Farewell to Pope Benedict XVI

Oldest pope to be elected at 78.

Benedict is the 265th Pope in the Catholic history

Pope Benedict XVI is the 10th Pope to resign.

The first time in 600 years.

1122 am: Pope taken in helicopter to Castel Gandolfo

1124am : Pope arrived at Castel Gandolfo

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Opinion: Should Jonathan run for 2015?

Jonathan has constitutional right to contest in 2015, says Tukur, national chairman of the PDP party.

Although President Jonathan has not openly declared his intention to run in 2015, pundits say he is likely going to contest the 2015 polls. Goodluck has failed, among other things, to provide solutions to the unemployment crisis in the country; power outages and government corruption in the past few years.

I’m no fan of the way President Jonathan has handled the Boko Haram crisis.

2015 comes a moment when you need to say: Stop PDP! You’re going to hurt Nigeria. Hand over the keys to someone else. Since 1999 what has the ruling party actually done?

What is your opinion? Leave your comment below.

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World shock at 'police dragging' video

Video footage of police dragging a Mozambican taxi driver behind a police van for a parking violation in Daveyton, South Africa has gone viral, prompting a public outcry.

The taxi driver died in the police cell on Tuesday, the day of the incident.

The case is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) – the police watchdog body – while the officers who allegedly committed the crime are still on duty.

“We have seen the video footage and we have obtained statements and have changed our inquest to murder,” Ipid spokesman Moses Dlamini said on Thursday.

Police spokesman Captain Alfred Makana named the taxi driver as Joseph Mido Macua.

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Swimmer killed in New Zealand beach shark attack

A swimmer has been killed by a 14 foot shark (believed to be a Great White) near a popular beach in New Zealand, with police shooting at it 20 times in a bid to rescue him.
Police were able to recover the body of Adam Strange, a 46-year-old film director, after shooting at the shark.

Around 200 people were on the beach at the time, many of them children.

Pio Mose, who was fishing at the Muriwai beach, told The New Zealand Herald he saw the swimmer struggle against the "huge" shark.

"We saw him rolling around, there was blood everywhere on the water"

Following the death, police closed the beach and several others nearby. Auckland Council said it expected the area to remain closed for the next few days.

Shark attacks kill about 25 people a year worldwide, according to the New Zealand Department of Conservation. However, fatal attacks in the country's beaches have been rare.

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No more 'Fifty Shades of Grey' says E.L. James

Readers hoping for more erotic exploits of Fifty shades of grey will be sorely disappointed.

Multi-millionaire author E.L. James has revealed her next book will not be as explicit as Fifty Shades Of Grey triology. She may even write the book under a pseudonym.

'I've got so many ideas for my next book. But it will be much less raunchy and I will probably write it under another name and be done with it.' says E. L. James

Fifty Shades of Grey's erotic trilogy was lapped up by the public and is set to be adapted into a film.

Speaking at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, James said that her next novel ‘ don't expect another erotic triology’ She said My sons are proud of me, although they're still embarrassed - but I'm embarrassed too!

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Emotional scenes at Pope Benedict's farewell

Tens of thousands of emotional pilgrims cheered and cried as Pope Benedict XVI rode out on St Peter's Square in his white "popemobile" on Wednesday for his final general audience before resigning Thursday.

Nuns, priests and whole families had flocked to the Vatican to get a front-row view of the pope, waving flags and holding up banners expressing their love for the 85-year old Benedict.

"Be-ne-dict!" and "Long live the pope!" the crowd chanted in almost stadium-like atmosphere.

"He won't be pope officially any more, but he'll always be special to me," said 12-year old Giulia, who came to see the audience his last major public act before stepping down with her school class.

"He did the right thing resigning, he's old and we don't want him to do too much and die, he needs a rest," her friend Sara said, as she snacked on sweets in front St Peter's, where an estimated 150,000 people gathered to say goodbye.

Priests wearing paper hats made out of the Italian Catholic newspaper Avvenire to shield them from the hot Roman sun could also be seen in the heaving square, where hundreds of church groups had seats in front of the basilica.

"I love the pope, I'm sad that he's leaving, but he has made a grand gesture of love for the Church," said Giuseppe Fan from Vietnam, who is training to be a priest, as he stood on tiptoe on the steps surrounding a fountain to get a good view.

Pilgrims holding banners reading "Benedict, be pope again!" and "Benedict, change your mind!" chanted the pope's name as he rode past them in the pope mobile, with Swiss guards standing by to control the ecstatic crowds.

"You Will Always Be in Our Heart!" read one sign.

"I have come to show how much I appreciate what Benedict has done for us over the last eight years. He resigned without bitterness, but with sweetness and serenity," said Father Giulio, 67, as the organ of St Peter's Basilica rang out.

A woman clutching a rosary wiped away tears as the elderly Benedict passed. One of the hundreds of cardinals and bishops in their red and purple-sashed robes could also be seen tearing up.

The leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics climbed a podium before raising both hands in his trademark greeting and delivering a speech in which he said God would not allow the Church to sink.

"The Lord gave us days of sun and of light breeze, days in which the fishing was good," the Pope told a massive crowd.

"There were also moments when there were stormy waters and headwinds.

He thanked his flock for respecting his decision to retire.

"To love the church means also to have the courage to take difficult, painful decisions, always keeping the good of the church in mind, not oneself," Benedict said to thundering applause.

He recalled that when he was elected on April 19, 2005, he questioned if God truly wanted it. "It's a great burden that you've placed on my shoulders," he recalled telling God.

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The end of papacy and Pope Benedict's successor

Pope Benedict XVI will officially put to an end an eight-year papacy this Thursday.

He will be known as "pope emeritus" and will retain the honorific "His Holiness" after he leaves office, Vatican official say.

He will also continue to be known by his papal title of Benedict XVI, rather than Joseph Ratzinger.

He will surrender his gold ring of office, his specially made red leather loafers and  the seal of his papacy will be destroyed in the same way as when a pope dies.

His swiss guard will be dismissed and archive documents packed up to mark the end of his catholic papacy.

His resignation is the first by a pope for some 600 years.

Fom 4 March, the College of Cardinals will meet in congregations to start the secret election, or conclave, to elect Pope Benedict's successor.

That successor will be chosen by 115 cardinal-electors through ballots held in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel.

A two-thirds-plus-one vote majority is required to elect a new successor.

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Profiling Nigerians: Diezani Alison-Madueke

Diezani Alison-Madueke was born on 6th December, 1960, in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. Same place as Goodluck Jonathan.  She completed her early education in Nigeria and the United Kingdom before proceeding to study Architecture in the United States. She completed her Architectural degree at Howard University, Washington D. C.

The headlines are in! The first reads:

Diezani Alison-Madueke: True woman of substance reports Nigerian Tribune.

The next:

Goodluck Jonathan and Diezani Alison-Madueke having an Affair reports Nairaland

The last headline

Mrs Madueke: The first woman to hold the office of Minister of Petroleum Resources as well as the first female head of an OPEC reported Thisday magazine.

She began her working career at Charles Szoradi Architects in Washington D.C. She relater returned to Howard University as an in-house Project Manager and a member of the Planning and Development team responsible for the design and implementation of a comprehensive master building and renovation plan for the University.

Mrs Alison-Madueke joined Shell Petroleum Development Company in 1992 as Head of the Project Unit of the Estate Development Division in Lagos, supervising the refurbishing and Maintenance of the company’s real estate in Lagos, Abuja and Jos.

In 2002, Mrs Alison-Madueke was awarded the prestigious British Foreign and Commonwealth Chevening Scholarship and proceeded on sabbatical leave to the Cambridge Judge Business School where she obtained an MBA in 2003.

On her return, she was appointed Shell Nigeria’s Senior JV Relations Adviser for Strategy and Planning and then Lead Ventures Relations Adviser, managing the company’s relations and reputation amongst its Joint Venture partners.

In 2006, in recognition of her track record of excellence, she was appointed to the board of Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited, as External Affairs Director, making her the first female to be so appointed in the history of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s business practice in Nigeria.

Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke has held three significant positions in the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria since 2007:
Appointed July 2007 as first female Honourable Minister of Transportation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria charged with the responsibility of over-seeing the Maritime, Aviation, Railways, and Road Infrastructure of the Nation.
Following a cabinet reshuffle in December 2008, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke was appointed the Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development in which she held the primary responsibility for directing the ministry’s mandate in the exploitation of the nation’s solid minerals and steel endowments.
After a cabinet dissolution in March 2010, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke was appointed Nigeria’s first female Honourable Minister for Petroleum Resources in which she holds the primary responsibility for the stewardship of Nigeria’s vast oil and gas resources.

Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke is married with children to Rear Admiral Alison-Madueke (rtd), a former Governor of old Anambra and Imo States and a former Chief of Naval Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

She is one of the most stylish powerful figures in Nigeria politics. 

''Whatever I apply myself to; it is with a vision that I may be remembered as one woman who worked hard to bring a better life to the greatest number of people and communities of our country as possible, in a way that they’ve never been impacted before'' She says

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Adele hints at Beyoncé-style documentary

Adele has expressed her desire to star in a documentary about her life and career just like Beyonce did in 'Life is But a Dream'.

The 24-year-old singer  who won the Oscar for Best Original Song for 'Skyfall' at the Academy Awards last night  has hinted she may follow in the footsteps of the Beyonce, who bared her soul in HBO special 'Life Is But a Dream' earlier this month.

Quizzed about what she might do next at an Oscars press conference, Adele said: "I don't know, maybe I'll do a HBO special like Beyonce did!"

As well as her Oscar, Adele has also won a Golden Globe and a BRIT Award for the James Bond theme.

The musician has also won several Grammys in her incredible career, and she now has her sights set on moving into theatre to get her hands on a Tony award.

She quipped: "And then (it's time for) a Tony, I'm not so sure. Maybe one day. Maybe someone will want to do a musical."

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18 killed as hot air balloon explodes in Egypt

It was the deadliest hot air balloon accident in the world in at least 20 years.

A hot-air balloon carrying foreign tourists exploded high in the sky near the southern Egyptian city of Luxor just after dawn on Tuesday, killing at least 18 people and injuring three in the latest blow to the country’s tourist industry.

Health Ministry officials said that the dead included nine Chinese from Hong Kong, four Japanese, two Belgians, two British, and two French, Egyptian state media reported, a total of 19, and four people were missing. The Interior Ministry put the total at 18. Officials in London, Paris and Hong Kong said they were in touch with the Egyptian authorities to determine what happened to their citizens.

The three injured survivors, including the pilot, jumped from the balloon as it exploded, state media reported, quoting an unidentified owner of the company that operated the balloon.

A gas explosion caused the balloon to explodes, EgyNews said.
State media said that around 6:30 a.m., the pilot had been pulling a rope to stabilize the balloon as it landed in a field of sugar cane. Then a gas hose ripped and the fire began.

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Kim Kardashian at the Oscar's after party

Kim Kardashian wasn't invited to the main event but still managed to make two very big impressions on Oscars after party Sunday night.

The pregnant reality star was among a star studded guest list at Elton John's Academy Awards viewing party. Kim wore a white Grecian gown that hid her growing baby bump - but showcased her famous cleavage.

She wasn't the only star in white last night. Kim found herself competing at Elton's Oscar's after party with the likes of Miley Cyrus, Kelly Osbourne and Nicki Minaj.
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Adele adds Oscars to Golden Globe

British singer Adele won the Oscar for best original song for her Bond theme Skyfall, which she also performed during the show.

Adele: "Thank you so much, this is amazing."

She struggled through tears to thank the Bond producers and her co-writer Paul Epworth for "believing in me all the time, and my man, I love you baby."

The songstress adds the Oscars to go with nine Grammys, Golden Globe and the Brit awards.

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Christoph Waltz picks up second Oscar

Christoph Waltz won his second Oscar for best supporting actor in a Quentin Tarantino film, this time for playing a German bounty hunter in the slave revenge story Django Unchained. Christoph Waltz deserved that Oscar for his excellent performance.

Waltz offered thanks to his character Dr King Schultz and to "his creator and the creator of his awe-inspiring world, Quentin Tarantino" as he collected his Best Supporting Actor statuette.

He he also thanked co-stars Jamie Foxx, Leo DiCaprio, Samuel Jackson and Kerry Washington

The Austrian actor won his first Oscar as a Nazi colonel in Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds in 2010.

Tarantino won the original screenplay prize for Django Unchained, adding to the Oscar he won for writing Pulp Fiction in 1994.

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Daniel Day-Lewis makes Oscars history

Daniel Day-Lewis has made Oscars history by becoming the first person to win the Best Actor award on three occasions.

His previous Oscar victories were for his work in 'My Left Foot' and 'There Will Be Blood.'

The British-born star, who had been the runaway favorite, was rewarded for his role in Steven Spielberg's Lincoln.

"I really don't know how any of this happened. I do know I've received much more than my fair share of good fortune in my life," he said.

He thanked Tony Kushner, Steven Spielberg and the "mysteriously beautiful mind, body and spirit of Abraham Lincoln."

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2013 Oscars: The winners list

Here's a list of last night's winners at the 85th Oscars.

Best picture

"Beasts of the Southern Wild"
"Silver Linings Playbook"
"Zero Dark Thirty"
"Lincoln"
"Les Misérables"
"Life of Pi"
"Amour"
"Django Unchained"
"Argo" -- WINNER



Actor

Daniel Day-Lewis, "Lincoln" -- WINNER
Denzel Washington, "Flight"
Hugh Jackman, "Les Misérables"
Bradley Cooper, "Silver Linings Playbook"
Joaquin Phoenix, "The Master"



Actress

Naomi Watts, "The Impossible"
Jessica Chastain, "Zero Dark Thirty"
Jennifer Lawrence, "Silver Linings Playbook" -- WINNER
Emmanuelle Riva, "Amour"
Quvenzhané Wallis, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"



Supporting actor

Christoph Waltz, "Django Unchained" -- WINNER
Philip Seymour Hoffman, "The Master"
Robert De Niro, "Silver Linings Playbook"
Alan Arkin, "Argo"
Tommy Lee Jones, "Lincoln"



Supporting actress

Sally Field, "Lincoln"
Anne Hathaway, "Les Misérables" -- WINNER
Jacki Weaver, "Silver Linings Playbook"
Helen Hunt, "The Sessions"
Amy Adams, "The Master"



Director

David O. Russell, "Silver Linings Playbook"
Ang Lee, "Life of Pi" -- WINNER
Steven Spielberg, "Lincoln"
Michael Haneke, "Amour"
Benh Zeitlin, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"



Animated feature

"Frankenweenie"
"The Pirates! Band of Misfits"
"Wreck-It Ralph"
"Brave" -- WINNER
"ParaNorman"



Foreign language film

"Amour," Austria -- WINNER
"No," Chile
"War Witch," Canada
"A Royal Affair," Denmark
"Kon-Tiki," Norway



Adapted screenplay

"Beasts of the Southern Wild," Lucy Alibar and Benh Zeitlin
"Argo," Chris Terrio -- WINNER
"Lincoln," Tony Kushner
"Silver Linings Playbook," David O. Russell
"Life of Pi," David Magee



Original screenplay

"Flight," John Gatins
"Zero Dark Thirty," Mark Boal
"Django Unchained," Quentin Tarantino -- WINNER
"Amour," Michael Haneke
"Moonrise Kingdom," Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola



Original song

"Before My Time" from "Chasing Ice," music and lyrics by J. Ralph
"Everybody Needs A Best Friend" from "Ted," music by Walter Murphy and lyric by Seth MacFarlane
"Pi's Lullaby" from "Life of Pi," music by Mychael Danna and lyric by Bombay Jayashri
"Skyfall" from "Skyfall," music and lyric by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth -- WINNER
"Suddenly" from "Les Misérables," music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, lyric by Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boublil



Original score

Dario Marianelli, "Anna Karenina"
Alexandre Desplat, "Argo"
Mychael Danna, "Life of Pi" -- WINNER
John Williams, "Lincoln"
Thomas Newman, "Skyfall"



Visual effects

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"
"Life of Pi" -- WINNER
"Marvel's The Avengers"
"Prometheus"
"Snow White and the Huntsman"



Makeup and hairstyling

"Hitchcock"
"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"
"Les Misérables" -- WINNER



Cinematography

Seamus McGarvey, "Anna Karenina"
Robert Richardson, "Django Unchained"
Claudio Miranda, "Life of Pi" -- WINNER
Janusz Kaminski, "Lincoln"
Roger Deakins, "Skyfall"



Costume design

Jacqueline Durran, "Anna Karenina" -- WINNER
Paco Delgado, "Les Misérables"
Joanna Johnston, "Lincoln"
Eiko Ishioka, "Mirror Mirror"
Colleen Atwood, "Snow White and the Huntsman"



Documentary

"5 Broken Cameras"
"The Gatekeepers"
"How to Survive a Plague"
"The Invisible War"
"Searching for Sugar Man" -- WINNER



Documentary short

"Inocente" -- WINNER
"Kings Point"
"Mondays at Racine"
"Open Heart"
"Redemption"



Animated short

"Adam and Dog"
"Fresh Guacamole"
"Head over Heels"
"Maggie Simpson in "The Longest Daycare"
"Paperman" -- WINNER



Live action short

"Asad"
"Buzkashi Boys"
"Curfew" -- WINNER
"Death of a Shadow (Dood van een Schaduw)"
"Henry"



Film editing

William Goldenberg, "Argo" -- WINNER
Tim Squyres, "Life of Pi"
Michael Kahn, "Lincoln"
Jay Cassidy and Crispin Struthers, "Silver Linings Playbook"
Dylan Tichenor and William Goldenberg, "Zero Dark Thirty"



Sound mixing

"Argo"
"Les Misérables" -- WINNER
"Life of Pi"
"Lincoln"
"Skyfall"



Sound editing -- TIE

"Argo"
"Django Unchained"
"Life of Pi"
"Skyfall" -- WINNER
"Zero Dark Thirty" -- WINNER



Production design --

"Anna Karenina"
"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"
"Les Misérables"
"Life of Pi"
"Lincoln" -- WINNER

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Wole Soyinka's mission to Benin: A Novel?

Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, Friday in Benin City commended Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole for his re-development of the state's education and infrastructures.

Although he did not disclose the reason for his unannounced visit to the Benin Moat, realist believes two things: It may be connected with the move to make the moat as a world heritage site by UNESCO or Soyinka is currently working on a new spy Novel.

The Moat is one of the Nine Gateways into old Benin. The Benin Moat or Iya as it is localley called was constructed as a defense exit from the colonial masters. The Moat is more than 18 kilometers in height and about 1,200 kilometers in length  The work was finalized in the year 1460 as part of the world's largest and most ancient work in the world.

Soyinka, who made an unannounced stop at the Oba Oguola Press Centre while inspecting the historical  moat told anxious journalists who had attempted to ask of his mission in the state that he is 'happy with Oshiomhole and also condemned the so called 'Good Governance tour.'

Oshiomhole had said: “The resources accruable to the state cannot afford to accommodate the expenses of hosting the Minister of Information and his Good Governance tour team.

“Why should I take Edo State tax payers’ money to finance a federal government project? I don’t need Abuja to help me tell Edo people what I am doing in the state. Any time the state’s officials go for official duty in Abuja, the state takes responsibility for their expenses. So I expect the federal government to finance its officials.”

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Profiling Nigerians: Babatunde Fashola

Fashiola has demonstrated top disciplined, tough and resolute qualities in front of difficulties and critics. ''There is no one above the law in the state. People who are not prepared to obey our laws should leave the state. There is no society where laws are not broken, but the state government would continue to increase its enforcement so that there will be high level of compliance,’’ he said after arresting a policeman for violating 'The state Traffic Law' that prohibits the operations of motorcycles and tricycles on Lagos/Abeokuta Express road and other metropolis.

He can do it" was many observers' comment when Babatunde Fashola took up a challenging new mission to transform Lagos into Africa's model of governance.

Babatunde Fashola is the youngest Governor of Lagos State in the history of Nigeria and a Senior Advocate by profession. He is the 13th Governor of the State and first Senior Advocate of Nigeria to hold office as Governor in Nigeria. He governs a state that is probably Africa’s largest city with over 22 million people.

Re-elected last year with 81 percent of the vote, Fashola is courting residents and investors by building roads, an urban railway, bridges and hospitals. Hotels such as Sheraton and Radisson have expanded their operations in Lagos since Fashola took office in 2007.

Also, Shoprite, Massmart and car manufacturers have also taken advantage of his good governance.

His government plans a free trade zone with an international airport and a port. Expectations have grown so high that “if there’s a blip, the impression is you’re slacking”, Fashola said in an interview.

Last year he signed into law a bill that forces men to support their children. Men who impregnate and abandon women could now face prosecution in Lagos State.

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The rise of Lagos and the future of Nigeria

Modern Lagos is on the rise. Take transport: Lagos state have are investing heavily in the rail network, from urban mass transit system to a new US$40 billion rail link that will criss-cross the country-taking people from south to north, and tourists from Lagos to Illorin, faster than ever before, generating growth in all corners of the country.

The roads have been rehabilitated. The installment of Eko atlantic and traffic system across the state.

We' ve even developed Nigeria's first cable car mass transit for a better and convenient touring of the mega city.

 The rise of Lagos will undoubtedly be one of the great miracles of the twenty-first century.

Lagos's extraordinary economic growth and active rehabilitation are already transforming South Nigeria, and future decades will see even greater increases in Lagos power and influence.

Will Lagos overthrow Abuja and regain her crown as the capital of Nigeria?

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EFCC more corrupt than Police

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and related Offences Commission ( ICPC) were established to fight corruption in Nigeria. The EFCC was established by former president Olusegun Obasanjo. The mission statement was to 'identify illegally acquired wealth and confiscate it.'

The commission probes people in government, police and other agencies. The EFCC probe list exclude Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, Tinubu, Tony Anenih, Danjuma and co

The EFCC today is more corrupt than when it started under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. It is yet to win a single case leveled against some notorious corrupt leaders.
It has been rendered useless by the National Assembly and it is now a political bulldog to rival individuals and parties. The commission appears more corrupt than the police.

Should the government probe EFCC itself? Who verifies how much is really recovered as reported in the news? Where is the money recovered so far?

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Nigeria doomed under Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan not only failed to inspire Nigeria but has formed a formidable alliance with the enemies within Nigeria: IBB, Obasanjo, Anenih and co..

The nation had expectantly waited for Goodluck and his government to put an end to the ongoing kidnappings and unrest in the country.

"We all feels a lack of confidence in the national government. As a christian I can't visit my friends and relatives in the North" Adesola said.

Goodluck has failed, among other things, to provide solutions to the unemployment crisis in the country; power outages and government corruption in the past few years.

"The president says he is committed to job creation, but let's look at what he actually does about job creation. Nothing!" Osa said.

If Anenih at 79years old can get a job at the Port Authority, how come a graduate with full qualifications cannot be employed?

He had promised five million new jobs by 2015, but unemployment had risen again during his third year in office. The economy is yet to grow an inch since he assumed the presidency.

"Has the president ever reflected on what it must feel like to be a young person without a job in Nigeria today?" Uche asked.

"Does he feel for the educated University graduate under the age of 34 who are unable to find work, because their is none out there.'' Idowu added.

Support of young voters was crucial in re-election of Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

The president also claimed to have brought policy certainty to the mining industry, but almost 70% of the mining companies in Nigeria are not working.

Since 1990, the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty has increased from 49% to 77%. The public education and health systems have all but collapsed: If not for some State Governors (Edo, Lagos, Enugu, Ogun, Osun to mention a few)

Power cuts are a daily fact of life.

Goodluck Jonathan now face the twin threats of impossibly high expectations in the south and deep and insecurities in the north.

He has failed so far to bring the divided nation together.

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Biafran revolution

Rage over bad governance fuel millions of Nigerians to support a new Biafran movements waging eastern rebellion against the central government in Abuja. Although millions of supporters hastily deny any campaign of violence, the new revolt is gathering pace that will provide stability to Africa’s largest oil producer.

“If the government treated us justly, there would be none of these problems,” said one un-named fan.
“The government is supposed to look after health, education, power, water, but we see them doing nothing except getting richer and richer, so why are they surprised there is a rebellion?” Another supporter added.

Forty three years on and after founder Ojukwu gave up the ghost, a new pro- Biafra group, Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM) inaugurated on February 20, 2013 a new Biafran revolution.

The president of the new Biafran group, B.I. Onwuka told Daily Sun his association had noted the mistakes that truncated the first attempt for the emergence of Biafra even as he insisted that BZM was determined to succeed in its latest bid for the creation of a sovereign entity to be called Biafra!

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Nigerians has lost confidence in Goodluck Jonathan

The Nigerian people have lost confidence in President Goodluck Jonathan and his government.

Goodluck not only failed to inspire Nigeria but has formed a formidable alliance with the enemies within Nigeria: IBB, Obasanjo, Anenih and co..

The nation had expectantly waited for Goodluck and his government to put an end to the ongoing kidnappings and unrest in the country.

"We all feels a lack of confidence in the national government. As a christian I can't visit my friends and relatives in the North" Adesola said.

Goodluck has failed, among other things, to provide solutions to the unemployment crisis in the country; power outages and government corruption in the past few years.

"The president says he is committed to job creation, but let's look at what he actually does about job creation. Nothing!" Osa said.

If Anenih at 79years old can get a job at the Port Authority, how come a graduate with full qualifications cannot be employed?

He had promised five million new jobs by 2015, but unemployment had risen again during his third year in office. The economy is yet to grow an inch since he assumed the presidency.

"Has the president ever reflected on what it must feel like to be a young person without a job in Nigeria today?" Uche asked.

"Does he feel for the educated University graduate under the age of 34 who are unable to find work, because their is none out there.'' Idowu added.

Support of young voters was crucial in re-election of Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

The president also claimed to have brought policy certainty to the mining industry, but almost 70% of the mining companies in Nigeria are not working.

Since 1990, the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty has increased from 49% to 77%. The public education and health systems have all but collapsed: If not for some State Governors (Edo, Lagos, Enugu, Ogun, Osun to mention a few)

Power cuts are a daily fact of life.

Goodluck Jonathan now face the twin threats of impossibly high expectations in the south and deep and insecurities in the north.

He has failed so far to bring the divided nation together.

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In Arsène We Trust: nowhere to be seen

The banner ''In Arsene we trust'' used to fill the Emirates stadium and dominate the football pitch in the past few years. Eight years without a trophy and counting — the heat is really on Arsene Wenger and his team.

On the brink of exit in the last 16 of the Champions League, out of the FA Cup, out of the Capital One Cup out of the running for the Premier League and, maybe out of a top-four finish: the Gunners are goners.

The banners, “In Arsène We Trust,” were nowhere to be seen after Arsenal were outclassed by Bayern Munich. The banners in recent games had been substituted for boos largely echoed around the 60,000-seat stadium that Arsene Wenger had built.

The era for ''In Arsene We Trust'' is drying fast and fans calling for the manager to be sacked.

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Goldie's autopsy completed

The autopsy report of Goldie Harvey has been completed and revealed 'hemorrhage' as the cause of death.

The autopsy, done on February 19, was signed by Dr. O.O Oyewole of the Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. The report shows that the the musician died of 'hypertensive heart disease' which triggered ' intracerebellar haemorrhage.

Some newspapers and websites had reported that Goldie was a victim of drug abuse.

But in a post on his Facebook page, Mr. Harvey, husband of Goldie said the musician was never into drug for all the years he knew her.

"Goldie never used drugs in the last 10 years I knew her and I was as close as you could get," he said.

Goldie passed away at Reddington Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos on February 14.

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Three Nigerians arrested for online romance scam

The suspects were accused of luring $266 000 from 18 women before they were arrested Monday at a Bangkok apartment.

The Nigerians posed as wealthy and handsome American and European men, posting bogus photos to their targets over Facebook chat, police Lieutenant General Panu Kerdlarppol was quoted by the Bangkok Post as saying.

They Nigerians chatted with their victims for more than a month to persuade the women they loved them, Panu said.

The suspected men then told their victims they had shipped valuables to them as gifts, posting photos and fake invoices of the expensive items. The accomplice then then allegedly posed as a government official and told the victims they had to pay customs duties for clearance.

The victims were instructed to pay the duties via bank transfer.

Panu said the internet fraud ring was believed to have 70 members and their leader was based in Malaysia.

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Glo Nigeria launch Wi-Fi

Nigerians can now access the internet from their cellular phones or other PDA's tanks to a new Wi-Fi hotspot launched by Globacom.

                            

The launch offers users greater access and higher Internet speeds, particularly within the home environment.

“The Glo Mobile Wi-Fi is a mobile portable device that can connect up to five Wi-Fi gadgets (PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones and PSPs) to mobile broadband,” the company stated in a media release announcing the launch of the new router and increased services.

Nigeria has seen Internet penetration rise in the past few years and Glo believes the new router will give home users and businesses the ability to be connected on multiple platforms at one time, and leverage off an increase in overall speed and bandwidth.

“It comes with a free SIM and 1GB data for the first month and another 1GB free for the next six months based on continuous subscription,” the company added.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that it would like to see increased customer service from telecom operators in the country, and the Glo initiative should help move it in that direction.

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Heat on Nigeria as Islamist group claims kidnapping

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Monday that London was in touch with Nigerian authorities following the reports that a Briton was among the seven, but that he had no further information.

Islamist group Ansaru on Monday claimed the kidnapping of seven foreigners, including one Briton, in a deadly raid on a construction site in restive northern Nigeria at the weekend.

The attack in Bauchi state late on Saturday was one of the worst incidents targeting foreigners in northern Nigeria, a region that has seen waves of violence by extremist Islamist groups, but relatively few kidnappings.

Ansaru is considered a new group with a rising profile after it claimed the abduction of a French national in December and some view it as being directly linked to Boko Haram, the Islamist insurgents blamed for killing hundreds of people in northern Nigeria since 2009.

In an email statement sent to journalists, Ansaru said it has "the custody of seven persons, which include Lebanese and their European counterparts working with Setraco," the Lebanese-owned company targeted in the attack.

Police in Bauchi said four Lebanese, one Briton, a Greek citizen and an Italian were among those taken hostage by gunmen who stormed the site in the town of Jama'are in Bauchi state.

Ansaru's two-paragraph statement cites "the transgressions and atrocities done to the religion of Allah ... by the European countries in many places such as Afghanistan and Mali".

The group is thought to have some ties with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, which has secured huge profits from the abduction of foreigners in several North African countries.

The governments of Greece and Italy have confirmed that their citizens were among those taken hostage. Beirut has acknowledged that two Lebanese nationals were seized, but has not matched the police figure of four.

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Arsene Wenger to leave Arsenal

Arsene Wenger faces Bayern Munich in the Champions League tonight insisting he will be missed when he leaves Arsenal at the end of his contract.

The Arsenal boss is preparing for one of the biggest weeks of his career after being dumped out of the FA Cup by Blackburn on Saturday.

Wenger, 63, said: “I’m sure you will miss me when I’m gone. My current contract ends in 2014. I will have completed 30 years without interruption at top level; football demands a lot of commitment.”

Wenger is a brilliant manager, if he was to leave. I cant think of anyone who could replace him. You just have to look at what he has done for Arsenal.

The Gunners manager reacted angrily to questioning about his future on Monday, as reports claimed that despite a likely eighth season without silverware he was set to agree a two-year extension.

Hill-Wood told the Daily Star that some of the reaction against Wenger has been a bit hysterical.

"You hear clubs being criticised for sacking their manager too quickly. Now there are people out there calling for us to sack a manager who has been a huge success for 15 years.

"That does not help much. I have been extremely disappointed by some of the recent results.'' He said.

Wenger told media reporters that after working for 16 years in the country ''I expect a certain respect.''

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Kim Kardashian at the Lagos concert

US reality show star, Kim Kardashian arrived Lagos Saturday evening to co-host with R&B singer Darey Art Alade for the post valentines day concert Sunday, and left 24 hours later. In her only cameo on stage, Kim Kardashian said, "Hey Naija" and that was it.

Darey Art Alade blew the minds of many Nigerians with the special love concert which was held yesterday Sunday, February 17, 2013 at the Conventional Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites. 

The concert also featured performances from 2Face, Waje, Banky W, Ice Prince, Mo’Eazy, Zaina among others.

Other notable faces spotted at the private event include: Ramzy Nuoah, Emeka Ike, Comedian Basket Mouth, Tiwa Savage among others.

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8 foreign workers kidnapped in Nigeria

Unknown gunmen kidnapped eight foreign workers from a Lebanese construction company in northeastern Nigeria and killed a guard on duty, local authorities said on Sunday.

The Chairman of Jama'are Local Government Area in Bauchi State Adamu Aliyu  reported that the eight people kidnapped in the Setraco Construction Company are expatriates.

The state police earlier said seven foreign workers were kidnapped, without disclosing their identities.

Aliyu said the kidnapped workers include one from Britain, one from Greece, one from Italy and five from Lebanon. A woman and a girl are among the Lebanese kidnapees.

Aliyu said the attack took place at 2:15 a.m. local time on Sunday. Describing the incident as "very unfortunate," the official advised residents of the area to remain calm and cooperate with the security operatives in order to fish out the culprits.

No arrests have been made while investigations are underway.

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Serena Williams back at 'world No 1'

Serena Williams returned to the top of women’s tennis on Friday, overcoming a series of potentially career-ending injuries since 2010 to become the oldest woman to hold the No. 1 ranking. Williams, 31, grabbed the top spot by rallying from 4-1 down in the third set to beat the former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open in Doha.


Williams will replace Victoria Azarenka at No. 1 when the rankings come out next week.

“I never thought I would be here again,” Williams said. “Oh my gosh, I’ve been through so much. I never thought I would be here.”

Shortly after winning Wimbledon in 2010, Williams had two operations on her right foot after cutting the foot on broken glass. Later, she had blood clots in her lungs and needed to inject herself with a blood thinner. She had to go to the hospital when those shots led to a pool of blood under her skin.

Williams lost the top spot to Caroline Wozniacki in 2010 and tumbled down the rankings. But she made a comeback worthy of a No. 1 in 2012, winning Wimbledon, the Olympic gold medal, the United States Open and the season-ending W.T.A. championships. (AP)

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Beyonce: the gentlewoman

Beyoncé covers The Gentlewoman Spring/Summer 2013, shot by Alasdair McLellan

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Six-year-old raped in New Delhi

Cultureless, immoral street dogs increased in India was one of the criticism on the incident. The question remains: what will the govt and law do???? When will they stop this growing acts that has crippled India?

The six year old girl, from Delhi's satellite city of Gurgaon, was spotted by a passer-by in the border region of Kapashera late Sunday night raped, dumped and brutalized.

The crime became public knowledge only after local newspapers and news-channels reported it on Friday.

"Medical examinations have confirmed rape. The girl is recuperating in a hospital," Om Prakash, a local police officer said.

"We have launched a manhunt to arrest those responsible for the brutal act but have few leads as the girl is unable to give a proper statement since she is traumatized," he added.

The Times of India daily reported that the victim was last seen with a man in his early twenties and it was possible that she had been raped by more than one person.

Earlier this month, a man reportedly shoved an iron rod into the mouth of a 19 year old girl when she resisted his attempt to rape her.

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Maxwell to perform at Lagos concert

"Valentine's with Maxwell" which is slated for Saturday February 16, at the Ocean View grounds, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria will also feature Nigerian musicians on stage including Yinka Davis, Bez, Omawunmim, Black Magic and Burna Boy.

However, considering the ticket price for the event holding tomorrow at the Oceanview Ground, Victoria Island, Lagos, it is obvious the concert is conceived as a classy event for a select group of people, who are willing to pay for quality entertainment.

Sponsored by Classic FM 97.3, the radio station that brought Sax sensation, Kenny G to the country in 2011, Maxwell will also be visiting the country for the first time ever, and will be thrilling his fans with his hit singles which include 'Ascension, 'this woman's work' and 'Pretty wings'.

Speaking on the much anticipated concert, Classic FM's Programme Director, Chico expressed joy that the fast rising station is bringing to the country another famous R &B funk from America. "We are delighted to bring to our listeners this fabulous Valentine's gift. It's going to be a fantastic night - Maxwell - enough said!"

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Liverpool interested in Emmanuel Emenike

The Nigerian striker made his name at the African cup of nations and was a revelation during his debut tournament as he guided Nigeria to their maiden African Cup in 19 years.

However, his form was hindered by a late injury that prevented him from playing in the final game of the tournament.

Liverpool are eyeing up a move for the top scorer of the Afcon 2013 with four goals.

Emmanuel Emenike 25 currently plays for Russian side Spartak Moscow

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Nigerian musician Goldie is dead

Nigerian pop singer and Big Brother Africa star, Susan Oluwabimpe Harvey popularly known as Goldie Harvey, is dead.

She passed on after she returned from a trip to the United States where she attended the 55th Annual Grammy Awards which took place in Staples, Los Angeles.

Goldie was pronounced dead in the late hours of Thursday shortly after she was rushed to Reddington Hospital,Victoria Island, Lagos.

“It is with heavy heart that I have to inform you all that Goldie passed this night shortly after arriving Lagos from LA. May her soul rest in the eternal peace of the Lord"

This was the most recent post on her twitter handle by one "admin".

The singer’s corpse has since been taken to the General Hospital, Ikeja morgue.

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Nigeria shoot up the rankings after Afcon

Nigeria have jumped a massive 22 places in the latest Fifa rankings released yesterday.
They are now 30th in the world and 4 in Africa, after winning the being crowned the champions of Africa at the recent Africa Cup of Nations.

Ivory Coast remain the best-placed African team and actually rose two places in the global rankings after the Nations Cup. They are now positioned 12th in the world.

Ghana are second in the African list, followed by Mali.
Spain continue to head the global list, followed by Germany, Argentina, England and Italy. Brazil's loss to England in a friendly match this month means they have dropped to 18th, their lowest position since the rankings began in 1993

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Pistorius breaks down as he is charged with murder

Paralympic superstar Oscar Pistorius openly wept as he appeared in court Friday, charged with the murder of his girlfriend as South Africans closely watched developments in a killing that has stunned the country.

The double leg amputee s now facing pre-meditated murder.

Pistorius' father, Henke, was in the court as was his brother Carl, sister Aimee and other supporters of the 26-year-old double-amputee athlete. Here are some images of Pistorius at the court.

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Valentine's day in Lagos

So, to all the single, sexy ladies, there’s no need to be bitter today. Enjoy yourself and turn up your single girl swag this Valentines Day!

I know the yahoo boys are on strike for the next three days.

Lots of drinks and food will be given to guests at Alesh Hotel International, Gran Melia Hotel, Lekki and Quality Hotel, LASU-Iba Road on Valentine's Day for them to have a feel of love.
The management would also organize a free show for guests with local artist performing live.

"Valentine is a period of love, where everybody needs to share love with his or her family, neighbors and friends," one of the managing director said

"We are planning big for this year's Valentine's Day and we are sure this will make the celebration historic for many of our guests and the intending ones," he said

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Victorious Nigerian football team arrives home

The Nigerian football team has arrived back home, taking the African cup of Nations 2013 trophy on a victory parade. Chants of Super Eagles Ole, Super Eagles Ole! greeted the team at Abuja airport where fans also waved flags and held out banners of Keshi please stay!

They later visited the national stadium where a crowd of several hundred fans, some waving the national green and white flag, received the team.

The players, their coach, Stephen Keshi, and other officials stepped down from the bus, shook a few hands of their fans, and stepped back on to head to their hotel before meeting Jonathan later at the presidency.

Keshi and his team were given a loud cheer when they emerged from the bus and supporters surged forward to greet them.

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