Glo emerges among most admired brands

 

Glo boss, Adenuga

For the second time this year, national telecoms carrier, Globacom, has been named one of the most admired brands.

The company was named among the Top Ten Most Respected Brands in Nigeria at the BusinessDay Nigeria’s Top 100 Most Respected Companies Awards event held on Wednesday night at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

Photo of the day: Mr. Ibu storms Aso Rock!

Comedy star, John Okafor famously known as Mr. Ibu - Source: Facebook

Excitement as Ike Uche returns to Nigeria squad...Set for Afcon qualifiers

Uche

Nigeria has recalled Ikechukwu Uche to their squad ahead of next month's pair of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Congo and South Africa amid excitement.

Coach Stephen Keshi, who returns to his job after being edged out two weeks ago, is going to work with the Villareal striker almost two years after they parted ways following breakdown in relations.

Uche was conspicuously the best Nigeria striker in Europe last season but was ignored as Keshi opted for other strikers during the Super Eagles' World Cup campaign.

How Gombe bomb blast killed over 30

Site of the blast in Gombe

The deadly morning bomb blast that rocked Gombe Line Motor Park in Gombe, Gombe State claimed about 30 innocent lives.

The bomb was said to have been detonated from a parked vehicle around 9:30 a.m. at the Gombe Central Park in an area called Cross.

Shocker: Synagogue collapsed building had no approval

Rescue workers at collapsed Synagogue building

The Lagos State Government on Thursday said that the collapsed guest house within the premises of  the embattled TB Joshua-led Synagogue Church of All Nations had no building permit.

The building collapsed on Sept.12 and killed 116 people.

Firm set to launch list of 180 comedians in Nigeria

Top Nigerian comedian, Klint Da Drunk

Come November 1, 2014, the list of top 180 comedians and masters of ceremonies will emerge.

A statement sent to SHOWBIZPLUSng stated that the project billed to happen first on twitter by 7pm with the hashtags #T180comedy and #Top180Comedians is put together and compiled by a PR and research firm, Penparazzi in collaboration with Ediale Writes Inc.

Patoranking to rock Big Brother Hotshots stage this Sunday

 

Patoranking

Girlie “O” Crooner, Patoranking will be performing live on the Big Brother eviction stage this Sunday, November 2, and this will be his first time on the stage after his hit song with Tiwa Savage. 

Patoranking is known for his reggae-dance hall music and has captured the industry with several of his hits. His performance is sure to get the Big Brother Hotshots audience dancing on their feet.

Prodigal Son: Sanusi finally begs, apologises to Jonathan

L-R: Sambo, Jonathan, Sanusi

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, on Thursday visited President Goodluck Jonathan in Aso Rock and allegedly apologised to his host for all his actions and inactions that strained their relationship.

The relationship between the two became strained when the President suspended Sanusi as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Jonathan had suspended Sanusi as the apex bank’s boss over what was described as financial recklessness.

Shame: Terrorists take over Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh’s home town

Badeh, CDS

Few hours after the commercial nerve centre and the second biggest town in Adamawa State fell into the hands of Islamic sect, Boko Haram, the insurgents, yesterday, overran Vimtim, the home town of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh.

The terrorists have thus rubbished the purported ceasefire agreement announced by the Chief of Defence Staff and his earlier vow on January 20 this year that the Boko Haram menace would end last April.

Mubi town was invaded, yesterday, by the terrorists who stormed the 234 Nigerian Army Battalion, burnt down the police station and the Mubi prison, setting the inmates free. The insurgents also hoisted their flag at the Palace of the Emir of Mubi. When the insurgents invaded the town, the troops and the residents fled while they had a field day looting and burning property.

Burkina Faso army seizes power after uprising over President Campaore’s bid to extend rule

 

Campaore

The army’s seizure of power in Burkina Faso on Thursday amounted to a “coup”, an opposition leader told AFP, adding that they consider the president’s departure “non-negotiable”.

President Blaise Compaore, who has ruled the country for 27 years, “is again in the process of duping the people,” said opposition leader Benewende Sankara. “We have been saying for a long time that he must hand in his resignation. His departure is non-negotiable.”

Burkina army seizes power after uprising against veteran ruler Burkina Faso’s President Blaise Compaore was toppled on Thursday as the army took power after protesters set parliament ablaze in a popular uprising against the veteran leader’s 27-year-rule.

Amodu panics as Keshi says he’s ready to return as Eagles coach

 

Keshi

Coach Stephen Keshi has said he is willing to return to take charge of the Super Eagles if asked by President Goodluck Jonathan.

During a re-conciliatory meeting with the warring factions of the Nigeria Football Federation on Wednesday night, President Jonathan demanded the reinstatement of Keshi as coach.

Goal reported earlier that Keshi would return to the Nigeria job even though the NFF has not officially confirmed it.

Poisonous Drinks: FG to arraign Coca-Cola boss, others Nov 4

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 4 for the arraignment of the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and their Chief Executives‎ for criminal breach of the Consumer Protection Council Act.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, filed three counts against the accused before Justice Evoh Chukwu.

The Federal Government in the charge against NBC and its Managing Director, Mr. Ben Langat alleged that the two accused persons committed an offence by violating the Orders of the Consumer Protection Council.

Update on divorce mess: How Ini Edo battled ex-hubby in US

Ini and hubby when going was good

Weeks after her crashed marriage, Nollywood actress, Ini Edo, has apparently bounced back in style. The actress has put her travails behind her and has even promised her fans that she won’t allow her failed marriage to deprive her of happiness.

To prove that further, the Akwa Ibom State-born actress stormed Houston, USA for the just concluded Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards (GIAMA) which took place at the Stafford Center in Houston, Texas on Saturday, October 25, 2015.

BBA Hotshots: Eviction looms for Sheilah as she battles the boys

The tide in the Big Brother Hotshots house seems to be turning, if Monday night’s nominations are anything to go by. With six of the seven housemates evicted so far being women, there’s just one lady in danger this week – Botswana’s Sheillah. The other six nominees are all men: Arthur; Frankie (both Rwanda); Kacey Moore (Ghana); Luis (Namibia); Mr. 265 (Malawi) and Macky2 (Zambia).

2015: COSON endorses KSB

KSB

Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has announced that it is throwing its weight solidly behind the aspiration of its frontline member, Kenny St. Best (KSB) as she vies for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly to represent Ikeja 1 Constituency under the All Progressives Congress. This was made known at a heavily attended press conference held at the society’s head office in the Opebi area of Lagos early in the week.

Why I remixed Joromi + What Victor Uwaifo told me - Rising singer, JC

JC

Jeremiah Uzeh Blandmosh who goes by the moniker JC, has sensationally revealed why he remixed and turned Joromi, the evergreen song of legendary musician Sir Victor Uwaifo into a club banger.

In a recent chat with SHOWBIZPLUSng talented JC, who hails from Edo State, disclosed that his undying love for the song and the desire to make it appeal more to the youths in this pop culture era necessitated the long and overdue remix.

Veteran actor, Sam Dede says over 500, 000 visitors expected at the Port Harcourt Carnival 2014

L-R: Carnival route procession coordinator, Mr. Dienbofa Ere; DG/CEO, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, RSTDA, Dr. Sam Dede and Board Chairman, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, Deacon Vincent Erinwo, at the media launch of Carniriv: the Port Harcourt Carnival 2014, at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State...recently.

An estimated number of over Five Hundred Thousand carnival lovers and participants are expected in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for the 2014 edition of Carniriv, the Port Harcourt Carnival, making it the biggest carnival brands in Africa.

Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Port Harcourt, during the week, Director General of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency and veteran actor, Dr. Sam Dede announced that the 2014 edition of the carnival, set to hold from 14^th to 20^th December, will outstrip other carnivals both in scope and size with participants and tourists drawn from Europe, Americas and the Caribbean joining their African counterparts for the one-week fiesta.

Shame: Naval rating beats, blinds Policeman

Mbilla, after the attack

Having served in the Nigeria Police Force for about 30 years, the plan of ASP Emmanuel Mbilla was to retire in 2018 after which he would set up his own private security firm.

However, Emmanuel’s dream was cut short on February 22, 2014 after a life-changing encounter with a naval rating, Warrant officer Unaji Enejor, in the Kirikiri area of Lagos State.

SHOWBIZPLUSng learnt that the 50-year-old victim was attacked in the eye by the naval rating, causing him to lose his sight completely.

Finally: Tambuwal dumps PDP for APC...Wants to govern Sokoto

 

Tambuwal

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said his defection was because of his political future and the political consideration of his own state, Sokoto.

Mr Tambuwal defected to the APC on Tuesday days after a rumour of her defection was denied by his spokesman, Mr Imam Imam.

Exciting new kids channels, Nick Jr., Nicktoons storm DSTV

With the launch of Nick Jr. and Nicktoons recently, Viacom International Media Network Africa now delivers more TV channels than any other international media company on the continent, with a total of eight distinct entertainment brands.  SHOWBIZPLUSng learnt that this expansion of its portfolio, which also includes MTV, MTV Base, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and VH1 Classic, increases VIMN Africa’s offering of high quality content to audiences across all key age demographics.

Ebola: Jonathan warns against discriminatory actions against Nigerians

President Jonathan

As the world unites in the fight against Ebola, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has said that he expects and hopes that Nigerians will no longer suffer discriminatory checks and stigmatization abroad now that the World Health Organisation has certified Nigeria Ebola-free.

Speaking at an audience with the Foreign Ministers of Germany and France who called on him at the Presidential Villa on Monday in Abuja, President Jonathan restated the Federal Government’s displeasure over  the stigmatization of Nigerians by some countries after the Ebola virus entered Nigeria in July through a Liberian traveler.

The President, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, (Media and Publicity) Dr. Reuben Abati and made available to SHOWBIZPLUSng, maintained that there was never any justifiable basis for the stigmatization of Nigerians since Ebola was rapidly contained in the country and never attained epidemic levels.

Photo of the day: Do you still recognise these rulers?

Ex Nigerian rulers, IBB, OBJ and GMB - Source: Facebook

N4.7Billion Staff Quarter Project: EFCC probes GTBank for swindling university

 

The N4.7Billion Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria, staff housing project may have run into muddy water. This is after Guaranty Trust Bank and the project promoter allegedly scammed the university of a whopping N80 million.

An official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told our correspondent that the matter had been brought to the notice of the commission, adding that preliminary investigations had begun. Relevant officials of the bank would be invited for questioning in due course, the official said.

The project promoter, one PCG Nigeria Limited, had allegedly marketed the idea of staff housing project to the school management in 2010.

BBA Hotshots: How sexy saxophonist, Laveda, Alusa were sent home

IK and sexy Laveda

Alusa

Kenya’s Alusa became the first male housemate to be evicted from Big Brother Hotshots on Sunday, and the seventh housemate altogether. When Tanzania’s Laveda was evicted earlier in the evening, she continued the ladies’ losing streak, becoming the sixth consecutive woman to be evicted on the back of Africa’s votes.

A COMMUNIQUE DRAWN AT THE END OF THE NBC-POWERED AFRICAST 2014 HELD AT LADI KWALI HALL, SHERATON HOTELS& TOWERS, ABUJA FROM OCTOBER 21 TO 23, 2014

DG NBC,  Emeka Mba at Africast 2014

AFRICAST 2014 with the theme: Digital Broadcast Content: Production, Sourcing and Delivery, is the tenth edition of the biennial conference of Africa Broadcasters which premiered in October, 1996. AFRICAST 2014 is very unique as it heralds the final drive towards Digital terrestrial television switchover in Nigeria and the world.The conference therefore provided a solid platform for stakeholders in Africa’s broadcasting scene to converge and exchange ideas on content creation and explore the possibilities offered by the new and emerging technologies.

Photo News! Africast 2014 lights up Abuja

Guests at NBC sponsored Africast 2014 in Abuja

More accolades for Super Falcons as they beat Cameroon 2-0 in AWC finals…Retains Cup seven times

Super Falcons celebrating their victory

The Super Falcons ON Saturday at the Sam Nuyoma Stadium Windhoek proved too hot to handle for their Cameroonian opponents in the final of the African Women Championship.

Two first half goals by Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala was all the Falcons needed to confirm their ratings as favourites as they won the trophy a record seventh time. They completed the campaign without losing a match.

Boko Haram sponsorship: Ndume’s woes compounded as court says no secret trial for him

Ndume

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, refused an application for the trial of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume who is accused of sponsoring the Boko Haram sect, to be conducted in secret.

The application was filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN.

The Federal Government had alleged that Ndume who is currently representing Borno South Federal Constituency in the Senate, was the one that hitherto furnished the sect with information that aided their terrorist operations in Nigeria.

Shocker: Monarch dies in hotel room after rounds of sex with woman in Hijab

IGP, Suleiman Abba

It may sound like a scene from a Telemundo sex comedy. But stories of getting stuck during sex have been with us for centuries, and some of them might just be true.
An emergency trip to hospital is never pleasant, but it’s certainly not something you would want to happen after sex.
“It’s not the most romantic ending a couple can imagine,” says Mike Ogar, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), who spent his last 12 years in service, managing the homicide section of the Lagos State Police Command Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

Opinion:Give up the Old for the New

By AMARA BLESSING NWOSU: When I write certain things on marriage, I see so many people react negatively to my thoughts. You are right, but does your reaction make my word a lie? Certainly no. That you got into marriage with the wrong person doesn't make marriage to stop being a beautiful thing. Marriage remains the most beautiful thing ever.

Untold story of how 15-year-old Myever Akinleye, Elvis Ikpa emerge Best Models Nigeria 2014

L-R: Akinleye and Ikpa

The nationwide tour embarked by Modelslink International recently came to a breathtaking end as 15-year-old Myever Akinleye, Elvis Ikpa grabbed the coveted Best Model Nigeria 2014 crowns, after defeating over one thousand models across the country.

According to the organizers, while Myever and Elvis will be representing Nigeria at Best Model of the World modeling contest in Istanbul, Turkey in November 2014, Stephanie Umogbai and Adedamola Cruz Adebowale who emerged Face of the World Nigeria 2014 will also represent Nigeria at the Face of The World International in the United Kingdom in March 2015.

Trending Photos: See what BBA Hotshots Lilian wore to her Eviction Party!

Lilian at her eviction party

Lilian relishing her eviction party

Fears as Nigerian drug carrier dies in Spanish airport, mistaken for Ebola victim

Inside the airport where the Nigerian died

A Nigerian drug mule that collapsed and vomited at the Customs area of the Madrid-Barajas Airport terminal, Spain was allowed to die on the airport floor, without any assistance.

Airport staff left him to his woes because they thought, being from Nigeria, he was suffering from Ebola.

The unidentified Nigerian, who had arrived Spain from Istanbul on 18 October, had sudden health crisis after the cocaine bags inside his body split open. He died 90 minutes after of drug overdose.

Opinion: When does one get to a point of choosing suicide as only remedy?

You must have had to battle with such rhetorical postulates once or twice your lifetime. The ponder and wonder about that issue or situations that gets someone to go through the pains of self murder. I could never grapple such matters. There was a case I was orientated with, back then in my tertiary space. It was of a bookworm who took her life because she failed a course. How do I believe this? It was always a tale of fictions in my head of imagination. Movies, too, couldn't help me comprehend this intense therapy.

Exclusive Photo: Nollywood hunk, Browny Igboegwu weds wife secretly in US

Popular actor, Browny Igboegwu, wife, kids, best man and chief brides maid at his secret wedding to wife in US...recently.

Photo News: NBC DG, Emeka Mba in action at Africast 2014!

DG of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Mr. Emeka Mba fielding questions from both national and international journalists at the recently held 2014 Africast, which was successfully sponsored by the apex broadcasting regulatory body.

Chuma Onwudiwe launches his collection of poems, Graffiti, tomorrow, Sunday, October 26

Onwudiwe

After several months of planning and networking, cerebral actor, author, writer, columnist and poet, Mr. Chuma Onwudiwe is finally poised to launch his long-awaited collection of poems tagged: Graffiti.

In a brief chat with SHOWBIZPLUSng, the former National General Secretary of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), disclosed that the epoch gathering holds tomorrow, Sunday, October 26 at O’Jez Restaurant, Surulere, Lagos.

Murder at the Synagogue: Joshua to appear before Collapsed Building Panel Nov. 5

The collapsed Synagogue building, inset, Joshua

The founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Prophet Temitope Joshua, will on Nov. 5 appear before a coroner’s inquest investigating the recent collapse of its guest house.
The Lagos State Coroner, Mr. Oyetade Komolafe, announced Joshua’s appearance on Friday at the resumption of the inquest at an Ikeja High Court.

Uzoma Dozie replaces Alex Otti as new CEO of Diamond Bank

 

Uzoma

The Board of Diamond Bank Plc, has announced the appointment of Mr. Uzoma Dozie as Managing Director/Chief Executive following the voluntary resignation of Dr. Alex Otti, from the bank Friday. The appointment of Uzoma is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

In an official statement released by the Bank’s Corporate Communications Department, Chairman of the Board of Directors, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, announced the changes in management.

Speaking on the outgoing GMD/CEO, the chairman said he would be sorely missed, adding that Dr. Alex Otti’s achieved enviable landmarks during his time. He described his tenure as, “the brightest years of Diamond Bank’s 24 year-history”.

Trending Photos: Entertainment Express Newspaper Editor, Azuh Amatus storms Africast 2014

From Right: EE Editor, Azuh Amatus with his colleagues and course mates, Aishat Onusi and Fidel Oseghale at Abuja Sheraton for the NBC sponsored Africast 2014

From Left: Azuh Amatus, Aishat Onusi and Fidel Oseghale

NFF in disarray as Chris Giwa faction resumes, ignores stay of execution orders

Embattled Pinnick

 The Amaju Pinnick-led executive board has filed a Stay of Execution at the Federal High Court, Jos Judicial Division over the court’s ruling of Thursday, 23rd October setting aside the elections of 30th September, 2014, which brought the body to office.

In a statement by NFF media officer Ademola Olajire, the court has set Wednesday, 29th October for hearing of the Stay of Execution.

Meanwhile, the faction led by Chris Giwa resumed at the Glass House on Friday after Thursday's verdict by the Jos court which ruled to annul the election of Amaju Pinnick.

Joy as Nigerian scientists develop Ebola screening solutions

A team of Nigerian scientists in the Diaspora has validated and adapted a methodology that will enhance the gene amplification of the Ebola virus in 30 minutes.

This came on the heels of the declaration of Nigeria as an Ebola-free country by the World Health Organisation.

The team, led by an alumnus of Florida Atlantic University, the United States, and a visiting associate lecturer to Bowen University, Nigeria, Olumide Adenmosun, is coordinating technical support for the ongoing clinical and research programme in Nigeria.

Presidential Ticket: Atiku, camp jittery as APC, Tinubu plan to dump him for Buhari

L-R: Buhari and Atiku

Barring any changes, the All Progressives Congress, APC is set to adopt former Head of State, Gen. Mohammed Buhari (retd) as its consensus candidate for the 2015 presidential election.

Saturday Vanguard’s investigation, yesterday, revealed that the issue featured prominently at the October 17, 2014 National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the party.

It was gathered that the party’s national leader and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in the course of the meeting, openly declared his support for Buhari as against the expectation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, another presidential aspirant who was present at the meeting.

EFCC declares lawyer, bank manager wanted for duping ex Lagos Gov., Mobolaji Johnson N135m

Johnson

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared a manhunt for a lawyer and two bank managers (names withheld) for allegedly duping a former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Brig. Gen Mobolaji Johnson, of the sum of N135m.

A source at the EFCC said the lawyer had offered a property belonging to the former Governor for lease without his approval.

The source said the lawyer connived with the two bank managers to clear a cheque issued on a phoney lease agreement by opening a fake fix deposit account in the name of the former governor.

Aftermath of eviction: Big Brother fans welcome Lilian home

Lilian

Lililan Afegbai recently became one of the latest housemates to leave the Big Brother Africa Hotshots house. As is the custom, MultiChoice Nigeria threw her a homecoming party upon her return to Nigeria, like none other previously.

The party, SHOWBIZPLUSng learnt took place at the prestigious Fuse Bar and Lounge, in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking with the media shortly before the commencement of her homecoming party, an excited Lilian said she was in shock when she heard that she had been evicted from the Big Brother Africa reality show.

Photo of the day: President Jonathan and Dame Patience, back in the days!

R-L: President Jonathan and Dame Patience with pals during a school event many years ago-Source: Facebook