Blessing Okagbare outshines sprint favourites to win in Birmingham

Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare put up a surprised feat today at the Diamond League meeting in Birmingham when she outshines favourites Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Carmelita Jeter to win the 200 metres race

The race had been billed as a clash between Jamaica's Olympic 100 winner Fraser-Pryce and world sprint champion Jeter of the U.S. but Okagbare finished strongly to win in 22.55.

“I'm not a good starter so I have more of an advantage on the 200,” Okagbare said, “with the upcoming world championships; the goal is to stay healthy,” she added.

Congrats to her!

Check out Photos of Genevieve Nnaji without Makeup

The Nollywood actress posted the photos on her instagram page today.

She’s looking pretty as usual!

PHOTOS: Wizkid, Dr Sid and Timaya's Performance at Ghana meets Naija concert

The much anticipated Ghana meets Naija concert finally took place on Saturday night with performances from from Wizkid, Timaya, Dr. Sid, EL, Samini, Okyeame Kwame, Raquel, DBlack, Bandana, and others.

The concert was attended by several celebrities including Jim Iyke, Don Jazzy, Asamoah Gyan and others.

Check out the photos!

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TWEET OF THE DAY: ‘R2bees make us proud; Iceprince, you are a winner’ – Yvonne Nelson

Why Nigerian Singer, Burna Boy Failed To Perform at the Ghana meets Naija Concert

Aside Ghanaian sensation, R2bees who were slated to perform at the Ghana meets Naija Concert but didn’t show up because the duo are in US for the BET Awards, Naija’s Burna Boy could not also perform.

Burna Boy, who recently signed a deal with Glo as one of the company’s ambassador was at the venue but did not perform because the concert was sponsored by competition, MTN.

He however spoke off stage to the audience and apologised for his inability to perform; later he posted this message “New glo deal sweeter dan a bxxxh!!!”

PHOTOS: Nollywood Actor, Jim Iyke at the Ghana Meets Naija Concert

Is Jim Iyke camera shy? No, let me guess, he’s trying to reach out to Nadia.

Lol!!!

PHOTOS: Ghanian Actress Juliet Ibrahim Covers “House Of Maliq” July 2013 Issue

Ghanian Actress Juliet Ibrahim is in the news again - this time she is not speaking on OJB kidney transplant, rather she poses for the cover of House of Maliq.

Check out her lovely photos.

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“I never authorised sale of FG property in Washington D.C” – Ogwu

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Joy Ogwu, says she did not authorise the sale of any Federal Government property in Washington D.C. during her tenure as foreign minister from2006-2007.

Ogwu gave the clarification in an interview with reporters on Saturday in Abuja.

Her comments came on the heels of her invitation by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs investigating the alleged embezzlement of 23.5 million dollars from the Nigerian embassy in Washington D.C.

The funds were said to be proceeds from the sale of three Federal Government houses in Washington DC between 2004 – 2007.

NAN recalls that the Senate initiated the probe following a petition by one Mr David Elombah.

Ogwu said: “In a letter dated June 10, I was invited by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on a petition concerning misappropriation and embezzlement of funds by the Nigerian ambassador to the U.S. and others.

“Paragraph two of the letter states that I am invited to the meeting in my capacity as former foreign affairs minister 2006-2007.

NEW VIDEO: Quest ft Kayswitch - Oluwa loni disco

Ban on Same Sex Marriage lifted in California, Gay Couples rushed to marry

Same-sex couples rushed to San Francisco’s City Hall on Friday to be legally married after an appeal court officially ended California’s ban on gay marriage following a landmark ruling at the Supreme Court this week.

Within moments of the ruling, couples, officials and activists began to converge on San Francisco City Hall, where unions were due to resume immediately.

Meanwhile, the couple whose case sparked this week’s Supreme Court decision exchanged vows in a ceremony officiated by state Attorney General Kamala Harris.

“This is really a great day,” said Sandy Stier, who with her fiancée Kristin Perry filed the lawsuit against Proposition 8, the ballot initiative that outlawed same-sex marriage in California in 2008.

California, which briefly allowed marriages in 2008, now becomes the 13th state, and the largest, to allow gay marriage.

PHOTOS: Adele shows off new ‘Paradise’ tattoo on her left hand

Adele has got herself another tattoo.The 'Someone Like You' singer's latest body ink comes courtesy of the tattoo artist Bang Bang.

The New York tattoo artist posted a picture of himself with Adele on Facebook and captioned the image: "The lovely Adele came in to get tattooed today".

The photo also shows Adele displaying her new tattoo which consists of the word "paradise" down the side of her hand.

Adele's latest tattoo adds to her growing collection of body art as she already has the letter "A" inked behind one of her ears, three dots on one of her wrists and a circle with a heart and the words "One Penny" inside it, also on her wrist. Penny is the name of Adele's mother.

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Masquerade stabs man to death in Enugu

The police in Enugu on Friday arrested a masquerade for allegedly stabbing a 60-year-old man, Emma Nnamani, to death.

The Public Relations Officer of the state command, Ebere Amaraizu, said in a statement that the masquerade allegedly stabbed the man on Thursday.

He said investigations had shown that the masquerade was worn by one Chinedu Iyioke of Umuofiagu Ukehe in Igboetiti Local Government Area.

“Emma Nnamani was stabbed in his lower abdomen for a yet to be identified reason,” Mr. Amaraizu said.

He said the victim was rushed to Elechi Hospital for medical attention where he gave up the ghost. He said the body of the deceased had been deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.

PHOTO: Singer, Waje Covers Bubbles Magazine

Cool!

VIDEO: Watch Comedian Elenu and his heartthrob, Chinwe's wedding

Comedian Babatunde Akinlami, popularly known as Elenu and his long-time girlfriend, Chinwe Jane Anyanwu tied the knot on 15th June, 2013 at Global Impact Church, Surulere, Lagos.

Congrats to the couple.

I don’t have a daughter out of wedlock – Benita Nzeribe

Benita Nzeribe started out as a teen star in Nollywood and later grew into adulthood long before the industry started experiencing the boom it now enjoys. Though quick to say she got into the industry by accident, the light-complexioned beau has carved a niche for herself. That is why her endorsement as Ambassador for two separate institutions is not a surprise. In this interview, she talks about her career, endorsements and refutes the rumour making the rounds that she has a love child.

It seems your love for acting has vanished?

How do you mean? I’m still and will remain an actress.

But you’ve been away from the big screen for some time now. What have you been up to?

I was really not away. One thing about entertainment is that no one ever leaves it. I have been around and I’m active. I do jobs that come my way but I am a very patient person and not swayed at all. I have not been away from the big screen. I just have a different project and responsibility on my shoulders and I’m moving on by the grace of God.

What are some of those projects you’re currently handling?

As you very well know, I am a UN Peace Ambassador and as such stand for world peace. Ambassadors work towards peace from the grassroots. Personally, I am more convinced than ever before that there should be peace in the inner mind of every human being created by God.

Three Policemen died while chasing Okada rider

Three mobile policemen were feared killed yesterday while attempting to arrest a commercial bike rider along the Cement bus stop, Abeokuta Expressway. The accident, which happened a few minutes before 10am, was said to have caused a traffic jam.

Eye witness explained that the commercial bike rider, who had two passengers, was heading to Oshodi, when a Rapid Response Squad (RRS) van started chasing them.

They were almost upon the bike rider, when suddenly, their veicle swerved to the other path.

The police van driver, who was said to have lost control of his van, suddenly applied the brake and slammed into a faragone bus.

JTF Arrests 4 Boko Haram Leaders, Recovers 200 SUVs from Insurgents

According to reports, the Joint Task Force in Borno State has said that it has recovered over 200 vehicles, consisting mainly of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), from the camps of the Boko Haram Islamic sect since the beginning of the onslaught against the insurgents from the end of last month when President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the state, and neighboring states of Yobe and Adamawa. The vehicles which are believed to have been stolen from their owners in various parts of the country are preferred by the insurgents as they facilitate their quick escape in the desert area. On Friday, four members of the sect, including one believed to be very close to the Boko Haram leader, Sheikh Abubakar Shekau, were arrested by the ‘civilian joint task force’ in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

JOKE OF THE DAY: What does this mean?

Kwara State University Expels 28 Students for various offences

At least twenty eight students have again been expelled from the Kwara State University for contravening various offences against the institution’s rules and regulations. The students according to the Deputy Registrar, Mr. Shuaib A. Mohammed, were expelled for miscellaneous offences including examination malpractice, theft, engagement in physical combat with fellow students, possession of dangerous weapons and membership of unregistered association(s).

The deputy registrar, who spoke with newsmen in his office at Malete, the permanent site of the university said “some of them were expelled for exam malpractice. Some were involved in the act of misconduct, while some belonged to an unregistered association. For example, there was a case of a boy who used knife to fight and injure his fellow students. There was another case of three boys who were caught around 1am holding a meeting in the bush. They were caught and throughout the panel session, they failed to disclose other members’ identities. So we had to expel them.

He said some students’ cases are still pending and that if the investigation team finds them guilty of offences for which they were alleged, they would eventually be expelled too.

MARIJUANA DISPLAY! Is Tonto Dike Promoting Marijuana Smoking in Nigeria?

The controversial actress turned singer recently posted a photo of herself looking all groggy, presumably an aftermath of marijuana smoking; the pic also shows a spliff on a table with the caption ‘Mi smoke gaja mi smoke weed while my hatez smoke ma gossip‘.

Later, she posted another photo of the drug laid out to spell 'HBD POKO'.

The last time I checked, Marijuana smoking is still illegal in Nigeria, why is Tonto recklessly throwing it on our faces?

Moreover, if you go through the International Business Times, UK website today, you would notice a story on Tonto Dike captioned “Rihanna Would be Proud: Nigerian Actress Tonto Dikeh Shocks Fans After Promoting Marijuana”

So the question is – Is Tonto Dike Promoting Marijuana Smoking in Nigeria?

My relationship with PSquare’s Peter Okoye … The true story – Munachi

Check out ex-beauty queen, Munachi Abi recent interview with Vanguard

Do you still recall how you felt that fateful day you were crowned as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, MBGN 2007?

I was excited. I didn’t think I was going to win but I won.

Before you won the beauty pageant, you were with a group called, The Specimen?

No, I wasn’t with them. They only gave me an opportunity to feature on their album as at that time. That was my first time rapping on wax. I used to write a lot of lyrics until my friend saw my notepad and quickly notified “The Specimen” about me. They were glad to ask me to join them as they wanted to see what I could do with my talent. I would say I learnt the art on the spot.

Have you written songs for any Nigerian artist?

Yes, back in the days, I wrote a song for J Martins, Waje. I have a good chemistry, I co-wrote the song, “I Wish” with Waje in her current album.

Aside writing songs and rapping, you are also into modelling. Do you still have that contract with Unilever as Face of Lux?

My contract with Lux is under review. They are trying to renew it.

And your programme with Sound City. Is it also under review?

I still have an amazing relationship with SoundCity. I worked with them for over a year. We didn’t

AMAA organise training for film makers in Malawi

Malawians trooped out in their hundreds at the Crossroads Hotel in the capital city, Lilongwe, to register for training in various film disciplines.

The African Film Academy, which is organising the two-week long training termed the ‘Film in a Box Training Courses’, runs similar training programs in Banjul, Johannesburg and in Lagos.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday in the capital Lilongwe, AMAA Chief Executive Officer Peace Osigwe said the training is free of charge, though participants are expected to pay a token for registration.

Meanwhile, Martha Chikuni who is the Special Assistant to President Joyce Banda said the Malawi leader is impressed with the project.

“Let me tell you that the President is in full support of this initiative which will only not benefit young Malawians but also boost economic growth of the country,” Chikuni said.

PHOTOS: Banky W, eLDee, Lynxxx, Damilola Adegbite, Efya and others on set for “Good Good Loving” video shoot

Banky W has decided to put together an all-star cast for the new video of his single, “Good Good Loving”.  

The video, which was directed by Clarence Peters will feature the likes of Lynxxx, eLDee the Don, P.R.E, Boj, Efya, Damilola Adegbite, Retta Rich, Noble Igwe and DJ Obi.

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James Bond Watch Sells for $160,000

A watch adapted for the fictional British spy 007 in the James Bond movies sold for nearly 104,000 pounds ($160,000) at a pop culture auction on Wednesday after being bought, strapless, at car boot sale for 25 pounds.

The Breitling Top Time, worn by actor Sean Connery during 007's mission to find stolen atomic bombs the 1965 movie "Thunderball", was estimated to sell for between 40,000 and 60,000 pounds.

Auction house Christie's said this was the first watch to be modified by the Q branch in the Bond movies and was equipped with a "Geiger counter" to help the suave secret agent detect the emission of nuclear radiation in the film, reports Reuters.

Made by Breitling in 1962, it was adapted by the James Bond art department and was the only example produced for the movie, a Christie's spokeswoman said.

FG recovers £22.5m stolen assets abroad – Adoke

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke, said on Thursday that his ministry had recovered more than twenty million pounds allegedly stolen from Nigeria’s coffers.

Adoke, who said this at the 2013 Ministerial Platform in Abuja, noted that the money was recovered from one Raj Arjandes Bhojwani, an Indian national and associate of late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

He said that the assets were recovered in 2011, adding that the ministry was able to recover and repatriate the money following its negotiations with the Island of Jersey.

“During the period under review, the ministry intensified its efforts to trace and repatriate Nigeria’s stolen assets abroad.

“In this connection, we have maintained effective liaison and communication with targeted jurisdictions to keep pace with assets recovery proceedings in those jurisdictions.

“In 2011, our close liaison and negotiation with the Island of Jersey led to the recovery and repatriation of the sum of £22.5 million confiscated by the Royal Court of Jersey from Raj