Saturday, 26 July 2014

Much Ado About ‘Stomach Infrastructure’ In Fayose’s Victory

MR Peter Ayodele Fayose has arrived in our midst with the  force of a rocket-propelled grenade and to the endless exasperation of armchair critics and modern day public commentators. A consistent majority of Ekiti voters continue to ignore their rebukes about the suitability of Fayose as the Governor-elect of Ekiti State.

   However bizarre his (Fayose's) public pronouncements and however disgruntled some elements outside the system are about his private life, Ekiti people still prefer the savvy  52-year-old Fayose to anyone else on the political turf in Ekiti.

   As strange as this preference seems to outsiders, there are several very salient reasons for Fayose's ongoing hold on politics at home. In the interest of full disclosure, Ekiti electorate have a long tradition of concealing their private lives and the choices they make from "outsiders" and as a result, people rarely know what they are voting for.

    The June 21, 2014 election was no exception. A lot of critics had come heavy on the Ekiti electorate, casting aspersions on the choice of Fayose over Fayemi as the governor of the state. Two issues they played up was  that Fayemi's performance was enough to earn him another term. Secondly, that Fayose is not an ideal candidate to present as the governor of the state. These are the two hot button issues that some analysts, with no idea of how knotty the Ekiti politics could be, threw up before the election.

     After the election, self-serving critics of the entire process are still wallowing in the thought that there were  indeed underhand deals from voters to scuttle Fayemi's ambition. Critics, pundits and cynics have failed to ask the salient questions of what tilted the pendulum  for Fayose and what  pulled the carpet under the feet of Fayemi? How did Fayemi who phantom opinion ratings favoured before the polls, fall flat without a victory even in his local government? What was Fayose's magic wand?

     For all his apparent grandeur, Fayemi was never tipped by the major Ekiti stakeholders to win that election. It is important to situate who these stakeholders are. They are the artisans, market women, tailors, hairdressers, shoemakers, commercial motorcycle riders, commercial vehicle drivers, unemployed youth, petty traders, civil servants and pensioners. If the critics who are crying and blowing hot from their comfort zones had painstakingly engaged these people in tete-a-tete before the election, they would possibly have had a real grasp of the goings-on. 

    The crack politicians in the APC's midst knew it was a sorry case. They honestly without inhibition knew Fayemi stood no chance against the behemoth that Fayose had become in the new political calculation.  They were also feeling the heat in their party. The issue of "stomach or belly support programme" which the ruling party in the state have used to deride the Ekiti electorate, surprisingly was what did them in. It would surprise not a few people that the campaign for "stomach infrastructure" began right in the APC before the election. Some of the governor's top aides had complained frantically that they had consistently avoided their constituency because their people had not felt their "impact". 

    If they are deriding Ekiti people today for kicking Fayemi out and voting for "stomach infrastructure", it would be proper to also note that Fayose got ample support from many APC members in the state. If a reality check is done, majority of the critics would realize that Fayose got a fulcrum of support from loyal party members of APC who were displeased and disenchanted with the way the party had become a personal fiefdom of a tiny clique in power . 

     They only struck when the iron was hot. That is why the Ekiti people would always remain calm in the face of provocation. They will always remind those who seem to be more Catholic than the Pope that Ekiti people have a time-honoured idiom that clearly marks them apart from others. For full measure, there is a wise saying that, " Oju mi la l'eko, iya lo mu ni je ni Ekiti" (No matter how well exposed you are in Lagos, you will be pruned to size in Ekiti''. 

   The APC goons began the campaign shortly after the defeat as some sort of palliative to portray their candidate as a man who was a victim of circumstance. They have failed woefully in their quest to denigrate the Ekiti people by making them look cheap and hungry. I have heard some hare-brained analysts spew invectives at Ekiti people, saying, "they expect Fayemi to line them up and give them money. How many people would he give money and what difference would that make?" If that was in stout defence of Fayemi, the hatchet man made a kill of it, at least he proved his point, but if I were to offer a suggestion to him, I would simply tell him that Fayose's model of "stomach infrastructure is that the people of the state must benefit directly from the socio-economic activities in the state. He is not saying that you should line them up and give them money.

     He is saying that if you engage expatriates to construct or repair roads, patronize local contractors and traders. Let the expatriates teach our local contractors how to ply the trade. Let them engage our youth. Teach our food vendors how to make the food that they would eat in the entire duration of their project instead of eating breakfast in Ibadan, lunch in Akure, and dinner in Lagos . Teach our local farmers how to export their produce. Is this too much to ask?  What we have in Ekiti is different. The natives are not patronized. The construction companies do not fully engage the teeming youth. There was capital flight. That was why things went awry for Fayemi. It is easy to cast aspersions and it is even easier to apportion blames, but those who know would say that Fayemi couldn't have done otherwise; conceding defeat, congratulating Fayose and offering to assist in ensuring a smooth and seamless transition was simply the way to go.

      While Fayose's adversaries may disdain him and some of his bimbo eruptions, they should ask genuine questions on how he has guided the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to healthy wins in two elections. The most important thing any student of history remembers about Fayose is the legion of people that were empowered during his three -year tenure. Local contractors were better for it; contractors were mandated to purchase their products from traders in the rural areas. What was the multiplier effect? Your guess is as good as mine!  Fayose's critics seem to forget that his persona finds ready expression in the words of former British Premier, Tony Blair who sometime ago said of the Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel: "She is one of the easiest politicians to underestimate and its one of the stupidest thing any politician can do".

•Igandan wrote from Igbara Odo Ekiti

Thursday, 24 July 2014

Davido, Ice Prince, Sarkodie nominated for The Future Africa Awards

Organizers of the The Future Africa Awards 2014 have unveiled nominees for this year's awards. 

A total of 50 nominees have been featured at this year's awards, including the likes of popular entertainers Davido, Ice Prince and Sarkodie. Other popular names include Nigerian actress Ivie Okujaye, Tanzanian Pop singer Diamond and Ivory Coast footballer Yaya Toure.

The awards is to be Hosted by the US Consul-General later this year.

The Future Africa Awards Prize in Advocacy & Activism
1. Kennedy Odede, 29
Shining Hope for Communities, Kenya

2. Ola Ojewumi, 23
Sacred Hearts children's transplant foundation and Project ASCEND, Nigeria

3. Boniface Mwangi, 29
Pawa 254 initiative, Kenya

4. Abdikadir Aden Hassan, 26
Founding member of Garissa Youth Environment Movement, Kenya

5. David Akpan, 28
UCARE Foundation Nigeria

The Future Africa Awards Prize in Agriculture

1. Eric Muthomi, 27
Stawi Foods, Kenya

2. Nomzamo Khoza, 27
Farmer, South Africa

3. Olawale Isiah Ojo, 25
Agropreneur, Nigeria

4. Charles Nichols and Samir Ibrahim; 24, 24
SunCulture, Kenya

5. Nasir Yammama, 24
Farmer, Nigeria

The Tony O. Elumelu Prize in Business

1. Zakaria Hersi, 25
StartUpSomalia.com & 4Weeks4Life, Somalia

2. Eseoghene Odiete, 24
Hesey Designs, Nigeria

3. Andrew Mupuya, 21
Youth Entrepreneurial Link Investments, Uganda

4. Ally Edha Awadh, 31
Lake Oil Group, Tanzania

5. Ashley Uys, 30
Medical Diagnostech and OculusID, South Africa

The Future Africa Awards Prize in Community Action

1. Jake Okechukwu, 26
Sickle Cell Aid Foundation, Nigeria

2. Emmanuel Olisaeloka Osemeka, 30
Social Welfare Network Initiative, Nigeria

3. Tricia Michaels, 28
Stay In School Initiative, Nigeria

4. Nixon Ochater, 23
Amani Initiative, Uganda

5. David Akpan, 28
UCARE Foundation, Nigeria

The Future Africa Awards Prize in Education

1. Best Aiyorworth, 22
Founder Girls' Power Micro Lending Organization, Uganda

2. Regina Agyare, 30
Soronko Solutions, Ghana

3. Ogunlana Olumideand and Obanor Chukwuwezam; 22, 23
Prepclass.com.ng, Nigeria

4. Philip Obaji Jr, 28
1 GAME Campaign, Nigeria

5. Adeniyi Oluokun, 28
AccessDrive, Nigeria

The Future Africa Awards Prize in Public Service

1. Okwuone Nkechi, 25
Edo State Government, Nigeria

2. Guillermina-Mekuy Mba Obono, 32
Department of Culture and Tourism, Equatorial Guinea

3. Ahmed Salihijo, 30
Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Nigeria

4. Lukman Jaji, 29
African Union Institute for Education Information Management System, Nigeria

5. Peterson Opio, 28
Australian Aboriginal Development Cooperation, Uganda

The Future Africa Awards Prize in Technology

1. Lorna Rutto, 28
EcoPost, Kenya

2. Jamilia Abass, Linda Kwamboka, Susan Oguya, – 30, 26, 26
M-Farm, Kenya

3. Anne Amuzu, 29
Nandimobile Company, Ghana

4. Mark Essien, 31
Hotels.ng, Nigeria

5. Joshua Okello, 23
WinSenga, Kenya

The Future Africa Awards Prize in Entertainment

1. Panshak Zamani, 27
Musical Artiste, Nigeria

2. Michael Kwesi Owusu (Sarkodie), 28
Musical Artiste, Ghana

3. Nasibu Abdul Juma (Diamond), 24
Musical Act, Tanzania

4. Ivie okujaye, 28
Actress and producer, Nigeria

5. Yaya Toure, 31
Footballer, Ivory Coast

The Future Africa Awards Prize in Enterprise Support

1. Sanga Moses, 30
Eco-Fuel, Uganda

2. Bunmi Otegbade, 27
Generation Enterprise and StrategyQ, Nigeria

3. David Oshei, 27
Dropifi, Kenya

4. Justin Stanford, 30
4Di Group, South Africa

5. Oluwafemi Bankole, 27
TechCabal.com, Nigeria

The Future Awards Prize for African Young Person of the Year

1. Kayode Disu, 31
ISEC, Nigeria

2. Joel Mwale, 20
Sky Drop Enterprises and Gigavia.com, Kenya

3. Sangu Delle, 27
Cleanacwa, Ghana

4. Alengot Oromait, 22
Member of Parliament, Uganda

5. David Adedeji Adeleke (Davido), 21
Musician, Nigeria

Source: NET

Ghanaian Actress Emmanuela Mendoza Denies Dating Ramsey Nuoah

Fast-rising Ghanaian actress, Emmanuela Mendoza, better known as Ella Mensah, has denied speculations making the rounds that she was dumped out of Ghanaian movies by producers because she was not delivering her roles well.

According to the actress, who has gained more grounds in Nollywood, a Nigerian movie director was instrumental to her success in Nollywood.

Ella also swiftly debunked claims that she was having an affair with Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nuoah, who she says they are not friends.

"That's not true at all. Ramsey Nuoah and I are not involved in anything. We're not even friends," she said, adding that though she is still single, but not searching because she is engaged.

My Children Are There For Me, I’ve Moved On – Sophia Chikere

One of the news stories that shocked many in Nollywood was the breakup between top movie producer, Tchidi Chikere and her estranged actress-wife, Sophia. What further surprised many was when the man went ahead to marry Sophia's colleague, Nuella Njubigbo.

The wedding of Nuella and Tchidi was virtually snubbed by their colleagues in the movie industry, apparently not showing their support for the union.

"Sometimes, you don't wish certain things to happen, but when it does happen, you take it as one of those things in life and move on. it is just a small world. Being alive today is even a privilege and I don't take it (the breakup) to the heart or as anything.

"I have my kids and they are lovely. My boys are there for me, that alone makes my day. I am not shaken about it, it is one of those things; it is life and I have moved on," Sophia told our source in an exclusive chat.

Speaking on her newly launched perfume line called 'Sophia Secrets', the actress said her love for perfumes gave her the drive to go into that business, saying the perfumes are feminine only and made for Nigeria and sub region countries.

"It is a nice fragrance, it is feminine. It appeals to a whole of people; women, old, young and it is going places. I have many collections of perfumes, I love fragrance, I love perfumes, I love buying them, I love to smell good and I have been having this in my mind; starting my own perfume line," she said.

BREAKING NEWS: Plane Crashed: 51 People Feared Dead

Taiwan's Central News Agency says a plane has crashed in a failed emergency landing, killing 51 people.

The news agency cited the head of the fire department in the Taiwanese county of Penghu as saying that seven people were also injured in the crash.

The report cites the Civil Aviation Administration as saying the flight crashed Wednesday with 54 passengers and four flight crew and was operated by a Taiwanese airline, TransAsia Airways.

The report says the plane likely crashed when an attempt to make an emergency landing in the city of Magong.

Wednesday, 23 July 2014

Confession: "Killing People Is My Hobby"- Aminu Ogwuche

Nyanya bomb blast suspect who was recently extradited from Sudan, has began with stunning observation at State Security Service (SSS) Headquarters in Abuja. 

Contrary to the expectation of interrogation officers that Ogwuche will become sober as a result of his ordeal and probably ask for forgiveness. He is allegedly defiant and vowing to continue with what he termed as spiritual revolution at the least opportunity.

The suspected terrorist, who was wearing trousers and long sleeve with blue colour stripes, said in fluent English language that he has no regrets for his dastardly act in the April 14, 2014 bomb blast that killed over 70 people and injured about 120 others at Nyanya area of Abuja.

"I don't deny that I am the executioner of the Nyanya bomb incident. I did it in order to draw government's attention to our demands.

We want our detained colleagues released and compensation paid to those of our colleagues who were killed by the federal troops during operations. We want Islamic rule in the whole of northern Nigeria. Western education is a sin against Allah. It's time for dialogue between government and Boko Haram leaders for the way out of the deadlock," he was quoted as saying.

Ogwuche was immediately taken into custody from the special flight which touched down at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 3 pm on Tuesday July 15, 2014. The flight arrived from Khartoum, Sudan, to hand the returnee fugitive over to Nigeria Security Forces for interrogation. On hand to receive him at the Presidential wing of the airport were spokespersons of the police, ACP Frank Mba, Department of State Services, Marilyn Ogar, Major General Chris Olukolade of the Army and coordinator, National Information Centre, Mike Omeri.

National Daily sources said Ogwuche had camouflaged as a student of Arabic language at the International University of Africa, Sudan, before eagle eyed security operatives uncovered and arrested him.

He was extradited after nearly three months of intensed diplomatic and security engagement between the federal government and the Sudanese counterpart. National Daily learned that stringent efforts were being made to extradite other fugitive suspected terrorists from Sudan and other African countries.

"This is a great break through for the security forces especially the International Police (Interpol). The department of state services in Nigeria collaborated with the Nigerian police to achieve this feat. They got the Interpol to be involved in the intelligence and strategic planning which resulted in the arrest of Aminu Ogwuche.

So, Ogwuche is right now with the State Security Services who are closely working with the police," said an informed security source, adding: "His preliminary interrogation has began. We know it is the duty of the police to prosecute but we are talking about national security here. So far, Ogwuche is facing preliminary interrogation by a team comprised of SSS officials and the police. I can tell you that he was first detained at Abuja Interpol office before he was moved to an undisclosed DSS detention centre in Abuja. He is expected to be handed over to the Police for prosecution.

"The government must do something now or the bombing will continue. There is no regretting anything because we are fighting a just cause to liberate our people from western education and religion," the light complexioned and gaunt looking suspected terrorist said.
Ogwuche vowed not to forgive the federal government for waging war against Islamic fundamentalists in the country saying that Boko Haram highest echelon is prepared to contain government determined onslaught against terrorists.

"Federal government has been trying without success to wipe out Boko Haram. They killed our leader, Muhammed Yusuf and hundreds of others yet we still exist. We are a force to be recognized. You ignore us at your own peril. We are particularly pained by the killing of hundreds of our members across the forest in northern part of the country. Although we equally killed federal troops, we will never forgive the federal government for the incessant killings. We are well armed to fight back and we will never surrender.
Boko Haram is well funded and highly equipped organization with capacity to take over the whole country if it so desires," Ogwuche ranted.

The Nyanya bomb blast mastermind boasted that he is still lusting to shed more blood of those he described as "infidels."

"If I am left alone, I will still kill those infidels who have refused to repent of their sins against Allah. This is my mission on earth. My mission is to wipe out infidels from the face of the earth. You call me bomb detonator, and I love that. I am ready to kill again. In fact, I enjoy killing people who are unbelievers; those deceived by western education and disobedient to Allah and his holy Koran. I don't care what will happen to me now because if I die, I shall go to heaven for doing god's work. I won't beg anybody for forgiveness but I can assure you that my so called trial will not be an easy exercise. If I like, I plead not guilty in court to make things difficult for the federal government but inside my mind, I know I did the damn thing. It is my word against federal government evidence. I know a little bit about the intricacies of the law through the study of several law books. Nobody can push me around because I am not a fool," said Ogwuche who was born in the United Kingdom.

The captured fugitive terrorist who regaled his interrogators with gory tale of his exploits in the world of violence said he and hundreds of Boko Haram members were trained in Somalia and Pakistan in the science of terrorism. "I don't deny that we have links with foreign terrorist groups. We have many friends as well as may enemies. It doesn't matter if I am killed others will continue the struggle. There are millions of Boko Haram members in Nigeria and overseas. Was our great leader Mohammed Yusuf not killed, did his death lead to the end of the Boko Haram? We are determined to start a big jihad across the nation, first, wait and see. Our is something like spiritual revolution. When they arrested Kabiru Sokoto, they celebrated as if Boko Haram is all about Kabiru Sokoto. That is how they celebrated the death of Yusuf Mohammed. They will keep celebrating individuals while million agents of Boko Haram operate," Ogwuche said.

National Daily learned that before he was extradited to Nigeria, Oguche has been in detention in Sudan since he was declared wanted by the Department of State Security which identified him as the mastermind of the Nyanya, Abuja bomb blast along with one Rufai Tsega who is still at large.

Before his arrest and detention in Sudan by Interpol, the Department of State Security, had on May 11, 2014, announced a N25 million reward for any one who could give information that could lead to the arrest of Ogwuche and Tsiga.

As SSS official described Ogwuche Ogwuche who was born in the United Kingdom as any army deserter who served in the Intelligence Unit of the Nigerian Army at Child Avenue, Arakan Barracks, Lagos, between 2001 and 2006.

Five suspects, including Ahmed Abubakar, 43, Mohammed Ishag 30, Yari Sandu, 28, Anas Isah 22 and Adamu Yusuf, a cleric, 43, have already been paraded for their alleged involvement in the bombing.

During his preliminary interrogation recently, Ogwuche was said to have disclosed that he specialized in assuming any character he wishes to assume. "I can become anything in other to hide my true identity. That is part of our training. While in Sudan, I camouflaged as a student to evade the security. I was surprised that they got me at last.

I received part of my training in Somalia because there are so many knowledgeable foreign and local terrorist agents there. It is the same in Sudan but the difference is that in Somalia, you have a lot of caves to hide from security agents. I use to go to Somalia in order to meet other terrorists there," Ogwuche was quoted by a security source as having said.

The unrepentant terror suspect also allegedly told his captors of how he usually sneaked into the country from his hide out overseas to unleash mayhem and escape without being captured. "We used to come in from Chad-Niger border and carry out our activities. But owing to security presence, we shifted to Cameroonian border in Mambisa. But the Army people will not allow us to rest. They killed a lot of our people there and we ran for our dear life," said Ogwuche who talked about how he escaped from Nigeria after the Nyanya blast.

"I had the arrangement ready, all the funds and logistics to enable me escape. Immediately after the blast, I was taken away from the apian way unknown to security operatives."

Earlier reports on the arrest of Ogwuche, indicated that the Sudanese authorities were reluctant to extradite him to Nigeria as a result of interference by a top Northern Emir among other interests.

It was however, learned that it was in a bid to circumvent these 'interests' that the process of extradition of the suspect to the country was made top secret by security operatives until his arrival in the country yesterday afternoon.

In line with the security ploy to keep Ogwuche's extradition secret, the Police headquarters had sent an SMS inviting newsmen to cover the unveiling of a "Special Counter Terrorism equipment" at the airport, only for Ogwuche to be introduced as the "equipment."
Commenting on Ogwuche's extradition earlier in the day, the Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Tagelsir Mahgoub, who was apparently not aware that the suspect was already in the country, said: "All the papers (for his extradition) were signed by the two parties (Nigeria and Sudan).

"What we are waiting for now is for the Nigerian government to send a delegation that will come to our embassy to get their visas because everything has been concluded.

"And I must say that there should not be any delay, because it will delay the whole process."

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, MD Abubakar, while commending the personnel of the Nigeria Police Interpol Unit for a job well done, noted that the successful repatriation of the terror fugitive to Nigeria shows that the global coalition against terrorism championed by Nigeria is beginning to yield the desired result.

"Following the conclusion of tortuous legal and diplomatic processes between Nigeria and the Republic of Sudan, the co-mastermind of the Nyanya Motor Park bombing in which scores of citizens died and hundreds wounded, Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche was Tuesday, 15th July, 2014 extradited to the country from Sudan where he had taken refuge.

Aminu Ogwuche who was handed over to the Interpol Unit of the Nigeria Police Force by the Sudanese Authorities was flown into the country in a special flight from Khartoum which touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. It would be recalled that the terror fugitive who had long since been arrested in Sudan following an international red notice issued for his arrest by the Nigeria National Bureau of Interpol had not been repatriated to the country before now due to some necessary processes involved in transferring suspects from one country to another.

Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche is a British born terrorist and Nigerian army deserter associated with the Boko Haram terror group and suspected of being one of the organizers of bomb attacks in the Nigerian capital Abuja. Ogwuche is the son of a retired Nigerian Army colonel and an indigene of Orokam, Ogbadibo LGA, Benue State, Nigeria. According to the Department of State Security, Ogwuche served in the Intelligence Unit of the Nigerian Army at Child Avenue, Arakan Barracks, Lagos, between 2001 and 2006 with service Number 95/104 and is reported to have deserted in 2006.

Ogwuche is a student of Arabic Language at the International University of Africa, Sudan and studied for a degree in Business Science at the University of Glamorgan between 2007 and 2010 but failed to finish the course and was not awarded a degree. Ogwuche was first arrested in Nigeria in 2011 but released in 2012 Ogwuche was arrested by Interpol in Sudan on an international warrant in connection with the April 2014 Abuja bombing in the suburb of Nyanya, which killed 75 people on 14 April 2014 and the May 2014 Abuja bombing which killed 19 people on 1 May 2014. Ogwuche is also wanted in connection with the Chibok schoolgirl kidnapping.

Ogwuche, served in the intelligence unit of the Nigerian Army between 2001 and 2006.

The efforts by Nigeria's security agencies led by the Department of State Security Services (SSS) to apprehend those behind the April 14 bomb blast at a motor park in Nyanya, Abuja, paid off with the arrest of a co-mastermind of the dastardly act.

"Rufai Abubakar Tsiga, a Boko Haram leader, is the mastermind of the bombing of April 14, 2014 at El-Rufai Motor Park, Abuja.Tsiga was actively aided by a co-mastermind, AminuSadiq Ogwuche", Ogar said.

Earlier, the service had paraded five suspects Ahmad Abubakar (aka Abu Ibrahim/Mai Turare), Mohammed Ishaq, Yau Saidu (aka Kotar Rama) AnasIsah and Adamu Yusuf they confessed to been privy to the plot to bomb Nyanya.

Ogwuche, the son of a retired army colonel, Agene Ogwuche, was reportedly arrested through the help of the Military Attaché to the Nigerian High Commission in Sudan with the help of international security operatives, National Daily Newspaper learned.

Nigerians are anxiously waiting for the urgent extradition of other suspected terror-fugitives. Most importantly, Nigerians want an end to this carnage.

Via: National Daily

Nollywood Actress Empress Njamah Now Dating Married Abuja Politician

When asked why she has become scarce on the movie scene for a while now, hear what Empress Njamah said in a recent interview.

"I run a charity foundation for the less privileged and women on wheel-chairs. And I have been doing this, using my personal funds, with no support from anyone for ten years now. Most Homes in Lagos know me and miss me.

Since I moved to Abuja I have been building same here. I have over 1,300 kids on my watch with 150 of those on wheel-chairs" .
"My mum said she is not surprised because she saw the traits when I was growing up"

A reliable source who wrote to us yesterday claimed Empress Njamah is dating a big politician in Abuja.

According to the gist, the man is a married man whose family is based in Lagos. He relocated her to Abuja to prevent any suspicion from his wife and children. Her Sugar Daddy has opened a boutique (House of Empress) for her in Abuja.
                                          

    She is currently in Istanbul Turkey on vacation with her married lover.
                                                     

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

Bukky Wright’s 2nd marriage crashes?

All seems unwell in the second marriage of popular Nollywood actress, Bukky Wright with her hubby, Adewale Onitiri.

Reports have it that the Omotara Johnson star and her hubby almost ended the 4-year old marriage, but for family members and close friends, who intervened.

The crack in the marriage, according to reports, became wider due to the distance between the couple, who live far apart.

While Bukky returned to Lagos, Nigeria for her career and to run her businesses, her husband, whose first wife died of cancer related issues, stayed in Trenton, New Jersey, where they got married. He is a Street Superintendent in Trenton with his three children in his care.

Trouble reportedly reared its ugly head after Superintendent Onitiri returned to Nigeria unannounced, only to meet his wife's absence at their Ajah, Lagos home.

It was further alleged that the Kani star lied about her whereabouts when he asked where she was.

With other unconfirmed tales of his wife's alleged escapades in the country while he was in America, Mr. Onitiri was said to have been angry and requested she leave the couple's Ajah, Lagos home.

The relationship between the couple has since been shaky since the last incident, thus causing speculation and anxiety over the marriage.

Source: NET

Ice Prince silent over sex tales with groupie

Groupie: [noun; informal] a young woman who regularly follows a pop group or other celebrity, especially in the hope of having a sexual relationship with them.

Panshak 'Ice Prince' Zamani is one of Nigeria's hottest Hip-hop artistes; he has won multiple awards, sold millions of records and of course, has quite a number of groupies on his case.

The rapper was recently hit with his first groupie sex tale, one of the first we've witnessed in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

An unidentified lady recently wrote a short letter to blogger Linda Ikeji, disclosing an alleged on-off sexual relationship with the Ice Prince, explaining in detail her first encounter with the rapper;

'My story is a bit emotional and I fell in love. I met Ice Prince about five years ago. I stupidly fell so deeply in love with him after a few years. Let me take you right back. When we first met it was about sex, just having fun and drinking together. He never let me sleep over, he always used to make me go home very late, it's either he has family coming over very early or he is busy. It didn't bother me that much because I never had feelings for him at that point. After a while we started spending more time together having sex. Few mistakes I made was having sex with him, unprotected (I go for check up). I know I wasn't the only one he was sleeping with but I guess in my head I was. He has a very big and long d***, it seriously used to freak me out. It's so long that it doesn't look straight. I am not gonna lie, he knows how to bang'.

She goes on to explain how she discovered the rapper fathered a baby boy in 2012;

'After a few years he got someone pregnant. I was very hurt but he denied it. One night he was in the studio while I was using his phone to listen to music. I went through his phone and found out he already had a son and not only that but also he was sleeping with a Ghanaian actress. Anyway I didn't go to his birthday party because I know I would only get hurt. We lost contact and met again, had the best make-up sex and for the first time he gave me head. I have to say it was worth the wait. He went crazy on me and started letting me sleeping over. In fact he always asked me to stay'.

She also revealed she was a virgin when she met him…

'Crazy thing is, I was a virgin when I met him. I had a best friend who was also a virgin we always go buy sex toys but promised ourselves never to have sex before marriage. I never told Ice this. I guess that's why I feel so deep for him. He loves to get his d**k sucked but I am very inexperienced. I always felt like throwing up. He had such a long ass d**k. All and all, I still love him because his amazing'.

Ice Prince has decided to stay mum over the alleged groupie tale, neither confirming nor denying it. At a recent interview session in Lagos, the rapper said he'd rather not comment on the matter.

'I don't want to talk about that stuff; I don't even remember that I read that stuff until you mentioned it, I don't want to talk about it', Ice told a NET

Source: NET

I’m Going Into Politics to Give Back: Desmond Elliot

In a new interview, Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot speaks on his political ambition, Nollywood, his marriage to wife Vicky for 11 years, and crazy rumours.

He tells Nigerian Tribune all about it. Read excerpts below;

On political aspirations: "The current situation is very pathetic. I feel God has helped me thus far and I want to give back through politics that will be favourable to the youths. The worst part of our national life is that the level of corruption has not allowed youths to understand what it means to live a meaningful life . Just because of lack of knowledge of what to do, we are being sidetracked. There are no jobs, and issues like these lead to frustration.

A whole lot needs to be done on agriculture, every state in Nigeria needs to see how it can contribute to nation building. There's a lot that needs to be done."

On Nollywood over the years: "Oh, it's growing and it's growing fast, what we need now are binding, enduring policies. We do not have political (structural) policies. It should get into a point where more giant corporate bodies must be lured into coming into filming and this cannot happen when there are no structures. This is because the first thing any great investor will ask is the structure of organisations or bodies they wish to fund or collaborate with."

On a story that he dated two blood sisters: "Do I have to be related to them by blood? We are family friends and we have been family friends for years. Their parents are abroad and whenever they are in Nigeria, they stay with me, so it was a baseless distraction and the person who did the article about me has since apologised."

On a viral story that he relocated his family abroad: "I don't know where people got that from, my family is here with me in Lagos, they only go abroad for holidays but we retain our Nigeria's base. Holidaying abroad does not mean living abroad. For now, we are where we are."

On the secret to keeping his marriage going: "Basically, it's understanding. We must all understand that the make of a man is totally different from the make of a woman. A man must understand the priorities of a woman. Women love attention, they want to know that they are loved and there is security but for a man, all he is thinking about is money, while a woman knows that though you still need to provide for the family, she would still crave for attention. A man sees the question 'how are you as how are you' but a woman sees how are you in three different ways. She begins to think, okay, why is he asking me how I am? At what time is he asking how are you? Did one word come before the other?

‘I’m making music not for Nigeria but the world’ – Mr 2kay

Port Harcourt native Mr 2kay has kept it buzzing in the past few months, shuttling the Nigerian and Europe.

In this interview with NET, the Waterside Boy talks about his foray into the UK, a supposed beef with Burna Boy and the inspiration behind his new single 'Summer girl'.

You've been up and about for the last 14 months, what have you been up to?

I've been on a lot of stuff after I dropped my new single 'Summer girl'. I travelled to the UK to shoot the video, which drops some days ago, and before then, went on an eight-city tour in Nigeria.  Add all that to the regular collabos with various artistes.

Your single 'Bubugaga rmx' was well received especially in the UK; it was featured on a lot of UK websites and radio playlist. What is the success behind it?

I can't really tell, well it might not be because I featured UK based acts on the song. For me, I think it's God first and also my label Grafton Entertainment because we are pushing really hard. Then of course, the content of the song is good.

Who's bigger, the buzz of the song or Mr 2kay?

The buzz and Mr 2kay I'll say, they both go together.

Describe how your recent tour went?

That's my first official tour in Nigeria. It was quite awesome and also a wonderful experience. The Capital Hill team came to support me; the likes of Illbliss, Tha Suspect and a host of Port Harcourt artistes. Enugu was awesome, Calabar was great, Warri but Benin seemed to be the nicest.

Speaking about Port Harcourt, how much support are you getting from there?

I'm getting loads of support. Most people see me as the biggest act from there right now. But we still have the likes of Duncan Mighty. Duncan is happy with what I'm doing. Truthfully, I still I haven't gotten anything yet.

Which PH artiste have you collaborated with in the last six months or a year?

I've done a song with Duncan and I'm still looking forward to doing another song with him because he's a great act, I've also done a couple of songs with BFMG, I've done something with BM Baby, she's a great female act down there, probably the best female act in PH right now.

You have done something with Burna Boy; can you tell us about it?

Yes I have done something with Burna Boy but the production was poor, not from the artiste though. My manager was like 'we can't put this out' and at the time, there was no way we could redo the song because Burna had travelled to Lagos.

A little bird told me that you guys aren't all that friends…

I've heard a lot of rumours about some kind of beef with Burna Boy but we are cool. We hung at his birthday party in Lagos. If I see him on the way I'll greet him. When I actually wanted to come to Lagos, he was the first person I actually called and he was quite happy.

Your new single 'summer girl'; was sort perfect timing – it dropped around the world cup also. Was it planned that way?

No! It wasn't! It was just an inspiration. I was in London and just dropped it. The expectation for a new single was high; everybody kept asking for a new single, then I thought to myself, 'Oh summer time in UK is really special, let me relate that to a beautiful woman'. I told my boss Big T about the Idea I had in my head and we made the song.

How well is the song doing?

At the moment it's not released in the UK, it's just premiered here in Nigeria. The official release date would be July 27 on iTunes. The response we've been getting from the DJs has been amazing.

It's almost like you're creating music for fans abroad, don't you think it's a bit confusing for you since you have already started to build a market here?

I'm creating songs for the world not just abroad, and I think it sounds good to those who understand music. Right now I'm seen as an international artiste and I thank God for that.

How many nominations have you received so far in you music career?

Just one! And I appreciate that, I thank God for that, it's like my first international award nomination.

Do you think you deserve more?

Yes, I think I deserve more but most times we don't get what we deserve so you have to make do with what you have and keep hoping and when the time comes nobody is going to deny you of what you're supposed to get. So I just feel if I'm not getting this thing, then it's not the time for me, I don't feel bad about it, I just think it's time for me to go back and work harder.

You lost your dad last year, how close were you to him?

I wasn't that close to my dad, I'm the mummy's boy. A lot of stuff happened way back, but I actually forgave him before he died. I just lost my grandma; she was buried a few weeks ago. I used to be very close to her too.

What do you want Nigerians to think about when the name Mr 2kay is mentioned?

They should think of the great artiste who actually came from nothing to the limelight, they should think of the future and the new generation of the Nigerian music.

Source: NET

Photo: Fans Blast Tonto Dikeh For Saying Her "Maid' is Wearing Her Gucci Sandals

Nollywood Actress/singer, Tonto Dikeh just shared this photo of her cook Onyinye off for exams today rocking her Gucci sandals. Trust Nigerians, Tonto has instead sparked an outrage as people are condemning her for calling the lady her maid. Read the comments Up...
                                       

Skales signs new record deal, joins Saeon at Baseline Music

Rapper-Singer Raoul John Njeng-Njeng better known as Skales has signed a new recording deal with budding record label Baseline Music.

The rapper was unveiled by the label today at a press conference held at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos. The label which recently signed female Pop singer Saeon is currently being managed by KISS Entertainment bosses Howie T and Dipo Abdul.

Skales who was previously signed to popular label EME (which currently houses the likes of Banky W, Wizkid, Shaydee and Niyola) parted ways with the label following the expiration of his contract in February 2014. The rapper went on to launch his very own record label OHK Entertainment which he says will still run independently.

'It's great signing with Baseline, I can definitely get to work around a bigger budget and make sure all of my projects are top notch. OHK will however run independently. I've got my team and we all want the same thing – success', Skales told NET in recent interview.

Details of the recording deal have not been revealed.

Source: NET

Ice Prince want to keep MI’s car

Ice Prince has disclosed that he is in love with the car of his label mate and rap sensation, Jude Abaga, popularly known as MI.

Panshak Henri Zamani (Ice Prince) who is one of most influential rappers in the Nigerian music industry revealed that he find it difficult to return the car to the owner because of his love for it and has pleaded with MI to allow him keep it for another day.

The Fire of Zamani apostle who is promoting his new work, 'whiskey' made the revelation via his facebook page.