Boko Haram kills 43 in Borno

No fewer than 43 people have been killed in the latest attack by Boko Haram gunmen against residents of two villages in Borno state, North east Nigeria.

Scores of homes were also destroyed by the trigger happy gunmen, firing indiscriminately on fleeing civilians.

Reports said heavily armed extremists in 4X4 trucks attacked a mosque, markets and government buildings in a massive assault on Konduga village, which had witnessed attacks before. Thirty nine people died in the village.

Boko Haram has said it is fighting to create a strict Islamic state in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north.

Shettima told reporters at the scene on Wednesday more than 70 percent of Konduga had been 'razed to the ground'.

It was gathered that another 65 people were being treated for burn and gunshot wounds in a hospital in the state capital Maiduguri.

Residents who fled the village have been too scared to return.

In the village dead bodies, including those of women and children, could be seen lined up in the courtyard of the central mosque.

The walls of the mosque were charred, as were those of a local clinic and a library.

Borno, along with the two neighbouring states of Adamawa and Yobe were placed under a state of emergency in May of last year, when the military launched a major offensive aimed at crushing the Islamist uprising.

But attacks have continued in the northeast, and there have been claims President Goodluck Jonathan's government has not done enough to stem the violence.

Suswam urges military to end Fulani invasion

Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has called on the new commandant of Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering, NASME, Maj Gen T C Udeh to do everything possible to assist the state put behind the menace of Fulani marauders.


Suswam who made the call in Makurdi, the state capital yesterday when the commandant paid a courtesy on him appreciated the role NASME has played in the state in terms of security and maintenance of peace and said the posting of the commandant is timely as it would go a long way to help the state pull through the moment of crisis it is currently passing through.


The governor lamented the prolonged hostility between the Fulani herdsmen and farmers, noting that the development has unsettled the two actors who are on the brinks of poverty.


He urge the new commandant to always feel free to get to him in person or on phone on issues partaking to peace and security in the state, adding that any contribution from any quarter would be welcome.


Earlier, commandant NASME, Maj Gen T C Udeh told the governor he came to officially intimate him of his posting to the state and thanked him for the assistance he has been giving to NASME, especially on water treatment.

Davido, Wande Coal drops love songs for valentine

WITH Valentine’s Day a few days away, two of Nigeria’s music stars, Davido and Wande Coal, have separately released love songs, Aye and Plan B, respectively.

The CEO of Black Diamond Entertainment, Wande Coal, teamed up with one of Nigeria’s top producers, Maleek Berry, to deliver a master but simple sound for all delight.

In the same vein, Davido, HKN gang head, also teamed up with little known producer, T Spice, rather than Shizzi, on his single, Aye.

The song is about a certain girl who loves Davido, but doesn’t care about the flashy stuff. “She no want designer, she no want Ferrari. She na my love o,” he sings.

Chidinma acquires N10m Range Rover

Attention has been on other MTN ambassadors such as Praiz, Kcee and Iyanya for buying expensive cars, petite singer; Chidinma is also reaping the fruits of her labour.

The singer says she just got her petite self a Range Rover. The SUV is believed to have cost her about N10m.

“I love this new ride… #biggerandbetter #hardworkpays #mysweat #notagift #hello2014 #glorytoGodnotman #moreworktobedone #Godisfaithful,‘ Ms Kedike wrote, hinting that her new toy isn’t a gift but bought from her hard earned money.

This makes it two SUVs the singer currently has.

Chidinma is currently planning her sophomore album release this 2014.

Meanwhile, controversial Nollywood actress, Cossy Orjiakor has crashed her own SUV!

The actress’ silver coloured SUV with a customized plate number, Cossy, crashed into a ditch today along Lekki-Epe expressway.

The Playgirl Mansion singer was reported to have survived the crash with no injury.

Angela Okorie denies death rumour

Spreading death hoax about celebrities is not new in the entertainment industry. At different times and places many celebrities have been victims of these unknown messengers of death, who declare people dead while they are still alive. Nollywood actress Angela Okorie is the latest victim as she is still trying to come to terms with her supposed death rumour which has sent shock waves down the spines of her fans.


It should be recalled that Nigeria’s Pete Edochie , has been a victim as he was rumoured to have fallen off a cliff at a movie location in Australia and died. Recently, Ghanaian actor, Van Vicker was also rumoured to have died in a ghastly motor accident.The stories were all false as the victims responded and declared they were hale and hearty.


In Okorie’s, it was a clear case of mistaken identity and lack of verification by bloggers who heard the news that an actress by the name Ijeoma Okori had died during child birth.


Without cross checking their facts, they went to town with the rumour, claiming Angela was the one who died, not knowing the said Ijeoma was an actress based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.


To confirm her being alive, the pretty Angela took to social media to let her fans know she has not died.


In a picture she posted on her Facebook wall, Angela Okorie said she bears the mark of Christ and shall live to declare the works of her Lord.


She also posted a message to her fans to disregard the rumour that she was the one that died.

Omotola becomes face of Ghana based Ghandour cosmetics

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has been unveiled as the new brand ambassador for Ghana-based cosmetics company, Ghandour Cosmetics ltd.


According to Omotola’s representatives, the deal was signed on Friday, February 7, 2014 at the Protea Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.


Present at the deal signing was her manager Michael Djaba and Ali Jihami, the Marketing manager of Ghandour cosmetics.


The 36-year-old mother-of-four will be the face of hair relaxer and hair care range ‘BO-16’. The deal will include marketing campaigns in selected countries.


Meanwhile, her superstar collegue, Genevieve Nnaji took out time to send a birthday shout out to Omotola who turned 36 recently.


The Half of a yellow sun actress took to her Instagram page few days back to post a picture of herself and Omotola during her last birthday with the caption, ‘Happy Birthday to the beautiful, one and only Omosexy.’


Genevieve and Omotola had been tagged the biggest Nollywood actresses in the last 3years with fans and media creating and insinuating a healthy rivalry between the two.

Paul Okoye to wed baby mama on March 22

Three months after Peter Okoye married his long-time baby mama Lola Omotayo, his twin brother Paul will also be tying the knot with his own baby mama.


According to a statement released by Psquare’s publicist Bayo Adetu, Paul and the mother of his child will be holding a traditional wedding ceremony on March 22, 2014, in the bride’s home town Port Harcourt, Rivers State.




Anita Isama

Gemininaija Exclusive: ‘We don’t know Iyanya’ – Lenovo denies N150m endorsement deal

On February 6, 2014 Iyanya Mbuk announced to the world that he had bagged an endorsement deal, with yet another tech company, Lenovo.The Pop singer’s purported endorsement deal might be totally fabricated.

The ‘Le kwa ukwu’ singer posted a photo of himself carrying a Lenovo product, ‘Yoga Tablet’ on social network Instagram with the caption ‘New Product !!! New Ambassador !!! Brand Ambassador !!!! Lenovo !!!! Iyanya !!!! Task Direct 2014 Started #triplemg’.

Iyanya’s manager when reached on the phone confirmed the deal, claiming they made about N150M – N170M from the deal. ‘It’s true, it cost about N150 to N170 million and the duration is for 24 months’, 

While the Pop singer received congratulatory messages from fans across the world and several blogs reported the story,gemininaija made investigations over the signing and discovered that there might never have been one, as Lenovo says they don’t know anything about the deal.

Robots For Christ Wins Nigerian's Got Talent Season 2

A two-man dance group named Robots for Christ are still basking in the euphoria of victory after emerging winners of Nigeria’s Got Talent season 2.


They beat their rivals, Daniel Azuka ‘A-Strings’ who emerged first runner up and amazing 9-year-old drummer, David Aduragbemi Adekoya who was second runner up to win the ultimate prize.

‘Our Marriage Inspired P-square to settle down’ – Kaffy and Husband

Nigerian dancer, Kaffy and husband, Papy J, producer and drummer for P-square, say their union was the major factor that encouraged Peter and Paul to finally decide to walk down the aisle with their brides.

In an interview with NET, the couple who recently welcomed their second baby said ‘Us getting married inspired both Peter and Paul to decide to settle down with their partners.’

‘They used to look at me and say ‘you this small boy don quickly marry and even born pikin sef’, added Papy J.

They also jokingly revealed that there is a battle going on between Peter and D’banj for who will be the Godfather of newly born ‘Princess Eliana’.

Ekiti may sanction husbands who abandon wives after childbirth.

It may soon become a crime punishable under the law for any husband to abandon his wife after childbirth in any part of Ekiti.

Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, the wife of the state governor, Kayode Fayemi, gave the indication in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday while on a sympathy visit to one Mrs. Bosede Omole.

Omole’s husband had run away after she was delivered of triplets at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.

Fayemi lamented the uncaring manner in which mothers were usually abandoned by their husbands soon after delivery of new babies, especially multiple births.

“Such a behaviour is not only callous and wicked, but a betrayal of the marriage trust between couples,’’ she said.

Mrs Fayemi promised to sponsor a bill at the state House of Assembly to prevent future occurrence of such behaviour, under her pet project called Ekiti Development Foundation (EDF).

She said the law, while in place, would make it impossible for husbands whose wives were carrying pregnancies to either run away or abandon their responsibilities.

Fayemi assured the mother of the triplets that EDF would take up the children’s care, as well as empower her financially to set up a business.

Omole, who could not control her emotion when government plans for her were rolled out, thanked Fayemi profusely.

She said she found it difficult to believe that God could provide her succour through the governor’s wife after her husband’s disappearance.

NUGA 2014: 170-man UniAgric Makurdi contingent storm Ife - See more at: http://nigerianpilot.com/nuga-2014-170-man-uniagric-makurdi-contingent-storm-ife/#sthash.MtxDQrMf.dpuf

University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State who are incidentally the host of the 2014 edition of the Games are to appear in a new kit in Ile-Ife courtesy of former Nigerian basketball international, Felix Akiga who last week made a donation of same to the university management and principal staff at a colorful ceremony held at the conference hall of the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Making the donation of the kits, Akiga who is the Group Managing Director of Choice Leisure Limited, said it was to encourage other private/ public sector to support the school in realizing their set objectives. The kits which would serve management and principal staff of the university at the Games in Ife is put at N1.5m. During the donation, Akiga used the opportunity to introduce his company which he said is ready to partner the university in redeveloping their facilities in good time for the hosting of the 2014 edition of the NUGA Games.

Receiving the kits on behalf of the university, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha, the Vice Chancellor said he is glad that Choice Leisure Limited known for construction of facilities in many Nigerian universities is identify with the university especially when they are the next host of the the NUGA Games.

“We’re glad that Akiga is identifying with us at this time and we believe this is going to be the beginning of a relationship that would also attract others to us as we prepare to host the NUGA Games later this year. We’re very grateful that this gesture is coming to us at this time when we’re getting set to hit Ife.”

Choice Leisure Limited, it would be recalled supplied the basketball floor at the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU Zaria and at the university of Port-Harcourt as well as constructed the indoor facilities in University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Benin in record time of 6-months.

The contingent of athletes and officials totaling 170 from UniAgric would be competing in athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, judo, taekwondo, volleyball, squash, hockey and table tennis.

The school’s Director of Sports, Coach Stephen Awen told Daily Sunsports that his athletes are ready to take the bull by the horn and return to Makurdi at the end of the Games with medals. “We’re not thinking of winning the NUGA Games in Ife, but I can assure you that in the sports that we’ll compete, we’ll do the university proud,” he stated.

The University of Agriculture, Makurdi, the 2014 host of the NUGA Games has set up a 13-man Local Organising Committee, LOC for the 2014 NUGA Games with the Deputy Vice Chancellor, administration, Professor Terrumum Avav as chairman.

The LOC which was inaugurated last week by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kucha has other members as the Registrar, Cecilia Ohemu; the Bursar of the university, Wase Samuel Iannah; Chairman, Sports Committee, Professor Isaac Itodo; acting Director, Physical Planning, Peter Sunday Garba and Director, works and maintenance, Christopher Owoicho Ola.

The Dean of students, Professor Moses Olusegun Adeyemo; representative of the university Senate, Dr. Sola Gabriel Solomon, the SUG President, Helen Ocheme; two representatives from the NUGA Council make up the rest of the membership, with the Principal Assistant Registrar, Margaret Hembadom Akulega to serve as secretary.

At the inauguration, Prof Kucha expressed satisfaction at the constitution of the LOC and admonished them to be at their best in ensuring that they work assiduously for the successful hosting of the Games.

“Our hosting of the Games is special because this is the first time a non-conventional university will be doing so.

The task is huge but we can surmount it and host the Games successfully. It’s our desire that all the sport will be hosted within the university premises, so, we have a lot of work to do to be ready for November when the Games come up.”

Nigerian artistes should learn to invest– Kefee

Female gospel artiste, Irikefe Don-Momoh, popularly known as ‘Kefee’, has urged fellow Nigerian entertainers to invest in other businesses apart from singing or acting.

Kefee who is currently in the US where she is studying production and directing at the Chicago Access Network TV, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that artistes should always diversify into other areas while still in the music industry.

The popular artiste is presently.

“All creative talents are from God and what we gain from them should be regarded as gifts; they come free and while we still work hard to make a living from them, we should also do other things. I work hard on my music and I earn money from it, but it does not end there for me. I am very passionate about food and cooking and that is why I started a restaurant business two years ago,” she said.

According to her, the business is not just to make money but to also give back to the society.

“It is not just for me to make more money, but it is also a way for me to give back to society from what God has given me. I employ people and the food there is not costly. When I am in the country, I cook most of the meals myself,” Kefee said, suggesting that artistes and celebrities should always re-channel what they get from their talents to any other business they would be comfortable with. Nothing lasts forever,” she said.

Sculptor laments increasing theft of artefacts

A Sculptor, Patrick Agose, on Thursday lamented that Nigeria’s neglect of its priceless works of art was contributing to the incrasing theft of the items.

``Nigerian arts are being taken out of the country every day, by those who know the value’’, Agose, who the Secretary, Universal studios of Arts, Lagos, told the News Agency of Nigeria in an interview in Lagos. According to him, those stealing the art works are doing so with active connivance of Nigerians.

``We who own the works do not know the value, so people from outside are making away with our valuable art works. They do this with the connivance of our people. ``I believe that the common man on the street do not know the value of the art work they are selling because if they do, they will not do it.

``In their mind, they believe since someone else wants it, just let them have it, after all what is so special about a carved object; and they are given a token for it.

``They do not know that it is a source of income for some other person’s survival.

``They are not aware that it is someone’s creativity, an intellectual property, created after many months of toiling to make it what it is,” Agose said.

The secretary pointed out that government had not really harnessed arts and culture, to make Nigerians appreciate its value.

``Government is supposed to create awareness and sensitise the public about these works because it is the custodian of art.

``The opportunities art provides should be harnessed by government, I guess it is still in the dark about what art can earn the nation,” he added. Agose said many countries in the world were surviving on art works, adding that Nigeria should also exploit its economic potentials to the fullest. NAN

Fashola debunks flood reports in Atlantic City Project

Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Wednesday said the state’s Atlantic City Project had provided the state some protection against flooding and reduced the problem of ocean surge.

Fashola said this while speaking at a meeting with some heads of corporate organisations in Lagos. He described criticisms that the project was responsible for previous flooding in the state as unfair, saying the problem was actually a consequence of global warming.

The ongoing Atlantic City Project is a 10, 000 square metre proposed settlement on the Atlantic Ocean. About 1, 200 high rise buildings are being planned for the project, while no fewer than 400, 000 people are projected to live and work there on its completion.

The project has been criticised by some people who claimed it was the cause of recent flooding witnessed in the state. But Fashola said: ``It is not true that any flooding in the state is attributable to our Atlantic City Project.

``We have taken the best advice and the best professionalism has been deployed into salvaging those parts of Lagos consumed by ocean surge.

``If there is any requirement at all to know whether the project was working, let us cast our mind to about 15 years ago when, at the peak of the rainy season, the flooding used to get to Law School and NTA in Victoria Island.

``But we have not had that kind of flooding in the last five to six years, even at the peak of rainfall. ``That means the solution is working. Whether it would solve the problem permanently, I don’t know. But for now, it is working,’’ Fashola said.

He restated government’s commitment to supporting businesses in the state, through the creation of an enabling environment. According to him, the government is building and upgrading infrastructure in the Central Business Districts (CBD) to support the growth of businesses.

He said the government had conducted power audits in the various CBDs and would soon deploy solutions to meet the electricity needs of organisations. The governor added that the CBD in Lagos Island had been lit to encourage growth of night businesses and enhance security. NAN

Fashola urged the private sector to partner with the state in eliminating the “area boys” menace in the CBDs through the creation of jobs. He urged organisations to fulfil their obligations to the state to enable government bring more development to the state.

The most corporate heads at the meeting were those of organisations in the CBDs in the state. Members of the state’s executive council, including commissioners and special advisers, were also at the meeting.NAN

Making tourism cornerstone of Nigerian economy

When the former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke introduced Calabar Carnival, many did not give it a chance in terms of economic importance. It was rather viewed from the perspective of projecting culture and an entertainment jamboree by some school of thoughts. However, 10 years after the first procession took place on the street of Calabar, the economic significance of the carnival became obvious. 

Many say that its contributions span creating job opportunities, boosting economic activities and foreign exchange generation.  It has been also argued to have potentials of becoming next to Agriculture in terms of growing the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product if properly harnessed.

Started in 2004, as a vision of the former governor in making his state the hub for tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa, the Carnival can be said to have fulfilled the expectations of the founding fathers. Apart from economic empowerment it brings to the state, it has been said that Carnival Calabar has been a Mecca of sort for thousands who throng Cross River to catch a glimpse of 32 Days of non-stop excitement every year. 

According Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Carnival Calabar Chris Agibe, bands from Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago and others came with their own kind of culture to last year carnival, thereby attracting huge foreign exchange earning to the country.

I don’t need a second wife – Pete Edochie

Veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie has said that he does not need a second wife. The actor who has been married for over 45 years, in a recent interview said, he does not need anything from another woman apart from his wife.

 “I married early and have remained married since then. What am I looking for a second wife for? I married a woman who gave me six children, what could I possibly be looking for in another woman that I didn’t get from this woman? There is no reason for it.

He added that to motivate each of his six children, he bought all of them cars upon graduation from the university.

“I wanted to motivate them and keep them away from peer pressure. Parents must be able to motivate their children and set target for them. The minimum target for each of them was to graduate from higher institution; their reward upon graduation is a car. And where I come from, it is important to keep ones word; I bought the car for each of them.”

Wizkid set for Valentine’s Day album

In the spirit of celebration, Nigeria’s show-boy singer Wizkid has promised to dish out to his fans special Valentine gifts. Wizkid  made this announcement on the social networking site, Twitter.

He also stated that he will be dropping a new single soon off his upcoming album on Valentine’s day, February  14.

He tweeted, “@Team Wizkid: new music on Valentines’Day. Final album release date will be announced on the same day. It’s a love thing’ EME-Starboy”.

It should be recalled that Wizkid rose to prominence with his song “Holla at Your Boy”. In 2009, he got signed to Banky W’s label imprint, Empire Mates Entertainment. His work and contributions to the Nigerian Music Industry has earned him several achievements, including a BET Awards, a MOBO Awards from two nominations.

Wizkid’s most notable songs include “Holla at Your Boy”, “Don’t Dull”, “Love My Baby”, “Azonto”, “Pakurumo”, “Tease Me/Bad Guys”, “Dance For Me” with EME, and “Jaiye Jaiye” featuring Femi Kuti among others. His discography resume includes collaboration with international and domestic acts such as Bracket,Angel, Lynxxx, Iyanya,Wande Coal, Ice Prince, R2Bees, Wale,Young Jeezy,Akon, and Femi Kuti among others. Wizkid’s debut album, Superstar, was released in 2011. He is currently working on Chosen, his second studio album scheduled for release in 2014

In addition, he has been nominated three times at the MTV Europe Music Awards as well as two times at the World Music Awards. He was ranked 5th on Forbes and Channel O’s 2013 list of the Top 10 Richest/Bankable African Artistes.

Tiwa, Teebillz expects first child

Newly married celebrated couples, Tiwa Savage and Tunji Balogun, otherwise known as Teebillz, are now expecting their first baby.

The Eminado crooner, reportedly confirmed her being pregnant sequel to speculations.

From the look of things, it is just a matter of time before Savage’s baby bump photo shoot will start gracing major magazine covers.

Before now, there have been reports that Balogun has children from previous relationships.

However, Savage, the only female entertainer signed on Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records label, has denied the report saying she’s only waiting on God’s time to get pregnant.

Seun Kuti slams father’s critics

Son of the late, Afro-beat legend, Fela Kuti took to Facebook to express his disatisfaction on those making a mockery of his late father’s lifestyle .

Seun wrote, “Fela this Fela that. Everyone is an expert on what Fela did and didn’t do. I remember growing up with you all and how y’all used to taunt me with Igbo smoker, now u all smoke, your father is a womaniser, now Una be number one olosho customer.

“Let me tell u a fact, if u are 33 and below u definitely did not see Fela or come to the shrine or kalakuta! If u haven’t read his book u don’t understand him. All this band wagon Fela lovers who only love him because they couldn’t destroy him ,and his message of progress has outlived your message of hate and your propaganda. You don’t know HIM and u probably never will but go on and enjoy the myth!”,