President Muhammadu Buhari is set to launch the cleanup of Ogoniland in the coming weeks, says the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed. The minister announced this when she paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers. “It is hoped that we will have this launch in the coming weeks and the president himself will launch the cleanup. “It is really to us a turning point in the history of the struggle. Ogoniland is the first place where actions need to be – cleanup. “There is a wide challenge of pollution in the Niger Delta. We are here to begin activities toward the launch of the cleanup with stakeholders’ dialogue. “We are beginning in Rivers because this is the home of the struggle but we know it is wider,’’ she said. The minister said that the cleanup of the Ogoniland would span between 25 and 30 years.
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/buhari-sets-to-launch-ogoniland-cleanup-minister/
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Saturday, 5 March 2016
Friday, 4 March 2016
Chidinma Ekile Dumps Her Record Label 'Capital Hills Music'
As reported by too Xclusive, Popular singer, Chidinma Ekile, has dropped her label, Capital Hills Music.
Chidinma who has been with the record label since 2010 decided against renewing her contract which ended in February 2016.
She is yet to announce her next move.
Chidinma who has been with the record label since 2010 decided against renewing her contract which ended in February 2016.
She is yet to announce her next move.
Thursday, 3 March 2016
The Science Of Why We Fall In Love With Other People
How do you realize when you begin to fancy someone? With an irresistible cocktail of chemicals, our brain entices us to fall in love. We feel there is a space within us that someone has to fill, and then we begin to look for or try to choose a partner. It is nature lovely plan for us and we fall victim of it as we have no alternatives other than looking for someone who will fill that vacuum. It is nature’s way to keep our species alive and that is why love does some initiation to our brain chemicals.
In the science of why we fall in love, it’s not what we say that actually make people fall in love with us. Psychologists have shown it takes between 90 seconds and 4 minutes to decide if you like/love someone.
Research has shown this has little to do with what is said, rather
•55% is through body language
•38% is the tone and speed of their voice
•7% is through what they say (so minimal)
The 3 stages of love give us more insight regarding the hormones and chemical changes in us. In her proposer, Helen Fisher of Rutgers University in USA has proposed 3 stages of love: lust, attraction and attachment. Each stage might be driven by different hormones and chemicals as we can see below;
The First Stage which is Lust
The first stage of love (lust) is driven by the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen– in both men and women.
The Second Stage is called Attraction
Scientists think that three main neurotransmitters are involved in this stage; adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin because at this stage, one cannot think of little else and it is amazing time especially when we are truly love bound.
Adrenaline: The initial stages of falling for someone activates your stress response, increasing your blood levels of adrenalin and cortisol. This has the charming effect that when you unexpectedly bump into your new love, you start to sweat, your heart races and your mouth goes dry.
Dopamine: This chemical stimulates ‘desire and reward’ by triggering an intense rush of pleasure, increased energy, less need for sleep or food, focused attention and superb delight in smallest details of this novel relationship.
Serotonin: This is one of love’s most important chemicals that may explain why when you’re falling in love, your new lover keeps popping into your thoughts uncontrollable.
Early love (the attraction phase) really changes the way we think. Newly lovesick lovers often idealize their partner, magnifying their qualities and explaining away their weaknesses. It makes us want to stay together to enter the next stage of love – attachment.
The Third Stage is the Attachment
Scientists think there might be two major hormones involved in this feeling of attachment; oxytocin and vasopressin. Attachment is the bond that keeps couples together long enough for them to have and raise children.
Oxytocin: Oxytocin is a powerful hormone released by men and women during the excitement stage of love making, no wonder it is also called a cuddle hormone. It probably deepens the feelings of attachment and makes couples feel much closer to one another after they have had sex. The theory goes that the more sex a couple has, the deeper their bond becomes.
Oxytocin which also help to glue the strong bond between mother and baby and is released during childbirth. It is also responsible for a mum’s breast automatically releasing milk at the mere sight or sound of her young baby.
Vasopressin: Vasopressin is another important hormone in the long-term commitment stage and is released after sex. Vasopressin (also called anti-diuretic hormone) works with your kidneys to control thirst. Its potential role in long-term relationships was discovered when scientists looked at the prairie vole.
Prairie voles indulge in far more sex than is strictly necessary for the purposes of reproduction. They too like human beings form fairly stable pair-bonds.
When male prairie voles were given a drug that suppresses the effect of vasopressin, the bond with their partner deteriorated immediately as they lost their devotion and failed to protect their partner from new suitors.
http://iloverelationship.com/the-science-of-why-we-fall-in-love/
In the science of why we fall in love, it’s not what we say that actually make people fall in love with us. Psychologists have shown it takes between 90 seconds and 4 minutes to decide if you like/love someone.
Research has shown this has little to do with what is said, rather
•55% is through body language
•38% is the tone and speed of their voice
•7% is through what they say (so minimal)
The 3 stages of love give us more insight regarding the hormones and chemical changes in us. In her proposer, Helen Fisher of Rutgers University in USA has proposed 3 stages of love: lust, attraction and attachment. Each stage might be driven by different hormones and chemicals as we can see below;
The First Stage which is Lust
The first stage of love (lust) is driven by the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen– in both men and women.
The Second Stage is called Attraction
Scientists think that three main neurotransmitters are involved in this stage; adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin because at this stage, one cannot think of little else and it is amazing time especially when we are truly love bound.
Adrenaline: The initial stages of falling for someone activates your stress response, increasing your blood levels of adrenalin and cortisol. This has the charming effect that when you unexpectedly bump into your new love, you start to sweat, your heart races and your mouth goes dry.
Dopamine: This chemical stimulates ‘desire and reward’ by triggering an intense rush of pleasure, increased energy, less need for sleep or food, focused attention and superb delight in smallest details of this novel relationship.
Serotonin: This is one of love’s most important chemicals that may explain why when you’re falling in love, your new lover keeps popping into your thoughts uncontrollable.
Early love (the attraction phase) really changes the way we think. Newly lovesick lovers often idealize their partner, magnifying their qualities and explaining away their weaknesses. It makes us want to stay together to enter the next stage of love – attachment.
The Third Stage is the Attachment
Scientists think there might be two major hormones involved in this feeling of attachment; oxytocin and vasopressin. Attachment is the bond that keeps couples together long enough for them to have and raise children.
Oxytocin: Oxytocin is a powerful hormone released by men and women during the excitement stage of love making, no wonder it is also called a cuddle hormone. It probably deepens the feelings of attachment and makes couples feel much closer to one another after they have had sex. The theory goes that the more sex a couple has, the deeper their bond becomes.
Oxytocin which also help to glue the strong bond between mother and baby and is released during childbirth. It is also responsible for a mum’s breast automatically releasing milk at the mere sight or sound of her young baby.
Vasopressin: Vasopressin is another important hormone in the long-term commitment stage and is released after sex. Vasopressin (also called anti-diuretic hormone) works with your kidneys to control thirst. Its potential role in long-term relationships was discovered when scientists looked at the prairie vole.
Prairie voles indulge in far more sex than is strictly necessary for the purposes of reproduction. They too like human beings form fairly stable pair-bonds.
When male prairie voles were given a drug that suppresses the effect of vasopressin, the bond with their partner deteriorated immediately as they lost their devotion and failed to protect their partner from new suitors.
http://iloverelationship.com/the-science-of-why-we-fall-in-love/
Must Read: Ben Murray Bruce writes open letter to Nigerian youths
Youths of Nigeria, I want to communicate with you today. I noticed that there are too many divisions amongst our youths and as a stakeholder in Nigeria and parent of Nigerian children, I believe I ought to intervene.
Youths, do not make the mistakes my generation made. Do not see yourselves through tribal and religious lens. My generation of Nigerians did that and look where it has led us. You must do better.
It is foolish for any youth to fight another youth over APC or PDP. Let me ask you, what is the difference between the APC and the PDP? Half of the members of the APC are former PDP members and vice versa.
Let me ask you youths a question: Do the APC and the PDP fight over you as you fight over them? How many ministers have they given you? How many ambassadors have they given you? How many heads of parastatals have they given you? That's right, the answer is ZERO!
So resist the desire of vested interests to control you and use you to fight other youths on social media and in real life.
What youths do not realize is that you are victims of divide and conquer. You make up 60% of the population yet account for 0% of the federal cabinet!
Your price should be more than a plate of rice and a handshake. Work together not against each other! Come on Nigerian youths, be smart!
If you think after you have been used to fight each other these vested interests will hand power to you, think again. Their kids who are abroad will do same to your kids!
It is time to end the hate and come together for Nigeria's good. Long after we are gone, you will be around. So learn to get along.
As I have said and I will keep saying, the youths are the leaders of today if only they will resist being used by vested interests.
How old is Trudeau, the Canadian PM. He was 43 when he became PM. You can be much more than a thug or Twitter overlord. You can be like Trudeau's.
My name is Ben Murray Bruce and I not only want to make commonsense, I also believe in the Nigerian youth.
LIB.. #Lokko
Youths, do not make the mistakes my generation made. Do not see yourselves through tribal and religious lens. My generation of Nigerians did that and look where it has led us. You must do better.
It is foolish for any youth to fight another youth over APC or PDP. Let me ask you, what is the difference between the APC and the PDP? Half of the members of the APC are former PDP members and vice versa.
Let me ask you youths a question: Do the APC and the PDP fight over you as you fight over them? How many ministers have they given you? How many ambassadors have they given you? How many heads of parastatals have they given you? That's right, the answer is ZERO!
So resist the desire of vested interests to control you and use you to fight other youths on social media and in real life.
What youths do not realize is that you are victims of divide and conquer. You make up 60% of the population yet account for 0% of the federal cabinet!
Your price should be more than a plate of rice and a handshake. Work together not against each other! Come on Nigerian youths, be smart!
If you think after you have been used to fight each other these vested interests will hand power to you, think again. Their kids who are abroad will do same to your kids!
It is time to end the hate and come together for Nigeria's good. Long after we are gone, you will be around. So learn to get along.
As I have said and I will keep saying, the youths are the leaders of today if only they will resist being used by vested interests.
How old is Trudeau, the Canadian PM. He was 43 when he became PM. You can be much more than a thug or Twitter overlord. You can be like Trudeau's.
My name is Ben Murray Bruce and I not only want to make commonsense, I also believe in the Nigerian youth.
LIB.. #Lokko
Wednesday, 2 March 2016
FIFA honors Vincent Enyeama
World football governing body, FIFA, today honored Lille Metropole’s Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama for his outstanding performance with the French club. Enyeama shared a photo of himself holding the trophy and wrote;
"This is how goodness and mercy will follow you all this month of March. First day of the month, FIFA got me a trophy for hardwork, dedication, success. Thank you @fifa. I want to wish everyone reading this message a wonderful month of March. God did it for me. God will do it for us,”.
LIB
"This is how goodness and mercy will follow you all this month of March. First day of the month, FIFA got me a trophy for hardwork, dedication, success. Thank you @fifa. I want to wish everyone reading this message a wonderful month of March. God did it for me. God will do it for us,”.
LIB
Police hand over Ese to parents; Dad says she’s hypnotised, taking her to TB Joshua
Police authorities in Abuja yesterday night said Ese Oruru, freed Monday, will now be officially handed over to her mother, Mrs. Oruru, today. 14 years old Ese Rita Oruru was brought to Police headquarters at Louis Edet House at about 12. 55pm amid tight police protection. ABDUCTED GIRL — Freed Ese Oruru and an escort at Police Headquarters, Abuja, yesterday. ABDUCTED GIRL — Freed Ese Oruru and an escort at Police Headquarters, Abuja, yesterday. Her dad, Mr Charles Oruru, however disclosed that he has concluded plans to seek spiritual assistance from Lagos cleric, Pastor T.B. Joshua, founder of The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN). Ese would have been handed over to her mother yesterday, but for inability of the woman to arrive Abuja by 8.00p.m. last night as she travelled from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State by road.
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/police-hand-over-ese-to-parents-dad-says-shes-hypnotised-taking-her-to-tb-joshua/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/police-hand-over-ese-to-parents-dad-says-shes-hypnotised-taking-her-to-tb-joshua/
Tuesday, 1 March 2016
HAPPY NEW MONTH TO YOU ALL
To all my esteemed readers, In this new day,God will bless,rebrand & repackage you with His beauty, knowledge, prosperity & wisdom now & evermore. Every good & new thing you are looking unto Him to do for you will be started & completed for you without stress.This new month will usher you into your greatness & you will be the reference of the benevolence & goodness of God.I declare that ;today,you will be divinely visited & rewarded. You will never end the day in sorrow but in the joy of the Lord in the Name of Jesus Christ,our Lord. Happy New Month.
#SeyeAdebiyi #Truefans
#SeyeAdebiyi #Truefans
Monday, 29 February 2016
NFF Releases Strong Statement On Oliseh's Resignation
According to the statement from their official website, In order to clear a lot of falsehood that has been making the rounds in sections of the media following the resignation of Coach Sunday Oliseh, the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to make a statement regarding events relating to the employment and resignation of the Super Eagles Coach.
First of all, the NFF would like to state that contrary to what few members of the media would have Nigerians believe, the appointment of Mr. Sunday Oliseh as Head Coach of the Super Eagles was thoroughly thought-through; it went through a meeting between himself and the Technical Committee and was ultimately approved by the entire Executive Committee of the NFF.
The NFF had the best of intentions in hiring Mr. Sunday Oliseh, and despite the misgivings about his temperament (he himself alluded to this at his unveiling) he was seen as a bright young Coach able to take the Super Eagles to new heights. This view was premised on his resume, (having played in various countries around the world), his undoubted football knowledge and his currency of ideas (being a respected former Super Eagles Captain and a member of the FIFA Technical Study Group).
The fact that from Mr. Oliseh's perspective, the relationship had gone so awry to the extent that he resigned his appointment is unfortunate because despite the temporary financial difficulties which crept into the relationship in the last 4 (four) months or thereabouts, the NFF Executive Board with its penchant for long term planning took a long term view of his appointment and remains confident that with a little more patience on the part of the Coach, things would have turned around for the better in the long run.
The NFF seizes the opportunity to apologise to Nigerians for the situation that we, through no fault of ours, find ourselves, but assures the teeming Super Eagles supporters that we shall patriotically remain committed to the success of the team. This is already evidenced by the swiftness with which we have reconstituted the coaching crew and received the assurances of the patriotism of the Super Eagles players who have vowed to fight for the Nigerian flag and spirit, and ensure that not only do we qualify for the African Nations Cup but also that our long term goals are not derailed.
The NFF gives the foregoing assurances despite the circumstance which has arisen with the untimely resignation of Coach Sunday Oliseh and despite the fact that the decision was taken unilaterally without discussion with NFF or any of its officials or board members, without giving the requisite 1 (one) months notice as stipulated in his contract immediately after he was paid his arrears of salary and housing allowance after his request to travel across Europe to visit potential call ups for the matches against Egypt was approved by the President of the NFF and; despite the fact that we have crucial qualifying matches to play next month
With regard to the various allegations made against the NFF by Mr. Sunday Oliseh in his letter of resignation and in the media, the NFF as a responsible organisation feels the need to this once respond to those allegations as follows, and thereafter continue with the job at hand without any further distractions:
Mr. Sunday Oliseh in his letter of resignation and in various reports has talked about not being respected, and not getting the support of the NFF. The NFF categorically denies these allegations and notes that from the time of his employment the NFF had always shown him respect which, unfortunately, not always reciprocated.
In order to encourage him, to exhibit an intention to put the issue of financial disagreements with coaches behind the Federation and to help the new Coach quickly settle down, the NFF proceeded to pay him three months’ salary in advance – something that had never happened previously in Nigeria football.
The NFF introduced him to our principal partners/sponsors in order to show that the Federation had total regard for and was fully supporting its coach. The President thereafter reiterated the vision of the NFF board and its mandate to the new coach to build a new and vibrant team that the Government and people of this country would be proud of. The NFF has since then allowed him to carry on his duties without interference. The NFF also purchased for Mr. Oliseh a brand new car to ease his movement locally whenever he was in Nigeria.
With regard to the allegation that he was not supported, it is pertinent to note that Mr. Oliseh himself had on numerous occasions expressed gratitude for the support he had received from the NFF and in particular from the NFF President and Vice Presidents. The NFF makes bold to say that he has been supported throughout his short tenure as the Super Eagles coach. Not only have his requests and choice of training camps been accepted, his choice of players have never been interfered with, his choice of venues have all but once been accepted and even where not accepted, an explanation was promptly given which was duly appreciated and accepted by the coach.
Only a few minutes before sending an email intimating the NFF of his resignation, Mr. Oliseh had written a mail to the NFF President about his trip across Europe to see players, which the NFF President had approved the day before.
For the competitive matches against Tanzania, Burkina Faso and Swaziland that the Super Eagles played away from home under Coach Oliseh, the NFF despite its financial constraints flew the team by chartered aircraft at the request of the coach.
It is pertinent to note also that, despite its financial constraints, the NFF acceded to Coach Oliseh's insistence on camping the CHAN team in South Africa. His show of appreciation was to go on air to talk about spending his money to buy food for the team in South Africa. The truth is that the team stayed at a world -class facility where buffet feeding had been arranged. Coach Oliseh opted to buy Nigerian food for the players on two (2) occasions, without alerting the NFF or the hotel management. Food meant for the team on those two occasions went to waste.
In support of Coach Oliseh and in a bid to give him some confidence regarding the issue of finance, the NFF top echelon traveled to Rwanda at their own expense along with the Minister of Youth and Sports, in order that the coach and the team would have the opportunity of hearing first-hand from the Minister the challenges the NFF was facing with regards to funds. The Minister told the team clearly that the financial problems were not the fault of the NFF and promised to do his utmost to resolve it forthwith.
After the CHAN championships in Rwanda, the Technical Committee requested for the usual technical report of the Championship but Coach Oliseh wrote a terse email back to the secretary of that committee stating that he did not report to them.
Even though by the terms of his contract he was obliged to return to Nigeria at least 2 weeks to any Super Eagles match and is obliged to watch our domestic league matches from time to time, one can count how many local league matches he has watched and one can point out that he did not return to Nigeria before he went to the CHAN championship on the grounds that he was ill. Yet, he went to South Africa and Rwanda but did not return with the team to Nigeria
The NFF has accommodated these only in support of the ultimate success of the coach and the team. On resumption, Coach Oliseh wanted to sack the entire backroom staff of the Super Eagles including the media officer saying that he could not work with them. A potentially messy situation was aborted by the firm position of the General Secretary and the President on the matter. The coach virtually tore the team apart with his impulsive style of man management, for example if not for the way the NFF President and Vice Presidents handled the matter, his disagreement with erstwhile captain Vincent Enyeama would have seen all the senior players quit the Super Eagles.
Contrary to the terms of his contract, Coach Oliseh went on air several times to talk about the NFF’s finances and in a derogatory manner. He went on air to insult Nigerians in what is now known as his ‘YouTube rant’ wherein he made serious allegations against the Nigeria media, which he has failed to substantiate. In it, he also noted that he didn't want the job of the Super Eagles Chief Coach but was prevailed upon to accept it.
From the foregoing, it is clear that without claiming to be perfect and working under considerable financial difficulties, not only did the NFF support Mr. Sunday Oliseh in his capacity as Chief Coach of Super Eagles, it actually showed lots of restraint in the face of aggravated impulsive behaviour by the coach bordering in some cases on insubordination.
In closing this Statement there are a few things we must point out:
We find it strange though that, after complaints of non -payment, Mr.Oliseh waited to receive monies owed him before resigning. Two days before his resignation, he had passionately appealed that we unite as one force to fight the battle on the football field with the Egyptian national team. We had no idea he was selling a dummy.
For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Sunday Oliseh RESIGNED and was not SACKED. We bear no grudges against the coach and wish him well in his future endeavours.
LIB
First of all, the NFF would like to state that contrary to what few members of the media would have Nigerians believe, the appointment of Mr. Sunday Oliseh as Head Coach of the Super Eagles was thoroughly thought-through; it went through a meeting between himself and the Technical Committee and was ultimately approved by the entire Executive Committee of the NFF.
The NFF had the best of intentions in hiring Mr. Sunday Oliseh, and despite the misgivings about his temperament (he himself alluded to this at his unveiling) he was seen as a bright young Coach able to take the Super Eagles to new heights. This view was premised on his resume, (having played in various countries around the world), his undoubted football knowledge and his currency of ideas (being a respected former Super Eagles Captain and a member of the FIFA Technical Study Group).
The fact that from Mr. Oliseh's perspective, the relationship had gone so awry to the extent that he resigned his appointment is unfortunate because despite the temporary financial difficulties which crept into the relationship in the last 4 (four) months or thereabouts, the NFF Executive Board with its penchant for long term planning took a long term view of his appointment and remains confident that with a little more patience on the part of the Coach, things would have turned around for the better in the long run.
The NFF seizes the opportunity to apologise to Nigerians for the situation that we, through no fault of ours, find ourselves, but assures the teeming Super Eagles supporters that we shall patriotically remain committed to the success of the team. This is already evidenced by the swiftness with which we have reconstituted the coaching crew and received the assurances of the patriotism of the Super Eagles players who have vowed to fight for the Nigerian flag and spirit, and ensure that not only do we qualify for the African Nations Cup but also that our long term goals are not derailed.
The NFF gives the foregoing assurances despite the circumstance which has arisen with the untimely resignation of Coach Sunday Oliseh and despite the fact that the decision was taken unilaterally without discussion with NFF or any of its officials or board members, without giving the requisite 1 (one) months notice as stipulated in his contract immediately after he was paid his arrears of salary and housing allowance after his request to travel across Europe to visit potential call ups for the matches against Egypt was approved by the President of the NFF and; despite the fact that we have crucial qualifying matches to play next month
With regard to the various allegations made against the NFF by Mr. Sunday Oliseh in his letter of resignation and in the media, the NFF as a responsible organisation feels the need to this once respond to those allegations as follows, and thereafter continue with the job at hand without any further distractions:
Mr. Sunday Oliseh in his letter of resignation and in various reports has talked about not being respected, and not getting the support of the NFF. The NFF categorically denies these allegations and notes that from the time of his employment the NFF had always shown him respect which, unfortunately, not always reciprocated.
In order to encourage him, to exhibit an intention to put the issue of financial disagreements with coaches behind the Federation and to help the new Coach quickly settle down, the NFF proceeded to pay him three months’ salary in advance – something that had never happened previously in Nigeria football.
The NFF introduced him to our principal partners/sponsors in order to show that the Federation had total regard for and was fully supporting its coach. The President thereafter reiterated the vision of the NFF board and its mandate to the new coach to build a new and vibrant team that the Government and people of this country would be proud of. The NFF has since then allowed him to carry on his duties without interference. The NFF also purchased for Mr. Oliseh a brand new car to ease his movement locally whenever he was in Nigeria.
With regard to the allegation that he was not supported, it is pertinent to note that Mr. Oliseh himself had on numerous occasions expressed gratitude for the support he had received from the NFF and in particular from the NFF President and Vice Presidents. The NFF makes bold to say that he has been supported throughout his short tenure as the Super Eagles coach. Not only have his requests and choice of training camps been accepted, his choice of players have never been interfered with, his choice of venues have all but once been accepted and even where not accepted, an explanation was promptly given which was duly appreciated and accepted by the coach.
Only a few minutes before sending an email intimating the NFF of his resignation, Mr. Oliseh had written a mail to the NFF President about his trip across Europe to see players, which the NFF President had approved the day before.
For the competitive matches against Tanzania, Burkina Faso and Swaziland that the Super Eagles played away from home under Coach Oliseh, the NFF despite its financial constraints flew the team by chartered aircraft at the request of the coach.
It is pertinent to note also that, despite its financial constraints, the NFF acceded to Coach Oliseh's insistence on camping the CHAN team in South Africa. His show of appreciation was to go on air to talk about spending his money to buy food for the team in South Africa. The truth is that the team stayed at a world -class facility where buffet feeding had been arranged. Coach Oliseh opted to buy Nigerian food for the players on two (2) occasions, without alerting the NFF or the hotel management. Food meant for the team on those two occasions went to waste.
In support of Coach Oliseh and in a bid to give him some confidence regarding the issue of finance, the NFF top echelon traveled to Rwanda at their own expense along with the Minister of Youth and Sports, in order that the coach and the team would have the opportunity of hearing first-hand from the Minister the challenges the NFF was facing with regards to funds. The Minister told the team clearly that the financial problems were not the fault of the NFF and promised to do his utmost to resolve it forthwith.
After the CHAN championships in Rwanda, the Technical Committee requested for the usual technical report of the Championship but Coach Oliseh wrote a terse email back to the secretary of that committee stating that he did not report to them.
Even though by the terms of his contract he was obliged to return to Nigeria at least 2 weeks to any Super Eagles match and is obliged to watch our domestic league matches from time to time, one can count how many local league matches he has watched and one can point out that he did not return to Nigeria before he went to the CHAN championship on the grounds that he was ill. Yet, he went to South Africa and Rwanda but did not return with the team to Nigeria
The NFF has accommodated these only in support of the ultimate success of the coach and the team. On resumption, Coach Oliseh wanted to sack the entire backroom staff of the Super Eagles including the media officer saying that he could not work with them. A potentially messy situation was aborted by the firm position of the General Secretary and the President on the matter. The coach virtually tore the team apart with his impulsive style of man management, for example if not for the way the NFF President and Vice Presidents handled the matter, his disagreement with erstwhile captain Vincent Enyeama would have seen all the senior players quit the Super Eagles.
Contrary to the terms of his contract, Coach Oliseh went on air several times to talk about the NFF’s finances and in a derogatory manner. He went on air to insult Nigerians in what is now known as his ‘YouTube rant’ wherein he made serious allegations against the Nigeria media, which he has failed to substantiate. In it, he also noted that he didn't want the job of the Super Eagles Chief Coach but was prevailed upon to accept it.
From the foregoing, it is clear that without claiming to be perfect and working under considerable financial difficulties, not only did the NFF support Mr. Sunday Oliseh in his capacity as Chief Coach of Super Eagles, it actually showed lots of restraint in the face of aggravated impulsive behaviour by the coach bordering in some cases on insubordination.
In closing this Statement there are a few things we must point out:
We find it strange though that, after complaints of non -payment, Mr.Oliseh waited to receive monies owed him before resigning. Two days before his resignation, he had passionately appealed that we unite as one force to fight the battle on the football field with the Egyptian national team. We had no idea he was selling a dummy.
For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Sunday Oliseh RESIGNED and was not SACKED. We bear no grudges against the coach and wish him well in his future endeavours.
LIB
15 Healthy Food that Turned Out To Be Unhealthy
Just like fashion and other popular industries, food industry has its own trends it needs to follow and create in order to sell more items. That’s why you can compare popular “healthy” food trends throughout the history. At one point people ate tofu, raw foods, muesli, diet products… They basically did everything to stay healthy and in shape. However, as those trends have changed, we learned that some of those foods aren’t actually that healthy. Some of them were even so dangerous that in some cases they could lead to health problems. That’s why we made a list of 15 healthy foods that aren’t actually that healthy.
http://www.4allmindsandbodies.com/15-healthy-food-that-turned-out-to-be-unhealthy/?utm_campaign=ALLfood-P664-T4-tuna-unhealthyfood&utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=disqus-widget-thisdaylive
http://www.4allmindsandbodies.com/15-healthy-food-that-turned-out-to-be-unhealthy/?utm_campaign=ALLfood-P664-T4-tuna-unhealthyfood&utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=disqus-widget-thisdaylive
Sunday, 28 February 2016
Saraki Set For A Showdown With Obasanjo - The Nation
The nation’s Senate, especially its embattled President, Bukola Saraki is ready for a showdown with former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his recent letter to the national assembly..
Perhaps, if the wily old fox had tended to the needs of the assorted commercially lucrative birds in his Ota Farm instead of picking his pen to write mendacious letters to those in positions of authority, maybe the lawmakers would not be roaring for a fight at this critical period of our national life.
But because mischief is second nature to Obasanjo coupled with the nagging urge to display his writing skill after obtaining a degree in Religious Studies from the National Open University, we now have a problem to contend with. For a man whose letters made huge impact, both positive and negative in the runoff to last year’s presidential election, it is doubtful if anyone would have succeeded in persuading the Ebora Owu to lay down his poisoned pen and allow Bukola and his gang of lawbreakers to find a way out of the a pervading, nay putrefying, self-inflicted hypocrisy.
For, if the truth must be told, there are too many hypocrites fronting as the real deal in the nation’s legislative chambers. Recall that, in the not-so-distant past, one of their colleagues had actually wondered how drug peddlers, certified fraudsters, confirmed criminals and petty robbers found their into becoming powerful members of that ‘distinguished’ gathering? In fact, that senator, a former officer of the law, was forced to withdraw the statement. That was even before former state governor, including those facing criminal trials on corrupt practices, started adopting the hallowed chamber as some sort of retirement facility. Today, a big chunk of these characters have become a sickening plague to the system regardless of their pretentious leaning to party affiliations and ideologies if there is any.
http://thenationonlineng.net/now-saraki-squares-obasanjo/
Perhaps, if the wily old fox had tended to the needs of the assorted commercially lucrative birds in his Ota Farm instead of picking his pen to write mendacious letters to those in positions of authority, maybe the lawmakers would not be roaring for a fight at this critical period of our national life.
But because mischief is second nature to Obasanjo coupled with the nagging urge to display his writing skill after obtaining a degree in Religious Studies from the National Open University, we now have a problem to contend with. For a man whose letters made huge impact, both positive and negative in the runoff to last year’s presidential election, it is doubtful if anyone would have succeeded in persuading the Ebora Owu to lay down his poisoned pen and allow Bukola and his gang of lawbreakers to find a way out of the a pervading, nay putrefying, self-inflicted hypocrisy.
For, if the truth must be told, there are too many hypocrites fronting as the real deal in the nation’s legislative chambers. Recall that, in the not-so-distant past, one of their colleagues had actually wondered how drug peddlers, certified fraudsters, confirmed criminals and petty robbers found their into becoming powerful members of that ‘distinguished’ gathering? In fact, that senator, a former officer of the law, was forced to withdraw the statement. That was even before former state governor, including those facing criminal trials on corrupt practices, started adopting the hallowed chamber as some sort of retirement facility. Today, a big chunk of these characters have become a sickening plague to the system regardless of their pretentious leaning to party affiliations and ideologies if there is any.
http://thenationonlineng.net/now-saraki-squares-obasanjo/
Saturday, 27 February 2016
Nigeria: 92 Boko Haram Terrorists Killed, 850 Hostages Freed
Cameroon's army in collaboration with Nigerian forces have killed 92 members of Islamist militant group and freed 850 villagers in a joint operation, the government of Cameroon said on Friday.
The operation in the Nigerian village of Kumshe, close to the border with Cameroon, was conducted under the auspices of a multinational force fighting Boko Haram, the statement from Communications Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary said.
Reuters
The operation in the Nigerian village of Kumshe, close to the border with Cameroon, was conducted under the auspices of a multinational force fighting Boko Haram, the statement from Communications Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary said.
Reuters
Friday, 26 February 2016
Nigeria soccer coach Oliseh resigns
The Nigeria Head coach Sunday Oliseh quit early today, citing unpaid wages and lack of support for his team.
Oliseh announced on twitter that he is quitting.
He tweeted his resignation today after a long stand-off with the Nigeria Football Federation, he said “I feel fortunate, blessed and eternally grateful for having had the honour to play, captain and coach this great nation of ours, Nigeria. Due to contract violations, lack of support, unpaid wages, benefits to my players, Asst. Coaches and myself, I resign as Super Eagles Chief Coach.”
Oliseh was appointed Coach of the Super Eagles in July 2015 after former Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi was sacked by the NFF for a breach of trust.
Nigeria are scheduled to face Egypt's Pharaohs in two games of the Gabon 2017 AFCON qualifiers next month.
Oliseh announced on twitter that he is quitting.
He tweeted his resignation today after a long stand-off with the Nigeria Football Federation, he said “I feel fortunate, blessed and eternally grateful for having had the honour to play, captain and coach this great nation of ours, Nigeria. Due to contract violations, lack of support, unpaid wages, benefits to my players, Asst. Coaches and myself, I resign as Super Eagles Chief Coach.”
Oliseh was appointed Coach of the Super Eagles in July 2015 after former Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi was sacked by the NFF for a breach of trust.
Nigeria are scheduled to face Egypt's Pharaohs in two games of the Gabon 2017 AFCON qualifiers next month.
Thursday, 25 February 2016
Gov. Election: INEC releases dates for Edo, Ondo State
The Independent National Electoral Commission has released dates for the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. The gubernatorial election in Edo state will hold on September 10th while that of Ondo will hold on November 26th this year.
#LIB
#LIB
TSA: Senate orders CBN to dump SystemSpecs’s Remita
The controversies trailing the implementation of the Treasury Single Account, TSA, came to a head on Wednesday, as the Senate directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to terminate forthwith the 2013 e-payment contract renewal with SystemSpecs.
The Senate also ordered the CBN to disregard the one per cent charge provided in the contract agreement with SystemSpecs.
The Senate made the order in line with the 11- point recommendations made by its Joint Committee on Finance, Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions and Public Accounts.
RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears
Ripples
The Senate also ordered the CBN to disregard the one per cent charge provided in the contract agreement with SystemSpecs.
The Senate made the order in line with the 11- point recommendations made by its Joint Committee on Finance, Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions and Public Accounts.
RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears
Ripples
MTN withdraws suit against NCC, pays N50bn ‘in good faith’
MTN has withdrawn its suit against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and paid N50 billion ($250 million) towards an amicable resolution of the fine imposed on the telecoms giant. ncc mtnMeanwhile, the Federal Government, yesterday, denied knowledge of the development and payment of the money. NCC had fined MTN N1.04 trillion for failing to deactivate 5.1 million unregistered SIM cards and later reduced the amount to N780 billion after the first round of negotiations. However, MTN filed a suit as the December 31, 2015 deadline drew nearer, and later requested an out-of-court settlement. Yesterday, the mobile phone company finally withdrew the case at the Federal High Court in Lagos in response to a request by the Nigerian authorities.
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/mtn-withdraws-suit-against-ncc-pays-n50bn-in-good-faith/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/mtn-withdraws-suit-against-ncc-pays-n50bn-in-good-faith/
Wednesday, 24 February 2016
Wenger Rects As Arsenal Lost To Barcelona In UCL
Barcelona on Tuesday defeated Arsenal at the Emirates by two Lionel Messi goals. Speaking after the match, Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger has this to say:
"Barcelona is a great team. We put a lot of energy in the game and technically we were very average.
"The regret I had was once we looked like we dominate the game, we give the goal away. Similar to Monaco last season, naive, and that is frustrating. When we looked like we could win the game, we just gave it away.
"Realistically it is very,very difficult, if not impossible. We have to go there and fight. We had the chances, we didn't score."
"We knew we could not afford to give them counter attacks and that is exactly what we did. It is too easy to blame, you have to respect the effort. They always can kill you when you think you are on top.
"In their transition they never make a bad pass. They are better than us, there is no shame, they are European champions and that is no coincidence."
nigerianbulletin
"Barcelona is a great team. We put a lot of energy in the game and technically we were very average.
"The regret I had was once we looked like we dominate the game, we give the goal away. Similar to Monaco last season, naive, and that is frustrating. When we looked like we could win the game, we just gave it away.
"Realistically it is very,very difficult, if not impossible. We have to go there and fight. We had the chances, we didn't score."
"We knew we could not afford to give them counter attacks and that is exactly what we did. It is too easy to blame, you have to respect the effort. They always can kill you when you think you are on top.
"In their transition they never make a bad pass. They are better than us, there is no shame, they are European champions and that is no coincidence."
nigerianbulletin
Relationship Turmoil As James Harden cheated on Khloe Kardashian?
According to TMZ, this is what Khloe claimed on a episode of her TV Show, Kocktails with Khloe'. Here's how they reported it.
"James Harden is being called out by Khloe Kardashian - who says James begged her to be in an exclusive relationship ... only to cheat on her ass!
KK put Harden on blast on "Kocktails with Khloe" on FYI -- saying the Houston Rockets star was so into her, that he sweet talked her into monogamy -- and then screwed her over. "He sought me out, he wanted to be committed ... then wasn't committed."
Hmmm
#LIB #TMZ
"James Harden is being called out by Khloe Kardashian - who says James begged her to be in an exclusive relationship ... only to cheat on her ass!
KK put Harden on blast on "Kocktails with Khloe" on FYI -- saying the Houston Rockets star was so into her, that he sweet talked her into monogamy -- and then screwed her over. "He sought me out, he wanted to be committed ... then wasn't committed."
Hmmm
#LIB #TMZ
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Benue re-run: Two-time loser, Onjeh heads to Tribunal
Once again, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded Benue South Senatorial re-run election, Mr Daniel Onjeh is still unsatisfied with the conduct of the election, and has vowed to challenge the victory of Senator David Mark at the Tribunal
The re-run election as ordered by the Appeal Court was held on Saturday and INEC declared Sen. Mark who has been in the upper chambers since 1999 as winner of the exercise.
But Onjeh said in an interview that he will approach the Tribunal to challenge the outcome of the election, and seek
the nullification of the exercise on the grounds of over voting and ballot box stuffing.
http://www.ripples.com.ng/benue-re-run-two-time-loser-onjeh-heads-to-tribunal/
The re-run election as ordered by the Appeal Court was held on Saturday and INEC declared Sen. Mark who has been in the upper chambers since 1999 as winner of the exercise.
But Onjeh said in an interview that he will approach the Tribunal to challenge the outcome of the election, and seek
the nullification of the exercise on the grounds of over voting and ballot box stuffing.
http://www.ripples.com.ng/benue-re-run-two-time-loser-onjeh-heads-to-tribunal/
Naira Appreciates Against Dollar After PMB's Statement On Devaluation
The Nigeria's naira on Monday firmed sharply on the parallel market following President Muhammadu Buhari's defiant stance over the country's currency.
President Buhari had on Saturday again rejected the idea of devaluing the West African nation's currency, despite a hammering of the naira on the secondary market last week.
The naira appreciated to 375 against the dollar, as importers started to reduce demand for dollars after Buhari's statement.
The naira firmed 4 percent from Friday's close of 390 to the dollar, while the official interbank rate remained at 199.50 to the dollar at the close of trading on Monday.
Aminu Gwadabe, the head of Nigeria's bureaux de change association said retail currency operators were working to introduce a single quote across the parallel market and maintain a bid-ask spread of 3.5 percent for trades.
"We have set up a unit to monitor compliance with the new measures," he told Reuters, adding that the central bank has been informed of the measures," he said.
Reuters
Dani Alves to Leave Barcelona For Good
According to nigerianbulletin,
Barcelona full-back Dani Alves has hinted that he'll soon leave the Spanish football club. The Brazilian international made it clear he will not stay with the Liga champions until the end of his career.
Dani Alves has made over 350 appearances in all competitions for Barca since joining from Sevilla in 2008.
However, before hanging up his boots he wants to return home to play for Brazilian side Bahia, with whom he started his professional career.
The 32-year-old was seemingly close to leaving Camp Nou last season before opting to pen a new two-year deal, but it appears he may be ready to return home when his current contract expires.
"I've already promised that I want to end my career where I started it, as a way of thanking those who gave me the chance to make my name in football," he told the official Fifa website.
"I want to have a spell there before I retire, but one that's enjoyable for me and for them too.
"I'll be sure to stay in shape so that I can go back and not be a disappointment! The idea is for it to be fun for everybody involved, and then call it a day."
Barcelona full-back Dani Alves has hinted that he'll soon leave the Spanish football club. The Brazilian international made it clear he will not stay with the Liga champions until the end of his career.
Dani Alves has made over 350 appearances in all competitions for Barca since joining from Sevilla in 2008.
However, before hanging up his boots he wants to return home to play for Brazilian side Bahia, with whom he started his professional career.
The 32-year-old was seemingly close to leaving Camp Nou last season before opting to pen a new two-year deal, but it appears he may be ready to return home when his current contract expires.
"I've already promised that I want to end my career where I started it, as a way of thanking those who gave me the chance to make my name in football," he told the official Fifa website.
"I want to have a spell there before I retire, but one that's enjoyable for me and for them too.
"I'll be sure to stay in shape so that I can go back and not be a disappointment! The idea is for it to be fun for everybody involved, and then call it a day."
Monday, 22 February 2016
Fayose to Buhari: Stop the self-deception, naira is already devalued
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has stated that the continued insistence by President Muhammadu Buhari that the naira would not be devalued is an act of self-deceit, as the naira is already losing value going by its free fall to the U.S dollar.
Fayose said: “With the gap between the official rate of N199 and open market rate of over N400 to one dollar, the naira has already been devalued.
“Therefore President Buhari must stop deceiving himself and shortchanging Nigerians, especially the states and local councils in the country with his forex policy.”
The governor in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Lere Olayinka, issued in Ado-Ekiti Sunday, said aside from breeding corruption through round tripping or foreign exchange arbitrage, Nigerians were also being duped, while middle class Nigerians who grow the country’s economy are being decimated.
He lamented that there was no time in the history of Nigeria that the gap between the official rate of the dollar and secondary market rate exceeded N200.
Fayose pointed out that it made no economic sense for the federal government to keep computing the country’s revenue on the basis of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) official rate of N199 to a dollar while states and local councils that share the revenue with the federal government run their businesses at the parallel market rate of over N400 to the dollar, thereby causing enormous distortions as businesses fold up by the day and the prices of goods and services skyrocket.
The governor said Buhari was applying his 1984 failed economic policy during which the prices of goods were fixed, not minding the cost of supply, such that essential commodities like milk and sugar became scarce and Nigerians were made to line up in the sun to buy rationed commodities.
http://www.ripples.com.ng/33499-2/
Fayose said: “With the gap between the official rate of N199 and open market rate of over N400 to one dollar, the naira has already been devalued.
“Therefore President Buhari must stop deceiving himself and shortchanging Nigerians, especially the states and local councils in the country with his forex policy.”
The governor in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Lere Olayinka, issued in Ado-Ekiti Sunday, said aside from breeding corruption through round tripping or foreign exchange arbitrage, Nigerians were also being duped, while middle class Nigerians who grow the country’s economy are being decimated.
He lamented that there was no time in the history of Nigeria that the gap between the official rate of the dollar and secondary market rate exceeded N200.
Fayose pointed out that it made no economic sense for the federal government to keep computing the country’s revenue on the basis of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) official rate of N199 to a dollar while states and local councils that share the revenue with the federal government run their businesses at the parallel market rate of over N400 to the dollar, thereby causing enormous distortions as businesses fold up by the day and the prices of goods and services skyrocket.
The governor said Buhari was applying his 1984 failed economic policy during which the prices of goods were fixed, not minding the cost of supply, such that essential commodities like milk and sugar became scarce and Nigerians were made to line up in the sun to buy rationed commodities.
http://www.ripples.com.ng/33499-2/
Sunday, 21 February 2016
Election: David Mark declared winner of Benue South Senotorial re-run
As culled from LIB, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared David Mark winner of the Benue South Senatorial re-run. The former Senate President garnered a total of 84,192 votes, to beat his main contender, Daniel Onjeh of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with 71,621 votes.
The returning Officer of the electoral body, Mr Ishaq Eneji, while declaring the result, said that Senator Mark met all the requirements during the conduct of the poll, having majority of the total vote cast.
Responding to the victory and call for supplementary election in the cancelled polling units, Senator Mark said that his election reflected the will of the people.
THE RESULTS FROM ALL THE 9 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS :
1. Ado LGA
APC - 6370
PDP - 6513
2. Agatu LGA
APC - 3458
PDP - 7986
3. Apa LGA
APC - 4943
PDP - 9191
4. Obi LGA
APC - 8585
PDP - 7043
5. Ohimini LGA
APC - 6192
PDP - 5923
6. Okpokwu LGA
APC - 6830
PDP - 11935
7. Otukpo LGA
APC - 12203
PDP - 18468
8. Oju LGA
APC - 14159
PDP - 10289
9. Ogbadibo LGA
APC - 8882
PDP - 6844
PDP won with a difference of = 12,571 votes.
The returning Officer of the electoral body, Mr Ishaq Eneji, while declaring the result, said that Senator Mark met all the requirements during the conduct of the poll, having majority of the total vote cast.
Responding to the victory and call for supplementary election in the cancelled polling units, Senator Mark said that his election reflected the will of the people.
THE RESULTS FROM ALL THE 9 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS :
1. Ado LGA
APC - 6370
PDP - 6513
2. Agatu LGA
APC - 3458
PDP - 7986
3. Apa LGA
APC - 4943
PDP - 9191
4. Obi LGA
APC - 8585
PDP - 7043
5. Ohimini LGA
APC - 6192
PDP - 5923
6. Okpokwu LGA
APC - 6830
PDP - 11935
7. Otukpo LGA
APC - 12203
PDP - 18468
8. Oju LGA
APC - 14159
PDP - 10289
9. Ogbadibo LGA
APC - 8882
PDP - 6844
PDP won with a difference of = 12,571 votes.
U.S primaries: Trump wins South Carolina, Clinton gets Nevada
The race for White House is heating up with Hillary Clinton emerging the winner of the Democratic caucuses in Nevada, beating Bernie Sanders, while mouthy estate mogul turned politician Donald Trump emerged winner in the crowded Republican nominating party in South Carolina.
Unlike the opening contests in Iowa and New Hampshire, which the candidates split, Saturday’s contest was the first test for the White House hopefuls in a more racially diverse state.
http://www.ripples.com.ng/u-s-primaries-trump-wins-south-carolina-clinton-gets-nevada/
Saturday, 20 February 2016
PENDULUM:TIME TO END THE BLAME GAME
By Dele Momodu
Fellow Nigerians, let us start today’s epistle with a real life story. Some years ago, a woman named Dr Kema Chikwe was appointed Minister of Aviation. Her mandate was to bring sanity to our insane airports across the country. It was as if we were a jinxed nation and nothing good could ever come out of our rudderless system. Dr Chikwe set out on her mission like Henry the Navigator. She mapped out her strategy meticulously and elaborately. Our airports were as hot as hell. All efforts to tranquilise the place and make it habitable for passengers proved abortive but Dr Chikwe was determined to succeed where others had failed miserably and woefully.
http://thebossnewspapers.com/pendulumtime-to-end-the-blame-game/
Fellow Nigerians, let us start today’s epistle with a real life story. Some years ago, a woman named Dr Kema Chikwe was appointed Minister of Aviation. Her mandate was to bring sanity to our insane airports across the country. It was as if we were a jinxed nation and nothing good could ever come out of our rudderless system. Dr Chikwe set out on her mission like Henry the Navigator. She mapped out her strategy meticulously and elaborately. Our airports were as hot as hell. All efforts to tranquilise the place and make it habitable for passengers proved abortive but Dr Chikwe was determined to succeed where others had failed miserably and woefully.
http://thebossnewspapers.com/pendulumtime-to-end-the-blame-game/
No end to the human tide of misery as 6,000 refugees arrive on Lesbos in just three days
As EU leaders were thrashing out a deal last night, the real crisis facing the Continent was laid bare.
Europol warned there could be up to 5,000 Islamist jihadis at large in the EU – and more than 2,000 migrants are arriving on the Greek island of Lesbos each day.
The British head of the EU’s crime-fighting organisation said the Continent was facing its biggest security crisis in ten years.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3454726/More-2-000-migrants-arrive-Lesbos-just-ONE-DAY.html
Europol warned there could be up to 5,000 Islamist jihadis at large in the EU – and more than 2,000 migrants are arriving on the Greek island of Lesbos each day.
The British head of the EU’s crime-fighting organisation said the Continent was facing its biggest security crisis in ten years.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3454726/More-2-000-migrants-arrive-Lesbos-just-ONE-DAY.html
Friday, 19 February 2016
Love! Floyd Mayweather falls for 19-year-old New Look sales assistant from the West Midlands
luxury hotels
Boxer Floyd Mayweather is known as much for his flashy lifestyle as his undefeated record in the ring.
The 38-year-old, who earned £200million in last year alone, boasts about splashing small fortunes on lavish parties, luxury jets and diamond-encrusted watches.
But it seems his heart belongs to someone whose life is far removed from his own world of excess.
The sporting superstar has fallen for 19-year-old shop assistant Rmarni Eliss, who caught his eye at a fan meet-and-greet in her hometown of Cannock, in the West Midlands.
And Mayweather is understood to be so smitten with Miss Eliss that he has whisked her off to join him as he criss-crosses the US on his private jet.
According to the Daily Mirror, the couple met at a fan event at Bar Sport on February 12, where she is understood to have paid £600 for a ticket to meet the sporting legend.
Photographs taken just hours later appear to show Miss Eliss, who works in her local New Look, sitting behind Mayweather in the back of a Rolls Royce as he leaves the venue.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3453778/Well-knock-Multi-millionaire-boxer-Floyd-Mayweather-falls-19-year-old-New-Look-sales-assistant-West-Midlands-whisks-U-S-40m-private-jet.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
Boxer Floyd Mayweather is known as much for his flashy lifestyle as his undefeated record in the ring.
The 38-year-old, who earned £200million in last year alone, boasts about splashing small fortunes on lavish parties, luxury jets and diamond-encrusted watches.
But it seems his heart belongs to someone whose life is far removed from his own world of excess.
The sporting superstar has fallen for 19-year-old shop assistant Rmarni Eliss, who caught his eye at a fan meet-and-greet in her hometown of Cannock, in the West Midlands.
And Mayweather is understood to be so smitten with Miss Eliss that he has whisked her off to join him as he criss-crosses the US on his private jet.
According to the Daily Mirror, the couple met at a fan event at Bar Sport on February 12, where she is understood to have paid £600 for a ticket to meet the sporting legend.
Photographs taken just hours later appear to show Miss Eliss, who works in her local New Look, sitting behind Mayweather in the back of a Rolls Royce as he leaves the venue.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3453778/Well-knock-Multi-millionaire-boxer-Floyd-Mayweather-falls-19-year-old-New-Look-sales-assistant-West-Midlands-whisks-U-S-40m-private-jet.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
I’m Not Pregnant for Jude Okoye Says Cynthia Morgan
According to nigerianbulletin, Cynthia Morgan has debunked the rumours claiming that she is pregnant for Jude Okoye, her boss.
The German Juice crooner, who is signed to Jude Okoye’s Northside Inc Record Label, took to his twitter page saying:
http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/attachments/img_20160218_153530-png.71821/
While some of the singer’s neighbours in Lagos alleged that she is pregnant, others allege that she is having an intimate affair with her boss, Jude Okoye, who recently got married.
The German Juice crooner, who is signed to Jude Okoye’s Northside Inc Record Label, took to his twitter page saying:
http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/attachments/img_20160218_153530-png.71821/
While some of the singer’s neighbours in Lagos alleged that she is pregnant, others allege that she is having an intimate affair with her boss, Jude Okoye, who recently got married.
Knocks For Manchester United In Europa Cup
This is not a good sign as Manchester United entered the Europa League for the last 32 after being knocked out of the Champions League
Manchester United produced another underwhelming display as they lost to Danish side FC Midtjylland in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.
United were without a number of injured players, including Wayne Rooney, and lost David de Gea in the warm-up.
They took the lead through Memphis Depay's shot but Sergio Romero, who stepped in for De Gea, was unable to prevent Pione Sisto equalising.
http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/35548870
Manchester United produced another underwhelming display as they lost to Danish side FC Midtjylland in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.
United were without a number of injured players, including Wayne Rooney, and lost David de Gea in the warm-up.
They took the lead through Memphis Depay's shot but Sergio Romero, who stepped in for De Gea, was unable to prevent Pione Sisto equalising.
http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/35548870
Thursday, 18 February 2016
OMG! Little girl beheaded (very graphic photo)
According to LIB, A Facebook user Abdulmumin K. Suleiman posted this photo of a man who looked clearly beaten up, holding the head and body of a little girl. He didn't give much info. He only wrote: "What a heartless being, People with desperation. Don't want to Labour for daily bread. Sharp money. O God savee Us from this evil acts and the evildoers.. " The photo is very graphic! *viewer discretion advised*
http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/02/little-girl-beheaded-very-graphic-photo.html?m=1
http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/02/little-girl-beheaded-very-graphic-photo.html?m=1
PMB Produced The Most Embarrasing Budget In History Says Sahara Reporters
Nigeria's 2016 budget is full of pork and maggots. Yet, ministers appear in front of the National Assembly to defend or/and disassociate themselves from their ministries' budgets. Dr. Damages digs into the journey of the budget and recommends those who should receive 12 lashes.
http://www.nairaland.com/2940790/buhari-produced-most-embarrassing-budget
http://www.nairaland.com/2940790/buhari-produced-most-embarrassing-budget
Apple turns down court order to unlock gunman’s phone
Luxury mobile phone giants Apple has turned down a court order to help FBI investigators to access data on the mobile phone belonging to San Bernandino gunman Syed Rizwan Farook.
Apple seeks to contest a court order to help the FBI circumvent security software on Farook’s iPhone, which it said contained crucial information.
http://www.ripples.com.ng/apple-turns-down-court-order-to-unlock-gunmans-phone/
Apple seeks to contest a court order to help the FBI circumvent security software on Farook’s iPhone, which it said contained crucial information.
http://www.ripples.com.ng/apple-turns-down-court-order-to-unlock-gunmans-phone/
Wednesday, 17 February 2016
Ex UN Secretary General Boutros Ghali is dead
According to Ripples, One-time Secretary General of the United Nations Boutros Boutros-Ghali who served the world body in a topsy-turvy five-year term which ended in 1996 died Tuesday in his native Cairo, Egypt.
As a sign of honour, the UN Security Council observed a minute of silence for the diplomat who was replaced by another African, Ghanaian Kofi Annan.
As a sign of honour, the UN Security Council observed a minute of silence for the diplomat who was replaced by another African, Ghanaian Kofi Annan.
Plans To Put Anti Saraki Senators In Check Thickened In Senate
THE planned suspension of the spokesperson for the Senate President Unity Forum, Senator Kabir Marafa, over an interview he granted and published in the last week edition of Sunday PUNCH heightened tension at the Senate on Tuesday.
Marafa had in the interview declared his support for former President Olusegun Obasanjo over the issues he raised in his recent letter to both chambers of the National Assembly, especially on the need to make their budgets transparent and accessible to Nigerians.
But on the resumption of plenary after a two-week break on Tuesday, the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Issa Missau, drew the attention of his colleagues to the publication, which according to him, was offensive.
Coming under matters of personal privilege, Missau, alleged that Marafa, by his comments, had infringed on his rights as well as the rights of others and deserved to receive an instant punishment from the Senate to serve as deterrent to others.
http://www.punchng.com/planned-suspension-of-anti-saraki-senator-heightens-tension-at-senate/
Marafa had in the interview declared his support for former President Olusegun Obasanjo over the issues he raised in his recent letter to both chambers of the National Assembly, especially on the need to make their budgets transparent and accessible to Nigerians.
But on the resumption of plenary after a two-week break on Tuesday, the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Issa Missau, drew the attention of his colleagues to the publication, which according to him, was offensive.
Coming under matters of personal privilege, Missau, alleged that Marafa, by his comments, had infringed on his rights as well as the rights of others and deserved to receive an instant punishment from the Senate to serve as deterrent to others.
http://www.punchng.com/planned-suspension-of-anti-saraki-senator-heightens-tension-at-senate/
PSG 2 - Chelsea 1
According to BBC,
Mikel's goal was the first PSG had conceded at home in the Champions League this season
Edinson Cavani came off the bench to give Paris St-Germain the advantage after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Chelsea.
The hosts went ahead through Zlatan Ibrahimovic's deflected free-kick.
But John Mikel Obi scored a precious away goal, capitalising on some terrible defending to sweep home a deserved leveller from six yards.
Mikel's goal was the first PSG had conceded at home in the Champions League this season
Edinson Cavani came off the bench to give Paris St-Germain the advantage after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Chelsea.
The hosts went ahead through Zlatan Ibrahimovic's deflected free-kick.
But John Mikel Obi scored a precious away goal, capitalising on some terrible defending to sweep home a deserved leveller from six yards.
'Ali Modu Sheriff' Emerged As PDP Party's Acting Chairman
As revealed by Adeyanju Deji, Director, New Media of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has announced the appointment of former Borno state Governor and alleged boko haram sponsor , Ali Modu Sheriff as the Acting National Chairman of the party.
nigerianbulletin
nigerianbulletin
Tuesday, 16 February 2016
WHY I LOVE NIGERIA by Adefemi
Living life with absolute focus on inner strength is the real value of accepting reality.
Nigeria is a country of great intellects with full strength of self made creatures in resilience and steadfastness.
Nigeria is a country that is located in the west Africa and is been adjudged to be the epitome of creativity and richness in Africa. These can be seen in Nollywood, banking, entertainment, education, health, sport etc.
Nigeria is blessed not with levity of resources but with the deep human and material resources.
Nigeria is a country of special love that is awesome with massive population. A country of good people great nation
Despite the level of challenges that we face as a nation, our joy within is beyond human understanding
I love Nigeria with passion! Nigeria is a good country, Nigerians are lovely, Nigerians are hard working, Nigerians are cultured, Nigerians are educated, Nigerians are inspired Nigerians are business oriented, Nigerians are philanthropist, Nigerians are loving and acceptable in the society.
I love Nigeria not because I live here but simple I am privilege to born in a country where absolute opportunity is given for every individuals to think within their immediate environment
Nigeria as a country has given me life and opportunity to stay focus and believe that hardwork pays
Many great people has shared their self story of happiness from grass to grace. One of them is Otunba Subomi Balogun who built an entity from the scratch and attain global status of a great entrepreneur.
All these cannot be possible if he does not give it a shot by believing in himself and Nigeria as a country
I love Nigeria because we are real and believe that nothing can be better than for us to stay focus on our strength.
I love Nigeria because God lives in this country with the wonderful nature and exceptional weather that cannot be compared to anywhere in the world
Nigeria is a country of assets and a country of true nature and reality for growth
I love Nigeria because there is an opportunity that hope is real for greater success
I love Nigeria because we are self made, we cannot be intimidated, we cannot be degraded.
Despite the massive challenges that always paint us bad in the committee of nations,
Our focus is real our joy knows no bound and we are good, great, nice and blessed.
I love Nigeria I live Nigeria I breath Nigeria
By Adefemi Adesida
Nigeria is a country of great intellects with full strength of self made creatures in resilience and steadfastness.
Nigeria is a country that is located in the west Africa and is been adjudged to be the epitome of creativity and richness in Africa. These can be seen in Nollywood, banking, entertainment, education, health, sport etc.
Nigeria is blessed not with levity of resources but with the deep human and material resources.
Nigeria is a country of special love that is awesome with massive population. A country of good people great nation
Despite the level of challenges that we face as a nation, our joy within is beyond human understanding
I love Nigeria with passion! Nigeria is a good country, Nigerians are lovely, Nigerians are hard working, Nigerians are cultured, Nigerians are educated, Nigerians are inspired Nigerians are business oriented, Nigerians are philanthropist, Nigerians are loving and acceptable in the society.
I love Nigeria not because I live here but simple I am privilege to born in a country where absolute opportunity is given for every individuals to think within their immediate environment
Nigeria as a country has given me life and opportunity to stay focus and believe that hardwork pays
Many great people has shared their self story of happiness from grass to grace. One of them is Otunba Subomi Balogun who built an entity from the scratch and attain global status of a great entrepreneur.
All these cannot be possible if he does not give it a shot by believing in himself and Nigeria as a country
I love Nigeria because we are real and believe that nothing can be better than for us to stay focus on our strength.
I love Nigeria because God lives in this country with the wonderful nature and exceptional weather that cannot be compared to anywhere in the world
Nigeria is a country of assets and a country of true nature and reality for growth
I love Nigeria because there is an opportunity that hope is real for greater success
I love Nigeria because we are self made, we cannot be intimidated, we cannot be degraded.
Despite the massive challenges that always paint us bad in the committee of nations,
Our focus is real our joy knows no bound and we are good, great, nice and blessed.
I love Nigeria I live Nigeria I breath Nigeria
By Adefemi Adesida
EFCC uncovers N6.2billion Abacha loot in Channels Island
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is on the trail of £22.5m (N6.18billion) loot which the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, is alleged to have stashed away on the tiny Island of Jersey, part of the Channels Island.
The anti-graft commission is also working to solve the riddle of the whereabouts of over $400million Abacha loot on the Island.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We are probing the whereabouts of £22.5m (N6.18billion) loot of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha which was recovered from the Island of Jersey. The EFCC cannot locate where the money was remitted to.
http://www.ripples.com.ng/efcc-uncovers-n6-2billion-abacha-loot-in-channels-island/
The anti-graft commission is also working to solve the riddle of the whereabouts of over $400million Abacha loot on the Island.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We are probing the whereabouts of £22.5m (N6.18billion) loot of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha which was recovered from the Island of Jersey. The EFCC cannot locate where the money was remitted to.
http://www.ripples.com.ng/efcc-uncovers-n6-2billion-abacha-loot-in-channels-island/
Monday, 15 February 2016
Syria conflict: Two hospitals hit in new air strikes
Two hospitals have been hit in new air strikes in northern Syria, medics and witnesses say, causing a number of deaths and injuries.
In Azaz on the Turkish border, at least 10 people reportedly died, including several in one hospital building.
Medecins Sans Frontieres said eight staff members were missing after another attack in Maarat al-Numan.
The strikes come days after Russia and other world powers agreed to a limited cessation of hostilities in Syria.
Almost five years of civil war in Syria have led to the deaths of more than 250,000 people. More than 11 million people have been displaced.
BBC
In Azaz on the Turkish border, at least 10 people reportedly died, including several in one hospital building.
Medecins Sans Frontieres said eight staff members were missing after another attack in Maarat al-Numan.
The strikes come days after Russia and other world powers agreed to a limited cessation of hostilities in Syria.
Almost five years of civil war in Syria have led to the deaths of more than 250,000 people. More than 11 million people have been displaced.
BBC
Sunday, 14 February 2016
When Love Isn’t Enough- By Reuben Abati
Article by Reuben Abati below...
It is that time of the year again in the month of February, when there is so much talk and excitement about romance and love, all in preparation for that special day dedicated to love, romance and dalliance, this very day, Valentine’s Day. The romantic propaganda can be really oppressive.
In the past few days for example, GSM service providers have insisted that the only ring tone that fits this season is the one that forces you to think of romance, just in case you may have forgotten. I didn’t solicit for the ringtone, but I got it all the same and I have had to listen to it, on other people’s lines, and I guess it doesn’t come free.
The GSM companies are making money selling Valentine messages. And that is the point: the frenzy over Valentine’s Day is commercial, capitalistic, and it is of course, global. In the United States, even the White House is not left out, with the First Lady composing a poem for President Barack Obama on this special occasion. It is all mushy, lovey-dovey stuff. The eventual beneficiaries are the business outfits that produce printing cards, shirts, chocolates, cakes, the restaurants that will probably remain open till Feb. 15, not to talk of the companies that will benefit from the many phone calls, e-mails and text messages.
Sometimes, I find Valentine’s Day a bit suffocating, feminist, and discriminatory. This year’s celebration falls on a Sunday, otherwise it would also have been observed in schools including nursery and kindergarten schools. On a school day, all the pupils would have been instructed to dress up in red colour and to bring gifts for their friends. The children are innocent but their teachers, especially in the private schools, initiate them into this annual ritual. Last year, there was so much red colour blinding the eyes on the streets. I also saw old men and women, even widows, joining the celebration, refusing to be left out of their share of the love in the air. And later in the day of course, the restaurants usually take over and the ultimate show of chivalry is for a man to be seen taking his Valentine for candle-lit dinner, or to go on his knees and pop the question, or to exchange wedding vows on this special day.
It is as if this is the only day meant for love, and the flow of affection is generally understood around here to be from man to woman. The emphasis is not even on pure, unadulterated love; but physical romance. In everything there is a suggestion among the younger generation that a Valentine’s Day expression of love is the truest form of affection, which it is not. The overwhelming focus on purchasing power as a measure of love and affection makes it worse. This has resulted in some commentators lamenting that given the economic austerity in the land, Valentine’s Day this year may not be as exciting, because as the common saying goes, “there can be no romance without finance!”. In the past, a poem or a letter or a bouquet of flowers would do, but I hear, not anymore. Our new age Nigerian ladies no longer read love letters, nor are they interested in poetry- those forced rhymes and sweet nothings meant to make the heart flutter don’t seem to work anymore.
These days, I have heard such comments as: “we have not received salary, how man go take do Valentine?” and I have seen a cartoon in which a husband tells his wife that they will be better off spending the whole day in church! It is perhaps more advisable to celebrate Agape, church love than to dig a hole in the pocket and tell stories that touch the heart later.
I am not against anyone celebrating love, but the desperation, the heartache and the sheer anxiety that now attends Valentine’s Day is a bit over the top. People should not have to borrow or rob a bank to prove that they love a woman. And this whole thing about romantic love is curious. In any relationship at all, physical love is not enough. It takes a lot more to build relationships.
It should be possible to spend Valentine’s Day with family members, friends, and other members of the community. And you shouldn’t have to wear red as if you are going to a Sango shrine, or appear like a masquerade, before anyone knows that you want to celebrate love. How about a visit to the motherless babies’ home, or the prisons, hospitals, or a visit to the cemetery to remember your departed loved ones. Or quality time spent at home with the children or phone calls to old time friends to wish them well. Love should not be measured in loud decibels of a one-day excitement; it should be a value, extended in all kinds of relationships.
This is one lesson the excitable young crowd, that is going to troop out to the clubs and restaurants today, must learn, and which they will learn. They should ask the older generation. I doubt if there are many married men and women out there who are still having butterflies in their stomachs as they did many years ago, over a certain unknown St. Valentine. Real life teaches hard lessons. The older generation would have learnt that love grows, and it fades, and it is better as a life-long experience, while romantic love is just one of many other kinds of love, including self-love, and this thing called love is not necessarily in real life, exactly as the Holy Book says it should be.
It is only in the Bible that love exists in such fantasy form as described in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease, where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” In real life, love is proud, boastful, easily angered, expensive, self-seeking, vengeful…imagine the kind of atrocities that have been committed in the name of love!
As we mark this year’s Valentine’s Day, I think of the quality of love in our community, and it is sad that there is a damning scarcity of it. Those who will observe the Valentine ritual, and may forget the subject of love by tomorrow morning, are in the majority: they claim to be good men and women, but they are not their brother’s keepers. They include young girls who will never be allowed to marry young men from other ethnic groups because of the deep-seated suspicions that have divided Nigerian communities into primordial camps of hate. We have parents, teachers, leaders and priests, who promote division rather than unity. We are a community of broken dreams and shattered hopes. Hypocrisy has become a virtue. Some of the young people change their partners every Valentine season, collecting Valentine gifts like they are striving to build a museum of romantic encounters. Many of those who will profess love today do not even know what it means.
And yet we are a religious society and all the religions teach love as an important virtue and value. But I doubt if anyone listens. Even the religious leaders are guilty. One so-called 50-year old Pastor Amakiri has just been accused of raping a 12-year old child. He saw a vision that he needed a “holy massage” to be administered by a young girl between the ages of 12-15, on his “badly aching waist.” He has children at home between the ages of 6 and 14, and he could have sought medical help. Only God knows how many other lives this particular Pastor has damaged with false visions and cruel opportunism. Our schools should teach love, but was it not in a Nigerian school that a student once slaughtered a teacher in broad daylight?
And was it not from a school that innocent young girls were carted away and abducted? Parents should help teach love too, but many parents are too busy monitoring that bank alert that will make them breathe easier. Marriage should nurture love, but was it not in Ibadan the other day that a young, married lady, drove a knife into her husband’s neck wounding him mortally because he had a child outside wedlock. And elsewhere in this same country, another married woman reportedly butchered her husband’s manhood, into two, because he was caught with another woman.
Yes, it is Valentine’s Day but it is the Devil that rules the heart of many. Pastor Amakiri has been quoted saying “Don’t blame the Devil, I did it.” Of course, you did it, and are we supposed to clap for you? The Devil has never been convicted in any court of law for committing a crime. Think also of the usual stories about the shenanigans of governance and the oddities of public life. The list is endless, providing a sobering backdrop to all the ebb and flow of Valentine spirit. People are taught the idea of love by the ritual of Valentine’s Day, but that is never enough for building relationships and a strong community of citizens. We need a society built on much deeper friendships and values.
This is perhaps partly why there have been anti-Valentine’s Day protests in India and Pakistan, where its celebration is said to be “against religious and cultural norms.” I don’t think a day will ever come when the Nigerian authorities will ban anyone from having a day of fun, even licentious fun, for those who are so predisposed. But if you must indulge in ribaldry, remember it is nonetheless a day for loving not dying, and that promoting love, friendship, good citizenship, and unity as shared communal values is important. And if you are pro-Valentine and nobody remembers to send you a cake, a message, or a card, since there is this general expectation that everyone should celebrate Valentine, don’t despair, it is better to be loved everyday, than once. As for me, I’ll spend the day with family and friends.
#LIB
It is that time of the year again in the month of February, when there is so much talk and excitement about romance and love, all in preparation for that special day dedicated to love, romance and dalliance, this very day, Valentine’s Day. The romantic propaganda can be really oppressive.
In the past few days for example, GSM service providers have insisted that the only ring tone that fits this season is the one that forces you to think of romance, just in case you may have forgotten. I didn’t solicit for the ringtone, but I got it all the same and I have had to listen to it, on other people’s lines, and I guess it doesn’t come free.
The GSM companies are making money selling Valentine messages. And that is the point: the frenzy over Valentine’s Day is commercial, capitalistic, and it is of course, global. In the United States, even the White House is not left out, with the First Lady composing a poem for President Barack Obama on this special occasion. It is all mushy, lovey-dovey stuff. The eventual beneficiaries are the business outfits that produce printing cards, shirts, chocolates, cakes, the restaurants that will probably remain open till Feb. 15, not to talk of the companies that will benefit from the many phone calls, e-mails and text messages.
Sometimes, I find Valentine’s Day a bit suffocating, feminist, and discriminatory. This year’s celebration falls on a Sunday, otherwise it would also have been observed in schools including nursery and kindergarten schools. On a school day, all the pupils would have been instructed to dress up in red colour and to bring gifts for their friends. The children are innocent but their teachers, especially in the private schools, initiate them into this annual ritual. Last year, there was so much red colour blinding the eyes on the streets. I also saw old men and women, even widows, joining the celebration, refusing to be left out of their share of the love in the air. And later in the day of course, the restaurants usually take over and the ultimate show of chivalry is for a man to be seen taking his Valentine for candle-lit dinner, or to go on his knees and pop the question, or to exchange wedding vows on this special day.
It is as if this is the only day meant for love, and the flow of affection is generally understood around here to be from man to woman. The emphasis is not even on pure, unadulterated love; but physical romance. In everything there is a suggestion among the younger generation that a Valentine’s Day expression of love is the truest form of affection, which it is not. The overwhelming focus on purchasing power as a measure of love and affection makes it worse. This has resulted in some commentators lamenting that given the economic austerity in the land, Valentine’s Day this year may not be as exciting, because as the common saying goes, “there can be no romance without finance!”. In the past, a poem or a letter or a bouquet of flowers would do, but I hear, not anymore. Our new age Nigerian ladies no longer read love letters, nor are they interested in poetry- those forced rhymes and sweet nothings meant to make the heart flutter don’t seem to work anymore.
These days, I have heard such comments as: “we have not received salary, how man go take do Valentine?” and I have seen a cartoon in which a husband tells his wife that they will be better off spending the whole day in church! It is perhaps more advisable to celebrate Agape, church love than to dig a hole in the pocket and tell stories that touch the heart later.
I am not against anyone celebrating love, but the desperation, the heartache and the sheer anxiety that now attends Valentine’s Day is a bit over the top. People should not have to borrow or rob a bank to prove that they love a woman. And this whole thing about romantic love is curious. In any relationship at all, physical love is not enough. It takes a lot more to build relationships.
It should be possible to spend Valentine’s Day with family members, friends, and other members of the community. And you shouldn’t have to wear red as if you are going to a Sango shrine, or appear like a masquerade, before anyone knows that you want to celebrate love. How about a visit to the motherless babies’ home, or the prisons, hospitals, or a visit to the cemetery to remember your departed loved ones. Or quality time spent at home with the children or phone calls to old time friends to wish them well. Love should not be measured in loud decibels of a one-day excitement; it should be a value, extended in all kinds of relationships.
This is one lesson the excitable young crowd, that is going to troop out to the clubs and restaurants today, must learn, and which they will learn. They should ask the older generation. I doubt if there are many married men and women out there who are still having butterflies in their stomachs as they did many years ago, over a certain unknown St. Valentine. Real life teaches hard lessons. The older generation would have learnt that love grows, and it fades, and it is better as a life-long experience, while romantic love is just one of many other kinds of love, including self-love, and this thing called love is not necessarily in real life, exactly as the Holy Book says it should be.
It is only in the Bible that love exists in such fantasy form as described in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease, where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” In real life, love is proud, boastful, easily angered, expensive, self-seeking, vengeful…imagine the kind of atrocities that have been committed in the name of love!
As we mark this year’s Valentine’s Day, I think of the quality of love in our community, and it is sad that there is a damning scarcity of it. Those who will observe the Valentine ritual, and may forget the subject of love by tomorrow morning, are in the majority: they claim to be good men and women, but they are not their brother’s keepers. They include young girls who will never be allowed to marry young men from other ethnic groups because of the deep-seated suspicions that have divided Nigerian communities into primordial camps of hate. We have parents, teachers, leaders and priests, who promote division rather than unity. We are a community of broken dreams and shattered hopes. Hypocrisy has become a virtue. Some of the young people change their partners every Valentine season, collecting Valentine gifts like they are striving to build a museum of romantic encounters. Many of those who will profess love today do not even know what it means.
And yet we are a religious society and all the religions teach love as an important virtue and value. But I doubt if anyone listens. Even the religious leaders are guilty. One so-called 50-year old Pastor Amakiri has just been accused of raping a 12-year old child. He saw a vision that he needed a “holy massage” to be administered by a young girl between the ages of 12-15, on his “badly aching waist.” He has children at home between the ages of 6 and 14, and he could have sought medical help. Only God knows how many other lives this particular Pastor has damaged with false visions and cruel opportunism. Our schools should teach love, but was it not in a Nigerian school that a student once slaughtered a teacher in broad daylight?
And was it not from a school that innocent young girls were carted away and abducted? Parents should help teach love too, but many parents are too busy monitoring that bank alert that will make them breathe easier. Marriage should nurture love, but was it not in Ibadan the other day that a young, married lady, drove a knife into her husband’s neck wounding him mortally because he had a child outside wedlock. And elsewhere in this same country, another married woman reportedly butchered her husband’s manhood, into two, because he was caught with another woman.
Yes, it is Valentine’s Day but it is the Devil that rules the heart of many. Pastor Amakiri has been quoted saying “Don’t blame the Devil, I did it.” Of course, you did it, and are we supposed to clap for you? The Devil has never been convicted in any court of law for committing a crime. Think also of the usual stories about the shenanigans of governance and the oddities of public life. The list is endless, providing a sobering backdrop to all the ebb and flow of Valentine spirit. People are taught the idea of love by the ritual of Valentine’s Day, but that is never enough for building relationships and a strong community of citizens. We need a society built on much deeper friendships and values.
This is perhaps partly why there have been anti-Valentine’s Day protests in India and Pakistan, where its celebration is said to be “against religious and cultural norms.” I don’t think a day will ever come when the Nigerian authorities will ban anyone from having a day of fun, even licentious fun, for those who are so predisposed. But if you must indulge in ribaldry, remember it is nonetheless a day for loving not dying, and that promoting love, friendship, good citizenship, and unity as shared communal values is important. And if you are pro-Valentine and nobody remembers to send you a cake, a message, or a card, since there is this general expectation that everyone should celebrate Valentine, don’t despair, it is better to be loved everyday, than once. As for me, I’ll spend the day with family and friends.
#LIB
Saturday, 13 February 2016
Kanye's camp reacts to Model's claim that he wasn't paid a dime for work
Kanye West's camp is firing back at the extra who claims that he was not paid for the Yeezy Season 3 show. According to them, all models were fed, paid and dressed for the gig. According to TMZ
'A rep for Kanye tells us extras got a daily rate and received a meal ticket for lunch. While the hours were long for the gig, we're told the majority of the crew was thrilled to be in the show.
A source close to the production tells TMZ all models were dressed in Yeezy Season 3 gear, but because of the large number of participants ... some extras were in vintage clothing that had been dyed for the production. We're told they were paid $10/hr. Our source says everyone involved in the show had to sign a very strict NDA, so it's a little fishy the "kurents" guy is so chatty.'
#LIB
'A rep for Kanye tells us extras got a daily rate and received a meal ticket for lunch. While the hours were long for the gig, we're told the majority of the crew was thrilled to be in the show.
A source close to the production tells TMZ all models were dressed in Yeezy Season 3 gear, but because of the large number of participants ... some extras were in vintage clothing that had been dyed for the production. We're told they were paid $10/hr. Our source says everyone involved in the show had to sign a very strict NDA, so it's a little fishy the "kurents" guy is so chatty.'
#LIB
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