The award winning music talent discovery and grooming competition, MTN Project Fame West Africa is back for an eighth straight season. Looking for raw talents, the annual show will commence auditions from today in some West African major cities and rest the auditions in Lagos on the 3rd and 4th of July.
According to Mr Olumide Akinlabi, the spokesperson of Ultima Limited, the producer of the show, aspiring contestants can simply “dial 5900 from their mobile phone (MTN Line Only) and follow the voice prompt to record their audio audition for 45 seconds.”This year, thousands of young talents will fight to get into the prestigious Project Fame Academy, where superstars are made, to be tutored by the best in the music and entertainment industry. For this Season, a major innovation that encourages participation from the comfort of one’s home has been introduced.
Akinlabi stated that after this, the applicant will receive a notification PIN number within 24 hours, which will be used to register online.
Previous superstars that have graduated from the ‘Fame Academy’ include Iyanya Mbuk, whose Kukere, with the famous Etighi dance won the best pop single on the 2012 Headies Award in Lagos; Mike Anyasodo, who by virtue of his Fine Fine Lady video won the 2010 Sound City’s Best R&B Video Award;
Kesse Frimpong, who was voted the Ghanaian’s Best Male Vocalist of the year 2012 and of course the KEDIKE crooner, Chidinma Ekile who won the Best Female Act (West Africa) of the prestigious Kora Award in 2012.
Vanguard
Saturday, 20 June 2015
Over 68% of new internet subscribers in April chose Glo – NCC
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that Sixty-eight percent of all the new internet data subscriptions on telecom networks in Nigeria in April were made on Nigeria’s National Telecommunications Carrier, Globacom,
The current Monthly Internet Subscriber Data by the industry regulator showed that Glo gained over a million new internet users on its network in April, 2015, thus retaining its position as the second largest data service provider in the country.
Specifically, Glo had 19,690,526 subscribers browsing on its network in April, a sharp rise from 18,617,607 users in March. This shows a gain of 1,072,919 additional internet users on its network during the period covered by the report.
This is equivalent to 67.58% of total number of new internet subscriber figure of 1,587,514 for all the telecom networks for April.
Conversely, the NCC data showed that MTN lost 384,487 internet subscribers in April, after it recorded 39,520,285 users, down from 39,904,772 in March 2015. Airtel Nigeria, it said, had 17.2 million internet users in April, as against 16,603,147 customers recorded in March.
The data showed that internet users on the Airtel Nigeria network increased by 669,518 in April.
Etisalat also saw its internet users rise to 10.4 million from 10,189,568 users in March, which is an increase of 231,661.
NCC said the number of subscribers browsing the internet on Nigeria’s telecoms networks increased to 87,055,484 in April, up from 85,467,970 users in March.
The data showed that the increase of 1,587,514 internet users during the period was on both the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks in April.
The current Monthly Internet Subscriber Data by the industry regulator showed that Glo gained over a million new internet users on its network in April, 2015, thus retaining its position as the second largest data service provider in the country.
Specifically, Glo had 19,690,526 subscribers browsing on its network in April, a sharp rise from 18,617,607 users in March. This shows a gain of 1,072,919 additional internet users on its network during the period covered by the report.
This is equivalent to 67.58% of total number of new internet subscriber figure of 1,587,514 for all the telecom networks for April.
Conversely, the NCC data showed that MTN lost 384,487 internet subscribers in April, after it recorded 39,520,285 users, down from 39,904,772 in March 2015. Airtel Nigeria, it said, had 17.2 million internet users in April, as against 16,603,147 customers recorded in March.
The data showed that internet users on the Airtel Nigeria network increased by 669,518 in April.
Etisalat also saw its internet users rise to 10.4 million from 10,189,568 users in March, which is an increase of 231,661.
NCC said the number of subscribers browsing the internet on Nigeria’s telecoms networks increased to 87,055,484 in April, up from 85,467,970 users in March.
The data showed that the increase of 1,587,514 internet users during the period was on both the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks in April.
Nollywood films for OSCAR 2016
Nigerian film makers have been given another opportunity to participate in the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, otherwise called The Oscars. This was announced during the week by the Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee,NOSC.
The NOSC, in a statement, said that as preparations for the 2016 edition of the Hollywood laurel show begins, film submissions are welcomed from Nigerian film makers living in Nigeria and Diaspora, for the Foreign Language category of the Oscars.
The competition which invites films of all lengths and genres will open for submissions from June 16 to July 6, 2015.
It will be recalled that Nigeria joined 82 other countries contesting the Foreign Language diadem, after the approval and subsequent inauguration of the NOSC in February 2014, but could not present any film to the Oscars, as the few submissions were considered ineligible.
The 12-man Nigerian committee seeks Nigerian films whose themes relate to the country and are predominantly in language other than English and Pidgin English. Unfortunately, most of the entries received were either in English, poorly subtitled or lacking in some technical details.
The NOSC, in a statement, said that as preparations for the 2016 edition of the Hollywood laurel show begins, film submissions are welcomed from Nigerian film makers living in Nigeria and Diaspora, for the Foreign Language category of the Oscars.
The competition which invites films of all lengths and genres will open for submissions from June 16 to July 6, 2015.
It will be recalled that Nigeria joined 82 other countries contesting the Foreign Language diadem, after the approval and subsequent inauguration of the NOSC in February 2014, but could not present any film to the Oscars, as the few submissions were considered ineligible.
The 12-man Nigerian committee seeks Nigerian films whose themes relate to the country and are predominantly in language other than English and Pidgin English. Unfortunately, most of the entries received were either in English, poorly subtitled or lacking in some technical details.
El-Rufa’i stops free Ramadan Package
Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, has ordered a stop to government’s free distribution of grains during fasting in the month of Ramadan.
The Governor said that his administration would not continue with what he described as the People’s Democratic Party’s culture of sharing state’s resources.
“I have been made to understand that this Ramadan period, we are supposed to have started sharing rice, milk and sugar, but we will not do that,” El-Rufa’i said yesterday at the Government House.
The Governor said that his administration would not continue with what he described as the People’s Democratic Party’s culture of sharing state’s resources.
“I have been made to understand that this Ramadan period, we are supposed to have started sharing rice, milk and sugar, but we will not do that,” El-Rufa’i said yesterday at the Government House.
Watch Dry, get thrilled
At the closing of Nollywood Week Paris on June 7, 2015, I saw Stephanie Linus’s Dry, which begins with Zara Robbins receiving an award at an event, where her adopted mother is present. Her mother is white. If you paid attention to details in the film, you will still not quickly understand how a white woman’s child could have a black skin. This is why every detail in the film is important.
Halima gets pregnant and suffers Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF), after child delivery. Now, we see her abandoned by her husband and her own father and overly discriminated by the society.Dry is not really about Dr. Zara Robbins. It is about Halima (played by Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge), who is 13 years old and is married off to Sani (Tijani Faraga), a 60-year-old man, who constantly rapes her. Immediately after the traditional rites, Sani rapes Halima. She wakes up the next morning and says to one of her co-wives: “Uncle beat me. My body is paining me.”
They say she smells. They throw things at her in the market. They say she disgusts them. Her co-wives want her out. She is thrown out by her husband and his mother. This is when Zara Robbins (played by Stephanie Linus) comes into the picture.
For the most part, Dry is excellently made; if the script was different from the actualized story, then it is well understood. Throughout the film, we are transported back and forth: Nigeria and England. The film makers may not have known, but an anthropological find shows that these scenes were shot in the countrysides. However, one is overly penury-stricken.
And those are the ones in Nigeria, where we are waiting to receive Zara Robbins, whose mother should have made the journey, but for ill-health, she couldn’t; she is worried that over 1,000 women’s lives are dependent on her, so Zara has to come in even though she doesn’t want to go, for so many reasons that she carries an internal wound from her past, which takes her to a shrink.
Zara Robbins travels to Nigeria. On her journey to find Madam Kojo, who sold her daughter, we are presented with details, almost unknown to the world? The questions come: what is VVF? How many women have VVF? How does it happen? How do you cure it? And then, where could Zara’s child be?
No matter how you may want to summarise it, Dry is a propagandist work; it is a beautifully stitched story about humanity. It drags you through the facades of beauty; it takes you on a walk through the surface of imperialism. This is because we are presented with a hard truth about child marriage; it sounds funny, as those parts add to the humour of the film, but Linus has been able to create unforgettable characters, stapled with a storyline that, at once, amazes and truncates you.
When we see Halima being married off to a very old man, many times her age, we are stunned. We laugh, but what we feel inside is stronger than what we show on the surface. Dry is masterly orchestrated. The more you watch, the more you want to know what happens to the characters. There is absolutely nothing the film lacks. Those who don’t like it, do so at their peril.
Its cinematography is beautifully patterned and like a journey too far to do, the audience will find themselves longing for the salvation of Halima. Liz Benson returns to the screen in this film as the Matron, making a short stellar performance as a doctor. We see her drinking tea once she is shown. Her diction is still the same from old projects. Would Liz Benson as a person change? Would there be a time when she will become something else that she is not supposed to be?
Obviously, not now. If there was stereotype, the moment we see Klint da Drunk as Dr. Mutanga, we know something funny would come out. This is after we see the mild, less humourous Dr. Londi. Infact, the beauty of Dry is its characterization. No matter how many they are, they are well-created, well-developed and they all add to the story.
Not to undermine the hardwork of Linus who happens to be the writer, producer and director, Dry would have been a better film if Linus was directed. Sometimes, you could feel that she is being conscious of her character and what the character has to say. Sometimes, she flows into the character; sometimes, she doesn’t.
If she hadn’t directed the film, she would have realized too quickly that there was a mistake when the lady at the hospital gives a form to Halima and her co-wife who brings her to the hospital for treatment, responds: “You can’t read and write?” They speak impeccable English! How they can’t read and write is so magical and illogical.
If a filmmaker’s dream is to take his/her work internationally, what he/she has to do, is to pay attention to details, mostly, language. Linus might have succeeded in executing the project, but maybe, the characters would have communicated well in Hausa or whatever language they are bound to speak. Seeing these Hausa characters meddle in English, at home, was very unreal.
If that’s the only issue I have with the film, then there is really no problem with Dry. It is taut and every scene adds to the story. We can’t argue the genius of Linus. She presents us with facts and figures. She makes it deliberate, but we don’t see the film turning into a propagandist project. It sails through as a work of art, able to make sense and educate in ways that are beguiling and informative.
Only that at the end, you want to continue moving with Zara, to know what happens with her and Alex, her boyfriend, whose proposal plan is squashed when Zara finds a ring in the drawer of his dining room. She feigns a call from the mother and runs out on him before a candle-lit dinner. Dry is funny and at the same time, sad. But it is a story we will all like for the beauty of its storytelling.
 |
| DRY |
They say she smells. They throw things at her in the market. They say she disgusts them. Her co-wives want her out. She is thrown out by her husband and his mother. This is when Zara Robbins (played by Stephanie Linus) comes into the picture.
For the most part, Dry is excellently made; if the script was different from the actualized story, then it is well understood. Throughout the film, we are transported back and forth: Nigeria and England. The film makers may not have known, but an anthropological find shows that these scenes were shot in the countrysides. However, one is overly penury-stricken.
And those are the ones in Nigeria, where we are waiting to receive Zara Robbins, whose mother should have made the journey, but for ill-health, she couldn’t; she is worried that over 1,000 women’s lives are dependent on her, so Zara has to come in even though she doesn’t want to go, for so many reasons that she carries an internal wound from her past, which takes her to a shrink.
Zara Robbins travels to Nigeria. On her journey to find Madam Kojo, who sold her daughter, we are presented with details, almost unknown to the world? The questions come: what is VVF? How many women have VVF? How does it happen? How do you cure it? And then, where could Zara’s child be?
No matter how you may want to summarise it, Dry is a propagandist work; it is a beautifully stitched story about humanity. It drags you through the facades of beauty; it takes you on a walk through the surface of imperialism. This is because we are presented with a hard truth about child marriage; it sounds funny, as those parts add to the humour of the film, but Linus has been able to create unforgettable characters, stapled with a storyline that, at once, amazes and truncates you.
When we see Halima being married off to a very old man, many times her age, we are stunned. We laugh, but what we feel inside is stronger than what we show on the surface. Dry is masterly orchestrated. The more you watch, the more you want to know what happens to the characters. There is absolutely nothing the film lacks. Those who don’t like it, do so at their peril.
Its cinematography is beautifully patterned and like a journey too far to do, the audience will find themselves longing for the salvation of Halima. Liz Benson returns to the screen in this film as the Matron, making a short stellar performance as a doctor. We see her drinking tea once she is shown. Her diction is still the same from old projects. Would Liz Benson as a person change? Would there be a time when she will become something else that she is not supposed to be?
Obviously, not now. If there was stereotype, the moment we see Klint da Drunk as Dr. Mutanga, we know something funny would come out. This is after we see the mild, less humourous Dr. Londi. Infact, the beauty of Dry is its characterization. No matter how many they are, they are well-created, well-developed and they all add to the story.
Not to undermine the hardwork of Linus who happens to be the writer, producer and director, Dry would have been a better film if Linus was directed. Sometimes, you could feel that she is being conscious of her character and what the character has to say. Sometimes, she flows into the character; sometimes, she doesn’t.
If she hadn’t directed the film, she would have realized too quickly that there was a mistake when the lady at the hospital gives a form to Halima and her co-wife who brings her to the hospital for treatment, responds: “You can’t read and write?” They speak impeccable English! How they can’t read and write is so magical and illogical.
If a filmmaker’s dream is to take his/her work internationally, what he/she has to do, is to pay attention to details, mostly, language. Linus might have succeeded in executing the project, but maybe, the characters would have communicated well in Hausa or whatever language they are bound to speak. Seeing these Hausa characters meddle in English, at home, was very unreal.
If that’s the only issue I have with the film, then there is really no problem with Dry. It is taut and every scene adds to the story. We can’t argue the genius of Linus. She presents us with facts and figures. She makes it deliberate, but we don’t see the film turning into a propagandist project. It sails through as a work of art, able to make sense and educate in ways that are beguiling and informative.
Only that at the end, you want to continue moving with Zara, to know what happens with her and Alex, her boyfriend, whose proposal plan is squashed when Zara finds a ring in the drawer of his dining room. She feigns a call from the mother and runs out on him before a candle-lit dinner. Dry is funny and at the same time, sad. But it is a story we will all like for the beauty of its storytelling.
Vanguard
Thursday, 18 June 2015
Iggy Azalea: 'Some days I want to crawl into a cave'
Despite having a hot NBA star on her arm and the world at her feet, Iggy Azalea is struggling in the confidence department.
“Some days I want to crawl into a cave because I don’t feel confident at all, and then other days I feel great,” she told Today Australia on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old “Fancy” rapper has been the subject of tabloid scrutiny after coming clean about breast enhancement surgery last fall.
Critics have also placed her face under a microscope in recent weeks after she emerged at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards looking different than before.
“I think it’s like that for all human beings, not just young women,” she added about having poor self-esteem. “I think being confident 100 percent every day is something to aspire to, but I don’t think it’s humanly possibly for anybody.”
Although there is incessant chatter regarding her ever-changing looks, folks are buzzing over Azalea’s engagement to Los Angeles Lakers star Nick Young in early June.
FOX News.
“Some days I want to crawl into a cave because I don’t feel confident at all, and then other days I feel great,” she told Today Australia on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old “Fancy” rapper has been the subject of tabloid scrutiny after coming clean about breast enhancement surgery last fall.
Critics have also placed her face under a microscope in recent weeks after she emerged at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards looking different than before.
“I think it’s like that for all human beings, not just young women,” she added about having poor self-esteem. “I think being confident 100 percent every day is something to aspire to, but I don’t think it’s humanly possibly for anybody.”
Although there is incessant chatter regarding her ever-changing looks, folks are buzzing over Azalea’s engagement to Los Angeles Lakers star Nick Young in early June.
FOX News.
Netflix reportedly dropped $60 million for Brad Pitt film
"War Machine" was originally set up at New Regency through Pitt’s Plan B and RatPac Entertainment, but they wanted the filmmakers, including "The Rover" director David Michod, to lower their costs. Instead of complying, they put the project up for grabs and Netflix swooped in to match the price tag.
"War Machine" is based on the novel "The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan" by author Michael Hastings. Pitt is set to star as Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander of the U.S. and international troops in Afghanistan who mocked Obama officials, including Joe Biden, in a 2010 Rolling Stone piece by Hastings.
As for Pitt, he recently starred in the World War II drama "Fury" and continues to produce films through his Plan B banner. In addition to "War Machine," the A-lister is preparing for the release of "By the Sea," a film in which he co-stars with his wife, Angelina Jolie, who also directed the project. The actor will also return to reprise his role of Gerry Lane in "World War Z 2," coming in 2017, and will star inRobert Zemeckis’s WWII romance thriller.
Pitt is surely making it big even as he gets really Busy.
"War Machine" is based on the novel "The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan" by author Michael Hastings. Pitt is set to star as Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander of the U.S. and international troops in Afghanistan who mocked Obama officials, including Joe Biden, in a 2010 Rolling Stone piece by Hastings.
As for Pitt, he recently starred in the World War II drama "Fury" and continues to produce films through his Plan B banner. In addition to "War Machine," the A-lister is preparing for the release of "By the Sea," a film in which he co-stars with his wife, Angelina Jolie, who also directed the project. The actor will also return to reprise his role of Gerry Lane in "World War Z 2," coming in 2017, and will star inRobert Zemeckis’s WWII romance thriller.
Pitt is surely making it big even as he gets really Busy.
NBC reportedly allowing Brian Williams to stay but not as 'Nightly News' anchor
NBC reportedly is allowing embattled journalist Brian Williams to stay but not as “Nightly News” anchor, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.
Current fill-in anchor Lester Holt is expected to fill the lead anchor position permanently, media reports said.
The report comes just four months after the company suspended Williams for exaggerating a story about an incident involving his aircraft while covering the Iraq War.
Awesome as Arnold Schwarzenegger pranks fans as Terminator wax statue
Arnold traded classic lines from his 1984 action film back and forth with a "Terminator" lookalike to the delight of tourists walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But when he went inside the nearby Madame Tussauds posing as a wax statue, he really got heartbeats racing.
"He looks real," said one fan before scampering out of the room when Arnold broke his pose.
The prank was done to spread the word about a contest on Omaze.com to win a chance to attend the Hollywood premiere of "Terminator Genysis."
I wish he could play such a prank on me. #winks
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SALEH PLANGNAN DEBORAH
My prayer is for us to continue fulfilling Gods promise for us in such a way that it will be a reflection of his goodwill to humanity.
May your rainbow shine so much that God would look at it in awe and see hope in humanity.
Have a great NEW YEAR sweet Friend. I love you like Gemini born in Cancer. #kisses
Surgeon promising first human head transplant makes US pitch
This is so surprising but it is happening...
An Italian neurosurgeon’s project to undertake the first human head transplant has received a skeptical welcome in the United States, where he made a pitch to donors and fellow scientists.
Sergio Canavero, who leads the Turin Advanced Neuromodulation Group, first announced his project in 2013, saying at the time that such a procedure could be possible as soon as 2016.
But this timeline seems extremely unlikely given the numerous obstacles and gaps in knowledge.
Canavero, who made a 2.5-hour presentation Friday at a conference of the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgeons in Annapolis, Maryland, met for the first time there a man who volunteered for the world’s first head transplant.
Russian-born Valery Spiridonov, 30, suffers from Werdnig-Hoffmann disease, which is a progressive and incurable wasting ailment. He was among the 150-some conference participants.
Invited to speak at the start of the conference, Canavero described at length how he would mend a severed spinal cord — a crucial factor in any such surgery — and described advances in the field, especially on animals.
The secret is to use a nano blade to cut the cord, then polyethylene glycol and an electrical current to accelerate the reconnection of severed nerve fibers.
But he admitted his knowledge was incomplete and didn’t go into much detail about the profusion of other major problems that could be expected with such an unfathomably drastic operation.
Among those issues is how to maintain and restore blood flow to the brain, or how to reconnect the parasympathetic nervous system, a key component of an organism’s automatic functions.
Sergio Canavero, who leads the Turin Advanced Neuromodulation Group, first announced his project in 2013, saying at the time that such a procedure could be possible as soon as 2016.
But this timeline seems extremely unlikely given the numerous obstacles and gaps in knowledge.
Canavero, who made a 2.5-hour presentation Friday at a conference of the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgeons in Annapolis, Maryland, met for the first time there a man who volunteered for the world’s first head transplant.
Russian-born Valery Spiridonov, 30, suffers from Werdnig-Hoffmann disease, which is a progressive and incurable wasting ailment. He was among the 150-some conference participants.
Invited to speak at the start of the conference, Canavero described at length how he would mend a severed spinal cord — a crucial factor in any such surgery — and described advances in the field, especially on animals.
The secret is to use a nano blade to cut the cord, then polyethylene glycol and an electrical current to accelerate the reconnection of severed nerve fibers.
But he admitted his knowledge was incomplete and didn’t go into much detail about the profusion of other major problems that could be expected with such an unfathomably drastic operation.
Among those issues is how to maintain and restore blood flow to the brain, or how to reconnect the parasympathetic nervous system, a key component of an organism’s automatic functions.
WELL... Lets all await the outcome!
Don Jazzy Meets Dj Mannie Fresh
Don jazzy posted on Instagram, a picture of him and Mannie Fresh together in his hotel room where it looked like he was playing some of his beats for him and Mannie sure looked impressed.
Donjazzy and D’banj made Africa proud in 2011 as they were the first African-based musicians to get signed by Kanye West into the popular GOOD music record label.
This picture with such a high profile producer would mean music lovers are bound to hear of projects these two great disc jockeys would both handle which would probably shake the world as both are known for being the brains behind hit bangers that have kept living on charts worldwide.
AFCON 2017: Expect more new faces in my team – Keshi
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has stated that he will continue to experiment with the national team as the Eagles chase qualification for the 2017 African Cup of Nations.
Nigerian fans watched as the Super Eagles laboured to a 2-0 win over Chad last Saturday. Four new faces were introduced to the team by coach Keshi. He argued that this process will continue as he seeks to achieve a balance in his squad.
“Even if you’ve had a team for five or six years, you will still have one or two additions or subtractions to make in your team because we’re always looking for that balance,” he said.
“Against Chad I had several new faces and they are players I have been studying for some time. I know their quality and if we had time, long enough to work together it would have been different from what we saw against Chad.
“We have to do what we have to do to find a very solid team and I have confidence in this group of players because there is a lot of potential and we have to keep giving them more opportunities,” Keshi said.
Begin your ibadah on a good note
As-salam Alaikum waramotullai, wa barakatuh
We praise Allah for being part of those who will observe this Ramadan. Many had wished to observe this month, but they have not got the grace to be alive today while many others have also not got the wherewithal to observe it. Alhamdullilah.
A good way to start your ibadaah is by adhering to your earlier plan to make the best out of the month in terms of worship. But if you have not clearly mapped out plans, then the very good way to start is to earmark four to five hours of you day to Quran recitation, attending tafsir and doing zhikr. Again, about the same four to five hours of your night for tahjud and sahoor. You can then manage the remaining 14 to 16 hours for your daily activities, regular salat, Tarawih and sleep.
One of the important part of the daily ibadaah this month is the Tarawih, it is part of Ramadan, endeavour not to miss it.
Tarawih prayers are prayed in pairs of two and can be prayed in at least 10 rak’ah. While some schools say the prayers should be 20, some say 8 while some put it at 36. Without concerning ourselves with the details of these schools, suffice to say that Tarawih is a supererogatory prayers that is offered after Salat Isha’ aduring Ramadan.
Like in all other supererogatory prayers, Tarawih is meant to make up for our less perfect obligatory prayers in the month of Ramadan. Scholars say the essence is to make every part of our prayers become perfect, just like we were taught how to fast without blemish. Our prayers are so important that it shall be our first account to be rendered before Allah. In an authentic hadith reported by Imam At-Tirmithi, Abu-Dawud, An-Nisai and others, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “The first of his actions for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on the day of resurrection will be his prayers. If they are in order, then he will have prospered and succeeded; and if they were faulty, then he would have failed.
Bukhari and Muslim reported that the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: “Whoever offers optional prayers like Tarawih prayers throughout the nights of Ramadan, believing in Allah and seeking His rewards, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
Tarawih can be performed individually at home or at the mosque.
If for some reason you cannot go to the mosque, you can pray Tarawih at home.
But it is better to observe Tarawih in the mosque behind Imam in congregation. All ibadah in the month of Ramadan are huge in their rewards and great before Allah. Tarawih is one of them.
VANGUARD
We praise Allah for being part of those who will observe this Ramadan. Many had wished to observe this month, but they have not got the grace to be alive today while many others have also not got the wherewithal to observe it. Alhamdullilah.
A good way to start your ibadaah is by adhering to your earlier plan to make the best out of the month in terms of worship. But if you have not clearly mapped out plans, then the very good way to start is to earmark four to five hours of you day to Quran recitation, attending tafsir and doing zhikr. Again, about the same four to five hours of your night for tahjud and sahoor. You can then manage the remaining 14 to 16 hours for your daily activities, regular salat, Tarawih and sleep.
One of the important part of the daily ibadaah this month is the Tarawih, it is part of Ramadan, endeavour not to miss it.
Tarawih prayers are prayed in pairs of two and can be prayed in at least 10 rak’ah. While some schools say the prayers should be 20, some say 8 while some put it at 36. Without concerning ourselves with the details of these schools, suffice to say that Tarawih is a supererogatory prayers that is offered after Salat Isha’ aduring Ramadan.
Like in all other supererogatory prayers, Tarawih is meant to make up for our less perfect obligatory prayers in the month of Ramadan. Scholars say the essence is to make every part of our prayers become perfect, just like we were taught how to fast without blemish. Our prayers are so important that it shall be our first account to be rendered before Allah. In an authentic hadith reported by Imam At-Tirmithi, Abu-Dawud, An-Nisai and others, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “The first of his actions for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on the day of resurrection will be his prayers. If they are in order, then he will have prospered and succeeded; and if they were faulty, then he would have failed.
Bukhari and Muslim reported that the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: “Whoever offers optional prayers like Tarawih prayers throughout the nights of Ramadan, believing in Allah and seeking His rewards, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
Tarawih can be performed individually at home or at the mosque.
If for some reason you cannot go to the mosque, you can pray Tarawih at home.
But it is better to observe Tarawih in the mosque behind Imam in congregation. All ibadah in the month of Ramadan are huge in their rewards and great before Allah. Tarawih is one of them.
VANGUARD
China bans Ramadan fasting in mainly Muslim region
China has banned civil servants, students and teachers in its mainly Muslim Xinjiang region from fasting during Ramadan and ordered restaurants to stay open.
Most Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk during the holy month, which began on Thursday, but China’s ruling Communist party is officially atheist and for years has restricted the practice in Xinjiang, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur minority.
“Food service workplaces will operate normal hours during Ramadan,” said a notice posted last week on the website of the state Food and Drug Administration in Xinjiang’s Jinghe county.
Officials in the region’s Bole county were told: “During Ramadan do not engage in fasting, vigils or other religious activities,” according to a local government website report of a meeting this week.
Each year, the authority’s attempt to ban fasting among Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang receives widespread criticism from rights groups.
Uighur rights groups say China’s restrictions on Islam in Xinjiang have added to ethnic tensions in the region, where clashes have killed hundreds in recent years.
China says it faces a “terrorist threat” in Xinjiang, with officials blaming “religious extremism” for the growing violence.
“China’s goal in prohibiting fasting is to forcibly move Uighurs away from their Muslim culture during Ramadan,” said Dilxat Rexit, a spokesman for the exiled World Uyghur Congress.
“Policies that prohibit religious fasting is a provocation and will only lead to instability and conflict.”
As in previous years, school children were included in directives limiting Ramadan fasting and other religious observances.
The education bureau of Tarbaghatay city, known as Tacheng in Chinese, this month ordered schools to communicate to students that “during Ramadan, ethnic minority students do not fast, do not enter mosques … and do not attend religious activities”.
Most Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk during the holy month, which began on Thursday, but China’s ruling Communist party is officially atheist and for years has restricted the practice in Xinjiang, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur minority.
“Food service workplaces will operate normal hours during Ramadan,” said a notice posted last week on the website of the state Food and Drug Administration in Xinjiang’s Jinghe county.
Officials in the region’s Bole county were told: “During Ramadan do not engage in fasting, vigils or other religious activities,” according to a local government website report of a meeting this week.
Each year, the authority’s attempt to ban fasting among Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang receives widespread criticism from rights groups.
Uighur rights groups say China’s restrictions on Islam in Xinjiang have added to ethnic tensions in the region, where clashes have killed hundreds in recent years.
China says it faces a “terrorist threat” in Xinjiang, with officials blaming “religious extremism” for the growing violence.
“China’s goal in prohibiting fasting is to forcibly move Uighurs away from their Muslim culture during Ramadan,” said Dilxat Rexit, a spokesman for the exiled World Uyghur Congress.
“Policies that prohibit religious fasting is a provocation and will only lead to instability and conflict.”
As in previous years, school children were included in directives limiting Ramadan fasting and other religious observances.
The education bureau of Tarbaghatay city, known as Tacheng in Chinese, this month ordered schools to communicate to students that “during Ramadan, ethnic minority students do not fast, do not enter mosques … and do not attend religious activities”.
Probe Alison-Madueke, NNPC, Keyamo tells National Assembly
Lagos-based lawyer, Festus Keyamo, has asked the National assembly to probe the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and top officials of the corporation for “massive looting of state resources in collusion with some local companies in the oil and gas sector”.
Mr. Keyamo said NNPC’s Managing Director, Tony Moneke; the Executive Director, Commercial, PPMC, Frank Amejo; Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, Gbenga Komolafe; Former Managing Director of NPDC, and later NNPC Group Executive Director, E & P, Abiye Membere should all be probed.
The lawyer urged the legislators to beam their search light on the crude Oil Swap deals, an arrangement whereby about fifty percent (50%) of the nation’s daily quota of crude oil meant for domestic refining and consumption are given to some local companies in the oil and gas sector which then sell the products in the international market and thereafter import petroleum products, including derivatives or by-products on behalf of the NNPC and PPMC for sale and distribution in the country.
“The Offshore Processing Agreements (OPAs) involved in the allocation of the daily domestic quota of crude oil to some local companies in the oil and gas sector; the colossal fraud in both programmes have reportedly started and heightened in recent years,” he said. “The frauds occur when far less quantity of petroleum products, by-products and derivatives are imported into the country by the local companies in exchange for the crude oil allocated to them by the NNPC.”
The staggering shortfalls in the imported products are done with the active connivance, collusion and knowledge of the officials of the NNPC,” Mr. Keyamo said.
“The proceeds are, of course, subsequently shared between the NNPC officials and these local companies. In fact, it is reported that a colossal sum of about $50billion (fifty billion dollars) have been stolen by these people through these fraudulent programmes in the last few years,” he added.
The lawyer urged the lawmakers to also invite oil and gas companies including AITEO, Sahara Energy, Ontario Oil and Gas and Taleveras to assist in its probe.
Mr. Keyamo said NNPC’s Managing Director, Tony Moneke; the Executive Director, Commercial, PPMC, Frank Amejo; Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, Gbenga Komolafe; Former Managing Director of NPDC, and later NNPC Group Executive Director, E & P, Abiye Membere should all be probed.
The lawyer urged the legislators to beam their search light on the crude Oil Swap deals, an arrangement whereby about fifty percent (50%) of the nation’s daily quota of crude oil meant for domestic refining and consumption are given to some local companies in the oil and gas sector which then sell the products in the international market and thereafter import petroleum products, including derivatives or by-products on behalf of the NNPC and PPMC for sale and distribution in the country.
“The Offshore Processing Agreements (OPAs) involved in the allocation of the daily domestic quota of crude oil to some local companies in the oil and gas sector; the colossal fraud in both programmes have reportedly started and heightened in recent years,” he said. “The frauds occur when far less quantity of petroleum products, by-products and derivatives are imported into the country by the local companies in exchange for the crude oil allocated to them by the NNPC.”
The staggering shortfalls in the imported products are done with the active connivance, collusion and knowledge of the officials of the NNPC,” Mr. Keyamo said.
“The proceeds are, of course, subsequently shared between the NNPC officials and these local companies. In fact, it is reported that a colossal sum of about $50billion (fifty billion dollars) have been stolen by these people through these fraudulent programmes in the last few years,” he added.
The lawyer urged the lawmakers to also invite oil and gas companies including AITEO, Sahara Energy, Ontario Oil and Gas and Taleveras to assist in its probe.
EFCC arrests former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim
A former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Mr. Ohakim, governor between 2007 and 2011, was arrested Thursday at about 10.05 am at his residence in the Asokoro district of Abuja.
A source at the commission said an invitation was sent to the former governor but that he failed to turn up Wednesday as advised. EFCC operatives, who had been on his trail for days, our source said, stormed his residence Thursday and drove him in an unmarked car to the commission’s headquarters in the Maitama district of the nation’s capital.
He is currently being detained, with his interrogation expected to begin later in the day.
The source said the former governor has questions to answer concerning a number of property allegedly traced to him.
The source said the former governor has questions to answer concerning a number of property allegedly traced to him.
Also, a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has willingly surrendered himself for questioning almost the same time Mr. Ohakim was brought into the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja.
He is currently been quizzed by the commission’s operatives over alleged bribery and money laundering offences.
#UndressNASS: 469 Assemblymen Pocket $2 Million Each Yearly, $1 Billion Total
The highest paid law makers on the planet recently set a new Guinness Book record for insanity when they passed 46 bills in 10 minutes on a day before the last of their tenure.
These 469 Assemblymen earn N150 billion, that’s almost 1 billion United States dollars! For a nation with over 100 million destitute living under a-dollar-a-day, this allocation to self constitutes a crime against humanity. And worse yet, this earning is not even the tip of the iceberg. The senators are known to make their real bread from various frivolous committees which they use to literally slice up almost half of Nigeria’s oil earnings. As Nigerians hit the streets to bring an end to this unprecedented corruption and injustice, let’s put that figure in context:
The 469 Senators and Representatives each earn a whopping $2 million a year. In contrast, Senators in the United States earn $174,000 a year (+benefits.)
The budget of Cameroon for 2015 is just $7 billion, for 22 million citizens.
Ghana’s budget, $6.4 billion; for 26 million people.
Nigeria’s budget is only $22 billion for 177 million people out of which 469 take the $1 billion. Technically makes it 21 billion for the 177 million.
The budget for Kano for the 2015 fiscal year is $1 billion; for 3.3 million people.
Lagos’ budget for its 11 million this year is $5 billion.
Nigeria’s Education budget is $3 billion.
Nigeria’s Health sector budget is $1.3 billion.
According to Nigeria’s Bureau of Statistics, NBS, 100 million Nigerians live under a-dollar-a-day. That is a total earning of $100 million. These 469 men earn one-thirtieth what 100 million Nigerians earn every year.
At an average of N3 million/ $15,000 a professor, these 469 men earn what 67,000 of our University lecturers earn per annum. That’s about 150 times! Compare that to the US where legislators earn only twice or thrice what college instructors earn.
At the official medical Consultant salary of N900,000/month, $54,000 /year, each of 469 Assemblyman can pay the annual income of 37 medical Consultants – doctors at the pinnacle of their career after years of learning and work. In comparison, an average US medical Attending earns twice what a US Assemblyman does.
We must protest to #UndressNASS till this crime against man and God is no more.
The 469 Senators and Representatives each earn a whopping $2 million a year. In contrast, Senators in the United States earn $174,000 a year (+benefits.)
The budget of Cameroon for 2015 is just $7 billion, for 22 million citizens.
Ghana’s budget, $6.4 billion; for 26 million people.
Nigeria’s budget is only $22 billion for 177 million people out of which 469 take the $1 billion. Technically makes it 21 billion for the 177 million.
The budget for Kano for the 2015 fiscal year is $1 billion; for 3.3 million people.
Lagos’ budget for its 11 million this year is $5 billion.
Nigeria’s Education budget is $3 billion.
Nigeria’s Health sector budget is $1.3 billion.
According to Nigeria’s Bureau of Statistics, NBS, 100 million Nigerians live under a-dollar-a-day. That is a total earning of $100 million. These 469 men earn one-thirtieth what 100 million Nigerians earn every year.
At an average of N3 million/ $15,000 a professor, these 469 men earn what 67,000 of our University lecturers earn per annum. That’s about 150 times! Compare that to the US where legislators earn only twice or thrice what college instructors earn.
At the official medical Consultant salary of N900,000/month, $54,000 /year, each of 469 Assemblyman can pay the annual income of 37 medical Consultants – doctors at the pinnacle of their career after years of learning and work. In comparison, an average US medical Attending earns twice what a US Assemblyman does.
We must protest to #UndressNASS till this crime against man and God is no more.
O'Brian Ortese
POETRY
In And Out Of Time
the sun has come
the mists have gone
we see in the distance
our long way home
i was always yours to have
you were always mine
we have loved each other
in and out of time
when the first stone looked up at the blazing sun
and the first tree struggled up from the forest floor
I have always loved you more
you freed your braids
gave your hair to the breeze
it hung like a hive of honey bees
i reached in the mass
for the sweet honeycomb there
ahh... God, how I loved your hair
you saw me bludgeoned by circumstance
lost, injured, hurt by chance
i screamed to the Heavens
loudly screamed
trying to change our nightmares
into dreams
the sun has come
the mists have gone
we see in the distance
our long way home
i was yours to have
and you were always mine
we have loved each other
in and out,
in and out,
in and out of time...
~ MAYA ANGELOU~
Charlize Theron and Sean Penn Call it quits
The two were friends for over 15 years before hooking up two years ago. The last time they were spotted together was in Austria in May.
Buhari congratulates Muslims nationwide as Ramadan fast begins tomorrow
Buhari congratulates Muslims nationwide as Ramadan fast begins tomorrow. Press statement from the presidency below...
President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to pray for the return of peace, love and prosperity throughout the country as Muslims start the 2015 Ramadan fast. In a congratulatory message released on his behalf by the Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu, President Buhari implored Muslims to seek maximum benefits from the Ramadan period "by being helpful to all manner of people, learning and following the true message of the religion as taught by the Holy Prophet."
The President in his message directed an appeal to the perpetrators of violence and destruction in the name of Islam all over the world to desist from tarnishing the name of the religion. "As we make collective efforts to bring to a permanent end the menace of the Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin countries, let me use this auspicious occasion to appeal to our misguided brothers to drop their arms, embrace peace and seek a better understanding of Islam during this Holy period and beyond," Buhari said.
The President prayed to Allah to bring peace and harmony to all parts of the country and the world at large. "I wish all our citizens a blessed Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem Mubarak," the statement concluded.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) State House Abuja.
Wednesday, 17 June 2015
National Assembly Budget: What You Need To Know About Allowances
The incredible amount of money Nigerian lawmakers make is even more ridiculous considering that the country’s monthly minimum wage is only about $90 USD a month.
While the N8.64 billion-wardrobe allowance provided for NASS lawmakers has been making headlines, similar provisions have slipped away unnoticed.
The most lavish of these provisions include furniture, housing, and car allowances.
Furniture Allowance
Senators will be provided with N6, 079,200 each for furniture through the budget of the National Assembly while the Senate President and his Deputy will receive theirs on the bill of the National Government. House members will receive N5, 955,637 for their furniture. The total sum to be paid from the NASS budget to the 107 Senators is N650, 474, 400. The cost for the House of Representatives comes to an outstanding N2, 132, 118, 225 for all 358 members.
Housing Allowance
Annually, the budget allocated to each senator for housing is N4, 052, 800. The total is a hefty N433, 649, 600. Members of the House will be paid N3, 970, 425 each adding up to a total of N1, 421, 412, 150.
Vehicle Loan
Senators will be permitted N8, 105, 600 while members of the House will be entitled to N7, 940, 850.50. The total sum to be paid to the 107 senators will be N867, 299, 200 while the 358 House members will get N2, 842, 824, 479.
According to BudgIT, a startup dedicated to the mission of making National Assembly budgetary information accessible to Nigerians, Nigerian legislators are among the highest paid in the world. The annual salaries of Nigerian legislators fall between $150,000 to $190,000 U.S. dollars annually depending on exchange rates. Until oil prices plunged recently, Nigerian lawmakers were the second highest paid lawmakers in the world.
The incredible amount of money Nigerian lawmakers make is even more ridiculous considering that the country’s monthly minimum wage is only about $90 USD a month.
On the other hand, President Buhari’s income will stand at N14.4 million, an equivalent of $70,000 USD.
Although the pay cut Buhari took is in line with his anti-corruption campaign, the government he will be overseeing will stand as a stark contrast.
While the N8.64 billion-wardrobe allowance provided for NASS lawmakers has been making headlines, similar provisions have slipped away unnoticed.
The most lavish of these provisions include furniture, housing, and car allowances.
Furniture Allowance
Senators will be provided with N6, 079,200 each for furniture through the budget of the National Assembly while the Senate President and his Deputy will receive theirs on the bill of the National Government. House members will receive N5, 955,637 for their furniture. The total sum to be paid from the NASS budget to the 107 Senators is N650, 474, 400. The cost for the House of Representatives comes to an outstanding N2, 132, 118, 225 for all 358 members.
Housing Allowance
Annually, the budget allocated to each senator for housing is N4, 052, 800. The total is a hefty N433, 649, 600. Members of the House will be paid N3, 970, 425 each adding up to a total of N1, 421, 412, 150.
Vehicle Loan
Senators will be permitted N8, 105, 600 while members of the House will be entitled to N7, 940, 850.50. The total sum to be paid to the 107 senators will be N867, 299, 200 while the 358 House members will get N2, 842, 824, 479.
According to BudgIT, a startup dedicated to the mission of making National Assembly budgetary information accessible to Nigerians, Nigerian legislators are among the highest paid in the world. The annual salaries of Nigerian legislators fall between $150,000 to $190,000 U.S. dollars annually depending on exchange rates. Until oil prices plunged recently, Nigerian lawmakers were the second highest paid lawmakers in the world.
The incredible amount of money Nigerian lawmakers make is even more ridiculous considering that the country’s monthly minimum wage is only about $90 USD a month.
On the other hand, President Buhari’s income will stand at N14.4 million, an equivalent of $70,000 USD.
Although the pay cut Buhari took is in line with his anti-corruption campaign, the government he will be overseeing will stand as a stark contrast.
Michael Douglas in Israel for $1 million prize
When actor Michael Douglas was chosen to receive the "Jewish Nobel Prize," he pointed out a small problem: Under strict religious law, the Oscar-winning actor isn't Jewish.
Douglas, who only recently has embraced his Jewish roots, is vowing to use the $1 million Genesis Prize to build bridges between Israel and increasingly assimilated Jewish communities around the world.
"Abraham's tent had its flaps open and so hopefully since approximately half of the Jewish population in the world is outside of Israel, we can find ways to better understand each other and to grow together," Douglas told The Associated Press in an interview.
Douglas, accompanied by his wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, and their two children, is in Israel this week to accept the Genesis Prize. Jay Leno will host the high-powered event, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to present the award.
Douglas, who only recently has embraced his Jewish roots, is vowing to use the $1 million Genesis Prize to build bridges between Israel and increasingly assimilated Jewish communities around the world.
"Abraham's tent had its flaps open and so hopefully since approximately half of the Jewish population in the world is outside of Israel, we can find ways to better understand each other and to grow together," Douglas told The Associated Press in an interview.
Douglas, accompanied by his wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, and their two children, is in Israel this week to accept the Genesis Prize. Jay Leno will host the high-powered event, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to present the award.
Burna Boy teases new music
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| Burna |
“Bumping that new single “Follow Me,” he casually hinted via an Instagram video.
New Fifty Shades of Grey book stolen
Publisher Random House had reported to police it discovered a finished copy of the book had gone missing last Monday.
But Kent Police said it found no proof a crime had taken place and "no evidence" to suggest a copy of EL James's latest Fifty Shades novel was stolen ahead of its release.
The book, which re-tells the first instalment of the hit trilogy from billionaire Christian Grey's point of view, is due to be released on 18 June.
"Following a report that one book had been stolen after packaging was found to be damaged, there is no evidence at this stage to suggest that an offence has been committed," a Kent Police spokeswoman said.
"No more action will be taken unless further information is received."
In a statement, Random House said: "We are delighted that the book's theft does not appear to have been for any malicious intent or financial gain.
"We can however confirm that we will continue our investigations into this matter and that we will be reporting any findings to Kent police."
The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy has sold more than 125 million copies worldwide since the first book's release in 2011.
The first book was released as a film earlier this year.
But Kent Police said it found no proof a crime had taken place and "no evidence" to suggest a copy of EL James's latest Fifty Shades novel was stolen ahead of its release.
The book, which re-tells the first instalment of the hit trilogy from billionaire Christian Grey's point of view, is due to be released on 18 June.
"Following a report that one book had been stolen after packaging was found to be damaged, there is no evidence at this stage to suggest that an offence has been committed," a Kent Police spokeswoman said.
"No more action will be taken unless further information is received."
In a statement, Random House said: "We are delighted that the book's theft does not appear to have been for any malicious intent or financial gain.
"We can however confirm that we will continue our investigations into this matter and that we will be reporting any findings to Kent police."
The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy has sold more than 125 million copies worldwide since the first book's release in 2011.
The first book was released as a film earlier this year.
Tom Ford: ‘I’d be dead now if I didn’t stop drinking and doing drugs
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| Tom Ford |
The 53-year-old says he had a “midlife crisis” when he left Gucci in 2004, the fashion house he helped bring back from bankruptcy during his 10 years there as creative director.
“I became quite depressed. When you’re depressed you drink more and when you drink more you get more depressed. And along with the drinks there were drugs. And when you have that kind of high you also have that kind of low. And I didn’t have a child and I didn’t have — y’know for a couple of years — a career,” he told the Evening Standard. “My life ... I honestly don’t think I’d be alive if I hadn’t stopped drinking.”
He says living in London, where he believes the culture of drinking is rampant, didn’t help the situation.
“You can very easily consume ten drinks a day and be considered absolutely normal. You go to lunch, have a couple of drinks. Come five o’clock at the office, we’d have a couple of drinks. Then I’d get dressed for dinner, couple of drinks while I was getting dressed. Go out, three drinks at dinner. Going out to a club after that, three more. Add that up, you’re at like ten, 12,” he said. “Sometimes I’d say to my friends, ‘I think I have a drinking problem’ and they’d say, ‘Oh, you don’t have a drinking problem! Have another drink!’ Once I stopped drinking I found this clarity, which can be painful for a while but my life has just fallen into place. I built a business, made a movie, had a child, I’m making another movie,” he said.
Ford managed to give up booze entirely, saying it helped him focus on his fashion label, and be a father to his two-year-old son Jack he shares with his partner of 29 years, Richard Buckley.
He is just about to start filming his second movie, Nocturnal Animals with Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams. It will be his first film since the 2009 hit A Single Man, which starred Colin Firth and Julianne Moore.
He says he relaxes nowadays by having up to five baths a day.
“I resolve a lot of things in the bath,” he said.
NEWS.COM
Chris Brown Is More In Love Than Ever
Chris Brown became a father last year, and he really seems to love playing his new role as dad. Last month he brought his daughter Royalty as his date to the Billboard Awards, and these days his Instagram account is flooded with photos and videos of her.
Apparently, he’s even brought her out on the road with him while he tours.
According to TMZ, Breezy’s reportedly implemented some child-friendly rules for his tour bus when she’s around, including no smoking, cursing or drinking and, no strange women on board? That basically sounds like an anti-rap tour bus, so his fatherly love really runs deep.
They certainly spend some quality time together.
Apparently, he’s even brought her out on the road with him while he tours.
According to TMZ, Breezy’s reportedly implemented some child-friendly rules for his tour bus when she’s around, including no smoking, cursing or drinking and, no strange women on board? That basically sounds like an anti-rap tour bus, so his fatherly love really runs deep.
They certainly spend some quality time together.
Eminem Sets New Record
On Monday, he was being honored as the first artist in the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Gold & Platinum award history to earn two Digital Diamond awards. That means two of his songs — “Love the Way You Lie” and “Not Afraid” — sold more than ten million copies.
Last July, the RIAA announced that Em had set the record, but it seems it just took until now to actually present him with the honor.
“We are delighted to recognize Eminem as the first artist to earn two RIAA Digital Diamond Awards,” Cary Sherman, Chairman & CEO of the RIAA, said in a statement. “This singular achievement, earning a Diamond Award on two separate digital songs is unparalleled, and we congratulate him on forever etching a mark in Gold & Platinum Program history.”
Rachel Dolezal called for boycott of 'Exodus' for using white actors for black roles
In a recently resurfaced radio interview, Rachel Dolezal, who resigned from her NAACP post after her parents revealed she was white and posing as an African-American, called for the boycott of 2014's "Exodus: Gods and Kings" because the film featured white actors portraying black characters.
When Taylor Weech, host of KYRS, asked the former Spokane NAACP president if people should boycott the Christian-Bale starring flick, Dolezal said they should.
"Hopefully nobody goes to that film. We need to boycott that film, from my perspective, because it’s miseducation, it’s misrepresentation, it’s highly offensive to the people that actually were living during that time and also to people today," Dolezal can be heard saying on a recording of the interview.
She added, "If people go to that without knowing, and again with just the typical public education system, you're going to think probably that's just what happened...and all the darker skinned people must be villains that's pretty natural we accept that under the white supremacy tradition and the lighter skin folks rule in our upper class and it's just you know really disturbing."
The uproar over Dolezal's race began last week after her parents said their daughter was white. For years, she publicly described herself as African-American or biracial. Dolezal said Tuesday on NBC's "Today" show that she identifies as African-American.
FOX NEWS/AP
When Taylor Weech, host of KYRS, asked the former Spokane NAACP president if people should boycott the Christian-Bale starring flick, Dolezal said they should.
"Hopefully nobody goes to that film. We need to boycott that film, from my perspective, because it’s miseducation, it’s misrepresentation, it’s highly offensive to the people that actually were living during that time and also to people today," Dolezal can be heard saying on a recording of the interview.
She added, "If people go to that without knowing, and again with just the typical public education system, you're going to think probably that's just what happened...and all the darker skinned people must be villains that's pretty natural we accept that under the white supremacy tradition and the lighter skin folks rule in our upper class and it's just you know really disturbing."
The uproar over Dolezal's race began last week after her parents said their daughter was white. For years, she publicly described herself as African-American or biracial. Dolezal said Tuesday on NBC's "Today" show that she identifies as African-American.
FOX NEWS/AP
Journey drummer Deen Castronovo charged with assault for injuring woman
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| Photo Credit- Reuters |
Journey drummer Deen Castronovo has been released on bail following a domestic violence arrest in Oregon.
The 50-year-old drummer was arrested Sunday and charged with misdemeanor assault and menacing.
Deputy District Attorney Jean Kunkle wrote in court papers that Castronovo knowingly caused physical injury to the woman.
Castronovo's attorney, Jeffrey Jones, did not immediately return a phone message.
A plea hearing has been scheduled for June 30. In the meantime, the drummer is not allowed to have contact with the woman.
Castronovo has been with Journey since 1998, when he replaced Steve Smith.
Castronovo made news earlier this year when he donated $10,000 to an Oregon high school after an arsonist burned down its band room.
The 50-year-old drummer was arrested Sunday and charged with misdemeanor assault and menacing.
Deputy District Attorney Jean Kunkle wrote in court papers that Castronovo knowingly caused physical injury to the woman.
Castronovo's attorney, Jeffrey Jones, did not immediately return a phone message.
A plea hearing has been scheduled for June 30. In the meantime, the drummer is not allowed to have contact with the woman.
Castronovo has been with Journey since 1998, when he replaced Steve Smith.
Castronovo made news earlier this year when he donated $10,000 to an Oregon high school after an arsonist burned down its band room.
FOX NEWS
Dangote ready to buy Arsenal ‘at any price’
Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has insisted he will have “enough time and resources” to buy English Premier League side, Arsenal, at whatever cost very soon.
Dangote is Africa’s richest man having amassed a fortune in the region of $18.4 billion (£12.2 billion). He is currently ranked the 67th richest man in the world.
The business mogul reiterated his interest in purchasing the Gunners last month, saying he already know his strategy on how to take the club forward.
That day may arrive sooner than first expected, with Dangote telling the BBC on Wednesday that completion of his proposed oil refinery in Nigeria will provide the funds necessary to launch a takeover of the English FA Cup winners.
“When we get this refinery on track, I will have enough time and enough resources to pay what they are asking for,” he told BBC Hausa.
“There were a couple of us who were rushing to buy, and we thought with the prices then, the people who were interested in selling were trying to go for a kill.”
“We backtracked, because we were very busy doing other things, especially our industrialisation.”
“They are doing well, but they need another strategic direction,” he added. “They need more direction than the current situation, where they just develop players and sell them.”
Stan Kroenke is Arsenal’s majority shareholder, with the American owning 66.64 per cent of the club’s parent company, Arsenal Holdings Plc.
Dangote is Africa’s richest man having amassed a fortune in the region of $18.4 billion (£12.2 billion). He is currently ranked the 67th richest man in the world.
The business mogul reiterated his interest in purchasing the Gunners last month, saying he already know his strategy on how to take the club forward.
That day may arrive sooner than first expected, with Dangote telling the BBC on Wednesday that completion of his proposed oil refinery in Nigeria will provide the funds necessary to launch a takeover of the English FA Cup winners.
“When we get this refinery on track, I will have enough time and enough resources to pay what they are asking for,” he told BBC Hausa.
“There were a couple of us who were rushing to buy, and we thought with the prices then, the people who were interested in selling were trying to go for a kill.”
“We backtracked, because we were very busy doing other things, especially our industrialisation.”
“They are doing well, but they need another strategic direction,” he added. “They need more direction than the current situation, where they just develop players and sell them.”
Stan Kroenke is Arsenal’s majority shareholder, with the American owning 66.64 per cent of the club’s parent company, Arsenal Holdings Plc.
Dare Art Alade to drop next album soon
Darey who served as one of the celebrity judges of the competition also performed at the grand finale, while held at Dream Studios, Omole, Lagos.
Wearing a shimmering white danshiki-styled outfit and matching white sneakers, Alade gave an energetic performance with the backing of six other dancers on the Idols’ stage. At the end of the performance, he dropped the news.
“A new album is coming soon,” he said, to the delight of his fans in the audience.
Darey, a multi-platinum selling and award-winning musician is the son of renowned Nigerian entertainer, Art Alade.
Buhari’s full speech at 25th AU Summit in Johannesburg
Excellency President Robert Mugabe, Chairman of the Union,
Excellency President Jacob Zuma, our Host,
Excellencies fellow Presidents and Heads of Government
Excellency Mr. Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Excellency Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission,
Excellencies, Heads of Delegation,
Invited Guests, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
1. Please permit me to join previous speakers in conveying my delegation’s appreciation to our host, H.E. President Jacob Zuma, to his Government, and the brotherly people of South Africa for their warm hospitality, and for the excellent arrangements made for our comfort and for the success of our meetings. As this is my first address at this august assembly, may I also congratulate H.E. Dr. Robert Gabriel Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, for his unanimous election as the Chairman of our Union.
2. I feel highly honoured and extremely pleased to be able to address you today, barely two weeks after my inauguration as the President of Nigeria, following the 2015 Presidential election in my country. That process, which was adjudged as the fairest and most credible in the history of elections in Nigeria, was midwifed by the dogged and sustained determination of the Nigerian people, and their desire to deepen our democracy. Their quest was amply supported, and even encouraged by the goodwill of our friends and partners in the international community. I therefore wish to seize this opportunity to convey my very deep appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of that election.
3. My election has been described as historic. I agree that it is indeed historic because for the first time in the practice of democracy in my country, an opposition Party has defeated the ruling Party in a keenly contested election. The election was also held against the backdrop of the fears and concerns expressed both in Nigeria and among our international friends abroad and partners that the outcome of the election could spell doom for Nigeria. I am glad that even though those fears and concerns were not without basis, the outcome was totally different, to the relief of all of us.
4. I cannot fail to acknowledge the very positive role played by my predecessor, H.E. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in averting the feared crisis, and in facilitating the peaceful transition of power between the two parties. I also wish to express my deep appreciation to all who honoured us with their presence at my inauguration, and even those, who for unavoidable reasons were unable to attend. I thank you all.
Mr. Chairman,
5. It is gratifying to note that our Union has made laudable progress over the past one and a half decades since its transformation from the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU). Notably, we have been able to redirect our priorities at the continental level from mainly political goals to more diverse aspirations that are equally fundamental to our survival and development in a global community.
6. It is however clear, Mr. Chairman, that some of the greater challenges to our peoples within this Union still lie in the political, economic, as well as peace and security spheres. Our continent is currently bedevilled by the twin evils of terrorism and insecurity; poverty, youth unemployment, and underdevelopment. The destructive effects of the inhuman and criminal campaigns of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria and neighbouring countries; the Al-Shabab attacks in East Africa, and the activities of the Al-Qaida in the Maghreb, all bear testimony to a continent under siege.
7. The images in the international mass media of African youths getting drowned in the Mediterranean sea on their illegal attempts, and often times illusory hope of attaining better life in Europe is not only an embarrassment to us as leaders, but dehumanises our persons. Indeed, they combine to paint a very unfavourable picture of our peoples and countries.
8. Those of us gathered here today owe it as a duty to reverse this ugly trend. We must put an end to the so-called push factors that compel our young men and women to throw caution to the winds and risk life, limbs and all, on this dangerous adventure. We must redouble our efforts to sustain the economic development of our countries, ensure empowerment of our youths, create more jobs
, improve and upgrade our infrastructure, and above all continue the enthronement of a regime of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights and rule of law. These and other measures that engender peace and stability must be pursued relentlessly.
9. In this connection, we must persist in our collective endeavour to work together through the African Union and our respective Regional Economic Communities (RECs), to uplift our continent and provide the African peoples the enabling environment for the realization of their legitimate dreams and aspirations. At this juncture, let me assure you of the unflinching commitment of Nigeria to the ideals and aspirations of the African Union as explained in the Agenda 2063, which is geared towards ensuring a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa in the next 50 years. It is for this reason that Nigeria is fully and irrevocably committed to the ECOWAS vision.
10. We do so because we believe that African integration is best attained through the instrumentality of our Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as the building blocs of viable continental institutions. Nigeria will therefore continue to play her part in supporting the African Union Commission and other continental and regional institutions in their efforts to prioritize African development in all sectors of human endeavour.
11. The journey might look arduous, but certainly not impossible. There are opportunities in every challenge. If and when we adopt this call for a change of attitude, approach, and disposition towards agreed protocols and commitments, we shall be bequeathing a politically stable, economically developed, and socially harmonious Africa, thereby justifying the confidence reposed in us by our electorates. We will also demonstrate our qualities as statesmen and true daughters and sons of Africa.
12. I thank you for your kind attention.
Excellency President Jacob Zuma, our Host,
Excellencies fellow Presidents and Heads of Government
Excellency Mr. Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Excellency Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission,
Excellencies, Heads of Delegation,
Invited Guests, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
1. Please permit me to join previous speakers in conveying my delegation’s appreciation to our host, H.E. President Jacob Zuma, to his Government, and the brotherly people of South Africa for their warm hospitality, and for the excellent arrangements made for our comfort and for the success of our meetings. As this is my first address at this august assembly, may I also congratulate H.E. Dr. Robert Gabriel Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, for his unanimous election as the Chairman of our Union.
2. I feel highly honoured and extremely pleased to be able to address you today, barely two weeks after my inauguration as the President of Nigeria, following the 2015 Presidential election in my country. That process, which was adjudged as the fairest and most credible in the history of elections in Nigeria, was midwifed by the dogged and sustained determination of the Nigerian people, and their desire to deepen our democracy. Their quest was amply supported, and even encouraged by the goodwill of our friends and partners in the international community. I therefore wish to seize this opportunity to convey my very deep appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of that election.
3. My election has been described as historic. I agree that it is indeed historic because for the first time in the practice of democracy in my country, an opposition Party has defeated the ruling Party in a keenly contested election. The election was also held against the backdrop of the fears and concerns expressed both in Nigeria and among our international friends abroad and partners that the outcome of the election could spell doom for Nigeria. I am glad that even though those fears and concerns were not without basis, the outcome was totally different, to the relief of all of us.
4. I cannot fail to acknowledge the very positive role played by my predecessor, H.E. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in averting the feared crisis, and in facilitating the peaceful transition of power between the two parties. I also wish to express my deep appreciation to all who honoured us with their presence at my inauguration, and even those, who for unavoidable reasons were unable to attend. I thank you all.
Mr. Chairman,
5. It is gratifying to note that our Union has made laudable progress over the past one and a half decades since its transformation from the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU). Notably, we have been able to redirect our priorities at the continental level from mainly political goals to more diverse aspirations that are equally fundamental to our survival and development in a global community.
6. It is however clear, Mr. Chairman, that some of the greater challenges to our peoples within this Union still lie in the political, economic, as well as peace and security spheres. Our continent is currently bedevilled by the twin evils of terrorism and insecurity; poverty, youth unemployment, and underdevelopment. The destructive effects of the inhuman and criminal campaigns of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria and neighbouring countries; the Al-Shabab attacks in East Africa, and the activities of the Al-Qaida in the Maghreb, all bear testimony to a continent under siege.
7. The images in the international mass media of African youths getting drowned in the Mediterranean sea on their illegal attempts, and often times illusory hope of attaining better life in Europe is not only an embarrassment to us as leaders, but dehumanises our persons. Indeed, they combine to paint a very unfavourable picture of our peoples and countries.
8. Those of us gathered here today owe it as a duty to reverse this ugly trend. We must put an end to the so-called push factors that compel our young men and women to throw caution to the winds and risk life, limbs and all, on this dangerous adventure. We must redouble our efforts to sustain the economic development of our countries, ensure empowerment of our youths, create more jobs
, improve and upgrade our infrastructure, and above all continue the enthronement of a regime of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights and rule of law. These and other measures that engender peace and stability must be pursued relentlessly.9. In this connection, we must persist in our collective endeavour to work together through the African Union and our respective Regional Economic Communities (RECs), to uplift our continent and provide the African peoples the enabling environment for the realization of their legitimate dreams and aspirations. At this juncture, let me assure you of the unflinching commitment of Nigeria to the ideals and aspirations of the African Union as explained in the Agenda 2063, which is geared towards ensuring a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa in the next 50 years. It is for this reason that Nigeria is fully and irrevocably committed to the ECOWAS vision.
10. We do so because we believe that African integration is best attained through the instrumentality of our Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as the building blocs of viable continental institutions. Nigeria will therefore continue to play her part in supporting the African Union Commission and other continental and regional institutions in their efforts to prioritize African development in all sectors of human endeavour.
11. The journey might look arduous, but certainly not impossible. There are opportunities in every challenge. If and when we adopt this call for a change of attitude, approach, and disposition towards agreed protocols and commitments, we shall be bequeathing a politically stable, economically developed, and socially harmonious Africa, thereby justifying the confidence reposed in us by our electorates. We will also demonstrate our qualities as statesmen and true daughters and sons of Africa.
12. I thank you for your kind attention.
Stop comparing me with Dagrin- Olamide
Renowned Yoruba rapper Olamide a.k.a Badoo who also is the C.E.O of the “YBNL” record label went on social media,weekend, to express his dismay at the comparison between him and late Dagrin.
See his tweets after the cut...
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| Olamide |
‘Sack Keshi now’
These are certainly not the best of times for Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. Only yesterday, the coach was queried by his employers the NFF for not only inviting a rookie, Gabriel Okechukwu from an unknown Abuja based club to the Super Eagles but for also handing him a starting shirt in the Eagles line up against Chad.
Keshi aggravated his offence by handing the non-leaguer the revered number 10 jersey. It did not matter whether the player was confined to the bench throughout the match. The NFF frowned at his being in the squad.
As if that was not enough trouble for the coach, a former Director of Sports in Katsina State, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad Kofar Soro has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as a matter of urgency, to sack the coach in order to avoid disgrace of not qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad Kofar Soro made the call shortly after Nigeria’s Super Eagles laboured to a 2-0 win over lowly rated Chad in Kaduna.
The former director explained that Coach Stephen Keshi does not have the ability to lead the country to Gabon 2017.
According to him, some invited players had no business being in the team and stressed the need to hire a foreign expert to handle the team for better results.
The former director said that if the NFF fail to sack coach Keshi, they may eventually risk in running the worst football administration in the country.
Alhaji Muhammad Kofar Soro however, called on the NFF to caution the Manau Garba led Flying Eagles to improve on their performance in future competitions or replace them with a sound technical crew.
Keshi aggravated his offence by handing the non-leaguer the revered number 10 jersey. It did not matter whether the player was confined to the bench throughout the match. The NFF frowned at his being in the squad.
As if that was not enough trouble for the coach, a former Director of Sports in Katsina State, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad Kofar Soro has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as a matter of urgency, to sack the coach in order to avoid disgrace of not qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad Kofar Soro made the call shortly after Nigeria’s Super Eagles laboured to a 2-0 win over lowly rated Chad in Kaduna.
The former director explained that Coach Stephen Keshi does not have the ability to lead the country to Gabon 2017.
According to him, some invited players had no business being in the team and stressed the need to hire a foreign expert to handle the team for better results.
The former director said that if the NFF fail to sack coach Keshi, they may eventually risk in running the worst football administration in the country.
Alhaji Muhammad Kofar Soro however, called on the NFF to caution the Manau Garba led Flying Eagles to improve on their performance in future competitions or replace them with a sound technical crew.
VANGUARD
Strong men have destroyed instititutions in Nigeria —BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari regretted yesterday that those he regarded as ‘strong men’ have destroyed institutions in Nigeria but promised that his administration would do its best to ensure that institutions bequeathed to the country by the British colonial leaders were restored.
The President who spoke in Johannesburg, South Africa while meeting with the Nigerian community there after the African Union meeting also said in spite of what he described as ‘crazy people’ who are trying to ensure the breakup of the country for selfish reasons, Nigeria will remain an indivisible country.
His words: “We have a system in Nigeria. No matter what you say about the British colonialists, they built institutions for us, unfortunately we have destroyed those institutions."
“When US President, Barack Obama came to Africa which was his first trip, he went to Ghana, but he refused to come to Nigeria. And he said Africa, or developing countries should have strong institutions instead of strong leaders. If he had come to Nigeria, he would have known that it was strong Nigerians that destroyed the strong institutions. And paradoxically, maybe another strong Nigerian will come and revive the institutions and make them strong again.”
President Buhari stated that though he would have wished to be president at a much younger age, he would still do his best to ensure that the country moves forward.
VANGUARD
The President who spoke in Johannesburg, South Africa while meeting with the Nigerian community there after the African Union meeting also said in spite of what he described as ‘crazy people’ who are trying to ensure the breakup of the country for selfish reasons, Nigeria will remain an indivisible country.
His words: “We have a system in Nigeria. No matter what you say about the British colonialists, they built institutions for us, unfortunately we have destroyed those institutions."
“When US President, Barack Obama came to Africa which was his first trip, he went to Ghana, but he refused to come to Nigeria. And he said Africa, or developing countries should have strong institutions instead of strong leaders. If he had come to Nigeria, he would have known that it was strong Nigerians that destroyed the strong institutions. And paradoxically, maybe another strong Nigerian will come and revive the institutions and make them strong again.”
President Buhari stated that though he would have wished to be president at a much younger age, he would still do his best to ensure that the country moves forward.
VANGUARD
"I have been locked up as well, so what?" Buhari fires back at people accusing him of locking them up when he ruled
President Buhari says those who have repeatedly accused him of locking them up while he was Head of State should remember that he was also locked up after he was removed as Head of State in 1985. Speaking to the Nigerian community yesterday in South Africa, Buhari said;
"This is my first time of attending these types of meetings (AU) and they go on and on until about 1 in the morning. And then you are supposed to start in the morning again. Everybody is repeating what the other speaker has said instead of to keep their mouth shut. Anyways, it is a great experience. I have listened to the address paraphrased by the counsel-general, I’m pleased that wherever Nigerians are whether in South Africa or Saudi Arabia or Europe or Alaska for that matter, you’ll make an impact both positive and negative.
There is no way 160 million people or more cannot make impact wherever they are. We have so many cultures and nationalities. At a point I was very frightened. I don’t know how many of you kept records. I was afraid Nigeria might be like Somalia. The Somalis are the same people; they are all Muslims but because the elites are self-centered, selfish, they have succeeded to make Somalia a war country for the last 20 years. For that reason, I said Nigerians are much more vulnerable, we have so many nationalities no matter how you look at it, Hausa-Fulanis, Kanuris, Ishekiris, Yorubas, Igbos.
We are actually people of different cultures but since 1914, we have merged in spite of religion and culture, married across, produce children and only crazy people can think of balkanising Nigeria. But we are not short of crazy people that is the frightening part of it. But I assure you that after being in the military for 25 years, and getting to the highest rank and becoming head of state and under unusual circumstances. As head of state, I went straight to detention for three and half years so those who accused me of locking them up, I too have been locked up, so what?”he said.
How Kashamu saved ex-President Obasanjo from food poisoning
This was contained in a press statement. Read below...
Policemen from Zone 2 command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested two persons who allegedly posed as daughter to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and an intelligence officer respectively, to Senator Buruji Kashamu, with a plan to poison the former President.
The suspects identified as Peter Uwakala and Victoria Alaegbu, it was gathered, were arrested following a complaint by Kashamu at Zone 2, last month.
The suspects, it was gathered, met with Kashamu at a hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, on May 8, 2015,where they allegedly called the former presidents unprintable names and offered to poison him. In response to the complaint lodged by Kashamu, the command reportedly swung into action and arrested the suspects.
According to a police report obtained by our correspondent: “The fact of the case was that the complainant alleged in his verbal complaint that the duo of Peter Uwakala and Victoria Alaegbu falsely represented themselves as an intelligence officer and daughter to the former President Obasanjo respectively to him under the pretence that they were going to resolve the political rift between him and Obasanjo.
“He stressed that the duo met with him at a hotel, where the latter who had collected N500,000 from his younger brother, made some uncomplimentary and derogatory remarks about the former president, while the former introduced herself as Yetunde Obsandjo to him. He added that he had to report to the police upon his suspicion of foul play by the suspects. “Investigation conducted revealed that the duo were impersonators.
From the foregoing, it was established that both Peter Uwakala and Victoria Alaegbu actually committed the offences alleged by the complainant and have been charged accordingly in line with the prescription of the law.
“The suspects were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Adeola Adedayo at the Igbosere Magistrate Court, Lagos on June 5, 2015 and were remanded at Kirikiri Prisons. The matter was adjourned to July 31, 2015.” It was gathered that Kashamu's gesture of reporting the matter to the police in spite of their political differences made Obasanjo to say he had forgiven Kashamu of any grudge he had against him.
It was gathered that the rapprochement led to Kashamu withdrawing the N20billion libel suit against Obasanjo.
Policemen from Zone 2 command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested two persons who allegedly posed as daughter to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and an intelligence officer respectively, to Senator Buruji Kashamu, with a plan to poison the former President.
The suspects identified as Peter Uwakala and Victoria Alaegbu, it was gathered, were arrested following a complaint by Kashamu at Zone 2, last month.
The suspects, it was gathered, met with Kashamu at a hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, on May 8, 2015,where they allegedly called the former presidents unprintable names and offered to poison him. In response to the complaint lodged by Kashamu, the command reportedly swung into action and arrested the suspects.
According to a police report obtained by our correspondent: “The fact of the case was that the complainant alleged in his verbal complaint that the duo of Peter Uwakala and Victoria Alaegbu falsely represented themselves as an intelligence officer and daughter to the former President Obasanjo respectively to him under the pretence that they were going to resolve the political rift between him and Obasanjo.
“He stressed that the duo met with him at a hotel, where the latter who had collected N500,000 from his younger brother, made some uncomplimentary and derogatory remarks about the former president, while the former introduced herself as Yetunde Obsandjo to him. He added that he had to report to the police upon his suspicion of foul play by the suspects. “Investigation conducted revealed that the duo were impersonators.
From the foregoing, it was established that both Peter Uwakala and Victoria Alaegbu actually committed the offences alleged by the complainant and have been charged accordingly in line with the prescription of the law.
“The suspects were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Adeola Adedayo at the Igbosere Magistrate Court, Lagos on June 5, 2015 and were remanded at Kirikiri Prisons. The matter was adjourned to July 31, 2015.” It was gathered that Kashamu's gesture of reporting the matter to the police in spite of their political differences made Obasanjo to say he had forgiven Kashamu of any grudge he had against him.
It was gathered that the rapprochement led to Kashamu withdrawing the N20billion libel suit against Obasanjo.
Swearing at someone using WhatsApp could land you in jail in UAE
The UAE has introduced severe penalties for people caught swearing online, including jail sentences and fines of up to 250,000 dirham (about $67,500).
One man recently convicted of sending "insulting words" to a colleague via the instant messaging service is waiting to learn if he will be the first to pay such a heavy price.
He was originally handed a 3,000 dirham ($816.74) fine, but the Federal Supreme Court, based in Abu Dhabi, has overturned that sentence for being too lenient.
The case has now been referred to the Court of Appeal and a date for the new hearing has yet to be confirmed.
Criminal defence lawyer Abdullah Yousef Al Nasir, told 7DAYS that according to cyber-crime law, anyone who sends an offensive emoji or image online could also be prosecuted.
He said: “Sending a middle finger emoji on a smartphone or even sending a middle finger picture through email can put you in trouble.
“It’s an insult in the UAE and the law can punish you with either jail of up to three years or a fine of up to Dhs500,000.” (About $136k)
He added that if a foreigner is convicted they will likely be deported.
However, Al Nasir said police would have to receive a complaint from the person the image was sent to in order to act, meaning one sent between friends in jest would not automatically land someone in trouble.
But he said users need to realise how seriously such an insult could be taken.
Al Nasir said: “With the development of technology, people have started insulting others on social media using services like WhatsApp or BlackBerry messenger.
“Some people insult or mock others thinking nobody can prosecute them. But the UAE has issued a cyber-crimes law to punish anyone committing any crime like insulting someone using technology.”
A senior Dubai Police official urged smartphone users to think before posting a message or image that could be offensive.
He said: “Be careful of what you send on smartphones or emails.
“It’s up to the recipient to open a criminal case if they feel offended by a message.
“It’s an insult in the UAE and the law can punish someone committing such act.”
***7Days***
One man recently convicted of sending "insulting words" to a colleague via the instant messaging service is waiting to learn if he will be the first to pay such a heavy price.
He was originally handed a 3,000 dirham ($816.74) fine, but the Federal Supreme Court, based in Abu Dhabi, has overturned that sentence for being too lenient.
The case has now been referred to the Court of Appeal and a date for the new hearing has yet to be confirmed.
Criminal defence lawyer Abdullah Yousef Al Nasir, told 7DAYS that according to cyber-crime law, anyone who sends an offensive emoji or image online could also be prosecuted.
He said: “Sending a middle finger emoji on a smartphone or even sending a middle finger picture through email can put you in trouble.
“It’s an insult in the UAE and the law can punish you with either jail of up to three years or a fine of up to Dhs500,000.” (About $136k)
He added that if a foreigner is convicted they will likely be deported.
However, Al Nasir said police would have to receive a complaint from the person the image was sent to in order to act, meaning one sent between friends in jest would not automatically land someone in trouble.
But he said users need to realise how seriously such an insult could be taken.
Al Nasir said: “With the development of technology, people have started insulting others on social media using services like WhatsApp or BlackBerry messenger.
“Some people insult or mock others thinking nobody can prosecute them. But the UAE has issued a cyber-crimes law to punish anyone committing any crime like insulting someone using technology.”
A senior Dubai Police official urged smartphone users to think before posting a message or image that could be offensive.
He said: “Be careful of what you send on smartphones or emails.
“It’s up to the recipient to open a criminal case if they feel offended by a message.
“It’s an insult in the UAE and the law can punish someone committing such act.”
***7Days***
Nigeria will remain an indivisible country-BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari who spoke in Johannesburg, South Africa while meeting with the Nigerian community yesterday said that those he regarded as ‘strong men’ have destroyed institutions in Nigeria but promised that his administration would do its best to ensure that it is restored.
Then at the African Union meeting, the president said in spite of what he described as ‘crazy people’ who are trying to ensure the breakup of the country for selfish reasons, Nigeria will remain an indivisible country.
His said
“We have a system in Nigeria. No matter what you say about the British colonialists, they built institutions for us, unfortunately we have destroyed those institutions.
President Buhari stated that though he would have liked to be president at a much younger age, he would still do his best to ensure that the country moves forward.
In regards to why he joined politics, President Buhari said
"I was afraid Nigeria might be like Somalia. The Somalis are the same people, they are all Muslims but because the elite are self-centered, they have succeeded in making Somalia a war-torn country for the last 20 years. For that reason I said Nigerians are much more vulnerable, we have so many nationalities no matter how you look at it, Hausa-Fulanis, Kanuris, Ishekiris, Yorubas, Igbos.
We are actually people of different cultures but since 1914, we have merged inspite of religion and culture, married across, produced children and only crazy people can think of balkanising Nigeria. But we are not short of crazy people and that is the frightening part of it."
"How I wish I became head of state when I was a governor, just a few years as a youngman, now at 72, there is a limit to what I can do. I was in the war front for 30 months during our civil war, I lost a lot of loyal people to me, I lost a relative, a lot of Nigerians died too. So nobody should come now and tell us rubbish! We are going to remain one country. God has given us another opportunity to reorganise this country. Those who work hard, the society will pay them back” he said.While enjoining Nigerians in South Africa to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, he promised that he will discuss with President Zuma to return Nigeria’s money that was seized from South Africa during the Jonathan administration."
"I’m told there are 83 Nigerians in prison, I don’t know what they have done but I spoke to the President of South Africa this afternoon. He wants to come to Nigeria. There are issues he knows we will like to talk about, I hope our ambassador will send a comprehensive report about the court cases, and about those who lost properties during the disturbances. And at that time I will attempt to ask him about our $9.7 million which was not correctly transfered."
Vanguard
Monday, 15 June 2015
So Sweet: Ed Sheeran Hears A Girl Singing His Song In A Mall and He Joins In
Ed Sheeran was visiting a shopping mall in West Edmonton, Canada recently when he heard a girl singing one of his songs.
In the video, Ed walks along with a cheeky grin on his face as he approaches the girl. She is on stage singing along to “Thinking Out Loud”.
The camera man says “What’s happening Ed”? To which he replies “I’m just gonna go sing with someone”. He then says “Shall I just roll up” before jumping up on stage next to the girl.
The look on her face is so lovely as she realises it is the real Ed Sheeran. He then helps her out by singing along to a few lines before hopping off the stage and getting on his way.
By him giving just a few minutes of his time, he probably made her whole year.
To Watch the full video, click on the link Below:
Ed Sheeran Joins A Girl to Sing
Forget Pleasing Others! 7 Unapologetic Ways To Please YOURSELF
1. Focus on the positive
Push away all negative thoughts, any self-doubts, worries or anyone else's voice in your head. Stay in a confident mindset with only positive thoughts. When this is difficult to do on your own, read books that reinforce the message you want to live, listen to music and watch shows that do the same.
2. Daydream
Pay attention to what gives you a lift of energy, a surge of enthusiasm — even if just slightly. Consider when was the last time you did something where you had so much fun you forgot what time it was. (The best type of fun.)
3. Play
We often forget to play in our routines. Whether it's a softball game, frisbee, dancing, coloring, painting, board games, or something else — just include play in your routine. Pets and kids are great excuses to get on the ground or floor and roll around or go to a playground.
4. Spend time alone
Allow time for ideas to percolate to the surface and provide them room to settle in.
5. Try different things
Just like spending time alone allows an opportunity for ideas, so does getting out and trying new things. If you've never tried scuba diving and always thought it looked fun, why not go to a dive center and find out more about upcoming classes? Explore the ideas that have come up in your alone time and experiment to see which you really like.
6. Spend time with people who you feel good around
Stop thinking about people who you want to change for, and spend time with people you feel good around now — people you like and who like you. Listen closely to what they say. Maybe one of the reasons you like them is because of some of their interests. You don't have to change to share interests. Refer to #5!
7. Maintain healthy habits
It's hard to feel good about yourself and set any exciting goals when you're overtired or hungry. Take care of the basics — eat healthy food, sleep conscientiously, take care of your household environment. We depend on the basics to move us forward to greater platforms!
By the time you get through at least a few off the list above, you begin to get an idea for what makes you happy. At the very least, you'll be concentrating more on what makes you tick and less on how to make someone think better of you! The more you impress yourself, the better you will feel.
DO YOU KNOW?
1. There is a city called Rome on every continent except Antarctica.
2. Of all the words in the English language, the word ’set’ has the most definitions.
3. Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the book most often stolen from Public Libraries.
4. There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with orange, purple, and silver.
5. A group of twelve or more cows is called a flink.
You could add yours if you have any... Lets share the knowledge!!!
First penile transplant recipient 'to become father'
The South African recipient of the world's first penile transplant is to become a father, a surgeon who performed the operation has told the BBC.
His girlfriend has reported that she is about four months pregnant, and this showed that the "transplant worked", said Andre van der Merwe.
The 21-year-old recipient, whose identify is being protected, lost his penis in a botched circumcision.
The operation took place in December.
Surgeons at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital performed a nine-hour operation to attach a donated penis.
Dr Van der Merwe said he was "very pleased" when he heard that the man's girlfriend was pregnant, and had not asked for a paternity test as there was no reason not to believe the couple.
Nuts 'protect against early death'
Eating half a handful of nuts every day could substantially lower the risk of early death, a Dutch study suggests.
Previous studies had already indicated a link with cardiovascular health, but this is the first to look at specific nuts and diseases.
Maastricht University researchers found a 23% lower chance of death during the 10-year study in people eating at least 10g (0.3oz) of nuts or peanuts a day.
There was no benefit for peanut butter, which is high in salt and trans fats.
More than 120,000 Dutch 55-to-69-year-old men and women provided dietary and lifestyle information in 1986, and then their mortality rate was looked at 10 years later.
The premature mortality risk due to cancer, diabetes, respiratory and neurodegenerative diseases was lower among the nut consumers.
There was an average 23% lower risk of 10-year mortality across all diseases, with a decrease of:
45% for neurodegenerative disease
39% for respiratory disease
30% for diabetes
Prof Piet van den Brandt, who led the study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, said: "It was remarkable that substantially lower mortality was already observed at consumption levels of 15g of nuts or peanuts on average per day."
The researchers had taken into account the mitigating factor that nut consumers ate more fruit and vegetables and that women who ate nuts were often leaner, and adjusted the results accordingly, Prof Van den Brandt told the BBC.
Cambridge University professor of Lego proposed
A professor of Lego could soon be in post at Cambridge University.
The Lego Foundation has provided the university with £2.5m to fund a Lego Professorship of Play in Education, Development and Learning.
It has also provided £1.5m to support a play research centre in the education faculty, which will be led by the Lego professor.
Last year, Cambridge University advertised for a doctor of chocolate to study how and why the substance melts.
The Lego professorship post would be "open to all those whose work falls within the general field of the title of the office", the university said.
The successful candidate will lead the work of the Research Centre on Play in Education, Development and Learning (PEDaL), which studies the role of play in young children's learning and development.
The Lego Foundation was created to "build a future where learning through play empowers children to become creative, engaged, life-long learners".
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