Story & Photo by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter
I remember when I took a decision to start Nigeria's first daily celebrity & photo news online.I have not gotten there yet but when i look back now, I am grateful to my creator that I followed my dream.Later in life, I wish to write a book 'How a workshop got me into trouble'.
Let me tell you a little from it.I had been nursing the ambition to resign my job and start off the online stuff.I was already addicted to reading stories of celebrities online.It was so regular that when you want to know the latest report on an American or British star you can click on the news button on google.It was so simple.I just told myself that someone has to do it in Nigeria.Sometimes,when I wanted to do research on Nigerian stars,what you get are old pictures and stories.I told myself that must change.Rarely do we get stories or details on hangouts in Nigeria.In fact,most of them don't even have a website.I told myself that must change.
So,when Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim,the Group Managing Director of Global Fleet Oil and Gas (Help me,I think the company is now called Energy or something) was having his 40th birthday,Olumide Iyanda, an entertainment journalist of repute who happens to be my boss in Daily Independent kept warning me of the consequence of missing any of the activities lined up for Jimoh's event.
There was a workshop organised by some corporate gurus in honour of Jimoh at Le Meridien Hotel,Victoria Garden City.I sat and listened with rapt attention as Madam Ceceilia Ibru,Managing Director of Oceanic Bank inspired everyone present on how people can realise their full potential. I have attended countless number of workshops and events where you have high profile personalities but everything that was said on that occasion touched me, deeply.
I know this write up would definately inspire one or two people.Alot of people have ideas but they are always afraid to start off.The excuse is finance.Shortly after I started the blog,a friend followed me to a cyber cafe where I used to make postings.Mosquitoes bite made life unbearable for him.Apart from overcrowding,my friend was shocked when he realised that most of them were into internet fraud.My friend later told me that no matter the situation,I must continue.He said reuters or BBC started in someone's head!
He also told me that when God told Abram to leave his father's house to a land he would show him,he did not ask baba GOD how much he would make.
Let us thank God because the story of Gistmaster is gradually changing.If you notice, I have not been all out to get advert on the blog.Its good to get it right first. Whenever I get photo or publicity jobs, I invest most of what I gain into Gistmaster.You may not know but it is expensive getting materials and posting it.This is Nigeria...apart from what you pay to get connected,you need a generator if you are browsing from the comfort of your home or office.Talk about the expensive transport fare and all that.
Lets thank God because the story is changing.www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com is shaping up.The gistmaster got an office recently.Soon,we would be scouting for correspondents in all parts of the world.Nigerians reside everywhere.We are also making contacts for a 'tush' website designer for Gistmaster.com.Please, if you can help, I would be very glad.
Who told you that a world class celebrity agency can not spring up from Nigeria? however, we want to try as much as possible not to get 'dirty' materials on the blog.
I want to thank all that have calling and writing in private to me.I must thank my life coach in the United Kingdom.'Thinking B', you are wonderful and I love you soooooo much!
Omosewa,bellanaija,lindaikeji,Sholapacheco,Maria Shoyinka and Ghanaentertainment.com guys, iyaeto...please pardon me if I don't mention you here... I am running out of time.One day,we would be on the wall street stock exchange.People would buy shares to be part of us.Abeg,lets dream on.I love you all.
Hey!Don Moen would be at House on the Rock on Sunday 16 March 2008 at Muson Centre in Lagos.It would be a lovely time in the presence of the lord or what do you think?
Niyi, I am very happy for you. I believe more is yet to come. God will give you the grace to succeed in the work of your hands. Blessings will come to you from far and near. You need to work very harder too. You've improved a lot since you started.Hoping for more improvement.Well done!
ReplyDeleteNiyoo oo seun Olorun a pon e le.Just keep the flag flying.
ReplyDeleteGo Niyi! If u can dream it, you can achieve it.
ReplyDeletecongrats:)
ReplyDeleteniyi, we're solidly behind you.....]
ReplyDeleteyou've been sooooooooo consistent..
big ups!!!!!
all the best!
the sky is not even your limit!
Congrats man! We will all get there someday. Keep doing your thing and always work with faith.
ReplyDeletelove you.
Continue with the good work. Your blog is definitely worth the read.I hope you make it big and independent.
ReplyDeleteNiyi mi o, oko mi atata. Olowo ori mi. No lele.
ReplyDeleteNiyi, congratulations on the journey so far.
ReplyDeleteChineze Osayi.
Good on you niyi and a big congrats. God is with you all the way.
ReplyDeleteWay to go!!!
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ReplyDelete@anon 1-thank you very much for your prayers you are loved.I don't know you but i am sure that GOD knows your address and He would send his angel to deliver a parcel of goodies to you.
ReplyDelete@Iyaeto-Iyaeto mama!You are too much.e se adupe pupo.a ki dupe ara e ni.A wa le wa dupe.O jo ti a ba ma se party, a ma pe K1 the Ultimate,a bi?
@Oluwadee-thanks for telling me to dream and achieve it.You know,when dreams take too long to actualise,it becomes a nightmare.Thanks for waking me up!
@Paris-You are toooooo much.Thanks for staying by me.May your network never fails.
@Temi-Thanks for being behind me like Iroko tree!Eniyan la so mi.Thanks for your consistency and coherency.I read ur comments and i like your flow.
@Lindaikeji-Heeeey!e don tey no be today!I remember those days when the two of us used to put heads together and just plans hot shows.The days of 11:45 and the other one at Fantasy land.U listened to my flow and i listened to yours...the outcome is always a big one under the stable of Blackdove models.Celebrities from far and near were never in short supply for us,You are too much.Say me well to your sisters.I will come to your house next week so prepare to spoil me a little.
@wienna-Hmmm...iyawo mi ata ta.I am ugly but if you can manage me sha,no problems.Maybe we should get marrie on this blog and invite bloggers to eat amala,ewedu and shawama or is it sawama or salawa?
Now that you are calling me your husband,i hope...okay!
@anon-Chineze-thank you very,very,very,very much.You are wonderful.
@waffy babe ,thank you so much.You loved and i mean it.For all the money in Bill Gates account i say thank you
ReplyDeletedon't blame me for not posting anything right now,we are still celebrating.Trust us from 2moro again. i love u
ReplyDeletecongrats n all d very best :)
ReplyDeleteNiyi my dearest, you know im your number 1 fan...*hug*
ReplyDelete@sha-thank you for your comment.U have been wonderful too.Hope u are enjoying ur base?
ReplyDelete@Omosewa-If i don't have to write or say it because i know that u know that the world knows that u are the super girl!I love u omose-beans!
Baba thank God for your life. This is a sign of greater things to come. Am proud of you, keep representing and get ready to start making millions from that office.
ReplyDeleteFollow ur heart people!!! I just love it!!
ReplyDeletewww.hairbyazara.blogspot.com
niyi,the sky is not the limit for me its just take off point, keep doing what you enjoy and know best, the best is yet to come... congrats on the new office... the likes of dele momodu and encomium, have all started from somewhere and u can do better... i hope to meet u someday in person, sorry i missed ur call. kudos to u and more grease to ur elbow... and thanks for the acknowledgement olorun a pon e le... have a fab week ahead
ReplyDelete