KAS ABANDONS TONTO DIKEH’S SONG, PROMOTES KAS WATER

Tongues are already wagging on why the record label, Kas Records, in which the sultry actress, Tonto Dikeh recorded her highly condemned two singles, has refused to promote her song but another business he just ventures into, Kas Water. Kas ( the Fimile crooner), we gathered, signed Tonto Dike sometime last year and as a matter of fact, Tonto Dike appeared on one of his tracks titled “Iyawo wind”. On Oct 17th, Tonto Dike released 2 singles that set social media networks on fire but the absence of a statement of support or promotion from her supposed label boss or even music collaborator Kas speaks volumes. There are insinuations here and there that maybe the guy is too embarrassed to identify with such a bad product from Tonto or maybe the beautiful, good and sexy actress but bad singer is no longer signed on under Kas label. Wee need information please!

Nigeria’s five bankable actresses

Four elements contribute to the success of a movie at the box-office. They include good script, experienced director, professional publicist, and most importantly, the big name stars. Of all the four, there is one a producer should never violate at the market place and that is the ‘star’ aspect of it. There could be a bad script, inexperienced director and not too good publicity for the movie but it is almost impossible to have Return On Investment (ROI) with un-bankable stars. Wikipedia defines a bankable star to be an actor famous or charismatic enough to be “capable of guaranteeing box-office success simply by showing up in a movie”. It is common knowledge that a Will Smith will sell any movie no matter how bad as long as he has his face on the jacket. In Nigeria, some movie stars have proven again and again that they can guarantee return on investment as long as their faces adorn the poster. They are Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Omoni Oboli, Funke Akindele and Nse Ikpe-Etim. Or how else could one explain the success of box office hits like Mirror Boy, Ije, and Tango With Me all having Genevieve Nnaji starring in them? And what about Figurine and Anchor Baby which both starred Omoni Oboli as the lead actress? Mirror Boy, Tango With Me, Last Flight to Abuja and Phone Swap all had sizeable negative reviews, yet they topped the box office, made huge profit and left many Hollywood movies far behind. Here, The Entertainer takes a look at Nollywood’s five bankable actresses, their earnings and what is possibly working for them. Genevieve Nnaji Topping the list of five is Genevieve Nnaji. Love or hate her, Genny as she is fondly called, has a way with cinema audiences that make them come back again and again for her movies. So far, Genevieve’s starring in the movies has grossed over N83 million at the box office. Mirror Boy (described by the actress as her first major film and the first to put her at the box-office) made N18 million, while Ije netted N60 million turning out to be Nigeria’s highest grossing movie ever. But Genevieve had to share the money with Omotola, who also acted alongside her. If the sharing formula is 50-50, then Genevieve gets N30 million of the total gross. Genevieve’s next movie, Tango with Me went on to make N35 million. So, putting all the figures together, Genny remains at the head of the pack. What seem to be working for Genevieve are her enduring power, popularity and social media connection. The actress has been there for over a decade and is still waxing stronger. Her wine seems to taste better with age. Another plus for Genny is her popularity. Genevieve is hugely popular across Africa and most especially among the youths. Before now, she has been very active on the social media especially Twitter. She even had to put up a Facebook advert after reports emerged that some acts were ahead of her there. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Next on the list is Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde with box-office gross of N60 million. She made N24 million with Last Flight to Abuja, N6 million from Private Storm and her N30 million share in Ije bring her total earning to N60 million. This year alone, no actress has made as much as N24 million from a single movie; Funke Akindele would have done so with The Return of Jenifa but the movie hit the box office in 2011. Omotola, who was reported to have been paid N5 million by Tarila Thompson all in the bid to make his movie a blockbuster, has been described as the biggest box office actress of 2012. She recorded successes back to back but it remains to be seen if she can pull off the box office magic again with Amina and other movies coming in 2013. Omotola has been an A-list actress even before Genevieve got her first big break and so what has been working for her is the wise investment in her brand. Her enduring presence and unceasing contact with her fans via the social media has made her popular even in an environment where a mother of four like her is not fashionable. Funke Akindele Surprisingly, the third person on the list is Funke Akindele, a young lady who rose to fame in I Need To Know, a TV series, and went on to earn a monstrous fame with Jenifa. Funke is an unlikely candidate on this list. Now, how can one explain that she is third on a list parading heavy weights like Omoni Oboli, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Stephanie Okereke among others? So far, Funke has made over N56 million, netting over N20 million in 2012 alone. In The Return of Jenifa, Funke netted N35 million. The movie ran till February 2012. Her movie, Married but Living Single made N9.9 million while Maami made N11 million. The actress is on her way to another cinema glory with a movie, A Wish. Let’s hope she will be able to wave the magical wand again and create a box-office success. For Funke who recently got married, the plus factor for her is her huge popularity among the masses and elites. Her movie, Jenifa cuts across all social groups with the street parlance in it becoming the mode of communication in social gathering. And as an icing on the cake, Funke has moved upscale, she is now the toast of events organized by the rich and not so rich. Her box office credibility transcends the cinema as all DVDs parading her face turn into gold. Omoni Oboli Omoni Oboli, who is still largely unknown to those who don’t patronise the cinema and social media, is fourth on the list. She is a silent achiever. Before the trio of Genevieve, Omotola and Funke even dreamt of hitting the box office, Omoni Oboli already took the lead. Figurine, her first box office appearance made N13 million while her second effort, Anchor Baby made N18 million bringing her total earning to N31million. Omoni’s strength is her exclusivity and knack for quality. It is a known fact that if the project is not big and ambitious, Omoni might not do it. The disadvantage of that is, despite her box office credibility, Omoni is still unknown in areas where there is no access to cinemas. Perhaps, that is the reason she tries to make up with the red carpet presence. For now, the exclusivity is working for Omoni; perhaps her new movie, Broken and other works will introduce a new twist. One other thing that should not be forgotten is the unprecedented publicity of Anchor Baby in 2010. The film also had Omoni at the forefront of meeting and greeting of fans at the cinemas. Nse Ikpe-Etim The fifth slot belongs to Nse Ikpe-Etim. She seems to be the latest sensation in big budget movies. In Mr and Mrs, Nse was a delight, her performance was a reference point and it was a hook that kept drawing people to the cinema while the movie was there. Mr and Mrs made N6 million while another of her film, Phone Swap made N20 million, making a total of N26 million. Too early for Nse to cement her place, as she hasn’t done N15 million back-to-back but one thing the actress has made clear is that she has intention of doing that. The leading four acts should be afraid of Nse because her strength lies in her pure acting talent. Nse is born to act, deemed to be unnecessarily assertive a times, but you can’t accuse her of not knowing her lines. And she pushes her movies with virgour, moving from one cinema to the other. However, Nse should watch it as many have accused her of being too ‘self-conscious’, a term casually used for budding stars who have ‘over-hyped’ impression of themselves as this could alienate fans who make the box-office count. Rita Dominic and Stephanie Okereke Rita Dominic and Stephanie Okereke should readily make the list but they haven’t appeared at the cinemas more than once. Hopefully, Rita will break into the list with The Meeting, Lion of 76 and Street of Calabar while Stephanie already had N10 million under her belt with Through the Glass. Of course, there are exceptions to the rules. A bankable star makes easier the job of a producer; the absence of one, however, is not a ready-made doom for a movie as Avatar and Slumdog Millionaire (both global box office hits) have shown. But if one would take a risk or err, it’s better to err on the part of caution.

EX Beauty Queen,Munachi Abii Release Stunning Photoshoot on Her 25th Birthday

The former beauty queen and rapper turns 25 NOV5 2012. She released two new pictures from her recent photoshoot in Atlanta USA. She has continued to work hard in her career, recording her debut album and expanding her brand home and abroad. Happy Birthday Muna.

Ojukwu’s will: Bianca gets lion’s share, new child discovered

The will of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, was on Friday presented to the family with his widow, Bianca, getting the lion's share. The presentation by the Chief Registrar of the Enugu High Court, Mr Dennis Ekoh, was witnessed by Bianca, Mr Val Nwosu, Ojukwu's first cousin, and Mr Mike Ejemba. In the will, the late Ojukwu identified one Tenny Haman as one of his children. Ojukwu listed the children as Tenny Haman, Chukwuemeka Jnr, Mmegha, Okigbo, Ebele, Chineme, Afam and Nwachukwu. The Ikemba gave the Casabianca Lodge at No. 7, Forest Crescent, GRA, Enugu, two properties at Jabi and Kuje in the FCT as well as all his money and personal effects to his widow. He also said that Bianca should replace him as the trustee in the family company, Ojukwu Transport Ltd, while also giving her two plots of land in his village at Nnewi. He, however, added that if she re-married, the land should be taken away from her. The first son, Emeka Jnr., got the family house at Nnewi, while the newly mentioned daughter, Tenny Haman, got the Jubilee Hotel located in Zaria, Kaduna State. The Biafran warlord also shared other landed property in the village among all his children. Ojukwu listed the trustees and executors of the will to include Bianca, Emeka Jnr and Mr James Chukwuneme. Reacting to the will, Bianca, who is Nigeria's Ambassador to Spain, expressed satisfaction with its contents. "It was a fair will. This time round, he did not disappoint us,'' she said. The ambassador, however, expressed shock at the disclosure of a new daughter in the family, whom she said had never been mentioned by her husband. None of the children was present at the presentation of the will. (NAN)

LINDA IKEJI IN USA

Nigeria's Top Model and blogger..Linda Ikeja right now is in the USA chilling out after beign invited by the US government to attend a programm.. " Hey Washington DC LIBers, your girl is in town. Yay! I'm here on a US sponsored programme. Yep, the American government invited me to America! All expense paid trip to different States. Imagine!! It's their annual Visitors Exchange Programme and I was picked for the programme this year. Not just me, a few other prominent Nigerians are here. Big names! I'm the youngest here and I sincerely can't figure out why I was selected. Someone mentioned influential. Hehe. I feel so blessed and so honored and can only thank God for how much he has changed my life! Anyway, I'm in DC now, will be in Kansas City, Missouri in a few days, and Dallas Texas upper week. I'm here for 17 days, so it would be nice to meet some LIB readers who reside in the states I mentioned. Holla @ me via email if you care to meet me *wink* - lindaikeji@gmail.com. Just arrived at my hotel, need to find something to eat, shower and then rest. Long, tiring flight. Catch you guys later. Kisses to all. Muah! " Good Luck Linda..

Nick,Mariah Carey,Swizz & More Honor The Do Gooders At The 2012 HALO AWARDS

Nick Cannon hosted his annual TeenNICK HALO Awards last night in L.A. at the Hollywood Palladium. And his wife Mariah Carey was on hand to lend her support…and a little glam for the Awards honoring young do-gooders. Check the pics below for other celebs who came out to help Nick honor the ki

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Odi massacre: How FG killed old men, women –Jonathan

Several years after the bombardment of Odi Community in Bayelsa State by the military, President Goodluck Jonathan said it did not succeed in curbing militancy in Niger Delta. Jonathan said rather, it worsened militancy in the region and attracted international outcry against the Federal Government. Jonathan, who disclosed this yesterday during a presidential media chat in Abuja, also said it was too early for him to declare whether or not he will contest the 2015 election. He said if the military action in Odi had stopped militancy, there would have not been any need for the amnesty programme for militants in the Niger Delta initiated by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He said the bombardment of Odi in retaliation for the killing of 12 policemen in the community only succeeded in killing old men and women, pointing out that no single militant was shot dead in the action. His words : “After the invasion,I and the governor entered Odi. Ordinarily, the governor and his subordinates would not have moved in at the same time. We entered houses and we saw some dead people. Most of the dead were old men and women, but none of the militants was killed. None. Bombarding Odi was meant to solve the problem, but it never did. If the attack in Odi had solved the problem of militancy in Niger Delta, then the late President Yar’Adua’s government of whom I was privileged to be his deputy, would not come up with the amnesty programme. That is to tell you that an attack on Odi never solved the problem of militancy, rather it attracted international outcry and many people began to say things rather than the attack on Odi.” On the issue of his second term, the President said he will declare his stand in 2014. He said this is because making his stand public at this time would heighten tension in the polity and affect the running of the government. According to him, if he says at this time that he would run in 2015, the activities of government will be affected. And if he says he would not run, some members of his cabinet might even resign for the purpose of contesting the election. However, he said that four years is too small for any government to really make an impact. His words :“You are asking whether I will contest in 2015. It is too early to ask a sitting president whether he will re-contest. If a president says I am contesting, it will generate tension. If I said I am not, it will generate tension. If I say I am not contesting, some of my cabinet members may even resign. All of them are qualified to contest the position. Four years is small for a person to make an impact. Before you ask if the president will contest, wait until 2014”. On the issue of fuel subsidy, Jonathan denied ever saying that the palliative would be removed next year. He said already the subsidy is provided for in the 2013 budget, asking rhetorically, why should he put it in the budget in the first place if he had plan to remove it? He explained that the issue came up when a group of students from National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru presented a research work to him. “In the research work, Canada was said to have 16 refineries while Nigeria has only four. I then asked my Economic Adviser to find out who owns the refineries in Canada and he said they are privately-owned,” the President stated, lamenting that “we also issued licences to private people to build refineries, but they are not building.” And to reach the level of Canada, Jonathan insisted, “then, a policy which operates in Canada should be adopted here in Nigeria,” enthusing, if that policy is in operation in the country and the private sector also build refineries, the issue of subsidy would be resolved.” In addition to that, the President informed that part of efforts to address the issue of scarcity of fuel was the on-going process to sanitize the oil industry, assuring that “when we conclude the process to sanitize the oil sector, the issue of queues in filling stations will be put behind us.” While explaining that there is no need for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) beyond what the National Assembly is currently doing, Jonathan explained that “the feelings of Nigerians are that this Constitution was written by the military and that it is not the Nigerians’ Constitution and they are clamouring for Nigerians to write a Constitution for themselves.” According to him, the process embraces all Nigerians, “where individual groups, social groups, religious groups, socio-cultural groups, ethnic groups, youth groups or all other interest groups, would have an opportunity to have input in the process.” His words: “The issue of Sovereign National Conference (SNC), when you mention the word, sovereign, people get frightened. But if there is anything I believe as President, I swore to an oath to defend the Constitution, that whatever we do, we should keep in line with the Constitution. Anything that Nigerians have, they can communicate to the National Assembly. But if today we jettison the position of the Constitution, we will run into another anarchy.” On the issue of referendum, the President said that “what the National Assembly is doing now has satisfied referendum.” On the recent governorship election in Edo and Ondo states, where his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost to the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria and the Labour Party (LP) respectively, Jonathan said the party gave a very good account of itself, resulting in it coming second in the two elections. However, he said the PDP will win the two states after the tenure of the incumbent governor expires. President Jonathan urged the PDP chapters in the respective states to put their houses in order. He said out that it is not in the interest of the country’s democracy for the PDP or any other political parties to control the entire states in the country. ‘PDP is doing wonderfully well. In any country where you have presidential system and you practise true democracy, you don’t expect the ruling party to win all the states. The ruling party will not win all the states. It will be dangerous for the country if the PDP for example, controls all the states. “In Edo and Ondo states, you mentioned we contested against incumbents. If you contest against an incumbent governor, everyday he is campaigning because his activities speak for him. We believe that in the next election, the PDP family will come together and win the state. We will win naturally’, he said

My Friend Died While In Labor 4 Months Ago & I’m Interested In Her Husband

Two years ago, I met this incredible Friend ‘Tina.’ We became friends and got along really well. She met this amazing guy and they decided to get married. Tina made me her maid of honor on her wedding day. Things were really good, and then she became pregnant mid last year. Unfortunately, she died in January this year as she was giving birth. She didn’t even get the chance to see her son, but fortunately the baby survived. Now, here is the story: I have been hanging around the husband a lot, and on a friendship basis. He has been really nice to me, and I think I’m developing feelings for him. I think about him all the time, and I’m beginning to see him in a new light. He is so nice, and would actually make perfect husband material. I cannot see myself with any other man except for him. But, the other problem is he still talks about his wife a lot, maybe it’s because it’s just been four months. But, I have been dropping hints of interest and he is not even noticing. I also believe I can be a good mother to the child. From reading your post, you always state that going after your friend’s man is not advisable . But, what if she is dead! Is it still a Big NO? – In Love With Him. Please Ineed Your Advice. read all

65 Year Old Grandma Hides 1.740kg Cocaine In Herbal Syrup

Luck betrayed a 65-year-old grandmother, Hassan Fatimat Abike also known as Chika Okoye, who attempted to smuggle 1.740kg of cocaine into London concealed in herbal syrup. It was not her fist time of going to London as the drug was packed in balloons and inserted in 10 plastic containers of herbal syrup to avoid detection. The suspect was to board a British Airways flight when officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested her at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on Wednesday. According to the Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar, the suspect has two international passports that bear Hassan Fatimat Abike. Her passport numbers are A03348648 and A3771781A. “She was caught during the screening of British Airways passengers to London,” Hamza explained. Preliminary investigation revealed that she is also known as Chika Okoye. She speaks Ibo and Yoruba fluently. Her father is a native of Abeokuta while her mother hails from Owerri, Imo State. Abike has six children and many grandchildren. She currently lives alone in Owerri and sells clothes to earn a living. The drug found in her bag tested positive for cocaine.

TERRIBLE: 28 year-old woman steals baby during vigil in Church

Detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku have investigated the case of a 28-year-old lady, Ms Kemi Adeoye, who was arrested by policemen from Sanyo Division for stealing a baby in a church during a vigil service on Friday September 7, 2012. The lady, according to police sources, had attended a church service on the fateful day and had picked a baby where she had been laid while her mother was praying in front of the altar. Please click to continue. After picking the baby, the lady had reportedly left for one of the chalets within the church premises and locked herself in, after she had put the baby on her back. The mother had raised an alarm when she got back to her seat and beheld an empty bed without her baby on it, a situation which caused members who were at the vigil to halt the service while they trooped out in search of the missing baby. Simultaneously, a drama had ensued at the chalet area where one of the church workers had noticed that there was an occupant in a chalet which he had not allocated to anyone. Curious to know the occupant and how he or she got the key, the workers was said to have knocked on the door. To his surprise, a voice from inside the room replied his enquiry on the identity of the occupant with another question, asking who the man was. The door was said to have been forced open and a woman with a baby on her back was discovered in the room. It was at that time that members of the church searching for the baby got to where the chalets were, only for the baby’s mother to see that it was her baby the woman was putting on her back. The suspect was said to have been taken to the police station where she told the police that she was sent by a woman to go and steal a baby. She also told them that she had once taken a child from a CAC church at Apete but could not say where she took the baby to.

Boko Haram: Mass murder averted at Bauchi church

It was another black Sunday in Bauchi as a suicide bomber attacked St. John’s Catholic Church in Wunti area of Bauchi State capital killing self, two others and injuring 46 others. The attack came exactly a week after nine senior citizens were shot dead while five others were injured when gunmen opened fire on them in the Zango area of the state capital. The senior citizens were playing draught under a tree. They were buried last Wednesday. This is even as a proposed law recommends death penalty for terrorists. Their sponsors, too, will be jailed 20 years. In yesterday’s attack, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Bauchi, Rev. Lawi Pokti, confirmed three people were killed and more than 40 others seriously wounded in the explosion. The deputy spokesman for the state police command, Hassan Mohammed Auyo, confirmed that two policemen were among the 46 injured. The two injured policemen were deployed in the church. Auyo said: “A suicide bomber targeted the church but he was prevented, instead, he detonated his explosives in the parking lot, killing one person and among the injured victims taken to the hospital, a boy of six to eight, died while receiving treatment.” One of the injured, Eugine Uguru, was weeping as he narrated that his two children were killed in the blast. Eyewitnesses said the suicide bomber in a bid to beat the security personnel, took the wrong way in front of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium. “He went for the first mass which is 6 am. The mass ended at 8: 55am. We had just finished the first mass and we were going out of the church. The people coming for second mass were filing in. I just left the church premises and took a u-turn and as I was about to reach the traffic light, I suddenly heard an explosion,” Uguru said. Another eyewitness who does not want to be named, said the bomber came in an Opel car which was wrecked beyond recognition while the body of the suspect was blown into pieces. He said that the suspect tried to enter the church, but when he failed, he later detonated his explosives in a car park, killing him and one woman while injuring many people including a passer-by. He said: “We came out from training inside the stadium and just passed the church when we heard a loud sound followed by fire and smoke, we have to run faster for our dear lives. “Police and Army cordoned off the area as the victims were evacuated to the hospital while security men blocked the road. “The drums that were filled with concerete within the church gate prevented the bomber from entering the church, reduced the casualty figure. The Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NCDC) operatives were seen evacuating the dead and injured at Press time. One man who simply identified himself as Paul, wept as he narrated that his wife, Gloria, was killed. He said he was still looking for his son while he prayed for the boy’s safety. There are fears that the death toll may increase. The situation has caused panic among residents particularly Christians. Rev. Pokti described the attack as unfortunate and coming a week after nine Christians were killed. Rev. Pokti called on President Goodluck Jonathan to address the lingering insecurity in the country. “Are Christians being forced to abandon the worship of their God? What have the Christians done to warrant these unprovoked attacks? We are really disappointed becaue it is like there is no one to protect us against these killings” The CAN chairman called on the Bauchi State government to beef up security to forestall future attacks, saying Christians were no longer safe to go to church. Meanwhile, the state governemnt has condemned the attack, describing it as the handiwork of terrorists. Mr. Ishola Michael, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Isa Yuguda, assured that the state government was doing everything possible to forestall another attack. Meanwhile, in a bid to curtail Boko Haram, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has acquired communication vehicles that can detect bombs as well as prevent detonation. The communication vehicle, according to Daily Sun findings, has the capacity of detonating explosives planted within some kilometres. Similarly, the agency has established two new defence sections in Mali and Niger Republics, to curtail the invasion of Boko Haram into the country. The communication vehicles which are expected to arrive in the country this week, would enable the agency prevent incessant bomb explosions. In a related development, barring any change in the new anti-terrorism law, suspects will now get the death penalty if convicted, while their sponsors face 20 years jail. Also, anybody found to belong to a proscribed organisation and confirmed as a terrorist, equally faces up to 20 years in prison. These penalties are contained in a Bill for an Act to make provisions for and about offences relating to conduct carried out for purposes connected with terrorism. The Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 (Amendment) Bill 2012 has already scaled First Reading in the Senate. The law seeks to provide measures for the prevention , prohibition and combating terrorism, the financing of terrorism in Nigeria and for the effective implementation of the Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and the Convention on the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. The Act also seeks to prescribe penalties for violating any of its provisions. In the new law, a copy of which was obtained by Daily Sun, a person “who knowingly does, attempts or threatens to do an act preparatory to or in furtherance of an act of terrorism or commits to do anything that is reasonably necessary to promote an act of terrorism or assists or facilitates the activities of persons engaged in an act of terrorism, commits an offence under this Act.” Similarly, a person “who belongs to or professes to belong to a proscribed organisation commits an offence under this Act and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a maximum term of 20 years. “A person who knowingly, in any manner, solicits or renders support for an act of terrorism or a proscribed organisation or an internationally suspected terrorist group commits an offence. “Without prejudice to subsection (2) of this section, where death results from any terrorist act, the penalty shall be death sentence: commits an offence under this Act and shall be on conviction be liable to imprisonment term of 20 years.” Section 6 of the proposed law specifically empowers the Attorney-General of the Federation to freeze assets of suspected terrorists.

Nigeria’s monthly phone calls to hit N106bn – Investigation

Nigeria’s telecommunications subscribers monthly expenditure on mobile phone calls, according to checks, would soon hit a whopping N106.1 billion by the end of December, 2012. The call expenditure forecast is a conservative calculation based on the current industry Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) and the projection by experts in the industry that stipulated that active telecoms subscribers would have grown higher than what the telecoms companies currently have on their respective networks. Former Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ernest Ndukwe, has predicted during the Nigerian Telecoms Awards, organized by Logica Group recently, that active telephone subscriptions in the country would surpass 105 million in the next three months, including December 2012. However, according to the latest statistics for the month of July 2012, released by the NCC, there are about 103 million telecoms subscribers currently on all the telecoms networks in the country. While the industry ARPU in Nigeria was estimated at around N1,011, according to the Business Monitor International Limited (BMI), and subscriber base of 103 million in the month of July, the outgoings by Nigerian subscribers in July was conservatively valued at N104 billion monthly. ARPU is the financial benchmark used globally by telecoms companies to measure the average monthly or yearly revenue generated from an average subscriber. The expenditure increased from N100 billion in January 2012 when active industry subscriber base was estimated at 99 million by the NCC, to reach N104 billion in seven months after into the month of July when subscriber base hit 103 million. With the industry projection by Ndukwe on the industry records,telcos will have 105 million active telecoms subscribers by the end of December, 2012, and with industry ARPU of N1,011, Nigerians subscribers are billed to spend an average of N106 billion monthly. The projected expenditure is also equivalent to the average monthly revenue from phone calls, which will accrue to the telecoms firms, including the Global System for Mobile Communications networks such as MTN, Globacom, Airtel, Etisalat; the Code Division Multiple Access operators of Visafone, Capcom (MultiLinks , Starcoms), dormant Zoom Mobile, as well as the fixed line operators. Elaborating on the boom in subscriber growth since 2011 telecoms deregulation that was undertaken by the Federal Government, Ndukwe said no one was in a position to predict in those early days of GSM licensing, the full potential of the market and the speed at which the Nigerian telecom network would grow. However, he stressed that, “Today, the figure for active subscribers in the mobile networks is around 100 million lines and is likely to surpass 105 million by end of December 2012. “Nigeria has transited from what I described as the telecommunications dark ages before 2000 to a telecommunication revolution age that has opened up new possibilities and frontiers across our political social and economic landscape.”

Husband shot dead five days after wedding

It was a tragic evening in Lagos last Thursday when a 36-year-old man, Ugochukwu Ozuah, was shot dead at about 10 p .m. by men in police uniform. The deceased got married to his heartthrob just five days before his life was cut short in a gruesome manner. Daily Sun learnt that Ozuah was in company with a friend, Mr. Irikefe Omene, when the incident happened. The deceased had conveyed his friend to UPS junction in Gbagada area of the metropolis to enable Omene to catch a taxi to his destination. The two young men had alighted from the deceased’s car and were about looking for a cab for Irikefe when men in police uniform accosted them, demanding for their identity. And suddenly, one of the policemen allegedly fired a shot at the deceased. “He was shot in the heart and the bullet pierced through him and escaped through the back,” the deceased’s in-law, Mr. Chuba Nnonyelu, told the reporter. Ozuah was married to Joan, his lovely hearttrob just Saturday, September 15. Their elaborate wedding was well attended by friends, families and church members at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, (TREM) where it held amidst pomp and ceremony at the church’s national headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos. When Daily Sun called at the deceased’s parent’s home in Maryland, Lagos, yesterday, grief was written all over the faces of everyone. Friends, families and neigbhours were in a mournful mood. Mr. Nnonyelu, who spoke with the reporter said: “My wife was called late Thursday night and Joan, the deceased’s newly wed, was screaming on the phone, saying she couldn’t understand what Ozuah’s friends were telling her on phone about her husband. My wife told Joan to calm down. So, they later called back and the friend who was with Ugochukwu when he was shot told us that they were shot. He said Ugochukwu and his friend were in the deceased’s car. He was to drop him at the UPS Bus Stop at Gbagada that night about 10p.m. They had alighted from the car and were looking for a cab when some men in police uniforms accosted them. They were shouting at them, demanding that they reveal their identity when suddenly a gunshot rang out and the men ran helter skelter as Ugochukwu crashed down immediately. Irikefe said he hurriedly ran to Anthony Police Station to report and the policemen followed him to the scene of the crime. “When he returned to the scene with the policemen, other policemen had joined some sympatizers to save Ugochukwu who was already in a pool of his own blood. The bullet actually hit him on the chest, pierced through his body and escaped through his back. “They rushed him to a major hospital at GRA, Ikeja, but the doctor there said that Ugochukwu died about 20 minutes before he was brought in. Irikefe said the policemen followed him to the hospital and he also went to their station to report the matter and wrote his statement. But the DPO of Anthony Police Station told me that Irikefe had not written his statement.” When the reporter spoke to Irikefe on phone, he sounded very traumatized. He said: “I am not well-disposed now. The doctor is here attending to me. I will see you tomorrow. I actually wrote a statement about what happened to Ugochukwu at the Anthony police station that night.” Pressed further to brief the reporter on what he wrote at the police station, a man who introduced himself as the deceased’s family lawyer stopped the interaction, saying that he needed to interview him first, saying Irikefe could then talk to the press. Meanwhile, in a telephone conversation with the reporter on phone, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Mrs. Ngozi Braide, said that the men who shot Ugochukwu were armed robbers in police uniform, saying they were not in a police van and that there were no policemen on duty at that place that night. Her words: “ The DPO of Anthony Police Station has briefed me about the incident. He said that at about 10:30 p.m that Thursday, he got a call that there was a gunshot around the UPS junction in Gbagada and he took his men to the scene and there they saw the deceased in the pool of his own blood. “The armed robbers had run away at the time the DPO and his men got to the scene. The deceased’s friend later met them at the scene and they asked him to go with them to the police station to make statements but he declined. The DPO said Irikefe Omene did not write any statement on the incident at the police station that night.” The late Ozuah hailed from Awka Local Government Area of Anambra State. The deceased’s family said his wife, Mrs. Joan Ozuah, who he had married five days before his death, was too traumatized to talk to the reporter.

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JONATHAN MUST HEAR THIS...

•Nigerians have right to gather, protest Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, has come hard on President Goodluck Jonathan for labeling the fuel subsidy protest in Lagos as sponsored. In a statement yesterday, Soyinka said Jonathan is cut off from the people and therefore, does not know how they feel. He accused the president of intolerance, which he said, manifested following the deployment of policemen to take over the ground where the fuel subsidy rally was held. He described this as a violation of the right of the people, as provided by the constitution and affirmed by the court. Soyinka insisted that Nigerians have the right to gather and protest, warning that there should not be any future attempt to stop them. The statement reads: “The most generous response that can be given to President Jonathan’s recent statement on the people’s fuel subsidy protest is that he is suffering from a bad conscience. The worst, which I fear is closer to the truth, is that he is lamentably alienated from the true pulse of the nation, thanks perhaps, to the poor, eager-to-please quality of his analysts, those who are supposed to provide him an accurate feel of the public mood. Since I have had the opportunity to contest this perception of the protest with him directly, it is clear what kind of interpretative diet he prefers. The nation needs all the luck it can get. “The president sent in the army and shock Police squads to forcibly seize and occupy grounds from a demonstrating public, a violation of the people’s rights, as entrenched in the constitution, a right – as it happens – that has been further consolidated by a pronouncement of the courts of law. This should be seen as a grave danger to democracy, and a warning. Both the participants, and those who – myself included – even though unable to be present, lent both vocal and moral support to the demonstration, have been maligned and insulted by such reductionist reasoning. The culture of public protest appears to be alien territory to President Jonathan, which is somewhat surprising, considering the fact that he has not only lived in this nation as a citizen but also served in various political offices. He has lived through the terror reign of Sani Abacha whose ruthless misuse of the military and the secret service did not prevent demonstrations against perceived injustice and truncation of people’s rights. “Jonathan’s pronouncements truly boggle the mind. What is this obsession with bottled water, comedians and musical artists? Must demonstrators drink water from the gutter? Is protest no longer viable when sympathisers cater to their needs, supply decent water and food rations? And since when have entertainers been deemed a sign of unseriousness in a protest rally. Static or moving, demonstrators boost their morale in any way they can, including dancing and even mini-carnivals. Sit-down occupation and hunger strikes are also legitimate public weaponry against unacceptable state conduct and policies . “It may interest the president to know that during the SNG protest march on the legislative houses, a march, not for any individual, but for the sanctity of the constitutional rules of succession, discussions were on for the acquisition of mobile toilets for the next stage, in case the protests attained the momentum of continuous encampment. Presumably, Jonathan would have preferred to march into office over a field of human waste. “What is especially ominous in Jonathan’s distortive re-visit of that campaign is his attitude of self-commendation, from which one deduces a clear intent to repeat the same action if the people choose to exercise their right of assembly in the future. It sounds warning of a state of mind infected by one of his predecessors who was never weaned of his military antecedents, a predisposition to intolerance of dissent that was expressed in mindless muscularity and contempt of judicial decisions. We should not wait for a tragedy to happen before we serve notice that democracy is incompatible with the arbitrary deployment of armed forces against a people gathered or marching peacefully in freedom, articulating their grievances with or without accompaniment of songs, clowns, water sachets or bottled water. The reaction of the public to attempts at military intimidation is always unpredictable – government at the centre should know its limitations, act responsibly, and refrain from incursions that override even the expressed wishes of state governors, and the rights of a people rendered fractious by decades of misgovernment . “Let there be no further attempts at revisionism. The Nigerian people’s right to gather and protest remains inviolate. Gani Fawehinmi Park – and any place of choice for a people’s assembly – is a people’s space. It should never again be invested by menace and attempted coercion.”

Litre of petrol costs N250 in Abuja what a nation

These are not the best of times for residents and motorists in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja as long queues have returned to all filling stations in the metropolis, thereby forcing the price of a litre of fuel to N250 in the black market. The resultant effect of this unending scarcity is that transportation fares have doubled with many passengers stranded in motor-parks and car owners abandoning their vehicles in filling stations. At the popular Central Business District, which houses the highest number of filling stations, long queues have taken over major roads thereby obstructing the free flow of vehicular movements. Some motorists and passengers who spoke to Saturday Sun decried the unending scarcity of fuel and called on relevant government agencies to remedy the situation. “This is very sad and unacceptable,” declared Hassan Mohammed, a civil servant in Abuja. “How can we pride ourselves as one of the biggest oil producers in the world and still can’t meet local demands?

We must defeat them –Defence, army chiefs

The military authorities yesterday vowed to defeat insurgents operating in the South eastern part of the country, warning that persons plotting aggression against Nigeria will not be spared by the armed forces. Speaking while commissioning the Nigerian Army Dog Centre in the Ipaja area of Lagos, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, Chief of Defence Staff, warned that the military will never allow insurgents to take over Nigeria, urging them to go through the normal route to assume power. “Anybody or group has the right to have that aspiration to rule Nigeria by a certain set of rules. But the way to do it is to form a political party, contest an election and then the rest of us, even if we did not vote for you, we will subject ourselves to your rule. But for anybody or group which has not form a political party, has not won an election, to want to impose a type of rule on the country, it will never happen in Nigeria,” he said. The defence chief said that the Nigerian military must defeat terrorism and aggression against the people of the country, especially as Federal Government has shown commitment towards providing essential resources to the Armed Forces. He explained that the establishment of the Dog Centre demonstrates determination of the Armed Forces to fully embrace transformation agenda of the Federal Government. Petinrin, who commended the Nigerian Army for establishing the centre, urged terrorists to form political parties, sell their manifestoes and woo Nigerians to vote for them after which they could begin to make Nigerians see the world in their own ways. The Nigerian Army Military Police unit, Saturday Sun, learnt has trained about 50 dogs to assist the force in the fight against terrorism. The dogs were trained to sniff out and identify any Improvised Explosive Device (IED), narcotics, terrorists and other security risk items. Several blocks of flats for the officers and men as well as the 50 dogs were also commissioned by the defence chief. Speaking to journalists at the event, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika, said the establishment of the dog centre was to enhance the capability of the service to deal with contemporary challenges facing the country. He maintained that introducing dogs to fight terrorism is informed by the sensory capability of the animal species. His words: “The primary motive for this project is to be able to detect explosives, in a more civilized manner. It would be most helpful if serious cordon and searches begin rather than do arbitrary arrests and later apologise.” He said that the force is in the first phase of the programme, adding that at the third phase, the Nigerian Army would support the civil society in the use of dogs to check crimes. He said the dogs would be useful at the entrance of airports, seaports, banks and other public places that is needed to be protected against terrorists and criminals. BY PHILIP NWOSU..punch newspaper

Finance & Admin Assistant at Management Sciences for Health (MSH)

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) saves lives and improves health, especially among the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health. We live our mission to save lives and improve the health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health. Position: Finance & Admin Assistant Location: Taraba, Nigeria Job ID: 13-5529 Project/Program: PRO-ACT Responsibilities The FAA will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of technical efforts and/or field activities by providing logistical support and coordinating programmatic information for the Nigeria project activities within the OVC Project. She or he will assist technical advisors/specialists and senior managers to coordinate project activities and will assist Finance & Admin Officer (FAO) for ensuring that any money expended in the field is done in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, MSH policy, and any cost principles imposed by the donor agency. The FAA is aware of, and adheres to, MSH’s procurement integrity standards in all activities. She or he works with other staff from the headquarters and/ or partner organizations to coordinate technical assistance. Be the face of LMS to the outside, offering excellent customer care to our guests, clients and partners physically or through the electronic media. Facilitate effective and efficient communication between LMS Staff, partners and clients. Manage the front office/desk and provide general administrative support functions including but not limited to: faxing, copying, binding, drafting memos and letters. Handle arrangements and assist in the logistics for meetings, retreats, and workshops. Provide project support to specific projects. Assist with Procurement, preparing Activity Profile, Advance Request, Travel Arrangements etc. Provide following accounting and financial support to FAO: Prepare payment vouchers. Properly code all transactions. Processing payment of expenses, including per diem and transport to participants during activities in the field. Prepare deposit slips for cash to be deposited into the bank account. Reconcile advances, including review of receipts, coding of expenses on the general voucher and entering into QuickBooks. Maintain accounting files. Tracking and following up on outstanding advances and assure timely reconciliation. Other tasks as requested by supervisor. Qualifications University Degree in Accounting or equivalent certification from a Business Technical School. Experience as an Accountant or understanding of key aspects of accounting. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel spreadsheets, or comparable software and basic accounting software (i.e. QuickBooks). Specific qualification in management of a large and busy office Familiarity with the PEPFAR or interest in learning about public health issues Excellent writing and communication skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multitask Ability to respond to new challenges in a flexible and thoughtful manner Application Closing Date 5th October, 2012 Method of Application Interested and qualified candidate should: Click here and apply online Note: In order to apply for this position, you must create a candidate profile.

Man who Sells Roasted Vulture as Chicken Suya

Man Who Sells Vulture Meat As Roasted Chicken Is Caught In The Act: For those of us who like to patronize roadside sellers of meat otherwise called suya, here is a reason to think twice – that meat you are buying might not only be unwholesome, it could be a Vulture’s. Personally, I once had an experience where Donkey meat was sold to me and a couple of friends as cow meat; good enough, we were able to discern from the taste, texture and color of the meat. But what happens when you cannot tell the difference? Vigilant residents of the garden city have apprehended a young man in the act of trapping vultures with local stimulant (snuff) in Onne, Port Harcourt. While confessing of his crime, the man who is from the north eastern part of the country said he wanted to use them as roasted chicken for his suya business.

PDP reconciliatory moves pitch Tukur against OBJ

The trouble shooting efforts of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, aimed at bringing back all aggrieved individuals back into the party’s states chapters across the country has run into troubled waters in the South-West, Daily Sun can authoritatively reveal. Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently resigned as chairman of the party Board of Trustees (BoT), according to Daily Sun source was disturbed by the recent re-admission of former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose into the party.

The National Working Committee (NWC) last Wednesday, after its meeting announced the readmission of Fayose into the party. National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, while making the announcement noted that the Bamanga Tukur-led national working committee decision was “in line with the provision of Article 8(a) and Article 17.2 (g) of the PDP Constitution with effect from September 14, 2011. “By this action, Fayose is cleared to enjoy all rights and privileges of a member of the PDP without let or hindrance.’’

Also miffed by the NWC action was the South-West zonal executive of the party, led by Segun Oni which Daily Sun investigation further revealed was not carried along before the Tukur-led executive took the decision formally announcing Fayose absorption. “They just read PDP NWC absorption of Fayose in the newspapers like every other person in the party. The pronouncement was like a coup, as those fighting Ayo Fayose’s cause in the PDP NWC made sure that even the party national secretary from South-West was ignorant of their move.

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola was away in Osogbo, Osun state capital, answering questions from Governor Rauf Aregebesola panel of inquiry, while Fayose was being cleared by his colleagues,’’ Daily Sun source submitted. Further investigation by Daily Sun revealed that the PDP NWC might have decided to keep the South-West zonal executive in the dark because of the fact that both r Segun Oni and his predecessor, Ayodele Fayose were sworn political enemies in Ekiti State.

In the wake of the fresh election conducted in the state in 2009, following an election petition tribunal judgment, which ousted Segun Oni from office, Ayodele Fayose, his predecessor, refused to work for the former re-election then, in spite of several entreaties from party chieftains in the South-West. Since then both have been keeping each other at arms length, politically.

A party PDP source, however, said the re-absorption of Fayose was done in good faith, as the national chairman was interested in providing a formidable, harmonious party ahead of 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State. Before Fayose readmission last Wednesday, former president Olusegun Obasanjo was equally piqued over the audience granted the former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel when the latter came to the party national secretariat.

While speaking with journalists during the visit, Daniel had said he came to solidarise with Alhaji Bamanga Tukur over his election as party chairman, but Daily Sun source revealed that it was to seek for soft landing in the party, which he allegedly ditched during the 2011 general election. “The former president and party loyalists still hold the former governor responsible for the PDP electoral misfortune during the governorship election in the state.

“The former governor had floated a political party, Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) with one Gboyega Nasir Isiaka as governorship candidate, as against Obasanjo’s anointed candidate, General Adetunji Idowu Olurin, who ultimately picked the PDP ticket. “Even as Tukur’s intention to ensure amity remains genuine, Obasanjo’s sympathizers are aghast that Alhaji Tukur cannot read the body language of a man who sold his candidature to President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Tukur is being portrayed as an ingrate as Senator Muhammed Abba Aji, former presidential adviser on National Assembly Matters was Jonathan’s candidate for the position of national chairman of the party. It was Obasanjo who stormed the presidential villa and insisted on Bamanga Tukur,” Daily Sun source noted.

source--sunnewsonline

Subsidy payments: Oil marketers may sue Federal Government •‘Govt lied over N259bn payment’

The controversy surrounding the payment of subsidy on petroleum products may take another turn soonest as strong indications have emerged that the marketers, whose subsidy claims have not been paid by the Federal Government are considering going to court.

This line of action, one of our correspondents learnt, was being mulled by the marketers, whose subsidy claim payments were being delayed because of administrative infractions. Payment of some claims is, however, being delayed as a result of alleged fraudulent infractions.

The decision to go to court, it was gathered, was informed by the pressures being mounted on the marketers by the banks from which they took loans and the mounting interests on the debts.

The marketers maintained that, so far, only one-third of the total subsidy claims owed them had been settled by the government.

However, the decision to go to court appears not to be unanimous as some of the marketers are of the view that it will further delay the payment of their subsidy claims, which will further add to the interests on loans taken.

The crisis between the marketers and the Federal Government over subsidy payments deepened on Tuesday with the Jetties and Petroleum Tank Farm Owners Association accusing the government of misleading the public through falsehood.

The association said contrary to reports on Tuesday that its members had been paid N259.33bn as fuel subsidy, none of them had received any payment in the last six months.

The Secretary General, JETFON, Mr. Enoch Kanawa, disclosed this in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents.

Kanawa spoke just as the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers dissociated itself from the current fuel scarcity, which resurfaced in Abuja.

The Acting General Secretary, NUPENG, Mr. Isaac Aberare, said in a statement on Tuesday that while union was not on strike, there were no products to lift in some of the fuel depots across the country.

JETFON and NUPENG’s reactions came barely 24 hours after the Federal Government released the identities of 79 oil marketers who allegedly received N259.34bn as fuel subsidy payment for the 2011- 2012 fiscal period.

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had in a statement signed by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Paul Nwabuiku, on Monday said N34.6bn out of the total amount of N259.34bn was paid on August 22, 2012 alone.

She said contrary to allegations by the marketers, statistics had shown that the claims had reduced significantly due to the work of the Aig-Imoukhuede committee and the rigorous procedures, which had been adopted to check fraud in the subsidy claim and payment system.

Okonjo-Iweala said, “Contrary to the impression given by some marketers and their agents, the Federal Government has continued to pay marketers whose claims have been duly verified. This is in line with its commitment to encourage honest and professional private sector operators in the subsidy regime.

“As information shows, in addition to other verified payments made in 2011-2012, a total of N34.6bn was paid on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 alone. In all, a total of N259.33bn has been paid in 2011-2012.”

The minister had alleged that the number of claims by marketers and the amount paid had reduced significantly due to the work of the Aig-Imoukhuede committee.

Facebook, Twitter friends raise N6m for cancer patient

While a large number of Nigerians have expressed concern over the safety of social networking sites, 28-year-old breast cancer patient, Osarere Idiagbonya, is certainly among the few that will not agree that the sites are evil.

Her friends on Twiter had harnessed the social media site to raise over N6m for the cancer patient for overseas treatment.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Idiagbonya needed N6m for her breast cancer surgery, which is to be conducted at the Maryland Teaching Hospital, Baltimore, United States.

Her friend, Michella Jonathan, who spearheaded the social media campaign, met her on Twitter in 2010.

Jonathan told PUNCH Metro that she was moved by Idiagbonya’s condition and started the fundraising campaign on August 25, 2012 after visiting her.

Idiagbonya, a laboratory technician, had detected lumps on her left breast in June 2011. She had undergone two surgical operations to remove the lumps but was later diagnosed with breast cancer on July 31 this year.

Her dad, Robert, who developed stroke in 2011 died on August 1(Idiagbonya’s birthday), a day after he was informed that her daughter had cancer. He was buried on August 31.

Jonathan said she was moved by Idiagbonya’s story and consequently started the campaign on BlackBerry Messenger and Twitter, while also contacting some popular bloggers.

She said, “I posted her pictures and her scanned medical documents on the BBM and Twitter and Facebook. I also contacted bloggers like Linda Ikeji, Ladun Liadi, Olori Supergal and some others about it.

“Initially the responses from people were not encouraging. They thought it was a scam and insulted me on the various sites.”

“However, some of those who visited Idiagbonya at her residence to confirm the story spoke to Nigerian rapper, Ruggedman, about it and he visited her too.”

She said Ruggedman and Ice Prince shot a video clip about her plight on line. She added that Ruggedman also connected them with people who donated to Idiagbonya’s cause.

She said, “Ruggedman’s photograph with Idiagbonya, which captured his sad mood when he visited her at home, really helped in raising the funds.

“It was used on the social media together with the video clip and it helped dispel rumours that the fund appeal was a lie.”

PUNCH Metro learnt that celebrities such as Davido, Solid Star, Mo’cheedah, Alima Abubakar and Don Jazzy in the name of Marvin Records have donated to Idiagbonya’s cause.

Speaking with PUNCH Metro, Idiagbonya said she was thankful to Nigerians who were sympathetic to her plight.

She said, “When I was diagnosed with full blown cancer, it was like the whole world was crashing on me. I wondered where the help would come from.

“My father whom I had hoped would support me financially had stroke before I went for the second surgery to remove lumps on my left breast.

“My friends and other close relations had to rally round to raise the fund for surgery at the time. I was sacked from work after my first surgery.

“But, I appreciate Nigerians who learnt about my predicament on the social media and rose to my aid. They have been so good to me and I cannot thank them enough.”

Idiagbonya said she was waiting for the final medical report and referral letter from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, which would be forwarded to Maryland Teaching Hospital before she could travel out for treatment.

She said though the N6m for the surgery had been raised, she would still need money to procure flight ticket to and fro the hospital for her sister, who would follow her abroad.

Idiagbonya added that she needed money for the chemotherapy treatment she would undertake pending her travelling abroad.

She also urged Nigerians to continue to pray for her successful surgical operation.

Cynthia: Police arrest more suspects

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two more suspects for the alleged murder of Cynthia Osokogu.

It was learnt that they were arrested by policemen attached to Area E Command, FESTAC, on Monday.

Osokogu was drugged and killed on July 22, 2012 at Cosmilla Hotel, FESTAC after being lured to Lagos for the purpose of business.

Four suspects – Okwumo Nwabufo and Ezike Olisaeloka, Orji Osita and Maduakor Chukwunonso – had been charged to court for the murder.

It was learnt that one of the newly arrested suspects, Nonso Ezeike, is the younger brother of Olisaeloka.

The other suspect arrested was the driver who allegedly aided the prime suspects to escape from the hotel.

hotest nigerian news learnt that the police were able to trail Nonso because he had sold Osokogu’s phone to someone for N68, 000.

The police were said to have obtained Osokogu’s BlackBerry Personal Identification Number and convinced the buyer to disclose the identity of the seller (Nonso).

A senior police officer, who craved anonymity because he was not authorised to speak with the press, said, “We were having problems on how to get Osokogu’s phone so we met her father who gave us her BlackBerry PIN. After that, we started chatting with the person on BB Messenger and he told us he bought it from someone.

“We told him that we needed the phone and we pledged to pay him back the money but he said the phone was giving him problems and he intended to send it back to the person who sold it to him.

“We traced the mast and discovered he was chatting from Port Harcourt. He said he bought the phone from Lagos. Few days later, he called to say he had returned the phone to the seller (Nonso). We urged him to ask Nonso to return the said phone to our office in Area E Command, Festac.

“Nonso eventually came to our office with a lawyer to drop the phone and I asked my men to arrest him immediately.

“He claimed to be a graduate of Mathematics and Computer Science at the Federal University of Science and Technology, Owerri and the brother of Olisaeloka. He confessed to the police of having sold three telephones given to him by his brothers. He also confessed that he sold Cynthia’s Blackberry telephone for N68, 000.”

Meanwhile, while the accused persons had been remanded in prison till October 3, the adjourned date, the incarceration of Orji and Maduakor, who were pharmacists that sold the drug used to weaken Osokogu, has continued to attract public fury.

Our correspondent, who visited the Ikoyi prison where the four are being incarcerated on Tuesday, observed that they were accomodated at Block E2.

However, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria said the sale of the drug by the pharmacists was not criminal.

It was also learnt that counsels to the pharmacists were working to secure their release before the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A family source said, “Our lawyers have said they will institute a suit for the enforcement of their fundamental human rights at a high court” he said.

However, a senior police officer who craved anonymity said the pharmacists had a case to answer because they might have been aware of the purpose the drug was going to be used for.

He said, “I don’t know why the pharmacists were charged with rape but they could be guilty of some other offences such as administering a harmful substance.”

Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Ngozi Briade, confirmed the arrest of the new suspects, but said she had no detail.

Does Jim Iyke’s girlfriend Ketura have a Baby?

Does Jim Iyke’s girlfriend Ketura have a Baby?

The Jamaican Girl friend of the Top Nollywood bad boy actor- Jim Iyke is not a very happy woman as there is a rumor about her making rounds and she claims that is not true. Jim Lyke and Ketura Hamilton met in the US when he had gone to shoot a film and Ketura has denied the rumors going round that she is having a baby to an unknown man.

The story started when Ketura posted some photos of her friend and herself with the friend’s newborn baby. The friend who is known as Chinny is based in the US. Apparently Jim Lyke if comfortable with the lady and acknowledges that he has found the lady of her dreams.

He said, “Yes, it is true. I have found the woman of my dreams and we are in love in all totality. She is the embodiment of all that I have been looking for; a tall, pretty, exotic and supremely intelligent woman.”

Angry Fans Label Ini Edo 'Bloody Liar' Over Pregnancy Denial

In May 2012, a popular magazine, National Enquirer exclusively reported that sexy actress, Ini Edo was pregnant. The news item, which went viral, was received with joy by teeming fans of the Nollywood diva.

This may have been as a result of tongues that have wagged after the actress married her heartthrob over three years ago without a child. So, the pregnancy news was met with joy by her fans.

But in a twist, Ini Edo took to her website to deny the news. She claimed that the story was false and that there was no iota of truth in it.

According to her post on her website then, "Heard some people want to send me on nine-month compulsory leave? Not true yet. Disregard the rumour. I will let you know when it happens.

"Meanwhile, there is something cooking I will let you know soon, lets keep our fingers crossed. Peace," she disclosed in May 2012.

Soon after she denied the story, her fans vented their anger on the media. They labelled the Nigerian press as carrying untrue stories. Some said the media do such stories in order to boost sales (print media) or increase traffic (online media).

Recall that also in May 2012, her friend and colleague, Uche Jombo denied a reported marriage story about her. She even went on Twitter to deny the story. Uche then wrote that the media were trying to force her to marry. She later told her fans not to believe everything they read in the media.

But few days later, precisely on May 16, Uche secretly married her American lover, Kenny Rodriguez. The news shocked many due to the fact that Uche had reportedly denied being getting married just few days before her marriage.

Just few weeks ago, news went viral again that Ini Edo has confirmed being pregnant. This was reportedly confirmed to a magazine, E24-7 in a interview with the paper. Though this news has also been welcomed by her fans, but some sections of the fans are angry with Ini over her initial denial of the pregnancy news two months ago.

According to an anonymous fan, "why do Nigerian celebrities like denying news stories only for them to later come out true? They lie a lot. I am beginning to dislike most of them."

Another fan told Nigeriafilms.com, "Ini Edo is such a bloody liar! Why did she deny the pregnancy news initially? Was she trying to make ridicule of the Nigerian media?"

"I am beginning to get pissed off with Ini Edo, she is a big liar. She made her fans believed the initial story was false. Is being pregnant not a good thing anymore? They can't try this with the British media. You don't insult the British or American media and go away with it that way. They would have run down your career. I think the Nigerian media need to do that to most celebs that ridicule them," another angry fan told

Governor Fashola Raises Alarm As Fraudsters Hack Into His Email And Phone

Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos state has raised alarm that his email and phone has been hacked by some fraudsters who has been going about asking people to deposit money into a particular bank.

Fashola warned unsuspecting members of the public and companies from falling victims to the fraudsters.While speaking yesterday,BRF as he is popularly called disclosed that those who hacked into his phone has been sending all sort of messages to people asking them to pay into an account.

In a post on facebook, fashola said “Dear Lagosians, please ignore an SMS currently in circulation asking you pay money into a Skye Bank account belonging to Agazie Stephen C. for a Crucial State Emergency. It is a hoax. Agazie is not a staff of the Lagos State Government and has no authority whatsoever to collect funds on behalf of the LASG”

We also gathered that the governor is also worried that his phone must have been cloned by some internet fraudsters. Fashola said they have been sending messages to highly placed personalities, including commissioners and special advisers to pay money into a particular account.

It would be recalled that a former governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu also said unknown persons hacked into his phone with intent to defraud people. He said some of those who called the messages asking them to pay into a bank account called him to confirm but others simply fell for it.

GENTLE jACKS COUSINE IN CAR THEFT

Gist getting to US has it that one Jack David otherwise known as Prada, who is now at large, has been accused of stealing a Nissan Pathfinder car belonging to one up and coming artiste, Charles Graville. Prada, as we reliably gathered, is the nephew of Nollywood actor, Gentle Jack. He is aged 19 years.

As the story goes, Prada reportedly approached Charles as the PR manager of Scintilla. He allegedly offered to work for the singer. After much pressure, he was told given an opportunity to work as Charles' PA. This happened, according to what Charles told THIS BLOG, on Friday, August 3 at the premiere of Last Flight to Abuja held in Lekki, Lagos.

Soon after the premiere and after party, Charles said he drove home with his
manager, a colleague, a radio presenter and Jack. The next day (Saturday), Charles said he dropped Prada and others off at a bus stop and then gave him (Prada) 5,000 Naira to use as transport fare.

On Monday night, August 6, Charles said Prada came to his house on the pretence of leaving his mum's umbrella in his (Charles) car. Charles said he told him he would give the umbrella to his gateman so that Prada would get it the next day since he would be travelling the next day.
Though, Prada agreed, as we gathered, but he reportedly came back that night to plead with Charles to spend the night at his place since it was already late. This, as Charles told us, he agreed to and left him downstairs playing his PS 3 game.

The next day, after waking up at 9am, which was unsual of him as he told us, he found out that Prada was no where to be found. His PS 3, laptop, blackberry phones and his Nissan Pathfinder registered first with MUS 750 AJ, but now using peace ambassador number plate; PEACE 701 were all missing.

Students take over Kaduna Polytechnic, give FG 48-hour ultimatum

Thousands of students of the Kaduna Polytechnic yesterday protested over the seeming intractable stand-off between the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) branch and the management of the institution, sealing all the entrances to the institution and giving the Federal Government 48 hours to take action on the issue.

Staff and management of the institution were barred by the students from entering the school premises as the students insisted that the school remain locked up until the Federal Government intervenes by calling off the strike and ordering ASUP to resume academic activities.
Some of the students came with mattresses to the gate of the institution to sleep, indicating that they would not open it for any worker or the management until the problem is resolved, threatening to “wage war” if the government does not intervene.

Officers of the State Security Service (SSS) who came to address the issue were denied access to the school while those who gained access were not given audience because the students referred to them as bankers and not SSS. “If truly they are SSS operatives, let them address us before the media,” the students said. Also during the protest, the students lamented that the Federal Government had neglected them, adding that if it had intervened from the beginning of the crisis, it wouldn’t have lingered on.

“Is the management bigger than the Federal Government? Is ASUP bigger than the Federal Government? So if the Federal Government believes in the transformation they have been talking about, let them intervene with immediate effect, else, there will be war in Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna State and Nigeria,” they said. Placards with different inscriptions which include: “When two elephants fight, the grass suffers”, “Enough is enough, we want the school opened”, “President Jonathan should prevail on management and union to make peace for the best interest, else...”, “The idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” were displayed by the students who kept shouting, “We want the school opened, we are tired of staying at home.”

Speaking on behalf of the students, the Vice President, Students Union Government (SUG) of the College of Science and Technology (CST) in the polytechnic, Comrade Ibrahim Omotosho, said the management and ASUP were playing with their future.

According to him, over 45,000 students of the institution have been on strike for about six months now, and many of the students died in the post-election crisis while some could not go for their national youth service due to the strike.

“We have refused to engage in any form of riot or protest since the crisis started in January because we know our school is located in a volatile area, so that some people outside the school will not hijack the situation and take it as an opportunity to cause chaos in the state and that was why we called on the students to maintain absolute decorum but now our silence has been taken for granted,” he stressed.

According to him, they had met with several authorities including Kaduna State SSS, Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, management of the polytechnic and ASUP.

“We told them we are not going back on our action until they resume work”, he said. He added that they were told that without the white paper, they cannot resume academic activities.

“We don’t know why government is delaying the white paper, we have given them a 48-hour ultimatum after which we will block not only the entrances but all roads that lead to Kaduna Polytechnic because we have exercised enough patience,” he said.

He appealed to President Goodlusck Jonathan to start the transformation he promised from Kaduna Polytechnic by ordering ASUP and the school management to come to a consensus and go back to work with immediate effect.

Addressing the students outside the school gate, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Alhaji Masud Adamu Kazaure accompanied by the Director, Academic Planning, Kaduna Polytechnic, Ambassador M.J. Mohammed, commended the students for their patience and urged them to continue to be patient.

He said he had spoken with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, saying he promised to get across to him before the end of yesterday.

He assured the students that something would be done before the end of yesterday.

Varsities, polys get N95bn intervention fund

Federal Government through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund has earmarked N95bn for intervention in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
Out of this figure, N70bn is the TETFund’s annual allocation to institutions, while the remaining N25bn is for the Special High Impact project in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, said this in Abuja on Tuesday at the TETFund annual strategic planning workshop with federal and state beneficiary institutions.

She said the allocation had increased by 46.33 per cent for universities, 44.17 per cent for polytechnics and 72.11 per cent for colleges of education compared to last year.

The minister warned against misapplication of the fund, stressing government’s zero tolerance for corruption.

According to the breakdown, each beneficiary university will receive N598m; each polytechnic N339.5m; and college of education, N321m.

She urged the institutions to apply the fund to teaching and learning as well as research and scholarly publications.

Rufa’i said, “Over the last couple of decades, the right priorities in education were not addressed. Our institutions continue to grapple with enormous expenditure outside their core mandates.

“To restore the vibrancy of our institutions and to achieve the desired outcomes, we must get our priorities right and manage our institutions transparently.

“The onus is now squarely on the institutions to apply the fund in core areas of their mandates. Our institutions can no longer complain that their major problem is funding. Government is doing its uttermost within available resources and we shall continue to work hard to ensure that there is value for money.”

On the TETFund special high impact introduced in 2009, the minister said the intention was to upgrade the infrastructural and instructional facilities in the institutions of higher learning to encourage the training of high level manpower for the nation.

Rufa’i said the N25bn allocated to the programme, was for intervention in 12 institutions across the country, with each zone having a university, polytechnic or college of education.

According to the breakdown, each university will get N3bn, with college of education and polytechnic N1bn each.

Executive Secretary of TETFund, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, called for proper planning for quality education in the country.

He said the increase in allocation to the institutions this year was as a result of improved Education Tax collection by the Federal Inland Revenue Service.