D’banj, Genevieve Nnaji, back together...

News is flying online that the Kokomaster D’banj and Nollywood screen goddess Genevieve Nnaji are back together in a love relationship. Blogger Linda Ikeji is reporting that as you read this Genevieve is all comfy in the ‘Oliver Twist’ hit maker Lekki home and are talking marriage. D’banj, Genevieve In 2011, after months of denial from both sides, it was eventually determined that D’banj and Genevieve had been in a secret relationship since 2009. It was wonderful news and just as everyone celebrated it, Genny dropped the bomb, she called off the relationship in March, leaving the kokomaster alongside millions of their fans heart-broken. D’banj had gone on to repeatedly make it clear in published interviews that he is still bonkers for Genevieve. He never really got over her. This is where skeptics come in. Genny had called off the relationship following alleged commitment issues from D’banj… He had a career spiraling to the skies and needed to be away a lot, hence the alleged reluctance to settle down, ‘what makes it different this time?’ they ask. But D’banj and Genevieve have the backing of fans. If this story is true, everyone hopes (prays) things work out for them this time. They are not the only ones webbed in love tales. with 2014 less than 24 hours away, another celebrity has given hint on social media that marriage would definitely happen in the new year. Jude ‘Engees’ Okoye, elder brother to the P Square twins. Source: vanguardngr

Army kills 63 terrorists in Borno, Lake Chad area...

ABUJA— Defence headquarters disclosed, yesterday, that the Special Force of the Nigerian Army killed 56 Boko Haram terrorists that have been making life unbearable for citizens living in the North-East of Nigeria, while seven other terrorists were killed in the Lake Chad islands. According to a statement by Major-General Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information, the operations were carried out at Alafa in Borno State and the Lake Chad islands, respectively. It said: “Nigerian security forces have launched ground and air operations on terrorists’ locations in the forest at Alafa, about 21 kilometers from Bama, Borno State. “Over 56 terrorists died in the ensuing intensive fight over the weekend. Two soldiers were wounded in the operation, which is meant to track fleeing terrorists. “Acting on intelligence reports, which indicated renewed efforts by the terrorists to establish a new camp in the forest locations, the land and air operations has inflicted heavy casualty on the insurgents as indicated by the high level of their loss of men and materials. “Air and land bombardments are continuing in different locations, where terrorists have been reportedly sighted. “The Multi-National Joint Task Force foiled an attempt by terrorists that were massing up on an island on Lake Chad with a view to carrying out an attack on some Nigerian communities. “Seven of the terrorists died, while others fleeing in different direction towards Niger and Chad Republic are being trailed by troops. “Intelligence reports have confirmed that some of the wounded terrorists were seen in a canoe, paddling towards Tumbun Telkandam in Chad Republic.” source: vanguardngr

Nigerian lady excretes hard drugs inside aircraft...

Chizoba Anya, a Nigerian lady, has excreted wraps of substance that tested positive for methamphetamine on-board a Qatar Airline Flight from Malaysia to Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said on Monday. NDLEA said the 32-year old suspect was said to have aroused suspicion following her frequent visits to the toilet. “On arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, three wraps of methamphetamine were found in her possession,” said Mitchell Ofoyeju, NDLEA spokesperson. NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, said that the suspect while under observation excreted two additional wraps. “The suspect was found with three wraps which she excreted in the aircraft. While she was under observation at the Lagos airport, she excreted two additional wraps of drugs. The five wraps which tested positive for methamphetamine weighed 80 grammes,” Umar said. Preliminary investigation also revealed that the suspect left Ghana where she ingested the drugs to Malaysia. “In Malaysia, she was denied entry and made to board another flight back to Nigeria. She started excreting the drugs at the airport in Malaysia,” NDLEA said. The agency quoted the suspect as saying in her statement that she was offered half a million naira to smuggle the drugs to Malaysia. “I was promised the sum of half a million naira but my problem started when I had immigration problem in Malaysia. I was denied entry and made to return to Nigeria after two days. While in the aircraft, I excreted three wraps and two other wraps in the NDLEA office,” Vivian stated. Vivian, who hails from Onitsha, said that she just completed her Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State. “I just completed my HND programme and I am from a very poor family. I wanted to use the money they promised me to assist my siblings by smuggling the drug to Malaysia,” she added. Source: pm news

Soldier Kills Danfo Driver Over Fare...

For insisting that a soldier who boarded his vehicle must pay his fare, a commuter bus (danfo) driver has paid with his life. The unidentified danfo driver with vehicle number LSD 451 XG parked at Obalende Bus Stop, near the BRT bus park, was said to have refused to move his vehicle from the park when the soldier who was in a mufti refused to pay any fare. An argument was said to have ensued between them during which the soldier, said to be from Dodan Barracks in Ikoyi, strangled the driver. The soldier, it was learnt, attempted to run after the deadly duel but commuters and passersby who witnessed the scene arrested him and told him to carry the corpse to the hospital. •The danfo driver after he was killed by a soldier at Obalende this morning Sensing that the soldier was about to be mobbed, a policeman at the scene phoned his colleagues at the Kam Selem Police Divisional Headquarters, Moloney Street and four police patrol vehicles with policemen arrived the scene. A detachment of armed soldiers from nearby Dodan Barracks also arrived the scene to prevent the culprit from being killed by the mob. The soldiers took away their colleague and the corpse to their barracks after dispersing hundreds of people baying for the soldier’s blood. Attempts byP.M.NEWSto ascertain the identities of the soldier and the Danfo driver proved abortive as at the time of filing this report. Source : pm news

Oge Okoye also gets Chieftancy Title....

It wasn't just Chika Ike, actress Oge Okoye also got aHonorary Chieftaincy Title (Igolo Nwanyi 1 of Amoli) in Awgu L.G.A. Enugu State for her contribution to the growth and development of Igbo land. Congrats to her.

No second CHAN(ce) for Iheanacho – Keshi...

No second CHAN(ce) for Iheanacho – Keshi There will be no second chance for Nigerian Under-17 star, Kelechi Iheanacho in the Super Eagles build-up for the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for South Africa. According to the Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi, the youngster has missed one week training with the team since he opted to leave camp to sign for English club, Manchester City. It is believed that the City deal may have fallen through leaving the youngster and his representatives considering other options. But Keshi explained to supersport.com that Iheanacho had a bright chance of making the Super Eagles squad for the CHAN which kicks off on January 11 after impressing while in camp. “Kelechi did really impress us and at the time he was in camp with us he had started getting used to our style of play, the players and officials. In fact he had started bonding well on and off the pitch with other players. Unfortunately when the call came that he was going abroad to sign a deal for Manchester City I couldn’t have stopped him since he had the backing of his family. “Right now he’s not part of our plans for the CHAN because we’ve gone ahead with our preparation and team-building without him. And mind you he has lost one week of training and that’s a big gap to catch up with,” said Keshi said on Friday. Keshi is now ready to soldier on with the players available in the build-up to the competition next month. “There are other players in camp who are committed and we will have to work with them and get the best out of them for the tournament,” said the Delta-born coach. The Nigerian squad will continue their pre-CHAN programme with a friendly against a Port Harcourt selected team this Saturday and round off with another game against the nation’s top flight champions, Kano Pillars next week. Source:vanguardngr.com

Police arrests native doctor for allegedly encouraging kidnapping...

http://frankjahdiel.blogspot.com The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a native doctor, Theophilus Attama, from Umuopu Umueze in Igboeze North Local Government Area for encouraging kidnapping and armed robbery . Attama, also known as `Ejeje’, was nabbed on the Christmas day by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) following the confessions of one Paschal Onah alias Achisa, a member of a kidnap gang. A statement from the command’s spokesman, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, on Friday said Attama was among the native doctors implicated because of their role in crime perpetration and connivance. The statement said Onah was arrested for his role in the kidnap of Madam Adiza Ogbo, her subsequent death and her quick burial in his residence in a shallow grave after about one week of her abduction. The suspect allegedly collected N300,000 from late Adiza Ogbo’s sons and relations to set her free from their net which was later discovered to be Onah’s house. “Attama is one of the native doctors that prepared charm for the group for their operations for which they paid him N50,000 or more. The statement said the native doctor had revealed how a charm to compel kidnap victims’ relations to quickly agree to pay ransom demanded by the kidnappers was prepared. It further revealed how he prepared charms against “accident and general protection” to avoid the kidnappers from being harmed and to escape from any form of danger. The statement also said that Attama was currently helping the police with further information about his role in the kidnap of a foreigner. Late Madam Adiza Ogbo was abducted and a ransom was demanded by her abductors before she allegedly died in their net, prompting them to bury her in a shallow grave inside the compound where she was kept. (NAN) source:vanguardngr.com

BUK set January 20th for exams...

KANO – The Bayero University Management Committee has fixed January 20th for the 2012/2013 first semester examinations of the institution. A competent source close to the Vice Chancellor told Vanguard that “the outcome was part of the resolution adopted by the institution highest body yesterday during a marathon meeting at the senate chamber of the school”. The source further confided in Vanguard that students of the institution are expected to return to campus January 1st, while normal academic activities resume the following day. The source who do not want his name to be in print revealed that “the University management Committee had agreed for a two and half weeks comprehensive revision before the exams, adding that the grace would allow those who are yet to complete their course outline to do so before the exams. Vanguard learnt that “the management committee of the institution also agreed on a week semester break after the examination to pave way for the resumption of second semester. Vanguard further learnt that “several lecturers have completed their course outline before they embarked on an indefinite strike action last July”, and that the decision of the management committee of the institution is allow them brush up “. Reacting to the development, the spokesman of the University, Alhaji Mustapha Zaharadeen told Vanguard that “what you have is not far from the truth”, adding” that the institution was never closed for a day while the industrial action embarked by the lecturers last”. Source: vanguardngr.com

POLICE KILL FOUR IN AKWA IBOM.

Four people were reported killed yesterday by the police in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom. Following the incidence, about 100 youths protested the killing and eventually dumped the bodies of two of the victims in front of the police station along Eket Oron Road. An indigene of the area, who pleaded for anonymity, said that two other person shot by the police were rushed to the hospital, but died on the way. The aggrieved youths disrupted activities in some parts of Eket. The protest caused traffic gridlock. Shops were forced to close as the aggrieved youths, with cutlasses and other weapons in their hands, matched to the police station. However, Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Mr. Etim Dickson, denied that the victims were killed by the police. Dickson said that more security operatives had been deployed to calm the situation. SOURCE: vanguardngr.com

Gambian Court Hears Suit Over Food Poisoning On Jonathan.=> A Gambian Magistrates' Court at Kanifing Municipal Council will today hear a food poisoning trial involving President Goodluck Jonathan, his delegation and Gambia's five-star hotel Coco Ocean, Sha nghaiDaily.com reports. Jonathan was said to have been served with food that had been preserved for a long period, causing him food poisoning during his two-day state visit in Gambia in November, 2013. According to the online medium, the Gambian police had charged the chef of Coco Ocean Hotel, Ayoub Aliris, with negligence and food poisoning on Jonathan and his delegation. But Aliris denied the charge when he appeared before the Principal Magistrate, Sheriff Tabally. According to the police charge sheet, Aliris was said to have unlawfully or negligently cooked prawns served to Jonathan and his entourage as a starter during a special lunch hosted in honour of the visiting Nigerian president. When the matter came up yesterday, the police prosecutor, Superintendent Touray, appeared before the court together with defence lawyer, Edward Singhateh. But Magistrate Tabally, who was expected to preside over the matter, was absent. He was said to have travelled to the capital less than 9 km away from the magistrate's court. Lawyer to the plaintiff, Edward Singhateh, was also informed at the court premises that his client, Aliris, was arrested again for the second time after his release from the police custody. The plaintiff was said to be under the custody of the National Intelligence Agency, but was later transferred to the State Central Prison Mile Two. Jonathan was caught in a glare of media publicity over a "stomach upset" he suffered and was forced to enter a hospital in London to seek medical attention. A prosecution witness, Babucarr Gomez, also a cook at Coco Ocean, explained that a day after the lunch, he received a call from his boss informing him that there was an infection in the food served to the Nigerians. Gomez, who said he was ordered by Aliris to prepare the food, said he also ate it and was "vomiting, experienced stomach ache and frequented the toilet." SOURCE: allafrica.com

Kwankwaso declares free education in Kano.==> KANO – In a bid to address educational backwardness of the state, Kano state Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has declared free and compulsory education at level in the state. Kwankwaso who made the declaration during the presentation of 2014 appropriation bill to the House of Assembly revealed that the gesture would commenced from 2014 academic year. Kwankwaso stated that “in our collective resolve to drive a knowledge base economy, government has already concluded arrangement to adopt a free education for all indigene at all levels: primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the state.” The Governor added that “this is in addition to sponsoring of Kano indigenes to pursue their various degree programmes locally and internationally”, pointing out that the commencement of the free education for all Kano state indigenes from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions starting from the new academic session in 2014.” In order to ensure effective implementation of the new programme, the Education sector got the largest share of the sectoral allocation with over N20billion with Ministry of Education N15.22billion; while its ministry for Higher Education counterpart got N5.61billion. Other policy programmes in 2014 fiscal year under education include, N6.5 billion for the continuation work at Schools for Islamic Studies in each of the 44 LGAs. Kwankwaso revealed that N2 billion has been set aside for the continuation of 44 Technical Schools one in each LGAs; adding that N241 million has equally been earmarked for the procurement of 15 mobile computing solar powered container box. He said that N250 million was also earmarked for the establishment of another boarding primary school in the state, adding that N1.3 billion has been allocated for the Construction and furnishing of 268 additional classrooms in the state. The Governor further stated that Northwest University got N3billion for the continuation of construction of Faculty building, senate building and other infrastructure, adding under the 2014 approriation bill N586 million was earmarked for the continuation work at former Magwan Water Restaurant to First Lady College. Source: vanguardngr.com

Curfew in Benue, as Fulani, goat sellers’ clash claims 10.==> MAKURDI— The Otukpo Local Government Area Chairman, Dr. Innocent Onuh, yesterday imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on Otukpo town, as no fewer than 15 persons were feared dead in clashes between Fulani herdsmen and goat sellers in Guma and Otukpo local government areas. Vanguard gathered from a reliable source that the Otukpo council chairman was forced to impose the movement restrictions in the town following an escalation of the crisis that erupted when some Hausa goat sellers flouted the directive of the council to desist from trading at the town’s central mosque. The source said: “Their arrest sparked angry reaction from Muslim youths in the area, who felt that their kins were being unduly harassed. “They resorted to making bonfires directly on the highway, which led to heavy traffic jam on either side of the road that links the north and eastern part of the country. “After failing to convince the youths to leave the road, Police resorted to shooting into the air to scare them away, which led to a stampede and the death of one Zakari and the injury of eight others. “Despite spirited efforts to check the crisis, it continued into the night and early hours of Monday (yesterday) leaving four more persons dead and property destroyed.” When contacted, Onuh confirmed the decision of the council to impose curfew on the ancient town, adding that “security personnel have moved in to restore peace in the affected areas.” Meantime, at least 10 people may have been killed while many houses have also been burnt down by rampaging Fulani herdsmen at Nzorov and Gbajimba in Guma local government area of the state. Sources in the communities disclosed that the strike on the communities was a reprisal attack by the herdsmen, who decided to avenge an earlier attack on them by yet to be identified youths of the area. The source said: “As I speak with you, about 10 persons may have been killed by rampaging herdsmen who have also set several houses ablaze in the communities and are also heading towards the centre of the council headquarters. “We learnt that the herdsmen vowed they would not allow us celebrate Christmas in our homes.” ==>source: vanguardngr.com

Stray bullets kill two women in Kwara.==> ILORIN — Stray bullets allegedly fired by men of Kwara State police command killed two women around Oja-Oba area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday. Vanguard reliably gathered that the victims were at their duty point at Oja Oba central mosque, clearing refuse when they were suddenly hit by police stray bullets. They reportedly died on the spot. Vanguard, however, learnt that a team of Police officers in a patrol van belonging to Kwara State command on patrol around Ilorin central was chasing some car dealers at Oja-Oba, around Emir of Ilorin’s palace . In a desperate attempt to nab the fleeing cars dealer, the police patrol team reportedly fired gun shots which unfortunately killed the two cleaners. Contacted, the Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Femi Fabode said though he was aware of the shooting around Oja-Oba area, he did not have the details at press time. He promised to give details of the shooting incident as soon as possible. Meanwhile, following last week’s bank robbery in Offa, fear of insecurity has gripped the commercial banks in Offa and Ilorin as they now close at noon. Banks around Taiwo Road, Unity Road and Challenge area which are commercial nerve centres of the state capital were already closed for businesses when Vanguard checked yesterday afternoon. Though notices found at their gates cite the coming Christmas celebration as reasons, but inside sources claimed fear of possible attack by armed robbers. Addressing a press conference in Ilorin, yesterday, the Commissioner of Police in the state Mr Agboola Oshodi Glover confirmed that seven police officers and three civilians(bank officials) were killed by the rampaging robbers in Offa, last Thursday. He sympathised with the families of the deceased and assured the people of Offa and Kwara State in general that ”the police in Kwara State will not rest on their oars until this gang of robbers is brought to book.” The police commissioner also said the command had beefed up security around Offa and Omu-Aran and indeed the entire state to ensure adequate security. He therefore appealed to residents in the state that the security of lives and property is highly guaranteed and the people should go about their lawful businesses and have confidence in the police in Kwara state. Source: vanguardngr.com

Stray bullets kill two women in Kwara.==> ILORIN — Stray bullets allegedly fired by men of Kwara State police command killed two women around Oja-Oba area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday. Vanguard reliably gathered that the victims were at their duty point at Oja Oba central mosque, clearing refuse when they were suddenly hit by police stray bullets. They reportedly died on the spot. Vanguard, however, learnt that a team of Police officers in a patrol van belonging to Kwara State command on patrol around Ilorin central was chasing some car dealers at Oja-Oba, around Emir of Ilorin’s palace . In a desperate attempt to nab the fleeing cars dealer, the police patrol team reportedly fired gun shots which unfortunately killed the two cleaners. Contacted, the Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Femi Fabode said though he was aware of the shooting around Oja-Oba area, he did not have the details at press time. He promised to give details of the shooting incident as soon as possible. Meanwhile, following last week’s bank robbery in Offa, fear of insecurity has gripped the commercial banks in Offa and Ilorin as they now close at noon. Banks around Taiwo Road, Unity Road and Challenge area which are commercial nerve centres of the state capital were already closed for businesses when Vanguard checked yesterday afternoon. Though notices found at their gates cite the coming Christmas celebration as reasons, but inside sources claimed fear of possible attack by armed robbers. Addressing a press conference in Ilorin, yesterday, the Commissioner of Police in the state Mr Agboola Oshodi Glover confirmed that seven police officers and three civilians(bank officials) were killed by the rampaging robbers in Offa, last Thursday. He sympathised with the families of the deceased and assured the people of Offa and Kwara State in general that ”the police in Kwara State will not rest on their oars until this gang of robbers is brought to book.” The police commissioner also said the command had beefed up security around Offa and Omu-Aran and indeed the entire state to ensure adequate security. He therefore appealed to residents in the state that the security of lives and property is highly guaranteed and the people should go about their lawful businesses and have confidence in the police in Kwara state. Source: vanguardngr.com

D’banj set to celebrate 10 years on stage…steps out with Genevieve. Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj is gearing up to celebrate his 10th year in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry come 2014. The world has watched D’banj grow in his career and it is no doubt that in 2014, the biggest celebration as well as the biggest project is expected to stem out of DMK Media. Details of the celebration are yet to be disclosed, but insiders say, it is going to be one of the biggest things that will happen to the nation’s entertainment industry in 2014. This development is coming just a week after the Kokomaster stepped out with Nollywood actress, Genevieve in grand style. They were spotted at the Gulder Club Ultimate party, which held last Saturday, at Oceanview, in Victoria Island, Lagos. Looking dapper in a white shirt, straight cut black jeans and a black waist coat, D’banj drove into the event in a Black Bentley, seconds after Genevieve came in her G-Wagon. The second season of GCU, which hosted some of the biggest names in the Nigerian entertainment and media industry had the two celebrities partying and enjoying each others’ company throughout their stay at the event. Meanwhile, in the past 9 years, as a musician, songwriter, actor and businessman, D’banj has written his name in gold, receiving a lot of accolades for his accomplishments. His name has opened doors for the entertainment industry in the country... Source: vanguardngr.com

Welcome to franky's Blog: Beverly Osu and Adaora Ukoh release their 2013 Christmas cards

Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog: Beverly Osu and Adaora Ukoh release their 2013 Christmas cards

Gunmen abduct expatriate in Kano.==>> KANO – Unknown gunmen struck Monday morning, in Kano when they attack and seized an expatriate at a plastic company in Sharada Industrial zone of the city. The expatriate, whose identity cannot be ascertained, as at press time, is said to be the owner of the company. An eyewitness told Vanguard at the premises of the company located at phase 1 of the industrial hub that “ a woman and security guard were injured during the attack.” Police Public Relation officer in Kano, ASP Musa Magaji Majia confirmed the incident adding that “we have launch a manhunt to thwart the effort of the criminals”, appealing to the residence of the commerial city to remain calm. Source: vanguardngr.com

NMA DIRECTS DOCTORS TO END 5-DAY WARNING STRIKE TODAY. Normalcy will return to public hospitals across the Federation from 8a.m. today as the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has directed all doctors in the public health sector to return to work following the five-day warning strike which terminated at midnight yesterday. On December 14, 2013, at its Emergency Delegates’ Meeting in Minna, Niger State, the NMA directed all medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria’s public health sector to embark on strike. In a statement, the NMA President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele said the Association which first issued a 21-day ultimatum on September 2, 2013, was ordering the resumption in line with an earlier promise to give prime consideration to the yuletide season in the prosecution of the warning strike and to give another opportunity for the government to concretely resolve all the outstanding demands. “We also wish to use this opportunity to remind government that Nigerian doctors shall not hesitate to commence a full blown strike from 8a.m. on Monday, January 6, 2014, if government does not satisfactorily resolve the demands of the Nigerian Medical Association. “We therefore call on the local, state and federal levels of government to take note. We wish all Nigerians a happy yuletide season and a blessed 2014,” the statement added. Appreciating the great understanding and solidarity exhibited by Nigerians during the warning strike, the NMA President called on all well-meaning Nigerians to assist in the resolution of the demands of the NMA, including resolution of the unmitigated injustices done to Nigerian doctors over time, appropriate funding of Nigeria’s healthcare system and expansion of universal health system to cover all Nigerians and health infrastructural upgrade He noted that in appreciation of the possible impact of withdrawal of services, the NMA shifted her ultimatum three times with four weeks apart, hoping and praying hard for government to positively respond and address the issues brought before her with a note of finality. “In the face of overt difficulties and suffering, NMA is pained that it had to embark on this action at this point in time. The last time NMA declared a national strike was six years ago. It is therefore with the traditional signature tune of empathy that the strike has been given a human face,” Enabulele stated. SOURCE: vanguardngr.com

Ghen ghen! President Jonathan finally replies Obas...

Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog: Ghen ghen! President Jonathan finally replies Obas...: President Jonathan has finally replied former president Obasanjo's 18-page letter where he accused Jonathan of taking actions calcula...

APC’s visit to Obasanjo: Nigeria heading for shipwreck – Soyinka. ==> Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka yesterday faulted the visit of All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders to former President Olusegun Obasanjo last Saturday warning that Nigeria was heading for a shipwreck with such political romance. In his statement, titled: “Shipwreck Ahead”, Professor Soyinka cautioned that Nigeria would need rescue operations if the APC intends to court Obasanjo to serve as a navigator for the ship of the state. According to Soyinka’s short statement, “an APC-led group, we understand, has been paying courtesy visits to former Heads of States. Would it be correct to state that their purpose is captured in the following Mission Statement? ‘Tinubu added that the APC had resolved to rescue Nigeria, appealing to Obasanjo to lead the mission. We’re resolved and determined to rescue Nigeria. We want you as navigator,’ he said.” Soyinka, then added: “If this attribution is correct, may I urge you, as an urgent public service, to advise families to begin the stockpiling of life-belts for the guaranteed crash. Don’t forget to alert the coastguards—ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), AU (African Union), UNO (United Nations Organization) etc, to be on the alert for possible salvage operations. “If General Sani Abacha were alive today, would he also have been on the ship’s complement? As Captain perhaps?”Soyinka asked. SOURCE: vanguardngr.com

Unilorin Lecturers to teach from homes by 2014 – Registrar..=> The Registrar of the University of Ilorin, Mr Emmanuel Obafemi, has said that the institution would, from January 2014, be fully digitalised. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Ilorin, Obafemi said that the development would make it possible for lecturers to be able to send assignments to their students via the Internet. “As from Jan. 2014, University of Ilorin lecturers would be able to send assignments to their students through the Internet from the comfort of their homes,’’ adding that students would also be able to respond respond via the same channel. He said that the school had ordered for 25,000 pieces of mini iPads from the U.S. for the students, to enable the lecturers to send assignments to them from home. He noted that the iPads were already fully loaded with the students’ courses and each student would get one as they resume in January. Obafemi confirmed that because the iPad was produced in large quantity, the university had subsidised its price, noting that the whole school had already been connected to the Internet. He expressed the readiness of the institution’s administration to make the university one of the best in Nigeria and Africa. Obafemi noted that the school would continue to encourage programmes and policies that promote global best practices in the education system. The registrar gave an assurance that the institution would sustain the legacy of the past Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede. “If you come here in another five months, you will see a positively different Unilorin and well managed institution,’’ Obafemi said. He commended the management of the institution and expressed delight in the fact that the university had not gone on strike in 13 years. (NAN)

NOLLYHOOD CHARLES OKAFOR.... The famous entertainer, Charles Okafor, said in a recent interview that he has been off the acting scene because he found Christ. Read Charles Okafor's statement below: "I've been lying low for a while because I diverted into Advocacy and human-angle films as a consequence of my new found faith. I'm still a career actor and a film maker but I am mindful of the scripts I do. A time come in the life of any professional when he seats back and takes stock of his professional issues and the legacy he wants to leave behind from the spiritual standpoint of view. You cannot just do any kind of film anymore if you're going to be the light to the nations of the world. We must be seen in the context of the things that glorify God in totality. I'm driven to do advocacy films because they address social issues, human angle and spiritual issues that borders on the kingdom. That explains why I might not be as visible as I was some years back. You see, you cannot eat your cake and still have it. You cannot serve God and serve Marmon. You must clearly define where you stand. I have put my hands to the plow so I shouldn't look back but that does not remove the fact that I'm still a career actor and film maker."

YULETIDE : POLICE MOUNTS 24-HOUR SURVEILLANCE OF BANKS, CHURCHES.... The Police Command in Sokoto State said it would mount 24-hour surveillance of Churches, banks, highways and other public places during the forthcoming Yuletide celebrations. The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto, Shua’ibu Gambo, made this known when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Sunday. “For the forthcoming Christmas and New Year, we are working round the clock in this direction. “We have put all the officers and men in the 23 local governments and Area Commands on red alert,’’ he said. According to him, special care is being taken to make Sokoto State peaceful during and after the celebrations. “Additional personnel have been drafted to Sokoto city and its environs from the various area commands and divisions to the various Churches, intra-city, inter-city routes and other public places. “Additional patrol vehicles and plain-clothes security personnel have also been drafted across the state,’’ he said. The commissioner added that the command had increased the tempo of inter-agency cooperation to further secure lives and property of the residents of the state. Gambo also restated his call on the people of the state to assist the security agencies with intelligence reports. “The task of ensuring security across Nigeria is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians,’’ he said. Source : (NAN)

3 Air Force men arrested over fracas at police station in Minna. Minna – The police in Niger said three men of the Nigeria Air Force had been arrested in connection with fracas at Tudun Wada Police Station in Minna. Mr Richard Oguche, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the State, made this known to newsmen in Minna on Saturday. He said, “the air force men stormed and attacked officers and men on duty injuring one of them on the head with jack-knife. “This afternoon, six air force men went to Tudun Wada Police Station and attacked officers and men on duty with jack knives and belts. “The air force men were mobilised from the Minna Air Force Base by a serving officer in Kano. He said trouble started on Friday night when police men on duty at Tudun Wada area apprehended the brother to the air force officer in question. He said the brother was arrested and his motorcycle impounded for violating the law banning the use of motorcycles in Minna from 7p.m. to 7a.m. He said the attack was checkmated by police officers and men on duty and three out of the six air force men arrested. “The three men arrested are still with us’’, he said. Air Commodore Sani Zakari, the Officer-in- Charge of Minna Air Force Base, told journalists on phone to come for briefing on Monday because he was away in Enugu. Source : (NAN)

Nigeria will do well at the World Cup, says Mikel. The Chelsea midfielder thinks that the Super Eagles can ride on the wave of being African champions to have a successful campaign at Brazil 2014 Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel believes that his country will do well at the World Cup by riding on the confidence of being reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions. The Super Eagles won their third African title in February and will go to Brazil 2014 as the first reigning African champions since 2002 when Cameroon held the title and also played at the World Cup. Nigeria are drawn in Group F alongside perennial foes Argentina, Asian high flyers Iran and debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina. “I think being African champions has given us a huge lift. I think the mentality of the team has changed in the past couple of years, we believe now that we can go into every game and win,” Mikel toldGoalwhile receiving the 2013 Goal Nigeria Player of the Year award, beating compatriots Vincent Enyeama, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses and Godfrey Oboabona to it. The Super Eagles already have a foretaste of what to expect next year after this summer’s campaign in the Confederations Cup saw them win against Tahiti and lose against Uruguay and Spain. “If you look at the games we played in the Confederations Cup, we put on a very good performance in all the games. We were unlucky in the game against Uruguay, I think we should have beaten them by four or five. If you look at the game against Spain, we played really well but they just had that little bit of quality to get the goals,” he said. With Ghana’s quarter final finish at South Africa 2010, the Super Eagles are being touted by their fans to go a place better than their neighbours in Brazil.“I think the Africa Cup of Nations has given us a lot of belief to go into the World Cup - I know we can do well,” Mikel said. Commenting on the return of manager Jose Mourinho to Chelsea, Mikel said that with time the Blues will begin to win every game. “It’s been good, he’s back,” said Mikel. “We haven’t hit the heights that everyone wants us to hit but there have been changes, he’s come in with a different philosophy but still the mentality that we want to win every game and he is putting that into all the players. “It’s going to take a bit of time but it’s something we’re working towards. Hopefully we will start to hit our heights soon and be playing consistently well but right now I think we’re in a very good position in the Premier League and the Champions League so if we can pick the standard up even higher I think it will be a very successful year,” he said.

Welcome to frank's Blog. News, Events, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Fashion, jokes! : Dr SID drops new album ‘Siduction’ on iTunes, give...

Welcome to frank's Blog.

News, Events, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Fashion, jokes! : Dr SID drops new album ‘Siduction’ on iTunes, give...

Dr SID drops new album ‘Siduction’ on iTunes, gives fans exclusive free download... Dr SID who made a solo debut back in 2010 is back with his second solo project ‘SIDuction’. Dr SIDhas released his second solo studio album titled ‘SIDuction‘ on online digital media store iTunes. SID released the album underMavin Recordslabel – it features previously released singles‘Love mine’ , ‘Lady don dada’, ‘Talented’ and ‘Surulere.Also, two songs (a remix of his former single ‘ Chocolate‘ and ‘Afefe‘) were added to the initial 17-track list making it 19 songs. ‘Did anyone notice today’s date is 20-12-2013? one of those special days that will never happen again. On such a special day something special should happen, don’t you think? ‘, Dr SID said on Twitter before announcing the release of his second album. Interestingly, the Pop artiste gave his core fans the opportunity to download the album for free; any fan who had taken part in a ‘ Dr SID’s SIDUCTION promo‘ and liked his Facebook page got an exclusive, free instant download. The LP features heavy production and background vocals fromDon Jazzy. Other featured guests include label mate Tiwa Savage, Ice Prince, Emma Nyra, andWizkid plus Phyno who jumped on ‘ Surulere‘ remix

Stop amassing wealth for your children, Wamakko tells office holders. Gov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has called on political office holders to desist from the practice of amassing wealth for their children. The governor made the call at the graduation of Islamic schools in Sokoto on Saturday. Wamakko said it was necessary for wealthy individuals to imbibe the culture of assisting the less-privileged members of the society. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad, called on Islamic clerics to strive to establish more Islamic schools. “God will never hesitate to bless anybody doing his work and we should not be left out in this direction. “This is work for our religion and anybody that does it will be rewarded by Allah’’, Abubakar said. Abubakar urged Nigerians to continue to advise and pray for leaders at all levels of government in the country. The Sultan commended Wamakko for his commitment to the course of Islam. The Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof. Riskuwa Shehu, urged the graduates to work according to the teaching of the Holy Qur’an. The graduates, who had memorised the Qur’an, received a vehicle, 39 motorcycles and one million naira. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries included the graduates of Ma’ahadut-Tafeez Wad-Dirasatil Qur’aniyyah, Hubbare-Sokoto. (NAN)

Sambo urges Nigerians to inter-marry. Abuja – Vice President Namadi Sambo on Friday in Abuja enjoined Nigerians to inter-marry in order to foster greater national cohesion. Sambo made the call at the wedding reception of Rakkiya, the daughter of Gov. Idris Wada of Kogi, and Mr Lateef Oseni from Lagos State. Sambo, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the ceremony which took place at the Thisday Dome, Abuja, told the couple that the secrets of marriage were patience, fear of God and respect for each other. According to him, marriage is significant as it symbolises harmony, peace and unity. “Marriage complements what we have been doing through the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), to further achieve unity in this country’’, he added. The vice president had witnessed the Wedding Fatiha of the couple presided over by the Chief Imam of Kogi State Government House Mosque, Mallam Junaid Mohammed. The event also took place at the Thisday Dome. The ceremony was graced by Governors of Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Bauchi and Katsina States, as well as the wives of several governors. Others present were the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih and several other serving and retired top government functionaries, including royal fathers from Kogi and Lagos States. (NAN)

APC to woo Obasanjo today... In accordance with the ongoing crusade led by leaders of the All Progressives Congress to canvass for support, the party is set to visit former President Olusegun Obasanjo today. According to a report earlier published by a national newspaper in the country, it was reported that some leaders of the party, including some of its governors will meet Obasanjo at his home in Ota, Ogun State. Recalling, APC had visited Atiku earlier this week, among other prominent statesmen following the success the party recorded in wooing five governors under the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to join its platform. The governors, who defected to APC are Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Kwankwanso (Kano); Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) source: vanguardngr.com

JULIET IBRAHIM TURNS SINGER! Sexy Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim recently added music to her glowing career. In a chat with HVP, the screen goddess disclosed that she has already done two singles that will make up her first album. Juliet Ibrahim She also, disclosed plans to go into full time movie production in no distant time. It would be recalled that Juliet Ibrahim is one of Ghollywood A- list actresses whose profile is steadily on the rise. She came to the limelight after starring in the movie, ‘Crime to Christ’ few years back. Recently, she delved into movie production with her much awaited movie, ‘The Number One Fan’ which she premiered two months ago. On her new project, Juliet said, she has a new movie in the pipeline titled, “Hidden.” It would be recalled that Juliet Ibrahim is one of Ghollywood A- list actresses whose profile is steadily on the rise. She came to the limelight after starring in the movie, ‘Crime to Christ’ few years back. Recently, she delved into movie production with her much awaited movie, ‘The Number One Fan’ which she premiered two months ago. On her new project, Juliet said, she has a new movie in the pipeline titled, “Hidden.” source : vanguardngr.com

SSANU threatens strike, warns FG against full implementation of Needs Report. THE Senior Staff Association of the Nigerian Universities (SSANU),Western Zone, yesterday threatened to down tools if the Federal Government decides to fully implement the Needs Assessment Report which it described as poisonous to Non-Academic Staff in universities. Addressing newsmen on the issues raised by the Prof. Yakubu led Needs Assessment Committee at a lecture held at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), the National Vice President and chairman Western Zone, of the SSANU, Comrade Alfred Jimoh, said the association had earlier faulted the composition of the Needs committee set up by the Federal Government to identify the gaps in the university system. He said the committee was not only “lopsided but one sided because it excluded both students and the non-teaching staff in the system and compromise only members of the Academic Staff and the then incumbent President of ASUU. “The report of the committee is laced with some poisonous and odious recommendations against the Non teaching staff, which we call satanic verses of Needs Assessment Report”. He said therefore that “one cannot but wonder how government could expect an objective and dispassionate report from such a warped and highly skewed committee. True to type and as anticipated by the Non teaching staff of Nigerian universities, the committee came out with a voluminous document full of graphics, illustrations and pictorials which range from truth to half truth and altar false hood. “We the Non teaching staff Unions particularly the Western zone of the SSANU have at every fora given warning to the Federal Government to discard the offensive parts of the Needs report which seek to determine the job Non teaching staff of Nigerian universities and halt their human development through training and retraining” he said. He further warned that the full implementation of the report would be resisted through industrial action. Source : vanguardngr.com

JIM IYKE ARRESTED IN GHANA, RELEASED! Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke, may have returned to his old ways of being in the news for the wrong reasons. He was reportedly arrested in Ghana after being involved in a public fight. Nollywood star, Jim Iyke According to Ghanaian media reports, the brawl took place at the Crave Café at Adjiringanor, East Legon, Accra. Going by account given by an eyewitness, Jim who relocated to Ghana after his alleged ‘deliverance’ by Prophet TB Joshua, arrived at the café in a Sports Chevy car to meet with another Nigerian who had earlier arrived in a Range Rover, apparently to wait for the ‘born again’ actor. Reports have it that the meeting became heated as Jim and the friend argued back and forth over an alleged $10, 000, and the argument later turned nasty which resulted in a fight that spilled out into the street. It was also gathered that as the fight raged on, Jim entered his car and was about pulling out something suspected to be a gun, when he was prevented by the gathering crowd, while the other guy dashed off in his car only to surface with some policemen who arrested Jim and took him away. Jim Iyke returned to the cafe barely twenty minutes later, giving the impression that the case had been ‘settled’ by the policemen. Source: vanguardngr.com

JIM IYKE ARRESTED IN GHANA, RELEASED! Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke, may have returned to his old ways of being in the news for the wrong reasons. He was reportedly arrested in Ghana after being involved in a public fight. Nollywood star, Jim Iyke According to Ghanaian media reports, the brawl took place at the Crave Café at Adjiringanor, East Legon, Accra. Going by account given by an eyewitness, Jim who relocated to Ghana after his alleged ‘deliverance’ by Prophet TB Joshua, arrived at the café in a Sports Chevy car to meet with another Nigerian who had earlier arrived in a Range Rover, apparently to wait for the ‘born again’ actor. Reports have it that the meeting became heated as Jim and the friend argued back and forth over an alleged $10, 000, and the argument later turned nasty which resulted in a fight that spilled out into the street. It was also gathered that as the fight raged on, Jim entered his car and was about pulling out something suspected to be a gun, when he was prevented by the gathering crowd, while the other guy dashed off in his car only to surface with some policemen who arrested Jim and took him away. Jim Iyke returned to the cafe barely twenty minutes later, giving the impression that the case had been ‘settled’ by the policemen. Source: vanguardngr.com

WENGER FEELS FOR AXED VILLAS -BOAS LONDON (AFP) – Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on Friday admitted he felt sorry for Andre Villas-Boas when he was sacked as manager of north London rivals Tottenham. There is no love lost between Arsenal and their neighbours from the other end of the Seven Sisters Road, but that didn’t stop Wenger expressing sympathy for Villas-Boas’s abrupt exit from White Hart Lane this week. The former Chelsea coach became the ninth Spurs manager to be sacked since Wenger took over at Arsenal in September 1996. Villas-Boas Last season, Spurs had pushed the Gunners all the way in the race for a top-four finish, inspired by the performances of star man Gareth Bale, who was sold to Real Madrid earlier this season. Tottenham used the Bale cash to fund £107 million ($175m) of new talent, with Paulinho, Christian Eriksen, Roberto Soldado, Nacer Chadli, Etienne Capoue, Vlad Chiriches and Erik Lamela all joining. However, trying to get all those new men to integrate proved in part Villas-Boas’s downfall, with the Spurs boss eventually shown the door by Daniel Levy in the wake of the embarrassing 5-0 defeat at home to Liverpool on Sunday, which came just after a 6-0 drubbing at Manchester City. “You need time, yes,” Wenger said. “Look, when I said to you at the beginning of the season that when you sign more than three players you take a technical risk, you were all laughing at me, but it is a reality. “If you look purely at the mathematical problem, yes it is a surprise, because he has the highest percentage rate of wins historically at the club. “Is it an internal problem with the relationship with his chairman or with the board? I don’t know. Is it an emotional reaction to a big defeat at home? I hope not because that would not be a good sign. “I sympathise with everyone because you need to be a manager to know how much you suffer, you know how many sleepless nights are behind every manager and how much everybody wants to win. “Of course you feel sympathy for people who lose their job.”

How 2face, Wizkid, others excited fans at Rhythm Unplugged! The 2013 Harp Rhythm Unplugged will definitely go down as one of the biggest musical concert of the year. For about nine hours guests who graced the event were held spell bound with scintillating display from Nigeria best musical and comedy artistes led by Bovi and Wyclef. To the delight of the crowd, Harp larger also launched its new bottle label in what would go down in history as one of the biggest and best way of unveiling a new brand in Nigeria. Wizkid The impressive line up of artistes at this year’s Rhythm Unplugged was the talk of the town as guests in the capacity filled Eko Convention Centre screamed and danced to music by the “A” list artistes led by Tuface Idibia, Banky W, Iyanya, Wizkid, Olamide, and Waje. Others include Niyola, Seyi Shay, Ice Prince, Sound Sultan, Burna Boy, May D, Tonye amongst others. To ensure there was no dull moment, guests were also treated to stupendous jokes from notable comedians led by Bovi. Others included Buchi, I Go die, Seyi law and Gordons. The cool new look of the Harp premium lager reflects the trendy appeal of the brand, attractive to a younger generation of beer consumers while also appealing to its existing admirers. Speaking at the concert, Mr. Seni Adetu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said the new cool look of the Harp Premium Lager is in line with the company’s tradition of remaining consistent with current and emerging trends, delivering on improvements that are both contemporary and exciting to its consumers. As part of the campaign, the brand has signed a brand ambassadorship deal with MTV base award winning artiste Ice Prince, and Highlife crooner, Flavour... Source:vanguardngr.com

How 2face, Wizkid, others excited fans at Rhythm Unplugged! The 2013 Harp Rhythm Unplugged will definitely go down as one of the biggest musical concert of the year. For about nine hours guests who graced the event were held spell bound with scintillating display from Nigeria best musical and comedy artistes led by Bovi and Wyclef. To the delight of the crowd, Harp larger also launched its new bottle label in what would go down in history as one of the biggest and best way of unveiling a new brand in Nigeria. Wizkid The impressive line up of artistes at this year’s Rhythm Unplugged was the talk of the town as guests in the capacity filled Eko Convention Centre screamed and danced to music by the “A” list artistes led by Tuface Idibia, Banky W, Iyanya, Wizkid, Olamide, and Waje. Others include Niyola, Seyi Shay, Ice Prince, Sound Sultan, Burna Boy, May D, Tonye amongst others. To ensure there was no dull moment, guests were also treated to stupendous jokes from notable comedians led by Bovi. Others included Buchi, I Go die, Seyi law and Gordons. The cool new look of the Harp premium lager reflects the trendy appeal of the brand, attractive to a younger generation of beer consumers while also appealing to its existing admirers. Speaking at the concert, Mr. Seni Adetu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said the new cool look of the Harp Premium Lager is in line with the company’s tradition of remaining consistent with current and emerging trends, delivering on improvements that are both contemporary and exciting to its consumers. As part of the campaign, the brand has signed a brand ambassadorship deal with MTV base award winning artiste Ice Prince, and Highlife crooner, Flavour...

KABIRU SOKOTO JAILD FOR LIFE The alleged mastermind of the Christmas day bomb blast that killed about 44 persons and wounded 75 others at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, in 2011, Kabiru Umar, a.k.a Kabiru Sokoto has been found guilty of the crime of terrorism and murder. Justice Ademola Adeniyi of the federal high court in Abuja, sentenced Kabiru Umar to life imprisonment. Source: vanguardngr.com

Tiwa Savage, Dr. Sid to host The Headies ...... Tiwa Savage and Sidney Esiri a.k.a Dr Sid, both from Mavin records have been announced as hosts for the year’s edition of The Headies, Nigeria’s biggest and most prestigious music awards. According to the organizers of the awards, the pair have been selected in line with the awards’ tradition of picking talented and inspiring entertainers, to front an awards ceremony that parades some of the continent’s biggest entertainers. Tiwa Savage has earned a place for herself as one of Nigeria’s favourite artistes since the release of her 2010 debut single Kele Kele Love. The song which was released while Tiwa was still in the US, topped charts instantly but it was the follow up single ‘Love me, Love me, Love me’ that won the hearts of many. Speaking on The Headies 2013, Tiwa said, “Being the 8th year, it’s not easy to be consistent in a country like Nigeria. So Kudos to the organizers to have an award by Nigerians for Nigerians…it’s always sketchy when the nomination list comes up, like this year. We are not going to touch on that, we’ll just wait for the night and address those issues and we’ll go ‘all Kanye West’ on the awards…’ newly married singer at The Headies 2013 is her label mate Dr Sid. Now in its 8th year, The Headies (also known as the HipHopWorld Awards) is Nigeria’s premiere honours event for urbane music and hip hop culture. Source:vanguardngr.com

My fellow Nigerians it is with utter consternation that I seat and watch as event unfolds in our political 'arena' in what seems to be a season of open letters. Chief Obasanjo started the whole circle when he wrote to Mr president advising him on how to run the affairs of this country but some sections of Nigerians believe that Obasanjo does not have the moral right to advise Mr president. Most Nigerians have failed to look at the message not the messager. This senator Iyabo Obasanjo also wrote her father calling him a liar, manipulator,wife-basher and a hypocrite. What Nigerians don't know yet is whether her letter is politically motivated...All we can so now is to seat and watch..