News
BN on CNN: BellaNaija.com Founder Uche Eze interviewed by CNN’s Isha Sesay for i-List
BellaNaija.com Founder, CEO/MD of BainStone – Uche Eze was featured on CNN i-List on the 28th of September 2010.
The interview was conducted by CNN reporter, Isha Sesay. During the interview, Uche discussed the genesis and inspiration for the BellaNaija brand, social media and social media activism in Africa and the plans for BellaNaija.com
You can view the interview below:
What is i-List?
A special program that visits a different country each month and look towards its future. We highlight innovation and influence in business, industry, culture and more.
In September, i-List visits Africa for the first time, with special programs from Nigeria. Watch CNN live from Nigeria on World One all week from 27 September at 1900 GMT/ 2000 BST/ 2100 CET.
For more details on CNN i-List, visit http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2010/ilist/
Sincere thanks to all BellaNaija readers! Any success that BN has been blessed with is courtesy of YOU. – From the BN Team
Temi
September 29, 2010 at 8:19 pm
It’s not easy
Ogo
September 30, 2010 at 8:58 am
Temi, u be fine boy oh!!!lol
Toyin
September 30, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Hahahaha LMBO…I second that sha
mariaah
September 30, 2010 at 5:54 pm
I know…but how come some pple av pictures and some don’t? Give me the load down now…
Tintin
October 13, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Temi is the designer of this website and most likely the webmaster…
That’s why he can put up his pic (I suppose)…
Tintin
October 1, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Sturvs should be interviewed next @ Temi, abi ki lo feel? you don fashi your person… Ofwhich bebe dey find you seriously o!!…Ask Lado, e go yarn you wetin bebe talk!
BNFan
September 29, 2010 at 8:21 pm
CONGRATS BELLANAIJA! I have followed you from your blog. Nice to see Nigerian ladies doing great things! Continue the great work….and yay, first!!!
mariaah
September 29, 2010 at 8:21 pm
First to comment… RAHH!!!!!!Bite me…
lovefashion
September 29, 2010 at 8:22 pm
That was really good.(Y)
Veryimpressive
September 29, 2010 at 8:23 pm
So proud of you! You were very professional and eloquent… and looked on point! God bless you Uche..xxoxo
Nma
September 29, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Get it Uche!!..i thought u said u were never putting ur image up on the site again…..lol…glad u changed ur mind….u looked fab! 🙂
OlucciArmani
September 29, 2010 at 8:33 pm
your number One fan!……keep up the good work babe
🙂
mike
September 29, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Yeah saw it too,congrats and the Founder has Hot legs too.
gbekun
September 29, 2010 at 8:34 pm
is bellanaija.com a not-for-profit venture?
Miss ATL
September 29, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Very well done. You came across as a very well-spoken and intelligent young lady in your answers. Love the outfit too! 2 thumbs way way up!
Glory Edozien
September 29, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Needless to say it is an absolute honour to work with and under the BN umberalla. I was nearly bursting with pride as i watched the programme yday! God bless BellaNaija.com our readers and Nigeria!
mike
September 29, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Amen
chiamaka iwunze
September 29, 2010 at 8:51 pm
awwwww i am too proud of you….
Koki Eze
September 29, 2010 at 8:59 pm
So Proud of Bellanaija been following it since ’06 and it truly deserves all the success because it comes from a true and sincere place. God bless Bellanaija. You are still going bigger places. Keep up the good work!!
fokasibe
September 29, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Fab…Fab!!! Überfab!! Well done BN team!!!
@premiumblended
September 29, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Very articulate. I like!!! I can’t figure out your accent though, Its some kind of naija/british/american/canadian/japanese/german hybrid lmao.
sweetie
September 30, 2010 at 4:52 am
please who is this one, please she was well spoken and poised! its when she sounds like 9ice or one razz human being when she speaks that one would be ok abi? abeg bella you sounded posh jaare, keep it up
onthesubject
September 30, 2010 at 1:06 pm
LOL
Lola
September 30, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Noooo,It’s an Ijebu accent–
dohhh
THAT is a clear cut polished Nigerian Accent-no fake phone,and unnecessary nasal tones.If na soem people na to prove say dem school for canada dey blow unnecessary phone..shio..
Go on soun jare Uche—
Adeola
September 30, 2010 at 7:08 pm
fair enough, she sounds naija, but some of us have lived outside naija for such a long time….and we have english accent when i meet ignorant nigerians they tell me i am forming. Why do i have to conform ? why do i have to try to sound nigerian just so i can fit in? me trying to speak in naija acccent ijebu or african accent …now that will be forming.
we need to accept ppl regardless of their accents, eloquent or not, african, american or english accent or not…nasal or not! justsaying!
Chipii Banda
September 30, 2010 at 6:49 pm
There was no British accent in there. Her accent an American/Canadian tilt to it. She’s not fone-in. She is just speaking articulately and changing her intonation at the required times. You learn that ability if you are opportuned to school or live in Western English- speaking countries. (Or maybe just watch alot of foreign movies! However, the difference will still be evident). If one has this ability, there is nothing wrong with putting into practice in professional settings like this. She probably lets her guard down when she is among friends and family. It’s obvious that she is just being real.
However, I beg you! If you don’t know how to do this, PLEEEEASSSSEEEEE DON’T TRY!! You can still sound educated and be properly understood with a stronger Nigerian accent.
Take Nneka for instance. She has a strong Nigerian accent but speaks very clearly and can be understood by foreigners. She knows that if she tries to speak any other way, she will end up making a fool of herself. People must always be real. If you have the ability to turn on your “softer speech” switch, do it when you feel it is required or beneficial.
Adeola
October 1, 2010 at 10:00 am
no one said she had a british accent to be honest i cldnt care less
Nigerians need to move from the place of judging ppl by accent and just get on with life
i dont believe an interview with cnn get applauds on accent….well done UCHE!
Dami
October 7, 2010 at 12:53 pm
i agree! when u live outside nig or are just open to more accents via travellin or even watching movies u get a tilt to ur accent. me i have two ways of speaking and they switch on and off subconciously. i have been told i sound jamaican/american/british in my “softer speech” but when im around family n friends i talk in a very very much nigerian way. likewise with her her accent its perferctly normal..not contrived and she was very eloquent. i love how nneka speaks very nigerian n clear. people jus always need to speak clearly whatever accent you have
bella well done i’ve been following since blog days and even i am amazed at how its grown. you are definitely an inspiration
Lagos Boy
September 29, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Kudos, Clap for her.. Lovely!
justme
September 29, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Simply eloquent and beautiful. Keep it up Bella.
jessy
September 29, 2010 at 9:40 pm
yep………………….it is really lovely, i am a fan
Brittle Paper
September 29, 2010 at 9:52 pm
This is so cool! Inspiring.
Yuds
September 29, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Yay for inspiring young people!
Adura
September 29, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Keep up the good work Bella!
Egochi
September 29, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Good job Uche. So proud of you and your whole crew. God bless Nigeria and all her “products”
Keith
September 29, 2010 at 10:12 pm
First Oprah,now CNN..way to go baby lovely!
Enkay
September 29, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Yippie! One more star to the BN crown!
Munaluchi Bridal Magazine
September 29, 2010 at 10:18 pm
You looked great, Uche. Keep up the good work. We are a fan.
Keith
September 29, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Uche aka Bellanaija,Just keep doing what you are doing with ur social network,the huge monetary reward is not very far off…
jani
September 29, 2010 at 10:21 pm
damn. I really wish it was ribadu, utomi or some other progressives’ ad on the site. Saraki just doesn’t mesh with the whole progressive/activisim bit.
Great interview Bella!
D.O.T.M.H.
September 29, 2010 at 10:24 pm
My friend ran to my room yday saying “the founder of bella naija is on cnn, come and watch, come and watch” 🙂
Congratulations Uche, better things are yet to come
ayo coker
September 29, 2010 at 10:56 pm
A big shout out from all your readers in Vancouver BC,Canada.I persoally check your website thrice daily as if on Doctor’s prscription or is this the begining of addition? This Thing must grow into TV
Temilola
September 29, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Here is a young Nigerian who’s blazing the trail for us to follow…Keep up the good work Bella Naija Team..
Jay
September 29, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Go Bella!Go Bella!Go Bella!Go Bella!(chanting ……)
MelonX
September 29, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Ever so proud of you dearest Uche. We’ve been with you from day one and we will continue to make this site the go to place for fashion, news, lifestyle and culture in Africa.
jess
September 29, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Love love love it! Very articulate interview. It only gets better Uche 🙂
Buchi Ajufo
September 29, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Well done, I am so incredibly proud of you. That interview was flawless. You represent a new wave of young entrepreneuriall Nigerians who are as savvy as they are intelligent. I hope you bought a big hat because this is just one of many more feathers to come.
modelgirl02
September 30, 2010 at 12:08 am
congrats!!! I have been following you since you first started on the blog!!! its so great to see how you have grown!! *insert round of applause here…* 🙂
Noni
September 30, 2010 at 1:05 am
Yayy!!!Great Job Proud of ya Bella
Omada
September 30, 2010 at 1:11 am
saw it as it aired yesterday. kudos Uche.
africhika
September 30, 2010 at 1:22 am
beautiful! Nigerians can change the world. Uche, you were eloquent and looking gorgeous!
medina
September 30, 2010 at 1:37 am
Go Gal!!!!!! there no limit to sucess!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep Succeeding
no1naijamusicfanermnotreally
September 30, 2010 at 2:04 am
this is truly refreshing to see. a positive image of nigeria, and africa at large being presented. bellanaija makes a wonderful ambassador for the ideal of what young africans who truly believe in and love the continent aspire to, and the change they dream to effect in their world. also, well done to other african publications trying to maintain a high level of professionalism and a commitment to clear and concise communication.
Friend of Zara
September 30, 2010 at 2:22 am
everyday a star is born, clap for em, clap for em, clap for em!
VERY WELL DONE BELLA! loved ur blog, love ur site. 🙂
Mimz
September 30, 2010 at 3:18 am
Yeh i see u bella gurrrrlll!!!! i see u doing your thang!! keep up the good work i’m following your footsteps love ya!!!!
GeekGirl
September 30, 2010 at 4:26 am
great job
Beebabe
September 30, 2010 at 6:24 am
Caught a glimpse of d programme yest…needless 2 say, u looked fabulous and spoke very well. I’m so proud of u, u r an achiever…a young one @ dt.
Omada
September 30, 2010 at 11:48 pm
yep. her dress was gorgeous!
Ginika
September 30, 2010 at 7:50 am
Nice job
Ginika
September 30, 2010 at 7:54 am
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY for bellanaija, thats what I meant to say not nice job.
lola
September 30, 2010 at 8:05 am
well done guys!
Filled with so much pride!
Blossom
September 30, 2010 at 8:17 am
Go Uche! You’re mega-pretty, too! 😉
adenike
September 30, 2010 at 8:28 am
Thumbs up! Trying to imagine when things were rough for her;while climbing,but she persisted,believing in the idea/concept. Wow,what more can you say but ‘Thank You Father’! You’re just starting!!!!!!!
Tee
September 30, 2010 at 9:30 am
congrats bella naija!!!
Gino
September 30, 2010 at 9:52 am
This is really cool for we nigerians but hey why is that females are the once more successful in blogging and online deals. Look at Linda ikeji, she is really doing well. am a huge fan of her blog. Guys what are you waiting for. we can do better.
http://getnigeriajobs.blogspot.com/
Ib
September 30, 2010 at 10:47 am
WELL DONE!!
DUDU
September 30, 2010 at 10:57 am
So proud of you Bella. Your feature was one of (If not the only) the most articulate Nigerian personality interviews i’ve watched on CNN.
Isha, did try to call you out on the Bukola Saraki adverts but your answers were superb.
DUDU
September 30, 2010 at 11:15 am
Looks like the adverts are gone. Thank God
ilike
September 30, 2010 at 11:34 am
wow..more power to your elbows..Oprah, CNN i-list..next up Larry King!!
Ronnie
September 30, 2010 at 11:53 am
Very inspiring. Well done Bella!This gives hope to a lot of young folks that they can do it as well!!!
omonaikee
September 30, 2010 at 12:02 pm
well done Uche! you are beautiful, well spoken and confident!
Disbabe
September 30, 2010 at 12:52 pm
kudos bella. Nice Job who made your outfit? it was superb
jennifer
September 30, 2010 at 12:54 pm
A round of applause for you Uche. I wish to be like you some day in the near future.
Lola
September 30, 2010 at 1:00 pm
EXTREMELY proud of you Uche-you have done well.
BUT when in an interview,to come across more eloquent,PLEASE attempt to drop the use of the word “like,like” when speaking.
I think it’s a term reserved for people like Paris Hilton,it’s almost on the same level as saying “whatever”.
It almost depicts a limit in vocabulary.And I KNOW you KNOW your onions.
All in ALL BRAVO.
Concerned Individual
September 30, 2010 at 1:24 pm
congratulations. weldone. you have really inspired me.
Ujubaby
September 30, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Wow, bella I’m so proud of dis team, most especially Uche!
atiya
September 30, 2010 at 2:37 pm
More grease to your elbows Bella!
Anuola
September 30, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Welldone – you are a star. This is what happens when we follow our dreams through. You always remind me to get up and get moving.
Anuola
September 30, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Now I just wish Bukola Saraki wasn’t on here. That advert just raises his middle finger at our collective faces… Like a previous poster said, Ribadu yes, Pat Utomi, yes but BS mba nu. Although, then again it’s a tough call for your team…sigh.
yomi adu
September 30, 2010 at 4:05 pm
WOW!!! go BN…100% FAN
Enabulele
September 30, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Congrats, I’m so proud of you! Please keep the good work flowing, and don’t forget you’re Bella Naija… LOL 😀
bayo
September 30, 2010 at 5:46 pm
congrats, u deserve ds and so much more
mariaah
September 30, 2010 at 5:52 pm
I love BN!!!!!!!Congrats!!Someone asked me today “what’s your top sites you frequent” BN was the first..yay!! P.s you sound awesome, love your hair, dress, face and legs…HAUTTENESS….and we sound alike too blush****
BN=Too GBASKI+TOTAL BUNZNESS!!!!!!!
Osita Nnoruka
September 30, 2010 at 5:56 pm
you were raelly terrific….i m very proud of you,
lizzy
September 30, 2010 at 6:00 pm
congrats dear uche, just stumbled upon and i must say u looked absolutely gorgeous. I am very proud of you.
shola south africa
September 30, 2010 at 6:00 pm
uche, great work for naija image , keep on adding value, may the Lord inspire your thinking, Amen
lizzy
September 30, 2010 at 6:04 pm
just stumbled upon part of it…and like i said earlier, u looked fab/gorgeous. Keep the flag flying. proudly naija.
Miss Natural
September 30, 2010 at 7:02 pm
This was a great interview! Uche you are very well- spoken, coherent and concise. It was a pleasure listening to you speak. I pray you go places. Congrats to where you are now already!
eazzie E
September 30, 2010 at 8:09 pm
welldone uche. fegosha girls repping 100percent
africanchikito no.1
September 30, 2010 at 9:23 pm
way to go bella!..heartfelt congrats.
Musings of Ewa
September 30, 2010 at 10:54 pm
Congrats!!!!
Uche Eze & Bella Naija are leaders
nando
October 1, 2010 at 12:22 am
bella Congrats ….keep d gud work…
me
October 1, 2010 at 11:36 am
Congrats Uche!
Uchechi
October 1, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Awww..ur name is uche lol. Ur blog is certainly one of the best developments in nija, a job well done.
ego
October 1, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Well done Bella! Really proud of you. But please remove that Saraki ad, it doesn’t matter how much he paid you guys. You are progresdive, he is regressive. Please tnx.
sam
October 2, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Good one Uche. Hardwork pays somehow someday. Stay good.
DeeDee
October 2, 2010 at 7:20 pm
haba!!!the girl had a naija accent to the core.She wasnt forming at all….na wa for some of una o!
DeeDee
October 2, 2010 at 7:24 pm
gosh!I am slightly jealous of you 🙂
Lorietta
October 3, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Awwww….she so cute
Nnenna
October 4, 2010 at 9:51 am
I remember when u were featured on Oprah’s show and u said that was goin to be the last time u wud feature urself on “BellaNaija”…..Well, too late, hon!!! You’re too good with what u do…so u can’t hide, dear. Congrats and well done! *wink*
KemiPen
October 4, 2010 at 8:05 pm
When I read things like this, I am so proud to be a Nigerian…Great Bella Naija for making Nigerians’ proud!!!
miss moe
October 5, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Something good again out of Nigeria, we need more of this type of recognition..Congrats Bella! you sure deserve it. Bell naija is a fun site..Again, i encourage you to add a healthy living column, use this medium to reach people and help them get awareness on health issues, you have a large number of people and can save a life through this. cheers!
anthonia oguah
October 6, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Nothing more to add but to ask the almighty God to reward your endeavours and expand your dream into an empire worthy of emulation henceforth Amen.
Thankyou dear Utchay [ Uche ] for making us proud, you have inspired me greatly and i appreciate you and your hardworking beautiful crew.
God bless you all Amen.
ibk
October 6, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Great!!!
Jade
October 6, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Love you bella naijs all the way form Jamaica, Keep up the good work!!!
Ogo
October 8, 2010 at 8:44 am
Congrats Uche, this is beautiful, so proud of you….the sky is your starting point.
GIDEON Bankolé
October 11, 2010 at 8:17 am
You are doing really great. I admire you.
Olanna
October 21, 2010 at 4:20 am
When you get interviewed to early as a business ownwer.It is not always a good sign. I urge Bella Naija not to accommodate complacency as you have a lot of work to do now. Best Wishes
Akinnifesi S.
October 26, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Congrats Bella Nigeria, Congrats Uche Eze
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Funmi
January 9, 2013 at 5:31 pm
She is definitely an inspiration. God bless u girl
Pingback: Meet Uche Eze - the Nigerian Lady who Founded Bella Naija to Uncover Africa Fashion, Lifestyle & Entertainment on the Internet - Woculus
anin akinti
October 8, 2015 at 11:11 am
Please is it possible to get a direct link to watch the interview? And thank you bellanaija for being an inspiration. God bless you Uche and your whole team