PHOTOS: Banky W Turns Chef

Nigerian R&B singer, Banky W is now a proud certified chef.

The EME boss who went for a friend's birthday dinner on the Island decided to use the opportunity to do a 3 hours chef training course at 'De Marquee Lounge, Bar & Restaurants', Victoria Island, Lagos.
Well looks like he's got some other talents aside singing.

PHOTO: Pastor Odukoya’s Son, Jimmy Weds Longtime Fiancee In London

Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, the only son of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, the General Overseer of the Fountain of Life Church, Lagos, tied the knots with his longtime girlfriend, Kemi on the 9th of March in London.

More photos below

FG Working Hard To Restore Peace – Vice President, Sambo

The Federal Government will continue to work tirelessly to ensure safety of lives and property in all parts of the country, Vice President Namadi Sambo made the promise on Sunday when he paid a visit to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

The Emir recently returned to the country after a medical sojourn abroad following an attack on his convoy by gunmen in Kano.

P-Square Going Into On Oil Business?

Our music minds in Nigeria are showing how enterprising they are.

First, it was Don Jazzy setting up an oil company 'Mavin Energy' with his brother. Now, we see suggestions that dynamic duo P-Square have taken the same turn.

 

Ribery Out of Arsenal Game

Franck Ribery will miss the second leg of Bayern Munich's Champions League tie with Arsenal on Wednesday.

The France winger strained ligaments in his left ankle on Saturday during Bayern's 11th straight win - a 3-2 success against Fortuna Dusseldorf.

West Brom Ace Hails Lukaku

West Brom midfielder James Morrison believes the contribution of Romelu Lukaku has been central to the team's impressive form this season.

Lukaku scored his 13th goal of the campaign during Saturday's 2-1 victory over Swansea to keep alive Albion's hopes of securing a European spot.

Fans Must Lay Off Benitez - Mikel

John Obi Mikel says the negativity from Chelsea supporters towards interim manager Rafa Benitez is affecting the players.

Benitez was again subjected to jeers from the away section during the Blues' FA Cup draw at Manchester United, which grew louder in the second half when he substituted Frank Lampard and Victor Moses for Eden Hazard and Mikel.

VIDEO:Nigerian FA Denies 'Lesbian Ban' - 'Anti-Lesbian' Witch-Hunt Recording Released

The Nigerian Football federation says lesbians have not been banned from playing in the West Africa country.
It had been reported that football's world governing body Fifa had written to the NFF, seeking clarification over the situation.

Stramaccioni Is Under-Pressure

Inter Milan's under-pressure head coach Andrea Stramaccioni feels the Nerazzurri still have plenty of time to turn their disappointing season around.

Inter went into Sunday night's home meeting with Bologna eager to atone for a 3-0 Europa League defeat at Tottenham but it was not to be, as a solitary Alberto Gilardino strike handed Bologna a 1-0 win.

How We Disrupted Bank Robbery Operation

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Alhaji Umar Manko, on Sunday said his men had foiled a robbery attack on one of the first generation banks in the state.
Manko told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that a 10-man suspected armed robbery gang had perfected plans to rob the Ajao Estate branch of the bank on Osolo road.
The police chief said that his men got information about the suspects’ planned deadly operation and moved to disrupt it.

Prophet Talabi: I'm Alive, Not Dead

The General Overseer of Evangelical Apostolic Church Worldwide, Prophet Olatunji Talabi, popularly called "Baba Lesekese" has condemned rumours of his death.
Speaking with journalists at his church, 70, Mojisola Street, Ifako Ijaiye, Ogba, Lagos, Prophet Talabi described the rumours of his death as a shock to him.

FA Cup: We Were Lucky, Says Ferguson

Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez(R) claims Sir Alex Ferguson snubbed his handshake
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said his side were fortunate to be in the FA Cup after drawing 2-2 with Chelsea in their last-eight tie.

NPFL: Nembe Stun Heartland at Home

Heartland FC

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) new boys, Nembe City, on Sunday stunned Cup holders, Heartland 2-1 in their first game of the top flight and on the road.

Uduaghan Pledges Support for South-south Presidency in 2015

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan

By Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has asked Nigerians to support the South-south geo-political zone for president in 2015.

Syria Jets Bomb Baba Amr After Rebel Advance

President Bashar al-Assad

REUTERS

Syrian warplanes bombed the shattered Baba Amr district in the central city of Homs on Monday, a day after rebels made a surprise push into their former bastion, which had been in army hands for a year.

The communally mixed city of Sunni Muslims and Alawites, the minority sect that has dominated Syria since the 1960s, has been a major battleground in a two-year-old revolt against President Bashar al-Assad that has claimed about 70,000 lives, reports Reuters.

No Feud Among PDP Governors, says Bamanga Tukur

PDP Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur

By Ibrahim Shuaibu

Even in the face of perceived power tussle between the Rivers State governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi and the Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio over the latter’s new status as chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, national chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur declared that all is well with the duo.

Ketu Plank Market Succumbs to Inferno

Victims at the scene of the Ketu Plank market razed by fire… recently

To the consternation of the traders at Ifelodun Plank Market, Ketu, a suburb of Lagos State, for the third time in three years, a strange fire keeps engulfing the market. The victims who recounted their ordeal to THISDAY also expressed displeasure for the state government's plan to take over the market. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes

NYSC Dismisses Report of Terror Attacks on Ekiti Orientation Camp

Youth Corps members 

By Toba Suleiman

Like a wild fire, the rumour raged in Ekiti State and beyond. It caused some scare among parents and guardians and others who have participants in the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) camp in state.

A robbery attack on a beer distributor in Ise/Orun Ekiti, a town located within the two communities, during which guns boomed had triggered the rumour of a terrorist attack on the NYSC Orientation Camp which is sandwiched between the two communities.

Quit Wetlands Now, Lagos Tells Residents

Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello

• States to get 275 days of rainfall

By Gboyega Akinsanmi

The Lagos State Government has released the details of the 2013 seasonal rainfall prediction, and put the number of days the state will experience in 2013 alone at 275.

Investors Struggle to Raise Funds for Acquisition of Power Assets

PHCN logo

• Transcorp opts for rights issue for Ughelli, other projects

By Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Indications have emerged that some investors that won the bids for 15 of the successor companies carved out of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) are facing difficulties raising funds required to pay for the generation and distribution companies, THISDAY has learnt.

El-Rufai: Obasanjo Will Not be Happy with My Book

Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai

• Says he is grossly misunderstood

By Olusegun Adeniyi

Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, has acknowledged that the revelations in his controversial book, The Accidental Public Servant, would not make former President Olusegun Obasanjo happy with him over his portrayal of his former boss.

Britain, Italy, Greece Confirm Killing of Foreign Hostages

British Foreign Secretary, Mr. William Hague

• Security agencies deny rescue bid 
• Two hostages believed to have been ill

By Ike Abonyi, Damilola Oyedele, Senator Iroegbu, Paul Obi and Segun Awofadeji

Nigeria: Ansaru Posts Video of Hostages' Bodies

British Foreign Secretary William Hague

Nigerian Islamist group, Ansaru,  that killed seven foreign hostages it had been holding since February has posted a video of their bodies on the Internet.

Christian Pilgrimage: Jonathan to Engage Govs Discriminating on Religious Basis

President Goodluck Jonathan

By Muhammad Bello

President Goodluck Jonathan has pledged that he will interact with state governors who discriminate in matters relating to religious beliefs in the sponsorship of pilgrims to Jerusalem for annual pilgrimage by Christians.

The president made the pledge Monday when he received the report of the Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor-led Federal Government delegation to the 2012 Christian Pilgrimage to Holy Land at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Jonathan's pledge was informed by  Oritsejafor's claim that some state governments from the northern part of the country declined to sponsor any Christian pilgrims for the exercise, listing such states as: Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Benue and Gombe.

Maku: No Details About Slain Foreigners

Information Minister,  Labaran Maku

By Muhammad Bello

It appears the apex government may be in the dark as regards details surrounding the alleged killing of seven foreign hostages by an Islamist sect, Ansaru Muslimina fi Biladil Sudan.

Information Minister,  Labaran Maku, who was approached by State House correspondents on the position of the Federal Government on the incident, declined, saying he had not been fully briefed.

"I don't have the full brief to brief you," he said  as he walked briskly out of the Presidential Villa, Abuja where he had earlier attended a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan.

Rukky Sanda at Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards

I don't know who the dress is by but it's lovely...

Nigerian women's rights advocate, Josephine Odumakin honored by Michelle Obama

Nigerian democracy activist and women's rights advocate Dr. Josephine Okei-Odumakin, was one of the 10 phenomenal women who were honored by US first lady, Michelle Obama and US Secretary of State, John Kerry, on Friday March 8th in the US.

Dr. Josephine, who is the president of Campaign for Democracy and President of Women Arise for Change Initiative, was presented with the Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award by John Kerry and Michelle Obama at a ceremony that held at the Dean Acheson Auditorium of the U.S. Department of State.

The annual Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award honors extra-ordinary women around the world who have done great work in advocating for human rights, women’s equality, and social progress. See more photos after the cut.

Justin Timberlake calls Kanye West dramatic

Last month Kanye West fired shots at Jay Z and Justin Timberlake when he trashed their new single, Suit and Tie during a concert in London. Well, during his appearance on Saturday Night Live last Saturday Justin Timberlake fired back at Kanye with Jay Z standing right beside him.

During his performance of Suit and Tie Justin changed one of his lyrics from,

"Shit so sick got a hit and picked up a habit" to "My hit's so sick, it got rappers acting dramatic" and then Jay Z came out and did his verse.

Some of you don't want to believe that Kanye has been dumped. Lol

Cartoons of the day

Employee loses arm, accuses CCECC of neglect

Okilla... on his hospital bed

Mark Okilla, an engineering mason with Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, Lagos State, whose right arm was chopped off by one of the company’s construction machines, has accused CCECC of neglecting him.

Jos killings: Community decries neglect of burial site

March 11, 2013 by Jude Owuamanam, Jos 2 Comments

The mass grave

Residents of Dogo Na Hawai in Jos South Local Government of Plateau state, where more than 500 people were killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen on March 7, 2010, have decried the neglect of the site where victims were given mass burial.

Invest regularly

’Nimi Akinkugbe

When it comes to saving and investing, most of us are not as disciplined as we would like to be. Some set some money aside for some months and then nothing at all for several others. Indeed after the stock market decline in 2008 many people stayed away from the market completely afraid of further losses; sadly they were still out of the market when it started to pick up and have already missed out on some of the gains from stocks that were selling at significant discounts. For the vast majority of people, the only way to achieve your financial goals is by earning through the dint of hard work and saving and investing in a systematic, disciplined way over several years.

Nigeria loses CAF seat to Benin

President, Confederation of African Football, Issa Hayatou
| credits: naijaese.blogspot.com

Nigeria’s candidate to the Confederation of African Football executive election Alhaji Aminu Maigari on Sunday lost the election to his opponent from the Republic of Benin Anjorin Moucharaf. Maigari who is the president of the Nigeria Football Federation had arrived in Morocco full of hope and confidence as he enjoyed the full political backing of the government of Nigeria.

An eye witness to the details of events in Morocco Mr. Paul Bassey told The PUNCH that the Nigerian delegation to the CAF Ordinary Congress in Marrakech stopped campaigning Saturday night when news filtered in that their efforts were being frustrated by their fellow country man.

He said, “For over four hours, up till 3am on Sunday, tempers rose as accusations rent the air on what was considered a selfish and self seeking act against the state. On approaching delegates for their votes, the Nigerians were told that they had counter instructions from Nigeria to the effect that the Benin candidate (Anjorin) Moucharaf should be supported.”

None of those in Morocco could name the saboteur who engineered Maigari’s defeat even though it was said that the matter would be pursued to “logical conclusion” when they return to the country.

Weakened by the discovery of betrayal, but determined to continue with the race, the Nigerians arrived at the Congress venue to be met with more revelations of pre-election decisions.

He added, “This was finally manifested when the votes for West Africa Zone B were counted and Maigari polled 17 votes as against Moucharaf’s 27 and the third candidate Hima Souley from Niger got 9.”

Souley was eliminated because a simple majority had not been established while Maigari and Moucharaf went for a second ballot which ended 35 to 19 in favour of the Beninoise.

The PUNCH learnt that Moucharaf was arrested two years ago on allegations of embezzling sponsorship money and spent more than six months in jail.

Two years ago, Nigeria also lost the opportunity of returning to the CAF executive seat left vacant by Dr. Amos Adamu under similar circumstance.

In some other elections, president Issa Hayatou was returned unopposed for another four year term. Also returned unopposed were Mohammed Raouaoua of Algeria and Magdi Sham El Din of Sudan.

In his post election speech, CAF President Hayatou thanked his African colleagues for “the confidence reposed on him and promised to serve African football with all his might.”

Delayed allowances threaten FIRS’ N5tn revenue target

March 11, 2013

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
| credits: www.date360.net

The projected N5tn tax revenue from the Federal Inland Revenue Service this year may not be realised as a result of the delay in the payment of allowances to workers of the organisation.

AMCON advisers submit reports on bridged banks

March 11, 2013

Managing Director, AMCON, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi
| credits: File copy

The financial advisers appointed to value the three nationalised banks preparatory to the exit of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria from them and their eventual sale to investors have submitted part of the reports to the corporation.

The Head, Corporate Communications, AMCON, Mr. Kayode Lambo, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Sunday, said the corporation would make decisions on the banks as soon as it got the complete reports.

“They financial advisers have submitted their reports but the reports are incomplete; there is one or two things that they need to add. Once that is done, decisions will be taken on the way forward for the banks,” he said.

Sources close to the financial advisers told our correspondent that part of their recommendations was that the banks should be sold to local and foreign investors.

The affected banks are former Bank PHB Plc now Keystone Bank Limited; Spring Bank Plc, now known as Enterprise Bank Limited; and Afribank Plc, rechristened Mainstreet Bank Limited.

AMCON had appointed Renaissance Capital and CitiBank last August to act as advisers on the sale of the bridged banks, and they were meant to submit their reports on February 20, 2013.

Citibank is to value Mainstreet Bank before advising AMCON on its sale, while Renaissance Capital is to value Keystone Bank and Enterprise Bank for the same purpose.

As part of their terms of reference, the financial advisory firms were expected to evaluate the three banks and advise the corporation on how best to dispose of them.

No football club exists in Nigeria – Onigbinde

March 11, 2013

Chief Adegboye Onigbinde

Former Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has said that no football club exists in Nigeria.

Onigbinde, who recently turned 75, spoke with our correspondent in a telephone interview on Sunday.

He said the general definition of a club is a group of people coming together for a common purpose, stressing that no Nigerian club satisfies such a definition.

Onigbinde said, “In FIFA statute, Article 17 states that any football body must be capable of handling its affairs without interference from a third party.

“It also states that the executive of any football body must be democratically elected. For these reasons, we don’t have any football club in Nigeria.

“Even in the days of Abiola Babes, Stationery Stores and others, we had decisions being taken by a third party or a group of very few people.”

Explaining that football is a lucrative enterprise, Onigbinde emphasised that a group of 5, 000 people could come together to form a club.

He said, “I’m still hoping to establish First Football Club of Nigeria; that would be the name, First Football Club. I hope to get 5,000 people to contribute N1,000 each. After this, we will incorporate it. This is my next objective.

“This was what I wanted to do with Prime FC of Osogbo before the idea was scuttled. Some people would not like the idea of a club generating its own source of funding because they know that such money donated by members of the club cannot be embezzled.

“They would love to have money from government to run a club because they know that nobody would query them when they squander such type of money. At 75, it is too late for me to learn how to defraud.”

Jonathan warns governors against discrimination

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday promised to engage state governors who discriminate based on the religious beliefs of the citizens of their states 

Terrorists kill four in Kano drive-by shooting

March 11, 2013

Terrorists kill four in Kano drive-by shooting.

Four persons were killed in drive-by shooting  on Sunday by gunmen driving around on a tricycle  in an area of Kano.

It was learnt that the gunmen first struck at Dakata Bus Stop before moving to Dakata Kawaji area opposite a graveyard near the Custom’s barrack, where they shot two persons.

One of the gunmen, it was learnt, carried an AK 47 assault rifle wearing a dark blue kaftan.

Security agencies were said to have arrived the scene about 10 minutes after the gunmen had fled  to evacuate the victims.

The identities of the victims were not immediately known.

Govt, workers differ over Bayelsa new tax regime

March 11, 2013

Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson
| credits: transformationwatch.com

Civil servants in Bayelsa State are finding it difficult to understand the new monthly deductions from their salaries as Personal Income Tax by the state government, investigation has shown.

Baby shot by robbers dies after seven months

March 11, 2013

Lawal

After seven months of battling with complications from a gunshot wound on the head, Taiwo Lawal, the one-year-old baby who was shot during a series of robberies in Lagos on September 9, 2012, has died.

NGF chairmanship: PDP govs to adopt consensus candidate

March 11, 2013

RIVERS State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi

As Peoples Democratic Party governors meet in Abuja on Monday (today), there are indications that the issue of who leads the Nigeria Governors’ Forum will top their agenda.

The meeting is coming ahead of the NGF’s election scheduled for May.

You are here: Home / News / Orelope-Adefulire, others hail women’s role in nation building Orelope-Adefulire, others hail women’s role in nation building

March 11, 2013 Comments

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and other prominent Nigerian women said a woman would do better as the President of the country.

They made this submission at the Women fiesta  held to mark the International Women’s Day in Lagos on Saturday.

Adam new video

New Video: Stella Damasus - Love Me Quick

New Video: Stella Damasus - Love Me Quick

Stella Damasus' video for the song Love Me Quick is here. The song is the soundtrack for the movie "Unspoken" produced by Stella Damasus and Daniel Ademinokan.

Main suspect in India gang rape/murder commits suicide in his cell

Police said the suspect hanged himself around 5am this morning in his prison cell...but his lawyer and parents are claiming he was murdered.

"Ram did not kill himself. He had no reason to. He was murdered," his father said.

"This is not a suicide. He was kept in isolation, with at least four special guards posted outside his cell. We suspect foul play" his lawyer said

33 year old Ram Singh was the driver of the New Delhi bus on which a 23 year old student was gang raped and fatally beaten on December 16 2012. The woman later died from injuries sustained from the attack. Six suspects were arrested and if convicted, could face the death penalty. (Read the original story HERE)

Rita Dominic's AMVCA outfit is by House of Moofa

Classic! Loves it!

Genevieve Nnaji's AMVCA white dress is by Bridget Awosika

Right is Agbani Darego in another daring Bridget Awosika dress. Kudos to the designer..

Photo of the day: Homeless man feeding on sacrificial food

If you live in Nigeria, then you should be familiar with this. Often times we see these plates filled with food and left on the side of the road. It's called Ebó - a ritual offering or sacrifice as dictated by divination, which sometimes involves the offerings of cooked foods.

This homeless man was seen yesterday at Bakara Junction, Palm Groove, Lagos feeding on ritual food and even packing the rest inside a Nylon. Sad!

Kim K gets Vampire Facial, an age-defying facelift using her blood

Kim Kardashian went through an age-defying procedure called a "Vampire Facial" which involved the use of her 'blood' and it was filmed for her reality show - Kourtney and Kim Take Miami. The vampire facial is a designer procedure that uses cutting edge technology in which the body's own blood is applied topically to the skin and then pounding it with needles to re-energize cells for a youthful appearance.