₦airaland Forum

Vandora was evicted from the Big Brother Naija house on Sunday with his partner Dee One. She was pictured during an interview with BBNaija media team after her eviction on Sunday.

http://www.metronaija.ng/new-photo-vandora-bbnaija-eviction/

Justice Yusuf Haliru of the Federal high court Abuja today struck out a fresh bail application filed by Maryam Sanda, the pregnant mother of a six month old baby who stabbed her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, to death at their home in Abuja in November last year.

Maryam's counsel, Daudu Joseph today told the court to grant her bail because of her pregnancy and the fact that she needed to take care of her 6-month-old baby.

“My lord, the new fact is that she is three months pregnant and I have done my research,” Daudu told the court.

However, the prosecuting counsel, James Idachaba, asked the court to reject the application on grounds that it constituted an abuse of court of process, because Sanda's counsel had failed to withdraw her notice of appeal challenging the December 14th ruling declining her bail.



Halilu ruled in favour of the prosecutor, saying it would amount to toeing “a path of destruction” to grant Sanda bail since the applicant’s notice of appeal against the court was still pending.

“It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for his (Daudu’s) argument to sway this court. The argument has not in anyway swayed me. The application is liable to be struck out and it is accordingly struck out.”the judge ruled

Meanwhile Maryam and her baby are being remanded at the Suleja prison.

http://www.metronaija.ng/husband-killer-court-rejects-fresh-bail-request-maryam-sanda/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Beautiful woman!

http://www.metronaija.ng/new-photo-former-first-lady-maryam-abacha/

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President Buhari with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres as he participates at the African Union Peace and Security meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-buhari-un-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-un-summit/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Senegalese rapper Akon and Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah are the two most followed Africans on the social media channels Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, according to the African Social Media Power Report: Top 50 Footballers and Entertainers released on Friday, January 26, 2018.


The Power 50 has a combined following of almost 400million, a number that is more than half of the population of Europe and twice the population of Nigeria, Africa’s most populated country.



The Power 50, which weighs the social media influence of African pop culture stars and football personalities, was compiled by Lagos-based sports communication company, CampsBay Media.

“In a world where social media continues to play a big role, the influence of African entertainers and footballers, the crème of popular culture on our continent, continues to fascinate and that is why we have compiled this list,” said Lolade Adewuyi, chief strategist at CampsBay Media.



“We have tried as much as possible to gather the top African pop and sport stars into the list in order to show their influence across the three key social media platforms of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. We hope that the Power Report will be an annual ranking to gauge their growing impact as well as enable market planners and researchers to see the possibilities inherent in their influence.”
Trevor Noah, Akon, Davido and others make 2017 African Social Media Power Report

Personalities from 12 countries are represented on the list with the top 10 places filled by Akon, Salah, footballer Didier Drogba, Moroccan stand-up comedian Gad el Maleh, South African comedian and TV show host Trevor Noah, Cameroonian footballer Samuel Eto’o, Moroccan actor Jamel Debbouze, Nigerian singer Davido and South African actress Charlize Theron.



On the African Social Media Power Report: Top 50 are 13 actors/actresses, 14 singers, nine rappers, eight footballers, four comedians and two music producers/DJs.

The report also includes a list of the top 50 African footballers and top 50 African entertainers on the three social media platforms in the full report that can be downloaded here.

http://www.metronaija.ng/davido-others-make-2017-african-social-media-power-report/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Minister of communication, Adebayo Shittu and Constitutional Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana arrive Cotonou ahead of West African Union University Convocation.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-akeredolu-adebayo-shittu-falana-west-african-union-university-convocation/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

I believe the situation we are in today is akin to what and where we were in at the beginning of this democratic dispensation in 1999. The nation was tottering. People became hopeless and saw no bright future in the horizon. It was all a dark cloud politically, economically and socially. The price of oil at that time was nine dollars per barrel and we had a debt overhang of about $35 billion. Most people were confused with lack of direction in the country. One of the factors that saved the situation was a near government of national unity that was put in place to navigate us through the dark cloud. We had almost all hands on deck. We used people at home and from the diaspora and we navigated through the dark cloud of those days. At that time, most people were hopelessly groping in the dark. They saw no choice, neither in the left nor in the right, and yet we were not bereft of people at home and from the diaspora that could come together to make Nigeria truly a land flowing with milk and honey. Where we are is a matter of choice but we can choose differently to make a necessary and desirable change, once again.

Wherever I go, I hear Nigerians complaining, murmuring in anguish and anger. But our anger should not be like the anger of the cripple. We can collectively save ourselves from the position we find ourselves. It will not come through self-pity, fruitless complaint or protest but through constructive and positive engagement and collective action for the good of our nation and ourselves and our children and their children. We need moral re-armament and engaging togetherness of people of like-mind and goodwill to come solidly together to lift Nigeria up. This is no time for trading blames or embarking on futile argument and neither should we accept untenable excuses for non-performance. Let us accept that the present administration has done what it can do to the limit of its ability, aptitude and understanding. Let the administration and its political party platform agree with the rest of us that what they have done and what they are capable of doing is not good enough for us. They have given as best as they have and as best as they can give. Nigeria deserves and urgently needs better than what they have given or what we know they are capable of giving. To ask them to give more will be unrealistic and will only sentence Nigeria to a prison term of four years if not destroy it beyond the possibility of an early recovery and substantial growth. Einstein made it clear to us that doing the same thing and expecting a different result is the height of folly. Already, Nigerians are committing suicide for the unbearable socio-economic situation they find themselves in. And yet Nigerians love life. We must not continue to reinforce failure and hope that all will be well. It is self-deceit and self-defeat and another aspect of folly.

What has emerged from the opposition has shown no better promise from their antecedents. As the leader of that Party for eight years as President of Nigeria, I can categorically say there is nothing to write home about in their new team. We have only one choice left to take us out of Egypt to the promised land. And that is the coalition of the concerned and the willing – ready for positive and drastic change, progress and involvement. Change that will give hope and future to all our youth and dignity and full participation to all our women. Our youth should be empowered to deploy their ability to learn, innovate and work energetically at ideas and concepts in which they can make their own original inputs. Youth must be part of the action today and not relegated to leadership of tomorrow which may never come. Change that will mean enhancement of living standard and progress for all. A situation where the elected will accountably govern and every Nigerian will have equal opportunity not based on kinship and friendship but based on free citizenship.

Democracy is sustained and measured not by leaders doing extra-ordinary things, (invariably, leaders fail to do ordinary things very well), but by citizens rising up to do ordinary things extra-ordinarily well. Our democracy, development and progress at this juncture require ordinary citizens of Nigeria to do the extra-ordinary things of changing the course and direction of our lackluster performance and development. If leadership fails, citizens must not fail and there lies the beauty and importance of democracy. We are challenged by the current situation; we must neither adopt spirit of cowardice nor timidity let alone impotence but must be sustained by courage, determination and commitment to say and do and to persist until we achieve upliftment for Nigeria. Nothing ventured, nothing gained and we believe that our venturing will not be in vain. God of Nigeria has endowed this country adequately and our non-performance cannot be blamed on God but on leadership. God, who has given us what we need and which is potentially there, will give us leadership enablement to actualize our potentiality.

The development and modernization of our country and society must be anchored and sustained on dynamic Nigerian culture, enduring values and an enchanting Nigerian dream. We must have abiding faith in our country and its role and place within the comity of nations. Today, Nigeria needs all hands on deck. All hands of men and women of goodwill must be on deck. We need all hands to move our country forward.

We need a Coalition for Nigeria, CN. Such a Movement at this juncture needs not be a political party but one to which all well-meaning Nigerians can belong. That Movement must be a coalition for democracy, good governance, social and economic well-being and progress. Coalition to salvage and redeem our country. You can count me with such a Movement. Last time, we asked, prayed and worked for change and God granted our request. This time, we must ask, pray and work for change with unity, security and progress. And God will again grant us. Of course, nothing should stop such a Movement from satisfying conditions for fielding candidates for elections. But if at any stage the Movement wishes to metamorphose into candidate-sponsoring Movement for elections, I will bow out of the Movement because I will continue to maintain my non-partisan position. Coalition for Nigeria must have its headquarters in Abuja.

This Coalition for Nigeria will be a Movement that will drive Nigeria up and forward. It must have a pride of place for all Nigerians, particularly for our youth and our women. It is a coalition of hope for all Nigerians for speedy, quality and equal development, security, unity, prosperity and progress. It is a coalition to banish poverty, insecurity and despair. Our country must not be oblivious to concomitant danger around, outside and ahead. Coalition for Nigeria must be a Movement to break new ground in building a united country, a socially-cohesive and moderately prosperous society with equity, equality of opportunity, justice and a dynamic and progressive economy that is self-reliant and takes active part in global division of labour and international decision-making.

The Movement must work out the path of development and the trajectory of development in speed, quality and equality in the short- medium- and long-term for Nigeria on the basis of sustainability, stability, predictability, credibility, security, cooperation and prosperity with diminishing inequality. What is called for is love, commitment and interest in our country, not in self, friends and kinship alone but particularly love, compassion and interest in the poor, underprivileged and downtrodden. It is our human duty and responsibility so to do. Failure to do this will amount to a sin against God and a crime against humanity.

Some may ask, what does Obasanjo want again? Obasanjo has wanted nothing other than the best for Nigeria and Nigerians and he will continue to want nothing less. And if we have the best, we will be contented whether where we live is described as palaces or huts by others and we will always give thanks to God.

I, therefore, will gladly join such a Movement when one is established as Coalition for Nigeria, CN, taking Nigeria to the height God has created it to be. From now on, the Nigeria eagle must continue to soar and fly high. CN, as a Movement, will be new, green, transparent and must remain clean and always active, selflessly so. Members must be ready to make sacrifice for the nation and pay the price of being pioneers and good Nigerians for our country to play the God-assigned role for itself, for its neighbours, for its sub-region of West Africa, for its continent and for humanity in general. For me, the strength and sustainable success of CN will derive largely from the strong commitment of a population that is constantly mobilized to the rallying platform of the fact that going forward together is our best option for building a nation that will occupy its deserved place in the global community. May God continue to lead, guide and protect us. Amen.

http://www.metronaija.ng/full-text-obasanjos-13-page-letter-president-buhari/

https://16745-presscdn-0-7.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/obasanjo.jpg
THE WAY OUT: A CLARION CALL FOR COALITION FOR NIGERIA MOVEMENT
Special Press Statement
By
President Olusegun Obasanjo

Since we are still in the month of January, it is appropriate to wish all Nigerians Happy 2018. I am constrained to issue this special statement at this time considering the situation of the country. Some of you may be asking, “What has brought about this special occasion of Obasanjo issuing a Special Statement?” You will be right to ask such a question. But there is a Yoruba saying that ‘when lice abound in your clothes, your fingernails will never be dried of blood’. When I was in the village, to make sure that lice die, you put them between two fingernails and press hard to ensure they die and they always leave blood stains on the fingernails. To ensure you do not have blood on your fingernails, you have to ensure that lice are not harboured anywhere within your vicinity.

The lice of poor performance in government – poverty, insecurity, poor economic management, nepotism, gross dereliction of duty, condonation of misdeed – if not outright encouragement of it, lack of progress and hope for the future, lack of national cohesion and poor management of internal political dynamics and widening inequality – are very much with us today. With such lice of general and specific poor performance and crying poverty with us, our fingers will not be dry of ‘blood’.

Four years ago when my PDP card was torn, I made it abundantly clear that I quit partisan politics for aye but my concern and interest in Nigeria, Africa and indeed in humanity would not wane. Ever since, I have adhered strictly to that position. Since that time, I have devoted quality time to the issue of zero hunger as contained in Goal No. 2 of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. We have set the target that Nigeria with the participating States in the Zero Hunger Forum should reach Zero Hunger goal by 2025 – five years earlier than the UN target date. I am involved in the issue of education in some States and generally in the issue of youth empowerment and employment. I am involved in all these domestically and altruistically to give hope and future to the seemingly hopeless and those in despair. I believe strongly that God has endowed Nigeria so adequately that no Nigerian should be either in want or in despair.

I believe in team work and collaborative efforts. At the international level, we have worked with other world leaders to domicile the apparatus for monitoring and encouraging socio-economic progress in Africa in our Presidential Library. The purpose of Africa Progress Group, which is the new name assumed by Africa Progress Panel (APP), is to point out where, when and what works need to be done for the progress of Africa separately and collectively by African leaders and their development partners. I have also gladly accepted the invitation of the UN Secretary-General to be a member of his eighteen-member High-Level Board of Advisers on Mediation. There are other assignments I take up in other fora for Africa and for the international community. For Africa to move forward, Nigeria must be one of the anchor countries, if not the leading anchor country. It means that Nigeria must be good at home to be good outside. No doubt, our situation in the last decade or so had shown that we are not good enough at home; hence we are invariably absent at the table that we should be abroad.

All these led me to take the unusual step of going against my own political Party, PDP, in the last general election to support the opposite side. I saw that action as the best option for Nigeria. As it has been revealed in the last three years or so, that decision and the subsequent collective decision of Nigerians to vote for a change was the right decision for the nation. For me, there was nothing personal, it was all in the best interest of Nigeria and, indeed, in the best interest of Africa and humanity at large. Even the horse rider then, with whom I maintain very cordial, happy and social relationship today has come to realise his mistakes and regretted it publicly and I admire his courage and forthrightness in this regard. He has a role to play on the side line for the good of Nigeria, Africa and humanity and I will see him as a partner in playing such a role nationally and internationally, but not as a horse rider in Nigeria again.

The situation that made Nigerians to vote massively to get my brother Jonathan off the horse is playing itself out again. First, I thought I knew the point where President Buhari is weak and I spoke and wrote about it even before Nigerians voted for him and I also did vote for him because at that time it was a matter of “any option but Jonathan” (aobj). But my letter to President Jonathan titled: “Before It Is Too Late” was meant for him to act before it was too late. He ignored it and it was too late for him and those who goaded him into ignoring the voice of caution. I know that praise-singers and hired attackers may be raised up against me for verbal or even physical attack but if I can withstand undeserved imprisonment and was ready to shed my blood by standing for Nigeria, I will consider no sacrifice too great to make for the good of Nigeria at any time. No human leader is expected to be personally strong or self-sufficient in all aspects of governance.

I knew President Buhari before he became President and said that he is weak in the knowledge and understanding of the economy but I thought that he could make use of good Nigerians in that area that could help. Although, I know that you cannot give what you don’t have and that economy does not obey military order. You have to give it what it takes in the short-, medium- and long-term. Then, it would move. I know his weakness in understanding and playing in the foreign affairs sector and again, there are many Nigerians that could be used in that area as well. They have knowledge and experience that could be deployed for the good of Nigeria. There were serious allegations of round-tripping against some inner caucus of the Presidency which would seem to have been condoned. I wonder if such actions do not amount to corruption and financial crime, then what is it? Culture of condonation and turning blind eye will cover up rather than clean up. And going to justice must be with clean hands.

I thought President Buhari would fight corruption and insurgency and he must be given some credit for his achievement so far in these two areas although it is not yet uhuru!

The herdsmen/crop farmers issue is being wittingly or unwittingly allowed to turn sour and messy. It is no credit to the Federal Government that the herdsmen rampage continues with careless abandon and without finding an effective solution to it. And it is a sad symptom of insensitivity and callousness that some Governors, a day after 73 victims were being buried in a mass grave in Benue State without condolence, were jubilantly endorsing President Buhari for a second term! The timing was most unfortunate. The issue of herdsmen/crop farmers dichotomy should not be left on the political platform of blame game; the Federal Government must take the lead in bringing about solution that protects life and properties of herdsmen and crop farmers alike and for them to live amicably in the same community.

But there are three other areas where President Buhari has come out more glaringly than most of us thought we knew about him. One is nepotic deployment bordering on clannishness and inability to bring discipline to bear on errant members of his nepotic court. This has grave consequences on performance of his government to the detriment of the nation. It would appear that national interest was being sacrificed on the altar of nepotic interest. What does one make of a case like that of Maina: collusion, condonation, ineptitude, incompetence, dereliction of responsibility or kinship and friendship on the part of those who should have taken visible and deterrent disciplinary action? How many similar cases are buried, ignored or covered up and not yet in the glare of the media and the public? The second is his poor understanding of the dynamics of internal politics. This has led to wittingly or unwittingly making the nation more divided and inequality has widened and become more pronounced. It also has effect on general national security. The third is passing the buck. For instance, blaming the Governor of the Central Bank for devaluation of the naira by 70% or so and blaming past governments for it, is to say the least, not accepting one’s own responsibility. Let nobody deceive us, economy feeds on politics and because our politics is depressing, our economy is even more depressing today. If things were good, President Buhari would not need to come in. He was voted to fix things that were bad and not engage in the blame game. Our Constitution is very clear, one of the cardinal responsibilities of the President is the management of the economy of which the value of the naira forms an integral part. Kinship and friendship that place responsibility for governance in the hands of the unelected can only be deleterious to good government and to the nation.

President Buhari’s illness called for the sympathy, understanding, prayer and patience from every sane Nigerian. It is part of our culture. Most Nigerians prayed for him while he was away sick in London for over hundred days and he gave his Deputy sufficient leeway to carry on in his absence. We all thanked God for President Buhari for coming back reasonably hale and hearty and progressing well in his recovery. But whatever may be the state of President Buhari’s health today, he should neither over-push his luck nor over-tax the patience and tolerance of Nigerians for him, no matter what his self-serving, so-called advisers, who would claim that they love him more than God loves him and that without him, there would be no Nigeria say. President Buhari needs a dignified and honourable dismount from the horse. He needs to have time to reflect, refurbish physically and recoup and after appropriate rest, once again, join the stock of Nigerian leaders whose experience, influence, wisdom and outreach can be deployed on the side line for the good of the country. His place in history is already assured. Without impaired health and strain of age, running the affairs of Nigeria is a 25/7 affair, not 24/7.

I only appeal to brother Buhari to consider a deserved rest at this point in time and at this age. I continue to wish him robust health to enjoy his retirement from active public service. President Buhari does not necessarily need to heed my advice. But whether or not he heeds it, Nigeria needs to move on and move forward.

I have had occasion in the past to say that the two main political parties – APC and PDP – were wobbling. I must reiterate that nothing has happened to convince me otherwise. If anything, I am reinforced in my conviction. The recent show of PDP must give grave and great concern to lovers of Nigeria. To claim, as has been credited to the chief kingmaker of PDP, that for procuring the Supreme Court judgement for his faction of the Party, he must dictate the tune all the way and this is indeed fraught with danger. If neither APC nor PDP is a worthy horse to ride to lead Nigeria at this crucial and critical time, what then do we do? Remember Farooq Kperogi, an Associate Professor at the Kennesaw State University, Georgia, United States, calls it “a cruel Hobson’s choice; it’s like a choice between six and half a dozen, between evil and evil. Any selection or deflection would be a distinction without a difference.” We cannot just sit down lamenting and wringing our hands desperately and hopelessly.


http://www.metronaija.ng/full-text-obasanjos-13-page-letter-president-buhari/

A medical doctor has died after getting shot along the Okada-Benin road, Edo state last Wednesday.

Dr Ehidiamen Oakimena, 34, a senior registrar in the department of Anaethesia UBTH, was reportedly on his way to Igbinedion University Hospital Okada on Jan 17, 2018, when he was attacked and shot. He was taken to the hospital where he died of his injuries.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-gunmen-kill-young-doctor-along-okada-benin-road/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Twitter user Williams Oluwatoyin says
@typanku

I am a Yoruba, a RCCG pastor and an unrepentant 100% Buharist with no apologies to anyone. I will vote him, over and over again because among every other options @MBuhari is in a class of his own, far as the North is to the South Pole, that's the differentials

https://mobile.twitter.com/typanku/status/955333782751543296

More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-mimi-orjiekwe-shows-off-n1-3m-louis-vuitton-bag/

Going by what she shares online these days, it appears actress Mimi Orjiekwe is balling. The single mum of one shared this photo of her new Louis Vuitton bag that cost her 2,700 which in Naira equivalent is N1.3 million. She also showed off her latest designer bag collections. See the photos below

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-mimi-orjiekwe-shows-off-n1-3m-louis-vuitton-bag/

cc: lalasiclala mynd44

The Nigerian Community in South Africa said on Saturday that a mob destroyed four shops and several houses belonging to their members at Krugersdorp, near Johannesburg.

Mr Cyril James, the Ward Chairman of the Nigerian Union in the area, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the telephone from Johannesburg, South Africa that the attacks began on Jan. 18.

James said that the mob alleged that a Nigerian abducted a South African girl and raped her.

“ The South Africans attacked our homes and shops, destroyed all we have. Many Nigerians suffered severe injuries during the attack. We have left our homes for safety because they (South Africans) are regrouping to attack us again,” he said.

James urged the Nigerian mission to urgently intervene before the mob kills a Nigerian.

According to him, the safety of Nigerians in Krugersdorp is no more guaranteed because there is no help.

Mr Adetola Olubajo, President of the union, said that the situation in the area was bad.

“ I can confirm that Nigerians in the area have been attacked. I am amazed and emotionally down as calls from panicked Nigerians flooded my phone from various Provinces.


“The South African government needs to be engaged at the highest level to avoid further loss of lives and property of our citizens,” he said.

Olubajo said that two Nigerians had been killed in South Africa in Rustenburg and Durban since the attacks began.

“ Two Nigerians have been killed, many displaced and injured in fresh Xenophobic attacks and extra-judicial killing,” he said.

Two weeks ago, more than five Nigerian owned shops and houses were burnt at Rustenburg, North West Province by Taxi Drivers.

The drivers alleged that Nigerians sold drugs to a gang that attacked their members and that a Nigerian abducted and raped a 16-year old South African girl.

The union denied the allegations. “ After our investigation, no Nigerian has been arrested for the rape or drug offence. The allegations are false and spurious, “ the union said

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-mob-destroys-nigerian-shops-houses-south-africa/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The Permanent Secretary in the State House, Jalal Arabi, yesterday said rodents and other pests can be found in Presidential Villa because of its location and availability of what he called “eatables”. He spoke when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs.



Recall that last year, President Buhari upon his return from the UK where he had gone for medical checkup, relocated his office to his official residence. His media aide, Garba Shehu, had explained that the officie was relocated because rodents had infested the president's office and that work was being done to refurbish it.

Arabi who is the permanent secretary of the state house, gave an insight as to why the state house has rodents in it.

A member of the committee, Senator Joshua Lidani (PDP, Gombe) had said to him “On a lighter note, have you made provision for fumigation? Because there were reports that rodents invaded the president’s office last year.”

Responding, Arabi said: “You know Abuja is so blessed with so many eatables, attracting rodents and other animals. You know where the Villa is located, it’s on a valley. You can’t restrict their movement because of the international convention on animals,” he said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/rodents-aso-rock-permanent-secretary-jalal-arabi-explains/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Award-winning South African hip-hop act, Cassper Nyovest, who's regarded as one of the greatest and most successful rappers in Africa has shared his thoughts on what he thinks about the rivalry between Nigerian and South African rappers.

Cassper who scooped the Best Hip Hop act award at the just concluded Soundcity MVPs spoke with Pulse NG in an interview where he said Nigerian rappers are not popular in his home country.

To back up his claims which many might find offensive, he said: 'Yes, South African Hip-hop is in the forefront of African Hip-hop in general. It might not be as popular as it is in South Africa in Nigeria. But I know for a fact that the rappers from Nigeria are kinda unknown in SA,” he says. “If we talk about crossing over, I know that a lot of people in Nigeria know about my music. I know that in Kenya and Ghana it’s the same thing.

“I’m not just talking about me, I’m talking about the movement. Sarkodie is big in Ghana, but are there other rappers who are as big as Sarkodie from Ghana? The South African Hip-hop movement is big across, also in London, New York…we are out there performing in different countries.”

“Me saying that might offend people here. They might feel that I’m taking shots at Nigerian music. But that’s not the deal. If we are to discuss in terms of numbers and appeal across the world, it’s just the way it is.”

Reacting to M.I Abaga’s call to Nigerian rappers to infuse more rap into their music, Cassper said: “If I decide to rap on a beat like Davido’s ‘Fall’, which is more like Afro-pop, is it not Hip-hop? I don’t know, I’m not the one who came up with a set of rules. For me, it’s still Hip-hop because it is a rapper. I can decide to rap on anything. I just use it as a beat and rap on it. It doesn’t have to be a certain kind of beat.

“At the end of the day, it’s each to his own. If M.I feels like that’s his opinion, that’s his opinion. For me, anyone can rap in any language that is dope. If you say it’s Hip-hop, then it is Hip-hop.”

“I ask him about the popular trend in Nigeria where rappers tweak their artistry to become singers. Cassper says “It’s none of my business.” Although, he also shares an important point: “I don’t think rappers must not sing. If you want to sing, you could sing. But if you are a rapper, we still need to hear you rap. You can’t sing all the time. We have to hear you rap because you need to rap for us to call you a rapper. If you sing all the time that means you are a singer now.”

For the records, Cassper Nyovest has made history thrice in Africa with his concerts. In 2015, the rapper filled up the 20,000 capacity TicketPro Dome in Johannesburg. The next year, he doubled those numbers when he moved the stage to the 40,000 Orlando Stadium. While the Orlando Stadium concert wasn’t completely sold out, it was a historic move. No African artist had ever attempted it. In 2017, he brought together 68,000 people to the largest stadium in Africa, the FNB Stadium, for a concert.

Same year, Nyovest received certifications from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) for selling over 10 million album equivalents. This figure includes streams, digital and physical downloads, caller ringback tunes and everything else he had sold since he first dropped a record.

http://www.metronaija.ng/nigerian-rappers-unknown-sa-cassper-nyovest/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

A 25-year-old stabbed to death in West London in what has been described as a "robbery gone wrong" has been named as Harry Uzoka.


Sources close to the family have confirmed to IBTimes UK that Uzoka was the victim. The Met Police is yet to formally confirm the identity of the victim. Uzoka worked as a model for Premier Model Management.


Uzoka suffered a knife wound to his chest and reportedly staggered through an estate before collapsing on the pavement in Old Oak Road, East Acton.

The incident unfolded shortly before 4pm on Thursday afternoon (11 January) and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

"This is another tragic murder with a young male victim who has met a violent death," said Met Police Detective Inspector Beverley Kofi.
"We believe that the incident started Ollgar House, in Ollgar Close and the victim was assaulted and stabbed before staggering and collapsing in Old Oak Road. We believe there were a number of people involved, but we are still working to establish the circumstances and a possible motive."


Kofi confirmed that two men, aged 27 and 28, were arrested nearby on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.

"We have made two arrests and continue to pursue a number of lines of inquiry," he said.
"We need to public's help to piece together what happened - who the victim was seen with, the incident itself and the immediate aftermath.
"If you were in the area at the time and saw anything that could be of significance to the investigation, we would urge you to get it touch right away."


A source was quoted as saying by the London Evening Standard that the crime was thought to have followed an attempted "robbery gone wrong".

"My husband was walking our child home from school," Edtya Pustelny told the newspaper.
"They walked past three teenage boys who were shouting and ran past the garages. The three boys were then pinning a guy up against a garage and holding him by the neck.
"They were shouting they were going to kill him. My husband said he heard them shouting to give them something. It sounded like they wanted something from him."


The Met Police closed both Old Oak Road and part of Uxbridge Road as investigators examined the scene.

Once news of Uzoka's passing became public, his friends and fans began paying tribute on social media.

http://www.metronaija.ng/british-nigerian-model-harry-uzoka-stabbed-death-london/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Dance queen, Kaffy's first child is 4 years old today.



Celebrating her daughter, Kaffy shared a cute photo of her saying, 'Happy birthday to my adorable Princess. Can’t believe it’s 4 years already. You are a light that keeps my world glowing . I thank God for you as u are special gift. I know you shall grow to be a great woman of substance'

http://www.metronaija.ng/kaffy-celebrates-daughter-eliana-4/

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Unmi Fatima Bolori, the estranged wife of Mohammad Aminu Atiku, who is the son of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has finally regained custody of their son after her ex-husband snatched the child from her.

Recall that yesterday, Chief Magistrate K.B Ayeye sitting in the Tinubu area of Lagos granted Fatima full custody of their children, Amirah, 8, and Aminu Atiku, 6, following years of legal tussle after their marriage ended.

Mohammad snatched away their son and threatened not to bring back the child to the mother.

Speaking in a telephone conversation with a LIB reporter this afternoon, Bolori confirmed that her ex-husband finally released their son to her, although she admitted that it was a bit messy before she got hold of the child.

She also disclosed that she left Lagos this morning for Abuja with the two children.

Aminu and Fatima who got married in 2007, went their separate ways after their union was dissolved by a Sharia Court in Maiduguri in 2011.

http://www.metronaija.ng/ex-wife-atiku-abubakars-son-finally-regains-custody-child/

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Photos from Nigerian Governors Forum and Conference of Speakers Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendment in Abuja.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-nigerian-governors-forum-held-abuja/

MSN Gang/Arogunjemite Sounds lead act Oritse Femi premieres a new music video titled “Kiss A Bride“.

The video which was shot in Lagos State by Avalon Okpe includes clips from his wedding last year to Nabila Fash.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBeZoTRWp2o

Download at http://www.metronaija.ng/oritse-femi-features-wedding-new-music-video-kiss-bride/

Following a $1.72 billion debt default and the exit of its parent UAE-based body, Etisalat Nigeria was taken over by creditors in July 2017 and re-branded as ‘9mobile’.

Since then, speculations have continued to mount over who could possibly acquire the telecoms company, especially after the 16-day deadline extension on December 31st.

However, according to unconfirmed reports, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has finally approved the sale of 9mobile to Globacom Nigeria, with January 16, 2018 set for official handover.

If the acquisition comes to fruition, Globacom will add 9mobile’s 17 million subscribers to its network, essentially overtaking MTN as the largest telecoms network in Nigeria.

http://www.metronaija.ng/globacom-acquires-9mobile/

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Emotions ran wild in Makurdi, the Benue state capital today, Thursday, January 11, as a memorial service was held for the victims of the recent herdsmen attack in the state.

Thousands of Benue residents are trooping into the IBB Square in Makurdi to attend the memorial service. Many of those attending the event are wearing black attires in solidarity with the families of the victims.
www.metronaija.ng correspondent on ground in Makurdi saw a long line of queue at the entrance of the square as thousands make their way into the expansive venue.

The square is filled to the brim as many can't even find space to seat. Hundreds of clergymen are also on ground to conduct the memorial service which kicked-off at 10am under heavy security. The state government had earlier declared today, Thursday, January 11, as a public holiday to enable residents attend the event.


http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-thousands-attend-benues-memorial-service-herdsmen-victims/

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Nigerian superstar Davido‘s headline “30 Billion Concert” was of the most talked about events last year. It was a sold out show and saw memorable performances from top acts like Olamide, Patoranking, 2Baba, Daddy Showkey and even more memorable performances like Davido and Wizkid on the same stage and Mo’Hits reunion.

The singer has now revealed that the show made at least half a billion dollars on the day. He shared this piece on his Snapchat account:

http://www.metronaija.ng/30billionconcert-made-500-million-naira-davido/

The Chairman, House of Representatives committee on interior, Adams Jagaba, on Monday evening formerly dumped Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr. Jagaba, who represents Kachia/Kagarko constituency of Kaduna State, announced his decision while reacting to his suspension from the APC in Kaduna State.

“APC is a sinking ship and I won’t perish with it,” he said.

Mr. Jagaba, who said he had expected to be expelled from the party, did not announce the party he would join.

Sources close to him, however, said he will soon declare for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

“I expected dismissal and now suspension. It’s been long I bid them farewell,” the lawmaker said.

“My body language, my utterances, my actions and inactions have demonstrated that I had parted ways with them for a long time. It’s unfortunate that they are not practical scientists to realise it,” he said.

He alleged that the APC has shown that the security and welfare of the people is not a priority.

“The electorates are poorer now, Fulani herdsmen have continued to attack and kill my people unabatedly with both the federal and state governments doing nothing.

“The Governor of Kaduna State has continually said, he does not need the votes from Southern Kaduna to win election. He has demonstrated that he values the life of a cow than the lives of Southern Kaduna people.
“So, I can’t stay with them in the same party,” he added.

The lawmaker said he would never beg to return to the APC.

“The power lies with the electorates and not in the hands of a political party,” he said, adding “if they are expecting me to come crawling on my knees to beg them, then they are day-dreaming.”

http://www.metronaija.ng/reps-memberadams-jagaba-dumps-apc/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The Ebonyi Government says it will stop street hawking to eradicate the abuse of school-aged children in the state.

Mr Godwin Igwe, the Head of Child Development, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, made this known on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki.

Igwe said, “The ban is aimed at curbing all forms of child abuse, child labour and neglect.’’

According to him, such abuses, as noticed in the state, include child abuse, child trafficking and other forms of violence against children.

He explained that through hawking, children could be subjected to rape, ritual killings and trafficking, among other related cases.

“Children hawking, whether after, during school hours or weekends, is not allowed.

“If caught, the person will be punished,’’ Igwe said.

He added that the ministry would work in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Education, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigeria Peace Corp (NPC), among others to achieve its goals.

“Child abuses and violence against children have been seen as custom and normal ways of treating children in the society and such trend ought to be redressed.

“It is based on this that we want to sensitise the public against this negative practice.

“Some people do not know that it is wrong to maltreat a child, neglect or subject the child to torture or any form of inhuman treatment,’’ Igwe said.

He decried the increasing rate of child abuse and charged parents and guardians of victims to report such cases to the appropriate authority.

Igwe added that perpetrators of such acts would be treated accordingly, to serve as deterrent to others.

He also spoke against the attitude of some parents, whom he said, collected money from the perpetrators for settlement without minding the damage caused on the victims.

He advised parents to always monitor the activities of their children so as to prevent the future recurrence.

The ministry official said that Police should be encouraged to assist in ensuring the protection of children rights.

He emphasised the readiness of the ministry to work with the police so that the welfare, survival and development of a child would be protected.

Igwe added that the media would also be engaged in the dissemination of information.

“We implore the judiciary to given attention to cases of child abuse.

“Legal personnel, who have undergone training on child rights, should be given the chance to handle such case.

“We have plan to invite local government chairmen, social workers and stakeholders to sensitise them on the need to step-up measures against child abuse, especially in the rural areas, which seem to be worst hit.’’

Also, the Desk Officer, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in the ministry, Mrs Florence Onwa, confirmed the increasing rate of child abuse.

Onwa said that campaigns had been taken to market places and industrial sites, while the ministry was also making arrangement for advocacy visits to the traditional, community and opinion leaders in the state.

“Parents should stop sending their children to unknown persons; but if there is need to do so, they ought to be sure of whom the intending masters and mistresses are,’’ she said. (NAN)


http://www.metronaija.ng/ebonyi-ban-hawking/

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Beautiful women!

http://www.metronaija.ng/photo-genevieve-nnaji-hilda-dokubo-spotted-together/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Senator Stella Oduah has described as untrue, recent reports that she plans to dump the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, Oduah said that the reports were mere speculations.

An online medium reported on Monday that the Senator had concluded plans to dump her party for APGA ahead of the 2019 election.

However Oduah said that she had no such plans to dump the PDP stressing that the report was false.

She said that speculators were probably just taking advantage of her previous grievance with the party during the build up to the 2017 Anambra Governorship election which she pulled out of over alleged irregularities in the PDP primaries.

“It is untrue, there is nothing like that; I am still a full member of the PDP.

“This is mere speculation, probably because of my anger during the 2017 governorship election primaries of the PDP.

“I am still a full member of our great party the PDP, if I want to leave a party I will make it public myself,” she said.

The senator urged politicians to refrain from attempting to score cheap points by giving false information about other political actors.

Recall that prior the the governorship primaries of the PDP in Anambra, Oduah had passed a vote of confidence on the PDP saying that the party was a dynamic one that meets the yearnings and aspirations of members.



Oduah who then spoke in an interview with newsmen said:

“PDP is a party that is fully republican; it is a party where aspirations and inspirations could be accomplished.

“That is why people gravitate towards PDP.

“Anambra people are hardworking people, they are truly republican and that is why Anambra as a state is a PDP state.

“If you have an election today tomorrow or even in two weeks time, PDP will win,” she said.

Speaking on why she remained in the PDP during the crisis and mass defections, Oduah said that PDP remained the best party and no party compared to it.

She said that she believed in the cardinals of the PDP where everybody had equal opportunity to aspire to be anyone.

Senator Oduah said that she believed in the cardinals of the PDP where people do not require godfathers to win elective positions.

She added that it was only a party like the PDP that could have gone through the challenges it went through and still survive.

http://www.metronaija.ng/no-plans-dump-pdp-apga-oduah/

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Kaduna state Governor Nasir El Rufai alongside the Governors of Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba & Adamawa are in a strategic meeting with the Minister of Interior and some heads of security agencies, to discuss solutions to the spate of violent conflicts in rural communities across the country.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-governors-benue-nasarawa-niger-taraba-kaduna-adamawa-hold-meeting-security/

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Multiple accident involving 2 trailers & 2 buses along EPE Expressway, outward Eleko junction. No life lost. RRS men are on ground with other operatives to ensure safety and free flow of traffic.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-accident-involving-2-trailers-2-buses-along-epe-expressway/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The Kano State Fire Service on Monday said it successfully rescued a 48-year-old woman, Aisha Usman, after she accidentally fell into a collapsed pit latrine at her residence on Sunday.

The Public Relations Officer of the service, Alhaji Saidu Mohammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Monday that the incident occurred while the woman was trying to use the rest room at her residence in Sharifawa in Gaya Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the service received a distress call from a relative shortly after the incident around 6.45 p.m. on Sunday after which it swung into action.

He added that “upon receiving the information, we quickly dispatched our rescue team and a vehicle to the scene at about 7 p.m.”

He expressed joy that the woman was rescued without sustaining injuries.

He added that “we rescued the woman and handed her over to the husband.”

Mohammed advised residents to be cautious in using pit latrines to avoid future accidents.

http://www.metronaija.ng/fire-service-rescues-woman-pit-latrine-kano/

cc:lalasticlala mynd44

The Kogi State Judiciary had lost a High Court judge. He is Justice Aromeh Benson Akogu, the Kabba Resident High Court Judge. Until his death, he was handling the case of attempted assassination of Sen. Dino Melaye among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the judge died in Anyigba on Dec. 31, 2017 at about 11:40pm during a cross-over service to 2018.

According to a reliable source close to the family, Akogu who had vowed not to sleep before the cross-over to 2018, was neither sick nor show any symptoms of ill health.

His wife, Mrs Vicky Akogu, who confirmed the death, said the late judge and one-time Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the state, was hale and hearty before his sudden death.

She said that she watched her husband’s death like a movie and could hardly believe herself.

Commenting on the incident from Akogu family house in Idah, Chief Registrar of the State High Court, Yahaya Ademu, said the body had been deposited at the Grimmard Hospital Mortuary, Anyigba.

The late judge, in his late 50s, was until his death, handling the case of attempted assassination of Sen. Dino Melaye.

NAN reports that the Ijumu Local Government Administrator, Taofiq Isah and four others are being tried in the matter.

http://www.metronaija.ng/high-court-judge-dies-kogi/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Nollywood actress ,Eniola Badmus has revealed her famous dog ,Cavali jas been stolen .She is promising a 200k reward to whoever finds it.

http://www.metronaija.ng/eniola-badmus-cries-stolen-famous-dog-stolenpromises-200k-reward/