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Saturday, January 14, 2012
NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS SOLA KOSOKO MARRIES
Ini Edo, Ozokwor bag chieftaincy titles
| VETERAN actors Chinwetalu Agu,Patience Ozokwor a.k.a Mama G, Hon Richard Mofe Damijo(RMD) and pretty actress Ini Edo-Ehiagwina,top actor Emeka Ike have been conferred with Chieftancy titles by the traditional ruler of Egbunike, Anambra State.  Ini Edo As gathered,these film makers were honored as a result of their excellent interpretation of movie roles that project Igbo traditions to the world. |
Sunday, January 8, 2012
13,680 Prostitutes (Ashewos) Operate In Lagos Every Night !
With the situation of things, not just the state of economy is deteriorating in Nigeria, our morality is gradually being thrown away too.
In a recent interview, Mrs. Ebele Nwuzor who runs an NGO, Sympathy Foundation Worldwide, which has a self-imposed task of rehabilitating prostitutes in Nigeria, disclosed that:
"Since Amuwo Odofin is our neighbourhood, we decided to carry out a survey on the number of girls into prostitution. As at 2008, we discovered that Amuwo Odofin local government had 24 brothels, nightclubs and hotels. We discovered that each of them has an average of 28 girls coming to hawk sex per night. Now, looking at the number of brothels and having 28 on the average, we were able to come up with 684 per night hawking sex in Amuwo Odofin. If you multiply that figure by 20 (local government areas in Lagos) you will arrive at 13,680 girls hawking sex per night in Lagos alone. Don’t forget that this number does not include freelancers and undergraduates who leave their schools and stand in the streets at night. The figure is for those who have owned up to the fact that prostitution is their business."
In a recent interview, Mrs. Ebele Nwuzor who runs an NGO, Sympathy Foundation Worldwide, which has a self-imposed task of rehabilitating prostitutes in Nigeria, disclosed that:
"Since Amuwo Odofin is our neighbourhood, we decided to carry out a survey on the number of girls into prostitution. As at 2008, we discovered that Amuwo Odofin local government had 24 brothels, nightclubs and hotels. We discovered that each of them has an average of 28 girls coming to hawk sex per night. Now, looking at the number of brothels and having 28 on the average, we were able to come up with 684 per night hawking sex in Amuwo Odofin. If you multiply that figure by 20 (local government areas in Lagos) you will arrive at 13,680 girls hawking sex per night in Lagos alone. Don’t forget that this number does not include freelancers and undergraduates who leave their schools and stand in the streets at night. The figure is for those who have owned up to the fact that prostitution is their business."
Celebrities React To Fuel Subsidy Removal
It might come as a surprise to many Nigerians that celebrities in the country are against the removal of fuel subsidy, judging by their massive support for President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2011 Presidential Election. Comments by some of these celebrities from different parts of the country on the removal of the hotly debated fuel subsidy removal by the president on New Year’s day, shows that they are bitter with his action.
Aguma, an Abuja-based artiste
“When Blackface said in his song, this na hard life for Naija; People thought it was a joke. Thank God that everything is visible. We no go die.”
Osaretin Ogbemudia of Love Heart Production (movie producer and director)
“We are not against fuel subsidy, but the timing is the problem. How does he expect us to survive.
Lizzy Anjorin (Actress)
“Our leaders are just being wicked. Why remove the subsidy at this time of year when people are still trying to get their priorities right? It is bad.”
Aguma, an Abuja-based artiste
“When Blackface said in his song, this na hard life for Naija; People thought it was a joke. Thank God that everything is visible. We no go die.”
Osaretin Ogbemudia of Love Heart Production (movie producer and director)
“We are not against fuel subsidy, but the timing is the problem. How does he expect us to survive.
Lizzy Anjorin (Actress)
“Our leaders are just being wicked. Why remove the subsidy at this time of year when people are still trying to get their priorities right? It is bad.”
Cynthia Agbolor (Actress)
“It appears our government is confused and the best thing for them to do is to vacate their seats. They should provide for us accommodation, good roads, stable electricity, and other infrastructures before coming up with this subsidy removal of a thing. It is the height of wickedness.”
“It appears our government is confused and the best thing for them to do is to vacate their seats. They should provide for us accommodation, good roads, stable electricity, and other infrastructures before coming up with this subsidy removal of a thing. It is the height of wickedness.”
Monalisa Chida (Actress)
“It should not be reversed, but the implementation should be done in phases of 50 per cent increment, rather than the 200 per cent that was done on January 1. Also, the refineries should be immediately revamped to optimum level of production to make the effect of the subsidy removal minimal on the masses.”
“It should not be reversed, but the implementation should be done in phases of 50 per cent increment, rather than the 200 per cent that was done on January 1. Also, the refineries should be immediately revamped to optimum level of production to make the effect of the subsidy removal minimal on the masses.”
Foluke Daramola (Actress)
“This government is not sincere, if not they would have given us at least three-month notice before removing the subsidy. There are many issues that needed to be tackled other than the fuel subsidy removal. And the problem with Nigeria is that it depends so much on fuel than any other thing. Tell me why our railway is not working. This government is just wicked.”
“This government is not sincere, if not they would have given us at least three-month notice before removing the subsidy. There are many issues that needed to be tackled other than the fuel subsidy removal. And the problem with Nigeria is that it depends so much on fuel than any other thing. Tell me why our railway is not working. This government is just wicked.”
Aishat Ibrahim ‘Omoge Campus’ (Actress)
“It is wickedness of the highest order. Our leaders don’t have the fear of God for them to have taken such decision. I don’t blame them; when their wives don’t go to the market or go to filling stations to queue for kerosene, and the so-called leaders don’t to go to filling stations to queue for fuel.”
“It is wickedness of the highest order. Our leaders don’t have the fear of God for them to have taken such decision. I don’t blame them; when their wives don’t go to the market or go to filling stations to queue for kerosene, and the so-called leaders don’t to go to filling stations to queue for fuel.”
Bond Emeruwa, President, Directors Guild of Nigeria
“I don’t think Nigerians are ready for any subsidy removal now. There are many things to be done, not the fuel subsidy removal. There are other issues like power, security and so many things that require urgent attention. What do they mean by wanting to use the money for the subsidy to do other things? Can’t they remove the money from their own pocket? I learnt they budgeted 1.2 billion naira for the president’s feeding allowance ; can you imagine that? They are wicked!”
“I don’t think Nigerians are ready for any subsidy removal now. There are many things to be done, not the fuel subsidy removal. There are other issues like power, security and so many things that require urgent attention. What do they mean by wanting to use the money for the subsidy to do other things? Can’t they remove the money from their own pocket? I learnt they budgeted 1.2 billion naira for the president’s feeding allowance ; can you imagine that? They are wicked!”
Yemi Solade (Actor)
This fuel subsidy is a technical thing. It would have benefited Nigerians if it was well implemented. It may not be this year, but in years to come. It is wrong timing on the part of the government.
This fuel subsidy is a technical thing. It would have benefited Nigerians if it was well implemented. It may not be this year, but in years to come. It is wrong timing on the part of the government.
Adebayo Salami ‘Oga Bello’, former president of the Association of Nigeria Theatre and Arts Practitioners (ANTP)
“Government should not have removed fuel subsidy now. They should have considered the people they are governing before taking action. It is a bad timing. I heard that someone who claimed to be representing Nollywood was going about claiming that we artistes are in support of fuel subsidy removal. We never supported it. It is wickedness on the part of the government.”
“Government should not have removed fuel subsidy now. They should have considered the people they are governing before taking action. It is a bad timing. I heard that someone who claimed to be representing Nollywood was going about claiming that we artistes are in support of fuel subsidy removal. We never supported it. It is wickedness on the part of the government.”
CEO Mohits Records, Michael Elebeli Collins aka Don Jazzy,
“I hardly regret the decisions I make. That my one vote added to put the current government in power is one decision I regret with all my heart.
Bearing his mind further, the talented music producer said, “What I don’t know is, if the man we all voted for deceived us knowing [that] he would turn out to be like this or is there someone else leading us? May God help us. “God knows that the government has not given Mohits any kobo like I have always said. I am boldly putting [it] out here for anyone to contest. We all voted for the President Jonathan because at that time, we thought and believed he would be the one to move the country forward. My conscience is clear,” he stated.
“I hardly regret the decisions I make. That my one vote added to put the current government in power is one decision I regret with all my heart.
Bearing his mind further, the talented music producer said, “What I don’t know is, if the man we all voted for deceived us knowing [that] he would turn out to be like this or is there someone else leading us? May God help us. “God knows that the government has not given Mohits any kobo like I have always said. I am boldly putting [it] out here for anyone to contest. We all voted for the President Jonathan because at that time, we thought and believed he would be the one to move the country forward. My conscience is clear,” he stated.
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Subsidy protest: Read text of President Jonathan’s broadcast
Subsidy protest: Read text of President Jonathan’s broadcast | |||
| 08/01/2012 05:47:00 Share | |||
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| NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, ON THE DEREGULATION OF THE DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM SECTOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2012 ___________________________________________ Dear Compatriots, 1. A week ago, I had cause to address Nigerians on the security challenges we are facing in parts of the country, which necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in 15 Local Government Areas in four states of the Federation. That course of action attracted widespread support and a demonstration of understanding. With that declaration, government had again signaled its intention to combat terrorism with renewed vigour and to assure every Nigerian of safety. 2. The support that we have received in the fight against terrorism from concerned Nigerians at home and abroad has been remarkable. We believe that it is with such continued support that progress can be made on national issues. Let me express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has expressed a commitment to support us as we strive to improve on the country’s security situation, and build a stronger foundation for the future. The recent mindless acts of violence in Gombe, Potiskum, Jimeta-Yola and Mubi are unfortunate. I urge all Nigerians to eschew bitterness and acrimony and live together in harmony and peace. Wherever there is any threat to public peace, our security agencies will enforce the law, without fear or favour. 3. This evening, I address you, again, with much concern over an issue that borders on the national economy, the oil industry and national progress. As part of our efforts to transform the economy and guarantee prosperity for all Nigerians, Government, a few days ago, announced further deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. The immediate effect of this has been the removal of the subsidy on petrol. 4. Since the announcement, there have been mixed reactions to the policy. Let me seize this opportunity to assure all Nigerians that I feel the pain that you all feel. I personally feel pained to see the sharp increase in transport fares and the prices of goods and services. I share the anguish of all persons who had travelled out of their stations, who had to pay more on the return leg of their journeys. 5. If I were not here to lead the process of national renewal, if I were in your shoes at this moment, I probably would have reacted in the same manner as some of our compatriots, or hold the same critical views about government. But I need to use this opportunity as your President to address Nigerians on the realities on the ground, and why we chose to act as we did. I know that these are not easy times. But tough choices have to be made to safeguard the economy and our collective survival as a nation.  resident Jonathan during the budget presentation to the joint session of the National Assembly. 6. My fellow Nigerians, the truth is that we are all faced with two basic choices with regard to the management of the downstream petroleum sector: either we deregulate and survive economically, or we continue with a subsidy regime that will continue to undermine our economy and potential for growth, and face serious consequences. 7. As you all know, the subject of deregulation is not new, we have been grappling with it for more than two decades. Previous administrations tinkered with the pump price of petroleum products, and were unable to effect complete deregulation of the downstream sector. This approach has not worked. If it did, we would not be here talking about deregulation today. I understand fully well that deregulation is not a magic formula that will address every economic challenge, but it provides a good entry point for transforming the economy, and for ensuring transparency and competitiveness in the oil industry, which is the mainstay of our economy. 8. As a President, elected and supported by ordinary Nigerians, and the vast majority of our people, I have a duty to bring up policies and programmes that will grow the economy and bring about greater benefits for the people. Let me assure you that as your President, I have no intention to inflict pain on Nigerians. 9. The deregulation of the petroleum sector is a necessary step that we had to take. Should we continue to do things the same way, and face more serious economic challenges? Or deregulate, endure the initial discomfort and reap better benefits later? I want to assure every Nigerian that whatever pain you may feel at the moment, will be temporary. 10. The interest of the ordinary people of this country will always remain topmost in my priorities as a leader. I remain passionately committed to achieving significant and enduring improvements in our economy that will lead to sustained improvement in the lives of our people. 11. I am determined to leave behind a better Nigeria, that we all can be proud of. To do so, I must make sure that we have the resources and the means to grow our economy to be resilient, and to sustain improved livelihood for our people. We must act in the public interest, no matter how tough, for the pains of today cannot be compared to the benefits of tomorrow. On assumption of office as President, I swore to an oath to always act in the best interest of the people. I remain faithful to that undertaking. 12. To save Nigeria, we must all be prepared to make sacrifices. On the part of Government, we are taking several measures aimed at cutting the size and cost of governance, including on-going and continuous effort to reduce the size of our recurrent expenditure and increase capital spending. In this regard, I have directed that overseas travels by all political office holders, including the President, should be reduced to the barest minimum. The size of delegations on foreign trips will also be drastically reduced; only trips that are absolutely necessary will be approved. 13. For the year 2012, the basic salaries of all political office holders in the Executive arm of government will be reduced by 25%. Government is also currently reviewing the number of committees, commissions and parastatals with overlapping responsibilities. The Report on this will be submitted shortly and the recommendations will be promptly implemented. In the meantime, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies must reduce their overhead expenses. 14. We are all greatly concerned about the issue of corruption. The deregulation policy is the strongest measure to tackle this challenge in the downstream sector. In addition, government is taking other steps to further sanitize the oil industry. 15. To ensure that the funds from petroleum subsidy removal are spent prudently on projects that will build a greater Nigeria, I have established a committee to oversee the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme. I sincerely believe that the reinvestment of the petroleum subsidy funds, to ensure improvement in national infrastructure, power supply, transportation, irrigation and agriculture, education, healthcare, and other social services, is in the best interest of our people. 16. Fellow Nigerians, I know that the removal of the petroleum subsidy imposes an initial burden on our people, especially the rising cost of transportation. Government will be vigilant and act decisively to curb the excesses of those that want to exploit the current situation for selfish gains. I plead for the understanding of all Nigerians. I appeal to our youth not to allow mischief-makers to exploit present circumstances to mislead or incite them to disturb public peace. 17. To address the immediate challenges that have been identified, I have directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to embark immediately on all projects which have been designed to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal in the short, medium and long-term, as outlined in the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme Document. 18. Tomorrow, 8th January, I will formally launch a robust mass transit intervention programme to bring down the cost of transportation across the country. The programme will be implemented in partnership with state and local governments, labour unions, transport owners, and banking institutions, and supported with the provision of funding at zero interest rate as well as import duty waiver on all needed parts for locally-made mass transit vehicles, which will create additional jobs in the economy. 19. We will keep these incentives in place for as long as it takes. I want to assure you that Government will not rest until we bring down the cost of transportation for our people. Let me thank the transporters’ associations that have agreed to reduce transport fares. I have directed the Minister of Labour and Productivity to work with these associations to come up with a sustainable plan to guarantee this within the shortest possible time. 20. In addition, I have ordered the mobilization of contractors for the full rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt –Maiduguri Railway Line and the completion of the Lagos-Kano Railway Line. I have also directed the immediate commencement of a Public Works programme that will engage the services of about 10, 000 youths in every state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. This will create an additional 370, 000 jobs. 21. Government has taken these decisions in the best interest of our economy, so that we not only have benefits today, but to ensure that we bequeath even greater benefits to our children and grandchildren. 22. Let me assure Nigerians that every possible effort will be made to ensure that we march forward, with a collective resolve to build a Nigeria that can generate greater economic growth, create and sustain new jobs, and secure the future of our children. 23. This Administration will aggressively implement its programme to reposition and strengthen our economy, while paying adequate attention to the immediate needs of our citizens. 24. I assure you all that we will work towards achieving full domestic refining of petroleum products with the attendant benefits. 25. As I ask for the full understanding of all Nigerians, I also promise that I will keep my word. 26. Thank you. May God bless you; and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR President Federal Republic of Nigeria January 7, 2012 | |||
Beyoncé and Jay-Z Welcome a Daughter — and Her Name Is..
Beyoncé and Jay-Z Welcome a Daughter — and Her Name Is... | |||
| 08/01/2012 08:01:00 Share | |||
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| According to reports, Beyonce, United States' celebrated singer and wife of US rapper, Jay Z, has been delivered of a baby girl. Reports confirm that the first arrival of the celebrity couple came late on Saturday January 7 at the New York's Lenox Hill Hospital. The father of the new arrival reportedly paid the hospital about $1.3million to have her wife, Beyonce, give birth to their first child alone on the fourth floor at the hospital and evict every other patients on that floor. The child has been named Ivy Blue Carter. Rihanna broke the news when she tweeted, "Welcome to the world princess Carter! Love Aunty Rih. | |||
Nollywood divided over Fuel subsidy removal 08/01/2012 06:11:00 Share
Nollywood divided over Fuel subsidy removal | |||
| 08/01/2012 06:11:00 Share | |||
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| Nollywood practitioners seem divided over the recent removal of fuel subsidy by the present administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. The division came to the fore on Tuesday after aggrieved stakeholders under the aegis of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers(ANCOP) addressed the press, while disowning the earlier position allegedly taken by the Segun Arinze-led faction of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), as they resolved to throw their weight behind the government on the removal of the controversial fuel subsidy. Arinze’s faction of AGN organised a “Nollywood Roundtable on Deregulation” held on Friday, December 30, at Eko Hotel and Suites to drum support for the federal goverment regarding the removing of the fuel subsidy. But reacting to the ugly development at a press conference on Tuesday, in Lagos, president of ANCOP, Mr Alex Eyengho condemned the action of the Arinze’s faction of AGN, stating categorically that their position did not in any way represent the collective opinion of the entire Nollywood practitioners. According to him, the fuel subsidy removal is anti-masses as there is no way the industry would pitch its tent against the Nigerian masses in favour of the government of the day. His words, “after painstaking consultations by ANCOP with various stakeholders in Nollywood on this disgraceful act of Segun Arinze and co, and as a result of the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, it was resolved, and we hereby state categorically that the Nigerian movie industry popularly called Nollywood, rejects in its entirety the fuel subsidy removal by President Jonathan. The act is anti-masses and there is no way Nollywood would pitch its tent against the Nigerian masses in favour of a wicked cabal who have resolved to further pauperize the Nigerian masses.” “We align ourselves absolutely with the position of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and all other progressives on this matter. We shall mobilize for, and key into legitimate protests organized by the nation’s labour movement in days and weeks ahead. We use this opportunity to call on all Nollywood stakeholders across the country to identify with the organized labour in their respective states. It is clear that the fuel subsidy removal is indeed injurious to citizens of this country and the country itself. Nollywood can never, ever, ever endorse this pain-inducing policy of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan targeted at the Nigerian masses with a view to further impoverishing them.” Also, sultry actress Genevieve Nnaji who happened to be one of the recent beneficiaries of National Honours by the present government has expressed worries over the fuel subsidy removal, stating that “I still can’t help but feel that fuel subsidy removal is the right move at the wrong time.”  | |||
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