TRANSCORP/IBB GOLF CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP.

The Transcorp Hilton Hotel and the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, IBB Golf Club, Abuja organised a two- day Joint Golf Championship in November 2011. The championship took place at the IBB Golf Club in Asokoro, Abuja. The Cup presentation ceremony took place subsequently at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama- Abuja and the CLUB HOUSE of the IBB Golf Club.

DIOKPA PATRICK NWANZE LAID TO REST

Alfred Nwanze, a Nigerian based in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States of America was in Nigeria for the funeral rites of his late father, Diokpa Patrick Nwaokonkwo Nwanze who passed on at the age of 96 years.

THE LEBANESE NATIONAL DAY PARTY.

The Lebanese Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria held a Cocktail at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel to celebrate the Lebanese National Day. It was another get-together for diplomats and friends of Lebanon. Unique International Magazine was at the occasion.  Below are the pictures for the event.

NIGER DELTA ENVIRONMENTAL STAKEHOLDERS ROUNDTABLE.

The Nigerian Ministry of the NIGER DELTA held an Environmental Roundtable tagged ‘ Stakeholders Roundtable On Niger Delta Environmental Protection & Regeneration ‘ at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on the 29^th of November 2011. The conference was attended by dignitaries from different parts of the world including the United Kingdom and United States of America.

PixesFrom The Kaduna International Polo 2011 Tournament

EL- AMIN RETAINS GEORGIAN CUP

Kaduna EL-AMIN retained the Georgian Cup in the Kaduna International Polo 2011 Tournament which took place between the 12^th and 19^th 2011. It defeated its opponent, RUBICON by 13 – 7 goals to lift the most prestigious Polo trophy in Africa. EL-AMIN has won the cup six consecutive times and three different times in the past making nine times in all.

EL-Amin receiving the Georgian Cup from the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Aliyu Musdapha

A CHAT WITH USMAN SAHAD

After the incident that took place between the Secretary to the Nigeria Polo Federation, Ahmed Baba Kyari and the Secretary to the Yola Polo Club,Usman Sahad on the 19^th of November 2011 at the Kaduna Polo Club/NPF Players meeting in the Club House, Unique International Magazine could not get to speak to both warring parties due to the charged atmosphere.

AMINA AND IBRAHIM TIE THE KNOT

It was a big celebration in Kaduna, the Kaduna State capital in Northern  Nigeria when a young couple, Amina Biu and Ibrahim Olaiya Okurinmetta Ajibulu tied the knot in an elaborate wedding to seal their seven years of courtship.

LIFAYA OUT PLAYS LODIGIANI

The Lifaya Palace Hotel Polo Team has won the Shehu  Yar Adua Cup by defeating  the Lodigiani Polo Team by 4-1 in the Kaduna International Polo 2011 Tournament. The winning team is made up of no. 

Ismaila Yar' Adua (Captain)

KADUNA POLO 2011 IN ACTION

KADUNA POLO 2011 TOURNAMENT

The 2011 edition of the Kaduna International Polo Tournament commenced on the 11^th of November, 2011.

The yearely event has a lot of polo teams from Kaduna, Katsina, Jos, Port Harcourt, Bauchi. A total of thirty one teams are in Kaduna for the tournament taking place through the week. Over five hundred ponies (horses) are playing in the tourney.

The teams include the current Georgian Cup holders and National Champions, El-Amin and Georgian Cup contenders Rubicon. The Emir of Katsina Cup is contended for by Kaduna Dee Bee Farms owned by veteran Polo Play, Dawule Baba (a.k.a Teacher).

THE EL-AMIN / RUBICON HORSE BATTLE

The match between the national (Nigeria) Polo Champions and Kaduna Georgian Cup holders, EL-AMIN Polo team and the contenders for the cup, Rubicon turned out to be a though nut to  crack.

The encounter started with a 3 goals point to the Rubicon as a result of their lower handicap. Their total team handicap was 13 goals while the Champions, EL-AMIN’s total handicap was 16 goals.

Rubicon seized the opportunity of the difference in goal in having a lead as they scored more goals and the scores rose to 6-3, 8-5, and 10-6 in favour of Rubicon.

TURKISH NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION

The Turkish Embassy in Nigeria held its National Day reception at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, the capital of Nigeria on the 31^st of October, 2011.

THE NIGERIAN AIR FORCE GAMES 2011

The 7^th edition of the Nigerian Air Force Games took place between the 29^th of October and 4^th of November 2011 at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State of Nigeria.

KADUNA GOLF CLUB HONOURS AYUBA

Honourable John Ayuba, the Commissioner for Finance in Kaduna State of Nigeria was on Saturday 12^th November 2011 honoured by the Kaduna Golf Club.

THE MINT INTRODUCES NEW INVESTMENT PROGRAMME… MD/CEO

INTERVIEW WITH MR. EHI OKOYONMOH, THE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF NIGERIAN SECURITY PRINTING AND MINTING PLC IN HIS OFFICE AT THE HEADQUARTERS IN ABUJA-FCT.

(Q)    How would you describe Ehi Okoyonmoh?

(A)     I am the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Security Printing and Minting PLC. I am an average regular normal person who tries to live life to the fullest and thank God for it.

THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, FCT, MICHAEL ZUOKUMOR AND HIS OFFICERS AND MEN PARADED SOME ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS TO THE MEDIA AT THE COMMAND HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA ON 28TH OCTOBER, 2011.

HE ADDRESSED MEMBERS OF THE PRESS ON THE ARREST OF THE SUSPECTS AND THE RECOVERY OF THEIR LOOTS WHICH INCLUDED HUGE SUMS OF MONEY IN NAIRA AND UNITED STATES DOLLARS,CARS ETC. READ THE EXCERPT OF THE MEDIA BRIEFING.

Gentlemen of the press, distinguished members of the public, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to today’s press briefing.

SUMMARY OF THE ADDRESS BY THE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF AIR MARSHAL MD UMAR AT THE NAF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP 2011

The Nigerian Air Force has over the years acquired air assets from diverse sources due to lack of internal capacity to meet its defence needs.  These air assets with its ground support equipment are advanced technologies that require huge foreign exchange to acquire, operate and maintain.  Although internal capacity is being built to domesticate training and maintenance of these equipments, the required structures are not fully established in terms of policy frame-work and institutions for manpower development.  However, the NAF has largely relied on its field units and foreign technical partners to meet the challenges of equipment maintenance and sustenance in the face of lack of National Industrial base.

THE NIGERIAN AIR FORCE HOLDS R&D WORKSHOP IN ABUJA. By Tony Iweka

The Nigerian Air Force organised a two- day workshop on RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, R&D, at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess, Asokoro in Abuja, capital of Nigeria on the 25^th and 26^th of October 2011.

The R&D Workshop under the auspices of the COMMAND FOR  STANDARDS AND EVALUATION , COSE of the Nigerian Air Force had the theme ‘ THE ROLE OF RESSEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN MILITARY TRANSFORMATION ‘ was supervised by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Air Vice Marshal C Onyemaobi.

FRANCIS ATUCHE CELEBRATES MOM

It was a funfair for three days in Ibusa Town in Delta State of Nigeria, when the former Managing Director of BANK-PHB , Mr. Francis Atuche and his siblings paid a final respect to their late mother, Madam Atuche. It was a total CELEBRATION OF LIFE tagged ’  CELEBRATING OUR SWEET MOTHER ‘.

The dates 11^th,12^th,13^th and 14^th of August, 2011 cannot forgotten in a hurry as the people of Ibusa witnessed a heavy human and vehicular traffic in the town with all roads leading to the Atuche Family Compound.

EVERY CHILD HAS A POTENTIAL ...Pastor Chisa.

PASTOR CHISA ON0SOMIATTA IS A NIGERIAN BASED IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSSETTS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, USA. SHE WAS RECENTLY IN NIGERIA TO EVALUATE A PROJECT FOR CHILDREN IN THE RURAL AREAS BEEN CARRIED OUT BY HER AND HER ASSOCIATES. THE PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-CHIEF OF Unique International Magazine, TONY N. IWEKA SPOKE TO HER AT A STATE DINNER IN THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA AT ASO ROCK- THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE AND OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA- IN ABUJA, NIGERIA’S CAPITAL.

Asaba International Airport......... by Ken Iwelumo - Based in New Jersey United States

I had the pleasure of flying in and out of Asaba International Airport on July 28^th, August 1^st  and August 3^rd, 2011. A lot of progress has been made to the second largest terminal in Nigeria and the third airport in West Africa to have air bridges/aviobridges (Lagos and Abuja are the others).  The airport is now operational but will not be completed until December 2011. It is huge and very impressive. There is a 4 storey mall designed for shopping and offices at the center of the terminal. Overland Airways with its 48 seater ATR 42-320 Turboprops is the only airline serving Asaba for now. Arik Air, Air Nigeria, Aero and Dana Air plan to start flights to Asaba in late September 2011. I would not be surprised if Emirates and KLM started international service before the end of 2011.

CHILD TRAFFICKING IS DESTROYING THE YOUTHS.......JOY GREENE

JOY GREENE IS A CHRISTIAN MOTHER AND A CHILD RIGHTS ACTIVIST  WHO IS PREACHING AGAINST CHILD TRAFFICKING ALL OVER THE WORLD. THE PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN- CHIEF OF Unique International Magazine, TONY N. IWEKA MET HER AT A STATE BANQUET AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN THE ASO ROCK-OFFICE AND RESIDENCE OF THE NIGERIAN PRESIDENT- ABUJA, NIGERIA’S CAPITAL. BELOW IS THE EXCERPT OF THEIR CHAT.

UIM;          May we meet madam?

GREENE;   I am Joy Greene. I am from Tampa, Florida in the United States and I am visiting Nigeria.

NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA

CLEMENT ITAMA (NIDO AUSTRIA)

UIM:                Sir, what’s your name and where are you based?

ITAMA:             I am Barrister Clement Itama, I am based in Austria.

UIM:                What do you do?

ITAMA:             I work for the Austrian Government in Vienna

UIM:                Do you belong to NIDO?

ITAMA:             Yes, I belong to NIDO Austria.

Directors of Transcorp

TONY ELUMELU: CHAIRMAN TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION

The new Chairman of Transnational Corporation, Mr. Tony Elumelu has brought into play, a lot of experience of nearly two decades in the Banking Industry.

Mr. Elumelu was elected as the Chairman of the Corporation at the last Annual General Meeting, AGM in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria in September, 2011.

He was nominated by the former Chairperson, Dr. Ndi-Okereke Onyiuke who retired voluntarily. Tony the lion as he is fondly called by all was appointed as a Director in April, 2011 when he replaced Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom who resigned the same month as a director.

TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION: A STABLE GROWTH

The company recorded gross revenues of 2.38 billion as against N2.79 billion in 2009; a decline of 15% attributed to provisions for expansion of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja and accrued tax liabilities for prior years. The company managed to keep its operating expenses at about the same level (1.44 billion) over the two years.

The group total revenue increased by 7% from N12.99billion in the proceeding financial year to N13.93 billion during the review period. While, the group operating expenses increased by 20% from N4.53 billion to N5.47 billion for the financial year due to refocusing of our businesses strategy within the group.

THE 2nd CALABAR DIASPORA CONFERENCE 2011 OPENS

THE 2^ND Edition of the Calabar Diaspora Conference takes place from 17^th to the 21^st of October 2011 at the TRANSCORP METROPOLITAN HOTELS. It is organised by the Cross River State Government and co-ordinated by the Office of DIASPORA MATTER in the Governor’s Office.

Governor Liyel  Imoke  will declare the conference open in a grand style. The 1^st edition took place in 2010.The Calabar Diaspora Conference was introduced after the Nigerians In Diaspora,NIDO conference that takes place annually in Nigeria.

GOODLUCK JONATHAN BOW S TO BOKO HARAM?

President  Goodluck Jonathan and his government officials organised  NIGERIA’s  51^st  INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY parade at the Aso Rock- the office and  residence of the President- on the 1^st of October 2011.

 This is the first time since the relocation of Nigeria’s seat of power from Lagos to Abuja during the tenure of General Ibrahim I. Babangida’s .

There are no other reasons adduced to this than the threat by BOKO HARAM to disrupt the independence anniversary celebrations by bombing some locations in the Federal Capital Territory.

UCHE NWAGWU WINS KIA JEEP

It  was a day of joy and testimony  when in the evening of Friday the 7^th of October 2011,  UCHE NWAGWU smiled  home with a brand new KIA JEEP that he won in a Raffle Draw organised at the TRANSCORP HILTON HOTELS, ABUJA.  UCHE’S victory in the Raffle Draw put paid to the long and anxious wait by the numerous customers of the hotel who wished and hopped to be the lucky winner.

The Raffle Draw organised by the TRANSCORP HILTON HOTELS and DANA MOTORS at the CAPITAL BAR was on for some months and was closely monitored by the customers who had qualified for the final draw. To qualify for the draw, one must have spent the sum of five thousand Naira ( N5000:00 ) at the CAPITAL BAR at a sitting to earn a ticket which the recipient  in turn dropped in a glass box similar to the deposit boxes used by banks.

NIDO 2011 HOLDS IN ABUJA

Nigerians in diaspora organisation , nido 2011 confernce held in abuja  between 25^th and 27^th of july . The conference  which  holds yearly since inception  took place  at the nicon luxury  hotel , abuja while the opening ceremony took place at the transcorp hilton hotel, abuja.

As usual, president goodluck jonathan , who was schedule to declare the con ference open was not around so the vice president, nemadi sambo performed the opening ceremony. The secretary to the federal government of nigeria, anyim pius anyim was also at the opening ceremony.

President Goodluck Jonathan Takes The Salute

President Goodluck Jonathan and the recipients

NIGERIA NEEDS COMMITTED BUSINESSMEN... DR. KAPLAN

DR. ROBERT S. KAPLAN, A BAKER FOUNDATION PROFESSOR AND A PROFESSOR AT THE HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL, BOSTON, MASSACHUSSETTS IN THE UNITED STATES WAS IN ABUJA,CAPITAL OF NIGERIA IN SEPTEMBER 2001. THE WAS AT THE AUSPICES OF CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA,CBN’s FSS2020.DR. KAPLAN WAS IN THE COUNTRY FOR THREE DAY TO GIVE A LECTURE AND INTERACT WITH THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE BANKING AND FINANCE INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA. Unique International Magazine, UIM had an Exclusive interview with the Professor Emeritus.

MENA DOVIE; THE ABUJA MAESTRO

 Dovie okson mena whose stage name is baba 2010 is a very popular   figure  in abuja   with regards to music and entertainment . He is  a  special  brand that cannot  be shoved aside  in all ramifications .  Mena who is in his thirthies started his music carrier at an early stage in life and has paid his dues.

As the eldest son of a clergyman cum teacher,mena who hail from emede in the isoko south  area of delta state  started his carrier in a church choir in his home town. The multi –instrumentalist who plays    the keyboard as his main   instrument    moved to  port  harcourt, rivers state .

MAMA 2010 CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY.

The 10^th of October 2011 was a happy day in life of Mrs. Joy Mena  Dovie  a.k.a  MAMA 2010 as she added one more year to her calendar.  MAMA 2010  hails from OTURKPO,  Benue State in the Middle Belt Area of Nigeria.

MAMA as she fondly called is married to Abuja based Afro Beat Music crooner, Okson Mena Dovie a.k.a. BABA 2010, an original ISOKO MAN,  the leader of THE DOVIE SOUNDZ BAND. The couple, their sons, MARK and ZINO as well as their household celebrated  the day in a special way  in-spite of the fact that it was Monday, a working day.

‘ I’M COMING BACK TO NIGERIA SOON ‘ ....DR. ROBERT KAPLAN.

UIM;                    As an academician and somebody that is always interacting with financial institutions  and             governments, what motivates you in your day to day activities ?

Dr. Kaplan;          My motivation is my idea that I’m helping to develop, communicate and can make the private and public sector enterprises work effectively and efficiently , then indirectly and through them I’m helping  to create value for citizens all over the world. That’s not a bad call.

EDITORIAL: NIGER STATE: TOWARDS VISION 3-20-20

There are many investment opportunities in Niger State and this is also the view of the first time visitors to the state. When one considers the proximity of Niger State to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja one would agree with the above statement.

One can see that the opportunities that abound in the state include areas like land and housing, Agro-based industries, education, information and communication technology. This is in addition to the fact that the Rivers Niger through the circumfluence runs through the state via New Bussa. There are three dams in the state e.g, Shiroro Dam that could supply electricity to Niger State and its neighboring states.

Unique International Magazine