I didn’t graduate with third class – Soyinka

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on Sunday, said he graduated with Second Class Upper Division and not Third Class Honour from the University College, Ibadan, as widely believed.

He said this while fielding questions from 79 secondary school students drawn from different parts of the country, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, as part of 2013 Open Door Series project, “Memoirs of Our Future,” an international cultural exchange programme organised to mark his 79th birthday.

The programme was organised by a Lagos-based multi-media company, Zmirage, in collaboration with the Ogun State government.

Soyinka told the students that he decided to open up on the matter as a mark of respect for

Baba Suwe Contests Appeal Court's Judgment in Supreme Court

Mr Babatunde Omidina, a.k.a. Baba Suwe, has appealed the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, which set aside the judgement of Justice Yetunde Idowu of Ikeja High Court, which awarded N25 million compensation to the comic actor after he was detained several days by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) which suspected him of carrying narcotic substances in 2011.

The appellate court, in its judgment delivered by Justice Rita Pemu described the ₦25 million compensation as baseless and pervasive, and held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to preside over the fundamental human rights suit filed by Baba Suwe’s lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, in October 24, 2011.

Photos of Mercy Aigbe’s Stunning Outfit at the 2013 City People Awards

Popular actress, Mercy Aigbe won the award for Best Actress (Yoruba) at the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards, which took place on Sunday (July 14), at The Haven, Ikeja, Lagos.

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We've No Feud with Police Force but Mbu – Amaechi

Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, at the weekend made a curious appearance at a fundraiser to build the Christian Police Chapel in Port Harcourt, where he shed light on the crisis of confidence that has pitted his administration against the police authorities in the state.

Amaechi, represented by his deputy, Mr. Tele Ikuru, at the occasion to raise N100 million to build the chapel, said his administration had no problem with the police but with the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu, whom he has accused of partisanship in the discharge of his official duties.

The state government and Mbu have been at loggerheads since the onset of the political crisis in the state occasioned by the sack of the executive of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Amaechi.

VIDEO: Ice Prince Clears the Air on Receiving His BET Awards Backstage

Last Friday, Ice Prince made made history as the first Nigerian artiste to be interviewed on New York City’s very own HuffPost Live, a video-streaming subsidiary of Huffington Post.

In the interview, Ice Prince talks about winning the 2013 BET Award [Best International Act] and also clears the air on rumors that have been making rounds that he received his award backstage with no crowd present. He explains he was given the award on stage just before the live broadcast of the main show kicked off.

Tweet Of The Day: Omotola Ekeinde’s Advice

Beyonce was insecure about her thighs – Michelle Williams

Beyonce Knowles has the kind of looks that most girls want, but despite that she was also insecure about her body as others are.

Michelle told the new issue of InTouch Weekly magazine: "On the outside, we were poised and smiling. But behind the scenes we had issues. I was trying to gain weight, and meanwhile Beyoncé would say, 'I think my thighs are too big.' "

While the 'Bootylicious' girls stunned on stage, showing off their slender legs and tones physique, Michelle says ''we were real girls back then'' and they each had their ''flaws and all''.

No body is perfect after all!

Army impounds petrol tanker loaded with arms in Kebbi

Soldiers in Kebbi State have impounded a petrol tanker loaded with arms and ammunitions.

The arrest was effected on Thursday during a joint patrol by the army and the State Security Service (SSS),the Commanding Officer, 1 Battalion Lt. Col. Sunday Ilori, said yesterday in Birnin-Kebbi.

Found in the fuel compartment of the oil tanker were three AK 47 Rifles, one RPG-2, nine AK 47 magazines, two bombs, three RPG chargers and 790 rounds of 7.62mm of special ammunitions

“The arrest and confiscation of arms was sequel to the on-going operations of the 1 Battalion of the Nigerian Army with headquarters in Sokoto, against insurgency and insurgent activities within its area of responsibilities.

PHOTOS: Saxophonist Yemi Sax Weds Shola

Saxophonist Adeyemi Adeosun popularly called Yemi Sax married his fiancee, Shola Tayo Durojaiye in Lekki yesterday.

The wedding took place at the Cold Stone Creamery Bar with hundreds of celebrities and fans in attendance.

The lovers did their traditional wedding few months ago.

Congrats to the couple

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Man kills wife over breastfeeding of twins

A man identified as Endurance Enadeba, has allegedly killed his wife in Benin during an argument on breastfeeding of their newborn set of twins. The incident happened in Upper Sakponba area of Benin, as the couple was preparing for the naming ceremony of their twins.

The tragedy followed an argument on when the woman identified as Osarumwense should breastfeed the babies. According to eyewitnesses, the couple celebrated the birth of the twins last Sunday and was preparing for the naming ceremony when the tragedy occurred.

The husband, Endurance Enadeba, was said to have hit the wife on the head with an object, which resulted in her death. He was said to have requested the wife to breastfeed the babies who were crying, but the woman reportedly said she wanted to urinate first.

The witnesses said the husband went to where the wife was to urinate, and a fracas ensued,

My life as a single mother -Tolani Oshirin

Abiodun Sofuyi Okeowo (also known as ‘Tolani Oshirin’) is barely seven years in the Nigerian movie industry, but she has become a household name in the Yoruba genre of Nollywood. She spoke with AJIBADE ALABI on a number of issues. Excerpts

Where and how did you join the movie industry?
I started with Ray Eyiwunmi Organisation. The group consisted of Lasun Ray, Muka Ray and Murphy Ray. I joined the group in February 2006, and became like an apprentice learning from them. After some years, I could stand on my own, and I produced my own first movie in 2007. It was entitled Tolani Osinrin.

What prompted you to go into acting?
Acting is inborn. My dad used to be in the Awarawa Theatre Group with Jide Kosoko and the likes of them. When I was in primary school, we used to bring out our desks to start acting.

Photo: Al Mustapha visits TB Joshua immediately after release

Al-Mustapha was released yesterday Friday July 12th after many years in prison, and his first port of call after his release was T.B Joshua's place.

T.B Joshua explains why Al-Mustapha visited him:

I got to know him many years ago when a petition was addressed to General Bamaiyi who was the then Chairman of the NDLEA. As you know, several efforts had been made by my detractors to bring me and my ministry down. One of those efforts was that petition. I was arrested for investigation and it was later discovered that it was a tissue of lies. I spent nine days with them for investigation and they found the whole thing to be a fabrication. From there, I was taken to Aso Rock (City of Power) to see the president. It was there that I met Mustapha.

Zimbabwe hospital charges women $5 for each scream during childbirth

A Transparency International report claims that a hospital in Zimbabwe charged women $5 for each scream during childbirth as a way of stopping them from "raising false alarm."

According to the Transparency International report on corruption in Zimbabwe, one of the poorest countries in Africa, women who are unable to pay the "screaming fee" in addition to a delivery fee of $50 could be detained at the hospital and charged interest until they are able to pay.

The NGO said the corrupt hospital was pushing mothers to give birth at home in a country where eight women die in childbirth every day, according to UN figures.

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Dr Sid – Love Mine

Dr Sid has released the video for his single "Love Mine" off the album SIDUCTION. Produced by Don Jazzy for Mavin Records, the video was shot on location in London and directed by Moe Musa.

19-year-old becomes new Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church

19-year-old Courtney Meadows was installed as pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church in White Hall, Alabama, during a recent and well-attended Sunday service.

The young preacher is taking over from Rev L.L. Brown Sr., who is now in his 80s.

Meadows told the Montgomery Advertiser “I can honestly say, there has never been a time when I couldn't imagine myself preaching". "I always make this statement: If I'm not preaching, life is not worth living for me, because I know that's what I've been called to do."

Meadows, who is a full-time student, studying marketing at the University of Montevallo was asked how he can possibly juggle those responsibilities with his new church role.

"I believe that everything that God gives to us, in terms of purpose, he gives us his grace and ability to manage it all," he said.

“I had nothing to do with 10 Rules for Dating my Daughter” – Femi Kuti

When I first saw the post, I knew a fellow blogger is trying to play a smart one on Femi Kuti – this is because the ’10 rules for Dating my Daughter’ customised t-shirt have been trending on social media for some time.

Anyway, Afrobeat maestro, Femi Kuti has refuted the claim, handling it in a rather matured way.

Hear him;

“I'm not the one that put it up . I had nothing to do with that post o…the blog didn't say I said it , it said things I probably would o or say very tricky statement”

Genesis of “10 Rules for Dating my Daughter”

It all started on February 18^th, 2013 when Alan Smyth (co-author of myfatherdaughter.com) 

Nigerian Supermodel Oluchi talks ‘Africa’s Next Top Model’

Nigerian supermodel Oluchi Orlandi was in South Africa to launch Africa’s version of Tyra Banks’ Next Top Model TV show. She spoke to Munya Vomo.

‘When I went to America after winning the first M-Net Face of Africa, I struggled,” said Nigerian international model, Oluchi Orlandi, as she tried to hold back her tears.

“I want to dedicate the next five to 10 years of my life to giving back to my African community and bringing Africa’s Next Top Model here is the place to start. I may look 22, but I am not, so I can’t keep doing this; someone has to take over from where I have left off,” Orlandi said.

Africa’s Next Top Model will seek out beauties across the continent and have them converge in Cape Town to compete for the job.

“We are trying to have a show that will celebrate the beauty of the diversity of Africa. I have people in New York who said I would never find beautiful women here and that bugs me. I want to change that perception,” she said.

Mob sets robbers ablaze for stealing recharge cards

An angry mob has set three suspected armed robbers ablaze in Ikotun, Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Thursday that the robbers were set on fire on Wednesday evening, shortly after robbing a recharge card trader at Second Junction bus stop on Governor’s Road.

Our correspondent, who visited the area, observed burnt tyres, carcass of a burnt motorcycle and some human flesh on the side of the road.

The recharge card trader, Ese Akporhono, who had a bandage on her head, told our correspondent that the robbers came to her shop posing as customers.

She said a few seconds later, the suspects pointed a gun at her and stole recharge cards worth ₦400,000 before fleeing.

She said, “Around 5pm, I was closing the shop when the men approached me saying they wanted to buy recharge card.

PHOTOS: Check out Ghanaian Star, Asamoah Gyan’s House and his Exotic Cars

The Black Stars Player who is often referred to as Baby Jet took time to do the “if you have it, flaunt it” in his recently released photos.

Asamoah, a Glo Ambassador is surely living the life… his deal with Al Ain FC fetched him a whopping £6.72million in 2012 (close to ₦2 billion).

Like they say ‘when you are big, you are big’

Check out the photos

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Sam Mendes will direct the next James Bond film

Sam Mendes will direct the next James Bond film, which will be released in October 2015.

Mendes, who directed the last 007 film, Skyfall, had previously stated that the idea of directing the next installment of the Bond franchise made him feel "physically ill" but after talks between the director and producers, he said: "I am very pleased that by giving me the time I need to honour all my theatre commitments, the producers have made it possible for me to direct Bond 24. I very much look forward to taking up the reins again, and to working with Daniel Craig, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for a second time."

Singer Adokiye Talks About Her Nude Photos

The singer talked about her controversial nude photos which she took for a private magazine in New York in this interview with Happenings Magazine. Enjoy

Tell us about your photo shoot in New York?

Well it happened when I was in New York and it was for work. I am not going to talk much on it but it happened when I was in New York, I did a photo shoot for a private magazine company and that is it.

How did you handle the critics on this issue of your nude picture?

Whoever does something they don’t criticize?

Did you feel offended about it?

No I never did. Critics don’t come to your face, not even one person came to me to complain or anything. But they all say I went nude when I didn’t. Yeah! I showed skin but I didn’t go nude. So

Daily Needs offer ₦500,000 scholarship to Rolling Dollar’s children

Some succour came the way of the family of deceased highlife musician, Fatai Olayiwola Olagunju, when the management of Daily Needs Industries Limited donated ₦500,000 for his children’s education.

The artiste popularly called Rolling Dollars, who died at the age of 86 on June 12, 2013, was an ambassador to the makers of De-Deon’s Syrup.

In a statement, the company’s management notes that the gesture is a furtherance of the robust relationship between the late musician and it as he was Daily Needs’ brand ambassador for five years.

“To us at Daily Needs, we are ever concerned about family healthcare, children’s future and education.  This is what informed the management’s decision to donate the ₦500,000 cash to

CBN Deputy Gov. Sarah Alade bags Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award

The West Africa Students Union (WASU) has conferred the 2012/2013 Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award on the Deputy Governor (Economic Policy) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Sarah Alade, OON, in recognition of her immense contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award, which is conferred on institutions, corporate concerns and eminent persons of West African origin, who have distinguished themselves in their chosen endeavour, was presented to Dr. (Mrs.) Alade on Thursday, July 11, 2013, at the Headquarters of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

According to the Secretary General of WASU, Comrade Bamikole Oladele Babs, who led the

Kidnappers Abduct Hyundai Staff, Demand ₦25m Ransom

A yet-to-be identified kidnap gang on Tuesday abducted a member of staff of Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Chinyere Nwajei, in the Festac Town area of Lagos State, on her way back from work.

According to reports, the unknown gang had since made contact with the victim’s family, demanding the sum of 150,000 dollars (₦24,750,000).

The victim, who works at the company’s Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island branch, was said to have been kidnapped at night at the Festac link bridge.

It was also gathered that the victim who was alone in her car, was not only abducted but that the gang also made away with her car, a 2012 Hyundai Accent, which is yet to be found.

Nigerian Student Jailed In UK over Fake Marriage (PHOTOS)

 

A 29-year-old Nigerian, Jayeola Abiola was yesterday sentenced to 12 months in jail in UK for a sham marriage.

To be able to stay in UK, the Hull University masters student paid a Portuguese, Vania Pinheiro-Fernandes, 29, to be his bride. He also paid another Nigerian, Ayodeji Abbis £1,000 to act as the best man.

The couple were caught when officers of the UK Border Agency were tipped off by the Hull Registrar that the couple seemed to barely know each other when they were interviewed at the rehearsal.

Crown barrister David Bradshaw said Jayeola Abiola was a Nigerian student in Hull