Global Leaders on Arrival for Nigeria's Centenary

Almost 12 Heads of State from various countries around the world arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday ahead of Nigeria’s centenary anniversary today, Thursday 27 February 2014.

 

The visiting Heads of State were received at the airport by some members of the Federal Executive Council.

Street Hawking by School-Aged Children Outlawed in Ogun State

Street hawking and trading by school-aged children during school hours have been banned on Wednesday by Ogun State Government.

 

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Elizabeth Sonubi, announced the ban at a sensitization rally in Abeokuta.

 

She warned that violating the order first and second times would be warned and the third time would be remanded at the state juvenile home.

Oshodi Railway Station to be Revived – NRC

The Nigerian Railway Corporation, Lagos District, on Wednesday said it would re-open its Oshodi Station next month.

 

Disclosed at a news conference in Lagos, Mr Akin Osinowo, the NRC Lagos District General Manager, said the re-opening of the station was part of the Mass Train Transit Services scheme of the NRC.

Ibinabo Fiberesima Appointed NCAC Board Member

The Nollywood actress and president of Actors Guild of Nigeria, has been appointed as board member of the National Council for Arts and Culture, NCAC, by President Goodluck Jonathan.

 

Having led members of the Guild to pay a visit to Aso Rock and made him grand patron of the groups, Ibinabo said she was surprised by the appointment and appreciated as the title confirmed.

Dayo Amusa Releases Musical Video of Her Movie 'UNFORGIVABLE'

Watch new dimensional musical video released by Dayo Amusa as echoed in her much talked movie 'UNFORGIVABLE'. She sings it all throughout. She's got that Robin voice!



See her newly released photos below

Notable Nollywood Stars at Fathia Balogun's Movie Premiere (photos)

As ambitious Nollywood actress, Fathia Balogun, premiers her new movie on Saturday, notable Nollywood actors and actresses rock the premiere. The attendees include Femi Adebayo, Mercy Aigbe, Helen Paul, Mife Funmi-Martins, Yemi Solade, and others. 

See more photos below:

Omosexy Turns 36 with Colourful Celebration (Photos)

In a colourful birthday celebration of fairylike Nollywood actress, Omotola Jolade Ekeinde, who turned 36 on 7 Feb., her staff threw her into a meritorious party at their office. 

Time to Marry, God Will Tell — Tayo Odueke (a.k.a Sikiratu Sindodo)

After over a decade in the movie industry, Nollywood actress Temitayo Odueke (a.k.a Sikiratu Sindodo) has accepted her own fair share of scandal and negative releases from press. In an interview with Tribune, mother of one admits negative publicity about her as the price to pay for stardom and celebrity, nonetheless, never allowed this to get over her. She also spoke about her fashion lifestyle as well as qualities she wants in a man to be called her husband. Excerpts:

Foray into acting

I never knew that I was going to act at all, my parents wanted me to study Law or Mass Communication. However, shortly after I finished my Senior School Certificate Examination, my friend came to my house and told me that an audition was taking place in Charles Novia’s office at Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere. When I got to the audition I did well and was asked to play the role of a hired assassin for Segun Arinze, the movie was titled HIRED ASSASSIN.

Dapo Lam Adeshina in His Traditional and White Wedding in Lagos (Photos)...

Son of believed reputable Ibadan politician, Dapo Lam Adeshina wooed and grabbed the hand of his long-time girlfriend Tosin in Traditional & White Wedding in Lagos.

 The Oyo State Commissioner got married to his better-half in Lagos on Saturday, 22nd of February, 2014.

More shots after the cut:

Ajimobi Pledged N50m Loan to Oyo State Spare Parts Dealers

The Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi mulls upgrading the facilities at the Araromi spare parts market, Agodi Gate, Ibadan and offers an interest-free loan of N50 million for the traders and artisans at the market.

 

The Governor on his visit to the market made this announcement and reiterated his administration’s commitment to alleviating the plight of the traders and artisans in the market.

 

As part of the rehabilitation plan, he said that the bridge linking the market with the adjoining Onipasan area would be rehabilitated by the state government.

Absolutely, I Believe in Love No Matter What! - Bimbo Thomas

Nollywood actress, Bimbo Thomas, in an interview with Tribune opens up about her lifestyle, favies, controversies and acting-related issues. Excerpts:

 

What projects have you been up to lately?

I’ve been on several projects – from movies to soaps, TV commercials and so on; but I’m basically working on my personal project at the moment. I’m yet to conclude my script. As soon as the script is ready, plans for shooting commence immediately, by the Grace of God.

ASUP Called Off Strike, The Polytechnic Ibadan Students Resume on Monday

It has been lately disclosed that Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan and its campuses in Saki and Eruwa will resume on Monday for academic activities.

 

A statement from the institution signed by the registrar, Mr Hezekiah Fehintola, disclosed that the Academic Staff Union of the Polytechnic (ASUP) had called off its strike, after a fruitful meeting with the new rector of the institution, Professor Olatunde Fawole and his management team on various issues that led to the strike.

 

The registrar noted that arrangement had been made to ensure that lectures resume in all campuses with immediate effect.

Ajimobi Signs Appropriation Bill of N208.38bn 2014 Budget

The Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi signed on Friday the 2014 Appropriation Bill of N208.38 billion into law.

 

Although the Governor presented a bill of N188.84 billion to the House of Assembly on 19 December 2013, the assembly increased the budget size to N208. 38billion.

 

Presenting the bill to the governor for approval, the Speaker, Honourable Monsurat Sunmonu, said that members of the assembly identified with the works and leadership of the governor.

Olubadan Angry Over Exclusion from Jonathan’s Visit…..

Last week’s visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi by President Goodluck Jonathan did create ripples between the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana and governor Abiola Ajimobi, whereby Olubadan is particularly angry that the President by-passed him.

 

The monarch was waiting to receive the president in his palace not knowing he had already gone to Oyo town.

 

Oba Odulana challenged governor Ajimobi’s action and thr

My Relationship with Murphy Afolabi – Nollywood Actress, Bimpe Omotodun

Nollywood actress and producer, Adebimpe Amoke Akintunde (a.k.a Bimpe Omotodun) in an interview with Tribune, speaks on her acting career, latest movie entitled 'WASILAT CODED', as well as her fashion preferences and marital status. Excerpts:

 

My career

I really love my acting career. I am an entertainer in all ramifications. Acting is in my blood, it is inbuilt. I can say I join the industry because I have passion for acting and also because of the glamour attached to it because when you are acting, you are showcasing yourself to the world so, you have to look your best.

CBN Governor Suspended

Mallam Sanusi Lamido                      Dr. Sarah Alade      

President Jonathan has announced the suspension of the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and has appointed Dr. Sarah Omotunde Alade, the most senior Deputy Governor of the CBN as acting Governor.

The statement reads thus:

President Jonathan Donates N50million to Nigerian Supporters Club (Photos)

In a robust preparation towards Brazil 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan announced the release of N50million to members of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club to go cheer the National team, Super Eagles, in the forthcoming Brazil World Cup tournament which starts in June.

President Jonathan Appoints Brig. Gen. Arogbofa as New Chief of Staff

In a recent replacement of the Service men on the roll, President Jonathan has replaced Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, who resigned his appointment last week Monday with Brigadier-General Jones Oladehinde Arogbofa as his new Chief of Staff, Presidential Aide Announces.

 

The new Chief of Staff to the President was born on 10 November, 1952. He was hailed from Akoko, South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

 

Ini Edo in Her Newly Trimmed-down Look (Photos)

Looking like having lost a huge pound of weight in a few months, Nollywood actress, Ini Edo shares her recent pics on Instagram!



40-Year Old Man Committed Suicide after Wife’s Death in Ibadan

Anthony Bankole, a 40-year-old man on Monday reportedly hung himself at his building site at Olodo area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

 

A family source told the News Agency of Nigeria that Bankole left his rented apartment at Abayomi area at about 5.49 a.m claiming that he was going to use his ATM card to get money.

 

Shortly after he left, the source said, he sent him a text message to inform him of his intention to kill himself.

 

“I never had an idea that he was going to kill himself because his wife had just died on Saturday.

 

'Aproko Love' By Hellen Paul

Watch Aproko love by Hellen Paul and end your day with laughter!

 

My 50 Years on Stage – Oga Bello

It was a landmark story for Nollywood actor and producer, Adebayo Salami (a.k.a Oga Bello) as he's fondly called, to tell a story of his 50 years on acting. Happened to be one of the progenitors of Yoruba sect of the Nollywood, 'Uncle B' is notably regarded as one of the veteran actors in the Nigeria's film making industry. In his talks to Tribune about his love for the movie industry, here are excerpts:

President Goodluck Jonathan on Private Visits Traditional Rulers

President Jonathan embarked on private visits to four among the notable traditional rulers on Saturday 15 February. The President visited traditional rulers; Emir of Kano, Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo and Oba of Lagos.  

Yes I'm afraid of death - Pete Edochie

Scheduling an interview with Pete Edochie seems like an assignment of a lifetime. There have been stories about him being a no-nonsense man, and someone who had been wary of journalists since he was kidnapped a few years back. Even his movie roles as a wicked ritualist, Igwe or strict father did not help matters either.

 

He did not pick his phone the first time, but when he eventually did, one had a momentary fear of rejection, which had been the lot of many before now.

 

“Good afternoon sir. My name is Joan from the Saturday Tribune. We haven’t heard from you in a while; we have missed your movies and your proverbs, and I would like to schedule an interview with you.”

 

He seemed to pull back a little and I felt ‘Well, if he says no, too bad.’ But he laughed softly and said, “Joan, your name is pronounced ‘J-o-n-e’ not ‘Jo-anne’; why have you decided to spoil your name? When I was younger, I trained in the British Broadcasting Corporation. You dared not pronounce names that way.”

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

"There is nothing on this earth to be valued more than true friendship"... Hugs and Kisses to all our reader!

Muslim Cleric Assigns to a 12-year-old Wedding

On Tuesday a Muslim cleric was sued to court after he presided over an illegal marriage of a 12-year-old girl to a 26-year-old. The young Arab couple were on visit to Australia from Lebanon.

 

The farce marriage was taken place at the home of her father who converted to Islam 18 years ago. The 35-year-old religious leader was charged for conducting an unauthorized marriage.

 

The Lebanese student was charged last week on 25-count charges on sexual intercourse with an underage girl.

Anti-Gay Law: We Are Not Fed Up – US

The US Government yesterday made it known that it won't back down on anti-gay marriage law signed recently by the Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.

 

The US Government in an emphasis said there's still a ray of hope to ensure protection of human rights in the implementation of the law.

 

US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas Greenfield, made this known on a live-web chat programme with journalists in African countries.

 

Stella Odua, Three Other Ministers Sacked

The wave of sack at the Presidential Villa has hit the controversial Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah and three others on Wednesday.

 

The other ministers sacked by the President were the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade and the Minister of state for Finance, Dr Yerima Ngama.

 

P-Square on the Latest: 'Taste the Money'

 

I Don't Collect Less Than N200 – A Classy Beggar Boasts!

When they say 'Beggar has no choice', it comes to mind that beggar does not reject alms. This saying is not applicable in the case of Mallam Nuhu, who is a beggar for real but never takes anything less than N200. To him, he believes, meagre alms belittles him as a first class beggar. In his principle, he selects those to beg for alms and dictates the least amount to accept.

 

Around the popular Dangi roundabout in the heart of Kano city, where the heavily built Mallam always stationed for his business, he always focuses and pays attention mostly to the traffic indicator. Unlike those in cars and on motorcycles who are eagerly waiting for green light to proceed, Mallam Nuhu loves it when the traffic light shows red, which enables him solicit for alms.

Kemi Alagbara: Why Some Actresses Fall Prey to Randy Men?

A Nollywood actress, Kemi Afolabi Adesipe, and a Law graduate from UNILAG talks to the gallery about her real self. Popularly called 'Kemi Alagbara' and a movie ambassador in her interview with Nigerian Tribune, speaks about her marriage, her life with her husband who lives in the UK. The mother of one reveals it all about acting career and hazard rumour that always surround it, as well as her own fashion preferences.

 

Growing up

Growing up was fun because I had parents who believed in giving quality education to their children. We were not rich, we were an average family but my parents still did their best by sending us to the best schools in town. I am the first born of my family, so I was pampered mostly by my mum and that is why my  mum remained my best friend till I met my husband. But I still run to her for advice when distressed.  I was however kind of scared of my dad as a kid.

Working at a Supermarket in the US? Not Me – Lola Alao

Although she got married to a US-based man a few months ago, which prompts her shuttles between the US and Nigeria, the Nollywood actress, Lola Alao, laugh off the story of working currently at a Supermarket in the US.

 

However, it went viral earlier in the week that the lady was broke and had to find a menial job in a supermarket in the US.

 

But when Saturday Beats called her Nigerian number, Lola debunked and refuted the story, saying that it was a ridiculous rumour.

 

We Are Committed to Fighting Against Women Abuse in Lagos – Fashola

The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, has revealed government commitment to incessant protection of women and children from Domestic Violence (DV).

 

Fashola said the government had also taken a position against it by legislation, policy, physical action and all anti-DV mechanisms induced to curb the menace.

 

He said the government had built perhaps the only transit home in the whole of Nigeria for women who have suffered domestic violence and dedicated it for that purpose.

 

The governor said this while receiving the primates of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa in Lagos on Monday.

 

Morocco: Controversial Rape Marriage Law Amended

      Violence against women and gender inequality are the subjects

                         of frequent demonstrations in Rabat  

The parliament of Morocco has unanimously amended an article of the penal code that allowed rapists of underage girls to avoid prosecution by marrying their victims.The move follows intensive lobbying by activists for better protection of young rape victims. The amendment has been welcomed by rights groups.

 

Article 475 of the penal code generated unprecedented public criticism.

 

I May Act Witchcraft Role, Not That I’m A Witch – Patience Oseni

An able Nollywood actress, Patience Oseni, has been in the industry for about 19 years and bagged with so many awards to show for it. She is fondly known as “End of the Wicked Mama” as that was the movie that brought her into the limelight.

 

Having talks with Adaeze Amos, she speaks about what she does to look healthy and talks about her real background. She also clarifies that character played by an actor in movie is different from real self of the actor and among others.

 

Excerpts:

 

You are a Nollywood actress?

I’m a Nollywood actress. From my look, I have a dual parentage. That is why some people used to wonder where I come from. My father is from Ogun State and my mother is from Calabar in Cross River State. That is how I came about this body frame I have. I’m a versatile artiste. I do bill board modeling.

Two Women Imprisoned for Child Trafficking and Trading with Fake Wounds

Victims

Two women who trafficked children and use them for alms begging with fake wounds in Victoria Island area of Lagos have received 2-month jail term at the Family Court 1, Yaba Magistrate.

 

The women, Amarachi Eke from Imo State and Chioma Eze from Awka in Anambra State, were arraigned at the court on Wednesday on a two-count charge of using underaged children to beg for alms. And they pleaded guilty to the charges.

 

Magistrate Y.O. Aje-Afunwa sentenced them to two months imprisonment each; one month for each count charge and they are also to pay a fine of N5,000. The jail terms will run concurrently.

I’m Proud of My Yoruba Origin – Adunni Ade

Adunni Adewale

The lady behind Date Gone Bad, a new comedy skit making waves online Adunni Adewale open up to PUNCH.

 

The Nollywood actress Adunni Adewale (aka Adunni Ade), starts the New Year on a bright note. Her video skit, Date Gone Bad, came to limelight on Youtube website about 10 days ago, has attracted so much attention that it has recorded over 100,000 hits.

 

The able actress entrenched herself in aiming at the Nigeria’s star-studded movie industry. The two-cast skit, featuring actor and producer Joseph Jayeoba and Adunni herself, was directed by Lagos-based Sanjo Adegoke, who has been involved in several other related projects.

20 Naira Almsgiving Landed Me to Human Abattoir

In a weird experience ever witnessed, Abdulwaheed Saliu, an indigene of Tunga Maje in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja narrates how he gave an old man N20 which landed him into wilderness of ritualists where people got slaughtered daily and women kept serving as baby factory.

 

Abdulwaheed narrates what happened on the fateful day he gave an old man N20 naira and disappeared to be found elsewhere.

 

He said: “When I gave him the money, the moment he touched the money, I found myself somewhere unknown to me. I cannot describe the place, but the only thing I know is that many people (victims) were there on death row."

Panic As a 12-Year Old Girl Shed Stones with Tears (Video)

Saadiya Saleh, an Arab 12-year old girl from Yemen has put residents and neighbours of her home community in panic on her strange illness as she shed small stones from her eyelids instead of tears when she cries. Her doctor was also confused as she's yet to be diagnosed of specific ailment.

 

A local presenter also said, the girl’s case will be the second strange phenomenon in Yemen and the entire region in a year. “The case has triggered panic in the area where this girl lives. Some say the girl could be gripped by a magic spell while others say it might be the devil, others fear it could be the start of a dangerous epidemic.”

Fathia Balogun at 45 (Photos)

A brief dynamic celebration of a Nollywood actress, Fathia Balogun, who clocked 45 took place yesterday at Sheraton Hotels in Ikeja. Among notable Nollywood actresses attended the party are: Foluke Daramola, Dayo Amusa, Bisi Omo Logbalogba, Tayo Odueke and Ronke Oshodi Oke amongst others.



Physically Challenged Does Not Mean Mentally Defeated - Aishat Anjorin

Meet the producer of popular movie 'Kofo Tinubu' talking to The Entertainer, as she expressed her fears about being a single mother and her wish to conquer it. Speaking on what she has in store for this New Year, she explained why she does not appear in all movies and so on. Excerpts:

 

How fulfilling was 2013 for you as an actress?

It was a beautiful year, a good year. Last year, I achieved some things, shot multimillion naira movies but above all I am thankful for good health, because that is the most important thing. When you have good health its then you can begin to talk of money and every other thing that follows. So, I am grateful to God for giving me good health in 2013. Last year was a wonderful one for me.

A UI Undergraduate Nabbed into EFCC Net Over $90,000 Romance Scam

Olowo Jesse Omokoh, 28, is an undergraduate at University of Ibadan. He was recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC as he reportedly scammed one Mrs. Jette Jacob, an Australian based in Johannesburg, South Africa of $90,000 in what classified as romance scam.

 

It all started on dating website, where both met and began romance relation on the internet. It got to the point where Omokoh had to meet Jette in Johannesburg in 2013.

Behold! New 39 Subjects Added for WAEC Candidates

The West African Examinations Council, WAEC on Friday announced the introduction of 39 new subjects in its examinations, four of which are Computer Studies, Insurance, Store Management and Office Practice are in the electives category while the remaining 35 subjects are in the Trades category.

 

Subjects in the trade category include; Painting and Decorating, Photography, Salesmanship, Plumbing and Pipe Fitting, and Upholstery.

$1m Is Enough to Act Nude – Seun Akindele

New promising Nollywood actor emerged in a movie award, Seun Akindele. He's the Most Promising Actor award winner at the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards held in Houston Texas, US last October. The LASU graduate actor talks to PUNCH about his award and career as an actor.

 

Who is Seun Akindele?

I am an actor from Ekiti State and a graduate of History and International Relations, from Lagos State University. I am the last child in a family of nine children.

 

How I married Patience Ozokwor - Victor Osuagwu

As the new Lagos branch chair of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Nollywood actor, Victor Osuagwu, has one more thing to make him weary these days aside moving from one location to another. His hands are just full trying to organise the make-believe tribe in good light. He is heading an exco meeting of the association when Saturday Sun calls at the AGN, Secretariat, Surulere, Lagos.

 

“This is full of challenges,” he says at the end of the meeting, dabbing his face with hanky. Basking in the glow of his recent birthday, he beams genial smiles, looking and spotting a ritzy outfit and stylish hairstyle.

NCMM Demands from Germany Return of Katsina Artefacts

The National Commission for Museum and Monuments, on Friday, said arrangements have been concluded for the return of artefacts removed from “Durbi-Takusheyi”, the first settlement area in Katsina from Germany.

 

The Director-General of the commission, Dr Yusuf Abdallah, according to the PUNCH, said that the artefacts were unearthed and taken to Germany for archaeological experiment in 1990.

 

He said the tools and objects were expected into the country in the second quarter of the year, and would be displayed at the National Museum in Katsina.