Modelling was a dream fulfilled - Gwendolyn Okutele

The current Miss Nollywood Nigeria, former Face of Niger Delta and an upcoming actress, Miss Gwendolyn Elohor Okutele said conetsting for a beauty pageant was a dream she had as a child. 

In her words: "When I was growing up, after watching Miss World in 1994, I told my father that someday, I would like to be a beauty queen because I really admired the contestants – the way they cat walked and were interviewed. So he advised me to wait until I grow up.

"Sometime in 2008, he reminded me what I said (that I wanted to be a beauty queen) and asked me to give it try. So I contested for Miss Galaxy (Damsel) in Lagos in which I did not win but won the Amity Award as a friendly contestant. I was angry and felt that I was not pretty or intelligent enough. But it didn’t stop me from believing in myself."

The Adagbrassa-Amukpe, Sapele Local government Area, Delta State born actress, the only child of her parents whose father is a sailor and mother is a trader added that: "In 2013, I was in school when a friend of mine called and informed me that forms for the Face of Niger Delta pageant were being sold but I told him that I was not interested because of the issues I had when I contested for Miss Galaxy (Damsel). He told me that the face of Niger Delta has nothing to do with one’s height, size or weight but just one’s beauty, brain and pictures. “Let your pictures speak for you,” he said. So I decided to give it a try. He bought the form for me because I told him that I was not going to buy the form. I went for the contest, they did the online voting and so on, and as God would have it, I won the Face of Niger Delta 2013/14. When my reign was getting to an end, another opportunity came for me to contest for Miss Nollywood Nigeria which was oragnised by Bk Global Movies through Mr. Barakumo Odede who is based in Bayelsa State.

"When I heard about it, I got interested in it because of the brand – Nollywood. I know Nollywood is the second or the third best film industry in the world today. I saw it as a very big opportunity for me because I have always wanted to go into acting. I said it was the opportunity that I have been waiting for. So I bought the form and participated in the contest and as God would have it, I won."

Gwen Ello

Gwen Ello

Gwen Ello

Gwen Ello

Gwen Ello

APC ALSO RESPONDS TO FFK'S TINUBU/OSINBAJO ALLEGATION

Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the Director of Media of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode on the All Progressives Congress and its leaders.
Fani-Kayode alleges that Asiwaju Tinubu would become president by asking the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo to resign after six months in office in the belief that the. President Muhammadu Buhari may have terminal health challenges.
That the message came through Mr. Femi Fani- Kayode who, just a few days ago, was brought to answer corruption charges, makes the message incredulous. The whole world knows the other reasons for the incredulity of any message delivered through him.

However, to the uninformed, there is no iota of truth in such allegation. It is the product of infantile, wild imagination of a convoluted, distorted and warped mind
In the APC, we do not indulge in oath-taking, pact-signing and such other rituals that the PDP establishment is adept at. Such PDP- induced Okija scenarios have no place in the APC.
Professor Yemi Osinbajo is a thorough- bred, accomplished professor, teacher, pastor, mentor and preacher who is nationally and internationally acknowledged as a man of probity, integrity, transparency and competence who can never be part of such inanities.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his part, is the foremost national leader of the APC who has achieved an enviable, political status, fame and stature. He has gone far beyond using subterfuge to attain any political position.
It is widely known, globally, that he has been pivotal in midwifing the most potent and formidable opposition movement that has become the nightmare of the incompetent behemoth called the PDP, and to the delight of Nigerians, the desired change they are waiting for.
Having lost substantial ground politically and seeing the inevitability of an APC victory at the polls, it is the. PDP that is strenuously engaging in all kinds of subterfuge from hurling personal abuses and attacks on Buhari and Tinubu; to election postponement antics; to evading elections at all costs and even the unfashionable idea of foisting an interim government. It is the. PDP that is generating crisis in order to make the elections difficult if not impossible. Unknown to its campaign machinery, these gimmicks potray the PDP as deep in conclusive disarray.
Indeed, the fact that the PDP campaign machinery can construct a post- presidential election scenario in which APC would be in power is a significant testimony of their admission that they have lost this election. We note this mental and psychological concession of victory to our party's presidential candidate but reject the odious scenario.
Nigerians should please ignore this latest antic because it is untrue,ridiculous, ludicrous, mundane and jejune.
DELE ALAKE
DIRECTOR
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
APC PCO

Photo of the day: Train carrying excess passengers

Ijaw Youths have publicly denounced the role their parents played against the Igbos in the Nigeria/Biafra Civil War of 1967/70

Ijaw Youths have publicly denounced the role their parents played against the Igbos in the Nigeria/Biafra Civil War of 1967/70.
They, however pleaded for forgiveness, saying if the level of awareness and information technology available today were in the country then the Ijaw would have supported the Biafra’s course.
Addressing the Ohanaeze Youth Council’s (OYC’s) submit, held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the President of Ijaw Youth Council, Comrade Udengs Eradiri, said the Niger Delta erred for not supporting the Biafra’s course, and heaped the blame on lack of awareness and misinformation.

He said, “If we had the type of awareness and information technology we have today, then, we would have stood firmly with Biafra to win the war, but we are working hard to resolve the issue,” he stated.
Comrade Eradiri expressed happiness that notwithstanding their role in the civil war, “Ndigbo voted overwhelmingly for their son, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in 2011 and since then the zone has been supporting his administration.”
He pointed out that Ijaw youths were pleased with their show of love and solidarity, and pledged that Niger Delta youths would support Ndigbo “when it is their turn to produce the next president of the country.”
He lamented that the issue of injustice that led to the civil war “is still the same issue bedeviling the country today,” and asked for concerted efforts to address the issues, noting that Nigeria must not be allowed to break up.

Source: Nigeria Tribune

Pastor Impregnates 20 Members of His Congregation

"A self-styled 53-year-old pastor from Nigeria who impregnated more than 20 members of his congregation, including several married women and young girls, claiming that the Holy Spirit told him to have sex with them has been arrested for sexual abuse.
Ebere Amaraizu, DSP, a spokesman for the Enugu State Police Command told NaiJ that general overseer of Vineyard Ministry of the Holy Trinity, Pastor Timothy Ngwu, was arrested for abusing his female members.
"The pastor claims to be obeying prophetic/spiritual injunction to do the will of God, which is to impregnate any one chosen and revealed by the Holy Spirit, irrespective of whether the woman is married or not," said Amaraizu.
"When the woman is delivered of the baby, the child remains in the ministry with the mother for life," he added.
According to a Vanguard report, Ngwu was reported to the police by his estranged wife, Veronica Ngwu, who got tired of his lascivious behavior after he impregnated her young niece.
A brother of the pastor, who did not want to be identified, told Vanguard that he had been warning Ngwu and his family about his behavior for a long time but he refused to listen. The arrest, he said, was God's wrath falling on his brother.
"Let me tell you, God's anger has befallen my brother, we have severally appealed to him to stop what he was doing but he refused. He has colonized our compound, bearing children with recklessness. He accused us of being jealous of him because he is doing the will of God," the brother told Vanguard.
"Look at these buildings here," he said pointing to the church compound. "He (pastor) has converted all of them to himself in the name of vineyard. I can't say exactly what informed his spirit to the devilish act in the name of God. He sacked his betrothed wife who has three children for him and embarked on impregnating married women and young girls. Look at the whole compound littered with children of different sex and age," he lamented.
"How can an educated man of his status reason like an unrefined man? All members of the vineyard are fools, how can a woman abandon her husband for another man in the name of worshiping God and practice adultery? I cannot get myself involved in this matter; Vero has opened the vessel of worms in the vineyard. Let them sort themselves out with the police but I want the ministry to be shut down completely," he added.
Ngwu told NaiJ that he has approximately five wives with 13 children along with concubines he acquired by the prophetic will of God.
He said he never had sex with any of the married women unless their husbands agreed with the request of the Holy Spirit.
Calista Omeje and Assumpta Odo, two of the women who left their husbands to live with the pastor said they did so based on the pastor's prophetic anointing.
Calista, who has 10 children with her husband, said Ngwu had impregnated her but the baby died. She also revealed that she gave her daughter to him. Odo, a mother of eight, said Ngwu impregnated her and her daughter" ~

The Classic 300SL Mercedesbenz:

@ReGrann @mercedesbenz: The Classic 300SL. Photo by @floforc

Dakore Egbuson, Poe guests at ‘Late Night with Nike Oshinowo’

This week on ‘Late Night with Nike Oshinowo’ Nike Oshinowo is joined by rising musician Poe and renowned actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande. They explore the thriving music and film industry - the popularity of Nigerian music globally and whether or not Nollywood can keep up with Hollywood. The Host speaks with Poe, who shares details of his background, schooling in the United States and how he used his song collaboration with ‘Show Dem Camp’ to break into the Nigerian music industry. Poe who is currently making strides in the music industry discusses his hopes and dreams and what he hopes fans take away from his music. Actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande shares her background and path to success with us and we learn about her deep philanthropic ties. Dakore, who has been in the Nollywood industry for a while speaks of the barriers and evolution of the Nigerian film industry and why it has taken so long for us to own our stories.  She shares her most memorable roles till date. Catch this episode of Late Night with Nike Oshinowo tonight on AIT (DSTV Channel 253) In the meantime, for more information, visit the website: www.lnwno.com or follow on Twitter: @LNWNO; Instagram: @lnwno_ or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/latenightwithnikeoshinowo

Thrills, frills from GIAMA Awards

Watch a glimpse of the 2014 GIAMA Awards in the official trailer below. The 2014 (3rd Annual) GIAMA took place on October 25, 2014 in Houston, Texas. This memorable, historic and exciting night of recognition of the best in the African entertainment industry was kicked off by a special opening rendition by MYOA and Jerry Cleo, which was followed by a grand entrance of the “Julius Agwu” who continually kept the audience entertained with his rib cracking jokes and comedic acts. Another rendition by the best of USA Africa Click here to Watch the Trailer http://www.goldenicons.com/the-2014-giama-awards-official-trailer/

Watch the 3rd Annual GIAMA Red Carpet Interviews and view the Photo Highlights The GIAMA Red Carpet event was hosted by Golden Icons Emma Emerson and full of glitz, glam and fun, and every star and guest came expectant to have a great time at the event. It was more than just a night of entertainment but a night of purpose, with the goal of celebrating the African Film industry. Follow the glitz and glam right here on the red carpet by clicking the link below:. http://www.goldenicons.com/interview-highlights-at-the-2014-giama-red-carpet/

A Glimpse of Julius Agwu as the 3rd Annual GIAMA Awards Host The 2014 Host of the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards (GIAMA), Julius Agwu, who is considered as one of the greatest pioneers of African comedy and a versatile entertainer that has graced many platforms with rib cracking jokes and on-stage spontaneity completely rocked the stage on the night of the award and kept the audience entertained throughout the event. Click here to read more: http://www.goldenicons.com/a-glimpse-of-julius-agwu-as-the-2014-giama-awards-host/

CEO Dancers WOW the crowd at the 2014 GIAMA, Watch the Video Highlights!!! At the 2014 GIAMA Awards, the CEO Dancers stole the show with their ecstatic and electrifying performance, which made the show a memorable one. Watch some of their highlight performances by click the link below.. http://www.goldenicons.com/ceo-dancers-wow-the-crowd-at-the-2014-giama-watch-the-video-highlights/

Uti Nwachukwu's emotional speech, as he receives the 2014 GIAMA Male Viewer's Choice Award. Uti Nwachukwu, a popular face in the Nollywood industry, a foremost TV presenter and the current host of the African show “Star the Winner is” who is also best known for winning Big Brother Africa 5 recently received the Male Viewer's Choice Award at the just concluded 2014 Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards (GIAMA) in Houston, TX. Uti's speech as he received the award was quite emotional which prompted Golden Icons to get up and close with him after the ceremony to understand why he was ecstatic to be the recipient of the award and what it signifies to him. He mentioned Rita Dominic, Desmond Elliot, Moses Inwang, Ramsey Nouah, Susan Peters, Anita Chris and a few others during his speech.. Check out what he had to say about them, and his interview response below: Click here to read more: http://www.goldenicons.com/uti-nwachukwus-emotional-speech-as-he-receives-the-2014-giama-male-viewers-choice-award/

Watch the Training Highlights of Lancelot Imaseun & Majid Michel at the 2014 GIAMA Screen Icon Search (SIS) Acting Seminar Super talented Award Winning Director Lancelot Imasuen alongside with multiple-award winning actor Majid Michel both delivered a powerful lecture on what it takes to succeed as an actor at the of the 2014 GIAMA Screen Icon Search Acting Seminar in Houston, Texas. While training and lecturing the aspiring actors here in Houston, Mr Imaseun used Lupita Nyong'o as an example of what it takes to become a successful star actress at the 2014 Screen Icon Search Acting Seminar.. Click here to read more: http://www.goldenicons.com/watch-the-training-highlights-of-lancelot-imaseun-majid-michel-at-the-2014-giama-screen-icon-search-acting-seminar/

A sneak peak video showing the 2nd Annual Host Ramsey Nouah, arriving in grand style via a private helicopter. The 2nd annual GIAMA started off in spectacular fashion; with Nollywood superstar host Ramsey Nouah arriving in grand style in a private helicopter and being escorted to the Stafford Centre in a Mercedes-Benz S-class. Click here to watch the clip: http://www.goldenicons.com/a-sneak-peak-video-showing-the-2nd-annual-host-ramsey-nouah-arriving-in-grand-style-via-a-private-helicopter/

A Video Highlights of the 2nd annual GIAMA - Check it out!! The award ceremony was an epitome of class - from the grand arrival of the celebrity guests to the glitz and glam on the Red Carpet, hilarious jokes by top comedians, outstanding dance performances and glamorous display of the latest fashion and style by the guests - It was simply a memorable night to remember. Click here to read more: http://www.goldenicons.com/a-video-highlights-of-the-2nd-annual-giama-check-it-out/ ​

GIAMA Backstage Interviews during the 2nd Annual GIAMA Check out some of the backstage interviews and fun moments, during the 2nd Annual GIAMA Awards. The backstage interview which was hosted by Ava Rejouis featured several celebrities such as Richard Mofe Damijo, Desmond Elliot, Jackie Appiah, Lancelot Imasuen, Moses Inwang, Belinda Effah, Pascal Atuma.. just to name a few. Click here to read more: http://www.goldenicons.com/giama-backstage-interviews/

Watch the 2nd Annual GIAMA – Screen Icon Search (SIS) Highlights One of the key goals of the GIAMA organization is not only to recognize, celebrate and reward those that have made it on African big-screens, but to also provide an opportunity for new talents aspiring to become actors as well. Consequently, the GIAMA Screen Icon Search (SIS) competition was established to identify and recognize young and future talents with the right qualities to get into the Nollywood industry. The 2nd Annual SIS was hosted by Uti Nwachukwu and Emma Emerson, and was judged by four top Directors/ Producers in the African Movie industry – Emem Isong, Lancelot Imasuen, Frank Rajah and Pascal Atuma. Click here to watch the video highlights: http://www.goldenicons.com/video-screen-icon-search-highlights/

A Pre-GIAMA Fashion talks on ‘Do's and Don'ts' with CEO/Founder of MODChic Couture During the 2nd Annual GIAMA pre-show, our special guest Ebele Iloanya, CEO/Founder of MoDChic Couture and fashion expert shared some tips with Emma Emerson of Golden Icons regarding the do's and don'tson fashion, especially tips relevant to a red carpet event like that of the GIAMA's. This pre-GIAMA fashion show also featured one of our red carpet correspondents ‘Fredericka Dike'. http://www.goldenicons.com/pre-giama-fashion-show/

2013 GIAMA Send-Off party After a night of Glit, Glam and Style at the 2nd Annual GIAMA, the stars and special guests took time out to let their hair down and catch some fun at the GIAMA private send-off party on October 20, a day after the last award ceremony. Click here to watch the send-off party video highlights: http://www.goldenicons.com/giama-send-off-party-2/

http://www.goldenicons.com/1st-annual-giama-awards-video-highlight/ According to the Stars and guests that were present at the inaugural GIAMA Awards, they indicated that the show and event was "phenomenal, great, outstanding, and many more great testimonials from them all". Click on the link below to watch the first GIAMA Trailer: http://www.goldenicons.com/1st-annual-giama-awards-video-highlight/

Jim Iyke's Moments at the 2012 GIAMA Awards The Nollywood Bad Boy, Fashion-Forward, and Business man, Jim Iyke took control of the stage, and got the crowd into tears with laughter and excitement at the inaugural GIAMA Awards, which has often been described by the fans/guests that attended as a classy, stylish, and memorable event. Click below to watch the clip: http://www.goldenicons.com/giama-jim-iykes-moments/

Video Highlights - 1st Annual Screen Icon Search (SIS) Competition On the eve of the GIAMA Awards, the Screen Icon Search (SIS) competition was held with a sole purpose of identifying and recognizing young and future talents with the right qualities to get into the Nollywood industry. The SIS was moderated by three top Directors/Producers in the African Movie industry – Emem Isong (Nigeria), Frank Rajah (Ghana) and Pascal Atuma (USA). Click here to Watch the video highlights http://www.goldenicons.com/video-highlights-1st-annual-screen-icon-search-sis-competition/

Watch Stella Damasus's Testimonials about her Experience at the GIAMA Awards! Nollywood Actress Stella Damasus was one of the celebrities that graced the 2014 Golden Icons Academy Movie Award (GIAMA) and she shared her overall experience at the awards ceremony during her exclusive interview with Emma Emerson of Golden Icons. Click the link below to watch!! http://www.goldenicons.com/watch-stella-damasus-testimonials-about-her-experience-at-the-giama-awards/

Testimonials - Desmond Elliot talks about GIAMA with Emma Emerson During our exclusive interview with Nollywood Actor/Director Desmond Elliot, he spoke candidly about his experience and thoughts on GIAMA .. Click here to view: http://www.goldenicons.com/desmond-elliot-talks-giama-with-emma-emerson/

MUGABE CELEBRATES HIS 91ST BIRTHDAY

Zimbabwe's president marked his 91st birthday celebrations attended by thousands of loyal supporters attended the $1million party at the lavish resort town of Victoria falls near the world-famous waterfall.
In the televised address, Robert Mugabe vowed to 'invade' the farms and animal sanctuaries still owned by whites - who he claims still own vast amounts of the country's land.
He added: 'Zimbabwe has lots of safaris but very few are African. Most are white-owned. In our region, we have the most safaris and animals. Our people cannot keep suffering.'
When the country gained independence in 1980, white farmers who made up less than one per cent of the population owned around 70 per cent of the best farming land.
But in April 2000, Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party pushed through controversial land reform which allowed the government to confiscate white-owned land and distribute it to black farmers without having to pay them compensation.
Now the Commercial Farmers Union which represents white farmers in the country says fewer than 300, out of the previous 4,500, remain one land following the purge.
During the hour-long speech on February 21, Mugage said he would allow whites to keep their animal sanctuaries if the United States removes sanctions imposed on him, his wife and members of his inner circle.
Flanked by his two deputies, senior government officials, his children and wife Grace, he added: 'We can do things for ourselves. We don't need the white man to continue to guide us.'
His impassioned performance at the age of 91 dispelled any speculation the ageing dictator is slowing down, following the widely-mocked fall he suffered at Harare airport.
The Zimbabwean leader has self-proclaimed himself as a 'champion of post-colonial Africa' but has faced constant and robust condemnation from Western nations and human rights groups who claim he crushes dissent with violence, torture and death.
He was among a handful of African leaders - including South Africa's former president Nelson Mandela - who fought white domination in their countries.
But while Mandela served a single term in office before retiring, Mugabe has tightened his grip on Zimbabwe's leadership since assuming office in 1980.
The youth officials who organised his birthday party have encouraged him to hold the position until he dies.
This year, he became chairman of the 54-nation African Union. He also heads a regional group of 15 southern African nations.
In an interview on state television on Friday, Mugabe said he would not pick a successor to his ruling ZANU-PF party.
He said: 'I don't choose my successor, never. I was not appointed successor by anyone,' Mugabe said.
'The successor can come from any level of the party. It may be either of the vice presidents, but it's up to the people.'
Last December ZANU-PF re-elected Mugabe, making him candidate in the next election in 2018 when he will be 94.
Mugabe denies media reports he is suffering from prostate cancer and maintains his several trips to Singapore are for routine medical checks and to fix a recurring eye problem.
Source: Mailonline

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Gist from “Meet The President”

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, on Sunday, revealed that he would be driving ‘made-in-Nigeria cars’ soon and would have them on its convoy as a way of demonstrating confidence in the growth of the automobile industry in the country, under his administration.
The event was the “Meet The President” programme, hosted by a group, the Participate, Vote for your choice Candidate (PVC), at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.
The president promised, amongst others, to engage more youths in his next administration if elected, making reference to the likes of General Yakubu Gowon, who became head of state at the age of 33 and former governor of Old Rivers State, Diette Spiff, who was governor of the state in his late twenties.
The president also explained that his visits to Baga, Mubi and other north-eastern states a few days ago were not as a result of the imminent elections, but because it was time to visit, noting also that as the Commander-in-Chief, he relies on intelligence reports to make such moves.
Jonathan assured the youth that he would, from time to time, engage them on regular discussions that would enable him feel their pulse, even after his re-election.
Different speakers at the event took turns to commend the president, assuring him of their support for his re-election.
First to speak was the former minister of state for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.
He admitted that change was required but the change should be moving forward and not backward.
“President Jonathan has done so much for this nation. Has touched every facet of human endeavours. He has transformed the health sector, agriculture sector, built many universities and has empowered the youth,” he said.
The ministerial nominee assured Nigerians that a vote for Jonathan would change their lives again for the best.
Others at the event were former governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel; Supervising Minister of Information, Chief Eden Duke; Mr Kingsley Kuku; former governor of Anambra State, Chief Peter Obi; Lagos Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje, among others.
Source: Tribune

TERRORISTS KILLED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BLOW UP A BRIDGE IN DAMATURU

TERRORISTS KILLED YESTERDAY ON AN ATTEMPT TO BLOW UP A BRIDGE IN DAMATURU; ARMS SEIZED FROM TERRORIST AND THEIR FLAG THEY HOISTED. SUPPORT THE MILITARY AGAINST INSURGENCE

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