Archive for January 2010
Rihanna Shows Love To Nigerian Leukemia Victim
America pop queen, Rihanna has announced her involvement to help get a bone marrow donor for Seun Adebiyi, a Nigerian born athlete in the United States of America and a Yale Law Graduate. He was recently diagnosed of leukemia and as such he would be prohibited from competing in the 2014 Winter Games.
Adebiyi had earlier sent a letter to Rihanna stating his deplorable situation. Rihanna is to assist by using her superstar status to get people’s attention to his condition.
Rihanna was born 21 years ago in Barbados. She moved to America when she was 16 to pursue her music career under Evan Rogers. She launched her career when she got a contract with Def Jam after several tests with Jay Z.
Today, the award winning artist who once dated co- music star, Chris Brown has launched big time into the American Entertainment industry. She is reported to be in love with Matt Kemp, a baseball player. Her song ‘Umbrella’ was top of the charts all over the world.
She has performed in different parts of the world including Nigeria.
Agency report for Trendy Africa USA @ 2010
RCCG HOF Arlignton hosts workers appreciaton event
ARLIGNTON, TX – The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Household of faith parish recently held its annual workers appreciation event at the church hall in Arlington. The well attended red carpet event featured the presentation of gifts to all deserving awardees.
The dress code was largely black and white as adorned by attendees. Guests were also treated to great cuisine and lots of musical entertainment. Pastor Ropo Tusin enjoined members to keep the faith and continue to remain committed.
photos by Chibuzor Okonta, Executive Editor for Trendy Africa USA @ 2010
JAAIDS honours journalists, media organizations, AIDS activists, at Red Ribbon Awards 2009
LAGOS – The challenge of responding to HIV and AIDS epidemic calls for innovative and effective ways of reaching the public with prevention and treatment information and appropriate knowledge skills to stop the virus.
In 2001, Journalists Against AIDS Nigeria, a media not-for-profit organization in collaboration with the National Action Committee on AIDS now an agency, UNAIDS and other local and International partners instituted the Red Ribbon Awards, an annual competition to identify honour and document outstanding media, community and individual responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria. The awards hold in the week leading up to or from World AIDS Day (December 1).
The 2009 edition of the awards held at the All Seasons Plaza in Ikeja, Lagos on December 6th was indeed a night of fun, laughter and unlimited joy for all the winners and guests – stakeholders in the media and the national AIDS response.
The awards event as in the past was a moment to renew the commitment of stakeholders to the AIDS response, to ignite the hope and aspirations of all persons living with HIV to an eventful and positive life and to challenge to action government, media and community stakeholders to keep the promise of Universal Access to care and support, prevention and Treatment.
“My mother abandoned me when I tested positive to HIV at age 13, but in spite of all odds, I still believe that HIV is not the end of life; I will still become what I want to be and still achieve my dream of becoming a medical doctor. It’s not about the award but the message you pass across to people out there despite HIV, there’s still hope”.
These were heart touching words from 19 year old Gloria Asuquo who emerged winner in the community category of the breaker of silence award for individual at this year’s Red Ribbon Awards.
Gloria, who has been living with HIV for six years, was diagnosed positive for HIV at 13. Despite being despised and denied by her mother after she tested positive to HIV, she has continued to live her life with vigour and to inspire other persons living with HIV, both young and old. She has persistently confronted and challenged HIV/AIDS related Stigma and Discrimination.
In all, ten awards were given out in ten different categories at the ceremony. These are the Best Feature Report on HIV/AIDS (Print), the Best Feature Report on HIV/AIDS Radio, The Best Feature Report on HIV/AIDS Television, The Outstanding Informed Commentary, Best Local Language Report on HIV/AIDS (Broadcast), and the Best HIV/AIDS cartoon.
Others include the Breaker of Silence (organization) category and the Breaker of Silence (individual) category, Best Editorial on HIV/AIDS and the Special Recognition category (this goes to an individual or organization that has made outstanding contribution in the AIDS response.
Yomi Otaigbe winner of the Best Television Feature Category dedicated her award to people living with HIV and AIDS. ‘This is to all Persons living with HIV, those who have had to cope with stigma. We hope a cure is found soon’ she said.
Director General of NACA, Prof John Idoko represented by Mr Sam Archibong, Head Corporate Communications, NACA commended the media for their increased effort in quality reporting on HIV/AIDS. He noted that there has been an increase in the number of reports done on HIV and AIDS by journalists.
Ms. Olayide Akanni, JAAIDS Executive Director, in her welcome remarks, said the contribution of all the winners is a challenge to everyone to commit to excellence in addressing the AIDS epidemic. “Not one group of persons holds the ace. We are all in this together and each one of us must do our part to ensure an effective multi-sectoral response to AIDS” she said.
The highly-attended and colourful event was compere by Corporate Communication Manager, Guinness Nigeria, Kingsley Uranta and Actress Jennifer Eliogu. The event was packaged and managed by leading events outfit entertainment network konzult.
by Ogechi Onuoha and Willie Workman-Okwori for Trendy Africa Nigeria @ 2010
ROSE KUO, ROBERT KOEHLER, DAVID ROGERS AND JOHN WILDMAN ANNOUNCE NEW FESTWORKS VENTURE
PARK CITY, UT (January 24, 2010)—Four former principals of the AFI FEST Los Angeles International Film Festival have joined forces to create a partnership that will offer a wide range of consultation services for film festivals.
Their new venture, FESTWORKS, will seek to provide consultation and services for film festivals of all sizes in the areas of festival operations, development, programming and communications.
Kuo (AFI FEST Artistic Director), Rogers (AFI FEST Festival Producer) and Wildman (AFI Head of Press & Public Relations) all announced their departure from AFI earlier this month. This announcement confirms Koehler’s departure as AFI FEST’s Director of Programming. 
The fledgling company’s website states, ”As the film festival world grows more complex and mullti-dimensional, with greater demands placed on festivals to present exciting and relevant events to audiences while serving the interests of filmmakers and sponsors, there is a growing value for precise and informed services and solutions to the many needs that occur during the execution of a festival. FESTWORKS provides a one-stop service for festival operations, development, programming and communications.”
Kuo adds, “This collaboration allows each of us to have more creative freedom and is the best way for us to continue our commitment to artistic excellence and innovative film programming.”
Koehler added, “”We believe that the multi-faceted mission behind FESTWORKS reflects the current and ongoing changes in the film festival world, above all the need for exciting ways to devise, organize and execute festivals.”
“This partnership came together as a direct result of our experiences working together on this past edition of AFI FEST,” said Rogers, “And as the culmination of what each of us has identified as a need in the film festival community.”
Wildman concluded, “The four of us share a great passion for the art of film, for filmmakers and especially for the unique film viewing experience and interaction with those filmmakers that film festivals offer the public. It’s our hope that through FESTWORKS, we can help enhance the way things are done that will benefit both film maker and filmgoer and improve a way of seeing films that we truly love.”
Kuo, AFI FEST’s Artistic Director for the last three years, was recently named as Co-Executive Director of the Sante Fe Film Festival with Michael Hare and brings a wealth of experience in leading film festivals as well as film production. The architect of AFI’s successful “free festival” in 2009, Kuo is widely credited with the critical turnaround of AFI FEST. In December 2009, the International Film Festival Summit honored her with its prestigious IFFS Excellence Award. Kuo has worked for Mill Valley, San Francisco and Santa Barbara film festivals, as well as renowned directors such as Michael Mann, Paul Schrader and Martin Scorsese. She is an occasional contributor to Movie City News.
At the 2010 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
LOS ANGELES – The Screen Actors Guild presented its coveted Actor® statuette for the outstanding motion picture and primetime television performances of 2009 at the “16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®”.
Attended by film and television’s leading actors, and held at the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center, Sandra Bullock presented Betty White with Screen Actors Guild’s highest honor, the 46th Annual Life Achievement Award, following a filmed tribute.
Also honored with individual awards were Kevin Bacon, Alec Baldwin, Drew Barrymore, Tina Fey and Julianna Margulies for performances in television. Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Christoph Waltz and Mo’Nique received individual awards for performances in motion pictures.
Waltz was honored for his role as a ruthless Nazi in “Inglourious Basterds,” whilst Mo’Nique’s trophy came for her searing portrayal of an abusive mother in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ By Sapphire.”
Best motion picture cast performance went this year to “Inglourious Basterds”, while the Actors® for television comedy and drama ensemble performances was presented to “Glee” and “Mad Men.” 
“Star Trek” and “24” received the Guild’s honors for outstanding performances by a stunt ensemble in film and television.
The 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards is a presentation of Jeff Margolis Productions in association with Screen Actors Guild Awards®, LLC.
Samantha Ofole-Prince is an entertainment journalist based in Los Angeles and can be reached on sofole@gmail.com
Photos courtesy of Royal Images
Report Exclusive to Trendy Africa USA @ 2010
Tastee Fried Chicken Hosts AFFCON 09 end of year party
FESTAC TOWN, NIGERIA – The Association of Fast Food Confectioners of Nigeria AFFCON held it’s 2009 end of year party at the TFC events place banquet hall, Festac town. President of AFFCON and owner of TFC Mrs. Olayinka Pamela Adedayo welcomed association members from other parts of Nigeria including Abuja and Port Harcourt.
AFFCON has rendered several community service initiative including the donation of N2.5M to various states security services trust funds. As expected, guests were treated to an assortment of dishes provided by the members of AFFCON.
by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa Nigeria @ 2010
ISIS Models Conspiracy theory: the epilogue and prologue coming SOON
Details of events that led to the recent press lashing of ISIS Models owner Joan Okorodudu have emerged. Scripts of utterances by major players in the controversy have been made available including extortionists plots and efforts to smear the character of certain persons. Stay tuned….
Feature contributions by Willie Workman-Okwori for Trendy Africa Nigeria @ 2010
African Awards Galore: NMVA 09 and Ifotech
Amazing concepts, credible awardees, showbiz delight and fun times all characterize the new trend of award ceremonies in Nigeria. Trendy Africa has partnered with a selected few as we proudly present a pictorial view of events that climaxed in 2009.
Nigerian Music Video Awards 2009 – NMVA 09
Cyber Nigrian Forum and African Information Society Merit Award 09
Photos by Trendy Africa Nigeria @ 2009
At the Autism Community of Africa Gala in DC
The Embassy of Ivory Coast in Washington DC played host to the 2009 annual gala of the Autism Community of Africa. The executive Director of Autism community of Africa; Brigitte Kobenan explained that the community was founded to create awareness about the challenges faced by Autistic children and young adults in Africa and create an avenue for resources to provide the neccesary care.
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurobiological condition that impairs the learning process of children and adults. Autistic children and adults often have trouble interacting with others and are frequently more interested in objects than people.
Mothers of Autistic children; Brigette Kobenan and Dawn Cooper Barnes, wife of the Liberian Ambassador in Washington shared their experiences about Autism and the African perception. Barnes explained that children in Africa living with autism may be thought to be possessed by demons. She added that there was a great need for enlightenment.
Remarks were also made by Jeff Sell, VP World Autism Organization, Jeannine B. Scott, VP Africare and Linord Moudou, Founder Racines Heritage.
Below are excerpts from the keynote address delivered by Dawn Cooper Barnes.
Parents usually notice signs of autism in the first two years of their child’s life. The signs usually develop gradually, but some autistic children first develop normally and then regress. Although early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help autistic children gain self-care, social and communication skills, there is no known cure. Not many children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood although there are exceptions. An autistic culture has developed with some researchers seeking a cure while others believe autism should be tolerated as difference and not treated as a disorder.
Over the years, we have been through a range of medications to control impulsive, repetitive and disruptive behaviors. None of the medicines are perfect and all of them come with side effects. We are in a constant struggle to balance the improved behavior with the damaging side effects. My rule is to medicate only if it becomes absolutely necessary and, trust me, we have had our absolute moments.
Those of us who come from traditional African families must be very grateful. In our Liberian culture, even in the U.S. we were blessed to have a close-knit extended family. I cannot imagine what we would have done if we did not have my mother, Nat’s parents, our siblings, and even our great extended family of cousins, aunts and uncles, as well as family friends that went back for generations. Liberians love family and we often could not have made it without a loving family. Wherever we, as Africans, go, I sincerely pray that we do not lose that sense of the village raising the children, which for me, is the most wonderful thing about being an African.
A tribute was also made in honor of Julius E. Coles, President Africare for his significant contribution to providing help and assistance to the people of Africa. The Julius E. Coles Humanitarian Award will be given at ACA annual gala starting from 2010.
By Damilola Odetola for Trendy Africa. Trendy Africa is a Multi Media Production Company based in Texas and are Publishers of Trendy Africa Magazine, Trendy Africa Fashion Xtra and www.trendyafrica.com
Arik Air launches in-flight magazine
Arik Air, Nigeria’s leading commercial airline, has launched its first in-flight magazine – a glossy quarterly magazine featuring an exciting mix of features and interviews, showcasing the very best of Nigeria as well as the latest Arik Air news.
The first issue of Wings, available to all passengers on Arik Air, contains wide-ranging articles spanning the worlds of fashion, culture, business and entertainment, with its lead feature offering a colourful look into Nigeria’s best festivals, a fascinating article interspersed with stunning photography.
Wings magazine does not just focus on what Nigeria has to offer but also highlights some of the most interesting aspects of Arik Air’s international designations, with features in the up-and-coming second issue including a World Cup special feature, interviews with influential African designers and stylists in New York and London and a New Yorker’s guide to New York City.
The Arik Zone, a regular informative section at the back of the magazine, follows the story of Arik Air’s foundation and its impressive achievements to-date, as well as providing invaluable in-flight tips and service information.
Commenting on the launch of Wings, published by Voyager Media on behalf of Arik Air, Emma Woodhouse, Editor-in-Chief, said: “Unlike traditional magazines that compete with a plethora of newsstand and online publications, in-flight magazines have a one hundred percent captive and up market readership. That alone offers an exciting platform. With Wings, The in-flight magazine of Arik Air, comes the added bonus of promoting Nigeria and Arik Air’s international destinations. West Africa is a region bursting at the seams with creativity, economic growth and stories to tell that are rarely seen in international media. Just as Arik Air is raising the bar in aviation, Wings sets a new standard for quality journalism and jaw-dropping photography in in-flight media”.
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