Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, says ranching policy is the best option in addressing herders/farmers clashes in the state.

Lalong who stated this on Saturday in Jos at the 3rd Annual Plateau Prayer Day, described grazing reserve and cattle colony as outdated.

He said, “My administration didn’t embrace the concept of grazing reserves as a solution to abating the series of clashes.

“In the 21st Century and modern times they are outdated, unacceptable and recurrent recipe for crises as we have been witnessing.

“Rather, as first step in policy advocacy and adoption, government set up a 14-man high powered committee in June 2016 to study and advise on the new policy of ranching,” he explained.

The governor stated that the committee worked diligently and presented the report of its findings and recommendations.

According to him, the committee conducted series of sensitisation and held consultative meetings with groups including government, religious leaders, elders, youths and traditional rulers.

“These interest groups that cut across Plateau had accepted, unequivocally, the strategic initiative and concept of ranching as being the best alternative practised universally.

“It is therefore worthy to note that there is nothing on the part of this administration like accepting or endorsing grazing reserve and/or grazing bill or cattle colony,” he added.

He stated that his administration had not ceded any part of the state, as being peddled by rumour mongers and mischief makers on the social media.

Lalong assured that government was determined to amicably address the outdated grazing issues for the overall benefit of Nigerians.

The governor commended the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau Chapter and the Church in the state for their tremendous support, understanding and cooperation to his administration.

He urged the men of God in the spirit of King Solomon to continue praying for more wisdom for the administration to achieve more for good of the people.

Rev. Dr Stephen Dangana, Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in his sermon charged the people of the state to embrace love.

Dangana who read from the Gospel of John 15: 12-14 said that unity could not be achieved except the people are bound together by love.

The cleric said that the crises across the country were because of the absence of love.

“True love is the only foundation that can build the state and country, because it is the strongest force for unity.”

Rev. Soja Bewarang, Plateau CAN Chairman equally urged the people to continue to pray for the nation and its leaders as prayer can never be enough.

The day of prayer featured song ministrations from choirs of different denominations.

http://www.metronaija.ng/rejected-cattle-colony-plateau-gov-lalong/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

After Big Brother Naija housemate, Khloe naked photos surfaced online, she has been named Mrs Controversial in the Big Brother house. Yesterday, Khloe and K Brule were seen in bed as they both confessed their love for each other. Last night, Khloe was trying to have a romantic kiss with K Brule but it seems K Brule was not in the mood or not just ready for romance in the house.

Is K Brule another Bassey of last season of Big Brother Naija.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTKf4--fXzA

http://www.metronaija.ng/video-bbnaija-housemate-k-brule-denies-khloe-romantic-kiss/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Popular Big Brother Naija host, Ebuka pictured on stage as he opens big brother naija season 3 tonight in his amazing suit which was designed but Mai Atafo.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-ebuka-looks-dapper-bbnaija-season-3-begins/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-big-brother-naija-season-3-red-carpet/

www.metronaija.com brings to you exclusive photos from the bbnaija season opening show tonight in South Africa. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-big-brother-naija-season-3-red-carpet/

President Muhammadu Buhari has been selected as African Union’s Anti-Corruption Year Champion at the 30th Africa Union Summit ongoing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Buhari’s selection came hours after he spoke on the topic, his was made known by the Personal Assistant to Buhari on New Media, Bashir Ahmad

Details later….

http://www.metronaija.ng/au-names-buhari-africas-anti-corruption-champion-year/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Two of Nigeria’s leading pop singers, Kiss Daniel and Mayorkun, have been announced as performing artistes for this season’s Big Brother Naija launch show.

The highly anticipated reality show returns for a third season on Sunday, 28 January 2018 at 7pm WAT and will be available to viewers on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 29.

Multiple Headies Award winner and FLYBOI I.N.C label owner, Kiss Daniel shot into fame with his single ‘Woju’ in 2015. Since then, he has continued to dominate the airwaves with different chart topping songs including crowd favorite ‘Yeba’. With over 5 million views on YouTube with hit single ‘Eleko’, talented singer, Mayorkun proved he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. His latest single ‘che che’ is currently enjoying massive airplay as he shows no signs of backing down.

Audiences in Nigeria and across Africa will on Sunday enjoy electrifying performances by these artistes, while they get to meet the selected housemates who will battle for the grand prize of an SUV and N45million worth of prizes.

The Big Brother Naija reality show starts on Sunday, 28 January at 7pm WAT. The show is on 24/7 and available on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 29.

http://www.metronaija.ng/bbnaija-mayorkun-kiss-daniel-perform-launch-show/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

''When last did ur mum deep her throat on ur dad D****k. I have been serving ur dad well. Wat matters is I'm getting paid. U can still dm me if ur dad need my attention. Notice ! He must worth $1billion. So I can take his d***k to another level''he wrote

http://www.metronaija.ng/dm-dad-needs-attention-Mouth Gig-bobrisky/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Falconets have qualified for the U-20 world cup which will be hosted by France, Falconets beat South Africa in Benin city by 6-0 making it an aggregate of 8 goals to nil.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-falconets-qualify-u-20-world-cup/

The Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have rescued two South-Africans who were kidnap at a mining site in Kaduna State.

IRT commander, ACP Abba Kyari, told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Saturday that some members of the kidnap gang were also arrested.

Kyari said that Messrs Thomas Arnold and Hendrick Gideon were kidnapped at a mining site in Maidaro Village on Jan. 23 and taken to Birnin Gwari forest in Kaduna State.

He said the victims were rescued on Saturday morning following intense pressure jointly mounted on the kidnappers by the IRT, Police Air Wing helicopter patrol and Kaduna State Command Police.

“The victims were moved from Kaduna to Abuja this morning and were handed over to the South African Embassy and their company representative for medicals and other immediate needs.

“Victims are in good health and have given useful information to the police that will help in further investigation.
“Some suspects were arrested and serious efforts are on to arrest other gang members,” Kyari said.

NAN recalls that on Saturday Jan. 23, two Americans and two Canadians, kidnapped on Jan. 23 along Jere-Kagarko Road in Kaduna State, were rescued on Tuesday.

Two policemen were killed by the gunmen during the kidnap incident while two of the suspected kidnappers were arrested.

Those rescued were; Nate Vangeest and Rachel Kelley (Canadians) as well as John Kirlin and Dean Slocum (U.S. citizens)

The victims were handed over to the American Embassy in Abuja for medical attention and other immediate needs.

http://www.metronaija.ng/police-rescue-2-south-africans-kidnappers-kaduna/

President Buhari being presented a bouquet of flowers by Princess Chidinma Nwoke Ben as he arrives Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Her mother Dr Mrs Nwoke Opusunju looks on.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-little-girl-presents-flowers-buhari-arrives-ethiopia/

A Nigerian couple have proved that less is more after their very simple wedding went viral and became a trending topic on social media.

Mr James and Mrs Blessing got married on a weekday with only 7 guests in attendance. The bride was dressed in a purple gown, not the traditional wedding dress, for her wedding. They were joined in holy matrimony in a Catholic Church and that was the end. There was no reception or any further ceremony.

The couple looked comfortable enough so it was clear they didn't have a simple wedding because of lack of funds. A witness, who was in church praying when they came in for their wedding, was impressed by this and he shared their story on social media.

Read Cyril Akpan's account of the wedding below.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-nigerian-couple-hold-simple-wedding-weekday-7-guests/

Mo Abudu, the executive producer of 'The Wedding Party 2' just confirmed that the project is now officially the highest grossing Nollywood movie of all time after raking in a whooping 467 million naira in 5-weeks.

The movie hit the cinemas on December 19, 2017 and according to Mo,

'Yipee! Yes we did it. The Wedding Party 2 - Destination Dubai is now the highest grossing Nollywood movie of all time. Breaking the record we had last year. A big thank you to everyone that has contributed to this recording breaking achievement. God bless and keep you all and may you all continue to break global records in all you do. #TWP2is still showing in cinemas nationwide, so you can still watch it with friends and loved ones '.

http://www.metronaija.ng/wedding-party-2-earned-n467m-5-weeks-mo-abudu/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-guy-shuts-market-state-propose-girlfriend-8-years/

The proposal of an Anambra "big boy" to his girlfriend led to heavy traffic in the busy Eke-Awka market in Anambra state, and, honestly, it's quite hilarious to watch.

Okoli Vincent Chinedu AKA Venom pulled a very public proposal surrounded by his friends and some homeless beggars.



In the video currently trending online, venom is seen with balloons walking towards the girl, whose name has been given as Nicole. On getting to the location, he is seen speaking to his love interest, but she seemed uninterested and kept turning away from him as he handed her the balloons. He eventually left the balloons to float then went on one knee to pop the question.

The woman turned away from him and started to walk away, probably because she was shy, but his friends stopped her and spoke to her. The man stood from his position then walked to her and knelt again. After a long while, the woman reluctantly stretched out her hand and the man slipped the ring on her finger. He then stood and tried to kiss her but she moved her face so his kiss landed on her cheek. He stopped trying to kiss her then hugged her instead but she kept her hand by her side, refusing to hug him back.

The man, whose trousers was way down his waist, seemed not to notice her reluctance and started jubilating with his friends. They popped a bottle of wine and poured on him. He then took off his top and changed into a t-shirt that had Hubby 01 written on the back. The girlfriend was also handed a white t-shirt with Wife 01 written on it which she didn't seem too eager to wear. She wore it after much cajoling.

According to his brother who shared the proposal online, Venom, from Isiagu Amikwo in Awka, and Nicole have been together for 8 years and have a son together. The proposal took place on Jan 19, 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-guy-shuts-market-state-propose-girlfriend-8-years/

Over the weekend, Ghanaian actor John Dumelo shared a post on Instagram that led many of his fans and the media to believe that he had just proposed to his mystery girlfriend who said YES!

Dumelo shared a photo of a lady's hands with an engagement ring and simply captioned it, 'She said YES'.


True story is the actor actually took the shine off his friend's proposal to his girlfriend with the post.

Turns out Ghanaian actor, John Dumelo isn

It was his best friend, Fred Nuamah (Chief Executive of Ghana Movie Awards) who proposed to his girlfriend of many years, Martekor aboard a flight to Liberia where they were all headed to attend the inauguration ceremony of President elect, George Weah.

http://www.metronaija.ng/john-dumelo-isnt-engaged/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Chief Olu Falae, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Sunday explained why arsonists suspected to be Fulani herdsmen burnt his farmland at Imafon in Akure South Local government area of Ondo state

The retired top civil servant said such deliberate setting of farms on fire is done by herdsmen every year so that they can get food for their cattle.

He said, “They burnt the farm so that in the next few days, fresh grass will spring up which their cattle will later feed on. This is what the Fulani herdsmen do every year. The oil palm plantation was affected as well as some parts of the yam and cassava plantations”

“As I speak to you, the farm is burning. I had to call the commissioner of police, Gbenga Adeyanju who detailed the Akure Area Commander to go with my Personal Assistant and Farm Manager to the farm.” Falae said.

Falae also said Federal Government’s bid to establish cattle colonies would not be allowed in the South west.

” This is not about politics but the future of our people. We will resist any attempt to introduce any cattle colonies”

http://www.metronaija.ng/herdsmen-burnt-farm-olu-falae/

Super Eagles player, Kenneth Omeruo and his wife Chioma Nnamani who got married at the end of last year in Enugu state stepped out stylishly this morning for thanksgiving in Church.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-kenneth-omeruo-wife-step-style-thanksgiving/

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, addressing the All Progressives Congress faithful during a sensitisation rally ahead of the forthcoming local government election in the state, at the state secretariat of the party, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-crowd-oyo-apc-local-government-rally-ibadan/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The scheduled arraignment of Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman, Innoson Motors Nigeria Limited, on charges bordering on fraud was stalled on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 following his absence in court.



Chukwuma was to be arraigned alongside his company and one Charles Chukwuma on a 4-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by fals pretence and forgery before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.


The defendants allegedly committed the offence between 2009 and July 2011 in Lagos. They were said to have conspired to obtain by false pretence containers of motorcycle spare parts and raw materials, which were property of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) from Mitsui OSK Lines Limited, Apapa, Lagos.


They also allegedly induced staff of Mitsui OSK and Maersk Line to deliver to them, via their clearing agents , the goods that were imported from China in the name of GTB by falsely pretending that they were authorised by the bank to clear the goods.

The defendants were also said to have forged a bill of lading numbered 598286020 of Maersk Line Limited and 11007950841 of Mutsui O.S.K Lines by knowingly putting a false GTB stamp and signature of the bank staff.


When the matter was called, counsel to the defendants, U. Onwukwe, told court that he had filed an application dated January 15, 2018 challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case. "My client has not been served. We got to know of this matter on social media." ...
However, the prosecuting counsel, Zainab Ettu, told the court that the defendants had been evading service.


A mild drama however ensued when Justice Dada asked the EFCC counsel to pass an advanced copy of the charge to Onwukwe as a form of service. Onwukwe objected to be served, stating that he could not accept the advanced copy of the charge as a form of service to the defendants.


The judge, therefore, ordered EFCCcounsel to "put the copy of the charge on the table, if he refuses to accept it." Consequently, Justice Dada adjourned till February 9, 2018 for possible arraignment.

http://www.metronaija.ng/innosons-absence-court-stalls-arraignment-fraud-charges-efcc/

cc: lalasticlala mynd444

The Kanyan Zance cultural rights to marry one of the daughters of the present Kano state Governor was performed by the Ajimobis today.

Back in November 2017, the wedding ceremonies between Fatima, a daughter of Governor Ganduje, and Abolaji - the only son of the Oyo state Governor Abiola Ajimobi officially kicked off with an introduction.

After a marriage proposal is tendered to the bride’s family and they have accepted, according to cultural rights, the groom’s family is to provide a number of items for the bride..this is called “Kayan Zance” and was done by the Ajimobi family today. See more pics below.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-lavish-gifts-given-ganduje-family-family-governor-ajimobi/

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday allayed the fears of residents over the resurgence of waste on major highways and streets, assuring that the State Government is on top of the situation and working round the clock to make it a thing of the past.

Speaking at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja after inaugurating new board of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) now to be headed by a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police as Corps Marshal, Daniel Isiofia, Governor Ambode said the new waste management policy of government encapsulated in the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) was designed to holistically address the challenges in the sector, and that all hands were already on deck to confront the initial hitches with the transition period.

He said adequate officials of LAGESC transformed from the former Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), have been employed to police all nooks and crannies of the State to curb indiscriminate dumping of waste and other acts inimical to clean, hygienic and sustainable environment.

Governor Ambode, who was represented at the inauguration by his Special Adviser on Education, Mr Obafela Bank-Olemoh, said concerted efforts were ongoing to clear the heaps of refuse across the metropolis, and assured that there would be marked improvement in coming days.

He said: “We are all living witnesses to the restructuring we are trying to do in the environmental sector. That restructuring culminated in the introduction of CLI which is focused at ensuring that the way we clean Lagos is comparable to what is being done in first class cities in the world.

“As a result, we are changing the way environment in Lagos is being managed and to help us to achieve that, this Sanitation Corp is important. But more importantly now is to speak to the fact that yes, we are having some challenges in the area of waste management in Lagos today. We all live in Lagos but I want to reaffirm that we are doing everything to ensure that this becomes a thing of the past.”

The Governor, who recalled similar challenges in the State in 1999 under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressed optimism in the workability of the new initiative, saying that the challenges with the teething stages would soon be over.

“Let me assure the people that in the coming weeks, there will be improvement. We are already witnessing a high-level of improvement; we promise that throughout this week and throughout next week, people will see a marked improvement in our State as more equipment come in to the country and we are able to deploy the equipment accordingly.

“But beyond the fact that we are clearing waste, the CLI is also ensuring that we have landfill sites not dumping sites but landfill sites where the waste we are generating in Lagos can be recycled, re-engineered and also resold so that we can create wealth and a new business for Lagosians to tap into.”

Speaking further, the Governor said: “Another key aspect of the initiative is that it will create jobs. As we speak to you, we have employed over 8500 new street sweepers that are being deployed across the State and the target is 27,500. So, every part of Lagos will have street sweepers that are unique to them and live in their neighborhood. Once again, I want to reassure the people that we are on top of the issues here; we promise that you will see a marked improvement and we are totally committed to that. God helping us, we will deliver one of the cleanest cities in the world,” the Governor said.

Besides, Governor Ambode said the support of residents was key to the success of the new initiative, and urged the people to team up with his administration to achieve the overall objective to deliver a clean, hygienic and sustainable environment.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris said the need for the new environmental initiative became imperative owing to the fact that there was need for a review of the old system to tackle emerging challenges.

Idris, who said there was correlation between environment and health, particularly urged LAGESC to efficiently and effectively perform its duty, just as he underscored the need for the people to support government.

“The State Government will do its bit; that is why we are here; that is why everybody is working round the clock to ensure we get things done but the people themselves have a serious role to play in terms of their behavior, personal sanitation, what to do with waste and also the people must understand that whatever disease that befall them is due to their own personal behavior because they need to complement the activities of government.

“All of us have a role to play in keeping Lagos healthy because there is a connection between health, environment and security,” Idris said.

On his part, Isiofia thanked Governor Ambode for the opportunity to serve the people, assuring that his men will hit the ground running in line with the mandate to keep the State clean.

He said though the starting point may be difficult but assured that every efforts would be made to change the face of Lagos for good.

http://www.metronaija.ng/return-waste-top-situation-ambode/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

According to Adeyanju Deji,

I have dragged President Buhari to court over his appointment of NIA, DG. It is tribalism taken too far.The president didn’t comply with Federal Character as stipulated in Section 14 (3) of our constitution All security heads appointed by him are all from the same region -NORTH

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-adeyanju-deji-drags-buhari-court-appointment-nia-dg/

Governors of Jigawa, Kogi, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau states and Deputy Gov. of Osun state visit Benue state Gov. Gov Samuel Ortom on the matter of the unfortunate recent killings in the state.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-governors-visit-governor-ortom-recent-killings-benue/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Sokoto State Government distributes 45,000 desks, 160,000 instructional materials to schools.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-gov-tambuwal-distributes-45000-desks-160000-instructional-materials-schools/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Former chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Umeh, has been sworn in as the senator representing Anambra central. Umeh took over from Uche Ekwunife who was sacked by the appeal court following an appeal brought to it by Umeh. The court ordered a rerun election which took place on Saturday January 13th.

At the election that took place in six local governments, Umeh polled 64, 878 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate who came second with 975 votes.

He was sworn into the senate this morning.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-ex-apga-chairman-victor-umeh-sworn-senator/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (#FEC) MEETING WED. 17JAN2018 AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, STATE HOUSE ABUJA.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-buhari-presides-fec-meeting/

Imo state Governor Rochas Okorocha at the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the Heroes Square Owerri on Monday, January 15, 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-okorocha-wears-army-uniform-armed-forces-remembrance-day-owerri/

President Buhari met with Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara over the security situation in Benue State and other parts of the country.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-buhari-saraki-dogara-meet-security-situation-benue/

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Saturday sacked the Caretaker Committee chairmen of Phalga, Obio/Akpor, and Ikwerre local government areas of the state.

In a statement, the Governor’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu said the three caretaker committee chairmen were fired for collecting illegal revenues from companies.

This comes months after Governor Wike warned public officials and agencies against collecting revenues illegally from residents and businesses.

The governor had repeatedly warned that he would not hesitate to sack caretaker committee chairman and council workers who engage in the illegal collection of revenue.

http://www.metronaija.ng/gov-wike-sacks-3-lg-caretaker-committee-chairmen/

cc: lalastoclala mynd44

No doubt, African musicians have recorded huge success from their music craft. Success in form of “Good Name”, “Fame” and most essentially, “Money”.

Meanwhile, American top business magazine, Forbes Magazine has released a list of top 10 richest African musician. The list featured Nigerian artistes like Davido, Wizkid, Don Jazzy and other artistes from other African countries.

The list was compiled considering factors like endorsement, popularity, show rates, sales, awards, YouTube views, appearance in newspapers, investment, social media presence, influence and others.

Below is Forbes’ list of op 10 richest African musicians;

1. AKON

With over 35 million albums sold all over the world, Akon has won numerous awards including five Grammy Award nominations and has 45 Billboard Hot 100 songs under his belt. He tops the list according to Forbes Africa.

2. BLACK COFFEE, SOUTH AFRICA

He is a multi-award-winning artist’s with real name. Nkosinathi Maphumulo. He was born in South Africa’s house music province, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and raised in the Eastern Cape province, where Nelson Mandela hailed from, before moving back to KZN to study music. So far his music journey has been financially smooth and he’s ranked second on the list of Africa’s richest artiste by Forbes.

3. HUGH MASEKELA, SOUTH AFRICA

Third on this list is Hugh who was born in Witbank, east of Johannesburg. He has released more than 43 albums and performed with Marvin Gaye, Dizzy Gillespie, The Byrds, Fela Kuti, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Miriam Makeba.

4. DON JAZZY, NIGERIA

Don Jazzy is ranked fourth richest in Africa and also first in Nigeria. Like many artists, his real name is Michael Collins Ajereh, and he started playing music as a child in church before moving to the UK to pursue his career.

5. TINASHE, ZIMBABWE-AMERICAN

Tinashe was a child model by the age of three. The twenty-four-year-old sang before she could talk and made her first appearance in 2000 in the film Cora Unashamed. Her voice also starred in the cartoon feature film The Polar Express alongside Oscar-winning actor, Tom Hanks.

6. JIDENNA, NIGERIAN-AMERICAN

By the age of 10, Jidenna Theodore Mobisson knew he wanted to do music but was afraid to tell his father who wanted him to be an engineer. He is ranked sixth according to Forbes Africa.

7. WIZKID, NIGERIA

From Ojuelegba to the world, Wizkid is arguably the most sort after African artiste all over the world. Grammy Award-winning artist, Alicia Keys and husband Swizz Beatz, vibed to his songs Ojuelegba and Caro, with Keys posting a video on her Instagram account with the caption, “This song makes me happy”.

Kylie Jenner also posted a video of herself dancing to Wizkid’s music on Snapchat. In 2017, Wizkid held a sold out show at the Iconic Royal Albert hall making history as the first African artiste to attain that height. The starboy is currently ranked 7th on Forbes list of richest African artistes.

8. DAVIDO, NIGERIA

Davido has claimed a high status in just five years. He said it was people like P-Square and D’Banj who made him believe this was possible. He became famous for his widely acclaimed 2012 debut album “Omo Baba Olowo”.

The “IF” crooner who recently announced 500 million proceeds from his 30Billion concert is ranked 8th of 2017 Forbes’ list of richest musicians in Africa.

9. SARKODIE, GHANA

Michael Owusu Addo started out as an underground rapper and through the help of Duncan Williams, his former manager, his career was launched. Staying true to his identity, he is a big advocate of Azonto, a Ghanaian genre that is said to have been born out of Kpanlogo, a traditional dance.

His first single off his fourth album, Mewu, sold almost 4,000 copies on the first day of its release in Ghana. He was also the first Ghanaian to win a BET award.

10. OLIVER MTUKUDZI, ZIMBABWE

Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi has 65 albums under his belt, more than the legendary Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. It’s a remarkable career stretching back 41 years with songs that have enlivened parties all over the world. He his ranked 10th richest musician in Africa.

http://www.metronaija.ng/wizkid-davido-don-jazzy-made-forbes-top-10-list-richest-musicians-africa/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Dele Momodu in his latest article titled, 'My Choice of Candidates in 2019 Presidential Elections' started by restating his displeasure with the ruling party, APC which according to him 'are looking like a Party and President on a suicide mission. They keep making mistakes after mistakes, and blunders after blunders'.



Read his full article below....

Fellow Nigerians, thanks for the deluge of messages and phone calls last week after reading my memo to our dear President. I doubt if any article of mine ever generated such amazing interest from the rich and poor, educated and not so educated, alike. The closest to it would be the letter I wrote to our wonderful First Lady of yore, Dame Patience Jonathan at the peak of PDP rascality.

For the sake of those still wondering why I wrote so passionately, and objectively, in my last column, let me say it loud and clear, that memo was an apologia to Nigerians. I had promised to write whenever I’m finally convinced that the APC government has irredeemably flopped like its predecessor PDP. I wish to emphasise that as much as I wish that a miracle can still happen in the next 12 months or so to come before the general election, I’m sorry to inform you that the signs are ominous. The lackadaisical attitude of APC, and in particular, President Buhari, has become unbearably palpable. They are looking like a Party and President on a suicide mission. They keep making mistakes after mistakes, and blunders after blunders.

There was no better time to rescue itself from the kamikaze slide than during the mass funeral in Benue State two days ago. What should have been a special occasion for national rebirth and reformation was frittered away by the sheer arrogance of the ruling class. What should have been a day of national mourning was treated with such recalcitrance, and possible disdain. It is difficult not to see or feel that this government is a victim of some witchcraft and hypnotism. A government that rode into power on the supersonic jet of goodwill of the people is barely struggling to survive a swim in the gutter of ill-wind. It is more like it has embarked on a predictable slide down a giant abyss, as by its very demeanour and offhanded posture it insults and belittles those very same people that it relied upon for the much vaunted change it promised but has found difficult to deliver. In many, albeit different ways, we seem to have gone back to the arrant impunity of the Jonathan era. What exactly is wrong? Anyway.

Pardon my digression, but the recent devastating and sad events in Benue State in which some herdsmen went berserk and attacked innocent indigenes of that State deserves condemnation of these terrorists by every Nigerian. I join others in offering my condolences to the families of all those who died in the unfortunate incidents. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. I commiserate with those injured and affected by the dastardly rampage. The time has come for President Buhari to act swiftly and decisively to curb this menace which has the potential to tear our country apart, despite the strenuous and vociferous protestations by the President about our unity being non-negotiable.

Now to the matter at hand. A few people suggested last week that I was working for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, probably because of our recent meeting and also partly because he is the main candidate who has declared his interest, and that is why I wrote that memo to President Muhammadu Buhari. Let me say with all the emphasis at my command that I’m not working for anybody. I’m too independent to be used by anybody. The time has not come for me to jump into the game. I have my eyes on a few bright guys of Nigeria but what if they don’t get the ticket? And what happens if we have Buhari and Atiku as frontrunners in the next election? You may wish to know who between the two I will support. When I’m faced with such option, I will not shy away from declaring my position publicly. I’m not the kind that would hide my support. When Chief Olu Falae contested against Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, I supported Falae, as a matter of personal principle. He did not have cash to throw around and I even spent my meagre income to travel to Vienna to try and persuade that cerebral gentleman, of blessed memories, Dr Rilwan Lukman, who was the kingpin at OPEC headquarters in Austria, to run as Falae’s Vice-President. Though the arrangement fell through, I still returned home to support Falae. Only one person can win at a time.

I never supported any PDP candidate in their sixteen years in power though I admired a few of their action-packed Governors. The last election that catapulted them out of power finally convinced me that behaviourally and ideologically, the difference between APC and PDP was between six and half dozen. There was no way APC would have emerged triumphantly without the epic support of the PDP dissenters. Anyone can say whatever they like today, I was an eye-witness, and active participant, in the making of that spellbinding, suspense movie. Amaechi, Saraki, Kwankwaso, Atiku, Wamako, Tambuwal, and others from the PDP made so much difference when they added their weight to those of the godfathers from the other Parties that formed the APC conglomerate.

My decision to support APC, though never a member of the Party till this day, was primarily to get rid of the PDP fiefdom that was stylishly manifesting and bourgeoning into a veritable catastrophe for the country. Two, to stop the profligacy that had characterised the government of the day. I have met some key actors who said President Goodluck Jonathan was never a corrupt man personally but he lacked the strong will to challenge his thieving acolytes. That was the major weakness that guillotined his regime. Most reluctantly for some of us, Buhari became an option and a stopgap. Anyone who followed my support for President Buhari would have seen how I regularly referred to him as the Mandela option. I didn’t expect him to become a permanent feature. I’ve always believed that anyone above the age of 65 is a high-risk option, and I said this about Buhari during our Presidential race in 2011.

However, since the last Presidential election was a straight fight between Jonathan and Buhari, the choice was totally limited. Many of those who supported Buhari also considered his anti-corruption credentials though, in retrospect, I believe we downplayed his anti-democratic records and proclivity. I still have no doubt that he’s one of the most honest Nigerians alive today, although like Jonathan he seems to be surrounded by people in respect of who that is difficult to say.

It is likely that age, as well as the reality and practicality of how he attained power, have jointly humbled and mellowed his almost sacramental vows against corruption. It would be tantamount to monumental hypocrisy and superlative ingratitude to bite the fingers that fed one in our hour of acute need. It has become critically obvious that what has confronted Buhari in power was never what he anticipated or bargained for. This is why I advised him last week to bow out with whatever honour he has left, instead of squandering everything away. If he stubbornly contests the next election, he would be forced to compromise and capitulate on a number of things. He would have no choice than to play the erstwhile PDP card, by opening the vaults of the Central Bank of Nigeria to political vultures who are not known to be patient or merciful in respect of primordial interests. That was my honest and candid appeal to Baba out of genuine concern for his future and legacy. Let us, at least, continue to dream that we have one selfless and incorruptible leader in Nigeria.

The truth, is that my preference would be for younger candidates in both major Parties and my criteria would be as follows. The candidate must be well educated. Nigeria has produced more than enough graduates from every part of the country for us to be continuously and endlessly led by near-illiterates. The candidate should have managed people and resources, whether in a private or public capacity or both. The candidate is expected to be seriously exposed to modern trends. Ability to communicate well would be appreciated since he would have to interact with world leaders. I want a Nigerian candidate and not a sectional leader. Anyone who cannot feel at home in any part of Nigeria is not fit to lead our otherwise great nation. Anyone still relying on zoning, quota and Federal character to become anything in Nigeria is certainly an enemy of progress. We must consider the brightest people from every part. There are enough people in Nigeria who fit this bill. We can’t simply say that we cannot find one such person. Our search should in reality be moving on to finding the very best of the best. Once we find our Leader and his deputy then we should not care too much about engaging others, including foreigners, who are the best at infrastructure and facility building of the type we so desire and need. Dubai is not solely managed by Emirati citizens. The UK allows foreigners to manage critical sectors, including the economy, a good example being the Bank of England (their Central Bank) headed by a Canadian, Mark Joseph Carney.

I will not totally disqualify exceptional elders who have distinguished themselves under most of my above criteria lest I fall victim of the same bigotry I’ve been preaching against. Some elders are more reasonable, less corrupt, more business-savvy, more exposed to international standards, more efficient, less cantankerous, more focussed, and more visionary than our so-called youths. We have since come full cycle by trying sinners and saints but we have not yet succeeded in having great and big thinkers. We cannot, and must not, continue to delude ourselves that we can find saints from anywhere to lead us. What we need, as a matter of urgency and desperation are competent performers from wherever we can seek and find them. By now, we should be tired of exchanging the baton of backwardness and mediocrity every four years. Like joke, like joke, nothing spectacular has happened to us for decades now while smaller countries across Africa are marching forward confidently and admirably. Our own leaders seem to be very comfortable in our squalid, desolate and unsavoury conditions. No qualms. No urgency. No new ideas to copy, borrow or buy. We are permanently stagnant and sanguine about our perpetual state of inertia.

The next election should be a turning point. We can no longer afford to play politics of ethnicity, money and religion. I reiterate that we must search frantically, extensively and productively for the best. The world would leave us very far behind at the rate we are going. We are already desperately behind and trying to play catch up. We do not need to lose more ground. I’m appealing to everyone who loves Nigeria to free Nigeria from the bondage of oppression, suppression, ethnic jingoism, religious fanaticism, terrorism, Satanism, and all forms of retrogression. 2019 cannot, and should not, be business as usual. It should be our year of true liberation and independence. Yes. The time has come to assemble our proven performers in a government of national unity. Nigeria cannot be handed over, or handled anymore by professional politicians who have no other business or job they do, and who merely see their stay in government as an opportunity for self-aggrandisement, and unashamed and unabashed looting of our collective wealth. Rather we want Nigerian leaders who are committed and passionate about their country.

Our chosen leaders must be willing to sacrifice their all to ensure and enhance the comfort of their fellow citizens by providing the simple basics of life. Nigerians have never been a demanding people. We merely want education for our children, decent wages for our hard labour, good health care, electricity, water, food, security and above all peace. For now, every single one of these matters evade and elude us notwithstanding our vote for change! The President and his Vice President must provide evidence of what they have done and accomplished in their lives. Merit, productivity, passion and vison must be our watchword. Irrelevant considerations, like religion, ethnicity or even gender, have no place in this equation.

May Nigeria be victorious

http://www.metronaija.ng/apc-buhari-keep-making-mistakes-mistakes-dele-momodu/

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