2015: I’ll Be glad to run with Kwankwaso – Amaechi

Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi has said that he would be glad to contest as presidential running mate of Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in 2015.
Amaechi spoke in Kano Government House yesterday shortly after having a closed-door meeting with his host. They later moved to a site along Aminu KanoInternational Airport to commission a road project.
When asked on the propriety of his posters in Kano and Jigawa State where himself, Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido appeared together as contesting for 2015 presidency, Amaechi said, “I will be glad to contest as presidential running mate to either of the two.”
Amaechi further laughed, looking at his side where Kwankwaso was standing and asked rhetorically “ including kano”.

"I am not as Stupid as you think" - Stella Damasus replies Bloggers, Journalists.

This is an unedited memo from Stella Damasus:

I have been trending for the past two days now. Day one was about people wishing me well and praying for me on my birthday. Day two is now filled with gossip, scandals and all sorts, but that is as far as the so called journalists and bloggers are concerned. As far as I am concerned I had a blast on my birthday and I will not allow other human beings steal my joy regardless.

I choose to enjoy my life because I know I deserve it. Nobody went through my own trying times with me and I did not go through any with others.

When God decides to bless me, turn my mourning to dancing, turn my tears to laughter and turn my anger to happiness, no man on earth can change it or spoil it.

Police find drugs and gun on Justin Bieber’s tour bus

The police confirm that they raided the tour bus after smelling cannabis coming from the vehicle while it was parked outside a hotel. The drug squad were alerted and the bus was raided during Bieber’s concert in the Swedish capital of Stockholm.
Officers raided the bus and found a ‘small amount of drugs’ as well as a stun gun.
But despite the controversy, a source close to Biebs exclusively told omg! that the whole thing has been blown out of proportion, adding: “It’s such a non-story. No one was arrested or cited for anything.”
Police spokesman Lars Bystrom confirmed that they have no suspects and no one has been arrested. He also declined to identify the drug, but said it had been sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The police went on to say that as they don’t know who had the drugs or who was using them, it’d be hard to link them to one single individual.
A Swedish police spokesman said that the matter ‘was not a priority’ and the singer and his entourage would not be prevented from leaving the country.
However, the issue of the stun gun could be problematic – in Sweden a permit is needed and they didn’t have one.

Police officers reportedly smelt marijuana coming from Justin Bieber’s tour bus 30 minutes before he was due to …

Justin has been causing controversy for months now with erratic behaviour – most recently reportedly throwing a tantrum during a photoshoot in Denmark.
The 19 year-old singer reportedly turned up to the shoot six hours late and then threw a tantrum over a hat he was asked to wear.
An insider at the shoot said: “This kid is quickly getting a reputation as someone that no one wants to work with. It was disgraceful.”

Mercy Johnson Returns, Sets April 28 For Child’s Dedication

No doubt, if there’s any thespian that Nollywood lovers and players have missed in recent time, it is definitely sexy actress, Mercy Johnson. The dark and lovely diva took a bow away from the screen some months back to attend to marital requirements.

Now a nursing mother, Mercy has been in the United States of America since her marriage to Prince Odianosen Okojie and she gave birth to a bouncing baby girl in December 2012 while in the god’s own country.

Nigeria's Deputy Ambassador to Switzerland, Bashir Musa, dies at 56

Nigeria’s Deputy Ambassador to Switzerland, Mr Bashir Musa, died on Tuesday April 23rd in Bern following a brief illness, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. He was 56. Bashir Musa was appointed ambassador in 2012, and had previously worked at the Nigerian High Commission in London. May his soul rest in peace...amen.

FG, states get NEC’s approval to borrow $9bn

Vice-President Namadi Sambo

The National Economic Council on Thursday approved the plan by the federal and state governments to borrow  $9bn from some international organisations.

The council, chaired by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, has all the state governors and  ministers of National Planning, Federal Capital Territory and Justice as members.

Governors Peter Obi (Anambra); Liyel Imoke (Cross River); and Umar Garba (Taraba) as well as the Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman; and Minister of State for Power, Mrs. Zaynab Kuchi, briefed journalists on the outcome of the meeting.

Usman said the approval was granted based on a presentation made by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. He added that   the  nod    had earlier been given by the National Assembly.

Northern govs beg Boko Haram to accept amnesty

The Northern Governors’ Forum on Thursday lamented the effect of the   Boko Haram insurgency on the North and pleaded with members of the violent Islamic sect to accept the planned amnesty for them by the Federal Government.

The Chairman of the forum and Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, stated this while receiving the report of the forum’s Committee on Reconciliation, Healing and Security, in Abuja  on Thursday.

Aliyu, who  said the activities of the insurgents had led to destruction of many lives and property, also advised the Federal Government to  complement the resolve of  the forum  by taking into account, the findings and recommendations of its committee.

 “Members of the insurgent group are called upon for immediate ceasefire; accept the offer made by the Federal Government and come forward for dialogue and eventual submission of arms,” the governor said.

NSC DG: Candidates to wait for long time

Those hoping to occupy the post of Director General of the National Sports Commission may have to wait for quite a long time, The PUNCH has learnt. Our correspondent learnt on authority that even though some directors have subtly shown interest in the position, there is yet to be official declaration of vacancy in the position vacated by Dr. Patrick Ekeji on April 8.

An aide of the Sports Minister Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi told our correspondent that President Goodluck Jonathan is yet to get official statement on the matter from his minister.

“I am not sure that filling up the position of the DG is of immediate importance as some people view it in the sports circle. For the much I know concerning that position, the minister is yet to formally write to the Presidency concerning any vacancy. That letter will be the first step towards getting a replacement for Ekeji and so we are still far from there,” he said.

Audition For Actors and Actresses For New Movie

 

'Rich Movies,' the producers of 'Untapped Love,' 'Pain of Tradition,' 'Power of Dance' and 'Obum' have scheduled an audition for a new movie titled 'Ugly Reward.'

All interested applicants should be fluent in English and must reside in Nigeria or Ghana.

To apply, forward Name, Age, Sex, Location, Phone Nunmber and full photo to: richway4real@ya­hoo.com

Entry closes on April 27, 2013.

Audition Date: April 29, 2013.

Venue: Benny Hotels @ First Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos, Nigeria.

Time: 10am prompt.

For more information, call 08066277121.


Source

Pete Edochie Is My Father, He Denies Me Paternity-Kenyan Top Model, Ephy Saint

He’s popularly known as Ephy Saint in Nairobi, Kenya where he reigns supreme as a model and thespian of note. This actor cum model is yet to unravel the mystery surrounding his paternity as he claims to be a son to the veteran actor, Pete Edochie popularly known as Okonkwo by movie buffs. When we first came out with a bit of the story, so many things happened, Chief Edochie was contacted by Kenyan journalists and he denied, for the 15th time, having anything to do with an offspring in Kenya. A call from our office to his line 080920**16* was not picked and even our sms to him was not attended to. In this interview with Alonge Michael, this 24 year-old entertainer said he was really bitter that all his effort to meet his father is futile. Please read this interesting and revealing interview.

Fayemi weeps as Olayinka’s body arrives Ekiti

The body of the  Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, arrived in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday as her final rite of passage began.
Governor Kayode Fayemi, who received her corpse at the Governor’s Office, initially broke down in tears before summoning courage to eulogise the deceased.
Olayinka died of breast cancer in Lagos on April 6 at the age of 52.
The body, brought to Akure Airport aboard an Aero aircraft, was received by a delegation led by the governor’s wife, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, and Senator Babafemi Ojudu.
The  deceased daughters, Ololade, Olamide and Yeside, who were dressed in blue lace, yellow headgears and dark sun glasses, accompanied the corpse.

Saraki mediates in Amaechi, Akpabio dispute

There were strong indications that temporary reprieve might be coming the way of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday.

This followed a truce brokered between the Nigerian Governors’ Forum Chairman, Rotimi Ameachi and his PDP Governors’ Forum counterpart, Godswill Akpabio by the former NGF Chairman, Senator  Bukola Saraki.

Saraki, it was gathered, extracted a commitment from both men to operate in their offices based on the principle of mutual respect.

Saraki’s intervention in the face-off, our correspondent learnt, took place before the PDP governors met at an enlarged session later on Wednesday night.

Saraki at the meeting urged the two governors to help stabilise the party by avoiding unnecessary media war.

Relationship between Amaechi and Akpabio deteriorated with the formation of the PDPGF about two months ago.

Africa U-17: Nigeria beat Tunisia to reach final

A Nigerian player (left) with a Malian player during their U-17 Championship qualifier in Calabar last year.

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have qualified for the final match of the 2013 Africa U-17 Championships after cruising to a 4-2 win over their Tunisian counterparts.

 The Eaglets were quick to scoring as Kelechi Iheanacho put Nigeria in the lead with just two minutes into the game. And they quickly doubled the lead ten minutes later when Musa Yahaya scored. Isaac Success scored the third goal for Nigeria.

 Tunisia pulled one back following poor defending from the Eaglets when Mohamed Larbi scored in the 25th minute. Soon afterwards, the North Africans reduced the margin when Hazem Hassen scored and the first half ended at 3-2.

Both sides were very competitive at resumption of play but it was the Nigerians that hit the net again through Yahaya in the 58th minute to secure a place in the final.

 “We are very happy to qualify for the final because our aim was to come here and win this trophy and make Nigerians happy,” Chidera Ezeh said at the post match conference.

“We are happy to be in the final and as usual, we will be waiting for instructions from our coaches to play against Ivory Coast in the final.”

PUNCH

Everton to cough out €5.5m for Onazi

Everton are expected to produce €5.5m if they are to get Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi from Serie A club Lazio.

The Toffees are reportedly close to concluding talks on the 20-year-old.

According to Mercato, Everton have already contacted Lazio regarding the Nigerian midfield international who has played nine times for Nigeria.

Onazi is far from a regular for Lazio, he has made just five appearances for the club in Serie A games, but he has been a regular for them in their Europa League campaign.

With South African Daylon Claessen already on trial at Goodison Park and transfer rumours linking Everton with a summer move for Real Betis midfielder Juan Carlos in the summer, the possibility of the Africa Cup of Nations hero going to England is not being ruled out.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are hopeful of fending off interest from Arsenal to secure a summer deal for Nigeria international Godfrey Oboabona.

The 23-year-old is desperate to leave current club Sunshine Stars at the end of the season, and his agent has been actively offering him around European clubs.

Oboabona already has a number of potential suitors, but was expected to undergo a trial with Arsenal last month in a bid to try and win a contract with his boyhood club.

Chelsea ready for Basel battle — Mikel

Mikel Obi has said that Chelsea expect FC Basel to give them a tough match in Thursday’s Europa League semi-final.

Basel defeated Manchester United 2-1 in 2011 UEFA Champions League to consign United to the Europa League for the first time under Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Swiss side also defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 in the first leg of the round of 16 of this year’s Champions League.

Mikel reckoned that for Basel to have sent out Tottenham Hotspur from the competition and still be alive to this stage of the competition speak volumes of their quality.

“They must be a good team to have reached this stage of the competition. We won’t take them for granted. They will be as tough as any other team could be. The fact that they beat Tottenham in this competition speaks volumes of how good they are,” Nigeria international midfielder Mikel told MTNFootball.com.

PDP NEC: Presidency woos governors, state chairmen

PDP National Chairman, Dr Bamanga Tukur

President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party are reaching out to the party’s 23  governors and state chairmen ahead of the PDP National Executive Committee meeting.

Investigations on Wednesday revealed that the leadership of the party had put the meeting on hold until the tussle over the Nigerian Governors’ Forum chairmanship is resolved.

It was reliably gathered that the decision not to hold the NEC meeting was part of moves to avoid a rancorous forum.

The  outcome of the ongoing efforts to elect a new chairman, it was also learnt,  would determine when the NEC meeting would hold.

The PDP, had in a statement  on Friday  by its National  Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh,  said  it was ready to hold its NEC meeting.

We’ll punish those behind Borno massacre –Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan

An obviously disturbed President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday vowed to ensure that those  found culpable in the  massacre of no fewer than 185  people during a clash between the militant Islamic sect, Boko Haram,  and the  Multinational Joint Task Force in Baga, Borno State, would be dealt with.

Jonathan made the promise while inaugurating the  Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North and the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President warned security operatives against bringing large scale destruction to communities in the name of peacekeeping.

UTME may not hold in troubled northern states

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Wednesday said the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination might not hold in troubled states in the North.

The examination, in which over 1, 735,720 candidates are expected to participate in will hold on Saturday.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the JAMB Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. ‘Dibu Ojerinde, said the board “may not hesitate to stop the examination if there is any security problem”.

Responding to a question on security challenges in the country, Ojerinde said, “Yesterday it was a big discussion among some agents as well as JAMB. We believe that things will be all right. You see, we believe that we will surmount the problem.

FG blames power problem on military rule

President Goodluck Jonathan

ABUJA—THE Federal Government, yesterday, shifted blames for the problem of power in the country on the 30 years of military rule, just as it said that planning was relegated to the background during the period.
Speaking when he presented his scorecard to the National Chairman of  Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and other members of the National Working Committee, NWC, Minister of National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman was pessimistic on achieving the set goal of becoming one of the top 20 most developed economies by the year 2020.
Shamsuddeen Usman said: “During the military era planning was relegated and for more than 30 years we neglected the power sector”.
The minister also disclosed that the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, NIMP, designed for the next 30 years will be ready in July, even as he said 50 percent of the nation’s bilateral agreements were presently not functioning as some of them were already dead.

Jonathan to Amnesty Committee: Help end excesses of Boko Haram

INAUGURATION—President Goodluck Jonathan (4thL); Vice-President Namadi Sambo (5thL) with members of the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North after their inauguration at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

FG not serious with proposed dialogue — Shehu Sanni
ABUJA—President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, expressed the determination of his government to put an end to the excesses of the Boko Haram sect.
President Jonathan who expressed this resolve while inaugurating the Presidential Committee on engagement with members of the Boko Haram Sect charged the committee members to come up with solutions that will restore peace in the troubled Northern part of the country.
Inaugurating the committee as well as the committee on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday, President Jonathan prayed Allah to grant members of the committees the wisdom to do their job.
He said: “Nigerians are expecting this committee to perform magic and we pray that Allah should give you the wisdom to do so, because without peace we can’t develop no matter how committed we are”.
He charged members of the committee to establish a link with members of the Boko Haram sect and develop a framework through which disarmament will take place.

Nollywood Actress Stella Damasus Secretly Marries Actress, Dorris Simeon's Ex-Husband

The latest gist making round is that Nollywood actress Stella Damasus has married fellow actress Doris Simeon’s ex-husband, Daniel Ademinokan secretly.
According to sources, Daniel Ademinokan and Stella relocated to Abuja a couple of months back in order to strengthen their relationships.
As we speak, the two have married each other in a secret wedding that took place outside of the country.

Some Celebrities and their Families

Omoni Oboli and her sons 2012

We often see them on the big or small screen, or all dolled and suited up on the red carpet, alone or with their partners, however, some celebrities can be quite protective of their families. Once in a while though, they share some pictures of them at home or out with their kids and for those of us who admire some of them, it can be encouraging. Check out more pictures of Omotola, Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs, Van Vicker, Ramsey Nouah, Charlyboy, Eldee and David Oyelowo. Enjoy!

Times' Honour: Omotola Wows Fan And Foes [PICTURES]

Superb actress, Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde surprised all and sundry when she stepped into the city of America, New York precisely for the Time 100 Gala event that took place yesterday night.

Omosexy, who received the prestigious honour as the queen of Nollywood, was well applauded for the feat.

US Vice President Joe Biden Spoke at the event and Christina Aguilera also did make some performance too.

Celebrity Birthday: Stella Damasus

Today is the birthday of star actress, Stella Damasus. She was born April 24, 1978. She is from Asaba in Delta State (Nigeria). She attended Greater Tomorrow Primary School in Benin for her primary school education. She attended Idia College in Benin for her secondary school education. She attended the University of Lagos, where she studied Creative Arts.
She appeared in her first movie, Abused in 1992. Since then she has gone on to thrill fans with stellar performances movies such as Two Brides and a Baby, Engagement Night,  Rattlesnake, The Widow, The Intruder, Never Say Goodbye, and The Bridesmaid.

Source

Photo Of Nollywood Actress Chika Ike Shaves Her Hair For N5 Million

No plan to scrap NECO, UTME, Minister tells Senate

The Federal Government, Thursday, said there were no plans to scrap the University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UMTE) and National Examination Council (NECO) as being speculated, stressing that mischief makers were out to pitch the government against the people.

Speaking, yesterday, when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Education, led by Senator Uche Chukwumerije, PDP, Abia North, Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, said in  politics, it was possible for people who might have issues with government to come up with how government will be seen as unpopular, adding that critics of government had a hidden agenda.

Jonathan orders investigation into Baga killings, says casualty figure “grossly exaggerated"

A few hours after PREMIUM TIMES reported the silence of President Goodluck Jonathan, over 48 hours after the killing of several scores of civilians in Baga, Borno State, the president has ordered an investigation into the killings.
In a statement by his spokesman, Reuben Abati, the president said he ordered “a full-scale investigation into reports of high civilian casualties in the confrontation between Nigerian soldiers and insurgents at Baga in Borno State at the weekend,” after receiving “preliminary briefings from the Military High Command.”
“While the preliminary briefings indicate that the casualty figures being reported by the foreign media may be grossly exaggerated, President Jonathan assures Nigerians and the global community that the Federal Government of Nigeria places the highest possible value on the lives of all citizens of the country and that his administration will continue to do everything possible to avoid the killing or injuring of innocent bystanders in security operations against terrorists and insurgents,” Mr. Abati said.

Guardian tortures 12-year-old girl for getting raped

Chibueze, The injured leg and The victim

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a guardian, Edwin Alagbaso, for allegedly torturing a 12-year-old rape victim.

Alagbaso, who used razor blade, knife and an iron rod to punish the victim, blamed her for “causing the rape”.

 A 22-year-old man, Uche Chibueze, who raped the minor, was also arrested by the police.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Chibueze, on April 15, 2013, had sex with the victim near the home of her guardian located at number 1 Magente Street, Pipeline, Akute.

Chibueze, however, told our correspondent that he did not rape the victim since it was consensual.

He said, “I was at a friend’s gathering when she came to me saying she had spiritual problem and wanted to know her real family. I told her that she should follow me to Solution Church which was nearby and she agreed.

Stop ‘elderly rascality’, Oshiomhole warns Igbinedion

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Monday  warned the  Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, to stop undermining state laws.

Oshiomhole, at the inauguration  of 14 newly elected local government chairmen  in Benin,   said government had  the capacity and the will to contain Igbinedion’s excesses.

He also asked the state Independent Electoral Commission to tender unreserved apology to the people of the state for the lapses recorded in the local government election held on Saturday.

He said, “There is evidence that he (Igbinedion) has undermined the prosperity of the state for a very long time. Those who live in glass houses do not throw stones.

Eaglets practise penalties ahead of Tunisia clash

Golden Eaglets striker, Kelechi Iheanacho

Coach Manu Garba and his technical crew on Monday took the Golden Eaglets through rigorous penalty kicks training as they prepared ahead of their crucial Morocco 2013 CAN U-17 semi-final game against Tunisia on Wednesday at the Grande Stade de Marrakech.

At Monday’s training at the Sidi Youssef Ben Ali Stadium in Marrakech, the coaches took time off the regular training routine to teach the players the art of taking penalty kicks.

“We have never excluded taking penalties from our training even before now,” Garba said.

 “In fact, almost all the players are good at taking penalties but we are going to even work more as we prepare against Tunisia.

 “We are taking no chances at all and we are taking everything seriously. But we don’t want to depend on the lottery of the penalties as such; we will try our best and win the match in regulation time.”

Flood sweeps away seven-year-old pupil in Ekiti

Olamide

The downpour in Ado Ekiti on Sunday evening left a trail of sorrow following the death of a primary one pupil, Olamide Ayeni, who was swept away by the flood.

Other residents of the town suffered massive destruction of property.

The rain which started around 8.15pm swept away Olamide who followed his elder sister, Faith, who was on an errand before the rain started.

Faith decided to defy the rain after waiting for it to subside for close to an hour.

The parents of the boy were said to have been relocated from their residence at 45, Dallimore Street, Ado Ekiti because of the trauma.

Red Cross says 187, not 185, died in Borno village, Baga, during JTF, Boko Haram fight

More people were killed than earlier reported in the small village of Baga, which sits along the shores of Lake Chad in Borno State, in a deadly fighting between suspected members of the Boko Haram sect and a military task force, the Red Cross has said.
Initial reports said 185 people were killed either in the crossfire, or were burnt to death after the Joint Task Force razed the entire community down. Military authorities have denied the figures, claiming they were exaggerated.
”On my honour as a soldier, nothing like that happened,” commander of the Joint Task Force, Brigadier General Austin Edokpaye, was quoted as saying.
But the Red Cross said Monday at least 187 people died, while another 77 were receiving medical treatment, the Associated Press reported.

Nigerians must look to God for solution – Kumuyi

Pastor William Kumuyi

The General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, William Kumuyi, has declared that the only antidote to the various challenges plaguing the world and Nigeria in particular is a closer relationship with God and a life devoted to his will.

He said this at the church’s fourth edition of the special miracle service held at its conference centre on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a statement on Monday stated.

Kumuyi said, “While perilous times may not abate, a life dedicated to God has the capacity to weather the severest of storms. And those who are wise must seek to build bridges across to God rather than running helter-skelter looking for solution where there’s none.”

NGF: Presidency in fresh move to sack Amaechi

The Presidency has initiated a  fresh move to ensure that Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi  does not retain his post as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

It was gathered that ahead of the fifth  meeting of the  NGF slated for Wednesday,  15 state governors met with President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday night in Abuja.

Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State-led the delegation which had  Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State as the only non-PDP governor in attendance.

A  source privy to the meeting confided in one of our correspondents  that the  Forum which  was preceded by a special dinner was “essentially to mobilise support for the emergence of Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema  as the next chairman of the NGF.”

Kate Middleton shows off baby bump

She's six months pregnant...

Nigerian Comedian Princess Gets Married

Popular comedian, Princess Damilola Adekoya fondly known as Princess is now married.

She was spotted at the registry with her husband, Ade and of course she was full of smiles.

Her traditional wedding has been scheduled for May 8, 2013.

Over 30 houses, shops razed in Ibadan petroleum tanker accident

The sad incident occurred yesterday afternoon Monday April 22nd in the Omitowoju area of Ibadan, in Oyo State. The fire started after a fully loaded petroleum tanker passing through a residential area fell off the road and spilled its 33, 000 litres of petrol.

Over 30 houses and and at least 30 shops in the area were burnt to ashes. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) eventually put out the fire but couldn't say for sure if anyone was killed by the fire.

Former Super Eagles Captain, Segun Odegbami, set to launch book

Chief Segun Odegbami popularly known as the "Mathematical", an ex international football player, former super eagles captain, 1 goal ambassador, Ambassador for sports would on the 2nd of May, 2013 be launching his book titled " Me, Football and More".

The event has been scheduled to take a place in 15 states cut across Nigeria starting from Lagos on the 2nd of May at the anchor event place, Ikeja, Lagos.


Chief Segun Odegbami who has being a columnist for various national and international papers for more than 2 decades would be using this event to properly present a compilation of some of his selected writings from his past articles over the last 20 years.

Friends plan big for Fred Amata @50

Actor, producer and director, Fred Amata will turn 50 in a few weeks and in celebration of that, friends of the actor have initiated activities to celebrate him. It will include:

A celebrity charity challenge which will be a novelty football match where a select team of Nollywood  stars, actors, musicians, comedians TV&Radio  personalities, challenge, the 1994 nations cup winning Super Eagles team  Kanu Nwankwo, J Jay Okocha and other eagles players to 'Soccertainment' for charity.

This is will be followed by a White Tie Charity Dinner at the Muson Centre on de 18th of may, where variety performances and excerpts from Fred Agbeyegbe's stage play "The King Must Dance Naked" will be performed by Fred Amata and an ensemble cast including, Nobert Young, Kate Henshaw Segun Arinze, Keppy Ekpeyoung Bassey, Bimbo Manuel, Bimbo Akintola, and chidi Mokeme.

Compensate families of Boko Haram victims – Tinubu

Action Congress of Nigeria National leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has urged the Federal Government to compensate victims of Boko Haram violence.
Tinubu also cautioned that the Federal Government planned amnesty for members of the sect should not be a blanket one.
The targets of such an initiative, the former Lagos State governor said, should be those fighting because of injustice done to them.
He spoke in Ado Ekiti on Friday while condoling with Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State over the death of his deputy, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka.
The ACN leader, in company with the party’s National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin, and Senator Babafemi Ojudu during the visit, said there was the need to improve on the country’s security.
Noting that no amount of money could bring back a dead person, he said the victims and their families deserved compensation to mitigate their grief and to demonstrate that the government cared about them.
Tinubu said, “Any government, which cannot guarantee peace and security in its domain is a failure.

Corruption massive under Jonathan – US

The United States government on Friday indicted the President Goodluck Jonathan led Federal Government of massive and widespread corruption.
According to the United States Department of State, government officials and agencies frequently engage in corrupt practices with impunity.
This was contained in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012, which was released on Friday evening.
In the report, the judiciary and security agencies, especially the police, were said be lacking in transparency.
It read in part,“The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption; however, the government did not implement the law effectively, and officials frequently engaged in corrupt practices with impunity. Massive, widespread, and pervasive corruption affected all levels of government and the security forces. The constitution provides immunity from civil and criminal prosecution for the president, vice president, governors, and deputy governors while in office.

Thousands rally for Governor Amaechi

The rally at Government House Port Harcourt

Thousands of members of the Peoples Democratic Party in oil rich Nigerian state of Rivers have trooped to Government House in Port Harcourt, in a demonstration of support for Governor Rotimi Amaechi. The demonstrators came from various Local Government Areas in the state.
Amaechi, also chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum appeared to be the target of wing-clipping by his party, with the latest being the supplanting of the state executive officers of the party by another set loyal to the party chiefs in Abuja.

Governor Amaechi who was not on hand to receive the demonstrators was represented by the Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, who said the temple of justice has been desecrated following the Abuja High Court judgment that removed the Godpower Ake led PDP State Executive.
He recalled that he was part of the congress that took place on March 27, 2012, the votes were counted and the results revealed.

Ekiti state declares 26 April holiday for Olayinka

The government of the western Nigerian state of Ekiti has declared April 26 as work-free day in honour of the late deputy governor, Olufunmilayo Olayinka, who is to be buried on that day.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Taye Ekundayo, said on Sunday that the holiday is to allow massive participation of people, civil servants and visitors in the burial.
The commissioner enjoined everyone in the state to come out in large numbers to join the state government in giving the late deputy governor a befitting burial.
He gave the assurance that security measures would be put in place to protect lives and property during the burial.
Ekundayo said the late deputy governor had written her name in the annals of history of the state by being an effective “co-pilot’’ to Governor Kayode Fayemi.
Mrs Olayinka, former banker, died 6 April after several years battling breast cancer. She was born 20 June 1960.

Graduate stabs self to death in Lagos

The house

 Residents of Wole Madariola Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos have been asking questions about what pushed Chidike Oyeka, a graduate of Madonna University, Anambra, to stab himself repeatedly thereby taking his own life.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the Chidike on April 19, 2013, took a kitchen knife and stabbed himself repeatedly until his intestines were disembowelled.

Our correspondent, who visited his parents’ home where the incident occurred, learnt that the victim recently concluded his National Youth Service Corps programme.

A relative, who wished to remain anonymous, said the 25-year-old had been depressed for some time.

She said, “He did his NYSC in Delta State and only returned in February. Upon returning, he started to act strangely and we noticed that he was no longer sociable. Most times he would sit at a corner by himself and when we asked him what was wrong, he would say he was not happy.

I Can’t Transform Nigeria Overnight – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan declared yesterday that his administration’s transformation agenda was not a magic wand that would solve all the challenges confronting the country at once. He said the major concern of his government was to demonstrate an unfailing love for all Nigerians instead of hostility and violence.
Also yesterday, a former British prime minister, Mr Tony Blair, said from the difficulty he went through in his bid to transform his country, the task of national transformation anywhere in the world required the efforts of committed leaders.