GistNaija.com : 2012-07-15

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Gbenga Okunowo Loses Everything As Fire Engulfs His Ibadan Home

Gbenga Okunowo

Gbenga Okunowo, a former super Eagles Defender, has just lost everything he has as a dangerous outbreak engulfs his house in Ibadan on Sunday morning.

Gbenga had played also for Barcelona FC( 1998-2001) and Benfica. The 33-year-old returned to the Nigeria Premier League when he joined Sunshine Stars earlier this season.

He was very devastated and laments.

He said: "I was sleeping at around 02:00 Sunday morning when I heard some noise in the house beside mine," he said. "The fire started in that house and I jumped down from the bed to help my neighbours.

Coded Apparel is an urban clothing line based in Lagos. Coded Apparel just released its 2012 Summer Collection called CODEVOLUTION.

CODEVOLUTION represents its celebration in clothing line of business since it began business in 2009.

Coded Apparel has a growing customer base and wide acceptance. Since its inceptioon in 2009, Coded Apparel has grown into a standard clothing line.

See More Pictures of Clothing Collections Below:

Jessica Simpson

Like many new moms, Jessica Simpson was eager to get her pre-baby body back after giving birth to daughter Maxwell Drew on May 1.

“For me, I really want to do something that is a lifestyle,” Simpson, 31, told PEOPLE later that month. “In the past I’ve been known to yo-yo diet”.

So in late May, the designer started Weight Watchers – for which she’s a spokesperson – and has been focused on losing weight gradually.

“She understands it’s a process”, a Simpson friend tells PEOPLE, adding that the star is “working very hard and she’s excited”.

As for rumours that there’s a deadline for her to lose her post-baby bulge, a rep for the weight-loss company says that’s untrue.

“Weight Watchers is in it for the long haul”, says a spokesperson.

Nigeria Police Release Dedicated Email Address For Whistle-Blowing, Crime Reporting

The Nigerian Police has just released an email address where anyone can reach them for complaints, enquiries or reporting.

The release of the address, policemonitor@npf.gov.ng, came few weeks after Mr. Abubakar made his telephone number (08059666666) public, although some people who tried to reach him said the number had consistently failed to connect.

Police Kill Resident at Makoko Waterfront, Arrest 12 Others

Deceased Resident(Timothy Azinpono)

Tragedy struck today at the Makoko waterfront, which is currently under demolition by the Lagos State Government, as a police corporal shot and killed one of the residents who were appealing for more time to pack their properties before the demolition of their homes.

The victim, identified as Timothy Azinpono, was said to be advising protesting residents on how to conduct themselves during a planned peaceful protest before the police corporal aimed and shot at him.

A witness, Mr. Opaloba, who was present during the incident, said children of the affected residents, mainly secondary school students, were peacefully showing placards at a considerable distance from the police and Kick Against Indiscipline [KAI] officials

Marvin Record queen, Tiwa Savage, was reportedly held hostage by a fan in Malaysia who insisted that Tiwa must sign her autograph on her boobs.

Some fans can be crazy.

Angelina Jolie Bans Her Kids From Listening To Rihanna’s Songs

Angelina Jolie and some of her kids

Just heard that star actress, Angelina Jolie, has reportedly banned her kids from listening to Rihanna's Music. She said Rihanna's Lyrics raunchy.

Angelina has 6 children. But 2 of her children, Pax(8-years old) and Zahara(7 years old) are fans of Rihanna. Angelina is living with her fiance, Brad Pitt.

May both celebrities, Angelina and Rihanna, have issues to settle. Am not sure though.

NAETO C'S CHURCH WEDDING: D'BANJ, IKECHUKWU IN ATTENDANCE

Naeto C and fiancée Nicole have just concluded their church wedding, held at the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, off Admiralty way, Lekki phase one, Lagos.

The wedding was attended by notable stars, such as longtime friend/group member Ikechukwu, Storm Records boss Obi Asika and D’banj, along with the bride and groom’s family.

See More Photos below:

Usher's 11-year-old stepson has passed away this morning from injuries suffered in a tragic jetski accident in Georgia earlier this month.

Doctors removed 11-year-old Kyle Glover from life support after it was determined the injuries were too severe to overcome. We're told Kyle's mother, Tameka Foster, struggled tremendously with the decision.

President Goodluck Jonathan wants an immediate end to the cold war between him and the House of Representatives. He has invited Speaker Aminu Tambuwal for peace talks to iron out their differences. The duo were scheduled to meet last night at the Presidential Villa for the talks.

The Presidency and the House are locked in a stand-off over alleged slow pace at which the 2012 Budget is being implemented with the Reps, on Thursday, threatening the President with impeachment for the situation.

They gave him up to September to implement it to 100 per cent, failing which “we will begin drafting the article of impeachment.”

Chief Judge of Ebonyi, Justice Alloy Nwankwo has released Thirty-one inmates of Abakaliki prisons on Friday.

Seventeen of the inmates were granted conditional bail, one on self recognition, while 13 were discharged. Nwankwo said his action was carried out under powers conferred on him by the Criminal Justice Release from Prison Act of Nigeria.

Five days after a bomb making factory was uncovered in Kogi State, gunmen, believed to be robbers, struck in the state, at the weekend, attacking a police station and looting a bank.

The gunmen attack, which took place in Iyara, Ijumu Local Government Area, claimed the life of a policeman.

Some gunmen also invaded a school in Yobe State and burnt it. An eye-witness told Sunday Vanguard that the suspected robbers, who invaded the Kogi town around 9.45p.m., on Friday, split into two and commenced their operation. They reportedly shot sporadically into the air.

16 feared dead in school bus accident in S/Africa

A school bus carrying students to a sports event collided with a minibus in South Africa’s southeast killing at least 16 and injuring 31, officials said.

The accident occurred in the Eastern Cape near the town of Cradock. The Mercedes Benz school bus was being “driven by the principal,” Ashraf Ismail, a spokesman for South Africa’s road traffic managment agency told AFP.

Prezzo Betrayed Me – Goldie

Nigeria’s last representative at the Big Brother Africa StarGame, Goldie has been under heavy criticism for the past few weeks, following her activities, while she lasted in the reality show.

The singer who was evicted on Sunday, July 15, 2012 arrived Nigeria Wednesday night and was at a press briefing on Thursday where she addresses all issues concerning her quest in South Africa,

Followers of rave-of-the-moment television programme, The Big Friday Show, were treated to a huge surprise on last Friday when actress Funke Akindele hosted Episode 5 of the show instead of the regular anchor and ace comedian, Basketmouth. Basketmouth, has been the host of the show since its debut last year.

The talented actress popularly known as Jennifer acquitted her role well, adding a generous dose of humour to the show.

It was as usual a fun-filled package as the edition also had as studio guest international disc jockey, DJ Humility, while Shun Don was the up-coming artiste for the week.

As always, it’s the most anticipated list this year. The Future Awards, described by the World Bank as “The Nobel Prize for Young Africans”, after unveiling its spectacular Young Person of the Year nominees earlier this week, has now released the full nominees list for all 21 categories.
Atop the list are big names like Don Jazzy, Davido, Linda Ikeji amongst many others..

According to the organisers, voting takes only 50% of the second stage of judging, so winners are not selected by voting popularity – there is a 4-stage judging process involving a Board of Judges and an Independent Audit Committee.

Employees of the Power Holding Corporation of Nigeria (PHCN), in Lagos on Friday, embarked on an indefinite strike to press for the payment of their terminal benefits as the company gears towards full privatisation.

The President of the Senior Staff of Association of Electricity and Allied Company, Bede Opara, said the strike was necessitated by federal government's reluctance to address pending issues concerning payment of benefits to workers ahead of privatisation.

The workers, who shut down PHCN offices in the state, vowed not to return to work till their grievances had been addressed.

An Ogudu Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos, on Thursday, sentenced an unemployed 22-year-old man to jail, after he pleaded guilty to stealing, attempted rape and conspiracy.

Saheed Adigun was sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labour, and no option of fine.
The prosecutor, Corporal Kemi Adeniran, said the offences were committed on July 14, 2012, at Abiola Gardens, Alausa in Ikeja.

14 killed at Batman movie premiere

At least 14 people were killed and some 50 wounded Friday when a gunman opened fire at a crowded cinema premiere of the latest Batman movie in the US state of Colorado, police and media said.

Witnesses interviewed by local media described a scene of chaos at the midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises,” saying the gunman had set off tear gas bombs and opened fire in the packed theater in Aurora, a suburb of Denver.

Mrs. Josephine Okoye,

A foremost undertaker in Nigeria, M.I.C has been contracted to handle the burial of Mrs. Josephine Okoye, 62, the mother of multiple award-winning music group, P-Square.

Fondly referred to as Mama P, Mrs. Okoye died in Apollo Hospital, Calcutta, India on Wednesday, 11 July, 2012. She died about five hours after a successful heart surgery.

A devoted Christian and minister till death, Mrs. Okoye will be buried in her hometown, Anambra State. Though the burial arrangements have not been announced, P.M Entertainment reliably gathered that it will hold within the next two or three weeks.

It seems the marriage of gospel singer, Mrs Wunmi Awoniyi, a.k.a Omo Emi, has crashed irredeemably as her husband, Prophet Samuel Awoniyi has filed a divorce suit before the Orile Agege Grade ‘B’ Customary Court in Lagos.

He is seeking the dissolution of the marriage on the ground of her alleged shameful acts.
The court has fixed 2 August, 2012 for hearing and determination of the matter.

Patience Jonathan Arrives Bayelsa For Swearing-in As Perm Sec Today

The wife of the president, Dame Patience Jonathan, will today in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, be sworn-in as a permanent secretary along with 17 others by the Bayelsa State governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson.

Others to be sworn in include Mr. J. E. Oye, Samson Ayibeboa, Mrs. Antonia Koroye, Ziwari Billie, Buruboyefa John, Dikuro Ayebameh, Serge Williams, Olu Kuruom, G. I. Izein, Mrs. Philomena Alodie, Dr. Omietimi Kojo, Ese Izonebi, Ohougha Maythias, James Clinton, Mrs. Linnet Tebepah, Moses Teibowei, Dr. A. Sanayi and Vivian Odiwei.

Officials continue to steal funds needed for fixing dilapidated hospitals and providing drugs
In this first part of our series on the utilisation of the yearly $1billion for Millennium Development Goals' projects, we investigate the monumental corruption in the health ministry. We found that rather than help, the ministry is actually killing the country's hope of achieving the MDGs.

Massive corruption in various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) are the main reasons Nigeria will not achieve her Millennium Development Goals (MDG) targets, a PREMIUM TIMES investigation has revealed.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has appealed to the federal government to withdraw soldiers from facilities of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), and resume meaningful dialogue with the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) towards resolving the stalemate between them.

In a statement by its President, Mr. Abdulwahed Omar, the NLC pointed out today that the Chief Negotiator has yet to submit his team’s report for implementation, and that that implies the possibility of further dialogue with the workers.

The Chief Negotiator is Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, the pioneer President of the NLC and the Secretary of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU).

Muslims across the country are expected to join other faithful across the world to begin this year Ramadan fasting today.

Already, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Sa’ad, has urged Muslims who sight the new moon of Ramadan to communicate to relevant authorities immediately for the commencement of the fast.

Muslims are mandated to fast in the month of Ramadan for either 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the moon.

Six people have been reported dead in Maiduguri, after an attack by suspected Boko Haram militants.

It will be recalled that President Jonathan, on Wednesday, lifted a state of emergency in several local government areas in Borno State, ahead of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan, which is observed by most of Nigeria's estimated 80 million Muslims.

Former Director-General, Security and Exchange Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh; CBN Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi at a meeting of the Economic Management Team with President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja on Tuesday (3/7/12). NAN Photo

The House of Representatives, yesterday, indicted Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Director-General of SEC Arunma Oteh and DG of Assets Management Commission (AMCON) Mustafa Chike-Obi for their refusal to submit certain documents required by the House.

The House took the decision while adopting the recommendations of its Adhoc Committee on the near collapse of the Capital Market.

The Report was laid before the House last Tuesday by the committee’s Chairman Ibrahim El-Sudi.

A road linking Defence Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) office with the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Barracks, in Abuja, has been named after Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of Nigeria’s President.

The road was constructed by the association.

At the commissioning ceremony, Mrs Jonathan said that private sector organisations’ cooperation was central to achieving the aims of the Transformation Agenda of her husband.

She said that the road would serve the interest of members of DEPOWA, the barracks community and other road users.

A fourth official of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) who was involved in last Friday’s auto accident has died in the hospital.

The students were traveling from Abuja where they had bestowed a controversial “Governor of The Year” award on Governor Olusegun Rahman Mimiko of Ondo State.

Three of them died on Friday, with another one reported to be in critical condition.

SaharaReporters learnt that shortly after the accident Aremo Gbenga Oyebode (NANS VP External Affairs) was left to his fate and he gave up the ghost yesterday at the Federal Clinic in Owo, Ondo state.

Kenyan rapper Prezzo confided in Talia Wednesday evening, letting her in on his plans to ask for a Voluntary Exit, as early as tomorrow. Prezzo cited isolation and an overwhelming sense of loneliness as his reason for throwing in the towel.

Talia did not seem to believe him at first, but after deeper conversation, realised the Kenyan is serious. "My tank is on empty right now. I'm done. I feel so lonely and the isolation is getting to me," he said.

The lawmakers say Mr. Jonathan will be impeached if the 2012 budget is not properly implemented.

The face-off between the House of Representatives and President Goodluck Jonathan continued, Thursday, as some lawmakers served Mr. Jonathan a shocking impeachment warning, threatening to remove him from office if the 2012 budget was not fully implemented by September.

The impeachment warning by the Lawmakers followed a motion by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Minority Leader.

Despite an executive order recalling the embattled Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Arunma Oteh, the House of Representatives on Thursday approved its Capital Market Committee recommendations demanding her sack.

The committee had, in the report of its investigations of the near-collapse of the capital market, called for Oteh’s removal for not meeting the required 15 years pre-experience in the Nigerian capital market before appointment as the DG.

A group of soldiers on Wednesday beat up some men of a Lagos Task Force team on enforcing environment regulations, chairman of the task force, Superintendent of Police, Bayo Sulaimon said.

The incident was said to have happened around Yaba in Lagos when men of the task force who are police officers working in conjunction with the Lagos state government tried to remove a military vehicle from where it was parked.'

The soldiers were said to have been upset by the move and reacted. One of the police men was said to have been arrested by the soldiers after the rest beated in the ensuing scuffle.

However, the intervention of senior officers of the task force helped to resolve the matter and Superintendent Sulaimon said the arrested police man was also released later.

Gunmen Fire At Card Players In Kano, Killing Three On Ramadan Eve

A few hours to the commencement of the Muslim Ramadan fasting, two gunmen riding on a motorbike shot and killed three people playing cards in Kano. A fourth person sustained serious injuries and has been rushed to the hospital.

Also, a constabulary police officer narrowly escaped death but sustained gunshot wounds and has also been taken to an unknown hospital, soaked in blood.

The men opened fire around public square known as ‘Kwanan Freedom radio’ in Sharada area of Kano city into a group of card players.

The Kano State police command spokesperson has officially confirmed the killings, while a security operative in the area said several residents have gone into hiding to avoid falling victim of the crossfire that ensures after such the attacks.

No group has claimed responsibility of the attack.

Rafael Nadal Bails on Olympics,Says He’s Not in Condition to Play

Rafael Nadal just delivered some GREAT NEWS to everyone who's not a Spaniard ... he's officially pulling out of the 2012 Olympics ... claiming he's "not in condition" to compete.

It's a crushing blow to Spain ... since the tennis great won gold at the 2008 Games and was a favorite to top the podium this time around, too.

Rafael called the decision to bail one of the saddest moments of his career. He was supposed to be Spain's flag bearer during the opening ceremony -- but now it's likely he'll be replaced.

N2.5m Fraud: Ex- Banker Jailed Five Years

Idris Ado Zango

Justice Dije Aboki of High Court of Kano State has sentenced Mr. Idris Ado Zango, 31, an ex- banker who was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to five years and nine months in jail for fraud.

He was however given the option of a six hundred thousand naira (N600, 000) fine.

Zango of No. 133 Zango Quarters, Kano was charged for obtaining money by false pretence, criminal misappropriation and theft.

Davido Wants To Be An Actor

Davido

Fast rising Nigerian pop star, David Adeleke, otherwise called Davido says he’s interested in acting.

The 19-year-old musician made this known during a recent interview.‘I am a son. I am a brother…I am a business owner, and I plan to go into acting when people get to know me’ he said, when he was asked who he is, away from the cameras.

He further spoke about his hit track, Dami duro, which he describes as a ‘bad song’ compared to what is contained in his full debut album which has just been released.

Goldie Harvey

Singer, Goldie Harvey has returned to Nigeria following her evition from the on-goingBig Brother Stargame show where she was Nigeria’s last standing representative.

Sources say the 27-year-old entertainer arrived the country yesterday, Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at the Lagos International Airport, Ikeja at around 8pm.

A press briefing will hold this morning at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja, where she’ll be formally presented to Nigerians.

Prior to her eviction, last Sunday, Goldie, was the last Nigerian remaining in the house after the voluntary exit of Ola and Chris.

Student Striped Naked For Stealing Blackberry Phone

A 200 Level student of the University of Benin allegedly stole a Blackberry Phone belonging to her friend in BDPA, and was consequently threatened by other students who came to the scene.

Report says her friend started looking for her Blackberry for over 3 hours and could not find it. The alleged lady was asked about the phone and she denied taking it.

However, the phone rang and she refused to pick it, even when her friend insisted she pick it, she refused.

The argument led to neighbors coming to the room, and the phone was discovered. Meanwhile, the guys who came in removed her clothing and started abusing her body while snapping pictures.

Halle Berry Suffers Minor Head Injury On Set

Halle Berry

Halle Berry is recovering Wednesday after suffering "a minor head injury" on the set of her upcoming movie, "The Hive" a rep tells CNN.

The 45-year-old actress was filming a fight scene when the accident happened, which reportedly occurred on Tuesday night. TMZ cites anonymous sources who say that Berry hit her head on concrete after a bad fall.

However, her rep tells CNN that the head injury was minor, and that the Oscar winner "was taken to the hospital as a precaution but she checked out healthy and was released."

The coroner's inquest into the death of Ademola Aderinto, killed during January anti-fuel subsidy removal protests in Lagos, continued on Wednesday, with a police officer testifying that he received a distress call about hoodlums terrorising residents.

Steven Onwe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), who was attached to the Radio Control Room of the State Police Command, said the anonymous caller did not say that the group were protesters.

"I received an anonymous call that hoodlums had taken over at Yaya Abatan (area)," he said.

Members of the International Tchoukball Federation officials after a media briefing heralding a competition will be held from August 10th to 12th in Togo.

Sports has held an undeniable place in the history of mankind. In spite of the noble ideals of sports, there are some times that the frail human nature tends to bastardise it by violating fair play.

We have witnessed cases of sportsmen taking performance enhancing drugs to win. A common attribute of sports are also injuries. The careers of many have been unceremoniously cut short due to them.

Olumide Oyedeji (C) of Nigeria scores against Dominican Republic, during their Pre-Olympic basketball game in Caracas on July 8, 2012. Nigeria won 88-73 and qualifies for London 2012 Olympic Games. AFP PHOTO

First Vice President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Muktar Kaleh has told Nigerians that the national male basketball team, D’Tigers that qualified for the London Olympics last week had equal chances of qualifying from the group stage like any other team in their group, which parades the likes of USA, Lithuania, France, Argentina and fellow African representatives, Tunisia.

Muktar who spoke with Sports Vanguard at the National Stadium, Lagos was unfazed by the quality of opposition in Nigeria’s group, insisting, however, “the Olympics is open for everybody, any team can spring surprises.”

A security source has just told a reliable source of shooting in Dunga, in Tafawa Balewa area of Bauchi State, following the arrival of unknown gunmen who immediately started shooting.

Details are still sketchy, but gun shots were still being heard at the time of this report.

Only today, President Goodluck Jonathan ended the emergency he declared in 15 local council areas in four States last December. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, said that local and state governments will now be responsible for the maintenance of security in those States: Plateau, Borno, Yobe, and Niger.

Last Wednesday, July 11, four persons were killed when unknown gunmen invaded Tafawa Balewa.

Pakistani Father Buries New Born Baby Alive

Pakistani police arrested a man accused of burying his newborn daughter alive because she was physically deformed, officials said Saturday.

The shocking incident illustrates the sometimes extreme prejudices in Pakistan against children, especially girls that are born with any type of physical deformities.

Mohammed Anwar, a police officer in the city of Khanewal in the eastern Punjab province, said the child was born at a hospital in the nearby town of Kacha Khoh.

Police Inspectors And suspect Die In Auto Crash

Two police inspectors in the Ogun State Police Command were on Tuesday killed along with an unidentified suspect in an auto crash along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

The officers were killed when the Toyota Hilux van marked Lagos DF 413 AAA they were traveling on their way from Sango where they had gone to arrest the two suspects collided with a blue DAF stationary truck with number plate Lagos XU 502 JJJ in Iyani Onigbedu, Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area at about 10.00am.

Rihanna who is on holiday is Sardinia, decided to take sexy photos of herself and share it on her twitter page. Nice body.

See More Photos below:

On August 17, 2012, Nigerian music lovers will be able to watch one of the biggest Hip-hop artistes in the world, Rick Ross, perform live at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites.

‘It is official…I will be on stage with some of your favourite artistes at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotel. We are taking over Lagos, Nigeria’ Rick Ross said in a video drop obtained by Nigerian Entertainment Today.

The gig called ‘Summer Jam Festival‘ is being put together by St. Eve’s Magazine, and we’ll bring you more details as they unfold.

Bandits have killed a policeman, Mr. Sunday Agboricaen, and by-standers in Badagry area of Lagos State while robbing a pick-up van laden with a huge sum of money owned by a bank.

Eyewitness said the pick-up was being escorted by another van when hoodlums in a Sports Utility Vehicle opened fire on them, causing the occupants of the vehicles to run out.

It was learnt that the robbers, who shot sporadically, also killed a pregnant woman while other motorists and bystanders were hit by stray bullets

A pastor in Ekete waterside inWarri, Delta State has set himself ablaze on the popular Udu Bridge near the oil-rich city.

The pastor, a source learnt, had been complaining about family problems in recent time.

A source said on Wednesday that the pastor, who drove himself to the bridge, alighted from his car, took a 20-litre jerrycan of fuel from the booth, and set himself ablaze under the bridge.

It was learnt that before help could come his way, Obaleme, who was married and had children, died on the spot.

Following the demolition of shanties in Makoko waterfront, thousands of displaced residents have relocated under the Third Mainland Bridge.

Our correspondent who visited the area on Wednesday reported that residents had been pulling down shanties which did not fit into government’s plan.

One of the residents, Paul Aworetan, said the residents would cooperate with the state government but urged the government to resettle them.

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