Didier Drogba paid $74 million for 5% stake in Ivory Coast Gold Mine

Ivorian soccer legend and former striker for London’s Chelsea, Didier Drogba, has bought a five per cent stake in the country’s largest gold mining company, say local press reports.

According to the media reports carried on Friday, Drogba reportedly paid $74 million to acquire part of the state’s holding in the company.

This sale is part of the government’s plan to offload 10 per cent of its stake to private investors. The Ivorian government had encouraged the football star to purchase the shares.

President Alassane Ouattara congratulated the star for purchasing the stake, which is up to half of the shares set aside for local private investors.

Comedian I Go Dye Becomes United Nations MDG Ambassador [PICZ]

One of Nigeria’s funny men, Francis Agoda, popularly referred to as I Go Dye has been named a United Nations Millennium Development Goal Ambassador. The initiative is to recognize individuals who have championed and enhanced through their work the overall development of humanity, based on selfless services, creativity and compassion towards human development.

Receiving the award, the comedian said, “I feel honoured with this honour, but it will be more gratifying to me, when I will see that our leaders create opportunities for youths to be gainfully employed. Because as at today; millions of Africans are suffering, and faced with uncertainty. The future seems vague and no hope in sight.

President Jonathan's Official Photographer Shot by Unknown Gunmen

Mr Callistus Ewelike, President Goodluck Jonathan’s official photographer and a staff of the News Agency of Nigeria has been shot by unknown gunmen.

The shooting took place between 10p.m and 11p.m in front of his residence at in Nyanya, Abuja. Two men were said to have alighted from motorcycle when the victim was coming out from his car. One of the assailants reportedly confronted him and shot him in the neck at close range. Nothing was stolen from him.

The gunmen ran away when the gunshot alerted residents of the area. Neighbours immediately rushed Ewelike to the National Hospital, Abuja where medical doctors stabilized him and prepared him for surgery.

DSP Altine Daniel, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, confirmed the incident and added that investigation into the matter has begun.

History made as DELSUTH performs first kidney transplant

The Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara has recorded what is still considered a rare feat in the medical field in Nigeria with a successful kidney transplant.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, a Medical Doctor who was among the medical team in the theatre during the operation, had last year assured Deltans shortly after a pace maker implantation that there will be kidney transplant in the hospital this year.

Speaking to journalists in Oghara Monday, Governor Uduaghan expressed satisfaction that the transplant was a success stating that it was another medical breakthrough for the hospital.

"This is a happy day for me as we are able to provide this service," the Governor said, adding, "I know we were well prepared for this surgery and we also have a good post-surgery team."

New Music Video: Flavour –– Ikwokrikwo

President Goodluck Jonathan Signs Anti-Gay Bill into Law

President Goodluck Jonathan signed a bill on Monday that criminalises same-sex relationships, the presidency said.

The bill, which contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same-sex "amorous relationships" and membership of gay rights groups, was passed by the national assembly last May but Jonathan had delayed signing it into law.

Two similar bills have been proposed since 2006 but failed to make it through parliament.

"Yes, Mr President had signed the bill into law, a statement will be issued on it within the week," presidency spokesman Reuben Abati told Reuters.

“I didn’t have plastic surgery to fix my nose” – Uche Jombo

Responding to a question in a recent interview with Punch, Nollywood actress, Uche Jombo said “I have never gone under the knife. I hear people say I have done plastic surgery on my nose. I cannot imagine a desire to fix my nose of all the things I would to my body. It sounds very ridiculous.”

The 34-year-old actress also talked about her marital life “Married life is great. I am not missing spinsterhood at all. My husband is a great human being. He works and lives in New York. I met him through a doctor friend of mine who is his business partner. After our first meeting, he came to talk to me about some business ventures and that’s how we started talking. My first attraction to him was his personality. …I don’t know how many children we plan to have yet.”

On New Year resolution: “I know we are in the New Year. But I don’t have any New Year resolution. I will let things take their cause and let God direct all my actions.”

On her saddest day: “The saddest day of my life was the day my dad died.” She said.

Aamito Stacie of Uganda Wins First Edition of Africa’s Next Top Model [PHOTOS]

Africa’s Next Top Model season 1 finale held yesterday and pretty contestant Aamito Stacie Lagum from Uganda emerged the proud and excited winner.

Aamito had beaten her fellow top 3 mates – Michaela Pinto from Angola & Opeyemi Awoyemi from Nigeria to emerge the winner.

She gets the 1-year modelling contract with New York based modelling agency DNA Model Management, a product endorsement deal with P&G, a 1-year contract as an ambassador for South African Tourism, SNAPP, Etisalat, Verve, and a cash prize of 50,000 USD.

Congrats to her!

See more photos on the flip.

“I can’t wait to be in your arms” – Damilola Adegbite Gushes About Her love for Chris Attoh [PICZ]

It all started with Iyke Okechukwu (Chuks) and Florence Uwaleke (Ene) in the popular TV series, Tinsel – Chuks moved from dating Ene in Tinsel to marrying her in real life.

The baton has now shifted from Chuks & Ene to beautiful actress Damilola Adegbite and Ghanaian hunk, Chris Attoh.

Though, there were rumours that the pair have been in hot romance for some time now, but neither of them has been bold enough to affirm or debunk the claims.

Well, all that has changed now, as Damilola has gone ‘public’ – she recently shared a romantic photo of her and Chris, with the caption “I miss you terribly Nii. I can’t wait to be in your arms”.

For all the secret admirers of Dami, we say soweee.

100 Nigerians Languish in Moroccan Prisons, says Ambassador

Sen. Abdallah Wali, Nigeria’s ambassador to Morocco, on Sunday said no fewer than 100 Nigerians were currently languishing in Moroccan Prisons.

Wali told Newsmen in Sokoto that most of them were being held for offences relating to illegal migration, drugs and petty crimes.

According to him, “there is no existing protocol between Nigeria and Morocco regarding repatriation of Nigerian prisoners or Moroccan prisoners to their respective countries.

“What we do is that the embassy frequently visits Nigerian prisoners in various prisons spread across the country,” he said.

The envoy also said that during such visits, the embassy officials listened to the prisoners and collated their requests for onward transmission to the authorities.

“So that they get attention, whether it is medical, sometimes even on the food they eat.

 “Sometimes they also need access to some things that are not provided in the prisons,” Wali said.

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