CITY CRAWLER ABUJA

PEOPLE MAKE IT HAPPEN....

2011-11-17T05:36:00.001-08:00

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN STUCK in an elevator with the CEO of a company you have been dying to meet?

Have you ever been sited on the same table next to a guy/girl you have been dying to talk to?

You should actually picture the scenario in your head. If you find yourself in this situation, what are you going to say?

Most of the time we are overwhelmed. Before we even recover from the realization of the sheer magnitude of our luck, the Chief Executive gets off on his floor or your table partner turns his/her back, to talk to someone else on the table.

As a young business person, being PREPARED is Key. But more important than being prepared is being able to deliver in a way that will capture your audience in a space of 2mins (approx). Seems like very little time doesn’t it? But the reality of today is that the world is fast moving and people only pay attention to the UNIQUE and DIFFERENT.

Its global entrepreneurship week (14th to 18th Nov) and it is my humble belief that the SME’s (small and medium enterprise)in every field will play a strong role in the solving of Nigeria’s unemployment issues, either as employer or employee. Running a small business is tough, especially for young people all over the world, and you need all the support you can get, from investors, partners, customers etc. Don’t ever take for granted that you have a good product or service that will sell itself, always be prepared to sell your product in a unique and creative way, at every opportunity you will find, that will spark the interest of your audience and If you need any help Developing an “Elevator Pitch” or Creatively Selling your Product or Service to assure great ROI please contact White Rabbit Global Concept on 08037135829

Other Business you might find useful……

$ For your Clean, Clear and Better Print contact; MUFTAJ PRESS LTD we deliver anywhere in Nigeria 08034509282

$"To secure your step on the property ladder,
CACHY EXQUISITE ECO HOMES offers beginner affordable Homes in style
Comfort and safety".
For enquires please call. 08079381861 or email: kachibeh@yahoo.co.uk

$PRODIGIT TECHNOLOGIES, offers wide range of original ICT products, such as,
Computer Systems, Printers, Scanners, Ink, Toner, and Accessories.
For enquires, please call:
Paradise on 08033811647 or email emy.fresh@yahoo.com, pejprodigit@yahoo.com

$PLAINFIELDS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Free your Home & Office of Pests & Rodents; Fumigate & stay healthy this yuletide!
Contact Timi@PlainfieldsEnvironmentals, Kado Estate.08064966277

$What is social media? How do I use social media? What media is social? Talk to Chioma for answers to those questions and more!
CC CONSULTING SERVICES also offers
• Bespoke social media solutions for businesses
• Hands-on monitoring and technical support for new platforms
• Content development and production for radio and television programmes
If you can think it, we can do it! And if you can’t, then leave the thinking to us!
Twitter/Facebook – chiomachuka
Email – chioma@chiomachuka.com
www.chiomachuka.com
Phone - +447405753135

$: OKWUME SHEA BUTTER A.K.A "WOMEN'S GOLD".
Why is shea butter in such demand? Western countries are just beginning to recognize the considerable health and beauty benefits of shea butter, something Africans have known for thousands of years. Shea butter has been used to help heal burns, sores, scars, dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff, and stretch marks.
How to Order: Call Theresa Archibong : 08059257272 or Tony Archibong: 08056073927.

SHEA BUTTER, SHEER MAGIC.......

2011-11-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

My home girl is getting married.

It’s so romantic how her fiancé proposed to her. It came as a total surprise. Yes she knew that the relationship was going to end in marriage, but she didn’t know he was so ready to do the big “P”. Anyways, my friend wasn’t ready for her big day5months ago when she was proposed to and her reason might seem fickle to you but not to her. She wasn’t her perfect weight, her skin wasn’t glowing and her front hair had chopped off (damn lace wig).

So you can imagine my surprise and delight when I ran into her a couple of days ago, she is looking trim, her skin is glowing and she has a FULL head of HAIR. WOW

WHAT's The Secret????

Shea Butter, Sheer Magic

Shea Butter is becoming increasingly popular in the natural body care and cosmetic industries for good reason. It has been used for centuries in Africa for its moisturizing and healing properties, where it has been used to protect and condition skin which has been damaged by the sun and wind. Shea Butter is an intense moisturizer for dry skin, and is a wonderful product for revitalizing dull or dry skin on the body or scalp. It promotes skin renewal, increases the circulation, and accelerates wound healing. It is also beneficial for the treatment of many different conditions, such as:
*Dry skin *Stretch marks *Itchy skin, *skin rashes, *Eczema, *Dermatitis *Sunburn *Small skin wounds *Damaged skin *Rough skin (such as on feet) *Insect bites*Muscle aches, fatigue, and tension *Wrinkles and signs of ageing *Chapped skin from cold weather *Dry or over processed hair *Diaper rash*Skin allergies *Frost bite etc.....
Interesting right????

Interested? you can contact 2 of the leading distributor in Abuja

Olory shea, is a company with a vision to be Nigeria's leader in the marketing, distribution and education of sheabutter skin and hair products.
The word OLORY means Queen in Yoruba and this word encapsulates what our company feels about sheabutter 'the stuff for royalty'
For product ordering pls phone me on 08163361126: soshikanlu@yahoo.co.uk

AITADI SHEA butter is not recommended for those with nut allergies.
Aitadi Shea butter is available for sale and delivery in Abuja at the retail price of N700, N500, and N250 per pack.
You can check out our product, and place an order on aitadi wares/facebook.com or call Tell: 08160036081, 08099349973 or contact @aitadi on twitter for sale and delivery within Abuja Nigeria.

Other Business you might find useful……

$For your kiddies needs, ADORABLE KIDDIES CENTRE
TOYS*SHOES*SCHOOL BAGS*LUNCH BAGS/BOXES*EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS*CLOTHING – GIRLS,BOYS, BABIES*MATERNITY WEARS AND LOTS MORE…….
Find us at 322 Road Corner Shop, Shop 54B, A Close, Lane E. Gwarimpa Housing Estate, Abuja. Telephone number - 08023140501

$For your Poultry Needs, we have got you covered. MAJESTY FARMS

Broilers, Eggs. Feed, contact us. Find us at Latya Village Rayfeild, Jos Plateau. Telephone Number – 08037871941

$For your Tiles, granites and Marbles contact Diala Charles @ Shop A2-71 Dei Dei building Material Market Abuja

$ Ever thought of surprising a loved one or rewarding loyalty? Take
advantage of our Trick n Treat gift services and choose from our wide
range of hamper deliveries too. Let us deliver your care!. Contact
Jennifer Chisom Opara
Tetrafinesse Creations...touch, taste, thrills
22 ladoke akintola boulevard.Garki 2, Abuja
07089893159, 08038994417
www.tetrafinessecreations.blogspot.com

$ Our vision at ROSWELL is to be a pro-active company that are clientele centric and adding optimal value to businesses and lives.
Our Services include:
-Corporate Branding-Web Design-Consulting-I.T-Security Solutions
Office Add: Suite 203,Millennium Verdict Plaza.Wuse II Abuja

+2348030720857,+2348023737955 Info@roswell-ng.com

$ For all your laboratory equipment,workshop equipment,metal working equipment,cutting tools,hand and power tools,meters,instrument(flow,level,pressure and temperature)
contact :enscoventures@yahoo.com,elest2002@yahoo.com.tel;08033128320,08099304762.no 9 chief ejims street rumuomasi,port harcourt,rivers state.nigeria.

$HOMALL CONCEPTS LTD Your one stop shop in hygiene cleaning Providing Professional Cleaning services in Post Construction and Pre move in, domestic and retainership cleaning, fumigation, cleaning supplies. Contact: Call 08033055780

Barka d Sallah People

2011-11-07T00:37:00.000-08:00

Barka d Sallah to all our numerous Readers

Its a long weekend because of the monday and tuesday addition(Bankers must be happy) so endeavour to enjoy yourself, be hospitable, give the kids a treat but whatever you do, do your best to stay safe in the city of Abuja and avoid areas that we have been warned about.

All the recreational centers in sure will have a crowd this period so im certain they will be fun to visit for Adults and kids alike. The Movies, The Game alleys. the Amusement Parks etc.....

But if you are on a budget this period you can pack a picnic and head to theMillennium Park, just opposite the Transcorp hilton, rent a Mat for N200 - N500 (depending on size) and have a great time with your family or friends. its good for bonding or people watching too and there is always something exciting going on....

im gon' be crawling around the city so if you see me pass by, holla at your girl...

Enjoy your celebrations.....

DEAR CITY CRAWLER: Tips for our Readers.....

2011-11-01T02:26:00.000-07:00

I compiled a couple of questions that were sent to the City Crawler Mail Box and I hope it will be helpful for our other readers.

Dear Abuja City Crawler
I was lucky to get information on a land for sale in a very highbrow area of Abuja. It is ridiculously affordable for where it is located. I am a bit skeptical because I have heard of all kinds of scams that happen in the FCT especially with real estate. Please where can I confirm the authenticity of the C of O.
Segun, Utako.

Dear Segun,
Information like that is hard to come by so ill say lucky you. You are right to be skeptical and you have taken the best step seeking this information. The Agency that handles this is AGIS and its located at No. 4 Peace Drive,Garki Abuja. 234-7070271909 email info@abujagis.com. Goodluck.

Hello City Crawler,

I live in one of the high rise buildings In wuse and I have two sons (4 and 2). This might sound funny, but I would love to play “Monkey Post” football with my boys like my dad did with me when I was a kid. My building is really restrictive, please can CC suggest somewhere I can take them to play?

from Gabe.

dear Gabe,

You live in wuse, you are in luck. There are recreational parks spread around the city that caters to that sort of thing, but ultimately you can head to millennium park, lots of space and you might find other dads with the same idea and you guys can form a team. Good luck

hello city crawler,

I would like to hang out with my girls every once in a while, but I have kids. Please where can I go that ill have fun and the kids too will have a great time?

Hauwa.

dear hauwa

If you have small kids, wonderland and Maitama amusement park. For older kids, you can go to the Dome in central area, they have lots of games and a great bowling alley where not only they will enjoy but you and your girls as well.

Hello city crawler,

I don’t live in Abuja, but I am around very often for business and I usually wish to unwind after a hard day or have celebratory drinks with partners and clients after a deal is closed. Please I would like to know what the entry requirement is for clubs in Abuja because they only seem to allow people they see on a regular basis? Thanks

Anonymous

dear anonymous,

Looking sharp and tipping the bouncers at the gate goes a long way, but you can just make it easier and get a membership card, most of the clubs in the city use this.

Dear city crawler,

My Sunday afternoons after church is most boring, please any activity you can suggest to vibe up the day before work starts again Monday.

from nicole.

Dear Nicole,

My friends and I use to have a lil fishing expedition every sunday afternoon to abacha barrack before it got bombed. Really Sunday afternoon fun is an individual thing except there is a comedy event. You can head to Silverbird and catch a movie, or head to dome for bowling, oling nitendo wii or snooker. Picnic @ mellinium park with friends or a significant other . Also you can attend the GAP(guild of artist and poets) meet that happens every sunday.

Dear City Crawler,

Please where can I get a great massage in Abuja at a reasonable cost?

from Omotosho.

Dear Omotosho,

Look no further, head to Body line gym and your Back will never remain the same. I am a living testimony.

Dear city crawler,

Im looking to meet nice decent women of marriageable age who are not boring or desperate. Any suggestion of where I should go. P.s please don’t say church

From L

Dear El.

Im going to say church, sorry. Also ill say the supermarket, the cafes, work etc. any where you can find people really. Im no match maker and I really can say any particular place has good or bad girls but I will just advice you to also garner up courage to walk up to ladies and talk to them, as a man im sure you will be able to figure out a lady you are interested in by chating with her. goodluck

*any contributions to help out readers will be appreciated, just leave a comment in the comment section. for questions and enquiries send emails to whiterabbitconcept1@yahoo.com*

Its No Dulling in Abuja City....

2011-10-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

(P.S This Post was inspired by one of my aquintances experience. Ifound it funny and serious)

I have a question! Why is December wedding season in Nigeria?

Ok, let me answer that. Maybe because it usually Dry(the rains are from march to October) and well family and friends come home from all over for the Christmas celebrations. I don’t know if i am right, but as December fast approaches the invites have started pouring in. I hate talking about relationships and love and all of that but somehow for the past two weeks, when I run into someone, especially old classmates that is all I seem to hear about. Its either I’ve hooked up or I’ve broken up. Its either I want to marry this or he doesn’t want to marry that, it just goes on and on. I’ve decided to put all this into perspective. Look at me for instance, I have sworn to marry my twin soul(tall order but that my problem jare), I know somebody who has sworn to marry money, someone else has sworn to marry a footballer, popular or not long as he is making that armed robber salary they pay them.

Na So the pressure dey mount around this time of the year, especially for the ladies and especially when you are not going on holiday with your fiancée or a giant faux diamond engagement ring and a really romantic story of how he proposed. And you attended so many bridal showers and bachelorette parties that you have created an internal stop watch, and you hear it going tick tock every single second. Yup we do this to our self with help from our parents, friends and society pressure.

But guess what! There are a certain group of men in town that have developed what i love to call the “tick tock radar”. They can spot a woman who thinks her time is slowly passing her by from a mile away (usually at weddings and in church) and approach them. Don’t be deceived, these guys are well educated, smooth talking (some get British accent sef “i just got back”), very sharply dressed etc. It starts out pretty normal. Toasting toasting toasting. You guys hang out a few times, he meets your friends, you do the deed and suddenly the stories start pouring in.

“Baby I need to clear my goods”, “My check has not cleared”,”I need land documents for collateral and all the land i have is already leveraged”.

You want to help your Boo out because you are in Love and you want to be supportive. Don’t be timid, don’t be Naive.....

(to be continued........

THE Versatile Grey Dress, who would have thought....

2011-10-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

CC Note: We all know the Lil Black dress, the Lil white dress and even the Lil Red dress for those who dare, but who would have thought the lil Grey dress could be so versatile? Guest writer Sandra Ushie(Stylist) tells us how we can rock this number in different ways and look fab while saving money.

Enjoy!

The Three Way Look

Every woman often finds herself uncertain about what to wear. It could be for a corporate event, a date with a significant other or a girls’ night out. Most times we are unaware that somewhere in our closet lies that casual piece of clothing which might just save the day.
‘Improvise’ has always been my fashion watchword. It has saved me from incurring debt and taught me to use few clothes to create different looks for different occasions. For starters, forget how unflattering that outfit looked right after it was purchased on impulse and dumped at the back of your closet. Explore various ways to make it work. This is dependent on certain factors – how well it suits your figure, how well the colour matches your skin tone and how well it highlights your best features. These three things work together to transform an ordinary outfit into a glamorous one.
The Three Way Look is easy to achieve. Close attention to detail is essential in creating each look; from hair to make-up and most importantly, accessories. You don’t have to be a fashionista to pull this off; but you’ll need a few tips to help you express your personality in a stylish yet comfortable way.
I have accessorized the LGD (Little Grey Dress) in three different ways to create The Three Way Look:

Formal Look: Geek Glasses, Shrug Cardigan, Bow Belt, Black Gold Studded Peep-Toe Shoes and Pearls (Stylist’s Own). This look is formal yet stylish. The geek glasses give it an edgy feel while the cardigan and belt tone it down. The pearl necklace lends it an understated elegance while the black peep-toe shoes complete the look.

The Semi-Formal Look: Layered Faux Pearls, Red Skinny Belt and Blue Pumps (Stylist’s Own).
This look is accomplished through detailed accessorizing. The hair is let down sideways to draw attention to the pearl necklace. The red matte lipstick matches the red skinny belt and contrasts perfectly with the blue pumps.

Casual Look: Headband, Bib Custom Necklace, Lace Blouse and Peep-Toe Ankle Boots (Stylist’s Own).
This ready-to-go look is playfully stylish. The lace blouse worn beneath the dress gives it a distinct look, while the headband and bib necklace give it a touch of glamour. The four inch boots were made for walking.

So there you have The Three Way Look. Go ahead and try them for all day glamour.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandra Ushie is the CEO of Leyi Ush Fashion and Image Consultancy; focused on improving the personal appearance of women and enabling them express themselves through fashion. Leyi Ush provides basic styling services including event styling, photo shoot styling, design recommendation, colour analysis, wardrobe consultation and personal shopping. Contact leyiushstyle@gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER(09): cITY CRAWLER Recommends 9 LOOKS TO TRY....

2011-09-05T05:32:00.000-07:00

I think September is a great month, no particular reason, I just love the number 9. I wanted to call this post lucky number 9,give it a lil swing. But my friend reminded me that Luck is only associated with seven, (LUCKY NUMBER 7), oh well!. So as is City Crawlers usual way, this is our Style post recommendation for the month of september and beyond. We are mostly saying, be BOLD especially with the weather being so dreary and depressing a splash of colour will be sure to lift up any mood this month and STAND out out you will.

9 LOOKS TO TRY

Number 1: COLOR BLOCKING.
This look has transcended summer and I’m sure will go on for a while. It’s not only for the bold as there are some more understated colours that can be thrown together to fit this trend. Be careful tho’ its not called color crashing. Take a cue from this lovely ladies. Chizo

Number 2: DRAMATIC NAILS
You can get the new nail effect nail polish strip or just go multicolored with different cool colors. Some might say its tacky, but if you are bold enough why not, it looks like fun.

Number 3: CORSAGE AND BROOCHES

Pinned on a Tee or a Top, these can dress up any casual look and make even formal attire look edgy. You can be creative and attach to your wrist or if you are into hats.

Number 4: ANKARA TOP WITH JEANS

OMG the miracle creations I have seen done with this once frumpy fabric, I think Ankara should be voted Fabric of the New Generation. For a Semi casual look, everyone is pairing their Ankara top with jeans and it looks uber stylish. Love it.designer and stylist, Sandra Ushie

Number 5: HOT RED AND HOT PINK LIPSTICKS
This has always been a hot favorite, but a lot of ladies doubt they can pull it off. Find a shade that fits you and you will be sure you stand out. For this September, this is definitely one look I recommend you try. The effect it will have (wink). You can thank me later.
Number 6: BROGUES
This is my favourite. I was dying to own a pair and finally ive got the most gorgeous pair in Tan(which is also a hot favourite this season). Ladies might shy away because they look masculine, but if you are up for a style challenge, this is it. If you love Janelle Monae, well its her signature. Rock it baby, Rock it.
Number 7: ENVELOPE CLUTCH
This is one item that sure makes a statement. Its not understated in anyway but you don’t have to be Bold to carry this off. It comes is several different material, leather, crocodile skin etc. usually very structured and lovely lovely lovely. iRecommend.
Number 8: STATEMENT NECKLACE
With a statement necklace on even the plainest of dresses, shirts or tops, your look instantly takes a stylish dimension. The more bold and creative the piece, the more you stand out. Don’t be shy, you cant go wrong with this.
NUMBER 9: METALLICS, SHIMMER, GLITTER
Blouses, Tee-shirts, Dresses, Pants, Caps, shoes, Metallic and Shimmery Makeup own it this september.

Many thanks to Bill, Ulabi, Dytiem,Ati, and Sandra who contibuted to this post.

Stay tuned to this site for our next Post, 9 places to visit in Abuja. you'll love it.

ijeoma

Drum Roll for Abuja's BEST Make - up Professional

2011-08-24T07:41:00.001-07:00

Olajide Okerayi – Pro Makeup Artist

He is called at every event, present at every photo shoot, necessary for any wedding. he is Jide of St. Ola Make-up. i am not exaggerating when i say he is the best there is. Passionate, Professional and Precise are the three words i will use to describe this young man who started out at the age of 17 and has sure made his mark in the emerging abuja fashion industry. The make-up artist with a heart of gold, he makes quite an impression. Jide stands out not because he is a Guy in a ‘girl-dominated’ profession but because he is good, really good. A trial will convince you. whether you have a big night ahead, or you want to be the loveliest bride or just generally stand out on any red carpet, he is the Man for the JOB

City Crawler caught up with jide and had a nice chat....

CC: How did you find your self doing this? was it something you always wanted to do or you stumbled on it?

Jide:well to be honest, fashion has always been my dream and since I started designing makeup came along and since then I have fallen in love with it. makeup is something that when I cant sleep at night I am thinking of how to mix two coloursof eye shadow to form a new colour…… that’s how much I love makeup.

CC: Is there anyone you are dying to makeup?

Jide:Wow! Errrr….. I would love to makeup lady gaga, goldie and Omawumni.

CC:Whats your favourite works for everyone look?

Jide:A very natural but classy look.

CC: What on item of makeup will instantly glam up a look?

Jide:Liquid Liner

CC: You do make up for all kinds of vents, weddings, redcarpet, runways, photo shoots. Whats your favourite?

Jide: Photo shoot definately

CC: What advice would you give someone who wants to go into your business:

Jide: well; the thing is you have to have hunger for learning. Even if you think you know it all. And you have to be very creative…… and then practice, lots of it. Practise is key

CC: What do you think sets you apart from other makeup artist:

Jide: well, im sure you will hear this from other makeup artist as well but, I am a perfectionist. I make sure my shadows are well blended and applied. Most importantly, my brows are my signature…… once you see my brows you will know that it was done by JIDE of ST. Ola

CC: What one item must be in every girls makeup bag?

Jide: Lipgloss

CC: New technology everyday to make ‘makeup application’ perfect. What that item you are dying to own that will make your clients look out of this world?

Jide: As it is for now I have what ive always wanted which is the airbrush machine, but im looking forward to a new invention on makeup artistry.

CC: Your most famous clients?

Jide: I have so many famous clients, as a matter of fact all my clients are famous.

City Crawler was not left out of it all Jide Can be reached on 07035249559......

*need recommendations, contact the city crawler on 08037135829 or email ij@thecitycrawler.com or ijokeagu@gmail.com.

Young And Proud: Abuja Stand Up!

2011-07-28T01:10:00.000-07:00

The best decisions are informed decisions.

I am happy to live in a world and in a time where young people are encouraged to do great things and I have noticed that more and more people are leaving the corporate world to start their own business. Many reasons, flexibility, control, or just plain tired of the routine of a 9-5. This is not only great for the economy but also good for individual growth and confidence.

As a young child growing up, I dreamt of being many things. Lawyer, pilot, princess, pirate etc. None of these quite worked out the way i planned but that is a story for another day.

In Nigeria, we are encouraged to go to school, finish, get a good job(now because of unemployment,any job will do) and then get married and have kids and settle down to growing old. As boring as this sounds alot of people tow this line. Which begs the question, are you doing absolutely what you want to be doing? Or are you stuck in a rut just because having a good job is what is expected of you or you feel safe? You dream about success and achieving great heights in life but you are too afraid to take the leap, how then do u intend to attain? Fear makes us irrational, desperate even, so we just sit in our comfort, quietly watching our days go by when we can do something about.

What the world needs is young passionate innovative individuals who are ready to take on the world and change the script, who can bravely challenge old ways of doing things/thinking and change them. Success isn’t predetermined by some force or a higher power, you attain success because of the choices you make, the risk you take and the hardwork and determination you put into your business or your art. As a young woman in business I consider every one, young and old who ventured out and succeeded as my inspiration and I doff my hat to them.

New ideas abound, Abuja has a thriving market, take control.

Abuja Places:For The Ladies

2011-07-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

'there is no right or wrong only opinion'. this is strictly the opinion of the city crawler and a sampling of several ladies who live in Abuja, and FYI i did not get paid to do this so its unbaised. You can Add to it and ill update the Best Places if you are on a Budget later in the week.
ENJOY and i hope you find it helpful.

BEST PLACES FOR;
1. Salon treatment (Hair, Mani and Pedi) - Ninads Spa
2. Getting original brazilian weave - Sydneys -omega center
3. Hair Stylist - Efe(Efes Pimp world,plaza opp kiss Fm)
4. Braid Hair - Strands or if you have the Energy, the Market.
5. Get a good hair cut: Famaks (spread around the City)
6: Get good quality cosmetics: Perfect Trust cosmetics
7. Nice jeans: C n C Collection
8. Shoes: please try beautiful shoes or call Terngu
9. Assesories: for Gold- wuse market, for eclectic jewelry - eyza 08059162914, ceddi and silverbird
10. Bodycare products - Perfect trust
13. Ladies lunch- salamanda.(*very women friendly*) On a Budget - Assorted Foods

14. best place for traditional has to be dzyn now at asokoro shopping mall...affordable and trendy

16. Buy fresh produce- Any of the Markets or farmers market @ maitama
17. lingerie - shop @ ceddi
18. Chocolate- Dunes
19. Perfume- Sweet Scent ASG plaza
20. Gift for him- mode element store
21. Gyneacologist- Limi hospital and Zankli hospital
22. Spa and Beauty treatment- Bnatural and MB Hamman for a morrocan spa treatment
23. Magazine for getting latest ankara Styles- City People fashion and style
24. Most woman friendly gym- Body Line
25. Most woman friendly club- hmmmmmm
26. Most woman friendly condom- popular opinion(gold circle condom,NAFDAC)
27. Get nice dresses (all occasions)- 1001 ideas

28. Office clothes- everyone says Ashers but i just pick pieces here and there

29. Best Pizza - SFC Maitama (but thats just me)
30. Shop and Lunch: Grand square and Grandsquare Cafe (good prices too)
31. Sunday after church- Hilton buffet or suhjuiced @ Ceddi Plaza
32. Boring Saturday- Swimming or Bowling or Play Nitendo wii @ the Dome
33. For your kids- Wonderland, MAP or the Game Arcade at Silverbird
34. Cool date- Chez victor or JBs Grill
35. where not to go alone at night(esp if you are not a natural crawler)- Area 11(Gimbiya), Zone 4, Hilton.

P.S feel free to agree or disagree and also add your best places, the info will be helpful and will spice this up.

Updated Blog

Networking Abuja Style @ the MTN LINK NITE

2011-07-12T03:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Abuja,

As promised the MTN Link Nite train berthed at the Lagos hall of the prestigious Transcorp Hilton hotel on the 2nd of July, 2011, it had been long anticipated and it lived up to its billing in every ramification.

This grand occasion paid host to members of the Abuja business community.

The discussants: Barr. Audu Maikori- CEO Chocolate City; Mrs. Dayo Benjamin Laniyi-CEO DOXA; the very talented artist and entrepreneur Dare Art Alade helped to make it a night to remember. Guests at the event were motivated, encouraged and given various business developmental tips by these exceptional individuals.

Project fame prodigy Chidinma performed a song to the awe of the audience, her sonorous voice added inspiration and grace to the occasion. This set the stage for the spectacular Darey to give a roof raising performance. Darey had the ladies in the house dancing with him, while the men cheered on.

The MC for the event Buchi left the audience in stitches with his jokes and wisecracks.

(buchi in action)

The whole idea behind the MTN Link Nite is to power a platform for young business professionals and entrepreneurs to meet, rub minds and share ideas with people they ordinarily have no access to. It is a platform for networking and linking sharp business minds.

Eminent personalities such as the former DMD of Total Nig- Engr. Alek Musa; Arch. Frank Evbuomwan Commissioner for Works Edo State and Mr. Gerald Ada Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Investment Promotion have been previous discussants & professionals that have featured on the platform sharing ideas cuts across from business to entertainment, giving tips and generally networking with other invited guests.

Abuja people networked, Prizes were won and

city crawler was there to witness it all...

It’s been a whirl wind experience; guests from Port Harcourt to Calabar, Benin and now Abuja have all networked and got linked!. The infotainment train moves on, the next stop is Enugu.

pictures from the Event

Lets Keep it REAL.....

2011-07-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

The art of human interaction has evolved tremendously.

Nowadays people exist solely on the web especially on social networks. The art of conversation, communication and substance is going extinct especially among the younger generation. Even relationships, business, casual and romantic have taken on a whole new level. There are people who will never believe they are in a mutually exclusive relationship if their partner doesn’t change his/her status on Facebook or put up their picture on BBM or announce on Twitter that they are now taken. Chat lingo has entered everyday conversations. I have a friend who says LOL when he finds something particularly funny.

Not surprisingly, people are changing their personality to fit their web persona. E.G A shy introvert becomes a choleric bully, but only online. If by chance you meet in person, you wonder if it’s the same person who puts up all those brazen tweets and Facebook updates.

On the web everybody is intelligent, witty and cool. Every one is a political/social analyst. But that’s easy to be. I call it the ‘cut and paste’ strategy. Go online, get someone else’s’ detailed analysis of a subject and tweet it. Try to engage that same person in a face to face convo about the same issue and you draw blanks. Web brilliance

People don’t call or visit anymore, why should we, when we can just chat. Or why take the trouble to chat if I can just tweet @ you or like an update or picture on FB. My mom’s friend of over 25 years called the other day to check –up. She has been a presence in our lives for as long as I know even before GSM. They kept in touch through the distance and built a rock solid friendship. It’s admirable.

Now friendships and indeed relationships have ended from as little as subliminals and ‘you didn’t retweet my tweet’ or ‘re-broadcast my message’. HA!

Social skills are dying.

Let me not go on and on, bottom line, let’s begin to communicate better. Yes there is a smiley for every emotion that ever exists but nothing wrong with saying it though. The web is a gift and not a curse; it should supplement effective communication and not be the one and only communication skill or medium we develop. So instead of emailing, make a call or better still visit, I know el cheapo will say emailing is cheaper and easier, lol. And if you are going to say I love you, doing it via the use of a BB DP (blackberry messenger display picture) just doesnt cut it.

Enjoy your weekend folks.

*Air kiss! Air kiss*

Ijeoma Okeagu

MUSIC is Our LAnguage.... Whats playing in Abuja's Ears.....

2011-07-06T04:32:00.000-07:00

MUSIC IS OUR LANGUAGE.

No matter your state of mind, music always makes it better.
I find myself working better with music; I find my mood lifted with music. Nothing beats it. Many argue that music is getting worse, well ill say whatever works for you. But for me it gets more beautiful depending on your taste and whom you are listening to.

So I decided to bring a little somethin’ somethin’ for our readers on What’s Hot Right Now. “What’s Playing In Abuja’s Ears, Top 10 Naija (Opinion) and What’s Playing in City Crawler’s Ears (Recommended Listening).

So Whats Playing in Abuja’s Ears?

City crawler spoke to one of Abuja’s finest radio Personality’s, Mr. Benny Ark to find out the top 10 most requested songs on radio. Benny is not only a lover of music but a seasoned On Air host of the Good Morning Nigeria show on Cool FM where he has been jockeying for 6years. According to Benny, Tuface Idibia is the best Nigerian artist right now.
TOP 10
1. Give Me Everything – Pitbull Ft Neyo
2. Man Down – Rihanna
3. Set Rain To The Fire – Adele
4. Party Rock Anthem – Lmfao Ft Lauren
5. Pakuromo – Wizkid
6. Just Cant Get Enough – Black Eye Pea
7. Love Me Love Me – Tiwa Savage
8. Look At Me Now – Chris Brown Ft Busta Rhymes
9. Man Unkind – Tuface Idibai
10. Me and you – bracket.

Mr. Andy Madaki is a UK based young Nigerian who is a music lover. Andy constantly has music playing updates on blackberry messenger and I usually visualize him on the train playing with his pen and note pad with head phones on. Andy recently posted an interesting reply to an article on 234next that put down contemporary Nigerian music (check out his post here http://andytrueword.blogspot.com/2011/07/random-rambling-series-let-music-play.html ). City crawler sought Andys opinion of the top 10 naija songs right now. His take…..

1. Salute – Shank
2. Jooh Oh – Jah Bless Ft Ice Prince
3. Forever – Psquare
4. Angeli – Vector Ft 9ice
5. Wad Up – Wizkid Ft D’prince
6. Attention – 2shot Ft Brymo
7. 5 & 6 – Neato C
8. Superstar – Ice Prince
9. Obianuju – Duncan Mighty
10. Pakuruma - Whizkid

Finally, I am very eclectic in my music choices. I’m not really big on What’s hot. I buy an album, listen to it and pick out my best songs. These songs have had airplay for a while, but if you haven’t heard them yet, I recommend you listen, cos this is what’s Playing in City Crawlers ears right now.

1. Price Tag – Jesse J
2. Windeck – Cabo Snoop
3. Man Down – Rihanna
4. Share My Blessing – Neato C
5. Marry You And Count On Me – Bruno Mars
6. Breath – Superchick (Gospel, Also Check Out Hill Song)
7. Port Harcourt Boy – Duncan Mighty
8. Loke Loke – Mo’cheddah
9. Superstar – Ice Prince
10. Run The World – Beyonce

Leave a comment and Let us know what your top 10 are, who knows, we probably will love it too.

posted by ijeoma okeagu

CITY CRAWLER QUICK TIPS for the RAINY Season

2011-07-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

Information gathering, simple concept and I have found a new and very effective tool for getting info. BBM(blackberry messenger statuses). You can tell the people who are sad, happy, in love, broken up and even those that will be calling in sick on Friday morning (due to BYOB Thursday night) from status updates. Recently the common denominator of BB Updates has been ‘Baby Making Weather”. Yep! You guessed right, The Rains Have Come.

From what I hear, you need a Canoe to live in Lagos. Lucky for us in Abuja, although the rains here are heavy, good planning of the city and adequate drainage goes a long way to make the raining season sane.

I am enjoying the rain, because the heat was so bad this year, so I decided to put up a post to help you enjoy it too.

CITY CRAWLER Quick Tips.

FOOD: Piping hot always works. Soups (chicken soups, pepper soup, curry soup). You can get great tasting pepper soup at Café 24 or JBs Grill. You can try my favourite soup, Wonton soup at Emperor chopsticks Chinese restaurant, wuse 2.

Hot beverages work too, so you can stop by for a cup of coffee at Dunes Café, Salamanda or any of the fast food Cafes they have the breakfast options.

*avoid eating at roadsides because rainy season allows bacteria grow so food poisoning abound.

DRIVING: in Abuja when it rains it pours, so if you are caught on the high way when the rains come, either you park by the side of the road or turn on your hazard sign, this way other drivers see you and it helps avoid accident.

HEALTH: Sunshine is the main source of VIT D so get a VIT D supplement. It’s not only essential for your health but also helps with your mood.

When Nature decides to keep us indoors and out of its way, you can:

+Cuddle up; share warmth with family, spouse, significant other (if you are single like me, you can make do with a duvet and blanket).

+The networks (GSM and DSTV) are usually down when it rains so you can use that opportunity to catch up on a good book, magazine articles or watch a TV show you haven’t seen before.

+Nap

FASHION TIPS:

One disadvantage of rainy season is the clothes. Thanks to the cold, mud, puddle and rain, clothes easily get soiled. Raining season is synonymous with raincoats, sweaters, jackets etc. The trick is to make it more exciting.

(more fashion tips for the rainy season next blog)

Most Importantly.............. GET AN UMBRELLA. Available in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes at Wuse Market, Utako Market and all the Major stores and super market around the city.

by ijeoma okeagu

Networking at its BEST! MTN LINK NITE,BENIN. ABUJA!! You're NEXT

2011-06-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

The stage was set for MTN Link Nite on Saturday June 25^th at the aptly located Constantial Hotel, Benin City, Edo State. The event had in attendance the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Chairman of Oredo LGA, State Government executives and the top brass of the Edo State business community.

The interactive session was highly intellectual with questions ranging from finance to personal and business development being asked by members of the audience. These questions were ably answered by the discussants- Mr. Frank Evbuomwan (Commissioner for Works-Edo State), Mr. Tony Imadojemu (UBA branch manager), Naeto C and Mr. Osaze Ebueku- Segment Manager-Professionals MTN.

The MC- Basorge Tariah Jnr, an accomplished MC and comedian was in his elements at the event

regaling the audience with witty jokes, ensuring the purpose of the event (networking) was achieved. Superlative performances by MTN prodigy- Inyanya and Naeto C- the only MC with an Ms.c brought the audience to their feet, dancing and taking pictures and generally having a wonderful time courtesy of MTN, the number one network.

The idea behind the MTN Link Nite was sustained in its usual concept, creating networking opportunities among professionals and entrepreneurs in exciting and unusual ways, providing motivation for the target audience. Exciting, wonderful and valuable prizes were also won by guests; lives were positively touched and enriched by your number one network.

It was infotainment at its best; laughter, music, career tips and advice in a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by a wonderful blend of people – a platform that only a brand that truly is in the business of enriching others can prove.

Abuja is next and we roll in on Saturday the 2^nd of July, 2011. The train will berth at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja. Get your invite, stand up, be counted and get Linked.

(More Pictures from the Benin Event)

JUNE; FASHION! FASHION!! ABUJA!!!!

2011-06-05T01:30:00.000-07:00

Fashion and News are very much alike. Before you blink twice, the hottest People, Trend, Color, Accessories and even Disasters are oh sooo last season. They always say, don’t believe the hype, but how wont we, when it plays out all up in our faces constantly.

So, Kate finally got her real life fairy tale prince charming, William Windsor, in the most talked about wedding of , well my generation and Obama scored his re-election bid by ridding the world(America) of Osama Bin Laden. Ghadaffi is still holding on to Libya and our very own Lucky Jo went from “shoelessness” to Presidency (there’s a story here). It seems calm has returned to the world…. We wish….

There is always something new, yet un discovered lurking around, something buzzing on the internet or trending on social media, waiting to blow our minds. I never like to miss what’s hot, but my business (mostly) is What’s Hot in Abuja.

It seems like the fashion revolution is hitting Abuja big time. It’s impressive. You already know that Abuja is getting more and more attention as being more than just the sit of power. The social, fashion and entertainment scene is on the rise.

Gracing the cover of the Fashion Edition of the 6^th City Crawler magazine is 4 of Abuja’s Hottest models. These 4 young ladies are world class, international standard professional models that can represent Abuja and even Nigeria in any runway in any part of the world. I won’t tell you their names; just give you a little sneak peak.

It’s a full fashion edition and we will be working with the hottest designers, makeup artist, stylist etc in Abuja city.

I am also excited for the 3 fashion events coming up this month, I must admit its overwhelming. More info on this events will come to you soon.

N.B Congratulations to Abuja’s favourite radio girl Miss Doosh on her engagement , City Crawler loves you and wishes you both all the happiness.

Accidentally Gone: A Must Read....

2011-05-08T02:34:00.001-07:00

I wonder about private conversations nowadays. You go to a café or a lounge to chill and have a quiet drink and you hear people conversing loudly sometimes even gossiping, with no shame attached. I was privy to a conversation sometime ago; it went something like this;

#Girl with Brazilian hair extension up to her bum: See Asibong forming for me oh, because one mugu bought her ordinary End of Discussion….

#Girl with White BB Torch and Black BB Bold: My sister! See that original loci feeling cool with her fake LV. Mehnnn im getting a car oh. In fact, Asibong has gingered me, definitely tomorrow, let me just call Ken jo.

Well at this point I blank out and different scenarios play out in my mind. I must admit, lady 2 looks like the kind of girl ‘mugus’ buy cars for, well buy pretty much anything for. But what worried me the most about this was, if ken actually bought her a car, can she drive?

You see, just before the girls started talking loudly, I was going through my blackberry messenger recent updates and enlarging pictures when I saw the picture of the latest victim of a car crash. Young, handsome and promising young fellow prematurely plucked. For some reason, this dude thought that all he needed to get from point A to point B was just to jump into his daddy’s car and move. He has seen his mates driving and he thought ‘what the hell’…. I’ll learn on the ‘drive’. To cut a long story short, he lost control and collided with another speeding car. The End. People will dedicate their bb status and DPs for a while but soon……. All because you don’t want anyone to form for you, okay.

More and more young people are losing their lives to motor accidents and due to no one’s fault but their own. The need to show off, the need to race with friends. I assure you that blackberry message can wait till you park or till you reach a traffic light. How did you learn how to drive? Can you read the street signs? Are you constantly dodging that black & yellow van?

We are a distracted generation, constantly on the move, but driving especially in Abuja with the deceptively clear and smooth roads and traffic lights, one little distraction and hmmmmmm.

Ok, let’s say you are a fantastic driver; you have been driving since you could walk, well then, is your car in order? You are too busy right? Afterall the car never give u wahala and that your mechanic na ole…. Ok, well at least change your tires when due, a burst tire can land you under the bridge. Fix your lights before someone runs into you and says ohpps I didn’t see you there (LOL). Not funny I know.

RIP to all those we have lost, take this seriously people so that the only time you trend on twitter or on people’s status and display pictures will be on your birthday.

I.J Okeagu

Hottest! ABUJA - 5 AMAZING YOUNG WOMEN

2011-04-12T01:23:00.000-07:00

This weeks hottest....

ABUJA - 5 AMAZING YOUNG WOMEN

City Crawler Loves to recognise people who do great and outstanding things to affect and influence their enviroment. we encourage them to do more, and they also act as an encouragement for people who dont believe they can. this week we recognise 5 women that we admire very much. Enjoy

MBONG AMATA - ACTRESS
If you are a cinema buff like you, you must have seen the preview for soon to be released political movie, ‘Black Gold’ which stars along side our very own Mbong Amata, Hollywood greats, Eric Roberts and Vivica Fox. Talk about being in good company. This university of Calabar graduate of history and international studies, burst into lime light early on when she won the Most Beautiful girl in Akwa- Ibom crown. Beauty and brains she has harnessed to captivate and hold audiences around the world spell bound. She is married to Jeta Amata, director of the Famous movie Amazing Grace where Mbong played Ansa. We are keeping our eyes of this one and we are positive that the sky is her limit.

TINUOLA OLULEYE – CHARITY

There are a lot of things we love about this half Ibo half Yoruba lady. Not only is she beautiful and intelligent but she has a kind heart. So kind infact that in 2010 she launched a charity called THE JL WOMAN PROJECT. This charity project comprises JL women who dedicate their time and resources to teach and empower young girls (esp in orphanages) who have no one to help them. They help them with self-esteem issues, career choices, independence etc. This of course has impacted positively in the lives of this young girls. We celebrate Tinu for it is rare for a young woman to spare her time and resources to the lifting of others. Alongside charity, this business mogul is CEO and head designer of James Lully brand. Their products include Bags, clothes, perfumes and accessories. This year’s Charity fund raiser has been set for July 24th, hope to see you there.

OGWA OGBEH-IWEZE – DESIGNER

Preparations is already underway for Abuja's biggest fashion show of the year, The Runway, a Fashion and Music event whose first edition took place on Friday, 17th December at the prestigious This day Dome Abuja. Ogwa was the noticeable face behind this cutting edge fashion revolution that woke up Abuja fashionistas. This very beautiful and intelligent mother of 3lovely boys is the Chief Executive if D’zyn couture. There is no single fashionistas in Abuja and beyond that doesn’t own one of her pieces. Dzyn was founded in 2003 by Ogwa and her sister Ofure. And if there is one thing they are known for its quality control and great finishing.

CHISOM MBONU – PRESENTER (SOCCER ANALYST)
She burst onto the scene as the first female Fifa licensed football agent in Nigeria , today she is a SuperSport TV Presenter on SuperSport 3 Nigeria where she host the bundesliga every Friday and other shows. Chisom Mbonu . “Who’s that girl,” it’s was the question on the lips of many viewers in Nigeria as she lined up alongside Presenter Charles Anazodo and Daniel Amokachi, Emeka Enyadike and Colin Udoh when SuperSport launched it’s Nigeria studios in 2008 with live broadcast of the Serie A. She says, “Tayo Balogun. I could say he gave me my first chance on TV just because I was a girl who "talked" football like a guy. But my dream came true in 2007. I AM LIVING THE DREAM!"

CHRIS ANYANWU – SENATOR
It is impossible to encounter this Amazon and not fall in love with her. I have always been an admirer. She is one of the few women who have maintained a steady political rise. Not only is she a politician, she is an ace-broadcaster, author and administrator. I can begin to doll out her achievements which has spanned a period of almost 20 years, but it will interest you to know that she conceptualized, produced and anchored one of the longest lasting programmes on NTA - “NEWSLINE and she is the force behind HOT 98.3FM Abuja, a top-rated, award-winning radio station in the FCT with the far-reaching coverage spanning eight states. Hot FM also now operates another station in Owerri, Imo State. Senator Chris Anyanwu will be returning to the senate in may as he beat her opposition in the just concluded senatorial election.

*as usual you can send in suggestions and nominations to whiterabbitconcept1@yahoo.com

City Crawler Abuja: This Weeks Hottest......

2011-04-05T01:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome….
I promised to keep you posted every week as Abuja comes alive and bring you the hottest of the Hottest. Before I start, thanks to everyone who e-mailed and sent in their suggestions, its all duly noted but you will all agree with me that in general, the hottest Person last week, the man whose name was (and still is) on everybody’s (both young and old) lips, Attahiru Jega.

P.S This week we got serious but in a fun way as is our usual, but I assure you that next week we will be tackling the hottest Party Animal, the hottest trend, the hottest place to spot the hottest trend and more hot gist on CC Extra. You can send suggestions and nominations and hot gist/gossip(wink) to whiterabbitconcept1@yahoo.com

CC Extra
We miss Douglas Wokocha – jekan. Ok, you probably know him as Douglas or Doug or the Dougman, that smooth voice you hear on the morning drive on rhythm fm from 6am – 9am, well CC is sad to announce that Abuja has lost one of its finest to Lagos. For 9 years on rhythm, doug held us spell bound. He is that voice that woke us up in the morning and took us through the drive to work and got us settled in. We sure will miss him and we wish him all the best in all his future endavours.

*you can catch Doug on Beat FM Lagos*

HOTTEST PERSON
So in line with the Postponement of this past weekends Senatorial Elections and postponement of the postponement that left us all dizzy, I decided to conduct a pool amongst a few Nigerians. Everyone has a different view on Jega, some feel pretty strongly that he should be sacked or do the honorable thing and resign, some believe he is the man for the job, some believe that he shouldn’t be judged yet but should be given time and some are just generally sitting on the fence. I picked a few *all comments anon*

• A disillusioned Gentleman
• The only man to admit and accept his error. If only we have leaders like him
• I am sure Maurice Iwu has an evil grin on his face
• He had enough time and money at his disposal, logistics issues are un acceptable, he could have done better
• (J)onathan (E)bele (G)oodluck (A)zikiwe – JEGA
• I am actually not one of those asking for him to be crucified as I believe in his sincerity to deliver a free and fair election.
• In his bid to get it right he had to be responsible for a few errors
• Jega should be judged based on an election, no election has been held yet
• He must be supported at all cost
• He is an amateur in the game of Nigerian politics and power
• A brave man (I wouldn’t have the guts to hold that press conference if I was him)
• A man in a difficult position
• Jega is unprepared and it will cost us
• He is a sincere man
• He will change the way elections go in this country
• He is inconsistent and confused
• Professor of incompetence and thief of billions
• Obj’s most underrated but most valuable player
• A Dissapiontment
• Jega april fooled the whole nation
• He is under too much pressure
And finally
• I had already prepared for the public holiday,mcheeeew…… (I laughed at this one)
*You can leave your comment in the comment section*

HOTTEST PLACE
Still on the Election, cos that’s the buzz, the hottest place right now is the WEB and I’m not just talking social networks. Information is getting around quicker, disseminating faster and better than the network stations. Even the news paper mediums have taken to the web. With one click you can get up to date info on not just the Elections, but also on all the candidates running for office. If you are on twitter please follow @inecnigeria, @eienigeria and @234next, my favourite’s for reliable election updates. And of course you can follow me on @ijwhiterabbit and us on @citycrawlerLive.

Abuja Alive - This Weeks Hottest …..

2011-03-29T04:38:00.000-07:00

I promised to keep the updates weekly so there is enough time to experience amazingness and awesomeness. Thanks to everyone who sent in suggestions and nominations. A big thank you to even those who disagree with us, all join.

So, ill get right to it.

This weeks focus is on the Hottest Place, Event and Upcoming……

EVENT

If you were in Abuja this past weekend, it was definitely a hub of activities. What with all the Concerts, shows, after parties and the like. But one particular event stood out and that’s the one everyone was talking about. The ‘whataboutus’ debate. For those of you who missed it, the presidential aspirants for the april 2011 election were gathered to respond to questions from youths who wanted to know specific plans being made for them. City crawler found the debate to be interesting as the Candidate who showed up were engaged in discussion and banter. We commend Compere of the evening Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and the Moderator of the debate Chimamanda Adichie. They held the Fort remarkably.

PLACE
All the celebrities who where in Abuja on Friday night as well as Abuja Party People Converged at the Latest addition to Abuja Night Life, TABOO. Reports reaching us says that the place has the right amount of everything, good music, crowd with good energy and lovely stylish ladies and celebs always present. Spotted on friday were Banky W, Ramsey Noah and Famous DJ Neptune on the ones and twos. We will go see for out self, but Taboo Taboo Taboo, the place on everybodys lips ….. That’s Hot.

UPCOMING
Except you have been living under a rock for the past couple of months, you will know that the latest buzz is the upcoming election. So just a Friendly reminder/nudge…. This weekend it starts. The Senatorial and house of representative elections hold this Saturday. Where will you be pressing your hand? Please choose wisely who will represent you for the next 4 years and make sure it is someone you can hold accountable.

P.S Suggestions, Nominations and Comments for or against are welcome, just send an email to whiterabbitconcept1@yahoo.com

HOTTEST!!!!! Whats Hot Right Now....

2011-03-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

HOTTEST

What’s HOT right now? The City Crawler Herself put her stamp on the Hottest Places, People, Event and Parties in the Capital.

HOTTEST PLACES RIGHT NOW
With all the new places cropping up every day, AQUA has managed to maintain its place as a favorite for party goers. With all the Launches, Openings and Album Launches and just recently the much anticipated Video for Wizkid’s Tease Me was shot at this venue.

I will also recognize CUBANA, often dismissed as being ‘Razz’ whatever, the energy of the crowd is always on point and you are sure to have a good time.

HOTTEST PEOPLE
Right now I will give it up to MISS HYELADZIRA LAUSHI who just launched her new business, Blue Velvet Marquee. This young lady is a combination of beauty and brains and City Crawler give her props for her enterprising spirit. If you are ever around City Park, you can check out the one of a kind marquee, its an event place we look forward to using.
Also, Who hasn’t heard of CHI- GURL? Well if you haven’t konk yourself because you are so 2000 and late. Real Name , CHIOMA OMERUAH, this yankee born and bred chick has single-handedly managed to crack us all up with her voice notes. We see her going far as she just recently performed at the Basket mouth Lord of the Ribs Event.

HOTTEST PARTIES

The 4th Edition of the PLAY SPORTS BAR AND GRILL PARTY held on the 19th of March and it was an all out success, from the red carpet, to the guest who turned up in their uber-stylish attires. Abuja doesn’t dull y’all

HOTTEST STYLE

Harem Pant are out, Military Jackets are out but one style that seems to be recurring and I suspect the heat for this, are SHORTS and SUN DRESSES. The Guys always refuse to be left out of the style stakes. Abuja stylista’s have dropped the traditional Tie for cravats. A very cool look too.

by Ijeoma Okeagu

p.s If you believe you can make out hottest list or have suggestions, please send a mail to ijokeagu@mtnnigeria.blackberry.com

GIFT IDEAS FOR VALENTINE

2011-02-10T01:20:00.000-08:00

I have a saying….. Guys are clueless. Why will anyone in his right senses buy a tool box for his girlfriend on valentines day? And even we ladies can get it wrong some times, you really should be absolutely positively sure before you buy your man a glow in the dark underwear.

Its understandable anyway. We live very busy lives and our heads are filled with how to make the paper and sometimes it feels like romance is lost, but have no fear, city crawler has not only come up with gift ideas for you, but ill also tell you where in the city of Abuja you can find them…..

*two things though, valentines gifts don’t have to be PRACTICAL just know your partner and personalize. *THE BEST PRESENTS FEEL SPECIALLY CHOSEN FOR THAT PERSON AND THAT PERSON ONLY

THE CC LIST

VALENTINE EDITION

*Perfumes - I FOUND A STORE at the Silverbird Entertainment center that has unbelievable prices on all perfumes. From the celebrity perfumes, to the designer perfumes and of course to the classics. If you are on a budget you can try Perry Ellis for him or for her and if you wanna splurge Creed is a fav for men and any hermes perfume will put a smile on her face.

*Book - Today a reader, tomorrow a leader. If your boo loves to read, then make your way to pens and pages in wuse 2 and pick up a book for him or her. Whether it be Fiction, Biography, Motivational or self –help. If you are on a budget, there are second hand but very good quality books sold @ area 10.

*Sexy lingerie and underwear – always a favourite. But you can be creative with edible underwear or those sexy stripper ones that r for your eyes only. Just be sure to get the right size.

*Personalized mugs and tshirts – Another favourite and you can hardly go wrong with this one……. You can get real cool tshirts from the closet or call Sam of xtramile creations on 08065762310 to hook u up.

*Chocolate – if you want raw, unadulterated chocolate that will not only look good but will delight the senses, please just head to dunes, turn right at the entrance, you cant miss it, I don’t have a sweet tooth and yet I know this place, chai. If you are on a budget there is a sweet shop @ omega center that Gang and Mimidoo are obsessed with…. You can ask then for directions.

*Wine and champagne – I am more of a white wine person but for Valentine you are better off with Red. Ofcourse there is a wide selection to choose from whether you are splurging or not. Come by Code Bar and we will hook you up with a South African

*Flowers – they saw Nigerian girls don’t like flowers, I say, you'l be surprised. Just try and make sure the flowers come with a lil something something….. ground floor ceddi plaza and just beside the mango store at SEC. please don’t buy plastic flowers, THAT’S NOT ROMANTIC AT ALL #OKTHANKS

*Ipod – my sisters husband engraved and loaded her ipod with all her favourite songs; brought tears to my eyes. That’s how a practical gift becomes more special, when you personalize it. Inspector gadget store can hook you up with a great ipod because the time is short to order online

*Jewelry – works everytime. But ladies, be sure your man is into that before u spludge on a gold chain that he will never wear, becos it just not him. Ok. If you want gold, head to wuse market, they have variety and the best prices.

*Cake – cupcakes, chocolate cakes, velvet cakes etc, my favourite place is the oven….

*Dinner – important…. Spending time together ALONE just the 2 of you on this romantic day is important. Take her out for a romantic dinner for 2, to any of the fabulous restaurant spread around the city. My favourite restaurant in Abuja is the Oriental Mongolian at the Transcorp Hilton, but if you are on a budget then cook.

*Gift Card - most boutiques areound the city have gift cards, but you can actually get a gift card for your your boo to enjoy a massage or Spa treatment. i recommend bodyline gym for the massage, had one last week and my back has never felt the same.

*Love letter – emails, bb, fb messages, sms, dms, etc the art of writing is slowly dying. A heart felt letter will do what no sms or email can ever do. keep it straight, simple and honest.

*Proposal – what better present than a promise to share the rest of your life together. But please be absolutely ready before you do this, (Disclaimer: Dont Say City Crawler Said)

So there you have it.

2011-02-08T00:50:00.000-08:00

So I killed cupid!

But don’t worry, it’s only a tranquilizer gun that last for a couple of hours, just wanted to give him a taste of his own arrow and for causing all the HOO LA BA LOO that is gonna ensure in the next few days, VALENTINE.

Forget my desgi, I am not Anti – Valentine. After all it’s my birthday(advert for presents) and therefore a special day. It’s just that valentine, like every other holiday has be OVER commercialized and the reason has been watered down till now it only stands for a Female Holiday – aka A day men give women presents. The Men wanted to rebel until the women reminded them about something that they give (R21)

Holidays are very Anti – Single People especially Valentine. Any where you look you literally see red. Red hearts, red clothing, red flowers, red cakes, red teddy’s etc…. I know people that are tempted to lie in all day on valentine’s day and watch TV, but even on TV everything seems to tilt towards Love and Vals, so if you are in Abuja City for the Valentines Weekend/Day, this are the Event happening here that you absolutely cannot miss. You know city crawler will never leave you hanging…..

**Remember that Valentine’s is on a Monday and unfortunately not a Public holiday, so for the Workaholics, Absolute event has been gracious enough to bring you a special valentine party on the 12th of February from 9pm. This is THE Party that will have in attendance Abuja’s Finest. Promises to be a Fab evening with Free Cocktails, Cupcakes, Shisha, Goody bags etc. good thing its not only for couples, even single people looking for a good time can attend.Dress Code is Sexy and Classy and red carpet starts @ 9pm. You can call 08036728308 for RSVP. Tickets are 5k but you can get a table for N100k.

**Treat someone special to a candlelit Dinner for two, Whilst being serenaded by Praise Adejo (Second Runner up for Project fame) and feel your body sway in rhythmic style to romantic beats also featuring spectacular ballet, salsa and tango dances performed by Encore and TrueDanceArt Ticket:Premium : N30,000 for two, includes a three course meal plus a goody bag for the ladies VIP : N 50,000 for two , includes a three course meal, Venue: Niger/plateau hall, Transcorp Hilton Time: 8pm – 11pm. special invitation and flower delivery service directly to that special person, a goody bag and wait for it"an additional surprise gift for the ladies that is too good to resist" Don't wait ! Get your wallet and your phone out and dial 08037110001,ticket sales closes on the 7th of february 2011.Limited tickets available.We've got kissing a booth!

**This Event is not only for lovers but also for lovers of Fish, Chicken ,Meat. The Lovers Barbeque hosted by BGL Events. Tickets are shockingly cheap, they go for 3k for singles and couples pay 4k. there will be cocktail and mocktails, spring rolls, samosa, cupcakes and cold slaw to go with your choice of dish. The Event holds on Feb 14th @ Tender vine Garden Wuse 2 and the time is from 7pm. If you want more details or require a description or you want to purchase your ticket, please call 08038748224.

*If you missed it last year, you can make up for it because Play is organizing another POOL PARTY. From the gist I heard from last years, well theres no way I am missing this one. So get your bikini body ready for the 12th of February, if you are hydro-phobic like me, no biggie, just know that you will get wet.

*And foremost Abuja Rap sensation YOYE(and that’s his real name) just released a Brand New Single in time for Valentine….. big ups sir.

Finally, you know that Code can never be left out of the Valentine Celebration and we will be giving out Free Wine and Free Cupcakes to every couple who Choose CODE Bar for their Romantic night. For the Singles, we got you back as well, just make sure you come through....

(NEXT POST:Gift Ideas for Valentine.... Spludge or on a Budget)

19:00 WRConcept&YPIBIZ networking Meet....

2011-02-01T00:20:00.000-08:00

for those of you who missed the white rabbit concept networking event for young people in business and young professionals, here are some pictures from the event. the event which was put together by white rabbit concept ng had miss mola kalejiaye of blaquestar consult as host. mr taiwo adepoju, a foremost motivational speaker and founder of the 'You got it in you" initiative was the first keynote speaker of the evening and Dapo oyewole a yale world fellow spoke of the buzz of the elections and why its important to vote. cupcakes was provided by little lovelies cupcake(contact:08098136362) and other refreshment was provided by Code Bar, venue of the networking meet.

the turn out was awesome and young people had a chance to interact,network and unwind in a laidback enviroment. there were 2 comedians in the house who thrilled participant with rib cracking jokes so it wasnt all serious all through. at the end of the evening, people were selected by a lucky dip of business cards to recieve the giveaways. in all 6books were giving out to lucky participant.

a big thank you to all that supported this event in one way or the other. the 2nd networking event is billed to hold in February 2011. watch this space for dates.

(pictures below)

ELECTION TWENTY ELEVEN....... My 2cents

2011-01-15T00:25:00.000-08:00

Its Election season! And so I sat Glued to NTA as I listen to repetitions of Obasanjo, Obasanjo, Obasanjo. Oophs, sorry that was 2003. Well it was pretty much the same this time; it was a repetition of Goodluck, Dr Ebele, Goodluck. This is Lucky Jo’s (as I fondly call the President) very first ‘Selection’. He has somehow managed to make his way to the top seat without ever being Elected for it. My mom calls it divine intervention; I call it GOOD LUCK (pun intended). Atiku gave a fight but somehow it was Sarah Jubril with her one vote who Trended. You see one vote counts. I’ve got a soft spot for that lady since I heard that she has been running for president since 1992,wow!, talk about perseverance. I just hope she didn’t pay anyone.

Well most of the party primaries are over especially for the Major parties and for those who haven’t gotten the memo yet, the Major Contenders, according to my books are;

PDP – Dr Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan
Nuhu Ribadu

Dele Momodu

Mohammadu Buhari

There is a lot more at stake, people are now more aware, you have got to make a conscious decision to go out and vote, and not vote for just anybody, for someone whose manifesto gives realistic deadlines to solving the Power, Unemployment, Security, declining health care and Education problems. Registration to vote starts today 15th Jan to 29th Jan 2011(it might seem like a long time, its not!). Go out, I encourage you and register. And between now and the day of election, read about the candidates, get to know them and don’t select them based on a flimsy whim because truth be told, Nigeria has gone beyond Whims, we need informed decision.

Its best you register nearest to where you live because of restricted movement on Election Day, some will travel to their home towns to register, it’s all good, where ever you cast your vote, you cast it for a good cause.

We will probably see more contenders springing out before the day of Election, well I’ve always believed in Competition and Opposition. Keeps Contenders on their feet.

I am definitely looking forward to the next couple of months, lots and lots of drama; I love drama, as long as they keep it BOMB Free.

Happy Saturday Everyone……

BEST OF 2010 - Spots that Rocked....

2011-01-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

without much ado i give you our pick for top 10 spots of 2010........

No.10 : DOME - Previously lost its mojo but made its way back into the game by hosting the Album launch of MI2, still has the bowling alley and the Game room so if you get tired of same ol same ol eating drink and party you can go there for a different kind of fun.

No.9 : A LOUNGE - Lovely venue I must say. People still ask what went wrong, but despite setbacks, A-lounge kept a steady pace all year through.

No. 8: TERMINAL 5 – Anytime I think mature crowd, I think of heading to this spot. They bust into the scene early 2010 and hosted some great events like Pulse, Industry Night and the Hiphop world awards party.

No.7: SOHO - Soho did not feature much in the scene this year but there is always a steady stream of loyalist that keeps the place rocking hard and their Karaoke always helps to beat Sunday boredom

No.6: E LOUNGE – Quick: take a mental drive down adetokumbo ademola…. What do you notice? Well for one the streets are free of ‘night ladies’ and this is the best thing that happened to this spot because now they sure have a steady stream of responsible and decent fun seekers visiting. Good music, cool ambience, E-lounge sure did good in 2010

No 5: CODE – ok notice that I saved the middle spot for my place so I will not be accused of being biased, let me balance it out, but truthfully speaking, the way this spot evolved from the opening till the end of 2010 was amazing. I spent the most part of 2010 there and I enjoyed every minute. Well mostly because everyone is so warm, it’s like a great big network, where everybody knows your name and you can truly relax . Well friends, fun, laughter , celebration is ultimately what CODE is about.

No.4: KRYSTAL LOUNGE – We are always quick to dismiss k lounge as full of unseemly characters, well this is true, but! where is that one place in Abuja that you can have a combination of good music and full groove on a weekday? Yes!

No.3: CAFÉ 24, BRITISH COUNCIL ROOF TOP CAFÉ AND SALAMANDER – Still a favorite for the yuppies and the INTL community to hang after work.

N0.2: PLAY AND AQUA
PLAY –ok we hate the bouncers, yes yes, but I must admit that this spot held it down big time in 2010. They hosted great events and after parties at play and they always get it right with the music. Plus major kudo goes out to the management, Play opened in Calabar on the 19th of December 2010 and from what I hear, its finer than the Abuja one (Abuja ppul lets protest oh). Big ups to the owners.

AQUA – Very few people have withstood the test of time like the fore runner of Aqua nite club. Kudos and we look forward to more in 2011.

No.1: it’s my personal favorite, so I won’t impose it on you. (insert your Numero Uno)

WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS GUYS?
Quorum
Eden
Basement
Tucano
(we at city crawler and I am sure most of our readers would like to know)…..

ON OUR RADAR FOR 2011

Bars, Clubs, Restaurants, lounges are propping up everywhere around the city, we love it. I have big hopes for the following places in 2011 (abeg no fall my hand)….

*Amber – Already doing well so far, and as the Silverbird Entertainment Center records more visitors it means more and more clientele for this plush lounge.

*Platinum Lounge – Silverbird owned lounge, if you want to impress out of town business partners or a lil lady. This is your spot.

*And if you take a drive thru Adetokunbo Ademola, you will notice the work going on at the former excellensio, im uber excited about this one, talk about strategic.

*feedback people, it sure helps!*

VACANCY INFORMATION

2011-01-10T00:21:00.000-08:00

PERSONAL ASSISTANT/CLIENT SERVICES JOBS AVAILABLE (ABUJA ONLY)

Do you live in Abuja?
Are you a male or female between the ages of 18 – 25?
Are you savvy, smart & stylish with a keen interest in the wonderful world of PR?
If so, Blaquestar Konsult would love to hear from you.
Please read the detailed information below
if it sounds like you, follow the instructions to apply!
We look forward to meeting you in the near future for an interview.

All applicants should:

• Be a born leader
• Inspire people in a positive way
• Able to boost team morale daily
• Able to direct from behind and push the team into the spotlight
• Possess an image that exudes professionalism
• Currently live in Abuja
• Be articulate
• Have a strong knowledge of the industry
• Understand client relations
• Boast a sense of style - hip, trendy, yet professional
• Be able to handle multiple accounts
• Have strong writing and editing skills
• Demonstrate the over-and-beyond-the-call-of-duty attitude
• Be detail oriented and self motivated
• Able to work nights and weekends if required
• Have team spirit!

About our team

• Young: 18 - 35yrs
• Physically active and very image driven
• Industry cheerleaders who always reflect a good energy
• Diverse: Not your typical PR company
• Corporate structure background, but a free spirited environment where you can flourish

Duties

• Handling Client Accounts
• Liaising with clients on projects
• Execution of PR Strategies
• Media Management
• Co create PR Plans, Calendars, Schedules, Events, budgets etc
• Source new clients
• Develop action plans, set and execute goals, develop and work against budgets and deadlines.

All Applicants for this position must:

• Possess excellent verbal and communications skills, as well as editing skills
• Be a strategic thinker and have prioritizing abilities
• Possess exceptional creative abilities
• Have strong negotiation skills, as well as the ability to handle objections and achieve mutually beneficial solutions
• Prove to be an innovative problem solver with strong decision-making skills
• Multitask and cope with changing priorities

If this sounds like the job for you, then email your CV to info@blaquestarpr.com and you will be contacted shortly. Application deadline is January 21st, 2011

ABUJA DRIVERS? LOONYS?

2011-01-06T00:32:00.000-08:00

SHOUT out to Michelin, I enter my car nowadays and I feel like I can drive to China. It moves so smoothly and the new body work just makes it a major delight. So you can imagine my utter annoyance when a lunatic (aren’t all Abuja drivers) almost scratched my new paint job. I will not lie, it was partly my fault. It was late, the roads are usually clear and I had right of way, well until the other car decided he had right of way too, luckily my brakes are superb, pheeew.

Abuja makes you do that, this is really no excuse, but Abuja make you drive like a loon. The way this town was planned, they got the road network spot on. The roads are more connected than an Abuja bigz girlz (pardon my lame attempt at a joke) but you get the point. Driving here is a delight, even with the recent steady build up of traffic, it’s still an organized traffic. The down side though is the accidents, they are usually not minor.

If you have ever been in or witnessed an accident in Abuja, I can tell you that it’s usually messy. Blame it on drunk driving, over speeding, faulty brakes or general refusal to obey traffic rules because ‘do we know who your father is?’ but it always seem like people get into their cars and are suddenly in a rush. It’s funny that in Abuja you can get to anywhere right on time. my Friend Mej jokes that ‘in Abuja, everywhere is a walking distance, if you have got the time’.

So! If you live in Abuja or are visiting, here’s a tip. The most accident prone road in the whole city is Ahmadu Bello Way. No it is not jinxed, it’s just that it has quite a stretch that starts around the newly commissioned Gwarimpa road and ends around Apo(see what I mean). It takes you past wuse 2, central area, past Garki and then up to Apo. Several major junctions where this accidents happen but Aminu Kano junction(beside assorted) and Adetokumbo Ademola(beside diamond bank) are the ones to watch out for. The Road Safety has taken major steps to keep this junctions accident free, but at night when the wardens are gone, the roads are free and there is a little alcohol in the system, major damage is done.

I am not traffic expert, just a city crawler who cares, so this is my 2 cents. Make sure your car in very good shape, don’t over speed, don’t jump the traffic light, slowdown at junctions major or minor and finally if you see my drive by ‘hola at your girl’.

Happy New Year.

Holiday and Relationships: keeping it goin...

2010-12-11T05:24:00.000-08:00

I find that I can work, amidst noise. I can imagine why my neighbor’s waited for this weather to dry up before they renovate, very good idea though. Everywhere seems to be getting a face lift, bars, restaurants, offices and even the streets and its totally understandable, why? Because Christmas is here, and I so love how the place lights up with lights and color and love. Love… aaah Love, yes it’s the season of love, but do you know that you have to protect your ‘Love” and “relationship” from the strain of the holiday period. So from the city crawler, here is my 2 cents on how to keep thing cool…..

This holiday will bring changes: separation (for those travelling apart) and too many people (for those spending it with large families)…….

For those travelling apart
*Spend at least 10 minutes of every day talking about how your day went.
*communicate
*re-assure each other of your commitment and faithfulness

*make sure you buy each other a presents, especially one that will remind him/her of you.

For those with two many people
*Communicate
*your daily kissing quota should not only consist of hello and goodbye pecks.

*Go to bed at the same time

*spend 10 minutes chatting about your day

Ok that’s the boring part, now for the sweet stuff. Im not going to give you solutions, I am only going to point out your problems.(inspired by a tweet from @ebuka)
As much as a lot of ppul (especially easterners) will be heading home for the holidays, for some heading home will be leaving the unfriendly weather of obodo oyibo for the warmth of naija (sorry dora), you know what will also be warm, the arms of their waiting boyfriend or girl friend. So if you are one of those people dating an erm wats that razz word I heard on African magic ‘abroadee’ then u wont have to wait till valentine to know if you are the main squeeze.
Well luckily some are coming in unattached and you can help your self to a lil holiday treat, just know exactly what you are getting into and don’t go having unnecessary expectation because around about the 2nd well…….. also don’t get carried away, the Christmas period is like a love drug and every one looks great, that’s because, people go shopping and pack the right clothes when they travel to another town, so most of the time,in real life they don’t always look that great or perfect.

I hate to be a buzz kill, don’t listen to me, what do I know about love and relationship when I am single…….

(Air Kiss, Air Kiss)

Essientials For Men..... tips to beat the Heat.

2010-12-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

i left out Sun Screen from my last blog, i am so sorry ladies but it has been added to the 5th edition of City Crawler Magazine which is also our exciting christmas Edition. i promised to do a followup essential for the guys but as a chick i have been lost for a while. luckily i know a couple of cool dudes that were able to help.thanks you guys......

WATER

well like i told the ladies, staying hydrated is very very important. the heat contributes to drying us up especially this holiday period that lots will be indulging in celebratory drinks, we all know alchohol dehydrates so to keep your self energetic this period Water is a Must.

SHADES

not only will this protect your eyes, but guys look great in shades. choose one that suits your face shape and head out. P.S please no shades in the Club or at Night. #okthanks

LIPBALM

using lipbalm is not gay(hahahaha). because your lips are coing to get cracked and become sore and there is no way u will look nice, enjoy your christmas meal or get a kiss under the mistle toe or a kiss on newyears eve with a sore lip. just get one that is masculine and be sure its the right one too so your lips wont be all shiny, now thats gay.

SHORTS

you need no excuse to wear this, but its a casual look so keep it out of the office.

SANDALS/FLATS

just like the ladies, this pair helps your feet breath and it goes very well with the cargo shorts.

FACE CAPS

just like shades, this help protect your face from the harsh rays of the sun and if you sport the bald look, your head will be protected as well.

COTTON SHIRTS

light, airy and they go with anything. *i love a guy in a v-neck white tshirt and jeans or shorts,yum*

SUNSCREEN

you might think you are tough but even your skin cant fight sun damage. i repeat! it is not gay to moisturize and take care of your skin.

Ok, there you have it. i hope it helps. Ladies tell your boyfriends.

OMG Abuja is HOT! Essentials for the Hamattan(Female)

2010-12-01T02:05:00.000-08:00

Aint nothing going on but the HEAT, im surprised no one has released a hit song yet about hamattan after all we always sing about rain, snow etc. maybe its because it is so annoying anf for the past few days, words on everybodys lips is 'Abuja is Hot!!'. luckily the holidays are fast approaching and lots of people will be skipping town for cooler climes. but for those of us that are stuch here for whatever reason, do not despair, i got you. so for the period here are a few suggestions i have for beating the heat..... Enjoy!

WATER!

Stay hydrated. drink water as often as possible. during the holidays i know there will be a lot of eating and drinking and we all know that alchohol leaves you dyhydrated so on average 8litres a day for this period will help keep you refreshed.

SHADES

i have always been a big fan of sunglasses and i wear mine every where but now its not just a fashion or style essential it is an actual essential because the sun is shinning and you need to protect your eyes from the rays. depending on your face shape you can choose from a wide selection.

FANS

its not cute when you use cut outs of papers to cool yourself. Get yourself a nice handy fan that you can carry around with you at all time. they are cheap and light and they work very well at weddings and as we all know, its wedding season.

SANDALS AND FLIP FLOPS

This has got to be one of the cutest trends that found its way in to the 00. wide selection of beautiful sandals are available in different colours and they really let your feet breath. you can show off your cute feet, your pretty manicure and they go very well with sun dresses.

SUNDRESSESS

this outfit has a way of hiding a multitude of bulges and it is airy and light. so its going to be doing 2 jobs, seeing that we are going to be eating alot this christmas, the sundress will help us hide the inevitable bulge, while keeping us cool and stylish.

FACE CAPS

i dont recommend you buy this, just beg borrow or steal from your boyfriend or hubby afterall there is love in sharing and erm much as they pretend, men love to see us in their clothes.... *wink*

SHORT CROP

if the heat really bothers you, give your 22 inch weaves a rest and go short crop like me. just be certain you go to a very good salon/hair dresser, cos this is not a time to have bad hair days, the holidays should have everyone looking good at every point.

SHORTS AND TANK

desist if you cant pull it off, but if you can, lucky you. Enjoy.

Next Blog will be for the guys so stay posted.....

GIMME 5...... Lets Spruce things Up....

2010-11-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

My mom has recently started calling me COE, CEE OOH EEE! The way she screams it is Funny. Anytime she needs me for something or crosses my part on the corridor she grins and says COE. the name came about when she teased me and said "if you like be the CEO of the moon, you will still do house chores in my house and eventually in your husbands house". truth is i had actually neglected domesticity for a while due to my recent pursuit of financial gratification(nothing wrong with that), but thats not the only thing that has suffered, my love for blogging. writing has always been my thing and i love to give out infomation. i will not let this post drag too much, i am very lucky that i have my mom to snap me back to reality and now that i am back, i promise ill be reporting abuja in the city crawler style that you use to know and love, so wait for it....

Here We GO....

its hard to believe that christmas is just around the corner, and you know what that means, the end of the year is approaching and its time to clear out the cluter in your life and spruce things up. This December, be ready for a comprehensive report of events, happenings, people and locations all around the FCT and you can get this info for nothing at all, just a click.

you might enjoy this a little too much, but thats OK. watch this page.

CITY CRAWLER CONGRATULATES ADEGBE OGBEH OF ONENUMBER AND HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE CHRISTINE ON THEIR WEDDING.

VACANCY INFORMATION

2010-11-24T04:56:00.000-08:00

aN OPENING FOR THE POSITION OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER IN AN ABUJA BASED MEDIA/HOSPITALITY COMPANY. JOB IS ABUJA BASED, SALARY ATTRACTIVE. APPLICANTS MUST BE GRADUATES WITH A GOOD COMMAND OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE, ACCOUNTING AND COMPUTER SKILLS. INTERVIEW HOLDS ON SATURDAY, 27TH NOVEMBER AT 10AM PROPMT. VENUE FOR INTERVIEW IS CODE LOUNGE, NO 5 PARAKOU CRESCENT, OFF AMINU KANO, WUSE 2.

Pictures From Pulse - Abuja's Finest Party

2010-11-08T04:43:00.000-08:00

Planinum Lounge played Host to Abuja's Finest Party. some pictures from the event that had Mr Ben Bruce and Ice Prince in attendance.

Onoja (CEO Delphino Ent)

Adama peters and onoja

Tokunbo

Aminu and Nkami

Ice Prince Zamani,Onoja and Ben Bruce

Mola, Onoja and Gideon (BBN and Tinsel)

emmanuel, henry and ahmed

Ice prince performing

zara (artist)

Godfrey and ijeoma

Oche

onyinye

terver, mimidoo and eddie

gang (OAP Kiss FM)

dayo (CEO Cafe 24)

onoja and isoken

audu (ceo chocolate city)

Eh Tu Naija???

2010-10-15T04:53:00.000-07:00

Run Screaming into the Forest”, that’s an expression I use a whole lot. I use it especially to describe annoying over used words like Basically (coincidentally, basically is a word I use a lot). There are word fads that go with the times, they just appear as if from nowhere and before you know it they become a part of our vocabulary, some people use them without really knowing the meaning, e.g Utunu (from Twitter)

Well in recent times (from oct 1st) to be precise, the word that seems to be on everyone’s lip is BOMB. And I have heard it a lot. At least now I have a good reason to run screaming into the forest….. Fear and then safety.

Last night, half depressed half hungry I left my house seeking Chow of the unhealthy kind. My options were pizza, suya, shawama. So I headed off in directions well known to stock the best in this hip-shattering delights.

ROAD BLOCKS!!!!!

If you know Abuja well, you will know that the easiest way to get to Gana street from Zone 1 is under the bridge straight past millennium park and bam, you are there, but what do I see? All blocked. At first I was annoyed at the inconvenience, then I wondered, but by the time I tried to get into the villa (my consort needed to pick his friends up for byob) and there were security operatives everywhere, I panicked.

Over the years Nigeria has been known for a lot of things, Corruption, Neglect, internet fraud, fraud of every level bla bla bla, the list goes on. If you lose all your money, well u can make it back and you are smarter this time, but nothing prepares you for a Bomb blast, that can take innocent lives and destroy property. Then that perpetual fear that it places in your mind that we are no longer safe just lingers on.

Its been exactly 15days after, and we still don’t know who did it and why…… tsk tsk SSS. All we know is that there are more threats, the secretariat has been evacuated twice and police check points have become more annoying

So now we are not only trying to fight the bad reputation Nigeria has as corrupt, we now have to convince people that we are not terrorist too??? Too bad. And if our leaders will mortgage innocent lives because of four years in Aso Rock, then we are in real trouble.

I had a little faith in the present administration, but history repeats itself and we haven’t even voted them in. if this is going to be a recurring pattern then don’t consider it a great tragedy when I don’t turn up to vote for you.
Well i got home, said my prayers, watched a little TV and fell to sleep. woke up this morning and left the house for work and what do you know, all the Road blocks still in Place........ hmmmm wat are they not telling us?

WHAT IS PLAYING IN ABUJA'S EARS (4th Edition Sneak Peak)

2010-10-12T23:14:00.000-07:00

Music is always a key part of any town, city or culture and luckily city crawler ran into Abuja's hottest DJ, DJ TTB (youve heard him play at Play, Soho, Aqua and Aristotle) who told us all the hottest songs right now on radio and jamming in the clubs.

#Real |Name: Charles Tobechukwu Ananti

#Current location : Abuja, Nigeria

#Been djing for : 6 years. Started out in enugu, been in Abuja 3year, first Aristotle.

#Whats has been your favourite gig? BYOB

#Abujas party scene is very perculiar, what song is always sure to get the party started and people on their feet? There are a lot, but Kas Fimile, is sure sure.

#What collabo would u like to hear? MI and Ego (lagbaja)

#Who do u think is next to blow? Whizkid, but he has blown already and ice-prince with his hot new track oleku.

So, what playing in abujas ears? (in no particular order)

1. Eminem's – love the way you lie ft Rihanna

2. BMF – Rick ross

3. Club cant handle me – florida

4. Mr endowed – dbanj

5. Hold ya – gyptian

6. Tease me – whizkid

7. Dynamite – taio cruz

8. Dutty love – sean Kingston ft nicki minaj

9. Implication – 2face

10. Over the moon – dr sid

11. Gallis – Movado.

Boredom: is it us?

2010-08-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

There is only one way to say this. Boredom sucks. I have in the past couple of months slacked in my quest to find ultimate entertainment, ultimate leisure and ultimate recreation in the city of Abuja, that I was slowly but surely deteriorating to a fixed state of boredom.

I am the city crawler, I get all the movie schedules sent to me a week before and I spend all weekend watching the new ones. Yes Friday night 8.40, lady sitting alone in a dark corner concentrating, yup that’s me. And then by Monday when I’ve seen everything worth seeing I am back to stage 1.

There are tons of stuff to look forward to during the week, but BYOB only happens once a week and I’m sure I will look ridiculous if I go paintballing on a Tuesday afternoon no matter how in charge of my time I am.

People come to Abuja, complain of extreme boredom, and they have every right to because for the most part of the week if it’s not eating at vanilla restaurant or having after work drinks at CODE or C24 then its tapping fingers and counting the minutes till Friday arrives and yet it’s still same ol same ol at the clubs, same people, same music, same drinks all the same! Same! Same!

But I have a question, why oh why is it that when someone or some organization puts something together, that is a far cry from the norm we always manage to mess it up with our ‘oh I’m too posh to dance’ tendencies? That’s why I love play, u don’t even want to know what those ‘jumping on the chairs release your inhibition’ does for me……

But you know something, I think we all have it in us to create that excitement and entertainment we want. I’ve seen a group of friends sit in a music-less lil corner drinking, laughing and having fun and do you know what came out of that? A full blown wine shop party arena which took over the scene for a while, well until the excellensio girls took over (sorry WS)……..

So after all my rant, the point I’m trying to make is that we have got to lose the suit! We won’t be 27,28,29,30 forever. Once u start having shildren (children) fun means a whole new deal, baby’s day out, lol.
(to be continued…..)

YAY!!! we are on our Third.....

2010-08-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

YAY!!!!!!!!!!
we are at our #rd edition and i assure you that we have thoroughly enjoyed the journey so far.......

This Edition has a good mix of lovely photos and interesting articles, i totally recommend that everyone reads the 'Eye on the City Article' which is totally hilarious, and the Safety Tips for Avoiding a Kidnapping situation, very important people.

so before our website is ready in just a couple of days, here is a sneak peak to what the 3rd Edition offers our fast rising readership.

(buy your copy from Cafe 24, Silver Bird Media store, 212 Media Stand and Vendors around the city. Complimentary copies can be gotten when you visit, bar CODE.)

blink twice....CODE

2010-07-20T03:10:00.000-07:00

bar CODE: Latest Addition to Abujas Social Scene.
(BUZZ WORTHY) by CITY CRAWLER

Friends, laughter, celebrations, entertainment—fun! These are the things that might come to your mind when you think about CODE. Imagine room filled with friendly conversation, music and people enjoying themselves. Also envision an exciting game on big-screen TVs everyone cheering and having a great time, OR Lunch Hour on a week Day, young Execs typing away on their laptops as they have lunch OR Senior Level Execs in for their late night meeting or just unwinding. That is what you will find at CODE.

CODE bar or bar CODE as it is fondly called is the latest addition to Abuja’s rising social scene. It opened to cater to the rising socialites, entertainment industry gurus and High level execs. A gathering of beautiful and fashionable people can always be seen at CODE.

Ambience is lovely and Welcoming, Staff is Polite with a meticulous attention to detail and the food and selection of drinks can only be described as superb. It is strategically located at NO. 5 Parakou Crescent, Wuse 2 which can be described as the heart of Abuja and interestingly enough is owned and run by a young lady who has been able to harness Leisure, hospitality and entertainment to provide the perfect atmosphere for unwinding.

The Lounge is very entertainment friendly as Celebs and Artiste who visit Abuja always make a quick stop no matter what they are in for, so guest are assured of celebrity sightings.

A visit to CODE can translate into a rewarding Lounge Experience and therefore Buzz Worthy. Try it and let me know what you think.

Back to taking on the City of Abuja,,,,,,,,

2010-06-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

Nothing helps paper cuts. And nothing helps backaches, well maybe a change of position or a nice massage. But nothing helps my Eye strain. The only thing that can help this three “ailments” will be to actually stop work, and that’s not possible.

I’ve abandoned my blog for a little bit, No! Not a little bit, a lot bit. I missed writing so so much because I was being a workaholic publisher. When I started the Magazine, I didn’t know what I was doing. But I took baby steps and Im proud to say I went from maddeningly painful paper cuts which come from handling too many papers, to a dummy and as of today we are at the second edition of City Crawler magazine. Now I can look back to my first love.

Since I’ve been away from blogosphere loads and loads of stuff have happened. We lost a great man, our servant leader, President ‘Yardie’ (God Rest His Soul ). Then our very own Mr. Incredible MI and Psquare have been nominated for the Best international act at this year’s BET awards and *ahem* Skuki won the Hip Hop World award for NEXT RATED. Well while I’m still trying to figure out how that happened, I will at least give hip hop world props for the great party they threw in Abuja before the Award proper. Great turn out of celebs and Abuja’s coolest people.

The same story cannot be said of the Event that packed all of the BBA 4 house members into Abuja city. We all watched big brother Africa, well at least most of us did and we were rooting for the Nigerian. He Won! But then his first major event was …………. (ill let you find the word for it). Was it the lack of publicity? As for the 2face idibia Event, nobody is sure it ever held, but we know for sure that the ‘beef with youngest old man’ event never held, still waiting to find out why.

I was gone for 5 minutes and people get lax. Tsk tsk

Well! Things change – prices go up, good places go bad and bad places go bankrupt, nothing stays the same. So if you find something new, recently opened, better or worse, Or just an opinion about the skuki saga, then let the city crawler know.
So do three things this weekend…

1. Vote for MI and Psquare they were nominated for the BET Awards for the best intl act alongside Estelle, Sade, k’naan etc
2. Buy a copy of city crawler magazine, its available at Exclusive stores, Café 24, Silverbird media store, 212 media stand and vendors around the city.
3. Make sure u have a great time this weekend.

P.S Look out for all the hot pictures from TGIF event and other events covered by city crawler magazine, watch this space.
Kisses y’all.

3 Times Lucky.....

2010-04-27T00:26:00.000-07:00

its So Hot! and you will think that PHCN will care and provide us with a little succor LIKE ELECTRICITY, but no! we dont even know who is to blame, even now that Lucky Jo has taken on running the Country and the power sector (which is like running a country),so he is running 2 countries and going by recent history and him shaking hands with Obama, he will probably soon be running 3 (wink).

speaking of LuckyJo as he is now fondly called, whats with all the posters springing up all around Abuja City? i kindda thought that when he takes over as acting president he will 'ACT' but it has just been a barrage of political headlines, PDP controversy and more and more on 2011. i have no real political commentary yet, iLL let the experts dissect it, but, i have this to say though...... EnoughisEnough! if the system was working, then there would not be a stationary truck on the side of the road and a young promising Nigerian life would not be plucked so soon.

so ill ask nicely(advocacy not activism like my mom says), please We want light its really hot and the generator sounds are making us deaf, Clean up the System: we want good leaders and finally, please IBB? seriously!

4 aBUJA hOTSPOTS and nights that they POP! (magazine sneak peak)

2010-04-21T01:20:00.000-07:00

LONG ANTICIPATED CITY CRAWLER NEWS-MAGAZINE HITS STANDS ON FRIDAY THE 23RD OF APRIL, YOU CAN GET YOUR COPY FROM SILVERBIRD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, EXCLUSIVE STORES, STREET VENDORS OR CALL 08131800500 FOR DELIVERY, COVER PRICE IS N200.

(enjoy a sneak peak of 1 of the articles in the first issue)

Friday Night is a big night for all the clubs and lounges in the city, but if you want out door fun on any other night, its slim picking. Lucky for us, some hotspots have emerged providing fun for other days of the week that you may choose to unwind. So if your goal is to have a good time Monday to Monday then this is City Crawlers 4 hotspots and night that they Pop!!

1. BYOB
Notice that everyone at play kind of know each other, its like one big network of people so PLAY SPORTS BAR & GRILL came up with an in genius way to reward their customers and this has been hugely successful. Bring your own bottle happens every Thursday and it allows customers to bring in a bottle of their chosen poison to get the Party started.

2. Karaoke
From TGIF to Cool Saturdays, we are always stuck with nothing to do on Sundays…… Karaoke is like a one-night stand: You know you'll be mortified the next day, but after a few drinks, you just say What the hell. Indulge in off-key renditions of "I Got You Babe" at SOHO lounge, Every Sunday from 8pm. No judging, just come with friends and have a great time.

3. Weekdays
We all love to hate this place (for obvious reasons), but we have all gone in there at least once in the past three months, you know why? Because if you want a place that has good music and good crowd and good fun monday to Monday, then head to Krystal lounge.

4. Friday night lights
A good lounge is a mix between an entertainment venue, social club and bar, which allows people who want to mingle as well as couples who only have eyes for each other to have a good time. Eden vip offer entertainment and a wide selection of signature cocktails, a HOT DJ, it’s a favorite with the Abuja crawling crowd as it always has a cool event going on there. well, if customers keep coming, they must be doing something right.

"Home Base" - Abuja; your perspective

2010-04-14T04:01:00.000-07:00

ive been ravin on and on about different places, my friend calls it Abuja Laundering. well ive decided to get other perspective from fellow 'crawlers'..... leave a comment, your place of choice might be helpful to us

Name: Ugo Ogwurike
Age: 3+
Occupation: Architect
Been in Abuja: 10 years
Came for: NYSC
Area of residence: Lugbe
Best place for...
Food – kilimanjaro
Fun – Play (everywhere else, people are ‘posing’ so they don’t have fun)
Friday night – Use to be tucano now Aqua
Date – Setraco Club house, life camp
After work drinks – Salamander

Name: Alhassan Mohammed
age:30
occupation: Menswear designer
been in Abuja for: 4 yrs
came for: visit n never went back
area of residence :Apo
your best place for,
food: Jevinik pounded yam and ogbono but assorted for everything else
fun: Play
Friday night: Eden VIP, Asokoro
a date: Salamander
after work drinks: Cafe 24

Name: Debola Funsho
Age: 42
Occupation: Senior special assistant
Been in Abuja: since 92
Came for: visits then NYSC
Area of residence: Aso villa
Best place for...
Food – Home
Fun – Basement/Blakes
Friday night – Safari/Capital bar
Date – My wife loves Chinese so usually Chopsticks in Maitama
After work drinks – Hilton, piano bar

Name: Tope Brown
Age: 3+
Occupation: Celebrity photo-journalist for Ovation Magazine
Been in Abuja: 4 years
Came for: work
Area of residence: Wuse, zone 1
Best place for...
Food – Jevnik, Biobak
Fun – Dome- games section
Friday night – Basement
Date – Drumsticks
After work drinks – don’t drink (but hang with friends at wineshop)

Name: Lotanna Uju Onuigbo
Age: 31
Occupation: Designer/Stylist
Been in Abuja: 2 years
Came for: greener pastures
Area of residence: Garki 2
Best place for...
Food – Wakkis and ajs for pizza
Fun – Salsa @ Nicon luxury(thursdays)
Friday night – swim- Nicon luxury
Date – anywhere really
After work drinks – British council rooftop cafe

name: Kolawole Oye
age: 32
occupation: Consultant
been in abuja for: 10 years
came for: NYSC
area of residence: Wuse Zone 6
your best place for,
food: Bukka, Transcorp Hilton (Buffet)
fun: at Home... (sad, but we dont have ANY Theme Park in Abuja)
friday nite: Basement
a date: Chopsticks, Maitama
after work drinks: Wine Shop

Name: Eddie Madaki
Age: 27
Occupation: Banker
Been in Abuja: 15years
Came for: Dad moved
Area of Residence: Maitama
Your best place for food: Jevinik!
Fun: Peniel pool/home
Friday nite: Play
A date: Nollywood/piano/lounge
After work drinks: DIA AsOKORO (StRICTLY BY invitation o!)

Name: Theresa Archibong
Age: 25
Occupation: Wardrobe Consultant aka i dey sell clothe lol
Been in Abuja: Almost a Decade
Area of residence: Wuye
Best place for...
Food – Melting Pot
Fun – Wonderland
Friday night – Aqua
Date – Vanilla Restaurant & Cocktail
After work drinks – Roof top Cafe

Banky W was RIght......

2010-04-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

I have a new found lust *cough* sorry love for Mr. Incredible. He is cooler than ever, Sexier than ever and I witness the best MI performance of my life on Saturday. Is it that he has upped his game or crowd appreciation and participation ‘gingered his swagger’? Even Kel (you know Kel right?) was over on point, now I know what all the fuss about her is about and I am now officially a member of the Kel Appreciation Fan-club or to put it simply a KEL groupie. All this, at the Coca Cola Event that held at ocean view and to be honest, Mr. Capable didn’t lie when he said ‘aint no party like a Lagos party’. Very simple event, but well planned and well executed, what was the fuss? Coca cola was celebrating 1 song and there was a fantastic turnout and everyone was having fun, Lagos people know how to let go. In true city crawler style, I just stood there moping at the *cough* mostly fine boys and lovely chics all around me, I had a lot of fun. When it comes to having fun, nobody is a big boy or big girl oh, nobody cares about their designer shoes, they let their hair down release their inhibition and ‘just do it’.

The coca-cola shindig – all the performances were SPOT ON! BANKY W ON POINT, EL – DEE ON POINT, KEL OVER ON POINT (costume and backup dancers) and MI was amazing. I was a little angry because I felt cheated. This artist come to Abuja often enough and perform at shows and concert and never have I had it so good, but then it hit me, The Audience Was Cheering and Singing along. And I remembered that Appreciation can bring out the very best in anybody. And that’s one of the things we lack in Abuja.

I imagined the same event happening in Abuja, first of all, people will trickle in one by one at any time they like and act like their being at the event is a huge favor to the organizers, then we stood for 3 hours ‘no seats?’ they will grumble all night, forgetting that it’s a concert. When the performances start, people will just watch their fav artiste sing their heart out with a ‘practiced bored’ expression and no matter how seasoned an artist is, the lack of appreciation does a lot to lower their moral and kill their ginger.

In Abuja, we complain all the time about boredom, yet its funny how people come from out of town and have a blast. It’s the mind set really, if you want to have fun, you have to let yourself go and open your mind to having fun.
Well im back to my comfort zone, back to work and back to the town where taxi drivers actually know their way around the town.

P.S it wouldn’t have been fun without you guys. Thanks.

SLUSHING WITH ELDEE in pictures....

2010-03-30T03:52:00.000-07:00

SLU...SH!!!! SAT THE 27TH OF MARCH 2010, PLAY(ALWAYS A HOTSPOT) WAS THE VENUE AND ELDEE WAS THE REASON AND NOBZ IS OUR DUDE. IF YOU WERENT THERE..... eat your heart out.

ELDEE THE DON!

IJEOMA OKEAGU, NOBLE IGWE AND ULABI AGBA

CUTIES ON THE RED CARPET

LOVELY LADIES

SOPHIE TARFA(COOL FM OAP)

BUMNI, DOOSHIMA(KISS FM OAP)

LOVELIES

JESSE JAGS AND ICE PRINCE

ELVIS(PLAY RECORDS) AND ELDEE

ALHASSAN(SIDIBESPOKE COUTURE) AND GIRLFRIEND EMIKAY

ELDEE THRILLING

NKAMI ARMON(NOKIA)

ROCKERS ALERT

NOBLE AND KINGS OF COMEDY ALIBABA AND JULIUS AGWU

OVER EXCITED FAN!!!(LOL)

ELDEE AND WHIZKID

SLUSHING.....

ALIBABA, DENRELE AND MATILDA DUNCAN(RHYTHM FM OAP)

SLUSHING AND HAVING A BLAST

UTI(BBA)

SLUSHING....

SLUSHING.....

COOL TEES!!!

#CITYCRAWLER has predicted the rise of the Abuja Scene, so for those of you who missed Slu..sh this weekend you have an oppurtunity to party like its 1971! yay! seriously guys, this saturday abuja lights up in cool 70s colour as Delphino Ent host the hottest of the hottest to PULSE!!! Wigs are already selling fast and costumes are being ordered. city crawler proudly supports and will be there to capture the event, the costumes(Hits and Misses). Save the Date, its Saturday the 3rd!

kisses every1

No Need to skip town..... its on this weekend in ABUJA!

2010-03-26T05:40:00.000-07:00

Some things will always remain a mystery, like where did the pyramids come from? Is there life outside of earth and why are Abuja guys so prone to bachelorhood? but this blog is not about any of that.

In approx 5 days. The first quarter of 2010 will come to an end and already my predictions are coming true (I love when im right). I told you that a time will come when you really wont need to rush out of Abuja when the weekend approaches because there will be enough happening here to keep you totally ‘bounced’.

And today is the start of the weekend……..So get ready!

First off is VERVE!
FOUNDER OF GLOBAL FASHION WEBSITE INTRODUCES VERVE TO ABUJA
Michele Obi founder of international fashion and beauty blog myfashionlife.com is introducing exclusive fashion event Verve! which offers customers one of a kind clothing and accessories from top designers including, Jimmy Choo, Versace, Luella, Anya Hindmarch and more. sale will be held between 11am – 7pm on Friday 26th March to Sunday 28th March 2010 held at:B-Natural30 Mediterranean StreetImani EstateMaitama,Abuja.

later Friday Night its on at EDEN VIP

‘VIP Membership Card Launch’

EDEN VIP and Moet & Chandon Champagne have come together to launch the exclusive VIP membership card. Be part of the lifestyle and celebrate the release of the card with guest DJ’s and celebrity guests. 100 cards will be given to the founding members and selected VIPs. Join us this night and celebrate the birth of the EDEN VIP lifestyle.
Friday 26th March 2010 from 10.30pm

ITS THE LAST SATURDAY Y'ALL, so do your bit in keeping your surroundings clean then you can start the day with the BIKER BOYZ STUNTS SHOW in front of CEDDI PLAZA from 1pm, im sure expecting heart pumping excitement and raw fun, i will be there.

the Verve sales continues thru to sunday......

but there is also the FUSION sALES

FUSION: A Fashion and Beauty Event
Date 27th March 2010
Venue Yar’Adua Center Abuja
Time 12 -7pm
This edition promises to be bigger and better than the first one with fashion and beauty staples for ladies, men and kids.
It features designs from: dzyN couture, Tai, House of Silk, Phunkafrique, House of Marie, Coco’ Couture and Urban Style.
Other participants include Kazelo, The Source,TM Lewin, Soulskin, Literati, Fully Charged, Ola accessories, Gemstones, Pillow talk, Sleek JamesLULLY, Fabrica, Mi Regalio, Jiddas pride and so much more!
There will also be FUSION salon for fast fixes run by Kazelo, a photostudio for instant mini photshoots run by Croft studios in association with Sleek and other services.
Lots to eat and drink by Cake Swirl, Suhjuiced etc
There will be a fantastic goodie bag for the first person to spend N50000 and above.
See you at the show!

Now For SATURDAY NIGHT which is higly anticipated, as a matter of fact, the Air is charged for these Two Events.....
SLu....sh and the highly anticipated Album launch of Jesse jags

Slush host Mr Eldee as he introduces his brand new album to the Abuja Scene

As for jesse, we all love his 'wetin dey' so lets see what other hits he has up his sleeves.
i am more interested in what happens during the event so ill be hitting you with all the juicy tipbits of what went down on friday and saturday.

if you are bored on sunday evening, drive by Soho Lounge, the Karaoke night is off the ******* and off course you can also catch a movie before the weekend is over and you get back to the Grind, just txt CINEMA to 33543 and all the info will be sent to you for only N50.

if you spot the city crawler, please please say hi, id love to meet you.....
kisses every 1

iTS About the BUJ!!!

2010-03-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

Its about Abuja!

Y3s!

The city crawler magazine was unveiled last Saturday, but well enough of that, I need a break from editing articles, stories, pictures and even gossip. I have the best of the best of the best of the crop of writers but like I said, I’m taking a break from CC news magazine matters to blog,(one of my faV things to do).
I abandoned my blog a little. I’m sorry. It was not intentional, being editor of a magazine is nothing like I thought it would be, so much responsibility, it’s like having a new born,(enough of the mag oooh) this blog is about what’s been up and what will be on in a couple of days.

First up, you might not know Uchie the African Rockstar, but you should. He is talented, he is a fantastic singer and he is gorgeous. ok skip the gorgeous part cos he is now taken, his wedding held on the 20th of march in Abuja and it was well attended by the coolest of the coolest in the capital, the two love birds have been together forever and we are happy they made it, we wish them a happy happy life and many many healthy kids, not too many sha, we are in a recession.

THE HAPPY COUPLE

Line up for this weekend…..

Slu….ush Party in Abuja – Friday march 26th 2010 with Mr Eldee of ‘isityourmoney’ fame…

Jesse jags album launch – Saturday march 27th 2010

Abuja is agog, watch this space….....

In Abuja.... HOW TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE

2010-03-15T02:22:00.000-07:00

I came to Abuja reluctantly but falling in love with it happened very fast. I Craved the Fast paced life of the ultimate Cosmopolitan city in Nigeria, Lagos, but life had other plans for me. Its hard not to love Abuja. its clean, it quiet, its safe and in here hides the proverbial golden fleece, because here, with hardwork, vision and determination you can achieve in a few short months what it takes others longer time to achieve. Ok, a bit farfetched; maybe luck, knowing the right people, getting a good contract can put you in the right path to Success whether financial, political or emotional.

I didn’t Get Lagos, but I got my dream job, working in PR, Advertising and Events……. This set the ball rolling and in 3 years I had set up my own PR/Events Firm, White Rabbit Concept Ng. Abuja was an emerging market and the need for a dynamic firm like that came at just the right time, if I do say so myself…… I enjoyed my job tremendously and worked with the most enthusiastic people the industry had to offer here in Abuja, Lagos and around the country. It was in the cause of running the Firm that I realize that there was another need in the life of people that live here. A Guide!

If there is one thing I know about the city, it’s that people migrated to Abj from all over and the underlying reason is to earn a living. This translates to, NO TIME. Bankers who close at 9pm,monday to Monday; NGO Workers who are constantly travelling, Civil Servant who leave the office straight home and students who are stashed away in Gwagwalada. Most importantly, the international community who crawling around without a guide is one of the scariest notions for them. You will be surprised at how ‘where to buy a birthday cake’ or ‘where to listen to a jazz band’ is a very important question in this city.

CITY CRAWLER was borne out of this need. I decided, well I have these information, why not put it out there to help people and make their life much easier. The Guide started as Facebook notes, then the CC Blog and soon to Start CC on Radio. But on Saturday the 13th of March, we unveiled the cover of the 1st issue of City Crawler News-Magazine, a 12 page, newspaper formatted magazine which we intend to publish weekly.

We appreciate the tremendous support we have received so far on the Blog and we promise all our readers first rate blazing read, strictly original. we intend to keep our audience fascinated and our advertisers happy.

CITYCRAWLER UNVEILING EVENT IN PICTURES......

LETS HEAR IT FOR CC......

eVENT HOST, mATILDA DUNCAN OF RHYTHM FM AND TIENG GANG OF KISS FM ABUJA

SHIFI AND SUNKY OF STYL+ WITH PUBLISHER

dEBOLA WILLIAMS OF FUTURE AWARDS AND GUESTS

SSG CROSS RIVER STATE AND SA TO GOV, INTER GOVT AFFAIRS CRS

REFRESHMENT FOR GUEST

A SERENADE BY SHIFI STYL+ AND LINDSEY

UNVEILING

THE new CITY CEAWLER NEWS-MAGAZINE will hits stands on the @6th of March 2010. All you want to know about Abuja, the City, The Business, The people. A mag that will tell you what has been going on in the past 7days and what to expect in the next.....
FOR aDVERTISERS - we will make your dream of visibility come true

more pictures http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=207376&id=650708905&comments

FOR THE LADIES........ best places

2010-03-04T05:12:00.000-08:00

(Another Ressurected Post)

'there is no right or wrong only opinion'. this is strictly the opinion of the city crawler, and FYI i did not get paid to do this so its unbaised, and i consider it a service to my blogdom.
ENJOY and i hope you find it helpful.

BEST PLACES FOR;
1.fix nails - styles- 411 plaza
2.get original brazilian weave; sydneys -omega center
3. fix hair: Efe At his salon
4. Braid hair: strands ot the market
5. get a goog hair cut: famaks or Barber shop
6: get good quality cosmetics: cyreene makeup lounge and perfect trust cosmetics
7. nice jeans: silky boutique
8. shoes: beautiful shoes
9. assesories: for gold- wuse market, for eclectic- eyza 08059162914
10. bodycare products- perfect trust
11. afterwork drinks- BC *with the girls - la dolce vita
12. ladies night out: let your hair down go crazy and not be disturbed or harrassed- Eden VIP or Play
13. ladies lunch- salamanda
14. bags and cluches- several places but try silky boutique
15. sew traditional- Dzyn, if u have plenty money atampa(i dont know how they always get it spot on)
16. buy fresh produce- market or farmers market @ maitama
17. lingerie- shop @ ceddi or lingerie&sex toys y'all need to check out sylpherotica at area 11
18. chocolate- dunes
19. perfume- Sweet scents ASG plaza,upstairs
20. gift for him- Mode element store
21. gyneacologist- Limi hospital
22. spa and beauty treatement- Serenity Spa or Bnatural
23. fashion magazine with wearable clothes and nice articles- INSTYLE
23. magazine for getting latest ankara atyles- city people fashion and style
24. most woman friendly gym- peniel apartment gym
25. most woman friendly club- hmmmmmm, btw Eden and Play
26. most woman friendly condom- popular opinion(gold circle condom,NAFDAC)
27. get nice dresses(all occasions)- 1001 ideas
28. office clothes- everyone says ashers but i just pick pieces around
29. cool flat shoes and slippers: walking faith
30. shop and lunch: grand square
31. sunday after church- hilton buffet(if you want)or suhjuiced
32. boring saturday- go swimming or bowling or play nitendo wii @ the dome
33. for your kids- wonderland, MAP or ceddi plaza
34. cool date- chez victor or vanilla resturant (quiet)
35. where not to go alone at night(esp if you are not a natural crawler)- area 11, zone 4, hilton and excellensio

P.S feel free to agree or disagree and also add your best places, the info will be helpful and will spice this up.

The Rise of the Abuja Scene........

2010-03-03T04:23:00.000-08:00

(i wrote this a while ago but i just ressurected it to share with my blogerians)
ENJOY!

I am no writer and to be honest I have no right to write about what I write about, but I am a self acclaimed City Crawler and I have chosen the unique and beautiful city of Abuja to prowl, both day and night. I make it my busy body business to know exactly what is going down at every point in time in every sector. Ask me about Abuja, I know, because I am the City Crawler. Well as introductions go, this is my bit.

Lagos Lagos Lagos, no one is in competition with Lagos oh, it is a peculiar town and the people who live there are a peculiar people. There is a saying, that if u can survive in Lagos, you can survive anywhere, I agree. I can pick a true Lagos person out from a crowd, except for those ones that are naturally slowies (a word I came up with to describe, well slow people, dull people). Comparisons have been made several times, I wonder why, seeing that Lagos has almost 100years ahead of Abuja, as well as all the multinationals and opportunities available, a true cosmopolitan city .But Abuja is a fast developing hub. In the not so distant past only politicians, federal civil servants and university of Abuja students lived here. And mostly, not by choice but by necessity. Others came and went, contractors came got their papers signed and hurried back home. Land was cheap, transport was cheap, and living in Abuja was no biggie. Until suddenly, we started noticing holdups at traffic lights and that’s when it dawn that the people are coming......

There are many more reasons to visit the FCT and many more opportunities available than ever before. Whether u are taking a few days out or cozily settling in to building a life here, there is something to keep you happy LIVING in Abuja, as long as you want to and are open to possibilities. Nigerians have come from all over to settle here, they are migrating in droves because other major cities are already saturated and Abuja embraces every one as a true no man’s land, we are loving it. If u follow this blog you will see the evolution of Abuja from the eyes of the city crawler, I will make it my life purpose to bring the FCT to you, no matter the part of the country you are. The music scene, the fashion scene, recreation, hospitality, nightlife, politics, etc

My prediction is that Abuja city will become A major capital, not only of the country but also for everything else …….. this might seem a bit farfetched but it will feel very good seeing my prediction come to reality just like im sure Donald Duke of the CRS fame smiles to bed every night.

Move over Lagos......

A Fashionista's Take on Abuja City....

2010-02-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

Meet Cynthia...

She has lived On/Off in Abuja since 1993. Woooow!
Schooled in Scotland but has been back for about a year. Couldn’t resist asking this gorgeous fashionista HR consultant about Abuja: How it was, How she sees it now and What she want it to be…….
She was an absolute delight to talk to….. Enjoy!

CC : Where do you like to hang?
Cynthia: I love La Dolce Vita in Wuse 2 because after work you want to have a nice drink in an atmosphere that has nice young people, and have decent conversations with music that is loud enough to enjoy and low enough to encourage for chit chat.

Dinner: if I have to go out for dinner, i usually go to la dolce vita cos im there anyways, but once a week I go to Chez Victor with my cousin and family.

Fun: fun for me has evolved over the past year. It use to be basically clubbing, my favourites were tucano, soho and I kindda like play because I find the young crowd very interesting. I go to eden too because I love the DJ.
But recently fun for me has been more private and entertaining stuff like karaoke Night at soho where I go every Sunday with my sisters and my friends.

CYNTHIA(in blue) WITH FRIENDS ON KARAOKE NIGHT

Sunday Afternoon: people are always looking to fill this time up and its usually boring…….
My friends and I bring our monopoly and other board games to salamanda and then we watch the salamanda movies too.

CC: Being Back in Abuja after a 3 years Hiatus, what do u miss?
Cynthia: The free roads. Abuja use to be traffic free and u could go from house to work in 5 short minutes, but now there I traffic at every major turn, its frustrating. But I hear they r working on that particular problem.

CC:What do you think Abuja should have:
Cynthia: Abuja is too contract based. There are no real industries and coporate organizations and the few here are head quatered in lagos or other states, thus you see a lot of young people especially young women hanging around doing nothing. Lots of ideas but no funds or encouragement and their ideas never see the light of day.
And then I think there should be more malls, more recreational activities and Art galleries should showcase Nigerian art, not art imported from Kenya or Ghana and other citys in Africa. A lot of expertriates and foreigners and sometimes even indigenes are on the look out for indigenous Nigerian art but hardly find.

CC: if there is one place you will ENDORSE for people coming in from out of town or even for Abuja resident to try out….. what place will that be?
La Dolce Vita!
Fantastic service, wonderful ambience, good food, lovely crowd. They serve Italian and Nigerian dishes and in my opinion they have the best pizza in Abuja.

N.B Cynthia is an Independent HR consultant and her clients include, Coporate organizations, develovement and funding agencies, NGOs and Private placements. she can be contacted throught the CC.

A lil Sumtin' Sumtin for my Readers.....

2010-02-19T22:35:00.000-08:00

City Crawler a lil sumtin sumtin for my Readers..... call it a lat valentine gift. kisses.

ZAIN - 5684 7477 1823 6047

ETISALAT - 769 564 440 895 175

(please if you are the lucky loader, leave a comment or txt me on 08037135829, i have another surprise for you)

#CItyCRawler this Weekend - How To Beat The Heat.....

2010-02-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

Can you believe this heat?

Its 44 degrees in the capital.(yikes)
For the past couple of days, Abuja has been terribly terrible hot, humid and irritating. I hear this complain from everyone, even people who go from AC house to AC car to AC office. PHCN is not helping matters, at least if there was Electricity it wouldn’t be so bad. I cant wait for the rain…. It wont change much but at least we will have a much cooler weather.

So in city crawler style, I have decided to suggest to you 2 ways you can beat the heat this weekend. Enjoy!

Clothing!!!!
You spent Monday to Friday sporting suits, shirts, and generally portraying a corporate look, well lucky for you, weekend is work free so why not take this time to wear that Tank Top and Short that you have been dying to wear. Or the gypsy dress that leaves your body free to breath. I know that there is no guy on this planet(I exaggerate Yes) that doesn’t have a light tee and Bermuda or Cargo shorts. Don’t be shy about your skinny calfs jo, its too hot for anyone to notice. These are light easy clothing that you can wear anywhere and anytime and look really good while at it.

Activity…
So we don’t have a beach or anything, but if there is one thing Abuja has in ample quantity its hotels and most of the hotels have pools. So if you are just a struggling young lass like me and don’t have a pool in your back yard (yet…) then head over to any of the great hotels around and have fun in their swimming pool, cos what better way to beat the heat than with cool refreshing water, either sipping it or soaking in it. If you are down with the mall thing, thats cool, because most of them are fully air-conditioned especially the Movie Cinema where some times I actually think they want to kill people with Cold…….

So ill be out crawling, might run into you…..
Ta and have Fun!

N.B – For cool Tees and Tank tops for guys and girls, I recommend THE CLOSET Boutique
The TECHNO Event is on at EDEN VIP on Saturday night, so if you liked the Black Eyed Peas ‘BOOM BOOM POW’ then this event is for you.

CITYCRAWLER POLL

2010-02-16T02:40:00.000-08:00

we now about abuja but we want to know what you think about abuja. so for our first poll we have this question....

wHATS tHE bEST rADIO sTATION iN aBUJA? and Why?
(you know all the options so leave a comment or txt your answer to 08037135829)

thanks and best regards from CC

bACK tO tHE LIFE tHAT iS uS..... ceLEBRATIONS ovER

2010-02-15T04:35:00.000-08:00

Oh my! Where did all the red go?

Abuja city is back to its green old self as Valentine brought many days of celebration (starting from Sallah in November to Christmas/New year) to an end. Even this morning on Radio, we were not laden with the sappy, mushy music that has been playing all week to get us into the spirit of love. The music got so depressing at some point that I almost sued Kiss FM for damages. But this morning, its back to normal music, normal (bad) news, normal craziness that is the life of us. Yes we are looking forward to the Easter celebs but that’s not for another 40 days (yes I’m catholic).

So how did valentine/birthday weekend go? Awesome will be an understatement.
But before I give the Bday gist I have a question to ask Abuja. Why do we always complain about boredom and nothing to do? No nice events, blab la bla and then people put together a fantastic event, advertise it to the high heavens and turnout is poor, Why people? Why? I’m bothered. So on Saturday evening just before heading to EDEN VIP, I stopped by at the Professionals Rock event which had acts like Wande Coal, Jesse Jags, Lord of Ajasa and a host of other hot artiste on their line up and I was astounded at what I saw. Decoration, 100%, performances 110%, planning 100%, attendance was very poor. It’s discouraging. There were very few people there to appreciate this lovely event that had Omo Baba as the compeer. This very funny comedian held his own, and there was not even 1 minute dull moment. I particularly loved the performance from Jesse Jags who is set to take the music industry by storm, I too Cant wait for his Grammy night. I spotted Mr Audu Maikori, CEO of chocolate City (the label that rap sensation MI Abaga and Jesse Jags are on)
Wande Coal has always been a favorite and his performances are always spectacular which goes to show that he prepares adequately for that. Fantastic entertainer I must say. Lucky me, I ran into him later that morning and he sang happy birthday to me, his voice brought tears to my eyes and I screamed like a true groupie…….

Speaking of birthday…….

Mola Kalejaiye of Blaquestar consult and Emikay Ogbeidi of The Closet, were also celebrating so we all shared the day together. EDEN VIP was gracious enough to host us and a lot of our friends and clients turned out to toast and party to a very good year ahead. I want to name names, but instead ill say, you all rock and Abuja rocks, and we will keep it going and we will hold it down just right(I sound like a rapper).
BIRTHDAY GIRLS

EIC STYLE AND GRACE MAGAZINE

PR LADIES

OAP KISS FM - TYENG GANG

FUTURE DIPLOMAT

MY SEXY ALANTA

RAN INTO ANOTHER BIRTHDAY MATE

ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER

LOVELY GUEST

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!!!!

(EVerybodys picture should be here but im not good with the camera and this were the only ones that came out ok, ill hire a professional next time.)

thats all folks..... lots is happening in Abj, ill keep u posted.
kisses every one.

VALENTine Week.......

2010-02-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

The Crowd that showed up for Comedy Karaoke was unprecedented. But not too surprising though, Abuja Residents are hungry for something new, for something different from the usual forms of recreation that we are accustomed to. And in this Event, the usual rules did not apply.

If you have been following this blog you will know that the event “COMEDY KARAOKE “ hosted by White Rabbit Concept was held on Sunday and as the name implies, the Audience were the Comedians. I was impressed at the amount of people who stepped up to the spotlight to participate. Abuja people have been accused of being highly inhibited but given the right reason they will shake it off and get on stage.
Awesome ideas like this start small and then catch on like wild fire before anyone knows what hit them. Comedy karaoke started out the valentine week and did a pretty good job bringing people together, later in the week counting down to Feb 14th, there are several events being hosted in the capital, every bar, lounge, club, restaurant and fast food place has something planned, so whatever works for you. You can also reach out to the city crawler on 08037135829 or send an e-mail to ijokeagu@mtnnigeria.blackberry.com and we will give you information and help you with ideas on how to spend Valentines Weekend.

My personal Favorites for Valentine though:
• A special package trip to the beautiful Coast of Benin – please call 08036240620

• Professional Rocks – this holds on Saturday d’ 13th and has acts like Wande coal, and Comedian Omo Baba as part of their lineup of celeb entertainers.

• The 70s themed Valentine party – this is hosted by casa rerri , maitama on the 13th of February and yes, u get to dress up.

• Oriental express offers couples a special valentine package at their Chinese restaurant.

All I see is fun! Fun! Fun!
And for those of you who are single like me, get ready to party at Eden VIP this Sunday at 12AM, you might not get presents from that special someone but you will have fun rolling with me on Vals Morning because its my birthday and the CityCrawler knows how to get a party started.

Ta!
(Pictures from the Comedy Karaoke Event will be loaded up soon, and the CC Cam is shooting at fashionistas this valentine, i hear the theme color is Red, yep everyone loves a lady in Red). my eyes are open, my minions are on the look out and the information we will be bringing you, well you simply cant get it anywhere else.....

THE STYLIST, THE SHY BILLIONAIRE AND DON JAZZY AGAIN…. FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE.

2010-02-06T00:16:00.000-08:00

Good morning Abuja and Every one, Air Kiss – (muaah)

Its been a stressful week, so I decided to go out on a limb and hit the town city crawler style. My usual plan is An hour in every spot. First Stop – Eden VIP and I was stuck!

There are a lot of people that will never ever go out unless they are in the company of friends, I am not one of those people, I am bold, I am confident and I know how to get a party started; Eden was a perfect fit for me last night.
This Club has evolved a lot, in less than a year it has become an entertainment/Fashionistas Hub. Last night at Eden was exactly that. What makes a good night out really? Good music, Good Company and a flow of cocktails which this club is famous for.

There is a certain inhibition that hunts Abuja party crowd. my judgments are severe but I will not put a label on it. You go out on a Friday night after a crazy week and hope to dance the night away and everyone is seated or maybe just giving a few sublime moves hoping not to be considered ‘Razz’. But the secret of letting go of this inhibition is the right environment, when you know that you are rocking with the right crowd under the right roof.

Music - This is the year of Don Jazzy!!!! I say that because his beats rule the air waves in every single club or party. Last year’s music is last year’s music, still jamming and all, but what is that song that you ‘jump to’? There you go……. Whether you are popping champagne or trying to get close to that girl that ‘there is something about’ he has the music to get you going. I can boldly say that Don Jazzy and his Mo Hits crew are a music Phenomenon, and you can take that to the bank.

Fashionistas on the loose!!!!! You know the thing about fashion is it thrives as any art thrives; by evolving, embracing new ideas and of course giving its audience a grandeur version of themselves. In the past, Abuja party crowd were not really big on Dressing up for a night out, but nowadays looking good assures you of a free passage into the snazziest club, and Eden packed a punch last night thanks to the Stylish Alhassan who never goes wrong even in jeans and tees. This is 1 guy to look out for, cos when his designs hit the runway we will be going…Dolce who? I was able to spot a few ladies and guys who where bold and fashion forward and added a certain beauty to the club by just being there, a particular couple caught my attention, the guy sporting a bow tie and the lady a glittering engagement ring that could have blinded me, nice.

He is tall, not dark, and handsome. But shy(the cute type of shy). This handsome owner of Eden VIP is one to watch, cos the business of keeping people entertained is crazy(ask dbanj and Mr B) but he is steadily creeping into our skin, and in just a few short months he has created a social network that u will be fool not to tap into. Why is Eden VIP not trending??????(he he he he he)

The long and short of this story - I had crazy Fun last night, and since my minions at all the other clubs had nothing to report, I’m guessing the other clubs didn’t offer anything new. Shout out to all the people who made my night, Onoja and his lovely Bride, Timmyjibe, Alkasim, Aniekan, Chukwuma, Chinasa, Chika, Oje, Alfred, Osa and a special shout out to the DJ, Eden has gotten it right with this one.
I apologise for not bringing pictures, the night was unplanned, but I will carry my City Crawler Cam everywhere I go from now on.
Oh and by the way – Onyinye You Missed! And where was my Girl, the lovely Isi??
See you all on Sunday. (Air Kiss, Air Kiss)

SINGLE IN THE CITY – NO NEED TO CANCEL VALENTINE

2010-02-03T22:35:00.000-08:00

Relationships are failing; it’s the norm around this period. First Christmas and then Valentine. Toasting resumes immediately after. If you think the 14th is about True Love, then you are a true slowie in 2010. Consumerism rules, commercialization rules, presents rules and it gets worse every year and this year is no different even with words like recession and meltdown firmly planted in our vocabulary. So if your partner found an excuse to ‘break-up’ or ‘be on a break’ this period cos he didn’t have money to buy you a Nintendo Wii, too late to travel because all the flights are booked, then I’ll give you a list of fun things you can do and cool places you can hang out that will keep your mind off things and assure you have a blast in the capital city this Valentine! Enjoy.

All the restaurants, lounges and clubs in Abuja have something special planned for resident who will not be exiting. It is my duty to keep u posted and I will.

("COMEDY KARAOKE" - SUNDAY FEB 7TH, CELEBRITY LOUNGE,NANET SUITES FROM 6.30PM)

City Crawler Goes To School

2010-02-02T00:20:00.000-08:00

A lot of people think that the work I do is borne out of passion. Well that is correct. But I also had a beautiful foundation. I studied literature under Mr shina badaru in JSS2 and he made me love the subject so so much. I proceeded to study Theatre Arts in the Prestigious Theatre Arts Department (the best) of the University of Calabar. My teachers, Prof Kalu Uka, Dr Iji. Dr Enendu and Mr Orok, for 4 years schooled me THOROUGHLY and built up my passion to what it is today, a full blown career in the Media and Public Relations. But this story is not my Autobiography, its about an incident that happened one day in the premises of the University.

If you went to a University like mine, you will know that student were divided into 3 parts, Cool Crowd, Efficos and SU. Of course we all know what the ‘Cool Crowd’ means but for the sake of my foreign readers, ‘Efficos’ were the bookworms, night class, tie and suit wearing students. They usually made Class Rep and SUG(student union) Presidents. ‘SU’ were Scripture Union , this were the scarf tying, bible carrying, fellowship attending students. There were other categories, but my story today is about an Effico.

One morning, I got to school quite early. As I got off the bike at the bike stand, I heard a racket and edged closer to find out. A student (Effico) dressed in chinos trousers, stripped shirt and an awkwardly short tie was engaged in an argument with a Bike man aka Alalok(in Calabar) and Okada(in lagos).

*Bike man – it is N40 from orok orok junction to library…..
*Effico – How? Abeg take your N30 jo (at this point Effico turns to an onlooker and starts explaining the situation. Then point to the bike man and says)
‘Look at this individual’!
(The bike man is suddenly enraged, gets off his bike, swings it aside and hold the Effico by the throat and screams at him ) *‘ama kod eyen individual’ – translation – you called me individual???

Poor uneducated bike man, heard the big word, individual, and felt it was an insult. The whole misunderstanding was queeled and we dispersed to our classes. I have never forgotten that day and I tell that joke to my friends all the time and I am always assured a roar of laughter.

Its not just this joke I learnt during my time in Calabar, I do a very good Ibibio/efik impression and imitation and cos of this all my friends think I’m funny. I also have friends that make me laugh anytime they open their mouth to say something – good, bad, yab or even dirty. They are just so hilarious. Bill, Inieke, Jude, Ukeme, Gbenga, Ulabi, Muji, Farrah,Gang, Onoja, Tony, Kola, Audu, Q – for some reason they could be on stage performing, but they have day jobs.

So do have experiences from your time in school, from working with hilarious colleagues or living in a disfuntional household (I mean this is the fondest of ways) that you will like to share? Come Sunday the 7th of February, you will have an opportunity. White Rabbit Concept is introducing a fresh new concept “COMEDY KARAOKE ‘ . If you think you are funny, if you’ve got jokes then this is a perfect relaxation for you. It works like actual karaoke but in this case, you will be cracking jokes not singing (feel free to sing though). There will be an in-house comedian to get u in the mood and prizes for everyone who participates. A lil bird told me they have a blackberry to give out to the best joke of the evening.

This Concept was created to fill an existing gap in Abuja social culture; we always complain of same ol’ same ol’. Well this is something different and it is family friendly. So bring your mama, your papa, your husband your wives , your boss, your colleagues and come relax and even network on a Sunday evening. Who knows, I might get on stage and give the bike man joke, believe me, it’s funnier when you hear it……

Kisses every 1 and see you Sunday.

Reporting For CITY CRAWLER - an interesting read..

2010-01-30T01:29:00.000-08:00

#CITYCRAWLER loved this write-up so much she just had to put it up.
(this is the first contribution to this blog, please feel free to send in your, thoughts, experiences and anything you deem worthy. enjoy you read)

IF YOU DONT WANT TO GET BEAT.......
by Miss Zee

So, it’s Thursday night once again, and armed with my blue stilettos and matching mascara (yeah! I know I’m weird) I head off to play sports lounge. Now, the only passable reason why you wouldn’t know that ‘’play’’ absolutely owns Thursday night is if you don’t live in the Federal Capital... (Doesn’t mean you are still forgiven though)...

The club is banging as usual... All the beautiful people are out and looking hawt... Drinks flowing in and out like a river and the DJ is killing it... I am really having a fantabulous time and rocking to the beat, checking out who’s hot... and who’s not... when, suddenly, I hear the crash of a bottle from somewhere behind me in the V.I.P area. I really don’t feel the need for any alarm because I am thinking it has to be one of the usual overzealous dancers type bump into a table kind of scenario... when, yet again, the crash is followed by another and another and now, I have really got to see what is happening... I climb onto a sofa (my apologies to the owners) and I spy with my mini eye that a fight has broken out... It’s sort of funny really, because it’s like some scene from one of those cowboy movies... Everything is happening so fast... Punches are being thrown here and there... Some dude who apparently appears to be the ‘’bad guy’’ in the situation is pushed to the floor and boys are all trying to quell tempers and the girls clutching at their purses and looking ready to beat it.. (Lol!! ) When the security men come in, break it up and take the boys outside. I have to hand it to the security folks; they were in as quick as lightening (talk about rapid response).

Now, of course, a perfectly good party had been ruined as a bundle of people quickly scurried out of the place. Some die hard loyalists still hung around though and the DJ didn’t even miss a beat... The music is still uber upbeat. And, that’s when miss zee (cest moi) decided to scoop around for some info...

The story goes forth, some certain big boy import from Lagos (let’s call him Chu) while popping champagne in the club asides from spilling most or all of it on the floor and on the people around (annoying if you are not friends) decided it would be a good idea to hurl the empty bottle in the air (trying out for Guinness records maybe) and this bottle landed on an Abuja big boy (let’s call him Abb)... Apparently Chu was warned about his antics but what’s that adage again about the dog that doesn’t listen to his masters whistle.... he did it yet again... and that was how the brawl began... Abb stepped up to Chu and punched him. Chu’s friends of course joined in trying to protect their friend and Abb’s friends wouldn’t be outdone either. The irony of the situation is that Chu even tripped and fell on the champs he poured on the floor and was pounced on (That would teach him not to wet tile)... Anyway, the boys actually caused a whole lot of a ruckus and I really don’t even want to begin to estimate how much glass they broke and damage done (Erm... hope they are made to pay for it) before they were whisked out. Anyway, according to my source, the fight was continued on the outside (loved my face way too much to go investigate).

My personal hero of the day though, is the DJ who didn’t stop the good stuff coming... And rest assured, play is such a nice club that I don’t think this 1 incident would make a dent... The morale of the story though is, “if u don’t want to get beat.... please, do stick to champagne in a glass and down your throat...”

And that’s yet another Thursday in the capital city...

#CityCrawler - 2017(my vent)

2010-01-27T13:08:00.000-08:00

I live in Wuse, lucky me. It’s a very big advantage for me as the City Crawler, considering it takes me approximately 5 minutes to get to anywhere in Abuja and maybe 10 to 15 minutes to get to the out skirts. But tonight I knew what it felt like to be a Lagos resident, to come home, tired, hungry, frustrated and burned out. I was stuck in traffic.

This was no normal traffic; it was borne out of everyone’s need to ‘ENTER FIRST’. Allow me to explain. I live near the NNPC mega station and for some reason the road to my house gets totally blocked when there is a little bit of queue, so you can imagine the lunatic line of cars that formed due to panic buying or where the queues really back?

On Saturday, the love of my life (don’t get ahead of yourself, I’m talking about my mom) came into town and she asked me to take her somewhere, her driver didn’t know the way. complained of fuel and she asked me why I didn’t just go to Wuye, so to wuye I went and queued for 2 minutes and I got a full tank.
So what was this 1 hour hold up about???????

Eugenia Abu – yes, that Eugenia Abu, Ace Broadcaster, Writer and one of the women I admire, published a book recently ( she has new work out though). A particular story in her collection of short stories titled ‘ In the blink of an eye’ caught my attention. I didn’t pay attention in class that day when the title of the story was said but the reason that story caught my attention was because;

1. It was the year of my birth and
2. It was almost as if she wrote it just a few days before

The story was about Fuel Crises!

She described very clearly, the drama taking place in the petrol station. The common man struggling to get into the line, the quiet civil servant queuing, the military man jumping the queue, the line up of jerry cans, yellow, white, blue. The army officers with their long whips, to brutalize anyone who came in their way. That was 1983. I experience all this tonight while waiting for traffic to move. I could see my house, but I was stuck there. I am typical Abuja, 5 – 10minutes transit. For me, this was torture. All becasuse...

Nigeria is 50 on the 1st of October. What happened with vision 2010??? What happened to food for all by the year 2000? We should be telling a different story by now, don’t you think??? Where do we take these questions to?????\

I believe in Nigeria, I believe in Nigerians. But I don’t want my child to listen to fela’s music in 2017 or read this blog years fron now and consider it Apt like i did Eugenia's story. I want them to wonder, what are this old folks on about, but our country is perfect, was Nigeria ever like how they describe?
I hate questions……….

Ace Broadcaster, Writer, Poet, Mother, Wife - Eugenia Abu and CC

#CItyCRawler - Out on the Town.......Uber Exciting...

2010-01-23T12:45:00.001-08:00

People get super religious when they are afraid. Have you ever been on a plane and there is major turbulence and even the hardest looking individual starts screaming ‘blood of jesus’, well this is how this felt…..

So like I said last Saturday, my Out In The City Series is about discovering alternative ways to recreation and fun in Abuja besides, partying and alchohol intake. Last week was about football, this Saturday, along with 2 of my CC Partners, I headed out to an amusement park, strategically located in central business district.
My 2 partners – Onyinye, who is CC contributor for Buzz Worthy

And bill – who is cc contributor and presenter cc on radio.

We had a fabulous time, lots of screams and wild laughter, not just from us, but from other visitors who came by. Next weekend #CIty Crawler is going Rowing at the Jabi lake but that’s not all, I have a big surprise for you all. Enjoy the picture story......
Getting on the Pirate Ship

Pirate Ship

not so innocent mouse

Roughest Ride

visitors

Smile And Wave for City Crawler...

scariest ride!!!!

still screaming....

Caught on CC Camera...

Eden VIP Secuirity Agent, Unwinding.....

Stephenie and Bill - strapping on...

Sharing a Kiss with Mr Tin Man

Hitching a Ride Home

Heading Home - #CITYCRAWLERS - Pheew!!!

Kisses Every one.....

So....About Last Night.......and later this weekend :-)

2010-01-22T02:08:00.000-08:00

I have a weakness.

Ok I take that back, I have several weaknesses, Magazines, The Hermes Birkin, Chocolate covered waffles and a certain someone. But last night I think I have discovered a new weakness.

‘DESIGNATED DRIVER’.

‘Designated Driver’ is the delicious alcohol-free cocktail I was offered when my Amebo legs took me to Café 24 at 4am to find out if really and truly it is a 24 hour service café. I was delighted to find out that the kitchen was fully functional till the early hours of the morning, trust me I ordered the hardest thing on the menu. The staff were not irritable or snappy and honestly you can have whatever you like (mimicking T.I). Two other gentlemen had the same idea as me and came by for a quick after hours fix, and from the looks on their faces, I could tell they enjoyed their meal very much. As a typical Nigerian, I went there skeptical, bracing myself to report doom, but came away impressed. Even the charming café owner, Dayo, was hands on to make any ‘night crawler’ who wandered in as comfortable as possible. How’s that for service. Let’s hear it for C24!

The Evening Went well generally, the Crowd at Play was, (for lack of a better word) ‘WOOOW’. But! The only down side – and I assure you there was only 1 downside - There were too many men. I wonder why? Is it because its Bring Your Own Booze (BYOB) night or because women haven’t caught on to the night life yet? Well, the cool people were there and they had a blast. I was even lucky to get some scoop on some socialites on our Radar (gist coming soon). I got a feeling the DJ is beefing our very own Jesse Jags, his songs just kept going off, why ? DJ, Why? Or does it mean that his CD is cracking due to plenty of play???? That’s a good thing oh. Listen up for Jesse J when City Crawler on Radio hits the scene.

Next stop was Sheraton hotels and towers were Aqua Night Club is located. All I’m going to say about Aqua is, next Thursday go and check Aqua out because my fingers cannot type what I saw there. Its honestly up to you.

Driving home, I passed through Adetokumbo Ademola and Excellensio of course was groovy up until the early hours, I wonder how they do it.

So if you missed out Thursday night, no worries, today is the start of a groovy Party weekend. Girls Gone Wild at one of my fav places in Abuja, Eden VIP Lounge…….. And on Saturday, an Event to Liven up dull January. Its a first from DELPHINO ENT, feel ‘THE PULSE’! A touch of Red lets you into this very anticipated party and yep, CIty CRawler will be out and about, looking out for socialites and fashionistas. Alright people, Lets Do This!!!!!!!

Kisses Everyone....

2010-01-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

Its Award Season in America. For those of you that are into that kind of thing. But in our very own mother land, Africa, it is Football season. The African Cup of Nations has held us for the past 10days and our Super Eagles?? (I use the word super and eagles loosely) are representing us in Angola led by Coach Amodu Shuiabu, the man we absolutely love to hate, and for good reason too. On his line up amongst others is newly married Joseph Yobo who was recently wed to former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Adaeze Igwe, they are expecting a baby .(chineke!! I digress)

Apparently, we are not doing very well at the Nations Cup, losing our first match and barely winning the second in the group stages, to make matters worse, our very dramatic coach who says the darnest things has insisted that his lineup of players are the best and most fit to represent Nigeria. Well Nigerians don’t agree. I will leave the details to our experts and focus on CIty CRawler business one of which is discovering new avenues for recreation in Abuja city. So first thing Saturday morning I put on my crawling shoes, camera in hand and went OUT ON THE CITY. I took on the craze of the moment, which is Foot ball. This is the outcome of my waka
waka……. ENJOY!

1ST STOP Millennium Park. Here I discovered a herd of men. Agile, sweaty buff men who gather every Saturday morning in their different teams to play. They do this for different reasons – to keep fit, to lose weight, to escape from the house in the morning, to bond with the boys and some actually have a dream to play for their country. I went from millennium park to old parade ground and driving the streets of Abuja I discovered lots of other teams spread around, the most organized being at the millennium park and the least (I think they call it 5 aside), just beside former Chelsea hotel.

So fellows, there you have it, if you are a lover of football but have no idea how to channel your energies you can sign up to one of the teams, they have pro and they have wanna be footballer. If you want to join a team all you need to do is go there and pick a form for N2000, a weekly dues of N200 which is used to pay for the grounds and voila. But every team captain I spoke to emphasized that members are responsible working class men, no goofies, so avoid this if u are not a serious person sha.
I think I overheard someone talking about a women’s team…. It sounded odd, but that’s just me.

P.S go join a team this Saturday it’s a good way to shake off the holiday weight. Later on Saturday, the most anticipated party this January in Abuja, feel ‘THE PULSE’. Terminal 5 from 11pm, choc boys are gonna be there and so is the city crawler. Kisses everyone.

DAY 12 OF 2010 - RUMOR MILL AGOG - TOP 10

2010-01-12T01:16:00.000-08:00

My Calabar story started with diarrhea and ended with rifles on the plane(long story). But in between I gave a toast at my cousins wedding and received an ovation and made my aunties cry, gave a talk at a youth development workshop and hopefully inspired some younglings and almost missed my flight back home (rockstar style). I did not enjoy Calabar as much as I would have wanted because I was there for barely 2days and didn’t even see any of my old friends. I guess ill plan a better trip this Christmas, if ‘He’ agrees that is. Well the year was off to a very good start, for me personally and for White Rabbit concept, we hit the ground running with our major plans especially our plans for City Crawler. But no matter how positive we start the year, there are some people who will not let things go well……

So the rumor mills have been agog and the fastest ways they spread is of course the World Wide Web(www). I am one of those skeptics who always checks out a rumor before I broadcast, so here is My Top 10 rumors of January and my take on them. Enjoy...

No.10 – Eminem died in a car crash – we are confused about how this started, some say it’s a publicity stunt to sell albums but im happy to inform you that platinum selling rapper Marshal Mathers is alive and well, pheeew.

No 9 - Basket mouth was offered 20million dollars to sign on to Def Jam – This was a joke he cracked at 1 of his gigs and suddenly it was taken out of context and broadcast – way to go people .

No 8 – Asa was caught at Heathrow airport with cocaine – Publicity shy Asa was probably having dinner at home when this one dropped, shocking really, come on people, Asa? Seriously?

No. 7 – Muttalab was taking knockouts to his cousins in Yankee - well whatever it was, it was explosives and the intent was to cause major destruction to innocent lives.

No. 6 – The president is missing – well he is ‘Technically’…….

N0. 5 – Jay Z takes Beyonce’s name – It started out as a rumor but this one turned out to be true. Jay z is now to be known and referred to as Sean Knowles-Carter, all previous documents remain valid, Ministry of Information, This day Newspaper and Kwara State Govt take note.

No. 4 – The president is brain damaged – on Sunday the 10th, we woke up to this story filtering all over the internet and it was printed and published in 234Next news paper in a matter-of-fact manner and then on Monday the 11th they print a story about the president recovering , tsk tsk

No 3 - The president has passed – (oh for shame) a suspicious website publishes this on Monday morning of the 11th, and of course as rumors go, it spreads like wild fire, but…..(refer to rumor 4)

No.2 - The president is alive and well – this from BBC, we hope this is not a rumor though because BBC is and should be a credible source plus we want our president to come back alive and well.

No 1 – You tell me…….

Single Girls Guide to Partying in Abuja

2010-01-06T23:28:00.000-08:00

Attended my first party of 2010 and I got idea for writing this blog. Being single is nothing to be ashamed of. Whether it be by choice or by chance make the best of this time and grow. Ok enough with the mushy stuff, last night’s party had a good mix of single ladies and hot young single guys too, as a matter of fact, 2 of the hot bachelors on city crawlers radar were in attendance, but a couple of party pooping ladies made it uncomfortable for everyone at some point. This could be you. So as is my tradition I have put together 10 tips to for the single ladies who want to let their hair down and parrrrtayyy!!!
(For the ladies but might also be helpful to my male followership)

Tip No 1 – Don’t get drunk. Contrary to popular opinion, champagne is highly intoxicating and can take you there in 3 short sips. So if you don’t have a good head for alcohol, please avoid alcohol or just get the party going with something that you can handle. Because being drunk is embarrassing and tacky not only to you but to your friends and the people around you. (I wrote this first because its very important). Be very very careful, cos when you don’t have your wits about you, you can easily be taken advantage of. Be particularly careful of tequila, you know the saying ‘1 tequila 2 tequila 3 tequila FLOOR!

Tip No 2 – Look good. Ladies who are married or in relationships are always accused of relaxing cos now they got a man, well whether u are going out cos you want a man or not, its very important to look good. Appearance is everything. Be bold and fashion forward and you sure will stand out. Please city crawler did not say u should go and wear skin tight bum shorts oh when I say be bold, I mean try a new look, hot red lipstick even….

Tip No 3 – depending on where u decide to do your partying, either the club or a house party, it important to gauge the mood and hold conversations that go with where you are and what’s going down. Note that night clubs are conversation no no areas, the music is too loud jo.

Tip No 4 – Girlfriends – hanging out with the guys is always a spoiler if u are looking to meet someone because it might confuse a potential, so instead why don’t you call up your friends and make it a ladies night out, this is usually so much fun. The down side though is that he might still not be able to approach when u are surrounded by women so you can move aside every once in a while to give a dude a chance, lol.

Tip No 5– Make an entrance . Arriving at the right time is a do. Clubs in Abuja usually picK up at about midnight and the real partying by 1.30am when inhibitions are buried under the blanket of alcohol (sigh). If you are attending a party, be a rockstar and be fashionably late (I can’t believe I’m saying this, I hate lateness).not too late though, that’s just tacky + you will miss all the good food.

Tip No 6 – Time your exit – Please do not be the one to close down the club or end the party except u are staying back to help the host clean up. You can also deliberately make everyone know WHEN u are leaving to give any interested dude the chance to make any last minute connects.

Tip No 7 – Yes you were the Hotstepper in Secondary School and in University you use to dance at all the hottest shows on campus. But I reckon you are older and wiser and probably holding down a decent job so we don’t need to know your dance resumes. IF people circle you and shout ‘Go Lisa! Go Lisa! Go Lisa!’ then Houston we have a problem. Your alanta should look sexy not skanky.

Tip no 8 – No cat fights. We ladies are naturally very competitive and we can eye a lady up just because. Please avoid exchanging word with anyone, guy, girl, waiter, bouncer ,random passerby. Even if u are stepped on, or a drink is spilled on you or in extreme cases your wig is pulled off, maintain your cool, politely demand an apology, if u don’t get 1 move on, the geezer is probably totaled(drunk. comport yourself,you will be expected not to.

Tip No 9 – Don’t aim for, snatch, eye up or any of the nasties on another ladies man. This can end up on some major drama that can get you kicked out or even banned from the club or the persons home. Be patient trust me your own will come.

Tip No 10 – Finally ladies aim to have fun, leave your inhibitions at home, drop all illusions or delusions of grandeur and let your hair down and party like its 1999.
(kisses every one)

OMG Holiday Weight !……..CityCrawler Tips to Shaking it off

2010-01-05T00:34:00.000-08:00

Thursday the 24th, Friday the 25th, Saturday the 26th, Sunday the 27th. Fast forward Friday the 1st, Saturday the 2nd, Sunday the 3rd. none stop holidaying. Some folk even began their holiday before the official 24th,and some will continue long after the 3rd. Do you know what I spent my holiday doing? Sampling good food and fine wine. it got so bad that I contacted the ‘runs’ at some point and I couldn’t enjoy the luscious meat at Alhassan’s BBQ(sob sob). At every turn there were sumptuous meals ready to be served, who could refuse? Let's just say our appetites seemed to get bumped up a few notches due to irresistible party and holiday fare. I threw caution to the wind, like I’m sure a lot of us did and now I am dragging around a load of holiday weight that I intend to shake off before the next ‘love’ holiday which also happens to be my birthday. So who is with me????
As luck would have it, there are lifestyle choices we make daily that can help get us back to great shape, depending on your time. My friend has decided to build a basketball court behind his house so he can play before work and maybe even after, but we can’t all play bball or afford to do that so, Here are 10 tips to help you get your weight back under control.

1. Join a gym – there are several around the city, as a matter of fact every major hotel in Abuja has a fully functional gym and gym assistants that can help out. Apart from the hotels, there are independent gyms that can help your cause, and they all have good pay plans that can fit any budget.

2. Dust your jogging shoes and hit the street. Morning or evening, don’t dare in the afternoon oh, Abuja sun go kill you. Also Abuja has clean clear streets which help for navigation. But this is the cheapest way becos you only need the right kind of running shoes which is a good investment anyways.

3. Eat healthy – this is difficult I bet, cos we are very much on the move nowadays and eating a balanced diet with safe portions is difficult. But if you are going to shake off that weight, you are going to take to a healthy eating once again. Plus when you eat healthy you have more energy for the hustle.

4. Take to crawling – we want your gist, we want your observation, we want your opinions. Crawl around and let us how Abuja can be from your own eyes.(I like this 1)

5. Football – I discovered a large group of hot sweaty males at the millennium park one early Saturday morning when I was just walking around and minding my own business(yea rite). Of course I stared at them, who wouldn’t, they were so fit…… so I’ve told u where, and I’ve told you when, want to get my attention ……lets go there

6. You can also try basket ball, which is played at sub-Mediterranean, tennis at rockview hotel or the stadium, bowling at the dome, swimming at hmm lots of places to swim, squash, volley ball etc

7. For the big boys who read my blog, I know u resumed golfing and horseback riding the minute you got back from the holiday. Erm what can I say, if tiger woods can look that good playing golf then so can you.

8. This year I’m taking to rowing, as soon as I can convince Adamu Aliero to open Jabi Lake to the public. It’s a beautiful recreation spot and it is wasting away jo.

9. Go dancing! - Clubs and lounges are springing up in Abuja every single weekend, so take your pick. If you are not 1 for the night life then you can join a salsa group or go to the Indian embassy and tell them u want to act a bollywood movie, those people are always dancing oh.

10. Finally, and most importantly if you want to shake off your holiday weight make sure you stay discipline in your food choices. Eat fruits, drink lots of water, and work hard, play hard. Oh and if you can afford it head to the inspector gadget store and get a Nintendo Wii, for me????
Goodluck

(P.S please talk to a doctor to be sure of your health status before you begin any exercise regimen because some of this exercises are extremely vigorous and maybe harmful if you are)

ta ta 2009...... last post of the year

2009-12-31T01:18:00.000-08:00

My favorite author and mentor is Paul Arden, he propagates finding the possibility, being the difference and looking beyond rules and limitations to achieve the greatest potential. He was one of my best discoveries of 2009. Every year since the beginning of time, a new discovery arises that shapes that year, that decade, that century or maybe even the way we live. 2009 was no different. We had beautiful music, we experienced spell bounding events and some individuals put themselves on the race to change history. We applaud all of these. In 2009, the CITY CRAWLER BLOG was born, to cater to people living in Abuja, people who intend to move here or people who are interested in the capital city for any purpose at all. So before I bore you with blab la bla, it’s the last day of 2009, so in city crawler style, we want to recognize what shaped 2009 for us and alert all those in our Radar for 2010 that we are watching. Enjoy

Abuja was previously considered dull and lifeless especially when it came to the entertainment scene and night life, but in 2009 it experienced an awakening of sorts that is quickly catching on. The capital became a hub for international and national workshops and conferences, and in 2009 major events both corporate and entertainment were held in Abuja for the first time. Some examples are the Faceoff Celebrity casket ball match in entertainment circuit and Etisalat’s 1 year anniversary in the corporate circuit. On the recreation/nightlife scene we saw the birth of lounges and clubs settling in comfortably Eden, Aqua, Cubana, A lounge with the most recent being terminal 5. Café 24 also opened to the public as the first 24 hours café in Abuja. We sure hope they live up to their name in 2010, well we are watching. Big ups to kiss fm which launched in September, 09 09 09 to be precise, and in a space of 4 short months have taken Abuja by storm and warmed their way into the hearts of Abuja people. And with recognizable voices like Dooshima and Gang we were able to quickly empathize with them.

On the foreign scene, Barack Obama was sworn in January and made history as the first African American to be sworn in as President of the United States. Michael Jackson passed in and a legend died. And for the first time since Big Brother Africa started, a Nigerian won the prize money after 90 days under our thorough scrutiny. Big ups Kevin, you are on our radar for 2010. Also on city crawler radar for 2010 is the Young Bright Minds(YBM) series, but I’m not giving this one away, wait and find out.

I did a lot of clubbing and networking and socializing in 2009, I don’t have any favorite place but I do have a soft spot for Eden VIP because they always play my favorite songs. Favorite party song of 2009 was ‘I got a feeling’ by the Black Eyed Pea and ‘free madness ‘ by terry g (yea sue me), later in the year Daneo’s ‘Party Hard’ came along, im gonna be rocking this in 2010. My best chill out song was birthday sex for no particular reason and a song I want to hear more of in 2010 is ‘today na today’ by omawunmi.

In 2010, look forward to more info, more ratings, more listings, more gossip, more news and more gists on all the socialites on our radar. This is my last post for 2009 people, see you in 2010.

#wisdom from the City Crawler – the ability to shape your own future lies in your own hand.

BITTER SWEET,PLEASURE PAIN - blast from 2008

2009-12-30T11:41:00.000-08:00

(I wrote this in 2008 but it still get alot of comments and alot of what i said still applies to 2009,so i decided to share it with you. i hope you enjoy reading it as much as i enjoyed writing it. enjoy.)

In 2008 I will achieve my perfect weight, get my perfect job, find the perfect man, buy the perfect house and car and settle down to a perfect life’’. That’s the ending I would have gone with if I was in charge of the planet, but all any of us get to be in charge of is who we are in our own stories. In this story I want to say, Don’t torment yourself with regret! You know them, ‘I shouldn’t have spent all that money on .....’, ‘I should have ....’ What can I say? Fantasies fade, plans unravel, things change, and we grieve for the past as if the past were a fallen friend. But for all our coulda, woulda, shouldas, we should be keenly aware that we are on borrowed time.

This knowledge should make us sit up and take notice of every bittersweet second. When time is of the essence, you pay attention, you splurge on things u consider, well, splurges, you don’t let anything, anything at all, go unspoken, you watch, you memorize, you love a little harder.

In 2008, I watched, I gave and took, I read and travelled, I tried and failed, I despaired and rallied, I protested, I partied, persevered. And though I did not find ‘the one’ I found one that loved and loves in a world that love doesn’t come easy (JESUS). I found a sea of people and some of them I’m priviledge to call friends. I should name names but instead ill say ‘Lucky me’.

To 2008, thanks! You thought me life is joy and sorrow, hand in hand. And that, my friends, is all I know. That and this, I’ll see you in 2009.

ABUJA'S HOTTEST BACHELORS OVER 30 on our Radar...

2009-12-21T23:46:00.000-08:00

I have entrusted myself with the responsibility of making the most out of the Capital City of Nigeria. Ill leave all the dull stuffy information to Daily Trust and focus on giving you something to relax and read and feel very much at ease (I just rhymed). I had a lot of fun writing this particular blog, and I thank everyone who contributed. I am lucky to have encountered most of this young gentlemen and I must say one trait they have in common is that they are ‘Doing Something Thriving’. It’s easy to argue that you belong on this list but weren’t recognized, CC apologizes but extensive research went into this and we appreciate your interest. This isn’t only for the ladies though, for the men too, so they will know that most of the time it’s not just having money that put you on our radar. Enjoy…

ABUJAS HOTTEST BACHELORS OVER 30– YOUNG, SUCCESSFUL BUT STILL SINGLE,(WHY OH WHY?)
(In No Particular Order)

TOCHUKWU ONYEMELUKWE
I will probably get hanged for putting this young sir on this list, reason being that he is getting hitched to his miss in approximately 2 weeks, but I couldn’t resist, seeing that he has been on our radar for a while. Nominee of Future Awards Business Owner of the year 2009, but our opinion says it has come a lil too late. He has been successfully running COTEK Technology for the past 4 years and has assured the security of luxury cars in Abuja and around the country. But since he is taken, we won’t dwell on him.

ADEGBE OGBEH
Managing Partner, 1Number, this dynamic gentle man has provided a service we at CC can’t live without, Short codes to get movie informations, disseminating information and lots more. Young, handsome and intelligent and son of former PDP chairman Audu Ogbeh, this bachelor has no intention of going into politics. He loves 80s music, TV series Boston Legal and he reads magazines from the back page, strange yeah, but we love him still.

ABUBARKAR TAFAWA BALEWA
Mr Abu’s passion is contagious. Publisher and Editor in Chief of Mode Men Magazine and CEO of Mode Elements store. He is the grand – son of THE Abubarkar Tafawa Balewa, he pioneered indigenous male magazines and Mode Men always honors their own at the end of every year at their Mode Men of the year awards which just held a few weeks ago with winners like actor Van Vicker and Kojo Williams.

BASIL UDOTAI
Notoriously private which adds to his appeal. Managing Partner of Technology Advisors and former Cyber Crimes Commission boss, he has been able to successfully start and run a ‘blue ocean’ law firm which is no mean feat. This unilag and uni of Brussels graduate has been called to speak all over the country because of his expertise and understanding of the present technological landscape. We are surprised a little lady hasn’t snagged this one, apart from being intelligent he is very good looking.

TYENG GANG
I’m sure he was suspicious when I bombarded him with black berry messages to ask him if he is up to 30, but he has been on our radar for a while. His business is entertaining the world through music and infotainment and he is really good at it, so good in fact that it fetched him a Future Awards plaque for On-Air Personality in 2008. He has a very good sense of humor and is always ready with a cool come back. Catch him on kiss fm and ‘hear’ for yourself.

ELVIS OKPALEKE
Lawyer turned Play Sports Bar and Grill owner. Love him or hate him, this tall dark and handsome gentleman took the Abuja social scene by storm a year ago when he launched his club/lounge. His interest magazine, film, music, food, travel and women little wonder that he is in the business of entertainment, fun and lifestyle.

AMARA NWAKPA
Ondo born, Product Manager with Galaxy Backbone but that’s not his claim to fame, he has taken his LIGHT UPNIGERIA initiative as far as CNN. Intelligent and engaging, this driven young sir is very much interested in the development of Nigeria and is positive that we will get there. We recognize him and we are firmly behind his efforts while sneaking peeps at his cute ass.

OTHER BACHELORS OVER 30 ON OUR RADAR
Robert Elebor – soho lounge
Stanley vandu – vaya
Hassan ahmed – SA, vice president
Nuhu kwajafa – Food for 1 Million
Shifi emoefe - Musician , Style plus

ABUJAS HOTTEST NIGHT – CLUBS. YAY AND NAY FACTORS

2009-12-16T01:45:00.000-08:00

ABUJAS HOTTEST NIGHT – CLUBS. YAY AND NAY FACTORS

I think I’m nocturnal, maybe I was born in the PM cos I love the night. And there is an added beauty to the night in Abuja because it is lit up with beautiful streetlights which gives it added glow. If you happen to be like me, or maybe not, then I recommend this places to you. Enjoy…

TERMINAL 5
Yay Factor – it’s new
Nay Factor – it’s new

AQUA
Yay factor –
Nay factor – hotel clubs need the ‘ladies’

CUBANA
Yay factor – it’s beautiful
Nay factor – if you weren’t into Ibiza, you won’t be into Cubana

PLAY
Yay factor –high energy, invigorating club experience
Nay factor –much ado about getting in (this can also be a YaY)

SAFARI NIGHTCLUB
Yay factor – you can clinch a big biz deal there cos of their high profile customers
Nay factor – it’s a hotel club, the ‘ladies’ again

TUCANO
Yay factor – sophisticated (if I may) caters to a higher class audience
Nay factor – losing its mojo

SOHO
Yay factor – fun clubbing experience guaranteed
Nay factor – sausage fest

KRYSTAL LOUNGE
Yay factor – music is spot on
Nay factor – its krystal lounge

BLAKES
Yay factor – live band, which is a nice touch
Nay factor – a little too much like excellensio

EDEN
Yay factor – lovely ambience, array of cocktails (barman is very good at mixing)
Nay factor – location, location, location

BASEMENT
Yay factor – well located, good size and very groovy
Nay factor – I don’t quite get the DJ

WINE SHOP
Yay factor – cheaper, open air, see and be seen
Nay factor –anything can happen – security

EXCELLENSIO
Yay factor – you can get anything, ANYTHING , from here at anytime
Nay factor – Abuja’s major red light district after zone 4

WINE BAR
Yay factor – sleek lounge, lovely interior + u can look down on the street
Nay factor – its is beside excellensio(tsk tsk)

LIVE ( we lost the owner, may he rest in peace)

ARISTOTLE
Yay factor – use to be hot
Nay factor – lost its mojo

ROMA
Yay factor – they have a large array of stuff, food, drinks and it’s well located
Nay factor – its almost always empty –they need to do more

A LOUNGE
Yay factor – lovely décor, adequate parking space, lovely dance floor
Nay factor – location, its inside dabras – people cant seem to get over that.

Lets hear it For KEvin.....

2009-12-14T16:05:00.000-08:00

I’m not going to pretend that my meeting Kevin, the first Nigerian to win the BBA prize money was a calculated city crawler move, it was a fluke. I guess I can say the universe was on my side, putting me in the right place at the right time.

I’m a literary buff. I might not write the most fantastic of books like Teju Cole, or spin rhymes for Poems like El Jo, but I write what I write, and I’m lucky people pay attention, call it frivolous chatter or ideal city gossip but my followership rises because of a need for escapism. I blab, let me now write.

I was rooting for Kevin from the moment he entered into the BB house. I have an eye for entertainers and I knew that this chap was made for TV and he had found his platform. Through the 90 days that was spent in the house, Kevin ‘alanta ed’ his way into our hearts, he was the most entertaining housemate and he was constantly repping his country, he just had to win. He was up for nomination several times, but Africa recognized and kept him in the house and eventually, victory.

Fame and Fortune.

After the Teju Cole Book reading, I was torn between going for drinks with the literary bunch, but I opted out so I could attend one of my best friend’s birthday party instead. Talk about right place at the right time. I entered the venue and saw a crowd of people, some women even had nicely sewn Ankara uniforms and I was wondering, ‘all this for Victor’? But I was told that Kevin Chuwang Pam, winner of 200k USD was in the house. At this point I will apologize to my blog followers cos I couldn’t get a statement from him but I was lucky to get a picture and that’s enough for now.

There is a welcome party for him tomorrow night in Abuja. People, let’s make him feel welcome cos this young man’s career deserves to Blow. Sadly, I must add that I don’t envy him; he has big decisions to make. From now on he will have sucker – ups, hangers - on, wanna bes, people who will promise him all kinds of things, book deals, Magazine covers, Record Deals etc but I hope he is a wise business man and he takes his time to understand the industry because in the words of a fellow jostified, Mr Incredible (MI) ‘money slow to enter……money quick to go’

Lets hear it for Kevin!!!

I Did it for the Kids..... And the Photo OP

2009-12-14T03:17:00.000-08:00

Sunday! Restful ,chilling day. I usually spend all day and all night at home watching TV in bed and catching up on the phone with friends. But this Sunday was different, cos I knew I had to make the CC charity event. I’m a sucker for children, just say ‘it’s for the kids’ and you totally got me. Dressed up and found my way with the help of Farrah, beautiful editor of style and grace magazine and my event date. I hate to blog about personal stuff so ill fast forward to event proper.

Photo ops, smile smile camera. celebrity sightings, but I found out that I left my camera battery charging at home, so the blackberry camera had to do.

The part of the evening I enjoyed the most was Leone performance, never heard of him before but it was nice also the soulful Lindsey who sings and brings tears to my eyes. The other performances just sounded like a lot of noise, unrehearsed. I loved the poetry bit especially Eugenia Abu’s 1st poem. The twins, who presented the art work for auctions, were ‘beautiful piece of work’, good call choc city. So money was raised and it is going to a good cause.yay.

Now for the juicy bit, the event had, Wande Coal, MI, jesse jags, black solo, ice prince of the Hennessey artistry fame, tyeng gang of kiss fm, Ekene the poet with his beautiful baby which I have a crush on, I decided to move around a bit, and see if I can get any gist from the celebs. None at all, their groupies (all male) were reluctant to let anyone near them so ….

I happened to get a lil minute with Mr. Incredible himself, and the following conversation ensured
IJ – hi Mr. incredible, can I ask u a question for my blog?(smiling widely)

MI – ok, go ahead (looking suspicious but smiling)

IJ – so I always ask people I interview, what cant I ask you?

MI – Ummm , who am I %$#&ing?

IJ – Ohhh k (laughing) so who are you *#&*king???(Straight face)

MI – nobody!! (Eyeing me suggestively, lol)

IJ – ok, so if this (rap) fails, what’s plan B? As in if u weren’t doing hip hop what will u be doing?

MI – (thinking deeply, I read his thoughts and it was saying probably nothing, this is it mehnnn) I would probably be a pastor.(yea rite)!!!

Thank you Mr. Incredible, I lean in to kiss his cheek and he sits on my hand – his very big a%$ on my hand, well the hand survived sha.

The rest of the event, I will leave the press to give. But I must say the most used phrase of the night was ‘for the kids’ so cc its over to you guys…..

CELEBRITIES ON OUR RADAR.....

2009-12-10T19:07:00.000-08:00

CELEBS ON OUR RADAR

*Wande Coal – He Is The Most Googled Nigerian Artist + We Hear He Favours Pink Boxers

*Banky W – The W Experience, Out Monday The 14th Of December…

*Donjazzy – IDJA (Rumoured To Be Secretly Married)

*Dare Art Alade – Just Because

*Tuface – If There will Be Any Baby In 2010

*Style + - Cos They Got New Stuff Out

*Kevin(BBA) - $200,000(N36,000,000) Need I Say More

*MI – We Want To See Him Beat The First Album, It Will Be A Feat Cos It Was So Fantastic

*Suliat – Will There Be A Jenifer Series???

*Rita Dominic – (Clears Throat) When Will U Marry?(Runs And Hides)

*Kel – hmmmmmmm

*Clarence Peters – Will U Finally Win An Award For Your Fantastic Videos?

*Nkenna – How Is She Even On This List????????????

*Eldeethedon – His Mixtape Is Coming Out, Cant Wait

*tyeng gang - cos he is the hottest voice on abuja radio

*RMD - DElta 2011??????????????????????????

theres more where this came from..... if u have a question u want answered or a rumour youve heard or just something you want to know, let the city crawler know, she got the scoop....

EVENT INFORMATION - Do they know its christmas...

2009-12-09T04:06:00.000-08:00

On the 13th of December 2009, the “Do they know its Christmas?” series will at the Sheratons’ Aqua club be putting style, music, poetry and fashion on the runway to raise money for charity. The Abuja people are looking forward to enjoying an entertaining star studded evening, that includes performances from; M.I, Jesse Jagz and Ice Prince (The Choc trio), Abuja’s Yoye, El Nathan, the soulful Lindsey, Abuja Choral choir and there would also be a special “do they know its Christmas?” fundraising activities to further raise monies for orphanages.

The event is one of the two being held this Christmas season to help raise funds for orphaned children who have no family to enjoy the warmth of the festive season with. Do they know its Christmas, a fundraising event launched two years ago, is organized by Chocolate City, Eddie Madaki, Yember, Kairos, Chico and Koko.

Thousands of people across the country are expected to take part in their area and make a donation to the charity Via contact details available for all the geo political zones. The event is spread across 2 days to make it memorable for the children, 13th December: “Do they know its Christmas?” Fundraising cocktail scheduled to hold at Abuja Sheraton hotel’s Aqua Club and 19th December: “Do they know its Christmas?” Children’s party to hold at the Neighborhood Garden Wuse 2 Abuja. Funds raised will go towards supporting orphanages nationwide.

A special fundraising pack has been provided by I-SPA Maitama, Dzyn Couture and Lutffy Salon with support from Oriental Restaurant, JB’s grill and Selara faces.

Spokes person for the organising Committee Mr. Audu Maikori says “There’s no better way to be thankful for a year well spent than to put smiles on the faces of orphans during this Christmas season. We hope you will join us again this year to make a difference this Christmas by supporting this event which directly benefits such an important local cause.”

Another 10 Things....

2009-12-07T08:43:00.003-08:00

too many many questions are asked me everyday, where can i get this, who can do this for me and lots of others. its gets a bit much sometimes, but im not bothered by it, i love it. becoming a hub didnt happen by accident, it was carefully planned and calculated from day 1. well, christmas spirit people, for the next 2weeks im putting my normal schedule on hold and im focusing my energies on feeding you information, getting you into the christmas spirit and most importantly, making you laugh......
so while researching for CC Magazine we came up with this.....Enjoy

YOU KNOW YOU ARE COOL IF;

1. you listen to Kiss FM

2. the bouncers at PLAY< EDEN< TUCANO< SOHO actually recognise you

3. you can do colour associations and you can recognise logos

4. you own a mac book, netbook(me yay!), blackberry (me yay!), PDA, nitendo Wii(yay me for christmas) or any cool gadget that can do amazing things.

5. you shop online - amazon, craigslist etc

6. you can rock a bowtie - e.g Ebuka of BBN fame and ONOJA

7. you are a twitter addict - there is a whole new world happening out there, get on board...... Follow ijwhiterabbit

8. you know the top 10 songs on the billboard charts, better still you can review an album

9.you get english/dry humour

10. if you are friends with me (so what, i made the list, go make your own)

If you are saying I DO....... Rules from the CIty CRawler....

2009-12-07T08:43:00.001-08:00

Christmas rolls in with all its good cheer, beautiful colours and bright lights and with it comes Wedding Season. The reason for this, I don’t know, I guess its cause people come from far and wide to spend the holidays with their family and friends and to show off their new hummers. So far ive got 16 text messages from friends, acquaintances and relatives announcing their intent to couple up and to all of them I say YaY! Congrats. I’m not a romantic thanks to some unresolved issues and I’m on dating hiatus but I like to get into the spirit of things, so without being a killjoy, I have a couple of rules for all my friends (and strangers alike) going down Coupledom Avenue.

Read and Smile…

Rule No 1 – I’m not paying more than 10k for Asoebi, even if Ovation is coming or CIty CRawler magazine is covering.

Rule No 2 – if I make out time to come for your wedding, food must reach me.

Rule No 3 – Don’t try to hook me up with your single friends, or your husband’s single friends. No way, we can’t all just get along. I am not sad and no, I will not die alone.

Rule No 4 – Umm, you do not suddenly know more than me, you are not suddenly more mature or more experienced just because you are married. Spare me the deepness.

Rule No 5 – I will not be a private investigator. Keep your fears and insecurities to yourself.

Rule No 6 – If you want your wedding pictures in our magazine, you must pay the full money, no discount.

Rule No 7 – Do not share any weird new found recipe with me. I don’t care that he likes chewing raw okro for stamina, ewwwwww

Rule No 8 – Don’t call me to hangout when u are bored, You made your choice, liVE with it!!!

Rule No 9 – YES ILL BE GODMOTHER!!!!!!!!

Rule No 10 – Get a job. It will keep your mind off things….

Congratulations to Ted, Mira, Uba, Dajie, Barong, Kathlyn, Johnson, Xto, Ij,eme, deardear,banky and all my other peeps that are stepping up this christmas, love u all, May God bless your unions. And you all know im just kidding, right?