Cure for sore throat......BLow Jobbing

funny....lol......pics thanks to linda ikeji

Mutallab: A catchy of Militancy training video emerges

A video has surfaced, showing the Nigerian youth, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, accused of attempting to blow up U.S plane training with Al Qaeda in Yemen.

The video obtained and broadcast by "ABC World News," shows the 23-year-old Nigerian Farouk Muttalab firing weapons and speaking in Arabic about his impending attack.

The tape also includes an apparent martyrdom statement in Arabic from the 23-year old Nigerian justifying his actions against "the Jews and the Christians and their agents." He says, "The enemy is in your lands with their armies, the Jews and the Christians and their agents." He reads several passages from the Koran and adds, "God said if you do not fight back, He will punish you and replace you."

He is shown reading from the Koran and saying, "God said those who punish you must be punished."
A US intelligence official said that the preliminary judgment is that it is Abdulmutallab in the video and the footage is consistent with the understanding that he was in training. It is not clear where and when the video was made.
The videos also appear to support Abdulmutallab's statements to the FBI that there are "others like me" who also trained with him in Yemen to carry out attacks against U.S. and western targets.
According to ABC news, the video was produced by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, or Aqap.

Abdulmutallab and others are shown firing at targets, including a Jewish star and one labeled "un."

Abdulmutallab was arrested on Christmas Day in Detroit after he allegedly attempted to set off a bomb on a Northwest Airlines jet. He has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges but U.S officials say that Mutallab has been cooperating with investigators, discussing his contacts in Yemen and providing intelligence in multiple terrorism investigations, according to U.S. officials.

Mutallab: A catchy of Militancy training video emerges

A video has surfaced, showing the Nigerian youth, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, accused of attempting to blow up U.S plane training with Al Qaeda in Yemen.

The video obtained and broadcast by "ABC World News," shows the 23-year-old Nigerian Farouk Muttalab firing weapons and speaking in Arabic about his impending attack.

The tape also includes an apparent martyrdom statement in Arabic from the 23-year old Nigerian justifying his actions against "the Jews and the Christians and their agents." He says, "The enemy is in your lands with their armies, the Jews and the Christians and their agents." He reads several passages from the Koran and adds, "God said if you do not fight back, He will punish you and replace you."

He is shown reading from the Koran and saying, "God said those who punish you must be punished."
A US intelligence official said that the preliminary judgment is that it is Abdulmutallab in the video and the footage is consistent with the understanding that he was in training. It is not clear where and when the video was made.
The videos also appear to support Abdulmutallab's statements to the FBI that there are "others like me" who also trained with him in Yemen to carry out attacks against U.S. and western targets.
According to ABC news, the video was produced by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, or Aqap.

Abdulmutallab and others are shown firing at targets, including a Jewish star and one labeled "un."

Abdulmutallab was arrested on Christmas Day in Detroit after he allegedly attempted to set off a bomb on a Northwest Airlines jet. He has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges but U.S officials say that Mutallab has been cooperating with investigators, discussing his contacts in Yemen and providing intelligence in multiple terrorism investigations, according to U.S. officials.

Naija night life

Honestly i don't believe there are some crazy night clubers like this.........gosssh

Bella Adenuga marries Jameel Disu. And NO, Beyonce wasn't there...

Why are they not smiling,

BEYONCE GETS $2M . . . TO SING AT BLACK PRINCESS' WEDDING!!!

MediaTakeOut.com just learned that Beyonce Knowles was paid $2M . . . to sing at the wedding of Nigeria's richest man's daughter.

According to two separate Nigerian MTOers who are IN-THE-KNOW, Nigerian billionaire entrepreneur Chief Mike Adenuga Jr hired Beyonce to sing at his daughter's wedding. His daughter, Bella Adenuga and her fiance Jameel Disu are scheduled to be married next week.

Toni Payne Calls On 9ice To Clear The Air

Toni Payne is fed up with the rumor going round that “Once bitten twice shy” (the ninth track off 9ice’s third album “Tradition”) was dedicated to her, and her Facebook status on Tuesday April 20 clearly says so-

‘#justsayin #FEDup A song I heard n loved months b4 it came out is causin sme minor issues so I will address dis issue by simply stating that its not my job to clear d air but I also think its time the person who sang the song “once bitten” comes out and tells the truth to every1 and let us no who he sang it for…‘

Dagrin ‘Alive and Improving’

Contrary to rumours making the rounds that rapper Dagrin who has been under admission at LUTH, following a horrendous car crash that left him unconscious since early Wednesday, has passed, we are pleased to inform you that the young man is very much alive, responding to treatment and surrounded by his close friends and family members.

Our reporter, who has spoken with his manager, as well as LUTH staff, says the rapper is ‘in a more stable state’ and already out of Intensive Care, after undergoing another successful operation on Friday.

A top industry source, who was allowed to see him on Friday, also confirmed there’s ‘no cause for alarm’.

It is believed that he was transfered from ICU to the private wing of the teaching hospital, Saturday. His minders were trying to make deposit payment for the transfer, when NET visited eary Saturday.

Dagrin was involved in an accident in the early hours of Wednesday, in Mushin, Lagos, on his way home.

He was initially rushed to a nearby hospital Tai Solarin Hospital, before he was transferred to LUTH.

There has been an outpour of emotions, since the news broke about his accident and situation – with hundreds of thousands praying ceaselessly for his quick recovery.

‘I’m with Dagrin now, and he’s getting better’, his label mate DJ Zeez told friends through a Blackberry broadcast message, late Saturday. ‘Please for God’s sake, stop the rumours. Dagrin is alive and well’ he stated.

Stop Talking And Start Cooking For Your Husband – Genevieve Punches Ini Edo

Genevieve Nnaji
Nollywood superstar, Genevieve Nnaji, has seen it fit to respond to some of the recent outbursts of her colleague, Ini Edo. Genevieve set the ball rolling when she revealed that she felt insecure about her beauty and feared that one day she would grow old.

She stressed that it was one of the reasons why she had adopted a comprehensive beauty regimen, and that she hoped to keep wrinkles at bay for as long as she could. The revelation was picked up by rival Ini Edo, who said both Genevieve and Omotola were old and that try as they could, they would never be able to delay the onset of the inevitable wrinkles.

After the usual exchanges between the three leading ladies, Omotola also reinforced the fear of ageing when she was reported as planning to go abroad for plastic surgery to enhance the size of her breast. Ini Edo was on hand again to remind Omotola that breasts could not be inflated at will like car tyres and that there was a limit to what a woman could do to fight nature.

And now Genevieve is so tired of hearing Ini Edo run her mouth that she has sent her a word of advice. “Ini Edo just got married and she’s already having problems with her husband because she’s not around to cook his meals and keep him company. If Ini is good at advising people, she should start by advising herself. She should stop all the cross border talking about age and go home to cook for her husband. That is what is important”.

Marigold Madueke, a Nollywood reporter said Ini Edo has herself to blame. “I wish these Nollywood superstars would mind their own business for a change. Failing that, I wish they would talk about each other without getting involved in each other’s family business but I guess that once the box is opened, anybody has the license to talk about anything. “If Ini Edo can cross lines and hit both Omotola and Genevieve with charges of being old ladies, then I guess Genevieve can also fight back and ask Ini to go and cook for her husband.

Maybe when Ini gets irritated by these statements, she would restrain herself too but we all know that it’s not going to happen. So let me concentrate on the statement and say that when you have the job of being top actress, it is difficult to perform several domestic chores. Your schedule won’t allow it so there’s no way Ini is going to be able to do that.” Sarah Ofolabi of Film Essence disagrees: Ini only has herself to blame. That is why they say that if you live in a glass house, don’t throw stones.

Clara Oduntun, editor of Cinema Today, said it is interesting that Genevieve should select Ini Edo’s marriage as target. “It has been said in Nollywwod that with Omotola already married, Genevieve had wanted to marry before Ini Edo. Unfortunately, Ini got ahead of Genevieve so there’s still some rivalry on the matter.“Genevieve had a daughter when she was 16 and she’s been waiting for marriage to legitimize everything. Ini Edo got married, but as far as Genevieve is concerned, she is not putting her supreme effort into the relationship.

Thus, when Genevieve decides to jab Ini Edo, the latter’s marriage would be ideal for target practice. At the same time, it is an acknowledgement that Ini has hit gold by getting married and that she had better start spending some valuable time with her family. The news editor of film Nigeria, Victoria Sandton said the three women are oblivious to what people think about their words and actions.“Their rivalry overwhelms them to such an extent that they fail to recognize boundaries and no one seem to know to when lines are crossed. Ini Edo will wade into Genevieve’s private business easily as Genevieve wades into hers. And it is only a matter of time before Omotola follow suit.

The interesting thing is that as job opportunities continue to shrink in Nollywood, their rivalry continues to glow bright and that is probably because it is one of the magnets that make Nollywood what it is.

However, Genevieve has touched on a topic that is very dear to Ini and we are waiting for the strong emotion that will accompany Ini’s response.”

Ini Edo “Both Genevieve and Omotola are old – that try as they could, they would never be able to delay the onset of the inevitable wrinkles”

NIGERIA FILMS

Daddy Showkey Complete house after six years

What do you feel about this guy.......... come on i do not think it is bad at all because he had all attribute to push drug abroad but i think he have to deny himself of been caught..........

The Figurine Wins At AMAA!

AMAA BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE: RAMSEY NOAH (FIGURINE)

AMAA BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE: JACKIE APIA (PERFECT PICTURE)

AMAA BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: TAPIWA GWAZA (SEASONS OF A LIFE)

AMAA BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: ADJATEY ANANG (PERFECT PICTURES)

AMAA BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY FIGURINE

AMAA BEST DIRECTOR SHIRLEY FRIMPONG-MANSO- THE PERFECT PICTURE

AMAA MOST PROMISING ACTOR: WILSON MAINA (TOGETHERNESS SUPREME) KENYA

AMAA MOST PROMISING ACTRESS: CHELSEA EZE (SILENT SCANDAL) AND RAHEMA NANFUKA ( IMANI)

AMAA BEST PERFORMANCE BY A CHILD ACTOR: TEDDY ONYAGO AND BILL OLOO

AMAA BEST ORIGINAL SOUND TRACK A STING IN A TALE

AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS FIGURINE

AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME I SING OF A WELL

AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP THE CHILD

AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION FULANI

AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING THE CHILD

AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND I SING OF A WELL

AMAA HEART OF AFRICA AWARD FOR BEST FILM FROM NIGERIA FIGURINE BY KUNLE AFOLAYAN

AMAA BEST FILM IN AFRICAN LANGUAGE IMANI – (UGANDA)

AMAA BEST FILM BY AN AFRICAN FILMMAKER IN DIASPORA SOUL DIASPORA

AMAA BEST ANIMATION HANAYNS SHOE (EGYPT) MINISTRY OF CULTURE EGYPT

AMAA BEST SHORT FILM THE ABBYS BOYS – (SOUTH AFRICA) JAN-HENDRIK BEETGE

AMAA BEST DOCUMENTARY BARIGA BOYS (NIGERIA) FEMI ODUGBEMI

AMAA BEST PICTURE Figurine (Nigeria)

Terry G Releases New Video

Gabriel Amanyiaka Terry G has a new video he calls,LET IT GO,where he featured his house of ginga crew.it was directed by Clearance Peters.

AFRICA BILLIONAIRE, ALIKO DANGOTE BUYS 7 BILLION NAIRA ( ABOUT $45.5 MILLION) BOMBADIER AIRCRAFT

Alhaji Aliko Dangote has taken delivery of his new Bombadier Global Express XRS. The Aircraft would the third in his fleet.The aircraft landed the Nigerian airspace from Canada yesterday (The same say that the billionaire marked his 53rd Birthday in Lagos).
In this year's Forbes Richest Billionaires in the world, Dangote, a Nigerian from the northern city of Kano was also listed.

www.nigeriafilms.com gather that the 8 seater jet is worth about 7 billion Naira. The journey from Canada to Nigeria was said to have taken about 9 hours.

"The Global Express XRS is an improved version of the original aircraft, offering higher cruise speed, increased range, improved cabin layout and lighting. It is reported that the letters have no significance, but were chosen by focus groups simply to improve the brand image.

The range increase is achieved by addition of a 1,486 lb (674 kg) fuel tank at the wing root. The Global Express XRS entered service in early 2006. The unit price is estimated to be $45.5 million (US). Bombardier claims it takes 15 minutes less to fuel the XRS than the original model thanks to improved computer systems and mechanical refinements"

Dangote is a commodity merchant and financial back up of the ruling Peoples Democratc Party (PDP) in Nigeria. He is also the Chairman of Dangote Group of Companies and his investments are in cement,sugar, oil, banking,properties and other areas.

I used to tuck my boobs in undersize bras because they were too large –Ronke Oshodi-Oke

Ronke Ojo a.k.a Oshodi-Oke has appeared in more than 300 home videos produced in Yoruba language. Easily one of the most visible Nigerian film actresses around, she speaks with ‘NONYE BEN-NWANKWO about her career and the rumoured breakup of her marriage.

You seem to take part only in movies produced in Yoruba language…

No. I do both Yoruba and English movies.

But you are not prominent in English language movies…

I started with the English genre. My baby’s father was an actor here in Nigeria before he left for the US. We were always going to locations together. Later, I crossed over to the Yoruba genre. Sometimes, the English movie producers invite me to feature in their movies. I was part of the cast of Oby Edozie’s movie that was shot in London. We will conclude the remaining part of the movie here. I have produced a movie in both Yoruba and English languages.

So you produce movies as well?

Yes. I am a producer.

How come most Yoruba actors and actresses have produced movies?

In the Yoruba movie industry, I will say that is where the money is. But talking for myself, I would say I like production. I am a script writer. I write stories and things like that. I can’t keep it to myself. And I know that producing movies will be another way I can touch other people’s lives. I like being a producer because I am a writer. In the Yoruba industry, you earn more money than you get from English language films.

Are the stories you write based on true life experiences?

Some of them are products of my imagination while others are based on true life experiences. Some people give me story ideas. When they share their stories with you or give you an idea, you can develop it. That is the way I do my jobs.

Are you working on a new film at present?

Yes, I am working on a new project. I did it with Sunday Esan. When I travelled abroad, I noticed that black men there still behave like African men. Although most of them have not been to Africa, they exhibit the same traits as our African men here. Some of them beat their wives and all that. It is as if the black skin is the same all over the world. Men expect too much from us. They are older than us, yet they want to act like babies. I think people should appreciate women more. I have seen so many things and I felt it was time I did a story on that.

Going down memory lane, how did you get into the movie industry?

I have been a lover of the arts since I was a little girl. I like watching movies a lot, especially Indian films. I like entertainment. There was a day I was passing by Palm Groove/Onipanu in Lagos. This was between 1996 and 1997. I met the likes of Jide Kosoko and some other people. I talked to one of them and he said I should come and join them. Initially, I was in the English movie industry. I was going for auditions and rehearsals at the National Theatre. But I am sorry to say that in the English movie industry, tribalism is common. Only a few Yoruba actors are among them. Although crossing over to Yoruba language films wasn’t easy for me, I met a better atmosphere. Other actors and stakeholders embraced and accepted me. They encouraged me and all that. It may be because I am Yoruba, I cannot say. But they were not like the other people who would just look down on you. That was how it started.

And since then, you have not felt like quitting?

No. The industry is part of me. I love it and I enjoy what I am doing. The money is not really coming, but we are comfortable. In my own little way, I am okay. But the thing is that when you enjoy what you are doing, you may not think of leaving it. I am happy doing this and I know in my own little way, I have touched the lives of some people.

Can you count the number of movies you have featured in?

No. I have lost count. I have featured in well over 300 movies. I have lost count.

Were your parents in support of your choice of career?

Oh no! My father was never in support. He was a customs officer. He graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University. He wanted me to go to the university. He wanted me to be a newscaster or an air hostess.

Why didn’t you yield to his wish?

He had problems in the customs and he left. I couldn’t complete my education. Things were very bad. After I finished my secondary education, I told him I could not sit at home doing nothing. I suggested to him that I should go into acting since it is what I enjoy. My mum asked me if I really wanted to do this. In a way, she supported me. But my father never liked it. At the end of the day, he didn’t have a choice.

How was it like growing up?

It wasn’t really fine. It was bad. That is why I like Saheed Osupa’s song, ‘I remember when I was nobody’. That song goes a long way to lift up my spirit. I never knew I would be somebody in life. I went through tough times. Not that it is really easy now; but it is still better than it was when I was growing up. Some people who you thought were your friends would turn you down. We had nobody. We struggled to get to where we are now. I never knew I would get here. I may not have made it in life yet. To chop na wahala. But I thank God. It wasn’t a nice experience at all. I was the first born in my family and I had younger ones to care for. Thank God things are okay for all of us now.

Do you intend to complete your education?

I have been dreaming of doing so. I have been saying it for the past four, five years, but I keep postponing it. I don’t have any excuse. But my husband is now on my neck. I think with his support now, I will do it before the end of this year.

Most people still think ‘Oshodi Oke’ is your surname.

Yes, people think so. But that is not my real name. My name is Ronke Ojo. Oshodi Oke is just a pseudonym.

How did it come about?

I featured in a movie titled ‘Oshodi Oke’. It was the movie that brought me into the limelight. Sunday Soyinka produced it. I was working with him then. I worked with him for about four years.

You have been associated with a few scandals…

The scandals have never made me want to leave my job. There is this colleague of mine that some people barged into her private life and took some pictures from her laptop and posted them on the Internet. She was a guest at one TV presenter’s show the other day and she said, ‘When you are coming into the movie industry, you should come in with an extra shock absorber. Anything can happen at any time. If your shock absorber is not strong, you will be pulled down.’ As for me, I have extra solid shock absorber.

Do the negative things they say and write about you affect you?

At times, they do get to me. I am human. But when you look at it, it is a price you have to pay as a celebrity. Everybody cannot like you. I am used to it. The fact is that they don’t really write scandalous things about me. However, whatever anybody writes, I am okay with it. I don’t see it as a big deal.

Once, it was rumoured that your marriage broke up. How true is this?

My marriage is 100 per cent intact now.

Did you say now?

I said now because anything can happen at any time. Nobody prays for evil or for a bad thing. But as I am talking to you, my marriage is intact. As an African man, anything can happen. Things do happen. I am not different from any other person. My husband is a man. He is an African man. He would always behave like an African man.

So, how did the story come about?

I was in London when some people called me and started asking me about that. I told them I didn’t know what they were talking about. I had travelled to Canada for a film festival. When I returned to London, I told them I didn’t know what they were talking about, since I was not in the country.

What happened later?

When I came back, I had to ask my husband what happened. He told me that nothing happened.

Did he say he did not go back to his former girlfriend?

Yes. He said nothing like that happened, and I agreed with him. I accepted what he told me. My marriage is okay for now. I don’t know about tomorrow.

But did you know about your husband’s ex-girlfriend that he went back to?

The lady lives in Surulere (Lagos). I knew about her even before we got married. My husband and I have been together for 11 years. We got married last year. We had been together even before I had my baby and before he had his own baby. He has a daughter and I have a daughter too. Our relationship was on and off before we finally decided to get married and settle down. Maybe during the period our relationship was on and off, he had a lady friend and I asked him about her. I knew the girl wanted to see me. She just wanted me to know he was dating her. You know how some girls behave. But after our marriage, my husband said he and the girl had not seen each other. Since then, things have been fine with us.

You said both of you had been together for 10 years before you decided to tie the knots?

Yes.

Why did it take you that long to get married?

I have seen a lot in life. As an actress, you will be exposed to a lot of things in life. You don’t rush into marriage. You don’t marry because you want to marry. You must marry your friend, the person you understand. Having a baby for someone is different from getting married to him. If you jump into marriage, you will jump out of it as well. If you rush in, you will rush out. You must get everything right before you get into it. You have to ask yourself if you really must get into that marriage. You must be sure of what you want to go into. I know it is God that perfects marriage. But you still have to ask yourself if you are ready to get into it. You have to be very ready. That was why it took us that long. We just had to be sure.

How has it been since you got married?

It is not the same as an ordinary relationship. It is a good experience though. It has its own ups and downs. You are not as free as you used to be. As an actress, you can be called upon at any time. But now, you just cannot wake up and take off. It is fun though. I like it.

How come you didn’t marry the father of your baby?

The distance contributed to it. He stays abroad and I can’t just live abroad.

Why? You travel all the time.

Yes, I know. I only travel. I can’t just pack my things and live abroad. So many things contributed to our not getting married, but the biggest factor was the distance. I don’t do ‘abroad marriage’. I am going to make my money in Nigeria. I am a Nigeria person.

Are you still friends?

Of course, we are. We still talk. As long as my daughter lives, we will be friends. He is my friend and we talk.

Do you belong to any cabal in the movie industry?

I don’t belong to any group. I was in one caucus and we went for training together. I was there for a year and I left. I have friends in the industry but I don’t belong to any caucus.

Many people are fascinated by your large boobs

Yes. I know that.

Have you ever found the size of your boobs embarrassing?

Initially, I used to hide them. I never liked the size. I saw them as something that wasn’t normal. I felt they were too large. Before anybody would abuse me, I would abuse myself and tell the person that I am orobo. I used to wear undersize bras so that I would tuck in the boobs. I wouldn’t want people to notice them. But I later changed.

Why the change?

A colleague, Foluke Daramola, made me to appreciate my boobs. She told me I was okay. Now, people want to have big boobs. Initially, it wasn’t like that. Foluke told me I should not hide them because my boobs fit me. She encouraged me a lot. I decided to listen to her and people started liking them. People appreciate them a lot.

Do you wear clothes that expose your cleavage?

I used to wear such clothes when I was much younger. That was before I had my baby. But now, my baby is about six years old. I wouldn’t want her to see my picture later in life and feel embarrassed. I see myself as a mother now. I don’t really wear such clothes unless I am on a set and the script says I should wear them.

What are your aspirations?

There are many things that I want to do. I am planning to go into music. I want to have my own studio. I want to have my own drama school. Singing runs through my family, but I never took it serious. I went to the US the other day for the premiere of my movie. I was given the mic to sing for 10 minutes, but I ended up singing for more than four hours. Nobody sat down. People danced and danced. That was when I decided that I should think of getting into music professionally.

Do you think you will be an actress for life?

I want to be a champion forever. I want to remain at the top. That is when I will appreciate what I do. The likes of Bukky Ajayi are no longer stars; they are moons. I want to be like them. I want God to help me to get to that level.

Jonathan holds meeting with Mutallab

The Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who is billed to set out to the United States of America on Saturday on an official visit has met with Umaru Abdul-muttalab, the father of the 23-year-old Nigerian, Farouk, who attempted to bomb an American aircraft on Christmas Day last year.

Dressed in white babanriga, the elder Muttalab came alone to the Presidential Villa and met with the Acting President behind closed doors for close to an hour but did not speak to the press afterwards.

However, he is believed to have discussed his earlier trip to the United States during which he met with American security officials who were in search of more clues and information his son�s failed terror attack and for which the young man is being prosecuted.

The act had caused America to put Nigeria on its terror watch-list, a development bitterly criticized by the Nigeria government which has been demanding a reversal of that policy by the US government.

Jonathan is bound for US on the invitation of American President Barak Obama to attend a maiden nuclear security summit organised by the American government but the trip offers him a good opportunity to personally present the federal government�s demands to the American president. The acting President is expected back home by Thursday next week.

This action by the Actiing President is deemed to be important because on the occurence of the attempted bombing of a US plane by Nigerian born Farouk Abdulmutallab, President Umaru Musa Yar'adua had been unavailable due to his ill health to comment or speak to the US government.

The acting president's visit to the United states is coming on the heels of the recent agreement between Nigeria and the US to set up a Bi-national commission which is aimed at helping Nigeria promote good governance and fight corruption.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who faces terrorism charges in the Christmas bombing, has been cooperating with the FBI, providing information about his contacts in Yemen and the al Qaeda affiliate that operates there.

One Year After Losing Only Son, Azadus Gets Another Baby Boy!

‘What more can I ask for? God has brought my darling son back to me, even with my attrocities. If na man, him for give me big bill. But God has asked me only for ‘Thank You’. My Wife just gave me a bouncing baby bobo. Help me thank God o!’

That’s the SMS Azadus sent to his close friends and family members early this morning, announcing the birth of his new child, about a year after losing his first and only child.

The nineties’ star and his wife Seun broke down last April, querying God after an illness consumed their boy. 11month-old Michael was born on April 25, 2008, and died on April 3, 2009.

It wasn’t long before Azadus announced he was going to be a father again.

His wife put to bed early this morning (12:30AM) at the Redeemed Christian Church of God maternity centre, in FESTAC Town, Lagos.

I am a QUEEN, not an EVANGELIST – Busola Oke

Queen Busola Oke is one of the few Nigerian musicians, who still sing in the traditional way. She basically sings in Yoruba language and her sonorous voice is not just catchy, but melodious. She recently returned to Nigeria after a six-month sojourn, studying music in London. She speaks with Hazeez Balogun on how she is re-branding her kind of music and talks of not wanting to be a stereotyped gospel musician.

You just returned from the United Kingdom after six months. What exactly did you do there?

I was all over the United Kingdom, Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales. The reasons for my travel are in two parts. First, I had to go and upgrade myself, and secondly, I went to entertain my fans over there. It was fun all the way. As I said, I went to upgrade myself. What I meant by that is that I went to school. I went to study music. I know that if I am into something, I should be professional about it, so I went there to finish my schooling.

Is that all?

No. I was also able to get a franchise for a dance school. Meaning that I will soon be opening a dance school here in Nigeria where people can learn how to dance. At the end, they will get a certificate from the mother school in London. So I think with that a lot of Nigerian youths who think they can dance can enrol and learn how to do dance professionally.

But you are not a professional dancer.

No I am not. But do I need to be a professional dancer to open a dance school? Do you need to be a journalist to open a newspaper house?

I don’t think so. I am into singing. so naturally, dancing is a flair of mine. But I won’t be the teacher. What I will do is that I will bring in professional dance teachers who are trained in London to take the classes. They will teach them all sorts of dances. Like I said, when they finish, they will be getting a London Dance School certificate.

It must be an expensive school

Funny enough it is not. In fact it is free. For the first level which will take six months, the course will be free. After that, students will need to pay to go on with the programme, so it is not really that expensive, we are only trying to engage the youths.

Now that you are back, what should be expected from you?

A lot. I know many of my fans have missed me. Being away for six months is no joke. So, to cover up I will be releasing two albums at the same time. I know that with that they will no longer miss me. Also the dance school thing is coming up. Also, some people do not know that I write scripts for movies. I have been doing that for a while and I also have one ready right now. I will let you know when that is ready.

So it’s bye bye to movie soundtracks?

That is one misconception I would like to erase. Some people see me only as a movie soundtrack singer and that’s all. I don’t blame them though, the truth is, that was exactly what brought me to limelight. Talking about the Eleyele song, for me to do the Soundtrack, means I am already a singer. It may shock you to know that I already had two albums before I did the Eleyele song. So definitely, I have continued to pursue my musical career. If I ever get a job to do another soundtrack for a movie, I will gladly do it. But that is not all I am about.

Do you think the Yoruba movie industry is improving?

Yes, I will say that they have improved. Looking back at where they were before and looking at where they are now, surely, one has to give it up to them. I mean in London, our films are hot cakes. Not only to Nigerians but to a whole lot of people. I don’t want to segregate the Yoruba movies, I am talking about Nigerian movies as a whole. The are gaining a lot of reputation abroad.

When you look at the Nigerian music scene, you see that women are not doing as well as their male counterparts. The reverse is the case in places like America and the U.K.

Well, I don’t really know what I can say about that. To a large extent, that is true. You see men doing most of the singing here. Even traditionally, women are known with songs better than men. Maybe, it has to do with how that industry is structured. But I won’t say that we are being pushed aside. Look at me for instance, nothing is holding me back, same goes for many other female singers.

You said you went to school in the U.K. did you ever school in Nigeria?

Yes I did. My secondary school was at the University of Lagos Staff school. My father was a lecturer at the school at that time. He died two years ago. He was a professor before he died. I also went to Regan school. Later I landed at the Univerity of Lagos where I studied Mass Communication.

So why did you not practice journalism?

That is a long story which I don’t want to tell. I am in the music industry now, and that is what matters.

What inspires your music?

My everyday life and my experiences. I get inspired by everything around me. Things that happen to me, my friends, my family, I observe and sing about them. There is inspiration everywhere. One has to just look around.

You sing gospel...

No, no, no. I do not sing gospel music. I do not refer myself as a gospel artiste. Yes, sometimes, I praise the lord in my music. In fact, I love praising the lord. But please don’t call me a gospel artiste. I sing for everyone. I sing for Muslims, I sing for Christian, I sing for pagans, I sing for everyone in the world regardless of their religion. So that is why I don’t like people classifying me as a gospel artiste. I see myself as an inspiration to others. I inspire people with my music.

But you perform in churches

So? What if I perform in churches? Everyone needs inspiration. If you call me to your mosque, I will sing. Who says one needs to be a gospel singer to sing in churches. If a church thinks they want me to sing for them, why not? What I just don’t want is to be limited. That is why I don’t call myself Sister, or evangelist. In fact, I am not an evangelist by title. The title my fans gave me in London is Queen. So you can now refer to me as Queen Busola Oke. Even the Eleyele should be removed, that is the old me. I am proud of the song, but that is in the past.

What has been your greatest challenge?

What I would describe as the my greatest challenge, is the same challenge every musician face. That is getting into limelight. Before I became known and popular, I had done two albums, and nobody knew them. I had the talent but nobody believed in me. No marketer will want to promote a new artiste. They call it ‘Oja okunkun’(uncertain market). It was until I did the Eleyele soundtrack that people began to notice me.

Are you married?

Yes I am married with two kids

Wow, how do you juggle that with such a hectic career?

I have a very understanding husband. He stays by me all the time. He supports me and my career.

Forgive a cheating wife?

if you cheat, don’t leave a mark... – Lavonne

A socialite, Lavonne Cele Tawo, has lent her voice to this mind-boggling, emotion-sodden issue of why women cheat on their husbands.
The fashion designer and promoter of a clothesline in her name, Lavonne, strongly thinks a woman can stray when she is not getting enough attention from her hubby or boyfriend.

“Women love to be pampered and flattered. There is a problem when the man in your life does not say the right things. For a woman, it means he is not caring,” she said.

According to Lavonne, who also designs lady’s hat and showcases the product as House of Etan, it is not enough for a man to pile up bread on the table for a woman and stuff her purse with oodles of cash.

“A woman needs much more than these. She needs the physical presence of her man. And the man must teach his senses - his eyes, voice and so on, to blow the mind of the woman he claims to love,” she advised.

To her, sex is another likely reason for a woman to stray. If a man does not perform often or does not do ‘the thing’ well, his woman will search elsewhere for satisfaction. So, lack of it and little of it may leave a woman lonely and desirous for it. At that critical stage, a man must act fast or risk losing out,” she said without reservation.

Sounding a bit reflective, Lavonne revealed that a woman could stray as a revenge on her man. Hear her: “If her man has been caught cheating, there is no guarantee that his woman will not get even and revenge. The only way she will do it is to outsmart the man in his cheating game.”

Speaking to us on the telephone, she clearly stated that philandering for a woman may have financial undertone. “If a man is out of job or broke and the woman needs money to run the home and take care of herself, she may be pressurized by her existential needs to go out and get money through sexual services,” she stated.

Another dumb-founding reason she gave is that a woman may cheat on her husband for the fun of it.

“There may be no glaring reason. The woman could just get into a string of affairs because she finds it fun and pleasurable. She won’t do it for money or anything. It will just be because she feels fulfilled that way,” she revealed.

Asked if she can forgive a cheating husband or boyfriend, she quipped: “Why not?” and added: “We will talk it over and move on.” She advised that spouses should learn to forgive one another if caught in the act. “But don’t leave a mark on your cheating by being obstinate and unbending.”

Come to terms and forgive - Pastor Austin Ugwu

General Overseer of King’s Throne Assembly, Ikorodu, Lagos, Reverend Austin Ugwu, also speaks on what he would do and the advice he will give any man whose wife cheats on him.

Confirmation

First of all, I will call my wife and have a heart-to-heart talk with her. Before I react, I will need a confirmation directly or indirectly from her. I must have ample prove. In the same way, I won’t advice any man to be rash on such a sensitive issue. You must not make assumptions or base your action on rumour. For me, I will adopt a methodical approach until I establish the truth.

Seek apology

When I establish the truth, I will kneel down and pray. I will ask God for guidance. It won’t be easy for anyone. If it happens to you, you have to be strong and quickly come to terms. You have to find out what triggered such an odd, unchristian behaviour from your wife. No matter what, she shouldn’t have gone to that extreme. In the first place, as husband and wife, you are supposed to be the best of friends. If you have failed in your matrimonial obligations, she should confront you with it and not go out to cheapen and debase herself.

She must understand that marriage is a covenant between a man and his wife. And God is the one who witnessed and sealed it. So, I will ask her for an unreserved apology. I will expect remorse and complete turn around. She must not go back to her wayward ways. If it happens to you, I will advice that you forgive her. You might go to a third party for proper counseling. That is for both of you - you and your wife. The counsellor should be someone in authority, a person both of you respect. Don’t go to neighbours or friends who will use the incident and make mockery of your wife. Some people will even hold it against her forever.

Emotional, psychological trauma

It should not be the basis for a breakup. As a legally married couple, you should learn to stay together. If you handle the matter well, you and your wife will come back together and become tighter and sweeter than before. But the fact is, it won’t be easy. You are dealing with a deeply psychological and emotional matter. So, go softly but very quickly.

Safeguard family ties

The reason you should tread softly is that you already have a lot in common. There may be kids and assets you have together. You share friends and family ties. If you break up, what are you going to do with the children? What about your friends and family?

Dirty linen

Don’t go to town and wash your dirty linen. You will forgive your wife but people outside won’t. They will turn her into an object of ridicule. In case you don’t know, it is also an insult to you and whatever happens to your wife rubs off on you. That is why you must be careful in dealing with the issue. Treat it as an intimate family secret.

By Jossy Idam

Pictures from P-Square's concert in London

This guys are hot....or what do you think???
pix thanks to lind ikeji

New Nigerian Ministers and Their Portfolios

Agriculture............................Sheikh Ahmed ABDULLAH
Aviation.......................................Fidelia NJEZE
Culture and Tourism...............Abubakar Sadiq A. MOHAMMED
Commerce and Industry....................Jibril Martins KUYE
Defence....................................Adetokunbo KAYODE
Education.................................Ruqayyatu A. RUFAI
Environment...................................John Ogar ODEY
Finance......................................Olusegun AGANGA
Foreign Affairs............................ Odein AJUMOGOBIA
Health................................................vacant
Information & Communication....................Dora AKUNYILI
Interior..................................Emmanuel IHEANACHO
Justice & Attorney General..............Mohammed Bello ADOKE
Labour.........................Chukwuemeka Ngozichineke WOGU
Lands, Housing & Urban Development.............Nduese ESSIEN
Mines & Steel Development.................Musa Mohammed SADA
Niger Delta Affairs..........................Godsday ORUBEBE
Petroleum............................Deziani ALLISON-MADUEKE
Police Affairs..................................Adamu WAZIRI
Power.................................................vacant
Science & Technology....................Muhammed K. ABUBAKAR
Special Duties.............................Earnest OLUBOLADE
Transportation................................Yusuf SULAIMAN
Women Affairs..........................Iyom Josephine ANENIH
Works & Housing.............................Sanusi M. DAGASH
Youth Development.......................Akinlabi OLASUNKANMI


Ministers in the Presidency
Federal Capital Territory......................Bala MUHAMMED
National Planning Commission Chairman......Shamsuddeen USMAN
National Sports Commission...................Ibrahim Isa BIO

Ministers of state
Agriculture & Water Resources.........Awodele Najeem ADEWALE
Commerce....................................Josephine TAPGUN
Defence...............................Murtala Shehu YAR'ADUA
Finance..................................Aderemi W. BABALOLA
Foreign Affairs (1)...........................Aliyu Idi HONG
Health....................................... Suleiman BELLO
Information & Communications....................Labaran MAKU
Interior............................. Humphrey Enemakwu ABAH
Niger Delta Affairs...............................Samuel ODE
Power..........................................Nuhu Somo WYA
Works & Housing.............................Chris OGIEMWINYI

P-Square wins $1million as Kora Awards African Artiste of the Year

Identical twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye, have made history.
The talented singing/dancing duo have just been crowned African Artist of the Year at the 8th edition of Kora Awards held in Burkina Faso on Sunday 4th of April 2010. One million dollars was attached to the prize.

1 million dollars? That's like N150 million naira!!!
OMG!!! Congrats guys. You guys work really hard, you deserve it.

They are performing at the Kora Concert tonight at Burkina Faso after playing last night in London. Will bring you more details about this one million dollar award...

Pictures From The LAGOS CARNIVAL

Pix thanks to linda ikeji.

Pictures From The LAGOS CARNIVAL

Pix thanks to linda ikeji.