Saturday, 11 March 2017
Tuesday, 7 March 2017
Nollywood legend Pete Edochie turns 70
Nollywood legend Peter Edochie, who turned 70 years on Tuesday said the secrets to a long and healthy life was living healthy and being focused.
Edochie, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka said that he was still feeling strong attaining “three score and ten” years.
“Taking life easy and planning purposefully for everything makes life worth living as well as ageing gracefully,’’ he said.
He said though life has not been that rosy, but with great determination and commitment he was able to attain some successes in life to glory to God Almighty.
Edochie, considered one of Africa’s most talented actors has featured in hundreds of award winning movies and stage plays both home and abroad.
He began his career as a seasoned administrator and broadcaster with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Enugu station before he came into prominence in the 1980s when he played the lead role of Okonkwo in an NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s all-time best selling novel, “Things Fall Apart.”
He had his primary education at Saint Patrick’s and Saint James Primary School, Zaria in Kaduna State and later proceeded to Saint John’s Secondary School, Kaduna.
Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mSR6s3
Sunday, 5 March 2017
Trump asks Congress to probe alleged illicit investigations
US President Donald Trump speaks to the press aboard Air Force One before addressing a rally in Melbourne, Florida, on February 18, 2017.<br />NICHOLAS KAMM / AFP
President Donald Trump is asking Congress to probe “potentially politically motivated investigations” during the 2016 campaign, the White House said Sunday.
The announcement came one day after Trump took to Twitter to accuse his predecessor Barack Obama of tapping his phones ahead of the November election, without providing evidence of the explosive charge.
An Obama spokesman has denied Trump’s accusation as “simply false.”
In his statement, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer referred to unspecified reports of “potentially politically motivated investigations immediately ahead of the 2016 election” as “very troubling.”
“President Donald J. Trump is requesting that as part of their investigation into Russian activity, the congressional intelligence committees exercise their oversight authority to determine whether executive branch investigative powers were abused in 2016,” Spicer said.
He added that there would be no more comment on the matter from Trump or the White House.
Trump leveled his charges against Obama early Saturday, at the end of a week in which his administration was battered by controversy over communications between Russian officials and some of his senior aides including Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
“I’d bet a good lawyer could make a great case out of the fact that President Obama was tapping my phones in October, just prior to Election!” Trump wrote.
“How low has President Obama gone to tapp (sic) my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!” he wrote in another tweet, referring to the political scandal that toppled president Richard Nixon in 1974.
Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2m88Jkh
Sunday, 26 February 2017
Bauchi owes retirees N15b gratuity, says NLC
Pensioners
Hashimu Gital, Chairman, Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said that the state government owed retirees N15 billion in accumulated gratuity.
Gital said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Sunday. “The problem here is the accumulated gratuity amounting to almost N15 billion.
“We have achieved that of normalising payment of salaries where government does not owe any salary arrears in Bauchi State but the issue of gratuity remains a problem.
“We are always knocking at the door of the state government and there is assurance that government is also making efforts to ensure that the outstanding gratuity is paid,’’ the NLC chairman said.
He refuted insinuations that retirees in the state were been owed pension arrears.
Gital said that the state government was also making efforts to actualise the contributory pension scheme in the state.
He commended the state government for initiating another round of screening exercise for the workforce to further eliminate ghost workers in its payroll.
“As stakeholders in the affairs of the state, our concern as organised labour is to ensure sustainability of the payment of salaries,’’ the NLC chairman said.
Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lYlCQw
OPEC Secretary General arrives Nigeria on 4-day visit
OPEC Secretary General Nigerian Mohammed Barkindo (R), the Chairman of the OPEC Board of Governors Algerian Mohamed Hamel (L) and the President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Mohammed bin Saleh al-Sada (C) attend a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, at the OPEC headquarters in Vienna, Austria on November 30, 2016.<br />AFP PHOTO / APA / HERBERT NEUBAUER / Austria OUT
The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Dr Mohammad Barkindo has arrived in Nigeria on Sunday to begin a four-day working visit.
Barkindo, who is also in the country for the 16th Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOG), will be meeting with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of State Petroleum Resources Dr Ibe Kachikwu, among other stakeholders, to discuss market dynamics in the sector.
In an interview with the News agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, the NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr Ndu Ughamadu, said the fallout of Barkindo’s visit will be felt in the sector for a long time.
““Yes, it is a big event that will affect our markets positively. He is leading an eight-man delegation and his advance team arrived earlier and will talk on the oil and gas market outlook.
“”I believe whatever policies put in place here will be strictly adhered to and give our economy the needed boost. I’m excited. It’s a big event,” Ughamadu said.
At an earlier news briefing, Ughamadu said Kachikwu would give a keynote address on Repositioning the Oil and Gas Sector’ while the NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Dr Maikanti Baru, would speak on “`Commercialising the NNPC”.
The conference, which is organised by the CWC Consulting, begins on Feb. 27 and ends on March 2.
More than 6,000 delegates, 250 exhibitors, from over 20 countries, many oil and gas experts and hundreds of government representatives from different countries are expected at the conference.
Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mzapCj
Saturday, 25 February 2017
Kim killing suspect was paid $90 to take part in ‘TV prank’
PHOTO:AFP
An Indonesian woman being held over the assassination of Kim Jong-Nam said Saturday she had been paid just RM400 ($90) for taking part in what she thought was a TV prank show, a senior diplomat reportedly told media.
Siti Aisyah, who was arrested soon after the half-brother of the North Korean leader was killed on February 13 with a lethal nerve agent, added she believed she was handling a liquid like “baby oil”, Indonesia’s deputy ambassador to Malaysia Andreano Erwin said according to reports.
Two women are seen shoving something into Kim’s face in leaked CCTV footage from Kuala Lumpur airport. He later suffered a seizure and was dead before he reached hospital.
Malaysia revealed Friday the 45-year-old was assassinated with a lethal nerve agent manufactured for chemical warfare and listed by the UN as a weapon of mass destruction.
Siti, 25, “only said in general that somebody asked her to do this activity”, according to Erwin, who was granted consular access to Siti in Kuala Lumpur Saturday.
The senior diplomat added it was too early to say what charges may be brought against her.
Another female suspect, Doan Thi Huong, 28, is also in custody over the murder, but Erwin said Siti had told Indonesian consular staff she did not know her.
Malaysian police have said one of the women arrested after the attack fell ill in custody, adding she had been vomiting.
However, Erwin said Siti was physically healthy.
– ‘Blatant violation’ –
The news Friday that lethal VX nerve agent was used in the attack brought condemnation from South Korea, which has pointed the finger at the North over Kim’s death.
Seoul slammed the use of the toxin as a “blatant violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and other international norms”.
The fallout from the attack continued after US media reported unofficial talks in New York between North Korean and former American officials had been cancelled.
Earlier Saturday Malaysian police told the public they would do everything possible to ensure there was no risk from the lethal VX nerve agent used to assassinate Kim Jong-Nam.
People were worried about the use of the highly toxic agent, state police chief Abdul Samah Mat said.
“We are taking action on this to be really sure,” Abdul Samah said.
“We are working closely with our counterparts from our chemistry department, forensics and the team from the nuclear atomic agency in Malaysia.”
He added: “We want to make it clear to the public if there is any effects … which could affect the health of the people.”
National police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said Friday experts would sweep the airport terminal where the attack took place for traces of the toxin as well as other locations the two female suspects visited.
Detectives are also holding a North Korean man but want to speak to seven other North Koreans, four of whom are thought to have fled to Pyongyang.
One man wanted for questioning, who is believed to still be in Malaysia, is senior North Korean embassy official Hyon Kwang Song, who enjoys diplomatic immunity.
However, Abdul Samah insisted under Malaysian law “we have the right to call anybody for statements for our investigations”.
He added if wanted people do not co-operate, police would issue a notice “compelling” them to come forward.
Abdul Samah also told reporters an investigation in connection to the murder was ongoing at an apartment complex in Kuala Lumpur but declined to comment on local media reports chemicals has been seized from the address.
No next-of-kin have yet come forward to formally identify the body of the 45-year-old victim or provide a DNA sample, but Abdul Samah said authorities would give relatives a “reasonable” amount of time to do so.
Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lV03QC
Wednesday, 22 February 2017
Temi Myles – Reverence [Mp3, Lyrics, Wiki, Bio]
After her debut Single “The One” which still blesses lives today, Temi Myles releases yet another Single titled REVERENCE, revealing that, the song is her THANK YOU to GOD for RESTORING LIFE BACK to her exactly a year ago, He is indeed worth revering. She has this to say.
“REVERENCE” was birthed from a place of struggle in between faith and unrest; however, a reminder by the Spirit of God triggered the assurance that God is The Only One worth revering, hence should be exalted no matter the circumstances per time. We have magnified certain situations for too long rather than feeding the awesomeness and sovereignty of God to them in our thoughts, declarations and actions. When the latter is our disposition: We triumph “. Listen and be intentional about His REVERENCE.
Temi Myles – Reverence
Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lFS8pW
Wole Adeyemi – Komole Praise [Mp3, Lyrics, Wiki, Bio]
Wole Adeyemi is out with a soul lifting, joy inspirit Single “Komole-Praise” from his upcoming album. If your story had sometimes ago looked horrible and hopeless, when there seems to be no light appearing at the end of the tunnel and the zest for life was lost, but suddenly, God shows up and the tide began to change, or if you are expecting your own amazing change, then this piece is for you.
Wole Adeyemi – Komole Praise
Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lFQRz8
Kelvocal Ft. David G – Higher Than All Names [Mp3, Lyrics, Wiki, Bio]
The name of Jesus is way above & higher than any other name in heaven and on earth, that is why the bible says “At the mention of that name Jesus, every knee shall bow” Mountain quakes & demons trembles at the mention of that unique and powerful name.
On this song, Kelvocal decided to team up with one of the forefront music minister, an anointed worshipper, David G. Popularly known for his hit song “My Trust Is In You” which is making waves all over the world right now
Kelvocal Ft. David G – Higher Than All Names
Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lFGUSf
Sunday, 29 January 2017
Sex abuse scandal is a disgrace, says Beckham (Read full details)
England football icon David Beckham labelled the historical sex abuse scandal that has rocked the sport as a ‘disgrace’ in an insightful interview on BBC Radio on Sunday.
He was unequivocal in his condemnation of the sex abuse dating back to the 1970’s and 80’s that has emerged since former Crewe Alexandra youth player Andy Woodward went public last November.
Beckham was part of a legendary Manchester United youth team which included future stars like Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers Gary and Phil.
“There was never anything like that,” said the 41-year-old, capped 115 times and captain of his country on 59 occasions.
“It is disgraceful and something has to be done.
“The closest we ever came to that was when certain professionals in the senior team would make us do a funny dance in front of our heroes at the time.
“It was humiliation but that was just to teach us a lesson.
“I would like to think clubs are all on board with this and the FA (Football Association) are doing all they can and the more these ex professionals express their opinions there will be more done.”
Beckham was appearing as the guest on the 75th anniversary edition of the renowned ‘Desert Island Discs’ programme.
– England caps –
The invitee is allowed to choose eight records and to take to the mythical desert island a copy of The Bible, the Complete Works of William Shakespeare and is allowed a book of their choice as well as a special object.
Beckham said he would take his England caps to the island, a less controversial choice than late great American writer Norman Mailer who opted for marijuana.
Beckham said he keeps his caps at home but his medals are in a bank in safekeeping as they are for his children and has over 1000 pairs of football boots in storage.
His selection of music was eclectic.
But there might be words at home as not one of them was by his wife Victoria’s former band ‘The Spice Girls’.
The one record he said he would take to the desert island would be Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘Every Time We Say Goodbye’.
“We used to get to my grandparents at 8 on a Saturday morning and I would sit in my grand dad’s chair,” said Beckham.
“He was stern but loving and used to work nights and get up at 11 in the morning.
“I would always be watching Football Focus (BBC programme on a Saturday) and he”d say ‘out’ (of the chair) whether it was me or my sisters and do the same with my children.
“The thing I always remember is Ella Fitzgerald’s song would always be playing in his flat.”
Beckham also chose Spanish song ‘No es no Lismo’ by Alejandro Sanz as he used to go to a Spanish bar on his own to eat ham and drink beer so he could learn the language.
He told the BBC that his initial stages of dating Victoria were carefully orchestrated by her manager Simon Fuller.
“He was very protective and he kind of wanted to keep it quiet,” said Beckham, who has gone on to have four children with Victoria.
– purple top hat –
“I used to drive down to see her and we used to sit in the car park (of a local restaurant) and talk.
“I had an amazing bright blue BMW, I had spent all my adidas contract money on it and was still living in lodgings.
“So we used to sit in the car park, we would kiss of course and talk.”
Beckham, who said he refused to watch United matches for three years following their decision to sell him to Real Madrid which took him unawares as he was on holiday in the United States, joked about the extravagance of his wedding to Victoria in 1999.
“We have renewed our vows since and it was a lot quieter with only six people there,” he said.
“I even had a top hat in purple at the wedding. What was I thinking!”
Beckham, who signed his first contract with United aged 14 after he had sparkled aged 10 and 11 at the Bobby Charlton school in Manchester, said his marriage to Victoria had had its bad times but they remained deeply in love.
“We are a strong family unit because our parents brought us up with the right values,” he said.
“Of course we make mistakes, it’s difficult but you work through it.
“People have said because we’re a brand we stay together but it’s not, it is because we love each other and we have four amazing children.
“We are very respectful of our lives when we have tough times we work through it.”
Sex abuse scandal is a disgrace, says Beckham
Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2jFprbl
