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Showing posts from November, 2016

I don’t follow fashion, it follows me –Patti Boulaye

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Singer, former model and actress, Patti Boulaye, speaks on her family, marriage and career At 62, Patti Boulaye’s looks belie her years. Except that she is not one, she could easily pass for a teenager. An international singer, former model and actress, Patti Boulaye (OBE), is an interviewer’s delight any day. The British-Nigerian singer, who was born Patricia Ngozi Ebigwei on May 3, 1954, has had an illustrious career in music and modelling, spanning more than four decades. Not one to rest on her laurels, she is passionate about giving back to society and one of the ways she is actualising that dream is through her charity works in the healthcare sector. Boulaye emphasises that her late mother often harped on the essence of giving back to society. This activated her interest in the healthcare sector. “Already, I have built clinics in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states. There are two others in Cameroon as well as a school with the Prince Harry’s Charity in Lesotho. “I have been doi

Why I didn’t marry Pasuma — Ronke Odusanya, aka Flakky Ididowo

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Background I hail from Ogun State. I was born into a Christian home and I had a strict upbringing. Even though my parents separated, my childhood was fun and I have so many good memories. While my mum has yet to remarry, my dad remarried and I lived with him for some time. Education I attended St. Benedict Nursery & Primary School, Lagos, and Federal Government Girls’ College, Akure. Afterwards, I studied Mass Communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye. Acting I became interested in acting when I was at the university. As an undergraduate, I used to feature in plays that were staged in school. Professionally, I started acting about 16 years ago. I joined Nollywood and took part in some English movies. I joined Oga Bello’s Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group, in the year 2000, and that was where I honed my acting skills. Movies In 2001, I featured in my first Yoruba movie, Baba Ologba, alongside Adebayo Salami, aka Oga Bello, and Femi Adebayo. Since then, I have f

2019: Buhari woos South-East with capital projects

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As part of political realignment ahead of the 2019 general elections, President Muhammadu Buhari’s strategists are wooing the South-East, africanotice has learnt. It was gathered in Abuja on Saturday that the President had directed that infrastructure gaps in the South-East should be bridged. It was also learnt that apart from reviving old alliances with associates, the president’s allies were also counting on political bridges built by northern politicians with their eastern counterparts over the years. In addition to these political moves, Buhari was said to have ordered contractors handling various infrastructural projects in the zone to return to site. This is aimed at ensuring the speedy completion of the rehabilitation of some federal roads in the region. Findings showed that emphasis would be placed on the following projects: Port Harcourt-Aba Road, Abriba-Arochukwu-Ohafia Road (Abia State,; Oji-Achi-Obeagu-Mmaku-Awgu-Ndeaboh-Mpu-Okpanku Road (Enugu State), Second Niger Br

Senate forgery: Police submit fresh report, indict Saraki, Ekweremadu

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There are strong indications that the police have submitted to the National Prosecution Coordination Committee, another report on the investigations into the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Orders, 2015. africanotice gathered that in the fresh report, the police indicted the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu. It was gathered that the Special Investigation Panel, headed by the retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ali Amodu, explained that a former Clerk to the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, could not have committed the alleged offence without the connivance of the two principal officers. The SIP was set up by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to investigate high-profile cases. The Federal Government had, on October 6, 2016, withdrawn the charges of criminal conspiracy relating to the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Orders, 2015, filed against the Senate President and his deputy at an Abuja High

We don’t have criminal case against Atiku – US

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The United States Department of Justice has denied having any record that indicates that Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has a pending lawsuit in the US. In an email to our correspondent on Friday, a spokesperson for the US DOJ, Peter Carr said, “Thank you for reaching out to us. I have checked the public court records, and they do not show cases filed against a defendant named Atiku Abubakar.” This was stated as a response to SUNDAY PUNCH’s request for information on whether Abubakar is wanted in the US in connection with any issue of money laundering. The mail also asked the department to confirm whether Abubakar has been banned from entering the US and if there is any court case against him concerning the Halliburton scandal which resulted in the conviction of a US lawmaker, William Jefferson. Asked if it is true that the ex-vice president (now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress) was banned from entering the US, the American official said the issue wa

Sports Nigerian stars blown into oblivion

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They showed a lot of promise when they played for Nigeria but soon faded away when they should have been calling the shots at the Super Eagles. Idris Adesina takes a look at Nigerian players, who have slipped into oblivion Sunday Mba Mba will always be remembered for his lone goal against Burkina Faso in the final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, which won Nigeria its third continental title on February 10, 2013. His goal in the final was a scorcher, after getting the better of a Burkinabe defender. The former Warri Wolves forward was one of the six home-based players discovered by the late former Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi. Before the final, Mba caught the eyes with his powerful display in the quarterfinals against Ivory Coast, where he scored the winning goal for the Eagles in their 2-1 victory over the Ivoirians. After the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, he was a subject of disagreement between Enugu Rangers and Wolves before he left the country for CA Bastia in the third tier o

FIFA U20: Falconets beat Spain, fail to qualify

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Nigeria’s Under-20 female side, the Falconets, on Sunday beat Spain 2-1 in their last Group B match at the FIFA U20 football championship holding in Papua New Guinea. However, the win did not see the girls to the knock-out round as they bowed out of the competition on superior goal difference. Spain took the second position behind Japan having five goals advantage in contrast to Nigeria’s minus three goals. According to FIFA website, the Falconets came from behind to score in the two halves of the match through Ihuoma Onyebuchi and Chinwelu Ihezuo to beat the Europeans. The Spanish got off to a swift start, with Maria Caldentey sending the ball inside the Nigerian area, touched on by Nahikari Garcia to Alba Redondo who finished with a low shot to goalkeeper Onyinyechukwu Okeke’s right-hand side. The goal, which came in seventh minute of the match, spurred the Nigerian girls as Charity Reuben nodded down a Nigerian corner, with Onyebuchi finding enough space and time to fire home

Ondo rally: Tinubu, Akande absent as Buhari says Akeredolu’ll win

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President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed optimism that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), will win Saturday’s governorship election in the state. The President said this during a mega rally of the APC held at the Democracy Park, Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Saturday. Buhari said the APC governorship primary held on September 3 was free and fair. He maintained that Akeredolu was a credible person. Buhari said, “I am here in Akure because I am proud of my party and I have to congratulate Akeredolu for emerging as the candidate of our party through a free and fair primary. “God willing, he is going to win the election. Make sure you vote for him; do not vote for any other party. We are going to win the election.” The National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; governors of Lagos, Oyo and Osun states, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, respectively, were absent at the rally.

Police response to Shi’ite procession disproportionate –US

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The United States has expressed deep concerns over the latest clash between the Police and Shi’ite members in Kano, describing the security agency’s response to the procession as “disproportionate.” It therefore called for calm and restraint on all sides, a reduction of tension and greater communication between Shi’ite members and government authorities. A statement from the US embassy’s Information Office on Friday in Abuja said the Shi’ite group, like other religious communities, had the right to assemble, peacefully express their religious beliefs, and mark their celebrations. The US admonished the Federal Government to protect and defend these rights It said, “The US is deeply concerned by the deaths of dozens of Nigerians during clashes between individuals participating in a Shia procession and the Nigerian Police Force in Kano State on November 14. “While the matter is still under investigation, we are troubled by the apparent disproportionate response by the police.” The US als

Buhari didn’t donate $500m to Clinton campaign – Presidency

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The Federal Government on Friday dismissed as untrue claims that President Muhammadu Buhari donated $500m to Hillary Clinton campaign in the just-concluded US election. A video, purportedly circulated by a US non-governmental group, the American Black Group for Democracy, had last week alleged that Nigeria donated $500m (about N150bn) to Clinton’s failed bid for the White House. It claimed that the money was “pledged to the US Secretary of State, Sen John Kerry, and US Ambassador in Abuja”; adding that “the donation may create a huge misunderstanding between Nigeria and the incoming Trump’s US government.” But in a reaction on Friday, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Garba Shehu, described the accusations as crazy, insisting that “Nigeria doesn’t have this kind of money to throw around.” “What is the craziest accusation made against President Buhari?” Shehu posted on his Twitter handle, @GarShehu. “That he donated $500m to Hillary’s campaign a

BREAKING: Buhari signs eight bills into law

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday signed eight bills sent to him by the National Assembly into law. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matteras (Senate), Ita Enang, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He described the development as unprecedented in the history of the present administration. Details later…

Wizkid, Olamide, Seyi Shay, Simi, Tekno make 2016 Headies list

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The countdown to the 2016 Headies Award has officially begun. The list of nominees has also been released. The list, which comprises 21 categories, covers different genre of Nigerian pop music culture. Touted as Nigeria’s ‘Grammy’ awards, mixed reactions have trailed the Headies nomination list since its release. See the full nominee list below. (Year In Review: July 2015 – June 2016) Best Recording Of The Year: A Non-Voting Category For The Best Single Recording By An Artiste Or Group In The Year Under Review Emergency – D’banj
 Pray For Me – Darey Feat. Soweto Choir
 Love Don’t Care – Simi
 Orente – Adekunle Gold
 Something Good Is Happening – Brymo Producer Of The Year
 An Individual Responsible For Producing The Most Acclaimed Song Or Album In The Year Under Review DJ Coublon ‘Good Time & Raba’ Pheels – ‘Pick Up & Lagos Boys’ – Olamide
 Legendury Beats – ‘Final – Baba Nla’ Wizkid
 Young John – ‘Mama’ – Kiss Daniel
 Mastakraft – ‘Fada Fada’, ‘Connect’ – Phyno

PHOTOS: Trump’s win sparks protests in US cities

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Thousands of people marched, rallied and chanted in around cities in the United States, against the billionaire president-elect, Donald Trump, a day after his stunning win. Some of the protesters carried signs with slogans such as “Not our President” and “Love trumps hate.” See Photos:

Trump’s victory: I’ll tear my green card on January 20, says Soyinka

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Akeem Lasisi Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has given an indication that he will tear up his Green Card on January 20, 2017, the day Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 45th President of the US. Last week, Soyinka had, in annoyance with the possible victory of the Republican candidate, threatened to destroy the card. In an interview with The INTERVIEW, the world-acclaimed writer and human rights activist expressed resentment at Trump’s emergence, saying it spelt trouble for humanity. Asked if he still intended to thrash the card, he said, “Come January 20, 2017; watch my WOLEXIT!” By WOLEXIT, he seemed to be referring to his final ‘exit’ from the US, playing on Brexit, the expression referring to Britain’s historical exit from the European Union. Although he said he was not too surprised that Trump won, he noted that his victory had brought an already teetering world closer to the precipice. He said, “The possibility (of Trump’s victory) was looming nearer and nearer,

Asset declaration: Saraki ends historic 14-day cross-examination of witness

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Ade Adesomoju, Abuja The defence team of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday ended its historic 14-day cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, Mr. Michael Wetkas, in his trial on charges relating to asset declaration breaches. Saraki is being prosecuted by the Federal Government before the Code of Conduct Tribunal on 16 counts, including false and anticipatory asset declaration, which he allegedly made as Governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011. Defence counsel, Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN), announced the end of cross-examination by the defence after asking the witness a few questions on Tuesday. Usoro asked the witness questions on Count 16 which borders on allegation that the Senate President, between June 2011 and October 2013, took salaries and emoluments from Kwara State Government and at the same time from the Federal Government as a Senator in breach of Section 6(a) of Code of Bureau and Tribunal Act. Usoro asked the witness, an operative of the Econom

EPL: Mourinho blasts lay bare Man United tensions

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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho’s man-management skills are under scrutiny after he appeared to publicly accuse defenders Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling of malingering. Whilst not mentioning either player by name, Mourinho expressed unhappiness after the pair missed United’s 3-1 win at Swansea City on Sunday, suggesting they had shown a lack of bravery. Some British newspapers reported on Tuesday that Shaw and Smalling were now “fighting for their futures” at Old Trafford. Left-back Shaw, 21, was said to be “baffled” over his treatment by Mourinho, who succeeded Louis van Gaal as United manager in May. The England international recently spent 11 months on the sidelines after sustaining a horrific double leg fracture in a Champions League game at PSV Eindhoven in September last year. He has been in and out of the team since making his first-team comeback in August and is reported to have felt pain in the leg he broke during last Thursday’s Europa League defeat at Fenerbahce.