Praying in a Jungle

I want to relate an event which happened nearly 10 years ago. I was 9 at that time, still a small child back then. It happened in a village in Alibaug a place in Maharashtra in India during the summer holidays.
We (my mom and me) were at the beach for quite some time when we decided to go back. Normally, after walking for about 10 minutes, we would reach the hotel.

My mom asked her friend where our sandals were (we were still at the beach). Her friend pointed in some direction, and my mom then went there. However, soon mom realised we were lost.
We were now in a quite a big jungle. And since it was noon, the ground was quite hot and my mom had to carry me. I was scared. I didn’t understand then, our plight, mom was in a big jungle with her 9-year-old kid and completely lost.

I was scared and didn’t know what to do. So I began to pray. As a child, the only prayer I knew was “Our Father” and “God Our Protector” (Psalms 92). I don’t remember which of the two I prayed, but I do remember my mother telling me that as soon I had finished praying, a woman stood before my mother. The woman gave mom her chappal (slippers) and told my mom that she had crossed an entire village and currently was in a different village. That woman safely took us back to the hotel we were staying at.
My parents told me it was that kind woman who helped mom back then. However, I know it was Master Yahuwah (LORD) who helped us.

(Mark Mascarenhas)

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Homecoming

While waiting to pick up a friend at the airport in Portland, Oregon, I had one of those life changing experiences that you hear other people talk about, the kind that sneaks up on you unexpectedly.
This one occurred a mere two feet away from me. Straining to locate my friend among the passengers deplaning through the jet way, I noticed a man coming toward me carrying two light bags. He stopped right next to me to greet his family.

First he motioned to his youngest son (maybe six years old) as he laid down his bags. They gave each other a long, loving hug. As they separated enough to look in each other's face, I heard the father say, "It's so good to see you, son. I missed you so much!" His son smiled somewhat shyly, averted his eyes and replied softly, "Me, too, Dad!"

Then the man stood up, gazed in the eyes of his oldest son (maybe nine or ten) and while cupping his son's face in his hands said, "You're already quite the young man. I love you very much, Zach!" They too hugged a most loving, tender hug.

While this was happening, a baby girl (perhaps one or one-and-a-half) was squirming excitedly in her mother's arms, never once taking her little eyes off the wonderful sight of her returning father. The man said, "Hi, baby girl!" as he gently took the child from her mother. He quickly kissed her face all over and then held her close to his chest while rocking her from side to side. The little girl instantly relaxed and simply laid her head on his shoulder, motionless in pure contentment.

After several moments, he handed his daughter to his oldest son and declared, "I've saved the best for last," and proceeded to give his wife the longest, most passionate kiss I ever remember seeing. He gazed into her eyes for several seconds and then silently mouthed, "I love you so much!" They stared at each other's eyes, beaming big smiles at one another, while holding both hands. For an instant they reminded me of newlyweds, but I knew by the age of their kids that they couldn't possibly be.

I puzzled about it for a moment then realized how totally engrossed I was in the wonderful display of unconditional love not more than an arm's length away from me. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if I was invading something sacred, but was amazed to hear my own voice nervously ask, "Wow! How long have you two been married?"

"Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those," he replied, without breaking his gaze from his lovely wife's face.

"Well, then, how long have you been away?" I asked.

The man finally turned and looked at me, still beaming his joyous smile.

"Two whole days!"

Two days? I was stunned. By the intensity of the greeting, I had assumed he'd been gone for at least several weeks, if not months. I know my expression betrayed me, I said almost offhandedly, hoping to end my intrusion with some semblance of grace (and to get back to searching for my friend), "I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!"

The man suddenly stopped smiling. He looked me straight in the eye, and with forcefulness that burned right into my soul, he told me something that left me a different person. He told me, "Don't hope, friend ... decide!"
Then he flashed me his wonderful smile again, shook my hand and said, "God bless!" With that, he and his family turned and strode away together. I was still watching that exceptional man and his special family walk just out of sight when my friend came up to me and asked, "What'cha looking at?"
Without hesitating, and with a curious sense of certainty, I replied, "My future!"

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Yvonne Nelson, Dumelo, Majid Michel Dance To ''My Oga At The Top''

I can't stop laughing for the video..Very funny

WATCH VIDEO BELOW

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Nollywood Fake Accent: Kenyan Author Corrects Jim Iyke

Charity, they say, begins at home. A man who is not well trained at home will be well taught outside. All these African proverbs best describe the situation the Nollywood bad boy, Jim Iyke got inside into the last time.

John Kiriamiti, a Kenyan author’s whose book is been adapted for a film where Jim Iyke would be playing the lead role has advised the actor to ‘stop talking like an American’ and ‘learn how to talk like me to be able to play the role well.”

Adding further, John said, ‘Whoever has read the book has told me they read it thrice or four times and as you know in the book I wasn’t acting I was doing it for real. I hope that translates also in the movie.’

Jim, has been casted for the lead role of Jack Zolo in a new Kenyan crime thriller entitled My Life In Crime.

The movie, is an adaptation of three novels written by John Kiriamiti based on ‘his life as a real gangster’, according to sources.

The three books are My Life In Crime, My Life With A Criminal and My Life In Prison.

Jim will be joined by top Kenyan acts that include Ainea Ojiambo, Janet Kirina, Abubakar Mwenda, Melvin Alusa, Jeff Koinange, Lenana Kariba and Eddy Kimani.

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EcoBank In Trouble Over NNPC Account Fraud…May Lose Licence

The management of Jibril Aku-led Eco Bank is presently running from pillar to post from an impending trouble over an unprofessional conduct, fraud and financial malpractice on an account belonging to one of the institutions` biggest customers, Francis Ogaree who`s one of the senior managers with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of NNPC Towers, Abuja.

Aside suing the bank for a N100m damages, Francis Ogaree has vowed to make sure Eco bank loses its banking licence as a result of what he termed as unprofessional, unethical and sharp banking practices by falsifying his account statements thereby ridiculing his person before credit bureau and other financial institutions.

According to the statement of claims made available to National Enquirer by Ogaree`s counsel, Dr. Yemi Oke of MJS Partners suing the bank for a N100m and directing the apex bank, the central bank of Nigeria to revoke Eco bank's licence, Eco bank was said to have been in the habit of illegally deducting monies from Ogaree`s domiciliary account without his consent.

We gathered reliably that, Ogaree who operates three different domiciliary accounts with details as follow: 0012510100651801 (now 0012047436) and 0015010100651801 (0012068781) and one other at the bank`s headquarters on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos was stunned when sometimes in 2007/2008 he experienced unauthorized deductions in his account and informed the bank's management which put up a lackadaisical attitude until he threatened a law suit before it was reversed .

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I Slept With My Hubbyz Driver, Now I'm Suffering!

Several years ago, when I was searching for a child, I had an affair with my husband’s driver.

He didn’t want to have anything to do with me but I blackmailed him into doing it by threatening him that I would lie against him that he came into my bedroom unannounced and uninvited to force himself on me.

It took me almost six months to get him to finally agree to my proposal; as a matter of fact, I forced him the day my husband travelled out of town. He actually cried after he slept with me. Having done it once, it was easy for me to force him subsequently. That affair led to a pregnancy I passed on to my husband. I was happy because through him I became a mother. For that, I will ever be grateful to him but when the child was born, I engineered the sacking of the driver to cover the identity of the child. I didn’t want him suspecting the paternity of the child.

At that point, I was beyond caring about the kind of lie I told; what mattered then was getting him sacked. So I lied to my husband that he stole my jewellery and money I forget inside the car. I said this because I knew it was the only way my husband would get rid of him. Even though deep down it was painful, I had to do it to protect my child from eventual ridicule hence developed the strength to confront him. Beyond protesting his innocence, he told me especially that something would happen later in life to warrant my coming back to beg him for forgiveness.I dismissed him and went about my normal life.

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Pregnancy: Nigerian Celebrities' Hope Dashed On Green Cards

Hope of our celebrities who plan to travel to the United States of America to have their babies has finally come to a halt, as the new policy of Uncle Sam’s country may not favour 90% of them.

The likes of Mercy Johnson who recently had her baby there should be thankful to God because she is likely going to be the last woman standing in Nollywood.

According to report gathered from Compass, the United States government appears to have tightened the noose on Nigerian pregnant women who have formed the habit of traveling to the US to deliver their babies. The women employ the ploy to ensure that such babies become citizens of the US in order to enjoy all the benefits of US citizenship.

However, with the new policy being introduced in the US, Nigeria women who travel abroad to deliver their babies may now have to opt for other countries other than the US or be multi-millionaires before they can have access to travelling for child delivery and qualify for automatic citizenship.

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Ghanaian Actress, Yvonne Nelson Suffering From Anorexia?

According to stories floating the internet, star Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson is currently battling anorexia.

In just 6 months, the ‘House of Gold’ actress is said to have lost over 30 pounds and counting.

 

Many of her fans wondered about the actress's sudden weight loss considering that she has always been slim, and thought perhaps it was to align with her 'new skin' brand.

 

But with her continuous decline in body weight, many now fear for her, leading to the conclusion that the 'dieting thing' may have become obsessive after-all.

 

Anorexia is an emotional disorder that comes with an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat.  It`s a medical condition that results in lack or loss of appetite for food after an apparent weight gain that needs an urgent intervention.

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Amnesty: Boko Haram Should Be Sent Back To Hell Where They Come From – Femi Fani-Kayode

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has accused the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration of failing in its responsibility of protecting lives and properties of Nigerians due to its inability to tackle the menace of Islamic fundamentalists headlong.

Fani-Kayode who was speaking at the residence of the Awolowos in Ikenne Ogun State on Saturday when he paid a condolence visit to the Matriarch of the family following the death of Oluwole Awolowo, expressed displeasure over what he described as lackadaisical attitude of government in curtailing the activities of the dreaded sect.

Fani-Kayode noted that no fewer than 4,200 Nigerians had been killed in the last two years by the sect, adding, “one of the main reasons why this government has not only proved itself incompetent, but also acting irresponsibly is the fact that 4,200 people have been killed in the last two years by this Islamic  group.

“I have lived in the North for 10 years and I do not in anyway owe any kind of apology for people that make the business of killing others in the name of their religious faith to impose their faith on others; both Christians and Muslims.

“As far as I am concerned, this government has failed. It is a matter of law and order to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. 4,200 in a spate of two years is a record outside civil war.

“It has never happened since 1914 apart from 1960 that 4,200 Nigerians have been slaughtered like chickens and goats by one terrorist organisation in the spate of only two years. That is the record and legacy of this government as far as I am concerned.”

He wondered why the Federal Government embraced granting amnesty to the sect when it could use its might to fight them, saying that the fight should be “battle to the finish” on the part of the government.

The former minister urged the government to do the right thing by fighting Boko Haram on all fronts.

“Government should rise up to the occasion by doing the right thing and stop the issue of amnesty. They should show strength. It is an insult on the souls of thousands that have been killed for the Presidency to be considering granting  amnesty to the Boko Haram sect.

“I identified with the position of the CAN President and many well-meaning Nigerians; there should be no discussion, no amnesty and nothing for the Boko Haram sect. The only thing they should consider is to send them back to hell where they come from,” he added.

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How President Jonathan Landed Us In This Trouble ––Bishop Kukah

Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, social critic and commentator, has said that President Goodluck Jonathan erred in the planned amnesty for the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

He said, “The first point to make is that the argument has not been properly framed and we are frankly in a state of confusion arising from the fact that we ought not to have heard about amnesty from the President now. The President should not have made a statement either for or against amnesty because the President is the Supreme Court."

Bishop Kukah who spoke exclusively with Daily Sun in Abuja, said the refusal of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to implement the report of the Justice Chukwudifu Oputa panel, led to what is today known as Boko Haram. He lambasted Obasanjo, saying his government was reckless.

He said Jonathan’s involvement of the military in resolving the crisis and at the same time discussing amnesty is an admittance of incompetence. “So, this conversation needed to have taken place with a lot of other things being debated before proposals and propositions are made to the President in terms of how to deal with Boko Haram,” he said.

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We Will Release A Deadly Blow If MEND Dare Attack Muslims

The security situation in Nigeria is highly combustible at the moment. We are in the era or threats and counter threats. I think these talks of attacks are dangerous signals that should get everyone worried:

Reacting to the latest threat by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, to commence bombing of mosques and killing of Muslims from May 31, in retaliation for Boko Haram's killing of Christians, the AYC has promised to deal a deadly blow on Southern Nigeria if MEND should attack any Mosque or kill any Muslim.

The AYC, that is the Arewa Youths Forum, also warned MEND not to arrogate to itself the monopoly of violence. The warning was made by the National President of the AYF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Gujungu in Abuja.

Gujungu made it clear that any attack by MEND will be "adequately" replied.

”The most recent threat by MEND is indeed, unfortunate, callous and counter productive, especially coming at a time when patriotic Nigerians are making strident effort and sacrifices to resolve the current security challenge.

“MEND, as usual, is putting spanners in the works for unpatriotic selfish economic benefits. It is painful that these elements are threatening more violence despite the colossal amount being paid their leadership and the training of Niger Delta youths abroad by the Federal Government to the obvious disadvantage of other Nigerian youths outside the region.

“It is very sad and mind boggling to note that instead of supporting and ensuring that President Jonathan succeeds in finding a lasting solution to the present security challenge in the north, MEND has re-opened another insecurity theatre in the Niger Delta to cause distraction and make him fail.

“The obvious disrespect, which MEND shows to President Jonathan as not being among those they respect enough to intervene in the ongoing debacle, is food for thought, to say the least,” Gujungu noted.

But the spokesperson of the defunct Niger-Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, Captain Mark Anthony has threw his weight behind the planned attack by MEND.

In his words: “If MEND can carry out their threat, it will be a welcome development, the Christians Boko Haram roasted with bombs in hundreds are human beings...”

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Why Should A Lady Expose Her Body So Cheaply?

Except you desperately want to convince men that you are a cheap girl and don't have value for your body, I see no reason why a lady should leave her home dressing like this. See another 'bad' pix below...

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Fugar Mayhem: I’ll Sign Killers’ Execution – Gov Oshiomhole

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, who visited the families of those killed last week in the Fugar mayhem, has vowed to sign the death warrant of those who will be convicted over the killings.

A farmer with three wives and 30 children, aged 72, Oboareyi  Ivharve and Joachim Omedemeh, were shot dead, while four cars and five houses were burnt, during the clash between Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, youths in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state.

A visibly angry Oshiomhole, who inspected the damages and visited families of the deceased, described the killings as senseless and expressed the readiness of his administration to co-operate with police with a view to fishing out the killers.

He said, “I condemn in the strongest term possible, those who are responsible for the killings and I will encourage the police to handle the investigation very professionally. We need to get the people who are involved in these killings and they must be brought to justice.

“No man has a right to take the life of another for any reason, except as confirmed by a court. So I condemn these killings which were absolutely unnecessary.

“Those who are responsible for these killings, when found and they brought to justice, if they are condemned, I will sign their execution, because I believe we need to clean up the political system.”

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I Will Probably Not Stop Acting- Actress, Ini Edo

Glo Ambassador and top Nollywood actress cum producer, Ini Edo-Ehiagwina has confessed that she may probably not stop acting.

She was interviewed recently during the movie premier she co-produced, Weekend Getaway, where the budding producer and seasoned actress, Ini aligned herself with the revolutionist of Nollywood.

“I have a dream and that I am presently fulfilling; that I am part of a revolution which I think is going on right now in Nollywood. These are group of people that feel like they love the industry and would not let it go down.

No matter what is happening we need try make it better. I am one of those people. It is a natural inborn feeling that I have about the industry.

For me it is about if I am making my own film the way I feel films should be told, it is going to be my own way of contributing to the change in the industry for it to grow to what we want it to. I am going to keep producing. I will probably not stop acting but keep on making films,” the AkwaIbom star actress said.

Ini was later asked what her glowing look secrets are, “that is a very hard pack, I know, well, I will say, I learn to eat right. I am an African woman from AkwaIbom where there are good foods. But then I try to keep it down, keep it healthy, do more of walk out. Healthy living is what it really is.

Looking good is how you feel inside. It is also the fact that we are enjoying what we worked for. I am an advocate for good living,” the Ibibio queen explained.

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Nollywood Actor, Odunlade Adekola Welcomes Baby Boy

Popular yoruba actor, Odunlade Adekola and his wife Ruth, on Saturday 13th April welcomed a baby boy in the ancient city of Abeokuta.

The couple have two boys together.

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“It’s A Clear Case Of Assassination, They Shot At The Bentley Twice” – Dino Melaye Points Fingers

Yesterday, we brought you an exclusive report that Honourable Dino Melaye escaped an assassination attempt on his life.

A source was able to speak with him briefly and he confirmed he was with the SSS at the moment, before handing us over to the Director of Planning and Strategy for Anti-Corruption Network, a movement he is at the forefront of and here is what he said:

“It’s just a miracle that he is alive. He called me about an hour ago and told me what happened.

“They were about four or five of them and they shot at his Bentley twice, but the bullets didn’t penetrate. It is a miracle, because they are not bullet-proof. They even tried to jack him down from the car.

 

When asked if they were possibly robbers, he replied: “It’s a clear case of assassination. No one would want to steal a Bentley. When you fight corruption, corruption tries to fight back.

“We just thank God for his life. God is greater than evil doers and we give him all the praise.”

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Ejigbo LCDA Chairman Kidnapped (UPDATED)

Former Chief Press Secretary to immediate past Governor Bola Tinubu Ahmed and incumbent Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Kehinde Oladapo Kolade Bamigbetan was kidnapped in Ejigbo late Monday night at about 11pm.

As at the time of this report, 8.45 am, Tuesday, (Today) the kidnappers had not gotten in touch with any members of his family nor the council Vice Chairman of the council.

Also all known Bamigbetan’s phone lines had been switched off.

He was said to have  been kidnapped by four gunmen on his way home from an event, after the close of work, as he was about  entering  his street, Ona Iwa Mimo Street,Ori Oke before Egbe Bridge in Ejigbo.

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Real Reason Red Meat Is Bad For The Heart

A new study has shown what doctors and health experts have been saying for years, that too much red meat, such as  fatty steaks and lamb chops, lead to an increased risk of heart disease.

It turns out, it’s not so much the cholesterol or saturated fat that’s to blame, according to the study, published in Nature Medicine. It’s a compound found in red meat called carnitine that’s linked to clogged arteries. The bacteria in our guts convert carnitine into a harmful chemical called TMAO that can thicken the arteries.

Though recommendations to cut back on red meat may be nothing new, limiting how much red meat you eat can keep your heart healthier. The study also indicated that it’s not just red meat we need to watch out for: Carnitine is a popular dietary supplement commonly found in weight-loss products and energy drinks.

Overall, the findings reinforces advice to switch to a Mediterranean-style diet for better heart health — nixing processed food and red meat for an uptick in fish, fruits and vegetables. Based on this study, that’s probably the way to go.

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Boko Haram: Northern Monarchs Meet Jonathan, Urge Dialogue

Traditional rulers from the northern part of the country, under the aegis the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, on Monday presented a position paper to President Goodluck Jonathan on how best to tackle the violence by members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar

The traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, presented the report at a meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

At the end of the meeting that lasted about an hour, the council’s secretary, who is also the Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Najeem Adamu, told journalists that they suggested dialogue and amnesty as parts of the strategies aimed at ending the violence.

Adamu said the traditional rulers warned that granting of amnesty to the sect should be done properly and not haphazardly as some people would expect.

He said, “The meeting was about the state of the nation, the security challenges we are facing.

“We recommended the use of dialogue as one of the strategies to resolve the security challenge and at the same time to devise strategies that will encourage or lay the foundation for sustainable peace in this country.

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2015: PDP’ll Win At Least 32 States – Tukur

The Peoples Democratic Party on Monday boasted that it had no reason to lose sleep as it would convincingly win most of the 36 states of the federation during the 2015 general elections.

While its Chairman, Alhaji Bamangar Tukur,

believes that through hard work, the party would win at least 32 states, the Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, said, “We will do what we know how to do best” to sweep the polls.

Tukur spoke when members of a PDP caucus from the South-West visited him in Abuja while Anenih did same after a three-hour closed-door meeting with a former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

“We need to work hard now because we have a (presidential) mandate to move beyond 23 states in our control and win at least 32,” the PDP chairman told the caucus led by a former governorship aspirant in Oyo State in 2011, Prof. Taoheed.

But one of the main opposition parties, the Action Congress of Nigeria, flayed the presidential mandate, saying, “It is clear that the PDP does not believe that Nigerians are going to vote and have their votes counted.”Tukur, however, believes that for the PDP to achieve the mandate, reconciliation must first take place in the party so that all its members would begin to invest in the future through hard work, diligence and dedication to the cause of the party.

With this, he said, the PDP would win the polls without any foul play.

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I Gave Kidnappers Information Oon Okonjo-Iweala’s Mother – Palace Servant

A former servant at the palace of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, where the mother of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was kidnapped has told PUNCH Metro that he gave the kidnappers the necessary information for the job.

The suspect, Chiejine Onochie, said although the kidnappers collected N13m as ransom before the 83-year-old Prof. Kamene Okonjo was released last December, he was not given any money and therefore, was not culpable.

Marvelous and Onochie 

He said, “I’m 32 years old and I worked in the palace from 2007 to 2012 after which I left because the pay was too little. A friend of mine approached me and told me that I could make a lot of money if I gave kidnappers information on how to get into the palace.

“However, after the operation, I did not get a dime. It was later that I learnt that they had collected N13m as ransom. I felt cheated and I left everything to God. I cannot be held for the crime because when police started arresting people, I went to report at the station voluntarily, I was not dragged to the station.”

Another suspect, Jideofor Ogbue, aka Marvelous, who claimed to be the leader of the gang, said after gaining entrance into the palace, he and his gang members did not force Okonjo out of the palace but she followed them willingly after they had told her that they were sent by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The 22-year-old said, “It was my friend, Ifeanyi, that informed me about the operation. On the day of the kidnap, we had no difficulty because Onochie had told us that the security around the palace was lax. Although 12 of us were involved in the operation, only eight actually went to the palace.

“We went with three AK47 rifles and a pump-action rifle. When the woman (Okonjo) saw us, she asked who we were and we told her that President Goodluck Jonathan sent us from Abuja to arrest her because her daughter (Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala) had embezzled public funds.

“We took her to Kwale and her family paid us N13m as ransom. They packaged the money in polythene bags and dropped it around an expressway in Benin. My share was N2m.”

Chukwuma Okoh, a suspect who claimed to be a graduate of Accounting and Finance from Ambrose Alli University, said he joined the gang because of unemployment. He said he was not given any money after the operation.

He said, “I’m 31 years old and I graduated in 2007. Since then, it has been hard to get a decent job. It was Onochie that brought the idea of kidnapping Okonjo-Iweala’s mother.

“However, as God is my witness, I did not receive a dime from the gang after the operation.”

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Umar Manko, identified other members of the gang as Michael Ojeabulu, Endurance Oke, Ibrahim Abubakar, Buhari Hamadora and Hassan Oseni.

Manko, while parading the suspects, said the suspects were arrested in different states comprising Edo, Enugu, Delta and Anambra.

The police boss said contrary to reports, kidnapping was not on the rise in Lagos.

He said, “Marvelous was arrested in Port Harcourt after he had perfected plans to kidnap the Commissioner of Commerce in Anambra State.

“As you can see, these kidnappers do not operate in Lagos State, they just come and go. You therefore cannot say kidnapping is on the rise in Lagos.”

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Borno Widows Beg Boko Haram To Embrace Amnesty

Widows in Borno, yesterday, appealed to members of the Boko Haram sect to take advantage of the proposed Federal Government amnesty programme and drop their arms.

Hajiya Yagunsu Umar, a mother of five, who lost her husband in 2011, said the Boko Haram violent campaign had negatively affected women in the state.A cross section of the widows affected by activities of the sect made the appeal in interviews in Maiduguri.

“My husband was killed in September 2011 shortly after returning from the mosque in the evening in Gwange, Layin Tanki, Maiduguri. I had to move to my brother’s house in Ruwan-Zafi,” Umar said.

She added that her brother was also killed two weeks after she moved into his house, adding: “My brother Alhaji Modu Ibrahim, a big-time groundnut oil dealer, was also shot at his shop in Gamboru market.”

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Keshi Won’t Quit Again – Agent

An agent who told The Punch that he is representing Stephen Keshi’s interest has said that the coach does not intend quitting his Super Eagles job now. He suggested that Keshi is keen to see his contract to the end.

Emmanuel Ado, who signed a press release sent to our correspondent as the special assistant to the Eagles coach, said that Keshi who is holidaying in the USA, desires to maintain a cordial relationship with his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation.

 The release read, “I have the authority of Mr. Stephen Keshi, the national coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to issue this statement.

To assure most especially the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; the president of the federation, Aminu Maigari, and indeed the Nigerian Football Federation, and football loving Nigerians that I (Keshi) have no intention whatsoever to resign my job with the federation.

“I also state that Nigeria winning the African Cup of Nations is now history. The urgent task at hand is to qualify for the 2014 World Cup taking place in Brazil.”

Keshi resigned his position hours after he led Nigeria to a third African cup in February, but later rescinded his decision. In the last one week the NFF and their employee have made the headlines following the sacking of national teams backroom staff.

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Ekiti Decries Illegal Fundraising For Olayinka’s Burial

Ekiti State Government has raised the alarm over the activities of some fraudsters who are illegally raising fund for the purported burial of the late Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka.

Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Alhaji Ganiyu

Owolabi, in a statement made available to our correspondent in Ado Ekiti on Monday, said the government did not need to raise any money from the public for the burial of the late deputy governor.

The SSG advised anybody, who was contacted by the illegal fundraisers, to report their activities to security agents.

An Ado Ekiti indigene had through the social media solicited fund, asking each donor to contribute N50,000 to buy souvenirs and other things for the burial of Olayinka.

The statement read in part, “The state government frowns on and does not encourage attempt by any group or individuals to raise funds for the state burial under any guise whatsoever.

“Members of the public are advised to discountenance and report to appropriate security agencies attempts by any individual to obtain money or other items from them for the purpose of the burial.

“We also advise individuals within and outside the state who are involved in this illegal and unauthorised solicitation to desist from it.”

Meanwhile, as the seven-day mourning period declared by the state government over the death of Olayinka ended on Sunday, more eminent Nigerians on Monday continued to pay condolence visits to Governor Kayode Fayemi.

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Drama In Court As Lawyers Fight Over Clients

A mild drama occurred at an Ogudu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on Monday, when two legal counsel claimed to be representing the same clients.

The defendants, Michael Daniel and Daniel Baba, were arraigned in court for allegedly stealing two refrigerators, a tabletop freezer and a table top fridge.

But the lawyers, Mr. Mike Emerson and Mr. Ajah Ube, claimed to be representing the defendants standing trial for stealing.

After both defendants pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of stealing, Emerson stood to announce his appearance before the court as their legal representative.

However, Ube also stood and expressed his surprise at Emerson’s claim.

He said, “I spoke to two of them outside, but I’m surprised now that there is another lawyer here appearing for the defendants.”

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FG To Blame For Poverty, Insecurity – Falana

Human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), has accused the Federal Government of complicity in failing to address challenges of poverty, insecurity and other vices in the country.

Falana made the allegation on Monday at the second Annual Public Lecture entitled, ‘Development- How it begins with you’, organised by Platform for Development in Ibadan.

The lawyer, who was represented by an activist, Mr. Femi Aborishade, on the occasion, lamented that countries that were far behind Nigeria in getting independence had surpassed it in terms of development.

He said China lifted its citizens from poverty to prosperity, regretting that  but the story was not the same for Nigeria.

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CBN After Lamido Sanusi

A few weeks ago, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Lamido Sanusi, said he would not be seeking a second term in office at the country’s apex financial institution at the expiration of his first five-year tenure in June 2014.

Sanusi was appointed to replace Chukwuma Soludo, a professor of economics whose tenure was as eventful as it was controversial in many ways, in June 2009.

On assumption of office, as if his briefing was to dismantle his predecessor’s legacies, Sanusi’s first major move was to expose the decay in the nation’s banking sector triggered by non-performing loan portfolio and reckless lifestyle of many operators, which had eroded the gains of the immediate past consolidation of the sector. The dismissal of the hitherto powerful chief executives of seven banks and the bail-out of eight financial institutions were seen by many as critical interventions in the sector, which saved hundreds of depositors’ funds from going down the drain. The move readily conferred on Sanusi the toga of a reformer both within and outside the shores of the country.

The exposure of the weakness and the large scale fraud in the banking sector were an eye-opener to many who had been made to believe that our banking system was immune to the ferocious financial melt-down ravaging the world financial system during the period.

By the way, only a few months earlier, Soludo, whose tenure witnessed a major reform of the banking sector that saw the number of banks reduced from 89 to 24 with the 25-fold jacked up in banks capital base, had assured the whole world that the Nigerian banking sector was safe and secure.

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The Missing Link In President Jonathan’s Administration

It must be frustrating for President Goodluck Jonathan and his staunch supporters that in spite of his achievements, he continues to receive a barrage of knocks from Nigerians, especially in the media.

There are people whose opinion on Jonathan’s scorecard should not be trusted: Those who hate everything about him passionately and those who love everything about him passionately. To the haters, he is clueless, spineless, visionless, and “shoeless”: nothing good can ever come from him.

Therefore, anyone who ever says anything positive about Jonathan is an enemy who must have been paid to say so, or is simply a victim of tribalism or religious cronyism.  To his passionate admirers and supporters, Jonathan is the best president Nigeria has ever seen or had, and without him, Nigeria will sink into the abyss.

Therefore, anyone who criticises him is a bad loser or a critic with links to Boko Haram. So, one can never get the true picture about Jonathan from these two groups of people because, just like those who suffer jaundice, everything looks yellow to them.

But there are those who neither hate Jonathan nor love him: those who praise him when he does something good and criticise him when he does something bad.  To a large extent, you can get some balanced and fair judgment of the President’s performance from them.

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Dirty Things Than Tuns On In Nollywood

The first time I shot a movie in Asaba, Delta State was for my ministry Christ Embassy. I was surrounded by a group of Christian, very disciplined young men and women who had no moral issues nor were they inclined in any way to abuse the liberty and the testosterone/oestrogen-filled headiness that normally seems to accompany filmmakers like a sex-crazed mob of female groupies will accompany dirty rockers everywhere.

What I didn’t discover then was the whole truth:
In that first trip, I fell in love with the ancient but quietly emergent city that was on the verge of rediscovering itself. That love was so strong that I considered relocating my family there.

Don’t blame me; I am normally a victim of sudden emotional impulses that always seem to get me into trouble. Thank God my wife quashed the idea. The second time, I went to shoot one of my movies.

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Having Money Can Do A Lot To Your Life

The constant message relayed in our materialistic society that money is the most important thing in our lives and the constant desire for more, have had far reaching consequences for our societal value system and morals. This unending pursuit of money has damaged family relationships, the environment and global socio-economic systems.

Sadly, in our consumption-driven society many of us have come to believe that all our worries would be solved if we have more money. Indeed, wealth has become the ultimate measure of who we are, and we have become defined by it.

Chasing after money for its own sake can damage our value system, and we pay for it in time, health, and stress.

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Pastor Adeboye's Private Jet Stirs Serious Controversy

The interview granted by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to Al Jazeera has stirred a heated debate on the social media. Many are in support while others are not happy with him.

“There are things you need, which you must have if you are to be efficient. If you have to oversee churches in 160 nations, you can’t do that on a bicycle,” Pastor Adeboye had told Mohammed Adow of Al Jazeera.

But what is the crux of the matter?

Pastor Adeboye is one of the increasing numbers of Pentecostal pastors in Nigeria that have acquired private jets for themselves. Many Nigerians have criticised these pastors, arguing that they are being insensitive to the poverty among their members.

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See How Some Nigerian Ladies Use Their Husbands Like Rags

This is a letter sent to us on how some Nigerian women treat their husbands in the US. We felt it should be shared as requested so others could learn from it. Below is the letter:

Some months ago, we all read in the news that Ghanaian women are the most unfaithful women in the world and they are number one. I can say it's not true. Nigerian women are the number one...

There was a family who moved from Italy to the U.S. to have a better life. This family arrived in the U.S. in 2008. The head of the family, Mr. Theo, who is in our group, left his family in care of his brother, who has been in the U.S. for more than 30 years.

Unfortunately, whenever he sends money to his family in the U.S., his wife uses the money to cater for her boyfriend in Houston, who is single.

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Big Boy! Aremu Afolayan Buys Brand New Bentley Continental

Stylish actor, Aremu Afolayan who is well know for his love for exotic mobile phones has acquired a wonder on wheel, the Bentley Continental for himself with a customized plate number. He shared the photo of his new 'toy' with friends on the social media on Monday. Congrats Aremu!

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There's nothing Ladies cant fix..Doubt it?(See photo) MUST SEE!!!

Hmm what ur view on this

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Soldier-horse Sgt. Akawala marries in Kaduna

In a well attended ceremony that showed the lighter side of the military profession, a soldier horse with the 1 Mechanised Div in Kaduna and serving as the unit’s mascot got married to a civilian mare after paying a dowry of N20, 000 in Kaduna. 
It was a celebration galore at the headquarters of the One Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna recently when Sergeant Dan Fari Akawala, a horse that is serving as the mascot of the division took a wife in a grand style.

Sergeant Akawala was enlisted into the Nigerian Army in March 2012 with Army number (2011/66/8363) to replace Sergeant Farin Doki who died in March 2011 after serving the Nigerian Army for over 10 years.
Weekly Trust gathered that the wedding which was held inside the headquarters of the Division was attended by all the who-is-who in the Division. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) , Major General Garba A. Wahab chaired the occasion. All the six tents used for the wedding were filled to the brim, as all those who matter in the Division attended the wedding ceremony either to celebrate with a ‘colleague’ or witness history in the making.
The wedding was a colourful one, and drew more crowd than the burial of the late Sergeant Farin Doki. It would be recalled that when Sergeant Farin Doki died, a three-day morning period was declared by the authority of the Division and it was climaxed with a special burial ceremony.
At the wedding, Weekly Trust gathered that after prayers were offered by both the Chief Imam and Reverend of the Division, the Assistant Director Army Public Relations of the Division, Colonel Sani K. Usman, announced that the gathering was for the wedding of Sergeant Akawala, the mascot of the Division. The announcement, our correspondent gathered, confirmed the fact that the event was truly the wedding of a horse. Before the announcement, many people in attendance, especially civilians doubted the fact that the event was organised for the horse.

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MEND Threatens To Attack Mosques, Islamic Clerics, Others

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has threatened to launch violent attacks on mosques, hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations of Islamic followers, as well as assassinations of clerics who propagate doctrines of hate.

According to MEND in a statement issued on Sunday evening and signed by its spokesperson Gbomo Jomo, the proposed attacks is a crusade to save Christianity in Nigeria from annihilation and will form the core mission of this crusade code named “Operation Barbarossa”.
According to MEND, "On behalf of the hapless Christian population in Nigeria, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (M.E.N.D), will from Friday, May 31, 2013, embark on a crusade to save Christianity in Nigeria from annihilation. The bombings of mosques, hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations in Islamic events and assassinations of clerics that propagate doctrines of hate, will form the core mission of this crusade code named “Operation Barbarossa”.

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Triplets Wed Same Day

Triplets - two guys and a girl, got married same day.

Mayowa, Tope and Funmi Ogunsemo (1st, 3rd and 6th in the photo above) married their heartthrobs April 13th at the Shell Hall of the Muson Centre in Lagos. Happy married life to them!

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Three Missing Ogun Female Undergraduates Found In Duba

Three female undergraduates of Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State, who were declared missing have been sighted in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates(UAE), PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.


The students, Omoeneme Maureen, Ajao Aminat Romoke and Oludegun Morufat Olayinka, have been missing from the school for several weeks, and had become a source of worry for the college management and their parents.

The school authorities and the families of the three100 level French students, had searched various parts of the state including various accidents scenes and mortuaries during the search for the students.
There had also been rumours that ritualists might have kidnapped and used the ladies for ulterior actions.
One of the girls eventually made contact and told a search party that they were in Dubai to seek greener pastures.

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Nine Best Pupils Can’t Write Their Names – Commissioner

Commissioner for Education, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Eunice Thomas, has said that nine pupils from public primary schools in the state, who had distinctions in First School Leaving Certificate examinations, were unable to write their names after a further test was conducted on them.

Thomas said the revelation was made when the governor, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, directed all heads of schools to bring the best pupils from FSLC examination, one in each of the 31 local government areas of the state, to a designated school, where they were re-examined.
Speaking during capacity building workshop for primary school teachers in Uyo Senatorial District on Saturday, Thomas who was represented by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Chrisantus Asuka, added that besides the nine, many others could not score five per cent in the test.
She said, “We conducted a pre-test and say let’s introduce subjective questions, and not objective questions that one person will stand in the exam hall and just call out A or B to the candidates and they all will mark the correct answer.

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“Leave Me Alone!” – Nollywood Actor Solomon Akiyesi Lashes Out

The Actor who was caught over the weekend trying to leave his pregnant wife and get married to his secret lover has lashed out on media and his legal wife to let him live his life and be happy.
He had sent money to his wife with the notion that he was shooting a movie in Lagos and wont be home in a couple of days in order for him to make a fast one and get married without her consent.

But it all blew up in his face unknowingly for him she had spies monitoring all his movements and action so she used the money to pay for her trip to Lagos and disrupt what she deems an illegal union born in secrecy and deception.


After the police arrived on the scene to calm the tearful pregnant wife and calm down everyone in the church he immediately went on popular social media outlet Facebook to lash out on his pregnant wife and the media on what he deemed illegal disturbance of his privacy

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