US Based Music Act, Monica Returns With A Bang

                     
United States based Nigerian act, Monica Omorodion Swaida otherwise known as Monicazation has returned to the Nigeria music scene with her new single titled Under Your Influence. The Nollywood actress cum singer while speaking during the week said she was one of the best Nigerian entertainers several years back but had go back to school which is the fulcrum support of success in life. According to her, I'm not new in both Nigerian entertainment genre so with this my latest effort I believe it will go places. Monica’s foray in big stage is not by accident…Her love for music started with her dad that always sang. Her dad who was a trained police officer from Scotland Yard in London always supported her love for music by giving her his music books he brought back from London. His job as a forensic officer didn’t allow him to pursue music himself, but helped his daughter pursue her dreams. Monica's love for background stage is one with long history. She did background singing for big stars Like Majek Fashek, Sunny Okosun and Evi Edna etc. She did a lot of background singing for lots of other artists. She also did lots of jingles and voice over. She toured extensively with Majek Fashek’s band all over Nigeria and Africa. Stayed in most of the best hotels in Nigeria. Her fondest experience was when they played at the Oba Palace in Benin. Monica decided to travel out of Nigeria to further her education and graduated to become an insurance broker, and also does a lot of network marketing. While at the University of Massachusetts, she led her group in African cultural dances and singing. She recently returned back to her former university to do more drama celebrating Charles Dickens 200 year’s celebrations. Oliver Twist in Nigeria. Monica, has starred in several films both and abroad is definitely thinking of returning to Africa, her Nigeria home,’"you cannot forget your roots, Africa is like mother and child, you can’t separate them. Let someone give a big up for someone who is coming back to her roots" she enthused.

　

　

　

　

 

There were times I thought of committing suicide –Edeh, deaf lawyer

                         

Catherine Edeh, who was recently called to bar, tells Nonye Ben-Nwankwo how she overcame her disability to study law in Nigeria

How do you feel achieving this feat of becoming a lawyer despite living with hearing impairment?

I feel more than good.  I have always echoed into every listening ear that there is nothing like ‘disability’. People you see around on wheelchairs and crutches, with white sticks and dark glasses, those whose main languages are signs and gestures, do not live with disabilities in the sense many see them. We have so much potential but we need acceptance, support and encouragement from the society to be the best we can.

What was your dream while growing up?

 Growing up as a kid, I did not have the dream of becoming a lawyer. I disliked lawyers because in my naive mentality, I always pictured them as callous people who made the innocent suffer. Right from primary three, I aimed to be a nurse; the rationale behind this being that unlike lawyers who hurt and victimise innocent people, nurses care for and cure people. I wanted to heal bodies and souls of sick and suffering people. But the devil struck. I became ill and went deaf in primary five. Subsequently, my family lost interest in sponsoring my education. I was asked to go and learn either sewing or hairdressing which I flatly turned down. To register his seriousness in his decision that I should leave school and go into sewing/hairdressing apprenticeship, my late dad refused to sponsor my common entrance examination when I was in primary six.

Months after my First School Leaving Certificate Examination, I was enrolled into a commercial school because I flatly stood my ground that I must go to school, deafness or no deafness.  This however killed my dream of becoming a nurse because the commercial school I was admitted into did not offer physics and chemistry.

How did you become deaf since it wasn’t f

 

It was accidental, a resultant effect of a high dose of chloramphenicol injection administered on me when I was very ill as a kid and was hospitalised at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.

How have you been able to cope with it?

Initially, I used to hide the fact that I was deaf from as many people as I could, because of the stigma. But I thank God for the divine pathway He paved that led me first to Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, where I was truly rehabilitated, orientated and re-orientated. Today, I manage my deafness very well because I understand almost everything relating to deafness and deaf people.

How was growing up as a deaf child?rom birth?

Growing up as a deaf child was very challenging. This was because after I became deaf, I neither got rehabilitated as early as possible nor joined the deaf community till 12 years later when I got admitted into Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo where I started interacting with deaf colleagues and learning sign language. It has been an interesting and rewarding journey since then. Nevertheless, despite the challenges I had before I proceeded to Oyo for NCE in Special Education, I had supportive friends I met during my commercial school days, and my family, neighbours and relatives who believed in me and would always go out of their ways to make me feel comfortable, happy and protected.

When did you decide to take the bold step to further your education?

I have always been a strong and determined child. My family, neighbours and relatives always say I have a lion’s heart. I do not allow anything or anyone to decide who I am or will be.   So when I lost my dad in my third year in the commercial school, I forced myself to learn how to stand on my own because my mom was unemployed and had nine young children to cater for. I pushed out one of the talents inherent in me for my benefit and I started braiding hair right from my home. The quality of my service was, and is still unbeatable. I would invent some styles, freely or cheaply braid any of the styles on any friendly customer and off they go, bringing more customers to me. Sometimes I would double, or in some cases, triple my charge/cost. Soon after, I started doing home services for big ladies such as local government chairmen’s wives, state commissioners’ wives, top bankers’ wives and so many ladies in my area. This did not in any way deter me from going to school.  Despite my speedy progress at that time, I refused to open a hairdressing salon even though I was an expert in all kinds of hairstyles. I was only saving for my education. After my commercial school and nobody seemed interested in sponsoring me to take the  West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination, I sponsored myself. I got myself into Federal College of Special Education, Oyo, till help started coming from my family, relatives and some scholarship bodies like Nigeria Women Association of Georgia, Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship Foundation, Senator Gilbert Nnaji, Enugu State Government, and Federal Scholarship Board, etc.Scholarship Board, etc.

 

Were there people who tried to discourage you by telling you that you wouldn’t make it?

Yes, there were many people who tried to discourage me with their pessimism. But then, I had already been fully rehabilitated at Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo. I had grown to understand myself and the society. I had been tasked with the responsibility to go out and change the pessimistic views about disability of many in the society. So advocacy was my weapon against pessimists.

The schools I attended however were strong pillars of support to me. I made use of interpreters throughout my university and Law School programmes, with the total support of the schools. More importantly, they were financially responsible for the remuneration of the sign language interpreters and speech to text caption provider I used, thus making me the first deaf Nigerian/West African female to make use of the system, and even influence Law School to start adopting the system. I did not for once hide my deafness from any of the school authorities.

How easy was it with your studies?

It was not easy. Studying Law is a very difficult task for those who are not deaf. To a completely deaf person, the challenges can be argued to be ten times greater. I passed through so much unspeakable stress. But all these need to be kept behind. The fact that I have been admitted into the Bar has rewarded my efforts.

By the way, why law?

I know many people are always curious to ask me why a deaf person would opt for Law. But my desire to study Law was intensified after I got into the deaf community and discovered the magnitude of human rights violation deaf people are subjected to daily. I used to think that I was the only deaf person in Nigeria that suffered so much discrimination and stigma until I joined the deaf community. The extreme human rights violation many of us passed through are unspeakable. There is need for structures to be put in place to safeguard the rights for persons with disability in Nigeria. My passion for fairness, justice and equity; so that innocent kids and unborn children with disability do not grow to suffer the same fate and discrimination we passed through, necessitated my choice of law. That is not all though.Nigeria till today has yet to have Disability Law. I did not major in disability Law. What I majored in was Common Law. Common Law is a grand law that is made up of the received English law, Nigerian legislation or statutes, case laws and delegated legislation/judicial precedents. There is no single activity or expected task/responsibility that I was granted waiver on ground of disability. Be it seminars, mooting, assignments, tests, exams, court and chamber attachments; I did all just like my other non deaf colleagues did. So nothing stops me from practising what I was trained in. Therefore, wherever I see the platform and opportunity, I will practise and help promote equity. I want people to have faith in me and give me all the needed support to continue to bring out my best. If I could make it through the university and NLS beautifully, it means I will make it even much better in the courtroom

Right now, I am still observing my three months Mandela Washington Fellowship. When I am through with the internship, I will forge out how to move forward. I observed my chamber attachment with Chief Mike Ozekhome’s law firm in Abuja. Also my court attachment was with Court 4 of Federal High Court Headquarters, Abuja.

Were there times you were mocked or ridiculed when you were younger?

Yes, there were numerous occasions. It was not easy growing up as a deaf child in the SouthEast without rehabilitation. But I thank God all these are now in the past. I have been rehabilitated. The mockery or ridicule I passed through for over ten years before my rehabilitation also helped to remold and strengthen me a lot. So today, ridicule or whatever it may be no longer gets at me. Everywhere I find myself, I make it my primary responsibility to advocate for inclusion. The gallon of tears I have shed every night in solitude for so many years and the stigma have taught me that if I continue subjecting myself to endless tears without taking steps to redress the injustice, things will never change.

Could that be the reason why you have an NGO?

Yes it is. I strongly needed a platform through which I can always reliably sensitise the society and project virtues and benefits to community of people with disability in Nigeria and beyond, hence the NGO- Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI). The NGO has been touching the lives of many people with disability in so many ways. For instance, with my experience as the first deaf Nigerian Mandela Washington Fellow, we in VDI mentored the second Nigeria deaf female who is currently with Presidential Precinct.

What kind of experience have you had with men?It has not been totally bad. I have met hearing men who admired me but do not have the guts to make moves because of my deafness. I have also met some who tried hard to scale the wall of deafness and get close to me. But I must admit that the problem is more with me than with those men. I play hard mainly because I feel insecure. I find it hard to trust hearing men because within me, there is always this feeling, this voice that always reverberates and warns me not to trust hearing guys too lest they ruin me, reminding me always that I am deaf. Even with the deaf guys, there is little or no difference. There was a time I got the nickname ‘deadwood’ from deaf guys because of my manner of resisting overtures. But I thank God who paved a path through which I met the man in my life now without either of us planning it. He is deaf too; a very responsible and God-fearing person. We understand each other very well and have never had any issue since we came together. I thank God for having him.

Were there times you almost gave up because of your challenge?

Yes. After I became deaf and yet to learn sign language or join the deaf community, there were times I would feel too bitter, especially after seeing some of my old playmates who at that time were avoiding me out of ignorance. When I got so humiliated or stigmatised, I would give in to self pity which bred frustration and on very few occasions, gave way to the thought of committing suicide. I thank God however that I did not give in to such thoughts of suicide. When eventually the divine plans of God started to unfold in my academic life, the thought of giving up for whatever reason never got entertained. My slogan throughout was ‘Winners never quit and quitters never win’ and ‘Today’s pain is tomorrow’s gain.’

-The Punch

 

Eulogies for Outgoing GMD/CEO at Book Launch in his Honour in Lagos:

                        

It was rain of accolades for the outgoing Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza in Lagos on Wednesday as captains of industry and leading voices of Nigerian society witnessed the launch of a book in his honour.

 

The  book titled  “Dynamics of the Nigerian Financial System” edited by Professor Michael M. Ogbeide is a compilation of essays on the Nigerian financial system in honour of Oduoza, who  retires at the end of July, having completed his two terms of three years each at the helm of the pan African financial institution.

 

Speaking during the occasion,  Chairman of Best Foods Limited, who was the chairman of the book launch, Emmanuel Ijewere said  Oduoza is worth celebrating because “he has proven himself to be a worthy  banker, an authority in the banking industry, and an administrator who has traversed the banking and financial landscape without blemish. A special brand dedicated to excel”.

 

Also, Chairman United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony O. Elumelu, in his remarks, commended Phillips Oduoza for sustaining the growth trajectory of UBA Plc in the last six years.  “Oduoza is a man with a very cerebral mind, very diligent, loyal and astute. A man retiring in two days, who still works like he just resumed. During the period we worked together at UBA, he was a wonderful big brother. A man who loves and encourages progress and a man who always works for the best of everything.”

Elumelu said that the performance of UBA today, both financial and brand management are all attributable to Oduoza and all the team he worked with. 

 

Alex Otti, former CEO of Diamond Bank Plc, praised Oduoza for his extra-ordinary talent and management skills and leaving the banking industry with his integrity intact. He urged Oduoza to ensure that he puts his wealth of experience in the banking industry to the benefit of the country.

 

Also speaking on the occasion, the editor of the book, a renowned academician from the University of Lagos,  Professor Mike Ogbeide, said the book is a worthy testimony of Oduoza’s  sterling contributions to an industry whose zenith he reached by scoring many firsts.

 

Jumai Oduoza, the wife Phillips Oduoza, put together the book launch to honour her husband’s over two decades sojourn in the African banking industry.  

Reviewing the book, Professor Awolabi Kuye, said the book is a metaphor for excellence and recommended reading and study of the book to students and all those interested in the Nigerian financial industry. Phillips Oduoza, who has been the Group Managing Director and CEO of pan-African banking group, United Bank for Africa Plc since August 2010 officially retires from the bank on 31 July after successfully completing two terms of three years each. He will be succeeded by Kennedy Uzoka, who has been the Deputy Managing Director, working closely with Oduoza, in the last six years. UBA says the smooth transition process is a testimony to the strength of the bank’s succession planning model.

Tears flow as Keshi is buried

                         

Tears flowed freely on Friday as the remains of former Super Eagles  coach Stephen Keshi was laid to rest in his family home in Illah community, Delta State, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Keshi,  who came  from Illah in Oshimili North Local Government of the state, died on  June 8  in Benin.

His body  was interred at about 2.20 pm  amid tears, wailing and lamentation by family members, colleagues and friends.

The burial was preceded by a funeral mass at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah.

In a sermon, the parish priest  Rev. Fr Dennis Arinze reminded the people that death is  an inevitable end for all mortals.

“When we consider his age, the circumstances surrounding his death and also the fact that he lost his wife few months ago, it is indeed pathetic and worrisome,”  Arinze said.

He urged  the people to be steadfast in their faith and believe in God, saying that death was not the end of life for true Christians but the beginning of another in eternity.

The priest  added, “As Christians, if we die today, we die for God, if we also live, we live for God.

“So my brethren, a strong faith in God should be our source of consolation in death because there is life after death.”

Arinze, who eulogised the departed  for his time and achievements,  also urged  the people to live a life of service, saying the late  former Super Eagles captain  served his nation whole heartedly until his death.

He said, “As a compatriot, father, brother, uncle, Keshi has made his contribution to his nation and the game of football. He lived a life of service that is worthy of emulation.”

The Deputy Governor of Delta  Kingsley Otuaro urged the Keshi family to take solace in the fact that the  former Nigeria coach lived a life full of accomplishments.

He disclosed that plans were underway by the  state  government to immortalise   the former Togo and Mali manager  as a mark of honour for his selfless service and contributions to the development of football in Nigeria.

In his tribute,   former Eagles captain Augustine Eguavoen  said, “He has indeed worked tirelessly to develop football in Nigeria.

“It is difficult to accept that Keshi is no longer with us. He will continue to be one of us and will remain our boss. Today, he is lying down dead, it could have been any of us.”

The ex-Nigeria coach said  Keshi’s teammates in the national team had taken solace in the fact that the  Big Boss  as he was fondly called, was a celebrated hero up to his death.

The burial was attended by former ex-internationals, the  majority of who were Keshi’s former teammates who played between 1990 and 1994.

Among them were Peter Rufai, Mutiu Adepoju, Henry Nwosu, Friday Ekpo, Uche Okechukwu, Victor Ikpeba, Alloy Agu, Edema Fuludu and Taribo West.

Tears flow as Keshi is buried

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tears flowed freely on Friday as the remains of former Super Eagles  coach Stephen Keshi was laid to rest in his family home in Illah community, Delta State, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Keshi,  who came  from Illah in Oshimili North Local Government of the state, died on  June 8  in Benin.

His body  was interred at about 2.20 pm  amid tears, wailing and lamentation by family members, colleagues and friends.

The burial was preceded by a funeral mass at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah.

 In a sermon, the parish priest  Rev. Fr Dennis Arinze reminded the people that death is  an inevitable end for all mortals.When we consider his age, the circumstances surrounding his death and also the fact that he lost his wife few months ago, it is indeed pathetic and worrisome,”  Arinze said.

He urged  the people to be steadfast in their faith and believe in God, saying that death was not the end of life for true Christians but the beginning of another in eternity.

The priest  added, “As Christians, if we die today, we die for God, if we also live, we live for God.

“So my brethren, a strong faith in God should be our source of consolation in death because there is life after death.”

Arinze, who eulogised the departed  for his time and achievements,  also urged  the people to live a life of service, saying the late  former Super Eagles captain  served his nation whole heartedly until his death.

He said, “As a compatriot, father, brother, uncle, Keshi has made his contribution to his nation and the game of football. He lived a life of service that is worthy of emulation.”

The Deputy Governor of Delta  Kingsley Otuaro urged the Keshi family to take solace in the fact that the  former Nigeria coach lived a life full of accomplishments.

He disclosed that plans were underway by the  state  government to immortalise   the former Togo and Mali manager  as a mark of honour for his selfless service and contributions to the development of football in Nigeria.

In his tribute,   former Eagles captain Augustine Eguavoen  said, “He has indeed worked tirelessly to develop football in Nigeria.

“It is difficult to accept that Keshi is no longer with us. He will continue to be one of us and will remain our boss. Today, he is lying down dead, it could have been any of us.”

The ex-Nigeria coach said  Keshi’s teammates in the national team had taken solace in the fact that the  Big Boss  as he was fondly called, was a celebrated hero up to his death.

The burial was attended by former ex-internationals, the  majority of who were Keshi’s former teammates who played between 1990 and 1994.Among them were Peter Rufai, Mutiu Adepoju, Henry Nwosu, Friday Ekpo, Uche Okechukwu, Victor Ikpeba, Alloy Agu, Edema Fuludu and Taribo West.

Why most women are not sexually satisfied

Sex has been described as one of the activities that boost closeness in marriage, but the lack of it, or its inadequacy, can equally be detrimental to the success of union.

This all-important activity is so vital that marriage counsellors and psychologists often advise couples not to joke with it, for the sake of keeping their homes together, even if they have to prepare a timetable for it, so that the needs of both parties can be well taken care of.

Meanwhile, sex is only good when the two persons enjoyed the act and reached climax (ejaculation for men and orgasm for women), but findings have shown that in most cases, men reach orgasm in about 95 per cent of their sexual activities while about 25 per cent of women reach orgasm in their sexual encounters.

“And you know the irony there, my husband and I have sex at least thrice a week, but he’s the only one who enjoys it,” she told our correspondent.

She continued, “Perhaps there is something wrong somewhere. It has almost become a norm and it is an issue you can’t talk to anyone about, so as not to be labelled as being wild. After two to three minutes, my husband ejaculates and that is the end. And the most annoying part is that he sleeps off shortly after. It can be so annoying.

Mrs. Motun (surname withheld) is one of such women who could count how many times she has reached orgasm on her fingers; even

“Initially, I thought it was normal, but while interacting with people, I found that a woman can also reach orgasm. Maybe because I didn’t have experience about sex before I married, so I didn’t know much about it. The situation has made me to lose interest in sex because he puts me in the mood and leaves shortly after.”

Out of frustration of being left hanging after every sexual activity, Motun confronted her husband on the need to satisfy her as well, but was shocked when her husband told her “I’m trying my best.”

Mosun, a mother of one, is one out of millions of women who rarely or never reach orgasm, as evidenced by the responses of women who spoke to Saturday PUNCH. It wasn’t an issue many of them were willing to talk about, because it is considered a taboo for women to discuss such a topic in public, but those who spoke to our correspondent expressed their frustration and more importantly, the fact that they are helpless.

Even though reaching climax or not has no impact on women’s ability to conceive, it has a lot of impact on how much they enjoy sex.

It is therefore helpful to decipher why many women don’t reach orgasm. with that, she won’t go far on the first five fingers.

Here is the reason. Men are able to reach orgasm quickly because the nerves that trigger that intense pleasure are located in the glans (the rounded part forming the head of the penis), thus, its stimulation, usually through rubbing the vaginal walls during intercourse, helps them to ejaculate in ‘record’ time.

But for women, those nerves that should drive them to reach orgasm are not really in the vagina where they can be stimulated during sex; they are located in the clitoris, which is located at the anterior end of the vulva, or say towards the north (upper) part of the vaginal opening.

Due to the location, the clitoris, which is female’s most sensitive zone, is usually not directly stimulated by the penis during intercourse. Thus, a large number of women are not able to climax, even if the sexual act lasts for a longer time.

According to previous studies, sexual activity is usually between 33 seconds and 13 minutes, and understandably, some men could take longer before they ejaculate, but regardless of the length of time, a number of women may still not reach orgasm

Therefore, it is for no hidden reason that women who are unable to reach orgasm get to that destination when their clitoris is stimulated by mere hand, simply because that is where the nerves are.

According to a consultant endocrinologist, Dr. Olamoyegun Michael, the primary reason women don’t reach orgasm through penetrative sex is the inadequate stimulation of the clitoris by the male organ during sex.

He said some women actually do reach orgasm but that a significant percentage of women don’t reach that peak and that it is as a product of so many factors. He said even among those who claim to reach that level, some fake it to satisfy the man or not to puncture his ego.

He added, “Clitoris is located at the upper part of the vagina wall. And because of that location, penetrative sex may not drive it to orgasm in some women, unless you use some other means.

“However, some women can reach orgasm through penetration, depending on the experience of both of them, how roomy the woman is, how big the man is, the technique and some other factors. So, it is not hidden that clitoris can affect their ability to reach orgasm or its frequency.

“That is why in the olden days, when women were circumcised, which is the removal of the clitoris, the belief was that those who were not circumcised could be promiscuous, and that goes to show that the clitoris is very sensitive and is important in female sexual satisfaction.”

He explained further that the clitoris can be likened to a man’s glans, noting that contrary to some beliefs, clitoris does not grow with age. He said the clitoris only expands in size when stimulated due to the increased blood flow.

He stated, “It is not that clitoris grows with age and it doesn’t mean that the size of the clitoris in a 10-year-old is the same with that of a 35-year-old. No. It grows, but that increase is related to stimulation.

“Just as it is in men, when the male organ becomes more turgid during sexual intercourse due to the increased blood flow, the same thing happens to the clitoris. When it is stimulated, blood flow to that part increases and it expands the size, length and its sensitivity. And the rate at which it will expand varies from one person to another, just as some women release fluid in their genitals after reaching orgasm while some don’t.”

Overall, Olamoyegun maintained that when it comes to penetrative sex, the penis may not reach the clitoris well enough, because of where it (clitoris) is located, but that through other means, like manual stimulation, women may find it easy to reach orgasm.

Notably, there are many routes to sexual satisfaction (orgasm), including stimulation of nipples, the earlobes and kissing. And once the woman’s erogenous zone is explored during that activity, it takes them to that destination.

But given these options, some women still do not reach orgasm. Olamoyegun explained that women who have previously been sexually abused, or are being abused or maltreated by their husbands may find it difficult to reach orgasm and those who are frigid (inability of a female to respond to sexual stimulus) may find it difficult to reach orgasm because of their past experience.

He noted that those who have worries, challenges and those who have financial issues may also find it difficult to climax because of their state of mind.

He added, “Some women are frigid and such people are usually tensed. Thus, they don’t enjoy sex, let alone have orgasm. That could be a product of previous sexual abuse or rape. It is the same experience when the woman is being abused by the man. In addition, there are other medical conditions that can cause it, like diabetes, but there are drugs that can help that now.

“Then we have economic factor, which also applies to men. When there is no money, sex might be the last thing on his mind. So, for a woman too, if there are domestic or other issues on her mind, sex might not appeal to her.”

Actress Sonia Ibrahim , Collins Taabazuing 'S Wedding Rock Ghana

Fast rising actress and model Sonia Ibrahim and her soldier beau Collins Taabazuing had their traditional wedding on Saturday July 23, 2016 in East Legon, Accra, Ghana.

The beautiful Kru/Lebanese bride who was accompanied by her equally gorgeous sisters, Actress Juliet Ibrahim and Nadia who were on her bridal train, was absolutely stunning in her traditional garb as she looked forward to starting a new life with the charming Northener who stole her heart five years ago.

Keshi’s burial programme begins, laid to rest Friday

                        

The final journey of Nigeria football legend Stephen Keshi will begin in Benin City, Edo State on Thursday.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday that the final rites would now be confined to Edo and Delta states.

The NFF delegation to the final rites will be led by the president, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, and will include, among others, Mr. Frank Ilaboya (Chairman of the Edo State Football Association), Mr. Neville Bekederemo (Chairman of NPFL side Warri Wolves) and Mr. Edema Fuludu (Chairman of Delta State League Management Company).Keshi, one of only two men to have won the Africa Cup of Nations as on Wednesday, 8th June at the age of 54.

He captained the national team for 11 years, winning the Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze. In 2013, as coach of the Super Eagles, Keshi lifted the African trophy again after Nigeria defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final at Soccercity in Johannesburg.

In a 44-month spell as Eagles manager, Keshi also took the team to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup, led the team to the FIFA Confederations Cup and qualified Nigeria for the African Nations Championship for the first time, winning bronze at the competition.

The remains of the legend will be interred at his hometown, Illah, on Friday.player and as coach, died in Benin City on Wednesday, 8th June at the age of 54.

 

Toyin Aimakhu is set to launch own set of Emoji called ‘Teemoji’

                             

Actress cum producer Toyin Aimakhu is set to launch her very own line of emojis called ‘Teemoji'. The subscription based Toyin Aimakhu - themed emoji app is a collection of replications of many of Toyin’s unique facial expressions matched with everyday local phrases and parlance in Yoruba Language. This unique emojis would allow users express themselves in more fun and relatable ways.

 

Toyin Aimakhu set to launch own Set of Emoji called ‘Teemoji’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actress cum producer Toyin Aimakhu is set to launch her very own line of emojis called ‘Teemoji'. The subscription based Toyin Aimakhu - themed emoji app is a collection of replications of many of Toyin’s unique facial expressions matched with everyday local phrases and parlance in Yoruba Language. This unique emojis would allow users express themselves in more fun and relatable ways.

The Teemojis would be available for download soon.

Passenger Exposes Kenyan Air Hostess Offering Sex For Money+ Conversation

                            
She is nothing but a disgrace to womanhood about what transpired between a passenger and an air hostess as the man has exposed screenshots of conversations between him and a Kenyan hostess who has been allegedly asking him for sex. The screenshots have gone viral on Kenyan socialmedia…
If he really turned her down because he is married with kids and knows this kind of behavior is shameful, kudos to him for being one of the rare good men out there.

Oritshefemi Goes Broke As Landlord Slams Him Eviction Notice

                                  
This is not palatable at all especially on a popular and talented artiste like Oritshefemi.
The once reigning afro hip hop singer we learnt is facing a serious hard time at the moment and many reasons have been ascribed to his dwindling fortunes and fame.
An insider revealed to this portal that this very reckless artiste whose sudden rise after his ‘Double Wahala’ album came as a surprise would not mind spending all his earnings on women and drinks. Oritshefemi we gathered could only be cautioned by his manager, Danku who always turn down the pressure each time he was asked to pay the exorbitant bill the artiste and his guys have incurred on drinks.When it seemed Danku would not stop to checkmate his boss and Oritshefemi knowing fully he’s not free with his reckless spending fired the manager, this however became his albatross and the beginning of his downfall.
Just recently Oritshefemi in a bid to revive his dwindling popularity invited journalists to Troy, a popular hangout in Lekki and for close to six hours spent, the crooner didn’t give anything contrary to the earlier arrangement.  He was even held when he was unable to pay for the drinks ordered.
The saddest part of the story is the eviction threats he has been getting from his landlord of his Admiralty Way abode in Lekki as a result of his inability to continue with the payment.
Friends we learnt have come to his rescue and has been advised to apologize to his manager which he has heeded.

From ‘Chainful’ To Cheerful : Ogun First Lady Adopts 9yr-old Chained Boy

                

 

Ogun State Police Command has handed over the nine-year-old boy, Korede Taiwo, who was chained by his father, Francis Taiwo, to Ogun State Government. 9yr-old Korede-Taiwo Korede, who was brought to Zone 2 Area Command, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta by the police team led by the state Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, was later handed over to officials of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development at the Zone 2 Area Command, Abeokuta.
Korede, was rescued last Friday.He was handed over to the Director of Social WelfareServices in the ministry, Mr. Shotubo Olumide, by the Officer-in-Charge of Anti-Human Trafficking of theCommand, SP Oluwatoyosi Bello. was later moved to Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home, about 500 metres from the area command, to start a new life.
Adejobi said Korede insisted he did not want to go back to his father’s house, adding that the First Lady, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, has indicated interest in taking care of him.
The police spokesman said the Assistant Inspector- General of Police in charge of Zone2, Abdulmajid Ali, has ordered thorough investigation into the matter andthe suspects be charged to court.

Emzor Celebrates 30 Years of Emzor Paracetamol, Unveils Special Anniversary Pack

                       

In further demonstration of its commitment to taking maximum as well as affordable wellness, to every nook and cranny of Nigeria and beyond, Nigeria’s leading indigenous brand in pharmaceutical industry, Emzor is celebrating its thirty years of its flagship brand Emzor Paracetamol with the unveiling of a special anniversary pack.

Speaking on the celebration, the founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Stella Okoli OON, restated the commitment of the company to providing affordable healthcare to everyone.

“Over the years, Emzor Pharmaceutical has gone extra mile in ensuring that affordable healthcare is readily available to everyone, this has made the company consistent in delivering time valued quality products and services to the delight of our customers. Ultimately, we see a world where unlimited wellness is available to all and affordable by all. We call this new world WELLOCRACY. It is our belief that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Therefore we are giving the gift of wellness to our people, our nation and our world.” She declared.

Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited is a wholly private indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing group founded in 1984 by Dr. Stella C. Okoli, OON. The company is into the manufacture of high quality pharmaceutical products and medical consumables. Its holding company, Emzor Chemists Limited opened for retail business in January 1977 in Yaba, Lagos.

Today, it has become a household name in the country, and a leader in the pharmaceutical market that is known for quality products at prices that offer real value. The company has a range of more than 100 high quality pharmaceutical products and all its products conform with international standards and are approved by the National Agency for Food and

Prof. Tunde Adeniran Joins PDP 'S Chairmanship Race

                                 

Ahead of the People Democratic Party’s national convention in Port Harcourt next month, one of the chairmanship aspirants, former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran has committed himself to lead the process to reposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and reclaim its national glory.

Speaking in this regards through Yemi Akinbode, his media aide, Prof. Adeniran, who was Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, urged the delegates and leaders of the party to entrust him with the responsibility of being the National Chairman in order to ensure its rebirth and the enthronement of good governance in the country.

Prof Adeniran, a founding member of the PDP who has remained with the party in thick and thin and served in various frontline capacities, said that task ahead of the PDP and Nigeria required “fortitude and experience to help the party achieve its objectives.”

He appealed to the delegates to the forthcoming national convention to support his candidacy given his wealth of experience serving the party and the country meritoriously over the years. Prof Adeniran said that he was certain that, as committed leaders of the PDP, “you do appreciate the great need of the party for the wealth of experience and the dedication that I represent. We will work together and leave a legacy of honour, excellent party administration and good governance.”

Prof Adeniran, who was chairman of the Electoral Panel for the party’s 2011 National Convention and Deputy Director General of the Presidential Campaign Organisation last year, said that delegates should view the forthcoming national convention as a golden opportunity to reinvigorate and reposition the PDP and install a vibrant executive team that would reclaim the integrity of the party and its frontline position in Nigerian politics.

He further said: “The convention will also throw up possibilities of how best to tackle the challenge facing our party and help our governments at various levels achieve the objectives contained in our party’s manifesto.”

He also urged the delegates to honour the commitment of the party to have the southwest zone produce the national chairman this time. Since the birth of the PDP in 1998, only the southwest has not produced the party’s national chairman either in substantive or acting capacity.

Among aspirants for the party’s national chairmanship, Prof. Adeniran’s credentials stand out. Apart from being a loyal and consistent party man all the way through, he has devoted himself to the service of the party as Chairman of the Presidential Inauguration Committee in 1999 and member of various Electoral Panels and Reconciliation Committees of the party between 1999 and 2001. He was also member of the Presidential Campaign Council (2010 – 11) and Chairman of the Screening Committee of the Edo State PDP 2016 Governorship Primary, among other key positions.

Prof Adeniran was Minister of Education from June 1999 to January 2001, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany between May 2004 and January 2007, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) between 2009 and 2011, and Chairman and Director of the Directorate for Social Mobilisation (MAMSER) from 1987 to 1993.

Goldberg Fuji t’o Bam final holds Friday

                        
The ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State capital will on Friday (July 29, 2016) play host to the final of the 2016 Goldberg Fuji t’o Bam after a rigorous two months of drills, excitement and tensions amongst promising Fuji artistes.

Over 400 young Fuji artistes have participated at the various stages of the talent hunt scheme, sponsored by Goldberg, a brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, but only six remain in contention. The six finalists that would compete for the coveted crown of Wura 1 at the event scheduled for Trans Amusement Park are: Shina Akanni; Saheed Ishola; Temitope Ajanni; Kuteyi Sikiru; Alausa Olalekan and Muftau Alabi.

Before this stage, the contenders had participated in the auditions and selection parties held in eight different locations: Sango-Ota, Egbeda, Oyo, Ilesha, Akure, Ado-Ekiti, Ibadan, and Sagamu.

Meanwhile, Emma Agu, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout, Nigerian Breweries Plc; had disclosed that the Goldberg team would pay a courtesy visit on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji in his palace as part of activities for the final.

According to him, Goldberg believes in and celebrates people’s cultures and values. His words: “As an organisation, the development of our host communities is a priority to us. As part of our efforts towards community development anywhere we operate, Goldberg, in 2012, inaugurated the Fuji t’o Bam initiative because the brand believes that Fuji is a strong socio-connecting factor that reflects the cultural and social life of the Yorubas anywhere they may be. Again, we believe Fuji is a vehicle that can engender massive behavioural change in our society, especially among Omo Odua (the Yorubas) and not a catalyst for division, rancour, strife, conflict and violence.”

 

Sandra Nwugo To Address African Union Summit

                       
The African Union Commission has invited Dr (Mrs) Sandra Nwugo, Managing Director/CEO, Femaz Micro Finance Bank to address the African Fashion Business Summit scheduled for 13^th – 15^th September, 2016 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa. She will join other business leaders from around the world to address practitioners in the fashion, garment and textile industry from over 30 African countries.

The African Fashion Business Summit is one of the activities lined up during the Africa Fashion Reception scheduled to hold 13^th – 15^th September, 2016 in Addis Ababa after which all participating countries will be presented to the international audience in Paris end of October. The theme for the Summit is ‘Creating Wealth for African Economies through its Fashion, Garment and Textile Industry’.

The Africa Fashion Reception is a Pan African Initiative organized by Legendary Gold in partnership with the African Union. This year’s event will gather fashion designers, dignitaries, Ambassadors and media from over 30 African countries, in a celebration of cultural diversity expressed through the artistic fashion discipline with the proud theme ‘Africa is the New Inspiration of Global Fashion’

The Africa Fashion Reception is aimed at achieving the following objectives using the creative industry of Fashion as a vehicle:

 

       To build bridges by creating free trade and partnerships among fashion practitioners throughout the African continent

 

To attract global attention to Africa’s very rich and diversified dress culture which can be explored as a catalyst for the social economic growth of the continent’s garment/textile industry.

 To expand the potential power of fashion as a tool of fighting poverty in Africa by creating wealth through the empowerment of women and youths in the various fashion vocations through training, capacity building schemes, workshops and setting up of medium/small scale businesses thereby supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063

 To bring about self-reliance as this initiative will create millions of jobs across the continent for Tailors, Creative Directors, Textile designers, Models, Cutters, Pressers, Fashion Photographers & Writers, Hair Stylists, Make-up Artists etc

The 1^st edition of the Africa Fashion Reception presented participants from 16 African countries. The 2nd edition saw participants from 24 countries. This year, participants are expected from over 30 countries.

The invitation of Dr (Mrs) Nwugo to address the African Fashion Business Summit by the African Union is due to her enviable trail blazing achievements with her bank, Femaz Micro Finance Bank where she has been able to create lots of jobs through the empowerment of women and youths. Her topic of address during the summit is ‘The role of Microfinance bank in creating wealth for SMEs in the fashion industry’

Dr Mrs Sandra Ikoku Chidimma Nwugo is an Entrepreneur, Banker, Motivational speaker, Film Producer etc. She began her banking career as an accountant with ECN Professional Services in Lagos State. She later joined Joinder Gas and Petroleum Company, also in Lagos, where she worked as a Cash manager. She joined Fortis Microfinance bank in 2010 as a Relationship Manager and Cash Collector in charge of cash movement and customer management. She displayed her entrepreneurial skills in 2013 when she founded the financial institution known as Femaz Cooperative Society Ltd. Two years later, the institution evolved to Femaz Microfinance Bank Ltd.

Besides being the CEO/MD of Femaz Micro Finance bank, Dr (Mrs) Sandra Nwugo is also the Founder of Busy Minds Entertainment Limited and Esther City of Zion Orphanage in Abuja, Nigeria.

She has a PHD in Philosophy from Global Oved Dei Seminary & University {GODSU} in Washington DC, MBA in Marketing, Post Graduate Diploma in Banking and Finance and a Bachelor degree in Mass Communication from Enugu State University.

She has received the following awards - the Capital Territory and Advancement Award for Creativity and Enterprises (2015), Excellence for Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Award, Young CEO Business Award, Capital City Role Model and Awards (2015). She is also a member of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)

Her prowess as an outstanding entrepreneur and philanthropic gestures spread across the Nation. More elaborately, Dr Mrs Nwugo has been engaged in so many humanitarian projects such as the Establishment of Esther Zion Orphanage, Abuja Nigeria, Human Capital Development through her Femaz Microfinance Bank, Media Campaign for support to vulnerable children as seen in her movie "REVELATION" produced in 2014 etc

To applaud all her efforts, she has been nominated for lots of other awards due to her Humanitarian Acts and Excellence in business. Dr Mrs Sandra Nwugo has won a number of Awards including African Achievers Award as fastest Growing entrepreneur on the 25^th of July 2015.

She is Happily married to Dr Engr. Henry Emeka Nwugo and are blessed with 3 Kids.

 

Peak Wazobia – opportunity to enjoy quality milk at such a time as this….

                        
 It is no news that clothes are being cut not according to size but according to available material. The increased cost of basic amenities including food without a corresponding increase in income has put consumers especially the emerging middle class under intense pressure. While food is the primary sustenance of every living being, its incessant rise in cost in present day Nigeria has made some edibles available only to the rich; the case of a basic necessity becoming a luxury.
With a commitment to ensure consumers continue to reach for their Peak by ensuring their bodies and minds are well nourished, Peak milk’s small packs; Peak Wazobia has become increasingly popular in recent times. Made from the same extra fortified Peak milk product, it is a story of small things which can have a big impact. Since it's a known fact that consumers all over the world are in continuous search for a reputable brand that offers quality based on limited purchasing strength, Peak Milk Wazobia is tasked with satisfying the growing desire of consumers as a benchmark of value to all.
So what stands Peak Wazobia out? Why does it hold so much value? Why should other choices be a compromise?
Peak Wazobia delivers quality on all important levels; product and packaging. It is affordable and accessible. It gives you a guarantee of safety. Not many affordable food solutions can give that guarantee. Wether you live in towns or villages or you work in offices or you study in schools, from North to South or East to West, Peak Wazobia is for everybody (which coincidentally is the WAZOBIA factor, a call out to all of Nigeria).
Apart from meeting the need for affordable quality nutrition, it meets convenience and portion control, making it excellent for single use. Small wonder, Omoboriowo Suraj a student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta Ogun State, said Peak Wazobia fits and meets the milk needs of students across different backgrounds.  Easy for us to take around and affordable at N50 at a time when students are faced with little or no resources" Suraj concludes.
A male trader, Adefabi Jinusa, resident in Ibadan, Oyo State said the price and quality of the Peak Wazobia milk is why he has continued to use. “ Though I like good things but money is always a consideration. You see, I cannot afford to buy over N100 milk all the time. But with Peak Wazobia, that is no longer a worry for me.
Madam Caroline Umeh, another consumer based in Enugu, who is also a mother of two kids said Peak Wazobia is a regular item in her children's daily food pack to school.
“The small Wazobia packs contain the same milk as the bigger Peak Milk and thus contains the same quality my kids need daily for their healthy growth. For me, it is serious value for money.” She said.
The Peak Wazobia story is accessibility to quality nutrition with the mission to support everyday people to realize their potentials.
So Reach for your Peak because It’s in You.

Prophet Francis Taiwo's Chained Son Saga: CCC Worldwide Reacts

                            

The attention of Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa, Pastor and Spiritual Head and the Board of Trustees of the Celestial Church of Christ, has been drawn to media reports concerning the activities of one Prophet Francis Taiwo, Shepherd in Charge, Celestial Church of Christ ( C.C.C ), Key of Joy Parish, Ajiwo at Ajibawo in Ado Odo/Ota local government area of Ogun State.

Prophet Francis Taiwo was reported to have chained his nine year old son and starved him of food for months, after the boy was accused of habitual stealing. The nine year old boy was eventually rescued by men of the NSCDC who stormed the church premises for that purpose. Latest reports indicate that the culprit, Prophet Francis Taiwo was later arrested by the police with the help of his church members.

This report has drawn the ire of the public and our great church has been receiving undeserved flaks therefrom. We are therefore compelled to issue this statement to correct whatever misconceptions that might have been created about the church, in the minds of the general public, by this shameful and totally unacceptable incident.

Let it be known that the Celestial Church of Christ does not condone child abuse and violence of any form. We recognise and place a high value on our youths and children as we do acknowledge them as the salt of the earth and a vital part of the future of any given stratum of society, organisation, church or nation.

Our belief is that children therefore must be raised in an atmosphere of love, Christian values and reasonable and acceptable parental discipline. The fact that the said Prophet Francis Taiwo was arrested by the Police with the help of his church members lends credence to the fact that our church abhors child abuse, domestic violence and inhumanity of any form.

We commend the NSCDC and the Nigerian Police for a job promptly well done, and wish to assure the general public that the Celestial Church of Christ is already taking a further look into the matter.

The Celestial Church of Christ avails itself of this opportunity to thank the general public for its concerns. May the good Lord be with you all, Amen.

Signed:

Ondo 2016: Ariyomo galvanizes APC youths’ momentum

                          

Ondo Progressive Congress, a youth group under the banner of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday ​stormed the party secretariat in ​Akure to demand inclusiveness for the youths and the adoption of one of them as the gubernatorial candidate of the party.

The youths in their hundreds from the 18 local government areas ​of Ondo State and led by Comrade ​Leo​ Olagbade Adeniran​, were received by the ​APC ​state​ ​secretary an​d ​leading gubernatorial aspirant Engr. Tunji Light Ariyomo.

They highlighted their expectations and their determination to ensure that they mobilize support for the APC in the coming election.

 

The youths also observed that of all aspirants ​invited ​to the rally, only Ariyomo turned up.

The atmosphere became excitedly charged when Ariyomo took the microphone to address them assuring them that the party will in its wisdom pick the best candidate that can deliver in office as well as the candidate that offers the best chance at winning the next guber election.

He used the opportunity to commend the "high integrity capital" of President Buhari and warned that only a candidate that the people want can win the coming election as the President is not the type that will bend the rule through rigging and other vices.

Ariyomo further commended the youths for converging in such huge numbers.

In his remark, the APC Chairman, represented by the state secretary, Mr. Rahman Rotimi​,​ said the youths must ensure that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is driven out of the state.

Yoruba Actress,Tola Ayeni Celebrates Birthday

                        

Fast rising Yoruba actress,Tola Ayeni has just added a year to her age. Tuesday, July 26, was the day and she celebrated the day with some exotic pictures released on line to mark her special day. Tola, who has produced some flicks including the earth-shaking ‘Agbelebu Mi’, is very excited witnessing another year added to her age. She has planned out series of activities to make this year’s birthday special, including visiting an orphanage home on Friday, July 29, and
ending it with a get together with some of her friends and colleague
at Oriental Hotel in Lekki same Friday.
"I am very excited marking another birthday. This year’s birthday is
special to me and that is why I am celebrating it at an orphanage home
in Lagos," she said.

UBA’s GMD Calls For Closer Collaboration Among African Central Banks

                       
Outgoing Group Managing Director of pan-African banking group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc Mr Philips Oduoza has called for increased collaboration among African central banks in order to drive intra-African trade on the continent.

He said this on July 22, 2016 when he delivered the fourth Valedictory Lecture of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on the topic “The Emergence of a Nigerian Pan-African Bank” to a parked hall of bankers and financial industry players.

 

Oduoza used the lecture to share his experience and challenges in helping build one of Africa’s largest banking groups, UBA Plc, not forgetting the lessons learnt from the bank’s expansion into Africa.

 

He spoke extensively on UBA’s expansion into Africa, the rational for the expansion and the strategies adopted to derive maximum value and reduce the risks of UBA’s foray into different African countries

Speaking specifically on the need to improve intra-Africa trade in order to drive the growth of Pan-African banks like UBA, Oduoza decried the low levels of intra-African trade. “The volume of formal intra-African trade is relatively low and estimated between 10 per cent and 12 per cent of Africa’s total trade. Comparable figures are 40 per cent in North America and about 60per cent in Western Europe”

 

He listed lack of the required infrastructure and policies as the major challenges to intra-Africa trade while noting that the adoption of policies like tax holidays, waivers, and market interventions to promote investments in sectors outside commodities will help diversify African economies and drive intra-African trade.

“I strongly feel African Central Banks have a greater role to play by collaborating to promote the development of cross border trade platforms in order to encourage the informal sector to join the formal banking system. When this is done, the opportunity will be readily captured by Pan-African banks.”

 

He also noted that “Intra-African trade growth will be further supported by the introduction of a visa-free travel policy across the continent by the African Union as well as the development of intra-regional transport infrastructure.”

 

Oduoza  harped on the need for improved financial inclusion on the continent, noting that research has shown that only 34per cent of African adults have a bank account as at 2014. He suggested the adoption of mobile money services could help drive financial inclusion on the continent.Data shows about 12 per cent of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa have a mobile money account as against 2per cent of adults worldwide. I believe mobile technology has the potential to vastly expand financial inclusion across Africa. Pan-African banks with a good understanding of the continent can leverage their technology platform to capture this opportunity. Invariably this will mean a growth in retail banking as most of those financially excluded fall within this bracket”