HAUWA ON A LONELY OUTING

They are a couple with a perfectly in-sync and quirky bohemian style.  Olufemi Sanyaolu, songwriter, musician, photographer, poet, playwright and painter, otherwise known as Keziah Jones and On-Air personality, stylist, former Hauwa Mukan, were married last year after a long period of courtship. Then, they always attended social functions together. Lately, Hauwa has been attending…Read More LOOD Naija

OLUCHI ORLANDI AND HER GRAMMAR

She shot into limelight after winning the 1998 edition of Mnet Face of Africa contest.  Now married to Italian fashion designer, Luca Orlandi, her profile, since moving to New York City, has risen.  She owns a South African based modelling agency, and produces Africa’s Next Top model, a reality show. As a top flight model,…
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IFEOMA WILLIAMS KEEPS HER RADIANCE

Former Miss Lux and an image consultant, Ifeoma Williams first came into the limelight in 1998 when she became a beauty queen. A law graduate, she has since become a fixture on the society scene. Her image almost suffered a dent sometimes back when some allegations were made against her person. Married to Andre Williams,…
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WIZKID FATHER TURNS FAN

 

 

Young musical sensation, Ayo Balogun, alias Wizkid, is any parent’s delight. Even his father, Ibrahim Balogun, is awed by his superstar son, at least his 70th birthday celebration proved that.

At the event, thousands of fans mobbed his superstar son and prevented him from spending time with his father. It is no surprise then that he would be one of those calling for the release of Wizkid’s album. Wizkid shared this information on his twitter page when he wrote, ‘My dad just called, asking why my album is not out yet.  Lol!  Bless him.’ Obviously, the senior Balogun has converted from being a father to a fan. LOOD Naija

EX MILITANT TOMPOLO BUYS A PRIVATE JET

For those who haven’t heard, 43 year old ex-militant, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) on Monday 26th August 2013 received his LearJet 60SE produced by Canadian aerospace company Bombardier. The Jet according to aviation sources cost a whopping sum of $13.3 million (N2.12 billion).

The aim of this article is not to rubbish the person of Tompolo, [what is there to rubbish anyway] but to address inter alia; the scenarios that continue to play out in favour of his ilk, institutions and systems that perpetually endeavour to make his likes overnight celebrities. I would also analyse the opportunity cost of his latest toy.

The Man Tompolo

Tompolo was born Government Oweizide Ekpumopolo in 1970 into the family of Chief Thomas Osei Ekpempulo and Mrs Sologha Ekpemupol of Okorenkoko in Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of present Delta State. He attended Edah Primary School, Madagho and Kunpa Primary School, Kunukunuma before later proceeding to National Comprehensive College, Warri where he completed the SSCE in 1993.

After a brief stint as Managing Director of his father's family business, Tompolo Nigeria Limited, his militancy career began in 1997, during the struggle to ‘liberate’ the Ijaws from the dominance of its neighbours -- the Itsekiris. General Sani Abacha had then relocated Warri South Local Government headquarters from Ogbe-Ijoh to Itsekiri’s Ogidiben and thus, an Ijaw ‘Soldier’ was born.

After the struggle, he relocated to Oporoza due to threats to his life and there, he started the struggle against the oil majors and the federal government for what he perceived as injustice against ‘their land’–usually the rhetoric for Niger Delta militants.

True to his name, Government Ekpumopolo was an authority of some sort. Traditional rulers, local council men, lawmakers, governors differ to him. To show the power Tompolo wields, during the visit of then Vice President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to his terrorist headquarters at the notorious Camp 5, he instructed all the Vice President’s entourage, security details, and other officials to stay outside the camp, allowing only Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in for ‘consultation’ (I wonder what they must have agreed in secret).

He led several ‘successful’ guerrilla attacks against Shell, almost crippling their production capacity in the Niger Delta. The company had no choice but to start paying some sort of ‘security fees’ to the warlord.

Tompolo started consulting in security matters for the oil companies, the Federal Government and the Joint Task Force to maintain some level of peace. Things got out of hand after his men beheaded 11 military men comprising of 1 officer and 10 rank and file of the Nigerian Army. That development forced the Chairman of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, Brig. Gen. Sarkin Yaki Bello to declare him wanted, dead or alive.

His Entrance Into The Nigerian Billionaires Club

When the late President Musa Yar'adua took oath of Office in May 2007, he promised to bring an end to the Niger Delta insurgency, offering them a state pardon for all their criminal atrocities.

In June 2009 when the implementation of the amnesty programme started, thousands of youth surrendered their arms and ammunitions, with a report stating that Tompolo along with 1,500 militants handed in a cache of weapons that included general purpose machine guns, grenades, rocket propelled grenade launchers, explosives and a large number of assorted weapons.

Unfortunately, President Yar’adua who originated the idea died of some ailment and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the Vice President as it then was, took the reins of power.

In what seemed like an opportunity-comes-but-once-so-lets-seize-it-and-settle-the-boys-bigtime-kind-of-contract, the Goodluck administration through NIMASA, headed by Ziadeke Akpobolokemi (said to be Tompolo’s candidate for the NIMASA job), awarded a contract worth $103.4million (N15billion) maritime surveillance contract to Tompolo’s company--Global West Vessel Specialist Limited (GWVSL). The contract stated that GWVSL will provide security for oil pipelines, repel pirates and oil thieves, guard the nation waterways and also (wait for this), COLLECT LEVIES ON BEHALF OF NIMASA. The agency said about N124billion is expected to be generated by GWVSL for the federal government.

In a memo dated 9 November, 2011 with reference number PRES/99/MT/61 and titled Award Of Contract For The Strategic Concessioning Partnership With NIMASA To Provide Platforms For Tracking Ships And Cargoes, Enforce Regulatory Compliance And Surveillance Of The Entire Nigerian Maritime Domain, President Jonathan approved the contract and it was rubber stamped by the Federal Executive council in one of its weekly contract awarding bazaars on 5 January, 2012.

The contract will run for 10 years, though President Jonathan through NIMASA has promised not to renew the contract after the expiration of its present term. But to show how desperate Jonathan was in securing the contract for his friend and personal confidant – Tompolo – he wrote to the National Assembly, withdrawing an earlier similar proposal submitted by his predecessor which sought to create a coast guard comprising of all the security agencies to man the country’s maritime domain. But why should he not, when NIMASA presently pays Tompolo’s GWVSL N49m weekly for vessel hired by the agency?

The Nigerian Debacle

We have heard over and over how the Nigerian system rewards honest labour with hardship and award criminal endeavours with the juicy contracts and patronage which only feather the nest of cronies.

Fellow militants who didn’t labour (killed) as much as Tompolo weren’t rewarded as much. I pity men of the Nigerian Military who daily sacrifice their lives for nothing. I hope Abubakar Shekau will not be given the same ‘heroic’ welcome whenever he leads his comrades-at-arms to accept the amnesty proposals of the Jonathan-administration.

Despite the huge amount being paid to Tompolo, Nigeria’s Maritime Domain has been less secure. Crude oil theft has reached an all-time high, threatening Nigeria’s income. Coordinating minister of the economy last July, lamented the alarming rate at which Nigeria’s income from oil was being depleted due to oil theft and bunkering. Tompolo’s militant colleague, Asari Dokubo has threatened to destroy Nigeria and march his opponents’ bullet for bullet, bomb for bomb, and missile for missile if Dr. Goodluck Jonathan isn’t re-elected in 2015, because only his stay in office will guarantee Tompolo's business which will in turn guarantee continued oil bunkering and theft in the Niger-Delta.

The Opportunity Cost Of Bombardier 60SE Learjet

Economist define opportunity cost as the alternative forgone. It is the cost of an alternative that must be forgone in order to pursue a certain action. Put another way, it is the benefit you could have received by taking an alternative action. In layman’s terms, opportunity cost is the other product that would rather have satisfied your want.

An Example: If you need a Plasma Television and an iphone; and you divert your limited resources to purchase the iphone, the opportunity cost (i.e. what it is costing you) is a Plasma Television set.

Investopedia cites this vivid example: if a gardener decides to grow carrots, his or her opportunity cost is the alternative crop that might have been grown instead (potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins, etc.).

In both cases, a choice between two options must be made.

A LearJet 60SE cost $13.3 million (N2.12 billion), a N2.12 billion we could have invested into other productive ventures had the contract not been awarded to Tompolo in the first instant.

The opportunity cost of Tompolo's private Jet are enormous, I have defined what opportunity cost is, please fill up the comment section with your suggestions of public goods we could have purchased with our collective N2.12 billion in the hands of an ex-militant.(Remember say ASUU dey strike o.. and graduates no even fit get job) LOOD Naija

NIGERIA 2 - 0 MALAWI

Nigeria earned passage into the final round of Caf qualification for World Cup 2014 with a 2-0 victory over Malawi in Calabar on Saturday.

The Super Eagles were helped by goals from returnee striker Emmanuel Emenika and a penalty from attacker Victor Moses.

The game began on a very competitive note with Liverpool loan signing Moses and Ahmed Musa tormenting the James Sangala-anchored Malawian defence. As early as the second minute, Limbikani Mzava was booked for a rough challenge on Moses who was on a goal-bound move.
Despite gaining most of the ball possession, Nigeria failed to get the curtain raiser as they failed to create clear cut chances.  The attack-minded Eagles did not relent as they challenged Tom Santifiet’s men for every ball.

In the 11th minute, Musa saw his opportunity declared offside after he got a well-tailored cross from John Obi Mikel. Few minutes later, Ogenyi Onazi's shot went just wide as Stephen Keshi's men continued their search of the early goal.

Malawi shot-stopper, Simplex Nthara repaid the faith shown in him by Tom Saintfiet to start the game with a brilliant save off the boot of Efe Ambrose followed by another super effort in the 26th minute to deny Moses the opening goal.

As the first half petered out, Emenike put Nigeria ahead with a very cool finish off a pinpoint cross from Onazi. Despite resolute defending from the Malawians, they allowed the Fenerbahce striker sneak in to chip the ball past Simplex to calm the nerves of the hosts.

In the early minutes of the second half, Musa failed to double Nigeria’s lead after missing a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper who gathered safely to keep the Flames in the game. Shortly afterwards Emenike was denied by the same goalkeeper.

The Eagles, however, put the game beyond the reach of the Malawians in the 51st minute after Brescia forward Nnamdi Oduamadi was forcefully brought down by Flames skipper James Sangala. Moses shot the resultant penalty past Simplex to give the Eagles a comfortable lead.

A few minutes later, the visitors were reduced to 10 men after Limbikani Mzava was sent off for a second yellow to compound Malawi's misery.

Musa's battle with the Malawi goalkeeper continued in the 68th minute as he was unable to score again in a one on one situation. Even with the introduction of Newcastle forward Shola Ameobi for his competitive debut, Nosa Igiebor and Uche Nwofor, Nigeria failed to get the third goal after missing several scoring chances.

With this result, Nigeria are now through to the final play-off round of World Cup 2014 qualification and will know their opponents when the draw is made in a few days. LOOD Naija

JAY Z IN HIS MULTI MILLION LUXURY

 

 

The documentary of American rap star, Jay Z’s ‘Made In America’ music festival is set to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2013.

 

A month later, precisely on October 11, the documentary of the annual two-day music festival will hit Showtime Cable Network. Basically, the documentary will chronicle Jay Z creating the festival which held in September 2012.

 

Held in Philadelphia, the concert featured performances by some other artistes including Kanye West, Drake, Tyler, Pearl Jam and Run DMC. Interviews by some of the artistes have been said to also feature in the documentary.

 

The film was directed by Ron Howard with the trailer for the documentary already out.

Showtime president of entertainment, David Nevins, said, “Ron Howard and Jay-Z have crafted an inspirational portrayal of American resilience, drive and creativity, interwoven with an incredible showcase of musical talent.”

 

At this year’s show, however, Jay Z’s wife, Beyonce Knowles, entertained the crowd with a 90-minute performance that featured songs like ‘Crazy in Love’ and ‘Single Ladies (Put a ring on it).

 

Jay Z is one of the world’s most successful hip hop artistes, having sold over 40 million albums in his career.

 

In June 2013, Samsung bought a million copies of his recent album, ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’, for $5 each, to put on some of their models for customers, prior to its official release.

 

 Jay Z: From the streets to a life of luxury

 

Shawn Corey Carter, better known as Jay Z is one of the most successful music artistes with 17 Grammy awards and a track record of achievements as a rapper and record producer. Jay Z, who is arguably one of the greatest rappers of all time, has sold approximately 50 million albums worldwide.

 

 Born on December 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, United States, Jay Z’s foray into business has also paid off, in spite of his poor background. Jay Z was only 11 years when his father, Adnes Reeves, abandoned the family, leaving him and his three siblings to the care of their mother, Gloria Carter.

 

He once admitted in his music to having been involved in selling crack cocaine as a street boy and also claimed that at age 12, he shot his older brother in the shoulder for stealing his jewellery. He claimed that he himself was shot at three times during that time of his life.

 

But today, Jay Z is an entrepreneur with a stake in NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. He co-owns the 40/40 Club and is also the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and the clothing line, Rocawear.

 

 In 2012, Forbes estimated Jay Z’s worth at nearly $500 million (N80bn). Remarkably, Jay Z started his music career selling his CDs out of his car because he could not get a major label to give him a record deal.

 

It seems that Jay Z is still very much connected to his roots as an African-American. His contributions to the Broadway show, Fela, which celebrated the work of the late Nigerian music legend, Fela Kuti, was a case in point. Jay Z said that Kuti’s work and life story inspired him and stirred up his interest to support the production of the musical.

 

Jay Z is publicly known to be friends with US President, Barack Obama, and both parties have openly confessed their friendship. He was a supporter of Obama’s candidacy to become a senator and later, the US president. Recently, Jay Z admitted in an interview that he and Obama exchange text messages.

 

“Yeah, I’ve spoken to him on the phone and had texts from Obama, of course,” he once said.

In the past, Obama has also been quoted as saying, “Every time I talk to Jay Z, who is a brilliant talent and a good guy, I enjoy how he thinks. That’s somebody who is going to start branching out and can help shape attitudes in a real positive way.”

 

Jay Z is married to American R and B singer, Beyonce Knowles, who he gave a $5 million (N800m) wedding ring in 2008. The couple lives a lavish lifestyle and their daughter, Blue Ivy, has also not been left out.

 

Jay Z once joked in an interview on TV that he knew he would “probably have the worst, spoiled little kid ever,” and he had reasons for saying so. Blue Ivy was born amid a $125,000 (N22m) security operation which saw a bulletproof door temporarily installed at the entrance to Beyonce’s room at the New York hospital where she delivered.

 

It is said that Blue Ivy has her own nursery at a basketball stadium that costs $1 million (N160m) a year to rent. When Blue Ivy was just five days old, the couple reportedly bought her a $21,000 (N3.36m) crib. And don’t forget the $16,000 (N2.56m) high chair lined with crystals, designed by Carla Monchen, from which Blue Ivy can eat when she is old enough.

 

Jay Z owns a 14-room apartment in one of the world’s most luxurious apartment buildings, the Trump World Towers in New York, at a cost of $65,000 (N10.4m) a month. In addition, the couple owns a property spread on about 2 acres of land in Scarsdale, New York . The couple also owns a large mansion in Indian Creek Island, Florida, which was their onetime residence. The house has 7 bedrooms, 8 full and two partial baths, a tile roof, and a pool.

 

 But that is not all, Jay Z has a $40 million (N6.4bn) private jet, a Bombardier Challenger 850, which was presented to him as a gift by his wife on the occasion of Father’s Day. The jet can accommodate 15 passengers and boasts a living room, two bathrooms and a kitchen. By the way, the couple also has a yacht that reportedly costs them $377,000 (N60.32m) a week. And what is it they say about a man’s car saying a lot about him? Well, if that’s the case, then Jay Z’s garage screams about his flamboyant lifestyle. Consider this! Jay Z has a Maybach Exelero, a super luxury car customised to his taste and priced at a whooping $8m (N1.28bn).

 

The car, report says, has a special place in his car collection. Jay Z also has a Bugatti Veyron, the world’s fastest legal sports car, estimated to cost about $2 million (N320m). Also in Jay Z’s garage are other luxury cars like the Pagani Zonda, Rolls Royce Phantom, Ferrari F430 Spider and the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet.

 

Jay-Z, who is known to be a lover of art work, wears Radii 420 Top Sneakers. He is also a fan of Air Jordan sneakers from Nike. However, Jay Z’s preferred phone is the Blackberry and he has been spotted several times using his customised Blackberry Porsche designed P’9981 Smartphone. As a birthday gift in December 2012, Beyonce gave Jay Z a $5 million (N800m) Hublot wristwatch, which has 1,282 diamonds in all on its case, dial and bracelet. The watch was said to be the most precious watch ever created by the watch company. LOOD Naija

D'BANJ GOT INVITATION FROM HENNESSY IN PARIS

 

To many, D’banj is not on top of his game when it comes to music but the guy is having a ball at the moment no matter what his critics say.

 

Oh yes, the Koko Master is in Paris having been invited by Hennessy.

 

Don’t forget that the entertainer is the sole headliner of this year’s Hennessy Artistry and he has even released the theme track for this edition.

 

Saturday Beats gathered that D’banj flew into France from the US where he went to attend Davido’s sister’s wedding.

 

 According to his people, he is already in Cognac (The home of Hennessy) where he’s staying at the Chateau De Bangolet.

 

Others on the visit are his manager Tony Nwakalor, Hennessy Brand manager Lere Awokoya, Marketing Manager Moet Hennessy Nigeria, David Hourdry, Bolaji Kekere-Eku of 37th State and Ayeni Adekunle of BHM. LOOD Naija

WIZKID WAS STONED BY FANS

It all started as a joke, he was simply somebody who nobody would give a second glance. That era has gone. Today, he is an A-list act, headlining shows, getting endorsement deals and basically, making millions. He is called Wizkid.

 

 No doubt, the young lad has paid his dues as it were, for few years back, nobody would have thought the ‘errand boy’ would grow to become this big. Indeed, his talents and luck, shone and now, Wizkid is a superstar.

 

 But it seems stardom is getting to his head.

Recently, the Internet was agog when the singer called a fan ‘broke’ for correcting a grammatical error he made.

The singer posted on his instagram that he was about to perform at a wedding with ‘an hangover’. The crime of the fan was telling Wizkid the correct thing to say was ‘a hangover’.

 

His reply angered fans who quickly reminded him that he was not born rich and it was the ‘broke’ fans who made him who he is at the moment.

 

Wiz hasn’t only been misbehaving online. The kid took his arrogance to another height when he allegedly poured his drink on a fan in London.

 

Speculation has it that all the fan did was to reach out to Wizkid to greet him. Probably trying to impress an American hip-hop sensation, Wiz allegedly called the fan, Oloshi (Idiot). The shocked American took to instagram to talk about Wiz’s atiitude.

The singer posted on his instagram that he was about to perform at a wedding with ‘an hangover’. The crime of the fan was telling Wizkid the correct thing to say was ‘a hangover’.

 

His reply angered fans who quickly reminded him that he was not born rich and it was the ‘broke’ fans who made him who he is at the moment.

 

Wiz hasn’t only been misbehaving online. The kid took his arrogance to another height when he allegedly poured his drink on a fan in London.

 

Speculation has it that all the fan did was to reach out to Wizkid to greet him. Probably trying to impress an American hip-hop sensation, Wiz allegedly called the fan, Oloshi (Idiot). The shocked American took to instagram to talk about Wiz’s atiitude.

Another fan Reginald said, “Wizzy is just a kid and that is what he will be until he grows up! Let’s keep praying he grows soon.” LOOD Naija

ATIKU, OYINLOLA,SARAKI AND SEVEN GOVERNORS FORMED PARALLEL PDP

Five of the governors – Abdufatah Ahmed of Kwara, Muazu Aliyu of Niger, Musa Kwankwaso of Kano, Sule Lamido of Jigawa and Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto States – had earlier walked out of the Eagle Square, venue of the party’s convention in Abuja.

Governors Murtala Nyako of Adamawa and Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers States, who were barred from attending the convention, also joined the other governors to form the factional PDP.

Former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku, Senator Bukola Saraki and former national secretary of the PDP are also said to be members of the newly formed parallel PDP.

Five of the governors had recently visited some key leaders of the party to express their displeasure over the manner the party was being run. LOOD Naija

APOSTLE ANSLEM MADUBUKO NEW MARRIAGE RAISES DUST

 

There have been mixed reactions following the recent marriage of the Senior Pastor of the Revival Assembly Church, Lagos, Apostle Anselm Madubuko.

 

Madubuko married a Kenyan singer, Emmy Kosgei, traditionally in the Koibatek District of Kenya, last Thursday.

 

In Kosgei’s Facebook page, some critics expressed their disappointment that the 33-year-old singer had to settle for a ‘60 year old widower.’

 

A fan, Tongoi Josphat  wrote on her wall, “I am disappointed; everything I love about you is lost.”

 

Another fan, Leonard Simiyu wrote: “Why dump young Kenyans for an elderly Nigerian?”

 

But most of her fans congratulated her on her marriage and advised her to shun critics.

 

A fan, Collo Moseti Collo wrote on her wall, “Most people (ladies) who are making noise that Emmy Kosgei is marrying an old man are single, desperate and jealous. Get your man and keep quiet.”

 

Another   fan, Ferdinand Wafula, advised the singer saying, “Emmy, I support your wedding. Please don’t listen to other people, no matter what they say.”

 

White Onyene said, “Emmy, Congratulations. We can’t wait to see you in Revival Miracle Cathedral as our new Mummy in the house.”

 

Madubuko’s late wife, 53, reportedly died in a Lagos hospital where she was rushed after suddenly developing heart complications at home. LOOD Naija

BEVERLY INSPIRED ME HOW TO READ BIBLE - ANGELO

 

South Africa’s representative at the 2013 Big Brother Africa reality TV show, Angelo Collins, still wonders why Nigerians have been attacking his lover and fellow Housemate, Beverly Osu, for her behaviour while the three month-long event lasted.

 

Describing Beverly as “one in a million” women, he said on Twitter that the country’s controversial female rep had actually inspired him to read the Bible during the show.

 

Angelo notes that though South Africans have been showering Beverly with love and affection, her fellow countrymen and women are still bent on castigating her. He urged Nigerians to take her back as one of their own, in spite of their bitterness over the role she played in the MNET-sponsored show.

 

Beverly had wormed her way into the bad books of some Nigerians for allegedly having sex with Angelo in a bathtub.  A three-minute video clip showing her lying naked on Angelo in the bathtub had gone viral on the Internet and, in the process, sparked outrage among those who viewed the development as un-African and shameful.

 

Apart from the video clip, a photograph showing both lovebirds in a compromised position under –the bed sheets– circulated widely on social media.

 

Also, an invitation from US-based soft porn producer, Afrocandy, to star in her upcoming movie seemed to have deepened the general sentiment against Beverly.

 

While making the offer to the BBA star, Afrocandy had described her as a courageous young woman

endowed with lots of guts and the ability to “go naked”, which were the qualities required for her kind of movie productions.

 

But Angelo, who hinted on Twitter that his mother was ill, took a break from his schedule to counter unfavourable tweets from fans whom he accused of painting Beverly black.

 

He tweeted, “It’s hard to find genuine people. Beverly is one in a million. She taught me many things and inspired me to read the Bible. She really believed in me. Beverly is not perfect, just like some of us. We are all imperfect in our own ways. Please, my naija people, Beverly is a really great person with a good heart. Please, show her some respect! South Africans love her; Nigerians should do the same thing.’’

 

But Angelo’s claim that his ‘girlfriend’ had a likeable personality ignited mixed reactions from Nigerians who followed the BBA show to the end.

 

Some people argued that what transpired between the two housemates under the full glare of cameras in the BBA House, as well as the tell-tale pictures circulating on the social media, hardly portrayed the lovers as having regular Bible study sessions. They accused Angelo of using “sweet words” to cover up the “sins” he committed with Beverly in the House.

 

Another respondent countered Angelo’s claims on Twitter, saying that his tweets were aimed at saving the face of Beverly. The reader noted, “Bible reading sessions, indeed. Come to think of it, isn’t it written in the Bible that you shouldn’t do what you did in the BBA house, much less doing it for the whole world to see? Guess you missed that part in the Bible. Abeg, you people should get married and atone for your sins a little.”

 

Some said Angelo was only trying to be sarcastic and he had used the tweets to mock Beverly. According to those who claimed to have followed the show closely, there was no scene where Beverly was sighted or overheard teaching anyone, including Angelo, Bible lessons.

 

“Is he indirectly mocking her? When did she teach him how to read the Bible? Besides, what would he have said in defence of someone that he shared some intimacy with?  Anyway, I don’t have issues with Beverly,” a reader on kemifilani.com said.

 

Angelo was asked to speed up his marriage plans for Beverly, if he was truly interested in walking with her down the aisle.

 

Meanwhile, Beverly returned to Twitter on Thursday, after a three-month break, and tweeted:   “Back

and Better. Thank you for the love, support and criticism. One blood, one love, one Africa. I love you guys.’’

 

As soon as the tweet was launched on the social network, some of her South African fans reached out to her and called her “Mrs. Collins.’’

 

A Twitter user from South Africa said, “Oh my God! My in-law Beverly Osu is tweeting! SA, stand up! #TeamBengelo. We love you! Your new name is Simamkele it means “We Welcome Her.”

 

A Nigerian Twitter user, Bode Bruno, also said, “Welcome back! Remember, it’s your life and you rule. Forget the haters. Being the best is all you should do!’’ LOOD Naija

I LOVE IYANYA AS A FAN - TONTO DIKE

 

So much have been said about Iyanya and his relationship with Tonto Dike and Yvonne Nelson. On several occasions, Iyanya has been romantically involved with both actresses.

On a television talk show, Rubbing Minds, Iyanya said he would rather marry Genevieve, date Yvonne Nelson and dust Tonto Dike off.

 

In her reaction to the singer’s statement, the actress who was a guest at that same show last Sunday, said she wasn’t bothered about what Iyanya said. According to her, she hardly knew Iyanya and only loved him as a fan.

 

Dike said that the news about two of them being an item was untrue, describing the stories as mere publicity stunt.

 

“It is surprising when I tell people that I don’t really know him. I have met him just once or twice, and I don’t know him. Although I admire his work, I like him and love him as a fan. I don’t know him personally.

 

“I don’t come out to defend myself; I think people just take advantage of that. I think it was a publicity stunt actually. I did not enjoy it, why would I enjoy the publicity? It is not like I am enjoying it. I saw him last in London when I fell on the stage. My hosting his event in London was all part of the publicity, they just keyed in. It was money; it was work,” she said.

 

Dike hinted that she had no friends in the industry but she has people she communicates with. She denied ever twitting that Don Jazzy deflowered her and said although they were good friends, she doubts she would work with him anytime soon. LOOD Naija

WON FOUR GOLD AS A NURSING MOTHER - OSHONAIKE

 

The roll call of Nigerian table tennis greats will not be complete without Funke Oshonaike’s name. In fact, she would be among the all-time greats for her success and longevity in the sport.

 

The 37-year old mother of two, who started playing in the national team at the age of 14, did not get to being Nigeria’s number one female player by chance or through undue favouritism. As she said, she practically clawed her way bit by bit to the top of the sport in Nigeria as she rivalled former Nigeria number one, Biola Odumosu, until she deposed her.

 

Being the third of the ten children in the family did not starve her of attention from her parents as her father would always take her out to sporting events while encouraging her to choose her path in life.

 

“My dad, he’s my greatest my fan any day. He was not rich, we were not born with silver spoons but he made sure we lacked nothing,” Oshonaike said of her 75-year-old father.

 

“He (the father) just wanted me to succeed in anything I do and he never stopped me from playing table tennis, even when it meant I had to dodge domestic chores and missed classes at school. Thank God for what he saw in me as a child because, right now, I can’t complain of poverty; table tennis has given me what I could only dream of.

 

“I know how it is to be poor, and I know what it means to have wealth. I can live in both worlds because I’ve been there and done that.”

 

Oshonaike started playing table tennis on soakway slabs in backyards and on makeshift boards and benches at Apata area in Shomolu where the family lived. After gaining some skills, she started playing on standard boards, where everyone would place bets on her.

 

Being a young petit girl then, nobody believed she could beat boys who were, in most cases, older than her, so it was easy to win bets.

 

“My father has been there for me right from the beginning when I took up the sport. He took me to games as a child and he bought my racket for me. But it was my older brother who started it all,” she said.

 

“I entered the game because my older brother used to play. As a tomboy, I played mostly with boys and always tagged along with my brother anywhere he went.

 

“As a young player, I never thought I would be playing at the international level. It never even crossed my mind there was a higher level than playing local competitions.”

 

It was the school games master at Community Primary School (now Ola-Olu Primary School) in

Shomolu that first realised Funke could put her potential to better use by competing for the school. She started getting recognition right from the elementary level after winning competitions.

 

“I used to be a truant at school then. I would deliberately miss classes just to attend local competitions. There was a day my teacher was going to beat me for missing classes; I ran home to escape punishment and the following day, my father came with me to defend my actions,” she said.

 

But she would later obtain a diploma in Physical and Health Education from the University of Lagos.

Oshonaike, who plays for Sports Club Poppenbuttel III in Hamburg, Germany, featured in her fifth Olympics at the London Games last year. Albeit she was the former African queen in the game, having won six gold, four silver and a couple of bronze medals at past All-Africa Games meet, she has yet to win an Olympic medal.

 

“The London Olympics was a sad experience for me because I thought I could do better than what I did. I guess my preparation for the Games was not adequate. I’m still playing so who knows what lies ahead in Brazil,” she said.

 

“The 2014 Commonwealth Games are what I’m focussing on right now. It is important Nigeria gets the best players for the competition.”

 

Oshonaike dismissed the claim that Nigerian players would almost always develop cold feet whenever they compete with players from Asia. She admitted Chinese players are dominant in the sport but insisted they are beatable.

 

“I don’t have any fear playing against Asian players. I’ve played against several Chinese players and I’ve beaten many of them before, so it’s not true that Nigerians have psychological defeat when facing players from Asia,” she said.

 

“The only thing I’m cautious about is there rankings in the world. Once I see that they fall within the first hundred, I approach the games with caution.

 

“The fact is that players from China and some other Asian countries have more training and more tournaments to improve them ahead of major competitions. It’s not that they are invincible.”

 

She is currently playing in the Lagos International Table Tennis Classics alongside fellow Olympians, Aruna Quadri, Edem Offiong and Segun Toriola. To her, the tournament was long overdue.

 

She said, “I was so happy and almost shed tears when I saw that the competition was actually taking place. Such event had not held for a long time in Nigeria, so I found it hard to believe that the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation is organising it and also featuring international players.

 

“There used to be competitions sponsored by several private organisations but somehow they all faded away, and nobody did anything until now.

 

“We should have similar competitions as often as possible to get the best players that can represent Nigeria at major events. Table tennis is not all about regular trainings, there have to be tournaments to put the players in competitive shape. They don’t have to be big tournaments; if there are smaller scale tournaments regularly, they’ll still serve the purpose.”

 

Even if she is not thinking of retirement just yet, Oshonaike has already decided on what to do when she calls it quits in the game. She is currently a coaching young players at her German club.

 

“Table tennis has given me everything in my life so I have a lot to give back in the game. As a player and a coach in Germany, I want to inspire women to take the sport more serious. But table tennis should not stop them from getting married or having a family,” said.

 

“I was trained with seven-month pregnancy; when my first child was just six months old, I featured in the All-Africa Games in 2003 and still won four gold medals. At Algiers 2007, I went there with my second child when he was just six months old and still won four medals. So women should know that nothing is stopping them from playing the game successfully.” LOOD Naija

KHLOE KARDASHIAN AND LAMAR ODOM SEPARATED ON DRUG ISSUE

 

As speculation over Lamar Odom’s alleged drug abuse continues to intensify, it has been reported that Khloe Kardashian has separated from the basketball star.

 

US website TMZ has claimed that the couple are living apart and have effectively ‘split’ after the reality star threw her husband out of the house.

 

In the wake of the reports, Khloe has vented on Twitter, saying: “Really hard to sit here and listen to people talk s*** about my family! F*** you and shame on you! I’m too protective for this s***!”

 

While it’s believed that neither of them has actually contacted a divorce lawyer, they are now allegedly ‘separated’, according to the website.

 

TMZ claims that people close to the NBA star have been unable to find or contact him for days, although a representative for the star has denied this.

 

The couple have been subject to persistent rumours that their marriage is in trouble after Lamar, 33, allegedly cheated on Khloe, 29, with two different women.

 

But several sources have told TMZ the real reason behind their marriage crisis is that Khloe reportedly believes that her husband has a drug problem.

 

Earlier this week the Kardashian family allegedly staged an intervention to convince Lamar to return to rehab, but he refused, reports the gossip website.

 

Khloe urged Lamar in August 2012 to go to rehab and after he entered a San Diego facility she hired private investigators to make sure he did not leave. LOOD Naija

TYSON CONFUSSED BY THE CHINESE WEB HUMOUR

 

Boxing legend, Mike Tyson, is keen to up his profile in China but is struggling to get to grips with the country’s sardonic sense of humour, judging by his online “weibo” debut.

 

The former world heavyweight champion opened a verified account on the Twitter-like Sina Weibo service last week, and asked in his second posting: “Who’s the best fighter in China?” A popular response was “chengguan”, China’s widely despised enforcers of urban regulations, who have a reputation for brutality.

 

But the boxer, who retired in 2005 after a career noted for controversy inside and outside the ring including a rape conviction, replied: “Who is Chengguan? A tough man? I’ve never heard it.”

 

“Many guys talking about cheng guan as a great fighter? Still not a clue about him…” he added later.

Tyson was following celebrities including Brad Pitt and David Beckham on to Sina Weibo, and had 75,000 followers by Tuesday afternoon. Tyson’s posts quickly became among the most reposted on Sina, with tens of thousands of followers commenting on a potential fight. LOOD Naija

DILISH BBA WINNER - BBA PRIZE WILL CHANGE MY LIFE

 

Dillish, the Namibian winner of the just concluded Big Brother show tells her experience

 

How do you feel winning the Big Brother show?

I feel great. Winning the money is a great opportunity. It is a lifetime experience in the house. The money is going to change my life. I am so grateful to Africa and to God. It is a perfect feeling.

 

Did you ever think you would become the winner?

I didn’t think I would become the winner.  As you know, they said I was the underdog in the house. I didn’t see myself as the winner, but things changed for me, especially the week I was up for eviction alongside Angelo and Bimp. Africa saved me that week and that was when I realised I might have an impact out there.

 

You were one of the few housemates that didn’t get into any relationship. Why?

I made up my mind I wasn’t going into any relationship. It was the initial plan. Even before I got in, I made it very clear in the introductory video that I have somebody out there who is very special in my life and I wasn’t looking for love. When I walked into the house the first day, I told them I wasn’t interested in any relationship and they shouldn’t try me. I was already in a relationship of four years and I wasn’t going to give it up for anybody in the house.

 

Now that you have so much money, won’t it affect your relationship?

It will certainly not affect the relationship. My boyfriend is quite successful. The money is basically for me and my family and my future. It shouldn’t affect my relationship at all.

 

Who was your greatest rival in the house?

All the housemates were my competitors. They were all strong rivals. At the beginning, Bolt got on my nerves, but somehow, we made peace. I got along with everybody. It was easy connecting with them.

 

Why did you decide to be part of the BBA?

I have always been a fan of the show. I wanted to be a part of it last year, but something stopped me. This year, a friend got the form and filled it for me. I went for the audition and Big Brother chose me. I think it was my time and my destiny this year. I am so happy that I experienced it and won.

 

What do you hope to achieve in future?

I am ready for anything. I am thinking of getting into radio or TV or anything that has to do with entertainment. I am just taking it step by step. I am ready to start-up my career in entertainment.

 

Was there a time you felt like leaving the house?

Oh yes. The first time I got nominated was my lowest moment in the house. I got nominated the second week and I thought I should go and ring the bell and tell Big Brother I wanted to go home. But something spoke to me and I decided to stay back.

 

How easy was it to survive in the house?

It wasn’t easy at all. In the outside world, we are so used to our mobile phones, to the extent that we even sleep with them. I missed my freedom and being able to watch TV.  But in all, it was a good experience. LOOD Naija

THE WORLD OF OPRAH WINFREY

 

American talk show host, Oprah Winfrey joined US President, Barack Obama and others at the Lincoln Memorial to mark  50 years  of Martin Luther King Jr’s ‘I have a Dream’ speech, on Wednesday.

 

The invitation shows Oprah’s relevance to black history in the US. Oprah, who is best known for her multi-award-winning talk show, ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’, has been described by many as the most influential woman in the world.

 

On Tuesday, Obama in a radio chat at the White House, said he was moved to tears watching Winfrey in a recent movie she starred alongside actor, Forest Whittaker in ‘The Butler.’ The story was about an African-American man who served several presidents, but endured discrimination throughout his lifetime.

 

 A few weeks ago, she was in the news following her involvement in a racism row. She accused a clerk at an upscale Zurich boutique of refusing to show her a handbag because the boutique staff allegedly thought that she couldn’t afford the $38,000 purse.

 

Meanwhile, Oprah’s love life has remained a subject of public discourse. Just last week, the 59-year-old media personality said she was not sure she would get married to her long time boyfriend, Stedman Graham. Oprah and Graham have been dating for 27 years, but she said she feared that a serious commitment might ruin the relationship.

 

“I don’t know if I wanna do that. It’s really good right now, and when you add that ‘wife’ thing, then too much,” Oprah told femalefirst.

Oprah’s lifestyle

Oprah Winfrey was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, United States.  She was raised by her mother, Vernita Lee, a housemaid, in a poor urban neighbourhood. At age 17, Oprah won the Miss Black Tennessee beauty pageant and attracted the attention of the local black radio station, WVOL. Oprah got hired part-time at the station and she worked there during later year in high school and first two years in college.

 

Oprah became a millionaire at 32 after her talk show went national. By that time, her success and popularity had put her in position to negotiate ownership of the show and start a production company. At 41, Oprah had a net worth of $340m which put her on the Forbes’ 400. Oprah was also the first black woman billionaire in world history, according to Forbes.

 

In 2013, Oprah is worth an estimated $2.8bn and she earned $77m between June 2012 and June 2013.

Oprah lives on her 45-acre estate named ‘The Promised Land’, which was bought in 2001 for $52m and has a view of the ocean. In addition, Oprah has the ownership of a five-bedroom, 5,994-square-foot house on a 1.62-acre parcel at 4555 Stratford Drive in Douglasville, Ga.

 

 She also owns a house in New Jersey, an estate in Florida, a ski house in Colorado, and property on Maui, Hawaii and Antigua.

 

‘The Promised Land’ has 14 bathrooms and 10 exquisite fireplaces.

She recently sold her apartment in Chicago for $2.8m, at a loss of $2.75m. She bought the apartment in 2006 for $5.6m and did not get a buyer having earlier listed it for $6m in June 2008.

 

Oprah owns the Global Express XRS Jet, which she bought for $42m and said to be one of her prized possessions. The custom-designed jet features seating for about 10 passengers, with leather interior and designer fixtures for the bathroom and galley. Oprah was once quoted as saying, “It’s great to have a private jet. Anyone that tells you that having your own private jet isn’t great is lying to you.”

 

But in spite of her wealth, Volkswagen Beetle seems to be the car Oprah prefers over others as she featured the car twice in her Oprah Winfrey Favorite Things show. She also gave a brand new Beetle car to each member of the show at both times.

 

Oprah has also shown that she likes to enjoy the Caribbean. She has been spotted a number of times at the Caribbean beaches, and it is believed that the Caribbean is her favourite region for relaxation.

Hawaii is another favourite vacation spot for most celebrities and Oprah is no exception. Her beach house in Maui, Hawaii is stocked with a full fledged library of 1,500 books. LOOD Naija

NO MORE REALITY SHOW - MELVIN

Melvin Oduah, the Nigerian housemate at the just concluded Big Brother show share his experience 

 

Did you enjoy your stay at the Big Brother house?

It was a wonderful experience. I couldn’t have wished for another. It. Was just two of us that were chosen. It is an atmosphere that you learn a lot of things. I learnt a lot of things in three months that I have not been able to learn in the 28 years of my life. It was well worth it.

 

There was a nomination show that you were nominated for eviction yet you didn’t use your power as the head of house to save yourself and put up another person, why?

In BBA, you have to do what you have to do. It was a very difficult decision for me. But I just had to do it that way. I couldn’t think of any housemate that I could swap and put up for eviction. I had already seen what happened to Hakeem. I just had to tell Big Brother to leave the list as it was.

 

What if you had been evicted in the process?

In life, you have to take risks. That was a risk I took. I was ready for the consequences. But I thank God I wasn’t evicted.

 

You were always exhibiting drama and displaying so much emotion each nomination day that you had to save and swap somebody. Was it all strategy?

Let me tell you, there was nothing I did in that house that was strategy. I was real. Whatever you saw me display in the house was very natural, that is who I am. Swapping somebody in the house wasn’t an easy thing for me to do each time I was head of house.

 

You were perceived as Melvin the nice guy in the house. Don’t you think your niceness worked against you?

It is an awesome thing if I am perceived as a nice guy. Nothing was fake. It is the same me that you see. I don’t think it worked against me either.

 

What went on your mind when you were evicted?

I was already prepared for it. We were told that our names would be called one after the other. It is all good. When I heard my name, I took it in good fate.

 

Do you think you were cheated out of the show?

I don’t think so. Remember that Nigeria has won it three times. I am sure they felt we dominated the show.

 

You were attracted to Selly and later to Dillish. Who were you really attracted to?

I don’t fall in love and I didn’t see myself falling in love in the house. Love just doesn’t happen. For me, love is a gradual process. That was why I didn’t ‘toast’ anybody.

 

First it was Gulder Ultimate Search and later Mr. Nigeria and now Big Brother. Do we see you go into any competition again?

Ah! I have tried o. I am not the only one in Nigeria. I don’t intend to go into any other competition. I would just use this platform I have now to move my career. I have been finishing as a runner up in all this shows. But I am not jinxed. It is not easy to be in this competition. It has a little bit of psychological effect on you but it is all good. That you didn’t finish first doesn’t mean that you are not good enough. I look at the positive side. I will not sulk but I will keep doing what I have to do.

 

What do you intend to do after now?

I am going to take my acting career to greater heights. I was an actor before I got into the house. I think that my acting career will go up.

 

Are you happy that only the winner takes it all in the show?

I don’t know why it is like that but that has been the format of the show. The winner has won the prize and I am happy for her.

 

Did you want her to win?

I was routing for myself. I wanted to win the money. But then, she is a wonderful person. Her story is interesting. I can only wish her well. LOOD Naija

BAYERN MUNICH HEROS OF 2013 UEFA SUPER CUP

Bayern munich was last night crowned the champion of the uefa super cup 2013.
Pep Guardiola has won his first trophy as Bayern Munich manager courtesy of an incredible penalty-shootout win over Chelsea in the Super Cup in Prague. Fernando Torres put the Europa League winners in-front early on, before Frank Ribery replied for the European champions shortly after the break. Ramires was sent off for the Blues before… [Read More...]
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R.KELLY CUSTOM MANSION TAKEN BY BANK

Back in the 1990s, when the putative King of R&B R. Kelly was still riding high on hits like "I Believe I Can Fly" and when his legal troubles mostly lay in the future, he bought himself a $1.5 million mansion in the Chicago suburb of Olympia Fields -- not to live in it, but to tear it down and build a new one.

The bizarre fate of that custom-built mansion, now badly rundown and bank-owned, in some ways holds up a cracked mirror to Kelly's own fortunes.

Once reportedly valued at more than $5 million, the home is now bank-owned -- and the price recently dropped to a staggeringly paltry $587,100. (Click here to see the listing.)

Click through to slide 18 to see photos from 2011, before the bank took over the property. The labyrinthine story of the home begins in the caption on slide 4. LOOD Naija