We’re Still Waiting for Response on Economy, House C’ttee Reminds Okonjo-Iweala

The House of Representatives Committee on Finance has responded to a report by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, that she needed more time to answer the 50 questions handed to her by the committee on December 19 on the state of the economy.

Last week, Okonjo-Iweala likened the 50 questions on the state of the economy posed to her by the committee as an examination.

The committee chairman, Abdul-Mumini Jibrin (APC  Kano), who described the statement of the minister as a vindication of the decision it took last year when it gave her two weeks to answer the questions posed to her, noted that "the minister appears to be taking the memories of Nigerians for granted.

I Had Only One Failed Marriage –– Nollywood Actor Yemi Solade

In a recent interview, veteran actor, Yemi Solade talks about his career and his family – the actor also refuted rumours that he has had three failed marriages.

See Excerpts;

You are married...

Very married.

So, why are you not wearing your wedding ring?

It’s bondage. I am a free person. When I want to sleep, I sleep like Adam. I like my skin to be free all the time.

Comedian Bovi Says He is Richer than Celebrities who get Endorsement Deals [VIDEO]

Top comedian, Bovi has disclosed that he is richer than Nigerian celebrities who get endorsement deals.

“The money I make from Glo and Diamond Bank is better than endorsement deals they think they have because at the long run when the money piles up, I’m way richer” he disclosed in a recent interview with Soar Naija.

He further talked about his relationship with Basketmouth, the women in his life and his career.

See video below;

Primary 5 Pupil Allegedly Commits Suicide in Ondo

Awal Osisi, a 13-year old primary five pupil on Wednesday committed suicide in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

Awal was allegedly found in his parents’ room hanging by the door via a belt he had used to hang himself. His step mother Mrs Rukayat Osisi reportedly raised alarm at about 10.00am when she discovered the dangling body of the boy in the room. She then brought down the body before going to ‘A’ Division of the Ondo state police command at about 1.35 pm to report the alleged suicide.

Rukayat said she discovered the body of the boy in the room after he hanged himself with a belt tied to the handle of the door. She said she had to remove the corpse of the deceased and take it to the State specialist hospital in Akure before reporting the incident at the police station.

Yaya Toure Tells Why He Won the African Player of the Year Award

Newly crowned African player of the Year, Yaya Toure has pointed at the consistent good outings for his country as the reason behind his success.

The Manchester City midfielder edged Nigeria's John Obi Mikel and country man Didier Drogba to clinch his third straight title as the continent's best footballer in a ceremony in Lagos, on Thursday evening.

Speaking to Ghanaian radio station Citi FM after the ceremony, Toure revealed that churning out top performances on a regular basis for one's national team was behind his rise to become the top player he is at the moment.

"I think the award was given based on one's work with his national team and we, the contenders were judged based on that."

2015: Gov. Uduaghan to run for senatorial seat

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Thursday, declared his intention to run for Delta South senatorial district election in 2015.

Uduaghan, while speaking with journalists in Asaba, said that there was an unwritten zonal arrangement on where the senatorial race would go at every point in time.

He said: “This unwritten understanding gives the opportunity to the Itsekiri race, in the senatorial district, to take its turn and I have every right to do that.

“When it comes to the issue of election, I have a lot to offer, but the election being one year from now is not what I should break my head  over.”

Refuting the allegation that he was defecting to another political party, Uduaghan said that there was no need for such a move.

He added that he was a foundation and a life time member of People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

Send ‘YES’ to Live & NO to Die: Nigerian in India Take Cyber-Crime to Another Level [PICZ]

They had allegedly forced hundreds of businessmen, particularly jewellers, across India to live in constant fear, even forcing a few to avoid coming to their shops. All these were done through SMS.

Two brothers, Vikas and Prakash and their Nigerian friend, Idehen Solomon Osazee perpetrate their heinous activities by sending text messages to their victims, asking them to pay an amount of money and also to reply ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ if they wanted to stay alive or not.

According to deccanherald.com, the trio, who have over 18,000 businessmen as targets, make use of free SMS services of foreign websites to send over 1,500 messages daily.

Police said the trio collected a huge database of businessmen operating in various parts of India, including Delhi, from different websites.

“They targeted jewellers, particularly because the cash flow in their shops is very high and security minimal. Also, they believed this community would prefer paying the ransom than getting into court cases,” said a senior police officer involved in the investigations.

Africa’s Richest Woman Denies Plans to Contest in Lagos Gubernatorial Elections

Folorunsho Alakija, Africa's richest woman has countered rumors claiming she intends to contest in the Lagos Gubernatorial elections come 2015. Her posters were seen at the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa on Thursday.

A statement issued on her behalf read, "It has come to my notice, that there are posters and fliers being circulated in Ikorodu and other parts of Lagos State announcing me as a Governorship aspirant.

"This is not true and I hereby confirm that I have no such intentions. Therefore, I disassociate myself from any persons or group of persons, posters or fliers in circulation about me contesting for governorship.

Itsekiri women confront Uduaghan on Ugborodo Crisis

The Itsekiri women on Wednesday stormed the Delta Government House annex, Warri, demanding explanations on the fracas in Ugborodo community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.

Chief Rita Ogbebor, who led the women, urged Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan to tell the people the causes of the recent unrest in the Ugborodo community.

Ogbebor said that the women were worried about the various reports in the media that the community had been turned into a war zone.

“Since Monday, I have been receiving calls all over the world about the crisis in Ugborodo.

“Those who are dying are our sons and husbands, the children are becoming orphans and the women widows.

“With the intelligence reports available to you, you must be able to know what the problems are, so we are asking you to tell us sincerely the causes of the problem”, she said.

New Music Video: Lynxxx – Ifeoma

On his birthday in November last year, Lynxxx dropped a single titled, Ifeoma – now the Syndik8 front man has premiered the video.

Check it out;

Naomi Oni Poured Acid On Herself to Gain Fame –– Mary Konye

A woman threw sulphuric acid on herself in order to gain fame and fortune, the friend accused of carrying out the attack has claimed.

Naomi Oni, 21, who was disfigured for life in the brutal attack, was forced to deny in court that she asked friend Mary Konye, also 21, to "play the stalker" and throw acid on her.

Ms Oni, who has been left disfigured for life by the attack, denied the claims made by Konye's lawyer at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

But the defence claimed it was all part of her plan to become rich and famous, the Daily Mail reported.

Ms Oni told the court she was not obsessed with plastic surgery or with Katy Piper, who was also the victim of an acid attack, despite her laptop internet history suggesting otherwise.

Chiwetel Ejiofor & Lupita Nyong’o nominated at British Academy Film Awards

Nigerian–British actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kenyan actress, Lupita Nyong’o have been nominated at the 2014 EE British Academy Film Awards.

Chiwetel and Lupita were nominated for their role in the movie, ’12 Years a Slave’ – Ejiofor stared as Solomon Northup, while Lupita was casted as Patsey.

Chiwetel is up for the ‘Best Actor’ category, while Lupita was nominated for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ and ‘Rising Star’ categories.

Also, the director of the movie, 12 Years a Slave, Steve McQueen also got nominated in the Best Director category.

FASHION 101! See How Ghanaian Celebrities Abuse Fashion and Make-up [PICZ]

When it comes to fashion, Ghanaian celebrities don’t disappoint their fans; their near nude dress sense is always a recurring decimal at any social gathering. It was not different at the just concluded Ghana Movie Awards, as most celebs came out in all forms and sizes trying so hard to ‘redefine’ fashion and make-up lines.

Check out more photos on the flip and see how make-up has assumed another dimension in Ghana.

Woman Died In Hospital Not My Office, Says Gov Aliyu

Niger State governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has denied reports that a woman died in his office.

The governor on Tuesday said that 46- year -old Hajiya Belkisu Mahmoud died at the Minna General Hospital almost half an hour after she was rushed out of his office on Monday.

“The woman came into my office panting, initially I thought it was because of the staircase she climbed but she told me that she was sick and has a heart problem.

“She came to complain on some issues in the state and as she was speaking, she started coughing and at a point she requested that her bag which contains her drugs, but left in the waiting room be brought for her.

Leonardo DiCaprio Opens Up On How He Survived a Shark Attack [VIDEO]

Leonardo DiCaprio shared an unforgettable experience with audience members as he stopped by "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Tuesday, January 7. The star of “The Wolf of Wall Street” casually mentioned during the show that he was almost eaten by a “gigantic great white” in 2006.

“I had a huge fear of sharks, and when I did 'Blood Diamond' in 2006 I actually got stuck in a cage with a great white, which was awesome,” he said. “It was a gigantic great white ... They actually said in 30 years this has never happened, but the tuna kind of got stuck on the top of the cage and the great white leapt out and tried to bite it and went into the cage with me.”

“Half of its body was in and out, and I flattened down at the bottom, and it was this far away, and it chomped a few times but I survived it,” the ‘Titanic’ star added.

See video below

How 18-yr-old boy killed 12-year-old girl for money ritual

The police in Lagos State, yesterday, said they have arrested an 18-year-old boy, Ikechukwu Friday, who allegedly killed a 12-year-old girl for money ritual.

The suspect, who is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba, was paraded before newsmen.

According to him, a pastor he asked for money instructed him to kill a young girl and obtain her faeces.

He said the pastor promised him ₦100,000 if he was able to accomplish the task.

According to him, “I attend a popular church around Ketu Street, Aguda but I live with my parents in Badagry. I just finished secondary school and I have been very broke so I approached the pastor for money but he told me that I should strangulate a little girl.

“He said when strangulating the girl, she would pass out faeces. The pastor said I should obtain the faeces and bring it to him. He said if I could do this, he would give me ₦100,000.

Eva Longoria Sizzles on the Cover of Maxim's Woman of the Year Issue [PICZ]

It's only a few days into 2014, but Maxim has already set their eyes on Eva Longoria as their Woman of the Year. In the magazine's January/February issue due on news stand January 17, the former "Desperate Housewives" actress is sizzling as she strikes sexy poses in various skimpy outfits and gives her best come-hither look.

"It's especially awesome after how long it's been since my first cover," the 38-year-old brunette beauty tells the magazine.

See one more photo on the flip.

I pray to have artistes bigger than Wizkid – Banky W

In a recent interview with a Nigerian radio station, Banky W disclosed that his greatest prayer is to have artistes that will excel more than Wizkid, who is also signed under EME.

Banky W said, “Bad news is more interesting to people than good news and when you don’t give people bad news, they just find a way to create it just to get traffic to their website or sell their newspapers.

Contrary to what was reported, Wizkid never actually left (EME). We understood that we had to restructure because he was getting bigger.

He now has his imprint called, ‘Star Boy’, which is normal. Jay Z signed Kanye (West), who now has G.O.O.D Music. Everything is fine; Wizkid is still with the team. I am very proud of him and I pray that all of my artistes will grow as far as Wizkid and even more.”

Vincent Enyeama Named Europe’s Best Goalkeeper

Super Eagles vice-captain and Lille of France safe hands, Vincent Enyeama has been picked as the best goalkeeper in the major leagues across Europe in the 2013/14 football season.

Research by supersport.com showed that the ratio of saves made to goals conceded by the Nigerian is by far and away the most impressive, compared to any goalkeeper at any football club in any of Europe’s top leagues this season.

The 31-year-old conceded eight goals in 19 league appearances for Lille OSC this season and was voted best player in Ligue 1 on two consecutive occasions ahead of stellar individuals like Thiago Silva, Edinson Cavani, Mathieu Valbuena, Radamel Falcao and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Facebook Founder, Mark Zuckerberg is America's Biggest Philanthropist

Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and chief executive of Facebook, was the US's biggest charity donor in 2013, according to a list of publicly-available donations.

Mr Zuckerberg, 29, and his wife Priscilla Chan gave $990m (£598m) to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, the California charity, in December.

The donation, made up of 18m Facebook shares, made up almost a third of the $3.4bn that America's wealthiest philanthropists - those who gave more than $100m - donated in 2013, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

In total, 15 Americans donated more than $100m last year; a rebound in charitable giving after 11 donated the amount the year before. The research does not include those who gave anonymously.

Why I Donated My Kidney To Save OJB's Life –– Mabel

In a recent interview, veteran producer OJB Jezreel and his first wife, Mabel talked about their marriage and why she gave him a kidney.

Excerpts;

How long have you been married?

OJB: We have been married for 20 years.

When and how did you meet?

OJB: We met in church. The church just opened in the area and she came with her younger sister who was my friend. The sister was the matchmaker. To a large extent then, I think I was looking for a partner. As with everybody, you get to a stage where you feel you have to make your life more grounded and I was looking in the direction of marriage.

Bandits Kill RCCG Area Pastor, Cut out His Intestines

An Area Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, and a Senior Manager at the Red Star Express, a courier company, Tunde Olawuwo, has been murdered.

PM News reports that after taking his life, the attackers cut him up and placed his intestines on his chest.

It was gathered that Olawuwo was killed at about 4 am on Sunday at his residence in Magboro area of Ogun State, western Nigeria.

The killers reportedly arrived at the pastor’s house at about 2am but could not gain entrance into the house until 4am. They broke in through the window and began shooting into the ceiling where the pastor was said to have hidden.

The deceased was said to have fallen from the ceiling and was shot several times by the killers.

Boko Haram Bomb Maker Arrested By JTF in Jigawa

The Joint Task Force, JTF, has said it has apprehended a Boko Haram chieftain, who doubles as the group’s bomb maker in Kazaure, Jigawa state.

Spokesman of 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, headquartered in Kano, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, said six people were rescued during a dawn raid that led to the arrest of the yet to be identified terrorist.

Those rescued were three women and three toddlers, suspected to be family members of the man who intelligence gathering revealed has been in the business of aiding and abating terrorist activities in the North.

Iweha said: “In continuation of operations aimed at complementing the efforts of military operation in the North Eastern part of the country and as is customary with the JTF in Kano, the command deems it fit to keep the general public up to speed with developments in the fight against terrorists in its area of operational responsibility.

Buhari, Tinubu & APC Leadership are Bunch of Hypocrites – Presidency

The presidency has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and particularly its leadership comprising Major General Muhammadu Buhari and former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, of double standards and being inconsistent on national issues.

In a paper titled, “Nigeria in 2014: Facts Versus Fiction”, written by the Special Assistant to the President, New Media, Mr. Reno Omokri, the presidency described the opposition and its leadership as a bunch of “hypocrites” who would stop at nothing to “secure political power by whatever means necessary”.

Omokri recalled that on December 18, 2013, several newspapers had carried the statement from APC which called on President Goodluck Jonathan to respond to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter on the grounds that the allegations contained in the letter warranted a response.

However, he expressed surprise that after the president did exactly what the APC had recommended, it changed its tune and on December 26, the party berated Jonathan’s response to Obasanjo’s letter.

Zimbabwean Writer Blast Comedian Basket Mouth Over ‘Rape’ Joke

Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basket Mouth got more than what he bargained for recently, after he posted a joke that had ‘rape’ inclination.

Though the comedian has deleted the joke and apologised on his twitter page, but the ripples the joke generated has crossed the borders of Nigeria. (See a snap shot of the joke below)

One of the folks who felt slighted by the joke is a Zimbabwean writer/blogger, Barbara Mhangami. Barbara, who currently resides in the US with her husband and four daughters, lashes at the comedian in a piece she titled, “Mister Basketmouth, Rape is NOT a Joke!”

Excerpts,

“Dear Mr. Basketmouth. I write in peace, because war does not solve anything. Moreover I am desperate to communicate in a way that will get you to understand the gravity of what you did by sharing a horrible joke, whose punchline is rape.