Funke Akindele survives cruel fate in Sababi

Although fate may defeat the efforts of virtue to avert misfortune, it cannot deprive us of the power to endure it with equanimity’

Funke Akindele’s production outfit, Scene One Production in conjunction with Adekaz Production Ltd presents a new Yoruba  movie titled ‘Sababi Eda’(Fate), fully subtitled in English.

Sababi Eda depicts the life of a single mother (Funke Akindele), and her struggle with fate.    She used to be a tomboy in  the village before she got engaged and relocated  to the city.

However fate played a fast one on her in her journey of life and she could not avoid it.  Her fiancée eloped with another woman, leaving her to cater for their only son.

My wife is no flirt —Ekeinde, Omotola’s husband

Let me start first by saying that I am humbled by the popularity of this column, only six weeks after it made its debut. I am told, and this has been verified by random Google search, that this column has been culled and appropriated by practically every social media platform including leading bloggers all over the world.
One of such bloggers called me, to say she has been eagerly awaiting my column every Sunday, and updates on my blog, EkereteUdoh.com, so she would be the first to post my stories. I must say that I am flattered.
Last week, I published on this page, excerpts of an interview that Omotola Jalade Ekeinde granted my New York-based newspaper, The Diasporan Star, in December 2009, and also on my blog. The interview, though done some years ago, was still relevant. (the kind of interviews that have no time-limit or currency). The story has become a hit on social media and some other newspapers here. The popular blogger, BellaNaija, culled the story, and a day after, Omotola, through the same BellaNaija, denied ever granting the interview to Sunday Vanguard. She, however, did not deny that the said interview did take place and that some other excerpts of the same interview were published in The Diaspora Star, which she had read when it was first published.

My political lessons — Kenny Saint Best

Gospel artiste, Kenny Saint Best, who recently lost out in the All Progressive Congress (APC) House of Assembly primary elections to Folajimi Lai Mohammed has declared that she has learnt a lot in her new found romance with politics.

“The experience is that of inner strength. I got stronger because this was a new terrain, unlike entertainment that you have gotten so used to and you take everything for granted. I also got humbled. In entertainment, you have ego but in politics you dare not bring up that ego or you will be messed up” she told Potpourri

What growing up in the slum taught me — Ruth Kadiri

Ruth Kadiri is one of the fast rising actresses cum scriptwriters you would love to meet some day. Soft-spoken, easy-going and highly articulate Ruth has built for herself a name that may get the likes of Geneiveve and Omotola going green with envy in no distant future. The Edo State born actress who debuted as an actress in “Sincerity”, a movie that she also wrote, in recent times, has upped the ante. She opened up on her relationship, lessons she has learnt as an actress, childhood experiences and other interesting revelations.
What lessons have you learned as an actress?
Ruth-Kadiri-1I have learned to be patient. I have also learned to understand that our destinies are different. More so, I have realized that not everybody would appreciate your style, or understand where you are coming from .All you need as an actor is to be focused. It’s easy to get distracted, or follow the trend. But if you have a style and you are able to stick to it, as long as  you know that you are doing the right thing, you will surely get to your promised land.
Who is that director you can’t wait to work with?

Many awards for Bob Manuel-Udokwu

Veteran Nollywood actor and Governor Obaino of Anambra’s Senior Special Assistant on Movie/Entertainment industry, Bob Manuel Udokwu may have lost his intent to represent his people of Idemili North Constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly in the 2015 elections but he still has good fortunes coming his way. Just days ago the gangling actor bagged the Karifest award for Best of Nollywood Actors, to add to his collection of awards this year.

Speaking to Potpourri, the anchor for Gulder Ultimate Search reality TV show said that would be his third award this December alone. The two others received this December are Excellence/Man of Honour Award by National Grammar School, Nike, Enugu Old Boys Association and Award of Recognition as Outstanding Figure & Role Model for the Youths by Anambra State Students Association, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

There may be sequel to 30 Days in Atlanta —AY

Ace Comedian,  Ayo Makun also known as AY has revealed that his wave-making movie 30 Days In Atlanta cost him a lot financially. The movie which clinched the comedy movie of the year at the Best of Nollywood awards has been getting a lot of rave reviews.
In an exclusive chat with Potpourri, the entertainment entrepreneur said: “I am satisfied with how well 30 Days In Atlanta is doing. The people who have seen it are already asking for a sequel. Trust me, if the demands continue, we will go for it. I will be very honest  I only pictured and anticipated  it doing well. I only wished, but seeing it happen is a different ball game. I will say categorically that I didn’t know it will be this successful. It cost a lot of money and relationships to put the movie together. As a matter of fact, I am not good with mentioning figures. It cost a lot of money to put 30 days in Atlanta together”.

Seyi Hunter returns with Indecent Assault

Seyi Hunter is one budding actress who continues to reinvent her brand and walk the path less travelled. The sexy Industrial and labour relations graduate recently unveiled her new movie titled Indecent Assault.
Seyi-Hunter-Pix-2On the motive behind becoming a movie producer, she disclosed that she likes the fact that a story can be taken from nothing into something people can learn from. “This is my first movie as a producer. I think I am going to go into movie production fully. I like the fact that you have to take something from nothing and create something people can learn from” she said
“Indecent Assault is a story about sex, betrayal, greed and hate. It’s a story that paints beautifully the picture of how far human beings can go to meet their self-centered desires” she added

Jaywon, Sound Sultan, others for Music Africa Beach Splash

Eleko beach in Lagos will play host to Music Africa Beach Splash on the 21st of December 2014 at the Chaka Beach Resorts. In the spirit of the yuletide, Oritsefemi, Jaywon, Sound Sultan, Patoraking, Ketchup, Young Greyc and a host of others will add colour to the event.
Speaking on the purpose of the event, Phillip Trimnell, Managing Director of Music Africa said: ”The Music Africa  Beach Splash is a colourful concert that will feature some of the best music stars in Nigeria who have performed and created impact in the Nigerian music industry till date.”
Lolo1 and Ogbolor are the comperes for the day, while  DJ humility and DJ Bobbi will be on the wheels of steel. Senator and  Funny Bone are also billed to add humour to the event.

‘More blood is being shed in Nigeria’, says Pope Francis

Pope Francis issued a strident call in his Christmas day message to safeguard children who are victims “under our very eyes” of violence and trafficking, while also demanding an end to “brutal persecution” worldwide.
Killings and hostage-takings from the Middle East to Nigeria and elsewhere must stop, he said in his annual Christmas “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) message.
Denouncing conflicts in Ukraine and Libya, and noting last week’s deadly attack against a school in Pakistan, the pontiff also lamented the thousands of victims of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.
“Truly there are so many tears this Christmas,” he said.
Delivering his second Christmas blessing, the popular Argentine pontiff, visibly moved and departing from his text, noted “the children massacred by bombardments, including where the son of God was born” and their “powerless silence that cries under the sword.”
Denouncing “indifference”, he explicitly condemned abortion, deploring the children “killed before seeing the light”.

Police stop #BringBackOurGirls protest in Abuja

Policemen yesterday, disrupted,  the  protest organized by  #BringBackOurGirls, BBOG,  movement as they distributed  fliers to motorists to remind them of the plight of the 219 Chibok girls still in Boko Haram captivity.
The policemen numbering about 20 barricaded the Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja with their vehicles at the junction to the  Presidential Villa, a move that enraged some of the activists.

Internet banking to break Christmas day records

Christmas Day online shoppers were predicted to set a new spending record splashing out an estimated £636m on Thursday.

Shoppers were expected to make 142 million visits to retail sites – a 25 per cent increase over last year.

Sky News reported that research by Experian and online retailing trade association IMRG found Britons would spend around £441,000 a minute.

“The ease of shopping online via connected devices raises the prospect of a very large amount of shopping activity on Christmas Day itself,” said Experian general manager of consumer insight Giles Longhurst.

Dominic Trigg, managing director for Europe of digital advertising technology company Rocket Fuel, said, “Shopping online on Christmas Day is now a normal part of UK consumers’ holiday experiences every year.

“It is clear that UK consumers now see shopping from the comfort of their own home, following Christmas Day dinner, as much of a tradition as a turkey and ham dinner.”

Nigeria needs N56tn for housing —Mortgage banker

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Brent Mortgage Bank, Mr. Kola Abdul, says a sum of N56tn is required to close the housing funding gap in the country.
He also stressed the need for mortgage houses to contribute meaningfully to economy growth, by tackling the increasing challenges facing the housing sector.
Abdul said, “At an average of N3.5m per unit excluding cost of land, Nigeria requires about N56tn to remedy the housing deficit gap. The amount is 12 times the size of the country’s 2014 budget of N4.69tn.
“This means if every spending other than housing finance is put on hold, it will take Nigeria over 12 years to bridge the housing deficit. It would even take much longer time if the population growth is considered.”
He added, “Housing deficit in Lagos State is estimated at about 2.4 million units for a population of about 17 million that accounts for about 12 per cent of the country’s population and growth rate of eight per cent. “Lagos State has the highest out of the 17 million housing deficit in Nigeria for a population of over 160 million”

Naira trades below CBN band at Christmas

The Central Bank of Nigeria says the post-devaluation band for the naira is “appropriately priced”, but black market hawkers are trading it at around three to five per cent below its floor in the run-up to Christmas.

Despite an eight per cent devaluation of the target band and efforts last week to crack down on currency speculation by squeezing liquidity, the naira remained at record lows on Thursday, Reuters reported.

Confusion over Jonathan’s campaign committee

There is confusion in the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party over when the party will inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Committee.

The committee, which is headed by a former National Chairman of the party, Ahmadu Ali, was made known during the inauguration of the party’s National Campaign Council, headed by its National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on December 11.

Heaven Can Wait By Rudolf Ogoo Okonkwo

I believe in heaven. And I bet you do.

Heaven is located somewhere across the bridge of life. It is a place devoid of the iniquities of this life. In heaven, tranquility abounds. It is a treasure trove where God keeps the best of everything.

All our pursuits in life can be divided into two: the pursuit of heaven and the pursuit of happiness.

Correct Me If I am Right
Heaven is the only place where happiness is guaranteed. But for some reason, we are determined to pursue happiness here on earth when it has been proven that such is an impossible goal.

We dream of heaven when we face the travails of life on earth. We remember heaven when we lose someone we love. We embrace heaven when we face our own mortality.

How Nigerian Army Presents Unverified “Lt. Col” To Refute Petition Against Military Hierarchy

Officers of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army today presented a lieutenant colonel without a name tag to the media, claiming that the officer was the one named by SaharaReporters in a devastating petition that revealed why Nigerian troops had been unable to win the war against Boko Haram.
Speaking to the press, Colonel Sani Usman, the spokesperson for the 7th Division, stated that “Lieutenant Colonel” Wende had denied authorship of the petition, which accused top military commanders of siphoning off budgets meant for the war against terrorism.
SaharaReporters had reported that the colonel and his family had come under intense pressure to renounce the petition he sent to President Goodluck Jonathan and copied to the President of the Nigerian Senate, David Mark.
Since our publication of the petition, Nigerian military authorities have scrambled to discredit the leak by claiming that Colonel Wende had not written the letter. Military brass also went as far as claiming that the petition was written by Boko Haram militants and their supporters.
However, the attempt to blame Boko Haram for the petition was not persuasive as the document outlined strategies for defeating the insurgent Islamist group.

Tonye Princewill Responds To Rivers State Gov’t Wants Specifics About Sale of Government Properties

When we received the news that the Hon Commissioner of Finance had responded to news reports on the secrecy surrounding the sale of Rivers state assets to friends and cronies, we anticipated that finally we would have a meaningful engagement and that a debate on the issues was imminent. We quickly sought to see what details and substance he would provide. We were not expecting him to be totally open, because we knew he knew little about what was going on. However what we didn't expect was an empty and verbose monologue.
Claims about a malicious publication, yet no redress sought from publishers, personal attacks on the Prince, bogus allegations and references to unnamed projects of questionable intent with no clear objectives, yet governments are the ones who should set objectives and deliver on them. Plenty waffle, little substance and in the end we are still where we are. Without answers. Little or no detail. All from a government of eight years.

Opposition Mounts Against Yar’adua Cabal Operative Tanimu Yakubu’s Membership Of Buhari’s Think-tank | TheCable

Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, former chief economic adviser to late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, is facing serious opposition over his imminent membership of the policy think-tank of Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Former Economic Adviser to late Nigerian President Umaru yar'adua, Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi
Since TheCable reported that the economics graduate of Wagner College, New York, US, was tipped to head the economic policy directorate of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, the former head of state and senior APC chieftains have been inundated with calls by concerned Nigerians who kicked against Kurfi’s membership. An APC official who spoke with TheCable said it is going to send the wrong signals if Kurfi plays any major role in the Buhari team. “I am aware that many well-meaning Nigerians have been expressing worries over Yakubu. Buhari has not told any of us categorically that Yakubu is his choice to head the team. He is already aware of the possible repercussion,” the official said. The head of the policy think-tank is expected to end up holding a major position in government if Buhari wins the presidential election next year.

Watch Video of Osinbajo campaigns in BRT bus, says Nigeria needs Buhari

The vice presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2015 presidential election, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday said the country needed a man of integrity, such as the APC’s flag bearer, Maj. Gen. Muhamadu Buhari, to end corruption in the country.

Wike accuses Gov Amaechi of funding Buhari’s campaign Wtih Rivers Fund To Tune Of N30bn

A former Minister of State for Education and the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has accused the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, of spending N30bn to fund the presidential campaign of the All Progressives Congress.

Wike explained that the development had made it impossible for the state government to pay workers’ salaries, adding that the governor was using state resources to fund the APC with the hope that he would be picked as the running mate to the APC presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

The PDP governorship candidate pointed out that Amaechi was being deceived by the leadership of the APC to continue to fund the party, adding that the APC leadership had never been interested in selecting the governor as Buhari’s running mate.

Bishop Ezeokafor Lauds Road Safety, Fetes Journalists .. Seeks diversification of Nigerian economy

BY ABUCHI IFESINACHI, AWKA

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese His Lordship Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor has lauded the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Anambra Command for their work ethics and for mapping out numerous programmes which geared towards reducing road crashes on the highways to the barest minimum

Bishop Ezeokafor who gave the commendation at St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Awka when the men of FRSC called on him, urged Ndi Anambra to obey all road rules and regulations noting that one life lost could not be replaced

He decried the lackadaisical attitude of some private and commercial bus drivers who often constitute nuisance on road with their reckless driving and over-speeding noting that if all road rules would be applied by the drivers just like their counterpart in developed countries the rate of road accident in the country would be reduce drastically.

A Christmas Message from the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano

 

Ndi Anambra, we are once again in that special period of the year when Christians from all over the world come to a momentary break to mark the greatest act of love known to mankind – the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All over the world, Christmas is seen as a season of love and profound affection as well as a season of remembrance and nostalgia. It is a time when love and kindness rule the hearts of many Christians.

For Nigerians, this year’s Christmas should serve as the clarion call to heal our country with love. The outgoing year presented a huge challenge to Nigeria on many fronts. While the nation reeled from the shockwaves of avoidable bloodbath caused by terrorists in the North, Nigerians suddenly woke up to the horrifying nightmare of the dreaded Ebola epidemic. At some point in the year, our prospects as a nation were bleak as Nigerians waited for a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. It is instructive to recall that at that critical moment, Nigerians from all faiths and regions were united in love against this new and common enemy.

I’ve Received Threats For Criticizing Buhari — Sheik Gumi

A prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, said Tuesday he has been threatened for not supporting Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The Kaduna-based cleric raised the alarm on Tuesday in a Facebook post titled, “PDP v APC: It’s Not about Religion.”
He said his children have also been receiving calls from persons who use unknown telephone numbers to threaten them.
'People like me who had all along been critical about the government can longer speak or express personal opinion if it is not in support of Gen. Buhari,” said Shiekh Gumi.
“Just this morning around 2.30a.m., my three male children individually got threatening phone calls from a private number. People can vote for whoever they choose whether a Christian or a Muslim.”
The cleric had in a separate Facebook post in October called on Mr. Buhari not to contest the 2015 presidential election for fear of crisis.

President Jonathan To Buy New Executive Jet

President Goodluck Jonathan wants to ride yet another new aircraft, and he has asked the National Assembly to approve the purchase.  The request is part of the 2015 budget presented to the National Assembly in Abuja last week by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. 

It will be the fourth such purchase since he took office in 2010.

To make the acquisition of the gleaming new toy fit for the electoral stomp an attractive proposition, the presidency will trade in one of the planes currently in the presidential fleet.  But the purchase will still gulp N400 million as deposit to the manufacturer.  

Towards combating the insurgency in the country, the appropriation bill contains a N1,308,400,600 proposal to be spent on NICEP II security elements phase II by the NSA; N2,093,861,553 for maritime border security solutions (Falcon Eye); N2,093,861,553 for North-East border security solutions  and N850 million for the DSS to buy more firearms and ammunition for all the service formations.

Gunmen Open Fire On Taraba Wedding, 13 Killed

A security source in Taraba State has confirmed that about 13 persons were killed and over 30 injured in an attack by unknown gunmen on a village during a wedding rite.
The source said the incident occurred on Monday night in Nafirde, in Gassol local government area of the state.
The gunmen opened fire as the marital rites were in progress.

President Jonathan Ranks Fourth Among 9 Richest African Presidents

Robert Mugabe

Country: Zimbabwe

Years in Power: 26

He is a part of a very wealthy family. His net worth is around $10 million.

Withdrawal of 18 PhDs not a witch hunt –LASU VC

The authorities of the Lagos State University, Ojo, have said that the withdrawal of 18 PhD certificates from some of their graduates is not for witch-hunt.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. John Obafunwa, stated this while speaking to journalists in Lagos.

He spoke against the backdrop of the Academic Staff Union of Universities’ claim that the certificate withdrawal was to embarrass the LASU-ASUU Chairman, Dr. Adekunle Idris.

The ASUU Lagos Zonal Chairman, Dr. Nasir Adesola, had accused the VC of orchestrating the withdrawal following Idris’ role in the call for the reversal of tuition in the school.

Before the tuition reversal to N25,000, the typical undergraduate student of the institution paid between N150,000, and N350,000 depending on his course of study.

But dismissing the ASUU allegation, Obafunwa said his leadership was only interested in cleansing the rot in the university.

How to treat a naked woman: Another rejoinder

On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, Jibril Sado wrote a rejoinder to an article published in The PUNCH, titled, How to treat a naked woman. The write-up was a response to an earlier one written on November 27, 2014.
Adelakun who took her inspiration from some women and men in faraway Kenya that “protested a culture that strips a woman naked– to enhance her dignity and protect the sanctity of their society” had in the write-up surrendered to all values that are antithetical to Africa, elevated even the strange modern culture that is hunting the West and condemned African culture as a myth that never existed.

Abia varsity reduces tuition

The Abia State University on Tuesday confirmed a 20 per cent reduction in its school fees, beginning from 2014/2015 academic session.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that an increase in the tuition in 2012/2013 session had put the university authority and the students on war path.

Mr Udo Nwokocha, the Dean of Student Affairs of the university, told NAN on telephone that the reduction cut across all the faculties.

The fees, which was raised in 2012, had forced the students to stage peaceful demonstrations.

The students had considered the hike in the tuition as government’s attempt to deny them of their right to education.

Jonathan condones corruption, says Osinbajo

The Vice-Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has said that one of the fundamental problems bedeviling the nation is the failure of the President Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government to tackle corruption.

Osinbajo stated this during a Twitter chat tagged #AskProfOsinbajo on Monday.

He said it was saddening that under Jonathan’s government, “there is no consequence for corruption.”

He added, “One of the fundamental problems is that there is no consequence for corruption. I think that what everyone will agree to about a Buhari government is that it will not tolerate corruption.

“If the number one citizen has a clear and uncompromising anti-corruption stand then the anti-corruption policy will work. If the number one and number two citizens have a strong stance on anti-corruption then our policy can succeed.”

Read Bitter Truths About The Economy The Jonathan Govt. Does Not Want Nigerians To Know

As is well known, available figures, statistics and ratings show that the Nigerian economy has consistently maintained an unprecedented growth rate of 6-7 per cent under the Jonathan administration. They also show that the Nigerian economy is now the leading economy in Africa and the 26th largest in the world, with a gross domestic product of over $500 billion per annum.
Statistical indicators are like a woman’s bikini, they hide or mask the most important details, while revealing what, to a casual observer, seem like a whole lot. Take for example real economic growth rate: a measure of how much the economy grew, in real terms. Real growth rate is essentially a quantitativemeasure. While it measures the total goods and services produced in a given year, it does not say anything about how the quality of life has changed, and whether or not available resources were used transparently and beneficially.

How Sea Pirates Killed Three Soldiers In Bayelsa

Some sea pirates on Monday launched a deadly attack against military personnel attached to the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) code named Operation Pulo Shield, killing three.
The incident took place along the waterways and creeks of Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Our source said the JTF military personnel were on escort duty for cargo belonging to the Brass terminal owned by NAOC when the gunmen opened fire on them.
The source, which sought anonymity, said the military personnel were ambushed by deadly pirates.
“It is suspected that the gunmen either hijacked the gunboat [and] later killed the soldiers and threw their dead bodies into the water, or they shot and pushed them into the water before stealing the gunboat," he said.

Those Benefitting From Corrupt System Holding Jonathan Hostage –Ishola-Williams

How would you react to the latest ranking of Nige­ria as the 39th most corrupt nation in the world by the Transparency International (TI), considering the fact that you were once the Nigeria chapter chairman of TI?
As far as I’m concerned, nothing has changed about Nigeria regarding corrup­tion. It is sad that the situation is getting worse. The latest ranking by TI is an indict­ment on the leadership. Our leaders need to do more to fight corruption.
As it is today in Nigeria, war against corruption is dead. The situation is getting worse, and the leadership has not shown enough will to tackle corruption. Nothing has changed.
But the Presidency has come out to say that Jona­than’s administration is in­deed winning war against corruption, how do you see this development against your own position?

Obanikoro Concedes Defeat To Agbaje,Return As Minister of State Defence

Former Minister of State for Defence and gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has accepted the result of the December 8 Lagos PDP gubernatorial primary which returned Jimi Agbaje as winner.
Consequently, Obanikoro is to withdraw the case he instituted in court challenging the outcome of the gubernatorial primaries.
He will also any moment from now return to his post as Minister of State for Defence, an office he relinquished to contest the gubernatorial election in Lagos State.
His return may be announced anytime from today.

Three Fraudsters Sentenced For Stealing N480,000

                                                                 Abidemi Adesanya              
Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, has convicted and sentenced the trio of James Ettete; Ekene Jude and Abidemi Adesanya to two and half years imprisonment each, for stealing the sum of N480,000 (Four Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira only) belonging to Skye Bank Plc.

VIDEO: “I Am 100% With Buhari,” Says Pastor Bakare

In an exclusive interview , Pastor Tunde Bakare, the serving Pastor and Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly Church in Lagos, has debunked insinuations being circulated on social media that he opposes the presidential candidature of General Muhammad Buhari.

Bakare ran with Buhari in 2011 on the presidential ticket of the Congress For Progressive Change.
He explained that the audio tape being circulated was a talk he gave immediately after the last governorship election in Ondo state in 2012, saying he made it clear for those who cared to listen that he supports Buhari’s ambition any day.

A Rejoinder To 'Semi-Illiterate' PDP Secretary Prof. Wale Oladipo By Dr. M.K. Hassan

I was shocked to read a press statement from Wadata Plaza issued by a so called Professor Wale Oladipo, secretary of the PDP, saying that General Muhammadu Buhari is a semi illiterate jackboot. It is no wonder that our education system has fallen so low, else how can one explain a professor making such a statement? How did Wale Oladipo become a professor to start with? It is quite astonishing that he can say this. The professor doesn’t seem to understand the basic rudiments of learning and what it means for one to be literate or not.

Blaming Jonathan for insurgency won’t exonerate APC -PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party has said no amount of allegations against President Goodluck Jonathan can exonerate the All Progressives Congress of blame for insurgency and wave of violence ravaging some northern states of the country.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, alleged that the body language and inciting utterances of APC leaders, including their Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), had served as fuel to the raging flame of terrorism.

He said that by going to the international media recently to distance themselves from complicity and in turning round to blame the PDP, he said the APC was asking Nigerians to suddenly grow forgetful of the barrage of statements by their leaders that he alleged promoted insurgency.

Bomber hits Bauchi market, casualties unknown

Less than eight hours after a female suicide bomber detonated explosives at the Dukku motor park in Gombe, another blast has rocked Bauchi, the capital of Bauchi State.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident happened at about 5.30pm Monday at a market place in the town.

Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Maohammed, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Monday, said he had yet to be briefed on the bombing.

Police Flee As Soldiers Foil Access Bank Robbery, Kill Armed Suspect In Delta

In a dramatic scene Monday, Nigerian policemen on patrol fled for their lives when a group of armed robbers stormed the Access Bank in Agbor, along old Lagos-Asaba road, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Ashiwaju.org gathered that the suspects, numbering approximately seven and armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the bank in a Toyota vehicle around 2 p.m., shooting into the air as customers and bank employees scampered for safety.
The suspects allegedly killed a policeman said to be working with the bank.
Eyewitness accounts disclosed that the alleged thieves were overpowered by the operatives of the Nigerian army on patrol in the area, killing one of the suspects on the spot.
According to Ashwaju.org sources, as the shooting was on, police on patrol took to their heels, driving off before the soldiers arrived.

Ondo APC begs primaries losers to support candidates

Following the outcome of the All Progressives Congress national and state assembly primaries in Ondo State, losers have been urged to shelve their personal ambitions and support those who emerged as the party’s candidates.

Chairman of the party, Mr Isaac Kekemeke, while meeting with the party leaders from the 18 local governments in the state on Monday, said it was the only way the party would be successful in the coming elections.

He said, “The only way for the party to win the forthcoming general elections in the state and country as a whole in 2015, is to be united and go to the elections as a team and not as a divided house. Elections cannot be won when members of the party are aggrieved.

Jang names son as commissioner

The Plateau State Governor, Mr. Jonah Jang, has named his son, Yakubu, as the state Commissioner for Lands and Urban Planning.

Before this new development, Yakubu was his father’s Special Adviser on Special Duties. Yakubu, according to the Commissioner for Information. Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, will take over from Mr. Yilji Gomwalk, who has been picked as the running mate to the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate for the 2015 governorship election, Mr. Gyang Pwajok.

Abubakar, who briefed newsmen in Jos on Sunday, said the action was to allow for continuity in governance.

Meanwhile, the PDP governorship candidate has appealed to all those who contested with him in the primary to close ranks and work with him for the growth of the state.

New video shows B’Haram killing captives in dormitory

Militant Islamist group, Boko Haram, has vowed that “from now on, killing, slaughtering, destruction and bombing’’ would   be its religious duty anywhere it invades.

The group, in a new video released to journalists on Saturday, showed its armed members   mowing down civilians lying face down in a dormitory.

My dad died twice, says ex-minister’s son

Femi, the son of the late former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, has said that his father died and came back to life, before he finally gave up the ghost on November 29.

Femi made this revelation during the service of songs organised in honour of his late father at the All Souls Anglican Church, Lekki, Lagos on Sunday.

In an emotion-laden voice, Femi narrated how his father spent his last days on earth and how his mother stood by him.

Why PR Agencies Should Adopt The ‘AMEC’ Measurement Standard - PHILIP ODIAKOSE

 In world over today, the importance of measurement can never be over emphasized. According to the world acclaimed scientist, Galilee Galileo, “Measure what is measurable, and make measurable what is not so.” In recent times, measuring PR effectiveness is being overhauled with the establishment of the Barcelona Principles and dispensing with outmoded (and possibly harmful) methods like AVE. But will the industry, especially locally, make the shift? This is a multimillion dollar question that is still begging for answer. AMEC (the International Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication) held its first ever Measurement Week from 15- 19 September,2014 to educate communications and public relations practitioners about the latest best-practices in measuring the effectiveness of their communications and reputation campaigns. AMEC is the global trade body and professional institute for agencies and practitioners who provide media evaluation and communication research.

You can’t arrest us, Omirin tells Fayose

The Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr Adewale Omirin, has reacted to the directive by Governor Ayodele Fayose urging the Ministry of Justice to write a memo authorising the Commissioner of Police to arrest the 19 APC lawmakers that sat in a plenary last Thursday in the state capital.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media to the Speaker, Wole Olujobi, Omirin said APC lawmakers acted within the law to conduct its sitting in a public building in the state capital.
“The governor or the police cannot arrest us for performing our constitutional duty. Section 101 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria makes it explicit that the House can regulate its activities, including conducting its sittings in public buildings in the state capital. The Supreme Court had also ruled that the House can conduct its sittings in public places in the state capital if conditions exist that endanger members in the conduct of their sittings.

Dana Renews Operational Licence

Dana Air

By Chinedu Eze

As a confirmation of its improved safety and stability in its operations, the Nigerian civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has renewed the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of Dana Air Limited, just as the airline hopes to get safety certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2015.

The airline said it earned AOC after passing through an exhaustive and successful audit of its entire operations by NCAA.

Obiano’s Wife Leads ASA-Women USA on Walk to End Cancer

A bid to create awareness on the need to check the rising cases of cancer in Nigeria   received a big boost Friday, when the wife of Anambra State governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwun Obiano led a road campaign march tagged “Walk for Hope to End Cancer Now” to create awareness on the cancer scourge and raise fund for the establishment of an Ultra-modern Cancer Treatment Centre in Awka, Anambra State.

The awareness march which was organized by the Anambra State Association (ASA) Women USA in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of Governor of Anambra State, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Anambra State Women Association Lagos, Breast without Spot and Saint Charles Borromeo Hospital, Onitsha has as its theme: “Every Life Deserves World Class Care.” The march preceded a seminar at the field of the ABS, Awka, witnessed the campaigners comprising of young and old men and women trek more than two and half kilometres from ABS complex through Aroma Junction en route Enugu-Onitsha Expressway to the Office of the Governor, before terminating at the Office of the Wife of the Governor.

Knighthood: Obiano Charges Obi, Ilozumba to Fight for the Poor, Voiceless

The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has charged his predecessor in office, Sir Peter Obi and the Hon Commissioner for Works in the state, Sir CallistusIlozumba to use their new position as Knights of St Sylvester to wage a fierce war that will liberate the poor and the voiceless in the society.

Speaking at the special mass held at St Patrick Catholic Church, Awka to mark the investiture of the duo as Knights of St Sylvester, Governor Obiano observed that Knighthood was not an end to the journey but a call to service to mankind.

Brilliantly recalling the historic Siege of Malta when the Ottoman Empire invaded the little island of Malta in 1565 and the heroic exploits of the knightsin the eventual rescue of Malta, Governor Obiano declared that the knighthood demands a high level of social responsiveness from the recipients.

CHUKA OBELE-CHUKA: BEHOLD THE VICTOR UMEH CAMPAIGN DG!

The name "Chuka Obele-Chuka" needs no introduction in the socio-political lexicon of contemporary Nigeria. The gadfly was once called the Gani Faweinmi of the Southeast. He is a fearless activist and a fiery lawyer. He was among the radical Nigerians who dared the military and took to the streets to protest the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election. While Easterners in Lagos were fleeing to the East, Obele-Chuka took a bus from East to streets of Lagos to demonstrate against the abortion of the democratic process.

In 1998, dissatisfied with the bleak state of the nation, Obele-Chuka embarked on two day one man demonstration against the murderous regime of Gen. Sani Abacha. Expectedly, he was swiftly detained by the goons of the Sani Abacha iron fist regime. That did not deter Obele -Chuka though.