News, Events, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Fashion, Beauty, Inspiration and of course Gossip....
Wednesday 2 March 2016
Get to know your leaders
Get to know your leaders is a weekly publication on a prominent member of our society.
Tuesday 1 March 2016
Breaking : Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan govts must account for recovered loot – Court
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos in a landmark judgment has held that successive governments since the return of democracy in 1999 “breached the fundamental principles of transparency and accountability for failing to disclose details about the spending of recovered stolen public funds, including on a dedicated website.
Kris Jenner: Kanye West Needs a Twitter Board of Directors
Never one to hold her tongue, Kris Jenner showed up at “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” for a fascinating interview that will air on Tuesday (March 1).
NFF to get new jersey designs from NIKE soon
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and sports kits manufacturing company NIKE have concluded arrangements to redesign the national team jerseys,
Wednesday 24 February 2016
D’banj visits Timaya in his new Porsche car..read what Timaya got to say
cute Victoria Kimani Releases New stunning Photos
Chocolate city leading songstress Victoria Kimani shared the lovely pics on IG with fans.
See more after cut
John Dumelo talks about his view on how to treat women
The Ghanaian star actor, John Dumelo penned down his view on how to treat women …He shared them on his instagram page today...
more after the cut
more after the cut
Tuesday 16 February 2016
Diezani Alison-Madueke… Reveals shocking truthin interview
Nigeria’s former minister of petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke… In the concluding part of her interview with Dele Momodu insists she’s innocent of the allegations leveled against her. “Believe it or not, and God is my witness, I didn’t have to steal. I’m not an Angel but I’m not a devil. I don’t have billions anywhere. How is it possible for one woman to steal billions of dollars in a country like Nigeria? Did I blow up the vaults of the Central Bank or transfer the money to heaven? Where can you keep such money in this age of money laundering fiasco? “I did my job professionally without even thinking of anyone as opposition. Otherwise we would not have approved the Oando-Conoco Phillips deal…. Tinubu came to see me three times and we approved on merit…” She said while it is true that a Minister is influential, the real power is in NNPC, the cash cow. A Minister sits in the Ministry treating files, holding meetings at home and abroad, looking glamorous and taking all the flak but people forget that the soul and heart of the nation is NNPC.
Kanye West, Not really in debt
The rapper tweeted last week that he was in $53m debt but according to TMZ, the amount is accurate but it's not a debt. TMZ reports below...
The 58th Annual Grammy Awards ..Hosted by LL Cool J
The 58th Annual Grammy Awards just came to an end with a handful of your favorite artist, given credit for their work.
LL Cool J hosted this year's festivities, held at Los Angeles' Staples Center. See below for a full list of 2016 Grammy Awards winners:
LL Cool J hosted this year's festivities, held at Los Angeles' Staples Center. See below for a full list of 2016 Grammy Awards winners:
Monday 15 February 2016
Actress Yvonne Nelson shows off hot bikini body in pictures
The Ghanaian actress chilling somewhere in the world..See photos below...
Guess The subject
Back in school, I'm sure there's always that one subject, everyone falls asleep during the period...lol
Naira falls to N345/$ in parallel market
The Naira yesterday suffered its biggest daily depreciation against the dollar as the exchange rate rose to N345 per dollar in the parallel market. This represents N20 depreciation when compared with the closing exchange rate of N325 per dollar in the market on Friday.
President Buhari today sacked Onyeka, Onwenu, Others
Buhari sacks Onyeka Onwenu, Orhii, Odumodu, others.See Full List
The Feud Is Over: Kim And Amber / Kanye And Wiz Burry Hatchets
The world was in shock when Amber Rose, Kanye West’s most famous and vocal ex-girlfriend, and Kim Kardashian West, the rapper’s wife, shared a picture of them – together.
Taylor Swift’s Brother Throws Yeezys After Kanye Raps About Sex With Her
Austin Swift is having none of that! After Kanye West played a song from his new album on Fashion Week, in which he rapped about having sex with famed songstress Taylor Swift, Tay-Tay’s brother knew he wanted nothing to do with him, nor his brand.
Dangote launches 8,000 hectares rice growers scheme
As the Government turns attention to agriculture to ease the pressure on the economy and create jobs, President of Dangote Group at the weekend flagged off his multi-billion Naira 8000 hectares of Rice Outgrowers Scheme in Hadejia, Jigawa state
Emulate Kano in agriculture, Ogbe urges govs
Kano—Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has called on state governors in the country to emulate Kano State in its efforts at boosting agriculture, food security and providing jobs for jobless citizens.
Sunday 14 February 2016
cuts from Jumai Shaba's Dubai wedding.
Buhari’s ‘Egunje’ Budget
It is actually to the credit of the National Assembly that the gross errors of Nigeria’s 2016 Federal budget were spotted and brought to quick light. I have been a critic of the inaction and complicity of the legislative arm in the defrauding of Nigeria since 1999 by the various elected governments of the federation.
‘Love’ Unshaken
“Love isn’t something you find. Love is something that finds you”
It’s another season to express your love, whether you are in a long term relationship or a new found love. Whether it is to a family member, friend or colleague. It is a day that is supposed to transpire thoughts of happiness, gratefulness, kindness and consideration.
It’s another season to express your love, whether you are in a long term relationship or a new found love. Whether it is to a family member, friend or colleague. It is a day that is supposed to transpire thoughts of happiness, gratefulness, kindness and consideration.
Could this be you on Valentine’s day?! Getting down and dirty with the boss’ daughter!
It’s a known fact that every man has a treasured possession,” said Julius. (Mine is my newly acquired jeep, Seyi, my best friend loves his state-of-the art music equipment with his vast CD collection and our managing director adores his daughter, Juwon.
$2.1BN ARMS DEAL: Dasuki, others should be tried for treason
Air Vice Marshal Lucky Ochuko Ararile (retd) is the Ovie of Umiagwha Abraka Kingdom, Delta State. Before he retired from the military, he commanded many formations including the Operation Restore Hope for the Niger Delta. He was later appointed the Coordinator of the Amnesty Committee that midwifed the Amnesty Programme for ex-militants by former President Umar Yar’Adua. In this interview, the retired air force officer bares his mind on the $2.1bn arms deal involving a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), and some top military officers, among other national issues.
WAOW!!! Kanye West reveals he’s $53 Million in Debt
Kanye West has been very open on Twitter in recent weeks and last night the rapper revealed he is $53 million in debt.
Monday 25 January 2016
The Igbo-Yoruba feud
THE feud between the Igbo and the Yoruba ethnic groups is contrived, just like the feud between the Igbo and the Ikwere. Whenever these feuds take centrestage, the impetus is invariably traceable to the divide-and-rule imperative, which inevitably profits the oligarchy of northern Nigeria. Every other explanation adduced in the explanation of the phenomenon can only be peripheral. It is important to make this point from the outset, before going about the business of explanations – for the benefit of those who may genuinely be ignorant of a crucial factor in the continued inability to resolve some of the more critical of Nigeria’s contradictions.
Three arraigned over N1billion Bank of Industry fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Monday charged three men, Johnson Salako, Enoche Ugbabe and Enebeli Theophilus before an Ikeja High Court for allegedly stealing N1, 424 billion belonging to Bank of Industry.
Sunday 24 January 2016
21-year-old Young Man From Kebbi State Makes Cars And Engines With Scrap Material (Photos)
Talented Muzzamil Umma, 21, from Kebbi State builds cars and engines using scrap material he picks around Birnin Kebbi.
See more photos below:-
Oh my! E.J Johnson has really lost a lot of weight...(photos)
Son of basketball great and reality star, EJ Johnson, 23, stepped out in Beverly hills for the filming of an episode of Rich Kids of Beverly Hills and he looked fab in a tight all white outfit, brown fur coat and boots to match. More photos after the cut...
7 Month Pregnant Woman stabbed by Neighbour she Caught Stealing
What’s going on in Nigeria? We used to think that some of these gruesome crimes were restricted to American TV shows such as “Criminal Minds” but the news we read everyday is really disheartening.
A 7 Month pregnant woman was almost killed by her neighbour in Mushin after she caught him stealing from her. Tragically, she lost her unborn child.
Saturday 23 January 2016
With Mourinho gone, Arsenal to assert supremacy over Chelsea
With Jose Mourinho gone and Chelsea languishing, Premier League leaders Arsenal have an opportunity to assert their supremacy over their London rivals in Sunday’s encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
Buhari expresses concern on ranking of universities
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concern over low ranking of the country’s universities. The president expressed the concern on Saturday in Bauchi at the 19th to 22nd convocation ceremony of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
Rooney blast reminds Van Gaal of Rijkaard
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has praised captain Wayne Rooney for a half-time outburst that reminded him of a pivotal moment from his time with Ajax.
South Africa offers study grants for virgin girls
A South African region on Friday said it had launched a new grant scheme for girls who remain virgins throughout the course of their university studies, triggering outrage among rights groups.
Google to pay £130m to Britain in back taxes
Technology giant Google is to pay £130 million ($185.4 million, 172 million euros) in back taxes to Britain following a government inquiry into its tax arrangements, a company spokeswoman said Friday.
Photos: Khloe Kardashian suffers wardrobe malfunction
Girl misuses a bath oil and turns bright pink (photos)
Girl misuses a bath oil and turns bright pink (photos)
Self Promotion: Customs in massive de-ranking of officers: •4000 officers may be affected
CRISIS is brewing at the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, following management’s decision to clampdown on officers from the ranks of Assistant Comptroller of Customs to the lowest cadre, over their alleged indiscriminate allotment of ranks to themselves.
The development, it was gathered, has made some of the affected officers to start running helter skelter with a view to scuttling the exercise.
The development, it was gathered, has made some of the affected officers to start running helter skelter with a view to scuttling the exercise.
Alleged corruption: Ibori’s trial in London suffers setback
ABUJA - Trial of the erstwhile governor of Delta state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori and his associates before the Southwark Court, London, suffered a set back on Thursday.
Will Smith as Dr Bennet Omalu: Ayo Shonaiya shares his thoughts
Yesterday I shared TV Personality Bolanle Olukanni's comments about Will Smith's Nigerian accent in the film Concussion (See here). Well, TV Producer and music talent agent, Ayo Shonaiya absolutely doesn't agree with what Bolanle wrote, which was featured on MediaTakeOut and took to his Facebook page to air his views. Find what he wrote after the cut...
Metuh in handcuffs, gets N600m bail for alleged evidence destruction
ABUJA – The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, yesterday, granted bail to the embattled National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, to the tune of N300million with two sureties in like sum.
The Judge stressed that the two sureties must have verifiable addresses.
The Judge stressed that the two sureties must have verifiable addresses.
QueenSylvia Akuchie: transforming her passion for fashion to wealth
Film and Television Costume Designer, QueenSylvia Akuchie is a budding celebrity stylist, Costume Designer and Style Director. Sylvia, who discovered her flair for the creative arts at a tender age, has over the years transformed her passion for fashion into a stylishly rewarding career.
Help choose YBNL First Lady, Olamide begs fans
Abuja – Popular hip hop artist Olamide Adedeji, a.k.a Olamide has solicited the help of fans in selecting the first female artiste for his record label, the Yahoo Boy No Laptop (YBNL).
YBNL is currently an all-male music imprint which includes musical raves such as Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Vikto, Xino and Chinko Ekun.
Bearded Nollywood actors: What they say about their looks!
Love it or hate it, they are comfortable with their trendy looks. Even though it is said that the eyes are the window to the soul, many have come to the conclusion that it’s actually the beard. And that’s why many celebrities across the world today are stopping at nothing to sport facial hair that helps them to improve their popularity.
From Hollywood to Bollywood, and Nollywood to Ghollywood, the story has not changed. The male celebrities are steadily embracing this trend to redefine their personalities. Particularly in Nollywood, about five notable actors are leading the way.
They are Richard Mofe Damijo popularly known as RMD, former Tinsel star, Victor Olaotan, Zack Orji, Debo Jibola and now Fred Amata.
From Hollywood to Bollywood, and Nollywood to Ghollywood, the story has not changed. The male celebrities are steadily embracing this trend to redefine their personalities. Particularly in Nollywood, about five notable actors are leading the way.
They are Richard Mofe Damijo popularly known as RMD, former Tinsel star, Victor Olaotan, Zack Orji, Debo Jibola and now Fred Amata.
Ice Prince’s love life about to hit the rocks?
Ice Prince is known to be a talented rapper, but only a few know that he is a fighter when it comes to the matters of the heart.
Delta community thrown into mourning over monarch’s death
Decomposing body was found in Umunede, not Ekpon”
By Festus Ahon
THE hitherto bobbling town of Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, has been thrown into mourning, following the killing of their king, HRM Obi Akaeze Edward Ofulue III by his abductors.
By Festus Ahon
THE hitherto bobbling town of Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, has been thrown into mourning, following the killing of their king, HRM Obi Akaeze Edward Ofulue III by his abductors.
Photos: IMC Trade Fair in Bowen University
Yesterday, Bowen University had their annual IMC trade fair and here's what it looked like.
more photos below
Tyga spotted with Kylie Jenner look-alike Val Mercado
Rapper, Tyga who was recently spotted walking together on Thursday with Instagram model Val Mercado, whom everyone says looks eerily similar to his girlfriend Kylie Jenner, (don't see the resemblance). The two were seen at a Beverly Hills shopping center while Kylie spent Thursday night partying in the city with friends. Neither Tyga nor Val have commented on their rumoured relationship. More photos after the cut...
Photos:Gov. Ambode inspection tour to Aboru, Ajasa-Command Rd
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode went on an inspection tour of Ajasa-Command in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, on Thursday, January 21, 2016 with House of Representative member, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Deputy Director, Ministry Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Rasheed Akindele; General Manager, Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC), Engr. Ayotunde Sodeinde, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Bade Adebowale and Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo.
Friday 22 January 2016
Lassa Fever: One confirmed dead in Lagos
Shortlisted 447 contacts, records 14 suspected cases
By Chioma Obinna
The Lagos State government, Friday, confirmed the death of one of the three cases of Lassa Fever in the state.
Giving update in Lagos, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris said one dead victim was expected to be buried later Friday, noting that the State has recorded 14 suspected cases of Lassa Fever as at January 21.
He also disclosed that the Ministry has shortlisted 447 contacts of the confirmed cases and 438 (98 per cent) of the contacts who are currently being monitored.
Idris who was giving update on the Lassa Fever outbreak in the state along with the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, said: “Three of the suspected cases were confirmed positive of Lasssa Fever. One case was confirmed on January 15 and two cases were confirmed on January 18. Eight suspected cases tested negative, while we are awaiting results for the remaining three suspected cases.”
Speaking on the late victim, the commissioner said that it was a 51-year-old man who lived in Ilasan, Lekki and returned from Edo where he attended a wedding ceremony on December 28, last year.
According to Idris, the late patient was initially admitted at Divine Medical Centre in Ikoyi on January 12, 2016 and referred to Mainland Hospital Yaba early January 18, 2016 and later died at 2pm same day before the result of the laboratory test that confirmed him positive of Lassa Fever was received.
He said: “The dead victim will be buried today after due consultation with the family and has been kept in the morgue in leak proof body bag.”
Giving breakdown of the Lassa Fever cases in Lagos, he said the first confirmed case at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and listed the contact line as follows; Ifako Ijaiye; 100, Mushin; 18, Alimosho; 42 and Kosofe; one with a sub-total of 160.
Further giving breakdown, he added that contacts being monitored are as follows; Ifako Ijaiye- 91; Mushin – 18, Alimosho- 42; Kosofe- 1, with a sub-Total of 151
For case the two at Mainland General Hospital the contacts line listed is Eti-Osa- 66 and the contact line being monitored is at Eti-Osa- 66, with a sub- Total: 66.
“Case three, Mainland General Hospital, the contact line listed is at Amuwo: 220 and the contact being monitored is at Amuwo: 220, Sub-Total: 220. The over cases, total figure for both contacts line listed is 447 and contacts being monitored is put at 438.” he added.
The health Commissioner also stated that the Ministry has established an Emergency Operations Centre( EOC) and holds a daily briefing meeting at 6pm in the conference room of the ministry.
He requested for more Ribavirin injection and tablets and other items from the Federal Ministry of Health, adding that there is need for step up on community sensitization intervention.
Anambra Central Rerun: PDP must get it right —Obiora Okonkwo
Says he remains the authentic candidate
By Clifford Ndujihe
WITH the defection of Senator Uche Ekwunife to the All Progressives Congress, APC, after the Court of Appeal voided her election over invalid nomination as Anambra Central senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Obiora Okonkwo, who is also laying claim to the ticket, has urged the PDP leadership to use the opportunity to redress all anomalies hallmarking the process.
Okonkwo, who still has a case in an Abuja High Court where he went to contest Ekwunife’s right to the party’s ticket, said handing him the ticket is the surest way of resolving the crises the party is enmeshed in over the issue.
The politician said he is not opposed to a fresh primary to select a popular candidate for the PDP. Asked if he would partake in the primary, he said, “the question actually is not that I am running for primary, but that I remain the big contender for the seat.”
On what would happen to his case in court if he won the fresh primary, Okonkwo said, “my participation is without prejudice to any court case. Those processes are tests of popularity. And any party man will not shy away from any process.”
Indeed, his campaign body, the Dikeora Campaign Organization, in a statement by its Director-General, Chief (Arch) Okey Chukwuogo, stressed the reasons Dr Okonkwo should be given the ticket.
According to Chukwuogo, Dr Okonkwo is ‘’the authentic candidate who was illegally displaced by Ekwunife’s imposition. Dr. Okonkwo still has a subsisting pre-election suit in which, if he prevails, would result in declaring him the duly elected Senator. Furthermore, it was due to the confidence that Dr. Okonkwo’s candidature would be ultimately validated that led to the almost 40,000 votes garnered by the PDP in Idemili North and Idemili South where Dr. Okonkwo hails from. This is in addition to the quantum votes scored in the entire senatorial zone on account of Dr. Okonkwo’s presumptive status as the lawful candidate.’’
By Clifford Ndujihe
WITH the defection of Senator Uche Ekwunife to the All Progressives Congress, APC, after the Court of Appeal voided her election over invalid nomination as Anambra Central senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Obiora Okonkwo, who is also laying claim to the ticket, has urged the PDP leadership to use the opportunity to redress all anomalies hallmarking the process.
Okonkwo, who still has a case in an Abuja High Court where he went to contest Ekwunife’s right to the party’s ticket, said handing him the ticket is the surest way of resolving the crises the party is enmeshed in over the issue.
The politician said he is not opposed to a fresh primary to select a popular candidate for the PDP. Asked if he would partake in the primary, he said, “the question actually is not that I am running for primary, but that I remain the big contender for the seat.”
On what would happen to his case in court if he won the fresh primary, Okonkwo said, “my participation is without prejudice to any court case. Those processes are tests of popularity. And any party man will not shy away from any process.”
Indeed, his campaign body, the Dikeora Campaign Organization, in a statement by its Director-General, Chief (Arch) Okey Chukwuogo, stressed the reasons Dr Okonkwo should be given the ticket.
According to Chukwuogo, Dr Okonkwo is ‘’the authentic candidate who was illegally displaced by Ekwunife’s imposition. Dr. Okonkwo still has a subsisting pre-election suit in which, if he prevails, would result in declaring him the duly elected Senator. Furthermore, it was due to the confidence that Dr. Okonkwo’s candidature would be ultimately validated that led to the almost 40,000 votes garnered by the PDP in Idemili North and Idemili South where Dr. Okonkwo hails from. This is in addition to the quantum votes scored in the entire senatorial zone on account of Dr. Okonkwo’s presumptive status as the lawful candidate.’’
FG will not regulate online publications – Minister
The Minister of information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has assured that the Federal Government will not regulate Online Publications in the country, saying the publishers are responsible enough to regulate themselves.
The Minister gave the assurance on Friday when he met with Online Publishers in Lagos, in continuation of his ongoing consultation with key stakeholders in the Information and Culture sector.
He however told the publishers to ensure that they maintain their credibility, saying: ”If the online publications suffer credibility problems, they stand the risk of losing the confidence of their readers and the advertisers who provide the lifeblood for the publications’ survival”.
Alhaji Mohammed said while the number of online publications is bound to grow in the days ahead, only the credible ones will continue to enjoy patronage, either from the readers or from the advertisers.
He said it was in the interest of government that Online Publications continue to grow in number ”because the more the number of such online publications, the easier it becomes to bridge the information gap between the government and the governed, and the easier it becomes for the government to carry the citizens along in the formulation and implementation of policies that touch on their lives”.
The Minister promised that the Federal Government would patronize the Online Publications through adverts, saying: ”All we ask for, in return, is that you provide accurate information to the people, and avoid sensationalism and partisanship.”
He sought the Publishers’ support to ensure the success of the various campaigns that have either being launched or are about to be launched by the Federal Government.
”The National Security Awareness Campaign, aimed at rallying the support of Nigerians for the war on terror, is ongoing. Also, the National Sensitization Campaign against Corruption was formally launched in Abuja on Monday, and it is aimed at rallying Nigerians against the cankerworm of corruption which has eaten deep into the fabric of our society. We are also preparing to launch a National Re-orientation Campaign, which is tagged ‘CHANGE BEGINS WITH ME’, to achieve a paradigm shift in the way we do things,” Alhaji Mohammed said.
Describing the war against corruption as one of the cardinal programmes of the Buhari Administration, he said: ”Some have said the government is dwelling too much on the war against corruption to the detriment of other areas of governance. Our response to that is that indeed, there is nothing like dwelling too much on this war, which is a war of survival for our nation.
”The situation is grim, very grim indeed, as far as corruption is concerned. That is why the Federal Government is embarking on this sensitization Campaign Our approach is not to vilify anyone but to use facts and figures to give Nigerians a sense of the cost of corruption.”
The Minister blamed corruption for the fact that while the countrys budget had grown consistently from just over 900 billion Naira in 1999 to over 6 trillion Naira in 2016, poverty has also grown almost in direct proportion.
”The simple reason is that appropriated funds have ended up in the pockets of a few,” he said.
Giving a comparative analysis of the number of those who benefitted from the funds allegedly collected from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and funds allocated for the 2015 Zonal Intervention Projects, Alhaji Mohammed said ”the amount received by 21 individuals and companies from ONSA is more than the 2015 Zonal Intervention Project budget by 2.829 billion Naira!
”Whereas the sum of 51.829 billion Naira was appropriated for 1,278 projects in the Zonal Intervention Projects for 2015, a total of 21 individuals and companies benefited from the Dasukigate to the tune of 54.659 billion Naira as we know so far.
”The implication, therefore, is that the amount received by 21 individuals and companies is more than the 2015 Zonal Intervention Project budget by 2.829 billion Naira! Furthermore, the value of what beneficiaries of Dasukigate contributed to development is zero, compared to how the lives of Nigerians would have been transformed, poverty reduced and livelihoods improved by the Zonal Intervention Projects which would have cost 2.829 billion Naira less than Dasukigate.
He appealed to the Online Publishers to support the war against corruption by ensuring that Nigerians are well informed about the evils of corruption, saying: ”This is not Buhari’s war. This is not APC’s war. This is Nigeria’s war and failure is not an option.”
The Minister gave the assurance on Friday when he met with Online Publishers in Lagos, in continuation of his ongoing consultation with key stakeholders in the Information and Culture sector.
He however told the publishers to ensure that they maintain their credibility, saying: ”If the online publications suffer credibility problems, they stand the risk of losing the confidence of their readers and the advertisers who provide the lifeblood for the publications’ survival”.
Alhaji Mohammed said while the number of online publications is bound to grow in the days ahead, only the credible ones will continue to enjoy patronage, either from the readers or from the advertisers.
He said it was in the interest of government that Online Publications continue to grow in number ”because the more the number of such online publications, the easier it becomes to bridge the information gap between the government and the governed, and the easier it becomes for the government to carry the citizens along in the formulation and implementation of policies that touch on their lives”.
The Minister promised that the Federal Government would patronize the Online Publications through adverts, saying: ”All we ask for, in return, is that you provide accurate information to the people, and avoid sensationalism and partisanship.”
He sought the Publishers’ support to ensure the success of the various campaigns that have either being launched or are about to be launched by the Federal Government.
”The National Security Awareness Campaign, aimed at rallying the support of Nigerians for the war on terror, is ongoing. Also, the National Sensitization Campaign against Corruption was formally launched in Abuja on Monday, and it is aimed at rallying Nigerians against the cankerworm of corruption which has eaten deep into the fabric of our society. We are also preparing to launch a National Re-orientation Campaign, which is tagged ‘CHANGE BEGINS WITH ME’, to achieve a paradigm shift in the way we do things,” Alhaji Mohammed said.
Describing the war against corruption as one of the cardinal programmes of the Buhari Administration, he said: ”Some have said the government is dwelling too much on the war against corruption to the detriment of other areas of governance. Our response to that is that indeed, there is nothing like dwelling too much on this war, which is a war of survival for our nation.
”The situation is grim, very grim indeed, as far as corruption is concerned. That is why the Federal Government is embarking on this sensitization Campaign Our approach is not to vilify anyone but to use facts and figures to give Nigerians a sense of the cost of corruption.”
The Minister blamed corruption for the fact that while the countrys budget had grown consistently from just over 900 billion Naira in 1999 to over 6 trillion Naira in 2016, poverty has also grown almost in direct proportion.
”The simple reason is that appropriated funds have ended up in the pockets of a few,” he said.
Giving a comparative analysis of the number of those who benefitted from the funds allegedly collected from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and funds allocated for the 2015 Zonal Intervention Projects, Alhaji Mohammed said ”the amount received by 21 individuals and companies from ONSA is more than the 2015 Zonal Intervention Project budget by 2.829 billion Naira!
”Whereas the sum of 51.829 billion Naira was appropriated for 1,278 projects in the Zonal Intervention Projects for 2015, a total of 21 individuals and companies benefited from the Dasukigate to the tune of 54.659 billion Naira as we know so far.
”The implication, therefore, is that the amount received by 21 individuals and companies is more than the 2015 Zonal Intervention Project budget by 2.829 billion Naira! Furthermore, the value of what beneficiaries of Dasukigate contributed to development is zero, compared to how the lives of Nigerians would have been transformed, poverty reduced and livelihoods improved by the Zonal Intervention Projects which would have cost 2.829 billion Naira less than Dasukigate.
He appealed to the Online Publishers to support the war against corruption by ensuring that Nigerians are well informed about the evils of corruption, saying: ”This is not Buhari’s war. This is not APC’s war. This is Nigeria’s war and failure is not an option.”
9ice apologises, says ‘Toni Payne never cheated on me’
Abolore Adegbola Adigun, popularly known as 9ice, has released a statement saying his former wife Toni Payne never cheated on him. This is coming six years after Toni Payne has went through the torment and accusations of infidelity.
Read statement below:
It has come to my attention that yesterday some people were up to some mischief harassing Toni Payne regarding an evil rumor that was spread years ago. I would like to use this opportunity to state categorically that the song Once Bitten Twice shy was not and can never be about Toni Payne. I have NEVER accused her or told anybody that she cheated on me because she DID NOT. It did not happen and it was never an issue. Let me be very clear. Toni Payne NEVER cheated on me. Some marriages do not work for different reasons.
Unfortunately I released my album at a very delicate time in our relationship and a song from the album was taken the wrong way and things were blown out of proportion due to my silence.
I have apologized to her in person and she has accepted my apology. I have moved on to a fresh start and she has moved on too. I would appreciate if the general public do the same.
I would appreciate if people refrain from insulting her for something she is not guilty of.
Once again, the song Once Bitten Twice Shy was NEVER about TONI PAYNE. It was just a song. I wish I had come out sooner but I cannot change the past, I can only try and make amends for the future.
It is a new dawn for us all and I hope this closes the topic permanently. If it does not, maybe it is best I release a song clarifying this issue for the 100th time because what started all this was a song and all my effort to clear that air via interviews have been futile. I assure you, I will stop at nothing to make sure this evil rumor is put to sleep once and for all. Again It was never my intention to cause her pain. My apologies to everyone who was affected. God Bless!
Read statement below:
It has come to my attention that yesterday some people were up to some mischief harassing Toni Payne regarding an evil rumor that was spread years ago. I would like to use this opportunity to state categorically that the song Once Bitten Twice shy was not and can never be about Toni Payne. I have NEVER accused her or told anybody that she cheated on me because she DID NOT. It did not happen and it was never an issue. Let me be very clear. Toni Payne NEVER cheated on me. Some marriages do not work for different reasons.
Unfortunately I released my album at a very delicate time in our relationship and a song from the album was taken the wrong way and things were blown out of proportion due to my silence.
I have apologized to her in person and she has accepted my apology. I have moved on to a fresh start and she has moved on too. I would appreciate if the general public do the same.
I would appreciate if people refrain from insulting her for something she is not guilty of.
Once again, the song Once Bitten Twice Shy was NEVER about TONI PAYNE. It was just a song. I wish I had come out sooner but I cannot change the past, I can only try and make amends for the future.
It is a new dawn for us all and I hope this closes the topic permanently. If it does not, maybe it is best I release a song clarifying this issue for the 100th time because what started all this was a song and all my effort to clear that air via interviews have been futile. I assure you, I will stop at nothing to make sure this evil rumor is put to sleep once and for all. Again It was never my intention to cause her pain. My apologies to everyone who was affected. God Bless!
Dasuki challenges FG for disobeying court order
Former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) has challenged the audacity of the federal government to put him on trial on the alleged mismanagement of fund meant for purchase of arms.
He told an Abuja High Court Friday that government has no moral and legal rights now to prosecute him having been in contempt of three high courts that admitted him on bail but which were not obeyed.
When the matter came up today, defense counsel, Joseph Daudu SAN brought an “unless application” challenging the disobedience of the Federal Government to the earlier bail granted Dasuki.
Daudu submitted that the Federal Government cannot go ahead with the trial, having disobeyed an order of court which granted bail to the accused person.
He added that a party who disobeyed the order of the court cannot come back to the same court with a request or indulgence.
In the application, Dasuki is praying for an order of court prohibiting the Federal Government from further prosecuting him on the N19 billion alleged fraud or any other charge or seeking any form of indulgence before any court in the country, until the order admitting him to bail is obeyed.
He also wants an order discharging him of all the offenses contained in the charge on ground that the charge cannot not lawfully prosecuted by a government that is in brazen disobedient of a lawful court order.
Alternatively, the ex NSA prays for an order staying further proceedings in the charge until he has exhausted the remedies available to him in law for the enforcement of his right to liberty as preserved by the bail order granted him.
However, Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN noted the defense is employing a delay tactic in order to stall the trial.
In their own submissions, counsel to the 2nd and 3rd defendants, Chief Akin Olujinmi SAN and Solomon Umor told the court that they were just served in court the processes filed by Dasuki and government and that they need time to study it.
They however prayed the court for an adjournment.
Justice Hussain Baba Yusuf consequently adjourned the case till February 4.
Other accused persons are former Director of Finanance and Administration in the Office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, and a former Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Aminu Baba-Kusa, were present in court.
The case was earlier stalled on Thursday due to the absence of the defense counsel who wrote to the court that he had to be in Kogi state for an election petition matter.
The court had on Thursday compelled the Federal Government to produce Dasuki to answer criminal charges brought against him.
The trial judge, Justice Baba Yusuf had earlier chided the federal government over its failure to bring Dasuki to court.
The court at that point stood down the trial for two hours and insisted that the trial will not be conducted until Dasuki had been brought before him as required by law.
Security operatives who had taken the accused person to custody in the past six weeks went to bring him out when the reality downed on them that the Judge will not shift position.
Dasuki was however brought to the court around 11:00am in compliance with the court order under a tight security.
But the trial could not go ahead because of the absence of his counsel.
It will be recalled that Justice Baba Yusuf had on December 18, 2015 granted bail to Dasuki and the rest of his co-accused bail in the sum of N250m with one surety in relation to 19 counts of misappropriation of about N32bn meant for purchase of arms.
Also on December 21, 2015 Justice Peter Affen granted bail to Dasuki and his co-defendants with respect to another sent 22 counts of misappropriation of about N13bn, which was part of the arms fund, in the sum of N250m with two sureties in like sum.
But upon being released from prison after meeting the bail conditions, he was reportedly re-arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services.
It is also recalled that Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on Wednesday ordered the federal government to produce Dasuki before him on February 16 to answer another sets of criminal charges.
Justice Ademola maintained that it was wrong of the government to have expected the court to conduct a criminal trial in the absence of the defendant and in violation of the law.
He told an Abuja High Court Friday that government has no moral and legal rights now to prosecute him having been in contempt of three high courts that admitted him on bail but which were not obeyed.
When the matter came up today, defense counsel, Joseph Daudu SAN brought an “unless application” challenging the disobedience of the Federal Government to the earlier bail granted Dasuki.
Daudu submitted that the Federal Government cannot go ahead with the trial, having disobeyed an order of court which granted bail to the accused person.
He added that a party who disobeyed the order of the court cannot come back to the same court with a request or indulgence.
In the application, Dasuki is praying for an order of court prohibiting the Federal Government from further prosecuting him on the N19 billion alleged fraud or any other charge or seeking any form of indulgence before any court in the country, until the order admitting him to bail is obeyed.
He also wants an order discharging him of all the offenses contained in the charge on ground that the charge cannot not lawfully prosecuted by a government that is in brazen disobedient of a lawful court order.
Alternatively, the ex NSA prays for an order staying further proceedings in the charge until he has exhausted the remedies available to him in law for the enforcement of his right to liberty as preserved by the bail order granted him.
However, Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN noted the defense is employing a delay tactic in order to stall the trial.
In their own submissions, counsel to the 2nd and 3rd defendants, Chief Akin Olujinmi SAN and Solomon Umor told the court that they were just served in court the processes filed by Dasuki and government and that they need time to study it.
They however prayed the court for an adjournment.
Justice Hussain Baba Yusuf consequently adjourned the case till February 4.
Other accused persons are former Director of Finanance and Administration in the Office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, and a former Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Aminu Baba-Kusa, were present in court.
The case was earlier stalled on Thursday due to the absence of the defense counsel who wrote to the court that he had to be in Kogi state for an election petition matter.
The court had on Thursday compelled the Federal Government to produce Dasuki to answer criminal charges brought against him.
The trial judge, Justice Baba Yusuf had earlier chided the federal government over its failure to bring Dasuki to court.
The court at that point stood down the trial for two hours and insisted that the trial will not be conducted until Dasuki had been brought before him as required by law.
Security operatives who had taken the accused person to custody in the past six weeks went to bring him out when the reality downed on them that the Judge will not shift position.
Dasuki was however brought to the court around 11:00am in compliance with the court order under a tight security.
But the trial could not go ahead because of the absence of his counsel.
It will be recalled that Justice Baba Yusuf had on December 18, 2015 granted bail to Dasuki and the rest of his co-accused bail in the sum of N250m with one surety in relation to 19 counts of misappropriation of about N32bn meant for purchase of arms.
Also on December 21, 2015 Justice Peter Affen granted bail to Dasuki and his co-defendants with respect to another sent 22 counts of misappropriation of about N13bn, which was part of the arms fund, in the sum of N250m with two sureties in like sum.
But upon being released from prison after meeting the bail conditions, he was reportedly re-arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services.
It is also recalled that Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on Wednesday ordered the federal government to produce Dasuki before him on February 16 to answer another sets of criminal charges.
Justice Ademola maintained that it was wrong of the government to have expected the court to conduct a criminal trial in the absence of the defendant and in violation of the law.
NYSC Foundation moves to recover over N14.8m debts
ABUJA – The National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) Foundation has said it had become imperative for it to recover over N14.8 million debts, arising from soft loans granted ex-corps members over the years, for it to fulfill its purpose.
The foundation established in 2008 was a voluntary organisation that could be joined by any ex-corps members with N500 registration fees to have access to soft loan, if they have marketable business plan.
The Executive Secretary of the foundation, Mr. Adebanjo Akinnigbagbe, said that the only way to keep the loan facility alive was to recover the debts owed by beneficiaries which according to him, was taken from a revolving loan.
Akinnigbagbe, who disclosed this at the 2016 Desk Officers Workshop held in Abuja, charged desk officers to assist them in monitoring the beneficiaries to respect the agreement they had with the foundation.
His words; “In view of a great sore the foundation has, I want to remind the old desk officers and inform the new ones about a decision taken at our last meeting in 2013. This is the effect that desk Officers should assist in monitoring our loan beneficiaries who, as at today, owe us N14,808,000.00.
“This assignment has become even more relevant and of great importance to the foundation today because it is the money taken from a revolving loan and in order for the purpose it is serving not to collapse, those owing us should be visited and made to fulfill their obligation by paying up.”
The Chairman Board of trustees, NYSC Foundation, Mr. Abubakar Abdullah expressed their readiness to continue the soft loan facility, in spite of low demand.
He noted that only N6 million out of the sum of N10 million set aside as loan for beneficiaries was utilized so far.
“We still have that four million remaining, the board has not met to decide how much we are going to add but at worst we have something from last year and we will add another for this year.”
The NYSC Director of Corps Mobilisation, Mr Anthony Ani has called for partnership from organisations to aid NYSC in achieving its mandates.
“More than any other time this is when NYSC needs help because the population of corps members coming in is increasing by the day and government cannot do everything especially now that the resources of government is dwindling.
“This is the time we need serious partnership not just with the foundation but with any organisation that can help NYSC,” he said.
The foundation established in 2008 was a voluntary organisation that could be joined by any ex-corps members with N500 registration fees to have access to soft loan, if they have marketable business plan.
The Executive Secretary of the foundation, Mr. Adebanjo Akinnigbagbe, said that the only way to keep the loan facility alive was to recover the debts owed by beneficiaries which according to him, was taken from a revolving loan.
Akinnigbagbe, who disclosed this at the 2016 Desk Officers Workshop held in Abuja, charged desk officers to assist them in monitoring the beneficiaries to respect the agreement they had with the foundation.
His words; “In view of a great sore the foundation has, I want to remind the old desk officers and inform the new ones about a decision taken at our last meeting in 2013. This is the effect that desk Officers should assist in monitoring our loan beneficiaries who, as at today, owe us N14,808,000.00.
“This assignment has become even more relevant and of great importance to the foundation today because it is the money taken from a revolving loan and in order for the purpose it is serving not to collapse, those owing us should be visited and made to fulfill their obligation by paying up.”
The Chairman Board of trustees, NYSC Foundation, Mr. Abubakar Abdullah expressed their readiness to continue the soft loan facility, in spite of low demand.
He noted that only N6 million out of the sum of N10 million set aside as loan for beneficiaries was utilized so far.
“We still have that four million remaining, the board has not met to decide how much we are going to add but at worst we have something from last year and we will add another for this year.”
The NYSC Director of Corps Mobilisation, Mr Anthony Ani has called for partnership from organisations to aid NYSC in achieving its mandates.
“More than any other time this is when NYSC needs help because the population of corps members coming in is increasing by the day and government cannot do everything especially now that the resources of government is dwindling.
“This is the time we need serious partnership not just with the foundation but with any organisation that can help NYSC,” he said.
Nigeria forced to settle for draw against Tunisia
The Super Eagles of Nigeria were forced to 1-1 draw by the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in today’s Group C cracker at the ongoing African Nations Championship.
Akaichi’s goal was enough to give the Tunisians a point after Chikatara’s opener. The result puts the Super Eagles on the brink of qualification, while Tunisia need to win their last game against Niger to seal a place in the last eight.
Akaichi’s goal was enough to give the Tunisians a point after Chikatara’s opener. The result puts the Super Eagles on the brink of qualification, while Tunisia need to win their last game against Niger to seal a place in the last eight.
Photos: Court adjourns hearing on Dasuki's application to stop bail
Justice Baba Yusuf of the Federal High Court, Abuja today Friday Jan. 22nd adjourned the trial of the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki till February 4.
The counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, told Justice Yusuf on Friday that an application had earlier been made by Mr. Dasuki through his clients for stay of proceedings in court.
He said his client was of the view that the application should be refused. He noted that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act stipulates that such cases be heard daily, and argued that while the judge could hear a motion from the defendants, as the case progresses, a prayer for stay of proceedings should not be allowed.
Mr. Dasuki’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, countered that the details in the said application should be strongly evaluated, as it contained an abuse of the rules of court. Dauda said he had been unable to reach his client since he was rearrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
He was only able to see his client after a long time, after a court order on Thursday demanded that Mr. Dasuki be produced in court. The counsels to the second, third, fourth defendants also said they had neither been served with the said application, nor with the counter affidavit, from the prosecution.
Justice Yusuf, therefore ruled that the matter could not be heard yet.
"Having heard all parties, I can say with all sense of notice that the matter cannot be heard today," he noted.
He said it was important to allow Mr. Dasuki go through the counter-affidavit and make his responses to the issues raised and directed that counsels to the other defendants be served with the motion on notice, as well as the counter affidavits, before the next date of hearing.
N50 Stamp Duty: CBN exempts salary accounts, self-to-self transactions
The Central Bank of Nigeria says the recently introduced N50 stamp duty for all deposit transactions will not be collected for Payments of salaries and wages as well as payments and deposits for self-to-self transactions whether inter or intra bank.
This clarification was made in a statement sent out by the Director Corporate communication of CBN, Mallam Ibrahim Mu'azu yesterday January 21st.
The management of the apex bank had on Monday January 19th sent out a circular to all Deposit Money Banks and Other Financial institutions titled, "Collection and Remittance of statutory charges on receipts of Nigeria Postal Service under theStamp Duties Act”, mandating it to collect N50 stamp duty for deposit transactions.
The N50 stamp duty is being introduced to help increase the tax revenue of the Federal government. Part of the statement released by the CBN Director of Corporate Communication's reads “The implementation of the Stamp Duty at this point in time emanated from a Federal High Court order that the CBN should direct deposit money banks under its supervision to commence the collection of the duty on behalf of the federal government.
Consequently, the money deposit banks have been directed to commence the collection of the duty. Banks are to collect the N50 stamp duty and remit same to the Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) on behalf of the customer.
The N50 stamp duty is charged per transaction and NOT per volume. Hence, irrespective of the amount, the sum of N50 is to be charged provided such a transaction is N1,000 and above. There are however some exemptions and these include payments of salaries and wages, payments and deposits for self-to-self transactions whether inter or intra bank among others,’’ the statement said.
This clarification was made in a statement sent out by the Director Corporate communication of CBN, Mallam Ibrahim Mu'azu yesterday January 21st.
The management of the apex bank had on Monday January 19th sent out a circular to all Deposit Money Banks and Other Financial institutions titled, "Collection and Remittance of statutory charges on receipts of Nigeria Postal Service under theStamp Duties Act”, mandating it to collect N50 stamp duty for deposit transactions.
The N50 stamp duty is being introduced to help increase the tax revenue of the Federal government. Part of the statement released by the CBN Director of Corporate Communication's reads “The implementation of the Stamp Duty at this point in time emanated from a Federal High Court order that the CBN should direct deposit money banks under its supervision to commence the collection of the duty on behalf of the federal government.
Consequently, the money deposit banks have been directed to commence the collection of the duty. Banks are to collect the N50 stamp duty and remit same to the Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) on behalf of the customer.
The N50 stamp duty is charged per transaction and NOT per volume. Hence, irrespective of the amount, the sum of N50 is to be charged provided such a transaction is N1,000 and above. There are however some exemptions and these include payments of salaries and wages, payments and deposits for self-to-self transactions whether inter or intra bank among others,’’ the statement said.
Singer Adele breaks yet another record
Seems like everyone is saying Hi to Adele's Hello as the hit song has broken yet another record, this time on YouTube. The streaming service announced that the video for the song garnered one billion views in 87 days breaking the record for Psy's Gangnam style which needed 158 days, that's a rate of about 11 million a day. With the new feat, Adele becomes the first artist to register one billion YouTube views within three months.
'If anyone deserves it, it's Adele and that song,' said Susanne Daniels, the head of original programming at YouTube.
The news comes just weeks after Adele's third album, 25, smashed global records with its chart success - beating the Fifa 16 computer game to become the UK's biggest-selling home entertainment title of 2015.
'If anyone deserves it, it's Adele and that song,' said Susanne Daniels, the head of original programming at YouTube.
The news comes just weeks after Adele's third album, 25, smashed global records with its chart success - beating the Fifa 16 computer game to become the UK's biggest-selling home entertainment title of 2015.
Court grants Metuh N300m bail for allegedly tearing his statement to EFCC
A Federal High Court in Abuja today granted PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, N300 million bail over allegations of destroying a statement he wrote in the EFCC head office. Metuh was arraigned in court by the EFCC yesterday January 21st on a two-count charge of destroying evidence to be used against him in a separate trial he is facing relating to the N2.1 billion arms deal fraud.
One of the counts read
One of the counts read
“Olisa Metuh on the 5th day of January 2016 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory destroyed a document, to wit: a statement made under caution to investigators/operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on the 5th of January 2016, with the intention of preventing the same from being produced or used as evidence in a court of law.”Metuh pleaded not guilty to the accusation. The presiding judge, Justice Ishaq Bello, then granted him bail in the sum of N300m and two sureties in like sum. Justice Bello refused Metuh's counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu's application to grant him bail on self recognition.
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