the two of us in the relationship. There might have been a million other people in the relationship with us."

You guys were still dating when you heard he got another woman pregnant?

A "Yes!"

What about the second woman?

A"We were still together"

Did you ever sit him down to ask him why he was in different relationships at the same time?

A"I didn't know he was until it became visible"

Did he ever confess to you that he cheated on you?

"2face would never admit that he cheats, he would tell you no no no"

And it never brought any quarrel between you two

A"I'm a jealous woman. We argued a lot"

So what explanation did he give you for impregnating two women?

A"The thing is, he started traveling and things became different. I wasn't seeing him as often as I used to because it's wasn't all trips that I could make with him. So, all that contributed to the break up"

Did he use that one as excuse?

A"No, sometimes, no matter how much two people love each other, they might not really be meant to be together. Love alone is not enough to keep a relationship"

We hear he makes positive moves each day to get you back

A"It takes two to be together...my needs are different now. Before, I used to take whatever he gave me, but now he might not be in the position to give me all I want"

What if he asks for your hand in marriage now, would you agree?

A"A lot of water has gone under the bridge. so much has happened after the break up that I feel it is going to take the grace of God and his intervention. Aside from that, i don't think anything can go on between us again"

People are saying you are the person the family wants

A" I don't know about that"

Have you been to his village, met his family?

A"Yes. I've met almost every member of his family. I'm very close to his brothers."

Have they ever tried to mediate?

A"These are personal issues btw two adults. They understand that"

Are you seeing anyone at the moment?

A"There's no man. Just God, my work and my studies"

Dating a man isn't easy...dating a celebrity man is worse...they can make you start seeing a psychiatrist lol.

Annie is just 24/25? She's young, beautiful and talented. Yours is coming baby...you just wait!

You know sometimes you think you love someone so much that you are so scared to leave that relationship because you feel you'll never love that way again...at least not that deeply...but then when you eventually find the strenght to walk away and give another man a chance...you'll be surprised at how deeper you can love...and how happy you really can be...it's just for us to find the courage to let go and wait for what God has in store for us.

One day, I'll expantiate!

Naija Entertainment News

They say Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, Victor Agali, is currently in court trying to divorce his European wife...no one knows for sure why the ace international footballer is ending his marriage...will keep you posted.

An evening with Basketmouth is slated for this Sat. October 6th at Eko Hotel and suites at 8pm. Ticket is N5, 000. Be there! If you can afford it...but isn't 5 grand too much as gate fee?



Faze is set to remix his hit song 'Kolomental' which will be titled 'Psykolomental' He's also set to release the first single from his new album titled 'Yawa' and his own record label, Independent Records, will be formally launched in January alongside the release of his new album.



Nigerian rapper Mode Nine has been declared the unofficial King of Nigerian rap...who agrees?


Ex beauty queen, Omowunmi Akinnifesi has started her own entertainment compnay which she calls L-Poise, which is into advertising, promotions and making ushers available to those who need them. Started a business at 21 is a smart move. Kudos to her.


They say Tony Tetuila just bought a red Hummer H3 truck and it's registration is Tetuila. Naija entertainment are making cool money nowadays.





Last week, ex plantushun boiz member, Blackface said D'banj's kind of music doesn't appeal to him, that he only listens to it for listening sake. He also went further to say he's far better than his former group members, faze and 2face, as his music is conscious music. Well this week, someone from d banj's camp said D banj respects and loves Blackface's music, adding that BF should continue with his conscious music and should allow their fans to do the talking and stop blowing their trumpets.

On to other D banj news...he's been nominated as one of the Best African Acts for this year's MTV Europe Music Awards. Who thinks D banj should win African Artist of the year


Yahoozee crooner, Olu Maintain, says he's single and searching...anyone interested should contact him asap.


Actor, Ernest Asuzu, who was sent to Kirikiri Maximum prisons Apapa on Thursday July 26th for damaging goods worth N433, 000 which belonged to a salon, has finally regained his freedom. Shortly after regaining his freedom, he landed a lead role in a stage play by Philip Okolo called 'Monologues of the drunken massed" I hope he finds his feet again.

Meanwhile, there was a terrible accident along the stadium area at 10pm last night, when a fuel tanker caught fire and exploded...in traffic. A lot of cars were said to have been caught in the inferno and some lives lost...Stadium is very close to my office, so I'm going there later to check it out myself.

Anyway, do have fun wherever you are and don't forget to make a comment on some of this stories...I'm looking for accomplices lol! Take care y'all! Y'all? I like it typing it...y'all lol. Cheers.

Relationship Question + Briney Spears news

True Story! If you find out your husband of many years is bisexual, will you stay in the marriage or walk away? Put in mind that he satisfies you in bed, takes care of your every need and is a very good husband...the only problem is; he sleeps with men...will you stay or go?

Britney looses custody of her two children

Yesterday 1st of October, former pop star, Britney Spears, lost custody of her two children...at least temporarily....when a judge ordered the singer to turn over her children to ex-husband Kevin Federline until further notice, effective Wednesday Oct. 3rd. I really feel sorry for the young woman...hopefully, one day, she will rise again!

Do answer my question, someone wants to know. Cheers!

Nigeria at 47!

Let me start by saying happy new month to everyone. May all your dreams come true this month.

So Nigeria is 47 years old today. Wow! We are that young? Just 47 years old? And we are comparing ourselves to nations that have been in existence over 100 years before us? What most of us fail to realise is that most of the world's advanced nations were in worst situations than Nigeria is today, in their early stages of independence. We've had a shaky foundation but the beauty about it is...there's hope for a beautiful tomorrow.

I spoke to someone yesterday who told me he has no plans of ever relocating to Nigeria because of all it's negativity...what negativity? Which country doesn't have it's bad sides?

I've heard all kinds of things being said about our beloved country...I've been guilty of it too, all we do is bad mouth our country and state a million and one reasons why Nigeria is messed up...to all those pessimists, Nigeria is great! Nigeria will be greater...changes will come to Nigeria.

But these changes cannot be done by government alone. We must all be part of it's progress. All hands must be on deck. From now on we shouldn't just ask ourselves what our country should/can do for us, instead let's think about what we can do to make Nigeria a better place to live in.

Today, let's look ahead in hope...let's stop condemning our country, let's stop projecting it in a negative light, let's shut the mouths of those who say our country will never amount to nothing.

Nigeria is more today than we were yesterday and we will be more tomorrow more than we are today.

Nigeria is a blessed and beautiful country and I'm going to state 10 reasons why I think Nigeria is beautiful.

1. The people: Despite the frustrations and difficulties, Nigerians are the happiest people in the world. The people are accommodating, peace loving and always find a reason to smile.

2. No natural disasters: We have no earthquakes, storms, floods etc. We see what this disasters do to some countries...and we don't have it, will probably never have it, isn't that a blessing in itself?

3. It's a peaceful country: When I think of the ethnic clashes, genocide, brutal killings and war that occur in other African countries...I thank God for being a Nigerian. I know some of you will wonder about the incessant kidnappings in the Niger Delta...what I'll say is this: They call themselves militants...I call them youths looking for money. How many cases of deaths have occurred? They always release these expatriates as soon as their demands are met...they call themselves militants? They should go see what militants in Iraq, Iran, Palestine, etc do and then shut up.

4. No bills, bills, bills and taxes: Sincerely how many Nigerians pay bills the way bills are paid in other developed countries? Do the Nigerian government take a certain percentage from our income like it's done in other countries? How many of us pay our taxes? Who has been locked up for tax evasion in Naija? Is their anything like Gas bill, water bill, phone bill etc at the end of the month? In Naija, we live on 'pay as you go'.

5. Abundant food and oil: A lot of people don't know this but other developed countries pay more for food and gas than we do here...I know we should be paying less because we produce this things in Naija...our bad leaders won't let that be...but it's not as bad as some countries have it.

6. No serial killers: In other countries, you get popped for nothing. Some crazy people put a bullet in your brain or strangle you because they just feel like killing someone. They pick you at random...imagine dying for nothing! Not nice! If you get killed in Naija, it's for a reason. It's either politically motivated, or it's for ritual or greed or maybe a stint with armed robbers...you die for a reason...lol!

7. No mental illnesses: People don't walk around carrying baggage's on their shoulders. Most Nigerian you see are sane...the ones not normal are the ones who have distinguished themselves by walking around half naked and in dirt. At least we know they are insane and we avoid them. In other countries, the insane ones are the ones who wear suits and go to work...they talk and act normal until they do something...like kill their family. There are a few psychiatric homes and psychiatrist in Naija. If you go crazy, it's either because of drugs or someone did something to you (Black magic, for those who believe in that), not because of some twisted thing that happened to you in your childhood. We don't carry such around.

8. Nollywood/Sports: Our movie industry is the third largest in the world, next to Hollywood and Bollywood. There are over 150 nations, and ours is the 3rd in the whole world...what are we talking about? In terms of sports, Nigeria and Nigerians have broken world records. We have accomplished more than any other African country. Our nation have been put on the world map.

9. It's beauty and history: Nigeria has beautiful landscapes, sceneries, structures, monuments. Nigerians to me are one of the most beautiful people in the world. Our history is also something to be proud of...look at where we are coming from and where we are today...what do you see?

10. Nigeria is your home...what's more beautiful than that?

Meanwhile, here's a cartoon depicting the beauty of Nigeria and Nigerians.

I don't care what you say, we are a beautiful nation!!!