Salam alaikum am giwa kayode aka pappykay am just hearing dis for the 1st time on NL and i wish to be among the propangander of ISLAM. is the door open for ALL if YES pls reply

Ma salam
giwa kayode gaffar

Sterling Bank acquires Equitorial Trust Bank

The future of Equitorial Trust Bank (ETB) – one of the 10 banks bailed out by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2009 – was settled yesterday, with its acquisition by Sterling Bank Plc.

Of the four rescued banks yet to find merging partners, only ETB was spared by the CBN. Three others – Afribank, Spring Bank and Bank PHB – were liquidated by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) last Friday, following their inability to make progress in their recapitalisation. The NDIC said ETB was spared because it had made much progress in its recapitalisation.

The Sterling Bank and ETB deal, according to sources, has won the backing of the ETB board and Chief Mike Adenuga, the billionaire founder of the bank.

The duo have signed a Transaction Implementation Agreement (TIA), which reflects the main commercial terms of reference on which agreement has been reached in principle by the boards of both financial institutions in close consultation with the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON).

It was also gathered that the CBN was privy to the negotiations. The transaction is expected to be presented to shareholders, CBN, Federal High Court, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The deal is the fifth to reach an advanced stage among the rescued banks.

Finbank Plc, Intercontinental Bank Plc, Oceanic Bank Plc and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc have signed similar agreements with potential buyers.

Sterling Bank - one of the banks that survived the joint stress test by the CBN and NDIC in 2009 – until recently, was considered an attractive partner for foreign financial institutions looking to leapfrog an entry into Africa's fastest growing financial services market. The development ends speculations on the bank's strategic growth options as it finally opts for domestic consolidation over foreign dominance.

Since the CBN's intervention, the future of ETB, long considered unique because of its binding relationships with businesses linked to its major shareholder in the mobile telephony, real estate and telecoms sectors, has been less obvious. While a few other rescued banks had significant majority shareholders, none had such a close dependence on trading entities connected to a single shareholder for customer volume. This has made the ETB founder's buy-in to any deal vital for potential acquirers.

Sources privy to the transactions said: "The Sterling Bank-ETB talks are being driven by clear strategic considerations on the post-deal benefits for both sides, in contrast, what we have seen in some other discussions, where one party in negotiations seems to have been the involuntary acquiescent partner. The urgency introduced by the NDIC's takeover of three institutions aside, this is a very well thought out deal that would yield impressive returns on equity for years to come.'"

While the financial terms of the deal are yet to be disclosed, analysts expect that the TIA will move to a substantive agreement without the distractions of litigation filed by a minority shareholder. ETB is privately held and is not listed on the NSE. For Sterling Bank's shareholders, it is widely expected that they would welcome the deal as an historic opportunity to substantially scale up its assets and operations, in addition to benefiting from the cost savings to be derived from the merger's synergies.

Commenting on the deal, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane said it would be of tremendous benefit to both parties, the stock market and the shareholders.

"Any consolidation now is beneficial to the market and shareholders, in this particular case, I know Sterling Bank. It is a very well focused and managed bank. I am very optimistic about the outcome of this deal. The combination of the two banks will be a formidable competitor in the banking industry," he said.

The combination of both financial institutions would create an institution with over N360 billion in customer deposits, N550 billion in assets and more than 185 operational branches across Nigeria.

Sterling Bank is a major financial services provider offering a wide umbrella of services to individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations and government-affiliated agencies. Through the main bank and its subsidiaries, Sterling Bank provides assets management, commercial banking, mortgage loans, insurance, investment banking, pension funds management, stock broking, and registrar services. Sterling Bank serves its clients through 95 branches spread across Nigeria.

Equitorial Trust Bank (ETB) was incorporated as a Limited Liability company on January 30, 1990 and granted a commercial banking licence on February 7, 1990. More than 20 years after it first opened for business, ETB currently has over 90 branches in prime urban locations across Nigeria and is widely regarded for its technology-driven customer friendly service. The institution, which was recapitalised by its owner shortly after the 2009 banking crises, had applied for a Rural Banking licence under current dispensation.

The banking watchdog had revoked the licences of three of the rescued banks - Afribank, Spring Bank and Bank PHB last Friday because it said they did not show the necessary capacity to recapitalise following a N620billion bailout of nine lenders in 2009.

The apex bank set up "bridge banks" to acquire the assets and liabilities of the trio, which were then sold to Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON).

http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/news/15618-sterling-bank-acquires-equ itorial-trust-bank.html

GTBank Customers Can Now Make Deposit Through ATM

GTBank customers are now a class apart from their counterparts in other banks as Interswitch Nigeria, a leading electronic payment transaction and switching firm, has empowered them to make cash deposits through some designated ATMs.

The project, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria, will enable cash deposits through GTBank ATMs without inserting or using a debit card. The cardless ATM cash deposit solution from Interswitch can be accessed on certain GTBank cardless ATMs by clicking the enter button on the machine, which prompts the customer to key in the details of the account to be credited.

The ATM then requests for a confirmation of the account number and account name of the beneficiary. Once confirmed, the customer inserts the amount to be deposited, the ATM counts the cash and credits the beneficiary's account immediately. The cardless ATM cash deposit solution allows a GTBank customer to deposit a bundle of different naira denominations and the ATM will sort through the different denominations.

Would you be interested in using such ATM Machines to make deposits?

Once sorted, the ATM displays the amount according to the different denominations and also the total amount deposited. The ATM cash deposit solution has the ability to validate the account of the beneficiary, allowing the depositor to confirm or correct any error.

The deposited amount reflects in the beneficiary account, and can be withdrawn immediately. With the cardless solution, the bank's customers who wish to make cash deposits no longer need to visit the banking hall. They can simply deposit their cash via the ATM into a beneficiary's accounts at any time of the day, including weekends. This provides customers the flexibility of depositing cash anytime; hence, they do not need to worry about carrying huge sums of money home.

According to the director, Payment Processing and Infrastructure at Interswitch, Akeem Lawal, the GTBank Cardless ATM cash deposit solution represents a big step towards full branch automation where entire banking operations are automated and customers are guaranteed an improved and consistent standard of service delivery at all automated bank branches.

"Banks are leveraging the use of ATMs to provide improved consumer banking experience by taking self service to a whole new level," he added.

On the benefits to the bank, he noted that the "Cardless ATM cash deposit solution has reduced the number of customers who visit the GTBank branches," where the ATM solution for cash deposit transactions was first deployed.

In similar vein, Lola Odedina, head, Communication and External Affairs, GTBank, explained that the solution from Interswitch was bound to improve the Nigerian banking sector by providing a ''secure, quicker and more effective channel for making deposits without visiting a banking hall' or using an ATM card.

She further stated that the solution had undergone a successful and extensive test-run at certain GTBank branches and the bank was set to roll out the service in more branches within Nigeria.

http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2011/08/09/gtbank-customers-can-now-make-deposit-through-atm

LASTMA official on trial for raping 4-year-old

An official of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Onipede Olusegun, was on Tuesday in Lagos arraigned for allegedly raping a four-year-old girl.

Olusegun, 54, is facing trial before a Surulere Magistrates' Court on a one count charge of having unlawful carnal knowledge of a four-year-old girl.

The police prosecutor, Onime Idowu, told the court that the accused on July 26, at No. 8 Tawose Street, Onipanu, Lagos, had unlawful carnal knowledge of the girl, daughter of his co-tenant.

Idowu said the accused deceitfully invited his victim into his room and asked her to put off her underwear before committing the act.

She said the incident was exposed when the parents of the girl were looking for her and her elder brother saw her naked in the accused room through a key hole.

According to her, the offence contravened Section 218 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate E. O Daodu granted him bail in the sum of N250,000 with two "responsible" sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till August 24 for further hearing.

http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/lastma-official-trial-raping-4-year-old

i think she resemble ASHA

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TRIAL MAY CONVINCE U

chai i think he resemble binladin if u look @ it very well

@MCLEO am happy to here another person compailning of this i had a similar case u ar aving what i did was dat u wont get tired of calling them cus when b4 my own cld be solve it takes months fortunately for me 1 guy pick my cal 4rm customer service nd i xplain evry tin to him he then told me i REGISTERED for their 1000,000 promo dat i Y they ar deducting my money evry day (100) evry day can u imagine dat an i told the guy he shld pls remove me 4rm the promo nd the guy did imediately nd i received a txt msg say U AV BEEN EXITED THE TOP CLASS DONT FORGET."1000,000 PROMO". Dat was hw i was free. my broda. the guys name is KAYODE CUS IS MY NAMESAKE HE ATTENDED TO ME FINE ND I WAS IMPRESS. SO U KEEP TRYING DONT BE TIRED OBOY

The brand new issue of Genevieve Magazine features Nigeria’s original celebrity heartthrob Richard Mofe Damijo. It is great to see RMD and he looks as dapper as ever! Find out all about it in the June 2011 issue of Genevieve Magazine.

In the late 80s, he was one of Nigeria’s biggest rising stars. The first actor to be paid a million naira for a movie role, he starred in several award-winning roles and soon became a household name as Segun Kadiri in the popular soap, Checkmate. So when Richard Mofe Damijo checked out of his movie career to study for another university degree, you could almost hear the hearts of his fanbase breaking as one. Worse still, when he returned to Nigeria, it wasn’t to take up a script, but an appointment with the Delta state government, first as the Special Adviser on Culture and Entertainment, now as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism. From movies to politics, RMD has seen it all and lived more lives than most, from experiencing teenage pregnancy to surviving the tragic scandal surrounding the death of his first wife, MEE. But what can compare to his journey as a father? From a reluctant young dad, to a dedicated family man, RMD has now arrived at a place where he is able to say family comes first and know exactly what that means.

2shotz has decided to take (Nokia) a worldwide phone company to a Lagos high court, demanding #5 billion naira compensation over the copyright infringement.
In his statement of claims, 2shortz said NOKIA used three of his songs as default ring tones for NOKIA X3 without getting approval and sealing a contract with him. He considered it as illegal.
He is therefore seeking damages in form of monetary compensation to the tune of N5 billion.
While Brendan Rilley, lawyer for NOKIA is saying that they actually got the deal through Orchard, a record label last year, 2shortz said nothing can be farther from the truth.2shortz reiterated that only Umunnamu his record label has the legal rights to enter into any contract with company or individual regarding his songs.

http://www.talkofnaija.com/news/2shotz-sues-nokia-5-billion-naira-copyright-infringement

Some days back, President of the federal Republic of Nigeria Dr Good Luck Ebele Jonathan had a launch date with “Nigerian youths” at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

The launch date was said to be a form of open dialogue aim at tackling some of the challenges faced by Nigerian youths.
Present at the launch date is sultry actress Rita Dominic. Many were thrilled by her breathtaking speech.

Checkout the speech below

I feel privileged to be living in a time where I can proudly say that young Nigerians are seriously advocating for a better Nigeria. Some people may disagree with me but I believe we may now have a President willing to listen to us and identify with our hopes and aspirations.

If you don’t agree, then you have to show me a past president of Nigeria who has actively pursued the youth vote? Show me a past Nigerian president who has used social networks utilized by our young people to reach out them? Show me a past president who has set aside a 200 million Dollar intervention fund dedicated to an industry that is one of the largest employers of young people in Nigeria…. I rest my case.

My name is Rita Dominic, I represent Nollywood!

I would like to thank Mr. President, for providing this low interest loan to galvanize our industry. Many young people who own production companies are depending on this loan to turn us from employees to employers, from unemployed to employed.

However, it is imperative that the people who will administer this fund understand the spirit behind your creating it in the first place. Some of us have applied for the loan but the requirement of collateral in the traditional sense is about to dash that dream. Sir, if the youth had enough collateral, we would not have needed the intervention in the first place. I respectfully request that you look into the litany of requirements that is making the loan inaccessible to the people it was created for.

One properly produced Nigerian film can involve hundreds of young people from various works of life. Apart from the actors and actresses, when making a quality film, we directly or indirectly hire production managers, accountants for budgeting and record keeping, electricians (Lighting specialists), costume designers (tailors), catering people (cooks), set and production designers, camera operators, publicity people, graphic artists, still photographers, make up people, hair stylists, production assistants who help on set but don’t forget each actor/actress will hire own PAs, film editors, boom persons and marketing companies. The list goes on and on.
Imagine that we have scores of productions going on in various parts of the country. The impact is simply amazing.

Mr. President, I am a witness to what an infusion of funds can do to elevate and empower the lives of young people. Traders in Onitsha and Aba started it 20 years ago and Nollywood became a reality, Globacom did it for 13 young people 2 years ago and it instantly increased the number of actors and actresses producing their own films. If managed properly, imagine what the 200 million dollar fund can do hundreds of young producers, what it can do for thousands of unemployed youth out there.

Let us make it happen. Continue to support youth programs. Giving such support means that you believe in the future of Nigeria. If you do, the youth will not forget for generations to come.

http://www.talkofnaija.com/news/rita-dominic-breathtaking-speech-lunch-date-president-jonathan

NLANDER PLS CAN ANYBODY TELL ME THE SIMILARITIES BTW NIG POLICE AND ROBERS APART 4RM THE UNDER LISTED BELOW PLS
1. They both use gun to harass people.
2. They collect ur belonging forcefully.
3. They deny people of their human right.
4. They both stay on highways.
5. They both kill innocent citizens.
6. They both rape females and males


Differences.
1. Police wear uniform bt armed robbers do not,
2. police are giving licence to kil innocent people.

U can sipply more plsssssssss

Its so sad to know that human lives has no value in Nigeria; Simply because he was aggravated, a stupid police man pulled his trigger to kill a family man; just for fun!!!!!!

I cry for Nigeria!!

LESS than 24 hours after a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and a Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) were killed by some rampaging soldiers in Lagos, the blood of some innocent Nigerians were again shed yesterday, allegedly by some policemen detailed to guard the Isheri-end of the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

For the refusal of the driver of a commercial bus to part with N100, three mobile policemen opened fire on the bus, killing and injuring some of the passengers.
Some passersby cried when they saw one of the dead victims on the ground at OPIC Bus Stop with his brains out. He was drenched in his own blood.

A woman passenger was shot in the eyes while another passenger had his hand shattered by bullets.
They were rushed to an undisclosed hospital.
Angry residents took the body of the victim with shattered head to the front of a popular building in the area, looking for the policemen who, by then, had fled.
One of the passengers, Adeseye Oladimeji, told the Nigerian Compass that the white bus with registration number, XU 163 SMK, left Ojota for Ibafo with about eight passengers before the attack. Bullet holes were seen on the body of the bus.
Said Oladimeji: “I thank God that I am alive. Look at me, I am not hurt yet blood is all over my body. It is the blood of other passengers. We boarded the bus from Ojota, heading to Ibafo. When we got to OPIC junction, we were surprised to see a check-point. The mobile policemen were three in number.
“They asked the driver to give them N100 and the driver pleaded with them that he just came out and that he would see them later. One of them asked him to go, and at a very close range, they started shooting at us. Besides this man on the ground, I can tell you that almost four persons are at the verge of death while one woman was hit by a bullet in her eyes. For another who may survive, his hand was shattered by bullets, among others.”
When the Nigeria Compass called the Ogun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, he expressed shock and promised to investigate the incident.

http://www.talkofnaija.com/news/trouble-lagos-police-man-shots-passenger-dead-over-n100

Asked whether she will quit acting after her wedding, the sultry actress answered in the affirmative, declaring that “I’m going to quit acting.” She disclosed however that she is planning to go into television and also, to turn a movie producer.

The actress is getting married in a four-day event this August. The court wedding on the 25th, the traditional on the 26th, the white wedding on the 27th, and the thanksgiving on the 28th.

If this report is to be believed, it means another talented actress is forsaking her blossoming career after getting married. Hopefully she's quitting because it's what she wants and not because she's being forced to. Will you be sad to see her leave Nollywood?

http://www.talkofnaija.com/news/i-will-quit-acting-after-my-wedding-mercy-johnson

The leader of the human-rights group, Rita Ilevbare, wrote a petition to the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Olayinka Balogun, that a cop in his command, allegedly raped and eventually impregnated a 12-year-old orphan, Bimbo.
In her account, Mrs. Olajiga, who is a foster mother to the victim said she was assaulted by the randy cop when she confronted him last week with the illicit affair he had with her foster child.

According to Mrs. Olajiga, sometime in November last year, she fell sick, which made her children relocate her to a place where she could be taken care of, a situation which made Bimbo and her sibling to stay back at home.
The unfortunate incident was said to have happened one night when the young JSS1 student of Anglican Grammar School in Ado Ekiti was lured into a nearby bush in Textile area of Ado-Ekiti by the cop who forcefully had canal knowledge of the girl. This, he was said to have done twice.

The human-rights group, however, called for immediate arrest of the cop, in the petition entitled: “Sexual abuse of Miss Bimbo and assault of Mrs. Juliana Olajiga by Police officer, a demand for police arrest, investigation and prosecution.”
Confirming the reception of the petition, the Police Commissioner told newsmen that the suspect had been arrested and a senior officer had commenced investigation into the crime.
Decrying the assault of the septuagenarian by the suspect at her Similoluwa residence, the human-rights group stated that the cop should be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to other loose men in the society.

The suspect was said to have been in the hideout for three months when he realized that he was being searched for by Mrs. Olajiga over his unlawful actions.
Sources revealed that when the girl entered the chambers, it was clear the victim could not comprehend the implication of her plight as she was just playing with her gown which barely covered her six-month-old pregnancy.
Revealing the situation of the motherless pregnant girl, the petition stated: “Sir, it would interest you to note that this child, Bimbo is about six months pregnant, a minor, an orphan, who is twelve years old.
“The education and the future of such a great child has been dimmed by a man, a security agent for that matter, who by any reason would not allow the future of his children to be tampered with.

We demand that justice be done in this matter by arresting and prosecuting Olalekan if indeed he is culpable.”
The Police Commissioner, however, assured that justice would be done but called for patience to allow investigators conclude their work.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2011/may/25/national-25-05-2011-0022.htm
http://www.talkofnaija.com/news/police-man-rapes-and-impregnates-12-years-old-girl

SEE what DEMOCRAZY LEED US INTO
This is the pako-bridge that you must cross with your car if you are going from Igando to Ipaja-Ayobo, around the Ikotun area of Lagos State. The bridge was built by a resident of the community after the govt failed to provide a link road between the two areas making it difficult for residents to visit each other in spite of the short distance separating them. There was a swamp that lay between the two communities so residents had to travel long distances to gain access to their adjoining areas. To cross this bridge with your car you have to pay N200, pedestrians N20, tricycles N50.

The bridge looks dangerous to me. Hopefully, govt will do something about it, maybe bring it down and construct a modern bridge. Pics thanks to Bunmi Azeez
http://www.talkofnaija.com/news/pako-bridge-igando-ayobo

What is wrong
Old man has to catch hin fun too,

President Goodluck Jonathan will, baring last-minute changes, today present a budget of N4.2 trillion for 2011 to a joint session of the National Assembly but without the expected cut in recurrent expenditure.

The president had approved the 2010 budget, which contained an estimated expenditure of N4.6 trillion, with a deficit of N1.52 trillion or 4.66 per cent of Gross Domestic Product ( GDP).

Jonathan had initially refused to sign the budget because of the discrepancies noticed in the bill submitted to the Presidency but changed his mind after a meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly.
The government had sent a proposal of N4.4 trillion to the National Assembly with a deficit of N1.32 trillion or 4.05 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Federal Government’s assumptions for the 2010 budget were based on a production capacity of 2.35 million barrels per day, a benchmark price of $67 per barrel and an average exchange rate of N150 per dollar.
The 2010 budget was made up of a capital expenditure of N1.9 trillion and recurrent expenditure of N2.1 trillion and a total supplementation of N123. 4 billion.
Out of the amount, N108.3 billion was for statutory transfers; N497.1 billion for debt service; N2.1 trillion for recurrent non-debt expenditure, while the balance of N1.9 trillion was for contribution to the development for capital expenditure for the year ending May 31, 2010.

The 2011 budget, which has N3.2 trillion for recurrent expenditure and N1 trillion for capital expenditure is benchmarked at $62 per barrel of crude oil, according to highly placed sources.
However, the expected cut in the recurrent expenditure is said to be left out for now due to the realisation that for it to take effect, workers may have to be laid off.

But another source said the committee that was set up by the Minister of Finance, Dr Olusegun Aganga, to look into the recurrent expenditure issue was yet to submit its report. It is headed by Professor Anya O. Anya.

The overall figures for the 2011 budget, according to the source, may still change within the last few hours left before the presentation as some fine-tuning was said to be ongoing so as to capture all needed details for a sound budget.
Mergers between some departments and parastatals and retirements, both voluntary and compulsory, in the federal workforce are said to be necessary before the issue of reduction in recurrent expenditure can be addressed.

“All these are cost-saving measures but they are things that cannot be done overnight. It is not a six-month thing. The government would have to do this gradually and over time,” the source said.

To ensure that the reduction of the recurrent expenditure sails smoothly from 2012 when it would be expected that all the measures to see it through would have been in place, ministries have started building the database of staff.

The unwieldy recurrent expenditure is said to leave little or nothing for capital expenditure, which impinges on infrastructural development, hence the move to reverse the trend.

“But unless the excess workforce is eased out in a coordinated manner, it may cause other social problems,” the source said.
Some parastatals have been identified as duplications while overseas courses for staff are said to cost a sizeable chunk.

"Some of the courses could be held in Nigeria. In terms of cost benefit, it is better to pay for the trainers to come to Nigeria rather send the staff over there," the source added.

http://www.talkofnaija.com/news/goodluck-jonathan-presents-n42trn-budget-2011

President Goodluck Jonathan said the Federal Government is desirous and committed to decongesting Lagos State of cargoes as well as making the aviation industry more efficient.

He also reterated the need to ensure that the six-geopolitical zones in the country are economically viable to drive growth in the nation.

Jonathan said this in Ilorin on Tuesday while inaugurating the International Cargo Terminal building, Ilorin International Airport.

He said his administration would make sure that the zones were not “just for sharing political offices” but are strong economic hubs and catalysts for socio-economic transformation.

He explained that the government would revolutionise agriculture as a viable strategy for industrial revolution, job creation and economic transformation.

The President, who was in Kwara State for a one day working visit, inaugurated some projects embarked upon by the Kwara State Government.

The projects included, the International Cargo Terminal building, the International Aviation College, Ilorin, Kwara State University being built by Charvet Nigeria Limited, Mass Train Transit Scheme and Ilorin Water Works Project, Asa-Dam.

onathan said, “From all indications, we will play our own part to encourage our airports to receive cargoes. FG is committed to decongesting Lagos and making sure that the six geo-political zones of the country are not just used for shared political offices but also for economic development to position them for economic growth so that Lagos would be decongested.”

The President stated that the Federal Government might no longer be involved in running secondary and primary school education but would devote its resources in elevating the standard of university education in the country.

Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki said his administration had built a solid foundation for the economic and socio-political transformation of the state.

He added that the projects would improve the economic viability of the state as well create jobs for the teeming unemployed residents and other Nigerians.

“We hope that by August, 1, we will have the first set of students to start learning here. We have already 22 registered students and there is capacity for more,” he said.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu-Gambari, said the nation had many problems but advised Jonathan to deliver efficient and functional electricity to the nation.

http://punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20110518302297
http://www.talkofnaija.com/news/there-need-de-congest-lagos-and-industrialise-south-east-jonathan

Sources have revealed that Speaker Dimeji Bankole spent part of the dodgy N10 Billion loan on Gbemi Saraki and sultry Nollywood actress, Ini Edo, the two mistresses that had long serviced the high libido needs of the out-going speaker of the House of Representatives. Sources said that while Bankole bought a palatial home in Maitama for Ms. Edo in addition to a Prado Jeep before the Nollywood star got married, he allegedly bankrolled Ms. Saraki’s Governorship campaign. Ms. Saraki, a divorcee had become the living lover of the Speaker.

The whole drama is creating some head scratching moments in the Presidency .This is compounded by the fact that the report of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), on alleged misappropriation of N9 Billion, which indicted Bankole and his deputy, Nafada, is still nowhere to be found. Last year, he squandered N9billion of the House’s N11 Billion.

Full Story: http://pointblanknews.com/News/os4921.html

http://www.talkofnaija.com/news/speaker-bankole-spent-n10-billion-bank-loan-gbemi-saraki-and-ini-edo

Yes! His work was over 30 years ago and he flew away home, leaving his global fans stupefied and in deep mourning. Robert Nesta Marley, popularly known as Bob Marley, was on May 11, 1981 felled by death caused by cancer and brain tumor. He had fought a ceaseless battle with death for eight months with the illness taking him to several hospitals in New York, USA and Munich, West Germany.

Marley finally gave up the ghost at the Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami, USA surrounded by members of his family including his weeping mother, Cedelar Booker.

'Woman hold her head and cry cause her son had…died. Can a woman tender care cease towards the child she bears?' Marley sang prophetically several years ago.

Humble beginning

Bob Marley had a humble beginning. He was born in the ghettos of Kingston, Jamaica on February 6, 1945. His father was Norman Marley, a British Naval Captain posted to the West Indies during the Second World War. Marley had little Western education as he dropped out of school at 14 to become an apprentice welder. He soon quit welding to team up with Peter Tosh whom he had met recently and both released a single, Simmer Down which enjoyed a considerable airplay on the local radio.

In 1964, Marley and Tosh formed the Wailing Wailers together with Bunny Livingstone Wailer, Junior Braithwaite, Beverly Kelso, Rita Anderson (who later became Rita Marley in 1966), Judy Mowatt, and Marcia Griffith (the 1-Three). The group was popular in Jamaica as it performed in many shows.

In 1972, the Wailers was signed on by Chris Blackwell's Island Records and the following year, 1973 came out with their debut album, Catch A Fire. Catch A Fire actually launched the Wailers into superstardom. The group toured Britain, but as successful as the tour was, it turned out to be the turning point for the group. Back in Jamaica, the group split with Peter Tosh and Bonny Walter opting out after alleging Bob Marley's domineering role while on tour.

'They say it's Bob Marley and the Wailers, I never tell no one to say that…' Bob objected, stressing that the band's welfare was his concern.

Bob Marley & The Wailers
After the duo opted out, the band regrouped and became known as Bob Marley and The Wailers. In 1975, the group released an album, Natty Dread. It was an instant hit both in Jamaica and abroad. 1976 witnessed a follow-up album, Rastaman Vibration with it's hit track, War. 1977 was the year of Exodus while Kaya, an album that glorifies marijuana followed in 1978. In 1979, Marley came out with Survival but could not himself survive the Uprising (1980) of the cancer affliction of 1981.

Thirty years after, Marley's work still lives on. He would constantly be remembered as the apostle of reggae music, a thorn in the flesh of the oppressors and the wailing voice of the oppressed. He was the cultural ambassador of the Carribean Island. 'We Rastas don't worry about death. The whole significance of Rastas is in life,' Marley says. The irrepresible Rastaman was perhaps peeping into the future with this statement.

Reggae revival

But then reggae fans all over the world have undoubtedly stopped worrying themselves about Marley's death, their major concern is the lack of development of reggae music after he passed away. Since Marley's death reggae music has been rudderless like a kingdom without a king. In fact, Marley was the king and since he died nobody has been able to assume the throne. Not even the ageless Jimmy Cliff nor the Grammy award winning son of Marley, Ziggy. Just as the world is yearning for the revival of reggae music, Ziggy, on whom many fans depend to bring back the music's old glory is deeply involved in his new comic book, Marijuanaman, which he's using to educate the world on the many uses of marijuana.

'I started learning more about the marijuana plant, and it's basically used for more than smoking. It strikes me as to why society is not utilising it as a natural resource, for its industrial uses, to make clothes, for nutrition among an array of other uses. All we see is the smoking aspect. I'm trying to find a way to expose the idea of its many uses in a way that's not preachy, but in an entertaining way,' Ziggy explained.

Marley's biopic

Ziggy is also involved in the making of the latest Bob Marley documentary. Produced by Tuff Gong Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, the documentary entitled Marley is expected for release this year. It is directed by Kevin MacDonald, who won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature with his 2000 film One Day in September, and was also behind 2009's State of Play and The Last King of Scotland (2006).

'I was involved in it deeply, which is the first I've been involved in one of the documentaries like dis. It's trying to show him (Bob Marley) in a different light, from the people who knew him best,' said Ziggy.

http://www.yollaronline.com/2011/05/30-years-without-bob-marley.html

Musicians Wasiu Ayinde Anifowshe widely known as Kwam1 and his protégé fondly addressed as ‘heavy weight musician’ by fans Wasiu Alabi ‘Pasuma’ are presently engaged in a cold war.

And the reason for this development is tagged treachery by one of them to the other.

Much loved entertainer, Pasuma was alleged to have attempted to make an inroad into the major source of patronage and influence of Kwam 1 through the backdoor.

According to information made available, Pasuma had successfully lobbied transport boss, Musiliu Akinsanya( more popular with the street name M.C Oluomo) to take him to the home of powerful politician, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure his patronage.

Asiwaju Tinubu is a widely acknowledged godfather and great source of commerce for Kwam 1

He was instrumental to Kwam 1’s appointment as official entertainer at political party’ Action Congress of Nigeria’s events- and performer at the private engagements of his friends and associates.

It is now being alleged that Pasuma wanted to secure the same kind of relationship with Asiwaju Tinubu but couldn’t approach Kwam 1 on the issue ; hence his lobbying Akinsanmi, another favoured individual with former governor Tinubu, to do the introduction.

Sources however maintained that contrary to their expectations the politician refused to see both Akinsami and Pasuma when they came calling at his Bodillon, Ikoyi Lagos residence.

investigations revealed that the politician to allow them audience with him any time they come only when Kwam 1 is with them.

Asiwaju was said to have soften the ‘blow’ of not seeing the duo with monetary gift sent via an intermediary.

An insider disclosed that ‘ Asiwaju was surprised that Pasuma a known protégé of Kwam 1 would come see him without the latter of any introduction Wasiu. He suspected something was amiss, that was why he turned them down’

Unfortunately for Pasuma and Akinsanmi faithful of Kwam 1 at Tinubu’s residence had placed a call to the Fuji king of the presence of the duo’s at his mentors home. He was said to have told them he was in the dark of their mission.

And just like Asiwaju Tinubu, he later told friends he suspected foul play in the visit based on the seeming secrecy surrounding it.

Sources claimed that since the incident that transpired recently came to be both Pasuma and Kwam 1 have engaged in a cold war of sort.

http://www.yollaronline.com/2011/05/kwam-1-pasuma-quarrel.html

MARIAH Carey gave birth to twins yesterday – and celebrated by listening to her song We Belong Together.

The boy and girl, not yet named, were born on her and husband Nick Cannon’s third wedding anniversary.

The singer’s spokeswoman, Cindi Berger, said the girl was born first, weighing 5lbs 3oz, with her brother weighing in at 5lbs 6oz minutes later.

Nick sent a Tweet from the LA hospital: “My wife just gave me the most incredible anniversary gift ever! I won’t ever be able to top this!”

Ms Berger said the singer, 42, felt stomach pains, but thought it was a false alarm.

She added: “Mariah thought it was another ‘soft’ labour and Nick was driving her to the hospital. Nick was very nervous and Mariah was completely calm.

“I spoke to them and they are completely overjoyed.”

Actor and rapper Cannon, 30, last week predicted their first kids would arrive on the wedding anniversary.

http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/mariah-carey-gives-birth-twins

Tonto recently won hottest face in nollywood award and as a gift for winning her boyfriend suprised her with a set of swaroski diamonds,its a set and has the choker,the arm band and the earrings.

The boyfriend is based in Nigeria but Tonto is hiding him even from her close friends and the media as she has blamed both for the collapse of all her relationships in the past.she wants to marry him and is really hiding his identity,she is showing all her friends the diamonds but is not saying who gave it,
She just tells them its her boyfriend and that they hope to marry.shes uses the excuse that he is too shy and doesnt like attention from anyone else but her, well what do you know!

The drunken in love actress has taken her diamonds to the bank for safe keeping!

well well well,aint diamonds a girls best friend!

http://www.talkofnaija.com/news/actress-tonto-dikeh-gets-diamonds-new-boyfriend

I don't know what is wrong with it oh, Linda Ikeji asked, so me am asking to find out, Here is what others think;

"she is naked with paste rubbed all over her body or is this a color of leggings I am yet to discover?"

"It looks as if she is wearing a condom like leggings"

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE??
http://www.talkofnaija.com/news/what-wrong-picture-1

Gifted musician and performer, Daddy Showkey has decided to reunite with his old group “Pretty Busy Boys” (Daddy Fresh, Sexy Pretty and Cashman Davies) to make one more album.

Daddy Showkey is remembered for his crazy dance moves, and distinct voice in his hits like “Somebody Call My Name”, “Dyana”, “Fire” and many more. The group However can be remembered for their major hit “Big Belle

http://naijaura.com/thestyle/?p=1896