₦airaland Forum

oba009: This is how u see a team that will not go to newspaper saying we will beat SE but keeping mute and train hard to perfect strategy. I hail u legend Drogba. Your country deserve to win this trophy and Nigeria cannot stop that. Up Elephant of Cote d' vouir

This is so unpatriotic of u dude. Its people like u that don't make me blame the politicians cos with this attitude, U'll do worse than them.

Posted by: Tolex on January 30, 2013 in Odd News Leave a comment


The remains of Joseph Schexnider, lost for 27 years, were finally discovered lodged in a brick chimney in the Abbeville National Bank in Louisiana.
The bones were found in May, when the bank was making renovations on the second floor, which had been long used for storage, to make more office space. The identity of the body was confirmed this week through DNA.
“This was absolutely the first chimney recovery we’ve had,” Mary Manhein, who is the head of FACES, the lab of Louisiana State University who identified Schexnider’s bones, told the press. There were no dental records available so that the laboratory had to base results on DNA evidence after police obtained a reference sample from the Schexnider family, who lives in the area.
“I would say he died a few days maximum after he entered the chimney,” Manhein said. “But as for the way he died, or why he was in the chimney, is up for speculation,” Manhein said.
“No one will ever know,” she added. Police found a pair of gloves in the chimney, but one can only speculate on its meaning.
http://www.informationng.com/2013/01/man-missing-for-27-years-found-in-bank-chimney.html

Posted by Y! Associate Editor


by Akan Ido

The ‘Kukere‘ craze is still on, and the ‘big boys’ are fast getting a hang of it.

Iyanya, the hitmaker last week performed in Asaba, Delta State where Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Senator Chris Ngige of Anambra displayed their nifty dance-steps on the stage.

The governor sure took his performance seriously as you can see from this photo.

By Bisola Adeniran on January 26, 2013

A 39-year old Nigerian woman has burnt a girl’s thighs with hot iron after accusing her of stealing her N1,000 at Oshodi area of Lagos State.

The woman, Mrs. Kudirat Isekolowo, who lives at  Igbehinadun area of Oshodi, said she did not know what came over her when she carried out the act.

The victim. Inset: Mrs Kudirat Isekolowo.

The mother of three was arrested by officials of the Lagos State Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, and Esther Child Right Foundation and brought to the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

Traders were close to tears at Oshodi Market where the woman sells clothes, when they saw how the thighs of the 15-year old girl (name withheld) was seriously burnt, leaving permanent deep scars on her body.

The little girl was sent by her parents, who live at Agege area of Lagos, to live with Isekolowo and serve as apprentice in her clothing shop. She started living with her in November 2012.

At the WAPA Ministry, Alausa, there was anger when government officials saw the deep wounds on the girl’s body, while they described the woman as extremely wicked and needed to be punished severely.

Apart from the deep wounds on her thighs, there are also wounds all over her body, occasioned by constant beating and maltreatment.

According to the girl, Kudirat accused her of stealing her N1,000 last week, but she denied stealing the money.

She said the woman plugged a pressing iron and made sure it was very hot and pressed it on her two thighs and one of her hands, leaving deep wounds on her body.

“I am not the one who stole the N1,000. She said I took it and I denied it. She plugged iron and pressed it on my two thighs. My parents live in Agege, they asked me to live with her and learn how to sell clothes as they don’t have money,” she explained.



On why there were other wounds all over her body, she said Kudirat usually beat her with wire. Kudirat admitted carrying out the act, saying that the girl stole her N1,000.

“She stole my N1,000 last week and I don’t know what came over me.  I know what I did is bad.  I don’t know what happened to me when I did it,” she said.

Kudirat wept when she knew that she could go to jail for her wicked act. Even her close friends who came with her felt very bad when they saw the degree of damage to the girl’s thighs.

Executive Director, Esther Child Right Foundation, Mrs Esther Ogwu said she got a call from the founder of Compassionate Women Initiative, Mrs. Mary Olasupo, about a woman who burnt the thighs of a little girl with hot iron.

“We moved in immediately with the WAPA officials and arrested her and brought her to Alausa. At Oshodi market where we arrested her, traders were screaming when they saw the wound in the girl’s body,” she explained.

Esther said it is now left for the state government to prosecute her in accordance with the child right’s law to serve as a deterrent to others.

According to Mary, the founder, Compassionate Women Initiative, “a woman called me some days ago to intimate me about the incident. She told me that a woman had an apprentice, whom she accused of stealing her N1,000 and then used hot iron to burn her two thighs. That was when I called Esther Child Right Foundation for help and they came.”

Officials of the state government have vowed that the woman would be prosecuted and be made to pay for her callous act.

 

 

[PM News]

By Ali Adoyi on January 24, 2013

Prof. Chinedu Nebo

After being subjected to thorough screening sessions, the Senate had on Wednesday confirmed the nominations of Prof. Chinedu Nebo and Kabiru Taminu Turaki as Nigerian Ministers.

The two nominees had spoken about their ability and strategies to tackle the challenges of security, power and education in the country.

Speaking on the nation’s power problem, Nebo from Enugu State, who was a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said “uninterrupted power supply is not a mirage.”

He affirmed that with the change in the Power Holding Company, opportunities have been created for drastic improvement.



Nebo said, “Looking at what Nigeria is trying to do, we are planning to generate 40,000 megawatts by 2020, but when you look at the capacity of Nigeria to absorb electricity, that will not be enough.”

He stressed on the need to involve IPPs , arguing that with the growing opportunities, even those who did not meet up with the bidding criteria and lost out would have the opportunity of being part of power generation, transmission and distribution.

He had assured Nigerians of his commitment to trash out ‘mafia’ group in the power sector, noting that God would give him the strength to do that in utmost good faith. He tagged the mafia group as “demons and witches.”


http://dailypost.com.ng/2013/01/24/god-will-give-me-power-to-chase-out-mafia-from-the-power-sector-nebo/?wt=3

Subscribe to DailyPost by Email
To contact DailyPost: newsdesk@dailypost.com.ng

Over 1 million Facebook users liked Petter Kverneng’s photo, scoring him the chance to get laid. A Norwegian man may be about to get lucky – all thanks to Facebook.
Petter Kverneng persuaded his high school crush, Cathrine Johansen, to have s*x with him if he got 1 million likes on Facebook, and social media users immediately rushed to his aid.
The 20-year-old’s salacious stunt, which reportedly started as a prank, hit the million mark just hours after he posted a photo begging for likes, Gawker reported.
 
Though it began as a joke, Kverneng told Norway’s Nettavisen that he and his gal pal are going to “keep what (they) promised.”
He only hopes Cathrine’s parents aren’t Facebook users too.
Kverneng came up with the provocative plan after five siblings got over 2.6 million Facebook users to like a photo of themselves holding up a sign that pleads for a family dog.
“Hi World. We want a puppy!” the Cordell siblings’ sign reads. “Our dad said we could get one if we get 1 million likes! So ‘LIKE’ this! He doesn’t think we can do it!”
The Massachusetts kids are still waiting for their dad to make good on his promise.

By Bisola Adeniran on January 21, 2013
Pin It

For the past 6 years, Lagos doctor, Tunde Soleye and ex-beauty queen, Nike Oshinowo were a hot item on the social scene. This was on account of their high-profile marriage. On the one hand, Dr. Soleye, a popular Lagos socialite, who owns Duro Soleye Hospital in Lagos, which he inherited from his late father, had been linked to many big babes.

And on the other hand, Nike Oshinowo enjoyed cover pages of many celebrity magazines. She was also the darling of paparazzi’s for years on account of her beautiful looks and style.

When the news broke 6 years ago that Nike had gotten married to Dr. Soleye, it was shocking to many celebrities. One, because he was legally married in Nigeria to his ex-wife Dr. Olufunmilayo Soleye and was romantically linked to another female friend of his who lived in England.

To enable Nike enjoy her marriage to him, Soleye divorced his age long wife funmi who is the mother of his kids.

But the big news is that the marriage is in trouble, and both of them have parted ways. Many people still can’t seem to understand why their marriage crashed so soon.

Last week, when city people contacted Dr soleye, he confirmed it but he said he and Nike were going to issue a joint press release on their break-up. Nike, on her own, did not reply any of the messages sent to her by city people.

That all was not well with their marriage became obvious when the duo began to step out at events separately.

At a party that Dr. Soleye attended alone last week, many of the guests wondered why he no longer steps out with Nike who he fondly calls Adenike. He simply told the guests, on enquiry, that they had parted ways.



Insiders say both of them are to blame for the crash of the marriage. Nike’s friends have heaped the blame on Dr. Soleye who they say has remained a ladies man despite his marriage to Nike. He’s alleged to have been close to other women even after he was married to Nike.

They claimed that although Dr. Soleye showered love and affection on her at the early stages, he stopped a few years ago when he began to ignore her.

Friends of Dr. Soleye also heaped the blame on Nike who said lives a very extravagant and flamboyant lifestyle which reportedly contributed to the quick depletion of Dr. Soleye’s resources. They claimed that because of the love he had for Nike he spent all he had on Nike, setting up for her a beauty business and funded her Miss Nigeria project for 2 years before she pulled out. Many believe that their marriage may have contributed to the financial squeeze he is currently experiencing.

As if this was not enough, one of the women in Dr. Soleye’s life, who lives in England was said to have, out of anger sold one of his prime properties in London so as to deprive Nike of staying there. Since the property is said to have been jointly owned, not only did she sell the property, she was said to have splitted the money into four: partly to offset the mortgage on it; give some to his 1st wife, some to him and kept some to herself.

As it is now, the crash of the marriage may be giving Nike sleepless nights, but Dr soleye insists on an amicable separation.

 

 

[City People]

Fingers Crossed. Hope we get better cos Burkinafaso is about the Cheapest opposition in this AFCON so far. I hope Someday soon, U guys can make Nigerians proud again.

By Ifreke Inyang on January 22, 2013
Pin It
Stephen Keshi is adamant that the late equaliser his team conceded against Burkina Faso on Monday, will not affect his team, even as they prepare to face defending champions, Zambia, on Friday.

The Super Eagles led for most parts of the game, after Emmanuel Emenike scored, but a defensive mix-up allowed Alain Traore to level scores in the last minute.

“Nothing will bring us down,” he said. “They did everthing I asked of them.

“This is only the fourth game we are playing as a group in the 25 days or so that we have been together.”

“Our next game (vs Zambia) is now very, very important.”

Captain of the side, Josephy Yobo, admitted that the team was disappointed not to win the game, even after going one man down in the 74th minute.

“We wanted to win this game, but we are disappointed that conceded a goal in the last minute,” he said.



Keshi also explained why Chelsea forward Victor Moses did not feature in the game, adding that he expects him to feature in  the next match.

He said: “The last practice game in Portugal he had a hamstring. After resting only two days ago he showed signs of the injury so I decided to leave him out because we have a lot of games ahead and I need him for them, so playing him would have  been a risk.”




Subscribe to DailyPost by Email
To contact DailyPost: newsdesk@dailypost.com.ng

Havilah93: Ghana's
goalscorer - Emmanuel
Agyemang-Badu is 22 and
his first born is in
JSS2

Hmmmmmm.....Irony Of Life.

Havilah93: Ghana's
goalscorer - Emmanuel
Agyemang-Badu is 22 and
his first born is in
JSS2

Hmmmmmm.....Irony. Of. Life.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday criticised the distraught condition of the Police College in Ikeja, Lagos after his unscheduled visit.

Due to reports in the media about the deteriorating condition of the college, the President had visited the place for an on-the-spot assessment, without the knowledge of the Minister of Police Affairs, Mr Caleb Olubolade, nor the Inspector of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar.

According to presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, the President was disgusted with the deplorable state of infrastructure at the institution.

In his words, “Channels TV have been showing images from the Police College about the sorry state of the College.

“Some newspapers have also done some stories on this and really graphic story on the deplorable state of the College.

“The President was on his way to Abidjan. Apparently he must have watched those reports and read the stories.

“Those of us who were travelling with him were caught unaware because the plane was just diverted to Lagos.

“We came down and we were told we were going to the Police College, Ikeja.

“When we got there, you could see that people there were not prepared. There was even a big `Owambe’ party going-on in the premises.

“They were even erecting canopies for another party somewhere. The President then went round the place to see things for himself and he was quite angry that the institution could be in such a state. He saw that indeed there was a problem in terms of the quality of infrastructure in the place,” he said.

President Jonathan also inspected classrooms, male and female hostels, toilets and the school surrounding and according to Abati, promised to take action readily.

“What you can be sure of is that the President having gone personally to see things for himself, he will take action, because the Policemen are very important.

“These are the people in charge of security. If they are going to go for training, the training must be in a place that humanises them, not an environment that dehumanises them,” he said.

http://citizensplatform.net/2013/01/president-jonathan-to-take-action-on-police-college-says-abati%E2%80%8F/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

You've seen the Pictures Of The Police College.

The perceived ambition of Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State in 2015 has sparked a dirty fight between him and the Minister of the Niger Delta, Elder Godson Orubebe, with both South South leaders publicly calling each other names.Elder Godson Orubebe, with both South South leaders publicly calling each other names.

Amaechi, who doubles as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), is widely rumoured to be nursing the ambition of running as presidential running mate to a Northern aspirant in the next election.

Orubebe believes that the Rivers governor, of all people, should not be a party to any move to stop President Goodluck Jonathan from getting a second term in 2015, declaring on Thursday night: “In America, people within the same political party do fight, but once the President emerges, everybody will sheathe their swords and support the President to succeed so that Americans can get the best. But is that what our President is getting? That is not what he is getting.”

He spoke at a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

However, Governor Amaechi, who is serving his second term in office, has not publicly declared any ambition; and he parries questions on the matter whenever he is confronted.

He added: “Unfortunately, the man (Amaechi) has forgotten that it was by the grace of God that he became the governor of Rivers State. He has forgotten so soon. He has arrogated to himself, powers that he does not have. It is God that has powers.

“Today, he sees himself as the governor of governors and he begins to feel that he is even bigger than the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But I want to let him know that God is still God. He must have respect for the Presidency. He must have respect for the President of this country.

“It is sad. It is unfortunate that people from the South-South, even governors, particularly Governor Rotimi Amaechi, have no respect for the President of this country. I think this is the right time we should let him know and I have decided to speak because this is the time to speak.

“Let him (Amaechi) use the resources of Rivers State to develop Rivers State. Let him not use the resources of Rivers State to bribe people in Nigeria. That must stop. He should understand that God is still God.”

But it was not only Amaechi’s speculated ambition that riled Orubebe.

The governor had on Wednesday expressed disgust at what he regarded as the minister’s lack of attention for the vital East-West road which runs across swampy sections from Oron in Akwa Ibom State passing through Ogoniland in Rivers State as well as Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo and Ogun states, while terminating in Lagos.

The rehabilitation of the road, especially between Delta and Rivers, has suffered from severe red-tape which has slowed down its completion thus, exposing motorists and commuters to danger.

Governor Amaechi, reacting to a recent tanker explosion on the road in which about 14 people died, had said the nine Niger Delta states would take over the project in view of the alleged inaction of the Niger Delta Ministry.

The minister asked Amaechi to mind his business and stop using the resources of Rivers State to bribe Nigerians.

He said: “He (Amaechi) was saying that the governors of the Niger Delta want to take over the East-West Road. The resources of Rivers State are so enormous, but I can tell you that there are so many villages in Rivers State that have not been connected by road.

“Port Harcourt used to be the Garden City of this country. Today, Port Harcourt is a slum. You cannot move in Port Harcourt. I think that he should concern himself with utilising the resources that are in there to develop Rivers State and the people of Rivers State.

“I expect him (Amaechi) to talk, if he is performing like Akpabio (Godswill, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State). If today the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is talking about those things, I will tend to listen, sit down and reason with him, but not governor of Rivers State.

“He (Amaechi) is only talking. Almost the roads he is talking of are abandoned. Nothing is going on in Port Harcourt. The people are crying. He should think of doing that.”

Orubebe had earlier on Thursday inspected work on the projects in Warri, Kaiama in Bayelsa State, Port Harcourt and Ogoniland in Rivers State and Eket and Oron in Akwa Ibom State.

The inspected sections alone,according to him, has 42 bridges, with 32 completed and ten ongoing and 768 culverts, with 740 completed.

Sand-filling is epected to be completed by June.

Orubebe said that the recent collapse of parts of the road was caused by last year’s massive flooding.

Amaechi’s response to the minister’s attack was swift and no less strident.

In a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr.David Iyofor, the Governor said: “Ordinarily, I would not respond to the ludicrous, thoughtless and bizarre rantings of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, against Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, but it has become imperative for me to do this and show clearly that the minister’s game is just to divert attention from his ineptitude and abysmal failure.

“Contrary to his madcap vituperations, Governor Amaechi has tremendous respect for the office of the President of Nigeria and President Goodluck Jonathan. The office of the President of Nigeria is a big institution that deserves utmost respect and it would be grossly irresponsible for anyone to disrespect Mr. President which unfortunately Minister Orubebe is doing by dragging the President’s name into his inability to deliver on the East –West road.

“Minister Orubebe seems to suffer from a severe form of selective amnesia as he conveniently forgets that the same Amaechi he (Orubebe) now contemptuously, disgraciously and insolently disparages and flippantly accuses of not respecting Mr. President led Rivers people to overwhelming vote for and gave President Jonathan the highest votes by any state in the country at the last presidential elections. Minister Orubebe should please tell us, what respect, regard and show of love is bigger than that?

“Minister Orubebe’s imprudent and reckless attacks on the person of Governor Amaechi is a dubious but obvious attempt by the minister to divert attention from his abysmal failure to deliver on the East- West road. This callous attempt to drag the President’s name into it is what is most disrespectful and irresponsible.

“I challenge Minister Orubebe to show the world projects he started and completed in the Niger-Delta as Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs. I challenge Minister Orubebe to show the world one project he started and completed in Rivers State with the huge resources allocated to his ministry.

“Or is Rivers State not part of the Niger-Delta, Minister Orubebe? In the same vein, I challenge Minister Orubebe to come to Rivers State at anytime of his choice and since he has become too blind to see Governor Amaechi’s monumental developmental strides and projects in the state. I will be most delighted to show him the kilometres upon kilometres of brand new roads and bridges, the world-class new hospitals and health centres scattered all over the state, the exquisite primary and secondary schools that have become the models for many, the robust urban renewal programme, and many more developmental projects of the Amaechi administration.

“I will advise him to make sure he brings the press along as well, so when he suffers from his selective amnesia again, the media will be quick to remind him that they saw the projects with him.

“What an irony for an appointed minister, who has failed woefully and who has been unable to complete one single road, to cast aspersions on an elected governor who is judiciously using the resources of his people to better their lives and develop their state.

“What a shame! This is indeed most ridiculous and laughable. It’s no longer in doubt that Minister Orubebe does not like Rivers State. Minister Orubebe should please face the simple task of completing one road, just one road, the East-West road, as this dubious diversionary attempt to attack Governor Amaechi will not complete the road that is most dear to the hearts and lives of Niger-Deltans.”

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/news/2015-amaechi-niger-delta-minister-fight-dirty-over-jonathan/

Alhaji Wasiu Alabi, popularly known as Pasuma he divulged some closely guarded secrets regarding his past and his unmarried status.

Extract:
YOU once said growing up in Mushin must have been a rough and tough time for you. How rough exactly was your childhood?
Talking about rough, there is something about Mushin that people run away from. Being a Mushin person, people don’t usually want to associate with you or give you things. When someone asks you where you are from and you say Mushin, they don’t want to have anything to do with you. But I saw it as a challenge. When I was a young boy, I attended Muslim Mission Primary School. Afterwards, I moved to Nigeria Model High School, Idioro also in Mushin. I decided that I wanted to get out of the place and make people know that it is not only rascally people that come out of Mushin. If we can talk of someone like Honourable Funmilayo Tejuoso, Honourable Ganiyu Solomon, Honourable Muiz Bamire all from Mushin making a difference, I determined that I could do better than they did. And thank God, for where I am today and I am proud to say it anywhere that I am from Mushin.

Are you not married or you’re divorced?
I am not married but I have children.

In Yoruba culture, a 45-year-old man is expected to have been married.
Exactly.
So why aren’t you married?
I don’t want to rush into it. I would have been married earlier but it didn’t work out. The person I was supposed to have married was Ayo Adesanya. I love her so much. Everybody in my family knew her and knew that I wanted to marry her.

What happened?
You journalists caused it. Nobody outside of my family knew about our relationship then and that was the way we wanted it. But one day we went together to a show and some journalists saw us together and they slammed our pictures on the front page of the newspaper. It was The Fame newspaper then. Apparently, they had been hearing the rumour but they could not confirm it so they didn’t use the story. But this day when they saw us together, they just used the picture, without even interviewing us. When the wahala started, Ayo couldn’t handle it anymore. I would call her that I want to see her and she would say she was busy. I could feel it that she was withdrawing from the relationship and I had to let her go.

Did you feel you made a mistake letting her go?
Well, there’s something about love. If you love someone, you’d want them to be happy. If their happiness is not with you, you’ll have to let them go. She couldn’t handle the pressure and she obviously was not happy again. So I had to let her go.

It seems you’re still in love with her. Are you?
(Laughs). She’s been married and has a child. Although the relationship didn’t last.

If Ayo says yes to your marriage proposal today, would you still marry her?
Yes! If she says yes today, we’ll head for the altar tomorrow.

So you’re still in love with her.
Yes.

Are you dating someone now?
I am free. I am currently single but I have a friend.

Did you date Iyabo Ojo?
No. Thank you for that question. Let people know that she and I are not dating. She is my very good friend and we are very close. Outside of that, we are not dating. We have not dated before, and we are not dating. The idea has not crossed our minds.
Now that people have planted the idea into your mind, would you consider it?
No. We are friends and that is enough for us. I am not dating Iyabo. Please help me tell them.

You’ve given almost 30 years of your life to music. Any other plans for the future?
Let’s wait and see what the future has for me. You have to understand that you have to move with time and seasons. My own is that I want people to think of me and say this guy has tried for the industry and for the country. I want people to say I want to become like Pasuma. I want people to live a free and purposeful life. My future is in God’s hands. I pray for long life though and to be able to use that life to make significant impact on people’s lives and to make the industry bigger.
http://www.informationng.com/2013/01/i-am-still-in-love-with-ayo-adesanya-pasuma.html?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

Who says Pastors are not among d richest Nigerians??

WSJ Forum wrote:

1. Type: Falcons 7X. Price: $51m(N8.2billion)
Owner: Mike Adenuga

2. Type: Bombardier Global 6000 Price: $45.5m(N7.3billion)
Owner: Sayyu Dantata CEO MRS OIL

3. Type: Bombardier
Global Express 5000
Price: $45m(N7.2billion)
Owner: Aliko Dangote

4. Type: Gulfstream G550 Price: $40m(N6.4billion)
Owner: Bishop Oyedepo

5. Type: Gulfstream V Price: $30m(N4.8billion)
Owner: Bishop Oyedepo

6.Type: Gulfstream V Price: $30m(N4.8billion)
Owner: Pastor Adeboye

7. Type: Bombardier Challenger 604 Price: $30m(N4.8b)
Owner: Mike Adenuga

8. Type: Embracer Legacy 650 Price: $30m (N4.8b)
Owner: Ifeanyi Uba

9. Type: Hawker 900XP Price: $20m(N3.2b)
Owner:Dr Kashim

10. Type: Hawker 900XP Price: $20m(N3.2b)
Owner: Sir Aremu Johnson

11. Gulfstream G450 Price: $15m(N2.4b)
Owner: Bishop David Oyedepo

12. LearJet Price: $13.3m (N2.1b)
Owner: Bishop Oyedepo

13. LearJet Price: $13.3m (N2.1b)
Owner: Dr Kashim

Who says there is no money in Nigeria.? "

BBC
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/helicopter-crashes-in-london/136540/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The emergency services are responding to reports of a helicopter crash in south London.

The London Fire Brigade said it had received multiple calls of a helicopter hitting a crane in Vauxhall, reports the BBC.

Ex-BBC producer Paul Ferguson said the helicopter "plummeted straight into the ground". People have reported seeing a pall of smoke in the area.

Police said they first received calls at 08:00 GMT and the London Ambulance Service said it was also at the scene.

Transport for London has confirmed there has been an incident.

Ferguson added: "The building the helicopter hit is shrouded in mist."

He said the crane at the top of the building was now hanging down the side of the building.

Witnesses reported seeing debris on the ground.

Commuter Sherna Noah described seeing a "large plume of dark grey smoke" as she crossed Battersea Bridge at about 08:00 GMT.

She said: "I was coming across the bridge and basically I could see a few cyclists on the bridge looking towards the water.

"I looked over to see what they were looking at and could see a pall of grey smoke coming from the south side.

"You could see a large plume of dark grey smoke."

The BBC's Ross Hawkins said at least four ambulances and many police cars were at the scene.

He said Wandsworth Road near Vauxhall station is closed, with apparent debris on the ground, and a crane at the top of a new high rise development appears to be damaged.

Witnesses wrote about what they had seen on Twitter.

Belinda Moore wrote: "Just cycled in and saw lots of smoke over by Vauxhall, gather it's a helicopter crash, saw it flying low over Chelsea Bridge thought it odd."

Quin Murray said: "Helicopter just hit a crane and crashed a few metres in front of me in Vauxhall. Completely shaken."

Picture of the scene from Quin Murray with some of the crane on the ground

Jonathan, Kufuor set for Obasanjo’s reception

JANUARY 15, 2013 BY AKINWALE ABOLUWADE AND SEGUN OLATUNJI

President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Ghanaian President John Kufuor and some governors are scheduled to attend a civic reception in honour of former President Olusegun Obasanjo following his voluntary retirement from office as Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The two-day event billed for the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, from January 18 to 19, is expected to be chaired by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido.

Chairman, Planning Committee of the event, Adeyemi Adefulu, at a press conference on Monday in Ibadan, said Obasanjo was being celebrated because he was an outstanding statesman and an icon.

Adefulu added, “Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is being  celebrated for his exploits on the political landscape of Nigeria in the past 50years.

“In the 60s, he was a young officer fighting in the Congo on a United Nation’s Mission to restore order to Zaire.

“It is to his glory that he kept faith with the people and in 1979 handed over to Alhaji Shehu Shagari as elected President of Nigeria.

“Having dominated the Nigerian public life in a way no other person has for the past 50 years, the symbolism of another retirement is not lost on us. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has effectively become the father of the nation, a political oracle and a living legend whose life is worth celebrating.”

Meanwhile, the President Olusegun Obasanjo  Presidential Library Centre for Human Security and the Institute for Africa Culture and International Understanding on Monday said about N3.675bn would be spent on Delta and Ogun states as well as on other African countries to check unemployment  and ensure food security.

The OOPL-CHS and IACIU also said an undisclosed sum would be spent on 12 different projects in the next 10 years

CHS Director, Prof. Peter Okebukola, who spoke at a news conference in Abeokuta, added that one of the pilot projects being implemented would create employment for about two million youths in Ogun alone.

Okebukola said the Feed the Delta Project under the pilot programme of the centre’s Feed Africa Project was aimed at supporting African governments in implementation of policies and programmes that would guarantee food security.
http://www.punchng.com/news/jonathan-kufuor-set-for-obasanjos-reception/

JANUARY 11, 2013 BY JAYNE AUGOYE 10 COMMENTS


They succeeded in convincing skeptics that their over a decade long relationship was not just a flash in the pan when they got engaged on Valentines Day last year. But while everyone thought they would have a star-studded wedding, 2face and Annie Idibia settled for a private civil marriage shortly after.

To many, this was understandable, considering the presence of  two major characters/lovers in the singer’s life – Sunmbo Ajaba and Pero Adeniyi. The two  bore him four children, with the sixth(Adeniyi’s) born last year.

With the court marriage already done and dusted, fans of the couple,  who were already used to addressing Annie as Mrs Idibia, had no inkling of a white wedding ceremony in the offing, especially since the singer said he chose to have a quiet wedding so as not to hurt the other women in his life. But all that changed after a tweet by South Africa-based actress and model, Kendra Etufunwa, a close friend of the lucky bride to be.

The tweet posted on December 30th read, “Wedding planning with the bride to be @Annie Macaulay#Act like you know.” The post had set Twitter ablaze with congratulatory messages,  while giving bloggers juicy gists to feast on.

For now, it is no secret  that 2face Idibia and his African Queen, Annie Macaulay, are currently planning a talk-of-the-town wedding shindig, rumoured to hold in the ‘exotic’ Caribbean Islands on February 14, barely a few weeks down the line.

While Macaulay is already in New York, shopping for a befitting wedding gown, bridal dresses contracted to Yvonne Nwosu (hip hop singer, Ice Prince’s latest love interest) of Vonne Couture, the traditional wedding scheduled to take place in Abuja. There is a celebrity line up of brides maids, which include actress Kendra Etufunwa and TV personality Tana Egbo Adelana, meaning that all is no doubt, set for the big day.

Now,  the sharp-shooting star’s other baby mamas must finally have accepted the reality.

Judging by the preparations and media buzz the forthcoming wedding has attracted thus far,  some persons are of the opinion that it is only human for the other baby mama’s be envious of Annie, as she won the eventual price.

But this does not seem to be the case as they appear to have fast moved on with their lives. Unlike in the past, there is no social media war among the ‘rivals’ Indeed,  Macaulay appears to be closer to Ajaba,  who bears a striking semblance with 2face Idibia and has two boys for the singer. The least vocal of all his baby mothers, Ajaba, who is a divorcee, is now said to be a born again Christian. She is a choir leader and praise leader at Royalty Christian Centre, Orile Agege, Lagos.

The former banker-turned entrepreneur is believed to be a close friend of Annie. At least, they are constantly in touch on Twitter. Her sons and Macaulay’s daughter regularly visit each other and occasionally sleep over. Also, a tweet posted by Macaulay mid last year suggested that Ajaba bought a pair of shoes for Isabella, the formers daughter.

Ironically, just a few days after the news of the 2face wedding was made public, it was also revealed that Ajaba,  who currently runs Esobs Events, was getting married to Pastor Adeoye, the General Overseer of Royalty Christian Centre. She is also a chorister in Pastor Adeoye’s church.

For now, Adeniyi appears to be the only one who ma not have decided on what next. A divorcee herself and the most vocal of all three – especially on Twittter – has gone back stage for now. Famous for brandishing herself as 2face’s wife on Twitter, to spite the other women, very little is now known about  her. Herr Twitter and Facebook accounts have even since been deleted.

As the daughter of POATSON boss, Jide Adeniyi,  Pero’s relationship with the singer dates back to 2005. According to reports, after being attacked by robbers in his Festac home, Idibia was injured and traumatised.

While on admission at the hospital, ladies trooped in to visit and wish him well. Adeniyi was said to be one of the lot and a relationship kicked off almost immediately. http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/arts-life/different-strokes-for-2faces-baby-mamas-as-star-artiste-walks-down-the-aisle/
Annie and 2face(top) Sumbo and Pero(below)

More pic

Photos: Akon’s Unbelievable Peace Moves In Calabar


AKON ATTEMPTS GOING INTO THE CROWD AT THE UJ EUSENE STADIUM TO SETTLE A FIGHT
Now, this is one hilarious and daring news to set off your Sunday on a good footing. Akon was in Cross River state to perform at the annual Calabar Carnival along side Psquare, MayD and Jmartins. The Senegalese born American R & B superstar was busy doing his performance inside the UJ Esuene stadium when he noticed a group of boys fighting and asked them to stop.
According to what we gathered, the singer threatened to go through the mammoth crowd to settle the fight if they wouldn’t stop but the fighting group were too busy drawing blood to listen and before the fans knew what was happening, Akon had jumped into the crowd even as his bodyguards were taken by surprise.
He reportedly kept screaming “Lift me up..ama go out there, take me there.” Instead of lifting him to where the fight was taking place, the crowd was more interested in stripping him of his belt and the left leg of his shoe. By the time his bodyguards reached him, his belt buckle was gone too.
Not one to give up easily, Akon went back stage and to the crowd’s bewilderment, the singer got into some kind of protective balloon, stood on stage and then suddenly leapt into the crowd, shielded by that balloon as the crowd kept throwing him around the stadium like a ball.
Eventually, he fulfilled his mission and the Calabar crowd steered him safely back towards the stage where he came out of the balloon sending the crowd into a wild frenzy.
See photos from the show below courtesy of misspetitenigeria..com

Here are the top two Tweets that generated the most Retweets for the year, plus honorable mentions for a few other Tweets that caught attention around the world.

1. Barack Obama @BarackObama
“Four more years”

6 Nov 12
Reply
Retweet
Favorite
810,000+ retweets 300,000+ favorites

Credit: Michelle Obama, on Twitter
President Obama comments on his reelection

Before he took the stage to affirm his election victory, President Obama marked his win via Twitter. Within hours, this Tweet simultaneously became the most retweeted of 2012 — and the most retweeted ever, sent by people in more than 200 countries around the world.

2. Justin Bieber @justinbieber
“RIP Avalanna. i love you”

26 Sep 12
Reply
Retweet
Favorite
220,000+ retweets 100,000+ favorites

Credit: Avalanna Routh, on Twitter
Justin Bieber says goodbye to a fan

Suffering from a rare form of brain cancer, six-year-old Avalanna Routh was big Justin Bieber fan, and the pop star had grown close to her during her illness. When she passed away in September. Bieber paid tribute to her in a Tweet, and many, many Twitter Beliebers responded.

3.TJ Lang @TJLang70
“Bleep it NFL.. Fine me and use the money to pay the regular refs.”

24 Sep 12
Reply
Retweet
Favorite
98,000+ retweets 28,000+ favorites

Credit: Seattle Seahawks, on Twitter
Packer TJ Lang voices his frustration

In September the Seattle Seahawks went head-to-head with the Green Bay Packers. The now-infamous final play was called by a “replacement ref” due to a labor standoff with the referees’ union. That call generated 1+ million Tweets as players and fans flocked to Twitter to grouse about the decision. TJ’s Tweet became the most retweeted of the night — and of the NFL season overall.

4.Team GB @TeamGB
“29 gold, 17 silver, 19 bronze – We finished 3rd in medal table after most successful Olympics for 104 years #OurGreatestTeam RT your support”

12 Aug 12
Reply
Retweet
Favorite
67,000+ retweets 5,000+ favorites

Credit: Team GB, on Twitter
Team GB congratulates its athletes

For the first time since 1948, the Summer Olympics returned to London. British athletes performed extremely well, with a “home team” advantage resulting in more medals than expected. Fans followed their every move, joining in at the close of the Games to show their support for #OurGreatestTeam.

5.山寺宏一 @yamachanoha
“…I would like to announce here: I, Koichi Yamadera, have married Ms. Rie Tanaka … I am really happy to have met such a great partner and have our lives come together. We made up our minds to respect each other, help each other and build a home full of smiles…”

公式ブログが無いのでこちらで報告させて頂きます。私、山寺宏一は昨日6月17日に声優の田中理恵さん と入籍致しました。人生を共に歩んで行く素晴らしいパートナーと巡り会えた事に感謝します。互いを信頼し、支え合い、笑顔あふれる家庭を築いて行こうと思 います。暖かく見守って頂けたら幸いです。

17 Jun 12
Reply
Retweet
Favorite
68,000 retweets 6,000 favorites

Credit: Spring’12 -cherry blossom- by Yoozigen, on Flickr
Anime fans salute a wedding

When actor Kouichi Yamadera announced in a Tweet that he registered for marriage with actress Rie Tanaka, it became the most retweeted message from Japan this year. Why? Both are prominent Japanese voice actors, famous for many of their anime roles.
- Twitter.com

Here are the top two Tweets that generated the most Retweets for the year, plus honorable mentions for a few other Tweets that caught attention around the world.

1. Barack Obama @BarackObama
“Four more years”

6 Nov 12
Reply
Retweet
Favorite
810,000+ retweets 300,000+ favorites

Credit: Michelle Obama, on Twitter
President Obama comments on his reelection

Before he took the stage to affirm his election victory, President Obama marked his win via Twitter. Within hours, this Tweet simultaneously became the most retweeted of 2012 — and the most retweeted ever, sent by people in more than 200 countries around the world.

2. Justin Bieber @justinbieber
“RIP Avalanna. i love you”

26 Sep 12
Reply
Retweet
Favorite
220,000+ retweets 100,000+ favorites

Credit: Avalanna Routh, on Twitter
Justin Bieber says goodbye to a fan

Suffering from a rare form of brain cancer, six-year-old Avalanna Routh was big Justin Bieber fan, and the pop star had grown close to her during her illness. When she passed away in September. Bieber paid tribute to her in a Tweet, and many, many Twitter Beliebers responded.

3.TJ Lang @TJLang70
“Bleep it NFL.. Fine me and use the money to pay the regular refs.”

24 Sep 12
Reply
Retweet
Favorite
98,000+ retweets 28,000+ favorites

Credit: Seattle Seahawks, on Twitter
Packer TJ Lang voices his frustration

In September the Seattle Seahawks went head-to-head with the Green Bay Packers. The now-infamous final play was called by a “replacement ref” due to a labor standoff with the referees’ union. That call generated 1+ million Tweets as players and fans flocked to Twitter to grouse about the decision. TJ’s Tweet became the most retweeted of the night — and of the NFL season overall.

4.Team GB @TeamGB
“29 gold, 17 silver, 19 bronze – We finished 3rd in medal table after most successful Olympics for 104 years #OurGreatestTeam RT your support”

12 Aug 12
Reply
Retweet
Favorite
67,000+ retweets 5,000+ favorites

Credit: Team GB, on Twitter
Team GB congratulates its athletes

For the first time since 1948, the Summer Olympics returned to London. British athletes performed extremely well, with a “home team” advantage resulting in more medals than expected. Fans followed their every move, joining in at the close of the Games to show their support for #OurGreatestTeam.

5.山寺宏一 @yamachanoha
“…I would like to announce here: I, Koichi Yamadera, have married Ms. Rie Tanaka … I am really happy to have met such a great partner and have our lives come together. We made up our minds to respect each other, help each other and build a home full of smiles…”

公式ブログが無いのでこちらで報告させて頂きます。私、山寺宏一は昨日6月17日に声優の田中理恵さん と入籍致しました。人生を共に歩んで行く素晴らしいパートナーと巡り会えた事に感謝します。互いを信頼し、支え合い、笑顔あふれる家庭を築いて行こうと思 います。暖かく見守って頂けたら幸いです。

17 Jun 12
Reply
Retweet
Favorite
68,000 retweets 6,000 favorites

Credit: Spring’12 -cherry blossom- by Yoozigen, on Flickr
Anime fans salute a wedding

When actor Kouichi Yamadera announced in a Tweet that he registered for marriage with actress Rie Tanaka, it became the most retweeted message from Japan this year. Why? Both are prominent Japanese voice actors, famous for many of their anime roles.
- Twitter.com

My quest for more knowledge landed me here And sincerely I've enjoyed every bit of my stay here .

» Nigerian News on December 19, 2012 - Leave Your Comment
We all heard that actress Nkiru Sylvanus was kidnapped late Saturday night, December 15th, what we didn’t hear until now was that 2010 Mr Nigeria Kenneth Okolie was with her when she was kidnapped.
His friends just contacted me with the info.
Kenneth, Nkiru and another yet to be identified passenger left a movie location in Owerri late Saturday night and were heading to another location when gunmen blocked Nkiru’s car between Concorde Hotel and Cathedral Road in Owerri, and took all three passengers in the car.
Kenneth left Lagos two weeks ago to feature in the movie and was due back home sometime this week. The kidnappers are yet to make contact with Kenneth’s family. Truly sad what is going on in our country. http://www.informationnigeria.org/2012/12/revealed-former-mr-nigeria-kenneth-okolie-was-kidnapped-with-nkiru-sylvanus.html

@ Poster, u forgot to add this one he snapped with his wife..

The Plateau State Government on Tuesday said it was ready to dialogue with labour to end the current strike in the state and has offered to pay striking local government workers three months salaries out of the seven months owed.
Briefing journalists on Tuesday, Director of Research and Documentation, Government House, Jos, Mr. Chris Kwaja, said government was desirous of an amicable solution to the dispute in a manner that there would be neither winner nor loser.
According to him, although government’s position on the strike was guided by the law, it was nonetheless ready for continued dialogue with the workers to demonstrate the administration’s commitment to their welfare.
He said government was concerned about the violent dimension the action by workers was taking, noting that it was being hijacked by hoodlums.
He therefore urged local government workers to return to work and participate in the biometric verification exercise meant to ascertain the actual workforce of the local governments. http://www.informationnigeria.org/2012/12/plateau-to-pay-workers-3-months-salaries-out-of-7-months-owed.html

Nigerian News on December 19, 2012 -

At least 27 people were reported dead, while 18 others sustained various degrees of injuries following an accident involving an articulated vehicle along Ruwa Wuri-Tangaza road on Monday, which also claimed the lives of a number of cows and sheep.
According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the trailer with plate number Sokoto XA 443 SAA, which was heading to Warri, Delta State from Mano village, allegedly lost control and plunged into a river close to Masallaci village in Tangaza Local Government.
The victims, who had been buried in Bagida village, reports say were from Bagida, Sabiyo, Tinnigere, Ruwa Wuri and Tsoni villages, all in the local government.
Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Sokoto, Dr. Umaru Aliyu, while confirming the incident said: “Our findings revealed that the accident occurred due to over-loading and over-speeding,” adding that the trailer was conveying both cows and humans.
“27 people died, while 15 were injured. Those injured are receiving treatment at Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, UDUTH, Sokoto, while the driver of the trailer and his motor boy fled,” Aliyu said. http://www.informationnigeria.org/2012/12/trailer-plunges-into-river-killing-27.html

PHOTOSPEAK: Late Governor Yakowa honoured in Bayelsa this morning