The bleaching, chameleon crowd by Reuben Abati

I wrote a piece recently, a tribute to the late veteran actress Bukky Ajayi and the multi-instrumentalist OJB Jezreel, in which I raised a number of issues, including how in Nollywood today, there is an obsession with the whitening of skin, an anti-Negritude yellowing, what I referred to as "the bleaching, chameleon crowd of Nollywood beauties." The various reactions to the piece conveniently ignored this subject; two young ladies who felt that I was probing an unpopular theme drew my attention to this. I was reminded that being light-skinned is now the in-thing, indeed the socially acceptable norm, because there is now a universalization of the concept of beauty and self-esteem.

      The more light-skinned you are, the more acceptable you are in various circumstances, that is. I thought if this was true, then it is a tragedy indeed for the black world. For, once upon a time in the history of the black race, being black was a thing of joy and an instrument of protest. When Jesse Evans gave the black salute at the 1939 Olympics, after winning four gold medals, he was making a racially loaded statement about black pride and achievement. Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad, Muhammad Ali are key historical figures in the struggle for the black identity in the United States not to talk of various moments  and efforts culminating in the Obama phenomenon eight years ago.

Two Lives and other Stories by Reuben Abati

Two lives lost recently in the creative industry convey useful messages in terms of the import of their careers and the circumstances of their departure: the elderly actress, simply known as Bukky Ajayi, and the music entrepreneur, multi-talented artiste, producer and musician, Babatunde Okungbowa, popularly known as OJB Jezreel. Bukky Ajayi died aged 82, and she has been well mourned by the artistic community especially members of Nollywood who have described her as a role model, an iconic figure and a motherly figure to younger actors and actresses.

Many mourners have added that her death is shocking: every death in Nigeria is considered shocking ironically, even when the dead is as old as 100, or has been known to be terminally ill. In March 2016, when Bukky Ajayi received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Ceremony, she was already wheel-chair bound and terminally ill. But I guess we are always shocked by death, because we always expect our loved ones to live forever. And 82-year old Mama Ajayi was truly a lovable figure. In a rich career that spanned 50 years, she proved her mettle as a talented and committed artiste. She started out as a television assistant, and later became a presenter, a producer of programmes a newscaster and an actress.

She would later attain fame as an actress when she began to feature in the well-known Village Headmaster. She also featured in Amaka Igwe's television series, Checkmate. Home video lovers further enjoyed her artistry and creativity in such movies as Mother of George, Diamond Ring, Witches, Thunderbolt, Elastic Light and Critical Assignment. In the course of her public career, she always encouraged younger artistes, appearing in their various works, musical and dramatic, including the video of Jess King Buga's anthem-like effort on Motherhood: "Mummy oh, oh, wa pe laye, mummy oh, oh, wa jeun omo, e niba ni ko ni ri be, a fo loju, a fo loju, a ko si enu trailer, a ku tu e." Bukky Ajayi lived long: hers was a fruitful life of achievement and as at the time of her death, she could indeed look back with joy.

Every young artiste would wish to be as durable and as continuously relevant as she was, but while the younger generation can certainly emulate her professionalism and commitment, there is one other lesson that many of those now mourning, especially the much younger female artistes can learn from her example: and it is a lesson about virtuous professionalism, humility and decency. I do not mean to be offensive, but I hasten to say that many of the younger actresses mourning Bukky Ajayi have missed out on one of her important achievements as a female public figure for about 50 years. Her life was completely without scandal.

I say this to draw attention to a growing concern in Nollywood about the persona of today's female actresses. There is a widespread impression that to be a Nigerian actress is to live an open, unhindered life, without moral boundaries. Very few actresses of the younger generation have been able to survive so far without scandals. They seem to have acquired for themselves a curious reputation as party boosters, serial baby mamas, husband snatchers, fortune-seeking, fortune hunting, occasional porn artistes, with the most notorious in this category better known for the manner in which they flaunt body parts rather than their talents.

Dis Fela Sef!: He lives by Reuben Abati

Benson Idonije: Dis Fela Sef!: The Legend(s) Untold- A Memoir. Lagos; FESTAC BOOKS, 2016,  282 pp.

On the occasion of his 80^th birthday, Benson Idonije, who is arguably Nigeria's most informed analyst of jazz music and an enthusiastic promoter of popular culture and music has released for public review and consideration an absolutely well-informed biography of Fela, the Afro-beat music maestro. The book is a useful contribution in my opinion. But the first thing I noticed- signposted by the copy sent to me, is how indeed, this particular publication appears to be a victim of the emergent crises of publishing in Africa in dispossessed economies. The copy sent to me is copyrighted 2014; on the cover it is described as a preview edition, scheduled for "official release: first quarter 2015", the review copy doesn't even have an ISBN number, there is no index and the bibliography is wrongly presented. 

        After more than 29 years of assessing manuscripts and editing/reviewing books, I assume that I can conveniently imagine what the author, printers and local publishers of this book must have gone through, the same challenges other book writers publishing in sub-Saharan Africa face at the moment: looking for money, getting good editors, looking for publishers, and hoping that there will be readers. But we must be glad, and Benson Idonije deserves to be congratulated, on  his tenacity, in bringing out against all possible odds, a memoir as he correctly describes it, on Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, legend, maestro, counterculture hero, mystic, musician, philosopher, iconoclast, rebel, patriot and one of Africa's most significant contributions to the world of art and music in the 20^th century.

May Day, Tiwa Savage, Her Husband And Nigeria by Reuben Abati

"Ol'boy, man don see something oh."

"Wetin you see?"

"My eyes don see something. My ears don hear, and my mouth sef, I for talk something join."

"Talk make I hear"

"No be dis Tiwa Savage and him husband matter? The husband wey say him wife offend am, he no gi am food, him wife dey form for house but him dey open leg for other men, and na another woman they give am edible catering, and the man come vex he wan jump inside river for Lekki-Ikoyi bridge"

"Who the hell are you talking about?"

"Tiwa Savage and her husband"

"And who are those?"

"Tiwa, now. Marvin First Lady.  She is one of Nigeria's topmost female artistes. And her husband.  They are quarrelling. The husband tried to commit suicide. She says her husband prefers to follow other women, take cocaine and ignore his responsibilities as a man and a husband. Social media is agog with the news. Mainstream media is feeding on it too. The man even tried to jump into the Lagoon."

"And has he done so?"

"No. He was restrained by Banky W and Peter Okoye."

"And who are those? Red Cross Officials?"

"You are in this country and you don't know Banky W and Peter Okoye?"

"There is no way anyone can possibly know all the members of the Red Cross? "

"They are musicians, not Red Cross, not NEMA"

"Oh, I see"

NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR ON THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS

NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR ON THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS, FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Dear Compatriots,
1.            As we prepare to go to the polls tomorrow, I have come before you this morning to express my immense appreciation for the opportunity you gave me to lead this great nation of ours in the past four years.

2.           I also wish to place on record, once again, my sincere gratitude for the support you have given my administration without which the significant progress we have made in recent years would not have been possible.

3.           In spite of the many challenges we have had to contend with since 1999, our present democratic dispensation continues to endure and grow stronger in keeping with the yearnings and aspirations of our people.

WE’LL CONTINUE TO COUNT ON THE PRAYERS AND SUPPORT OF PATRIOTIC NIGERIANS – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

WE'LL CONTINUE TO COUNT ON THE PRAYERS AND SUPPORT OF PATRIOTIC NIGERIANS – PRESIDENT JONATHAN
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has said that he will continue to count on the support, goodwill and prayers of patriotic Nigerians as he strives to give the best possible leadership towards the positive transformation of the country.
In a letter to a young Nigerian who sent a donation of Ten Thousand Naira as a humble contribution to the President's re-election, President Jonathan said that he was deeply touched and encouraged by the immense support his administration continues to receive from young Nigerians from all parts of the country.
"Your gracious gesture is particularly gratifying, coming as it does from one of our nation's vibrant and gifted youth who are our successor generation and for whom our Administration is unequivocally committed to providing the requisite environment to optimally realize their tremendous creative and productive potentials.
"As I carry on with the task of positively transforming our country for its God-ordained greatness and prosperity, I will continue to count on the goodwill as well as the practical and prayerful support of committed patriots like you," President Jonathan wrote to the young Nigerian, Ezemagu Sunday Nnamdi who is currently serving in the National Youth Service Corps.
Thanking the youth corps member for the donation which was sent before the Peoples' Democratic Party adopted the President yesterday as its sole candidate for the 2015 presidential elections,  President Jonathan also welcomed his expression of faith in the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria for sustained growth and development.
The President assured Sunday and other young Nigerians that he will continue to do his best in the service of the nation in keeping with their trust and expectations.
In the letter forwarding his donation, Sunday assured President Jonathan of the continued support of patriotic Nigerians and urged him to seek re-election in 2015.
"Nigerians are behind you. We see your good works in power, transportation, education, housing, ICT, sports, electoral reforms, observation of the principle of federal character and the creation of investment opportunities.
"The insurgents who are trying to destabilize your Administration are enemies of peace and progress. You will surely defeat them," the youth corps member wrote.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 19, 2014

I didn’t insist on Echejile –Keshi

Elderson Echejile

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has denied he insisted on keeping injured Elderson Echiejile in camp against medical advice.

Keshi says although he is not happy that Echiejile, who is a very key member of the squad, will miss the World Cup, he will not put the player’s career at risk.

“We have spoken to the medical team and the NFF and we have agreed, so I was a bit shocked when I got a call from some of my friends back home that I insisted on keeping an injured player. It’s a fallacy because I never spoke to anyone about Echiejile,” the former Nigeria captain was quoted by the team’s Media Officer Ben Alaiya as saying on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Enugu Rangers forward Ejike Uzoenyi, who was invited by Keshi to replace Echiejile, was scheduled to arrive in Brazil to join the team on Wednesday.

Ejike Uzoenyi

Source: The Punch

World Cup begins

Super Eagles arrive in Brazil

Despite widespread protests and violence the 20th edition of the FIFA World Cup begins in Brazil on Thursday with the hosts taking on Croatia in the opening match in Sao Paulo.

It is the second time Brazil will be hosting the competition, the previous being in 1950, when they endured a heartbreaking defeat to Uruguay in the final.

After winning last year’s FIFA Confederations Cup, the hosts, who have won the World Cup five times, are the major favourites to reclaim the trophy won by Spain four years ago in South Africa. However, perennial contenders Germany, Italy and Argentina will be waiting to spoil the party for the Brazilians.

Brazil are hoping to become the first nation to win the World Cup on home soil since France did it in 1998.

World Cup history

In 1930, FIFA held the first World Cup tournament in Montevideo, Uruguay with the hosts emerging winners of the inaugural tournament.

Nigeria Super Eagles Odemwingie & Emenike

After another two events in 1934 (Italy) and 1938 (France), there was a 12-year break due to the World War, before recommencing in 1950 in Brazil. Since then, the World Cup has been held every four with Brazil, the most successful team, the only country to have competed in every finals series.

African representatives

African champions Nigeria, who are in Group F alongside two-time champions Argentina, Iran and debutants Bosnia, lead four other countries namely Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Algeria as the continent’s representatives at this edition of the Mundial.

Nigeria will open their tournament campaign against Iran on Monday.

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has kept faith with the majority of the players that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, bringing in the experienced striker Osaze Odemwingie and Joseph Yobo, who returns as team captain.

Nigeria Super Eagles Emenike & Yobo

Youngsters Uche Nwofor and Ramon Azeez have also been brought in as Keshi aims to blend experience and youth in the squad while best player at January’s African Nations Championship, Ejike Uzoenyi, was a late replacement for injured Monaco left-back, Elderson Echiejie.

Cameroon are making a record seventh appearance while captain Samuel Eto’o will be making his fifth appearance at the finals.

Group A

Brazil, who were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the last two tournaments, have won 15 of their last 16 matches, but a below par outing against Serbia in their last preparatory game before the World Cup, has raised questions about the ability of Felipe Scolari’s squad to deliver when the chips are down.
Barcelona 22-year-old forward Neymar has the huge burden of leading the squad to a sixth triumph on home soil. He would be complemented by other youthful players Oscar, Willian, while captain Thiago Silva will lead from behind.

Peter Odemwingie & his teammates

Croatia, led by Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric, will hope to pull off a monumental upset today but coach Niko Kovac’s side won’t be at full strength against the hosts.

Forward Mario Mandzukic, who was red-carded in the team’s final qualifier, will miss the crucial opener while the experienced Niko Kranjcar was dropped from the squad because of a late hamstring injury.

The other teams in the group Cameroon and Mexico will take to the field in Friday’s only game but while the hosts are huge favourites, it would be difficult to pick who joins them in the next round of the competition.

Group B

Defending champions Spain will play Holland in a replay of the 2010 final. Both sides are favoured to advance ahead of Chile and Australia.

Group C
Colombia and Greece will open hostilities in Group C on Saturday before Ivory Coast and Japan take to the field next day. This is probably the last chance for the underperforming golden generation of Ivory Coast footballers like Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Eboue, the Toure brothers Kolo and Yaya, and others to create a positive impact on the international scene

Group D

This is a very tough group with all the four teams standing a chance of moving ahead to the Round of 16. The group promises to be explosive as three-time champions Italy, two-time champions Uruguay, 1966 champions England and Costa Rica all jostle for a knockout ticket.

Group E

Peter Odemwingie & his teammates

France are overwhelming favourites here but Switzerland and Ecuador are two teams that can test the might of Les Bleus. Honduras are the outsiders.

Group F

Once again the Super Eagles are drawn against Argentina. Both teams have met thrice in the competition (1994, 2002 and 2010) and the South Americans triumphed on all occasions. Nigeria begin their campaign on Monday against Iran while Bosnia Herzegovina engage the Argentines in the other group game.

Group G

Tagged the Group of Death, analysts pick Germany and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal as the two teams who will advance to the next stage of the competition while Ghana and USA, despite their fighting spirits, will battle for the scraps.

Group H

Belgium are the hottest team going into the World Cup. The group, which also parades South Korea, Russia and Algeria, looks relatively soft, with Russia as the main competition for the Belgians but South Korea could be the banana skin in this group though.
Past winners
 Year        Winners
1930          Uruguay
1934          Italy
1938          Italy
1950          Uruguay
1954          W’Germany
1958          Brazil
1962          Brazil
1966          England
1970          Brazil
1974          W’ Germany
1978          Argentina
1982          Italy
1986          Argentina
1990          W’ Germany
1994          Brazil
1998          France
2002         Brazil
2006         Italy
2010          Spain
2014          ???

Nigeria Super Eagles arrive in Brazil

Nigeria Super Eagles

Source: The Punch

JAMB fixes May 17-31 for 2014 UTME through CBT

Bwari (FCT) – The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Wednesday fixed May 17 to 31 for the conduct of 2014 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) through Computer Based Test (CBT).

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Fabian Gabriel, the Head of Public Relations of the board, and issued to newsmen in Abuja.
According to the statement, the CBT will take place in over 163 centres in Nigeria and abroad, saying the date was sacrosanct.
The statement also described CBT as the best mode of examination.
It, however, urged the candidates to reprint their e-slip in the event they missed or misplaced their schedules.
“Over 616,000 candidates are expected to sit for the examination with over 250 prisoners in Kaduna and Ikoyi prisons,” it added.
“The CBT remains the best mode as it provides better platform for the candidates to articulate their educational pursuit.
“It eliminates result black-out or incomplete results and eliminates examination malpractice and enhances prompt release of scores two hours after the examination, among other benefits too numerous to mention,” the statement said.
It added that the board was determined to go full-blown with CBT in 2015 UTME, owing to success recorded in 2013 and the quests to sanitise the education sector.
The statement said that CBT was introduced in 2012 while the maiden edition was conducted in the 2013 UTME alongside the conventional Paper Pencil Test and Dual Based Test.
The statement reported Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, Registrar of JAMB, as saying that the desire to go full swing with CBT in 2015 was non-negotiable.
It urged Nigerians to see it as a revolution in the examination industry. (NAN)

Panic in Ogun, Lagos over rumoured B’Haram invasion

There was anxiety in Ogun and Lagos states on Wednesday after news filtered in that suspected Boko Haram members had taken over the Sagamu area of Ogun State and were heading for Lagos.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the news was spread through social media and text messages.

A copy of the message received by our correspondent read, “Breaking news, if you are on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway going towards Ibadan, please turn back. Eighteen suspected Boko Haram members with AK47 rifles are on the highway now displaying their skills.

Ritualist arrested with human parts, N4m

A suspected ritual killer who specialises in selling human parts has been arrested by security operatives in Benin City, the Edo State capital, southern Nigeria. The man, whose identity is yet to be revealed, was allegedly arrested at the Upper Sokponba road area of Benin with cut to size gun, different human parts and N4 million cash.It was reliably gathered that the man had lived in a make-shift apartment for close to two years, pretending to be a madman. According to one of the landlords in the area simply identified as Pa. Onaiwu, who spoke to journalists, the suspected ritual killer was in the habit of behaving funny especially when it is getting dark. “This man sometimes behaves funny. In the afternoon, you will see him bathing naked, behaving like a real madman.

WE'LL OVERCOME ALL RETROGRESSIVE AND DIVISIVE FORCES, PRESIDENT JONATHAN ASSURES NIGERIANS AT EASTER

EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, PRESIDENT, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
SUNDAY, APRIL 2O, 20I4
Dear Compatriots,
I greet you all, especially our Christian brothers and sisters who are celebrating Easter and commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ today.
As we join Christians in other countries of the world in celebrating Easter this year, I urge all Nigerians to reflect on the significance of its lessons of piety, obedience to higher authorities, self sacrifice for the good of others, redemption, salvation, deliverance, renewal and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
These lessons of Easter and other injunctions on brotherly love, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, honesty, humility, justice, equity and fairness to all without discrimination contained in the Gospels are of particular importance to us as a nation as we continue to contend with the challenges of nation-building and development.

PHOTOS: INAUGURATION OF LOWER USUMA DAM WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN ABUJA

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN CUTTING THE TAPE TO INAUGURATE THE PHASE 3 AND 4 (20 MILLION LITRES/HR) LOWER USUMA DAM WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (10/4/14). WITH HIM ARE: FROM LEFT: CHAIRMAN, SENATE COMMITTEE ON POWER, SEN PHILIP ADUDA; FCT MINISTER, SEN BALA MOHAMMED AND FCT MINISTER OF STATE, OLOYE OLAJUMOKE AKINJIDE

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN CUTTING THE TAPE TO INAUGURATE THE PHASE 3 AND 4 (20 MILLION LITRES/HR) LOWER USUMA DAM WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (10/4/14). WITH HIM ARE: FROM LEFT: CHAIRMAN, SENATE COMMITTEE ON POWER, SEN PHILIP ADUDA; FCT MINISTER, SEN BALA MOHAMMED AND FCT MINISTER OF STATE, OLOYE OLAJUMOKE AKINJIDE

Delta police parade kidnappers’ of Clark’s son

kidnappers-of-clark's-son

ASABA—DELTA State Commissioner of Police Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, yesterday, paraded the suspected kidnappers of Chief E. K. Clark’s son, Mr. Ebikeme Clark at the state police headquarters, Asaba.
He said the command was seriously worried over the whereabouts of some members of the kidnap gang that carried out the operation, which he described as “extremely dangerous.”
According to him, “other gang members still at large include Timi, Abel, Ndamaw, and Jacob.

Youths uncover baby factory in Ogun, set building ablaze

There was pandemonium in the Akinremi Estate, Adigbe, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday after some youths discovered a baby factory around Vulcaniser Bus Stop.

The incident comes barely two weeks after eight women were rescued from a baby factory in the Akute area of the state.

Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Metro that the youths, who thought the building was a ritual killers’ den broke into the compound.

In a fit of rage, the youths were said to have set two vehicles ablaze as well as the one-storey building.

A traffic official, who witnessed the incident, said the youths were able to recover a blood-filled basin, coffin, mortar, calabash, effigy, assorted charms, clothes, live scorpion and other suspected fetish items.

PHOTOS: PRESIDENT JONATHAN IN EU-AFRICAN SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN,THIRD ROW WITH OTHER WORLD LEADERS AT THE EU- AFRICAN SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS ON WEDNESDAY 2ND APRIL 2014. STATE HOUSE PHOTO

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN,THIRD ROW WITH OTHER WORLD LEADERS AT THE EU- AFRICAN SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS ON WEDNESDAY 2ND APRIL, 2014. STATE HOUSE PHOTO

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN,THIRD ROW WITH OTHER WORLD LEADERS AT THE EU- AFRICAN SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS ON WEDNESDAY 2ND APRIL, 2014. STATE HOUSE PHOTO

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN,THIRD ROW WITH OTHER WORLD LEADERS AT THE EU- AFRICAN SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS ON WEDNESDAY 2ND APRIL, 2014. STATE HOUSE PHOTO

BULGERIA PRESIDENT ROSEN ASSENOV PLEVNELIEV, PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, TRADE  AND INVESTMENT  MINISTER  MR OLUSEGUN AGANGA AND NIGERIA  FOREIGN  AFFAIRS MIN ISTER AMB, AMINU WALI, AT A BILATERAL MEETING  AT THE AT THE  OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EU- AFRICA  SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS BELGIUM  ON WEDNESDAY  2^ND APRIL 2014

BULGERIA PRESIDENT ROSEN ASSENOV PLEVNELIEV, PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, TRADE  AND INVESTMENT  MINISTER  MR OLUSEGUN AGANGA AND NIGERIA  FOREIGN  AFFAIRS MIN ISTER AMB, AMINU WALI, AT A BILATERAL MEETING  AT THE AT THE  OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EU- AFRICA  SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS BELGIUM  ON WEDNESDAY  2^ND APRIL 2014

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN  RIGHT THE  BULGERIA PRESIDENT ROSEN ASSENOV PLEVNELIEV  AT THE  OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EU- AFRICA  SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS BELGIUM  ON WEDNESDAY  2^ND APRIL, 2014

NIGERIA  FOREIGN  AFFAIRS MIN ISTER AMB, AMINU WALI,PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN,TRADE AND INVESTMENT  MINISTER OLUSEGUN AGANGA, AND  OTHER TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS  AT A MEETING WITH  BULGERIA PRESIDENT ROSEN ASSENOV PLEVNELIEV AT A BILATERAL MEETING    AT THE  OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EU- AFRICA  SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS BELGIUM  ON WEDNESDAY  2^ND APRIL 2014

STATE HOUSE PHOTO

Immigration Recruitment: National Stadium Overcrowded (Photos)

Photos of candidates in National Stadium Lagos for Immigration Recruitment Exercise.

You will all agree with me that overcrowded areas are threat to human lives. This exercise should have been done in phases covering at least 5 days. We must take our safety very serious.

Good morning.

Candidates waiting for instructions inside National Stadium Lagos on Saturday 15th March, 2014

Candidates waiting for instructions inside National Stadium Lagos on Saturday 15th March, 2014

I am sacrificing a lot as a father – Seun Kuti

Seun Kuti

Afrobeat artiste, Seun Kuti, opens up on fatherhood, his forthcoming album and the state of the Nigerian music industry, in this interview with Jayne Augoye

It is less than a month to the release of his third studio album titled Long Way to the Beginning and Seun Kuti already has a lot on his plate. When he ushers E-Punch into his Allen, Ikeja, Lagos home, the fiery artiste who recently welcomed his first child, a daughter, with his partner, Yetunde, in December, cuts a picture different from the masculine type you see when he is performing.

The love birds who seem to have eyes only for each other occasionally engage in public display of affection, before he settles down for the interview.  Not minding the presence of the poke-nosing journalist, they kiss and touch each other at delicate places.

NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR
DECEMBER 31, 2013

 Dear Compatriots,
 I greet and felicitate with you all as we enter the year 2014 which promises to be a momentous one for our country for several reasons, including the fact that it is also the year of our great nation’s centenary celebrations. I join you all in giving thanks to God Almighty for guiding us and our beloved nation safely through all the challenges of the outgoing year to the beginning of 2014.

 Exactly 100 years ago today, on January 1, 1914, the British Colonial authorities amalgamated what was then the separate Protectorates of Southern Nigeria and Northern Nigeria, giving birth to the single geopolitical entity known as Nigeria.  For us therefore, today is not just the beginning of a new year, but the end of a century of national existence and the beginning of another. It is a moment for sober reflection and for pride in all that is great about Nigeria.

Nigeria, Ghana Lead Africa's 20 Most Beautiful Women

Agbani Darego

Nadia Buari

The Glitz Africa Magazine has unveiled its 2013 Fashionista issue and inside it, they profiled the 20 Most Beautiful Women in Africa which has Genevieve Nnaji, Tiwa Savage, Nadia Buari and others on the list. Nigeria and Ghana took the lead.

See the full list,
Leila Lopes (Angola), Vimbai Mutinhiri (Zimbabwe), Oluchi Orlandi (Nigeria), Yvonne Nelson (Ghana), Dillish Mathews (Namibia), Agbani Darego (Nigeria), Tiwa Savage (Nigeria), Stephanie Linus (Nigeria), Genevieve Nnaji (Nigeria), Joselyn Dumas (Ghana), Yvonne Okoro (Ghana), Jackie Appiah (Ghana), Millen Magese (Tanzania), Omotola. Jalade-Ekeinde (Nigeria), Zainab Sheriff (Sierra Leone), Naa Okailey Shooter (Ghana), Nadia Buari (Ghana), Lerato “Lira” Molapo (South Africa), Babalwa “Barbz” Mneno (South Africa), Elham Wagdi (Egypt).