₦airaland Forum

Aristide Bance of the Burkina National team took to the social media with a polite response to those who have made snide remarks about his facial look. He captioned his latest photo " Rich and famous. Forget about the face, people"

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Migration linked to prostitution

The phenomenon of foreign women, who line the roadsides of Italy, has become a notorious fact of Italian life. These women work in sub-human conditions; they are sent out without any hope of regularizing their legal status and can be easily transferred into criminal networks.

Many are Africans working as prostitutes to send money home to their families.
For nearly twenty years the women of Benin City, a town in the state of Edo in the
south-central part of Nigeria, have been going to Italy to work in the sex trade and every year successful ones have been recruiting younger girls to follow them.

The Nigerian trafficking industry is fueled by the combination of widespread emigration aspirations and severely limited possibilities for migrating to Europe.

The term Trafficking of persons is restricted to instances where people are deceived, threatened, or coerced into situations of exploitation, including prostitution. This contrasts with Human smuggling, in which a migrant purchases services to circumvent immigration restrictions, but it is not a victim of deception or exploitation.

Most migrant women, including those who end up in the sex industry, have made a clear decision to leave home and take their chances overseas. They are headstrong and ambitious women who migrate in order to escape conflict, persecution, environmental degradation, natural disasters and other situations that affect their habitat and livelihood.

Ensuring a better future for one’s family in Nigeria is a principal motivation for emigration within and outside the trafficking networks. Working abroad is therefore often seen as the best strategy for escaping poverty. The success of many Italos, as these women are called, is evident in Edo. For many girls prostitution in Italy has become an entirely acceptable trade and the legend of their success makes the fight against sex traffickers all the more difficult.

One concern is that the anti-trafficking crusade is causing effects opposite to its objectives. What presents itself as a campaign to protect migrants from harm is actually making their efforts to flee home, to find work, to make the most of their lives in often difficult and unforgiving circumstances, much harder.

More photos at>>>>>>>http://amazingstoriesaroundtheworld..co.uk/2013/02/photorama-life-of-some-nigerian.html#more

Contrary to the widely held notions in the polity that to deliver a baby in the United States, a pregnant woman has to conceal her pregnancy during her visa interview and while entering the US, or she has to travel before her pregnancy starts to show, the US Embassy has clarified that it is okay to decide to have a baby in the country.
This is against the backdrop of the practise where some Nigerians deliberately lie during visa interviews in their bid to secure automatic US citizenship for their children.
The Embassy outlined some conditions which have to be met before such a visa which falls under medical tourism category is issued.

This it said, is necessary to encourage applicants to be truthful during visa interviews.
One: The applicant has to show proof of available funds of at least $140,000 (about N22 million) to pay medical fees, and secondly, the applicant has to show proof of the need for medical attention in the US such as high risk pregnancy and the likes.
US Embassy Chief of Consular Section, Ms. Carol Cox, in an interview with select journalists in Abuja, yesterday disclosed that it would cost at least $60,000 to have a baby in the US.
In instances where complications arise from the delivery, the medical bills may go as high as $140,000.
Availability of the funds, Cox said is very important as it is necessary to ensure that American taxpayers do not have to pay such bills.
“We owe the American public who pay taxes to make sure that those who seek medical services in the US pay for such services. This is essential because there are those who have the money and are not willing to pay.
“It is very frustrating when you see a woman who is obviously pregnant, sometimes seven months gone, tell you during a visa interview that she is just going to the US for a vacation,” she said.
Commenting on the fate of those who have incurred bans in the process of visa applications, Cox said while they are allowed to appeal, the outcome would be determined by the gravity of what incurred the ban in the first instance.
She added that it would be difficult for such appeals to come through in instances of fraud.
“It is important for applicants to be truthful because if there is any discrepancy in what you say and what you have written in your form, your credibility is gone,” she said.
Speaking on visa wait times, the embassy has reduced the wait times from six weeks to 30 days for applicants in Abuja, and to 21 days for applicants in Lagos, she disclosed.
Public Affairs Officer of the Embassy, Ms. Debra MacLean reiterated that the visa is not a guarantee that an applicant would enter the US.
“If the applicant is found to have materially misrepresented his purpose of visit, the immigration officer at the airport may refuse him or her entry. This officer is the one who really determines who enters the US,” she clarified.
Tags: America, EMBASSY, Featured, News, Nigeria, Us

http://amazingstoriesaroundtheworld..co.uk/2013/02/us-embassy-outlines-condition-for-baby.html#more

For top Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar, it could authoritatively be disclosed that she is currently expecting a baby for her colleague and actor, Emeka Enyiocha.


This relationship which has gone sour with Halima’s present condition could be reported to have been in secret, which paramount was the reason why the Nollywood actress recently shaved her hair.
Unknown to feelers, who are still wondering if the news of Halima’s present condition and relationship with Emeka Enyiocha haven’t gone into the wife’s ear, but with this development, the news must have filtered or aired to her, as expectation is high on if she will tender a divorce.
Jestingly, our source revealed that this act which could be described as another Birth of Evil in Nollywood is currently being rolled on the lens of the cameras in the Heartland city of Owerri, with Divine Touch Production as the steer man.
While it is creatively directed by renowned Nollywood film director, Theodore Anyanji, it also stars Patience Ozokwo (Mama G), Ken Erics (star actor of the Illiterate), Queen Nwokoye (star actress of Adaure/Ada Mbano), Uche Elendu, Vitalis Ndubisi and Remmy Ohajianya.

http://amazingstoriesaroundtheworld..co.uk/2013/02/nollywood-actress-halima-abubakar.html#more

Aso-Rock


More photos @>>>>>http://amazingstoriesaroundtheworld..co.uk/2013/02/photorama-president-goodluck-jonathan.html#more

Why do our so called celebrities settle for less! Is it despiration? or pressure from our society and family? Here is the story of a talented song writer, and singer "TIWA SAVAGE" and her five day old fiance "TEEBILLS"

They were dating, he is not ready for a commitment so she gets pregnant and had his baby. She carries most of the responsibilities off course 'cos he aint got shit! 3years after he still will not commit. So she has another baby. He still won't commit. He meets another lady, who is doing very well for herself, he wasted no time putting a ring on her finger. Hmmm like my dear DAS will say. Women need to ya ara won ni brain. (Lend yourselves some brain) you can't tie a man down with a baby. At the end you will loose. (Allegedly the story behind Tiwa's Manager.Teebillz

More photos@ >>>>
http://amazingstoriesaroundtheworld..co.uk/2013/02/exposed-tiwa-savages-fiance-teebillz.html#more

Coco Austin, 33, is performing in the Las Vegas act Peepshow, filling in for pregnant Holly Madison, 33, but in a new interview with Star magazine, rapper AP.9, he admits that she’s not behaving herself in sin city! In fact, she cheated on her husband Ice-T, 54, with him!
Coco and Ice seem so in love on their E! reality show Ice Loves Coco, but the couple seems to be having some trouble in paradise.
“I first met Coco at Surerender nightclub in Las Vegas,” AP.9 tells Star magazine. “She invited me back to her table; I had a couple of drinks; we exchanged numbers. I could tell we had a physical attraction.”
“She asked me, ‘What are you doing after the club?’ I said, ‘I’m probably just going to get a room and stay right here.’ She said, ‘Well, I’m going with you.”

But the most explosive allegation: “We had sex,” AP.9 says. “I don’t know who made the first move. It wasn’t making love; it was just sex.”
Another bomb: “We had sex unprotected. I really hope she isn’t pregnant!”
After AP.9 posted pics of him and Coco snuggling in December, Ice-T tweeted, “Don’t get it twisted… I’m not happy about this s**t. Coco’s in Vegas.
She has given me her explanation of the pics on the net from her first weeks out there with some dude.”
Coco tweeted an apology for the photos soon after and denied an affair.
AP.9 says, “She did an interview and said, ‘Oh, he was a superfan, everywhere I went he showed up and ran up to me talking pictures.
She threw me under the bus like I was some groupie stalking her.”
The rapper says Ice-T actually called him to speak about the incident. “He called me and said, ‘My wife wouldn’t f**k with you.
You need to tell the truth because my wife wouldn’t do that.’ So I told Ice-T: ‘You want the truth? OK. Me and your wife had sex!’”
The rapper does hope that Coco and Ice-T can get past the cheating scandal. “I got respect for Ice, and I’m not mad at her.
But don’t lie about me.
Everyone is looking at me like I’m the bad guy.
I don’t have a reason to lie.
But she has a reason to lie.
She’s the one who’s married.

http://amazingstoriesaroundtheworld..co.uk/2013/02/up-and-coming-rapper-ap-9-says-he-had.html#more

CAF deserves to be thoroughly spanked like a 10 year old, rebuked & embarrassed for their suspiciously corrupt & inept referees at the on-going AFCON 2013. Their poor officiating & calls remain very controversial, disputable & atrocious as if some of them were working for some betting, racketeering & match fixing rings somewhere in Asia & operating undercover of some teleguided remote control. These calls to question their in-depth lack of professionalism & a shameless sense of integrity arising from their apparent gross incompetences!!!

Many a time some of them had attempted to edge out NIGERIA's SUPER EAGLES with the most spurious officiating but mother luck & the god of soccer that never slumbers kept the team going during the tottering & teething preliminary stages!!! We were all witnesses to the Egyptian referee in the match between NIGERIA V ZAMBIA that was banished from the tournament for inventing & awarding a penalty for ZAMBIA to equalize against NIGERIA at the dying minutes of the game!!!

CAF should try & put their house in order & stop this nonsense disgracing Africa before our very eyes & the rest of the football world!!! If these deliberately erratic referees are not competent & capable enough, CAF can borrow better & more reputable ones from Europe, Asia, South America & other FIFA affiliate Confederations!!! The 2nd semi final match between GHANA vs BURKINA FASO glaringly revealed another chronic shortcomings on the part of these overtly biased referees killing the spirit & soul of African football!!!

Meanwhile, I still consistently maintain that the next AFCON in 2015 should be hosted in at least 10 to 12 carefully selected best stadia in major African cities across the African continent to ensure a wide & even spread!!! UEFA is adopting this innovative style in the next edition of their EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP to be hosted & spread to 13 different European cities!!!

### AND AS A MATTER OF FACT, I'M HIGHLY INTERESTED & WAITING FOR THE LATEST REPORT ON THE MATCH FIXING SCANDAL THAT FIFA JUST UNCOVERED LATELY & STILL INVESTIGATING BEFORE MAKING PUBLIC...!!! JUST AS SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE SHOULD OPEN UP A CAN OF WORMS ON THESE SUSPECT & CORRUPT REFEREES PLEASE!!

By Davidolf Abiona

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6843362698279411766#editor/target=post;postID=7177571855704212253

The terms of the Wizkid EME deal are alleged. It is based on insider talks and news stories that have flooded the internet within the past year alone. It may or may not be true. For our informative and educational purpose, however, it is irrelevant whether the facts are true. In fact, I am treating these facts as hypothetical facts, except where noted as true, to drive home the underlying point on the need to read your contract before you sign it, to avoid legal pitfalls like those that may find themselves under the same alleged factual situation like Wizkid. Keep this in mind as you read my analysis.
1. Wizkid is a Nigerian citizen (true fact)
2. Wizkid is a self proclaimed “studio rat.” As early as 11 years old, he was already singing.
3. By 2006, he got his break with Nigeria’s famed artist OJB (true fact)
4. In 2009, at 19years old, Wizkid got an even bigger break when he began working with Nigerian-American R &B super star Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment Record label. (True fact)
5. Wizkid already put a lot of the hard work on the talent side before he met EME. From 2009 onwards, EME focused on the branding, artist development, marketing and promotions of Wizkid. (True fact)
6. Within and outside of Nigeria, there was NO LEGAL CONTRACT signed between EME and Wizkid. (Alleged)
7. About March 2012, when fans and the public screamed in excitement about the EME Wizkid UK Tour, Wizkid still did not have a legal contract. However, as a condition to perform in the UK and to get visas granted, the hosting country (UK) required a record contract evidencing Wizkid was signed to EME. EME, in a rush, put a contract together for Wizkid. (Alleged)
8. The EME-Wizkid contract (the first signing of a record deal) had a term requiring a
7 album deal. They promised this contract will be amended to the “real contract” later. (Alleged)
9. Wizkid signed the 7 Album contract, without reading the terms. (Alleged)
10. Prior to the signing, monies were split between the two in a 50/50 way i.e. monies made from concerts/ tours were split evenly. (Alleged)
11. In April of 2012, EME announced a joint deal, in a press statement, with Akon’s Konvict. EME claimed Akon would “produce and release Wizkid worldwide” while EME managed Wizkid in Nigeria. (True Fact)
12. Before we could blink, all of a sudden, Wizkid signed a management deal with Tinie Tempah in the UK. Really? (True Fact)
13. Banky W & EME allegedly never negotiated or agreed to such a deal. Wizkid directly negotiated and signed with Tinie Tempah. (Alleged)
14. Wizkid fronts his own label “Star Boy” under the blessings and umbrella of the EME label. (Alleged)
15. As it stands, the relationship between the EME crew and Wizkid has deteriorated to the point where Wizkid no longer speaks to members of the EME team, including Banky W. All correspondences are filtered through his new manager Godwin Tom (Alleged).
16. Wizkid wants more money and he wants out i.e. reduce the 7 Album deal. He feels slighted because EME promised they would sign a new contract with him and now they want to hold his feet to the fire on their 7 album contract. (Alleged)
AML artists, now what? If you find yourself stuck in such position based on the alleged facts like Wizkid, what do you do?
Wizkid splashes millions on two Rolex watches...Ok o..

http://amazingstoriesaroundtheworld..co.uk/2013/02/bitter-breakup-wizkid-draws-battle_5.html#more

Celebrities Rappers Younger Years...

http://amazingstoriesaroundtheworld..co.uk/2013/01/photos-this-is-how-these-rappers-look.html

Pele tips Monday Odiaka for Afcon 2013 Golden Boot. While Maradona disagree by tipping Raymond King(Ramoni Oba)

ANPP, CPC, ACN become one by April – Shekarau
Written by Uchechukwu Olisah Friday, 11 January 2013 00:21 font size

BARRING unforeseen circumstances, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) may merge to become one in April.

The ANPP candidate in the 2011 presidential election, Mallam Ibrahim Shekerau, dropped this hint during a meeting of the party’s National Rebuilding and Inter-Party Contact Committee with members of the party in the South-West zone, in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday.

Mallam Shekarau, chairman of the committee, who came in company with other members that included Edo State ANPP candidate in the July 14, 2012 governorship election, Chief Solomon Edebiri and the committee’s secretary, Chief George Moghalu, said so far, the top level management of the parties had agreed and resolved that they were ready for the merger.

“It is not a question of whether or not there will be a merger; it is a question of when and how soon. This is where we are now,” he added.

Responding to a question on whether the merger meant the emergence of a new political party, Shekerau said, “that is what merger is all about. There will be no more ANPP, there will be no more CPC, and there will be no more any other political party that accepts to be part of it. We are coming up with a new identity, a new name, a new flag, a new logo, new whatever.”

The former governor of Kano State expressed confidence that “it is going to work, it is going to happen and it is going to be a success, because we have made up our mind to merge. We are talking of the next three, four months.”

Mallam Shekerau also said many other political parties were likely to join the merger arrangement, a development which, he pointed out, would put the mega party in good position to wrest power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the centre.

Besides, Shekerau told journalists that they were not unaware that the PDP was working to frustrate the merger.

Earlier, in his welcome address, ANPP national vice chairman, South-West, Chief Yemi Sanusi, expressed the support of members of the party in the zone for the proposed merger.


http://amazingstoriesaroundtheworld..co.uk/2013/01/anpp-cpc-acn-become-one-by-april.html#more

Mancini was incensed by a mis-timed tackle by the 22-year-old and the pair had to be pulled apart by Brian Kidd

Roberto Mancini and Mario Balotelli had to be pulled apart by Manchester City players and staff after a furious bust-up at training today.

These extraordinary pictures show the City boss and Italian striker physically grappling at the training ground this morning in full view of the squad and staff.

Mancini was reportedly incensed by a mis-timed tackle by the 22-year-old forward on winger Scott Sinclair.

The manager went to keep the two players apart but Balotelli then squared up to the Italian who reacted by grabbing the young striker by his training bib.

Staff were forced to intervene and coach Brian Kidd had to get between the two before dragging Mancini away from the player as other staff pulled Balotelli away

More Pics At Link Below:

http://amazingstoriesaroundtheworld..co.uk/2013/01/see-amazing-pics-of-mancini-and.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnrhqaG-b5Q



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It appears Ashton Kutcher has finally pulled the trigger, filing for divorce from Demi Moore ... over a year after the couple split up.

34-year-old Ashton filed the docs today in L.A. County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences ... according to People.com he is not seeking spousal support.

Ashton and 50-year old Demi have no children together. They were married in September 2005 and separated in November 2011.

Ashton and Demi split in the wake of cheating allegations involving Ashton and another woman. Ashton is currently dating his "That '70s Show" co-star Mila Kunis.

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http://www.tmz.com/2012/12/21/ashton-kutcher-demi-moore-divorce/#ixzz2FiyN7zBo

Former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world Mike Tyson is said to be ‘feeling fine’ after undergoing successful gender reassignment surgery at a clinic near Beverley Hills. Once known as ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’, the Brooklyn-born boxer told reporters that having his first menstrual cycle ‘would be a dream come true’, and that from now on he would be known as Michelle.

‘Some people might think it strange that I’m now a woman,’ said former rapist Tyson, who underwent complete facial feminization, orbital bone contouring and nasal surgery in an operation lasting over 16 hours. ‘But even at the height of my career, when pound for pound I was regarded as the best fighter in the world, I never lost touch with my feminine side and knew that one day I would grow breasts and have a vagina.’
Iron Mike – or Iron Maiden as he now likes to be called – was given the all-clear for gender reassignment surgery following a successful course in hormone replacement therapy which, in his autobiography, the boxer blamed for his 1996 defeat at the hands of Evander Holyfield. Although at the time Tyson insisted he was fit enough to carry on with the fight, referee Mitch Halpern stopped the bout in the 11th round saying Tyson looked flushed, was sweating profusely and appeared to be lactating heavily from his left breast.
Tyson, wearing a blonde wig and looking relaxed in blue jeans and a Vanessa Bruno T-shirt, today said he hoped having a clitoris would finally convince the American people that his ‘bad-boy’ days were over and he had turned over a new leaf. ‘I’m even keeping my surgically removed penis in a jar by my bedside to remind me what those sick perverts did to us pretty boys in prison.’
Although boxing commentators were initially stunned by Tyson’s revelation, many have admitted the signs were there. ‘In hindsight, he had shown a fondness for dressing up in gloves, long leather boots and silk gowns, and he always had a really close interest in earrings.’

http://amazingandweirdstories..co.uk/2012/12/mike-tyson-now-female-sex-change.html

Ojukwu’s Love Child Raised by Muslim Hausa Family

When details of Ojukwu’s will emerged, even his favourite wife, Bianca, was shocked to learn that the late Ikemba had a secret love child identified by him as Tenny.
According to investigations by Sunday Trust, “Tenny Hamman, as Ojukwu called her, was raised in Kaduna by former Deputy Inspector General of Police Hamman Maiduguri as his own “daughter”. Although she was formally named Aisha (the name she used in school), she is also called Tani (or Aunty Tani by younger relatives). Tani is a traditional Hausa name given to a female born on Monday. Apparently the name Tenny (or Tenni) that Ojukwu called her is the corrupted version of Tani.

“Late Hamman Maiduguri was a top police officer who spent a significant part of his life in Kaduna. He hailed from the north-eastern city of Maiduguri, Borno State capital. He was appointed Northern Region’s commissioner of police after the death of the region’s Premier Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. He later became the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) during the regime of General Yakubu Gowon, the man who led the crushing of Ojukwu’s Republic of Biafra.”
The Sunday publication also revealed that Tenny or Aisha also worked in the Presidency during the Abacha regime.
Sources told Sunday Trust that Ojukwu met Tenny’s mother when he was a military officer in the North. He was in charge of 5th Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Kano, where he was also friends with the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, before he was appointed the Governor of the Eastern Region following the first military coup in 1966.
Apparently, throughout the crisis surrounding the coup and counter-coup of July 1966 and the subsequent civil war that followed them as a result of Ojukwu’s declaration of Biafran independence, Ojukwu and his ex-lover kept the issue of their love child secret.
But as little Tenny grew up, there appeared to be some people who had suspected a link between her mother and Ojukwu.
Sources told Sunday Trust that there was a time when Tenny’s school mates at Queen’s Amina College, Kaduna, spread “gossips” that she was Ojukwu’s daughter. At the college, Tenny was said to be a tough girl and a bully. But when one slim girl called her Ojukwu’s daughter, she broke down in tears.
“Her mates were surprised that she could also be very weak,” the source said.
One of her classmates also told Sunday Trust that Tenny — known in the college as Aisha Hamman — was always uncomfortable with claims that she was Ojukwu’s daughter.
Another said, although she could be nice, she doesn’t tolerate nonsense. “We once fought in the school,” she told Sunday Trust in confidence. “Since then I have not been close to her. She didn’t even attend my marriage”.
They were 30 in their Queen’s Amina College class and they finished in 1978. It is unclear what other academic attainments Tenny got, but her college classmates said she at one time lived in the United States.
Another source also said she had worked at the presidency during General Sani Abacha’s regime.

http://amazingandweirdstories..co.uk/2012/12/ojukwus-love-child-raised-by-muslim.html#more

According to former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, it will be at least 20 years before the North clears the mess created by the security crisis.

The ongoing Boko Haram insurgency has held the North down, killing thousands of people, crippling businesses and reversing the gains of education.
Also yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan called upon North-Eastern political leaders to explore a long-lasting solution to the menace of the sect. He made this statement at the opening of the North-East Summit hosted by Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda at the Yankari Games Reserve.

General Abdulsalami, who was speaking at the Arewa House conference on strategies for sustainable development in Kaduna, bemoaned the lack of unity among Northerners. He said insecurity has done so much damage to the social and economic livelihood of the region.
The former Head of State said, “Certainly, if there is unity, we wouldn’t be here at this conference and since there is no unity, that is why Arewa House is trying to galvanize it at this conference.

“It will take 20 years to revive the North. A lot of socio-economic damage has been done. If you go round the areas; that is when you will appreciate the extent of damage to the region. We have to work together to revive it.
“All of us should join hands; we cannot leave security to the government alone; every Nigerian is a security officer. Let’s try to join hands and report what we see, so that the government will be able to take action. We should be the government’s watchdogs and also watch our communities.”

The Senate Minority Leader, George Akume, on his own part, expressed sadness that the North was no longer safe for both its people and visitors. He implored the people to imbibe hard work, integrity, honesty, respect and determination to restore the lost glory of the region.

According to him, an atmosphere without peace will make it impossible to achieve development, no matter how determined the actors were.
“The theme of this conference bears direct relevance to what is happening in the North. The topic for today is value and leadership. I do not intend to go into the conceptual definition of values and leadership.

“In every society, there are norms and values. These are highly respected; respect for sanctity of human life, and where this is not respected, there is no way you can have peace. This is a very big challenge, particularly in the North.

“I am very sad things are happening in the way they are happening now. I was in Borno about six months ago when my friend and brother, Governor Kashim Shettima, gave out his sister in marriage.
“We were about 30 that were supposed to go to Borno, but in the end, only 8 of us went.

The others gave different reasons for not making it. We must imbibe the values of honour, respect, integrity, hard work and determination because they have a direct bearing on the development of the North.”
Former Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed posited that the next two years would act as a test case for the country and the North’s case to bounce back to reckoning.

“The next two years will test the resilience of the Nigerian State and the capacity of Northerners to bounce back. Right now, the Boko Haram insurgency is eating up like a cancer, and it will require bold initiatives by Northerners to find a solution, by influencing both the insurgency and the government.
“Not all Nigerians are comfortable with a united and strong North. Its current position is therefore a welcome development to its rivals and detractors. They will not lift a finger to heal the wound. This will have to be done by people in this hall who feel the pain the most.

Meanwhile, at the two-day Northeast Alliance for
Transformation which commenced yesterday, the President, who was represented by the Minister for National Planning, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, asked the six governors in the zone to come up with a framework for addressing insecurity. He also expressed happiness that the governors were waking up to deal with the security crisis.

“I hope this summit will not just be a talk show; I hope you will identify at least four to five ways in tackling these problems in the next one year. Governors of Northeast region should work collectively to solve this problem in order to have peace in the region because insecurity is a reality in the region,” he said.

The host governor Isa Yuguda, in describing the summit as historic, said, “For quite a long time, the sub region has remained one of the least developed, if not the least developed of the six geo-political zones in the country in all spheres of human endeavour.” The Governor, while lamenting that the underdevelopment in the Northeast had been compounded by the security challenges which have adversely affected the socio-economic activities in the region, said that the problem of the region was not a lack of resources but failure to harness the abundant resources for its development socially and economically.

“It is expected that at the end of this summit, recommendations for setting in motion the machinery for the Northeast sub region to use its comparative advantages in agriculture, solid minerals and tourism to fast track the development of the region will be made.”

Mike Okiro, a former Inspector-General of Police, noting that insecurity had dampened the economic livelihood of Nigeria in general and North-East in particular, also called upon the summit to look critically at the security challenges and suggest practical solutions.

Chairman of the Summit, Gen T.Y. Danjuma, represented by Maj-Gen Tanko Nuhu Abdullahi, urged the participants to tackle security and its facets such as education, food, health, technology and a solid industrial base.
The 2-day summit has in its attendance the governors of Bauchi, Borno and Gombe. The acting governor of Yobe State and the representative of the Adamawa State Governor, in addition to the Senate Leader Abdul Ningi, Senator Babayo Gamawa and some royal fathers are also in attendance.

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A couple that gave birth to sextuplets in 2010 have become the inspirational stars of a new reality television program as they juggle marriage, working together and six demanding toddlers.

Mia and Rozonno McGhee, and their six bundles of joy, gained internet fame after Mia posted a picture on Facebook and was then asked to appear on Oprah.

Now, on Six Little McGhees, premiering December 15, the parents reveal what it's really like to bring up six children at once. Mr McGhee explains to the camera: 'Six babies crying, can you picture that?'

The McGhees' are high school sweethearts who never imagined they would give birth to Columbus, Ohio's first sextuplets. More pictures after the cut........
Beating the odds, the couple prove that with a little help, and a lot of love, anything is possible.
n a sneak peek of the OWN reality series, Mr McGhee says of their daily routine: 'A typical day for me and Mia? We wake up around 5.30am, brush our teeth, clean up, get it together.'

From sunrise to sunset, cameras document each busy day the family navigates work life and home life with six babies and a small entourage of helpers.

The couple describe their six children, saying: 'Josiah, or Jo Jo, is sneaky. He's real clever.'

While Madison, is the family 'joker and prankster'. Olivia, who they describe as a 'drama queen' is nicknamed The Princess; and Isaac 'tries to be the boss, and if your not doing something right he'll smack you,' admitted Mr McGhee.

Mia calls Rozonno Jr 'a tough old cookie,' and Elijah, who is 'big and he knows it,' the family 'bully'.

The couple also discuss the dynamic of living and working together while trying to raise six children.

After Mrs McGhee pushed her husband to start his own business, the couple have been able to financially support their family of eight with ease, but Mr McGhee says it's not always so easy.

'Let me tell you,' he says. 'Living together and going to work together is not easy at all.'

Mrs McGhee interjects, 'It's not?' before Mr McGhee responds with a smile, 'No, it's not.'

More pics
http://amazingandweirdstories..co.uk/2012/12/six-babies-crying-can-you-picture-that.html#more

Transparency International says Nigeria, under President Goodluck Jonathan, remains highly corrupt
Nigeria remained rooted to the bottom of the global corruption ranking Wednesday as global corruption watchdog, Transparency International, rated it the 35th most corrupt country in the world.
In a report released at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Nigeria scored 27 out of a maximum 100 marks to clinch the 139th position out of the 176 countries surveyed for the report. It shared that position with Azerbaijan, Kenya, Nepal and Pakistan. Countries such as Togo, Mali, Niger and Benin fared better than Nigeria.
Nigeria placed 143rd in the 2011 ranking, making it the 37th most corrupt country. It is difficult to say Nigeria has improved in the ranking this year because 182, six more than this year’s, were ranked in 2011.
This year’s index ranks 176 countries/territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, TI explained in the report.

The index draws on 13 surveys covering expert assessments and surveys of businesspeople.
The Corruption Perceptions Index is the leading indicator of public sector corruption, offering a yearly snapshot of the relative degree of the corruption problem by ranking countries from all over the globe.
Nigeria’s woeful performance in this year’s survey is not entirely surprising.
Since assuming office in 2010, President Jonathan has not shown vigour in the fight against corruption – including corruption involving past and current actors in his administration.
The tipping point in the president’s profile, regarding reluctance in promoting transparency, came when, in televised media chat in June, he scoffed at a question on why he had not publicly declared his asset. On live television, the president snapped “I don’t give a damn!”
The petroleum minister, Diezani Madueke, a close ally of the president, has heaps of established corruption allegations against her, but none has been investigated by Mr. Jonathan’s administration; while she still remains in office as one of the favorite ministers.
In August 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan secretly ordered the payment of $155 million to Malabu oil, a firm owned by an ex-convict and former petroleum minister, Dan Etete. Not only was the payment done without the knowledge of the Finance Minister, as revealed by PREMIUM TIMES, Malabu transferred the money into dubious accounts including that owned by a man with links to Mr. Jonathan. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have agreed to investigate the Malabu scandal.
Ranging from the monumental fuel subsidy scam to the massive corruption uncovered in pension administration to the scams at the Security and Exchange Commission and the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Nigeria stinks with graft. Government officials, including some of Mr. Jonathan’s favourite appointees have been named in the brazen theft of public funds.
Two members of the President’s cabinet, Godsday Orubebe and Stella Oduah, illegally registered an NGO, Neighbour to Neighbour, on whose board they sit, and which they then used in campaigning for the President’s election; in contravention of CAC registration guidelines and the CAMA Act. The presidency has kept mum on this.
There have been several cases of visitors to the Presidential Villa offered huge sums of money after their visits. The Save Nigeria Group was offered $30 thousand, and the Northern elders N20 million; both groups rejected the cash gifts given to them by the presidency.
There are also piles of corruption cases involving government officials, politicians and ‘friends of the government’ that have been lingering for years while perpetrators roam free.
Yet, in his Independence Day anniversary speech to Nigerians, President Jonathan claimed his administration had made substantial gains in the fight against corruption, saying TI had endorsed and praised his administration’s war against corruption.
Transparency International promptly replied, disowning Mr. Jonathan and saying it had no such report.
TI described this year’s report as an indication that “corruption is a major threat facing humanity. Corruption destroys lives and communities, and undermines countries and institutions. It generates popular anger that threatens to further destabilise societies and exacerbate violent conflicts.”
The organization added, “Corruption translates into human suffering, with poor families being extorted for bribes to see doctors or to get access to clean drinking water. It leads to failure in the delivery of basic services like education or healthcare. It derails the building of essential infrastructure, as corrupt leaders skim funds.
“Governments need to integrate anti-corruption actions into all aspects of decision-making. They must prioritise better rules on lobbying and political financing, make public spending and contracting more transparent, and make public bodies more accountable.”

http://amazingandweirdstories..co.uk/2012/12/nigeria-is-35th-most-corrupt-in-world.html#more

Recently New York Times published an article about the increase of U.S. immigrants going back to their native countries to start up their own businesses. It is safe to say over the past decade the countries grouped in the BRICS have been fortunate to receive a brain-gain, as many of their best and brightest have seen their own countries as land of opportunities.
On one of my social media networks I spotted a comment that said “By the time Africans get featured in an article like this the gold rush will be over.” Of course you can easily interpret this statement in several ways but it spoke volumes about how Africans tend to always be last in everything.

As a Nigerian in the Diaspora I would love to go back after I finish my education to pursue my own dreams but realistically we are faced with obstacles that cause many diasporans to become reluctant to return back to Africa to start up a business. Here are my reasons why…
The Political Climate
The political climate in Nigeria is one of the number top reasons why the Nigerian Diaspora refuse to go back to Nigeria. Despite a democratic society, the political system is still full of corruption and lack of transparency.
If we compare our political history to a developing country such as Malaysia you will see some similarity as both countries received independence two years apart from each other from British rule. Even in the 1960’s Nigeria was ahead of Malaysia economically wise and had vast more natural resources. If we compare both countries as of today, Malaysia has been able to pull ahead in terms of development. In Malaysia, a person can literally start a business in less of week versus Nigeria which is 30 plus days. Interestingly enough there is an increasing Nigerian base in Malaysia. In other countries hard work can actually turn into a successful business like Chris Aire who has created a jewelry empire or Kase Lawal a well known business man in the oil sector. In Nigeria there are many businesses thriving based off their own work, but as well just as many growing because of ties these companies have with the government.
Lack of infrastructure
It is 2012 and Nigeria still does not have a stable power for companies to run businesses. Many companies in Nigeria use over 10% of their income to run power from day to Night. In other countries running power for the company is the least of one’s concern and normally amount to 1% to 2 %. Besides the power, roads are an eyesore and connectivity is still a problem among businesses. These issues have stifled Nigerians for decades who dream of building a business. Many Nigerians in the Diaspora have great ideas but are held back simply because Nigeria lacks the infrastructure to turn their idea into a viable business.
Out of touch with Nigeria
Let’s face it some people in the diaspora are just simply out of touch. They have no clue what is taking place in Nigeria and some do not even want to know. Other countries do a great job of connecting their people in the diapora to their home countries. In India a person from the Diaspora sits on parliament. Chinese have groups in the Diaspora that actually have influence in Chinese affairs. If we look in Liberia they allow they citizens in the Diaspora to vote in government elections. Yes, we can say we have “people” in the government who are suppose to handle Diaspora affairs, but what can we say they have done. We have groups in the Diaspora who are there to help Nigerian entrepreneurs invest back into Nigeria, but instead it becomes a power struggle of who will lead the group. In this area the Diaspora affairs must improve in order to create a better bridge between those in and out of Nigeria.
The comfort of being overseas
Time and time again I meet Nigerians who continue to say I want to back to Nigeria one day and it never becomes a reality. I remember jumping in a taxi cab on my way to a meeting and coincidentally the taxi driver was a Nigerian. He was telling me his journey from Nigeria and how he wishes to go back but he is just use to his routine in the US. Many people aspire to be entrepreneurs but some rather deal with the comfort of 9 to 5 rather than going back to Nigeria to deal with the headache. Nigerians who have left to go back to Nigeria get there to discover a pile of empty promises. People who said they will connect them with so and so end up being dead ends. Staying in the Diaspora may not be the ideal route, but to many Nigerians it is considered the safe route.
Despite all of these roadblocks to go back to Nigeria I am still moved by the vast opportunities to try my luck and move back to Nigeria. There are many Nigerians who have gone back and have made a successful name for themselves. Nigeria is growing by leaps and bounds ripe for development. It will be difficult to assimilate back into the country, but anything great is not easy to obtain. The challenges of Nigeria should not discourage people in the Diasporas; it should in fact encourage us to transfer our skills to build up Nigeria. As a wise man once told me, “Nigerians are walking on money; the opportunities are far too great to not see them”. I call on Nigerians in the Diaspora to migrate back to Nigeria to take advantage of these opportunities. Do not wait for the gold rush to be over tap into Nigeria’s potential.
Are you a Nigerian in the Diaspora? Are you willing and ready to return home? Or are you a newly returnee? How is your experience? Leave your comments below!


http://amazingandweirdstories..co.uk/2012/12/why-nigerian-diaspora-wont-return-home.html

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The main reason for the title-drop of Arabambi 2 to Oganla of Fuji title by Pasuma may be getting clearer if what both what Newscarte is reporting and further information reaching Nigeriafilms.com are anything to go by. Few weeks ago, there have been conflicting reports on why Pasuma dropped the title.
While some reported that Pasuma dropped the name due to the treatment K1 gave Pasuma in the build up to Iya Rainbow’s 70th birthday, others reported that there was no bad blood between the two Fuji music icons in the title-drop.
Pasuma had claimed in a report that “”I am old enough to decide on my own; I have served K1 and I have to move on with my career. After all, K1 used to be called Wasiu Ayinde Barrister and when he changed the name, almost everybody hailed him over his decision,” while K1 was reportedly quoted to have said “Do we have to deny anybody the right to change of name? He has been a wonderful and loyal person to me, so I have no hard feelings over the change in title. At least, it will go down in history that he was once Arabambi 2.”

But a recent report by Newscarte revealed that Pasuma dropped the Arabambi 2 title after he discovered that K1 was allegedly having a secret romantic affair with his first daughter, Wasilat. This, may have necessitated his decision to drop the title because of the hurt of realising that his godfather is allegedly sleeping with his daughter secretly.
It was further reported that a source disclosed that Pasuma has been told about the alleged illicit affair between Wasilat and K1, but chose to confirm the development before taking any action until he finally confirmed it himself.
“Pasuma is angry because he never expected such thing from a man he regarded as one of his godfathers. Actor Ose Omo Banke (Soji Taiwo) is also having an affair with Wasilat, but that of K1 is more painful to him. He (Pasuma) decided to keep it a secret in the interest of his daughter,” the source was quoted to have told Newscarte.
Efforts made by Nigeriafilms.com to contact the trio of Pasuma, K1 and Soji Taiwo to get them speak on this revelation proved abortive as their phone numbers were switched of as at press time.
A source disclosed to Nigeriafilms.com that K1 is presently in America.
A close source to both K1 De Ultimate and Pasuma confirmed this story to Nigeriafilms.com but begged for anonymity. The source told us that Pasuma has been doing everything possible not to allow this story leak to the press.

http://amazingandweirdstories..co.uk/2012/11/exposed-real-reason-why-pasuma-k1-fell.html#comment-form

“Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know.“ - Daniel J. Boorstin

It’s your chance now to study abroad in USA! It’s just a few hours away from the beginning of the world’s largest International Virtual College Fair, have you signed up? http:///rrH9D


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Charles Novia's critique of Tonto Dike's songs
Found the write up on the movie producer and record label owner's Facebook page. See it below...

Tonto's Terrible Tremolo by Charles Novia.

I have restrained myself for a couple of years from commenting on Tonto Dike's career after my last comments about her role in the soft porn movie she acted in two years back, were badly taken by her and she went on twitter to hurl infantile insults on my person with expletives and uncomplimentary remarks. My reaction to such then was just a dignified silence. After all, I had already spoken on her stunted talent as an up and coming actress and further comments on her incensed tweets were unnecessary.

All through the past few hours, the social media networks have been abuzz with the new singles of actress, Tonto Dike. She seems to have joined the actors of her ilk who have the moonlighting itch to delve into singing. While no one can stop such an ambition by those artistes, I do think those who surround such artistes are their worst enemies if they can't tell them the truth about leaving their sometimes doubtful day job. Well, I will! I listened to Miss Dike's two singles a few minutes ago and my initial speechlessness morphed to a nagging laughter and then subsided into a befuddled anguish. I'm a music label owner (November Records) and have produced and Executive Produced acts like Majek Fashek, Terry tha Rapman, Zubby Enebeli etc. I know much about music and the slant of commercial music. But after listening to Miss Dike's songs, I'm inclined to align with the majorly negative comments about them on cyberspace. Ah-ah! Whoever produced her knew she has a bad voice for singing and masked our listening torture with the Autotune effect. But even the Autotune rejected any attempt to make a bad voice worse and Miss Dike came out sounding like she was in mid-stream orgasm instead of singing! Her anguished tremolos would have been better reserved for a horror movie sound effect than an attempt at joining the revered profession of music. If Omotola got away with her last two terrible attempts at singing, it was because Omotola is a fantastic actress and her fans could forgive her musical failings after backtracking her body of work in Nollywood. With Tonto, I can't say much either for her acting depth. She's a one-dimensional actress in my opinion, who mistakes notoriety for fame. She needs more training in acting and this I say with all sense of professionalism as a movie Director. She might achieve greater heights in acting if she trains more. But she has no heights to achieve in singing. Only a downward plunge, the stuff bad endings in movies are made of.

:l