Ciao Ciao!

Hello people, been a while innit? From this blog, everyone can now tell when Mona's busy or not. Anywhoo, just to reassure you I'm not running anywhere so I will always come back like the dog and it's master. Not that this blog is my master oh! God is my master thank you LOL

The Internet's 15th Anniversary!

I have decided to celebrate the birthday of the World Wide Web. I actually didn't know which is surprising but thanks to one of my readers Lord Tim, now I do!

More info and a short video here

Some Breaking News:

Professor Jadesola Akande dies at 68: She was the former vice chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU) and was a very prominent lawyer as one of the female premier legal luminaries in Nigeria. She died in her sleep. More info

here

Senator Abraham Adesanya, Yoruba leader, dies at 85: Frontline nationalist and Leader of Afenifere, the pan Yoruba political and cultural organisation, Chief Abraham Aderibigbe Adesanya, is dead.He died yesterday in his Apapa, Lagos residence at 12.30pm according to family sources. Click here for more details.

Marketing!!

True Love April and May Editions are available via TopUpNigeria.com

Yes, you can now buy and subscribe to it in the UK. £3.50 only and a copy will be delivered to your home address! Go to http://www.topupnigeria.com/ for your copies today!

They are also on facebook via this link

More Mags - What's New NG?

Subscribe to What's New and get every edition sent directly to you anywhere all over Nigeria! No more sweating in the hot sun to buy your copy lol.

CALL NOW and save up to 15% on each edition. Telephone no. 01-2708731. Payment is easy, just send in your cheque with a printed out subscription form like the one below:

You can print this form out and also send payments to:

What's New at Plot 1 Towry close, Off Idejo st, Vi, Lagos

Check out David Oyelowo on the cover of Made Men Magazine. Visit the Made Men website.

Videobytes

Amplifyd Crew - Wetin Man Go Do

Verdict = Support Oluwadiddy and co! Heheheh

X Project - Lori Le

Verdict = Loving the catchy tuuuuune!

Hillary - The Movie

Click here to watch

Verdict = 89 mins long, watch and see for yourself


Featuring:

Spatial Tectonics -

http://www.spatialtectonics.com/

See for yourself! Visit their site today or contact them for architecture, aficionados i.e. eccentric architecture and Graphic and Logo design.

SAY NO TO 0870 (UK READERS ALERT!!)

This website, sent to me by my sister, made my week! http://www.saynoto0870.com/

Many people do not realise that there are many phone providers offering cheaper alternative numbers to 0844, 0845, 0870 or 0871 telephone numbers.

If you have an 'inclusive landline calls' phone package, then it is very rare that 0844, 0845, 0870, or 0871 numbers are are included in your 'free minutes' allocation, unlike normal numbers. Many mobile phone packages also exclude freephone 0800 and 0808 numbers for your bundled minutes.

Many companies advertise a separate number that can be used when calling from abroad - This usually begins in the format +44 - There is nothing to stop you using this number from the UK (as it is a normal rate telephone call), and will be included in any inclusive minutes provided by your landline or mobile phone provider. Many others will give you a standard number if you ask.

Use their Search Page to find an alternative landline number to your 0870/0844 number

Q & A with TopUpNigeria M.D.

Mr. Firopo Akin-Agunbiade (FAA) is the Managing Director of Top Up Nigeria, the one stop online shop for Nigerian GSM Cell phone top up (MTN, Celtel, Glo and Starcomms). In this engaging interview, Naija to the Core finds out more about TopUpNigeria, dealing with the growth of e-commerce and low levels of internet penetration in Nigeria and the future of TopUpNigeria, as well as a word of advice for up and coming entrepreneurs from Mr. Akin-Agunbiade.

Mona: Hello Mr. Akin-Agunbiade, could you please introduce yourself (i.e. who you are in the company) and your academic profile as well as places you have worked prior to starting TopUpNigeria?

FAA: I am the MD of Funtech Communications UK Ltd. We are a company based in the UK with a Nigerian subsidiary called Topupnigeria.com Nig Ltd with big ideas and a lot of determination. The company has primarily 2 directors, that is, me and Tayo Ogunlade.

I am an architect by training and a business man by nature. My CV is quite diverse. I attended UNILAG where I studied architecture. My career started with an Italian Facade engineering company based in the UK - Permasteelisa UK Ltd. There, I worked as assistant project manager for 3 years and rose to Project manager, where I worked for a further 2 years. I went to work for Laing O'rourke Construction UK Ltd as a Facade Project manager before I discovered and created Topupnigeria.com


Mona: Why did you start TopUpNigeria/what was the motivation?

FAA: I started www.topupnigeria.com as a hobby to provide a service to Nigerian’s in disapora to simply have a link back to Nigeria from anywhere you are in the world. It started with a discussion with a friend of mine called Osaze who was visiting the UK and worked for one of the telecoms companies in Nigeria. I was running another International calling card business as a small side business and he was amazed at the technology and wondered why I did not do it for Nigerian recharge cards. The light bulb lit up in my head and it all just came together with other ideas I was developing on paper.

The motivation is the new technology and the potential of the business to give Nigeria a presence in the internet trading world.

Mona: What/Who are your market base?

FAA: Nigerians everywhere in the world i.e. in Nigeria and abroad

Mona: How old is TopUpNigeria?

FAA: 16months

Mona: What has the response been to your product so far?

FAA: Response has been good. We can't complain

Mona: What is the easiest way to advertise and has it been effective?

FAA: Word of mouth is the best and easiest way to advertise and so far our reputation as a clean company is paying off.

Mona: Are you the only one in this segment of the market?

FAA: Well as you know, when a good thing starts others follow. We have some competition.

Mona: Is the business solvent yet and do you have major overheads?

FAA: Yes we are solvent and there are major overheads

Mona: What's the future of top up Nigeria?

FAA: The future is very bright and we are excited about it.

Mona: Is TopUpNigeria accessible ONLY over the internet?

FAA: Yes we are only accessible on the internet for the service we offer right now.

Mona: What impact does this have on your business since internet penetration is very poor in Nigeria?

FAA: Well, the industry is growing very fast in Nigeria. People are getting more comfortable with the internet in Nigeria and Nigerians all over the world

Mona: Do you have a lot of patronage outside of Nigeria and can we pay for the service with foreign payment platforms (MasterCard/Visa etc)?

FAA: Yes we get patronage outside Nigeria and you can pay with any payment card in the world.

Mona: Are you alone or do you have partners?

FAA: Yes I have a major partner call Tayo Ogunlade. He is a director of the company.

Mona: Do you see the internet having a serious impact on Nigerian businesses and how near or far away is this going to happen?

FAA: The internet is already changing the face of Nigerian businesses. I think within the next 5 years Nigeria will begin gain real interest from the international internet community.

Mona: What is your ultimate dream for TopUpNigeria? Is there any chance for a formal partnership with the networks?

FAA: Well we have formal partnerships already. I would rather not disclose our dreams but they are exciting

Mona: Do you currently head any other business(es) and if so which?

FAA: Yes I do. I would prefer not to talk about that.

Mona: What advice do you have for anyone else who want to start a business for themselves?

FAA: Make sure you are clear about what you want to do and do it just don’t talk about it. There 3 types of people in this world, those that hear about what has happen, those that watch what is happening and those that make things happen


Mona: This is slightly out of scope but as a Technology person, I am keen to find out how you leverage customer support, quality, web updates and troubleshooting responsibilities in your e-business?

FAA: Well we do it in-house... we are constantly working hard and get little sleep.

Thank you Mr. Akin-Agunbiade and all the best.

Don't forget you can also buy True Love Nigeria in the UK now, courtesy of TopUpNigeria.

Events Galore

Na wa oh, I just keep getting emails and emails and messages on facebook about this or that event. Steady on Guys! I only have two hands! So I've decided to share all the events this week - Nig related of course :o)

Ok oh - PHEW

i) Helon Habila Book Tour - November 17th : Silverbird Galleria

The Return of The Prodigal Son

Time: 5 - 7pm

Contact Info - Phone: 08069663006
Email: bibi@cassavarepublic.biz

Helon Habila tours Nigeria promoting his first two books, Waiting for an Angel and Measuring Time, published in Nigeria by Cassava Republic.

Tour dates:

Lagos 17th Nov: NuMetro Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, 5pm
Nassawara 21st: Nassawara State University, Keffi, 12 noon
Abuja 21st Nov: NuMetro, Ceddi Plaza, Central Business District 6pm
Jos 22nd Nov: University of Jos 10.30am
Gombe 23rd Nov: Gombe State University 3pm
Gombe 24th Nov: Gombe State University Public Lecture 10am

ii) Olu Maintain Yahooze live in UK and MR Nigeria UK - Nov 15th to Nov 20th : Different Locations

See Video Below for Details.

Contact Info - Phone: 07960391321
Email: blacknights_7@hotmail.com

iii) CatWALK THE WORLD Launch Party - November 16th : No. 5 Cavendish Square / November 17th - Carbon Bar

From the Weekend of 16-18th November, CatWALK THE WORLD are in London as partners of the Mayors Office K2C Fashion Week. CatWALK THE WORLD Designers Deola Sagoe, Kosibah and Stoned Cherrie will also feature.

Damon Dash and wife Designer Rachel Roy are the official CatWALK THE WORLD Ambassadors and will also feature during the event.

CatWALK THE WORLD will host 2 VIP Afterparties during the k2C Fashion week in association with UN WFP for all the K2C Designers, Fashionistas and members of the CatWALK THE WORLD group.

The k2C Fashion week is free for the public, to reserve tickets please contact: http://www.kulture2couture.com/.

At the K2C Fashion Week, International supermodel Alek Wek, K2C's first ambassador, exhibited her exclusive handbag range 'WEK1933'

The Friday launch party will take place at No5. Cavendish Square. W1. The Saturday After party will take place at CARBON, Old Quebec St ,London, W1H 7AF ( Marble Arch-off Oxford Street) http://www.carbonbar.co.uk/

25% of the ticket fee will be collected by UN WFP and UN WFP staff will be at the event with Stop Child Hunger material & info. Visit http://www.catwalktheworld.com

iv) Nigerian Green Eagles V Australia International Football friendly - Nov 17 : Fulham Football Grounds

This Event is Proudly Sponsored by Top Up Nigeria.

FOR TICKETS PLEASE VISIT:

http://www.stellatickets.com/Events/November+2007/item1200/


PRIORITY OFFER CODE: TUN

This is the last friendly for our GREEN EAGLES before the African Nations Cup.


KICK OFF @ 3PM PROMPT
Venue - Fulham FC, Craven Cottage, Stevenage Road, SW6 6HH
For Directions Click on the link below:

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Contact/DirectionsToCravenCottage.aspx

Contact Info Email: help@topupnigeria.com

v) Keeping Faith - November 18th : Muson Centre

Keeping Faith is a Coalition Of Fashion, Music, Comedy & Dance For Charity!

Time - 5pm - 10pm

Venue: Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos

Contact Info - Phone: 08034144214

Email: bincentertainment@hotmail.com

vi) When Fashion and Art Collide - November 17th : Dray Walk Gallery, Brick Lane

Time - 1pm 4pm

Art Exhibition of the following artists & more:

Dawn Okoro- original paintings. http://www.dawnokoro.com/

Nengi Omuku - mixed media with embelishments - Slade Art School

Larry Achiampong- www.myspace.com/artistela

Asìkò Photography by Ade Okelarin- http://www.asikofoto.com/

TWO by Tolu Ogunseye, Wendi Okemini and Odiri Obrutse-beautiful clothing designs.

6pm - 9pm - SaZe presents her "NEVER FORGET" collection

Also feat. Dj Sose...

Contact - info@mrkingapparel.com / http://blog.afriville.com/28/mr-king-apparel/ / lola.ashafa@bobbytaylorpr.ca

*FREE ENTRY* *FREE ENTRY* *FREE ENTRY*


vii) Biggest Gospel Event of The Year - November 17th : Indig02 Centre

Click on Flyer Below:

viii) Careers in Africa Recruitment Summit - Nov 16th to Nov 18th : Houston, Texas.

Please if you can make this event, do because it is a good networking and recruitment event with lots and lots of opportunities.

Visit http://www.globalcareercompany.com/ciaus/