Nigeria deserves no Olympic medal –Onigbinde

A former Coach of the Super Eagles, Adegboye Onigbinde, has said Nigeria does not deserve to win a medal in the ongoing London Olympic Games.

Onigbinde, who spoke with our correspondent in a telephone interview, on Thursday, said the country did not prepare for the games.

He said winning a medal at the Olympics takes 12 years of adequate preparation and that the Team Nigeria’s preparation was not enough to produce winners in a competition like the Olympics, where only the best compete. The FIFA tactician added that he was not disappointed at the dismal showing of the Nigerian contingent to the Olympics.

He said, “Look at the William sisters; do you know how many years it took their father to take them to that height?”

Things started looking bad for Nigeria in London when all the table tennis players were knocked out early at the Games. Among them was Segun Toriola, who attended his sixth Olympics. Onigbinde says Nigeria should invest in young athletes who have medal hopes.

“Look at the average age China, USA, Britain, Korea brought to the Olympics. Look at the average age of our athletes to the Olympics. What is the average age of our table tennis players?

“Africans are physically endowed. That’s why you see athletes of African descent amassing medals at the games for even western nations but this is not the case for Nigerians.”

Calling on the people in charge of sports in Nigeria to embrace modern standard in the preparation of athletes for competition, the CAF instructor said Nigeria must separate developmental programme from competition.

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Security fears: Clinton cancels scheduled Abuja meetings

THE heightening of security in Abuja on Thursday notwithstanding, the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, shelved many of the activities scheduled for her and left Nigeria for Ghana.

She later held a meeting with the Ghanaian President, Mr. John Mahama, at his residence in Accra. She is billed to participate in the state funeral for the late President John Attah Mill.

Clinton, on the last lap of her nine-nation African tour, departed the country shortly after a closed-door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Security Council, but she shelved scheduled meeting, with civil society groups and anti-corruption campaigners billed for the US Ambassador’s residence in Abuja.

The US Secretary of State also shelved the traditional ‘Meet and Greet’ with US Embassy staff.

At the closed-door session with members of the National Security Council were the Minister of State, Defence, Chief Olusola Obada; National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.); Chief of Defence Staff, Air-Mashal Oluseyi Petinrin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika; and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Muhammed Abubakar.

The Federal Government had deployed security agents in many parts of the Federal Capital City, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Umaru Yar’Adua Way, which were manned by soldiers and policemen as part of the security measures for Clinton’s visit.

Security agents were also at the Federal Secretariat and the Central Business District.

Also, roads leading to the Presidential Villa and the Federal Secretariat and the Central Business District were manned by armed security agents.

Foreign media reports on Thursday however indicated that Clinton would not pass the night in Nigeria because of security fears.

“The security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated to the point where the movement of US Embassy workers is often restricted. Clinton will spend only five hours on the ground and will not spend the night in Abuja, where the hotel traditionally used by visiting dignitaries has been the target of terrorist threats,” the Associated Press reported on Thursday.

Before she left the country, however, the US Secretary of State had encouraged Jonathan to take tough decisions necessary to change the fortunes of the country and that the US would support him.

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Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Spotted With Hubby and Children at the Lagos Premiere Of 'Last Flight To Abuja' (Photos)

Ever beautiful and sexy Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde was spotted with her pilot husband, Mr. Matthew Ekeinde and their lovely children at the Lagos premiere of Obi Emelonye's 'Last Flight To Abuja' ... Is good to be born by a star you know ... If you see the way Omotola's children bounce in ... Chai !!!

Late president Atta-Mills to be honoured at US concert

Ghanaian gospel singer Sonnie Badu is set to honour the late Ghanaian president John Atta-Mills at his final US concert on Saturday, August 11, 2012.

The concert titled ‘Atlanta Alive with Sonnie Badu’, will see the proceeds go towards a charity project ‘Thy Dwelling Place’, targeted at providing shelters and clean water for orphans in Nsawam, Ghana.

John Atta Mills, 68, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in Accra

Chelsea Eze, Nollywood actress - "I’m moved to tears anytime I learn about killings in North"

Chelsea Eze, fast rising Nollywood actress and 'Silent Scandal' fame actress speaks with ADEMOLA OLONILUA about her career and early life in Kano ...

My dream career: I would have been an aeronautic engineer because I loved physics at school. I studied English Language at the University of Maiduguri. Before then, I wanted to study mechanical engineering. I had always liked airplanes. I always dreamed of them. I loved movies that had settings in airplanes, such as Airforce One.

How I became an actress: I acted in a movie for the first time in 2009. In my first movie, I played a role alongside Genevieve Nnaji. I was her daughter in the movie. I auditioned for an Emem Isong in 2007 when I was still an undergraduate, but I never took it seriously. Sometime in 2009, Vivian Ejike wanted to do casting for Silent Scandal.

Why Team Nigeria Failed at London Olympics – Minister of Sports

We haven't won even one medal so far! And we all know why, but let's hear what the Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has to say! :-). Full text of his speech yesterday Thursday August 9 at the Nigeria House in Stratford, London

About two weeks ago, we arrived London for the 2012 Olympics with a contingent of 51 sportsmen and women competing in 8 sports namely, athletics, weightlifting, taekwondo, boxing, wrestling, table tennis, canoeing and basketball. We were competing in the last two for the first time ever.

Even though we did not expect to win the competition, we had arrived hoping to make a decent showing. We even had reasons to believe we could surpass some of our recent achievements at this level of competing. Why not?

We had arrived London riding on the wave of a short but intensive preparation of our athletes in different parts of the world where they did not only have the benefits of high quality facilities and technical support but also had the opportunity to match up against some of the best athletes from other parts of the world, and on some occasions, beating them.

Peter Okoye and Lola Omotayo expecting second child

 

Shebi I said it before and they denied it...now they've officially announced it. Peter and Lola Omotayo are expecting another child. They already have a son, Cameron, who will turn 4 next month. Big big congrats to them!

Shiroro Dam workers begin indefinite strike over severance benefits

The workers of the Shiroro Hydroelectricity Dam in Niger have began an indefinite strike in protest against an alleged Federal Government directive compelling them to join the contributory pension scheme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workers converged at the dam’s security gate on Thursday carrying placards.
Some of the placards read: “Don’t short change us, pay us our full benefit, Bart Nnaji, Tell Nigerians the truth about PHCN, Minister of Power, Treat us with Dignity”.
The workers called for the continued management of their pension scheme under the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) superannuation fund.
They said they preferred the old system as against the contributory pension scheme being supervised by the National Pension Commission.
In his address to the workers, the Chairman of the Shiroro chapter of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Malam Mohammed Nagya, said the Federal Government should pay them all their entitlements before the final privatisation of the power company.
Nagya said the 2010 Reviewed Condition of Service of the PHCN employees, indicated that all severance benefits were to be managed by PHCN superannuation fund and not through PENCOM contributory scheme.
He said that the law establishing PENCOM was enacted in 2004, while the condition of service of PCHN employees was reviewed in 2010.
The chairman said this situation had made their condition of service superior to the PENCOM Act.

Jonathan in Accra, says Attah-Mills was friend of Nigeria

 
President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday in Accra said the late Ghanaian President, Prof. John Atta-Mills, was a friend of Nigeria who stood by the country during its moments of trial.
The President made this known while addressing newsmen on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport in the Ghanaian capital for the burial of the late head of state who died on July 24.
He described Atta-Mills as somebody, who was very close to him personally and who was very supportive during Nigerian’s trial.
Jonathan said he received the sudden death of Atta-Mills with shock, adding that African leaders would miss him for his sincerity, maturity, humility and modesty.
The President said that the past four to five years had been very bad for Africa in terms of the death of sitting presidents.
“Atta-Mills was somebody that was very close to me; I knew the support he gave me when Nigeria had a similar situation, when our late president was ill until when he finally died.
“When I took over as a President we have been working very closely, discussing regional issues, ECOWAS issues, African issues and international issues,’’ he said.
President arrived at Kotoka International Airport at about 9.10 p.m Nigerian time (8.05 p.m local time).
He was received by the Ghanaian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, the Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Ademola Onafowokan, and his predecessor, Musiliu Obanikoro.
The President was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Olugbenga Ashiru, Senators, Emmanuel Paulker, Victor Lar and some presidential aides.

Jim Iyke and J-Martins Win Cameroon Entertainment Awards

Nollywood bad boy actor, Jim Iyke and Nigerian singer, J-Martins were rewarded for hard work and excellence at the first Cameroon Entertainment Awards held recently in Washington DC, USA.

The award ceremony was held at the prestigious Cramton Auditorium in Washington DC, USA precisely on July 28, 2012. The event saw the convergence of top Cameroonian entertainment stakeholders in attendance.

Jim Iyke won the Pan African Actor of the Year Award in that category while J-Martins won the People's Choice Award. The singer was present at the event to receive the award.

Uti Nwachukwu, Friends Celebrate Birthday With 67 Widows

It was a joyous atmosphere on August 3 for some 67 widows when former Big Brother Africa winner, Uti Nwachukwu celebrated his 30th birthday at Calabar Hall at Surulere, Lagos.

The celebrant was welcomed by his guests as he dashed his way in company of Sister Onah, Alex Ekubo, Meg Otanwa, Keffe, MC Ice Water, Michael Nwachukwu, Aneke twins and others.

The 67 widows were all dressed in branded polo shirts bearing the name and picture of the celebrant. Coincidentally, Uti hosted 67 widows because his mother happens to be 67 years old.

He later cut his birthday cake with the widows and presented lots of gift items to them. Items given out included cookers, cartons of noodles, Ankara fabrics, bags of rice and bottles of oil (surprising donated by Tonto Dikeh) amongst other valuable items.

On why he decided to celebrate with widows, Uti said there was need to recognise widows and give them all the support they needed at all times. He also said that he hoped richer people in the society would emulate him and do better.

Uti with some of the 67 widows

Uti sharing gift items to the widows

BBA Stargame:Talia, apologises for sex show

Zambian-born Big Brother Africa Star Game finalist, Talia Hayward, has appealed to her fans and compatriots to forgive her for her public sex show with fellow housemate, Keegan, of South Africa.
Within 90 days, Talia dated Keegan and an Angolan housemate, Seydou.
She was watched by the whole world, including her parents and younger sibblings having sex with Keagan on live TV.
Keegan 21, emerged winner of the US$ 300,000 grand prize of the seventh edition of Big Brother Africa reality show which ended on Sunday.
The soft spoken Talia said at a media briefing on Wednesday that society should not be too quick to judge her for the ‘sins’ she might have committed while participating on the show, zambianwatchdog.com reports.
“I would like to apologize to my fans and society for the activities that happened in the house.
“It is difficult to be in the house, there is too much pressure especially that that there are a lot of people from different backgrounds and culture and in a small space,” she said.
Talia, who acknowledged that she might not have represented Zambia well in during her 91-day stay in the house, said she was only human and bound to make mistakes.
“Being in that house can be overwhelming and it is difficult to control certain emotions,” she said apologetically.
Prior to Keegan, Talia had an affair with Angolan housemate Seydou just after a few days in the House.
Talia has not spoken about her Zambian boyfriend, if she has any, the report said.

Culled: Punchng

FG decides on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway next week

Federal Government will take a final decision on the concessioning of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway next week.
The expressway had earlier been concessioned to Bi-Courtney Highway Services.
However, years after the concessioning, work has not started on the road, which daily claims lives through auto crashes and robberies.
The situation led to the call by stakeholders, including Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, and other South-West governors to call for the revocation of the concession agreement.
Speaking with State House correspondents on Thursday after making a presentation to President Goodluck Jonathan on the budget performance of his ministry, Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, said government would take a decision on the road because of its importance to the economy.
He said, “The Lagos Ibadan Expressway is very topical. A meeting was held on Tuesday with the President on the issue. We are also engaging the concessionaire, Bi-Courtney.
“There has been a series of meeting; the meetings will end next week. Once that meeting is held, a decision will be taken and the way forward will be known to Nigeria.

Herbalists Rush for Used Condoms in Abuja: Men Beware!

Used Condoms in the past is something that none pays attention to, but shockingly it has now become one thing no one wants to drop carelessly especially patrons of “runs” babes in the Federal Capital Territory because of the huge financial prices. Information has it that herbalists now buy it from most call girls and runs babes in the Federal Capital Territory. 

Already most patrons now pick their used condoms from prostitutes, and dispose it themselves so as not to get their sperm that is stocked in the condom in the hands of herbalists.

According to those who should know, many young girls who are now involved in the prostitution business are now willing to go out with men at any cost unlike in the past. They don’t haggle prices with customers because they make fast cash from the sale of the sperm of all customers that they sleep with.

According to some of the young prostitutes, some herbalists do come along from 4:30 am each morning to collect and pay cash for used condoms.
Last month and early this month, men of the Abuja Task Force arrested over 1400 prostitutes out of which over 80percent were caught with used condoms filled with sperm which shocked the Task Force personnel thereby giving credence to the booming trade involvement of the most call girls in the sordid act of selling sperm for money.

Doris Simeon Honoured in America

Beautiful Nollywood star actress and mother of one, Doris Simeon, has been working on several projects in the last few months without attracting much and undue attention to herself.

Words from her image makers, Surprise Package Inc, point to the fact that she has been on different movie locations as well as a television production set.

While she was said to have just concluded the recording of a television programme entitled, Faaji Xtra, she recently jetted out of the country to the United States of America, where she was honoured by the members of her Okpella, Edo community in the USA.

Beyonce and Jay-Z crowned highest paid Celebrity Couple

Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z have been crowned the highest paid celebrity couple.

The rapper and the singer moved into first place in the poll by Forbes magazine − up from second last year - with combined earnings of $78million (£50million) between 1 May 2011 and 1 May 2012.

In second place was supermodel Gisele Bundchen and her husband, Tom Brady, who earned $72million (£46million) between them in the last 12 months.    

David and Victoria Beckham came in third with $54million (£34.5million), while Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie came in at fourth with $45million (£29million) to their names.

In at fifth were Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith, who earned $40 (£25.5million).

Notably absent from the list were  Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, who were the fifth highest paid couple in the world in 2011.

Charly Boy and His Multiple personalities

Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa popularly known as Charly Boy ,  His Royal Punkness, and Area Fada is a Nigerian singer/songwriter, television presenter, publisher, producer and one of Nigeria's most controversial entertainers, best known for his maverick lifestyle, biker style, political views, and his television productions, most notably The Charly Boy Show. Formerly president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, he is now an Idol Series judge.
He is the second son of former Supreme Court judge Chukwudifu Oputa.
He had set out to become a priest, but left seminary school after a year. In his late teens he moved to America where he was expected to study Law as his father had done, but graduated with a degree in Communications.

Rihanna dropped as Face of Nivea

Rihanna has been dropped as the face of skincare giant Nivea.According to Stefan Heidenreich - the new head of Nivea's parent company Beiersdorf - the singer was axed because her behaviour is not appropriate for the brand.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Heidenreich said: "The advert starring Rihanna was a no-go. I do not understand how Nivea can be brought into association with Rihanna."
He was later quoted as saying: "Nivea is a company which stands for trust, family and reliability."
Rihanna had starred in a series of campaigns for the company, which also sponsored her Loud world tour last year, while her hit California King Bed was used as the soundtrack to the an advertisement for the brand.
At the time, Nivea representative Markus Pinger said: "We are excited to have Rihanna supporting us in our celebration and building a new generation of fans."
The S&M hitmaker - who also appeared topless in a commercial for the brand's 100 Years Skincare For Life campaign - has come under fire recently for photos posted online by her, that showed the singer throwing money at female strippers. Fans were also concerned earlier this year, when Rihanna reunited with former boyfriend Chris Brown in the studio, despite his being convicted of assaulting her in 2009.

Boko Haram: CAN President writes Clinton

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oristejiafor, has written a letter to the visiting American Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, expressing CAN’s reservation on the manner the issues of Boko Haram and related violence by Islamist groups against Nigerian Christians are being treated by the United States.
The Letter dated July 7, 2012 which was signed on behalf of Oristejiafor by Secretary General of CAN, Rev. Musa Asake also described as inaccurate the 2011 International Religious Freedom report which catalogued the attacks on Christians and their places of worship by the Islamic sect.
According to CAN president, “Much to our dismay, the information contained in our memorandum to the presidential panel on Post-Election Violence was not included in the 2011 State Department International Religious Freedom Report. Our memo presented widespread incidents of violence targeting Christians in 12 northern states in April last year during the reporting period of the 2011 report.
“Unfortunately the destruction of over 700 churches and the systematic massacres of hundreds of Christians in 48 hours – the largest single attack on Christendom in contemporary world history anywhere on the planet-were not included in your report. Even more surprising, the report failed to accurately describe the horrific Christmas Day multi-city church attacks.
“These coordinated attacks on three states, comprising Niger, Plateau and Yobe, claimed over 60 lives and, for a second consecutive year, stunned the world. The report merely mentions the Christmas Day church bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic church in Madalla, then fails to communicate the scope and significance of the Christmas Day attacks.
“The pernicious persecution, denigration and dehumanisation of Christians in northern Nigeria especially has been a fact of life for over a quarter century. It is therefore disconcerting that the US report addresses it in a speculative tone that undermines the harsh reality of the masses of orphans and widows left behind.”

Source

Clinton to Jonathan: How you can fight terrorism

 The United States, yesterday, offered to assist Nigeria fight Islamic sect, Boko Haram, which it sees as a growing regional menace, saying Nigeria cannot rely on military might alone. An official, travelling with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton disclosed this after holding a closed-door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential villa.
Clinton, who arrived the Villa at 3.57 P.M., was accompanied by officials of the U. S. Embassy in Nigeria and some diplomats and were received by the Foreign Minister, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru. Clinton also had another meeting with Security Chiefs including all the Service Chiefs, the National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki and the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar.
According to the senior US official, the US is offering to help President Goodluck Jonathan fight Boko Haram, a militant sect that wants to establish a strict Islamic state in the northern part of the country. Boko Haram has launched bomb and gun attacks on churches this year that provoked Christians, leading to deadly reprisals against Muslims. Hundreds of people have died and Washington is concerned about insecurity spreading.

Residents flee as soldiers, police invade Okene

Human and vehicular movements were light in Okene, Kogi State on Thursday as an uneasy calm pervaded the town where gunmen killed 19 worshippers at the Deeper Life Bible Church at the Eikha-Adagu area on Monday.

The Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Mr Mohammed Katsina, said on Wednesday that four persons had been arrested in connection with the killings.

Travellers, who normally spent some 30 or more minutes to navigate the traffic in the town, spent only about five minutes on Thursday.

Soldiers and policemen mounted two checkpoints where they searched vehicles and their passengers.

They also conducted a house-to-house search for weapons allegedly stolen from two soldiers who were killed in a separate attack by gunmen on Tuesday. Two civilians also died in the incident.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the action of the security agents caught residents unawares and some started fleeing to neighbouring towns in Edo, Ondo and Ekiti states.

The Kogi Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Simon Ile, told NAN that policemen were sent to Okene for what he called a “mop up” exercise.

He said the security agents would sustain the operation until all the culprits behind the killings were apprehended and the arms stolen from the dead soldiers were recovered.
Source

RCCGengages 300 nurses for baby delivery

Over 300 nurses have been engaged to cater for the needs of expectant mothers at the Redemption Camp, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway where the annual convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God is holding.
The Administrative Officer of the Maternity Clinics, Mrs. Morenikeji Sodiya, said on Thursday that the services of the midwives were engaged due to the large number of pregnant women admitted.
She spaid, “Since the beginning of the convention, pregnant women have flooded our maternity wards, but we are prepared for them, so we have taken nurses from different Redeemed Maternity wards all over the nation to cater to them.
“They had to come down here since their respective wards will be closed till after the convention.
“We have a roster that over 300 midwives is arranged; they all know their shifts, which can either be in the morning, afternoon or night.
“No fewer than 35 babies have been delivered since the commencement of the convention.
During the arrival of our correspondent, a father, Mr. Peter Iwajesu, was delighted to have a baby girl in the convention maternity clinic.

Jonathan’s free to contest 2015 poll – Okoko

Yenagoa—Prof Kimse Okoko, President of Conference of Ethnic Nationalities of Niger Delta, CENND and former President of Ijaw National Congress, INC, has described as “unnecessary distraction” the call on President Goodluck Jonathan not to run for the 2015 general elections.
He insisted that the President was at liberty to run for a second term as enshrined in the 1999 constitution if he so desires.
He said: “As far as I know, the call is amazing. What is the basis for anybody to say President Jonathan should not run for the Presidency come 2015? The constitution allows him to do so and if he decides to run, why should anybody stop him?
“It is complete distraction as far as I am concerned. Let him do the work for which he was elected. We have so many problems in this country and he has so much to do. Why are we bothering him with the question of whether he is entitled to run or not?
“If there is any agreement he signed with anybody I am not aware of that as far as I am concerned. My comments are based on the provision of the 1999 constitution. There is nothing in that constitution that stops him from running. This is his first term and he is entitled to run for a second term as allowed by the constitution. So I don’t want to be bothered by this distraction.”

Culled: Vanguard

Hillary Clinton to discuss Boko Haram, corruption with Jonathan, others

United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, is expected to hold a closed door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; the security chiefs and other members of the National Security Council on Thursday, as part of her one-day visit to Nigeria.
Clinton, who is flying into Abuja from Cape Town, South Africa will immediately on arrival at the Presidential Villa hold a 15-minute meeting with President Jonathan.
Thereafter, she will hold a 50-minute expanded meeting with Jonathan and members of the NSC.
The meeting is expected to discuss the rising security threats in Nigeria; the controversy over calls on Washington to designate Boko Haram as a terrorist group as well as Abuja’s reluctance to endorse the appeals; piracy in the Gulf of Guinea; and cooperation between Nigeria and the U.S on security.
She will also meet with Nigerian anti-corruption activists at the residence of the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Terrence McCulley, for 45 minutes and also meet with U.S Embassy staff at the embassy.
Clinton will thereafter depart Abuja for Accra, Ghana for a meeting with President John Mahama.
She will also attend the funeral of late Ghana President John Atta Mills on Friday.

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Fred Amata Experiences The First Ever Earthquake In His Life

Life is Beautiful. Last night in Los Angeles i experienced the first ever Earth Quake in my life. Reports this morn, say it was a 4.4 magnitude on the scale. With a 2.7 after shock. I was lying in bed, at the twilight zone between sleep and wakefulness, when i felt my bed move.

I snapped out of limbo, my bed was moving shaking firmly from side to side, i did not have the faintest clue, what was happening, it was over too soon, every other thought raced through my mind, but the fact that it was an earth quake, i could not comprehend, what could this be i wondered, i started suspecting the super natural. Kai! I thought to myself, “dem fit follow me reach here” God nor go gree dem.