GistNaija.com : 2012-06-17

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

First Lady Patience Jonathan Wins ‘Tourism Ambassador For Africa’ Award

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan , has been bestowed with a Tourism Ambassador for Africa award from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

The 1^st Lady picked up the award at the 53^rd meenting of the UNWTO Commission for Africa which held yesterday June 26, 2012 in Calabar.

Dame Patience was given the award in “recognition of her monumental commitment and support for women in tourism.”

COSON, With Multichoice Nigeria, Signs Licensing Deal

(L-R) Chinedu Chukwuji, Azeezat Allen, Adewale Ayuba, Tony Okoroji, Matthew

The copyright society of Nigeria(COSON) has signed a royalty agreement(worth Millions of naira) with Multichoice Nigeria. Multichoice Nigeria are the operators of DSTV.

The signing which took pace at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos earlllier on in the week grants Multichoice the license to broadcast music of creators represented by COSON on its various platforms.

Present at the signing ceremony was Matthew Ojo, representative of the director General, Nigerian Copyright Commission; Ijeoma Theo, representative of the Director General, National Broadcasting Commission; Members of the COSON Board, Adewale Ayuba, Azeezat Allen and Joel Ajayi.

The Police in Kano have confirmed the killing in different gun battles yesterday, of 17 people suspected to be members of Boko Haram.

Mr. Ibrahim K. Idris, the Commissioner of Police, said that three of the militants were arrested, but also that a police corporal, Saidu Umar, was killed.

Mr. Idris was addressing reporters at the Police Headquarters. He said the gun duels took place at different locations where the militant elements members had planned Goron Dutse Prison Yard,coordinated attacks, including Dala Police Division, Jakara Police Barracks, 52 Squadron Challawa and Junior Secondary School Sabuwar Doka in Ungogo Local Government Area.

Gov. Patrick Yakowa

Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Yakowa, has refuted a video which shows an evacuation of corpses from the streets as being from Kaduna.

The video contains grainy images of heaps of dead bodies being handled by security forces. In a statement, Reuben Buhari, spokesman to the governor, said it was obvious that the objective of those spreading it was to tarnish the image of the state, truncate the peace building process in place and pit the adherents of its two major religions against each other.

The Garda Síochána na hÉireann (commonly referred to as Gardai), the national police service of Ireland, has rescued 12 trafficking victims and identified the organisers of the biggest prostitution and human-trafficking ring operating in Ireland.

According to an investigation into human trafficking carried out, the Gardai uncovered a prostitution racket run jointly by Irish and Nigerian criminals for the past three-and-a-half years.

Gardai raided the house after they got information that some Nigerian women were living there without the knowledge of the relevant authorities.

One woman claimed she had earned €44, 300 (N9 million) working as a prostitute and had given half of that directly to her controller, while the rest went on rent and bills and a large chunk of the profits had been wired back to Nigeria through Western Union.

The Anglican church Mr. Gitto donated to President Jonathan

Mr. Gitto, whose company donated the controversial "Church gift" to Otueke, President Jonathan's hometown, has died.

Domenico Gitto, the owner of Gitto Construzioni Generali Nigeria Limited, the company which donated the controversial Church to Otueke, President Jonathan’s home town in Bayelsa, is dead.

Mr. Gitto, a reliable source learnt, died in Nigeria today in yet unclear circumstances.

Sources close to the Italian businessman however say he has been troubled for sometime owing to the huge debt piled up by his company in Nigerian banks.

Jim Iyke

Nollywood top gun, Jim Iyke can now breathe easy knowing he doesn’t have to be back in court again. Case of fraud which has been hanging over him for some time now has been thrown out of court for lack of evidence.

The $100,000 scam case involving him has been thrown out by the court clearing Jim Iyke of any liability. The case which was instituted by one Habiba Abubakar was quashed for lack of evidence.

Commenting about the dismissal, Jim said:

Engr. Andrew Yakubu

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday removed Engr. Austen Oniwon as the group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and ordered the re-composition of the corporation’s executive management team.

The president has also appointed Engr. Andrew Yakubu as the new GMD of NNPC, even as he approved the appointment of Engr. Victor Briggs as the new managing director of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday said that fighting corruption in Nigeria is not a one night affair.
In an interview with a UK newspaper, theguardian, Mr Obasanjo told the reporter interviewing him that instead of saying Nigerian leaders lack accountability, he should say they are corrupt.

“You are being euphemistic when you say lack of accountability. Call it corruption,” he said.

“There is no part of the world where corruption is absolutely eliminated.

It is beginning to seem as though Nigeria’s Goldie is determined to convince viewers and fellow house mates of her acting prowess, especially with her new role as queen of deceit.

She yet again exhibited her acting prowess on Sunday, June 24, 2012 during the eviction of show that saw South Africa’s model, Barbz out of the game.

As soon as Barbz was announced evicted, the Nigerian singer burst into tears and begged for forgiveness from Barbz, claiming to have been out of her mind when she saved Prezzo instead of her

After starving his Hip-hop fans for quite a while, the rap spartan Modenine has finally released his ‘Occupy The Throne‘ Mixtape.

On this 18 track mixtape, Modey calls on familiar collaborators Terry Tha Rapman, Pherowshuz and others like M-Trill, D’truce and gives us a surprise performance from the talented upcoming rapper Boogey.

Modenine employs the production skills of The Sugarking, Kraft, T.O.D and Alfred Greem to deliver a brilliant mix of Jay Z and Kanye West‘s ‘Watch The Throne‘ songs and original compositions with a few other covers.

Listen to ‘No church in the wild’ ft Pherowshuz and Terry Tha Rapman:

Late Tupac

One of the greatest mysteries in hip-hop has finally gotten some closure. The person who planned the 1994 hit on Tupac Shakur at Quad Studios has finally come forward.

After being convicted of running an interstate drug operation, Jimmy Henchman confessed to authorities that he was the mastermind behind the shooting and robbery of Tupac Shakur that began the East Coast vs. West Coast war.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega

Fifty-two political parties in the country have dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The parties and Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, a name in which all the plaintiffs were jointly registered, are asking the court to determine, among other things:

The suspect, who is a 27-year old man named, Okafor Chukwujekwu has been arrested by the police in Lagos state, Southwest Nigeria, for allegedly kidnapping his blood brother, Cosmos Chukwujekwu and demanding ransom for his release.

The victim, who is his elder brother, was kidnapped at Festac Town, Lagos and taken to an unknown place where he was made to pay N4 million ransom before he was released.

Rapper 50 Cent has been hospitalized after suffering neck and back injuries in an automobile accident today, June 26, 2012.

According to the US rapper’s fan site ThisIs50.com, a red truck crashed into the back of 50 Cent’s vehicle on the Long Island Expressway in New York City.

50’s car is said to have almost tumbled.

A 34-year- old herbalist, Matthew Sonoma a.k.a “Dr Perebokowe Ogah” has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment with hard labour, by a Federal High Court in Abuja sequel to his alleged complicity in Advance Fee Fraud otherwise known as 419.

The herbalist was specifically accused of duping a former chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Ambassador Sam Edem, to the tune of N715 milion.

Trial Justice Gabriel Kolawole convicted the Warri-based herbalist on the strength of a 15-count criminal charge preferred against him by the Inspector General of Police.

Miss Nigeria 2011 – Feyijimi Sodipo

After three years of running the Miss Nigeria pageant, former beauty queen Nike Oshinowo has stepped down from the position as creative director.

The franchise owners of the Pageant, Daily Times Nigeria and African Times Network (ATN) announced her departure in a statement, saying ‘From 2009 to 2011, Chief Mrs Adenike Oshinowo-Soleye held the position as the Creative Director of the Miss Nigeria Pageant to inject elegance and pageantry to the brand. During her time in office she maintained an exemplary reputation for Miss Nigeria and remains an active affiliate of the pageant.’

Austen Oniwon, Former Group Managing Director of NNPC

President Goodluck Jonathan has fired the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Austen Oniwon, and other top officials of the corporation.
Mr. Oniwon was sacked along other top management of the corporation in a sweeping move by Mr. Jonathan.

The NNPC management has been involved in several scandals including the petroleum subsidy payment scandal.

Part of the recommendations of the Farouk Lawan committee report by the House of Representatives is the removal of Mr. Oniwon and the NNPC management.
Andrew Yakubu, an engineer, has been appointed Mr. Oniwon's replacement.
See full press release from the presidency on the new appointments below:

Residents of Goron Dutse and Dala in Kano state said fierce gun battles has erupted near the police station between security agents and suspected militants in the area.

Witnesses said the intense gunfight is ongoing in the area. Some reports indicated that the gunfight has spread to Sherada quarters in Kano. Police sources stated that militants were being chased on a highway linking Dala and Sharada area.
Read full reports below:

NUC Suspends Part-time Programmes in Universities

Prof. Julius Okojie

The National Universities Commission on Monday announced the suspension of all Part-Time Programmes run by universities in the country.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, also announced the results of accreditation of courses run by the National Open University of Nigeria.

Okojie said the suspension of the part- time programmes was to enable the regulatory body “streamline’’ them.

Tragedy struck at the Apata market in Ibadan yesterday when seven persons, including a pregnant woman and a nursing mother, were instantly killed when a live high tension power cable of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) suddenly cut off and fell on traders at the ever busy market.

The incident, which occurred at about 7am, affected mostly vegetables vendors as they were busy transacting their business at the popular Agbekoja section of the market.

Eyewitness identified the pregnant woman as Tawa and that her mother who was also standing by was a victim of the dawn electrocution.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

The Hollywood couple ( Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie) who got engaged in April after being together for seven years are reportedly looking to have a low key wedding ceremony in Windsor, UK.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "They've always planned to have the official part secretly with just their kids and family. They're looking at Windsor register office, where Charles and Camilla and Elton John and David Furnish tied the knot. "

22-year-old Nigerian, Emmanuel Ohuabunwa

A 22-year-old Nigerian has emerged the best graduating student of John Hopkins University in the United States. He obtained a Grade Point Average of 3.98 out of a possible 4.0 to earn a degree in Neurosciences.

A 22-year-old Nigerian, Emmanuel Ohuabunwa, has made history at John Hopkins University, United States of America. Ohuabunwa from Arochukwu, Abia State, has done the nation proud by becoming the first black man to make a Grade Point Average of 3.98 out of 4.0 to bag a degree in Neurosciences in the university. He was also adjudged as having the highest honours during the graduation that was held on May 24 this year.

Big Brother Stargame ‘Lovebirds’ Goldie and Prezzo had another big fight last night, we all saw this one coming.

Barely a day after Goldie announced that she had saved him from eviction Prezzo has made it clear to her that he actually didn’t need her to.

After a minor argument, the on-off couple tore each other apart and Prezzo didn’t mince his words as he told the Nigerian exactly where to get off.

‘You are a quitter, you are a runner, run away like you always do’, Prezzo told Goldie who painfully tried to defend her actions.

‘Look beyond the action to the intention’, Goldie pleaded.

Could it really be over between the two?

IMO: Doctors Begin Strike, Hospital Activities Paralyzed

Health care services in Federal Medical Centre, FMC, and Imo Specialist Hospital, Owerri, have been shut down following an indefinite strike by doctors in the two hospitals.

The doctors are protesting what they termed “indiscriminate sacking of our colleagues and other medical officers by the managements” of the hospitals.

Announcing the indefinite industrial action, the Chairman, Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, Dr. Chidi Obisi, said it was their last resort.

PENTECOSTAL Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Ughelli North Chapter, Delta State, yesterday, expelled Rev. Lucky Utakpa Oghenemiroro of God’s Gifted Ministry International for allegedly impregnating a woman outside wedlock and re-marrying.

Handing the letter of expulsion to the church, chairman of PFN in the area, Rev. Emman Eredoro, the Secretary, Dr. Mereh Wariri and other executives, said they had exhausted all efforts to make
Oghenemiroro “retrace his steps but to no avail,” adding that the marriage between him and his wife was still subsisting.

The Management of Mainstreet Bank Plc (formerly Afribank Plc) has terminated the appointment of over 650 staff in its employment.

The exercise took place last Friday through the electronic mails of the affected workers comprising both senior and junior cadres.

Confirming this at a press conference in Lagos on Monday, the Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Chief John Kolawole, said the action of the bank lacks due process and manifests its height of provocation and lawlessness which is condemnable.

Meet The 1-Day Governor of Lagos State

Miss Lilian Ogbuefi

Amidst pomp and ceremony, 16-year old Miss Lilian Ogbuefi, who won the last Spelling Bee Competition today, reigned as the One Day Governor of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.

Ogbuefi emerged winner of the Spelling Bee competition in April, paving way for her to become the 12th One Day Governor. She just passed out of Senior Model College, Kankon in Badagry.

The One Day Governor and her retinue of executive members embarked on her tour from the State House, Marina where she visited the wife of the Governor, Abimbola Fashola and was briefed about the workings at the State House.

Afolakemi Mojisola Adeniyi

A 23-year old mother of one has been arrested by policemen from Ipaja Police Station, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, for calling her ex-husband a member of the Boko Haram sect on Facebook, the social interaction site on internet.

The suspect, Afolakemi Mojisola Adeniyi, was arrested following a complaint lodged at the station by her former husband, Alfa Umar Gobir, that his ex-wife posted his picture on facebook and tagged him a member of the Boko Haram.

Following the crash of the glamorous marriage between Pastor Chris Okotie and his stunning wife, Stephanie, less than four years after their big wedding, Nigerians, especially Christians, have blasted the funky preacher.

“This is really disheartening,” said Ladele Bisi who wondered why the pastor had to announce the breakup on the altar.

“I am not trying to judge him because the Bible says I shouldn’t. But I would just say that he doesn’t seem to have the fruits of the Spirit which is long suffering. What could be the issue that was so irreconcilable that led to the break up?” Bisi said.

The Holy Books that states that at the end time, so many unholy and ungodly things will happen seems to be right after all with all kind of things happening under this heaven.

This is certainly not the best of times for the flocks of Lord’s Delight Ministries (a.k.a Delight Arena) located at No 51 Afolabi Street, Ishibiri road, Ajangbadi, Lagos, as its founder who is currently embroiled in a sordid divorce suit is accused of being impregnated by young pastor.

At the centre of the storm is Pastor Rita Obioma Obiakor, the General Overseer of the church and her minister husband, Pastor Paulinus Obiakor who are both entangled in a web of accusations and counter accusations of infidelity, and behaviours unbecoming of the clergy as the couple dragged itself before a customary court, sitting at Ojo, Lagos, under President T.A Said.

The Lagos State Police Command has declared one Ibrahim, also known as Small Jaypron, wanted following clashes in the Bariga area of the state, which left five people dead between Friday and Sunday.

The police also alleged that Small Jaypron, along with members of his gang known as Downtown Boys, were responsible for a robbery in Ilaje area of Bariga on Thursday.

Justice Stephen Adah orders the government to stay action on the renaming of the university

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Monday granted an interim order restraining the Federal Government from renaming the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University

The order was granted by Justice Stephen Adah, who is hearing the case brought by the alumni association of the university.

Justice Adah also advised the litigants to harmonise all suits on the matter into one case and then adjourned further hearing till July 4.

Bauchi Bomb Blast

Unknown gunmen detonated an explosive device in an uncompleted building in Bayan Gari at Tudun Wadan dan Iya in Bauchi State injuring nine people around 10pm on Sunday.
The Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Ladan confirmed the incident saying “some hoodlum’s detonated explosives in an uncompleted building in Bayan Gari. Nine people were injured and we have taken all the injured people to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital”

Michael Jackson(1958-2009)

This day, 3 Years ago the world lost one of the greatest musicians of all time, the undisputed king of pop, Michael Jackson.

Michael will be remembered in a series of concerts this week as Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson continue their return to the stage as The Jacksons.

Barbz and Keitta

It was a hard time for Goldie to reveal her replacement, when she called out Keitta’s name he looked surprised but calm and went straight to pack his things.

Goldie feeling guilty went on her knees to beg Barbz as she had to choose between her man Prezzo and Barbz who were on the nomination list, Barbz in calmness and hurt accepted her apology.

The anchor of the show IK, simply called Keitta and told him he wasn’t leaving the show, instead Barbz was evicted leaving just one South Africa (Keagan) in the house.

Now Keitta knows he has to leave no stones on-turned as he knows anybody can nominate him at any time.

Olusola for Burial July 20

Late Chief Segun Olusola

The late Chief Segun Olusola will be buried on July 20 at his home town in Iperu-Remo(Ogun State ), his son, Olujimi, said last night.

He said a burial committee headed by veteran broadcaster Chief Taiwo Alimi will announce other arangements.

The National Executive Council of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) has declared a 7-day mourning period in honour of the late Olusola.

Mrs Margery Okadigbo

WIFE of late former Senate President, Dr Chuba Okadigbo, Mrs Margery Okadigbo, said weekend that she decided to sue the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar to court for incessant harassment by the police.

In the suit, Okadigbo is praying the court for the enforcement of her fundamental human rights, lamenting that for some time, the police had been inviting her to the Anambra State police headquarters over an allegation of forgery when she did not commit any offence.

President Goodluck Jonathan said last night that he fired Defence Minister Haliru Mohammed Bello and National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. Owoye Azazi because he needed people with fresh ideas to tackle the country’s security challenges.

Speaking during the third Presidential Chat aired on national television, the President said Dr. Mohammed and Gen. Azazi were not sacked because they were not hard-working.

He said they were relieved of their duties because he wanted people who could do things differently.
On why it has been difficult to end the activities of the Boko Haram sect, Jonathan said: “They (Boko Haram) change their tactics every day, and their aim is to destabilise the government.

An improvised explosive device (IED) has exploded in the Bayan Garin area of Bauchi, reliable source just learnt. The area is famous as a hub of social activities and is the location of numerous bars and restaurants. It is also favored by prostitutes.

Several residents told a correspondent of a reliable source that they heard a loud explosion in Bayan Garin area, but they were just too afraid to get out of their houses.
Sources revealed that police and army units have swarmed the township overnight to prevent massive bloodletting promised by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.

More details soon...

'I Want To Win Grammy' Said Dbanj

Bouncing towards me on his alligator-skin trainers, Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo opts for a one-armed hip-hop hug when at last we meet. Not only does he look the part – the shoes are by designer Philipp Plein, his T-shirt’s Calvin Klein and around his neck hangs a dazzling chain created by Jacob ‘The Jeweller’ Arabo, purveyor of ‘bling blings’ to the hip-hop elite – but he smells it, too: an almost suffocating cloud of lavender scent hangs in the air.

D’banj, as he shortens his name, is the biggest name in entertainment in Nigeria

Joe Hart(England) and Pirlo (Italy)

The Italians were losing 2-1 in the penalty shoot-out after Riccardo Montolivo had missed his attempt when Pirlo chipped the ball straight into the middle of the net as England goalkeeper Joe Hart dived to his right.

Ashley Young and Ashley Cole then missed from the spot, allowing Italy to win 4-2 in the shoot-out. This means that Italy will now meet Germany in the Semi-finals.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

A Must Read: Girl Kills Landlord's Daughter Over Bathroom Slippers !!

Girl Kills Landlord's Daughter

This story has a big lesson to learn from. No matter the level of provocation or any reason whatsoever, NEVER engage someone in a physical fight.

Please my readers take your time and read the full story below:

It started as a squabble between two ladies. One was the landlord’s daughter, the other a tenant’s little sister. In time, it graduated to a brawl. People, including the landlord, came to separate them. And there was peace – or so the people thought. Just when everyone was just settling down with what he or she was doing, there was a fresh commotion.

The two ladies(Happiness and Rhoda) had gone back at each other. This time viciously. By the time it all ended, one of the ladies lay dead. It was the landlord’s daughter, named Rhoda. It was said that her alleged assailant, the tenant’s little sister named Happiness, stabbed her in the chest. Her dead body is now in a morgue in the Isolo area of Lagos.

Goldie Wants to Quit BBA

Nigeria’s remaining Big Brother Africa(BBA) rep Goldie wants to quit the game even after her interesting performance in the house so far.

Apparently, the Nigerian lass wants to quit because she feels that she betrayed a few people in the house especially Keitta whom she replaced recently during her swap session.

Goldie spent the rest of the morning in the garden and the bed room sobbing, not even her closest pal and housemate Prezzo would calm her down.

Rev. Chris Okotie and Stephanie Henshaw

Just heard that the marriage between the man of God( and politician) Rev. Chris Okotie, and Stephanie Henshaw is OVER! They got married in 2008.
Rev Chris made the announcement himself to his church congregation after the last service of the sunday at his church in Ikeja, lagos state.
This is the second wife he is separating from.

Na wa oo! why can this man settle finally with 1 wife?

Kaffy, Denrele, Others To Appear For Celebrity Birthday Party

Kaffy

Popular dancer, Kaffy and VJ, Denrele Edun have been announced as part of the artistes to be celebrated in the June edition of the celebrity Monthly Birthday Party (MBP).

The party which is a brainchild of Lee Magazine and KOGA will be holding on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at the Koga Lounge, Oregun, Lagos and will be celebrating popular celebrities including Halima Abubakar, Basorge Tariah, Jaywon, DJ Spinall, Ify Okeke,

Mohamed Morsi.

Tens of thousands packed into Cairo’s Tahrir Square on Sunday in the largest celebration the protest hub has witnessed since Hosni Mubarak’s ouster, to celebrate their new president-elect, Mohamed Morsi.

As a military helicopter hovered above the huge square, revellers set off fire works and women ululated for what the crowd said was a victory for their “revolution.”

Prison Break In Damaturu

Suspected members of the extremist group, Boko Haram on Sunday attacked the Damaturu satellite prison and freed forty of their members detained at the prison.

According to a prison officer, the attackers throw two explosives and open fire at the guards on duty, forcing their way into the prison.

Nigeria Basket Ball Team: D'Tigers

I am very proud of both our mala anf female basket ball team. They are doing well. Unlike our male football team who foten make me angry.

Nigerian National Team played an exhibition encounter against Great Britain at the University of Houston.
The African powerhouse clinched a narrow overtime victory at the end. Ike Diogu (204-F/C-83, college: Arizona St.) stepped up with impressive 33 points to lead the winners.
The teams stayed close throughout the first half.
The scoreboard read 36:36 at halftime. Great Britain pulled ahead in the third quarter.

Goldie and Prezzo, Hugging Each Other

The Big Brother Africa Stargame took a new turn yesterday morning as Nigerian Goldie and her Kenyan love interest, Prezzo sang love songs to each other.
The pair had drifted apart following a disagreement which had caused Goldie to be moody for some time.

However, after Goldie was appointed the Head of House (HOH), they both got back to together talking about love.
At the last nominations for eviction, Goldie saved Prezzo from leaving the competition by nominating Keitta for eviction with two others.

Yesterday morning, Prezzo joined Goldie at the kitchen and both sang love songs to each other. Though some Nigerians are not happy with the relationship between her and Prezzo, it seems it is getting stronger.

Goldie is behaving too childish. How did we got her to represent us sef?

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