OMERUO DREAMS OF EURO FOOTBALL WITH DEN HAAG

Super Eagles centre-back, Kenneth Omeruo, is optimistic of his Dutch club, ADO Den Haag’s chances of picking one of the slots to play in one of UEFA’s club competitions when the current season ends.

The defender who was shipped out on-loan from his parent club Chelsea in the English Premier League during the last summer transfer revealed it will be a dream come true for both ADO management and fans if the team can beat other contenders to the much coveted European slots come May.

“The fans of ADO Den Haag have high expectations of their club and we will not disappoint them. They hope we get the chance of playing European football and I think we’re going to do that,” Omeruo declares ahead of this weekend’s league match against RKC Waalwijk.

“The final phase of the league is becoming very exciting as all the clubs we still have to play have all kinds of interests. Some clubs have the chance to become champions while others will do everything possible to avoid the relegation play-offs. Every team wants to play European football just like we also want to do,” he concludes, while also promising that the players will not underrate their opponents this weekend.

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Jim Iyke Unscripted Promo Video and Photos

His reality show, Jim Iyke Unscripted, premieres on Africa Magic on Thursday April 18 2013. See the promo video after the cut...

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Must watch video: Comedians 'Roast' Julius Agwu on his 40th bday

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DAUGHTERS OF EVE AUDITIONS ONGOING..CALL NOW

X MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT IS CALLING FOR INTRESTED ACTORS TO COME FOR AUDITIONS AS IT PREPARES TO SHOOT DAUGHTERS OF EVE SEASON THREE AND A FOOL AT 40 SERIES. for more visit www.xmediaentertainment.gnbo.com.ng

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Man Sells 6-month- Old Son To Raise Funds For Visa

One Mr Onyekachi Ekwelum, who allegedly sold his six-month-old son to raise funds to process his travel documents, would be appearing before a magistrate in court to defend his action.

Mr Ekwelum allegedly hatched and executed the act without the consent of the wife, but the lid was blown off by his 20-year-old spouse Ozioma when she could not find their son and reported the matter to the police. Her husband had wanted to travel to Greece.


The Abia State commissioner of Police, Mr Usman Abubakar Tilli, who disclosed this to newsmen in his office on Monday said the police mounted a man hunt that led to the rescue of the child and the arrest of the suspects.

CP Tilli warned criminals to stay off the state as there would be no hiding place for them and said the suspects have been charged to court.

T he Commissioner who expresses concern over spate of child trafficking said that on March 4 this year Mr Chidiebere Samuel of Ovungwu in IsialaNgwa south Local government area that his wife Odinaka Samuel connived with a nurse Monica Benjamin who delivered her baby girl and sold the child at N150, 000.

Describing such acts as inhuman, he said the suspects in the criminal transaction have been apprehended and charged to an Umuahia Magistrate court.

In a similar incident in Amoji Isiala Ngwa north local government the commissioner said that a man Mr Oluchukwu Ogidi reported that his wife Kelechi on March 16 connived with one Dr Williams Oruwa who delivered her baby and sold the newborn baby boy for N350.He also said the suspects have been arrested and charged to court even as he revealed that in the course of investigation three pregnant women allegedly harboured by the suspect possibly to have their babies sold after delivery were discovered.
Source: Leadership

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Agbani Darego set to launch denim line, AD. See official promo pics

Agbani Darego, the Beauty Queen turned Entrepreneur releases the promotional campaign
for her denim line AD by Agbani Darego. The denim line embraces a luxurious and chic aesthetic that’s affordable with cuts and styles that are flattering to a range of body types.

“Launching AD by Agbani Darego is a dream come true for me. Jeans are my loved go-to everyday
look and it’s a love I share with a lot of young girls and women for its comfort and simplicity. AD by
Agbani Darego is a line that caters to the ease we require of our personal style and it has been a
pleasure creating a line that’s intuitive to our body, style and pocket needs. I am excited about it and I

hope that it will be well received” says Agbani. See more photos after the cut...

The first products to be launched are its range of Jeans, Polo shirts and its Zip front Shirt
Dress. Named after the Nigerian woman, the Jeans will come in four styles; Bola- “Trouser
Leg”, Aisha-“Classic Cut”, Ify-“Boyfriend Jeans”, Nosa-“Skinny Jeans” and in a variety of
washes. Prices of products range from 6,500 Naira – 12,500 Naira.

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Halle Berry shows off growing baby bump

The 46 year old mom-to-be happily showed off her growing baby bump at the premiere of her new movie, 'The Call' in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Monday April 8th.

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Gov Fashola Commissions Emeka Anyaoku Housing Estate in Ikeja

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, yesterday April 9th, commissioned the newly-constructed Ikeja Millemium Housing Estate, which he named after former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.

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Genevieve Nnaji covers April Issue of Genevieve Magazine

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Final Top 2 Performances... Banky W joins Nigerian Idol 3

Finally, Nigeria's top TV reality music competition, Nigerian Idol season 3, has reached its last set of performances. With 3 performances each on Sunday night, the Top 2 contestants, Debbie rise and Moses,delivered beyond their best. During the final performances, Debbie and Moses performed Cyndi Lauper's 'Time after Time'. It was the first, and perhaps last, duet for the two contestants. The judges - Yinka Davies, Femi Kuti and Jefrey Daniels - all agreed that both contestants deserved the crown. Continue...

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Photos: 2face and Annie Idibia return from their honeymoon

2face and Annie arrived Nigeria late last night after spending over two weeks in Dubai for their wedding and honeymoon. 2face shared the photos on his website.

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Ekiti State deputy governor, Funmilayo Olayinka, dies of cancer at 52

The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, has died of cancer. The 52 year old banker turned politician lost her battle with cancer today in Lagos. She's survived by her husband and three kids. May her soul rest in peace...Amen.

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ARSENAL VS WESTBROM.. PREDICT THE SCORE LINE AND WIN AIRTIME

PREDICT THE SCORE LINE BETWEEN ARSENAL AND WESTBROM AND WIN BOUNTY AIRTIME... ENTRY CLOSES 45 MINUTES AFTER KICKOFF .

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Torres plays down Atletico links

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has played down speculation that he is set for a return to Atletico Madrid next summer, as he has vowed to see out the remaining three years of his contract with at Stamford Bridge.

Rumours of a deal that would see Atletico striker Falcao and Torres switch clubs ahead of the start of next season have persisted for the last year and more, yet the much maligned Chelsea hit-man has insisted he is not ready to give up on his Premier League career just yet.

"I've never hidden that I am grateful because Atletico gave me many things, but the reality is I am in another team and I have three more years on my contract," he toldThe Sun. "I have a lot of things to give to Chelsea and many things to prove to myself before returning home. Right now, returning to Atletico is not a reality."

Meanwhile, Torres has vowed to find his best form once again and reclaim a place in the Spanish national team after he was again dropped by coach Vincente Del Bosque for last month's round of World Cup qualifiers.

"I hope to be able to return to the national team," he added. "The first step is to do well at my club and that will give me more options of returning. I want to do well in order to return. We have a lot to win and many joys to give people and many tournaments to play with this generation. Of course getting back in to the national team is one of my objectives."

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Nani keen to make history

Nani admits this season has been disappointing on a personal front but the Portuguese winger is determined to make history with the club by sealing a 20th title.

The wide man has also revealed to MUTV that Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken with the squad to outline his expectations for the remainder of the Barclays Premier League campaign following the FA Cup exit to Chelsea.

"I think everyone has been a bit disappointed and a bit down after that day [at Stamford Bridge]," he conceded. "Everyone expected a good result but that's football and we already spoke all together with the manager. We know we still have a job to do and have to focus on the next games and try to forget that.

"This season has been a bit disappointing for me as I've had a couple of injuries. It's been very difficult to be at my best but I've come back from injury and am trying to be at my best until the finish of the season. I hope that, next season, I can do what I like to do - play my football and be at my best."

The winning mentality at Old Trafford continues to spur Nani and his team-mates to glory as reclaiming the championship from Manchester City would go a long way to erasing the painful memories of last May.

"It means a lot because I've been saying in the past that what you learn at this club is the mentality to always win every competition and the most important is the Premier League," he stressed.

"So what happened last year made us very focused on this league for this year. I think we've been doing a very good job to be in this position and we want to win the league and make history for this club again.

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No rest for Robin Vanpersie..United Vs City

Sir Alex Ferguson is backing Robin van Persie to end his goal drought but feels United's top scorer was unlucky not to be credited with the winner at Sunderland last weekend.

The Dutchman worked the ball onto his left foot at the Stadium of Light and fired in a shot but it took a deflection off Titus Bramble and will go down as an own goal against the Black Cats centre-back.

Following the FA Cup tie at Chelsea, van Persie has now gone nine games without scoring with his last strike coming in the home win against Everton in February. However, the manager rejects any suggestions that the 29-year-old needs a break at this stage of the campaign.

"Robin doesn't need a rest, that’s for sure," insisted Sir Alex. "He's a strong lad with a great physique.

"It's disappointing he wasn't awarded the goal at Sunderland – I can understand that because it took a wicked deflection. His shot was fantastic – it was hit with such venom that it’s not surprising it took a deflection. But his ability to manoeuvre his position at that point was excellent. The goals will come. All strikers have little dry spells – you always hope it ends quickly. It's just part of being a striker."

After bagging the late winner in the corresponding derby fixture at the Etihad Stadium, the stage is set for van Persie to net against City again on Monday. Sir Alex says he can draw on his own experience to offer advice to strikers when it comes to taking chances.

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Desmond Elliot Biography

Desmond Elliot is easily one of the fastest rising stars in the Nigerian home video sector. He shot into limelight through television soap operas and was soon to become a regular face in Nollywood movies such that tracking him down for an interview became almost impossible.

Elliot has also been to many parts of the globe, as his acting skills have made him a well sought after artiste. Besides, he has become a role model in Nollywood such that he often becomes first choice for every producer in search of artistes for romantic roles.

In a recent chat with Daily Sun, Elliot recalled how a friend lured him into acting. He also spoke about his ambition to become the executive governor of Lagos State in the nearest future and why he married an Akwa–Ibom woman:

Background
I was born to a Yoruba father and an Ibo mother. I grew up in the Northern part of the country and I am married to an Akwa-Ibom woman. I had my primary education at Air Force Primary school in Jos from where I went to St John’s College also in Jos. I studied Economics at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos and graduated in 2003.

It was a friend who influenced me to become an actor. My friend wasn’t an actor but he always felt that I was cut out for the entertainment industry. As a Christian, I felt that the best thing for me to do was to pray about it. I prayed and asked God to help me make a choice. It wasn’t easy but I thank God that He intervened and revealed to me that I should join the industry. I first started with soap operas such as Everyday People, One Too Much, Wale Adenuga’s Super Stories and Saints and Sinners. I still feature in Everday People but I moved into the movie industry gradually and today the rest is history.

Between Soaps and Video
Anywhere in the world, film and video have always been quite challenging and rewarding to practitioners. Even in more developed countries most great movie stars move from television to movies. For example, Bruce Willies moved from Moonlighting to movies and Will Smith went from Fresh Prince Of Barley to Men in Black. For me, movies are more demanding and rewarding than soap operas.

Becoming governor of Lagos
I am looking forward to becoming the elected governor of Lagos State in not too distant future, but definitely not in 2007. I want to serve the people of Lagos and I know I can do it. People say that politics is a dirty game, I don’t know exactly how dirty it can get but my intention basically is to serve humanity.

Why I run from women
Women chase me because I am an actor and if they don’t do that it simply means that I am not yet an actor. In fact, being chased is not the issue, what matters is that whenever I perceive that I am about to be chased, I run. I run because I have an ambition, which I don’t want women to ruin for me. I run from them if they want to go beyond the level of being my fans to another level.

Realising a character
When I receive a new script, I usually take my time to study it. Thereafter, I hold a discussion with the director on what is expected of me in the movie. Then I move on to develop a suitable character that will go well with what the entire production is all about.

Turn off
I don’t like people flashing me. I mean if you want to give a call, go ahead and do so, it is of no use flashing me.
I also feel bad when the up-coming artistes are not given the necessary opportunity to come into the industry and fully realise their potentials. Another thing that really puts me off is when some directors want to turn actors to zombies by casting them stereotypically into such roles as lover boy, gentleman, tough guy and all that. Personally, I like to see an actor take up different roles and interpreting them well.

Nollywood
The fact that the Nigerian movie industry is growing is what particularly turns me on, thanks to all those that are making it happen such as the marketers, directors, producers and others
Nollywood contributes to the nation’s economy because quite a number of people are involved and are earning their livelihood from it. The only problem is that our government is yet to fully realise the great economic advantage that lies in tapping into the industry. America and India have tapped into Hollywood and Bollywood respectively and the result is quite rewarding.
Government should come and invest in the industry, the marketers have done great jobs by investing their money to prove that the sector is lucrative.

Popularity
First, I did not pay for this talent, it is a gift from God and whatever comes from God is mine. At the same time, God gave it to me and reserves the right to take it back if you fail to use the gift to make people happy and contribute to the good of humanity. So, there is nothing star in my dictionary. I don’t see myself as a star, rather I see myself as someone who wants to manifest God’s gift to bless people, to bless myself and everything around me. I want people to be happy around me, not just to call me a star.

Relaxation
I basically relax with my wife whenever the opportunity comes, especially if I am in town and not involved in a tedious job. I have a special form of relaxation, I just choose a suitable time and free myself from every form of stress.

On AIDS
My advice is that people should abstain from sex or be faithful to their partners. There is no alternative to it This may be difficult but it is the only way a young person can save his or her life in this era of HIV. The rule is not merely playing the so-called safe but to abstain.


Piracy
Piracy is a crime that government and the people have to fight. It is unfortunate that the pirates make all the money from products they had no input in manufacturing. I also feel very bad when I hear or see a movie that I feature in being pirated.
Foundation for the less privileged
This is one of my strategies as a politician. I don’t want to be accused of corruption. I am looking at the vision of a Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwaznneger who both saw the need to put something back to society by leaving their glamour world for elective offices to serve the people.

Marriage
Although people say I got married late but the truth is that I dated my wife for about eight years before we finally got married. My kind of job may have exposed me to the opposite sex but the truth is that my wife means the whole world to me. I appreciate my wife and I married her basically for love and nothing else. She is so understanding and caring. These are the two vital attributes I find lacking in most women of today.

Upcoming actors
The Bible teaches that anything that happens to a man comes by time and chance. So, I urge the younger artistes to aspire to be great. They shouldn’t lose hope or get frustrated. They should face their career no matter the obstacle they may encounter and keep working hard.
For example, many people frustrated me before I could get to the level that I am now. But any serious young artiste can also overcome the odds. Above all, what every youth should do is to keep a low head and when the opportunity to shoot into limelight comes, grab it.

A true Nigerian
I understand the three major Nigerian languages but I speak more of Hausa because that is the language I grew up with.

Movies
They include:Magic Moment by Infinity Films Production; Last Oath: An Okoro Ugwu film, which equally starred Stella Damascus Aboderin and Ngozi Ezeonu. Others include: True Romance 1 and 2, directed by Chico Ejiro but produced by Arinze Ephrian; With Love, a movie directed by Osita Okoli but produced by Vitus Nnebue. The movie featured other artistes like Rita Dominic, Hanks Anuku, Ashley Nwosu, Abubakar Yakubu and Mike Nliams. Another movie I featured in is Wild Rose, which equally featured Omotola Jolade, Shan George and Fred Amata.

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Ini Edo Biography

It was the movie, Thick Madam, that first launched Ini Edo into the motion picture industry in 2003. Since then, Edo has featured in many movies, although she sees her role in Worlds Apart as the most challenging.

Pretty, young and highly talented, the 23-year old Theatre Arts undergraduate of the University of Uyo nurtured her acting career as a dramatist in her church.
Today, Edo is one of the most sought after actresses in
Nollywood.


Edo who spoke about her passion for acting and her dream of becoming the best actress in the world also hinted that her dream man must be comfortable:


Background
My name is Ini Edo from Akwa Ibom State. My mother is a teacher while my father is an elder in the church. My parents have four children, three girls and a boy. I am the second child.
I attended New Era International Nursery School. I am currently studying Theatre Arts at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Growing up was fun although I had a strict upbringing. Ours is a very young and close-knit family.


Getting started
As a child, I always knew I had this talent in me. This was why I always grabbed the opportunity to act in church drama and my nursery school. While in School, someone invited me for an audition. I went there, performed well and later got the role.


But my parents did not really like it. They insisted I completed my education before going into acting, but I had to beg and convince them before they allowed me to feature in my first movie called Thick Madam in 2003.
Combining acting and my studies has not been easy, but I set my priorities right. When I am less busy in school, I go to location.


Taking up roles
This depends on a lot of things – the story, remuneration and the people I am going to work with. I do not act for the fun of it, but because I love it and I enjoy it. So the storyline must be very strong. It must not be just any kind of story. Sometimes you see a story you can never imagine someone could sit down and write. I am talking about creativity. I do not like everyday stories with flat characters.


Inspiration
I get inspired when I watch young girls like me making it in the industry. If I have a good story to work on, it gives me a lot of inspiration. God and my love for acting also inspire me.


First time out
I felt good. I was not nervous because I started with stage performance. I did a lot of stage work. It was not really a new thing to me. At first, I felt a little bit intimidated by the presence of known stars but as time went on, I got used to it. Later, when I got close to most of them, I just found out that they are colleagues. I learnt to see them like that too.


Mentors
A lot of people contributed to my growth in the industry. Ikenna Igwe encouraged me to take up a career in acting. There was a movie they produced sometime ago, my course mates invited him over, and he gave me a role.


Most challenging role
The most challenging role for me so far was played in a movie entitled Worlds Apart. That was the first time I was given such a lead role. I really had to come out of my own character to learn a new language entirely, putting up an attitude that was out of my own lifestyle.


Sexual harassment
I have not been harassed by anybody, though people talk about harassment. I have never experienced it. Maybe because I never came into the industry through the back door. I have overheard people talking about sexual harassment but truly speaking, I have never experienced it. Besides, I believe that anything that you don’t get through the right source can never last you. I worked hard to get to where I am today. I worked round the clock and what I have today is on merit. I cannot sleep with a producer for a role. It is not possible.


Romantic roles
If you decide to take it, then you must act it. There are certain scenes that you may not like but because it is your job, you have to do it. But honestly, no personal feelings is attached to the job, put pure professionalism.


Acting and my life
Yes, acting has affected my life both positively and negatively. The negative aspect is that it does not give me room to attend to my family and friends. It takes a lot of my time.


Actresses and marriage
Acting will never be a hindrance to me. I will get married the moment I am ready for it. I am a woman and when I find the right man, I will marry him. My kind of man should be God-fearing. It is not really about outward appearance but about inner beauty. Having money is not something I consider but my dream man must be comfortable enough to take care of me.


Relationship
Boyfriend? Did I have a boyfriend before? I can’t remember if I have ever had a boyfriend, it’s been a long time now. I am a beautiful woman, men naturally come my way but I know the aim of everyman that comes my way. So it is up to me to know what I want. You can’t be my fan and also want to have a relationship.


Prospects
There is nothing impossible under the sun. I can see light at the end of the tunnel. It is not going to be easy, but I know we would definitely get there. In Nollywood, there is too much of envy, but I guess it is everywhere in showbiz world. But the way we are going, I know we would get there because Hollywood did not spring up in a day. It took some years and if we have the support of the government, we would surely get there.


Last word
I love my fans and I will try my best to give them what they want.

> www.nigeriamovies.net
*Update* Ini Edo is now a graduate from University of Calabar.

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Joke Silva Biography

Joke is a household name in the world of Nigeria cinema. Since the early eighties, she has carved out a successful career as an actress on stage, film, television and radio primarily in Nigeria and England (BBC, British Film Institute, Royal Court Theatre Sloan Sq) and the South of France.

 Her acting credits include “Secret Laughter of Women” with Nia Long and Colin Firth (’97 Film), Mirror in the Sun (’84 TV), Second Chance (’84 TV), Jero’s Metamorphosis (’81 Stage), Owuro Lojo (’93 Video), Mind Bending (’92 TV), Sisters (2002 Stage), The King Must Dance Naked (’93 Stage), Tight Rope (2000 – 2002 TV), Twins of the Rainforest (’98 Film), The Kingmaker (2002 Video), A Husband’s Wife (2003 Stage), Brave Heart (2003 Film), Shylock (2004 Stage) and A Past Came Calling (2004 Stage) to mention a few.

Joke has also written and directed to critical acclaim: Digging for Gold, Jonah, The Drummer Boy and Footprints. She is an alumnus of Holy Child College, Obalende, Weber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts, London, University of Lagos Akoka and Fate Foundation, Ijora.

Silva is a recipient of several awards, including the EMOTAN Award by African Independent Television and the SOLIDRA Award. She is also a Member of the think tank for the Blair Commission for Africa, a trustee of Advocacy for Women and Children, a board member and a grief counselor for AART of Life Foundation.

There is no doubt that Joke brings a wealth of experience to the character she portrays in 30 Days. Dupe Alade is the president’s most powerful minister and she has been charged with the task of untangling the mystery behind the killing of government officials.

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Bimbo Akintola Biography

Tell us about your family and education?
I’m the third child in a family of six. My father is from Oyo State, while my mother is from Edo State. I had my diploma and first degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan. I like singing, dancing and, above all, I like acting.

Would you say, therefore, that you are versatile?
I would love to believe that I am versatile because I like to play different kinds of characters.


Your role in The Mourning After must have demanded so much of you, how much?
In the Mourning After, I played the part of a woman of about forty years of age who has two teenage daughters and has to go through a whole lot of battles with the Igbo tradition, on the kind of treatment meted out to widows. She goes through a range of emotions; from sad, depressed to almost insane and then I had to cut off my hair. I did it because of the mood of the film, you know, to drive the message home. It was an integral part of the story.

What was the feedback from the film like?
It was warming because a lot of people were moved by the story. There were a lot of the people that came back to me to talk about the fact that they had gone through similar things and at the end of the day, I felt like I had done something. It was just something great.

Are you in anyway motivated by that role to want to go into an NGO to fight the depravities of women in our society?
I never really thought about it,but it sounds like a good idea because there is a lot that we have to change about our traditions. I’m not saying that traditions are bad. I love tradition, but there are certain traditions that just seem to damage life. In Africa somebody dies and it has to be that somebody must have killed him. It can’t be by natural cause. People forget that we don’t do regular check ups here and we don’t do autopsies. So you could never tell what killed who, when or where, or why. These are part of the things that the film brought back to me, things it made me realise.

Outside acting, what do you do?
I have this talk show I’m producing, oh, I keep talking about my talk show, people are going to start stoning me one day when they don’t get to see the talk show. Maybe I am being a perfectionist. I want it to be good; I will always give my best effort. I don’t want to give the people anything shoddy. So, I do have a talk show that I have been working on for quite some time now, on adn off, I’m taking my time.

Have you signed with any particular TV station for this show?
I’ve not thought about a particular TV station, but I’m thinking network. What I’m working on is a talk show on topical issues, things that affect each and every Nigerian, in whatever way, small or big. Things that we need to address, things that people never want to talk about but are a part of the problems in the society.

Would you say you are sociable?
Do I like to go out, you mean? Well, yes, I like to go out with my girlfriends, my right dames. So what do you see, I go clubbing once in a while, depending on my mood. I am sociable, I can be very sociable.

Talking about your girls, why the girls, why not the boys? As if the boys don’t matter?
Why, of course, the boys do matter. Come on, God created male and female for a particular reason. Men do matter, but I enjoy having night outs with my girlfriends. It’s just great fun, for us to gist and talk about men.

Who is the man in your life?
Nobody!

How do you mean, nobody, you are an African and here at an age as yours if a girl has no man to take to the parents, you know what they will think?
That’s one of the things I think we need to address in this country, the fact that people say “At a particular age, you need to have a man”. A man does not define your right, a relationship is suppossed to move you forward in a particular way but it does not define who you are. Now if I do not have a relationship, it doesn’t change the fact that I’m Bimbo Akintola and this is what we do to our females in this country; we frustrate them to the point that they marry anybody, not thinking of the fact that there is a life after marriage, which is why we have so many break ups. That’s one of the things we need to address. I don’t have a man, I’m proud to say it...

Is it that the men have stopped making advances at you?
Let’s say I haven’t found Mr Right. There is no Mr Perfect, but there is an honest person, you know, no, my taste is not high. I like very, very plain, easy, nice people, people with integrity, principled people. I like people who have something upstairs, intellectuals. I don’t think I’m asking for too much because we have lots and lots of people like that in this country. Nigeria has great men, very talented, any which way you like to put it.

What is the greatest thing that has happened to you?> www.nigeriamovies.net
The fact that, at a tender age, I found out what I wanted to do and had stubborness, you can call it any other name, but my mother says it is stubborness, to achieve it.

Is that stubborness paying off?
Yes because it enables me do what I want to do.

Regrets?
I learn from my mistakes but harbour no regrets, really.

Your first English language movie was Out of Bounds. How really bad was the feedback like from your fans?
First, that was the film for which I was awarded the best actress, English actress and the best actress in Nigeria, so I would say for me it was a forward movement. And a lot of people love the character even though most people wouldn’t understand what the character was all about, yet a lot of people found her naughtiness very interesting.

What was the character about, really, other than one wayward satanic girl?
She is just a girl crying out for help. You know that when children want your attention, they tend to behave badly just to get your attention. She wanted the parents’ love and attention because she believed that she wasn’t getting any of that and she behaved badly in the hope to get it saying since they didn’t really love me then I don’t have to conform but at the same time, she wanted so much for them to love her.

How were you able to handle the negative publicity it gave you?
I don’t think it gave me a negative image. Nobody has come up to me and said you were some kind of a bad girl, instead I have had comments like “Oh, I love that character, you played it normally, so I don’t believe it gave me a bad image.

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Chidinma Goes Gothic On The Cover Of MyStrretz Magazine

Chidinma A.K.A. ‘Mz Kedike’ has graced the covers of MyStreets magazine, their eleventh edition. I have to applaud the make up artist and stylist for being able to pull this gothic look in a sophisticated way, she is looking gorgeous.

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Photos from Nse Ikpe Etim and Clifford Sule's traditional wedding

Actress Nse Ikpe Etim and Clifford Sule's traditional wedding held yesterday Thursday April 4th
at St. Stephen Primary School, Ikot Etobon, Akwa Ibom State. Big congrats to them.

credit..linda ikeji

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Wesley Snipes Released From Prison

Wesley Snipes has officially been released from prison.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirms he was let out April 2 and transferred to the N.Y. Community Corrections Office, which will oversee his house arrest.

On July 19, the troubled actor will truly be a free man.



If you recall, Snipes was sent to McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania after he was convicted for failing to file federal income tax returns.

Tax evasion. It's not sexy as crimes go, but it's got teeth.

Dude has been in there since December 2010!

April 15. Mark it on your calendars,

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How a Man Produces 1,500 Sperm a Second

Attention, men: In the last second your bodies each produced at least 1,500 sperm cells. Now researchers have unlocked just how this seminal feat is possible.


For the past 40 years scientists have thought stem cells in the testicles—also called germline stem cells—become sperm only through a simple, two-step process.

Not so. Germline stem cells, it seems, can become sperm in several different ways, according to new experiments with mice. (Explore an interactive of the human body.)

"What we're saying is there isn't a strict linear progression from a stem cell to a [sperm] cell," said study co-author Robert Braun, associate director at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine. "Sometimes the stem cells go through several cell divisions to get there, sometimes they don't."

What's more, the researchers found that a cell that's partway to becoming a sperm cell can revert back to being a germline stem cell—previously thought impossible.

For the new study, scientists genetically engineered mice so that their germline stem cells appeared fluorescent, allowing the team to watch the cells' development. (For more on this technique, see "Chemistry Nobel Prize Awarded for Glowing Protein Work.")

The scientists also "labeled" specific cells within the mouse germline stem cells a certain color and observed what happened to them over a period of several days. (Related: "'Brainbows' Illuminate the Mind's Wiring.")

The research also revealed that sperm develop from a smaller subset of specialized germline stem cells in the testes than previously thought.

Sperm Live Fast, Die Young

Since sperm are short-lived, they must constantly be replenished, Braun noted—hence that 1,500-per-second production rate.

"In addition, fertiization is surprisingly inefficent," he said. "There has to be a large initial payload [for those] few cells to make it to the final destination"—the woman's egg.

But continuously pumping out a stream of sperm cells from puberty to old age requires a man's body to maintain a very delicate germ cell balance.

For instance, if germline stem cells stay stem cells for a long time and don't change into sperm cells, a man may be at risk of getting testicular cancer. But if germline stem cells too often develop into sperm, a man may become infertile.

Sperm Research May Lead to Male Birth Control

Unlocking such mysteries of sperm development could someday lead to infertility treatments or even the elusive male birth control pill, said Braun, whose research appears tomorrow in the journal Science. (Related: "New Sex Hormone Found—May Lead to Male Birth Control?")

For instance, scientists may learn how to keep germline stem cells from becoming sperm.

"The more we learn about the normal behavior of cells," Braun said, "the more we know how to manipulate them."

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SYNPTOMS OF LOW SPERM COUNT

The main sign of low sperm count is the inability to conceive a child. There may be no other obvious signs or symptoms. In some cases, an underlying problem such as an inherited hormonal imbalance or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm may cause signs and symptoms. Low sperm count symptoms may include:
Problems with sexual function — for example, low sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area
Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosome or hormone abnormality

When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you:
Are unable to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse with your partner
Have erection or ejaculation problems, low sex drive or other problems with sexual function
Have pain, discomfort, a lump or swelling in the testicular area
Have a history of testicle, prostate or sexual problems
Have had groin, testicle, penis or scrotum surgery

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Low sperm count--causes

The production of sperm is a complex process and requires normal functioning of the testicles (testes) as well as the hypothalamus and pituitary glands — organs in your brain that produce hormones that trigger sperm production. Once sperm are produced in the testicles, delicate tubes transport them until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out of the penis. Problems with any of these systems can affect sperm production. Also, there are problems of abnormal sperm shape (morphology) or movement (motility). Often the cause of low sperm count isn't ever identified.

Medical causes
Low sperm count can be caused by a number of health issues and medical treatments. Some of these include:
Varicocele. A varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel) is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It's a common cause of male infertility. This may prevent normal cooling of the testicle, leading to reduced sperm count and fewer moving sperm.
Infection. Some infections can interfere with sperm production and sperm health or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm. These include some sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea; inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis); inflamed testicles due to mumps (mumps orchitis); and other infections of the urinary tract or reproductive organs.
Ejaculation problems. Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder during orgasm instead of emerging out of the tip of the penis. Various health conditions can cause retrograde ejaculation, including diabetes, spinal injuries, and surgery of the bladder, prostate or urethra. Certain medications also may result in retrograde ejaculation, such as blood pressure medications known as alpha blockers. Some men with spinal cord injuries or certain diseases can't ejaculate semen at all, though they still can produce sperm.
Antibodies that attack sperm. Anti-sperm antibodies are immune system cells that mistakenly identify sperm as harmful invaders and attempt to destroy them. This is especially common in men who've had a vasectomy.
Tumors. Cancers and nonmalignant tumors can affect the male reproductive organs directly, or can affect the glands that release hormones related to reproduction (such as the pituitary gland). Surgery, radiation or chemotherapy to treat tumors can also affect male fertility.
Undescended testicles. During fetal development one or both testicles sometimes fail to descend from the abdomen into the sac that normally contains the testicles (scrotum). Decreased fertility is more likely in men with this condition.
Hormone imbalances. The hypothalamus, pituitary and testicles produce hormones that are necessary to create sperm. Alterations in these hormones, as well as from other systems such as the thyroid and adrenal, may impair sperm production.
Sperm duct defects. The tubes that carry sperm can be damaged by illness or injury. Some men are born with a blockage in the part of the testicle that stores sperm (epididymis) or a blockage of one of the tubes that carry sperm out of the testicles (vas deferens). Men with cystic fibrosis and some other inherited conditions may be born without sperm ducts altogether.
Chromosome defects. Inherited disorders such as Klinefelter's syndrome — in which a male is born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome instead of one X and one Y — cause abnormal development of the male reproductive organs. Other genetic syndromes associated with infertility include cystic fibrosis, Kallmann's syndrome, Young's syndrome, and Kartagener syndrome.
Celiac disease. A digestive disorder caused by sensitivity to gluten, celiac disease can cause male infertility. Fertility may improve after adopting a gluten-free diet.
Certain medications. Testosterone replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroid use, cancer medications (chemotherapy), certain antifungal medications, some ulcer medications and some other medications can impair sperm production and decrease male fertility.

Environmental causes
Overexposure to certain environmental elements can affect sperm production or function. Specific causes include:
Industrial chemicals. Extended exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, painting materials and lead may contribute to low sperm counts.
Heavy metal exposure. Exposure to lead or other heavy metals also may cause infertility.
Radiation or X-rays. Exposure to radiation can reduce sperm production. It can take several years for sperm production to return to normal. With high doses of radiation, sperm production can be permanently reduced.
Overheating the testicles. Frequent use of saunas or hot tubs may temporarily lower your sperm count. Sitting for long periods, wearing tight clothing or using a laptop on your lap for long periods of time also may increase the temperature in your scrotum and reduce sperm production. The type of underwear you choose to wear is unlikely to significantly impact your sperm count.
Prolonged bicycling. Prolonged bicycling is another possible cause of reduced fertility due to overheating the testicles.

Health, lifestyle and other causes
Other causes of low sperm count include:
Illegal drug use. Anabolic steroids taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease. Use of cocaine or marijuana may temporarily reduce the number and quality of your sperm as well.
Alcohol use. Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels and cause decreased sperm production.
Occupation. Certain occupations may increase your risk of infertility, including those associated with extended use of computers or video display monitors, shift work and work-related stress.
Tobacco smoking. Men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than do those who don't smoke.
Emotional stress. Severe or prolonged emotional stress, including stress about fertility itself, may interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm.
Weight. Obesity can cause hormone changes that reduce male fertility.
Sperm testing issues. Lower than normal sperm counts can result from testing a sperm sample that was taken too soon after your last ejaculation; was taken too soon after an illness or stressful event; or didn't contain all of the semen you ejaculated because some was spilled during collection. For this reason, results are generally based on several samples taken over a period of time.

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32 people, including 22 Nigerians arrested for multi-million credit card fraud in the US

Nigerians o, choi! 32 people, including 22 Nigerians have been arrested in a multimillion, multi-state identity theft and credit card fraud ring. See the report from www.nj.com below...

The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office first got involved in the investigation in the early fall of 2012, when they received numerous complaints from victims as far away as California claiming that credit cards in their name made fraudulent retail purchases in Hudson County, officials said yesterday.
Using store video and physical surveillance, the detectives were able to identify several suspects, authorities state. Detectives then linked those suspects to hundreds of other accounts and millions of dollars in phony transactions.Please continue...



The leaders of the group, authorities say, purchased the identities of unsuspecting victims from online brokers, who got the information from computer hackers across the United States.

In a process known as "punching," electronic account information from the cards' magnetic strips would be transferred onto counterfeit cards, which were provided to "strikers" who conducted the purchases at retailers all over the Eastern Seaboard, authorities say.

Teams of strikers purchased retail gift cards that were then used to purchase various electronic items, authorities say. Those items were then sold in bulk to fences in New York and New Jersey, authorities say. The fence would then sell the items to other people for cash payments.

The investigation has identified nearly 1,000 victims across the country and millions of dollars in phony transactions, authorities say.

Authorities say the suspects spent the proceeds on luxury cars, high-end jewelry and other lavish expenses. Some of the money was additionally sent to accounts in Nigeria, authorities say.

Acting Hudson County Prosecutor Guy Gregory commended a long list of agencies that were involved in the take down, saying, "The operation could not have succeeded without their assistance."

Defendants charged with money laundering, theft by deception, wrongful impersonation and conspiracy include: Bolaji Ola, 30, of Sayreville; Olamide Otti, 27, of Queens; Akintunde Adeyemi, 28, of East Orange; David Brown, 27, of Parlin; Adegbola Adedeji, 31, of Parlin; Oluwaseun Jato, 23, of Hillside; Oluwasola Diji, 31, of Westbury, NY; Oladapo Araromi, 26, of Elizabeth; and Bertrand Ahaneku, 25, of South Orange.

Those charged with theft by deception, wrongful impersonation, and conspiracy include: Oluwaseun Adekoya, 25, of Sewaren; Henry Abdul, 25, of Union; Babatunde Oyefeso, 27, Union; Michael Assih, 24, of East Orange; John Orubo, 32, of Brooklyn; Idris Soyemi, 25, of Brooklyn; Imrahim Akaba, 23, of Piscataway; Vladimir Francois, 27, of Newark; Yves Desir, 29, of Irvington; Aglaide Alzuphar, 23, of Newark; Kossi Klutse, 25, of Newark; Evon Morris, 23, of East Orange; Fontessa Foreman, 27, of Newark; Olutoye Babatunde, 22, of Plainfield; Olukayode Adeosun, 30, of Newark; Gologo Benshaw, 25, of Newark; Olushola Ayeni, 31, of Brooklyn; Orwells Oyakhire, 24, of Maplewood.

Oladayo Araromi, 26, of Linden and Olujimi Williams, 24 of Hillside were charged with conspiracy. Matthew Sabo, 29, of Sayreville and Vijay Shah, 24, of Springfield, are charged with fencing, conspiracy, and receiving stolen property.

Oladayo Araromi, a nurse at Hudson County jail making $79,298, has been suspended without pay, Hudson County spokesman Jim Kennelly said today.

Of the 32 arrested, 24 appeared in Central Judicial Processing court this afternoon. Bail was set for those who appeared by Hudson County Superior Court Judge Joseph Isabella prior to their court appearance.

More arrests are expected, said Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Gene Rubino.

There's an update on the story...read it HERE

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Latest Photos Of the Dazzling Ini-Edo

Dazzling Ini Edo in recent photoshoot.. see more pics after the cut

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AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 2FACE..INNOCENT UJAH IDIBIA

Innocent Ujah Idibia (born in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria), or better known by his stage name 2Face Idibia, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, actor and record producer. He was a member of the defunct R&B/hip hop group Plantashun Boyz.

[edit]

.Early life

2Face Idibia was born Innocent Ujah Idibia in Jos, Nigeria. He is from the Okpokwu local government area and from the Idoma ethnic group in the southern part of Benue State, in central Nigeria.^[1] He attended Saint Gabriel's Secondary School in Makurdi, Benue State. He schooled briefly in the Institute of Management & Technology, Enugu (IMT), where he did his preliminary National Diploma course in business administration and management. While attending IMT he performed at school organized shows and parties, as well as other regional schools such as the University of Nigeria and Enugu State University of Science & Technology. He would not graduate college

[edit]Career

While attending IMT, 2face Idibia started composing and singing jingles at the GB Fan Club at Enugu State Broadcasting Services (ESBS) in 1996. He would move to Lagos and started performing with fellow rapper BlackFace, forming the Plantashun Boyz. He had met BlackFace while attending IMT.^[2] He started calling himself "2Face" in 1996. He cited the reasoning as "trying to demarcate my personal life with my business life.^[3]

In 2006, his song "African Queen" was used in the soundtrack for the film Phat Girlz, which was released internationally.^[4] The Plantashun Boyz came together briefly in 2007 to record an album which they titled Plan B.^[2] He also released a promotion album in 2008 releasing the single, "Enter the Place". Problems with album distribution in 2007 caused as shift of the release date of the album from 2008 to 2009. Tuface released two singles from the international version of his Unstoppable album and is the first Nigerian artist to have an appropriately priced^[5] international album.^[6]

2face Idibia released The Unstoppable International Edition album in 2010. For the album, he won two awards at the 2010 SoundCity Music Video Awards.^[7] He also won theChannel O Music Video Awards Best African Western award and the MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Male and Artist of the year.^[8] Upon leaving the music label Kennis Music, he set up his own record label known as Hypertek Entertainment.^[9] He is part of the Sony All African One8 Project alongside seven other musicians across Africa recording a single with R. Kelly and Prince Lee titled "Hands Across the World".^[10] He is the first non-Liberian to become an honorary member of the Liberian music society in recognition for his outstanding contribution to the growth of music in Africa.

[edit]Personal life

2Face is known for his narrow escapes from death. He had a close shave with death three times, at different locations and times, including gun shots.^[6][11]

On May 2, 2012, 2Face Idibia and Annie Macaulay, a Nollywood actress, got married in Lagos, in a private ceremony.^[12][13] 2face announced his marriage via his Twitter page. He has a child with Annie Macaulay, and five children from previous relations. Annie Macaulay and 2Face had their traditional wedding on the 8 march 2013 in Eket, Akwa-Ibom State Nigeria.The couple also had a white wedding in dubai,on an island with Nigerian and Ghanaian celebrities all present to see the long term couple tie the knot.

[edit]Philanthropy

2Face has established an NGO called 2Face Idibia Reach-Out Foundation.^[14] which motto is service to humanity. In 2009, 2Face was appointed as ambassador the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.^[15] He released a song "Man Unkind" in order to raise awareness on the menace of fake and sub-standard food and drug products in Nigeria.^[16] In 2009, he was presented with the prestigious International Youth Ambassador for Peace Summit and the Nigeria Youth Merit Award by the National Youth Council of Nigeria in recognition of his contributions to youth development in Nigeria.^[17]

[edit]Discography

• 2004: Face 2 Face
• 2006: Grass 2 Grace
• 2008: The Unstoppable
• 2010: The Unstoppable International Edition
• 2012: Away & Beyond

[edit]Awards

Won

• Best Male Vocalist 2002 Affinity Awards
• Music of the Year 2004 Excellence Recognition Awards
• Outstanding Contribution to the Entertainment Industry 2004 Award for Excellence
• Best Male Vocalist 2004 A.M.E.N Awards
• Song of the Year 2004 A.M.E.N Awards
• Best New Act Male 2004 A.M.E.N Awards
• Best Video 2004 A.M.E.N Awards
• Song of the year for "African Queen" 2004 Nigeria Entertainment Awards New York
• Best Album of the year 2004 Nigeria Entertainment Awards New York
• Best Hip Hop and R&B Artiste 2004 Nigeria Entertainment Awards New York
• Musician of the Year 2004 City People Awards for Excellence
• Best Male Video 2005 Channel O Music Video Awards
• Best African Video of the year 2005 Channel O Music Video Awards
• Best African Act 2005 Channel O Music Video Awards
• Best African Act 2005 MTV Europe Music Awards^[18]
• Best African Act 2005 Kora Awards^[19]
• Best Musical Artiste 2005 Afro Nollywood Awards
• African Song of The Year (Non Ghanaian) 2005 Ghana Music Awards
• Special Recognition Award 2005 Hip Hop World Awards
• The Outstanding Musician of the Year 2005 Black Heritage Awards for Excellence
• Best Song of The Year 2005 G.C.E International Awards
• Musician of The Year 2006 The Future Awards
• Africa Break Through Artist of the Year 2006 Nigeria Entertainment Awards New York
• Best Album of the Year 2007 Nigeria Entertainment Awards New York
• Best African Act 2007 MOBO Awards^[20]
• Song of the Decade 2007 Nigerian Music Awards
• Best R'n'B / Pop album 2008 Hip-Hop World Awards
• Best African Act 2008 Australian African Awards
• Best selling Nigerian Artist 2008 World Music Awards, Monaco, Spain^[21]
• Best R&B MTV Africa Music Awards 2009^[22]
• Artist of the Year MTV Africa Music Awards 2010
• Best Male MTV Africa Music Awards 2010
• Most Gifted West African Video 2010 Channel O Music Video Awards^[23]
• Best Pop Video for "Implication" 2010 SoundCity Awards
• Best Western 2010 SoundCity Awards
• New Champions For An Enduring Culture 2011 16th edition of the Annual THISDAY Awards presented by former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger^[24]
• Best International Act: Africa BET Awards of 2011^[25]
• Album of the year 2011 Hip-Hop World Awards – "The Headies"^[26]
• Artist of the year 2011 Hip-Hop World Awards – "The Headies"
• Best R'n'B / Pop album 2011 Hip-Hop World Awards – "The Headies"

Nominated

• Best African Act 2005 MOBO
• Artist of the Year 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards^[27]
• Best Male 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards
• Best Video for "Enter the Place" 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards
• Most Gifted African West Video for "Only Me" 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards^[28]
• Most Gifted Video of the Year for "Only Me" 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards

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