FG removes subsidy, petrol to sell for N145 per litre

The Federal Government has finally removed subsidy from sale of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol with immediate effect. 

NNPC sources this afternoon said marketers are now free to bring in cargoes and sell, subject to meeting standard quality control. 

It however added that a benchmark of N145 per litre, as a recommended pump price, at which any trader, irrespective of the source of foreign exchange used to import cargo is guaranteed adequate profit. 

Details later…

Killer-gang massacre native doctor, lecturer, 5 others in Rivers

ULA UPATA: GUNMEN  have gone out of control at Ula Upata, Edioha, Ogoni and Yeghe communities in Rivers State, slaying a native doctor, senior lecturer, female student and four villagers in the last few weeks. Worried by the spate of attacks, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has ordered deployment of a special homicide team to Port-Harcourt, capital of Rivers state, to assist the Rivers State Police Command crack down on the killer-gang. Suspected cultists

 How 30 gunmen went berserk: Niger Delta Voice learned that about 30 armed men, penultimate Saturday, stormed Ula Upata and neighboring Edioha communities in Ahoada East local government area of the state and wreaked havoc penultimate Saturday. 

A source said the gangsters practically descended on the Zion Nwoka family and snuffed life out of 62-year-old Mrs. Monica Zion, Gospel Nwoka, 45, Mrs. Patricia Ziko, 42 and Rogers Nwoka, 28. 

Even as police confirmed the worrisome deaths, nobody could say the reason for the bloodletting, as the killers extended their offensive to Edioha community, where they allegedly clubbed a native doctor to death.  A similar occurred in Ula Upata about two months ago when suspected cultists invaded the area, killing about eight persons. 

Tailed from Bori to Yeghe 

Besides the Ula Upata and Edioha invasion, the gunmen trailed a senior lecturer of Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic Polytechnic, Dr. Vincent Eebee on his way to Port-Harcourt and shot him dead. NDV learned that they trailed him from the Polytechnic in Bori and started shooting at his vehicle after he drove past Birabi Memorial Grammer School, BMGS, on the Bori-Yeghe road. 

A female passenger in his vehicle identified as a student of the Polytechnic also died in the sad incident.  Eyewitnesses said the late Dr Eebee managed to drive to Yeghe community and bolted from his car, but the assailants allegedly caught up with him and ensured he was dead before they sped off in a black SUV. 

Why I deployed homicide squad – IGP 

Meanwhile, the police have deployed special homicide detectives to fish out the rampaging killer- gangs in Rivers.  Arase told reporters in Port Harcourt: “Criminal gangs cannot overwhelm a state or a country, it is never done. I can assure the people of the country that we will clamp down on these gangs; we will amputate them from our society.” 

“They are being investigated at the state by the state Police command, but I have also dispatched a team of homicide investigators from Abuja. When things like this happen, there are always different accounts to it. I have said the police will always be apolitical and professional at all times with our operations and investigations,” he asserted. 

Police‘ll fish out killers – Commissioner 

On his part, the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Musa Kimo, who visited Ula Upata community, said armed police officers were still on ground at Ula Upata and Edioha communities, Ahoada East local government area, maintaining peace He assured the families of those who lost loved ones that the police were doing everything possible to bring the killers to book. 

Five-year jail term for lecturers who sexually molest students if…

Lecturers that engage in sexual relationship with students would henceforth bag a five-year jail term if a  bill in the Senate, seeking to completely prohibit any form of sexual relationship between them and their students is passed and assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari. 

The bill on Wednesday, passed for first reading in the Senate. 

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege (Labour-Delta Central) and co-sponsored by 46 other senators, seeks to completely prohibit any form of sexual relationship between lecturers and their students, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. 

Briefing journalists after plenary, Omo-Agege said the nation’s institutions of higher learning must be sanitised to rid them of lecturers who saw female students as “prize’.” 

According to him, when the bill is passed and signed into law, any lecturer found guilty will be liable to a jail term of up to five years but not less than two years with no option of fine.

 “When passed into law, it makes it a criminal offence for any educator in a university, polytechnic or any other tertiary educational institution to violate or exploit the student-lecturer fiduciary relationship for sexual pleasures. 

“The bill imposes stiff penalties on offenders in its overall objective of providing tighter statutory protection for students against sexual hostility and all forms of sexual harassment in tertiary schools. 

“The bill provides a compulsory five-year jail term for lecturers who sexually harass students. 

“When passed into law, vice chancellors of universities, rectors of polytechnics and other chief executives of institutions of higher learning will go to jail for two years if they fail to act within a week on complaints of sexual harassment made by students. 

“The bill expressly allows sexually harassed students, their parents or guardians to seek civil remedies in damages against sexual predator lecturers before or after their successful criminal prosecution by the state,” Omo- Agege said.

At 51, Clarion Chukwurah marries again

Veteran Nollywood actress, Clarion Chukwurah, is officially married for the third time at the ripe age of 51. The beautiful actress and mother of ace music video director, Clarence Peters, exchanged marital vows with her new husband, Anthony Boyd, on Thursday, April 21, 2016, in the United States of America. Clarion made the official announcement on her Instagram page shortly after the quiet ceremony took place. 

She shared pictures of herself and her new husband exchanging marital vows and rings. “Just married. Anthony and Clarion Boyd” the actress wrote. Clarion who has been out of the country for a while, has been reportedly doing a lot of humanitarian works around Africa and beyond, receiving a couple of awards for same. This would not be the first time a Nollywood celebrity would remarry, she’s not the first and neither would she be the last to do so.  Hopefully, this would be the last time Clarion walks down the aisle.  We say a heartfelt congratulations to Clarion and Anthony Boyd.

Pastor Felix Libarty to Tiwa-Tee Billz: Your marriage is under spiritual attack

Tiwa and TeeBillz

Following the lingering marital crisis involving popular singer, Tiwa Savage and her husband, Tunji Balogun, a.k.a TeeBillz, the lover boy “old school” singer-turned- pastor, Felix Aigbe Libarty has  called out  the couple to save themselves and the Nigerian music industry from further embarrassment by resolving  their differences amicably. *Tiwa and TeeBillz 

Specifically, the “Ifeoma and 419” crooner, begged Tiwa Savage to return to her husband quietly despite the emotional pains she’s going through at the moment. 

He said, TeeBillz is under serious attack from the pit of hell, and as such, Tiwa should not allow the devil to use  her  husband  to destroy her future. 

Speaking further, he said, “It’s one thing to  be famous and it’s another to know how to manage fame. I want  her (Tiwa Savage) to go back to her husband immediately because there is no divorce spiritually except when the man is no more. I want her to know that if God wants to announce any woman that is matured, He will always match  her with a man. In this case, that is what God has done for her.” 

“I want Tiwa Savage to begin to understand that whatever is happening to her now is an attack from the pit of hell. Her husband is in deep trouble. I am sure that his pastor has not been able to tell him that he’s under attack. The devil may not attack you directly, it will attack your partner. Spiritually, as I am seeing it, her husband (TeeBillz)  is under attack. 

Every behaviour her husband is exhibiting now is  manipulated. The Bible says, you have to be there  for your husband, and your husband will be there for you.  Whatever that is going on now, remains the fact that your husband is being manipulated by spiritual forces that doesn’t want you to grow.  And by the time you walk out of  your marriage, you are giving the devil the opportunity to destroy your life completely” he counselled. 

HOW TO MAKE YOUR LIPSTICK LAST LONGER…

No one likes to have their lipstick wear off after just applying it. Having to retouch your lipstick every few hours or so can be annoying especially if you have spent the better half of your morning applying your makeup. So choosing the right products and applying them correctly are part and parcel for getting your lips noticed.

Here are a few tips and tricks for you to get your lips the attention they deserve. 

• First, applying your lipstick correctly is the basic step to getting gorgeous lips. The kind of layering that you do is one of the tricks to getting your lipstick last longer.
• Apply some lip balm, then use tissue paper to gently blot your lips.
• Now use a lip liner to line and fill in your lips. This acts as a base for the lipstick you will apply next.
• After you have applied your lipstick, blot your lips and apply a second coat of lipstick.
• To finish up, place a piece of tissue paper on your lips and dab some loose powder over it. This helps set the lipstick and gives it a long lasting effect.
• You could also use lip primer to make your lips smoother or use liquid foundation as a base coat for your lips before you apply lipstick. This will fill in any tiny gaps on your lips because there is a tendency your lipstick can seep into small creases making your lipstick bleed. This is another way to seal your lipstick, making it last through the day.

• Long lasting lipsticks are prone to fade after a while even though a bit of colour may still remain on your lips. Applying a double coat of long lasting lipstick will make it look fresher and last longer.
• While using a lip liner, use a bit of foundation or concealer your shade to outline your lips.
• To avoid your lipstick from getting on your teeth, place an index finger in the middle of your mouth and make a pout. This will remove any extra lipstick from the inner sides of your lips.

Show me thumbs up!

I am tired of Jenifa’s Diary — Funke Akindele

Top Nollywood actress cum producer, Funke Akindele, is far from happy at the moment as she says she is tired of writing, playing lead roles and also assisting director in her popular comedy TV show, Jenifa’s Diary.   

The award-winning actress who recently opened up on challenges of being a comedienne also reassures her numerous fans that despite the fact that she is tired, she still does not see Jenifa’s Diary coming to an end as she will keep giving them latest versions of the comedy series.

 In her words, “We have actually filmed the fifth season but we are airing the fourth right now and we would soon begin shooting the sixth season. I must confess that I am tired because it is not easy writing, playing the lead character, assisting the director and also supervising the whole project. It is not easy writing a comedy script but each time I want to put it to rest, people tell me that the last season was lovely and they keep asking what would be happening in seasons to come. 

They still want to see more because everyone loves  Jenifa. I believe that  Jenifa  is a brand that has come to stay because we use her as a vessel to pass  messages across to young people. I use the character to highlight some problems the youths face and also proffer solutions to these problems. 

I don’t  see Jenifa’s Dairy  coming to an end,” According to her, “Being an actor/actress is not easy not to talk of being a comedian/comedienne. It is really difficult to think of something fresh and new. When I started  Jenifa’s Diary, I knew I had to start the story afresh because some people did not see the movie. 

I was concerned about how I was going to do something totally different from the movie. When it was time to shoot Season 2, I felt I had to move away from what I did in Season 1 and that was the same dilemma I faced in Season 3″, she concluded.

Senate’s death penalty for kidnappers

The Senate is poised to enact a law that will prescribe the death penalty for kidnapping and hostage-taking in the country. This resolve is coming on the heels of the kidnap and rescue of Senator Iyabo Anisulowo. The 65 year-old ex-minister and former lawmaker was kidnapped penultimate  week on her way to her farm. 

Kidnapping has become a thriving criminal industry of sorts. Prominent and not-so-prominent citizens have been targeted. One-time presidential candidate, Chief Olu Falae; foster father of former President Goodluck Jonathan as well as his nephew and three female students of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School, Ikorodu, Lagos, were some of the victims whose kidnaps recently claimed prominent media attention. Constitutional lawyer and activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Chief Okey Wali (SAN) were also subjected to the ordeal. 

Available statistics show that 225 kidnap cases were recorded between October and November last year across the 24 states. In all, N85 billion worth of ransom was demanded while N28 million was paid by victims’ families or governments. Those whose relations are unable to pay are sometimes killed. Though arrests are being made, yet the tide of this criminality keeps soaring. 

Apart from a handful of states that have imposed the capital punishment on the heinous act, others are still treating it with kid gloves. 

The time has come for us to take a serious look at this crime, which is blighting our image internationally. We believe that what is required to tackle this problem goes beyond the inchoate enactments among the federal and state legislatures. There must be a national action plan against kidnapping which every segment of society must key into. Such a game-plan will examine if the death penalty will solve the problem. 

Once it is nationally agreed, all segments of society will pursue it until it becomes unattractive to kidnap people in Nigeria. We believe that the death penalty could act as a deterrent, even though it could also spike the number of people who lose their lives in the kidnappers’ dens. Kidnapping is a dastardly crime, and we must send the strong message that those who involve themselves in it deserve no mercy. However, we must also explore the sociological, underlying factors that drive people to the crime, which include high unemployment rate, lack of welfare for the less privileged and the persistent quest for quick money, which permeates all levels of society. 

Besides, the law-enforcement agencies must improve inter-agency synergy and redouble their efforts at intelligence gathering. They must work with the civilian populace to share intelligence to ensure that crimes are nipped in the bud. We must make it clear that kidnapping, like all crimes, does not pay.

Gunmen Kill Four Policemen In Niger Delta

Gunmen killed four policemen in the Niger Delta on Monday, police have said.

The officers were ambushed in the Okobie community while traveling to Yenago, the capital of Bayelsa state, police spokesman Ahmad Mohammad said.

He said it was unclear who was behind the attack.

Attacks on oil pipelines and kidnappings have been rising in the Delta, which produces much of Nigeria's oil output, since authorities issued an arrest warrant in January for a former militant leader on corruption charges.

Residents have been long demanding a greater share of oil revenues. Crude oil sales account for around 70 percent of national income in Nigeria but there has not been much development in the poor Delta swampland.

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended a multi-million dollar amnesty signed with militants in 2009 to stop them attacking oil facilities but upset them by ending generous pipeline protection contracts.

- See more at: http://www.aitonline.tv/post-gunmen_kill_four_policemen_in_niger_delta#sthash.8kZyMQoT.dpuf

Africa Fashion Presents Yemi Alade As Brand Ambassador

Yemi Alade

African Fashion Week Nigeria presents Yemi Alade as its brand ambassador for its fashion show holding July 1-3 of this year.

From a small brand founded to satisfy a niche, AFWN has evolved to become an award-winning and very well recognised brand, which is the biggest platform of its kind in Europe and Africa showcasing African designers, and Africa inspired fashion.

The afro-pop star was unveiled at a press conference in Lagos. As the Brand Ambassador, she will work with the organisers of AFWN to raise awareness on the need for Nigerians to patronise Nigerian and African designers.

Commenting on AFWN's choice of brand ambassador, Founder, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and London, Ms. Ronke Ademiluyi stated that Yemi Alade is amazing, represents Africa and is perfect for the brand. Her brand personae aligns with the youthful, creative and energetic Africa Fashion Week Nigeria platform which empowers young and talented Nigerian designers to showcase their creativity and craft, opening them up to a world of opportunities.

Militant Threatened Me On Phone - Kachikwu

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Group Managing Director, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, yesterday, revealed how he received threats from a Niger Delta militant.

Kachikwu, who was one of the ministers that attended the Federal Government's town hall meeting in Kaduna State, lamented the effect of attacks on oil installations.

He described the attacks as a drain on the country's resources, adding that the government was on top of the situation.

Meanwhile, there are indications that some pipeline surveillance contractors were behind the recent bombing of oil installations in Delta State, which a militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, had claimed responsibility for.

A Niger Delta activist confided in Vanguard that some leaders of the affected communities know the people carrying out the bombings, but were afraid to speak out because of the repercussion.

An ex-militant leader, Paul Eris, alias "General Ogunboss," from Bayelsa State, who spoke to Vanguard on phone, corroborated the claim that the people behind the bombing are known and urged government to fish them out.

He said that former agitators in Bayelsa State had warned those behind the so-called Niger Delta Avengers in Delta State not to extend their violent activities to Bayelsa or face their wrath.

See the full list of winners at the AMVCA 2016

From left: Adesua Etomi, Daniel K Daniel, Stephanie Linus, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Regional Director, Africa Magic, West Africa and Yolisa Phahle, CEO Mnet and Kemi Lala Akindoju after the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award Ceremony

The 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) was live at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, March 5 and it was an absolute blast, from the red carpet displays to the awards ceremony.

The AMVCA is an annual awards show co-organised by Multichoice features nominations in over 20 categories in African film and TV series. The award ceremony rewards the most remarkable performances in the continent’s movie industry which relies on public vote.

The show, which was the fourth edition of the annual awards, was hosted my renowned media personality, IK Osakioduwa and Minnie Dlamini. The event which was broadcast live across Africa was graced by actors from different African countries as well.

The highlight of the event was when the Industry Merit Award was presented to Veteran Actress and ‘Elder Stateswoman’ of the industry, Bukky Zainab Ajayi who was wheeled on to the stage to a standing ovation.

See the full list of winners below:

Best Art Director – Frank Rajah (The Refugees)

Best Television Series Award – Ariyike Oladipo (Daddy’s Girls)

Best Makeup Artist in a Movie or Series – Louiza Calore for Ayanda

Best Short Film or Online Video Award – Oluseyi Amuwafo (A Day With Death)

Best Writer for Movie and TV series – Trish Malone (Ayanda)

Best Lighting Designer (Movies/TV) – Stanley Ohikhuare (Common Man)

Best Cinematographer – Paul Michaelson (Tell Me Sweet Something)

Best Sound Editor – Jose Guillermo (Cry) Best Picture Editor – Shirley Frimpong-Manso (Rebecca)

Best Costume Designer – Uche Nancy (Dry)

Best Local Language Movie/TV Series (Swahili) – Single Mtambalike (Kitendawali)

Best Indigenous Movie/TV Series (Hausa) – Salisu Balarebe (Dandi Kowa)

Best Indigenous Movie/TV Series (Yoruba) – Binta Ofege Best Indigenous Movie/TV Series (Igbo) – Paul Igwe (Usekwu Igbo)

Best Documentary – Remi Vaughan (Faaji Agba)

Best Supporting Actor In A Movie – Sambassa Nzeriba (A Soldier’s Story)

Best Supporting Actress – Tunbosun Aiyedihin (Before 30)

Best Actor In A Comedy – Folarin ‘Falz The Bahd Guy’ Falana (Jenifa’s Diary)

Best Actress In A Comedy – Funke Akindele (Jenifa’s Diary)

Trail Blazer Award – Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju AMVCA 2016

Industry Merit Award – Bukky Ajayi and Sadiq Daba

Best Movie (Southern Africa) – Joyce Chavura – (Lilongwe)

Best Movie (East Africa) – Elizabeth Miachael – (Mapenzi)

Best Movie (West Africa) – Genevieve, Chinny Onwugbenu and Chichi Nwoko – (Road to Yesterday)

Best Actress In A Movie/Drama/TV Series – Adesua Etomi (Falling)

Best Actor In A Movie/Drama/TV Series – Daniel K. Daniel (A Soldier’s Story)

Best Director – Akin Omotosho (Tell Me Sweet Something)

Best Overall Movie – Stephanie Linus (Dry) 

EFCC raids Alex Badeh's mansion, recover $1 Million Dollars

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has recovered $1m cash from one of the mansions belonging former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh(retd.).

Punch reports that the money was recovered after detectives searched a mansion located at 6, Ogun River Street, Maitama, Abuja.

A detective at the EFCC, who did not want his name in print, said, “We have seized several properties belonging to Badeh. A few days ago, we returned to the mansion located at 6, Ogun River Street, Maitama.

“In the presence of several witnesses, including neighbours, we searched the house and recovered $1m in cash. The money has been lodged as evidence.”

Meanwhile, the anti-graft agency has since placed a seal on the mansion, with the warning, “EFCC, Keep off!”

The property, which is said to be worth over N1.1bn, is one of the five properties seized from the ex-defence chief.

Some of the properties were said to have been purchased, renovated and furnished for a son of the former CDS, Alex Badeh (Jnr.).

Badeh also allegedly bought a commercial plot of land at Plot 1386, Oda Crescent, Cadastral Zone A07, Wuse II, Abuja for N650m.

Nollywood Fans Pay Tribute To Late Actress Genevieve Nene

Nollywood Fans continue to pay tribute to upcoming actress, Genevieve Nene who passed away in Lagos on Tuesday after battling with malaria and typhoid.

Nollywood Director and Screenwriter, Ike Nnaebue announced the death of the actress on his Instagram page on Wednesday.

The Mbaise, Imo born actress had been diagnosed with malaria and typhoid by a doctor and was said to have been on prescribed medication for more than a month.

The actress had featured in movies such as ``Hottest Strippers’’, “Hottest Virgins’’, ``Quest of a Life Time’’, and ``Romantic Heart’’ among others.

The actress before her untimely death, had informed fans on her Instagram page two weeks ago that she was very ill and urged them to pray for her.

Jude Douglas, a movie analyst and blogger told the Newsmen that the actress would be greatly missed.

“She had impressed fans in her recent movies and had the potential to become a leading Nigerian actress.

“I have watched a number of her movies and she had been very good in her performances.

“I first noticed her as a music video vixen and no one could deny how beautiful she was.

“She was a star who cared for her fans and those of us who followed her on social media platforms could tell she was genuine,’’ he said.

Another fan, Olamide Onalaja expressed shock at the death of the actress and said she would be missed by her fans.

“I was one of those who left prayers on her instagram page when she informed us of her illness two weeks ago.

“I couldn’t believe it when the news of her death was announced, I was shocked.

“She is one of those celebrities who cared for her fans and related with us very often using her social media. She will be greatly missed by us all.”

David Ndifreke, a dance choreographer described the actress as a lady with a good spirit and prayed God Almighty to grant her soul eternal rest.

“I first met Genevieve at a dance rehearsal for a music video we shot in Lagos and I saw her as attractive but what impressed me was how kind she was.

“She will always remain in our prayers as she rests in perfect peace with God,’’ Ndifreke said.