McLevit, EU Based Nigerian Artist is of Nigerian origin and resident in Madrid, he took the stage of 'La Voz 4' for the Voice tallent show so you think you can sing the spanish version shortly after he did the first verse of the song all the coaches stood up they were carried away with his voice.
His nephew Kevin. The artist interpreted the theme of Sam Smith 'Stay with me' with which he managed to convince all coaches. "The definition of singing with soul and his heart," he said Melendi. McLevit finally decided to join of the team Alejandro for the next round
WARNING TO
ALLEU PROMOTERS AND NAIJA BASED
PROMOTERS
It has come to our notice
that some Nigeria and Europe based promoters are on each other’s neck because
of Betrayal, Selfishness, Greed and Unprofessionalism. Many are saying things
can no longer continue like this as they have been betrayed so many times by Promoters
who would negotiate with an artist in Nigeria get an agreement then bring out
flyers to announce their shows, yet another promoter would go behind their back
and offer more money to block their shows. A promoter would be promoting a
Nigerian based artist in Europe another one would be promoting another Naija
based artist in the same city same time same month, all this unprofessionalism
has to stop as a matter of urgency. We all need to be matured and professional in
this Entertainment business as it is not a do or die affair. No one is superior
to another and we must put a stop to this menace that is plaguing us as a
people and as a body comprises of many professionals. EU members are not a
bunch of thugs or kids and must all grow up! How much do we actually make from
these so called shows that we are putting up every time? Though many among us
keep quiet, but we know the amount of money we lose a lot of times from
promoting artists from Nigeria.
We the members of this
great association are coming out to condemn this act! We must all find ways to
work together! We say NO to this injustice, because it is very wrong for an EU
promoter to announce his show and another EU promoter would go and post to
Facebook that the show is not holding. This is very childish and unprofessional
and must be stopped as a matter of urgency!
This great association will
no longer tolerate this kind of behavior anymore and any person bringing an
Artist from Nigeria, should be ready to work with EU promoters in “Good Terms” otherwise
the appropriate authorities will be informed and the Venue of the show sealed
off. We will also carry out our own advert disqualifying that show as Illegal
and no deejay will be present for such show and the artist from Nigeria will
not be able to perform in any part of EU.
We in the EU would also
take on a very drastic action and go on a total “Locked Down” from Holland,
Spain, Finland, Norway, Germany, Italy, Belgium, etc. While many may still be
in doubt and wonder how we are going to achieve this, just understand one
thing, we are getting COORDINATED because we can no longer sit down and allow anyone
spoil the Entertainment industry in Europe which we have worked so hard to build
and sustain all because they are thinking of their pockets alone.
The moment is here Budetee Afro hour presents The New official premere of the new single trending at the moment from your one and only SHORT DOG BELL on wednesday on Budetee Afro hour.
follow the live interview on http://budeteeafrohour.listen2myshow.com and also call in to talk with Shortdog bell studio line on +31-684166849
from 20:00pm to 22:00pm follow all on afrohourradio.
Shortdog bell is a Nigeria based in the united kingdom, shortdog bell has worked with alot of producers based in london, Belgium and Nigeria, he is a founding member of the porpular clothing line the guru nation which has taken over the entire EU nation and Nigeria in general, to talk about all this his plans for the future and music follow him on budetee Afro hour on Wednesday and listen to his live interview.
The Video from molly IB the great gospel singer from Nigeria would be premered on Wednesday on budetee afron hour radio from 20:00 till 22:00 pm we hope you all join in then to view the view the video and listen to Molly, hear her talk about the insoiration and the motivation behind the video.
As presented by the record label Street of gold, a record label based in Holland working to promote African music both in europe and Nigeria, informations about molly can found
THE VIDEO
Follow molly on Facebook and instagram
for more info on molly also contact djbudetee on Facebook, instagram, twitter or send email to djbudetee@gmail.com.
Nollywood director, Tony Akinyemi, popularly called Tony Holland and his wife, Maaike, share the story of their 22-year-old marriage with MOTUNRAYO JOEL of Punch magazijn
How did you meet your wife?
Tony: I met her at an outing in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. As a lady, she first played “hard to get” but after my third attempt of asking her to dance with me, she agreed and the rest, as they say, is now history.
Would you describe your relationship as love at first sight
Maaike: Based on the circumstances of how we met, coupled with his boldness and persistence, I knew right away that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. Till date, I am glad he is my husband. I could not have asked for a better man. He is everything I wanted in a man.
What exactly attracted you to her?
Tony: Honestly, she was the most beautiful lady around that night. This was confirmed by all my friends around that night; you know how we men talk (smiles). And the way she smiled that night melted my heart; it still does till today. My wife has a charming smile.
Were you single and searching at the time?
Maaike: I was single but not really searching at the time.
At the initial stage of your relationship, were you comfortable dating him since he is a black man?
Maaike: Yes of course. I never had any problem with foreigners; my mother once told me that when I was young, I always preferred coloured dolls to the “normal ones.”
How did the relationship progress?
Maaike: We started dating and seeing each other only during weekends because of our work and the distance between our respective homes was about 70 kilometres. But as time progressed, we could not do without seeing each other. I became so fond of him. When I could not stand it any longer, I quit my job and got another job close to his city. The thought of seeing him often made be happy.
At what point did you realise you wanted to spend the rest of your life with her?
Tony: Surprisingly, it was on the third day after I met her that I knew she was the one for me. Back then, I had this so-called personal “10 commandments” that I had prayed about. I told myself that anyone I would spend the rest of my life with must meet up all the 10 commandments. During our first conversation on a landline telephone (back then there were no mobile phones), unknowingly to her, she met seven out of my 10 commandments. That surprised me and 22 years later, my God-given commandments have not failed me. We are still very much happy together. Every day I bless God for bringing her into my life; I could not have asked for a better wife.
How did he propose to you?
Maaike: It happened during our first holiday together on one of the Islands in Greece. He secretly planned it to perfection and it was one of the most beautiful moments of my existence. That day remains fresh in my memory.
Did you accept his proposal immediately?
Maaike: Yes of course, we had dated for about four years. I knew already that sooner or later he would pop the question. The only problem was that I did not know when.
Did her family welcome you with open arms the first time you met them?
Tony: At the initial stage, they did not really welcome me with open arms, because she is the last child of the family and the first child who brought home a foreigner. Hence, I knew I had to work hard to prove that I am a worthy ambassador of the African race. Years later, I remain the best friend of my father-in-law. That thought gladdens my heart.
What is the most memorable moment of your union?
Tony: They are many but the day we got married and the days our two boys were born stands out from the other beautiful occasions.
Maaike: The days our children were born. Each experience was emotional for me.
How do you handle the attention that comes with the inter-racial marriage?
Tony: It is very simple. One has to believe in oneself and the union that God has ordained and neglect other people’s opinion.
Maaike: Everyone has his or her own opinions, but to be candid, I really do not care what people think.
Were there times you felt overwhelmed with stares?
Maaike: Yes, a lot of times, especially at the initial stage of our relationship. Inter-racial marriage was not so common back then. But after a while, we got used to stares and people got used to us. Thank God it is a normal thing in Holland nowadays.
Who is the first to apologise after a quarrel?
Tony: I hate to say sorry but I am always careful in dealing with people. Same applies to my relationship with my wife. She is the one that apologises because for us to quarrel, (which hardly happens) she knows that she has gone too far.
Maaike: Most times, I am the first to apologise. But we hardly quarrel because my husband has a great deal of patience no matter how much one pushes him.
How do you handle attention from the opposite sex?
Tony: The best way is to see a compliment as what it is and know how to politely checkmate someone when a compliment is turning into something else.
How do you handle disagreements?
Tony: I just give my opinion and listen to hers. If I know I am right, I won’t argue with her. But if I know she is right, I will accept her opinion immediately because I see arguments as time wasters.
Maaike: Among couples, there is bound to be a disagreement, one should handle it the best way one can. I am not good at it and my husband knew it as my weakness. He never waited for me to accept his opinion rather he would explain and back off. Later on, he would see me doing what he suggested but he would not talk about it anymore.
Do you have joint accounts?
Tony: Yes, we do.
What would you like to change about your spouse?
Husband: Nothing at all, she is exactly what I prayed for. If I have to change anything then I would be fighting against the commandments that have worked for me in more than 22 years.
Maaike: I share the same thought. I cannot think of anything I would want to change about him.
Some married men do not wear wedding bands. Do you wear yours especially to show ladies that you are married?
Tony: Yes, I do. I did not enter into the marriage by force; it was a conscious decision. I am proud to wear my wedding band. I have never taken it off.
Who is the bathroom singer between the two of you?
Maaike: He is definitely the one.
Any plans to relocate to Nigeria?
Maaike: Yes that is our plan; we are currently working on owning a home in Nigeria.
You must have dated a white man. What can you say about the way a black man treats his woman and the way a white man treats his?
Wife: The difference is not much, only that black men are more fun to be with. They are always positive in any circumstances. No matter what the situation is, black people always believe in the fact that tomorrow will bring a better day and that has inspired me to have another perspective on life. To round it off, they are very romantic.
He is Kevin Idehen, a prominent blogger and a supporter of APC, Godwin Obaseki for Governor movement in Europe, he wrote the following recentely on his Facebook page asking why Nigerians are so clueless even the educated ones read it all here.... ♻Welcome to Africa where typing Amen to a Pastor's prayers on Facebook will save you from your village witches and make you a billionaire...z ♻Welcome to Africa where Jesus Christ sends you a Whatsapp message and threatens to kill you if you do not send it to 20 people... ♻The most Annoying thing in all is that Graduates and supposedly learned people send these ''miracle messages'' to their friends every day...
These messages carry lots of threats; some of the messages say yo...u will suffer or go broke for a week if you don't send them... As Christians, we Need to keep an open mind and be discerning and also open our hearts and minds to healthy discussions...
WE NEED TO THINK... ✅Do you believe God will punish you if you refuse to send those messages? ✅Do you think your destiny is tied to a message on social media? ✅Do you genuinely believe you will receive instant miracles after you type ''Amen'' on that post? We claim to be Children of God but we are scared of the future, scared of little things... You relay a message to 20 people on social media and believe in your heart that you will wake up tomorrow a billionaire... What is wrong with us? Like SERIOUSLY, what is really wrong with us? Without Prayers, Hard work, Abiding in the word of God in our everyday life, Determination and Purpose, ''miracle messages'' on social media are not invisible hands that can instantly make us rich... Stop spreading your fears on social media because we are not that gullible... Our God is too big to send threats to make people obey Him. Our God will never do that... We need messages that will transform souls and not messages that will threaten people to create unnecessary Fear and Panic... Know your God! Share to educate others...
Las Vegas was definitely one for the books. I met so many new people and great athletes from all over the world during the 2016 Mr Olympia.
Born in Edo state Nigeria, to mr and Mrs Osazee, Mr Iwinosa (Iwin) as he is porpularly called came to the Netherlands so years ago with his parents, while in holland he went on continue his education changing from the English language to dutch language but that one did not disturb him as he came out with good results all all field, Mr Iwin is currentely in the last year of his universary education, as a proud Nigerian he hope to write his name in the history book, we all at Tafia world wish him all the best.
I am now even more focused than ever. Thank you for the great opportunity and experience @gorillawearusa, who knows maybe I will be back next year.
I am back in the Netherlands, back on the grind ! #Stay#Motivated #Stay #Hungry
Follow him on Facebook and instagram Iwinosa kevin Osazee
PDP candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, yesterday said he has been vindicated on his claim about the high debt profile of the state by the Debt Management Office, DMO. In that respect, the candidate has tasked the outgoing governor to explain the N1.9 trillion allegedly received in the last 8 years. Ize-Iyamu and Oshiomhole A statement by the Ize-Iyamu Campaign Organisation also stated that the debt management office’s (DMO) release as reported by many national dailies, had settled Governor Oshiomhole’s claims that he never took foreign loans. He said, ‘’the debt management office, Abuja has just stated that Edo State, with a total of $179.52 million as at June 30 this year, holds 4.91 per cent of the nation’s subnational foreign debts. And we know this is outside over N800 billion debt that Oshiomhole has created for Edo State”, Reacting to recent media reports credited to Oshiomhole that he would not hand over to the PDP’s candidate, the campaign organisation said...reda it here...
Denhaag based bussiness woman Vivian Abieyuwa Omoruyi a firm supporter of Godwin Obaseki speaks about the need to elect Obaseki as the next governor of Edo state.
According to her the outgoing Governor Oshomole has done so much for the state, built Schools, Roads and Hospitals, she said that we need continuity and the only person that can continue this work is Godwin Obaseki and that the name Obasseki speaks volume,
She went on to question the Authenticity of Pastor Ize- Iyamu saying that the man should face the church and not politics, she further said that Edo state needs a man that will be there for the people and not the one trying to fill his purse with Government money. She went on to say Ize - Iyamu should not be trusted because of the special relationship he has with the Igbinedions family, she said edo state will not survive if we allow it to fall into the hands of crooks as she describe Iyamu and PDP, she said people should wise up and wipe out PDP from Edo state, Ize -Iyamu and his supporters are criminals, that belong in jail instead of the Government house, there is no room for Agbero that calls himself a pastor, what is he going to do in the Government house going there to preach?, let him face is church calling. She wants people to read and know more about Godwin Obaseki who was born in Benin City, Nigeria, to the famous and illustrious Obaseki family.
Education
He had his early education in St. Matthews Anglican Primary School Benin City from where he proceeded to Eghosa Anglican Grammer School, Benin City for his secondary schoool eductaion. He attended the University of Ibadan where he obtained a BA in Classics.
Mr. Obaseki attended the Columbia University and Pace University in New York and has an MBA in Finance and International Business. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers, Nigeria and an alumnus of the Lagos Business School Chief Executive Program.
He was nominated a Global Leader for Tomorrow (GLT) by the World Economic Forum in 2001.
Career
Godwin Obaseki began his career over 30 years ago and has established track records in Investment Banking, Asset Management, Securities Trading and the Public Sector both internationally and in Nigeria. He started out in 1983 with Capital Trust Brokers Limited Lagos as a stockbroker where he excelled and subsequently worked with International Merchant Bank (an affiliate of First Chicago Bank). In 1988 he joined AVC Funds Limited, Lagos where he served as a Project Manager and led the core team that set up two of the new generation banks which eventually reshaped the face of the banking industry in Nigeria. Between 1993 and 1995 he worked in New York as a principal of Equatorial Finance Co, a Financial Advisory firm with a focus on Africa and providing Structured Trade Finance for African related transactions through credit, financial advisory and risk insurance.
He Founded Afrinvest West Africa Limited (formerly Securities Transactions & Trust Company Limited (SecTrust)) in 1995 as the pioneer Managing Director. The firm has since grown to become a leading Investment Banking and Investment Management firm in Nigeria. In 1995 SecTrust was appointed the correspondent stockbroker for Nigeria by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). In 1996, SecTrust established the first derivative product, the Nigerian International Debt Fund (NIDF) on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which allowed Nigerians invest local savings in US Dollar instrument. This fund has outperformed projections on returns.
SecTrust pioneered and was local adviser on the first global offering by a Nigerian bank through the issuance of Global Depositary Shares (GDS) to raise UD$50 million from the international Capital market. Afrinvest has acted as advisers on some of the largest and most significant transactions in the Nigerian capital market since 2005.
Afrinvest is one of the most trusted advisory firms in the domestic corporate finance market, pioneering major innovations and providing leadership in the Nigerian Securities market. The Firm has advised on numerous landmark transactions including the first Eurobond Issue by a Sub-Saharan Africa Corporate (outside South Africa); the first ever simultaneous merger and tender offer transaction in Sub-Saharan Africa and the largest ever listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Afrinvest has been ranked as a major Investment Research firm which is at the forefront of playing instrumental roles in the introduction of new financing products such as Eurobonds and Global Depository Receipts to Nigerian Companies. Mr. Obaseki is presently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the firm which won the Best Asset Management Firm in Nigeria (2014) Award by the Wealth & Finance International Magazine Finance Awards.
Mr.Godwin Obaseki currently serves as the Chairman of the Edo State Government’s Economic and Strategy Team (EST), a position he has held since March 17, 2009 Pro bono publico.
Key achievements as chairman of the economic team of Edo state Government include: Documentation of State Economic Development framework through Sectors’ Strategic Planning which is reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis; Introduction and enculturation of retreats as a platform to ensure all parties engagement not only in planning and executing state development initiatives but also in monitoring and evaluation of outcomes; N25 Billion Infrastructure Development Bond from the Nigerian Capital Market in 2010; $225 Million Concessionary rates Development Loan from the World Bank with the 1st Tranche of $75 Million already accessed; Successfully hosted Sector based Economic Summits and Policy Dialogue Series including the Power Round Table in 2010, 2011 Education Round Table and 2012 Agribusiness Round Table.
These summits have translated in measurable and desired outcomes including:
Azura-Edo IPP project with over $1 billion in FDI currently under development in Ihovbor, Uhunwode LGA
Education Reforms which have translated to significant improvement in Educational Infrastructure and student performance in WAEC and other Exams.
Following the 2012 Agribusiness Summit, the state attracted investment in the Rubber Sub-sector for the development of the single largest Rubber Plantation project in Nigeria in Sokponba in Orhiomwon LGA under a privately developed and financed initiative;
A framework for Local Economic Empowerment through out-growers schemes is being finalised to attract funding into the development of key crops for which Edo State has natural endowment including Oil Palm, Rubber, Cassava, Cocoa, Rice and other grains
Other Committee activities in Edo State Government
Tax Assessment Review Committee for Edo State Internal Revenue Service (TARC) – Chairman
Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) – Chairman
Committee on the Implementation of the Law Establishing the Edo State University of Science and Technology, Uzaire – Secretary
Committee on Contributory Pension Scheme – Member
Edo SEEFOR/DPO Steering Committee – Member
Committee on the Report of the Audit of the Credentials of Teaching Staff in Public Schools in Edo State.
Land Use Charge Committee – Chairman
State Steering Committee on the European Union Assisted Niger-Delta Support programme (NDSP) Component 3 (Development of Edo State Water & Sanitation Policy and Law.
Professionally, Mr. Obaseki has served on the Presidential Committee on the Reform of the Nigerian Pension System. He also served on the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission Committee on the Re-activation of the Nigerian Bond Market and the review f the Investment and Securities Act. He served as a member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange Council between 2006 and 2009. He also serves on the board of some companies such as Dorman Long Engineering Limited, Pillar Oil Limited, Seric Impianti International Limited.
He was the founding secretary of a New York-based US Africa Chamber of Commerce in 1992, which promoted US organisations doing business in Africa. He was a Director in Junior Achievement of Nigeria – the local affiliate of the worldwide Not for Profit organisation which trains students to appreciate market economy values.
He also participates actively and serves as Trustee, in the Dr. Jackson Owen Obaseki Foundation, a family owned NGO which is involved in providing free educational and health services to the less privileged
She says every edo state should vote Godwin Obaseki and not allow Edo state to go back again to Egypt.
Alexander Okere, Benin
Some chiefs in the palace of the Oba of Benin have disagreed over the endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, for September 10 governorship election. A group of the chiefs belonging to the Egha Evbo’ Nore (town chiefs) had last week adopted the PDP candidate at the...read it here...
The media in Azerbaijan claims Nigerian striker Victor Emenayo who was recently signed by Azerbaijani top division side Shahdagh Qusar FK, is 17 times older than the age (23) that is on his international passport. According to his international passport the forward who has already made his debut for his new side was born in 1993. But search on the internet about the striker who has played in Uganda for the best part of his career shows, he should be 28 years old judging by his official age before his move to Shahdagh Qusar.Emenayo has already become the subject of ridicule by social media users in Azerbaijan with the media also joining in the discrepancies documents about the age of the Nigerian, stating that he indeed looks well above 40 years old. They claim the fact that he shaved five years off the official age he has been using, means he has more than one international passport in his possession and his looks suggest he is well above 40. Victor Emenayo The former SC Villa of Uganda striker is reportedly older in appearance than the coach of the team Adil Mahmudov according to...read it here...
Former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu has been speaking over the demise of his mother who gave up the ghost on September 7 in Owerri, the Imo State capital. The former Arsenal and Inter Milan forward has a reputation for frequently eulogising his now late mother, who is said to have told him that one day, he would make her proud with his football talent. “The loss of Mama is hard to bear. She was a rock that stood by me and all my siblings,” Kanu said. Kanu “She showed us...read it here...
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said he will produce 100 millionaires in the state in four years, if elected as governor.
Obaseki, who spoke on Monday during an interactive session with a group, Grassroots Youth Initiative, in the Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, explained that with the presence of natural resources, the residents had no reason to be poor.
He said, “God has blessed us in Edo. No state is like Edo. We do not have any reason to be poor; the only reason why we are poor is because of bad leadership. With good leadership, the sky is our limit
“So, the first thing I am going to emphasise in employment is to register the unemployed because we have employed a lot of...read here....
ABUJA — Senators of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were yesterday, locked in separate meetings to deliberate and fine-tune common positions ahead of debate on the country’s economic recession, expected this morning at plenary. The development came as the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, is expected to lead a debate on the state of the economy this morning, shortly after presenting his welcome speech at plenary. While the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, superintended over the APC caucus meeting in his Maitama residence, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, was...read here...
Bolaji Adebiyi, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Obviously due to the backlash the postponement, last Saturday, of the Edo State governorship election has generated, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday stepped up its denial of any complicity in the security report that led to the abrupt shift in the date of the poll to September 28, 2016.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the National Commissioner for Voter Education and Publicity, Prince Solomon Soyebi, said emphatically that the security agencies never took the commission into confidence about the security report.
While Yakubu spoke exclusively to THISDAY through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Soyebi spoke to Channels TV on its breakfast talk show, Sunrise Daily.
THISDAY had, however, gathered at the weekend that contrary to the election ma
nagement body’s claim, its chairman might have had fore knowledge of the security report but failed to disclose it to his colleagues on the board of the commission.
Citing security concerns, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police had, after a closed-door meeting between...read it here...
Says patriotic Nigerians have nothing to fear in war against corruption Promises bumper harvests this year
Tobi Soniyi in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari is obviously not done with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he hit the party again monday, dismissing its 16 years in the saddle as extremely wasteful and of no moment.
‘‘I want Nigerians to realise that what this government inherited after 16 years of the PDP government was no savings, no infrastructure, no power, no rail, no road and no security,” he told...read it here...
John Obi Mikel (R) of Nigeria celebrates his goal scored against Denmark during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games men’s quarter-final football match Nigeria vs Denmark, at the Arena Fonte Nova Stadium in Salvador, Brazil on August 13, 2016
NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP
Chelsea midfielder, John Obi MIkel, who recently...
returned to London from a successful Rio 2016 campaign, was brutally honest about the extent of the problems he faced at the games.
In an interview with goal.com, Mikel slammed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after he was forced to put up his own money to help his country achieve their remarkable bronze medal at Rio 2016.
The Nigeria captain organised travel, paid for meals
John Obi Mikel (R) of Nigeria celebrates his goal scored against Denmark during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games men’s quarter-final football match Nigeria vs Denmark, at read it here...t
WIFE of the governorship candidate of the APC, Mrs. Betty Obaseki says if elected, her husband would partner with the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in the state to brainstorm on how to make entertainment a booming business in the state. Mrs. Obaseki who stated this when she visited PMAN members and Elders at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre in Benin City, said the idea is to see how to explore the opportunities in the entertainment business to create jobs. “I am very happy and glad that...read it here...
Nigeria spends N596bn on fuel import in six months in spite of the declining economic fortunes, spent N595.5 billion on the importation of fuel in the first six months of 2016, rising by N34.3 billion from the amount spent in the last six months of 2015. According to data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, the country spent N276.226 billion on petrol import in the first quarter of 2016, while N319.28 billion was spent in the second quarter. The NBS report showed that the amount spent on fuel importation appreciated by 6.1 percent, compared with N561.2 billion spent in the second half of 2015. However,...read it here...
Again, the President has blamed the economic recession on the global meltdown and the failure of past administrations to plan for the rainy day. He said: “The present recession is as a result of cumulative effects of worldwide economic downturn and failure in the past to plan and save for difficult times. It is impossible to separate the present from the past to appreciate the extent to which mistakes of the past are affecting everyday life today”. In his Sallah message, President Muhammadu Buhari commended Nigerians for their steadfastness in spite of the difficult economic times. He assured that his administration was working round the clock to remove the hardships. He said:,,,read it here...
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested four domestic servants, including a driver and a houseboy, whose names were used to open bank accounts for Mrs Dame Patience Jonathan, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Sources within the anti-graft agency said on Sunday that the companies’ accounts were opened at Skye Bank.
The companies are Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited, Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Limited, Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited and Globus Integrated Service Limited.
Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja
The four companies’ accounts, which have since been frozen by the EFCC, have a balance of about $15m while another account, which bears Patience Jonathan’s name, has $5m.
Mr. Sammie Somiari, who deposed to an affidavit on behalf of the ex-President’s wife, said the former First Lady was the owner of the money in the accounts.
Economy will bounce back-Buhari Economy will bounce back-Buhari On September 11, 20165:13 pmIn News by Ifeoluwa AyandeleComments President Muhammadu Buhari has saluted Nigerians for their steadfastness in spite of the difficult economic times confronting the country. Buhari, in his Eid-el-Kabir message to Nigerians released in Abuja on Sunday, gave the assurance that his administration would get the economy right. According to him, the Federal Government is “working round the clock” to address the current hardship the country is going through. He attributed the economic recession to cumulative effects of worldwide economic downturn and failure in the past to plan and save for difficult times. “It is impossible to separate the present from the past to appreciate the extent to which mistakes of the past are affecting everyday life today. “I assure you that this administration is working round the clock to remove the hardships the country is going through.” He said development programmes had been designed to reinvigorate the economy and enhance living standards of ordinary people. These, according to the President, include rail and road constructions, housing sector projects, support for farmers in small and medium scale industries, youth and women empowerment programmes and support for revival of industries. “We are getting security right. We are stopping corruption in its tracks and we will get the economy right by the grace of God.’’ Buhari enjoined Muslims to live by the dictates of Islam by maintaining good relationships with their Christian brothers and sisters. He further charged them to maintain the spirit of the Nigerian nation as patriots. “The lessons of the Eid are piety and sacrifice and, my dear brothers and sisters, you have exhibited these in equal measure. I wish everyone happy holidays ,'he said'
Who is Nigerian Leader at the moment? On September 11, 201612:54 amIn Frankly Speaking by adekunleComments By Dele Sobowale “At the moment it must be crystal clear to all discerning minds that the President’s widely acclaimed magical body language has lost its presumed aura and efficiency. His no-nonsense demeanour is neither instilling fear nor commanding respect and loyalty from among his cabinet members.”—Senator Dino Melaye, APC Kogi-West, in a national newspaper, September 5, 2016. This article could just as easily be titled ‘HAS BUHARI SUFFERED FROM A CIVILIAN COUP?’ And it would be just as apt. Melaye’s statement quoted above, given what had occurred since May 29, 2015, when Buhari was sworn in for the second time as Head of State, should alert all of us to a startling fact – that Buhari might no longer be in control of his civilian “troops”. In fact, the success of the rebels in installing the leaders of the National Assembly, against the wishes of the President and the other “leaders” of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is a reminder of what occurred in 1985 when a reportedly aloof Military Head of State was removed in a bloodless coup with nobody to even give him a warning. Senate President Saraki and Speaker Dogara could not have emerged as they did without an air-tight conspiracy of silence – undoubtedly aided by a President-elect who was once again aloof from the newly-elected legislators who were absolutely vital to his success as President. Today, there is growing fear that Buhari and the “leaders” of the APC are becoming increasingly isolated and might be leading only a minority of those still claiming to belong to the APC. Unfortunately for Nigeria, even the PDP cannot now boast of a leader; and might stumble along until 2019 without one. That is the tragedy awaiting this country in 2019 – the handwriting is now becoming clear on the political wall. There are supposed to be two major political parties in Nigeria at the moment, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. But, unless the generally accepted definition of political party has changed, neither one of them can possibly approximate any right thinking persons idea of a political party. Neither of them represents the ideals and aspirations of the people they pretend to lead. They have both become conspiracies by a few people, putting up a figurehead as leader, bent only on seizing power for their own sake. In every democracy, the President or Prime Minister is the recognized leader of the ruling party and, by extension, the nation as well. The sort of statements credited to Melaye and an APC leader in Kano State can only occur in a situation where a strong faction or two had emerged. President Buhari addressing the guests during the launch of the National Re-Orientation Campaign “Change Begins with Me” at the State House Conference Centre (SHCC) in Abuja. However, it is not only at the Federal level that...read it here...
Mrs Binuyo Basari The suspect, the agency’s commander at the Abuja airport, Hamisu Lawan, said. was arrested during the outward screening of passengers on an Emirate flight to Dubai en-route Medina, after testing positive for drug ingestion. She was on her way to Saudi Arabia on pilgrimage. Hamisu informed that drug trafficking was punishable by death in Saudi Arabia, adding that arrangement had been concluded for her prosecution. Describing her action as shameful and discreditable, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Muhammad Mustapha Abdallahi, said: “It is a shameful and discreditable act for a 55-year-old mother, going on holy pilgrimage, to ingest narcotics. This is shocking and a clear indication of her inability to effectively discharge parental responsibility. The agency shall invoke the powers of the law against her and others caught indulging in production/trafficking in narcotic drugs”. During interrogation, the suspect, a mother of three from Irepodun local government area of Kwara State, was said to have revealed that she was offered N1m to traffic the drug. She said.....
The Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, tells BAYO AKINLOYE that the All Progressives Congress may have a hand in the postponed September 10 poll
How did you receive news of the postponement of Edo State governorship poll?
I am very sad that the Edo State governorship election slated for September 10 was postponed. We were prepared for the election. We were confident of winning but all of a sudden we got the news that the poll had been postponed with the authorities citing security challenges. The nature of the challenges we were not told; a new date for the poll had been fixed. It’s a long postponement with the election scheduled to hold on a week day and we were not even consulted. We see this development as a conspiracy by those who are scared (of losing in the poll) and are playing for time. But as law-abiding citizens, anything they want to do, we’ll be ready.
Similar thing happened during the Peoples Democratic Party rule with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan presiding over the country; the general elections were postponed. Don’t you think you should give the current government the benefit of the doubt?
I am sure you know that the reasons given then for the postponement of the polls were not in doubt – insurgency in the North-East was the main reason. The government wanted to ensure that the region was safe enough for people to exercise their civic right. So, the reason was clearly defined and we all knew what happened afterwards: the All Progressives Congress did very well (in that region). If you remove the votes recorded for the party in the North-East I doubt if the APC would have won the presidential election. Whether we like it or not those reasons were valid and the results were clear. But in Edo’s case, what are the reasons for postponing the governorship poll? What are the security challenges? The President (Muhammadu Buhari) was in Edo and two days after it was announced that election could no longer hold due to security challenges. But what are the security challenges? Policemen drafted from their formations to provide security during the poll were already on their way before the election was postponed. They were ordered to go back to their formations. If there had been security challenges would they have been drafted to Edo in the first place?
The truth is this: we are not accusing the president of complicity in this matter. But the postponement made us curious that the governor of the state (Adams Oshiomhole), who is the chief security officer, didn’t raise his voice when it was announced that the election had been postponed due to security challenges. Is that not an indictment on his government? A man who collects N500m monthly for security vote didn’t say a word about security challenges in the state being the reason for the poll postponement. Isn’t that an irony? There was no protest; there was no condemnation. Isn’t it strange for somebody like.....read more...
The Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), has said with the fresh admission by Patience Jonathan that she owns the $5m traced to her accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, means the anti-graft agency has the right to probe her.
According to him, if the former first lady is claiming that she owns the money then she must explain how she earned it.
The discovery of the additional amount, in the former first lady’s Skye Bank account, by the EFCC brings to $20m the total amount so far traced to her.
As part of investigations into a money laundering case against a former Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to ex-President Jonathan, Waripamowei Dudafa, the EFCC had traced four company accounts to him with a balance of $15m.
The EFCC subsequently charged Dudafa and the four companies with money laundering.
The four companies, whose accounts have since been frozen, are Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited, Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Limited, Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited and Globus Integrated Service Limited.
A source at the EFCC said, “While we were investigating Dudafa, we traced the four companies to him. The companies have domiciliary accounts at Skye Bank with a balance of about $15m. So, we obtained a court order and froze the accounts.
“We then traced the directors of the companies who then denied ownership of the accounts. It was later that we were informed that the accounts belonged to Patience Jonathan and that she is the sole signatory to the accounts. She was given a special card which she used in making withdrawals across the world...............contine here...
Mr Jude Idimogu, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Friday said the postponement of the Edo governorship election, though unfortunate, would not change where the pendulum would swing in the poll.
Idimogu (PDP-Oshodi-Isolo II) said that the shift was simply a case of postponing the evil day as the electorate had made up their minds on which direction their votes would go.
He said, “People have made up their minds on the candidate they would vote for; so, postponing it does not change where the pendulum will swing. It is postponing the evil day.”
The lawmaker said that the security reason given for the shift was not tenable and the postponement would result in the election gulping a lot more funds.
He said, “The postponement is very unfortunate; there is no justification for the security threat advanced by the Police and DSS (Department of State Security) as the basis for the call for the shift.
“People have prepared well to cast their votes in support of the candidate of their choice. Resources, energy and time have been spent.
“INEC has spent a lot, only for them, just about three days to the election, to announce the postponement based on security issues.
“For me, there could be more than we know on this issue; it is a big problem,” he said.
Idimogu expressed worry that about 90 per cent of the elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission in recent times were inconclusive.
He said there was no guarantee that the same fate would not befall the Edo poll on the rescheduled date.
The lawmaker, however, urged members of the PDP in the state to remain focussed, perfect their strategies and cover yet to be covered areas.
He expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge as winner in the election earlier scheduled for Sept 10, but now shifted to Sept. 28.
The postponement came a day after the police and State Security Service cited security concerns and advised the electoral body to shift the poll.
INEC initially vowed to go ahead with the poll, but hours later, announced its postponement.
The reigning Miss Africa USA 2016, Frances Udukwu, has unveiled her pet project called The Lead Girl Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, which aims at empowering women and girls from the age of 18.
She told Saturday Beats that women empowerment is a smart initiative because it will give them financial independence to enable them to make choices, drive growth and inspire their families and communities as a whole.
The beauty queen added that her goal is to utilise her platform as the reigning Miss Africa USA to empower young women to achieve their dreams knowing that an empowered woman is a blessing to an empowered and inspired community.
The foundation, according to her, has four core focuses which are vocational skills training programme, enterprise development programme, mentoring woman in business programme and code school for formerly incarcerated ladies. She said, “The Lead Girl Foundation envisions a world where women and girls have equal opportunities, as well as capital, skill-set and network necessary to become financially independent, resulting in a more secure future. Financial independence gives women choices and enables women to spend more on their families, drive growth in their economies and inspire others in their communities.”
She also said she came to Nigeria to begin work with select project sites in the country such as the Holy Rosary College, Enugu, embark on a university tour and have an interactive session with female executives of student union governments. Udukwu said seeing Nigerian women with so much energy and passion good enough to engender change in their various communities inspired her vision to float the foundation, which she hopes to use to help women channel their various energies into much more profitable and sustainable ventures.
The song, Wait for me, by Onyeka Onwenu and King Sunny Ade, would remain evergreen and of course, many years ago, so many people believed that the duo would have had one or two things going on between them for them to have released such song.
However, KSA, as Sunny Ade is fondly called, during a press parley on his 70th birthday, said there was nothing between him and the Elegant Stallion, Onyeka.
According to KSA, the song was just a gimmick to drive home a message for a healthy relationship among the youth back then.
“I didn’t have any crush on Onyeka then. Even before that song, we had recorded some songs together. She was (and still is) just a colleague. She is a good woman. We did that song just for us to teach the young people the essence of having a healthy relationship,” he said.
And even at the moment, KSA, who has many wives, said he is not ready to take another.
“Haba! How can I take another wife? Is that a curse or are you praying for me? I am not ready for any new wife,” he said.
Even as he is not ready to take another wife, KSA said he has a lot of reasons to thank God.
“It is just by his grace that He has made it possible for me to live up to this age. He alone has given me strength to perform. I love what I do and that is why I can never be tired. I came back from the US and I was told I had to perform somewhere and I went. I am never tired and my age will not slow me down,” he said.
And in fact, the juju icon said he is all set to roll out the drums to celebrate this milestone.
“My birthday celebration is usually a one-week affair. But this year’s birthday is different; the celebration will go on till the end of the year.”
“I started the celebration with special prayer from the general overseer of my Church, Pastor (Enoch) Adeboye. Later this month, there will be a gospel music concert in my home in Ondo. And on my birthday, which is on September 22, my children will celebrate me. I will also visit orphanages. There are so many activities lined up. I belong to well over 70 clubs and each of this club wants to celebrate me. But the grand finale will come sometime in October with a concert where so many foreign artistes will perform,” he said.
About his US trip, KSA said he could not travel to the US few years ago because his band members were not issued visas.
“That was just the only reason and it wasn’t as if anything bad happened. The embassy had technical issues at that time. So when we went for our visas this year, everybody got. We had to travel to the US and we toured so many states for our fans over there to know that it was not our intention to disappoint them back then,” he said.
KSA also used the opportunity to talk about the case he won against African Songs where he was awarded N500m in damages; KSA said he had yet to receive the money from the record company.
“I have not seen the money and I have yet to receive my master tape. That is even more important to me than the money. I learnt they have appealed the judgement so I cannot talk much on it,” he said.
Team Nigeria’s Rolland Ezuruike on Friday won the country’s first gold of the Rio 2016 Paralympics after setting a new Games record.
The 40-year-old lifted 200kg in the men’s -54kg weight class in the Powerlifting event hours after Latifat Tijani won the country’s first medal at the Games – a silver in the women’s -45kg weight category of the same event.
The 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medallist was largely unchallenged in the event as he led throughout his three attempts. Ezuruike broke the Paralympic record with his first lift of 185kg and never looked like he was going to lose his lead.
The Nigerian, who weighs 51.73kg, went further in his second lift as he extended the record by 5kg with a lift of 190kg. His final lift of 200kg drew a loud applause from the crowd as he entered the record books.
After securing his gold, Ezuruike attempted to break the current world record with a fourth attempt, where he lifted 205.5kg. The current world record is 205kg set by Egyptian Sherif Othman in Dubai in 2014. However, Ezuruike’s attempt was ruled out for a foul as his arms were adjudged not to have been straight.
China’s Wang Jian won silver in the event with a lift of 170kg while Bakochristos Dimitros of Greece won bronze with a lift of 162kg.
For Tijani, she could have clinched gold if not for the outstanding Chinese, Hu Dandan, who won gold.
It was a close call between the two as Tijani set the tone for breaking the Paralympic record with her first lift of 101kg before Dandan further broke the record with a lift of102kg.
The Nigerian failed in her second attempt at 106kg but she lifted it in her third attempt to set another Paralympic record in the event but Dandan lifted 107kg in her third attempt to set the new world and Paralympic records.
Great Britain’s Zoe Newson, who won bronze, also gave Tijani some challenge with her lifts. She led at some point with a lift of 102kg but failed to lift further attempts at 105kg and 107kg.
Other contestants in the event were Poland’s Kozdryk Justyna, Egypt’s Oteify Zeinab, Algeria’s Guerioua Samira, Mexico’s Cerero Gabriel and Ukraine’s Toporkova Rayisa.
Earlier on Thursday, Nigeria’s Ben Nsini finished last in the women’s -41kg Powerlifting event. The event was won by Turkish Muratli Nazmiye with a lift of 104kg, which is the new world and Paralympic record in the event.
Manchester becomes the centre of the football universe on Saturday when Jose Mourinho’s United tackle Pep Guardiola’s City in a feverishly anticipated local derby at Old Trafford.
The resumption of hostilities between two of the most celebrated coaches in the game tops the bill, with mega-money signings Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, John Stones and Claudio Bravo providing an all-star supporting cast.
Both teams have won all three of their Premier League fixtures to date and while Mourinho believes it is too early to consider the game in any way decisive, he is well aware the points could be precious in the title race.
“There are many ways to win titles,” said Mourinho, who fought a bitter three-year running battle with then Barcelona-coach Guardiola during his time at Real Madrid.
“Man United last season had very good results against the top teams and finished fifth.
“So sometimes it is not between the title contenders that you win or lose the title. Sometimes you win it by winning matches and matches and matches in the marathon between August to May.
“But obviously when you play against a title contender, the winning team wins three points and stops the other.
“So it is better to do that, or when you get a draw you accept you didn’t lose points to a direct contender. But this is too early — we are in the first week of September.”
The Premier League trophy spent four consecutive years in Manchester between 2011 and 2014, United winning it in 2011 and 2013 and City in 2012 and 2014.
But the Manchester clubs could not match Chelsea’s pace in 2015 and fell off the title map altogether last season, prompting seismic managerial changes on both sides of Manchester.
Guardiola and Mourinho are two of the three best-paid managers in world football — along with Carlo Ancelotti, Guardiola’s successor at Bayern Munich — and they were quick to get to work.
Both have renovated their squads in pointed fashion — Mourinho adding charisma and physical power, Guardiola prioritising youth and ball-playing ability.
And both have hit the ground running.
United are now a more direct side than under Louis van Gaal, Mourinho’s predecessor, and Guardiola, typically, will expect his side to dominate possession.
– Bravo debut –
“I want the ball, I want to attack as much as possible, I want to control the game and I want to concede few counter-attacks,” Guardiola said on Friday.
“I saw in the 10 days (of the international break) the four games and every game Manchester United played better than they did before. I think the same with us.
“They have a lot of talent up front. (Juan) Mata between the lines is so dangerous, the full-backs go so offensive and the quality of (Wayne) Rooney and Ibrahimovic.
“(Anthony) Martial is so, so fast and the set-pieces with tall guys is impossible to control. So they are a top team.”
Guardiola is expected to hand a debut to new Chilean goalkeeper Bravo following his arrival from Barcelona to supplant Joe Hart.
Close-season signings Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan are now fit and could also make their debuts, while right-back Bacary Sagna has declared himself available after a hamstring problem.
But captain Vincent Kompany is doubtful as he continues his recovery from thigh surgery, while striker Sergio Aguero begins a three-match game for elbowing West Ham United’s Winston Reid.
New recruits Ibrahimovic, Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly are all in contention for United.
It will be Pogba’s first major test since his world-record 89 million pounds ($118 million, 105 million euros) return from Juventus.
Ibrahimovic will relish coming up against Guardiola, having described him as a “spineless coward” after the pair clashed during the Swedish striker’s time at Barcelona.
Left-back Luke Shaw, right-back Antonio Valencia, midfielder Marouane Fellaini and playmaker Mkhitaryan have all been passed fit after injury scares on international duty.
McLevit, EU Based Nigerian Artist is of Nigerian origin and resident in Madrid, he took the stage of 'La Voz 4' for the Voice tallent show so you think you can sing the spanish version shortly after he did the first verse of the song all the coaches stood up they were carried away with his voice.
His nephew Kevin. The artist interpreted the theme of Sam Smith 'Stay with me' with which he managed to convince all coaches. "The definition of singing with soul and his heart," he said Melendi. McLevit finally decided to join of the team Alejandro for the next round
Ballot box
Victor Emenayo The former SC Villa of Uganda striker is reportedly older in appearance than the coach of the team Adil Mahmudov according to...read it here...
Kanu “She showed us...read it here...
The development came as the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, is expected to lead a debate on the state of the economy this morning, shortly after presenting his welcome speech at plenary. While the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, superintended over the APC caucus meeting in his Maitama residence, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, was...read here...
Mrs. Obaseki who stated this when she visited PMAN members and Elders at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre in Benin City, said the idea is to see how to explore the opportunities in the entertainment business to create jobs. “I am very happy and glad that...read it here...
According to data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, the country spent N276.226 billion on petrol import in the first quarter of 2016, while N319.28 billion was spent in the second quarter. The NBS report showed that the amount spent on fuel importation appreciated by 6.1 percent, compared with N561.2 billion spent in the second half of 2015. However,...read it here...
President Buhari addressing the guests during the launch of the National Re-Orientation Campaign “Change Begins with Me” at the State House Conference Centre (SHCC) in Abuja. However, it is not only at the Federal level that...read it here...
