New music! Excellent - The Street

Excellent, an underground artist who has dropped a couple of mixtapes previously already making waves after being featured in a couple of songs dishes out what will indeed be a smashing hit single titled 'The street' 
This one sends message to every hustler in the street! 
His versatility on this one as he adds some nice Melody and immediately does a quick rap will blow your mind. 
Produced by S. Kool Beatz, mixed and mastered by Songi 
Download and rate. 
#1songaway 
#thestreet 
#thestreetbyexcellent 
Download

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NEW MUSIC: EXCELLENT || GOVERNMENT

The long awaited SONG from Excellent (rap's boyfriend) officially drops, as he murders it again. 
The track titled Government is a nice piece of message to our government, get your headsets ready and jam this one. 
The uptown boy rapper who is linked to Faxyman Media Entertainment is expected to pen down a deal with the record label on Monday. 
Download and share your thoughts. 
Click here to download 
Or click the download link https://my.notjustok.com/track/download/id/110668

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EXCELLENT REVEALS TRACK ART COVER, SAYS SONG DROPS IN A JIFFY

Following the rumor going round that he's ready to leave USMG, the uptown boy rapper clears the doubts in our mind yet again with a classic art cover for his new song titled 'Government'. 
Why did he choose the title? Wait and see.

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USMG OFFICIALLY SIGNS DJ FRESH SIX

Uptown Sound Music Group USMG officially signed 'Baddest DJ of the East' DJ Fresh Six .
Although it has been a secret, but the team decided to make it public today.
Kuddos to the team.

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Nigerians mourn UNILAG's electrocuted student, Oluchi

Nigerians are mourning the death of a student of the
University of Lagos, Oluchi Anekwe, who was electrocuted
on her way to her room in Sodeinde Residence, New Hall on
the campus on Tuesday’s night .

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Nigeria made a mistake by banning marijuana – Seun Kuti

Son of late Afro legend, Seun Kuti, has said that the
Nigerian government was ill advised to put an embargo
on the use of marijuana.
According to him, “There are doctors and scientists who
believe that marijuana should be legalized. There are
also lawyers, judges, and politicians who believe that
the war on drugs is a false war. That is actually a war
on the poor people all over the world, because bothv
poor people and rich people use drugs to be sane. But
you will find that here, people are in jail more for drug
use.”
“I believe that the decision is a carryover of colonial
law,” Seun noted.
He further pointed out that, “We as Africans had no
reason to ban marijuana. It was done out of the United
State lobby, forcing our governments to ban the drug.
One of the biggest markets in the world for marijuana in
the world is Israel (which is a more religious country
than Nigeria),” he quipped.
“But they understand the benefits,” he continued,
“especially the economic benefits. So much wealth can
be generated from it, but that is another issue entirely.
“I don’t think that the Nigerian government has ever
carried out any independent research on marijuana, so
why did they ban its use?” Seun quizzically noted.

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ISIS supporters in Nigeria get visas from Turkish embassy –Syrian envoy

The Head of Mission, Syria embassy in Nigeria, Dr. Shafik
Daiyob has said that the Nigerian supporters of the Islamic
State of Syria and Iraq terrorist group obtained visas to join
the group in Syria from the Turkish embassy in Nigeria.
Daiyob explained that many ISIS sympathisers who were
given visas by the Turkish embassy entered Syria illegally
through Turkey.
The envoy who spoke through an interpreter said this in an
interview with our correspondent in Abuja on Friday.
The son of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria had obtained
Turkish visa and crossed the Turkish border to join ISIS in
Syria along with his family in February, 2015. Nothing has
been heard about the ISIS sympathiser till date.
But the Turkish embassy said it won’t respond to the
accusation until it is published.
The Secretary/ Personal Assistant to the Turkish
ambassador, Wunmi Ayantade, told our correspondent on
the telephone that the ambassador said he would react only
when he sees the published report of the accusations
against his mission.
She said, “I have conveyed your request for reaction to the
ambassador, but he said he would not react until he sees the
published report (of the Syrian accusations) in the papers.”
Daiyob stated that a large part of the 920 km border between
Syria and Turkey is controlled by ISIS, terrorists, noting that
terrorists’ infiltration into Syria was facilitated by the Turkish
government.
He said, “I am not accusing Turkey, but the Turkish officials
have announced that and their utterances are quite clear on
this and most countries in the world know this fact. Even
United States has mounted pressure on Turkey to stop
facilitation of terrorist organisations into Syria, it is not a
secret, it’s well known all over the world.”
“Most of these ISIS sympathisers were from Nigeria, they
were given the Turkish visas here in Nigeria, they are given
visas to Turkey not Syria. Those who applied to our embassy
are not ISIS sympathisers and they don’t share that ideology.
Even those Nigerian supporters of ISIS that were published
in the papers reached Syria through Turkey.”
When asked to explain how he knew that visa applicants to
Syria were not terror suspects and that Turkey was
facilitating movement of suspected terrorists to Syria, Daiyob
said his mission was experienced in the matter.
“For Nigerians, they are required to state why they are going
to Syria, their sponsor, introduction letter from the
government or private company the applicant is working
with, information about where the person would stay in Syria
and so on. The information would be sent to Damascus for
approval before the visa is issued. This process doesn’t take
more than two weeks,” the head of mission narrated.
According to him, majority of the terrorists in Syria entered
the country through Turkey and Jordan by air, sea or land,
stressing that Turkey is a crossing point for the insurgents.
He said, “Turkish/Syrian border is about 920 km and a large
part of the border is under the control of terrorists supported
by the Turkish government with support and facilitation from
the Turkish government. That was how Turkey became a
crossing point for majority of terrorists who come from all
over the world.”
Asked if the embassy’s visa process is foolproof, the envoy
hinted that it could be breached, “but till now, we have not
received such case or breach.”
He expressed the support of his country to Nigeria, stressing
that the two countries needed to collaborate to fight the
security challenges facing them.
According to him, Syria has wide experience in fighting
insurgency, which he said Nigeria could benefit from.
The Pakistani Ambassador to Nigeria, Lt. Gen. Agha Farooq
(retd.) noted that Nigeria was a victim of Boko Haram and
not the source of the insurgency, noting that Pakistan was
also a victim and not the source of terrorism.
The envoy stated that his mission had issued more than
4,000 visas this year, noting that they were mainly for
businessmen and those going for medical treatment, adding
that the applicants were mostly Christians.

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I don’t know when I’ll get married – Banky W

Banky W, Nigerian R and B music act, has declared he
is not in a relationship.
Speaking at the MultiChoice Content Showcase held
recently in Mauritius, the 34-year-old star said he’s not
in a hurry to get married.
He said, “I don’t know when I’ll get married, I guess it’s
when God gives me the right lady because getting
married is the most important decision a man can
make.
“I’m simply looking for a special woman that will
complement me,” he noted.

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My success is not based on awards – Don Jazzy

Michael Collins Ajereh, CEO, Mavin Records, popularly
known as Don Jazzy, has said he doesn’t think he’ll ever
win a Grammy award.
In a recent chat with Nigerian Entertainment Today
(NET) at the MultiChoice Content Showcase, he said his
success is not based on winning awards.
“I don’t think am moving at my speed, I’m moving at
God’s speed, so most times, the decisions that I make,
when I look back, I just smile and say that’s how God
wants it.
“I’m doing just perfect, I’m doing great. I don’t think I’ll
ever win a Grammy; I’m not abusing myself but it’s just
been realistic. I don’t think Grammy is set up that way”,
the Marvin CEO added.
“It’s not set up in a way where you’ll just wake up from
Nigeria and pick up a Grammy. If it happens, fine but
I’m not measuring my success on winning a Grammy
or any award for that matter.
“I don’t have big eyes,” Don quipped.

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Boko Haram: Tension in Lagos, Enugu markets over DSS arrests

The recent announcement by the Department of State
Security that the dreaded Boko Haram sect has moved into
Lagos and Enugu has led to widespread tension and fear in
the states.
Ever since the security agency made the revelation in a press
statement on Sunday, residents have not stopped
discussing the ominous implications of the development in
the states.
The DSS on Sunday had announced the arrest of 20
suspected Boko Haram commanders in Lagos, Kano, Enugu,
Plateau and Gombe states between July 8 and August 25,
2015. Some of the suspects were said to have
masterminded suicide attacks in Potiskum, Kano, Zaria, and
Jos.
The Baba Oloja (market leader) at Owotuntun, Okrika,
Kaatangwa market, Lagos, Badmus Aboderin, said there has
been palpable tension among traders since the DSS
announced the arrests.
Aboderin said market leaders had been holding prayer
sessions and holding meetings with security agencies to
secure the market from Boko Haram attack.
He said, “We have told our traders to be more observant and
we have also been meeting with security operatives to
checkmate any planned attack on the market. We pray to God
every Thursday to avert any danger from the market.”
Also, traders at Oba Ogunji market, Agege, Lagos, expressed
fear over the development.
The market’s General Secretary, Alhaji Lukman Lamidi, said
the market had employed measures to safeguard their
shops.
He said, “We’re afraid because we don’t want anybody to
destroy our market or Lagos for us, which is why we drive
everyone away from the market by 6.30pm daily.
“We don’t want anyone to hide in our shops at night and we
have also been holding meetings with the police in the area.
We disseminate any information we get from the police to
the traders to ensure security.”
A trader at Yisa market, Lagos, Adedeji Ajayi, said he and
some other traders had put their lives in God’s hands, urging
the government to efficiently monitor the influx of migrants
into the state.
“God will expose anyone who plans evil here but at the same
time, there are too many people in Lagos who have no
business here,” he said.
Fears of possible Boko Haram attacks has also been more
pronounced among traders in major markets like Ogbete
main market, Artisan market, Kenyata market, Mami market,
New Haven market, Mayor market and Relief market in
Enugu.
Our correspondent observed that transporters and travellers
in the major motor parks in the city are afraid of the Boko
Haram sect.
Some traders who spoke to our correspondent expressed
concern at the presence of the Boko Haram sect in Enugu.
Mr. Obinna Ozo, who deals in curtains and fabrics in Kenyata
market, said most traders in the market had been
apprehensive since the DSS made the revelation.
Ozo urged the state and federal governments to beef up
security in the market.
He noted that reports from the North East had shown that
Boko Haram usually target markets because of the large
number of casualties that could be recorded in such attacks.
He said, “Traders here are apprehensive, we are worried.
“Normally I look forward to coming to my shop here six days
in a week, we don’t open on Sundays, but now I am not so
comfortable in the market.
“Who knows when Boko Haram will strike? There are many
people here, who can tell who is a terrorist or someone who
came to buy, or even sell?
“It is so fearful, everyday we hear in the news that one
market or the other was bombed in Maiduguri and other
areas in the north, and now we have been told that Boko
Haram is in Enugu. I wonder how safe we are.”
Another trader, Amadi Nwobodo, who has a provisions shop
in Ogbete main market, told our correspondent that he was
considering moving his business out of the market.
Nwobodo said he would be more secured if his shop was
located in a residential area.
He said, “I am thinking of relocating my shop to a less
crowded place, preferably a residential area.
“Experience has shown that crowded places like this market
are easy targets for Boko Haram.
“I don’t feel safe in the market anymore but I pray that God
will continue to protect us.
“I am not the only one that is worried; other traders here will
tell you the same thing, even customers too.”

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13 inmates escape from Sokoto Remand Home

Head of the Sokoto Remand Home, Alhaji Dahiru Lawal,
on Thursday said 13 inmates had escaped from the
centre in the last two years due to the poor state of its
facilities.
Lawal disclosed this in Sokoto when he received a
donation from an NGO, Housewives Initiative
Development Association,
He appealed to the Sokoto State Government to
undertake massive rehabilitation of the centre which
was in very deplorable condition.
Lawal said that the Home, which served as reformatory
for convicted juveniles, required urgent government
support, to enable it discharge its responsibility more
effectively.
The official said that the inmates were able to escape
due to the poor state of facilities at the centre.
“The inmates dug a hole under one of the windows of
their cell and fled. It had been repaired and seven of
them were re-arrested.
“Four of the escapees surrendered themselves to the
court while two are still at large.”
Lawal disclosed that the Home currently has sixteen
inmates who were either jailed or placed on remand for
offences ranging from armed robbery, theft, rape,
sodomy, among others.
The official, therefore, urged the state government to
rehabilitate the facility “which is now in a serious state
of dilapidation.”
He also solicited for the provision of a borehole, clinic,
vehicle and other facilities to the centre.
Lawal commended the association for the donation,
saying that it would support efforts at rehabilitating the
inmates.
Earlier, Chairperson of the association, Mrs Hassana
Dangaskiya said that the intervention by the group was
to alleviate the suffering of the inmates.
She appealed to wealthy individuals and organizations
to complement the efforts of the state government in
funding the operations of the home.
One of the inmates, Muhammad Sani commended the
association for the gesture, saying,” we are happy that
some people have remembered those of us living in this
pitiable condition.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the
association donated assorted foodstuffs, detergents
and toiletries to the remand home. (NAN)

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Scores feared dead as fire guts plaza in popular Balogun Market in Lagos

Several people were feared dead and others injured
when a six storey plaza in the heart of the popular
Balogun market in Lagos was gutted by fire on
Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that the
plaza is surrounded by several important businesses
which included the Union Bank, Diamond Bank and the
United Bank for Africa (UBA).
NAN also observed that the plaza which was being used
as a wholesale and retail outlet for shoes and bags is
directly beside and attached to Union Bank building.
NAN investigations revealed that the fire started at
about 9:00 am and was battled by a team of combined
fire fighters from the Union Bank and UBA before the
arrival of the Lagos State Fire Service.
Some eye witnesses, who spoke to NAN, said that
some people who jumped out from various floors of the
burning plaza to escape the fire were carried away dead.
Mallam Hamza Abdullahi, a trader in the market told
NAN that he saw three dead bodies and five people who
were wounded.
“People were shouting and jumping down from up
stairs, I saw a woman dead with her skull open,“ he
said.
Mrs Florence Adewunmi, a staff of the Lagos State
Ambulance Mobile Intensive Care Service (LASAMBUS)
stationed at the scene told NAN that some victims had
been stabilized and transferred to hospital.
“There are several casualties. We got a distress call at
about 10am that there was fire outbreak at Balogun
behind UBA.
“We proceeded here and learnt that they have rushed
some people to General Hospital, Lagos but we met
some casualties on ground.
“The patients jumped from the second, third and fourth
floor and had fractures and various degrees of injuries.
“There were those that inhaled too much smoke so we
gave some oxygen, some Dyclofenac injection, we
treated ankle dislocations, we sutured deep cuts before
carrying them to General Hospital, Lagos.
“So far, we have carried six people to hospital and
discharged four after treatment,“ Adewunmi said.
One of shop owners who deals on female shoes, Mr
Nonso Christian, told NAN that he came to the plaza at
10am and met it on fire.
“I met the plaza on fire and I tried to go in to bring out
my goods but I couldn’t because the fire is too much.
“My shop is on the second floor and I just re-stocked on
Monday, I don’t know what to do because the second
floor is still on fire,“ he said.
Several other shop owners, who were wailing while
watching the fire declined comment, one of them
simply said “we are sad, this hard economy, where do I
start from?’’
A security man attached to Union Bank, Mr Umoru
Monday told NAN that the fire started a few minutes
before the hour of 9:00 am.
“The Union Bank Fire Service came around and started
pushing the fire back so that it would not enter the
bank, and later the fire fighters from UBA came to
assist them before the Lagos State Fire Service came,“
Monday told NAN.
An official of the Lagos State Fire Service carrying a
cylinder on his back into the burning plaza declined
comment.
He told NAN that senior officers of the service who
could speak to press were attacking the fire on various
floors.
“I cannot tell you anything, our fire boss is up in that
burning building now and our main aim is to put the fire
out. We are attacking it on various floors,“ he said.
NAN reports that a lone Police man battled to keep
spectators away while security men of Diamond Bank
situated beside Union Bank turned their customers
away.

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Police arrest 71-year-old pastor, wife for buying baby for N500,000

A 71- year old retired pastor of a pentecostal church in
Abriba, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Rev.
Chima Egbochiogum, and his wife, Ugo, have been arrested
for an alleged illegal adoption of a baby.
Commissioner of Police, Joshak Habila, who paraded the
couple in Umuahia, alongside other suspects in connection
with the incident, alleged they bought a stolen baby.
The police boss said the pastor and his wife were nabbed
following a confession by a notorious child trafficker who
was arrested last month for human trafficking.
According to him, the child trafficker, identified simply as
Ekwutosi, stole an 11-month-old baby girl belonging to a 21-
year -old pregnant mother, who he had pretended to assist.
He said Ekwutosi had approached the young woman, who
had a baby out of wedlock, with promise that he would
secure a job opportunity for her.
The excited woman was said to have left her baby in the
custody of Ekwotosi when she went to buy food for her.
“But by the time the mother returned, Ekwutosi had
disappeared with the baby,” the police commissioner said.
According to Habila, the suspect was later intercepted by the
police at Owerrinta when he was allegedly trafficking
pregnant girls to Port Harcourt.
He said the suspect confessed to his criminal activities
including the stealing of the 11- month old baby during
interrogations.
His confession led to the arrest of the pastor who allegedly
adopted the stolen baby.
Habila said the suspect sold the baby at the cost of N500,
000 to the wife of the pastor.
But later in an interview with journalists, the pastor said he
was not aware that the baby adopted by his wife was a
stolen child.
The retired cleric had married his second wife following the
death of his first wife, who had born children to him.
He said he was innocent of the crime as he thought the
adoption followed due process.
Meanwhile, his second wife, who had yet to have a baby of
her own, decided to adopt a baby.
According to the woman, she was contacted by one Maria
Mba, who told her that one of her relations, a teenager,
wanted to give out a baby she had out of wedlock.
She said that the baby was paid for at the premises of the
Federal Medical Centre Umuahia where it was allegedly
delivered to her. She also claimed that she did not know that
the baby was stolen.
Meanwhile, there was a mild drama when the notorious
trafficker, Ekwutosi said he did not receive up to N500,000 in
the transaction claiming that the intermediary, Mba short-
changed him.
But Mba said she only kept back N100,000 as her
commission , insisting that she gave N400,000 to Ekwutosi.

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I’m proud of my curves — Destiny De Souza

Destiny De Souza

Background

My name is Destiny De Souza. I am a media personality and actress. My dad is a Nigerian but my mum is mixed race-her dad is Brazilian and her mum is black French. French is my first language and I speak a bit of Portuguese. I grew up in London and visited Nigeria for the first time when I was 18 years old. I moved back to Nigeria about three years ago .

Childhood

I was an energetic child and I had fun growing up. My mum enrolled me in a theatre school and I took part in after-school activities such as sports, ballet, dance, piano and singing lessons. I played basketball in my early teens for a local club and represented my school in athletics and netball competitions.

Education

I have a Master’s degree in International Political Communications Campaign and Advocacy from the Kingston University and a bachelor’s degree in Psycho-Social Studies from the East London University. School was fun for me but I found it difficult to be seated in class because I was always singing or dancing. I began to pay more attention to my education after I realised there was more to life than singing and dancing.

Acting

I had a thriving career as a child star in the United Kingdom. Being a young black female, it became difficult to get acting engagements after I turned 17. As a result of this, I mingled with African Caribbean movie practitioners and bagged my first feature film role with Will Johnson, a renowned British actor and the rest is history.

Bafta Nomination

My British Academy of Film and Television Arts nomination was a surreal experience because I earned it as a teenager. Although a teen documentary on human rights issues fetched me the nomination, I didn’t really understand its importance until I got older. I got to interview Malian music legend, Salif Keita. During the award ceremony, I engaged in a lot of networking and it earned me a job with Teen Nick.

Radio

I joined Cool TV two years ago as a producer/presenter and head of French content development. Not long after I joined them , I was offered a spot on Cool FM It was my first time on radio but I was able to cope because it is similar to what I did on television. I interact with listeners and discuss issues that bother around relationships, rape, and sex-related topics. Because it airs in the early hours of the day, I am able to reach my target audience

Projects

I am currently focused on taking my radio show to the next level and engaging as many people over the airwaves as I can. I hope to kick off an anti-rape project in the near future and pay more attention to my acting career.

Style

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I am a risk-taker and I like to wear decent clothes. I have a curvy body and I am proud of it. I like to be crazy, sexy and cool but comfort comes first. I am not a follower of trends. I am blessed with good skin so I do not wear make-up all the time. I only apply make-up when I am filming. I love lip-gloss, eye pencils and mascara. I can’t stand dry lips or an unkempt eyebrow.

Relationship

I look forward to building a home with a man that understands my career. When I get married, my family will come first but my husband must be my biggest fan. Since it isn’t easy to find such a man, I’m not looking for a man now . I am having fun focusing on my career.

 NEWS GENESIS (C) 2015 All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from News Genesis.

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Okotie behind my crashed marriage – Emeka Ike

Chris Okotie, Emeka Ike

Pastor of the Household of God Church, Lagos, Chris Okotie, has described an allegation levelled against him by Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike, that he is responsible for the crisis rocking his marriage, as rubbish.

Ike had, in a statement on Thursday, accused Okotie of stalling efforts he is making to save his marriage with Suzanne.

Trouble started in Ike’s home recently, when the wife accused him of assaulting her.

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While the actor has repeatedly denied this, the woman is said to have filed for a divorce in a Lagos court.

Ike alleged that instead of Okotie, who he claimed to have admitted Suzanne to his church, to intervene in the matter, he was encouraging her to pursue the case.

He also claimed that the pastor gave the woman N500,000 to hire a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

He added, “Yes, Pastor Chris Okotie just absolved (sic) my wife into his church without making any effort to get in touch with me. If, as a pastor, your church member is having issues with her husband, and you fail to do anything to resolve it, what kind of pastor are you? When I called him, he refused to pick my call. He also failed to react to a text message I sent to him. Is that a man of God?

“Even, if you have a police case, they will make an effort to hear from you before taking a position, not to talk of the church. I want the whole world to know because there is a lot of misinformation out there. The lawyer which Okotie hired for my wife is also frustrating every attempt I make to resolve the matter peacefully.”

But speaking through his media consultant in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Thursday, Mr. Ladi Ayodeji, media consultant to Okotie, said Ike’s allegations were so baseless that he was not prepared to dignify them with a comment.

Emeka Ike and wife

He said, “There is nothing to what he is saying. It is total rubbish. What is he saying? Why will the pastor be interested in his domestic issue? Will he say he wants to marry the woman?

“What kind of man will be saying that kind of things on the Internet? Why is it that each time any of them has any issue, they always want to bring Okotie into it? Responding to the outburst will only make the guy feel important. The pastor can’t dignify him with any.”

NEWS GENESIS (C) 2015 All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from News Genesis.

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Nursing student emerges Miss Virgin

 

Mosunmola Oladipo

At a time many people are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the rate of sexual immorality among the youth, a 19-year old student of the School of Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Mosunmola Oladipo, has won the Miss Virginity 2015 beauty pageant.

Oladipo beat 51 other self-confessed virgins at the event held on Saturday in Surulere, Lagos.

According to her, there was a lot of pressure from many people outside, but she was able to preserve her flower based on her conviction.

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Oladipo said, “It’s all about self-determination. It is about knowing what you want to achieve. It is a thing of honour to be a virgin.”

Although the originator of the competition, Princess Adunni Adediran, noted that the contestants were not medically or physically tested, she said it was organised to honour and appreciate virgins.

According to her, the judges considered the candidates’ appearances and I.Q.

Adediran said, “I was thinking of our female children who men repeatedly use to satisfy their carnal desires before they are finally dumped. These girls will have undergone several abortions till their wombs are damaged. And when they marry they cannot have children. Some girls even run mad.”

She added that some of the 52 contestants were mobilised by a Muslim cleric, Alfa Sharafadeen Bulala.

“When he saw our handbills, he was excited at the prospects and invited virgins in his mosque and the surrounding neighbourhood.

“When we started, we had a veteran gynaecologist helping us – Dr. Naimdeem Adeikemade. But some parents were grumbling that we were violating the privacy of their children by inspecting their privates. The ministry of health also wrote me a letter in 2009 on the same issue.

“This time around, God forbid that anyone who is not a virgin would come here to contest. I’m not testing them but they don’t know,” she said.

Bulala and a church leader, Dr. Adedayo Oyebamjo, as well as Associate Prof. of Guidance and Counselling, Dr. Oluyemisi Pitan, addressed the girls on health, social and other related issues.

NEWS GENESIS (C) 2015 All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from News Genesis.

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We didn’t approve Davido’s video –Censors board

Davido

Following the decision of the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency to investigate if the controversial video of Davido’s recent duet with American rapper, Meek Mill, titled Fans mi, was censored, the Acting Head, Corporate Affairs of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, Mike Ekunno, has said that it did not approve the video before it was released.

Ekunno noted this during a short telephone interview with our correspondent on Tuesday.

But the spokesman declined comment when asked if it was the responsibility of the NFVCB to approve music videos shot by Nigerian artistes. Instead, he suggested that the question should be directed to the Board’s Director-General.

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In a report recently published in Sunday PUNCH, the Director of Public Affairs of the NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, was quoted as saying that the agency had set up a panel to investigate the making of the video, which he alleged had clearly promoted drug trafficking.

Describing Davido’s role and what fired the NDLEA’s interest in the video, Ofoyeju had said, “When our attention was drawn to the video, we viewed it and we discovered that it was improper. There is no moral lesson in it and he was just advertising drug trafficking.

“In the video, he exchanged a briefcase that supposedly contained narcotics for American dollars. He was displaying affluence in the video. If the plot had climaxed in an arrest and possible detention, we would have congratulated him on partnering with us. But the way he portrayed drug trafficking in the video was a means to an end, which the end is a life of affluence which we disagree with.”

But Davido’s manager, Kamal Ajiboye, in another interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, defended the singer and the content of the video.

“People have been talking about the matter on social media. Maybe they need to take time to watch the video again and see for themselves what it is all about. I don’t know why anybody would want to make up a story about Davido getting involved with hard drugs,” he said.

Also, responding to the decision of the NDLEA to investigate the video and, possibly, invite the popular singer for questioning, Ajiboye said his client had not received any invitation for questioning from the NDLEA.

But he noted that what the NDLEA had mistaken for drugs was actually yam flour. “The yam flour was well projected in the video. It was finally prepared as a meal of pounded yam to be eaten with vegetable soup in one of the scenes in the same video,” he said.

Ajiboye argued that, contrary to what many may think, the Fans mi video was aimed at promoting the production and sale of yam flour in Nigeria.

Noting that the agency’s reaction to the video and that of members of the public ran contrary to the message of the video, he continued, “The story is basically to dissuade people from trafficking in hard drugs. The purpose of the video is to let the audience know that since some people are making money from hard drugs, they can also make a lot of money by selling yam flour.”

Davido’s manager accused those who have lampooned the video of deliberately interpreting its message in a negative way. By kicking against it, he said, the NDLEA and other critics had shown that they did not wait to watch the video till the end before concluding that it was promoting hard drugs.

NEWS GENESIS (C) 2015 All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from News Genesis.

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Marriage isn’t my focus — Mbong Amata

Actor and producer, Mbong Amata , talks about her career, marriage and decision to become a producer

What new projects are you working on?

That has to be an action thriller with a United Kingdom- based production company. The film will be shot in Europe.

How have you fared as an actress since making your debut?

It’s been a glorious and beautiful ride, it’s been beautiful. A lot of ups and downs but what is life without that?

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Growing up did you think you were going to become an actress?

I did not. Instead, I dreamt of becoming an ambassador, resolving conflicts and going on a world expedition.

When did you make your acting debut?

I made my acting debut in 2002. It was an epic film, Mutanda, which showcased the cultural heritage of Cross River State.

What was your first time on set like?

It was very interesting because I had always imagined myself in front of the camera. When the opportunity came, I seized the chance and I have not looked back since then.

Did you have a formal training in acting and what is your educational background?

Prior to my acting debut, I didn’t have a formal acting in training. I learned on the job and it came naturally to me. But as an actor, you have to keep fine tuning and reinventing yourself. I have started taking crash courses. I have a degree in History and International Relations from the University of Calabar where I majored in Foreign Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution

You have been in the industry for almost 13 years, why haven’t you featured in a lot of movies?

For starters, I had to take a break to raise a family, which was very important to me and still is.

What kind of roles do you prefer?

When it comes to selecting roles, I pay attention to versatility. Roles that take me out of my comfort zone are usually what I look out for. I am that actress who loves to be submerged in someone else’s life, so it’s safe to say I’m a method actor.

Which has been your favourite character?

That will be Ebiere in Black November. It was such an exhilarating time for me because I was blessed to walk a mile in the shoes of two great Nigerians who I believe are fearless and outspoken -Ken Saro-Wiwa and Ankkio Briggs. Ebiere’s character I believe was a great combination of these two brave souls so you can only imagine how much depth, intensity and bravery Ebiere possessed.

Why did you decide to become a producer and how many films have you produced?

I wanted to step out of the acting circle for a while in order to try out the business/ administrative part of film- making. It’s been a fantastic experience. So far, I have produced two films.

Your movie, Black November, produced in 2012 was only premiered in 2015. Why did it take that long?

It took so long because we were trying to create a masterpiece which we did. When you are working with a budget of over $50m, it’s not something you rush in and rush out of. When you are filming internationally, you have to follow due process.

How do you think the film Black November thematically relates to the real world?

Black November is a simple story based on real life events that occur in the Niger Delta. As simple as the story seemed, capturing it on film was a great challenge and shooting it cost a lot of money. The film portrayed the hardship, air pollution, water pollution and health hazards that the people are exposed to. We wanted to tell a story of the Niger Delta from a very pragmatic point of view.

What themes would you like to explore in future movies?

Throughout the course of my career, I’ve played a lot of roles where I am totally transformed to a complete shadow of myself. Right now, I am switching things up a lot by taking up roles that are more chic and urban with some glamour.

Why did you establish the Tickle-Us Foundation?

I wanted to create a platform through which I can give back to the land where it all began.

Before now you used to feature in only movies produced by your ex-husband, Jeta Amata. In what ways did it aid or slow down your exposure in the film industry?

Contrary to popular belief, I didn’t always feature in only Jeta’s films. I attend open call auditions just like every other actor out there and I have been blessed with the opportunity of working with other directors/producers in the industry. I have worked with the likes of Desmond Elliot, Ikechukwu Onyeka, Lancelot Imasuen, Emem Isong and Moses Inwang to mention but a few.

Do you see the both of you working together on a project in the future?

Maybe, maybe not. We have a great friendship and anything can happen.

How did being married to a filmmaker shape your career?

It did shape my career towards a positive direction because he protected me from a lot of things and also gave me insight into projects to align with.

Is there room for reconciliation?

Like I said, we are cool parents and love our beautiful seven-year-old daughter. We see every other day and it is not a rare sight to see us together.

How have you adjusted to being single again and advances from the opposite sex?

Life goes on after death or marriage. The advances come but that’s not my focus.

Are you still interested in getting married and this time what qualities would you be looking out for in a man?

Marriage isn’t my focus right now. I would rather put all my energy into building my career.

What kind of upbringing did you have?

My childhood was a normal one and I had a basic upbringing. I was brought up to have high morals and strong family values.

What other things keep you busy apart from acting?

My daughter and I am pursuing another degree in the US. I also run a side business.

What is your definition of style and how do you like to dress?

My definition of style can be described in one word- comfort. I like to be very comfortable in whatever I choose to wear. I make sure I wear the clothes and the clothes don’t wear me. I make clothes look good. I love eccentricity, colours and my outfit has to tell a story.

As an ex-beauty queen, how relevant is good looks to the success of an actor as opposed to talent?

Humans are naturally attracted to good looks but being talented and good looking at the same time is definitely a recipe for groundbreaking success.

NEWS GENESIS (C) 2015 All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from News Genesis.

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As a married woman, I still get advances from men –Faith Morey

Faith Morey

Background

My name is Faith Morey and I am an international model. I am from Ikwerre in Rivers State. I grew up in a religious family. My grandmother taught us family and religious values. I have three siblings, my biological father is deceased and my mum is a retired nurse. I am presently rounding off my Bachelor’s degree programme in Human Resources at Lone Star College, Houston Texas, United States of America.

Modelling

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I started modelling in 2008, after the Rivers State MVP basketball competition. I won the competition and while I was being interviewed, they called for a five-minute break. As I watched television back stage, I saw Naomi Campbell on the runway. Right there, I decided that was what I was supposed to do. I wanted to be like the woman I saw on television, who was bold and confident.

In 2009, I entered for the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant, but I never made it to the second batch. My life changed after Nigeria’s Next Super Model competition in 2009.

Love and Marriage

I am grateful for my modelling career because it led me to my husband. You have to love someone to marry them and stay married. The love and bond between couples keep their marriage. My husband is supportive of my career.

Motherhood

Being a mother has changed my life in a tremendous way; I wouldn’t imagine a life without my son. Being a mum taught me patience, unconditional love and how to be open to negotiation. I love every aspect of motherhood. Being a mother keeps me on my toes. You do not know what it is to be selfless until you have a child.

Competition

Competition among models in Nigeria and abroad is the same, but the only advantage is the good payment. The international industry is very developed and organised. In Texas, the perfect model is a white girl with blue eyes and there are only a few companies that hire black models. Black girls fight for a place in the international modelling industry.

Personality

I am outlandish. When people see me, they say I am pretty and perfect, and my close friends say I am a weird average girl. I could say I am shy when I walk into a room full of people. However, I am confident at the same time because I am not afraid to express myself. I am principled, old fashioned and family-oriented. I am a goal getter and very ambiguous.

Male distraction

When you are backstage, you barely have the time to check out male models; you would be busy trying to calm your nerves before you get on stage. I have a family to consider. I would not want to throw my family away for my guilty pleasures. Even as a married woman, I still get advances from men. It only reminds me that I am a beautiful, black and intelligent woman. I would check the mirror the day I stop having admirers.

Challenges

As a starter, I had to learn to be a lady. Nobody wanted to give a dress to a tomboy. My toned legs posed a challenge. Nigerians have their version of how a sexy leg should look, and a curved or toned leg wasn’t it. I used to wear trousers to castings so they could pick me for my walk and not my legs. I came to the US and I realised the sexiest legs were the curved legs. Now, when I walk on the street, women approach me to ask who my trainer is. Also, as a six-foot model wearing a size 11 shoe, it was difficult to get my size. I used to keep my legs behind my seat, so people would not see my toes sticking out of my shoes. It was quite embarrassing.

Hobbies

I love to go to the movies with my husband, son and friends; take a good run to clear my head or play basketball with my brothers. My family comes first. And most of the time I travel with my son when I have out-of-state jobs or international shows. I try to juggle between family, career and school. Also, I have interests in acting and image consulting.

Beauty tips

Everyone is different, what works for you might not work for another person. My son is almost four years old and I never visited a gym until last year because my brother persuaded me to do so for health reasons. Some people have good genes; others have to work out to stay fit. I try to eat healthy, I fail some times and I do not go hard on myself. Next day, I try again. I still struggle each day to maintain a healthy diet and workout routine.

Style

People mistake style for brand. My style is a reflection of how I feel. Often times, I combine outfits from different designers and when I step out, people scream and ask where I got the outfits from. I like shorts, shirts and a pair of heels. I love shoes and I splurge on them when I shop.

NEWS GENESIS (C) 2015 All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from News Genesis.

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‘Terry-G, Denrele not evicted from hotel’

 

Terry G

The Ebonyi State Government has denied reports that guest artistes that performed at the Homecoming of Ebonyi Stars on August 28 were ejected from their hotel rooms.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Euphemila Nwali, at a the conference in Abakaliki on Tuesday, said “the artistes never at any time spoke with any state official on any matter regarding their accommodation throughout their stay in the state.”

There had been reports that the artistes, Terry-G and Grace Ama, as well as On-Air-Personality, Denrele, were evicted from their rooms.

But Nwali, at the conference attended also by Ms. Ama, said, “Nothing could be farther from the truth. The guests artistes, Terry- G., Denrele and their crew were received in Ebonyi on August 27, 2015 with pumps and ceremony by youths and officials of the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

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“They were thereafter taken to the hotels reserved for them, where they stayed till the August 31 and departed on September 1 – from the same hotels where they were reported to have been evicted.”

NEWS GENESIS (C) 2015 All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from News Genesis.

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