The Truth About The Current State Of The ASUU Strike By Dr. Segun Ajiboye - ASUU Chairman University of ibadan

President Goodluck Jonathan during his last meeting with ASUU 

By Dr. Segun Ajiboye

Following the protracted strike action by ASUU to enforce the funding agreement of 2009 with the Yar'Ardua/ Jonathan Administration there have been attempts to shift the focus of the public from the real issues and portray ASUU as an insensitive organization. We have tried to explain how we tried desperately to avoid the strike by virtually begging for meetings with the Federal Government for over three years to no avail.

As a last option to draw attention to our plight and get the government to talk, ASUU has had to devise an instrument of warning strike to force a dialogue and hopefully avoid the need for a strike. We believe that Nigerians remember that a warning strike was applied without the desired attention from government. Over and over again, we have been advised to adopt alternative methods to strike actions. ASUU has a permanent lobby in Abuja and regularly seeks the help of traditional rulers and influential individuals to persuade government to talk to her. Nigerians should not forget that governance in Nigeria is a big racket and leadership has one focus; unbridled appetite for power and money. Those who talk about the need for dialogue to resolve labour issues need to understand how the Nigerian Government and political environment functions. ASUU does not have the financial means to induce support of officials and mobilize the political apparatus. Even if we had the means, it is against our policy to give or accept bribe.

Those who accuse ASUU of being insensitive need to realize that it is easier for ASUU to concentrate on its conditions of service alone (as some have repeatedly suggested) and leave the government to do what it likes with the Universities. We have ready examples of national assets such as NITEL, RAILWAY, and NIGERIAN AIRWAYS among many others that collapsed because the workers paid attention only to their narrow interests. Members of ASUU often go without salaries for months during strikes and are subjected to untold hardships and indignities. Wouldn’t it just be easier to take our salaries and leave Nigerians to decide the fate of their institutions? Is this what Nigerians want? Do they want to finish off the Universities as was done to public primary and secondary schools? Will there be opportunities for the poor to have university education if we fold our hands and allow the public universities to be destroyed?  Will the poor be able to send their children abroad or pay the exorbitant fees of private universities owned by politicians and their friends?

IS ASUU DISRESPECTFUL TO THE PRESIDENT?

There have been insinuations that ASUU has come up with new demands following the meeting with Mr President. In spite of the fact that we believe that Mr President could have thrown his weight behind a resolution of the crisis very early in the strike and in fact, he could have prevented the strike from happening, ASUU was very appreciative of his intervention. It is important to note that while the political machinery of government was more interested in the resolution of the current strike, ASUU, in addition, was more concerned about ending strikes for the foreseeable future in order to bring the university system to stability. Perhaps, government did not see the need to find a sustainable solution to the problem. Following the discussions with Mr President, a number of decisions were taken. Out of respect for Mr President, ASUU did not insist that the minutes of the meeting and decision extracts be produced, vetted and signed before leaving the venue of the meeting. ASUU’s experience in its dealing with government has been that Civil Servants routinely doctor minutes of meeting for political and selfish ends. We are also quite familiar with the fact that successive governments starting with the Abacha era have consistently disowned agreements with ASUU at the slightest opportunity. Nigerians are familiar with the burden of history and the “integrity challenge” which those in the highest offices in the land bear. The spoken promise of a President should normally be cast in stone.  However, is that our experience in Nigeria?  If agreements are not important then what is? If leaders violate agreements entered into with the cream of its intelligentsia, then the mass populace is doomed. We should not turn against the man whose rights have been violated because we think it is the fastest way to peace.

It is important for Nigerians to know that nothing new was demanded by ASUU. In fact, we were simply winding down the strike when our former president, Professor Iyayi was killed by the Governor of Kogi State. What was left after the meeting with the President was mere paper work and implementing our constitutional process for calling off a strike. The paper work was simply to ensure that ASUU and Government were on the same page. ASUU wanted the government to deliver on its promise by releasing immediately the 200 billion naira it promised earlier in the strike. It also requested that a high- ranking government official be assigned to sign the resolutions reached at the meeting with the President. Please note that one of the grounds given by the SSG Chief Pius Anyim for repudiating the 2009 agreement was that it was signed by a person of inconsequential status, a mere Permanent Secretary.

We had been reliably informed that Government was not really interested in fulfilling its agreement notwithstanding our meeting with Mr President. Nevertheless, ASUU did not think that the highest office in the land will be involved in gimmickry and politicking with the destiny of our youths. Moreover, we had been advised even by some of the vociferous critics of ASUU that it was unlikely that any funds not released by the end of this year will ever be available next year because government will be mobilizing all available resources for the elections.

What Nigerians do not know was that there are some influential officials in power who actually hoped that ASUU will not respond positively to Mr President. Remember that soon after the death of Iyayi, it was stated in some circles that ASUU will not call off the strike until 2014. It was a rude shock to these individuals that ASUU went ahead to start the process of calling off the strike.

Is ASUU engaged in subversion?

Was government truly interested in ending the strike? If indeed, it was serious, the frantic escalation of the crisis at a point where only paper work was left to call off the strike is very suspicious.  Does the minister of Education have another agenda or is it just a case of immaturity and power intoxication on his part? Is ASUU engaged in subversion as suggested by the President?  Over the years, ASUU has been accused of playing politics and acting like an opposition because of its principled position on the funding of education in Nigeria. It is yet unclear to Nigerians what constitutes subversion in ASUU’s insistence on minimum requirements of civilised conduct. An agreement is a sacred document which should be respected and not treated as a mere text in a sheet of paper. The same mindset that has led to the breaching of ASUU’s agreement also has informed the impunity with which the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been treated over the years. It also explains why laws of the land are not respected and why the nation has become a fiefdom of a few powerful individuals who must maintain power and relevance at all cost. These individuals think that governance is about wearing a bowler hat, talk tough and take inspiration from Africa Magic. Leadership is not a movie.

Those who are engaged in subversion are those who use state apparatus to do oil bunkering, who fail to tackle corruption and are profiting from terrorism. They are the ones who fail to fund the educational system adequately, but send their own children to schools abroad. These individuals go to cure a headache overseas while leaving the poor to die in derelict health facilities at home.

 Is ASUU also responsible for the crisis in the health and power sectors? Are we to blame for the fact that in all development indicators we are at the bottom of every positive indicator and at the top of every negative one? Nigerians should not be deceived. In the 80s, the heroic actions of the NUT were subverted and today we have the kind of primary and secondary schools that turn out illiterates.

The NEEDS Assessment report of government shows clearly that ASUU is not crying wolf. What we hear from critics is that we should relent and pray for divine intervention. ASUU believes in work and pray. While some people closed their eyes, they allowed the vultures to build nests over our heads. While we slept, the enemy sowed tares in our field. And now at the apex of national affairs, have emerged agents of midnight!

We implore all Nigerians to hold their future in their hands and rise up to challenge every form of oppression and corruption. We cannot afford to let the privilege few who have cornered our common wealth to turn our children to slaves in their own country. If the nation lacks resources , let it affect everyone down the line. If we need to tighten our belt, let the leaders give example. If they truly believe in our country, let them show patriotism by withdrawing their children from foreign schools to Nigerian Universities. If these schools are not good enough for their children, why must we be the ones to carry the burden always?

 ASUU is resolved to see an end to this strike, and other strikes in the foreseeable future. Hence, we need the support of all Nigerians to ensure a sustainable resolution of the current crisis so that strikes will become a thing of the past in the university system.

Thank you.

(Being the Text of a Press Briefing issued at Congress by the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan Chapter,Dr. Segun Ajiboye, yesterday Monday, 02 December

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Demystifyingmedicine - The Robot That Cures All Diseases

For years, Christopher P. Austin - a world class medical scientist has been trying to develop a way for science to build a better partnership with patients.Dr. Austin is the director of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the NIH Baltimore maryland USA. NCATS is trying to find ways to get new treatments and cures for diseases delivered to patients faster.

At NCATS, Dr. Austin heads a state-of-the-art lab that uses robots to search for treatments.

In recent years, families of patients with rare diseases have made their way to the NIH to watch the robots at work in the $20 million, 30,000 square-foot system that includes refrigerators, automated incubators and computers. Machines work around-the-clock, testing hundreds of thousands of compounds against a variety of mostly rare diseases.

One of the first parents to visit was a woman whose college-age son had a rare cancer. During a tour in 2006, Dr. Austin told her that instead of 17 years to develop a new drug, he hoped that the lab could cut the time to 10 years.

“ ‘I love your technology,’ ’’ Dr. Austin recalled the woman saying. “ ‘I love your robots. I love this fancy stuff. But for my child and this disease, 10 years, 15 years, isn’t going to work. Isn’t there something else we can do?’ ’’

It is a question he hears again and again. There are roughly 7,000 known diseases; only about 500 have a treatment. Even with robots working day and night, Dr. Austin said, the arithmetic is discouraging.

Dr. Austin and the Journal’s Amy Dockser Marcus will answer readers’ questions about rare diseases and the research process. They will host a Reddit AMA  (short for “Ask Me Anything) at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 4.

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Living with Sickle Cell Anemia! Kunle Afolayan & Kemi “Lala” Akindoju star in Tunde Kelani’s Movie “Dazzling Mirage” | Watch the Trailer

How can one with sickle sell anemia go through life without social stigma?!

Award winning veteran Nigerian director Tunde Kelani is back with another thrilling flick – Dazzling Mirage. The movie stars Kunle Afolayan and Kemi “Lala” Akindoju as leads.

The movie spotlights Kemi’s character who has sickle cell anemia and overcomes social stigma, prejudice and her own low self esteem to achieve success, marriage and motherhood.

Check it out!

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 The 'sexcrazy' Egyptian-Sudanese-American bestselling novelist Kola Boof  Over the weekend made a video listing the biggest penises in Hollywood as complied by herself and a group of 90s black women socialites called the Alpharetta Secret Sister Society who slept their through Hollywood's elite.

The most surprising thing about the list is not who's on it but the ladies who supposedly complied it..

At the beginning of the video Kola describes the women in the secret society and names Tyra Banks, Vivica A. Fox and Pebbles Reid. Wow, Kola! See the list and video after the cut..

1. Arsenio Hall
2. Actor John Amos
3. Actor James Woods
4. Deceased actor John Ritter
5. Tie. NBA baller Rick Fox
6. Vin Diesel
7.  Michael Jordan
8.  Actor Jon-Erik Hexum
9.  Jerry Seinfeld
10. Kwesi Mfume
11. Tao Pengiless
13. Deceased actor Ron O'Neal
14. Marc Anthony
15.  Keith Sweat
16.  John Salley
17.  50 Cent
18.  Mekhi Phifer
19.  Patrick Rafter
20. Raphael Saadiq

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Kola Aluko’s Romance with Petroleum Minister Diezani, Omokore Exposed

The name Kola Aluko must have rang a bell in recent time. What perhaps not too open is his dialliance with the petroleum minister, Diezani and special relationship with favoured Jide Omokore who has virtually bought major interest in the oil industry. The two are alleged to be the major contacts of the minister who have been accused to have been nominated to buy off the government refineries. If the story of Jide is well known as a major financial supporter of PDP, the story of Kola is the one who has chosen the lifestyle of celebrity to enjoy his life, after all, he has got enough of dough to throw and service the lifestyle

The New York Post, a popular US based tabloid has reported how a Nigerian oil, gas and aviation tycoon, Mr Kola Aluko spent about $1.5 million in a few hours at Leo DiCaprio’s star-studded birthday bash. According to nypost.com, the Multimillionaire businessman Aluko, a co-founder of the Made In Africa Foundation who was recently seen lunching in Paris with Naomi Campbell, was among a group of wealthy businessman who bought bottle after bottle of champagne at DiCaprio’s 39th birthday party at Tao Downtown that night. The website reported that other big spenders at the lavish fete included “The Wolf of Wall Street” producer Joey McFarland and Texas businessman Nate Paul. The report said, Mr Kanye West was paid $100,000 by DiCaprio, personally, to perform. The actor raised more than $3 million on the night for his charity the Leo DiCaprio Foundation by adding a hefty fee on top of all the bottles, plus donations from his wealthy friends. One guest told us, “The party was wild wall-to-wall models. There were probably 20 girls to every guy. Leo started the night with a dinner in a private room and then joined the party around midnight. “Danny A, who hosted, would get on the microphone and announce who placed the champagne order and for how much, .?.?. then a train of 100 bottles would come out with sparklers and girls dressed in burlesque [outfits]. Kola Aluko may have spent up to $1.5 million in one night.” Danny A is the guy who famously fell afoul of George Clooney by “talking [bleep]” during a basketball game while on Leo’s team. Our spy reports, “2 Chainz performed, then Kanye surprised Leo and performed a full show of about 10 songs with DJ Jus-Ske including ‘Clique’, ‘Good Life’, ‘Power’ and ‘All of the Lights.’ Kim Kardashian was singing along.” The guest added, “Leo and girlfriend Toni Garrn were front-row for the entire performance, dancing and kissing.”

Also there: Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Ron Burkle, Benicio Del Toro, Ronnie Wood, Martin Scorsese, Brandon Davis, Orlando Bloom, Jho Low, Vivi Nevo, Tobey Maguire, Ed Norton, Q-Tip, Lukas Haas, Vladimir Doronin, Tony Shafrazi and Busta Rhymes. Kola Aluko, the oil magnate who shot to wealth and acclaim in the wake of his romantic relationship with beautiful Diezani Allison-Maduekwe, Nigeria’s petroleum minister, is an energy and aviation tycoon, founded Fossil Resources in 2001 and turned it into a formidable force inside the Nigerian energy sector. A passionate car racing enthusiast, Aluko has competed in major European races with the Swiss team Kessel racing. In June 2012, he reportedly purchased two ultra-modern luxury estates in Beverly Hills at $40 million. In December 2012, Aluko stepped on to the podium at Rome’s Vallelunga circuit to celebrate third place in the Endurance Champions Cup. It was a defining moment in his motor racing career as he stood next to one of his idols, former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella. The race at Vallelunga was the fourth and final race of the Cup, which was won by Fisichella and Italy’s AF Corse. Aluko’s Kessel Racing team, with co-pilots Thomas Kemenater and Maurizio Mediani, were consistent throughout the six-hour race which is as much a feat of endurance as of skill. Aluko is one of a handful of black racing drivers driving change in the perceptions of a traditionally white and Asian sport. He is on the board of the Nigeria FIA and recently hosted FIA President Jean Todt as he made a two day visit to Nigeria to investigate the possibility of bringing motor racing to the country. Aluko owns Kessel Racing’s Ferrari 458 GT2 and has previously competed in the Winter Series GTOpen in Montmelo Catalonia, Spain “It is a way to take my mind off everything else,” he considers. He currently races out of his base in Lugano Switzerland, where Kessel Racing is also located. There he stores his collection of race cars and classic cars. They include classic cars from the 1960s like a California Spider and a 250 Luso, a Ferrari Dino and others like the Aston Martin DB5, thoroughbred Ferraris like the 2GO, the F40, the F50 and the Enzo. “Obviously I can’t drive all the cars but the guys who look after them are professionals,” he says. “My cars are my passion and an investment, mostly they go up in value but I do drive them. “The Maserati MC12 racing car was one of only nine built and has won championships in the past. I have the F1 car from 2008 driven by Kimi Raikonnen and tested by Michael Schumacher, a Goldwing SL from the 60s. They are better investments than a lot of other things.” “If you look inwards and try to focus on the best you can do; if you are the sort of person who always challenges himself, then you are so far ahead of the others and the game. You can only do as best as you can. That is something I have got from racing.” His name is a door opener around the world. Imagine a ‘lifestyle institution’ like ‘Harrods’ speaking ones name with a smile on their lips, ever ready to acknowledge he shops at their store. We hear he is one of the ‘biggest spenders’ in Harrods. Imagine the top manager of a Ferrari franchise asking in curiosity how special is the name ‘Kola’ , because one of their special friends/customer is Kola Aluko. Another ‘Kola’ not him, had gone to buy a Ferrari, eliciting the curiosity. For one to better appreciate how legendary the guy’s car collection is, we heard a special coffee table book was published to celebrate those cars, just like it was done for Ralph Lauren’s cars collection. Aluko’s love of cars transcends the trope of obsession or ordinary fleeting fascination. His vehicles garages in his palatial mansions across the world stocks the best of state of the art automobiles. He is also an avid Formula 1 enthusiast; some say he has over 20 plus racing cars for his own F1 Team. Besides cars, the Nigerian energy and aviation tycoon betrays a love for expensive timepieces. Sources close to him claim that his wrist watch collection is to die for; he has a particular one that cost him a whooping $1 million. The highflying entrepreneur believes that the home depicts the quality of soul possessed by a man hence his acquisition of choice apartments and mansions in the most highbrow areas across the world. He owns expensive and tastefully furnished homes in the most exotic locations including Monaco, Spain, Los Angeles, New York in United States of America, London, United Kingdom to mention a few. His home in New York, USA is said to be located at one of the most luxurious and most expensive flats in the world with a super spectacular view. The one in at LA mansions in Beverly Hills, is said to be on a hill all by itself and it is padded by the best of designer home stuff one can imagine. The apartment cost him about $40 Million dollars. He once flew in a renowned diamond jeweler from New York, USA and commissioned him to build a $2.5 million diamond collar for his second wife, Teni Edu. He had seen the same necklace on one of the Trumps and had asked for it, but since they didn’t have it for retail sale it had to be built for madam. So jeweler was flown in on Kola’s jet, madam’s neck was measured and then collar was later delivered made to measure. At Kola’s birthday at one of his private homes in Los Angeles, California last year, the party was hosted by 2 of the best pop icons in the US, in the persons of Jay Z & P-Diddy. Both stars were the ones that sent out the invitations for the party. Whenever Kola visits his favourite joint, 1 Oak, it’s like the late Michael Jackson has come to bless the joint with his distinguished presence. We hear that the owner waits to come to take him in, and remains at his beck and call all through, while the spotlight is focused on him and his guests till he leaves. He is probably one of their most valued customer. Like someone said and we quote ”he is the most interesting black character he has come across in a long while”. Kola supposedly single handedly sponsored Kanye West’s Paris Fashion sometime ago. One other very interesting thing about Mr. Aluko is that he loves the Scandinavians a lot. Especially the Swedish. 

Kola recently joined the rarefied league of owners of the most expensive yachts in the world. Atop this pile is a boat known as History Supreme or Baia Supreme, said to be around $4.5 to 4.8billion Dollars and owned by Malaysian businessman, Robert Kuok, there’s Roman Abramovich’s $1.5billion Eclipse and many more, but Kola Aluko’s Hessen built Galactica Star valued at $100million is most probably the most expensive boat owned by a black man. The humongous boat even very recently won at the Monaco Boat Show 2013. The Galactica Star super yacht is 65 meter long of super luxury. The yacht in September of this year won 3 prestigious awards at the Monaco Yacht Show- Best Yacht design, La Belle Classic Crest & finally a Baccarat Crystal Sail Trophy presented by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, for winning the Prix du Design which is giving for the Most Innovative, Elegant & Distinguished design at the Monaco Yacht Show. Kola frolics about town with controversial former American runway queen, Naomi Campbell. Since Campbell broke up with her billionaire boyfriend, she hasn’t been seen in suggestive poses with any man until her recent dalliances with Kola Aluko.

Culled from : http://www.newsofthepeople-ng.com/kola-alukos-rmance-with-diezani-omokore-exposed/

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Igbo Excellence Awards (IEA) Set To Unite Ndi Igbos

The Igbo Excellence Awards, IEA, an annual cultural and social contemporary event, will berth on Saturday, 1 February, 2014. The event is designed to celebrate Igbo sons and daughters, who have excelled without any undue scandal in their endeavours.

With developing the culture and people as a key values, IEA will celebrate and honour Igbo individuals/businesses/governments/corporate bodies with outstanding contributions towards sustaining and developing the essence, pride and image of the Igbo culture as well as the country Nigeria across the world.

The award initiator, Prince Onyekachukwu David of Tobems Media Limited, said “our vision for the IEA is to be a global brand recognized for its genuine commitment to promoting the socio-economic and cultural values of the Ndi Igbo through-out the world. We are poised to drive this vision to accomplishment by focusing a lot on the Igbo youths, with awards categories that allow young people to compete fairly for exposure and recognition.”

This maiden edition of the award will hold in Lagos, and David defended that the neutrality of this location is to help emphasize the credibility of the award and its willingness to reach out to all Ndigbo simultaneously irrespective of their states, cultural, and political differences. He added that subsequent editions will be hosted in different eastern states of the federation.

“We believe that starting with a successful execution of this forthcoming maiden edition, we would have started a journey towards accomplishing our vision within the next 5 years. We are also open to partnerships with organizations willing to share in this dream and make history with us

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All Catholics Will Go To Hell” – Rev. Chris Okotie

This is according to pm news: Pastor Chris Okotie Of Household of God and former presidential candidate in his sermon to his congregation last Sunday took the time to criticize the catholic church in general and the pope;

“All Catholics in the world will go to hell because they worship Satan and are led by an Anti-Christ Pope who is a friend to the devil.
They are not Christians and have never been. They don’t know Jesus. They believe that
when they eat bread on Sundays, they are eating the body of Jesus. It’s ritual. The pope is an Anti-Christ and the Catholic church will soon declare for Satan. This is the end of times..
“They don’t believe in heaven. They believe in purgatory, the purgatory that they invented,” Okotie said.
“That church, the Catholic church has been there for Satan and at the right time, they will declare for Satan,” Okotie said.

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Etisalat Nigeria Reacts To Comedian Julius Agwu's N100M Lawsuit Threat

Etisalat Nigeria has reacted to Julius Agwu’s seven-day ultimatum that it should compensate him with the sum of N100 million or risk legal action over “alleged unlawful and unjustified blocking and/or swapping” of his Etisalat GSM phone number 08189555555.
 According to PM News, an e-mail from Etisalat’s Public Relations Manager, Chineze Amanfo, has been sent in response. It stated that contrary to reports making the rounds, a SIM swap was performed on the said line after the requester provided the company’s customer care executives with necessary SIM replacement information, in accordance with laid down NCC regulations and process for SIM swap.


“Subsequently, upon a report made at our office by Mr. Agwu that he is the owner of the line and did not authorize anyone to swap it, our customer care executives promptly restored the line, as well as the airtime lost during the swap process.
“Etisalat Nigeria is currently carrying out an internal investigation into the SIM swap incident and will refer the matter to the appropriate agencies for further investigation as may be necessary.
“We wish to assure the general public that Etisalat Nigeria is committed to the protection of the rights of its subscribers and to continue to provide value adding services to its customers.
“We will spare no effort to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged unauthorized SIM swap while encouraging our customers and the general public to protect their personal information at all times,” the e-mail said.
 It would be recalled that Julius Agwu had demanded compensation through his lawyer, Festus Keyamo, on November 26, 2013. He pointed out the loss of business opportunities and the inconvenience experienced by him during the period in an ultimatum letter to Etisalat Nigeria.
 Source : PM News






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BEHIND THE SCENE PHOTOS | PRAIZ & AWILO LOKOMBA SHOOT ‘OSHE’ VIDEO IN LONDON

Praiz has just completed the shooting of  the video for his new single ‘Oshé’ featuring Awilo Longomba in Surrey, UK.  The video was directed by Clarence Peters , you can see the behind the scenes pictures below:

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The 2013 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards was held at Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto, Johannesburg.

Below is the complete list of winners for the 2013 Channel O Music Video Awards;
Most Gifted Duo/Group/Featuring Video
Zonefam – Contolola
Most Gifted Newcomer Video
Khaya Mthehwa – Move
Most Gifted Female Video
Zonke – Feelings
Most Gifted Male Video
Zeus FT AKA & Tumi – #DatsWasup
Most Gifted Reggae/Dancehall Video
P-UNIT Feat. Collo – You Guy (Dat Dendai)
Most Gifted Hip Hop Video
AKA – Jealousy
Most Gifted R&B Video
Banky W– Yes/No
Most Gifted Afro-Pop Video
The Soil Feat. Zakwe – Linkomo
Most Gifted Dance Video
Mafizkolo – Khona
Most Gifted Kwaito Video
Professor Feat. Osikido & Character – Finger
Most Gifted African (West) Video
P-Square – Alingo
Most Gifted African (East) Video
P-Unit Feat. Collo – You Guy (Dat Dendai)
Most Gifted African (South) Video
Oskido – Tsa Mandebele
Most Gifted Video of the Year
Wizkid – Azonto

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Pastor Chris & Congregation Blesses Eben & Jahdiel's Marriage[Photos]

 

Gospel acts, Grace Okoduwa popularly known as Jahdiel and Emmanuel Benjamin who is also known as Eben had their white wedding ceremony yesterday. The wedding took place at D.G.M in Lekki and had Pastor Chris Oyakhilome's beloveth son Pastor Alpha Isaac as the officiating minister. Today they were in church (Christ Embassy oregun Ikeja, lagos) for thanksgiving. The two singer couple danced happily in front of the church as the pastor and congregation prayed for them  See more photos after the cut.

 

 

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Former president Obasanjo's son, Bisoye Obasanjo married Chigozie Nwenyi today in Ogun state.More photos after the cut...

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5 Most Effective Simple Exercises Men Can Do For Better Sex

Its common knowledge that exercise is very good for our health. But did you know that hitting the gym could also help you have better sex? “Working out three to four times a week can do a lot to help your sexual technique, flexibility, and endurance,” So what types of exercise are best for better sex? A trained exercise physiologist from University of Port Harcourt College of health sciences recommends the following five “sex exercises.” 

Better Sex Exercise No. 1: Weight Lifting

Strength training could be just what the doctor ordered for your sex life. The reason: “Weight lifting causes the body to produce testosterone, which is the primary precursor for the male sex drive,”  lifting enough to feel fatigue by the 10th repetition. In fact, some studies have linked short intense exercise, such as weight lifting, with increased testosterone levels. To improve your sex life, do some push-ups, sit-ups, and crunches. These muscle-building exercises can help lead to better sex by strengthening the shoulders, chest, and abs. Strong upper body strength can increase stamina since these muscles are used during intercourse.

 

Better Sex Exercise No. 2: Kegels

Doing Kegels is considered a good sex exercise for men because these exercises can help endurance and control by toning the pubococcygeus (PC) muscles — the ones that let you stop the flow of urine mid-stream. Named after Los Angeles physician Arnold Kegel, they strengthen the muscles in your body’s pelvic floor, which can lead to better sex. “Men can use Kegels to delay ejaculation by contracting these muscles just before orgasm,” . To do Kegels, start by interrupting the flow of urine when going to the bathroom to get familiar with your PC muscles. After that, you can do Kegels anytime and any place by squeezing the PC muscles. Hold for 10 seconds, relax, and do as many reps as you can before tiring.

 

Better Sex Exercise No. 3: Yoga

Want to shake up your sex life with some new positions? Practicing yoga will give you better sex by allowing your body to get into creative positions for maximum pleasure during intercourse. “Yoga will help your flexibility,” which can result in better sex. Some experts say it can also improve your stamina in the sack by drawing your energy in and up. McCall recommends yoga poses that improve pelvic muscles, such as the Bow Pose, Peacock Pose (also called the Forearm or Elbow Balance), and Shoulder Stand.

 

Better Sex Exercise No. 4: Fast Walking

In a study of 31,000 men over age 50, Harvard researchers found that aerobic exercise resulted in a 30-percent lower risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). More specifically, according to another study, aerobic activity that burns at least 200 calories per day (equal to fast walking for two miles) can significantly lower the risk of ED. Brisk walking is thought to help ED by improving circulation and blood flow. “Fast walking, running, and other aerobic activities help your sex life for the same reason that they prevent heart attacks,”. “They keep your blood vessels clear.” The result can be stronger and longer erections. Vigorous activities, such as running and brisk walking, also release endorphins and relax you, which can boost sexual performance.

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Better Sex Exercise No. 5: Swimming

In another Harvard study of 160 male and female swimmers, swimmers in their 60s reported sex lives comparable to those in their 40s. Since sexual activity can be an act of endurance, long-distance swimming can keep you going and going like the Energizer bunny. “Swimming for at least 30 minutes three times a week will increase sexual endurance,”. Swimming is also a great activity for weight loss, which can also lead to better sex. A randomized, single-blind study of 110 obese men with ED found that losing just 10 percent of their body weight improved sexual function in one third of the men. And it’s no secret that losing excess body fat will help attain those six-pack abs and make you more attractive to potential partners. The result: better sex!

Try doing some (or all) of the above workouts to improve your sexual technique, endurance, and flexibility. Your mate will be impressed with your sexual powers and, as a side benefit, you’ll get healthier and fitter along the way.

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HEALTH: Regular Cell Phone Use Can Reduce sperm Count - See How To Protect Yourself

Regular mobile phone use can reduce a man's sperm count by up to 30 per cent, a study shows. Even carrying a handset in a belt or trouser pocket can affect male fertility, it suggests.

 

Experts believe radiation from mobile phones has a dramatic impact on the numbers of sperm, and their swimming ability, both of which are linked to successful conception.

 

A study presented  at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) in Berlin, adds to the health concerns about mobile-phone use.

 

Scientists called the results "interesting" but said the study raised more questions than it answered. Dr Imre Fejes, from the University of Szeged in Hungary, studied 221 men over 13 months and compared the sperm of "very active" mobile users, who carried their handset for most of the day, with those who did not own a phone.

 

Dr Fejes found men who carried a phone on stand-by through the day had significantly lower sperm concentration. Their counts averaged at 59 million sperm per millilitre of seminal fluid compared with 83 million for men not continually exposed to mobile phone radiation.

 

Motility - the power of the sperm to swim - was similarly affected by mobile phone transmissions, the study found. Men who made lengthy calls had fewer rapidly motile sperm, 36.3 per cent compared with 51.3 per cent for men who made no calls.

 

The research is the first to show that male fertility may be damaged by electromagnetic signals from mobile phones. Dr Fejes said: "Prolonged use of cellphones may have a negative effect on spermatogenesis and male fertility that presumably deteriorates both concentration and motility." But he admitted that further studies were necessary to confirm the results.

 

Experts have been unable to make firm conclusions about the safety of mobile phones because study findings have been so contradictory.  

 

Professor Hans Evers, a leading gynaecologist from the Academic Hospital in Maastricht, the Netherlands, questioned whether the results could have been influenced by lifestyle, social background and age. "This research ... raises more questions than it answers," Professor Evers said. "It is an observational as opposed to interventional study which appears not to take into account the many potential confounding factors which could have skewed the results. For example, what if heavy mobile phone users in Hungary have particularly stressful lives and jobs? What if they come from a different age group or social class than the non-users? These factors would have a considerable effect on the outcome of the research."

 

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HEALTH: Latest Information On Energy Boosters

Nowadays there are lots and lots of herbs and other food supplements that claim to boost energy. Some of their marketers who are desperate to sell the products or get you into their network marketing group would even tell you that these supplements would cure any type of disease - arthritis, diabetes, cancer etc

Also soft drinks and so-called energy drinks include these products. Yet there is little or no scientific evidence to support the claims for most of these substances. The fact is, the only thing that’ll reliably boost your energy is caffeine or other stimulant—and their effects wear off within hours.

Here’s a look at some of the substances that are commonly touted as energy boosters.

Chromium picolinate. This trace mineral is widely marketed to build muscle, burn fat, and increase energy and athletic performance, but research has not supported these claims.

Coenzyme Q10. This enzyme is found in mitochondria, the energy factories of our cells. Coenzyme Q10 supplements have been shown to improve exercise capacity in people with heart disease, and may do the same in people with rare diseases that affect the mitochondria. In other cases, the effects are not clear. One small European study suggested that people with chronic fatigue syndrome might benefit from supplementation with coenzyme Q10, but more research is needed.

Creatine. The body makes own creatine; it is largely found in muscle. But it is widely sold as a supplement. There is some evidence that taking creatine can build muscle mass and improve athletic performance requiring short bursts of muscle activity (like sprinting). But there is little evidence it can do the same in older adults, or that it can reduce a feeling of fatigue in anyone.

DHEA. Sometimes marketed as a “fountain of youth,” dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is touted to boost energy as well as prevent cancer, heart disease, and infectious disease, among other things. The truth is that this naturally occurring hormone has no proven benefits and some potentially serious health risks. Some research shows that DHEA can damage the liver. It can also lower levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol. And because this hormone is related to estrogen and testosterone, there is concern that it may increase the risk for breast and prostate cancers. By increasing levels of testosterone, it can also encourage acne and facial hair growth in women. Until further research clarifies the side effects, it’s wise to avoid taking DHEA.

Ephedra. Although ephedra was banned by the FDA in 2004 because of major safety concerns, including increased risk of heart attack and stroke, it remains available for sale on the Internet. Any effectiveness that ephedra may have in terms of boosting energy probably results from two substances it contains—ephedrine and pseudoephedrine—which may increase alertness. There is no safe amount of ephedra you can consume. If you want to boost your energy by stimulating your central nervous system, a cup of coffee or another caffeinated beverage will work just as well.

Ginkgo biloba. Derived from the maidenhair tree, ginkgo biloba has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine and is now a common dietary supplement in Western countries. Its effects on cognition (thinking), mood, alertness, and memory have been the subject of many studies, but many of those studies have not been of high quality. A Cochrane Collaboration review found the evidence was too weak to conclude that ginkgo biloba improved cognition in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Regarding memory in people without dementia, the evidence is contradictory. Some studies suggest that ginkgo biloba may improve some aspects of mood, including alertness and calmness, in healthy subjects. By making you more alert and calm, it may increase your sense of energy.

Ginseng. This relatively safe and popular herb is said to reduce fatigue and enhance stamina and endurance. It is sometimes called an “adaptogen,” meaning it helps the body cope with mental and physical stress and can boost energy without causing a crash the way sugar does. Data from human studies are sparse and conflicting. Some studies report that ginseng improves mood, energy, and physical and intellectual performance. Other research concludes it doesn’t improve oxygen use or aerobic performance, or influence how quickly you bounce back after exercising.

Guarana. This herb induces a feeling of energy because it’s a natural source of caffeine. But consuming a lot of guarana, especially if you also drink coffee and other caffeinated beverages, could ultimately lower your energy by interfering with sleep.

Vitamin B12. Some doctors give injections of vitamin B12 as “energy boosters.” But unless they are given to correct anemia that results from a true deficiency of the vitamin, there is little evidence that vitamin B12 treatments boost energy.

Instead of relying on a supplement for energy, I recommend switching to a healthful diet—more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, lean protein, and unsaturated fats—and exercising more. That’s truly a better way to beat an energy shortage, and it’s one your whole body will appreciate.

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Seven (gentle) Ways To Get A Man Do Anything For You

1.Don’t Fear The Damsel In Distress Act
“Whenever I want a guy to do something, I put the sweet on and act innocent. I’ll do just about everything except bat my eyelashes — but it works! Even though I’m not naïve, I’ll act that way and put a little extra sugar on everything I say and do toward him,” says Erin.
2. Bring Backup
“My boyfriend loves surprises (even though he’d never admit that), so I always come prepared. If I want him to go out with me and my girlfriends one night, or if I want him to help me clean the apartment, I make sure to stop and pick up something that he’ll really love — or something that he’s been hinting that he wants. There’s no arguments, no huffing and puffing — just a little surprise and then he’s in my pocket,” says Lisa, “Seriously, it doesn’t get any easier than that.”
3. Make Him Think The Idea Was His
“My mom let me in on a secret when my husband and I first started dating. She said that the best way to get through anything was to make him think it was his idea. You’ve got to be coy, but whenever I want Jed to do something,” says Hannah, “I make sure he thinks he came up with it — even if he knows he didn’t. The fact that I’m conceding (and letting him think he’s won) is the best way to get through everything.”
4. Go Old School
“Call me crazy, but I just ask nicely — like, really, really nicely. If my guy knows that it’s important to me, I just tell him how important it is and then I promise to make it up to him afterward,” Tara says, “How could a guy say no to that?”
5. Kill ‘Em With Kindness
“Oh,” says Morgan, “I make sure to butter him up well before I ask him to do anything. So it doesn’t look too obvious, I’ll start much earlier in the day and just make him feel really good about himself. Then, when he’s all buttered up, I’ll let him know that we’re going to spend the weekend with my parents! How could a guy get pissed at a girl who’s just spent the whole day giving him what he wants?”
6. Lean In… For A Kiss
“There’s nothing sweeter than a long kiss before asking for something,” Meagan jokes, “It’s kind of my way of saying ‘Yes, I need something from you, but I’m not gonna fight you for it.’ I think a guy can appreciate that — and uh, who doesn’t love a hot, steamy kiss?”
7. Give One, Get One
“I go first,” Brittany says. “I’ll make dinner for my boyfriend and then he’ll take the lead and clean up — without me having to nag. Or I’ll buy him dinner and then the next time we go out for a date, he picks up the check. I think by seeing me take the initiative first, he’s more likely to realize that he wants to do something nice in return. It’s give one, get one, but for relationships, ha!”

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Love Hormone Oxytocin Makes Long-term Lover Look More Attractive

A whiff of oxytocin may help love not fade away. Researchers asked 20 unmarried men in multiyear relationships to rank the attractiveness of pictures of their partner, acquaintances, and strangers. When the men received a nasal spray of oxytocin—which is released by the body during sexual arousal—they rated their partners more highly but not the other women. MRI scans show that after an oxytocin dose, areas of the brain associated with rewards, which also drive drug addiction, were more active when the men saw pictures of their partner, the researchers report online today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The finding could help explain the biological roots of monogamy in humans: Being in a long-term relationship raises a person's oxytocin levels, which in turn increase the psychological reward of spending more time with that person. The cycle, the team concluded, could literally lead to an addiction to one’s lover.

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Comedian Julius Agwu Sues Etisalat For N100M

Comedian Julius Agwu has dragged telecoms giant Etisalat Nigeria to court for blocking his business line. He is demanding for N100million as compensation for jobs lost, contact lost, for the inconveniences, and for being mistreated by Etisalat staff.

Below is a statement from his lawyer, Festus Keyamo:

We are solicitors to Mr. Julius Agwu, one of Nigeria's most sought after entertainers (hereinafter referred to as "our client") and on whose behalf we write.

Our client is the owner of the Etisalat GSM phone number 08189555555, which he uses as his business line. On the 8th of October, 2013, our client travelled out of the country and returned on the 17th of the same month. Upon his return, he tried severally to make calls from the aforestated GSM line but same could not connect. Not only could he not make calls, he also could not receive calls on the said GSM line. This continued for some days until he got a message that his line had been blocked by the network provider.

Sequel to the above message, our client promptly visited your Abuja office at Hilton to report the matter. He was attended to by one Miss Joan, who informed him that somebody swapped his line. After our client successfully answered the security questions put to him, he was informed that his line had been restored, but the credit balance on the line was not returned.

Surprisingly, our client's aforestated line was blocked again after he left your said Abuja office. Once again our client visited your office at the local wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Ikeja, Lagos to lodge a complaint, but painfully, nothing was done about it.

However, after sometime, our client was invited for a meeting at your head office in Lagos on the 14th of November, 2013 which he duly honoured. Present at the meeting (in addition to the officials of your organization) was Mr. Mobolaji Okusaga, the Managing Director of The Quadrant Company, in his capacity as media agents/managers for Etisalat Nigeria.

At the end of the meeting, our client was told for the umpteenth time that they would get back to him, which they again failed to do.

LOSS OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

It cannot be over emphasized that your actions of unlawfully blocking and/or swapping our client's line occasioned loss of business opportunities to him. As you are aware, our client as one of the most sought after Nigerian entertainers needs his phone line to be easily accessible to keep his business going. It therefore goes without saying that our client has lost some business opportunities as a result of your actions.

TAKE NOTICE that we have our client's firm instruction to demand and hereby demand the sum of N100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) as compensation for the loss of business opportunities and the inconvenience caused our client by reason of your unlawful and unjustified blocking and/or swapping of our client's Etisalat GSM phone line.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that in the event that you fail, refuse or neglect to accede to our above stated demand within seven (7) days from the receipt of this letter, we shall be compelled to set in motion against you, all legal machineries necessary to obtain legal remedy for our client.

Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
FESTUS KEYAMO, ESQ.

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