Tuesday, 13 May 2014
Bikini photos of 35 finalists of 2014 Miss Tourism Nigeria
Saturday, 10 May 2014
Kidnapping Of Chibok Girls Outrageous – Michelle Obama
Describing the recent kidnapping of over 234 female students
by the Boko Haram Sect in Borno state as an outrageous act, United
States first lady, Mrs Michelle barrack Obama, on Saturday while
delivering a Mother’s Day message voiced solidarity with the missing
students.
“Like millions of people across the globe, my husband and I are outraged and heartbroken over the kidnapping of more than 200 Nigerian girls from their school dormitory in the middle of the night. This unconscionable act was committed by a terrorist group determined to keep these girls from getting an education – grown men attempting to snuff out the aspirations of young girls,” Michelle Obama said.
It would be recalled that President Obama has dispatched a search team of military advisers and law enforcement personnel to help find the girls. Also on Capitol Hill, lawmakers in both parties have condemned the kidnappings, and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said Friday the House would take up a resolution honoring the girls and act on legislation to combat human trafficking after it returns from a weeklong recess.
“In these girls, Barack and I see our own daughters. We see their hopes, their dreams, and we can only imagine the anguish their parents are feeling right now,” the US first lady added.
Mrs Obama pressed further that the kidnappings were “not an isolated incident” and compared their plight to that of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl who was shot in the head on a school bus with her classmates.
“But fortunately Malala survived,” Obama said, “and when I met her last year, I could feel her passion and determination as she told me that girls’ education is still her life’s mission.
“As Malala said in her address to the United Nations, she said ‘The terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our ambitions but nothing changed in my life except this: Weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born.”
She also made it known that the girls kidnapped in Nigeria “embodied the best hope for the future of our world,” adding that the America was committed to standing up for them not just in times of tragedy or crisis, but for the long haul.
“Like millions of people across the globe, my husband and I are outraged and heartbroken over the kidnapping of more than 200 Nigerian girls from their school dormitory in the middle of the night. This unconscionable act was committed by a terrorist group determined to keep these girls from getting an education – grown men attempting to snuff out the aspirations of young girls,” Michelle Obama said.
It would be recalled that President Obama has dispatched a search team of military advisers and law enforcement personnel to help find the girls. Also on Capitol Hill, lawmakers in both parties have condemned the kidnappings, and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said Friday the House would take up a resolution honoring the girls and act on legislation to combat human trafficking after it returns from a weeklong recess.
“In these girls, Barack and I see our own daughters. We see their hopes, their dreams, and we can only imagine the anguish their parents are feeling right now,” the US first lady added.
Mrs Obama pressed further that the kidnappings were “not an isolated incident” and compared their plight to that of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl who was shot in the head on a school bus with her classmates.
“But fortunately Malala survived,” Obama said, “and when I met her last year, I could feel her passion and determination as she told me that girls’ education is still her life’s mission.
“As Malala said in her address to the United Nations, she said ‘The terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our ambitions but nothing changed in my life except this: Weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born.”
She also made it known that the girls kidnapped in Nigeria “embodied the best hope for the future of our world,” adding that the America was committed to standing up for them not just in times of tragedy or crisis, but for the long haul.
D-Banj Visits Nyanya Blast Victims, Urges Youths To Shun Violence
A popular Nigerian musician, Mr Dapo Oyebanji (D-banj) on
Tuesday in Abuja urged Nigerian youths to shun violence and embrace
peace.
D-banj made the call when he visited some victims of the Nyanya bomb blast in company of the FCT Health Secretary, Dr Ademola Onakomaiya, at the Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja.
According to him, government alone cannot do all that is required for peace to reign in the country.
“I am a Nigerian and I am affected by any tragedy that befalls us and particularly in the spirit of Easter, I came to show the victims support.
“I have seen that the survivors are responding positively to treatment and thanked the medical team here for the efforts.
“We are appealing to the perpetrators of these acts to have a rethink and support the peace initiative so that our people would not be subjected to such wickedness,” he said.
D-banj said that terrorism in Nigeria was strange as Nigerians were known to be peace loving and advised them to embrace peace in the interest of development.
He said that artistes should be concerned about achieving peace in Nigeria because if the violence continued, the entertainment industry would be endangered.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that D-banj donated several gift items to the victims and also settled some hospital bills.
The hospital management told NAN that over 27 corpses and 26 victims were brought from the blast but 16 were still receiving treatment as others had been discharged.
The FCT Health Secretary urged artistes to support the Federal Government’s fight against terrorism by creating awareness in their performances.
Onakomaiya urged people in the entertainment industry to unite and produce songs, plays, paintings that would condemn and discourage terrorism.
He said that the potency of art as a communication tool amongst Nigerian youths would make it an effective medium in creating awareness.
According to him, security is the responsibility of all Nigerians, therefore, should not be left in the hands of government alone.
Onakomaiya said that the visit of D-banj would go a long way to lift the spirits of the patients.
“You can see that some of the patients are really excited to see a renowned artiste like D-banj visit them; it is very commendable,” he said. (NAN)
D-banj made the call when he visited some victims of the Nyanya bomb blast in company of the FCT Health Secretary, Dr Ademola Onakomaiya, at the Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja.
According to him, government alone cannot do all that is required for peace to reign in the country.
“I am a Nigerian and I am affected by any tragedy that befalls us and particularly in the spirit of Easter, I came to show the victims support.
“I have seen that the survivors are responding positively to treatment and thanked the medical team here for the efforts.
“We are appealing to the perpetrators of these acts to have a rethink and support the peace initiative so that our people would not be subjected to such wickedness,” he said.
D-banj said that terrorism in Nigeria was strange as Nigerians were known to be peace loving and advised them to embrace peace in the interest of development.
He said that artistes should be concerned about achieving peace in Nigeria because if the violence continued, the entertainment industry would be endangered.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that D-banj donated several gift items to the victims and also settled some hospital bills.
The hospital management told NAN that over 27 corpses and 26 victims were brought from the blast but 16 were still receiving treatment as others had been discharged.
The FCT Health Secretary urged artistes to support the Federal Government’s fight against terrorism by creating awareness in their performances.
Onakomaiya urged people in the entertainment industry to unite and produce songs, plays, paintings that would condemn and discourage terrorism.
He said that the potency of art as a communication tool amongst Nigerian youths would make it an effective medium in creating awareness.
According to him, security is the responsibility of all Nigerians, therefore, should not be left in the hands of government alone.
Onakomaiya said that the visit of D-banj would go a long way to lift the spirits of the patients.
“You can see that some of the patients are really excited to see a renowned artiste like D-banj visit them; it is very commendable,” he said. (NAN)
Oscars Approves Nigerian Committee For Screening Of Nollywood Films— May 4, 2014
SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH writes that ahead of the 2015 Oscars,
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has approved a
12-man committee of Nollywood stakeholders, the Nigerian Oscars
Selection Committee (NOSC), to consider Nigerian entries for the world’s
most prestigious awards for films
Each year, countries with an approved selection committee may submit one film for consideration for the Foreign Language Film Award Oscar; only five films are chosen from all international submissions for Academy members to cast their votes and choose a winning foreign language film.
“This is a great opportunity for Nigeria to have a voice in the international film arena,” said Chineze Anyaene, filmmaker and committee chairperson.
The NOSC members comprise of outstanding professionals who have over time proved their mettle as some of the finest in the movie industry. They include Chineze Anyaene, Ngozi Okafor, Olumide Amure, Ramsey Nouah, Kene Mkparu, Emeka Mba, Chioma Ude, Akin Salami, Mildred Okwo, Biola Alabi, Charles Novia and Shaibu Husseini.
According to Academy rules, the members will consider submissions on seven criteria, which are: story, direction, acting, cinematography, sound, music and universal theme.
Shaibu Husseini, another member of the board agrees. “The Nollywood film industry needs to play globally so people will begin to look towards us.”
Every Nollywood movie selected each year will compete with movies from eighty-five (85) other countries for the coveted Best Foreign Language Film Award. Academy members will then pick a shortlist of five foreign language pictures ahead of the awards ceremony.
The approval of NOSC represents a milestone for the nation’s movie industry which has been recognised as one of the top largest movie industries globally. For years, stakeholders have been trying to further improve its standards and this represents a move in the right direction. Sooner or later, Nollywood movies will win – maybe consecutively even – the Oscar statuette for Best Foreign Language Picture.
About The Committee Members
Chineze Anyaene – Chairperson
Chineze Anyaene was born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria. She graduated from Regina Pacis College, Abuja and later attended the university of Abuja, Nigeria. In 2005, Chineze moved to Los Angeles, California for a one-year filmmaking programme at the New York Film Academy. While at NYFA, she was recognised for creating an outstanding epic folktale, noted as the best “foreign film” of her graduating class.
A first time feature director, her directorial debut IJE: THE JOURNEY has received several awards both locally and internationally including the highest grossing Nigerian film by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and has still remained unbeaten till date. In March 2012, Chineze was part of the panel at a conference in Harvard Business School discussing the entertainment industries in sub-Saharan Africa. She sits as the chairperson of the Nigerian Oscar Committee.
Charles Novia
Charles Novia is generally acknowledged as an avant-garde Nollywood filmmaker. Over the years, he has been involved with Nollywood in various capacities as a Scriptwriter, Producer and Director as well as a foremost creative entrepreneur. He’s the first major Nollywood filmmaker to write a book on the workings of the film industry in Nigeria and the book; Nollywood till November: memoirs of a Nollywood Insider since its publication in 2012, has been well received by critics and scholars of the film sector in Nigeria.
Emeka Mba
Emeka Nkem Mba, recently appointed the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is considered by many of his peers as a leading visionary in the converged fields of media, entertainment and technology, with over 23 years cross functional experiences in the converged fields of media & broadcasting, communications technology, and regulatory policy management. Emeka had served for seven years between 2005 and July 2012 as Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, whilst at the NFVCB he undertook groundbreaking work in restructuring the Nigerian film industry.
He has extensive experience in the media and communications fields, and is currently studying law from the External Programme of the University of London.
Chioma Ude
The enigmatic founder and Executive Director of African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is an ardent film lover. An avid film watcher and commentator, her passion for the industry grew more intense after her involvement in the production of the 2007 Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) UK Roadshow. The ensuing relationship culminated in Chioma producing the 2008 Africa Movie Academy Awards and the institution of a brainchild of hers called the AMAA Charity Benefit. This novel initiative was designed to be an annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform for industry practitioners and stakeholders to give back to society.
In 2009, Chioma went on to become the local producer of the ION International Film Festival (IONIFF), held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in Nigeria. She enjoys fund-raising for filmmakers and has produced some premieres for some of the best films in Nigeria.
Ramsey Noah
Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah is an actor and Stunt Director, Nouah’s acting career kicked off when he starred in the Nigerian TV soap opera Fortunes. Nouah has since then appeared in numerous films starring as the lead role. In 2010, Nouah won the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the Best Picture award winning film The Figurine. Ramsey is considered to be one of the most sought-after actors in Nigeria. To his credit are one hundred and forty-five (145)-actor credit and more.
Mildred Okwo
Mildred Okwo is a Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Benin Creative Arts Department (UNIBEN). In 1993, she bagged a Juris Doctor degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and practiced Civil Rights, Employment and Entertainment Law in Los Angeles, California for several years before returning to Nigeria in 2007.
In 2004, Mildred presented family friend and film producer Ego Boyo with the first ten pages of her screenplay 30 Days. The idea for 30 Days was inspired by conditions Mildred observed in Nigeria, and by December 27, 2003 an article written by popular Nigerian columnist Simon Kolawale motivated Mildred to insist on writing and producing movies that gently prick the conscience of its audience. Further, Mildred wanted to offer a better quality production to Nollywood viewers. 30 Days became her directorial and producing debut, and it received several accolades.
Her second film titled The Meeting is the result of that hiatus. The meeting, released in October 2012 has received and continues to receive several accolades which most recently includes Best Nigerian Feature & President Goodluck Jonathan’s award for most authentic Nigerian Feature, African International film Festival (AFRIFF) 2013.
Shaibu Husseini
A widely traveled Culture/film journalist and critic, Shaibu writes for Nigeria’s flagship newspaper-The Guardian. Reputed to be one of the most consistent documentarians of the Nigerian movie industry dubbed Nollywood, Shaibu, an alumnus of the International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) of the United States Department of State is an astute commentator on arts and film development in Nigeria and the continent of Africa. Shaibu has written extensively on the state of the performance arts and runs columns on film/video industry in several newspapers and journals.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist
Each year, countries with an approved selection committee may submit one film for consideration for the Foreign Language Film Award Oscar; only five films are chosen from all international submissions for Academy members to cast their votes and choose a winning foreign language film.
“This is a great opportunity for Nigeria to have a voice in the international film arena,” said Chineze Anyaene, filmmaker and committee chairperson.
The NOSC members comprise of outstanding professionals who have over time proved their mettle as some of the finest in the movie industry. They include Chineze Anyaene, Ngozi Okafor, Olumide Amure, Ramsey Nouah, Kene Mkparu, Emeka Mba, Chioma Ude, Akin Salami, Mildred Okwo, Biola Alabi, Charles Novia and Shaibu Husseini.
According to Academy rules, the members will consider submissions on seven criteria, which are: story, direction, acting, cinematography, sound, music and universal theme.
Shaibu Husseini, another member of the board agrees. “The Nollywood film industry needs to play globally so people will begin to look towards us.”
Every Nollywood movie selected each year will compete with movies from eighty-five (85) other countries for the coveted Best Foreign Language Film Award. Academy members will then pick a shortlist of five foreign language pictures ahead of the awards ceremony.
The approval of NOSC represents a milestone for the nation’s movie industry which has been recognised as one of the top largest movie industries globally. For years, stakeholders have been trying to further improve its standards and this represents a move in the right direction. Sooner or later, Nollywood movies will win – maybe consecutively even – the Oscar statuette for Best Foreign Language Picture.
About The Committee Members
Chineze Anyaene – Chairperson
Chineze Anyaene was born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria. She graduated from Regina Pacis College, Abuja and later attended the university of Abuja, Nigeria. In 2005, Chineze moved to Los Angeles, California for a one-year filmmaking programme at the New York Film Academy. While at NYFA, she was recognised for creating an outstanding epic folktale, noted as the best “foreign film” of her graduating class.
A first time feature director, her directorial debut IJE: THE JOURNEY has received several awards both locally and internationally including the highest grossing Nigerian film by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and has still remained unbeaten till date. In March 2012, Chineze was part of the panel at a conference in Harvard Business School discussing the entertainment industries in sub-Saharan Africa. She sits as the chairperson of the Nigerian Oscar Committee.
Charles Novia
Charles Novia is generally acknowledged as an avant-garde Nollywood filmmaker. Over the years, he has been involved with Nollywood in various capacities as a Scriptwriter, Producer and Director as well as a foremost creative entrepreneur. He’s the first major Nollywood filmmaker to write a book on the workings of the film industry in Nigeria and the book; Nollywood till November: memoirs of a Nollywood Insider since its publication in 2012, has been well received by critics and scholars of the film sector in Nigeria.
Emeka Mba
Emeka Nkem Mba, recently appointed the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is considered by many of his peers as a leading visionary in the converged fields of media, entertainment and technology, with over 23 years cross functional experiences in the converged fields of media & broadcasting, communications technology, and regulatory policy management. Emeka had served for seven years between 2005 and July 2012 as Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, whilst at the NFVCB he undertook groundbreaking work in restructuring the Nigerian film industry.
He has extensive experience in the media and communications fields, and is currently studying law from the External Programme of the University of London.
Chioma Ude
The enigmatic founder and Executive Director of African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is an ardent film lover. An avid film watcher and commentator, her passion for the industry grew more intense after her involvement in the production of the 2007 Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) UK Roadshow. The ensuing relationship culminated in Chioma producing the 2008 Africa Movie Academy Awards and the institution of a brainchild of hers called the AMAA Charity Benefit. This novel initiative was designed to be an annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform for industry practitioners and stakeholders to give back to society.
In 2009, Chioma went on to become the local producer of the ION International Film Festival (IONIFF), held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in Nigeria. She enjoys fund-raising for filmmakers and has produced some premieres for some of the best films in Nigeria.
Ramsey Noah
Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah is an actor and Stunt Director, Nouah’s acting career kicked off when he starred in the Nigerian TV soap opera Fortunes. Nouah has since then appeared in numerous films starring as the lead role. In 2010, Nouah won the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the Best Picture award winning film The Figurine. Ramsey is considered to be one of the most sought-after actors in Nigeria. To his credit are one hundred and forty-five (145)-actor credit and more.
Mildred Okwo
Mildred Okwo is a Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Benin Creative Arts Department (UNIBEN). In 1993, she bagged a Juris Doctor degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and practiced Civil Rights, Employment and Entertainment Law in Los Angeles, California for several years before returning to Nigeria in 2007.
In 2004, Mildred presented family friend and film producer Ego Boyo with the first ten pages of her screenplay 30 Days. The idea for 30 Days was inspired by conditions Mildred observed in Nigeria, and by December 27, 2003 an article written by popular Nigerian columnist Simon Kolawale motivated Mildred to insist on writing and producing movies that gently prick the conscience of its audience. Further, Mildred wanted to offer a better quality production to Nollywood viewers. 30 Days became her directorial and producing debut, and it received several accolades.
Her second film titled The Meeting is the result of that hiatus. The meeting, released in October 2012 has received and continues to receive several accolades which most recently includes Best Nigerian Feature & President Goodluck Jonathan’s award for most authentic Nigerian Feature, African International film Festival (AFRIFF) 2013.
Shaibu Husseini
A widely traveled Culture/film journalist and critic, Shaibu writes for Nigeria’s flagship newspaper-The Guardian. Reputed to be one of the most consistent documentarians of the Nigerian movie industry dubbed Nollywood, Shaibu, an alumnus of the International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) of the United States Department of State is an astute commentator on arts and film development in Nigeria and the continent of Africa. Shaibu has written extensively on the state of the performance arts and runs columns on film/video industry in several newspapers and journals.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist
Boko Haram Storms Adamawa Village, Carts Away 170 Cows— May 9, 2014
Unknown gunmen suspected to be members of the dreaded Boko
Haram sect on Wednesday night struck at Kishirnga village of Madagali
local government area of Adamawa State, where they stole two herds of
cattle numbering 170.
A local villager, Joseph Ularamu, said the insurgents that struck on bikes had asked the farming community not to run. “They told us that their mission was not to kill but rather to get foodstuff.
The source added that they carted away 170 cows, asking the herdsmen to lead the cows for them as they stole the animals.
The chairman of Madagali local government, Mr Abawu James Watharda, confirmed the incident, saying that no life was lost during the attack, as the attackers appeared not to be on a killing spree.
“As I’m talking to you now, many people, mostly children and women, are fleeing the area while we are trying to calm them down.”
He further said that soldiers have been dispatched to the troubled area to beef up security.
He called on the people of the area to remain calm as the council was on top of the situation.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @LeadershipNGA
A local villager, Joseph Ularamu, said the insurgents that struck on bikes had asked the farming community not to run. “They told us that their mission was not to kill but rather to get foodstuff.
The source added that they carted away 170 cows, asking the herdsmen to lead the cows for them as they stole the animals.
The chairman of Madagali local government, Mr Abawu James Watharda, confirmed the incident, saying that no life was lost during the attack, as the attackers appeared not to be on a killing spree.
“As I’m talking to you now, many people, mostly children and women, are fleeing the area while we are trying to calm them down.”
He further said that soldiers have been dispatched to the troubled area to beef up security.
He called on the people of the area to remain calm as the council was on top of the situation.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @LeadershipNGA
NPDC To Expend $3bn On 5 Divested Oil Blocks In 6 Years
— May 9, 2014
The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a
subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is
Nigeria’s midsize flagship upstream exploration company.
The company which made its first entry into the domestic gas market with the commissioning of the 100mscf per day has grown to become the biggest producer and supplier of gas in the domestic market, contributing over 450mscf per day through the Oredo and Utorogu gas plants, with the acquisition of these assets.
Speaking yesterday at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, United States of America (USA), the group managing director, NNPC, Mr Andrew Yakubu, stated that Wood Mackenzie estimated that between 2014 and 2020, close to $3 billion of Capital Expenditure will be spent across five of the divested licences.
He explained that “the work programmes for the respective blocks will include re-entry into existing wells, flow-line and processing facilities repair as well as drilling of new wells. In addition to this, exploiting undeveloped fields and near exploration is expected to be carried out,” Yakubu stated.
Speaking further, he added that, “given the scale of drilling required, it is estimated that each block will need to have a minimum of two dedicated rigs for their near-to-medium-term drilling plans and this does present opportunities for the industry.”
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @LeadershipNGA
The company which made its first entry into the domestic gas market with the commissioning of the 100mscf per day has grown to become the biggest producer and supplier of gas in the domestic market, contributing over 450mscf per day through the Oredo and Utorogu gas plants, with the acquisition of these assets.
Speaking yesterday at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, United States of America (USA), the group managing director, NNPC, Mr Andrew Yakubu, stated that Wood Mackenzie estimated that between 2014 and 2020, close to $3 billion of Capital Expenditure will be spent across five of the divested licences.
He explained that “the work programmes for the respective blocks will include re-entry into existing wells, flow-line and processing facilities repair as well as drilling of new wells. In addition to this, exploiting undeveloped fields and near exploration is expected to be carried out,” Yakubu stated.
Speaking further, he added that, “given the scale of drilling required, it is estimated that each block will need to have a minimum of two dedicated rigs for their near-to-medium-term drilling plans and this does present opportunities for the industry.”
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @LeadershipNGA
Naira Records Mixed Trading At Official, Parallel Markets
— May 9, 2014
The Naira recorded marginal increase against the dollar at
the official and Bureau de Change markets on Friday, the News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) reports.
At the official market, the Naira which opened at N155.23k to a dollar on Monday closed at N154.2k on Friday, gaining N1.03k.
The currency also appreciated against the dollar at the Bureau de Change during the week by N1.5k, closing at N164 from N165.5k it opened on Monday.
At the parallel market, the Naira closed at N165, the same price it sold on Monday, May 5.
The Naira, however, lost 77k to the Pound Sterling.
The Naira, which opened at N261.73k on Monday at official market, closed for the week at N262.5k to the Pound Sterling on Friday.
At the Bureau de Change to the Pound Sterling, the Naira gained 50k as it opened at N270.5k on Monday and closed N171 on Friday.
It remained stable against the Pound Sterling at the black market during the week selling at N270.
At the official market, the Naira sold for N214.2k to the Euro on Friday from the N215.43 it opened on Monday thereby appreciating by N1.23k.
The Naira, at the Bureau de Change, however, lost N1against the Euro, selling at N228 on Friday from the N227 it opened at the beginning of the week.
The currency was also relatively stable at the black market selling at N229 to the Euro. (NAN)
At the official market, the Naira which opened at N155.23k to a dollar on Monday closed at N154.2k on Friday, gaining N1.03k.
The currency also appreciated against the dollar at the Bureau de Change during the week by N1.5k, closing at N164 from N165.5k it opened on Monday.
At the parallel market, the Naira closed at N165, the same price it sold on Monday, May 5.
The Naira, however, lost 77k to the Pound Sterling.
The Naira, which opened at N261.73k on Monday at official market, closed for the week at N262.5k to the Pound Sterling on Friday.
At the Bureau de Change to the Pound Sterling, the Naira gained 50k as it opened at N270.5k on Monday and closed N171 on Friday.
It remained stable against the Pound Sterling at the black market during the week selling at N270.
At the official market, the Naira sold for N214.2k to the Euro on Friday from the N215.43 it opened on Monday thereby appreciating by N1.23k.
The Naira, at the Bureau de Change, however, lost N1against the Euro, selling at N228 on Friday from the N227 it opened at the beginning of the week.
The currency was also relatively stable at the black market selling at N229 to the Euro. (NAN)
Friday, 9 May 2014
Tiwa Savage: Between The Baloguns And Etcetera
Musician and writer Etcetera has been in the news for some
time now. First was the article he wrote about some male entertainers
being ‘gigolos’, then he followed it up with the articles about
musicians whose music may have caused the Nyanya bomb blast.
Now, his article regarding Tiwa Savage’s marriage to a “second-hand husband” has set tongues wagging (true, he did not mention Savage’s name, just an insinuation).
First, the question needs to be asked. Did Savage really marry a “second-hand” husband? Who is a “second-hand” husband? According to Etcetera, “A man becomes a second-hand if he was previously married or is still married to another woman before taking a new wife.”
In Savage’s case her husband, Tunji ‘Tee Billz’ Balogun, is not a ‘second-hand’ husband. Yes, the man may have kids with other women, but he has stated a number of times that he is not married to any woman. He has also challenged journalists or any other persons to produce pictures of his alleged wife. As expected, Savage has reportedly replied Etcetera. “You are not in a position to discuss male artists who are gigolos. Most of them came after you and, by His grace, have achieved more.”
Secondly, Savage and her hubby owe no one any apology on how they choose to live their lives. Some time back, the couple suffered a back-lash, because they chose to hold their wedding ceremony in Dubai. Most people seem to have forgotten that marriage is a union between two people, not between one person and a whole country – even if that person is a celebrity.
In conclusion, Savage and her husband should be left alone, pure and simple! If she chooses to marry a “second-hand” husband or a “brand new” one, it remains her problem and hers alone. Remember, love can be found anywhere! even in “Ladipo Market”
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @LeadershipNGA
Now, his article regarding Tiwa Savage’s marriage to a “second-hand husband” has set tongues wagging (true, he did not mention Savage’s name, just an insinuation).
First, the question needs to be asked. Did Savage really marry a “second-hand” husband? Who is a “second-hand” husband? According to Etcetera, “A man becomes a second-hand if he was previously married or is still married to another woman before taking a new wife.”
In Savage’s case her husband, Tunji ‘Tee Billz’ Balogun, is not a ‘second-hand’ husband. Yes, the man may have kids with other women, but he has stated a number of times that he is not married to any woman. He has also challenged journalists or any other persons to produce pictures of his alleged wife. As expected, Savage has reportedly replied Etcetera. “You are not in a position to discuss male artists who are gigolos. Most of them came after you and, by His grace, have achieved more.”
Secondly, Savage and her hubby owe no one any apology on how they choose to live their lives. Some time back, the couple suffered a back-lash, because they chose to hold their wedding ceremony in Dubai. Most people seem to have forgotten that marriage is a union between two people, not between one person and a whole country – even if that person is a celebrity.
In conclusion, Savage and her husband should be left alone, pure and simple! If she chooses to marry a “second-hand” husband or a “brand new” one, it remains her problem and hers alone. Remember, love can be found anywhere! even in “Ladipo Market”
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @LeadershipNGA
FIFA Ranking: Nigeria Least-Ranked Among World Cup First Round Group Foes— May 9, 2014
The world football governing body, FIFA, on Thursday placed
Nigeria 44th in its ranking table for the month of May, with the African
champions moving up by one spot.
The ranking, which is coming just 35 days to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, sees Nigeria having 631 points.
It has thus placed the Nigerian Super Eagles as the least-ranked team among their Group F foes in the First Round of the mundial which begins on June 12 in Brazil.
Nigeria were 45th in April and are now ranked 44th while Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran were placed 7th, 25th and 37th respectively.
Argentina have 1178 points, while Bosnia-Herzegovina have 795 points and Iran have 715 points.
In the African top 10, Nigeria are the only African country which moved up, leaving Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana and Cape Verde on the same spot they occupied in April.
With the May ranking, Nigeria still remained the sixth-placed team in Africa with the first five teams in Africa having 830, 798, 795, 713 and 665 points respectively.
On the global scene, 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil displaced Colombia for the fourth position by climbing two spots to stay behind Spain, Germany and Portugal respectively.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist
The ranking, which is coming just 35 days to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, sees Nigeria having 631 points.
It has thus placed the Nigerian Super Eagles as the least-ranked team among their Group F foes in the First Round of the mundial which begins on June 12 in Brazil.
Nigeria were 45th in April and are now ranked 44th while Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran were placed 7th, 25th and 37th respectively.
Argentina have 1178 points, while Bosnia-Herzegovina have 795 points and Iran have 715 points.
In the African top 10, Nigeria are the only African country which moved up, leaving Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana and Cape Verde on the same spot they occupied in April.
With the May ranking, Nigeria still remained the sixth-placed team in Africa with the first five teams in Africa having 830, 798, 795, 713 and 665 points respectively.
On the global scene, 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil displaced Colombia for the fourth position by climbing two spots to stay behind Spain, Germany and Portugal respectively.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist
Manchester City Style Good For EPL Title Win – Pellegrinit
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini feels the way that his
side have played this season is as important as winning the Premier
League.
Pellegrini’s men surged two points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table with one game left to play after a 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday, with a draw against West Ham on Sunday now enough to clinch the title on account of their superior goal difference.
City have netted 100 times in this season’s Premier League and can top Chelsea’s record of 103 with a convincing win the final day of the season, which would be just as significant as far as Pellegrini is concerned.
“Now we can talk about the title because if we win the next game we are going to win the title,” said the Chilean, who is approaching the end of his first season in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
“It will be very important not only for the title, but in the way that we are going to win the title.
“I think that we have a style of play, I think that we are an attractive team, I think that we score many goals, that we are always thinking to score more goals and that for me has the same importance as the title.
“I am very happy to have managed this team in that way.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist
Pellegrini’s men surged two points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table with one game left to play after a 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday, with a draw against West Ham on Sunday now enough to clinch the title on account of their superior goal difference.
City have netted 100 times in this season’s Premier League and can top Chelsea’s record of 103 with a convincing win the final day of the season, which would be just as significant as far as Pellegrini is concerned.
“Now we can talk about the title because if we win the next game we are going to win the title,” said the Chilean, who is approaching the end of his first season in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
“It will be very important not only for the title, but in the way that we are going to win the title.
“I think that we have a style of play, I think that we are an attractive team, I think that we score many goals, that we are always thinking to score more goals and that for me has the same importance as the title.
“I am very happy to have managed this team in that way.
Stay up to date, follow us on Twitter; @thundergist
Story behind workers’ day bombing:Nyanya(FCT)
Sidi, who spoke to journalists at the Asokoro General Hospital, Abuja, noted that the blast was not as intense as the previous one, stressing that yesterday’s blast happened fifty metres away from the last one, but the same Nyanya, outskirts of Abuja.
Also speaking with Journalists at hospital, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Senator Bala Mohammed described the incident as unfortunate especially coming barely some weeks after the last one. He however assured residents of the territory of government’s readiness to provide security as well as protect lives and property, adding that it was early to give numbers of casualties as he was at the hospital to assess the level of services being rendered by his staff.
Giving the number of injured persons at the various hospitals, Secretary, Health and Human Services, Ademola Onakomaiya disclosed that the total number of those who sustained injuries at Asokoro, Maitama General Hospitals and National Hospital were 41 with 30 at Asokoro, 2 in Maitama and 9 at National Hospital, adding that arrangements have been put in place as 20 bed spaces have been created in three hospitals where those at Asokoro would be taken to.
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