Ebola, B’Haram’ll reduce economic growth by 0.5% – Okonjo-Iweala

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Friday said that the Ebola virus disease and Boko Haram terror attacks had slashed the nation’s projected economic growth rate for this year from seven to 6.5 per cent.

She said the Ebola scare and acts of violence by the Boko Haram sect had adversely effected business and economic activities.

According to her, some international business meetings scheduled to hold in the country have been canceled, while hotel occupancy rates in major cities are currently down.

Okonjo-Iweala spoke in Lagos shortly after a breakfast meeting with the Global Chief Executive Officer of Unilever Plc, Mr. Paul Polman. Continue...

Soldiers Get Angry, Kill 150 Boko Haram fighters in Konduga

No fewer than 150 suspected members of the outlawed Boko Haram sect were killed by soldiers on Friday during a confrontation in Konduga, about 35 kilometres from Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
It was learnt that hundreds of terrorists stormed Konduga in the early hours of Friday in a convoy of jeeps and motorcycles, but were adequately resisted and contained by the re-energized soldiers.
A member of the local vigilance group, Kolobe Abdullahi, told journalists that the residents could not sleep on Thursday night when they got the hint that insurgents intended to attack the town. Continue..

Kwesi Appiah resigns as Ghana coach

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) says it has parted company with national team coach Kwesi Appiah by mutual consent.

Former coach Milovan Rajevac is being widely tipped to return to the post he held between 2008 and 2010.
Rajevac had originally been lined up to work as a technical advisor alongside Appiah.

The GFA says it will announce Appiah’s replacement before October’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea. Continue...

Doctor who performed throat procedure on Joan Rivers fired

TMZ just broke the news that the doctor who performed the endoscopy on late legendary comedian Joan Rivers at Yorkville Endoscopy, NY, has been fired by the clinic's board.
Dr. Lawrence Cohen stepped down after the board asked him to do so - however, the board isn't directly blaming him for Joan's death..

A rep for the clinic confirmed he was ousted from his position as medical director. According to our sources ... the board's issue with Cohen is that he allowed Joan's doc to step in and perform an unauthorized procedure. Reportedly, that procedure was a biopsy ... and Joan went into respiratory and cardiac arrest while it was being done. Cohen is a world renowned gastroenterologist ... and also co-owner of Yorkville. He's been on administrative leave since Joan's procedure on August 28

Venus and Serena Williams not speaking to each other?

There are reports that once close sisters Venus and Serena Williams are barely speaking to each other these days...

 Tennis insiders are whispering that Serena Williams’ partying has caused an icy rift between her and her sister, Venus Williams.

The tennis champs have not been seen together off the court in recent weeks, and many wonder if Serena’s late nights out and disappointing doubles performances have annoyed the more low-key Venus. Continue..

Meet the world's first black Cinderalla on Broadway

Actress and talk show host KeKe Palmer pictured above getting very emotional as she made history on September 9th in New York City as the first black Cinderella on Broadway. kudos..

Police begin probe into Amaechi’s uncle’s killing

The Rivers State Police Command said on Friday that it had commenced investigation into the alleged killing of Mr Sabinus Ordu, the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Aluu, Rivers State.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that Ordu, an uncle of Governor Rotimi Amaechi, was allegedly killed by assailants on Tuesday at Ubima, the governor’s home town.

Spokesman for the command, Ahmad Muhammad, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Port Harcourt that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Elele, in Ikwerre council of the state, reported the incident. Continue..

UPDATE: 50 die in Synagogue church building collapses

 A six-storey building has collapsed at the headquarters of the Synagogue Church of all Nations, Ikotun, Lagos.

The building, which is located inside the church premises, is said to serve as a guest house for foreigners that visit the church.

Our correspondent reports that no fewer than 70 guests were said to be in the building when the building came down. Continue..

Ebola: Cuba to send 165 health workers to Africa

The Cuban Government on Friday announced that it would send 165 healthcare workers to West Africa to help in the fight against Ebola Virus Disease.

Announcing this at a news conference at the World Health Organisation’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Cuba’s Minister of Public Health, Roberto Ojeda, said the first set of the workers would arrive in Sierra Leone in October.

Ojeda said that the Cuban health workers would include doctors, nurses, specialists in infection control, epidemiologists, intensive care specialists and social mobilisation officers. Continue..

Abia state Governor's son sues Sun newspaper for N5bn

Chinedu Orji, the first son of the Governor of Abia state, Theodore Orji, has dragged the Sun newspapers limited owned by his father's predecessor, Orji Uzor Kalu, before an Abia state High Court claiming N5 billion damages over alleged libelous publication by the paper on March 10, 2014, where he was called as a terrorist.
The newspaper had in the said publication written in part "it is not a secret affair as his terrorist activities in the state are fully documented".  Continue...

Aluko wants to emulate Kanu, Oliseh

Hull City winger Sone Aluko has revealed that he was inspired to play for Nigeria by ex-Super Eagles stars Nwankwo Kanu and Sunday Oliseh.

The 25-year-old, who played for England at U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19 and U-20 levels but opted to play for Nigeria at senior level, says he wants to follow in the footsteps of the Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games gold medalists.

His sister, Eniola, is an English international but Aluko, who was born in England, made his senior debut for Nigeria in May 2009 in an international friendly against Ireland before going on to represent the country at that same year’s U-20 World Cup in Egypt. Continue..

AD - We’ll win Lagos without forming alliances

The chairman of the Alliance for Democracy in Lagos State, Mr. Kola Ajayi, speaks about his party’s chances in the 2015 Lagos governorship election

Why didn’t your party participate in the 2011 general elections?

We presented candidates during the elections but we did not have a governorship candidate. We fielded candidates for the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly and this was because by the time we were given recognition, it was already late. So, we fielded candidates in Alimosho, Agege, Ajegunle, Kosofe and some other local governments because we got the nod to field candidates late. Continue..

Armed robbers write letter to streets in Palmgroove; say they are coming to raid (see letter)

Residents in some streets in the Palmgroove area of Lagos are currently living in fear after receiving a letter from armed robbers who said they are coming soon to raid them. (copy of the purported letter above). The letter which was sent to five different streets on Saturday September 6th, reads in part;
"Beware of the coming! Be on the look out in this area. Property owners are coming anytime from now. The gate men you have are not our problem. Our problem is how many resources do you have for us? August visitor must visit whether you like it or not. So expect August visitor when you did not expect. Surely August visitor shall visit just like the second coming of Jesus. It is turn by turn." Continue..

Pics: Actor Desmond Elliot to contest for Lagos House of Assembly

 This is a LIB exclusive. Actor and movie producer Desmond Elliot is contesting for Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 under the APC. Some of you may not know this, but Desmond is from Lagos state. See what he plans to do when elected into office after the cut

Banky W Returns To School; SEE Him In Action

Popular R&B singer, Banky W, has taken a three-month break from the crowded Naija music scene to get more knowledge that could help set him apart from his colleagues in the months and years ahead.

As seen in the photos, Banky W is ready to learn and he is doing well at the New York film academy. Nice!

Anambra state University renamed Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University

 The Anambra House of Assembly on today September 11th passed a bill, changing the name of the state-owned university at Uli to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
The bill was passed during the plenary of the legislature in Awka to honour the former Biafra hero.
The decision followed the report of the House Committee on Education which recommended the change of the name.
 Mrs Rita Maduagwu (APGA Nnewi South 2), the Chairman, House Committee on Education, recalled that the bill had been read the second time on the floor of the house on Dec. 17, 2013.
She said that the committee found that the university’s name had been changed before from Anambra State University of Science and Technology and that there were a number of provisions in the extant law that required review. Continue...

My plan to defect, a mere rumour – Mimiko

 

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has said his alleged plan to defect from the Labour Party to the Peoples Democratic Party remains a rumour. He said because of this, he would not want to comment on it.

Mimiko spoke with journalists after he attended the National Executive Committee of the LP, which held at its national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

“I don’t want to react to that (defection) because it is a mere rumour,” he said.

He, however, stated that he would support the second term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan anytime the president expresses the determination to run. Continue..

Osaze Undergoes Successful Surgery

Nigerian international Odemwingie was omitted from Stoke’s 25-man Premier League squad after he underwent an operation on damaged knee ligaments. Bowen revealed the forward has yet to begin his rehabilitation, but confirmed the surgery was a success and remains optimistic about the player’s recovery time.

“The operation seems to have gone well, which is obviously great news and it always helps a recovery when you’ve got someone of Peter’s great spirits,” Bowen said. There was more positive news for the Potters as midfielder Ireland has returned to training after he sustained a rib injury last month.

“He (Ireland) came through training okay and if he isn’t ready for this weekend, then I’m sure he’ll be banging on the door for the weekend after,” said Bowen. Read more about Stoke City

Breaking News: Judge Says Pistorius not guilty of murder

Oscar Pistorius cannot be found guilty of intentionally killing Reeva Steenkamp, the judge in his trial said Thursday. The judge has not issued a verdict, and the proceedings continue. Pistorius faces other possible verdicts, including culpable homicide.

Under South African law, Pistorius will not be found guilty of murder.

Evidence suggests that Pistorius genuinely believed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was still in the bedroom, and that the person in the bathroom was an intruder, although that is irrelevant to the case, Judge Thokozile Masipa said. Continue...

Resign now, southern leaders’ group tells Jega

The leadership of the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly has asked the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to resign from office with immediate effect.

Jega was accused of having ethnic agenda with the commission’s recent creation of additional 30,000 polling units in the country.

The chairman of the commission had defended the creation, saying that the action was meant to bring the total polling units in the country to 150,000 and that it would decongest the polling units ahead of the 2015 general elections. Continue..

Davido nominated for MTV awards

Multiple awards winning artiste, Davido (real name – David Adeleke), has been nominated by the MTV European Music Awards, for the Best African Act 2014 Awards.

The award presentation is scheduled to hold in Glasgow, Scotland, in November.

A statement from Mr. Bruse Gillmer, Viacom International Media Network (Europe), organisers of the event, said Davido was the only nominee from Nigeria.

“Other African nominees to battle it out with Davido for supremacy in this keenly contested category include Goldfish (South Africa), Diamond (Tanzania) and Toofan (Togo),” it said.

According to the statement, this is the fifth year that MTV has included Best African Act category in the EMA. Continue...

Comedian White Nigerian and wife welcome daughter

 Comedian/artiste Mohammed Jammal popularly known as 'White Nigerian' & his wife Marciel have welcomed their first child together, a girl. They have named her Maya. Congrats to them.

PHOTO: Na wa o! Why is This Woman Doing This to Herself?

When the Oyinbo people are doing research to build big planes, massive ships and other great inventions, the blacks won't copy them by also invest enough time to study, research and make inventions. But once some blacks see a white person doing crazy stuffs, they copy that one immediately.

The pix above is that of our black sister, Latrice Royal, who is struggling to be like Lady Gaga. *sigh*

Ebola: Bill Gates offers Nigeria, other countries N8billion to fight

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has announced it will be donating $50million (N8billion) to support the efforts of Nigeria and other West African countries hit by the Ebola Virus outbreak in containing the spread of the deadly virus.
Announcing this in a statement issued today September 10th, the foundation said the money will be immediately released to the United Nations agencies and international organizations that are involved in the Ebola fight to enable them and national governments purchase needed supplies and scale up emergency operations. Continue...

Photo: Tiwa Savage & Davido at Africa unplugged press conference

The super star singers pictured at a press conference today ahead of their Africa Unplugged concert this Sunday at o2 Brixton Academy London...

Older Nollywood actors are living in poverty – Akposheri

Tony Akposheri, better known for playing the character, Zakky, in the rested Nigeria Television Authority drama series, The New Masquerade, has spent the last 40 years in the Nigerian film industry. Although this should naturally call for a celebration, the actor, who is native of Delta State, has yet to reap the fruits of his labour.

Lamenting his present condition, he says, “I am not sure I have enough, in terms of personal wealth, to show for the years I have spent as an actor. But I am happy to be alive and in good health. I love the fact that I am appreciated as an actor. I can’t quit acting, in spite of the odds. That is why I am also involved in other things. Continue..

Eagles in survival battle

African champions Nigeria will be hoping to get their qualification chances for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations back on track when they play against Group A leaders South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Wednesday at the Cape Town Stadium.

The Super Eagles suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Congo at home on Saturday in their first qualifying game and a defeat to South Africa today will further put their qualification hopes in jeopardy.

Nigeria should have been favourites ordinarily for this tie, having beaten their hosts seven times in nine previous outings, losing just once to them. But a faltering start to their title defence in Calabar on Saturday, have placed doubts over the Eagles ability to overcome Bafana, who defeated Sudan 3-0 in the other group fixture on Friday. Continue..

Nigerian graduates don’t read –Aigbona

Mr. Kingsley Aigbona is a writer and Chief Executive Officer, Learning Edge. He speaks about the need for graduates to read beyond their areas of specialisation in this interview with IFE ADEDAPO

How far can education go in improving a person’s chances of securing a job?

I have seen people who have Ordinary National Diploma who are sharper than people with master’s degree. I agree that having extra education will help in getting a better job. But what I will say is that anybody who goes out there to acquire education whether it is a master’s degree or any other should go beyond what they have studied. They should not just read books given to them in the classroom, and pass their exams and believe anybody will employ them.

Organisations are now looking for competencies that are beyond what is taught in the classroom. There is a documentary that shows that what people learn in year one will become irrelevant by the time they get to year three. It means if people depend on their course outline only or what they have learnt in the classroom to execute their jobs, there is no way they can fit in. Continue..

Oshiomhole commends Nigeria Police on crime reduction

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State  on Wednesday commended the Nigeria Police for its contributions to the reduction of crime in the state.

Oshiomhole described the provision of adequate security of lives and property by relevant security agencies as a pre-condition for social, political, economic and development in the country.

The Governor, who made this known when he received the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police ( Zone 5), Musa Daura, at the Government House, Benin, assured the agency of his administration’s continuous support and cooperation in maintaining in the state. Continue...

Davido & Tiwa Savage were so excited about displayed at Brixton Academy hall

Brixton Academy is also called O2 Academy, Brixton, and is one of London's leading music venues, nightclubs and theatres, situated in Brixton, south London. Davido and Tiwa have a show there this Sunday.

Students tells Gov. Ibikunle Amosun - Reduce our Fees or Lose 2015 Election

Students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU, Ogun State have dared Governor Ibikunle Amosun to do all he could to reverse the increase of their fees or risk loosing the 2015 governorship election in the state. The school was shut down last month due to fee hike protests but the President of the student union in a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, warned that the increased in school fees will make many poor students drop out, as most of them won't be able to pay the hi fess.

But will the government listen to them? 2015 is just around the corner!

Check out 2face and Wizkid's photoshoot for their first ever collabo

 2face and Wizkid are the headlining of this year's Hennessy Artistry 2014 and they just released pics from a shoot they did to promote their first ever collaboration, shot by famed photographer, Kelechi Amadi-Obi and styled by Lilian Unachukwu. See more picx

Photo: Jonathan orders removal of #BringBackJonathan campaign signs

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has directed that the #Bring Back Jonathan 2015 signs and banners around Abuja which he and many Nigerians find offensive and repugnant  be brought down immediately.President Jonathan wholly shares the widely expressed view that the signs which were put up without his knowledge or approval are a highly insensitive parody of the #Bring Back Our Girls hash tag. Continue..

I’m eager to return to battlefield, says Obasanjo’s son

The son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lt. Col. Adeboye, who was shot on Monday by Boko Haram insurgents   near Michika in Adamawa State   has   expressed eagerness to return to the battle front.

Adeboye, who is recuperating at a government medical facility in Yola, spoke with a former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar and the Director General of the National Orientation Agency,   Mike Omeri.

Abubakar   visited the injured soldier while Omeri spoke with him on the telephone. Continue..

Federal Government ready to ban 'Ponmo'?

According to a Vanguard report, the Federal Government is looking at banning the sale and consumption of Ponmo. Find the report below...

This indication emerged Tuesday when the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina called for competent regulations that would check the consumption and sale of the product. If this is achieved, he noted that livestock farmers would stand good chances of making high dollar return if the hides and skins (Ponmo) are tanned into leather. Continue...

South Africa will be tougher than Congo – Amuneke

Former Nigeria forward Emmanuel Amuneke has warned the Super Eagles against any form of complacency in their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa on Wednesday in Cape Town.

Nigeria lost 3-2 to Congo in Calabar on Saturday in the opening game of their title defence and face a daunting task against South Africa.

Amuneke, who is currently the head coach of Nigeria’s U17 national team told Goal in Calabar, that the Bafana Bafana will present a different challenge in comparison with that of Congo.

The former African footballer of the year said that Shakes Mashaba’s victory away in Sudan and home advantage will be a great motivation to secure their first ever competitive victory against the Super Eagles at the Cape Town stadium. Continue...

My Husband Beat Me Mercilessly, But It's Nobody's Business ––Ray Rice's Wife

 Marriage is not a cheap venture, it takes a lot of endurance and sacrifices to work. Some ladies of today are trying to act like they never saw their dad beat up their mum when they were growing up. And you hear them say things like, "if a man touches me, am out of that marriage". Girl, you are joking!

In the last few days, millions of people have been condemning Ray Rice for beating his wife as if their own home is perfect. In fact, the guy has been suspended by the NFL. But is wife, who suffered the slap from her husband is not happy the way people are abusing him. In her reaction, she said: Continue..

Photos: Omawumi, Timaya, Wizkid other stars storm BeatFM as it turns 5

Celebrities including Wizkid, Timaya, Omawumi, Waje, Skales, Bovi, Basketmouth, Jaywon, Skuki, Cynthia Morgan, Illbliss, Phyno, Sound Sultan, Mocheddah, Praiz and DJ Jimmy Jatt stormed Beat FM today as the station turned 5. More picx....

Actress Nadia Buari is Still in Love with Jim Iyke

 

There have been rumours that Jim Iyke and his girlfriend/fiancee actress Nadia Buari were no longer together. Well, he just shared this photo with that caption on his instagram page ...

Photo: Wizkid tries new hairstyle

Nice hair do!

OJB Jezreel talks about the car accident he had a few weeks ago

Some of you don't know this, but singer/producer OJB Jezreel was involved in a car accident a few weeks ago that left the friend riding with him in a hospital for three whole weeks

Speaking about it for the first time, OJB explains what happened to Encomium magazine
"I was coming from Abeokuta with a friend in his car. I think they didn't tighten the bolt of the tyre very well. By the time we were around Mowe, the tyre gave way and the car tumbled and the glass scattered. My friend was seriously injured. I was also injured but not as badly. After the accident, I couldn't walk very well. I was treated and a few weeks I had to walk around with a stick. I dropped the stick three days ago. I'm a lot better now. Continue...

Ebola: Kwara employs 100 health workers

The Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Mr. Kunle Akogun has said that the institution is not scared of Ebola Virus Disease.

In a telephone interview with our correspondent in Ilorin on Tuesday, he stated that there was no delay in the resumption of the school’s academic activities because of Ebola scare.

He added that the institution had taken proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease in the varsity. Continue..

Iyanya and his manager in a private jet

 Iyanya and his manager Ubi Franklin flew a private jet to a 'private location' and shared pictures on social media. more picx..

25-year-old trailer driver shot dead in Edo

A 25-year-old trailer driver was on Monday found dead at Iyaro, along New Lagos road in Benin.

The late driver, identified as Anthony, was said to have been found dead with bullet wounds in the chest and head around 3am on Monday.

A concerned driver, Zakari Musa, said that he was informed through a phone call that his colleague had been killed and taken to the mortuary by the police.

He said that the late Tony was conveying goods from Ofusu in Edo State to Ughelli in Delta State before the incident occurred.

Zakari said, “It was last night around 3am that someone called that one of our drivers was killed and the police took the corpse to a mortuary. Continue..

Actor Bob Manuel-Udokwu to contest for House of Assembly seat in 2015

Actor Bob Manuel-Udokwu revealed plans to contest for a seat at the Anambra state House of Assembly in the 2015 general elections under APGA. Bob is the current special adviser to Anambra state Governor on Nollywood and Entertainment.

"I have been in politics since I was given the role of the special adviser on Nollywood and Entertainment in Anambra state under the leadership of this present administration. If you mean I am contesting for a post in the Anambra state House of Assembly, Yes I am interested in vying for a political position in 2015 general elections in Anambra state House of Assembly to represent Idemili North Constituency 1. I want to go to the grassroots" he said. Continue....

2015: I’m not scared of elections, says Igbinedion

The daughter of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, and sister to the former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion, has said she is not scared of contesting the 2015 general election to the Federal House of Representatives.

She is the second child of Chief Igbinedion to be contesting for high elective office since the days of her brother, Lucky, who served as governor of Edo State between 1999 and 2007.

She spoke at Iguobazuwa in Ovia South West Local Government Area, in company of her mother, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, where she announced her intention to represent Ovia Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives. Continue..

Nigeria avoids FIFA ban as Giwa vacates office

Nigeria will no longer incur the wrath of FIFA following the decision of Chris Giwa to vacate the post of President of the Nigeria Football Federation on Monday.

The world football governing body had given a five-day deadline, which expired 7am on Monday, for Giwa to stop parading himself as the NFF President and for the nation’s football body to revert to the status quo of August 25, when Aminu Maigari was head of the body.

NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire confirmed that General Secretary, Musa Amadu, resumed work at the NFF secretariat on Monday with regard to the FIFA directives, and Giwa did not turn up, indicating that the parties concerned in the football crisis had complied with FIFA’s wish. Continue...