Friday 31 May 2013

Mexico hold Feisty Eagles

The Super Eagles of Nigeria early Saturday were held to a 2-2 draw by the Tri Colores of Mexico in an international friendly match played at the Home Depot Arena in Houston, Texas USA. The Mexicans drew the first blood through Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez,however the Eagles drew level courtesy of a Brown Ideye's penalty while John Ogu swept in the second for the African champions minutes after the first goal. The second half however was an all Mexican affair as the Super Eagles failed to capitalize on their numerical and  superior goal advantage. The Central Americans were able to restore parity once again through Hernandez who scored his second goal of the match after a lapse of concentration from the Eagles defence line. Both teams were using the match to prepare for the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil  and World Cup qualifiers

Brymo still with ChocolateCity, says label boss  

Following  the action of one of Chocolate City Record’s finest acts, Brymo  who  tweeted recently    that he had left the label, founder and chief Executive Officer of the label, Audu Makori, has refuted the claim, insisting that he’s still with the label. He said this during a press conference held at the label’s Lekki office on Wednesday, May 29 this year. According to him, Brymo is on a three year contract to produce three albums with them so, there’s no way he’s going to leave the label without completing his contract deals. At the moment, Brymo has just one album out in the market. As for what transpired between the label and Brymo, Audu explained that as a lawyer, following the rule of law is his priority, and would like artistes to work within their contract terms too. According to him, it was impossible for Brymo to have decided to quit his contract without following due process.  He has to either “play or pay”. But he stressed that there’s no personal war going on between the label and Brymo. Citing himself as an example, M.I who was also on ground, supported Audu saying, loyalty, humility and hard work are qualities expected of an artiste under any record label.  According to him, artistes are expected to be loyal to their labels and team, humble and hardworking as that’s what stood M.I out and promoted his career. Further questioning revealed that upon Brymo posting his smoking picture on instagram, Audu had asked him to remove the picture but Brymo refused which amounted to insubordination, a move not good for the brand.  In all, Audu stressed that he isn’t interested in painting anyone black but that both parties should sit at a round table and talk matters over to their advantage.

Wizkid Balogun Makes Top Eight Non-American Summer Songs of 2013

Nigerian Music Sensation,Wizkid Balogun, emerged third out of the top eight non-American summer song of 2013 courtesy of his hit track, ‘Azonto’. According to American entertainment online newspaper, FeedBuzz.com, Wizzy, whose ‘Azonto’ came 3rd on the chart, is the only African artiste who made the list. See other songs that made the list. 1. “Blackout” by Wretch 32 feat. Shakka (United Kingdom) A stripped-down beach house track smothered with beautiful reggae-influenced rapping. It’s glorious. Watch video here:   2. “Biglang Liko” by Ron Henley feat. Pow Chavez (Philippines) Released in January, the track (which translates to “Sudden Turn”) has fresh synths ideal for summer road trips. The video, however, has a really sick ending. Watch video here: http://youtu.be/B6Ipftnqz4E   3. “Azonto” by WizKid (Nigeria) The title derives from a popular dance movement in West Africa, originating in Ghana. The dance involves traditional African moves like knee bending and hip swaying, combined with wild, complex hand movements that supposedly mimic everyday activities. Watch video here: http://youtu.be/grPJ8DemVrE   4. “This Love” by Shinhwa (South Korea) The song talks about the fragility of true love, which goes along with the slow piano at the beginning and ending. It also features a lot of voguing in its choreography, a rarity in boy band territory. Watch video here: http://youtu.be/45wH_HHnJBg   5. “Invader Invader” by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (Japan) The eternal 12-year-old who brought you the masterpiece called “PonPonPon” releases her latest single, which is currently at #3 in Billboard’s Japan Hot 100. Watch video here: http://youtu.be/jcIOg_m-bp4 6. “This Is What It Feels Like” by Armin van Buuren feat. Trevor Guthrie (Netherlands) Bringing the beauty of trance music to the beach houses this season. The special appearance of Ron Jeremy in the video should not be missed. Watch video here: http://youtu.be/BR_DFMUzX4E   7. “Big Banana” by Havana Brown feat. R3hab and Prophet (Australia) Not-so-subtle lyrics aside, the synth hooks from this track is beach-party-worthy. Watch video here: http://youtu.be/KFzT7ms5kwU   8. “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams (France) Sure, the track features an American artist, but not including this French EDM duo in this list would be like not putting on sunscreen before heading to the beach Watch video here: http://youtu.be/5NV6Rdv1a3I  

Chuddy K quits SQN illegally?

It is no longer news that the talented singer, Chukwudi, a.k.a, “Chuddy K” is not signed to SQN record label.What is now  news is that the “gaga crazy” crooner, Chuddy K left the label illegally as he still has 18 months left in his present contract with SQN. The scintillating singer last week in an interview said he left the label because of the way he was treated. Addressing newsmen on the recent development in the industry, the SQN boss, Wale Kuku said that there was nothing like treating Chuddy K badly. He said  he cares first about the feelings of the artistes under his label. “ No doubt, Chuddy K was a talented singer while with us and he is still talented. But saying that he was treated like a small boy here is what I know never happened. I care most about the feelings of my artistes. As I am talking to you now, his termination of the contract is illegal because, his contract is till December 2014.It is either he comes and completes his contract with us or, he pays all that the label has spent on him,” Wale said.

Kidnappers storm Obasanjo Farms, abduct two Asians

Men suspected to be kidnappers  Friday  morning stormed Obasanjo farms in Mfamosong, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State and kidnapped two Asians said to be staff of the Oil Palm Estate. News gathered that the kidnappers who were said to have stormed the farm in a taxi  shot sporadically to scare away people around the farm and immediately kidnapped the two persons and took them to a waiting boat near the seaside. A source who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on  condition of anonymity narrated that, “Today in Mfamosong, kidnappers came and kidnapped two white men inside the company premises. “They came in a taxi to a  farm that used to belong to former president Obasanjo but has been sold out to a Chinese company. The kidnappers drove inside the premises of the company shooting sporadically and abducted two white men into their taxi and drove straight to the waterside where they put them in a speed boat and left with them,” he stated. Also speaking to the Reporter, a member of the community said that the kidnappers were yet to make demands and that the victims are from Indonesia and Malaysia. He said, “It was in the morning around 7:30 – 8am when the two persons were kidnapped. There was no security at the farm that morning. The security operates  only at night, not the daytime.” He said that the place where the incident took place belong to Akwa Ikot Effanga and Mfamasong and that the suspected kidnappers must have come from that Akwa Ikot Effanga side. “They came with a small car and left with a flying boat, the driver of the car hid in the waiting car and there was nobody to pursue them. They were shooting in the air, they came with a taxi, went inside the premises kidnapped the people and dashed inside the river” he said. He said that the victims are staff of the Obasanjo farm and that it has been taken over by Wilma, a Chinese company, adding that the duo whose names are yet to be made known always go to the farm every day and have a camp at Mfamasong after Anighieje. When the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. John Umoh, a Deputy Superintendent of Police was contacted he said he did not have any record of kidnap case. He said, “I am not aware of that report. Let me call you latter; let me get in touch with the DPO there.” However, the PPRO did not call again and even efforts made to hear from him again did not yield any result as he neither picked nor replied the calls.

STOP Further Action on Amaechi-Court orders PDP

  JUSTICE Emmanuel Ogbuji of a Port Harcourt High Court yesterday stopped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP from taking further action against the governor of Rivers  State, Mr Chibuike Amaechi pending determination of a suit filed by the governor challenging his suspension by the party. Governor Amaechi had approached the court yesterday seeking an order to stop the party from taking further action against him until hearing on his suit challenging his suspension was concluded. Justice Ogbuji further directed that the party be served through publication in three national newspapers and by pasting the notice on the party’s secretariat. Continuing, the court ordered the party to appear before it on June 6th.  Lead counsel to the governor, Akin Olubumi, SAN lauded the action of the court, saying that the party had no right to suspend a sitting governor.

Why I rarely make public comments - Pastor Adeboye

Adeboye, has explained that he is careful in making public comments to avoid mistakes. In an interview with Haaretz newspaper during a visit to Jerusalem, Adeboye said he had shied away from speaking out on national issues in order to avoid influencing people in the wrong way. He also said he was aware of the enormous responsibility on his shoulders as the leader of a global church with millions of members. "At times it's frightening. In Africa you have a saying, the man who is carrying a basket of eggs must walk gently … whatever mistakes you make, you affect destinies," he said. Adeboye stated that his transformation from a Mathematics lecturer at the University of Lagos to a pastor was a divine call, noting that he has a mandate to preach peace everywhere he goes. "I've always said turning a mathematician into a pastor takes only God. In my work with God, I've learned that he has a sense of humour," he stated. The pastor, who has led the RCCG for three decades, arrived for a meeting at the Dan Jerusalem Hotel, surrounded by an entourage of eight loyal aides, who treated him with the awe normally reserved for heads of state, the paper said. Speaking on the growing global influence of African preachers, he said the seeds sowed by missionaries who brought Christianity to Africa were producing fruit. "When you reap, after a certain period you begin to sow. Today, in many parts of the Western world, people have gone rather cold toward the church. Fortunately, the seed sowed in Africa has germinated and the harvest is now coming back to them. So, they are merely reaping what they sowed.

COURT’S N25M COMPENSATION DECISION FOR BABA SUWE

Appeal Court Upturns Lower Court’s N25m Compensation Decision For Baba Suwe THE Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal Friday upturned the judgment of the lower court, which ordered the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to pay N25 million to a Yoruba comedian, Babatunde Obadina, popularly known as ‘Baba Suwe’ as compensation for detaining him for several days over allegation of drug trafficking. Justice Yetunde Idowu of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja had awarded that amount to the comedian. The appellate court in its judgment delivered by Justice Rita Pemu considered all the three vital grounds of appeal in favour of the appellant (NDLEA). The NDLEA had in its appeal asked the court to allow the appeal and set aside the judgment of the lower court. Justice Pemu in her lead Judgment unanimously adopted by two other Justices, namely Justice Chima Nwanze and Justice F. O Akinbami described the N25 million damages awarded to Baba Suwe as erroneous, oppressive and superfluous. Justice Pemu held that even though the trial judge had discretion to award costs in a fundamental human right suit, such award of damages must be based on law and not arbitrary. In addition, the appellate court held that the lower court judge erred in law when it ordered NDLEA to pay Baba Suwe N25 million as compensation and that the appellant should publish a public apology in two widely read national newspapers. Justice Pemu said: “Damages must be based on law, even though it is at the discretion of the trial judge. The award of N25 million to the respondent was based on wrong premises and it is uncalled for.” She further held that no evidence was placed before the court to warrant such outrageous award adding that the court ought not to have overburden NDLEA with such award of damages. On whether the NDLEA had reasonable reasons to detain Baba Suwe from the day of his arrest (October 12, 2011) till October 21, 2011 when the Federal High Court order to detain him was obtained, justice Pemu held that the Agency was justified to do so. She added that the appellant placed before the lower court documentary evidence and exhibits being results of various scan conducted on Baba Suwe which justified his detention for several days over allegation of drug trafficking. On whether the Lagos State high court has jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by the respondent (Baba Suwe), Justice Pemu held that based on the pleadings before the trial judge, it is the Federal High Court that has constitutional jurisdiction to entertain the suit and not the State high Court. However, counsel to Baba Suwe,  Bamidele Aturu vowed to challenge the decision of the court at the Supreme Court. He told the court that while he appreciated the industry and time spent by the court to deliver the judgment, he would appeal against the verdict because the rights of Nigerians were involved. NDLEA had in its 8-page Notice of Appeal, signed by Femi Oloruntoba stated that the trial judge erred in law when she held that NDLEA was not justified in detain Baba Suwe from the day of his arrest (October 12, 2011) till October 21, 2011 when the Federal High Court order to detain him was obtained. The appellant further stated that the trial judge erred in law and misdirected herself on facts when she held that the act of the NDLEA in detaining Baba Suwe for 9 days are a flagrant abuse and infringement of his fundamental human rights. Besides, the appellant argued that the lower court erred in law when it ordered it (NDLEA) to pay the applicant (Baba Suwe) N25 million as compensation and that the appellant should publish a public apology in two widely read national newspapers. Dissatisfied with the court judgment, the Agency in December last year filed a motion for stay of execution of the entire verdict and appealed against it.

Jose Mourinho leaves Cristiano Ronaldo out of squad for his final game in charge

CRISTIANO RONALDO will not play for Real Madrid in Jose Mourinho's final match in charge of the club after being left out of the squad. Ronaldo is unavaliable for Saturday's home game against Osasuna after not recovering from a back injury. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas has also not been included, even with starting goalkeeper Diego Lopez unable to play because of health reasons. Mourinho has not included Casillas in his starting eleven since the Spanish captain returned from a broken hand in April. Lopez's place is likely to be filled by Adan Garrido. Mourinho is expected to complete his return to Chelsea next week after this weekend's match.

Police confirm missing Georgia Dead

Police have charged 22-year-old Jamie Reynolds with the murder of Georgia Williams, 17, who has not been seen since Sunday, West Mercia Police said today.

Officers confirmed that the body of a young female, who has not been formally identified, has been found near Nant-y-Garth pass near Wrexham, and they believe that it is linked to the disappearance of the former head girl.

The 17-year-old, from Wellington, Shropshire, has not been seen since telling her parents she was going to see friends on Sunday evening.

Police said that yesterday afternoon new evidence came to light which proved that she had died at an address in Wellington.

Reynolds will now appear before Telford Magistrates' Court tomorrow morning.

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In a press conference this afternoon Superintendent Nav Malik said: 'During our enquiries, sadly, late yesterday afternoon new evidence came to light that proved Georgia was deceased and that she died at an address in Wellington.

'For obvious legal reasons, particularly to ensure that future court proceedings are not jeopardised, we are not able to reveal further information about this evidence at this time.

'However, I can now confirm that the body of a female was found earlier this afternoon - at around 2pm - in woodland off the Nant-y-Garth pass near Wrexham.

'The body has not yet been formally identified but early indications suggest that the discovery relates to our investigation into the disappearance of Georgia Williams.

'Georgia's family have been kept fully informed of all the recent developments and this has only added to the devastation they are feeling about this week's events.

'I would like to ask that their privacy is respected so that they can attempt to come to terms with the events of the past few days.

'Although all investigations of this nature are extremely difficult, it is fair to say that this case has proved particularly challenging for all the officers and staff involved.

'We are totally committed to every investigation we launch but dealing with events that directly affect a colleague and fellow member of the policing family - especially one that many of us know so well - is unusual and has proved extremely tough and emotional for everyone.

'Although there is much more work to do on this case, I would like to thank the whole investigative team for all their efforts up to this point, especially in what have been very trying circumstances.

'Finally, on behalf of the investigative team, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that came forward with information as a result of our appeals and I'd also like to thank the press for their support and understanding during this investigation so far.'

This afternoon's developments came on the same day that friends of Georgia had organised a mass leaflet drop in a desperate bid to find her.

More than 50 friends of Georgia gathered in her home town of Wellington, Shropshire, to make emotional missing person posters as they refused to give up hope of finding the teenager alive.

The friends hugged and cried as they made the personalised posters, just a mile from the schoolgirl's family home.

The former head girl is believed to have been going to the home of Jamie Reynolds for a modelling-style photoshoot.

The 22-year-old was initially arrested on suspicion of kidnapping but detectives yesterday revealed he was being held on suspicion of murder.

West Mercia Police had said that detectives from North Wales Police were searching an area of land on the Nant-y-Garth pass near Wrexham.

Friends of Georgia had spoken of their distress at the search for the 17-year-old as they joined in the hunt for the teenager.

Katy Lafferty, who is Georgia's best friend and helped organise the leaflet drop, said the last time they spoke she was 'her usual self', adding her disappearance was 'heart-breaking'.

'I last spoke to her Saturday and she was just the same as she's always been - I didn't really suspect anything,' she said.

She had added: 'I have faith in her, I believe in her.'

The 17-year-old praised the support that had been expressed by thousands of people via social media.

Asked how she was coping with the disappearance of her friend she said: 'It's difficult but you've got to believe in her and get through.

'You've got to believe that she's somewhere and is going to come back.'

She said she had spoken with Georgia's parents Lynette, 51, and DC Stephen Williams, 56, and said they were 'just getting through it - how else can you be?'

Katy, from Telford, added that she and friends wanted to hand out leaflets and posters about Georgia because they needed to help.

'It is heart-breaking, I cannot ever imagine that this would happen but for us to be able to do something about it is good,' she said.

Emotional friend Emma Plumb, 17, who knew Georgia from college, fought back tears as she said: 'I can't put into words how anxious I am.

'I can't sleep at night, because I don't want there to be bad news when I wake up.

'You see this on the news but you don't expect it to happen to someone you love.

'When I found out Monday night it was like my brain had been speared. I couldn't comprehend it.'

Another friend, George Garbett, 17, said Georgia was as 'bright as a button' last Friday and had planned to go a music festival on Monday.

He said: 'She's the bounciest, most energetic person you could ever meet.

'She's head girl at college, and helps out with the Telford football team.

'I last saw her Friday and she was bright as a button. She planned to go to Slam Dunk festival Monday night so I know she had no plans to go anywhere.

'This is so strange, the anxiety is like a black shadow cast over my life.'

Chris Thomas, 17, who has known Georgia for 11 years, added: 'You can see how much hurt this has caused all of us.

'I found out through Facebook and feared the worst.

'It's not like her to go missing, she's really mature and caring.

'I'm not a religious man, but I have been praying on my hands and knees for her safe return.'

Police had sealed off woodland close to the home of the teenager after 'clothing was discovered' at the site.

But today Inspector Richard Langton, from the Wellington safer neighbourhood team, said detectives had now ruled out any connection with Georgia’s disappearance to the police cordon around an area of woodland at Brown Moss Nature Reserve, 17 miles away from Wellington, yesterday.

He said: 'That was an important piece of work.

'Thankfully, we’ve been able to eliminate that from this inquiry which means we can concentrate those resources and those members of staff on other searches.'

He added the force had had a 'tremendous' response from the public following the TV appeal.

Superintendent Nav Malik, Telford and Wrekin police commander, said yesterday: 'I make it very clear, folks, that we have not found Georgia Williams at this moment in time.

'She remains elsewhere - we are not quite sure where.

'We are really, really keen to identify where she may be, her whereabouts and I urge the public to support us in trying to find out where she may be.'

He added there were more than 50 detectives working on the investigation.

Georgia has not been seen since telling her parents she was going to see friends at 7.30pm on Sunday.

Police said she had her mobile phone with her when she left, but the last calls and text messages were received from the device at about 8pm that night.

Georgia's mother Lynette, 51, and her father DC Stephen Williams, 56 - who works for the force leading the investigation into his daughter's disappearance - have been left heartbroken about the incident.

The pair went to the Plough Inn, in Wellington on Wednesday evening, looking to borrow a lighter as the couple wanted to place a candle at the altar of the local church over the road.

But when Georgia's face flashed up on the pub's TV, the couple were said to have slumped onto one of the bench's at the pub - where they wept uncontrollably for the rest of the evening.

Landlady Ruth Lowe, 42, said: 'I saw Georgia's dad on Wednesday night, because he was lighting a candle for her at the church over the road.

'He came in here because he didn't have a lighter.

'As he approached me Georgia's face flashed up on the news, and he just slumped on one of our benches and cried hysterically.

'He brought his wife in and they sat here and sobbed all night.

'It was so sad to see two strong people ripped apart like that.

'Georgia was a cadet, and she helped out with one of our Help for Heroes fundraisers.

'She was so spirited. Everybody is praying for her.

'To see a hardened police officer reduced to a shell of a man and weeping like that, was just heartbreaking.

'Everybody was trying to comfort him and we brought him coffee, but he was just frozen there. It was like he couldn't move.'

Mr Malik said police were still keen to trace the movements of a silver Toyota Hiace 300 GS van, which Mr Reynolds had access to, between 5pm and 10.30pm on Monday - when it travelled just 12 miles between Wrexham and Queensferry in North Wales.

From there, the vehicle is known to have taken a route through Cheshire and Cumbria before being filmed by CCTV cameras arriving at a Glasgow city centre car park on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Reynolds is understood to have been arrested in the early hours of Wednesday in a Premier Inn hotel nearby.

The van, which has the number plate CV06 ASV, is believed to have left Wellington at about noon on Monday, travelling to Oswestry, Rhyl, Chester and Kendal before reaching Glasgow at about midday on Tuesday.

Mr Malik has previously said that Georgia's disappearance was 'completely out of character'.

Miss Williams’s boyfriend Matthew Bird, 19, was yesterday said to be ‘in pieces’ and vowed ‘never to give up’ looking for his teenage sweetheart.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Mr Bird, who works at fashion chain Next, wrote: ‘I’m so worried about her and we need her back, I love you Georgia and I will find you.’

Mourinho delivers ultimate snub to World Cup and double European championship winning goalkeeper Casillas by leaving him out of his final Real squad

Jose Mourinho has dished out a final insult to Iker Casillas by leaving the World Cup winner out of his last squad as Real Madrid boss.

Saturday’s final La Liga game of the season at home to Osasuna is Mourinho’s last in charge of Madrid after a turbulent season in which he fell out with club captain Casillas.

Casillas has earned 143 caps for Spain, winning two European Championships and a World Cup. He has clocked up over 600 appearances for Real, where he holds legendary status.

Yet the 32-year-old was dropped by Chelsea-bound Mourinho in December.

The controversial Portuguese then signed Diego Lopez to take over as No 1 before Casillas injured his hand.

Casillas returned from injury in April but has remained out of favour and now - despite Lopez being unavailable for Saturday’s game - Mourinho has not even named the Madrid captain in his matchday squad.

Real will start with the inexperienced Antonio Adan in goal and are also without star man Cristiano Ronaldo, who has not recovered from a back injury in time.

Madrid have nothing to play for and will finish the league as runners-up to Barcelona, leaving them without a major trophy in Mourinho’s third and final season with the club.



Falcao joins the Monaco revolution! French riches beckon for Colombian striker as he signs a five-year deal

Monaco tonight confirmed they have struck a stunning deal to bring Colombian striker Radamel Falcao to the club from Atletico Madrid.

The champions of France’s Ligue 2 are planning an assault on Paris St Germain’s top-flight title next season and see Falcao, rated among the most lethal forwards in world football, as having a key role.

There was no mention of the fee involved in Monaco’s statement confirming the transfer, but it was certain to be astronomical, reflecting the interest in Falcao from many of Europe’s biggest and wealthiest clubs.

Monaco said on their official website: 'Monaco are happy to announce we have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid and the player Radamel Falcao for the transfer to Monaco beginning with the season 2013-14.

'The Colombian international striker has signed for five years.'

Monaco said he would be presented to the media when the club’s players return for pre-season training.

Falcao wrote on Twitter: 'I want to share with you that I will be player of @ASMFC-MONACO next season. I’m eager to start this challenge! I count on you support!'

Monaco’s summer spending spree is well under way, with the principality club having signed Porto pair Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez for a combined fee of 70 million euros (£60million) and also Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho from Real Madrid.

Their ambitious rebuilding is being funded by billionaire Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev, who bought a majority share in the club that has produced seven French league-title winning teams.

Rybolovlev said: 'We are very happy that Radamel Falcao has chosen the challenge of AS Monaco for the future.

'It’s something to be proud of for us to be able to count on on of the best players in the world in order to allow ASMFC to get back to where we belong.'

Falcao has scored 16 goals in 44 appearances for Colombia, and after spells with River Plate and Porto he joined Atletico Madrid in summer 2011.

He proved his prowess in the Primera Division and also had success in European competitions with Atletico. He won the Europa League with the Spanish capital club in 2012, having triumphed in the same competition with Porto 12 months earlier.

He scored the only goal of the 2011 final as Porto beat Braga, and netted twice in Atletico’s 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in 2012.

Falcao has already scored a fine hat-trick at Monaco’s Stade Louis II home, as Atletico beat Chelsea 4-1 in the UEFA Super Cup last August.

Police Recover Fuji Artiste Wasiu Alabi Pasuma's Range rover jeep

The fuji Musician was robbed of his vehicle and other valuables on monday night at meiran, Lagos-Abeokuta expressway by armed bandits. It took the joint effort of the police and OPC men to recover the metallic coloured Range rover SUV jeep, with registration number, MUS 830 AP. Meanwhile, Fellow musicians and prominent politicians in Lagos have been calling Pasuma on the phone to sympathise with him since the incident occurred. Artists like Malaika, Daddy Showkey and Wasiu ayinde.

NCC says SIM card registration ends June 30

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah, has said that the nationwide registration of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards by the commission will end on June 30. Juwah made the announcement in Enugu on Thursday in a message to the 73rd edition of Telecoms Consumer Parliament organised by the commission. The vice chairman, who was represented by the Director of Communications, Mrs Biodun Olujimi, said the commission would not extend the date for any reason. According to him, any subscriber who did not register his or her number before the closing date will have the number invalidated. He explained that the commission would commence the collation of the data for publication, adding that subsequent registration would be done by different telecom providers with approval from the commission. Speaking on the theme of the parliament, `Mobile Number Portability: Benefits to Telecom Consumers’, the vice chairman said the service would allow consumers to switch from one network to another while retaining the current number. He explained that the service would remove the trouble of moving around with multiple cell phones and encourage competitions among providers as well as reduce tariffs. Juwah said the porting required registration of SIM card by the subscribers for security reasons. “Without the registration, the network operators will not be able to identify a porting subscriber or confirm that such is the rightful owner of the number being ported,’’ he said. Some of the consumers who spoke at the interaction lauded the programme but complained that the 90 days duration for porting was too long. Miss Nkemdilim Nwagu, a student, said the service would reduce carrying of multiple handsets while Basil Peters, a youth corps member, said the issue of registering the SIM card again was hectic. (NAN)

Please Leave Balotelli alone, says Italy coach after sensational drug-dealing claims

Leave Mario Balotelli alone. That’s the message from Italy coach Cesare Prandelli a day after the striker was accused of drug dealing by a confessed member of the Neopolitan Camorra crime group. Speaking to Italian state TV on Friday ahead of a friendly with San Marino, Prandelli said: ‘It’s intolerable to keep coming after him and dragging him into every situation.’ The accusation came during testimony in a money laundering trial in which Balotelli also testified in 2011 about his visit to the crime-infested Scampia neighborhood a year earlier. Balotelli maintains he was just curious about the neighborhood after seeing it in a film, and he also reacted angrily to the Camorra member’s testimony. Prandelli added: ‘I can’t even imagine him dealing drugs as a joke.’

"Cesc Fabregas replies Transfer Rumours"Am surprised by the rumours in England and the club told me they have no intention of selling me."

MANCHESTER UNITED may have to rethink their plans as they look set to be snubbed in their pursuit of Cesc Fabregas. David Moyes has been drawing up a shortlist of midfield targets including Fiorentina's Adem Ljajic and Everton's Marouane Fellaini. Fabregas was sold to the Camp Nou giants two years ago in a £30m deal, and the Gunners have a first option agreement to buy him back. But according to La Liga expert and Sky Sports pundit, Guillem Balague, Fabregas has a £170m release clause inserted into his contract which will act as a deterrent to potential suitors. He said: "He'll be at Barcelona next season. He (Cesc) is surprised by the rumours in England and the club told me they have no intention of selling him. Adem Ljajic and Marouane Fellaini are also on Manchester United's wish list "If anything was going to happen, it will happen in the future, next year who knows. "He will stay at Barcelona. He started the season strongly- he's said it's harder than he expected to be as you have to be more disciplined and doesn't have as much freedom than when he was at Arsenal." Fabregas contributed 10 goals in Barca's title-winning campaign last season.

Baba Suwe loses N25 Million award at the court of appeal

The Court of Appeal in Lagos, has overturned the ruling of a high court and quashed the N25million damages awarded to Nollywood actor, Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe. Details later.

Nigerian Hip Hop Artiste and Pepsi. Ambassador LYNXXX in court Assault

Nigerian hip hop artiste, and Pepsi ambassador, Chukie Edozie, aka Lynxxx, is facing litigation at Igbosere Magistrates' court for allegedly beating up a UK-based Nigerian businessman, Richard Bennet. Bennet is asking for N10m damages for assault and battery. The artiste, known for his hit song, 'Fine Lady' and his crew reportedly caused body injuries to Bennet in a fracas at a Lagos night club, Ntycee Lounge and Restaurant. The claimant, who was said to own two bars in Nigeria and the UK, in his claims, explained that he had gone to Ntycee with his nephews to relax. He said it was while strolling around the club, that his drink spilt on a lady who allegedly slapped him and emptied the content of her glass cup on him. Bennet said, "Edozie on learning what had happened, grabbed me by the lapel, and later broke bottles and threatened to kill me if I did not apologise to the lady who I later learnt was his relation." The fracas led to the club being closed by the owners of the bar. Bennet alleged that Edozie and his men waited at the gate, regrouped and forced themselves into the club where they "brutally assaulted me with several blows to my head and body." A copy of the medical report from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja where the claimant was admitted said, "he was seriously beaten up by a group of people, and was hit with iron rod in the head, with severe pain and bruises over his body.'' The counsel for the claimant, Mrs. Tina Wils-Ubong, of the Festus Keyamo Chambers, however said Edozie had been served papers inviting him to answer to the offence, which he refused to accept or acknowledge. She said the Keyamo Chambers was still making efforts to serve the defendant papers. Wils-Ubong informed the court of the Chambers intention to file an ex parte. The magistrate, Mrs. A.F Botoku, however, said it might not be necessary as the court had written the state Citizen's Mediation Centre, where the matter could be resolved between the two men; and if this failed, it would be returned to the court. None of the parties to the matter was in court, except the counsel for the claimant. The matter was adjourned till July 2.

OluwaBurna and Iyanya in Battle For Song Of The Year At 2013 NEAs (View Full Nominee List)

The nominees for the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards were announced yesterday at the Nominee Announcement event held in Lagos, Nigeria at Euphoria nightclub. Pearl Hart of SoundcityTV and Freeze from CoolFM radio’s The Road Show hosted the event, which kicked off at 10pm with the arrival of guests. Some of the artists in attendance were Ice Prince, Funny Bone, Jhybo, K9, DJ Spinall, KCee, Kswitch, MSmooth to mention a few. Representing for Nollywood and Gollywood were Juliet Ibrahim, Ramsey Nouah, and Uti Nwachukwu. Guests were treated to performances by Emma Nyra, Eddie Kim, Jhybo, Ketchup, and MSmooth. The President of the NEA, Tope Esan announced the nominees from all thirty-four categories and some of the nominees this year include Iyanya’s Kukere and K9’s Kokoma for Hottest Single of the Year, Rita Dominic, Genevieve Nnaji and Uche Jombo for Best Lead Actress, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince and Vector for Best Rap Act and for Best Comedian BasketMouth, Bovi and Senator were also nominated. The nominee announcement event is an opportunity for all nominees to be celebrated in Nigeria surrounded by their fellow industry peers, and supporters before the official award ceremony in New York. Voting begins online on June 28th. Fans are encouraged to support their favorite artists, actors and actresses, comedians and entertainers by voting and encouraging others to vote as well. The 2013 NEA Awards is scheduled to take place on Sept. 1 in New York City. The organizers are working on making this year even better than the last, and will continue to unveil more details in the coming weeks.      About NEA The NEA AWARDS is an annual entertainment award show held in the United States, with the sole purpose of celebrating and recognizing the numerous contributions of entertainers to the African entertainment industry, while at the same time promoting the image and rich culture of Nigeria. # # #     BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR TIMAYA UPGRADE – TIMAYA OBO – DAVIDO YBNL – OLAMIDE EMPIRE MATES STATE OF MIND – EME SON OF A CARPENTER – BRYMO R&BW – BANKY W HOTTEST SINGLE OF THE YEAR KUKERE – IYANYA THIS YEAR – JAYWON KOKOMA – K9 LIKE TO PARTY – BURNA BOY LIMPOPO – KCEE BEAT OF LIFE (SAMBA) – SARZ FT WIZKID BEST NEW ACT OF THE YEAR SEAN TIZZLE KETCHUP SEYI SHAY BURNA BOY AJEb*ttER22 DAMMY KRANE GOSPEL ARTIST/GROUP OF THE YEAR FRANK EDWARDS ONOS MONIQUE FUNKE AKINOKUN SAMMY OKPOSO BOUQUI BEST POP/R&B ARTIST OF THE YEAR PRAIZ BANKY WIZKID IYANYA DAVIDO WANDE COAL BEST RAP ACT OF THE YEAR OLAMIDE JESSE JAGZ ICE PRINCE VECTOR PHYNO RUGGEDMAN MUSIC PRODUCER OF THE YEAR SPELLZ MASTERKRAFT CHOPSTIX SARZ SHIZZI FLIPTYCE MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR TONIGHT – BURNA BOY (DIRECTED BY MEX) SISI EKO – DARE FT FLAVOUR (DIRECTED BY MARK HOFMEYR) SKIBO- SOLID STAR (DIRECTED BY CLARENCE PETERS) GHETTO – SHANK (DIRECTED BY PATRICK ELLIS) VOICE OF THE STREETS – OLAMIDE (DIRECTED BY MATTMAX) OLIVER TWIST – DBANJ (DIRECTED BY SESAN) MOST PROMISING MALE ACT TO WATCH SUGAR BOYZ K9 BULAR BLACK MAGIC ENDIA MAN YUNG L MOST PROMISING FEMALE ACT TO WATCH ARAMIDE OYINKANSOLA LOLA RAE EMMA NYRA KIMANI AURA LIL MISS MISS NIYOLA EASTERN AFRICAN ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR CAMP MULLA FALLY IPUPA K’NAAN NAVIO RADIO & WEASEL P UNIT WESTERN AFRICAN ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR SAKORDIE TOOFAN EFYA R2BEES MAGIC SYSTEM VIVIANE CANDID SOUTHERN AFRICAN ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR TEAR GAS AKA ZAHARA THE VERY BEST DAMA DO BLING ZONE FAM BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST LIL’ SIMZ FUZE ODG STYLZZ SEAN CSA TOLUMIDE JJC BEST INDIGENOUS ARTIST/GROUP FLAVOUR OLAMIDE TIMAYA JAYWON KCEE REMENISCE BEST COLLABO TONY MONTANA- NAETO C FT DBANJ BOTTOM BELLE – OMAWUMI FT FLAVOUR EMI NI – CHIDINMA FT SUSPECT & ILLBLISS GHOST MODE – PHYNO FT OLAMIDE BADDEST BOY – E.M.E WITHOUT MY HEART – TIWA SAVAGE FT DON JAZZY BEST LEAD ACTOR IN FILM OC UKEJE (ALAN POZA) FEMI JACOBS (THE MEETING) BIMBO MANUEL (HEREOS AND ZEREOS) ALI NUHU (CONFUSION NA WA) HAKEEM KAZIM (LAST FLIGHT TO ABUJA) MIKE EZURUONYE (FRIENDLY SCORPION) BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN FILM JOKE MUYIWA (AYITALE) RITA DOMINIC (THE MEETING) UCHE JUMBO (MRS SOMEBODY) GENEVIEVE NNAJI (DR. BELLO) OMOTOLA EKEINDE (LAST FLIGHT TO ABUJA) MERCY JOHNSON (FAZEBOOK BABES) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN FILM ALI NUHU (BLOOD AND HENNA) JIDE KOSOKO (THE MEETING) GABRIEL AFOLAYAN (HEREOS & ZEREOS) JIM IYKE (LAST FLIGHT TO ABUJA) OC UKEJE (CONFUSION NA WA) ALFRED ATUNGU (TWIN SWORD) BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN FILM EBBE BASSEY (DR. BELLO) BELINDA EFFAH (KOKOMMA) TUNDE ALADESE (CONFUSION NA WA) NSE ETIM IKPE (KISS & TELL) OGE OKOYE (FAZEBOOK BABES) TONTO DIKE (MY LIFE MY DAMAGE) BEST FILM DIRECTOR CHARLES NOVIA (ALAN POZA) JOHN UCHE (BIANCA) NIJI AKANNI (HEREOS AND ZEREOS) TUNDE KELANI (MAAMI) KENNETH GYANG (CONFUSION NA WAH) IFEANYI OGBONNA (FAZEBOOK BABES) BEST PICTURE (FILM PRODUCER) CONFUSION NA WAH LAST FLIGHT TO ABUJA (OBI EMELONYE) THE MEETING (RITA DOMINIC) HEREOS AND ZEREOS THE TWIN SWORD ALAN POZA BEST TV SHOW JARA MOMENTS W/MO PROJECT FAME SUNRISE DAILY – CHANNELS TV IDOL BIG BROTHER AFRICA PAN AFRICAN ACTOR CHRIS ATTOH (SINGLE & MARRIED) FRANK ARTHUS (HEART OF A WIFE) MAJID MICHEL (THE GROOMS BRIDE) THOMAS GUMEDE (OTELO BURNING) DAVID MAPANE (TAXI COP) JOHN DUMELO (LETTERS TO MY MOTHER) PAN AFRICAN ACTRESS YVONNE OKORO (THE CONTRACT) NADIA BUARI (SINGLE & MARRIED) YVONNE NELSON (SINGLE & MARRIED) MBUFUNG SEIKEH (NINAH’S DOWRY) MATSHEPO MALEME (A MILLION COLOURS) NOLWAZI SHANGE (OTELO BURNING) WORLD DJ DJ XCLUSIVE (LGA) DJ TUNEZ (NYC) DJ SOSE (LGA) DJ TTB (ABJ) DJ SPINALL (LGA) DJ BAYO (UK) BEST COMEDIAN SENATOR BOVI BASKET MOUTH EMEKA SMITH SEYI LAW I GO DIE ENTERTAINMENT PROMOTER SHEKPE KNIGHTS BIG A BIGMOOSE ENT STRONGHOLD ENT COKO BAR EMPIRE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO ON AIR/TV PERSONALITY YAW – WAZOBIA FREEZE – COOLFM TOLU – NIGERIA INFO AJEBO – NAIJA FM GBEMI – BEATFM TOKE MAKINDE – RHYTHM FM TV PERSONALITY DENRELE ADAMS LABI LAYORI DOLAPO ONI UTI NWACHUKWU YVONNE “VIXEN” EKWERE   ENTERTAINMENT BLOG NOTJUSTOK 360NOBS LINDA IKEJI BELLANAIJA NDANI TV FACTORY78 ENTERTAINMENT EXECUTIVE GAGA (YSG ENT) IBAKA TV TONY NWAKOLOR (1805) UBI FRANKLIN (MADE MEN MUSIC) JASON NJOKU (IROKOTV) ERIC IDIAHI (SPINLET) BEST INTERNATIONAL ACTORS GBENGA AKINNAGBE DAYO OKENIYI ADEWALE AKINNUOYE-AGBAJE EMMANUEL AKINTUNDE NONSO ANOZIE DAVID OYELOWO BEST INTERNATIONAL ACTRESS MEGALYN ECHIKUNWOKE ASHLEY MADEKWE CAROLINE CHIKEZIE HOPE OLAIDE WILSON ADEPERO ODUYE JUDI SHEKONI

Curtain Call: Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj Leaving American Idol

Buxom rapper Nicki Minaj and R&B singer Mariah Carey will not be returning as judges for the next season of American Idol. Nicki Minaj, on Thursday, May 30, 2013 posted on her Twitter page ‘time to focus on the music’, a few hours after Carey had announced she wasn’t coming back so she could focus on her upcoming tour. The pair had a turbulent relationship on the show, often bickering and almost getting into physical fights. Long-time judge Randy Jackson announced earlier this month that he was leaving the show before the 12th season finale which was won by Candice Glover. Others who have left in the past include Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Simon Cowell.

Neymar is the planet's most marketable sportsman and hailed by Pele to surpass him as Brazil's greatest -

The fee could rise beyond £60million, but, then again, genius doesn’t come cheap these days. Genius is the word used to describe Neymar by one of his former coaches, and the bulk of that small fortune has already changed hands to facilitate his move from Santos to Barcelona this summer. England are about to discover what the newly-crowned La Liga champions can expect for their money, and it could just prove a chastening experience, judging by a recent confession from Brazil’s latest golden boy. Not only do opposing defenders have little idea what he is likely to do next, with the ball at his feet, it appears he is not entirely sure himself. Scroll down for video Type Neymar wonder goal into any internet search engine, and you will be spoilt for choice. There is page after page of them, but the two that completed a hat-trick against Internacional last year take some beating. Both originated near the halfway line and were over in a flash. Each time, he burst past one challenge after another with lightning speed before beating the keeper with ease. Overuse of superlatives down the years has probably diminished their ability to convey the impact of such special moments, but a simple statistic did the job. In much the same way as modern technology can gauge the speed of a bowler’s delivery in cricket, Neymar’s movement was timed for those two goals. For one, he evidently ran at 31km an hour with the ball tied to his right boot, as he left five Inter players stranded over a distance of 65m. They are stunning figures, and he admitted he was shocked and at a loss to explain how he did it. ‘I could never score two goals like that even in a video game, because you have to touch the ball so quickly,’ he said. ‘I am going to have to watch it all on television to see exactly how it happened, because I’m still not sure. I only know that I was running and dribbling, and when I looked up, the goal was in front of me.’ Confirmation that his brilliance is all down to instinct suggests any masterplan to try and stifle it could prove futile when England face him at a renovated Maracana on Sunday night. Born in the suburbs of Sao Paulo in February, 1992, a flair for being unpredictable and unstoppable was already evident by the time he made his Santos debut at 17 and international bow a year later, when he scored with a header in the 28th-minute of a 2-0 win against the United States. He was third at the South American Footballer of the Year awards at just 18 and showed it was no fluke by winning it outright the next two seasons running. His 100th professional goal arrived against Palmeiras just days after his 20th birthday, and when Santos celebrated their 100th anniversary two months later, no less a luminary than Pele was moved to say: ‘Everyone is talking about Lionel Messi, and he is a star. But to be the best ever, he must first find a way of becoming better than Neymar. At the moment, Messi is just more experienced.’ Pele's judgement may have been at least partly based on Neymar’s goal against Japan, when he outdid even one of the great man’s most celebrated tricks from the 1970 World Cup. Whereas Pele missed the target, after dummying to take the ball round Uruguay’s keeper but letting it pass the other side instead, Neymar made no mistake after executing the same sleight of foot. The 2011 Puskas Award winner against Flamengo - when he shrugged off two challenges and played a one-two before wrong-footing another marker and scoring - is also worth a watch, while an impudent penalty against Sao Paulo in February, 2010 led to a hastily-convened emergency meeting of FIFA’s law makers. Trotting up to the spot, he stopped his run at the last split-second. So late, in fact, that keeper Rogerio Ceni was committed to a full-length dive to his right. As Ceni landed in a heap, Neymar calmly rolled the ball into the other corner, before turning away with a broad grin on his face. It was promptly christened the Paradinha (Portuguese for ‘little stop’), but it was no laughing matter at FIFA, who announced soon after: ‘Feinting in the run-up to a penalty kick to confuse opponents is permitted. 'However, feinting to kick the ball once the player has completed his run-up is now considered an infringement and an act of unsporting behaviour, for which the player must be cautioned.’ While most of his eye-catching work tends to result in a goal, the showman in him can emerge at any moment in any part of the pitch. Against Atletico Mineiro last year, he was seemingly hemmed in near the corner flag, until jamming the ball between his feet and flicking it over the back of his head, as he flung himself forward past a startled marker. The hapless defender did his best to give chase but could only hack his tormentor down from behind for a booking, as Mineiro’s Ronaldinho looked on with a rueful smile that seemed to confirm an acceptance that his crown as Brazil’s supreme entertainer had slipped away. As is often the case with those who are lavishly gifted, there is a dark side to the 21-year old, and if he admits to having butterflies at the prospect of being a Barcelona player, there may be some unease among Nou Camp bosses at his frequent loss of control. One of his greatest moments, when he scored one of the goals that made Santos Copa Libertadores champions for the first time since the Pele era 48 years earlier, was soured by disgraceful scenes moments after the final whistle, when players and officials waded into each other on the pitch. A flying kung fu kick by Penarol’s Fabian Estoyanoff was seen as the single worst act of violence in what turned into a mass brawl, but Neymar was hardly blameless after being photographed stamping on an opponent at the end of a showpiece that is the equivalent of the Champions’ League final. It was by no means an isolated instance of his temperament letting him down. When Santos won a penalty against Guarani in September, 2010, Neymar grabbed the ball but was forced to surrender it to his team-mate Marcel, after coach  Dorival Junior pointed out he had missed with his three previous attempts. While Marcel carefully placed the ball on the spot and slotted it home, Neymar advanced towards the bench, hurling abuse at Dorival, ignoring the attempts of a linesman to calm him down and finally hurling a water bottle to the ground in a fit of pique. He was fined and warned about his future conduct, though an attempt by Dorival to impose a two-week suspension proved a step too far. There were complaints from the club’s sponsors, and Dorival was promptly sacked. It may have looked the ultimate example of player power, but there was at least a show or remorse from the wayward frontrunner, who summoned the local media to the training ground the following morning. There he said: ‘I am not here to make excuses but to apologise to everyone who enjoys football. The real Neymar is not the Neymar you saw yesterday. The real Neymar is a joyful player, always happy and with a smile on his face. When I got home and saw what I had done, I was embarrassed.’ There were evidently no hard feelings from Dorival, who reflected on his time with the rapidly-emerging global star, and said: ‘He is already superior to Cristiano Ronaldo in every way. He is much sharper than Cristiano, more decisive in his play and more of a genius. As the years go by, he will reach Messi’s level.’ Away from the pitch, there was controversy when he announced he was to become a dad at 19 and that any relationship with the unnamed 17-year old mother would not be continuing after the birth. She was later revealed as Carolina Nogueira Dantas, but he was true to his word, after his son Davi Lucca duly arrived in August, 2011. If there was no role for Carolina in his future plans, he at least looked the part of doting dad, as he held Davi in his arms and described the birth as ‘2.8 kilograms (around 6lbs) of pure happiness.’ A succession of glamour girls have since been photographed on his arm, the latest being Brazilian soap opera star Bruna Marquezine. It fits the ranking given to him by SportsPro magazine, as the most marketable athlete in the world. France Football listed him seventh among the world’s richest footballers last year, with a combined income of £11million, and he will doubtless have advanced further up the pecking order after amassing lucrative deals from the likes of Nike, Panasonic, Volkswagen, Red Bull, Unilever and Santander. He’s got the world at his feet, and as an extra warning for England, there seems little prospect of his move to Barcelona proving a distraction. Representing his country is an honour not to be taken lightly. He underlined this by saying: ‘It is very humbling to be compared to Pele, the best player that ever lived, but my dad has told me all about Garrincha, the way he attacked defenders and dribbled with the ball at pace. I think his style may be more similar to mine, but either way, there could be no greater honour. ‘To be spoken of in the same breath as those two makes me very proud and determined to do justice to their memory.’ 

Chelsea prepare to hijack Man City's £54m Cavani bid by offering Fernando Torres as bait to Benitez's Napoli

Incoming Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will offer Fernando Torres to Napoli as part of a player-plus-cash deal for Edinson Cavani, according to reports in Italy. After missing out on Monaco-bound Falcao, Mourinho has switched his attention to bringing in Uruguayan striker Cavani - a long-term target of Manchester City’s. Cavani’s release clause stands at 60million Euros (£54m) and City are prepare to offer Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko as part of a deal to bring the 26-year-old to the Etihad Stadium. But Chelsea know that new Napoli boss Rafael Benitez would love to work with Fernando Torres for a third time and will offer him as a 30m Euro (£25.7m) makeweight, report Gazzetta dello Sport. Cavani is one of Europe’s hottest properties this summer after a Serie A season in which he scored a remarkable 29 goals in 34 games. His tally stands at an impressive 78 goals in 104 league games since joining Napoli from Palermo in the summer of 2010. Mourinho is not convinced by the inconsistent Torres and wants to add a striker to his squad to compete with Demba Ba and Romelu Lukaku.

FIFA member votes AGAINST new rules to combat abuse to leave Blatter red-faced

epp Blatter's hopes to stop the 'despicable offences' of racism in football recently have been dealt a blow after one member voted against the new measures at FIFA's congress in Mauritius. FIFA passed a two-stage anti-racism resolution with a 99 per cent majority at its congress in Mauritius on Friday, but their vote had been expected to pass without any opposition. Former South African apartheid prisoner Tokyo Sexwale was the guest speaker for the event and he urged the congress to check the cameras to see who voted against the new racism measures. Scroll down for video Sexwale said that the 1 per cent who voted against demonstrates how football still has to fight against racism. The new regulations say a first or minor offense should be punished by a warning, fine or with a match having to be played behind closed doors. Serious or repeat offenses can now be punished by a deduction of points, expulsion from a tournament or even relegation of the offending club. FIFA also passed measures dictating that players or officials found guilty of racist abuse in any game should be banned for five matches. The sanction had previously only applied to FIFA internationals. Making his presidential address to delegates from 208 of the world governing body's 209 members at the 63rd FIFA Congress, Blatter spoke about the fight against racism and the scourge of match-fixing. 'We have been through a difficult time, it has been a test for the world of football and for those who live in it,' the 77-year-old Swiss said. 'As the captain, I am pleased to say we have weathered the storm. 'We have emerged from the troubled waters stronger and now we can look forwards to the future and waters as calm as the beautiful sea around us in Mauritius and I think the boat can now go slowly into the harbour.' He also used his speech to take a thinly veiled sideswipe at UEFA, at loggerheads with Blatter over the age limit reforms, tolling Congress: 'FIFA is based on solidarity, democracy and here at this Congress, it is one nation one vote as it should be in a democracy. 'But reforming a great organisation is not about one person or interest group dictating, but about 209 nations moving forward as one in harmony.' Blatter also spoke of the continuing fight against racism and match-fixing which continues to blight the sport. 'There have been some despicable offences this year that have cast a long shadow over football and the rest of society. I am speaking about the politics of hate, racism,' he said. 'There is no place in football for racism and neither is there any place for match-fixing or manipulation. 'We have to be tough and we have to make it plain to the racists that their time is up, it is finished. 'And there is no greater threat to our game than match-fixing - that comes from within football. We need the help of public authorities and the police everywhere to drive it from our game.'

South Africans Chase Nigerians Out Of Their Homes

o fewer than 23 Nigerians were forced out of their homes and chased out of Port-Nolloth community by some South Africans members of the community, accusing them of dealing in drugs. According to Diliora Ndubisi, the spokesman of Nigerians, the leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League in the area instigated some community members to force them out of their homes. "All the members of the community had a meeting on Friday on the need to curb the selling and usage of drugs in the community. On Saturday a teenager committed suicide in a police custody and by Sunday some members of the community led by the ANC Youth League leader came to our houses asking us to leave the community. "They said we are the ones selling drugs to their children. They destroyed and looted our property and one Nigerian was seriously beaten and is on admission in a hospital in Johannesburg now," Ndubisi said. He said that the attack, which targeted Nigerians only, can be attributed to envy and jealousy about the success of Nigerian businesses in the community amidst poverty and unemployment among South Africans living in the community. Reacting to the attack, the Nigerian Consulate in Johanneburg, South Africa today criticised what it described as the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in the country. Mr. Okey Emuchay, the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, said in Springbok, in the Northern Province of South Africa, that labelling all Nigerians in the country as drug dealers was "unacceptable." Emuchay said that it was the duty of the South African police to provide safety for South Africans and foreigners living in the country. "We are not asking for too much from the South African government, it is the duty of the South African police to provide safety and security for every one living in South Africa. "The Nigerian government will not send the Nigerian police to come and protect our nationals just like the South African government will not send her police to protect South Africans living and working in Nigeria. "In as much as we will not encourage our nationals to engage in criminal activities, it is not acceptable to us that some people should label all Nigerians as drug dealers. "If any Nigerian is caught dealing in drugs he/she should be arrested and prosecuted. But a situation where some people will act on rumours, attacking and harassing Nigerians will be totally resisted by us. If anybody has any information about any Nigerian dealing in drugs, such information should be given to the police to investigate and arrest those involved. It is the duty of the police to investigate, arrest and prosecute, and not the duty of any individual or group of persons to do the work of the police. "In this case no arrest has been made, no prosecution and no sentencing of anybody, only some members of the community taking the laws into their hands and forcing out Nigerians from houses where they pay rent, sending them into the streets in this winter period," Emuchay said. The Consul-General said that the safety of the displaced Nigerians was the responsibility of the police. "This is coming barely three weeks after President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria paid a state visit to South Africa, after a similar one-day official working visit by President Jacob Zuma to Nigeria. "Nine MoU agreement were signed during the state visit to promote trade and investments between the two countries. "If governments at the top level is working together to strengthen relations between the two countries, the people of the two countries should be encouraged to take full advantage of the bilateral cooperation in various ways, including business culture and interpersonal relations. Nigeria and South Africa have had a long history of friendship and cordial relationship and everything should be done in sustaining the relationship," Emuchay said. Ikechukwu Anyene, President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA), commended the proactive step taken by the Consulate. "I must on behalf of all Nigerians living in South Africa thank the Consul-General for the proactive steps he has taken so far in this xenophobia attack on Nigerians living here. Brig.-Gen. Francis Hender, South Africa Police Service (SAPS), Cluster Commander, assured that no individual or group would be allowed to perform the duty of the police. "I will go to Port-Nolloth personally to assess the situation there, and a team of crime investigators will be assigned to investigate the cause of the attack on Nigerians and the lady mentioned would be invited for questioning. She is not a police officer and cannot be allowed to get away with her actions," Hender said. Lebogang Abrans, ANC Regional Secretary, apologised to the Nigerian envoy on the attack and said there was need to engage with the community on how to allow the displaced Nigerians return to their homes

Charles Sale: Real Madrid can tempt Spurs to sell Bale with £75m bid

The future of Tottenham superstar Gareth Bale - valued at £80million - is boiling down to the hard economic facts surrounding world-class players and the length of their contracts. Bale has three years left on his Spurs deal and selling value is reckoned to decrease by £25m a year for players of elite standing. Manchester United's Robin van Persie was comparatively cheap at £24m because he had only a year left on his Arsenal agreement. So, by that football transfer equation, it would need an offer of at least £75m from Real Madrid to tempt hardball Spurs chairman Daniel Levy into contemplating selling his prize asset. And if Tottenham reject such a bid, they run the risk of Bale not signing a contract extension and becoming a diminishing asset. The numbers also demonstrate why offering Bale £200,000 a week (£10m a year) to lengthen his contract makes financial sense for Spurs. And it explains why Jonathan Barnett, the boss of Bale's agents Stellar, has been talking up Real Madrid's interest in his client.  Bale and his advisers can afford to see if Real offer the market price before committing to another season at White Hart Lane. England's Wembley date against the Republic of Ireland taking place without any crowd incident makes it more likely the reciprocal match in Dublin - which was part of the contract - will happen in November 2014 or February 2015. Meanwhile, FA of Ireland chief executive John Delaney is not your average administrative football suit, judging by his appearance in a televised charity show dancing the cha-cha with model Nadia Forde. Former Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is a VIP guest tonight at the FA's Rio yacht club reception to mark their 150th anniversary and the game against Brazil on Sunday. The last time Scolari had close contact with FA dignitaries was when Brian Barwick and Simon Johnson made their botched trip to Lisbon in April 2006 to offer him the  England job, returning without his signature. The video run-through of 150 years of FA history in 150 seconds, with an eloquent commentary by Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, was screened at the start of the UEFA Congress in London. But it seems bizarre to feature women's national coach Hope Powell and overpaid mercenary Sven Goran Eriksson when neither Sir Alf Ramsey nor Sir Bobby Robson get a look in. The FA say England's 1966 World Cup winners will be feted at the marquee 150th gala dinner in October. Clarke in the firing line The Football League maintain beleaguered Greg Clarke downgrading his chairmanship to a non-executive position is somehow unrelated to a no-confidence motion supported by 18 clubs in League Two and more in League One. Clarke's opponents want to progress to a vote at next week's AGM in Vilamoura because of their chairman's perceived weak negotiating with the Premier League over solidarity payments.  In his 72-club circular, Clarke mentions the solidarity issue in the first paragraph before announcing his reduced role. This is seen  outside the FL as Clarke positioning himself for a turbulent conference in Portugal. With so much in-fighting, no wonder chief operating officer Andy Williamson wants to clear his head of football politics in the autumn by trekking to Everest base camp for his 60th birthday. New Leeds president Ken Bates, the club's former owner, recommended to an investment banker friend in Monaco in 2010 that Crystal Palace, then in administration, would be a good club to buy. And after Palace won the £145million Championship play-off to return to the Premier League, Bates reminded his financier pal what he had missed out on. The FA's aim for England to be good tourists is shown by them visiting a favela in Rio today even before their first training session. Roy Hodgson and senior players will be present at the charity project backed by Sport Relief that was set up by 1994 World Cup winner Jorginho to help the city's disadvantaged children.

Wenger can hijack Fab move to United... but would Arsenal boss reject the chance of an emotional reunion with his former captain?

Manchester United could be forced to pay an inflated price for Cesc Fabregas, with Barcelona obliged to give Arsenal half the fee under the terms of his transfer to the Nou Camp. It means Barcelona would have to sell him for about £70million just to break even. Furthermore, the Gunners could be offered the chance of re-signing the Spaniard for as little as £20million should United formalise their interest. United are keen on signing the Spain midfielder, but Arsenal will play a key role in determining whether new manager David Moyes can land the midfielder. When Fabregas returned to Catalan in 2011, the Gunners struck a deal that would see them net 50 per cent of his next transfer fee. The clause means Barcelona chiefs are only likely to consider an astronomical offer for Fabregas given they have to give half of the fee to Arsenal. In addition, the Gunners also insisted on having a first-option clause inserted into the contract, And Sportsmail understands Arsenal insisted on having a fixed price on the buy-back clause, believed to be between £20m-£25m. Should any club make a concrete offer for the 26-year-old, Barca would be obliged to inform Arsenal, who would then be given first-refusal on the midfielder. If the scenario arises, then manager Arsene Wenger would be left with a difficult situation on his hands. While a new central midfielder is on the club's shopping list, Wenger is looking for a more defensive-minded player. And with Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla all vying for central midfield slots, Wenger may view the signing of another creative player as unnecessary, leaving him with the dilemma of turning Fabregas down. Nevertheless, both clauses will provide major stumbling blocks towards United's quest to land Fabregas, who is also interesting Manchester City. The former Gunner will resolve his future with Barca officials once the Spanish season is over. The Catalan club want to keep hold of Fabregas, but the midfielder has grown frustrated of late as he has been overlooked for big games. And should the midfielder decide he wants to move on, an emotional return to north London may not be beyond the realms of possibility.

It's time for a change! Suarez moves closer to Liverpool exit with Real ready to pounce for £40m striker

Luis Suarez looks to be heading out of Anfield after he said that now would be the right time for a change. The Liverpool striker has been heavily linked with a £40million move to Real Madrid, but has been quick to play down reports that he has already opened talks with the Spanish giants. But it does seem that his exit from England could be getting closer as he would not commit to staying at Anfield and blamed his treatment by the Press for his reasons for going. He said: ‘It's a good moment for a change of environment because of all I've been through in England.' He added: 'I do not know when I'm going and I do not know if I'm staying.' The striker was speaking at a news conference in his homeland ahead of Uruguay's friendly with France in Montevideo on June 5. Suarez, who was banned for eight games for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra in 2011, added: 'I have only words of thanks to the club, the fans of Liverpool. 'But the treatment I received from the rest of England in recent weeks has been tough.'It (Liverpool) is a spectacular club, but they are aware of the way that the press treats me.' Suarez joined Liverpool in a £22.7m deal from Ajax in 2011. He scored 30 goals last season but missed the final two games of the campaign and will also miss the first eight games of next season after being found guilty of violent conduct for biting Branislav Ivanovic in April. Suarez has rejected reports in Spain that he has begun talks with Real but has reiterated his interest in a move to the Bernabeu. He said: 'It is normal that it is impossible to say no to big teams for which one always dreams. Yet I have nothing, I have not spoken with Real Madrid nor with Liverpool. 'My agent has not told me anything either and that leaves me alone, but they (the media) are speculating.’ Real president Florentino Perez signalled his club’s intent after being asked about speculation that a bid was imminent. He said: ‘Suarez is a great player, and I’m sure all the clubs in the world want him. I like him, but so do a lot of others.’ Though Liverpool will do their utmost to keep him, after awarding him a lucrative new four-year contract last summer, they are aware that he wants to see what Real have to offer and that they would be his club of choice, should he leave. They are not interested in a player-exchange deal, but, with a shortage of funds for manager Brendan Rodgers’s transfer requirements this summer, would welcome an injection of cash from any Suarez transfer.

TEACHERS BEGIN STRIKES IN 11 STATES

 

 
Nigeria Union of Teachers on Thursday urged teachers in 11 states to embark on strike from June 1 (Saturday).
nutThe teachers are protesting against the non-payment of their 27.5 per cent enhanced salary scale and N18, 000 minimum wages.
The states are Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Ogun, Edo, Kogi, Niger, Borno, Benue, Zamfara and Sokoto.
Rising from a meeting in Abuja, the leadership of the union said the affected teachers would embark on what it called “painful strike.”
Addressing reporters in Abuja, the NUT President, Mr. Michael Olukoya, vowed that the strike would continue until the authorities met the union’s demands.
Describing the action of governors of the affected states as “derelict, unpatriotic and self-serving”, Olukoya said they had denied their teachers genuine allowances.
Olukoya lamented that while there was implementation of minimum wages for other categories of workers, the defaulting states deliberately exempted teachers

J Martins quietly weds Nnezi Mbila on a low key level


Some like it elaborate, while some like it low key. Super producer and singer J Martins and his bride Nnezi Mbila went for a super low key wedding. The longtime lovers held their white wedding and wedding reception yesterday Thursday May 30th at Protea Hotel Oakwood in Lekki, Lagos.

P-Square, Uti Nwachukwu, AY, Jude Okoye, footballer Ikechukwu Uche, Senator Ayim Pius Ayim, the governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji and many others were there to celebrate with the couple!

J. Martins and Nnezi had their traditional wedding in January 2012. Happy married life to them

TRUTH OF THE MATTER "OLAMIDE REASONS WHY HE REJECTED DBANJ OFFER"


For a while now, D’Banj and his management team have been planning to sign in rapper Olamide to the his label, however, Olamide turned down the Koko master’s offer, preffering to roll alone for now.
Olamide, who does not want to play the fool at this phase of his career, politely told D’Banj that he was not ready to surrender some of his powers, especially having to be booked for shows only by D’Banj’s management outfit, pleaded for time to even think about the offer as he still wants to work with his present team and taking things as they come for now.
He believes that for now, there is nothing D’BANJ could do for him that he can’t do by himself.
In the future, I will consider his offer. If anybody wants me, he should have unfettered access to me. I am just starting out in the profession’, he allegedly told close friends.

“Apparently, he would have been blocked from having direct access to his clients and that will reduce his share from his appearance fees. He does not like the bottle necks and some terms that will make it difficult for him to be reached all because D’Banj wants his value to rise. That may happen, but what eventually gets to Olamide will be peanuts”, A source disclosed to Tribune when asked why the deal was botched.
He added that the success that Olamide is enjoying now informed his decision to opt out of the deal because there is nothing, apart from management offer, that he stands to benefit from.
“Olamide can be easily reached by anybody and his fees are still okay. The moment he signs the deal, he will be getting fewer shows, though huge fees, but will lose many of his grassroot fans to the elitist crowd D’Banj belongs” he added.
Since D’Banj couldn’t have the “Ode Lon Like” crooner, he has reportedly reached out to Durella.

FUNSHO ADEOLU SPEAKS":MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD


In a recent interview with Sun news, the cross over actor Funsho Adeolu had this to say about his relationship with God:
The spiritual side of Funsho Adeolu
 
"I’m a religious person. I attend church always. I am a devoted member and worker in a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in my area. My wife is even a very active member of the church. In truth, I don’t joke when it comes to the issue of my relationship with God. Sometimes I go on long days of dry fasting while on location, without eating anything.
It’ll never affect my mood even when I’m on set. That’s me. For instance in my church, we do our annual 21 days of fasting and prayer and most of the times, it coincides with the days I would have to be on location. I don’t break the fast, and it has never affected the role I play or how I act in movies."
Awww.....