Mountain of Fire beginscrusade to close all beerparlors in Lagos

Dr Daniel Olukoya-led Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries church, MFM, will today Dec. 19th begin a crusade to close down all beer parlor outlets in Lagos and turn them into their praying centres. Well, that's their plan, they can only try. Lol The church says it took the decision to close down beer parlors because alcohol consumption & crime go hand in hand. They say the action would ultimately help depopulate the kingdom of darkness. Ogba, Ikeja is their kickoff base, so all you beer drinkers in that area, make una get ready. Hehe. Speaking on the strategy to be adopted, Pastor Aderemi Oseni, Regional Pastor for Region 32 MFM Ogba, Lagos, he said; "We want to convert beer parlours into our praying centres. At the end of the crusade, the kingdom of darkness would be depopulated completely. I am aware that powers of darkness have converted major roads to shines in this environment. We want to pull down all shrines". The crusade, tagged 'Overcoming The Storm' will begin today 19 December.

Bieber's the bomb says Eminem

Eminem is hoping to convince "ticking timebomb" Justin Bieber to enter therapy over the festive season. The hip-hop star is said to be deeply concerned about the 19-year-old Bieber, who can be seen on Focus: Justin Bieber on Saturday 21 December at 13:00 CAT on TRACE Urban. The young singer has been accused of drug use, terrorising his neighbours and visiting a brothel this year. Over the weekend, an ambulance was called to Justin's Calabasas mansion after a girl was found passed out following a party. Eminem has experienced his own career highs and lows, including battling an addiction to prescription medication. He reportedly believes he is the perfect person to support the Canadian star at the moment. "He's really hoping he can sort Justin out," an insider told British newspaper The Sun. "The way he's going, he's worried he's going to end up in really bad trouble. He wants to talk him into going to therapy and counselling to deal with the stress of fame in a positive way. "Everyone is saying how they think he's a ticking timebomb." Eminem is hoping Justin will accept his invitation to stay at the rapper's home in Michigan, Detroit, between Christmas and New Year. Should the teenager agree to the break and take some advice from the 41-year-old artist it's understood their friendship might become a working relationship. "Eminem would consider going in to the studio with him if he sorts himself out, which would be a dream come true for Justin," the insider said. The hip-hop star is the latest in a string of major celebrities to reach out to Justin. Mark Wahlberg was rumoured to be working on a basketball movie with the young star and earlier this year offered him some words of wisdom. "Don't be so naughty, yeah? Be a nice boy, pull your [pants] up, make your mom proud and stop smoking weed, you little b*****d," he said. "He's a teenager living in a different day and age. I was in prison before I got a record, and I don't think he's been to prison." Eminem's manager previously revealed he had told Scooter Braun, who looks after Justin's career, that the rapper was there for him. "If you ever want Eminem to talk to him, he would do it in a second. He cares about that kid," Paul Rosenberg said. Oprah Winfrey , Will Smith and Adam Levine have also reached out to the star, while Tom Hanks' wife Rita Wilson offered up the actor's services as a mentor.

Bruce Willis to be a dad again

Die Hard actor Bruce Willis will reportedly become a father again soon, according to Us Weekly magazine. The 58-year-old star and his supermodel wife Emma Heming , 35, are expecting their second child together, sources say. Rumours of Emma's pregnancy began circulating over the weekend, when she and Bruce visited a neighbourhood farmer's market in Los Angeles with their 20-month-old daughter Mabel , and Emma appeared to be several months pregnant. Bruce has four children total, including adult daughters Rumer , 25, Scout , 22, and Tallulah , 19, with his ex-wife Demi Moore . The action movie star recently gushed about how much of a privilege it is to be a father. "I've never been as happy as I am now!" he told German magazine Bild. "I feel like a caveman protecting his family, living for his family. I have four daughters, I get up at seven am when our baby wakes up. My family has become the focus of my life and the entire meaning of it. "It's fulfilling, very fulfilling. It's real life. On screen I pretend as if I'm alive. At home, I'm me. Being a father is the most wonderful task."

Justin Bieber to quit music?

Justin Bieber says he's retiring from music. The 19-year-old pop star shot to fame in 2009 with his debut album My World and you can watch his best music videos on Focus on Saturday, 21 December at 13:00 CAT on TRACE. But during an interview Tuesday with America's Power 106 radio station he said he's calling it quits. "Um, I'm actually retiring, man," Justin is shown saying with a straight face in a video of the sit-down obtained by E! News. A spokesperson for the Baby hitmaker declined to issue comment. However, a source told the outlet Justin was bluffing. "Of course it's not true," the insider said. Justin has been the subject of scathing tabloid reports for several months amid allegations of reckless driving and other bad boy behaviour. On Tuesday morning, X17Online reported catching the pop star arriving at Power 106 in Los Angeles in a "giant cloud of suspicious smoke" that billowed out of his car, igniting rumours he had been smoking marijuana. The singer addressed the negative press surrounding him while speaking to 106. "People think I'm arrogant, I'm not, I've always been a caring and giving person," he said, adding despite his retirement claim: "I'm here solely for my fans and for the music." Justin previously opened up about his struggle to cope with celebrity gossip. Last year, he admitted it got so bad he turned to his mentor, Usher, for guidance. "I got to the point where I thought, 'I don't want to do this. I just want to be normal.' It was difficult because I'd never gone through anything like that," Justin told Fabulous magazine, adding that he's learning to be more resilient. "Usher was like, 'Prepare to have this for the rest of your career because it's not going to stop.' He's gone through some stuff and most artists go through their fair share of bull. That was just my first time."

Lindsay Lohan recording again?

In between suing and being sued Lindsay Lohan seems to be desperate to get her career back on track, and has recently announced that she's recording a new album. Now, if you've been paying attention to the gossip headlines where Lilo is a constant feature, you'll know that she was keeping a journal during her recent stint in rehab and there is also talk that she has been offered a tell-all book deal. However, it also seems that her scribblings might have inspired some music - assuming that she goes the Taylor Swift route and purges all her feelings in a song or two. We can't help wondering if this will feature some of the details that she shared during her interview with Oprah Winfrey . If you missed it, you can watch the interview on Tuesday, 24 December at 11:20 CAT on TLC. Check out the video for more nuggets of info on Lindsay's possible return to the music scene and also find out how her acting career is carrying on:

Beyonce breaks records with new album

Queen Bey surprised her Bey Hive with a new album and 17 music videos that had her critics bowing down at the genius marketing scheme. Without warning and with no publicity, Beyoncé Knowles released a new studio album on Friday, 13 December, and the experiment must have worked with record breaking sales. It looks like Bey, who takes on Rihanna on Batt le : Beyonce vs Rihanna (Thursday, 19 December, at 20:30) on Channel O, has changed the game in the industry, which doesn't typically keep secrets like this one.

Tiwa Savage living her fairytale

Tiwa Savage needs no introduction, the First Lady of Mavin Records is the hottest and most bankable female act in Nigeria today with endorsement deals from Pepsi to Diageo. She has also added actor and TV show hostess to her resume. Set to wed her heartthrob, Tee Billz this November, Tiwa Savage spoke to Peju Akande and Toni Kan about fame and her life right now. This is officially the Tiwa Savage year; your album, you are getting married, your endorsements and all; you are on EL with Banky, how did that happen? (Laughing) I was contacted by Mo. She explained to me; she had this network and she wanted me to do a talk show. But I wanted something a little different; I wanted something like a Regis and Kelly type of programme. And she was very supportive and she really gave us her blessings and her full backing and it was great. And we decided the only person that could do that was Banky and he was a perfect match. The chemistry is good, how did you know it would work? Because we are also friends outside of the industry and I know that he is a very, very intelligent person and someone that knows a lot about the kind of the issues our generation needs to know. You are also on MTV Base's Shuga, how did that come about? We didn’t know you were an actress. Actually the director had spoken to MTV because he saw my video ife wa gbona. He saw something in the way I acted and he wanted to explore that part of my talent and it was great. How was it going from singing to acting? It’s been good; it wasn’t as nerve wracking as I thought it would be. The only thing is that I forgot my lines but I did really good. Your album, why is it called Once upon a Time? It’s a story, and I think my life in the music industry has been an amazing story and I wanted it to inspire and encourage other people. You came back from abroad to Nigeria; people are moving abroad, what made you come back? Because I feel Africa is the future of the world and I feel that there are a lot of untapped resources and talents out here. I really wanted to be a part of that evolution. You’ve done so well in how many years, endorsements; acting…do you sometimes pinch yourself, like is this real? Yes, sometimes. I always give glory to God. Everything that happened needs a lot of work, a lot of dedication, a lot of prayers and I have a great team around me and they keep me grounded. What is it about stars music in a bottle? I think it’s great, merging the two worlds and star has always supported music and music artist bridging the gap between the two industries and their family and loved ones. Catch Tiwa on the Banky & Tiwa Show on Tuesdays at 22:30 on EbonyLife TV from 12 November.

Dwayne Johnson to lead Seal Team 666

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has reportedly signed on to lead a new action film from MGM called Seal Team 666. The Rock will appear in the film which follows an elite group of Navy SEALs who ...well, we can't give the whole movie away

Nadia Buhari's Mother SpitsFire over Jim Iyke

Now that it's clear nothing like marriage is ever going to happen between Jim Iyke and Ghanaian actress, Nadia Buhari, the actress' mother is enraged over the issue. Hajia had thought the relation was altar bound until recently when Jim took to Twitter and publicly declared was nothing of such, leading Nadia to also delete all his pictures and name from her Instagram. Nadia's mum is said to be bitter at the moment that she at every given opportunity, allegedly places curses on Jim for breaking her baby's heart. Now, Nadia who has been talking about settling down and having children, has fallen into the ever waiting arms of her career for solace.

I have attempted GUS three times –Dennis Okike, winner, GUS 10

It was a colourful ceremony last weekend at the Le’ Meridien Hotel, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, when the winner of the popular television reality show, Gulder Ultimate Search Season 10, Dennis Okike was unveiled. Anchored by the task master himself, Chidi Mokeme, the event which has the governor of the host state, Godswill Akpabio in attendance with members of his cabinet also witnessed the unveiling of winner of the one day ultimate fans edition in the person of Comrade Kalu Kalu. He smiled home with an SUV and a mouth watering cash prize. Number one African rapper, MI spiced up the event as he thrilled the audience with his electrifying performance. *GUS Winner, Dennis However, elated Okike shares his experience while in the jungle, as well as what he intends to do with the N10 million prize money. How do you feel as the winner of the 10th edition of Gulder Ultimate Search? I have longed for this for three years. I worked very hard and I prayed to become the winner.. It was not my own personal efforts, God has hand in it, and without God I would not get to where I am today. While the search lasted, you suddenly became daring which was not part of you from the beginning? My parents will always say when you are in a different environment, observe the people, and the environment very well. When I was in the jungle I had to learn from people, and their mistakes, and not to make the same mistake. I learned from my own mistakes too. I kept pushing forward; I never allowed anything to distract me. What was your most challenging task in the jungle? It was the first individual task that we had. I had to go under the log. I don’t want to remember it again. It was very humiliating, but as God would have it, I was second to the last person in the task. It is just that whatever situation you find yourself in, if you think you are actually the last, you nee to remain focus and be prayerful. It’s not how far, but how wel! How would you describe this year’s GUS? Gulder Ultimate Search is a television reality show that takes place yearly. I have tried it for three years. Last year, I got to the final stage, but I was not picked. I kept on trying until I entered the jungle this year. GUS is different from other reality shows, you could see it on TV how it is like. It is glaring for everyone to see. It is not artificial, it is original. Now that you have won teh show, what’s the next level for you? It is God first. He will lead me to my next level. I have lots of ideas, just like every other young man out there. I have to allow God direct my path. Whatever He says I will take it up from there. N10 million is a lot of money, but it does not change anything. If one doesn’t plan well, one will just blow it up, but if you plan ahead of time and you let God take control, you will achieve great success. When you found the Golden Scepter, what came to your mind? The experience was out of this world. It was something every other contestant wanted to experience; God actually helped me to discover the Golden Scepter. There were instances I would have been evicted, but God made me to come out a winner. Finding the Golden Scepter was the climax of it all, and I realised God’s faithfulness in my life. God was actually with me all through. He actually proved that all my fasting and prayers are not in vain. Every effort I put in to get to the last stage actually came to pass. I give God the glory. It was not easy. Who do you consider the most challenging person among the last four contestants? The truth is, finding the Golden Scepter could be anybody; I know Ifunanya has great ability and instinct just as I do, it could have been her. But the point is that it could be anybody. The person I actually believe was going to find it is myself. I know myself to the extent that if I really want to something I don’t care what happen, I go ahead and do it. I told myself that if I didn’t find it, I will not forgive myself; each time I was searching I kept on praying. What is going to change about you now that you have N10 million and a new car? Nothing will change about me, it is just that I am a new personality, money can change your personality. But I am still going to be the same me. Anybody can actually have the same opportunity, but it depends on what you make of it. You can get N10million and in the next six months you are nowhere, but the truth is that I already have plans for myself. But by now you would have thought of what you want to do with the money? The truth is that you don’t make choice in a hurry. I might decide to further my education as an engineer. But along the line, something might just come up, we have too much potential in this country. I will work and pray about it and let God decide for me. What He wants me to do that is what I will do. What were the responses in your family when you won? The joy in my family was out of this world. Tears of joy ran down my mom’s cheeks as well as my siblings. I am the only son and I know what will be going through their minds right now.

Tonto Dike and D’banj dating?

Tonto Dikeh’s name is synonymous with controversy. And the latest buzz that she’s gotten quite close to the hit maker, D’banj in recent times may not make any difference to her. The internet went viral during the week, dropping the bombshell that the controversial actress-turned- singer has been spotted hanging around the Koko master’s Lekki residence at odd hours. *Tonto Dike & D’banj Those in the know said, Tonto is currently recording her new songs at the studio in D’banj’s house. The hit maker is said to be planning to sign her to his Records label as he once stated that if he signs her, she will definitely blow. The new song she’s recording at D’banj’s studio is described as a banger. But guess what! Mouths are wagging that there are more to Tonto’s closeness to D’banj than meets the eyes.

Miley Cyrus writes Liam Hemsworth Love Note

Miley Cyrus has written her ex-fiancé Liam Hemsworth a love letter apologising for her wild behaviour following their split in September. Miley Cyrus has written Liam Hemsworth a love letter. The 'Wrecking Ball' hitmaker has penned her ex- fiancé - whom she began dating in 2010 - an emotional note apologising for her wild antics and raunchy behaviour following their split in September. A source told The Sun newspaper: ''As time has gone on and the anger subsided, Miley has really started to feel the pain of the split. ''She thought about writing some songs, but then decided why not write a letter to Liam to tell him exactly how she feels. Miley admitted to Liam she has pushed him away and said sorry for acting so mad.'' The 20-year-old singer has been romantically linked to music producer Mike WiLL Made It and Rolling Stone magazine heir Theo Wenner since ending her engagement to the 'Hunger Games' star, but she admits she still has deep feelings for Liam and is keen to meet up with him to sort through their differences. The source explained: ''Miley says in her letter she still loves Liam deeply and has asked him to meet up. It could be for closure or it could be to start again, but she just wants to see him and talk things through.''

Sudan woman in Legal Limbo over Refusal to Cover Hair

A Sudanese woman accused of "indecent" attire because she refused to cover her hair remains in legal limbo after a court appearance on Monday. Amira Osman Hamed faces a possible whipping if convicted of violating Sudan's laws governing morality, which took effect after the 1989 Islamist-backed coup by President Omar al-Bashir. The defence asked in September that the charge be withdrawn but the prosecution is still weighing how to proceed, Hamed and one of her lawyers said after Monday's hearing in Jebel Aulia, just outside Khartoum. The court is waiting for the prosecutor to either send the file back to court for additional hearings, or to quash the case, Hamed said. No new date has been set for a further hearing, but one of her lawyers,Kamal Omar, said that "this does not mean the case is finished". Hamed said she thought that her case would not be quashed immediately. "I think they will keep it (active) for a while," she said. "If they want to use it any time they will. I'm not free." Under Sudanese law all women are supposed to cover their hair with a "hijab" but Hamed refuses, saying authorities "want us to be like Taliban women." Her case has attracted international publicity and drawn support from rights activists. She said she was charged after refusing a policeman's order to cover her head while visiting a government office in Jebel Aulia in late August. In 2009, the case of journalist Lubna Ahmed al- Hussein led to a global outcry and spotlighted women's rights in Sudan. Hussein was fined for wearing slacks in public but she refused to pay. She spent one day behind bars but others rounded up with her in a restaurant were flogged.

ASUU: Read The Stories Of Students Who Do Not Want To Stay Idle While ASSU Is On Strike; Share Your Story!

To keep their minds occupied, some undergraduates in Kaduna have ventured into various vocations as the strike by theAcademic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) continues. Grace Ocholi,a 300-level student of English at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that she found a temporary job as afuel pump attendantat a petrol station in Sabon-Tasha area of the city to enable her earn some money until the end of the strike. "Everyone in my house goes out every morning to work, and my younger sisters go to school while I stay home and sleep awaiting for their return. "I am not okay with staying idle so I decided to engage in something useful," Grace said. Another student,Seun Ali,an HND Computer Science student of Kaduna Polytechnic said he worked at a friend'sbarbing saloonto earn some money and to be occupied. Henry Samuelof Mass Communication Department, Ahmadu Bello University, said he was helping his father inselling tiles- something that he had been doing before before he was admitted to the university. "So instead of wasting time waiting for the prolonged strike to end, I returned to continue from where I stopped," he said. The students advised their colleagues to engage in something meaningful while the strike lasted,so as not to fall into the temptation of going into crime due to idleness. It will be reminded, thatASUU has embarked upon an indefinite strike June 30, 2013.The lecturers protest against the FG's failure to honour a 2009 agreement signed between it and ASUU in 2009 pertaining to issues of university funding and improvement of infrastructure in the sector.

Nigeria And Israel Sign Aviation Deal - Now Nigerians Can Fly To Holy Land Directly

Nigeria and Israel signed a bilateral aviation deal, the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), that enables airlines from both countries to fly directly to each other without stopovers. Before this agreement was signed, Nigerians, including Christian Pilgrims, traveling to Israel had endure several flight changes, JNS.org reports The agreement has been inked duringa visit of the Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan to Israel. President is to to meet with Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahuand PresidentShimon Peresto discuss further deepening the countries' bilateral ties. Proponents of the deal hope that the agreement will continue the strong growth of Israel-Nigeria ties. It will be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan has embark on a Christian pilgrimage to Israel on Wednesday, October 23. He is accompanied by eight governors, seven ministers and three members of the National Assembly. Among them is the Nigeria's Minister of Aviation,Stella Oduah, who also take part in the Piligrimmage, has left for Israel right after she found herself in the center of a corruption scandal.

Teenage driver crushes toddler in Lagos

When three-year-old Ikeoluwa Olaniyi was playing with her friends in her grandfather’s compound in Ire Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos, on September 3, 2013, little did she know that death was lurking. PUNCH Metro learnt that a teenage motorist, Chinyere Wagbaranta, in company with her brother, Chisom, and a police corporal attached to Police Mobile Force 22, Felix Adebayo, in a Mercedes Benz Sports Utility Vehicle, drove into the compound carelessly, hitting the little girl and crushing her skull. The victim’s grandfather, Adesola Elegbede, who spoke to our correspondent while fighting back tears, said Ikeoluwa was his first grandchild. He said, “Ikeoluwa lives with me and my wife. Her father works in a bank and her mother works with an accounting firm, which are both located on Victoria Island. Ikeoluwa attends a school in Ilasa, which is not far from our house. She stays with her parents during the weekend. “On the day of the incident, I came in and saw her eating yam just outside the main door and told her to go inside. A few minutes later, I wanted to go to my friend who lives a few houses away from mine and Ikeoluwa attempted to follow me but she met some of her friends playing in the compound so she joined them. “A few minutes later, I heard a loud scream that Ikeoluwa had been crushed by a vehicle in the compound. I ran to the scene and observed that the side of her head had been crushed. I saw the vehicle that hit her but the occupants had fled. I carried my granddaughter to Good Health Hospital, where she was declared dead.” Elegbede said he immediately ran to the Isolo Police Division to report the matter and it was there that he met the culprits. He said Chinyere drove recklessly into the compound because she was on a mission to fight one of his neighbours. He said, “I was told that Chinyere and her brother hired the Police Mobile Force member, who is attached to a bank in the area, to escort them to our compound to fight one of my neighbour’s children. “They drove recklessly from Ire Akari Road into my compound and after crushing my little girl, the armed MOPOL aided them in escaping from the scene.” The grandfather said four days after the incident, Chinyere’s parents, in company with the Divisional Police Officer, Isolo, Adamu Ibrahim, and a chief in the area came to apologise over the incident, urging him not to pursue the case. Elegbede, however, berated the police for not handling the case professionally. He said, “When they came to visit me four days later, I was shocked that the DPO escorted them to my place. Why should the DPO be pleading on their behalf, telling me it was the will of God? Anyway, I told them to go and beg Ikeoluwa’s parents because I am not her father. “On September 9, the DPO called me again saying the Area D Commander at Mushin wanted to see all the parties involved but on getting there, the DPO told us to return to his own station. “When I noticed that the case was not being handled properly, I asked the DPO to transfer the matter to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, but he refused to do this. “I am aware that Chinyere is 18 years old and is an adult. I have already started hearing that the police want to manipulate her age, get her a fake affidavit and give her a soft-landing. I will not accept this.” The victim’s grandfather said life had not been the same since the incident occurred. While pointing to the spot where his granddaughter’s blood was shed, he said, “I cannot believe this. We are still in shock. Her mother has had to take leave from work and travel out of the country to take her mind off things. Imagine us losing such a pleasant and brilliant girl?” When contacted on the telephone, the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the accident to our correspondent. Braide said the matter was reported as a fatal car accident and that Chinyere had been charged to court.

ASUU strike: Pupils say govt is not serious

As the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities enters the fourth month, some secondary school pupils lend their voices to the general call for an end to the crisis, SAMUEL AWOYINFA reports Secondary school pupils in Lagos have joined other Nigerians in speaking out against the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities. Most of the youngsters believe the Federal Government reneged on the agreement it reached with ASUU in 2009. Therefore, moved by pity for the undergraduates affected by the strike, they demanded that the terms of the deal be honoured quickly so that the latter could go back to the university campuses to resume their studies. While some of the pupils noted that the strike had forced their older siblings, relations and friends, who are undergraduates in various universities, to idle away their time in their respective homes, others argued that the situation had led to an increase in crime rate. Many of the pupils accused the FG of lack of seriousness toward the education sector. They said they were aware that government had never met the UNESCO’s recommended budgetary allocation of 26 per cent to education sector. Vowing never to let the current situation and government’s unfavourable disposition to education affect their future or delay their academic progress, some of the pupils said their parents were already making alternative plans for their education. The majority look forward to either relocating abroad to continue their education or enrolling in private universities in the country. But a few less privileged pupils insist that they want to fulfill their dreams for higher education in public universities since their parents cannot afford to send them abroad or pay the exorbitant fees charged by private universities. A pupil of Dansol High School, Ikeja, Feranmi Olatunji, says that by reneging on its agreement with ASUU, the FG has shown that it does not care about the various categories of students – undergraduate, postgraduate, prospective undergraduate and parents – who are at the receiving end of the lingering crisis. “The action of the Federal Government shows that it does not care about education. If it did, it would honour its agreement with ASUU without sparing any cost. It is a pity that students are the ones at the receiving end. As the saying goes, the idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Some of the students could be tempted to commit crime. The others have become an extra burden to their parents,” Olatunji says. Alarmed by the bleak prospect presented by persistent strikes in the tertiary institutions, Ogwuike Deborah of the African Church Model College, Ifako, Lagos told our correspondent that she already had an alternative plan for her education. “I don’t think I want to be affected by ASUU strikes, which have become a tradition in public universities in Nigeria. Such inconsistency will affect my plans for the future. I do not plan to spend an extra day studying for a degree in Law,” she says. Also, Agbede Olumide of Bachel Model College, Ogba, notes that government’s attitude to education clearly shows that the children of many top government officials do not attend public universities. Worried that his elder sister, an undergraduate of Tai Solarin University of Education, is idling away at home, he says, “She just sleeps, wakes up, eats and spends the rest of the day watching movies. She says some of her friends have started working as waitresses in some eateries in Lagos just to pass the time. “Top government officials can afford to treat education with such levity because their children are studying abroad. It is an act of wickedness to the children of the poor masses.” One of Agbede’s friends affected by the strike has started processing admission into a university in neighbouring Republic of Benin. Just like Agbede’s friend, Seth Omo-Izirein of Dansol High School, would like to attend a tertiary institution outside Nigeria and his preferred choice is the University of Legon, Ghana, where he hopes to obtain a degree in theatre arts. The last thing Omo-Izirein wants is to suffer the same fate as his friend, an undergraduate of University of Lagos, who now wakes up every morning, “playing games and watching television” due to the strike. “I want a four-year programme and not an extended programme. One is not sure if this strike, when it is eventually called off, will not come up again someday,” he says. Ihekwereme Kelechi of Bachel Model College agrees that incessant strikes in public universities due to neglect of education sector by government have driven many people to seek higher education outside the country. “I read an article on the Internet recently and I learnt that Holland has 90 per cent literacy level. Obviously we are lagging behind. That is why our certificates are not valued outside the country. Those foreigners see our leaders and the people as unserious,” she says. Vanessa Osuka of the African Church Model College confesses that she feels bad seeing her brother being on a forced holiday. She says she is disappointed that President Goodluck Jonathan, who was once a lecturer, would treat his colleagues this way. “He is not showing us that he was once a lecturer. If I have my way I won’t attend a public university,” she says. Also, Munachi Ufere, who looks forward to seeking admission in a private university, thinks it is better to go to an institution with the best facilities and complete whatever course one has chosen at the appropriate time. While she describes the FG’s action as “heinous and a disruption of the academic calendar,” Munachi predicts the strike will make some affected undergraduates too lazy to study at home. Although Stephen Olufeko of the African Church Model College wants to attend a public university, he is ‘scared’ of his sister, Gloria’s experience. The latter, who is an undergraduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, is currently idling away at home. He appeals to the government “to release the funds the ASUU is demanding and let the strike be called off.” One can only hope that the voice of reason will prevail and the FG will do the needful, so that the students and lecturers will go back to the classrooms.

ASUU strike: Pupils say govt is not serious

As the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities enters the fourth month, some secondary school pupils lend their voices to the general call for an end to the crisis, SAMUEL AWOYINFA reports Secondary school pupils in Lagos have joined other Nigerians in speaking out against the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities. Most of the youngsters believe the Federal Government reneged on the agreement it reached with ASUU in 2009. Therefore, moved by pity for the undergraduates affected by the strike, they demanded that the terms of the deal be honoured quickly so that the latter could go back to the university campuses to resume their studies. While some of the pupils noted that the strike had forced their older siblings, relations and friends, who are undergraduates in various universities, to idle away their time in their respective homes, others argued that the situation had led to an increase in crime rate. Many of the pupils accused the FG of lack of seriousness toward the education sector. They said they were aware that government had never met the UNESCO’s recommended budgetary allocation of 26 per cent to education sector. Vowing never to let the current situation and government’s unfavourable disposition to education affect their future or delay their academic progress, some of the pupils said their parents were already making alternative plans for their education. The majority look forward to either relocating abroad to continue their education or enrolling in private universities in the country. But a few less privileged pupils insist that they want to fulfill their dreams for higher education in public universities since their parents cannot afford to send them abroad or pay the exorbitant fees charged by private universities. A pupil of Dansol High School, Ikeja, Feranmi Olatunji, says that by reneging on its agreement with ASUU, the FG has shown that it does not care about the various categories of students – undergraduate, postgraduate, prospective undergraduate and parents – who are at the receiving end of the lingering crisis. “The action of the Federal Government shows that it does not care about education. If it did, it would honour its agreement with ASUU without sparing any cost. It is a pity that students are the ones at the receiving end. As the saying goes, the idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Some of the students could be tempted to commit crime. The others have become an extra burden to their parents,” Olatunji says. Alarmed by the bleak prospect presented by persistent strikes in the tertiary institutions, Ogwuike Deborah of the African Church Model College, Ifako, Lagos told our correspondent that she already had an alternative plan for her education. “I don’t think I want to be affected by ASUU strikes, which have become a tradition in public universities in Nigeria. Such inconsistency will affect my plans for the future. I do not plan to spend an extra day studying for a degree in Law,” she says. Also, Agbede Olumide of Bachel Model College, Ogba, notes that government’s attitude to education clearly shows that the children of many top government officials do not attend public universities. Worried that his elder sister, an undergraduate of Tai Solarin University of Education, is idling away at home, he says, “She just sleeps, wakes up, eats and spends the rest of the day watching movies. She says some of her friends have started working as waitresses in some eateries in Lagos just to pass the time. “Top government officials can afford to treat education with such levity because their children are studying abroad. It is an act of wickedness to the children of the poor masses.” One of Agbede’s friends affected by the strike has started processing admission into a university in neighbouring Republic of Benin. Just like Agbede’s friend, Seth Omo-Izirein of Dansol High School, would like to attend a tertiary institution outside Nigeria and his preferred choice is the University of Legon, Ghana, where he hopes to obtain a degree in theatre arts. The last thing Omo-Izirein wants is to suffer the same fate as his friend, an undergraduate of University of Lagos, who now wakes up every morning, “playing games and watching television” due to the strike. “I want a four-year programme and not an extended programme. One is not sure if this strike, when it is eventually called off, will not come up again someday,” he says. Ihekwereme Kelechi of Bachel Model College agrees that incessant strikes in public universities due to neglect of education sector by government have driven many people to seek higher education outside the country. “I read an article on the Internet recently and I learnt that Holland has 90 per cent literacy level. Obviously we are lagging behind. That is why our certificates are not valued outside the country. Those foreigners see our leaders and the people as unserious,” she says. Vanessa Osuka of the African Church Model College confesses that she feels bad seeing her brother being on a forced holiday. She says she is disappointed that President Goodluck Jonathan, who was once a lecturer, would treat his colleagues this way. “He is not showing us that he was once a lecturer. If I have my way I won’t attend a public university,” she says. Also, Munachi Ufere, who looks forward to seeking admission in a private university, thinks it is better to go to an institution with the best facilities and complete whatever course one has chosen at the appropriate time. While she describes the FG’s action as “heinous and a disruption of the academic calendar,” Munachi predicts the strike will make some affected undergraduates too lazy to study at home. Although Stephen Olufeko of the African Church Model College wants to attend a public university, he is ‘scared’ of his sister, Gloria’s experience. The latter, who is an undergraduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, is currently idling away at home. He appeals to the government “to release the funds the ASUU is demanding and let the strike be called off.” One can only hope that the voice of reason will prevail and the FG will do the needful, so that the students and lecturers will go back to the classrooms.

Boy carrying toy gun shot dead by police

A 13-year-old boy carrying a replica assault rifle has been shot dead by police in the US state of California, the BBC reports. Officers in the city of Santa Rosa say they opened fire after the boy refused orders to drop the rifle, which they believed to be real. The shooting on Tuesday is now being investigated. It comes a day after a 12-year-old boy in Nevada shot dead a maths teacher at his school and wounded two fellow pupils before taking his own life. In the latest incident, two sheriff’s deputies saw the teenager “with what appeared to be some type of rifle”, a news release from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s office said. The deputies called for backup and repeatedly ordered the boy to drop the gun before firing several rounds from their handguns, police said. The boy, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was later identified by his family as Andy Lopez. “He was holding the weapon in his left hand. He began to turn toward his right in the direction of the deputy, and in so doing he moved the gun toward the deputy, and the deputy’s mindset was that he was fearful he would be shot,” Lt Paul Henry of Santa Rosa police said. But the boy’s father, Rodrigo Lopez said the shooting made no sense. “My son lost his life. He’s not alive any more just because of the mistake of somebody.” The replica gun had belonged to a friend, he said. The sheriff’s office said a plastic handgun had also been found in the boy’s waistband. Witness Brian Zastrow told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat he heard seven shots. “First, I heard a single siren and within seconds I heard seven shots go off, sounded like a nail gun,” he said. One man who saw the events unfold said the shooting was over in an instant. “He pulled over to the kid walking and he just opened the door and shot him, three shots,” Ismael Mondragon told KGO-TV. Police Lt Dennis O’Leary said the deputies had been placed on administrative leave pending the inquiry. Sheriff Steve Freitas described the shooting as a “tragedy” and promised the investigation would be thorough and transparent. “As a father of two boys about this age, I can’t begin to imagine the grief this family is going through,” he said. A spokeswoman for the boy’s school described him as “a very loved student, a very popular, very handsome young man, very smart and capable”. Linsey Gannon, assistant principal at Lawrence Cook Middle School, said he played trumpet in the school band. “Our community has been rocked by his loss,” she said. Candles, teddy bears and flowers have since been left at the scene of the shooting. “He was a good kid, he was 13 years old. He didn’t look like a man, Andy, he was a boy,” one friend told local media. On Monday, a 12-year-old boy who has not been named opened fire at a school in Sparks, Nevada, killing maths teacher and Afghanistan veteran Michael Landsberry. Police said Mr Landsberry had tried to coax the boy to drop the gun, enabling children in the playground to flee. The boy then shot and injured two fellow pupils, before taking his own life on the outdoor basketball court. President Barack Obama has recently renewed calls for changes to US gun laws following a series of deadly shootings. However, the BBC’s Alastair Leithead in Los Angeles says the proposals face fierce resistance.

ASUU strike: Idle students take up menialjobs

Some undergraduates in Kaduna have ventured into various vocations to keep them occupied as the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) persists, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. Some of them who spoke with NAN on Friday in Kaduna said that they had to find something to do, to keep their minds occupied and avoid trouble. Grace Ocholi, a 300-level student of English at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said she secured a temporary job as a fuel pump attendant at a petrol station in Sabon-Tasha area of the city to enable her earn some money until the end of the strike. “Everyone in my house go out every morning to work, and my younger sisters go to school while I stay home and sleep awaiting for their return. “I am not okay with staying idle so I decided to engage in something useful,” Grace said. Seun Ali, an HND Computer Science student of Kaduna Polytechnic told NAN that he worked at a friend’s barbing saloon to earn some money instead of staying idle at home. Another student, Henry Samuel of Mass Communication Department, Ahmadu Bello University, said he was assisting his father in selling tiles before he was admitted to the university. Samuel said he had to continue manning the business until the end of the lecturers’ strike. “So instead of wasting time waiting for the prolonged strike to end, I returned to continue from where I stopped,” he said. The students advised their colleagues to engage in something meaningful while the strike lasted, so as not to fall into the temptation of going into crime due to idleness. NAN recalls that ASUU had been on strike since June over the non-implementation of a 2009 agreement it entered with the Federal Government on the funding of public universities.

Michael Jackson RegainsCrown as Top-earningDead Celebrity

Jackson who died in 2009, was back on top with estimated earnings of $160 million in the 12 months from October 2012 to 2013. Michael Jackson regained the title of the highest- earning dead celebrity in the past year, easily surpassing Elvis Presley and cartoonist Charles Schulz, Forbes magazine said on Wednesday. After being pushed into second place by Elizabeth Taylor last year, Jackson, who died in 2009, was back on top with estimated earnings of $160 million in the 12 months from October 2012 to 2013. "He earned the bulk of his bucks from two Cirque du Soleil shows, his Mijac Music catalog, recorded music sales and his half of the Sony/ATV publishing empire - which includes the copyright to hits by the Beatles, Lady Gaga, Eminem and Taylor Swift, among others," Forbes said. Presley was a distant second with $55 million, followed by Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip, who came in third for the second consecutive year with $37 million. Taylor dropped to fourth place with earnings of $25 million, a huge dip from last year when her estate pulled in an estimated $210 million with much of it from the auction of her jewels. Reggae star Bob Marley rounded out the top five with earnings of $18 million. The singer, who died of cancer at the age of 36 in 1981, has sold more than 75 million albums in the past two decades, according to Forbes. Nobel-prize winning physicist Albert Einstein, dropped one place to No. 8 this year with earnings of $10 million, while Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera, who died in a plane crash in December at the age of 43, was new to the list at No. 13 with $7 million. Forbes compiled the list by talking to estate managers, lawyers and licensors and analyzing estimated posthumous earnings between October 2012-2013.

Michael Jackson RegainsCrown as Top-earningDead Celebrity

Jackson who died in 2009, was back on top with estimated earnings of $160 million in the 12 months from October 2012 to 2013. Michael Jackson regained the title of the highest- earning dead celebrity in the past year, easily surpassing Elvis Presley and cartoonist Charles Schulz, Forbes magazine said on Wednesday. After being pushed into second place by Elizabeth Taylor last year, Jackson, who died in 2009, was back on top with estimated earnings of $160 million in the 12 months from October 2012 to 2013. "He earned the bulk of his bucks from two Cirque du Soleil shows, his Mijac Music catalog, recorded music sales and his half of the Sony/ATV publishing empire - which includes the copyright to hits by the Beatles, Lady Gaga, Eminem and Taylor Swift, among others," Forbes said. Presley was a distant second with $55 million, followed by Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip, who came in third for the second consecutive year with $37 million. Taylor dropped to fourth place with earnings of $25 million, a huge dip from last year when her estate pulled in an estimated $210 million with much of it from the auction of her jewels. Reggae star Bob Marley rounded out the top five with earnings of $18 million. The singer, who died of cancer at the age of 36 in 1981, has sold more than 75 million albums in the past two decades, according to Forbes. Nobel-prize winning physicist Albert Einstein, dropped one place to No. 8 this year with earnings of $10 million, while Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera, who died in a plane crash in December at the age of 43, was new to the list at No. 13 with $7 million. Forbes compiled the list by talking to estate managers, lawyers and licensors and analyzing estimated posthumous earnings between October 2012-2013.

Facts: SpongebobSquarePants

SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated television series which was created by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg. The series chronicles the exploits and adventures of the title character and his various friends in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom. Hillenburg initially conceieved the show in 1984 but the first episode was aired on Nickelondeon in the United States on May 1, 1999, following the television airing of the 1999 Kids' Choice Awards. The show reached enormous popularity by 2000 during its second season and has remained popular since. The series' popularity has made it a media franchise, contributing to its position as Nickelodeon's highest rated show, the most distributed property of MTV Networks, and among Nicktoons' most watched shows. So far, the media franchise has generated an $8 billion merchandising revenue for Nickelodeon. Apart from the TV series, a feature film of the series was released in theaters on November 19, 2004, with a sequel in development with a projected release date of February 13, 2015. Here are some facts you may not have known about Spongebob. 1. Spongebob's name was originally "Spongeboy" but the name was already taken by a mop. 2. Tom Kenny, the voice of Spongebob, preforms Spongebobs laugh by saying "Aaah!" and hitting his throat. The laugh is supposed to make the viewer think of dolphins. 3. President Barack Obama told TV Guide in 2007 that Spongebob was his favorite character because Spongebob is what he watched with his daughters. 4. Guest stars on Spongebob include Johnny Depp, Alec Baldwin, Amy Poehler, David Hasselhoff, Scarlet Johansson, and Gene Simmons. 5. Squidward only has six tentacles because eight makes the character look too busy. 6. In Korea, Spongebob is known as Square Square Sponge. 7. The Krabby Patty was originally going to be called the Barnacle Burger. 8. Plankton's computer wife Karen is named after Steve Hillenburg's wife and is voiced by Jill Talley, the wife of Tom Kenny. 9. Almost every time a character throws something away you can hear a glass breaking. 10. Spongebob has been broadcast around the world in 25 different languages.

I Sell Dry Fish and Rice - MumaGee

So some fan of yours are insinuating your new album is being delayed because you are now married. What can you say about that? People are entitled to their own Option. Can you let your expectant fans into what you are presently working on? Working on my latest album titled ‘Motherland’. How many tracks? It's a 12-track album but its only in due time that all d tracks can be unveiled. For now, we have Released two tracks which are ‘African Woman Skillashy’ and my latest single ‘Jikele’, which can be downloaded online from. http://www.hulkshare.com/8yjnlv75dc74 Not too many people really know much about you. What was growing up like for you? Growing up was great. Had a solid foundation from a Christian home. What kind of training did your parents give you that made you the kind of woman you are today? They were very strict and therefore no time for messing around or playing too much and so it creates more time for domestic cores and activities. Next after that is studying and reading books that can aid good morals. Don't you think that's too weird of them? Girls should b allowed to flow with boys, party and have affairs while growing up. Well if others did or do, it's not for me to judge. I only narrated how I grew up. While growing, what were those things you did that gave you out as someone who would later go into music? Joining the junior choir at age four and presenting special songs at church events. What about in school? Well when I came of age, I was participating in various social events on Saturdays especially and even representing my school in debates as one of the most brilliant students. So how did music start for you professionally? It all start from watching Divas on screen and wishing to become one some day. So that desire drove me to writing my own songs and by practicing and creating my own style, which has finally brought me this far. Did you approach anyone to help you out with your dream and how did they help? I met with my first producer, Nelson Brown who Recorded my first album. Since then I have grown from one level to another. What was the reaction of your parents when you told them you wanted to do music? No parent would agree totally at first, when they notice your interest to go into entertainment until they are sure you know what you are doing. My case was no different. So what were your experiences when you first started? Every good start is never easy until people begin to buy into your idea. It wasn't easy until after a while especially the fact that I came a very unique style that I refer to as Afrotastic music, but in no time, people started loving it and then I started enjoying the dividend. But how you do feel especially when you don't get call up for shows? Your songs aren't dancehall. I am a very busy person so that is the only time I get to rest and do other business. You didn’t get my question. Since you don't sing dancehall that can be played at gigs, how do then make money from your kind of music? That I don't sing dancehall does not mean I don't make money from my Afrotastic brand of music! So who are your fans and how do you get shows? My dear, my fans are those who love my style and music, and I get show just like every other Nigerian artiste. Aside music, what other projects are you involved in? Importation of dry fish and rice, fashion and clothing Business. I'm also doing my second degree in marketing and juggling these with being co-CEO/MD of GEEKLIPS ARTS ACADEMY. First of all, why did you choose a business like dry fish and rice? A good business person sees an opportunity and grabs it. Besides, what do you want to do with a second degree in Marketing? As you can see, my profile has shifted a great deal from just being an artiste. So Marketing would to a great extent make me more grounded in Business than my degree in theatre Arts. What's GEEKLIPS Art academy? It's an academy that trains up coming artistes professionally. We also help nurture them into live dreams. Since when did you start the academy? 2013. So how has been the response since you started? It’s an initiative I have always nurtured for years now, which was born out of the desire to assist up coming artistes. So it finally kicked off this year to d glory of God. The response has been great! Quite encouraging. Though a start is never easy. Is the academy free, as in like a give-back thing? Almost free but no one gets serious over free things. So why did you decide to stay in Port Hacourt when other artistes prefer Lagos? I'm not other artistes. Life for me goes beyond just being Muma Gee. I moved as soon as it was time for me to start giving back to d society and charity they say begins at home. And for me, Port-Harcourt is my Motherland and that is why my latest Album is titled MOTHERLAND. But don't you think moving back is making you miss out on a whole lot of gigs? Well I have attend enough of that in d past and at present I only go for event where am paid to attend or making an appearance that will impact positively in the lives of people. Even while in Lagos I do not go to all events. So I miss nothing because I get booked for the right events in Lagos and so many other places even outside the country. How then do you cope with male admirers now that you are married? Doesn't your husband worry that you have to mingle with men most of d time? Shockingly it's not just male but also females adding to the pressure. But the best thing in a union is when you and your partner have confidence and trust in each other. It makes life easier for a healthy cohabitation. So how do you combine home front and all that baggage of work? I have maids and house keepers that I instruct and supervise on how I want things done and they are so supportive by Gods grace. So far, how do you describe your marriage? That is private and I will appreciate if you respect my opinion. So how many kids should fans expect from you? Fans don't have any say in my private life but professionally only. If asked to make a wish, what will that be? To excel and impact positively in the lives of others. What's that one experience you would like to forget and not be reminded of? None I can remember at the moment. It's like you don't even want to talk about your man? It's my very private life I'm sorry. One last question please. There's a rumour that you are older than your husband. Is it true? I don't live on rumours so I will ignore this question. Okay! Let me put it directly to you. Are you older than your husband? That is also personal.

Nigerian army 'kills dozens' of Boko Haram suspects

The Nigerian army says it has killed 74 suspected Boko Haram militants in a raid in north-eastern Borno state. The raid involved "ground and aerial assault" and "led to the destruction of the identified terrorist camps," said army spokesman Lt Mohammed Dole. North-eastern Nigeria is the focus of an insurgency waged by Boko Haram in its bid to create an Islamic state. The area has been placed under a state of emergency as the army tries to crush the group. Lt Dole said the latest raid had been carried out on Thursday and that two soldiers had been wounded. President Goodluck Jonathan recently urged the military to up its campaign against Boko Haram, which launched its insurgency in 2009. The army's claims about military operations against the group are hard to verify - there has been no mobile phone network in Borno state since the latest offensive was launched. Nigeria's campaign has been criticised by human rights groups. Amnesty International said earlier this month that hundreds had died in detention in north-eastern Nigeria, some from starvation or extra-judicial killings

Beverly Moves on with D'banj

Obviously she's trying her best to get her groove back. Beverly Osu was on same stage with the ‘Kokomaster’, shaking her butt to his music. She was one of the special guests at the Hennessy Artistry finale on Saturday. During D'banj's performance, he invited her on stage and she gladly accepted. Trust Bev, she dished out some of her dance steps to the groove

20 African, American Comedians &Musicians Thrill Lagosians at Glo LafftaFest

National telecommunications operator, Globacom, last Saturday dazzled Lagosians with entertainment unlimited as it paraded 20 top Nigerian and international artistes in the opening show of the 2013 Glo Laffta Fest aptly tagged Invasion LOL. The comedy show held at Lagos, featured four American comedians, Donnivin Jordan, Robert Powell, Deray Davis and Tony Roberts, two South African humour merchants, Ndumiso Lindi and David Kau, Uganda's best comedian, Salvador, and 13 Nigerian artistes consisting of two musicians and 11 comedians. Anchored by the hilarious Basketmouth, the Lagos edition of the show had Jimmy Jatt as the Dee Jay and the likes of the doyen of Nigerian comedy, Alli Baba, and Julius the Genius Agwu performing alongside equally talented and resourceful hands like Okey Bakassi, Bovi, Buchi, Gandoki, Akpororo, Funny Bone, Senator and Osama. The show was spiced with music as Wande Coal and the legendary saxophonist, Lagbaja, thrilled the audience with their songs. It was an evening of fun, laughter and entertainment as the huge crowd, which filled the main hall and the foyers, danced, rocked and reeled with laughter as the artistes came on stage to perform. The American foursome were full of praises to Globacom for bringing them to Nigeria and to Africa for the first time in their career, just as their South African and Ugandan counterparts expressed their gratitude to the telecommunications giant for providing a huge platform such as the Glo Laffta Fest for them to perform in Nigeria. The comedians, both from Nigeria and abroad, gave the audience value for their time as they reeled out jokes on contemporary political, social and economic matters and issues of day-to-day life. While expressing their willingness to come back to Nigeria to enjoy the hospitality of the Nigerian people, the foreign artistes said that their coming to the country had exposed them to its potentials. Salvador, the Ugandan was at his best elements, telling the audience that Nigerian cuisines "give me emotional feelings as I shed tears each time I eat any of the delicacies because I don't eat pepper". "I must thank the organisers of this show for making me to hang out with real Americans as all I have been seeing back in Uganda is having my fellow country men travelling to America for a few weeks and coming back home with Indian accent. I wish somebody will simply adopt me in Lagos and make me stay here permanently", he teased. Deray Davis said that he had to call up his daughter back in the United States to "tell her that I am having fun and a good time in Africa and that I like it here and will have to come back here again", while his compatriot, Donnivin Jordan hinted that he might likely "have a baby in Lagos", sending the audience reeling with laughter. Specifically, Jordon praised Globacom "for congregating comedians from different parts of the globe. I consider this a network of world comedians and I will like the company to take this kind of show to other parts of the world. This will help to promote harmony among comedians all over the world." The Lagos edition of the show was the first in the series of shows in the 2013 Glo Laffta Fest slated for different parts of Nigeria. The next show which will feature the international artistes and their Nigerian counterparts will hold on October 25 in Abuja at the Thisday Dome. Nine other shows parading the best of the Nigerian entertainment industry will hold in Owerri, Enugu, Calabar, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Abakaliki, Benin City, Aba and Ibadan in subsequent weeks.

Lady Gaga Settles Up With Ex-Assistant Who Claimed Mother Monster Owed Her Overtime

Lady Gaga is back from the edge of trial. The "Applause" artist has settled a lawsuit filed in 2011 by a former assistant who claimed that Mother Monster owed her almost $400,000 in overtime salary for 7,168 extra hours that she said were spent attending to Gaga's every need during her period of employment. Terms of the settlement are being kept confidential and neither side's attorneys have commented. The case was scheduled to go to trial in New York on Nov. 4. But Gaga didn't initially move toward an out-of-court agreement without showing her teeth. "She's just--she thinks she's just like the queen of the universe," she fumed about plaintiff Jennifer L. O'Neill in a deposition taken in August 2012. "And you know what, she didn't want to be a slave to one, because in my work and what I do, I'm the queen of the universe every day." "You don't get a schedule," she reportedly testified. "You don't get a schedule that is like you punch in and you can play...at your desk for four hours and then you punch out at the end of the day. This is when I need you, you're available." U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe had set a trial date after ruling that being "on call" 24/7, as O'Neill referred to it in her suit, could potentially qualify for overtime compensation. The attorneys alerted him on Friday that they were close to a settlement. Per Bloomberg.com, both parties filed a stipulated order informing him that they had settled on an undisclosed amount and requesting a dismissal with prejudice, meaning O'Neill can bring no other wage or overtime-related claims against Gaga

Hope Not Lost on Nigeria –Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has urged Nigerians to be hopeful, saying that insecurity and socio-economic crises in the land was not enough to lose hope. Obasanjo said this on Monday after his conferment with the honorary Doctoral Degree of Science at the maiden convocation of the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, commenced operation in January, 2010. He said: “I know that those who are thinking that Nigeria has no future will today have a change of heart. This is because one person, Chief Afe Babalola, has been able to make a difference in the field of education. This is an indication that hope is not lost on Nigeria. “The other time, I heard Chief Afe Babalola saying that education is the best instrument to fight poverty. But I want to add that it remains the best instrument to sustain good governance and democracy.” Others who were honoured with honorary doctoral degrees on the occasion were the Deputy Director, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Dr. Lalla Aicha Ben Barka; Minister of Interior, Abba Moro and an industrialist, Tunde Yusuf. Dignitaries at the event include former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore, Governor Kayode Fayemi, represented by his deputy, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, representative of Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; former governors Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi among others.

As Body Ages, Jackie Chan Longs forHollywood's Full Embrace

"Six more months and I'm going to be 60," Chan said. "And I (will) see how far I can go until my body tells me, 'Stop.'" The Hong Kong martial arts film star, who declared last year at France's Cannes film festival that he was retiring from action films, now says that after more than a decade of contemplating quitting, he is going to let his body decide. "When I was 40-something the media would ask me and then I said another five years, and then five years and five years until now," the Kung Fu actor said in an interview promoting his 2012 Chinese action film "Chinese Zodiac," which will be released in U.S. cinemas on Friday. "Six more months and I'm going to be 60," Chan said. "And I (will) see how far I can go until my body tells me, 'Stop.'" Chan, famous for performing all of his high-flying and physically punishing stunts, has appeared in more than 100 films and now writes, produces and directs his own films in Asia. "I get hurt," the actor said after 50 years of flips, kicks and punches. "It gets really tiring, not like it used to be." The only real outward sign of aging in Chan are some crow's feet around the eyes. He is obviously in great shape still, but won't reveal his secrets for staying that way. But as Chan starts to enter his twilight years he laments how Hollywood typecasting may force him to begin using a stunt double for his acrobatic scenes as he believes Hollywood studios would never cast him in dramatic roles. "I hope the audience, after they say, 'Jackie, that's a double!,' they forgive me," Chan said in his trademark broad-grinned and animated style. "Then I can continue (my career) because poor me, nobody in Hollywood hires me to make a 'Kramer vs. Kramer' (or) like 'Sound of Music' - actually I'm a pretty good singer - and nobody hires me to do this kind of film," Chan said, referring to the 1979 family drama and 1965 musical, both Oscar winners. "All we think about Jackie Chan: Chris Tucker, 'Rush Hour' one, two, and three ... always action- comedy, action-comedy," he said about the "Rush Hour" buddy-cop film series with comedian Chris Tucker that helped Chan cement his place in Hollywood 15 years ago. TURNED DOWN 'INTERPRETER' Chan has already added "dramatic actor" to his resume with the 2011 Chinese historical drama "1911" about the revolution that overthrew China's final imperial dynasty. "I really hope someday in Hollywood, some producer or director will hire me only to do drama," Chan said. "I (would) really appreciate it." But that is never going to happen, Chan believes. "Why?" he asks rhetorically with a sigh. "Because the audience is just not used to seeing Jackie Chan doing drama." Chan's ideal roles would be in films such as 1988 Oscar-winner "Rain Man," which starred Dustin Hoffman as a savant and Tom Cruise as his yuppie brother together on a road trip, or 1982's "Tootsie," also starring Hoffman as an actor who dresses as a woman to land acting roles. "It's just ... my English is not that good," Chan explains. That also held him back from pursuing a role in "The Interpreter," a 2005 thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn. Chan said his manager thought the role would be good but told him the amount of dialogue was too tough. Chan said that although the part would have been difficult, he does regret turning it down because he lost an opportunity to work with Kidman and a chance to burnish his legacy. "I see so many action stars all those years come and go, and come and go," Chan said. "Action stars cannot live too long, unlike drama, true actors, like Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, they live forever."

Kanye West ‘BlasphemesJesus’ in Seattle Tour Opener

Kanye West kicked off his 'Yeezus' tour in Seattle, Saturday October 19th and before his performance of his College Dropout hit song, jesus Walks, a man dressed as jesus walked on stage and Kanye jokingly asked "White jesus, is that you?… Oh, shit!,". Later, Kanye and his female back-up dancers bowed to the jesus look-alike as he stood on the mountain top. Kendrick Lamar was Kanye's opening act. He performed a nine-song set which included songs off his "good kid, m.a.a.d. city" album. Watch the video of Jesus Walks performance after the cut... Jesus walks with Kanye West. The rapper kicked off his Yeezus tour in Seattle this weekend, and spared nothing to give his fans a great show. West's set list consisted mostly of tracks from his chart-topping album Yeezus, including "Black Skinhead" and "Blood on the Leaves," but he also ressurected a few of his hits like "Stronger" and "Jesus Walks." Yeezy scaled a mountain at one point in the show, and even performed a number of his songs with a very special guest — a man dressed up as Jesus Christ. The self-proclaimed "King of New York," Kendrick Lamar opened up for West, complete with a live band. This is Kanye's first solo tour in five years. He did hit the road in 2011 with Jay Z for their Watch the Throne world tour. The next stop on The Yeezus Tour is in San Jose, California on October 22. A scheduled stop in Vancouver on Sunday, October 20 was delayed to October 31.

Eagles’ coach, Keshi, owed 7 monthssalary

For Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, and the entire training crew of the national team, it has been “all work and no pay” in the past seven months. According to SuperSport’s website, Stephen Keshi is owed seven months salaries by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). It was emphatically stated that the Super Eagles trainer and members of his back room staff had not been paid salaries by the NFF since March 2013. President of the NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, who was quizzed about this on Sunday confirmed the situation, but also revealed that the “hands of the federation are tied” over the issue. “It is true that Keshi has not been paid for the past seven months but the hands of the federation are tied over this matter. It’s not as if we are hoarding this money and have refused to pay him. The NFF is in dire straits as far as financial resources are concerned. We have even had to slash the winning bonus of players of the Super Eagles from $10,000 USD to $5,000 USD as a result,” Maigari exclusively told Supersport.com. The NFF chief then went on to reveal “several steps taken by the NFF to make Keshi’s life easier” following the failure to pay his wages for the past seven months. “There are several steps taken by the NFF in this regard to make Keshi’s life easier. “The rent of the hotel in Abuja he lives in is paid by the NFF. His feeding is taken care of by the NFF as well. He has an official car provided by the NFF and we ensure that any expense he needs to meet as he carries out his official duties are met by the NFF. “Let me also use this medium to inform Nigerians that other staffers of the NFF have also not been paid for over a year.” but they have continued working without complaints because they know the constraints we are facing. “General Secretary, Mr. Musa Ahmadu and Director of Competitions, Mohammed Sanusi, Director of Technical, Emmanuel Ikpeme and Director of finance NFF are just two of the staff affected. There are many others too. “I am sure a lot of Nigerians do not know that even as the leader of the NFF, I have not received salaries for a single day, so people should understand that we are selflessly serving the nation,” Maigari said. The NFF president, however, insisted that the coaches would be paid their salaries as soon as “things improve.” Keshi, who took the reins from Samson Siasia in November 2011, had lost just four official games in the 33 games he had overseen as chief coach

READ President Jonathan's Birthday message to Gen. Yakubu Gowon

President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, wrote to congratulate former head of state, Gen Yakubu Gowon who turned 79 on the 19th of October 2013. Read what he says "As you mark your 79th birthday anniversary, I write to felicitate with you on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. "It is gratifying to note that, your other onerous responsibilities notwithstanding, you have steadfastly demonstrated unwavering support for our Administration and a willingness to readily avail us of your time and wise counsel whenever occasion has demanded. "I join your family, friends and admirers in praying that Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health and many more years of fulfilling service to our nation and humanity at large."

Kim Kardashian Tweets Excitement for Kanye West's Yeezus Tour, Rapper Wears T-Shirt With a Picture of Her Face

Kim Kardashian is excited for boyfriend Kanye West's Yeezus Tour, and she just can't hide it. And the rapper is showing his appreciation, by wearing a T-shirt with a picture of his famous girlfriend! The E! star tweeted a pic from her Instagram account on Saturday, Oct. 19 of her love on stage with the caption "can't wait for tonight #YeezusTour." The snapshot shows the rapper standing at the top of a triangular structure in shadow, with a big white circle background. The 21-time Grammy Award winner kicked off his 23-city, 7-week North American tour on Saturday night. It is his first solo tour in five years and the first show was in Seattle. NEWS: Kanye West Announces Yeezus Tour Dates, Kendrick Lamar Will Open In return, Kanye showed his admiration for his ladylove, grinning backstage and wearing a white T-shirt with her face on it! The T-shirt shows a curvy and brunette Kim donning pearls. His album name, "Yeezus," is written across her chest. Shortly after the tour was announced, a source told E! News exclusively that the blond mama and the couple's daughter, North West, would be in attendance at a handful of the shows. "Kim is definitely coming to at least several of Kanye's tour dates," an insider revealed. "And she's going to bring Nori. She's really looking forward to it." "She's not going to be touring with him full time, though," the source added. "That would be too much for her and the baby. Also, she's most likely going to be filming Keeping Up with the Kardashians and will have to be in L.A. for a certain amount of time during that period." Kanye's performances will combine "state-of-the-art staging, production, and lighting design with his unmatched aesthetic, visionary creative mind, and an increasingly impressive catalogue of hits spanning his decade-long career." His opening act is Kendrick Lamar

Jonathan Promises Reasonably Stable Power Supply Across Nigeria By Mid 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday promised reasonably stable power supply in the country by the middle of 2014. The President made this promise while inaugurating the Phase II 500mw Omotosho National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) Plant in Ondo State. He added that the Federal Government was targeting 4,700mw from 10 NIPPs which he said would be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2014. According to him, the 10 NIPP projects will be handed over to the private sector next year after completion and inauguration. He expressed optimism that the private sector, which had invested $3 billion into the nation's power sector, would do what it did in the banking and the telecommunication sectors. Mr. Jonathan implored workers of defunct PHCN, who had yet to receive their entitlements and severance package, to be patient, adding that they would be paid soon. The President enjoined them not to go on strike or do anything that could affect the government's effort at ensuring reasonable efficiency in the power sector. Prior to his speech, Mr. Jonathan directed that a minute's silence be observed in honour of the late Governor Olusegun Agagu of Ondo State, during whose tenure as Minister of Power the project started. Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state commended the President for his commitment to the improvement of the power sector. He said the State Government had also embarked on the building of 30mw NIPP at Omotosho area of the state. The governor said the project was embarked upon pursuant to the government's commitment to industrial development of the state. He added that the President would be invited soon for the commissioning of the project. Mr. Mimiko told the President that the Omotosho power plant would have the desired impact only when the necessary transmission was done. He stated that the transmission infrastructure needed to be built in three areas of the state. Earlier, the Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo, directed that 32kva transmission lines be installed from Omotosho through Ore to Ondo and Akure. Mr. Nebo said the transmission line, when completed, would relieve the Osogbo-Akure transmission line currently serving the state. He said the NIPP was contributing 1,600mw into the national grid. The minister said the formal handover of the defunct PHCN facilities to the investors would be done in the next two weeks

Rihanna Covers Up, Strikes a Fierce Pose in Abu Dhabi

Rihanna is bringing the heat to Abu Dhabi. The "Stay" crooner, who's racking up quite the photo collection on her world tour, struck a fierce pose in front of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Saturday after she hit the Middle Eastern city. Clad in a black jumpsuit and head scarf, Rihanna ditched her usual scantily-clad garb and kept in line with Abu Dhabi's dress requirements for women, who generally cover up their entire bodies for religious reasons, except for their eyes and hands. "#AbuDhabi," Rihanna wrote on Instagram, posting several photos of herself shot at the mosque by photographers Gomillion and Leupold. The pop star continued that trend the next day, when she performed at Abu Dhabi's du Arena Sunday, wearing a white baseball cap and an all-white conservative outfit--tank top, baggy, wide leg pants and sneakers. Rihanna's latest globe-trotting photo shoot comes just a few days after she landed in Johannesburg for her "Diamonds" world tour and cuddled up with a cheetah cub at a local animal sanctuary. Next up, the singer will head to Tel Aviv, Israel for her concert Tuesday, and then to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republican for her performance Saturday

EbonyLife TV To Debut The African Version Of Desperate Housewives In 2014

Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife TV has signed a co-production deal for the African version of Desperate Housewives scheduled to debut in mid -2014. The original ABC TV series- Desperate Housewives – followed the lives of a group of women as seen through the eyes of a dead neighbour who committed suicide in the very first episode. The storyline covers thirteen years of the women’s lives over eight seasons as they worked through domestic struggles and family life, while facing the secrets, crimes and mysteries hidden behind the doors of their — at the surface — beautiful and seemingly perfect neighbourhood. Ben Pyne, President of global distribution at Disney, revealed at the recently concluded MIPCOM 2013 (an international TV and entertainment market held in Cannes once every year; where content is introduced for co-producing, buying, selling, financing and distributing) that the African version of the comedy/drama series created by Marc Cherry, and broadcast by ABC from 2004 until 2012 – is currently in development, for a summer 2014 debut. The co-production deal with EbonyLife TV will feature an African cast, set in Lagos, Nigeria, where it will also be shot, airing in 44 countries within the African continent. The highly popular series gathered a huge following in Nigeria as well over the years. Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife TV said, “We are going to make it relevant, number one, by using local talent — talent that our viewers will know and love; two, we are going to work with local stylists, local fashion designers, local interior designers.” The series has had four South American versions: one for Argentina, one for Colombia and one for Brazil as well as a remake in Turkey. “We are going to give the stories an African flavour. We will localize it, because there’s nothing the West has that Africa doesn’t have. We love, we fight, we kiss and we make up. We like all the good things in life. There’s good and there’s evil globally. So all those human interests, those things that appeal to you, believe me, appeal to us also.” Mo Abudu added. The Nigerian series will feature an African cast of new emerging and established talents and will be filmed on location in Lagos, Nigeria, at Adiva Estates, a gated development along the Lekki Expressway, developed by ARM. This location has been identified as Africa’s own “Wisteria Lane”. Production will closely follow the format and storylines of the original US version, with a uniquely Nigerian flavour. And to ensure the series retains its international appeal but with an African soul, EbonyLife TV will be working with DO.ii designs and Agatha Interiors on furniture design for the Desperate Housewives Africa sets. On dressing of talent, EbonyLife TV will be partnering with stylist Veronica of Vane-Style and major Nigerian designers to include Bridget Awosika, Ella & Gabby, Jewel By Lisa, Kareema Mak, Lanre Da Silva, Meena, Me-Li, Needle Point, Odio Mimonet, Phunkafrique, Toju Foyeh, etcetera. Talks are also ongoing with a number of potential sponsors to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity that will undoubtedly deliver increased brand awareness, massive brand building and huge propensity to purchase. With this exciting news, the question on everyone’s mind is, which actresses from our continent will make up the ensemble of cast in the Nigeria-set Desperate Housewives Africa? We wait to see.

Nigerian militants kill 19 motorists

Militants wearing army uniforms have killed 19 people at checkpoints on a road in Nigeria's Borno state. The armed men reportedly stopped motorists on the road and ordered them out of their cars before shooting them or hacking them to death. Witnesses told the BBC the men were from Boko Haram, though the Islamist militant group has not yet commented. North-eastern Nigeria is under a state of emergency as Boko Haram attempts to create an Islamist state there. The group targets both the military and civilians, including in schools, and frequently clashes with the Nigerian armed forces. The latest attack happened early on Sunday morning near the town of Logumani, not far from the Cameroon border. 'On the prowl' Survivors said the gunmen were dressed as soldiers and were riding motorcycles before they ambushed their victims. "We were asked to get out of our vehicles and lie face down by nine men dressed as soldiers who blocked the road," one man, who gave his name as Buba, told the AFP news agency. "They shot dead five people and went about slaughtering 14 others before someone called them on the phone that soldiers were heading their way," he said. He said the attackers then fled into the bush on their motorcycles. Another survivor, Adamu Mallam, said he had heard the man next to him being killed with a knife. Buba said he knew the attackers were from Boko Haram because they had beards, which soldiers do not. "Everyone in this area knows Boko Haram is on the prowl, raiding villages and attacking vehicles. It has become a common occurrence," he said. The BBC's Nigeria correspondent, Tomi Oladipo, says the army often sets up checkpoints on roads in the troubled region to stop the militants, and it could be that the gunmen copied the tactic to catch their victims unawares. Boko Haram has waged a deadly insurgency since 2009 in its bid to create an Islamic state in the mainly Muslim north of religiously mixed Nigeria. It has been blamed for many violent attacks which have claimed the lives of nearly 2,000 people since 2011. The group's name translates as "Western education is forbidden", and it has carried out several attacks on schools and colleges, seeing them as a symbol of Western culture. Last month, up to 50 students died when suspected Boko Haram militants attacked an agricultural college in the north-east. The Nigerian military said in August that it might have killed the group's leader, Abubakar Shekau, in a shoot-out. However, a video released last week purportedly showed him alive. Other previous reports of his death later proved to be unfounded.

Actress Kate Henshaw Receives Bouquet of Flowers And Fruits From An Admirer

Hmmmm……Unknown admirer keh? Ok ooooh. Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw received a package from an unknown admirer. The dark-skinned actress received a bouquet of flowers and fruits! The Samsung ambassador was cool with the gift that she posted the entire package sent by the admirer, who was simply identified as K.K, on her Instagram page. In her words,“From an admirer…thanks K.K #fruitsandflowers #nice #healthy..”

Egypt gunmen open fire on Coptic Christian wedding in Cairo

Three people, including a girl aged eight, died when gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on a wedding party outside a Coptic Christian church in Cairo. At least nine others were wounded in the attack in Giza, officials said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Egypt's Coptic Christian community has been targeted by some Islamists who accuse the Church of backing the army's overthrow of President Mohammed Morsi in July. The unidentified attackers fired indiscriminately as people left the church. A man and a girl were killed outside the church and a woman died on her way to hospital. "We heard a very loud sound as if something was collapsing," one eyewitness said. "I found a woman seated in a chair with lots of bullet wounds, covered in blood. Many other people had fallen around her, including a child," he added. Coptic priest Thomas Daoud Ibrahim said he was inside the church when the gunfire erupted. "What happened is an insult to Egypt, and it's not only directed against Coptic Christians. We are destroying our own country," he said. Another priest, Beshay Lotfi, told Egyptian media that the church had been left without a police guard since the end of June. The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of Christianity's oldest, founded in Alexandria around 50 AD. Christians make up at least 10% of the population in Egypt, or well over eight million people. When the chief of the army, General Abdul Fattah al-Sisi went on television to announce that President Morsi had been removed from power, Pope Tawadros II appeared alongside him. Pope Tawadros said that the "roadmap" mentioned by the general had been devised by honourable people, who had Egypt's best interests at heart. Some Islamists took this as a sign that the Church had conspired in their leader's overthrow. Pope Tawadros has received death threats, while several Christians have been killed. Christian shops, homes and businesses have also been targeted

Davido Spotted With Togolese SoccerStar, Emmanuel Adebayor

It seems the Omo Baba Olowo 1 of Naija music has a thing for footballers. A couple of months ago, the video of him teaching Cameroonian footballer, Samuel Eto how to dance Skelewu surfaced on the internet; now, he is seen hanging out with Togolese star footballer Emmanuel Adebayor

Ice Prince: My Life Took A Dramatic Turn When Dad Died

From humble beginnings in Jos, Plateau State, Chocolate City’s wonder kid, Panshak Zamani popularly known as Ice Prince has grown to be one of the hottest and most respected rappers in the country. Thanks to his victory at the 2009 Hennessey Artistry where he came tops. And while it may all look rosy on the outside, Ice Prince has revealed that it’s not been easy after his dad passed away, adding that just like any street kid, he’s had his own fair share of ups and downs, and so fans should not be carried away by the glitz and glamour which has become his trade mark today. Though, born to upper middle class parents, the Oleku singer insists he was not born with a silver spoon, he and his siblings had all they desired until his dad died in 1999 and life took a dramatic turn! “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon,” Ice Prince told The Entertainer’s TONY OGAGA ERHARIEFE in an exclusive chat backstage during the 8th edition of Julius Agwu’s comedy show, Crack Ya Ribs held at Nicon Hilton, Abuja, recently. Dressed in all white designer T-shirt and pants with a muffler dangling around his neck, Ice Prince peered at you from behind designer glasses crested with a fez cap which gave him that clean cut look of an American marine but for his goatee. “My dad was not a billionaire, neither was he a pauper,” he said arching his bushy eyebrows to drive home his point, “he sent us to good schools and we had vacations outside the country; we were okay but in 1999 I lost him! “It was a big loss for me and my family. I was 13 and the eldest kid; I had a mum and two younger sisters to look out for and so I had to grow up overnight; thank God for family support.” Recounting the person of his late dad who was a soldier in the Nigerian Army, Ice Prince described him as a great source of inspiration and like every son would say, his father was a great dad. He said dad went the extra mile to make sure he and his siblings had all they wanted. “He was a soldier,” he states in his characteristic cool and calm voice, “he taught me everything I know today. My mum was very supportive but she died in 2011, so right now I am an orphan.” How does it feel losing both parents early in life? “It feels lonely! We were three kids; a boy and two girls and I am the eldest. I became the man of the house after my dad passed on and that has given me a sense of responsibility. It made me grow up overnight! “I am 27 but my responsibilities are more than that of a 27-year-old. I have to take care of my sisters. I thank God for elevating me. I guess I was called to do this (music).” According to Ice Prince, he would ever be grateful for the lessons he learnt from his parents, which have gone a long way in shaping him today. He says that while his dad taught him to be responsible right from an early age, his mum taught him to respect women.

D’Banj Tells Us Why He Wears Two Wrist Watches

The Kokomaster, D’banj has also been one to stand out from the rest and he explains another one of his unique qualities. The Big Fish of naija music made out time to meet with Hip on TV recently and was asked why he always wears 2 wrist watches at the same time. D’Banj’s answer, which doesn’t still make sense to me was that, his busy schedule is the reason he has to be on two different time zones at the same damn time. He also said he will be releasing his next UK single after the highly successful Oliver Twist in the first quarter of next year

Policeman brutalises eight-year-olddaughter over witchcraft

A police sergeant from Ibiaku community, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Ita Ayamba, has allegedly brutalised and abandoned his eight-year-old daughter, Goodness Ayamba over her refusal to confess to witchcraft. Ita was said to have paraded the little girl along the village streets naked, declaring that Goodness was responsible for his retrogression in the Police Force. A source and relative of Ita, told our correspondent in Eket on Saturday, on the condition of anonymity, that the police sergeant tortured his daughter for several hours in an attempt to extract a confession of being a witch from her. He said, “When he discovered that Goodness had passed out, Ita abandoned her, having hit her chest with the butt of his AK 47 Rifle. “None of us could go close to Ita to rescue Goodness as he had threatened to shoot anyone that dared. “I don’t see how a child of that age could become a clog in the wheel of her father’s progress in the Police Force. We need to tell each other the truth. Progress in one’s career depends on the efforts one has made academically.” PUNCH Metro gathered that Ita had divorced Goodness’ mother some years back. He was said to have remarried almost immediately, leaving three children including Goodness with their grandmother. A resident of the area, Okon Ekong, said that on July 28, 2013 when the children were on holiday, Ita had requested custody of them. He was said to be at his new station in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the time. Ita’s former wife, Mrs. Anietie Ayamba, allegedly heeded his request and took the children to him. Ekong said that the children’s stepmother made life miserable for them. He said, “It was during their stay in Port Hracourt, that their stepmother took the children to a Pentecostal church. Goodness was accused of witchcraft at the church. Her stepmother was told that Goodness was the person responsible for their father’s non-rising profile in the force. “The father who was also in the church began to beat and kick Goodness in a bid to extract a confession about her witchcraft.” When PUNCH Metro visited Immanuel Hospital, Eket, Eket LGA, on Saturday, where Goodness was taken to for medical attention, it was gathered that she had been admitted at the intensive care unit of the children’s ward. Nurses at the hospital said Goodness’ condition was stable but that her bones and chest cavity had been badly damaged. A group of women lawyers under the aegis of Federation of International Women Lawyers have said that they would do everything within their power to ensure that Ita was brought to justice. The state director of the organisation, Mrs. Mary Udonsek, stated that the women would not continue to sit back and allow men maltreat their children on the guise of labelling them witches. Ita, said to be working at Trans Amadi Police Station, Port Harcourt, Rivers State had allegedly not been to Ibiaku, Mkpat Enin LGA since the incident. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Etim Dickson, said the Rivers State Police Command would be contacted about the matter. He said, “Messages have been sent across to police area commands in Oron and Ikot Ekpene so that Ita will not have any place to hide once he is in the state.”

Wwe Wrestler daniel bryan inspired my goal dance –Iheanacho

Golden Eaglets striker Kelechi Iheanacho has revealed that his goal celebration was inspired by his favourite wrestler Daniel Bryan. Iheanacho scored four goals in Nigeria’s 6-1 defeat of Mexico in the UAE 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Al Ain City on Saturday. Iheanacho raced to corner flag whenever he scored, raised and pumped his arms, extending his fingers to the heavens. His knees followed along in rhythm to celebrate his goals. “This is the celebration move of my favourite professional wrestler,” Iheanacho told FIFA.com. Bryan is this Nigerian boy’s favourite wrestler, a bearded American from the outskirts of Seattle who occasionally goes by the moniker, the American Dragon. “I watch him on TV and I love the way he whips up the crowd this way, so I decided to copy it. The fans seemed to like it, too,” he added. “I was totally over the top with joy when that first goal went in.” He said his goals against defending champions Mexico on Saturday marked the first time he would score that number of goals in an international match. “I’ve scored four goals in a game many times, but only in the streets with my friends,” the striker said. “But (it has) never (been) in an international match, never for my country. The feeling is amazing. “Sure, it’s a big win in our first game. We have to have courage now and determination to keep going, to go all the way.” Nigeria’s next group game will be against Sweden on Tuesday, while their last group tie will be against Iraq three days later. Nigeria currently top their group with three points from one match, with Sweden who were 4-1 winners over Iraq on Saturday behind them in second place.

5 Biggest Stories of the Week: Kim Kardashian Flaunts Her Post-Baby Body in White Swimsuit, Lara Flynn Boyle Looks Unrecognizable

Kim Kardashian snapped her sexiest selfie yet: wearing a revealing and tight white swimsuit that accentuated her famous derriere, while flashing plenty of sideboob. But, that wasn't the only story that had people talking. Take a look at our five biggest stories of the week! Kim Kardashian Shows Off Her Body in White Bathing Suit: The sultry new mama showed off her first post-baby bathing suit body in an Instagram pic on Thursday, Oct. 17. #NoFilter," the 32-year-old wrote as the caption . Kardashian's boyfriend, Kanye West, really took notice of her perfect posterior retweeting a link to the image, and writing, "HEADING HOME NOW." Lara Flynn Boyle Looks Puffy and Nearly Unrecognizable: Lara Flynn Boyle looks nearly unrecognizable from her former self. The 43-year-old brunette, best known for her starring roles in Twin Peaks and The Practice, made a rare public appearance and was spotted shopping with her mother and smoking a cigarette in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Her dramatically altered appearance, most noticeably her extremely puffy cheeks and lips, may be due to going overboard with cosmetic procedures. Charlie Hunnam Dropping Out of Fifty Shades of Grey "No Surprise": Charlie Hunnam shocked, well, the world, when it was announced that he would not be portraying the coveted role of S&M fetishist Christian Grey in the film adaptation of E.L. James' erotica novel trilogy Fifty Shades Of Grey. However, shortly after the news broke, a source told E! News exclusively that this casting development isn't "a surprise because what he was taking on with this role was not what Charlie wants in his future career." So now that Charlie is out, who is in?! Matt Bomer and Ian Somerhalder have both been fan favorites to play the man in those jeans. Most recently, Once Upon a Time's Jamie Dornan is the name being uttered as a potential Christian Grey, and the rumor mill has been pumping up the possibility of Boardwalk Empire's François Arnaud for the role, as well. Katy Perry Dresses As Naughty Schoolgirl: Katy Perry made a memorable appearance on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, Oct. 10, mainly because of her outfit choice. The 28-year-old "Roar" singer dressed like a naughty Catholic school girl in a House of Holland top featuring the image of the Virgin Mary. Perry--whose parents are evangelical Christian pastors--completed her look with a leather Belstaff skirt and Wolford stockings. Nicki Minaj Wears Pasties and Gold Chains: Nicki Minaj posted some very revealing photos on Thursday, Oct. 17 to her Instagram account, wearing leopard star-shaped pasties, some gold chains and well, nothing else. And while the sexy rapper is known to flaunt her cleavage (and suffer a nip slip every now and then), this might be her sexiest look yet. The first photo shows the platinum 30-year-old flaunting her pasties (and, yes, boobs) while making a slight fish face. The second pic, which she posted along with the message "putting this one on a T-Shirt," shows Minaj gritting her teeth and wearing those pasties

I was called a rejected artiste – KCee

Artiste, Kingsly Okonkwo, better known as KCee, is making waves at the moment but the young man will not forget how he was seen and in fact, labelled a ‘rejected and dejected’ artiste. No wonder he is still amazed at the height he has achieved since he went solo a couple of years ago. “God, the industry, and my fans suddenly made me a super attraction of the industry. Every single I drop got me more fans, made me more loved, and ranked me a level higher than where the last track stopped. It’s simply amazing.” KCee said. Having released some hit singles that have received massive airplay, Kcee said he is all set to launch his debut album. “It’s amazing how things have turned out so sweetly and successfully for me, my brand, and my budding record label. Releasing a debut album is definitely a major career milestone.”

I won’t let my children go into boxing – Boxing judge, Jacob

Veteran boxing judge and board member of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Folorunsho Jacob, tells KAZEEM BUSARI why Nigerians have not been world champions Howlong have you been in boxing? I’ve been in boxing right from my youth days but I did not turn pro. I was the captain of my school amateur boxing team when I was at Sapele Technical College. I was fond of collecting newspaper cuttings of boxers advertised in the 1960s to the early 70s. We were coached by our bricklaying instructor in school; he was an Irish boxing fan. I was doing a bit of boxing when I was at Ibadan Commercial Academy before going to Sapele. By then, boxing was very popular and everyone wanted to be a boxer. I used to train at Longsi Moon boxing gym in Ibadan, it was owned by a Togolese. Boxers in my category were only featured as undercards at major events back then because I was just 14 years old. I always wore a disguise whenever I went to training or for a competition because my mother must never know I was into the sport. Each time I came back with swollen face, she would fret but I lied every time that I had minor accidents at school. What attracted you to boxing at that young age? Nothing more than to see two able-bodied men fighting for supremacy. Of course, there was the angle of making some money, but that played little role in my love for the sport. Why didn’t you go pro? I was about the best boxer during my days at Government Technical College in Sapele; I represented the school on several occasions. But during my school days, I had this freak accident that resulted in the loss of my right thumb. We had just six months to pass out of school in 1962 but the accident landed me at the orthopaedic hospital, where I spent 11 months. After that, I was in rehab where I learnt how to use my left hand. I went back to school and later got a scholarship to study in Germany. If it wasn’t for the accident, would you have settled for boxing? I was a prospect in boxing in my school days. My opponents were wary of my powerful right punch, and with orthodox stance, I scared many of my peers. I would have considered a career in boxing. But before the accident we heard of a boxer that died in the ring during a fight; that put fear into many of us in the school. I think it was at that point I was not sure if I would go far in the sport. I was worried a boxing career could break my mother’s heart. There were great boxers in your time unlike what we have now We had many of them. We had boxers like Bola Lawal, Teddy Odu, Ghana’s Roy Ankrah, who was the British featherweight champion, and Idowu Lanford. All these men did well in Africa and Europe between 1965 and the early 70s. There was also Hogan Bassey, a Commonwealth and world champion. Do you think Nigeria is getting it right with amateur boxing? Amateur boxers should be discovered from their early teenage years, not when they are over 20. As far as I’m concerned, most of the amateur boxers practising now have no business staying at that level. Boxers like Obisia Nwankpa, Eddie Ndukwu and Tony Andeh all entered professional boxing early in life. Nigeria currently does not have any boxer as a world champion, and only very few are rated as title contenders. The implication of turning professional late in your career is that you don’t get to master the tough side of the sport early enough. At the end of the day, you’ll have a 20-year-old professional boxer knocking out a 30-year-old who turned pro very late. This has negatively affected Nigeria a great deal. In Europe, after major amateur competitions like the Commonwealth Games or the Olympics, boxers quickly turn pro. The problem with Nigerian boxing is poor planning; we don’t plan to have the youths dominate the sport. I was a judge at an African title contest in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso recently and I was asked several times by African boxing executives why Nigerians are no longer title contenders as it was in the past, but I could not give a cogent answer. It’s painful going to the international convention every year and there’s no Nigerian boxer to push forward to get a title shot. You cannot play the politics very well if you don’t have any boxer at the top level to push forward. It was the politics that delayed Olusegun Ajose from getting a title shot early. When he eventually got it, he was not at his best. Which is your biggest fight that you ever officiated? I officiated a world title bout as a judge in Paris in 1993, but the most memorable of my judging days was during Nigeria’s Hunter Clay’s fight against Kofi Quaye of Ghana at the National Stadium in 1992. It was a WBC International super middleweight title contest and late M.K.O Abiola was there to watch the fight. When it appeared Clay was losing the fight in the seventh and eighth rounds, Abiola whispered to the officials around to tell him that there was a N50,000 cash reward if he won the fight. That inspired Clay and he dominated the rest of the fight that night. How have you kept yourself abreast of boxing since retiring as judge? I still attend world boxing conventions organised by the WBC and other international boxing bodies. As a board member of the NBB of C, I’m still involved in the organisation of the sport in Nigeria. Would you let your children go into boxing? I was officiating a bout some years back at the National Stadium when suddenly an uppercut from one of them got a tooth flying from his opponent. The tooth landed on my white shirt, staining it with blood. A journalist asked me after the fight if I would allow my children go into boxing knowing that they could also lose their teeth that way. I told him clearly I would never allow it. I have great respect for boxers because of their courage and determination, but I can’t stand it seeing my children pummelled in the ring. It’s a merciless game. I respect the likes of the Mayweathers and Mohammed Ali who had no problem seeing their children fight in the ring.