Big Brother: Goldie sings for boyfriend Prezzo

Still on the Big Brother Stargame, Goldie and Prezzo’s relationship seems to be growing stronger, following the romantic session that occurred between the two a few hours ago.  The incident occurred after the housemates’ workout sessions in the early hours of today.
Goldie was doing what she knew how to do best in the kitchen, when her Kenyan man Prezzo stepped in to help with the dishes. Within the twinkle of an eye, they both starred at each other and began singing Mariah Carey’s “Always be my baby”.
The songstress soon changed her rhythm to “I don’t wanna leave, I wanna spend a lifetime in your arms,” while her boo hummed along and sang back up.
For the rest of the morning the love birds sang different love songs and pop hits to each other as they continued sharing the kitchen duties.

BOMBINGS: Niger Delta Christian leaders say enough is enough

CHRISTIAN leaders from the Niger Delta geo-political zone of the country have expressed disgust over the inability of the Federal Government and its security agencies to guarantee safety of lives. They have therefore called on innocent Christians in the country to defend themselves whenever they come under attack.
In its reaction to the unrelenting violent attacks on Christians and their churches in the North, the group under the aegis of the Niger Delta Christian Leaders Forum (NDCLF) said it has lost confidence in the security system of the country. “We have also lost confidence in the ability of Government to protect the lives of Christians.”
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Bishop Eddy Bebor, the group argued that it is now clear to all that members of the militant Islamic group called are jihadists who will stop at nothing until their purpose is achieved.
The statement also argued that no one is left in doubt that the “Government cannot do anything to fight this terror the National Assembly is finding it difficult to handle these Islamic terrorists.”
The Niger Delta Christians also believes that Northern leaders have shown to all and sundry that either they are supportive or the Boko Haram phenomenon is too much for them to handle.
“Worse of it all is that, the target has been Christians and worship their houses (Church). We have buried Christians and lost churches almost on a weekly basis in the North,” the statement explained.
Source

DBANJ FINALLY PROPOSED TO GENEVIEVE NNAJI?

Here is the latest gist! Excited? we too...Sources say Dbanj has finally proposed to Nollywood's super actress,Genevieve Nnaji.
 It was a fabulous romantic moment as Dbanj proposed to Genevieve in front of Kanye West and Kim Kadarshian yesterday in America.
Susan Peters another Nollywood actress confirmed the gist on her twitter timeline today.
 What this means is that one of the biggest weddings in the entertainment industry is about to take place.




Gistmaster

Oge Okoye To Lead Others For Africa Peace Festival

Pretty, sexy, talented and irresistible Nollywood star actress Oge Okoye will lead other Africans to Ghana for Africa Peace Festival on the 30th of this month *June 2012*.

The UK-born United Nations Peace ambassador actress will be at the festival for a week with over one thousand other participants.

The festival is organised by the Africa Centre for Peace Building (ACFOPB). The aim of the festival is aimed at making countries in the region see the need for the sustenance of peace.

The event would include a peace concert, conferences and more.

26-Year-Old Man Sentenced To Death For Stealing 2 Rolls Of Sachet Milk And N1,705, In Jos (STRANGE)

A Jos High Court on Thursday sentenced a 26-year-old man, Obinah John, to death by hanging for robbing one Dorothy Olaniyi of N1,705.

The convict was also sentenced to death for robbing Olaniyi of two rolls of peak milk in sachets, valued at N400.

The prosecution counsel, Mr G. D. Fwonyon, who is the deputy director, Public Prosecution in Plateau State had told the court that John, in company with an accomplice, also named John, now at large, robbed the woman on November 18, 2005 in her shop at Gada Biu, Jos at gunpoint.

He told the court that John and his accomplice, having allegedly conspired and used a gun to rob Olaniyi, had committed a criminal offence punishable by hanging.

But John's counsel, Mr. Tobechukwu Kekemeke, rejected the prosecutor's claim, and accused the police of "not telling the truth about the gun" said to have been used by John.

3 Zambian Men Rape Hen (Chicken) To Death: Most Shocking (ABOMINATION)

Three men of Liombe Village in Senior Chief Chipepo’s area in Kapiri Mposhi district in Zambia are alleged to have had canal knowledge of a chicken.

The three named men, aged 80, 66 and 35 years, are believed to have taken turns in having canal knowledge of a hen which later died yesterday.

Liombe Village Senior headwoman, Loveness Chimbuleni, confirmed the incident to ZANIS today, saying the three have since been reported to police.

However, ZANIS’ efforts to get a comment from police failed by press time.

Headwoman Chimbuleni said the three were discovered with the dead chicken in the room where they are alleged to have had canal knowledge of it.

She said the dead chicken was discovered with its canal cavity widely ruptured with some suspected male semen oozing out of it.

My mum didn’t support my first marriage –Kefee

The saying that what an elder sees while sitting on a chair, a child, even if they climb to the tallest mountain, would never see it, aptly sums up Ejirooghene Obareki, the mother of Branama Queen, Kefee Don Momoh’s non-support for her daughter’s first marriage to producer, Alec Godwin.

Speaking in the episode of the Supermom Celebrity edition which would be aired this weekend, Kefee recalls that contrary to her expectations, her mum, whom she had enjoyed a robust relationship with from infancy, demurred when she informed her about her choice of husband. “She was not in support of the marriage from the outset but because she wanted me to be happy, she consented grudgingly,” Kefee says.

As time went by, Kefee’s mum’s fears came to pass as the marriage broke down irretrievably. On her return home, and much to her consternation, “My mum welcomed me with open arms and encouraged me to see what happened as a part of life. She also urged me to go back to Lagos and focus on my career so that I could be a bigger and more respected star. If not for her encouragement and support, I can’t say what would have become of my career,” Kefee says.

Okagbare wins N2m jackpot

Nigeria’s fastest woman, Blessing Okagbare, on Thursday leapt to a new 6.97m personal best in the long jump event to win the gold  medal as the 66th Cross River State/All Nigeria Open Athletics Championships ended in Calabar.

The jump was not only 6cm better than her previous personal best which fetched her the bronze medal at the 29th Olympic Games  in Beijing, China four years ago, it also fetched her the N2m jackpot prize set by the Athletic Federation Nigeria.It was reserved for athletes who achieved the best performance, based on the IAAF Scoring (Hungarian) table of athletics.

PUNCH NEWSPAPER

Electoral officers may vote in 2015 – Jega

Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, on Thursday said electoral officers might vote in the 2015 general elections

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, quoted  Jega as saying this in response to a question by a member of a group of ‘Young Experts on Get-to-Know ECOWAS’,  who paid him a study visit in Abuja.

The group was led on the visit to INEC by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation.

According to the INEC boss, the proposal to allow electoral officers exercise their franchise is part of measures being put in place to  give the electoral process credibility.

Jega said,  “One of the imperfections of our elections really has been the disenfranchisement of electoral officers.

US designates Boko Haram leader, two others ‘global terrorists’

The United States Department of State, on Thursday, formally designated leaders of violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, as terrorists.

The Department issued a statement in New York announcing the designation of the sect leaders as global terrorists.

The Boko Haram leaders classified as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under section 1 (b) of Executive Order 133224 are Abubakar Shekau, Abubakar Adam Kambar and Khalid al-Barnawi.

Shekau, Kambar and al-Barnawi’s names entered the infamous global terrorists list on a day that the Joint Task Force in the north claimed to have arrested one Habibu Bama, a man suspected to have masterminded the bombing of the force headquarters on June 16, 2011.

Northern crisis: Jonathan to ignore Reps’ summons

President Goodluck Jonathan will not honour the House of Representatives’ summons over the spate of violence in the northern part of the country, a top official in the presidency said on Thursday.

The official, who pleaded not to be mentioned, said the summons was not based on any point of  law.

But the House said on Thursday that it had the power under Section 89 (1-a) of the 1999 Constitution, to summon “any person” over whom it had the power of appropriation, including the President.

Spokesman for the House, Zakari Mohammed, said this even as he explained that the summons to Jonathan was not intended for a confrontation with the President.

The Reps had on Tuesday passed a resolution asking the President to appear before them to explain what he was doing to tackle the insecurity in the country.

PUNCH

Ambassador Olusegun Olusola dies at 77

Veteran broadcaster and former Nigeria's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chief Olusegun Olusola, has passed away. He died 6:30pm this evening June 21, 2012 after a brief illness, according to his aide.

Chief Olusola was the producer of the famous Village Headmaster TV drama and founder of the African Refugees Foundation. He was 77 years old. May his soul rest in peace...amen.

Nigerian man found dead at his home in Bel Air , Maryland USA

 

Titus Onuoha (pictured above) was found dead on the 14th of June 2012, on his apartment lawn, in Bel Air, Maryland. He was found lying face down on the ground at his apartment complex and nobody knows what happened or how it happened. The preliminary autopsy result shows trauma to the back of his head and neck. No suspect yet, police are still investigating.  

Anyone with any information should call Bel Air police department

13 hospitalised following students’ bloody clash at FGGC Abuloma

13 students are now hospitalized and academic activities disrupted following clashes between rival students’ groups at the Federal Government Girls College Abuloma, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

The clash, which has been described as one of the worst cases of college violence in recent years, broke out in the early of Tuesday June 19th. It was a clash of supremacy between SS2 and SS3 rival students groups.

 Written by David Oreofero for The Nation

Parents, educationists and other residents of Rivers State were jolted on Tuesday when irate students of the Federal Government Girls College, Abuloma, Port Harcourt, turned against each other and staff, including a principal, in one of the worst cases of college violence in recent years.

When the dust settled that fateful Tuesday, over a dozen students and the Vice Principal were nursing injuries inflicted on them by other students. A senior academic staff of the institution described the incident as “one of the worst in secondary school violence in this part of the country. It was indeed a sad day for education.”

Nation Evening Express investigations revealed that the crisis had been brewing for several months, before Tuesday's clash. A member of staff, who volunteered information on condition that her identity would be protected, gave a graphic insight into the bloody clash, which shook the school and the host community, Amadi-Ama.

A 20-year-old man charged with stealing ex-governor’s pistol

A 20-year-old man has been brought before an Ebute-Meta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing the pistol of a retired Deputy Inspector-General of police.
Ehis Iyere was arraigned on one-count of stealing the Beretta pistol of Mr. Fidelis Oyakhilome on May 10, 2003.
Oyakhilome was the military governor of Rivers State between 1984 and 1986 during the military administrations of Generals Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Babangida.
Iyere, said to be the Oyakhilome’s driver at the time of the alleged crime, had been declared wanted since 2003 before he was arrested recently.
The charge read, “That you (Iyere), at Lekki Phase 1, stole one Beretta pistol, which had yet to be valued, property of the Nigeria Police Force, issued to Oyakhilome, a retired DIG.”
The prosecutor, Mr. Essien Essien, said the offence contravened Section 285 (7), Criminal Code Laws of Lagos, 2011.
Iyere pleaded not guilty to the charge.
However, Magistrate M. Olajuwon granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum.
The case was adjourned till June 28 for further hearing.

Source

Big Brother Update: Goldie turns deceptive queen

Nigerian Big Brother rep, Goldie has yet again displayed her talent as an actor, this time playing the part of a deceptive queen.

The singer laughed and blushed earlier on Thursday, June 21, 2012,  as Ghana’s Keitta complimented her, describing her as smart and sensible. ‘You are a very cool person. You only talk sense, I like that about you. You are very smart.’

However, what Keitta doesn’t know is that she was the one who put him on the eviction list,  using him to replace her ‘boyfriend’ Prezzo.

The 28-year-old resumed as Head of House on Monday, June 18, 2012, and used the position to save Prezzo.

Meanwhile, the suspense of eviction continues as Barbz, Manetta and Keitta depend on fan votes to continue in the game.

Source 

Lawan goes spiritual: My travail is endorsed by God, I ‘ll be vindicated

 The embattled former Chairman of House of Representatives Adhoc Committee on Petroleum Subsidy, Mr Farouk Lawan, who is facing Police investigations for alleged $620,000 bribe said, yesterday, that his present travails were endorsed by God and that at the end of the investigation he would be vindicated.
Lawan was accused by the chairman of Zenon Oil and Gas Ltd, Mr Femi Otedola, of collecting $620,000 of the $3 million he demanded to have his firm exonerated from the subsidy sleaze. Police has so far recovered $10,000 of the bribe money while he is expected to produce the remaining $610,000 before the end of the week.
Appearing at the chamber for the first time since his bribery allegation began two weeks ago, Lawan declared that God decided to allow him go through the current trial for some reasons. He did not state the reasons.

FAIR-WEATHER FRIENDS - DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
Proverbs 19:4

A fair-weather friend is someone who only wants to be your friend when you are successful. He is not a steadfast companion. He can only be relied upon when things are going well. Anytime things turn bad, fair-weather friends will disappear.  Boys and girls who spend a lot of money in and out of school will have many fair-weather friends. As the book of Proverbs says, Wealth maketh many friends. Wealth is like exposed sugar that is bound to attract ants. You must be careful of insincere friends. An adage says: False friends are worse than open enemies.

            Absalom was wealthy and he had many friends who advised him to do away with his father David. They led him to his death and then disappeared. Remember also the story that Jesus told about the prodigal son. Wealth gave him many friends. But when the money finished, his fair-weather friends vanished. In our world today there are many fair-weather comrades. It is your duty to relate with them with wisdom so you will not lose out in the end.

            How can one deal with fair-weather friends? Easy! First, do everything in moderation. Don’t live big. Fair-weather pals are always attracted by a lavish lifestyle. Let people love you for who you are and not for how much money you have to give them. Secondly, live right. Honour God and be an aggressive Christian and fake people will draw back from following you. Remember, you don’t need them anyway. Thirdly, learn to save money. If you are lucky to have parents who are generous with the allowance they give you, learn not to give everything out to your friends. Friends come and go but your financial wisdom is yours. Money alone will not attract good friends into your life. So, play safe.

Challenge: “When I had money everyone called me brother.” – Polish Proverb

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to be wise and careful in the way I relate with people today.

Culled from Higher Everyday Archives

$111,000 fraud: Suspect commits suicide in EFCC’s custody

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the death of 52 years old Italian, Mr. Mauro Zanin, a suspected fraudster two days before he was scheduled to appear in court. He was found dead in the bathroom of EFCC’s detention facility in Abuja at about 4.50 am on Teusday. He had apparently committed suicide using his bedsheet. All efforts by the duty officers and a team of EFCC medical personnel led by Dr. Gideon Osi to revive him, failed. He was certified dead at about 5.45 am.

Though all clues point to suicide, the incident had been reported to the police station at Maitama for further investigation.

How 200 children escaped Kaduna attack

If the soldiers stationed in Wusasa, Zaria had not been withdrawn, the attack on Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, on Sunday might have been averted, the church leaders has stated. But for providence, the attack would have also claimed the lives of 200 children, who were attending Sunday school, as at the time of the attack.

The indication was given by the Secretary, District Church Council, DCC, ECWA, Reverend Chris Dariya, when the Kaduna State governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, visited the area, to assess the level of destruction.

According to him, the Christian community in Zaria got wind of the impending attack, few days before that members of the Boko Haram were in Zaria, and that they allegedly met last Friday, where the decision to strike on Sunday, was said to have been taken.

He also said that Chairmen and Secretaries of Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), held a meeting on the issue, and that by last Saturday, preceding the attack, the military personnel that were drafted to maintain peace around the church were allegedly withdrawn. This, he said, made the Christian community in the vicinity to be apprehensive. Hear him: “We were cautioned on the fact that Boko Haram were already in Zaria. 

3rd Mainland Bridge To Be Partially Closed For 4 Months

That's the notice banner above ... The traffic in Lagos from July 1st will be horrendous! Get ready Lagosians ... lolzzz

Bribery scandal not a House matter – Reps

The House of Representatives on Wednesday declined further comments on the $620,000 bribe offered Mr. Farouk Lawan by oil magnate, Mr. Femi Otedola.

Lawan chaired the ad-hoc committee of the House, which investigated the fuel subsidy regime last April.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Zakari Mohammed, told The PUNCH that the bribery allegation was not a House matter.

Mohammed said, “We don’t have further comments to make on that issue as a House.

“It is not a House matter; those seeking for information should go outside the House because it is not in the House.”

Only on Tuesday, the Chairman, House Committee on Drugs/Narcotics and Financial Crimes, Mr. Adams Jagaba, whom Lawan claimed to have handed the $620,000, said he neither saw nor received the money.

The Speaker, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, had written Jagaba, asking him to respond to a request from the Office of the Inspector-General of Police demanding that the House should retrieve the $620,000 from Jagaba’s committee.

Jagaba, in response to Tambuwal, denied that the money was ever in his possession.

The communication between Tambuwal and Jagaba took place on Tuesday.

It was learnt that the Speaker had already communicated Jagaba’s response to the head of the Police Special Task Force investigating the bribery allegation, Mr. Ali Amadu.

A source in the National Assembly said, “The speaker has forwarded a reply to the police.

“His response is consistent with the position of the House that there is no bribe money kept with any committee or member of the House.

“This should lay this issue to rest on the part of the House.

PUNCH

Funke Akindele’s Hubby, Almaroof Expects 6th Child From First Wife, Fadeke

Funke Akindele’s husband, Almaroof Oloyede, who reportedly denied that he was married before meeting Funke, is expecting a sixth child from one of his wives, Fadeke.
According to a story published by a Lagos soft-sell magazine, E24-7, Fadeke was reported to be pregnant with her second child for Almaroof.
She was also reported to have been the woman saddled with the responsibility of taking care of the Almarrof’s other four children from his earlier romances with other women.
This pregnancy is said to be the second from her marriage with Almaroof as she already has one for him.
Explaining where the first wife, Fadeke was during Funke Akindele’s controversial wedding to her hubby on May 26, 2012, the magazine reported that Fadeke was not in Nigeria at that time. This was because she was advised to travel to London or Dubai when the news of her man getting married to another woman, Funke got to her as a huge shock.
Nigeriafilms.com contacted a source close to Fadeke who confirmed this story to us. The source said that Almaroof humiliated Fadeke with the news of his wedding to Funke despite how she has been by his side.
For now, Funke and her husband, Almaroof are back in Nigeria and are said to be in their Lekki, Lagos home. The couple arrived Nigeria some days ago after being away in London shortly after their wedding.

Story: NIGERIAFILMS

Senate pledges to expose corruption, poor governance

Senate has pledged to expose corruption and ensure good governance in the country.

Speaking at the beginning of the second session of the Seventh Senate on Wednesday, the President of the Senate, David Mark, promised that the upper chamber would commit itself to its primary role of making laws that would improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

He said, “This Senate will continue to work to expose corruption and poor administration in all areas of our national life. This is our constitutional duty. We must not allow ourselves to be cajoled into slumber or succumb to blackmail in the discharge of our duties. We will do all we can to uphold transparency and integrity in governance.

“In this regard, all pending investigations should be speedily concluded without compromising thoroughness and detail. We will however continue to bring all requisite legislative pressure to bear on the right quarters to do the right things with our reports.”

Mark also told senators to brace for executing their oversight functions in the same manner the budget was passed in the bid to ensure infrastructural transformation of the country.

Mark also said Senate would improve on its achievements made in the electoral reforms articulated by the Sixth National Assembly, vowing that loopholes in the current electoral laws would be plugged by further review of the laws.

Souce 

I'm Praying For A Husband Seriously- Evangelist Eucharia Anunobi

The Nollywood actress turned pastor, Eucharia Anunobi is a reputable woman in Nigeria who is known by all and sundry. The single mother is at the moment praying fervently for a partner. She recently confessed that she didn't have a love life and she wishe she could have one very soon.

"I don’t have a love life. When I say I don’t have a love life, that does not mean people are not chasing me. Good of course, people are chasing me alright, but, if in the sense of trying to have what you call boyfriend, no. I am not doing that, but I rather would say what I am praying for, is for a partner who will become my husband.

I hope he will come as soon as possible. But before then, I am not getting derailed because my bible is keeping me very busy. It puts me on my toes. I know that there are temptations in life, here and there. So, I am saying that in the not-too-distant future my partner will emerge; and then having been single will be out of the question, but I am not worried about it.

Party Time For Crooner Kefee

The award winning,silky voiced gospel crooner is planning a color riot party!

The party tagged 'color block party' is slated to hold on June 29,2012 at the her Branama Restaurant in Mende,Maryland,Lagos.
Celebrities from all corners of the Entertainment Industry will storm this party in their best color riot outfit and the winner will smile home with a gift.

If you know where branama kitchen is situated,you are also invited.....invitations to this event is open to all..

Source

Photos from Banky W, Wizkid & Skales 'Baddest Boy' video shoot

 

Looks like it will be a fun video...

Suicide bomber blown to pieces by own bomb

A male suicide bomber was on Tuesday ripped apart by his own explosive device in Bauchi, after travelling by public transport for more than 393 km with the device from Yola, Adamawa State.

The bomber, now in critical condition at the Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, and closely monitored by security agents, travelled in a commercial bus to Bauchi, concealing the bomb in his backpack.
Luck ran out on the bomber when he carelessly dropped the bag on the floor to urinate in a corner. The device subsequently detonated, dismembering his lower limb and fingers.

Name change: It’s not over yet, say UNILAG students

Protesting students of the University of Lagos over the re-naming of the institution to Moshood Abiola University recently.

The calm that pervades the main campus of the University of Lagos after resumption of academic activities last Monday after a three-week suspension may be shattered as students vowed to resume protests if the bill presented to the Senate by President Goodluck Jonathan is passed into law.
Students who on Monday resumed lectures after suspension of academic activities by the University Senate vowed to continue the protest until the name, UNILAG is restored. Nevertheless, classes were opened for lectures and hostels for returning students.
However, the hitherto busy campus in Akoka was relatively sparsely populated as most students on campus were predominantly freshmen completing admission formalities, and final year students.

7 years after, Bellview crash report not ready - AIB

THE National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation investigating the Dana plane crash was told, yesterday, that seven years after the Bellview plane crash where 117 perished, investigations were yet to be concluded.
Disclosing this when he appeared before the committee at its second day public hearing, yesterday, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, CEO,  Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, Captain Yusuf Lawal, told the committee members that investigations into the ADC crash which claimed the life of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Maccido, his son and other victims had also not been concluded.
The Senate and the House of Representatives Committees on Aviation are presently carrying out a four-day investigation into the Dana air crash in Lagos and cargo plane that crashed in Ghana.

Lawal who also revealed that investigations into the Bellview crash were still on-going, stressed that the black box of the flight was never recovered from the crash site, just as he said the 2005 report on the Sosoliso air crash was released in 2006.
The AIB boss who disclosed that despite the inability of the bureau to analyse the black box, qualified staff of the bureau accompanied the box to the United States to avoid any interference, adding that if Nigeria as a country must set up a flight recorder laboratory popularly called the black box, a total of $5.6 million would be required.

Source

KADUNA VIOLENCE: Killings continue as rioters defy curfew

Students of Kaduna State Technical College going home due to the 24 hours curfew imposed on Kaduna on Wednesday. NAN Photo.

Heavy fighting, killings and burning of property continued, yesterday, in Hausa/Fulani dominated parts of Kaduna, as the minority non-Muslims in the areas tried to fight back despite the 24-hour curfew imposed over the entire state. This came as Pope Benedict XVI has appealed to those  responsible for the violence to stop spilling innocent blood.
As the battle raged, trapped residents who were unable to leave their homes as a result of the 24-hour curfew imposed by the government have cried out saying they were running out of food, medicine and water.
Meanwhile, worried by the spate of killings and destruction, the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Olusheyin Petinrin and the Acting Inspector General of Police, M D Abubakar held a closed-door meeting with Governor Patrick Yakowa on how to bring normalcy to the state.

The violence was in retaliation to mass killings of Hausa Muslims and the destruction of their property by Christian youths in Kaduna after Islamist militants bombed two churches in Zaria and one in Kaduna last Sunday, killing 17 and injuring several others.
In Bardarawa, north of Kaduna town,fighting raged between Muslims and non-Muslims around 4pm yesterday.
There were reports of killings and burning of homes of mainly non Hausas, but it was also said that youths in some parts of the area, were retaliating.
Meanwhile, casualty continued to rise at the time of this report from findings by Vanguard.

VANGUARD NEWSPAPER

Rape Suspect, Victim’s Father Sent To Kirikiri

It was a double tragedy for an 8-year old girl who was sexually abused by their neighbour and the victim’s father ended up battering his daughter with a plank which he wanted to use to hit the suspected rapist.
The 55-year old man, Agbede Ife, who allegedly raped the little girl and the victim’s father, Ropo Agbi, 35, who assaulted the victim after the act have been remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.
They were arrested by the police and charged to Abule Egba Magistrate’s court for rape and assault respectively.
They were remanded because they were unable to meet the bail conditions.
While Agbede, who is a grand father was charged with rape under section 137 of the criminal code for unlawful carnal knowledge, the victim’s father, Ropo, was arraigned for assault under section 171 of the same criminal code laws of Lagos state of Nigeria 2011.

Dana crash: Imo govt threatens to sue airline

IMO State Government yesterday threatened to sue Dana Airline over the death of 33 indigenes of the state in the plane crash of June 3 in Lagos.
Governor Rochas Okorocha who spoke during an inter-denominational memorial service for the victims, also announced a N50 million lifeline to bereaved families who were involved in the ill-fated crash.
Okorocha said the government and people of Imo were saddened by the incident and directed his Deputy, Mr Jude Agbaso, and the Attorney-General, Mr Soronnadi Njoku, to commence action on the matter immediately.
He announced that a memorial park would be built in the state in honour of the victims.
Sanitation of the aviation industry
The governor said many Nigerians had lost their lives through avoidable air mishaps and called for urgent sanitisation of the aviation industry to forestall future occurrences.
“Imo got a very negative share of over 20 per cent of the human loss in the plane crash and as a governor and citizen, I am so pained. In our despair, we can only cast our feelings upon God. He alone can be our fortitude and fortress; in Him alone, can we take consolation,” the governor said.
He consoled the bereaved and announced a N50 million donation to the families of the victims to assist them in the burial ceremonies of their relations.

Source

Stop spilling blood of innocent people – Pope

Pope Benedict XVI called ,Wednesday, on those responsible for violence in Nigeria to “stop spilling the blood of innocent people”, and urged all parties involved not to seek revenge.
“I appeal to those responsible for the violence to immediately stop spilling the blood of innocent people,” he said, following attacks on churches in northern Nigeria and reprisal violence that saw Christians target Muslims.

“I hope all parts of society will collaborate in not taking the road of reprisals,” Benedict said during a weekly general audience.
Sunday’s attacks against churches, claimed by Islamist group Boko Haram, and a wave of revenge attacks that followed, were the latest in a series.
In front of 8,000 faithful gathered at the Vatican, the pope appealed on “all Nigerian citizens to cooperate in the construction of a peaceful and reconciled society in which the right to freely express faith is guaranteed.”
Nigeria’s main Christian body on Tuesday said the attacks by Boko Haram suggested a “systematic religious cleansing”.
There have been renewed concerns over whether the violence could lead to a wider sectarian conflict in a country roughly divided between a mainly Muslim north and mostly Christian south.

VANGUARD

I didn’t abandon my responsibility, Jonathan speaks

President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday  responded to strident criticisms from Nigerians over his decision to travel to Brasil while crises were raging on in Yobe and Kaduna states saying that  he did not abandoned his responsibility.
The decision by president Jonathan to travel to Brasil while churches were being bombed in Kaduna state has attracted criticism from a cross section of Nigerians with the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria accusing him of insensitivity.
But in a statement issued from Brazil, the Special Adviser to the President on Communications, Reuben Abati said before leaving for the United Nation’s Earth Summit Rio+20 in Brazil, the president  met with security chiefs and he was confident that security agencies were on top of the situation before his departure Tuesday.

According to Dr.  Abati, the president  needed to attend the conference because of its importance to Nigeria and because commitments had already been made on his attendance.
The Special Adviser noted that  “The conference, Rio+20, is very important and nobody can doubt that.
The issues that will be discussed at this conference are also issues that are relevant to Nigeria’s interest. It is also an opportunity for Nigeria to promote its interest in terms of its place in global community.
“The crisis in Kaduna and Yobe occurred almost on the eve of the President’s departure for this event and commitments have been made.
“In any event, it is not as if government has abandoned the situation at home. Security agencies are there, they are on top of the situation.

VANGUARD

Be Led by God, Not Others - DAILY DEVOTIONAL

'...led by the Spirit of God...' Romans 8:14
Life is like a maze; it's easy to get lost. Pressure comes at us from every direction to keep others happy. We study the important people in our lives, trying to decide what they want from us and how to give it to them, and in the process we lose ourselves. You need to stop and ask, 'Who am I living for? Why am I doing the things I do?' Paul writes, 'Having gifts... that differ... let us use them' (Romans 12:6 AMP). What has God called and equipped you to do? Those who succeed at being themselves don't allow others to control them because they're led by God. 'As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.' Don't be upset because people place demands on you. It's your life, take charge of it! The pressures you feel right now may not be coming from others at all; they may be coming from your own people-pleasing instincts! Yes, there are times when we all do things we'd rather not do. We do them because we love others, and in so doing we show '...the fruit of the Spirit...' (Galatians 5:22). But that's different from being controlled by your own insecurities or the endless demands of others. When you try to become everything to everybody, you get lost in the process. Plus, when you live for people's approval, you risk forfeiting God's. It's time you started praying, '..."Lord, what do You want me to do?"...' (Acts 9:6 NKJV). Once He reveals it to you, commit yourself to it fully, regardless of who does or doesn't agree.Culled from The Word for Today archives

Arsenal unveils pictures of new pitch

Arsenal on Wednesday unveiled pictures of their new pitch, less than two months ahead of the English Premiership’s 2012/13 campaign.
In a statement on the club’s website on the unveiling, Arsenal wrote, “The 2012/13 campaign is less than two months away and Arsenal’s pitch is coming along very nicely.
“The ground staff at Emirates Stadium have been working hard on the new surface since Coldplay completed their hat-trick of concerts at the ground earlier this month.
“On Wednesday the pitch was given its first cut and our Club photographer was there to take these exclusive pictures.”

2 Ladies Die After Taking Gentamicin 280mg Injection

Two ladies, all bearing the name Florence (surnames withheld), one of which is a student of the Benue State University, Makurdi, have been confirmed dead after taking gentamicin 280mg injection.

According to the Director General of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii, who disclosed this in an interview with LEADERSHIP, yesterday,  the incident occurred in Gboko and Makurdi, the state capital.

The NAFDAC DG narrated that one of the ladies had gone to a road side pharmaceutical store in Makurdi to purchase some drugs for an ailment that infected her and that the chemist wrongly recommended the drug and gave her the injection which led to her death  on the spot.

Charly Boy Drags National Mirror To Court On His Birthday!

Yesterday,  was Charlyboy’s 61st birthday anniversary and bloggers, news websites, twitter, radio stations and TV stations went agog with comments from his fans and well wishers, congratulating him for being consistent with his enigmatic character as well as his selfless services towards the rehabilitation of the downtrodden.

However, Charlyboy had yet shocked his fans by dragging National Mirror to court for Libel on the day many had thought he would be celebrating with family and friends. Many of his fans had expressed surprise over the decision of the Areafada to have sued National Mirror on his birthday, but like it is generally believed, “with the Areafada, anything is possible”.

It would be recalled that National Mirror and daily independent had published a story on Saturday, the 28th May, 2012 claiming that the former had  admitted being gay and Head of the Nigerian Illuminati. Infuriated by the story, the Areafada had asked his lawyer and his press Secretary to write to National Mirror and Daily Independent for a total retraction of the story.

Bukky Wright’s Son, Ojayy Launches Rap Career

Nollywood popular actress, Bukky Wright‘s son, Amu popularly known as Ojayy, is a rapper and has plans to be the next best thing in Nigerian entertainment. He has already made a statement with his music, releasing a remix to Davido‘s smash hit ‘Dami duro‘.

Ojayy recently released a mixtape titled ‘Ready or Not‘ and the young rapper says he hopes it will fully launch his music career. Ready or Not is a 10 track  mixtape which covers genres from Hip-Hop to Dancehall.


DOWNLOAD HERE

REAL REASONS MBGN QUEEN ISABELLA AYUK WILL NOT GO TO MISS WORLD

This is not the best of time for the organizers of the most beautiful in Nigeria following the age falsification scandal against the 2012 winner of the most beautiful girl in Nigeria (MBGN),Isabella Ayuk. According to statements being spread against the beauty queen and Silverbirds Production the organizers of the competition,Isabella lied that she was 26 at the time of
MBGN contest.However, those who claimed to know her said she is 30 and her younger sister is 27 years.
 First runner up,
  In the rumour file sent accross social networking sites and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), the organizers were in the know of of her real age but allgedly allowed her to contest because according to them, she is dating two influential Nigerians who were well known to the Bruce family.They mentioned the name of Mr.Henry Imasehka,a multimillionaire businessman,directors of many conglomerates and close pal of former governor James Ibori. They also alleged that she is also dating Hon. Emeka Ihedioha Deputy speaker in Nigeria's low house of parliament (House of Representatives)
  However, in a swift reaction to the development, a statement was issued by the Group Vice President of Silverbird, Mr.Guy Murray Bruce.
 Here is the full text of the statement as published below

Sambo, security chiefs meet over violence in North

Heads of security agencies met in Abuja on Tuesday to review the security problems in Kaduna and Yobe States.

The meeting, which was held at the Presidential Villa, and presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo, was also attended by all the service chiefs, apart from the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar.

At the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoye Azazi; the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Oluseyi Petinrin; Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and the Director-General of State Security Service, Mr. Ekpeyong Ita.

Others were the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Mohammed Umar, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim.

Azai said there was no iota of truth in the claim that the crisis in these two states had escalated, adding that even though it was serious before, the security agents were in control.

He also informed that the Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Patrick Yakowa, was already discussing with religious leaders on how to end the crisis.

He said what should be paramount in the mind of Nigerians was how to extend the discussion to the national level.

He said the discussion in Kaduna was not late, adding that talking could never be late.

PUNCH NEWSPAPER

Jim Iyke Signs Multi-Million Dollar Deal In Gambia

Nollywood naughty actor, Jim Iyke has signed a multi-million dollar deal with Invest Gambia, an investment company based in The Gambia. The deal involves the production of three films, as well as the establishment of a joint venture film production company named Musketeers Production.

The deal was signed during an 8-day working visit, which the actor recently made to Gambia. Production of The Coast, one of the films to be produced under the agreement will begin in July.

It has been said that the film will be probably be the most expensive film shot in Gambia so far. The film will showcase various investment opportunities, which exist in Gambia, and it will also expose Gambian talents to the global movie industry.

"We go to dozens of auditions to get one job" - Ugwu Lota Elixir

Most times we have to go to dozens of auditions just to get one job. Things like that can weigh an upcoming actress down. But I’m just trying to focus on being the Nollywood’s next best thing, and ignore the challenges around me for now ... I just hope more directors, producers and marketers will give us the benefit of doubt to prove that we have what it takes to walk among the best in Nollywood, and also I’m not married. - Nollywoodgossip