Edward Brooke, 1st Black Elected US Senator, Dies At 95

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY__ZxlAkWoSJVAHCy6qCWCToQQeg6sjU_QKGNp_DP97QjhwkMe8k9PZkBkHzi_KqTGGKYW6mgEIQTpfXc4IRonooNCQYGN71SMRylesJsTidDkAITtZ4WhRJN4L0vlAdJ-3HACwukzk/s1600/Ed+Brooke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY__ZxlAkWoSJVAHCy6qCWCToQQeg6sjU_QKGNp_DP97QjhwkMe8k9PZkBkHzi_KqTGGKYW6mgEIQTpfXc4IRonooNCQYGN71SMRylesJsTidDkAITtZ4WhRJN4L0vlAdJ-3HACwukzk/s1600/Ed+Brooke.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>BOSTON (AP) - Former U.S. Sen. Edward W. Brooke, a liberal Republican who became the first black in U.S. history to win popular election to the Senate, died Saturday. He was 95.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Brooke died of natural causes at his Coral Gables, Florida, home, said Ralph Neas, Brooke's former chief counsel. Brooke was surrounded by his family.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Brooke was elected to the Senate in 1966, becoming the first black to sit in that branch from any state since Reconstruction and one of nine blacks who have ever served there - including Barack Obama.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Brooke told The Associated Press he was "thankful to God" that he lived to see Obama's election. And the president was on hand in October 2009 when Brooke was presented with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award Congress has to honor civilians. Obama hailed Brooke as "a man who's spent his life breaking barriers and bridging divides across this country."</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell recalled his first impression of the newly elected senator when McConnell was a Senate staffer and described Brooke as "a model of courage and honesty in office."</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> "... even from across the Senate chamber, you could sense that this was a Senator of historic importance," McConnell said in a statement Saturday. "Indeed, he was."</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> A Republican in a largely Democratic state, Brooke was one of Massachusetts' most popular political figures during most of his 12 years in the Senate.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick, the state's first black governor, remembered Brooke for his unselfish public service.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> "He carried the added honor and burden of being 'the first' and did so with distinction and grace," Patrick said. "I have lost a friend and mentor. America has lost a superb example of selfless service."</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Brooke earned his reputation as a Senate liberal in part by becoming the first Republican senator to publicly urge President Richard Nixon to resign. He helped lead the forces in favor of the Equal Rights Amendment and was a defender of school busing to achieve racial integration, a bitterly divisive issue in Boston.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He also lent his name to the Brooke amendment to the federal housing act, passed in 1969, which limited to 25 percent the amount of income a family must pay for rent in public housing.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> However, late in his second term, Brooke divorced his wife of 31 years, Remigia, in a stormy proceeding that attracted national attention.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Repercussions from the case spurred an investigation into his personal finances by the Senate Ethics Committee and a probe by the state welfare department and ultimately cost him the 1978 election. He was defeated by Democrat Rep. Paul E. Tsongas.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Tsongas' widow, U.S. Rep. Nikki Tsongas, said Saturday that Brooke's career was "as courageous as it was historic."</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In a Boston Globe interview in 2000, Brooke recalled the pain of losing his bid for a third term.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> "It was just a divorce case. It was never about my work in the Senate. There was never a charge that I committed a crime, or even nearly committed a crime," Brooke said.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In 2008, pioneering newswoman Barbara Walters said she had an affair with the then-married Brooke in the 1970s, but it ended before he lost the 1978 election. She called him "exciting" and "brilliant."</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Brooke received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a White House ceremony in 2004. Five years later, when Brooke received the congressional honor in Washington, he cited the issues facing Congress — health care, the economy and the wars overseas — and called on lawmakers to put their partisan differences aside.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> "We've got to get together," Brooke said, turning his eyes to Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. "We have no alternative. There's nothing left. It's time for politics to be put aside on the back burner."</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> As Brooke sought the Senate seat in 1966, profiles in the national media reminded readers that he had won office handily in a state where blacks made up just 2 percent of the population — the state that had also given the nation its only Roman Catholic president, John F. Kennedy.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He beat Democrat Endicott Peabody, a former governor who also supported civil rights, by a 3-to-2 margin despite predictions of a "white backlash" against him.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Commenting on Brooke's election and other developments that day, Martin Luther King Jr. commented that "despite appeals to bigotry of an intensity and vulgarity never before witnessed in the North, millions of white voters remained unshaken in their commitment to decency."</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Brooke had parlayed his probes of local corruption into a successful run for state attorney general in 1962 when he became the highest ranking black elected official in the nation. He won re-election as attorney general in 1964 even though Democrats dominated other races.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Somewhat aloof from the civil rights movement of the 1960s, especially the militant wing, he said blacks had to win allies, not fight adversaries. But he also said of civil rights leaders: "Thank God we have them. But everyone has to do it in the best way he can."</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He had refused to endorse Sen. Barry Goldwater for president in 1964, commenting later, "You can't say the Negro left the Republican Party; the Negro feels he was evicted from the Republican Party."</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The son of a Veterans Administration lawyer, Brooke was raised in a middle-class black section of Washington, attending segregated schools through his graduation from Howard University in 1941. He served in an all-black combat unit in World War II, and later settled in Boston after graduating from Boston University Law School.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Brooke was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and went public the following year, saying he wanted to encourage men to perform self-examinations and advocating that insurance companies cover male mammograms.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Brooke is survived by his second wife, Anne Fleming Brooke; their son Edward Brooke IV; his daughters from his first marriage, Remi Goldstone and Edwina Petit; stepdaughter Melanie Laflamme, and four grandchildren.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Credit: <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/edward-brooke-1st-black-elected-us-senator-dies-222330856.html">Yahoo! News</a></b></div>

Edward Brooke, 1st Black Elected US Senator, Dies At 95

BOSTON (AP) - Former U.S. Sen. Edward W. Brooke, a liberal Republican who became the first black in U.S. history to win popular election to the Senate, died Saturday. He was 95. Brooke died of natura…

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It's 'Operation Show Your Voters Card' This Sunday - Pastor Adeboye

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaOPN5srBlnY_lHl2yIQbcpHOh3sSf1vrF5nh0Avkeh_GQ7LARPGw14CcWSlNDyP1Gjiu7PCYGgmAbdRATSVZno0l-tff-_uaWWnEeBNt4l78vOk0S5wvxvlPTHwULW75uxZsZERZA3Y/s1600/Pastor_E_A_Adeboye_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaOPN5srBlnY_lHl2yIQbcpHOh3sSf1vrF5nh0Avkeh_GQ7LARPGw14CcWSlNDyP1Gjiu7PCYGgmAbdRATSVZno0l-tff-_uaWWnEeBNt4l78vOk0S5wvxvlPTHwULW75uxZsZERZA3Y/s1600/Pastor_E_A_Adeboye_2.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Friday night, reiterated his call on members to ensure that they get their permanent voter cards, PVCs, to enable them exercise their civic responsibility during next month’s general elections.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Speaking on the theme, <b>‘The Burden Bearer’</b>, during the church monthly Holy Ghost Service held at the Redemption Camp, Adeboye said the voter card is the only power the people have during election.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Clad in white French suit, the man of God, popularly called Daddy G.O. reminded the congregation that everyone was expected to collect and bring his/her card to the church on the first Sunday of January, saying that parish pastors will request for it.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He, therefore, advised members who have not collected their PVC to go to the nearest INEC collection centre for it.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Stressing the importance of the PVC, the cleric admonished those who were unable to find their own to re-register for it, noting that it is very crucial. “You must get it even if it means spending the whole day at the local government because without the card, you cannot vote,” Adeboye said.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “On the first Sunday of the year, come to church with your voter card as your pastors will ask for it.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “Take thanksgiving service seriously this year. Do not take it as what the little ones should do. How old are you in the presence of Almighty God?”, the G.O. said.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Enumerating three types of burden to include physical burden, material burden and marital burden, Adeboye described burden as a heavy load that attaches itself to one and such load goes with the person wherever he or she goes, saying  God, the Burden Bearer, is one that comes along and help one to carry a burden.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> On the conditions to meet the Burden Bearer and what is expected when such burden is lifted, he said, one must admit he has a burden, willing to be helped and cry to the Bearer for help.</div>

It's 'Operation Show Your Voters Card' This Sunday - Pastor Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Friday night, reiterated his call on members to ensure that they get their permanent voter cards, PVCs, to e…

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Oga Bello Neither Drinks Nor Smokes, Says His Son, Femi Adebayo

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAmW92Sba0iV8rQ5bGPq9RiEiI6MeA_RLaZpPoeqKszNRW9U_34IcvfvZQQlYKsK8sY0wm558Uf_UaOlSafysADBvcqVK2jc_hAcLAiG3s-Z9rxRS7wvEacQokk-K2FBv2e38-pEy9po/s1600/Femi+Adebayo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAmW92Sba0iV8rQ5bGPq9RiEiI6MeA_RLaZpPoeqKszNRW9U_34IcvfvZQQlYKsK8sY0wm558Uf_UaOlSafysADBvcqVK2jc_hAcLAiG3s-Z9rxRS7wvEacQokk-K2FBv2e38-pEy9po/s1600/Femi+Adebayo.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Femi Adebayo, son of veteran <i>Nollywood</i> actor, Adebayo Salami (aka <i>Oga Bello</i>), talks about his father’s acting career with GBENGA ADENIJI of <i>The Punch</i>.</b> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Excerpts:</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Can you please introduce yourself?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I am Femi Adebayo born into the family of Adebayo Salami popularly called <i>Oga Bello</i>. I studied Law at the University of llorin and earned a Master’s degree in Law at the University of Ibadan. I hail from Ilorin in Kwara State. I am married and have children. I am best described as an actor and a lawyer.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Didn’t your father encourage you to study Acting instead of Law since you seem to enjoy the former?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I have always wanted to be a lawyer. My father always told us when we were young that he would support us on any career choices we made. Since I decided I was going to study Law, he was very supportive. He gave me all the needed support and encouragement. My passion for acting started when I kept seeing him on television while I was young. At a point, I felt like acting too. When he noticed my interest in acting, he did not discourage me. Rather, he encouraged my interest in the two careers. My father did not force any career on any of his children. He left us to study the courses we showed interest in and have capacity for. I must also say that he influenced me indirectly as an actor because if I had not enjoyed his acting style while I was growing up, there was no way I could have showed interest in acting.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>How do you feel each time you feature in a movie with him?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The father-son relationship ends the moment we are on set. We instantly become professional colleagues and have to creatively interpret our roles. That notwithstanding, I always have the confidence that whenever I am on location with him, the movie being produced at that time cannot be less qualitative. This is because of his experience as an actor and the fact that I learn from him. Whenever we are on set, it is a different thing because acting is make-believe and we have to make the audience have a feel of reality. It is no more a father-son relationship but purely on professional basis. We have featured together in many movies. I recall that I played the role of a thief who robbed him in one of the films we acted in together. We featured together in movies such as <i>Alade Owala</i>, <i>Jelili</i> and <i>Sonto Alapata</i> among many others.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Were you opportune to receive tutelage under Ojo Ladipo (Baba Mero) who was your father’s boss and mentor?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I was not opportune to be trained by him. I was extremely young when he died.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>How many wives does your father have?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> My father has two wives.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Some people believe that his family is large. What is your view about this?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> God will continue to enlarge our family coast. My father is blessed with both male and female children who continually make him proud in their chosen careers. I guess you are aware that a Yoruba adage says, <i>A kin ka omo fun olomo</i>. (one does not count the number of children a man has). So, I will not want to say the exact number of my father’s children. But I can tell you that he has about 12 children who are graduates.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>How does he handle misunderstanding with his wives?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> It is only my father that can answer that question.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>How does he relax if he is not on location?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> My father stays with his family at home. He does not like going out if there is no genuine reason to do so. I remember when I was still staying with him, he was always indoors whenever he had no movie shooting to do. He would take us out in his car to visit some places as a family.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><b>Where were the places he used to take his family to for relaxation?</b></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He used to take us to Amusement Park in Lagos during Christmas celebrations. We would ride horses and have a great fun. I remember that vividly. He would ensure we enjoyed ourselves to satisfaction. We had almost everything we wanted anytime he took us out.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>What is his favourite meal? </i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He likes amala and bush meat. During the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria, I called him and he started laughing because he already knew what I wanted to say. I told him to be careful eating bush meat with its link with the virus.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Did he visit you while you were in the university?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Yes, he visited me when I was in the university many times. I always felt on top of the world each time he visited. It was always a wonderful time for me on campus because many people who recognised him also expressed curiosity to know who he came to see.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>When they discovered that he came to visit you, did colleagues and lecturers alike give you preferential treatment?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> There was no preferential treatment extended to me by classmates or lecturers on account of who my father is. If anything, my father’s visits only gave me recognition in school. My lecturers were strict and besides, there are regulations set by the school authorities for all students. I did my first movie when I was in part-one, hence my father’s visit further boosted my profile and popularity as a student.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>What kind of father is he?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> My father is a highly principled and approachable man. He is a very wonderful man. He whistles to call my mother or to get her attention. They have maintained that method before I was born. If anyone of us tries to imitate him by whistling, my mother will know and will not answer. I think it is because she is familiar with his style of whistling to her.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>How did he punish any of his children who misbehaved?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He neither used the cane nor the whip on any of us. We always tried not to offend him. We were often sober and remorseful whenever he expressed disappointment over any wrongdoing or told us not to talk to him for the moment. My mother was the one who used the cane.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i><br /></i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Who are his friends?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He has many friends. They cut across all disciplines but there are no politicians among his friends. There are some of his friends that they have been together since his childhood days.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Why are there no politicians among them?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> (Laughs) I really do not know.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>What kind of songs does he listen to?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> My father enjoys the songs of Ayinde Barrister, Ayinla Omowura, Yusuf Olatunji and Fela.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>What is his preferred mode of dressing?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He dresses based on the occasion he is attending. But most times, he wears native attire.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><b><br /></b></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><b>What ideals have your father taught you?</b></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The first and major one is to be good to people regardless of their status, religion or ethnic leanings. He always says it pays to be good to fellow human beings. I have imbibed this and I try to be good to anybody I encounter in my daily interactions. He has also taught me patience and honesty. These are the core values I appreciate in him and do thank him for instilling them in me. I am also trying to make sure those close to me exhibit same to people around them.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><b>Since your father has two wives as you said earlier, are you also going to take after him in that regard?</b></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I don’t think so.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Why don’t you think so?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> It is not my wish.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>How has your father’s name assisted you when people know you are related to him?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> There are several of such instances. He is a very good man. Even before I started acting, people often identified thus, <i>"Omo oga Bello niyen o"</i> (That is the son of Oga Bello) I get special attention in many areas. When he was young, he was nicknamed <i>Oba</i> because they said he has traits of a leader. If anybody calls him by the appellation, he will know that the person must have known him from childhood.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>What is his favourite drink?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> My father neither drinks nor smokes.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>What kind of car does he like?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He likes to ride any brand of Toyota.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>How sociable is he?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> When one considers the nature of what he does, he should have no reason not to go out and socialise. But he always tries to select the kind of social gatherings he attends. He also tries to enjoy himself in moderation whenever the need arises. He is not the kind of person one finds at every social event except it is vital for him to attend.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>What image do you think your father has been able to make in Nollywood?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> To the glory of God, he has been able to distinguish himself in the industry. When he celebrated his 50 years on stage, there were accolades from people and colleagues who have interacted with him.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>How do you feel being his son?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I feel proud and honoured. It is my prayer that people will speak positive things about me more than they speak about my father.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><b>Are there things you think people expect from you as his son?</b></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> There are some people who think that having served my father, they should reap the gains from me. I try to be diplomatic in my approach. The ones that I can handle I do and those that I cannot, I stay away from.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>What pieces of advice does he constantly give you?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Most times, he always tells me to remain respectful as I have been. My father appreciates the fact that I am respectful but he constantly reminds me to remain so. He also advises me to be tolerant of people and be honest in whatever I do. I do not forget any of them. I continually remember them daily.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Did he tell you how he came about the nickname, Oga Bello?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He did not tell me because I did not ask him. It is an appellation which I think he earned on stage.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Which of his movies do you like most and why do you like it?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I like the movie, <i>Emi Abata</i>, which he produced about 10 years ago. In Yoruba, <i>Emi Abata</i> literally means 'For the sake of someone'. For example, one can say because of Bello, we give Femi the opportunity to do this thing. I featured in that movie too. I like the movie so much because it also mirrors my own experiences in life because I am enjoying my father’s goodwill.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Credit: <a href="http://www.punchng.com/feature/famous-parents/my-mum-is-stricter-than-dad-oga-bellos-son/">The Punch</a></b></div>

Oga Bello Neither Drinks Nor Smokes, Says His Son, Femi Adebayo

Femi Adebayo, son of veteran Nollywood actor, Adebayo Salami (aka Oga Bello), talks about his father’s acting career with GBENGA ADENIJI of The Punch.  Excerpts: Can you please introduce yourself? I …

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[Update]: Austria-Based Nigerian Murdered By Lover: Austrian Embassy Intervenes

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIm3KcF8NepmFUlPfqRA-uP2MKpmTIqfAR5NfepHRvPVh7APtQryqTN7_803tL34Wae_bv7nOKmMm98OyFF12RJu75VrlHiNIWCgii_6qvr4a2UQwD-jT7hIMmQ7ihLJjljda1OFNXR2c/s1600/Austrian0Victoria-Aifuwa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIm3KcF8NepmFUlPfqRA-uP2MKpmTIqfAR5NfepHRvPVh7APtQryqTN7_803tL34Wae_bv7nOKmMm98OyFF12RJu75VrlHiNIWCgii_6qvr4a2UQwD-jT7hIMmQ7ihLJjljda1OFNXR2c/s1600/Austrian0Victoria-Aifuwa.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>It was a sad way for any family to celebrate Christmas; infact nobody would wish what happened to the family of Ms Rose Aifuwa, an Edo born Nigerian based in Austria, to happen to his enemy. It was a love story turned awry between Festus Aimufua, aka <i>two million</i>, a spare parts dealer in Benin-City, and Rose. <i>Sunday Vanguard</i> learnt that Rose and Festus became business partners about three years ago.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> She was sending spare parts and used cars, popularly known as <i>Tokunbo</i> from Austria to Nigeria and Festus became her links man here in Nigeria. It was learnt that the duo enjoyed the business relationship until January 2014, when they fell in love and started dating. Their relationship was rosy until last December when <b>Rose</b> arrived Nigeria demanding the money owed to her by her lover.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The money was said to be in excess of ₦20 million. It was gathered that goods including cars and spare parts imported into the country under the custody of <b>Festus</b> were sold but the proceeds not remitted to Rose. Rose allegedly arrived Nigeria insisting that Festus should pay her the money but Festus allegedly became evasive. On the eve of Christmas, Rose was said to have invited Festus to her residence at Upper Mission Road, Benin-City. Festus, married with two kids, slept at the residence of his lover and when he was about leaving in the morning of 25 December, Rose demanded for her money after she expressed displeasure with the way and manner Festus is running her chains of businesses here in Nigeria.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlA0KJADctc2vkHcLwDvN9WLaicTN6yIbCX3ayaUwPhWuU5OwdhBFjbyVbMLbMsfDVjAXP_W27qm-8fFJ6ZguCNKwUGnVRzatnPZLmihVZnYfp8kBQcW0NyKHwcg3zYgadRRFzPQP6Ok/s1600/Austrian0Festus-Aifuwa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlA0KJADctc2vkHcLwDvN9WLaicTN6yIbCX3ayaUwPhWuU5OwdhBFjbyVbMLbMsfDVjAXP_W27qm-8fFJ6ZguCNKwUGnVRzatnPZLmihVZnYfp8kBQcW0NyKHwcg3zYgadRRFzPQP6Ok/s1600/Austrian0Festus-Aifuwa.jpg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The suspect, Festus Aimufua</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/01/finished-woman-whose-daughter-killed-lover-xmas-day/">Sunday Vanguard</a></b><span style="text-align: justify;"> was informed that when they started dating, Rose handed her business empire to Festus to run for her. Initially, Festus used to purchase spare parts from her and pay immediately, but when they started dating he continued to purchase goods from her money. The proceeds were put around ₦20 million. After a heated argument Festus was said to have rushed to her car that morning and Rose followed suit insisting that her money should be paid.  Festus was said to have raced off in his Honda car but in the process hit his lover who was pursuing him.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>READ: <a href="http://nigerianewsroom.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/austria-based-nigerian-woman-murdered.html">AUSTRIA-BASED NIGERIAN WOMAN MURDERED BY LOVER IN NIGERIA</a></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> When crack team of detectives from the Police Command took the suspect to the scene of the crime, it was discovered that after hitting her he dragged the body of the decease under the car for another 500 meters before dumping the mangled body at the end of Upper Mission Extension. People who identified the body where it was dumped ran to the family of the lady to inform them.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The family immediately went in search of Festus. <b>Sunday Vanguard</b> learnt that when they saw Festus he was tricked to believe that her lover was still alive but in hospital, so he was advised to report himself to the police. The obviously confused man went to Oregbeni Police Station where he reported the case of accident instead of murder, apparently believing that his lover was still alive. He was arrested. The police consequently visited the scene where the body was dumped and found that the man had committed alleged murder.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The incident is creating tension now between the Austrian government and the Nigeria Police. The deceased was said to have travelled to Nigeria with her Austrian passport and, following her death, the Austrian Embassy last Wednesday contacted the police in Edo State over her death. The Edo State Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo, who detailed detectives to unravel the mystery behind the death, confirmed to <b>Sunday Vanguard</b> that the Austrian Embassy contacted them.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> While the siblings of the deceased may not know much about Rose’s relationship with Festus, their octogenarian mother, <b>Madam Victoria Aifuwa</b>, claimed to have the details of the relationship. <b>Sunday Vanguard</b> met her in their family house at Aduwawa area of Benin-City and she was a complete wreck. She wept uncontrollably, raining curses on Festus for allegedly cutting the life of the family’s bread winner short. <i>‘Iye’</i>, as aged women are called in Benin, narrated what transpired some 24 hours before the death of her daughter.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> She said: <i>“I was with my daughter at her residence at Upper Mission on 24 December, 2014. When it was 7pm I told my daughter that I wanted to start going home because I wasn’t feeling well, so she started laughing, calling me old woman. She asked me to come back the next day which was Christmas day. Festus, my daughter’s boyfriend, was with my daughter with some of his friends having drinks when I left them only for me to hear knock on my gate the next day that my daughter’s dead body was lying at a junction.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>"Later, the people that came were trying to hide the matter from me by saying it was minor injury that she sustained. Some people said she was shot at the back while others said her intestine came out. The killer of my daughter said they both slept together and that when he wanted to leave my daughter held him insisting he must pay her the money he owed over some business transaction. It was at that point he knocked her down with his vehicle and dragged her on the ground which led to her death.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>"My world has crumbled, I don’t know what to do, I am in hell without my daughter, she is all I had. Each time my daughter brought goods from abroad, I usually called Festus and after selling won’t remit money. I never knew the same man will eventually kill my daughter and leave me in deep pain”</i>. She wept. She went further: <i>“My daughter even rented an apartment for him (the suspect), spending over ₦250,000 in the process because they were going out. My daughter said he wanted to uplift his social status and went as far as buying him a car because her friends usually mocked her for going out with some one that was not up to her standard. Beside, she had started building a house for him at Aduwawa.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>"Festus controlled most of her business dealings in Nigeria.  Recently, she complained to me that the bulk of her money unremitted was in the custody of Festus; so I advised her not to give him any other goods. My daughter trusted him and that was why she opened her heart to him by ensuring that he was in charge of her business. My daughter was the one that had been sustaining the family, now she is dead. My world has crumbled. I am begging the police and Governor Adams Oshiomhole to come and help me. They should ask Festus why he killed my daughter despite all my daughter did for him in life. I have never seen this kind of wickedness in my life. Instead of killing her he should have gone with the money. I am finished”.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, DSP Joseph Edoigiawerie, who confirmed the incident, said: <i>“A case of murder was reported by one Elvis Omokhojie, that his sister, named Rose Aifuwa, was found lying dead on Upper Mission Extension junction, Aduwawa, Benin-City, and the cause of death unknown.  We have been to the scene of incident and taken the corpse to the mortuary. Our investigation led to the arrest of the man friend or lover because, according to the report, he (the suspect) was last seen with her”.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Credit: Vanguard</b></div>

[Update]: Austria-Based Nigerian Murdered By Lover: Austrian Embassy Intervenes

It was a sad way for any family to celebrate Christmas; infact nobody would wish what happened to the family of Ms Rose Aifuwa, an Edo born Nigerian based in Austria, to happen to his enemy. It was a…

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Shocker! 15 Born Again Christians Return Certificates To WAEC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIC2wYnD1lj6uxmlNbWo8lxut-IWi7uTbi8YPoN6TYuaNXS7L2NQpkAHxyCyxZwrkvyHgqIS3l46Na1bupytrFBVnYLMWqhijl7j6irQsSPCMc-gELbj7xvOa8apFbPTq_NjyFmJ-wLxo/s1600/waec+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIC2wYnD1lj6uxmlNbWo8lxut-IWi7uTbi8YPoN6TYuaNXS7L2NQpkAHxyCyxZwrkvyHgqIS3l46Na1bupytrFBVnYLMWqhijl7j6irQsSPCMc-gELbj7xvOa8apFbPTq_NjyFmJ-wLxo/s1600/waec+(1).jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Wow! This is what we can call real and committed Christianity with reference to sin, forgiveness, repentance and restitution. </b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> 15 people, according to this <b>Saturday Sun</b> report, have returned their <b>WAEC</b> certificates saying they cheated in the exams and do not deserve the opportunities that come with such manipulated results.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Can you do the same, and do you think it is necessary?</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Credit: <a href="http://www.romancemeetslife.com/2015/01/15-born-again-christians-return.html">Romance Meets Life</a></b></div>

Shocker! 15 Born Again Christians Return Certificates To WAEC

Wow! This is what we can call real and committed Christianity with reference to sin, forgiveness, repentance and restitution.  15 people, according to this Saturday Sun report, have returned their WA…

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My New Year Prophecy For Nigeria - By Dele Momodu

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBamQfPPHuaShpvxczM6kMTKNJnx5_ut2rHFSaCrPPAOgxoz1159imC3X2XNiXoDtAmQ5kGkW46GzugNefah3Pnb6AyPNHfGFWMNpEPq55AeeF1D3cgTmVYaHLMzub7Chyphenhyphen67KmPh2kE4g/s1600/BuhariFam51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBamQfPPHuaShpvxczM6kMTKNJnx5_ut2rHFSaCrPPAOgxoz1159imC3X2XNiXoDtAmQ5kGkW46GzugNefah3Pnb6AyPNHfGFWMNpEPq55AeeF1D3cgTmVYaHLMzub7Chyphenhyphen67KmPh2kE4g/s1600/BuhariFam51.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Fellow Nigerians, please, permit me to welcome you into the New Year with that exceptionally beautiful Poem [poem removed by editor] by Gabriel Imomtimi Gbaingbain Okara. The words of that legendary writer encapsulates my message on this page today. The beginning of a New Year is usually a period of renewed hope for mankind. It is a time when we all bury our unfulfilled dreams and give birth to new fantasies. </b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I really don’t know what has happened to the old tradition of men of God, especially Pastors, publishing their prophesies and predictions at the beginning of the year. It used to be a hot potato in those good old days and newspapers used to fall over themselves to get copies from famous prophets and then run them almost verbatim most times. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Man is a naturally curious animal. In Africa, most of us practise syncretism, a combination of religions, because we are never too sure about which way would ultimately lead to heaven. This is why the oracle men (Diviners), marabouts and others are still very popular and generously patronised till this so-called modern day. Many of us would want to see our future, if it is truly possible. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I shall attempt to undertake such a task here and now. The year 2015 is too crucial to our dear country Nigeria. All manner of permutations are going on right now wherever two or more Nigerians are gathered and it all centres on what would happen before, during and after the elections coming up in February. The situation is already getting tense to the extent that many rich folks are relocating their families abroad or seeking new homes or hideouts far from the madding crowd that they think Nigeria is. It is such a shame that Democracy has become a theatre of war in our clime when elsewhere it is meant to be a pleasurable game of who controls the numbers. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The question on everyone’s heart and lip is what happens if President Goodluck Jonathan fails in his second term bid and General Muhammadu Buhari wins! Will the ruling party, PDP, which has entrenched itself in power give up the fight, arms akimbo, and walk away so quietly and miserably into insignificance and irrelevance? Will the core supporters of President Jonathan, made up of militants and possible soldiers of fortune allow power to slip from their hands, just like that, without putting up some riotous protest in defiance and to delay the inevitable. Those who are beating the war drums in anticipation and rehearsing their war strategies ahead of time may wish to test their true might when that time comes. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The second question is what happens if General Buhari fails and President Jonathan wins fair and square, or by hook and crook, and Buhari’s supporters cry foul, especially if the rigging or whatever it is called becomes too obvious and a free-for-all fight breaks out! No matter how the results go, one way or the other, will the loser agree to concede defeat? The general impression is that head or tail, a serious, possibly <i>‘roforofo’</i> fight (apologies to Fela) will ensue after this election. I beg to disagree. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> My prediction is very simple and straight forward. The 2015 Presidential election is not going to be too close to call as many people expect. Whoever wins will do so decisively. A wind of change is blowing across the land at the speed of light. It is like a hurricane majestically sweeping across the nation carrying everybody along in its wake.  If it persists, General Muhammadu Buhari will win resoundingly. The victory will be so blistering that the PDP won’t know or even see what has hit it as if in a lightning strike. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> If President Jonathan is able to bounce back from the current blitzkrieg, then it means the wind of change would have been fatally downgraded to the extent that something major would have gone wrong with the APC candidates and/or their campaign. But I don’t see this happening. I’m willing and ready to place a bet that the PDP has reached its final bus stop, for now, after reigning unchallenged for 16 years. This is to be expected. Even the best of democracies abroad, political parties often suffer from natural law of diminishing returns after staying in power for so long. This kind of fatigue has already set in for PDP and a President Jonathan would be the natural collateral damage in the process. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Many factors will determine this almighty election. I will break them down once again. I will start with two interesting analogies. The first is original to me while the other comes from a discussion I had yesterday with a very famous Itsekiri man over breakfast. Let’s begin with mine. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The belief of most people I know is that neither APC nor PDP is perfect. They are readily dismissed as two sides of the same coin. Let’s stretch it further. Buhari and Jonathan both have their k-legs. But the former seems to have managed his own in such a way that people have come to terms with whatever is regarded as shortcomings while they have given up on any redeeming grace for Jonathan’s apparent weaknesses. In fact, Buhari in comparison to Jonathan is like having to choose between ulcer and cancer. Both ailments will definitely cause pain and discomfiture but the difference is still crystal clear. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> My Itsekiri brother stretched my thoughts further. He said he had asked his wife a question recently while discussing Buhari and Jonathan: “Darling, who among the two would you want to leave our kids with if we decide to travel for one week…?” The stunned wife took a deep breath before answering: “If I’ve no other person to leave them with than those two, I think I will pick Buhari. I know he might not allow them to eat too much and he may even ban them from watching their Disney channels but at least the kids will be safe and we’ll meet them at home when we come back.” <i>C’est finis</i>! </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> That is the sad reality today. Many Nigerians don’t think the President has any new solutions to our economic woes, general insecurity, epileptic power, archaic infrastructure, reckless profligacy, epidemic corruption, ethnic conflagration and religious bigotry. What the President’s men are promoting ceaselessly as achievements are signs of backwardness for a nation as big, ambitious and prosperous as Nigeria, the proverbial giant of African. Most of them are nothing but relics and antiquities and we deserve much better if we must compete on the world stage. Nigerians are down and out and the options are too little and too few. They believe they have to try whatever else is available even if there is no guaranty of how things may turn out again. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Except for those profiting from the present <i>status quo</i>, and may be telling the present government lies about the situation out there, the cry everywhere is change. The scenario I foresee is that Buhari will clear a large percentage of the Muslim votes, while the Christian votes would be split but with the majority still following the Buhari/Osinbajo team. The choice of Prof Yemi Osinbajo, a respected Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) as running mate to Buhari has refined my former thoughts in this respect. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> There is no gainsaying the fact that Jonathan had previously succeeded in playing this religious card by his constant forays in the sanctuaries of various churches, Pentecostal and otherwise, but with Osinbajo being brought into the equation most of this advantage has vanished and the pendulum of the Christian votes has swung the way of the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket.  Buhari will make a serious incursion into the President’s traditional territories while the President would find Buhari’s terrain almost impenetrable. Indeed people are now saying that Jonathan no longer has the monopoly of Christianity. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> On the regional front, Buhari will score more votes than Jonathan in the entire North West and North East and Jonathan may struggle to record twenty-five percent in even a couple of them. The North Central will be a battle ground but Buhari will still have a slight edge. The South West will vote massively for Buhari this time even including Ondo and Ekiti states but Jonathan will record up to 25 percent in most of them. The South South will shock Mr President as Buhari will record minimum of 25 percent or more in Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Delta States and win more than 50 percent in Rivers and Edo States because of the Amaechi and Oshiomhole factors. Bayelsa is the only totally safe ground for President Jonathan.  Even then one is not certain because of the schism within the PDP in that State. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In the South East, Buhari may shock pundits by recording up to 50 percent in IMO state, about 25 percent in Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States. Those who think the President will lock down the entire South South and South East are in for a rude shock and reawakening. In essence, APC will not only win in majority of the States it will win big because it controls most of the biggest states with massive votes in Nigeria. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Most of the PDP states are seriously going through one crisis or the other at this moment less than 45 days to the elections. On the contrary, APC has been able to manage its own internal crisis better without much ado.  Where there have recently been cracks, those gaping holes have been practically healed except Ogun State where I still expect my godfather former Governor Segun Osoba, to return to the fold having invested so much energy and resources in the past. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> If what the President’s people are banking on is their campaign of calumny against the General, it won’t fly this time around because Nigerians have virtually acclimatised to the bad weather that a Buhari Presidency may bring while they find the PDP heat too hot and scorching to bear again after 16 years of misadventure. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The election will not be as controversial as most people expect as the winner will be decided loud and clear. Of course, there will be skirmishes here and there but it won’t be anything the security forces won’t be able to handle, contain and crush if necessary. Many of those threatening brimstone and fireballs will be the first to flee in their private jets and speedboats now that they’ve made too much money from a fluid system. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I can see a star studded cabinet after May 29 formed of the <i>crème de la crème</i> of politicians, technocrats and professionals, all committed to serving their motherland. Every effort would be made to form a government of national unity comprising of both party and non-party members and Nigerians with proven talents from across the world will be invited to join and participate in this wind of change. The new government will work harder on giving a sense of belonging to all without alienating anyone. The current regime of those who fan the embers of ethnic and religious divisions for personal gain will be reversed and consigned to the dustbin of history. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> This shall come to pass. God bless Nigeria.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Read more at:  <a href="http://www.thecable.ng/new-year-prophesy-nigeria">TheCable</a></b></div>

My New Year Prophecy For Nigeria - By Dele Momodu

Fellow Nigerians, please, permit me to welcome you into the New Year with that exceptionally beautiful Poem [poem removed by editor] by Gabriel Imomtimi Gbaingbain Okara. The words of that legendary …

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Unemployed Couple Give Birth To Quadruplets After Twins

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuD_cakSlzWRJoLed4VhV9IaryMZ_UuKblvanm2_vGEXPDw8HAaXGTGK1RMrwEli6FO8pTrh0xX-DwLQGNDb1C8YHPEg5IMQXq8-8-ocsuSrwpj9RxfJP9Tw-K1-KzKjnZhcpSt1_AVg/s1600/quadruplet-702x336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuD_cakSlzWRJoLed4VhV9IaryMZ_UuKblvanm2_vGEXPDw8HAaXGTGK1RMrwEli6FO8pTrh0xX-DwLQGNDb1C8YHPEg5IMQXq8-8-ocsuSrwpj9RxfJP9Tw-K1-KzKjnZhcpSt1_AVg/s1600/quadruplet-702x336.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>When Isaac Oluwasanmi Oluwadare enrolled for a diploma programme at Ni­ger State College of Agri­culture, Mokwa, a couple of years ago, he was confident of securing a good job, but that did not happen. </b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He then de­cided to go for a degree certificate and enrolled into the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, where he bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricul­tural Economics and Farm Management. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Though he is from a very poor family and had nobody to cater for his education, he struggled to get good education. He believed that with sound education, he would be able to secure a good job and raise a small family so that he would also be able to cater for his siblings. But all these hopes fell like a pack of cards. The fate that has befallen him is contrary to his expectations. He didn’t get a job. Rather, he got a really big family and the challenge he is facing now is how to fend for them.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> When he got married in 2009, he and his wife had to wait for three years for their first child. When it then happened in 2012, they were twins and it was a big surprise. As he and his wife, who is also a jobless NCE holder, were struggling to make ends meet and cater for the two children, they got an­other big surprise with a set of quadruplets. Four babies at a time!</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Mr. Oluwasanmi, 35, and his wife, 30, narrated their experiences to <b><a href="http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=98487">Saturday Sun</a></b> at their sleepy Ikeji-Arakeji residence in Ori­ade Local Government Area of Osun State.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> You can read the details by following this <b><a href="http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=98487">link</a></b>.</div>

Unemployed Couple Give Birth To Quadruplets After Twins

When Isaac Oluwasanmi Oluwadare enrolled for a diploma programme at Ni­ger State College of Agri­culture, Mokwa, a couple of years ago, he was confident of securing a good job, but that did not happe…

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February Presidential Election Is A 'Do Or Die' Affair - Gov. Fayose

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyM2iG1DY8JTDjzg_W5gTrRFyVQ0fybNnZKe9zEvcbA05oZQRP2Bj6cpzDsp0fxe5DgkgciH1BhsJX6Hux-sbvM83lczQFBaVFnAnnpcx9Z4XQE5jr30XDCXAn_zqg-UJTp6wFHorzu8/s1600/Fayose_thuggery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyM2iG1DY8JTDjzg_W5gTrRFyVQ0fybNnZKe9zEvcbA05oZQRP2Bj6cpzDsp0fxe5DgkgciH1BhsJX6Hux-sbvM83lczQFBaVFnAnnpcx9Z4XQE5jr30XDCXAn_zqg-UJTp6wFHorzu8/s1600/Fayose_thuggery.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>An inaugural meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Southwest was held in Akure on Saturday with the objective of outlining a strategy for winning the 2015 elections in the area, with Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose reiterating the party’s old mantra that the presidential contest is a “do or die” affair.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The returnee-governor said the party must be prepared to use its control of the army and the police, which it currently controls, to ensure victory for President Goodluck Jonathan at next month’s polls.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The meeting was organized by the PDP South-West co-ordinator, Gov. Olusegun Mimiko, who shared the high table with Senitor Iyiola Omisore, Mr. Kolapo Ogunjobi, Senator Musilu Obanikoro, Governor Ayo Fayose and various leaders from the zone.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Governor Fayose underlined that the presidential election was critical, advising that the party should forget about governorship elections and concentrate on the presidential contest.  According to him, once President Jonathan was re-elected, everything else would fall into place and the party could declare the governorship candidates of PDP in various States as it likes.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Minutes of the meeting obtained by <b><a href="http://saharareporters.com/2015/01/02/governor-fayose-explodes-presidential-contest-do-or-die-affair-advocates-use-policearmy">SaharaReporters</a></b> shows that some delegates advocated de-emphasizing rallies as campaign strategy, preferring that the PDP should focus on propaganda aimed at tarnishing the image of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, General Muhammadu Buhari.   Some of the delegates wanted to use the media to dent the image of General Buhari.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In that connection, Senator Omisore expressed support for the extensive use of propaganda against Buhari, joining Governor Fayose in stressing that the all efforts should be mobilized to win the Presidency because the PDP would be nothing without the presidency.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Mr. Fayose disagreed with the propaganda strategy, describing it as a waste of time.  Stressing that attack is the best form of defence, he said that the PDP in general and the South-west PDP should be valiant to face the Tinubus anywhere they are. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> He underlined that the PDP cannot afford to lose its control of the police and the army, which it will without Jonathan being the president.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> On Fayose’s description of the presidential election as a “do or die” affair, Gov. Mimiko, obviously aware that the outburst could be used against the PDP, countered that it should not be a “do or die” but rather a “do-and-win” affair.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> One of the decisions taken by the meeting was to set up a number of committees, including Security, Contacts, Traditional, and INEC.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The committee on Security is saddled with the responsibility of working with the police and the army.  The party leaders also further tasked the students at both the national and regional levels to monitor various institutions and polling booths to make sure that the election goes in favour of President Jonathan.  It was also stated that a national student body had submitted a proposal for a youth conference that will hold in FUTA this month where the South-west students would adopt Jonathan as their presidential candidate.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>TEXT OF THE MINUTES OF THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE SOUTH WEST PDP, HELD ON 27TH DECEMBER 2014</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>The inaugural meeting of the southwest PDP was held in Akure, at the Government House of the State (Ondo State).</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>The meeting was organized by the PDP South-West co-ordinator, Gov. Olusegun Mimiko. On the high table were Gov. Olusegun Mimiko, Senitor Iyiola Omisore, Mr. Kolapo Ogunjobi, Senator Musilu Obanikoro, Governor Ayo Fayose, a governorship aspirant in Oyo State and various leaders from the South-West.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>At the beginning of the meeting, the host appealed to all the South-West PDP members and leaders to be united so as for them to be able to gain more votes from the zone. And people were given opportunity to give opinion on how they could get more votes for the presidential election in 2015 and win other positions.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>A speaker from Lagos State made a comment that Senator Muslim Obanikoro’s son, Ibrahim Obanikoro, that contested for the position of council chairman in one of the LCDA’s in Lagos State, defeated Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his area but was not given the position. He mentioned that that they had the key in winning Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that Asiwaju only claims what he cannot do.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>And the speaker further said that they needed the support of the Presidency to do so many things in Lagos State, concerning the forth-coming election.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Also, another speaker from Lagos State emphasized on issue of disbursement of funds for the election. He stressed that funds were always late for disbursement for elections, so they wanted early disbursement so that they could deliver.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>While another speaker from another state said they were happy for the meeting because it would foster peace among the southwest PDP members and that they could move on easily.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>A speaker from Oyo State laid emphasis on use of the media and said the party should go more on the media attack on the opposition party (APC). He mentioned that effective use of the media was the weapon being used by APC. Gov. Mimiko now stated that they made findings of who were the owners of some dailies and that it was discovered that those media outfits did not belong to members of the APC, and thus PDP could equally hijack the media.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>A speaker from Osun State that he had told Gov. Mimiko to help them tell the President to use his power and office to quash Ogbeni Aregbesola before the general elections, so that PDP could produce more votes for the President and that the idea of fighting Gov. Aregbesola would be by going to the Court of Appeal which he said could be influenced to remove Aregbesola. So, he urged the honourable leaders of our amiable party to look into the issue of Osun State.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Discussions now moved on to the strategy that would be used for winning the presidential election;</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>• Delegates present at the meeting discussed more on campaign that they should do less of rallies, instead, they should embark on full campaign with propaganda that would tarnish the image of APC presidential candidate, Gen. Buhari. And part of what should be used use to campaign against Gen. Buhari in Lagos is that he was the one who stopped the Railway metro project of Lagos State 30 years ago, and that instead of Buhari completing the project, he paid the penalty for breaching the contract of the railway metro line project.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>• Delegates present laid serious emphasis on using the media to dent the image of the presidential candidate of APC.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Some delegates maintained that the change that the emperor of Bourdillon wanted to change Nig. democracy to totalitarian dictatorship. Members stated that when PDP had no State in the South-west, the President got good votes from the South-west and now that the party has two States, it would be able to win all the other States if the two States in its kitty are well utilised.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Senator Omisore said in his speech that propaganda of any form shoule be utilised and that all efforts should be mobilized to win the Presidency as without the presidency the party is nothing.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>In the speech of Mr. Ayo Fayose, he said propaganda would only waste time and that attack is the best from of defence. He maintained that the party in general and the South-west PDP needed to be valiant to face the Tinubus anywhere they are. He further said we have the control of police and the army and “I CAN NOT AFFORD TO LOSE MY CONTROL ON POLICE AND THE ARMY” and without Jonathan being the president we will lose the control. Further, he said the presidential election is a do or die affair but Gov. Mimiko quickly countered that it should not be a do or die affair but rather a do-and-win affair.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Governor Fayose later said they should forget about all governorship elections and concentrate on the presidential election, that once President Jonathan returns, we could be declaring the governorship candidates of PDP in various States as they like, meaning that the Presidential election is very paramount.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>As the meeting progressed, leaders at the meeting put Oyo State in focus and maintained that PDP could get more votes for the president there by begging both Chief Alao Akala and Chief Rasheed Ladoja to align their parties with the PDP since they have no presidential aspirant and there is every need to throw out Ajimobi, Amosun with using militant thugs loyal to PDP.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Mr. Kolapo Ogunjobi representing Otunba Gbenga Daniel said they PDP on ground in Ijebu side of Ogun State and they were grassrooters and that they could deliver with good resources.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Sen. Musilu Obanikoro in his own speech said 3 days after he lost the PDP primary election, that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu came to him in private which he said was quite unusual of him. He said Tinubu asked him how much he had spent and that he was ready to give him 2 billion Naira and a senatorial seat from APC in Lagos State. He said he refused the offer and stressed that they could just imagine how smart and clever Asiwaju is. He further stated that Cardinal James Odunmbaku (Baba Eto) was almost at the concluding part of decamping to PDP and that even he had even concluded with the presidency in Aso Rock before Asiwaju hijacked him back with the position of Director-General of Campaign of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. He said they could see that Tinubu is the smart type. Senator Obanikoro further said he was the only person that could match Bola Ahmed Tinubu because he said he knew his tactics. He further emphasized that with cash in his hand, Tinubu is nobody.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>While Governor Fayose intervened by saying that there was nothing special in Lagos and that he normally visited markets in Lagos every weekend and before the people in the market would recognize him, they would have said so many things in his presence that they won’t know. Govenor Fayose further said he was coming to Lagos to teach people the market approach to sensitizing the people on the need to support PDP and dump APC.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>After all this, the communiqué prepared sequel to which the press was allowed entry into the place for a brief coverage before they were dispersed again. At the end, they set up various committees on such areas as:</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>• SECURITY</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>• TRADITIONAL</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>• CONTACTS</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>• INEC etc.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Committee on contacts will meet important personalities to canvass them, they mention people like Jimoh Ibrahim in Ondo, the Ogun people mentioned Sen. Anthony Adefuye as part of the personalities to be visited, and many other personalities.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Committee on INEC would monitor various INEC commissioners in various south-west states and try as much as possible to lure them with money to compromise in favour of our great party.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Committee on traditional rulers would meet up all Obas in the southwest for consultation on the presidential election and use financial gratification to lure them as many of them really need stomach infrastructure, according to Governor Fayose. Governor Mimiko maintained that many of those Obas are actually hungry and with good amount of money they could get them to support PDP.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Committee on security is saddled with the responsibility to work with the police and the army. Leaders of the party further tasked the students at both the National (NANS) and southwest level, state level to monitor various institutions, polling booths and make sure that the election would go in favour of Jonathan. It was also observed that the National body of student (NANS) submitted a proposal for a youth conference that will hold in FUTA in January where the South-west students would adopt Jonathan as their presidential candidate.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Some leaders also talked about APC’s strategy of deploying 10 persons per polling booth and that they were aware of it and stated that all leaders should task themselves to use councilors in all their various booths.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>Lastly, the South-west coordinator said the next meeting that would hold in Ibadan which would involve fund-raising for the presidential election from stakeholders of the PDP south-west and the meeting would be used to shake Oyo once again urging that the Governorship aspirant of PDP to be prepared.</i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i>The meeting ended with closing prayer from a delegate from Ondo State.</i></div>

February Presidential Election Is A 'Do Or Die' Affair - Gov. Fayose

An inaugural meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Southwest was held in Akure on Saturday with the objective of outlining a strategy for winning the 2015 elections in the area, with Ekiti St…

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New Year Tragedy: Family of 3 Crushed On Jan. 1 In Ibadan

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePXCP-mVmmgmxR72pkFyOuik_Zc8huMOGpukcADz3OYP6ek6irDPLkrgoRiX4m6hyphenhyphenz9F_o32VE0iNy2Oz5N3kH9S8_yszkO_YlxqfFNAyYtWI1wpISIA-7EagKxlM5rVDnVEPM0FVssg/s1600/accident-crash-700x336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePXCP-mVmmgmxR72pkFyOuik_Zc8huMOGpukcADz3OYP6ek6irDPLkrgoRiX4m6hyphenhyphenz9F_o32VE0iNy2Oz5N3kH9S8_yszkO_YlxqfFNAyYtWI1wpISIA-7EagKxlM5rVDnVEPM0FVssg/s1600/accident-crash-700x336.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>A family of three, comprising a pregnant woman, her husband and a child were on Thursday crushed by a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when the trio went for a New Year leisure walk.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Eyewitnesses said the hus­band carried their three and a half years old child while he walked beside his pregnant wife at 8:30p.m., before the SUV hit them on Adeoyo State Hospital Road, killing them instantly.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Checks by <b><a href="http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=98481">Saturday Sun</a></b> revealed that the Honda Pi­lot SUV that killed the fam­ily was driven by a lady sus­pected to have been drunk. She was said to have rammed the SUV into an electric pole before the vehicle could come to an abrupt halt.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Eyewitnesses further stated that the police that came to the scene of the incident took the corpses to the mortuary of the Adeoyo State Hospital, Ring Road.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> They also stated that when the lady’s SUV was opened, cartons of alcoholic drinks were found. The drinks, as gathered, were evacuated into the car of a woman, who was said to have driven in com­pany with the lady.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The Honda Pilot SUV was also said to have been towed to a police station close to Mobil Petrol Station in Oluy­ole Estate in Ibadan South- West Local Government Area.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> However ,the spokesper­son of the Oyo State Police Command, Mr. Adekunle Ajisebutu, a Deputy Superin­tendent of Police (DSP) could not confirm the incident, say­ing he needed time for proper confirmation and asked the reporter to call him back later.</div>

New Year Tragedy: Family of 3 Crushed On Jan. 1 In Ibadan

A family of three, comprising a pregnant woman, her husband and a child were on Thursday crushed by a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when the trio went for a New Year …

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Army To Court-Martial Brigadier-General, 21 Others In Lagos

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeLzkBEeOvLY9vceB0OfpyVeX76cbEONqxcS0dFXx2Z-r2253iYtkfaMFc8BoVwWfOoJDHAQrrpFV7n7fTTZ_h3vZsYDD2Zsjc1dTNsjj5m5iw1PPPV-pxx49YZ5MafiBZUY1RWQNIJ4/s1600/Chris-Olukolade-360x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeLzkBEeOvLY9vceB0OfpyVeX76cbEONqxcS0dFXx2Z-r2253iYtkfaMFc8BoVwWfOoJDHAQrrpFV7n7fTTZ_h3vZsYDD2Zsjc1dTNsjj5m5iw1PPPV-pxx49YZ5MafiBZUY1RWQNIJ4/s1600/Chris-Olukolade-360x225.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>The Nigeria Army will on January 16, arraign one Brigadier-General and 21 other officers before a General Court Martial in Lagos. <i>Punch</i> reports that Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, who is  a defence counsel to some of the soldiers confirmed this on Wednesday.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> However, the army authorities are yet to release the charges brought against the accused, but it was gathered that the officers are being charged for offences they allegedly committed in line of duty while battling insurgents in the North-East zone of the country. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Falana told <b><a href="http://www.punchng.com/news/army-to-court-martial-brig-gen-21-others-in-lagos/">Punch</a></b> he is yet to receive the charges against his clients.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The GCM is to hold at the 9 Brigade Officers’ Mess, Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The accused officers include Brig.-Gen. J.O. Komolafe; Colonels A. Laguda, V. Ebhaleme, V.O. Ita, and I.B. Maina.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Others are Colonels I. A Aboi, I.M Kabir, M.H. Abubakar, A. A. Egbejule, N. N. Orok, C. A. Magaji, A.O. Agwu, A.J.S. Gulani, O.O. Obolo and A.M. Adetuyi.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The list also include Lieutenant-Colonels I. A. Aboi, I.M. Kabir, M.H. Abubakar, A. A. Egbejule, N. N. Orok, C. A. Magaji, A.O. Agwu, A.J.S. Gulani, O.O. Obolo and A.M. Adetuyi.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The only Major among the accused officers is M. M. Idris and the others include Captains M Adamu, O. A. Adenaika, M. Gidado, M.M. Clark and S. Raymond.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> S.O. Olowa is the only second lieutenant among the officers.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Their arraignment comes on the heels of the amendment of the convening order for the General Court Martial by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigeria Army, Maj. Gen. T.I. Dibi, on August 6, 2014.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The amendment of the convening order replaces Brig.-Gen. I. O. Rabiu with Brig.-Gen. A. M. Sabo as the President of the court.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Other members of the panel are four other brigadiers-general – C. O. Ayara, J. C. Egbudom, S. A. Yaro, and J. Sarham.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The order indicated that Brig.-Gen. A. M Aliyu was on the waiting list.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> It also nominated Lt. L.B. Berepiki and Warrant Officer Peter Ahmadu as additional prosecution counsel.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Meanwhile, the GCM set up by the Nigerian Army to try three officers and 13 soldiers of the 331 Artillery Regiment, Biu, Borno State, in relation with the April 14, 2014 abduction of the students of Government Secondary School, Chibok, has freed one of the officers, Capt. O.O. Ogunrinde.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Ogunrinde, who was arraigned on a two count of conduct prejudicial to service discipline and relaying information without verification was found to be innocent by the court and was discharged and acquitted.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The Army Captain was the second-in-command at the 331 Artillery Regiment, Biu, when the Chibok girls were abducted by the insurgents.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The abduction of the girls has provoked global outrage but most of the girls remain in custody of the violent Ismaic sect, Boko Haram, trill date.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Ogunrinde was said to have been arraigned for allegedly relaying information without verification concerning the number of girls abducted.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The defence counsel to Ogunrinde, Mr. A.I. Omachi, said that the trial court decided the case in favour of his client, having found him not guilty of the charges levelled against him.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Ogunrinde was the only Army personnel who escaped a jail sentence by the court, which sentenced two officers and 13 soldiers in relation with the Chibok incident on December 23, 2014.</div>

Army To Court-Martial Brigadier-General, 21 Others In Lagos

The Nigeria Army will on January 16, arraign one Brigadier-General and 21 other officers before a General Court Martial in Lagos. Punch reports that Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, who is  a defe…

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37-Year-Old Nursing Mother Bathed With Acid

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmo5zOg_hI5N9b2o6aUJAbBiwUbUBcgtP84vuzw0TH00te1HiaQLxWNpy7SQAtfJVwRDysNquwKmyNC7cD4N5qbgAtjJPm_0PiWdvpzsmEkPejm_fdRZvbnIuJqr38cx5NkFYtrGhfhw/s1600/acid-attack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmo5zOg_hI5N9b2o6aUJAbBiwUbUBcgtP84vuzw0TH00te1HiaQLxWNpy7SQAtfJVwRDysNquwKmyNC7cD4N5qbgAtjJPm_0PiWdvpzsmEkPejm_fdRZvbnIuJqr38cx5NkFYtrGhfhw/s1600/acid-attack.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>A 37-year-old nursing mother, Benedeth Chiugo, is currently battling for her life at the intensive care unit of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, in Anambra State, after some unidentified attackers bathed her with substance believed to be acid.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> According to reports, Chiugo was attacked by some unknown persons who rode on a motorcycle and emptied the substance which was in a plastic container, on her before jumping on the motorcycle and speeding off.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> It was gathered that the cries of the woman attracted the husband who was nearby and she was rushed to the hospital where medical doctors have been battling round the clock to save her life.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Recounting her ordeal on her hospital bed, Chiugo said that she was standing in front of her shop, scrolling through her phone numbers, when two unknown boys stopped their bike and one of them, about 21 years, poured acid all over her body.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The men of the Nigerian Police at Nnewi Central Police Station, confirmed the incident but said only the state Police Public Relations Officer could reveal more details on the attack.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Credit: Pulse Ng</b></div>

37-Year-Old Nursing Mother Bathed With Acid

A 37-year-old nursing mother, Benedeth Chiugo, is currently battling for her life at the intensive care unit of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, in Anambra State, after…

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Buhari: We Have His Academic Records But He Should Apply For Copies - Nigerian Army

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPBxNiCA_onK6VuESzDGIGt3_1ZEE7HITY2RLCHkpB13iSp3V0pNlJUa2OC01vfxD6N52Z25RSkX6TtmHASE56-BeJkYjAVaw0D3Nfb-uqsG9j-pdorhctndk8NN7rx1mPM5VLSMDDOA/s1600/buhari+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPBxNiCA_onK6VuESzDGIGt3_1ZEE7HITY2RLCHkpB13iSp3V0pNlJUa2OC01vfxD6N52Z25RSkX6TtmHASE56-BeJkYjAVaw0D3Nfb-uqsG9j-pdorhctndk8NN7rx1mPM5VLSMDDOA/s1600/buhari+(2).jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>The Director of Public Relations of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier Olaleye Lajide, has dismissed reports in the Nigerian media claiming that the army could not find academic records of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Brigadier Lajide described the reports as false.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The military spokesman made the disclosure while responding to a text message from <b><a href="http://saharareporters.com/2015/01/03/nigerian-army-has-buhari%E2%80%99s-academic-records-he-needs-apply">SaharaReporters</a></b> seeking clarification about the status of Mr. Buhari’s records. Brigadier Lajide affirmed that the Nigerian Army is in possession of all records of serving, retired and deceased officers since its inception. He added, however, that all military officers are supposed to keep original copies of their certificates. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> According to him, in the event where an officer loses his or her original copy of records, the concerned officer must officially apply for copies from the army. He stated that the army responds to such requests in an expeditious manner. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Brigadier Lajide told our correspondent that he was a former director of records at the Nigerian Army headquarters and had seen records of older and retired generals. He added that he was in no doubt that General Buhari’s records were intact.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Brigadier Olaleye insisted that the claim in a major Nigerian newspaper, that the army could not locate Mr. Buhari’s record was untrue.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Credit: SaharaReporters</b></div>

Buhari: We Have His Academic Records But He Should Apply For Copies - Nigerian Army

The Director of Public Relations of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier Olaleye Lajide, has dismissed reports in the Nigerian media claiming that the army could not find academic records of General Muhammad…

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Enyeama Named Best Goalkeeper In France For 2014

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkLAfrLQObYVsW2wdurTJ4S-25wB5FMkXNt6_Y9XbUoRowiZpDuXK7IF1aRt5AhvyxaGa4RUR_2okt30W_LPl9dQ6nSOIVB850e9o1uKhUckDCTVSwLpYNgP650WYvf8G41CIColhtvg/s1600/Vincent+Enyeama1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkLAfrLQObYVsW2wdurTJ4S-25wB5FMkXNt6_Y9XbUoRowiZpDuXK7IF1aRt5AhvyxaGa4RUR_2okt30W_LPl9dQ6nSOIVB850e9o1uKhUckDCTVSwLpYNgP650WYvf8G41CIColhtvg/s1600/Vincent+Enyeama1.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Captain of the Super Eagles, Vincent Enyeama has been named as the Best Goalkeeper in France for 2014. </b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The Lille goalkeeper was in brilliant form for both club and country and also made the <b><i>L’Equipe Newspaper</i></b>’s Best 11 Team of the Year 2014. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Others on the best 11 for 2014 include: PSG left back Sherrer Cabelino Maxwell, Grégory Van Der Wiel(PSG), Simon Kjaer (Lille), Nicolas Nkoulou (Olympique Marseille), Jérémy Toulalan (Monaco), Marco Veratti (PSG), Javier Pastore (PSG), Paul-Georges Ntep (Rennes) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG) and Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon). </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Vincent Enyeama is also on the final shortlist for the CAF African Footballer of the Year. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony next Thursday. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Yaya Toure and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon and Borussia Dortmund are also in the running for the CAF prize.</div>

Enyeama Named Best Goalkeeper In France For 2014

Captain of the Super Eagles, Vincent Enyeama has been named as the Best Goalkeeper in France for 2014.  The Lille goalkeeper was in brilliant form for both club and country and also made the L’Equipe…

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Ogun INEC Releases List Of Gov'ship/Deputy Gov'ship Candidates

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAUaPrMVYDdexb6C3j3JNaKl8_9mI8xxO90kzivT0uo1SiNss13omg0jbmVyuMxHJNUPuV2je5JZcXxHhbmMslDIi065uMh-T1JT7Y3Dq0V7kfUhSxKi-t3wWWiKoir-SdC7Xq4BnhOw/s1600/VOTER-REG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAUaPrMVYDdexb6C3j3JNaKl8_9mI8xxO90kzivT0uo1SiNss13omg0jbmVyuMxHJNUPuV2je5JZcXxHhbmMslDIi065uMh-T1JT7Y3Dq0V7kfUhSxKi-t3wWWiKoir-SdC7Xq4BnhOw/s1600/VOTER-REG.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Ahead of the 2015 general elections, the Ogun State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released names of governorship candidates of various political parties. </b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> For the All Progressives Congress (APC), the incumbent Governor Ibikunle Amosun has Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga as his deputy; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has Gboyega Isiaka as its candidate, while Bilau Adekunle is his deputy.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The Nigeria National Peoples Party (NNPP) has Adesina Akani as the standard bearer, the deputy governor is yet to emerge.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> For HDP Olanrewaju Sokunbi, is the governorship candidate while, Adeyemo Adewale is the deputy governorship candidate; just as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has Babalola Akin Odunsi as the standard bearer with Olubukunola Onabanjo, daughter of the first civilian Governor of the State Chief Bisi Onabanjo, as the deputy.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Onafadeji Benjamin is to fly the flag of the National Conscience Party (NCP) while his deputy is yet to be unveiled; the Labour Party (LP) has Olabode Simeon as its candidate, the party is yet to present its deputy candidate.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) is to be represented by Eyiowuawi Rasaq and Okeowo Oluremilekun as his deputy.</div>

Ogun INEC Releases List Of Gov'ship/Deputy Gov'ship Candidates

Ahead of the 2015 general elections, the Ogun State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released names of governorship candidates of various political parties.  For the…

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Lagos Socialite, Adunni Bankole, Dies On Daughter's Wedding Day

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3Q7a5DOfWrJs7fvju_2EtVtleC7FePTpFZ7MLAGTWSftfpWIX21fM86ljJhsWLHeM48u_sl2aDjSMOlRjf3k6pJ0nweix2Sba6xLDrH7ZcnFc2V_yd8mfJ3bjdq8kpZvG5eoD6LOVMw/s1600/IYA-ADUNNI-BANKOLE-640x400-300x194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3Q7a5DOfWrJs7fvju_2EtVtleC7FePTpFZ7MLAGTWSftfpWIX21fM86ljJhsWLHeM48u_sl2aDjSMOlRjf3k6pJ0nweix2Sba6xLDrH7ZcnFc2V_yd8mfJ3bjdq8kpZvG5eoD6LOVMw/s1600/IYA-ADUNNI-BANKOLE-640x400-300x194.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>A Lagos society lady and Iyalode of Gbagura in Ogun State, Chief Mrs. Adunni Bankole, has passed on.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The ex-wife of Chief Alani Bankole died today, Saturday, January 3, 2015 during her daughter’s wedding,  an event she was eagerly looking forward to and had even planned elaborately for.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Reports say she had been ill and was in coma for days prior to her demise.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Her former husband and top Ogun politician is the father of Hon. Dimeji Bankole, the erstwhile Speaker, Federal House of Representatives.</div>

Lagos Socialite, Adunni Bankole, Dies On Daughter's Wedding Day

A Lagos society lady and Iyalode of Gbagura in Ogun State, Chief Mrs. Adunni Bankole, has passed on. The ex-wife of Chief Alani Bankole died today, Saturday, January 3, 2015 during her daughter’s wed…

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Shocking! Man Stabbed For 'Pinging' While Driving

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SuYurjczHsMAx8A8b0SPI1DpR_T20rJ_5fHm9akcqUljSAsZx8teNqNPVfkCK4rdwWBaWkHO2UeeB4XqBNTf48IVb2_1Yz3WGbkuUdS4wcfkJU-4NvIcVOUcCyCZiJ6fKt3NO8G6x3s/s1600/Julius-Joseph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SuYurjczHsMAx8A8b0SPI1DpR_T20rJ_5fHm9akcqUljSAsZx8teNqNPVfkCK4rdwWBaWkHO2UeeB4XqBNTf48IVb2_1Yz3WGbkuUdS4wcfkJU-4NvIcVOUcCyCZiJ6fKt3NO8G6x3s/s1600/Julius-Joseph.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>A mechanic in Lagos has been arrested and charged after stabbing another man for 'pinging' while driving.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Olajide Olaniran is said to have attacked 34-year-old Julius Joseph in the Ijaiye area of the state after accusing him of using his phone instead of focusing on the steering of his car.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Joseph also challenged Olaniran for driving against traffic and in the ensuing chaos, Olaniran allegedly stabbed Joseph with a broken bottle and then escaped with his phones and the sum of ₦5,000, <b><a href="http://www.punchng.com/news/army-condemns-four-more-soldiers-to-death/">Punch</a></b> reports.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The suspect was however arrested by the police and the victim was taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja for treatment.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Olaniran has subsequently been charged with assault and stealing and the case has been adjourned till January 26, 2015 for mention.</div>

Shocking! Man Stabbed For 'Pinging' While Driving

A mechanic in Lagos has been arrested and charged after stabbing another man for 'pinging' while driving. Olajide Olaniran is said to have attacked 34-year-old Julius Joseph in the Ijaiye area of the…

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Why I Converted To Islam - Moji Olaiya

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAH7kgtal9MA1FmnM7ojM-0liJQ7BsQXy1E_ThTW67vMZ9XpMvTSR7FmdrbTkzJFzN23aZUOqYsW04N7rhhbxtdg_y5ppvE06Rg2xJqXDkrVnkaC80wzGDtQQBDhnT2j318-BYJGqJxE/s1600/moji-olaiya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAH7kgtal9MA1FmnM7ojM-0liJQ7BsQXy1E_ThTW67vMZ9XpMvTSR7FmdrbTkzJFzN23aZUOqYsW04N7rhhbxtdg_y5ppvE06Rg2xJqXDkrVnkaC80wzGDtQQBDhnT2j318-BYJGqJxE/s1600/moji-olaiya.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Since popular Yoruba actress, Moji Olaiya, walked out of her marriage; it has </b><b>been particularly difficult to track her down. Saturday Vanguard cornered her at an Inter-House sports competition event in Gbagada, Lagos, where she was the matron of one of the Houses competing for prizes at the event.</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Below is the excerpt of the interview conducted by <b>ADERONKE ADEYERI</b> and <b>MAHMUD HABIBAT</b> of <b><a href="http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/01/481506/">Vanguard</a></b> Newspapers.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Many actors have complained over time that the government has abandoned the film industry, in what respect can the government assist the industry?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I think with the aid of the government, we can overcome piracy. The government has failed to help the industry and that is not what is happening abroad. There are some who, however, make money from people in government.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Have you been a benefactor of such favour before?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> No, I have not.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>But you were appointed a brand ambassador in Ekiti State?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Yes, I am a cultural ambassador in Ekiti which happens to be a privilege bestowed upon me by the governor. It is a gesture to appreciate and recognise my cultural impact on the youths in the state and the country Nigeria at large.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Are you saying being an ambassador of that State has no monetary benefit?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Being a cultural ambassador of a State comes with the responsibility of promoting the State. It also means being a mentor to the youths and creating avenues for them to showcase their talents in the industry.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>What are the things you will love to change in Nollywood?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Many of us lack discipline and the industry is now over flooded. In the past, people came into the industry because of the passion they had for acting but not anymore. Most of them now want to be famous quickly even when they do not have the talents. The ladies in particular, most of them go around almost naked. These ladies forget actors and actresses are like evangelists who preach through the television screen.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Have you ever felt like quitting acting?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Coming into the industry was borne out of passion, so I cannot quit acting for anything in the world.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Even marriage?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I can never quit acting for any marriage. I have said it in many interviews that even when I re-marry, the man will have to love me and my profession.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>You once said you are an evangelist in one interview.</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I have never said I was an evangelist. I only likened acting to preaching through our movies. So that is it.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>You came into limelight in an English soap, Super Story, but now you feature more in Yoruba films.</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I have many English soaps running at the moment so it is not as if I have left the English scene.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Are you a Muslim or a Christian?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I am a Muslim.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>But you were once a Christian, what happened?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Yes, I converted. I fell in love with Islam. I am not saying Christianity is not an acceptable religion but as an adult, I am at liberty to choose any religion I like. I might decide not to practice any religion tomorrow.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Is this traceable to your background; having a Muslim mother that converted to Christianity?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Somehow she might have influenced me because as a child I watched her go to the mosque five times a day. I love Islam; their mode of praying is peaceful. The religion does not have the denominational problem like Christianity. I can go into any mosque to pray any time.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>What is your relationship with popular Victor Olaiya as some believe you are not his child?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I don’t want to say much about this. If these people say I am his niece, does that not also make him my relative. And as relatives, I can also call him father. So this issue is not logical regardless of their arguments. He is my father.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Which female accessories would you never be caught without?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> My earrings and wristwatches.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Perfumes?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I am not addicted to any brand of perfumes. I go for any as long as it is a designer perfume and has nice fragrance.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>How have you been coping after separation from your husband?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> A woman needs a man in her life. There are things a man would do that you cannot do as a woman but I have no regret leaving my marriage.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Why did you say you have no regrets?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I have no regret leaving my marriage but I regret not being under a man’s roof. It is not respectable in this part of the world. But I try to comport myself even as a divorced woman and as a typical Yoruba woman and to avoid scandal. I have a daughter to protect and cater for.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>What was the cause of your failed marriage?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The marriage was not working so I had to quit. My partner went as far as abusing me so I had to leave to protect myself and my daughter.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>You mean domestic violence?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Yes, domestic violence is just the right word.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Any man in the picture at present?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I am in a relationship but I am yet to be legally separated from my husband.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Were you legally married?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Yes. So at the right time I will reveal who the man is. I need somebody beside me.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><b>Is your new film, Monsurat, born out of your marital experience?</b></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Our mothers tell us that being over protective of one’s husband does more harm than good. <i>Monsurat </i>is a story of a jealous woman who became a tigress in protecting her marriage. She went diabolical and this affected her husband’s business. Later on her husband found solace in the arms of another woman and that was how she lost all. It is a story meant to educate our women to keep their space in the hearts of their men.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Are you really a sport person?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I love sports and I still create time for it despite my busy schedules.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><b>Which sport in particularly do you engage in?</b></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I play Lawn Tennis and I swim very well.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>On what ground did you become matron to the ‘Yellow House’ of the school?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I am very sure one of the criteria for making me a matron here was because I grew up in this environment. I stayed here for 32 years. Also the management of the school found me worthy to mentor the pupils and I am happy about that.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Are you a product of the school?</i></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> No, I am not.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><b>What is your perception of life?</b></i></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Life is interesting when you keep a free mind towards others. When you suspect everyone around you, you cage yourself and your feelings and it means you don’t trust yourself too. Whatever situation you find yourself, know that life will go on; it will only stop when you are tired of going on.</div>

Why I Converted To Islam - Moji Olaiya

Since popular Yoruba actress, Moji Olaiya, walked out of her marriage; it has been particularly difficult to track her down. Saturday Vanguard cornered her at an Inter-House sports competition event …

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