Former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan declares self PDP chairman

Gulak

Information reaching us has it that former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, today, Wednesday, January 27, 2016 pdeclared himself the substantive chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He made the declaration inside the National Working Committee Hall at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja and spoke in company with his loyalists, which included former Special Assistant to ex-president, Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe and a former Commissioner in Bayelsa State, Chief Ayakeme Whisky.
Gulak said he decided to take over the leadership of the party following the court order of December 16, 2015, which asked the party to name someone from the North-East to replace the former chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.
Gulak told the cheering crowd, which included workers at the secretariat, that the NWC must work with him in order to move the party forward.
Source: The Punch

Delta Speaker, ALGON Chairman dismiss story on remittance of N325million

The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya has stressed the need for media practitioners to be thorough and be armed with accurate facts and figures in their investigative journalism.

He also asked them to always project the image of the State in its true perspective to counter the negative picture being presented by some individuals.

Igbuya who spoke while receiving the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Award of Excellence, in Legislative Competence and Exceptional Leadership in Asaba expressed disappointment at the actions of some journalists in the state.

Delta Speaker Bags Accountability Award

The contributions of the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya to the development of the state have caught the eyes of the Nigeria’s monthly transparency watch magazine, Accountability Review.

"This award is in recognition of your visionary leadership, commitment to due process in governance, efficient resources management, budget discipline and implementation” a letter dated January 18, 2016 said.

Signed by the Publisher/Editor-in Chief of Accountability Review, Dike Hopeson Dike, the magazine reeled out the achievements of the brilliant and charismatic Delta State Speaker, pointing to his commitment to accountability and transparency.

The magazine praised him for his dedication in the propagation of equity, fair play and justice in the Nigerian polity, especially in respect to true federation and the rule of law.

Naomi Achu to Perform LIVE in DC January 29th

Naomi Achu to Perform LIVE w/ Memphis Bleek @ LIV Night Club in DC on January 29th!

		DC based AfroPop recording artist Naomi Achu is scheduled to perform at LIV Night Club in DC on January 29th, 2016. The Cameroon-born singer and rapper will showcase her lyrical skills while staying true to her AfroPop roots. Also hosting the event is WPGC 95.5 FM radio’s DJ Tony Redz. The venue is located at 2001 11th Street NW, Washington DC 20001 with doors opening at 9pm. Sharing the stage with Naomi that evening is Memphis Bleek, who has been featured on rapper Shawn “Jay Z” Carter’s albums: "Reasonable Doubt", “In My Lifetime Vol. 1”, "Hard Knock Life", and "The Dynasty: Roc La Familia." Tickets to this event are available online at NaomiAchuLIVDC.eventbrite.com.

AFRIFF TRAINEE WINS 48HOURS FILM CHALLENGE IN NIGERIA

The much-talked-about Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has become a reference point as a far-reaching African film festival and the best to ever come out of Africa.

An alumnus of the just concluded AFRIFF Scriptwriting Class 2015, Xavier Ogheneovo IGHORODJE, wins the 48hour Film Challenge in Nigeria. Xavier a chemical engineer turned writer, directed and wrote the winning movie titled 'The truth about B.A.E', a psychological drama about a girl who had a unique way of projecting her grief on her closest companions in order to deal with them, becomes key to understanding her condition. 

"I had heard about the 48hr film challenge Lagos but I didn't think it was authentic until I got into the AFRIFF trainee program (Screenwriting) and during one of their sessions on documentary, the conveyor of the project (Mr. Ike Nnaebue) came to talk to us. Asides the fact that this validated the authenticity of the competition, a huge chunk of the talents featured on the project were AFRIFF 2015 trainee actresses I had met one way or the other during the duration of the just concluded festival. Needless to say, without the safe haven created by AFRIFF for upcoming community of creatives to meet and interact and consequently collaborate, this project wouldn't have been possible.” Says Xavier Ighorodje

Michelangelo Productions presents a new date for Butterscotch Evenings 2016.

The 3rd edition of Butterscotch Evenings will now take place on Saturday, 30th January 2016 at Eko Convention Center, 7pm prompt.

Following years of successfully hosting Lagos to the most exquisite dining and world class entertainment, Michelangelo Productions is excited to announce that the headline act Brian McKnight will be performing alongside Shina Peters, Styl Plus and others.

For ticket inquiry, please contact 08188888015 or email info@butterscotchevenings.com

 

Advertize your brand or films in the iREP 2016 Festival Brochure

Take this opportunity!

Reach out to a community of filmmakers, Producers, Critics, Art Aficionado, and Students

Advertize your brand or films in the iREP 2016 Festival Brochure

In the last 5 years, iREP has had over 4,000 participants from diverse nationalities.

Every year, over 2,000 copies of brochures are printed and circulated broadly among participants and other international events.

Past iREP brochures has traveled with our international guests as far as the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Cameroun, etc.

iREP Brochures are of high quality prints and deliberately designed as a coffee table book

For details and advert rates, Please call
Lanre on +234 8051702004
or send a mail to
info@irepfilmfestival.com.

Letter to all Jamb Applicants by Uzor Ngoladi

Letter to all Jamb Applicants Dear Jambite, Do not be brain washed. Do not waste your parents' or guardian's resources applying for courses that are not relevant in today's labour market. Do not apply for a course of study that will turn you into a perpetual job beggar after graduation. Here are a list of some courses that are obsolete in Nigeria and should be scrapped from JAMB brochure: 1. Theatre Arts: When last did you pay to watch a stage drama? You don't need a degree certificate to become an actor. Please look for a film academy to achieve your dream within months of intensive training. 2. Mass Communication: The social media has rendered any course regarding Mass Comm a total waste of time and energy. You can communicate globally on Twitter, Facebook and other platforms in a second. Everybody is a potential journalist via the social media. The so called illiterate bloggers are billionaires because they break the news before television and newspaper houses.

Richard Branson: Why 2016 is the greatest time ever to start a business

Why 2016 is the greatest time ever to start a business

Why 2016 is the greatest time ever to start a business - Virgin.com

2015 was a fantastic year for start-ups. There were explosions in innovation…

Learn More

Source: Virgin.com

Nnamdi Kanu bail hearing scheduled for Friday

Founder of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu at the Federal High Court in Abuja today, bail hearing is scheduled for Friday

War against rats over Lassa fever in Lagos

The rats below were killed in a location in Lagos as the residents intensify effort at eradicating the carriers of the dreaded disease, Lassa Fever.

Jonathan holds world press conference in Geneva

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, will on Wednesday, hold a world press conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan

The press conference, which holds at 3pm local time, is part of activities lined up by the Circle of Diplomats (Circle Diplomatique), Geneva in honour of Jonathan, which would be concluded with a dinner same day.
According to a statement by Guy Mettan, Executive Director, the Geneva Press Club, Jonathan will address two most crucial topics in Nigeria and West Africa at the press briefing.
Mettan said the former Nigerian president will talk about security and civil peace in Nigeria and West Africa, on one hand, as well as improvement of health and education of children, on the other.
He said accredited United Nations correspondents and Swiss journalists are expected at the press conference, which will most likely see Jonathan talking about Boko Haram activities in Nigeria and the fight against insurgency.

Obi Emelonye’s ‘Oxford Gardens’ proceeds to Pan African Film Festival, Los Angeles

  Oxford Gardens, the latest film by award-winning director, Obi Emelonye has opened the year with a step of honour. This is as the film has made the official selection list of the 24^th Pan African Film Festival billed to hold at the Rave Cinema in Los Angeles, California, USA from February 4 to February 15, 2016.

Set in London, Oxford Gardens is the story of a girl who was diagnosed of cancer and how she struck a bond of unforgettable memories with a retired boxer in a bid to satisfy her yearnings of having the best moments of her last hours on earth.

The film features Ngoli Okafor, a two-time Golden Gloves boxing champion in United States, Ngozi Thompson Igwebike, Savanah Roy, Iffy Chukwu, Princess Abiye, Frank Ani, Nnenna Ani and D'Richy Emelonye.

A joint production between Obi Emelonye’s company, The Nollywood Factory and Africa Magic, the movie is part of the Africa Magic Original Film, AMOF initiative.

The director-producer, who is renowned for championing causes with his themes in Nollywood, says he intends to be refreshingly different with Oxford Gardens. “I dig deep to explore stories that our young industry has ignored for some reason or another.

Works done by contestants at National Art Competition

BY ADA DIKE 

On Thursday, November 26, 2015, the winners of 8^th National Art Competition at a historic event held at the Freedom Park, Lagos after first of its kind tedious competition that lasted for three months.

Dear Content

Themed “Future Histories”, this year’s competition, organised by African Artists' Foundation (AAF) and sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc, opened on Tuesday, June 9, 2015while deadline for submission of work was July 3, 2015.  

Following the deliberation by an artistic selection committee led by Prof El Anatsui, the following finalists were chosen: they are: Adetunwase Adenle, Funmi Akindejoye, Michael Enejison, Chinenye Emelogu, Maryam Kazzem, May Okafor and Stacey Okparavero.

Others are: Komi Olafimihan, Ngozi Omeje, Babatunde Oyeyemi, Folami Razaq and Sabastine Ugwuoke.

Sabastine Ugwuoke, whose work is titled: “No Rest No Comfort, Confusion Everywhere”, defeated other finalists emerged as the winner and walked away with the sum of N2 million cash. Two other contestants -May Okafor and Ngozi Omeje won Outstanding Production and Outstanding Concept respectively and went home the sum of N1 million cash each.

Green Prophecy

The National Art Competition was sponsored by the Nigerian Breweries, coordinated by the African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) and supported by Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) and Samsung Electronics West Africa.

Before the announcement of the winners, the Head Judge of the competition, painter and lecturer, Kolade Oshinowo, noted that judging this year’s competition was a challenging exercise, but “We were able to overcome it”. He suggested that the display of the artwork should not be a one-day thing, adding that it should be made available to the public.

CEO Cliqit lashes at Senators over Patoranking's visit

Gerald Konwea, 28, CEO Cliqit
"And instead of making it a secret, publicize it. That way, more young people will aspire to be like these industry experts rather than their current aspirations - to be the next big music star. We are 3rd world. We don't need music stars yet. There are more pressing stars we need. .

Not the music ones. I was at an entrepreneurship conference in July last year with thousands of youths in attendance each having a great idea but with no support. I remember a few who were getting frustrated and complained about lack of motivation. .

Buhari signs agreement on stolen funds with United Arab Emirate

Panic grips corrupt Nigerian officials as Buhari signs agreement on stolen funds with United Arab Emirate
Read more here http://dlvr.it/DKZTw1

Source: Premium Times

Photo of some Nigerian Army who fought Boko Haram and got injured/amputated

Photo of the day: IBB and young late Maryam, late Abacha and young Maryam, Buhari and young late Safinatu.

IBB and young late Maryam, late Abacha and young Maryam, Buhari and young late Safinatu.

CBN To Allow Farm Products As Collateral For Bank Loan

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed that Nigerians will soon be able to take bank loans using unconventional properties as benefits of the Nigerian collateral register (NCR) in view.

The NCR, to be launched in the first quarter of 2016, is an electronic public database that contains information on security interests in movable property aimed at improving ease of loan application for small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
According to Mainasara Muhammad, Assistant Director, NCR Project, CBN, the registry will enable loan seekers use moveable assets such as cars, generators, deep freezers and farm products including crops (growing, grown, or to be grown), fish stocks, poultry and livestock (and their unborn offspring), seeds, fertilizers, manure can all be used as loan collateral.

Nnamdi kanu sent to Kuje prison

A Fed High Court sitting in Abuja today ordered that the detained leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) be remanded in Kuje prison custody.

Renovate artists’ village, NCAC occupants appealed to Fed govt

Some occupants of the artists’ village within the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), National Arts Theatre Complex in Iganmu, Lagos State, on Tuesday appealed to the Federal Government to renovate the facilities there.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Lagos that the renovation would go a long way in restoring the complex’s lost glory.

The occupants explained that the enthusiasm they had in the past about it had died, owing to what they called the deplorable state of the village.

If the government could renovate the village, it would encourage more artists to patronise it and further promote creativity , they said.

Mr Lari Williams, a veteran actor and playwright, said that the village was one of its kinds in West Africa and it was a good thing that it had existed.

Williams commended the initiative while calling for an improvement and expansion of some of the facilities in the village.

David Bowie: Exit of a musical legend

David Bowie ( Dailymail)

On Sunday, January 10, 2016, the world lost one of the most influential musical legends, David Bowie, who died of liver cancer at the age of 69. A statement on his Facebook account, noted, "David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 months battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief."
According to Dailymail, …only a week ago he sent frequent collaborator Brian Eno a farewell email saying: 'Thank you for our good times, Brian, they will never rot.'

Following an outpouring of grief from celebrities, public figures and music fans, several significant sites in Europe and the US were transformed into memorials for the rocker, who had secretly battled illness for 18 months and was said to have suffered six heart attacks in the past few years.

His childhood home in South London, his apartment building in New York, a Dutch museum hosting a Bowie exhibition and the spot where the Ziggy Stardust album cover was captured were among the areas to host vigils.

Several fans burst into tears while laying flowers at a mural dedicated to the star in his birthplace of Brixton, with many saying his death - announced yesterday morning - felt like losing someone close to them.

Gospel singer releases music video of debut single

Michael George

After the recent premiere of his debut singles My God, Uwese and Chioma, Nigeria’s sensational gospel music act Michael George, has released the video of the spirit moving single ‘My God’ which has been enjoying massive airplay on Nigeria’s urban foremost radio stations.

 With his very unique and beautiful voice, Michael George croons ‘My God’ a song inspired by his late mother- Caroline Omogberha to delight of his listeners. ‘My God’ is a worship song that connects listeners to the awesomeness of God, ushering them into the worship mode of the Almighty, the Glorious God and certainly bringing down the Holy Spirit.

 The music video is directed by AJE Filmworks shows a reflection of the wonderful artwork of God’s creation through series of scenes displayed in the background.  This music video incites a divine consciousness as you watch and listen to his rendition of each verse.

 Michael George is a prolific singer, songwriter who respects the power of his art. With a heart that churns love and a voice that warms the heart he incites emotional and spiritual uplifting to those who connect with his unique sound.  An indigene of Edo state was born in Lagos on the 10^th of October. He holds a Bs.c degree in Business Administration from Lagos state University.

It's time to submit your film

It's time to submit your film Film entry for the 2016 edition of iREPRESENT International Documentary Film Festival is ending soon. Good thing, you still have until January 29th to submit your film.   Submission Guideline 1.       Entrants must fully comply with these Entry Rules & Regulations, including all deadlines, film length, entry material and other requirements. 2.       Film must reflect the African experience i.e. the subject matter must address or celebrate issues in Africa 3.       Non-English language works must have English subtitles at the time submitted. Dialogue lists will not be accepted. 4.       TWO DVD copies of the work, formatted for multi-zone must be submitted and labeled with the work’s title, running time, format (PAL or NTSC), and director(s) name(s). Check that each submitted DVD plays in its entirety on consumer DVD players. (if burning yourself, use a permanent marker to write necessary information).

Sleep well Late Prof. Matilda Foluke Ogunleye (nee Adesina)

Prof Ogunleye

The car seemed to race into the unknown, whilst an enemy waited in ambush.
He struck, stealing our treasure! I wish our wrath could on him be poured! Matilda, the thought of you brought inexpressible joy.
But this blessed delight at you has begun to be interrupted by the sudden appearance of deprivation!
Yes, deprivation of your unforgettable touch, your beautiful words, your graceful presence.
Oh but I rejoice! For death is not wise, its purpose was to terminate, so the outcast would feel he had control of human existence, and instill fear in all who heard of Matilda's exit, but what was beyond him, was separating her from her Saviour's Love, so that she lies in perfect tranquility.
This is comfort, great comfort, but wait shall we, for the moment when we are united in the same tranquility, when the Father raptures us into His Lovely Embrace. Sleep well.
By Oluwanifemi Babalola,
Deptartment of English,
O.A.U,
Ile-Ife.

Visual story of Kakadu cast

Below is a statement by the Kakadu’s visiting artist, Polly Alakija. He said: “When I was approached by producer Uche Nwokedi, to be a “visiting artist”, to tell a visual story of the cast of Kakadu whilst they rehearsed, I was expecting that this would be a wonderfully hedonistic way to end the year. I had in my mind the visual feast of the first production, the costumes, the colour, the music and dance routines. How wrong I was!

“This production is no mere indulgence in the glamour and optimism of the 1960’s.

Nigerian music industry records phenomenal growth * Why young artistes should have mentors

Fela

By ADA DIKE

It is a known fact that the Nigerian music industry is one of the fast growing industries in Nigeria and one of the fast growing music industries in the world.

With different genres of music including Afrobeat, Highlife, Hip hop/Rap, Rhythm and Blues/Soul, Jazz, Reggae, Classical, Rock, Fuji and so on, many artistes have continued to win awards and collaborate with international stars. There was a time Huffington post released a list of its own version of 10 Richest African musicians with 2Face, P’Square, D’banj and Banky W making the list. Nigerian artistes have been winning major international awards while some of them are brand ambassadors to many companies.

A peep into the past music scene revealed that there were lots of Highlife musicians with few Juju and Apala singers then, but from the 1940s to the late 1970s, Highlife, Apala gave way to Juju, Fuji and Afrobeat dominated the scene.

Anita Chekwas: Painful exit of a star

Anita Chekwas

By ADA DIKE

The sudden demise of a young upcoming model, singer and actress has left a devastating blow to her parents, family, friends and well wishers.

The death of this young Amazon, Miss Anita Nnennaya Chekwas, who departed the earth on December 18, 2015 at the age of 18, has caused sours and scars in the hearts of her parents who loved her so much and toiled night and day to make sure that she lived a comfortable life.

EFCC quizzes PDP spokesperson, Olisa Metuh over corruption allegation

Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrived the Abuja home of the spokesman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh this morning, inviting him to follow them to the commission’s headquarters.

Upon enquiry on the reasons for the invitation, the officials stated that he has some issues to clear with the commission. They also said he was not being arrested but friendly invited. The operatives, four in number, came in a White unmarked Toyota Hiace bus. As at the time of issuing this statement, Chief Metuh is still being kept at the commission’s headquarters and his lawyers were making frantic efforts to reach him.

While details of why Chief Metuh was invited is yet to be made pubic by the commission, it could be recalled that severally, Chief Metuh, as the mouthpiece of the opposition party had alerted in various press conferences and statements that he has been under threat and that the ruling party and the government have been very uncomfortable with his stance.

Davido replies Dele Momodu

Birth of Imade Adeleke

 When the second trimester of Sophia’s pregnancy was closing, she tortuously announced to me that she was in the family way.My mind was bemused,and so was my soul confused. But I quickly realized that nothing more could be done to alter my status as a father-to-be. I knew that i was not ready to be a dad. Still, I adjusted myself to the realities of my new situation and the consequences of my past personal indiscretions.

I made the determination that I was going to be a good dad. I also reasoned that my blunder is not enough pretext to make me a husband. I was just 21. And so I decided to be a responsible dad without being husband to the mother of my baby. I never was in love with Sophia neither was marriage ever in the offing.

Without knowing for sure that I was the real dad of the baby, I entrusted Sophia to the services of a private hospital for both pre-natal and post-natal medical cares. An apartment at Lekki was leased for 2 years, and paid for by me. The burden of medical bills, feeding, transportation and sundry costs rested on my person. No family member of Sophia including Uncle Dele Momodu rose to help nor guide Sophia.