It was all glamour, sophistication and fun at the Silverbird Galleria in Lagos, Nigeria over the weekend at the premiere of “The Perfect Picture”. Top Nollywood movie stars and producers gathered in the Victoria Island city of Lagos to witness the spectacular event.This Premiere is believed to be the first time a Ghanaian production is being showcased in Africa's leading Movie Industry (Nigeria). Not only did the occasion attract movie fans but also stakeholders in the Entertainment industry including Bankers, Advertisers and media Practitioners across the continent.It was a night of fashion, good blend of music from the two countries and a red carpet treatment for the top stars who turned up for the premiere. Like a Hollywood Premiere, the Nollywood movie stars and their Ghanaian counterparts arrived in an array of Limozines and other stylish vehicles. Even before the actual premiere began, the atmosphere at the Silverbird Galleria had been turned into a cheering one for producer and director of “The Perfect Picture”, Shirley Frimpong-Manso and her cast and crew.“This is another demonstration that Ghana and Nigeria have so much in common, that the natural interest in each other's development remains a strong commitment to Ghanaians and Nigerians. Silverbird and Global Media Alliance are committed to encouraging and promoting the African movie industry. This is a good beginning” Emphasized, Edward Boateng, Executive Chairman of Global Media Alliance.The idea of premiering the movie in Nigeria was mooted by Silverbird Cinemas, Ghana after an impressive showing in Accra two months ago. The Chairman of the Silverbird Group, Bruce Ben-Moree Bruce is full of praise for the quality of the movie.Before the premiere in the evening, stakeholders in the movie industry from the two countries met to discuss how best the industry can be supported especially financing movie productions in Africa and promoting the industry on the international scene. Global Media Alliance and the Silverbird group, organizers of the event say “The Perfect Picture” will be screening in other states in Nigeria and premiered in Kenya and London later this year.Information Minister, Zita Okaikoi who was the special guest of honour said government is committed to supporting and investing in the movie industry since it plays a vital role in the country's developmental agenda.Top Nigerian movie stars and producers have heaped tonnes of praises on Shirley and her talented team. This was after they had been treated to a special showing of the movie. Some of the people were particularly impressed with the quality of the cast and the storyline.Among the Nollywood stars and producers who graced the occasion were Stephany Okereke, Kate Ershaw, Ngozi and Zack Orjih.
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img src="" alt="" width="140" height="105"/>As Nollywood continues to rise in popularity, Hollywood might just begin to see Nigeria as the perfect background for its movies. Why not? A city like Lagos has all the scenic drama you would need for the perfect action scene. Variety Magazine announced this week that Ben Stiller will be directing a new movie based on a Chicago banker who gets swindled in a Nigerian scam. While the project is meant to be entertaining, it also sheds light on current issues in Nigeria and other African countries. The film is going to be produced by Participant Media (The Soloist) whose mandate to make films that compel social change.At the premiere of X-Men the wolverine last weekend, many Nigerians were proud to see that one of the beginning scenes was set in Lagos. There was even a man speaking Igbo! The aerial view was definitely Lagos and some even think that the action shot that featured a Nigerian diamond dealer took place in the UBA building. However, most of the shots were probably in a studio.Normal 0 false false false.It looks like Nollywood might also be able to compete with “Tinsel Town’ some day. UNESCO announced that the Nigerian film industry has overtaken Hollywood and closed the gap on India in the number of movies produced each year. So, what are your thoughts on Hollywood films and TV shows that reference Nigeria and how accurate are they? Here are a few below but I’m probably missing a lot.
Bruce Willis plays a Special-Ops commander who leads his team into a jungle in Nigeria to rescue a doctor played by Monica Belluci who will only go with them if they agree to rescue 70 refugees too.
SaharaMatthew McConaughey is cast as explorer Dirk Pitt who goes on the adventure of a lifetime of seeking out a lost Civil War battleship known as the “Ship of Death” in the deserts of West Africa while helping a UN doctor being hounded by a ruthless dictator.
Phat GirlzMonique plays a plus-size woman trying to find a place in the skin-and-bones world of high fashion by launching her own line of clothes for large ladies. While on vacation, she meets Tunde (Jimmy Jean-Louis), a handsome and successful doctor from Nigeria, and she discovers to her surprise that Tunde is strongly attracted to her.AddendumI just had to write this note after hearing the opinions of our readers thus far. I definitely agree that we have seen too much from the media about the negatives like the scam industry and not enough positive news. Just wanted to note that the producers of the movie have stated that the movie will highlight issues in the country that influence the scam industry.The purpose of film is to showcase reality, provoke thought, invoke emotion and hopefully bring about change. The “419″ scam is one that is very real in our society and stains our public image. This movie or any type like it is not what is destroying our image. Unfortunately, thanks to a few bad apples, all “The West” has to do is look at their inbox and fax machine to be presented with a negative view of Nigeria. Hopefully through a movie like this we can talk about the real reason why corruption and scams like “419″ exists.I also agree that “The West” needs to look internally instead of pointing the finger at us. From the corporate greed in Wall Street that caused the global financial crisis, to Bernie Madoff and other Ponzi schemes, 419 exists in everyone’s backyard. While we shouldn’t rely on Hollywood to be the ones to highlight our issues, culture and identity. We need to understand that to change perceptions we do have to be in the broad public dialogue.The one thing that makes me nervous is that the there isn’t a single Nigerian on the executive production team. Either way, as someone who doesn’t have the luxury of being in my country every day. It’s still pretty cool to once in a while see Nigeria or Nigerians referencd in a movie or TV show, unfortunately that comes with bad plot lines and inaccurate scenery. Thanks guys for the comments and please keep them coming!Note (3:15pm) Synopsis of Tears of the Sun movie changed to “jungle in Nigeria”. Thanks for catching that rizzle we definitely dont want the world to think all of Nigeria is a jungle
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p style="text-align: left;">BN Exclusive: eLDee Weds Dolapo Multi-talented Nigerian music star, eLDee (Lanre Dabiri) and his long-term sweetie, Dolapo Latinwo-Belo
Their Story The couple have been together for about a decade. They started dating during their days as students of the University of Lagos. Eldee is a graduate of Architecture while Dolapo studied Urban & Regional Planning. The couple has grown together through their various successes and life changes. As Lanre’s musical career blossomed they still kept the romance alive. Distance also didn’t deter them as over the past few years, eLDee was based in Atlanta, USA while Dolapo was based in the UK.
The CeremonyBoth families came together to celebrate the engagement on the 2nd of November 2008. The event was colourful and vibrant as eLDee and Dolapo received blessings and prayers from family and friends.
The white wedding and reception took place on the 6th of November 2008.The St Saviors Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos was the venue as the couple exchanged their vows before friends, family and well-wishers. The bride looked resplendent in an ivory gown embellished with crystal and lace while the groom looked dapper in his black suit complemented by an ivory waistcoat & gold tie. The bridesmaids were draped in bronze while the groomsmen had a black and orange theme. Amongst eLDee’s groomsmen was his friend and musical collaborator, OlaDele & Timi.
The wedding party then proceeded to the reception which was held in Lekki, Lagos. An efferversant atmosphere was created at the reception as showbiz colleagues including Olu Maintain, Banky W, Sound Sultan & ID Cabasa serenaded the couple with various hits.
It was a fun yet emotional day as this couple sealed their union. We wish them all the blessings as they embark on their life journey together.
Michael Jackson has denied he has skin cancer and is still rehearsing for his forthcoming this is It shows.The Beat It singer's spokesperson, Dr Tohme Tohme, says he is in the "best of health" and doesn't have skin cancer, as recently reported.Tohme Tohme told the New York Daily News paper: "He is great. He in perfect health. He doesn't have any diseases whatsoever."Michael was said to be suffering from spots on his skin, cancer on his upper body and pre-cancerous cells on his face - thought to be linked to vitiligo, a condition he also suffers from.Despite his denial, Michael is reportedly under doctors' supervision, though he has defiantly pressed on with four times a week practices for his 50 date residency at London's O2 arena, which starts in June against their orders.A source told Britain's The People newspaper: "Michael is determined the show will go on."He is determined his comeback shows will be the best they possibly can be for his loyal fans. The doctors finally came round to the idea, although they still want to keep a close eye on him."Michael is also said to be developing a new dance move to rival his famous Moonwalk of the 80s.Choreographer Kenny Ortega - who he worked with Michael on his 'Dangerous' and 'HIStory world tours - said: "He's working on something new, but I'm sworn to secrecy."Michael Jackson's residency at the O2 arena opens on July 8.
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The 2009 Hip Hop World Awards carried its bags off to Abuja this year. Leaving behind the pomp and pageantry of last year’s edition for a fresh experience in Abuja.The awards ceremony was supported with generous sponsorship from MTN so everyone had grand expectations.How did it work out?No doubt, the 2009 Hip Hop World Awards was a great effort. Even after all the hullabaloo surrounding the nominations, the winners list is one that most music lovers will be cool with. Banky W and Kemi Adetiba did a great job as hosts for the night9ice was the king of the night as he scooped away 3 awards while Omawumi firmly established her place as the emerging QUEEN with 2 awards including the highly sought after ‘Next Rated Award’. The main buzz of the night were the performances – a surprise onstage reunion by the Trybesmen alongside rousing performances from many of the nominees and eventual winners including MI, Kel, Iyanya, 2Face alongside Sound Sultan, Darey with his band, Lord of Ajasa and 9ice. The major downers were the late kickoff time, lack of the usual star power on the red carpet and the scanty venue. Not sure why Abuja didn’t come out to show love for the HHWA but overall, the night flew by on a high note.Album of the Year - Gongo Aso (9ice)Song of the Year - Gongo Aso (9ice)Recording of the Year - Michelle (Etcetera)Producer of the Year- ID Cabasa (Gongo Aso)Best Music Video - Jude Okoye (Roll it)Best Reggae/Dancehall Album - Gift and Grace (Timaya)Best RnB/Pop Album - Gongo Aso (9ice)Best Rap Album - Talk About It (MI)Best Collabo - Good or Bad (J Martins ft Timaya and Psquare)Best Rap Single - Kini Big Deal (Naeto C)Best Vocal Performance (Male) - Banky WBest Vocal Performance (Female) - OmawumiNext Rated - OmawumiHip Hop World Revelation - MI (Talk About It)Lyricist on the Roll – Nine (Mode 9)Best Street Hop - O4 ka si be (DJ Zeez)Hip Hop World Hall of Fame - Phillip Trimnell and Grand Master Lee
The Internet has made the world an open enterprise, making It expedient for businesses to further expand their market and their target audience. Internet Marketing maybe a high risk venture for business owners who wish to explore this arena.As an internet entreprenuer, you must ensure that most of your target customers will acquire purchase product or service. You must consider the best products that will definitely capture their interests and needs. This means that you need to identify specifically where your market lies i.e. their location and financial capability. It is advisable that you acquire marketing knowledge and skill to achieve your goal on the internet.At present, you can use a variety of internet marketing solutions that are being offered by companies for support to your customers. These solutions span from email marketing, search engine optimization or website design and many more. Since you need to maximize your return on investment, you need to choose the right set of internet marketing solutions to help you achieve this. These marketing techniques will not cost much since they are very self-explanatory and can be learned easily.Email marketing is perhaps the most popular internet marketing solution. This is a cost effective way of communicating and interacting to your customers or subscribers, driving them to visit your website to check out your products. It may be in a way of marketing articles, leading them to forums or newsletters. A newsletter has an advantage of expanding your subscriber base as more and more people sign up to it until, before you know it you would have built a bulk email list.Another great Internet marketing solution is through websites. This is a good promotion strategy to employ since you can display all the necessary information for your target customers. The website should capture their interest and be complete since every transaction, from inquiry to payments may take place. All correspondence that will be done online must be well-facilitated by the features of your website.There is also a strategy known as search engine optimization. This is a type of service for your website that you can make use of in order to raise the number of visitors to your site. Once a customer uses a search engine, your website will rank high in the list of searches which in return will increase your site’s traffic.Considering these internet marketing solutions, there are different companies offering software products and services containing one or all of these solutions. It would be a great opportunity to try one of them, depending on your financial capability and expected return on investment.Maverick-KJoin my mailing list to receive regular updates on inner circle internet marketing secrets-->> http://www.nicheventura.com/optin
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Good Morning AllA friend of mine has asked if it was possible to use a Laptop in a Molue in Lagos , I saw the message on his status and it just made me laugh , what a great start to a sunny day. Well i have been imagining what it would be like to use your laptop in a molue. I only used the Molue once or twice and that was after I had left Nigeria and went back home for a holiday. It was a thrill to get on the Molue, one of many traditions I remember about the great state of Lagos State. At times I thought i was in a yellow taxi from New York , it was only a matter of time before I pinched myself and realised I was in Nigeria.Molue is a yellow bus with tattered seats with passengers packed like sardines in the bus. These Molue's are like death traps certainly not road worthy but does the business in transporting lots of people to their destination. It also a cheap form of transport. If you are to enter one ensure you have bottled water u are likely to collpase because of the heat , if you do not have your own bottled water you are going to be approached to buy pure water. I think you could use your laptop in the Molue but you are likely to attract attention to yourself and the chance of your laptop arriving with you at your destination is very slim indeed. I think because of the way the Molue is jam packed it would be difficult to use ur Laptop but I think you can get away with a blackberry or PDA but once again you are asking for trouble. I remember attracting the Area Boys because I wore this panda wrist watch and white with trousers, I stood up like a sore tomb, yes Londoner abi American the bobo e ooo. Na GOD save me after a few tips of dosh they let me go, it did not help that I also had jerry curls it was the fashion statement in those days. Yellow tee shirt, white trouses , white tennis shoes feeling funky catching a Molue thinkiing it will be nice to explore Lagos streets like Oyinbo people do.Anyway if you ever try to enter Molue in Nigeria here are some ground rules oooIf U carry yansh occupy two pesin seat na two pesin moni U go pay!If U wan ride Molue wey dey alao 'Staff' (people wey dey claim title wey no wan pay) ride na dat oda one wey im drifer na albino make U look.The claims of the merchant wey dey try sell U the 'Cure All' merecine on top this Molue are not necessarily the same of the Naija Rough Riders Transport PLC, its affiliates or management.If we jam pesin and U wan claim insurance U no dey ride here again after we fix moto!Abeg if ya breast don wohwoh finish no begin carry am feed pikin for here..try konsida sey oda people dey ride.If U give conductor moni wey don tear walai talai NA SKATTA!Make U pack yuasef and yua frens make una siddon for one place cause we no wan hear dat nonsense 'My broda go pay U for back' yan!Becos U hang for doormot when U dey ride no mean sey U dey pay haf price O!We don post disclaimer incase awa seat stain, rough, or tear ya outfit for yansh when we siddon..no be by force sey U muss nak yansh for chair ride.We reserf di right to claim ya moni if we announce sey we no get change but U no gree hear word still carry Agidi enta....change na prifilej no be right!Women...una no fit sue for sesua harasmen for here because na ya word against man when people pack like sandine and U wan claim sey guys dey take style tap current...And if man wey tanda and U siddon dey take style peek inside ya cleafage nex time make U carry peg hold am or clamp ya handbag for chestWoman wey ride wiff driver for front dey subject to toasting....dat na prifilej to ride wiff my oga!!If U dey ride for night make U hold correct change becos if conductor muss turn torchlight an extra two minits to make shenj ol boy dat na extra sharj O!Molue trunk no dey open so if U get extra load know oredi sey U go pay extra for seat or roof loading.Refund no dey incase MoPol stop us seize Molue becos E no pass Road Worthiness.E get some times wey the choke button no go work well well so make una hang on well well incase conductor go need to push up or downhill make driver come remove leg from clutch chuck am one time to start.If U ride ontop rear bumper and U break am U GO PAY!Refund no dey if OPC stop us for road talk sey dem need Molue for 'operation'...U wan follo dem argue? go ahead!.....and finally....Na only drifer or conductor get otoriti to request make Molue stop make im troway small piss nak tree before we continue journey........abi I lie?
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Have oftened wondered what it would be like if Tom Tom's could work in Nigeria. I mean a Navigator in Nigeria,so I imagine am in my Borat car on third mainland bridge trying to get back to VI from Mushin here we goVoice on Navigator startsPlease type in your destination , Okay I want to go through Mile 2, Ketu, Surulere, Aguda, Ebute Meta, Sorry the Navigator does not recognise these destinations. Please shake the navigator well, well ensure the battery to ur cark is in working order, turn off the navigator again. Please check the make of ur navigator i hope u did not buy me from Aba market.Yes its working1. After twenty miles you will hit the Police Checkpoint please remember to put hand in pocket2. After thirty miles please avoid 10 pot holes five on the left , one in the middle of the road and four on the right3. After forty miles please slow down u are about to hit a dead body on the road. Please do not attempt to stop and try and be a samaritan just press ya foot on ur accelerator and pick race like Lewis Hamilton4. After Fifty miles please slow down there are no lights in this neighbourhood and you are likely to have a punctured tyre for no reason at all, you are advised not to argue give them what they want, dont attempt to call the Police5. After Sixty miles try not to turn right it leads to the cemetery , turn left and you hit the Ashewo joint , please note there are no speed limits just press ya foot on the accelerator and move fast6. After Seventy miles you have reached your destination, please note your security guard has arranged for his friends to rob u , dont argue give them what they want after u have been robbed, get out of the car ,open your gate , go straight to bed ,read ya bible and thank GOD for protecting you and sparing your life
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Dear Presidents Around the WorldMy name is Bamidele Obonjo am the President of Lafta Republic.This week, as reports of the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak around the world were made public, my Administration has been carefully monitoring the situation, we are busy at work finding appropriate strategies to reduce the spread of Swine Flu. Our medical research team is busy developing aggressive Lafta Pills and Stem cells for the future which we will be happy to sell to your various countries.We have noted that Swine Flu is passed from pig to pig now a pig has passed it to a human what has happened here?. Ki lo de why in South America and Europe. Ki lo de. Never in Africa would our pigs infect one another talk less of passing it to humans. Devil is a liar have you not heard of mountain of fire prayers. Our pigs eat shit , left overs pounded yam , egusi they are immune from Swine Flu.It is rather unfortunate that we have had a number of deaths my heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones. As I understand it , the Swine Flu is from pigs all located abroad in particular Mexico except from Africa. I know how you all like your pork and bacon where it applies, I think your citizens now need to refrain from playing with animals. What is wrong with this people,why play with pigs , when a former Presidential candidate states that you can put a lipstick on a pig it gives people all sorts of ideas, you know.I urge you and your Parliaments to act expeditiously in considering my important request, which is for you to replace your pigs with Nigerian/ African pigs. You need an immediate cull of your type of pigs. My nation is returniing all imported pork, bacon and we have banned them from coming into our country. There is a good selection of pigs for your use, I hope we will not have any difficulities in gettiing our brand of pigs visa to enter your various countries. I am not sure if our brand of pigs can provide you with bacon and pork because they have been raised in a tropical climate and what they have been fed on over the years makes them immune, I can assure you our brand of pigs do not play with humansI look forward to hearing from you.Sincerely,President ObonjoGhanian President RespondsDear President Obonjoon a serious note now, you know wiping all them pigs out and replacing with ours ain't such a bad idea!! As for our pigs not playing with people, I don't know about that. My woman told me about an incidence here in Accra. There was a guy employed to take care of their pigs like 4 years ago. They just observed that if the guy goes out and he's ... Read morecoming back the pigs all run to him and meet him at the gate. Also every evening about 12 midnight, there's a lot of noise in the barn where they are being kept.One evening her dad decided to check the source of the noise, lo and behold the man dey hump tuupu dey go like mad!! I'll spare you the rest of the story. This is not entertainment!!! It's a real life happening location - Maamobi in Accra - GhanaPresident Bayor
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Dear President ObonjoI am writing to advise you to join us in our mission to travel to the moon. All African Leaders conveyed a meeting recently it was our own version of G20 summit but mainly to discuss how we can get to the Moon.Africans must travel to the moon to investigate what developed nations have been doing in outer space, , Obonjo join us."The Americans have gone to the moon. And the Russians. The Chinese and Indians will go there soon. Africans are the only ones who are stuck here, why is it that we are stlil stuck on earth. "We must also go there and say: 'What are you people doing up here?'." We no longer want to stay down there the heat is too much .Uganda alone cannot go to the moon. We are too small. But the rest of Africa can.. This is what African integration is all about, Come with me Obonjo and then we can say to the Americans: 'What are you doing here all alone?'." You know it will be good to meet with Obama in Outerspace.Obonjo lets go there.Yours sincerelyPresident Museveni - Ugandan PresidentDear President MuseveniPresident Museveni, Museveni, MuseveniHow many times did I call your name. Sir I am rolling on the floor Laughing my ass off Laff wan kill me oo, I know we need change but this is not change i will believe in. I know Martin Luther King had a dream, but My President not this kind of dream. I have come to the conclusion that our African Leaders dont know how to dream and if they do its wrong dreams.Where are you coming from Sir. I know we need to have dreams and aspire but please we cant even feed our people , have the basic infrastructure , cater for the needy, provide basic education and medicines for the needy , how about starting with developing core values for our respective nations , develop a culture of accountabilty, please dont start me off oooo , i will leave you with the pisho below once you have had time to look at it , please write back to me and let me know if you still want to go to the moon.Your sincerelyBamidele ObonjoPresident of Lafta Republic
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Dear President ObamaI hope you are well and doing great. Wassssssssssssssssup , Ki lo shele, Nothing do u. You are too much lets cute the chase.Today , I was on the motorway and switched on the radio and heard that you will be visiting Ghana before visiting Nigeria oti oooooo , I understand when you visit Ghana you have no plans to visit Nigeria. How come , why , when what , ki lo de wetin we do ooo.My Brother, I am pleased for Ghanians , it will be an honour to have u land in Accra u can even go by road just watch the pot holes and because you are in Ecowas territory no need for Visa, but my brother why not Nigeria to, what have we done are you trying to tell us something. Okay , I am sorry I cracked jokes pushing u to have a male son in the white house, for telling u that we may replace minchelle if she does not deliver a son , for accusing u for putting all black men under pressure since you became President , we no longer have any excuse for not meeting our dreams, not even the one for having a funny name sticks anymore.I have been thinking seriously why you chose Ghana before Nigeria, I dont think you realise what Nigerians did when you won the elections just to recap we did the following:1. Almost every household made Aso-ebi carrying your logo all over the streets of Nigeria, Even some that did not have the money borrowed to get their Aso Ebi and are still paying back what they borrowed. Even some have returned the clothes.2. There were several fund raising parties in Nigeria to raise funds for you, I know you rightly asked people not to send the money raised but use it to improve democracy in Nigeria.3. I know people blocked streets in Nigeria just to celebrate your election4.Several Leaders asked Nigerians to draw inspiration in your Success but not for them just for the people, Do what I say not what am doing5. We spent more money spraying strangers at parties just to celebrate your Success6. The Average Nigerian was more clued on about your election than in our own election7.We have set so many groups for you "Nigerians for Obama", "Africans for Obama", "I support Obama "the list is endless.8. We have started writing Articles "How can we find our own Obama", " Is Obama possible in Nigeria"9, We even celebrated more than your Kenyan brothers10. So many Swagga parties with brothers charging at the doorObama I hope you can see my point , so I am perplexed that you will not even land in Nigeria, its like a puzzle to me could it be for the follwoing reasons:that we are speniding 1.9 billions dollars on roads in Abuja believe it or not after well over 40 years and 40 nights we still do not have constant light, water in some areas, in short in most areasthat we can elect Gominas and remove them from office in court and replace them with new gominasthat one minute in Ekiti state the Electoral Officer says she cant go ahead with the elections and a couple of days later , she is back from Aso and declares the winnerThe list is endless my brother but if there is one thing I want you to consider when you visit Ghana try and stop over in Nigeria , come and celebrate the second year anniversary of our Popular President he has achieved more in 2 years like you have done in 100 days. He has brought Change that we believe in. We have started the rebranding project.Safe journey to GhanaYoursPresident Obonjo
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"OL'boy, are you watching CNN now?"
"No. I dey Tarmac dey chop life"
"What are you chopping?"
"Peppersoup. Correct isi ewu and nkwobi"
"Be careful. You may be taking a typhoid concoction."
"No. Oh. This one cures malaria. It is specially prepared. And the thing sweet no be small. Leave me make I chop the life of my head."
"Look, that's not why I called. I think you should go and watch CNN right now. It is a sad day for Nigeria. In fact every Nigerian must hide his or her head in shame."
"What is it again this time? Dis kin country wey no go let person rest. Problem today. Wahala tomorrow. To be a Nigerian na crime?"
"Obama is visiting Africa in July and he is not coming to Nigeria"
"And so? Is he a Nigerian? Let him go to his Kenya. Obama is coming to the land of his fathers. Is that why I should stop enjoying my nkwobi?"
"Did you hear what I said? How many bottles have you taken? Obama is coming to Africa on a presidential visit in July and he is visiting Egypt and Ghana. He and Michelle, his wife, will spend two days in Ghana. I think that is an insult to Nigeria. I mean the Americans are deliberately rubbishing us."
"But you should know why? That is America's own way of sending a strong message that they are unhappy with the situation in Nigeria."
"That is why I am sad."
"That is how the American foreign policy process works. It is based on a reward and sanctions principle, if you like - carrot and stick. America goes out of its way to reward countries that are doing well. It sanctions those that appear to be doing badly and a sanction can be in any form. Obama flying over Nigeria to go to Ghana is an act of snobbery. It is the most painful form of sanction"
"But what is it that Egypt is doing well?"
"It is a strategic choice. Egypt is a strategic U.S. ally in the Middle East and America's major bilateral partner."
"Nigeria is also strategic. We sell crude oil to the United States. American oil companies are Nigeria's Joint Venture partners. We supported the U.S. African High Command in the Gulf of Guinea. We have a long history of relationship with the United States. We are the most powerful, the most populous..."
"I beg. Leave that matter oh. Nigerians can't fool anybody with that slogan anymore. Don't you get it? You want Obama to come to Nigeria shortly after the shameful electoral process in Ekiti? You want him to visit Abuja and address your National Assembly? The same National Assembly where the lawmakers are being accused of corruption? You want Obama to attend a dinner in Nigeria where nearly all the people he would come across will be persons who organise the snatching of ballot boxes, the distribution of bribe, oil thieves, tax evaders, treasury looters, and aggressive Nigerian women who will be waiting for Michelle to go to the ladies for a second so they can swoop on the U.S. President, and squeeze their numbers into his palm? You think the Americans don't know?"
"You are not serious. You should stand up for your country. We are not worse than Pakistan or Egypt, and even Obama's Kenya."
"Obama is a brand apart from being the U.S. President. His handlers must have advised him that this is not a good time to visit Nigeria. And all those your countrymen and women in the United States are not helping matters. They are always telling the Americans that their country is a useless place."
"You don't even need to blame those ones. The U.S. has an embassy here. They know what is going on. But it is just that I would have loved Obama to visit Nigeria, Nigerians worked very hard for that man's election."
"Una vote for am?"
"But he has more supporters in Nigeria than in Kenya. People bought Obama stickers and pasted on their cars. There is still an Obama billboard in Abuja. Obama photo portraits are being sold on the streets of Lagos. Musicians sang about him. Even market women campaigned for him. Not to talk of the Obama for Africa associations that tried to raise funds for his campaign. I also know many Nigerians in the U.S. who contributed to the Obama fund. I am even sure that if anybody had said Obama lost that election, bare-chested Nigerian women were ready to go onto the streets in protest. Someone said that was part of the calculations. "
"You know you are actually talking about Nigerians who were using the Obama name to do business and make quick profit. By the way what happened to your sister's Obama fund campaign? You mean she and other members of the Obama for Africa movement cannot persuade the U.S. President to come to Nigeria first?"
"Not fair. Obama should have visited Nigeria first. If only to come and say thank you to the Nigerian people. The U.S. Embassy will need to explain why we are being snubbed. We may not know how to organize free and fair elections, but we are a great nation."
"Good people too... Tell them make dem hear."
"I feel sad when I see how Ghana is now upstaging Nigeria in every respect."
"Ghana organizes good elections. And its leaders are better organised and more disciplined. Obama's visit to Ghana is to encourage both the people and government of Ghana to remain the shining Black Star of the West African coast. And a way of telling Nigeria to get its acts together"
"I know".
"Besides, Ghana has discovered oil in commercial quantities. Soon, the United States will buy oil from Ghana and ignore Nigeria and its Niger Delta problems. Also, the U.S. has adopted a new four cardinal-point strategy in Africa. It includes South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Egypt. Nigeria is not quite part of it."
"I hope our leaders are getting the message"
"They won't. Look, let's take a bet. I won't be surprised if in July, Nigerian leaders travel to Ghana to join the Ghanaians in receiving Obama. Can't you see that many Nigerians are now going to Ghana? Nigerian companies are setting up branches in Ghana, there are Nigerian-owned restaurants and shops in Accra, the population of Nigerian students in Ghanaian universities is very high and it keeps increasing. I know Nigerians who have bought homes in Ghana. Every weekend, they just hop across the border. It is 45 minutes by air. Accra is closer to Lagos than Abuja. So really, should we blame the Americans? Even Nigerians prefer to go to Ghana. In fact, I hear that Nigerians in Ghana are lobbying to be part of the Obama reception activities!"
"There will always be shameless Nigerians. But we need to rebuild this country. There were more foreign dignitaries at Jacob Zuma's inauguration than there were at Yar'Adua's inauguration. Countries like Tanzania and Rwanda have better international recognition than Nigeria."
"Don't worry yourself. In fact, if you ask me, I will recommend that President Yar'Adua should ask the Americans and the Ghanaians to invite him to the dinner for President Obama."
"God forbid. We are a sovereign nation."
"I know... I am sure somebody must have told Obama that they kidnap people in Nigeria. And he must have been advised not to put anything past those Niger Delta militants. They could organize and kidnap Obama and his wife. Or throw a shoe at him."
"Kidnap who? Throw a shoe at who?"
"Obama. Didn't somebody throw a shoe at George Bush in Baghdad?"
"Now, I am convinced that you are drunk".
"So why are you disturbing my drink with your sadness about Obama not coming to Nigeria? Okay, let me now play the Devil's advocate. Someone should go and tell that Obama that he does not know what he is missing. He should go and ask President Bill Clinton and President Jimmy Carter. Those are friends of Nigeria. When Clinton visited Nigeria, he enjoyed himself so much. Let Obama go to Ghana. He is free to prefer kenke to nkwobi. We are still the happiest people in the world and we thank God for that."
"Who is talking about happiness?"
"And tell President Yar'Adua not to worry. In fact, who are the Americans to tell us how to organize elections? We are a free country. We have the right to go to heaven the way we choose. President Yar'Adua should also organise a foreign trip. Let him fly over the United States and go to Canada, and from there let him go to Venezuela and Cuba on state visit. America too dey make yanga. Faure Gyassingbe Eyadema of Togo was here on a presidential visit, the same week they announced Obama's African trip. That was Nigeria's response to America's snobbery. Is Eyadema also not a President?"
"The United States is the most powerful country in the world. Who is Faure Eyadema?"
"Who talk so? Where were you when Maurice Iwu said we are in a position to teach America certain things about elections? Every country has its own strengths. Obama can go anywhere. Na him leg he dey take travel. That will not stop me from eating isi ewu... Baby, do you want another drink. Eh, another bottle for my darling here..."
"What's that?"
"I wasn't talking to you."
"Looks like whatever you are doing there is beginning to get to you. May be we should continue this conversation later."
"No. Don't worry. You think I am drunk? Na only bottle fit get drunk. Me, I am a human being. Anything else?"
"I am just sad. We are failing at home. We are losing international goodwill."
"You have said that before. Stop moaning. It's no big deal."
"Our President even wanted to visit the United States, they said no."
"Look, if it is about this Obama visit, forget it. On second thoughts, may be it is even a blessing in disguise. If the man had chosen to visit Nigeria, that would have been an opportunity for Nigerians to loot the treasury. By the time the man leaves, every state treasury will be near-empty. And we could have an Obama visit scandal on our hands. And come to think of it, you know Obama likes to play basketball. Suppose he invites President Yar'Adua while visiting to a game of basketball, one on one, and the man out of politeness agrees. And you know President Yar'Adua doesn't play basketball, he only plays squash. Me, I thank God o."
"Good for the Ghanaians".
"Don't worry, you can watch the visit on AIT, Channels TV etc live."
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By Eugene Agha, 05.22.2009
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) were yesterday morning attacked by suspected drug barons in Abbi town, Kwale Local Government Area of Delta State, during an official assignment.
The attack left two of the officers dead, while three others sustained varying degree of bullet wounds and were hospitalised. Four of the officers that were abducted have also been released.
The officers were said to have been ambushed by drug barons on their way to the office on the outskirts of Abbi town, after successfully apprehending their target.
It will be recalled that Abbi town had become notorious for cannabis cultivation, as well as attacks on drug law enforcement agents.
In the past, several seizures of cannabis were made in the area, while several cannabis plantations had also been destroyed by NDLEA, under a special operation code named “Operation Burn The Weed.”
Policemen from Delta State Police Command have commenced investigation into the attack.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade, has described the attack as callous and unfortunate.
While commending the officers for their patriotism and loyalty to their country, Giade warned that drug barons must be prepared to pay for their cruel action.
“The officers have shown a rare sense of bravery and gallantry. People must understand the forces of the dark that we confront on a daily basis. Those responsible for this gruesome act have murdered sleep. We will not be deterred,” he said.
In a statement signed by NDLEA Head, Public Affairs, Ofoyeju Mitchell, he said the attack was the first major incident since 2004, when five officers of the agency were killed in Kano by drug dealers.
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I DONT GET IT ! DASH THEM 10Milion DOLLARS FOR WHAT ?
Sao tome with a population of about 150,000 roughly the population of Ikeja or Egbeda.
President Umaru Yar’Adua on Thursday defended the decision of his administration to grant a request for a $10m soft loan by the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, saying that it was to assist the government of that country address pressing socio-economic challenges.
In a letter to the House of Representatives seeking its approval for the loan, Yar’Adua explained that a stable socio-economic climate in Sao Tome and Principe would strengthen security in the Gulf Region.
The President allayed fears over repayment saying that the interest-free loan would be repaid between four and six years.
He, however, told the House that the total loan requested by Sao Tome and Principe was $30m out which the Federal Executive Council had approved $10m in the first instance while the balance of $20m would be considered subsequently.
Yar’Adua, who added that the loan would be sourced from his “contingency vote”, noted that his action was covered by Section 25 of the 1999 Constitution.
The President’s letter was read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Mr. Dimeji Bankole.
Some members, however, raised objections, arguing that Yar’Adua should have the approval of the House before allowing FEC to endorse the loan.
Relying on Section 80 (4) of the 1999 Constitution, Mr. Halims Agoda, observed that no funds shall be withdrawn from government’s treasury without the approval of the National Assembly.
Agoda said the President sent the letter to the House as an afterthought as the “National Assembly has to approve it first before sending it to FEC.”
He, however, advised that a proper motion for the approval of the loan should be moved so it could be debated.
But, the Chief Whip of the House, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, drew the attention of members to Yar’Adua’s explanation that he was drawing the loan from his contingency vote, “which has already been approved by the National Assembly in the budget; so we do not need another approval.”
The Minority Leader, Alhaji Mohammed Ndume, disagreed with Ihedioha on the grounds that the same Yar’Adua had complained last week that his contingency vote in the 2009 budget was removed.
“So, where did he get another contingency vote from?” Ndume asked.
The House later referred the letter to the Committees on Appropriation and Finance to discuss it and come up with a motion for consideration by the House within one week.
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Accra, May 20, GNA – Former President Jerry John Rawlings has observed that directions taken by countries such as Ghana have served as a source of inspiration to many countries in Africa and beyond.“As leaders of our countries, we have a responsibility to gauge the mood of the people and always move the political train in a direction that ensures that the electorate feel their interests have been served,” he said in a lecture he delivered on “Democracy and Security in Africa” under the auspices of the Oxford Research Network on Governance in Africa in London on Tuesday.The former president said in his lecture, a copy of which was e-mailed to GNA, that democracy made true meaning when it was the kind of governance that advertised true people power.He said security and political stability were key for real socio-economic development and that security relied on a genuine democratic culture.Former President Rawlings said the multiparty system of governance “prescribed and inflicted on us by some Western powers did not factor the social cultural fabric of our traditional political system that existed before Western multiparty democracy.”“It is not the absence of military interventions, which we seem to have achieved, that will restore democracy, freedom, justice and development. What is required is the integrity of leadership and ability to empower the people. Leadership should have confidence in our people and not feel intimidated by empowering them,” he said.The former president said corruption had persisted because leaders had used state machinery to terrorise the people and silence the opposition.He also noted that “vested interests from outside” had also contributed to perpetuating this by whitewashing such corrupt and autocratic governments.Former President Rawlings said while national security involved protecting the state, its institutions andsovereignty, human or political security entailed issues of poverty, basic amenities, employment, and abuse of human rights.The former president said it was most unethical and politically unwise to attempt to govern a people by resorting to a high ratio of physical security as opposed to political/human security.“Are we not violating people's human rights, sensibilities and sensitivities with the use of the coercive machinery of the state by terrorising people into a State of subjugation?” he asked.Former Rawlings said on the other hand, a high ratio of political/human to physical security was a mark of good leadership and a demonstration of confidence in the sense of responsibility of people as this empowered the people.“If we have the courage to empower our people, it then demands of us a leadership that will necessarily be accountable to the people, be transparent and maintain a high degree of integrity.”Former President Rawlings also said the use of the judiciary to jail innocent people contributed to instilling fear and emasculating the populace.“In effect, it creates a false and intoxicating sense of security for the leadership at the expense of the security and the empowerment of the citizenry. We then get away with being corrupt dictators. Integrity, transparency and accountability become meaningless in our leadership. Fear, intimidation and terror tactics are the tools of corrupt dictatorships.”Former President Rawlings said security could not exist in a vacuum but always overlapped with the political environment.He said in Africa, democracy and security had always been bedfellows, saying the democratic system of governance related to the free and equal representation of the people in the management of a country.Former President Rawlings said democracy worked only when it had evolved within a specific socio-cultural environment and fused into the traditional political systems such that it was seen as an indigenous product, but unfortunately Africa had not been given the opportunity to develop this.Turning to Ghana, the former president traced his rise to power and said the country underwent political and economic metamorphoses that every true proponent of democracy had to concede, laid the fertile framework for what was regarded today as a stable democracy
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Armed robbers appear to have developed a novel idea of attacking unsuspecting victims at bus stops, using exotic cars.Their latest victims were two young men and a woman who were waiting for a bus at Mangoro Bus Stop on the Lagos/Abeokuta expressway.Our correspondent learnt that at about 10.15pm on Sunday, a fairly new lemon colour Peugeot 406 car pulled up about 20 metres away from some commuters at the bus stop.Immediately, three men alighted from the car, giving the impression that the driver was just dropping them off.However, the men, it was gathered, turned out to be armed robbers.One of the victims, Emmanuel (surname withheld), who spoke with our correspondent on Wednesday about his ordeal, said he lost everything on him on that night to the "corporate" bandits.He said, "I closed for work at about 9.50pm and when I discovered that my colleague who usually drops me on his way home was still busy in the office, I decided to find my way home."I was the first person to get to the bus stop. Afterwards, a woman joined me and some minutes later, another man met us their."As we were waiting for a bus, this car stopped a few metres away from us and three men came out of it."Ordinarily, I thought they were just alighting from the car to go to their different homes, but suddenly, I discovered that the three of them had surrounded us."They pulled pistols and asked us to sit on the ground."The victim said his Sony Ericsson W800i phone, two United Bank for Africa ATM cards, N5, 000, and an ID card were lost to the bandits, who later zoomed off towards Iyana Ipaja.When contacted, police spokesman in Lagos, Mr. Frank Mba, said he was not aware of the incident.
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THE continued fall of naira against international currencies, particularly the dollar and pound sterling is having a serious consequence on Nigerians living in Dubai, United Arab Emirate.A survey carried out by TTH in Dubai and other Emirates of the UAE, recently, showed that Nigerians are migrating out of Dubai to other Asian countries in their thousands "because the fall of naira has been making mince meat of our efforts here".Investigation revealed that Nigerians were having a rosy time in Dubai, until June 2008, when the value of a dollar was being exchanged for N118, “since then, we have never have peace for the naira continued to slide while the dollar continued to wax strong and stronger.”Speaking with TTH, Abiodun Taiwo, a Nigerian and an HND, Marketing graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan “I came to Dubai in 1999 and because the naira was strong then, I had good reason to thank God. And so with many of us. But since June last year our stories have changed from better to worse."Most of us have started migrating back home. Some of us have left for China, Bangkok, Malaysia, USA.“In fact, the fall of naira is not having its consequences on Nigerians in Dubai alone, but on Dubai government too because as a Cargo Manager, the volume of trade between Nigeria and Dubai has dropped drastically. Just because the profit margin of goods and services is no longer encouraging.”Another Nigerian, Christopher Okey, who operates an African Kitchen at the back of a mosque at Deira District in Dubai, was full of lamentation about the fortunes of the naira. "My brother, (covering his head with his palm) we are suffering here. Our suffering is not in the hand of the Dubai Authority or their policy or police, no. We are crying under the yoke of the free fall of naira at the foreign market."Most of us are closing our shops and heading somewhere else. I am looking for a buyer for this place. Immediately I get a buyer, I am off, either to Nigeria or Japan."Last year when you were here, you saw how busy I was. This place, (pointing to the upper floor of his restaurant) was always full. I always have hectic time attending to thousands of customers, but you can see for yourself now. How many customers have been here since?"Our fortune is dwindling because less people are coming from Nigeria to trade here".He appealed to the Federal Government to do “some arithmetics and tinker with the value of the naira and prevent its further slide at the international market.”
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Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday, told the Financial Services Committee of the United States' House of Representatives, how he was offered $15m by a governor in the Niger Delta to drop corruption charges against him.former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Nuhu RibaduRibadu, whose dismissal from the Nigerian Police Force was still being challenged in the court, is a visiting fellow of the St. Anthony's College, University of Oxford. He was at the US House on invitation by the committee.The former EFCC boss who insisted that the Niger Delta problem was being compounded by corruption, stated that the commission, under his leadership also made efforts to help tackle the problem.He revealed that an unnamed former state governor from the oil-rich region had offered him $15m in cash to stop an investigation against him, adding that the commission still went ahead to charge the governor for the plundering of his state resources as well as the bribe offer.He however lamented that the said governor was today a free man in Nigeria, where he wields power in the Peoples Democratic Party-led government and in the country as a whole.He said that such instances of treating some corrupt state officials with kids gloves, by the current administration, was responsible for the dwindling success of the anti-graft crusade.Ribadu said, "Indeed, one of the governors of the Delta that we investigated offered me $15m in cash to stop the investigation against him."We charged him both for the theft of state revenues and for the bribery attempt. Sadly today, he is still one of the most powerful political figures in both the ruling party and the country."This clearly highlights the problem of the Delta - money meant to have gone for development has gone to very few hands and is used for negative ends."In 2003/4, almost 100,000 barrels of oil was stolen daily; by 2005/6, we had managed to reduce this to 10,000 barrels per day. We also secured convictions for kidnappers in the Delta, who were driving the cycle of violence and bribery with the private oil companies.Ribadu, who lauded the political will of the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to pursue anti-corruption war, said that the current administration only paid lip service to the crusade.He said, "But the policy today in Nigeria is to use all the right rhetoric - speaking of the need for rule of law and the fight against corruption - to cover-up their real campaign to completely undo the reform efforts of the previous government and so thoroughly confuse corruption and anti-corruption that no one can sort out which is which any longer."This is why today, many of the law enforcement agencies that used to work hand-in-hand with the EFCC are no longer willing to partner with the EFCC or the Nigerian Justice Department. The issue of integrity is paramount in such relationships."Corruption makes democracy impossible because it subverts the will of the people. A select few, with so much money and authority, continue to steal elections and make a mockery of the notion of government by the people or for the people."The unholy alliance between local political elites and western financial institutions has been the foundation of this narrative of shame. The best illustration yet is the now famous Halliburton/KBR scandal where, as a Nigerian newspaper recently reported, our leaders received "stacks of US dollar bills in briefcases and sometimes in bullion vans" until some $185m had been exchanged for a contract to build a liquefied natural gas plant."The other famous case is the Siemens scandal. According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Siemens made approximately $12.7m in "suspicious payments" for Nigerian projects, including to government customers for four telecommunications projects. The total value of the four contracts was approximately $130m. There are many other instances.
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A rather curious development project is currently under way in Badagry, Nigeria. Not only is it to become a multi-billion theme park commemorating former slaves, but also, will be dedicated to the Jackson Five.
Nigeria theme park
Marlon Jackson, a former member of the world famous Jackson Five band and a brother to the legendary Michael Jackson has become associated with a rather curious development project. To commemorate all the slaves taken from its shores, a magnificent theme park is to be built in the port of Badagry, Nigeria. It is not to be an ordinary theme park though. The developer has revealed an intention to invest an incredible $ 3.4 billion into this project.
The location is not just a randomly picked place. In fact, Badagry has been known as the major slave-trade port. Between 16th and 19th century, more than 10 million Africans were forced to leave their homes to be shipped away and enslaved for years. A replica of an old slave ship is to become part of the museum, which will be dedicated to a faithful portrayal of the slaves.
African beats and sense for rhythm have had a massive influence on music, especially in the 20th century. This aspect is also celebrated in the museum, and part of the exhibition are holograms of the Jackson Five.
Strangely enough, even though the project partially commemorates slavery in a humble and educational way - featuring exhibitions, a memorial, the slave ship, it is partially a luxurious resort. A golf course and multiple casinos as well as a five-star hotel will also become the major attractions here.
The developer presents the Badagry Theme Park project as an attempt to raise awareness as well as attract those African Americans who wish to trace their roots and return to visit their homeland. As a secondary goal, the tourist flow is meant to increase massively in Nigeria, to some 1.4 million visitors in the first year only. The project critics point out that even though the cause seems noble, the theme park is about to become yet another money making business with no other objectives. Hopefully, the future months will reveal the real benefits of the theme park.
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