Award winning artist; Folasayo Dele-Ogunrinde passes at 45

Folasayo Dele-Ogunrinde, award-winning Nigerian writer, visual artist, performance poet, public speaker, filmmaker and actor is dead. She passed away in her home in Houston, Texas on Saturday, May 18 around 1:30 a.m. after a courageous and protracted battle with stomach cancer. She was 45 years old. She received treatment for stomach cancer from oncologists who are affiliated with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her brother Mr. Ayodele Ogunrinde confirmed her death saying she was surrounded by her 74-year-old father who flew in from Nigeria and other relatives when she died.

Folasayo Dele-Ogunrinde was born March 2, 1968 in Lagos, Nigeria. She was the first child and an only daughter; she is survived by four brothers and both parents. Ms. Ogunrinde was a consummate artist who has exhibited her work widely in the United States. She performed solo with a live band or recorded music blending vintage Afro-folksy and Afro-jazz music, contemporary jazz or instrumentals with her spoken word.

After graduating with a degree in Animal Science from the University of Ibadan in the mid- 1980s, she gave up her career as a Scientist to pursue her innate interests in acting, modeling, writing and the visual arts. While studying at Ibadan, she was mesmerized by an undergraduate Theatre Arts student's production play she saw and it influenced her to switched career and write her first play as well. She is the author of a 1989 British Council/Association of Nigerian Authors award-winning play, The Woman With a Past(Heinemann Books, Nigeria). She is also a recipient of the Christopher Okigbo Poetry Prize.

But in the year 1995, Ms. Ogunrinde relocated to the United States where she pursued a master's degree in Animal Nutrition from the Iowa State University. She has a patented innovative artistic mixed media style in the United States. She is the author ofConversations With The Soul At 3:00 A.M. a collection of love poems and art photography. A performance poet, she had been captivating audiences with passionate rendition of this collection prior to publication. Her performance work balances indigenous musical and lyrical traditions from Africa with adapted influences from European, American and Asian sources, to reveal a hybrid expressive impulse that elaborates on issues of vulnerability and power.

Folasayo Dele-Ogunrinde, was an engaging and provocative artist; she described herself as a divinely inspired artist. Her work also explored issues of domestic abuse, rape, and dominance-submission tensions in heterosexual relationships. She impacted so many people's lives positively. She was a very spiritual and devout Christian. The family has assured that her works will continue to be preserved and celebrated throughout the world.

A memorial service will be held for her in Corpus Christi Catholic church Houston, Texas on Saturday, May 25, 2013 before she will be flown to Nigeria for the final funeral rites.

Source: Huffington post                                                                                                        

Want to Exhibit for FREE? Join us at the DALLAS Int. Festival

Trendy Africa Magazine has been generously offered a booth at the DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL scheduled for the 25th of May, 2013 at Fair Park in Dallas. The fair which is organized by the DFW alliance International Community Alliance will host about 85 Nations and an expected attendance of about 28,000.
Trendy Africa is therefore offering African businesses an opportunity to exhibit for FREE at it's booth. This offer will only be open to the first FIVE small business start up respondents. Priority will be given to hand made products and should be cultural in outlook.
For inquiries, send an email with the key word; "TRENDY BOOTH" to; info@trendyafrica.com with a bio of products.
The DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL will hold at the Centennial Building at Fair Park in DALLAS and will run between 8p-10p on May 25th, 2013.

TRENDY AFRICA

Nigeria: State of Emergency declared in three Northern States

President Goodluck Jonathan has declared a State of Emergency in three Northern States namely; Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. Below is the full text of his address;

Dear compatriots,
1. It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states. These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces.

2. The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa state is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives.

3. The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.

4. Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno state have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies.

5. These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.

6. They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.

7. Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community leaders in the affected states.

8. We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State Governors and well-meaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence.

9. Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism.

10. While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let me reiterate that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside.

11. We have a duty to stand firm against those who threaten the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria.

12.Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

13. Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.

14. This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.

15. The details of this Proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. But in the meantime, let me make it clear that within the purview of this Proclamation, the Governors and other political office holders in the affected states will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

16.I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time.

17. I am again approaching our neighbouring countries, through diplomatic channels, as done in the recent past, for their co-operation in apprehending any terrorist elements that may escape across the border.

18. Nigerians are peace-loving people; these sad events perpetrated by those who do not wish our nation well have not changed the essential character of our people.

19. I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go, we will hunt them down, we will fish them out, and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.

20. I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Breaking News: Boston Bomber Dead, other on the run

One of the suspects in the Boston Marathon Bombing is dead. The other is said to be on the loose.
MORE DETAILS

Explosion Rocks Texas Town; Causes devastating Damage

A massive explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco has injured dozens of people and killed an unknown number of others, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin and leveling buildings for blocks in every direction.

READ MORE

Bomb Blasts Rock Boston

Two explosions hit the Boston Marathon as runners crossed the finish line on Monday, killing at least two people and injuring 23 on a day when tens of thousands of people pack the streets to watch one of the world's best known marathons.

READ MORE

Nigeria may be losing ground in changing oil world

Nigeria will earn less for its oil and struggle to replace reserves unless it can end years of industry stagnation, at a time its biggest customer is becoming self-sufficient and African rivals are boosting supplies.

A domestic energy boom in the United States has already sharply cut demand for Nigerian oil, while legal uncertainty, political wrangling, corruption and insecurity plague an oil industry which is still Africa's biggest.

In addition, rivals on the continent - both East and West - are fast catching up, and hungry for returns to boost their smaller economies they are tempting foreign oil and gas companies with better terms and fewer bottlenecks than Nigeria.

"Nigeria has multiple problems in its oil game - it has failed to meet reserve growth and production targets for many years ... while competition grows worldwide," said Duncan Clarke, Head of African oil experts Global Pacific & Partners.

"High crude prices have shielded Nigeria of late - but this may not last forever, and its reputation as the proverbial Land-of-No-Tomorrow continues."

With oil accounting for around 80 percent of government revenue and 95 percent of foreign exchange reserves, Africa's second largest economy is vulnerable to any negative shifts in oil and gas prices and demand.

The U.S. accounted for 35 percent of oil exports from Nigeria in 2011. But it imported around 40 percent less last year, taking purchases from Nigeria to their lowest in over 20 years, according to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), a U.S. government agency.

This drop in demand has already resulted in Nigerian barrels selling for around 40 cents lower than its official selling price and left dozens of cargoes unsold and rolled over to future months, according to research by Africa's Ecobank.

"Nigeria must make increased efforts to capture more of the rapidly growing Asian market," said Kayode Akindele, partner at Lagos-based financial adviser 46 Parallels.

"A big issue is that the growing East African oil and gas industry will prove to be a serious competitor, especially given its proximity to key Asian markets compared to Nigeria."

There have been around 70 discoveries in sub-Saharan Africa in the last five years with the majority coming in East African countries like Tanzania, Uganda and Mozambique.

Around 250 trillion cubic feet of natural gas may lie off those three countries alone, the US Geological Survey estimates.

Several East African LNG plants are expected to come online in the next 5 years, while Nigeria with similar gas reserves has stalled a new LNG project for the last 8 years, seeing oil major partners Chevron and Conoco give up stakes.

Shell has sold onshore oil blocks in Nigeria but is seeking to expand elsewhere in Africa. West African neighbor Ghana recently became an oil producer.

"There is a finite amount of money to be invested by oil and gas majors in the short to medium term, and Nigeria needs a slice of that cake," Mutiu Sunmonu, Shell's Nigeria country head, told an investor conference last week.

"The competitive landscape has changed ... Nigeria cannot afford to miss the boat."

Oil Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke looked to ease concerns last week when she told bankers and oil firms that Nigeria was entering "a new dawn to boost investment and production."

OLD PROMISES

Alison-Madueke said Nigeria would fix its ailing refineries, expand oil and gas output, tackle insecurity in the Niger Delta and ensure the passage of a landmark energy law, which would make it competitive with rival producers.

The minister made similar promises when she took office in 2010 but many targets have been missed.

Nigeria loses $6 billion annually to crude theft, offshore piracy is on the rise and oil majors say it's operating costs are among the most expensive globally.

Energy consultants Wood Mackenzie forecast Nigeria's oil production could drop by 20 percent by 2020 because years of delay to a Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) have blocked tens of billions of dollars in exploration investment.

Oil majors say they can't invest in major new projects until the PIB is passed and if it is passed as it stands with higher taxes, then new investment will be deterred.

The Chinese have some interest in Nigeria through Addax, owned by Sinopec, which has said it wants to buy more onshore fields.

Two Nigerian oil firms last week said they did not think the PIB will ever become law because of vested interests blocking progress and an insurmountable gulf between oil firms, lawmakers and the oil ministry over terms.

Nigeria state oil firm NNPC is at the centre of the country's energy business but is blighted by under-funding and corruption, according to several government probes.

But around half of sub-Saharan oil output still comes from Nigeria and oil firms say it could comfortably double crude production and unlock the world's ninth-largest gas reserves if Alison-Madueke comes good on her promises.

Changing global oil dynamics still offer an opportunity.

"Declining U.S. demand provides yet another incentive for the Nigerian government to conduct the reforms needed to reduce the losses, leakages and general dysfunction," said Roddy Barclay, West African analyst at Control Risks.

"(If not taken) investor appetite will remain muted by the array of complex political, operational and security risks that will continue to characterize Nigeria's oil sector."

Source: Reuters 

Hadiya Pendleton: Victim of GUN Violence Laid to Rest

Hadiya Pendleton: 15 year old teenager that performed at Obama’s Inauguration but was struck dead by a bullet on her return to Chicago.  Rest in Peace.

First lady Michelle Obama and some of Chicago’s most well-known faces turned out today to attend the funeral of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old girl whose killing has become another symbol in the national debate on gun violence.

Hundreds filled the Greater Deliverance Temple Church of Christ to pay their respects to the teenager’s family, but the mood in the room was upbeat, including renditions from the choir. Friends of the girl, who had been one of the performers at President Obama second inauguration just days before she was gunned down, read poems in remembrance.

Before the service, the first lady met privately with about 30 of Hadiya Pendleton’s friends and classmates, and then met privately with members of Hadiya’s family.

Pendleton’s shooting came in January among a string of recent high profile gun crimes. Chicago is also struggling through the throes of the worst homicide rates it’s seen in a decade, spurred by gang warfare.

“She was not too young to leave a mark, and impact her friends, her family, and even now the nation,” the Rev. Courtney Maxwell said of the student who had reportedly once participated in an anti-gang video.

source: abcnews

Three Nigerian Brothers Charged in December Kidnapping, Rape

COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — Three Nigerian-born brothers were accused of kidnapping and raping a 15-year-old girl in December, prosecutors said. Aziz Animashaun, 22, Isiaka Animashaun, 25, and Taiwo Animashaun, 26, were charged with aggravated criminal assault and kidnapping in connection with the crime police said happened on Dec. 21. Prosecutors said during Sunday bond court that the men were among a total of five to six attackers, the rest of whom have not been charged.

The brothers live on the South Side of Chicago but were born in Nigeria, according to court documents. Documents show they live in the 500 block of East 83rd Street in Chatham, about a block away from where police said the girl was kidnapped. The girl was taking care of her brother and throwing out the trash when an SUV with five to six men inside drove up, said Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Jennifer Hamelly.

Aziz Animashaun allegedly got out of the car and and told the girl to get in, Hamelly said.

When the girl refused, Aziz Animashaun struck her with a "shiny revolver," according to court documents. Police said she was knocked unconscious. He put the girl into the car and drove to another location, where the girl was forced to have sex with five to six men, Hamelly said. Sometime during the assault, the girl heard the men speaking a language other than English, police and Hamelly said.

The victim managed to escape once the men were no longer in the room, Hamelly said. She ran from the location and and noticed the black SUV in a driveway, Hamelly said. Cops said that the victim made it home, and her sister called police. The girl was kidnapped in the 400 block of East 83rd Street, police said. Police said two were being held for questioning a day after the incident, though they were not charged.

DNA recovered from a condom was linked to evidence found at the crime scene, according to court documents. Court documents also show the victim postively identified Aziz Animashaun as the man who hit her with a gun. A "19th century" handgun matching the description of the one Aziz Animashaun allegedly used was recovered, Hamelly said.

Hamelly also said that based on the victim's experience with a teacher who speaks a language spoken in Nigeria, she was able to identify that the men who attacked her spoke a similar language.

The three were arrested on Friday, according to court documents. Judge Israel Desierto ordered bail for Taiwo Animashaun set at $500,000, Aziz Animashaun set at $400,000 and Isiaka Animashaun set at $250,000.

(Chicago Police Dept.)

“Be A Blessing Day” set to provide love packages for the homeless on Valentine’s Day

Dallas, Texas— Traditionally, when people think of Valentine’s Day the thought of Flowers, Candy, Gifts & Love come to mind. Whether viewed as a commercial or sacred holiday, the premise of this day is Love.

“Be A Blessing Day” will take place February 13 & 14^th in Dallas, Texas. The event was created to provide the homeless population with everyday items that they need.

The event is two-fold and is seeking assistance from Dallas residents to help spread love this Valentine’s Day Season. “Love Bags” which will consist of toothpaste, toothbrushes, disposable razors, lotion, soap, tissue, hard candy and more will be created on February 13. On February 14^th from 12noon-3pm these love bags will be distributed in the Dallas –Fort Worth area.

February 13, 2013 7pm-9pm

 (Location Revealed with RSVP)

Creation of “Love Bags” (Volunteers & Supply Donations Needed)

February 14, 2013 12pm-3pm

“Love Packages will be passed out in the Dallas area. (Volunteers to help hand out bags needed)

“Be A Blessing Day” is currently seeking volunteers and people willing to contribute toiletries and bags for the love packages. This project will be managed by Jen-gerbread Marketing, Trendy Africa Magazine, Elite Webdesigners & The Candelabrum Group. 

Join on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/events/129632867207555/?notif_t=plan_user_joined

Nigerian Movie Director Jeta Amata Named Haiti’s Goodwill Ambassador

Nigerian director Jeta Amata, who is currently helming a film about Haitian founding father Toussaint Louverture, has been named a goodwill ambassador by Haiti President Michel Martelly.

The President bestowed the honour on Amata a ceremony in Port-au-Prince, joined by Haiti Tourism Minister Stephanie Villedrouin, Foreign Minister Pierre Richard Casimir and Culture Minister Josette Darguste.

Amata’s Emperor: The Story of Toussaint Louverture, has a listed budget of $15 million. It is slated to be released in August.

Some proceeds from the film will reportedly be used to fund restoration of historic sites in Haiti.

Amata is one of the most famous filmmakers in Nigeria’s “Nollywood” industry, having recently branched out to cast American stars in some of his films.

“I will not disappoint you,” Amata told Martelly. He called the appointment “the greatest Oscar” he had won.

Many of the film’s scenes will be reportedly be filmed in Haiti.

According to the Internet Movie Database, the film is also using locations in Mauritius, Italy and France.

Amata joins celebrities such as Sean Penn and Petra Nemcova as goodwill ambassadors for Haiti.

Previous works by Amata include; The Amazing Grace, Inale, Black Gold, Black November, and Unconditional Love.

Source: Caribjournal. Photo: PR Photos

Killer of Bradley Bassey Eyo gets Murder sentence

DALLAS (AP) — A Texas jury sentenced the son of former NBA player Nick Van Exel to 60 years in prison Friday in the shooting death of a longtime friend.

Nickey Maxwell Van Exel, 22, received the punishment after his father wept on the witness stand and apologized to the family of the victim, Bradley Bassey Eyo. The same jury found the younger Van Exel guilty of murder on Thursday. Prosecutors had sought a capital murder conviction.

Late Bradley Bassey Eyo

Nickey Van Exel fatally shot Eyo in December 2010 and dumped his body at Lake Ray Hubbard on the eastern outskirts of Dallas. His attorney had said the two were playing with a shotgun at Nickey Van Exel's Garland home and that Van Exel didn't know the gun was loaded.

Nick Van Excel, who played 13 seasons in the NBA including a stint with the Dallas Mavericks and is now a player development instructor for the Atlanta Hawks, testified about the happy times he and his son spent together, including with Eyo.

The elder Van Exel broke down at one point while speaking in court. He then apologized to Eyo's family.

"I'm really sorry to the Eyo family. Nobody should have to go through something like this. Nobody," he said, as he looked at Eyo's family members who were in the courtroom.

Source: WFAA

Togolese team through to quarterfinals; draw 1-1 with Tunisia

The Sparrow Hawks of Togo have achieved their first ever qualification for the second round of an African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after seven participation. The Hawks put up 1-1 goal score against Tunisia to maintain the second position in Group D with four points.

Assisted by Adebayor at the 13’ Serge Gakpe open score for Togo while Khaled Mouelhi equalized on penalty at the 30’ before failing to give Tunisia lead on an another penalty at 78’.

Togo crosses over to the next round with Côte D’Ivoire while Tunisia are eliminated with Algeria whose fate had been sealed after their second defeat Saturday against Togo.

In the second round, Togo shall take on Burkina Faso, first of Group C while Côte D’Ivoire shall take on Nigeria second of Group C.

photo credit: Agency Reports

NBC bans Music videos for profanity, nudity

The National Broadcasting Commission has banned a number of new music videos from being broadcast anywhere in the country.

Reports indicated on Thursday that artistes whose works are affected by the action include Psquare, Wande Coal, Timaya, Flavour and D’Prince. The others are Goldie, Chuddy K and Tillaman.

The videos were banned for containing erotic lyrics and scenes, promoting nudity and for showcasing what the NBC describes as suggestive dance steps.

The offending videos, according to the commission, are listed as Psquare’s Alingo, Wande Coal’s Go low, Timaya’s Bum bum, Flavour’s Shake and D’Prince’s Take banana.

Goldie’s Ski bobo and Chuddy K’s Brazilian Hair came under NBC’s axe for featuring minors and exposing them to indecent dance steps. Tillaman’s  Koma Roll was not exempted.

Although most of the artistes have not reacted to the ban, there is an indication it may have little or no effect on the affected works, in terms of reception from the viewing public, distribution and sales.

However, a spokesman for Psquare, Bayo Adetu, has described the ban as an unnecessary and unjustifiable action.

As a major regulatory body, the NBC keeps close watch on the contents of music videos and audio CDs broadcast by Nigerian television and radio stations.

In the past, the body had cause to officially kick out Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti’s wave-making song Bang Bang Bang and Konga’s Baby konga from the air space. Quite recently, the commission had to flex its muscles when DJ Zeez’s Body Language fell short of its expectations.

Due to the public holiday on Thursday, a lady who works with the Public Affairs unit of the NBC was unable to confirm the ban when the PUNCH sought the reaction of the commission.

But the NBC official, Hajia Maimuna Jimada, said the list of banned works and affected artistes was subject to regular quarterly reviews at the commission.

LIST OF AFFECTED VIDEOS

1.Tillaman ft Vector- Ma Roll (contains Intimate and suggestive dance steps)
2. Wande Coal – Go Low (scenes of nuditiy in the video)
3. D’Prince – Take Banana (contains Intimate, vulgar, words and suggestive dance steps)
4. Flavour – Shake (vulgar and suggestive dance steps)
5. Goldie – Ski bo bo (features minor with suggestive and immoral dance steps)
6. Chuddy K – Chop My Dollar (features ladies and children with suggestive and Intimate dance steps )
7. Timaya – Shake Ur Bum Bum (Intimate, suggestive dance steps with vulgar lyrics
8. P Square – Alingo (Intimate dance scenes at the end of the musical video) 

source: punchng

Bennard Edoga; U.S based financial economist slain in Nigeria

He was among a select group of Nigerian professionals from the University town of Nsukka in Enugu State based in far-away United States of America, clamoring for a better medical care for the seemingly forgotten majority in our country Nigeria. They swore an oath of allegiance and commitment in God’s Own country to alleviate the suffering of their people back home.

Their credo and unalloyed commitment was to raise money and come back home to take care of their massively impoverished populace that were unable to get proper medical care in their oil -rich fatherland.

They therefore, formed what they called ‘’Nsukka Professionals in US’’ and embarked upon fund raising for the construction of an ultra-modern medical diagnostic centre in the University town. For years, they have been tasking themselves and raising funds for the project. 

Then in December this year, the professionals decided to come back home and actualize their pet project. They all trouped back home for a formal launch.

But tragedy struck in the early hours of Wednesday preceding the D-day. One of their prominent members and an arrow head of the project from inception, a reputable Financial Economist, Ogbo Bennard Edoga, 56, was slain by unknown gun men in his village, Aku, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, LGA, just 30 kilometers from Nsukka township.

The victim had gone to the village to see both his aged mother and twin sister whose husband was opening his new house. After that, he, in company of his elder brother and two of his nephews aged 12 and 10 respectively, decided to visit some of his kinsmen.  On approaching the entrance to the man’s residence, he parked his car and alighted with his briefcase after pleading with the other occupants of the car to give him few minutes to felicitate with the owner of the house.

Eyewitness said as he was about entering through a small gate, a car suddenly pulled up in front of his car. Two boys emerged from the car leaving the third person inside. The two boys approached the occupants of his car and  asked where the driver was. Before the occupants could answer them, they sighted the victim entering through the small gate and they quickly pulled out their guns and fired some  shots.

They reportedly rushed towards him and ordered him to kneel down. As he was obeying their orders, they snatched the briefcase and ransacked his pockets. While this was going on, the victim was passionately pleading with them to spare his life stating that they should take whatever they wanted.

Unfortunately, as they were leaving the scene with the briefcase, one of them who was clutching an AK47 assault rifle retraced his steps and released several shots into his hip angle. The bullet penetrated through the waist and pierced his innards. Blood started flowing freely.

While the gun men were coming out from the compound, they accosted a retired SSS official from the town  who was driving in his car and on overhearing the commotion, stopped to ascertain what was happening. They confronted him and one of them reportedly ordered that he should be killed but  his colleague said they should leave him alone. They therefore, pushed him out of his car and fled in it abandoning their operational car.

It was gathered that the bewildered villagers who thronged the scene quickly rushed Ogbo to  nearby Attah Memorial Hospital, where unfortunately, he was declared Dead On Arrival, DOA. The incident threw both the community and the entire University town of Nsukka into utter confusion and shock.

Crime Guard learnt that youths from both the community and Odenigbo area in Nsukka main town where the deceased grew up started grouping to carry out a violent demonstration against the brutal killing of one of their foremost sons whom they described as a “messiah and philanthropist” that was working hard to alleviate their sufferings. It was the timely intervention of a one- time Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area and former member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ezeh and other elders that stopped what could have been a bloody protest by the aggrieved youths.

Meanwhile, it was reliably gathered that few minutes after the incident, the Police Area Commander in Nsukka, Ros-Amson Halladu and his military counterpart, Lt. Shuabu, in-charge of Nsukka Urban patrol quickly swung into action and blocked all entrance and exits to both the community and other neighboring towns.

Police sources said they quickly mobilized their men and commenced frantic search and patrol of the areas. Their efforts paid off as they were able to recover the vehicle used by the fleeing gun men at 9th mile near Enugu . Following this development, they mounted heavy surveillance and house-to-house search in and around the area and beyond.

When Crime Guard visited the family house of the victim, the two teenagers who witnessed the ugly incident were said to still be in shock. One of them, a 12-year-old, was overheard lamenting pathetically that he and his sibling have finally lost the opportunity of getting educated because the victim promised to educate them to all levels after the recent death of their father.

Few minutes later, a group of teenagers numbering about 10 came into the compound crying uncontrollably. They told Crime Guard that the victim gave them scholarship and had returned to renew his financial commitment before he was brutally murdered.

Following this development, it was also gathered that  other returnees from overseas and even those from different parts of the country who came for both the yuletide and the launching of the project had to flee for their lives. Some of them that were already landed in Lagos from abroad were reportedly said to have hastily flown back to their bases for fear of being killed.

As at the time of going to press, it was not possible to ascertain the motive for the gruesome murder but police sources hinted that all hands were on  deck and they were not leaving any stone unturned in their desperate quest to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of the US returnee. According to one of the sources, “we will also spread our dragnets abroad with a view to finding out the motive and if it has to do with the project.”

source: vanguard

Merry Christmas And A Prosperous New YEAR

WISHING YOU A VERY BLESSED AND JOYOUS SEASON. ENJOY THE CAROLS BY
ANDREA BOCELLI.

Project Walk: Lizzy Oke on a Mission

It's been a journey of hope and determination for Elizabeth Oke. She was that young Lady who featured prominently on Hi5; the pre-facebook social networking site.

Today, she goes about her daily chores on a wheel chair. No thanks to spinal cord injuries she sustained from an auto wreck on the Dallas-Oklahoma highway in 2008.
Strong, courageous and determined, Lizzy has maintained her faith that she will walk again.

That determination has gotten her involved with  'PROJECT WALK'. 

According to Lizzy, the therapy sessions at 'project walk' are not cheap so she has launched a fundraiser to enable her undertake two months of 'extreme therapy'.

 To assist with her goal, kindly GET LIZZY BACK TO PROJECT WALK.

Lizzy Oke prays that as you donate and with your prayers, she will get back on her feet and walk AGAIN!

God Bless as you do so.

Nkiru Sylvanus, aide to Imo State Governor kidnapped

Nkiru Sylvanus, Nollywood Actress and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has been kidnapped. The kidnap was reported to have occurred in Owerri, Imo State.

The Commissioner of Information, Chinadu Offor confirmed this in a recent media report. Nkiru Sylvanus was abducted at about 2:30pm on Sunday, 16^th of December 2012. Her abductors are demanding N100 million ransom.

source: agency reports

Helicopter Crash Kills Kaduna State Governor, others

The governor of Nigeria's Kaduna state, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, was killed on Saturday, 15th December 2012 when the helicopter he was travelling in crashed in the southerly oil-producing Bayelsa state.

The helicopter was also conveying former National Security Adviser, General Owoeye Azazi from a funeral for the father of presidential adviser, Oronto Douglas Oronto.

It reportedly crashed into the creeks, bursting into flames and killing all on board. Also in the chopper were a senator and a former leader of the Ijaw people.

source: Agency Reports

Woman implants cocaine in her breasts

Spanish police caught a woman smuggling more than a kilogram of cocaine hidden inside implants in her breasts, officials said Wednesday.

The Panamanian woman was caught at Barcelona airport after getting off a flight from Colombia, the national police said in a statement.

The woman “had two breast implants containing cocaine implanted in her. She had two open cuts under each of her breasts,” the police said, releasing a photograph of one of the loosely stitched wounds.

“She intended in that way to bring more than a kilogram of the drug into Spain,” the statement added.

Officials questioned the woman as part of standard checks carried out on passengers from Colombia — a major source of cocaine. When they searched her, they found bloody dressings on the wounds.

They took her to hospital where doctors removed the implants and tests showed that they contained 1.3 kilograms (three pounds) of cocaine, the police said.

Source: AFP                   

Lagos Airport begins free internet service for passengers

The Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2) in Lagos, say they have begun free internet service to passengers travelling through the terminal.

According to a statement signed and issued by the company’s spokesman, Mr Steve Omolale-Ajulo, the company said the service was in conjunction with iWayafrica and MultiChoice Nigeria.

“The first phase of the project has already started from the Final Departure lounge. This is one of the numerous Christmas gifts BASL is giving to its passengers.

“Other locations at the terminal, such as the Food Court, Meeters & Greeters, as well as KFC are to be considered for the facility very soon. “More ambitious projects to make MMA2 the best terminal in Africa will be executed in the New Year,” it said.

The statement noted that the Wi-Fi Hotspot solution at the terminal would be the first of its kind in any airport terminal in Africa.

It says that the facility will enable users of the terminal access the world while waiting to board their flights. “We’re really making the travel experience unique. We are the only airport terminal in Africa to offer free Wi-Fi to passengers.

“When it comes to working, investing and maintaining in the interest of the Nigerian public, we will make sure we remain far ahead,” it said.

The statement quoted the Chief Executive Officer of BASL, Mr. Christophe Penninck, promising that the terminal would always remain the preferred gateway to majority of local air travellers in Nigeria. 

(NAN)

Source: Vanguard

Brig. Gen. Oluwole Rotimi’s wife kidnapped

Unknown gunmen have abducted the wife of Brigadier General Oluwole Rotimi, (rtd), Titilayo Rotimi in Ibadan.

Vanguard gathered that the kidnappers, numbering four abducted her Monday evening, when she was about entering the premises of her company, AOK Logistics Limited.

It was further gathered that the wife of the ex-miltary leader was whisked away in a green Nissan Primera car.

Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Acting Police Public Relations officer, Mr. Ayodele Lanade said” Titilayo was kidnapped on Monday at about 6.30pm and I can tell you that our men are currently on the trail of the criminals”

Earlier, the incident which happened within the jurisdiction of Egbeda Police Station was transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department at Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Source: africanspotlight

Nigeria’s Finance Ministers Mum Kidnapped

Prof. Kanene Okonjo, mother of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was on Sunday abducted at the gate of the palace of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo, who is her husband.

The 82-year-old monarch’s wife was said to have been abducted at about 1.47pm by a gang of armed men who seized her at the gate of the palace at Ogbe-ofu and took her away, when her husband traveled out of the town.

But the Police command in the state has said a man, who was said to have left the palace a few minutes before the incident, had been arrested.

The man was said to have informed the housemaid that he was in the palace to take the octogenarian to somewhere in the town.

Prof. Kanene Okonjo

The kidnappers, numbering about 10, were said to be lurking around the palace until the woman and her maid came down to offer some drinks to workers at the gate.

Eyewitness said as soon as the woman came down from the main building, towards the gate, the criminals also moved in from the gate to grab and push her into a waiting Golf Volkswagen car.

A source said, “The abductors were heavily armed. They were about 10. They bailed up the men fixing the interlocking tiles and asked them to lie face down.

“Immediately they saw her (the King’s wife) they bundled her into a waiting Golf car while another car was parked outside.”

It was learnt that one of them went upstairs to collect the woman’s handbag. The eyewitness said another maid, who sighted the kidnappers upstairs, hid herself in the kitchen.

The atmosphere at the palace was gloomy on Sunday as many sympathizers and well-wishers, including members of the community vigilance group, gathered to discuss the development.

State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Charles Muoka, who confirmed the kidnap to our correspondent on telephone on Sunday, said the police had collected information that would be useful enough to track down the kidnappers.

Her husband, Obi Chukwuka Okonjo, a retired professor of Economics, is the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku.

The kidnappers have yet to make contact with the family of their victim.

source: Punch Newspapers

NOLLYWOOD loses yet another

The death has been reported of Nollywood actor, Enebeli Elebuwa who passed away in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 5, 2012.

Enebeli Elebuwa

Confirming the news, the PRO of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, described the veteran actor as a friend, brother and veteran that will be greatly missed by both colleagues and the Nollywood community as a whole.

Elebuwa, 65, had been battling with an undisclosed illness for over a year and was reported to be responding to treatment in an India hospital, where he was being treated until the sad announcement.

His death comes shortly after that of other veteran actors like Akin Ogungbe, who died last week, as well as Pete Eneh, who passed on last month.

Peter Eneh

The Popular Nollywood actor, Peter Eneh was reported to have died from an Infection.

Akin Ogungbe

Veteran Yoruba theatre legend, Pa Akintola Ogungbe was an iconic actor who was popular with the epic film, 'Ireke Onibudo'. He was aged 78 before his death.

Report by Trendy Africa

Nigeria: Disappointing Africa and the Black Race?

There is this documentary showing young men from Portugal escaping the harsh economic realities in Europe and migrating to Angola and Brazil to work. As both counrties are former Portuguese colonies, Portuguese is spoken there. Thus, the migrants do not have to battle with a different language. However, the real attraction is not language, but the

fact that Angola and Brazil are experiencing an economic boom.

Angola’s case is truly interesting, more of a fairytale than a true story.

Rememeber the 27-year war that erupted right from its independence in 1975 and ended in 2002, with some interludes in-between. No news bulletin in Nigeria in the 1980s and early 1990s was complete without a reference to the Jonas Savimbi-led National Union for the Total Independence of Angola in the Southern African country, or the John Garang-led Sudan People’s Liberation Army, or the Tamil Tigers of Sri Lanka, or a clash between the Mangosuthu Buthelezi-led Inkatha Freedom Party of South Africa with the African National Congress, or between the ANC and the brutal apartheid regime.

We used to see our “peaceful” country as a lucky one.

Now, Angola’s economy has undergone a period of transformation in recent years, moving from the disarray caused by a quarter century of civil war to being the fastest growing economy in Africa and one of the fastest in the world. In 2004, China’s Eximbank approved a $2bn line of credit to Angola. The loan is being used to rebuild Angola’s infrastructure, and has also limited the influence of the International Monetary Fund in the country.

Angola emerged from such a long-drawn war and becomes a booming economy in less than 10 years, to the extent that it would not just attract other Africans but also citizens of their colonial masters. It is both surprising and exciting.

But to us as Nigerians, it is rather depressing and somewhat embarrassing.

Remember the book, "The Anatomy of Female Power", by one of Nigeria’s most celebrated critics of the 1980s and early 1990s, a man with no surname: Prof Chinweizu. Do you know his whereabouts? Nowadays, he seems to be residing in Ghana.

Ghana? Why Ghana for such a brain like Chinweizu, and not Nigeria?

Furthermore. Where is Africa’s highest-selling author, Prof Chinua Achebe? - The United States of America. If at 82 a home-grown African icon like Achebe still resides in the US, when he should be in his home town Ogidi receiving visitors like an oracle, when will he return to Nigeria?

Prof. Wole Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel Laureate, is home-based, but seems to be more outside Nigeria than within.

What about award-winning authors such as Ben Okri, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Helon Habila and others? They are either in the UK or the US.

This brain drain is not just prevalent in the literary sector; in different sectors of the economy, our best brains – young and old – are fleeing the country, while those who left long ago have refused to return, even in their old age.

Spirits don’t build nations: human beings do.

With the drain of intellectuals and youths from Nigeria, the resultant effect is better imagined. Those who should be using their talents and energy to develop the nation are using such to the benefit of other nations.

And while those nations grow, Nigeria suffers.

In most other countries, their youths who travel to Europe or the US merely go to acquire education and skills. After a couple of years, they return home to use such to better their nations. But in the case of Nigerians, even when attempts are made to deport them, they resist deportation. And when successfully deported, they start making plans to emigrate to another nation.

Discussions with so many people who live outside Nigeria show that if not for the state of things in Nigeria, they would have no business living outside the country. They usually agree that they could go on holidays abroad but would have preferred to be resident in the country. No matter the amount of freedom and development overseas, Nigerians abroad who were born in Nigeria usually feel incomplete in their countries of residence. They usually miss the communal and family life that is available in Nigeria, the wonderful weather, the delicious cuisines and the feeling of home. When the citizens of many nations display unfriendliness and hatred to Nigerians in their country, such Nigerians usually curse those who have made Nigeria hard to live in.

For other Africans and Blacks from other parts of the world, Nigeria’s situation leaves them with a feeling of disappointment. The thinking is that if Nigeria had taken its rightful place in the comity of nations, it would have been a country other Africans and the Black race would be using to boast about the power of the Black man to build a great country. Nigeria’s success would have spurred other African and Black countries to be successful too. It would have been the type of country the United States is to the American sub-continent: a country of refuge for all manner of people.

For the rest of the world, they just can’t understand how a wealthy nation like Nigeria can be among the poorest, with her nationals swarming all over the earth like refugees from a country at war or in a terrible famine.

There is no denying the fact that if Nigeria had an enviable economy as well as administration, Europeans and Americans would be coming into Nigeria on their own accord to look for jobs. Currently, the foreigners who work in Nigeria are treated as extraordinary staff, because they are lured in with mind-boggling salaries and conditions of service, which are different from those given to their Nigerian counterparts, and they live in choice locations such that which will not be available to them in their home countries.

The return of democracy in 1999 had given high hopes to many that in a couple of years, there would be a tremendous turn-around in infrastructure, quality of leadership and administration as well as the economy such that the best and brightest of Nigerians would be in charge of affairs in all sectors and millions of Nigerians living legally or illegally in other countries would flock back home to be part of this rebuilding process. Unfortunately, those who came back in 1999 and 2000 had to go back sadly, while those who adopted the let’s-wait-and-see attitude were happy that they did not rush back home.

Die-hard bashers of President Goodluck Jonathan would readily put the whole blame on him. But it goes beyond him. He has his portion of the blame, because of his casual pace in governance. But former President Olusegun Obasanjo has a huge chunk of the blame. Here was a man who had the chance to be another Mandela. Despite his seemingly honest efforts to turn things around, he ended up personalising governance by having those he tagged “friends” (who called him Baba and kowtowed to him and therefore must never be touched), and those he tagged “enemies,” who must be dealt with brutally. The late President Umaru Yar’Adua initially sounded as if he would be different... but also ended up protecting his “friends” vigorously from prosecution in the short period he was in office. Jonathan seems to have everybody as “friends” that must be protected, except one or two isolated cases. He seems to be the perfect Mr. Conviviality, more eager not to create enemies than fix the nation.

The result is that corruption soars, the economy gasps for air, frustration and despair mount in the citizens, acts of terrorism and violent crimes sky-rocket, and those who should be the engine room of the economy flee to other countries where they hope to get a better life.

And our fatherland continues to lose.

Coutless sons and daughters of Nigeria did not die as happy people because of the status of Nigeria.

Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Mallam Aminu Kano, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Mrs Margaret Ekpo, Chief Anthony Enahoro and many others, who had lofty dreams about Nigeria, were not happy that they died without realising the Nigeria of their dream.

We pray that in our lifetime we will see the Nigeria of our dream.

AZUKA ONWUKA