ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK – ADEDAYO AGARAU, WINNER OF TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ INTERNATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION

Adedayo Adedayo Agarau is a student of Nutrition and Dietetics, He is also a
Social entrepreneur whose verses stick thorns in corrupt minds.

Agarau was the 13th Poet who rocked Nigeria in 2014(EGC).

His works center on corruption, politics and social vices. Adedayo has been featured on several anthologies like Epistle of Lies, Gripe Vine II, Eriata Food poetry anthology, Tributes to Nelson Mandela. He also has been featured on Rowspoetry blog, Words Rhymes and Rhythm, WordUp,Larryfreedom, poetivists, and more.

He was the 3rd edition winner of”What can words do” and the Season 2 winner of Pulse student Poetry Prize.

He recently got the Gold award & Poet of the year in the Tony Tokunbo Fernandez International Poetry Awards 2015.

He is very passionate about Change, Empowerment and making a difference

THE POETRY CORNER “ATTACHED TO MY HEART” BY TOLU OGEDENGBE

ATTACHED TO MY HEART – written by Tolu Ogedengbe

Attached to my heart

Is a wonderful picture

A symbol of love

Given to me from above.

Attached to my heart

Are memories unforgotten

Issues that were begotten

On my short journey on earth.

Attached to my heart

Is a beautiful picture

With a radiant face

Smiling at the world.

The picture in my heart

Is the picture of you

My beautiful queen

My one and only twin.

The memories unforgotten

Are those amazing stories

We both shared together

In the sands of time.

They are still fresh in my memory

In fact, to tell you the real fact

Nothing can tear them apart

Cos, they are attached to my heart.

Now I got to discover

Why love is a thing of the heart

Now I got to know

Why love is shred abroad in our heart.

Though you may travel far away

But to me, you can’t be far away

Cos, no distance on earth

Can remove the picture in my heart.

Attached to my heart

Is your beautiful picture

With your radiant face

Smiling at the world.

WORLD DEBUT RELEASE – MELQOSH MISSION OFFERS FREE BOOKS AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD FOR A LIMITED PERIOD

In light of the turmoil in our beloved country, Sierra Leone; Melqosh Mission International prays that this free gift to every Lion Mountaineer and the rest of the world challenges us all to BURST FORTH from the inexplicable limitations in our lands, the closed heavens, ‘fleshy exploits’ and obvious hindrances in Sierra Leone.

There is a great need to BURST Forth and become a STRONG NATION of Integrity and Substance. Get your TIMELY free eBook on Amazon, this Saturday. Be Blessed

Today is a LANDMARK DAY, WORLD POET’S DAY. We are pleased to release our BURST FORTH BOOK today as a gift of love from God to you all. Download your book TODAY via this link and also share this blessing with your friends and family. It’s a very easy process, if you have any problems, inbox us or email: info@melqoshmissioninternational.org and a free eBook will be sent to you.http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UDY6UAMword

AGAINST ALL ODDS ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISING DINNER BALL – AN EVENT YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS ON THE 25TH OF APRIL

PRESS RELEASE

Against All Odds Still Standing (AOS) Charity to host Red Carpet Anniversary fundraising Dinner Ball

By Ian Carter Phiri

In its bid and continued efforts to building lives and restoring hope by supporting victims and vulnerable people of domestic violence and abuse, Against All Odds Still Standing Charity (AOS) will be hosting its annual Anniversary Fundraising Dinner Ball at the Dartford Bridge, Hilton Hotel in Kent UK on April 25, 2015.

The upcoming event is aimed at raising funds for the ‘Mission to Malawi 2015’ and donation items for its charitable operations around communities both within the UK and Africa.

The fundraising initiative is scheduled to start at 18.00hrs – 01.00hrs and is expected to attract around 200 attendees with some of the most recognised names in our sector including, Charge de Affaires and Malawi Deputy High Commissioner, His Excellency, Hon. John Tembo Jnr. The Fundraising Dinner will be graced by the Mayor of Dartford Borough Council, Cllr. Avtar Sandhu MBE as guest of honour.

The dinner ball has also attracted an impressive selection of celebrities, Leaders in their fields and other business stakeholders and organisations for the event. AOS events are of high standard that entertains, inspire and all for a noble cause.

Like never before this year’s Mission to Malawi 2015 under the umbrella theme ‘’Dare to Dream, Dare to Fly’’ will provide an exquisitely sizzling dinner, Poetry, Raffle draw, Dama Fashion Show, Music, Live entertainment and performances by guest artist, sensational gospel singer Lungo, Lianne Doherty, the duo Dot & Darryl, Bella Jackson, Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Natalie and the Anointed UK.

According to Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Against All Odds Still Standing Charity, Fikelephi Jackson, patrons to the event are advised to dress to impress this being a Red–Carpet event as the red carpet will be rolled out to its patrons thereby befitting them with great photo opportunities and a networking reception, she says;

As the evening begins, this will be followed by a three course buffet dinner in the Ballroom. ‘’So bring a friend and support the ethos of excellence and play your part at the AOS Charity annual Anniversary Fundraising Dinner Ball,’’ appeals Mrs Jackson fondly known by her peers as Sister Fike.

Hosting a table gives you access to one of the best networking event of the year, not to mention the perfect environment for entertaining your key business partners and colleagues; points out Mrs Jackson, adding, ‘’First ten guests for the AOS function staying overnight will also get a discounted hotel rate.’’

The fund raising campaign will be braced with great entertainment throughout the evening. Then of course, there will be the fun-filled auctioning and raffle prize giving. There will also be time for the DJs to let loose on us with a variety of great music as we dance the night away’’, says Mrs Jackson.

The event will also among other dignitaries feature highly a couple of renowned guest speakers including David Hope–Jones of the Scotland–Malawi Partnership, Nana Churcher of the Nana Churcher Show, Prolific Speaker, Pastor Chance Munthali from Shalom International Christian Centre, 247 Malawi Radio Presenter, Patricia Peters and Pastor Victoria Lawrence of Abigail Outreach Ministries.

Yet another force of recognition behind the event will be Munyaradzi Usuwana, a young gifted poet better known as ‘The Wordplay Poet’ on the Poetry circuit who uses rhythm and acronyms to create inspirational messages. The Zimbabwean born will obviously be another inspiration of the night.

Also featuring highly on the night will be Raffle draw, with lots of prizes including a winning prize of dinner for two among prizes to be won. The Raffle will be conducted by the duo, Auctioneer, Dr Emeka and Beffta Awards heavyweight, Pauline Long who is also Patron for Against All Odds Still Standing Charity.

In view of the floods in Malawi, Against All Odds Still Standing Chief Executive, says, ‘’we are fundraising for the Mission to Malawi 2015 and other operations. Our aim this year is to double what we achieve last year and more.’’

She adds, ‘’in 2014 we were able to access most of the districts in the Southern Region and some in Central Region of Malawi. In October 2015, our mission to Malawi will be to cover more ground in the Central and the Northern Regions as well. We intend to take with us a solid team of volunteers.’’

The events Director of Ceremonies will be, MC Chijota from the Steve Chijota Show with the DJ on the deck.

For group bookings or to reserve your place, visit http://www.fikelephijackson.com or call F. Jackson on +447950918983.

To book for accommodation, contact Sukaena Callander on +447877835202 or email info@aosuk.org to hear more about becoming either a Table host, AOS Ambassador or to sponsor the event. Parking is free.

MR OLUMIDE HOLLOWAY- MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO POETRY IN NIGERIA

My name is Olumide Holloway, but better known as “Olulu, the King not from Zulu.”

I am a POET-prenuer, a Writer, Poet and Spoken Word Artist.
I love reading, writing, dancing, making people happy and generally having fun. I’m passionate about Spoken Word Poetry and my dream is to make it a big industry where poets can earn a very decent living from their performances.
I’m one of the promoters of WORD UP (the biggest Spoken Word Poetry event in Nigeria), and War Of Words (a slam poetry competition that discovers and nurtures new and emerging poets in Nigeria).
I’m also a co-organizer of Chill and Relax, a monthly Performance Poetry and Spoken Word Open Mic Event that holds in Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria.
I believe everyone should do what they love, and love what they do. That way we can all be loving life and living in love, and get paid for building businesses around our passion.
On Fri, Mar 20, 2015 at 6:58 PM, Olumide Holloway <olulu4ever@gmail.com> wrote:


My name is Olumide Holloway, but better known as “Olulu, the King not from Zulu.” 

 
I am a POET-prenuer, a Writer, Poet and Spoken Word Artist.  
 
I love reading, writing, dancing, making people happy and generally having fun. I’m passionate about Spoken Word Poetry and my dream is to make it a big industry where poets can earn a very decent living from their performances.
 
I’m one of the promoters of WORD UP (the biggest Spoken Word Poetry event in Nigeria), and War Of Words (a slam poetry competition that discovers and nurtures new and emerging poets in Nigeria).
 
I’m also a co-organizer of Chill and Relax, a monthly Performance Poetry and Spoken Word Open Mic Event that holds in Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria.

I believe everyone should do what they love, and love what they do. That way we can all be loving life and living in love, and get paid for building businesses around our passion.
 
I can reached  
@wordup411 @olulu4ever

Email: holla@wordup411ng.com, olulu4ever@gmail.com, wordup4one1@gmail.com

Telephone: Olumide aka Olulu 08025070892, 08038315055

POETRY CORNER- BROKEN BY (S)WORDS. by Justice Gift Ogochukwu from Delta State, Nigeria

Bio-
I’m Justice Jite-Eda (also known as Justice Gift Ogochukwu), from Ughelli north of Delta State. I’m a student of Agricultural Economics, University of Benin

BROKEN BY (S)WORDS. by Justice Gift Ogochukwu

Under the weight of your lips,
she bends, sad and depressed,
dressed in tattered self-esteem.
She washes her pillow in salty sea nightly.

Word by word you dilute his self-worth.
His ego and pride are cowed
by the beasts from your pit.

Distorted images of herself,
she sees in the mirror of her broken mind.
He knows no better of himself
than the picture of him you paint with your tongue.

Her heart fails and faints,
pushed and pinned down by heavy words.
His heart drowns in its own flood,
tears bled out from cuts
made by the carefree wielding of your (s)word.

MP ALOK SHARMA – MP FOR READING WEST- A MAN OF THE PEOPLE- MORE INSIGHT INTO SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGNS

Bringing Superfast Broadband to Reading

The issue:

Superfast Broadband provides improved download and upload speeds, as well as providing a more reliable service. This will benefit individuals and helps businesses to be more efficient and better able to compete.

Achievements to date:

  • Alok has lobbied Government Ministers, Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Internet Service Providers, West Berkshire Council and Reading Borough Council to keep up pressure for investment in Superfast Broadband.
  • Alok organised for the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to visit local business Abbey Windows to discuss concerns about slow broadband speeds.
  • Alok lobbied Reading Borough Council to perform a U-turn on its decision to reject Government funding for the “Super Connected Cities” programme, which provides grants of up to £3,000 for businesses who install Superfast Broadband.
  • 41,377 homes in Reading West are now connected to a cabinet that can provide download speeds of at least 24Mb/second. According to Ofcom, the average download speed available in Reading West is now 29.1Mb/second.

Next steps:

Alok will continue to campaign for Superfast Broadband provision in Reading West.

Alok says:

“Superfast broadband is key to boosting economic growth, making the town more competitive and creating jobs. I am delighted that thanks to plans by the Conservatives in government, 97% of homes and businesses in my Reading West constituency will have access to download speeds of at least 24 Megabits per second by 2017.”

Campaigns

POETRY CORNER – “A CRY IN THE SHACKLES OF HUMILATION” BY PROSPER NWOKORO

Prosper Nwokoro is a  young vibrant Nigeria; who hails from Umuduru ebeaguru, Imo State; he studied Economics and Statistics in the University of Benin, benin city, Edo state. He is a lover of poetry having a several poems and contributed to several anthologies nation wide.

Facebook ID: www.facebook.com/ nwokorop

POEM TITLE: A CRY IN THE SHACKLES  OF HUMILATION

In the grotesque midst of annihilation;
and the gloomy comfort  of perfidious kins;
lies your immortalized bones in pearly frame.

From the squeaky wallow of sanctimonious peers;
and the treach’rous meander of scornful brothers,
stared your stellar soul in supernal rest.

Awaken! your afflictive anger Richard;
don’t just stare;
lest your children remain
hewers of woods in their land.
Spare not their Parochial belief;
for what is the fish without the waters?

Do your immortal soul perceive
the ugly fate of your household?
Only one now bears your name.
Would this earthly fraity
retain its grip on you?
Would this ethereal blindness,
hasten our inevitable death?

Before the surging waves of pestilence,
obliterate what is left of you;
before the rancorous rake of evil,
devours the carcass of our sullen stars;
lay awake from your celestial rest;
lest the debris of our flesh,
are fashioned as stones;
by this baleful builders.

MR OLUSEYI OGUNLANA – PUBLISHER AND EDITOR IN CHIEF OF FIESTA INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE- SETTING THE PACE

THE PROFILE OF THE PUBLISHER OF FIESTA INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE,

OLUSEYI OGUNLANA AKA MR FIESTA.

The Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Fiesta International Magazine, Oluseyi Ogunlana,

popularly known as Mr Fiesta was born almost 40 years ago to the Family of

Otunba Jonathan Ogunlana and Mrs Victoria Ogunlana, from Sagamu, Ogun

State, Nigeria.

He had his elementary and primary eduction in Lagos, before proceeding to

Command Secondary School, Ipaja, Lagos in 1988 for his secondary education.

In 1995, he gained admission to Ondo State University, now University of Ado-

ekiti on merit, where he bagged a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in English

and literary studies.

In his first year in the university, he was given a Certificate of Merit by the English

and Literary Students’ Association (ELSA).

He represented the university at debates and quizzes. In his third year, he served

in the department in the position of Editor-in-Chief, where he was highly

instrumental to the successful completion of the annual departmental journal.

That same year, he founded the WRITERS’ HERITAGE CLUB (A club for talented

and budding writers)

He graduated in the year 2000. That same year, he was employed as English

teacher of Lekki British International High School, Victoria Island, Lagos; being

the first ever English teacher of Lekki British International High School, which

has now grown to be one of the best international citadels of learning in Nigeria.

At the end of his university education, he was posted to Delta state, Nigeria for

the mandatory National Youth Service Scheme. There he distinguished himself.

He was one of the presenters of the NYSC Half Hour, a TV programme of Delta

Broadcasting Service, Asaba. He also Co-presented a programme tagged: ‘Ask

the Councellors’ with Onome Iyarowe on the Radio Delta, Asaba, Delta State,

Nigeria between 2001 & 2002.

He was served as Editor-in-chief of the NYSC that year. At the end of the service

year, he led the Editorial Board in the production of end-of-service year magazine,

titled: ‘DELTA KOPA’.

During the passing out parade and awards programme, he received a Letter of

Recommendation from Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, Delta state, Nigeria.

He was also one of the recipients of the Delta State NYSC Governing Board

Awards along side a special Cash Prize from the then NYSC Delta State NYSC

Director, Chief (Mrs) Rita Uzor-Akinlade for his distinguished contribution to the

NYSC.

He has worked in various capacities both within and outside the country, until he

decided to blaze the trail for himself.

1. National Bank of Nigeria, Now Wema Bank, Oba Akran Branch, Ikeja-Lagos

as Retail Relationship officer in 2004

2. The Entertainer Magazine, London, United Kingdom as Staff Writer in 2005

3. Avance Enterprises Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos as Marketing Officer in

2006

4. West African Book Publishers Limited, Ilupeju, Lagos as Editor in 2007

5. DP Partnership Limited, Lagos, Assistant Manager, Copy—Copywriter in

2008

6. He later ventured into travel consulting business between 2009 to 2011

7. Effects International Magazine as Editor, till February 2012 when he

launched his own magazine—Fiesta International Magazine

Mr Ogunlana is a fellow of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria.

He also had a comprehensive training in Business Development from FATE

Foundation, Lagos.

He was the Head of Marketing and Advertising for Yoruba Heritage Awards

in the United Kingdom.

He has many awards and Certificates of Merit to his credit, some of them

are:

*SPECIAL AWARD at the True African Awards 2014

*SPECIAL AWARD for supporting Afro-Caribbean Talents in the UK– Ebony

Business Recognition Awards 2013

*WINNER—Media & Print Category: Ebony Business Recognition Awards 2013

*Best Youth-Oriented International Magazine–Prodigie Image Recognition Awards

(PIRA) Nigeria 2012

*Best Entertainment Magazine–Yoruba Heritage Awards UK 2012

Mr Ogunlana is a very experienced Master of Ceremonies/Compere/Host

He is the the founder of Fiesta PR and Fiesta Media & Advertising

He has travelled to over 8 countries of the world, including: Morrocco,

Libya, Turkey, The United Kingdom among others.

His hobbies include playing football, Snooker, Singing and Dancing.

Contacts:

Facebook:

Oluseyi Fiesta Ogunlana

Mr Fiesta Master of Ceremonies

Instagram:

Mr_fiestamagazine

POETRY CORNER- “WHEN WE WERE STILL VIRGINS” BY OKU-OLA PAUL ABIOLA – POET, PLAYWRIGHT AND AUTHOR

BIO:

Oku-ola Paul Abiola (pauldesimple) is a graduate of electrical engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun state. A poet, playwright, and author.
www.facebook.com/pauldesimple

www.pauldesimple.blogspot.com

www.pauldesimple1.wordpress.com

WHEN WE WERE STILL VIRGINS 

written by Oku-ola Paul Abiola
Fresh like the morning dew,
Stunning without hue,
Crude but not ignorant,
Active and not dormant:

When we were still virgins,
Everyone wanted to be with us,
Friends, neighbours, suitors, superiors,
Endless was the calling,
Intense, the begging.
When we were still virgins,
Heaven smiled and was proud;
Earth’s lauds were convincingly loud.
How I wish those days were not gone?

Our lust has caused us a gloomy dawn.
When we were still virgins,