DAREY DUETS GRAMMY AWARD WINNING CHAMILLIONAIRE

Darey featured the Grammy award-winning rapper Chamillionaire in the remix of his song  The way you are.
In case you’ve forgotten Chamillionaire is born to a Nigerian father, 31 year-old Chamillionaire (real name Hakeem Seriki) is an American rapper mostly known for his monster hit ‘Ridin’’ (featuring Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs n Harmony) which earned him the MTV Video Music Awards in 2006, and a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2007
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LOVE STORY OF A BEAUTY QUEEN:CELIA BISSONG SET TO WED

                                                                                    CELIA BISSONG OHUMOTU

Celia Bissong Ohumotu, a former most beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) is back in the news. She went into social oblivion shortly after her reign.The latest news about the ex-beauty queen is that she is getting ready to wed. It is happening very soon.
In an exclusive interview with Azuh Arinze, the beautty queen confirmed her wedding plans. She disclosed that they met through a mutual friend. Since then they have been together and looking forward to a time like this. A time they would be legally and spiritually united!
The man who is driving the wheel of the ex-beauty queen heart is no other person than Amaechi Okoye, a director at TNT/IAS, a courier company in Nigeria.Celia Bissong Ohumotu was co-host at the just concluded Peak Talent Hunt show.
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MONALISA CHINDA TALK ABOUT EX-HUSBAND’S WEDDING TO NEW WIFE “THE WHOLE STORY IS JUST LAUGHABLE…I WISH THEM WELL”

                                                                                       MONALISA CHINDA

For Nollywood actress and Glo ambassador, Monalisa Chinda life goes on but not without a word or two for  her ex-husband,Dejo Richards who recently  got married to another woman.
In her reaction to the way her ex-husband showered encomium on the new wife, Monalisa says ” The whole story is laughable, I am happy for the new couple in town.
In response to another question on what she felt the day she got information and BB pings on the wedding of her ex, she smiled and told the reporter “I didn’t feel any how,honestly, I am happy for him,I don’t feel anyhow,good luck to them.
The crack in Monalisa Chinda and Dejo Richards became obvious in 2009 shortly Monalisa was paid millions of Naira by Telecmmunication company, Globacom. She was endorsed among other  Nollywood stars endorsed as glo Ambassadors.
There was accusation and counter accusations from both parties over greed. While Monalisa disclosed that her husband relied so much on her income and also was on the habit of beating her, Dejo Richards alleged that his wife was ‘money drunk’. According to him, Monalisa is misbehaving because of the money she collected from Glo. He also said some producers and single actresses in Nollywood are bad influence on his wife.
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E! FASHION POLICE SAYS JLO IS GRAMMY 2011 BEST DRESSED CELEBRITY

                                                          JLO and Husband, Mc Anthony
41 year old singer, model, dancer and actress, Jennifer Lopez has been voted the best dressed at the 2011 Grammy Academy Awards by a panel sitting at the studios of Entertainment Weekly. The Fashion Police show on E! gave the verdict few minutes ago

JLO at Grammy 2011

Jlo as she is fondly called is more or less , a veteran of the Grammy awards.She wore a Pucci dress that was complemented with a Christian Louboutin shoes. JLO came with her husband Marc Anthony in tow at the prestigeous event, which took place at Staples Centre in Los Ageles on Sunday 13 February 2011.
Lady Gaga got all the attention with her entry via an incubator like carriage but JLO got the crown on the red carpet.Though she’s been off the scene a little bit, the best dressed “crown” is enough to show that she still got the swags!
 Congratulations to the American Idol judge.

LOVER GIVES FATHIA DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

                                                                        FATHIA BALOGUN
Top Yoruba actress Fathia Balogun has refuted the story that she was getting set to marry a Motorpark chief after her break up from actor husband, Saheed Balogun. Fathia hinted that contrary to speculations that she was going to marry  one of the leaders of NURTW (National Union of Road Transport Workers), she is  in love with Seun, a Nigerian businessman.
Just like actress Ini Edo, who found her missing ribs in Phillip Ehigwina who live and work in Houston Texas, Fathia Balogun’s man also live in Houston.Gistmaster.com gathered that Fathia and her new husband had a  quiet engagement party on 21 January 2011 in Lagos. The wedding proper has been fixed for May 21.
According to the love story, Seun and Fathia met at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. They were both on their way to Dubai. They got talking. From what seems like just a boyfriend and girlfriend move, they became so close and the rest is now history. Seun, a rich businessman proposed with a Diamond ring. Fathia was taken aback as she never thought Seun could be that serious.
Seun is known to have a love child, just Fathia also has kids from two previous marriages. But according to Fathia, the purpose of the marriage is more about being with someone that can truly appreciate you.
At the moment, no one can say whether or not, Fathia would leave acting or she would relocate abroad but one thing for sure is that the Yoruba actress is happy that she has found a new man.
Fathia has been romantically liked with Corporate picture boss and one of the leaders of the road transport Union amongst others.
Saheed Balogun, her actor ex-husband and actress lover, Funke Adeshiyan parted ways recently.
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Uche Uweji is a beautiful Nollywood Actress that has seen so many scandals and still determined to make it through her dream profession. Talking with her was fun and interesting. And even with all the scandals trailing her, she remains unshakable in the fight for what she believes in. In a phone chat with NOLLYWOODGOSSIP’s LIVE ONLINE WITH DELIA, the lively actress seems to have answers to all the questions fans have about her scandals.

Here is what she has to say.
Tell us about your family background?
My name is Uche Uweji, I’m from Isiala Mbaano in Imo state.  I’m from family of 6. My Dad is a Chief, a Barrister, and Solicitor. He is a Lawyer by profession. He is married to two wives. Actually my mum is the second wife. I am the second of two boys and two girls from my Mum. I was born in Lagos. I grew up in Lagos.  I love my family that is it.
When did u start your acting career?
I started my acting career in 1999. My first role was in November with Chico Ejiro. I started my acting with him.  The next one I did was a role in “Suit Case” and from there I picked up my acting carrier.
How did you get into Nollywood?
Well, as at then it wasn’t called Nollywood. It was just acting in Nigeria movies. I stayed with my stepmother, and there was this wonderful actress… she was our neighbor, I told her that I will like to be an actress and she suggested that I go to Chico Ejiro. She that Chico turns people into stars. She gave me Chico’s address and then I became confused whether to pop in or not. And then one day I just made up my mind to enter the place once and for all, and from there here I am.
Most people in the industry always say that it is a problem for their parents to accept their choice of profession, what was your parent’s reactions towards your career?
Mine is different. I was always getting TV adverts and all that when I was a child. But my Daddy wasn’t so sure if I could do that then.  I was acting in the church those days. So it was not really a new thing to my family. They are proud of me in what I’m doing.

Story has it that you school and act at the same time, if yes, how do you cope with the two?
Actually, it was not easy. I thought it would work for me being who I am but it was not like that.  You just have to be in school permanently and get a good result or miss school and have carry-overs.  There were some times when I got movie  jobs to do and my friends would call me up that there would be test in school. In a situation like that I don’t have much choice but to leave the job for school.  But I really wanted to go to school because my Daddy already imposed it on us that we must graduate…
(Cuts in)Your Dad must be a very strict man I suppose?
Yes exactly, he just wanted the best for his children. He believes that education is very important in life.

Are you out of school now?
Yes I’ve graduated.
A NOLLYWOODGOSSIP source informed  us that you graduated with so many carry-overs, is that true?
The carry-overs I had was because then I did not really had time doing my assignments and school works. Even though I wanted to pass, it did not really fit in.  I had 5 carry-overs actually. And that was because at that time, I was more on locations shooting movies. I missed like four tests and you know what it means for you to miss a test. I will not say I worked it out. I tried my best and passed them.  Now everybody is saying that she had several carry-overs. I don’t have several carry-overs. I just had only 5 and I did them again and passed them.
There are these rumors that in Nigerian Universities,  people often pay lecturers  either in kind or in cash for higher grades, have you ever been harassed by any Lecturer?
My lecturers are not really like that over here. Many of them are actually into acting too, so they understood what I was going through.  Sometimes they gave me time to do my schoolwork and bring it back when I’m through. They appreciated the fact that regardless of my job, I still made up my mind to go to school.  So I didn’t actually have the option of sleeping with a lecturer to pass. Otherwise I would have not gotten carry-overs. I chose to finish my school, but that does not mean that I stopped acting. My friends do call me up for a job and I had to paddle the two.
How many films have you featured in since you started acting and which is the most challenging job you have ever done?
I can’t remember actually. And I will not really say I have done any challenging Role though because any role I’m doing I try to bring out the best in me.  When I started acting that was the only time I will say that I had a challenging role to play. Because at that time I have to face Omotala. In that movie I had to play her best friend; being that I was new in the industry and was very young, I felt that was very challenging for me playing alongside such a popular Figure. But that was then though not now.
I once wrote an article about you where you said, “I can’t marry a poor man”. Have you ever left a man because of money?
Laughed, the truth is that at that time I was going through stress and he too was going through hell. I just said it was better that we part ways.  He wasn’t making any impart in my life. He wasn’t doing any contributions to my life.  You know how it is as a girl. You need to do your car, you need to do your nails, and all that. Whenever I asked him for money, he always said there was no money. He kept making promises and never fulfilling them. I waited. But then, I’m not a child anymore. I needed to be taken care of.  If you want to put me in your house as your wife, you must be able to take care of me and all that, and that is the fact.
Are you in any relationship at this time?
No, I’m not in any relationship. I’m out of it for now.
What kind of man are you expecting to marry? Or rather what qualities are you looking for in a man?
In all my interviews, I always say that I need a God fearing man. Some people do go to church but it’s not the same thing with being born again or God fearing.   God fearing man will hear something about his girl and will say no, knowing that his girl will not do that because of God. Most of our marriages today don’t work because there is no God in their marriages. Me, I’m looking out for a man who has God in him. A man who knows that no matter the situation, with God all things are possible.  No matter whom he is or what he is, he must have God in him.
Are you shooting any movie this time?
Yes I just finished one like two weeks back and by next week I will be shooting another.
What will you say about Tonto Dikeh and her new movie “Dirty Secret” that people called Soft Porno?
I haven’t seen the movie but I have seen the clip of it. Most girls do things like that over here.  I respect Tonto a lot. She is into all that which I cannot do anyway; but somebody has to do that, she is really bold.  But hey! In Hollywood they do worse than that. Here in Nigeria people will be saying all kind of things like, how could she do that, how could she open her body, whose going to marry her and all that?  Africa has different mentality and that is the problem.
So what you are saying is that you can never act nude in a movie?
I don’t really have to go nude in shooting movies. I could just walk pass like in the movie Angelina Jolie did (Wanted).  She just walked pass and the guy just looked at her and said “wow! Something like that I can do.  Where you will be nude a bit and nobody have to touch you. The movie we are doing here are not that kind they do in Hollywood. So it does not really make sense exposing your body. Here we have to follow our mentality and do what is right. If it is in Hollywood, the more you even expose your body the more money you make.
In my job as a nollywood reporter, I have covered so many scandals in this industry, how do you deal with all the Scandals about you?
I read them a lot, so many of them.  My first reaction is always “this is rubbish”. And after like two weeks I get over it.  The latest scandal about me now is queen of Lesbianism and all that. And of cause pictures of me and my friends saying that we are doing lesbianism. When I see them, I would be like” oh my God” what have this people turned me into? Of cause that could make one run into depression.  Before I used to be very depressed about that. Even when the press call me, I will always tell them don’t worry because I really do not know what to tell them.  If you tell them one thing they will twist it into something else. I am a man deal. I love being in a relationship with a man and not a woman. I don’t see myself as one of those people they tagged me to be.
Rumor had it that Dekora signed an agreement to give up her acting profession before her marriage. Do you see yourself getting out of the industry one day for any reason?
I don’t blame her. You know this kind of job we are doing is not easy. Unless you are going to be a second wife to a rich man that will give you whatever you want.  But if you are going to marry your own husband, that is why I said that is important you look for a God fearing man. You know this men, they might promise you heaven and earth and at the end you will find out that is all lie. Once you’ve entered, some would go as far as to ask you to stop acting. And you will be like, this is where you met me. Could you provide all my needs if I stop my job?  Your own money gives you joy. The chicken-change you receive from acting gives you joy. Some men just have problem with the kind of roles we play – like kissing on set. And that’s why I said you need a God fearing man. Someone who do understand you. I can’t stop my career, but I can only limit the amount of script that I do so to have time and be with my family.

How is the Divorce issue that is going around the Nollywood affecting the singles?

Most of us don’t really court. We don’t really date our partners before marriage. And that is why some times they do not even know who they are getting married to. Most of the men don’t even have money that will last you for five years.  If you would have dated him you will noticed that he is broke. You would also notice that is your money he is looking up to. Even the little money you have is not even enough. To be honest with you, the major problem of all the divorces we have today is about money.  The worst remain that those men who don’t even have money will also not allow you to do your job very well.
Another reason is that most people just have it at the back of their minds that there will definitely be a divorce one day.  Or that she is going to leave one day. Or that she is going to be seen in Hotels, discos, or with another man. Sometimes it’s also gossip without evidence. His friends might just tell him that your babe is here and someone is kissing her. All these things could warrant divorce. That is why I still said that I need a gospel man who will allow me do what I want to do. All these divorces really do scare us the young ones.  But I pray I do not get a man like that. I pray I get a God fearing husband that will love me for who I am.
What would be a reason of divorce for you if you get married?
If the money is not there, forget love, forget everything, the love dies.  To cover his broke ass he will begin to suspect you his wife. In fact, everything results in money.  If there is no money, there will be no happiness at home. That is why you really have to date to know how to manage your home very well. If I marry today, even if there is money or not I’m still going to be in that marriage. Marriage is for better and for worst. My Mum and my Dad even when he is not providing for everything she needs, they are still together.  I look up to them and I wish my marriage to be like that.

I recently did an article about Genevieve Nnaji and Kate Henshaw Nuttal in cold war, have you ever had discord with anybody in the industry?

Well, there is always a small girl’s fight, but then we always find ways to settle.  Me and my friends we might have some little squabble in the past and still made up. So is not always a big deal.

How do you feel about the Lesbianism that is becoming the order of the day in the Industry?

Lesbianism is something I have never done before. When I was young, my pastor used to tell us that it is a devilish act.  I know I have one or two friend that do it. But that is their problem if that is how they want to live their lives. That is definitely not for me. I’m a man deal. I love being in a relationship with men and not women.

What was the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Seeing my scandal pictures. I have a great scandal years back and I think that is the craziest thing that ever happened to me.

(Cuts in) But that is not what I was talking about because that is not your making. I just want to know if you ever done anything that you regretted after doing it?

I will not say that I have done anything crazy that I’m regretting about. I just thought that seeing my picture scandal is crazy.

Is there something I didn’t cover that you’ll like to add?

Please help me tell my Facebook fans or rather those who are disturbing me on Facebook, writing those things which are not called for, to please leave me alone.  I’m not a Facebook person. I just happened to register to talk to my friends that’s all.  They should please leave me alone.  Thank you.
Thank you so much Uche for clearing the entire scandals. NOLLYWOODGOSSIP is wishing you good luck in looking for your God fearing man, and hopefully a less scandal year.
Thanks (laughs).

HOW FACEBOOK FOUNDER TURNED DOWN $1 OFFER

                                                             MARK ZUCKERBERG
This is crazy!” someone would say but its real. Money doesnt move this guy, he moves money through innovations.
This much was recounted by the former CEO of Yahoo,Terry Semel. Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook turned down his request to buy Facebook in 2006 for  a whooping $1 Billion US Dollars.
Semel disclosed that what he got in response from Zuckerberg was a passionate voice of a dedicated social network builder. ‘Zuck’ as he is popularly called simply told the former Yahoo!boss that Facebook is his baby and he want to keep running and growing it.Money is not too much of a big deal. Even Semel was surprised that he could refuse such staggering amount at that time.
It was gathered from findings on CNN that the reason the color of Facebook is blue is because the billionaire is color blind. Zuckerberg himself disclosed in one of his rare interviews that he is indeed color blind. The richest color he Zuckerberg can see is blue.He is red-green color blind.
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NADIA BUHARI GRACES PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL IN CALIFORNIA

Catch this news about Nadia Buhari! The ‘deliciously’ sexy and ever bubbling Ghanaian actress. Nadia, who has a huge fan base in the Ghanaian and Nigerian movie industry was stunning just as she was elated, storming the opening ceremony of the 19TH Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, Califonia,USA recently.
Looking graceful with an electrifying whims of elegance trailing her appearance on the Red Carpet at the Culver Plaza Thearter, venue of the film festival in California, gistmaster.com gathered that Nadia was the cynosure of all eyes. She adorned an Oscar De La Renta gown and fits perfectly into her body and shape. Just like what she wore to the MTV Africa Music Awards in Lagos some months back.
Nadia is one of the biggest names in Nollywood today and she has starred in movies such as Beyonce and Rihanna, President’s Daughter and so on.
Gistmaster.com gathered that Nadia was interviewed by the LA Times Newspaper and she said expressed her happiness because she represented Ghana. She was accompanied to the ceremony by her mum and sister, Khadija Buhari
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OGUN GUBER TUSSLE; I WILL FIGHT TILL THE END-DANIEL

GOVERNOR Olugbenga Daniel of Ogun State, yesterday, vowed that his faction’s governorship candidate, Mr. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, would eventually take over from him after May 29, saying that he would fight for the control of the party tiressly until he eventually triumph in the legal battle.
Daniel at a farewell rally and also to flag of the campaign of Mr. Isiaka in Imeko area of the state,  said he would do everything legally possible to ensure that justice prevail in the on-going dispute over the party’s candidate and urged his supporters not to worry.
Following an unresolved dispute, the party held two primaries with Mr. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka emerging as the governorship candidate in the Daniel’s faction, while General Adetunji Olurin (retired), emerged from the Olusegun Obasanjo faction.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had about two weeks ago released the of Olurin as party’s governorship flag.
But Governor Daniel told his supporters, that the decision would not stand, because it was built on sand.
He said that the tour was to serve as appreciation to the people for the overwhelming support he received from them throughout his eight years administration.
Governor Daniel told the gathering that he had the premonition that Isiaka would be the next governor of the state, insisting that Gen. Olurin, the gubernatorial candidate of the other faction, only wanted to get there through the back door.
According to him: “When the race started, I asked Olurin if he was interested in contesting for the position, since I have zoned it to Yewa and he said he was not interested but that he would support any Yewa person who emerged. I am standing on the truth and I believe that the truth will prevail on this matter. Justice can only be delayed, it can not be denied.”
He noted that in accordance with the Electoral Act, Isiaka’s name had been forwarded to INEC by the national headquarters of the PDP as “the authentic governorship candidate’’.
The governor  assessed his administration in the last eight years and gave himself a pass mark saying “in the last eight years, I have done everything possible to turn the state economy around and to put it on the path of growth and development.
Although I will be leaving in the next 100 days, God is telling me that I will hand over to Isiaka as the next governor of Ogun. Today I have come to say thank you to you all.”
We started this journey here (Imeko) eight years ago and within the next 100 days I will handover power”.
The governor who had earlier held a town hall meeting with the people before the rally stated: “I am standing on the truth and the truth will prevail in this matter.
But I assure you nothing comes easy. A house built on sand falls easily, but I am building on the rock. I want you to stand firm and by the grace of God, I will hand over to Gboyega Nasir Isiaka on May 29. What this administration stands for is equity, fair play and justice. And will always defend such virtue’’.
The governor recalled that in 2007, he pledged towards ensuring that a Yewa indigene emerged and “what we are seeing here today is unprecedented in the political history of our state”.
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NIGERIA'S CRUDE OIL PRODUCTION RISES TO 2.6m BARRELS DAILY-FG

Lagos – Nigeria’s crude oil production has increased from one million barrels per day in 2008 to 2. 6 million barrel per day due to the improvement in post-amnesty programme.
President Goodluck Jonathan made this known in an address at the official opening of Nigerian Oil and Gas (NOG) conference in Abuja.
The President, who was representated by the Special Adviser to Government on Petroleum Resource, Mr Emmaunel Egbogha, said that the post-amnesty initiative was working.
He said that the new level of oil production had fully justified the amnesty policy as initiated by the Federal Government.
Jonathan urged all the local and state governments to engage the youth in various capacities and rehabilitate them towards national development.
“This is evidenced in the growth of the oil production from an average of one million per day of crude oil and condensate in 2008 to an average of 2.6 million per day of crude oil and condensate in 2010 and today.
The President said that the post-amnesty programme was creating jobs for youths as alternative to violence.
“I have advised the states and local government authorities to engage the youths and encourage them to use their initiatives so as to build on the success so far recorded on the amnesty programme.
“It is my hope that the various policy initiatives of government will continue to keep Nigeria on the global map for oil and gas investment,” he said.
The President said that the focus of this year’s conference was on project financing and the impact of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) on the oil and gas industry.
He said that the oil and gas industry had not only propelled the Nigerian economy, but also accounted for about 90 per cent of our export earnings.
“Over the years, the Federal Government has developed various policies that are particularly directed to creating the necessary fiscal conditions to encourage investment in the economy.
“These policies have facilitated economic growth for the development of local capacity to support the industry was minimal and generally slow.
“Our main task now is to reinforce the linkages between the oil and gas sector to the larger economy by ensuring the increasing local content input and greater participation of Nigerian companies in the oil and gas activities.”
(NAN)

PRESIDENCY; CIROMA, NPLF GRUMBLE OVER DELAY IN AGREEMENT

THE Mallam Adamu Ciroma-led Northern Political Leaders Forum, NPLF, was, yesterday, holding back from a formal endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan on account of last minute delay in the submission of the report of a joint committee bridging differences between both parties.

                                                          Malam Adamu Ciroma

Vanguard gathered that the report is expected to clearly bind President Jonathan to a single presidential tenure. The report is equally expected to redefine the present zoning arrangement in the country.
NPLF members, it was learnt, were miffed that the report of the joint committee was yet to be submitted at press time, almost twenty four hours after the Sunday night deadline agreed between President Jonathan and the NPLF during their breakthrough meeting, weekend.
Last minute bureaucratic hindrances
Associates of the President were, nevertheless, hopeful of an agreement as they cited last minute bureaucratic hindrances in the realization of the much expected agreement.
The NPLF was equally concerned that the group may have been boxed into a corner since it opened up negotiations with President Jonathan through his emissary, Chief Tony Anenih, the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Ciroma and other NPLF members, it was learnt, are concerned about the limited options available to them since none of the other major Northern presidential candidates, Muhammadu Buhari of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC; and Nuhu Ribadu of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, are in their good books.
President Jonathan had met Mallam Ciroma and other leaders of the NPLF at Ciroma’s residence in Abuja for about two hours, weekend. During the meeting both sides constituted a seven-man joint committee to articulate the framework of an agreement for both sides to work together.
The joint committee has three members from each side and a chairman from the PDP.
The meeting at Ciroma’s residence was the first known face to face meeting between President Jonathan on one side and either Ciroma or Atiku Abubakar, since last month’s PDP presidential primaries.
Jonathan was escorted to the meeting by Vice-President Nnamadi Sambo, Chief of Staff, Mike Oghiadomhe; Principal Secretary, Hassan Tukur; Acting Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Bello Halliru Mohammed; Anenih and a number of other aides and officials.
The NPLF was represented by Ciroma, Atiku, erstwhile National Security Adviser, Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, among others. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), was absent as he was said to have travelled out of the country.
An NPLF source told Vanguard: “We met at his request. We honoured him as the President. Our only condition was that he should meet us at the Chairman, Mallam Adamu Ciroma’s house. He told us his request and we informed him that we will refer it to a larger body – the G15 and the NPLF.”
The NPLF was understood to have listed five issues including zoning and the matter of a single tenure as issues that must be addressed in the report. It was also learnt that other issues including the accommodation of the political interests of the NPLF members would be addressed by the President.
Atiku, Babangida and Gusau, it was learnt, would also make nominations into the Presidential Campaign Council of the President.
Aides of the President were, nevertheless, hopeful, yesterday, as they assured that the negotiations were ongoing with a pledge that the President would not pull back from the process.
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SENATE APPROVES DEATH PENALTY FOR TERRORIST

The Senate yesterday approved death sentence for terrorists whose acts resulted in the death of Nigerians as it passed the Anti-terrorism Bill 2010. But the anti-money laundering bill failed to scale through as the third reading was shelved till the next legislative day.

President Goodluck Jonathan sent three reminders to the National Assembly, urging members to pass the bill, which was introduced by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
The version passed was a combination of the executive bill and the one sponsored by Senator Anthony Manzo on National Security Enhancement Bill.

In all, the bill recommends a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment or death penalty if there is a loss of life in any terrorist act. It also outlaws actions of individuals or groups that can be likened to terrorism, including kidnapping, oil bunkering and piracy and airplane hijacks.
The bill covers possession or use of explosives as well as research into the development of explosives – including biological and chemical – without lawful authority.

Offenders risk a maximum of 10 years imprisonment if they are found guilty of involvement in training potential terrorists, passing or withholding terrorist information, aiding or harbouring terrorist and funding terrorist activities.

The National Security Adviser (NSA) and Inspector-General of Police were mandated to enforce the provisions of the bill when signed into law by the President. The bill also provided that with the approval of the NSA and the Director-General of State Security Services (SSS) could seize and enforce forfeiture of terrorist properties or cash upon conviction of a terrorist or proscription of a terrorist group.
...Queries additional N8.4bn in INEC’s budget
The Senate has queried the difference of N8.4billion in the budget estimate of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for 2011 and that of the Federal Government currently before the National Assembly. A thorough vetting of the figures presented to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters by the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega revealed the differences in what was allotted the commission by the Budget Offcie.

The estimate presented by INEC was N51.7 billion, against N45.3 contained in the details presented by President Goodluck Jonathan to the National Assembly. But Jega explained that he had held several meetings with the Budget Office and the Ministry of Finance on the proposal it submitted and was given approval for N51.7 billion. The federal legislature was shocked that Jega said he could not defend the items which made up the N45.3 billion estimates from the Budget Office.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, said the committee could not wish away the difference of about N8.4 billion budget. He also said that the committee could not also unilaterally close the gap between the budgets since the Federal Government’s estimates were based on the availability of funds. Jega was asked to return to the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office to resolve the differences and return to the committee next week Tuesday.

For the April general elections, Jega said that INEC would require 360,000 ad hoc staff as against the 250,000 staff used for the voter registration. Each of the ad hoc staff, he stated, would be paid N10,000 as daily allowance for the three elections as against N5,000 in previous elections, bringing the total cost to N10.8 billion.Jega also told the committee that N1 billion, which was provided in last year’s budget in anticipation of new staff recruitment, was returned to the treasury because the recruitment was put on hold.

INEC, he said, would be paying N324 million to consultants for the recruitment of 4,000 workers this year, noting that the commission current had 12,000 workers.

GRAMMY DISASTER: fans rip Omosexy

Actress Omotola
Jalade Ekeinde made history last Sunday being the first Nollywood actress to walk the red carpet at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. But her well-intentioned appearance was jeopardised by her black and white prom-like dress which dealt dastardly with her tummy, arms, over-sized butts, miniature breasts, doing absolutely nothing to flatter any part of her body.

                               Omotola and foreign manager?

From her hair down to underwear, fans criticised the otherwise gorgeous screen diva. Many felt badly represented by her fashion sense, comparing her to ‘rival’ Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic and even Ini Edo. It’s obvious that more than 60 per cent of Nollywood fans expected a more ‘decent’ show off from the respectable wife and mother of four.
While many agree that she needs a gym membership urgently, a few others opine that patronising Ardyss Body Magic would have solved some of the problem apart from the bad dress pick. Below is an excerpt of some of the grievances and defense as posted by Omotola’s fans on the internet.
The budding singer was reportedly accompanied by her new international management team “Bishop Entertainment consult & Bungalow/Universal records.
Note that the grammatical errors in the comments are deliberately retained
Pinapple
Is like this babe is pregnant cos she has added a lot, well you look good all the same
R*bb**h
I can’t believe Omotola wore dis r*bb**h (rubbish) 2 d grammys. like r u 4 real? is dat all she can afford? talk abt dressin 2 suit ur body…her tummy is protruding, her arms r thick…wat ever happened 2 a long gown 2 cover d legs, n did she hav 2 show her black bra like dat? c’mon omotola, i kn(o)w u cud hv (have) done better…u can afford a stylist girl…don’t b a scrooge…
Anonymous
That‘s not the real omotola. This is fake omotola That lady is not omotola. That‘s fake omotola right there.
bigossip
If na Geni or Rita Domnic walk this red carpet America go know say them come. See the prom gown she s wearing. Pls (please) actors guild should contribute money for her, she needs an emergency lipo- suction. See how ruff her front hair is. And who is this guy grabing her a**
Eye wey see
Bigossip na true u talk. She luk(looks) lik(e) just a house girl. Maybe her husband no allow her go initially but she managed 2 jump d fence wit dat gown. Guy as 4 d grabing a** dat one done pass a** na (sheet box) dem go call mu
Melford
This Omotola is looking so aweful (awful)… well, I think say na because she don dey age. I mean, nothing good about Omotola here at all. Wait a minute, why did that guy put his hand on her butt? Naija men, they can’t stop tresspassing.
Ugo
Where Omotola come throw way her marriage ring put abi she think say we no go see am? Wow, it means she didn’t want people around to know she’s married. I for descipline (discipline) am if to say I be her husband. You are a disgrace to womanhood….looser!!!
Onome-(Dublin Ireland)
Why should Omotola allow that American dude to place his hand on her huge buttocks? Secondly, the mimi (mini) gown she wore is too tight, revealing her shape. She suppose to have gone for a cute dinner gown, she also need to shade (shed) some weight, instead she is adding more flesh. Honestly, am not too impressed.
She look like any other lady on a casual date. Those belly fat needs to be lost. Is not only for her kind of job also for her health wise!!!!!!!!!
Denty
Nawa o I saw dat hand on her bum. Omosexy pls give urself (yourself) some respect ur (your) kidz are watching.
Lena
How could u? Hope u didn’t tell any body there that u from Nigeria. U look so trashy, ur dress is too short, ur bra is showing, ur hair is messed up, no class at all. Look at ur tummy, when are u going to start dressing according to ur size…I cant believe u did this. Stop calling urself Omosexy. There is nothing sexy about u.
Watsup with that dress? its too short, ur bra is showing, ur hair is messy, no wedding ring on ur finger, another man’s hand is on ur butt, ur tummy is all out, please start wearing clothes that suits ur body. U so classless, not the diva u claimed to be. Very soon Ini Edo will start teaching u how to dress, Hisssssssssssss
Sholey
How can a decent married and  mother dress like this? And how indecent can it be for anoda man put his hand on ur butt like that? And again, u don’t av to wear a revealing dress like that to look sexy. Do you not see how Genevive and Rita dress{sexy and very very decent}.
And again, u avnt (haven’t) got the shape to flaunt for God’s sake. U could be pardoned wearing that kind of dress if ur well trimmed. Omotola God knows I love you to bits. but i get dissapointed with you sometimes. Ur well loved by people,so don’t  take that love away pls.
Jaxin
Omotola looks like a big bag of garri. Gosh she looks terrible. Cant imagine how a star of this kind shud look like dis. No wonder nobody noticed her. She probably took the last picture with the guy holding her ass when all the stars had gone
Miala
Who invited her anyways and who advised her to wear this number? She looks like a sack of potatoes, Omo, americans white/black are all slim with flat stomach,, she looks terrible.
Amebo
I think she is pregnant,
Oma
Everything I wanted to say has been said. First omotola, pls go and buy ardyss body magic, biko. Secondly loose weight,  i mean I’ve seen U slimmer. Thirdly, PLEASE stop embarassing ur husband. He loves U n respects ur chosen path. Don’t abuse it or make him feel s**p*d. U r married. Respect that and finally ,U can try being close friends with Rita D, I’m sure she’ll let U in on some secrets of dressing up.
BNF
I think omosexy went to the salon to make her hair and there were lots of people waiting so, she had to start goin cos she wz runing late…As for the cloth, the gown she wz meant to wear, got burnt while the dry cleaner wz getting it ready…so she had to go to a close by bend down boutique to get smthing… but on getting there, they had only size 10 dresses so she had to manage it dt way…Go on omosexy at least u tried..but it jus didn,t work out…hahahahaa
Tete
All u guys are just hating I mean omotola is better dan all des girl nd who said ini edo should have came plaease!!! omotola is da best nd i love all her movies so don’t put Ini Edo and Genieve and Rita Dominic omg (oh y God) they are going to ruin it!!! so Omotola was right cominh….
Mama G
This woman was up to something, cos she was wearing her wedding ring on thumb. About the man she was with, trust Nigerians very soon we go hear the story
Lolo
Very disappointed with Omotola’s dress. This is low class, unsophisticated, cheap, ugly, too tight, poor color coordination and a mis-representation of African movie stars. What was she thinking wearing that garbage of a dress at the Grammy awards, did she think she was attending one of the Nigerians or Gh***ian red carpets? ..Humm unbelievable.
Ngozi
Omotola, you said you used to preach in the bus? where are your christian virtues? you should have done better than dress in this unGodly manner, exposing your inner wear, then allowing another man touch your private part like that.
What example are you teaching your kids and other youths who look up to you as a role model? Please people repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. Fame, money, acting, music, beauty will fade away but your salvation in Christ Jesus is your assurance to eternal life.
Linn
Actually, this is not omosexy at her best at all. Her hair undergrowth is showing -look closely. She just was not up to her old usual beautiful self here. and she needs the gym now to shed that weight.
Del
1st she was trying 2 hard to get noticed behind d E! Cameras,but dressed lyk dat maybe dey thought she was smebody’s assistant. Wats wit naija celebs and international recognition? Na by force to be tuface or genevieve? get a life and get a gym membership!
Dare
u are a f**l Gene cant stand near omotola we all know dat she has only one child and was fat and ugly with her bum dropping on her legs, it took her years 2 dry out like an okporoko so darlin let gene get married and have three more and u will know omotola is d real deal.
Zino
When you put up a headline like Omotola at 2011 grammys it makes readers feel like she was in the grammy hall. Truth is she wasnt. She sat in a hall outside the main grammy award hall and wacthed the occasion like the rest of us on a large screen.
The awards are for a rated musicians, music execs, producers, and their family members etc. even American stars sit in the outside halls because they havent achieved world wide acclaim. This is just a pr thing that went wrong. She travelled to america to sit in the a hall outside the main grammy hall. No wonder she couldnt take any pics with one music star.
27 calibre (Ghana)
Omotola I have been your fun since thykingdom come, well you did not reveal yourself as the real omosexy I know and you are married with kids too ,please next time dress very ,well I hate when people insult you even though I 27 calibre i am a gh***in ,please stop calling her names

WHAT KEEPS A RELATIONSHIP STRONG

Here is a list of ingredients that make a good relationship

WHAT KEEPS A RELATIONSHIP STRONG ARE:

1. COMMUNICATION

2. INTIMACY

3. A SENSE OF HUMOR

4. SHARING TASKS

5. SOME GETAWAY TIME WITHOUT BUSINESS OR CHILDREN

6. DAILY EXCHANGES (meal, shared activity, hug, call, touch, notes,

7. SHARING COMMON GOALS AND INTERESTS

8. GIVING EACH OTHER SPACE TO GROW WITHOUT FEELING INSECURE

9. GIVING EACH OTHER A SENSE OF BELONGING AND ASSURANCES OF COMMITMENT


Here are five questions you must ask yourself if you're serious about finding and keeping a life partner.

QUESTION1: Do we share a common life purpose?

Why is this so important? Let me put it this way: If you're married for 20 or 30 years, that's a long time to live with someone. What do you plan to do with each other all that time? Travel, eat and jog together? You need to share something deeper and more meaningful. You need a common life purpose.

Two things can happen in a marriage:

(1) You can grow together, or

(2) You can grow apart.

50% of the people out there are growing apart. To make a marriage work, you need to know what you want out of life! Bottom line; and marry someone who wants the same thing.

QUESTION2: Do I feel safe expressing my feelings and thoughts with this person?

This question goes to the core of the quality of your relationship.

Feeling safe means you can communicate openly with this person. The basis of having good communication is trust - i.e. trust that I won't get "punished"; or hurt for expressing my honest thoughts and feelings. A colleague of mine defines an abusive person as someone with whom you feel afraid to express your thoughts and feelings. Be honest with yourself on this one. Make sure you feel emotionally safe with the person you plan to marry.

QUESTION3: Is he/she a mensch?

A mensch is someone who is a refined and sensitive person. How can you test? Here are some suggestions.

Do they work on personal growth on a regular basis?

Are they serious about improving themselves?

A teacher of mine defines a good person as "someone who is always striving to be good and do the right ";.So ask about your Significant other: What do they do with their time? Is this person materialistic?

Usually a materialistic person is not someone whose top priority is character refinement.

There are essentially two types of people in the world:

(1) People who are dedicated to personal growth and

(2) People who are dedicated to seeking comfort.

Someone whose goal in life is to be comfortable will put personal comfort ahead of doing the right thing.

You need to know that before walking down the aisle.

QUESTION4: How does he/she treat other people?

The one most important thing that makes any relationship work is the ability to give. By giving, we mean the ability to give another person pleasure.

Ask: Is this someone who enjoys giving pleasure to others or are they wrapped up in themselves and self-absorbed? To measure this, think about the following:

How do they treat people whom they do not have to be nice to, such as waiters, bus boys, taxi drivers, etc?

How do they treat their parents and siblings?

Do they have gratitude and appreciation? If they don't have gratitude for the people who have given them everything;

Can you do nearly as much for them? You can be sure that someone who treats others poorly will eventually treat you poorly as well.

QUESTION5: Is there anything I'm hoping to change about this person after we're married?

Too many people make the mistake of marrying someone with the intention of trying to "improve"; them after they're married. As a colleague of mine puts it:

"You can probably expect someone to change after marriage for the worse" If you cannot fully accept this person the way they are now, then you are not ready to marry them.

In conclusion, dating doesn't have to be difficult and treacherous.

The key is to try leading a little more with your head and less with your heart.

It pays to be as objective as possible when you are dating; to be sure to ask questions that will help you get to the key issues.

Falling in love is a great feeling, but when you wake up with a ring on your finger, you don't want to find yourself in trouble because you didn't do your homework.

Another perspective...

There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance.

It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going anywhere relationships. Observe the relationships around you.

Pay attention.

Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people do you feel better or feel worse?

Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know, or appreciate you?

The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you...the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye"; Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, pity, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self-esteem make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults isn’t really that important.

Do you bring out the best in each other?

Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare and control?

What do you bring to the relationship?

Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain?

You can't take someone to the altar to alter them.

You can't make someone love you or make someone stay.

If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life"; you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain.

Seeking status, sex, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship. So I'll repeat the list;

WHAT KEEPS A RELATIONSHIP STRONG ARE:

1. COMMUNICATION

2. INTIMACY

3. A SENSE OF HUMOR

4. SHARING TASKS

5. SOME GETAWAY TIME WITHOUT BUSINESS OR CHILDREN

6. DAILY EXCHANGES (meal, shared activity, hug, call, touch, notes,

7. SHARING COMMON GOALS AND INTERESTS

8. GIVING EACH OTHER SPACE TO GROW WITHOUT FEELING INSECURE

9. GIVING EACH OTHER A SENSE OF BELONGING AND ASSURANCES OF COMMITMENT

If these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment withdrawal, abuse, neglect, and dishonesty; and pain will replace it.

Happiness keeps You Sweet,

Trials keep You Strong,

Sorrows keep You Human,

Failures keep You Humble,

Success keeps You Glowing,

But..........

Only God keeps You Going!

I LAUGH WHEN MEN MAKE GRAND PROMISES FOR MARRIAGE-FRAGRANCE

Fragrance is a young Nigerian singer who relocated to Lagos from Warri in anticipation of fame and fortune in exchange for her musical talents. Her experience so far has not matched her expectations as she still lives off her siblings back in Warri.
Four years and counting, the fair skinned beauty has risen past a disappointing recording contract and is fast learning the ropes of independent survival in the rough music terrain. In this chat with Lolade SOWOOLU, she shares some of her challenges as a female artiste and talks about her coming sophomore scheduled for a first quarter release.
Is Fragrance your real name ?
No it’s a stage name. My real name is Bridget Oritsematosan Kayoh. I’m an Itsekiri from Delta state.
When did you realise you could sing?
I’ve been singing since I was ten years old in churches back in Warri. I joined the adult choir when I was ten. Professionally, I started in 2006 when I relocated from Warri to Lagos .
So how did you join the adult choir at ten?
The church I attended then had a programme and I rendered a special number. From there the pastor called me up, prayed for me and asked me to join the adult choir. I started taking solos and that was how I was discovered.
I used to be signed to a record label but I left because they did not fulfill their promises. While on the label I released an album that wasn’t well promoted but I’ve left all that behind now. I’m moving on
When was the album released ?
In 2007. It was titled ‘So lovely’. I released two videos too – Lover and Friend and Shake Shake.
How do you describe your kind of music?
I call it R N B. But in my sophomore, there’s a lot of ‘ Feel good ‘music because I discovered I could do a lot more of them. I tried a little Rap, Ragga and Fuji too.
How many track does it have in all and are there any collaborations?
There are seventeen tracks in all. I featured a number of artistes including 2face, Rymzo, LKT and Adol . I also worked with a bunch of producers – Puffy T, Rymzo, BJ and a lot more, just so I can get different feels in the album.
What’s the album titled?
Now and forever.
Why ‘Now and Forever’?
I have a track so titled in the album. And I believe the songs will last now and forever.
Tell us a few track titles?
The one featuring 2face is titled,’Boy friend’. There’s ‘We be one’ featuring LKT. I have ‘So in love, To ba fe jo’ and a gospel song titled ‘Don’t leave’
What was your former label called and how long was your agreement suppose to last ?
It’s called D and I. Our agreement was to last seven years, but there was a clause saying if certain things weren’t done, the artiste’s free to leave after two years. And that’s what I did.
Where did they default?
They promised me things like collaboration with international artistes, a private car and apartment, trips to London and a lot I can’t name now. But they didn’t do any.
Coming to Lagos, what were your expectations?
I just kept singing in churches. I’ve always wanted to act and I was hoping I could do so along side singing here in Lagos. But my manager explained that I should concentrate on singing first and then take up acting later.
Did you ever try to get auditioned for a role?
Not yet. He (Manager Efa) said I should concentrate on the music.
Has moving to Lagos paid off yet?
I moved in in 2006 and it’s yet to pay off. My siblings have been the ones supporting me. I have five sisters and three brothers. Music only pays a little of my bills.
Was it tough convincing them to release you to come to Lagos?
Not at all. My mum supported me before her death and that’s why my siblings still support me .
Did you lose your mum before relocating?
No. She died in April 2008.
Where is academics in this whole story? Don’t you have plans to get higher education?
My preferred course of study is Theater Arts or Mass communication because I’ve always wanted to be entertainment inclined. I was once offered ‘Library Science’ to study at the Delta State University, Abraka but I didn’t take it up.
Who were your role models when growing up?
Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. Now, it’s Beyonce. I’ve always dreamt of standing on the stage of Celine Dion and meeting Mariah Carey.
Do you still see your self going that far with all the realities before you?
Of course I still do. It’s a dream I believe will come to pass if God wants it. There’s still a lot of time
Any plans of going back to school?
I will. But I’m not thinking in that direction right now. Even if I get real busy with my music career, there’s the on-line study option, so I’ll still get higher education.
Apart from the label set back, what other forms of challenge have you had to deal with on your
way to where you’re going?
I don’t call them challenges. I call them stepping stones. The bulk of them all has been with finances.
In your little experience with professional singing, has there been a time you felt gender discriminated?
Sure. I feel the ladies are not being given fair chances because they – investors who are mostly male, feel we’ll soon be married off. And so because of that mind set most men have, it’s like with everything you do as a woman, you’re trying to prove a point or make a statement to the men that ‘we are capable too’.
Speaking of marriage, is it in the view yet?
Not at all. That would come much later. There’s a long time before that. I don’t want any distraction.
So no promises can lure you into marriage now?
I’ve heard so many of that (promises ). I usually laugh when men come with those promises. All the same I’m not God so who knows what God has in store.
What attracts you to a man for marriage?
There must be love. Love is every thing to me. I must feel welcomed around him. I expect that he’ll be good looking and with a large heart.
Do you have other interests apart from acting and singing?
I’d like to own a beauty salon where all beauty treatments can be done for male and female
Do you like a big family?
Four kids will do. Maybe two boys and two girls. And it would be nice to settle down in Lagos or Abuja.

I NEED A MALLAM AS HUSBAND-CHELSEA EZERIOHA

After the role she played in Vivian Ejike’s “Silent Scandals” movie, where she acted alongside A-list actors like Genevieve Nnaji, Majid Michel, Uche Jumbo and many others, pretty Chelsea Ada Ezerioha has become one of the hottest faces in Nollywood.
Only last year, she won three awards to her credit; AMAA- Most Promising Actress award (2010) BON- Revelation of the Year award and Best Upcoming Actress award. The awards gave an edge over her contemporaries in the industry.  In this encounter, Chelsea sets an agenda for herself, as she declares “ I’m undergoing a process of discovering myself.’
Meet Chelsea in her element . . .
You won three awards last year, how  were able to achieve this feast within the short period you spent in the industry?
I started out as a model before veering into acting. Then I was an undergraduate of English Language  at the University of Maiduguri. My new  found fame jolted my parents who insisted I complete my education first before going into modeling.
I was chosen as a Visa phone model during the company’s launch campaign in Benin some years ago.
I also did a couple of calendars jobs for some corporate bodies.
While growing up, I was always inspired by visually stimulating events. I remembered always getting engrossed in movies and cartoons  as a child. And as I got older, my fascination for the arts developed.
My passion for the arts pushed me to obtain a degree in English Language. And shortly after graduation, I went straight to the movie industry. And within a short time, I landed a role that had me rubbing shoulders with two of the finest actors f my generation, Genevieve Nnaji and Majid Michel.
Why did you abandon modeling for acting?
I have always been passionate about the art. And while in school, I was coming to Lagos  for auditions. Initially, I was involved in a production by Emem Isong  between 1997 and 1998, but because of my hunger for education,  I could not be part of that production.
But in 2009, I got a phone call from a female producer, Vivian Ejike, who invited me, to be part of the cast of her ‘Silent Scandal” movie. She claimed she got my phone number from Emem Isong . After the audition, the rest is history.
“Silent Scandals” was the movie that exposed me. My role in the movie required a lot of depth, intellect and self-confidence. The role I played was also very challenging and today it changed my whole perception about life.  Still, it continues to drive me every day to become better at my craft.
As a new product, I need to be careful so as to maintain the standard I have set for myself.
After “Silent Scandals,” what other movies have you done recently?
I have done two more movies, and they are yet to be released into the market.
You spent a greater part of your life, living in the north?
Yes, I grew up there, living with my parents.  Hausas are very nice people. Born in the north, I have never known any other culture apart from that of  the Hausas.
Though my parents hail from Umuahia in Abia State, I’m more at home with the  Hausas. If I’m opportune to return to the North by way of marriage, well, I will not hesitate to do so.
What’s your driving force?
Hard work, and consistency. I’m inspired by those before me. Genevieve is my role model.
Her success is driven by hard work and that’s  the kind of impact I want to make in the industry.
Once one is passionate about what you do, the sky will be your limit. I know where I want to be. Because I’m focused and determined, I’m sure to make my mark in the industry.
Who is your kind of man?
The man who must be intellectually sound and honest. I can’t stand dishonest people.  They have no place in my heart.
Is that kind of  man already existing in your life?
I may have met him, or I may not have met him, But the most important thing is that he must be honest and intellectually sound.
Don’t you think that you are ripe for marriage?
For now it is not part of my agenda. I’m still discovering myself. I’m not thinking of getting married at the  moment. We grow every day and as we do so, we discover new things about ourselves. I’m still growing, and I’d have a desire to become a true professional.
And what part of the body would you consider as your greatest asset?
My eyes are my assets.
As a pretty lady I’m sure you have broken so many men’s heart . . .
I have not broken anybody’s heart, and I’m not thinking of doing in future.
So, how many passes do you get in a day?
As many as you can think of. But I know that on daily basis I get lots of passes from  men.

MEN, STAY CLEAR! I AM NOT READY FOR RELATIONSHIP-BEVERLY NAYA

Courage is her first name and confidence, her pet name. You can easily tell where Beverly Naya, the newest entrant into Nollywood, is coming from. A self-assured character who wants more from life and is willing to give her dreams all the push.
The beautiful actress co-starred along Desmond Elliot in the wave-making film, ‘Home in Exile’ that won six awards at the Terracotta Awards. It was also voted the Best screen play and Best film for tourism at the Zuma Film Festival. In an encounter with our reporter, she recalls her road to stardom, her passion, her plans to take Nollywood by storm and other interesting issues.
Born 22 years ago, pretty Beverly Naya has the trappings of one of the rising stars of Nollywood. Blessed with an education that prepares her for a prosperous future, appreciable exposure and exemplary personal style, one could not but be tempted to think that her background might be the fountain of her personality.
“I had my formal education in the UK. I graduated from Roehampton University in London where I studied Scriptwriting and Filmmaking. Prior to that, I had studied Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy,” she opens up.
Raised by a caring mother who pampered her with all the good things of life, juvenile inconvenience was alien to Beverly.

Beverly Naya

She speaks further: “I’m the only child, so my mum says I’m spoilt. Even at that, I have a mother who has always been supportive. There is natural flow of communication and understanding between us. We hardly have frictions because we have developed a bond to an extent where we make statements even in our silence mode.
The bond is so strong. She is my manager, my supporter and in fact, my mentor who nudges and urges me on. I count myself so lucky to have been born by such a strong woman. She always looks out for my interest and the best way to pass my message of appreciation is to make her happy by living in peace with her without compromising on high values which she has inculcated into me.”
The chocolate-skinned up-coming actress was raised in England, where she picked interest in the movie business. How culturally attuned is Beverly to Nigeria?
Hear her: “Well, I am a Nigerian but born and raised in England. I am from Delta State and I know I’m from Ibuzo, the Igbo-speaking Delta region. Truly, I’m not fluent in the language but I understand every word of it.
I believe there is much to learn about Nigerian culture and language and I’m very open to the learning process. I also take my time to learn from people, events and places I’ve been to since my relocation to Nigeria.
I’m not totally alien to Nigerian culture and tradition. I have Nigerians as friends and school mates with whom I socially and intellectually interact. While in school, we attended many cultural events where we got to learn and know many things about our dear country. So, I’m a full-blooded Nigerian with fair understanding of our cultural environment.”
Beverly had wonderful memories of her growing up years when asked to expatiate on her upbringing: “My growing-up days were wonderful and full of some memories I love to recall. I’m certain it is impossible for anyone to have a perfect childhood, but I feel mine was quite reasonable because my mum did a great job. I had no issues with my childhood. I was born and raised in London. I enjoyed the atmosphere in which I grew up. I lived there with my mum and it was a memorable experience for me.
“I have been coming to Nigeria for the past three years and I love every part of being here. I’m more at home in Nigeria now than in the UK even though I have lived better part of my life there. For me, the atmosphere in London is no more what it used to be. Whenever I’m in London, I get bored easily so much that I can’t just wait to get back to Nigeria. With my academic programmes behind me now, I am happier though I still have London in me.”
For somebody who studied abroad why preference for Nollywood despite her sterling academic performance? This she explains thus: “I could have ended up in the corporate world like most of my friends but I have great doubts within me about finding fulfilment in that.
With all sense of modesty and humility, I have a career I’m in love with it at 22; a career totally different from what my friends in London are facing right now. It is a career in which I have endless prospects and fulfilment. Nothing could have been more joyous than this.”
Though with her in-depth study of Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy, she could have secured a white-collar job in any company of her choice out there, but she said: “The truth is that I would not have found peace and satisfaction in it. However, when the talent for acting ignited in me, I knew right away that it was what I wanted to do.
The gifts aside, I have passion for it. Being a person who believes that talents can be honed and improved upon through training and practice, I decided to do a course in acting. I graduated from Roehampton University in London where I studied Scriptwriting and Filmmaking. Honestly speaking, it was overwhelming coming out tops in my college but I believe that it buttresses my deep-seated interest in acting to a large extent.

Beverly Naya

Affirming that she was in Nollywood to make a statement, the actress added: “I’m here to participate and contribute to the growth of the country’s film industry. The country’s film industry is growing so fast and I want to be part of it because even though I have lived all my life in London and America, I grew up watching the flicks from Nigeria and it helped me love the arts more.
I intend to break barriers in the industry, and with God on my side, the sky is the beginning for me. This is not to say I will be limited to the local scene but charity, they say, begins at home. Nollywood is a springboard and it is a learning rope for me. I’m trying to pattern my career after a bottom-up building model.
That is why I’m starting from the foundation, which Nollywood embodies. I have noticed that rain starts from up and that is why it ends on the ground. But I don’t want to end up like the rain. I have prepared myself for the challenges ahead.”
When asked about her love life, she responded: “It’s my career at the moment. Of course, men come in droves, both with genuine intentions and ulterior motives, but I found out that the best thing at the moment is to be in a relationship with my career.
Distraction should be the last thing on my mind at the moment and dating now is just a form of distraction especially at my age. Aside that, if I was in a relationship with a guy probably based in London because that is why I have greater part of my life and I’m here in Nigeria pursuing my career, that would be a very selfish act and I’m not raised to be selfish.”
Her reply when asked to elucidate on her dreams and aspirations unveiled her mental quality: “I don’t believe in dreams because dreams remain dreams,” she said.

I AM A LOOSE CANNON, CAN'T DELIVER JOKES IN PIDGIN-WALE GATES

Wale Gates is a UK based Nigerian comedian. He’s not the average Nigerian comedian hanging on to Pidgin or Warri accents and stories to drive home his point. On this brief visit to Nigeria, Wale talks on his kind of comedy, family and also, provides tips on how a comedy business can be  developed in Nigeria.
What are you doing in Nigeria?

Wale

I will say, spending the holiday in business, holiday in work. I am trying to promote the brand.
People say that you are very big in the U.K, how true is that?
I will be modest enough to say that it is not true but I will also say that there are very few people who could take that title. In a way I can say it is true but I will be modest enough to say it is not true because I still want to get bigger.
So what have you been doing in the past years in the U.K?
I am basically breaking new grounds. Touring new markets, doing comedy clubs in Europe, America, just trying to break new markets basically, I just make out time also to be in Nigeria.
You were there when D’banj became big, how was it?
They called him on stage in 2004, when he came on stage, who asked ‘who you be?’ and by the time he finished performing, everybody was wowed. Everybody knew that we had just witnessed someone who was just about to blow and I mean, he is there right now.
Do you miss Nigeria at all?
Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. I don’t because sometime, Nigeria does not give room for my own kind of creativity. To be a comedian, you are not given the freedom to be too intelligent. So, sometimes I don’t miss it.
I miss it because; it is still home to me.  This is where I started in 2002. I started my career in the University of Lagos where I studied Economics.
Were you part of Theatre 15?
Yes. Theater 15 started a year after I started comedy so it’s been great. It’s been a long journey to get to where I am.
That must mean that you owe something to Tee A?
I owe something to, not just to Tee A, but to Teju Babyface, Ali Baba, Kofi, Kayode Peters as well. They have been in this business of entertainment before me. If they did not set up that platform, people like me won’t be there. So, I am grateful.
What is wrong with Nigerian comedy industry?
This is the part where I put my foot in. It is not an industry. We do not have an industry yet because if we have an industry, we have to have genres, different styles, and different angles to comedy. We don’t have that.
In the U.K, you find different genres, different styles. There are people who do alternative comedy, contemporary comedy; there are people who do satire. There are different styles that you can wing your comedy into.
In Nigeria, you can’t. When you get to Nigeria, it is almost like an association, with all due respect and it is not me being rude. The faces are changing but the jokes don’t change. That is what happens in an association.
That is where you get a case of hear a particular joke over and over.
What is your own style of comedy?
I do a lot of observational comedy but it is also very critical of where we are, where we want to go and where we want to be. I also do some conscious stuff. The conscious comes when you see something, the rest of the world probably doesn’t see it that way but you show it to them. Some people might call it necessary intelligence.
Does Lanre, your wife, like what you do?
Sometimes she is more like ‘Wale do it the way they do it’ there is no need for the way you want to do it.
Where did you meet Lanre?
I met her the day I was going to chase women at Faguwa in Unilag and she opened the door and I told a friend of mine, “this girl, you will introduce me to her right?” We just got talking from there and seven years on we are married now, expecting our first child by ending of January.
So, are you prepared for that first child?
Not really. I am prepared but I am also not prepared because until the baby lands in your hand, you probably don’t know how to start. For someone like me that is naturally disorganised, it’s good because it will kind of help me in a way. I am expecting a baby and I am writing materials about what I am going to experience and I am looking forward to it.
Does it have a name yet?
My wife keeps telling me not to choose a silly name for the baby.
Do you know if it is a she or he?
That I will keep to myself for now.
How often do you get to perform with some Nigerian comedians that go to London to have shows?
I do the ones that I can. Sometimes I work with Julius, for Basketmouth, sometimes I would be on his bill while other times I won’t. Sometimes they have their own people and I don’t have a problem with that because they have to follow people who have their style who they want to promote. With all due respect, I have my own style. I have a way I talk and I hardly do my comedy in Pidgin English.
The last time I checked, you were a Chelsea fan, are you still their fan?
I am still a Chelsea fan.
Why is that?
I think I could not afford an Arsenal jersey when I was young. I started following Jose Mourinho for a long time.
He is determined and arrogant, not arrogant in a bad way. He talks and works with what he says. That dragged me to Chelsea.
You are said to be very arrogant while on stage, any reason for choosing that kind of personality for your career?
When I started in the industry, I never had that kind of a name that sounded funny. I don’t look funny, I don’t talk funny, I did not grow up in Warri where you got the funny childhood story that people like. So when I got on stage most days I had to be really harsh and that metamorphosed into me being rude.
I just say what I feel. I am a loose canon, I won’t just insult anybody but I try to bring out the joke in any thing I want to present.
Is that also your real personality outside the stage?
In real life, I am almost like that too, but I also give room to when I am wrong. I am not always right and I admit when I am not right.
Do you write a script for every joke you present on stage?
Yes I do. I think about materials and issues I want to write on. The most important thing is to pass a message with the jokes that you are presenting to people.
You are already big in the industry, how big do you still want to be in this career?
I just want to conquer the world. That is how big I want to get. To me, it’s not just about fame. If I wanted fame, I would be in Nigeria and all I need to do is be on TV everyday and on the newspapers everyday. I want to be big enough to make sure that people recognise comedians and comedy as a proper profession.
From the way you are speaking, you are likely not going to give a second thought to the course you studied in the University?
Not just the course I studied in UniLag, I also have Masters degree in Business Management. Comedy is giving me the kind of what I want. Comedy is a calling and I am satisfied with it.

CLAUDIA ADEROTIMI DIES AFTER BUTTOCK SURGERY

Nigerian born British wannabe hip-hop star Claudia Aderotimi  died Monday after an illegal cosmetic procedure to enhance her bottom went tragically wrong.
The university student, 20, flew to Philadelphia, US, for silicone jabs to increase the curve of her buttocks.
But Claudia, of Hackney, East London, suffered chest pains after the injections and died in hospital. US cops are investigating.
She wanted the jabs because she thought having a bigger bottom would make her FAMOUS, heartbroken pals say.
Claudia was desperate to transform her image with cosmetic surgery so she could appear in music videos.
Friends revealed her confidence had dipped after she was dropped from a previous promo because her “booty” was too small.
But the £1,000 procedure, carried out in a budget Philadelphia hotel, ended in disaster when Claudia suffered agonising chest pains and died.
Talent scout Tee Ali met the university student – stage name Carmella London – when she filmed a video. He said she often wore special padded trousers to give the impression she had a shapelier backside.
Tee said: “She was a dancer and choreographer. She loved to dance and had a drive to be famous. The problem was she didn’t have no butt, and she wanted a butt.
“She went to audition for one video shoot wearing fake booty pants and she got all the attention.
“But when they found out it was fake she didn’t get asked back.
“It’s such a shame. She’s a victim of all these girls trying to be perfect. She thought if she had a big booty she would have been in better videos and been more famous.”
Claudia is thought to have travelled out last November to have a buttocks enlargement op.
She jetted off again with three friends to have top-up injections, which she was given last Monday.
Police said she and her pals checked into the cheap Philadelphia hotel to have the illegal procedure.
But almost 12 hours after receiving the injections in her rear she began complaining of chest pains and was rushed to hospital, where she died at 1.32am on Tuesday.
It is suspected she may have been injected with industrial silicone normally used as a sealant instead of the more expensive variety usually used for legal breast enlargements.
It is also thought the substance was mistakenly injected into a vein.
US cops were last night seeking the “doctor”, who left after giving the jabs in room 425 of the Hampton Inn hotel, near Philadelphia airport.
Some reports claimed the suspect was a “transgendered” woman – a man living as a female.
Detectives yesterday quizzed a female “recruiter” they believe set up “her” meeting with Claudia.
Officers had earlier raided the fixer’s New Jersey home, seizing computer files, emails and phone records.
Last night Claudia’s sister Toomi said her family, from Nigeria, were deeply shocked and had known nothing about her plans for surgery.
Toomi said: “She said she was going to the US but didn’t say why – we thought it was a holiday.
“What has happened is a huge shock. Her mother is very ill and is taking this very badly.”
The family are speaking to the Nigerian Embassy in the US about arrangements for releasing Claudia’s body, which was identified by the Delaware County Medical Examiner. The official did not list the cause of death pending an autopsy and further inquiries. Toxicology results are expected within six weeks. Claudia, of Hackney, East London, and also known as Claudia James, was 12 days from her 21st birthday.
She posted a poignant Tweet shortly before the jab, telling pals: “I’m gooonneeeee so faR away.”
The would-be video star had flown out last Saturday with her three unidentified chums, all thought to be from London.
She had planned to return home this Saturday while two of the girls in her group attended a New York party. A source said Claudia spent £1,000 on the jabs while one friend paid £1,100 for a hip-enhancing procedure. It is not known if the doctor was licensed.

Claudia Aderotimi

The three pals remained in America yesterday having been quizzed by cops.
Several US women have been arrested for carrying out illegal bottom-enhancing ops. Last year former Miss Argentina Solange Magano, 38, died of complications after the procedure.
Teetotal Claudia appeared in numerous videos posted on her MySpace page and on various talent websites.
An old school friend said: “Everyone is struggling to understand why she did this, she was such a confident, pretty person. In the past she’d complained about having a flat bum, but she never mentioned surgery.”
Last night tributes flooded Twitter message boards. In_a_dayze wrote: “You were a beautiful person inside and out! You will be missed.”
Roulette
A Philadelphia police spokesman said: “We interviewed a woman who did all the emails to get the girls out here. We’re now trying to identify the injector. No arrests have been made.”
The hotel’s manager Jason Britton said staff had no idea ops were being performed there. He said: “We’re co-operating with the authorities.”
Last night one of the UK’s top plastic surgeons said Claudia’s procedure was illegal and like “Russian roulette”.
Consultant Rajiv Grover, president elect of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, said: “Buttock augmentation isn’t very commonly performed, which is probably why these girls have resorted to going abroad.
“Correctly done, it involves solid silicone implants. Injecting liquid silicone should never be done. If it gets into the bloodstream it can go to the lungs and block the blood vessels.
“It’s like playing Russian Roulette. You get away with it sometimes, but each time you have it done, you’re risking your life.”

MY MAN MUST BE BIG ENOUGH TO HOLD ME-ZARA

ZARA

Oluwatoyin Joseph is a bundle of fun. Playful and intelligent, Zara, as you know her, lets her hair down talking on her kind of man, her thoughts on marriage and why she may never get pregnant.

In this engaging chat with Lolade SOWOOLU, the ex-Alapomeji Record artiste speaks on her music, admitting that ‘the brand, Zara is not exposed enough for an album yet’.
She bought a round trip ticket she didn’t need when she journeyed to Nigeria in 2009 to explore her music talents, after living in the United States for a decade.
The once engaged to be married chubby beauty hasn’t looked back since taking on music professionally. Armed with three singles and two videos, here’s Zara Grett for your weekend delight.
Are Zara and Ejiro two different persons?
Zara’s the artiste; Ejiro’s the girl you hear on radio. I can’t be Zara working at the station, it won’t make sense because tomorrow I might want an interview as Zara. In fact right now Zara has a last name – Grett. It’s from my birth name, Magaret.
The surname is just to create a name that stands out because I’m not the only Zara in the world. Since we’re planning on going global, it only makes sense that I take on an added name so I’m now Zara Grett.
What’s your real name in full?
I’m Magaret Mary Oluwatoyin Ejiro Joseph. I’m from Popo Aguda in Lagos Island, Lagos. I’m a people person.
How do you prepare for a show?
I sing a lot in the car on my way there and all that. I’m a rapper and singer and I love to have fun. I’m like a bowl of salad rather than a pot of stew.
How does a bowl of salad differ from a pot of stew?
In a pot of stew you don’t get to see all the ingredients. But with salad, there’s expression for each component.
Now I get it. So how do you come about your songs?
I don’t freestyle, I write. I pick on a topic and create a story around it. Sometimes if I hear a beat that gets to me, I’d write something. I learnt to ‘show’ and not ‘tell’ from my English teacher in eleventh grade. When you personify feelings or a topic, it gives it a human face.
What’s that weird sound you make in your songs?
Don’t make me do it (laughter). It’s an ape call. I am part of a sisterhood in the States that is tied to a fraternity. And it’s in this fraternity that they make the ‘ape call’. I do it on every track that has to do with Zara. I don’t make faces. I make sounds and it works for me.
You were signed on to Alapomeji Records. What happened to the agreement?
Yes, Alapomeji Records released my ‘Flyest’ (a single) video but we just decided after evaluating things, that it’d be better for us if we worked independently of each other.
How long was it supposed to last for?
The contract was very clear on the terms for leaving. I didn’t just opt out or something. We reached an agreement to part ways. Right now, I’m an independent artiste and I’m working very hard. I’m managed by Toni Payne Concepts.
What’s happening with the album?
It’s still being put together. At the same time I don’t think I’ll be releasing an album in the next six months. I’d like to allow more publicity for the artiste Zara before I take that step. So many people have released their albums prematurely because people keep asking, ‘Is your album out?’ There’s no rush about it. The brand, Zara, is not exposed enough for an album yet.
What were your expectations and why did you buy a round trip ticket?
The ticket was cheaper (laughter). But seriously that way I didn’t have to lie to my mum because she didn’t want me coming in the first place. She had heard so much of bad news and was afraid.
I didn’t even really have any expectations. I was just coming to give music a shot and I never used the ticket back.
Is Abokoku a true life story?
It’s so many people’s lives’ story.
Is Zara a lover girl?
Zara is an emotional and tough person at the same time. I’ve heard people say I pretend to be
tough. But the thing is we’re all humans and so we have our sentiments and that’s why I carved the song ‘Abokoku’. It refers to something some people have or wish they had, or that they have lost.
It could be love between a man and his God, love in the family or love shared between a man and a woman. I just didn’t want to go the typical ‘I love you’ fashion. Again I borrowed a leaf from Shaggy’s ‘Mr lover lover’ to say ‘I’ll wait for my lover’.
And is Kenneth really the lover or just a model in that video?
Kenneth is my homeboy. We met sometime somehow and when it was time for the video I thought he’d be perfect. Plus he looks great and I didn’t want a yellow boy.
What do you have against ‘yellow’ boys?
Nothing. But darker boys look sexier. My ex was a very ‘yellow’ boy – he was Igbo. But there’s just something about dark chocolate. I don’t like to eat dark chocolate but I like to look at it.
So the guys now know the basic requirement …
I have no requirements o. Don’t go and colour your skin o (laughter). If you must know, I like tall guys too. I’d like someone taller than me like 6′ 2′, 6’4′. Way taller, lean and fine. By lean, I mean with enough build to hold me because I’m not small. It also doesn’t mean I want a bouncer.
So is all these the reason you’re not in a relationship presently?
That’s not why. It’s just that I’m working; I’m busy. I’m not even looking. If I happen to meet somebody that I click with the right way, I won’t be an idiot that shoots herself in the foot saying ‘no relationships yet’. At the same time I won’t sit outside or go to church hoping to find a husband.
What do you think about marriage. Is it something you look forward to?
I’m not excited about marriage. I don’t even think across those lines. Some people think I’m getting old and I tell them ‘if anything’s supposed to happen, it will happen anyway’. If I’m suppose to get married it will happen at some point. It could be next year, it could be when I’m 60. You never know.
It’s life. Some people have this mind set of getting married at a certain age like it’s a must and really it ruins relationships. Because when it moves to looking for a husband rather than making friends, you’ll take anything from anybody. I don’t think things should be that way.
You’ve heard of love at first sight before.
I don’t believe in it. I think love grows. You discover love. I don’t think I can meet anybody
today and say that I’ve fallen in love. You should take your time, nurture it and let it grow.
Isn’t your mum worried about your perception on marriage?
My mother loves me. She’ll be alright. She understands that I’m a bit special and different. She started to know when I first came home with no hair and then I said I wanted to do ‘dada’ (dreadlocks).
I was engaged to be married sometime back in the states and when I talked to the person to let him know I didn’t think it was the right time for me to be married because I wasn’t ready, my mum didn’t understand where it came from. She kept asking me what happened but I told her it just wasn’t ‘it’ because there’s no point getting committed to something you don’t think will last forever. After a while she said, ‘okay I’m here for you.
So what would make you decide to marry someone?
I have to be comfortable with whoever it is. I have to be able to tell the person any thing and vice versa. Trust is important. It’s a huge task for me being an open book. I have to be happy.
I don’t care what money you have but if I’m not happy around you, it’s pointless being with you.
Would you consider separation or divorce as option?
I hope not. If I get into something, I hope it’ll be forever because it’s supposed to be. But seriously separation and divorce is always an option. Apologies to anyone out there who doesn’t agree with me. But if a man touches me or lays his hand on me, I won’t care what kind of drugs you’re on or the evil spirit at work in you at that time, it just will not work. I’m totally honest here.
And what if you’re still in love with him?
Olorun ma je’ari (God forbid). If you mentally or physically abuse me, or make me feel less than human, you’re certainly not my husband.
What of kids?
I love children but I’m not sure I want any (laughter). Children love to be around me. Trust me, I’m great with kids but I don’t want to be pregnant. Don’t you see how pregnant people look? After the whole nine months, you have to push him out (labour) and before you know what there’s part 2 and 3 (other babies). Even if I don’t get married, I’ll love to have kids. But then I’ll definitely adopt.
Do you plan on going back to the states for any reason?
I would love to visit my family and friends. But then how much time would I have to see them all so maybe they should come and visit me instead.