Ajimobi to offer N300m Interest-free Loan to Oyo State Traders

Traders in the 33 Local Government Areas of the state will have access to government’s N300 million interest-free loans in January 2014, says Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State.

 

This was disclosed on Sunday at an interactive session with market men and women held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building at Secretariat in Ibadan.

 

“Oyo state traders will be entitled to this interest-free loan. The loan will be co-ordinated by members of the executive organs of the six umbrella bodies of market associations in the state,’’ he said.

 

Princess Adetutu Adesida-Dike installed as Regent in Akure

The first daughter of the late traditional ruler of Akureland, Oba Adebiyi Adesida was on Saturday installed as the Regent of the ancient town.

 

The development came almost a month after the Monarch who was until his death the Chairman of the State Council of Obas, passed away in his palace, during a brief illness, at the age of 63.

 

5000 Widows Received Christmas Gifts From Mercy Johnson in Uromi, Edo State (Photos)



In a Christmas welfare largesse, the veteran Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie through her foundation put smiles on almost 5000 widows' faces in her husband's home town of Uromi, Edo State on Monday 23, 2013.

 

"Mercy Johnson Okojie’s Foundation" donated various gifts and food items to the widows and the people of Uromi's days before Christmas.

 

Each and every one of the 5000 widows received a bag of rice, 6 yards of super print, a bag of salt, groundnut oil, tin tomatoes and maggi cubes.



Nobel Laureate, Soyinka Loses Daughter

Iyetade Soyinka, a daughter of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, has died. Ms. Soyinka 48, died at the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital where she was being treated for an undisclosed ailment.

 

Her death was disclosed in a statement signed by Jahman Anikulapo, an aide to Mr. Soyinka, winner of the 1986 Nobel Prize in literature. The statement noted that the late Iyetade Soyinka was a student at the Staff School and Queens School, Ibadan before she studied Medicine at the University of Ibadan.

 

Big Thanks to My Fans: Says Mercy Johnson

2013 has been an incredible year for me. I couldn’t ask for more. It is one year I won’t forget in a hurry.

 

My fans were amazing. They stood by me and took on my fight. The critics played their parts too. I took the constructive ones, made adjustment and became a better person. 

 

How can I forget 2013, the year I had the honour of being the most searched Nollywood actress for the third consecutive year. I am most grateful to the fans who worked the keyboard or keypad reading about me online.

 

Lebanese Boss Who Battered His Pregnant Employee Arrested

In a commendable effort of security men on an accused Lebanese Boss, the Lagos State Police Command has reportedly on Friday arrested Kaveh Noine, a manager with Toppan Printing Company who allegedly kicked his pregnant employee, Alexandra Ossai, in the stomach which caused her to lose her pregnancy two weeks ago.

 

PUNCH Metro had, on Tuesday, exclusively reported that Noine, a Lebanese, travelled out of the country when policemen attached to the Area F Police Division initially went to the company, to invite him for questioning.

 

What a Sad Christmas! Veteran Actor, Kayode Odumosu (a.k.a Pa Kasumu)

On telling/Witnessing the story of his ailing health, the veteran actor Kayode Odumosu (a.k.a Pa Kasumu) walked slowly into his living room after having his afternoon shower.  His steps were painful and deliberate as he tried to get his eyes accustomed to the dimly-lit living room.

 

Although his face still had drops of water drizzling unto the cape of his white Kaftan, he smelt fresh. After a while, he wiped off the drizzle on his forehead with his left hand.

 

Although I am a Veteran Actor, I am not a Billionaire. So sad – Alh Kareem Adepoju (a.k.a Baba Wande)

How does it feel like celebrating 50 years on stage?

I believe God has kept me till this very stage of my career. For me to be in the profession for that number of years without any problems or difficulties, I think it is worth celebrating. That is the reason I am using the opportunity to thank God.

 

Considering that you have fixed a date, how do you intend to do it without getting financial support?

I believe God will not disappoint me. If one person refuses to answer me, I believe another person would surely support me. I believe so much in God and I know he will not disappoint me on this. Since I have already made up my mind that, I am going to do it, it must be done. God will help me on it. Even though there is disappointment in getting sponsorship, I know He will help, because somebody will rise up somewhere to help.

America's Openly Gay Imam!!!

Daayiee Abdullah believed to be the first only openly gay imam in America and is proud of his story despite several condemnations from Muslim leaders to the extent that some local imams have even refused to greet him.

 

Daayiee was born a Christian and raised in Detroit, where his parents were Baptists, according to a media report. At 15, he declared himself to his parents as a gay.

 

When he was 33, studying in China, he converted to Islam and went further to study the religion in Egypt, Jordan and Syria.

 

As a gay man in America, Daayiee viewed that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Muslims had not met spiritual needs, so he decided to become an imam to attend to their needs.

 

A Banker Who Withdrew N50m from Customer's Account Has Been Arrested

The Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos State, has arrested an account officer with Guaranty Trust Homes, Adeola Olokojobi, in connection with a N50m fraud at the financial institution.

 

Prior to his arrest, Olokojobi was said to be working at the GT Homes, Saka Tinubu branch, Victoria Island.

 

Assault On Fetus Committed By A Lebanese Boss: President Wades In

In a crucial and laudable turn-up move to citizenry care, President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered a probe into the case of a 34-year-old woman, Mrs. Alexandra Ossai, who accused her Lebanese boss, Kaveh Noine, of causing her to lose her seven-month pregnancy after he kicked her in the stomach.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, disclosed this in his Twitter handle as well as his Facebook page on Thursday.

 

PUNCH Metro had on Tuesday published the story of Ossai, who until December 13, 2013, was a supervisor with a Lebanese owned firm, Toppan Printing Company. She had alleged that Noine assaulted her many times during her eight months stay at the company.

 

Assault On Fetus Committed By A Lebanese Boss!

Mrs. Alexandria Ossai, 34, has accused her Lebanese boss, Kaveh Noine, of assault on her seven-month pregnancy after he kicked her in the stomach.

 

Ossai was a supervisor in the Lebanese owned firm, Toppan Printing Company till 13 December 2013. She alleged that Noine assaulted her many times during her eight months stay at the company.

 

It was reported that currently at a private hospital in Fagba area of Lagos State Ossai had undergone emergency surgery four days after the kick to save her life as her placenta was said to have been damaged.

 

My Conversion to Islam Accepted By My Father – Nollywood Actress, Metchie Vivian

Vivian Metchie, a Nollywood actress, who stepped aside for a while from limelight after a cracked marriage to Wale Adesina is back on stage with new faith.

 

She recently announced her new faith adopted according to an exclusive talks granted, said she is now Muslim having found the Christian faith confusing.

 

On her conversation with Yes International Magazine, Ms Metchie (now Fareedah) said her conversion was a personal decision she had to take.

 

According to her: “Yeah it is personal. I understand the Koran more than the bible. All of a sudden, the Christian confusion was driving me nuts. My dad was catholic, my mum was Deeper Life, I married someone in the Redeemed Church and then all of a sudden, the few religions had something bad to say about each other. I just couldn’t take it anymore. A friend of mine who is close to me said that once you are grounded on the word, it won't be confusing. Unfortunately, maybe I wasn’t grounded in the word, but I still could see what I see. But in my quest and study and research, I don’t know: I was probably looking for peace. Yeah! That was what I was looking for and I found it in the Koran”.

Police To Beef Up Security Nationwide For Christmas

The police spokesperson, Frank Mba, confirmed in a statement Sunday that comprehensive operational strategies have been set in motion by the Nigeria Police Force to boost security effectively during this year’s Christmas season and beyond.

 

This was quoted from the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, at the end of a meeting with other members of the Police Management Team, reassuring Nigerians, both at home and in the Diaspora, that massive security measures have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free celebration nationwide.

 

Gombe State: N58 Million As Christmas Gift To Christians

Christians in four Local Governments in Gombe State have been given charity of N58 million to enable them celebrate Christmas as announced by the Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo, in Kaltungo on Saturday. 

The areas included are predominantly populated Christians of Balanga, Billiri, Kaltungo and Shongom local governments which constitute Gombe South Senatorial District. 

The governor, during his tour of senatorial districts in the state, did not only donated to the South but also said that party officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders in the area were beneficiaries of the largesse for the Yuletide. 

I Can't Eat Mansion, I Have To Convert It To Money – Fuji Icon Narrates Ordeals

He fell sick many times. In the course of trying to survive and conquer illness, he sold part of his luxurious mansion at Alagbado. Still ordeals continue. Meet Alhaji Rasaki Kolawole Ayinla (a.k.a Kollington) in this new interview with Encomium weekly.

 

A couple of months back, it was reported that you’re seriously ill. They even said it was a strange ailment and that you’re hospitalized in a private hospital and all that. What’s the truth about the whole thing?

What happened was that most of your people don’t do their investigations very well before writing their stories. I left hospital a long time before they reported that I was sick. They even said a governor’s wife visited me at the hospital and when she was leaving her car killed somebody along Lagos Abeokuta Expressway and many other things that are not true.

 

Gratitude, Governor Ajimobi at 64, Seeks People’s Forgiveness

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Tuesday pleaded with those he might have wronged or offended in the course of governance in the state to use the occasion of his 64th birthday to forgive him.

 

Not only this but also promised to re-dedicate the remaining part of his life to the service of humanity and put in all his best to ensure that the state is turned around for the better.

 

Nigeria’s First Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Emerged

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday unveiled a 40kg Nigeria’s indigenous drone codenamed "GULMA", an Hausa word for “gossip.”

 

The occasion took place at Nigeria Air Force base in Kaduna, North central Nigeria.

 

Open Letter To My Father, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello

The OBJ’s first daughter, the so-called Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello ruled out further communication with her father till death in a letter, describing him as a liar, manipulator, and all sorts, says determined to foist on President Goodluck Jonathan what no one would contemplate with him as president. 

 

Nelson Mandela immortalized in Pretoria

A day after Nelson Mandela was buried; the South Africa's first black president was immortalized with his statue unveiled in the capital, Pretoria.

 

The nine-metre (30ft) bronze statue has been erected at the Union Buildings, the government headquarters.

 

The statue, with Nelson Mandela's hands reaching outward, was intended to show that he had embraced the whole nation, President Jacob Zuma said.

 

An Armed Robber Pays Tithe In Church After Every Operation!

A 24-year old armed robbery suspect, Mr. Tajudeen Onifara has revealed the secret behind his success in the underworld for nine years during which he robbed many people of their money and other possessions.

 

He confessed to the police that he was dutifully paying his tithe to his church, Christ Living Ministry, Lagos Island, as commanded in the Bible after every successful robbery operation in Lagos, western Nigeria.

 

Mandela Laid to Rest In His Ancestral Home, Qunu

The body of Nelson Mandela has finally been laid to rest in a family plot after political and religious leaders paid tribute to South Africa's first black president at a state funeral service.

 

His widow, Graca Machel, and President Jacob Zuma were present for the private, traditional Xhosa ceremony at Mandela's ancestral home in Qunu.

 

Mandela's casket was carried by the military, accompanied by family and friends, from a specially-erected marquee up a hill to the graveside.

 

Cairo Metropolis Came Under Snow After Almost 120yrs!

In what believed as over century phenomenon, some areas in Cairo and its outskirts were covered with snow which restricted movements and daily workflows.

 

According to local reports, in Sinai region, St. Catherin was covered with unprecedented white snow in which the stiff climate goes below zero, so are some Alexandria suburbs.

 

Inside Cairo, areas affected include 'Madinaty' in Eastern part of the city and nearby 'Tagamu Khamis', Qatamia and far away Alexandria desert area.

 

Mandela To Finally Lay To Last Repose In His Childhood Home In Qunu

Nelson Mandela's coffin arrived in his childhood home in Qunu in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, the final leg of its journey.

 

People waving flags and cheering and singing - in places 10 to 12 deep - lined the route taken by the cortege through Mthatha town to pay their last respects.

 

Large numbers of people lined the roads in the rural region to pay their respects as the cortege passed by. 

 

The coffin was flown from Waterkloof airbase in Pretoria on a C130 military aircraft, escorted by two fighter jets. Over 100,000 attendees saw the former South African president's body lying in state in Pretoria over the last three days, but some had to be turned away. 

 

In line with tribal custom, Nelson Mandela's grandson Mandla accompanied him on the journey, speaking to his coffin to tell him he was on his way home to rest. 

 

The coffin draped in a South African flag was moved by a military guard of honour and placed in a hearse to begin the 32km journey to Qunu, where Mr Mandela had wanted to spend his final days and where he will be buried.

 

Tears as well as smiles could be seen on the faces of onlookers. "He is finally coming home to rest, I can't even begin to describe the feeling I have inside," 31-year-old Bongani Zibi mourned. "Part of me is sad but I'm also happy that he has found peace." 

 

A multi-faith service and a musical tribute held their turns. 

 

Mourners heard President Zuma pay his own tribute to Nelson Mandela, calling him a "towering figure", "a man of action" and a "democrat who understood the world."

 

"Yes, we will miss him... He was our father, he was our guardian. He was something special." 

 

"We'll always keep you in our hearts," Mr Zuma said. 

 

It was a powerful moment for the local community to see their liberator coming home, said Milton Nkosi, a BBC reporter in Qunu. 

 

The Thembu community will conduct a traditional Xhosa ceremony - including songs and poems about Mr Mandela's life and his achievements - in a giant white marquee that has been specially erected.

Pre-Wedding Photos of Sqn Ldr Stanley Okputu with Fiancée

Sqn Ldr Stanley Okputu bids farewell to bachelorhood as tomorrow Saturday, December 14, 2013 chosen for the wedding is already here. He will hook up with his long time sweetheart Miss Ofure Charles.

 

Check the pre-wedding pictures below:

 

Pretoria Congested As Heavy Crowds File Past Madiba’s Body



South Africans have been flocking in to view the body of former President Nelson Mandela in Pretoria.

 

Mr Mandela's body is expected to lie in state at the government buildings where he was sworn in as South Africa's first black president in 1994.

 

Among those paying their respects were his widow Graca Machel, President Jacob Zuma, celebrities including Bono and other relatives and officials.

 

An American Teacher Killed in Benghazi

Medical and security sources have made it known that an American chemistry teacher, Ronald Thomas Smith II, working at an international school in the Libyan city of Benghazi was shot dead by unknown gunmen on Thursday.

 

“He was doing his morning exercise when gunmen just shot him. “I don’t know why. He was so nice to everyone,” said the Director of the school in Benghazi, Adel al Mansouri.

 

Although, according to a report, the killing came five days after al-Qaida's American spokesman called upon Libyans to attack U.S. interests everywhere…, nobody or group has claimed responsibility for the killing.

 

FIFA World Cup Draw - Brazil 2014

The anticipated draw ceremony where 32 qualified national teams around the world are expected to be grouped for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil come June 2014 eventually took place on Friday 3, December 2013.

Stormy groups A, D and G are the wonders of the first round of the tournament; several observations and comments have been generating who is who in the first round of the tournament.

 

Actress Laitan Ogungbile Tells About Director Manipulation At A Location

Meet a fast-rising Yoruba actress Laitan Ogungbile (a.k.a Suga), speaking with Stephen Gbadamosi about her rising career. The botany graduate of OAU who loves her job passionately opens up that her talent would bode-well for her rise to the top game as she continues to evolve in the industry. Excerpts:

 

As an actress, how many films have you taken part in?

I can’t really say because I have lost count.

 

When did you start acting?

I started acting precisely in the year 2008 and I have featured in countless movies till date. To mention few, I was in Suga by Sunny Alli, Oko ni mofe by Sunny Alli as well, Iyo Aye by Muyiwa Ademola and others that I cannot mention now.

President Jonathan to Take Off To South Africa for Mandela’s Burial, Six Days in Advance

As the burial of the former South African President, Nelson Mandela which fixed for Sunday is approaching, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and his contingent leave Abuja for South Africa on Monday.

 

The President made his itinerary known to public on Sunday and said would be accompanied by Viola Onwuliri, the Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs.

 

‘Baby Factory’ with Pregnant Teenagers Uncovered in Imo (Photos)

On Tuesday, December 3, the police uncovered an illegal orphanage popularly known as ‘baby factory’ in Imo State.

 

The operator of the factory, James Ezuma, was apprehended and arrested by the police. Ezuma whose illegal orphanage known as Ezuma Women and Children’s Rights Protection Initiative, was paraded in front of newsmen.

 

Three Days of National Mourning for Rolihlahla Mandela, Jonathan Declares

President Goodluck Jonathan has declared three days of national mourning for former South African President, Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday.

 

The President also called for special prayers in mosques and churches in Nigeria during the period of mourning which begins on Friday for the peaceful repose of Mandela’s soul.

 

AFRICAN ICON NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA, 1918 – 2013

South Africans have gathered in Johannesburg and Soweto to mourn their former colossus leader, Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday, aged 95.

 

Crowds paid tribute, dancing and singing in front of Mandela's former home in Soweto throughout the night.

 

The Deji of Akure Oba Adebiyi Adesida Is Dead

The Deji of Akure Oba Adebiyi Adesida is dead. He died yesterday at the age of 63 after three years on the throne. Oba Adebiyi died of an undisclosed illness.

 

A family source revealed that Oba Adesida last attended a public function in Lagos where he celebrated the marriage ceremony of his son, Adetunji Oluwagbemiga two weeks ago.

 

A source in the palace, answering the phone call, said in a local dialect: ‘Oba ti w'aja’ meaning the ‘the King is dead’.

 

DNA Reveals Nii Lamptey’s 3 Kids Are Not His!!!

Nii Odartey Lamptey, a former Ghanaian international footballer has revealed that he recently found out that all three children he had with his wife of almost 20 years are not his biological children.

 

The footballer made this known in a radio interview when asked why he took to divorcing his wife.

 

“...I thought they were my children but upon a DNA test, I got to know that they are not my biological children.

My Hips Can Kill – Abiodun Sofuyi (Tolani Osirin)

Abiodun Sofuyi Okeowo, also known as “Tolani Osinrin” is a well-known name in the Yoruba genre of Nollywood, the Nigerian movie industry. A single mother of two, Abiodun is barely seven years in the industry. But she is already a known face with her scintillating performances. Reputed to have one of the sexiest shapes in the industry, this Lagos State University graduate of Communication Arts who is known for her calmness, has also produced many films on her own. She spoke with MURPHY AJIBADE... Excerpts:

Tell us when, where and how you joined the movie industry?

I started with the Ray Eyiwunmi Organisation. It is a group consisting of Lasun Ray, Muka Ray, and Murphy Ray. I started February 2006. I joined the group and became like an apprentice learning from them. I produced my own first movie in 2007. It was entitled Tolani Osinrin.

 

Woman Stabbed Her Husband To Death In Lagos Over Fried Rice

A nursing mother has been arrested for her inability to control her anger. 33-year-old Biola Gbadamosi, the mother of a 3-month-old baby has been arrested after killing her husband, Mr. Jamiu at their rented house in Ikorodu area of Lagos State on the 7th of September 2013.

 

According to police, the angry wife reportedly stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife during an argument over fried rice. Police noted that Jamiu, a Vehicle Inspection Officer had history of wife beating before his death.

 

Abuja Court Sentences Lebanese To Life Imprisonment For Terrorism

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a Lebanese, Tahal Roda, to life imprisonment on terrorism charges, according to Premium Times.

 

Mr. Roda was charged to court by the Department of State Security Services, SSS.

 

The court, however, freed two other Lebanese, Mustapha Fawaz and Abdullah Thani, of the charges.

 

New Combat Tactics Frustrate Boko Haram – Nigerian Army

New warfare strategies adopted by soldiers of the Nigerian Army against Boko Haram fighters in Northeast Nigeria is frustrating the sect into attacking hapless villagers, the military has said.

 

The 21 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri on Sunday said it had introduced new measures to counter Boko Haram attacks on civilians in the state.

 

Check Out Stephanie Okereke, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry & others Outfit at Nollywood at 20 Award Night!!!

Stephanie Okereke Linus

Dokubo Flown To Abuja In A Private Jet after He Was Released In Benin Republic

Asari Dokubo has been released two days after he was arrested in Benin Republic.

 

The leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force was reportedly released early this morning after President Jonathan intervened on his behalf with the President Thomas Yayi Boni of Benin Republic.

 

Sahara Reporters reports that President Jonathan then deployed a private jet to ferry Mr. Dokubo to Abuja a few hours after his release.

One Week Ultimatum To Call Off Strike: FG Tells ASUU

The Federal Government has given the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) one week ultimatum to call off the ongoing strike, the acting Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike told journalist during a press briefing in Abuja this morning.

 

ASUU execs and President Jonathan were supposed to meet this week but the meeting is yet to hold. The ASUU strike began July 1, almost 5 months later but no resolution in sight.

 

Mysterious Healing River Emerges In Enugu State

A river believed to have healing powers mysteriously appeared in Nachi community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. Although it has already been named 'Orimiri Jordan' (River Jordan) and has become a Pilgrimage Centre hosting people plagued from all parts of Nigeria. Countless testimonies abound as people struggle to dip themselves into the River for healing.

 

According to reports, it all started on 11th day of November 2013 when a Fulani herdsman ran to the community and announced how water suddenly filled the place just few minutes after he passed.

 

Dokubo-Asari’s Arrest in Cotonou: Presidency Moves In!

It is reported Tuesday that President Goodluck Jonathan has intervened in the arrest of A Former Niger Delta militant Alhaji Muhajeed Dokubo-Asari by the Government of Republic of Benin.

 

In a quick move, it was learnt that a request for explicit details of why Dokubo-Asari was arrested by the Beninoise Gendarmerie has been made on Wednesday through diplomatic source.

Goat Allegedly Delivers Human-Like Baby In Ekiti (Photo)

The sleepy town of Ogotun-Ekiti in Ekiti SouthWest Local Government Area of Ekiti State was on Tuesday thrown into confusion when information filtered that a goat had delivered a human-like baby goat.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the incident, which occurred in Lori Oke settlement, a village that is about 10 kilometres from Ogotun Town, drew the attention of hundreds of residents and travellers.