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Tuesday 31 July 2012

It is those who haven’t listened to my music that criticise it – Omotola Ekeinde

Undoubtedly, one of Nollywood’s favorite actresses, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde shares in this interview her experience growing up as well as how she has managed to balance her marriage, career, and kids. Let’s talk about your latest flick, Last Flight to Abuja. Tell us about the significance of your character in it. My character was Suzie. It’s one of those type of stories where you have different mini stories running side by side, and then they all have a common ground, and that common ground is a plane where we all met. My own story is, I’m a young lady working in Abuja, in a relationship with a guy who stays in Lagos, and we’re having issues because he thinks I’m too career minded, so I decide to pay him a surprise visit and I get into the plane to Lagos to do that. So, there are different stories of different people all on this flight to Lagos. I think what I want to celebrate in this movie is that in life, spend every day like it’s your last; you just never know when, though our hope and future is bright and promises for us to be great, but you have to love people, say the things you need to say, and live right the best way you possibly can.

Prior to your getting the script, have you had a similar experience, with your husband being a pilot and you being a regular flier?
 Luckily no, I hope never to have such an experience, but I remember my husband had something close to that, there was a little crash, and he flew that day, and I think he dropped the plane that eventually crashed, which our friend Captain Adebayo took away and then unfortunately crashed, so I don’t know if that gives me any kind of credence or any kind of extra emotion for this movie, but just to answer your question that’s the closest shave I’ve had to that kind of thing.
Still talking about planes, you got married in one, what was that like?
 I got married in 2001, and we thought of something that might be different. My husband and I are kind of crazy people, we’d been married at the registry for a while and we were planning the white wedding and we thought we couldn’t just have a usual wedding and then go to church and all of that, so let’s just really do something different, so we were thinking of a destination or a very nice cool resort to celebrate everybody, to invite different couples, but we thought about logistics, and then my husband just came up with the idea ‘What if we did it on plane on a destination to somewhere?’ We started the whole process and it was very tough getting the papers right, and even to get approval, it just had never been done before. Soon, people started saying are you crazy, are you people serious, but the end of the day, thank God, we did it and it was a beautiful wedding
 So where did you fly to?
It was Lagos to Benin. We couldn’t get approval for anything farther and we actually wanted to do an International flight but the procedure and the cost was enormous.
 Sixteen years down the line, how has the marriage fared?
 Thank God it’s been wonderful, I don’t like to talk too much about it, but again, why should I be ashamed to talk about something good? And maybe I could just be encouraging somebody out there. It has been very good, I have a very wonderful marriage and I give most of the glory all to God who I depend on, because if everything was up to me, things would have been downhill and secondly, I would give most of that credit to my husband, because I think I’m the difficult one. To keep up with my career, my schedule and everything, he’s been very supportive, extremely supportive and I thank God.
How about your kids?
My first kid is going to be fifteen years old and I have a fourteen, twelve and seven year old.
 How do you juggle your busy career and taking care of the growing kids?
I’m a very hands-on mum, but my kids think I’m extremely strict. I was raised by a very strict mum, an Egba woman. She used to sit on me and I don’t even sit on my kids. I grew up with a woman who was extremely over board with the discipline and I have to cut back a little bit of those things and infuse some of the modern things, I use most of the verses from the bible, I always tell my kids that the bible says spare your kids of the rod and in future they will come and hit you, so basically if I hit you, it’s not because I don’t like you or that I’m doing it out of anger, it means you need correction, so that’s the way I trained them. I tell them I could be your friend just a little bit, but my job is to be your parent.
 From all what you have said, you seem to be enjoying a stable home, coupled with your booming career. Would you say at this point, you are successful?
Oh no I’m not, I think when you are fulfilled, then your job is done and you might as well start packing up to go to Heaven. I’m not fulfilled, I’m content and I’ve always been, even when I had nothing.
I learnt on time that if you give God the attitude of ‘so why haven’t I gotten it’?
 I think it pisses God off because everything you have, somebody has none of it. There is something you have that somebody else needs desperately, so if we can just look back and be grateful for everything, those other things will come, because God knows you are going to be grateful for them when they come. Even though I want more and hope for more, I don’t act like its hurting me, I make do with what I have and it has always worked for me.
 You are associated with a couple of NGOs, Amnesty International, Shell and your own OYEP. How did you come to be a part of it?
 It would have been a waste if I am this fire brand and I don’t use it for anything other than to talk, so I thought the best way to use that is to help other people. It’s just wonderful when you don’t have to campaign or win elections before you can make influences. I realised that when I tried a little bit, people were reacting to it and it was blessing to people, so I just went on and on. I started working with the UNWFP, we were able to influence different ideas and raise money for food for children in Somalia, Liberia and other countries in Africa. From there, my passion grew, so I decided to have my own NGO, which is OYEP. It was supposed to be a movement, but we couldn’t register it as such, so we had to develop the less activist side of us and made it an NGO. There is also a softer side of OYEP, which is the ‘Give and Lets Give’ which is what we do every year, and then Amnesty International approached me. They said they had seen some of my work and needed a female that could advocate for some of their beliefs.
 Where does Occupy Nigeria occupy in your activist roll call?
Occupy Nigeria was actually in conjunction with OYEP. I got a call from Chude [Jideonwo] and Adebola [Williams, both of RED Nigeria] and asked that I get on board. Initially, I didn’t want to get involved because as an Amnesty International spokesperson, I shouldn’t be practising Politics, and I told them the only reason I will join this fight is if you add to your agenda, the cause of the women in Jos, whose children were being killed, so after a while, they did and I was able to join on that note, but it ended up with Omotola in the forefront and after a while, they said Omotola take over this thing. I guess I’m just too loud for my own good.
 Let’s delve into your career as an actress. Your first movie was in 1995, titled Venom of Justice. Since then, what are the things you think have changed about Omotola as an actress?
A lot, I have grown, like everybody else in any kind of career. When I started acting, I had no prior training. The first set of movies that were out were the Ibo movies, so we were like the first real movie stars, so it was very new to us. We didn’t know how to handle it or how to react. Everybody was new on the job, we didn’t have good costumiers or makeup artistes, so we had major challenges and couldn’t sustain professionals in the industry as at then. Personally, because there weren’t many role models, we didn’t know how to act in public, it was however you felt. For me, it was even harder because I think I’m the first actress who has actually gotten married and had four kids while on the job. Also, I had them in quick succession, so it was a lot for me to handle. I had a lot of issues to deal with, my image and body changing every now and then, but you have to grow and become mature and become your own self and that has helped me a lot, and I’m still learning.
 And 17 years after, you still are in demand, so what will you say is responsible for that?
 I wanna first give all the glory to God. I’m not the prettiest or the most intelligent in this game. I’m not the best actress and I don’t think I’m the one who has the best attitude or PR, I always ask God for his grace to let me know what to do. You have to always ask God for the manner of the present. Its new challenges every day, so I ask God to teach me, and having said that, you really have to work hard and I try very hard to work hard. I mean I’ve been knocked down a lot of times, I can’t even start to telI the press things I have to deal and contend with. I think I have had one of the biggest battles in this industry to be here. I have been attacked a whole lot of times.
Physically?
 Physically, spiritually, so much. The truth of the matter is you have to always remember that there is nothing special about you. It’s just grace and you don’t want to take it for granted and if God is doing His part, you have to do your part, because there are younger, more aggressive people coming up. You have to be consistent and be yourself and continue to work hard.
 You have been acting for a while now, any plan to delve into production?
 I’m still trying to get my hands on music, I can’t handle any more. If I can’t do it well, I won’t do it. I’m so hard on myself that if I know I won’t do it well, I won’t do it at all. I have struggled so much in the acting that I don’t think I want to struggle again in the production aspect. I have done a soap opera, which I directed. It was actually on Africa Magic. It’s a lot of work to produce; I didn’t even produce my soap, I just directed it. Directing is something I would love to do, but I don’t think I will anytime soon.
Away from acting, let’s talk about your music.
 I think people who criticise me have not listened to my music. I call my music inspirational music, not necessarily gospel. I sing about issues and my second album, which is yet to be out, has been ready since 2010. I have been shooting videos and if its not right, I am not going to put it out. If it was about money, I would have given it to a marketer.
 Do you know how many marketers are asking for that CD?
 I got a lot of money from my first album, but I realised that was not my dream; it wasn’t done the way I would have loved it to be and this second album, I wanna handle it the way I want to.

Your last album had you playing with different genre of songs. Will this forthcoming album be a more focused one?
 I consider myself a rock artiste. In the first album, they didn’t let me do rock because they said nobody will buy it, so I’m gradually getting back to what inspires me, which is Rock, so I do pop-rock. Most of my songs have rock influences, but I came out with more of it in this new album. Just a few of the songs are hip hop, I did one with Vector and another with Mode 9, but most of my songs have a rock feel.
 So when will the album be out?
 We are looking at it coming out before the end of December. We are about to shoot three more videos. We are shooting one with Clarence and working with Aje, which is what I think was the problem with first album.
Do you have your husband’s support with your dresses ?
My husband is extreme, I can’t wear some things my husband buys for me. He’s an enlightened person. He’s one of those who believes in the heart. Even with his kids, initially, I used to think he was so obsessed with me, that’s why he doesn’t care about anything but even with his kids, he trusts them a lot and that’s one thing I have learnt from him. He watches all of my movies and supports me.
 And how does he react with the romantic scenes?
 I’ll tell you the truth, there are some he does not watch. He would tell me do what you’ve got to do but forewarn me. He will never say, I’m going to stop you for doing it, but will rather say, if it’s that bad, I don’t want to watch it.
 For somebody who has spent over 17 years in the industry, what is your take about their desperate attitudes?
 It’s two ways, desperation is not a bad thing. It’s only when you apply it in the wrong way. It’s actually a tool that should propel you if you use it well. I think the problem is now they use it for bad, and I always tell the young ones, if you allow your desperation to make you the things you are not proud of, it will come out and put you in a bad place. By God’s grace, I can stand tall today and say nobody made me. I worked hard to be whoever I am.
 How do you react to the impression that Omotola is proud and snobbish?
 I guess it was in those days when we didn’t have social media and people couldn’t reach you and they thought that. I guess I have this demeanour that makes people think I’m always in my own zone, and for that reason they assume I’m a snob. I’m two extremes, I can be overly bubbly and overly quiet, I am never really in the middle. You are one of the highest paid actresses,
so how much do you charge for films?
 So that they will come and meet me abi? On a final note, you got married at the tender age of 18.
 If your 16 year old daughter tells you she wants to do the same, what will be your reaction?
 If he’s as good as my husband or better, why not? If he falls short, then no.

PDP backs FG on Oil Subsidy’s trial

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said is in support of the Federal Government’s decision to prosecute those indicted by the House of Representatives Oil subidy Committee report for receiving illegal oil funds. Already, sons of the incumbent National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and former Chairman of PDP, Amandu Ali are now under trial over the allleged oil subsidy funds. The Party noted that Government’s decision to bring to trial those indicted in the fuel subsidy probe was a signal that the PDP- led administration had nothing to hide. National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh stated this in a statement in Abuja. He was responding to the call by the Action Congress

BBA Stargame update: Tension as final 6 battle for $300,000 this Sunday

The 90-day long Big Brother Africa Stargame show season seven entered its day 85. In the journey to winning the 300,000USD cash prize for the competition, 29 housemates have been evicted or have left the BBA House so far. This has placed six housemates to battle for the cash prize. None of the trio of Nigeria’s Goldie, Chris and Ola were able to win the competition this time around after three successive winners have emerged from Nigeria; Kelvin Pam (2009), Uti Nwachukwu (2010) and Karen Igho (2011). As the final day draws closer this Sunday, August 5, 2012, many believe that any of the six of the remaining housemates; Lady May, Kyle, Keagan, Talia, Prezzo and Wati can win the show. “It is now a game of luck,” an ardent

“How my car was stolen at Oriental Hotel,” – Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere

Last Saturday, Yvonne Ekwere emerged from two functions at the Oriental Hotel, to discover that her Grey Toyota Camry v6 salon car, was missing. In this interview with NET, she narrates the shock and subsequent frustration she went through after the ordeal. Full story: On Saturday, the 28th of July 2012 at about 6:46pm, I drove into the new car park under construction at the Oriental Hotel Ozumba Mbadiwe str, V/I Lagos. The “Security” guard stationed at the gate; as usual did not take my plate number, issue me a parking ticket or try to identify the driver of the car as normally done with other guests who drive into that particular car park. I had been invited to cover two events; the ‘YNaija Hashtag’ party and senator Ita Giwa’s daughter’s dinner party. After

“Ramadan has crippled business,” prostitutes lament

Commercial sex workers, otherwise known as prostitutes are angry, their anger, we gathered is not unconnected with the ongoing Ramadam fasting being embarked on by Muslim faithful across the country. According to those in the business of bed-to-wealth, the fasting period has crippled their business. When Dailypost visited one of their bases in Ejigbo, a suburb of Lagos, the visibly angry ladies were seen siting at different locations, discussing their fate. On enquiry, a lady identified as Rose from Edo lamented, “Oga, since morning, na only one person I don do, unlike before, I for don do like 16 or so. Na Raamadam . ” She said. When prodded further, the enraged lady said, “Oga I no come count bridge for Lagos, if u wan support my

Flavour – Kwarikwa [Remix] feat. Fally Ipupa

Mr N’abania employs the services of Congolese superstar, Fally Ipupa, on the remix to “Kwarikwa” off his “Uplifted” album. Gotta love the vibe Flavour brings to the table everytime. A proper African musician. Directed by Godfather. Produced by Masterkraft

Saturday 28 July 2012

Two killed as JTF, terrorists clash in Maiduguri

It was indeed a sad Friday for the Joint Task Force, JTF, as two of its Soldiers were killed along Baban Layi ward of Maiduguri Metropolis when some suspected terrorists laid ambush in one of their bases few metres away from the Shehu’s palace where a suicide bomber struck at a Central Mosque yesterday. The incident, we gathered took place at about 2pm which forced residents of the Shehuri ward and environs to vacate their homes as they would no longer resist the sound of sporadic gunshots that followed from the JTF upon their arrival at the scene. According to the JTF Spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa who confirmed the incident, a JTF patrol vehicle was attacked at about 1300 hrs of the day in Shehuri general area by

Why we won’t support creation of State Police – Northern Governors

Northern governors under the aegis Nigeria Governors’ Forum have kicked against the creation of state police, noting that the country was not ripe for such establishment. The governors made this unanimous decision at their meeting held in Abuja on Thursday night. The northern governors’ position was, however, contrary to an earlier position taken by all the 36 governors about a month ago. They earlier that the insecurity problem in the country would best be tackled with the establishment of a state police. But the northern governors said in their statement, which was signed by their Chairman, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, that the constitution must be amended to enable them to control commissioners of police in their respective states. Aliyu, who is also the governor of Niger State, read the communiqué. He said, “The forum is not in support of the

Only Police can stop Boko Haram – Buhari

Former Head of State and presidential Candidate for the Congress for Progressive Change in the 2011 elections, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has urged the Federal Government to empower the police in order stop Boko Haram insurgency. Buhari said this during the presentation of a book entitled, ‘How I governed Anambra State: Stewardship & Accountability’ written by former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju in Abuja, on Thursday. According to him, “The bombings have subsided. It’s up to the law enforcement agents. This is probably the problem of the police. You know, they (Police and SSS) have to secure the country. Constitutionally it’s their job “Boko Haram as I said, I would rather that the police should be empowered. “It’s the police that live with the people- they know in every police command- the neighborhood and so on. A lot

It’s a baby girl for Kefee’s ex-hubby, Alec Godwin

Alec Godwin, former husband of popular Nigerian gospel singer, Kefee Obareki has got a new addition into his family. Alec’s new wife was delivered of a baby girl on Wednesday, July 25, 2012. She made the delivery at a Lagos hospital. Alec remarried on Saturday, July 29, 2012 four years after his first marriage with Kefee crashed in 2008. Few months after her former hubby’s marriage, Kefee went on to remarry. She married popular light skinned Star FM OAP, Teddy Esosa Don Momoh. The former couple met in 1999 at a local church in Warri, Delta state. She was later signed on Alec’s record label. Kefee stormed limelight with her single, Branama. She got into the music mainstream with the hit single, Kokoroko which featured Timaya.

Sound Sultan & Wyclef On People Bad Remix?

Well we’re not entirely sure but based on what Sound Sultan suggested on his twitter page it might be something to think about. Sound Sultan’s heavy hit People Bad has been a fav for a while and a remix with Wyclef will definitely get the buzz sky high again. For now it’s not confirmed, but we just might see that remix along with a video.

Friday 27 July 2012

Popular comedian, Teju Babyface marries ex-beauty queen September 1

Ace comedian, Teju Oyelakin otherwise known as Teju Babyface would on Saturday, September 1, 2012 walk down the aisle as he says ‘I do’ to his fiancee, Tobi Banjoko. The popular TV comedy show host was reported to have proposed to his girlfriend in February 2012. Tobi is a former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) contestant in 2011. She represented Ondo state in the pageant. At the beauty contest, she was crowned Miss Photogenic. It is believed that both lovers have been dating each other for some time now. Teju Babyface is a top Nigerian comedian who has carved a niche for himself in the comedy industry.

5 & 6: Naeto C shares a kiss with Nicole while performing at Davido’s launch

Newly-wed Nigerian rapper, Naetochukwu Chikwe popularly known as Naeto C kissed his wife, Nicole while performing on stage at Davido’s album launch over the weekend. Naeto C stormed the event few hours after he was married a day before the concert. While performing on stage with his friend, D’Banj, Naeto C called for his wife and planted a kiss on her lips. This received cheers from the audience, who were amazed with the show of love between the two lovebirds. Naeto C has stayed scandal free in the entertainment industry. He is one of Nigerian entertainers with little or no reported messy lifestyles. He is the son of a female politician and a former Aviation Minister, Kema Chikwe. He claims to be the only MC with an MSc.

Owner of popular Lagos hangout threatens to publish names of debtors

Popular owner of the Posh Cafe in Victoria Island, Louise Priddy, has sent out a public warning to her debtors. The pretty half-caste, who made her name when she ran Bacchus Night club, sent this message via Facebook, where she wrote: “I am telling all you big boys out there who owe me money but go to other clubs to spend until u get bounced from there and then u move on its ENOUGH..instead of clubbing why dont you get a job…its time to name and shame with pictures who owes me ……… get readyyyyyy MONDAY ……” Already, people are keen to see this ‘list’ she will unveil. Priddy solely owns the venture, inside Alon Nelken’s Mega Plaza on Idowu Martins in V.I, put up for her by her husband, Mario.

Four killed, police station razed as gunmen stormed Borno

Information reaching our news desk indicates that at least FOUR people have been confirmed dead while several others sustained various degrees of injury when gunmen, suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sects stormed a police station located in the Local Government headquarters of Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State. Eye witness account says the attackers stormed the local government, destroying a police station and the local government secretariat. Speaking with our correspondent over the phone, a man who pleaded anonymity said “it was not a good sight, as many of us ran away from our houses and took refuge in safer places. We have never experienced such in this local government, but I do not know if any civilian was killed. I know that four corpses of police officers have being conveyed in a vehicle to a hospital. Security is now beefed up around the local government and we also learnt that the police have made some arrests.” Another

Renewed cult clashes claim four lives in Edo State

No fewer than four persons were feared killed in the last two days at different areas of the Edo State capital, Benin, following a renewed cult clash that ensued between suspected members of Black Axe and Eiye Confraternity. On Wednesday night, an unidentified middle-aged man was murdered at a bar on Zabayor Street, about 10.30pm. An army source said the security outfit got to the scene barely three minutes after the man was shot. The reliable source, who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said, “We got there minutes after he was shot. They shot him on the head. The man later died in the hospital.” The deceased was said to have been trailed by about six assailants to the bar. Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the bar and on sighting their target, they

How PDP chieftain’s sons allegedly defrauded subsidy treasury – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned two sons of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains before the Lagos High Court over Lagos for alleged fuel subsidy fraud. The duo was Mahmud Tukur, son of PDP National Chairman Bamanga Tukur, Nasamu Ali, son of the party’s former National Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Ali and others, including Christian Taylor, a foreigner. But, Abdullahi Arisekola, son of Ibadan frontline businessman Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola-Alao, arraigned for two sets of charges before two judges, was remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) till Wednesday when his bail application will be heard. These PDP leaders’ sons were among the 20 supects who allegedly defraud the treasury of N13 billion. “The Nation” reported that Tukur was arraigned alongside

Thursday 26 July 2012

L.O.S – Pamparampe

Check out the latest from Storm Records group, L.O.S. This one goes by the name, Pamparampe. Not sure what it means but it sounds interesting.

AUSafrik set to launch services in Nigeria

AUSafrik, a brand communications company that started out in Ghana, is set to launch its services in Nigeria. Staffed by 21st century experts in the art and craft of designs and communications, the company acquired its office space in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, and plans to roll out its services from August 8 with a Press Unveiling and Tea Party. The company’s core services are hinged on Media, Advertising, and Public Relations. While addressing a cross-section of the media, the company’s public relations personnel, Mr. Kollins Ekanem, observed that the Nigerian market has evolved into one of the most vibrant and profitable markets in Africa for products and allied services. This has led to an influx of companies, who have taken advantage of the dynamism of the Nigerian economy and the massive potential offered through its market of 160 million people. With the promise of profit

Angry youths burn down 20 houses over colleague’s death in Rivers State

Some angry youths in Omudioga community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State yesterday set over 20 ablaze in protest of the death of a youth, who was simply identified as Benjamin. Sources said the fuming youths speculated that the death of the late Benjamin might have been caused by some members of the community. The source disclosed further that security men had been deployed to clam the riotous situation. Some victims of the attack, said they had to flee their houses when it became clear that the rampaging youths were out of control. Chairman of the council, Mr Allen Nma, confirmed the incident, adding that the development had been brought under control. “Several houses were burnt and property worth millions naira destroyed. The Police had taken over the place to prevent any further attacks, but the youths, responsible for these evil acts must face the wrath of the law,” he said.

KCEE feat DAVIDO - OKPEKETE remix

Okpekete!! What does that even mean? Who cares? Jam is hot, video is just as nice and the K-Cee & Davido combo works very well. Check on it. Directed by Godfather.

“He is one of the best,” D’Banj speaks on signing Jay Sleek as his new producer

Multi award winning international artiste and entrepreneur, D’Banj, has officially confirmed the signing of prolific producer Jeremiah Shelika, popularly known as Jaysleek, as a producer at D’Banj Records. Jaysleek, in just over five years, has gained considerable popularity for producing great music for artistes such as iconic Nigerian singer 2face Idibia as well other superstars such as Wizkid, Davido,Faze,Sound Sultan,Timaya and many others. Speaking on the new signing, D’Banj expressed his delight, noting that “it is a sure sign of great things to come.” “This has been a long time coming so we are really happy to see Jaysleek join the D’Banj family. It’s exciting to be

Wizkid – Dance For Me

Eme returns with another brand new video, as Banky W mentioned a video will be dropping every Wednesdays. You have watched the trailer, here is the official video. Dance for me Off the EME Compilation album, one of my favorite tracks, watch and enjoy. The 2nd video from the hit album “Empire Mates State Of Mind”. This one features WizKid going solo on “Dance For Me”, a smash hit song produced by the legendary hit maker Sarz. The video was shot in London, England and directed by the one and only Sesan. Stay tuned for more fantastic videos from the EME Album. Hope y’all enjoy this one.

We cannot implement budget fully by September – Okonjo-Iweala

Nigerians may soon witness the first successful impeachment exercise of a President as the federal government said that it cannot implement the budget fully by Semptember which was slated by the House of Representatives for President Goodluck Jonathan or get remove. Reacting on behalf of federal government in Abuja, the Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala explained that 56 per cent of the budget had been implemented with about N404billion cash released. The budget Bill signed into law on March 15 was N4.69trillion. The third quarter fund will be released within the next two weeks, according to the minister. Okonjo Iweala who was accompained by the Minister of Information Labaran Maku; Director General of Bureau for Public Procurement Emeka Eze and Director General of Budget Dr. Bridgt Okongu, said there had been a lot of improvement in the implementation of the budget, saying the 39 per cent recorded for the month of May had

Wednesday 25 July 2012

Zen Magazine’s Exclusive Fashion Editorial on Yetty D

This week’s editorial features some fresh images off Nigerian born designer Yetty Ögünnübí. Yettywho runs her fashion brand ‘Yetty D‘ from her base overseas released the new collection ‘Paint Cotton Candy Collection: Revolution by Yetty D‘. So many elegant looks and here are our top picks.

Suspected Boko Haram Sponsor granted visa for Hajj

Senator Aliyu Ndume who has been accused of sponsoring the dreaded Boko Haram militants had on Tuesday been granted permission by an Abuja Federal High Court to embark on a trip to Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj. The presiding Judg, Justice Gabriel Kolawole ruled yesterday that the Senator’s travelling passport should be released to him to enable him to travel between August 1 and 31, 2012 for the Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Justice Kolawole had also ruled that Upon return between the given dates, Ndume must re-submit his passport to the court within 72 hours

N15m Scandal: My apologies for Pushing Habiba into surgery – Jim Iyke

Controversial Nigerian actor, and sexy Nollywood star, Jim Iyke has been in the news in recent times over an alleged 15 million naira scandal involving him and one Habiba Abubukar who had claimed that the ace actor duped her of 15 million naira. Habiba who withdrew the case, as a result of an appeal by Jim Iyke to settle out of court, had fired back at Jim Iyke for openly posting a comment on twitter that they both agreed to settle out of court. Habiba had on the contrary asserted that Jim’s parents came to beg her, and as such she accepted to settle out of court. However, our correspondent who visited Jim Iyke’s fashion office, Untamed Closet spoke EXCLUSIVELY with the Nigerian award winning actor, who had disclosed

Two Corpers die in car crash in Benue State after driver falls asleep

Tragedy struck in Makurdi, Benue State capital yesterday following the death of two National Youth Service Corps, NYSC who were involved in an auto crash along the ever-busy Makurdi-Aliade Road. The vehicle, a Volkswagen bus belonging to the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Otukpo, plate number Benue AE 135 JUX, was conveying the corps members from the Benue State Orientation Camp in Wannune, to their places of primary assignment in Otukpo. An eyewitness said that the driver of the bus, conveying the 14 corps members apparently fell asleep while on top speed, “and all we saw was that the bus skidded off the road and somersaulted several times

EFCC reveals identities of fuel subsidy thieves to be prosecuted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is finally ready to prosecute the first batch of 20 suspects implicated in the oil subsidy fraud. The suspects, comprising oil companies and 11 individuals, will be docked in Lagos courts. Below are the names of the companies and individuals…. The companies involved in the scam are: Nasaman Oil Services; Eternal Oil and Gas Plc; Ontario Oil & Gas Plc; Nadabo Energy Limited; Pacific Silver Line Limited; Axenergy Limited; Fago Petroleum and Gas Limited. The 11 individuals involved in the scam are: Mamman Nasir Ali; Christian Taylor; Mahmud Tukur; Ochonogor Alex; Walter Wagbatsoma; Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi; Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer; Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele; Abubakar Ali Peters; Jude Agube Abalaka, Abdulahi Alao and Oluwaseun Ogunbanbo. This investigation is massive and extensive; and the EFCC wishes to reassure Nigerians that every effort will be made to bring all those who defrauded the country in the guise of subsidy for imported fuel to book. The 20 suspects are among the over 140 individuals and organisations involved in the on-going investigations into the subsidy payments by the EFCC. More suspects will be arraigned periodically as the investigation progresses. YOU CAN READ BRIEF DETAILS OF THEIR OFFENCES BELOW: Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele is director of the accounting firm, Akintola

Fuel Subsidy Fraud: 21 indicted Oil firms to pay N382 billion to FG

Twenty-one oil firms have been indicted by a Presidential Committee on Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel Subsidy payment over alleged fraudulent claims. The Committee, which is led by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, in a report submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan today, urged the President to commence the process of recovering the sum of N382 billion from the indicted companies. In the report, the said N382billion was part of the contentious N422 billion identified by the Technical Committee which was also chaired by Aig-Imoukhuede. Following the submission of the report of the federal government Technical Committee which looked into fuel subsidy management from 2010-2011, the President on July 5 constituted the Presidential Committee on Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Darey – Sisi Eko [Remix] ft. Flavour N’Abania

The big-budget video shot in the heart of Lagos in May, with a cast and crew drawn mainly from Lagos and South Africa, shows Darey and Flavour taking turns in trying to woo a beautiful and elegant Lagos lady who they spot window-shopping, as they ride together in the famous Lagos traffic. Things get tense as the drama builds, with neither Darey nor Flavour willing to let go – motorists complain bitterly as both men cause traffic to further build up, but they’re so lost in the competition, that nothing would move them. Who ends up winning the heart of ‘‘Sisi Eko’’? Enjoy and download. DOWNLOAD HERE

iRoko TV boss, Jason Njoku and upcoming actress Remmy Mary get engaged

Nollywood actress, Remmy Mary is engaged. The actress confirmed the news over the weekend when she updated her Facebook page about the development. Mary informed her fans with this update; “Hi guys hope everyone is doing good….. I’m engaged to Jason Njoku. Great weekend. God bless us.” Jason Njoku is the boss of popular Nollywood movies streaming outfit, iRoko TV. In 2011, Mary was part of actresses picked to become brand ambassadors of iRoko TV. She lost her sister, Eucharia Remmy, who is also an actress to bomb blast in Damaturu, Yobe state in 2011.

Ghana President John Atta Mills is dead

Residents of Makoko area, whose community is currently undergoing bulldozing, because of the Lagos State ongoing shanties clearing exercise, took their plights to the office of the Lagos State governor yesterday. The peaceful protest, took off at the Alausa Shoprite bus stop with about 2,000 protesters. At the governor’s office, Yussuf Jejelaiye, Baale (Head) of Makoko community, highlighted how the community has been marginalized by different administrations of the state. “We have no government school, no hospital yet we perform our civil right each time there is election,” he said. He reiterated that the community has being existing before the coming of the Europeans, and an evacuation action now is like a death sentence. Responding to Mr. Yussuf Jejelaiyek’s address, Governor Raji Fashola, explained that the exercise is not an evacuation

“I suspect a certain Asa Asika has been lying to Davido about his music,” – A review of O.B.O

“Hype is the awkward and desperate attempt to convince journalists that what you’ve made is worth the misery of having to review it.” – Federico Fellini Davido had all the time in the world to hype his debut, but I have just this brief opportunity to tell the ugly truth about it. And tell it I will, because “the truth is always more heroic than the hype.” Fact: ‘Omo Baba Olowo’, that misnomer of an album, is a contrived collection of forgettable formulaic tracks. All sound and fury, signifying nothing. Clearly, someone (I suspect a certain Asa Asika) has been lying to Davido about his music. Or perhaps the notoriously shallow Nigerian music audience unwittingly invented the deception that is his so-called talent. Either way, the young man must have taken his sudden, almost Illuminati-ish rise to fame to the head, (mis)leading him to release a directionless, decidedly premature product as his debut album. To his credit, if he had recorded this hack job with a loaded and cocked shotgun aimed at his privates, he couldn’t have done much worse. *cue Homeric laughter* Inspired by

Pregnant Nollywood stars, Mercy Johnson, Ini Edo choose USA for delivery

Nollywood divas, Mercy Johnson and Ini Edo are reported pregnant. Both actresses have once been reported to have been pregnant in the past but only Ini has denied being pregnant while Mercy has always kept mum about it. This time, reports say that the two Nollywood screen goddesses revealed the news to an insider about the latest development. They have also reportedly chosen United States of America as the destination for their delivery. Ini Edo has been married for four years while Mercy Johnson only married barely a year ago. They are presently working on different movie locations and may travel out as soon as they are through with the movie shoots, we gathered.

Dbanj Featured In Complex Magazine Alongside Other G.O.O.D Music Artists

Well we really shouldn’t be surprised should we? Dbanj is featured in the lastest edition of Complex Magazine along the likes of Kanye West, Pusha T, Big Sean, Common, Mr Hudson, Q-Tip, Kid Kudi, Teyana Taylor, John Legend and a host of others. The group’s first album, Cruel summer is set to be released pretty soon. Check on it.

“We are fighting flesh and blood not the spirit” – Prophet T.B. Joshua finally speaks on Boko Haram

Getting Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua to speak on pressing national issues came with its obstacles. KEHINDE OYETIMI however got the founder and senior prophet of the Synagogue Church of All Nations to speak. Excerpts: The nature of insecurity in Nigeria is bothering everyone. Many people have given various pieces of advice concerning this issue. Will Boko Haram not end in Nigeria? We are fighting flesh and blood and not the spirit being that causes stealing, killing and destruction. It is until we begin to fight that spirit being that causes killing, stealing and destruction, the battle will not end. Our neighbours are not our enemies. Remember that our neighbours can be our friends; our neighbours can be our enemies; our neighbours can be those who do not share the same faith with us. It is never the will of anyone to kill themselves because of anything unless

Why we want to impeach Jonathan – Reps

Members of the House of Representatives yesterday came out to defend themselves on the decision to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan by September, if the 2012 budget is not fully implemented. Besides, the lawmakers said they were aware of the comments as well as what they described as the deliberate plan by the Presidency to misinform the public on the rationale behind their “nationalistic stand”. According to a Statement released and signed in Abuja by the House

Monday 23 July 2012

Naeto C feat D’Banj – Tony Montana (Remix)

When D’Banj hops on a Naeto C jam, you already know what to expect. Peep the remix to “Tony Montana” below. D’Banj is everywhere, yo!

Japheth Omojuwa: Let the president finish his job, let him finish us!

Nigeria’s current ruler Goodluck Jonathan would rank high amongst the most cursed Nigerian rulers in history. This is not just because there are more poor people to curse him but because there are also more tools of spreading the curses. Why evils? Unna no dey tire? What has the president done to deserve this? How can he start to win back your confidence? Should I act like I know what you are thinking and tell you how fast it’d take the president to be your beloved “the best man we need, to make us succeed”? For starters, a lot of you the president’s haters think he cultures corruption, essentially because

Big Brother, it’s a big bother: We want to have sex – Prezzo, Wati admit

The duo of Prezzo and Wati, housemates at the ongoing Big Brother Africa Stargame competition, have disclosed their frustrations at not having sex for some weeks, since getting into the reality TV show. According to Big Brother’s website, the two housemates disclosed this today. Prezzo was quoted to have said; “Last night, it (sex) was all I could think of. Every time I tried to close my eyes last night, I would just see a shorty.” Quoting Wati, Big Brother’s website wrote; “This is the longest I have gone without getting some action, since puberty.” Prezzo and Wati have spent 78 days in the Big Brother House. They might have to wait 12 days if they wish to win the 300,000 US Dollars prize or get evicted to have sex unlimited. While Goldie was still in the house, she had a romantic affair with Goldie. Will Prezzo and Wati for $300,000 for sex?

When Omo Baba Olowo came to town: See pictures from Davido’s album launch

The creme of the crop in Lagos, turned up last night for the launch off Davido’s Omo Baba Olowo (O.B.O) launch yesterday.From the biggest names in entertainment like Toke Makinwa, Munachi, Sasha, Freeze, Adaure Achumba, Mo’Cheddah, DJ Xclusive, May D, Dayo Ephraim, Funke Akindele-Oloyede to popular social figures like Aliko Dangote and Dele Momodu, it was an all-star cast. The event took place at the Expo Hall and witnessed performances from HKN’s Sina Rambo and B-Red, Naeto C, D’Banj, Iyanya, amongst others. Here are some of the pictures from the well attended concert:
Linda Ikeji
Sasha
Freeze
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Mocheddah
Dele Momodu
Funke Akindele
Yaw
Dangote