Photos from Mavin Concert in London

Mavin artists including Tiwa Savage, Dr Sid, Korede Bello, Di'Ja, Reekardo Banks and Mavin CEO Don Jazzy gave cold London some heat with their performance at their London concert which held last night at the o2 Indigo London. See more photos after the cut...

Read More

Nick Minaj sizzles in new photos to promote MTV EMAs

The rapper is the host of the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards and released these photos from a teaser trailer to promote the forthcoming award show. See more photos after the cut...

Posted by expdonaloaded.blogspot.com

Read More

FIFA ranking: Eagles drop again

The Super Eagles are now ranked 42nd  in the world, no thanks to their poor run in the race to aMorocco 2015 where they won just one game in four matches under Coach Stephen Keshi who has since been shown the exit door.

In the latest FIFA / Coca-cola ranking released Thursday, the Eagles dropped five places , crashing out of the world’s top 40.
Consequently, the African Champions have slipped to the 9th position in Africa behind Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Ghana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Egypt and Senegal.
At the last ranking in September, the Eagles were 37th on the ranking table, and their fall in the latest FIFA release is a direct fall out of their failure to beat Congo and South Africa as well as the away flop to Sudan.
Algeria still  retained  her  place as the best African team and 15th position in the world with 989 points while Cote d’Ivoire are second in Africa and ranked 25th in the world.
World Champions, Germany held on to the top spot despite a difficult start to their UEFA Euro 2016 qualification campaign. Argentina and Colombia are in second and third place respectively. Portugal  now 9th, are making their first appearance in the top ten since July and Belgium (4th,)  have leapfrogged 5th placed Netherlands to achieve their highest ranking yet.
Meanwhile former table-toppers Spain  have slipped down as far as tenth position on the log following their defeat to Slovakia.

Read More

Nigeria needs strong institutions –Hon Amadi

Honourable  Bethel Amadi is a  member of the House of Representatives and the incumbent President of Pan-African Parliament which has its headquarters in South Africa.

In this interview, the lawmaker spoke on a number of  pressing national issues.
At 54,  the country is still beset with a lot of problems. Would you attribute it to  the leadership or followership? What do we need to move the country forward?
Your question about leadership or followership, I think it’s a combination of both. I’m convinced that what we need to do in this country, is to build strong institutions. It’s not an issue of having one or two good leaders, or one or two people who are doing the right things. But more importantly, we need to begin to strengthen the institutions that will ensure the growth of democracy within our country.
We need to make sure that the various arms of government are properly empowered to play their role in the governance structure. Be they the executive arm, the legislature or the judiciary. Also, other arms of  government that are law making bodies or law implementing bodies, the Police, the security agencies, all need to be strengthened to be able to do their work to ensure transparency, accountability in the process of management of resources. And to ensure that the civil society, journalists, media are also strengthened  to play their oversight roles and together we can build a better Nigeria.
It is believed that one of the reasons you are visible, recognized and honoured is your role in the Pan- African Parliament . What would you say has been your achievements,  since you became the president of that Forum in 2012?
The Pan- African Parliament, an organ of the African Union, established as a platform to provide for the African People and their vast organizations, platform to air their views to be part of decision making process in finding solutions to the many problems facing our continent. And based on that, we started under the initial protocol which gave only more or less consultative and advisory powers to the parliament.
And one of the first issues we had to deal with when I became president was to ensure that we were able to transform the parliament to give it legislative powers in clearly defined areas. We believe that in pan African parliament, the institution requires additional legislative powers to enable it impact on the lives of African people.
As you know, the process of integration in the continent cannot happen unless we are able to provide a legal and legislative framework within which the integration process can grow. We look at the clear, easiest and fastest way of integrating our continent and ensuring economic growth and development . These are through intra- African trade, issues like free movement of citizens from various African countries, free movement of goods and services across the continent to be able to grow the economies of our member states. And we believe that intra- African trade between members states would help enhance the economy and retain a lot of resources within the continent for development.
You find that the biggest trading partners of most African countries are either Europe, Asia or America, and there  is very little trade going on between African countries. In fact, it was estimated that there is only about 12 percent of intra- African trade within the continent. And so, we are convinced that a pan- African Parliament with legislative functions in clearly defined areas, can help lay the legislative framework for the improvement of trade, free movement of people, goods and services across our continent, for ensuring the growth and development of democracies and democratic parties and to ensure the peace and security across the continent.
So, over the last two and a half years I have  been President, we have had the protocol transformation process achieved in this July summit, where the Heads-of- state in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea adopted a new protocol for the Pan- African Parliament. That’s our first landmark achievement.
Today, the Pan- African Parliament is now recognised as the legislative organ of the African Union, with powers to draft model laws in clearly defined areas as may be approved by the Heads- of- State. For example, we are working currently on a draft model law on pharmaceutical manufacturing across the continent, to make sure we have similar standards. When that model law is adopted, member states will implement it and domesticate it. You know that there is an epidemic in one country and the pharmaceutical product being used to fight that epidemic- say for example Cholera,  are of different standards;  when the epidemic spreads to the next border, you begin to have a situation where some drug- resistant strain of that epidemic would grow in that other country. That’s why we’re insisting that there should be common standards.
Look at today, we have Ebola and we are shutting down our borders, we are trying to restrict movement. If we had the right vaccine or medication and we apply in  both Sierra- Leone, Liberia and Guinea, we will be able to contain that epidemic. Presently, that is not the case. And that’s why we believe that  standardizing  things like the manufacturing of drugs, trade tariffs and Customs regulations would help to begin to improve intra- African trade. It will also help to ensure development within our continent, create jobs opportunities for millions of young Africans who are currently unemployed and risking life and limb trying to cross the Sahara to Europe hoping that there are greener pastures. Many have died in the Mediterranean, many have ended up in prison in Europe, many are in the hands of drug cartels and prostitute gangs. And we believe that  if our governments are able to provide adequate opportunities within the continent for our young people, that would reduce the urge for many young people to want to leave the continent.
You were one of the recipients  of the national honours. How do you feel about the recognition and  what is your message to Nigerians?
Thank you very much for congratulating me for the National Honours Award I received. It isn’t  an award for me but for the people of my federal constituency that I represent and the member of the Pan- African Parliament.
I believe that for us at the PAP, the recognition of their President by his own country for the role he has played in the PAP over the years is something that is a landmark event for us. And so, we are grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we are grateful to the people of Nigeria. And as they say in my place, when you get an honour, you are being asked to do more. That’s more work for you. And that’s why we will continue to work to ensure peace and security within the continent.
Terrorism is probably the most important challenge the continent has at the moment ; how has the PAP been able to encourage  a country-to-country cooperation to curb the problem?
On the issue of terrorism, I believe that’s a major problem. There can be no development without peace. It’s only in an atmosphere of peace that you find any serious development going on. If you look at  North- Eastern Nigeria today, nobody can be talking about achieving
Millennium Development Goals because the schools are closed, there is no education going on for young people, there is no medical services available. The medical facilities are all under one attack or the other. There are human rights abuses in terms of people being killed by the Boko Haram, there are no economic activities going on. So, it is only in an atmosphere of peace and security  that you can actually begin to talk about development. And that’s why it is critical that we all work together to stamp out terrorism within our continent.
When the terrorists took over part of Mali, the PAP was the first African- based institution to send a fact- finding mission to Mali.
And today, peace has been restored to Mali and its national integrity and sovereignty has been restored. A new president has been elected in Mali under a free and fair electoral process. And incidentally, the new president was a member of PAP until his election.
So, we’re convinced that the process of restoring peace and security to African countries is a top priority and it should be the focus of whatever efforts are being made on the continent. And as a parliament, in our contributions, we have always as much as possible asked that we should look at the root causes of some of these crises and address them before they become difficult to manage. We are convinced that the AU Peace and Security Commission needs to improve on their early warning system, so that we can well in advance anticipate some of those causes and be able to nip them in the bud and manage them early, instead of waiting for them to become full blown political cases before we begin to react.

Read More

Kwara 2015: Saraki dynasty dead, buried –Prof Abdulraheem

Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of  Ilorin and aspirant for PDP governorship ticket in Kwara State, Professor  Shuaibu Oba Abdulraheem has said that it was an illusion for any member of the family of the former  Senate Leader in the Second Republic, the late Senator Olusola Saraki to still lay claim to control of the Kwara electorate.
The aspirant who last Monday, resigned his appointment as Chairman Federal Character Commission, submitted that the grip of the lateSaraki on Kwara State  politics died with him. The aspirant justified the sack of 49 lecturers of the University of Ilorin while he was the Vice-Chancellor as he claimed that it was in the best interest of the institution.
He spoke with newsmen  at the PDP national secretariat, shortly after picking his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the Kwara governorship race. Daily Sun was there:
Why I am in the race 
I have decided to join the race on the platform of the PDP in Kwara State, principally to join and support Mr. President in the Transformation Agenda. Also, I joined in order to do my quota to the best of my ability and bring the dividends of democracy to my people, I want  to do all things that are righteous, dignified; to bring people out of squalor, poverty, ignorance and disease and show that good governance does not need to be expensive, it is only bad governance that is expensive. We want to be able to demonstrate that to the people.
Eclipse of Saraki dynasty
The Saraki name was when the owner of that name, the  revered  Waziri of Ilorin was alive, but even before his departure, his supposed inheritors decided and have been acting in manners that have rubbished that name.
We agonise over the desecration of that name but we are saying to the world that that influence  which is perceived belonged only to yesterday and it has been buried with the man who owned the name.
Whoever pretends to be using that name now is only doing so to deceive the people. The  original and genuine people of Kwara State have decided to part ways with the inheritors and have decided to find and pursue a destiny of our own: free of opposition, free of rancour, free of politics of money bags. We have decided to take our destiny into our own hands and that is the believe of the people.
Why we sacked 49 lecturers
Progressive minds are forward looking, it is only negative minds that look on the errors of the past. If 49 persons were sacrificed to bring 4,900 into the full employment, have we done wrong? What we did as at the time was to sanitize the system. All Nigerians are witness to what University of Ilorin is today. It  is adjudged the best university in Nigeria. It is the only university in Nigeria that hasn’t  gone on strike since 2011, it is the only university in Nigeria that four- year course is four years unless the student fails, the only university where everybody wants to go because some people had to make sacrifice including the 49 for today to be what it is today.
Sometimes you need to destroy to build;  if 49 are the casualties, it is worthwhile…. So, we are still in the same square and they are back into the university and they are supporting their colleagues in the university to build the university to what it is today. So, if they thought the way you are thinking, Nigeria will not be what it is .
Zoning,  threat to unity
Kwara belongs to all Kwarans, it is only detractors that call us south or west when it comes to politics of division but genuine, committed indigenes of Kwara know that in the present dispensation, we are faced with a special challenge of imposters, impersonators, and oppressors which knows no difference between the north and the south in the manner in which they are stealing and robbing the state.
If we must drive out a clique, we must forget about what divides you and think of only what unites. If we are forgetting about zoning now, it is because of the peculiarity of the adversaries that we face and it will only be a foolish person that will underrate the might of the opposition in this matter, therefore we must make available for the contest, the most potent, the most acceptable instrument the PDP can offer and that is why I believe, given what we have done in PDP so far, we are the right person to unseat and drive away opposition from Kwara  politics.

Read More

Zoning is unconstitutional –Delta guber aspirant

Tony Prest is an entrepreneur and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who `is seeking to be elected as governor of Delta State in 2015. He speaks on what he would do differently if elected and says that the issue of zoning the governorship slot to a section of the state is unconstitutional and fraudulent. He speaks on these and other issues..
Why did you venture into politics considering the fact that you are an entrepreneur? Is the lure of the power that comes with being a political office holder the attraction?
I have always been politically inclined. My father was a deputy leader of Action Group for 10 years under Chief Obafemi Awolowo . As recently as 1998, I and a few of my co-travellers came together to propagate the unregistered political party called Minority Rights party. Our ‘minority’ was defined as women who were marginalised, youths, physically challenged people, ethnic minorities, northern Muslims who leave in a Christian dominated South and Southern Christians who live in a Muslim dominated North.
Fundamentally, I am qualified as a Delta indigene to contest for the governorship position and  if you add this to my wide experience in business and the understanding of the impact good governance will have in the development of Delta State, I would deem it a crime against the  people of Delta State for me not to present myself for service.
I want to challenge the existing primordial system of electing political office holders based on zoning, ethnicity, or religious considerations instead of ability and merit. If I succeed, it will be a turning point for the coming generations as we would have established merit as the vital ingredient for achieving political success.
Another reason why I am contesting the election is because in my view, Delta State has not achieved its full potentials. Looking at the resources that abound in the state like oil, arable land for agriculture, rubber, cocoa, and other forms of mineral resources relative to the level of development and industrialisation of the State, I will say that a lot still needs to be done. I know what it means to create jobs as this has been my major preoccupation from my days as a student at the University of Benin till date. I know what it means to harness resources and mobilise people to achieve economic development. I know what it will take to get financial support from the  NEXIM banks from around the various continents of the world to our state for the purpose of economic development and emancipation of our people. These and many more are reasons why I am contesting.
What would you do differently if elected?
Through good governance, transparency and a strong anti-corruption orientation we shall create the enabling environment for the private sector to drive our economy. In the area of security for a start, we all know that there cannot be a conducive environment for economic development if we are not secured. If people do not feel safe, many intending investors will look elsewhere. Therefore I will give serious priority to the security of lives and property in Delta State. We would immediately engage the Nigerian police and Scotland Yard for a comprehensive training and re training of officers deployed to the state.
On transportation, we shall immediately implement the cheapest form of transportation in the world which is the railway. This will in itself massively reduce youth unemployment.
Our cardinal objective would be to provide work for those that can and security for those that cannot. All the various aspects of our manifesto speak volumes of our intention to create jobs across all sectors of our economy from agriculture to commerce specifically through a government enabled and private sector driven initiative.
In Delta, our first move regarding providing for people in our society who are unable to work and earn a living due to no fault of theirs will be to enact legislation to make it possible for our governments now and in future to pay social security benefits. Unemployment benefit is still alien to our political economy but we intend to make it a reality for the unemployed, while we work vigorously to create jobs and pursue a zero percent unemployment strategy and create the necessary conditions for the private sector to create jobs as well.
I  promise to pay N8, 000 to every unemployed single adult above 18 years and N10,000 to the unemployed head of every family of resident Delta indigenes monthly. This system will be funded from our constitutionally provided 13 percent derivation.
With my experience in business, I will turn Delta State into Investors’ Heaven through  Zero tolerance for Corruption and massive infrastructural development in for example, railways, sea ports enhancement, good roads, electricity, security, Human Capital Development, etc.. I shall expose our raw materials and Agricultural Products in a way that will attract the right investors to set up processing and manufacturing industries in Delta State. All these steps will create the enabling environment for industries to thrive in Delta State and thus create job opportunities for our teaming youth population.
Do you have the political structure to realise your ambition?
I am a founding member of the PDP and in 2011, I initiated the Door-2-Door volunteers for the election of President Goodluck Jonathan. As the chairman and national coordinator of the project,  I was able to set up a nationwide network of volunteers. I have as well built in Delta State, a long relationship with key players in the political arena as well as having a direct link to the people at the grassroots.
I do not believe in godfatherism. God Almighty is my godfather. My political structure consists of the everyday people and of course and the organised private sector associates which cuts across ethnic, racial, religious and cultural lines.
 Are you not apprehensive that the issue of zoning could truncate your ambition?
Like I said, I want to challenge this primordial consideration in the process of leadership selection in our country and my starting point is Delta State. The issue of selecting a candidate by zoning is a lie as it is nowhere in the constitution and the constitution does not speak any language but English. Lack of electricity does not know zoning. When PHCN takes light it does not know the tribe of the person.
Bad roads do not know zoning. Deltans don’t care about the tribe or zone that the Governor comes from, they only care about who can deliver the goods. That is why power shift or zoning is not recognized by the constitution. Zoning is a fraud.
Deltans just want the best person for the job, someone with a track record of creating employment, freedom from crime and corruption. They don’t care whether he is Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko or Itsekiri. They just want someone that will give them happiness and prosperity.
Those who are interested in running for office must put their best foot forward. The people must have a say on who they desire in this very office. They must vote for the aspirant in the primaries they will vote for in the general elections.
Deltans only care about the person that will bring about the best possible change; a person with innovation to implement the projects that will improve the lives and living standards of the people. A man with the right education be it from the University, secondary school, experience from travels round the world, experience from business, experience from the streets, pedigree, wealth, track record of wealth creation, private sector employment creation, Innovative background, entrepreneurship and ability to ensure that the needs of the people are met and that development is a sure thing.

Read More

Power Nigeria exhibition to open Tuesday

Nigeria’s leading power exhibition dedicated to the burgeoning African power industry will open in Lagos next Tuesday. The exhibition is coming on the heels of the Federal Government’s announcement that the country requires consistent investment in the power sector to ensure her 135,000 megawatts generation capacity is met by 2030.
An increase in power generation would bolster Nigeria’s vast economic potential and move it further in line with its Vision 2020, as well as attain the level of economic height and prosperity of countries like Brazil and India.Holding at the Eko Hotel on Victoria Island, Power Nigeria will serve as a comprehensive platform for international exhibitors to showcase their latest technological developments in the power generation, transmission and distribution, lighting, renewable energy, nuclear and water sectors.

Skipper, a leading name in the field of power generation, transmission and distribution will be showcasing its capabilities at Power Nigeria, and will display some of its smart products such as energy management solutions, package substation and energy efficient transformers.
Mr. Pankaj Sachdeva, Joint Group President and Group Director, Skipper Transmission and Distribution, said, “Power Nigeria is sure to provide a healthy and professional platform for us to interact with our end users and decision makers and to offer them differentiated solutions to improve their operational efficiencies.
“The products we are planning to display at the show are state-of-the-art, and are upgraded through our continuous research and development exercises, with the objective of making them more dependable, energy-efficient and environment-friendly,” added Sachdeva.
Following the success of previous energy conferences at other events held by the organisers, this year will see the addition of a new, two-day conference, free of charge for all visitors. The conference will feature renowned experts from the West African power industry discussing the latest developments in the energy sector.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Sam Amadi, Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Read More

Onyeka Onwenu’s Midas touch

Whenn music cum screen diva, Onyeka Onwenu was appointed Director General of the National Council for Women Development (NCWD), some people felt that she deserved much better. For them, not only is the ‘Elegant Stallion’ highly educated with a Master’s degree in Media Studies, she is also a mega star who deserved a bigger portfolio.
On the contrary, others welcomed Onyeka’s appointment as the NCWD boss, saying she is a natural women’s rights advocate.
Truly, through her music and the roles she eloquently portrays in Nollywood films, Onyeka never fails to pass the message that women should be well treated, even as she always emphasises that women can as well deliver the goods in whichever vocation they find themselves. Folks then posited that the talented singer and actress would be like fish in the water at the NCWD. And this is not farther from the truth going by her achievements so far.
A visit to the once moribund Women Development Center shows that major renovation work is ongoing. Beyond the face-lift, lots of people will agree that Onyeka has brought intellectualism to gender issues, just as she is using star power to glamourise events organised by her agency. The topnotch packaging of this year’s edition of the International Day of the Girl Child held a few weeks back is a good example of the new way things are done at the National Council for Women Development.

Read More

Don’t use youths for political violence in 2015 –Temitope Adewale, President, YACOON

A youth leader, Temitope Adewale, founder and president of Young Achievers Campaign Organisation of Nigeria (YACOON), has urged politicians not to induce the youths to commit violence during the 2015 elections.

According to Adewale whose organisation played a major role in sensitizing, galvanizing and mobilizing the youths to perform their civic responsibilities during the past elections, he is deeply concerned about how the 2015 elections will turn out, because of the desperate acts of desperate politicians. “One re-occurring desperate act has been the recruitment of youths as tools of electoral violence. As 2015 elections approach, let me warn desperate politicians not to use the youths for political violence because that will fast track the doom we are trying to avert in Nigeria.
“Let me also warn politicians of stomach infrastructure who have starved the youths of the dignity of feeding themselves to refrain from playing with this terrible tragedy and shame of our nation by inspiring violence. Desperate politicians bent on using the youths for violence are eager to start an inferno that they neither know the magnitude nor end. Nigeria is like a dry bush and the strike of a matchstick may set twhe nation of tired and frustrated youths ablaze. God forbid,” he said.
Adewale said further that violence has always robbed the country of peace and stability. “Nigerian youths are no tools to be used for violence, and over time, the youths have showed their capacity to evolve. Evidence suggests that Boko Haram which members are mainly youths, were used to achieve political agendas and dumped. Today, thousands of innocent Nigerians have met their untimely death as a fall-out of politicians using youths for political violence,” the youth leader stressed.
Adewale, however, urged the youths to create the needed change with their votes in the 2015 elections. “The over 46 million youths registered by INEC in 2011, between the ages of 18 and 35, are expected to be the bedrock of change in Nigeria. It is not only for the political leaders to decide whether positive or negative change will be inspired, but also for the youths to take charge and stand for the change they believe in.
“I am concerned that for many years, especially after our return to democracy in 1999, when we all expected positive change, it has been otherwise. Most Nigerian youths are unemployed, frustrated and broke. Any nation with proper insight ought to have noticed this time bomb that, God forbid, may soon implode on our nation,” he stated.
The youth leader emphasized that the 2015 elections will be different in many ways.  He noted that most youths are coming to terms with the fact that the federal government and many politicians have no real plan for their welfare. Adewale reiterated: “The recruitment by the Immigration, which was coordinated by the Ministry of Interior, showed the state of confusion in our nation. Nineteen youths died, over 710,000 unemployed graduates were extorted and those under whose watch this happened are still in office and may contest in 2015.
“The federal government has failed to see what is building up and sadly desperate politicians are likely to strike a match to the volatile nation as we approach 2015. The ‘You Win’ and other youth empowerment schemes such as SURE-P are clear examples that the government lacks insight on how to create employment. Half-baked solutions to symptoms are celebrated with the disease completely ignored. I believe most youths can now see this clearly. Even, if they are blind, their dusty certificates, empty stomachs and pockets serve as a rude reminder. Sadly, the youths are robbed of the most important thing they can have: hope. This is what will make 2015 elections a decisive moment for Nigeria’s future.
“About three decades ago in Nigeria, the son of a hunter and that of the permanent secretary met in a government college as equals with equal opportunity. Today, due to poor leadership, the gap has so widened that the children of the poor after labouring through higher institution are faced with stark reality: There are no jobs for them”.
To the tired and frustrated youths out there, Adewale urged them not to despair and challenged them to be part of the process now that there is a strong opposition, as this will give the masses an option to choose from. “As we work towards leading the nation from 2015, I urge youths to ignore ambassadors of ‘stomach infrastructure’ and refuse to be used to destroy their future and heritage. Yes, you are the heirs of this nation and you have come of age to demand what is due of a son. As God and generations unborn will hold you accountable, you must resist,” he concluded.

Read More

As a child, I knew there was something different about me –Bob Manuel-Udokwu

Bob Manuel-Udokwu has been basking in the euphoria of his new appointment as the Senior Special Assistant on Creative Media, Movie and Entertainment to the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano. Pleased with what he has accomplished in Nollywood, the tall, handsome anchor of Gulder Ultimate Searcher (GUS) recently declared his intention to vie for a seat in the Anambra State House of Assembly. He opened up to TS Weekend. Excerpts:

Congratulations on your new appointment. What’s your agenda for Nollywood?
Thank you for the question. The Obiano administration is very much interested in developing entertainment, culture and tourism in Anambra State. The governor wants to make Anambra State the hub of this aspect of social life. The platform under which this government came in is 4C’s. Continuity, Completion, Commission and Commencement; continuing the projects he met on ground, completing and commissioning them before commencing new ones. Specifically for the movie and entertainment industry, there is a blueprint the governor is studying right now. We are looking for how we can bring back moviemakers to Anambra State, though they are coming back gradually. They (movie makers) went to neighboring states due to some reasons especially insecurity, but now Anambra State has become a benchmark for weighing security in other places in Nigeria. And so they are coming back willingly, but for myself being an insider and a pioneer in the industry, I have given the governor a blueprint on how we can bring them back completely and for them to have incentives for coming back.
You are not the only actor from Anambra, what actually makes you different from others? 
There is no way you watch any of my movies without hearing me adding Igbo language into the characters I play. I’m the one who started it and I’m glad that some of my colleagues who are Igbo also do it. Already as a person, I have a passion for that; some people will take pride in telling you that their children don’t speak Igbo – meanwhile they don’t live abroad. But there are some of our brothers and sisters who live abroad, have their children abroad, and their children speak Igbo more than those of us who live in Nigeria. There is no pride in what the other people are doing.
What project are you currently working on?
We are talking about entertainment industry generally. I have already mentioned the four-day cultural performance in December that the governor has approved; we have plans to, on regular basis, hunt for new talents to develop, because those who are stars today will remain in the firmament of the entertainment industry. But new stars need to be born; if new ones are born – they have to be nurtured and we have to transfer the expertise, the experience, and the knowledge we have in the business and the industry to these people. Anambra State has a lot of talents, a pool of talent that is unbelievable. So, we intend to harness them. For that, we need to go into youth training programme in music, dance, drama, cinematography, and costuming – we plan to go into all these.
It’s like politics is taking you away from your main profession, acting? 
Not at all! It’s not taking me away. One complements the other. I have served this country; I have served Africa. And whether you like it or not, we’ve gotten to a certain level in the society where our voices count. I know I’m one of those who can speak for the voiceless today. I can enter places where a lot of people can’t, because in doing my work as an actor or filmmaker; I have touched lives of millions of people across the country. And people identify with me and what I stand for; and I’m glad to tell you that what I stand for are discipline, humility, and hard work.
What have you used the platform to achieve so far?
We cannot disappoint, we cannot do anything other than to help bring the people closer to the government and the government closer to the people. A lot of people who have offices are not known before and people cannot readily go to them to say ‘why not consider this or that for us?’ They know me; they know us. And we know the government of today has value for entertainment because gone were the days when it was run by fly-by-night moon shiners, never do wells; – people who didn’t really go to school that were there. And they were seen like Chinua Achebe would say ‘efulee-efu’. Today, I have a Master’s degree and there is no doubt in anybody’s mind that I’m an intellectual, I take my arts seriously, and I have distinguished myself.
Are you using that platform to vie for a particular position?
My options are open. One thing about me is that I don’t say things before I do them, because everything I do right from when I was a kid happens to be in the public domain. If I tell you I’ll be running for election tomorrow – which I’ll do; it will be there in the open. And of course, I will.
Which position are you vying for?
I’m close to the root. Charity begins at home so vying for any position would be in Anambra State House of Assembly, to represent my constituency – Idemili North. So, people should expect my billboards, posters, handbills and other campaign materials soon!
You have come thus far in Nollywood. What makes a successful actor?
One, you must discover that you have a talent. It’s not about you wanting to be, but it has to come from far deep within you – inside. Like people will normally say ‘God talks to you; there is an inner being that will let you know that you have this’. Of course, it begins to manifest. Then you need to go to school; education is key and you need to study something relevant to the arts. Training is important, and then consistency and retraining. What I mean by retraining is that you take the knowledge of what is taught in drama school and build on it. If you don’t build on what you’ve been trained for and you have a talent to do it, you’ll slide back. So, consistency is there, education is there and you have to be humble. For a place like Nigeria, you must have infinite patience too, because some production attitude can drive you up the wall!
As a veteran in the industry, can you compare the movies of the early ‘90s to the movies we have now?
When we did ‘Living in Bondage’, we were not given a chance. The same Nigerians, who look back now with nostalgia said, we were doing rubbish. It was only with our consistency and tenacity (what we’re still doing now) that we held on. But today, more than 20 years down the line, they’re beginning to look down the line to say that those ones were better. I think there is a lot of technical improvement in our work. Again, this is an industry that is not seriously regulated, anybody who thinks he can make money jumps into the fray. A lot of youngsters are deceived by the glamour and glitz they see on television, so with little or no education, and with what can pass for good looks both for the guys and girls; they jump in. A lot of producers and directors, who are not properly trained in the business, are also in the fray. Mercantilism is also part of it – where people feel they can drop in a few naira and make millions. Mix all that together; what you get is some wishy-washy production. But the good ones always stand out, when good ones come; people see the difference. For me as a veteran, when I get a script, I attack it with every fiber of anger and professionalism in me, that even when the production is on, you hear comments from the crew like ‘this is why it is good to work with professionals’ because everything flows well.
How best do you think Nollywood can improve in standard?
We need to collaborate with those producers and filmmakers in Europe and America – that is the only way we can get into the mainstream of global filmmaking. India is making headway now; Bollywood has always been there. But they started making more inroads into Hollywood and European film markets when their producers started working with producers and directors from Europe and America. Don’t forget that ‘Slum Dog Millionaire’, which was shot in the slums of Mumbai and directed by a British, won in more than five categories of the Academy Awards (Oscars) a couple of years ago. It’s collaboration; we need that also.
What are the challenges you face as an actor, MC, Gulder Ultimate Search anchor etc.?
Pressure! You are under constant pressure. Society pressures you in so many ways, you’re also in competition with yourself, you’re always watchful – you try to be careful about what you do, what you say etc. It’s very easy to get misunderstood. An innocent mistake that can be overlooked if it were another person will be blown out of proportion and people attribute all sorts of things to it. In a global world where in seconds things are on the Internet; you’d keep looking over your shoulder and watching your steps. And it also comes with a lot of responsibility – people who come to you; friends, family, strangers, seeking all sorts of assistance, it’s enormous. For me, I am never satisfied with one achievement because to whom much is given, much is expected.
Aside what we see on the screen; who is Bob Manuel-Udokwu?
I am a family-oriented person and I crack jokes a lot.  But that’s when I’m with friends and family, you relax your guard – you know close friends; not people who became friends with you knowing that you’re well known, because they don’t even know where you are coming from – as someone who grew up in Coal Camp of Enugu (like Ajegunle of Lagos); where people are also raised to prominence.
How was growing up like? Did you know that you would become so popular?
You wouldn’t know such things to this extent, but right from when I was a child, I knew there was something different about me. The first time I was on stage was in primary two. A teacher came in, wrote something on the board and asked us to cram, and we did. The following day or two days later, the teacher came and we were pointed at, one by one to get up and recite. Looking back, I know now that it was audition. From there, some people were selected including myself and we performed in the school for the closing day ceremony. By primary four, I did my first full-length play, by primary six; I was now in the school’s debate on radio and TV. At a very young age, I became familiar with the studio environment of radio and television, but throughout secondary school I joined the debate instead of the drama society, and became the vice president of the junior debating society. I’ve looked back and asked why debating and not drama, but I found out that perhaps it was the intellectual side of me, because in debate you have to read and research. But there is a little bit of drama in debate; you have to gesticulate, you make your point. But when I left secondary school; one day I willingly went to NTA Enugu and that’s where these entire thing took off. I knew at the back of my mind that I was going to be well known. I didn’t know how it was going to work out, but I knew there was something inside of me the world ought to see.
For 20 years now, what has been your greatest achievement?
To have been part of that small group that built a world-class movie brand called Nollywood out of nothing. And to also live a lifestyle, being in show business, and have a level head.
What is the craziest thing a fan has done to you?
I think over the years fans have come to appreciate me with stellar performance. As a core professional, they treat me with respect and dignity, but I had this instance where I got a huge slap on the back then I turned instinctively to confront the person only to get a bear hug from somebody who was grinning from ear to ear. He was just carried away and didn’t even know that the slap he gave me from the back was painful. He was just trying to call my attention so, when I turned he grabbed me and said ‘oh my God, Bob Manuel, you’re awesome’.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
There at times when you are hungry, you can’t find a place to eat or you’re pressed, you can’t find a place to ease yourself. Years ago, my car broke down on the highway; people were driving by – waving, smiling and laughing at me. But I doubt if they knew that I was in awful state. A crowd gathered and was smiling and waving, I felt naked but I took it in my stride and did what I had to do. Today, if anybody sees me on a bike and gets surprised, I won’t care because I may be on that bike going to get a cheque of N5 million. Nobody knew what we did to get where we are now, and that’s life.
Was there a time you felt like pulling out? 
I never did. I studied this thing for crying out loud. I knew that was where I belong. I listened to my inner voice. For me, I knew that the break was going to come and it was a matter of time. I knew I had the pedigree that others didn’t have and I still do. The only difference is that I believed I was extra-ordinary.
Everybody sees you as a gentleman but what is the naughtiest thing that you have done?
I remember when we were playing football in the streets as kids in Enugu; my own shot flew into a taxi and hit a man coming home from work. The owner of the ball insisted I’d pay for his ball but I had no money at that time so, I decided to run after the taxi. I ran until I met them in the traffic. The man looked at me and thought ‘poor boy, boys will always be boys’, and then threw back the ball to me. I grabbed it, went back, and gave it to the owner before going back home.
After shooting a movie, do you think there is a particular area you need to improve upon?
For me, I do post-mortem on my work with the intention of looking at areas that I need to improve. And when I finish watching a particular movie, and I don’t really see where I need to improve, then I tell myself that it’s really good.
Of all the movies you have done, which was the most challenging?
Every movie comes with its own challenge, and I have done quite a lot that I can’t really place my hands on. I think ‘Pestilence’ should fit in there. It was shot partly in Imo and Abia States; at some point we had to go to a cave in Uturu. It was a movie that challenged us, with traditional setting and the difficult terrain.
What has changed since you got married? And how do you plan to safeguard your marriage in the face of challenges?
Like I said earlier, I’m a family-oriented person. What has changed is the realization that it’s not just you; you have a wife now, you have children and you’re solely responsible for either their happiness or sadness. So, if you see yourself as a man who has gotten to the point of taking responsibility of the people you brought into your life, then you must discipline yourself and work in tandem with yourself to be able to achieve stability in your home.  I give a lot of credits to my wife. She is a wonderful partner and helpmate.
What advice would you give to Nollywood couples who are breaking up?
It’s not just about Nollywood but also about the society generally. What I can say to couples is that the first five years of marriage is never easy, and both parties must agree to make it work because the responsibility lies on both sides. For the men, you should be able to stand for your family in spite of all odds. Despite all quarrels and disagreements (even if she is wrong); swallow your pride – go back to your wife, talk to her, make amends, even apologize and bring her mind down. Once her mind is calm then you can go on to correct her.
What is your philosophy of life?
My philosophy of life is work hard, trust yourself and believe God.
How do you relax?
I try to get enough rest. I hang out with friends though, I don’t like rowdiness, and things that keep me away from a good night rest like clubbing, I hardly do.
How do you cope with your female fans?
Female fans are like clients that are satisfied with your product and they want more. I don’t have any problem with them. Women and children are our fan base. I have seen some shocking things that if I were not in show business, I wouldn’t believe such things could happen.
What are the shocking things?
Like a girl walking up to you and asking you for a hug amid pleasantries. You oblige her. But as you’re giving her a hug, she whispers into your ears that she wants to sleep with you. You get shocked, but she shows how serious she wants it in her looks; but you turn and run (Laughs).
What advice would you give an upcoming actor?
It’s good to get some good education in Theatre Arts or related field. Remain focused and committed to the job. This was the kind of advice I gave to Francis Duru – who was my junior colleague at the University of Port Harcourt, and like me, he excelled

Read More

Pres. Jonathan Leaves for Pilgrimage to Israel

President Goodluck Jonathan will on Friday depart Lagos on a brief pilgrimage to Israel, his office said in a statement on Thursday.

The statement issued in Abuja by Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said that Jonathan would visit Christian Holy sites during the pilgrimage.

According to the statement, he will join other Nigerian pilgrims in a prayer session for the well-being and progress of the country at an Inter-Denominational Service in Jerusalem on Sunday.

The president, who will be accompanied by the Chaplain of the Presidential Villa, Obioma Onwuzurumba and his principal aides, is expected back in Abuja on Monday.

Before leaving for Israel, Jonathan will participate in the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Control Post on Friday morning, the statement said.

“He will be joined at the event by President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic and officials of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“The Seme-Krake Joint Border Control Post is being constructed under the ECOWAS Transport Facilitation Programme which has the objective of boosting trade and economic relations among member countries,” it said.

Read More

Is Rihanna ‘Pulling a Beyonce’ and Dropping a Surprise Album Next Month?

RihNavy get ready!

It looks like Rihanna may be getting ready to drop her eighth studio album next month.

Even through everything is meant to be hush-hush; a memo from her record label has leaked online showing that the 26-year-old Bajan singer may be dropping a surprise album on November 25.

According to reports on The Fader (check out the leaked memo here), the leaked memo shows a 14-song tracklist that details collaborations with Nicki Minaj, Drake, Eminem, Kanye West, Chris Martin and Big Sean. The tracklist also has four additional songs listed under ‘Deluxe version’.

Rihanna released seven albums in her first seven years of fame but has not released any album in the past two years after ‘Unapologetic’. So don’t blame us for being eager for some new material from her.

So far there has been no publicity or confirmation made towards the release of any album from Rihanna – we can only keep our fingers crossed till November 25!

Read More

First Lady Dame Patience Resigns Appointment as Bayelsa “Super Permanent Secretary”

First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, has resigned from her position as a “Super” Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State Civil Service.

There are conflicting reports on why she resigned. According to Sahara Reporters, an alleged breakdown in the relationship between the  First Lady and Governor of the state, Seriake Dickson, is the reason for her resignation.

However, other sources say Dame Patience felt that maintaining her position as Super Permanent Secretary would deprive others of the opportunity to have the position. As a result, she stepped down for selfless reasons.

In July 2012, after his inauguration, Dickson appointed her, as one of the 17 new permanent secretaries in the state civil service, “as a form of recognition for her services to the state and nation.”

Read More

New York Doctor Contracts Ebola Virus

Craig Spencer

A New York-based doctor has contracted Ebola.

The 33-year-old doctor named Craig Spencer, works with Doctors Without Borders, and had just returned to New York city after treating Ebola patients in Guinea on October 17th, CNN reports.

Sources say the symptoms of the disease only began to manifest on Thursday, when Spencer started to experience  nausea, pain, fever, and fatigue.

He is presently in isolation at New York’s Bellevue Hospital.

Addressing the possibility of Spencer being in contact with other people before he was hospitalized, sources say “he went for a jog, may have gone to a restaurant, traveled the city’s vast subway system and went bowling before feeling ill, but the likelihood of him spreading the virus is low.”

“We want to state at the outset there is no reason for New Yorkers to be alarmed,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

Read More

Chude Jideonwo & Debola Williams win Young Business Leader at CNBC Africa

Red Media co-founders and Future Awards Africa organizers, Chude Jideonwo and Debola Williams yesterday evening October 23rd won The Young Business Leader of the Year category in the CNBC All Africa Business Leaders Awards 2014 which held at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. Big congrats to them. Young men who never stop to inspire!..

Posted by expdonaloaded.blogspot.com

Read More

Photos: See what those dogs did to little Omonigho Abraham

This is the little boy that was attacked by two dogs at his home in Igando, Lagos on September 25th the dogs literally ate his scalp. The police say they are waiting for court order before euthanizing the dogs. God give his parents strength.

Read More

Pics: Warri billionaire Ayiri Emami buys wife Rolls Royce as birthday present

Warri based billionaire Ayiri Emami bought his wife Asba Emami a brand new customized Rolls Royce as she turned a year older today October 23rd. Wow! See the pics after the cut...

 

Pure undiluted 24k gold

Read More

Oh dear! Check out what US singer K Michelle wore to the MOBOs

US singer and Love & Hip Hop reality star K Michelle wore this black dress that showed off her side butt to the MOBO Awards in the UK last night. Too much, right?

Read More

Photos: Suspected rogue female banker forfeits properties to FG

Find the EFCC press release below...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured an order of the Federal High Court, Kano for forfeiture of the properties of one Yagana Ibrahim Bukar a.k.a Aisha Shettima Noor.

By the order, dated October 3, 2014, the properties of the accused person which are believed to be proceeds of crime are to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The assets include various sums of money stashed in three different bank accounts, a Honda Accord car with registration No. BD 496 NSR, a Toyota Matrix Car with registration No. FGE 122 AE and a Shop with goods situated at Badawa Layout, Kano.

The forfeiture order followed the refusal of the accused who is being prosecuted on two separate criminal charges bordering on money laundering, stealing and obtaining by false pretence, to present herself for trial after she was granted bail upon arraignment.

Yagana is alleged to have forged various personal and official documents which she used in withdrawing huge sums of money from an Azman Oil and Gas Limited account domiciled with one of the new generation banks in Kano, while being the Account Officer of the company in 2013.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
23rd October, 2014

Read More

Actress Ronke Osodi Oke shows off her cute mini-me son

That lil cutie looks so much like his mum.

Read More

‘I’m ready for a sextape with Expdona or davido – by Maheeda

Read More

Ferguson backs 'formidable' Van Gaal

Alex Ferguson has said the "formidable" Louis van Gaal is the right man to return Manchester United to winning ways once again.

Ferguson, who retired as United manager at the end of the 2012/13 campaign after a career that saw him become British football's most successful boss during more than 26 years in charge at Old Trafford, looked on as struggling successor David Moyes was sacked after less than a season at the helm.
Not only did United not win any major trophies last season, they also failed to qualify for the lucrative Champions League.
In a bid to rectify both these issues, United brought in van Gaal, fresh from guiding his native Netherlands to third place at this World Cup in Brazil and a vastly experienced club manager.
Ferguson, writing in the recently published updated version of his autobiography, said the 63-year-old van Gaal was a "good choice" for United.
"Louis, who took the job, is what I would call a managers' coach," Ferguson added. "He's one of these committed ultra-professionals. Football is his life.
"Wherever he has managed, every footballer will have learnt from him. He's strong, single-minded, as he showed again with the Netherlands at the World Cup.
"I like Louis and have always had a good rapport with him. If I had to choose one word for him it would be 'formidable'.
"His urge is to play attractive football. He likes to watch players play and players train and to be involved at all levels, including in the development of young players.
"His background at Ajax shows that his faith in youth will not diminish. He was a good choice."
Ferguson also congratulated van Gaal to make United great Ryan Giggs, briefly in caretaker charge after Moyes's sacking, as his assistant manager.
"Louis could help Giggs learn about this business. In turn, Ryan could help Louis in understanding the inner workings of United," Ferguson said.
"As I look back on all those trophies, and those 963 appearances and 168 goals, I recall him as a physical freak. How he could have performed at the level he played at for all those years is beyond me.
"With Giggs I found perfection."
The book also contained the Scot's thoughts about rival managers, including old foe Arsene Wenger who oversaw an end to Arsenal's nine-year wait for a trophy last season by guiding the Gunners to a 3-2 FA Cup final win against a Hull side managed by Steve Bruce, one of Ferguson's former United captains.
"Arsene has always been dogged and determined about his beliefs and has never succumbed to pressure to change," said Ferguson, who added the Frenchman could yet be with north London club Arsenal even longer than he himself was with United.
"The standard and the method have been consistent. He has always been good at acquiring and developing young players. He is never afraid to play young people – which is bold, because young players are not fully formed.
"Who is to say that Arsene will not beat my record? I have my doubts, but he's having a good crack at it."
Meanwhile Ferguson reiterated his support for West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, much criticised by the club's fans for his supposedly unattractive style of football but who has since taken the Hammers into their current position of fourth in the Premier League.
"I hope that before I die, someone can explain the 'West Ham way'. What is it? They last won a trophy in 1980, the FA Cup," Ferguson said.
"I had to sympathise with Sam. He couldn't win. There is this preconception with West Ham fans that 'Big Sam' is a survivalist who tells teams to boot the ball up the pitch.
"The truth is that he stayed up with a team of very average players. That's management. He drew the best from them."

Read More

Costa released from hospital - reports

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been released from hospital following treatment for an illness, British media reported on Thursday.

Costa, who has scored nine Premier League goals since joining from Atletico Madrid during the close season, has been dogged by niggly injuries in recent weeks and picked up a groin strain while on international duty with Spain.
However, according to media reports the 26-year-old, who has missed Chelsea's past two games against Crystal Palace and Maribor, spent time in hospital with stomach pains after the international break.
Loic Remy has led the attack for Jose Mourinho's side in the absence of Costa but the French striker picked up a muscular injury after scoring Chelsea's opener in their 6-0 Champions League win over Maribor on Tuesday.As Chelsea's only fit senior striker, Didier Drogba is likely lead the line for the table-toppers when they travel to sixth-placed Manchester United on Sunday.

Read More

Valdes to train with Man United

Former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes will continue his rehabilitation from a knee injury at Manchester United, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

The 32-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at Barcelona and won six La Liga titles, tore his cruciate knee ligaments in March and is without a club after leaving the Nou Camp at the end of last season.
"Valdes will have his recovery supervised by the United medical staff before training with the first team as he bids to regain full fitness," United said on their website.
Sixth-placed United host Premier League leaders Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Read More

Young Money war! Drake handles Tyga after he calls him fake

In a new interview with Vibe Magazine, rapper Tyga slammed his label Young Money and his other label mate, Drake. He doesn't like Drake and he made his feelings known. Tyga said;"I’m tryna’ go independent. I don’t really get along with Drake. I don’t really get along with Nicki. I don't like Drake as a person. He’s just fake to me. I like his music; you know what I’m saying? I think his music is good, but we’re all different people. We were forced together and it was kinda like we were forcing relationships together. It is what it is." Well, Drake obviously didn't find his comments funny and handled Tyga last night. Continue...

Tyga continues...

But I been friends with Chris [Brown] for like six years. That’s my real genuine friend. We hang out all the time. He lives up the street from me, so we don’t just do music we hang. I think being signed to Young Money, everybody felt like they had to force a relationship ‘cause Wayne put us together. At the end of the day the reason why I signed to Young Money is because of Wayne. Not because of Drake, not because of Nicki. It was because of Wayne and my relationship with him. I try to be cool with everybody, but sometimes, everybody just has different personalities, motives, and different characters. When you realize that, you realize that’s not a place where you want to continue to grow"

Immediately after the interview hit the net, Drake went on instagram and start 'liking' pictures of Tyga's baby mama, Blac Chyna. Round 1. Waiting for round 2

Read More