First Trailer For Film Adaptation Of 'Half Of A Yellow Sun' Released [VIDEO]

Half of a Yellow Sun is based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‘s novel of the same name, which won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2007. The drama follows twin sisters Olanna and Kainene as their lives are dramatically changed by the events of the Biafran War. As the trailer shows, it was an extremely tumultuous time. Weddings were interrupted by bombs going off. Along with the violence and destruction, the sisters also face personal troubles with their respective lovers.

The film is loaded down with talented names: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton and John Boyega (of Attack the Block), with acclaimed playwright Biyi Bandele at the helm.

The film does not have a release date yet, but it will be shown at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

VIDEO: When President Attah Mills Struggled to Pronounce “Economy”

Just to remember President Evans Attah Mills, the humble Ghanaian President who died on July 24^th, 2012.

May his soul rest in peace.

Father Arrested for Raping 16-year-old daughter

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 45-year old man, Toyin Sodimu, for allegedly raping his 16-year-old daughter in Temidire community of Oke Apo, Akomoje, Abeokuta.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that the teenager reported the incident to the Adatan Police Division after her father raped her about 2am last Saturday.

Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said following Sodimu’s arrest, the 16-year old girl had been taken to the hospital by the police for medical examination and treatment.

He added that the state Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, had ordered an investigation into the incident and vowed that the suspect would be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.

The statement read in part, “The policemen attached to Adatan Divisional Headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have arrested one Toyin Sodimu in Temidire community of Oke Apo, Akomoje Abeokuta after he raped his own daughter, aged 16 year on Saturday.

NLC Threatens To Join ASUU Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday threatened to join the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in solidarity strike if the federal government failed to address the ASUU demands.

NLC President, Abdulwaheed Omar, made the threat at the opening ceremony of the “2013 Rain School” in Uyo.

“We call on the federal government to have meaningful dialogue with ASUU with a view to implementing the agreement.

“The state governments should equally obey the law and pay minimum wage to teachers and the local government workers as well as the 27.5 per cent teacher's enhanced salaries.

“Should these strikes persist, workers of Nigeria will not hesitate to join them in solidarity," he stressed.

“Funke Akindele will be back and better” – Ope Banwo

“…Bad things do happen to Good People, and regardless of what anyone may say is the cause, or why she even married the guy in the first place, I believed it is always better to have dared and fail, than never to have dared at all…Funke will be back and better….” Popular showbiz entrepreneur, Ope Banwo recently showed his allegiance towards star actress, Funke Akindele.

In a message on his Facebook timeline, which also tagged Funke Akindele, the showbiz entrepreneur also implore the Jenifa star to keep her head up and never lose her sense of humour.

NDLEA arrests 41 Suspects with N2.3bn worth of drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Monday said it arrested 41 suspected drug traffickers in the first half of 2013.

NDLEA said in a statement issued by its spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, in Lagos that it recovered drugs valued at N2.3 billion.

It said, "We have apprehended 41 suspected drug traffickers with 253.390kg of narcotics with an estimated street value of N2.3 billion.

The drugs were intercepted between January and June 2013. Those arrested include 39 males and two females.

"The command also won 53 cases most of which were charged to court in 2012. In the first half of the year, the airport command successfully seized 253.390kg of various illegal drugs.

PHOTO: 2face babymama Sunmbo Ajaba weds Pastor David Adeoye

Sunmbo Ajaba got married yesterday Monday July 22nd to pastor David Adeoye of Christian Royal Centre. Their wedding held at Sheraton Hotel in Lagos.

Congrats to them.

FUNNY VIDEO: I Have Found My Mr Right

Watch I Go Save do his thing in this funny skit

Nollywood Actress Mercy Johnson and John Dumelo Pose After Service

Cool photo.

American Rapper Lil Kim Shatter CEO Dancers Dream

Though the CEO Dancers could not make it to the finals of Britain’s Got Talent reality show, yet an opportunity to further strenghthen their skills and establish themselves as great dancers came calling at the weekend.

The CEO Dancers were scheduled to dance for Rapper Lil Kim at the Lovebox Festival – her first live appearance in the UK for 12 years.

With the excitement, the group took to Instagram and Twitter to share their rehearsal videos; their comment on twitter made the fans even more expectant.

“So excited to be dancing backup for The Queen B-LIL KIM today at the Love Box festival. Catch us on the main stage at 6pm.”

“Not long till show time. We feel so honoured to be dancing for the real QUEEN BEE- LIL KIM. Let's go!!!”

The show went on as planned until it was time for Lil Kim to perform – lo and behold, the rapper was not in the venue of the festival.

The trio, made up of two Nigerians and a South Africa were however disappointed when Lil Kim showed up very late and could not perform because she missed her slot.

Lil Kim later apologised to fans at an impromptu meet and greet meeting at her hotel in London.

US-based Nigerian named Physician of the Year

U.S-based National Medical Association, NMA, has selected a Nigerian, Prof. Samuel Dagogo–Jack, as the NMA Internal Medicine Section Physician of the year.

Dagogo-Jack, a Professor of Medicine and Director, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Director, Clinical Research Centre at the University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, U.S.A., was selected based on his work in pathology of pre-diabetes and diabetes.

The letter conveying his selection read: “You have been selected to receive this honour based on your work and research in pathology of pre-diabetes and diabetes and your continued dedication to the NMA Internal Medicine Section.

Nigerian First Lady, Patience Jonathan's Mother Dies In Car Crash

There was anxiety in Port Harcourt on Monday as news of the death of Mrs. Iwari-Oba, the mother of the wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, spread in the Rivers State capital.

The mother of Mrs. Jonathan was said to have been involved in a ghastly motor accident along Elele Road in Rivers State.

It was gathered that the woman, who is from Okrika Local Government Area, was on her way to Bayelsa State when the accident happened.

Unconfirmed report indicated that her corpse was taken to Kpaiyama Mortuary by a team of policemen and a member representing Ogu Bolo State Constituency, Mr. Evans Bipi, who is a relative to the deceased.

Though, the police and the Federal Road Safety Commission in the state could not confirm the incident, an aide to Bipi said the First Lady’s mother died in a road accident, which occurred at about 4pm.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Akara Seller

Pastor Bail Muslims Out of Jail So They Could Be With Family during Ramadan

On Sunday, a Christian cleric, Father Yohanna Buro was given an award for helping to bail some Muslims out of jail so they could spend Ramadan at home.

Father Yohanna who heads the Christ Evangelical and Intercessory Fellowship Ministeries, and a group of volunteers helped to secure the release of 30 Muslim men and women from some prisons in Kaduna state. The prisoners were serving jail terms because they had been unable to pay for their bail.

The cleric stated that the gesture is to promote peace, "I have sought the release of my Muslim brothers, so they can fast and pray to God that peace will prevail in our country," he said.

According to Deutsche Welle, the Muslim Media Organization arranged a meeting of 

Lauryn Hill Writes Open Letter to Fans From Federal Prison

Lauryn Hill, who is currently serving her three months sentence at a federal prison for tax evasion took time to pen her fans – check out her note.

"I have known since very young to look for the purpose and lesson in everything, including the trials.  Although it has taken some adjustment, I cannot deny the favor I have encountered while in here, and general warm reception from a community of people who despite their circumstances, have found unique ways to make the best of them.  Thank you for the letters of concern and well wishes that I receive in the mail every day.  Although I may not be able to write everyone back, please know that they have been received, read, acknowledged, and appreciated. With Love back, MLH"

PHOTOS: Rapper Mo Cheddah Shows Off Bikini Body

 The rapper posted the pics on her Instagram page.

PHOTOS: 22-year-old Giuseppina Baafi crowned Miss Ghana 2013

Giuseppina Baafi, a 22-year-old accounting student, has been crowned Miss Ghana 2013 at a colourful finale at the Banquette Hall, State House Saturday night.

The Eastern regional representative beat 19 other hopefuls to win the coveted crown after a hotly contested finale, which had several renowned personalities in attendance.

Some of the personalities who were in attendance included Miss World 2012, Wenxia Yu; former First Lady of Ghana, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings; and Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare.

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Nollywood Actress Stella Damasus Condemns Under-age Marriage Law [VIDEO]

Stella Damasus has expressed her anger over the controversial under-age marriage law being discussed in the Senate.

The Nollywood star and singer trended on social media after posting a video online condemning the proposed amendment by the Senate, which will mean that a married girl under the age of 18 is deemed to be an adult.

The Government is trying to amend Section 21 of the Child's Rights Act of Nigeria which nullifies the marriage of persons under the age of 18. 

Meanwhile, 35 Nigerian senators have voted to ensure that the new bill becomes law.

Government’s ₦300m Nollywood fund ready for disbursement

The ₦300 million capacity building fund for the Nigerian film industry is ready for disbursement to qualified practitioners.

Its website will be launched and activated as from noon today. The website is www.projectactnollywood.com.ng.

A statement by Paul Nwabuikwu, the Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, said this “signals the commencement of the fund, as corporate and individual practitioners in various aspects of movie craft and production can apply for various specified grants under the fund to boost their skills and capacity”.

The statement added: “The Capacity Building Fund, which was announced recently as the first part of the ₦3 billion support fund for Nollywood, was pledged by President Goodluck Jonathan.”

The fund, it added, is the first in a series of initiatives planned under Project ACT Nollywood, comprising two components.

I Did Not Break Up With Yvonne Nelson because of Tonto Dikeh – Iyanya Reveals [ VIDEO]

Kukere crooner Iyanya recently spoke on his relationship with Yvonne Nelson and Tonto Dikeh in the show, Rubbin’ Minds, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.

Iyanya, who was evasive to Ebuka’s questions said his Tim Westwood’s freestyling was not targeted at Yvonne Nelson; that ‘your waist’ freestyle was done a month to Yvonne’s interview and the song was not written for her rather for his fans.

Do you believe him? Well, the singer said he dont lie because ‘his grandfather is a Reverend’.

When asked if his relationship with Yvonne ended because of Tonto – Iyanya said “Tonto Dikeh was not in the picture; i did not break up with Yvonne because of Tonto… i didn’t date Tonto, she is just somebody i respect”

“I am single and concentrating on my music and that’s it,” he added.

Check out the interview.

3 Students, Pregnant Woman Die In Auto Crash

Three students of a privately owned computer school around Mosogar, Delta State and a pregnant woman were yesterday killed in auto crash along the expressway after the Toyota Corolla car they were on-board with registration number AA 231 XX heading towards Warri in the early hours had its front tire burst.

Eye witness said the accident occurred when the vehicle which was on high speed attempted to overtake a trailer heading towards Warri and as a result of the burst of the front tire the car somersaulted into the bush.

The driver however was said to have survived the accident.

Residents who spoke on condition of anonymity have berated drivers over reckless driving on the expressway adding that several accidents have occurred in the area due to reckless driving and over speeding.

I’m Single, Karrueche and Rihanna Are ‘Good Friends’ – Chris Brown

R&B singer Chris Brown has confessed that he isn’t dating anybody at the moment and is enjoying being single.

The 24-year-old says he needs some time for himself and is avoiding dating anyone right now; but is on friendly terms with his ex-girlfriends, reported Hollywood Life.

"Fans have seen me on and off again with different girls, you know who they are, but right now, as a 24-year-old man, I just choose to be single," he said.

"I’m still good friends with them. Now it`s just me being focused with my music and doing this stuff. Right now, I`m in my prime," he added.

MBGN, Anna Banner Becomes Governor’s aide

It is no longer news that 18-year-old Anna Ebiere Banner, who contested as Miss Bayelsa was crowned the 26th Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria. What is news is that the Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson has made the beauty queen an honorary special assistant on tourism and culture.

According to the Governor, “we are doing this to demonstrate our commitment to tourism development as another avenue for generating revenue outside oil. We look forward to hosting the MGBN annually and winners will be cultural ambassadors of our state”.

Double congrats to Anna Banner 

“I refused calls to condemn TB Joshua” – Archbishop Duncan-Williams

Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the General overseer of the Christian Action Faith Ministries has said he won’t succumb to pressure to condemn Prophet TB Joshua, following the death of four people in a holy water stampede at Joshua’s church in Ghana few months ago.

“Somebody called me recently and said what do you think about…people rushing to a place over holy water and dying and all that; we need you to say something; you have to speak up; you have to make a statement and I said ‘no’, I don’t make comments on matters like that”, Duncan-Williams told his congregation in a recent sermon which was replayed on Radio XYZ’s ‘Voice of Action’ Christian Programme on Sunday July 21.

He said: “I am not called to insult and to attack people”. The cleric said he believed that: “That which is of God shall stand and what is not of God shall fail, so I don’t insult people, I don’t

PHOTOS: US Based Nollywood Actor Chet Anekwe weds Rebekah Walker in Michigan

Nigerian born award winning actor and film maker, Chet Bashari Anekwe, whose work spans Hollywood, Nollywood and the New York Theatre, married his longtime girlfriend, Rebekah Walker Saturday July 20th in Detroit, Michigan, US.

Stella Damasus and her lover, Daniel Ademinokan both attended the Chet Anekwe’s private wedding in company of few friends and some Nollywood actors in U.S.

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