Abj Loving, Abuja Living: Month-versary

BY IPHIE MANUELZ
So it was the blog's month-versary yesterday, yes I just came up with the word, but I couldnt post anything to celebrate our first month as a blog.
Its not like I have piece specially written for this or anything. But I would like to say a big thank you to everybody that has supported the blog, especially to Adesuwa, who reads and edits everything before I post. Trust me without her I would have given up on the blog, if you doubt me you should see my other attempts at blogging.

Special thanks to all the young people of the week that agreed to be featured, Wonuola Sanni, Jones Odagwe, Kabir Abubakar and Audu Wushisi and Vidi Idiyang, your stories have been of great inspiration to me and to other young Abujans I am sure. I didn't know people looked forward to Young and In Charge this much until I almost posted late today, its not my fault oh, my landlady refused to pay for the internet. Thanks to Ehinome, whose contributions to the blog makes it interesting. Thanks to Bunmi for all the RTs on twitter, and to Ayo, I cant say thank you enough, he has had the link to the blog as his personal message on BBM for a long time.

Its been an interesting month so far and we look forward to many more months filled with posts by Abujans on what they love. Abj wakadugbe would be coming to a laptop/pc/phone near you soon. Keep visiting the blog for more interesting features to be added.

Young and In Charge: Audu Wushishi and Vidi Idiyang

I have never really been a drinker per say, and no its not because I'm a 'holy holy', when it comes to alcohol, I am not as tough as I look, I have a very light head, so I stay as far as possible from alcohol. But just a look at the magic these young men can whip up makes me reconsider this decision, so you can imagine my joy when I found out they made non-alcoholic cocktails too (mocktails). Am sure most of you already know the names I am about to mention, these young men are fast becoming the names to be reckoned with when a cocktail is mentioned. If you have been to the DMP, then you surely would have come across Audu Wushishi and Vidi Idiyang. Meet Audu and Vidi, who decided that the alcohol industry had taken enough out of their pockets and it was time for it to give back what belonged to them.

Tell us a little about yourself?

Audu: I'm just your regular fun loving Nigerian youth trying to make his way to the top.
 



Audu

 

 

Vidi: Well, there’s not much to tell. Just a simple guy hustling to make an independent living by any legal means necessary. People say I am controversial and quite unconventional. I take that as a compliment.

Vidi

 

What was growing up like?

Vidi: I've got just one brother (older) who is almost totally a nerd, no sister, thank God for that. Grew up with both parents in Lagos. Wasn't born with a silver spoon but the spoon wasn't made from clay either. We then moved to Abuja when I was about 14 years old.

Audu: Growing up was cool. I've got two brothers and our age gaps aren't long. A loving mother who took care of us, and provided everything we needed. I grew up in Lagos, the city that teaches everyone to fight for their place...

Tell us a little about your educational background?

Vidi: I switched schools a lot, I’ll say I went to about 9 different schools just from my primary to secondary education. I guess my folks just weren't satisfied. Went to Unilag for a couple of years but didn't finish. Got into University Of Abuja where I studied Sociology. Right now I'm studying to get my Masters degree in Marketing Management.

Audu: I never liked school... But I knew it was necessary, education is too important to be ignored  Went to Corona Ikoyi in Lagos, then King's College also in Lagos before we moved to Abuja. Studied Physics in University. Bleeh!!!

So what is La Vida Vodka all about? What does it mean and how did the name come about?

Audu: La Vida Vodka means, 'The Vodka Life'... *laughs*. And no, we're not encouraging anyone to drink alcohol, we also make non alcoholic cocktails.

Vidi: You can say La Vida Vodka came about as a result of boredom. Nothing too serious, at first but we saw potential and right now we are giving it all we've got.

How did you get into it?

Vidi: Blame Audu… He is to blame for putting me in this mess. Haha!

Audu: *laughs* The alcohol industry has made a lotta money from us, so we decided to use it and make our money back...

What is your typical day like?

Vidi: Errm… I wake up, freshen up then brainstorm on more ways to collect people’s money. LOL

What do you love most about you what you do?

Audu: We actually do everything ourselves, from shopping, to setting up, to mixing, to serving. The thing I personally love the most about this is when I see the look of a satisfied customer after they have a drink... Money can't buy that.

Vidi: I am into a lot of things so I would say what I love most about what I do is the versatility and experience I gather from all my endeavours. With regard to La Vida Vodka, I just love the fact that we can be responsible for putting smiles on people’s faces.

What’s been your best work ever?

That would be the August edition of DMP [Designer's Market Place]. There was just something special about that day... Also the 5^th Edition of Play Pool Party. That was fun.

What are the difficulties involved?

Vidi: I could write up a whole lot of difficulties to discourage others but the truth is, nothing is easy, not even breathing and my dad says “difficulty is only defined by your personal inabilities.”

If you weren't doing this, what would you have been doing?

If we weren't doing this we’d be thinking of doing this...

Have you ever felt like giving up on La Vida Vodka?

Audu: Hell no!!!

Vidi: Like I said earlier, every endeavour has it’s own difficulties but I don’t think I can ever be pushed enough to even think of giving up on La Vida Vodka or on any other thing I try to do.

Who or what inspires you?

Audu: My mum, she's such a hard worker, and she taught me how to put in 100% in all I do.

Vidi: I get inspired by a variety of things & people. One of such would be hawkers on the streets, they make me recognize the never-ending hustle and appreciate the little I've got and how to work with that to achieve more.

Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are.

Vidi: I wouldn't really call myself successful yet because we have barely scratched the surface. I am in my mid-twenties. Hope that’s good enough.

*YIC* in my mind you are, you took your dreams and decided to pursue them, that's the first step towards succes

Audu: I'm twenty four, some might think that's young, but I think I'm actually old... Young people are doing so much these days, it’s amazing.

Asides work, what do you do for fun?

Vidi: Our work is fun but asides that, other ways of making money too can be fun. I’m not really the clubbing type (not saying you wont see me in one, just that it’s not my kind of place). I love to hangout with friends, chill and share ideas on how to avoid mediocrity and stagnancy and talk a whole lot of crap. LOL

Audu: I listen to music, a lot... If I'm not chilling with my friends, or working, I'm listening to music.

Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.

Well, if its to follow in our footsteps by setting up a cocktail company, I would say “ DON'T”… because you cant stand the competition we would put up…lol.

Also, school is very important, we're not saying if you don't go to college you won't make it... But we advice everyone to make sure they get properly educated.

Generally, anyone who wants to be self-employed should just stay focused and spare a time to pray and more time to work hard because “Action speaks louder then words”.

As always, we would let the pictures speak for them.

Chapman

Tequila Sunrise

Having a job like this must be fun.

 

Like what you see? Then dont forget to give them a shout the next time you have birthday to celebrate, a bachelor's eve to host, an event to manage, a company to launch or just a party for the fun of it.
You can reach La Vida Vodka on: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/La_Vida_Vodka

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/LaVidaVodka?v=feed&refid=17

 

Email: lavidavodka12@gmail.com

 

Mobile: 08107159906

Better Nigeria: With Dreams in my Pockets

BY EHINOME

I sat trying to finish a dress, my eyes are tired and I can't wait to finish and lay down, but I remember am going to be paid handsomely for it, that gives me motivation to go on.
I thought back to the times when I was always broke.
"I studied law, my parents want me to practice, so I have to wait for that job"or so I thought.

That's what so many Nigerian youth think and so they wait for years on end, doing nothing.
Hello!!!!!!
Our government is yet to be responsive to the plight of its masses, arise and do something for yourself!
Education is not an end in it self, its just a means. It gives you a voice, and its meant to  broaden your mind.

We all have talents, GOD won't send you to earth without endowing you with one or two...use them to your advantage.
Youths, look inwards, a doctor can be a renowned dancer, an engineer can make clothes, a lawyer can find so much joy in make-up artistry, an architect can stumble into and in fact become real good with computer technologies...its all about what you love.
The thing is, after waiting and finally getting that government job, it might not just be what makes you tick.

Do not get me wrong, all am saying in a nutshell is..the quests for jobs isn't decreasing. Many youths have fallen victims to harassment and extortions all because of a job. Joblessness is idleness and an idle mind is the devil's workshop..reason for most of the vices we see today in our society
Let's not overeach ourselves, rather than bewail the situation, let's do something for ourselves. It doesn't take too much to start.

 Think big,start small,act now. Wonuola our very first Young Person of the Week started with a camp gas, read her interview here. Kabir started by making sketches, read about Kabir Here, Jones' trigger was a camera gift from his Dad as a little boy, if you missed Jones' interview, read it Here

Do not be afraid to actualise your dreams because of the time it would take. Time would pass anyway.
Now back to that dress...

Young and In Charge: Kabir Abubakar

Getting this young man to take out time for this interview was one of the hardest things we have had to do since we started the blog, now we know we have started work, Lol. But as I put the finishing touches to the interview, I am reminded all over again why I love this section the most, and I realise that every minute spent trying to get him to do the interview was worth it. Meet Kabir, a young and dynamic "garment constructor", whose love for what he does shines through in all his projects.

Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Kabir Abubakar-Babiotos, I am from Niger state, and I'm a Fashion designer / dress maker & garment constructor who is very passionate about what he does.

      What was growing up like?

My childhood was very interesting I’d have to say. Raised by the most loving parents & amidst siblings years older than I am, I was given the best of both worlds. It’s like they struck a perfect balance between giving me everything I wanted and at the same time allowing me to go out into the world on my own to explore, experiment & experience this thing called ‘life’. More like a bitter-sweet symphony I guess.

Tell us a little about your educational background?

I started my early education in Kaduna State; Essence International School up till my Senior Secondary school years then transferred to F.G.C Kwali Abuja where I acquired my Senior Secondary School Certificate.

After a brief period of “soul searching” and “career contemplation” I proceeded to University in A.B.U Zaria where I graduated from the department of Business Administration.

And then my first Fashion Design Course at The Fashion Academy (T.F.A) here in Abuja.

     So what is Babiotos Couture all about? What does it mean and how did you come up with the name?

Babiotos Couture is a Fashion house set to achieve feats in the areas of garment construction; mainly dress making, weaving of intricate texture to mention a few.  With the fashion industry in Nigeria booming we at Babiotos Couture draw from a pool of experienced hands and innovative methodologies applicable for delivery of world class services.

Actually the name Babiotos is my pet/nickname. It started as Babi (pronounced Baabee) and it was one of the 1^st words I said as a child.  According to my Mum I said it all the time, she thought it was silly because no one knew what it meant but it was like the only thing I could say at the time. Shortly after it evolved into ‘Babi-Otos’ .  She often stated that I even got upset when people called me kabir, I’d squeeze my face & tell them my name is Babiotos.   There is no original basis to its meaning but I'm;loi very much attached to it, its stuck on me.

      How did you get into it?

It’s fair to say I stumbled into it by accident, even though I did a lot of drawing & sketching as a child. It all began as a mere bet between me and a very close friend of mine (who is also a well-known fashion designer). I told him I could make five sketches of for female garments in ten minutes; and I did. He encouraged me to take it more seriously but I didn’t give it much thought until late 2011, I had a lot of free time on my hands at the time, not like these days. I tasked myself to create fifty individual sketches in a month. And by the time the month had elapsed I had over two hundred sketches and that was just enough to give me the momentum I needed to venture into dress making.

After taking a tailoring/design course at The Fashion Academy (T.F.A), participating & making it into the Top 12 contestants in the upcoming Reality TV show “The Garment maker”  and working as head fashion designer at the renowned Berry’s Couture owned by  the elegant & very  talented Hadiza Yakubu, I knew it was time for Babiotos  Couture to break into the Nigerian fashion scene. I vividly remember stating to Hadiza Yakubu how I wanted to be where she is in the next year and by Allah’s will, I’m on my way there. At Berry’s I acquired all the knowledge applicable to all the technicalities associated with running this line of business.

      What is your typical day like?

I'm a certified workaholic; this fact is completely verifiable. I take my job very seriously, or too serious according to my friends and family. I wake up around 7:30M and I'm off, cutting, sewing, sketching, tracing the day away. I'm usually awake at late hours of the night, working till 4am. That pretty much sums up my entire daily routine from Monday through to Sunday. I used to be an all-out sociable fun loving person but not any more  My personal life is some-what boring nowadays, but I love what I do unconditionally and wouldn't trade it for anything else. Maybe if in some crazy mix-up scenario I find out that I'm the long lost son of a filthy rich Arab oil sheikh, I dunno woh….! But nah, I'm only kidding I still wouldn't give up on fashion design.

      What do you love most about you what you do?

For me it’s all about the end results like seeing a perfectly fitting dress on a customer and the smile on their face to complement it. Turning pieces of fabric into finished clothing or merely putting pen to paper to create a design. Or even when a random person comes up to me & makes good remarks about my work. There’s a great sense of fulfilment attached to such encounters and I guess that’s what gives me the magic I need to keep on pushing through.

      What’s been your best work ever?

That’s a tough one but I’d have to say it should be the very first mini-collection I did. They looked more or less simple on the eyes but were indeed very difficult to sew; secretly they were sewing pins holding parts of the garments together because they weren't completely finished. I kept hoping & praying that the model wouldn't get pricked by the pins and thankfully she didn't.

I see them as my first babies, they serve as a form of motivation for me; I look at them & think to myself how impossible I thought it was for me to make them. I see them as a reflection of hard work, determination  several hectic days and sleepless nights I spent on them.

      What are the difficulties involved?

 I'm sure my fellow designer colleagues would agree that this line of business can be very frustrating at times; a crooked seam, shifted zipper, broken needle, common cut thread and other small technical issues can mess up my whole day. Moreover when we take into consideration difficulties associated with delivery and meeting deadlines. It is a common belief that tailors are the most unreliable people on earth besides boring politicians. As much as I strive to prove this theory wrong, keeping up to time has been the most uneasy thing so far. Constructing a garment isn’t just ‘cut here-join there & garment is complete BAM!’, there’s so much happening in between before the garments reach their finished stage.

If you weren't doing this, what would you have been doing?

I'm so stuck on this that I can hardly imagine myself doing anything else, I'm guessing randomly though but maybe I’ll be working in an Advertising Firm or in the marketing department of a banking institution. I initially wanted to become an architect.

Have you ever felt like giving up Babiotos Couture?

     Not now but not never, I have made peace with the fact that nothing good comes easy, hence I will always, “God willing”, triumph over difficulties because they will come whether we like it or not. It has been a bumpy ride since day one but I guess that adds the thrill to it apparently. 

And every day is a battle, I may scar or bruise in the process but I’ll definitely persevere and fight to the end of it. Keep on keeping on, every new day is a new lesson learned, it makes us so much stronger.

Who or what inspires you?

So many different things, mainly people and places alongside the constant need to create something beautiful. My sketches always reflect my state of mind; I put my Gemini features to good use in this perspective. The people around me play major roles that impact me without them even knowing it for instance; the ever so knowledgeable Mrs.Nina Kwande who taught me everything I know ( it’s like there’s no limit to what she can teach), Hadiza Yakubu for giving me my 1^st fashion related job(even though I feared not being up to the task at the time), Carmen who bluntly criticized my designs (including the ones I loved the most) and Ummi, Bamanga, Mubarak, Bosco and Gazelle who give me glimmers of hope (during the darkest hours).

I'm fascinated by various cultures if the world, I want my clothes to tell a story, what I mean is that we all as individuals have our stories each one unique and different. I see myself as someone who is constantly searching for something beautiful; that’s pretty much my story and I apply the thought of these individual people to my designs making each piece as beautiful, unique and different as the people wearing them.

Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are

I can comfortably say I'm somewhere around mid-way to 50 years old. Hehe!!

         Asides work, what do you do for fun?

I love to explore and experiment with stuff like food, I like to cook. I also recently discovered the fact that “One knows how to cook” and “One likes to cook” are two completely different things. Sadly I belong to the latter category. I make nice pancakes though.

        Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.

Very simple; sometime in December 2011 I got that best advice from the most unlikely person. He gave me a small piece of advice that completely altered my mindset and psyche “Block all forms of negativity in your life” these eight words made tremendous positive impact in my life.

As usual, picture speak a thousand words.

Indeed his clothes tell a story, a story of how bright this young man's future is. Hope you enjoyed getting to know Kabir like I did.

You can reach Kabir through any of these means.

EMAIL: kabirabubakar@hotmail.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kabir.abubakarbabiotos?fref=ts 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Kb_Babiotos

WEBSITE:  http://babiotos-couture.tumblr.com/

Abj Loving,n Abuja Living

By Iphie Manuelz

So we have been asked a lot of times what the blog is all about, we decided to write a synopsis on what Abj loving, Abuja living is all about. The point of the blog is to have everything Abuja in one place, so here are the few section that we hope portrays everything Abuja.

Get your Calenders Out
This section basically gives information about all the events happening in Abuja for the week. It keeps Abujans informed about all the happening spots.

The Week in a Flash
In this section we try to give you a summary of all that happened during the week, all gist on Abuja can be found here. Be it political, social or entertainment, we have the gist here for you.

Young and In Charge
 This has to be my favourite section of the blog. Every Monday we would bring you the stories of young Abujans who are striving to make their marks. This sections seeks to encourage young Abujans who are making an attempt to leave their marks in the sands of time. It also seeks to encourage Abujans, it is never too late or too early to start doing what you love.

Abuja for JJCs
Are you new to Abuja? Are you an Abujan who is out touch with your Abuja side? No need to panic, Abuja for JJCs was tailor made for you. In this section we would tell you where to stay when you are visiting, where to hang out with friends, where to eat, where to pray, we would discover Abuja together.

Better Nigeria
The youth are the greatest voice of change. In this section we explore reason why we need change  in  Nigeria and we proffer different solutions for the change we seek for Nigeria.

Pictures
In this section we would have pictures of our lovely city and of all events taking place within Her. We decided to up the ante in this section by introducing a sub-section called 'ABJ WAKADUGBE'. In this sub-section, we put up pictures of different locations in Abuja and you all try to guess where it is in the comment section. The first person with the correct answer walks away with the gift of the week, which range from, movie tickets to recharge cards to tickets to shows. Watch this space, Wakadugbe would be coming to you every Wednesday in the not too distant future.

Art imitating life
In this section, we bring you fictional stories based on the realities of the Nigeria we live in. They are stories of Nigerians, stories of what they pass through each day.

As usual, we are open to your suggestions, your articles pictures, contributions and comments are welcome.

Abj for JJCs: Ice Cream

Are you a lover of ice cream like me? Growing up in Abuja of those days, yes I am Abuja 'bread' (bred) and buttered, there weren't really a lot of places to just go out with your family to get ice cream, except maybe places like Nicon Noga, hehehe, if you know what I mean then you are a true Abujan.

Thankfully, all that has changed, phew!!!

Ice cream joints are littered all over town now and so lovers of ice cream like me are spoilt for choice. I would start with my personal best, Hatlab. I was introduced to Hatlab in my Uni days and since then we have a relationship that would be the envy of any couple, distance might try to pry us apart, but I always come back to her, lol. I got so used to going to the branch in Gwags that I became friendly with the staff and I would get free ice cream sometimes, now we know where that fat came from, lol.

I am digressing I know, but that shows how much I love Hatlab. Anyway if you are new in Abuja, you must visit this spot for an affair with ice cream that you never believed you would have. Make sure you try the bubble gum flavour, trust me you come back to say, "Iphie, thank you" Their most popular branch would have to be the one on Ademola Adetokunbo Wuse II.

Another ice cream spot that I love is the ice cream section of Amigo Supermarket. Located just outside the supermarket, it is the kind of relief you need after a tedious day shopping in the supermarket. It is also the companion you need to 'stand' by you while you wait under our beautiful Abuja sun for a taxi or your driver. Amigos is also located on Ademola Adetokunbo, Wuse II

Another ice cream spot would have to be the Grand Square ice cream. Abujans swear by it. I am goin to have to trust them on this one because I can't really remember having any experience with this ice cream. If you are adventurous like me, why not try out the Grand Square ice cream and share your experience with us. Grand Square is located in the Central Business District.

As an Abuja 'bread' and buttered, i have had to live outside Abuja for sometime now within the last two years, trust me when i say we truely have the best ice cream, I haven't seen any that can compete.

Art Imitating Life: EvErYdAy

BY EHINOME

Maria was coming. Something to look forward to...if money won't come, a good woman was enough to make you forget... but only for a while.
He had taken some time to stroll around town, before coming home. He had bought #100 credit, and he called Maria. Maria liked books. He had seen a mallam selling used books, so he made a good bargain and got two novels for Maria.
Maria finally arrived, they hugged and kissed, they were happy to see each other.

"So how did the interview go?" She wanted to know.

 "It never held" He said.

 She sighed deeply, "it would be fine..ok?", he shrugged, looking for a worthy distraction.

 "Oh yea, I got you these books" he smiled wide showing off his fine teeth.

 She took them "thank you", they looked old,

'Jaded and 'Firesong', both dated back to the year 2000. She sighed, her mind wandered to yesterday, Lolade's boyfriend had taken them to the cinema, and they came back laden with enough goodies. Kay's boyfriend practically catered for her welfare and family... they would be married soon. She would get 'Jaded' and 'Firesong' to sleep tonight.

He studied her as she looked at the books, lost in thought. He should let her go... she was clearly unsatisfied.

Boom!!!!!

The ground under them shook. They reached for each other.

"Another bomb??" She squealed... they clung to each other.

 Soon, they heard shouts and wails.

 "Wait here..am coming", he said softly.

 He ran out to get first-hand gist.

"These people don come again o!" A boy ran shouting.

 He shouted back "where them bomb?".

"Na wetin I dey go find out" the boy screamed.

He ran after the boy and the slowed down... he stopped, his shoulders dropped. He was not ready to count corpses...how many would he count. He turned around and jogged home.
Maria was still there, curled up and shaking on the bed.

"Another bomb" she stated the obvious.

"Yes" he reached to the side of the bed. He has #1000 left.

"Here is #200... you need to go home now." He handed it to her.

She didn't know what shocked her more. The bomb or the 200 naira. For Pete's sakes she spent #500 coming down here alone!!!
She took it and muttered a goodbye and left.
He sighed and flopped on his bed. He stared at the #800 left. He thought hard. Soon his head began to ache. He had to go searching for a job, there was no food in the house, he didn't even have credit to reach out to people, or BIS to search for jobs on-line.
He laid down and soon drifted away. Three hours later he woke up... it was dark... He reached over to switch on the light. PHCN was at it again.

"Mtchew" he hissed.

 He felt around for his rechargeable lamp... it lit dimly.

He switched on the radio, "the president has condemned the bombing of..."

He didn't wait to hear "and condemnation is where it stops.." He growled and flung the radio against the wall...

The shattering sound of the radio and its pieces falling to hard ground permeated the house. Another radio would have to be bought, he mentally added it to his growing list of things he lacked..
He stared at the shattered radio..that's how he felt.... SHATTERED

Get your calenders out 15 Oct - 21 Oct 2012

Hey all, sorry I haven't been able to give you the gist on upcoming events. Sourcing information like this is hard when you are not in Abuja. But I promise to do my best from now, I would comb the net relentlessly both day and night to find activities for you my lovely Abujans.

Here area a few events I have been able to find for the week. As soon as i find more events, i promise to add them. And remember if you have the dets on any upcoming events please feel free to send us a mail.

The Abuja International Motor Fair is here again, woot woot!! The 14th edition of the Abuja International Motor Fair was opened today, the 16th of October, by The Vice-President, Alhaji Namadi Sambo at the Eagle Square. So all you car lovers head for the Eagle square this week, the AIMF is open to the general public from 9:00am to 6:00pm daily from the 16th to the 24th of October. So if you are looking to buy a new car or just looking for looking sake, or you are looking like me so you can go back to gist your father about what you want for your birthday, the Abuja International Motor Fair is the place to be this week.


I love Abujans because we always come out to support a good cause when we 'see' one. What are we supporting this time? It is The White Cane Day and International Food Fair. This is an opportunity to help the blind. The white cane is used by the blind to navigate on their own, this make them self reliant and less dependent on relative. This event is organised by the NigerWives, Abuja chapter, and it comes up on the 20th of October (somebody special's birthday, woot woot)and would take place at   The FCT School for the Blind in Jabi. Help a blind person, be there.

Abj for JJCs: Indomie spot

By Ehinome

Since Indomie made its debut in Nigeria, there has been no looking back. It has wormed its way into the hearts of millions of Nigerians, especially children.

Okay! Yeayea! We all know about indomie..BUT..am almost too sure we all do not know where to get the best cooked indomie in town! 

Imagine indomie with all the works..am talking about indomie with greenpeas,carrots, all the veggies you want. And Then. Imagine it flunked with chicken, corned-beef  sauteed meat, prawns, and even kpomo. Yes! I feel your brows raising. Am for real here. A trip to the indomie stand at Maitama Park,  would leave you with no doubt.

How do you like you Indomie? With hot dogs? Salami? Chicken? Fish? Spicy? Hot? How? Able cooks are waiting to do as you wish.

This isn't just for Abj JJcs, its for you reading, who hasn't discovered this 8th wonder as well! Just a visit would be the getaway from the boring way you have always known Indomie to be.

And as always if you have discovered 'an Abuja treasure' that you think is worthy of being share with the rest of us, please feel free to send in your articles and pictures.

Young and In Charge: Jones Odagwe

In a world where almost everybody with a cell phone owns a camera phone, photographers have been slowly but steadily replaced by amateur photographers with a camera phone and a pose, it takes a lot of guts and talents to take up photography as a career. Meet Jones Odagwe, an Economist and photographer extraordinaire. His passion for what he does promises to take this young man places, he has already been nominated for an award we know he would bring home next year.

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Jones Odagwe, I'm from Delta state in Nigeria and I'm a professional photographer.

What was growing up like?

Growing up in a place like Sapele in Delta state isn't as easy as most people think, it comes with lots of challenges on your personality and mindset but I thank God and my wonderful parents(Engr and Mrs Odagwe) that never gave up on me. Now I can say it was fun…lol

Tell us a little about your educational background?

I attended NEPA Staff  Junior School now PHCN(Power Holding Company of Nigeria) Staff School and International High School both in Sapele Delta State and then University of Abuja where I graduated with a Bsc in Economics.

So what is Jones Graphe all about? What does it mean?

Jones Graphe is all about photography and Artistry Business in general. On ground we cover events and on the internet we are working on the biggest photography and art presence ever seen in Africa. Jones Graphe will be launching a new product on the internet before the end of 2012. We are going to be showcasing excellence and showcasing Africa. (Watch this space for more info on that)

Jones is my name like you know already. Graphe is a Greek word meaning ‘Representation by means of lines’ or drawing’.

How did you get into it?

All thanks to my dad who gave me a camera on my birthday while in junior school as a kid and since then the passion has been there. When I was at the University I began taking photography classes outside school and studied under a professional photographer Mr Afilaka Olaniran Abidemi.

What is your typical day like?

Like right now I have a meeting after this interview and then a model shoot by evening, so my typical day is always so busy.

What do you love most about you what you do?

Meeting new people excites me, working in a new and challenging locations motivates me and then Editing brings out the creativity in me, not forgetting my canon camera…lol I love my job

What’s been your best work ever?

A wedding between two excited young couple “Thom and Frances” and also a meeting at Transcorp Hilton Nigeria on oil and gas earlier in the year.

What are the difficulties involved?

Lots of unskilled photographers giving the skilled photographers a bad image.

If you weren't doing this, what would you have been doing?

I never really thought of that part but probably I would be working in a bank.

Have you ever felt like giving up on Jones Graphe?

No, I have never felt like giving up, because I love what I do.

Who or what inspires you?

 God and the right folks around me.

Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are.

Lol… I'm in my twenties.

Asides work, what do you do for fun?

I study a lot, I write, go swimming, ride my bicycle, hang out with very close friends and travel to new and exiting places.

Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.

My advice to the youths out there, is to always put God first in anything they do, think positively and be creative. They should love whatever they do and be passionate about it. Lastly, they should always have the right folks around them.

Jones was nominated in August 2012 at the Music Save Me Awards for the most Outstanding Performance in Photography (who says hard work doesn't pay?)

Pictures speak a thousand words, I would let them speak to you about this talented young man.

One with nature

Beautiful Beginnings

Deep thoughts

                                            

You can reach Jones by:
E-mail- jonessmart1@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonesodagwe?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jonessmart1
BB pin- 298FB083
Mobile- +2348063161223, +2348184917370, +234805586085

I hope you all had a lovely time getting to know Jones like I did.