BBA update: Nigerian rep Beverly Osu makes out with Angelo

Nigerian rep Beverly Osu and fellow BBA housemate, South African dance teacher Angelo Collins, made out passionately Saturday night after the two danced intimately at the week’s party.
Angelo has already said he’ll never be faithful to one woman.  The two disappeared into their room and Angelo even got on top of Beverly before the video vixen stopped it from going further…
Keen followers of the show say Beverly was taken advantage of as it had been a wild party and she may have been drunk. The whips didn’t come down too hard on her as she had stopped the passion before it went too far.


Housemates Betty Abera from Ethiopia and Bolt from Sierra Leone both now evicted from BBA were not so lucky as they suffered harsh criticisms from BBA’s audience after their public sex rump in the house. But then Betty’s problems are far from over.
According to online sources, Betty could be facing six years in jail if a lawsuit being filed against her for having public sex in the house is successful.
During her short stint in BBA The Chase, Betty from Ethiopia and Bolt from Sierra Leone were the first couple to engage in sex in this season’s big brother show. There was massive backlash from the audience and more so the conservative Ethiopians who now saw her as a disgrace to the country.

Why Jesse Jagz and Brymo left Chocolate City – Audu Maikori, record label boss opens up

Chocolate City record label boss, Audu Maikori has reportedly given the real reason signees, Jesse Jagz and Brymo, whose contract is yet to expire, left the label.

It was a shock when a few months ago, Jesse Jagz dramatically dropped out of the label that was like a family to him, soon afterwards, Brymo dropped out too.
According to 360nobs, Maikori explained that Jagz’ lyrical contents and music videos, made executives believe he was ‘promoting drugs and nicotine in his music videos’ which was completely contrary to company policies.

Audu goes on to explain about Jagz wanting absolute control over his business and feels the dude was trying to rise above his ‘height’.
On Brymo’s issue, Mr. Maikori says that the young artiste felt he wasn’t getting enough attention from his label because Ice Prince Zamani was getting it all.
The chairman claims the singer was just being too envious of the BET winner and wasn’t putting enough on the table to get the best he’d wished for. After all, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive”.

Referee beheaded after killing player

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An amateur football match in Brazil led to two deaths as a referee was beheaded by spectators after he had stabbed a player.
The shocking incidents occurred in Maranhao, Brazil, last Sunday. According to reports, referee Otavio Jordao da Silva(right) fatally stabbed footballer Josenir dos Santos Abreu(left).
Dos Santos Abreu is believed to have struck the referee after questioning a decision. In retaliation, Jordao da Silva stabbed the player.
Having witnessed the incident, an outraged group of spectators turned on the referee. He was tied up, beaten, stoned and quartered. They then put his head on a stake and planted it in the middle of the pitch.
One man, Luiz Moraes de Souza, 27, has been arrested over the incident. Police are searching for two more suspects.
Valter Costa is handling the case and, in a statement, he said: "One crime never justifies another crime. Actions likes this do not collaborate with the legality of state law."

Boko Haram attacks curtailed in Yobe, says JTF Commander

Damaturu –  The Commander of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in Yobe, Col. Ibrahim Ali, on Sunday said that activities of Boko Haram insurgents had been curtailed, following the declaration of state of emergency in the state.
Ali in Damaturu said that attacks by the insurgents, especially in the volatile areas of Damaturu and Potiskum had reduced, after security forces pushed the insurgents out of their enclaves.
“We have not had any major encounter except on June 16 when they attacked a school in Damaturu. We have pushed them out of town.’’
The commander said that the JTF had  discovered, particularly in Potiskum, that armed robbers had seized the opportunity to rob people under the guise of insurgency.
Ali said the situation in Yobe had remained “relatively stable’’, noting that the JTF was doing everything possible to contain the  situation permanently.
He said that the task force had been having a good working relationship with members of the public, whom he said, had continued to provide vital information on the insurgents.
Ali urged the populace to continue to cooperate with security agents, saying that the JTF was aware of the inconveniences and challenges the public was facing because of the declaration of state of emergency in the state.
On allegations of long detention of suspects, the commander said that the JTF was being meticulous to ensure that only those found to have participated in criminal activities were held.
He said that suspects were made to go through careful and meticulous documentation and interrogation by a special team, made up of personnel from the police, SSS, army and the NDLEA.
Ali said that all suspects were being treated well, adding: “they eat the same food being served to my soldiers.’’ (NAN)

Robbers attack Edebiri, ANPP leader’s residence in Edo, injure three

ARMED bandits, yesterday,  attacked the Benin-City residence of the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)  and governorship candidate of the party in the 2012 governorship election in Edo State, Mr Solomon Edebiri.
The bandits, numbering five, allegedly used machete to attack three persons, including the night guard, and left them in a  pool of blood. It was learnt that the suspected armed robbers stormed the compound at about 2:15am during a downpour.
They came by scaling the fence and tied the night guard  to a tree  inside the compound after the machate attack. Then they went straight to the uncompleted building inside the compound where staff and relations of the ANPP leader were sleeping.
While yelling and threatening their victims to bring out the money at home, they used machete  and bottles to inflict serious injuries on two persons in the room and started ransacking the entire building until they took to their heels when a mobile police man within the premise shot at them.
There are indications that some of the robbers may have escaped with bullet wounds. When Sunday Vanguard visited the compound, there was a  pool of blood  in one of  the rooms while the victims were rushed to a nearby hospital. The security guard  and one of the staff were  in critical condition.
Edebiri, who was not at home when the incident occurred, said, “I cannot place their reasons for coming because I don’t keep cash at home. The state of criminality has increased seriously in Benin and it is scary. I want to appeal to the police to do something seriously and urgently too.
If we are not lucky those three people would have been killed. And we are still praying because they had deep cuts and are still critical in hospital. I will allow the police to do their investigation so as to ascertain their true motive”.

Boeing 777 crash lands in US

An Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 with 307 people on board crashed and burst into flames as it landed at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday after a flight from Seoul, and initial reports said two people were killed and more than 130 sent to hospitals. After approaching the airport across San Francisco Bay, the plane appeared to strike the edge of the approach area of the runway.
The tail came off and the aircraft left a trail of debris before coming to rest beside the runway. One survivor said the pilot seemed to be trying to gain height just before the aircraft struck the runway. There was no immediate indication of the cause of the crash and federal officials were traveling from Washington to investigate. Pictures taken by survivors immediately after the crash showed passengers emerging from the wrecked plane and hurrying away.
TV footage later showed the fuselage of the Boeing 777 blackened by fire and the interior apparently gutted. Asiana Airlines said the flight, which had originated in Shanghai, had carried 291 passengers and 16 crew members. San Francisco Fire Department Chief Joanna Hayes-White said two people were killed and 130 were taken to hospitals.
A total of 69 people were still unaccounted for, as officials tracked down the passengers in the confusion after the crash. Rachael Kagan, a spokeswoman for San Francisco General Hospital, said 15 injured people were being treated there and 10 were in critical condition with burns, fractures and internal injuries. She said most of them spoke only Korean.
Flights in and out of SFO have been cancelled. It is unknown when the airport will reopen.

Gunmen kill 42 in Yobe school attack

KANO, July 6, 2013 (AFP) – Gunmen believed to be Islamists from Nigeria’s Boko Haram insurgent group killed 42 people, mostly students, in an overnight attack on a secondary school in restive Yobe state, a medical worker and residents said Saturday.
“We received 42 dead bodies of students and other staff of Government Secondary School (in) Mamudo last night. Some of them had gunshot wounds while many of them had burns and ruptured tissues,” Haliru Aliyu of the Potiskum General Hospital told AFP.
Mamudo is some five kilometres from Potiskum, the commercial hub of Yobe State which has been a flashpoint in the Boko Haram insurgency in recent months.
“From accounts of teachers and other students who escaped the attack, the gunmen gathered their victims in a hostel and threw explosives and opened fire, leading to the death of 42,” Aliyu said.
He said security personnel were combing the bushes around the school in search of students who were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
“So far six students have been found and are now in the hospital being treated for gunshot wounds,” he added.
A local resident who did not want to be named confirmed the attack.
“It was a gory sight. People who went to the hospital and saw the bodies shed tears. There were 42 bodies, most of them were students. Some of them had parts of their bodies blown off and badly burnt while others had gunshot wounds,” he said.
He said the attack was believed to be a reprisal by the Boko Haram Islamists for the killing of 22 sect members during a military raid in the town of Dogon Kuka on Thursday.
Nigeria declared a state of emergency in three flashpoint states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe in mid-May as it launched a major offensive to end the insurgency.
Violence linked to the Boko Haram insurgency has left some 3,600 people dead since 2009, including killings by the security forces.
Boko Haram which means “western education is evil” has killed hundreds of students in attacks on schools in the tense region in recent months.

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Novak Djokovic to face Andy Murray

LONDON -- Novak Djokovic might win Wimbledon this year. Juan Martin del Potro will not.
No matter how it ends, both men will always have their spot in one of the most memorable matches in the storied history of the All England Club.
Slugging back and forth over 4 hours, 43 minutes of backbreaking tennis Friday, top-seeded Djokovic emerged with a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-7 (6), 6-3 victory over del Potro to move one victory away from his seventh major title.
"One of the best matches I've been a part of," Djokovic said. "One of the most exciting definitely. It was so close. You couldn't separate us. Exciting."
It was the longest semifinal in Wimbledon history and was only five minutes short of the 2008 five-set final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that's also considered one of the greatest matches played on Centre Court.
Djokovic moved into his 11th Grand Slam final, where he'll play No. 2 Andy Murray. Murray weathered a delay to close the roof on Centre Court, defeating No. 24 Jerzy Janowicz 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.
That semifinal began late -- around 6:15 p.m., London time, after Djokovic and del Potro spent the entire, sundrenched afternoon exchanging huge groundstrokes, long rallies and even a few laughs during their marathon, which covered five sets, 55 games, two tiebreakers and 368 points.
"I think this match is going to be memory for a few years," del Potro said. "We play for four hours and a half on a very high level. We didn't make too many errors. I don't know if the rest of the players can play like us today."
Eighth-seeded del Potro, back in a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time since winning the 2009 U.S. Open, saved two match points in the fourth-set tiebreaker, then won the final four points to take it 8-6.
Shortly after, the match hit the 4-hour mark, guaranteeing it would surpass the 1989 match between Boris Becker and Ivan Lendl -- a 4-hour, 1-minute affair -- as the longest semifinal in Wimbledon's long history.
"It was a very high level of tennis today, I expected it," said Djokovic, whose 80 winners included 22 aces. "I was ready to play five sets and I stayed tough until the end."
Del Potro came into the match with his left knee heavily taped, a victim of two nasty slips that sent him tumbling earlier in the tournament. The second fall came two days earlier, on the fifth point of his quarterfinal against David Ferrer. Del Potro said the trainer gave him a couple of "magic pills" -- anti-inflammatories -- and that kept him going in his straight-sets win over the No. 4 seed.
On Friday against Djokovic, del Potro showed few signs of an aftereffect.
Tested throughout by a variety of Djokovic drop shots, del Potro got to most. More than once, the Argentine did his impression of a lanky golden retriever -- chasing the tennis ball from wide of the court on the forehand side to wide of the court on the backhand side. After going wide in the third set to hit one of his 48 winners, del Potro stood on the ledge separating the court from the stands, waiting for a high-five from one of the fans at courtside.
The fans soaked in the del Potro experience, cheering on the underdog as he pushed the world's best player to the very limit.
"They help me a lot for fight, to keep trying, keep going," del Potro said. "Of course I'm sad now, but in a couple of days, I will see how big the match was."
He may also relive some moments he'd like to have back. Del Potro had three break points in the third set and couldn't convert any, screaming in frustration when he framed a backhand wide on the third try. Then, trailing 3-2 in the third-set tiebreaker, del Potro failed to put an overhead away and Djokovic slipped and fell on the dirt behind the baseline while throwing up a weak lob. Backpedaling, del Potro couldn't handle the overhead and dropped it in the net.
He lost the rest of the points to fall behind by a set.
A bit later, del Potro lost his serve to fall behind 4-3 in the fourth set, but broke right back, finishing the game with a big backhand winner, a guttural grunt and a fist pump.
They held serve until the tiebreaker, and when del Potro won that one, he looked like the del Potro of 2009, the man who broke the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic stranglehold on the majors by overcoming a 2-1 deficit against Federer in the 2009 final at Flushing Meadows to win the title.
"I think I'm in good form," del Potro said.
Against almost anyone else, his court coverage, his sledgehammer forehand and his conditioning on a near-windless 75-degree day would have placed him in the final.
Against Djokovic, the best counterpuncher and perhaps the best conditioned player in the game, it wasn't quite enough.
Exhibit A of Djokovic's ability to turn defense into offense came on set point in the third set, when del Potro pounced big-time on Djokovic's serve, pushing it deep to the Serb's backhand side. Djokovic moved over and calmly blocked it back for a down-the-line winner. Del Potro pulled the neck of his shirt over his face and headed dejectedly to the sideline.
"You can see I played my best tennis ever on grass court, but was not enough to beat the No. 1 in the world," del Potro said. "I was so close."

Moyes coy on Ronaldo speculation

New Manchester United manager David Moyes has refused to rule out an approach for Cristiano Ronaldo - despite the forward’s insistence that he is happy at Real Madrid.
Speculation has been mounting for months that Ronaldo could be on his way back to Old Trafford, four years after he left for the Bernabeu for a world-record £80 million fee.
The Portugal international gave out mixed messages while speaking during a holiday in Monaco this week, saying that United were a club “that is still in my heart and I really, really miss”, but adding that “my future is at Real Madrid”.
Ronaldo, who remains on friendly terms with former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, did not dismiss the possibility of a return to Old Trafford at some point, though.
And Moyes, who has replaced the retiring Ferguson, has batted away attempts to ask him if a deal is on.
Asked directly about Ronaldo at a press conference on Friday, the former Everton manager said: "I would never speak about players at other football clubs, because I think it’s wrong. It’s not my style. The people who know me from Merseyside will tell you that.
"I’ll try to answer as many questions as I can. But when people are under contract at other clubs, it’s wrong to talk about them.
"But this club are always interested in the best players."
Ronaldo, who has scored 146 goals in 135 games for Real, has two years remaining on his contract in Madrid and has so far refused to discuss a new one.
It is thought that United would have to put in a bid of around £60 million to have any chance of doing a deal.
Moyes added: "Manchester United had a great season in the Premier League last year, and we will do everything we can to add to the squad.
"This club will always go after the best players. We’ll always be interested in them.
"We’ll do everything we can to make sure that we remain at the top. I’m looking forward to being given that challenge."
United remain keen on a deal for Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, but Moyes is cautious on the chances of any signings being made before the club head off on a pre-season tour of Asia next week.
He said: "I’ll try to bring in some players before the tour, but I couldn’t turn round and say yes to that. I’ll try if possible. Time’s closing in a little bit just now.
"The way the transfer window works, I think things might be done a little bit later in some cases this year.
"There are quite a few new managers in. I don’t think everything will be done right away. But if you had the ideal position, you’d get your players in as soon as you could."

Ronaldo: 'My future at Real Madrid'

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo insists his “future is in Madrid”, reiterating his statements earlier this week that he would like to stay in Spain as speculation about a possible return to Manchester United continues.
Speaking in Monaco's Hotel de Paris on Thursday evening, the 28-year-old striker reaffirmed his commitment to La Liga.
"I enjoy of course to play there [Real Madrid], I play there for four years so I want to continue there,” he told reporters.
Ronaldo praised Monaco for their acquisition of Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez, Joao Moutinho and former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho while stopping short of saying he would like to join the club.
"It is not the best day to speak about my future. I am going to have time to speak about that at the beginning of preseason,” he said. "This is a good club with a fantastic owner. Monaco are back in Ligue 1. I wish them the best. I do not say that I would never go to this club, but now I'm happy at Real Madrid. I just want to come to Monaco for the holidays.”
Ronaldo has yet to sign a new contract with Los Blancos - with his current deal expiring in two years - and former club United are reportedly lining up a big-money summer bid for him.
Earlier this week, the Portugal star, who has scored a remarkable 201 goals in 199 games for Madrid since arriving from Old Trafford as the world’s most expensive player in 2009, spoke fondly of his time in Manchester. But he stressed that he is content with life at the Bernabeu.
"I really miss English football. For me, it was some of the best years in my career when I was there in Manchester United,” Ronaldo said as he paid a visit to a school in Singapore. “Everyone knows that. It is the club that is still in my heart and I really, really miss [United].
"This (Manchester United) is a club that is in my heart for a long time. Everyone knows the passion that I have for this club. But my future is at Real Madrid."

Moyes: 'Rooney not for sale'

                                                                                              
David Moyes has said that Wayne Rooney is not for sale and is looking forward to teaming up with him at Manchester United next season.
Speaking at his first press conference as Manchester United manager, Moyes revealed that he and Rooney had spoken "several times" since his appointment and that he was keen for the striker to stay at Old Trafford and go on to beat Bobby Charlton's scoring record for the club.
There has been persistent speculation about Rooney's future since he reportedly handed in a transfer request at the end of last season.
But Moyes has flatly denied that the striker is for sale and has backed him to get back to his best form in the coming campaign.

"Wayne is not for sale," he said. "He is a Manchester United player and will remain a Manchester United player. I see a glint in his eye. He looks happy, he looks like he will knuckle down and get himself right.
"I've been fortunate, I've known Wayne since he was 16. I've had several meetings with Wayne. He's training brilliantly well, he's come back in good shape and I'm really looking forward to working with him.

"I see a glint in his eye, he looks happy and if he is saying I'm going to knuckle down and get it right - let's not kid ourselves.
"He's a terrific player and let me reiterate, he's not for sale."
Moyes refused to discuss comments by Sir Alex Ferguson that Rooney had requested to leave Old Trafford.
Rooney is said to be upset by the claims but Moyes insists he is solely focused on moving forward with the England international striker.
"We have spoken several times and what has happened before has gone now,” Moyes said.
"I do not know what those two gentlemen said - Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney. That conversation was private and as far as I am concerned. We are working together now."

Illegal arms: Two cops, 15 others arrested in Jos

Plateau State Police Command has arrested two policemen and 15 other persons suspected to be members of firearms production syndicates. The policemen, whose names were given as Corporal Joseph and Constable Mafwai were alleged to be suppliers of ammunition to criminals.
They have been dismissed by the police and would face prosecution alongside the other members of the gang who were arrested at Barkin Ladi. Parading the suspects before newsmen, Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Chris Olakpe, said the syndicates had perfected the art of manufacturing heavy rifles including revolver pistols and heavy rifles.
He stated that the dismissal of the policemen was to serve as lessons to others, who might have such intention and to show that the Force does not have space for irresponsible and criminally minded persons. He said the police also recovered seven rifles, four pistols, four motorcycles and eleven rounds of ammunition from the suspects.
Among the suspects were three other arms manufacturers and alleged high profile criminals who engaged in car snatching and other crimes and had severally been arrested but found their way back to the society.
Eleven assorted vehicles were also recovered from them. Olakpe said the police would break the link between arms manufacturers and criminals to keep Plateau State free of crimes.
Meanwhile, the body of the divisional crime officer, who was declared missing during the Langtang South mayhem had been found. Mr. Olakpe disclosed that the mutilated body of ASP Talfa Wuyep was found in Karkashi with gun wounds. He said his remains had been deposited in the mortuary for necessary autopsy.
The police commissioner, who said it was necessary to put to rest the controversy over the number of deaths recorded during the attack on three villages in Langtang South, said 31 people were killed and nine injured, adding that the police had the names of all the casualties.

Policemen lament non-release of 11 slain colleagues for burial

There is anger at the Bayelsa State Police command over the delay in the burial of the 11 policemen who were killed and burnt on April 6 this year by ex-militants while escorting the body of the mother of a former militant leader, Torughedi Selky( a.k.a Young Shall Grow) for burial at Azuzuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
This is just as the Commissioner of Police, Mr Tonye Ebitibituwa, has allayed fears that suspects arrested over the killing would be extra judicially murdered. The slain policemen include Inspectors Joseph Ofozini, Mana Taru, Sergeants, Timothy Osimele, Monday Onwubuoya, Adokiye Jack, Corporal Ogholo Ukam, Constables Emmanuel Uyekpegha, Etim Mfreke, Collins Obiano, Adegbor Lucky and Ekpenyong Idongesit.
According to investigations, most of the rank and file of the police command are angry with the manner the state command under former Commissioner of Police, Kings Omire, now retired, allowed the policemen to die.
They alleged that because of the shoddy preparation by the Police leadership, rather than being conveyed in police gunboats, they were given a rickety boat which made them vulnerable to attack. Their colleagues are daily being bombarded by family members with questions on when the bodies would be released and how they would continue to survive without their breadwinners. At the police headquarters in Yenagoa, where a condolence register had been opened, colleagues of the dead policemen expressed anger over the delay in releasing the bodies for burial.
One of the policemen, who doesn’t want to be named, said the family of the late Inspector Taru had been calling daily from Adamawa State to get an update on when his body would be released and what would become of the family. He said the bereaved families are suffering as no benefit or compensation would be paid to them until after the burial.
According to him, the bodies cannot be released until their police conduct DNA on them to ascertain their true identities because after being killed, they were burnt beyond recognition. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Alex Akhigbe, explained that a the police command is awaiting report of the DNA before the bodies would be released to the families. Meanwhile, Ebitibituwa has assured that the three suspects including the alleged mastermind, Jackson Fabowei, would soon be arraigned.
The police boss who paraded Fabowei against the backdrop of reports that he had been extra-judicially killed by angry policemen, stated that under his watch, no suspect would be a victim of extra-judicial killing. Ebitibituwa said other suspects who took part in the killing would be arrested and brought to book as the police would not allow their death to be in vain.

Subsidy fraud: How oil marketers defrauded FG –EFCC witness

A prosecution witness in the ongoing probe into abuse of the Petroleum Support Fund of the Federal Government, Mr. Mohammed Adedapo, has told a Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja, how three oil marketers allegedly forged documents to perpetrate N1.1 billion.
Adedapo, who testified in the trial of Messrs Abdullahi Alao, Opeyemi Ajuyah and Olarenwaju Olalusi, told Justice Lateefat Okunnu, how the marketers collected money for products not supplied.
The oil marketers, alongside their companies, Majope Investment Ltd and Axenergy Ltd are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraudulently obtaining N1.1 billion from the Petroleum Support Fund of the Federal Government.
At the resumed sitting of the court yesterday, Adedapo, who is an inspector of petroleum products of Q and Q Control Marine Services Nigeria Ltd, alleged that Alao and his co-defendants had imported about 4,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products but had obtained subsidy payment for 15,000 metric tonnes.
Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Mr. Francis Usani, the witness said Q and Q was contracted by Oando Oil and Gas Plc to inspect the quantity of products brought in by a vessel, MT Brief on behalf of Majope Investment Ltd. He stated that the discharge was done at Lister Jetty in Apapa between January 22 and 23, 2011, saying that the vessel brought 15,000 metric tonnes.
According to him, about 4,000 metric tonnes were discharged into the facility while the remaining quantity was taken away by the vessel. Adedapo said he wrote a protest letter to the captain of the ship as a result of the discrepancy witnessed in the transaction after which he issued a Shore Tank Certificate to the marketers indicating that only 4,000 metric tonnes were discharged in the facility.
Under cross-examination by counsel to the defendants, Mr. Wale Akoni (SAN) and Mr. Oludare Falana, Adedapo maintained that he did not sign any document indicating that 15,000 metric tonnes were discharged.
“The Shore Tank Certificate showing that 15,000 metric tonnes were supplied was not signed by me. The signature looks like mine but this document did not emanate from Q and Q,” he added. Following the denial, Falana ordered him to sign on a blank paper for comparison of the signatures.
The paper was admitted by the court as Exhibit P6. At this juncture, the court adjourned till July 24 for continuation of trial. In a related development, the trial of three other oil marketers, Messrs Ifeanyi Anosike, Emeka Chukwu and Ngozi Ekeoma could not hold yesterday because the counsel to the defendants, Mr. Lai Babatunde, urged the court to allow him sort out some matters with his clients. During proceedings, Anosike’s counsel, Mr. Lai Babatunde (SAN), informed the court that he was contemplating his withdrawal from the matter based on recent developments.
He, therefore, asked the court for an adjournment to enable him discuss further with his client. The marketers and their firms, Anosike Group of Companies and Dell Energy Ltd. are facing trial before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo for an alleged N1.5 billion fuel subsidy fraud. The judge adjourned the matter till September 18, for mention.

Jonathan declares open reconstruction of N167bn Lagos-Ibadan road

 
President Goodluck Jonathan said on Friday in Shagamu, Ogun State, that federal, states and local governments must collaborate to deliver dividends of democracy to the people, irrespective of party affiliations.
Shagamu (Ogun) -  President Goodluck Jonathan said on Friday in Shagamu, Ogun State, that federal, states and local governments must collaborate to deliver dividends of democracy to the people, irrespective of party affiliations.
Jonathan made the remarks when he declared open the reconstruction and expansion works on the 127.6 km Lagos-Ibadan dual carriage way sections I and II.
The N167 billion project, to be completed in 48 months, is being handled by Messrs Julius Berger Plc and Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Ltd.
Jonathan said basic infrastructure, particularly roads, whether, they belonged to the federal, states or local governments by classification, is meant for the use and benefit of the generality of all Nigerians.
“All of us belong to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we are free to reside in any part of the country.
“My belief is that, whether a project is delivered by the Federal Government or the state government or local government, what Nigerians need is basic infrastructure.
“Therefore, good partnering by all the tiers of government, federal, states and local governments and good spirited individuals will make us deliver the dividends of democracy to our people.
“And I assure you that we will continue to work together,” he said.
The president said that the Lagos-Ibadan dual carriage way, was one of the busiest and most important roads in the country.
Specifically, he said that with over 250,000 vehicles plying the road daily, “it stands out as the busiest road in Africa’’.
“The road is an important economic artery that connects the nation’s economic nerve centres.
“More than 50 per cent of the economic activities of this country revolve around Lagos and Ogun states, which jointly with Oyo State, host the infrastructure.
“The infrastructure is of great socio-economic importance, not only to Nigeria but also to the people of Africa,” he said.
Jonathan said that following the state of disrepair of the road, the recurrent fatal accident, unprecedented traffic jams and security breaches, government acted in good faith, by entering into partnership with a private investor to deliver the road.
He said that after four years of evident non-performance by the private investor, Bi-Courtney Highway Services Limited, government, acting in the public interest, terminated the agreement.
“Today I am happy to inform you that we are ready to bequeath to Nigerians, a better and more durable road after 35 years when the first construction was made and commissioned in 1978.
“We are sure this will alleviate the hardship on millions of road users.
“This event reflects government’s commitment to practically and relentlessly meet the yearnings of people and improve the national transport infrastructure.’’
The president charged the contractors to ensure timely completion of the project and appealed to road users to bear with the inconveniences the construction might cause.
He also said that government had made adequate funding arrangement to see the project through to completion.
Minister of Works Mike Onolememen in a welcome address, said that the Lagos-Ibadan expressway constructed between 1974 and 1978 was among the first dual carriageways in the country.
He said the road is a major highway in the South-West geopolitical zone, which connects, Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states to other parts of the country.
“The road is a major artery that connects, Lagos, the economic nerve centre of the nation and most Nigerian sea ports, to other states of the federation.
“At the regional level, it is a section of the Trans-sahara Highway that links Lagos on the Atlantic Ocean to Algiers on the Mediterranean Sea.
“The road is, therefore, of great economic importance not only to Nigeria but the sub-region at large,” Onolememen said
Present at the event were Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun; his predecessor, Gbenga Daniel; the deputy governors of Lagos, Oyo, Osun and Ondo states, ministers, and traditional rulers
NAN recalls that the Federal Government in November 2012 revoked the failed Lagos-Ibadan expressway concession contract awarded to Bi-Courtney in 2009.
Onolememen, who announced the revocation, had explained that Bi-Courtney violated the contract terms, particularly, its failure to secure needed funds for the job.
He had also announced that the road would be constructed by two construction firms, Julius Berger and RCC.
Prior to Onolememen’s revocation announcement, Jonathan had during a Presidential media chat, last year, said that government was about to take a “definite” position on the failed road contract.
“The immediate construction of the highway is now underway and will be partly handled by Julius Berger and RCC.
“Due to the senseless carnage on this important expressway which is part of Arterial Route A1, the Federal Government has also decided to embark on the emergency reconstruction of the expressway.
“While Julius Berger would handle section 1: from Lagos to Shagamu interchange, RCC Nigeria Limited will be responsible for section II: from Shagamu to Ibadan,” Onolememen had said then.
NAN also recalls that the concession agreement with Bi-Courtney was for it to Build, Operate and Transfer the road.
After completion, the company was to operate the expressway and its facilities for 25 years.
Specifically, the agreement entitled the company to revenue recoup rights, stretching from charging food vendors to vehicular tolling and on parking lots. (NAN)

Jonathan approves Kekere-Ekun’s appointment as Supreme Court justice

 
President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by Mr Soji Oye, the Acting Director of Information, National Judicial Council.
The statement said the appointment was sequel to the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the confirmation by the Senate on June 26.
According to the statement, the judge will be sworn-in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Muktar, on July 8, at the Supreme Court. (NAN)

Vatican approves sainthood for John Paul II, John XXIII

7 hours ago

VATICAN CITT (AFP) – Pope Francis gave the go-ahead on Friday for John Paul II to be made saint and granted a rare exception for canonisation at the same time for John XXIII, who had the same reformist views and personal touch as the current pontiff.
The announcement marked a historic day at the Vatican, which also issued an unprecedented text co-written by Francis and his living predecessor Benedict XVI in which the two popes said faith was a “common good” and called for dialogue with non-believers.
The Vatican said Francis gave his widely expected formal approval to a second miracle attributed to John Paul II (1978-2005) at a meeting with Cardinal Angelo Amato, head of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
The supposed miracle occurred to a woman in Costa Rica, the Vatican said, following media reports that she had been cured of a serious brain condition by praying for the late pope’s intercession on the same day that he was beatified in 2011.
John Paul II (1978-2005) was hugely popular among Catholics through his 27-year papacy, and helped topple Communism although he alienated many with his conservative views and was blamed for hushing up multiple scandals over paedophile priests.
At his funeral in 2005, crowds of mourners cried “Santo Subito!” — which roughly translates as “Sainthood Now!” — prompting the Vatican to speed up the path to sainthood, which normally begins five years after the death of the person in question.
“I think it’s marvellous news that will bring joy to all Christians,” Jesus Manuel, a Mexican monk, said in St Peter’s Square after learning the news.
Referring to John Paul II, Calogero, an Italian trainee priest, said: “In the hearts of the faithful he is already a saint.”
“The Church today is only confirming something that was already the case,” he said.
Dania, a Mexican tourist, said of John Paul: “He went everywhere in the world and wherever he went he helped people. I think it’s really good he’s being canonised.”
In the case of John XXIII (1958-1963), Francis “approved the favourable votes” from the Congregation for the canonisation even though no second miracle has been found, in a break with the usual procedure.
The long road to sainthood normally requires two “confirmed” miracles, the first of which is necessary for beatification, a hurdle the Polish pope cleared just six months after his death.
That was the healing of a French nun, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, whose recovery from Parkinson’s disease after praying for the late John Paul II’s intercession apparently had no medical explanation.
The announcement on John XXIII was greeted with bells ringing out in a parish church in the village of Sotto Il Monte in northern Italy where he came from.
A consistory, a meeting of cardinals, will now be held to determine the exact date for the canonisations but Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said they would take place “before the end of the year”.
Nicknamed “The Good Pope”, John XXIII made his name by calling the historic Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) which overhauled and modernised the Catholic Church’s rituals and doctrines.
Francis also promises to be a reformist pope, planning an overhaul of the Vatican bureaucracy and its finances and promising a “poor Church for the poor”.
The current head of the Roman Catholic Church is often compared to John XXIII for his pastoral attitude, which contrasts with the more austere and academic style of Benedict XVI.
A religious text issued by the Vatican on Friday, however, showed that behind the differences in style there was continuity between Benedict and Francis.
The encyclical was co-written by the two men — a first in Church history — and highlights the importance of faith in modern society, as well as restating the Vatican’s opposition to same-sex marriage.
It also said faith cannot be “imposed by force” and believers should not be “presumptuous”.
Francis and Benedict, who both live within the walls of the Vatican City and wear the white papal vestments, met publicly on Friday at a ceremony in the Vatican for the unveiling of a new statue.
Benedict shocked the world in February when he became the first pope to resign of his own free will in 700 years of Church history.
Francis was elected by a conclave of cardinals to succeed him in March, becoming the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years.

Gunmen kill 8, including five minors in Mexico

 
Gunmen have killed eight people, including five minors, in an attack at a rural area near Mexico’s Pacific resort of Acapulco, authorities said.
ACAPULCO (AFP) – Gunmen have killed eight people, including five minors, in an attack at a rural area near Mexico’s Pacific resort of Acapulco, authorities said.
The victims, who were between 12 and 25 years old, were fatally shot, some with bullet wounds to the head.
Their bodies were found Thursday in a field in the town of Coyuca de Benitez, said local police chief Honorio Salinas.
Six of the victims died on the spot while two succumbed to their wounds while being treated, a public safety official for the southern state of Guerrero said.
“We have eight unidentified people who were killed, but there are minors,” the official said.
The assault came four days after 17 people were kidnapped from their homes in the municipality of Cocula, in northern Guerrero.
Guerrero, one of the poorest states in Mexico, has been beset by drug-related violence, prompting communities to form vigilante groups to defend themselves.

Facebook ‘delivers’ Jonathan from impostors

Impostors laying claim to the identity of President Goodluck Jonathan on Facebook have suffered a set-back, no thanks to Facebook which recently verified the profile of the President on the social network.

If you are finding it difficult to distinguish the authentic Facebook account of the President from the over 98 profiles bearing the President’s name and photographs, watch out for the social service’s  recently launched verified page’s check mark.

Jonathan now joins public figures such as United States President Barack Obama, and American singer, Lady Gaga among others enjoying the feature.

Facebook says the verified pages belong to a small group of prominent figures such as celebrities, journalists, government officials, popular brands and businesses.

The Facebook’s authenticity check mark helps to shield celebrities around the world from fraudsters prowling around the social network, using their identities.

Once the name of a celebrity or public figure whose profile has been verified is keyed into the search box, a blue check mark would pop up along with the name in the search results and in the timeline.

But surprisingly, the Facebook page of British Prime Minister, David Cameron, with over 191,223 followers has yet to be verified. His Twitter handle, @David _Cameron has since been verified by the microbloging service. Also, the Facebook page of Ghanaian President, John Mahama, who has over 191,223 followers has yet to get a Facebook verification, four weeks after the social service announced the new feature.

Facebook clearly states that it doesn’t provide users with the opportunity to request to get pages verified but that users  can report people who impersonate them on the social service.

“Keep in mind that not all authentic profiles and pages are verified and that you can’t request to have your profile or page verified. You can report fake accounts that are impersonating you, your business or your brand,” it states on its Help Centre.

 If you come across an account that pretends to be you, use your photographs, as avater, you can simply report by going to the users timeline and click on the Report/Block button. Users will have to follow the on-screen direction to file the report.

 Facebook users suffering in the hands of impostors can curtail the activities of fraudsters by  including a link to the page on  their official website such that the plug-ins of the social account they operate are used on such websites. With this, people searching for them on the social media can follow directly from the homepage of the website.

 Just as Facebook now uses the Twitter-style verification, Pinterest, a pinboard-style photo-sharing website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections also has a verification feature.

The feature lets users verify that they own the website on their Pinterest profile. To verify your website, visit your Settings page and click on the ‘Verify Website’ button. Currently, Pinterest says it supports top-level domains.

When a website being used on a Pintesrest profile is verified, people will see a red checkmark next to their domain in search results. They will also see the full website URL and checkmark on users’ profile.

Besides, Facebook has also introduced hashtags to improve engagement of users of its service. Just like it operates on Twitter, Hashtags will help users easily discover what others are saying about a specific topic and participate in public discussions.

 Facebook has said that when tweets and other posts using hashtags are shared on Facebook, those hashtags will be viewable through Facebook.

 Meanwhile, one thing that the use of hashtags may rob Facebook users of some level of privacy which many on the network had hitherto been enjoying. This is because everyone will be able to view user’s comments when hashtags are employed, irrespective of the privacy settings, as the hashtags will string them all together for public view.

Africa rising with Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife TV

It’s a new beginning and enthralling dawn in the viewing experience of millions of Africans. On Monday July 1, 2013, EbonyLife TV, Africa’s first global black entertainment network, made its debut on DStv platform channel 165, beaming to over 44 countries in the continent.
According to the brain behind the project, Ms Mosunmola ‘Mo’ Abudu, EbonyLife TV, which was formally launched last Sunday at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, has been programmed to “be the preferred global network for premium African entertainment”.
In this interview, Abudu opened up on why she established EbonyLife TV, and why the channel will change the old age perception of Africa as a dark continent of malicious violence, corruption and greed.
Excerpts:
What is your vision for Ebonylife TV?
My vision for Ebonylife TV is to create content that speaks to the continent`s most important demographic, the custodians of the present and of the future, aged 18 to 34. No one is speaking to this key demographic of the continent. They crave a platform for self-expression, they want a voice, they want to be heard and we at Ebonylife TV think it is time for them to be heard.
This is our focus. We equally believe that this important demographic sees a different Africa, an Africa that tells its own story through the showcasing of the continent`s best; also very vital is the need to give African brands, big and small, the opportunity to be seen on a global scale, showing the world that African brands are more than capable to compete with the world`s best. For too long, the world just doesn’t appreciate, understand or see who we truly are because our stories just aren’t being told by us, but now it is time.
Starting out all those years ago, was the Ebonylife TV project always in the picture?
Very much so. From day one when I approached MNET, I was already requesting for a channel opportunity. I equally explored getting a channel on Sky in the UK. This was in 2006! I still have all the e-mail to prove it, but as with all things, God`s appointed time is the best time. Perhaps if I had attempted the journey of Ebonylife TV before now, it would have been a disaster, because now all the pieces fit together so well! We have produced the most amazing content that some said wouldn’t be possible.
We have the most amazing team, passionate Nigerians with a few expats making history in media and production. And this whole success story just wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Cross River State Government and Studio Tinapa, the only purpose-built studio facility in sub Saharan Africa. And of course our financiers, First Bank Plc, who understand our passion, drive and business model! And to DSTV! What can I say? Thank you, for giving us a pan-African platform to fulfill this dream. It took us four whooping years to get the final sign off, but looking back I have to say the wait was worth it.
There goes a saying, “there is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come, and do you believe this is true of Ebonylife TV?
Yes! This is the time for Ebonylife TV and I stay it again, if I had attempted to launch Ebonylife TV at any other time than now, it would have been a disaster. It had to be now; it had to be with this team. We had to take this journey to Cross River State. I pinch myself each time I realize that we have created what we have created. It`s awesome; it can only be the hand of God. I know that He has brought us this far and will not let us down. He will see us through.
How will Ebonylife TV tell the African story differently?
AS a young African girl born and bred in the UK, I have done nothing but defend myself pretty much life. Fighting to be heard, to be seen and to be given opportunities; thank God that with persistence, hard work and focus, I was heard and I was given a chance. But one thing I found I couldn’t do was fully explained to everyone whom I was, what my continent was about; that despite the challenges, we had great stories to tell. So, buried in my sub-consciousness for many years was the need to tell our story as I saw it, as millions of other Africans saw it.
I found a huge disconnects between how I was portrayed in western media and who I really was and I was obsessed with filing in the gaps. I felt that it was important to give the African youth, and brands that wanted to reach our youth, a platform. What do you consider your greatest achievement yet? My children are it.
Any day, any time. In my own small way, I have done a number of things I am proud of, to include settling up Vic Lawrence, still a leading force in the H.R consulting space today. The conceptualization of Protea Hotel Oakwood Park, now running into its 10th year; Inspire Africa; Moments with Mo, now in its 7th year; Naija Diamonds. I thank God for giving them to me as a special gift.
What is your greatest extravagance?
That`s a difficult one. I think that it would have to be the time I take out and spend at health farms on my detox programmes. I do them at least twice a year. It`s the only time I totally down tools and just take out to be by myself. Do you sometimes wish you were in another profession? Right now, right here, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.
Of course it`s tough, it’s tough in the any industry, but what makes it all worthwhile is the joy and satisfaction you get and the joy it brings others. It is tough making media and entertainment work in Africa. I t is even tougher making it profitable.
No doubt we are pioneering our own particular business model in this area of running a channel without relying on airtime sales, but based on production quality enjoyable and relevant programming.
We believe that there is a place for our content to sit on the continent and globally, and that’s where our success.
Who are your Heroes in real life, the ones you look up to?
My heroes are Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and yes, Madonna. What do they all have in common, that’s where I want to be. Do the impossible.
What is the trait you deplore in yourself?
I can be overly aggressive and I micro manage way too much. Who is perfect? My life coach also a director at Ebonylife TV, Lanre Olusola, Keeps me on the straight and narrow in this regard. Thanks coach.
What is the trait you deplore in others?
Laziness and procrastination are sins in my books!
What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is failure. It is that simple. I don’t want to fail. The fear of failure drives me to thrive for performance in myself and in others. What is your biggest regret? Not having more children!
What are the tools today`s women need to rise to such lofty entrepreneurial heights as you have?
Definitely focus, determination, guts and hard work. Also, never let anyone tell you can`t do it, because you can! If I count the number of times I have been knocked on the head; the number of times I have packed up my bags and just said to myself, Mo, it just isn’t going to happen.
But I find I am often spurred on by those that say ‘No’ Are they better than you? Do they know more than you? It`s your idea; you have done the research, the projections, and the business concept. You must always remember that it`s your vision, not theirs, so they won`t always see it. You have to sometimes show them and if they don’t see it, move on. Eventually someone always does! If nothing else, the law of averages and statistics say somebody will eventually say yes, keep going.
Tell us the secret of the foundation of youth. You seem to have discovered it, not looking a day over 30?
Well that depends on if I am having a bad or good hair day! Jokes apart, I don’t know what it is. I’ll turn 50 next year and I wonder where the grey hair is? Where are the wrinkles? And I still seem to have perfect sight; no glasses yet. But I think it runs in the family. If you meet my mum, she is in her 70`s and she doesn’t look it. So I think that is a family trait. But I am obsessed with beauty treatments, facials, diet and exercise, I think that helps. Of course I indulge in cakes and ice cream, but never for long before I correct my ways! Good or Bad, I am on always on a diet! Women in media, what needs to be done so that there would be not only increased participation, but occupation of the highest positions? We have to come together and work together, become role models and give other women opportunities to excel.
It`s the only way we will make a difference together. A major problem is that women don’t like other women. We don’t offer each other enough support and that hinders our growth. I am proud to say that at EbonyLife TV we are making a different!!! We have powerful teams of women in our organization.
Actually all our Directors of Programming are women!!! Of course we also have men in key roles, Finance, H.R, Technical, PR and Commercial. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunities employer of labor. For me it`s simple, can you do the job? Then we will get on like a house on fire. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my mum for her prayers. I don’t know what I would do without her, she holds me up 24/7. She is always there for me.
Thank you, mum. Secondly, my kids: Temidayo and Adekoyejo. They are such amazing children. I am no soccer mum, so I can`t always be there, but they make me proud and have done so well and they are so patient with me. And this incredible journey that I am on in the media would never have seen the light of day without certain people believing in me. I have to thank Mr. Sola Akinfemiwa , the then MD of Skye Bank who invested in Inspire Africa; Joe Hundah, then MD of MNET who gave Moments with Mo a window on MNET in 2006, MTN, for being my most consistent sponsor of Moments with Mo over the years; Mr. Tayo Adenironkun, may his soul rest in perfect peace, for giving young people across Nigeria and Africa a voice with The Debaters reality show; Diamond Bank, for celebrating the unsung heroes across Nigeria with Naija Diamonds; the US State Department, for giving me the opportunity to interview Hilary Clinton in 2009; and Professor Wole Soyinka, for being my first ever interviewee on Moments with Mo! Thank you Prof! It is a journey that would have been impossible to take without the wonderful support of these great people. Of course His Excellency Senator Liyel Imoke, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, for believing in me and welcoming me and my team to Cross River State on our new journey with Ebonylife TV. It`s been an incredible journey only made possible by the One and only.
The major X Factor in my life, the one I call the G factor. The God factor. I don’t care how cliché it sounds, the Hand of God is upon EbonyLife TV and Media and Entertainment City Africa, without a shadow of a doubt, and I give God all glory what we have achieved and will achieve.

Star Trek: Wande Cole, Timaya, Kcee, others storm Aba

Headline acts Timaya, Wande Coal, Kcee, Naeto C and other supporting stars have confirmed plans to storm  Aba, Abia State for the fifth leg of the Star Music Trek. This weekend’s concert, which will hold at Recreation Center, Aba also features another star-studded line-up similar to its Enugu offering.
Wande Coal, Timaya, Mr Raw, Kcee and Naeto C have assured Aba fans of rich music, riveting performances, sensational gift items and unique opportunities to meet and greet the stars.
Last weekend, the popular concert tour had visited Enugu, drawing thousands of excited music fans to Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium at the city centre for a night of extravagant entertainment.
A surprise guest appearance from artiste-turned-politician, Tony One Week, added to the excitement of the night with many catching a rare glimpse of the ‘Gyration’ crooner for the first time in many years when he stepped on stage during Mr Raw’s performance to the delight of the crowd.
Timaya, who will perform for the first time on ‘The Trek 2013’, says he is looking forward to seeing all his fans in Aba: “This has to be one of the highlights of the year as I’m all out to see that my fans are really entertained and enjoy themselves.”
Black Diamond, Wande Coal who has been enjoying rave reviews with his hit singles ‘Rotate’ and ‘The Kick’ is asking for only one thing from music lovers in Aba. “If you appreciate great music, then I look forward to seeing you there. It’s the biggest concert in Aba in 2013 and you don’t want to miss it!”
The 10-week music tour has visited FESTAC, Lokoja, Owerri and Enugu, bringing thousands of music fans from different cities to selected venues across the country.

Gulder Ultimate Search returns

As the 10th  edition of Nigeria’s leading reality  TV show, Gulder Ultimate Search gathers momentum, viewers have been saddled with the very first task of choosing this year’s  Gatekeepers.
Toeing the path of last year’s edition, the Gatekeepers for Gulder  Ultimate Search 10 will be chosen by viewers from the past winners of  the reality TV show. Dominic Mudabai, Michael Nwachukwu and  Christopher Okagbue, winners of Seasons 4,5 and 8 respectively,  emerged  the viewers’ choice last year.
Any of them is eligible to return as a Gatekeeper this year, if the viewers so desire. The list of past winners which the voting public  can also vote from includes: Ezeugo Egwuagu (GUS 1 winner), Lucan Chambliss (GUS 2 winner), Hector Jobarteh (GUS 3 winner), Uche  Nwaezeapu (GUS 6 winner), Oyekunle Oluwaremi (GUS 7 winner) and the  reigning champion, Paschal Eronmose (GUS 9 winner).
While two Gatekeepers will return for this year’s edition, it remains  unsure what roles they will be playing.
Last year, the Gatekeepers sudden appearance at tasks meant the eviction of a contestant; and  they also played the role of leading the contestants to advanced  stages as the show progressed.
Mr. Emmanuel Agu, Marketing Manager, Gulder, Nigerian Breweries Plc. said, “This year will mark the 10th  edition of Gulder Ultimate Search, Nigeria’s  longest running reality TV show. Each edition of Gulder Ultimate Search adopts a unique theme and storyline, which serves as  the roadmap for the contestants?
Challenges. Just like last year, we  are asking the audience to choose two past winners who will play the  role of Gatekeepers. One of the hallmarks of Gulder Ultimate Search is  suspense. All I can say for now is that the 10th edition will be  iconic.”
The Marketing Manager urged the show’s ardent viewers to choose their  favourite past winners via the Gulder Ultimate Search website, twitter handle and Facebook page. Fans  have from Friday, June 14 till Wednesday, July 17, 2013 to make their  choice from the list of nine past winners.

Star Trek: M.I crowns new Mrs Abaga

                           
 Emotions ran high on Saturday as headliners for the 4th leg of the Star Music Trek which held at NnamdiAzikiwe stadium Enugu, stormed the concert venue and delivered a superlative performance that surpassed many music lovers expectations.
Emotions ran high on Saturday as headliners for the 4th leg of the Star Music Trek which held at NnamdiAzikiwe stadium Enugu, stormed the concert venue and delivered a superlative performance that surpassed many music lovers expectations.
Fans who started trooping into the venue as early as 3pm on the day of the event confirmed that they came with very high expectations based on the previous concert, which held in Owerri last Saturday.
At the end of the 9-hour  sell out concert it’s safe to say the crowd that thronged the venue was not disappointed.
2012 winners Crystals were a breath of fresh air as they blew the audience away with their hits “Ring Tone and Love Me Tender”. The crew was adjudged winners of Star Quest 2012 with their creative stage craft, great voices and mesmerizing dance steps. All of which they brought to the fore when they delivered their scintillating 15 minutes performance.
The crowd was chanting his name long before he arrived at the venue. And as Phyno confidently strode unto the stage there was no doubt that the man of the moment,had captured the hearts of thousands of new fans almost effortlessly.
As expected,the hip hop star’s 40 minutes performance held  Enugu fans spell bound and surpassed even that of his offering in Owerri. The artiste churned out Man of the Year, Anamachikwena, Ghost Mode and many more hits to the admiration of the crowd.
At one point he was joined on stage by popular Enugu artiste, Ruffcoin,which only set the crowd agog.
It’s always unpredictable with JMartins on stage. And always enjoyable. Throughout his 40 minutes performance the artiste chose to keep it cool in Enugu and ensured that he and his live band left the crowd yearning for more  as he performed their  favourite songs, “Good or Bad”, “Oyoyo”, “Touching Body” among others.
Having long established a warm relationship with the Coal City, Mr Raw and his exciting live band had no difficulties getting the crowd dancing along with excitement to Obodo, Spiritual Conji, Strong and Mighty and others.
Apparently, music metamorphosis goes beyond Mr Raw’s  change of name. In 40 minutes,he and his 6-man live band left no one in doubt that after 13 years as an entertainer he is still a defining factor in the Nigerian music industry.
Remember ‘Gyration’? Apparently so did the crowd as the artiste, Tony One Week who is presently minority leader of the Anambra House of Assembly mounted the stage to the surprise of music fans. Gyration,which went platinum in 2003 remains evergreen and has been the toast of many music lovers over the years.
Will the real Mrs Abaga please stand up? Mr Incredible keeps on stunning fans not just with his electrifying perfor-mances but with new twists at every concert venue.
Flash back to owerri where Mrs Abaga was first  crowned. This weeks ‘queen’, Blessing, who performed his hit ‘One Naira’ with him was proudly crowned by multi-faceted compere Gbenga Adeyinka. Evidently ‘King M.I’ will crown a new queen at every venue.

Wizkid's imposter nabbed

E.M.E Record released a statement revealing that Wizkid’s impostor is now in police custody.
Excerpts from the statement reads…
“An EME impostor is currently in police custody. He was handed over to the police by his latest victim- Muyiwa.
“Impersonating artists and record labels is apparently the new 419. This is not a unique problem to EME or it’s acts, but a serious challenge to most major labels/artists as well as the fans and event organizers. We’ve done the best we can to streamline our processes so that anyone, anywhere can contact us at Bookings@empirematesentertainment.com and know that they have right information.”
“It saddens us to know that crooks still try to take advantage of our fans and supporters but we are doing all we can to put the right info out and we hope that everyone takes note, so as not to fall into their traps.”
On Wednesday afternoon, June 19, Wizkid visited the Zone 2 command Onikan of the Nigerian Police force for another case involving an imposter who collected N500,000 from some University of Lagos students.
Wizkid was invited alongside his manager Godwin Tom for questioning by the police after he was accused of collecting money and then failing to appear at UNILAG’s Concert of Life gig which took place at the institution’s Sports Centre on May 21st. He was at the station for a few hours and was only allowed to leave after he’d written a statement and bailed by his lawyer.
EME says the police will continue to apprehend other impostors.

IYANYA REPLIES YVONNE NELSON

Following a recent interview she granted to Bella Naija, where she opened up on how her sizzling romance with Nigeria’s music star, Iyanya started and crashed after eight months of dating, the Kukere crooner has replied Sexy Ghanian actress,Yvonne Nelson, declaring, “She can say whatever she wants to say.”
WG caught up with Iyanya during the week, but rather than refuting Yvonne’s claim, Iyanya simply muted, “I don’t want to talk about it please. She can say whatever she wants to say. It’s her business not mine.”
The “Kukere” and “Ur waist” singer once denied neither dating Yvonne Nelson nor any known female celebrity, insisting  “the thing about dating celebs is that it would most likely not last.”
Meanwhile, pouring her mind in the interview, Yvonne  accused Iyanya of laying the bed of their relationship with lies, adding that  while they were dating, he was also  dating several other girls.
According to heart broken Yvonne,  “We dated for  between  seven to eight  months. We had something and I thought it was special, like he was a wonderful guy but it was all lies. He had other girls and other things he was doing. Aside the actress that was in the picture, there were a lot more. That is how bad it is.”
“We were in a relationship and he lied throughout and he was able to do all those things because I wasn’t living in Nigeria. But aside from the distance, I feel if you’re a genuine person and you’re loyal, you would still not do that. I feel it’s disrespectful to start mentioning other people’s names.
I am talking about Iyanya because we had a thing, I don’t want to bring in a third person. There were a lot of names that people know. There was a girl from South Africa, I’m not going to mention names but she was part of Big Brother Africa last year. ”
When asked why she decided to keep the relationship away from public eye until their breakup, she replied,  “I also don’t believe in putting my relationships in the faces of people. We both had our careers and were trying to protect our fan base and that’s cool. But if you go through my Instagram page, you’d see a couple of pictures of us together. I wasn’t shy about anything but he could not say he’s dating Yvonne Nelson because he had different people he was seeing so it was very hard for him to bring it out. ”

I HAVE LEARNT FROM MY MISTAKES - Jim Iyke

His name is James Ikechukwu,my badooo, but many  know him as Jim Iyke. He talks about his personality and career.

 With kidnap cases being a common trend, do you entertain fears that you could be a victim?

There is a certain way I live and I believe people only attract what they feel and what they love. So, if I have fears, what I would attract would be fears and misgivings. I am completely fearless about these things because it is a law of attraction. I have no fear of gunmen or kidnappers because I have not wronged anybody for them to want to harm me. I drive out at 2am and go back to my house at 4am. I just believe that every morning when I get on my knees and pray, God knows my intention. He knows that I am going for my daily bread and I am not in anybody’s way. Though, I have made my mistakes, I have  repented  from  them and go  about my business. There are basic laws of existence which people should not violate. If you have the fear of the unknown all the time, you will  attract negative things to yourself. I don’t live like that.   I am a typical Lagos boy and I have been around all kinds of crimes and none ever got to me.

Now that you have joined the league of celebrities running reality shows, what   aspect of your personality will you portray?

 I don’t know if I should call it shocking, but I like moving around my house naked. I feel I am always dressed in public, so when I am inside my house, I should enjoy the freedom that comes from not being tied down with clothes.  So, you will see me moving around with parts of my body blurred by the camera.

There is an impression you are  an arrogant and unfriendly person?

One of the reasons I am running the show is to allow people see and understand a lot of things about the real me.  I deal with people on a daily basis and they do not understand that certain pressures can make somebody appear rude or arrogant. Shyness can make someone appear rude and unfriendly.  But the show will feature the pressure I go through daily and the way I cope with that pressure.

What kind of pressure are you talking about?

  There are so many. It is not easy to have your life constantly scrutinised. This is Lagos, there is so much pressure coupled with lack of basic human amenities. These factors can contribute to the pressure a man has to cope with.

Why did  you go into fashion?

Yes. I realised that since I don’t shoot as many movies as I did in the past, I can do other things. I have made that point clear-it is not about quantity anymore, it is about quality and I am very careful about what I do now.  The last movie I featured in, ‘last flight to Abuja’ was what ushered in this project I am doing now.   In this business, you are as good as your last job.

  In fashion, one can either be an admirer or an investor. My lifestyle as a fashion admirer and consumer has cost me a lot of money. I made an inventory of how much I have spent on fashion and cars as well as the houses I have lived in. I reasoned that it was time to turn my passion into an enterprise.   Since I like fashion, I decided to go into boutique management, now I can buy clothes for myself and others. I can make money from it instead of just spending.

Do labels influence your choice of clothes?

I am not brand crazy, but it happens that the best clothes are made by the big brands, take it or leave it.  The designer labels cost a lot of money but there is a healthy competition; which is why I find the fashion market very interesting.   I have discovered that everybody is heading towards the same direction. I have been to factories that make goods for Gucci. There are people working on a smaller scale and these are the ones I hire to make my clothes and they give me what I want.  However, I always buy what I know I would look good in.

You are a sunglasses freak too?

I have about 125 pairs. My personal assistants and people who come to my house keep stealing them.  Also, I have been a collector of all kinds of stuff-shoes and sneakers. I think I own about 200 pairs; it is not something to brag about, this is a form of art for me, just like the way people collect stamps.  I like shoes and I collect them. I keep the ones my mother owned in the 60s and the ones my aunts owned in the 70s. I get shoes that are much branded and are limited edition. For me it is not just about fashion statement anymore, it is art.

Do you indulge in any kind of food?

I am a sweet tooth and a junk food junkie. I have gained weight at some point and no matter how hard I trained, I was gaining weight! I knew what the problem was so I had to cut down. I barely eat breakfast but I eat one solid meal a day. This could be lunch or dinner.  Once I indulge, I make sure I eat everything I want to eat.

How do you relax?

I watch movies.  I have to watch movies to sleep and I don’t just watch them for pleasure, I watch them critically to learn about new things.

What is a typical day like for you?

I sleep around 3am every day, no matter the time zone or the country. I wake up fairly early, depending  on the amount of activities I am involved in  but I think I have some sort of in-built clock, I wake up at the same time every day which is  6 am. When I wake up, I pray because God is the central part of my life and I give it all to Him.  My father always said the best exercise of the day is prayers. As soon as I am done with prayers, I do an exercise which is a fusion of yoga and martial arts. It is a process where the body, soul and mind have to be in sync.  I do it to purge my mind and body, relieve the pressures of the day and make decisions about   the kind of people I would let into my life for that day. I have not been to the hospital in over 12 years of doing the exercise.