Igbo Boy Murdered In India Over Girl Friend

This Igbo boy with a promising future was murdered in India where he lives in cold blood by a fellow Nigerian over a girl. His name is Zuby Uche, he is from Ozubulu in Anambra State. Details are still unfolding..

Watch Out For Bombs In Hampers..Police

 As Nigerians prepare for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Police in Gombe State on Thursday urged residents of the state to be on the lookout for explosive devices that could be packaged in Christmas hampers as gifts for people. The warning was contained in a statement issued in Gombe by DSP. Fwaje Atajiri, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state’s Police Command. He said that such bomb-laden parcels could then be dispatched to unsuspecting members of the public as goodwill gifts. “Members of the public should be wary of hamper gifts and parcels as they could contain Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs),” he said. Atajiri said that citizens should also take other precautionary measures to ensure hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations. He also told religious and community leaders to assist the police with useful information to protect lives and property. The PPRO said that religious leaders should “educate their followers to avoid being poisoned. “Motorists are also advised to obey traffic lights and all regulations as unnecessary disobedience may be fatal. “Motorists should endeavour to put security gadgets in their vehicles to forestall theft,” he said, assuring that the command would ensure a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations. Meanwhile, the leadership of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State has reaffirmed its commitment to provide security for the people of the state. JTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Saquir Musa, who gave the assurance during a phone interview, said the JTF is determined to restore peace to Borno State, stressing that the JTF will not relent in its efforts until peace and order is restored to the state. Maiduguri, the state capital, is witnessing mass exodus of residents who are fleeing to the southern part of the country to celebrate the Christmas and New Year as a result of the security challenges confronting the state. In Kano State, security agencies are putting measures in place to ensure that water-tight security arrangements are in place in the ancient city. Heavy traffic was noticed along major streets like New Road Luxury Park in Sabon Gari, the Naibawa and Ungwar Uku Motor Park, while economic activities have increased around the city. Speaking on the preparations by his men, Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim K. Idris, told The Nation that arrangements have put in place by security agencies to ensure a hitch-free Yuletide, and promised that there was no cause for alarm. He said: “There would be water-tight security deployment at strategic locations, including places of worship, markets, motor parks, banks, schools, hospitals and other public utilities, infrastructures and offices during the Christmas period”, adding that the dusk to dawn ban on commercial motorcyclists remain in place as part of the preventive measures. Idris urged residents of Kano to be security conscious and give maximum cooperation to security agencies, including the police and the Joint Task Force (JTF), adding that the use of knock-outs and other fireworks are prohibited, “parents and guardians are strictly warned to stop their children from purchasing and using such items as anybody caught will be prosecuted in the Court of Law.” He urged the people to call the Command’s Control Room in case of emergency, adding that the Public Complain Bureau under the office of the Command’s Public Relations Department and National Human Right Desk are also accessible for complaints on human right violation by the Police. He gave the phone numbers for the Control Room to include: 08032419754, 08123821575, 08099831808 and 064977005, while that of the Public Complain Bureau include 08066628450, 08031803555 and 08057959393. Also, the Niger State Police Command has promised residents of the state a hitch-free Yuletide celebration, as security surveillance and patrol have been increased in all the local government areas of the state. The state police command also declared that no officer or men of the command will be given any pass or leave during this period to avert any shortage of men. Confirming this development, the Command Public Relation Officer (PPRO), DSP Pius Edobor, promised that security will be provided around the state, especially in all churches during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. He said that the Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Desire Diseye Nsirim has warned troublemakers to desist from their dastardly acts or be forced to face the consequence of their actions, adding that everybody should be free to move around without fear because the police are on top of the security situation in the state

Comedian I Go Dye gives out BMW Z3 convertible to film editor

Comedian Francis Agoda a.k.a I Go Dye recently showed the compassionate side of him when he gave out a BMW Z3 convertible car (the comedian pictured left in the car) to film editor and event manager, Amuwa Oluseyi Asurf (pictured right with the car) Asurf, a well known film editor, was involved in an automobile accident a few weeks back and had his car written off as a result of the crash. Even with the little I Go Dye has he was still able to open his garage and give out the car. Meanwhile, it was double blessing for the seasoned editor who recently welcomed a child. Asurf has carved a niche for himself in the entertainment industry. He has edited series of films, produced shows for the likes of Wizkid, Basketmouth, AY and others.

D'banj and Millen Magese will host Music Meets Runway

D'banj, will be hosting the 2012 edition of Music Meets Runway which will hold tomorrow night Monday 24th of December 2012 at Eko Hotel and Suites. He will be co-hosting with former miss Tanzania and International model, Millen Magese (model in the poster) Music Meets Runway (MMR) organized by Le Reve Events celebrates fashion and music with 10 designers and 10 artistes who will showcase their prowess on one stage. This year’s edition will have the best kept secret, Fashion Icon Lanre DaSilva Ajayi as the headlining designer. The other designers include: Anthonia Yetunde Alabi AKA Sasha P of Electronic by Sasha, Dumebi Iyamah of Andrea Iyamah, Ewemade Erhabor-Emokpae of Shakara Couture, Fashola Olayinka of Moofa, Hakeem Balogun of Kimono Kollection, Olakunbi Oyelese of April by Kunbi, Pade Bowler of David Bowler, Tolani Nkili Onajide of Nkili and Toyin Lawani of Elegante by TiannahStyling. The 10 celebrity artistes who will accompany these designers and spice up the fashion show include: the newest addition to Sony Music RCA Africa, Koko Master D’Banj, Wizkid, Davido, Iyanya, May D, Naeto C, Burna Boy, Taikoon, Ajebutter 22, and from Ghana, Efya.

Ojukwu's "Rejected" 1st Son Wants DNA Test

Chief Sylvester Debe Ojukwu,the eldest son of the late Ikemba Nnewi,Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has declared that a DNA test will remove whatever doubts that may exist about his relationship with the deceased. Debe who was not mentioned in the late Ojukwu’s Will that was read last month in Enugu dismissed it as a concoction that would not go unchallenged. “If they claim I am not his child, then the correct test to determine all that is a DNA. This is not something anybody can wish away,” he told The Nation on Saturday. In the interview published on pages 20,21 and 46 in this edition added: “The Will they read would have been sacrosanct if it mentioned my name but that nothing was given to me. So, for it (Will) not to mention my name, means it was fake and somebody has to prove to me that it was the original Will of my father. “That I was barred from performing ‘dust-to-dust’ was discriminatory and it is against Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, which says that no child should be discriminated against on the basis of circumstance of birth. “They said there was a DNA test,but the lawyer who wrote his Will claimed that he did not see me. According to him, when he came back in 1982, I appeared and disappeared for 30 years. The lawyer who said he wrote the Will said that. “The so called DNA test was said to have been done in secret. But how can a DNA test be done in secret? A DNA is usually done and made public. I doubt strongly if this was so. Everything is a grand conspiracy. “For anyone to go a mile extra to say my name is not in the Will is not something that will go unchallenged. “I am one person who believes in the truth. And for me, if you err and recognise the fact that you erred and you are ready to show remorse, there is no reason why forgiveness should not come. But when you try to grandstand, there can be no settlement in sight. “ Will, Will, Will, that was not my father’s Will. He did not write that Will. All the things that have been written are within the realm of speculations. “The media have been writing without seeing the Will. I took pains to get the Will because it concerns me. I am giving you a copy of what they said is the Will so that the public can get educated. It is not my father’s Will. It was forged. You can see the signatures are different. “ The signature on the Will is not that of my father. I am a trained police officer. You can take a look at the letters he had written to me and other documents I showed you.The signature on it is different from that which is on the Will. I know what I am talking about. His true signature is in the archives of the Federal High Court. And my father that you are talking about was a former Military Governor of the Eastern Region. He signed edicts, laws. So, his signature is within the domain of public records. “And because I knew him, he was not the type of person that took rubbish. They went and forged the signature. If you check all the documents, you will find out that the signatures on them do not correspond with that on the will. My father was such a person that when he signed a document, it was like Ikemba. And Ikemba moved straight. Ikemba moved like lightening. If you see his signature, it is deliberate. It is never shaky. “ I am his clone. He did not do anything without me. “My uncles came to the police and entreated me to come and manage my grandfather’s assets. My grandfather had acquired certain things in terms of estate. And I was told that the things he gathered were perishing. “ They used that and entreated me. They asked me to leave the police to manage the assets. I felt it was right. I cannot keep on gathering when the ones my patriarch had gathered were wasting away. So, I had to go and manage them. At the time they asked me to manage them, there was no hope and my uncles were quarrelling with my father. In the interest of peace, because they told me that they needed everything to be together just as the old man had it when he was alive. I left to do just that without even knowing where I was going. But God being on my side, what I went into blind-folded became a success story and became very substantial. It is on the basis of all these, that they are fighting me and you see my name allegedly missing in the Will. “My exclusion from my father’s Will does not smack of my rejection legally. As a lawyer, I know that you have the power to Will your property to anybody legally. But being a son or a daughter to someone is more sacrosanct, and so it is. It is not something you can wish away. It is so natural. “ So, a man’s exclusion from a Will is as far as property goes. And with regards to disinheritance, the law provides that if you want to disinherit your son or daughter, you must state in black and white that you are disinheriting your son. And since the Will did not state that I was being disinherited, there is nothing like disinheritance. What has happened is what could be regarded as an unmentioned child. That is the position of the law. So, that is the way it is. “If you go to people like Chief Sunny Odogwu, Chief S.N. Okeke and the rest of the elders who were his friends, who had been with my father and me, they know my relationship with him as a son. “Why are you (The Nation’s team) here today to interview me? You are here because you have seen a trace of him in me.”

Boko Haram Hits MTN/Airtel Again

The Joint Task Force on Saturday said two suicide bombers died in coordinated attacks on MTN and Airtel offices. The two attacks occurred within five minutes indicating a coordinated effort. JTF spokesman, Ikedichi Iweha, confirmed the death of the bombers to journalists in Kano on Saturday. Iweha said the first bomber who went to Airtel office succeeded in detonating the bomb which led to the destruction of the office. He said only the operator of the company’s generator was injured in the attack which took place at about 8:45am “With the exception of the two bombers, nobody else died in the two coordinated incidents,’’ he said. He added that the bomber who went to the MTN office was intercepted by security operatives before he could gain entry into the premises at about 8:50 am, adding that he died in the blast instantly. “The quick response of the troops around the place averted the destruction of the office but the fence was touched in the coordinated attack,” he said. He said security had been beefed up around the two areas. Meanwhile there are strong indications that MTN has concluded plans to pull out of Kano as a result of the present attack.

Blackface opens up about his unfinished business with 2face +his new music video

Below is what the ex-Plantashun boys band member said in a recent interview with Entertainment Express concerning his issues with 2face Idibia over rights to hit song, African Queen, which they co-wrote. I know the song has generated a whole lot of revenue. Right now, I and Tuface have joint ownership of that song. But from the inception it was not like that. My publisher, BMI had to find a way to work that out. All the funds the song has been generating I’m supposed to have 50 per cent of it, which I’m not getting and I don’t just know what is happening. There is even a situation whereby somebody in Jamaica sang African Queen and some other persons like that of which I was not aware. Nobody told me that he was going to sing my song. So, there are some issues that I and Tuface need to sit down and iron out, but Tuface is difficult to get on the table. So I have decided to do it on my own. Surely, with time we’ll get to the root of the matter because we both have 50 per cent right to the song. That means Tuface has been cheating you Yes, because I was not being paid and you know the way it is in Nigeria, the ideology is that because one is not on one particular record label they won’t put his name to a song he wrote just because they don’t want to promote the person. But the fact is that your intellectual property remains you intellectual property, nobody can take that away from you. But you sang your own version of the song Yes, I have a reggae version of African Queen, which I’m still going to re-record. I did that because there was a time some people were trying to claim ownership of the song. Did you ask him to include the song in his album? Yes, we wrote it together and I gave him permission to do so because when he was recording his album we were still living in the same apartment. I found out that the album was not making any sense, so I told him that the only thing that will allow the album to make sense is to include the song African Queen which we both wrote. But I didn’t say he should take away my own right. That is the rider. For the fact that I wrote a song for you to perform does not mean you should claim it and deprive me of my own right. Who came up with the idea of the song? It was actually one Idoma man called Willy Walkman. He told us to do a song for his soap opera and the title of the soap opera was African Queen that we should write a theme song for the soap. We started writing in earnest. Then one day he just came and was like, we are not serious about it that he didn’t want to be our manager again not knowing that we were already doing what he asked us to do. That was how he threw us out. So African Queen was Willy’s idea. Why did you allow Plantashun Boys to die? There was no agreement that we would split but we all knew when we started that the group won’t last. We all used the group as a platform to build our music careers. Plantashun Boys was my idea. The names, Faze and Tuface, was my idea. I gave them those names. But I don’t always dwell on that because that is an old story. Right now, it’s all about my fans, my career and my new album. Then, everybody just wanted to go solo. People just think that there’s a story behind our split but there’s none. Who was the first to come up with the idea of going solo? Don’t you know who released his first album when we went solo? Let’s assume I don’t know Tuface was the first to release his album and we all know it, even then we were still living together. How did you feel when he left the group? How else will I feel when I already knew it would happen? The fact is that when Tuface released his album we never expected him to do so. ou once said that nothing will make you guys work together again, why did you featured Faze in your upcoming album? Working as a team is different from working with Faze or Tuface alone. Like when I was in Malaysia, Faze sent me a beat that he wanted me to do on the track, I was supposed to write a lyrics on it and do the voicing, but I couldn’t do it till I get back to the country. When I came back, we went to the studio and I did my own part and I left. The mixing of the song is not my business, whether it is sounding well or not, I don’t have any problem to do with that because we are not working as a team. You talk more about Faze unlike your brother Tuface, why is it so? Yeah because Faze is just a cool guy, he’s a normal guy without any problem. If I and Tuface have any reason to relate, we relate. See, you don’t hide friendship, if we are friends I don’t need to tell you before you know that. I don’t force myself on people. Like this my guy, Skinny; we met recently and it seems as if we have known each others for years. That is what friendship is all about. So what is your relationship with Tuface? We are ex members of Plantashun Boys. When was the last time you and Tuface communicated? Omo the communication just dey o. Everybody is on his own but I communicate with Faze often. Does that mean you are close to Faze than Tuface? Yes, because I like a kind of people that I can discuss music with. I and Faze often talk about music, rhythm and career development. Faze is more of a person I can discuss that kind of thing with unlike Tuface. Why is it so? It’s just natural; you can’t take that away from Faze because he has always being like that. Faze is a cool guy and Tuface too. We are all just there. Na on your own level we dey. What of your two kids, how are they doing? They are fine, growing quick and doing very well, they are with their mum. Why did your wife abandon you? Nothing really happened. The fact is just that when a man is going through tribulations, not every woman will stand by him. But it’s all good, I’m just trying to start my life all over again. Is there any plan of taking her back? We’ve not even discussed that yet. My priority now is me and my career. Now that I don’t have any family I think it is it time to pick myself up and start all over again. I have a studio in my house; I work day in, day out, because I really want to get back to my fans. So until I feel that I’m ok then I will give that a second thought. Does that mean your wife “took a walk” because you could no longer fend for the family? Maybe that is what she felt; I can’t question her decision. I don’t know what was on her mind. That is why you need to see her and ask her. Because, myself, I cannot explain. How often do you people communicate? Once in a while. What about your kids? We talk always because they have their own phones. Caroline is 7 and Alex is going to be 5 very soon. My daughter is going to be a singer too. Culled from Entertainment Express

Lolavita Hair partners with C.O.P.E for breast cancer awareness

Lo’Lavita, the fastest growing international brand for luxury hair extensions, electronic styling tools, hair care products for maintenance and hair essential accessories has announced its partnership with C.O.P.E (Care Organization Public Enlightenment) to create awareness and also to provide hair products for women who are battling with breast cancer and its treatments.  C.O.P.E founded in 1999 is a nationwide not-for-profit, nongovernmental voluntary health organization; and is also a member of Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Geneva. Lo’Lavita understands that hair is a woman’s best accessory and the brand philosophy holds that women demanding hair enhancement represent many races, cultures and ethnicities. This month of December, a percentage of Lo’Lavita sales will be donated to C.O.P.E programs that work directly with breast cancer patients, who are suffering emotionally and physically and need support. Lo’Lavita cannot do this without our assistance. Support Breast Cancer Awareness with Lo’Lavita. Shop this season and get great discounts with your Lo’Lavita Points / Membership Card (available for all new and existing customers at the store and Lo’Lavita brand NEW studio salon). Lo’Lavita breast cancer awareness shirts are also available.  For more details please contact: Store Address: EBar Plaza, Shop 4, No 20 Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1. Studio Salon Address: Ebar Plaza, Shop 3, No 20 Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1. Phone Numbers: +2348025275898 or +2348190529658 Email: info@lolavitahair.com or shop.lolavita@gmail.com Website: www.lolavitahair.com

Funmi Iyanda’s Change-A-Life Foundation Presents Annual TV show

On the 1st of January 2013, Funmi Iyanda‘s Change-A-Life Foundation will broadcast its annual TV Show. The inspiring show will feature Nigerians whose lives have been impacted by the foundation and will feature the number one citizen of Lagos State; his Excellency, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN).    The show will also feature top celebrities such as Linda Ikeji - an ex-model and blogger (that's me :-)), Chibundu Onuzo - an author, Emmanuel Bezhiwa Idakula popularly known as Bez – a musician and David Adeleke popularly known as Davido - an entertainer.  Some of the highlights of the show will include the Governor presenting awards to ordinary citizens who have done extra-ordinary things in the society.   The Change-A-Life Foundation’s annual TV Show will be hosted by Funmi Iyanda and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, which will be broadcasted live on January 1st, 2013 on the NTA Network from 9am to 10am. Change-A-Life's mission is to act as a bridge between people with potential, yet great need and the people, agencies and organizations that have the capacity to help and are willing to help these people. The scheme which is solely not for profit was founded by Funmi Iyanda in 2002.  Over the years Change-A-Life has affected the lives many children and people through its scholarship, healthcare, counselling and micro-finance intervention scheme.

Photos of P-Square's sold out concert in Uganda

The sold out concert took place on Friday December 21st at Lugogo Cricket stadium. Thousands of fans trooped to the stadium to watch the twin brothers perform live!

PSY's Gangnam Style music video hits 1billion views on Youtube

South Korean pop sensation, PSY, has done something no other artist has ever done before.On Friday December 21, 2012,  PSY's music video for Gangnam Style exceeded 1 billion views on YouTube, becoming the first video to ever do so in YouTube's history. Google reports that Gangnam Style sees about 7 million views a day... no small feat from a man who was a complete unknown Stateside just a few months ago.  "Honestly, when I made this video I didn't even expect 1 million views, because this is off my sixth album in Korea, so I just hoped it would be huge there," PSY recently told MTV News. "I didn't even think about any other countries; I just did my job and waited and watched. And, you know, today, I'm still wondering and analyzing its success. Because I've done this thing many times, this dance, this album, this video ... this one just became something else entirely."

Ifeanyi Uba Stands Indicted..Police

An interim investigative police report on the involvement of Capital Oil and Gas Limited in the fuel subsidy scheme has established that the company and its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, and four of the company’s staff, colluded with others to defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria of billions of naira. The four indicted staff of Capital Oil are its Executive Director, Operations, Mr. Orji Joseph; General Manager, Operations, Mr. Ogbuokiri Chibuzor; Depot Manager, Mr. Okorie Onuabuchi; and Head of Training, Mr. Nsikan Usoro. The report, which was obtained exclusively by THISDAY, was written and signed by the Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi, Lagos, Mr. Ayotunde Ogunsakin, on November 5, 2012, and addressed to the Chairman, Presidential Committee on the Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel Subsidy Payments, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. It showed that Capital Oil was involved in 26 transactions covering the importation of 538,740,000,000 litres of petrol and was paid N43.291 billion as subsidy claims in 2011. The report detailed the arrest and interrogation of Ubah and four others by the SFU between September and October, during which it was discovered that the alleged irregular claims were made based on fraudulent fabrication and forged documents in which about N43.291 billion was paid to Capital Oil as subsidy claims. The report noted the irregularities were in the form of alterations, wrong reference numbers and duplication of vessels, coupled with cargo quantity inflation. It was the purported suspicious nature of the transactions and claims noted by the presidential committee’s auditors that compelled the committee to request the police for a thorough investigation into the activities of Capital Oil and Ubah. According to the report, “Import duty certifications, bill of ladings, Letters of Credits (LCs)/Form Ms and other documents were perfected with the active connivance of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), bank officials, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and other port authorities clearing agencies. “These fraudulent practices were formatted from the point of ship to ship transactions involving mother vessel and daughter vessel documentations, cargo quantity inflation and other underhand practices perfected to undermine transparency in the petroleum subsidy payment process.” The police, in the report, alleged that Capital Oil, its management and proxies, forged documents, made fraudulent representations, obtained under false pretence, and stole Federal Government money by claiming monies paid on the transactions. The report showed that Ubah was invited on September 9 and interrogated on the queries and inconsistencies reported in the complaint by the presidential committee against Capital Oil. It indicated that the list of existing and noted infractions compiled by the auditors was used by the police as their guide for interrogation. It went further to allege that the “response of the suspect (Ubah) confirmed the concern of the presidential committee and investigation team,” adding that it was on this note that it became necessary to detain the suspect for further interrogation. “An affidavit was sworn to request the Lagos State judiciary to grant an order for the remand of the suspects. This order was granted by the Magistrates Court 5, Tinubu, Lagos, on October 11, 2012,” the report said. During interrogation, Ubah was purported to have stated that Capital Oil was incorporated in 2009 and commenced operations in 2010. “He stated further that the company commenced full activity in subsidy scheme in 2011 and that Oil Force Limited, is a sister company of Capital Oil and Gas. “He confirmed that the two companies trade on the approval of DPR and maintain different assets. He averred that the operational/transactional difficulties necessitated the formation and use of Oil Force to format transactions. “This was due to the heavy indebtedness of Capital Oil and Gas to the banks and that the decision was taken to gain customer confidence. “He insisted that Access Bank Plc financed the infrastructural development of the two companies and 70 per cent of the their import transactions are done through Access Bank,” the report stated. Ubah was also said to have insisted that it was the duty of the DPR to check quality and the quantity of cargo, maintaining that Capital Oil used open credit facilities in all the transactions. He informed the police that the firm always notified NPA, DPR, PPPRA and other authorities to witness the discharge and facilitate port/harbour reception and storage at the tank farm, and the details of these transactions were submitted to the presidential committee. Irrespective of its findings, the police concluded that to establish a prima facie case against the suspects, it would be necessary to obtain details of all the transactions from the Federal Ministry of Finance from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to obtain the financial instruments, as the original documents that were forged would be needed to establish forgery. The police added that all the documents, including certified copies of the financial instruments from Access Bank, LCs and bills of lading covering the petrol cargoes brought in by Capital Oil, would be needed to consolidate their proof of evidence. “At the conclusion of these ongoing actions, a consolidated report will be submitted on a prima facie case of conspiracy to commit felony, money laundering, forgery, stealing, obtaining by false pretence and economic sabotage against Capital Oil and Gas, Ifeanyi Ubah and those found to has conspired, colluded, or aided the culprits,” the police informed the presidential committee’s chairman. 

Monalisa Chinda presents 'Project Help' - A Dance For Help

Lagos is set to experience the most sophisicated dance production of the decade on Monday December 24th (Christmas Eve), at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, at 4pm as Nollywood's top talent, Monalisa Chinda stuns Nigeria's theatre and performance world with the maiden edition of her world class production titledProject Help: A Dance for Life.   This is an enactment of a thrilling contemporary dance powered by the incredible Bailamos Dance Company, an ensemble that has treated Nigerian aristocrats, elites and technocrats to the best ecstatic performances as directed by choreography wizard Bunmi Olunloyo. But PROJECT HELP promises more. It is a night that will parade the best of Nollywood stars in an amazing dance-styli form that leaves audience spellbound. Featuring an array of Nigeria’s biggest superstars including Desmond Elliot, Kate Henshaw, Segun Arinze, Bimbo Akintola, Bovi, the prima ballerina, Monalisa Chinda and many more, this breathtaking benefit dance production will showcase even more theatrical elements and aesthetics as the Nollywood stars will add the flavour of their artistic skills with electrifying performances and recitals that will intensify the tempo of this historical Christmas dance production. Speaking recently about the inspiration behind the highly anticipated event, Monalisa enthusiastically stated, “I’ve been nurturing the dance production idea for quite a while but my several engagements wouldn’t avail me enough time, so I kept developing it. I’ve always wanted a production, away from the norms, where people can experience classical recitals at its very best.” “While this remains a great way to celebrate Christmas with loved ones, I also see it as a powerful means of awakening the dwindling culture of theatre in Africa at large. We’ve been working on this for a while and it promises to be a memorable atmosphere of unlimited ecstasy, joy and bliss,” she affirms. Date: Monday 24th December 2012 | Time: 4PM Venue: Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos Ticket Prices: Regular N5,000 | VIP N10,000 | VVIP 20,000 Online Tickets: www.naijaticketshop.com Ticket Outlets: TheHub (ThePalms), Ozone Cinemas (E-Center, Yaba), X-Factor Lounge (54, Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere) For general enquiries, please call 08155116697, 08027855262, 08058101469

Ex Mr Nigeria Kenneth Okolie kidnapped alongside Nkiru Sylvanus

Kenneth Okolie and Nkiru Sylvanus on movie location just days before they were kidnapped We all heard that actress Nkiru Sylvanus was kidnapped late Saturday night December 15th, what we didn't hear until now was that 2010 Mr Nigeria Kenneth Okolie was with her when she was kidnapped. His friends just contacted me with the info. Kenneth, Nkiru and another yet to be identified passenger left a movie location in Owerri late Saturday night and were heading to another location when gunmen blocked Nkiru's car between Concorde Hotel and Cathedral Road in Owerri, and took all three passengers in the car. Kenneth left Lagos two weeks ago to feature in the movie and was due back home sometime this week. The kidnappers are yet to make contact with Kenneth's family. This our country sef...#smh

Chris Brown and Rihanna done? Rihanna kind of confirms it...

Just last week Rihanna tweeted she was missing 'her Nigga', now she's saying she's single? Check out her cryptic post on Instagram a few hours ago (above). Well, who can blame her? She's probably had enough. First, Chris Brown invited his ex Karrueche Tran to Paris to be with him, then over the weekend a French reality star claimed to have slept with him in Paris. Oh well, she probably needed closure...getting back with him and ending things was probably what she needed to do get him out of her system. Now keep it moving...

Like Goodluck,Gov Yero Was A Rejected Stone

Human beings never learn from history.They also easily forget that power belongs to ONLY one Supreme being or how else will one explain the fortunes of the newly sworn in Governor of Kaduna State Ramala Yero. According to reports, just like Goodluck Jonathan,during the Yar’Adua days where he was treated like a rag,The same fate followed the ex deputy Governor now Governor. During Yar’Adua’s reign President Goodluck Jonathan had no say in the cabinet, he was treated with disrespect. His aides were subjected to all sorts of ridicule by the powerful cabals at Aso rock which included the former governor of Delta State,James Ibori..Even at the height of his boss ill health, he was not allowed to see him .He was not in the know when he was flown out and even brought into the country. All that changed with the death. In as much as several reports has it that the late Patrick Yakowa was a nice man,but some of his aides made the ex Deputy Governor look ordinary especially the Secretary to the State government who was the defacto deputy governor. Someone in the know sent this confirmed message “Aminu Muhammad Ofs wrote “ Ramalan was not in Yakowa's government. He knew nothing. He was rubbished by the SSG. I remember a visit to his office three months ago on behalf of a body i head. In front of all of us, he stood up and said "why have you people come to me....i will love to help but how can i promise anything when practically i am not in this government where i am seen as number 2....i do not know anything in this government...i know only what any other cabinet wish and decide that i know" He begged us to understand and left. I left there wondering why he will still stay a day in a government he is so useless. Just like newspaper reading Vice President Jonathan when some irritants felt they were everything.”

Oil Pipeline Explosion In Lagos

Ijeododo,a SUBURB in Ijegun, Isolo Ojo local government area, Lagos state witnessed a pipeline explosion in the early hours of today..Its yet to be ascertained if there were any casualty or the cause of the explosion,although sabotage cannot be ruled based on eye witness accounts

Sony Music Signs Distribution Deal With D’banj, K-Switch

D’banj and younger brother Kay Switch have signed a Pan-African distribution deal with Sony Music Entertainment. D’banj who signed with Def Jam Records through a deal with Kanye West‘s G.O.O.D Music last year now joins Sony’s RCA Africa label while Kayswitch’s deal included a multi-album, worldwide exclusive contract. DB Records will now have their records distributed by RCA. RCA is home to top artistes like Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Mario, Monica, and Pitbull. D’banj’s DB Records fields Kay Switch, producers J Sleek, Deevee as well as himself. ‘Partnering with D’Banj is a seminal event for us at Sony Music Entertainment Africa. We’ve always admired his talent and to be able to assist with bringing D’Banj’s music to millions of fans, established and new, across the continent is an honour for us’, says Managing Director of Sony Music Entertainment Sean Watson. ‘It’s a new era for Africa, the birthplace of music and I’m excited about this very powerful partnership with Sony Music through which we will give birth together to a new era with endless opportunities for my fans, producers, artists and the start of a new time for a revolution in music from Africa. Nothing is impossible’, D’Banj says. ‘We are really excited to be partnering up with DBanj and his DB Records label. The recent launch of iTunes in Africa means that Nigerian fans and those elsewhere on the continent will now readily be able to access this amazing music as soon as it comes to market’, Spiro Damaskinos, Director of RCA Records Africa. Source: Thenetng

Man Released From Prison For Killing Daughter Gets Out And Kills Another Daughter

Daron Duane Davis was arrested in 1995 for killing his own daughter. He spent 11 years in prison, got out and was recently arrested again for killing his second daughter. In this case, the man was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility for parole. Sondaria Davis died before her first birthday after being beaten to death by her father. That’s when Davis was sentenced to 20 years in prison, serving 11 of them. His girlfriend, Sondraria’s mother, was also sentenced to probation for her role in the abuse. Davis was a free man after 2006, but obviously not reformed. The second homicide occurred in January, 2011, after Davis beat his five-month old, daughter Keri to death. The little girl died from blunt force trauma and being shaken by her father. Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins said that the longer sentence for Davis the second time around comes from stricker sentencing laws in homicides involving children. “Now, someone who is convicted of this crime or pleads guilty to this particular crime must pay 85 percent and then they become eligible for parole,” Wilkins said.

The Other Side Of Nollywood Actress, Chioma Chukwuka

Chioma Chukwuka Apotha may have been off the screen for a while but Nollywood actress, still has her game on. The 32-year-old mother recently posted on Twitter, pictures of herself having a nice time behind the camera and distorting her face. Chukwuka-Apotha started acting in year 2000 in the movie, The Handkerchief. She has since featured in over 50 movies. She is presently on set of a yet-to-be titled movie with Mike Ezuoronye and Ngozi Ezeonu as co-actors. Source: Thenetng

Waje covers December issue of TW magazine

EME crew promises fans a concert like never before

International pop star Wizkid says his teeming fans are in for the big thrill this Friday, as he performs in Lagos with his label mates. The EME concert, tagged ‘The Baddest’, is produced by events company R28, and is the first in a set of big-budget international standard concerts to be promoted by R28 and EME. The concert holds at The Grounds, Oceanview, in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday December 21. ‘Headlining this concert with my boss Banky W, and my colleagues Niyola, Shaydee, Skales, DJ Exclusive and others is truly a great way to end this fantastic year’, says Wizzy who had earlier in the year toured the UK and US with his crew. ‘And, trust me, we’re bringing a concert like never before’. Apart from Wizkid, Banky, Niyola, Skales and others, many Nigerian acts from different generations are also expected to hit the stage in what many have tagged the concert of the year. According to a spokesperson for R28, The Baddest concert ‘will feature themed performances, big band sets, and all the electricity you’d expect to find in a truly international concert of this kind’. Meanwhile, Banky W, who’s one of Nigeria’s most celebrated singers and performers, has said the Christmas concert organized by his label Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) and respected events company R28, is a special Christmas gift to Nigerians from both organizations. W, who will headline the concert with his EME colleagues Wizkid, Skales, Niyola, Shaydee and others, with support from friends from here and abroad, says The Baddest concert is ‘the kind of gift no money can buy’. ‘’We’re truly grateful to Nigerians for the support and I hope they’ll come out on Friday December 21, so we can have an opportunity to say thank you…’ The Baddest concert holds at 7Pm this Friday December 21, at The Grounds, Oceanview, in Victoria Island, Lagos. Apart from Wizkid, Banky, Niyola, Skales and others, many Nigerian acts from different generations are also expected to hit the stage in what many have tagged the concert of the year. According to a spokesperson for R28, The Baddest concert ‘will feature themed performances, big band sets, and all the electricity you’d expect to find in a truly international concert of this kind’  Watch the teaser for Road to The Baddest” concert here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6b5p96-mc8

Crazy Cossy ...

GSM Services Not Improved Despite NCC Promo Directive

With a subscriber base of over 100 million, mobile network operators in Nigeria depend on less than 20,000 base stations to meet the demands of their increasing customers. The implication, which telecoms operators have confirmed at several fora, is that there is capacity crunch in the telecoms industry. What this means, in telecoms parlance, is that the networks are facing challenges in meeting the data-driven consumer demands. The Chief Executive Officer, Multilinks and CEO designate of Starcomms, Mr. Demola Elesho, in a recent interview with our correspondent, said the best of Nigerian networks lacked the capacity to offer efficient cum excellent data service. Running promotions and lotteries on the networks, according to experts, means that the already-troubled networks will be congested. This, often, leads to subscriber complaints. As such, the Nigerian Communications Commission on November 8, 2012, said it had been inundated with consumer complaints and thought it necessary to indefinitely ban consumer promotions and lotteries on telecommunications networks in Nigeria. After the ban, the action received popular acclaim because the NCC said it was necessary in order to clear the congestion on the networks and enhance customer satisfaction. While a large majority of subscribers and the general public could connect with the action five weeks ago, it is  no longer the case as an increasing number of phone users are lamenting their ordeal while also querying the wisdom in the action. The position of these consumers and consumer rights groups is that the regulatory agency should have treated the network operators on a case-by-case basis and impose sanctions based on failure to meet minimum standards rather than deny consumers the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the freebies offered by the telecommunications companies. A Lagos-based lawyer and a telecoms analyst, Mr. Chukwuemeka Adigwe, said the ban on consumer promotions had not even brought about any noticeable improvement in the quality of service five weeks after. “The ultimate loser in all of this is the consumer who has now been denied discounts and freebies attributed to his spending on the network,” he said. Speaking in the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer, RoyalePrestige Properties, Mr. Seun Akinyele, said banning the promos had had little or no effect on network quality based on recent experience of the consumers vis-a-vis telephone service. The thrust of their argument is that the blanket ban on promos was unfair as the NCC had just conducted quality of service check on the operators in line with its mandate, which empowers the regulatory agency to ensure that the licensees meet required standards from time-to-time. Adigwe recalled that between July and September this year, which falls within the period, the consumer promotions were heavy on the various networks. The NCC had conducted what it called a Nationwide Benchmark Drive Test on MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat network. It was the first  of such tests and it concentrated on Call Completion Rate, which encompasses the major network Key Performance Indicators (call drop and congestion), he observed. The service providers were ranked in Lagos and six Geo-Political zones of South-West, South-East, South-South, North-Central, North-East and North-West. According to the NCC report, Airtel, which was ranked as the best operator for good quality of service based on the NCC’s Audit Report for March and April, 2012, again scored quite high in the Benchmark Drive Test. The network, which has experienced several ownership and brand name changes in its over 11 years of operation in the Nigerian market, finished top in three regions – South-South, South-West and North-East. It also came second in the other regions, namely Lagos, North-Central, North-West and South-East. Specifically, NCC records revealed that Airtel recorded 88 per cent each in the South-South and South-West regions, and 78 per cent in the North-East where it came ahead of the field. In the other regions where it finished a close second, Airtel  got 88 per cent in Lagos, 92 per cent in North-Central, 82 per cent in North-West, and 75 per cent in South-East. For Etisalat, the fifth GSM operator which started commercial service only four years ago, the performance in the Benchmark Drive Test was also remarkable. Etisalat was rated best telecommunications service provider for good quality of service by the NCC based on the Quality of Service Key Performance Indicator audit report released in February 2012.  In the Benchmark Drive Test conducted a few months later, Etisalat polled behind Airtel in South-South having recorded 86 per cent, South-West (82 per cent) and North-East (67 per cent). Etisalat, however, recorded first position in the other regions – North-Central (94 per cent), Lagos (92 per cent), North-West (90 per cent) and South-East (85 per cent) – with Airtel coming second in each of these areas. The NCC revealed that MTN finished third in North-Central with 74 per cent, South-South with 71 per cent, and North-East with 58 per cent. It was fourth in the other zones such as Lagos with 72 per cent, South-West with 72 per cent, North-West with 59 per cent, and South-East with 53 per cent. The report showed that Glo came third in Lagos with 88 per cent, South-West with 79 per cent, North-West with 78 per cent and South-East with 59 per cent. It rated fourth in North-Central with 78 per cent, South-South with 78 per cent and North-East with 53 per cent. Based on the drive test, the North-Central zone produced the highest rating for all the operators, except Glo. In this region, Etisalat recorded 94 per cent, while Airtel followed closely with 92 per cent. MTN scored 84 per cent and Glo had 78 per cent. Lagos followed in ranking with Etisalat leading with 92 per cent, Airtel 88 per cent, Glo 86 per cent and MTN 82 per cent. In the North-West, Etisalat clinched 90 per cent, Airtel 82 per cent, Glo 88 per cent and MTN 60 per cent. The report showed that Airtel led in the South-South, recording 88 per cent. The rest were Etisalat 86 per cent, MTN 71 per cent and Glo 78 per cent. Airtel also led in the South-West with 88 per cent, followed by Etisalat which had 81 per cent, while Glo scored 79 per cent and MTN 72 per cent. Airtel also led the way in the North-East with 78 per cent followed by Etisalat at 67 per cent, while MTN had 58 per cent and Glo 53 per cent. The South-East produced the poorest result with Etisalat leading with 85 per cent. It was followed by Airtel at 75 per cent. Glo recorded nearly 60 per cent, while MTN scored 53 per cent. Generally, Etisalat was rated as the best service provider in Lagos,South-East, North-Central and North-West. It came second in the South-West, South-South and North-East. Airtel was the best operator in three regions – South-West, South-South and North-East. It came second in Lagos, South-East, North-Central and North-West. MTN finished third in South-South, North-Central and North-East; and fourth in the other zones such as Lagos, South-West, South-East and North-West. Speaking against this background, a consumer rights activist based in Lagos, Mr. Moses Adigun, said NCC should have based its decision to apply the hammer on consumer promotions on its own findings. “What is the purpose of conducting a test for the whole class if all the students would be denied promotion to the next class in the end?,” he asked. “The outcome of the survey did not seem to have influenced the decision of the NCC in deciding on a blanket ban on promotions and lotteries, which affected all operators, irrespective of their performance as discovered by NCC itself,” Adigun added. A number of subscribers said the NCC should have taken the pains to sanction only those telcos that had demonstrated lack of capacity to handle the increased traffic on their platforms as a result of the consumer promotions. Similarly, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, said the issue of network congestion could not be blamed on consumer promotions and lotteries. ALTON Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, recently said that the major causes of poor service quality across networks could be attributed to natural and man-made disasters. He explained that the natural disaster of flooding in some southern parts of the country and the spontaneous attacks on telecoms facilities in some northern parts of the country by gunmen had contributed largely to service disruption. He said, “The impacts of the attacks had since limited the ability of millions of Nigerian subscribers to access telecommunications services, because the incidents affected over 250 telecoms sites that lost connection and many suffered significant damage beyond repairs.” The ALTON chairman noted that the unprecedented flooding in some parts of the country destroyed Base Transceiver Stations along its path, leading to significant service disruption in the affected areas, with consequential impact on service availability in some other parts that were not affected by the flood. “Other than disruption to services, our members have lost equipment worth several billions of naira to the flood disaster across the country, as additional 300 BTS sites were affected,” he said. In its statement on November 8, NCC had said that the ban on consumer promotions and lotteries on the networks would be in force “until such a time as may be determined by the commission.”  The regulatory agency said that the affected telecoms operators included Globacom Limited, MTN, Intercellular Nigeria Plc, Visafone Communications Limited, Etisalat, Airtel and Multilinks Telecoms Limited.

Picture Of Yakowa's Plane Crash Site

This was the crash site of the plane that was conveying the Governor of Kaduna Sate,Patrick Yakowa,former National Security Adviser Gen Owoeye Azazi Rtd and four others at Yenagoa,Bayelsa State. Source:Thisday

Smirnoff Thrills Fans At 3D Disco Party

Smirnoff, the world’s No. 1 selling vodka and ready to drink brand has once again brought the very best in international entertainment and fun to our doorstep last Friday with the 3D Disco party – a fusion of music, art and video. The event which held in Landmark Event Centre, Lagos had in attendance peoples from all works of life – consumers, celebrities, musicians, on air personalities and a host of others.   Guests at the event were given a chance to learn the art of mixing from top Smirnoff mixologists and how to enjoy Smirnoff at its best, with live performances from some of the hottest artistes in Nigeria, Eva, Olamide, Goldie, Vector, Ice Prince and great music from DJ Spin’all. Austin Ufomba, Marketing Director, Guinness Nigeria PLC said: “As always, Smirnoff brings the best in international nightlife to entertain its fans and we have once again pushed the boundaries of the party experience to ensure a night Nigerians will never forget.  When fans are looking to have fun and party, we want them to always choose to do so with Smirnoff.” Smirnoff Vodka and Smirnoff Ice will also lighting up the lives of party lovers in Lagos and Abuja in March, with Illuminato, two spectacular neon, light-themed parties.       No Smirnoff party would be complete without the triple distilled and 10 times filtered vodka, and alongside this exclusive event, Smirnoff will be hosting Smirnoff Start the Night Sampling Sessions at the hottest bars and clubs across the nation.  These mixology sessions will give Smirnoff fans a chance to learn more about Smirnoff Vodka and Smirnoff Ice through a series of mixology master classes by Smirnoff experts, who will show fans how they can best enjoy Smirnoff - mixed with orange juice, tonic or other soft drinks to make great tasting cocktails.  These sessions will give Smirnoff fans a chance to discover all the ways to enjoy the nation’s purest premium vodka and Smirnoff Ice, ready to drink vodka.  Smirnoff has also launched a new social media initiative in an effort to connect with its fans to make sure it continues to give fans what they enjoy the most.  Smirnoff Party Central is an interactive page on Facebook for fans to engage with their favourite vodka.  For your chance to be in the know, keep up to date with all the latest party news, send in your party tips and questions, win prizes and ‘Be There’ at the best parties, make sure you ‘like’ the Smirnoff Nigeria Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Smirnoffnigeria and follow Smirnoff on twitter (@SmirnoffNg). Always remember to enjoy Smirnoff responsibly – strictly 18+. For more information on our brands please visit www.guinness-nigeria.com. Also visit www.DRINKiQ.com for more information on education and enlightenment on responsible drinking.

Actress Nkiru Sylvanus kidnapped in Imo state this morning

Got word from friends of popular actress and Imo State SA on public affairs, Ms Nkiru Sylvanus, that she was kidnapped in owerri yesterday morning. Nkiru was last seen on the set of a movie last night in Owerri. The kidnappers took her early this morning and have already made contact with her family. They are asking for N100million. Please say a prayer for her. More details coming..

Am Alive..Obj Dispels Death Rumour

/>

Cossy Orjiakor launches her debut album

The album launch took place tonight on a yacht somewhere on the Island. The photo is of Cossy performing at the album launch. Not a fan of her music , but a big fan of her frontage...lol

Win an iPad2 & a Samsung chat phone at Chivita premium FB page

True to our words as Chivita Premium we would like to congratulate the Second batch winners of the Chivita Friendometer game, a Friendship game that seeks to know your level of friendship with all your friends. A simple game that would ask you questions about your friends, the more questions you answer correctly the more your chances of winning a Samsung Chat 222 phone and an IPAD2 to play the game log on to www.facebook.com/chivitapremium. Note the more Friends you have that like our page the more your chances of winning our Samsung phones and IPAD, so tell all your friends to like the Chivita Premium page today.