NOBLE FLEET LINK: January 2016

Sunday, 31 January 2016

s*x Sells And Is Working For Me – Cynthia Morgan

She already has hits like German Juice, Lead Me On, Come and Do and Don’t Break My Heart, making her one of the sought after babe in the industry. Cynthia is known for flaunting her sexiness in music videos and performances with well packed and inviting bo obs.
The Jude Okoye’s Northwest Music Inc signed act revealed how s ex appeal have been working for her in an interview City People, she said; ‘It is in built, I didn’t go anywhere to learn, it is the whole package that comes with a talented person. If you are ready for the industry, you must have a total package. ‘Aside from music, a lot want to see you perform, they want to see the s ex appeal, and you have to be believable, it is inbuilt talent and craft in me and that is my selling point.’
Meanwhile, the singer blasted male colleagues in the industry about four weeks ago, calling them names and vowed never to date anyone in the industry.
Source: TalkofNaija

PHOTOS: Woman With One Of The World’s Largest B00bs Is Looking For Love

36 year old Kristy Love has one of the largest bo*obs in the world – 48NN bre*asts that weighs over 2 stone each, (equaling the weight of a small child). She said she and her bo*obs are looking for a man.

“It’s time for them to find a man. My boo*bies do not need to be alone. It’s time for them to find a man.” she said

Kristy Love, from Atlanta, Georgia, works as a masseuse and earns over a thousand dollars a day rubbing and smothering clients with her massive bo*obs. See the photos below….

lindaikeji.blogspot.com

I’m leaving Chelsea — Terry

Terry : “To be honest, I was in last week before the Arsenal game and it’s [the contract] not going to be extended.
“It’s my last run in the FA Cup so I want to make it a good one. It’s a big season for me and I want to push on – not just in this competition but in the Premier League as well. I knew before the Arsenal game so mentally I’ve kind of accepted it. We just have to move on.
“They said that when the new manager comes in, things might change. It’s a no at the minute. I needed to know now like I have done every January and sometimes it takes a couple of months to get done. Unfortunately it was a no. It’s not going to be a fairytale ending, I’m not going to retire at Chelsea.
“It’s going to be elsewhere which took me a couple of days to get over. But like I say, I knew before the Arsenal game and my performance isn’t going to change – the way I train, what I give for the club. I want to give everything and finish on a high, on 100 per cent good terms with the club.”
Terry has made close to 700 appearances for Chelsea and is the club’s most successful captain, having won four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three FA Cups, the 2012 Champions League and the 2013 Europa League.

Judgment on Nnamdi Kanu’s bail inappropriate, bias – IPOB

Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, sandwiched between security operaives, leaving the court yesterday in Abuja.

“The reasons according to him are, that Mazi Kanu was a threat to national security, secondly, that if released might commit the same offence again and thirdly, that there was a probability that Nnamdi Kanu might jump bail because he possessed dual citizenship. “While the first and the third reasons are very clear, but unsustainable statements, we are at loss with the second reason and do not know exactly what the Hon. Justice meant by “might commit the same offense again”
“To the best of our knowledge, Mazi Kanu has not even been tried in the court not to talk of being convicted, therefore, we do not understand the offence he was found guilty of committing and for which he will likely commit again if released, according to Hon. Justice Tsoho.
“Is it a possibility that the Hon. Justice Tsoho misspoke or that he never actually uttered this travesty of a statement. On the first reason adduced, we are yet to get detailed information on what the Judge meant by “threat to National Security” because we know that Mazi Kanu is not associated with Boko Haram or any terrorist organization. Again we are pushed to believe that Hon. Justice Tsoho misspoke,” said IPOB.
“We are however shocked on the third reason, to hear that a denial of bail will be based on the accused person’s dual citizenship, even though the Honourable Judge did not mention the other country to which Nnamdi Kanu is a citizen, we know he was referring to Britain.
“But we also know that there is extradition agreement between Nigeria and Britain and extraditing Mazi Kanu to Nigeria, should he flee to Britain will not be a problem for the Nigerian government,therefore, we conclude that the judgment of Hon. Justice Tsoho is inappropriate, biased, wrong, and must be overturned by an Appeal Court Judge.
Similarly, the IPOB Media and Publicity Officer Mr. Emma Powerful has faulted the denial of bail to Mr. Kanu, describing it as a systematic denial of the entire South Eastern Nigeria of their right.
He said that every day the present administration of All Progressives Congress, APC, and their leader President Muhammadu Buhari keeps exposing itself to the world that it has no respect for the rule of law and orders of competent court of law.
He wondered why in a country like Nigeria, people will not be allowed to engage in peaceful demonstrations and protests, wondering whether it will be better for them to engage in violent demonstrations and protests and carrying guns and throwing bombs like the Boko Haram insurgents.
“We are being pushed to the walls, our members who were engaged in peaceful protest in Aba, Abia state and Port Harcourt Rivers State were shot by the Army and taken to Militaryn barracks in Afikpo Ebonyi state and Bori camp in rivers State with bullet wounds.
“The victims are undergoing torture and other inhuman treatments, as they bring them out every morning, torture and engage them in all manners of hard labours and ask them about their missing guns as if IPOB members carry guns.
“We do not carry guns and do not intent to carry in the nearest future, we are therefore calling on Amnesty International, all human rights organizations and the international community to prevail on the Nigerian government respect the rule of law and the orders of the courts, as at the last count our members arrested in Aba are 25 while those in Port Harcourt are 18 in number, totaling 43 people detained in the two Army barracks in Ebonyi and rivers States respectively” he said.

East African film maker opens up on what they hate about Nigerian movies

According to her, ‘’the issue is not that we can’t make many films, or that we are not capable of many good films, but the problem lies on our policy makers. Our legislators need to decide on the policies that should be made to make the environment more conducive for film makers. There are many things that need to be done to make the film industry in East Africa much more conducive. This is part of the things we are trying to do in Kenya, using the parliament to be able to pass certain policies like the film policy. We are not saying every country that is doing well is because they have fantastic film industry. Some have done it without a policy but it looks like in East Africa, we need government support.”
Muhoho, who has a dual career in Management Consultancy and TV/Film Production also cited lack of training centres as another major challenge facing the growth of the film industry in the region. While commending Nigerian film makers for their storytelling abilities, Muhoho, however, frowned at some of the unusual occurrences in the country’s films. She wondered why Nigerian actors scream loudly on screen.
‘’Why your actors always scream loudly? She queried, adding ‘’Your films lack sequence. That’s why Nigerian films can be more than one and half hour. I find that very odd. In East Africa, we see it as shouting, but probably, in West Africa, it is not. Again, Nigerian films are always lengthy. That’s what we don’t like about Nigerian movies, ’’ she said.

FG playing politics with Kanu’s detention – MASSOB

Boko haram is embarrassing my govt-Buhari

APC condemns Mbaka’s transfer by Enugu Catholic Diocese

The All Progressives Congress (APC), on Sunday, condemned the decision by leadership of the Catholic Church, Enugu Parish to transfer the fire-brand Enugu cleric, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka from Christ the King Parish in the Government Reserved Area, GRA, of the state to Our Lady Parish, Emene, a suburb of the state.

The fiery priest and Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry has presided over Christ the King Parish for 20 years.
But in the Emene parish, where he was transferred to, he is to serve under another priest.
Spokesperson of the APC South-East Caucus, Osita Okechukwu, “It was wrong to punish the fearless priest for his prophecies which has proved to be from God.”
Okechukwu while expressing concern over Mbaka’s safety alleged that the transfer was influenced by outside forces, adding that worshippers may find it difficult to get to Emene for programmes of the Adoration Ministry.
He said, “Whereas we accept that the transfer of priests is a routine exercise of the great Catholic Church, However we do not wholly accept a situation where the church allows external forces to influence transfers as the Mbaka’s case suggests.
“Otherwise, future liberation clergy who speak truth to power will be hamstrung to the detriment of the society.
“Our major concern is the security implications and the fate of his flocks who are mostly the downtrodden who may find it difficult to go to Emene for salvation and healing.
“We frown at anything which will put Fr. Mbaka in harms way or deny his flocks healing.”
Okechukwu, while stating that the priest has been under attack from President Muhammadu Buhari’s opponent since he prophesied that the President will win the last election, noted that the party was in solidarity with the priest and condemn all attacks on him.
He alleged that the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo influenced Mbaka’s transfer to a new parish where he will serve under someone else.
Okechukwu said, “As a party, we have watched with concern and trepidation the criticism, attack, assault and unpleasant comments hurled at Fr. Mbaka since he providentially prophesied that President Buhari would win the 2015 elections.
“Even the Church did not spare him, he was called unprintable names, yet his prophecy came true. We are happy that Fr. Mbaka was vindicated.
“It must be pointed out that accusing fingers were pointed at the direction of some anti-Buhari elements like Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a group that didn’t want to hear the name of Buhari – even though Ohanaeze denied the allegation, doubt still persists.
“For we are still at a loss why a senior priest will be demoted to an assistant parish priest.
“We repeat that we are in solidarity with Fr. Mbaka and our major concern is the security of Fr. Mbaka and the suffering of his flocks, mostly the poor who need his healing powers.
“We had thought that His Lordship Bishop Calistus Onaga could have retained him at the Adoration Ground, as the Bishop Emeritus Gbuji did because of security of his life and easy access by his flocks,” he said.

Tears in Enugu as Fr. Mbaka relocates to new parish

He said:“I know we are going to suffer within now and few months to come. I am going to suffer and suffer; I know that.
I’m going to suffer because I have no place to put my head. I am going to suffer because I have no place to keep the Adoration ministry’s assets. I know I’m going to suffer.
Fortunately, it is going to happen in the month of lent. So, I am going to use my exit here as a Lenten observance but Jesus said it all in John 16:20 to his apostles that you will be sorrowful and the world will be rejoicing but very soon I
will turn your sorrow to joy.
But for now I know you are going to suffer. The Adoration Ministry is passing through suffering right now even though I’ve accepted that is the will of God. Is the will of God through suffering? It is a mega suffering
“The quantum of the assets of the Adoration Ministry is the only thing I am bothered at for now. Where am I going to keep them? I am going to stay in one small room that has only one small bed, one small table, little toilet and bathroom.
So where am I going to keep all the adoration assets? My clothing and books I can keep in the car or somebody’s house but where will I keep these assets that I have given to the Catholic church of Enugu? But I say may God take the glory and
whoever that has offended me, I have forgiven.
I won’t fight anybody or even dream of battling anybody. If anybody allows the devil to use him, the same that advised you to make a mistake will laugh at you when you cry over the error. The baby is born, there is no going back.
We are moving out. We have been doing it and we will do it again.
Moses was going out with a rod in his hand, Mbaka is moving out with his bible and this nobody can take away from me”
Decrying what he described as “attempt by some persons to politicize the church”, by feeding the Bishop falsely, he noted: “ I am giving God the glory and I welcome the church’s choice and action with absolute acceptance and obedience. So there is no negation to what God has approved and what the church suggested.
Nobody should see me as a recalcitrant priest. I am not. I have taken an oath of obedience and I stand on it. I pray God to bless all of you who in one way or the other have supported the work of God here and those who have sincerely allowed God to use him or her for the jobs we did here all these years.
God will bless the people of God here and reward you according to your labours. The parish is not going to collapse, it the church that will continue to grow”.
He told the members their journey to Our Lady Parish, Umuchigbo
Njinike, Enugu where he has been posted as Resident Priest serving fewer than two Priests should be seen as the “journey of the Israelites out of Egypt”.
“God has planned a future and hope out of disaster and where I am going, He will go before me to level mountain. The bible says that He will deliver me from all evil; He will keep my going out and coming in both now and forever…
I am praying that God will keep his church and my fellow adorers so that our journey to Umuchigbo will be a journey of Israelites out of Egypt.
Some of them were grumbling leaving Egyptian soil because they were having the phobia for the unknown, but I am telling you people as a courageous leader, do not be afraid. We are moving and in not distant time, you people are going to smile’, he told them.

Sometimes I wear Hijab to cover my curves — Victoria Kimani

On why she did not venture into gospel music, given her strict Christian background, she said, “my mother asks me that every day when we talk on phone. She will tell me that it will be better if I go into gospel but I don’t know why I don’t want to go into gospel.
I think when I started writing, it was more about how I started, so it was more about expressing how I feel and not necessarily about worship. I love worship music and I listen to it when I want to sleep. I just never saw myself as someone who will make gospel music but I saw myself as someone who will make music that will talk about Christ.”
Her involvement with One campaign
With her involvement in the One campaign which is in its second stage now, the Kenyan-born Nigeria-based talented singer has said that she bought the idea because she feels that would be a wonderful way of letting the continent know the importance of agriculture since the first edition of the campaign talked about the benefits of investing in agriculture in order to reduce poverty.
“This is actually my second year of being involved in One Campaign. The first year was basically to promote and speak about agriculture to different people in Africa.
It is all about trying to encourage the youths to be more involved in farming, and reminding them that the richest black man in the world, Dangote, is very much involved in agriculture. So we are just trying to encourage the youths that we have wealth at home through agriculture, that, there is no need going outside to look for wealth when we have so much wealth at home too.
When they called me the first time for the One Campaign, I did not even know what the campaign was all about but I later realised that it is all about poverty eradication. Poverty affects women more than it affects men. Anything that affects women touches my heart considerably.
On how much of the campaign she has taken home to her people in Kenya, she said, “you know what, this is my lifestyle, this is what I am all about. Recently, there is something going on in the streets of Kenya where women were stripped naked for dressing in a way they termed indecent.
The idea is that women are not allowed to wear anything that exposes their body and I was very vocal with the campaign. I dress the way I want and you find out that it all boils down to sexism and poverty and illiteracy. Because I was looking at some women who were victims of that, they were not even indecent; they were wearing leggings. This is something I speak about all the time. So I am very involved with it in my country. I would really want the campaign to come to Kenya as well. Having the likes of Omotola and Waje, among others, coming to Kenya for the campaign will be awesome.
Comparing Nigerian music industry with Kenyan
It is no doubt a true statement that barely few years since she got into the Nigerian music industry all the way from Kenya, Victoria Kimani has impressed. Talking about her instant success in the Nigerian music industry she said she wanted to do a pan-African music that would be accepted all over the continent.
“Before I was signed to Los Angelos Laker Ron Artist, I knew I had always wanted to come back home and do music that would be accepted in Africa as a whole. I knew that if I had gone to Kenya it could be cool but everyone knows that when you talk of music and entertainment in general, Nigeria is like Hollywood, compared with other countries in Africa.
So I said to myself, I needed to come here because there are so many talents. So many people including the media are so interested in music compared to Kenya where less than 65% of Kenyan youths are interested in music but here in Nigeria it is like 70%. So when I was in the US I told myself that I needed to go back home and be a pan-African artiste; that artiste who will be able to move around the continent. So that was the reason for my coming in her,. I am so grateful to God, almost three years into the business I would say that I am getting closer to my goal but there is still a lot of work to be done.
Victoria Kimani as a sex symbol
Victoria Kimani has been described as one of the most beautiful and sexiest women to ever grace the African music scene. Looking at her and seeing those captivating curves you may agree with those who describe her that way. But in her own perception she sees being a sex symbol as a totally different thing and she explains:
“I don’t think that is a bad thing. I am quite aware of that. Besides, why should I apologise for owning up to what is mine. At times, I can choose to wear Hijab to cover it up. Sometimes, I decide to flaunt it. I don’t even look at what people say because this is me and I try to be myself oftentimes. It is people who look at me as sex symbol. I think seeing me as a sex symbol depends on what the people seeing me that way think. It is their own assessment because I do not dress or act it. Dressing is a thing of choice, what others like might be what others dislike.
Problems with the parents
Many would be wondering how her parents were able to cope with her eccentric lifestyle as a child, being the only daughter of the house. But she wasted no time in disappointing them with this answer, “I think they liked it because I was doing what was right and I was very resourceful. I would sing when I was on my own. Because my daddy was a singer too before he became a pastor, he never saw anything wrong in my singing. Besides, I think I inherited my father’s strong and stubborn streak.
I remember some people have told me my father was very stubborn in his young days before he became a pastor. But like I said, it was never an issue; I never saw that as an issue. I remember when I said I wanted to pierce my nose, I was too young back then in the States and was not yet 18 but I went ahead. When I showed it to my dad he just said “it is nice and cool.” I expected him to be mad at me but he showed no such sign.
“Knowing I had no qualms with my father concerning issues like that, couple of years later I had my tongue pierced and when he saw it he shouted that I should spit what was in my mouth out. I hid it from him for sometime but told him the truth later and he never complained. All I can say is that my parents understand the difference between a good kid who is just weird and a bad kid who is going out of his/her ways to do something bad.”
Her fashion style
“I work with a lot of make-up artistes but sometimes I dictate my style myself. If I see something that I feel it is not going to look good on me, I will not wear it so that it will not look like somebody is forcing me to wear something. I like to try different things and that is one good thing about fashion.”
To make the record clear, she said that her fashion style is quite different from her lifestyle as she said she lives a disciplined and focused life.
“My fashion is different from my lifestyle. My fashion might be weird and crazy but that is not my lifestyle. I think I live a very disciplined and focused life. I wake up in the morning, work out, cook my own food and go to the studio and do whatever I want to do. I live a very normal and simple life. I don’t really have a party lifestyle, I don’t club much. I think I need to keep working harder because at the end of the day I want to be found backing my parents up in whatever they are doing. And to do that, I need to have capital. I need to have money coming in for myself.
Doing a Kenyan music
For so many who are expecting this singer to do a full Kenyan music, their expectations may take a very long time to come to fulfillment as the singer can’t see herself doing it better than those in it already. “That is a very good question, I think I can’t call it a Kenyan music because Kenyan music does not necessarily have a sound the way we have a sound here. But Kenyan music has always been very diverse and we have some Kenyan artistes that do that well.
They have a very acoustic kind of dance. The thing about the music is that you don’t have a sound for it but you can differentiate it from other people’s music or tracks with the language. I am kind of scared because I do not know how to go about the song on this side of the continent. I have taken time to listen to all the sounds that I hear but I have not heard one I can really say sounds Kenyan.”

Men negotiate how much they will pay to have sex with me -Afrocandy

Judith Mazagwu a.k.a Afrocandy is one entertainer who won’t stop surprising us every now and then. The soft porn actress disclosed to one of our reporters, a memorable experience she has had with her male fans.
“The only experience I had so far was when some guys would start jerking off while talking to me on the telephone. Even some men would call me and start negotiating how much they would pay to have sex with me. I would just start laughing at them. Men are like babies, little things get to their brains” she said.

Real reasons I conceded to Buhari — Jonathan

He began: “ As you can see, I have not come here with a prepared speech, since what I consider appropriate for this occasion is to just thank you all, members and everyone else in attendance, in a few words, for the dinner and the award, in order not to make the evening look boring. But having said that, I am still tempted to note that if I were to present a written speech, the title, would probably have been “Power Tussle in Africa: A Stumbling Block to Economic Growth.” When Mr. Robert Blum, your President, made his very interesting opening remarks, he introduced me as the former President of Nigeria. He was absolutely correct.
My foray into politics
“However, I believe that not many of you here know that the story of my foray into politics has a peculiar ring to it. I entered politics in 1998 and, barely one year after, I got elected as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, my state. I later became Governor, Vice President and eventually got elected as the President of my country. I remain the only leader in my country to have travelled that route.
“As the President, I served out my first term but, as Mr. Blum had pointed out earlier, I lost the bid to be re-elected. I am encouraged by the fact that many of you here appreciated my decision not to reject or contest my loss at the polls, not even in the courts as many people had expected.
The allure of power
“Again, I have to agree with Blum that it was not an easy decision to take. This is because the allure of power and the worries about what would become of you after leaving office constitute an irresistible force. It has an attraction so controlling and powerful that it takes a man who has the fear of God and who loves his people and nation to relinquish power so easily in Africa.
Alone in the valley
“I was actually in that valley on March 28, 2015. I never knew that the human brain had the capacity for such enhanced rapid thinking. One hundred and one things were coursing through my mind every second. My country was at the verge of collapse. The tension in the land was abysmally high and palpable, in the months and days leading to the election. The country became more polarized more than ever before, such that the gap between the North and the South and between Christians and Muslims became quite pronounced.
“In fact, it became so disturbing that some interest groups in the United States began to predict that Nigeria would disintegrate in 2015. And, indeed, many Nigerians did buy into this doomsday prophesy as they began to brace themselves for the worst. As the President, I reminded myself that the Government I led had invested so much effort into building our country. I worked hard with my top officials to encourage Nigerians and non-Nigerians to invest in our country to be able to provide jobs and improve the lives of our people. We worked hard to grow our economy and to improve and bring Nigeria up as the biggest economy in Africa, with a GDP of about half a trillion dollars.
Posers I had to contend with
“Should I then, for the love of power, watch Nigeria slide into a theatre of war, with my fellow country men and women dying, and many more pouring into other nations in Africa and beyond, as refugees?
Should I hang on to power and tussle with my challengers, while the investments of hard working citizens of the world go down the drain? I then said to myself, NO!
Resisting the lure of power
“I promised my God that I will not let that fate befall Nigeria under my watch, hence the historic telephone call I put through to congratulate my challenger even when the results were still being tallied. I believe that for a country to be great, both the leaders and the led must be prepared to make sacrifices. This is why, everywhere I go, I always advise that the new generation of African leaders must think differently. We can no longer afford to wilfully sacrifice the blood of our citizens on the altar of dangerous partisan politics. It is not worth it. This reminds me of one of my campaign statements to the effect that my ambition was not worth the shedding of the blood of any Nigerian. Some people took it then as mere political slogan but I knew that I meant it when I said it.
“We must all fight for the enthronement of political stability in Africa, for in it lies the panacea for sustainable growth and development. For Africa to record the kind of advancement that will be competitive and beneficial to our citizens, we must have stable states supported by strong institutions. That appears to be the irreducible minimum that is common to all developed societies. Africa’s political odyssey can distinctly be categorised into three eras, and probably another that would later signpost its classification as a developed continent”.
Challenges
“Some may doubt this, but it is no fluke that Africa is growing and rising. However I will admit before you here that we still have challenges. That is why people like us did all we could to ensure that Nigeria, the biggest black nation on earth, would not drift into anarchy because such a situation would have spelt doom for the rest of the continent. It would have affected not just Nigeria alone, but the GDP and economy of the entire West Africa. And if the economy of West Africa crashes, it would definitely affect the performance of the economy of the whole of Africa.
“As you know, the GDP of Africa is less than three trillion dollars, with only six African countries able to boast of nominal GDP above $100 billion. Even for those in this ‘elite’ category, you can’t really say that they are rich countries. Apart from maybe South Africa that has an industrially competitive economy, the rest are still mainly commodity exporting countries. Even the case of that of South Africa is not very encouraging, because we have a situation which we could refer to as a first world economic performance, yet the ordinary people live the life of the people in the so called third world.
“In the case of Nigeria which is even the biggest economy on the continent, the reality is that we have an unenviable per capita GDP of $3,203, which is the World Bank average for a period covering 2011-2015.
Africa’s future is bright
“Even then, I still believe that Africa has a bright future; a promising prognosis that is supported by the fact that the continent remains a very fertile and attractive territory that yields irresistible returns on investments. I believe that in the next few years many more big investors will be jostling to come to Africa, if only we will do the right thing. The process of getting it right has already started with a democratic and increasingly democratising Africa. But we have to deepen and strengthen our democratic credentials through regular, free and fair elections. This will in turn bring about the stability necessary to improve the infrastructure that promotes rapid economic growth. These are the guarantees that would lead us into the next period which I would like to call the era of a developed Africa. I have no doubt in my mind that we will get there some day.
My future plans
“I will be applying myself diligently to two key areas. First, is to work for good governance by promoting credible and transparent elections. This will bring about the strengthening of our institutions and the enthronement of stability. I also believe that there is the urgent need to create jobs for our teeming young population. This is another area that will be receiving my attention. I recall that the Vice President of your association made reference in his speech to my achievements in that regard through what we called Youth Enterprises with Innovation (YouWin) and the Nagropreneur programme which encouraged young people to go into agriculture. I believe more programmes like that should be established to promote youth entrepreneurship. That way, we reduce their reliance on paid employment.
“We will not only teach them to become entrepreneurs, they will also acquire the capacity to employ other people. We will be paying special attention to this segment of our society, especially young people and women. We will develop programmes that will inculcate in them business skills to be able to set up micro, small and medium enterprises. We shall assist them to access take-off grants when they acquire the relevant skills and capacities. There are many areas that they can go into; food processing, light manufacturing and the services sector are just some of them. I can tell you from experience that this works.
“As we speak, Our Nagropreneur programme, to promote youth involvement in agriculture value chain, is being scaled up by the African Development Bank presently. It is already being replicated in 19 African countries because of the success of the programme in Nigeria. I invite all of you here today, cabinet ministers, diplomats and private sector people to remain committed to the cause of improving lives, especially those lives in Africa, and making our world a better place. For those of you that will be sharing in this vision for Africa, I assure you that you will not be disappointed. I am very optimistic that if we encourage young men and women in this continent to develop businesses of their own, the story of Africa will change within 10 years”.

Saturday, 30 January 2016

Ambassador of unity

Ooni

• We commend Ooni’s historic visit to Alaafin
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, not only made history when he dramatically paid a historic visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who celebrated his 45th coronation anniversary on January 17. He also demonstrated that he is a new king with new ways.
The two kings represent perhaps the most prominent and culturally significant Yoruba thrones, and it has not always been rosy between the occupants of the traditional positions.
In particular, there was no love lost between Oba Adeyemi and Oba Ogunwusi’s predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who passed away last year. The long rivalry that existed between the two preeminent monarchs was a minus, and unhealthy for Yoruba unity.
Indeed, the beauty of Ooni Ogunwusi’s visit to Alaafin Adeyemi is that it was a surprise visit. It is noteworthy that Oba Ogunwusi highlighted the objective of Yoruba unity at the thanksgiving service to mark the anniversary. He said: “I am here today, though not invited, but as the Arole Oduduwa, the onus is on me to felicitate with all sons and daughters wherever they are and to show my solidarity with any of them.”

The Ooni added: “I am ready to damn any consequence or insinuation from anywhere. My mission here is to preach peace among nations of Yoruba, both home and abroad. And I am ready to work with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi, to project the unity and love which we believe existed since the days of our forefathers.”
Interestingly, the historical background supplied by the Alaafin on the occasion sufficed to show the extent of the unity that existed and the extent of the disunity that has existed. He said: “This special visit was done last in March 1937. That was the first time kings in Yorubaland met in Oyo town and today history was made with the visit of Arole Oodua and the Ooni of Ife. I feel delighted to host you and to reassure you that I will be ready to work with you.”
It is reassuring that the traditional rulers expressed their mutual readiness to pursue the path of peace and unity. There is no doubt that this is the path that should be pursued for the benefit of the Yoruba race.
It is worth mentioning that, historically, Ife is the fount of the Yoruba and the Ooni is regarded as the spiritual head of the race. Also, historically, Oyo once enjoyed the status of an empire and the Alaafin is regarded as a political symbol.
This backdrop notwithstanding, their different spheres of importance and influence need not be a source of conflict. The paramountcy of peace and progress should be more paramount to the occupants of these royal seats than any battle for supremacy.
Ooni Ogunwusi particularly deserves kudos for his monumental move. His example testifies not only to his cultural relevance but also to his leadership sense. He brought radiance to his throne by rising above royal ego and other petty considerations to connect with Alaafin Adeyemi.
It is a measure of Ooni Ogunwusi’s sense of mission that he has also taken concrete steps to resolve the age-long antagonism between Ife and Modakeke. He has set up the House of Oduduwa Development Trust Fund to reconstruct buildings damaged in communal clashes between the two communities. This is another plus for Yoruba unity.
At bottom, as a custodian of the values of the Yoruba ethnic group, Ooni Ogunwusi has commendably projected its Omoluwabi ethos, which emphasises the importance of a positive character in the social environment. He has shown himself to be a true ambassador of unity.

In photos: Odigie-Oyegun’s daughter marries Air Force officer

Eniyemamwen Olatoyosi Oyegun, daughter of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun on Saturday married her heartthrob,‎ Umaso John Eketu, a flying officer in the Nigerian Airforce. see photos

Newly Wedded Couple Umaso John Eketu and his wife Eniyemamwen Olatoyosi matching on Guide of Honour, during the wedding Ceremony.

yegun2 — Newly Wedded Couple Umaso John Eketu and his wife Eniyemamwen Olatoyosi , at cuting of of the Cake led by Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi

yegun3 — From left: Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, fomer Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former Governor of Ekiti State and APC Chieftain and Chief Segun Oni, former Governor of Ekiti and APC Chieftain.

The Order of Service for the Solemnization of Holy Matrimony Between Eniyemamwen Olatoyosi Oyegun, Daughter of Chief John E.K. Odigie-Oyegun, National Chairman of All Progressive Congress [APC], and Flying Officer Umaso John Eketu, Son of of Chief Friday John Eketu, at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, GRA, And Reception Follows at the Haven Event Centre, GRA. Ikeja, Lagos on. 30th January, 2016. Pix: From Right: Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, APC, National Chairman, Bride Father, his wife, Newly Wedded Couple Umaso John Eketu and his wife Eniyemamwen Olatoyosi, Miss Ester Eketu, representing Groom's Mother and Chief Friday John Eketu, Groom's Fater, during the wedding Ceremony. Photo: Bunmi Azeez — From Right: Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, APC, National Chairman, Bride Father, his wife, Newly Wedded Couple Umaso John Eketu and his wife Eniyemamwen Olatoyosi, Miss Ester Eketu, representing Groom’s Mother and Chief Friday John Eketu, Groom’s Fater, . Photos: Bunmi Azeez

What I want in a man —Yemi Alade

Yemi Alade entered the Nigerian music scene in 2009 after emerging winner in a Peak Talent Hunt series and has been improving on her craft since then. In this interview with JOAN OMIONAWELE, the award-winning musician talks about her new business line, music career, personal life, among other issues. Excerpts:

You launched the Yemi Alade Collection sometime last year, what is it about?
Yes o. Una know say na music I dey do regularly, but it is good to involve yourself in some other things that people can actually see and keep. Music is a combination of audiovisuals, so you cannot exactly hold on to it, but with my jewellery collection which is special, people can see and hold on to it. It is also very special because it has my autograph on it, instead of autograghing cds and albums, my autograph is engraved at the back, so it is like a gift from me to my fans.

Why did you venture into jewellery business?
It is basically because of my love for African fashion. I discovered that whenever I go to other African countries to perform, they usually try to replicate my style, so this time, I decided to make something for them and myself as well. So I decided to collaborate with Brand2Glam, because I have been the brand’s ambassador for almost two years now.So the collection is about my personality, my style and because my style is different, we have decided to make it available to my fans.

I am an African woman, but I don’t wear Iro and Buba about, so I have decided to mix both African and modern culture together, and call it Afropolitan “The African woman meets the metropolis’’

Your signature and style are unique, where do you get your inspiration from?
It’s usually not planned but when it comes to my style, whenever I see something African, I like it, but most times I create my hairstyles especially. But for my videos, I sketch my outfits and bring them to life. But I’m basically inspired by my environment, even when I got to South Africa and Kenya, I was inspired by their rich beads

Who are your target?
It is for the complex African woman with style, I say African because it is African but it is for the whole world. I am very excited for the new project and I am very sure that a lot of people will love it.

We see lots of celebrities who feel that they have made so much money, rushing into business. What makes your product stand out from the others?
Two things. I don’t think I have gotten to the point where I will say I don make money, I wan look for another thing. You keep growing the brand. There are some people who have recharge card business and still sell other things on the side and have their children handling ‘mama put’ business. Most artistes don’t really branch out. So this is about giving what I can at this stage that I can.

Then if you watch my videos, you will see that my style is very unique. But if you see the pieces, you will understand.

How do you hope to balance this with being a musician?
I’m very good at multitasking. In the morning I still go to the kitchen and do my things myself. I am currently talking to someone for a shoeline and talking to other people for other business opportunities. I am everywhere. I must use my youth well. I lost my dad at a young age and so, I am like my mother’s father and husband. I have a business partner who will take care of it because she understands my work.

How affordable are the pieces of jewellery for the average Nigerian lady who just wants to be fashionable?
The Yemi Alade brand will associate with anyone and everyones, be they Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Ghanaians, South African. I don’t portray myself as being ostentatious and this is to assure you that this will be affordable as being overly expensive doesn’t correlate with my brand. For everyone who loves Yemi Alade, they will be able to get a piece of it.

Last year 2015 was an explosive year for you, did you ever think that you would go this far?
Well, for me and my dreams, we don’t have a limit, I don’t know where, when or how, I am just here experiencing God. I did not know where I was going to get to, but I have not gotten where I want to be yet.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself topping the music chat internationally, and maybe I would have bagged a Grammy or two.

You are arguably one of the busiest female musicians in the country, how do you unwind?
I am hardly at home. So whenever I get the opportunity and time to stay at home, I try to rest and eat good food

What attracts you to a man?
I like my man who is God-fearing, has a good sense of style, good sense of humour, one that has ambition and purpose. He must show it and not just talk about it.

How did you venture into music?
It all started in 2009 when I won the Peak Talent show and that was when it became more serious and I decided to turn my hobby into a career. I got my first record deal in 2011 and since then, it has been from grace to grace.

Your most embarrassing moment on stage?
I tried to do a split on stage and the next thing, my outfit got torn and my shorts did a full split.

How did you manage the situation?
I just waka slowly Komot for stage, no one knew anything. I stood up gracefully and left.

And your most memorable moment on stage?
It has been a beautiful experience for me, especially with the awards and winning the 2015 Best Female in Africa at the MTV awards in Durban and that has been a huge one for me and my team. I was also nominated alongside Beyonce and Nikki Minaj for an award in Europe. Other than that, I just thank God for life.

What have your challenges been?
It is really hard to produce music when you are constantly travelling, I mean it is hard going back to the studio to produce music. Every other week I am in another country. It has been a bit of a challenge, but we are making it work. There isn’t enough time on the clock anymore.

Kleiglight

Friday, 29 January 2016

Hijab: Between fact and fiction

The Arab News, in one of its recent editions, hit the nail on the head when it declared: “Hijab or veil takes the center stage whenever there is battle between truth and falsehood.” A few topics would rank above hijab on the count of the most discussed global issues in recent times, which have drawn attention and distraction alike. The concern about hijab has grown beyond the specific to the general, far above religion to politics, economy, culture and philosophical interests.
Whatever the reason for the worldwide attraction to this topic at this particular time may not be as necessary as the ignorance, misconceptions and mischief that have been displayed by many while trying to participate in a discussion that is certain to shape the faces of many things for a long time to come. It is pertinent to start by stating that hijab belongs to Muslims. If this is the case, it behooves anyone with desire to contribute to the discourse to either devote time to learn or ask those who are versed on the subject. Islam is a religion from Allah, the Creator of the earth and the heavens and all that is between the two, Who, in fact, gave the religion its name. All actions and inactions of Muslims without exceptions have connection with the dictates of Allah, in the Qur’an, and as explained by the last prophet, Muhammad, in his Sunnah. Islam is a guide to its adherents on their ways of life, and one of the mandatory beliefs in the religion is to have certainty in the appearance of the Day of Judgment where the deeds of man will be reviewed. Those who conform with the dictates of the Creator will be rewarded while man will be punished for his deeds that go contrary. Hijab is only one of such.
Perhaps the gap that has existed between the facts and figures on this topic can be traced to people’s ignorance on the workings of Islam. Hijab represents a woman’s submission to her Creator and her connection with the faith. It is disheartening to note that despite the fact that relevant Qur’an verses, Hadith (Prophetic traditions) as well as scholarly works of pious predecessors on the topic reveal a strict emphasis on the need for Muslim women to observe modesty in their dressing when they appear in public, by covering all of their bodies and any ornaments or other means of beautification they might wear, many people still think that Muslim women are only having fun with their mode of dressing. Allah, the Exalted, says in Surat an-Noor (Qur’an chapter 24), ayah (verse) 31: “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not show of their adornment except only that which is apparent, and draw their veils over their (necks and) bosoms and not reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no knowledge of women’s private parts. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn you all to Allah in repentance, O believers, that you may be successful.”
And He says in Surat al-Ahzab (chapter 33), verse 59: “Oh Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their outer garments close around them. That will be better, that they may be known and so not be bothered. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Sadly, for exercising their right to religious association and practice by following the dictates of their religion regarding dressing, Muslim women have been made objects of ridicule, condemnation and harassment. Examples abound in the various sections of the society. Higher institutions of learning are supposed to be havens of freedom of expression, of intellectual thought and opinion. It is unfortunate to note that Muslim students in hijab are sometimes taunted by their fellow students and oppressed by some of their lecturers on Nigerian campuses. Some of these students eventually graduate as the best or one of the best in their departments. This is an indication of the fact that the hijab does not in any way prevent aiming for the best in life. These Muslim women are not spared at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps as they are sometimes physically assaulted or decamped due to their refusal to put on skimpy dresses that go against the dictates of their religion.
We condemn in its entirety the idea of expecting a woman who had covered herself up all her life to now resort to putting on a pair of shorts not up to her knees all because she wants to serve her country. Section 38 (1) of the 1999 Constitution states that “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom (either alone or in community with others, and in public or in private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.” Also, Section 42 (1) says that “no citizen shall be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical application of any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to any form of disabilities or restrictions by reason of belonging to a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex.”
Muslim women are also insulted and ridiculed by officials of federal agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigerian Immigration Service during image capturing and biometrics. These officials insist that they remove their head covers or expose their ears even when the face is visible. Nigeria belongs to all and so all Nigerians should be protected by the laws guiding the different government agencies.
The use of hijab by Muslim women is an expression of fundamental rights protected by the constitution and a number of international human rights conventions. Therefore, the recent statement of the president during a media chat that security concerns might warrant a ban on hijab is a violation of the constitution which he swore by the Qur’an to protect. As a matter of fact, the absence of and the failure of local intelligence-gathering mechanisms have allowed evil doers to resort to the use of various disguises, including niqab, hijab and several other attires by Boko Haram and others on their missions.
Inasmuch as we subscribe to the fact that the safety and security of every Nigerian is germane, we strongly believe that rather than ban hijab, the government should find solutions to the security challenges facing the country. It is an incontrovertible fact that the Nigerian constitution guarantees every citizen freedom of dressing and Muslim women are no exception. Advocating banning the hijab is, in our view, a case of over-generalisation. Hijab is worn by millions of women who cut across diverse social, political and economic strata in the society. Can these millions be considered to be security threat to the nation? Should the law-abiding Muslim female teacher, trader, journalist, lawyer, doctor, accountant be deprived her right to religion?
Military intelligence, security beef-up, community involvement, renewed strategies, among others, are what the government needs to focus on in order to eradicate Boko Haram and its dastardly activities, not stigmatization of law-abiding, useful citizens of Nigeria. We are aware of the various attempts to discredit Islam and tarnish the image of Muslims in Nigeria. The Boko Haram scourge and the recent strategy of using hijab-donning Muslims is one these. It is an irony that though this deviant group claims to represent Islam, they not only destroy churches, they unleash mayhem on Muslims and burn mosques as well. This means there are brains behind this group whose motives are far from being religious. Thus, rather than make innocent Nigerian Muslim women scapegoats, the government should intensify efforts at wiping out the group. We hereby state categorically that Muslim women in hijab are exercising their God-given and constitutionally endowed right. The hijab is a garment of honour and apparel of modesty.
Muslims who wear hijab are doing so not because their fathers or husbands command them but because it is a divine commandment, enshrined in the Qur’an, to be worn when they leave their homes or in company of people who are not close family members. To consider banning the hijab is like considering stopping Muslims from observing daily salat (prayers) or fasting in Ramadan. It is like stopping us from breathing, snuffing the life out of Muslim women.
While celebrating this year’s World Hijab Day (on Monday), we call on the government to allow us exercise our rights. We also enjoin all Muslim women in hijab to continue to be law-abiding and uphold the tenets of Islam by being models of dignity and uprightness in all spheres of life.
Courtesy: Al Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation, Oyo State.

Thursday, 28 January 2016

Arms deal : EFCC detains ex-Chief of Air Staff, Amosu

Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Adesola — Ex-Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu

The NAF under Amosu is alleged to have admitted receiving non-existent ammunition and aircraft, a development which a presidential panel frowned at.
A source in EFCC confirmed that Amosu was invited on Wednesday over the amount which was allegedly used under his leadership for arms procurement worth N29 billion.
He is said to have made a statement under caution to the EFCC operatives but was not allowed to go‎ home, an indication that they were not satisfied with his statement.
‎President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the probe of arms procurement and the panel has returned a damning verdict indicting top military and political actors who are being tried in court.
Many other top military officers named in the arms scam have had their property sealed as a first step towards confiscating them.

55 Nigerians stole N1.34trn in 8 years – FG

The minister said that using World Bank rates and costs, one-third of the stolen funds could have provided 635.18 kilometres of roads; 36 ultra-modern hospitals per state; 183 schools; educated 3,974 children from primary to tertiary level at 25.24 million per child and built 20,062 units of 2-bedroom houses.
Mohammed said: “This is the money that a few people, just 55 in number, allegedly stole within a period of just eight years. And instead of a national outrage, all we hear are these nonsensical statements that the government is fighting only the opposition, or that the government is engaging in vendetta.”
While maintaining that the Buhari administration would never be biased in the fight against corruption, the minister, however, warned that no person found to have stolen public funds would go unpunished irrespective of their political, religious or tribal leanings.
The minister dismissed the accusation that the federal government’s anti-corruption crusade was lopsided, describing the allegation as nauseating and borne either out of deliberate mischief or sheer ignorance.
He said: “There is the erroneous impression out there that the war against corruption is a vendetta against the opposition, and that indeed it is one-sided. This is not true and indeed very nauseating. We need the media to lead the campaign against corruption.
“All we have heard from them are ludicrous reasons why they partook in sharing of the money. One said he collected N4.5 billion for spiritual purposes, another said he received N2.1 billion for publicity, while yet another said he got N13 billion to pay someone else for the Maritime University land.
“Based on these revelations, should we now fold our hands and allow these people to go away with public funds? Is anyone thinking about the innocent soldiers who lost their lives just because they did not get the necessary weapons to fight the terrorists?
“What about the families left behind by these soldiers who were sent to their early graves because of the misappropriation of these funds? What about those who lost their means of livelihood after the terrorists overran their towns and villages? What of the millions of Nigerians, especially women and children, who are now living in IDP camps?
“Is it not clear that the cruel fate that has befallen these unfortunate people is a direct result of the misuse of the funds meant to fight the terrorists? Are these not the true costs of corruption? he asked.
The minister pleaded with all Nigerians to join hands with the government to tackle corruption so as to plug the loopholes of financial leakages for national development.
“As President Muhammadu Buhari likes to say, if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria. There is no better way to say it,” the minister said.
Missing Budget
On the missing 2016 budget, the Minister blamed the development on what he called ‘communication gaps” between the two arms of government, saying that the same government that campaigned on the change mantra and transparency could not have engaged in shady budget. He assured that the matter would soon be resolved.
Disobedience to rule of law
The minister said that the President had the highest respect for the rule of law and would never do anything to deviate from it. He, however, said that those yet to be admitted after courts had granted them bail were being held for new offences under investigation.
According to Mohammed, “this government has highest respects for rule of law”, insisting that the action of the EFCC to re-arrest some accused persons granted bail by the court were based on fresh charges.
Congratulating Dickson
On why President Buhari has not yet congratulated Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, who was recently re-elected for a second term as was being done by his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Mohammed said that the President has no business congratulating the governor since the loser still had opportunity to upturn the victory at the court.
“I think, this President is not in the business of interfering on election matters. When APC’s Yahaya Bello won in Kogi, he never sent any congratulatory message. The President has no business congratulating Dickson; after all he didn’t congratulate the Kogi governor-elect. If he congratulates him, what if they go to court and the court upturns the victory? he asked.
Plan to invite Jonathan on arms scam
The Minister said it was not the responsibility of the President to invite former President Jonathan to clarify the alleged arms deal but the EFCC, which has the statutory mandate to do so. He said Buhari would not dictate or micro-manage the anti-corruption agencies in the discharge of their duties.

Olisa Metuh regains freedom

Women ‎the bedrock of governance – Oduah

Senator Stella Oduah the Lawmaker representing Anambra North Senatorial District and Vice Chairman Committee on Women Affairs ‎ has described Women Affairs as the bedrock of any government.

She stated this on Wednesday at the inaugural meeting of the Committee of Women Affairs held at the National Assembly Complex, ‎Abuja.

‎Oduah called for the main streaming of Nigerian women to ensure a more developed society, one that has gender balance .

“As far as am concerned Women Affairs is the bed rock of any government , I do not see how we can move forward if we fail to mainstream Women Affairs. I want to believe that the change we have coming now will have women mainstreamed; be it in capacity building or involvement in governance. ‎We also know that a healthy society is a society that has a balance in gender. The Ministry has to be really funded and we will be doing a proper budget analysis.”

Speaking to the Director National Centre for Women Development, (NCWD) Onyeka Onwenu, Oduah pointed out major areas where she expects the agency to focus on, urging the DG to ensure that Nigeria Women will be better taken care of.

“How has your agency been able to accomplish women capacity building, women leadership roles, and women in government and are you well equipped to have these end results? Also, how do you think that your parastatals can incorporate all this and make it achievable?” ‎She queried.

Lawmakers present at the Inaugural meeting were, the Chairman of the Committee Oluremi Tinubu, Monsurat Sunmonu, Fatimat Raji-Rasaki, Binta Masi Garba, John Enoh, Biodun Olujimi and other members of the committee.