Nigerian Journalist, Ameto Akpe Named 2013 Persephone Miel Fellow

Nigerian Journalist, Ameto Akpe has been adjudged the 2013 Persephone Miel Fellowship winner; this was announced by The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

Launched in October 2010 in a collaboration between the Pulitzer Center and Inter news, the $7,500 fellowship supports an international journalist to report on a systemic global issue in his or her home country. The fellowship also provides support from the Pulitzer Center for editorial oversight, multimedia development, outreach and assistance with placement in U.S. news media outlets.

Meanwhile, the group says it received more than 165 applications for the fellowship from nearly 80 countries.

Congrats.

Airtel's Chief Marketing Officer resigns

Airtel Networks Limited on Thursday confirmed that Mr. Olu Akanmu, its Chief Marketing Officer has resigned his appointment with the company to pursue other interests-with effect from Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

According to a statement, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Airtel was quoted as saying, “Mr. Akanmu led the marketing function at a crucial time in the life of our organization and brought his over two decades of marketing experience and a rich knowledge of the telecommunications market to bear on his role as our CMO. On behalf of all of us at Airtel, I wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

FG uncovers 1,497 illegal border routes

THE Federal Government has identified a total number of 84 legitimate and legal routes through which people could come or go out of Nigeria, while about 1,497 illegal routes that entered the country had also been uncovered.

Determined to put an end to the unending insurgency in the country, the Federal Government has, therefore, approached the United States of America (USA) to assist in addressing the problems of the nation’s porous borders.

Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro, dropped the hint in Abuja, on Thursday, while presenting the score card of his ministry to the members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the media.

He said the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) would erect control tolls and border plazas at all the identified legal routes for proper monitoring, with massive deployment of electronic surveillance equipment to the borders.

INTERVIEW: I don’t sleep in coffin; I lay in it - Charly Boy

As an advocate of the masses, accompanied with your passion for bikes.,What is your stand on the ban of bikes in some parts of the country?

I don’t know what informed that decision and wouldn’t want to talk about the rational of government in accepting this kind of policies that are not favourable to the masses. It is insensitive that despite the fact that there is a huge problem of employment; a lot of people who live from hand to mouth are being incapacitated without an alternative means. As far as my eyes can see, what is building up in the country is doom and destruction except we wrestle out our stolen future.

Every star has a mark to be known for, Lagbaja is his mask, Dbanj his Google, yours is your look and several others. Research has it that your stylist and associate singer Tina Onwudiwe created your persona, how true is it and what motivated your style?

Right from time, I have always been wired differently, with the drive to do things different and for the fact that everybody takes a right turn, doesn’t make it right. For me, it is only natural and I have been comfortable in my own skin.

How Pregnant Woman & Her Husband Sell Their Unborn Baby

A 23-year-old pregnant woman, Adaeze Mba, caused a stir at the Lagos State Police headquarters on Thursday after she confessed that she had sold her unborn baby for N200,000, in advance:

“I am seven months pregnant and as I speak to you, my husband has already sold our unborn baby for N200,000. I was against it but he convinced me to agree to it, saying he had already collected the money.”

She and her husband also sold their neighbour's son for N400,000 and escaped...

The woman, who was arrested for conniving with her husband to sell their neighbour’s four-year-old son for N400,000, said it was poverty that pushed them to crime. She confessed that she and her husband had sold two other children for N700,000.

LOVE WANTINITI: Jim Iyke and Nadia Buari announced their love in style

Filo: Jim and Nadia are definitely tired of rumours about their ‘supposed’ amorous affair. Enough of the hide and seek game - the pair took to twitter to confirm their romance, at the same time announcing their pet names.

So sweet, if you ask me – Skittles and Space.

“She calls me Skittles. I named her Space. D gift of laughter, companionship n trust is incomparable. BFF. Love is a f***ing beautiful thang!,” Jim wrote.

And the beautiful Nadia echoed;

“There comes a point in ur life wen u realise who really matters, who never did and who always will.~I named him Skittles,he calls me Space.”

Kiyo: That puts an end to the rumours, wishing them good luck>>>.

Reuben Abati loses mum

Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Reuben Abati has announced the passing away of his mother, Madam Maria Taiwo Abati. Madam Maria Taiwo Abati, 81 passed into glory today.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

May her soul rest in peace

Woolwich Attack: Muslim Association of Nigeria, UK Condemns 'Barbaric Murder'

Leaders within the Nigerian Muslim community have spoken out against the horrendous killing of a British soldier that took place in Woolwich, southeast London, yesterday.

The brutal attack on 25-year-old Drummer Lee Rigby was carried out by Michael Adebolaji, 28, and, at present, an unnamed accomplice.

They are both now armed guard.

The off-duty father-of-one was run over with a car and attacked with a large knife as he walked towards the Royal Artillery Barracks in High Street, Woolwich.

British-born Adebolaji, of Nigerian descent, was filmed at the scene with blood on his hands.

He attempted to justify the heinous act by saying: “In our land our women have to see the same.”

However, a spokesman for the Muslim Association of Nigeria UK (MAN) called the action a “barbaric murder”.

“What he did is condemnable,” Idris Eletu, secretary of the Muslim Association of Nigeria UK, told The Voice. “Muslim Nigerians are not like that. Islam is a religion of peace.”

“We are equally horrified by what has happened. No muslim is expected to behave in such way, he added as he urged “all muslims and Nigerians [to] disassociate themselves” from the perpetrators.

Eletu added: “We should not be looking at this on the basis of his nationality but see him as a human being who has done something bad.

Source: The Voice

VIDEO: Morgan Freeman Falls 'Asleep' During Live Interview

Body no be firewood!

The 75-year-old actor may have woken a bit too early as he joined co-star Michael Caine for promotional interviews for his new movie ‘Now You See me’.

You can’t cheat nature.

Lol !!!

GHANA MEETS NAIJA: Wizkid, Burna Boy, Timaya, R2Bees, Raquel and others to headline this year’s show

This year’s edition of the Ghana meets Naija Music Concert is scheduled to hold at the Accra International Conference Centre on June 29, 2013. The show, which has become a yearly ritual, would see performances from Naija’s Wizkid, Timaya, Burna Boy, and Ghana’s music sensation, R2Bees, Samini, Okyeame Kwame, E.L, Edem, and Raquel among others.

Addressing the press at the Holiday Inn, Wizkid assured his fans of spectacular performance during that night. “I will give the best performance of my life at Ghana meet Naija this year”, says the African Artist of The Year.

Engaged bodybuilders become first couple to win world championship honours at same event

In terms of dedication, engaged couples, Don Akim, 43, and Rosanna Beckett, 33, from Loewstoft, Suffolk, are no ordinary couple.

Just four months ago, the betrothed pair began bodybuilding together, and they are now celebrating becoming the first ever couple to both win world championship honours at the same event, having picked up three trophies between them at the Miami Pro World Champions held in St Albans - beating more than 200 athletes to the awards.

President Mahama’s Tribute To Chinua Achebe

Ghana’s President John Mahama, in his tribute to the late literary icon, recognizes the impact of Prof Chinua Achebe’s literary works on writers as well as political leaders. Talking about Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, the President wrote “This literature empowered me and others to believe in our ability to create change”

Here is the full text

In the same way that Chinua Achebe’s books helped foster the talent of countless writers in Africa’s post-colonial era, they also inspired a number of africa’s current political leaders.

Achebe had such influence on the african political landscape that three years ago he started convening an annual colloquium at brown University, where he was a professor, that brought together leaders, scholars and artists to discuss “strengthening democracy and peace on the african continent”.

When I was introduced to Mr. Achebe’s writing in the 1970s, during secondary school, there seemed to be no discernable separation in Africa between politics and the arts. We attended demonstrations almost as frequently as we attended discos. The music that we listened to, from Fela Kuti to James Brown, was filled with racial pride and political protest.

Cossy Orjiakor Covers Maiden Edition of Chizy’s Spyware Free Magazine

Yes it is Cossy! Guess you never knew she could be this professional in her dress sense. Let’s hope she sustain this pace.

Ogoni Activist Takes Environmental Pollution Protest to Shell Stakeholders Meeting in London

Celestine AkpoBari Nkabari, an environmental activist and human rights defender from Ogoniland in the Niger Delta presented Peter Voser, the soon to retire CEO of Shell, with a champagne bottle containing polluted water from his home and invite him to attend a retirement party in the Niger Delta, in recognition of the massive pollution that Shell has caused during its decades of operation in Ogoniland.

The protest comes almost two years after a damning report by the UN concluded that a succession of oil spills by Shell in Ogoniland over half a century will require $1bn start-up finance and take 35 years to clean up. One of the report’s findings was that communities’ drinking water was contaminated with dangerous concentrations of benzene and other pollutants. Celestine, who is from Ogoniland and works directly with impacted communities, had planned to travel to The Hague to attend Shell’s AGM but was denied a visa after stating his intention to attend the AGM.

Celestine said: “I have travelled all the way from the Niger Delta to ask Shell what it has been doing in the past two years since the UN report established their responsibility for the devastating pollution in my homeland. We see no evidence of Shell starting the clean-up. The only evidence that we see is the oil in our water, the smoke in our air, the crops that die and our livelihoods and culture that are destroyed. All the things that Ken Saro-Wiwa was fighting for, we are still fighting for them. While Peter Voser is retiring to spend more time with his family, in Ogoniland we are still fighting for a livable environment for our families.”

Meanwhile, two climate activist groups, Platform London and UK Tar Sands Network have also joined the solidarity campaign at the Shell’s Stakeholders Meeting.

Source: Ogoninews

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UPDATE On Ghana's Conjoined Twins: Swedish couple to adopt conjoined twins

The Social Welfare Department has finally settled on a Swedish couple to adopt the conjoined twins born at the Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital a fortnight ago.

This follows a formal agreement signed by the family of the conjoined twins on Wednesday to leave the children in the sole custody of government.

The mother of the babies, 16, and her family rejected them upon upon birth. The babies who share the same heart have two stomachs, two hands and legs.

Joy News’ Richard Kojo Nyarko, reporting from the Central region indicated that the Swedish couple will be in Ghana soon to conclude the adoption processes and take full responsibility for the babies.

According to the Central regional head of the Social Welfare, Kate Abban, the mother of the twins has surrendered every right to the children to government.

“…Fortunately, we’ve got somebody from Sweden who has shown interest in the children, she will come to Ghana for the necessary documents to be done and then she will send the children outside [Ghana],” Kate added.

Source: myjoyonline

Ogun state government uncovers N200m WAEC fees fraud

Following the fraudulent diversion of about N200 million, meant to pay the examination fees of secondary school students, into personal accounts, four officials of the Ogun State government are now assisting the Police at the Police headquarters, Eleweeran, Abeokuta to explain their various roles in the fraud.

A statement from the office of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Taiwo Adeoluwa last night revealed that the diversion covered about three academic sessions.

The statement further stated that, “Four officials, two males and two females, are already in the police net and are helping the police in its investigation. Other suspects are also being investigated for their roles in the fraud.”

The government said preliminary investigation suggested that the fraud was perpetrated through inflation of the list of candidates in public schools.

PHOTOS: Eva Longoria Graduates with a Master's Degree

Yesterday was a special day for American television and film actress, Eva Longoria!

The actress announced on Twitter that she's graduating with her master's degree in Chicano studies from California State University, Northridge.

Eva also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology from Texas A&M University.

 According to the California State University website, Chicano Studies is described as a 'field that advances a critical understanding of the Chicana/o and Latina/o experience in the United States.

Meanwhile, here is a food for thought from Eva, "You're never too old or too busy to continue your education!"

Congratulations!

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We Have Arrested Killers of Slain Kwara CP, Says IG

Almost three months after the dastardly murder of the former Kwara State Police Commissioner Chinwike Asadu in Enugu, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Wednesday declared that seven persons suspected to have been involved in the murder have been arrested, while efforts were being made to track down others still on the run.

The late Asadu, who was until his death the CP of Kwara State command of the police force, was murdered on March 2, 2013 at his Amorji Nike residence, Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The IG spoke in Enugu when he received a total of 100 sedans and Hilux vans fully equipped with security and communication gadgets from the Enugu State Governor S He said following the confessions made by the seven suspects, the police are on the trail of other collaborators in the murder, disclosing that the seven persons had already been arraigned in court.

VIDEO: Human Parts Seller Confesses

The Police force command in Lagos on Tuesday paraded four suspected men who specialised in selling human parts to herbalists and ritualists. The suspects confessed that human heads were sold for N8000, hands goes for N4000 and private parts are sold at N10,000.
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A new friend for Chris Brown

The controversial pop star got himself a new furry friend and took to his website to introduce his adorable pup to all his loyal fans.

"I'm excited to introduce you to the latest member of the fam!" The "Run It" singer writes in a post on the Chris Brown Channel. "Check out the pic of my new English bulldog puppy that I got last night."

At least he has someone to play with; let’s hope he won’t miss Rihanna that much. 

NEW MUSIC: Niyola Drops Two Singles CRAZY and TOH BAD

Filo: Few minutes ago, EME’s first lady, Niyola released two new singles, “Crazy” & “Toh Bad”.

Here are the joints!

Crazy

Toh Bad

PHOTOS from Damilola Adegbite’s Private Beach Party

Filo: The actress, who recently turned 28, celebrated her birthday with friends in a private beach party.

She is definitely cute; does her hairdo remind you of Rihanna?

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NEW VIDEO: BRACKET - Temperature

Filo: Yori yori crooner, bracket returns with the video of a song they dropped last year titled “Temperature”; the video was directed by Clarence Peters.

Enjoy!

Starcomms Staff Are Not Smiling – Almost 3 months without Salary

Staffs of telecommunications company, Starcomms, have threatened to file a legal action against the company’s over its refusal to pay their outstanding two months’ salary.

The workers had last month in a protest letter published by DailyPost, accused the management of unjust treatment in the handling of their welfare.

According to them, days after the report on their plight, the management called a meeting to avail members of staff the opportunity to ask questions about the state of the organization.

But in a new statement, they allege that “Instead of the Chief Executive Officer and his team to bow their heads in shame and appeal to the disgruntled, loyal and dedicated staffs, he simply displayed his incompetence in running the affairs of the organization by either avoiding or redirecting questions put to him to other top notch collaborators.”

The workers also said that the CEO further displayed inconsideration by saying he owes no one an apology.

Did Pope Francis Perform An Exorcism?

The case is about a 43-year-old husband and father who travelled to Rome from Mexico to attend Francis' Mass on Sunday in St. Peter's Square. At the end of the Mass, Francis blessed several wheelchair-bound faithful as he always does, including a man possessed by the devil, according to the priest who brought him, the Rev. Juan Rivas.

Pope Francis laid his hands on the man's head and recited a prayer. The man heaved deeply a half-dozen times, shook, and then slumped in his wheelchair.

The images, broadcast worldwide, prompted the television station of the Italian bishops' conference to declare that according to several exorcists, there was "no doubt" that Francis either performed an exorcism or a simpler prayer to free the man from the devil.

The Vatican, in a statement Tuesday, said Francis "didn't intend to perform any exorcism. But as he often does for the sick or suffering, he simply intended to pray for someone who was suffering who was presented to him."

Having watched the video, what do you think?