The Future Awards (TFA) 2011 that held last Sunday was a resounding success going by the quality of guests, winners, performances, speeches and even choice of venue.
Organised by RedSTRAT with Chude Jideonwo, Debola Williams and Debbie Magnut as Directors, the event was hosted by the pair of Yvonne Ekwerre and Ebuka Obi Uchendu and then Dolapo Oni and Dr Sid. TFA commanded the presence of influential dignitaries. Below is a break down of happenings at the biggest annual youth event as reported by Lolade Sowoolu.
Arrival
The choice of venue is not one popular for events. The sandy surrounding of the Landmark Village, Oniru was besieged by guests dressed in their Sunday best, filing in from afternoon till late night. The traditional green carpet and cocktails provided an avenue for guests to mingle while finishing touches were on-going in the hall.
Dozens of cameramen and photographers jostled for guests’ attention. Roll call of attendees would include; Hon Min. Olusegun Aganga, Chief Dele Momodu, Jimi Agbaje, Pat Utomi, Richard Mofe Damijo, Uche Jombo, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Kingsley James, Kemi Adetiba, Sound sultan, Don Jazzy, Nneka Egbuna and a lot more youths numbering close to a thousand if not more.
The Anti-Bomb squad
It was first startling spotting the Lagos state Anti-Bomb vehicle parked close to the hall. But remembering the series of occurrences and frequency of bombing recorded in the country in the last couple of months, one would understand why organisers had to take precautions. Officers of the state Anti-Bomb blast looked alert listening for the slightest alarm even though all present prayed silently that there would be no cause for alarm.
Start off
After hours of waiting on the green carpet, especially with cocktails long depleted, anxious guests crowded the entrance well guarded by security men who were on instruction to keep everyone out until the hall was ready.
Ladies who had male company leaned on their partners for succour from their hurting ankles, no thanks to the killer heels many were wearing. Alas we filed in, and the stage, lights and decoration were remarkable. The show however didn’t kick off until 8:46pm – more than two hours behind schedule. Even the keynote address speaker for the night – Segun Aganga was kept waiting.
Performances
With theme #IAmNigeria, it was not any surprise when the show kicked off with a rendition of the first and second stanzas of the national anthem. The trio, Segun Obe, Ego Ogbaro and Chidynma did justice to the country’s identity in their own creative ways.
Next came, Chase – a girl group of 3. Next up was Lara George who together with her back up singers gave an enthralling performance urging Nigerian youths to ‘Get up and act’. At different intervals through the night, SoundSultan, Banky W and Omotola provided musical entertainment. The most memorable would be SoundSultan’s which also featured M.I. Together they sang Sultan’s popular national commentary number titled ‘2010’.
Speeches
TFA is in many ways unlike other award shows. Because of its focus to impact on the mind with every programme, it is a regular feature to have powerful, influential and accomplished individuals show up to ginger the youth via speeches .
This year, photographer Aisha Augie-Kuta spoke on the increasing hardship of the down-trodden, just before Uche Nnaji, a young fashion entrepreneur, came up to share his pains on the challenges of young Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Keynote address was delivered by the country’s Minister for Finance, Mr Olusegun Aganga – one time Managing Director Goldman Sachs International (GSI) London. Apart from commending the organisers, the Minister announced the government’s commitment to combating unemployment as the reason for appointing a Special Adviser on job creation.
The most stirring and effective speech for the night would however be Chude Jideonwo’s. His emotive and real-life delivery summed up young people’s effort and draw backs in fulfilling their dreams. He challenged the government and corporate world to get financially involved in young people’s dreams.
Lonely Omosexy
While Patrick Doyle strolled in with his wife, Iretiola and Genevieve had the eye-popping presence of friend Ndidi Obioha, Omotola seemed lonely for the night. She arrived surprisingly alone in a beautiful extra-fitted flowing green dress that did little to hide her 4-kids-gone tummy while flattering her butts and hips.
The sexy singer and actress is not known to attend events with her husband, Captain Mathew Ekeinde who’s usually busy flying. The dress did little to hide her huge back props and nearly everyone who saw her couldn’t help but steal a second glance.
Genevive’s jumpsuit message
Genevieve was radiant in her jumpsuit made by Meena. The smooth navy blue silk fabric hugged her petit frame as she walked into the hall and moved around a few times. It was a perfect fit and it flattered her flat tummy.
Flat tummy? Yes, flat tummy. As if to show to the whole world that she isn’t expecting any baby either for D’banj, as speculated, or anyone else, Africa’s screen diva showed off her I’m-not-pregnant flat mid-section at the Sunday event. Speaking of pregnancies, is that why Omawunmi boycotted the show?
Nneka’s toilet pressure
“Make I pass now, abi una get toilet inside”. That’s how international songbird Nneka charged jokingly at the security men who guarded the exit of the auditorium. The men simply stepped aside, out of her way before managing to explain that there were restrooms inside the hall. The singer didn’t wait for their response.
If the men did know who it was that spoke with them, their expression didn’t quite show it. Rather they were shocked by her expression at an event where everyone tried to act and speak ‘proper’. The brief scene happened long before her category- Young Person of the Year, was announced.
Tinsel actor’s failed humour
She did all she could. But it didn’t quite cut it. The guests were particularly unkind to Salewa – an actor on Mnet series, Tinsel, when she came on stage to crack them up in native Yoruba dialect.
Seyi Law announces wedding
What better platform is there to publicise a wedding if not at a gathering of the brightest of stars? Comedian Seyi law, while receiving his plaque for the Comedian of the Year award sought the opportunity to invite all to his coming wedding in March. The 3rd time nominee but 1st time winner was overjoyed that the win had was coming about a month from his wedding.
Who the lucky bride is? We’ll keep you posted.
All the winners
Actor of the Year – Mercy Johnson
Best Use of Advocacy – Muideen Salawu
Best Use of Science – Debo Olaosebikan
Best Use of Technology – Tolu Iruoye
Business Owner of the Year -Bode Pedro (VEDA Technology)
Creative Artist of the Year – Aisha Augie–Kuta (Photographer)
Comedian of the Year – Seyi Law
Designer of the Year – Bridget Awosika
Excellence in Public Service – Emmanuel Etim
Journalist of the Year – Tolu Ogunlesi (NEXT)
Magazine of the Year – FAB
Musician of the Year – Banky W
Music Producer of the Year – Sossick
On-Air Personality of the Year (Radio) -Maste Uwatse (Wazobia FM)
On-Air Personality of the Year (TV) – Tana Egbo-Adelana
Professional of the Year (Corporate) – Tokini Peterside
Professional of the Year (Creative) – Janet Nwose
Screen Producer of the Year – Clarence Peters
Sportsperson of the Year -Vincent Enyeama
Team of the Year – Falconets
Young Person of the Year -Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu
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