This is Olajuwon Obalola's Blog: 05/14/15

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Ex-Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly declares interest to run.

Erstwhile Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Femi Bamisile, has declared his interest to contest the governorship seat in the state “in the immediate future” on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Bamisile, who dropped the hint in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, said he used the phrase “in the immediate future” because he believed Governor Ayodele Fayose might not complete his term because of his “renowned abuse of the rule of law.”

Damilola with Dad and Mum, during her Call-to Bar

According to her parents, who spoke with journalists in their Oke-Aro home in Akure, Ondo State yesterday, they described the incident as terrible injustice to humanity as the Federal Government initially awarded the pipeline contract to the OPC for selfish interests, which gave them the impunity to engage in an orgy of cannibalism and barbaric display of power in their operations.

Her father said: “I will miss her coolness, the advice, and the way she would talk to you and appreciate you. If you give her a penny, the way she would say ‘thank you daddy.’ That thank you daddy has been moving me to tears. In hard times in the family, whenever she came around and talked, everybody listened to her. She has been the moderator and pillar of this family.”

Nollywood actress, Moyo Lawal fed the needy on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 as she celebrated the fond memories of her late mum that passed on two years ago.

In remembrance of her late mum, the actress paid distributed food items to under-privileged on the streets of Lagos before paying a courtesy visit to the her mum's colleague at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. More photos after the cut.

In the wake of the alleged coup in Burundi, and the resulting fight between President Pierre Nkurunziza's force and rival forces, soldiers loyal to Nkurunziza say they are now in control of key locations in the capital, Bujumbura.

Earlier on, there were fierce clashes in Bujumbura, particularly at the state radio office, but BBC reports that they are now said to have subsided.

Rapper Ice Prince has signed a new endorsement deal with Etisalat.

The Chocolate City rapper has just posted a picture of him signing the papers of his new contract on his Instagram account today, May 14, 2015.

"Here again with The Super Coolest and the Baddest Cliq of people !!!!!! #ETISALATNigeria And actually my Favorite Mobile Network service provider yet!!!!!!!! Join us and have no fear" wrote Ice Prince on Instagram.

Ice Prince has bee associated with Etisalat since 2013. Another rapper who has a strong relationship with the telecommunication is Olamide.

Meet the Octogenarian woman who has been eating sand daily for the past 40 years

The Octogenarian mixing the sand (Pulse)

Ram Rati lives in Lucknow's Chinhar locality, India and she believes she has 'unlocked' the mystery of long healthy life. She considers that having a kilo of sand every morning before eating is the best way to preserve one's health, including her own. Therefore, she eats sand every morning before consuming any other food and then goes on with her daily housework, businesses etc.

APC, transport unions disagree over Fayose

The 19 All Progressives Congress lawmakers in Ekiti State, have said ‎Governor Ayodele Fayose, should be blamed for the incessant activities of criminals in the state.

The lawmakers said his behaviour encouraged crimes to thrive in the state, urging the governor to stop blaming others.

This is as transport unions in Ekiti State warned the APC lawmakers and their sponsors against destabilising the state, saying they were monitoring their movement between now and the end of their tenure.

Jonathan confirms Yakmut’s appointment as NSC DG

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Al-Hassan Yakmut as the substantive Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the commission said on Thursday in Abuja. Patrick Omorodion, the Special Assistant (Media) to NSC Chairman Tammy Danagogo, said in a statement that the confirmation was conveyed to Danagogo through a letter dated May 12, 2015.

“The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was conveyed to the Sports Minister/NSC Chairman via a letter dated May 12, 2015,’’ he said in the statement. Yakmut was the Director, NSC’s Federations and Elite Athletes Department (FEAD), until April 15 when he was appointed the commission’s Acting Director-General. He replaced Gbenga Elegbeleye who came into office over a year ago.

Senate aporoves N299.5bn NDDC budget

The Senate, on Thursday, passed the 2015 budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission totalling N299.5bn.

The budget comprised of N271bn project (development) expenditure; N16.1bn personnel expenditure; N10.4bn overhead expenditure and N1.8bn as capital expenditure.

Ekiti NMA asks members to remove stickers, emblem

The Nigerian Medical Association, Ekiti, has advised members to remove stickers of the union from their vehicles and stop wearing the emblem.

The Ekiti NMA Chairman, Dr John Akinbote, gave the advice at a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Thursday as a security tip to curtail kidnap and unwarranted attacks on doctors by kidnappers that have been operating in the state in the last two weeks.

Ekiti defends workers verification

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has defended its decision to carry out staff auditing before payment of April workers salary.

Speaking at the inauguration of suggestion box in Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti, Fayose said it is to rid the service of ghost workers that had either died, retired from the service or traveled out of the country.‎

Mavin's first lady of Tiwa Savage has also sent out her birthday wishes to her step-daughter Bisi Balogun.

"Daddy's little angel. Happy birthday Olabisi Sheree Balogun ... We celebrate you today and always princess" she wrote on Instagram.

Tiwa Savage is expecting her first baby with manager/husband Tee Billz.

Nigerian Government Federal Secretariat Ablaze

The Federal Secretariat hosts many of the administrative offices for the government.

Early reports say that the fire began in the Federal Ministry of Education before spreading to nearby locations.

The fire fighters in the area responded once they received notification that large plooms of black smoke were bellowing from the complex.

There have also been reports that some staff and visitors may have been trapped inside the complex, though no official government statement has been made

No more appointment of improper persons as judges – CJN

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, on Thursday said the era of appointing unfit and improper persons as judges had gone.

He said the National Judicial Council’s newly revised guidelines of appointment of judicial officers now in force provided for “a more comprehensive, robust and transparent method of appointment.”

Rita Dominic (Instagram)

Rita Dominic shared a recent look via her Instagram rocking the classic monochrome trend and she nailed the black and white look.

Rita Dominic (Instagram)

The actress who is the face of Zaron Cosmetics chose a white shirt over black fitted pants over black loafer heels, a black wide brim hat and dark sunglasses down to the minute black detail on her watch strap.

Sam Smith (Instagram)

The four-time Grammy winner made the announcement on his Instagram today, May 14. He posted a picture while in the hospital with the caption: ''Hospital Selfie''.

Earlier in the day, Smith posted another photo showing the character, 'Jazmin' from the animation 'Aladdin' receiving some magical powers via her mouth. He wrote underneath, ''About to have an operation. This is me today...''

Tiwa Savage's husband and manager Tunji 'Tee Billz' Balogun has sent out a lovely message to his daughter, on his Instagram account today, May 14, 2015.

The music talent manager gushed about his little girl on his Instagram account today, May 14, 2015.

You can read his birthday message below;

"Happy Birthday To My Reflection!
She's sweet and kind to all that she knows, her heart gets bigger and brighter as she grows.
She's an angel in disguise with the most beautiful eyes.
She's one of God's greatest gifts to me.
May God protect you from harm and trouble.
Empower you with love, grace, and compassion.
Strengthen you with wisdom, courage, and integrity."

In Niger 27 children die from lead poisoning

27 children have died in Niger State following a fresh outbreak of lead poisoning, authorities say.

The Federal Government confirmed the deaths saying that the outbreak occurred due to illegal mining activities in the state.

This was disclosed on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, by the Minister of State for Health, Fidelis Nwankwo, during a press briefing in Abuja.

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Nick Fradiani, the winner of 'American Idol XIV'

Nick Fradiani is the latest winner of "American Idol."

Nick Fradiani, beat 22-year-old vocalist Clark Beckham, to win the 14th edition of Fox talent competition, 'American Idol XIV'.

His victory places him on same list as former champions Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Phillip Phillips and Kris Allen.

Malaysia pushed back vessels carrying 600 migrants

Malaysia has turned away two vessels carrying a combined 600 migrants, an official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Thursday, as concern mounted in the region over the fate of boatloads of people stranded at sea.

The boats were intercepted off the northern Malaysian islands of Penang and Langkawi and told they could not land.

Reports say 15 miners are trapped in a flooded gold mine in north-western Colombia.

According to BBC, rescue workers are trying to reach the trapped workers who got stuck after the mine collapsed apparently due to flooding caused by drilling holes to extract the mineral.

In this interview, Made Men Music Group (MMMG) main act Iyanya reveals the inspiration behind the song YUDALA as well as the meaning of the word -Yudala.

Q. You have quickly followed up the audio release with the video of Yudala which has enjoyed positive reviews. What’s the inspiration behind Yudala? Iyanya: Yudala is a goodwill song. It is a message of hope to Nigerians and the world at large. You will notice that the release of the song was a strategic one for us as it coincided with the successful conclusion of the 2015 elections in Nigeria.

Mariah Carey canceled her May 13 Vegas show only one week into her big time tour and reports say it was a last minute thing.

According to sources connected to the diva, Mariah is suffering from bronchitis and her doctors have advised her not to use her voice – for how long?

Broadcasting commission says June digitisation deadline not feasible

The National Broadcasting Commission, on Thursday said the June deadline to switch over from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting would no longer be feasible.

The Director General of the Commission, Mr Emeka Mba, made this known during interactive session with newsmen in Abuja.

He said the major constraint to the realisation of the plan was lack of finance.

Lunatic gives birth to twins in public

AN unidentified female lunatic on Wednesday at the busy Eku junction in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State gave birth to a set of male and female twins with the assistance of concerned female citizens in the area.

It was gathered that the lunatic who is a regular face in the community, normally solicit for alms from street to street and sleeps at any available shelter within around the community.

Stella Damasus shares new photo on her Instagram page and she looks trimmer and in great shape.

She rocked her weaves in bone straight centre part with minimal make up and pink lips. The mother of two sure looks good and her new weight is quite impressive.

President Jonathan Approves 18 Community Radio Licenses

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the establishment of community radio stations in the country.

The Director General of National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Emeka Mba disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja.

“Mr. President just approved community radio stations, and that is great news for lovers of community radio in the country, finally community radio has been approved in Nigeria”, Mr. Mba said.

Posted today, the picture shows a little Sharon carrying Davido who was a few months old at the time. It's a cute picture of the HKN star who is now one of the hottest artistes in Africa.

Davido's sister Sharon got married in August 15, 2013. She got married to Yomi Ademefun.

Gbam!!!! Less than 16 days to go, govt approves N31bn road contracts

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N31 billion contracts for roads in three states - Delta, Bayelsa and Ondo, less than 16 days to the end of the Jonathan administration.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Steve Oru on Wednesday, May 13, after the weekly FEC meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Oru said FEC ratified four of his ministry’s projects.

The 'Adore Your' hit-maker got all the attention to her self and her scantily-clad look as she touched down in New York City on Wednesday night, May 13 ahead of her mother's 48 birthday bash.

Cyrus' visibly hard nipples were also captured struggling for better attention underneath her black mesh T-shirt as she passed through a crowd of excited fans. She also had a tight pair of distressed denim shorts and ripped fishnet tights. More photos after the cut.....

1. Independence

Burundi got its independence from Belgium in 1962. However since the time of independence, Burundi has been plagued by tension between the usually-dominant Tutsi minority and the Hutu majority. The ethnic violence sparked off in 1994 made Burundi the scene of one of Africa's most intractable conflicts.

2. Civil War

In 1972, Hutu organisations carried out systematic attacks on ethnic Tutsis with the declared intent of annihilating the whole group. The Tutsi-dominated military regime responded with large-scale reprisals targeting Hutus. The estimates of the casualties of these killings are said to exceed 100,000 and thousands of asylum-seekers fled to Tanzania and Rwanda to escape the violence. After elections in 1993, Melchior Ndadaye became the first democratically elected Hutu head of state, leading a pro-Hutu government. In October 1993, however, he was assassinated, setting off another round of violence which is estimated to have killed nearly 300,000 people.

Today is the birthday of popular Nigerian actor Femi Branch.

Femi Branch started his acting career in 1991 at the Obafemi Awolowo University when he acted in the stage play titled 'Eniyan'.

He graduated from OAU with a Bachelor of Art degree in Theatre Arts. His first appearance on TV did not occur until in 2003 in a programme titled called 'Dance With Me'. He later acted in the TV series 'Domino'.

More years ahead of me.

Tony Blair Assures Buhari Of Tremendous International Support

Visiting former British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, yesterday assured President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) of the support of the major democracies of the world, especially Britain to enable him succeed.

Blair gave the assurance during his congratulatory visit to Buhari in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists after a closed door meeting, the former PM hailed the credibility and the tranquillity that defined the last general elections, saying Nigeria and her people had earned the respect of the international community.

Falz performing (Pulse)

Last night, May 13, 2015 at Spice Route, Victoria Island- buzzing Nigerian rapper Falz headlined Industry Nite.

The event which saw the return of the Jimmie as the host was packed as fans and friends came out to support Falz who is quickly rising within the ranks of Nigerian music.

The Internet fraudster is no other than a 19-year-old Mechanical Engineering student of a polytechnic in Delta State, Emmanuel Eto, who has been operating a fake Facebook account of Tinubu where he swindled job seekers with fake promises of jobs with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Federal Government, Nigerian Ports Authority and other federal parastatals, where he informed interested applicants to pay the sum of N26,850, which was employment and processing charges..

Residents of Maiduguri, Borno State flee a Boko Haram attack on March 13, 2015. Twitter

The Army has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Maiduguri, Borno State following an attack by Boko Haram insurgents.

This was disclosed by Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Tukur Gusau via a statement.

The statement reads:

We can’t afford extravagant inauguration ceremony,’ APC says

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that it has no plans to hold a flamboyant inauguration ceremony for President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari.

The APC further explained that the ceremony would be low-key because the country can’t afford an elaborate ceremony.