Did you know? 8 reasons men lose their erections

1. He’s nervous.
“The pressure of wanting to get hard, stay hard, and satisfy your partner can make it difficult to get hard in the first place,” says Dr. Jane Greer, New York-based marriage and sex therapist and author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship. In cases like these, it’s as simple as taking your time and letting his sex drive kick into high gear. Remind him that his penis is beautiful and special.

Diamond Bank Woman

Diamond Woman is the much anticipated initiative by Diamond Bank. At Diamond, we believe women have needs and aspirations. That is why we want to ensure that women get the right treatment, enjoy special benefits and have access to financial and non-financial information so they can thrive at home, at work and in their businesses.

 Our online community, www.diamondwoman.com.ng is an interactive website where women from all walks of life within and outside Nigeria can learn and start conversations on things that are important to them.

 Join the Diamond Woman online community today and be part of the Diamond experience. Register now on www.diamondwoman.com.ng and find out more about Diamond Woman.

Dolce and Gabba found guilty of Tax Evasion

Creative Directors of D&G, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have been found guilty of tax evasion to the tune of $1.3bn. The verdict was announced this afternoon after hours of consideration by a three-judge panel who decided to uphold last June's guilty verdict that saw the designers both sentenced to 20-months in prison for allegedly committing tax evasion, Vogue UK reports.

The alleged crime is said to have been a result of the sale of their Dolce & Gabbana and D&G brands to the Luxembourg-based holding company Gado Srl in 2004.

'Kill public officials who steal above N1million.

President of the TUC, Bobboi Kaigama during a lecture at the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife yesterday, recommended the death penalty for any public official who is indicted in any financial crime above N1million.

During his lecture which was titled "‘Corruption and challenges in nation-building’, Kaigama said tougher sanctions such as his suggestion would make the government's crusade against corruption more sincere

"If the governments and legislators are truly sincere about the fight against corruption in the country, they must go tougher. Any public official, whether at the state or federal level, should be executed. Killing them after confirmation of any embezzlement allegation of more than N1m will lead us to the right path.

World of possibilities as mother and children gather together

Joy to the world as we celebrate the birth of a movement in Nigeria. The Mother and Child Expo is gearing momentum to make its debut. The event (Nigeria’s Largest Parenting Exhibition) which is first of its kind will attract over 5,000 mothers and children. The event will feature exciting and engaging activities billed to create a long lasting experience. Continue...

48 Nigerian Prisoners Pass O Level Examination

Forty-eight prisoners who are awaiting trial at the Ikoyi Prisons have passed the November/December 2013 General Certificate of Examination (GCE).

Deputy Controller of Prisons, Mr. Emmanuel Bamidele, who made the disclosure on Monday while receiving members of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said 54 other inmates also wrote the examination but were unsuccessful.

Chibok Schoolgirls: Women to hold massive Abuja protest Wednesday

Nigerian army search for missing schoolgirls

“How is it possible in the age of drones and Google Maps and aerial shots that over 200 girls will vanish without a trace?” the women asked.


Some women in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, under the banner of “Women for Peace and Justice”, will stage a peaceful protest to demand the release of the remaining 230 female students kidnapped in their hostel in Chibok, Borno State.

ASUP, COEASU Strike: Police Humiliate Protesting Students, Lecturers Over Protest

The Nigeria police, yesterday humiliated protesting lecturers and students of the nations polytechnics and colleges of education with teargas and watergun.


The protest which held at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, was disrupted when police officers fired tear-gas at the protesters who vowed not to leave the venue.

Dear Mr. President, you deserve my pity

I pity you for your loss of empathy for Nigerians.

 When in 2009 President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua became incapacitated due to ill-health, some power-drunk cabal sought to cling to power in Yar’Adua’s stead by all means and therefore frustrated every constitutional attempt at bringing in Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as the President.
 Trust Nigerians, they fought tooth and nail to entrench constitutionality.

More so because the Vice President was a gentle soul, so calm and self-effacing that someone just had to fight for him. Goodluck Jonathan’s handling of that situation was flawless; he won our hearts and he was inaugurated as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Iraq: Militant group claims attack that killed 25

An Iraqi policeman inspects the site of a suicide attack at a polling center in Kirkuk, 290 kilometers (180 miles) north of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, April 28, 2014.

Baghdad:  An al Qaida spin-off group has claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in a Kurdish town northeast of Baghdad that killed at least 25 people the previous day.

The bomber blew himself up among a group of Kurds celebrating the appearance on local TV of Iraq's ailing president, Jalal Talabani, a Kurd who has been in Germany since 2012 for medical treatment.

Clippers’ Owner Banned from NBA for Life After Racist Rant

Los Angeles Clippers‘ owner Donald Sterling has been banned from the National Basketball Association (NBA) for life, after a racist conversation between him and his girlfriend leaked.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement at a press conference, where it was revealed that Sterling, 80, has been banned from the association for life and will be fined $2.5million for his disturbing rant.

The fine will be donated to charity.

Dubai Overtakes Heathrow as Busiest Airport for International Passengers

Dubai has recently been the hot spot for many foreigners including Nigerians.

From weddings – Tiwa Savage and Tee Billz, to vacations – Dr Sid and Simi Osomo, to shopping for top clients, Dubai has become a go-to-destination for all.

In the first quarter, Dubai International has globally become the busiest airport for international passengers, overtaking London’s Heathrow.

In a statement by Dubai Airports to The Wall Street Journal, the home of Emirates has handled 18.36 million international passengers. Heathrow revealed that 16 million people passed through its gates during the same time. See more pic after the cut.

The Inspire Series with Glory Edozien: Growing Up Different in Nigeriax

it’s a difficult thing. Some are lucky, they are able to shape, nurture and develop theirs, with limited interruptions from others.

Not everyone is that fortunate. My first guest on the show, Yvonne Edozien, is an albino. There’s no hiding it. Once you see her, you immediately attach whatever connotation that title brings. It’s difficult enough growing up in today’s world trying to identify who you are, without the added struggle of the world telling you what you are. See more pic after the cut..

Prince Harry and Cressida Bonas reportedly split

According to multiple sources, one of the most eligible bachelors in the world, Prince Harry, 29, is back in the market after splitting from girlfriend of almost two years, Cressida Bonas, 25.

From E! Online...

E! News can confirm that the two, who began dating almost two years ago, are no longer dating. A source tells People magazine that Harry found Bonas "too needy" and that "it just wasn't working out."

Eggs, Cholesterol Good For Humans - Vet

A veterinarian, Dr Mari Dawuda, said yesterday in Jos that many researches had disproved the erroneous notion that cholesterol was not good for the human body.
Dawuda, the Chief Executive Officer, Nannang GZ Veterinary Services, Jos, was reacting to the impression that eggs were not very healthy for humans of a particular age group due to its cholesterol content.

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy lipid (fat) found in the bloodstream and in all body cells transported to and from the cells by special proteins carriers called ‘lipoproteins’.

Tech to stop drivers from texting

LONDON: American tech giant Apple has filed a patent application for a system that aims to make texting at the wheel impossible by blocking drivers from sending messages from cellphones. 

The system creates "lock-out mechanisms" to disable cellphones from performing certain functions, such as texting, while one is driving.

The patent describes how sensors in a mobile phone could tell how quickly a person was moving and would be sensitive enough to work out whether a person was in the driving seat or in a safe operating area of a vehicle, allowing passengers to text as normal.

Delta bursary fraud whistleblower arrested in Lagos & taken to Delta state

According to a report by SR, Ambrose Ezewani, an ex student of the University of Lagos and former President of the National Association of Delta State students, UNILAG chapter, who blew the lid on a systematic student bursary racketing allegedly spearheaded by the Commissioner for Higher Education in Delta state, Mr Hope Eghagha has been handed over to the Delta state Government

Sahara Reporters reports..

Police officers in Sabo Station yesterday afternoon handed him over after the Delta State officials visited to ask for his transfer to Asaba, Delta State where he will be most likely tortured and “tried” for revealing the fraud perpetrated by officials of the state.

Ezeanwani was President of the National Association of Delta State Students Union at the University of Lagos. During his tenure, he revealed that the bursary system was fraught with fraud, which he said was being perpetrated by men in the scholarship board in Delta State. Continue...

I Have Suffered Enough, Please Don’t Let Me Suffer More- Omotola Begs Fans

Omotola Ekeinde has said she has suffered enough for refusing to party with politicians and turning down their Ghana must go bags, and begged people not to make her suffer the more by mentioning her name among those who wine and dine with politicians. Speaking as a guest at the just concluded Nigerian Entertainment  Conference (NEC), the actress said;

Nigeria: NCC Embargoes Registration of Old SIM Cards

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday permanently embargoed the registration of old Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards by telecom providers.

The NCC Director of Public Affairs, Mr Tony Ojobo, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

A SIM card is issued by telecom operators to provide the individual user with the appropriate number recognised by that network after it has been inserted into a mobile phone.

Airtel kids return from Man U clinic with new ideas and vision

Kenya’s Airtel Rising Stars team tot the Manchester United Soccer Clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, returned yesterday promising to use the acquired skills to further their football careers.

 The team included two girls – Lilly Owuor (Olympic High) and Mwanahalima Adam (St. John’s, Kaloleni Giriama) as well as boys Ibrahim Shambi (Kathungi High) and Gerald Oketch (Upper Hill).

The Dar clinic was conducted by Manchester United Soccer Schools coaches in conjunction with Airtel between April 23 and 27 at the Azam complex.

Microsoft + Nokia: What's Next?

It's official: Microsoft now owns Nokia's Devices and Services business unit. The deal, announced in September, closed Friday. Microsoft gains the 25,000 Nokia employees who design and build mobile devices, as well as the services and applications to support them.

Microsoft may have entered the hardware business with its Surface tablets in 2012, but this is an entirely new step. It is now competing directly with Apple and Google in the smartphone market by making and selling devices with its own operating system on board. Microsoft has a lot of catching up to do.

How a former doctor saves Nigerian women from 'useless husbands'

A former doctor helping trauma patients in a Lagos Emergency hospital has founded a thriving online supermarket business in Lagos, Nigeria that is gaining reputation both locally and internationally. Gloo.ng, Nigeria’s Leading Online Supermarket, was recently featured by CNN International in its African Start-Up segment and has also been featured by Washington Post, BBC World Service and Financial Times of London.

 It was also voted No.4 on the list of 20 African Startups to Watch by Mashable—No.1 in Nigeria. Dr. Olumide Olusanya decided to start Gloo.ng to try to cater to Nigeria's busy women with no time to shop at the supermarket. Continue..

Women to stage one-million march in Abuja over abducted girls

Nigerian women would on Wednesday April 30th in Abuja stage a one-million-women march tagged "Free our girls" to press for the release of the schoolgirls that were abducted from Girls Government college in Chibok, Borno state on Monday April 14th.

The call for the protest was made during an emergency meeting put together by the Borno state first lady, Hajia Nana Kashim Shettima, yesterday. Coordinator of the protest Prof. Hauwa Abdu Biu said the march is expected to involve every woman in the country.

"The last time, we were in black but this time around the colour for the Abuja rally is red; so we should all be prepared and mobilize ourselves for the rally”, she said

Angela Okorie gives own account of theft scandal involving her in SA

I got plenty mails from some guys in South Africa who wanted me to expose Angela Okorie as a thief. They sent me pics, police phone numbers, details of what supposedly happened over there but I didn't touch the story because I suspected they were just trying to mess this lady up...and according to her own version of things, that's exactly what happened.

Actress Angela Okorie was arrested and detained for a day in South Africa last weekend for allegedly stealing $3,200 from a friend's home. Reacting to the story to Yes! Magazine, Angela says it was all blackmail from a friend/fan named Prosper, whose sexual advances she turned down and whose stock in trade is to extort money from Nigerians who go to South Africa for project.

Swansea University storms Nigeria for UKEAS Fair

An official delegation from SWANSEA University, one of the top universities in the United Kingdom, is in Nigeria, attending education fairs in various cities between April 28^th and May 10^th 2014.

A statement from the university described their visit as a “perfect opportunity to meet and speak to talented students who wish to study in the UK, because we recognize the high calibre of Nigerian students choosing to study with us.  Swansea University offers opportunities for world class learning and we are glad to be able to help train Nigerian students to become future leaders.”

APC Hails Suspension Of PDP Rally In Adamawa

The All Progressives Congress, the APC, has hailed the reported suspension of the Peoples Democratic Party rally scheduled for Adamawa State on Tuesday, in line with the prevailing mood of the nation, especially following the abduction of over 200 school children in Borno State.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, , the party called the suspension “the right decision to take,” under the circumstances.

Don’t judge me by your standard, Kwankwaso tells Jonathan

Rabiu-Kwankwaso

by: Kolade Adeyemi
Kano State Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso has described as baseless the claim made by President Goodluck Jonathan that the government cannot account for the money received from the Federation Account.

The governor said all the money collected by the state were judiciously spent and properly recorded.
He said this at a meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders at the Government House yesterday.

Parents cry over N1, 500 JAMB results scratch card

Pankshin (Plateau)  Some parents and guardians in Plateau have described as “very exorbitant’’, the N1, 500 they were being charged by JAMB for scratch card to access the examination result.

The parents, who spoke  in Jos, Pakshin and other towns of Plateau accused the examination body of extorting money from students and parents with all manners of charges.

“The charges are strange. Last year, we used the JAMB registration number to check the scores. We were not expecting something different this year,’’ Mr Gotong Nanman, a parent told NAN in Pankshin.

APC Condoles With Vice President Sambo On Brother’s Death

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday commiserated with Vice President Namadi Sambo on the death of his  younger brother, Capt. Yusuf Sambo, in a road crash in Abuja.

The condolence was expressed in a statement issued in Lagos by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

The statement said that the party expressed shock and sadness at the death of ”such a vibrant personality in such a tragic circumstance”.
”Death is never easy to accept and when it is so unexpected, it adds to the grief.
”But the sweet memories and good deeds of the departed will always be a balm to sooth the indescribable pain of death.
”We sincerely sympathise with the Vice President, the immediate family of the departed as well as his extended family.
”We pray that God will strengthen and comfort them all in this difficult time,” it said.

CONFAB: Alamieyeseigha lampoons Obasanjo, says he shielded oil bunkerers

ABUJA- FORMER governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Solomon Alamieyeseigha Monday lampooned former President Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing him of having the list of oil thieves in Nigeria, but he shielded them during his administration.

 Alamieseigha also declared that 50 percent of Nigerian oil was stolen daily and accused foreign embassies of having full knowledge of illegal purchase of crude oil from Nigeria. Speaking Monday when officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, appeared before the Senator Adamu Aliero led Committee on Public Finance and Revenue, the former governor and a delegate from Bayelsa State told members of the Committee that he facilitated the arrest of some oil thieves in Bayelsa state as governor,but to his total dismay, these persons were left off the hook following what he termed high level conspiracy in high quarters and with the connivance of NNPC officials.

AbujaBombBlast: Forensic experts identify bodies of 2 bombers

by ‘Jola Sotubo

Steps being taken to unravel the circumstances behind the recent bombing in Nyanya, near the Federal Capital Territory have apparently begun to yield fruit.

Forensic experts investigating the case are said to have identified the bodies of 2 men who are believed to have participated in the April 14 attack.

Sources also say that the experts also managed to establish the identity of a third bomber who fled the scene before the explosion.

Nigerian Eye reports:

Security sources told one of our correspondents in Abuja on Monday that the experts identified their bodies using certain scientific variables, including body tissues.

Diezani fails to stop House of Reps probe as court denies her injunction request

The suit brought against the House of Representatives by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has been temporarily nipped in the bud after a court refused her prayer for an injunction against the House.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke had applied before a Federal High Court in Abuja for an interim injunction to stop the House Public Accounts Committee from inviting her before it over an ongoing probe
The minister is being probed after allegations that she spent N10 billion to charter private jets for personal use.

Daily Independent reports:

Rather than granting an injunction in her favour, Justice Ramat Muhammed had directed the House to appear before him on April 17, which had since lapsed to show cause why the interim orders being sought by the minister should not be granted.

Letter To Psquare On The Consequences Of Breaking Up – Pas Chikero

Dear Psquare,

I am highly motivated to write you this letter. I am one of your numerous fans although I have never bought any of your albums….. I have always downloaded! But that doesn’t make me less a fan of yours.

The media has gone crazy reporting your break up and trying to decipher who is actually holding the sharp knife tearing Psquare apart. Peter’s wife , Lola Omotayo, has been constantly mentioned but that is not really why I am writing you this letter. I am not here to use searchlight to find the Eve that gave you guys the forbidden Apple of separation rather, this is to let you know what you will be destroying if you guys officially break up.

Sterling Bank/Verve Breeze to Brazil

A wise man once said “Ask not what your nation can do for you but what you can do for your nation” The same applies to banking today and Sterling Bank desires to reward some loyal customers with a trip to Brazil.

 To win, all you have to do is use your Sterling Bank Verve card to make withdrawals or payments. This might just be the opportunity of a lifetime and you shouldn’t miss it.

Hurry, visit http://sterlingbankng.com/adverts/verve.php for more details. This promotion runs from 1stto 30thApril 2014. Terms & conditions apply.

Terrorism: House Committee Chairman on Diaspora Affairs Urges Nigeria to Seek Help Outside

The Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs,  Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Wednesday said that  whatever strategy the Federal government was using to curb the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria was not  working hence the need to seek help of experts both within and outside Nigeria

Dabri-Erewa who represents the Ikorodu Constituency of Lagos state, in the House of Representatives said that She was  worried that there was no compassion in governance in Nigeria anymore, potrayed by President Jonathan’s partying in Kano, a day after the bomb blast that claimed the lives of Innocent Nigerians.

Nigeria, The Heartbreaker – Ayisha Osori

I can’t lie…Nigeria is a heartbreaker for those who truly love him.

It matters not how hard you try to accommodate his weaknesses and utter disregard for responsibility, the bottom line is that he does not care. Submissiveness and appeal to God does not help either, because the more you bend over backwards to fill in the massive craters left by nonchalance and years of financial recklessness and impropriety, the more the rot becomes your fault and eventually the burden of responsibility

Worried families

shifts to you. Suddenly, a government that is incapable of doing anything for its citizens starts singing ‘government cannot do it alone’.

You know all this, but still you live in hope and faith in hard work; miracles still happen. You hear the unbelievable stories of the wealth Nigeria is spending and giving away to his favorites and you can’t find it in your heart to believe the stories. It explains your inaction. Like the child of a monstrous abuser, you have convinced yourself, that he cannot be so cruel, so what he is doing cannot be so wrong.

NYSC Batch A’ 2012/2013 Ondo State Corps Member Open Letter To Governor Mimiko

His Excellency,

Dr. Olusegun Mimiko,

The Executive Governor of Ondo State,

Akure, Ondo State.

25th April, 2014.

Sir,

REQUEST FOR ALLOWANCE

We, the above named corps member humbly write to plead His Excellency to pay our NYSC state allowance. It’s now a year and three month (13th Feb, 2013) that we finished our meritorious National Youth Service (NYSC) in Sunshine State. Continue...

Nokia completes mobile phone transfer to Microsoft

NOKIA’S mobile phone operation has officially been transferred to Microsoft, ridding the Finnish company of a business with legendary status in the telecom industry but that has suffered a brutal fall from grace in recent years.

The transaction’s official closure, announced in a news release, puts an end to a long drawn process which started almost eight months ago, when Microsoft and Nokia first announced the EUR5.44 billion ($US7.52 billion) deal.

In its release, Nokia said there had been some purchase price adjustments relating to net working capital and cash earnings, which mean that it expects the total transaction price to be slightly higher than the earlier-announced price tag of EUR5.44 billion.

37 Former PDP Representatives To Present Impeachment Motion Against Jonathan - Politics-SLB9ja

ABUJA — THE battle for political supremacy in the House of Representatives is set to be rekindled with the plan by 37 former members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to present an impeachment motion against President Goodluck Jonathan.

The legislators, who are allegedly acting in concert with their governors who defected with them to All Progressives Congress, APC, are also following up their plans with a high profile sensitisation campaign against alleged misdeeds of the administration.

Tornadoes rip through south-central United States killing at least 12 people

This photo provided by James Bryant shows tornado damage, Sunday, April 27, 2014 in Mayflower, Ark. (AP Photo/Courtesy of James Bryant)

Tornadoes ripped through the south-central United States on Sunday, killing at least 12 people in Arkansas and Oklahoma and wiping out entire neighborhoods of homes, according to officials, as rescue workers searched in darkness for survivors.

An aide to Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe said five people had died in both Faulker and Pulaski counties, with another fatality reported in White County.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Review: The Iterative Approach Results In A Safe And Unspectacular Android Smartphone

Announced slightly ahead of the yearly schedule at MWC, Samsung’s latest flagship Android device is now available. The Samsung Galaxy S5 is a top of the range Android handset, but a maturing ecosystem and the impact of Moore’s Law means that having the best hardware is no longer enough to compete in the marketplace.

Samsung has traditionally relied on a huge marketing budget and brand awareness to drive sales of their smartphones, and I see no reason to expect anything different with the Galaxy S5. There’s certainly nothing in the ardware package that is a ‘must have’ beyond the basics, and the other Android hardware manufacturers are catching up. without the marketing spend and the brand name, the Galaxy S5 is a competent high-end Android smartphone, but nothing more

Do you want to study abroad? Over 50 UK University Reps storm Nigeria & Ghana

 Enjoy FREE Entry to UK Study Fair & FREE Application Processing

Over 50 quality UK Universities and colleges will storm Nigeria & Ghana next week courtesy of UKEAS. The FREE Entry Fair will hold on the 29^th of April in Abuja and on the 1^st of May in Lagos before moving on to Ghana for the Accra event on the 3^rd of May 2014. Continue..

MTN fibre-to-the-home product launch date

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, 23 April 2014, MTN announced that it plans to commercially launch 100Mbps fibre-to-the home (FTTH) services in South Africa on 1 June 2014.

MTN said that it demonstrated its FTTH offering to residents of Monaghan Farm, a gated estate located 30km north of Johannesburg, on 12 April 2014.

“MTN is currently rolling out aggressive deployment to high-density urban areas, such as high-end gated communities, boomed-off suburbs and high-rise buildings,” MTN said in its statement.

MTN Group’s subscriber base now 210.1 million

MTN Group now connects 210.1 million people in 22 countries across Africa and the Middle East.

From a single licence in South Africa awarded in 1994, MTN said in a statement on Thursday that it had invested hundreds of billions of rand in state-of-the-art networks and licences.

From basic voice calls and messaging services,the firm said it had broadened its offering to include numerous innovative communication, content and entertainment services.

Wole Ojo & Adesua Etomi Star in a New Short Film – ‘Brave’ by LowlaDee

. The full feature has been released, and we’re pleased to bring it to our readers.

Check out a synopsis of the film:
BRAVE is an inspirational short film inspired (but not based) by a true story on page 88 of T.D Jakes ‘The Lady, Her Lover & Her Lord’. It is a heartfelt story based on the lives of a young couple, Nathan (Wole Ojo) and Layo (Adesua Etomi) who seem to have happiness, love and comfort. Though married for two years, Layo is beginning to worry about her failure in getting pregnant. When eventually she does get pregnant, she hides the news from Nathan, preparing to break the good news on their anniversary dinner outing in two days. Unfortunately, that night will mark the beginning of a nightmare both may not wake from, and suddenly, love is not enough.

Hollywood’s Most Elusive Bachelor George Clooney is ENGAGED!

The ladies all tried to steal his heart and keep it for good. But he always seemed to get away. Oh George Clooney! you have been so elusive. But alas! it looks like your days of running away from love are finally over.

Much to everyone’s surprise, Hollywood’s “ultimate bachelor,” Clooney, has popped  the question to his girlfriend, 36-year-old British attorney, Amal Alamuddin. They are now engaged!
See more pic after the cut..

Peculiar Okafor: Lessons From the Teacher’s Horse

Dear Humans,

By the time you read this, I’ll dead. I am a Colt, but you can call me a Horse if you want. I learnt some of the greatest lessons in life which I feel would be of benefit to you. Read the story below and learn the lessons.

It all began on a bright day, I stood tied waiting for my master when I saw a man. He was one of the followers of the one they called Teacher. Then I heard the words, ‘The master has need of him’ and before I long, I was riding, bearing the Teacher. Little did I know this was to be no ordinary ride as before I knew it, Leaves were being laid out for me and my hinds no longer touched the floor, I was royalty and people bowed and sang praises saying ‘Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ I rode round the city and though the Sun was hot and the distance wide, this was my best ride ever and I also learnt my first lesson.

Cliven Bundy Defends “Blacks are Better Off as Slaves” Statement

US Conservative Cliven Bundy made headlines for his outright derogatory statement on blacks.

The Nevada rancher/conservative hero and patriot was caught on camera by a reporter of New York Times, saying – “Blacks are better off as slaves”.

When it was published yesterday, a lot of SLBreaders had a lot of interesting things to say.

Cliven who is shockingly surprised by the backlash over his comments, defended his statement on CNN. He understands what he meant by the statement and doesn’t intend backing down.

“I don’t think I’m wrong”, he told CNN’s Bill Weir on Thursday night. “I think I’m right” he further says.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde: “Talent Will Never Be Enough!” at NEC Live

By SLB

Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde was present at the Nigerian Entertainment Conference, which took place on Wednesday 23rd April 2014 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

She delivered a speech on “Social Responsibility“.

Below is the speech;
 

Good afternoon again everyone, I would love to address social responsibility on many levels but will for this conference, limit it to as it concerns entertainment.

Social Responsibility: In a rapidly changing world, one that sees many typhoons, earthquakes, wars and different presidents and tenures, one thing has not changed. Celeb worship! Many leaders have been in power and left power in the space of time that many entertainers have still remained in the limelight. What does this mean theoretically then, the people know you more, perhaps love you more, and perhaps … TRUST you more.

How Ribadu made enemies for me – Obasanjo

The former president, Obasanjo, says Mr. Ribadu’s fearlessness nearly cost him his life.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has spoken of how efforts by the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu, to rid Nigeria of corruption, created enemies for him.

Mr. Obasanjo said Mr. Ribadu’s zeal as the pioneer head of the anti-corruption unit was ruthless enough to attract a lot of enemies for him. On one occasion, he said, Mr. Ribadu was poisoned.
Mr. Obasanjo said he doesn’t fear those enemies. “It is rather them that fear me,” he said.
The former president was speaking after a presentation on “Illicit Financial Flow and Governance of Natural Resources” delivered by Mr. Ribadu at the 3rd Tana High Level Forum on Security in Africa in Badir Dar, Ethiopia, on Saturday.

How I went from selling shoes to becoming a Nollywood actor” – Joseph Benjamin

by Wilfred Okiche

Joseph Benjamin

Nollywood actor and television host Joseph Benjamin has come a long way from his humble beginnings working as a bus conductor in Lagos and plying the Ojuelegba-Ikeja route. He spoke with us recently about his career moves, humble beginnings and love for his leading ladies.
Enjoy excerpts from the conversation.
You have worked with all the leading ladies in Nollywood. Which of them did you enjoy working with the most?
I enjoyed working with Genevieve and I just did a film with Rita not too long ago and it was a great experience.

UK, US join search for abducted schoolgirls in Borno state

According to a report by Punch, the UK and US government have joined the search for the 234 abducted schoolgirls from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, by Boko Haram men.

On Friday April 25th, the British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said the UK had begun talks with Nigeria over the incident. (Some mothers of the abducted school girls pictured above)

"The appalling abduction in northern Nigeria on April 14 is a stark reminder of the threat of sexual violence faced by women in conflict prone areas. I am very concerned that the majority of the girls are still missing. I spoke to Nigerian Foreign Minister, Wali, about this case on 18 April, and we are talking to Nigerian authorities about how best to assist in their efforts to secure the girls’ release and bring those responsible to justice.” Hague said.

South Korean PM resigns over ferry disaster that claimed 300 lives

South Korean Prime Minister, Chung Hong-won, this morning Sunday April 27th announced his resignation 11 days after a ferry carrying school children on a field trip to the island of Jeju capsized and sank, killing over 300 people. (See that here)

PM Hong-won made the announcement at an emergency news conference that held in the country's capital, Seoul, early this morning, days after his government was fiercely criticized about how it responded to the disaster. The PM took responsibility for the slow response of the rescue operation..

"I offer my apology for having been unable to prevent this accident from happening and unable to properly respond to it afterwards. I believed I, as the prime minister, certainly had to take responsibility and resign." the PM said.

The captain and all crew members of the ship rescued themselves leaving 300 school children, teachers and other passengers to their fate. They have all since been arrested and facing charges ranging from criminal negligence to abandoning passengers. The confirmed death toll as of today is 187, while the rest are still missing and presumed dead.

'Don't bring black people to my games'

L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling was caught on tape making shocking racist comments to his bi-racial girlfriend after she posted a pic of herself with basketball legend Magic Johnson on her instagram page...and it was all caught on tape. You guys need to listen to the tape. It's shocking!

From TMZ
L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling told his girlfriend he does not want her bringing black people to his games ... including Magic Johnson ... and it's all on tape. TMZ Sports has obtained audio of Sterling making the racist declaration during a heated argument on April 9th with V. Stiviano ... after she posted a photo on Instagram posing with Magic. Sterling rails on Stiviano -- who ironically is black and Mexican -- for putting herself out in public with a black person (she has since taken the pic down).  But it doesn't end there.  You have to listen to the audio to fully grasp the magnitude of Sterling's racist worldview.

Mulitple accident cause terrible traffic on Lagos/Ibadan Expressway

Vehicular lockjam is currently being experienced on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway particularly at the Shagamu axis. This was caused by a multiple accident that occured today involving a commercial bus, petroleum tanker and a trailer.

Motorist are advised to use the Ofada road as it is the best alternative at the moment.

“Shuga” actor Emmanuel Ikubese wins Mr Nigeria 2014

He was the favourite choice by BN readers and now your prediction has come true! “Shuga” actor Emmanuel Ikubese who played the role of Femi on the popular youth-focused TV series has won the Mr Nigeria title for 2014.
BN will bring you all the scoop and photos. For now, we say congrats Emmanuel.

Just like old times as Ryan Giggs keeps his promise to bring back smiles

Ryan Giggs, Manchester United's interim manager, did not take long to recall the Ferguson era at Old Trafford. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images

The sun shone on a late afternoon that had the Manchester United crowd smiling again now Ryan Giggs had supplanted David Moyes as manager. A week described as "a whirlwind" by the Welshman, who was given the job on an interim basis, was expected to end in cathartic victory.

The roar that greeted Giggs as he strode from tunnel to dugout would be the soundtrack to a new era – despite his truncated four-match tenure – in which United would rediscover the champagne football lost under Moyes.

Five cool things to do with your Windows Phone

LOS ANGELES — With smartphone maker Nokia part of the fold, Microsoft is ramping up efforts on its Windows Phone platform. You've probably seen ads for Nokia phones touting impressive hardware specs such as the Lumia 1020's 41-megapixel camera sensor, but Microsoft also recently made a bunch of software updates it will release in coming months.

The company recently traveled here to show off the best features of the Windows Phone 8.1 update — besides Cortana, the personalized digital assistant, of course.

Here are five fun things you'll be able to do with Windows Phone 8.1.

Two former popes to be canonised in Rome

In Rome, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims have been converging on St Peter's Square for this morning's canonisations of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny will join dozens of other civic dignitaries from around the world at a special mass celebrated by Pope Francis and over 1,000 bishops.

Two popes have never been canonised together and at least one seasoned Jesuit observer says Pope Francis adopted today's novel approach to try to reconcile both new saints' followers.

Femi Aribisala: Exposing the lies of Nigerian Babalawo pastors

 It was also reported that Pastor Matthew used the church’s visa card to buy a timeshare apartment in Florida.  In contravention of British charity law, church payments were made to his private companies which were operated from church premises.

Bishop David Oyedepo says poverty is not of God.  He insists a child of God has no business being poor and declares: “There’s a proven covenant cure for poverty.”  If this were true and proven, all the world’s poor would have become rich Christians by now.

9 signs you might need to lower your dating standards

I don’t think it’s fair to ask a guy or a girl to live up to standards you can’t meet yourself. For instance, if you want a guy with six-pack abs, you should be willing to work out and be fit yourself. I never expected more out of a guy than I would of myself. After all, you’re looking for a partner in life.

Finding the right person doesn’t mean you have to settle, but sometimes you might need to lower your dating standards. I see women constantly ignoring wonderful guys simply because they don’t meet every expectation. Everyone needs standards, but we’ve all met those people with highly unrealistic standards that even movie characters couldn’t live up to. Take a few minutes and see if you might need to lower your dating standards.

8 things that are keeping you overweight

Are you downing sodas and lattes during the day? These drinks contain a high sugar content and have very little nutritional value. Including these drinks in your routine will only cause you to crave more sugar. 

You are exercising and eating right, but those pounds are not slipping off. What is keeping you from reaching your ideal weight? You may not be aware of it, but there are things you may be doing to sabatoge your weight loss. Here are eight things that are keeping you overweight.

1. You Are Not Drinking Enough Water
Hydration is important for many reasons. It keeps the skin glowing, boosts your immune system, and helps you lose weight. Drinking water curbs your appetite and prevents you from overeating because you feel full faster. Try to start and end your day with water. I keep water at my bedside and also take a water bottle on the go so that I don’t forget to hydrate.

South Korea PM quits over ferry disaster

South Korean Prime Minister Chung Hong-won has tendered his resignation, after becoming a lightning rod for criticism of the government’s response to the Sewol ferry disaster.

Divers are still recovering bodies from the wreck, with the death toll from the April 16 sinking expected to reach 302, mostly schoolchildren. 

The tragedy has captured national attention far more than any other event during President Park Geun-hye’s 14-month tenure, and has produced what appears to be the most serious threat so far to her government’s popularity.

Going beyond the blame game: Citizens’ solutions to end terrorism

The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
- Chapter 2, Section 14 2(b), Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

On Monday, April 14, Nigerians woke up to news of another heart-rending carnage at Nyanya Motor Park after a bomb detonated. Over 100 people were injured and over 70 people died. That same night, over 200 school girls were abducted in Chibok, Borno State. This was all after a bloody weekend in Borno that left over 90 people dead.

Tired of mere condemnations and the usual blame game, citizens on social media platforms responded to a call for suggestions on ways to combat this surge of terror. Over 1,000 suggestions were received in two days, with the hashtag #CitizensSolutionToEndTerrorism trending on Twitter on both days.

10 key ACTION POINTS outlined below came out of the exercise:

Theatre review: OC Ukeje, Bimbo Akintola & Taiwo Ajai-Lycett light up the stage in ‘Belong’

‘Belong’, the latest major production from the Live Theatre on Sunday group did not make its debut on Sunday but that is a tiny detail only near-obsessives might pick up on. Directed by Tosan Ugbeye and sporting an all-star cast, representing different generations, ‘Belong’ is a fast-paced action tinged drama exploring various life affirming issues that concern today’s African. It plays as a political satire and a character study of the modern Afropolitan.

NECO to conduct ‘another test’ after Common Entrance

Nyesom Wike, Supervising Minister of 

Education

The National Examinations Council (NECO) said it will conduct another test for candidates who pass its Common Entrance Examination to select the best for admission into Federal Government Colleges on merit.

The Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, made the announcement on Saturday when he monitored the ongoing Common Entrance examination in some schools in Abuja. Continue...

Living his dreams: Timi Dakolo to share on his journey at The Incubato

Nigeria’s king of soul; Timi Dakolo will be sharing on his life, career, musical journey at the 2nd edition of Live Your Dreams Africa scheduled for Saturday April 26, 2014 at the Incubator, opposite City of David Church Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“Being able to share my story amongst people that I truly admire is such a dream come true. I’m hopeful participants will learn something from my story about working hard towards achieving their dreams. I always believe that it is never impossible to achieve your dreams,” said Dakolo.

Security, unemployment,power, what is the way forward for Nigeria

Voice out your concerns to Goodluck Jonathan & other Leaders at the forth coming World Economic Forum in Abuja! Pulse.ng is the official opinion partner of the WEF in Abuja #PulseSpeakOut

Your Pulse votes and comments will be shown during the sessions of the World Economic Forum to the likes of President Goodluck Jonathan, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the chairman/CEO Heineken, Jean-Francois van Boxmeer. Continue...

Why is North Korean leader always surrounded by people taking notes?

North Korean's official Central News Agency (KCNA) recently released photos of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visiting different sites in the country...and one things stood out in all the pics...the young leader is always surrounded by men making notes in identical note pads. These men are not journalists, but generals and government officials.

What do you think they are writing down? Lol. I don't like this man.

Apple will replace faulty iPhone 5 power buttons for free

Certain iPhone 5 users have complained about faulty power buttons on their devices, and Apple has responded to these calls by offering to replace these buttons for free, Engadget reports. The company started replacing the buttons in the US and Canada and will bring this free repair service to other countries next month.

Apple mentioned on its support website that the power button on a “small percentage” of iPhone 5 manufactured from March 2013 onwards had stopped functioning or functioning erratically. The company will replace the button on these devices free of charge.

Don’t Use Chloroquine, Artesunate For MALARIA TREATMENT– WHO Warns Nigerians

Nigerians have been advised against the use of Chloroquine and Artesunate for the treatment of malaria.
Nnenna Ezeigwe, National Coordinator, National Malaria Control Programme, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.

She, however, recommended that people should take only Artemisinin Combination Therapy, ACTs, when they test positive for malaria.

Former Barcelona coach Vilanova dies at 45

AP Tito Vilanova died on Friday following a long battle with throat cancer. Photo: AP

Vilanova, who has battled a recurring tumour in a saliva gland passed away on Friday.

Tito Vilanova, the coach who succeeded Pep Guardiola at Barcelona and won the Spanish league title in his only season in charge, died Friday following a long battle with throat cancer. He was 45.

TERRIBLE: 17-year-old boy stabs sister for dating a man he doesn’t like

A teenager in Lagos is in trouble with the law after reports that he stabbed his sister in the Apapa area of the state and then fled the scene of the crime.

The 17-year-old boy, simply identified as Francis, is said to have told his older sister, Mary to stop dating a certain man named as Isiaka.

Mary however did not listen to her brother as he could not produce any evidence of what Isiaka had done wrong.

IF YOU ARE A MAN: HERE ARE 20 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE YOU TURN 40

I went for a colleague’s birthday outing few years back as he clocked the proverbial 40 years of age. I have heard people say ‘A fool at 40 is a fool forever’ and I suppose they meant that there are certain things you can’t fix anymore once you have gone past age 40 or simply put, there are certain things you ought to have done or stopped doing as you celebrate your 40 years on earth as a man.

Many believe that asides achy joints which are the main reasons we slow down as we get older, the brain part in charge of motion may also start a gradual downhill slide at age 40. New research also suggests that in middle age, even healthy people begin to lose some of the insulation in a motor-control part of the brain — at the same rate that their speed subtly slows.

Opinion: Understanding Oyo politics and Ajimobi’s fate in 2015

Ethnicity plays a part in the state’s politics as well as the country’s, especially considering the alleged lopsidedness of the Akala regime in favour of the Ogbomosho people, and most parties may therefore want to pick their candidates from Ibadan. That is where Teslim and Lanlehin may have some edge in the PDP and the LP respectively.

Intense political permutations and combinations are rife amongst informed and uninformed circles in Oyo State over who wins the 2015 governorship election. Indeed, the state stands out amongst the old 19 states as the only one that has refused allowing its governor earn a second- term ticket, and whether this will continue with the incumbent Governor Ajimobi Isiaka of the APC remains to be seen. It is even more pertinent when one fathoms the obvious fact that it really has got little to do with performance as Bola Ige of blessed memory performed optimally but still failed at the nick of time to earn the second term.

AMAZING: Bride-to-be, Tiwa Savage woke up in this presidential suite in Dubai

Tiwa Savage, MAVIN Records first lady and soon-to-be Tunji ‘TeeBillz’ Balogun’s wife relishes her good fortune waking up in the biggest room she’s “ever had the privilege of staying in.”
Sabage who will be saying her vows tomorrow in Dubai, United Arab Emirates posted her room picture on Instagram moments ago saying it’s bigger than her house – well, that’s something.

Check out her caption below and let the envy begin.

Scared of Falling out of Love? Five Things to do to Keep the Flame Burning

Relationships are always very rosy at the beginning. You love each other so much, you can barely do without each other but once you are firmly rooted in the relationship. It takes a lot of hardwork to keep the relationship going and fresh. These are some of the things you can do to make sure you don’t fall out of love with your boo:

1. Be adventurous: do something together that you’ve never tried before. Go on a long bike ride, take a field trip to somewhere you’ve never been before. Do new things and exploit places together. If you can’t afford to travel to exotic places, try new food, fruits or drinks. Doing new stuff and learning new things makes your bond stronger.

Columbus Short fired from Scandal after domestic violence incident

Oyibo people take domestic violence seriously. So should we. For allegedly attacking his wife and threatening to kill her and then himself, actor Columbus short has been fired from hit series, Scandal.

Columbus confirmed via a statement released to the media yesterday that he won't be returning to the blockbuster series

Dele Momodu: Why this mess won’t go away

Let me confess that it is not easy to write every week. I would rather spare myself the agony. But trouble is our country is in a big mess. That is even now stale news, if not an understatement. Those wishing for a miracle under the present arrangement are deluded day-dreamers.
by Dele Momodu

Fellow Nigerians, I have come with my lamentations again. I wish I could spare you this ordeal but something in me makes it impossible to do so. God knows I write not because I expect our country to change from mere writing.

 I know how difficult it is for a pen to achieve what we couldn’t accomplish under the barrels of guns. I’m not writing because I expect everyone to accept my views. Writing for me is therapeutic. I pity those who can neither read nor write.

CLICK: MultiChoice officially launches BoxOffice in Nigeria

by Oge Okonkwo

L-R: Akinola Salu, General Manager, Sales and Distribution;

 Chioma Afe, Marketing Manager, DStv; Martin Mabutho, General
Manager, Marketing and Retention, MultiChoice Nigeria; Wangi
Mba-Uzoukwu, Regional Manager, Mnet Africa and Ms. Caroline Oghuma, Public
Relations, MultiChoice Nigeria

MultiChoice has officially launched BoxOffice in Nigeria, in what is yet another move to provide DStv subscribers with the ultimate in home television entertainment.
BoxOffice is a service that allows subscribers to conveniently rent and watch the latest blockbuster movies in the comfort of their homes, right on their DStv Explora decoders.

Is It Morally Right For Our Celebrities To Show Off Their Wealth

I was recently asked as Celebrity photographer “is it morally right for
our celebrities to show off their wealth?”

Hmmmmm I had a deep breath. There are numerous ways you can interpret
Nigerian / African celebrities showing off their wealth on social media. There is no right or wrong answer to it. Continue...

Do you want to study abroad? Over 50 UK University Reps storm Nigeria & Ghana

by Akan Ido
 Enjoy FREE Entry to UK Study Fair & FREE Application Processing

Over 50 quality UK Universities and colleges will storm Nigeria & Ghana next week courtesy of UKEAS. The FREE Entry Fair will hold on the 29^th of April in Abuja and on the 1^st of May in Lagos before moving on to Ghana for the Accra event on the 3^rd of May 2014. Continue..

Blogger, Linda Ikeji Says “No Sex Till He Puts A Ring On it

Blogger of life, Linda Ikeji while defending herself from fans who claim she had dated Jude Okoye said she’s not into celeb men because she gossips for a living. The 34 year old entertainment blogger says she’d sworn off sex years ago and intends to keep it that way unless of course, a fine, breath taking bobo comes along. Continue to see comment from LIB.

Bayo Oluwasanmi: Oby Ezekwesili is perfect to be Nigeria’s first woman President

Ezekwesili is not just a Nigerian, she’s a special talent, well-educated with experience rooted in reform backgrounds with specialized training, lengthy resumes and increasingly elective experience.  

Over time, I’ve been deeply moved by the speech and comments of Dr. Oby Ezekwesili which had served as inspiration and hope for a new Nigeria. Given the political wilderness that our nation has been trapped for years, the sense of hope and inspiration generated by Ezekwesili speech at the recent APC Road Map Summit, is even more profound .

Public service and politics in Nigeria are dominated by professional politicians who are in the business for their own personal gain and power. The time has come to recognize that someone has a special ability to ignite or reignite faith and belief in ourselves, to capture our vision, imagination, and our highest ideals that Nigeria could be a great country.

Wole Soyinka: Republic of the kind and the thralldom of fear

            Emperor Nero only fiddled while Rome burned. There is no record of him dancing to his own tune. There is, nonetheless, an expression for that kind of dance – it is known as danse macabre, and we all know what that portends.

I have a cloud of sadness within me as I speak.  It has to do with an absence, a non-event which, both as a product in itself and as the product’s fate, could easily stand – among similar testimonies – as symbolic of the mission of this gathering, and a number of others like it, at least in all societies which value the exertion of the mind and products of the imagination. Continue..

Move Back To Nigeria: UK Based Investment Banker, Nnamdi Akwaeze Shares His Views on the Move Back Trend

Move Back to Nigeria is a series on SLB9ja which aims to encourage young and not-so-young professionals in the diaspora who are trying to make the decision of whether to move back to Nigeria. In collaboration with the brilliant team at MoveBackToNigeria.com, we hope to bring you a weekly interview with individuals who have successfully made the leap, considering the leap, as well as those who have tried it and realized it is not for them. MoveBacktoNigeria.com’s mission is to showcase stories of Nigerians abroad who have moved back home and are taking giant strides, often against all odds and to serve as inspiration to others.

This, however, does not preclude us from sharing stories of the people who have moved back and are facing various challenges. This week, we catch up with Nnamdi Akwaeze, a Chartered Accountant and Investment Banker currently working and living in London. While he has not formally moved back to Nigeria yet, we believe this interview is particularly interesting from the perspective of a Nigerian still in the diaspora and considering his options for moving back home. In this interview find out his views on the trend of repatriation by the ‘Nigerian Diaspora’; his views on the key barriers preventing Nigerians abroad moving home; as well as his recommendations on the key investment opportunities every Nigerian in Diaspora should be taking advantage of back home.

Can you please introduce yourself and tell us who you are?
My name is Nnamdi Chinedu Akwaeze, I’m a Chartered Accountant by profession, and I work for an Investment Bank in London. On the side, I’m interested in doing other businesses away from work.

Continue...

Get 10% Off Skin Treatments & Products with the UK Skin Care Academy Pre-Launch Promo

Hey people! The UK Skin Care Academy is here. They are opening their doors in Lagos, Nigeria and giving you a great opportunity to experience their services first hand.

You can expect to walk into a calm and serene environment, where you will be attended to in a private consultation room and offered expert advice, bespoke treatments and prescriptive products tackling a wide range of skin concerns including adult acne, sun burned / damaged skin, acne scars and dark spots, anti-ageing, teenage skin problems, male skin (shaving) challenges and sensitive skin.

To mark their opening, you can take advantage of their Pre-Launch Promo with 10% off skin treatments and products and also get your name down on the waiting list for their courses. Continue..

Fola Daniel Adelesi: My Silent Thought

All the articles or the books you have been reading from me are obviously my silent thoughts. However, there is one of those several thoughts that stands out all the time. I can’t stop thinking about this and it just will not stop coming back. It hits hard when it comes, and it is really not one of those thoughts that I can shake away easily. Once in a while, this thought makes me ask myself questions and it really motivates the things I sometimes do.

What is this thought that can make me stop everything I am doing for a few minutes and really get me thinking? That thought always comes in form of a question and it is ‘Who will miss you when you are gone?’ To put it in a clearer way, it is also another way of asking: how many people will feel like their world will come to an end if anything happens to you? Who are those who will feel like dying if you ever die?

Now I don’t want to scare you. I don’t want you to die yet if you are young and I am also still very young so I am not going to die any time soon by God’s grace. Having cleared that, knowing how religious we can be, it is also very important to fast forward into the future once in a while and just try to imagine what will happen when we are gone. Continue..

Virgin Australia plane forced to land in Bali over fears of a hijack

A Virgin Australia plane (pictured above after it landed in Bali) was forced to land on the island of  Bali over fears of a possible hijack. Initially reports said the plane, which was flying from Australia and carrying 150 passengers, was being hijacked, but it was later found to be an aggressive drunk passenger who was trying to force his way into the cockpit.

The pilot sent a distress signal to airport authorities and the plane was cleared to land in Bali so the situation could be dealt with. BBC reports that immediately the plane landed, the drunk passenger, who had been overpowered by the crew and handcuffed him, was arrested at the airport.

Virgin Australia told ABC News that there has been a medical emergency aboard the plane but everything had been settled though the aircraft still remains on the tarmac at Bali’s Denpasar airport.

60-Hour CODEATHON: BudgIT Asks Six Challenge Questions

During the Codeathon at IdeaHub from Friday to Sunday, citizens have an opportunity to build platforms and tools that can address issues affecting the lives of citizens. Below are six different challenges that can be married with technology for an improved society.

Challenge One

Challenge: How can we increase and sustain public interest in corruption cases from arraignment to the conclusion of cases? What information is of greatest interest to citizens?  How can citizens track the status of each case? When is the next adjournment/resumption date? Can a searchable database of all on-going corruption trials be built that tracks what assets the anti-corruption agency recovered from corruption cases, what property/asset the accused forfeited, etc?

Win a trip and enjoy the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Travelling for the World Cup just became as easy as a swipe of your VISA card. Next time you’re shopping at Shoprite, pay with your Sterling VISA card and you could just be on your way dancing the Samba in Brazil courtesy the Sterling/VISA campaign.

 Once payments for your shopping items are made, Please visit www.visa.com.ng/promotions to register. The campaign runs from 1 March to 30 April 2014. Terms & conditions apply.

Visit http://sterlingbankng.com/adverts/visa.php for more details.

President Jonathan: Nigeria's Insensitive Leader - Politics-SLB9ja

Painful And Prohibited Tragedy Ritual Of President Jonathan By Bayo Oluwasanmi

If Nigerians know one thing about President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, it is that he doesn’t give a damn.

The most troubling paradox of Mr. Jonathan’s complicated presidency is his reaction to national tragedies of huge proportions that involved loss of precious lives of Nigerians. Mr. Jonathan is aloof and most of the time inscrutable figure. “I don’t give a damn” has become his nickname.

Mr. Jonathan has been very cold, distant, insensitive, and heartless in handling national problems especially tragedies. For our dear country, he has been a polarizing president securely anchored in trickery and intrigue. Behind his cool and calculating exterior, he’s a mixture of Machiavelli, Abacha, and Babangida.

The 42 Rules of Engagement for Nigerian House Girls

Disclaimer:

Although you might find a few references to the law, these rules are propositions from the desk of a concerned human rights lawyer who is tired of the reported abuses faced by house boys and house girls in Abuja.

Note:

For the purpose of consistency, I will only be using the term “House girl” but the expression shall also apply to House boys, nannies, maids, helps, cleaners etc.

 The 42 Rules

1. House girls and their madam or oga are EQUAL under the law.
2. Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution provides for the right to the dignity of the human person. House girls deserve their right to dignity. Under no circumstance should they be used as slaves or compelled to forced labour. All work must be remunerated adequately.
3. Once she is above 18, under no circumstance should you beat or maltreat her. If words cannot do it, its not by force, you can get another house girl but beating her or flogging her with cane or subjecting her to any form of degrading treatment is unlawful.
4. You will not die if you greet her first
5. Don’t shout at her and if you have to, don’t do it in front of strangers, kids, and neighbours or to the hearing of the whole world.
6. She is allowed to join Facebook, Twitter and even LinkedIn
7. She is allowed to look for a better madam even under your employ. You cannot ban or frustrate her from seeking.

Nigerian Runs For California Governorship Elections

My ‘’ Motto” is AMERICA MUST REGAIN ITS GREATNESS AGAIN While My Platform is ALLEVIATING THE SUFFERING OF THE AMERICAN CITIZENS ESPECIALLY THE CALIFORNIAN CITIZENS.

Let us NOT forget that for a country to be the greatest country on earth. Each states of that particular country must contribute a lot to the growth and advancement of that particular country. Therefore, the state of California being the largest state in America should and must be the leading state in the country. Everything concerning the state of California must be number 1, NO EXCEPTIONS. The state of California unemployment rate should be 0%. The education of our children should be of sound footing so that they will be able to compete favorably well with their other peers of other countries of the world.

I do NOT want again United States of America to be ranked 25th in the whole world in the area of Mathematics. Everything about America should be number 1, NO EXCEPTIONS. Continue..

Why We Are Where We Are: A Trip Down Memory Lane

The older generation of Nigerians were born into an ‘active’ situation. They were young in the days when Nigeria was fighting to break loose from colonial masters. 

After gaining freedom from the colonial masters, they had the military to battle with; coup after coup threatened to tear the nation apart and dictator after dictator meant there would be no shortage of ‘comrades’ and the prison will always have inmates. Africa-wide, African leaders were experimenting with various forms of governance.

 Most African countries were toying with socialism, albeit a modified one. Nigeria was not left behind in this regard.

How Bill Gates and Michael Jordan Met the 10,000-Hour Principle – Darasimi Oshodi

“Champions do not become champions when they win an event, but in the hours, weeks, and months, and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely a demonstration of their championship character.”

The statement above is credited to Michael Jordan who is arguably the best basket ball player ever.

Jordan’s long time coach, Phil Jackson reveals that it was hard work that made him a legend. When Jordan first entered the league, his jump shot wasn’t good enough. He spent his off season taking hundreds of jumpers a day until it was perfect. He says Jordan’s defining characteristic wasn’t his talent but the humility to know he had to work constantly to be the best.

From childhood, Serena and Venus Williams would go to the tennis court at 6 o’clock in the morning before going to school and when they returned from school, go back for tennis practice. Any wonder then the two of them have dominated women’s tennis.

WhatsApp popularity continues to grow, hits 500 million active users

 The popularity of the cross-platform messaging app WhatsApp continues to grow in leaps and bounds with the latest revelation that its user base has crossed the 500 million mark.

Apparently, these 500 million people are not only registered members but also active users. The rapid growth of Internet-based messaging app which was snapped up by Facebook in February this year for a whopping sum of $19 billion is nothing short of remarkable. Since its acquisition by the social networking site the company has added 50 million users.

Obama impressed by Honda’s Asimo, high-tech robots at Miraikai

US President Barack Obama‘s state visit to Japan was not all serious business, as he took time to get a demonstration of the country’s high-tech capabilities. Often described as a “geek” at heart, the world’s most famous leader was introduced to Honda‘s humanoid Asimo and other robots, which ultimately, he found impressive but a little bit scary.

Obama toured the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation and the 55-inch-tall robot, which looks like a kid Storm Trooper, greeted him, saying, “Welcome to Miraikan, Mr. President, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

Asimo then started showing off what he could do, including running fast, tossing around a soccer ball with the President, and his latest learned skill, jumping up and down. Obama asked Miraikan’s Chief Executive Director Mamoru Mohri if the robot was remote-controlled and he was told that although he has human controllers, Asimo can also act autonomously. Watch the skit below

Tech titan funding just a start in securing critical open-source projects

    Security experts say a formal, enterprise-class product development structure is also needed

Major tech companies' funding commitments to support critical open-source projects is only the first step in preventing another industry-disrupting OpenSSL Heartbleed bug, security experts say.
The several millions of dollars expected to go into the Core Infrastructure Initiative announced Thursday needs to be spent on building processes for secure development and quality assurance, experts told CSOonline. Without a functioning organization in each project, flaws would continue to go unnoticed.

Facebook flirts with fitness, acquires Moves app

Facebook is buying interesting companies left and right! On Thursday, April 24, fitness app Moves announced that it will now join Facebook. The social network's latest acquisition hints at Facebook's future mobile app diversity plans.

Facebook is joining the fitness craze. Popular fitness-tracking app Moves announced that it will now be joining Facebook. This latest acquisition falls in line with Facebook's plans to create a mobile app empire.

Moves assured its users that it will remain a standalone fitness app, independent from the main Facebook app. Moves also said that currently, there are no plans to "commingle data with Facebook," which should assuage any user concerns about privacy.

A beautiful, Full HD Android phone from China

The smartphone business in China can be extremely competitive, and while you might have heard of brands such as Xiaomi, Huawei or Oppo, the OnePlus name is probably new. Comprised mostly of former Oppo employees, the company has just announced a new handset in Beijing: the OnePlus One.

As cheesy as the name sounds (and confusing, if you were to start referring it as just the, this 5.5-inch quad-core smartphone is actually pretty good. I've been using an early model that's very similar to the final product, bar some slight cosmetic alterations, and I must say I'm impressed.

Google social networking boss Vic Gundotra leaving company

Senior vice president of Engineering at Google, Vic Gundotra speaks about updates to Google Plus during a Google event in San Francisco

San Francisco:
Google Inc's head of social networking services, Vic Gundotra, is leaving the Internet search company, he said on Thursday, three years after overseeing the launch of the Google+ social network.
Gundotra, an alumnus of IIT Madras who has worked at Google for eight years, announced the move in a Google+ post.

 He did not give a reason or say where he was going, but related a story about a sudden death in his extended family which made him rethink life's priorities.

Boko Haram: Amaechi Promises Free Education For Missing School Girls

Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi has said military action cannot end the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northern part of Nigeria.

He rather suggested that agriculture and education were the keys to solving the insurgency.

Amaechi also hinted that members of the Boko Haram are being sponsored by unknown individuals.

“For me, I have said over and over that the solution to Boko Haram does not rest in the military. It rests in education and agriculture.

“If anybody tells you nobody is funding Boko Haram, how are they getting the money to buy weapons”, he said.

Dencia Acquires 2014 Range Rover Evoque

The singer and business woman just acquired a white 2014 Range Rover Evoque. She posted the picture with a long caption which read;

I did some retail Therapy yesterday & she came in 2day #2014RREvoque lol Vs chilling in my kitchen today waiting 4.

National Conference Chairperson Sacked

The National Conference committee on Civil Society, Labour and Sports, one of the ten committees at the on-going conference in Abuja, has sacked its chairperson, Bola Ogunrimade for absenteeism and has been replaced with her deputy, Issa Aremu.  

The decision was carried out after a vote took place and majority of them voted her out. Mr Issa Aremu also told reporters that, Mrs Bola Ogunrinde has never showed up ever since the conference kicked off.

Israel halts peace talks with Palestinians in response to Hamas agreement

Palestinian Fatah delegation chief Azzam al-Ahmed, Hamas prime minister in the Gaza Strip Ismail Haniya and Hamas deputy leader Musa Abu Marzuk pose for a photo as they celebrate in Gaza City on April 23, 2014 after West Bank and Gaza Strip leaders agreed to form a unity government within five weeks as peace talks with Israel face collapse.

JERUSALEM — The Israeli government says it has decided to halt peace talks with the Palestinians in response to a new unity agreement between rival Palestinian factions.

The decision appears to end a nine-month peace initiative by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. The negotiating period is scheduled to end next Tuesday, though the sides had been trying to agree to an extension.

Diamond Bank fetes law students in special DiamondXtra draws

Diamond Bank PLC, a leading bank in the Nigerian retail banking space, has rewarded loyal customers of the DiamondXtra account in a special draw targeted at students of the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island Campus, Lagos.

 In his welcome address at the event, Mr. Osita Ede, Head, Mass Market Segment, Diamond Bank PLC, said the draws were in line with the Bank’s promise to add value to customers’ lives, in this case, by giving them an exciting incentive to save. Continue...

Jennifer Hudson’s Bondage Style Lace Up Dress – Yes/No

Jennifer Hudson is definitely loving her slim and sexy body and is showing it!

Rocking a tight strappy bondage style dress to the 100 year anniversary of the Brown Shoe Company, Jennifer looked daring and dominatrix-esque on the blue carpet.

She wore a daring Agent Provocateur  Lace Up Dress, paired with leather knee-high boots, red lips and a retro pixie haircut, for her performance at the event in New York. See more pics after the cut.

Abuja Man Gets 6 Strokes of the Cane for Misbehaving

Apparently, no one is too old to be flogged with cane.

A Kado, Abuja Grade 1 Area Court on Thursday ordered a man, Alade Afolabi to be given six strokes of the cane for his attempt to commit a crime, Vanguard reports.  He allegedly attempted to rob someone who was withdrawing money from an ATM.

Afolabi was not granted bail because the presiding officer of the case has deemed him to be mentally challenged.

Photo Credit: resources1.news.com.au.

WIN Fantastic Prizes with the #TrianglePoweredBySamsung Competition

Have you heard of the Triangle? Well we are counting down to the launch of #Triangle with Samsung Electronic Nigeria and they would be giving out fab prizes.

Here’s how. They will be watching out fore the Nigerian with the highest number of Tweets and ReTweets on Twitter of the message #TrianglePoweredBySamsung. Include the hashtag message in all your tweets, get your friends to retweet and you stand a chance to win the amazing prizes.

You have only 5 days to go so you better start tweeting now! You can also like their Facebook page to increase your chances of winning.

For more information please visit and like www.facebook.com/samsungcenigeria.