Friday 28 June 2013

James Bond Watch Sells for $160,000

A watch adapted for the fictional British spy 007 in the James Bond
movies sold for nearly 104,000 pounds ($160,000) at a pop culture
auction on Wednesday after being bought, strapless, at car boot sale
for 25 pounds.
The Breitling Top Time, worn by actor Sean Connery during 007's
mission to find stolen atomic bombs the 1965 movie "Thunderball", was
estimated to sell for between 40,000 and 60,000 pounds.
Auction house Christie's said this was the first watch to be modified
by the Q branch in the Bond movies and was equipped with a "Geiger
counter" to help the suave secret agent detect the emission of nuclear
radiation in the film, reports Reuters.
Made by Breitling in 1962, it was adapted by the James Bond art
department and was the only example produced for the movie, a
Christie's spokeswoman said.

She was unable to give details on the vendor or purchaser of the watch
that was one of 252 lots at the auction house's pop culture sale.
Among the many other items sold were Bob Dylan lyrics for an
unreleased song and actress Elizabeth Taylor's first wedding dress,
which she wore as an 18-year-old when she married Conrad Hilton Junior
in 1950 in one of the social events of that year attended by over 700
guests.
"The dress symbolises one of the most iconic off-screen moments of
'Golden Age Hollywood'," Christie's said in a statement.

The dress sold for nearly 122,000 pounds after an estimated sale price
of 30,000 to 50,000 pounds.

Kwara State University Expels 28 Students for various offences

At least twenty eight students have again been expelled from the Kwara
State University for contravening various offences against the
institution's rules and regulations. The students according to the
Deputy Registrar, Mr. Shuaib A. Mohammed, were expelled for
miscellaneous offences including examination malpractice, theft,
engagement in physical combat with fellow students, possession of
dangerous weapons and membership of unregistered association(s).
The deputy registrar, who spoke with newsmen in his office at Malete,
the permanent site of the university said "some of them were expelled
for exam malpractice. Some were involved in the act of misconduct,
while some belonged to an unregistered association. For example, there
was a case of a boy who used knife to fight and injure his fellow
students. There was another case of three boys who were caught around
1am holding a meeting in the bush. They were caught and throughout the
panel session, they failed to disclose other members' identities. So
we had to expel them.

He said some students' cases are still pending and that if the
investigation team finds them guilty of offences for which they were
alleged, they would eventually be expelled too.

Juliet Ibrahim Defends Her OJB Fundraising Letter

After Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim posted on Instagram yesterday that she knows of a cheaper centre where ailing musician and producer, OJB Jezerel can get treatment  she now says it wasn’t with bad intentions. Juliet had written that a kidney transplant doesn't cost more than $50, 000 and doesn't understand why people raising funds for OJB are requesting for $100, 000. According to a release by her publicist, Juliet says: 'I was utterly misconstrued with my tweets on OJB’s treatment, I honestly didn’t mean cheap, I meant at a reduced cost with better treatment. Currently I have 2 relatives living with kidney failure whom I’m responsible for and caring for, thus, I’m no stranger to whatever OJB is going through.” “I don’t mean for my tweets to be misconstrued and I won’t take OJB’s health problems with levity as many have misconstrued me.  All I was trying to do was bring an idea of where we can get the transplant done since it’s utmost necessary we get it done soonest and funds ain’t coming in as much expected. Thus, I thought we could try a better and certified centre which isn’t as expensive as the current one in UK when there are several cheaper countries to perform the surgery.   Also instead of people lashing out on celebrities, they should rather be asking the government to help. “It should be further noted that we are all finding a lasting solution to help end the pain of the talented entertainer and bring smile to his face once again and not generate issue out of someone’s suggestion or hand of help. Here's the letter Juliet had written yesterday, blasting everyone supposedly harrassing and insulting celebrities about getting OJB help.

Mandela Fights for His Life While His Family Fights in Court over Burial Locations

As Nelson Mandela fights for his life in hospital, his relatives are pitted against each other in a legal battle, reportedly over where members of the family should be buried. On Friday, sixteen members of the Mandela family brought an urgent application to a regional court, reportedly to force Mandela's grandson Mandla to return remains of family members to a plot in the ancestral village where Mandela has said he wants to be buried. Mandla, a local chief in nearby Mvezo, had exhumed the remains of three of Mandela's children in Qunu in 2011 and brought them to his village, allegedly without the consent of the rest of the family. "I have been instructed by the 16 family members including (daughters) Makaziwe and Zindzi to take action against Mandla," the family lawyer Wesley Heyes said. Heyes refused to comment on the reason for the legal tussle, but local media said it was about a long-running feud over the remains. "We can't say anything further due to the sensitivity of the case," said Heyes. The court was told that a sheriff delivered the paper to Mandla's homestead and found the gates locked. The papers were nailed to the gate after several unsuccessful attempts to hand them over. "The sheriff hooted and called Mandla on his phone, which was not answered," said one of the Mandela lawyers David Smith. Mandla's spokesman Freddy Pilusa said he was not able to comment on the case. "He hasn't been served with those papers so he wouldn't be able to comment." The controversial removal of graves has recently came into the spotlight following reported family squabbles over the final resting place of the ailing Mandela. The hastily removed graves belonged to Mandela's eldest son Thembekile who died in 1969, his nine-month-old infant Makaziwe who passed away in 1948, and Mandla's own father Magkatho who died from an AIDS related illness in 2005. The trio were reburied under the cover of darkness in Mvezo, in a ceremony overseen by Mandla. The issue of the graves was also at the centre of a family meeting earlier this week. On Thursday local media reported that Makaziwe, Mandela's oldest daughter, was granted permission by a chief in Qunu to have the remains repatriated. Mandla had reportedly argued Mandela should be buried in Mvezo. (AFP)

Govt officials withdraw support for OJB due to misinformation on funds raised

There have been speculations that some celebrities have been to see
OJB and made some donations. While it's true that the likes of Don
Jazzy, P-Square, Ruggedman, Mercy Johnson, Iyanya, Julius Aguw have
contributed, the other names on the list that circulated today are
100% false. For instance, D'banj didn't give N7m, Wizkid didn't give
N3m and 2face didn't give N1.5m.

Head of committee for the #SaveOJB fund, singer Nomoreloss, says the
hype and misinformation is affecting efforts to raise the complete
money OJB needs for his treatment.

Via the tweet above

Listen

Sauce kid Under G

JSS Students Caught Selling Their Blood Illegally In Lagos For N1,500

About nine junior secondary school students were, on Tuesday, caught
selling their blood illegally to a man identified as Mr Sola, in Agege
area of Lagos.

According to NigerianTribune, members of the community had noticed how
students regularly visited a certain shop located on Owoloabi Omotoye
street, Orile Agege, during and after school hours.
After a little investigation, it was discovered that the students had
been selling their blood for money.

One of the students caught at the shop, identified as Emeka, a JSS2
pupil, confessed to having
donated his blood thrice and that Sola paid a sum of N1, 500 for every
donation, asking them "not to tell anyone about it."

Some of the students, according to reports gathered, had donated their
blood up to 17 times .

The Parent-Teachers' Association chairman, State Junior High School,
Mr Adeyemi, who confirmed the  incident, said some of the students,
who seemed very sickly as a result of the continuous blood donation,
had been taken to the hospital for care, while the rest had been
released to their parents.

The case has been reported to the Education district 1 for further address.

Psquare, Mercy Johnson, Iyanya, Wizkid, Others, donate N8million to #SaveOJB

P-Square and their elder brother Jude 'Engees' Okoye on Thursday
(yesterday) donated N5million to ailing music producer OJB who needs
N16million for a kidney transplant while Iyanya Iyanya and his
manager/business partner Ubi Franklin, donated N1million to him.
Vector, Mercy Johnson and Ruggedman were the first celebs to visit OJB
and they donated an undisclosed amount to him.

Also, unconfirmed sources further say Wizkid donated N1million to the
ailing music producer…but Don Jazzy donated a million naira..I hope
the N16million is raised in time for him to have the kidney
transplant!.

The producer is still in need of another N8m to complete the money
needed for his treatment.

To donate to OJB please see details below;
Babatunde Okungbowa. UBA - 1015075120

15yrs After Death, Abacha Still Owes Nigeria €175m

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), yesterday, said Nigeria was yet to receive about €175 million starched in a foreign account by late military dictator, General Sani Abacha. Adoke, who spoke at the 2013 ministerial press briefing held in Abuja, yesterday, to highlight the mid-term achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan's administration as it pertains to the Ministry of Justice, said Federal Government had intensified its efforts to trace and repatriate Nigeria's stolen assets abroad. He said: "In this connection, we have maintained effective liaison and communication with targeted jurisdictions to keep pace with asset recovery proceedings in those jurisdictions. Recovered monies "In 2011, our close liaison and negotiation with the Island of Jersey led to the recovery and repatriation of £22.5 million confiscated by the Royal Court of Jersey from Raj Arjandes Bhojwani, an Indian national and associate of General Sani Abacha, on account of his money laundering transactions from Nigeria. We continued the liaison and negotiations with the Principality of Liechtenstein, which recently confiscated EUR 175 million from the Abacha family and associated companies in Liechtenstein following a confiscation order by the Supreme Court of Liechtenstein. "However, the companies involved have lodged an appeal against the decision before the European Court of Justice in Strasburg. "As soon as the appeal is concluded, firm arrangements consistent with the asset recovery provisions of the United Nations Convention against corruption, would be made to repatriate the forfeited sums to Nigeria." Meantime, Adoke disclosed that the Ministry of Justice, within the year under review, received 60 petitions bordering on breach of rights of citizens, lack of action on criminal matters by the law enforcement agencies. Why FG can't pardon Al-Mustapha He also gave reasons why Federal Government cannot pardon the former Chief Security Officer to late General Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha. It will be recalled that a Lagos High Court had sentenced Al-Mustapha, who is currently in prison custody, to death by hanging after he was found guilty in the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of late business mogul and presumed winner of the June 12 presidential election, Bashorun M.K.O Abiola. Adoke, who noted that Al-Mustapha was tried and convicted under the Lagos State law, insisted that Federal Government lacked the powers to delve into the case as such action would tantamount to subjudice. He said: "The case has gone to the Court of Appeal. It is not within the authority of the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, as it stands today. Even commenting on it will amount to subjudice. Justice is taking its course." While acknowledging that Nigeria is presently a part of the global debate on death sentence, Adoke said there was nothing the government could do to stop the execution of those currently on the waiting list of the hangman. He said most of the offences that attract death penalty fall under laws within the jurisdiction of states. He maintained that in view of the fact that Nigeria is a country under the principle of federalism, there is nothing the Federal Government can do, pending the review of some of the extant laws, adding, "we hope the laws will be reviewed."

My True Relationship With Peter Okoye- Munachi Abi

Former 2007 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) turned rapper
finally speaks out on the rumoured affair with one of the P-Square
brothers, Peter Okoye.

Love is life and its the most beautiful thing to happen to anybody and
Yes I believe in love at first sight but for me and Peter there's no
such thing.

There is no romantic relationship between us, we are just very close
friends and I even no his family as well, as a matter of fact I've
known his baby mama, Lola Omatayo for years. I was just invited to be
in his video (Ifunanya) and that was it. Nothing more than that.

I know how much Peter and Lola love themselves and I respect that, so
I could never bring myself to hurt them.

Birthday of an Icon-Babatunde Raji Fashola

Babatunde Raji Fashola the Governor of Lagos State was born on the
28th of June 1963,Today marks His 50th Birthday On Earth.


We wish Him a Happy Birthday, Longlife, Good Health and Prosperity.

Celebrating The Rich Heritage Of Northern Nigeria & Arabian People! Introducing MAKTOUB Lifestyle Magazine

Celebrating the Rich Heritage of Northern Nigeria & Arabian People! Introducing MAKTOUB Lifestyle Magazine, a Monthly Publication of The Best Strategic Public Relations Limited focused on Positivity, Resilience & Impact

It is with great delight and pride that we introduce to you MAKTOUB Magazine, a unique monthly business and lifestyle publication set to be one of Nigeria’s finest initiatives towards bringing on a global pedestal the rich and strong heritage.MAKTOUB celebrates the achievements and beauty of Northern Nigeria and the Arabian culture, with excellent reportage and high-profile interviews of eminent sons and daughters of the region.

The Lifestyle Magazine’s maiden edition is set to hit newsstands of mega-cities: Lagos, United Arab Emirates, Abuja and Qatar in the month of July 2013, with subsequent monthly editions.

MAKTOUB which is Arabic for Destiny is a brain child of The Best Strategic Public Relations Limited. Owned by Mariam Mohammed, The Best Strategic Public Relations Limited is a public relations development agency established with a brief to professionalize the public relation industry in Nigeria.


Within the pages of our glossy magazine, you will find beautiful sights, events, beauty and fashion ideas, relationship advice, interior design inspiration, health tips, stories of achievements of great people and lots more!

We feature three icons in their respective fields on the cover of our maiden edition.Musa Aliyu, the CEO of Urban Shelter, a fully integrated property development and management company; Feryal Al-Bastaki, a Dubai based fashion designer known for her exquisite Jalabiyas and Kaftans and Fatima Mamza, the popular Abuja based makeup artist and brain behind Mamza Beauty Limited.

Fatima Mamza – Beauty In Her Finger Tips


Fatima Mamza is a young and ambitious makeup artist who believes in naturally enhancing a woman’s features, bringing out one’s innate beauty. She is a well sought makeup artist in Abuja and has governors’ wives, a former First Lady, women ministers and many high profile northerners as some of her clients. She speaks on the general art of makeup and gives beauty tips to women in her exclusive interview.

Up Close & Personal with Feryal Al-Bastaki
A renowned name in Jalabiyas and Kaftans, Feryal Al-Bastaki is a Dubai based fashion designer who plans on bringing her exclusive chiffon and pure silk fabrics to Nigerian women. In an exclusive interview, she tells MAKTOUB why Arab and Nigerian woman are very similar, how heritage inspires her designs, and what really distinguishes her creations from others.

Mariam Mohammed – Lane of Destiny

In her editorial piece titled ‘Lane of Destiny, the beautiful CEO of The Best Strategic Public Relations Limited, Mariam Mohammed briefly highlights her journey to the birth of MAKTOUB Lifestyle Magazine. She describes the journey to the maiden edition as a “breath-taking experience” and is optimistic for more and better issues to come.

Cover Story – The Inspiring Journey of Musa Dangoggo Aliyu
Musa Aliyu is an astute businessman who grew a N2 Million real estate dream into a multi-billion naira housing empire in the space of two decades. His company boasts of a large number of highly successful developments including over 1,000 units of houses and over 10,200 units of shops in Abuja and Minna. The story of his journey and how he made it through would surely inspire you.
 Mohammed Ibrahim – The “Most celebrated Northern Pilot”
The center spread interview with Mohammed Ibrahim, better known as Captain Moh takes you into the life of the “most celebrated Northern Pilot”. His love for flying began when he was a child in Primary School and now, he has had the privilege of flying political dignitaries, governors, ministers and President Goodluck Jonathan.

Destination Dubai – A first timer’s guide to exploring Dubai

Thinking of exploring the beautiful city of Dubai? Our first timers guide to exploring Dubai features the beautiful destinations you must not miss during your next visit. From dozens of malls and exquisite boutiques to hotel guides and seaside restaurants, flip through the pages of our Destination Guide and experience a whole new Dubai.

A Celebration of Love - Sumayyah Jega weds Ilyasu Barau
Get enchanted with the splendid cultural display of Northen Nigerian weddings in the 21-page feature of Sumayyah Jega and Ilyasu Barau’s wedding. The couple exchanged vows during the wedding Fathia which held in Sokoto state and a grand dinner cocktail event days after in Abuja.


Get set for an inspiring and educative journey as you get your copy of MAKTOUB Lifestyle Magazine and follow us in the coming months!

 For more information and enlightening resources, connect with us online:

Twitter: @maktoubmag, facebook.com/maktoubmag13, instagram: @maktoubmag  www.maktoubmag.com

Mixed Reactions Trail Wizkid's New Car Purchase on Social Media


wizkid
There is popular yoruba sayings that goes "Ile Oba to jo, ewa lo bu si" - if a king's house gets burnt, a better house will be built!
Just days after he crashed his Porsche Panamera S in front of Oriental Hotel, the Star Boy has bought another one - omo jaiyejaiye...
However, Wizkid has come under criticism from fans on social media, who would rather see him make a sizable donation to OJB Jezreel.
Though he received so many congratulatory messages like "aww, you are truly blessed" "aww, another one? congrats wizkid" "God bles me like wizzy boy o" etc, more fans have seized the opportunity to blast him.
They are critizing him for purchasing a new car when OJB Jezreel has barely 8 weeks to survive.

A certain 5m tweeted "wizkid, u just dey buy buy, am not angry or beefing ooo, cos mine go come nd I gat my kids 2, but make una support OJB, peace"
While another fan said "And OJB's dieing. Its well. RT : I Am Blessed - Wizkid Purchases Yet Another Porsche  
And another fan @wizkidayo Money can buy cars, it cant buy OJB's life (if lost) ... Please help him as well. (Na PLEASE i talk o) Thank you.

Moving down to his instagram page, we had these reactions from fans:
 1. chale1Omo na you oh! You bash Panamera(grey), you buy panamera(black). And na from Holla At Your boy e start
2. iam_greatowo@wizkidayo Omo iya mi dey chop dere ��(eyes) dey go #badmanwizzy if y'all don't knw #baba #fela is BACK! #abama eda lives!
3. blowmoneyfast007Keep flyin so high my nigga
kayy_b_tchWhoosh
4. putdbillsonme@imezy hope u've done suntin for d dying artist and dont b too quick to judge, ppl does tins codedly sumtims okay! Wat if Wiz has contributed and decided to make it #lowkey.
Even Nollywood actress, Henshaw Kate kinda reacted too...2m
*cough cough* ": By all means by a fancy car but please buy health insurance too."

The curious case of Omotola’s US TV debut

Omotola
At what point did we begin to buy into the notion that Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is the best thing since french fries? (French fries trump sliced bread, by the way, just in case you were wondering). I mean, “Omosexy” herself clearly believes it but I’m genuinely curious as to when exactly the general public swallowed up the cheese like starving mice. The past few months have seen a number of steady but precisely-aimed attempts at further convincing the public of the Nollywood actresses supremacy.
First there was her Reality Show, which we won’t even begin to get into now as we would probably spend the whole day attempting to analyse what exactly it was we watched in an attempt to see Omotola reveal “The Real Me.”
It was all a bit curious, to say the least, but hey, stranger things have happened. We followed Omotola (via her Instagram and Twitter, of course) all the way to the United States, observing her palpable glee  in meeting and rubbing shoulders with Hollywood Royalty, among other folk.  Seriously, she looked like an excited little schoolgirl let loose in a life-size dollhouse, but who can blame her?

Omotola-Donald-Glover-600x597 527d1d3b92a3c3d8efe223023e95479c
This was followed by multiple appearances at events across the US.

Fans were ecstatic. Finally, the world was being shown what a true star looked like. They would finally get a chance to appreciate that famous behind of hers. Others grumbled, however. The old woman was at it again, they said. Chasing fame around the globe while her husband and kids were neglected. Blah blah blah, you know how it goes. Omosexy of course ignored all this and kept it moving with a smile and a wave of her luxurious and shiny weave. This of course was all after announcements had been made earlier in the year about the star making her Hollywood debut in a TV Series called Bounce. She was even kind enough to share pictures from the set. Omotola makes her US TV debut2 Omotola makes her US TV debut
Fans were, as you can imagine, over the moon. Finally Nollywood would be exposed to the whole world, via the ample hips and acting talents of Omotola. Haters were infuriated. Who did this talentless woman have to sleep with to get a Hollywood role? Some were more ambivalent. Omotola who? And why should I care? But once more Omotola kept it moving. Amping up publicity for her appearance increasingly, as the date approached. The case even seemed to be that everything she had done since the beginning of the year had been leading up to this. Before we knew it, the D-Day was upon us. Omotola, in all her benevolence, reminded us via a tweet

Untitled
So imagine our surprise when we realized the much hyped debut was in fact, not that lenghty. *Sigh* Oh Omotola. Perhaps we’ve drunk the Kool-Aid as well, and bought into the hype, but we can’t help thinking she’s a tad above this sorta thing. Then again, she did tell us not to despise the days of small beginnings. Ah well, without further ado, we present to you, Omotola’s debut on US Television. In all of it’s
5-secondglory…
Who knows? Maybe there’s more coming.

Written by SK Johnson

Learn From Mandela, Facebook Friends Tell President Jonathan



President Jonathan
President Jonathan


Nigerians on social media say President Goodluck Jonathan has some lessons to learn from ailing former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
His friends on Facebook who lauded him for taking time out of his schedule on Thursday to wish Mandela a quick recovery on the social network, said the President should also replicate the giant strides made by Madiba in the southern African nation.
The message on the President’s Facebook page stated, “On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I would want to let President Jacob Zuma, the government and the people of South Africa know that we are with you in prayers at this trying times.
“We stand firmly with you, our South African brothers and sisters, and together wish our leader, the unequalled humanist, the great son of Africa, former President Nelson Mandela, Gods’ speed on the journey to recovery.’’
Jonathan’s Facebook fans believe Mandela never earned these accolades through wishful thoughts and petty politics, but through selfless and purposeful leadership.
They told the President that it was not too late for him to etch his name in gold on the minds of Nigerians and become a globally recognised leader like Mandela.
One of his fans, Prince Kunle Ayo-Alara, said Jonathan should make it a priority to study the way and manner, Mandela was able to impact positively on the lives of his people.
‘’Thanks for your message, GEJ. You, too, should please leave a good legacy. Even if Mandela should die today, he will continue to be celebrated. Our gains of having a Mandela in this world are to learn why and how he positively impacted his people’s lives, not just passing through the Government House,’’ Ayo-Alara noted.
Commenting on why the President should ensure good governance, one of his friends, Comrade Abdulkareem Gunu says, ‘’Yes! I admire your (Jonathan’s) courage of accepting Mandela’s exemplarity, and I am hoping you’ll also be remembered for your good deeds.
‘’But, Mr. president, shine your eyes, don’t let the bad eggs surrounding you mislead and guide you wrongly, as you know, the sky is your limit and your name is already among the list of the international stakeholders. May God give you the wisdom for attitudinal change.”
On his own part, Oyedele Farinde wondered if any Nigerian leader will ever receive such good wishes and magnanimity from Nigerians, like Mandela is receiving from his countrymen and citizens of various countries.
Farinde states, ‘’But will Nigerians ever pray for any of their leaders like the South Africans are praying for Mandela? Even Mr. President was not truthful enough to tell Nigerians the state of health of his wife when she was indisposed, needless to talk of Nigerians praying for her. It is only a good leader that can enjoy such gesture from the citizens. Mr. President, this is a lesson for you. And will Nigerians remember you for anything after leaving in 2015?’’
As if taking a swipe at Jonathan for organising frequent Presidential dinners like the one held in Abuja on Wednesday, a friend, Fatai Omisanya, wrote, ‘’Mandela fought and served his people in South Africa throughout his youthful and ageing years. He had no time for elaborate dinners when his people were starving, humiliated, and killed as is the case in present Nigeria. Baba Mandela, the peace of the Lord will abide with you.’’
Many of his friends also directed the attention of the President to the fact that the South African government was not expending state resources to treat the ailing leader in a foreign hospital. According to them, the decision of the Jacob Zuma-led government not to do so was because of the fully functioning state of health care facilities in the country.
Olakunle Olatunde says, ‘’I want Mr. president to note that Mr. Mandela is wholly being treated in South Africa by doctors in South Africa. No flying ambulances! I am sure this would not have happened in Nigeria where you are the president. How many governors and first ladies have been treated abroad? I am sure you have lost count!’’
Another ally of the President on the social service, Ab Awolola, lamented, “If he had been a Nigerian leader, he would be receiving treatment in Germany, US, Britain, Italy or any of the so-called western nations now. How I wish you could all borrow a leaf from this great son and real patriot of Africa, including you, President Ebele Jonathan.’’
Prince Chidoruo summed up all the comments when he wrote, ‘’You (Jonathan) should emulate him (Mandela) and give us selfless and purposeful leadership.’’[iPunch]

Still on Omotola's US TV Debut.


 
 
On June 24,one of Nigeria’s major actresses, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, shared the joyous news on her Twitter account that she would be making her US television debut  in the hit series “Hit The Floor,” which airs on VH1.
The Nigerian blogsphere and entertainment world was buzzing about what her role would be, what she would wear, what she would say and so on. Omotola starred as Akon’s date at a fundraiser in the show and radiated as she gave her only line, “thank you, girl.”
Immediately after the show aired, comments started pouring in, many of which were of negativity and ignorance.  I was surprised to read things like, she had a “wakapass role’ and she devalued herself by doing the role. I would like to first ask this question to the many people that decided to post such comments. What have you done with your life lately?
I can only attest such comments to jealousy and self-inadequacy because there is no reason to belittle someone that is doing something with their life, no matter how small it is, especially in an industry that is very hard to break into.

There is a major difference between Hollywood and Nollywood and to have one of our own branch into a more experienced and creative industry is something to be applauded and not taken lightly. Nollywood is an industry that can produce 1 million movies in one year, while the American film industry may just produce a handful in one year. Why? Because quality and creativity take time. The reason why we even know top names like Mercy Johnson, Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola is because just a few years ago we could see the same ladies in the same hundreds of movies per year playing the same old home wrecker, juju-priestess, and housewife fighting her husband’s mother roles that most Nigerian movies are known for.
Fortunately, the Nigerian film industry has seen a gradual transformation in the last few years and things are getting better. However, getting a role in Nigeria will still continually be simpler than getting a role in the US because there is still so much structure that the industry needs to attain. So when an actress or even a musician of our own has been swimming in a sea of comfort for years and decides to branch out into something more difficult, it is our duty to support him or her and not bring them down with hurtful comments like, they are belittling themselves.
No! They are not belittling themselves! They are setting themselves up for greatness because it takes guts and courage to do the extraordinary.  (Extraordinary actions yield extraordinary results)
In a structured industry such as the one in the US, extras work almost as many hours as some of the lead roles and even get paid at times. Many famous actors and actresses started out as extras and as walk-ons on many programs and commercials. The way to build anything in life is to start small and work your way up. People seem to easily forget that because in our country, many are given handouts and actually started from the top as opposed to the bottom (ex, people who are teachers one day and then become filthy rich the next day when they switch over to politics)
Like the pastor at my church always says, may you not be the enemy that someone else is praying should be destroyed. It is contradictory to go to our respective churches or mosques and pray constantly for progress and blessings and for anyone against our success to be destroyed, and yet come online to spew hateful and thoughtless words to others working hard to succeed in their respective industries. Granted, celebrities and entertainers put themselves out there to be critiqued by the people and there are indeed different types of fashion blunders, publicity stunts and actions that need to be questioned by reasonable people, but only when the comments are reasonable themselves and in-line with the situation at hand. And in this case, the situation at hand is one of laudable ambition.
Omotola is an inspiration to the entertainment industry and a good example of how to pursue your dreams.  This was her “first” role of such as she tweeted, and she can only go higher because she has taken a leap of faith in a completely new environment.
Whether you are believing God for a good job or a big role in your industry, the best way to start is to actually first get your foot in the door. So the next time your friend tells you she wants to open up a bakery and wants to start by peddling her bicycle around Ketu with her cakes in the basket, (imagine her name is Omotola) don’t tell her she is degrading herself. Tell her that she should go for it. Offer her your help in any way you can and pray that she succeeds, because in doing so, you are sowing a seed for yourself.
Written by Toyin Olaleye

Crowd Flood Shop Rite Ibadan (photos)

So Ibadan city finally got it's first international shopping mall today  - Shop Rite - and guess what, the whole town was there for shopping today!  As seen above, it looks like a crusade down there...LOL! 
See another photo below..


How I Was Kidnapped, Raped For Rejecting Love Advances – UNILAG Student

                                                                   The victim with bruises

This story has left me speechless. Our youths need a revival.

Policemen attached to Adeniji Adele division have arrested a 22-year-old man who alleged kidnapped and raped a student of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka, for turning down his advances.

The suspect, Babajide Bashorun, was also alleged to have taken nude shots of his victim (names withheld) and pasted them on the internet with her real name, school, department and age.


But the suspect in an interview with Vanguard claimed that the lady was his girlfriend. He admitted to have taken her nude pictures and gave them to his friends whose identities he gave as Aje Mayowa and Babajide Ademuyiwa, both final year students of  Architecture also of UNILAG.

The incident, as gathered, occurred two months ago at 1, Ajose Street, Enu-Owa area of Lagos Island. But the female undergraduate was silent over the matter until her relations abroad who stumbled on the nude pictures on the internet contacted her mother in Nigeria, last week.

How it started

Narrating how the incident occurred, the female undergraduate said: “Babajide  came to our house to treat our dog. In the process, he requested  for my phone number and I reluctantly gave him. He started calling me and told me he would like to go out with me.

“But I told him I already had a boyfriend whom I loved. Yet, he kept calling me, saying he was not interested in just going out with me but wanted to  marry  me. Aside that, he kept monitoring my movements and at a point, I deleted his contact on my phone.

“I was returning home for a weekend in April , a car stopped by my side at Idumota bus-stop. Jide was sitting beside a driver who was unknown to me.

“On sighting him, I walked past. But the next thing he did was to hold me by the hand, dragged me into the car and drove to his house.

“When he got home, he started beating me and tore my clothes, asking what  I wanted that he could not give me. He instructed me to unlock my phone and when he discovered that I used my boyfriend’s name as password, he resumed the beating.

“At a point, he gave me his phone to speak with some of his friends who told me I was in for trouble, for turning down a member of their unnamed cult, threatening that they would kill me for treating him shabbily.

“Thereafter, he raped me and when he was done, his friend took his turn despite my plea. When he saw I was bleeding, he stopped and started begging me. At that point, he brought out  his phone and started taking my nude pictures.  I made attempt to cover my face but he hit me on the head with a bottle and continued taking the shots.

How I escaped

“I begged him to allow me call my mother to give him some money for my release but he refused. I also appealed to him to delete my pictures when he started begging me.

“I stayed in that room all night till the next day when he went out to get me some drugs. Immediately he stepped out, I tried the door and discovered it was  not locked from outside. I quickly changed into one of my dirty clothes in my bag and escaped.

“But I could not tell anyone at home. When my elder brother asked what the problem was on seeing the blood stained clothes, I told him I was involved in an accident and when my mother insisted on knowing what the problem was, I told her I fought with a course mate. She insisted on going to school with me on seeing the magnitude of the injury but I prevented her.

“Barely had I settled down than Babjide called, threatening to kill me if I disclosed what happened to anyone. As if that was not enough, his friends also called and threatened me as well.”

She is my girlfriend — Suspect

However, on his part, Babjide claimed that the undergraduate was his girlfriend, adding that they only had a fight on that fateful day.

Expressing shock over his arrest, he said: “She is my girlfriend. We only fought in April and have resolved the matter.

“What led to the fight was her request for money to buy an IPad which cost over N100,000. Because of my love for her, I managed to raise N70,000. She visited me on that day and I advised her to change her way of living which included going  to club .

I also accused her of flirting with other men. Along the line, we started fighting and I used a mop stick to hit her and in the process , took shots of her and sent the pictures to my friends. But I did not tell them to paste the pictures on the internet.”

Police sources hinted that efforts were on to arrest Mayowa and Ademuyiwa alleged to have pasted the victim’s  nude pictures on the internet, while  Babajide had been charged to court  for kidnapping, rape, conspiracy, attempt to commit murder, indecent assault, and assault occasioning harm.

Source: Vanguard

MTN Project Fame All Star Concert in Calabar

The MTN Project Fame All Stars concert took Calabar by Storm last Friday. It was a jam-packed Cultural centre that gyrated and danced from one PF star to the other, plus featured appearances by Kcee and Wizkid.

In what turned out to be an event that will be talked about all weekend and beyond, the PF All stars rocked the stage with their newest singles and their post Project Fame songs and videos. Continue..
 
Cool Tolu, kicked off the night with Roy, Marvellous, Ochuko, Ella, Tomiwa, Praiz, AYO, imyke, Iyanya, Chidinma keeping the crowd on their feet dancing and singing along.
The crowd stayed all night and where thrilled throughout till when Iyanya and Whizkid closed in the early hours of Saturday morning.
 This is the first of two concerts and going by the turnout in Calabar, the Lagos concert will see a massive turnout. It looks like MTN Project Fame is back with a blast in season 6.0.
The concerts are free with registration by texting, name, location and age to 5005 from an MTN line.
The Lagos concert is on Friday June 28th  at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lekki Toll plaza. 
With performances expected from both Nigerian and West African PF Stars including AYO, MONICA, iMYKE, PRAIZ, CHIDINMA & IYANYA, KESSE  & NII from Ghana, NICHOLAS & MUSULYN from Liberia, and ANIS from S/Leone plus special guest appearances from Whizkid and Davido. The MTN Project fame concerts promises to be the biggest concert by the products of one music reality show in Nigeria and West Africa.

Paulinho: There is no way I could turn down Tottenham.

Paulinho has revealed he is on the brink of joining Tottenham this summer after confessing it would be 'dream' to play for the North London club.
Spurs chiefs are confident they have sealed the Brazil midfielder's transfer from Corinthians ahead of next season.
Wide open: Paulinho is on the verge of completing a move to Tottenham after the Confederations Cup
Wide open: Paulinho is on the verge of completing a move to Tottenham after the Confederations Cup

The midfielder, 24, has been identified by manager Andre Villas-Boas as a primary transfer target and newly appointed technical director Franco Baldini has been working on securing the deal.
And Paulinho, who is currently playing in the Confederations Cup, has dropped a huge hint that he is off to White Hart Lane.
'It is important for the team and the Brazilian fans that at the moment all my focus is on winning the Confederations Cup - but after the tournament is finished I hope it is a deal that can get finalised quickly,' said Paulinho. 

Vital: Paulinho scored the decisive goal as Brazil beat Uruguay 2-1 to reach the final of the tournament
Vital: Paulinho scored the decisive goal as Brazil beat Uruguay 2-1 to reach the final of the tournament
On point: Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas wants Paulinho to improve his options in midfield
On point: Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas wants Paulinho to improve his options in midfield

'To play in England for a great team like Tottenham is a dream. What I respect about Tottenham is the ambition they have shown.
'This summer there has been interest in their coach and their best player - and they have been clear they both are not going anywhere. 
'When my agent made me aware that Tottenham were interested I knew it would not be a move that I could turn down.

Photos from D'banj's DKM concert after party

The after party held on Sunday June 23 at Rhapsody lounge in VI. D'banj is cute without his glasses. More photos after cut............