Croatia’s Coric Wins Governor’s Cup First Leg

World’s junior number one tennis player, Borna Coric from Croatia, has won the first leg of the Men’s Singles event at the ongoing Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship by defeating compatriot, Ante Pavic in straight sets of 6-4,6-3.
Coric who won 2013 US Open Junior Championship saw off his more experienced compatriot in a keenly contested final at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Court, Onikan, Lagos Saturday.
The 16 year- old player had in the semi final played on Friday stopped pre tournament favourite, South Africa’s Ruan Roelofse to set up an all Croatian final cracker. He won for himself the first leg’s $15,000 prize money for the Men’s Singles.
The teenage sensation told journalists after the match that he was delighted to have won Futures 1 of the 13th edition of the Governor’s Cup at the expense of his tougher opponent.

Okanu Ibeanu, Special Regional Sponsorship Manager, Etisalat Nigeria (left) presenting the trophy to Borna Coric from Croatia, the winner of men’s singles of the first leg of 13th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship on 19 October, 2013. PHOTO: EMMANUEL OSODI.

“It was a tough match and I am glad that I succeeded in defeating him (Pavic). He’s a player that I had played against in the past.“I really want to use this medium to appreciate the Croatian Tennis Federation for the support given to me and some private companies in my countries because they made it possible for me to travel around the world,” he said.
In the Women’s Singles event of the first leg, Slovenia’s Tadeja Majeric showed great composure to defeat compatriot, Dalila Jakupovic of Slovakia in straight set of 7-5,7-5 to cart home the $25,000 prize money for the first week.
Majeric, who is top seed in the women’s singles maintained her rating right from the first round to the final where she won the trophy in a game that lasted over two hours.
After the match, Majeric expressed satisfaction winning the first week after two years of unsuccessful outings in Lagos.
“Winning this time did not come on a platter of gold because I really worked to get this far,” she said.
The men’s doubles was won by the duo of Ante Pavic of Croatia and South African Ruan Roelofse after beating the pair of Borna Coric and Dino Marcan of Croatia.
The women’s doubles’ winners were British ladies, Naomi Broady and Emily Webley-Smith who defeated Cristina Dinu of Romania and Fatma Al Nabhani of Omar.

Boko Haram kills 19 in Borno

Members of the boko haram sect

Members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect may have killed 19 people in Borno State on Sunday.

AFP reported that the insurgents who were dressed in military uniforms  and wielding AK 47 assault rifles killed the 19 motorists by blocking the highway near Logumani which is 19 kilometres from the nation’s border with Cameroun.

It was stated that while the insurgent who were riding on motorcycles shot five of the victims to death, the rest 14 were slaughtered.

The leader of the Civilian JTF in the area, Musa Abur, was quoted as having said that those shot included two truck drivers and their assistants.

Abu also told the international news agency that the rampaging Islamists also burnt down two trucks.

“We have recovered 19 dead bodies from the scene of the attack by Boko Haram gunmen

“Five of the victims, who included two truck drivers and their assistants, were shot dead while the rest were slaughtered,” Abur was quoted as having said.

But the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, told our correspondent on the telephone that the casualty figure from the said attack was exaggerated.

By his account, the insurgents blocked a vehicle conveying foodstuffs between Gamboru Ngala and Dikwa and killed four people.

Attahiru said that the incident was reported to the Special Forces who engaged the insurgents in a shoot out and killed some of them.

He did not give the number of insurgents killed in the operation insisting that the Special Forces were still on their trail.

He said, “The casualty is exaggerated. A vehicle was conveying foodstuffs, and it was stopped by the Boko Haram members between Dikwa and Gamboru Ngala; they killed four people in the vehicle.

“The attack occurred at Dikwa and Gamboru Ngala on Sunday. The incident was reported at our operational base and Special Forces engaged them killing some of the fleeing insurgents.

“I can’t give you the exact number of those killed on the side of the insurgent because they (Special Forces) are still after them but I can confirm that four civilians were killed.”

However, a survivor of the attack identified as Buba stated that the gunmen blocked the road near Logumani and ordered everybody in the vehicles to lie face down around 5am before  shooting and slaughtering the motorists.

He said that the insurgents numbering nine were forced to abandon some lucky victims and escaped with their motorcycles into the bush when somebody alerted security operatives of the incident.

“We were asked to get out of our vehicles and lie face down by nine men dressed as soldiers who blocked the road around 5:00 am.”

“They shot dead five people and went about slaughtering 14 others before someone called them on the phone that soldiers were heading their way.

“They abandoned the rest of us and sped into the bush on their motorcycles,” Buba was quoted as having said.

It was stated that members of the Boko Haram sect had carried out recurrent attacks in villages and communities close to the nation’s border with Cameroun recently.

The insurgents reportedly carried out an attack at Gamboru Ngala, near Logumani but were chased away by soldiers and local vigilantes on Friday before the Sunday attack.

The survivor explained that the men in military uniform were given away as insurgents by their beards different from troops of the Nigerian Army who don’t have such beards.

“We knew they were Boko Haram from their appearance. Soldiers don’t wear beards but some of the gunmen were bearded.

“Everyone in this area knows Boko Haram is on the prowl, raiding villages and attacking vehicles. It has become a common occurrence,” he said.

President Jonathan will probe aviation minister - Presidency

President Jonathan will soon order relevant government agencies to investigate the purchase of two bulletproof vehicles for the Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, Punch reports.

Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak, in an interview with Punch on Friday said President Jonathan would not shield the minister.

Gulak, however, said the President would not take a decision on the fate of the embattled minister based on media reports.

He said Jonathan’s decision would be based on verifiable facts, which could only be achieved when relevant government agencies investigate the matter.

The presidential aide said Jonathan would not hesitate to show anybody found guilty of corruption or impunity the way out of his government.

He assured Nigerians that the President was on top of the situation. He did not, however, disclose when the President would order the probe. He also did not name the agencies that would probe the allegation. Gulak said;

“I can assure you that President Jonathan will not shield the minister or any government official for that matter if he receives information that is true. In this particular instance, the reports are in the media. But media reports are not enough to act on. The President is on top of the situation. He will direct appropriate authorities to investigate the matter. Anybody found wanting in terms of corruption or impunity, President Jonathan will not hesitate to show such person the way out of his government.

“The most important thing is that such decision must be based on facts as provided by appropriate government agencies that will investigate, not based on media reports.”

Culled from Punch

Kanye West brings Jesus lookalike on stage during concert opener

Kanye West kicked off his 'Yeezus' tour in Seattle, yesterday Saturday October 19th and before his performance of his College Dropout hit song, Jesus Walks, a man dressed as Jesus walked on stage and Kanye jokingly asked "White Jesus, is that you?… Oh, shit!,". Later, Kanye and his female back-up dancers bowed to the Jesus look-alike as he stood on the mountain top.

Kendrick Lamar was Kanye's opening act. He performed a nine-song set which included songs off his "good kid, m.a.a.d. city" album.

Photos from Okon Goes to School actor Ime Bishop's white wedding

Okon goes to the altar...:-). Comic actor Ime Bishop Umoh married his boo Idara Saviour yesterday Saturday October 19th in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Congrats to them. See more photos after the cut..

 

Jeta & Mbong Amata have separated after almost 10 years together

For all the fans of Jeta and Mbong Amata, I am about to break your hearts. The prolific movie director and his beautiful actress wife of five years Mbong Amata, 28, have separated. They have actually been separated for about a year now but y'all are just hearing about it. And from what I gathered Jeta and Mbong didn't fight, they just decided to let each other go.

Jeta met Mbong when she was only 16 years old in Calabar in 2001 during a movie audition. He waited for her to mature and they started dating when she turned 18 two years later. In 2008, they welcomed a daughter, that same year, Jeta married Mbong. They later moved from their base in Abuja to Los Angeles so Jeta could work on his movie projects.

Continue to read why they broke up...so heartbreaking for such a young couple and maybe there's a lesson to be learnt here...

Here's what I heard happened between them. Mbong met Jeta when she was so young, married him and became a mother in her early twenties. She is a former beauty queen (Miss Akwa Ibom 2003) and her dream was to be an actress. Jeta didn't mind his wife being an actress but he didn't want her featuring in Nollywood movies, so he restricted her. Mbong, some of you may have noticed, only featured in Jeta's movies. And because she met Jeta so young, Mbong didn't get a chance to date other men, never partied and until they separated, never earned a living on her own. She relied on Jeta for everything.

When they moved to the US, it became a little worse for Mbong. She became lonely and instead of being the star actress she's always dreamed of, she became a housewife, caring for Jeta and their five year old daughter. Mbong became resentful and left Jeta in 2011 and returned to Nigeria. Jeta went after her and they reconciled after Jeta promised to give her a bit more space to pursue her dreams.

Jeta tried to live up to his promise, but as an African man, just couldn't compromise much and so last year Mbong wanted out of the marriage and Jeta let her go. Mbong and Jeta have been living separately in Los Angeles for about a year now. When I asked if there was any hope for reconciliation, my source told me 'it's only a matter of time before they file for divorce. They have moved on and the love is no longer there. Mbong is very happy now that she can do whatever she wants without a husband to stop her or tell her what she can or can't do"

I've known Jeta Amata for a long time, since the 90's in fact and so before writing this I reached out to him to get his own side of the story, and because we are friends, Jeta opened up to me.

He confirmed that they have indeed separated & partly blamed himself for the break up. He told me;

"Mbong is an amazing mother, an incredible wife...all the time we were together she would never let any other person cook my food...she was faithful and good to me and gave me the best gift in the world, our beautiful daughter. If I didn't cage her so much maybe we would still be together. I stole her youth and didn't let her live her dream so it was better to let her go and find new adventures. She's happy and so am I. Despite the fact that we are no longer together, we are still good friends. She even lives close to me here in LA. Things are great between us and I'm happy to see her happy."

Since the separation Mbong has featured in two Nollywood movies, one of them is Forgetting June produced by Emem Isong, which she came back to Nigeria to shoot. She also revealed her sexy bikini body some months back. Y'all didn't know she was a single woman then...pic below...

As for Jeta, I heard he now has a new girlfriend. Jeta is dating Australian actress Viva Bianca, best known for her role as Ilithyia in Spartacus (Pic below)

Viva is starring in Jeta's new movie project - Road to Redemption, which also features Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson and pop star, Akon. Jeta and Viva have been dating for many months now and were even spotted in Las Vegas recently. When I asked Jeta about his relationship with Viva, he didn't want to talk about it.

And that my friends, is the end of the story. Wishing Jeta and Mbong Amata the very best.

Nicki Minaj bares her boobs in new photo

Hmmmm. Aside from pasties covering her nipples, Nicki Minaj's breasts is practically on display in a new photo she posted on her instagram page a few minutes ago. See the full pic after the cut...

She posted the pic on instagram with the caption "Should I add #Pasties to the Spring Collection?

Actress Beverly Naya vents on twitter

Uche Jombo temporarily relocates to the US to be with her husband

Uche Jombo left Nigeria two days ago to join her husband at their home in the US. Heard she plans to stay over there for a while, though she will come back for a few days in November for the Africa International Film Festival which will hold in Calabar.. after that it's goodbye to Nigeria till 2014.

Is D'banj working on a mix tape with Banky W, eLDee and M.I?

The Hennessy Artistry finale will take place this Saturday, October 19^th at The Federal Palace Hotel in VI, Lagos and Dbanj, who is this year’s headliner will do a mix tape with some of the past Hennessy Artistry headliners.

Dbanj has been in the news lately for either hilarious videos, talking about Genevieve or getting customized designer shoes from international label designers. This Saturday, he has promised to blow the minds of guests who will attend the final lap of this year’s Artistry project. Continue...

The mixtape might be a collection of all the Hennessy Artistry theme songs from “Like A Bottle” featuring music icon, Sir Shina Peters, Kas, Nnneka and others to this year’s “Raise Your Glasses” by Dbanj.

Other performers include supporting acts, Olamide, Phyno, Kay Switch, Chidinma, Seyi Shay, Pucado, Vector, Sean Tizzle and Show Dem Camp.

Joan River's comment about Chris Brown

A few people felt the remark from Joan Rivers was inappropriate because of real victims...there are many sad cases of altar boys being molested by priests...but Joan is 80 years, guess she can get away with saying anything...

Femi, Saka gear up for MUSON Festival

 

 

The 2013 edition of the MUSON Festival is here. But it is a special edition the  founders, members and friends of the Musical Society of Nigeria   are looking forward to. The event holding between October 17 and 27 marks the society’s 30th birthday – just like that!

The event straddles music and theatre. It will bring to the stage afro beat star, Femi Kuti, and delectable singer, Yinka Davies. Both artistes say they are very excited to be part of the MUSON’s 30th anniversary bash.

On the event holding on October 19, Femi says, “Expect the best from me at the Jazz Festival. Even though it’s also in the middle of Felabrations, you can still expect a fireworks performance from me and the positive force band. It’s going to be lots of fun and excitement.”

On her part, Davies, says it is a beautiful thing that she is returning to the MUSON stage.

“It’s not the first time for either of us and I want to call on fun seekers and lovers of jazz and jazz-related music to come out and hang out with us as we treat them to good music.”

On October 25, MUSON will present a play titled Echoes from the Lagoon,  written by Rasheed Gbadamosi, who is one of the founders of the society. Directed by dramatist and lecturer at Lagos State University, Tunji Azeez, the play is based on the current societal issues affecting Nigeria.

Azeez, also of Silent Touch Productions, says it will reveal to the audience where they are, where they are  coming from and where they are going.

“We have assembled the cast that would be the envy of Nigerians and MUSON for this event. They include Nobert Young, Joke Muyiwa, Ola Rotimi Fakunle, Afeez Oyetoro (Saka) and Laide Adeyiga,” Azeez adds.

According to the Chairman of the MUSON festival Planning Committee, Kitoye Ibare-Akinsan, the feast will end with a gala concert of excerpts from celebrated operas and oratorios like the Marriage of Figaro, Carmen, Nabucco, the Mesiah, Porgy, Bess and more.

Other programmes are performances by the MUSON Symphony Orchestra, the MUSON Choir as well as Victoria Oruwari’s, a Nigerian soprano singer based in London.

There will also be a performance of classical music by Lin Lin Fan (piano), Ulf Klausenitzer (violin), Thomas Kanitz (cello) and Ayo Bankole Jr.

Nigeria elected to UN Security Council

President Goodluck Jonathan

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and three other nations have won seats into the United Nations Security Council as non-permanent members on Thursday.

A statement by the UN Department of Public Information from New York stated that Nigeria scored 186 votes out of a possible 194.

Saudi Arabia polled 176; Chile, 186; Chad, 184; while Lithuania got the highest vote of 187.

The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security.

Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action. Its powers are exercised through United Nations Security Council resolutions.

There are 15 members of the Security Council consisting five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members.

The five permanent members are veto-wielding nations of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Five of the 10 non-permanent members are elected each year to serve two-year terms.

Established in 1946, the UN basic structure is set out in Chapter V of the UN Charter.

Representatives of the members of the Security Council must always be present at UN headquarters in New York so that the Security Council can meet at any time.

Although Nigeria reportedly contested the election as the sole contestant from the West Africa region, it garnered more than the required two-third support of the 194 member nations.

The new members will occupy the seat for a period of two years, beginning from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015.

Nigeria and Chad will be replacing Togo and Morocco from the African group.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan in a statement by his spokesman, Reuben Abati, thanked  all member-countries of the UN that voted for Nigeria.

The statement read in part, “The President believes that today’s (Thursday’s) endorsement of Nigeria’s candidature for the Security Council seat by the vast majority of member-countries is a glowing expression of support and encouragement for Nigeria’s active participation in the promotion of  peace, security and political stability in Africa and other parts of the world.

“This is the fourth time since it became independent in 1960 that Nigeria is being elected to the UN Security Council. It is also the second time (2010-2011 and 2014-2015) that Nigeria will be elected to the Council under the Jonathan Presidency.

“The President is particularly delighted by this historic victory and assures the global community that Nigeria, under his leadership, will continue to make very significant contributions towards the achievement and sustenance of global peace and security.”

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party has described Nigeria’s election as an unprecedented feat and a testament to the achievements of President Jonathan-led PDP administration.

The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja on Thursday, said the development had clearly shown that the world recognised the efforts of the present administration in repositioning our country through the President’s Transformation agenda.

He said, “The securing of the UN seat is a clear evidence that the world acknowledges President Jonathan’s efforts towards security, economic wellbeing and political stability of our dear country.

“President Jonathan has indeed distinguished himself as a statesman and a world leader, who has given his country a strong voice in matters dealing with international peace and security.

“Nigerians world over can now hold their heads up high. We are indeed very proud of our dear President who has remained focused on delivering on his mandate; a commitment that has today resulted in the restoration  of the dignity of our country and her pride of place in world affair.”

US government shutdown ends as Obama signs bill

President Barack Obama signed early Thursday a bill ending the two-week US government shutdown and extending the Treasury’s borrowing authority.
The White House announcement was the final piece in an agonizing political drama that had raised the prospect of an unprecedented US debt default and rattled markets around the world.
Office of Management and Budget Director Sylvia Mathews Burwell said in a separate statement that the government will try to get back to full operating status as smoothly as possible.
“This has been a particularly challenging time for Federal employees and I want to thank our Nation’s dedicated civil servants for their continued commitment to serving the American people,” she wrote.
Most employees furloughed for the past two weeks are expected back to work Thursday, Burwell said in a directive to federal agencies.
Moving with stunning speed, Congress voted Wednesday to end the 16-day-old government shutdown and avert the potential for the first major debt default in U.S. history in a deal that gave President Obama most of what he sought — an open government and more borrowing authority without denting Obamacare.
The Senate voted 81-18 to approve the deal and sent it over to the House, which quickly followed suit with a 285-144 vote on the measure — amounting to an almost complete surrender for the GOP.

Wizkid tweets about Sesan directing his soon to be released video

Is he subbing someone? Na question I ask o, I don't know what frosh and smellos mean.