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Port Harcourt BecomesUNESCO WORLD

BOOK CAPITAL Let no man put asunder

WHAT AZTECH ARCUM HAS DONE

BORO PARKAn unending trailof colors in the city

W W W. TO U C H P O RT H A R C O U RT. C O M

A Visitor, Travel & Lifestyle Guide to Port Harcourt City

Hook,Line &Sink Her5 Women, 5 Events & the 5 things we wish we could change about Port Harcourt.

OLYMPUS HAS FALLENThis time, in the city of

Port Harcourt

[ ] THE SKYFALL 2014 EDITION

PEREZ NEKABARI TIGIDAM [ARPA]

IF YOU DON'T LIKE

SOMEONE ELSE’

STORYTELL YOURSExactly what it is. If we don't tell our own story, no one else will.

A few years ago, I read Annette Simmon�s book �Whoever Tells The Best Story Wins�. From it�s title, to every line in the entire book �red up the passion with which I do everything along the path of my career journey as a brand management professional or perhaps, as a story teller.

That burning passion to tell compelling stories about brands inspired us to start the Touch Port Harcourt Project exactly 4 years ago. We saw the need to challenge stereotypes and balance the narrative out there, the need to re-frame the terms of the conversation about us and set the dialogue on the pillars of balance and objectivity.

We choose to agree with our sister Chimamanda Adichie who said �we must avoid the dangers of a single sided story�. A single sided story means the world out there telling the Port Harcourt narrative from their perspective and limited understanding of the nuances of our city. On the contrary, a balanced story for us could mean as little as helping every inbound visitor �nd the right place to have a decent meal, �nd a good spa to rejuvenate after a hard day�s work etc. This may sound pretty petty but one traveler�s tale of di�culty in the city could go a long way to crystalize stereotypes .

We are proud of where the Touch Port Harcourt project is today. Not only because it sheds light on inspiring activities from within the city to other cities, but because gradually we are regaining the trust and respect our city truly deserves. From a single tweet on social media four years ago, today we have leveraged emerging social technology to build a 30,000+ strong and active online community making TOUCHPH the largest and most vocal social media community down south of Nigeria.

Even the potency of our work was attested to when one of the worlds biggest social media platform

TWITTER added Port Harcourt to its list of global cities where twitter trends are being mapped.

What more could make us proud in 2014 than to know that our city is being recognized globally as the Unesco World Book Capital city?

Once again, welcome to Port Harcourt.

The brand experience and communications design consultancy for Africa

Art Direction, Design & Production

Mercy Uduma

Editorial AssistantChristopher Aneni

Admin/OperationsDavid IgbanoiDesign AssistantMishael MichaelsDigital strategyPaul AlfredBusiness DevelopmentAlbert Halliday

Contributor

[email protected]+234 806 111 8299

Advertising Sales

The TouchPh Magazine is published by Arden and Newton Ltd for TouchPH.com. Address all editorial enquiries and comments to [email protected]

All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in part or whole without written permission of the publisher.

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[ THE SKYFALL 2014 EDITION ]

OUR COVER GUIDE

Chizoba Alieze is one of Touch Port Harcourt�s favorite models, this being her second project with our team. She is professional by all parameters, creative, smart & experienced. she understands the language of photography, light, clicks, pose and the right emotions to deliver on the job.

On this project, Zoba as she is fondly called once again prove to us that she knows her onion. Being a night time outdoor shoot, if you are familiar with photography, you�ll know that this must have been shot under extreme/di�cult situations, with mosquitoes all over her body, tears �owing gracefully yet she won�t stop till the job is delivered. You just have to love zoba.

Zoba has graced international modeling stages in Nigeria and internationally, in her portfolio are high pro�led jobs like the ARISE FASHION WEEK 2012, JOHANNESBURG FASHION WEEK 2013 MTN Fashion week, Music Meets Runway,Face of BellaNaija and lots more.

Our covers might not particularly paint a picture of the entire content but must cause you to pause and look. Rather than trail the most popular celebrity in town, we choose to task our minds and imagination with bespoke and artistic concepts for our covers. We believe that our covers should be an art piece of a lifetime; we want you to pick up our covers 50 years from now and still �nd it

interesting. In the last edition, we had the Mamiwater Monologues, this year, we present to you THE SKYFALL 2014 edition. Cover concept and art direction was inspired by the 2012 movie: SKYFALL, the 23rd of the James bond �lms as well as Adele's impeccable soundtrack used in the movie.

Location: Tontex Gardens, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt.Make Up: Grace [Flair Hair]Style Assistant: Chituru [2rule Clothing]ShortFilm Director: Ilevbare FaithPhoto Assistants: Paul Alfred, Chukwuka NwagbaraPhotography: Perez Tigidam

OUR COVER GIRL

TUBED FOR YOUR PLEASUREFASCINATED BY OUR COVER IMAGE?

Log on to our webTV on Youtube.com/touchtv100click on the making video to see how

this beautiful piece was created.

THE MAKING OF THE COVER #TOUCHPH

Model Name: Chizoba Alieze

Height: 5/9Bust: 32Waist: 25Hips: 39

Model Profile

The Sky Fall 2014 Edition

Shoot Location

Zoba, resting after a strenuous photo session

[ THE SKYFALL 2014 EDITION ]

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17Shades of anyhownessThe things we wish we could change about Port Harcourt

An unending rainbowed-row of large umbrellas BORO PARK21TEARY EYESWITH A SMILEOF HOPE

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RIVERSIN NUMBERS

Rivers State's rank

Port Harcourt's rank amongst the largest seaports in Nigeria

Port Harcourt's rank amongst other urban centres in Nigeria

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Port Harcourt

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6.7Rivers State's

During WW1 , Port Harcourt was a site for military action against German Ka-merun.

ww1

1,256,854

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518

2001

population in Millions

Number of Passengers that used the PortHarcourtInternational Airport in 2012 Number of Of Wells Rivers State producesOil from out of 1201Numbers of Storeys in South South Nigeria's tallest building which is the

416wells in the country

Point Block (Rivers State Secretariat in Port Harcourt)

Number of States Rivers State is bounded by

Miles Rivers State is away from the 41 6

14Number of governorsRivers State has had since creation

Percentage of Nigeria's Crude Oil production Nigeria accounts for

40

Year Nigeria's first Oil refinery was 1965

built at Alesa-Eleme Number of Model Primary Schools completed according to the Rivers

500State Government

360km2 Port Harcourt's Area

Year Port Har-Golf of Guinea

court produced the 1st World black queen (Agbani Darego)

Total coverage of Greater Port Harcourt City Development

1900 km2

23 Number of Local Government in

River State

on Nigeria's GDP list

International Airport's rank among the busiest Airports in Nigeria

100,000,000,000The total amount spent by the Rivers State Government on roads and bridges in the first three years of its administration.

1300 Number of dollar millionaires in Rivers State.

RIVERS STATE THE NUMBERS THAT MATTER

RIVERSIN PHOTOS

URBAN MEETS NATIVE


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Old Nigeria Airways o�ce buil still standingbehind the State secretariat, Port Harcourt

Promotional card announcing the introduction of thePort Harcourt/Europe route

Group photograph of crew members of the Nigeria Airways

Interior of some of the �rst planes used by Nigeria Airways

There are two things this defunct Nigeria Airways building standing right beside the federal high court could represent. One being the silent and emotionally saddening thought of all things dysfunctional about our government and the other being the thought of how best to preserve these historic buildings for tourism purposes.

PHOTO GUIDE

THROWBACK A VINTAGE

GLIDE THROUGHHISTORY.

Sanatorium at Bonny 1887

Royal Canoe of the Kingdom of Bonny 1890

King Jaja of Opobo Jaja�s wives 1870

Chief Cookey Gam, Jaja�s second-hand man and his wives

Bonny Chiefs with Naval Commandant 1896

Still Standing


5Events from 2013making 2014 lookslow, dull and boring.Trust me, if you were in Port Harcourt in 2013, you will agree with me that 2014 seems to be a bit of a slow and boring year in the event industry. Port Harcourt in 2013 seemed like the world was going to end and the city just had to experience the best of itself before the apocalypse. One event after the other, some venues, dates and time clashing, leaving the residents confused for choice.

There were a few events in the city that made us feel like we were experiencing a breadth of fresh air, they were di�erent and refreshing. We chose this 5 (3 conferences & 2 Lifestyle), not because there weren't others but the choice was made using certain indices like quality of content, resource persons, strength of organization, branding, publicity and media engagement, attendance and post event raves.

The events are been chronicled here by order of dates.

Put together by the Touch Port Harcourt team, the OpenCity was a strategic move to drive o�ine most of what the platform does online by engaging citizens in �erce idea debates. The conference was aimed at exploring global ideas driving innovation and growth around other cities of the world. A bit futuristic, the conference sought to create a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas, policy and local implementation strategy.

SAT. 26th JAN2013

THROWBACK

CONVENER: TOUCHPH.COMThe big X was here. Port Harcourt is marked!

The TedX conference is a global conference franchise that was birthed o� the main TED conferences. Cities around the world are now allowed to independently organize a local Tedx event styled after the main conferences. Cities like Abuja and Lagos have organized the Tedx events here in Nigeria and this time, courtesy of Donald Okudu, our city got marked with a big X

SAT. 18th MAY2013

CONVENER: DONALD OKUDU

In the words of the organizers, the Converge Rewire Port Harcourt event was aimed at tackling the erosion of societal values and ethics with the core objective to inspire and spur the attendants to take stock of their past and reposition themselves for a future driven by sound morals, ethics and leadership principles. The event had as it�s keynote speaker, Rev. Fr. Mattew Kukah, Mrs Ibim Semenitari and Hon. Nimi Walson Jack.

converge

THURS. 30th APRIL2013

CONVENER: DABO ETELA / APOLA OPUDA

REWIRE PH


Its been over four years now and Izobe Spi� has stayed true to her goal of creating a memorable style event in the city of Port Harcourt. The event is a mix of everything style, music and fashion. From trainings to fashion run way events, exhibitions and showcase for all who ply their trade in the event industry. This year, it got bigger and really interesting. TV Channels like Mo Abudu�s ELTV and SoundCity didn�t spare a minute of coverage.

THE EVENTSHOW

27th-28th Sept2013

CONVENER: IZOBE SPIFF

Lifestyle . Fashion . Exhibition

This was undoubtedly the biggest event in the city of Port Harcourt, not just in 2013 but the last 10 years put together. Maybe it was an attempt to give the MTN Lagos Fashion week a run for their money. The Native & Vogue event which was bankrolled by the Rivers State Government, more than anything else got the global fashion media community from France, New York to Milan, taking about Port Harcourt.

With an array of local and Internationally celebrated designers, the event was just the best way to end the year in the city.

20th-22nd SEPT2013

CONVENER: RSMOI/RVSG

Let no man put asunder

WHATAZTECH ARCUM HAS PUT TOGETHER

98 Stadium Road,Port Harcourt, Rivers State.m: 0805 6726 [email protected]

Own a spare piece of land somewhere in the city, put together a four cornered brick wall, roof it, �ll the �oor space with plastic chairs, produce jingles for radio promoting your new event centre project and that�s all. You are now in the event business. Whew! Not anymore.

One would have thought that was all it took to put together an event centre until Aztech Arcum swept the entire city of Port Harcourt o� it�s feet. Indeed, space is more than just an area, or a place, it is an idea, a grand destination, a place where dreams are sold and ideas are brought to life. What those in the tech and gadget industry would refer to as user experience design was what the owners of this bespoke event place had in mind when building. It is a complete shift from the norm.

A few weeks before the formal opening, we got a call from the owners, �Hey guys, we�ve got something you need to share with the world�. What a bold statement we thought? Hearing it was an event centre, we reluctantly agreed to step out, eventually we did and once again we had another reason to be proud of our city.

What Aztech Arcum has done is what we say in business; �If you build it, they will come�. Up until the opening, we never knew that many of the events we admired in other parts of the country were itching to come to the city of Port Harcourt but lacked the facility to put up the kind of creative events we crave.

In the six months that followed the opening, major brands, celebrity weddings and show organizers swamped the city with one event or the other, each stretching their �nancial limits and creative imagination to outdo the other.

Until we have a better rival, Aztech Arcum remains the idea to beat.

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ADADVERTORIAL



Let the sky

Fall for fashionOne woman�s quest to revamp the city of Port Harcourt�s fashion landscape. In this edition we take a look at Princess Peaceful Owhogiri�s classical collection by her fashion label Revamp By Peaceful Owhogiri. The collection is a throwback of style from the 50s � classic, retro and very feminine. Exploring a more formal period women dressed smartly and looking like a lady was a key fashion statement.


1a Onne Road, G.R.A Phase 2, Port HarcourtRivers State.w: www.revampbypeacefulo.comm: 084 300 495

Shades of anyhowness

The things we wish we could change about Port Harcourt

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Sometimes it�s just cool to play with visual cues, perhaps other more subtle messages can be passed on to minds blessed with the noble gift of curiosity. For those who have read the romantic thriller �50 Shades of gray�, we de�nitely know why you stopped to read. Romance is good for the soul. In this instance, we choose to throw more light on some rather unpleasant things in our city.

Service is generally on the low in Nigeria but when it comes to the city of Port Harcourt, it almost seems cultural. Coming from us, trust me, it's a hard pill to swallow but if saying it will help, then there's no option. Imagine walking into a shop to pick up stu� after a hard day at work, you walk into this shop with music so loud, the attendant is either on her blackberry pinging (with her face down) or she is polishing her nails while you wonder around the shop. You pick up stu� and ask �how much?� still sitting, she raises her eyes, takes a �rst look at you from head to toe as if the price of what you picked up was subject to what you were wearing. She says the price and if you dare try to bargain, she logs out on you and continues with whatever she had going before you stepped into the shop like you were a busy body or an intruder. The buck doesn't stop at the foot of the store keeper, there are several instances of business owners who give no thought to quality of service and would even say to the store keepers �Give it to them anyhow, dem no go know abeg�. An awkward shade of anyhowness.

Owning a car repair shop in Port Harcourt right now is one of the biggest yet undiscovered money making ventures. If you are enterprise minded and must head in this direction with your investments, we must advise that you start o� with Panel biting. The guys who currently do body work on cars make the most money from return businesses. Why? The city has some of the worst drivers you could �nd, a greater percentage of these are commercial bus and taxi drivers. Almost seems like scratching your car comes with joy and ful�llment for them,

one of two things make their adrenaline and crave to do damage run faster. One is driving past them in an expensive car and the other is being a woman. Sometimes you will instantly feel sick in the stomach hearing these drivers unleash insult at women irrespective of the fact that they (the drivers) were at fault. I'm not completely exonerating the women, we've seen cases where they try to show o� rudely and the next thing we hear is �BAAAM� They'd quickly bring out their phones to the glare of passersby, shouting at the top of their voices. Subtly they are saying to everyone �You don't know who I know or who my husband is�.

If you ever come close to the busses that shout �Aba Aba Aba Abaaaaa� It's in your own interest to speed o� or slow down and let them have their way. Never try to show o� your wheeling skills around these guys, they are ruthless!Should we talk about shunting or driving against tra�c? This seems to be a thing of pride on our roads. From heavily guarded, (James Bond styled driving) coaster buses carrying expatriates, siren deafening government o�cials, pastors, CEOs and the 'notice me' ordinary citizens, just everyone seems to be at fault here at one time or the other. On a normal afternoon in the city, you are certain to �nd most two lane roads converted to 6-8 lanes, this just happens like the miracle of 5 �shes and loaves, less isn�t always more here.

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We've all been told that there is too much money in this city. It's either one of 3 things; either we've been sold a lie or those who have the money cannot invest creatively or they probably invest somewhere beyond this city.On a calm Saturday evening, I hit the road with my wife for some time outside the four walls of

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our home, on our way, confusion rages, where do we go to and why? We seemingly will always run out of options and return home to probably munch some salad in the fridge, see a movie at home and pray that the hour of sleep arrives faster than usual.If it's not an eatery or bar, then it's the cinema. Sometimes you just feel like borrowing some things in other cities to Port Harcourt during the weekends and return to owner by Monday. Just imagine borrowing from Lagos places like Terra Kulture in Victoria Island or Bogobiri in Ikoyi to Port Harcourt?

The problem isn't just that of limited options but they all seem alike except for the di�erences in names. No one is o�ering anything di�erent or exceptional, even the ones who have masterpiece leisure places outside of Port Harcourt, come in here to set up below standard facilities. Imagine visiting silverbird galleria in Abuja and Lagos and coming back home to visit the same Silverbird here in Port Harcourt? Oh dear! It's not our fault; some of us work pretty hard and need something really good to cool o�.

Ok, this is on a very light note, I'm angry that I can �nd places to eat ASUN in this city, you know that peppered goat meat you take with a very chilled bottle of malt or beer that just makes you go ahhhhhhhhhh. Not having asun in this city is an evidence of anyhowness.

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To be pro�led in next edition. We also welcome suggestions from our readers.Email to: [email protected]

ARTWALK

SOKARIDOUGLASCAMPSokari Douglas Camp is a London based sculptor of buguma origin in Rivers State, Nigeria. Her primary material is steel and her sculptures refer to her Nigerian roots and international issues. She is one of the winners of the memorial for Ken Saro-Wiwa in London. Douglas Camp constructs large-scale sculptures - she was one of the shortlisted artists for the Fourth Plinth in 2003. She has collaborated with Ground Force to create an African Garden for the British Museum, which participated in Africa 05. She exhibits internationally and nationally.

SALES ENQUIRIES5 Morecambe Street London SE17 1DXt. 020 7703 9008 f. 020 7701 3973e. [email protected]

Materials: Steel, beads, tin cans, silk threadDimensions: 150cm x 56cm x 44cmHoused: Held by artist

Materials: Steel, oil drumDimensions: 257.5cm x 76cm x 87cmHoused: Held by artist

Purge:WomanThe FingerIf you are a lover of art and colors, the Jumboton art gallery is just the perfect place to visit for leisure or inspiration. Wonderfully bright and attractive colors, sculptures and even live birds adorn the gallery. Located in the heart of Old Port Harcourt Township, the gallery serves as a visual narrative and journey through history. The gallery director, Mr Patrick Jumbo is always ready to spend the next hour reeling our stories of the Old Rivers Protectorate, a visual run down on economic transactions and mediums of exchange since 1911 etc.

JUMBOTONARTGALLERY

Director of Gallery: Patrick A.O Jumbo419 Bende Street, Old Port Harcourt Township.e: [email protected]: 0803 765 8741

Location Pick

ARTWALKPersonality Pick

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An unending rainbowed-row of large umbrellas BORO PARK

CITYSCAPE

�Packet� and unpackaged shirts, skirts, trousers, dresses within your pocket�s budget. Pants, brassieres and other undergarments in brazen display.

A thousand accessories: beads, hair ru�es, costume jewelry, anything at all. You may bend down to select (bend-down-select), �ip through hangers or pick from a mannequin�s pose. They come in grades, most of the items being fairly used. Sorry previously owned.

One beautiful reason to shop at �park� is that there are skilled tailors on hand to mend over-sized or torn clothes (or should I say, clothes needing special attention) and to make bedsheets and curtains from materials bought only minutes before.

You may also refresh your tired self with some roast plantain (bole) and �sh or a plate of rice and beans from �Mama jollof-rice�.

The sights, sounds, and experience will linger a while�

You have not been to Port Harcourt if you have never been to �Park�

�Park�, apart from being a major bus terminal and landmark in the city, is a central market square. People come from all corners of Port Harcourt to shop here. It is open every day of every year, morning till evening.

The Rivers State Government has made several unsuccessful attempts to dislodge the market but the tenacity of it�s traders have wearied even the forces sent after them. So here they are. Carrying on. �Man no die, man no rotten.�

At �Park� is everything saleable. Household provisions - fake and original; portable electronics and small gadgets; Books and all forms of stationery; Cosmetics, ornaments and other such friperry; Cloth materials for dresses, bed sheets, curtains and interior decoration; Towels, sunglasses, footwear��And Oh! Clothes! You will �nd clothes. Any colour, any size, any style.

Mercy Uduma5000COPIESCIRCULATED TO OVERFREE

500OFFICES, MULTINATIONALS, BANKS, HOTELS, EATERIES ETC

50,000DOWNLOADS OF OUR DIGITAL EDITION

make up a larger percentage of your target audience in the city of Port Harcourtand they will be too busy to hear your radio advert or see it on a local TV.We know where they are and how to reach them.

5 YEARS AHEAD ONPRINT&CONTENTQUALITY

GET FEATURED IN OUR NEXT EDITIONEmail: [email protected] [email protected]

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A mad man�s silly smile, a beggar�s

open hand;Unending rainbowed-rows of large

umbrellas decking the trading hub; A blast of colours from merchandise hitched on hooks and

dangling from the shades; An untidy array of goods sprawled on mats or (split garri-bags) on the open ground; The unpleasant sight of traders sitting on heaps of clothing they intend to sell; A thousand

traders, ten thousand patrons;

Yes indeed, you are at the popular BoroPark.


Julia Oku Jacks�and the myth of a work/life balance

et�s just review the routine of Mrs. Jill Public -L Daughter, sister, cousin, friend, wife, mother and high �ying executive. For every role she performs,

there are associated goals-minor or major, but all apparently key. Now, to perform all the roles she has, she probably wakes up early in the morning, says her prayers, and prepares breakfast for the whole family. Then she wakes them up, gets the little ones bathed, dressed and o� to school or work. The next day, just like ground hog day, the routine starts all over again, with a few variations here and there, depending on whether it�s a work day, a public holiday or even a Sunday. Simply put, the average woman�s day starts early, packs a hefty punch of to-do�s, �nishes late and frequently her work is never ever donez

So where does the balance come in? I always have a good laugh when people talk so earnestly about achieving work/life balance. Balance implies a harmonious, more or less equitable portioning of things or a state of emotional or mental equilibrium. How can we ever achieve that? What we tend to do is more or less juggle tasks from an ever changing lists of priorities and feel guilty when we don't do the things others expect us to do. The truth is that with all the issues facing the modern working woman, there�s simply no balance because something or someone usually falls through the cracks and it�s usually the issues that are vital to the woman.

For me, work/life balance involves deciding what matters most at a particular time and learning to say �No� when there�s a more critical �Yes� burning inside me. Sometimes the home front su�ers when I have time-sensitive deadlines to meet at work. Sometimes work su�ers when my spouse or child requires my attention. You just can�t please everyone and there�s no point to even try. It may upset some people but it works well for me and for those who matter most to me at work and home. For me, balance means waking up at 4:30am, an excellent time for my spirit to be open to receive messages from my maker, to direct and ground me through the day. I guard that time jealously.

Then, three times a week, or more, depending on my energy levels and what the waist bands of my skirt suit tells me, I hit the road to walk for an hour or more. This time too, I guard jealously. I give them up and my sense of perspective �ies out of the window.

Without a doubt work/life balance involves delegating the tasks I just can�t or have decided not to handle personally. A smart woman surrounds herself with divine helpers- the people who pick up the slack when you get caught up in one unforseen emergency or the other. It also means occasionally overlooking an untidy bed, as long as you get back to it later. If you�re a perfectionist, be ready to be perpetually bent out of shape as you try to hit all the bases at once while your stress levels rise steadily. Less is sometimes more.

Balance also means free, frequent, loving communication with your spouse and having a great sense of humour packed with a hefty dose of love, �exibility and understanding. Before we got married, my husband and I sat down and talked about possible �deal breakers� for us. He laughed when I told him that if cooking a fresh pot of soup daily was a key performance factor for our marriage, then I wasn�t the right wife candidate �.It just couldn�t happen with everything else I had to do to keep home, o�ce, him, myself and our family moving on happily. Luckily, he agreed and here we are�sometimes eating freezer-fresh food hapily.

Let�s face it, when you�re a people pleaser, your life will never be in balance because you�re constantly trying to make someone happy at work or at home. Be values-driven. Decide what is important at a particular time and do it. Get back to the other things you let slide and get them done. Cut yourself a lot of slack; be �exible and have a robust sense of humour. Things are not always going to work out exactly the way you want them to but they�ll work out. Above all�in the middle of all these balancing acts and circus tricks we try to perform, let�s remember that with God, all things, including balancing disparate things and remaining successful, are possible.

We love myth-busters, people who make you unlearn, relearn and finally learn something insightful about what you previously thought you knew. Julia Oku Jacks, corporate communications head of Moni Pulo Limited is one of those people you meet and have such an overhauling learning experience. Wife, mother, avid people watcher and reformed workaholic as she loves to put it. Recently, we had a brief chat with her, putting forward a poser on achieving work/life balance, she laughed, shook her head and said �It's a myth�.


A walk into the beautifully arranged space will de�nitely make you go speechless.

The Speechless Boutique, a mother and baby fashion shop is a deliberate attempt at striking a balance between quality and a�ordable pricing. This is one of those places you walk into and impulse buying takes over from where logic stops. If you have an insatiable crave for quality, then this is the �go to place� in the City of Port Harcourt.

Whenever issues of pricing comes to the fore, especially with the fact that the business is located in the heart of New G.R.A which is assumed to be the capital of all things pricey in the city, the C.E.O comes up with a believable argument.

�We sell only products with quality standards you can �nd anywhere else in the world and we can assure you that comparatively, our prices are cheaper than what you travel out of the country to get.�

Their strategy is simple. They�ve established a strong trade relationship and global network with manufacturers and wholesalers in the United States, France, UK and Italy. They get their products into the country at almost production cost in order to stay true to their corporate objective of delivering to their network of customers, excellent quality at best prices.

Extremely brilliant strategy for a growing business located here in the city of Port Harcourt.

7 Rotimi Amaechi Road (IBB Way)G.R.A Phase 3, Port Harcourt.

Plot 1 Onne RoadG.R.A Phase 2, Port Harcourt.e: [email protected]: 084 301 442, 301 443

www.speechlessng.com

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Give it to Serene Spa, there seems to be something they understand about life than most of us do. Lavish, luxurious and beautiful, the feeling you get on each visit is unrivaled.

The Spa, located in the heart of Port Harcourt�s luxury district brings to the fore a new de�nition of being born again. A visit to the spa is like hitting the restore to factory settings button on your smart phone. Everything comes afresh and absolutely invigorating.

From the reception, all the way through to the massage rooms, everything feels heavenly.

17 King Perekule Street,G.R.A Phase 2, Port Harcourt.m: 0816 927 [email protected]

SereneSpaThe ambience, aesthetics, soft music, the smell of freshness, calm lightings, warm reception and well trained sta�. A visit to this Eden in the heart of the Garden city is worth more than you can imagine.

If you love life and living as it should be, then we have no other recommendation than a regular session with Serene Spa as they take you through a SPAritual Journey of freshness and reinvigoration. A respite for working muscles and workday tensions.

The experience of a new you !

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OLYMPUSHAS FALLEN

reek mythology has been one of the biggest movie Gthemes sold out of America�s Hollywood. Stories of ancient Greek empires and power strongholds are

replayed in one movie or the other keeping the century old Greek mythologies alive.

In 2013, Hollywood made another blockbuster movie with the title OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN. This time, it wasn�t about the ancient Greek city, it was about America�s white house (code-named Olympus by the secret service) overrun and taken down by international terrorists. The movie grossed a total of $161,025,640 in worldwide sales.

Back home in Port Harcourt, a few months after the release of the movie Olympus has Fallen, unknowingly to the government of a such a coincidence, it was making plans to bring down the old Olympia hotels building which had become a shadow of its former self. The story of it�s demise can be traced to the creation of Bayelsa state out of Rivers State and the two states needed to share a few state owned investments adequately.

We found the development a bit interesting and thought to document the entire process of �breaking down and building up�. We wanted to document how our city�s landscape was gradually evolving, both for fun and as a reference document for the future.

Like most stories of ancient empires and power stronghold in ancient Greek mythology, the relic of the old Olympia hotels in Port Harcourt was a subtle reminder of the nuances and intricacies of political power and it�s e�ect on the urban landscape.

According to our �ndings, a new luxury empire is to be built from the rubbles of the old Olympia Hotels on Forces Avenue, Old G.R.A Port Harcourt

F R O M A N C I E N T R U I N S T O R I S I N G L U X U R Y E M P I R E SA S T R E E T P H O T O D O C U M E N T A R Y S E R I E S

P H O T O C R E D I T : T O U C H P H

See Photos on next page


CITYSCAPE

THE EVOLUTION

This is where the project is currently. We�ve heard the news and rumors of a possible RadissonBlu Hotel sprouting up from same spot. We are imagining, wondering and monitoring as the face of our urban landscape evolves.

THE POINT OF IMAGINATION.

SHOT OVER A 30 DAY PERIOD

THE ORIGINREMNANT OF FORMER OLYMPIA HOTELS

TO BE CONTINUED

BiosystemsMEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS

49 Tombia Street, G.R.A Phase 2, Opposite Le Meridien Hotels Entrance Gate, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.0809 153 0000 0809 154 [email protected]

Globally, the (outbound) medical tourism industry is booming. Every year, about 7 million people �y abroad from one country to another in search of quality and a�ordable healthcare. The industry is currently estimated to be worth as much as $40 billion, this is according to Patients beyond Borders, a publisher of international medical travel guidebooks. Countries like Thailand, Mexico, Unites States, Singapore, India, Brazil and Turkey are in the lead of all medical tourism spend around the world.

Back here in Nigeria, a large percentage of our outbound medical travel expenses (capital �ight) are speci�cally directed towards India and in some cases Unites States.

Dental care, weight-loss surgery and cancer treatment currently top the list of ailments that inspire medical travel. However, our �ndings reveal that most of the outbound medical travels from Nigeria could have been avoided if there were trusted diagnostics centers that greatly reduce the margins of

error.

In the business of medical diagnostics, accuracy and precision is everything and that is exactly what we discovered at the Port Harcourt based Biosystems Medical Diagnostics. Packed full with state-of-the-art technology, they boast of being one of only about 3 in the entire country where accuracy in medical diagnostics remain unrivaled.

BIOSYSTEMSWAITING ON LIFE AT

MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS

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Brand Management . Advertising . Digital Marketing

This is what you see when you walk into a Brand Management Company that relies heavily on strategy to drive communications projects. Scribbles, sketches, scrapbooks, rough notes and papers everywhere. Even our trash bin can revive a dying fortune500 company, because we make ideas work.

We are the brand experience and communications design consultancy for Africa.

The brand experience and communications design consultancy for Africa

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CLICKS,CLAPS AND CELEBRATION

AS PORT HARCOURT BECOMES THE UNESCO WORLD BOOK CAPITAL CITY 2014.

hat awesome moment when you realize that your city just Tearned a bragging right to a tittle. The world turns it�s spotlight on you; camera �ashes, beams and headlines on

global newspapers and news channels making you realize that it�s not just a title, your city just earned a �Celebrity City Status�. You can�t beat that.

All thanks to the doggedness of Mrs Koko Kalango, Executive Director of The Rainbow Book Club and the Rivers State Government for it�s support.

For the much we know, earning such a global tittle doesn�t come from having connections around the corridors of power (economic or political). It was a �erce global bid among cities. The exciting thing about Port Harcourt�s nomination is that this will be the �rst time a city in sub-saharan Africa will be crowned the Unesco World Book Capital, the �rst ever World Book Capital City in Africa to be nominated by a public bid and the second ever World Book Capital City in Africa after Alexandria (Egypt). A feat that was achieved based on quality of content and proposal for the year long literary activity.

The tittle will be held by Port Harcourt from April 23rd 2014 to April 22nd 2015. Till it get�s to April 2015, we leave our shoulders high up.

The message in The Dance of Akamaguda is not only compelling but also very loud indeed. It echoes once again the voices and daily experiences of people who live and eke-out economic sustenance from the waters and land in the deep delta of the iconic and great Niger River.

Using symbols and words that are deeply rooted in the culture of the people of the Niger Delta, The Dance of Akamaguda portrays for us to see, the issues that are critical to modern day citizens and residents of the region, ranging from social justice and governance to faith in Almighty God.

Its 2004 Port Harcourt, Nigeria at the height of the kidnap of oil workers in the Niger delta, a kidnapping goes awry and four lives are reconnected. Douye aka Doughboy the career militant responsible for the crime. Amaibi the gentle university professor / eco-warrior accused. Kaniye the lawyer turned restaurateur who tries to get him o� and Tubo an amoral oil company executive. Against a backdrop of corrupt practises, failed systems and injustice, these four friends tell the story of oil in a region and its e�ects on local communities and the Nigerian larger society.

When NADINE is confronted with the reality of her failing marriage, her �rst instinct is to work it out. She has had it drummed into her that marriage is �for better, for worse�. Walking out is just not an option - her faith would condemn her and her culture would make her a pariah. The combination of Nadine�s background, education, social standing, friendships, faith, experiences and past relationships is meant to equip her to become a success. Failure is alien to her and love means forgiving at all cost. As she tries to survive and make the most of the curves that life has thrown her, she discovers that �success� is a subjective term, and �happily ever after� is something that you have to discover and de�ne for yourself �

AkamagudaOraye St. Franklyn

The Dance of

Print Length: 122 pages

Yesterday Chimeka Garricks

Tomorrow died


ON THE BOOKSHELF BOOKS INSPIRED BY OUR CITY

For youChioma Nnani

Forever there



TEARY EYESWITH A SMILEOF HOPEBitebo Gogo�s Keeping It Real Foundationgetting as real as humanity can be

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THE SPOTLIGHT

itebo Gogo is a lawyer by training from the Rivers State BUniversity of Science and Technology Rivers State Nigeria and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995. She received

her LLM from the same University in 2006 and worked in corporate Nigeria for over 10 years . She is a chartered Arbitrator and Mediator. After her last job as a legal advisor in Delattre Bezon Nigeria Limited in Bonny Island in 2007, she became a volunteer/patron with the Red Cross Society in Nigeria. In 2010, after a life threatening experience, she had an epiphany and became the Founding and Executive Director of Keeping It Real (KIR) Foundation, in Lagos, Nigeria. In 2013, the organization established the KIR Foundation Inclusive Resource and Rehabilitation Community Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the only Inclusive Centre in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The Centre works with regular persons and the disability community in Rivers State especially in the area of education, capacity building and advocacy.

Could you tell us what stirred you into doing this?

My inspiration was actually an epiphany that occurred in 2010. I had a near death experience and I realized I had been postponing a lot of things I wanted to do because I felt I needed money to do them. On my death bed I realized it wasn't all about money, it was about the desire to, so I decided that if I came out of this alive and well, I was going to pursue my dream of empowering young people. The essence really is to inspire change through learning. I realized that people cannot give what they don't have, when people are taught, its easier for them to apply what they have learnt, so the inspiration basically is on two points; number one, for the fact that I came face to face with death and realized that it's not so much about money but about you ful�lling purpose in life and secondly, the fact that instead of complaining about things that we can change, it's better to do what we can do no matter how little it is, so those are the two things that basically inspired me to start.

Which has been your biggest project

so far?

Our biggest project so far is the one we are currently working on at the school for special needs children in borokiri, PortHarcourt and it's actually running into millions. That's our biggest projects so far.

What does the project entail and how

do you intend to fund it?

We went there last year. We were referred to the school by the society for the blind in Lagos because we had previously done some work with them in Lagos. We got to the school at

Borikiri and noticed that the school was run down, they don't have mathematics teachers for a school that is suppose to be for children who are already disadvantaged. Since 1997 they haven't had an art teacher. The school has about 300 students and only about 5% of them end up going to the university.

The �rst thing to do was to try to inspire the children. We visited them in February 2013, organized a prize giving day and a book donation day for them just to recognize those of them who have being outstanding in academics. It was surprising to discover that one of the students from the school had won an ICT competition amongst regular children that were not disabled in Rivers State. For us that was an inspiration, knowing that there is ability in disability. We also noticed that since the school commenced they had never had a vocational training program and for children who have just a 5% chance of going into the university, it was a necessity. We concluded that they needed another form of empowerment apart from traditional formal education, they need to explore their hidden potentials and talents, so

we decided to embark on the vocational training program. Just like other programs, we didn't know where the money was going to come from so we decided to talk to friends, family members and acquaintances.

We don't have all the money yet but we have been able to fund ourselves running our �rst training series with them. The training program ranges from Show making, basket weaving, photography, videography and graphic design.

Plot 8, Road 112, Federal Housing Authority Estate Amadi-Ama, Port Harcourt, Rivers StateM: 081 8281 6606, 080 3531 0492Email: [email protected]: www. kirfoundation.orgFacebook:www.facebook.com/kirfoundationTwitter: @kirfoundation


CHIO ANNANI Cutest

BossLadyf you know a thing or two about business Iand you happen to have a chance conversation with Oby Okwunakwe, you�d

understand clearly what it means to �build passionately from the ground up�.

When asked about what drives her, she says she passionately wants to grow the Cutest GiftsEver brand as a nationally recognized brand and not just a company limited to the city of Port Harcourt. She says she wants people to be happy when they receive her gifts. She recounts from past experiences describing the joy and excitement with which clients receive her products.

Her company, CutestGifts Ever currently enjoys huge patronage from corporate organizations, non-pro�ts, Government ministries and religious organizations all over the city.

The gifts are exceptional, and the wrappings are extraordinary. We�ve been bene�ciaries of the joy and excitement that accompany every of their gift delivery time out. thus we testify.

Oby Iheme Okwunakwe is the CEO of Cutest Gifts Ever a gift sales, wrapping and delivery out�t located in Port Harcourt. she is also an Executive Director Corporate A�airs for JEKS Nigeria Limited. She has her �rst degree in International Business Administration and an MBA. Oby Also serves on the board of several other companies and organizations.

With over 13 years experience in Management, Oby is arguably one of the smartest female entrepreneurs you will come across around here. Pretty, smart, always giving a smile and ready for the next gift wrapping session. Her company might be relatively new in the city but one thing that stands them out and eventually has a positive e�ect on their growth curve is the enormous attention to detail the company�s sta� pays to customer service.

According to Oby, a company�s �rst priority is to it�s sta�, if you have a well trained and well behaved sta�, the result is constant tra�c of not just new customers but returning customers.Her sta� can be easily confused for her friends and sisters as she strives to establish a �rm relationship with her sta� and trains them to transfer same to every customer.

THE SPOTLIGHT

THE SPOTLIGHT

hioma describes herself as Blood-washed, God-Cchasing storyteller. She holds a Law (LLB) degree from the University of Kent, Canterbury; and a

PgCert in Food Law from the De Montfort University, Leicester.

She is the author of our featured book FOREVER THERE FOR YOU, and the upcoming TRIPLE-R SERIES (a no-holds-barred series aimed at teenagers). She is also working on her second full-length novel. She has guest-blogged for WOMEN & AFRICA, and MATKOUB. Chioma is a ghost-writer, as she also likes to tell others' stories.

Chioma Nnani grew up in the city of Port Harcourt. She had her nursery and primary education here at the Bereton Montessori before proceeding to FGGC Calabar.

When asked about her experience growing up in the city, she recounts;

For me, Port-Harcourt represents so many things. In my opinion, it's the place that gave me 'many �rst breaks'. I learned to read in Port-Harcourt. I can still see my 5 year-old self using "Queen's Reader".

I learned to write scripts in Port-Harcourt. The �rst time I was asked/ordered to write a drama script, it was in HOTR, PH (House on The Rock, Port-Harcourt). I was morti�ed. I tried to claim that I only wrote prose - I was told in no uncertain terms that the drama team of the church (of which I was a

part), would be looking forward to receiving my script. I had no choice. HOTR, PH was also where I heard that I could literally do and be anything I wanted.

My mum worked with NNPC, and I have so many memories of the 'Waterlines House' on Olu Obasanjo Road. I remember that even when I was in boarding school, and returning home for the holidays, the feeling of seeing "Welcome to Port-Harcourt" was just incredible.

Another thing I �nd incredible about PH is harmattan. Yes, weird; I know. There's something about the fog, and the 'smell of Christmas' in Port-Harcourt that you just don't get anywhere else. There's also something about Rivers native soup, that makes one salivate - even when you're already full. And the boli&�sh bought from any of the sellers at the Elekahia Housing Estate - drenched in pepper - hits the spot, every time and can even be preferable to exotic cuisine."

Ghost Writer, Storyteller, Author & Radio Presenter

Oby Okwunakwe, C.E.O CutestGifts Ever Ltd


The reason it’s so hard to Stay away from Port Harcourt for too long.

BolePhoto Credit: TOUCHPH

ON THEMENU


www.mobilewestafrica.com

t was an interesting time at the Four Points by ISheraton Hotel where the Mobile West Africa conference took place. Industry stakeholders,

Social media in�uencers, mobile technology and Innovation drivers from di�erent parts of the world gathered to strategize on how Africa can leapfrog development leveraging on mobile and social technology.

The highpoint of this year�s event was the choice of Tomi Ahonen as the keynote speaker of the event. Tomi who was visiting Nigeria for the �rst time was described by FORBES as the single most in�uential expert in mobile in 2012.

This year�s event also had a few �rst time idea showcase. Top of which was the showcasing of TOUCHPH as a model civic solutions innovation strategy for Africa.

Perez Tigidam who was also also listed among the panel speakers at the event spoke passionately on the topic �2030 Matrix: Utilizing mobile, social media and localization to develop the brand management of a city�.

Line up of speakers at the event included; Isla Macleod, Digital Business Development Director EMEA, BBC Worldwide, Debbie Shepard, Head of Marketing, West Africa, Nokia and Segun Ogunsanya, CEO & Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Stephen Boadi, Head of Digital Marketing � Africa, PZ CUSSONS, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman, OPENMEDIA GROUP etc.

Excitement as the Touch Port Harcourt project

get�s recognized on a global stage.�.announced as O�cial Civic Solutions Partner of MwebAfrica

Ok, this is not one of the many look alike places clustered in New G.R.A. A complete break away from the norm, in location, entire set up and ultimately, the experience on your taste buds. Located in the middle of the city�s oil and gas industry and emerging new residential layouts popularly known as Odili Road, a visit to the Red Coral Restaurant and lounge is a typical description of �your money�s worth�

Ah ha, Finally! We could correctly guess that this will be the exclamation of many guests as they make their way through the main doors and greeted with a warm smile from carefully chosen waiters. This is a complete breadth of

17 Peter Odili Road,by Somitel Junction, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.m: 0806 707 8712

fresh air. Warm lighting, bespoke furniture, soothing classical and jazzy sounds gliding through the keys on the Grand Piano, the meals and vast choice of luxury wines make you experience a little taste of paradise in Port Harcourt.

If you love a royal treatment, then get served at the Red Coral Restaurant and lounge.

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TOUCHPH.COM | 40 TOUCHPH.COM | 41

Touchportharcourt.com (@TouchPH on twitter) is one of Nigeria's �rst major attempts at utilizing social technology in the management of complex city dynamics outside the city of Lagos. TouchPH is presently the largest mobile/social community down south of Nigeria. An ambitious and privately run project designed by Arden and Newton Brand Management Company. The project is built around the idea of localization of mobile data collection, creating local information clusters, developing complex algorithms out of the data gathered and utilizing the result in the planning and management of aspects of the city such as security, transportation, urban planning and design, housing and property indexing, tourism and destination marketing, Local news aggregation etc. The project was launched in 2010 and designed to be executed in 5 phases. The 1st phase which is aimed at building a critical mass of followership, aggregating social content and providing civic and navigational solutions is already very successful with over 30,000 followers and heavy reliance of city residence and Port Harcourt bound travellers and businesses on the project.

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web: www.touchph.com www.touchportharcourt.com

Twitter: @TouchPH

facebook.com/Touchportharcourt

Instagram:Touchportharcourt

TOP 4 BRANDS TO LEVERAGE ONTOUCHPH FOR MARKETINGGULDERHASHTAG: #GulderClubUltimateDuration: July 2013Campaign Nature: Event Promotion

BRITISH COUNCILHASHTAG: #BCcreateyourfutureDuration: January-February 2014Campaign Nature: Social media marketing for British Council�s Education Fair 2014 held in Lagos & Abuja.

FAN MILK NIGERIAHASHTAG: #RoyaleTreatmentDuration: April 2014Campaign Nature: Product marketing for new product launch, building online brand awareness and event publicity.

GLOBACOMHASHTAG: #GloSlideNBouncceTourDuration: July 2014Campaign Nature: Event/Concert promotion.

let our digital interactive team

SET UP AND RUN YOUR COMPANY�S DIGITAL MARKETING &SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY, NATIONALWIDE CAMPAIGNS ETC.We deliver real time analytics and trackable results.

Email us: [email protected]

TOUCHPH.COM | 42

HOW CITIZENS ARE USING @TOUCHPHIf you are not on twitter, log on to www.twitter.com, create an accounteg @RaymondBluebird, search for @TouchPH, click on follow. @TouchPHserves you with fresh daily news from Port Harcourt and around the country,use @touchPh as a local city directory, alert on emergency, promote yourbusiness etc

SIMPLY PUT, @TOUCHPH PROVIDES YOU WITH LOCAL

SOLUTIONS GOOGLECAN�T HELP YOU OUT WITH.

Visit our BLOG on www.touchph.com

for daily news reportage and live updates of events

as they happen.

touchph web magazine

Documents

port harcourt narrative

port harcourt cityhook

city ofport harcourt

touch port harcourt

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c o ma visitor

o r e d i s c o v e

single sided story