NICO holds 2-Day Confab on culture, peace and national security

The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has concluded plans to host traditional monarchs in Nigeria to a 2-Day National Conference on “Culture, Peace and National Security: The Role of Traditional Rulers” on June 1-2, 2017, at The Dome Events Centre, Enugu, Enugu State, by 11 am.

 A press release signed by Caleb Nor, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Assoc. Prof. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, says the 2-Day National Conference, which will have the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, as Special Guest of Honour, will be chaired by His Excellency, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State.

 The statement further states that, while the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, will be the Keynote Speaker, the Royal Fathers of the Day will be His Royal Majesty, Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu, Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council and His Royal Majesty, Eze Charles Mkpuma, Chairman, Ebonyi State Traditional Rulers Council.

 According to the press release, Professor Emeka Nwabueze of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is expected to chair the technical session of the conference, which has resource persons drawn from the academia to do justice to carefully selected sub-themes.

 The conference, which is the 3^rd edition the Institute will be organizing, will be a veritable platform to deliberate and proffer solutions regarding issues bothering on national security and the place of traditional rulers in sustaining peace in their domains.

 The first edition of the National Conference on “Culture, Peace and National Security: The Role of Traditional Rulers”, took place at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja in May, 2012; while the second edition took place at the Arewa House, Kaduna, in May 2014, with the support of UNESCO.

Tiwa Savage attacked for 'disrespecting' Ghana National Flag

Tiwa Savage, has been slammed by Ghanaians after a video showing her dropping the Ghana national flag on the floor at a concert in Ghana surfaced online. She has been accused of disrespecting the country.

According to reports, the music star and her dance troupe had arrived the stage with the singer wearing the flag, but when her performance kicked off, she is seen tossing the flag to the floor leaving many people infuriated.

Many Ghanaians frowned at the manner she treated the flag and have accused her for allegedly not respecting for her fans and the country. The sad incident happened on Saturday.

@bobshmurdagh wrote: "#GhanaMeetsNaija17 Tiwa threw our flag and our reputation away. Shid!! Thus bad."

Also reacting, Ghanaian OAP and actress, Afia Schwarzenegger wrote on Instagram: “She disrespected every Ghanaian sitting there by dropping our flag”.

“Nice performance but was disappointed in her throwing the flag on the floor. It is disrespectful,” said Instagram user@samernestina

Unedited text of a press conference by Gov El-Rufai's SSA Media and Publicity

On Thursday, 25th May 2017, Malam Nasir El-Rufai presented an interim report of the National Economic Council (NEC) Ad-Hoc Committee on the Management of Ecological Fund. This committee was set up on 27thApril 2017, with 11 members, including seven governors, ministers and Permanent Secretaries.

Following the presentation of the Interim Report, Malam Nasir El-Rufai briefed the press on the highlights of the report in his capacity as chairman of the ad-hoc committee. The Interim Report detailed how 17 states each received N2bn direct support from the Ecological Fund in 2013. The states are:

1. Abia

2. Anambra

3. Bauchi

4. Bayelsa

5. Benue

6. Cross River

7. Gombe

8. Kaduna

9. Katsina

10. Kebbi

11. Kogi

12. Ondo

13. Plateau

14. Ebonyi

15. Delta

16. Enugu

17. Taraba

19 other states and the FCT did not receive this direct support. Any perusal of this list shows clearly which party controlled them as at 2013. Fifteen of the 17 recipient states had governors from the PDP, while the governors of Ondo and Anambra were from PDP-allied parties. As the chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Malam Nasir El-Rufai drew the attention of NEC and the public to this skewed pattern of allocating the Ecological Fund.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has responded to this disclosure by launching a personal attack on Malam Nasir El-Rufai. He did not make a distinction between a committee of the National Economic Council and the person chairing it. While this is unfortunate and calculated to draw the headlines, Dr. Jonathan strained to explain away this strange pattern of fund allocation. But the facts are not deniable. They are in official records, and cannot be erased by slinging mud at people.

As chairman of the NEC Ad-hoc Committee on the Ecological Fund, Malam Nasir El-Rufai wishes to advise Dr. Jonathan to wait for the presentation of the final report of the Committee before he responds.

While we all await the final report, Malam Nasir El-Rufai wishes to respond to the personal attacks as follows:

1. Former President Goodluck Jonathan is not a man that can take responsibility for anything.  In March 2015, not long after making a concession call to President Buhari, he summoned his party and asked its leadership to reject the results of an election whose winner he had congratulated in private. That effort at duplicity failed spectacularly and the will of the people prevailed. 

2. So, no one should be surprised that he is denying presiding over the skewed distribution of ecological funds. His denial begs the question. What special circumstances ensured that only states that were controlled by the PDP and its allied parties qualified for N2bn each? Is it not curious that not only were his allies the only ones who got the funds, but that the various ecological problems in all 17 statesrequired the same N2bn across the states?

3. Almighty God made it possible for the Sun to shine on all. But Dr. Jonathan exercised his powers as president as if he governed for only his party or his family. The Jonathan government was so conscious that there was something untoward with sharing public funds in that manner that they did not publicize the payments to their preferred states. 

4. Dr. Jonathan cannot argue with the facts. The payments are in the records of the Ecological Fund. He knowingly engaged in discriminatory disbursement of federal funds. The legality of that is open to question, despite the existence of presidential discretion. 

5. Thankfully, Dr. Jonathan did not deny that the N2bn payments were skewed to certain states. His mindset in trying to create to create an equivalence between those payments and federal support for the green wall projects in some of the northern states can be easily seen as a disingenuous argument.

6. Dr. Jonathan claimed El-Rufai is a liar, quoting sources that did not once mention any lie that can be attributed to him. One of El-Rufai’s identified weakness in the Nigerian political space is his bluntness and fidelity to principles. Even his enemies admit that grudgingly about him. 

Malam Nasir El-Rufai will not allow Dr. Jonathan to make him the issue when the criteria the former president used in allocating N2bn each to allied state governments remain so murky. There is no need to cry wolf before the Final Report of the Committee is presented.

In the aftermath of the success attained with Zaria Water, some cowards have been using the anonymity of social media to spread lies. The comments attributed to Dr. Jonathan on social media posts falsely alleging that Malam Nasir El-Rufai sought an appointment with the Jonathan government and got N200m contribution for his campaign is one of the latest smears. Dr. Jonathan cannot make such claims because he knows they are not true. 

For the avoidance of doubt, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has not only never sought to work with Dr. Jonathan, but he actively persuaded others not to accept any offers to avoid destroying their credibility!

But the Governor draws the line at those making religiously-charged posts with fabricated quotes about his position on fasting. This is a governor that has insisted that religion is a private matter. He pulled the state government out of sponsoring religious pilgrimage and Ramadan feeding within weeks of taking office in 2015. 

When a citizen was attacked in June 2016 in the Kakuri area of Kaduna for reasons attributed to religious differences during Ramadan, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and Deputy-Governor Barnabas Bala visited the victim at the Saint Gerards’ Hospital on 8th June 2016, and he made an emphatic statement for religious freedom, declaring that “there is no compulsion in religion. It is a free country, and that means no imposition of faith or religious practices on anyone.”

The governor added that “nobody can impose the tenet of his faith on another person. The decision to observe any religious activity is the prerogative of the individual.” He explained that even a Muslim cannot be compelled to fast.

What Malam Nasir El-Rufai would not do is to allow anybody to get away with bad behaviour by citing their religious, regional or ethnic identity. Equality before the law requires that every citizen must be held responsible for their conduct. The legion of cowards and fraudsters ever ready to spread and amplify falsehood on social media, without any effort at verification, must know that they can be held responsible for what they share. The laws of our land rightly protect the freedom of speech, but the same laws provide remedies against defamation and incitement, even in cyberspace.

Samuel Aruwan

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Media and Publicity)

30th May 2017

Donald Duke, Peter Obi, others call for transparency and accountability in government

L-R, Peter Obi, former governor, Anambra state, Adebola Williams,  Co-founder, RED and Donald Duke, former governor at The Nigeria Symposium for  Young and Emerging Leaders

 Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River State, speaking during  his panel session titled office of the citizen

Former governor of Anambra, Peter Obi, has called for transparency and accountability in governance across all levels. Mr. Obi expressed this notion at The Nigeria Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders which took place today at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Themed 'Open Governance: Improving Transparency and Accountability in Government', the Symposium brings together leaders in politics, business, media, and more to discuss issues and challenges of open government and active citizenship.

While speaking, Peter Obi decried the cost of governance in Nigeria stating that Nigeria needs a broad, comprehensive approach to address issues of budget inflation and corruption among public servants.

"The present cost of governance in Nigeria is totally unacceptable", Obi said. "Expenses of running the government in Nigeria is at the detriment of the citizens. Most Nigerians have no knowledge of the Chairman of their local government, so how do you expect to keep them accountable?"

Seun Onigbinde, Co-founder, BudgIT, affirmed that citizens need to demand answers from elected officials at all levels.

"Nigerians need to demand for transparency all the time. The National Assembly spends 10 times the budget of other federal institutions in the country. The government serves the people, not the other way round. Nigeria is our collective responsibility, and as true citizens of this country, we need to find our voices," Onigbinde said.

Speakers at the event include Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River; Deji Adeyanju, former PDP social media director; Demola Olarewaju, political strategist/analyst; and Japheth Omojuwa, founder and chief strategist, Alpha Reach.

Others are Dayo Isreal, youth advocate; Rinsola Abiola, youth advocate; Ayo Thompson, award-winning TV/Radio presenter; Seun Okinbaloye, Arit Okpo and political correspondent, Channels TV.

The third edition of the Nigeria Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders was powered by The Future Project, in partnership with National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and Y!/YNaija.com.

Donald Duke dreaming of becoming president

A former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, on Tuesday said, he would still take a shot at the presidency, if the opportunity presented itself.

Mr. Duke spoke at a programme, “The Nigerian Symposium for Emerging Leaders”, held in Lagos.

He said though he once aspired to the position but did not emerge the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he would still contest for the highest office in the country at the appropriate time.

Mr. Duke explained that it was because of his preference for the presidential seat that he did not vie for any federal legislative seat after serving out his terms as governor.

“I do not have the flair for the legislature; standing up and sitting down at the chambers to raise a point. That was why I did not contest for the Senate but the presidency, after serving out my term as governor.

“I have contested the presidency before; I will still give it a shot when the opportunity presents itself . I believe I still have the energy in me,” he said.

The former governor canvassed the reform of the country’s political system to accommodate wider participation and good governance.

He suggested the review of the electoral law to allow for independent candidacy.

Mr. Duke said the country’s democracy would fare better if young people, who form the larger proportion of the population, took more active part in its political process.

He said most developed countries had young people as their leaders at one point or the other in their democratic history.

The former governor, however, said power was never given easily, urging young people to participate in the political process and use their prime to add value to the country.

“I want to urge young people in the country not to see leadership as if it belongs to some people, but do everything positive to be part of it.

“You can only make a difference at the prime of your life. You can actually add value now, not when you are above 50.

“So, you need to be part of the political process and play your part. It is your right to be there; nobody is doing you a favour.

“You represent more than 60 per cent of the population; you don’t have to beg for it.

“Just make effort to make that change and contribute your quota to nation building,” he said.

Mr. Duke urged governments at all levels to be accountable and challenged the governed to demand more from their leaders.

Also speaking, former Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra State decried lack of transparency and accountability in government.

He said the situation was responsible for the level of corruption in the country and poor delivery of dividends of democracy.

Mr. Obi said the way out of the quagmire was for leaders to carry the governed along in budgetary spending and plans for effective tracking.

“The way forward is that governments should make their budgets more explicit and published. The plans and the money to be spent on them should be clearly stated.

“That is when people can track and make comparative analysis with previous budgets and then we can achieve some transparency,” he said.

The former governor also urged the masses to show more interest in the budget so as to keep leaders on their toes.

Seun Onigbinde, chief executive officer of Budgit, an organisation with interest in accountability in public finance, urged Nigerians to demand accountability from their governments.

He also urged governments at all levels to always carry the people along in their budgetary proposals and implementation to achieve accountability.(NAN)

Biafra:S/East grounded as residents comply with sit-at-home * Traders in Owerri shun Rochas

Major cities in south-east part of Nigeria ar were grounded yesterday, as residents complied with a sit-at-home exercise called by pro-Biafran groups, with most businesses including banks, markets and motor parks under lock.

The Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB, and the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, had called for a sit-at-home today in the south-east to commemorate the declaration of Biafra by late Chukwuemeka Ojukwu some 50 years ago.

In Owerri, Enugu and Aba, markets including the popular Ariara main market in Aba were on total lockdown. Other businesses including banks, fuel stations, and parks were also shut.

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State was said to have ordered for the opening of the Owerri main market, as he was expecting the traders to turn up for business. But to his greatest surpise, no single shop was opened today.   

According toy PREMIUM TIMES reprt, a resident of Owerri and Biafra supporter, Okemiri Samson, commended the people of the city for the compliance to the exercise. “This is the highest compliance recorded in the city in recent times”, he noted.

In Enugu, there was also a massive compliance.

“I am at the Ogbete Main market in Enugu right now, it is under lock and key.

“My sisters went to school and their school was closed so they came back,” a resident, Raphael Onyekachi, told PREMIUM TIMES on phone.

In Port Harcourt, south-south Nigeria, there was also a high level of compliance according to a resident. Okezie Omeire.

Mr. Omeire advised commuters not to bother going to Aba or Umuahia as the road was closed.

“If you are going to Aba from Port Harcourt, please don’t even dare! You will not get to your destination. Everywhere is as dry and as silent as a graveyard. I just wasted my time and money this morning thinking I will make it to Umuahia this morning but guess what? I can’t even make it to Osisioma junction. I have to drive back to PH (Port Harcourt),” he said.

“Starting from Port Harcourt city, Rumuola, Rumuokwuta, Rumuokoro, Choba, Mile 1, Mile 2 and Mile 3 markets, Oil Mill and any busy place you can think of in PH, everywhere is scanty and deserted!”

The exercise, according to preliminary reports gathered by PREMIUM TIMES has so far been a huge success in Anambra State especially in Onitsha as shops, markets, banks and schools in the city remained closed.

According to a resident, John Okorie, “MASSOB called and we answered. All businesses in the city are closed including shops in the streets.”

Security officials were seen driving around the city to keep the peace. A similar situation was recorded in the state’s capital, Awka, and the second commercial city of Nnewi.

In Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, there was partial compliance, as the Abakpa Market, the city’s main market, was opened but most shops still remained closed at press time.

Many of the traders were seen gathered in front of their shops discussing the situation.

As they noticed that those who flouted the order and opened their shops were not being molested, many of them summoned courage and started opening their shops.

But the major private transporters in the city shut down their parks in compliance with the MASSOB and IPOB directives.

However, two banks, UBA and First Bank, opened their doors to customers while other banks remained shut leaving customers, who thronged to the banks, stranded.

Hours later, some other banks opened for business after observing the tight security mounted by police and other security agencies in the city to secure lives and prosperity.

But Ecobank and Diamond bank branches remained closed as at press time.

Also, police helicopters were seen hovering over most of the cities to provide aerial surveillance especially in Umuahia, the hometown of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Mr. Kanu, who is facing charges of treasonable felony, was recently released on bail. While on bail, he has, however, restated his demand for a Biafran state, and urged support for Tuesday’s sit-at-home.

The Ohaneze Ndigbo, a foremost socio-cultural Igbo group, also said it saw nothing wrong in the sit-at-home directive, saying it was a peaceful means of protest.

Where to go and see movies this weekend

1. "xXx: Return of Xander Cage"

Starring: Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen, Deepika Padukone

Synopsis: Xander Cage is left for dead after an incident, though he secretly returns to action for a new, tough assignment with his handler Augustus Gibbons.

Silverbird Cinemas Abuja

Daily: 2:25PM, 5:10PM, 8:25PM

Silverbird Cinemas Ikeja

Sunday: 3:10pm, 5:05pm

Genesis Deluxe Cinemas

Fri & Tue - Thu:7:10 PM, 9:25 PM

Sat - Mon:7:00 PM, 9:15 PM

WATCH TRAILER HERE

2. "King Arthur"

Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Jude Law

Synopsis: Robbed of his birthright, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy - whether he likes it or not.

Silverbird Cinemas Ikeja

Sunday: 9:25pm

Friday - Thursday: 10:30am, 9:25pm

Silverbird Cinemas Abuja

Daily: 4:25PM, 6:45PM, 9:10PM

Genesis Deluxe Cinemas

Fri - Sun:11:35 AM, 2:10 PM, 4:45 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:20 PM, 9:55 PM, 11:00 PM

Mon - Thu:11:35 AM, 2:10 PM, 4:45 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:20 PM, 9:55 PM

WATCH TRAILER HERE

3. "Slow Country"

Starring: Sambasa Nzeribe, Majid Micheal, Ivie Okujaye, Tope Tedele

Synopsis: A homeless teenage mother, who gets herself trapped in prostitution and drug trafficking for seven years in order to secure a good life for her son, decides to quit but her boss, a ruthless human and drug trafficker is not ready to let go of his most trusted cash cow.

Showing:

Genesis cinemas

Friday - Thursday: 2:25 PM, 7:05 PM

Silverbird cinemas Abuja

Friday -Thursday: 11:45AM

Silverbird cinemas Ikeja

Friday - Thursday: 2:45pm, 7:20pm

WATCH TRAILER HERE

4. "Omugwo"

Synopsis: Omotunde, A young civil engineer married to Raymond an OAP(Online Radio Personality), has just given birth.

Coloured by their different cultural backgrounds,their mothers-in-law forcefully move in with the couple to perform the Igbo child care rite called, Omugwo. But instead of relieving their children of the burden of childcare, the mothers’ rivalry complicates life for the couple to comical effects.

Silverbird cinemas Abuja

Friday -Thursday: 6:40PM

WATCH TRAILER HERE

5. " Alien: Covenant "

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup

Synopsis: The crew of a colony ship, bound for a remote planet, discover an uncharted paradise with a threat beyond their imagination, and must attempt a harrowing escape.

Showing:

Silverbird cinemas Abuja

Daily: 6:05PM, 8:30PM

Silverbird cinemas Ikeja

Daily: 12:25pm, 7:05mp 9:30pm

Genesus Deluxe Cinemas

Fri & Tue - Thu:1:05 PM, 3:35 PM

Sat - Mon: 3:35 PM

WATCH TRAILER HERE

6. " The Fate of The Furious"

Starring: Vin Diesel, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson

Synopsis: When a mysterious woman seduces Dom into the world of terrorism and a betrayal of those closest to him, the crew face trials that will test them as never before.

Showing:

Genesus Deluxe Cinemas

Fri & Tue - Thu:12:00 PM, 2:45 PM, 5:30 PM, 8:15 PM

Sat - Mon:12:50 PM, 2:45 PM, 5:30 PM, 8:15 PM

Silverbird Cinemas Ikeja

Daily: 2:30PM, 7:20pm 9:15pm

Silverbird cinemas Abuja

Friday -Thursday: 12PM, 2:35PM, 6:50PM

WATCH TRAILER HERE

7. " Alakada Reloaded"

Starring: Toyin Aimakhu alongside Kehinde Bankole, Woli Arole, Nedu OAP, Helen Paul, Lilian Esoro, Annie Idibia, Bidemi Kosoko, Liz Da Silva, Gabriel Afolayan

Synopsis: A village girl is picked to be on a reality show and fakes her life all the way to the reality show house… until an old classmate of hers joins the cast of characters in Toyin 'Aimahku' Abraham's successful series.

Showing:

Genesus Deluxe Cinemas

Daily: 12:10 PM, 4:50 PM, 9:30 PM

Silverbird Cinemas Ikeja

Friday: 12:45PM, 2:45pm, 4:40pm 7:10PM, 9:25PM

Saturday - Thursday: 12:45PM, 7:10PM, 9:25PM

Silverbird cinemas Abuja

Friday -Thursday: 4:35PM, 6:20PM

WATCH TRAILER HERE

8. Unveil

Starring: Olu Jacob, Desmond Elliot, Yvonne Jegede, Rachel Oniga

Synopsis: is a dramatic movie about an ambitious woman called Meg who left Nigeria in her teenage age to search for a better life in North America.

After years of hard work overseas Meg decided to visit home to see her family. She finds her word rocked when she connected with her old love and in the process Meg lost everything.

She has to fight for her life back. Unveil movie is about love, Obsession, passion and betrayer.

Silverbird Cinemas Ikeja

Friday - Thursday: 5:00pm

WATCH TRAILER HERE

9. " Guardians of the Galaxy 2"

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista

Synopsis: Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' continues the team's adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage.

Showing:

Silverbird Cinemas Abuja

Daily: 1:40PM, 7:15PM

Silverbird Cinemas Ikeja

Daily: 10:20aM, 4:40PM

Genesus Deluxe Cinemas

Fri & Tue - Thu:1:30 PM, 4:20 PM

WATCH TRAILER HERE

10. " Sleepless"

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Michelle Monaghan, Dermot Mulroney

Synopsis: A cop with a connection to the criminal underworld scours a nightclub in search of his kidnapped son.

Showing:

Silverbird Cinemas Abuja

Friday - Thursday: 8:30PM

WATCH TRAILER HERE

11. " Guardians of the Galaxy 2"

Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Bardem

Synopsis: Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Bardem), escape from the Devil's Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea…including him.

Captain Jack's only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas

Showing:

Silverbird Cinemas Abuja

Daily: 11:30AM, 2:00PM, 4:15PM, 9:25PM

Silverbird Cinemas Ikeja

Daily: 2:40PM, 5:00PM, 7:25PM, 9:30PM

Genesus Deluxe Cinemas

Fri - Sun:11:00 AM, 1:40 PM, 4:20 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:35 PM, 9:40 PM, 11:15 PM

Mon - Thu:11:00 AM, 1:40 PM, 4:20 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:35 PM, 9:40 PM

Okorocha rejects daughter's appointment from FG

Governor, Rochas Okorocha of  Imo State is said to have rejected the appointment of one of his daughters, Mrs Uju Anwuka, as a member of the Board of the Federal College of Education Technology, Omoku, Rivers State.

Report had it that Mrs Anwuka was appointed by the Federal Government as a member of the college's board but her father had turned down the appointment.

Okorocha, who rejected the appointment, alleged that the appointment was not done in good faith, describing it as “unbridled mischief.”

In a statement issued in Owerri, on Friday, May 26, 2017 by Okorocha's Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, the governor alleged he was not consulted before his daughter’s name was announced a a board member of the federal institution.

The statement partly read “To the governor, the appointment was obviously not done in good faith. Whoever was the brain behind the appointment did so out of unbridled mischief. Otherwise, the person behind the appointment would have had the courtesy of either informing the father or the mother.

Reflect on national challenges during Ramadan,Acting president tells Muslims

Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo has appealed to Nigerians especially Muslims to use the period of Ramadan for reflection on national challenges and join forces with the Buhari administration to overcome them.

He gave the advice in his message to felicitate with the Muslim community in Nigeria as they join other faithful across the world to commence Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer.

The Acting President implored Muslims to seek maximum benefits from the Ramadan period by replicating the teachings of the Holy Prophet in all their engagements, both private and public.

He urged Muslims to use the Ramadan to renew their commitments to the virtues of love and peace taught by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, and also works towards achieving them.

He noted that the period was one for spiritual perseverance, temperance, introspection and retrospection with the Almighty Allah.

The Acting President called on Nigerians to continue to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and the nation in general.

Osinbajo, while wishing the Muslim faithful blessed Ramadan, urged them to also remember the less privileged in the society during the special period.

D’banj welcomes first child

Nigerian pop star, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj, who has managed to keep his marital life away from the public has welcomed his first child, whom he christened, Daniel.

The singer, who is also known as Kokomaster, shared a picture on his Instagram page yesterday, with the caption “#KingDonCome, the christening of Daniel the Third.”

According to reports, the couple are currently in the United States, where they welcomed their bundle of joy.

D'banj married 26 year-old Didi Kilgrow, younger sister of Samantha Walsh, MTV host in July, 2016. They reportedly started dating in 2015.

The ceremony, which was a private one, had only nuclear families of both parties in attendance.

Also, guests were unaware they were attending a wedding, as it was previously announced that the event was to mark the birthday of D'banj’s father.

“D’banj has been in a serious relationship with Didi since 2015 and he was a regular visitor to her house in Lekki Phase 1; he visited at least two to three times every week,” a source had disclosed.

Before then, the singer who founded Mo’Hits records with Don Jazzy, had evaded questions about his relationship.

“I’m not trying to get married to enter another phase of my life the way they have classified my other colleagues. When you want to marry they just put it like you want to retire. No, its not going to change anything,” he told MTV Base in an interview.

“If I marry, you would not hear about it. My wife is not looking for fame. The fame I have is already enough.”

U.S. Ambassador unveils 1st state-of-the art American space in Nigeria

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. W. Stuart Symington today opened Nigeria’s first state-of-the art Priority American Space hosted at the Yaba offices of technology incubator, Co-Creation Hub (CC-Hub).

At the event attended by technology leaders, Ambassador Symington explained that the space, which is equipped with cutting-edge digital technology, is a center for Nigerians to develop innovative ideas, learn about the United States and its people, explore possible study at U.S. universities, enjoy U.S. cultural programs and also interact with U.S. exchange program alumni.

“At the Priority American Space in Lagos, we are investing in technology and programs to unleash the creativity of Nigeria’s burgeoning community of innovators. We are pleased to partner with Co-Creation Hub, a leading force for incubating social entrepreneurship and technological advancement,” Ambassador Symington said.

The Centre, now open to the members of the public, comprises a MakerSpace –– a tech area designed to promote digital skill building; a workshop space equipped with the latest laptops and tablets for internet learning; a conversation space for small group meetings and research and a meeting space that supports innovation and creative collaboration.

With a rich array of programs and trainings, the Priority American Space which is the tenth of its sort in Africa, will promote ingenious ideas, critical thinking and reasoned discourse. Worldwide, there are 67 Priority American Spaces.

Nollywood will do better with govt support – Chidi Simon

Chidi Simon is an actor who's passionate about his career. From Uturu in Isiukwuato Local government area of Abia State, this unassuming role interpreter has featured in over 10 movies since he debuted in the industry about two years ago.

Aside acting, Simon who also runs a textile business and provides his own costumes on set says he tries as much as possible to justify any role given to him in a movie, arguing that, it's what makes a good actor.

The handsome actor who named the likes of Charles Awurum, Ramsey Noah, Ken Eric, John Okafor (Mr Ibu ) RMD, Nora Roberts amongst others as his role models, doesn’t have any problem with marrying an actress, hence he said, 'anything is possible.' While appraising the Nigerian movie industry, Simon said, “I believe Nollywood will do better with government support. It will enhance its growth and stability. Nollywood is one of the most prominent employer of labour in the country, it has enriched so many people and has taken so many off the streets. I think it's high time the government pay more attention to the industry. However, Simon is working assiduously to producing his own movies the soonest time possible.

What Funke Akindele-Bello told CNN’s ‘African Voices’

Nollywood actress, Akindele has featured in countless films and some of the biggest sitcoms in Nigeria. But despite delving into acting as a young adult, the actress also recalls how she started out on a very different career paths.

She recounted her engaging story with CNN’s 'African Voices’, during the week. Funke also explained why she’s focusing on the next generation of actors.

When she was a child, her parents had differing opinions when it came to her acting dreams. “Growing up was fun for me,” she said, adding “having the support of my mum, she believed so much in my talent, though my dad never wanted me to be an actor– he wanted me to be a lawyer.”

Speaking further, Funke narrated how she compromised and agreed to study for a degree, eventually graduating in law. Following this, she began auditioning for roles and had her big break when she was cast in one of the biggest sitcoms in Lagos, called ‘I Need To Know’.

According to her, “When I started ‘I Need To Know’, I never thought I would be this celebrated. I was 20 years old then. When I shot the pilot I just wanted to do it, I wanted to showcase my God-given talent… I remember the director telling me I was overacting because I was excited about it.”

Akindele is best known for her portrayal of Jenifa, and she explained why the character has continued to appeal to audiences: “Jenifa is witty, she’s crazy, she’s a go getter, she doesn’t want to take no for an answer and I think I have that – I don’t want to take no for an answer.”

Now working on a new TV drama, which examines the music industry in Nigeria, called ‘Industreet’, Akindele has also founded ‘Jenifa’s Foundation.’ Explaining the programme’s work, she said, “We reach out to young people, we empower them. We help them acquire skills, we help them discover their special gift, their talent in acting and music and dance.”

Ebube Nwagbo replies follower over her butt

Nollywood actress Ebube Nwagbo responded nicely to a follower who advised her to stop wearing artificial butt. According to the curvy actress, her butt is real and she’d hate on another person with such hot figure too.

Actress Anita Joseph expecting twins!

Curvy Nollywood actress, Anita Joseph is undoubtedly in high spirits following the ultrasound result that shows she is expecting twin babies.

The actress who before now never hinted at pregnancy shared the ultrasound image on her Instagram page as she sang praises to God.

Tears as remains of late Nollywood actor, Olumide Bakare were laid to rest

Popular Nollywood actor, Olumide Bakare, who died after a prolonged heart ailment in the early hours of Saturday, April 22, 2017, has finally been laid to eternal rest, today, in his home town, in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

Family members, friends and colleagues of the deceased could not hold their emotions as the body of the very talented actor was lowered into his final resting place.

A funeral service was held in the morning for the late multi-award winning actor at St. James Anglican Cathedral Church, and afterwards, he was interred at St. James Cemetery, Ijokodo, Ibadan.

A wake-keep / service of songs was held on Thursday, May 25, 2017, at St. James Cathedral, Oke Bola Ibadan.

Cancer: Nollywood actress heaps curse on rumour mongers

Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar who recently returned from India, where she underwent successful fibroid surgery has refuted reports by an online platform that she has cancer.

The actress is, however, demanding an apology from the online portal, saying “Whoever wrote the story would go through worst pain that I ever went through.”

Halima who now sports a bald look after shaving her hair due to drug reactions she suffered during the operation noted on a post on her Instagram page that she would have revealed that she has cancer just as she opened up about her fibroid operation.

“Naijagist you know I can sue and win this case right? If I have cancer, just the way I announced my fibroid, I would announce it. Please, I have no such around me and I would appreciate the non-factual information and speculation about my health to stop. Allow me heal in peace!!”

“We heal differently. Am encouraging women out there. This is wickedness and whoever wrote this will go through worst pain that I ever went through.”

“You would tell the world who diagnosed me and how you got such conclusions. More than 1000 ladies are suffering from fibroid and I am talking to them. Am not scared of none, am sure you know this. Better apologize,” she added on Instagram page.

Afolayan, Kate Henshaw, others, set to tour the world

IN a matter of days, Nollywood topshots including, Kunle Afolayan, Kate Henshaw, Rahama Sadau, Ayo ‘AY’ Makun, and Orente crooner, Adekunle Gold will embark on a tour of selected tourist cities around the world in a new creative reality TV show tagged ‘Celebs Around Town.’

Conceived by the world’s oldest airline, KLM, the project aims at showcasing some very interesting tourist locations in Europe, the United States and other countries of the world. To spice up this project, KLM decided to partner with five carefully selected entertainers to embark on an interesting journey of Manchester United (Adekunle Gold), Rome (Kate Henshaw), Berlin (Rahama Sadau), London (AY) and New York (Kunle Afolayan).

While exploring these cities all at different times in June 2017, these entertainers would be sharing their interesting experiences in live interactive sessions with their fans and audiences back in Nigeria. The live interaction would provide the audience an opportunity to enjoy a live experience of the trip taken by each of the entertainers.

According to the organizers, this project is basically about the individual’s personal experiences on the trip and his/her interaction with the audience back at home. Kate Henshaw expressed utmost excitement to have been chosen to embark on this project. For her, it would be an interesting adventure as she intends to savour every bit of the fun.

“I’m excited to be on this project, I’m grateful to KLM for this great opportunity to enjoy an interesting experience in Rome, a place I’ve not been to before. I intend to savour every bit of it.

Accolades as COSON opens ultra-modern complex

History was made, weekend, when the newly constructed Copyright Society of Nigeria,COSON House, was officially commissioned amid roaring applause, amazing fireworks and countless balloons released to the skies.

The multi-million naira edifice, located on Oluwaleimu Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos,was the first real property owned by any association, union or group in the Nigerian creative industry.

Commissioning the new COSON House, the deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Moses Ekpo, who was the first Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission,NCC, recalled how Professor Egerton Uvieghara as former Chairman of the Nigerian Copyright Commission,NCC, midwifed the copyright administration in Nigeria. He said, without Professor Uviegbara, this history wouldn't have been possible. He, therefore, sued for peace among musicians, praying that the commissioning of the ultra-modern complex should bring eternal unity to Nigerian musicians. “ We pray that the ultra-modern complex should bring eternal unity to Nigerian musicians. Before now, musicians in Nigeria have been scattered . This is because of the fact that none of them has enjoyed the sweat of his or her labour.”

“We want to thank Professor Egerton Uviegbara for the bigger thing he gave to copyright owners in Nigeria. At that time, he insisted that the artistes must receive what was due to him or her for his or her creativity. For me , it has been a great honour to part and parcel of writing this history,” he said. Earlier, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji thanked his Board, the management of COSON and the team of skilled Nigerian professionals who worked tirelessly to build COSON House in record time without any money from the government, any support from any donor agency or any loan from any bank. However, many dignitaries defied the early morning downpour to be part of the event. Among them were Professor Egerton Uvieghara, highlife maestro, Professor Victor Uwaifo, Sir Shina Peters, Chris Ajilo, Baba Dee Fasasi, Azeezat, Kenny Saint Brown and Prince Ann Inyang. Others were Obi Asika of Cabal Entertainment, Dr Ben Ofoeze of Billtop, Mr Joel Ajayi of MULOAN, Hon John Ewelukwa Udegbunam, immediate past president of MORAN and Engineer Sharon Esco Wilson of MUPMAN. Also, Ken Calebs Olumese, Guvnor of Niteshift Coliseum; Ayo Animashaun who owns the wave making HipTV among other dignitaries.

Kwara State at 50, Gov Ahmed pardons 20 convicts

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, Wednesday, pardoned 20 inmates serving various jail terms at Oke-Kura and Mandala prisons in Ilorin as part of the on-going 50th anniversary of the state.

Report said, six of the inmates who were to die by hanging were granted life imprisonment while one other who was sentenced to life imprisonment had his sentence converted to 21 years imprisonment.

Also, another inmate who was jailed for mental insatiable was released alongside other people who were serving various jail terms for one offence or another.

Speaking during anniversary visit to the Oke-kura prison, the governor explained that section 212 of the 1999 constitution, as amended, empowered him to pardon offenders whose sentences are not subject of appeals.

Ahmed who explained that the exercise of the power is based on the belief that those released would abstain from criminal activities and become model citizens and contribute their quota positively to the society, stressed the need to review prison system in the country.

According to the governor "In line with global best practices, we plan to extend the vocational training programme to prisons in the State in order to empower interested inmates so that they will be engaged and effectively reintegrated into the society after serving their sentences."

US provides $9.5m for WFP to tackle cases of malnutrition in Nigeria

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided an additional $9.5 million to the UN’s World Food Program (WFP) to ensure more than 175,000 mothers and children under five do not suffer from malnutrition during this year’s “lean” season.

The grant from USAID’s Health, Population, and Nutrition Office, augments ongoing support for the humanitarian assistance in Nigeria by its Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and Food for Peace (FFP), and seeks to bridge a funding shortfall announced by WFP late last month. The grant will fund a blanket supplementary feeding program to protect the nutrition status of children aged six months to five years and lactating women in IDP and host communities of Borno State through provision of specialized nutritious foods.

“In response to the call by WFP to meet a severe funding shortfall, USAID is pleased to play a part in making sure that the most vulnerable of those impacted by the Boko Haram conflict are taken care of,” USAID/Nigeria Mission Director Stephen M. Haykin said. “This support will go to nine areas where the needs of mothers and their children are the greatest.”

The assistance will help WFP reach an additional 110,000 children under five and 65,000 pregnant and nursing mothers with specialized nutritious food commodities in nine local government areas (LGA) in Borno State.

WFP launched what is known as a Blanket Supplementary Feeding Program aims to prevent the further decline in nutritional status among young children suffering from moderate acute malnutrition, as well as protect the nutritional status of others who are not yet malnourished but are at high risk.

The program, which will distribute the nutrient-rich food monthly through the end of the rainy, or “lean,” season in August, is anticipated to significantly reduce the burden on the health system related to treating malnutrition as well as other health conditions related to under nutrition, consequently preventing related mortality.

Korea's 'film noir' movies take centre stage at Cannes filmfest

British actress Tilda Swinton and South Korean director Bong Joon-ho are promoting the film 'Okja' at the Cannes Film Festival in southern France (AFP)

Beyond the gleaming towers of modern high-tech Seoul, it is the dark past of South Korea's years of dictatorship, violence and upheaval that have inspired the country's staggering rise as a cinematic powerhouse.

No fewer than five South Korean movies are showing in the elite selection of this year's Cannes film festival.

And Bong Joon-Ho's Netflix creature feature "Okja" is one of the early favourites for its top prize, the Palme d'Or.

But two of the other Korean films in competition are crime and action thrillers typical of the booming "Korean noir" genre.

Films about bloody crimes, gangsters and corruption, often with a political edge, have swept box offices and film awards, winning praise for gritty stories about the dark underbelly of society.

"The Villainness" portrays a female assassin trained as a killer at a young age by a crime ring.

She seeks a new life by working for the South Korean government with a licence to kill.

"The Merciless" has two former prison buddies trying to climb the ladder of the gangster world, where lying, cheating, backstabbing and violence are norms.

"South Korea has such a turbulent modern history ridden with violence and political, social upheavals... I think that may be why we are good at making thriller movies like this," said Jung Byung-Gil, director of "The Villainness".

Jung Byung-Gil -- the director of 'The Villainness' -- credits South Korea's military dictatorship for inspiring its rise as a cinematic powerhouse play

Jung Byung-Gil -- the director of 'The Villainness' -- credits South Korea's military dictatorship for inspiring its rise as a cinematic powerhouse (AFP)

"With the military dictatorship that ruled for decades and widespread corruption... reality is a fertile ground for so many interesting stories," he told AFP.

The South has gone through a stunning transformation in recent decades, going from from a war-ravaged backwater poorer than Ethiopia after the 1950-53 Korean War to Asia's fourth-largest economy.

Its political history is an equally hectic roller coaster. Before the democratisation of the 1990s, military rule from the 1960s to the 1980s saw tens of thousands killed or tortured -- all against a backdrop of perennial tension with North Korea, now nuclear-armed.

At the same time its vibrant entertainment industry has taken Asia by storm, with its television dramas, movies, K-pop songs and stars enjoying loyal followings across the region and beyond.

Raw and real

Jung, 36, made his name with a series of action and thriller films, including "Confession of Murder", loosely based on a series of murders of young women in rural Hwaseong in the 1980s.

The serial killer was never found, and his crimes also inspired Bong's award-winning 2003 "Memories of Murder", which highlighted the repressive social atmosphere under the army rule of the time.

"The Villainess" is packed with dramatic fight and killing scenes -- Jung studied at a martial arts acting school -- involving knives, swords, axes, rifles and handguns.

Despite South Korea's rising stature in world cinema, its directors have limited resources, forcing them to be "more creative and more spontaneous", Jung told AFP.

South Korean actress Kim Min-hee and director Hong Sangsoo arrive for the screening of 'Geu-Hu' (The Day After) at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2017 play

South Korean actress Kim Min-hee and director Hong Sangsoo arrive for the screening of 'Geu-Hu' (The Day After) at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2017 (AFP)

"We don't have huge investment or world-class technology like Hollywood. So we try to create scenes that feel more real, raw and alive than CGI-ridden US blockbusters," he said.

The style first gained global traction with "Oldboy", an emblematic mystery thriller by Park Chan-Wook -- a Cannes judge this year -- which won the Cannes Grand Prix in 2004.

The movie, about a man seeking revenge after being imprisoned by a captor for 15 years, won rave reviews for its cut-throat, unrelenting scenes of violence and sombre, bleak cinematography.

Many other moviemakers followed suit with their own bloody thrillers.

Recent examples of the genre include 2015's critically-acclaimed "Inside Man", which detailed cosy and corrupt ties between the elites of Seoul's business, political, media and criminal worlds.

"The King" -- a recent swashbuckling political drama about corrupt, power-hungry prosecutors -- features shamanistic rituals in which powerful political figures pray for the defeat of a presidential candidate.