LETTER TO DSTV ON BBA FROM AFRICA YOUTH.

I urge and plead with All Africa Youths, let's ask DSTV to give Us a BBA where Africa Youths go and discuss, profer solution to solve Africa Problems not this morally loosed show where single parents who can't keep their relationships go into the house to show their fallen breast, drug addicts, porn stars , ill mannered people mix up and get rewarded. Ha! Having sex in the public with somebody who is not your spouse? God have mercy ! The demon of sexual immorality has etched its ugly head into the show, hence the next sane option is to nip the programme in the bud. The BBA is all about immoral behaviour and that is why it attracts lots of fans. They even prefer open sex every day. There is no single thing to learn from the programme, they just promote sex and immorality. It's time we ignore it & speak up against it, for what it's worth. How long does it take to imbibe a habit? 21 days; and BBA runs for 90days, subtly making people addicts to bad habits. Say No to TV shows without value. Reality shows with immorality is a No No!!!!!

ASUU STRIKE AND WIKE'S POLITICS.

The Nigerian establishment does not seem to have regard for qualitative education of its citizens. If it did, both President and the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruquyyatu Rufa’i, would not... be as tepid on the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities. Nigeria is in a meltdown and if there is any fear that should keep Nigerians wide-awake in the night, it is not that 400,000 barrels of crude oil are being stolen daily; that this theft summed up to a hefty $10.9bn between 2009-2011 or, that a shortage of gunboats and fast-assault crafts were partly responsible for increased oil theft. It is because our future as a people is in a free fall with the decline in the quality of public education. No country can make anything of itself with a retrogressive education system. Whenever lecturers go on endless countless strike actions, the government of the day hesitates to negotiate with them. It forgets that the strike is as a result of its failure to implement past agreements. The government signed an agreement with ASUU in 2009 and till date, only two of the nine demands have been met. In the midst of the latest pretext of finding a lasting solution to ASUU strikes, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, dampened the ardour of everyone by stating on Tuesday that ASUU’s demands amount to N92bn and the Federal Government cannot meet it. Okonjo-Iweala’s excuse is that they need to streamline public expenditure. In 2011, Rufa’i claimed ASUU’s demands would cost N106bn and that they could not source the amount. Rather than trim a wasteful executive and a bloated legislature, they want to downsize education. Their negotiating start-offs are crooked since sincerity has never been the strong point of this government. Education seems an after-thought and that is why Nigeria is badly served. In the midst of this commotion is the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, who is the opposite of Rufa’i. He is boiling hot, but not out of passion for education. Rather, he has found a larger calling in his home politics. The Rivers State crisis, by the way, has become a soap opera of sorts. While President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife have been consistent in their exemplary Underworld Bosses roles, the governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has successfully played multiple parts. Amaechi has acted the victim, warrior, villain and currently, a victim all over again. Mrs. Patience Jonathan, with maternal condescension referred to Amaechi as her “son.” The son-governor, like a schoolboy before his school ma’am, asked mediators to plead with his “mother” to restore his security detail. Their tussle has resulted in the desecration of the legislature. It is quite nauseating to note their drama is more about self-aggrandisement than ideals. Wike’s role in this drama is to play Jonathan’s Man Friday. In one of his narratives, Wike stated his annoyance with Amaechi was his disrespect for Jonathan; to welcome Jonathan to Rivers once, Amaechi brought only four commissioners to the airport. To the pageantry-minded Wike, it was to humiliate Jonathan and make him suffer. Pray, who thinks and talks like this in 2013? Precisely, why can’t Jonathan be welcomed with four commissioners? Is he suffering any form of handicap that he requires the entire state cabinet members as human crutches to find his way out of the airport? It is a cultural practice to stage elaborate welcomes but quite wasteful one. When people are consumed by their own VIP status, they need a village to drum their importance to them. It partly explains why African societies fail to progress. Unfortunately, men like Wike, who take umbrage when their egos are not sufficiently wound, propagate the culture. The other question for Wike is, how does the number of people who meet –or, failed to meet — Jonathan at the airport affect education in Nigeria? How does his persistent fight against Amaechi on behalf of Jonathan do anything for the ASUU strike? How does it help the sorry state of primary and secondary education in Nigeria? What is his agenda for northern education now that Boko Haram has burnt down an estimated 800 schools in Borno State? How does his politics improve funding to Nigerian universities on a regular basis? When is he going to talk about the 2009 government agreement with ASUU and how soon they will resolve the deadlock? Did he read Prof. Daniel Saror’s interview on the state of universities in Nigeria? What is his response to the critique of the university system as have been persistently enunciated by intellectuals like Prof. Niyi Osundare? Does it occur to him that when older academics throw up their hands in frustration that the universe has dropped out of Nigerian universities, younger academics and intellectuals need reassurance so that the system can continue? How does Nigeria plan to recruit from universities all over the world to boost universities back home? Do these things bother him at all or he is more concerned about doing the dirty laundry of the Jonathans-at-the-top? If I asked Wike what Nigeria’s 25-year plan for education is, would he have an answer at the tip of his fingers? Or, he is in Abuja just to get paid and build his career by making notice-me-monkey-jumps in front of Jonathan? Let me at this point reiterate that I have no problems with Wike’s politics. It is his constitutional right to take whatever sides suit him. I have posited on this page before that I understand that times are hard and certain folk will have to play some bend-bend game to survive. I therefore do not begrudge Wike’s survivalist politics. Who knows, it might turn out to be his greatest contribution to democracy. It is a man’s prerogative to chase rats even when his house is burning. But when such a man is entrusted with public office, and a sensitive one such as education, his ears need to be pulled. In one of his interviews, Wike said he was ready to resign because after two years, he has overstayed the life expectancy of his job. It is a statement that is uncomplimentary of his boss, President Jonathan, but I agree with him. In fact, he overstayed from his first day in that office. He should resign, go back to Rivers State and devote more time to measuring his manhood against that of Amaechi.

Super Eagles a big threat to Bafana Bafana.

Bafana Bafana are determined to use Wednesday's Nelson Mandela Challenge match against Nigeria as a confidence builder, South African midfielder Dean Furman said on Tuesday. "Winning breeds confidence and, going into these big games, there’s nothing better than feeling confident," Furman said on Tuesday. "The spirit in the group is great. "We’ve obviously spent a lot of time together in Cameroon and Ethiopia (for other recent qualifying games), where the one result wasn’t great for us. "But definitely we came out a lot stronger from that, which will hopefully help us in tough games like these and the ones ahead." The match would be the 19th edition of the annual event, played in honour of the former president, but the first to be played in Durban. Bafana Bafana’s record had been fairly poor over the years --seven wins, eight losses and three draws -- and they had not won the trophy since 2009. Furman, though, is adamant they can overcome the Super Eagles. "We know they’re the African champions and obviously had a great tournament a few months ago here in South Africa," the England-based player said. "We’ll look to be competitive against them, first and foremost. "We’re playing on home soil and it’s a very important match for the country." He acknowledged the credentials of the Super Eagles, adding that Nigeria posed a massive threat, based on their strong squad. "They’ve got a lot of threats and have some very good players at clubs in Europe and all over the world. "But we know that victory will give us some great confidence to take into our final qualification game against Botswana.” Bafana coach Gordon Igesund reported that all his players were fit for the game, although his squad was left with just 22 players following the non-arrival of Anele Ngcongca. The Belgium-based defender’s club, Genk, claimed he was carrying an injury which prevented him from travelling for the game. "It's a fabricated story and I expect justice to take its course," Igesund said earlier on Tuesday. "He was supposed to leave on Monday morning, but his club wanted to hold him back. "I explained the situation to them, saying we can't release him because we need him and it’s a Fifa date. "Then late last night, I got a call from their coach saying he's picked up an injury. Where it happened I don't know."

Boko Haram leader mocks US over bounty

Defiant Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, who claimed he was behind the latest terror offensive in the north eastern parts of Nigeria, taunted the United States and its allies in his latest video. In the video that has been released, where he rejects claims that a faction had unseated him, Shekau made a mockery of the bounty the United States had placed on him earlier this year. “I am challenging (US President0 Obama,” Shekau said in the video. He voiced similar challenges to French President Francois Hollande and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “They are no match for me,” he proclaimed. The Boko Haram leader has been declared a global terrorist with the US subsequently offering $7 million for his capture. There were reports a faction of had deposed him. Other reports went to as far as suggesting he had been shot and killed. In a video released on Monday, the elusive leader insisted he was in “good health.” He laid claim to the recent deadly attacks on security forces in the northeast. The video contained footage of what Shekau said were Boko Haram gunmen opening fire on the military in the town of Bama, using heavy weapons mounted on flat-bed trucks. He also referred to fighting in the towns Baga and Gamboru Ngala near the border with Cameroon. Boko Haram gunmen are believed to have also launched deadly attacks against worshippers in Konduga, a village in Borno. The offensive killed 44 people. Another 12 were killed in a nearby village

Police nab two notorious robbery suspects in Enugu

The Enugu Police Command on Tuesday said it had arrested two notorious armed robbery and cult suspects in the state after a long tracking of the suspects.
The police operatives from Ogui Division, Enugu, said this in a news release issued by the command’s spokesman, Mr Ebere Amaraizu.
He said the suspects were nabbed on Aug. 12 within Ogui axis of the state capital.
Amaraizu said the police had been on the trail of the suspects over their alleged nefarious activities ranging from armed robbery and cultism within the environment.
The PPRO said the suspects reside at No 57 Onyiuke Ogui, New layout, Enugu.
He said the suspects were nabbed in a Toyota Camry car with Reg. No PZ 805 ENU alleged to have been stolen.

Boko Haram, gunmen kill 44 at mosque.

The killings took place during dawn prayers on Sunday, although news only emerged on Monday, as communications are disrupted by a state of emergency. The attack occurred in the town of Konduga, 35km (22 miles) from the state capital, Maiduguri. The gunmen are suspected of being from the Islamist group Boko Haram, which has killed thousands since 2009. Twelve further civilians were killed at Ngom village, closer to Maiduguri, reports say. Vigilantes targeted? A member of a civilian vigilante group told the Associated Press that four of their number were killed when they responded to calls for help in Konduga. Several such groups have been set up since the emergency was declared in Borno and two neighbouring states in May. BBC Nigeria correspondent Will Ross says the gunmen may have attacked the mosque in the belief that some of the vigilantes were praying there. Map showing location of Maiduguri in Borno state, Nigeria "We believe the attack was not unconnected with the cooperation residents are giving to security operatives in identifying and arresting Boko Haram members in their midst," a senior government official told the AFP news agency. While the group has frequently attacked churches, it has also occasionally targeted mosques, sometimes those whose preachers disagree with their views. The attackers wore military uniforms, officials say, which they may have taken during recent attacks on a barracks. Nigeria's Daily Post reported that a further 26 people were being treated for injuries in hospital in Maiduguri. After a lull immediately after the emergency was declared, there has been a recent spate of attacks, blamed on Boko Haram. The military cut mobile phone networks when they imposed the state of emergency, saying they wanted to make it more difficult for the militants to organise attacks. However, some local officials have said this prevents civilians from getting help. Boko Haram wants to overthrow the Nigerian government and create an Islamic state in the north. News of the attacks came as a video emerged of the group's leader, Abubakar Shekau, claiming responsibility for recent attacks including some that targeted the police and the military.

UK fines GTBank for inadequate money laundering checks

The United Kingdom-based Financial Conduct Authority has fined the UK subsidiary of the Guaranty Trust Bank over £500,000 for failing to do thorough anti-money laundering checks on its potential clients from high-risk countries.
The FCA said on Friday that between May 2008 and July 2010, the bank had failed to assess potential money-laundering risks, screen customers against sanction lists, establish the purpose of the accounts being opened in their London branch or review the activity of “high risk” accounts, Reuters’ report said.
Guaranty Trust Bank opened a UK office in 2008 offering retail and wholesale banking to private and corporate clients, according to the regulator.
Specifically, the FCA said in a statement that it had levied a £525,000 fine on the UK subsidiary of the bank after it looked at the bank’s systems as part of a wider review into anti-money laundering controls among banks.
A similar report by the Financial Timesquoted the regulator as saying that the bank was not rigorous enough in pressing potential customers on their sources of wealth.
This, it added, included not pressing a client, who was a so-called politically exposed person “wanted by the UK authorities in connection with laundering millions of dollars of embezzled public funds”, on the ultimate source of a cheque for £500,000 that he deposited from an offshore account, according to the regulator’s final investigative report.
The regulator, however, declined to identify the individual, the report stated.
The Nigerian authorities in 2007 named GTB’s parent bank, the first African bank to list in London, as one of two banks used by the former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, in their money laundering investigation of him, in which he was acquitted.
Ibori was found guilty of money-laundering and fraud worth £50m last year at Southwark Crown Court and sentenced to 13 years, following a separate investigation and prosecution by the UK authorities.
The UK regulator and its predecessor, the Financial Services Authority, have made anti-money laundering controls a priority over the past two years as tighter directives from Europe and new UK anti-bribery legislation have taken effect.
Reacting to the fine, Bloombergquoted the Managing Director of GTB’s UK unit, Mr. Ade Adebiyi, as saying, “We have fully co-operated with the FCA in its investigation and we have accepted the findings.”
Adebiyi, in an e-mailed statement, however said, “The FCA found no evidence that GTB UK did in fact handle any proceeds of crime.”
He said the lapses occurred early in its set up in Britain and had since been addressed.

NSCDC arrests 34-year-old man for allegedly raping a minor in Jigawa

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa has arrested a man, 34, for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl in Hadejia local government area.
Mr Muhammad Gidado, the NSCDC Commandant in the state told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Monday that the suspect was arrested at Walawa quarters of Hadejia town on Friday.
Gidado said that the suspect allegedly lured the girl into an uncompleted building and committed the offence.
He said that the suspect was arrested following intelligence report.
The commandant told NAN that medical doctors at the General Hospital, Hadejia, confirmed that the girl was raped.
Gidado said that investigations into the case had been concluded adding that the suspect would soon be taken to court.

Africa’s finest in the Football League

10 of the best Africans playing in the Football League. Medo (Bolton, Sierra Leone) The Story So Far: Medo, 25, made his breakthrough at FC Kallon, the eponymous club of famous Sierra Leonean forward Mohamed. The 2003 Under-17 World Championship in Finland gave Medo an opportunity to escape his home nation, which was still reeling from a devastating decade of civil war. Having received asylum, the youngster began to build his football career with Finnish side KuPS, before moving to Helsinki giants HJK. Last Season: Left Serbian champions Partizan Belgrade during the January window and made a fine first impression at the Reebok Stadium. Great Expectations: Offers Champions League experience and adds dynamism and energy to Bolton’s extensive crop of midfielders. Could be a key performer this term. Plans Next Summer? The Leone Stars dropped out of the race for a 2014 World Cup spot after winning only one of their first five Group B fixtures. Jimmy Kebe (Reading, Mali) The Story So Far: A magician in the Championship, the enigmatic Kebe, 29, was a key player in Reading’s 2012 promotion to the Premier League. Learned his trade in the French league system before arriving at the Madejski Stadium in 2008, and has emerged as a genuine fans’ favourite over the subsequent seasons. Last Season: Scored some crucial goals, and showed glimpses of his class, as Reading battled manfully against Premier League relegation. Only started 16 matches because of injury, a frustrating return for such a talented individual. Great Expectations: Now free of injury, and having signed a contract extension with the Royals, Kebe will be as desperate as anyone in the Reading side to help the club return to the top flight and once more and demonstrate his excellence in the top tier. Plans Next Summer? Already eliminated from World Cup qualifying, Mali won’t be heading to Brazil. Even if they were, Kebe hasn’t featured for the Eagles since 2009. Bongani Khumalo (Doncaster, South Africa) The Story So Far: Arrived in England with Tottenham in 2011, but the 26-year-old has never had a look-in at Spurs, instead finding himself perennially on loan. Last Season: He struggled to impose himself at Preston and Reading in previous years, but excelled at PAOK FC last term, helping the Greek side qualify for the Champions League in the process. Great Expectations: The hope is that Khumalo can finally demonstrate his quality in England. At Doncaster, where he is again on loan, he will doubtless get the chance to show his defensive class, with Paul Dickov’s men expected to struggle in the Championship. Plans Next Summer? South Africa need to better Ethiopia’s result in the final Group A fixture to advance to the play-offs. Despite having captained the side in recent times, Khumalo has fallen out of favour with national team boss Gordon Igesund and was not named in the latest squad. Bakary Sako (Wolves, Mali) The Story So Far: His move to Wolves from Saint Etienne felt like a step in the right direction last summer, following several encouraging years in the Loire. Could surely never have imagined that, a year on, he would be competing in League One while his former club prepare for the Europa League. Last Season: Impressed sporadically during a disastrous campaign for Wolves, managing a respectable nine goals and 11 assists. Great Expectations: Fulham have been linked with the 25-year-old but with Moroccan Adel Taarabt making the switch to west London, it becomes difficult to envisage space for a second mercurial talent at Craven Cottage. Ostensibly, he is far too good for the third tier, but then again, they said the same about Wolves. Plans Next Summer? The former France Under-21 international has refused Mali’s advances in the past, but may decide to opt in as the Eagles attempt to rebuild following another qualification failure. Hope Akpan (Reading, Nigeria) The Story So Far: Released by Everton at 19, Akpan dropped down to Crawley Town and League Two. Following promotion and some impressive performances in the third tier, he was snapped up by Reading in January. Last Season: Despite enduring relegation heartache, the 21-year-old Nigerian demonstrated an aptitude for the top flight during a clutch of Premier League outings. His season was curtailed by an ankle injury. Great Expectations: This term will see Akpan playing in his fourth different league in 18 months. Stability is required, but the drop to the Championship may be the ideal way for the midfielder to establish himself at Reading. Plans Next Summer? Having declared his intention to represent the Super Eagles, Liverpool- born Akpan will be keen to make a good impression this term. Nigeria boss Stephen Keshi favours young, hungry talent, and a positive season for Reading could feasibly finish with Akpan making a trip to Brazil. Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough, Ghana) The Story So Far: Born in Lambeth, 25-year-old Adomah worked his way up through the divisions via Harrow Borough and Barnet before settling at Bristol City. He quickly earned the adulation of the Ashton Gate faithful and was named player of the season for the 2010-11 campaign. Last Season: Continued to impress while those around him floundered. His performances for the Robins led to interest from Wigan. Great Expectations: While his departure will prompt consternation at Bristol City, Middlesbrough can delight in a player who will begin to replace some of the attacking threat lost following Scott McDonald’s switch to Millwall. Plans Next Summer? Brazil on the horizon. After breaking into the squad, Adomah was an integral part of Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations outing earlier in the year. However, as the prospect of a World Cup approaches, returning players such as Andre Ayew, Kevin-Prince Boateng and maybe even Michael Essien might affect his role. Adlene Guedioura (Nottingham Forest, Algeria) The Story So Far: Had an unremarkable career in France and Belgium before moving to Wolves in 2010. A broken tibia negated the 27-year-old’s impact in the Black Country and he soon departed for Forest, initially on loan. Last Season: Emerged as a key player – if not the key player – in Billy Davies’s rejuvenated Forest side. Great Expectations: A complete midfielder, Guedioura combines physical prowess with majestic technique. A valuable asset to the team’s midfield, the Algerian is adored by the fans at the City Ground and has the potential to be one of the division’s finest this season. Plans Next Summer? A crucial component of the Desert Foxes’ midfield, Guedioura is only a play-off away from a trip to Brazil. The only name on this list to have already featured at a World Cup, he appeared in all three of Algeria’s games during the 2010 competition. Nedum Onuoha (QPR, Nigeria) The Story So Far: A graduate of Manchester City’s academy, the 26-year-old made his name during the pre-Mansour years at Eastlands before being lost in the shuffle. Demonstrated his enduring Premier League class during a loan stint with Sunderland, before becoming one of many casualties during QPR’s recent malaise. Last Season: Only made 17 starts in all competitions, and failed to add any assurances to a backline that struggled badly in the top flight. Great Expectations: Has survived the clear-out at Loftus Road, was featured heavily in the publicity material accompanying the club’s new kit launch and scored in the opening day victory over Sheffield Wednesday. Not a bad start, but Onuoha needs to show his class consistently in the Championship. Plans Next Summer? Has previously resisted a call-up to Nigeria, however, with his England prospects all but diminished, and now is the time for Onuoha to build an international career with the Super Eagles. Razak Boukari (Wolves, Togo) The Story So Far: Built an admirable career in France, with Chateauroux, Lens and Rennes before making the switch to Wolves last summer. The 26-year-old was linked with West Ham, but ended up heading to Molineux to replace Matt Jarvis. Last Season: A veritable disaster. Only weeks in, Boukari was struck down by a calf injury and did not play again as his recovery was enveloped by numerous complications. Great Expectations: First and foremost, Wolves fans will be hoping their £3m acquisition actually plays and stays fit. Rumours have linked the winger with a move back to France, but he has the potential to emerge as a valuable asset in the side’s promotion push – should he stick around. Plans Next Summer? Boukari has not been a regular member of the Togo team in recent times and thus can take no blame for the Sparrow Hawks’ abysmal qualifying campaign. If he can get himself fit, there is certainly a role there for him. Jacques Maghoma (Sheffield Wednesday, DR Congo) The Story So Far: A prolific asset to the Tottenham youth and reserve sides, 25-year-old Maghoma’s early development was hindered by injury. Rebuilt his career at Burton Albion, and has emerged as one of the finest goal-scoring midfielders in the lower leagues. Last Season: Named in the League Two team of the year after helping the un-fancied Brewers into the play-offs. Great Expectations: The step up from the fourth to the second tier will be a major one to negotiate, but Maghoma is keen to make up for lost time. An ambitious midfielder who brings versatility and the ability to change a game, he is joining Wednesday at the ideal time in his career. Plans Next Summer? DR Congo are already out of the running for a World Cup spot but if Maghoma can establish himself in the second tier he can expect to add to his handful of caps in the future.

Coal Quits Don Jazzy’s Mavin Record Label.

Wande Coal quiting Mavin Records, where did all this rumors come from? It’s been revealed that Wande Coal after several years of staying loyal to his bosses, Don Jazzy and Dbanj, he has allegedly finally parted ways with Mavin Records owned by Don Jazzy to form his own Record Label known as Black Diamond Entertainment. During the Mohit era which saw Dbanj and Don Jazzy going ways to form their own record label, Wande Coal took his side with the super producer, Don Jazzy and released a number of hits under the Mavin Records blueprint Well today’s strongest indication is that Wande Coal released his latest single, Kilaju, under his own imprint Black Diamond Entertainment and no mention of Mavin records anywhere. Now this might not be such a big deal, but there were already rumors late last year saying that Wande Coal had left Mavin Records. It was so serious that there was an official press statement released on Mavin Records website stating that ‘Wande Coal is going nowhere‘ back in November 7th, 2012 So lately we have this new single and loads of rumors going around including some indicating that Wande Coal was actually never signed to Mavin Records, and therefore not legally tied to the label. It will not be the first time that has happened as the Eva and Trybe Records saga had a similar issue. As of now, there hasn’t been any statement from the Mavin Records camp or from Wande Coal’s camp clearly stating what the deal is, but if we can safely assume that something will be said officially pretty soon.

Bomb Expert Caught.

A suspected Boko Haram member who specializes in manufacturing and planting bombs for the notorious group as he was arrested in Maiduguri, Borno State, by the Vigilance Youths Group (VYG) otherwise known as “Civilian JTF” yesterday. The suspect, Bula Modu,Boko Haram Bomb Expert, was handed over to the Joint Task Force, JTF, in the state, was said to have fled to Lagos few days after he planted the last bomb that went off in Maiduguri in May, this year. One of the vigilantes told newsmen, “He was just back from Lagos, carrying his travelling bag that contained some new clothes, shoes for Eid-el fitr Sallah celebration when we caught him”. Wary of his return as some form of normalcy is returning to the violence-torn state, the suspect Bula Modu, upon interrogation confessed that he only came back home to celebrate Sallah. “It is Allah that brought Bula Modu back to Maiduguri at this hot moment when things changed against the Boko Haram group,” a trader Babagana Umara recalled.

20 die in Sabon Gari, Kano bomb blasts • 42 B’Haram suspects arrested in Lagos, Ogun.

No fewer than 20 persons were believed to have been killed in Sabon Gari area of Kano on Monday as suspected terrorists detonated about four bombs in the neighbourhood.
It was learnt that one of the explosions, believed to have been carried out by Islamic sect, Boko Haram, occurred at a drinking joint in Sabon Gari, where most of the non-indigenes reside.
The blasts occurred on Igbo Road, Enugu Road and New Road, opposite Ado Bayero Square.
The first blast was said to have occurred at about 9.12pm near International Hotel, while the second blast followed three minutes later.
Security forces immediately condoned off both sites, which prevented people from moving closer to the places hit by the explosions.
A resident of the area, who spoke to one of our correspondents on the telephone, said there were series of explosions, which had created pandemonium in the commercial area of the state capital.
The resident, who craved anonymity, said the explosions were still ongoing as of 10pm, adding that there had been at least two explosions before the latest one at about 9.30pm.
It was difficult to ascertain the number of casualties of the explosions but Channels TV, in its 10pm news report, said about 20 people had been killed.
AFP reports that “at least four explosions” had occurred in the Sabon Gari neighbourhood on Monday.
“There is confusion all over the place. There were four huge explosions, so huge that they shook the whole area. Everywhere is enveloped in smoke and dust,” Chinyere Madu, a fruit vendor, told AFP.
Kola Oyebanji, a resident of the neighbourhood, believed “beer parlours” were the target.
He said, “My house is not far from there. All my windows are shattered.”
The cause of the blasts was not immediately clear.
The spokesman for the Joint Task Force, Captain Ikedichi Iweh, confirmed the explosions but refused to give details.
The Commissioner of Police, Kano State, Mr. Musa Daura, who confirmed the incident, claimed that six persons were killed during the blasts while six others were injured.
Boko Haram had claimed responsibility for coordinated suicide blasts at a bus park in Sabon Gari in March that killed about 22 people.

Things that turn men off

It’s not easy for a man to tell his wife or girlfriend what she does to irritate him, confessions like that tend to lodge themselves deep inside a woman’s subconscious, never to be forgotten…ever. More than that, women tend to focus so much on their so-called “faults” that it can feel excessive to give you more reasons to be critical of yourselves. But in the name of healthy communication, sometimes it’s important for couples to air their grievances. So let’s take a different approach: Don’t think of this list as the 10 things we dislike about you. Think of it more as the 10 things that will bring us closer together…by you not doing them.

1. Second-guessing your instincts
You know that colleague who you think is deceitful? Or that girlfriend of yours who can be condescending? Well, let us save you some time: Your colleague is deceitful, and your friend is condescending. Plain and simple. Sometimes face value is, well, valuable. While it’s true that men can have knee-jerk reactions, women tend to overdo it when it comes to giving people the benefit of the doubt. Yes, you could chalk your coworker’s attitude up to his insecurities or blame your friend’s tone on her manipulative mother, but instead, why not look out for your own feelings first? That’s what men are doing when we offer a simple opinion on your dilemmas—we’re trying to take your side. It would be nice if you did the same.

2. Assuming we know what you want us to do
One of the reasons men can be squeamish about women’s emotions is because they often belie the exact opposite feeling. For example: If you have plans for the day, please don’t tell us to enjoy ourselves at home if you really want us to address items one through five on the honey-do list. It’s more than a little irksome to have you return, hug us, look around the house, and then say with that pinched smile, “Did you have a nice, relaxing day?”

3. Smothering instead of mothering
Women can confuse these two impulses––knowing the difference is crucial. One elicits gratitude in men; the other, orneriness. Like when we’re sick, mothering is a source of comfort that understands our flu is a temporary flaw in an otherwise heroic, virile and even studly constitution. Smothering, on the other hand, calls all of that into question. Smothering says we’re 5-year-old boys who have no idea of how to take care of ourselves. And that bugs us more than the bug in us. One way to differentiate between the two: Ask yourself if you’re making a gesture to ease our suffering or to show how much we should appreciate you. The first is genuine; the second is manipulative.

4. Having a superiority complex
We’re not sure if you’re aware of this, but there appears to be an increasing trend among women to equate being male with being dumb. For instance, when we’re at a dinner party and you recount a story about us that ends with this punch line: “Well, you know [insert name of your dim husband here], he was just being a typical man.” Sure, every guy has his off moments––even blunders worth lampooning––but making us the hapless straight man in an ongoing comedy routine is disrespectful. And we think you’d hate it if we did the same to you.

5. Over-sharing
We’re aware of the stereotype that says men never open up about their feelings. Thing is, sometimes opening up to you also means opening up to your sister, your mother or even your college roommate. Men value loyalty and confidentiality. Keeping the things we share between us––and only us––builds trust and will encourage even more communication. A win-win situation for everyone.

6. Not really listening to us
Along those lines, many women believe that their interior lives deserve a singular spotlight and an endless theatrical run. And the fact that many men go along with this shouldn’t be construed as a license to spill. Our emotional lives are often as turbulent as yours, but whenever we talk about the tough stuff, we measure the changes in your face or shifts in your intonation to gauge when you start to judge us.
It may be cowardly, but men will stop talking rather than risk a woman’s passive or outright wrath. So, by taking a backseat and letting your guy unburden himself—even if the subject is controversial or delivered in halting fashion—you create space for a more candid, and therefore truer, intimacy.

7. RSVPing for us
Any man can relate to this moment: You’re on your way home from work, imagining the weekend ahead…the relaxation, the freedom. Then you arrive home, only to learn that you have plans. Magical plans, it seems, since they appeared out of nowhere. OK, not nowhere exactly—they were conceived with the stroke of the wifely wand that says “You’re in too, bub!” Here’s the deal: If you’re determined to make plans that include your husband or boyfriend, ask him first. And be prepared to hear that he might be too tired or would prefer to have a quiet weekend. Honouring his preferences from time to time will not go unnoticed.

8. Fast-forwarding to the future
Women enjoy imagining the future. The story as it will be as opposed to the story that is right now. That can be a wonderful, romantic quality. It can also be an irritating, annoying quality.
Having dinner together this Valentine’s Day is beautiful enough without scripting the Valentine’s Day we’ll have when we’re both 75. Enjoying the new sofa that we just bought is great without having to obsess over all of the other things that we “need” to make the living room look complete. Living in the moment provides its own vitality, which is more than enough to sustain our future together.

9. Overlooking our quiet acts of thoughtfulness
We know it’s disappointing that we men aren’t great at expressing ourselves verbally. (And we’re working on that.) But in the same vein, we’re disappointed that you can’t seem to acknowledge the non-verbal acts of caring that we perform. Like changing the oil in your car, for example, or staying up late to make sure you arrived home safely from your business trip. Chivalry also falls into this category. The art of being a gentleman doesn’t have to mean the end of feminism. Paying for dinner, holding the door open, standing up when you walk into a room…these are all gestures that demonstrate our awareness of others. Our awareness of you, specifically. While courtesy isn’t the sum total of love, it’s often how we show our feelings day to day. Women shouldn’t be so quick to rebuff that.

10. Devaluing our friendships
Friendships were once considered a formative presence in a man’s life. Older men were role models who helped develop character, while peers provided a level of camaraderie and acceptance that allowed us to forgo the machismo and be our truest selves––be that of a poet, outdoorsman or both. While the value of sisterhood is extolled for women, the male equivalent is often vilified, and much of that is because women regard male friendships as being at odds with their romantic relationships. The two shouldn’t be mutually exclusive—and encouraging rather than discouraging our time with our buddies would be a welcome change.

Chidi Mokeme Arrested By Police

That talented movie star and reality TV show anchorman, Chidi Mokeme was truly arrested by the police? Yes, he was nabbed by the police, but not by the Nigerian Police but by Gossipnigeria.com Fashion police.



His offence? For the kind of outfit he wore to an event held recently in Lagos. Or how can one explain a well exposed and connected guy like Chidi attending an event that had the likes of Stan Leo of Zinox Computers in attendance and he would commit such a fashion offence?



Chidi wore a blue jacket and pant to the event, which was held at the popular Niteshift Colesium. The cloth was looking good on him, but the actor spoilt it with orange stockings. The stockings so made the outfit horrible that some people felt disappointed that someone like Chidi could dress like that.



But, what was he thinking? Even if his wife was not around to access him and pass him fit to step outside like that, didn't he check to see if he was looking good before stepping out for the event?



One advice, Chidi, next time you do such a thing your case would be transferred to the police force, who would take you to the court for prosecution. Even Senator Florence Ita-Giwa would be disappointed in Chidi by the time she is reading this. Bros, u no try at all

Real Reasons Why Funke Akindele's Marriage Crashed

It was indeed a shocker when it was widely reported that actress Funke Akindele and her husband Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede are no longer together.

What started on social media soon spread to national newspapers. Akindele remained silent for days, and many fans hoped this was yet another ill rumour.

Months after the wedding, Kehinde was reported to have impregnated a certain lady, Modinat Nike Dada. The couple did all they could to cover up the mess, but it was out in the open.

Apart from Modinat, there was the eldest wife, Fadekemi, who felt betrayed by Kehinde’s marriage to Funke. Sources maintained that Fadekemi and Modinat neither supported Funke’s marriage to Kehinde and even though he went ahead to marry her, they firmly objected the union. It was gathered that there were issues from Funke’s family too, especially from her immediate family. But the lovers went ahead, against all odds. And it seemed to all that they had both found happiness in one another.

What went wrong?

With more angles now coming out, including allegations  that Almaroof, has become a serial baby daddy, keeping a string of affairs, and even returning to the women he had prior to the celebrity wedding with Funke Akindele, it was only a matter of time before it was all out in the air.

Funke had disgruntled wives to contend with. There were many fans, friends and colleagues too, who felt she did not need to settle with an already married man; with the attendant drama and chaos. But, as it is in the things of love, Funke went ahead to tie the knot in what was unarguably, the most expensive, most glamorous celebrity wedding of 2012.

‘Everyone close to them knows the thing is not working and Funke is very unhappy. People have been advising her. She has just been busy shooting and trying to occupy herself. Couples separate and come back together. Even some divorced couples still settle. So why are people talking as if this is final?’ one friend said over the weekend, insisting ‘people should mind their business or pray for the couple’

She was happy beyond limits on her wedding day. And the days to come were full of bliss. So were did it all go wrong? Or was it a facade all along?

Why the marriage failed

Prior to their high society wedding, it was widely reported that Kehinde had several children from different women, a fact that was no mystery to Funke. It was reported that he was married to two of the women, an allegation that the ‘Jenifa’ star denied in an interview with a publication.

She boasted, ‘I can tell you authoritatively that my husband is not married to anyone else. Yes, he has beautiful children, who are not mine and we have a cordial relationship, which dates back to even before we got married.’

For months there had been concerns that Funke’s husband was rarely seen around her at most events she honoured. Mr Oloyede’s photos are nowhere to be found on Funke’s Instagram page where she’s very active.

It was also widely speculated by observers that the marriage, right from the inception, seemed like it was destined to fail because of all the controversies that surrounded it. From Kehinde’s many wives to many children, and of course alleged strings of affairs, many opined it was surely going to hit the rocks sooner or later.

Moreover, for some reason, the couple allegedly chose to live apart, an action which, sources say, did not help their bonding.

If Funke no longer trusted her husband, then she was not alone. Many say it is possible Almaroof became suspicious of a very busy woman, especially with her endorsement galore and frequent trips. But, unlike Almaroof, it is not certain if there were confirmed instances of infidelity on Funke’s part.

Teacher poses as Lagos State First Lady, swindles officials of N.1m

A 53- year-old teacher on Grade Level 10, Asogbon Victoria Abosede, was Thursday, arraigned before Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court One, sitting in Ikeja, for allegedly impersonating the first lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola.
The defendant was said to have sent text messages to the Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area of Lagos by presenting herself as first lady of Lagos State and obtained N100,000 from the chairman.
The defendant who is facing a 10-count charge of impersonation and fraud, preferred against her by the Anttorney General of Lagos State, Ade Ipaye, was docked before Chief Magistrate Eniola Fabamwo.
The prosecutor, Attorney General of Lagos State, Ade Ipaye, told the court that the accused committed the alleged crime between the months of June and July 2013, by also sending text messages to one Mrs Gbolahan Khadijat Daudu, who is the Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Maryland in Ikeja area of Lagos.
The Attorney General, who was represented by Sumonu Babatunde, said she also represented herself as sister to Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola.
He said the defendant between June and July 2013, at Local Government Education Authority, in Alimosho Local Government also sent a text message to one Isaac Omoregie, Education Secretary and falsely represented herself as Dame Fashola.
Babatunde also alleged that the suspect with intent to defraud presented herself to be Dame Fashola, to obtain redeployment from Local Government Education Authority, Alimosho, to the Lagos State Basic Education Board.
He also claimed that between the same time, the accused sent a text message to one Isaac Omoregie, Education Sectarary Alimosho, Lagos State by falsely presenting herself as being sent by the first lady to obtain three Blackberry phones and N105,000, from the chairman.
The prosecutor said in June 2013, the defendant falsely represented herself as sister to Mrs Sherifat Aregbeshola, the first lady of Osun State, and gave a false information to one Mrs Gbolahan Khadijat Daudu that Mrs Sherifat Aregbeshola was involved in a road accident and could not attend the wedding of Daudu's son and that thieves carted the gifts meant for her away as a result of the accident.
According to the prosecutor, the offence committed is contrary to sections 378 (1), (b), 312 (2) and punishable under sections 312 (3), 96 (a), criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.
Counsel to the defendant, Samuel Gbolahan, pleaded with the court to grant her bail in liberal terms, since the crime is a bailable offence.
However, when the 10-count charge was read to the defendant, she pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After listening to both counsel, Magistrate Fabamwo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1 million with two responsible sureties in like sum, stating that the sureties should deposit N250,000 with the registrar.
She adjourned the case till September 2, 2013 for mention.

Sheila Mwanyigah's Journey To Fame

 
She sits like a rose among the thorn trees, Sheila Mwanyigha does, at the Thorn Tree restaurant at the Sarova Stanley. Her voice, when she greets one, is soft and lilting, tinkling, musical, reminiscent of the tintinnabulation of a pretty chapel’s bells.
Not surprising, when you consider that Sheila Mwanyigha gets her bacon from being a ‘voice’ on radio, as an MC, musician (nom de guerre, Nikki), and as a presence on television.
“That is the good thing with being a quadruple threat,” I tease the quadruple threat, “You’re not with Tusker Project Fame (TPF) as a hostess this year, but like changing costumes, you got a breakfast show,”
Sheila laughs, eyes lighting up.
“Talking of breakfast, shall we order tea and sandwiches, perhaps?” It is teatime, three thirty in the afternoon.
Sheila politely makes our order (wine for her, voda-cola for this writer, sandwiches all around) from the steward, Machel.
“As the daughter to two cops —late dad, living mom— and the sibling to a brother in the military, I thought you would bark out your order,” I comment.
I ask her about socialites like the ‘Boss Lady’ Huddah Njoroge. With a twinkle in her eye, she sighs before noting that everyone has to decide for themselves how they wish to be perceived in the public eye: how you get, and how you use, your fifteen minutes in the spotlight.
She would know, having been in the public eye for a long time, more than some can recall – Sheila does not exactly recoil at the question of age, but she did have a big birthday cake on TV recently which a Sherlock can deduce any number that ends with a zero (personally, I would go for 30) – she certainly has a bird’s eye view on the celebrity industry.
“I started singing as Nikki when I was in campus, with the likes of Jimmi Gathu, doing Mapenzi Tele in 1997. Tedd Josiah encouraged me to do commercials, and with the cash I made, I just didn’t buy clothes (although I did buy a few), but helped my mom pay fees for my kid brother, as well as pay my own at campus.”
A true believer in the saying ‘when God closes one door, he opens a window,’ Sheila Mwanyigha is a master burglar … never having seen a window of opportunity that she didn’t clamber through.
Having not had the funds to go to New York University to pursue her Masters’, in 1999 she heard a new radio station (KISS) was opening its airwaves, she rushed for the interview where one von Voggs hired her, in spite of her ‘Nikki-esque’ belly button piercing at the time, and she ended up working with radio tsarinas like Caroline Mutoko.
Sheila was like a duck thrown into the deep end of the swimming pool, with only four days of intense training before hitting the airwaves. But Miss Mwanyigha was a natural.
Seven years later, she was united with Phil Matthews at Capital 98.4 FM. These days, her soft voice and gentle humour grace the airwaves

Royal baby makes first appearance

Prince William and Kate waved and smiled broadly to the waiting cameras as they held their prince on the steps of the private Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in London, 26 hours after he was delivered, weighing 8lbs 6oz.
Speaking for the first time since giving birth, an obviously moved Duchess of Cambridge said: 'It's been very emotional. Any parent will know what this feeling is like.'
As they left St Mary's carefully cradling their precious child, the Duke of Cambridge followed the steps his parents Charles and Diana took with him 31 years ago, when he was born there on June 21, 1982.
'He's a big boy, quite heavy. We're still working on a name,' he told reporters, adding: 'Well he has a good pair of lungs on him, that's for sure.'
Confirming that the prince was overdue, William said: ‘I will remind him of his tardiness when he is older.’
With a huge smile he then added: ‘He’s got her looks thankfully’ to which the Duchess responded ‘No, no, no I’m not sure about that.’
The Duchess wore a lilac purple dress, with her long hair falling in waves around her face. The new father wore a blue open neck shirt rolled up to his elbows with black trousers.
She revealed that her clearly hands-on husband had already changed his first nappy.
The couple then returned to the hospital as William held his son, swaddled in a blanket, before bringing him out again in his car seat.
The Prince was heard to affectionately call Kate 'Poppet' as he ushered her back to the Lindo Wing.
William then visibly breathed a sigh of relief when he successfully installed his baby on the back seat with his wife, before driving them home to Kensington Palace cheered on by a huge crowd.
Their child is now third in the line of succession, displacing Prince Harry to fourth and the Duke of York to fifth, although he may not become sovereign for half a century or more.
The Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge travelled home to Kensington Palace, and will spend two weeks there while William is on paternity leave.
Palace officials confirmed for the first time last night that the couple will not have a nannyand rely upon their families help instead, saying: 'They have both got families that will care hugely for this baby.'

Financial autonomy for LGs?

They are against financial autonomy for Local Governments. If you ask them if they have been spending LG money, they would answer no. Then why won't you support autonomy for LGs? Alright, why do we even call that tier 'government' if the LGs are not autonomous? Is it not better to just refer to them as Local Administrations or Local Development units? That way, we would not be deluding ourselves with the claim that we have a 3rd tier of government. 

The demand for financial autonomy for local governments is one contentious issue that is being constantly subjected to debate and on which divergent views have always been expressed.  This must have prompted the two chambers of the National  Assembly to include the issue on the list of further amendments being proposed to the constitution.  While the proposal has been rejected by the Senate  -  because it could not get the endorsement of two-thirds of its total membership  -  the decision of the House of Representatives is being awaited.  If it is endorsed by the House, it has to scale the hurdle of harmonisation by the two chambers and get the approval of 24 of the 36 states of the federation.
What has been couched as financial autonomy is simply the right for local governments to have direct access to funds from the central purse.  Not a few ex-local government officials have blamed their inability to meet their people’s needs during their tenure on paucity of funds which resulted from the diversion of their allocations to other purposes by their governors.  And what has been generally accepted as the only solution to the problem is  financial autonomy which will establish a direct linkage between the Federal Government and the local authorities.
It should not be lost on all concerned that such an arrangement, which will bypass state governments, has certain implications and gives rise to a number of questions in a federal set-up.  So much has been said against the excessive powers of the Federal Government and so much has been written about the need to devolve powers from the centre to the constituent units.  These and other demands are in the spirit of return to true federalism which is expected to accellerate the pace of development at the different levels of government.
The control governors have over funds is one major source of the power they exercise over local governments.  It is improper and unfortunate that this power is being abused.  The problem that will arise from direct allocation of funds from the federation account to the local administrators is that this power will be tranferred to the Federal Government.  Will the Federal Government then begin to oversee the conduct of government business at the local level?  Will there be a Ministry of Local Government at the federal level?  Will that not be an addition to the  size of an already bloated Federal Government which needs to be pruned back?  Will that not extend the frontiers of federal powers which, according to popular demand, should be rolled back?
Local government administration in Nigeria is better known for non-performance and unfathomable corruption.  The general impression is that local government officials share among themselves whatever remains of their allocations after paying salaries.  If they have made any impact anywhere, it is minimal.  The experience of the second republic can be easily recalled.  In many, if not in most of the 19 states of that period, the payment of teachers’ salaries by the local governments was always a problem.  This led to prolonged strikes which caused extensive disruption of education at the primary school level.  This is why the Nigeria Union of Teachers is now calling on the National Assembly  to remove the administration of primary schools from the jurisdiction of local authorities.  The teachers’ request  stems from the fear that financial autonomy for local governments will herald another season of hardship for them. This is why they are now requesting that primary school education be entrusted to either the federal or state governments should the autonomy be granted.  Will it not make nonsense of the principle of federalism for the Federal Government to oversee primary school education? How workable will it be to ask states to take charge of primary schools  under such a situation?  It will amount to responsibility without authority.
Financial autonomy for local governments  and a probable repeat of the second republic experience should not be allowed to happen.   A direct linkage between the centre and local governments will provide ample  opportunity for a mean or desperate president to undermine an opposition or perceived-to-be-unfriendly governor.  The unsavoury experience of the Second Republic must have informed the creation of a joint state/local government account in the present constitution.  The disappointing performance of local government administrators in the last 20 years of civilian rule casts serious doubts on their ability to function efficiently and responsibly if granted financial autonomy.  The National Assembly should enact a legislation criminalising the diversion of LG funds by state governors, thus checking the diversion of local government funds for other purposes by the governors.  Direct supervision of local administration by the Federal Government is an option that should not be contemplated.
The centre should not be further strengthened; the states shoud not be further weakened and local governments should not operate without control.