₦airaland Forum

Eight students of Itori Comprehensive High School lost their lives when a granite-laden truck traveling to Lagos, with registration number LAGOS XZ 628 AKD, swerved off its lane and rammed into the students who were returning home after school.

The incident triggered a stampede. Students ran for safety as the truck rolled off the hilly road, tumbled several times before falling on some of them. Eight were crushed to death instantly. Five of them were girls.

Teachers, parents and members of the Itori community stormed the scene as they struggled to rescue the trapped pupils from under the debris of the truck and granite.

Eyewitness said no fewer than 50 vehicles were smashed by an angry mob, following the incident.

The bodies of the victims, according to the source, were crushed under the granite by the content.

The source added that an armoured personnel carrier (APC) arrived at the scene of the accident to forestall breakdown of law and order while the evacuation of the victims lasted.

Confirming the incident, the Itori unit commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Fatai Bakare, said only five students died in the accident.

He described the incident as unfortunate and urged motorists to be safety conscious at all times.

The comic actor and his longtime partner Roseline got married last Saturday December 8th at the bride's home in Choba, Port Harcourt, and they did it in a TRUCK!!!

Source: http://gistmetro..com/2012/12/nollywood-comic-actor-victor-osuagwu.html

Controversial Nollywood actress and singer, Tonto Dikeh, gets featured on Ndani TV’s ‘The Juice’ with OAP Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru throwing the questions.

Tonto talked about her recent foray into music, its acceptance or otherwise, and her response to criticism.
She revealed she will be doing her first performance at the upcoming Rhythm Unplugged which is definitely something to look forward to.

She also talks about her rumoured relationship with Don Jazzy saying it is now in the past.

Enjoy the video here http://gistmetro..com/2012/12/video-tonto-dikeh-talks-about-her.html

yes! he's heading somewhere

Ever since his split with friend Don Jazzy and record label Mo’hits, D’banj has managed to make himself relevant to the international music community.

D'Banj and his younger brother, Kay Switch recently signed a Pan-African distribution deal with Sony Music Entertainment.

The deal will see D'Banj's DB Records' works being distributed by Sony's RCA, an arm of its African label. Kay Switch got a multi-album, worldwide exclusive contract from the deal and a strategic partnership with D’Banj’s Nigerian record label DB Records, who’s catalog includes artists and producers such as J.Sol, Jay Sleek and DeeVee.”

An excited Dbanj retweeted the piece of news via his handle hours ago. The Tweet read:
“Sony Music Africa @ SonyMusicAfrica: Superstar & Africa’s #1 Artist @iamdbanj, and @kayswitch sign Exclusive Pan-African Deal with @SonyMusicAfrica

Congrats

On Friday 7th and Saturday 8th December 2012, the refreshing apple flavoured alcoholic drink, SNAPP, held its launch parties in the cities of Port-Harcourt and Calabar respectively.

The events took place at Eddie’s Wine bar and Zero Zone in Port-Harcourt and at Jasper 131 and Pinnacle Nite club in Calabar.

Guests were treated to the best of music by renowned DJs like DJ Sose and DJ Suga in Calabar while in Port-Harcourt, DJ Neptune and DJ Nana entertained the guests. Nigerian music star, M.I and ace comedian, Julius Agwu also entertained the guests with music and comedy. It was a night of fun and glamour for the ladies who came out to party and enjoy SNAPP.

More photos @ http://gistmetro..com/2012/12/photos-mi-julius-agwu-and-more-at-snapp.html

The Kukere crooner, Iyanya, who is known for being a ''lady killer'', was involved in a romance saga, he was rumoured dating popular ghanaian actress Yvonne nelson and now have dumped her for Tonto Dikeh.

Last week the Ghanian actress took to twitter to vent her anger on Iyanya, while Tonto also tweeted her apology to Yvonne.

Now a fan tweet at Iyanya that he must be a fool for dumping Ghana actress, Yvonne Nelson for Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh. The Kukere Master Simply said thanks.

Well, we take the "Thanks" as him admitting dumping the beautiful actress for Tonto.

Source: http://gistmetro..com/2012/12/iyanya-admits-dumping-yvonne-nelson-for.html

u knw

Upcoming artiste Tiwa Banks aka Tiwantiwa who sang 'Olenle' has been severally stabbed by her landlord's son. Her landlord's son, Tobi Obadina who people claim have done this to others in the area went into Tiwa's apartment at night to settle a little misunderstanding they had during the day, and after a little while, broke a bottle on her head and stabbed her severally.


Her brother and neighbour later rushed to the scene and took her to the hospital. Tiwa is in the hospital receiving treatment while Tobi Obadina has been boasting around that he can not be arrested because he is the son of an ex-officer.

source: http://gistmetro..com/2012/12/singer-tiwa-stabbed-by-landlords-son.html

The venue of the award, that's in its 5th season, was the grand ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Dress code, was Men in Tuxedo with a touch of Gold and ladies were told to look utterly ravishing in gold. While many tried, some were quite outstanding. There were 14 awards categories, plus 2 lifetime awards.

Hosted by Nollywood star, Stella Damasus and TV personality, Frank Edoho, the event saw in attendance Uru Eke, Alex Ekubo, Efe Tommy, Elohor Aisien, Ugonna Omeruo, Seyi Shay, Lami Phillips, Rekana Sharon Ojong, Ifeanyi Dike Jnr, Beverly Naya, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, 2Face Idibia and many more.


The 5th Annual Mode Men of the Year Awards – Full List
Man of the Year – Aliko Dangote
Woman of the Year – Maryanna Udo-Okonjo (CEO, Fine & Country)
Business Man of the Year – Dr Ernest Azudialu
Governor of the Year – Governor Godswill Akpabio
Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Uche Nnaji of OUCH
Actor of the Year – Chris Attoh
TV Personality of the Year – Uti Nwachukwu
Radio Personality of the Year – Freeze
Luxury Brand of the Year – Porsche
Young Designer of the Year – Taryor Gabriels
Most Stylish Man of the Year – Ohimai Atafo
Sports Personality of the Year – Paralympics Team
Musician of the Year – Wizkid
Young Humanitarian of the Year – Igho Sanomi II of Telaveras
Comedian of the Year – Elenu

More Photos: http://gistmetro..com/2012/12/wizkid-aliko-dangote-chris-attoh-elenu.html

Superstar Beyonce has been named brand ambassador for Pepsi in a multi-year deal estimated at $50 million.


According to The New York Times, the hybrid project will include commercials as well as a multimillion-dollar fund to support the singer’s creative endeavors.

For its campaign with Beyoncé next year, Pepsi doesn’t just want to sign up the telegenic pop star for another TV commercial. It also wants to get into the Beyoncé business.

“Pepsi embraces creativity and understands that artists evolve,” Beyoncé said in a statement. “As a businesswoman, this allows me to work with a lifestyle brand with no compromise and without sacrificing my creativity.”

The campaign will coincide with a blitz of promotion for her next album, which has no title or release date so far but is expected in 2013. Sometime after she performs at the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 3 (also sponsored by Pepsi), Beyoncé will appear in a new TV ad — her fifth for the soft drink since 2002 — and her face will be on a limited-edition line of soda cans.

Source:http://gistmetro..com/2012/12/beyonce-signs-50-million-pepsi-deal.html

Four students of Lead City University Oyo, Nigeria, died in the early hours of this morning in an auto crash around high-court area of Ring Road Ibadan.

The student were heading to Koko Dome night club for a party hosted by some Lead City students when the car they were riding in hit another car and somersaulted multiple times. The four students were said to have died at the scene.

May their soul rest in peace
source: http://gistmetro..com/2012/12/4-lead-city-students-die-in-ibadan-auto.html

Following Rihanna’s father suggesting that he wouldn’t be surprised if the pair got married eventually, a new report from hollyscoop.com has claimed that Rihanna is reportedly telling her friends to keep their NYE evening open because she wants them to witness her tie the knot with Chris.

The website claims that RiRi has booked Chris and his mom, Joyce Hawkins, a five-star Bajan villa for the holiday, hoping it will be a “bonding holiday” for her friends and family.

We learned from other source that the alleged secret wedding “bombshell” is just part of Rihanna and Brown’s supposed decision to spend their lives together.

“They’re planning to go house hunting in L.A. soon, and they’re even talking about baby names,” claims a Star “insider.”

The pair had a very public split in 2009 after Chris was arrested for assaulting the ‘Umbrella’ singer.
source: http://gistmetro..com/2012/12/rihanna-and-chris-brown-getting-married.html

Finally, those who were itching to see Tonto Dikeh, perform on stage, were given a brief glimpse of her stage craft recently.

At the launch of his second album, ‘@IAMKASBEATS’ on December 1, pop artiste Kas, brought up the actress-turned-singer to the stage and they performed their collabo, ‘Sexy Whine’.
To see the video, go here:- http://gistmetro..com/2012/12/video-tonto-dikeh-dazzles-in-her-first.html

Veteran Nollywood actor, Enebeli Elebuwa according to information reaching us is dead. He died today the 5th of December 2012.

The actor died at his Indian hospital.

Confirming the news to NET, the PRO of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Frank Dallas, described the veteran actor as a friend, brother and veteran that will be greatly missed by both colleagues and the Nollywood community as a whole.
May his soul rest in peace.
source:http://gistmetro..com/2012/12/veteran-nollywood-actor-enebel-i.html

Veteran Nollywood actor, Enebeli Elebuwa according to information reaching us is dead. He died today the 5th of December 2012.

The actor died at his Indian hospital.

Confirming the news to NET, the PRO of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Frank Dallas, described the veteran actor as a friend, brother and veteran that will be greatly missed by both colleagues and the Nollywood community as a whole.
May his soul rest in peace.
source: http://gistmetro..com/2012/12/veteran-nollywood-actor-enebel-i.html

The DB Records boss made the surprise announcement via social networking site Twitter on Sunday, December 3, 2012.

This year’s concert proves to be even bigger as his G.O.O.D Music label mates rappers like Big Sean and Pusha T will also be performing, his brother Kay Switch, and a host of other top acts will also be performing.

The concert will be hosted by Hollywood movie star Idris Elba and will hold on December 27 at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites.

Ticket information will be available soon.

Folorunsho Alakija, a Nigerian billionaire oil tycoon, Fashion designer and philanthropist who is worth at least $3.3 billion according to Ventures Africa, contrary to a recent Forbes Magazine ranking which pegs her net worth at only $600 million.

Forbes named her one of the richest African women few day back and now Ventures Africa is naming her the richest black woman on earth claiming that Mrs Alakija's real estate portfolio is worth over $100 million, and that she acquired a property at One Hyde Park for $102 million, and also owns a Bombardier Global Express 6000 jet which she bought earlier this year for a reported $46 million.

Folorunsho Alakija is married to Modupe Alakija and they have four grown-up sons together. She also has a grandchild from her first son. Modupe Alakija, her husband is the Chairman of Famfa Oil. Her sons run the company.
http://gistmetro..com/2012/12/folorunsho-alakija-replaces-oprah.html

Few days back, rumour have it that Nigerian singer, Terry G when leaving a night club at the club royale Ikeja, mistakenly hit one mister Azeez Moshood and ran away, and has since fled to Uk to avoid arrest.

Terry G is denying the rumours. Here is what he said;
"I was at club Royale with friends having fun.when it was time for me to leave I was escorted by 2 bouncers of d club to my car, yes some guys try 2 mop me while I was leaving which is normal,I got in 2 my car peacefully and drove out after couple of snaps with my fans I never received any call from the police inviting me for a hit and run case and i have no reason to run been Godly or notorious,I am a known face so what sense does it make hitting someone and running. I might act crazy but not heartless""

Former Nollywood actor and now Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Richard Mofe Damijo better known as RMD and the acting General Manager of Delta state’s Tourism Board, Ms. Philo Nkem Ajufo, have been accused of looting N50 million belonging to the ministry.

Sources in the embattled Ministry revealed that a former commissioner in the Ministry had requested for a sum of N50 million to organize the “Delta State Expo 2007.”

However, it was learnt that the state government could not approve the said amount the same year for some reasons.

The source said the funds were eventually approved and released to the ministry of tourism under the leadership of RMD in May, 2012.


He said: “As soon as the money arrived, the commissioner said that the ministry could no longer hold the event since six years had elapsed.”

“The Honourable Commissioners also argued that the people of Delta would have forgotten about the event – and therefore the money should not be used for the purpose it was released,” the source added.

Some documents obtained by newsmen from the Delta State Ministry of Finance show that the N50 million must be spent on the event for which the Culture Ministry applied for it.

The warrant, which was signed by one P.O. Evuojapha on behalf of the Commissioner of Finance indicates that N35 million of the funds was meant for the Tourism Board. full article @ http://www.stbonaventures..com/2012/11/richard-mofe-damijo-rmd-in-n50-million.html

Arsenal players will be forced into taking significant wage cuts if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The club are currently attempting to tie down a clutch of their core players to long-term contracts.

But Sportsmail can reveal those new deals will include Champions League failure clauses that will essentially result in players taking home less money if they fail to make Europe’s elite competition.

Players who are in talks over new deals include Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Bacary Sagna.


The decision from the Gunners hierarchy has been made to protect the club financially should they miss out on the cash windfall linked to Champions League qualification. The clauses stipulate a player will not receive full bonuses if they miss out on the top four.

The move provides a clear indication that substantial concerns are emerging from within Arsenal, who have been Champions League mainstays during the modern era, that they may miss out this season.

While the club view the decision as making business sense, the move is likely to frustrate fans who have seen their best players walk away over the past two seasons.

An Arsenal spokesman said on Thursday night: ‘Each player has an individual contract which contains elements of performance-related payments, which are linked to a player’s individual contribution and also to the club’s progress in both domestic and European competitions. This is normal practice across football clubs.’
http://stbonaventures..com/2012/11/arsenal-players-wages-to-be-cut-if-they.html

Former Nollywood actor and now Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Richard Mofe Damijo better known as RMD and the acting General Manager of Delta state’s Tourism Board, Ms. Philo Nkem Ajufo, have been accused of looting N50 million belonging to the ministry.

Sources in the embattled Ministry revealed that a former commissioner in the Ministry had requested for a sum of N50 million to organize the “Delta State Expo 2007.”

However, it was learnt that the state government could not approve the said amount the same year for some reasons.

The source said the funds were eventually approved and released to the ministry of tourism under the leadership of RMD in May, 2012.


He said: “As soon as the money arrived, the commissioner said that the ministry could no longer hold the event since six years had elapsed.”

“The Honourable Commissioners also argued that the people of Delta would have forgotten about the event – and therefore the money should not be used for the purpose it was released,” the source added.

Some documents obtained by newsmen from the Delta State Ministry of Finance show that the N50 million must be spent on the event for which the Culture Ministry applied for it.

The warrant, which was signed by one P.O. Evuojapha on behalf of the Commissioner of Finance indicates that N35 million of the funds was meant for the Tourism Board.

Closed insiders however said that Damijo conspired to issue a check of N35 million in the name of the General Manager of the state’s Tourism Board, Ms. Ajufo who allegedly deposited the sum into her First Bank private account number 3006131619.

The source said: “Mrs. Ajufo and RMD then shared the money.”

Another top government official said that, “It is very obvious that the manner the cheque was issued in the name of the board’s GM instead of in the name of the board was fraudulent. It portrays an element of fraud.”

Source hinted that Ms. Ajufo used her share of the looted funds to start off a twin duplex building located at No.6 Dunkwu Crescent, Asaba in June, 2012.

The twin complex we gathered is behind Junior Staff quarters and opposite one of the branches of Redeemed Christian Church (RCCG) in the state.

The source further said that tourism board’s members had denied receiving any of the embezzled funds.

He said: “She accused Mr. Mofe Damijo of carting away the whole sum of N50 million even when her account was used to commit the fraud.”

It was also gathered that all staff of Ms. Ajufo have reportedly lost all patience with her manner of running the board. “The acting GM is very, very corrupt,” said a staff.

In his reaction, the actor-turned-politician denied all the allegations levelled against him, he maintained that he’s not aware if such amount was released to his ministry at any time.

http://stbonaventures..com/2012/11/richard-mofe-damijo-rmd-in-n50-million.html

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) said it had designed an accounting system for churches, mosques and other not-for-profit organisations, adding that it will compel them to report their financial transactions periodically from January 2013.

Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, FRC, Mr. Jim Osayande Obazee, who said this in a keynote address presented at the 2012 annual conference of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) held in Ijebu-Ode at the weekend, explained that the move was to ensure that more Nigerians are dragged into the corporate tax net. This, according to the FRC boss, is also in line with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Obazee said: “We want to release our Statement of Accounting Standards (SAS) 32 because we want churches and charities to begin to present accounts. They just file returns to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and so long as they pay the N1000, they are home and dry. But we are saying that they must report their financial transactions in proper format.
http://stbonaventures..com/2012/11/churches-and-mosques-must-report-their.html

The Nigerian Youth Merit Awards is an annual red carpet dinner aimed at recognizing outstanding achievements amongst youths in Nigeria as well as a few youth-friendly individuals and organizations that have shown unparalleled commitment to the development of Nigerian youths in various sectors of the economy and all works of life.

The event is expected to showcase several talented Nigerian Youths who have achieved extraordinary success in their chosen endeavour, irrespective of their background and educational status. It will also be a unique entertainment platform for the participants of the National Youth Economic Summit as various musical & comedy acts will be invited to perform at the awards ceremony.

The Nominees are:
http://stbonaventures..com/2012/11/full-nominee-lists-2012-nigerian-youth.html

At least seven nude protesters stormed House Speaker John Boehner's (R-Ohio) office in the Longworth in Washington.

U.S. Capitol Police public information officer Shennell Antrobus confirmed: “three females arrested for lewd and indecent acts in the Speaker’s Longworth office. Demonstrators disbursed that area.”

This is an office across the street from the Capitol Building. The speaker, who has a plush suite of offices in the Capitol Building, never works in the district office, so he wasn’t privy, as it were, to the privates.


The protesters, who had red ribbons painted on their bodies, appear to have been protesting potential budget cuts to AIDS programs.

It’s unclear why the naked women were arrested, but the naked man in the picture was not.

Photos @
http://stbonaventures..com/2012/11/naked-protesters-occupy-john-boehners.html

Nollywood actress/producer, Rukky Sanda launched her movies, The Search starring Van Vicker, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Yemi Blaq and Susan Peters and LoveLorn starring Tonto Dikeh, Alex Ekubo, Ikay Ogbonna and Alex Usifo at Aura Victoria Island, Lagos.

Nollywood big stars and friends like P-Square, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Monalisa Chinda, Karen Igho, Gbenga Adeyinka, Uche Jombo-R, Emem Isong, Denrele Edun, Ebube Nwagbo, Oge Okoye and Flowssick, all came out to support her.

More photos:

http://stbonaventures..com/2012/11/p-square-omotala-ekehinde-oge-okoye.html