Facebook Founder, Mark Zuckerberg, To Visit Akwa-Ibom

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is to visit Akwa Ibom in next month, the Niger Delta Young Professionals, a non governmental group, has said.


Facebook is a social networking service launched in February, 2004, with over one billion active users.
The Chairman of the Niger Delta Young Professional, Mr Moses Siasia, made the announcement when he paid a courtesy visit on Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom on Friday. Siasia said that Zuckerberg had been invited as one of the guest speakers during his groups youth economic summit, scheduled to hold in Uyo from May 28 to May 29.
The chairman said that young professionals from the Niger Delta were coming together to promote entrepreneurship, looking at economic challenges in the area.
Siasia commended Akpabio for transforming the state through infrastructure such as good roads, healthcare and education.
Responding, Akpabio told the group to put in their best in their chosen professions, adding that success could only come with hard work.
The governor pledged his support towards the hosting of the summit, commending the youths for not engaging in militancy.

Relationships: Should You Go Through Your Partner’s Phone?

Checking through each other’s phones and emails is a constant source of trouble for many couples. Is it ever justifiable to go through your partner’s private correspondence?

Many cheating partners have been caught through a perusal of their phone conversations, texts and chats.

This might lead to the notion that it is acceptable to check through your partner’s phone. If only to make sure that they’re being faithful.
Girls especially are guilty of this and if the guy dares lock his phone, they take it as a foregone conclusion that it is because he has something to hide.
But is checking your partner’s correspondence healthy behaviour within a relationship?
Going through your partner’s private correspondence shows jealousy, insecurity and a lack of trust, all of which are potentially damaging to a relationship.
This is coupled with the fact that most times, it doesn’t change anything. Texts and emails might hint at indiscretion but most times offer nothing concrete. So it’s enough to make you miserable but not enough to break up or cause trouble for.

EME Set To Release Wizkid’s New Album

In relation to an earlier article on Wizkid’s anticipated album, the young superstar has indirectly told his fans that the album would be dropping under EME, he tweeted this earlier.

 

I think Wizzy is confused! or what'd you think?

Justus Esiri Buried Today

The late theatre icon began his final journey home with a Tribute Night organised by the Actors’ Guild of Nigerian in Lagos. It was followed by a service of songs and general mass on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively at St. Jude Catholic Church, Mafoluku, Lagos, before his body was taken to Delta State for burial.

Friday morning, a commendation mass/lying-in-state was held at the Polo Turf in Abraka, before the body of Esiri was moved to his residence in Abraka for interment and entertainment of guests.
Chief Esiri popularly known as the Village Headmaster, died on 19 February following complications from diabetes.

Born in 1942, Esiri had his primary and secondary school education in Abraka and Warri, respectively, before proceeding to the Maximillan University and Weners Institute of Engineering in Germany, between 1964 and 1968.
Having worked for some time as a newscaster with the Voice of Nigeria, German Service, he veered

Jay-Z Replies Cuba Trip Critics and Implicates Obama

Rapper/business mogul Jay-Z’s latest track most likely won’t be one President Obama would listen to more than once.
Jay on Thursday released a single “Open Letter,” in which he fires back at critics of a recent trip he and wife took to Cuba to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary.
The lyrics go like this: “I done turned Havana into Atlanta,”. “Boy from the hood, I got White House clearance… Politicians never did s–t for me except lie to me, distort history… They wanna give me jail time and a fine. Fine, let me commit a real crime.”

Three Cuban-American congressional lawmakers had questioned the legality of the trip this week because of a U.S. ban on travel to Cuba. As it turned out, the couple claims that they had received clearance from the Treasury Department as required, but Obama had nothing to do with it, White House spokesman Jay Carney assured reporters Monday.
“Hear the freedom in my speech… Obama said, ‘Chill you gonna get me impeached,” Jay-Z later raps. “You don’t need this s–t anyway, chill with me on the beach.’

PHOTOS: Rihanna & Mum, Monica Hang Out

Rihanna took time off her busy tour schedule to spend some time with her mother Monica Braithwaite who was celebrating her birthday over the weekend.

Good girl gone bad? Riri’s mum couldn’t be bothered when the top singer flashed a middle finger to the camera. The pair had been quite busy shoe shopping in Beverly Hills, California.
Rihanna later brought out her inner child, laying up on her mum’s laps. ‘Getting comfy! I always feel so safe and at home laying just like this on her lap!‘, as she posted the photos on Instagram. more pics...

PHOTOS: Dubai Police Adds $500, 000 Lamborghini To Fleet

Dubai is the latest police force to add a Lamborghini sports car to its fleet, following Italy, Qatar and the UK.

Dubai Police has added a Lamborghini Aventador to its fleet, the force announced on its Twitter feed.
On Wednesday, the official DubaiPoliceHQ feed posted a photo of its latest purchase driving outside Dubai Mall, the world's biggest shopping centre, and said: "Dubai Police patrols, now at your service."
The Lamborghini Aventador, named after a bull, is capable of speeds of up to 349km/h and has a price tag of around $500,000.
Social media sites lit up, with users from the United Arab Emirates and the rest of world posting images and videos of the car in action.
But the green-and-white car will probably not be roaring after law breakers in Dubai, an emirate in which local media said 33 people had been killed in car accidents in the first two months of this year.  more pics...

Travel: Why You Should Visit Ghana

Many Nigerians go on vacations to Ghana due to its proximity and the low fares. However, Ghana has so much more to offer. The wonderful diversity of natural attractions, historical heritage and the vibrant cultural identity offers visitors of Ghana a wonderful tourist experience. Known for the hospitality and friendliness of the people, Ghana is a pleasant destination for travellers and even those with children.

People and culture
•Experience rural life and enjoy the friendliness and hospitality of the local people during your visit to one of the many interesting eco-tourism projects in Ghana.
•Discover the various architectural styles of local houses and the distinctive way of living in the sub-Saharan northern part of the country.
•Visit the flamboyant festivals celebrated throughout the year and learn about culture and traditions of the various tribes in Ghana. Be amazed by the vibrant parades surrounding the traditional chiefs in their colourful dresses and the rhythmic beat of local drumming.
•Visit the traditional weaving villages of Kpotoe, Daboya or Bonwire and explore other craft making villages like the pottery and art village Sirigu and wood carving section of Aburi or Kpando.

My Secrets ––Nigeria’s Richest Woman, Folorunsho Alakija

When in November 2012, she made Forbes mention as the 24th on Africa’s 40 richest list, it jolted many. With a net worth of $600m, Folorunsho Alakija was announced Nigeria’s richest woman. If you think this would make her talk about money or how she made hers, you are wrong.
The business mogul is however quick to define wealth in her own words:

“Wealth is beyond money and affluence. It can be classified as a large amount of something, ranging from experience to talent. It is a word that quantifies and qualifies anything. For instance, you could say someone has a wealth of interesting qualities. Many people have said the same to me because there are so many parts to who I am, who I have become and who God has created me to be. I am a businesswoman, a fashion designer and milliner by profession.“The word wealth qualifies and measures one’s success in achieving set targets and goals, prosperity, and blessings. Blessings can be in the form of good health, the education of children and even living to a ripe old age. Therefore, a wealthy woman is someone who has been able to achieve some, all or even more than these because grace for wealth is unlimited from our God. He desires to bless us all on a daily basis. We just need to learn how to key into it so that we do not limit ourselves,” she says.The executive vice chairman, Famfa Oil Limited, she founded Supreme Stitches, which later changed to Rose of Sharon House of Fashion, a fashion label that catered to upscale clientele. Speaking further about her relationship with God, she said “I heard the call of the Lord into Christian ministry many years ago but I was reluctant to yield to the call.
“I believe that my passion for fashion was hugely responsible as I was definitely enjoying what I was doing for a living, although in hindsight, it was really a fulfilling and successful hobby because I was not dependent on it. The zeal to succeed in whatever I decide to do, drove the business. I don’t design clothes any more except the odd ones I may choose to design when I commission such through another fashion designer.”

Iranian Inventor Claims To Have Created A Time Machine

An Iranian scientist has claimed to have created a working time machine, one that allows users to travel as far as eight years into the future.

Ali Razeghi, a scientist from Tehran, has registered “The Aryayek Time Traveling Machine” with the state-run Center for Strategic Inventions.
According to Razeghi, 27, the device can predict the future and print out the results after taking a reading from the touch of a user.
Razaeghi says the device can “predict five to eight years of the future life of any individual, with 98 percent accuracy” thanks to a set of complex algorithms it runs on.
“I have been working on this project for the last 10 years,” he said. “My invention easily fits into the size of a personal computer case and can predict details of the next 5-8 years of the life of its users. It will not take you into the future, it will bring the future to you.”
Knowing about the future before it actually happens could be really great. What would you like to know? Stock prices? World events? Whether you will fall into a miserable marriage or not? The possibilities seem endless.
Razeghi says the Iranian government can use it to predict military clashes it will have with other countries in the next few years.

Scientists—Women Better Off Without Bras [FULL REPORT]

According to a new French study wearing a bra does nothing to reduce back pain, and the chest supports actually cause increased breast sagging.
The results of a mammoth 15-year study led by professor Jean-Denis Rouillon, from the University of Besançon in eastern France, are finally in and it looks like conventional wisdom about bras and back pain has been way off the mark.
According to Rouillon, a sports science expert, the lesson to be learned from the preliminary results of his marathon experiment is that "bras are a false necessity".
"Medically, physiologically, anatomically - breasts gain no benefit from being denied gravity. On the contrary, they get saggier with a bra," Professor Rouillon said.
Using a slide rule and caliper, Rouillon spent years carefully measuring changes in the orientation of breasts belonging to hundreds of women, at the University Hospital in Besançon.
All the women involved in the study were aged between 18 and 35, although the professor was keen to stress that the group were not a representative of the global population of females.

Seven Unconventional Dates to Liven Up Your Marriage

When you're married, spending quality time together could mean getting take-out and watching your favorite television shows on TV. With hectic work schedules, sometimes all a married couple wants to do is wear their favorite pajamas and lie on the couch, watching TV. If you have a date night, sometimes you end up eating out at your usual restaurant or watch a movie. These things can be monotonous, automatic and boring. If your activities as a couple don't bring you excitement anymore, it could lead to your own relationship being automatic and boring, too. If you want to keep the romance alive, make an effort to bring back the excitement you once had. One way to do that is by doing activities that are new to the both of you. Here are seven unconventional dates that you and your partner can do together to liven up your marriage:
1) Relive your first date. You can go to the place of your first date such as the restaurant or bar where you first met. Dress up the way you did on that fateful day and go there separately, as if you're meeting for the first time. This date will surely bring back memories that will make you bond as a couple.
2) Wake up at 4 am on a Sunday, just to watch the sunrise. You can go to the beach or a mountaintop to eat breakfast and watch the sunrise there. It shows that both of you are making an effort to wake up early to spend a romantic few hours together.
3) Have a Playground Date. Go to the park and ride the swings, the seesaws and play with the monkey bars. It's a simple and carefree way to spend an afternoon. Act like children, having no care about responsibilities and only yourselves.

Amnesty for Boko Haram will fail – Musa Reef

While some Nigerians believe that the planned amnesty programme for the outlawed Boko Haram group would bring a lasting solution to the insecurity situation in the country, a northern-based human rights activist, Mr. Musa Reef has said that it would hit the rocks.
According to him, the proposed amnesty for members of Islamic sect by the Federal Government would fail unless the dreaded group change its ideological perception.
The activist, who said this in a communiqué issued on Wednesday flayed those faulting President Goodluck Jonathan for the current insecurity in the country.
He said, “The group is basically ideological and cannot be assuaged with any form of amnesty. In fact, from the snippets of messages of treats issued by the group, dialogue with the government is an anathema. So, what group is the government offering amnesty to?”

Is the amnesty for criminals or pick pockets or politicians fighting to regain relevance? Who are the mediators for the amnesty?’’ he queried.

Speaking further, Reef said, “Let it be stated without any form of equivocation that Boko Haram is not the same as the Niger Delta militants. Those who desperately attempt to draw similarities between the groups are either missing the point or simply being mischievous.’

4 policemen face murder charge for allegedly killing two persons over N50 bribe

Four police officers have been arraigned before a High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for allegedly killing two bus passengers.
They also allegedly shot another person in the foot.
The officers were said to have committed the act during a failed attempt to extort N50 from a bus driver.
The suspects, ASP Omorogbe, Inspector Emmason Udo, Hadiza Musa and Samirah Ileya of the Abacha Road Police Station, Obia/Akpor locality of Port Harcourt were alleged to have shot the victims sometimes in 2010 while the driver of the commercial bus in which the victims were riding attempted to escape from the policemen who demanded N50 from him at a check point.
In the suit No PHC/858/2010 filed against the suspects, the complainant, Ifeanyi Echemazu, whose mother in-law was shot in the leg said he took the action to pursue justice for his mother-in-law and the two passengers who died in the process.

According to the prosecuting counsel, Mr Chidi Ekah, “the suspects thought nobody was alive to testify against them in this matter, but Mrs. Christiana Aliko who was hit on the leg is here to testify that those who boarded the vehicle were passengers and not robbers as the suspects claimed”.
He added that the driver of the commercial bus whose resistance to the alleged N50 extortion provoked the fatal shooting is also alive to tell the story.
The presiding judge, Justice Georgewill, adjourned the matter to April 23, 2013 for further hearing.
It was gathered that they were arrested on the orders of the then commissioner of police who insisted on their being tried for alleged killings

APC will drive Nigeria to socio-political and economic brink – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that failure of leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission is the “hallmark of political naivety, painlessness.”

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the party opined that the APC has shown that it will “drive Nigeria to sociopolitical and economic brink should it be entrusted with power” as typified by the party’s failure to duly register the party before embarking on bleeping jamboree and propaganda.

According to the statement, the reality on the ground has shown that the leaders of the APC were all the while grandstanding; writing footnotes and glossary even when the first chapter of their history was yet to be successfully written.

“Nigerians are here confronted with an irony! It is an irony of a political party who without adequate planning, without a solid working rhythm, yet wishes to be entrusted to its effete, shaky shoulders, the fate of over One Hundred and Sixty Million Nigerians,” it said.

“Fortunately, Nigerians are witnessing first hand, the thoughtlessness and carelessness of the self-acclaimed political Messiahs, a fore warning that the nation, her people and our democracy are all in jeopardy should they be entrusted with power” the statement adds.

The statement further asked that “How can a group that could not conclude the basic as in due registration of its name be able to manage the affairs of Nigeria at this moment of critical challenge.”

Nigeria may breakup before 2015 – OPC leader, Fasheun

Respected Medical Doctor and founder of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Chief Frederick Fasheun has raised the alarm that Nigeria may not survive 2014, unless its citizens develop good political platforms and traditions.
Fashehun, who also doubles as the Chairman, Committee for the Resuscitation of the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, said this while briefing newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday.
According to him, “There is real danger for the country and we cannot continue to fold our arms and watch politicians run the country aground through profligacy and corruption.
“From all indications, Nigeria will not survive beyond 2014 as a country, unless Nigerians rise up to evolve good political platforms and traditions.”
Speaking further, the elder statesman said, the UPN had come to provide such a credible platform, adding that those championing the resuscitation of the UPN would bring sanity into the nation’s political space, beginning with the South-West geopolitical zone.
He believes that a credible political association such as UPN would serve as a dependable, focused, people-oriented political vehicle.

He voiced his conviction thus, “UPN shall meet the true yearnings of Nigerians for quality education, for free health for all, for a functional transportation system, for rural-urban integration and for mass housing

“Keshi must return to Nigeria by Monday if he likes his job” – NFF angry with Eagles coach

Emeka Inyama, a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation, has stated that Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, has travelled to the US without permission and must return from his California base by Monday.
The former Mali and Togo boss left the country and failed to attend the meeting of the technicak committee and the NFF have asked him to return and answer a query.
“Keshi has been recalled and he must be in Abuja on Monday if he still cares about his job,” Inyama said.
He also noted that Keshi was notified about the meeting, but still chose to leave.
“Keshi was formally invited to the Technical and Development Committee meeting [on Tuesday] to discuss, among other issues, the list of players he released for the matches ahead, his back room staff and misunderstanding between him and some of his players.

“But Keshi did not show up and [the NFF] doesn’t know why he did not show up. The fact remains that Keshi applied for a leave to see his family and it has not been approved or confirmed and he travelled. The NFF wants him to be part of all the discussions affecting his team with the committee before he would be allowed to proceed to the US for his holiday, but he chose to leave without permission.
“But he had the time

Paul Okoye of P-Square welcomes baby boy [PHOTO]

Paul Okoye of P-square has welcomed a baby boy with his longtime girlfriend, Anita.
Anita was said to have delivered on April 10, in Atlanta, USA.
Earlier, Paul had announced his plans to marry longtime girlfriend, Anita. Just months to their wedding, Peter announced via twitter that Paul and Anita were expecting their first child when he twitted; “Congrats to my brother @rudeboypsquare and his long-term girlfriend who are expecting a baby soon… Trust me bro, its a good feeling.”

Sources say Paul started dating Anita when he was yet known in the entertainment industry and today, she has become part of him.
The new baby boy has been named Andre. Anita is a post-graduate student of the University of Dundee, Scotland

Wizkid to Drop New Album On June 12

It seems all is now settled between star boi, Wizkid, and Banky W's EME as the multiple award pop artiste's anticipated second album will be released on June 12.
Wizkid announced this on micro blogging site, twitter, through his handle @wizkidayo : #TeamWizkid Album drops June 12...Mixtape drops right after that!..yaga!#E.M.E #STARBOY!
He further tweeted: "1st single from the album drops soon...but before then y'all check out new @ShaydeeBoi music.
Both the album and mixtape are yet-to-be named.

Bodies of 10 Slain Policemen Recovered in Bayelsa

Five days after they were slain by gunmen in the creeks of Bayelsa State, the bodies of 10 of the 12 slain policemen have been recovered.
The bodies, which were in various stages of decomposition, were recovered Tuesday by a combined team of soldiers and policemen along the creeks and waterways of the Azuzama community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
The policemen, who were among a 50-member contingent deployed in Azuzama to provide security for high profile visitors going for the burial of the mother of an ex-militant, Kile Selky Torughedi, alias General Young Shall Grow, were killed in an ambush on Bayelsa waterways. Twelve policemen were said to have been killed in the attack.
The Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it carried out the attack in furtherance of its threat to resume hostilities following the conviction of its leader, Henry Okah, by a South African court for terrorism-related offences.
However, contrary to MEND's claim, the police said the attack was carried out by some aggrieved ex-militants.
The leader of the team of the aggrieved ex-militants has been identified as Commander Virus.
He is said to be the commanding officer from the dismantled camp of Torughedi.

Stupid Song Came By Mistake - Bez, Nigerian Jazz Artiste

Bezhiwa Idakula, simply known as Bez, is an explosive soul singer with a truly unique voice and playful stage presence. In addition to an amazing performance at the 2012 'Super Sun Concert' held at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Soul and Rock star had an outstanding year in 2012, from being inducted into the MTV Iggy Hall of Fame and premiering 'Stupid Song' ft Praiz on BET International to being honoured at the 'Top 40 

Personalities Under 40' by Applause Africamagazine, amongst others.

He begins year 2013 with his European and American tour and an upcoming album. As he prepares for the release of his second album, the Nasarawa State-born star says fans should expect a bit more of African sound in his music, shielding it with a bit of mainstream Rock while keeping the Soul genre very much present in the music.

Sitting casually in his studio, Bez talks to Allure about the beginning, his meteoric rise and fame, expectations for the second album and more.

First of all, congratulations on the success of your 'Super Sun Concert'.

Thank you.
How would you describe the experience?
It was very exciting to have my own mega-concert in Lagos. I've been doing a lot of mini-concerts around Lagos and Nigeria. It was amazing to have it. The turn up was great and we had great sound. The whole thing was just really amazing. It was the first and you know how it is with first (time out). So, it was really exciting.
What were your early musical influences?

South Africa: Mandela discharged from the hospital

Former President Nelson Mandela was discharged from a hospital on Saturday following treatment for pneumonia, the presidency said in news that cheered South Africans who had waited tensely for health updates on a beloved national figure.
Mandela, the anti-apartheid leader who spent 27 years in prison for opposing white racist rule, was robust during his decades as a public figure, endowed with charisma, a powerful memory and an extraordinary talent for articulating the aspirations of his people and winning over many of those who opposed him. In recent years, however, 94-year-old Mandela became more frail and last made a public appearance at the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament, where he didn't deliver an address and was bundled against the cold in a stadium full of fans.
South Africans hold the former leader dear as a symbol of sacrifice and reconciliation stemming from his pivotal role in steering South Africa from the apartheid era and into democratic elections in 1994, at a time of great hope but also tension and uncertainty. The new South Africa, beset by economic inequality, crime and corruption, has not lived up to the soaring expectations of its people, but they still see hope through their icon, Mandela.
Primrose Mashoma, a South African, said she wished that Mandela would live, basically, forever.
"I wish him to stay maybe a hundred more years," she said.

Google Glass Won't Be Welcome Everywhere

Google (GOOG)'s futuristic Glass headgear will be available before year's end. The device may well be the final step before human-machine interaction moves under our skin-but its wearers may trigger some Google Glassundesired social reactions from friends and family members, and it may not go over too well at your local watering hole, either. In fact, judging from our early look, Google Glass won't be welcome in lots of places.

Google Glass consists of a small display situated on a frame that resembles eyeglasses. It is connected to a camera, microphone and bone-conducting speaker. Glass pairs with your smartphone wirelessly using Bluetooth, but also can use Wi-Fi to access the Internet. You can use your voice or your finger to get it to take photos, record video, initiate video or voice chats, send messages, search Google and translate words or phrases. Google's being a bit coy about the ship date for this groundbreaking wearable computer. However, while qualifying early adopters are paying $1,500 a pop for the privilege of owning it first, we're told that it will become more widely available by year's end-with a slightly more affordable price tag.
One of the reasons Glass will find itself unwelcome in places is because its camera lives at the wearer's eye level. It takes photos or record videos without a red blinking light telling others it's happening. Anywhere cameras and other recording devices are unwelcome, the same would most certainly go for Google Glass

Halle Berry Cradles Her Growing Baby Bump at Argentina Premiere

Halle Berry's baby secret is out -- and the glowing mom-to-be happily showed off her growing pregnancy belly on the red carpet.
The 46-year-old looked positively radiant at the premiere for "The Call" in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Monday. Wearing a figure-hugging, one-shoulder purple gown with metallic detailing along the top and side, the actress played up her new "accessory" by rubbing her stomach for photographers and then posing with both hands cradling it.
Berry paired the dress -- which was not your traditional maternity look -- with diamond drop earrings and her emerald engagement ring from fiancé Olivier Martinez. For makeup, she rocked smoky eyes and pale dewy lips.
The actress' look was a departure from her appearance on the red carpet the night before. While equally glam and gorgeous, she played down her changing body by wearing a drapey black dress. Though it was appropriate as she was being honored at a United Nations event.
During an interview airing Tuesday on CNN, Berry talked about her pregnancy this time around.
"I feel fantastic," Berry said. "This has been the biggest surprise of my life to tell you the truth."
Already the mother to 5-year-old Nahla (with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry), Berry -- who has candidly discussed her troubles conceiving in the past -- didn't think her family would grow again.

A side view of the radiant mom-to-be (Lalo Yasky/WireImage)

"I thought I was kind of past the point where this could be a reality for me," she shared. "So it's been a big surprise and the most wonderful."
When asked if she is expecting a boy, which has been rumored, Berry said she hasn't learned the baby's gender.    "I don't know," she replied, adding, "But healthy."
Berry has previously talked about becoming a mother for the first time in her 40s.
"I'm a much better mother at 46 -- or 41, when I had her -- than if I were like 21 or 25," she said on "The Wendy Williams Show" in November. "I mean, I was just a little baby just trying to figure it out -- trying to figure out who I was, let alone having the responsibility of trying to help another little soul develop and grow. I'm so glad I waited."
However, waiting made it trickier when it came to giving N

Pictures from Jay Z and Beyonce's Cuba trip

more pics after the cut...

The Champions League, Last 8, 2nd Leg. Results.

                                                                                        

Turk Telekom Arena - Galatasaray 3 (Eboue 57, Sneijder 70, Drogba 72) Real Madrid (Ronaldo 8, 90+3)

Real Madrid resisted a stunning second-half onslaught from Galatasaray to lose 3-2 on the night in Turkey but progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League courtesy of a 5-3 aggregate win.

Madrid looked to be cruising to the 24th European Cup semi-final in the club's glorious history when Cristiano Ronaldo's accomplished close-range finish after eight minutes left Galatasaray needing five goals in front of their home fans in Istanbu

Ex-Super Eagles Goal Keeper, Peter Rufai May Go To Jail

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 African Nations Cup gold medalist, Peter Rufai worked very hard to be in form and maintained good name.
He was in goal for Nigeria’s senior national team for over a decade, and kept goal for European clubs such as  K.S.C Lokeren, K.S.K Beveren (both of Belgium) and Deportivo de La Coruna of Spain.
                                        However, one error of judgment on his part has caused the reputation he built over the years to stain, particularly in Belgium where he allegedly diverted the sum of 200,000 euro that was put in his hand by the Nigerian Community and ran to Nigeria last year.

Banky W joins Nigerian Idol as guest judge

Finally, Nigeria's top TV reality music competition, Nigerian Idol season 3, has reached its last set of performances. With 3 performances each on Sunday night, the Top 2 contestants, Debbie rise and Moses, delivered beyond their best. During the final performances, Debbie and Moses performed Cyndi Lauper's 'Time after Time'. It was the first, and perhaps last, duet for the two contestants. The judges - Yinka Davies, Femi Kuti and Jefrey Daniels - all agreed that both contestants deserved the crown. Banky W was guest judge at the Top 2 final performances. He was down to earth, as always. The Nigerian pop singer did not disappoint the audience when he took to the stage in an immaculate getup and performed 'Yes/No'

Chris Brown and Rihanna are done...for now!

 

All last week while promoting his new single, Chris Brown claimed he and Rihanna were still a couple. Well, he lied. According to E! News, they ended things a few weeks back...
From E!

We can finally close the cluttered chapter of our Rihanna and Chris Brown scrapbooks, because it's officially over...for now.

A source exclusive to E! News has confirmed the couple's split after a tireless frenzy of are-they-or-aren't-they tailchasing. Per the insider, RiRi will always love Chris but has moved on and is reshifting her focus to her career and business ventures.

Chris Brown and Rihanna were spotted partying at the same time at separate clubs on the same block in LA on Saturday night and according to reports Chris left the club with a blonde. Continue..

60 Civil Servants Escape Death In Lagos

At least, sixty workers of the Lagos State Government escaped death early this morning after the brake of the staff bus conveying them to work failed.

The driver of the bus maneuvered it until it rested on the wall of Mobil filling station on Ogunnusi Road/WEMCO junction, Ogba.
The fully loaded staff bus with registration number BK 301 KJA was heading to the Alausa Secretariat from Pen Cinema axis when the incident occurred.
The workers thanked their stars for the lucky escape as none of them sustained injury.

It was gathered that when the driver realised that the bus’ brake had failed, he swerved towards the wall of the filling station to avoid causing multiple accidents.
One of the civil servants in the vehicle who craved anonymity said that if not for God and the driver’s dexterity, lives could have been lost to the accident.
“We just need to thank God because the brake of the bus failed unexpectedly.
If not for God’s intervention and the fact that the driver is a professional, we could have crashed into other vehicles,” a source said.
After the incident, another staff bus was sent to the scene to convey the civil servants to their place of work.

AMNESTY CONTROVERSY: There is no difference between N-Delta militants and Boko Haram Islamists – Yusuf Ali

Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali

*On corruption: We are wrongly applying ‘legal shield’
‘Nigeria not serious about probity and transparency’
Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). In  this interview, he advances reason why Boko Haram Islamists deserve amnesty like the Niger Delta militants.  He also speaks on how the law can be strengthened to curb corruption. Excerpts:
Insecurity in Nigeria seems to be on the increase. What is it that we aren’t getting it right to stem it?
Security is everybody’s business. We need people who will be paid by the state to give information. That’s the way it was in the police.  The DPO had budget for informants to be paid.No matter how sophisticated your gadgets may be, you still need human elements; informants.
Security operatives should not be stereotyped in their investigative ability and performance. They must be dynamic. For example, if the Kwara commissioner of police had been killed in Kwara State, they could have said it was Boko Haram that did it. Many killings in the North may not have any thing to do with Boko Haram if properly investigated.

Confed Cup: Brazil not ready for Eagles, others – FIFA

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke conceded on Friday that Brazil will not complete its preparations in time for the Confederations Cup and warned that compromises “will be impossible” ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Valcke’s comments came on the day Brazilian organisers delivered the third of the six stadiums that will be used in the warm-up tournament, which begins on June 15.
“The next few weeks will be an acid test for the host cities, the local organising committee, the federal government and Fifa on the final lap of preparations for the Fifa Confederations Cup,” Valcke said in his latest column published on Fifa’s website. “We are all working together tirelessly against the clock to make sure that the facilities will be ready to host a world-class tournament in two months.”
After a series of delays, the Arena Fonte Nova was finally opened Friday in the northeastern city of Salvador, and Valcke said local organisers have promised to deliver the remaining three venues by the end of the month.

Report: Software that can grade essays emerges

EDX- Creator of the Software

Imagine taking a college exam, and, instead of handing in a blue book and getting a grade from a professor a few weeks later, clicking the “send” button when you are done and receiving a grade back instantly, your essay scored by a software program.
And then, instead of being done with that exam, imagine that the system would immediately let you rewrite the test to try to improve your grade.
EdX, the nonprofit enterprise founded by Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to offer courses on the Internet, has just introduced such a system and will make its automated software available free on the Web to any institution that wants to use it. The software uses artificial intelligence to grade student essays and short written answers, freeing professors for other tasks.

The new service will bring the educational consortium into a growing conflict over the role of automation in education. Although automated grading systems for multiple-choice and true-false tests are now widespread, the use of artificial intelligence technology to grade essay answers has not yet received widespread endorsement by educators and has many critics

SO SAD! Over 60 die in ghastly multiple crash

Over 60 persons were Friday afternoon burnt to death in a fatal multiple accident involving a trailer, an oil tanker and a luxury bus.

Following the accident which occurred at Ugbogui village, along the Benin-Ore-Lagos Expressway, a heavy traffic gridlock resulted with commuters on the dual carriageway stranded for several hours.

Three passengers of the luxury bus who were rescued were rushed to a nearby hospital. They were badly burnt.

The driver of the trailer, his motor boy and 57 passengers in the luxury bus were among the dead.

Witnesses said the accident occurred at about 1.30 pm, when a trailer loaded with cement reportedly had a burst tyre and rammed into a petrol tanker carrying fuel which hit the fully loaded luxury bus with the inscription “Young Shall Grow Motors.” The luxury bus reportedly burst into flame upon contact.

African attires rule the world. Do you agree?

Famous designers are creating unique attires from African fabrics and preserving their authenticity through high quality designs and sewing. What is more, the attires are available and affordable, writes JANICE NKOLI IFEME.  

An Africa, clothes hold a special place. Besides being items of fashion, they also denote class. Over the years, African designs have gained a prominent place world wide. Many labels now look up to them for inspiration.

In Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Guinea, men, women and children clothes made from African prints, aso-oke (hand-woven), brocade, French lace, lace caftan, ankara, damask and kente, among other African fabrics can befound. 

Local fabrics are popular and can be seen in several stores and markets in almost every locality. Some of the markets are in Balogun and Gutter in Lagos Island, Itoku in Abeokuta, Gbagi in Ibadan.

Many clothing stores such as Dupsie’s African Clothing, Remi Lagos, Oyeog and African Attire’s Clothing are dedicated to providing African clothes at affordable prices. They also provide accessories to go with them. 

EXPERT ANALYSIS: Why Buhari Can’t Be President Again

Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman is former vice president, Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), ex-Economic, Political and Security Adviser to General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua; Adviser on Politics and Economy to the former SGF, Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed (Wazirin Jama’a); and member, National Executive Committee, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).

In this interview, he declared that President Goodluck Jonathan had failed the country. He also gave reasons General Muhammadu Buhari failed to win the 2007 and 2011 presidential elections. Excerpts:

Buhari cannot rule Nigeria again

You witnessed what happened during the Buhari regime and that was why Buhari was removed. People who had contracts with government and voluntarily executed the contracts were accused of corruption. We know all the black and white of award of contracts in most of the countries in Africa and even overseas.

Oshiomhole @60

TODAY, April 4, 2013 two-term globally acclaimed former President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Comrade Governor of EdoState, Adams Oshiomhole marks his 60th birthday anniversary. At its maiden Merit Award edition recently in Lagos, the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria, LAWAN, among others honoured the Comrade Governor for being a pride of modern trade unionism.

It was instructive that Labour writers singled out a second-term governor for a pride of modern unionism merit award. Indeed the significant part of the citation on the comrade governor was devoted to his almost four decades-long trade union carrier (1971-2007). Undoubtedly the essential and perhaps most critical attributes of Adams Oshimhole is trade unionism. LAWAN certainly got it right; Life and times of Comrade Adams show that his main strenuous preoccupations have been with the improvement in the working and living conditions of the working men and women.

Scientists Reportedly Discover Gate To Hell

It sounds like something out of a horror movie. But Italian scientists say that the “Gate to Hell” is the real deal—poisonous vapors and all.

The announcement of the finding of the ruins of Pluto’s Gate (Plutonium in Latin) at an archeology conference in Turkey last month, was recently reported by Discovery News. Francesco D'Andria, professor of classic archaeology at the University of Salento in Lecce, Italy, who has been excavating the ancient Greco-Roman World Heritage Site of Hierapolis for years, led the research team.

The little secrets of successful entrepreneurs

It's never too late to start something, start where you are with what you have and each time you succeed, raise the bar a little higher. That is my favorite quote!

There is never a perfect time, perfect environment, perfect financial standing, perfect market(all these, i call Condition), only you can create a perfect condition. i am writing this basically for the under 20s and the 20s, but if you fall outside this range, it's still good you read this, maybe there was something you missed in your time. But you're all lucky!
One of the main reasons that young entrepreneurs can build incredibly successful businesses is that they have absolutely nothing to lose, you have the energy, the drive, Zeal or enthusiasm, you can solve problems in with a completely different mindset, you have no capital expenses, no immediate family to cater for and you can eat anything that keeps you healthy. you can move around without having to  worry about filling your gas tank, you don't have to think about paying your child's school fees. That said, you can streamline that little savings of yours to start something small (remember, Rome was not built in a day). the young entrepreneur has the energy to consistently burn the midnight candle.

Chris Brown shouts out Wizkid & Azonto on BET’s 106 & Park

You all need to watch this video. Chris Brown, while promoting his new album on BET's 106 & Park, talks about Azonto, credits it to Nigeria (Ghana people, make una no vex abeg..hehe) and says he learnt it from Wizkid...and also says Wizzy baby is an incredible artist.

SHOCKING!!!: “I’m Still In Love With Jim Iyke’ – Actress Stephnora Okere Confesses

Actress Stephnora Okere and Jim Iyke dated for a while many years back and according to an interview she granted Stella Dimoko Korkus in this week’s Encomium magazine, she’s still in love with jim. Excerpts from the interview:

 

“I’ve been maintaining a low profile because of the fact that I wanted to re-arrange myself for the future having made one or two mistakes in the past.

“What mistakes are you referring to?

As an actress or your personal life?” Stephnora: “Both. First as an actress, I allowed myself to put on weight and that is not good for the kind of profession I’m in.
When I gained weight, I lost a lot of offer for movie roles. My personal life mistake concerns my involvement in a marriage process that never scaled through.

I Miss D'Banj - Don Jazzy Confesses

The split between two former co-label owners of Mohits Records; D'Banj and Don Jazzy, will be a year old in few weeks time. Their going-apart is still one of the most talked about in the Nigerian music industry.
Even almost a year after, people still talk about their split like it happened yesterday. Both parties have floated their own music labels: Mavin Records and DB Records; Don Jazzy and D'Banj respectively and have moved on with their lives.

At the AY Show held last night in Lagos, while answering questions on the red carpet, Don Jazzy confessed that he misses D'Banj.

The Delta State multi-award winning beats maker said, "D'Banj is doing well wherever he is. You're putting words in my mouth; yes, but of course, I miss him."

I am the next Governor of Ekiti State- Fayose

Dr. Peter Ayo-Fayose
 

Ibadan – Ahead of 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State, former governor Ayo Fayose of PDP has vowed to recapture power and become the next governor in the state.

In an interview with reporters of Nigeria in Ibadan, the embattled Fayose said “there is no agenda in 2014, I am the next governor in Ekiti state’’.

Sounding spiritual and philosophical, Fayose said he left office through the State House of Assembly on Oct. 15, 2006 and Mr Segun Oni also left on Oct. 15, 2010 while the incumbent Gov. Kayode Fayemi was sworn in on Oct. 16, 2010.

Patience fires her spokesman, appoints Rudolf Okonkwo, US-based Satirist as media aide

Patience Jonathan (Nigeria First Lady)

As fresh crisis surrounding the health of the First Lady Mrs. Patience Jonathan brews, the presidency has fired her spokesman, Mr. Ayo Osinlu.

The news is contained in a press release issued by the president’s Special Assistant on the Media, Dr. Reuben Abati.

Sahara-reporters sources say that the decision to fire Mr. Osinlu was taken by the First Lady from her hospital bed in Europe. Mrs. Patience Jonathan was mad at the inability of Mr. Osinlu to provide a foolproof decoy of a story to distract the media from her current medical surgeon abroad.

Pope Francis calls for peace in Nigeria

Pope Francis used his first Easter Sunday address to call for peace in the world and appealed for a diplomatic solution to the crisis torn countries and regions of the world such the Korean peninsula, Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, Mail and the Central Republic of Africa.
The Pope decried the continued insurgent attacks in Nigeria when he prayed for Africa and and referred to Mali and Nigeria, “where attacks sadly continue.” He sued for peace across the world.
In his first “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) message, Francis also called for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, an end to the civil war in Syria, and political solutions to conflicts in several African countries.

Game of Thrones returns for the third series

The usual line about HBO’s Game of Thrones, which returned for its third series last night, is what a surprise its success has been. Aside from The Lord of the Rings, the thinking goes, audiences have always been resistant to grand fantasy. So it is strange that the programme, based on George RR Martin’s bestselling books, is Sky Atlantic’s most popular, and has drawn millions of unexpected fans: housewives and historians, as well as the expected men with beards.
But really we shouldn’t be surprised that the British love it. Our nation after all has been raised on childish versions of fantasy, from Narnia to Hogwarts to

The truth about our private jet, by P-square

They are ever busy, taking their music around the continent where they are arguably the most popular act from Nigeria. Peter Okoye, one-half of the energetic choreographers and twin singers, P-Square, spoke to VICTOR AKANDE, an Entertainment Editor, recently.

Finally ‘My Oga at the Top, Adesuyi replaces Obafaiye Shem as Lagos Commandant

Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, has finally replaced Mr. Obafaiye Shem, the man who postulated the “my oga at the top” mantra, as commandant of Lagos State Command. He was replaced by Mr. Adesuyi Clement from Oyo State Command.
The Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr. Olu Abolurin, who was in Lagos weekend over the alleged killing of two of his officers by some policemen, introduced the new Commandant to journalists.

However,

Recruitment at Bank Of America, Campaign in Nigeria – Nigerian Job Vacancy

We are on of the world’s largest financial institution with offices in major cities across the world will be in Lagos on Thursday, 25th April 2013 to discuss on opportunities for undergraduates to join
the company’s office in London and New york in USA.
The Event Description:
The event is open to student from any discipline who actually have an interest in the Financial markets and the career opportunities available in this industry. There will be free transport to and fro to the venue for the presentation for those who have been selected to attend the event.
Those That Can Apply:
Any undergraduate

WE ROCK!!! Nigeria Is The 9th Most Visited Country In Africa

Forget about the Boko Boys and their bombing campaign, pay no heed to the tales of people who say we aren’t tourist friendly, but our Nigeria, our darling  Naira is one of the best 10 places people think of when they want to have a taste of Mama Africa and all here wondrous gifts of nature.
Maybe it’s the beautiful ladies with their elegant bodies which feature the classic high-rounded butt (that alone is a tourist attraction). Maybe

Nigerian female scientist wins $100,000 2013 L’Oréal-UNESCO Awards

                                                    Professor Francisca Okeke

A Nigerian female scientist has bagged a prize of $100,000, as one of the winners of the 2013 L’Oréal-UNESCO Awards in Physical Sciences.
Professor Francisca Okeke, the first female Head of Department, University of Nigeria Nsukka bagged the 2013 Laureate award for her significant contributions “to the understanding of daily variations of the ion currents in the upper atmosphere which may further our understanding of climate change.”
UNESCO says Professor Okeke