Saturday, 12 September 2015

MTN pays out over N500m to artistes on Music+, launches MTN Music + Next Rated

It is indeed good times for Nigerian artistes who have their songs on MTN Music+, with more than N500m in revenues paid over 8 months to artists that have their songs on the platform. Beyond the financial value the artistes get by having their songs on the app, Music+ has also proven its worth of helping to stem the scourge of piracy that has thus far plagued the Nigerian music industry.

Everton 3-1 Chelsea: Chelsea, Mourinho shocked by Naismith’s hat-trick

Steven Naismith of Everton came off the bench to hit a shocker hat-trick against struggling Premier League champion, Chelsea who suffered a 3-1 defeat at Everton.
everton 2

Chelsea’s outing so far has been described as the worst start to a season by any side defending the English Premier League title since its inception in 1992.
Match highlights…

Steven Naismith heads Everton into lead after 16 minutes
He then doubles the advantage with left-footed shot from 20 yards
Nemanja Matic thunderbolt halves the deficit on 36 minutes
Naismith completes his hat-trick with low finish late on

Friday, 11 September 2015

MTN Now Offers Subscribers Free Incoming Calls Across 15 Countries!

MTN Nigeria has unveiled another exciting package affording its subscribers an opportunity to constantly communicate when out of the country at zero charge.

This new package affords MTN’s loyal subscribers who travel out of the country the opportunity to enjoy free incoming calls from any part of the world. There is also a low call rate of N60 per minute. However subscribers have to be on Prepaid, Post Paid and E– Post paid plans.

By Abdulwahab Abdulah
Exactly a year after 116 people died at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet T.B. Joshua founder of church will today (Saturday) hold a memorial service in honour of the victims.

Nigeria's Young Authors Are Not Always 'Heirs' to Their Literary Forebears

analysis

By Tiziana Morosetti, University of OxfordChigozie Obioma's Man Booker Prize nomination for The Fishermen follows by more than ten years that of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Purple Hibiscus in 2004. No other Nigerian writer has made it to the prize in between. The similarities between Obioma and Adichie are striking.

Cote d'Ivoire: Fear of Further Clashes With Upcoming Elections

By Clea Broadhurst
At least one person has been killed in the first major outbreak of opposition-led violence which erupted in several towns, after the Constitutional Council released the official list of the 10 contenders running in the upcoming presidential elections.
The opposition has called for demonstrations against current President Alassane Ouattara to address several issues. Some of his opponents claim he did not meet all of the criteria to run again, such as the fact that both of his parents were not Ivorian.

NIGERIA: NDLEA arrests notorious drug baron with cocaine

Abuja – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday said it had arrested a suspected notorious drug baron, Azubuike Odugwe, over unlawful importation of 1.025kg of cocaine.

The Agency’s Spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said in a statement made available in Abuja that the arrest was made during inward screening of passengers on Emirates airline flight from Dubai.

It said that Odugwe was found with wraps of powdery substances that tested positive for cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

“ Odugwe, who is currently on bail over several drug charges brought against him by the Agency, was found with wraps of cocaine at the MMIA, Lagos.

Breaking: Crane Collapse Kills 87, Injures Over 201 In Mecca [PICTURES]

A crane collapse at a mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has killed over 87 persons and left at least 201 wounded in what is best described as a chaotic situation.
The casualties from the incident are rising, the Saudi Civil Defense authority says.
Emergency teams and ambulances seen at the scene of the crain collapse. Credit: AP

Emergency teams and ambulances seen at the scene of the crain collapse. Credit: AP

Amazing: Abuja World Trade Centre In Pictures

World Trade Centre in Abuja (CAD graphics)

Authorities say after the completion of the first phase of construction, the centre would be open to the public early next year.

Alamieyeseigha-Obasanjo

TEN years after, the anger arising from the impeachment and subsequent imprisonment of former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamie-yeseigha by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration is still reverberating even though Alamieyeseigha claims he has forgiven Obasanjo.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 11: Serena Williams of the United States reacts against Roberta Vinci of Italy during their Women’s Singles Semifinals match on Day Twelve of the 2015 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 11, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the USTA)

Oprah Winfrey on the October Issue of O Magazine - BellaNaija - September 2015002

Is it us, or does it look like 61-year-old Oprah Winfrey doesn’t age?

For O Magazine‘s October 2015 issue, the legendary TV host and actress has 3 covers showing off her style through the 50s, 60s and 70s.

President Robert Mugabe on Friday appointed his nephew as Zimbabwe's new indigenisation minister in a move that will be closely analysed by would-be foreign investors.
Outspoken businessman and farmer Patrick Zhuwao, 48, was just one of 14 new ministers and deputies to be sworn in by the 91-year-old Mugabe at State House.

FOLLOWING the mixed views that heralded President Muhammadu Buhari’s 100 days in office, Second Republic politician and elder statesman, Chief Guy Ikokwu, has advised the president to ensure that he leaves unarguable landmarks within the next three months.

C.O.D United Football Club has announced the appointment of Paulo Jorge Silva as their new Manager. Jorge, Portuguese, joins C.O.D United on the back of a rich career having worked in various capacities with clubs like VfB Stuttgart, Greuther Furth, Nuremberg, Aalen in Germany, Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, Al Wasl and Sharjah FC in the United Arab Emirates.

Things You Never Knew About Serena and Venus Williams

Serena Williams is only two matches away from achieving a ‘Serena Slam’ after defeating sister, Venus, in an epic quarterfinal clash at the ongoing US Open Tennis Championships.
Serena beat Venus 6-2, 1-6, 6-3, to win her 16th tie against elder sibling in what was the 27th meeting between the pair at a major event.
The sisters have been the face of tennis since the late 90’s and have continued to dominate in the 21st century. While Serena – who is younger – is more successful, Venus has already cemented herself as a legend of the game after her early career heroics.
Venus hugs sister, Serena, after their match

Venus hugs sister, Serena, after their match

The General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi has said that the war against corruption is one important war President Muhammadu Buhari must win.

Rapper 50 Cent filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in July, but he's not so cash poor that he can't afford to put the finishing touches on a new home in Africa -- and brag about it.
This past weekend, the 40-year-old shared an Instagram video showing off his new place.

Meet the lady who they say is the world's sexiest nurse (photos)

Stunning Kaicyre Palmers is a nurse at a New York hospital. She has an active instagram page where she shares sexy photos of herself. Recently she was declared the world's sexiest nurse by fans. See other photos of her after the cut and tell us if you agree...

A University of Lagos (UNILAG) student named Oluchi Anekwe died on Tuesday night, after being electrocuted to death when a high-voltage wire fell on her.

The bodies of four women including that of a female INEC officer, Mrs Chinwe Obi, who was the electoral officer for Onitsha South Local Government Area have been found dead inside her home situated on Olisa Onyeka Crescent near the Commissioners’ quarters in Awka GRA, Anambra state yesterday September 9th.

Two Nigerian men identified as Joseph Uyamadu, 43, and Emanuel Umiano, 33 were on Monday September 7th arrested by Thailand security officials for allegedly producing cocaine at their rented house in a rubber plantation in Ban Khai district of Rayong province. Arrested along with them was their Peruvian accomplice.

Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike says he has declared his assets to the relevant authorities and is not compelled to make it public. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah, Wike said what is important in asset declaration is the sincerity behind it ...

This is some cheering news from the Defence Headquarters. At its maiden media chat which held in Abuja yesterday September 9th, The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Colonel Rabe Abubakar said the military is winning the war against Boko Haram as all the camps of the terror group have been destroyed.

According to Punch, the Nigerian Army has released 128 individuals previously suspected to be Boko Haram members.

Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buaratai and Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, said the detainees were carefully screened by a joint intelligence cell, which includes the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS and representative of Borno State government.

The Department of State Services has commenced the screening of ministerial nominees sent to the agency by President Muhammadu Buhari. No fewer than 20 nominees had already been vetted by the DSS.

The President was said to have sent to the agency a total of 36 names of would-be ministers for checks.

South Africa: Three Famous Discoveries From the Cradle of Humankind

By Ahmed Areff, News24
As the University of the Witwatersrand announces a "groundbreaking fossil discovery of international importance" on Thursday, the world's attention will again turn to the Cradle of Humankind.
The world heritage site, which includes the famous Sterkfontein caves, has boasted several discoveries that illuminate the evolution of humans.
Here are three of the most significant discoveries made at the Cradle of Humankind:

Zimbabwe: Hydro Power Proves Life Changing for People With HIV in Zimbabwe

By Hazvinei Mwanaka
Every dawn, Shupi*, from Mutare in Zimbabwe, goes to inspect her crop. She plucks green beans, vegetables, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and fresh maize cobs to be sold before taking some home.

According to statistics provided by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, there have been 12 cases of fire incidents in Lagos state in the last 24 hours.

650 Nigerian refugees have been repatriated from Cameroon to Nigeria. Mr Sa’ad Bello, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Camps Coordinator who made this known yesterday September 8th, said the new repatriated Nigerian refugees were mostly women and children.

The PDP has refused to hang the official portrait of President Muhammadu Buhari at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata House national secretariat, located at Zone 5, Abuja, despite the fact that it has removed that of former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

While briefing newsmen, the Spokesperson of the force, Olabisi Kolawole said the the authorized persons are:

1. The President, Muhammadu Buhari

2. The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo

3. The Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki

4. The Speaker of the Federal, Honourable Yakubu Dogara

5. The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu

South Africa: Signs of a Third Term for Zuma?

By Amanda Khoza, News24
Subtle hand gestures of the number three were common practice at the ANC Youth League congress in Midrand, Johannesburg at the weekend.
Some have speculated the three fingers symbolised a third term for Jacob Zuma - an assertion the ANC and the ANCYL leadership has downplayed.

Nigeria: Police Warn Against Unauthorised Use of Siren

By Yemi Akinsuyi in Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has warned unauthorised persons using siren on the highway to desist or face arrest and prosecution.
The police spokesperson, Olabisi Kolawole, made this known on Tuesday, while speaking with journalists and listed the privileged users of siren to include the president, vice-president, senate president, speaker and their deputies.

The Nominees for the 2015 MTV EMA Best African Act Are… Find Out Now!

The 2015 MTV EMA Nominees were just announced a few minutes ago!
Nigeria leads the pack once again with 2 nominees – Yemi Alade & Davido while South Africa and Tanzania have AKA and Diamond Platnumz representing respectively.
The international awards show will take place in Milan on the 25th of October 2015.

Yemi Alade

october-2014-10-mark-zuckerberg-vanity-fair

Facebook chairman and C.E.O. Mark Zuckerberg tops Vanity Fair’s 2015 New Establishment Disrupters list, a milestone the magazine celebrates by featuring the mogul on the October cover, in a photo by Annie Leibovitz.

Clinton offers first apology for private email server

Hillary Clinton has apologised for using a private email server while serving as secretary of state, calling the decision, which has dogged her Democratic presidential bid, a “mistake”.

The Democratic front-runner, who is facing eroding support, has long dismissed the email uproar as a manufactured imbroglio.

Pope Francis
| credits: File copy

Pope Francis announced new procedures on Tuesday to make it easier for Roman Catholics to obtain marriage annulments, a change intended to streamline a process long criticised by many Catholics as too cumbersome, complicated and expensive, The New York Times reports.

Under the new rules, the process will be much faster for cases in which a couple is not contesting the annulment.

From Naij news: 5 Key Ministries Buhari Should Find Experts To Head

As Nigerians await the ministerial list of President Muhammadu Buhari this month, there are certain ministries that the president cannot afford to toy with in terms of who takes charge of their affairs.
It is pertinent for those who are close to Nigeria’s number one citizen, to continue to drum it in his ears that merit, professionalism and competence should not be sacrificed on the altar of political patronage.

EX MINISTER TO BUHARI: REVEAL THOSE WHO RETURN LOOTS

President Muhammadu Buhari has been asked to make public the list of former political office holders who returned stolen funds back to the Nigerian government.
This statement was made by Nigeria’s former mister of lands, housing and urban development, Nduese Essien, today, September 8, at Eket, Akwa Ibom state, while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria.

Nduese Essien

Essien opined that publishing the names of the looters will make more impact in the fight against corruption.

A journalist was trampled to death after a herd of wild elephants invaded a village in North-Central Sri Lanka, police said on Tuesday.

Priyantha Ratnayaka, a videographer, was stomped by one elephant while wildlife officials were trying to drive the herd away from the village, about 190 kilometres North-East of Colombo.

wizkid-eledumare

Ojuelegba singer, Wizkid, paid last respect for victims of last Monday’s container accident at Ojuelegba bridge in Lagos on Sunday, September 7, 2015.

Africa: Refugees From War Distinct From Economic Migrants, Says Angelina Jolie

By Ellen Wulfhorst
London — As thousands of desperate people stream into Europe seeking refuge, a distinction must be made between those fleeing extreme poverty and those fleeing war, actress and human rights activist Angelina Jolie wrote in an editorial on Monday.
Refugees fleeing conflict face an immediate need to be saved from persecution and danger, and effective screening could give them needed protection, wrote the actress, a special envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, with Arminka Helic, a former Bosnian refugee and member of Britain's upper house of parliament.

Chad: Former Chadian President Habre Again Disrupts Trial for War Crimes

By Cristina Krippahl/DPA, Reuters, AFP
The war crimes trial of Chad's former President Hissene Habre in Senegal's capital, Dakar, was delayed today when he refused to appear in court. Habre was brought in by force.
Proceedings were temporarily suspended as the presiding judge, Gberdao Gustave Kam from Burkina Faso, ordered that the accused be brought against his will. Habre had to be carried into court and restrained by masked security guards. He then tried to shout down the magistrates.

Uganda's Private Schools Must Stop Snubbing Language Learning Policy

analysis

By Judith Nakayiza, Makerere University and Medadi SsentandaPrivate schools are becoming ubiquitous across Africa. Research has shown that their growth, although it has positive effects, is also problematic because many private schools are being set up without proper policy guidelines.
In Uganda, this absence of policy guidelines manifests in private schools' attitude to the government's language-in-education policy. Many are simply snubbing the policy - and they are getting away with it.

Nigeria: Probe Abacha Loot, Halliburton Compensation, SERAP Tells Buhari

By Nicholas Ibekwe
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project on Monday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the role of the World Bank in the management of the monies stolen by late Nigerian dictator, Sani Abacha.
The call is part of the recommendations contained in a new report published by SERAP titled: "Deterring Kleptomaniac: Finding Nigeria's Re-stolen Billions and Repatriating Looted Assets", launched in Lagos on Monday.

Africa: Anderson - It Was the Match of My Life

By Herman Mostert - Sport24
South Africa's Kevin Anderson was elated after upsetting British third seed Andy Murray to reach the US Open quarter-finals in New York on Monday (US time).
The South African No 1 upset Murray 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/0) to reach his first ever Grand Slam quarter-final.

First Bank of Nigeria has appointed its first female Chairman. Ibukun Awosika’s appointment came up as the former chairman, Prince Ajibola Afonja retired. She is also the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ), as well as the Chairman of Intermac, the organisers of Smart Card Conference in Nigeria.

Migrant crisis: Pope Francis calls on all Catholic parishes in Europe to take in refugees

Pope Francis in his last Sunday address called on every European parish to host one refugee family each in a goodwill gesture that will begin in the Vatican state.

President Buhari & Ghanaian President, Mahama

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that his cabinet will be ready by end of September.

The news was confirmed in a press statement released by Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

Abdul Adewale Kekere-Ekun

A Nigerian fugitive, Abdul Adewale Kekere-Ekun, was on Monday sentenced to life imprisonment in the UK for murdering 18-year-old Marcus Hall in 2001, following a brawl outside Luton’s Atmosphere Nightclub.

GTBank Lagos Fashion & Design Week 2014 Day 2 Street Style - Bellanaija - October2014021

Originally from LFDW2014 – This photo has been used for illustrative purposes | Photo Credit: Insignia Media

Fashion week is upon us! The Heineken Lagos Fashion & Design Week 2015 is right around the corner and we are filled with anticipation.

6 September 2015 Daily Trust (Abuja) Nigeria: Boko Haram - 881 Killed, 376 Injured in 100 Days

By Fidelis Mac-Leva, Haruna Ibrahim & Shehu Abubakar
Maiduguri — No fewer than 881 people were killed, while 376 others were injured during attacks carried out by the Boko Haram insurgents in six states within the past 100 days, an analysis of reported cases of attacks by insurgents has shown.
Among those who died in the attacks were 841 civilians, while 40 insurgents also died, including suicide bombers, Daily Trust on Sunday investigation has revealed. The attacks took place in six states namely: Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Plateau, Kano and Kaduna.

This is for all theatre lovers! King Baabu, the amazing play by Professor Wole Soyinka returns to Terra Kulture this September.

King Baabu chronicles the debauched rule of General Basha Bash who takes power in a coup and exchanges his general’s uniform for a robe and crown re-christening himself King Baabu.

Comedian Damon Wayans is on the receiving end of major backlash for his comments about Bill Cosby’s alleged victims.

He made the comments during an interview on Friday (September 4) on Power 105’s The Breakfast Club radio show. The 55-year-old comedian had quite a lot to say about the over 50 women who have accused Bill Cosby of drugging, rape, and sexual assault.

A small ambulance plane evacuating an ill French woman from Burkina Faso to Senegal mysteriously disappeared on Sunday with seven people on board.

According to U.S News & World Report, Senegalese and French authorities said the crews of a ship and two planes were scouring an area off the Atlantic coast of Senegal for signs of the wreckage.

The report further states:

President Buhari has threatened to sanction Government Agencies that fail to comply with the Federal Government directive to remit generated revenues into the Treasury Single Account by September 15. This is contained in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity Femi Adesina today September 7th. The statement after the cut...

The Ogun state police command have arrested two robbers identified as Demola David and Dare Oladunjoy suspected to have raped patients and some nurses after robbing them at the Amazing Grace Hospital, an Ijebu – Ode based hospital recently.

The Ogun state police command spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement said the suspects were arrested at Ijebu – Ode following a tip-off.

East Africa: U.S. Gives $1.1 Million for East Africa Power Projects

By Jeff Otieno
Energy companies in Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia are among the beneficiaries of a $1.1 million grant from three United States organisations to help expand the use of clean energy in East Africa.
The 11 companies, some from West Africa, will each receive a $100,000 grant to expand renewable energy projects.

Saturday, 12 September 2015

Friday, 11 September 2015

Amazing: Abuja World Trade Centre In Pictures

Thursday, 10 September 2015

Wednesday, 9 September 2015

Tuesday, 8 September 2015

Monday, 7 September 2015