PHOTOS: How Fire Fighters Put Out Conoil Fuel Station Blaze in Abuja

A loud explosion from the Conoil filling station, directly opposite the Headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), in Abuja, on December 5, 2013, around 03.00 p.m., triggered a fire outbreak that raged for hours in the capital city.

PHOTOS: Nicki Minaj’s Boyfriend Tattoos Her Face On His Arm

What better way to show your love than to give yourself a permanent imprint of your beloved? Nicki Minaj's beau, Safaree Samuels aka Scaff Beezy (SB) now has a tattoo of Nicki on his arm. He says:

Meet the 9 Wonder Women of Yore

The actress, who would go onto appear in the seminal "Easy Rider," was Wonder Woman in a 1967 presentation reel for a prospective TV series from William Dozier, the producer behind the Adam West "Batman,"

Arrest Made for Theft of Paul Walker Porsche Wreckage

Hours after Paul Walker and his friend Roger Rodas died in a fiery car crash in Santa Clarita, California, last Saturday, remnants from the charred 2005 Porsche Carrera GT they were traveling in were stolen — and an arrest has now been made.

Top Nigerian Artistes Call BON/IBAN Bluff

Below is a press release from Efe Omorogbe on the ban of Nigerian artistes by the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) and Independent Broadcasters Association (IBAN)

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Saturday 29 June 2013

Wife Beats Husband: Lamentations Of A Battered Husband

I have known him for two years. He is one of those distant neighbours who had through casual interactions become a friend. In the months that we lived together in the same neighbourhood and when we occasionally ran into one another, our conversation never went beyond the usual inquiry about the weather or the offhand question: “How is your family?”
 
As a casual friend and neighbour, I had observed him from a distance...
He was introverted and easy-going, almost self-effacing. I knew him as someone who minded his business. He never got into trouble with anyone. That was as far as our friendship went until a year ago when I began to see him with a lady.

Once, he timidly introduced her to me as his fiancée. He re-appeared in the neighbourhood again after a month only to apologise for not inviting me to his wedding. I got him a small gift and wished him a happy married life. He had at the time informed me that he would quit his self-contained apartment to a more comfortable one due to his change of status. This was more than a year ago and as they say, a lot of water has passed under the bridge. Last weekend, when I again ran into my old friend at a barber’s shop where I went for a haircut; he had changed a great deal.

He was emaciated and withdrawn. He also looked traumatised. He could not even recognise me at first when I waved to draw his attention. I observed him closely. He did not radiate the freshness and robust look that is common with newly-weds. I nudged him. First, he looked past me, a blank expression on his face; then, he jumped as if he had seen a ghost. He looked at me again for a moment and then screamed: “Ah! Bros, how now? Long time no see” We exchanged pleasantries in the midst of the loud music from the blaring speakers in the saloon where we had waited for our turn to come. Grabbing me by the arm like a long lost friend, he half-dragged me to a distance where he was sure that no one could eavesdrop on us. Then, in what seemed like torrents of pent-up emotion, he let out the tale of woes his new marriage had become.

“Bros, where have you been? I have been on the look-out for you. You see, I hardly make friends. But I see you as somebody I can confide in. My marriage has been hell and my wife is trouble personified. She has been violent since the first day we were pronounced husband and wife.” He paused and looked around to see if anyone was eavesdropping on us. 
 
“We did not court for a long time. But even in those few months of our courtship, I noticed she was very aggressive. She once slapped a cashier over a small matter. She also slapped me once and I once narrowly escaped being bathed with hot water but I never took it seriously then. Each time she goes into a rage, I quickly forgive her. In the last one year, she has fought me many times over flimsy arguments. The last time, she slapped me in the presence of our friends at a party. The other day, when we got into an argument, one of the many we had had, she sliced my arm with a razor.”

He unfolded his shirt to reveal a deep but a stitched scar that ran through his shoulder to his wrist. It was scary. He went on, now almost sobbing. “I really do not know what to do as I am very scared of her violent mood swings. Her weapons include hot water, boiling soup and kitchen knife which she throws at me like missiles. She has destroyed every gadget in the house. When she is calm, she would break down in my arms, and cry profusely. I have forgiven her many times when I look into her eyes because I really love her. What should I do now? Things have become even more complicated now that she is pregnant with our first baby.”

He proceeded to show me deep scars of teeth bites, nail scratches and injury marks; results of months of violence their marriage had become. It was unbelievable. Now, he has taken to drinking. We returned and both took our turns to have the haircut that had brought us to the hairdresser’s in the first place. Later, we ended up in a bar where he quickly drowned two bottles of beer. I did not know what to say. Third party advice in marriage is always a tricky one. I watched him as he drowned one glass of chilled lager after the other.

He looked pathetic.

Relationship between a man and a woman has always been a complicated one. This is even more so when violence is involved. I have come in contact with women who had been at the receiving end of some of the worst forms of domestic violence. But a battered husband is thought to be rare or hardly discussed. The first reaction upon knowing about the topic of battered men, for many people, is that of disbelief. Battered husbands are also a topic for jokes (such as the cartoon image of a woman chasing her husband with a rolling-pin). Violence against husbands has historically been ignored or subjected to ridicule and abuse. In 18th-century France, for example, a battered husband was made to wear an outlandish outfit and ride backwards around the village on a donkey.

Even those people who like to consider themselves liberated and open-minded often have a difficult time even imagining that husband battering could take place. The idea goes against the stereotype of the passive and helpless female. Although feminism has opened many of our eyes about the existence of domestic violence, and newspaper reports often include cases of abuse of wives, the abuse of husbands is a rarely discussed phenomenon. In many ways, it is still the women who suffer cruelty from violent husbands. While the majority of domestic violence victims are women, abuse of men is thought to happen far more often than one may probably expect.

Typically, men are physically stronger than women but that doesn’t necessarily make it easier to escape the violence or the relationship. An abused man may face a shortage of resources, scepticism from police, and major legal obstacles, especially when it comes to gaining custody of his children from an abusive mother. Husband battering is also said to happen to men from all cultures and all walks of life. Figures have suggested that as many as one in three victims of domestic violence are male. However, men are often reluctant to report abuse by women because they feel embarrassed, or they fear they won’t be believed, or worse, that police will assume that since they’re males they are the perpetrators of the violence and not the victims. Many people also have trouble understanding why a woman who is being abused by her husband or boyfriend doesn’t simply just leave him. When the roles are reversed, and the man is the victim of the abuse, people are even more bemused.

However, anyone who’s been in an abusive relationship knows that it’s never that simple. Ending a relationship, even an abusive one, is rarely easy. When my friend told me he loves his wife, I had imagined why women also find it difficult to quit an abusive husband. However, in spite of the isolated cases of battered men, I still believe women are the major victims. My advice for victims of abuse (man or woman) has always been: Don’t wait till death do you part. Seek help and quit the marriage as soon as possible. Back to the bar, I looked on with pity as my friend hit his seventh bottle. He seemed in no hurry to leave.
Read more: xclusivetalk.blogspot.com

KO JOR:In No Way Nigeria Legalises Same Sex Marriage - Human Rights Lawyer

A human rights lawyer, Mr Odion Odia, assered today that Nigeria could not be forced into legalising same sèx marriage, "abominable to our culture".

Mr Odia explained that for any human right law to be applicable in any state, it must be domesticated. He also highlighted that since international laws recognised the sovereignty of nations, Nigeria should not be threatened or cajoled by any individual or group.

“When you are talking about international law, human rights law on this issue, it is not part of our law and before we can have it here, it must be debated by the National Assembly. “It must be accepted by the National Assembly and our National Assembly is already proposing 14 years imprisonment for any practitioner of such marriage. “The international law also recognises the laws of nations, they also recognise the sovereignty of nations, and as far as I know as a lawyer, I don’t think there is any international human right on gay marriage that all nations must accept it.“

Mr Odia commended the National Assembly for not yielding to pressure from international community to legalise the act.

“If the National Assembly is to adopt it as our law, it will make the National Assembly very unpopular because this is Africa; this is a country in Africa; this is a black country. “I don’t think we elect them to start permitting such abominations, things that are abominable to our culture, to our conscience, to our religion. “So far, you can see the popularity they have gathered and garnered from the Nigeria community for proposing 14 years. “Some are even saying that it is too lenient.“


He also claimed that the bill did not constitute an infringement of the rights of the same sèx marriage advocates.

“What are they talking about here, gay marriage, and after the marriage, they start shopping for somebody that would rent them a womb to give them surrogate pregnancy and surrogate baby. “These are alien to our culture; these are alien to our conscience; these are alien to even our constitution that is the grand norm of our laws. “If they say it is an infringement on their right, let them be specific on which area of their right as guaranteed by our constitution has been infringed upon. “I don’t see any infringement there, if there is any, let them let us know so that we all digest it together, look at it and we can as well advice the relevant agencies accordingly.“

Also today the bill that sets prison terms for up to 14 years for same sèx couples has been criticised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay.
Read more: xclusivetalk.blogspot.com

Osun State: Another Mother Abandons Infant in Hospital again!!!

Mother Abandons Infant in HospitalHealth workers and patients at the Osun State General Hospital, Osogbo were left confused on Friday when a nursing mother, Mrs. Grace Adipe, allegedly abandoned her three-day-old baby in the hospital.

The hospital community was taken aback as the news of the abandonment spread.

A woman, Adijat Bamijoko, told NAN that she was in the hospital to assist a patient when the incident occurred on Thursday, and wondered “how a nursing mother could abandon her child.

“Although, I do not know the woman, but one wonders why she should abandon her baby in the hospital where Gov. Rauf Aregbesola had made medication free for all,” she said.

Other people who expressed surprise over the incident, called on the hospital’s management to ensure that the fleeing mother was brought back to care for her baby.

Search team, including government officials and law enforcement agents had failed in their effort to find the woman.

The Osun Commissioner for Women and Children’s Affairs, Mrs. Mofolake Adegboyega, said in a statement that efforts to contact the woman by the hospital authorities were yet to yield results.

Adegboyega called Adipe’s relations and members of the public to be vigilant on the whereabouts of the woman.

She urged members of the public to consider the innocence and future of the child and help in efforts to find the mother and her relations.

The commissioner said that any information about Adipe’s whereabouts should be directed to the nearest police station or the Director of Social Welfare in the ministry, Mrs. Grace Adegoke.

Photographer drags TuFace, wife to court over wedding pictures

Justice Mohammed Idris of  the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has fixed  October 16, 2013 for the commencement of trial in a N120 million copyright suit filed against popular music  star, Innocent Idibia, a.k.a. TuFace, his wife, Annie Idibia and their manager, Anthonio Anifite over  photographs allegedly taken at the recent traditional wedding of the musician and his wife in Akwa Ibom State.

Abuja based photographer, Emmanuel Okolo, who is the plaintiff in the suit alongside his studio, Papilonmexy  filed suit against the defendants.

He is asking for six reliefs, two of which include N100 million in general damages and N20million in exemplary damages.
At the resumed hearing of the case yesterday, neither TuFace nor his wife was represented in court. Anifite who is the second defendant was however represented by his counsel, J.O Uttute.

Meanwhile, a mild drama ensued when the judge openly admonished Uttute after the latter claimed that he had filed his defence when he had not done so.

The judge warned him not to come to this court again if he was not prepared for the case.  “You told me that you have filed your response, but looking through here, there is nothing to that effect. And you are even smiling. Do you think you are here to joke? Never come to this court again if you are not prepared. You don’t even know when the case was filed and you are not prepared for it,” said the judge.

Also,  the plaintiff’s counsel,  Habeeb Oredola expressed worry over the defendants’ inability to appear before the court  or  be represented by a counsel after they were served with the writs of summon.

In the writ of summon, Okolo and his studio claimed they were contracted by TuFace’s wife through a third party, identified as Ms Chineze Anyaene to take photo shots at the traditional wedding held in Eket, Akwa Ibom state in March, 2013.

The plaintiff said, he was reluctant at the beginning since the offer was coming through a third party, but later accepted after he was convinced that the offer was actually with the blessing of the first defendant.

Annie Idibia was said to have later contacted the photographer after the wedding and demanded for the printing of 10 of the high resolution pictures taken.

Singer Ice Prince Dumped Yvonne Nwosu For This Babe

Aboki crooner, Ice Prince is the 'ladies man' and it seems he knows how to move from one lady to another with such ease that many marvel if he's the number one smooth operator in the music industry.

A while back, TON gathered that fashion designer, Yvonne Nwosu and a street girl were in a dirty fight over who among them was Ice Prince's main lover but the guy walked away...

Yvonne Nwosu was said to be shocked by Ice Prince's silence about their love affair that she had no choice but to deny ever having anything with the singer. She was quoted as saying: "It does not matter if I put up pictures... I never said [I was sleeping with Ice Prince]".

However, those close to Ice Prince forwarded the above pix to TON, saying the singer dumped Yvonne Nwosu for this lady. Her name is Kendra Etufunwa.

Hmmn...good luck to them!
 

Finally, London ‘Bridge Is Falling Down’

London Bridge is falling down, Falling down, falling down, London Bridge is falling down, My fair… Just about every educated person is familiar with the traditional nursery rhyme “London Bridge Is Falling Down” which deals with the collapsing London Bridge and attempts, realistic or fanciful, to repair it...

Several theories have been advanced to explain the meaning of the rhyme and identity of the “fair lady” of the refrain. However, the meaning of the rhyme and identity of the ‘fair lady’ are no longer mysteries for the average Nigerian traveller on whose face the London bridge seems to have collapsed.

Rated the 6th largest oil producing nation in the world, Nigeria is also termed the “Giant of Africa” and its dense population makes it the most populous black nation in the world. But it does appear that all the appellations are nothing but self-adulation as they hold no sway whenever America and Britain decide to impose varying degrees of sanctions on the nation.

In this special report, Vanguard’s Levinus Nwabughiogu samples opinions regarding the recent imposition of 3,000 Pounds Sterling Travel bonds on Nigerians by the Government of the United Kingdom.

Again, Britain has sneezed and sent shivers down the spines of Nigerians. Like in some theatrical stance, both countries have continued to demonstrate that once upon a time, they lived as mother and daughter. And so, from time to time, Britain stirs up a controversy suggestive of the fact that She “discovered”, colonized and reluctantly later gave independence to Nigeria.

Just on Monday this week, news made the rounds that the Government of the United Kingdom (UK) had plans to impose 3,000 pounds as travel bonds on the citizens of six countries, among them Nigeria, Ghana, Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka, Pakistan and India.

While Nigeria and Ghana are West-African countries, the rest are Asian – all bearing the tag “high risk” countries. Interestingly, the other countries were also colonized by Britain and so, with that, are tucked into the conglomerate of the Commonwealth Nations.

But that is an intimacy that seems to be lost on the home policy of the British Government each time the need arises. Instead, Britain always appears brutish and lashes out heavily on these countries. Such was the case when the country came up with the new travel policy during the week.

Hear the British Home Secretary, Ms. Theresa May, who said: “This is the next step in making sure our immigration system is more selective, bringing down net migration from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands, while still welcoming the brightest and the best to Britain.”

She added: “In the long run, we’re interested in a system of bonds that deters overstaying and recovers costs if a foreign national has used our public services.

“Consequently, from November, a pilot scheme which will target visitors from those countries who will have to pay the UK government a form of cash guarantee or deposit to deter immigration abuse will commence. They will forfeit the £3,000 if they overstay in Britain and fail to return to their home countries by the time their visa has expired.”

Apart from security reasons which many believe prompted the charges, sources also disclosed that the Home Office of the British Government might as well be targeting countries with high volumes of visitor visa applications and what it deems to be relatively high levels of fraud and abuse.

Meanwhile, the development came as a shock even though it wasn’t the first time the British Government would be imposing stringent sanctions on the country. Since then, a lot of concerns have been raised by Nigerians just as some democratic institutions such as the National Assembly, in stout defence of Nigerian citizens in Britain, have also threatened to reciprocate the hostile measure.

A peep into history indicates that in September 1986, the Margaret Thatcher administration decided, at the end of a cabinet meeting that in future, travelers from Nigeria, India, Ghana, Bangladesh and Pakistan would need to obtain visas in their own countries before traveling.

Before the 1986 decision, nationals of all Commonwealth nations, except Sri Lanka, did not need visas to travel to the UK.

Justifying the decision, Home Secretary at the time, Douglas Hurd, said: “We have to have immigration checks, and I think it is more sensible that these checks are carried out before someone sets off on a journey.”

Reacting, the opposition Labour Party described the Thatcher government decision on visa requirements for the five countries as racist. Then shadow home secretary in the Labour Party, Gerald Kaufman, said: “It is typical of this government that in future, white visitors from racialist South Africa will be able to come here without a visa while a visa will be required for parents and other family members of British citizens living and working in this country.”

But as the country heats up, many Nigerians have evaluated the measure and appear divided in their views. While some bemoaned the UK government’s decision, many lashed out at the Nigerian Government and the elite whom they said had not made the country any better for the people.

They were also emphatic about the dilapidated social infrastructure and poor living conditions which the government has refused to improve on.

But at the time of filing this report, there were speculations that the British government might rescind the decision – though no step in that direction had been taken.

Meanwhile, Saturday Vanguard exclusively sought the views of some Nigerians on the issue and below were the excerpts of that encounter.

Must we go to UK?—Ambassador Leo Okougwu, Ex-Nigerian Envoy to Romania & Bulgaria
If you are going to a foreign country, you prepare for it. If you are overstaying, then please, ask the host country, let them know that you are overstaying and this is the reason why you are overstaying. It is a very simple exercise. But if you are overstaying and the country doesn’t know that you are overstaying, it is wrong.

If our Legislators made a law saying that this will happen if you overstay in Nigeria, you have to pay a certain amount of money, then that has to do with the sovereignty of that country. But if you don’t want it that way, you must put certain things about other countries intoconsideration before enacting your legislations. If the British did that and looked at the circumstances in that case and then said, because of the experience we have been having, this is what we are going to do and they come up with a regulation and it is approved by their parliament and you said you are going to oppose it?

If you want to go there and they said you have to deposit 3,000 pounds and you said you don’t have it, then, don’t go. Are they forcing you to come? Must you go? Why must you go because you have money and next door, you have people suffering? What for?

Develop your own tourism industry. Look at your hospitals. Equip them. I tell you that the people you are going to meet in UK hospitals might be Nigerian doctors. But why are they there? It is because you are not encouraging them to come back home by having bad hospitals; by having tacitly equipped hospitals. That’s why most of them are there. Encourage your doctors to come home and do what they have to do.
Blame it on the leaders —Dr. Ogbonnaya Onuoha

The decision taken by the British is born out of national security and national interest . Maybe there is national pride to stop other nationals of countries of the world from getting quick
access into their country. If we have a good country, which I think we do, but the leaders are not as good in their intervention as what we have in other countries, it’s up to them to now ask the government why it is so.

Nigerian leaders should bury their heads in shame—Annkio Briggs, Social Crusader and Human Rights ActivistAny government official that is arguing the demand that the British government is making should know they have every right to make that demand. If Nigeria doesn’t like it, they should also make the same demand on the British citizens. But I think the government officials should be ashamed of themselves that they are spending time arguing over this issue.

It is actually an embarrassment to all Nigerians that we are singled out in this manner and it is because of the lack of accountability and the failure of government that has made this possible. It is not your fault, it’s not the market man’s fault; it is the fault of the Senators and the members of House that are now arguing the point. You see, you and I don’t have that luxury. The man in the community and in the market doesn’t have that luxury.

It is up to you and I, the man on the street, the man in the market to make sure that our so-called politicians and the elected don’t abandon us and fly out, and how do we do it? We do it by taking power, by having people’s power and insisting that everybody must get medical care here. That way, we will make sure that our hospitals work and our roads are good.

As a human being and as somebody who will speak up against injustice, whether in Nigeria or outside of Nigeria, I think that we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that the United Kingdom is a country and therefore like Nigeria.

And the United Kingdom is a country governed by its own rules and regulations. The UK, like Nigeria, has the right to change its laws when it suits them against whomever they choose. The British government must have a reason why it proposes this. But to someone who is aware, we know that people, not just Nigerians, but people seeking greener pastures travel to other countries like Europe and America.

All over Europe and America, people are dying in the desert trying to get to places like Italy, Turkey and places like that. When you look at that, you can begin to see why any country would want to make sure that only the people they permit are in their country and that when they tell you to come in for six months, or for two months, or two weeks for medical reasons or for education or whatever, when you finish that you will go.

The fact that people have overstayed and continue to over –stay, whether we like it or not, is a strain on the country. It is an economic strain on them. It is a social strain on them in the sense that, fair enough, there was the issue of the young man who strapped a bomb to himself on his way to America. The only reason why he boarded was to blow off the plane.

This was a young man who traveled to the UK for studies, for exposure. He got exposed in the UK and also had some level of contacts while he was in Nigeria.

Then recently, the young man who is a Nigerian by the fact that his parents are Nigerians but was born in the United Kingdom, tried to blow up a plane. So I am just trying to say that if this is happening in Nigeria, what will Nigerians do? Nigerians would be shutting their borders so that people from Niger, people from Mali, Chad or Cameroon do not cross into Nigeria illegally and perpetrate terrorist acts in Nigeria.

It is a serious punishment on Nigeria and Nigerians —Chief Sam Nkire, National Chairman of the Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA)I think the leadership of this country must protect its citizens. It is a serious punishment on Nigerians and Nigeria has come a long way with Britain. Nigeria was colonized by Britain and so many Nigerians live in Britain and we haven’t been found wanting. We have always seen Britain as our second home. So it will be very sad to have that kind of imposition. If Britain wants to do that to other countries, I don’t think it is right to do it to Nigeria.

I don’t think that should happen because it is a free world. If a Briton wants to live in Nigeria, he is free to do that. If a Nigerian wants to live in Britain, it is up to him. I don’t think there should be any restriction. People should treat others fairly and equitably.

FG must protect Nigerian citizens….Chief Victor Umeh, National Chairman, All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGAOur Government must protect Nigerian citizens. That is very terrible. It is like asking Nigerians not to come to the UK anymore. So, I believe that our Ministry of Foreign Affairs with our Government will be able to liaise with the British Government and get that policy rescinded.

You canot restrict people from exercising their freedom of choice of places where they can get treatments if they can afford those treatments. But the important thing is that the pressure is on the Government of Nigeria to make our medical facilities excellent so that people can go to hospitals here, get treated and then go home without wanting to go abroad. If our medical facilities are functional and
good enough, there will be no need for anybody to travel out of the country.

It shows the failure of Nigerian Government—Dr. Oladimeji Lawal, Public Administration, Gombe State UniversityIt is a wake-up call for the country that we should build our nation. We should understand the fact that there is no place in the world that can never be a home. What the UK government attempted to do is a demonstration of a serious country that is concerned about the influx of people into its territory, that is concerned about the wellbeing of its people and its infrastructure. So, it is not a reason why Nigeria should be crazy about the UK asking you to come with 3,000 pounds and all of that. I mean, there is no big deal about it.

It is not a must that you should travel out of the country. It is not a must that you go and stay in another man’s land. Discover your own, make it attractive and people will be looking forward to staying with us, working and living with us if we have a comfortable environment. What they have simply told us is that we cannot continue to rely on them and then we should look inwards, develop our society, make our society comfortable for people to stay, work and live.

So, there is no justification for the cry. It is their country and they have made a policy as regards how they want to run their country, the kind of people they want to admit into their territory and how long they want you to stay. In terms of International Relations, it is a demonstration of a serious, focused country. So, if we think we are very responsible as a country, whether we go in there or not, it doesn’t matter.

This is even time to reciprocate what the UK has done by saying that the British national will have some millions of Naira before coming into Nigeria to know whether we are the ones that will feel the effect or them. The reactions of some Nigerians to this development these few days practically demonstrates that our governments at all levels are not serious of building a society where we find comfort and live peacefully.

It is insult on Nigerian people—--Comrade Yinka Odumakin, Human Rights Activist
It is a gratuitous insult on the people of Nigeria by the dwindled British Empire. If after all the years of colonizing Nigeria the Brits think they have not milked us enough, the Nigerian Government should bare its teeth against British interests in Nigeria. When Abacha stopped British Airways from flying to Nigeria, London had to beg.

Bottom-line:
Whether or not Britain reverses the decision, one thing the move has succeeded in doing is telling the Nigerian government and the elite who junket to the UK and similar places on a whim that the time to develop local infrastructure is long over due.

A country that got her independence 53 years ago, in the reckoning of many Nigerians, ought to have made itself the envy of the world. Once again, the President Goodluck Jonathan administration has been challenged to live up to its mandate.

See Many Ladies Going Nudé All In The Name Of Fashion

Few days after a guy allegedly broke up with his beautiful girlfriend for révealing too much cléavages in a photo she shared on facebook, more ladies are getting worse in this trénd.
See more photos below..
Read more: xclusivetalk.blogspot.com

I don’t have a daughter out of wedlock – Benita Nzeribe

Benita Nzeribe started out as a teen star in Nollywood and later grew into adulthood long before the industry started experiencing the boom it now enjoys. Though quick to say she got into the industry by accident, the light-complexioned beau has carved a niche for herself. That is why her endorsement as Ambassador for two separate institutions is not a surprise. In this interview, she talks about her career, endorsements and refutes  the rumour making the rounds that she has a love child.

It seems your love for acting has vanished ?

How do you mean ? I’m still and will remain an actress.

But you’ve been away  from the big screen for some time now. What have you been up to ?
I was really not away . One thing about entertainment is that no one ever leaves it . I have been around and I’m active. I do jobs that come my way but I am a very patient person and not swayed at all . I have not been away from the big screen. I just have a different project and responsibility on my shoulders and I’m moving on by the grace of God .

What are some of those projects you’re currently handling ?
As you very well know,  I am a UN Peace Ambassador and as such stand for world peace . Ambassadors work towards peace from the grassroots. Personally, I am more convinced than ever before that there should be peace in the inner mind of every human being created by God. Sadly, not every human being has been able to discover that inner mind and access the peace that is much needed for  its growth and development for success .

World peace is still a tall order in our world today.  However, nothing is impossible with God . I shall continue to call on Him for strength and direction as I pursue this awesome assignment. World peace must be achieved to an impressive  percentage .
Benita Nzeribe - Love and relationships are personal.......
Benita Nzeribe
Secondly, as the Air Safety Ambassador of Nigeria which was bestowed on me by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), there is also a job to do . The aviation sector has recorded huge achievements under this present administration . Furthermore, I will be on location in less than two weeks from now  for the shoot of their international classic  TV commercial, It’s a big project; I can tell you that .

Also, I am presently recording the Malta Guinness Low Sugar Game show with Emeka Enyiocha as my co- presenter . It’s hitting the screen soon and I can tell you, it’s going to be a great show . I will be on location immediately after the NAMA TVC and thereafter, I will embark on an official trip out of the country as NAMA Ambassador .

How did you secure all these deals?
Well, let’s say that it’s God at work and the fruits of my labour  as an actress
On the UN Ambassadorship, I was called upon to come and receive it. The fact that I grew from a teenager to an adult in Nollywood and have contributed to the growth of the industry and written my name in gold opened those doors for me .

So you must be swimming in money now ?.
Swimming in money? Hmm. Well, I have always believed in sacrifice first before reaping, and that has worked out well for me. God has been putting smiles on my face little by little. I must appreciate Him for that. But swimming in money? Not yet.

So what was growing up like for you?
Growing up was fun because I have disciplined parents. I went to a Convent school and I think that explains how I came about my disciplined self.

Could you share  with us some  of those boring experiences  you had while growing?
All I can remember  is that all the partying that has to do with teens was never part of my experience. But I guess, it helped me to keep disciplined till date.

Do you regret not being allowed to enjoy your childhood days?
I don’t feel like I missed out at all. In fact, it’s rare to see me in a night club because I have been fashioned that way. It’s not like I’m saying it’s wrong to party, everyone should just do whatever makes them happy.

Since you attended a Convent school, how did you come about acting?
My getting into acting was never planned. My debut role in ‘Beyond Our Dreams’ was just meant to be.

So, acting was an accidental thing for you. What were you doing before acting?

*Benita at an event
*Benita at an event
I was in school then. So, my girlfriend and I came to Lagos for holidays in my elder brother’s house, Hon.Chuma Nzeribe. One day,  we decided to just stroll around for sight seeing and we stumbled on  an audition for a soap. We wanted to just see what they were up to and why so many people gathered there. It was curiosity and one thing led to another. I was called upon to be tried because they were actually searching for that character of a female lead. I was auditioned and the rest is history.

I heard you wanted to be a Reverend Sister?
That’s not true. I just went to a Convent school because my father believed there is more discipline and a better quality of education there. I didn’t attend the school because I was aspiring to be a Reverend Sister.

So, weren’t your parents disappointed that you chose acting after  the discipline and values instilled in you at the Convent school?
There was nothing to feel disappointed about. It’s a profession just like every other one. My parents are educated so they understood that I was doing my job. I have my limits as an African woman.

What are your limits?
I can never go nakéd!

I overheard you calling someone ‘Daddy’ on the phone?
Ha! that was my father in the Lord, my pastor.

So, who is the lucky man?
Soon, you will find out.

Does that mean there’s a man in your life?
I’m sure you don’t expect me to have a woman in my life. Well, it’s not yet ripe to talk about that for now. But I’ll surely inform you at the right time.

How’s your daughter doing?
My daughter? Which daughter? Where is the daughter and from whom? This is really funny, and the first time ever a journalist will be asking me about a daughter. I have none for now but will definitely get one once I’m married. Don’t be in a hurry.
But we learnt that you’re a single mother
Wow! I’m not, please. That’s definitely not true. Why would I hide my blood from anyone if I had a daughter? Children are blessings from God so I would flaunt her to the world if I did. Relax, I will soon get there by God’s Grace. People saying that should take a chill pill and wait.

Amaechi visits Tinubu in Lagos, urged Nigerians to protect their votes

Governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi yesterday visited the former governor of Lagos state and the leader of the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Bola Tinubu, over the death of his mother, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji.
While on the visit, Amaechi urged Nigerians to protect their votes  after every election with a view to safeguarding democracy.
Amaechi who visited Tinubu at his Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, residence said protection of votes would make it difficult for election results to be manipulated.
Amaechi, right, visits Tinubu (centre)over mother's death. Left is Dele Alake
Amaechi, right, visits Tinubu (centre) over mother’s death. Left is Dele Alake
Read the Nations Newspapers report below:
“Things should be done in such a way that the electorate defend their votes, not just leaving them in the custody of the police alone or leaving the place after voting,” he told reporters at the end of the visit.
He remarked that if the people keep watch over their votes, it will be difficult for anyone to manipulate the result.
Only by so doing, he insisted, can their votes count.
Amaechi described the late Alhaja Mogaji as a mother who gave all her best to the society and urged those she left behind to emulate her virtues which the whole country is now celebrating.
Business tycoon, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, also visited Asiwaju Tinubu.
He said the news of Alhaja Mogaji’s passage came like any other one but the ripple lingers on.
He described the deceased as an indefatigable supporter of the downtrodden and astute manager of human resources.
“She left a bold and permanent print in the sands of time and her lifetime was a glorious and memorable one,” he said.
Honorary Consul of Switzerland, Chief Marlies Allen, in a message, urged Asiwaju Tinubu to take heart because the transition is a celebration to eternity,saying: “I was so sorry to hear the sad news that you recently lost your darling mother. My thought and prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time.
“Mothers are very special and truly nothing ever really prepares one for this loss. May her gentle soul rest in peace.”
Daughter of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, showered praises on Alhaja Mogaji for her services to humanity and prayed for the repose of her soul.
Read more: xclusivetalk.blogspot.com

What You Should Learn from Mandela; Facebook Friends Blast Pres Jonathan

Nigerians on social media say President Goodluck Jonathan has some lessons to learn from ailing former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

His friends on Facebook who lauded him for taking time out of his schedule on Thursday to wish Mandela a quick recovery on the social network, said the President should also replicate the giant strides made by Madiba in the southern African nation.

The message on the President’s Facebook page stated:
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I would want to let President Jacob Zuma, the government and the people of South Africa know that we are with you in prayers at this trying times.

“We stand firmly with you, our South African brothers and sisters, and together wish our leader, the unequalled humanist, the great son of Africa, former President Nelson Mandela, Gods’ speed on the journey to recovery."

Jonathan’s Facebook fans believe Mandela never earned these accolades through wishful thoughts and petty politics, but through selfless and purposeful leadership.

They told the President that it was not too late for him to etch his name in gold on the minds of Nigerians and become a globally recognised leader like Mandela.

One of his fans, Prince Kunle Ayo-Alara, said Jonathan should make it a priority to study the way and manner, Mandela was able to impact positively on the lives of his people.

‘’Thanks for your message, GEJ. You, too, should please leave a good legacy. Even if Mandela should die today, he will continue to be celebrated. Our gains of having a Mandela in this world are to learn why and how he positively impacted his people’s lives, not just passing through the Government House,’’ Ayo-Alara noted.

Commenting on why the President should ensure good governance, one of his friends, Comrade Abdulkareem Gunu says, "Yes! I admire your (Jonathan’s) courage of accepting Mandela’s exemplarity, and I am hoping you’ll also be remembered for your good deeds.

"But, Mr. president, shine your eyes, don’t let the bad eggs surrounding you mislead and guide you wrongly, as you know, the sky is your limit and your name is already among the list of the international stakeholders. May God give you the wisdom for attitudinal change.”

On his own part, Oyedele Farinde wondered if any Nigerian leader will ever receive such good wishes and magnanimity from Nigerians, like Mandela is receiving from his countrymen and citizens of various countries.

Farinde states, "But will Nigerians ever pray for any of their leaders like the South Africans are praying for Mandela? Even Mr. President was not truthful enough to tell Nigerians the state of health of his wife when she was indisposed, needless to talk of Nigerians praying for her. It is only a good leader that can enjoy such gesture from the citizens. Mr. President, this is a lesson for you. And will Nigerians remember you for anything after leaving in 2015?"

As if taking a swipe at Jonathan for organising frequent Presidential dinners like the one held in Abuja on Wednesday, a friend, Fatai Omisanya, wrote, "Mandela fought and served his people in South Africa throughout his youthful and ageing years. He had no time for elaborate dinners when his people were starving, humiliated, and killed as is the case in present Nigeria. Baba Mandela, the peace of the Lord will abide with you."

Many of his friends also directed the attention of the President to the fact that the South African government was not expending state resources to treat the ailing leader in a foreign hospital. According to them, the decision of the Jacob Zuma-led government not to do so was because of the fully functioning state of health care facilities in the country.

Olakunle Olatunde says, "I want Mr. president to note that Mr. Mandela is wholly being treated in South Africa by doctors in South Africa. No flying ambulances! I am sure this would not have happened in Nigeria where you are the president. How many governors and first ladies have been treated abroad? I am sure you have lost count!"

Another ally of the President on the social service, Ab Awolola, lamented, “If he had been a Nigerian leader, he would be receiving treatment in Germany, US, Britain, Italy or any of the so-called western nations now. How I wish you could all borrow a leaf from this great son and real patriot of Africa, including you, President Ebele Jonathan.’’

Prince Chidoruo summed up all the comments when he wrote, "You (Jonathan) should emulate him (Mandela) and give us selfless and purposeful leadership."

Jonathan and Amaechi Face-Off Worsens

The face-off between President Goodluck Jonathan and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, worsened on Friday, with the presidency accusing the governor of disrespecting his "Oga at the Top".

They accused Amaechi of refusing to cooperate with the President and making “inflammatory comments” but Amaechi swiftly fired back.

Jonathan's Special Adviser on Political Matter, Ahmed Gulak, accused Amaechi of showing utter disregard for the President by arriving late for Thursday’s mid-term dinner organised by Jonathan after the event had started.

At the dinner, the President’s bodyguards prevented Amaechi from going to have a handshake with Jonathan. The Presidency on Thursday explained that the action was taken for “security reasons.”

Gulak, who argued that Amaechi had refused to cooperate with the President, said, “An example of what I am talking about is the mid-term dinner held on Wednesday. You are aware that Governor Amaechi arrived well after the President was on his seat.

“That is the kind of thing we are talking about. Does that show cooperation with the President? That was unfair. Afterall, the programme’s commencement time was clearly stated on the invitation sent to him.

“How can he be coming there about 30 minutes or one hour after the programme has started?”

When asked further whether the Presidency also expected Amaechi to drop his chairmanship of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Gulak claimed that Jonathan had no interest in whether the Rivers governor or his rival claimant, Jonah Jang of Plateau State, was in charge of forum.

He said, “As a member of the same party with the President, we expect a level of cooperation with the President. He should refrain from making inflammatory statements.”

Reacting, Amaechi said he had utmost respect for Jonathan and his office. Speaking through the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, the governor would he would never disrespect Jonathan.

“Governor Amaechi holds Mr. President in high esteem and will not at any point disrespect him; and this is obvious. The governor has repeatedly said that he respects Mr. President and the Office of the President of the country.

“Mr. Gulak is mischievous by his utterances against Governor Amaechi and this clearly shows that he has a hidden agenda known to only him.”

Meanwhile, there are indications that governors under the aegis of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum are planning a reconciliation meeting between Jonathan and Amaechi, to end their rift.

A PDP governor told Punch in Abuja on Thursday that the situation had become a source of concern, especially as Jonathan’s guards could prevent Amaechi from greeting him.

“We are still waiting for a formal meeting to be called. For now, all we have are chance meetings during informal gatherings like you saw during the presidential dinner.

“The problem now is that neither the Amaechi group nor those behind Jang are willing to shift ground on the issue of NGF chairman.

“With both sides unwilling to make compromises, it is difficult to make any serious progress.

“What happened during the dinner that made Amaechi and the governors backing him to leave is also a matter that is worth looking into. That dinner provided an opportunity (for Jonathan) to reach out but I think some overzealous aides ruined everything.

“Some of us had expected the kind of situation where you saw the President, the Speaker (of the Hosue of Representatives), whom some accuse of being too close to the opposition, and Amaechi sharing a joke, but that did not happen.”

A pro-Amaechi governor said, “The truth is known, people voted and Amaechi won. If anybody wants reconciliation, I think PDP should first apologise to Nigerians for this shameful act, then we can made progress.”

A Northern governor said, “Look, we have learnt our lessons and like one of our leaders, Gen. TY Danjuma said recently, we are going to make less noise and act more. We have talked too much on issues, the outcome of the Nigerian Governors Forum is the outcome of talking less and acting more.

“If you recall, we talked and talked about the marginalisation of the North, nothing was done. With the NGF election, we spoke clearly and people are paying attention.”

Super Eagles’ Handler: Keshi Or Foreign Coach?

Mixed reactions have continued to trail the Super Eagles of Nigeria early ouster from the ongoing FIFA Confederations Cup in Brasil. While some described Eagles performance as satisfactory, others say the team is technically bereft and called for injection of foreign coach to restore the lost glory of the national team.
According to a former NFA chairman, Mr Kojo Williams, “I just think that we were technically bereft. I said it before that we needed sound technical guys to come in and work with our team, because if we left the job to the present coaches, then we would get more hammering in the future and that was what happened in Brazil.
Keshi and Renard “If we are contented being among the best in Africa I don’t have problem with that. We can continue with what we are doing with Keshi but if we want to be among the best in the world then we must help Keshi with a good foreign coach”, Kojo maintained.
Speaking in the same vein, Sports analyst and promoter, Martins Osaile said Keshi’s managerial ability was poor as there was no reason for him to have left some of Nigeria’s most experienced players out of the squad that prosecuted the Confederations Cup in Brazil. Meanwhile, Executive Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick disagreed with both Kojo and Osaile.
According to him, coach Stephen Keshi should be celebrated and not despised for the Confederations Cup failure. Amaju said: “It is fundamentally wrong to assume that Keshi has reached his limit. Keshi should not be condemned but celebrated. He has been on duty for only two years and within this period we won the Nations Cup, something we were doing under an indigenous coach for the first time.
Everybody is celebrating Alex Ferguson for the feat he achieved with Manchester United. But how many years did he work before he won his first trophy?”, he queried.
So where do you stand in this argument; for or against foreign coach? Should Keshi continue based on his performance or should we get a foreign coach?

Friday 28 June 2013

Could Super Eagles Have A German Born Goal Keeper...

German-born Nigerian goalkeeper Robin Udegbe says he hopes to attract Super Eagles’ coach Stephen Keshi’s attention this season when he teams up with a top club this summer. Udegbe will become a free player when his contract at Dutch side VVV Venlo runs out on June 30.
The giant keeper, who was born in Kiel Germany, says his Camerounian agent is working on a deal for him in Germany. Udegbe told TON he was not keen on playing second division football at VVV Venlo, who were relegated this past season, but maintained that his ambition was to play for Nigeria, hence his resolve to play in the big league.
Udegbe returned to his new base Duisburg in Germany to continue his search for a new club. FSV Frankfurt in the second division in Germany were ready to land him but according to the sxi-foot plus keeper, the deal hit the rocks because they couldn’t afford his wages.
“My agent is currently in talks with Dutch Eredivisie side Fortuna Sittard after we failed to agree on financial terms with FSV Frankfurt,” Udegbe told TON.
“It was told I was too expensive to play in the second division in Holland but my agent is working hard now.
“But my main ambition right now is to play for Nigeria and that’s why I want to play in a top league to convince Keshi I can do it.”
Born to a Nigerian father from Awkuzu, Anambra State and German mother, Udegbe says it would be great to play for Nigeria.
“My father wants me to play for Nigeria and I would love to make him happy when I get the chance. I know it won’t be so easy but I know I got all it takes.
“I was invited to Germany U-15 national team but I only made the bench but I’m prepared to switch to Nigeria now.”
“I have visited Nigeria a lot of times and I have good relationship with my family as well as friends and I think I will be fun to be closer to my people when I get to play for the Super Eagles.”

World's oldest living siblings alive 818 years and counting

A woman turned 105 this week and when adding up her age with all of her other siblings, the years amount to 818.

The Melis siblings, who live on the island of Sardinia, are officially the world's oldest, with nine brothers and sisters clocking up a total of 818 years between them, the Italian news media reported.

The older sibling, Consolata, is 105 and has nine children, 24 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, according to the news media, adding that the longevity of the Melis siblings had been recognized as a Guinness World Record.

Consolata turned 105 on Wednesday, according to reports in the news media, adding that the certification of the Guinness World Record has been awarded after a worldwide review of seven years.

The town where the Melis siblings live is called Perdasdefogu, and is located in the southeast corner of the island, which has some of the oldest people in the world. The next oldest are Claudia 99, Mary 97, Antonio 93, Concetta 91, Adolfo 89, Vitalio 86, Vitalia 81 and Mafalda 78.

Claudia still attends church every week and Adolfo runs the local bar. Luca Deiana, professor of clinical biochemistry at the University of Sassari, Sardinia, who has studied some 2,500 centenarians on the island since 1996, said the longevity of the inhabitants of the island was due to several factors.

"On one hand it is genetics, longevity is inherited, but there is a bounty of the land and the local fruit, especially pears and plums," he told the news media. He said the local strong family traditions also contribute to a long life.
Read more: xclusivetalk.blogspot.com