2015 FCT budget: Buhari seeks extension of implementation

•President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, has written the Senate asking for permission to extend the implementation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) 2015 budget to March 31.

Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki read the Presidential request letter on the floor of the Senate Tuesday.

President Buhari in the letter asked the lawmakers to recall that the FCT Appropriation Bill was accented to on the 21 of May 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He noted that the delay in accenting to the bill affected its implementation in respect of capital projects and other expenditure.
He added, “In this connection, numerous payments for critical and essential projects are outstanding: in view of the foregoing, the senate is invited to note the delay allowed the FCTA only seven months in 2015 for implementation.

Joel Allotey: Hustling For Her Daily Bread, Olajumoke Found Serendipity As an Ingredient For Success!

 

Few weeks ago, the name Olajumoke Orisaguna would not have rang any bells in the minds of the everyday Nigerian. A young lady who hawked fresh hot ‘Agege’ bread along the streets of suburban Lagos; like hundreds, maybe thousand others like her. Uneventful, uninteresting. But, Olajumoke’s story was unique, for the sole reason that she found herself at the right place and at the right time.

When I first saw the pictures from UK popstar, Tinie Tempah’s photoshoot online, done by the renowned photographer TY Bello, I thought it was just brilliant. Shots taken in a simple Lagos neighbourhood, featuring a proud son of the soil, who was representing Nigeria well in the Western music industry. Tinie Tempah looked dashing in his tradition Nigerian attire; the surrounding was perfect, even the ‘bread-seller girl’ was the perfect ‘prop’- a ubiquitous finding on many Lagos streets. But in fact, the bread seller was not really a prop.

Apparently, Olajumoke had unintentionally photobombed the photoshoot session (after TY Bello got her verbal consent to include her in the picture), and literally and metaphorically walked into what would later become success and stardom.

The 27-year old has become, almost overnight, a Nigerian sensation; the poster child for the Nigerian Dream- one where success and good fortune unexpectedly falls in ones lap. Nigerians, in our almost trademark super-religious and superstitious nature, see her story as the ultimate miracle; the kind that make people attend all-night vigils for prayers and deliverance, and get many self-proclaimed ‘men of god’ a sizable congregation, along with its perks.

Lil Kesh covers MyStreetz Magazine’s Newest Issue

 

YBNL Nation’s Lil Kesh is the cover star for the latest issue of MyStreetz Magazine.

The publisher of the magazine, Sesan Adeniji wrote about the choice of the young rapper as the cover of the magazine.

Femi Kuti – Am Unlike My Father And Am Not Trying To Copy Him

World recognized Four-time Grammy nominated Afrobeat legacy, Femi Kuti has declared he is not like his father Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, and he is not trying to copy him.

After a Twitter user criticized Femi Kuti for not being more like his father, the award winning musician stated that he has never tried to step into his father’s footsteps.

“My purpose in life isn’t to be or copy my father bt 2 BE MYSELF.I love my father &  I’m  NOT in competition wt him” tweeted Femi Kuti.

You can read his tweets below:

Toyin Aimhaku declares new lover on Val’s day

•Toyin Aimakhu and Seun Egbegbe

Far from speculations, Nollywood actress, Toyin Aimakhu came out bold on St. Valentine’s Day to declare her new lover, Seun Egbegbe, a film marketer.

In romantic photo posture uploaded on Instagram, the actress said: “Thanks to GOD for using you to bring happiness back to my life, you will never know sorrow and happiness will not be far from you. May GOD continue to bless and uplift you and may GOD give me the strength to be able to pay you back.”
Few days back, Aimakhu’s estranged husband, Niyi Johnson posted suggestive pictures on Instagram, holding tight to a lady whose face he refused to show. With the pictures, Johnson earned the sympathy of fans, most of who encouraged him to carry on with his life.

Recall that Niyi and Aimakhu have been separated following several quarrels, linked to infidelity. Johnson had declared in some of his interviews that his wife caught him cheating, and had pleaded with her to forgive.
If these are not some publicity stunts, then recent events show that the couple are moving farther apart.

Am Not Broke, Emma Nyra Says Following Reports She’s Using Her Charity Organisation To Benefit Herself

Famous Nigerian female star, Emma Nyra recently launched her personal charity organization called Nyra Phoenix.

The former Triple MG act pleaded with the public to donate funds to her charity organization to help it achieve its goals.

New reports emerging suggest Emma Nyra was using her charity organization to fund her music career.

Emma Nyra has responded to the rumours by explaining what her charity organization is about.

VIDEO: M.I Abaga ft. Moti Cakes – Phase II

Some hours ago, the countdown to Illegal Music 3 – #IM3 – officially began with the release of ‘Everything’.
Now, Chocolate City President MI Abaga swiftly follows it up with the 2nd single along with a video titled “Phase II” featuring Moti Cakes.

My 2 watches costs like 20 cars! Davido brags

‘I’m so cocky sometimes’, says Davido as he brags about how expensive his wristwatches are.
The award-winning singer showed off his new wristwatch on social media and a fan asked how many he has. His response; ‘Just two but cost like 20 cars lol I’m so cocky sometimes lol’.

His new Rolex wristwatch customized by New York based jeweler, Greg Yuna is said to be worth over $80k.
In May 2015, Greg Yuna who makes jewelries for American superstars like Drake, Floyd Mayweather and others made a customized ‘OBO‘ neck-piece for Davido valued at $55,000

“I don’t want to settle down with the wrong guy” Beverly Naya talks about her Relationship & More

It’s Valentine’s season and it seems everyone is talking about love.

Nollywood actress Beverly Naya had a chat with TheBrief.ng and she opened up about why she is still single.

She also talks about her movie role in “Suru L’ere” and more.

See excerpts below.

On being single: Laughs… It’s not that they are not asking, they are asking. The main issue my mom complains about is that I can be quite picky. I am picky with reasons because I feel like I have a lot to offer. I don’t want to settle down with the wrong guy. What’s the point? You work this hard, you do so much for your life only for you to settle down with the wrong guy! No, it doesn’t make sense to me. So that’s partly why I’m single. The other reason is I’ve been really busy. I need a guy that understands the nature of my job and doesn’t get so insecure because of what I do. I know the right guy will find me when it’s time. I’m not keeping him a secret, but I am dating at the moment. I am being quiet about that because I don’t think that needs to be in the public just yet.

Despite Djansi’s ‘insult’, Omotola shows she’s friends with Ghanaians

•Omotola

Barely a week after her colleagues lashed at Ghanaian filmmaker; Leila Djansi for referring to Nollywood as Adolf Hitler, Nigerian actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde took her 38th birthday celebrations to Accra, Ghana, where she made merry with other female celebrities.

Actress Stella Damasus it was who first slammed the Ghanaian producer for disparaging Nollywood, in an attempt to praise the new crop of Nigerian filmmakers for their inventiveness. Others followed suit in a renewed battle of supremacy between the film industries of Nigeria and Ghana.
In defense of Nollywood, Damasus had listed Omotola amongst the Nollywood actors she believed were insulted by Djansi’s utterance.

Nollywood Actress, Monalisa Chinda, 41 Set To Marry This Month!!!

New reports reaching us say that popular Nigerian actress Monalisa Chinda, 41, is gearing up to say ‘I do’ again.

Reliable sources say that the actress is getting married in 2016 but she is very determined to make sure the media and public do not know about it.

The source further stated that Monalisa Chinda will be getting married this month, February.
The identity of Monalisa’s husband is Victor Ola-Coker who comes from the Niger-Delta region.
Monalisa Chinda’s traditional marriage will happen in February and the white wedding will go down in May in the country of Greece.

How Senator Akpabio, Governor Emmanuel Procured Controversial Supreme Court Judgment

An inside source within Akwa Ibom State Government has spoken to SaharaReporters about a shady deal Governor Udom Emmanuel and his predecessor, former Governor Godswill Akpabio, struck with justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria prior to the apex court’s judgment on Wednesday February 3, 2015 validating the state’s governorship election.

A source close to the Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State told SaharaReporters that the “negotiations” on how to “capture the Supreme Court” started in late December of 2015, shortly after the Nigerian Court of Appeal made an omnibus nullification of elections held throughout Akwa Ibom State.

S Korea shutters joint industrial park after N Korean rocket launch

South Korea's unification minister announced at a press conference that the country had decided to stop all operations at the Kaesong Industrial complex. 

 

 

 

SEOUL, Feb 10, 2016 (AFP) - South Korea said Wednesday it would completely shut down a jointly run industrial park in North Korea, which it claimed Pyongyang had been using to fund its nuclear and missile programme.
Days after North Korea launched a rocket that the international community says was a disguised missile test, Seoul said it was closing the Kaesong estate - the first time it has ever done so.
"Today, in order to stop funds of the Kaesong Industrial Complex from being used to support the development of North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities ... the government has decided to completely shut down" operations, a statement said.

The Seoul-funded estate, just 10 kilometres (six miles) across the border in North Korea, has been a precious source of hard currency for the isolated and impoverished North since its opening.
Some 124 South Korean companies operate factories there, employing about 53,000 North Korean workers.
The estate has been operating "with a view to assisting the lives of the North Korean people, providing impetus to lifting up the North Korean economy and achieving the shared progress for both South and North Korea," the statement said.

BMX legend Dave Mirra dead in apparent suicide

BMX icon Dave Mirra dies at 41 01:16

(CNN)Dave Mirra, whose dazzling aerial flips and tricks made him a legend in freestyle BMX and one of the most successful competitors in X Games history, died Thursday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police in North Carolina said.

He was 41.

Mirra's body was found in a truck in his hometown of Greenville, North Carolina, about 4 p.m. Thursday, shortly after he visited friends in the area, Greenville police said.

When Mirra retired from BMX competition in 2011, he had 24 X Games medals, the most in the history of the ESPN-run extreme sports competition. 

Saudi Arabia Willing To Send Ground Troops To Syria

After recent military gains by Assad forces, Gulf kingdom ready to put boots on the ground in Syria’s escalating war.
Saudi Arabia is prepared to deploy ground troops to Syria to fight the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) if US-led coalition leaders agree to the offer.

Saudi’s air force has targeted ISIL with air strikes since the campaign began in Syria in September 2014, but the Gulf kingdom is now ready to provide ground forces to defeat the armed group, a military spokesman said on Thursday.

“Today, the Saudi kingdom announced its readiness to participate with ground troops with the US-led coalition against ISIL, because we now have the experience in Yemen,” Brigadier General Ahmed Asseri told Al Jazeera.

In Historic Move, Pope to Meet With Leader of Russian Orthodox Church

Pope Francis at the Vatican on Tuesday. For Francis, the meeting with the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church is the result of delicate and sustained diplomacy. Credit Andrew Medichini/Associated Press

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will make a surprise trip to Cuba on Feb. 12 for a historic meeting with the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, the first meeting between a pope and the Russian patriarch since the eastern and western branches of Christianity split nearly 1,000 years ago, the Vatican announced on Friday.

For Francis, the meeting is the result of delicate and sustained diplomacy, some of which began decades ago under Pope John Paul II, and it is another important milestone in his efforts to reconcile the Roman Catholic Church with Eastern Orthodox churches.

The breakthrough also highlights Francis’s ties to Cuba, as President Raúl Castro “was involved in organizing the meeting,” said the Rev. Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, at a news conference.

“The encounter has been under preparation for a long time — it wasn’t improvised,” Father Lombardi said.

He said discussions had been underway “for at least two years,” and the fact that both leaders planned to be in Latin America created the possibility of a “neutral place” for a meeting.

Sweden, U.K. slam ‘frankly ridiculous’ UN claim that Julian Assange has been ‘arbitrarily detained’

Geoff Caddick / Getty ImagesA UN panel ruled Friday February 5, 2016, that the 'detention' of Julian Assange should be ended after nearly four years in Ecuador's embassy in London, stoking the Wikileaks founder's hopes of walking free.

 

LONDON — A United Nations human rights panel has sided with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in his long-running battle with Swedish and British authorities, saying he should be freed immediately and compensated for the years he has lost.

The U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which falls under the offices of the U.N. human rights chief, said Assange has been “arbitrarily detained” by Britain and Sweden since December 2010, when he was first sought for questioning on allegations of sexual misconduct.

Rubio Proves Obama’s Point About Islam and Intolerance in the US

Sen. Marco Rubio accused the president of 'pitting people against each other' in Obama's visit to a mosque this week.

For years, President Obama avoided visiting a mosque in the United States. While the White House never explained why, American Muslims tended to believe he was afraid of the backlash such a visit might inspire from conservatives.

David Graham is a senior associate editor at The Atlantic, where he oversees the Politics Channel. He previously reported for Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, and The National. Full Bio

On Wednesday, he finally visited the Islamic Society of Baltimore, and much of the right’s reaction is validating those suspicions. There was some outright dishonesty, like Donald Trump’s implication that Obama is a Muslim: “Maybe he feels comfortable there.” (Memo to The Donald: He didn’t do this until the eighth year of his presidency.) That’s standard Trump fare. More surprising was Marco Rubio’s response:

He gave a speech at a mosque, basically implying that America is discriminating against Muslims. Of course there’s discrimination in America, of every kind. But the bigger issue is radical Islam. This constant pitting people against each other, I can’t stand that. It’s hurting our country badly.

Reading Rubio’s remarks, anyone who heard Obama must have thought, “Did he watch the same speech I did?” The answer is most likely not: Rubio is in the middle of a hectic New Hampshire campaign swing, and it’s hard to imagine he spent an hour watching Obama speak. Suffice it to say that the president’s address bore little resemblance to Rubio’s description.

Omotola and Genevieve who is hotter and richer?

These ladies are both fair and rich, but which one is the richest and hottest? Learn now!

How much do you know about Nigerian actresses? Who are the most prominent ones? Nollywood is full of super stars. So, let’s look at the hottest of them – Omotola and Genevieve.

Nollywood actresses' biography

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde was born in 1978. She was brought up in Lagos with two younger brothers. She desired working in business management. But before entering university, she began working as model to support herself. She changed several secondary schools and universities. Finally, she obtained her diploma in Yaba College of Technology.

Way out of Osun economic crisis, by finance expert

•Akinsola

Deji Akinsola, a finance expert, reviews the economic situation in Osun State and suggests how it can get out of the economic crisis. He spoke with Basirat Buraimah. 
How did Osun State find itself in this financial mess?
I don’t think it is fair and it is not right to single Osun State out in the financial predicament enveloping the whole world.

It is a worldwide crisis. The financial meltdown is global. It cannot be felt equally though. In Nigeria, it will be unfair to single out Osun state to be in crisis and I know it is nationwide.

I know many states to be 23 months behind in salary payment. Almost every state is owing but then, when it comes to Osun, I think it is a peculiar case because of the giant strides that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola came with in the first two years of his administration and it is that standard that people are using to measure him and that is why it appears that the impact is felt more in Osun.

Burna Boy stinks with poor personality, horrible attitude – Krystn Enem

Nigerian broadcaster, Krystn Enem has lashed out at dancehall star, Burna Boy, saying he has a poor personality and horrible attitude.
Enem, the show host of TheKrystnEnemShow on Africa Magic Urban, on her Twitter handle @KrystnEmem, told Burna Boy that ‘his end is very near’.

“So many reasons why many Nigerian artists don’t last more that 2 years or after a few hits? Their poor personalities and horrible attitude.
“My manager contacted this artist 10 days ago. We spoke to his manager who happens to be his mum, asked for an interview and she referred us to some other person supposedly in charge of PR. We booked the appointment for the interview. This was 10 days ago or thereabout. The lady asked us to send an official email which we did right away with all details.

Chioma Akpotha, Uche Jombo, Ufuoma McDermott star in Omoni Oboli’s ‘Wives on Strike’

Omoni Oboli is set to release a new movie, ‘Wives on Strike’. Photo: Omoni Oboli

Following the success of her 2015 romantic comedy, ‘The First Lady’, top Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli is back with a new movie.

The new movie, ‘Wives on Strike’ is a hilarious comedy which tells the story of ‘a group of market women who decided to take matters into their own hands against their husbands in a bid to stir them into standing up for a young girl whom they wanted to protect from the wishes of her own father.’

Coming the heels of a recent controversy which involved Chioma Akpotha, Uche Jombo, Ufuoma McDermott and Omoni Oboli, one is forced to ask if the recent twitter ‘beef’ isn’t a ploy to promote the movie.

An OPEN LETTER to 9ice, Toni Payne, Journalists, Friends and Fans – Ruggedman writes

Ruggedman

In 2010 9ice released a song that made a lot of people wrongfully drag me into a terrible situation. People who miscontrued the song and it created a rumour .

A terrible false rumour that was fueled by journalists and bloggers who were only after hits on their sites. Bloggers and journalists who did not care to investigate and confirm a rumour, but chose to print and post it anyways not caring who got hurt in the process.

Now, actor Olumide Bakare needs help!

•Bakare

The story has changed from January 2014, when veteran actor, Olumide Bakare, did not require help from the public to foot his medical bills. In fact, then the actor denied that he had anything serious other than the normal age-related ailments that required constant medical check-ups.

Today, the lively and frank-speaking thespian has confirmed his illness, begging not to be allowed to die just yet.
His worsening medical situation has prompted him to call on public-spirited Nigerians to come to his aid, as he lies on his sick bed, at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan since last week.

BREAKING: Darey Art Alade Announces ‘Love Like A Movie 3’ with Ciara!

Darey and Ciara to headline 3rd LLAM.

Nigerian R&B star, Dare Art Alade has revealed that the third edition of his highly anticipated concert, ‘Love Like a Movie’ will hold on February 28, 2016 and will feature Grammy award winning star, Ciara.
Love Like A Movie, which has recorded two hugely successful editions in 2013 and 2014 that featured global superstars, Kim Kardashian and Kelly Rowland is set to break further grounds this year by completely reinventing the concept of the R&B dance party with choreographed dance, a dynamic laser show, music, symphonic lights and high energy performances from top Nigerian and international performers.
The show, which will hold at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, will also feature star performances from some of Nigeria’s finest artistes including Yemi Alade, Adekunle Gold, Iyanya, Sound Sultan, Zaina, Omawumi, Sammy, Olamide, Vector, Kaffy, Simi, Tolu, Blackky, Styl Plus, Jazzman Olofin, Weird MC, Kenny Black and many more.

NDA Investigates Alleged Unruly Behavior Of Cadets In Viral Video

TheNigerian Defence Academy (NDA) says it is investigating a video that has gone viral on the internet showing some military cadets beating a young man for allegedly complimenting a female cadet.

 


A statement issued on Thursday by the academy’s spokesman, Musa Yahaya, said that preliminary investigation into the matter has confirmed that the incident occurred somewhere in Lagos in 2014 while the cadets were on break.

The statement noted that the NDA, being a responsible institution that is saddled with the task of producing the nation’s future military leaders would not in anyway, tolerate such unruly and flagrant mistreatment of Nigerians.

It further explained that the current leadership of the academy would ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary loopholes addressed.

Reps to engage OICs over N1trn cash call on oil joint venture

   

The House of Representatives on Wednesday unveiled plans to engage the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and oil majors involved in the joint venture (JV) with a view to reviewing the annual N1 trillion production cost.

The move was part of efforts geared toward restructuring the N6.08 trillion Appropriation Bill presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to the joint session of the National Assembly.

President Buhari had during the formal presentation of the N6.08 trillion budget proposal to the joint session of the National Assembly, emphasised the need to fund the N2.2 trillion budget deficit through external and domestic borrowings.

Abdulmumin Jibrin, chairman House Committee on Appropriations, who spoke with Legislative Correspondents in Abuja, also confirmed that the $3.5 billion World Bank/African Development Bank facility being sourced by the Federal Government was part of the 2016-2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) approved by the National Assembly.

Okowa congratulates Udom, Ikpeazu on electoral victories

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated Governors Udom Emmanuel and Okezie Ikpeazu of Akwa-Ibom and Abia States on the affirmation of their electoral victories by the Supreme Court.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, described the Supreme Court victories as “well deserved” for Udom and Ikpeazu who are both members of the People’s Democratic Party.

Okowa while commending the Supreme Court Justices for the landmark judgments said the Apex Court has indeed upheld the rule of law and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The judgment of the apex court on the cases of Governors Udom and Ikpeazu is a victory for our democracy and a reaffirmation of the divine mandate freely given to the Governors by the people of both states and commended the Supreme Court for ensuring the sanctity of the people’s mandate,” he said.

Senate begins investigation into fresh allegations to extradite Kashamu

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition has begun investigation into fresh allegations of moves by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to extradite Sen. Buruji Kashamu to the U.S.

The Chairman of the committee, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu while meeting with the senator and his solicitor on the allegation on Wednesday in Abuja, said the committee would carry out its mandate.
He directed that all parties involved in the allegation, including former Chairman of (NDLEA), Ahmed Giade and the Director-General of NDLEA, should maintain status quo pending the committee’s investigation.

“ Having heard from you the Solicitor to Senator Kashamu, you may now leave and be rest assured that we will hear from the other correspondents and we will come up with a position on this issue.
“Meanwhile I think it is obvious that when we make our investigation we will put down our report to the entire Senate.

N13.9 arms deal: FG accuses Dasuki of plotting to scuttle trial

• Court to rule Feb 8

The Federal Government Thursday accused former National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Sambo Dasuki of plotting to scuttle his trial before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, Abuja.

Dasuki is being tried with a former Director of Finance and Administration, Office of the National Security Adviser, Shuaibu Salisu, a former General Manager, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Babakusa and two  companies – Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited  – on a 19-count charge  bordering on money laundering and criminal breach of trust.
The accusation is contained in a counter-affidavit filed by the prosecution against an application filed by Dasuki.

Ubi Franklin Reflects On Life As He Clocks 30

Business man Ubi Franklin who got married last year to Lilian Esoro is a year older today. Ubi who turn 30 years old today took time to reflect on life by writing an emotional message to mark his birthday. He wrote:

Wow I am 30. First I want to Thank God for the Gift of life.

I also with Heavy Heart want to say RIP to my Twin Brother who couldn’t make it this far with me in life and to my father who couldn’t make it too, But God Knows best. May The Souls Of the faithful Departed Through The Mercy Of God Rest in Peace. AMEN.

72 hours after wedding, Toolz is back on air

Barely three days after her star-studded traditional wedding ceremony that held over the weekend, Beat FM OAP, Tolu ‘Toolz‘ Oniru is back on air.
She resumed work this morning to anchor the ‘Toolz Day’ edition of her daily programmed ‘The Mid-day Show‘.
Toolz and her boo, Captain Tunde Demuren held their traditional wedding ceremony on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos. They’ll hold their White wedding in May 2016.

Basketmouth becomes brand ambassador for Swedish company

Nigerian comedian, Basketmouth has just signed a new deal to become the face and brand ambassador of Sweden-based call app brand with coverage across Europe, UK and the United States, Rebtel.

This makes it Basketmouth’s second deal in 2016 following his deal with Malta Guinness two weeks ago.
He shared the news of his new deal on Instagram a few hours ago saying, ‘Specially for my people in diaspora, no more excuse! 1$, 1 App download and you can reach your loved ones in Asia, South America,Africa and more. 
 
#Rebtel #SpeakFreely #BrandAmbassador #WeThankGod’.

D’banj shoots ‘Emergency’ video

D’banj being styled by Swanky Jerry on set of ‘Emergency’ video shoot. Photo: Swanky Jerry/Instagram

Pop star, D’banj is currently shooting the video to his latest single, ‘Emergency’.
The DB Records boss was on set from last night up to the early hours of today filming the Afrobeat-inspired single.
Read: Music: D’banj premiers new song ‘Emergency’ at #GloCAFAwards
He was joined on set by celebrity stylist, Swanky Jerry who shared a photo from the video shoot on Instagram.

Linda Ikeji Is Engaged, Set To Marry This Year

Linda Ikeji is engaged – Former model and super blogger Linda Ikeji is reportedly engaged and is said to be planning a 2016 wedding.

Linda Ikeji is engaged

According to Radar, Linda and her beau have been engaged since last year, and are set to become official this year.

Uti Nwachukwu blasted American actor for mocking God

Uti Nwachukwu and Kevin Spacey

At the just concluded Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards 2016, that took place on Sunday, January 31, American actor Kevin Spacey mocks God while trying to make a joke.

After bagging the award for Outstanding Performance for the role of a male actor in a drama series, Spacey while giving his acceptance speech said: “I will first like to thank our creator…no not that ONE” as he was pointing to the Heavens in order to make his audience know he wasn’t referring to God but his producers.

How armed robbers stripped me naked – Actress, Moyo Lawal

Petite
Nollywood actress, Moyo Lawal, has narrated how she almost passed out in the hospital, after which some armed robbers attacked her family home.
The bulgy-eyed thespian took to her Twitter handle @moyolawal, to narrate her ordeal, adding that January wasn’t fair to her.

She tweeted, “So a couple of weeks ago, I got so sick. I had to be hospitalised . The whole nine yards was wrong with me. I literally was so weak. My drips had to be rushed until I got stabilized. Energy was a luxury and I only used the little I had to communicate with family and the doctors (apologies to work and friends ,I left incommunicado).

“However, after a really bad night of stooling and vomiting bile, I had enough of the hospital especially because the nurse on duty that night was lazy (if not for my sister,I wonder what my story would have been) Anyways I couldn’t sleep and immediately I saw my sister move, I asked her to call my dad(who literally left everything to just come sit with me everyday) to come take me home, alas all his numbers and my stepmums phones were off,” the Royal Gamble actress added.

Kanye West might just get a new name for his forthcoming album

Kim K’s poll comes shortly after West confirmed he will be premiering his new LP soon. Photo: Source

Well, if you’ve been keeping up with the West’s, then you know Kanye has been diligently at work on his forthcoming studio album. You would also know ‘Ye recently changed the album title from SWISH to Waves and got into a pretty nasty (and well publicized) Twitter beef with Wiz Khalifa about it.

Woman inflicts injuries on 9-year-old niece for eating without permission

One Essie Comfort, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly inflicting serious injuries on her 9-year-old niece, Phillips Queendaline, in the Ijesha area of the state.
Comfort, a 32-year-old mother of one who hails from Ikot-Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State, allegedly inflicted injuries on the 9-year-old when she ate out of a plate of soup which the woman had reportedly kept in the house.

Her arrest on Monday, came after the incident, which occurred on Thursday, January 14, 2016, was reported at the FESTAC Police Division.
The class teacher of Queendaline, who is in Primary 1 in a community school, had noticed that the girl was quiet and complained of pains in the class. The teacher reportedly inquired from the girl, and she explained that her buttocks had peeled from the alleged torture from her aunt.

Paul of Psquare reacts to Blackface’s copycat swipe (WATCH)

Following Blackface‘s copycat swipe at Africa’s famous duo –Psquare, one of the brothers Paul Okoye has replied the former Plantashun Boiz member.
In a new interview with Hip TV,  Paul said the group has always been accused of being copycats and Blackface is simply the latest accuser.
He also spoke about the new signing of a new act- Muno- to his record label.

I didn’t negotiate with fake BoKo Haram — Jonathan

It was not the thunderous response that was expected. With his regime under fire for all sorts of allegations ranging from corruption to incompetence, it was thought  former President Goodluck Jonathan will react to all the charges against his administration when he appeared before the diplomatic community in Geneva,  Switzerland. Word had gone round that the  former president will  speak on all the corruption allegations and that he would even entertain questions on any subject concerning his administration.

To those of us from Nigeria, any response to the suffocating allegations of corruption would be worth the trip to Geneva. With his National Security Adviser still being investigated for  allegedly  diverting  humongous  amount of money to  purposes other than what they were meant for, anticipation was high that at last there would be a response.
At exactly 3.30 pm, Jonathan walked briskly into the press centre of the Cercle DIPLOMATIC flanked by two aides.

Senate uncovers N10bn hidden in education budget

ABUJA— THE Senate Committee on Education, yesterday, uncovered N9,982,258,479 hidden in the budget of parastatals by the Federal Ministry of Education.

SENATE CHAMBER

The committee, which discovered the amount at the commencement of its 2016 budget defence, said the amount was hidden in the ministry’s parastatals.
The parastatals allocation for the year, according to the Senate Committee, increased at geometric progression by almost N10 billion while the entire personnel cost for the ministry and all its subsidiaries including schools and colleges declined drastically when compared to that of last year.

EFCC Raids Former VP Sambo’s Office In Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the weekend carried out a raid on the Abuja office of former Vice President Namadi Sambo, action official sources said was not unconnected with the ongoing probe of the arms deal fraud.

Sambo, the number two figure in the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan, was alleged to have been a beneficiary of the looted arms fund believed to have been allocated to his office from the office of the embattled former national security adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki.

A top official of the EFCC, who craved anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the matter, said the raid took place on Saturday when officials of the EFCC raided the former VP’s office located at the Central Business District, atop the European High Commission’s Visa Processing Centre, opposite the National Defence College, Abuja.

Despite Supreme Court’s verdict, Uba, Oduah Attend Senate Functions

In spite of last week’s verdict of the Supreme Court which affected their status, the duo of Senators Andy Uba and Stella Oduah were yesterday spotted within the National Assembly moving from one office to the other, conducting legislative businesses and attending committee functions.

Uba in particular was spotted at the meeting of the Senate Joint Committees on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, while Senator Uduah was cited visiting different offices and attending to files when our correspondent sneaked into her office.
Their presence at the National Assembly caught the attention of staff and visitors, who have been following political developments in Anambra State.

A panel of the Supreme Court justices was believed to have reaffirmed an earlier Federal High Court’s verdict, declaring that the Ejike Oguebego-led PDP executive had the sole right to hold the primaries in Anambra State.
The Apex Court upheld an earlier decision by Justice Chukwu of the Federal High Court which laid out the proper procedures for selection of the PDP’s legislative candidates.

Nigeria, Italy sign agreement on police training, intelligence sharing

Nigeria and Italy on Monday in Abuja signed an agreement on intelligence sharing, capacity building and provision of logistics that will enhance the operations of the Nigeria Police.
The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, signed for Nigeria, while the Italian National Police Chief, Alessandro Pansa, signed for the Italian government.

The event, witnessed by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Italian Prime Minister, Mr Matteo Renzi, in the State House was part of bilateral meeting between the two countries.
The meeting covered issues on energy, security, agriculture, immigration, human and drug trafficking, infrastructure and education.

Speaking at the bilateral meeting, Buhari said he was impressed with the relationship between Nigeria and Italy over the years, especially in the areas of security, construction, oil and gas and the exploration of solid minerals.

Gov Emmanuel urges youths to strengthen faith in God

   

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has called on youths to hold fast to their faith in Jesus Christ as the redeemer and saviour of mankind.
Governor Emmanuel made the call during the Akwa Ibom Youth Prayer Summit held at the Eagles Assembly, Osongama Road, Uyo.
He said: “When youths are committed to the service of God, their future is secured from anxiety and the society is saved from threats of criminality.”
Emmanuel restated his administration’s commitment to youth development, stressing that as vanguards of the future, the youths would be exposed to viable economic ventures that will enable them earn a living.
He added that the second batch of youths to be trained under the power sector development have departed to Abuja for the programme.

 

‘Why l want to govern Ondo’

Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Chief Bukola Adetula spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU on his plans for the state.
Why do you want to govern Ondo State?

I want to govern Ondo State because I think it is time for Ondo State to make a serious choice. I think the people of Ondo State are crying; they are in pain because there is a lot of poverty, because the state is not developed. But, Ondo State is a wealthy state; wealthy in human and material resources. It has mineral resources, such as bitumen in abundance. It also has a lot of potentials for agriculture and several other areas. Ondo State deserves better. I believe that if I given the opportunity to govern the state, I can bring serious change. We can develop our mineral resources; we can develop our agriculture for export, because we deserve better.

Buhari visits Awujale amidst tight security

Ijebu-Ode - President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as part of activities marking the 40 years anniversary of the state.
The president, who arrived at exactly 6:20 p.m. amidst tight security, was welcomed Gov. Ibikunle Amosun, the Awujale and other notable indigenes of Ogun.

Buhari , who was in Ogun to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the state's creation, is also expected to inaugurate 40 landmark projects embarked upon by Amosun.
The president was welcomed with a loud ovation by supporters who chanted 'Sai Buhari' as he emerged from his vehicle.

Biafra: ‘It’s better for Nigeria to remain an indivisible entity’

• Madumere

Prince Eze Madumere is the Deputy Governor of Imo State. Before his election as Deputy Governor, he has been Chief of Staff to Owelle Rochas Okorocha. In this interview, Madumere refutes reports that Imo State Government owes civil servants arrears of salaries. He also votes for an indivisible Nigeria, Sam Egburonu reports 

Where is widespread belief that Imo State Government still owes civil servants several months despite the bailout from the Federal Government. Was the bailout for clearing of outstanding salaries not enough or as some state governments, like Ekiti State are saying, there was no bailout in the first place but quarterly allocation to the state?