₦airaland Forum

Nigeria’s Amina J. Mohammed – the new United Nations Deputy Secretary - took home the New African Woman in Politics and Public Office. Prior to her new post, she served as Minister of Environment. But she has played key roles in both the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), on how both agendas impact Africa – more so its women.

Winners have been selected by a special panel of judges from 68 shortlisted candidates across 12 categories. The Award for Women in Health, Science and Technology went to Namibia’s Dr Helena Ndume – a pioneering ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon, who has to date, performed over 35,000 sight-restoring surgeries on Namibians, completely free of charge.

Morocco saw serial entrepreneur Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch, take home the New African woman Award in Business. Zimbabwean philathropists and educationist Tsitsi Masiyiwa, received the New African Woman Award in Education for her work with Higherlife Foundation – a not for profit organisation she runs and offers scholarships to orphaned and vulnerable children to give them a better chance in education. Over 250,000 children have benefited from the work of Higherlife Foundation.

The much-talked about New African Woman on the Rise (The Next Generation) – a category which received the most nominations - went to the Kenyan girls rights activist and UN Women youth advisor Vivian Onano.

The New African Woman in Civil Society was given to Chief Theresa Kachindamoto, who annulled over 300 child marriages in her village in Malawi, a feat that played an important role in forcing the government to ban child marriages in the country all together.

Other winners were Nigeria’s Joan Okorodudu (New African Woman In The Arts & Culture) for her services to raising the profile of African models and fashion; Mali’s Binta Touré Ndoye (New African Woman – in Finance); Amira Yahyaoui of Tunisia (New African Woman in Media) and the former African Union Commissioner Agriculture and Rural Development Tumusiime Rhoda Peace from Uganda, is the New African Woman in Agriculture for pushing the importance of food security and adding value chain to African goods while she was at the AU.

The New African Woman in Sport went to the Senegal’s Fatma Samoura - the world football body’s Secretary General – a position she was appointed to in 2016, becoming the first African woman to hold the post.

The New African Woman Awards is followed by a Forum on 13 April, under the theme Changing The Game.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/04/amina-mohammed-wins-african-woman-in.html

Efe has been announced as the winner of the Big Brother Naija 2017 after Bisola becomes the first runner up. Efe walks away with N25 million and SUV.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/04/efe-wins-big-brother-bbnaija-winner.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps (L.N.S.C.) was officially launched today.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photos-ambode-launches-lagos-state.html

The Benue Prisons Service on Monday confirmed that herdsmen invaded its Jato-Aka Farm Centre and killed an inmate, one Tersoo Agidi.

ASP Stephen Nwanchor, Public Relations Officer, Benue Prisons Service, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi that the incident took place on Saturday at the farm centre.

Nwanchor said that the invasion was not a failed jail break attempt.

“This is a new farm centre established in January, 2017. The herdsmen invaded the place, destroyed property, shot and killed one Tersoo Agidi, an inmate.

“We have evacuated all the remaining inmates from the farm centre to Gboko, pending the outcome of the investigation.

“We are not taking anything for granted. My Controller of Prison is on top of the issue, and all relevant security operatives in the state have been notified,” Nwanchor said.

The PRO said the service was investigating the invasion to ascertain the remote cause, noting that no arrest had been made so far.

Nwanchor said the service had tightened security in and around all its facilities in the state, assuring that there was no cause for alarm.

Herdsmen attack had been on increase in the last twelve months especially in the North central states.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/herdsmen-invade-benue-prison-farm-kills.html

https://i1.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2017/03/Herdsmen.jpg?w=800

Bally tops voting result as Bassey says goodbye to Big brother Naija show.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/bbnaija-this-week-voting-result.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The Lagos State Government has disclosed reasons the recovery of Dr. Allwell Orji’s body was not recovered after 48 hours, the natural recovery time for any drowned body, saying, the tidal waves moved the body towards a different direction.

This came barely hours after the family of the deceased had identified the body of the 35-year-old doctor, a staff of Mount Sinai Hospital, Isolo, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government.

General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), ‘Bisola Kamson, in an interview with newsmen said that the agency studied the tidal waves and deployed its personnel to the axis which later aided the recovery.

According to her, tidal waves on the lagoon currently moves towards the CMS axis, Lagos-Island Local Government hence the aggressive search for the body of the late doctor along the axis since the tragic incident.

“When we discovered that the tidal waves of Lagos lagoons move towards Elegbata, CMS axis of the Marina, we had intensified the search around that axis. That is where tidal movement moves towards. So any drop from the scene of the incident would move towards CMS Elegbata axis.

“We have intensified our surveillance around the water through collaboration with local divers who also worked in collaboration with LASWA and Marine police. And that was why we have different people patrolling different area in the water. Please do not forget that the water body is large; a single agency cannot patrol it alone. It requires synergy and that was why everyone were combing everywhere.

“The family members came and were able to identified that the body that was wearing a ‘chinos” trousers about an 1and half hours ago. It was and unfortunate incident, but Lagosians must be safety conscious at all times, even while driving on the bridge,” she added.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/why-drown-doctors-body-recovery-exceeds.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Kano state Governor Umar Ganduje today paid an official visit to the Honourable Minister Of Finance Kemi Adeosun in her office. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photos-gov-ganduje-visits-minister-kemi.html

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, says that Nigerians are confident that President Muhammadu Buhari will deliver on all his promises.

A statement by the State House said Adesina made the submission while addressing a delegation of Northern Youths Initiative for Peace and Good Governance on Tuesday in Abuja.

The statement was signed by Attah Esa, Deputy Director, Information, Office of the Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity.

Esa said Adesina urged Nigerians to keep faith with the current administration’s commitment to take “Nigeria to the Promised Land.”

He quoted Adesina as saying that Buhari would fulfil his campaign promises to Nigerians, particularly in stimulating the economy for job creation, anti-corruption campaign and security of lives and property.

‘‘I am glad that majority of Nigerians are still with President Buhari.

‘‘The excitement and jubilation, around the country, that greeted his return to Nigeria recently is a clear testimony of the love, confidence and belief, which Nigerians have in his leadership.

‘‘We are witnessing a positive turn around in the economy, agriculture, the fight against corruption, job creation and I am very confident that President Buhari will lead Nigeria to the Promised Land before the mandate given to him by Nigerians lapses in 2019,’’ the statement quoted Adesina as saying.

Esa said that Adesina, who received the Sardauna Leadership Award, ‘Icon of Societal Transformation’, thanked the group for the honour, noting that he was motivated to serve in government because of the personality and integrity of President Buhari.

The deputy director said that the President of the Northern Youths Initiative, Comrade Muhammadu Abubakar, described Adesina as an exemplary leader.

‘’You are a Goldfish that has no hiding place.

‘‘We, northern youths, under the aegis of Northern Youth Initiative for Peace and Good Governance, honour you as Garkuwan Matasan Arewa -the shield of Northern Youths.

‘’This honour is for your invaluable contribution to the country and inspiring role to the upcoming generation,’’ the statement quoted Abubakar as saying.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/nigerians-upbeat-on-buharis.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The management of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) on Sunday apologised to consumers in Ajah, Lagos and environs over the protracted power outage in the communities.

Mr Godwin Idemudia, General Manager, Corporate Communications of the company, said in Lagos that the outage being experienced by Ajah, Ogombo, Ajiwe and some neighbouring communities was due to a faulty equipment.

Idemudia, however, said that repair work to resolve the issue was ongoing by the technical crew of EKEDC and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

He assured the consumers that electricity supply would be restored on Monday.


“We wish to apologise to all our customers in the Ajah area and its environs over the recent long period of outage being experienced.

“This outage has been due to faulty equipment which is being worked on by EKEDC and TCN. Normal supply should be back by Monday, March 20.

“Kindly bear with us as we find lasting solution to this.

“EKEDC highly regrets any inconveniences caused by this outage,” Idemudia said in a statement. (NAN)

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/ekedec-apologises-for-poor-power-outage.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The following members of the PDP in the Kogi State House of Assembly have defected to the APC as a result of the division in the PDP. They are :

1. Hon. John Abah of Ibaji
2. Hon. Mukhtar Adoke of Adavi
3. Hon. Mathew Kolawole of Kabba Bunu
4. Hon. Ahmed Muhammad of Ankpa I
5. Hon. Victor Adewale Omofaiye of Ijumu
6. Hon. Abdulkarim Kekere Sani of Okehi.



http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/6-pdp-lawmakers-defect-to-apc.html

In time past Nigerian parents rebuked their wards for dare dreaming about becoming musicians. You dare not harbor such thoughts talk more of telling your parents about it. You’ll get a good dose of the cane and rebuke.

Fast forward to the present, music is probably one sure way to earn a good fortune for yourself. ‘Music dey pay pass some white collar jobs these days’ and we all know these.

Some of of our artistes have been able to beat others to top the list of the richest Nigerian artistes. These values are estimated net worth (a realistic measure of wealth) and hence used to rank these artistes.

If your favorite is not on the list, there can only be one solution. They have to double their efforts to appear on the list next time.

Timaya

Ekperipapa 1 of Bayelsa Timaya is one of Nigeria’s to ten richest musicians. The dancehall king net worth comes from heavy booking fees, brand endorsement and not so much from music sales. Timaya is brand ambassador to Glo and Hennessy X. O. Cognac. His estimated net worth N1.1 Billion Naira

Iyanya

Iyanya who hails from Cross River State hit stardom after he won the maiden edition of MTN project fame. After that first shot at fame subsided, he bounced back with one of the biggest hit song in his career ‘Kukere’. Iyanya has been brand ambassador to MTN, Solo phones, Dunes Nigeria and Cross River State tourism ambassador. Iyanya’s estimated net worth is put at N 1.8 Billion Naira.

Banky W

Nigeria’s own king of R&B Banky W has a good share of the money generated in the music industry. A mentor to Wizkid, Banky is one of the longest serving brand ambassador for Samsung Africa. He is also ambassador to many multinational corporations and most importantly co-founder of EME records. All these and many more put his total estimated net worth at N2.3 Billion Naira.

Flavour

Chinedu Okoli, who is popularly known as Flavour is not only Nigeria’s king of contemporary highlife music, his fame runs through Africa. The dreadlocks sporting musician rakes in good cash performing at big events around Africa and overseas 3 – 4 times in a week all year long. He has backed many endorsement deals, one notably with NBC (Nigerian Breweries Company). The singer is valued at an estimated net worth of N2.5 Billion Naira.

Wizkid

Star boy! Wizkid who has been a big sensation on the Nigerian music scene cuts big checks yo! He is one artiste that doesn’t run short of endorsement deals, from MTN, to Glo, Pepsi etc. Wizkid who is now a bona-fide Sony Music act charges heavy fees to perform at shows. Wizkid is CEO of StarBoy Worldwide, his estimated net worth is N2.8 Billion Naira. His Sony Music deal excluded.

Davido

One time for OBO – Omo Baba Olowo). Since his entry into the Nigerian music industry, Davido has always shown he has loads of money, especially when you put in mind his Nigerian billionaire father. Well, besides his father’s mulla Davido rakes in millions for himself monthly. He is well known for his ostentatious lifestyle, a Sony Music act as well as Wizkid. Davido’s estimated net worth is N2.9 Billion Naira.

2face

2face who now prefers to be addressed as 2Baba is the most prominent of the defunct music group Plantashun Boyz. 2Baba has a music career spanning over 20 years and he has a lot of money in the bank to show for it. Aside his normal booking fees and numerous endorsements, 2Baba is a real estate investor. He owns the popular Rumours Night Club situated in Festac, Victoria Island and Ikeja. The ‘African Queen’ is valued at about estimated net worth of N4.5 Billion Naira.

D’banj

These days D’banj, one of Nigeria’s biggest music export is more of a shrewd business man. He is CEO of DB records and Koko Holdings. D’banj has a multitude of endorsements from United Nations, Bank of Industry, Slot etc. The ‘Oliver Twist’ crooner has an estimated net worth of N5 Billion Naira.

Don Jazzy

Don Jazzy who was a former partner with D’banj during the defunct Mo’Hits era makes number two spot. Now Don Jazzy is the CEO of the Mavin Records. Micheal Collins has had a good number of endorsement from Samsung to Johnny Walker. He has several investments and most recently his newest company Flobyt. The ace music producer is valued at an estimated net worth of N6.5 Billion Naira.

Psquare

Sitting on the top of the list is Africa’s most successful singing duo Psquare. The singers who are from Anambra State Nigeria, are highest earning Nigerian musicians. Booking Psquare for a show definitely cost a lot as the twin charge the highest fee. Much of their money comes from booking fees, mouth watering endorsement deals, music sales and other investments. Psquare are highest grossing Nigerian artistes on YouTube. The ‘Bank Alert’ crooners own multi-million naira homes in of the best neighbourhood in Lagos. The estimated net worth of the singing twins is put at an impressive N15 Billion Naira.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/top-richest-musicians-singer-nigeria.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has suspended the implementation of its policy for duty payments on old vehicles, in order to resolve issues with the Senate Committee on Customs.

The Acting Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Mr Joseph Attah, said this on Wednesday in Abuja.

Attah said in a statement, that the Management of Customs had directed that the exercise be put on hold and expressed its readiness to engage the Senate Committee on further discussions.

He said that the essence was to bring the Senate on board to understand the importance of the exercise to national security and economy.

“Following the tension generated as a result of misconception and misrepresentation of the NCS planned motor duty payment, the leadership of the National Assembly and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) met with a view to resolving the impasse.

“They both agreed that the proposed motor duty payment, though in line with the provision of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C.45, LFN 2004, should be put on hold.

“While the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise interfaces with the NCS for further discussions.

“Payment of duty on vehicles or any dutiable imported item remains a civic responsibility of every patriotic Nigerian,’’ Attah said.

NAN reports that recently, the comptroller-general approved one month grace for all Nigerian vehicle owners who have not paid duties to do so or face outright seizure of the vehicles.

And this applies even to new vehicles bought from car dealers.

The service gave a window of one month, from March 13 to April 12, for car owners to pay the appropriate duty on their vehicles.

The public relations officer said that some owners of vehicles brought into the country through the land borders, obviously, did not pay duty.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/customs-suspends-vehicle-duty-policy.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The Rivers state Police Command now has a new Commissioner of Police in the person of CP Zaki Ahmed.

Zaki Ahmed arrived Rivers state Monday as the 38th Commissioner of Police in the State, taking over from Late CP Francis Odesanya.

Ahmed once served as a Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations in Rivers state before his transfer out of the state.

Until his transfer to Rivers state, Zaki Ahmed was the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi state.

Ahmed hails from Kogi State.

Upon resumption, he met with the rank and file of the command for a brief meeting and familiarization at the command’s conference room, Moscow road Port Harcourt.

Speaking briefly after inspection at the quarter guard, Zaki Ahmed thanked the press for their cooperation with the police, noting that he would officially address the press later.


http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/rivers-state-gets-new-commissioner-of.html

https://cdn1.dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/CP-Zaki-Ahmed-620x400.jpg
https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/punchng/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/12001926/Bauchi-Commissioner-of-Police-Zaki-Ahmed.jpg

https://i.tdy.ng/main/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Zaki-Ahmed-690x450.jpg

The Adamawa sector Command of Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed that 15 persons lost their lives on Sunday when a truck conveying cows and passengers lost control on a bridge and fell into the drying river.

The Adamawa Sector Commander of FRSC) Mr. Adetunji said that the accident occurred at about 10p.m. on the Ngurore Bridge on Yola-Numan Road.

He said that before the arrival of FRSC personnel at the scene, the victims had been evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Yola, and Specialists Hospital, Yola.

Adetunji said that the numbers of injured persons had yet to be ascertained.

“I received a call at about 22:00hours on Sunday that there was a crash on Ngurore Bridge on Yola-Numan Highway.

“On arrival at the scene, we discovered that it was a truck carrying cows and passengers that lost control and fell into the drying river,” the commander told NAN.

According to him, six dead bodies were deposited at the Federal Medical Centre and nine at the Specialists Hospital.

He advised motorists to shun night driving as well as avoid transporting human beings and animals in the same vehicle.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/15-dead-as-truck-plunged-into-river-in.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Big Brother Naija housemate, Bassey has been conferred as the Head of House .


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yipNE3oiwGg

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/video-bassey-wins-bbnaija-head-of-house.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

More at http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photos-lai-mohammed-visits-nigeria-lng.html

Minister of Information and culture, Lai Mohammed paid a courtesy visit to the Nigeria LNG today in Bonny Island, Rivers state. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photos-lai-mohammed-visits-nigeria-lng.html

Yesterday, the internet was agog with news of BBNaija's contestant, Kemen's family, planning on suing the organizers of the show for disqualifying him.


His brother however, has reacted to this. He took to Facebook to share a lengthy post which reads thus:



Re: Kemen's Family Threatens To Sue Big Brother Naija.


Dear Nigerians, My Name is Mmenimkeakpaniko Ekerette, Eldest brother to Ekemini Ekerette AKA KEMEN of the Big Brother Naija. Our attention have been drawn to various publication and news items circulating in the media, that we the family of Kemen intend to take legal action against the organizers of Big Brother Naija 2017 about the way and manner that our son Kemen was disqualified from the reality TV show. We want to state it clearly that the family of Kemen have not met with, or spoken to anyone regarding this issue. While we are yet to hear Kemen's side of the of story, we urge everyone to please disregard this false rumour that is becoming a campaign of calumny to continue to cast Kemen as savage in the eye of the public. While we regret his unceremonious exit from the Big Brother House, we would like members of the press, bloggers and indeed the public to give Kemen and his family the privacy we deserve at this trying moment. Thank you for your love and support.


Mmenim Ekerette

For: Kemen's Family

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/kemens-brother-debunk-rumors-family.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Lagos club owner, Pretty Mike and his controversial ladies are back.

Pretty Mike who was recently arrested by the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode for putting women on dog leash, attended Bobrisky's house warming party with his girls.

He was dressed in a bathrobe and the girls sprinkled flowers at his feet.

See photos:

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photos-pretty-mike-and-his-girls-are.html

Evicted Big brother Naija housemates, Ese and Gifty took a selfie during the after party at the AMVCA 2017.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photoaija-housemates-ese-and-gifty-at.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

More at http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photos-celebrities-at-amvca-after-party.html

Celebrities enjoyed themselves at the AMVCA after party shortly after the award night. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photos-celebrities-at-amvca-after-party.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Patoranking paid a surprise visit to the Big Brother Naija housemates on a Sunday morning. Housemates were dressing their hair in preparation for tonight eviction live show when Patoranking came in. See more photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photos-patoranking-visits-bbnaija.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

amvca

See more at http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/first-photos-from-amvca2017-red-carpet.html

Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele pictured with her hubby, JJC on the Red Carpet of Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2017. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photos-funke-akindele-and-hubby-jjc-at.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

More at http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/first-photos-from-amvca2017-red-carpet.html

Former Big Brother Naija housemates, Miyonse and Jon seen on the Red carpet of Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award 2017. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/03/photos-ex-bbnaija-housemates-miyonse.html

More at http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-skales-and-tekno-at-location-of.html

Following the recent release of the video to his smash hit 'Ajaga' featuring Davido and Timaya, Baseline recording artist Skales has released behind the scene photos to another collaborative effort with rave of the moment Tekno on a new song titled 'Give me Love'.

Directed by Stanz Visuals, the colourful setting of the video can be seen in the photos; showing an apparently ecstatic Tekno and a number of sexy ladies in titillating lingerie and corsets.

The Never Say Never guy as he is otherwise called took to his Instagram and shared with his over nine hundred thousand followers the behind the scene photos with caption that read; "I'm quite excited to show the world I'm working on another incredible piece, this time; featuring my G @teknoofficial! I'm more than confident to say this right here will blow minds beyond Africa! Y'all ain't ready – watch this space for more details!"

As expected, the post has since garnered comments from several excited fans; with many stating they are still enjoying his latest release; 'Ajaga' video.

One fan commented, "Mr. Never Say Never, why you gotta be so wicked? We are still trying to catch our breath from the wave of Ajaga video, now you're set to release another wave! Just keep it coming. Much love."

The song will mark the official second project from Skales in 2017.

Skales has revealed the songs will make it to his upcoming sophomore album named after his moniker 'The Never Say Never Guy'; scheduled to be released sometime in April, 2017.


http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photos-skales-and-tekno-at-location-of.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Osun state Governor Rauf Aregbesola steps out of a short dialogue with Oyo state Governor Abiola Ajimobi before walking into a meeting with LAUTECH officials.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/02/photo-gov-aregbesola-and-gov-ajimobi.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44