Spotted: Tiwa Savage & Waje Looking Like Bridesmaids. Who Would You Rather?

When I spotted this picture of Tiwa Savage & Waje backstage at Omawunmi‘s concert “Lasso Of Truth” which went down last night in Lagos, my first thought was “Who got married?” cos they both look like a lot like bridesmaids in their pink dresses.
The costume was for a performance at the concert. Both ladies look gorge

Indonesian chef wins N1m and brand new car in Nigerian cooking competition

Lalu Surdiham. Photo: The Pulse

Lalu Surdiham, a chef working in Lagos has emerged as the winner of the Knorr Taste Quest cooking competition.

He beat four Nigerian contestants in the grand finale of the competition last night Sunday, April 7, 2013 to win the sum of N1m after participating in the TV show game that lasted weeks.

Surdiham is the chef in charge of Sky Lounge and Restaurants in Eko Hotel and Suites. He arrived in the Nigerian hospitality scene in 2008. He won the award for ‘Best Chef’ at the 2012 The Club and Bar Restaurant Awards held in Lagos.

As winner of the competition, he walks home with a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, One Million Naira, kitchen equipment worth N300,000 and of course, all the bragging rights…

We ‘re Yet To Decide On Amnesty – Boko Haram

The suspected leader of the Nigerian Islamist group linked to Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, Imam Abu Muhammad Ibn Muhammad Abubakar Ash Shekawi, also known as Abubakar Shekau

Islamic sect, Boko Haram has said that the Shura Council, the highest decision-making organ of the sect led by Imam Abubakar Ibn Shekau, which has the power to decide whether the sect will accept the offer of amnesty being planned by the Federal Government is yet to take a decision on the offer even as another faction of the sect has publicly rejected the amnesty saying the group did not ask for it. The Federal Government last week set up a committee to look at the feasibility or otherwise of granting amnesty to the sect members in a bid to put an end to the spate of violence in the North.
Spokesman of a faction of the sect, Abu Dardam, however, spoke on the Hausa service of the BBC that the group was rejecting the offer of amnesty by the government. The group also said that it will not accept the amnesty which the Governor Alhaji Kashim Shettima promised to offer them.
Abu Dardam stated that the group was rejecting the amnesty because they don’t recognize democracy as a form of government and that the group does not agree with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, arguing that justice can only be found in the Holy Quran, that is Shariya system of government.
Borno Govt appeals for peace
Borno State Commissioner of Home Affairs Information and Culture Mr. Hyeladi Inuwa Bwala, in his reaction appealed to the group to see reason and embrace dialogue with a view to restoring lasting peace in BornoState. He noted that most wars and crisis in the world were settled mostly through dialogue, and therefore called on the group to see wisdom in the amnesty offer and come to a round table for dialogue.
Imam Abubakar Ibn Shekau-led Boko Haram, however, said only its highest decision-making organ, Shura Council has the power to take a decision whether or not to accept the amnesty. A credible source close to the sect explained that the Shura Council is Boko Haram’s apex council and highest decision-making organ of the sect while all cells of the organization are represented in the council.
The source explained that everything about the proposed amnesty would be deliberated upon and thereafter subjected to the group’s Islamic theology and jurisprudence
According to the source, “Shura Council may surprise Nigerians, because they may agree and may not agree. It depends on their understanding and Islamic theology and the jurisprudence they are following. They are above what people think about them, they are highly ideological and hold their beliefs high. They are committed Mujahideens and highly committed to their cause. I know this rather well.” The source disclosed that the Shura Council would act according to the tenets of their faith.
Gunmen attack church in Maiduguri
Meanwhile, some gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect yesterday attacked the Ekliziyar Yan’uwa a Nigeriya (Church of Brethren), also known as EYN in Bulumkutu ward of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital injuring one policeman even as another set of gunmen abducted a former chairman of Abadam local council of Borno state, Alhaji Mustapha Gadobe,, weekend and demanded N50 million ransom from the state government or he will be killed.
Vanguard gathered that the gunmen who attacked the church came in a Keke Napep (tricycle) at about 11:02am when the service was going on opening fire on the JTF troops deployed to the church to protect lives of and property. JTF troops however repelled the attack and in the process a policeman was injured on his leg.
According to an eye witness, “the gunmen numbering about five came on a tricycle and started shooting at the JTF security personnel attached to the church, but the JTF responded swiftly.”
When contacted on phone for confirmation, the JTF Spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa confirmed the incident.
He said at about 11am, some Boko Haram suspects attempted to attack the JTF location at the EYN church in Bulumkutu ward of Maiduguri Metropolis, but were repelled, pointing out that one policeman sustained gunshot injury on his leg. The problem was treated and immediately discharged from the hospital.
The abducted former council boss, Gadobe was said to have been kidnapped near a Maiduguri suburb, Wadiya by the gunmen who hurriedly bundled him into his Toyota FJ Cruiser and drove off to unknown destination.
It was gathered that a serving member of Borno state house of Assembly was currently handling the negotiation between the kidnappers and Borno state government.
A top political appointee informed our Correspondent in confidence that the abductors threatened to kill their hostage when the said mediator offered a N3 million cash payment as against the N50 million earlier demanded.
‘We learnt that the family members of the former council chairman and the mediator had on Saturday offered to pay N3 million an offer that was said to have angered the kidnappers who vowed to kill Gadobe should such ridiculous amount be mentioned again’, said the source.
It was further learnt that another offer of N10 million was yesterday advanced to the abductors which was still turned down.
A top official of the DSS confirmed the abduction to Vanguard on phone but declined giving details of steps being taken to rescue the kidnapped politician.
Embrace peace initiative —Atiku tells militia groups
In a related development former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urged members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace taking advantage of the constitution of an Amnesty Committee on the insurgency by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Reacting to the weekend attack on the private residence of the Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Bala James Ngillari by some armed men and the massacre of policemen in Bayelsa State, the former Vice President in a statement yesterday urged the militia groups in the country to lay down their arms, saying not laying down arms portend grave consequences for the country.
The former presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who noted that aggrieved members of any society have the right to express their grievances, but warned that taking up arms and killing other citizens was the most bizarre way of expressing such grievances.
Atiku Abubakar who noted that no government can condone such a recourse to impunity as it undermines national stability and cohesion, said, ‘’Armed groups in the country should take the full advantage of the window of opportunity of a peace deal being put together by the Federal Government to negotiate for a peaceful conflict resolution.”
Courtesy: Agency Reports/Vanguard

Fire Guts Alade Market

One of the Lagos State popular markets, Alade Market, Ikeja, was on Sunday engulfed in flames .
Although the cause of the inferno could not be established as of press time, eyewitnesses told our correspondents that the fire was extensive.
Alade is popular in Lagos for its bureau-de-change activities and boutiques.
Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Razaq Fadipe, told one of our correspondents on the telephone that officials of the service were battling to put out the fire.
He said, “We got a distress call this evening that Alade Market was on fire. We have deployed a team from Alausa station to the place. The fire is extensive, but as I am talking to you, we are working hard to put it out.”
Also, a source in the state Emergency Management Agency said LASEMA had mobilised its officials and were at the scene of the inferno to assist in rescue efforts.
The state police command spokesman, Ngozi Braide, said policemen had been deployed in the area to prevent looting.
She said, “The Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area is already on the ground. He is leading the effort to ensure that hoodlums did not take advantage of the confusion that the inferno will cause to commit crime.
“Right now, rescue efforts are ongoing.”

Champions League best in the world – Okocha

Former Super Eagles captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, was elated with the excitement that envelopes the Heineken Champions Planet where live viewing of the knock-out stage of the UEFA Champions League attracts society’s finest.
The former Nigerian midfield maverick, who is an official UEFA Champions League Ambassador, was at the Champions Planet on April 3, when Real Madrid played Galatasaray. The game ended 3-0. As he interacted with other guests, he said that he always looked forward to the near-stadium environment created at the Heineken Champions Planet.
“Heineken Champions Planet is a concept that has allowed fans to have a direct connection with the glamour and excitement of the competition. I was part of this viewing experience last season and I am really amazed by the aesthetic work done here since then.
This gives everyone here a rare opportunity to be in an environment almost similar to the stadiums where the live matches are being played”.
On the outcome of the match, Okocha said “I feel sorry for many fans, who were looking forward to a surprise result against Real Madrid. Many would have expected the emotional confrontation of  Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder, who were former favorites of Mourinho.
However, with this result, it is going to be a major tournament upset if Galatasaray should turn the result around this week in Istanbul.” Okocha.
Okocha, who tasted action in the Champions League while featuring for Turkish side Fenerbahce in the late 1990s, easily recalled the famous victory his club secured against Manchester United at Old Trafford. He tagged that as his best moment in the competition.
“The UEFA Champions League is the best tournament in the world as it is an assemblage of stars drawn from across all the continents.
I am proud of my club’s famous win against Manchester United at Old Trafford, although we lost out on goals aggregate but it was my greatest moment in the competition.”

You can now bring your guns to class, US school tells students

Liberty University. Photo: Liberty.edu

A largely religious US school is loosening restrictions for carrying firearms on its campus.

According to reports by Huffington Post, Liberty University students who have permit and permission from campus police will now be able to carry a loaded gun into classrooms, according to a March 22, 2013 revision to school policy.

Liberty, a Christian institution founded by television evangelist Jerry Falwell, dropped its ban on campus guns in November 2011 allowing faculty and staff to bring their guns into buildings if they had a permit, while students and visitors were allowed to carry guns in cars and on the campus grounds, but not inside buildings.

‘Students ought to have the ability to protect themselves,’ Josh Hetzler, a law student who helped draft the new policy, told the Huffington Post. ‘We’ve seen a number of instances here in the nation recently where schools are particularly vulnerable. They’re gun free zones, except that the bad guys still get the guns.’

Though Liberty students may now carry loaded weapons to class, it is ironic how Liberty rules continue to prohibit R-rated movies, un-Godly music, dancing, kissing or staying in a motel room with a member of the opposite sex, as outlined in the student handbook.

Ekiti State Releases Official Tribute For Deputy Governor Funmilayo Olayinka

My dear good people of Ekiti State,

With grief in my heart, I address you today on the passage of our Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmilayo Adunni Olayinka. In the evening of yesterday, April 6, 2013, the death of Mrs Olayinka occurred after a long but spirited battle with cancer. This was duly communicated to the public immediately her death was confirmed in a statement from the Government of Ekiti State.

This is indeed a trying period in the life of our dear state. We have been aware of the health challenges of our Deputy Governor which culminated in the government issuing a statement a month ago when she commenced a sick leave during which we requested that you remember her in your prayers. In the course of her ailment, she battled gallantly and availed herself of the best medical services within and outside Nigeria.

In all of these challenges, I was of the belief that because of her courage and determination to live, she would pull through her health challenges. But man proposes and God disposes. She lost the battle.



Fellow citizens of Ekiti State, I am pained by the exit of our Deputy Governor who was my ready partner in our collective quest to develop our dear state. As my dependable ally in the struggle to free Ekiti, she was a consistent bulwark of support, especially through the period of the judicial struggle to reclaim our mandate. I was never in doubt of her unalloyed loyalty, competence and integrity. I shall miss her greatly. In the course of our struggle, she also became my wife’s best friend.

As my Deputy, she was a hardworking, God fearing, reliable and trustworthy companion. She served our people meritoriously in various capacities, overseeing key units of government including the Ekiti State Economic Management Team; Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Ekiti State Tenders Board; the State Pilgrims Welfare Board; the Branding and Communications Strategy e.t.c. Among her several achievements in office, she would be particularly remembered for overseeing the birthing of a new brand identity for the state; restoring the dignity and honour of our people and bequeathing brand identity icons that have become unifying forces among our people regardless of age, gender, or socio-political leanings. Her unique legacy is that active participation and high achievement in politics and governance should not exclude women; this is particularly instructive in our society today as we pursue inclusion in every sector of national life.

She was a virtuous family woman and devout Christian who served God practically and diligently, touching many lives in compassion and humility. Even as we mourn the dearly departed, we are consoled by the fact that she has gone to rest with the Lord and thus she is free from the burdens and worries of this earthly realm.

In reflection of the mood of our state in this trying moment, a period of seven-day mourning shall commence from this moment during which all flags in the state will fly at half mast. During this period also, all state official ceremonies will be suspended.

Condolence registers have been opened in the Governor’s and Deputy Governor’s offices, Government House, the State House of Assembly, her residence and the Liaison offices in Lagos and Abuja.

The State shall liaise with her family in preparation for a full state burial. I also use this opportunity to request that you remember the family she has left behind in your prayers.

Olufunmilayo Adunni Olayinka, Akoni Obinrin, Moremi Ekiti, Sun re o.

I wish all of us the courage and the fortitude to bear the loss.

Thank You and God bless.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi,
Governor,
Ekiti State, Nigeria
07/04/2013

Ekiti Deputy Governor Is Dead

By Victor Enengedi

Late Mrs Olufunmilayo Adunni Olayinka

The deputy Governor of Ekiti state has passed away on Saturday April 6, 2013 after a battle with cancer.

A statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Tayo Ekundayo, announced the demise of Mrs Olayinka, late Saturday night.

The statement read, ‘It is with sadness but with gratitude to God, the passing of the State Deputy Governor, H.E. Mrs Olufunmilayo Adunni Olayinka, aged 52, after a tough but courageous battle with cancer’

The late Mrs Olayinka (nee Famuagun) was an accomplished banker who worked in the financial industry for 21 years before her foray into politics and election as the deputy governor of Ekiti state on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

She was sworn in as the deputy governor on October 16, 2010 alongside the state Governor, Kayode Fayemi.

She is survived by her husband and children as well as aged parents and siblings.

PHOTOS: Kim Kardashian shows off baby bump, still has got that booty

Kim Kardashian shows off baby bump and slim figure. Photo: Instagram

No beyonce conspiracies here…Kim Kardashian’s pregnancy turned six months last weekend and the TV reality star was proud enough to take a photo of her sexy self, sharing it with the world on online photo-sharing service Instagram.

‘Baby love’, Kim K wrote, not minding being recently hit by ex-boyfriend Ray J on his upcoming single ‘I hit it first’.

Kim K Kim was spotted last weekend also arriving for lunch in Beverly Hills, California with her older sister Kourtney. Check out the photos below…

NET EXTRA: Airport staff arrested for aiding drug smugglers

Adetunji Oladeji Joseph

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has foiled a plot by some airport staff to aid and abet a suspected drug trafficker in circumventing security checks.

This followed the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker, Adetunji Oladeji Joseph who wore an official tarmac reflective jacket posing as an airport staff. He ingested 100 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.350kg.

Preliminary investigation revealed that one Ekene Victor Uchenna, a staff with Avobridge who is currently at large allegedly gave his reflective jacket and on-duty tag to the suspect. He also allegedly handed the suspect to a female cleaner, Uzoma David who led him illegally to the boarding gate to evade screening and collecting an undisclosed amount of money to aid the suspect.

Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade in his statement expressed his disappointment that airport workers would indulge in such high level compromise. ‘Their action is inimical and a calculated attempt to undermine security measures at the airport. They will be prosecuted for others to see the bitter consequences of compromise. Drug barons always seek to corrupt officials through bribery but we are working to counter such acts of infiltration’, Giade stated.

The alleged mastermind of the drug racket is a driver with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olatubosun Michael Olatunji. Another suspected member of the drug cartel, Peter Chidibere a trader at Trade Fair Complex, Lagos has been arrested by the NDLEA and currently being interrogated by officials.

Iyanya – pop singer’s dazzling performance in New York

By Osagie Alonge

Iyanya performing in New York

Nigerian Pop singer Iyanya has kicked off his US Tour starting with a power packed performance in New York on April 5.

From the video below, the ‘Kukere’ singer brought the house down performing his hit tunes along with some very popular US songs with a lot of ladies screaming.

PHOTOS: Toolz and boyfriend Tunde Demuren spend ‘secret weekend’ in Tanzania

Toolz looking good in Zanzibar. Photo: Instagram

What does a celebrated OAP do when she’s trying to hide her relationship from the media (good luck with that) but still has to kick it with her lover? Travel to out of the country to spend a weekend where they can’t be bothered!

That’s exactly what The Beat FM OAP Tolu ‘Toolz‘ Oniru did when she flew to the eastern part of Africa – Zanzibar, Tanzania along with her beau – Pilot and EME record label exec Tunde Demuren over the weekend. The lovebirds took residence in a private beach resort, far away from nosy reporters looking for scoop about their affair.

But Toolz posted pictures on Instagram, obviously excited about her trip and getaway from the stress of Lagos. And, even though she left out the fact that she had some special company with her on the trip, it wasn’t difficult to figure: Demuren gave them away when he posted a picture – of two drinks, the same drinks Toolz had also posted only hours earlier.

A few weeks ago, we reported that Toolz and Tunde are officially dating. Toolz calls him ‘a very good friend’ while Tunde has declined to give comments.

‘They are quite shy and don’t want the public to mess things up, but they want to be with each other, they are so fond of themselves‘, a friend close to Tunde says.

Tunde posted this collage of photos while on his trip in Zanzibar

Tunde photo…

Toolz photo…

  

NSCDC arrests gang of 6 rapists in Jigawa

 Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Jigawa State Command,  has arrested a gang of six rapists led by a 32-year-old  Mamman Bashir  who allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl (names withheld) in Maigatari Local Government Area.
This was contained  in a statement from the NSCDC made available to Vanguard, weekend, signed by Commander Muhammed Gidado Fari.
According to the statement, the medical report obtained by the command, the 12-year-old victim of the rape was infected by HIV virus.
It stated further stated that findings had also revealed that the young girl was raped by more than one person.
The NSCDC commander  said  the rapists  will be arraigned in court today.

Job Openings in a Property Development Company in Victoria Island Lagos

A Property Development Company based in Lagos have employment vacancies for the following positions on the Island:
Position: Carpenters: Candidates must possess a degree from an accredited Trade/ Technical School with qualification of 5 years experience must be skilled with the ability to fabricate and install furniture, kitchen cabinets, doors, plaster board and must be proficient in laminate and hard wood floor installation.

Position: PIM: Plumbers: candidates must be skilled plumbers with relevant technical degrees and at least 5 years experience in the Building Maintenance and Construction industry. Also installation and repair of sanitary wares: WC, hidden cisterns, shower cabins and steam rooms, bathtubs and Jacuzzis, air conditioner repair and installation
Position: Electrical Engineer:Candidate must have 3-5 years experience in building find construction electrical work.

Position: Gardener: Candidates must be professional gardener with at least 3-5 years minimum experience in horticulture

Position: AC Technician:Candidate must possess relevant university degree or HND with 3-5 years experience, must have the ability to diagnose and rectify faults.

Minimum experience in electrical maintenance, must be proficient in repair and installation of air conditioner and refrigerator


APPLICATION
All interest candidates should send their CV’s and scanned copies of their credentials via email to seprojects@yahoo.com or via post to: 

The Human Resource Manager,
P.O Box 52920 Falomo Post Office,
Ikoyi, Lagos

Application Deadline  17th April, 2013 

giving voice to the voiceless +Colin Coward

GOOD START