Tuesday 2 July 2013

Mercy Aigbe on #SaveOJB project



So, my favourite Yoruba actress, Mercy Aigbe, was Labi Layori's guest on TVC's Entertainment Splash today - it was a beautiful show. Mercy simply looked stunning and so did Labi - the host.
Mercy answered so many questions from fans ranging from her marriage, to her alleged recent scandal, movies, children, blah blah and then someone asked if she had donated to the #saveojbproject (you remember this project right?) lol, she didn't expect the question but she kinda tried manoeuvring her way round it. Labi Layori understood and said "You have not donated abi...so
her answer is no"

Eh, before you ask me, how is this news? The thing is, it baffles me seeing that there is no love in the entertainment industry - N16million?! for frying out loud, 10 celebs can donate that money with ease....yet the money is yet to be raise and it's running into weeks now.

Oh by the way, who has any idea of how many awards Mercy Aigbe has won (has she even won any?) cos she said she has won many awards but couldn't mention any, she only listed the ones' she's being nominated for - City people awards etc....

Update: Yeah, now I have my answer. Mercy Aigbe made the clarification on twitter last night, she listed the awards she has won, I'm so proud of her! Some of them includebest actress YOMAFA 2012, best actress (yoruba) afro hollywood awards 2009 etc. See tweets below:



Photo: Tunde Ednut Involved In Car Accident


According to sources the comedian and singer on Sunday was on his way to visit ailing OJB when a taxi ran into his car and completely damaged the left side. We thank God he escaped unhurt.

Wizkid, Banky W Impostor Nabbed

Hip-hop superstar, Wizkid has spoken out against impersonation by fraudsters. The hit-maker, bugged by increasing complaints and reported incidents says he is worried, and beyond scandalised, that some bandits would go to any length to perpetrate evil acts and defraud innocent fans and customers.

Speaking in Lagos in reaction to the discoveries and arrests, he said, “It’s unfair that fraudsters will take advantage of unsuspecting victims.”

“The culprit has been apprehended and all is being done to make sure such incidents don’t reoccur,” Wizkid added.

An EME impostor is currently in police custody. He was handed over to the police by his latest victim – Muyiwa.

Muyiwa also known as ‘Origin’ started transactions with the impostor, only to discover he was being duped and quickly handed him over to the police.

Meanwhile, EME Chairman, Banky W who has himself been a victim of impersonation, says the label is putting all structures in place, while working with relevant authorities to make sure the trend is put to a stop.

Fake names, phone numbers and bank accounts have been set up to carry out such fraudulent activities. Some of the fake accounts these impostors use include “Bankole Wellington Banky W” on Facebook, Bankyw82@yahoo.comemeonline82@yahoo.com, godwintom1@gmail.comstarboyentertainment@rocketmail.com.

“Impersonating artists and record labels is apparently the new 419. This is not a unique problem to EME or its acts, but a serious challenge to most major labels/artists as well as the fans and event organizers,” Banky says.

“It saddens us to know that crooks still try to take advantage of our fans and supporters but we are doing all we can to put the right info out and we hope that everyone takes note, so as not to fall into their traps,” he adds.

The label says the police will still apprehend more fraudsters.

OJB responds to Juliet Ibrahim's query on raising $100k for kidney transplant


Last week, Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim posted a message on her instagram page saying kidney transplant does not cost more than $50k and wondered why people raising funds for OJB were requesting for $100, 000. Well, OJB has responded to that.

The ailing music producer and singer told Encomium mag...
"The mistake she's making is that it depends on the hospital you are going to in India. She says she runs a foundation, they might give her a rebate. The procedure itself is $55, 000. When you take out $55, 000, you are left with $45, 000. What about the running cost of the procedure? You don't go to India only to come back and start asking for help again. At least, I need some money to maintain myself for the next one year. So when you factor in all these costs, add air tickets and lodging, you will appreciate what we are talking about.

35yr Old Man Arrested For Raping 7yr Old Girl In Calabar



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 A 35-year-old man, identified as Bassey Ekpo-Efiok, has been arrested by the Cross River State Police Command for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl (name withheld) in Calabar.

Father of the victim, Mr. Patrick Eyo-Ita, said the incident happened around 10pm on June 17 at Effanga Offiong Street in the Edibe-Edibe area of Calabar South.

He alleged that the culprit, the son of a former Post-Master General of the Nigeria Postal Service defiled his daughter shortly after he strolled out of his compound while the daughter was asleep.

Eyo-Ita said, “This thing happened between 9.30pm and 10pm. My house was very hot, so, I lay my daughter by the veranda of my apartment. After doing that, I strolled out briefly within the neighbourhood. Unfortunately when I came back about 10pm I did not see my daughter where I lay her but saw the wrapper on which she was lain. I was worried and decided to search for her.”

He said while he was searching for the daughter, he heard her scream from the suspect’s apartment.

“The voice sounded like that of my daughter and I decided to peep into the room where the screaming was coming from. I saw Bassey naked and was on the top of my little daughter. I immediately raised the alarm and within seconds, my neighbours had gathered,” he said.

He said the neighbours made effort to apprehend the suspect but he escaped through a back door.

He said, “When I entered the room to carry my daughter, I saw that blood was coming out of her private part and she could hardly walk. I immediately reported the matter to the police that took her to the Nigeria Police Medical Centre at Akim.”

He said the suspect was eventually arrested on July 1 by policemen from Akim Police Station.
When we visited the area command on Tuesday, the suspect was writing his statement.

A child rights activist, who facilitated the arrest, Mr. James Ibor, said the action of the suspect was criminal as he had jeopardised the life of the little girl.

When contacted, the acting Public Relations Officer in charge of the state Command, Mr. Hogan Bassey, promised to get the details and call back. [Punch]

Cultists Go On Rampage In Mushin, Kill 3


Residents of Idi-Oro area of Mushin, are recounting their ordeal after two days of bloody clashes between rival cult gangs, which left no fewer than three persons dead.

The bloody clashes which left agony in its trail will be hard to forget by residents of Ikeolu, Ereko and other adjoining streets, who watched as their vehicles were set ablaze, buildings vandalized and shops looted by the rampaging hoodlums on May 17, 2013.

Though Mushin is known for violent clashes between factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, rival cult gangs and hoodlums, the area was relatively peaceful until the recent incident.

Crime Alert gathered that the crisis started at a naming ceremony at Alhaji Ota Street, organized by a notorious drug baron from Akala.

Hoodlums from Akala allegedly attacked and killed a member of the Black Axe confraternity at the event.

The victim, was allegedly attacked following suspicion that he may have switched sides. But this didn’t go down well with members of the Black Axe operating in that area as they swiftly mobilized and carried out a reprisal attack on Akala boys at Idi-Oro Bus Stop, along Agege Motor Road.

One of the Akala boys,who sustained severe injury after the attack was rushed to a Nurse operating at Ikeolu Street, but the woman identified as Iya Kenneth, on seeing the severity of the injury urged them to take him to a hospital for proper treatment but the injured man gave up the ghost before he
was taken to the hospital.

His death infuriated the Akala boys as they descended on residents of Ikeolu Street, setting fire on vehicles parked along the streets while some buildings were set on fire. A resident, who identified himself as Shola Afolabi, told Crime Alert that it took the intervention of Policemen from Alakara police Station to restore normalcy.

“I was sleeping in my house when the fight started, I first heard gun shots earlier i later saw a large crowd of hoodlums from Akala destroying vehicles and setting them on fire. They also burgled people’s houses and stole valuable properties; it was the police that drove them away.

It wasn’t really easy for the police to calm the situation, because the boys were many and vicious. They blamed the nurse for the death of their member so they decided to attack our streets. The policemen got reinforcement from the Area D’ Command, Mushin, before they drove the boys away,” he stated.

However, the police in Mushin, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the Army, reacted swiftly leading to the arrest of 25 hoodlums and 47 drug traffickers.
Also, the Army raided the notorious Akala Street and arrested 47 suspected drug traffickers and recovered 3,166.15kg of narcotics including cannabis, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.

Nigeria Is Due For Revolution – Tambuwal



Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, has said a revolution is due in Nigeria because of endemic corruption in the country, coupled with the general disaffection of the people with the ruling elite.

He said the kind of conditions that must subsist in order for any talk of revolution to be taken seriously were widely evident.

Tambuwal stated these in Lagos on Tuesday at the 2013 Distinguished Management Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered). The occasion had the theme, ‘The role of the legislature on the economic, infrastructural and ethical revolution in Nigeria’, where he was invited as a guest speaker.

He said, “The most compelling reasons for revolution throughout the ages were injustice, crushing poverty, marginalisation, rampant corruption, lawlessness, joblessness, and general disaffection with the ruling elite. You will agree with me that these describe conditions in our nation now, to a very large degree.”

Tambuwal, who was represented by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, said over the years, successive governments made efforts to deal with this menace, but to no avail.

“That these conditions exist is well known to all persons in authority but the results of these successive efforts have failed to yield the desired results. This therefore is the justification for the radical change from the present approach to a revolutionary one,” he stressed.

From the perspective of legislation, according to him, the most critical role that the legislature plays is through the annual appropriation bill, as every year, pursuant to the Constitution, the executive submits its budget estimates for legislative scrutiny.

The Speaker said as representatives of the people, the legislature ensured that the more critical needs of the people got priority attention, as efforts were made to ensure equitable distribution of projects.
He said, “The effort of the National Assembly to handle appropriation to meet the yearning and aspirations of the people has been met with serious resistance; yet it is something we must do.

“It is perhaps important to emphasise that if our economy is to be turned around, our annual budgets must prioritise programmes and projects that deliberately address issues of poverty alleviation, job creation and security of lives and property.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the President and Chairman of Council, NIM, Chief Michael Olawale-Cole, had said more than ever before, Nigeria needed an urgent intellectual revolution to the many leadership challenges besetting it.

We Disguise As Beggars To Abduct Our Victims – Suspects



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The Suspects
The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a kidnappers den in Ajah area of Lagos, killing a suspected leader of the syndicate during a shoot-out, while three other members were arrested.Rescued at the end of the gun duel were two staff of Epe Local Government Area, Samsudeen Olatunde, 37 and  Daramola Muideen Bisoye,  43.
They were abducted a week ago on Abraham Adesanya Street, along Lekki/Epe expressway when they stopped to answer the call of nature.
The suspects  who usually disguised as beggars, disclosed that their targets were men who usually parked exotic cars to ease themselves around Ajah and other high brow areas of Lagos.
The operation
The seven-man syndicate said to have been on the wanted list of the Area ‘J’ Command, Elemoro, for about a year, reportedly met their waterloo following intelligence report from the area command, consequent upon which a joint team of operatives from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja and men of the Area ‘J’ Command led by the Area Commander, Mr Felix Vwamhi, reportedly stormed the kidnappers’ den, an uncompleted building located in an area popularly known  as General Paint in  Alasia, Ajah.
Sighting the policemen, the kidnappers reportedly opened fire that triggered a gun duel.Police sources said: “During  the hot exchange of fire, two members of the gang, one of them later discovered to be the gang leader, identified simply as  Akpos and his second in command, Michael Chinedu Edom, were fatally wounded.
“They were arrested while five others escaped with minor bullet wounds and one of the  guns used by Akpos was recovered including 20 live cartridges.“Efforts to revive Akpos to enable police use him to get the fleeing gang members failed but “Michael survived and was used to track down two other  members, Emmanuel Omoseni and Emeka Agbaji, who have made confessional statements.
Our targets —Suspect
One of the suspects, Emeka Agbaji, 31, who hails from Ekuoma village in Ika East Local Government Area of Delta State disclosed: “That fateful day at about 8pm along Epe Expressway, we saw two persons who parked their Toyota Yaris saloon car by the roadside and went to urinate.
“One of our gang members who disguised as a beggar approached the driver when he wanted to board the car and begged him to assist him with some money to eat. Out of sympathy the driver gave him N100 and he prostrated in gratitude.“But, as the driver wanted to enter his car, the supposed beggar  held on to the car door and started dragging the door with him. The occupants were confused and before they knew it, other members including myself came out of hiding with locally made short guns and pushed the driver and the passenger inside the back seat of the car.
“One of us took over the steering wheel and we drove straight to our camp at General Paint area.“We did not torture the victims. We had not even started calling their families or the Epe local government council where we learnt they were working  when, all of a sudden, the police stormed the uncompleted building and rescued them.”
Agbaji who said he was lured into kidnapping by the late Akpos confessed that he was once a robber.“But at a point, I decided not to steal again.  I was tempted to join because Akpos advised me  to be saving one tenth of any money I got through kidnap for court case, saying kidnap was a bailable offence and that he had formidable hands in the boys he recruited from Delta State. 
This is my first time of joining them and I was promised N500,000 at the end of the day,” he said.
I intended travelling with my share  —Another suspect
For Michael Chinedu Edom, 25,  a native of Isiekenesi village in Ideato South Local Government Area of  Imo State: “I was also lured by late Akpos, with a promise of more than N2 million when we receive the ransom.“We were told that each of the victims’ families would be made to pay N7 million. At least I knew I would have got over N2 million with which I intended to travel out of Nigeria.“I joined out of frustration because all the menial jobs I  ventured into fetched me nothing.
“First, I started as a conductor and got only N1,000 at the end of each day which was not enough to fend for myself, let alone my wife and baby who live with a family friend.“I was  squatting with friends  in an uncompleted building because I could not afford to pay the rent around Ajah.“My role in this was to provide a hideout for the gang. I was promised N10,000 per day. I was not there when they did the job. 
I was  in a restaurant all through but was forced to run out  during the gun duel. In my attempt to escape, one of the arrested persons sighted me and revealed my identity to the police.”
We are only kidnappers not robbers — Third suspect
The third suspect who identified himself as Emmanuel Omoseni, 33, from Zion People village in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, claimed to be a teacher in a private school in the area.                                                          Omoseni said he was tempted to provide the gang a hiding place after being promised N100,000.“As at then, I had not been paid two months salary. Even the two months salary was not up to the N100,000 promised.  My only regret is that I ended up not getting a dime.” [Vanguard]

Tears As Ibadan Traders Receive Corpses Of 10 Colleagues Allegedly Murdered By Boko Haram



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Scores of people wept in Ibadan on Tuesday as the corpses of ten Bodija Market traders arrived the city around 2.30 p.m.
The traders are believed to have been killed by members of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, at Moguno area of Borno State, when the traders went there to buy their products to be sold in Ibadan.
Colleagues, sympathizers and family members, who thronged to receive the corpses at Egbeda, Toll Gate of the town, wept profusely as they lamented the impact of the killings.This would not be the first time such an incident would happen. The traders had in May mourned some of their colleagues allegedly killed by the same sect members on May 5th. Stores were locked at the market on Monday to honour the slain colleagues.
Reacting to the report that 25 people were killed in the attack, a trader at the market, identified as Emiola, said he could neither confirm nor refute the claim, saying ‘what we know is that 10 of our people were killed, may be the 25 people version was true, we don’t know”.
Also, 32-year-old Taoheed Adewuyi, who said he was one of the survivors of the attack, attributed his escape to God’s mercy.“They stopped us along the way and asked us to come down from the car and lie down; they thereafter started shooting us one after the other. I was the third person. I was also shot but the bullet did not hit me well. I was almost gone. It was after an hour that I discovered that I was still alive,” he said.
He noted further that one of the victims was slaughtered by a member of the gang after discovering that he was still breathing after being shot.“I’m sure they were Boko Haram members”, he added.

“I work hard and I will enjoy my money” Wizkid defends spending N15m on a car

Wizkid has defended himself after various criticisms he got regarding
the purchase of his recent N15m car, he told Encomium;

"I needed to get another one because after the accident, I didn't have
a car and I have to move around. I started taking cabs before I
decided to buy this new car to move around. It is needed for work. And
I don't think there's anything wrong in splashing millions on a car.
If someone works hard and decides to spend on something that he thinks
is good for him, why not? In fact, I don't think there's need to
justify whether its is wrong or not. I work hard and I will enjoy my
money"

Shocking Confession From Popular Rapper, M.I

Africa Rapper No.1, MI Abaga shared his experience of his early days
in the music industry and how life was before he became a star.

He told his grass to grace story to station crew of Dream 925FM, where
he chose to hang out just a few hours before the Star Music Trek
concert in Enugu on Saturday.

He said that while he was still struggling he was employed as Personal
Assistant to popular artiste, Jeremiah Gyang and that during his
hustling days he met Waje and Djinee for the first time in Enugu.

MI made a shocking confession of how he resorted to washing toilets to
make ends meet in the United states, like that wasn't enough even
after returning back to Nigeria he still had to work hard to make his
dreams come true thereby working as a waiter at a popular cafe in Jos.

According to M.I "I'm really proud of these indigenous art forms and
it's a blessing for me to be a part of an industry that has notable
artistes such as Olamide, Phyno, Mr Raw and others in it.

This is the future of great music in Nigeria," he added.

£3,000 UK Visa Bond, Insult To Nigeria – Oba Of Lagos

Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Oba of Lagos, has said that the £3000 visa bond
being proposed by the UK for Nigerians wishing to come into the Great
britain as an insult to Nigerians

He said this at an event where Peter Carter, deputy high Commissioner
was present,The monarch said "Nigerians do not welcome the idea and
the government of the United Kingdom (UK) should do something urgently
to reverse the decision."

The British envoy came forward and said that the decision was meant to
checkmate high risk applicants adding that the matter had caused a lot
of upset.

He said the UK Home office initiated the pilot scheme involving a lot
of countries, but said no form of decision had been taken yet over the
matter.

Public outcries in Nigeria and other countries affected by United
Kingdom's controversial plan for a £3,000 bond on persons from Nigeria
and other listed countries seeking entry to the UK forced the British
government to rethink the policy

It would be recalled that Theresa Mary May, British Home secretary had
put forward a £3,000 cash bond to deter "high risk" Asian and African
short-term visitors from overstaying in Britain.

The scheme was floated at the weekend by the home secretary and
provoked uproar in India and Nigeria, which were among the six
countries named as possible targets, with threats that reciprocal
action should be taken against British visitors.

Wedding Saga Continues: Pastor Kumuyi Suspends His Son John and His New Wife

The leadership of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry has suspended the
son of the General Superintendent of the church and his wife, John and
Love Kumuyi from carrying out any activity in the church over their
recent controversial wedding in Jamaica.

This is coming after the couple tendered a letter of apology.

The church says it decided to place the couple on suspension to give
them time to pray and seek forgiveness from God for their action and
was announced by Pastor Philip Oluwi, a key leader in the
church.Oluwi, certainly is acting on the instruction from the General
Superintendent of the church, Pastor William Kumuyi, to suspend the
couple for the embarrassment they brought upon the church during the
wedding, emphasizing that the standard of Deeper Life regarding
wedding and moderacy had not changed.

"The church, Deeper Life, remains committed to the biblical practice
and standard of almost 40 years Christian dressing and still remains
and does not compromise on biblical Christian dressing.

"Hence, deviation warrants the displeasure and frown of God and the
leadership of the church. John and Love are now under discipline,"
Oluwi announced to the entire congregation, an action that helped to
calm the nerves of many Deeper Life faithful.

However, P.M.NEWS investigation revealed that John and Love's wedding
was not conducted in a Deeper Life Bible Church.

It was also not conducted by pastors from the church as Deeper Life
Bible Church in Jamaica has not been licensed by the country's
government to join couples in wedlock, according to the laws of
Jamaica.

The wedding was taken to another church where the ministers in the
unnamed church conducted the wedding and joined them in holy
matrimony.

Besides, Deeper Life leaders that came from Nigeria were said to have
disapproved of the earlier gown Love was to wear for the wedding,
while another was hurriedly sewed the night before the wedding.

Church leaders were said not to have seen the new dress until the
couple was marching into the church and by then, it was too late to
take any action as the wedding was not conducted in a Deeper Life
church.

Former Nigerian Star Taribo West in Ghana To Preach Word Of God

Former Nigerian international footballer-turned pastor Taribo West has
arrived in Ghana to broadcast the word of God to Ghanaians.
The 41-year-old was spotted in the Ghanaian capital, Accra late last
week and he is set to embark on his international broadcasting of the
word of God.

This will be the first time the former Inter Milan and Auxerre
powerful center-back is in the West African country on his mission to
spread the word of God.

Why I Celebrated And Married My Wife In A Truck - Victor Osuagwu

Here is what actor Victor Osuagwu told Leadership magazine about his
wife and marriage.

Why did it take you almost 14 years before taking your wife to the altar?
Some people even said it was because I didn't have money to organise
the wedding. But to me, it was a deliberate act. It was a promise made
to God that when he blesses me I'm going to celebrate my marriage in a
very big way. I don't  owe my in-laws, everything about marriage was
done in 2002 but I promised God that if he keeps me alive by the time
my last born would be five years old, I would celebrate my marriage,
alongside my children. And that was exactly what I did immediately my
last born clocked five.
What motivated you to have your wedding in a truck?
That was my own way of entertaining people because the entertainment
must continue and that is my job as a comic actor. I must apply all
the tactics within my disposal to make my fans happy. It is not only
on screen that I can make people smile and laugh. I felt that I could
also achieve same without being on TV. I was using the occasion to
celebrate my wife having endured for a long time waiting for me. I
made my fans realise that I'm a core entertainer on and off the
screen. Port Harcourt knew that someone was wedding on that day.

Pastor Kumuyi's Son Apologizes For Allowing His Wife Wear Sexy Clothes

The controversy generated by the marriage of the second son of the
General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, John Kumuyi,
to former Miss Love Odih, has taken a new dimension.
In the wedding pictures that circulated online, the bride, who is the
daughter of the National Overseer of the church's branch in Jamaica,
was seen putting on a more "sexy wedding gown" when compared to that
of an ordinary Deeper Life church member...

She also wore ear rings, holding a bouquet and applied make-up — all
of which are alien to Pastor Kumuyi's Deeper Life church doctrines.
John and Love got married on June 15 but the ceremony had been a
subject of debate on social media over how the bride was dressed, in
comparison to other weddings held in the church. The church's belief
does not entertain flamboyance in such celebration.

Anyway, the the couple has tendered a letter of apology to the church
and all those who are not happy that they didn't abide by the
doctrine, which other church members abide by, saying we have
"realised the effects of our actions and omission".
The letter was read to the congregation on Saturday during the
church's mid-year celebration programme held at the Deeper Life
Conference Centre, Lagos-Ibadan Expresway and broadcast live to
branches all over Nigeria and parts of Africa via satellite read:
"John and Love Kumuyi write to express our deepest and most sincere
apology for the turn of events, that have resulted on our traditional
and wedding ceremonies, that took place in Jamaica on 13th June and
15th June, 2013 respectively.

"We unreservedly and wholeheartedly state that we did not intend that
our acts or omissions will, in any way, undermine the great works that
God has done through the Deeper Christian Life Ministry worldwide and
more specifically, through our Father in the Lord, the General
Superintendent.

"We also use this medium to profusely and sincerely apologise to the
General Superintendent for the embarrassment and heartaches, our
actions have caused him, more so that he has earlier declined to be at
the events.

"This, notwithstanding, we fully accept that having been nurtured,
taught and brought up with the sound teaching of the word of God, we
should have been able to draw the line, which we failed to do.

"We have now realised the effects of our actions and omission and do
plead with the church for forgiveness and also appealing that any
action that should be taken be directed at John and Love, as we take
this time to prayerfully reflect on our actions. We take full
responsibility for what happened, and this action should, in no way,
be blamed on the GS, or the leaders of the church in Nigeria, United
States, Jamaica or United Kingdom and beyond."

However, LDK however observed that their apology has attracted
another debate. Some say there was no need for the apology as his wife
wore what pleased her, while others say the apology is in order.


So, look at the two different photos above, what is your take?

[Photo] : Wizkid & King Sunny Ade Perform Together At EbonyLifeTV Launch

Wizkid can do no wrong right now with blending the godfathers of
African music with his new school music. The popstar performed
alongside the King of south western music, Sunny Ade last night at the
EbonyLifeTV launch.

Gunners continue summer clearout as defender Djourou is loaned to Hamburg... and could Bendtner be next to go?


Hamburg have signed Switzerland defender Johan Djourou on loan from Arsenal and Nicklas Bendtner could follow him out of the door.
La Liga side Malaga will discuss a deal with the north London side for the Danish striker. The 25-year-old also has an offer from Eintracht Frankfurt but is keen to speak to the Spanish outfit.
Meanwhile, 26-year-old defender Djourou has moved to Hamburg on an initial one-year loan deal with the Bundesliga club having the option to make the move permanent next summer.
Djourou, who undertook his medical with the northern Germany club this morning before putting pen to paper on his contract, spent the second half of last season on loan with Hamburg's league rivals Hannover after joining during the January transfer window.
Done deal: Djourou will be hoping to impress to gain a permanent deal at the German side
Done deal: Djourou will be hoping to impress to gain a permanent deal at the German side
Djourou said on Hamburg's official website: 'I'm very happy now that everything is sorted. HSV are a big club, with a lot of quality and great fans.
'I am convinced that this is the right step for my career.'
Hamburg's director of sport Oliver Kreuzer said: 'Johan was a priority as the defence is a very important part of our team. He has leadership qualities but is also fast, good in the air and very good on the ball.'
Djourou joins Sebastien Squillaci, Andrei Arshavin and Denilson as notable departures from the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Frustrating: Djourou joined Hannover on loan in January after finding opportunities at Arsenal limited (below)
Frustrating: Djourou joined Hannover on loan in January after finding opportunities at Arsenal limited (below)

Frustrating: Djourou joined Hannover on loan in January after finding opportunities at Arsenal limited (below)
After a bright start to his career in north London, and going to a World Cup at the age of 19, many tipped the centre-back for a bright future, though it has never really happened for him.
A loan move to Birmingham helped Djourou showcase his talents, before a knee inury ruled him out for almost a year in 2009.
On his return to the squad, the Ivory Coast-born defender formed a successful partnership with new-boy Laurent Koscielny, with the pair really stepping up in a 2-1 win against Barcelona in early 2011.
Potential: Djourou impressed in both legs against Barcelona, but could never really build on it
Potential: Djourou impressed in both legs against Barcelona, but could never really build on it
Djourou impressed so much, that then captain Cesc Fabregas told Four Four Two: 'The boss has treated him really well, with caution, and he’s now playing fantastically for us.
'Hopefully he can keep it up because I think that, with the way we play, we need a centre-back like him – strong, good on the ball, quick, making his presence felt on the opposition striker.'
Sadly further fitness and form troubles stopped Djourou from really maximising his potential, and the return of Thomas Vermaelen and the signing of Per Mertesacker saw him lose confidence, especially when asked to play at right-back.
His demise will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of Arsenal fans, while we may never see Djourou truly reach his potential.
Meanwhile Arsenal have reportedly had a £19.7m bid rejected for Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender.

Come and join me and Messi at Barca! Neymar wants to team up with Rooney at the Nou Camp



Brazil superstar Neymar has urged Manchester United’s unsettled striker Wayne Rooney to consider a move to Barcelona, saying it would be a dream to play with the England forward.
Neymar, who himself joined the Catalan side earlier this summer for £48.6million from Brazilian side Santos, has described the Camp Nou as the perfect destination for a player of Rooney’s talent.
The Samba star, who scored a sensational goal in Brazil’s thumping 3-0 win over Spain in last night’s Confederation Cup final, said: ‘The style of football we (Barcelona) play and the level of the players we have - we are the perfect club for the top players to join.'
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Star man: Neymar played a key role as Brazil won the Confederations Cup
Star man: Neymar played a key role as Brazil won the Confederations Cup
Tormentor: Neymar ran tirelessly at Ramos and the Spain back four in a sensational showing
Tormentor: Neymar ran tirelessly at Ramos and the Spain back four in a sensational showing

NEYMAR THROAT OP

Brazilian striker Neymar says he will need minor throat surgery before his move to Barcelona.
Neymar says he will have the surgery on Friday before he goes to Spain.
'It's a problem that I have, my throat always bothers me, so we're going to operate to resolve it once and for all,’ he said.
'Wayne is one of the most gifted and technical players in the world. Of course he would improve Barcelona. He would improve any club in Europe.
'And on a personal level, it would be a dream to play with him. I have met Wayne on a few occasions and he seems a good guy but importantly, he is one of the players I admire most in the world.'
Rooney, who is this week set for talks with new United manager David Moyes, has received somewhat different advice from England’s assistant boss and former club and country team-mate Gary Neville, who has urged the forward to remain at Old Trafford.
Uncertain future: Wayne Rooney will have talks with David Moyes this week
Uncertain future: Wayne Rooney will have talks with David Moyes this week
Speaking to talkSPORT, Neville said: 'He’s a fantastic footballer I played with Wayne for many years. He’s a fantastic footballer.
'Personally, with my allegiances, I’d never recommend anyone leave United because I believe it is a great stage to play football and you can achieve what you want there.”
Neville, who spent six years playing alongside Rooney for the Red Devils before his retirement in 2010, went on to explain that any move away from Old Trafford could be a step down from the trophy-laden success that Rooney has enjoyed at United.
Neymar
Lionel Messi
Dream team: Neymar and Lionel Messi will join forces at Barcelona next season
Neville added: 'I’ve seen David Beckham and other big players leave United and it really is something that comes down to the individual and the club.
'I’ve seen Ryan Giggs, when he was 27, linked to Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan and stay.'
Rooney’s Old Trafford future was cast into doubt when retired manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed in a post-match interview after his final home game in charge at United that the striker had expressed a desire to leave the club.
First day at work: David Moyes begins his role as Manchester United manager
First day at work: David Moyes begins his role as Manchester United manager
Rooney and his representatives remain adamant, however, that the player has not handed in an official transfer request and that he merely suggested it may be for the best that he moved on if he could not be guaranteed a more important role in the team.
The England man had been left frustrated after being dropped for the crucial Champions League match against Real Madrid and after Ferguson continually deployed him in central midfield or on the wing towards the end of the season.
The situation must now be resolved by Moyes, who has pencilled in a meeting with Rooney for early this week. Should the club and player be unable to sort out their differences, it is anticipated that Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain will lead the chase for United's fourth highest goalscorer of all time.
Stay: Gary Neville (second left) wants Rooney (second right) to remain with Manchester United
Stay: Gary Neville (second left) wants Rooney (second right) to remain with Manchester United

Paulinho breaks down in tears as Brazil star confirms £17m Tottenham move



Tottenham have won the battle for Brazil midfielder Paulinho after Corinthians confirmed he will join them for £17.1million.
The player had been widely expected to leave the Brazilian club for England after the Confederations Cup final, as revealed by Sportsmail.
And, during an emotional press conference, the 24-year-old broke down as he explained his exit.

Emotional: Paulinho in tears at Corinthians press conference announcing he is to join Tottenham
Emotional: Paulinho in tears at Corinthians press conference announcing he is to join Tottenham
Paulinho
Exit door: Paulinho walks out after holding the press conference
'It's hard to say anything at a moment like this, but I am sure those were three wonderful years in my career, with many titles,' he said.
'What I have to say to Corinthians fans, board and staff is !see you soon! - I will be back in no time, due to everything they have done for me.
'My individual titles are all thanks to the club, Corinthians will be in my heart for the rest of my life.'
Corinthians director of football Roberto de Andrade praised the player who starred as Brazil beat Spain 3-0 in Rio on Sunday.
Signing off: Paulinho helped Brazil win the Conferderations CUp as they beat Spain 3-0 in the final
Signing off: Paulinho helped Brazil win the Confederations Cup as they beat Spain 3-0 in the final
Paulinho of Brazil celebrates
'I want to thank Paulinho for everything he has done for Corinthians,' he said.

'We will never forget him - the great person he is - and his national team title (the Confederations Cup with Brazil) is well-deserved.

'Corinthians are proud for having had a player like him. It's fair he continues his life at an English club, to know a new culture.'

Bale drops hint he's ready to leave Spurs for Champions League



Gareth Bale has reiterated his desire to play in the Champions League.
Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are both desperate to land Bale this summer in the wake of Tottenham's failure to qualify for the Champions League.
And in an interview with Esquire, Bale has spelled out what Europe's elite competition means to him. 

Should I stay or should I go? Gareth Bale has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer
Should I stay or should I go? Gareth Bale has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer
Should I stay or should I go? Gareth Bale has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer
He said: 'When you play in the Premier League, say you're playing against a lower-end team, they set up to defend all the time, they set up to block you off. But when you play in the Champions League, all the other teams are used to winning every week, so it's more of an open game, it's more attacking, end-to-end.
'No one's used to defending, everyone's used to attacking and trying to win games, so it's just all against all.'
Curler: Bale has impressed at Tottenham but wants to play in the Champions League
Curler: Bale has impressed at Tottenham but wants to play in the Champions League
He added: 'The music is a massive thing - Zadok the Priest (Handel's anthem that announces the arrival of the teams). When we first got into the Champions League, it's one of the things that most of the lads were looking forward to, hearing it in the stadium. It's little things like that which make it special.' 
Winger Bale scored 26 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions for Spurs last season, but insisted he does not feel any pressure to perform. He said: 'I don't feel any pressure. If I'm the one scoring all the goals and winning us the games, then I just carry on as normal. I don't feel any different.'
Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale

Referring to his father, Frank, as his harshest critic, Bale added: 'He always told me off if I did something wrong. Even now he still does it. But he makes me get better and I kind of want to keep proving him wrong to keep him quiet. He's always got something to say.'

Chelsea prepared to use Ramires as makeweight in Edinson Cavani deal


CHELSEA are prepared to sacrifice Ramires in order to land Edinson Cavani this summer.


Edinson-Cavani-is-top-of-Chelsea-s-wanted-list  
Edinson Cavani is top of Chelsea's wanted list
The lethal Napoli frontman is believed to have agreed terms on a bumper pay packet, which would see the Uruguayan pocket £7.2m a season.

The Blues have had a long-standing interest in Cavani, however Jose Mourinho has been planning a major revamp of his squad.

The likes of David Luiz and Juan Mata, who have both garnered interest from Barcelona have been tipped to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.

A report in Italian publication Il Tempo indicates Chelsea are prepared to raise the stakes to land their top striking transfer target.
Chelsea, Ramires, Edinson Cavani, gossip 

Ramires is being considered as a makeweight in a potential deal
Chelsea to use Ramires as pawn in order to get Edinson Cavani
They purport that Chelsea, who are reluctant to meet Cavani's release clause, will table an offer of £40m plus Ramires for the 26-year-old.

Cavani was in devastating form last term, scoring an astonishing 36 goals in all competitions last term, as Napolin finished eventual runners-up to Juventus in Serie A.

Chelsea weigh up loaning out Demba Ba to West Brom


CHELSEA are mulling over whether or not to loan out Demba Ba to West Brom this summer.


West-Brom-are-eyeing-up-a-loan-move-for-Demba-Ba West Brom are eyeing up a loan move for Demba Ba
Despite flourishing at Newcastle, Ba has struggled to repeat his goalscoring exploits since his £7.5m switch to the , and netted just twice in the Premier League in the second half of last season.

Ba was continually rotated with then interim manager preferring to play Fernando Torres as the lone forward.

Romelu Lukaku became a fans' favourite after hitting 17 goals in the Premier League for the Baggies, and Steve Clarke admitted he wished he could have kept the powerful forward for another season.

Clarke, who was previously an assistant manager at Chelsea, is hoping to use his links with the club to facilitate a loan move.
Chelsea, Demba Ba, West Brom 

Romelu Lukaku was a big hit at West Brom last term
West Brom eye up loan move for Demba Ba
Reports surfaced over the weekend which suggested that Jose Mourinho is happy to loan out Ba, as he doesn't see him as indispensable to the club.

Mourinho has already been contemplating his first-team plans, and it is the thought the likes of Juan Mata and David Luiz's futures are under threat.

Chelsea target El Shaarawy as Wilshere backs Rooney for Arsenal


THIS MORNING'S transfer news sees Chelsea target AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy, while Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has backed Wayne Rooney's proposed switch from Manchester United.


Chelsea-could-bring-in-El-Shaarawy-left-while-Jack-Wilshere-wants-Wayne-Rooney-right-at-Arsenal
 Chelsea could bring in El Shaarawy (left) while Jack Wilshere wants Wayne Rooney (right) at Arsenal
With last season a fading memory, clubs are making their moves in the summer transfer market with the next campaign in mind. Here is a roundup of all the latest news, rumours and gossip...
Chelsea are plotting a move for AC Milan midfielder Stephan El Shaarawy, 20, after Jose Mourinho reportedly placed him on his shortlist.
Jack Wilshere says signing England team-mate Wayne Rooney from Manchester United would make Arsenal a fearsome prospect and help them end their eight year trophy drought next season.
Tottenham target Paulinho has confirmed he is leaving Corinthians after accepting an offer from White Hart Lane to join up with Gareth Bale.


 

Free banking to be scrapped by meddling EU


BRITONS face soaring charges for using credit and debit cards under EU plans condemned yesterday as the final “nail in the coffin” for free banking


EU-plans-are-nail-in-the-coffin-for-free-banking EU plans are 'nail in the coffin' for free banking
Customers also face being charged for using cash machines and their account as banks try to recoup a £2.4billion loss.
The plans, expected to be outlined by the European Commission this month, will scrap or limit the fees that retailers have to pay banks every time they take a card payment.
The banks face losing up to 34p for each credit card transaction.
Richard Wagner, chief executive of Advanced Payment Solutions warned: “These losses will go right to the customer, of that there is no doubt.”
Wealth manager Jonathan Davis said: “We have a classic case of EU interventionists justifying their existence and it sounds as if they are using a hammer to crack an egg.”
Consumers could pay at least £25 a year to use a credit card and £11 a year for their debit card, says a report from Europe  Economics with Mastercard.
These losses will go right to the customer, of that there is no doubt
Richard Wagner
It warns that customers lost out when similar changes to the so-called interchange system were imposed in other European countries, such as Spain, and in Australia.
Retailers, who stand to gain around £2.2billion a year, did not pass their savings on and banks and card issuers recouped their losses through rising credit and debit card charges.
Mr Wagner added: “Banks will start to get creative to recoup any losses through charging higher fees for card usage and introducing other charges, and free banking is under threat. The current system is relatively fair. If that changes it be the nail in the coffin of free banking.”
Europe Economics spokesman Dr Andrew Lilico said: “We think a White Paper later this month will outline plans to scrap or cap interchange fees.
“When this happened in other countries we found the money retailers saved was not passed on to customers. It is also plausible that in the UK it could lead to charges being brought in for bank accounts which are currently free.”
Changes to these interchange fees were introduced in Australia in 2003 and Spain in 2005. But Damon Gibbons, director of the Centre for Responsible Credit, said British consumers could be particularly vulnerable to the changes.
He said: “The intention is to reduce the cost of accepting card payments for retailers in the expectation they will pass these savings on to customers.
“However, evidence from Australia, Spain and the US shows retailers often do not do this.
“The European Commission’s proposal is not the way forward. Reducing interchange fees risks increasing the cost of card use for UK consumers, who use cards more than anywhere else in Europe.” Banks typically charge retailers around 8.5p for each debit card transaction and up to 34p to accept payments by credit card.
wallet, bank, credit cards 

EU meddling will mean banks recoup directly from customers
Matthew Sinclair, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “We feel EC proposals to regulate interchange are inappropriate, particularly in the UK where the interchange market appears to function relatively well.
“We’re deeply concerned that it will lead to a reduction in use of electronic payments, resulting in an increase in tax evasion.”
Ukip leader Nigel Farage said: “This is classic interference in the operation of the markets.
“In trying to be populist the consumer as ever loses as bank charges will rise to cover the banks losses.”
Mr Davis, managing director of Jonathan Davis Wealth Management, said “There is no way the banks will be able to take a loss of £2.4bn a year, and they will be looking to recoup it.”

Death crash footballer in jail release blunder


A FOOTBALLER who killed a brother and sister in an horrific road crash was freed early from jail yesterday in a blunder by the Prison Service.


Meppen-Walter-killed-Kulwant-Singh-and-his-sister-Ravel-Kaur-in-a-crash-in-Manchester Meppen-Walter killed Kulwant Singh and his sister Ravel Kaur in a crash in Manchester
Last night an inquiry was launched into how Manchester City’s Courtney Meppen- Walter, 18, was released just a quarter of the way into a 16-month sentence for causing death by careless driving.
He was expected to be back behind bars soon, but one of the footballer’s friends had already tweeted a photo of him smirking outside prison with the caption: “Fresh out of pizzy.”
Meppen-walter, jail, steps 

The Prison Service said they were taking steps to return Meppen-Walter to jail

The Prison Service said they were taking steps to return him to jail.
A spokesman said: “Police have been informed to ensure he is promptly returned to custody. Releases in error are very rare and we take any incident extremely seriously.”
Meppen-Walter, who captained the England under-18 team, killed Kulwant Singh, 32, and his sister Ravel Kaur, 37, in a crash in Manchester.
Before his release was revealed to be an error, Mr Singh’s angry widow Kush­want Saur said: “This has devastated me. The original sentence wasn’t suffic­ient in the first place

How 5 UNILAG Students Got Involved In Fatal Accident, 3 Confirmed Dead (PHOTOS)



Oh no, this is so sad! I heard about the story this morning but I didn't blog it because the details were sketchy, now I have the full details of the accident - contrary to the reports going viral, not all of them died, 2 of them are still alive - the other three died on the spot!

They were involved in a very fatal car accident along international airport Road in Ikeja, Lagos. 
According to a close source who witnessed the incident, the students left from their off-campus, Emerald to be precise, for the engagement party of one of them (Iyabo)- she recently got engaged - and her friends/cousin decided to celebrate with her (photo above). The engagement party went on well, the fiance' went on his way and bade the ladies goodbye, his younger brother offered to drive the ladies back to school - but on their way back, they got hit by a trailer.
The driver - Iyabo's fiancee younger brother - died immediately while Funmi (who is dead now) was Iyabo's cousin. Until her death, Funmilayo Adelowotan was on a First Class CGPA of 4.71, she was fondly called ‘Miss Green’ by students and lecturers in her faculty. She was a 200Level student of Quantitative surveying(Faculty of Environmental Science)

Eniola Abiodun is also dead, she was in mass comm 400 level.

Temiloluwa Osindero & Iyabo (the lady who got engaged) are presently receiving treatment in LASUTH, may God heal them!

See photos below (VIEWERS' DISCRETION ADVISED)


 
the late funmi

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