Tonto Dikeh, Chika Ike, Oge Okoye, Others Nominated For Afro Hollywood Awards 2012 In London

The African Voice Newspaper UK has now released nominees for the 17th African Film Awards 2012 better known as Hollywood Awards. Winners of each category will be announced at a special ceremony in Akure, Ondo State on Wednesday, October 10, 2012.

Each of the winners would have the opportunity to attend the prestigious annual awards in London.

Top actresses like Tonto Dikeh, Chika Ike and Omoni Oboli will slug it out in the best actress category while South Africa’s leading actor, Jafta Mamabolo (famed for his role in Otelo Burning) will have Nigeria's Joseph Benjamin (Tango With Me) and Ghana's Van Vicker to fight in order to win in the best African actor category.

The award has helped to make Nollywood popular and opened an array of opportunities for past recipients. Commenting on this year’s edition, Prince Mike Abiola, publisher of African Voice Newspaper UK and Chairman of the awards committee said "the awards ceremony will attract British African stars from film and television, British producers seeking collaboration with Nollywood practitioners and high net worth British Africans seeking to invest in Africa’s leading film industry.

"Akure in Ondo State has been chosen to announce the finalists from Nollywood this year to promote peaceful electioneering in the forth coming Governorship elections in the state. It is hoped that the popularity of Nollywood and wide acceptance of the award brand will drive international media attention to the variety of tourist attractions in the state such as the historic Idanre Hills."

A distinguished and independent panel of film critics, respected for their expertise in the film industry, will decide the eventual winners of each award category.

The awards, celebrating excellence in African Film and tourism, will also be an opportunity to highlight the tourism development plans of African states, as the event coincides with the World Tourism Market, the leading global event for the tourism industry.

Below are the nominees;

African Actor of the Year (African Film category)
Joseph Benjamin (Nigeria)
Van Vicker (Ghana)
Jafta Mamabolo (South Africa)

Nollywood Film category

Best Actor (English language film)
Nonso Diobi
Femi Branch
Yemi Blaq

Best Actress (English language film)
Chika Ike
Tonto Dike
Omoni Oboli

Best Actress (Supporting Role in an English language film)
Kiki Omeili
Nse Ikpe Etim
Oge Okoye

Best Actress (Yoruba language film)
Funke Adesiyan
Ayo Adesanya
Laide Bakare

Best Actress (Supporting Role in a Yoruba language film)
Mosun Filani
Toyin Aimaku
Toyosi Adesanya

Best Actor (Yoruba language film)
Odunlade Adekola
Adefemi Salami
Gabriel Afolayan

Best Actor (Supporting Role in a Yoruba language film)
Muka Ray
Femi Fadeyi
Don Richards

Best Actor (Hausa language film)
Aminu Sherif Momoh
Ibrahim Maishunku
Babelle Hayatu

Best Actress (Hausa language film)
Sadiya Mohammed
Mayam Booth
Jamila Umar Nagudu

Veteran Actor
Tafa Oloyede
Kayode Olasehinde
Gbolagade Akinpelu

Veteran Actress
Abeni Balogun
Lanre Hassan (Iya Awero)
Iyabo Ogunsola

Best Director (English film)
Mahmud Ali Balogun
Bond Emeruwa
Chidi Nwakobia

Best Director (Yoruba film)
Ayinde Sansaliu
Yemi Amodu
Bayo Tijani

Best Marketer (Yoruba film)
Alhaji Toyin Uthman (Toymax Film Holdings)
Biodun Ibitola (Remdel Ultimal)
Ishola Saheed (Isolak Films)

Best Marketer (English film)
Andy Best
Cosmos Ndulue
Bayo Tijani

Best Comedy Talent
Bolaji Amusan (Mr. Latin)
Hafiz Oyetoro (Saka)
Helen Paul (Tatafo)

Chika Ike

Oge Okoye

Rita Dominic's Movie Gets October 19 Release Date

Talented Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic is set to release her much hyped movie, The Meeting later this year. According to information made available to, the theoretical release would be on October 19, 2012.

The romantic comedy stars Rita Dominic, Jide Kosoko, Kate Henshaw, Basorge Tariah, Nse Ikpe-Etim, and Chinedu Ikedieze.

“We are excited about this film because it is a truly Nigerian story that cuts across borders. Anybody anywhere in the world will find something about this film to like.

"We are not only introducing upcoming stars in Femi Jacobs and Linda I. Ejiofor but we are also showcasing a different and dynamic Rita Dominic," Mildred Okwo, the co-producer of the flick said.

The Meeting was written by Tunde Babalola. The story centres on a Lagos-based corporate executive Makinde Esho (Femi Jacobs) who finds himself at the mercy of political patronage, bureaucratic red tape and Cupid's arrow while in hot pursuit of a 'meeting' to secure a government contract.

The Meeting addresses an array of contemporary issues audiences are sure to identify with from love to African time, to the trials of tackling officials and manoeuvring red tape.

It also brings together a stellar cast of Nollywood stars that are sure to draw audiences to the cinemas in October.

2Face, Joke Silva, Monalisa Chinda, Others To Spice Up Lee's Celebrity Birthday Bash

Information reaching US shows that all is now set for the monthly birthday bash for celebrities born in the months of September and October. This is happening in Lagos courtesy Lee's Monthly Birthday Party (MBP).

Top stars like 2Face, Dj Jimmy Jatt, Monalisa, Kwame and others are set to party with their fans as other celebrities join them at XQL Club, Victoria Island, Lagos on October 27, 2012 by 8.00pm.

According to the host of the event Lydia Babatunde, "Lee’s monthly birthday party is a gig that has come to stay and we are getting better through hardwork and consistency. This edition is going to be an unforgettable fun moment because its going to be a double dose celebration. We will be celebrating celebs born in the month of September and October."
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The event will be a fusion of comedy, dance, and music, creating an atmosphere of fun and networking. It will be anchored by Cool FM’s OAP, Shine and Gamed Up TV's 'Say'.

Expected at the party are 2Face, Kwame(CEO Nigezie), Obi Asika (CEO Storm Records), Laide Bakare, Toyin Aimakhu, Waje, Goldie, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Joke Silva, Yinka Quadri, Eniola Badmus, Kunle Afolayan, amongst others.
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‪‪This event is supported by Nigeriafilms.com and other media partners. Admission is free to all.

SECRET REASONS SOCIETY LADIES DATE FOREIGN BASED GUYS

Have you noticed that so many of our female celebrities, especially the actresses in both the English and Yoruba speaking version of Nollywood don’t only go to shop for their clothes, travel for vacation or go to shoot movies abroad, they also prefer lovers who are based abroad.

Every now and then, slang like “her American based boyfriend or her London based lover” has become a common norm for pen pushers.

The question now is, why are they neglecting our handsome men who live here in Nigeria to fall in the arms of those abroad, is it that men who live in Nigeria are ugly or there is no responsible one’s around?

After a research was conducted on this, we were able to gather the real reasons many celebs prefer Nigerian men who are based abroad to our eligible bachelors based in the country.

FREEDOM- Because of the nature of the job, some Nigerian actresses prefer to settle for Nigerian men based abroad. Of course he won’t always be around to monitor her whereabouts; she won’t have to neglect her job and location to run home to tend to her family.

As the jobs demands, she can travel for days or weeks and for a lady who is so used to flirting around, she would have all the whole time and freedom in the world to do that.

• COMFORT- In today’s world, every lady wants to be comfortable, being a celebrity, you are expected to drive the best cars, wear expensive clothes and jewelries and be very comfortable but most celebrities can’t live solely on what they earn, they need someone to spice up their bank accounts and most Nigerian guys based abroad are ready to flaunt all the cash without blinking an eyelid. It’s showbiz so they have got to ‘SHOW’.

• LOVE- Some of the celebrities fall in love, not for his money or other benefits; they are only interested in settling down with a foreign based guy.

• SECURITY- As we all know, if anyone gets married to a legal citizen in UK or US, automatically, she become a citizen too, that’s of course a plus for her, she can go in and out of the country as she wishes.

• WIND OF SEASON- That’s the current trend now, so many single celebs follow the trend since there are so many benefits in it!

• THEY ARE MORE ROMANTIC- It is believed that most Nigerian men are not romantic enough, thus, they prefer Nigerian based abroad or even foreigners so as to have an original experience of the romantic movies they act!

• STATUS QUO- Some ladies naturally love men who are based abroad, they get excited and feel cool that they are dating a foreign based guy; just the status alone makes them feel like they are on top of the world.

• NO FAMILY PRESSURE- Most Nigerian guys based abroad fancy female celebrities, and our celebs fancy them too because they won’t have so much pressure from family and friends who may go against their getting engaged with a celebrity who is believed to have lived a wayward life in the course of their job.

• COVER UP- Some celebs who don’t really have a serious relationship with anyone tell those who care to listen that they are engaged with a foreign lover when they are being pressurized by people, especially the press. That serves as a good cover up to save them the embarrassment.

I'm Divorcing My Wife for Spiritual Reasons; Bishop David

 

The negative wind of marriage divorce sweeping across Nigeria has caught up with popular Lagos cleric, Bishop David Benenoch.

During a church service recently, Bishop David the Founding pastor of Communion Church, Lagos and the presiding Bishop of Communion Church Worldwide, announced the end of his marriage to his wife of 20 years and mother of his three children, Esther Benenoch.

Bishop David was said to have told members of his church he’s seeking for divorce from the mother of his children for spiritual reasons and didn't give any more details to his stunned worshipers.

On the other hand, it was revealed that Esther is a blogger who has written so many articles on relationships, marriages, and she’s always written against divorce. So, the question is how does one who writes against divorce get so swallowed up in the problem of divorce that she couldn't foresee, let alone avert the encroaching disaster?

THE 'EVERLY' GORGEOUS REGINA ASKIA PHOTO

She left our shores several years ago for the United States of America, where she got married and also got trained as a certified nurse. Here in Nigeria then, she was at a point a beauty queen and later a celebrated actress,but she suddenly left all the fame for love and family in the US.

She went quiet for a while doing her thing. Now she seems to be in our eyes all over again, still looking ravishingly beautiful, though loads more mature. The gorgeous Regina has 3 kids now, her eldest daughter, Stephanie is already a queen in the making, followed by Teesa Olympia & Rudolph Junior. Check out her new pictures.

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STUNNING! GHANA WOMEN ARE THE WORLD’S ‘MOST UNFAITHFUL’ – SURVEY REVEALS

Women from Ghana and Thailand landed the top spots as the world’s most unfaithful lovers in a new survey. According to the survey carried out by condom producer Durex on 29,000 women in 36 countries, Malaysian women came third – 39 per cent admitting they often cheat on their mates, behind Ghana (62 per cent) and Thailand (59 per cent).

In fourth and fifth place were Russia (33 per cent) and Singapore (19 per cent) respectively, Star Online reported. Among couples cheating on each other, Malaysia trailed behind South Korea and chart-topper Thailand.

The same survey placed men from Singapore and Hong Kong as being the most promiscuous in Asia, with an average of 16 bed partners in their lifetime.

How do Ghanaians feel about this revelation?

We asked a number of them in the Tri-State area and the general verdict was that of shock and consternation. “That is a preposterous conclusion. What were the yardsticks they used in conducting their poll? How many women did they talk to and what scientific methods did they employ to arrive at such a sweeping verdict? While not completely absolving our women from indulging in certain shenanigans, I would say we, Ghana women are not the most notorious in that regard. I have friends from other ethnicities who are married, and at the same time keep multiple lovers, and I, happily married to my husband for ten years now, have only strayed once, and why I did that was because we were having problems that appeared intractable at the time. Since my husband and I got back together, I have never cheated on him and don’t intend to.” Linda, who asked that I keep her last name out of print, had told me.

To Kwesi–a business owner in Hartford, Connecticut, such definition serves the women right “It has been a known fact within our community and even in our native country that our women have not been faithful to their husbands. Here in the Diaspora, you can’t tell your wife to keep away from certain associations, she will lash out at you, and tell you to mind your business that she is an adult, and knows how to take care of herself- including knowing when to say no to an amorous overtures. It is so depressing to so defined, I hope they will take or two things from this survey and give respect to their marital status.”

“I think the poll is spot-on” a lady who had pleaded to remain anonymous had told me. “I am not proud to say it; a lot of our married women sleep around. At least among my circle of friends- we have at one point or the other maintained other relationships. Sometimes, the driving impulse may not even be for material gains, but for the thrill of it. But we are not different from other Africans. I know some Nigerian friends of mine, who are married too, but have lovers outside. I think our men should find the revelation a means to challenge themselves and ask what it is they are doing that is not right. I don’t think a woman will willingly go out there to cheat on her husband if the ‘game’ is tight at home, if you know what I mean”

What do you readers think? We will like to have your reactions.

Nollywood Actress, Omosexy To Have 5th Child

As you are reading this, the screen diva, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, is toying with the idea of having the fifth child. The actress wondered aloud amongst friends recently if it won’t be a good idea making another baby, more so when her last child left home for a boarding school a few weeks back.

Is she lonely? Does she need a company? All these are questions that ran through the minds of her fiends who she was said to have hinted about the fifth child.

Omo Sexy further confirmed this via her official Twitter handle, @Realomosexy: “So my last baby has just left today to boarding school! OMG! What can I and Captain Ekeinde do now? Make another baby for the road?”

However, close friends of the actress have defended her saying she’s just contemplating and not putting it into any form of action. It’s well known that Omotola remains one of Nigeria’s most sexy entertainers even after giving birth to four kids.

Mikel an unsung hero – Di Matteo

Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi has been described as one of the best players available to Chelsea by the team’s manager Roberto di Matteo. The Italian, who spoke in London on the eve of their UEFA Champions League match against FC Nordsjaelland of Denmark, said it was very unfortunate that fans had always misunderstood the role played by the Nigerian on the pitch for the Stamford Bridge team.

Mikel, whose contribution to the Eagles has also been a source of debate, was vilified by Chelsea fans when his error earned Juventus an equaliser a fortnight ago at Stamford Bridge. But on Monday, Di Matteo rose to the defence of his player.

Di Matteo told the London Evening Standard, “I don’t know why he’s underrated by the fans — he’s very rated by us in the group. It’s the kind of position where you’re a bit of an unsung hero, where you do the dirty work which isn’t recognised all the time because the goalscorers and the creative players get that recognition.

“He’s physically strong, breaks up the game and is getting better on the ball, setting the tempo of our team. We’re happy to have him.

“He takes responsibility as well when receiving the ball under pressure. He should get more credit for it.”

Mikel was forced to close down his Twitter account last week following fans hate messages sent to him. No matter how fans may judge the midfielder recruited by Jose Mourinho, his teammates also believe so much in his ability. Goalkeeper Petr Cech backed Di Matteo.

He said, “Everybody has their opinion, but ever since John Obi joined us, he’s been a player who has played a lot of games — all the important games.

“He’s never missing. If he’s available for selection, he plays. He’s very useful and part of our success in the last few years. He’s a massive player for us and we’re happy to have him in the team, no matter what other people think.”

Mikel’s days appeared numbered at Stamford Bridge under Andre Villas-Boas until the Portuguese was sacked in March. His fortunes and performances improved once Di Matteo took over and he played key roles in wins over Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the Champions League. He has continued to command a regular position this season also.

Mikel is making a return to the Nigerian team with the match in Calabar against Liberia on October 13.

Nigeria’s debt profile may hit $25bn in 2015

Director-General of the DMO, Mr. Abraham Nwankwo

The Debt Management Office gave an indication on Tuesday that the country’s total debt profile might hit $25bn by 2015.

The figure covers both local and foreign borrowing.

The Director-General of the DMO, Mr. Abraham Nwankwo, had met with the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Finance/Legislative Budget and Research/National Planning and Aid, Loans and Debt Management in Abuja to discuss the 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy, which President Goodluck Jonathan sent to the National Assembly last month.

Nwankwo, who made a presentation to the committee, stated that external debt for this year stood at $9bn, while the figure would jump to $12.1bn in 2013.

The document showed that the projected debt for 2014 would be $14.5bn and $16.7bn in 2015.

Locally, the country would owe $6.48bn in 2012; $7.1bn in 2013; $7.7bn in 2014 and $8.4bn in 2015.

Members of the committee were alarmed by the growing debt profile of the country.

The Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, for instance, expressed concern that Nigeria was borrowing without hesitation.

He said, “We are aggressively borrowing in such a manner that the private sector is being stifled as the government is now the only big spender in the economy.

“The private sector cannot access funds domestically, they cannot create jobs.”

Some members observed that while the debt profile was rising, there was no evidence of how Nigeria spent the money it borrowed.

But Nwankwo countered, saying,”Every country in the world borrows, even the most financially prudent countries like Germany and the US.”

The Chairman of the committee, Mr. Abdulmunimi Jibrin, granted the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, up to Wednesday (today) to appear before the committee to discuss the MTEF.

Sanusi had twice failed to appear before the committee in person, preferring to send representatives.

The committee noted that the MTEF as presented by the President was not realistic and insisted that government agencies in charge of managing the economy must convince the House on why it should approve the document.

Lagos Assembly divided over introduction of Chinese language

The Lagos State House of Assembly was on Tuesday divided over the proposed introduction of Chinese language in the state’s school curriculum.

It subsequently summoned the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, to appear before the House on Tuesday next week.

The representative of Ajeromi-Ifelodun in the Assembly, Mr. Abdulbak Balogun, had drawn the attention of the House to a statement credited to Oladunjoye over the introduction of Chinese language to public schools.

Balogun said, “Why Chinese language in our public schools? If we want our children to learn Chinese language, why not in the university where they learn linguistics?”

Another lawmaker, Mr. Rotimi Olowo, wondered the relevance of the language to the socio-economic development of the state and the country.

He said, “Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa languages should be made compulsory instead of the Chinese language.”

However, another lawmaker, Mrs. Lola Akande, said the introduction of Chinese language was not a bad idea because China is the second largest economy in the world and also regarded as super power in terms of technology advancement.

She said, “The introduction of Chinese language would not disrupt the school curriculum, rather, it will strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and China.”

The Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, said there was the need for Nigerian students to learn as many languages as possible. He added that the introduction of the Chinese language would not have any negative impact on the students.

He said, “Most of the countries I have visited, you see a child of less than 15 years speaking about three or more languages and this has not prevented them from learning their local languages as well.

“The introduction of Chinese language would not affect other languages we speak.  It is good for us to learn as many languages as possible.”

He directed that the commissioner should brief the assembly on the methods and preparations for the introduction of the new language in schools.

Military, others evacuate 76,000 Anambra flood victims

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State (fourth right) with others at the flooded area of Osamalla, Anambra State ... on Monday.
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More than 76,000 victims of the devastating floods that hit about 200 communities in five local government areas of Anambra State are being evacuated from their homes to relief camps in Onitsha and Nteje.

The evacuation came as reports said  two persons, a woman and a boy, died at Ogbaru following the flooding that submerged their homes on Sunday night.

Governor Peter Obi led the evacuation exercise on Monday as he abandoned the Independence anniversary parade review in Awka and headed for Ogbaru Local Government Area whose communities are the hardest hit in the flooding.

Personnel of the Navy, Army, Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, the Red Cross Society of Nigeria, the Peace Corps and other voluntary agencies were involved  in the exercise.

According to a worker of the state Emergency Management Agency, no community in Ogbaru local government, which lies along the River Niger, is spared in the disaster.

He said the flooding  paralysed communication and economic activities in the communities.

Meanwhile, many of the victims are being evacuated to the 302 Artillery Regimernt, Onitsha, where the army and other emergency agencies are on hand to resettle them.

Other   victims   particularly from Ayamelum, Anambra East and Anambra West local government areas are being moved to Nteje, headquarters of Oyi Local Government Area.

But according to the Executive Director of SEMA, Dr. Austin Ijezie, more camps were being opened at the Onitsha South Stadium and other areas to accommodate more victims.

He said, “Twelve buses and trucks have just brought in people to Onitsha and many more loads of them are coming. The situation is getting beyond what the state government alone and SEMA can handle. It is an evolving catastrophe.”

Ijezie, however, said many of the victims were reluctant to move from their ancestral homes.

He said, “Such people are so attached to their homes that they do not want to move.”

Senator Andy Uba, representing Anambra South in the National Assembly, visited the victims at their Onitsha and Ogbaru camps.

Flood: Primary school building collapses in Bayelsa

A building in a community primary school in Tombia in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has collapsed following the flood which submerged the town, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Chief Christian Otobotekere, the Amananaowei of Tombia, disclosed this when Dr Sylvanus Abila, the state Commissioner for Environment, and his team visited the area on a flood impact assessment tour.
Otobotekere appealed to the state and Federal governments to do everything possible to prevent flood water from ravaging the town.
He suggested the dredging of the community water channel and filling potholes dotting the town.
Meanwhile, Mr Lot Bino, a youth corps member at the Community Primary School, Tombia, said that the school had been shut down due to the flooding which had made learning impossible.
NAN reports that the commissioner’s team also visited Biseni and Kalama communities in Yenagoa Local Government area.
At Biseni, an indigene, Mr Nath Scot, noted that the flood had become an annual problem, forcing some residents to flee their homes while others bailed water from their houses daily.
Scot called for immediate assistance from the Bayelsa State Government.
Responding, Abila appealed to them to remain calm with an assurance that efforts were ongoing to provide relief materials to the affected communities.
NAN reports that several communities in six of the eight local government areas of Bayelsa had been submerged.Toru-Orua community in Sagbama local council, hometown of Gov. Seriake Dickson, was also affected.

Four Nigerian peacekeepers killed in Sudan ambush

An ambush in Sudan’s western Darfur region killed four Nigerian peacekeepers and wounded eight, the UN-African Union Mission (UNAMID) said on Wednesday.
The attackers struck late Tuesday in the West Darfur state capital El-Geneina, the peacekeeping force told AFP.
“The incident, which involved a Nigerian military patrol, occurred approximately two kilometres (just over a mile) from the mission’s regional headquarters,” the force said.
“UNAMID personnel, who were heavily fired upon from several directions, returned fire. UNAMID and local authorities are work
ing at the scene of the incident.”
UNAMID Force Commander Lieutenant General Patrick Nyamvumba called on the Khartoum authorities to hunt down those responsible.
“The mission condemns in the strongest terms this criminal attack on our peacekeepers who are here in the service of Darfur’s people. I call on the government of Sudan to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Ethnic minority rebels rose against the Arab-dominated Khartoum government in 2003.
In response, the government unleashed state-backed Janjaweed Arab militia in a conflict that shocked the world and led to allegations of genocide.
The UN estimates at least 300,000 people died but the government puts the toll at 10,000.
UNAMID has been in Darfur for more than four years with a mandate to protect civilians in the vast area the size of France.
Although violence is down on its peak, clashes between rebels and government troops, banditry and inter-ethnic fighting continues.
Key rebel groups refused to sign a deal reached last year between the Khartoum regime and an alliance of smaller rebel splinter factions.
With more than 22,000
international troops and police officers, UNAMID has a budget of about $1.4 billion for 2012-13.

Whitney Houston's family go to court to keep money from Bobbi Kristina

She hit the headlines after she started dating her foster brother and decided to star in her own reality show.
And Bobbi Kristina Brown's behaviour has come back to haunt her, as the family of her mother Whitney Houston are trying to stop her getting her hands on her inheritance.
The trustees of the estate, which includes her grandmother Cissy, have filed legal docs requesting that the payment schedule to Bobbi Kristina be changed.
 They fear the 19-year-old is under the 'undue influence' of objectionable people.
In court documents filed in Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta, Cissy is claiming her granddaughter 'is a highly visible target for those who would exert undue influence over her inheritance and/or seek to benefit from respondent's resources and celebrity.'
The trustees claim in the schedule of distribution conflicts with her 'intent to provide long-term financial security and protection for her child.

Bobbi Kristina is the sole beneficiary of Whitney's estate, which holds all of the superstar's remaining earnings and assets

 

The Bodyguard star was found dead in the bathtub of her hotel room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in February, with the coroner ruling she died of an accidental drowning.

The development follows her recent public appearance with her 'brother boyfriend' Nick Gordon at the Los Angeles premiere of Sparkle.

Both sported sporting new tattoos on their wrists that bore the letters WH surrounded by doves.

They had the work done on what would have been Whitney's 49th birthday.

Bobbi Kristina is currently filming her reality show The Houston Family Chronicles, which debuts later this year.

 

The Bodyguard star was found dead in the bathtub of her hotel room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in February, with the coroner ruling she died of an accidental drowning.

The development follows her recent public appearance with her 'brother boyfriend' Nick Gordon at the Los Angeles premiere of Sparkle.

Both sported sporting new tattoos on their wrists that bore the letters WH surrounded by doves.

They had the work done on what would have been Whitney's 49th birthday.

Bobbi Kristina is currently filming her reality show The Houston Family Chronicles, which debuts later this year.

 

The Bodyguard star was found dead in the bathtub of her hotel room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in February, with the coroner ruling she died of an accidental drowning.
The development follows her recent public appearance with her 'brother boyfriend' Nick Gordon at the Los Angeles premiere of Sparkle.
Both sported sporting new tattoos on their wrists that bore the letters WH surrounded by doves.
They had the work done on what would have been Whitney's 49th birthday.
Bobbi Kristina is currently filming her reality show The Houston Family Chronicles, which debuts later this year.

Chanel designer unveils hula loop take on classic quilted bag @ paris fashion week

Giant hula hoop bags (intended for use as a beach bag), over-sized pearls, huge sunhats and three-tone accessories were running themes at this morning's show, unveiled in front of a stellar front row including Jennifer Lopez and her four-year-old daughter Emme - both clutching Chanel bags.

Wow dis designer wont kill us with their innovation.

Mario Balotelli and pregnant ex girlfriend Raffaella fico patches up with passionate kiss

Bittersweet love: Mario and Raffaella have vowed to keep their private life between each other in future

This is the romantic kiss that shows fiery Mario Balotelli and his pregnant girlfriend are back on track.
The loving embrace shows that the couple are trying to patch up their relationship, which ended six months ago, just before Raffaella announced she was expecting their child.
Last week Balotelli, 22, said he would be patching up his relationship which sensationally ended in a furious doorstep bust up with Raffaella, 24, at luxury his Manchester home after she confronted him over his womanising.

Two months later she then announced she was expecting his baby but he hit back and insultingly demanded a DNA test to prove that the baby was his.
Despite their acrimonious past, the pictures in the latest issue of Chi magazine - which also published images of a topless Duchess of Cambridge - show how Balotelli and Raffaella now appear to have patched up their differences.
The images were taken after he secretly flew to Naples from Manchester on a private jet to see Raffaella who was due to have a scan to check on the condition of her baby and establish its sex.

Dressed in a black body warmer and wearing sunglasses the pictures show Super Mario cupping Raffaella's face and according to the magazine 'kissing her passionately Gone With The Wind style on the balcony of her family home.'

Cover girl: Fico, pictured last month, has been proud to show off her baby bump

During the summer the two had waged a bitter war of words through various articles in Italian magazines with Balotelli accusing her of cashing in on the pregnancy while she hit back and claimed he had stalked her with late night phone calls.

In his statement last week Mario said: 'I have decided to try again with Raffaella. The DNA test has not been performed and has nothing to do with my decision. In any case, I would have asked for the test in that situation with anyone, not just Raffaella.

'I am sorry for everything that has happened over the last few months and above all for what has been said and written. I ask once again for you all to respect our private life that in the future must remain private, a pledge taken by me and Raffaella.

'There will be no further statements or interviews.'

Following on from the statement Raffaella had appeared on an Italian TV show in which she denied the two were getting back together as a couple but were simply going to 'be together for the sake of our baby.'

In her most recent TV interview after Balotelli's statement Raffaella had said: 'I am off the idea that you should forgive mistakes and give someone a second chance.''

She had added: 'I will have a scan in the next few days to find out the sex. I am hoping for a little girl. Then I will chose a name, when I know what sex it is but I can also tell you I am not expecting twins, there is just one baby.

'I want a natural birth and I can't stop thinking about the moment when they will put the baby in my arms.'

Raffaella also spoke of her father who died last year and said: 'My father is no longer here but if he was he would have given me courage and strength and he would have supported me. He would have been proud of me.

'My mum is just so excited, she is really looking forward to the birth. If it is a boy maybe I will call him Alfonso after my father.'

 

 

Flying high: Raffaella was pictured arriving at Milan airport last week with a few friends, around the same time she made up with Mario

When asked specifically about Balotelli she said: 'What we have decided is what you have read, we are no longer seeing ourselves as two public people but two parents who are looking after their own child.
'I am not blaming anyone, maybe it was our age, external factors but I am certain that you should give someone a second chance. Mario will be there when I give birth. I hope to have more in the future and always with him.'

Kim Kardashain flees Miami restaurant to escape encounter with her sex tape Ray J

Kim Kardashian fled from a restaurant to avoid an embarrassing encounter with her former sex tape partner.
The reality star left the Miami restaurant by a side entrance just as Ray J was entering to join boxer Floyd Mayweather and friends.
 Ray J was not aware that Kardashian was at the Prime 112 restaurant on Sunday where she was having a meal with her family.

The curvy beauty has since said she was ashamed of the tape but rumours persist her mother Kris was behind the leaking of the tape in 2007 to boost her fledgling career.

Kim, her parents and sisters Khloe and Kourtney have been in Miami, Florida, all week filming for their reality show.

 

Star pals: Ray J was apparently there to dine with friend Floyd Mayweather

 

Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog: Best dressed goes to? Ladies at the Elite Model Look event

Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog: Best dressed goes to? Ladies at the Elite Model Look event

paralympic couple;Folashade, Tolulope picks Nov 3 as their wedding date

It’s now official. Yes, the wedding bell is ringing loud for Paralympic Games stars, Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Tolulope Owolabi, as they have picked November 3 to tie their nuptial knot in Jos.
The much talked about wedding is expected to attract top officials in the sports circles, including the Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi; the Director of Sports, Dr Patrick Ekeji; Nigeria’s Paralympic Games Chief-de-mission, Dr Simon Ebhojiaye; the National Paralympic Secretary in Nigeria, Dr Frank Thorpe and all the coaches and officials who were among the Team Nigeria to the London 2012 Games.

According to the bride, Folashade, all her team mates are also warming up to be part of the history-making wedding as they have already bought uniform popularly known as ‘Aso Ebi’ with head ties for women and caps for men. “Everybody is excited about the date.We have been trying our best to put things in proper perspective towards a succeessful ceremony. My husband is in Lagos to tie-up things concerning our wedding. We believe God to ensure a hitch-free ceremony on November 3.

We thank God for the interest and support already shown by people so far and we are grateful for everything,”she said. Folashade disclosed that she could no longer wait for that day to come to pass as friends and family members are daily thronging her home for an update on the wedding.

“It is a thing of joy as everybody wants to participate in one way or the other. We are all involved in the project. My friends, relatives, in-laws are deeply in it and God has been so faithful,”she told Daily Sunsports on phone from Jos. Folashade and Tolulope had their traditional engagement in April, a few months before the London 2012 Games.

Although, Tolulope didn’t win anything at the Games, Folashade won a silver medal and set a new world record and Paralympic mark.

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D'banj, Don Jazzy divide musicians

Unknown to many music lovers, the breakup of one of the most loved singing duo, D’banj and Don Jazzy, owners of Mo’Hits, which has in its control, Mo’Hits Records and Koko Holdings, has sprang up two different music caucuses in the industry.

While this has not been noticed by some music enthusiasts, investigation conducted by Wall Gecko has revealed that the two caucuses became apparent after colleagues of D’banj and Don Jazzy started affiliating and aligning with the preferred half of the pair after the split.

Wall Gecko further learnt that some artistes, who were in the know of the crack in the Mo’Hits wall before its eventual collapse, have pitched tent with their favourite half, and encouraged each half with words of support and loyalty. Inside sources disclosed that while famous music youngster and HKN singer, Davido, decided to align with D’banj, who has berthed with his DB Records, Empire Mates Entertainment star, Wizkid seems to have pledged his loyalty to the Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy. Further investigation showed that other artistes, who seem to have aligned with Don Jazzy include Banky W, Iceprince, M.I, D’Prince, Dr. Sid, Wande Coal and Tiwa Savage.

Sources informed that the closeness between Don Jazzy and the EME boss, Banky W, was further reinstated when the duo had cameo appearances in few videos including Skales’ Mukulu. Meanwhile, artistes like Naeto C, Ikechukwu, P-Square, Kayswitch, Sina Rambo, May D and Flowsick have shown their loyalty to D’banj even though they haven’t spoken about it publicly. D’banj’s presence at Naeto C’ wedding as well as his presentation of the controversial, Porsche cayenne car, is said to have gone unnoticed by many but when the pair showed up at Davido’s OBO concert after the latter was rumoured to have been signed on D’banj’s records company, the caucuses became noticeable

Ibinabo Fiberesima finally sworn in as Actors’ Guild President

 Saturday, September 30, 2012 former beauty queen Ibinabo Fiberisima was officially sworn in as the new president of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) after winning the national elections.

The swearing took place at the guild’s national secretariat, 17, Ajao Road, Surulere in the presence of a few other Nollywood actors, directors and producers including movie producer Zeb Ejiro, former AGN presidents Segun Arinze and Ejike Asiegbu amongst others.

In the absence of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria Electoral Committee (AGNEC) chairman Ayo Manuel, Fiberisima was sworn in by the acting chairperson, veteran actress Rachel Oniga and another AGNEC member actress Florence Onuma.

The swearing in was however conducted hours later than earlier announced as nobody could gain access into the secretariat. The offices were locked and chained by the Landlord. The electoral committee opted to swear in the new member on the street, right in front of the building.

Controversies had plagued the elections with another Presidential aspirant Evangelist Emeka Rollas initially announced as president a few hours before the results were released.

NET eventually gathered that Fiberisima actually came tops with 97 votes, beating Rollas who scored 86 votes.

‘As I have been declared 7th National President of Actors Guild of Nigeria today by the Actors Guild of Nigeria Electoral Committee in Abuja, I urge all to join hands with me so that we can rebuild the Guild. However we shall not fail to fish out all those who think AGN is a money making machine and put them where they belong. Long live AGN‘, Emeka Rolla had written on his Facebook Page on Firday, September 28, 2012.

Rollas is accused of conniving with the electoral chairman Ayo Mauel to allegedly illegally announce himself president. There are also allegations that Rollas supposedly offered to pay Mauel a sum of N5M to make sure he turned out president.

Ayo Mauel could not be reached as his phones were switched off. Some of the AGN members present at the swearing said Mauel had traveled out of Lagos.

‘I am the president and I intend to remain president of this guild till my tenure ends and I will change the face of this guild‘, Fiberisima told pressmen right after she was sworn in as president.

Money rain: Davido builds N140m mansion as Iyanya buys N12m SUV

It’s big things popping for the new kids on the block.

A once poverty stricken industry has over the last decade transformed into a multi-million dollar interlinked enterprise.

There are still issues with infrastructure but that’s a topic for another day. For now we want to celebrate some of our Nigerian artistes who are having fortune beam huge smiles on them…

Pop singer David ‘Davido’ Adeleke for one has joined the millionaires’ club for months. And, after spending big on necklaces and cars, we’re told he has now acquired his first property – a mansion in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. NET gathered this is where he will be calling his new home. The mansion is said to be worth up to N140m, the property’s value on the market – although we could not immediately confirm this.

Davido joins the likes of MAVIN Records producer Don Jazzy who in March reportedly ‘acquired’ a similar ‘super expensive’ house in NICON Estate, Lekki. Pop-highlife duo Bracket in July 2012 also relocated to an expensive duplex in the highbrow Bourdilon Court, in Lekki.  Pop star D’banj also has a home in Lekki.

And luck seems to be shining on Iyanya Mbuk too and he says he’s grateful for it. After the Project Fame West Africa season one winner moved into his newly acquired Lekki home in July 2012, he has now followed up with a befitting car – a Ranger Rover Sport SUV that he is reported to have bought for close to N12M. Iyanya himself released the pictures of the car. Yes, he’s beyond excited!

‘I’m thankful’, the R&B turned pop singer wrote as he put the picture up. Iyanya would be thankful to God for giving him the inspiration to write his crossover smash hit ‘Kukere’ which has been on the charts since its release in December 2011.

Iyanya and Davido are currently on the top 10 list, with patronage from promoters increasing by the day. And, as each day throws up a new star, we can’t wait to see who’s buying the next car, and moving into a new mansion. DammyKrane and Burna Boy – would that be you?!

Happy Independence Day Nigeria!!!

Happy Independence Day my Beloved Country

Terrorism: Jonathan to mark Independence within Villa

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will on Monday (today) mark the country’s 52nd independence anniversary within the confines of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, contrary to the previous practice of holding such events at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

The indoor independence celebration started last year when Jonathan opted for  a brief ceremony  within his official residence in the face of the prevalent insecurity in the country.

Like last year’s celebration, only a few accredited personalities will be allowed into the indoor venue. But the event will be transmitted live by both the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria  from 10am.

A  terse  statement  by Jonathan’s spokesman, Reuben Abati, on Sunday gives the outlines of the anniversary which will commence at 7am with a presidential broadcast.

Abati’s statement reads, “As part of the activities marking Nigeria’s 52nd Independence Anniversary, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will address the nation on Monday, October 1, 2012.

“The broadcast will be aired at 7 am. All television stations are advised to hook up to the Nigerian Television Authority for clean feed, while radio stations should hook up to the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.

“The President will also watch a ceremonial Change of Guards by the Nigerian Army Brigade of Guards, at the State House, Abuja. This ceremony will be witnessed by Vice- President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Chief Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, and former heads of state, members of the diplomatic corps, political leaders, other government officials  and dignitaries.

“The event will be transmitted live, from 10am on the NTA and FRCN networks and other broadcast stations across the country.”

The Presidential  aide did not give reason for the low-key celebration this year but watchers say that the decision may have been  informed by the high profile terror attacks that the capital city has experienced in the last two years. 

Two bombs exploded near the Eagle Square venue of the 50th anniversary in 2010. A militant group, the Movemenet for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, later claimed responsibility for the bombings.

The insecurity in the nation has gone worse  since then with an  Islamic sect, Boko Haram,  prosecuting a campaign of violence against the government. The sect has killed about 450 persons this year alone with attacks on military and police facilities, worship houses and drinking joints.

Last year’s low celebration attracted criticisms from opposition and other stakeholders who condemned the government for allegedly surrendering to the Islamic sect.

The criticisms forced Jonathan during a state visit to Rwanda to deny celebrating the independence inside the Presidential Villa, saying the event was a mere ceremonial change of guard.

He said the anniversary would remain a low-key event until 2014 when the nation would celebrate its centenary in an elaborate manner.

 Eagle Square,  the usual venue of the nation’s independence celebrations,  remained empty on Sunday with no sign of activity.

In previous Independence Day eves, it was a beehive of activities as elaborate reparations were made for the next day’s celebrations.

The Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, had on September  3, announced that 2012’s celebration would be a low-key affair.

He said the decision was in line with the transformation agenda of the current administration which frowned at flamboyant and unnecessary spending.

However, some  Abuja residents, who spoke to NAN, said the planned low-key celebration was not unconnected with the security situation in the country.

A resident, Mr. Wale Olaye, said it was better not to celebrate than to celebrate and have casualties.

He said, “You never can tell what will happen; you don’t know who is planning what, so, the best thing is to cancel march past and other activities associated with the day.

“We don’t want to lose more lives to dastardly attacks; we will all pray for Nigeria that day in our respective homes.’’

Another respondent, Oliver Amah, said there was no need for such celebrations where security personnel would outnumber   people who would want to be  out  to have fun.

According to Amah, many Nigerians are still living with “bomb phobia” due to the October  1, 2010  blasts.

But there was a security beef-up in the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday.

Heavily armed policemen and soldiers were deployed in the most strategic parts of the FCT, including the Central Business District.

Security was also beefed up along roads leading to the central part of the city, including the Airport Road.

Our correspondents observed that soldiers were stationed at the overhead bridge at Kubwa. The soldiers, numbered 20 and were in a truck.

A military source told one of our correspondents on Sunday that the soldiers were out in the streets of Abuja as a “normal precautionary” measure preceding the 52nd anniversary of the nation’s independence.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, had in Ilorin on Saturday assured that the police would ensure a hitch-free celebration of the 52nd anniversary.

I can’t solve Nigeria’s problems alone – President

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday said he could not single-handedly surmount the challenges confronting the nation.

Jonathan, at an  interdenominational church service to mark  the 52nd independence anniversary of the nation  at the National Christian Centre, Abuja,  stated  that only the collective efforts of all would take the country forward.

He  expressed the conviction that the problems of the nation would soon become things of the past.

The theme of the service was “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal.”

The President said, “Leadership at all levels of government is a collective thing. One person cannot change a nation. The President, governors, lawmakers, members of the judiciary alone cannot do it.

“The leader matters but he cannot change things alone. All Nigerians, men and women, will change things in the country.

“If God can use Nehemiah to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, in all arms of governments, I believe we have many Nehemiahs. There are many of them among teachers, artisans, and clergy.

“God will use these various Nehemiahs to rebuild this country. I can say again that Nigeria will succeed; with our cooperation we shall succeed!”

Jonathan said if the nation must rise above  diseases, insecurity and other ills, Nigerians must earnestly play their roles  and intercede for the land.

He said his administration had succeeded in sanitising the electoral process and assured stakeholders that more efforts were being put into the government’s anti-corruption war.

He said although the works might not be obvious to many now,  his administration had also been doing well in the economic sector.

 Promising  that his administration would continue to work hard on the security challenges in some parts of the country, he added that he and his aides would not sleep until power supply    stabilises in the country.

In his sermon at the service, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, described the fundamentalist  Islamic sect, Boko Haram, as a terrorist organisation.

Oritsejafor said the sect was being funded by some politicians who wanted to create political space for themselves as well as some outsiders who  desired Nigeria’s disintegration

He said, “Boko Haram is a terrorist organisation; you and I know it. The activities of Boko Haram are not fuelled by poverty but by a religious fundamentalist ideology.

“Boko Haram is funded from within by people who desire to use them to create political space for themselves and funded from without by those who want to see Nigeria divided along religious-ethnic lines.

“Boko Haram is also sustained by media apologist who feed the unsuspecting public with politically- incorrect half-truths.”

Oritsejafor said as a nation, if Nigerians were serious about getting answers to national prayers, they must turn from their wicked ways.

 The cleric identified the two conditions necessary for answered prayers as humility and turning from wickedness.

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, in his remarks said the nation’s independence anniversary called for a sober reflection and more prayer and supplication from all.

He said, “Together we can rescue our nation from its present difficulties. Nigeria would have been worst of if not for prayers.

“We have a divine responsibility to pray for the peace of our land, a nation bombarded with multiplicity of challenges. I urge church leadership to put on the armour of prayer to seek divine intervention from God. We must begin the process of mobilisation for prayers.”

Senate President David Mark read the first lesson of the service while Jonathan read the second.

Other dignitaries at the service were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice- President Alex Ekwueme, members and the  leadership of the National Assembly, ministers, service chiefs, diplomatic corps and captains of industry.

Two die as JTF raids Boko Haram’s hideout

Two suspected members of Boko haram were killed in an early morning explosion during a raid by security operatives on a hideout of the sect near a secondary school in Gaskiya area of Zaria on Sunday.

Our correspondent gathered  that working  on a tip-off, the combined forces of the military, police  and the State Security Services raided the hideout of the militant group at the  Gaskiya area of the city.

A source said in the process of carrying out the raid, an object, suspected to be a bomb, exploded at about 2.00am, leaving two suspects dead while  10 others  were injured.

Some, including a woman,  were arrested.

Also, two policemen were killed by gunmen in Minna, Niger State on Sunday. The attackers, who shot the policemen, were said to be riding on a motorcycle.

 A resident of Gaskiya, Zaria, told our correspondent that there was a gun battle between members of the sect and the security operatives for several hours.

A lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said on condition of anonymity, that the team raided  in Zaria following an intelligence report that the militant had  regrouped in a hideout to plan attacks on churches on Sunday in the ancient city.

“It not a matter of normal military exercise as people are trying to paint the scenario. Actually, we heard that the joint task force got an intelligence report that the group were planning to attack some churches in the city.

“They said the raid started at about 2am or so. The person that told me is a highly placed figure in the military hierarchy,” he said.

Our correspondent also gathered that some members of the militant group were arrested while weapons and vehicles were recovered.

The house where the operation took place, it was gathered,  was also used as a  bomb manufacturing base and storage  of the sect.

Also, it was learnt that no fewer than  seven houses and car were completely destroyed during the raid.