TOYIN AIMAKHU.NEWSNOWAFRICA.COM

An interview with a lecturer at the Nigerian institute of journalism (MR. TENE JOHN) on the security issues in the country. In this interview, he highlights challenges and proffers solutions to the problem of insecurity in Nigeria.
Interviewer: can you please tell us about yourself, qualifications, profession?
Interviewee: I am Tene John, a B.Sc. M.Sc. holder in political science and international relations respectively. I’m a lecturer by profession, in the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and I am a Nigerian.
Interviewer: what can you say about the current state of security in Nigeria?
Interviewee: what we have in Nigeria is insecurity, the opposite of security, where there is adequate are being destroyed and even the government is scared.
Interviewer: what will you say the federal government is doing right or wrong about the issue of book haram in the country?
Interviewee: the federal government have not folded their arms on the issue of boko haram but I would say their major failure is negotiating with the terrorists, the amnesty those insurgents were granted made them feel that the government is scared of them and they continued asking for more, there is no place in the world where terrorists should be negotiated with. The government shouldn’t have allowed the Boko haram issue get to this point where they have kidnapped over 200 girls, to do what?Whenever I think about those girls and all they would be going through, my heart bleed.
Interviewer: what steps do you think the federal government should take in ensuring adequate security in the country?
Interviewee: Like I tell people, state policing is important, with state police around, there will be less evil in the country, the presence of policemen would curb violence and crime in the society, so FG should consider putting them on concurrent list, whereby it is done by both the government at the central and the state, they should allow the state to control their own police. Also, vigilante groups can also offer a lot of help; they should be permitted in the country.
Interviewer: Do you think that the involvement of other countries on the abducted girls’ issue would yield a positive result?
Interviewee: well em, by and large, to my little knowledge, in international system, whatever happens to Nigeria happens to Cameroon and would also happen to the neighbouring countries and that is why the world itself is a global village, we will look at it when the issue of terror first started that no, no, no, the issue of terrorism is not a Nigerian thing, it is common with Syria, Pakistan, Iraq, no, no, no, it has not come here to stay. But you’ll discover that the world has become a global village, the issue of technology has gone to the extent that you’ll see what takes place almost in every part of the world, and that alone has exposed people to a lot of violence, a lot of crime and a lot of evil and you see people trying to express or exhibit their own kind of opinion in fighting the government of the day. But the
truth of the matter is that we need a follow up from these countries, they have the Intelligence and technology and we have the foot soldiers, in fact, Nigerian soldiers are highly respected when it comes to combat and in the United Nation’s peace keeping mission. But the government of U.S., China, U.K. will help in the aspect of technology, not that they’re coming to fight, they’re coming to help s out like what happened in Malaysia also, about the missing Jet, it concerns everybody it has become a global fight and that is why their involvement is normal it is a welcome development an attack on one is an attack on all. They never can tell the effect to their own country and that is why you can see the wife of the American president Michelle Obama supporting the protest and carrying placards saying “bring back our girls”. I believe with their involvement, they would make it easier to discover the hide out of the Boko Haram and where the girls are. To be sincere there’s a limit to what the Nigerian soldiers can do because it is not that they cannot attack but I believe that government is playing politics with the issue of this attacks because you cannot tell me that the soldiers cannot attack the terrorists, they can, but we can say because of the ethnic differences, that by the time he gives the order the people in the north can say oh, no wonder, when his people started, they did negotiation, they gave them amnesty, no wonder he wants to kill us. So there’s a little bit of politicking with the issue of Boko Haram.
Interviewer: So can you categorically say that you believe politicking is involved in the Boko Haram issue in Nigeria?
Interviewee: yes, yes! I can say that, categorically because with what they exhibit, looking at it, if you look at the primary function of government, constitutionally, it is the duty of the government to save lives and properties, but where lives are being taken, look at Nyanya attack for example; repeating itself twice and the government is sitting, folding his hands and doing nothing, lives and properties are being wasted everyday, on a daily bases, so I can say categorically that politicking is involved.
Interviewee: what advice can you give Nigerians in order to secure their lives and properties in view of the current state of insecurity in the country?
Interviewee: well, gone are the days we sleep with our two eyes closed, I want to advice Nigerians that this time around when you sleep, close one eye and open the other eye to watch, (chuckles) even the bible says “watch and pray” you cannot pray without watching and you cannot watch without praying, what I’m trying to say is that let us be vigilant, let us be conscious of our environment, if you see a strange fellow in your environment or in your neighborhood, ask questions. I once saw a strange lady in my environment at night and she was by a corner making phone calls, I asked her what she was doing there and ended up sending her away, people like that kidnap babies. When you see them patrolling your area, challenge them with questions so that they’ll now you’re vigilant. Because if they’re allowed, you won’t know when they will plant a bomb and before you know it there’ll be explosion. Also, the issue of security is not for government alone, in our community we need to take challenges, we can get the vigilante groups, employ them and pay them so that they watch over, at times you’ll see some people saying that they cannot pay while others are paying and before you know it, thieves would come to that area and they would point at that house that is not paying, so let there be community development, you don’t wait for government to do everything for you. For example, if your roof is leaking, you don’t wait for the landlord to come and do it for you, you should save your properties first.NEWSNOWAFRICA.COM

BY: MAR’YAM THAWBAAN

Coaches on Monday expressed mixed feelings on Blessing Okagbare maintaining her recent winning streak after getting married to Igho Otegheri on Nov. 8.



Some of the coaches, who spoke to the newsmen in Abuja said Blessing should be encouraged to do better while others felt married life would affect her performance.

Okagbare, Africa’s fastest woman and World Championships medalist in long jump got married to Otegheri, an ex-footballer.

A Basketball Coach, Thomas Wallace, said the most important thing was for the athlete to remain focused and not to be bothered about her marital status.

“The most important thing for her is to remain focused and to have the right coach who can develop programmes and divide it into different phases for her.

“ It is a team effort, not just for the athlete, but for the coach, for her husband and for the family to be able to work together for a common goal.

“ It is not something difficult, but it must be a team effort; it will take a lot of efforts on her side now that she is married and possibly going to have a child,’’ Wallace said.

He, however, said that there should be developmental programmes to nurture upcoming athletes, instead of depending on the successful ones alone.

“ There should always be room for younger athletes to come up and too much emphasis should not be placed on those that are performing now.

“Rather, attention should be on the young and upcoming ones by creating different developmental programmes at which they can develop from,’’ Wallace said.

A Handball Coach, David Emmanuel, said that although Nigeria was not a conducive environment for married athletes to perform better than they had been doing, he was convinced that Okagbare would perform better.

“Based on my experience, I believe she can do it and I believe she will even perform better now.

“She will still be able to perform if we handle things the way they are done across the world.

“But due to the nature of the society we are in this country, we have the problem of whenever a lady is married, she has become somebody’s property, nobody wants to help her or look at her direction.

“I was at the Handball African Cup of Nations sometime in January and the lady that was the Most Valuable Player at the tournament was nursing a baby at that time.

“Now, if you look at the Angolan handball national team, most of them are married women.

“If you go around the world, you will find out that the most successful female athletes in the world are married.

“But we have a problem here in Nigeria that we neglect married women,’’ Emmanuel said.

A Football Coach, Ifeanyi Sammy, said that married life would affect Okagbare psychologically and emotionally.

“When you are married, you have a lot of things to think about, family and some other things.

“And as a female, there will be a time she will get pregnant and if the husband does not understand her profession, it will make a lot of difference.

“Because preparatory to a competition, there are times she has to be alone and the husband as a family man might need her which can cause emotional problem for her.

“This will consequently, affect her during the competition. So, I think it is not easy for a married woman to cope under that umbrella as an athlete,’’ Sammy said..COM

BY: BOITI ATAYESE ADEYEMI

The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos has emerged champions in the maiden Church World Cup in Goa, India. The country’s flag bearers thrashed Colombia 7-0 in the final of the unique tournament on Sunday.



Adekunle Adegboyega set the ball rolling with the first goal for MFM who dominated from start to finish in what was largely a one-sided contest. Midfielder Sheriff Alashe doubled MFM’s advantage before two more goals came off the boots of Nelson Kenedinum and Adegboyega to give the Nigeria National League side a comfortable 4-0 lead going into the break.

Adegboyega was not yet done with scoring as he added one more to complete his hat trick. Also in the second half, Sikiru Olatunbosun found the back of the net twice, while midfielder Nelson Kenedinum completed the rout.

Expectedly, it was a clean sweep for MFM FC in the individual awards as striker, Adegboyega, won the top scorer award with eight goals and diminutive midfielder, Onuwa Emmanuel, was voted the Most Valuable Player of the competition.

MFM FC’s road to making history at the Church World Cup in India started with a 3-0 win over Colombia, next to fall was Egypt who lost 2-0, while Uzbekistan were hammered 7-0 and the hosts India conceded a goal in the semi-final which catapulted the Olukoya Boys to the final of the competition. The participating teams were host India, Colombia, Egypt, Brazil, Nigeria, Ghana, Uzbekistan and Portugal.

The victorious team is expected back in the country on Tuesday with the MFM General Overseer, Daniel Olukoya, already promising a befitting reception for the newly crowned champions..COM

BY: BOITI ADEYEMI

Australia: Hostages Held In Sydney Cafe

At least one gunman is holding staff and customers hostage at a cafe in the Australian city of Sydney. The Lindt cafe in the central business district is surrounded by armed police.
Five people have been seen running from the building. It is not clear how many hostages remain inside. Police say they have made contact with the gunman.
PM Tony Abbott described the attack as "terrifying" and said it could be politically motivated. A black Islamic flag has been displayed at the window.
About six hours into the siege, three people were seen running from the building housing the cafe in Martin Place. Two more people followed about an hour later. The circumstances of their exit are not clear.
"We will work with these people to figure out more information. We do not have information to suggest that anyone is harmed at this stage," said New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn after the first three came out.
Police negotiators were now in contact with gunman, she added.
Mr Abbott said: "I can think of almost nothing more distressing, more terrifying than to be caught up in such a situation, and our hearts go out to these people," he said.
Speaking in Canberra, Mr Abbott added: "Australia is a peaceful, open and generous society - nothing should ever change that and that's why I would urge all Australians today to go about their business as usual."
According to eyewitness, Siouxsie Ford, a partner at a law firm, is inside her office near Martin Place, which has been locked down by police.
She told the BBC: "There's a large media presence around the security perimeter, an ambulance, a fire truck and police cars.
"We are very concerned about what's going on inside the cafe. People in my office are watching out of the windows, or watching what's happening on TV.
"The building management has been broadcasting alerts. We were told the lifts and doors were locked. We haven't been told when exactly we can leave, but if there is a window of opportunity we can leave immediately and so we are on standby.".COM

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Rolene Strauss of South Africa became the most beautiful lady on planet earth when sStrauss won the coveted crown beating Miss Hungary Edina Kulcsar and Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit who were placed second and third respectively. She inherits the crown from Miss World 2013 Megan Young of the Phillipines.

Strauss, 22, is a fourth year medical student at the University of the Free State, she had earlier in March 2014, put her studies on hold after she was crowned Miss South Africa. In her official Miss World 2014 introduction video, she praised former South African President Nelson Mandela for paving the way for her to pursue a career in medicine by creating a democratic South Africa.

she opined that she is looking forward to continuing the legacy of Miss World CEO Julia Morley, founder of "Beauty With a Purpose," a non-profit organisation that supports humanitarian projects of Miss World contestants. As Miss South Africa, Strauss has promoted projects in women's rights, health and education, including one to provide menstruation education to schoolgirls in South Africa.

Strauss thanked South Africans for their support, "South Africa, this is for you, I'm so proud of you, and I'm proud to be your representative." She said..COM



BY: CHARLES ODIDIKA

he was crowned the 2014 Miss World on Sunday in London.

Chief Operating Officer of Amaka Igwe Studios, one of Nigeria’s leading audio-visual production company, Chris Ihidero encouraged Nigerian to work in collaboration.



He said this at The British Council Creative Industries Expo, held a two days creative expo of its 4th edition of creative expo which is focused on the pertinent theme of “COLLABORATION”, full of insightful and stimulating discussion, debate and knowledge sharing from a very distinguished international roster of speakers and a high-level audience on December 8th and 9th at Westown Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Chris who duties at AIS, also worked as Director of Studies at the Centre for Excellence in Film and Media Studies, Lagos, the research and training arm of AIS. He has directed over 100 hours of TV drama and has made 2 short films.

In September 2013, he became the Chief Operating Officer of Q Entertainment Network. He officially launched PinPoint Media in September 2014.

“I didn’t achieve on my own, I worked with people. Several times I have a project, I don’t have to be there because I have got capable hands that will work in my absene. That’s the spirit of collaboration with people. That doesn’t mean I boss over them of they are subjected to me. But we all have a purpose and we need to work together to achieve our goal and the end result means gain”.

In an interview with CEO of Enterprise Creative, producers of the 2014 Expo, Nkiru Asika, concerning the enterprise creative HotHouse, she said the enterprise creative HotHouse offers office space, resources, collaborative work space for creative professionals and entrepreneurial, providing growing businesses with affordable and flexible workspace and professional environment which is located in a fully wireless and secure building

on Allen Avenue, in the heart of Ikeja.”It is a concept that is needed and people will embrace it because it is not easy working alone. The whole idea is that an individual is independent but not working alone, you have people around you to encourage, share ideas with and also learn from, and really we will get there and people will love it, most especially because of the cost”.

Commenting on some of the challenges faced in putting up the program and what she feels about the theme of the event, Nkiru said it is not different from the challenges one faces in putting up any event, but because they have been able to organize other events, it wasn’t more of a big challenge because the British had expert and there was resources so it made it easier and not as challenging as it looks, however, the issue of collaborating is a very important thing to always consider. “I think we need to change our perception and we should always think of the purpose of coming together an not the gain. There is always need for every individual to first trust himself and prove that he can be trusted before you think of the other person”.

Director, Nsibidi Institute, Ore Disu, noted at the event, “It was truly a noteworthy event marked by many passionate entrepreneurs proposing solutions to real problems and gaps in Nigeria and Africa at large. The energy in the room was palpable and will hopefully carry on beyond the event. Collaboration is key particularly in the current climate we are in - whether it comes in the form of a hub or simply the diverse exchanges that happen as people move beyond the confines of a singular project, skill-set or business focus. Yes there are issues of trust, ownership and more, but if managed well, the trade-offs far outweigh the risks."

Some of the speakers for were present from home and abroad this year were, Kathleen Stokes, National Endowment for Science Technology & the Arts, UK; Paul Nwulu, Ford Foundation; Oliver Marlow, Studio TILT, UK; Chike Maduegbuna, CEO Afrinolly; Leslie Donna Williams, Founder of Impact Hub, South Africa; Femi Longe, Co-Founder, CCHub; Marc-Andre Schmactel, Director, Goethe Institut; Seyi Taylor, Tech Cabal; Nkiru Asika, CEO, Enterprise Creative; Judy Ogana, Go Down Arts Centre, Kenya; Andrea Burns, ROCO UK.

Others inckude Ojoma Ochai, Director, Arts, British Council; Emma Clarence, National Endowment for Science Technology & the Arts, UK; Paul Nwulu, Ford Foundation; Oliver Marlow, Studio TILT, UK; Chris Ihidero, CEO PinPoint Media; Chike Maduegbuna, CEO Afrinolly; Leslie Donna Williams, Founder of Impact Hub, South Africa; Femi Longe, Co-Founder, CCHub; Marc-Andre Schmactel, Director, Goethe Institut; Seyi Taylor, Co-Founder Tech Cabal; Nkiru Asika, CEO, Enterprise Creative; Kenya; Andrea Burns, ROCO UK..COM

BY: MOTUNRAYO AZEEZ

Adewale Akanji Barrstershowkey, son of Fuji lord, late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, has confirmed himself as the bona-fide and authentic king of Fuji both home and abroad.

Barryshowkey who is also a citizen of United State Of America said, 'when king died, his son assumes the position of kingship and same apply to him, because his late father was the creator of Fuji music and being his son, he is automatically the new king.

Barryshowkey who recently honoured as the king of Fuji in far away USA further explained that since his father's demise many abnormalities have being injected in to Fuji music. He affirmed that he is ready to clean the rottenness as the new king of Fuji.

He said 'am going to use my latest album titled 'originality ' to put all Fuji singers in their deserve position.'

Barryshowkey who has released his fourth album under 100% entertainment owned by Otolowo Babaomo explained further that his new album is going to be a new revelation in the history of Fuji music in this country.

He however enjoined his teeming fans to patronise his latest effort when it finally lands in the market..COM

BY: Afolabi Taofik Ajani

13 Dec 2014 01:57 Print Email
BUHARI
BUHARI
SEN. AHMED TINUBU
SEN. AHMED TINUBU

Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), according TheCable, has conceded the slot of his running mate to Bola Tinubu, national leader of the party.

This has in effect diminished the chances of Chibuike Amaechi, governor of Rivers state, who was all along tipped to be the vice-presidential candidate.

Further discussions are going to be held this weekend, but a quick decision may not be reached.

The party still has up till December 18 to submit the name of the nominee to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Buhari’s decision to give Tinubu the slot is apparently based on the voting population of the south-west which he is banking on to upstage the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 presidential election.

“Politics is not winner-takes-all. Tinubu worked round the clock to deliver a huge chunk of votes to Buhari in the primary, and it is only fair that he is honoured in return,” an aide to Buhari said.

Tinubu, TheCable can further report, has not foreclosed the choice of anyone as the VP candidate, but he is opposed to Amaechi – although the Rivers governor has made the biggest financial contribution to Buhari’s campaign.

“Rumours that Amaechi has been chosen as the running mate are not true in any form. The running mate will be announced soon.”

The chieftain further said “If the party exco settles for a Muslim/Muslim ticket, Tinubu himself will be the number one choice. If not, then Adams Oshiomhole stands the best chance among the rest.” He ruled out Babatunde Fashola, governor of Lagos, who is also a Muslim installed Oshiomhole, Edo governor, as the odds-on favourite for the running mate slot, slashing his chances from 8/10 to 8/9, while dropping Amaechi’s odds from 9/10 to 5/10. Here is a line-up of the TOP contenders

BY: BOITI ADEYEMI

The governorship candidate of All Progressive Congress, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode has on Thursday mocks the People Democratic Party over the conduct of its governorship Primary producing Jimi Agbaje as the winner.



Ambode in a statement issued on Thursday said it was laughable that while APC was able to conduct a primary with over 5000 delegates without hitches that the PDP could not do same with less than 900.

He affirms "I am proud of the party because APC in Lagos State has demonstrated strength, popularity and acceptability as the preferred choice of the people which was notified through huge number of delegates that voted at our primary election."

"Our competitor could only muster a fraction of our delegate, PDP could merely match up. In line with its progressive orientation as a core factor, our party has shown to the world its sterling qualities that ours is a non-acrimonious, unified and accountable party." Ambode said..COM

BY: Bassey Benedicta

Nigerians decry the rate at which the Nigerian movie industry continue to stream out pornographic movies rather than releasing educative content into the market, raising doubt about the effectiveness of the Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board.



By Philips Sunday

Gone are days, when the norms and ethics of the Nigerian culture and tradition were embedded in the film production of the Nigerian movie industry, ‘Nollywood’. But reverse seems to be the case this days as the Nollywood has lost its African bite and uniqueness.

Legendary actors like Olu Jacobs, Nkem Owoh, Liz Benson, Joke Silva, Bukky Ajayi, Chinwe Owoh, Regina Askia and many more have been known over the years not only for their acting prowess, but the decency in their work. It can be recalled that the Nigerian actors and actresses then had upper hand over their Ghanaian counterparts in terms of good script, great directing and productivity, as well as the cinematography aspect of the movie.

Two decades ago, Nigeria movie industry garnered publicity with the kind of movies that the producers where streaming out, these movies gained recognition within and outside the country, due to its informative and educative content, the Nollywood then was known for the cultural heritage of Nigeria showcased in its movie scenes, with many suggesting that the industry in no time will meet up with its European counterparts in terms of professionalism and otherwise.

Some of the movies that caught the attention of the movie fanatics:

MovieProducerProduction Date

Glamour GirlsKenneth Nnebue1994

DomitilaZeb Ejiro1996

Living in BondageKenneth Nnebue1992

Score to SettleSunny Collins1998

HostagesTade Ogidan1996

Most WantedDozie Eriobu1996

Diamond RingTade Ogidan1998

Osuofia in LondonKingsley Ogoro2003

This were the golden era of Nollywood, where script was well read, prepared and understood but it is acted, in this time, Nollywood movies where rich with proverbs, like “the bird that chooses to perch on the rope must be prepared to dance with that rope”, used in the movie Conspiracy and Misconception. Not this days when Chinwetalu Agu mutters one single line throughout the entire movie. Then producers like Teco Benson, Tade Ogidan and Kingsley Ogoro a lot others, were stunning out movies with excellent storyline, well directed by directors who went extra miles in bringing out the best out of the script with their creative mindsets.

It came not as a shock to many Nigerians when Nollywood icons like Patience Ozorkwo, Omotala Jalade, Olu Jacobs and his wife Joke Silva, and Kenneth Nnebue were recently recognized for their excellent acting prowess by the Federal Republic of Nigeria with some receiving the centenary award to mark Nigeria 100 years of existence, while some were awarded with the Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR) on September 29 at a ceremony in Abuja.

The decadence expressed by the producers, directors and actors in the Nigeria movie industry, calls for questioning if the industry has suddenly lost its culture and discipline, when the movie Room 027 produced by Damijo Efe Young was released in 2013, Nigerians criticized the film but one of the actors in the movie Collins Owochei defended it stating that Nigerians are hypocrites for making so much noise about the movie, saying that most of the people who criticized the film, watched all episodes of Spartacus in the comfort of their living room and nobody gave a hoot about it.

However, years of hard work by the legends of Nollywood, where many won different numerous awards within and outside the country, has been thrown into dungeon by some star-starved individuals, who due to lack of employment, saw Nollywood has a dumping ground for their nudity. The Nigerian movie industry is far from what many where use to, the creative intellectual efforts usually witnessed in production has diminished no thanks to the nonchalant attitude, nepotism and selfish mentality of some people who call their selves actors and actresses.

It came as a shock to Nigerians when a soft porn film “Destructive Instinct 3&4” produced by Judith Opara Mazagwu popularly known as Afrocandy, was not banned by the Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board, after the review of this film it was discovered by many that script in question had no message what so ever rather than the showcasing of nudity, which definitely was the main objectives of the producer.

With the rate at which the producers continue to roll out this soft porn films, the effectiveness of the Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board has been question, with many claiming that is adequate measures are not take in a quick manner, the Nollywood has it is known wide world might metamorphosed into Pornwood in the future.

Yet with this porn stories called movies by the films makers, the Nigerian Film and Video Censorship Board claims it has no idea these movies exist.

Source: www..com/index.php/2014-02-02-10-59-36/opinion/1595-the-decadence-in-nollywood

Former head of state, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), on Thursday secured the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket after edging out four other aspirants at the party’s primary election held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.



According to the result announced by the Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Buhari polled 3, 430 votes to brush aside competition from Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who recorded 974 votes.

Former vice president Atiku Abubakar came third with 954 votes.

While Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, got 624 votes, the Publisher of Leadership Newspaper, Dr. Sam Nda –Isaiah, garnered 10 votes.

16 votes were declared invalid by election officials.

The election result was signed by agents of the five presidential aspirants.

Following Buhari’s success at the APC primaries, the stage is now set for a titanic battle between the Daura-born former army general and President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party in next February presidential poll.

The former head of state had contested three previous presidential elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011, losing on those occasions to PDP candidates.

Over 7,000 delegates took part in the exercise which was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, including the National Commissioner, Col. M.A. Amanga and the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola.

Meanwhile, Atiku has congratulated Buhari over his victory at the primaries, saying his victory at the poll was well deserved.

“Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ran a spirited campaign, and that since the delegates have spoken, he fully deserves the victory.

“I am very confident that you will provide the needed leadership to turn this country around. I have no doubt that you will work with dedicated and qualified Nigerians to protect our citizens, improve our economy, create jobs, improve education, reform governance and fight corruption. You will indeed bring the change Nigerians have been yearning for. Once more, congratulations,” the former vice president said in a statement issued by his media office in Lagos..COM



By: Boiti Adeyemi

How SUBEB Rewards Winners At Her Annual Merit Award
11 Dec 2014 06:01 Print Email
OLUWADAMILARE AYOMIDE

Oluwadamilare Ayomide, an eleven years old boy is today celebrated with Award by Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) as the best pupil of the year.



This year SUBEB Annual Merit Award according to the management,is supported in collaboration with Oando Foundation, Eco Bank Plc and Lagos State Internal Revenue Services (LIRS).

Among the awardees are: the best teacher, best non-teaching staff, best guard, best cleaner and many more.

"The aim is to motivate. It is a source of encouragement as to ensure the betterment of individuals in affecting Lagos State Primary Education Sector which SUBEB oversee" Mrs Okoh,SUBEB's Head of PR Unit said. AYOMIDE AND DAD

Okoh continued "In the case of Ayomide who is considered the best pupil for the year 2014 SUBEB Merit Award, I think it will encourage other pupils to shun all forms of academic indolence especially the damage which TV, useless Social Networking Sites and senseless songs do in affecting their studies"

Ayomide, in an interview said his mother teaches him at home, everyday when he comes back from school."She is my teacher at home, although she is not one by profession" he said.

Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Alhaja Khadijat Gbolahan Daodu advised parents to discipline their children and monitor their academic performance, because teachers cannot do it alone..COM

By: OMOTOLA AYODELE SUNDAY

The body of a man is found helplessly on the bridge of Maryland in the morning of December 11.

The body is laid beside the road on the pavement, oozing out pungent odour such that passers-by have to cover their nose.

As at 10am, the cause of his death was yet to be ascertained except his mobile phone and a small sack that contains some clothes beside him. No one could give explanation on this unknown body as there are no stains of blood or injuries which could have been easily concluded to a hit-and -run.

People wonder why the stinking, as the body looks fresh and was not there yesterday.

“He looks like a drunk,’’ One of the taxi drivers around said, while the remaining people including the passersby dispersed in confusion after a lots of questionings as to unravel the mystery behind the cause of the death of the man..COM

BY: AYODELE SUNDAY

Popular Fuji Legend, Adewale Ayuba is really taking his fans by surprise as he keeps rebranding his songs from time to time. Just this year 2014, the singer staged a song comeback when he did a remix of his hit track 'Bonsuwe' with rapper vector and Tm9ija.

Ayuba fans were still savouring the remix of the song which made waves in the 90s,the fans have ones again been left wondering as the veteran Nigerian Fuji sensation singer was recently spotted in a church on the Island.

Adewale Ayuba who was recently spotted worshipping at the redeemed Christian Church of God atcity of David parish in Victoria Island Lagos, during the church carol celebration seen performing avery special role as he led the people of the Church to God with worship songs.

Though he is a known Muslim, In 2012 the singer reacted to a question about his religion after he was spotted at winners chapel Canaanland in ota.

He has reacted that his religion should not be the focus of the public rather he should be judge by his music alone. Due to the shocked by his fans to see him in the Church, they have keep their fingers crossed..COM



BY: Adedamola kehinde

ar’Adau’s daughters were famous for marrying political figures, mostly governors.



Former President Olusegun Obsanjo has sensationally linked the dispute between the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),Nuhu Ribadu to his refusal to marry late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua daughter.

Ribadu, an assistant inspector general of police, was removed as EFCC chairman, demoted to the rank of deputy commissioner of police and eventually dismissed after the refusal with Yar’Adua.

It was generally believed then that Ribadu’s refusal to terminate the corruption trial of James Ibori, former governor of Delta state and Yar’Adua’s close ally, was responsible for his travails.

While not dismissing the link, Obasanjo has also suggested that Ribadu’s refusal to marry Yar’Adua’s daughter could have contributed to his maltreatment by the former president who died in the year 2010.

OBJ also wrote in “My Watch”, his three-volume memoirs launched on Tuesday, that Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, thought to be the most powerful man in Yar’Adua’s government, had a fall-out with Ribadu over a woman who was said to be more interested in the former EFCC chairman.

Obasanjo further alleged that Babagana Kingibe had a personal fall-out with Nasir el-Rufai over the infidelity of one of Kingibe’s wives.

The retired general wrote: “It was revealed, for instance, that Tanimu’s main reason for wanting to fight Nuhu to a standstill was the allegation that a woman he was interested in marrying was showing more interest in Nuhu. I understand that Tanimu, in the end, married the lady, and I wondered if that would be the end of the war of attrition against Nuhu.

“This was about the same time that Umaru encouraged Nuhu to marry one of his daughters, an idea which Nuhu spurned. Could that have been partly responsible for Umaru’s fury?

“The Kingibe case as revealed is quite similar to Tanimu’s, as a woman is at the centre of it also. Nasir el-Rufai was accused of knowingly harbouring a boyfriend of one of Kingibe’s wives in his guest house, where this wife and her boyfriend would meet.

“If Nasir chose to make his house available to his friend out of hospitality, one wonders if he could also determine which guest, male or female, his friend would receive. It would have been a different case if Nasir himself was accused of dating Kingibe’s wife!”

Also,Obasanjo further narrated how he was “blacked out” of Yar’Adua’s government at the instance of a “cabal”.



“What he told me, which may or may not have been true, was astounding, and for me another good lesson. It was sickening how Tanimu and Kingibe used government instruments at their disposal to settle personal scores.

“At first, it was the same men now in the corridors of power, like Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi and Baba Kingibe, who suddenly remembered ‘the evil’ I had done them in the past, which they wanted to avenge. For Tanimu, whom I appointed Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria on the recommendation of then Governor Umaru Yar’Adua, my offence was that I did not appoint him to run and handle the Yar’Adua Presidential Campaign and manage the campaign fund. From what I had seen of his performance at the Federal Mortgage Bank, I would not have made or allowed such an appointment.

“For Baba Kingibe his grouse, I came to hear, was that I had advised Umaru Yar’Adua to consider the background of the man he was proposing to appoint as the secretary to the government of the federation. Baba was rejected by the government of Cameroon, at one time, when he was proposed as Nigerian Ambassador; and when Shehu Yar’Adua and I were in Kirikiri Prison, Shehu did not have any good thing to say about Baba Kingibe.

Obasanjo further said that Yar’Adua later sacked Kingibe when “overambition was noticed by his boss” at a time ill-health was taking its toll on the late president’s work.

With Yar’Adua’s health getting worse, intrigues ensured and members of the “cabal” went after anyone they perceived as close to Obasanjo, including the VP, Goodluck Jonathan, who was starved of information and access to the president.

Obasanjo wrote: “Tanimu confided in his friend, saying that they all realised that it was only a matter of time; the centre would not hold. Everybody then decided to make money for themselves before the centre collapsed; and they did so while the No. 2 man in government knew little or nothing about what was going on.

“He was kept in the dark. Government had been privatised by the cabal. For the whole of this period, the vice president could not chair a cabinet meeting, and he did not know how long the president would be away. During my administration, my VP chaired cabinet meetings any Wednesday that I was not physically in Abuja; and why not, after all if anything serious happened to me the VP should take over automatically.

“In this case, however, Yar’Adua’s VP was not even briefed of the president travelling out of the country. He was starved of funds for the maintenance of his office and residence and, in fact, unimaginably, was later called in to see the dead body of the president on his death bed. I know the plight of the VP because, on a few occasions, I had to encourage him to bear it by being patient.”

In addition, Obasanjo further said that the party also attacked him..COM

BY: MERCY MOMOH

The Head Coach of the U-23 National team, Dream Team VI, Samson Siasia has said that at no time did he send Dolphins FC striker Emem Eduok out of the camp of the team due to age discrepancy.



He stated his position on the player, “The player came and never trained with the team as he said he was down with injury, and sought for permission to go and get himself properly treated before he returned, a request which I granted as I want the best from my players.”

In a Press Release from Timi Ebikagboro, the Media Officer of the team, the U-23 gaffer was quoted as saying he invited Eduok based on the fact that he knows the player was part of the team that participated at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup and is aware that he is under age.

In his words “But when his name was sent to the LMC for clarification like we did with the names of all the players invited from the Nigeria Premier

League, we noticed that his date of birth in his license sent to the LMC indicated that he is 23 years of age, so the problem is between his club and the LMC, which I think should be sorted out in the interest of the player”,Siasia said.

According to Siasia, he added that his technical crew need all the best legs the country can offer, that is why they embarked on an open screening exercise to unearth any good player, so he does not see how they would be shutting out a particular player who has shown to be one of the best this season.

He further disclosed that once the issue is sorted out, the player is welcome back to the team to fight for a place like every other player..COM



BY: Sandra Nwokocha

One of Nigeria's most anticipated and sought after musical Artiste, Moriahanfe Oluwaseun Oluwabamidele Olarenwaju, a.k.a Sean Tizzle expressed his opinion that a celebrity having a child out of wedlock is not a crime or barrier as they are humans and can make mistakes.



He said this in an interview held in his residence at Ajah when he was asked about his fame and what he thinks about celebrities having a child out of wedlock.

Sean Tizzle said people only attach so much importance to this because they are celebrities/entertainers and do not have a life of their own.

"We are all human and sometimes, some things are not planned for. It can happen to anybody and I am not an exception. Giving birth is not a crime and every child is a gift. It is only pronounced because we are artiste, we don’t have any private life at all. Every normal guy can do it but because we are entertainers, people attach so much importance to it.

Sean Tizzle also spoke on his latest album, titled "The Journey" and how he came about the name.

"I gave it title because I put into consideration where I started from, how the struggle and defeat have been, the awards that have received, and those I am yet to receive", he said..COM

BY : KASHIMANA BEBA

SENATE PRESIDENT DAVID MARK
SENATE PRESIDENT DAVID MARK

Oil workers under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have concluded plans to shut down all oil and gas installations in the country due to the anti-labour activities of some employers in the sector.



The anti-labour activities listed by the oil workers include unjust delay in passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), retardation of staff promotion in the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), non-standardisation of nomenclature and collective bargaining agreement of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NNRA) in line with what obtains in other agencies in the oil and gas industry, refusal of the Management of Addax/Petrostuff Nigeria Limited and Chevron/Sudelletra to recall sacked staff, Petrobras management unprocedural release of Staff and its refusal to renew expired Collective Agreement, the unjust termination of appointment of the Port Harcourt Zonal Secretary and Treasurer of PENGASSAN and NUPENG respectively.

Other issues are the perilous state of the nation’s strategic and industrial roads and highways, non-beneficial deductions of National Housing Fund (NHF) from our workers, un-abating measures of addressing pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, and divestments by International Oil Companies (IOCs) without clear guidelines to check the resultant arbitrary job losses, heightening insecurity of our members/families in the troubled parts of Northern Nigeria.

According to a statement issued by PENGASSAN Secretariat, plans are at the final stage with its sister union, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to mobilise members for a nationwide industrial actions that will disrupt operations in the oil and gas sector until the Federal Government show genuine intention to earnestly attend and resolve the enumerated issues at stake.

PENGASSAN noted that the 14-day ultimatum given by its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of 30th October 2014 with the Federal Government and other concerned employers’ and agencies and further ratified by the Joint NEC of both NUPENG and PENGASSAN on October 31st, 2014, had since expired without any meaningful resolution or commitment from either the government or the concerned employers’ and agencies at resolving the issues.

The statement hinted that all levels of the Union have been fully sensitised and mobilised for the inevitable industrial actions that will affect every value chain in the upstream, midstream and downstream of the oil and gas industry.

The union explained that the purported termination of the appointment of its Port Harcourt Zonal Secretary, the NUPENG Zonal Treasurer was an ill-conceived act of victimization by their Employers and which the NNPC, Federal Ministries of Petroleum Resources and Labour and Productivity, the Department of Security Services (DSS), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has advised their management against this act but they remained unbending.

On crude oil theft and acts of vandalism, PENGASSAN alleged high level collaboration of the security agencies, politicians and highly placed Nigerians in the buccaneering racket of oil and gas installations and the resultant crude oil theft, adding that the ugly trend signifies a looming extinction of the oil and gas industry with attendant job losses. These further endanger the national economy with the persistent drop in crude oil prices.

The Association called on the Federal Government to mobilise contractors to site for immediate repair of all perilous roads leading to all oil and gas installations in the country, especially the Shaguolo/Alternative Road to the PPMC depot in Warri, Eleme/Onne Road, Apapa/Ijora/Wharf Road, Tin Can Island Roads, and Port Harcourt/Enugu Road.

The Association described the deduction from workers’ salaries for the National Housing Fund (NHF) as sheer exploitation and demand that the deduction should be stopped forthwith, saying that it would be forced to resort to whatever necessary labour action it deems appropriate to protect its members from further exploitation of the non-beneficial policies that has serve no member’s interest in the Sector.

The national body of the apex Union in the Oil and Gas industry have also mobilised its members to various Internally Displaced Persons’ centres across the nations to deliver relief materials and alternative conditions of living especially for women and children. It stressed that anything short of purposeful dialogue to resolving the issues will spark the fully mobilized action. The Association’s position is corroborated by the interview granted by Vanguard Sweet Crude on December 2 2014 to Comrade Igwe Achese, as the Chairman of Joint Council NUPENGASSAN, which buttressed the unfathomable industrial action that is looming in the sector .COM

B: Tosin Areo

It is a common trend to see female Nigerian celebrities failing to reveal their virginity status. Recently, Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar has revealed that she is still intact. But reverse is the case for prominent singer, Waje Iruobe who has openly confessed that she is not a virgin.



This came during a question and answer session with the 'Coco Baby" crooner following the release of the single's video with Tanzanian superstar, Diamond Platnumz.

In question posed by a fan "Be honest, are you a Virgin?", Waje replied: "I'm a mother and my name is WAJE not Mary"

The beautiful singer who is set to unveil her own record label soon has also revealed, during the question and answer session, that the craziest thing a male fan had done to her was forcefully trying to kiss her on stage. .COM



BY: AINA TOLULOPE

Award winning music producer Olumide Ogunade a.k.a ID Cabasa is not just lucky but 'over lucky' as it could be revealed that the plane that recently crash landed in Ilorin was meant to take him back to Lagos.

The former Olamide's Boss who took to his Twitter handle to thank God for saving his life said the plane was meant to bring him back to Lagos and while waiting, the plane crash landed.
"@idcabasa_coded: The crash landed plane @ ilorin .... was meant 2 bring me back 2 lag n while waiting, d crash happened n all I can do now is thank God".

"@idcabasa_coded: When travelling and people wish safe journey pls say AMEN,especially when prayed for say amen! God kept me miraculously!" ID Cabasa Tweeted.
It would recalled, earlier this year that the winning Producer and cum Singer, who is responsible for mega hits like Olamide's 'Eni Duro', 9ice's 'Gongo Aso' and Ruggedman's 'Ruggedy baba' reportedly turned a Pastor.
The evil which just avail him could probably be traced to his new devotion to God. NEWSNOWMAGAZINES@GMAIL.COM

BY: AINA TOLULOPE

The Head of Department of General Studies, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Dr. Dele Omojuyigbe has described the invasion of the National Assembly by security operatives as "unconstitutional."



He said it barely 24 hours after Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka expressed similar displeasure over the incident.

Speaking to our correspondent at his office on Wednesday, Omojuyigbe said, "The action is demeaning as a deliberate affront on the legislature as an institution.

"It also shows the level of disrespect for the office of the speaker.IGP SULEIMAN ABBA

"The lawmakers were carrying out their legitimate duties of representing the masses,'' he stated.

‘’It will be recalled that police, suspectedly carrying out the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Suleman Abba when they stormed the NASS, thereby throwing teargas canisters after they failed in their bid to preventing the speaker from accessing the chambers,’’ he Added..COM



BY: Ignatius Igwe

No fewer than nine aspirants left the venue of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos Governorship primaries in the middle of the exercise, apparently, dissatisfied with its conduct.



However, three aspirants, stayed behind. They are: Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Senator Ganiyu Solomon and Mr. Adekunle Disu.

Speaking to journalists in a telephone interview, one of the aspirants who staged a walk out, Mr. Tokunboh Wahab expressed his displeasure about the exercise saying that there were lot of lapses on the part of the committee saddled with the responsibility of the primaries.

He alleged that the party’s delegates list was not made available until the day of election.

Also kicking against the primaries, Mr Adebiyi Afolayan, the media aide to Dr. Leke Pitan, said that his boss is not satisfied with the primaries and he is going to address a press conference tomorrow.

“The position of Dr Leke Pitan about APC governorship primaries would be known tomorrow. So, I don’t want to speak for him but I can tell you confidently that he is not satisfy with the primary,” he said.

It was gathered from a reliable source that the eleven governorship aspirants are set to take the party to court over allegation that the primaries was marred by irregularities.

“I can tell you that my principal and some other aspirants are not satisfied with the outcome of the primaries. In fact the 11 aspirants are going to write a petition to the party leadership. You know some of the aspirants are lawyers so they will address the matter… They are likely to take the party to court if their complaints are not quickly addressed,” the source disclosed..COM

BY: BOITI ADEYEMI

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba has been petitioned by the Lagos state APC Integrity Group calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of a governorship aspirant of the party, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for committing perjury in his INEC form and his JAMB form.



The group in its petition, an electronic copy of which was mailed to iReports-ng.com, stated that “We have just discovered that one of the 13 governorship aspirants of our great party, the APC, in Lagos, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode recently submitted Expression of Interest form wherein he lied under oath that he is an indigene of Lagos state. We wish to draw your attention sir to the fact that the same person had in his JAMB admission form in 1981 also filled his state of origin to be Ondo state. You may also wish to know sir that Mr Ambode had in his application form number JAMB/DE.03 and registration number 646789 filled in his own handwriting that he is an indigene of Ondo state in the portion of the form which asks his state of origin.

“Attempts in recent times by Mr Ambode to claim Epe as his town have been severally rebuffed by leaders of the town. Hence our request to you to use your good office to investigate this obvious case of perjury. Attached herewith are copies of the two forms where the suspect committed the crime for your records, perusal and immediate action.”

It will be recalled that the Edu family of Epe in Lagos east had in May this year come out to disown him, stating that the aspirant is not a member of the family as he has claimed. The Baale Buraimo Edu family he claims to belong to in Epe had issued the statement to disown him. The family, in a release signed by both Alhaji M. Oladeinde Edu and Alhaji T. A. Edu, also insisted that Ambode hailed from Ilaje in Ese Odo area of Ondo State and not from Epe as he claimed.

According to the release, the family stated that the Baale Edu while alive had 22 wives and 38 children and challenged Ambode and his supporters to trace his side of the Edu family tree and name his mother among the 22 wives. According to them “We hereby bring it to the notice of all Lagosians that we have tried but could not trace where the said Akinwumi Ambode belongs in the family tree of Baale Buraimo Edu of Epe.

“At this juncture, we can categorically state here that in actual fact, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode was a son of Festus Akinwale Ambode, one of the teachers posted to Epe in the old Western Region; a native of Ilaje Ese Odo in the present day Ondo State.

“As a school teacher, the elder Ambode was very familiar and friendly with several Epe indigenes. The older Ambode came to Epe through the waterways. He came with his wife, Christianah Oluleye Ambode (nee Oresanya), who though initially did not stay with him which made the older Ambode marry a second wife, an Epe daughter, popularly called ‘Iya Vice from Poka, Epe.

“She was a food seller in Epe Grammar School. This development led to Akinwunmi Ambode’s mother who also hails from Ilaje Ese Odo in Ondo State to eventually relocate to Epe to stay with her husband,” the family said.

According to Edu family, at death, Ambode’s father’s corpse was taken back to Ilaje, Ondo State for burial in line with the dictates of tradition and royalty as he was a prince, adding that, “The royalty from the kingdom came with the full royal insignia and ferried his remains back to Ilaje land for interment.

According to iReports-ng.com, the group stated that: “With these facts stated above, it is a rude shock to the entire clan of the Edus in Epe that the said Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode is laying claims to being a clan of the Edus. We reject this linkage, both paternal and maternal, or even marital,” the family said.

It will be recalled that Paparazzi Magazine carried a cover story on the state of origin on Ambode's Jamb form and why he may not be fit to contest for governorship as a Lagosian. We also told you that the issue of state of origin, forgery and perjury is not unique to Ambode as his godfather the Asiwaju was also bedevilled by same and till this day remains uncleared.

BY: BOITI ADEYEMI ATAYESE

Akinwunmi Ambode, one of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Lagos State governorship aspirants was on Friday morning declared winner of governorship primary election held at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos Island.



NEWSNOW gathered that not less than 6,000 delegates from 20 local government areas in the state took part in the exercise but the outcome of the primary indicated that total votes garnered during the exercise is equal to 5366.

Ambode polled 3, 735 votes to defeat 13 other aspirants.

Obafemi Hamzat, who came second, recorded 1,201 votes.

The former chairman of Mushin Local Government, Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, came third, polling 272 votes, followed by the Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, in forth position with 182 votes.

The votes recorded by the aspirants are stated below:

Akin Ambode – 3, 375 votes

Obafemi Hamzat – 1, 201 votes

Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon – 272 votes

Adeyemi Ikuforiji – 182 votes

Olasupo Shasore – 121 votes

Leke Pitan – 112 votes

Tola Kasali -69 votes

Tayo Ayinde – 17 votes

Adekunle Disu – 9 votes

Tokunbo Wahab – 8 votes

Tokunbo Agbesowa – No vote

Abayomi Sote – No vote

Lanre Ope – No vote

APC leader Ahmed Asiwaju Tinubu has urged all the party members and all aspirants to accept the result of the primary as the choice of the party..COM

BY: Ifedayo Akinwalere

Nigerians decry the rate at which the Nigerian movie industry continue to stream out pornographic movies rather than releasing educative content into the market, raising doubt about the effectiveness of the Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board.



By Philips Sunday

Gone are days, when the norms and ethics of the Nigerian culture and tradition were embedded in the film production of the Nigerian movie industry, ‘Nollywood’. But reverse seems to be the case this days as the Nollywood has lost its African bite and uniqueness.

Legendary actors like Olu Jacobs, Nkem Owoh, Liz Benson, Joke Silva, Bukky Ajayi, Chinwe Owoh, Regina Askia and many more have been known over the years not only for their acting prowess, but the decency in their work. It can be recalled that the Nigerian actors and actresses then had upper hand over their Ghanaian counterparts in terms of good script, great directing and productivity, as well as the cinematography aspect of the movie.

Two decades ago, Nigeria movie industry garnered publicity with the kind of movies that the producers where streaming out, these movies gained recognition within and outside the country, due to its informative and educative content, the Nollywood then was known for the cultural heritage of Nigeria showcased in its movie scenes, with many suggesting that the industry in no time will meet up with its European counterparts in terms of professionalism and otherwise.

Some of the movies that caught the attention of the movie fanatics:

MovieProducerProduction Date

Glamour GirlsKenneth Nnebue1994

DomitilaZeb Ejiro1996

Living in BondageKenneth Nnebue1992

Score to SettleSunny Collins1998

HostagesTade Ogidan1996

Most WantedDozie Eriobu1996

Diamond RingTade Ogidan1998

Osuofia in LondonKingsley Ogoro2003

This were the golden era of Nollywood, where script was well read, prepared and understood but it is acted, in this time, Nollywood movies where rich with proverbs, like “the bird that chooses to perch on the rope must be prepared to dance with that rope”, used in the movie Conspiracy and Misconception. Not this days when Chinwetalu Agu mutters one single line throughout the entire movie. Then producers like Teco Benson, Tade Ogidan and Kingsley Ogoro a lot others, were stunning out movies with excellent storyline, well directed by directors who went extra miles in bringing out the best out of the script with their creative mindsets.

It came not as a shock to many Nigerians when Nollywood icons like Patience Ozorkwo, Omotala Jalade, Olu Jacobs and his wife Joke Silva, and Kenneth Nnebue were recently recognized for their excellent acting prowess by the Federal Republic of Nigeria with some receiving the centenary award to mark Nigeria 100 years of existence, while some were awarded with the Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR) on September 29 at a ceremony in Abuja.

The decadence expressed by the producers, directors and actors in the Nigeria movie industry, calls for questioning if the industry has suddenly lost its culture and discipline, when the movie Room 027 produced by Damijo Efe Young was released in 2013, Nigerians criticized the film but one of the actors in the movie Collins Owochei defended it stating that Nigerians are hypocrites for making so much noise about the movie, saying that most of the people who criticized the film, watched all episodes of Spartacus in the comfort of their living room and nobody gave a hoot about it.

However, years of hard work by the legends of Nollywood, where many won different numerous awards within and outside the country, has been thrown into dungeon by some star-starved individuals, who due to lack of employment, saw Nollywood has a dumping ground for their nudity. The Nigerian movie industry is far from what many where use to, the creative intellectual efforts usually witnessed in production has diminished no thanks to the nonchalant attitude, nepotism and selfish mentality of some people who call their selves actors and actresses.

It came as a shock to Nigerians when a soft porn film “Destructive Instinct 3&4” produced by Judith Opara Mazagwu popularly known as Afrocandy, was not banned by the Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board, after the review of this film it was discovered by many that script in question had no message what so ever rather than the showcasing of nudity, which definitely was the main objectives of the producer.

With the rate at which the producers continue to roll out this soft porn films, the effectiveness of the Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board has been question, with many claiming that is adequate measures are not take in a quick manner, the Nollywood has it is known wide world might metamorphosed into Pornwood in the future.

Yet with this porn stories called movies by the films makers, the Nigerian Film and Video Censorship Board claims it has no idea these movies exist..COM

THE unending war between President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers took a new twist on Tuesday as the former accused the latter of causing 'democratic lapses,' as contained in a statement in a national tabloid.



This is coming barely two months ahead of the 2015 general elections which Jonathan is vying for a second term.

Describing the governor as trying to be undemocratic, Jonathan noted with dismay how Amaechi was heating the polity.

"Amaechi is a man who is obviously confused. He never contested the 2011 elections.

"Yet he headed for the Supreme Court which sacked then Governor Celestine Omehia.

"Now he is saying they (the APC) won't go to court should they lose next year.

"Will forming a parallel government be in the best interest of our dear country?" .COM



BY: IGNATIUS IGWE

Twelve members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, lost their reelection bid.



Abdulrazaq Balogun (Chief Whip, Surulere 2); Ajibayo Adeyeye (Majority Leader); Mufutau Egberongbe (Apapa 1); Hodewu Suru Avoseh (Badagry 2); Wahab Alawiye-King (Lagos Island 2) and Masha Hakeem Agboola (Lagos Island 1).

Others are: Omowunmi Olatunji-Edet (Oshodi-Isolo 2); Ramota Akinola-Hassan, (Amuwo Odofin 2); Bashiru Oloto (Lagos Mainland 2); Kabir Lawal (Surulere 1); Ahmed Ipoola Omisore(Ifako Ijaiye 2); Adebimpe Akinsola (Ikorodu 2) all lost out to “new comers”.

Olatunji-Edet was defeated by Ladi Ajomale, son of the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Henry Oladele Ajomale.

It was a landslide victory as Ajomale’s son polled 250 votes; Moroof Ojoola polled 58 votes. Olatunji-Edet could only muster 37 votes.

The story was more pathetic for Omisore. He could only muster four delegate votes.

The Ifako-Ijaye Constituency 2 ticket was won by “newcomer” Rasheed Makinde, who polled 103 votes to push former chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Benjamin Olabinjo, to second place with 93 votes.

In Amuwo Odofin Constituency 2, incumbent Ramota Akinola-Hassan was defeated by another “newcomer”, Wale Raufu.

In Lagos Mainland Constituency 1, former local government chairman Oladele Adekanye, a.k.a. Lado, defeated incumbent Bashiru Oloto.

Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot beat incumbent Kabir Lawal in Surulere Constituency 1.

Twenty-four lawmakers defeated their opponents.

They include Deputy Speaker Kolawole Musbau Taiwo (Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency 1); his counterpart in Constituency 2, Abdul Baq Ladi Balogun; Mudasiru Obasa (Agege Constituency 1); his counterpart in Constituency 2, Yinka Ogundimu; Bisi Yusuf (Alimoso Constituency 1); Sikiru Osinowo (Kosofe Constituency 1); Princess Adefunmilayo Tejuoso (Mushin Constituency 1); Dayo Saka Fafunmi (Ifako-Ijaye Constituency 1); Lanre Ogunyemi (Ojo Constituency 2); his counterpart in Constituency 1, Muhibat Rufai-Adeyemi and Moshood Lanre Oshun (Lagos Mainland Constituency 2).

Others are: Olanrewaju Layode (Badagry 1); Olumuyiwa Jimoh (Apapa 2); Sanai Agunbiade (Ikorodu 1); Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) and his counterpart in Eti-Osa 1, Alimi Ademola; Segun Olulade (Epe 2) and his counterpart in Epe 1, Abiodun Tobun; Deputy Chief Whip Rotimi Abiru (Somolu 2) and his counterpart in Somolu 1, Rotimi Olowo; Omotayo Oduntan (Alimosho 2); Sultan Adeniji-Adele (Amuwo Odofin 1); Mojeed Fatai Adebola (Ibeju-Lekki 1) and his counterpart in Ibeju-Lekki 2, Kazeem Raheem Adewale.

There was a stalemate in Kosofe 2 Constituency and in the rerun which took place yesterday, Majority Leader Ajibayo Adeyeye lost to Tunde Buraimoh.

Adeyeye scored 173, Buraimoh scored 230, Olojo Kosoko one and Olu .COM

BY: BOITI ATAYESE ADEYEMI

Four people were feared dead in the primary exercise held at the Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC).



The primary took place at an arena in Ebute-Metta, Lagos Mainland Constituency 1, where the battle to pick who becomes the party's standard bearer in the state House of Assembly poll for 2015 resulted in picking incumbents Hon. Bashiru Oloto and Hon. Oladele Adekanye.

Adekanye, who is the immediate chairman of Mainland Local Government and popularly addressed as Lado, defeated the current occupier, Oloto.

Violence was said to have erupted following the announcement of the result by the returning officer as the camp of the loser was said to have felt aggrieved, complaining of manipulation to favour a particular candidate.

Also, it was gathered that unspecified number of people feared dead in Ojokoro in Ifako/Ijaiye Constituency, soon after the results of the exercise was announced, arising from protest by some who were said to have felt aggrieved about the way and manner the exercise was conducted by party officials.

However, police were said to have moved in to arrest the situation and restore peace to the affected areas.

Notwithstanding, Jibril, son of the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, scaled the huddle to defeat a hip-hop artiste, Kenny St Brown and two others to become the party's standardbearer for Ikeja 1 Constituency where the Speaker, Hon. Adeyeye Ikuforiji is currently representing.

Also a son of the Lagos APC chairman, Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale, defeated a sitting lawmaker, Hon. (Mrs) Omowunmi Olatunji- Edet in the exercise to pick the party's candidate for Osodi/Isolo Constituency.

The Tuesday's primary exercise of APC recorded major upset as more sitting lawmakers lost their seats to their opponents, majority of who are greenhorns.

The casualties, who were led by the House Majority Leader, Hon. Adebayo Adeyeye, include Hon. Ipoola Omisoro, Hon. Kabiru Lawal, who gave way to a Nollywood artiste, Dismond Elliot, Hon. Muftau Egberongbe, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, Hon. Akeem Masha, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, Hon. Ramota Akinola-Hassan, Hon. Suruh Avoseh, among others.

Lawmakers, who won their party primaries, include the Deputy Speaker, Hon.Kolawole Taiwo, who scored 131 votes to beat his opponent who polled 105 and Hon. Rotimi Abiru, who polled 144 against his rival, who scored 80 votes..COM

BY: Ifedayo Akinwalere

FMR Acting Governor
FMR Acting Governor

Former Acting Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Garba Umar yesterday alleged that the state government and its cabal have concluded plans to intimidate and arrest him and his core supporters on trump up charges.



Umar Gubernatorial Campaign Organization in a statement on Wednesday said the state government resorted to the infamous plot to ensure that the Former Acting Governor is denied every opportunity to participate in the governorship elections after all other plans had failed to stop him.

The statement signed by its Campaign Director General Ahmed Yusuf said the plan includes investigation of some spurious allegations against the former Acting Governor and some of his principal officers, so as to distract them from the election process.

He alleged that agents of the state government also plan to invite law enforcement officers from outside the state to start a physical campaign of intimidation, harassment and arbitrary arrest of citizens on trump up charges with a view to frightening them into submission or withdrawing their support for Alhaji Garba Umar.

According to Yusuf, desperate politicians have hijacked the State Government and commence a comprehensive campaign of calumny, harassment, intimidation and arrest of Umar's political opponents.

Yusuf said the plan follows the state government "failure to assert its authority and influence on the political will of the citizens with a view to wrestling the control of PDP members from Alh. Garba Umar."

The campaign director alleged that the Acting Governor Alh. Sani Abubakar Danladi early this week had summoned a meeting with members of the State House of Assembly, PDP state executive committee members, local government chairmen and some party stakeholders and directed them to return all government anointed candidates during the forth coming, state and federal national assembly as well as the governorship congresses.

"This threat has so far failed as the delegates have remained resolute and unperturbed and are resolved to elect leaders of their choice."

"The overwhelming members of the party and other electorates in the state are defiantly standing by the Former Acting Governor, Alh. Garba Umar as they trooped out in thousands on Tuesday to welcome him to Jalingo since his ouster by the Supreme Court.

The Campaign Organisation,however, appealed to its supporters to remain calm and resolute so as not to provide the government’s agents the tools to blackmail and arrest them.

"We are also appealing to the law enforcement agencies in the state to remain neutral so as to provide all aspirants and their supporters a level playing field to participate in the election process,"it stated..COM



BY: AYO OLOYE

Reigning World player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentina and Barcelona ace Lionel Messi and German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer have been selected as the final three for the 2014 Fifa Ballon D'or award.

Ronaldo is favourite for the award after scoring 51 goals last season to help Real Madrid win the Uefa Champions League. He has also started this season in blistering note, scoring 20 goals in 12 La Liga games so far.

Lionel messi on the other hand didn't have the best of times in the 2013-14 season but won the best player award at the Brazil 2014 World Cup. He has enjoined a good run of form in recent weeks setting new goals scoring records in both the Spanish La Liga and the Uefa Champions League.

German World Cup winning goalkeeper is bidding to be only the second goalkeeper after Lev Yashin in 1963 to win the coveted prize.

In the women category, German Nadine Kessler, Marta of Brazil and Abby Wambach of the USA are to justle for the best female player of the year. While Real Madrids Carlo Ancelloti, Germany World Cup winning coach Joachim Low and Atletico Madrids Diego Simeone were shortlisted for the best coach of the year..COM

The Award ceremony is slated for Zurich, Switzerland on the 12th of January 2015.

BY: ODIDIKA CHARLES

30 Nov 2014 05:45 Print Email
GOV. FASHOLA IN THE MIDDLE
GOV. FASHOLA IN THE MIDDLE

Recalls that strike period, for which payment is being sought, coincides with outbreak of EVD when doctors shunned all entreaties to assist in containment efforts.

The Lagos State Government Sunday reiterated that it has always paid the salaries of all her employees, doctors inclusive, when due.

Some doctors working in the State Government’s hospitals had early last week staged a demonstration alleging that the State Government owed them an unspecified amount of money covering their salaries for July and August this year.

But debunking the allegation, the Government said the complaint by the doctors refers to July and August 2014 during which period the affected doctors went on strike adding that their salaries were not paid in accordance with the Government’s policy of “No Work, No Pay”.

Government also recalled, with regrets, that the period of the doctors’ strike unfortunately coincided with the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in Lagos State pointing out that all entreaties to the striking doctors to see reasons and call off the strike were ignored.

In a Statement, jointly signed by Chairman, Health Service Commission, Dr. M.O. Salako and Chairman, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. O. Williams, the State Government said it has promptly resumed payment of salaries of the Doctors since they resumed work.

The Statement, which reiterated that the State Government’s Policy of “No Work, No Pay” was still in force, pointed out that the Policy was informed by the fact that it was unjustifiable for any worker to be paid for work not done maintaining that any group of its employees that embarked on strike in contravention of the laid-down procedures governing such actions would be so treated for the period of strike.

Assuring all citizens of the administration’s commitment to its responsibilities of protecting life and property in the State at all times, the Statement reiterated, “Government's policy of “No work, No pay” remains in force meaning you cannot be paid for work not done”..COM



BY: IFEDAYO AKINWALERE