Welcome to Elezua Jonadab's Gist house

The Nigeria’s Federal Government has declared January 1st and 2nd 2015 as public holiday to mark the New Year and Eid el Maloud celebration. In a statement released today by the Minister of Interior affairs, Abba Moro, the Federal Government asked Muslim faithfuls to offer prayers to God for the Peace and Unity of Nigeria. Moro further urged all Nigerians to engage in violent free activities in the run off to the 2015 general elections and to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda to move Nigeria to the next level of development.

Speculation that the former premier was ready to settle down and adopt a less prominent role in public life following a series of humiliations seem wide of the mark. The tycoon’s professional and private lives are rarely out of the headlines. But the romance between Mr Berlusconi and Francesca Pascale had led some to speculate that he was ready to settle down and adopt a less prominent role in public life following a series of humiliations at the hands of the press and the courts. Since the summer, however, rumours had suggested that all was not well between the media mogul and Ms Pascale, a former shop assistant and member of the Berlusconi fan club. Several reports even said that their relationship was on the skids; there were noted absences and reported tiffs. Ms Pascale appeared more wedded to the idea that the pair were engaged than did her boyfriend. “She won’t be first lady of Arcore,”said the Turin-based daily newspaperLa Stampa,after it emerged that the couple spent Christmas ...

Jeremy RennerandSonny Pachecogot married in a secret ceremony, but their separation is anything but secret. The Canadian model has filed for divorce from Renner on the grounds of irreconcilable difference. She is also demanding that he“immediately return [her] stolen passport, birth certificate, social security card.” Pacheco always wants the couple’s pre-nuptial agreement cancelled, claiming it was based on a fraud. Renner andPacheco gotmarried on Jan. 13, 2014, and the date of separation is listed as Nov. 29, 2014. They have one daughter,Ava Berlin, who will turn 2 in March. Sonni has asked for joint legal custody of their daughter but wishes to be granted physical custody. She is also seeking spousal support, use of their Range Rover, and for Renner to pay her moving expenses and rent.

There have been some pretty badass female actors and villains in movies and on our television screens. From Catherine Tramell in Basic Instincts to Lara croft and Nikita, they are lovely, sexy and deadly. They bring more than just a pretty face to our screens as they have a strength of character that makes them a delight to watch even as they give the male folk a run for their money playing either the role of the protagonist or the villain. The top female villains are attractively seductive and deadly as they go beyond the normal to ensure they achieve their aims. Two extraordinary females rocked the villainous role in 2014. Victoria Grayson (Revenge) She was the queen of the Hamptons in Seasons one and two before she was displaced and rendered penniless by the protagonist Emily Thorne. She’s rich, snobby and a tyrant that stops at nothing to achieve what she wants. From framing David Clarke, the father of the protagonist early on in the plot to a series of deaths to cover up herself a...

Popular televangelist and the founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Temitope Balogun Joshua made some startling revelations concerning Nigeria’s situation come 2015. In March 2014, Prophet T.B. Joshua granted a rare interview to a reporter from Nigeria’sNew Telegraphwhere he talked about the current insecurity situation in Nigeria and the upcoming 2015 presidential elections. In the interview, the popular televangelist made some startling revelations concerning Nigeria’s situation, sounding a note of warning to old politicians to make way for fresh faces to appear in politics in order to avert disaster in the country Prophet Joshua also gave assurance that Nigeria is on a rough path which will eventually lead to greatness in the end. Read excerpts from the interview: There are so many troubles in Nigeria today – problems of insecurity, threats to national unity, political manoeuvring by rival political parties. What are your comments concerning these troubled times in the...

Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo has told the Independent National Electoral Commission that his Bachelors and Masters degrees certificates in Architecture from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, have been consumed by fire.PunchNg report. The VP made the declaration in the documents he filed to INEC and displayed on the commission’s office in Abuja although the details of the fire that consumed the certificates were not given. Sambo’s papers were received and stamped in INEC headquarters between December 10 and 18, 2014. The declaration was validated by two letters from the ABU, a copy of which was obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday. The first letter, signed by one Alhassan Garba for the institution’s registrar under the title,“To Whom it may Concern: Mohammed Namani Sambo,”read,“I certify that the above-named person having completed an approved course of study and passed the prescribed examinations was awarded the Bachelor of Science (Architecture) with Second Class Honours (Lower D...

According to latest publication making the rounds, Nigeria’s former military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida, did not make commitment on the 2015 presidential poll to President Goodluck Jonathan at the recent meeting in Minna. However, contrary to the widespread insinuations, the former President only touched upon the national issues and problems.The Nation report, It would be recalled that following the closed-door December 27 meeting it was reported that Babangida urged Nigerians to support Jonathan in the next-year’s elections. We further learnt that Jonathan allegedly started reaching out to key emirs and leaders of the North is search for support, which is part of the President’s plan to reduce the influence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the region. Gen. Babangida’s key aides based in Abuja disclosed the details of the Saturday’s meeting in Minna, after he was blasted for backing Jonathan. The source, who pleaded for anonymity, debunked the reports making rounds: “I...

Ever wondered why certain people are given a higher level of importance just because of their appearance? , don’t look too far as we take a run down of a simple yet important part of a man’s dressing – ties. We have previously done an expository on the different ways of knotting ties and how they impact on your personality, just as we also talked about the various tie colours and their style essence. This time around, we shall be looking at the relevance of tie patterns to the user and their style importance. Ties have been known to come in various patterns including plain, stripes, polka dots and paisley to mention a few. We shall be talking about the main patterns and the style essence. The Plain Ties Plain ties have been known to be in fashion from time immemorial. The absence of a pattern makes it easy for the tie to come in unique colours which helps to enhance ones dressing for particular events. More so, plain Ties have the unique ability to give an insight into the personality ...

In no Particular order we take a look at those prominent singers who lost out in 2014 music year. Here are the top 10 losers of 2014: 1. D’Banj D’Banj has struggled to achieve musical success since parting ways with his former business partner, Don Jazzy. Business wise, D’Banj did well for himself though, with his recent deal being the one he signed with Beats by Dre, however he failed on musical grounds having released more than 4 singles in 2014, Koko Master doesn’t headline any show these days 2. May D May D seem to be the architect of his own misfortune. Since releasing his debut album, the self acclaimed Sure Boy has been a very lazy artiste, choosing not to put out records every now and then. When he does, he seem to put out decent records… If he does this constantly, he would have released a hit record in the music year but he was only able to release one single all year, titled Ibadi. The video for the record came out only few weeks ago. If the likes of Davido, Wizkid can be re...

Bebedi! Owanbe! Bebedi! Owanbe! This is a short question and answer chorus sang by little children while at play. The objective of the song is to find out who, in the group, has the biggest and most beautiful backside. So, as each of the young girls step out to the middle of the circle, the leader of the game asks, Bebedi, and the others answer in the chorus, Owanmbe. The girl in the middle then shakes her backside, now called twerking, for the others to judge. Naturally, the one judged most endowed of the group wins the game. Such is the importance attached to the female bum, especially in the African continent. The female bum represents many things for the African society, just as much sentiment is attached to it. It houses the whole essence of a woman’s feminism and sexuality. The Bebedi, Jigida or Ileke idi, otherwise known as waist beads are one ornament that have fascinated me for many years. Why? I really have no definite answer. Perhaps it is because of the beautiful array of b...

•’I like Jim Iyke because he is a hot guy’Myinterview with top Ghanaian actress – Yvonne Nelson-was a revelation in so many ways. Of the leading Nollywood stars, Yvonne is among those I had not had a close relationship with. I had watched her from afar, seen countless number of her movies and had always thought she was a great and talented actress – someone who combined poise, beauty and style. I had also heard of some unsavory things ascribed to her – the rumors of sexual orientation which some say verged between pure lesbianism and bi-sexualism – all manner of shenanigans that had been whispered and published about her. Some years ago, she came out with a movie, “Heart of Men”, in which she seemed to have appeared in frontal nudity– a development that set off a firestorm of protest among Nollywood lovers –with many condemning the exploitation of graphic sexual images to promote and sell movies – which was a deviation of what Nollywood had always been seen to represent: a family frien...

Caroline Sam known as Maheeda in the entertainment industry may be the bad girl most parents wouldn’t want within a yard of their wards, but the former prostitute turned musician has an ace up her sleeve. In a riveting interview withPotpourriin the year, the pretty mother of one gave reasons why she is using sex and nudity to sell her music, first gospel, before really going secular. According to her, she is treading the path most Nigerian entertainers wouldn’t dare because of their inhibitions. “I had this vision of what’s happening right now. Like I’m very bad, like I’m the baddest girl in Nigeria which is not true. So, my vision is actually to see my posters in people’s bedrooms and stuff like that. I want to be that sex symbol one can fantasize about” she boasted. Giving her reason for wanting her nude and sex posters to adorn people’s bedroom, theLasgidi ChickandNaija Bad Girlcrooner explained it is a sort of brand she is trying to build. “Because it works abroad, it could work he...

The dream of every interviewer regardless of calling is to come across an interviewee who would not have roadblocks placed on every issue. To have an interviewee that would open up her soul to you on every sundry issue is a rare occurrence and we got one in Nigerian budding actress and singer known as Harmony. She was a live, and we got electrified by everything that came out of her mouth in response to our questions. From sex to nudity to social vices, Harmony has no scruples. “Sex is nice, everybody needs it. So long as you do it with the right person and you don’t regret after doing it, sex is good for everyone. It makes your mind open, it makes your body open, you think nicely after having sex, so long you do it with the right person and at the right time. The last time I had sex was four days ago in South Africa” she opened up in an interview withPotpourri Are there many women who would tell you what turns them on or make them wet? Hell no. But Susan Ekwe alias Harmony didn’t bat ...

Former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres completed his return to boyhood club Atletico Madrid after his new owners AC Milan agreed a loan deal with the Spanish champions on Monday. Torres agreed a permanent transfer with the San Siro club from Chelsea on December 27 but was swiftly loaned back to the club where he built his reputation on a deal set to run until the end of the 2015-16 season. The Madrid giants, who lost last year’s Champions League final against arch rivals Real Madrid, confirmed the 30-year-old’s return to the Vicente Calderon on their website. “Fernando Torres returns to Atletico Madrid after an agreement reached by our club with Milan for the international striker to play on loan for the remainder of the season and one more,” read an official club statement. File: Chelsea’s Spanish striker Fernando Torres “The player will have a medical on January 5. He returns home, where he trained as a player and became one of our biggest stars.” Torres shot to stardom...

A Chinese police officer has been arrested after a female migrant worker was allegedly beaten to death in a case which sparked anger over the authorities’ latest apparent abuse of power. The arrest over Zhou Xiuyun’s death earlier this month, reported by the state-run Global Times newspaper on Monday, has triggered a wave of online commentary in China, where rights groups say abuse and violence by law enforcement authorities is common. Zhou Xiuyun was attacked by the police officer at a construction site in northern Shanxi province where she was demanding delayed salary for her son totalling 20,000 yuan ($3,200), the Dahe newspaper reported Monday. The situation descended into chaos when officers attempted to take away the 47-year-old, the newspaper said, citing her husband Wang Youzhi, who had accompanied his wife, along with their son. The police officer seized Zhou by the neck and pinned her to the ground after she tried to stop the officers from handcuffing her husband, Wang was qu...

Pope Francis condemned this year’s “brutal” religious persecution in the Middle East while urging peace in Nigeria, Ukraine and other world troublespots in his annual Christmas “urbi et orbi” message. Pope Francis salutes as he gives his traditional Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on December 25, 2014 at the Vatican. AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI Calling also for an end to violence against “vast numbers of children”, and noting last week’s deadly attack in Pakistan, he said: “Truly there are so many tears this Christmas.”

Jennifer Olize (Organizer of MMR) stands as an undisputed champion in the game of entertainment as she has successfully put together what can be said to be one of the biggest event of this season. The highly anticipated event took place on the 23rd December at the Eko hotel and suites, Victoria Island Lagos. Artists like Wizkid, Ice prince, Seyi Shay and Patoranking rocked the stage as several designers showed off their collection. The red carpet came alive as several celebrities like Toke Makinwa, Noble Igwe, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Dj Cuppy, Stephanie coker, Dakore Akande, Fade Ogunro, Emma Nyra, Victoria Kimani and many more came out to have fun at the frashion and music event. Some of these celebrities did their best with their wardrobe choices and came out looking extremely gorgeous, but for some their best wasn’t good enough. Check out the good, bad and fugly (fucking ugly) pictures from the red carpet of this years Music Meets Runway. The Fugly (Fucking Ugly) In an event where every...

ActressRukky Sandawants only handsome men in her bed. There had been rumors that Sanda was in a sexual relationship with fellow actressTonto Dikeh, rumors Sanda didn’t take too lightly to. She said, “Why would I choose to be a Lesbian when they are different handsome men out there to date. I have even heard that I’m dating Tonto Dikeh, that’s absurd. Tonto is my friend and colleague, there is no sexual relationship between us. People should please stop calling me a lesbian, because I am not one.” I’m a handsome man though. *big grin*

AsJaycee Chanfaces 3 years in prison for drug use, fatherJackie Chanhas said he feels shame for him. Jaycee Chan, 32, is charged with sheltering others to use drugs. The scandal is ironic and embarrassing to Jackie Chan, as he was named an anti-drug ambassador in 2009. Jackie Chan told China’s Xinhua News Agency that he did not use his connections to interfere with the case and that he hopes his singer-actor son will become an anti-drug ambassador when he is released.

Kanye West has won an online style showdown to become GQ’s“Most Stylish Man”of 2014. Yeezy earned his new title by way of fans votes. Reports GQ: There you have it folks. The disciples have spoken, and Kanye West is the people’s champion of swag in the year of our lord Yeezus two thousand and fourteen. Since he burst onto the scene in pink polo shirts and Louis Vuitton backpacks over a decade ago, West has shifted the landscape of men’s fashion with his forward-thinking style. 2014 was no different. From bomber jackets to Chelsea boots to over-sized coats, Kanye helped define what this year meant to men in terms of the things they wear, and we think his place as champion in this tournament was earned. Thanks to all who voted, and remember…it’s never too early to start campaigning for your favorite celeb for the 2015 bracket. Fashion is everything to the newlywed, so this honor is likely very meaningful.

After twice finishing runner-up, Ronaldo has won the arm-wrestle between the two best players on the planet to overtake Messi as the Guardian’s No1. Cristiano Ronaldo was voted No1 by 74% of the Guardian’s experts. Once again the big story is the same old story. The two-man arm-wrestle at the summit of international football’s individual awards has this year turned decisively Cristiano Ronaldo’s way. This is of course a well-seasoned and largely irresolvable debate, with battle lines drawn along club lines, issues of style, and even a skewed and incoherent sub-debate about natural and“manufactured”high-grade creative footballers (which still isn’t clear to this observer). What is certain is that taking the year as a whole Ronaldo has been the single dominant figure, a phenomenal influence in the world’s champion club team, with 56 goals in 51 matches overall, along with league title, Champions League and Club World Club medals for Real Madrid. And here at least his supremacy is a clear...

Although fate may defeat the efforts of virtue to avert misfortune, it cannot deprive us of the power to endure it with equanimity’ Funke Akindele’s production outfit, Scene One Production in conjunction with Adekaz Production Ltd presents a new Yoruba movie titled ‘Sababi Eda’(Fate), fully subtitled in English. Sababi Edadepicts the life of a single mother (Funke Akindele), and her struggle with fate. She used to be a tomboy in the village before she got engaged and relocated to the city. However fate played a fast one on her in her journey of life and she could not avoid it. Her fiancée eloped with another woman, leaving her to cater for their only son. She relocated to the village to start a new life and established herself as a fashion designer in the village. Sometimes life has a cruel sense of humour, giving you the thing you have always wanted at the worst time possible, this aptly describes the turn of event when she met Odunlade Adekola. Sababi Eda, is a story well- nar...

ABEOKUTA-Barely 13 days after former President Olusegun Obasanjo launched an autobiography, My watch , which castigated President Goodluck Jonathan, the Chairman, Organisation and mobilisation committee of the People’s Democratic Party in South West, Prince Buruji Kashamu has presented a book to counter the former President . Kashamu with South West PDP leaders during the public presentation of the book, no enemies to fight, President Goodluck Jonathan on the marble The book entitled “no enemies to fight, Goodluck Jonathan on the marble” which contained, President Jonathan’s quotable quotes since 2011 till May 1, 2013 was yesterday, presented to the public at Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu-North local government area of Ogun State. The 171-page book was jointly edited by a Special adviser to the President on Research, Documentation and strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas and Akpodigha Filatei had twelve chapters and published in 2013 . The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on December 7, restraine...

When one is coming out of the Ogudu G.R.A. and one wishes to travel towards Oworonshoki, the street one passes through and the adjoining streets make up an open market where tomatoes, peppers and other food items are on display for sale. These streets are outside of the government layout. The question that arises is why is an open market not an integral part of the Ogudu G.R.A. or of any other government layout. Is food not a basic need of the people living in these layouts? In long established neighbourhoods outside government layouts such as Bariga, one finds open markets on long stretches of the road as one moves from the C.M.S Grammar School towards Oworonshoki. This particular road should be a major route for traffic but market activities restrict traffic flow. We should therefore find spaces in all our neighbourhoods, new and old, for open markets for food items. The Lagos State Government, LASG, released in 1981 the Lagos State Regional Plan for the period 1980 to 2000. Governor...

JESUS Christ was born over 2,000 years in a manger, a place reserved for animals in Bethlehem. The true origin of Christmas is filled with controversies and compromise. December 25 was originally the date pagans celebrated the birthday of the Sun-god called Mithra. It was not until 336 AD that Emperor Constantine officially converted this pagan holiday into the Christian holiday of Christmas. Many preachers have insisted that the date is immaterial. What matters, according to them, is that God sent his son into the world to save mankind from sin. Traveling peaks: Aside the controversies, one thing that is certain about Christmas, especially in Nigeria, is the fact that it is a season when the challenges people are grappling with, naturally fizzle out, at least temporarily. Both the rich and poor are usually carried along by this festive breeze that is expected to keep blowing for the next two weeks when many people would be tied to Christmas festivities. The movement of people to the...

ABUJA— Buhari Support Organisation, BSO, the umbrella body of all support groups for the Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2015 election, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) has realised N54,415,386.70 through a crowd funding project launched by Buhari on November 19, 2014 in Abuja. The money was meant to bankroll his election campaign. Giving update on the activities of the group at a press conference, the APC presidential flag bearer who was flanked by Senator Olorunimbe Mamora and former FCT Minister, Malam Nasir el-Rufai said his strength was with the ordinary Nigerians. To ensure transparency and accountability, Buhari revealed that he was a sole signatory to the account which is domiciled in FirstBank Plc. General Muhammadu Buhari He said: “So far, so good. We have received donation of N54,415, 386.70 through direct deposit and sales of cards to the FirstBank account number: 2026724405. As I promised during the take-off that I will take responsibility for t...

Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation are at loggerheads on whether out of contract Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi deserves a new contract, with a majority still seriously opposed to this. It has exclusively been gathered that a section of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership want Keshi to be given a new contract despite failing to qualify Nigeria to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations so as to, at least, keep their plum jobs. A top source informed that the group that favours a new contract for the failed coach believes Keshi’s “very powerful friends” will finally accept them if they give him a new deal. Keshi and Amaju However, this group is opposed by a majority on the NFF executive committee who has stuck to a “unanimous decision” in October to sack Keshi. It will be recalled that the NFF fired the coach only to later be forced to rescind this decision on the orders of President Goodluck Jonathan. There is certainly no love lost between Keshi and his employers even ...

Akure—Police detectives have arrested two suspected ritualists with a human skull on the Ibillo-Isua Expressway in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State. Also, four armed robbers met their death in an auto crash after attacking a team of policemen, while on patrol on the Idanre Road in Akure metropolis. Police Commissioner in the state, Isaac Eke said the four armed robbers were the killers of two policemen at a road block in Akure last month. It was gathered that after the robbery, information reached the policemen attached to the ‘B’ Division of the state Police Command, who gave them a hot chase. Their get-away vehicle, a white Hilux Vehicle marked 11/ 260 FG said to have been snatched at Ifon area of the state, crashed into a church fence and the four of them died on the spot. Items recovered from them include two AK-47 rifles belonging to Okuta Elerinla Police Division said to have been carted away from the two deceased Policemen they shot dead in the state last mon...

The Sokoto State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has picked the state Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, as the running mate to its gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal. This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen by the acting Chairman of the party, Alhaji Usman Danmadami-Isa on Wednesday in Sokoto. The statement said that the decision was reached after consultation with Tambuwal and other stakeholders of the party in the state. The party urged all its members to work assiduously to ensure total success in the 2015 general elections. It prayed for peace and harmony to reign in the state and country before, during and after the election.

Former IICC Shooting Stars defender Moses Otolorin has sadly passed away. The great defender died in his home town Ilorin Kwara state yesterday December 22nd.Friends close to the family say that the inspirational player died of prostrate and anus cancer. He was 67.

Goalkeeper Austin Ejide, 30, is the highest paid footballer at Israeli vice – champions Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Authoritative football website Sports Walla has reported that the gloveman , who is expected to put pen to paper on a new deal in January, pockets 25,000 euros every month excluding performance related incentives. Bringing the statistics to life, Austin Ejide earns 821 euros every day or 34 euros per hour. The Nigeria international earns €5,000 more than Israel national teamer Maor Melikson and Maor Buzaglo, who take home 18,700 euros every month. Austin Ejide Brazilian defender William Soares is compensated with the sum of €15,600 for agreeing to wear the red stripes of Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Super Eagles midfielder John Ogu is the seventh best paid player, with monthly wages of 8,300 euros.

Global demand for coal over the next five years will continue marching higher, breaking the 9-billion-tonne level by 2019, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its annual Medium-Term Coal Market Report just released.This is just as Nigeria, with abundant coal reserves spread across Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa and Gombe states, is yet to fully utilize its deposits. The Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo recently said that the federal government is working out a sustainable framework to ensure profitability on future investments in the coal-to-power aspect of Nigeria’s electricity mix. “We do not have infinite coal deposit, so we have to plan well for utilisation of the deposit that we have, that is why we have to initiate processes to develop a bankable framework for coal-to-power initiative. We want to ensure that we do not start projects that we cannot finish in the coal-to-power aspect of our energy mix,” Nebo said, while addressing a gathering of energy economists at the 7...

Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, on Tuesday presented the 2015 state budget of N197.08 billion to the House of Assembly for confirmation. The budget was tagged: “Budget of renewed hope’’. Mr Segun Olorunsogo, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Budget and Economic Planning, presented the budget on behalf of the governor. Aregbesola said that the budget would ensure the completion of ongoing projects, and commencement of new ones that would bring about positive impact on socio- economic life of the citizens in Osun. The governor said that the sum of N131. 8 billion was estimated for revenue component, while the capital expenditure was N65. 3 billion amounted to N197. 080 billion. “The recurrent revenue is N131. 8 billion and the Capital receipt was N65, 340 billion, which brought about the total sum as indicated,’’ he said. According to him, “the budget presented was in compliance with the acceptable international standard and best practice.’’ Break down of the budget showed that the econom...

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has condemned the reported threat by some radical elements in the Northern part of the country to pro-Jonathan governors and other supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid in the North, saying it was an invitation to anarchy.The IYC in a statement in Yenagoa by its spokesman Comrade Eric Omare, said all Nigerians irrespective of his or her place of origin has a right to contest for the Presidency of Nigeria and also have the right to support any candidate of their choice without molestation.President Goodluck Jonathan The statement reads,”the attention of the Ijaw YouthCouncil (IYC), Worldwide has been drawn to a publication in several national newspapers on Sunday, 21st December, 2014 to the effect that some radical elements in the northern part of the country are sending open threat messages to pro- Jonathan Governors and other supporters of President Jonathan’s re-election bid in the North threatening to ruthlessly deal with them if t...

A bombing at a bus station in Gombe city in northeast Nigeria killed at least 20 people on Monday, the latest violence in the region repeatedly targeted by Boko Haram, the Red Cross said.“There was an explosion at the Dukku motor park. The Red Cross mobilised with 20 body bags and they have all been exhausted. We are still looking formore bodies among the carnage,” said Abubakar Yakubu Gome, the Red Cross secretary for Gombe state.

For allegedly assaulting her sister and stealing her N10,000, a 29-year-old woman, Kelechi Okafor, on Monday appeared before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.Kelechi, who resides at Ifelodun Street, Amukoko in Apapa, is being tried for a three-count offence of stealing, unlawful assault and breach of peace.The Prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, told the court that the accused committed the offences at her Amukoko apartment on Nov. 13 which she shared with her sister.“The complainant said that she kept the sum of N 10,000 in her drawer, but to her surprise the money was no longer there when she checked.“Oluchi decided to ask her sister about the money since she knew when she kept the money in the drawer.“The complainant said that to her surprise, the accused started beating her and also tore her dress,’’ he said.The offences, he added, contravened Sections 166,171 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.Section 171and 285 prescribe three years jail term for assault occasioning h...

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kogi chapter, has advised the state government against planned retrenchment of over 6,000 workers from the state civil service.The advice is contained in a communique signed by the state Chairman of the NLC, Mr James Odaudu, and Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr J.O. Kolawole, at the end of a meeting of the organised labour in Lokoja on Sunday.The communique said that the State Executive Council (SEC) of the labour in the state had resolved that rather than embarking on mass retrenchment, government should allow the Implementation Committee of 2014 Ogunmola Screening report to do its job.The congress said the implementation committee’s job had been taken over by the state Ministry of Finance; Budget and Planning Ministry and the Accountant General’s Office.The communique said that any attempt by government to retrench the over 6,000 worker and removal of their names from pay vouchers as from December would be opposed.“SEC in session, hav...

Nigeria international Ikechukwu Uche has expressed happiness after his team ended the year with a resounding victory over Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.The Nigeria international was on for 46 minutes before he was replaced by Giovani Dos Santos in Villarreal’s 3-0 thrashing of Deportivo La Coruna.Villarreal are now fifth on the league table with 30 points from 16 games.“This is the best way to finish 2014! Thank you teammates, staff and fans!…,” Ike Uche tweeted.The 30-year-old Nigeria striker, who has scored four goals in 14 games this season, only recently extended his contract at Villarreal till 2017.The Spanish La Liga will resume on January 3, whenVillarreal will play away at Elche.

More prominent Nigerian coaches are beginning to voice out their frustrations over the sit-tight attitudebeing employed by the out-of-contract Super Eagleshead coach, Stephen Keshi who is bent on continuing as coach of the national team.A former coach of the national team, Chief AdegboyeOnigbinde, highly respected for his candid opinion on football matters, has revealed how he advised Keshi against assenting to President Jonathan’s request to come back and manage the Super Eagles.Keshi’s contract with the Nigeria Football Federation elapsed after the 2014 World Cup. The coach was recalled by the Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Tammy Danagogo to oversee the first phase of Nigeria’s 2015 Afcon qualifiers against Congo, Sudan and South Africa.Keshi recorded a home loss against Congo, an awaydraw against South Africa and a loss to Sudan. It was Sudan’s first victory over Nigeria in over three decades.KeshiAlthough he won the return fixture 3-1 in Abuja, t...

Akure— HOODLUMS, weekend, invaded a church in Akure, Ondo State, during service and reportedly flogged the presiding Pastor and members of the church.Meanwhile, the police in the state have arrested some of the hoodlums but they were later rescued by a mob, during which a policeman was stabbed with broken bottle on the neck.Also, property of the church were destroyed by the hoodlums, who arrived the church on a motorcycle.Property said to have been destroyed include plasticchairs, wall clock, window glasses and electrical appliances.They reportedly inflicted injuries on the Pastor and members who were at the service.Vanguardgathered that the hoodlums arrived the CAC, Pillar of Fire located around LA Primary School,Akure and dealt with the Pastor known as Pastor Arije.Police sources said they were still investigating the incident, butVanguardlearned that a rival Pastor of one of the churches within the area might have sponsored the attack.The hoodlums reportedly carted away the offering...

LAGOS— The Police in Lagos have arrested a member of New Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ajah area of the state over the alleged death of two men during a spiritual bath, weekend.The deceased identified as Abiodun and Ayinde Oniru, of same parents and one of their step-brothers were alleged to have been taken to the church by their father and step-mother last Thursday for spiritual cleansing.However, after three days, it was reportedly suggested that they should complete the cleansing with a spiritual bath. But their step-brother reportedly refused and left the stream located in Ogombo area of Ajah, leaving Abiodun and Ayinde ofages 23 and 20 respectively behind with their step-mother and Pastor of the church identified as Pastor Samuel Olusoji.Things reportedly took a tragic dimension, following report that Abiodun and Ayinde drowned during the spiritual bath. The case was said to have been reported at Ogombo police division, consequent upon which a team of policemen stormed the churc...

Unity Bank Plc, Seplat Petroleum and Sterling Bank Plc are among the stocks that have been penciled down by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, to join its NSE 30 Index as it finalizes end of year review of the Index. The composition of the review, which is expected to take effect on January 1, 2015, will also see 7-Up Bottling Co. Plc and Mobil Oil Plc included on the Index, while Total Nig. Plc, Glaxosmithkline, Fidelity Bank, Ashaka Cement and FCMB will be removed. On the NSE 50 Index, Seplat Petroleum, Beta Glass Co. Plc, Caverton Offshore Support Group and Ikeja Hotels will be included, while Wapic Insurance, Continental Reinsurance, MRS Oil Nig. Plc and Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, CCNN, will be removed. Also to be reviewed are the five sectoral indices, which include NSE Consumer Goods Index, NSE Banking Index, NSE Insurance Index, NSE Oil & Gas Index and NSE Industrial Index. The indices are developed using the market capitalization methodology and are rebalanced on a ...

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has said that mentoring programs can help curb the high level of unemployment in Nigeria. Speaking at the graduation of mentees on LCCI mentoring program, the President of LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello, who spoke through the Director General, LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf, said one of the major problem Nigeria has, has a lot to do with unemployment and security, as most of the people who are unemployed, have the tendencies of getting involved in illegal activities. “We should begin to think of what we can do for ourselves, it is good to start something, no matter how small and the LCCI is committed to the mentoring program initiative, we know that marketing is not cheap, but when you get yourself involved in something productive and lucrative, automatically, the unemployment level in Nigeria will drop and the chamber always creates opportunities for our grandunds to showcase their products” he stated. According to him, the whole idea is to develop the...

FormerSuper Falcons coach, Kadiri Ikhana has disclosed that the success of the Super Falcons at the 2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup Canada is hinged on the support they get from the Nigeria Football Federation. Ikhana, who led the Super Falcons to a fourth place finish at the 2012 African Women’s Championship in Equatorial Guinea, also tipped Nigeria and USA to advance from the group that has Australia and Sweden. He backed the girls to do well just as he thinks exposure to top quality friendly games will help the team to, at least, get to the quarter-final stage when the competition begins. “I have no doubt at all about the chances of the group stage. The draw is tough, but I expect the Super Falcons and the USA to qualify from the group,” Ikhana said. “I am optimistic that if the Falcons get adequate preparations, they will go as far as the semi finals,” he said. “The NFF should arrange some top quality friendly matches with countries like China, France, Norway and Japan or even England,...

Ex-internationalEvans Uzokwe has tasked the Nigeria Football Federation to strengthen the mechanism for development of players at the grassroots level in order to make the national team have more players from home. He specifically wants academicals football to be made a top priority. He said academicals football must not be reduced to something that gets mere mention once in a year as the case is right now. He recalled that football used to be vibrant in schools across the country because there was a strong competition for academicals. Speaking to our correspondent, Uzokwe, who played for Vasco da Gama of Enugu, Imo State, Spartans FC Owerri and Niger Tornadoes of Minna lamented that defending champion, Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea is proof that football in the country has drifted away from the sound foundation and concept of how the game had developed over the years. “We believe so much in miracles. Now that is clear that miracles no...