BringBackOurGirls Campaign On Day 228 Of 219 Chibok Schools Abduction!

All we are saying is...

BringBackOurGirls NOW!

Kunle Afolayan Talks On Taking The Nigerian Film Industry To The Next Level!

Film Producer Kunle Afolaya, recently had a chat on Film Making and Documentary with scholars and business executives at the Pan Atlantic University's School of Media and Communication (SMC) .

At the event which was sponsored by Coca -cola, the film director, actor, producer and businessman, took his audience on his journey into film making, challenges encountered in sourcing for sponsors, loop holes to avoid, importance of balancing a good business acumen with film production, and the need for creativity and ingenuity.

Director, Public Affairs Coca-cola Nigeria Mr. Clem Ugorji in his speech, said Cola-cola's passion to support Nollywood streams from the fact that Coca-cola has been in every inch of the Nigerian story, and Nollywood is a channel to tell this story.

According to him, Nigeria is a strategic market in the world for Coca-cola, and it is up-most for the global company to ensure that communities where they operate are not just prosperous, but successful in what they do.

Cross section of participants at the event

Gen. Buhari's Campaign Aircraft Denied Landing Right In Makurdi!

News making the rounds, says the private air craft carrying the presidential candidate of one of the political parties in Nigeria, the All Progressive Congress (APC), and former Military Head of State, retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari, was on Wednesday, 26 November, reportedly denied landing rights, by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, - Makurdi.



According to information received, the ex military Head of State, now a politician, was on his way from Bayelsa state, to Makurdi on a political campaign ahead of the APC delegates congress, slated for December, when his flight was denied permission to land in Makurdi.

It was gathered that APC party loyalists, who reportedly thronged Makurdi airport to welcome Buhari, dispatched in disappointment when they got wind of the development.  

When contacted on phone, Comrade Abba Yaro,  the Benue State Chairman of the APC party, confirmed the development, describing it as unfortunate.

As at the time of filling in this report, no reasons has been given by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Makurdi, concerning this action.

Ezekwesili, Dangote, 25 Other Nigerians Listed As Most Influential People In Africa!

“This year's listing is not dominated by men with more than 40 women featuring in the list. South Africa and Nigeria dominate the listing with 33 and 27 entries respectively. There are four African heads of state,” ....Thus read the News African Magazine's 2014 Most Influential Africans List statement.  

The list which saw Nigeria's former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, for her activism after over 200 schoolgirls were abducted by the Nigerian militant group, Boko Haram; and Africa's leading magnet, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, included 25 other Nigerians. 

Four African Presidents namely: President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, President Idriss Déby of Chad and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, made the list.

South Africa dominated the 2014 Most Influential Africans list with 33 outstanding individuals, Nigerians 27 entries respectively.   

On the list also is Afri-Innovator Kelvin Doe, a self-taught engineer by the age of 13, who used scraps to build a generator to power a radio station to entertain audiences as DJ Focus. It was gathered that herecently signed a $100,000 deal to develop his own solar power technology.   

Donald Kaberuka of the African Development Bank and Carlos Lopes of the Economic Commission for Africa were also listed. 

Emerging satirist,  Ikenna Azuike, who also recently signed a show with the BBC, made the list. 

In all, forty African women were listed for their outstanding performance and positive global representation of the African continent, in their respective fields of endevour. 

Celebrated for winning an Oscar for her role in 12 Years a Slave, was Lupita Nyong’o, who was appointed ambassador for Lancôme cosmetics and named as Glamour’s woman of the year.

According to the Magazine statement, “All have featured prominently in 2014 with the latter two (Museveni and Déby) playing important roles mediating regional conflicts,” it said.

227 Days After Abduction, Campaign For Chibok Girls Persists!

Its been 227 days since 219 girls were abducted from their boarding school, in Chibok town, Borno State, Nigeria; but there are definitely not forgotten. 

We believe the Nigerian government is doing its best to fulfill the promise recently made by President Goodluck Jonathan, to Bring Back The Girls.

Wicked Maid who Tortured Ugandan Toddler Charged To Court!

Remember the Ugandan maid captured torturing a toddler left in her care in a video?,  ...well report says she will appear in court for a second hearing on December 8, 2014.

The video of a maid heinously torturing a two- year-old toddler went viral on Facebook  media on Friday, sparking global outrage.

According to report, the maid has been identified as 22 year old Jolly Tumuhirwe, a housemaid in Naalya in Kiwatule suburb - Uganda.

The video below:

Information given by the Police said the motive of the assault had not yet been established but added that Tumuhirwe had worked for the couple’s home for only 26 days. The parents said the baby had been discharged from hospital and was improving.

The girl’s mother only identified as Angela reportedly said by telephone “We took her to the hospital for medical checkup and she is ok. We will be returning to the hospital next week,”

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, allegedly said after he had viewed the footage of CCTV camera installed in the house, the incident was reported at Kiwatule Police Post by the girl’s father Eric Kamanzi on November 13, 2014. From where the case then was transferred to Kiira Police Division. After the investigations, the maid was reportedly charged with torture in Nakawa Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and remanded to Luzira prison.

Police report also revealed that Ms Tumuhirwe was charged under Section 3 of the Anti-Torture Act. The section stipulates several offences including “systematic beating, all of which attract a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail on conviction". 

Clashes In Togo As Protesters March Against President Gnassingbe!

Security forces and opposition supporters protesting against President Faure Gnassingbe clashes on Saturday, in Lome, capital of Togo.

It was gathered the masses feared an agreed Presidential term limit may not be implemented, as he may seek re-election.

A larger march by the president’s supporters was held earlier without incident.

Beyonce & Blue Ivy Spotted At Solange's wedding!

Beyonce & daughter Blue Ivy, spotted at Solange Knowles wedding in New Orleans. 

Popular Nigerian Radio Broadcaster Chaz B Dies!

Popular Nigerian radio presenter, Charles Bruce Chukwuma, also known as "Chaz B" is dead.  

Until his death, the broadcaster, who hailed from Delta State, anchored a popular radio call-in program "Sharing Life Issues" on Inspiration FM Radio, a show that allowed listeners call in to discuss issues that affects their lives. In April 2014, he moved on to Rhythm FM, where he continued to touch lives through the show.

According to reports, Chaz B was on radio Friday evening, doing what he knows best, at a point, he excused himself, saying that he wasn't strong enough to continue the show, and told his colleague Chike to takeover.

He signed out by saying:"see you on Monday".

But that was never to be, as news of his death filtered in, and was confirmed by Silverbird television Saturday afternoon.

Sources close to the late broadcaster said he died on Friday of complications arising from kidney failure.

It was gathered that Chaz B had a kidney transplant in 2012 from an organ donated by his wife.

An ex-student of Kings College, Lagos, Charles Bruce Chukwuma had experience in the Hospitality Management Industry of the United States of America, which sprawled over 20 years. 

He had an Advanced Business Management Certificate from North Technical Education Centre in Florida and an Associate of Science Degree in Hotel, Travel and Tourism Management from Miami Dade Community College (North), Florida, USA.

May his soul, find eternal rest in God's Presence, Amen

Photo Of The day- Nigerian Politicians Scaling Fence During Political meeting!

The hilarious, unbelievable picture below shows picture of some members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP)scaling fence after they were reportedly locked out of a meeting.

 

  It was gathered that some of them are Presidential aspirant towards the 2015 elections.

Nigerian Law School - Lagos Hostels Crying For Attention!

This  picture of the Victorian Island- Lagos hostel of the Nigerian Law School clearly states that the building which housed and still houses some of Nigeria's best hands in the Legal field needs some upgrade. 

As the leading economic power in Africa, no Nigerian institution, of any level of learning deserves to be in this state..the building looks hunted!

It's official, Solange Knowles tied the knot with Alan Ferguson!

Beyonce's younger sister, Solange Knowles on Sunday tied the knot with her longtime love Alan Ferguson in front of at least 50 close friends and family including big sister Beyonce, Jay Z and Blue Ivy, at a church in New Orleans.

News says the guests all sported shades of white. Beyonce and Blue Ivy wore dresses, while Jay Z sported a white suit.

2015 Election Things- Reuben Abati Goes Spiritual!

Campaign for 2015 elections spurs, political 

parties employs every 

necessary scheme to enchant voters...


Reuben Abati, Special Adviser on Media 

and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan, on 

Sunday left a spiritual 

message for Nigerians on his tweeter page that read:

"Let us continue what we have started, for as the scriptures tell us, 

"No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.- Luke 9:62” - #Scripture #BibleVerse #HappySunday #ForwardNigeria

U.S Confirms Peter Kassig Killing!

The White House on Sunday said that a review of an Islamic State video confirms that American hostage Peter Kassig, an aid worker and former Army Ranger, has been beheaded by the ISIS.

In the nearly 16-minute video uploaded to social networks, a black-clad militant with his face concealed stands before a severed head that he says is that of Peter Kassig.

President Obama confirmed the video's authenticity on Sunday, saying in a statement the act was "pure evil."

The video was posted shortly after President Obama departed for Washington from the G-20 summit in Australia. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Obama was briefed by National Security Adviser Susan Rice while in flight. 

"This is Peter Edward Kassig, a U.S. citizen, of your country; Peter who fought against the Muslims in Iraq, while serving as a soldier," 

"We say to you, Obama ...you claim to have withdrawn from Iraq four years ago," 

"Here you are: you have not withdrawn. Rather, you hid some of your forces behind your proxies," he said, apparently referring to Western-backed Syrian rebels, Kurdish fighters and the Iraqi military.

"Here we are, burying the first American crusader in Dabiq, eagerly waiting for the remainder of your armies to arrive." The militant who spoke in an audible British accent (despite his voice being distorted to make it more difficult to identify him), says near the end of the video. 

The video reportedly identified the militant's location as Dabiq, a small town in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo, near the Turkish border, a departure from previous beheading videos, which were filmed in the remote desert of northeastern Syria. 

Peter's parents, Ed and Paula Kassig, released a statement early Sunday saying they were aware of the reports of their son's death. They also asked that media outlets not post any images or video distributed by Islamic State, better known as ISIS or ISIL. 

"We prefer our son is written about and remembered for his important work and the love he shared with friends and family," 

"not in the manner the hostage takers would use to manipulate Americans and further their cause." the statement read.

The video also showed what appeared to be the mass beheading of more than a dozen captured Syrian soldiers, but did not show the beheading of 26 year old Kassig. Showing the execution of the soldiers is a departure from previous videos, which did not depict the act of beheading. The soldiers' executioners are not wearing masks in the video and warn they will carry out similar actions outside the region.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said he was "horrified by the cold-blooded murder,"  adding the Islamic State group has "again shown their depravity."

Indiana Governor Mike Pence said he is "deeply troubled" by reports of Kassig's beheading. 

Pence called the 26-year-old, who converted to Islam and took the first name Abdul-Rahman while in captivity, inspiring because of his compassion and courage.

Kassig is the fifth Western hostage killed by ISIS in less than three months, and the third American. Previous Western beheading victims were American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, as well as Britons David Haines, a former Royal Air Force engineer, and Alan Henning, a taxi driver from northwest England. 

It was gathered that the group is also holding John Cantlie, a British photojournalist  who has appeared in several other videos released by the group functioning as a de facto spokesman. 

It is not clear when the video was filmed. however, in October, a Twitter account reportedly linked to ISIS posted a message warning that Kassig had only days to live. Sources in the intelligence community told Fox News that the message was being tracked. 

ISIS has beheaded and shot dead hundreds of captives -- mainly Syrian and Iraqi soldiers -- during its sweep across the two countries, and has celebrated mass killings in a series of slickly produced but extremely graphic videos. The group has declared an Islamic caliphate in the areas under its control in Syria and Iraq, which it governs according to a harsh version of Shariah law. The U.S. began launching airstrikes in Iraq and Syria earlier this year in a bid to halt the group's rapid advance and eventually degrade and destroy it.

A video released last month appeared to show Kassig, of Indianapolis, kneeling as a masked militant says he will be killed next, after Henning's purported beheading. Kassig had been held in Syria since October 2013. 

Kassig formed the aid organization Special Emergency Response and Assistance, or SERA, in Turkey to provide aid and assistance to Syrian refugees. He began delivering food and medical supplies to Syrian refugee camps in 2012 and is also a trained medical assistant who provided trauma care to injured Syrian civilians and helped train 150 civilians in providing medical aid.

After he appeared in the video, Kassig's parents released a public plea for their son's release, which included claims that Kassig had converted to Islam while in captivity and taken the name Abdul Rahman. 

The release of the video comes approximately a week after Syrian friends of Kassig called for his  release, also saying that he had converted to Islam and was trying to help those afflicted by the country's three-year-old civil war. 

One of the friends, Amjad al-Moghrabi, told reporters in the northern Lebanon city of Tripoli: "We are demanding the Islamic State to release him, if they know Islam. He is a Muslim and has not participated in what his country is doing," a reference to the airstrikes.

Dr. Ahmad Obeid, a friend of Kassig, said, "our demand is to release him and to return to his family because as a person he helped us and we should ask for mercy for him."

"He is, unfortunately, detained so we are calling for his freedom because he supported our cause and we cannot leave him and let them hurt him," Obeid said.

The U.S. began launching airstrikes in Iraq and Syria earlier this year in a bid to halt the group's rapid advance and eventually degrade and destroy it.

On Sunday, the Islamic State group claimed a bombing at the Baghdad International Airport that wounded five people, saying it was trying to strike Americans there. No one was wounded in a passing United Nations convoy, the organization said.

The fight against the militant group adds another layer to Syria's complex civil war, now in its fourth year, which began as an uprising against President Bashar Assad.

The Islamic State group emerged from the remains of Al Qaeda in Iraq and spread to Syria, where it battled both government forces and rebel groups as it carved out its self-styled Islamic state.

In June the group swept into northern Iraq, capturing about a third of the country, including the second largest city Mosul, and eventually prompting the U.S. to resume military operations in the country less than three years after withdrawing. 

culled.

El-Rufai Makes Caricature Of Jonathan's Administration With Cartoon!

Former Minister of Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory- Abuja, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai recently made a caricature of  Goodluck Jonathan's PDP administration in a cartoon.

Bill Cosby's Lawyer Issues Statement About Sexual Assault Allegations!

Responding to NPR's audio recording of part of an interview with Cosby's silence response when asked about sexual allegations, Bill Cosby's attorney John P. Schmitt, issued a statement to the sexual assault charges made against the actor.

"Over the last several weeks, decade-old, discredited allegations against Mr. Cosby have resurfaced," 

"The fact that they are being repeated does not make them true. Mr. Cosby does not intend to dignify these allegations with any comment."

"He would like to thank all his fans for the outpouring of support and assure them that, at age 77, he is doing his best work," 

"There will be no further statement from Mr. Cosby or any of his representatives." The statement said.

Man With Antenna Implanted Into His Skull!

Neil Harbisson is an artist who was born completely colour blind. His life changed when he decided to have an antenna surgically implanted into his skull that enabled him to "hear" colour.

He now identifies each colour with a particular musical note - even the ones we can't see.

In 2010 he founded the Cyborg Foundation, an international organisation that helps others to permanently implant technology into their bodies.

culled

Another Bomb Explosion Hits Zare, Bauchi State!

News Agency of Nigeria reports that another bomb went off today in Zare, Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria. An explosion last week reportedly claimed  13 lives.

Police Commissioner, Bauchi state, Lawal Shehu, was quoted as saying that rescue operation is ongoing, but casualty figure is yet to be ascertained.

Kim K. shares Photo of Adorable Moment With Daughter!

Kim K. West shares sweet photo of lovely moment with North West.

Indian Sterilization Pills Laced With Rat Poison!

Startling revelation on the ten Indian women who died, while dozen others fell seriously ill after receiving state sterilisation to control growing population, in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh might have been given antibiotic pills contaminated with rat poison, a senior official said on Friday.

Divisional commissioner in the district of Bilaspur, Sonmoni Borah in a telephone interview, reportedly said tablets of ciprofloxacin that were seized in Mahawar Pharma, were found to contain zinc phosphide.

“If you do a quick Google search, you will find it is rat poison, and the women were displaying symptoms similar to poisoning,”. He said.

It was gathered that the police on Friday arrested Ramesh Mahawar, the company’s managing director, and his son, Sumit, saying they were suspected of defrauding the government.

Speaking from police custody, Mr. Mahawar told Reuters they were innocent. “The situation has been twisted in a wrong manner,“We are just being harassed.” He said, adding that the company had been manufacturing drugs for 35 years and had annual sales of about $130,000.

See Photo - Tuface Idibia Campaigns For Peaceful Election!

Boko - Haram Militants Seize Chibok!

News making the rounds says Boko Haram militants on Thursday seized Chibok town, in Borno state, north-eastern Nigerian.

Report say the militants attacked and took control of the town, Thursday evening.

A senator for Borno state, Ali Ndume, told the BBC Hausa service that security forces posted in Chibok ran away when the insurgents attacked.

Residents told the Sahara Reporters news website that the militants headed to the centre of Chibok and declared that they were taking it over as part of their caliphate.

President Bouteflika Hospitalised in France!

A report yet to be confirmed by  Algerian presidency says President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was on Friday admitted to a hospital in Grenoble , a Southeastern French town.

Although the clinic did not offer any reasons for his hospitalisation nor give an update on his condition, it was revealed that Bouteflika has been in poor health since 2013 when he was treated for a "mini-stroke" in Paris.

One of the few remaining veterans of the war of independence against France, 77- year - old Bouteflika who became Algeria's youngest minister at the age of 25, came to power after helping to end the country's devastating civil war in the 1990s and has ruled the country since 1999. 

Having spent 80 days being treated for the mini-stroke in 2013, Bouteflika was not deterred from standing for election for a fourth time in April 2014, when he won with more than 80 percent of the vote. Although the opposition refused to recognise the result.

He has reportedly been seen only on rare occasions since. In a break from tradition, he failed to appear in public for Eid al-Adha prayers marking the end of the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca last month.

Two Nigerians Bag Jail Term In The UK For Women Trafficking!

A 24 year old Nigerian woman identified as Lizzy Idahosa and her accomplice, 41 year old Jackson Omoruyi were recently jailed eight and two years respectively after a Home Office investigation into the trafficking of Nigerian women into the UK for sexual exploitation.

According to a press release on behalf of the UK's Home Office made available to journalists in Abuja, the investigation began after Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers carried out an operation at the Ambassador Suite Massage Parlour on City Road, Cardiff, in June 2013.

"During the investigation by the Home Office's Criminal Investigations Team, officers persuaded a second victim to speak to them. She also said Idahosa had trafficked her into the UK to work in the 'sex industry'.

"Both victims said before travelling to London, they had been subjected to 'juju' rituals in Nigeria in which they ate snails and snakes, had their hair shaved, drank dirty water and were cut with a razor.

"On arrival, Idahosa told the women they each owed £50,000 for passage to the UK and they or their families in Nigeria would be harmed if the ?debt? was not repaid.

"The women told the court that they worked at brothels around England and Wales including in London, Croydon, Stevenage, Brighton, Swansea and Cardiff - paying their earnings directly to Idahosa or via Omoruyi's bank account.

"Officers from the Home Office Criminal Investigation team arrested Idahosa and Omoruyi in a property in Dressington Avenue, Lewisham, South London, in April this year," the statement said.

Consequence to his arrest, Idahosa was for more than three weeks tried at Cardiff Crown Court in September and October, was found guilty of two counts of trafficking into the UK, two of trafficking within the UK, two counts of inciting prostitution and two charges of money laundering, thereafter was jailed for eight years.

Another Military Helicopter Crashes In Girei, Adamawa, Kills All Three On-Board!

A chopper belonging to the Nigerian Air Force reportedly went down at the same area, where a military helicopter on surveillance mission crash-landed in Damare town in Adamawa state days ealier.

According to reports, residents around the area said the chopper crash landed in outskirts of Girei town, a suburb of Yola, the headquarters of Adamawa State North-east Nigeria.

A statement posted on Defence Headquarters blog said all three crew lost their lives in the event. Rescuers reportedly worked throughout the night until Friday morning to preserve the wreckage and scene. 

The statement read:

“At about 2200hours yesterday 13 November 2014, a ground attack helicopter on an armed patrol crashed around the Federal University of Technology Yola, Adamawa State. 

“The crew of 3 was lost in the ill-fated accident.

“Rescue party worked throughout the night to preserve the wreckage of the aircraft and scene of the accident for proper investigation to be carried out.  Further details would be made known later” .

Photo Of The Day!

A place of worship at Issakaba Base community, Ikota Housing Estate - Lekki area.

Deplorable Living Condition Of Slum Settlements In High-Brow Lekki Area Of Lagos State!

Call them neighbours and you are right, one can not help but ponder over the contrast between the 'high-profile' neighbourhood of the Victorian Garden City (VGC) and the Isakaba base make 'shift-settlement' pictured below, otherwise known as Ikota Housing Estate along the Lekki -Peninsula area of Lagos state, Nigeria.  

Picture of Ikota Housing estate entrance below:

Picture of Victoria Garden City (VGC) entrance below:

Manor Garden Estate in front of Ikota Housing estate below:

Pearly Gates Estate, close to VGC, Manor Garden and Ikota Housing Estate below:

  

Ikota Housing Estate: 

Ikota Housing estate is one of the low-income settlements relocated over twenty-years ago from Maroko, the area where the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Lagos, and Addax Petroleum is currently situated, along the Lekki Peninsula axis of Lagos state. 

As required of well-meaning citizens of a State, of-age (18-years and above) residents of this community perform their civic responsibility by voting during elections, just like their "upper-class" neighbours. The propulsion of this discussion is that while the high-brow and middle class areas get to enjoy some percentage of electoral promises, peharps due to the fact that they have influential individuals living among them; residents of the low-income estates get less than they deserve or might have been promised during electoral campaigns.

Despite past and present government's electoral campaign promises of 'House For All', motor-able roads, healthy drinking water, electricity supplies, quality/ affordable Health-Care schemes' ...the basic amenities that makes life easy, residents of this estate and other poorly planned/ densely populated communities are not seeing the actualisation of most electoral promises.

They live in unplanned and poorly constructed houses with no drainage, toilets/ bathrooms, and proper waste disposal system, as a matter of fact, some construct their houses on dustbins, as seen in the picture above.

They buy drinking water from residents that are lucky to have constructed bore-holes. During the rainy season, this community is dangerously flooded. There is no motor-able road. The only thing peharps going for this people is population because that is what lures most Politicians to these communities during polls.

Why should citizens of any well meaning State, be allowed to live in this deplorable condition while elected government officials at both State and Local government levels appear unperturbed.

The government can do much better than this, and we hope they do. 

Obianuju Mbanusi writes