ASUU STRIKE: University Of Ibadan Pulls Out Of ASUU Strike, To Resume January 4th

The University of Ibadan has pulled out of the ASUU strike
and has announced that academic activities. would resume on
the 4th of January, 2014.

This decision was announced by the Governing Council of the
institution and was based on the directives of the
Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities and the
National Universities Commission.

However, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)
said strike still on. Mr. Olujimi Olukoyam, the registrar and
secretary to the council at the UI, signed and released the
official university bulletin on December 6, 2013, Friday. In
the document the governing council explained that the re-
opening became necessary in view of the consideration of all
matters relating to the on-going ASUU strike, at its recent
meeting.

"Consequent upon the directives of the CPC which directed
the Vice-Chancellors to re-open universities for academic and
allied activities to commence, the management on Tuesday,
directed the deans and directors to open resumption register
for academic staff willing to resume work to sign, on or
before December 4, 2013."

At its extra-ordinary meeting held on Wednesday, December
4, the school's governing council deliberated on all the
actions taken and ratified by the Committee of Provost, Deans
and Directors and ratified them.

The Senate at its special meeting also considered the revised
academic calendar for the remaining part of the second
semester of 2012/2013 session proposed by the Committee of
Provost, Deans and Directors and approved," the bulletin
stated.

Photos: Heavily Pregnant Actress Spotted On Movie Set

Heavily pregnant actress Ashionye Raccah, who is married to
a white husband, was recently spotted with former Mr
Nigeria, Kenneth Okolie on a movie set catching fun.

The Journey to self movie star played the role of a pregnant
woman in an upcoming flick staring Kenneth and Kiki omeili.
Since her departure from the broadcasting and music industry
few years back, Ashionye Raccah has been very busy on
movie sets.

Sadly, it turned out to be a fake pregnancy, as she went on
Instagram to disclose this to her fans.

Password Wins MTN Songstar Gets Porsche Car From Donjazzy And MTN

MTN Songstar competition as finally ended as Don Jazzy
took to his social account to announce the winner of the
competition. Password who gets a new Porsche Panamera GT
and a 1 year recording deal from Don Jazzy and MTN.
For those that don't know, Password is the artiste that
originally wrote and performed – "Gobe" which was made
popular by Davido. Congrats to Password as he finally gets a
platform to establish himself.

Nike Loses Kanye West To Adidas,Rapper Signs $10M Endorsement Deal With The Latter

Following the split between Kanye and Nike, the American
rapper has closed a $10 million dollar deal with Footwear
giant-Adidas.
Confirming the deal, Adidas stated;
"For 2014, we welcome to the adidas family one of the
most influential cultural icons of this generation, Kanye
West. Well known for breaking boundaries across music,
film and design and partnering with our history in street
wear culture and leading innovations in sport, we look
forward to creating a new chapter. Details to follow."

Is Yemi Alade Dating Dipp? Is she even Ready To Settle Down?

In a recent chat with Vanguard's Kehinde Ajose, sexy
Yemi Alade spoke about her career, musical journey and
her relationship with the R nB singer Dipp.

Check out what she had to say below:

Is Yemi tying the knots very soon?

When it comes to relationship at the moment, I am in love
with my career than anything else. Let me make the money
first, give me time. I will definitely let you know.
What is your relationship with Dipp like?

Dipp is a cute guy, and "Rock Your Body" is an excellent
song. The video by gambit was just awesome. The
chemistry is believable ? The truth is that Dipp is a good
friend of mine . I believe I am a great actress and he is
great actor for putting up that believable act in the video.
Nothing is going on between us.

56th Annual Grammy Awards Nominations

The 2014 Grammy Awards are just over a month away — the
ceremony airs Jan. 26 on CBS — and now, we finally know
some of the artists going head to head on music's biggest
night! The first round of nominees were announced Dec. 6
during the Grammy Nominations Concert, hosted by LL Cool
J.

Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Lorde and Robin Thicke were among the concert's performers, but does that mean they also snagged nominations?

Read on to find out! Grammy Nominees 2014 — Full List Of
Nominations

Album Of The Year
The Blessed Unrest – Sara Bareilles
Random Access Memories – Daft Punk
good kid m.A.A.d. city – Kendrick Lamar
The Heist – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Red – Taylor Swift

Song Of The Year
"Just Give Me A Reason" – Pink
"Locked Out Of Heaven" – Bruno Mars
"Roar" – Katy Perry
"Royals" – Lorde
"Same Love" – Macklemore & Ryan
Lewis Featuring Mary Lambert

Record Of The Year
"Get Lucky" – Daft Punk & Pharrell
Williams
"Radioactive" – Imagine Dragons
"Royals" – Lorde
"Locked Out Of Heaven" – Bruno Mars
"Blurred Lines" – Robin Thicke
Featuring T.I. & Pharrell Williams

Best New Artist
James Blake
Kendrick Lamar
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Kacey Musgraves
Ed Sheeran

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
"Get Lucky" – Daft Punk & Pharrell
Williams
"Just Give Me A Reason" – Pink
Featuring Nate Ruess
"Stay" – Rihanna Featuring Mikky Ekko
"Blurred Lines" – Robin Thicke
Featuring T.I. & Pharrell Williams
"Suit & Tie" – Justin Timberlake & Jay-Z

Best Country Album
Night Train – Jason Aldean
Two Lanes Of Freedom – Tim McGraw
Same Trailer Different Park – Kacey
Musgraves
Based On A True Story – Blake Shelton
Red – Taylor Swift

For the full nominations list–> Click Here

ASUU: SSANU, LASU Chapter Vows To Continue Strike

Striking Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Lagos State University (LASU), chapter, on Friday vowed that it would continue strike until its demands were met.

The Chairman of the chapter, Mr Oseni Saheed, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said that the union was dissatisfied with the manner the university's Governing Council was handling the strike.

The unionist also said that SSANU was not satisfied with some policies introduced by the council.

NAN reports that hundreds of SSANU members had on Thursday disrupted a meeting of the governing council with LASU workers.

LASU's chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities was, however, not represented at the meeting.

Protesting SSANU members had matched from their secretariat to the university's new auditorium where the meeting was being held.

The protesters chanted protest songs and carried placards with inscriptions such as: "No organisation can develop with poor staff welfare, we fight for our rights and give us our promotion."

Saheed said that the striking workers had been denied promotion since 2011.

He said that the governing council had not been responsive, adding that SSANU members could not be part of the meeting because they were not in the right frame of mind.

Via: Leadership

Paris Hilton Denies Tweet Confusing Nelson Mandela With Martin Luther King Jr.

Paris Hilton is fuming over a fake tweet that suggested she
confused South African leader Nelson Mandela with
American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

A screenshot of the hoax message was posted by
@DeletedTweets before
it was slammed by the hotel heiress.

The fake tweet read, "RIP Nelson Mandela. Your 'I Have a
Dream' speech was so inspiring. An amazing man," to which
Hilton reacted, "Whoever made that stupid fake tweet lacks
respect to the loss the world is mourning right now. Same
goes for all the blogs who ran with it."

Before setting the record straight on the hoax, the socialite
paid a genuine tribute to the late Mandela, "Just landed &
heard the sad new about Nelson Mandela. He was a true Hero
& the world is a better place because of him. May he rest in
peace."

Hilton joins celebrities like Rihanna, Charlize Theron,
Morgan Freeman, Idris Elba and many others who mourned
Mandela's death.

President Obama and Prince William also sent condolences in
the wake of the inspirational figure's passing.

Mandela died on December 5 at the age of 95 after months of
decreasing health.

MultiChoice rewards subscribers with Let’s Go to Samba 2014

Multichoice, Nigeria's leading provider of premium pay TV services on the DStv, GOtv, mobile and online platforms, by way of rewarding dedicated subscribers during the yuletide season, has announced the Let's Go to Samba 2014 promo festive season draw.
 
The promo, which will run from November 2013 through April 2014, will see 60 lucky subscribers selected through a supervised draw to win tickets to Brazil where they will not only visit some iconic cities but will also have the rare opportunity to visit the Telemundo studios and interact with their favourite TV personalities.
 
Speaking at the launch of the promo, Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing and Sales said that though the promo is for the festive season, it will be extended far beyond the yuletide season in celebration of MultiChoice Nigeria's 20th year of uninterrupted quality entertainment.
 
"In our 20 years of innovation we feel the need to reward our subscribers throughout the festive season and beyond and this is why the promo will run from November to April. The promo is open to all current subscribers and potential DStv subscribers on the premium bouquet."

Via: Vanguard

Photo: A Young Farmer Kills 15ft Snake in Ekiti State

A 15-feet (4.572 metres)- snake has been killed by a 23-year-
old farmer, Bayo Ibrahim, close to the Ado-Afao-Ekiti road in
Ekiti State, Nigeria.

On-lookers called it various names, including "Aminurin",
"Ojola" and "Ako Monomono", which are all Yoruba names
for a massive snake.

It was learnt that the snake had been killing domestic
animals, including dogs, sheep, goats and chickens.
The size of the snake attracted spectators from as far as Odo-
Ado, Oke-Ila, Basiri, Nova Road and GRA in Ado-Ekiti, the
state capital, to the sparsely-populated Afao road, turning it
into a Mecca of sorts.

The spectators said: "We have never seen anything likethis";
"Is this what we have been living with?" and "This is the
wonder of the year in Ekiti".

They pushed one another to catch a view of the snake, which
some said was big enough to feed, at least 40 sturdy men.
Ibrahim, who hails from Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, said
he saw three snakes while grazing his herd close to the road
and killed them with a cutlass.

He said: "I am a cattle rearer. I saw three snakes in a small
bush and killed them with my cutlass. I sold two yesterday for
N10,000 each. I have also sold this last one for N10,000 to
that man.

"I have killed about 12 of such snakes. They always kill our
dogs and goats. But they have not killed any person. They do
not kill by biting. They roll round their prey and suffocate it,
until it dies. If you want to kill them, aim for the head and do
not miss it, because if you do, it can be fatal. If you are
scared, do not go near it, but if you are sharp and quick, you
will kill it easily."

Many spectators said it was strange to see such a long and
thick snake.

Ajayi Adekunle said: "To me and most of us here, it is new. I
have seen such snakes many times in movies, but never in real
life. It will easily kill and swallow humans. You can see how
big it is. Even a car cannot kill it. I urge people living in this
area to be careful, as more of this snake may still be around
here."

Shocking: Nollywood Actress Tape Leaked 3 Days To Her Wedding

Lagos big girl /yoruba actress Bose Akanmu,who will be
getting married in less than 24 hours got the shock of her life
when her ex boyfriend released the s3x tape they did together
in 2007,her marriage ceremony which is scheduled for
Saturday is placed in doubt right now..but why do some ladies
foolishly allow their boyfriend to video tape them during love
making?the video already have had over 9000 download..

This should serve as a lesson to everyone especially the
female reader, your past can hunt you this should preach,
never use your today to kill your future am sure Bose Akanmu
will be somewhere crying right now.

According to the video they agree to delete it after watching
it and the idiotic fool ex lover went to post it on the net.
You can search her name online for yourself...

Club Ultimate moves to Lagos

After holding its maiden edition in Port Harcourt on
July 26, Gulder Club Ultimate will be heading to Lagos
for the perfect 'groove'.

According to organizers, Lagos will witness the 'ultimate'
club experience with magical displays, aerial dancers, DJ
battles, live music and more. A number of Nigerian and
international guests have been promised to thrill fans too
'The Gulder Club Ultimate as most consumers have come
to know is a virtual club idea. A 'never been seen before'
experience anticipated to engage and excite consumers,
transforming a simple strategic venue into a spectacular
location for the most exciting clubbing event ever
experienced in the region', says Onyeka Okoli, the senior
brand manager at Gulder.

Club Ultimate will hold at OceanView, Victoria Island on
December 13 and 14, 2013.

Via: NET

Brazil 2014 World Cup Draw: Nigeria To Face Argentina in Group F

Group A
1 Brazil
2 Croatia
3 Mexico
4 Cameroon

Group B
1 Spain
2 Netherland
3 Chile
4 Australia

Group C
1 Colombia
2 Greece
3 Côte d'Ivoire
4 Japan

Group D
1 Uruguay
2 CostaRica
3 England
4. Italy

Group E
1 Switzerland
2 Ecuador
3 France
4 Honduras

Group F
1 Argentina
2 Bosnia
3 Iran
4. Nigeria

Group G
1 Germany
2 Portugal
3 Ghana
4 USA

Group H
1 Belgium
2 Algeria
3 Korea Republic
4 Russia

Support Super Eagle of Nigeria!!!

Photo: "Life Is Too Short To Date A Stingy Man" - Liz Gavy

Lizy Gavy has been off the social scene for a while now. But
we caught what she said on one of her social media pages.
Most of us got to know Lizy Gavy when she had a fight with
Dencia.

She owns about 3 upscale boutiques in Lagos.

Mandela’s life example of what people should aspire for – Obasanjo

Nigeria's former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has described the late Nelson Madela as a man who raised the beacon of human struggle to lofty heights of nobility.

Obasanjo, who addressed journalists in his home in Abeokuta
on Friday, said Mandela's life was an example of what people
should all aspire for.

"In all situations, he lived nobly and died in nobility. Let us
bear in mind that we all have the opportunity to act nobly in
whatever position we find ourselves," he added.

He described Mandela's deat has a monumental loss to all
human races and called on all to emulate the life and times
of the great leader.

"His demise is a loss to his family who will miss a caring
patriarch; the people of South Africa who will miss a guide,
Africa who will miss a role model and the world who will
miss a leader.

"When we teach our children lessons for tomorrow, let us
remember lessons Mandela

gave the world in forgiveness and forbearance,'' Obasanjo
said.

Obasanjo, who eulogising Mandela, recalled the times when
he was voted to become South-Africa's post-apartheid
president.

"During the first non-racial democratic elections in 1994, I
was on election observation assignment in South Africa and
was there for his campaign and when he cast his vote.
"He was devoid of bitterness or anger against anybody except
the hated apartheid system.

"He went on to win the election and more importantly led
South Africa to the extent that the country was able to cast
aside its apartheid legacy and take its place in comity of
nations.

"Certain that his task was completed, Mandela modestly
refused to seek re-election after his first term in office as his
presidency elapsed.

"I still recall his pragmatic words when he said to me 'Olu,
show me a place in the world where a man of 80 years is
running the affairs of his country.

"This, to me, reflects an unequalled sense of modesty for a
man who spent 27 of the prime years of his life in prison for a
just cause.

"Yet he still kept a calm and peaceful disposition to those who
took away his freedom for all those years of his life,'' he
explained.

Via: (NAN)

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2face and Tiwa Savage to perform at Exquisite Face of the Universe

First Royal Events, the organisers of Exquisite Face Of The
Universe beauty pageant has announced that 2face Idibia and
Tiwa Savage will be performing at the Exquisite Face Of The
Universe finals holding on Saturday December 19 2013. The
biggest African beauty pageant event, being staged in Nigeria
for the first time will take place at the prestigious Eko Hotel
& Suites by 6pm.

2face and Tiwa will join other performers at the Exquisite
Face Of The Universe finale to serenade guests and
contestants with some of their latest hit singles. 2Face Idibia,
who is no stranger to beauty pageants, will be joined on stage
by some of the beauty queens vying for the top prize.
Continue...

Recently wedded Tiwa Savage is also expected to perform her
upbeat Kele Kele Love and the recent chart topper, Eminado.
Guests will be treated to an exciting dance competition by the
exquisite beauty queens in addition to talent and fashion
shows during the grand finale event.

Exquisite Face Of the Universe is an international beauty and
modeling contest born to showcase the advancements of
Africa's Eco Tourism.

Organizers say the stage has been set to give both contestants
and attendees an unforgettable 5th edition of the Exquisite
Face Of The Universe while details of the prizes will be
announced soon.

See Actress Ini Edo & Funke Akindele Rock Bum Shorts On Set (Photos)

What do you feel about this pics?

“ I regret my tattoos. It is something I wish I never had” - Actress Anita Joseph

In a Chat with WG in which she reportedly broke down in
tears, newly Born Again Anita Joseph said:

" I regret my tattoos. It is something I wish I never had"
she said " it's so addictive. You do one, you would do
again and again. I just loved tattoos. But that was when I
haven't grown up and never knew it's wrong in God's
eyes"

She had a change of heart because of an encounter with a fan

"She said I love everything about you and so whatever
you do I want to do. I begged her not to have tattoos
because tattoos are addictive. She was happy and thanked
me for telling the truth. At the end of the day, I was happy
I touched someone positively. That told me that whatever I
do, someone, somewhere wants to do it, so now I am
careful of what I do now"

Anita who has tattoos in six parts of her body: back of her
palm, waist, top of her boobs, left leg, neck and arm says
people should desist from this sinful act and she is ready to
clean hers out

President Jonathan And Patient On Arrival At France For The Security Summit

President Jonathan and first lady Patience Jonathan pictured
on arrival at France for summit on Peace and Security in
Africa.

World bows in respect to Mandela

WASHINGTON – The death of South Africa's liberation
leader Nelson Mandela has unleashed a chorus of awed
respect from across the worlds of politics, religion, sport and
culture.

Statesmen, resistance leaders, Nobel laureates and prisoners of
conscience have died before, but never has one man united
such global unity in honoring his passing.

Foreshadowing the guest list of what will surely be the most
important funeral of recent decades, world leaders queued up
to issue solemn tributes to the 95-year-old anti-apartheid hero
who became South Africa's first democratic president.

"He no longer belongs to us; he belongs to the ages," Barack
Obama, America's first black president, said in a deliberate
echo of an early tribute paid to Abraham Lincoln, the
president who emancipated the slaves.

In a rare tribute for a foreigner, Obama ordered US flags at
the White House and other public buildings flown at half-mast
until Monday.

Over and over, leaders returned to the dignity Mandela
displayed during his long imprisonment by South Africa's
former racist regime and then later, when he led his country to
majority rule.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon declared
Mandela a "giant for justice."

"Many around the world were influenced by his selfless
struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom. He touched
our lives in deeply personal ways," he said.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II sent her personal condolences to
Mandela's family, saying she "remembers with great warmth"
her meetings with a man who "worked tirelessly for the good
of his country."

Prime Minister David Cameron, who in 2006 apologized for
what he said were the "mistakes" of his Conservative Party in
its response to apartheid in Britain's former colony, said: "A
great light has gone out in the world."

French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, in China on an
official visit, said Mandela would "long be an inspiration to
all of humanity" as his government also ordered flags to fly at
half-mast.

India's premier Manmohan Singh hailed the anti-apartheid
icon as a "true Gandhian" who would continue to inspire
future generations after his death, while Nigeria's President
Goodluck Jonathan dubbed Mandela "one of mankind's
greatest liberators."

Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised Mandela as "one
of the greatest politicians in modern times" and a man who
never betrayed his convictions.

And Israel's leaders recognised him as a champion of peace
despite his tireless advocacy of the Palestinian cause.

Retired political figures who remembered Mandela during his
27 years of imprisonment or worked with him after his 1990
release were also effusive.

Former US president Bill Clinton tweeted a picture of himself
with his "friend," and said: "Today the world has lost one of
its most important leaders and one of its finest human beings."

The courage to change the world

Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, shared with
South Africa's last apartheid leader F.W. de Klerk for their
role in ensuring a peaceful transition to elected rule.

De Klerk said though his relationship with Mandela was
"often stormy," they were "always able to come together at
critical moments.
"
Another Nobel laureate paying tribute was Myanmar
opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who like Mandela spent
many years in detention. She lamented the passing of a "great
human being who… made us understand that we can change
the world."

The Dalai Lama said he would miss a "dear friend."

"The best tribute we can pay to him is to do whatever we can
to contribute to honouring the oneness of humanity and
working for peace and reconciliation as he did," said the
exiled Tibetan spiritual leader.

For its part, the Norwegian Nobel committee called Mandela
"one of the greatest names in the long history of the Nobel
Peace Prize."

Business and religious leaders, the heads of international
agencies, writers, thinkers, entertainers, sports personalities
and activists also joined the outpouring of emotion.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who has turned over his
business acumen and part of his fortune to battling disease in
Africa, said he and his wife had been personally inspired.

"Every time Melinda and I met Nelson Mandela, we left more
inspired than ever. His grace and courage changed the world.
This is a sad day," Gates said.

There were also tributes from Hollywood, where a new movie
based on the South African leader's autobiography "Long
Walk to Freedom" has just been released.

"What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson
Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down
barriers, and championed human rights," British actor Idris
Elba said.

Brazilian football legend Pele declared Mandela "was a hero
to me. He was a friend and a companion in the popular fight
and the fight for world peace."

But for all the sentiment around the world, the emotion was
strongest in South Africa itself, where the celebration of the
life of the nation's greatest leader was tempered by concern to
preserve his legacy.

"Over the past 24 years Madiba taught us how to come
together and to believe in ourselves and each other. He was a
unifier from the moment he walked out of prison," said
Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Via: Vanguard

Check Out The World’s Richest Presidents & Heads Of State

While public offices usually come with power and respect,
they don't always come with money.

HuffingtonPost has compiled a list of the top world leaders
with the biggest pockets, kings, queens, presidents, sultans
and more.

Check out the list below.

1. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia Worth: $40 Billion
GDP per capita: $14,000

2. Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand Worth: $30 Billion
GDP per capita: $4,400

3. Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei Worth: $20 Billion
GDP per capita: $41,000

4. Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia
Worth: $18 Billion GDP per capita: $21,000

5. Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE
Worth: $15 Billion GDP per capita: $40,000

6. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai
Worth: $14 Billion GDP per capita: $16,000

7. Kim Jong-un, Supreme Leader of North Korea Worth: $5
Billion GDP per capita: $1,800

8. Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechstenstein Worth: $5 Billion
GDP per capita: $135,000

9. Mohammed VI, King of Morocco Worth: $2.5 Billion GDP
per capita: $3,000

10. Sebastian Pinera, President of Chile Worth: $2.5 Billion
GDP per capita: $15,000

11. Congress President Sonia Gandhi Worth: $2 Billion GDP
per capita: $1,500

12. Qaboos bin Said, Sultan of Oman Worth: $700 Million
GDP per capita: $23,700

13. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of
Equatorial Guinea Worth: $600 Million GDP per capita:
$24,000

14. Elizabeth II, Queen of England Worth: $400 Million to
500 Million GDP per capita: $38,000

“Being Plus-Sized Brings Me Joy” –actress Adaora Ukoh declares

Whatever your opinion on fat persons, it is also true that many who diet and believe they are fat are actually perfectly healthy and even beautiful. Experts have found that for each of us there is a broad range of weights at which we can be happy, fit and well, and that for the vast majority, this does not mean having to be a size 10. Eating well, exercising and finding a weight at which you're personally happy and healthy is the key, not trying to conform to some arbitrary aesthetic.

For sultry Nollywood actress, Adaora Ukoh, plus-size is no sin, so she feels happy being fat!

For Adaora, who out of passion for her size, opened and runs a fitness firm tagged 'Adaora Couture For The Plus Sized Woman', we all are quite simply not all meant to be the same. So, it's no harm celebrating and embrace diversity. After all, not so long ago curvaceous, full-figured women were widely considered not only fashionable, but sexy and desirable. Why can't we all just be accepted as we are?

She shares her Nollywood experience to back her passion; "I got into Nollywood when it was still a dribbling toddler. And there was a time I actually did think that I was getting the right kind of growth and progression in the industry. It seemed slow but I was grateful for the jobs I got and I gave them my very best shot But then…I'm not sure what happened really, but it seemed I met a brick wall, or my career was a stalemate.

I grew from confused to angry to confused again to bitter to sad, and then to prayerful.I realised when the jobs came, they were tied to particular kind of roles that had to do with playing a mother, or an over-fed bitter sister-in-law, anything but the major and glamorous roles.

I'm not even going to pretend and say I shrugged it off. I tried to, yet it still hurts like an open sore. I know we live in a skinny world, with skinny people taking all the cream. How we got there, I am not sure. Let's just say it's a tough world for plus size people!

And in all of this, I have tried so many times to lose weight, just so I can "fit in" (not sure what that means anymore) but I have come to realise that I am who I am; what would the world be like if we all had to be slim? Where is the variety of life if God created us all the same? I was hungry for challenging roles as an actress, and a more focused career that is beefed up with endorsements and sort, just like anyone with proper ambition would think for themselves; and to be hampered because of the way-you-look…aaaah!

It just kills!

But anyway I have gradually grown beyond it, and the healing and complete acceptance of who I am continues despite it all.

Now I am focused on things that will succeed regardless of how big or skinny I am!"

President Jonathan in Paris, declares three days of national mourning for Mandela

Paris – President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday arrived in
Paris, France, to join other world leaders that are participating
in a summit on peace and security in Africa.

Also the President has declared three days of national
mourning for former South African President, Dr. Nelson
Mandela who passed away yesterday.

Flags are to be flown at half-mast across Nigeria during the
period and President Jonathan urges all Nigerians to unite in
solidarity with the brotherly people of South Africa as they
mourn the great liberator, freedom fighter and hero of the
black race.

The President also calls for special prayers in mosques and
churches in Nigeria during the period of mourning which
begins today, for the peaceful repose of Dr. Mandela's soul.
A special inter-denominational memorial service for Dr.
Mandela will be held at the State House Chapel on Sunday.
The president and his entourage arrived at a Military Airforce
Base in Paris at about 10.30 a.m.

Jonathan was accompanied by the First Lady, Dame Patience
and some Presidential Aides.

He was received at the airport by the Minister of State for
Foreign Affairs, Dr Nurudeen Mohammed, and the Nigerian
Ambassador to France, Mr Hakeem Suleiman.
No fewer than 50 Heads of State and Government are
participating in the Elysee Palace Summit being hosted by
President Francois Hollande of France.

The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, heads of European
institutions and leaders of Africa's sub-regional and
continental organisations such as the AU and ECOWAS are
also participating in the summit.

The summit is scheduled to discuss peace and security in
Africa, economic partnership, sustainable development and
climate change.

Hollande and Mrs Valerie Trierweiler are billed to host all
heads of delegation to the summit and their spouses to a state
dinner.

Nigeria's first lady Patiece will participate in an advocacy
meeting on sexual violence against women in conflict to be
hosted by Trierweiler at the Orsay Museum in Paris.

It will be recalled that the president and the first lady had on
Tuesday left Abuja for Paris, but had a stopover in Germany
for a private visit.

Via: (NAN)

Actor Kenneth Okonkwo Breaks-up With Fiance For Another Lady

Actor Kenneth Okonkwo was reportedly engaged to one
Mariam Kess Momoh, but as it stands now, Mariam will not
have the privilege to be Mrs Okonkwo, as the former Mr
Nigeria has found a new lover, Maureen Esisi.

"Ken is very fond of Maureen," one of the rumour-millers
informed us. "The babe (Maureen) is a London chic, also a
fashion designer and has a store of hers where she sells wears.
She surely knows how to keep a man asking for more,"
another industry gossip told us.

What some do not know is if Kenneth will take Maureen to
the altar. "From what we are observing, Kenneth might want
Maureen as his wife, but we doubt if Maureen is thinking in
that direction," one of the tale-bearers said.

Burna Boy Finally Talks About His Performance In Pants At The 2013 Felabration Celebration

Aristokrat Records ariste and Glo ambassador Burnaboy, in a
new exclusive interview with Encomium, finally broke his
silence about his underpants performance at the 2013
Felabration celebration.

Excerpts:

The video of your performance at Felabration 2013 has gone
viral. How do you feel about it?

My Felabration performance was all about paying homage to
the great Fela "Abamieda" himself. People who were there
saw it for what it was.

Can you share with us what prompted you to strip to your
underpants on stage?

I have said what I want to say on that subject. No further
comment.

There's been a lot of criticisms from various quarters
including Seun Kuti that Fela never performed on stage in
pants. Were you oblivious of that fact?

No comment on that.

Did you really have an erection on stage, because it seemed so
from the pictures and what caused the erection?

No comment.

How do you cope with female fans?

I love my female fans very much and they love me right back.
I have a lot of love.

What's next from Burna?

My tour is still ongoing, I had to stop in Lagos for a quick
show but more videos are coming from the album soon so my
fans should watch out for more good things from me.

Go-And-Die Widow Flaunts Appointment Letter (Photo)

The Edo state government has announced the appointment of
Mrs. Joy Ifije, the widow insulted by Governor Adams
Oshiomhole, as a Special Assistant (SA) to state Governor on
Environmental issues.

Mrs. Ifije, picture above, shows off her letter of appointment
from the state government. Her appointment starts with
immediate effect. What ought to have brought her shame has
been the same thing that has lifted her so high. God is never
asleep. Am Happy for you! congrats

40 Facts You Need To know About Nelson Mandela

1. He was born in July 18 1918 into the Xhosa- speaking
Thembu people in a small village in the Eastern Cape of
South Africa

2. He was named Rolihlahla Dalibhunga by his parents and
was given his English name, Nelson, by a teacher at his
school.

3. He is also sometimes called Madiba, which is his
traditional clan name.

4. Mandela has been called both 'the world's most famous
political prisoner' and 'South Africa's Great Black Hope.'

5. His father, a counsellor to the Thembu royal family, died
when Nelson Mandela was nine, and he was placed in the
care of the acting regent of the Thembu people, Chief
Jongintaba Dalindyebo.

6. He was circumcised at the age of 16

7. Nelson Mandela was an activist against apartheid, and he
was the leader of the armed wing of the African National
Congress.

8. Nelson Mandela was the first South African President who
was elected in a completely democratic election.

9. He was elected at the age of 77

10. Mr Mandela set up South Africa's first black law firm
with Oliver Tambo

11. Nelson Mandela was an activist against apartheid, and he
was the leader of the armed wing of the African National
Congress.

12. Nelson Mandela spent twenty-seven years in prison.

13. Nelson Mandela won the Nobel prize in 1993.

14. In 1994 he published his autobiography 'long walk to
freedom' which he wrote secretly while in prison.

15. In his spare time, Nelson Mandela studied to become a
lawyer.

16. Nelson Mandela's favorite breakfast is plain porridge,
with fresh fruit and fresh milk.

17. Nelson Mandela has honorary degrees from more than 50
international universities.

18. During his 27-year jail term, he stayed in cell number
46664

19. Besides campaigning globally for peace, Mandela focused
his still prodigious energies increasingly on empowering
disadvantaged children and fighting against HIV/Aids.

20. He was diagnosed of prostate cancer in 2001

21. In June 2004 aged 85, Mandela officially retired from
public life. His parting gift – a R1-billion endowment to
South Africa, to be raised by the three charitable organisations
that bear his name: the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the
Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Nelson Mandela
Rhodes Foundation.

22. He was incarcerated on Robben island for 18 of his 27
years in prison

23. While in jail on Robben Island in the 1980s, the former
president contracted tuberculosis.

24. Nelson Mandela retired from Public life in June 1999 and
currently resides in his birth place

25. Mandela's birth name – Rolihlahla – is an isiXhosa name
that means 'pulling the branch of the tree'. Colloquially it also
means 'troublemaker'. His English name, Nelson, was given
to him by a missionary schoolteacher.

26. He was expelled from the University of Fort Hare after
joining a student protest. He later completed his degree
through Unisa, which he followed up with a law degree from
Wits University.

27. He fled the Eastern Cape for Johannesburg after Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the leader of the Tembu people, tried
to set up an arranged marriage for him. After arriving in the city, he found work as a night watchman at a mine.

28. He lived in Alexandra township at first butlater moved in
with close friend Walter Sisulu and Sisulu's mother in
Orlando, Soweto.

29. Mandela's first wife, Evelyn Mase, was a nurse and
Walter Sisulu's cousin. She was the breadwinner in the family
and supported Mandela while he studied law at Wits University and became further involved in politics. They had
four children together and divorced in 1958.

30. He was the first commander in chief of the ANC's armed
wing.

31. In 1962, he left the country to garner support for the
armed struggle. During this time he received guerilla training
in Morocco and Ethiopia.

32. The circumstances surrounding his arrest at a police
roadblock outside of Howick later that year remain unclear
but it is believed that an American CIA agent tipped off the police about his whereabouts. He was convicted of sabotage and attempting to violently overthrow the government.

33. During his time in prison, Mandela was restricted to a 2m
x 2.5m cell, with nothing but a bedroll on the floor and a
bucket for sanitation in it. He was consigned to hard labour in
a lime quarry for much of that time and was, at first, only allowed one visitor and one letter every six months.

34. The apartheid government offered to release Mandela on
no less than six occasions but he rejected them each time. On
one such occasion Mandela released a statement saying: 'I
cherish my own freedom dearly, but I care even more for your
freedom … What freedom am I being offered while the
organisation of the people [the ANC] remains banned?'

35. Mandela wrote a memoir during the 70s, copies of which
were wrapped in plastic containers and buried in a vegetable
garden which he kept at prison. It was hoped that fellow prisoner Mac Maharaj, who was due for release, would be able to smuggle it out. But the containers were discovered when prison authorities began building a wall through the garden. As punishment, Mandela's study privileges were revoked.

36. After he was separated from his second wife, Winnie
Madikizela-Mandela, he asked struggle stalwart Amina
Cachalia, with whom he had a long relationship, to marry him
but she turned him down. On his 80th birthday, Mandela
married, the widow of Mozambique's former president Samora Machel.

37. The ANC was labelled a terrorist organisation by the
apartheid government and was recognised as such by
countries including the US and Britain. It was only in 2008
that the United States finally removed Mandela and other
ANC members from its terror list.

38. The United Nations declared his birthday, July 18, Nelson
Mandela International Day. This was the first time the UN dedicated a particular day to a person.

39. Hundreds of awards and honours have been bestowed on
Mandela. Among others, he was an honorary citizen of
Canada, an honorary member of the British Labour Party, and an honorary member of Manchester United. He also had a nuclear particle (the 'Mandela particle'), a prehistoric woodpecker (Australopicus nelsonmandelai) and an orchid (Paravanda Nelson Mandela) named after him.

40. When Mandela was 9 years old, when his father died of
lung disease, causing his life to change dramatically.

Glo launches 'text4millions' promo Season 4, N15m grand prize up for grabs

National telecoms operator, Globacom has created another
opportunity for its subscribers to win big and become instant
millionaires as it launched the fourth season of its popular,
innovative and highly rewarding Glo "text4millions" promo
on Monday.

Aimed at rewarding customer loyalty while economically
transforming the lives of subscribers on the Glo network, the
fourth season of the Glo "text4millions" promo offers prizes
of N50,000 each to 10 winners daily, a prize of N5 million
weekly to a lucky subscriber and a grand prize of 15 million
at the end of the promo. Continue...

Speaking about the promo at Globacom's corporate
headquarters in Lagos, Globacom's Marketing Coordinator,
Adeniyi Olukoya said that Glo has a history of rewarding its
subscribers with cash prizes and celebrating them. "Season 4
of the Glo "text4millions" promo will, therefore, continue in
that tradition by giving out huge rewards to loyal subscribers
who choose to participate in the promo", he said.

He stated that Globacom will continue to treat its customers as
"kings" by offering them the best products and services; the
most competitive tariffs and by rewarding them from time to
time. "In this promo, we hope to touch the lives of our
subscribers and get our target base excited and empowered as
over N200 million in cash prizes will be won by subscribers",
he said.

Olukoya explained that the promo is targeted at current
prepaid subscribers on the Glo network as well as those on
other networks who are free to port into the Glo network and
"unlock their riches" on the network that rewards.

To participate in the promo, subscribers are required to send
" WIN" to the short code 555 and accumulate points in order
to qualify for the daily, weekly and final draws where they
stand to win fantastic, life changing prizes running into
millions of naira.

"Every SMS could be a winner of N50,000 in the daily draws
while accumulated points will give subscribers a chance of
winning the N5 million weekly prize or the grand prize of
N15 million ", he stated.

Nelson Mandela’s Life in Brief

Born in 1918, Nelson Mandela joined the African National
Congress in 1943, as a law student.

He and other ANC leaders campaigned against apartheid
(white-only rule).

He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964, but was
released in 1990 after 27 years in jail on Robin Island as
South Africa began to move away from
strict racial segregation.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and was
elected South Africa's first black president in 1994.
He stepped down after five years in office in 1999.

After leaving office, he became South Africa's highest-profile
ambassador, campaigning against HIV/Aids and helping to
secure his country's right to host the 2010 football World Cup.

He was also involved in peace negotiations in the Democratic
Republic of Congo, Burundi and other countries in Africa and
elsewhere.

Gov. Aliyu states reasons for not moving to APC

Minna- Niger state Governor Dr. Babangida Aliyu may have
finally dumped the G7 just as he has given reasons why he
did not defect along with the 5 from the G7 governors to APC
saying, "our mission had been to reform the PDP and put it on
the right track and not to defect to any other party.
He said his decision to remain in PDP to fight on should
therefore not been seen as a betrayal of his other colleagues
who have already defected to All Progressive Congress
(APC).
According to him, "I only led the so called G7 as a result of a
reform we were looking for in our party. The idea was not to
leave our party (PDP); The idea was to reform it and fight to a
logical conclusion before taken our final decision and since
the fight is still on, there is no point of decamping."
Governor Aliyu also explained that his continuous stay in
PDP is not a personal decision but the decision of his people
in the state and there is no way he would take such gigantic
step without consulting them.
"The fight is not about me, it is not a one man show, it is not
about my ambition. It is about my people. There is no way I
will take any decision without coming back to my people to
seek for their views.
Majority of my people prefer that we stay in PDP and we will
stay and make it work," Governor Aliyu declared.
The governor who made his stand non while receiving
members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers
(FIDA) led by the Country Vice President, Barrister Hauwa
Shekarau during courtesy visit at government house Minna
yesterday said the decision of his colleagues to joint the APC
was their personal decision while his decision to also remain
in PDP is also personal.
" The decisions of my colleagues to join APC is highly
respected and I respect their decisions and they should also
respect my own decision too to remain in PDP.
"If along the line of the struggle, some people find it more
expedite to leave the party, that is their decision and I respect
that. Those of us who felt we still need a reform and we felt
that we should remain, I think our views and actions should
also be respected."
The governor threw his weight behind the idea of a two party
system in the country adding that it would put an end to
political prostitution in the country.
"For us in Niger state, we welcome the development of two
parties in this country rather than having so many parties and
end up creating more political prostitutes but if we have two
parties, we would know how these things can play and control
it."

Via: Vanguard

ASUU STRIKE: "We Have Not Received N200 billion From FG" - ASUU

University lecturers, under the auspices of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, yesterday, denied any knowledge of the N200 billion said to have been deposited at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, by Federal Government, as a way of resolving the six months old strike which had paralysed academic activities in the nation's universities.

ASUU also lamented that government was fond of rushing to the media with propaganda and falsehood, instead of resolving the contentious issues headlong, and vowed to continue with the strike until it was officially notified about the payment.

Meanwhile, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and former Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Simeon Itodo, yesterday appealed to ASUU members to call off the strike in the interest of students, parents and the educational system in the country.

Presidency statement

Addressing newsmen in Abuja Wednesday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, asked ASUU to call its members back to work, since government had fulfilled its own part of the bargain, by paying the said amount into CBN.

According to him, the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation had authorised the payment of the money into CBN via a letter with reference number FD/OAGF/220/ ADC/1/4DF, dated November 13.
Okupe said the money was paid into a 'Revitalisation of Universities Infrastructural Account' with the CBN.

However, speaking in a telephone interview with Vanguard yesterday, Chairman of ASUU at the University of Ibadan, Dr. Segun Ajiboye, said the union would continue with the strike as government was yet to officially notify it, detailing the evidence of such payment.

He said: "We read in the papers today (yesterday), that government has presented proof of the N200 billion deposited to in a CBN account for the funding of universities and therefore that we must call-off the strike or face sack.

No evidence- ASUU

"As I speak to you, we are yet to get any evidence of the payment as claimed by government.

"Our union is still expecting an official reply of the letter we wrote to the President through the Supervising Minister of Education on November 22.

"It is very simple. All we request from the Federal Government is to document all it said it has done and will do, and get it duly signed by the Attorney-General of the Federation.

"When this is done, then we expect the Federal Government to invite our union for a meeting so that the final document can be duly recognised and signed by both parties.

"As a union of intellectuals, we see the government's claims as payment on pages of newspapers."
Reacting to the extension of the sack threat deadline to November 9, Ajiboye said: "The threat to sack over 30,000 lecturers is laughable.

Our members are resolute to salvage the decadence in our educational system. So, we are unperturbed by the threat."

On individual varsities resuming

On some universities that had already resumed academic activities, the don said: "I can assure you, that there is no university where teaching is taking place.

"Mind you, universities have not been totally shut down in the last six months. Just that academic activities were stopped.
"So if administrative activities are going on, it would be wrong to say that universities have resumed. Look, when Vice Chancellors go into the classroom to teach with armed policemen, can we say teaching is taking place?"

On his part, Dr. Idris Adekunle, Chairman of ASUU, Lagos State University branch, said: "If you had discussions with some group of people and some resolutions where reached, I think it is logical to write the people you had discussions with stating your new position.

"After our meeting with government on November 4, we wrote government on November 8 and 22, stating some grey areas, which we believe govern-ment should meet to end this strike.

"But for reasons unknown to us, the government never replied our letters. Now, it is claiming it has made payment of the N200 billion revitalisation funds for universities into a CBN account.

"As a union made up of intellectuals, ASUU cannot just believe that payment has been made, which is only on the pages of newspapers.

"Even if government writes us that it has deposited the money, providing an account number, we must confirm the payment from CBN.

"I must lament that I see all these as normal government's propaganda. The government is playing with the lives and future of our children using personalities we already know.

"This is not helping this nation. However, ASUU is resolute to ensure government is accountable and responsive to the people.

"Once we get government's official letter, inviting us for a meeting, we will call-off the strike after the resolutions reached must have been signed by both parties."

Via: Vanguard

Brazil 2014: Brazil pitted against Italy and France in World Cup draw rehearsal

Three sides with 10 title wins between them were thrown into a pool that also featured Australia, while defending champions Spain drew England, Ivory Coast and South Korea

Brazil were pitted against fellow heavyweights Italy and France in the rehearsal for Friday's draw for World Cup 2014.

Australia were the other team landed in a veritable 'Group of Death' containing three nations with 10 titles between them, with the Selecao having triumphed a record five times, the Azzurri on four occasions and Les Bleus once.

Defending champions Spain were also handed a tricky pool in the mock draw, having been bracketed with England, Ivory Coast and South Korea.

Lionel Messi's Argentina went into Group C alongside Ghana, Costa Rica and Russia, while Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal were thrown into Group G with Germany, Ecuador and Iran.

Elsewhere, Uruguay, who finished fourth at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, featured in an intriguing pool alongside Nigeria, USA and Croatia.

Netherlands had Colombia for company in Group F, as well as Cameroon and Honduras, while Belgium drew Algeria, Mexico and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Switzerland, whose status as a top seed has provoked much debate, were paired with Chile, Japan and Greece.

The real draw takes place on Friday at 16.00BST and you can follow all the drama LIVE! with Goal.

WORLD CUP DRAW REHEARSAL:

GROUP A – Brazil, Italy, France, Australia

GROUP B – Uruguay, Nigeria, USA, Croatia

GROUP C – Argentina, Ghana, Costa Rica, Russia

GROUP D – Switzerland, Chile, Japan, Greece

GROUP E – Spain, Ivory Coast, South Korea, England

GROUP F – Colombia, Cameroon, Honduras, Netherlands

GROUP G – Germany, Ecuador, Iran, Portugal

GROUP H – Belgium, Algeria, Mexico, Bosnia-Herzegovina

71-yr-old nabbed for allegedly raping 7-yr-old girl

AKURE— A 71-year old, Alhaji Ganiyu Kolawole, has been arrested in Akure, the OndoState capital, for allegedly raping a seven-year-old primary one pupil (names withheld).
The suspect, who is a night guard and farmer, is said to be fond of raping children. He was said to have been jailed recently for a similar offence.

Report had it that the suspect lives alone in a dilapidated house on Mission Road, Ayetoro Street, Oba-Ile, Akure where he allegedly committed the act.

Vanguard gathered that the suspect, who is from BenueState, is being detained by the officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

The victim, who attends St. PaulAnnexPrimary School, Oba-Ile was lured by the suspect into his room with biscuits.
Sources said the unsuspecting girl was returning from school, Tuesday, and said to be famished.

She was said to have crossed the road to drink water from a well along her route but when she discovered that the water was dirty she continued her journey home when the suspect beckoned on her.

The girl reportedly went to the suspect who was sitting in front of his house and was lured into the room where she was defiled.

Vanguard learnt that the Alhaji, who connived with another suspect now at large, asked the girl what she wanted and promised to give her not only cold water but biscuits.

While the girl was still trying to think of what the Alhaji had promised her, the accomplice reportedly pushed her  inside the house while the Alhaji carried her covering her mouth with apiece of cloth  when she started shouting.

It was gathered that after defiling the girl, the Alhaji cleaned her up as she was bleeding.

Suspect denies allegation
Confirming the arrest and detention of the suspect, the image maker of the NSCDC, Mr Kayode Balogun, said: "When Alhaji was interviewed, he said the girl approached him to buy her biscuits as she was hungry which he bought for her and denied raping the girl."

He said during investigation, it was discovered that the suspect is a serial rapist who had been jailed for raping another girl in the community.

He said: "When officers of the corps went to the house of the accused for investigation, the residents of the area testified that the man was fond of raping children and had been jailed before for raping a girl in the area.

Balogun said after the matter was reported to the agency, the  girl was taken to the general hospital where it was confirmed she had been defiled.

He said: "Investigation is still ongoing as the man is still in our custody and will be taken to court."

Vanguard gathered that the girl, whose father died few years ago, lives with her mother in a one-room apartment in Oba-Ile area of the state capital

Via: Vanguard

A great light has gone out’, Cameron says of Mandela

LONDON (AFP) – British Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday said "a great light had gone out" following Nelson Mandela's death as flags flew at half-mast at his Downing Street Office.

"Nelson Mandela was a towering figure in our time; a legend in life and now in death — a true global hero," said Cameron.
"Across the country he loved they will be mourning a man who was the embodiment of grace," he added.

"Meeting him was one of the great honours of my life. My heart goes out to his family — and to all in South Africa and around the world whose lives were changed through his courage.
"A great light has gone out in the world."

Opposition leader Ed Miliband said the world "had lost the global hero of our age".

"Nelson Mandela showed us the true meaning of courage, hope, and reconciliation," he stressed.

"From campaigner to prisoner to president to global hero, Nelson Mandela will always be remembered for his dignity, integrity and his values of equality and justice.

"He moved the world and the world will miss him deeply."
London mayor Boris Johnson praised Mandela's power of forgiveness.

"He faced down the tyranny and oppression of apartheid by embracing unity, by rejecting division, by proving without rancour or recrimination that his way was the right way, the best way, and the only way to bring about change," he said.

"Londoners, brought up in a city where the values of diversity and equality were celebrated not suppressed, forged a unique bond with Mandela and the struggle he embodied.

"He was without doubt the pre-eminent statesman of his age. No statesman in history can match him for resilience, for grace, and for forgiveness.

"A great heart is stilled."

Former prime minister Tony Blair said Mandela had made racism "not just immoral but stupid".

"He was a wonderful man to be around, with a sharp wit, extraordinary political savvy and a lovely way of charming everyone in a building," recalled Blair.

"Through his dignity, grace and the quality of his forgiveness, he made racism everywhere not just immoral but stupid; something not only to be disagreed with, but to be despised. In its place he put the inalienable right of all humankind to be free and to be equal," he added.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the world's Anglicans, mourned the loss of South Africa's "greatest citizen and its father."

"Nelson Mandela, fighting to the end, is freed to be with his God in joy and reward for his great service and sacrifice.
"We pray for his family, for his friends and for his country," added the archbishop.

Irish prime minister Enda Kenny paid tribute to the "gift" of Mandela, and offered the country's deepest sympathies to the people of South Africa.

"The name Mandela stirred our conscience and our hearts. It became synonymous with the pursuit of dignity and freedom across the globe," he said in a statement.

"As we mark his passing, we give thanks for the gift of Nelson Mandela. We ask that his spirit continues to inspire, guide and enlighten us as we strive to bring freedom and dignity to the family of man, our brothers and sisters, across the world," he added.

Scotland First Minister Alex Salmond said the world has lost a "towering statesman and outstanding political leader."

Via: Vanguard

Breaking News: At Last Nelson Mandela Dead At 95

Former South African President and anti-apartheid
revolutionary hero Nelson Mandela has died at his
Johannesburg home. He was 95.
He had returned home on September 1 in a critical condition
after being in a Pretoria hospital for almost three months –
precisely the fourth time he had been admitted to hospital
since December. He had battled a series of lung infections and
respiratory illnesses in the past few years.
"He is now resting," said South African President Jacob
Zuma. "He is now at peace."
"Our nation as lost his greatest son," he continued. "Our
people have lost their father."
A state funeral will be held.
Though he was in power for only five years, Mandela was a
figure of enormous moral influence the world over – a symbol
of revolution, resistance and triumph over racial segregation.
He inspired a generation of activists, left celebrities and world
leaders star-struck, won the Nobel Peace Prize and raised
millions for humanitarian causes.

RIP NELSON MANDELA

Full Nominees List: Olamide & Phyno Dominate The Headies 2013 Nominees List

We guess they saved the best for last. As reported earlier, The
Headies, Nigeria's most prominent music awards show holds
on December 26, 2013 and the nominees have been
announced!

Rapper Olamide tops the list with an alarming nine
nominations, the highest ever received in the history of the
awards show.

It's been a very big year in review for 'Badoo', who recently
released his 'Baddest Guy Ever Liveth' album, a year after he
dropped the critically acclaimed sophomore 'YBNL'. He has been nominated in the 'Best Rap Album', 'Best Rap Single', 'Best Street-Hop Artiste', and six other categories including the most sought after award, 'Artiste of the Year'.

Igbo-lingo rapper Phyno follows closely with seven
nominations. The 'Man of the year' who is yet to release a
debut has flooded the music scene with multiple hits including
the heavy duet 'Ghost mode' with Olamide.

Two other top nominees who'll be fighting for the 'Artiste of
the Year' award are Pop singers Davido
and Iyanya. Both acts received five nods each.

Waje who released her long awaited debut 'Words Aren't Just
Enough' leads the female pack with five nods.

She contends with Seyi Shay, Niyola,
Nikki Laoye and Zaina for the 'Best Vocal
Performance (Female)'.

A new category 'Best Alternative Song' has been added to
this year's list with the likes of Blackmagic, Ajebutter 22,
Jaywon and Show Dem Camp receiving nods.

Organizers of the awards, Smooth Promotions have
announced that veteran musician Onyeka Onwenu will be
inducted into the 'Hall of Fame',
as a 'special recognition for excellence and outstanding
impact to the entertainment industry'.

The full list can be viewed below…

BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR
A non-voting category for the best single recording by an
artiste or group in year under review.

I WISH – WAJE
GOOD MORNING – BRYMO
NATURAL SOMETHING – SOUND SULTAN
THIS YEAR – JAYWON

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
An individual responsible for producing the most acclaimed
song or album in the year under review.

PHEELZ – DUROSOKE
DTUNES – SHO LEE
DEL B – LIMPOPO
LERIQ – LIKE TO PARTY
LEGENDURY BEATS – EMI NI BALLER

BEST MUSIC VIDEO
A voting category for the best conceptualist, best directed and
most exciting video in the year under
review. This award goes to the video director
.
ALINGO – JUDE OKOYE/CLARENCE PETERS
OLIVER TWIST – SESAN
GAGA CRAZY – AJE FILM WORKS
AZONTO– MOE MUSA
YES/NO – CLARENCE PETERS

BEST R&B/POP ALBUM
A category for the best R&B/Pop Album in the year under
review (by single individual or group).

IYANYA VS. DESIRE – IYANYA
O.B.O. – DAVIDO
R&BW – BANKYW
BLESSED – FLAVOUR
AWAY & BEYOND – 2FACE

BEST R&B SINGLE
A category for the best R&B single in year under review (by
single individual or group).

DON'T LET GO – CAPITAL FEMI
GOOD GOOD LOVING – BANKYW
LIKE TO PARTY – BURNA BOY
RICH & FAMOUS – PRAIZ
OMOTE – ESE PETERS

BEST POP SINGLE
A category for the best pop single in year under review (by
single individual or group)

IHE NE ME – 2FACE
The KICK – WANDE COAL FT DON JAZZY
GOBE – DAVIDO
CATCHING COLD – TUNDE EDNUT
UR WAIST – IYANYA
GOODY BAG – D'PRINCE

BEST REGGAE/DANCEHALL SINGLE A category for
the best Reggae/Dancehall single in year under review (by
single individual or group).

I WISH – WAJE
RIHANNA – OREZI
GIVE IT TO ME – GENERAL PYPE
GO DOWN – BABA DEE

BEST RAP ALBUM
A Non-Voting Category for the Best Album By A Rap Artiste
Or Group In Year Under Review.

OGA BOSS – ILL BLISS
THE SECOND COMING – VECTOR
YBNL – OLAMIDE
BOOK OF RAP STORIES – REMINISCE

BEST COLLABO
A voting category for the best R&B, Pop or Hip-hop
collaborative track (including cameos).

GHOST MODE – PHYNO FT. OLAMIDE
TONY MONTANA (REMIX) – NAETO C FT. D'BANJ
BADDEST BOY – EME FT. WIZKID, SKALES &
BANKYW
EZIOKU – LYNXXX FT. IKECHUWKU, ILL BLISS &
PHYNO
EMI NI BALLER – CHIDINMA FT. SUSPECT & ILL
BLISS
BABY MI DA (REMIX) – DR. VICTOR OLAIYA FT.
2FACE

BEST RAP SINGLE
A voting category for a single (released on-air) recording of a
rap.

MAN OF THE YEAR – PHYNO
ANAM ACHI KWANU – ILL BLISS FT. PHYNO
DUROSOKE – OLAMIDE
2 MUSSHH – REMINISCE
GHOST MODE – PHYNO FT OLAMIDE

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE) A non-voting
category for the single male artiste with the most
outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album.

RICH AND FAMOUS – PRAIZ
OMOTE – ESE PETERS
DON'T LET GO – CAPITAL FEMI
YES/NO – BANKYW

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE) A non-voting
category for the single female artiste with most
outstanding vocal performances on a single song or album.

I WISH – WAJE
TOH BAD – NIYOLA
IRAWO – SEYI SHAY
TOTALLY YOURS – ZAINA
ONLY YOU – NIKKI LAOYE

NEXT RATED
This category is a voting category for the most promising
upcoming officially unreleased (or signed) act in the year
under review.

SEAN TIZZLE
DAMMY KRANE
BURNA BOY
SEYI SHAY
PHYNO

HIP HOP WORLD REVELATION
A voting category for the best new artiste in the year
under review.

W.A.J.E – WAJE
OMO BABA OLOWO – DAVIDO
FRENZY – D'PRINCE
THE YEAR OF R'N'B – CAPITAL FEMI

LYRICIST ON THE ROLL
A non-voting category for the Rap Artiste with the best
lyrical depth and performance on a single
song or album.

OLAMIDE – VOICE OF THE STREETS
BOOGEY – SANCTUM
MODE 9 – LET IT GO
PHYNO – MAN OF THE YEAR

BEST STREET-HOP ARTISTE
A voting category for the artiste whose songs are inspired
by the streets. Such song should captain lingua, which
may also be originated by the artiste
and popular on the street.

TERRY G – RUN MAD
DUROSOKE – OLAMIDE
MY DEAR – DAMMY KRANE
SKIBO – SOLID STAR
ALAYE – LKT

BEST 'ALTERNATIVE' SONG
A voting category for the artiste whose songs reflect any
form or style of music which falls outside the mainstream
of recent or past popular musical trends.

REPETE – BLACKMAGIC
OMO PASTOR – AJEBUTTER FT. BOJ
FEEL ALRIGHT – SHOW DEM CAMP FT. BOJ & POE
THIS YEAR – JAYWON

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
A voting category for the best album (solo or group) in
year under review, that meets judges requirements of
excellence (in every realm: Songwriting, production,
rendition and promotion) and acceptability (Sales and
popularity).

IYANYA VS. DESIRE– IYANYA
O.B.O. – DAVIDO
R&BW – BANKYW
BLESSED – FLAVOUR
YBNL – OLAMIDE

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Most critically and commercially adjudged artiste in the
year under review. Overall most successful artiste for the
year under review.

IYANYA
DAVIDO
WIZKID
FLAVOUR
OLAMIDE
ICE PRINCE

SONG OF THE YEAR
A voting category for the most popular song in the year
under review. This category is usually decided by voting.
DUROSOKE – OLAMIDE

UR WAIST – IYANYA
ALINGO – P-SQUARE
SHO LEE – SEAN TIZZLE
LIMPOPO – KCEE

BEST AFRICAN ARTISTE
A non-Nigerian award category for an individual African
artiste with the most outstanding album and astonishing
achievements in year under review.

R2BEES
MAFIKIZOLO
LIQUID DEEP
SARKODIE
MICASA

HALL OF FAME
Special recognition for excellence and outstanding impact
to the entertainment industry.

ONYEKA ONWENU

Chocolate City Vs. Brymo: Case Adjourned Till 2014 As Brymo Is Absent

The legal battle between music and Entertainment Company, Chocolate City limited and popular musician Ashimi 'Brymo' Olawale failed to come up today, 5 December 2013 as the presiding judge, Justice Bubba of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division in Ikoyi didn't sit. Thus, the case has been adjourned till 14, January 2014.
It was gathered that Chocolate City, who were represented at
the court today by Miss C.O Madubuko from L & A legal
consultants are yet to serve Brymo the court papers; Brymo
was not represented at the Court today.
The legal battle which began 11:35am, Monday, 11th
November, 2013 and presided over by justice Bubba was
adjourned to today after Chocolate city's lawyer, Miss C.O
Madubuko appeared before the court without serving the defendant, Brymo, the court papers.