Hi Folks,
Tic-Toc says the clock as we watch this year wind to a close. There will be more events in the coming days, sorry, the multitude of events are already here. Last night was Nigeria Media Merit Awards 2019, I guess that is the most coveted media award in Nigeria or am I right?
I have a really hectic week, from going about my daily chores to shuttling from clinic to laboratories and banks in order to restore Folasade’s health to normal. Huge unplanned bills to deal with, don’t ask me about health insurance, that one is a gist for another day.
While at this, I got the gist from my boss that Kamaru Usman ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ had done it again beating Colby Covington to retain his UFC Welterweight title in a five round brawl. Viewers had a great time early Sunday morning, December 15th, depending on which part of the world you reside. The two fighters gave the audience a run for their money as they traded strikes at the centre of the Octagon. Both Usman and Covington came up with complaints as the battle raged but in the long run, Usman striking power got the better of Covington and breaking his jaw in the process at less than a minute to go. The referee, Marc Goddard, stopped the fight when the pummeling became unbearable. Of course Covington was not too pleased but the decision had been taken.
See short clip here:
KAMARU USMAN!!! AND STILL!!!?
Insant classic of a fight! #UFC245 pic.twitter.com/RmOSbupgwq
— The Champion Picks (@ChampionPicks) December 15, 2019
This Kamaru guy is doing Naija really proud sha, besides the cash into his account; the title is another good thing. Interestingly, Kamaru Usman is just one of millions of talented kids that abound in Africa; we only need to provide an enabling environment to discover them.
So Sunday finally arrives and I took the early hours to lay about with the kids and napped a little. My mind though, was fully set on being at the event; first my friends were on the nominees list and second, I was double sure of meeting some top celebrities. I was concerned about what to wear, I knew many would step out in kaftans and stuff but I chose to be different; semi-formal dressing had always been my delight and so I chose that against all odds.
I went in the company my business partner, Taiyelolu Akinpelu, Gbenga Fabiyi, CEO, Iloshe Properties and Investment Limited and Babajide also from Iloshe Properties and Investment Limited.
We were shown to our table and behold, right next to my table were some of my most loved colleagues from TVC Communications. Seeing Adedoja Salaam Adeniyi, Bukola Samuel-Wemimo, Sharon Ijasan, Esther Omopariola, Temitope Fatuase-Bademosi, Asuquo James, Nelson Ekujumi, and Bimbola Agbebiyi. Of the lot, Mike Okwoche won the award for Television Newscaster of the Year and Temitope Fatuase-Bademosi clinched the award for Television Production of the Year.
Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, does that name ring a bell? If you have been around long enough, you might have seen her on set with British actor Michael Crawford in the sitcom “Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em”, she was in the drama “Winds Against My Soul”, “Dazzling Mirage”, “Murderous Angels” and a bunch of others. I grew up watching her and it was a great pleasure to meet her in person. Watch this space for a cover on her soon.
A former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, as well as a marketing communications practitioner, Biodun Shobanjo, were recognized for a professional life dedicated to media excellence and service to the nation. Seun Okinbaloye won Television Programme Presenter of the Year while Channels TV returned as Television Station of the Year for the 13th time since the inception of the awards.
The 2019 Nigeria Media Merit Awards was co-hosted by TY Danjuma Foundation; that they co-hosted wasn’t the big deal for me but the fact that this organization I know little or nothing about has been in the business of changing lives and eradicating poverty for about 10 years. They have been providing help in the area of health, education and entrepreneurship. NMMA offered the opportunity to meet the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gima H. Forje, whose simplicity I found amusing. Sen. Daisy Danjuma was radiantly present, quiet and humble in her presentation. There were a number of notable personalities but as usual, I pay attention to my kind of details.
It is the season of giving, there is no better time to double up on your acts of kindness. Have a great week!
Yours,
Ilupeju B