NEZITIC: 2014

Friday, 19 December 2014

CBN DIRECTS BANKS TO COMMENCE ISSUANCE OF CENTENARY N100 NOTE

The commemorative N100 banknote unveiled recently by the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, goes into circulation today, Dec. 19, 2014.

Accordingly, all branches of the Bank have been directed to commence issuance of the currency in their respective locations.

The commemorative note, which is embedded with features to assist the visually impaired recognize genuine notes, also has other security features easily identifiable through look, feel and tilt of the currency note.

It will be recalled that the CBN Governor, at the unveiling of the new banknote, explained that the new note was designed with enhanced security to offer robust resistance against counterfeiting.

Authentication features of the note include window micro-optics, showing the national flag and numeral 100 indicating the value of the denomination and the attainment of the centenary period.

The new design retains the portrait of Chief Obafemi Awolowo both in the ink, that is the interglow level, as a portrait and also in a paper as a shadow image.

In addition, there is a spark feature of a rolling manila bar, which was the instrument of transaction during the slave trade era.

At the back side of the currency is the introduced Quick Response Code, QRC, a digital communication feature that highlights and sources all the information about the centenary.

With the QRC application, the barcode on the banknote can be scanned by users to read a brief history of Nigeria.

The commemorative note will circulate alongside the existing N 100 note. It will be recalled that the Bank, in 2010, issued commemorative N50 polymer note to mark Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration.

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FG DECLARES PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR

The Federal Government has declared December 25 and 26, 2014, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day Celebrations.

The Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja.

January 1, 2015 was also declared a public holiday to mark the New Year.

Moro enjoined all Christian faithful and Nigerians in general to extend the spiritual benefits of Christmas, which are love, peace, justice, kindness to their daily lives and through this contribute to the development of the nation.

“Comrade Abba Moro further urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace and unity across the country,” the statement said. He also wished all Nigerians a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year celebrations.

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PRIVATE WAEC 2014 RECORDS 70% FAILURE

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) yesterday released the 2014 West African School Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results with 70 per cent of the candidates failing to score up to six credits.

Head of the Nigeria National Office (HNO), Mr Charles Eguridu, made this known while addressing newsmen at the WAEC head office, where he said that out of the total number of candidates that sat for the examination, 75,313 candidates, representing 30.50 per cent, obtained six credits and above, while 110,346 candidates, representing 44.70 per cent, obtained five credits and above.

According to him, a total of 246,853 candidates (excluding absentees), consisting of 132,521 male and 114,332 female candidates, sat for the examination. Out of the total number of candidates, 241,161 candidates, representing 97.69 per cent, have their results fully released, while 5,691 candidates, representing 2.31 per cent, have their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to candidates and cyber cafes in the course of registration.

The HNO added that 145,036 candidates, representing 58.75 per cent, obtained credits and above in four subjects, while 177, 177 candidates, representing 71.77 per cent, obtained credits and above in 3 subjects.

“A total of 205,090 candidates (83.08 per cent) obtained credits and above in two subjects. However, a total of 72,522 candidates, representing 29.37 per cent, obtained credits in five subjects and above, including English Language and mathematics,” he said.

The results of 28,817 candidates, representing 11.67%, are being withheld in connection with various cases of examination malpractice.

HNO said that such cases are being investigated and the report will be presented to the Nigeria Examination Committee of the council for consideration.

A total number of 48 blind candidates registered and sat for the examination.

From this figure, four candidates, representing 8.33 per cent, obtained credits in five subjects, including English Language and mathematics.

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ACTRESS, STEPHANIE LINUS’ NEW MOVIE, DRY, PREMIERES IN THE UK (PHOTOS)

The private screening of Stephanie Linus’ movie “Dry” took place on Saturday at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Wales, UK where part of the film was shot. With over 150 guests in attendance, movie enthusiasts and critics from the UK and beyond who attended the event had nothing but words of commendation and praise for Dry which received a resounding 10-minute-standing ovation from the entire audience.

The film features an array of talents such as Darwin Shaw as Dr. Alex, the legendary Liz Benson Ameye as the Matron, Bill McNamara as Dr. Brown, and Introducing Zubaidat Ibrahim Fagge as Halima [the teenager who had to endure a life not designed for a child: to be married to a man who was more than four times her age], Olu Jacobs, Tijjani Faraga, Hauwa Maina, Rahama Hassan, Rekiya Attah, Hakeem Hassan and Afamefuna Klint Igwemba (aka Klint da drunk) and many Art students of Aberystwyth.

The production’s creative team includes director of photography, Angel Barroeta, executive producer, Linus Idahosa, co-produced by Jane Lawalata with Akanimo Odon and Murtza Ali Ghaznavi as line producers and Chinedu Omorie as first assistant.

The film will premier in Nigeria and across Africa in the Spring of 2015.

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Thursday, 18 December 2014

WORLD RECORD: WHY STAR LAGER BUILT THE WORLD’S LARGEST BOTTLE TREE

Nigerian Breweries Plc, makers of Star Lager, the brand behind the record-breaking Star Bottle Tree says the tree was built to showcase the creativity, which abounds in the country.

Speaking at the Press Conference held on Wednesday, December 17th 2014 to officially unveil the tree, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc Mr. Walter Drenth said the company is humbled by the overwhelming attraction to the Star Bottle Tree by consumers and those who appreciate creativity since it was erected few weeks ago.

‘We are overwhelmed how our people generally have reacted to this humble idea of a giant Star bottle Christmas tree. It goes on to show that people appreciate creativity and our efforts at adding excitement and joy, for which we are grateful.

‘This feat we have achieved is one that hasn’t been done before and we pride ourselves in the attempt to bring joy and perhaps even break a world record. With this, we have put Nigeria on the world map and made Lagos, a tourist site that it truly is. We hope that Nigerians and Star Lager consumers appreciate it and see reasons to be proud of being citizens of Nigeria’

The record-breaking tree is made with a total of 8,000 star beer bottles as against 3,000 bottles announced during the commencement of the project. It presently sits proudly at the Star Beer Village, Eko Atlantic City (venue of the much anticipated Lagos Countdown 2014) Victoria Island, Lagos.

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AMAECHI APPOINTED DIRECTOR GENERAL OF APC’S PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

The governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi has been appointed the role of Director General of the All Progressives Congress’ presidential campaign organization.

The development was communicated in a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in Lagos on Thursday, December 18.

According to the statement, Amaechi’s outstanding reputation as “a man of courage, principle, strength of character, decency and love of country, as well as his administrative prowess and organizational skills” are factors which earned him the position.

The statement said: “With a presidential candidate that has rekindled the hopes of the citizenry and revived their belief in democratic ideals, we believe we must also choose a running mate that will complement the sterling qualities of the presidential candidate. We must confess that the choice was a tough one, considering the array of eminently-qualified and outstanding candidates that we had to choose from.”

“Yes, we were spoilt for choice but, in the end, we picked as running mate a man whose pedigree, nationally, sub-regionally, regionally and globally, attests to the fact that our party, the APC, is a repository of high quality leadership materials, and that our country, Nigeria, has no shortage of the very best human resources.”

“APC said whether in the academic, legal or ecclesial world, Prof. Osinbajo stands much taller than his physical frame, and serves as a good accompaniment to our presidential candidate, himself a man of such rare sterling qualities that have stood the test of time, qualities that are now so sorely lacking in our country’s leadership,” the party added.

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COMEDIAN, AY TRAINS WITH SUPER FALCONS...

Popular comedian, actor and film producer Ayo Makun, has posted a picture of himself training with the Nigerian female soccer team, the Super Falcons.

The comedian, popularly known as AY was happy to have been pictured with the African champions who are presently preparing for next year’s female World Cup scheduled for between June 6 to July 5, 2015 in Canada.

AY tweeted: ‘It was nice training with our national heroes. Thanks to@onosky5 @superzeee for the jerseys. I am so proud of u 2.’.

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STOP PARADING YOURSELF AS PDP CANDIDATE, COURT ORDERS AGBAJE

Uncertainty still hovers around the candidature of Mr Jimi Agbaje as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate as a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to maintain status quo on the contentious gubernatorial primary election held in Lagos over a week ago.

The court has fixed December 23, for INEC and the PDP to appear before it and as such forbids Mr. Jimi Agbaje, the acclaimed winner of the primary to stop parading himself as PDP candidate until the suit is heard.

Senator Musiliu Obanikoro had pleaded with the court to compel the PDP not to accept the result of the primary election held on December 8 in Lagos due to the alleged rigging that saw 806 accredited voters turn in 866 votes.

Obanikoro also asked the court not to recognise Agbaje because he joined the party barely six months ago and as such, morally unfit to contest for governorship since PDP National Working Committee, NWC had not given him a waiver.

Other allegation was that the leader of the party in Lagos, Chief Olabode George allegedly came with thugs to scare accredited voters loyal to Obanikoro away from the venue.

Hence, Obanikoro seeks an outright cancellation of the exercise and set a date for a re-conduct.

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OMOTOLA PLANS WORLD TOUR TO CELEBRATE 20TH NOLLYWOOD ANNIVERSARY

Top Nigerian actress, philanthropist, and singer Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has revealed that she intends to celebrate her 20th Nollywood anniversary in 2015 by going on a world tour.

In a video posted on YouTube recently, the thespian, who made her Nollywood debut in 1995, made this disclosure but did not reveal the specific countries she would be touring yet.

Fondly referred to as Omosexy, the Last Flight To Abuja actress was honoured by the Nigerian government this year as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for her contributions to Nollywood.

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Wednesday, 17 December 2014

ANOTHER WOMAN: APC PICKS LAGOS SSG AS AMBODE’S RUNNING MATE

Oluranti Adebule, has been picked as the running mate of APC governorship candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode.

The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State has selected Mrs Adebule, who is the Secretary to the State Government, to contest alongside Ambode, the gubernatorial election of Lagos state in 2015.

Ambode recently emerged the candidate of the party in Lagos, after defeating the likes of Femi Hamzat, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Tokunbo Wahab, Ganiyu Solomon, Leke Pitan, Tola Kasali and Tayo Ayinde.

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I COULD HAVE BEEN VP CANDIDATE, BUT I CHOSE TO SUPPORT @PROFOSINBAJO – TINUBU

The National Leader, All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has stated that he was offered the Vice presidential slot of the APC, but decided to let it go, in the best interests of the nation.

In a statement released in Abuja, Tinubu pledged support for the candidacy of APC presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), and his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

He said: “There came a time during the course of the events when our Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, offered me the Vice Presidential slot. Being a normal human being, I was deeply moved and honoured that he would consider me for the position. Being a patriot, I had to weigh my potential candidacy in all of its dimensions.”

“I have concluded that the interest of the party, our campaign and that of the nation are better served if I retain my position as the National leader of the APC, allowing me to be a bridge builder across all divides.”
The former governor of Lagos state also declared to commit himself to the cause of the party at the 2015 election.

“I sincerely commit myself to the rescue agenda of General Buhari and Professor Osinbajo. I declare to you, I will work and dedicate myself so that our ticket succeeds and wins the 2015 election — not for his good, not for my good, not even for the party’s good but for the good of our nation,” Tinubu added.

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CRAZY! SEYI SHAY GRABS WIZKID’S ‘CROTCH’ IN NEW VIDEO

This has got to be the craziest Nigerian musical video of the year!

Diva Seyi Shay, has released the visuals to her latest song ‘Crazy’, featuring Wizkid and trust us, the video is not your typical Nigerian artist video.

It is fierce and let’s just say – crazy!

It features strong cirque du soleil elements, and a sexually explicit scene.

The best part was when Seyi kinda grabbed Wizkid’s balls!

They didn’t stop there – Wizkid in turn, did some little drummin on Seyi Shay’s butt.

The 3.54 seconds video is directed by Meji Alabi for JM Films.

You can watch video HERE

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RACE TO 2015: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUHARI’S RUNNING MATE, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO

Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Wednesday, emerged the running mate to the All Progressives Congress Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Here is a profile of the former Lagos State Attorney General and a Snr. Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Yemi Osinbajo, 55, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Senior Partner in the Law firm of Simmons Cooper Partners.

His tertiary education was at the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics where he obtained the LLB and LLM degrees respectively.

He was appointed the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in 1999 and reappointed for a second term in 2003. During the period of his public service, he commenced the Lagos State justice reform project. A prominent feature of that project was the establishment of the Directorate for Citizens’ Rights (DCR) which provides free legal services and legal representation to indigent citizens of the state. This initiative gave a voice to many who would otherwise not have a way to access their rights.

Prior to that appointment, Osinbajo, a Professor of Law, was the Head of Public Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.

Between 1988 and 1992, he was the Special Adviser to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He also served as a staff member of the United Nations and Member of the United Nation’s Secretary General’s Committee of Experts on Conduct and Discipline of UN Peacekeeping personnel around the globe.

He is currently an Ethics Advisor to the Ethics Committee of the African Development Bank and is a non-executive Director of Citibank.

Prof. Osinbajo is Co-founder & Board Member Convention on Business Integrity and the Justice Research Institute Ltd. He has also authored several law books.

In 2007, Prof. and his wife Oludolapo founded “The Orderly Society Trust”, a non- governmental organization that is dedicated to the promotion of Christian ethics and orderliness.

He is a resident pastor at the Olive Tree House of Prayer for All Nations, Banana Island, a parish of the RCCG. He lives in Lagos with his wife, Dolapo Osinbajo, who is a grandchild of Obafemi Awolowo with three children.

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WHY I CHOSE OSINBAJO – BUHARI

The presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, General Mohammadu Buhari, Wednesday, formerly presented his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

At a brief ceremony held at the national secretariat of APC in Abuja to publicly unveil Osinbajo, Buhari stated he chose Osinbajo as his running mate based on his impeccable integrity.

He stated that the process of choosing his running mate was both meticulous and rigorous.

“The challenging process of rescuing our country and changing Nigeria for good has commenced. One of the first decisions that I have to make is the choice of the Vice-Presidential candidate and my running mate.
“The method employed in this choice was quite meticulous but yet rigorous. It involved the establishment of objective criteria, broad consultations with party leaders and a few opinion leaders outside the party and interactions with a number of nominees.
“To assist me in this great task of securing Nigeria’s future, I have chosen a man of unimpeachable integrity, an excellent professional, a man of faith, a devoted family man and a role model to our fellow countrymen and women. He is a professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. An alumnus of the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics. He is a prodigious author who has to his credit several books on civil procedure in Nigerian superior courts.
“The Vice-Presidential candidate is a friend of the less privileged, compassionate and zealous in service. A man of uncommon humility, a loyal, dependable and selfless patriot.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I present Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who by the grace of God and the vote of Nigerians will be the next Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Buhari said.

In his acceptance speech as a running mate, Osinbajo expressed gratitude to Buhari and the APC for finding him worthy to serve.

He pledged to work with Buhari and the party if elected into office to restore the hope of Nigerians.

He said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been nominated as the Vice-Presidential candidate of our party, APC and especially the Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.
“I also thank the leaders and elders of our great party, APC for the trust reposed in me.
“The task of rebuilding this nation is one to which I am fully committed. There can be no other President, Leader and commander that can lead that common sense revolution Nigeria urgently needs than General Muhammadu Buhari. I will proudly serve this country with him.
“General Buhari’s uprightness and fierce commitment to good governance is well known. It will be a privilege to work with him. I come to this assignment with lots of hope and a resolve to be a part of this movement to bring Nigeria back to its lost glory. With the support of all Nigerians and the help of God, we shall make Nigeria work again.
“I will work with him and the party to restore hope and confidence in millions of our youth and provide comfort and security for millions of our country men and women.
I thank you all”.

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Tuesday, 16 December 2014

NIGERIAN MUSICIANS SMILES HOME AS COSON PAYS THEIR SALARIES

The Oranmiyan Hall of Lagos Airport Hotel was bustling at its seams this past Tuesday, December 16, 2014 as musicians of all generations from every nook and cranny of Nigeria stormed the COSON Extraordinary General Meeting. From the likes of the iconic Dan Maraya Jos, Chris Ajilo, Laolu Akins et al to the magical Majek Fashek, OJB Jezreel, Azeezat, Black O’Rice, Kenny St Best, the atmosphere was that of a carnival as gaily dressed musicians back slapped each other.

The musicians, young and old had gathered to approve the distribution of the sum of N90,000,000 to music industry right holders across Nigeria. Following the approval, the distribution commenced immediately.

Delivering his address at the event, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji announced that the sum of N90,000,000 (Ninety Million Naira) is an 80% increase on the sum of N50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) which the society distributed in 2013.

Speaking on the society’s plans to significantly increase its distributable income, Chief Okoroji called on the Federal Government to hasten the implementation of the Copyright Levy Scheme saying it is crucial to the survival of the music industry in Nigeria.

This is the 4th consecutive time since its approval in 2010 that COSON has lived up to its mandate in ensuring that right owners are adequately compensated with what is their due.

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JESSE JAGZ THINKS THERE WAS TOO MUCH DANCING AT HEADIES 2014

At the 2014 edition of the Headies held on December 14, 2014, rapper and producer, Jesse Jagz won the Lyricist on the roll award with his song, ‘God on the mic’.

Not long after winning the coveted Headies plaque, however, Jesse took to Twitter to express himself about the show about which he feels there was too much dancing in a country going through so much turmoil and security challenges.

Jesse wrote: ‘I watched the Headies, too much dancing in a country that’s going through so much. We musicians are the guardians of society’.

The comment would not be surprising to followers of the Jagz Nation boss who, while receiving his award on stage, had dedicated the award to all homeless people in the country.

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#HEADIES2014: KEFEE HONOURED ALONG WITH OTHER LATE MUSIC STARS

Late Nigerian gospel singer, Kefee, was remembered and honoured for her contribution to the Nigerian musical landscape at the 2014 Headies.

At the awards ceremony, which held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the ‘Kokoroko’ singer was remembered at the venue with a recap video of her burial and highlights of her life projected on the large screens for the fans to see.

Other entertainers also remembered at the awards include late hip hop act, Dagrin, Mc Loph, Goldie Harvey, Fatai Rolling Dollar and Father U Turn.

Kefee, who slumped and went into coma while on a flight bound for the United States, was declared dead on Thursday, June 12, 2014.

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D’BANJ PRESENTS BEATSBYDRE? HEADPHONES TO JONATHAN

D’Banj today presented a pair of the BeatsbyDre headphones for which he is an ambassador to Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan.

The presentation of the music enhancing device was done at an event which held in Abuja today and smiling all through D’banj‘s presentation of the device to him, the President went on to put the headphones in place with the help of the Kokomaster.

This event took place this afternoon at the official launch of Youth in Agriculture Agri-Prenual launch which was put together by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development headed by Akinwunmi Adesina.

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Monday, 15 December 2014

ERR, CYNTHIA MORGAN’S BOOBS CERTAINLY GOT EVERYONE TALKING AT #THEHEADIES2014

Fast rising female act, Cynthia Morgan got everyone talking last night when her boobs almost popped out while she was performing on stage at the Headies Awards, 2014.

Cynthia Morgan literally set the stage on fire with her energetic performance of ‘I’m taken”, however, her boobs threatened to spill out of her one piece suit during her energetic performance…thank God they didn’t!

She had the whole hall gushing about her even after her departure but it was one of the major talks of the night

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I KILLED MY MASTER BECAUSE I NEEDED N150,000 FOR DUBAI TRIP – MOTOR BOY (PICTURED)

How cruel could one get to raise money for a travel trip?

A petroleum tanker conductor, Sani Saidu, has stabbed his master, Shitta Aremu to death so as to steal the product, sell and raise money to travel to Dubai for business.

The 32 year old has now been arrested by the Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, Yaba, Lagos.

In his statement to the police, he revealed that he was hanging out at a fuel depot in Lagos when Aremu, alias Baba Oyo, engaged him to be the motor-boy on his truck on a trip to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to supply 40,000 litre of aviation fuel worth N5.5 million, but that act was the last for Aremu as his motor-boy murdered him on the way and diverted the product to the northern part of the country.

Reports from the police investigation reveal that the late Aremu whose age was put around 56 years, was a driver to S.K Transport Service Nigeria Limited and reportedly loaded the truck with plate number AGL 368 XA with the product and consequently left Lagos for Port Harcourt on November 13, 2014, to discharge the content.

But leaving Lagos, he was said to have invited Saidu to work with him as his motor-boy, with a promise to pay him an undisclosed amount at the end of the trip.

The police report, according to Saidu’s confession, further states that when, two days later, his employers efforts to reach Aremu on phone, raised suspicions of danger.

They decided to trace the location of the vehicle via the tracking device installed in the truck and were shocked that the truck had been diverted from its original route to somewhere around Mutum Biu, in Taraba State.

The company initially thought their driver had some sinister moves up his sleeves and laid a complaint SCID where detectives swung into action by travelling to Taraba State. Fortunately for them, the truck was recovered at the Taraba Police Command, with only Saidu.

It was in the course of investigation that the police established that Saidu actually murdered his master before diverting the truck to the northern part of the country.

In an interview with the Vanguard Newspaper while in police cell, Saidu, a father of five, narrated how the devil took over him and he stabbed his master to death with a knife, threw him out of the truck and took over the steering, diverting the product to the north, all in a bid to get money to travel to the Dubai.

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KWARA UNIVERSITY SETS UP COMMITTEE FOR STUDY OF NOLLYWOOD

Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, has inaugurated a committee to see to the establishment of the Centre for Nollywood Studies at the university.

Na’Allah stated this in his opening address on Monday at the Conference on African Cinema, organised by the university, with the theme: “African Cinema and the Supernatural”.

He said when operational, the centre would be charged with the responsibility of highlighting the role and effects of Nollywood films in the society.

Na’Allah added that the planned conference was part of the university’s ambition to build bridges between scholars and those who promote culture outside the university.

He added that the goal was to reach deeply into the soul of the immediate university community and tap into the rich human and material resources of the nation.

The vice-chancellor said that the essence of the centre would be to redefine the progress made by the nation in terms of arts and culture, for the benefit of all.

“In 2010, the theme of the KWASU Conference on African Cinema was Nollywood: A Natural Cinema”; this year, it is Nollywood and the Supernatural.

He said the themes of both conferences showed the commitment of the institution to the promotion of culture through cinema.

In his remarks, Prof. Onookome Okome, lecturer, University of Alberta, Canada, said that the conference was aimed at exploring how Nollywood could depict the supernatural and its capacity in resolving every human problem.

“The implication of this belief in the supernatural means that we do not take our material conditions into context and this means that if we don’t work hard, we cannot live well,” he said.

Okome added that the centre would be a focal point where the meaning and relevance of Nollywood would be studied.

The don added that that it would also update the archives on Nollywood history and serve as an academic arm of the Malete Film Village.

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CHIBOK GIRLS WILL NEVER RETURN INTACT BECAUSE FG FAILED TO ACT SWIFTLY – OBASANJO

Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has advised Nigerians against hoping that the remaining 219 Chibok schoolgirls still being detained by Boko Haram insurgents since April 14 this year will ever return intact.

Obasanjo, who spoke in an interview with Radio France International monitored in Abuja, feared that it would take years to rescue the girls, owing to the failure of the federal government to act swiftly within 48 hours after the abduction took place.

The former president categorically stated that anyone who believes that the Chibok girls would be rescued without scratches “must be daydreaming,” stressing that, “We will never be able to get those girls together again. And the stories of those girls will go on for the next 30 years. Some of them will come out when they are adults or sent back when they are impregnated by their captors.”

Obasanjo went on to take pot shot at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader in the Southwest, Chief Kashamu Buruji, insisting that the chieftain was a wanted drug baron and maintained that it was shameful for the PDP and the presidency to be “hobnobbing” with him.

According to him, “He is somebody who has been indicted in the United States as a drug baron, and for a political party and the presidency to be hobnobbing with him leaves much to be desired.”

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UCL LAST 16: PSG VS CHELSEA, MAN CITY VS BARCELONA, ARSENAL VS MONACO [FULL LIST OF DRAWS]

The draws for the UEFA champions league round of 16 was held today in Nyon, Switzerland.

Manchester City seems to have the toughest draw among the teams in the Premier League that made it to the competitions’ round of 16, while Real Madrid, the current holders of the Champions league, along with Bayern Munich seem to have the easiest draws.

Below is the full list of draws:

Paris St-Germain v Chelsea

Manchester City v Barcelona

Bayer Leverkusen v Atletico Madrid

Juventus v Borussia Dortmund

Schalke v Real Madrid

Shakhtar Donetsk v Bayern Munich

Arsenal v Monaco

Basel v FC Porto

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Sunday, 14 December 2014

NEW N100 NOTES TO GO INTO CIRCULATION FROM FRIDAY – CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria on Sunday said the commemorative N100 note would go into circulation on Friday, NAN reports.

President Goodluck Jonathan had recently unveiled the N100 note in commemoration of Nigeria’s 100 years. It was in remembrance of the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates in 1914.

“The commemorative N100 banknote unveiled recently by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is to be officially issued into circulation by the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on Friday, December 19, 2014,” the CBN said in a statement issued on Sunday.

The ceremony, billed for the Abuja branch of the CBN, will be immediately followed by a simultaneous issuance of the currency across the branches of the central bank, according to the statement.

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Saturday, 13 December 2014

CHELSEA BACK TO VICTORY, AS MAN CITY, ARSENAL WIN

LEAGUE leaders Chelsea returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win over 10-man Hull at Stamford Bridge.

Eden Hazard put the Blues ahead with his eighth goal of the season before Tom Huddlestone was dismissed for a reckless studs-up challenge on Filipe Luis.

Diego Costa scored his first goal in five games to seal the win, which comes a week after Chelsea lost their unbeaten record at Newcastle.

Jose Mourinho’s men remain three points clear of Manchester City, who beat Leicester thanks to Frank Lampard’s 175th Premier League goal.

Manuel Pellegrini spoke this week about his desire to extend Lampard’s loan deal with the champions and he delivered his manager three points at the King Power Stadium after turning home Samir Nasri’s cross from close range.

The goal means Lampard is now the joint-fourth highest scorer in Premier League history alongside Thierry Henry.

Craig Gardner came back to haunt his old club Aston Villa as West Brom came out on top in the West Midlands derby at the Hawthorns.

Gardner, who spent five seasons at Villa, scored a 72nd minute-winner to ease the pressure on Baggies boss Alan Irvine.

Burnley hauled themselves out of the bottom three with a vital 1-0 win over Southampton at the Turf Moor.

Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton saved Dusan Tadic’s penalty on the hour and 12 minutes later Ashley Barnes converted Danny Ings’ pass to move the Clarets up to 17th in the table.

At the Stadium of Light West Ham’s Stewart Downing scored his third goal of the season to deny Sunderland a crucial victory.

The Black Cats had gone ahead through a Jordi Gomez penalty, but Downing equalised in the 29th minute to leave the scores level at 1-1.

In the other fixture of the day Peter Crouch cancelled out James McArthur’s opener as Stoke drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

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Sunday, 7 December 2014

PLANTASHUN BOIZ REUNITES AT 2014 HENNESSY ARTISTRY GRAND FINALE

Each of them has gone solo in their music careers but Nigeria’s pioneer RnB group made up of 2face, Faze and Blackface came back together on stage yesterday, December 6, 2014 bringing back memories and nostalgia to those in attendance.

Known back then as Plantashun Boiz, the three stars who have recorded varying degrees of success in their individual careers, were happy to make another come back on stage at the 2014 Hennessy Artistry grand finale at the Landmark Centre in V.I, Lagos.

The classy event saw 2face Idibia introduce former group members, Faze and Blackface on stage as they performed throw back songs to the delight of fans who enjoyed being taken back to the good of old days of songs like ‘Knock mi off,’ ‘Don’t You know’, Cousin’s cousin and others.

Although it was not the first time they would reunite on stage, in 2007, the group briefly reunited and released a reunion album titled Plan B and also performed together at 2face’s Buckwyld and Breathless concert on Monday, April 30, 2012 but fans were still delighted with their time on stage.

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BREAKING: IDRIS BEATS NIGERIA’S TAYO TO BBHOTSHOTS CROWN

The grand finale of the 2014 BB Hotshots which ended some hours ago, was a keenly-contested one between two key players, Idris from Tanzania and Tayo Faniran from Nigeria who were the finalists.

At the end, Idris edged out Tayo to emerge victorious and became $300,000 richer.

An official statement on the Big Brother website reads:

‘Idris is the winner! Africa has chosen. Idris charmed not only the women of the house, he charmed the entire continent of Africa. Idris is now USD300 000 richer. Both are winners, Tayo played an amazing game but Idris is the ultimate winner and there is much joyous celebration. A popular winner indeed. Take a bow Idris, Africa salutes you.’

Big Brother Hotshots is the 9th edition of the famous continental reality show and after 63 days in the house, 8 finalists – Sipe, Nhlanhla, Mackey 2, JJ, Idris, Mam’bea, Butterphly and Tayo emerged and they were evicted in the following order: Butterphly and Mam’bea, JJ and Sipe, Nhlanhla and Macky2, leaving Idris and Tayo. Idris from Tanzania emerged the winner of the much coveted $300,000 and the bragging rights as the ‘Hotshots’ winner.

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