The Voice Shake-Up: Usher and Shakira to Replace Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green?

The Voice Season 3 just got underway,
but is there already a casting shake-up
in the works for Season 4? According to
a new report, at least, there may well
be:
Usher and Shakira are replacing
Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green.
Alleged insiders say Shakira and Usher
would take the place of Christina and
Cee Lo alongside Adam Levine and
Blake Shelton at the end of the current
season.
Earlier this month, Aguilera opened up
to Ryan Seacrest about the show,
admitting she once viewed her job as a
coach on The Voice "kind of like a side
project."
"[I thought], 'It'll keep me close to my
son [Max, 4] in L.A. I don't have to
travel," the Grammy winner said. "Then
it kind of took off, and there goes my
free time!"
The Voice sources say Christina will use
her break from the program to focus on
tours and promotional duties
surrounding the release of her new
album, Lotus.
Christina Aguilera's "Your Body", the
first single from the upcoming record, is
already out. Green, for his part, is
currently working with NBC on a new
show.
The rumor comes just as speculation
surrounding American Idol's revolving
door ends: Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban
will join Randy Jackson and Mariah
Carey as judges.
What do you think? Should Usher
and Shakira join The Voice?

ATM To Dispense Coins - CBN Plans

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it will facilitate the introduction of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) that can dispense coins to encourage Nigerians imbibe the culture of spending them.

 Mr Chidi Umeano, Head of Shared Services at CBN, on Monday in Lagos said that this plan was in tune with the currency restructuring exercise. He said that the coins dispensing ATMs would hasten the acceptance of coins by Nigerians and change misconception about their use.

 “To achieve this plan, what is needed is to facilitate the inclusion of a process called “add-on” to the ATMs.
 “Good enough, the existing ATMs have the “add-on“ feature that will easily make them adapt to coins dispensing, “ he said.
 Umeano said that the apex bank would ensure that newly deployed ATMs had the “add-on“ feature among others.
 “It is very possible to achieve Automated Teller Machines that will dispense coins.
 “This “add-on” feature can be activated on the ATMs at any time by the CBN and this is not new because it is being practiced in advanced countries.

 “This proposal is in consonance with our cash-less policy and also in line with the CBN’s effort to encourage Nigerians to appreciate coins, “he said.

 Mr Dipo Fatokun, CBN Director of Banking and Payments System, had in August said that the apex bank would soon facilitate the introduction of multi-functional ATMs.
 Fatokun said that such ATMs would also be able to accept deposits from customers and credit their accounts immediately.

Yes, I'm a billionaire! plus My 10 principles of success -- Ali Baba

Godfather of Nigerian comedy, Ali Baba, has shared the secrets of his success story with TS Weekend, revealing how his wealthy dad rejected, abandoned and finally disowned him over his decision to pursue a career in comedy, a sharp contrast to his father's plans for him. The comedian disclosed that his father wanted him to be a lawyer and would stop at nothing to make his son one but his passion for comedy put both of them on collusion course.

Things finally got so bad that he had to run away from home to Lagos, to actualize his dream. And when Ali Baba finally hit Lagos, he sought and got sanctuary in an uncle's home but was later kicked out from there. He recalls: “I came to Lagos to do comedy in 1990. Today, I am a billionaire and I have made people millionaires. It's all about the passion. Once upon a time I chose to pursue a career in comedy, which was in contrast to my father's dream for me.

He wanted me to be a lawyer but I wanted to do comedy and I was passionate about it. Consequently, when he realized I wouldn't budge, my dad rejected and abandoned me!” Parental opposition Like every parent back in the day, his dad believed if the future godfather of comedy became a lawyer, he would be wealthy and be able to take care of his family. And so he insisted as early as possible and drummed it into his head that he must study Law. “My dad felt that the best career for me was Law. I wanted to prove to him that comedy is better than Law. I am a graduate but I chose to pursue comedy because I had a dream.

As soon as my dad realized that I was hell bent on pursuing comedy, he disowned me. In fact, he stopped sponsoring my education!” However, Ali Baba was not discouraged. He picked up the pieces of his life and moved to Lagos armed with only the clothes on his back and a vision to excel. But the dream that his uncle would take him in evaporated like dew on a sunny morning when the man threw him out of his home. And so, young Ali Baba became a hippie as he was forced to move to the popular Lagos Bar Beach. The year was 1990. Recalling those trying moments, the comedian states: “After my uncle threw me out of his house. I moved to the Bar Beach where I lived for a very long while.

At the beach, I met Lati Kekere who was nice to me. He is still my friend to this day. He gave me a tent to sleep and I paid him N5 per night. After a while, things started picking up and I went to my uncle's place to take my things. My washman became my wardrobe; I left all my clothes with him. From there, I trekked to NTA every day. I was on Youth Scene, Youth Rendezvous and the Sunday Show. I was prepared, I wanted opportunity.” Information age Ali Baba disclosed that one thing he discovered early in life was the importance of communication. Then, there were no mobile phones but pagers were the rave and he knew that if he had to succeed, he would need to have information at his fingertips and so he went for a pager.

A while later, however, Bar Beach was overtaken by miscreants and he had to relocate. “I got a pager then,” he says, “there were no mobile phones so I was communicating with my clients on my pager. However, at a point, Bar Beach was no longer the peaceful haven it used to be. Lati had left and prostitutes, pimps and robbers were taking over so, I moved over to Yabatech. Every day, I trekked to NTA from Yabatech where I squatted with a friend. It was quite a distance but I had a dream that was bigger than the journey. I was committed to my dream. On the side, I made money doing stand-up comedy and by virtue of my pink forms at NTA, by 1998 I had earned over N50, 000.” Gradually Ali saved up enough money and moved into a three bedroom rented apartment and before he knew it, he had started a revolution that would inspire the likes of Julius Agwu, Basket Mouth, Opa Williams, AY and TEE A among a host of others.

Rumours Tales that still baffle the comedian to this day were newspapers reports that he was living on his ex-wife. He quips: “I find it so ridiculous. People kept saying that I was living off my wife but it was not true. Yes, she had money, earning as much as N2 million a month where she worked but I was making more money, earning as much as N2 million per show. I bought her an SUV and made sure she had everything she wanted. To this day, we are very good friends and I still pay her. “Where you're coming from has nothing to do with where you're going. It is your sheer determination that will take you there. Identify the tools that you need. The only way you can make it is to be prepared so that when opportunity comes, you will be ready. If you're not where the opportunity is because you don't have information, you're wasting your time. My dad taught me these lessons as far back as 1977.”

According to Ali Baba, though the country is going through some difficult times, it's no excuse for youths to be lazy and laid back. Rather, they should look inwards and improve their lots by tapping into the unique talents God has bestowed on them. “I did not need government to give me an enabling environment; I created my own. When I started doing stand-up comedy, some people laughed at me. I remember late Mohammed Danjuma told me comedy would never work. He would rather stick to his job as an MC. However, as time rolled by, corporate bodies would invite us for events. Danjuma would be the MC and pocket N50, 000 while I would go home with N200, 000 as a stand-up comedian.

Within a short while, Danjuma realized that comedy was the way forward and before I could say Jackie Robinson, he was doing comedy as well. “I grew up in Ojo Cantonment, Lagos, but I had dreams and goals and what I was going through did not matter. It's all about the passion. We want people to do things for us but what have you done for yourself. As I speak to you, I have a property worth N300 million for sale in Lekki and I have moved to Queens Drive, Ikoyi, into a house I bought with my own money. You too could achieve this if you believe in your dreams.” For Ali Baba, to make it in life one needs education, information, communication, humility, hard work, experience of others and opportunity to excel. “Believe in yourself. You have to decide on charting a course.

Your journey must achieve its purpose,” he says with passion. Best of friends Today, Ali Baba and his dad are the best of friends. The comedian disclosed that it took 15 years for his father to forgive him. Relating the anecdote he said: “My father and I were not on talking terms for 15 years. My decision to follow my heart was responsible for that. People will tell him, 'your son, Ali Baba is always on TV. He is making a lot of money. Why don't you forgive him? But he would reply, 'Ali Baba is not my son. I have no child by that name.' The time for reconciliation came in 2005. I bought him a Mercedes Benz SLK and took it to the village along with my friends. We moved in a convoy of cars.

He was surprised when I told him, 'dad, this is your car,' and for the first time in 15 years, my dad finally recognized my success when he shouted, 'Ali Baba! Ali Baba!' That was my happiest moment.” To the comedian, success goes beyond the individual. “If you are successful and you're not touching lives, you're a failure,” he says. “If you're a millionaire and you're not making millionaires, you're a failure! AY has made more comedians than I have made. The same thing goes for Basket Mouth and they all stayed with me once upon a time.” My success principles Ali Baba goes on to reveal the 10 principles that a person must stick to, to achieve success.

Hear him: “What I am about to reveal to you are the secrets of my success which my dad taught me in 1977. Corporate bodies pay me millions to share these secrets with their staff. Number one is that your career must provide shelter for you. Two, your career must put food on your table. Three, your career must give you fame, respect, dignity and appreciation.

Four, your career must maintain your life style. Five, your career must make you charitable. Six, your career must give you good health. Seven, your career must give you job satisfaction. Eight, your career must match your personality. Nine, your career must take care of your future. And 10, your career must make you make heaven.”

Kate Middleton, Prince William Have Second Honeymoon in South Pacific as They File Legal Papers

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge aren't going to let a few unauthorized topless photos get them down!
On Sunday and Monday, Prince William and Kate Middleton, both 30, continued their Diamond Jubilee Tour of Southeast Asia as their legal teams back home finalized plans to file a criminal complaint over pics appearing in French magazine Closer, in addition to other publications.
Among their adventures in the remote South Pacific, England's future King and Queen met with some of the last survivors of the undercover war against the Japanese, attended a church thanksgiving service at a cathedral on Honiara -- and the Duchess even became an island Princess as she was crowned with a headdress of fresh flowers (frangipani and bougainvillea) on Monday.
After receiving a traditional warrior and chief's welcome on the island of Marapa, the spouses retreated to the Tavanipupu Private Island Resort via traditional war canoe.
The duo will sleep in a private, $1,260-a-night, leaf-thatched bungalow with incredible amenities, gourmet meals and more.
It's "peaceful and romantic," says one of the island owners, Kimberly. "I really wanted them to feel like they had everything they need. The fridge is fully stocked, the finest champagne, fresh fruit platter, high-tech cappuccino machine."
Still, she adds, "The Duke and Duchess are so down to earth. They haven't asked for one thing."
"It's the perfect place for honeymooners," notes Kimberly of the secluded retreat, where the royal couple can also partake in snorkeling.
Back in London, it's all business for the couple's legal team. "We can confirm that a criminal complaint has been made to the French Prosecution Department today," a Clarence House rep said on Monday. "The complaint concerns the taking of photographs of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge whilst on holiday and the publication of those photographs in breach of their privacy."

Sam Bacile, Man Who Made Anti-Islam Film That Is Causing Riots Is A Convicted Drug Dealer And Conman

This is the first picture of the man said to be behind the anti-Islam movie that has triggered violence across the Middle East.

Nakoula Basseley Nakoula – also known as Sam Bacile – was last week named by the FBI as the film-maker responsible for Innocence Of Muslims, which ridicules the prophet Muhammad.

The Mail on Sunday has exclusively obtained this on-set image of him with the film’s star Anna Gurji, who says she was duped by the 55-year-old director.

Nakoula is an Egyptian-born Coptic Christian. Now living in California, he  is a convicted drug dealer and conman who was last released from jail in June last year.

The film has ignited anti-US clashes from Morocco to Malaysia. Seven people have been killed, thousands injured and last night the rioting had spread to Sydney, Australia. It was also reported that Sudan had rejected a US request to be allowed to send in Marines to protect its embassy.

TOO MUCH MONEY: Wealthy Nigerians spend N9.75 trillion on 130 private jets

The growing penchant for private jets acquisition has cost wealthy Nigerians a sum of $6.5bn (N1.02tn) in the last five years. Aviation sources reveal that the luxury trend, which rose by 650 per cent between 2007 and 2012, is encouraged among the rich by the need for privacy, fear of insecurity and the urgency required by modern business, TUNJI ABIOYE reports

Private jet ownership in Nigeria has grown by 650 per cent, from 20 jets in 2007 to over 150 jets in 2012.

According to documents sighted in aviation agencies, the development means that wealthy Nigerians acquired, at least, 130 private jets with a sum of N1.02tn ($6.5bn) within the last five years.

This put the private jets aviation market in Nigeria (the monetary value of all private jets in the country) at N1.18tn ($7.5bn), using $50m as the average cost of each brand new private jet.

A private jet goes for between $40m and $65m, according to the websites of major private jets manufacturers, like Bombardier of Canada; GulfStream and Hawker Siddley of United States; and Embraer of Brazil.

According to findings, the common brands of private jets in Nigeria are Gulfstream 450, 550 and 650; Bombardier Challenger 604, 605; Global Express; Embraer Legacy and Falcons; and Hawker Siddley 125-800 and 900XP.

Top aviation officials told our correspondent on Friday that Nigeria currently rivalled China as one of the two fastest growing private jet markets in the world.

An official with in-depth knowledge of the situation, who spoke under condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the matter, said most of the jets were bought by top politicians, oil magnates and other business moguls in Nigeria.

He explained that the economic downturn in Europe and the United States had made Nigeria and China to become two of the fastest growing private jet markets in the world.

He said, “Two countries buying private jets now are China and Nigeria. Europe and America are going through turmoil; so, their people are no more buying. This accounts for the trend that whenever some of the private jet manufacturers develop any new jet, they take them to Nigeria and China.”

“The private jets in Nigeria are owned by top politicians, oil magnates and business moguls. It is difficult to get the real identities of owners of some of the private jets in Nigeria because they buy them through some foreign companies in North America, especially the US. The foreign company then leases it to another company in Nigeria.”

Investigation by our correspondent also revealed that there were still several private jets on order by wealthy Nigerians. Some of the jets, it was learnt, would be delivered this year, while others would be delivered in 2013 and 2014.

A top official of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, who asked not to be named, said representatives of the owners of the private jets on order had already notified the agency about the order. This, he said, was necessary for the purpose of registering the aircraft in Nigeria. According to him, some of the private jets also come with foreign registration credentials.

The Managing Director of Aero Airlines, Captain Akin George, had recently commented on the increasing number of private jets being parked at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

He particularly lamented the fact that most of the private jets carried foreign registration credentials. He had subsequently called on the authorities concerned in the country to make registration processes in Nigeria friendly and attractive.

During a recent visit to Abuja, our correspondent observed that over 40 private jets were parked at the terminal.

The CEO of another airline also said that during political meetings or big functions in Abuja, over 50 private jets were usually seen parked at the Abuja airport.

These, he said, were different from the ones parked at the Lagos and other major airports across the country.

“If you go to the old local wing at the Abuja airport, there is virtually no place to park private jets again,” he said

Just on Thursday, a team of officials from the headquarters of Bombardier in Canada arrived at the Executjets Private Hangar at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to showcase one of their latest private jets, Global 6000.

The team was led by the Sales Director, Africa, Bombardier Business Aircraft, Mr. Robert Habjanic, who said that the team was on a tour of 12 cities in Africa, including Lagos. Habjanic, who spoke with a few aviation journalists, told our correspondent that Nigeria was the company’s largest market in Africa, with about 35 Bombardier-made business aircraft currently flying its airspace.

He said the team had also showcased the relatively new business jet in other parts of the world.

He confirmed that “private business in Nigeria has been growing tremendously in the last five years.”

He attributed this to the fact that “Nigeria is an emerging market.”

The growth in the purchase of private jets in Nigeria has also led to the development of multimillion dollars private jets hangars, where repairs and maintenance could be done in the country. Some of these include Execujets Nigeria Hangar, Caverton Hangar and EverGreen Hangar, all located at the Lagos airport.

Speaking on the development, industry expert, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo, said, “The economy is expanding, with increasing investments within the country and the region. This will invariably necessitate instantaneous travel that scheduled airlines cannot provide.

“Also the privacy needed in a country filled with paparazzi can be an issue. Increasing political and religious issues are contributory. By and large, it will continue to increase if the economy continues with a lot of diversification inputs that naturally spread wealth.”

Lady Gaga Head Tattoo Marks Fame Launch

As you may already know, Lady Gaga
shaved her head.
Now she's gotten a nice tattoo smack in
the bald spot.
The Mother Monster arrived at the
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum on
New York's Upper East Side Thursday
night perched on a convertible as part
of the launch of her new Fame perfume.
There, she unveiled the product ... and
her newest ink.
The tattoo's got a Honey Boo Boo look to
it, no?
The singer has posted many pictures on
LittleMonsters (dot) com from the
event ...What do you think of her latest tattoo?
Awesome? Awful?

Kandi Burruss Expands Sex Toy Business.

Kandi Burruss is taking her sex toy
business to your front door. Literally!
As she tells TMZ herself, The Real
Housewives of Atlanta is expanding
Bedroom Kandi to home sales, giving
customers a chance to hold sex toy
parties in their very own living room.
"With Bedroom Kandi, no need to go
out, we will bring the party to you and
your girls," Burruss says. "Our BK
consultants are from across the country
and with them we hope to create an
entertaining and exciting way for them
to become entrepreneurs."
The sex toy shindigs kick off on
September 21. Will you slip gently into
one?

Happy 28th Birthday, Prince Harry!!!

A very happy belated birthday to Prince
Harry of Wales, the UK's most eligible
bachelor, who turned 28 over the
weekend (September 15). Hip, hip,
hooray for H!
For a guy nicknamed The Spare and
often living in Prince William's shadow,
he's a mover and shaker. And we're not
just talking about Prince Harry naked
photos.
Great Britain's Olympic Ambassador and
Royal Air Force pilot was just deployed
to the front lines in Afghanistan, where
the Taliban is targeting him specifically.
It's been a rough stretch for the royals
lately, with Harry's naked picture
scandal in Vegas, followed by the
hullabaloo over Kate Middleton topless
photos last week.

That and being on the front lines of the
fight against terrorism certainly gives
the family a lot to think about, but we're
confident they will all pull through just
fine.
Sometimes, we're at our best when
we're battling adversity, and the public
seems very much on the side of their
beloved royals, so that should be
comforting too.


Anyway, in honour of HRH's birthday,
enjoy these Prince Harry pics:

Gambia President Yahya Jammeh Suspends Execution Of Two Nigerian citizens

Gambia on Saturday suspended its plan to execute two Nigerians, Micheal Ifunaya and Stanley Agbaeze, and nationals of some other African countries.

This is just as some Nigerians launched a drive to raise thousands of signatures for an online petition to President Goodluck Jonathan to pressurise him to save the death-row inmates.
 
Gambia President Yahya Jammeh had sparked international outrage, when he vowed to execute all 47 death-row prisoners by mid-September.
 
Jammeh succumbed to regional and domestic pressure on Saturday by pending executions of the remaining 38 inmates on death-row.
 
Jammeh had announced on August 19 that his government planned to execute all the prisoners on death-row by the middle of September. Nine of the original 47 inmates on death row were shot dead by firing squad on August 28. All nine had been convicted on murder charges.
 
Neighbouring countries such as Ivory Coast, Mauritania and Senegal had pressured Gambia to stay the executions.

Ailing First Lady To Accompany President Jonathan To UN General Assembly...Sahara Reporters

With an eye on public relations stunt, President Goodluck Jonathan plans to reunite with his ailing wife, Patience next weekend, and thereafter head out with her the following day to the United Nations General Assembly in New York against doctor's advice.
 Presidency sources told SaharaReporters that Mr. Jonathan is expected to arrive New York on September 24 for the plenary debate of the 67th General Assembly, which kicks off the same day.
Mr. Jonathan will also co-chair an event with Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg of Norway.
Doctors at the German hospital where Mrs. Jonathan's remains on treatment have reportedly delayed her treatment by another week while they await test results from body tissues sent out to other European specialist hospitals.
If all goes well, our sources said Mrs. Jonathan would return to Nigeria after the General Assembly.  The presidency has, however, maintained official silence about Mrs. Jonathan’s condition, an irony that parallels late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s treatment in Saudi Arabia in late 2009 and early 2010 when Mr. Jonathan was Vice-President.
Meanwhile, a Dubai newspaper is refuting reports that Mrs. Jonathan suffered food poisoning there.   
Original reports said the First Lady took ill in Dubai with food poisoning, following which she returned to Abuja only to be airlifted to Germany in a dire emergency.  She was then said to have had her appendix, which had ruptured, removed.  Subsequent reports said she had further surgery concerning fibroids.  
But the Khaleej Times, in a September 8 story, said that food control officials said they are unaware of the alleged food poisoning in the emirate in the first place concerning “Patience Faka Jonathan.”
The newspaper quoted an Assistant Director-General of Public Health, Safety and Environment Monitoring Sector Salem bin Mesmar and the Director of the Food Control Department Khalid Mohammed Sharif Al Awadhi as saying they had not even heard the complaint.
“If she had come here, she would have stayed in and had food from well-reputed places only,” the paper quoted Mesmar as saying. “I don’t think they would serve her anything that is bad. We have not heard anything about such a food poisoning issue.”
The paper said the Jonathans are expected to be in Dubai in late October for the African Energy Summit and First Ladies’ Summit scheduled to be held as part of the World Energy Forum.

Long Queues Returns as Fuel scarcity Hits Lagos: Scarcity to persist, says NNPC

Long queues have returned to filling stations in Lagos and the National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) hinted yesterday that it may take some time to disappear.

NNPC spokesman, Mr Fidel Pepple, said the scarcity is 'artificial', and was triggered by the destruction of the NNPC's pipeline at Arepo, Ogun State. He said bunkerers attacked the pipeline in Ibafo, Ogun State, to scoop fuel and also shot and killed three PPMC engineers and technicians deployed to repair the vandalized pipeline.

According to Pepple, the development has forced NNPC to bridge products by truck as against the pipeline and said the repairs of the vandalized pipeline may take a while as the corporation is not ready to risk the lives of more officials.

Sony Xperia T gets “James Bond” hype

It can be said authentically now that Sony’s Xperia T mobile phone has gotten more prominence as it was mentioned as the ‘James Bond phone’. Although it does not come up as something suave and stylish, possibly throwing in some devilish weapon or a nifty tool to open impenetrable doors too but it comes with its own exclusive content via the O2 network.

Sadly it doesn’t come with a special handset design. Would it have been that difficult to stick a Bond logo on the back? Obviously it was which a shame is.

Instead, you’ll get a handset that is preloaded with Skyfall content, including the 007 ringtone, themes and screensavers, plus Skyfall images geo-tagged to the film’s locations. It also has exclusive James Bond packaging, which is nice, but it’s not something you can show off when you are out and about. As a final sweetener, a copy of the 007 Legends game is thrown in for free.

The phone itself remains unchanged technically, which means a set of features headed up by a 4.6-inch screen powered by the Mobile BRAVIA engine, a 13-megapixel camera with ‘Sleep-to-snap’ feature to take a photo quickly plus 1080p video recording, along with NFC connectivity and a 1.5GHz dual-core processor.

 

O2 has the phone down for a September launch, which ties in with what we heard about a launch right at the end of the month. Contact O2 for details of its pricing, which is unlikely to differ much from the standard version.

Don Jazzy gives special shoutouts on Twitter

Nigerian professor becomes first black VC of University of Illinois

 
An Ifon, Ondo born Professor, Ilesanmi Adesida, a former Dean, becomes the first black Vice Chancellor of University of Illinois, USA. 

The 63 year old professor is a naturalized American physicist of Nigerian descent. He was the Dean, College of Engineering at the University before the University Board of Trustees selected him to be the next Vice Chancellor for Academics Affairs and Provost, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Professor Adesida assumed that position last month, August 2012.

Finally: Names of American Idol Judges Announced.

'American Idol' has finally announced its new judging panel for the upcoming season. Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey & Randy Jackson all made the list. AI host Ryan Seacrest confirmed on Twitter this morning...

Ghanaian Actresses Are Hotter Than Nigerian Actresses...Guys, Do You Agree?

When you compare Nigerian actresses with Ghanaian actresses, you will see that the Ghanaian Actresses Jackie Appiah, Nadia Buari and Yvonne Nelson are hotter than Nigeria's Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Rita Dominic, Mercy Johnson, Ini Edo and Tonto Dike on and off screen.

 Especially my favourites are Nadia Buari and Yvonne Nelson are just too hot! 

 Guys do you agree to this??

Lagos Court Dissolves Nollywood Actress' 19 Years Old Marriage For Infidelity

A grade A Customary Court sitting in Agege has heeded to the plea of Michael Shuaibu on the dissolution of his 19 years old marriage to Nollywood actress, Nancy. The marriage was dissolved by the court due to infidelity allegations levelled against the actress by his former husband. 

 Michael had begged the court to end his marriage which was contracted traditionally in 1993. He gave infidelity by Nancy, irreconcilable differences as reasons for his plea. 

 The case, which was adjourned by Emmanuel Shokunle to Wednesday, September 12 last week, was finally heard and the marriage dissolved by the court after it was first filed in court in March 2012. At the hearing on Wednesday, Michael was present while his ex-wife, Nancy was not available in court during the hearing.

 After taking a look at the evidence before the court, the judge then ruled in favour of Michael and granted him the custody of the three children their former marriage produced, which he earlier begged for. Nollywood has been battling with the problem of broken marriages. It is believed that Nollywood marriages don't last.

BBA Goldie and Prezzo Spotted Together in Kenya

This is Goldie and Prezzo at the Channel O news launch in Kenya...But the question that lingers on our minds is that why are their faces not showing in this Picture.This Picture was immediately deleted on Goldie`s twitter account,but trust naija fans,they got hold of it even though the face of Prezzo wasn`t showing.We can authoritatively confirm to you that this is Prezzo.

We were also informed by our amebos that Prezzo`s visit to Nigeria was Goldie`s idea.

We will keep you posted on any latest development.Stay tuned to Wolagist!!!

“I Want To Be Buried At Stamford-Bridge(CHELSEA FC GROUND )”

Mr. Ibu earns his living clowning. For over 2 decades, he has remained one of Nigeria’s first-class wits. Slapstick or sitcom, any genre of comedy is right up his path. He is best of the best in an ‘overflowing world of comedians’; a Katt Williams and Lee Evans rolled into one. But unknown to many, Mr. Ibu, whose real name is John Okafor has a burning desire.

 The Enugu State-born thespian in a recent interview gave what many would tag ‘Soccer Shocker when he said he would not mind to be interred at Stamford Bridge, the home ground of European Champions, Chelsea Football Club. He said: “Yes of course, blue is the colour of my blood. It runs in my blood stream.

 I will remain a Chelsea fan until I die. When you love something, you must be addicted to it. A typical example is Indian hemp smokers. They only understand languages relating to Indian hemp. When an Indian hemp smoker is talking, his spirit can automatically tell him to shut up and he will obey. 

The same Indian hemp spirit can equally order him to pull off his clothes and go Unclad. The message I am passing to you is that I am completely addicted to the affairs of Chelsea as a football team. I love Chelsea so much that I don’t care if I’m buried at Stamford Bridge. “Funny enough, all Chelsea victories are magical.

 If you want to know whether I am a true fan of Chelsea ask me the names of all their players and the positions they play. I can also tell you the best player in every position. Anelka was a roving player that helps other strikers when he was around. The only problem he had was inconsistency. He does well, sometimes he functions well, and some other times he does not. 

My problem with Mata is that he is a one legged player. Hulk is supposed to be with us but I do not know what happened. I call him Incredible Hulk because he wears the look. I am happy that Hazard is now with us and has been doing very well since he came on board.” 

He added. The full interviewed was published in the current edition of Entertainment Express Newspaper.

Murdered Student,Wunmi Adebayo Killed by Boyfriend not Armed Robbers

Remember the pretty student of Tai Solarin university, Wunmi Adebayo who was killed by armed robbers a couple of weeks ago.She was allegedly killed by her boyfriend not armed robbers as reported.
The late Wunmi walked in on her boyfriend and his gang celebrating the proceeds of their robbery,the gang ran after her and raped her before shooting her dead to avoid being exposed.
The late student's boyfriend confessed to police investigating her murder.

NAPTIP rescues 10 Nigerian girls forced to work as prostitutes in Cote d’Ivoire

 
National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) yesterday  Saturday 15th September, 2012, announced that they rescued 10 Nigerian girls forced to work as prostitutes in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire

NAPTIP said the 10 rescued sex workers are from Edo, Delta, Rivers and Benue states, with Edo topping the list with six girls.

NAPTIP said the rescue operation was done in collaboration with the regional bureau office of Interpol in Abidja and carried out based on a tip-off. The agency said the rescued girls will undergo medical screening, counseling and eventually rehabilitation.

New Somali president sworn into office

Somalia’s new President Hassan Skeikh Mohamud has been sworn into office, just four days after two bombs hit a hotel housing the newly elected president.

"We want Somalia free from piracy, terrorism and asylum seekers abroad. We want to create a united community so that Somalis and the neighbouring countries can live peacefully," Reuters quoted Mohamud as saying on Sunday during his inauguration ceremony in a fortified hall in Mogadishu's police training camp.

"Somalia has now turned a fresh page.... I promise (that) my government will deliver a new democratic beginning,” he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, two bombs exploded outside the main entrance of the Jazeera hotel in Mogadishu where Somali’s president was meeting Kenya's foreign minister.
Al-Shabaab fighters have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, Somali parliament members cast their ballots in a second round presidential run-off on September 10, which pitted the 56-year-old university lecturer Hassan Sheikh Mohamud against former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

Somalia has not had a functioning government since 1991, when warlords overthrew former dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.

The weak Western-backed transitional government in Mogadishu has been battling al-Shabab fighters for the past five years and is propped up by a 12,000-strong African Union force from Uganda, Burundi, and Djibouti.

The African nation is one of the countries generating the highest number of refugees and internally displaced people in the world.

Desmond Elliot Is Not Dead – Actor Battles Fake Death Report

Desmond Elliot is not dead. Desmond Elliot is the victim of a fake death report today stemming from a false Facebook image and post. On Friday September 14, 2012, someone wrote on Facebook that Elliot was dead.
They posted what appeared to be a death picture. But then at the end of the post, they added a “qualifier” which read “And please don’t panic because its just a shot from the yet-to-be released Movie.”
Just days ago fans were asking if Morgan Freeman had died this September 2012. Now, Desmond Elliot joins Freeman and Bill Nye among the latest celebrities to be struck by fake death reports this month. Today’s tale derives from Facebook, once again. Fans, nevertheless, are irate.
Elliot is a Nigerian actor with more than two hundred credits to his name. But three hours ago, a Facebook account posted a picture of a man covered in blood. The text that went with the image read “BREAKING NEWS: Nigerian Actor Desmond Elliot found Motionless, drown in his blood in a Hotel in Nigeria”. The fake report claimed that Elliot had been murdered in a hotel room.
The false report later stated “Movie fans who first heard the news in Nigeria are in shaking feathers and Investigations are going-on of who might be behind his murder”. But at the bottom of the Facebook post, the author wrote”And please don’t panic because its just a shot from the yet-to-be released Movie”.
Other websites, however, have since taken the body of the fake report, re-posted it to readers, but omitted the “please don’t panic” section.

Man Arrested with Dead Baby Stuffed inside his Suitcase

A man was allegedly caught in Tipper Garage,Gwarimpa,Abuja with a dead baby stuffed in a suitcase.
The suspicious looking man was stopped by a bus conductor who asked him about the content of his suitcase,but rather than explain he attempted to flee before he was arrested by commuters. What a wicked world!!!

iPhone5 A Must Have: Thieves drive BMW into Apple store to steal iPhones

Impatient thieves eager to get their hands on the new iPhone 5 cell phones rammed a BMW into a Temecula, California Apple Store last week. Police arrested 22-year-old Equonne R. Howard, who they say was at the wheel of the BMW when he smashed through the Apple store’s iconic storefront windows.


Once inside the store, Howard’s accomplices jumped out and began picking up iPads that were sent flying when the car collided with display tables at the front of the store.


Howard attempted to back out of the store but his hasty departure was impeded by the same tempered glass windows he just drove through. The damage to the pricey BMW included 2 flat tires and the license plate fell off the car, which made it easier for the police to track Howard down.

The keys to the BMW — which Howard abandoned near the Apple store — were still in his pocket. The damage to his parent’s BMW will certainly exceed the price of the stolen merchandise. Howard pleaded not guilty Wednesday to multiple felony charges, Slate.com reports.

There is no word on whether he got his hands on the much-hyped iPhone 5. Apple stocks soared close to $700 a share following the launch of the iPhone 5s Friday.

Davido denies being wanted by Police

The assault allegation leveled against David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido continues to linger as Hashiru Azeez, the owner of the taxi whose driver was allegedly assaulted gives an insight into the intrigues surrounding the case, according to Punch newspaper.

Azeez, the car owner who employed Femi Ajibola, the driver who claimed he was assaulted by the popular artiste said, “When Ajibola initially told me about this matter, I did not believe him. Later, I went to Beni’s Apartment in company with Sgt. Nuru Umar, who is the Investigating Police Officer, and we found out that he was right.


“We went to the DPO and he called Davido’s father after I took time to explain who the boy was,” Azeez said.

Immediately after the story surfaced in the media, Susan, the lady who was conveyed in the cab to see Davido allegedly threatened Ajibola at the taxi park where he operates.

According to reports, Azeez further explained saying, “I got a call from Ajibola that Susan allegedly went to the park to threaten him. She said that if he was claiming that he lost N100,000 during the incident with Davido, she would pay the money. Then she asked if the cab driver had forgotten that she lost her cell-phone, which was valued at N175,000.

“She said that Ajibola would have to produce her phone because he was the one that took them to the hotel in his cab. She added that she would deal with him,” he said.

According to the car owner, he advised Ajibola to report the threat to the police which he did and he later got a call to meet with the Adeleke family at the Bar Beach Police Station.

He explained that due to their suspicion of a hidden agenda in the manner the invitation was extended they went to the police station with their lawyer, Ademola Olamide, who insisted on seeing the young artiste before discussions can take place between both parties.

Olamide was however prevailed upon to discuss with the Adeleke’s who denied Davido’s direct involvement in the matter but offered to pay the equivalent of the driver’s two weeks wages.

“I told my lawyer that there was no basis for compensation since he denied assaulting Ajibola. I said he should produce those who beat up Ajibola, that the police should do their job and we would know what step to take from there,” he said.

Azeez accused Davido of collecting the car keys and later handing it to the DPO and insisted that the Dami Duro crooner must publicly apologize for his actions before any further actions can be considered.

Meanwhile, Davido’s spokesperson, Valerie Obaeze insists that the artiste is not in any way connected with the said incident.

When contacted she replied in an e-mail which read: “Thanks for your enquiry and effort to get our own side of the story, but our previous statement (still) stands. Davido was neither aware of nor involved in any incident involving the assault of a taxi driver or the illegal seizure of his keys. He does not condone violence in any form and will not be commenting further on this matter.”

The singer also tweeted this morning through his official iam_davido handle: “I want to assure all my beloved fans and friends that, I am not wanted by the police and no officer in the Nigerian police gave an order for my arrest. I went to the police some weeks ago to give a statement and cleared my name. I did not beat up any taxi driver and the lady that hired the taxi driver and all those that are involved in this matter have made statements to the police and none of them mentioned my name except the taxi driver who claims that a large sum of money was missing in his taxi, in fact the lady in question stated that she was not beaten by anyone and that nobody assaulted the taxi driver. This is a case of blackmail, and I have resolved not to succumb to any blackmail for money. And to all those that are involved in this conspiracy to bring me down, I want to remind you that God Almighty himself got me to where I am today in my music career and you will not succeed in your devilish efforts to bring me down.

In a previous tweet, he also suggesting suing the newspaper.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 2 Police Command, Femi Balogun, confirmed that the case was being handled by his command. He said that the AIG had ordered that Davido should be brought before him with the Toyota Corolla used as taxi. He said they did not know where Davido is and he would be picked up once they have information on his whereabouts.

Ex-Minister Arrested For Theft...NA WA O

Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, the onetime Minister of Interior and the present owner of integrated Oil and Gas Limited was on Friday apprehended for his connection with a vessel M.T. Grace’ loaded with suspected stolen petroleum products, which was seized by the authorities.


The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi disclosed that the hunt for the sponsors of pirates led to the connection of some stolen products to the Integrated Oil and Gas tank farm.
Akpobolokemi further revealed that Integrated Oil and Gas premises is presently being shut down pending investigation.

The DG said that NIMASA has discovered that there are “big men” who fund piracy but the maritime agency together with other security forces will find the people behind the sale and purchase of stolen products and bring them to book.

He said; “You recalled we had cause to parade some pirates here and we did say that we were going to continue to look for those who were behind these pirates because we came to the realisation that behind the facade there are the kingpins and the big men who facilitate piracy.”

“So in line with our promise to the Nigerian public, we intensified our search for the big men behind the scene and we are happy to tell you today that we have been able to trace them to a company, a major company integrated oil and gas.

“The products that were stolen from the activities of piracy were conveyed and stored at Integrated Oil and Gas. As we speak we have sealed off the company and we have arrested the top management of the company.”

Kidnapped Morenike Returns to Her Family Safe and Sound...

Morenike Popoola, the lady who was kidnapped last week in Lagos has returned safe and sound to her family. We thank God!

Police Arrest Baby Traffickers in Niger

The Niger State police, last week, arrested two baby traffickers that sell infants for the sum of N100,000 and above within Abuja, Niger and its environs.

The duo were Martina Ohakwe, a nurse at the Kubwa General Hospital, Abuja, who is allegedly the head of the operation, and her partner, Kingsley Linus from Imo state.

With promises of well-paying jobs, they lured young pregnant women, and young mothers with their infants from the East, promising aid for the care of their babies.

They lodged the women in a house, where they were monitored before the babies were sold.

Before their arrest, the group had sold children belonging to Ngozi Nwani and 20-year-old Oluchi Agachi.

Monalisa Chinda Seen Kissing Another Female At A Nite Club

Not trying to start something, but when two single females start kissing, hugging and doing all sort of 'funny' stuff together in the public, this could mean they are trying to pass a message.

I wonder what the message is!?Huh?

Monalisa!

MR. BABY MAKER: Tuface Idibia Expecting Baby Number Seven From Wife, Annie Macaulay

Gist coming from the grapevine has it that wife of Africa’s music superstar, 2Face Idibia, Annie Macaulay is pregnant. Those who claimed to be in the know revealed that Annie is presently undergoing a nine month course.
An industry source, who also claimed to be in the know of the beautiful former The Next Movie Star contestant, said that the mother of one has developed more growth at some strategic areas of her body, which is associated with expectant mothers.
The Ifiki, Akwa-Ibom State-born role interpreter has now cut down on her activities on popular social media site, Twitter for some time now. We learnt that Annie is planning to keep the news close to her chest as she does not want any unnecessary media attention over her present state.
You will recall that on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, Annie and 2Face had a secret marriage in Lagos only attended by some selected family and friends. This happened shortly after the African Queen crooner performed at his album launch concert at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos on April 30, 2012, which was only few hours before their secret wedding.
On February 14, 2012, 2Face finally proposed to Annie after one of his babymamas, Pero Adeniyi was then pregnant with his sixth child. Annie presently has a daughter named Isabella for 2Face.

We are Being Sexually Harassed: Varsity students protest

STUDENTS of Cross River University of Technology, CRUTECH,  protested over alleged sexual harassment of female students, molestation and extortion by some staff of the institution.

The students, numbering about 2, 000, blocked traffic at Eleven-Eleven Bus Stop on their way to the Government House, Calabar  to register their grievance.

So

me of the placards carried by the students had inscriptions such as, ‘Sexual harassment of female students’, Female molestation’, ‘Extortion of money from students’, ‘No better CRUTECH, No better Cross River’, ‘CRUTECH, no better lecture hall’.

CRUTECH Students Union president, Mr Ekong Eka, accused the state government of neglecting students of the university, adding that, two months ago, some groups of people came to the school to tell them that government wanted to pay them bursary.

Finally: GEJ gives millions of Naira & national awards to 2012 Paralympiads and Falconets

President Goodluck Jonathan last night hosted the victorious Nigerian Reps to the 2012 London Paralympic Games at the presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja. During the event, the president announced a cash prize award of N5 million, N3million and N2 million to each of Nigeria's Paralympic Gold, Silver and Bronze winners respectively. 

Other Olympians who didn't win any medals will receive a cash award of N500, 0000. Their officials will receive a cash award of N2.5 million each. In addition, each of the six paralympic Gold winners will be conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) on Monday September 17th. 

Also, each of our Falconets shall receive a cash award of N1million as a token of appreciation from the federal government. Their coaches will get N1.2 million each.

UNBELIEVABLE: Teachers Strike in Chicago (USA)- Chicago (CNN)

Chicago teachers will decide Sunday whether to end a strike that has paralysed the nation's third-largest public school system and left hundreds of thousands of students out of class for a week.

Representatives from the teachers' bargaining team plan to share details about proposed contract language during a meeting in the afternoon.

"The earliest teachers and other school personnel could return to their schools could be Monday; however, no decision has been made to do so," the teachers' union said in a statement. "Delegates, the elected leaders of their schools, have the authority to suspend or lengthen the strike. They could also ask for at least 24-hours to talk to individual members in their schools before making a decision on what to do next."

Supporters of the Chicago Teachers Union rallied Saturday for a sixth day of a strike, which has shut down the city's schools even as a deal with the school board was in the works. Parents and students joined the strike Saturday to show solidarity.

"I am willing to stand by my teachers' side for as long as it takes," high school student Angela Casa told the crowd. "Through this whole journey, they are keeping their heads up for us."

Both sides expressed optimism that students could return to school Monday, but made it clear that a deal has not been made.

"We don't have an agreement, we have a framework for an agreement," union President Karen Lewis said.

The 29,000-member union and the city's school board reached a tentative agreement Friday over a dispute on new contract terms that had closed public schools for up to 400,000 students.

Union officials were meeting over the weekend to draft specific language for the agreement, Lewis said. They will present the document to a special committee of union representatives and a majority vote will be taken on whether to end the strike.

Chicago School Board President David Vitale remained optimistic.

"We have in place frameworks around all of the major issues that should allow us to conclude this process and to conclude it in time for our kids to be back in school on Monday morning," he said.

A source close to the negotiations said some of the terms include: keeping the current length of school year and school day; giving principals the freedom to hire their own teachers; and chief among the dispute's sticking points, updating the teacher evaluation system for the first time in 40 years.

Teachers were concerned about job security in the wake of a new program that evaluates them based on their students' standardized test scores. Union board member Jay Rehak called the program "data-driven madness."

As many as 6,000 teachers could lose their jobs under the evaluation system, said Lewis, who had called the system "unacceptable." The mayor's office, the city and school officials have questioned that job-loss figure.

The median base salary for teachers in the Chicago public schools in 2011 was $67,974, according to the system's annual financial report.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel praised the progress made between the two sides after days of sometimes contentious meetings.

Finally: Meet "Mrs and Master Wizkid"

An inside source claims the lady in the picture is Wizkid’s girlfriend, Shola who had a child Boluwatife for him last year.

 Shola is 21 and she recently finished from North American University. Boluwatife clocked one not too long ago. God bless the little boy and mother.