Tuesday 30 April 2013

In a recent interview Moses Obi-Adigwe, the first ever male winner of Etisalat-sponsored Nigerian Idols, spoke about his new found fame and what he hopes to do with his N7.5million prize money.
Excerpts:
Has the win fully sunk in yet?
Not fully. I still wake up and I am like, whose life is this? For a few hours I wake up and it’s like the regular old Moses and then it hits me, dude you just won Nigerian Idol and I cannot believe it but as the days go by, it becomes more real to me
So what has changed?
I get recognized a lot on the streets nowadays. I step out of my house and people just begin to scream, ‘Hey Moses’ and they don’t even call me Moses anymore, they call me the big teddy bear. There is so much love and at times I feel shy but yeah it’s all good.
Are you comfortable with the moniker ”Teddy bear”? Ruben Studdard, the American Idol Teddy bear seems to be forgotten now
I think Reuben is slightly retired from the pop scene but then he is still doing lots of small shows in the U.S. I am not worried about the name, I kind of like it because it is like a personalized brand; Moses the teddy bear and it goes so well with my size. A teddy bear is big, huge, cuddly and you just want to hug him so that helps my image and it sort of goes in line with my character and personality. It works out very well for me.
What is the typical day like for you since the win?
Generally I have interviews, studio sessions, meetings all day long. Sometimes I am out from 9:00am to 10pm but sometimes it is from 12noon to 4pm. I am usually very busy because even if I am not out, I am at home working on my songs and trying to think up new plans and ways to get my career on the fast track. Winning Nigerian Idol was just the beginning, launching my career is the next phase. In this industry it takes a whole lot of work.
Do you fear the curse of the Idol winner and other such talent shows?
 
I don’t think about that because to be honest I am different from every other single person who has ever won anything so I know my case is going to be different and it is going to be awesome. I mean I got kicked off the competition and was brought back and I won! I don’t think that has ever happened so I am definitely not bothered about that but I am also learning from the mistakes of other winners and I am trying to make sure I don’t make the same mistakes they did.
Who is on your playlist now?
My playlist is weird, just a couple of songs I really like. I love Beyonce’s ‘End of time’, Ebisan’s ‘Jowo’. Omawumi’s ‘When the boss is coming to kill the actor’ is so mad, it is on repeat right now. My family is tired of it but I don’t care, I love the album. Ne-yo’s ‘Let me love you’, The Glee cast version of Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aint no way’, Rob Thomas’ ‘This is how a heart breaks.’
Has the prize money been paid?
The money is on it’s way. I am just waiting for a bank alert. I am just waiting for my phone to ring, men enough flexing.
But you have gotten the car right?
Oh yes I have and I have been flexing it. And you know what, the car draws more attention because people see it, they look for me and then the screaming begins. I could move around in a plain car and no one would know it is me but in the Idol car, there is little chance of that. All eyes are on me but it has been an awesome experience so far.
You sound like you are already tired of being recognized.
No! I love every second of it because it is like every single person that recognizes me is an extra validation of my dreams and what I want to achieve in life because you have to be known in other to influence people’s lives and that is what I want to do with my music. So I am happy to be recognized.
Do you have a plan for protecting yourself and your winnings from people that might want to take advantage?
I already have a plan or plans for my money so anybody that comes up to me to say, do this, do that is kind of wasting their time because the money has already been spent. The trick is not spending everything and making sure you are spending on the right things and I am not really a big spender so it works out well for me.
You live in Abuja?
Yes, I do. But I am relocating to Lagos because that is where to be and where it all starts out so I have no choice really.
Source: Daily Post
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Meet some of your most eligible single stars with sizeable bank accounts, good looks and credible star status that could be your lucky spouse. If only wishes were horses.

 
Don Jazzy

All Nigerian girls of marriageable age are committing a crime against humanity for keeping this man single because there is no sane reason why he is. If his high voltage talent as a super producer doesn’t sweep you off your feet or his robust bank account isn’t turning the butterflies in your tummies, shouldn’t one of you girl at least be curious to find out what’s hiding behind his oversized Ankara Pants.

Agbani Darego

Taking the world by storm in 2001 at age 19, this Amazonian goddess made history of being the first African of color to wear the crown as Miss World. A mega successful career in modeling, a degree in Psychology from NYU, 12 years later she remains on the market as one of the most beautiful women in the world.

Ebuka Uchendu

Coming under mainstream recognition in 2006 during his participation in the Big Brother Nigeria reality show, Ebuka has since become a ladies man owing to his charming disposition and darling eloquence. Socially active, Ebuka’s charismatic styling can be caught on twitter, his columns on blogs and print publications as well on red carpets and TV gigs.

Genevieve Nnaji

Julia Roberts of Africa! Yes you read that right. Arguably the best actress in modern Nigeria, this Nollywood diva has become synonymous to the biggest film industry in Africa. Endorsement deals [she’s the brand ambassador for Range Rover Evoque in Nigeria] and catalogs of box-office breaking movies later [Ije, Tango with me and Dr Bello], her acting chops has not just garnered her worldwide fan base and acclaim, but made her the darling of both men and womenfolk as a lover of choice.

Bryan Okwara

First ever Mr Nigeria now turned supermodel, this man is an Adonis in every sense of the word. Pretty and manly, even with his signature ‘fro, he oozes sex appeal whenever he turns up be it on the pages of glossy magazines or red carpet and even in real life. Little wonder the ladies can hardly get enough of him

Linda Ikeji

Gossip Blogger extraordinaire, this woman has single handedly turned the grimy business of amebo pundit into a lucrative enterprise. And FYI she just purchased an Infinity Jeep. Pretty and rich, cougar hunters and bachelors, do yourselves a favor and hook up with her fast.

MI Abaga

This rap genius makes up for what he lacks in height in verbal dexterity. Listen to an MI track and you’re bound to be smitten by his poetic ability to turn random rap lyrics into masterpieces. With countless accolades locally and internationally on his sleeves, the aptly named Mr Incredible is a single force to reckon with in the rap game in Nigeria. He may have asked former Miss World to be his Val in a recent open letter, that shouldn’t hold you back from appreciating this petite glass of chocolate milk.

Eku Edewor

Host, Model, Actress and pop culture fodder are few of the many credentials of this sex siren. Constantly evolving in her field of work and fashion styling, the Studio 53 Extra lady transcends every sphere of the entertainment industry. With a drop-dead gorgeous doll face and svelte physique, she is the poster woman for the model-esque spinster.

Tolu Ogunlesi

Pharmacist turned journalist, Tolu is few of his ilk who have successfully crossed the sciences to arts barrier. With a ‘CNN award for journalists’ gathering dust on his shelf and countless socially witty columns on blogs and newspapers, Tolu is an ideal man’s man. Why you ladies still let him run free a single man defies all logical rationalization.

Omowunmi Akinnifesi

Since winning the Miss Nigeria pageant in 2005, Omowunmi remains a household name in social circles as an epitome of class and fashion icon of sorts due to her poise and scene-stealing sense of style. Currently pursuing a second degree in King’s College England, this ex-beauty queen is a sheer testament to girl power.
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Since the announcement of a N3billion Nollywood grant by President Goodluck Jonathan, Nollywood has not known peace again. This is because the President's largesse has torn the industry apart. 

While some badly need the money for their selfish and personal use, others need the money to judiciously use in taking Nollywood to the next level. 

On Saturday, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and her counterpart in the Culture Ministry, Edem Duke, were in Lagos to mediate on ways to disburse the grant. 

Trouble started between Jide Kosoko, erstwhile president of Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) and Victor Ashaolu, who is still in court over the association presidency with Dele Odule, when Ashaolu sent a BlackBerry broadcast alleging that Jide Kosoko was not allowed in the meeting because he (Ashaolu) was the only recognised ANTP leader.

In a counter-attack, some youths in support of Jide Kosoko dispelled Ashaolu's claim saying Jide Kosoko is still their leader because Ashaolu's matter has not yet been decided in court. 

It was reliably gathered that Jide Kosoko was allowed in the meeting based on self recognition by the Minister.

The two leaders have become 'cat and rat' over the presidency of ANTP.
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The Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, born actor who narrated his ordeal in tears to The Nigerian Compass on Sunday, recently said he is bitter with his colleagues though he prayed God to touch their lives. He revealed how everyone including some of the young actors and actress he mentored in the industry abandoned him since the stroke he suffered. 

The actor who spoke to The Nigerian Compass on Sunday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, where he is recuperating also expressed his disappointment with Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Richard Mofe Damijo (a.k.a. RMD), a close friend of his, whom he claimed suddenly ignored him.

"This man Richard, I remember we did a lot of things together before now. That is the world for you. In fact, he organised and hosted me when I visited Asaba, when I was healthy. He promised this and that, but the moment I had this problem, he started dodging me. 

I remember one day that I managed to get to his office in Asaba to seek his assistance. Upon seeing me, approaching from afar he told his personal assistants to tell me that he was not around. But he did not know that I saw him from a very far place. 

That is human being for you. For me, this stroke has thought me a lesson and I have learnt not to put my trust in any man as my bible tells me.
"Up till now, many of them believed I would die."

Bruno said that since his travails started, he has not received a common phone call from any of his former colleagues in Nollywood "not to talk of assistance." He said that many rather prefer to hear his obituary or any other bad news as they have even started spreading rumour that he is dead.

"I had a stroke and that was the end of it. I was unconscious, and if you are unconscious you are dead. It was when I opened my eyes that I realised that I was in a church here in Delta State. I don't even know when they brought me down to this place. When I opened my eyes, I was so hungry. 

I had not eaten for along time. All I could remember was that I was in admission for a long time before they took me to a church where God healed me.

"Again, all I can say now is "Thank my God that I am alive. I have also given my life to Jesus Christ as you can see that I am now a Pastor," Bruno said.

He said that when he would not recall exactly when he was hit by the strange illness as one of the effect of stroke is one that makes one to forget his past.

"If I tell you that this was the particular day I had this stroke then I did not have stroke. Up till now, I am still trying to find out how this stroke hit me and how they brought me here in Asaba. Because when you are hit with stroke you will even forget your own name. I forgot my name. 

In fact, I never knew I still exist. Up to the time they took me to the bible school I never knew. That is stroke for you. I pray that no man experiences it. I am happy, T getting better. God is in control. And I will not give glory to any man but God who has healed me."

Though sidelined from for the past one year, the popular actor also thanked God that the stroke did not that sniff life out of him. He noted that the journey of his life in the past one year has been an uncharted script that has taken him from the throes of death to the land of the living.

"Let me tell you the truth, after I had this stroke I did not know how I was looking. That is why I am not happy with this so-called people you call my colleagues. But I forgive all of them because God has transformed my life. Do you know that some of them that I had hoped on have not even made any effort to assist me and 1 believe that they are all aware of my present condition? I remember there were some of them I met recently. Do you know that when they saw me they were surprise because of the way they were looking, at me? They made me look like a Methuselah. They never recognised me because my face was not looking good."

Bruno who has featured in numerous movies and television productions again thanked God for being there for him since the illness. He said it pained him that he committed all his talent to making Nollywood a big industry and putting smiles on the faces or Nigerians only for his colleagues to forget him at adiretime.

On whether other interests apart from Nollywood has made any effort to assist him, he hinted that government is yet to come to his assistance.

"I went to speak with my state governor and 1 believe he is a wonderful man. He has a great passion for all Deltans. But I am still trying my best to see how I could reach Governor Uduaghan, which has not been possible. I believe that if l can have access to him, he will assist me. Since this thing happened there has been no single actor that called me to ask about my condition. It is a shame to them.

"Would they say they don't know that 1 have been down in the last one year? I am saying this because I know what I did for many of them. I now feel that the industry is full of ungrateful people."

Bruno said he now feels that many of his colleagues are empty because they have denied themselves the opportunity of showing compassion to their fellow human beings during trying periods. He reasoned that what is to blame is the limit of their understanding of the power of empathy.

"I actually do not think it is now necessary to have any bad feeling against any of them because many of them, especially, the young actors think that money is everything. But that is hypocrisy. When one is sick, then he knows who is his or her friend. I thank God that he has not ignored me. God has showered his blessings on me and that is why I am happy," he said.

Culled from Sunday Compass Newspaper.
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Latest information coming in from Nigeria indicates that the Ghanaian delegation of actors, producers and filmmakers who attended the ninth edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in Nigerian over the weekend was completely ignored, snubbed and left high and dry by the organisers.

Though the Ghanaian delegation was officially invited to the event, and the members were assured that they would be chauffeured from the hotel to the red-carpet opening ceremony, which was to start at exactly 5:00 p.m last Saturday, no vehicle came for the group until it eventually had to plead with Yvonne Okoro to use her Nigerian 'connection' to arrange a vehicle.

Again, when the Ghanaian delegation, including actor Kofi Adjorlolo, Eddie Nartey, Prince David Osei, Yvonne Okoro and several others entered the auditorium, they were shocked to realize that no seating arrangement had been made for them.

"I was invited as a special guest and was told that I would be presenting an award, but when we got there, the organizers could not get us seats. They packed us together and made us perch behind the bandsmen and their instruments.

"We protested that we are distinguished invited guests from Ghana and that we deserve to sit at the front row but not behind bandsmen. Eventually, they found us seats at the front, but that also came with its own drama. It was as if we were not even in the room because our presence was not acknowledged, and not even Yvonne Okoro, who was competing for an award had her presence acknowledged.

We just sat there like some gate-crashers and I was not even called to present the award for which I flew all the way to Nigeria," actor Prince David Osei confirmed in a telephone interview last Sunday.

Interestingly, reports from Nigeria said the Ghanaians were the most cheered on the red carpet, but the treatment they received from the organizers was the exact opposite. Previous AMAA editions have not been so as delegations from all the participating countries were treated like stars and their presence acknowledged at the event.
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I've received different messages on this controversial issue in the past but I ignored them because too many names were mentioned and most of them are popular people that you would expect wont do such. However, the matter was brought to the fore again recently.

As soon as news broke that Actress Stella Damasus got married to Deniel Ademinokan outside the shores of Nigeria, the matter surfaced again. But this time from insiders also...

The gist at the disposal of Olufamous is too dirty so we'll try to "refine" it and just take only the side of relatives of the late Jaiye Aboderin. Our source said it is strongly believed that Stella was cheating on him with "some actors" and that a member of the family even "saw" something. This, it is alleged, contributed to the heart problem that killed her first husband.

But how true are these allegations?
Late Jaiye Aboderin's elder sister, Wunmi Obe dropped a bombshell as soon as she heard that Stella has snatched Doris Simeon's husband. See her tweet below and try to read between the lines:
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Kim Kardashian wants her friends to know ... SHE DOESN'T NEED YOUR BABY GIFTS ... but there's a hospital in Chicago that sure does. 

TMZ has learned ... Kim and her baby daddyKanye West want to make it clear to family, friends and fans there's NO baby registry -- despite the slew of fakes popping up on the Internet -- and they don't want any presents. 

Instead, the couple is asking all well-wishers to cut a check to the Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, where Kanye grew up. 

We all know Kanye and Kim have a TON of rich friends -- hopefully, they'll actually follow directions.
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The NBA legend and Charlotte Bobcats owner, Micheal Jordan, has gotten married. Difference is, he has done it once before. Micheal Jordan was divorced from former wife of 17 years and mother of his three children in 2006.
Micheal Jordan and his 35 year old former model girlfriend, Yvette Prieto got engaged last December and married over the weekend in Palm Beach, Florida in front of a few hundred of  friends and family.
The reception followed at  luxurious private golf course close to Jordan’s home. Entertainment included Robin Thicke and Grammy-Award winner Usher and The Source, an 18 piece band.
Congratulations to the happy couple.
michael-jordan-wedding-photos
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Vimbai Mutinhiri, born and raised in Zimbabwe, a graduate of politics, philosophy and economics, was one of the housemates on the 6th edition of the Big Brother Africa game-show in 2011, which had Karen Igho as winner. Recently, the pretty entertainer copped a job as co-host of the 1st edition of Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, alongside IK Osakioduwa, in Lagos, Nigeria.
In this interview she expressed her thoughts about Nigeria and a couple of projects to be expected from her soon.
How would you describe yourself as a person and not the public figure?
Well, I am a very quiet and reserved person. I spend a lot of time at home with my DVDs and I’m crazy about good jazz music. I’m simple, loving, never take any moment for granted and always give everything my best.
What was life before Big Brother Africa (BBA) 6 like?
Life before Big Brother Africa was normal, I guess. I had just graduated from the university, started modelling and was trying to carve out a career in entertainment for myself before the opportunity came. I was just a normal young lady with big dreams.
What were your experiences in the BBA house?
Experiences in the Big Brother Africa House changed my life in so many ways. It was a unique experience living with people from different parts of the continent. I met new people, learnt new cultures, but most importantly I learnt a lot about myself. Basically, I could say I found myself, because there was so much pressure making it necessary that you defined yourself, in order to be noticed in the crowd.
Photo - Why I Love Nigerian Men – Ex-BBA Star, Vimbai Mutinhiri
How did you come about the AMVCA job and what was your reaction on getting it?
Honestly, I just received an email one day telling me that I had been chosen to host the event with IK. It was just before my birthday, so it was the perfect birthday present, and a wonderful blessing. I remained surprised until the very moment the show started.
What was it like co-hosting the AMVCAs with IK Osakioduwa?
It was a great because IK is so experienced in the industry, making it a great challenge to step up to his level and complement him on the stage. I learned a lot and I grew so much and he made that happen by making it easy and fun to handle. I’m glad I got to share the experience with him.
What are your views on Nigeria as a country and its citizens?

Nigeria is one of the warmest nations I have ever visited in my life. The people are unique and I love their strong personalities. With every visit to Nigeria, I learn why Nigerians are some of the most successful people in the world.
What do you love most about Nigeria?
I thoroughly enjoy the Lagos nightlife, and of course the delicious food. I love suya and some great seafood dishes also.
Would you marry a Nigerian, if possible?
Certainly, Nigerian men are fine gentlemen.
Are you in any intimate relationship currently?
No, I am currently single.
Describe your dream man?
My dream man is caring, loving, patient with me even when I get dramatic and hyperactive. He should be able to encourage me when I am down and inspire me to grow. My dream man is the man who will always bring out the best in me and spoil me rotten, of course.
How do you balance relationship and work?
I think that everything has its season. When I step into a relationship, my man will respect the demands of the industry that I have chosen. Of course, a successful relationship is built on support and compromise, so I will always make sure that my man has his rightful place in my life.
Do you have religious backing in your career?
Nothing is possible without the hand of the almighty, so I commit every single thing in my life to him every morning when I open my eyes. I believe that I have only travelled this far in my career because God’s grace and favour are over me. Without his hand, I would be nothing and nobody.
Give me an inspirational quote that appeals to you and tell me why?
His grace is enough for me. That appeals to me the most because it is the testimony of my life.
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President Goodluck Jonathan’s penchant for foreign media has fetched him criticism, with citizens often bashing him for what they consider his unpresidential poise and bad grammar.
Only 4 out of 10 Nigerians approved of Mr Jonathan’s performance.
Fresh from the whopping 8-point drop in March, President Goodluck Jonathan’s approval rating continues to take a bloody nose according to the NOI Polls for April released on Tuesday.
The President’s rating dropped by 4 points in April to an all time low approval rating of 42 per cent since NOI started conducting the polls 4 months ago. A further breakdown of the result shows only 4 out of 10 Nigerians approved of Mr. Jonathan’s performance.
The poll, aimed at gauging “approval rating of the president, the performance of the current administration, and the situation of power supply in the country,” shows more Nigerians are getting frustrated and are beginning to lose faith in the government.
The poll also shows that despite government’s claim of improved power supply most Nigerians think it has become worst. Over 68 per cent of respondents say power has either gotten worse or has not improved. Last Sunday, media aide to the President, Doyin Okupe, said that the Jonathan- administration has almost resolved all the problems it inherited in the power sector, adding power generation will hit 10,000 megawatts by December.
Rated highly in South South
Also, a geo-political analysis of the poll result show the president has drastically lost ground when compared with the 2011 election results. The poll shows that the president’s best approval rating is from the South South geopolitical zone with 59 per cent approval rating. This is not entirely surprising as the President is from the South South zone. However, when compared with the election result from the same zone two years ago, this rating becomes less cheering. According to the election result, the President won 95.97 per cent in the zone. The NOI poll show the president has lost over 36 points in his approval rating since the election.
The story is not different in South East zone. The president received the highest number of votes from this region (98 per cent) during the election. However, the NOI poll shows he now has 58 per cent approval rating from the zone. This is a 40 points drop since after the election.
According to NOI polls, the President approval rating in the South West zone is 29 per cent. When compared to his rating during the election where he won 57.80 per cent of the votes, this is more than 28 per cent drop in his approval rating.
The President has the lowest rating in the North Central region with an abysmal 23 per cent approval rating.
The poll did not give the breakdown of Mr Jonathan’s approval rating in the North West and North East region although it is difficult to expect that his rating will be any better in these regions.
During the 2011 election when he was winning by a landslide in other regions, he recorded his lowest votes in these regions (North West 32.13 per cent; North East 34.54 per cent). With the administration’s poor handling of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East and his increasing unpopularity in the Northern region, generally, one can only expect his approval ratings in these regions to be more abysmal.
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The buzz about Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw and her better half of 12 years, Roderick James Nuttal’s crashed marriage may have come and gone but one thing that is still shrouded in secrecy is the real reason behind the unexpected separation from one of the then best couples in the entertainment industry.

It would be recalled that there were serious of tales that trailed the breakup and one of them was that her hubby who’s the Managing Director of Ledrop Nigeria Ltd (agents for Jack Daniels and Piper Hiedsieck) was romancing his secretary whose name was unknown, hence our curiosity to get to the root of the story.

This office after several investigations discovered that the said secretary is the main architect of the crashed union. Her name, we can exclusively disclose is Angela Gordon a twenty four years old pretty lady from the South South part of the country. Angela according to our source is a staff at Mr. Nuttal’s company located at Ligali Ayorinde, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The duo according to the story kicked off a secret romance which was fueled by Angela’s mum three years ago while kate’s marriage with her husband was still intact until the actress got wind of their affair.

The news of the romance we reliably learnt was brought to Kate’s notice by one of the aggrieved staff of her husband when it was obvious Angela was towing the part of a second wife. The revelation we learnt resulted to a surprise visit to her hubby’s office. “Aunty Kate stormed her husband’s office on this fateful evening unannounced and was shocked to find her husband with Angela in an uncompromising position”, “and I also learnt that she had initially lied that she was on a movie set in Lekki before paying the unwelcomed visit that ended their union”, the source revealed.

We further squealed that serious argument ensued between the two ladies and Mr. Nuttal we learnt had to confirm his affair with his secretary to his wife who became perplexed immediately. Our grapevine also added that the height of it was when Kate’s hubby gave her an option of either accepting things as it were or bow out of the marriage if she can’t stand his relationship with Angela.

The outcome of the storm however was the official statement from the estranged couple months later announcing their separation without any concrete reason when it was obvious the marriage could not go on.

Angela now cruises a black Range Rover Sport and lives in a cozy 3-bedroom apartment around Lekki phase 1 courtesy of her white lover. The new madam of the house as she’s popularly called by friends also allegedly miscarried a baby for Nuttal around late last year 2012 while the duo is also said to be flaunting their romance since the couple went their separate ways with Angela’s mum being her backbone.

In our facts finding mission, this office got in touch with Kate Henshaw who told us to feel free to ask her any question, she however denied the angle of the secretary, “No, that’s not the fact, Mr. Nuttal’s secretary is Yetunde and she has nothing to do with this, but for Angela, I don’t have much to say on this but I know her, she’s one of the Sales girls, so thanks for getting in touch all the same”, she ended in a final tone. Efforts to speak to Mr. Nuttal proved abortive as at press time. We shall be bringing her pictures in our next edition as we unfold more facts of the romance.

@National Enquirer Magazine 
Click for Full Image Size
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Police Arrest Cow Over Murder

The police at Sango Ota, Ogun State, southwest Nigeria, have arrested a cow following the killing of a 24-year old teenager identified as Azeez Salako at Ilata area of Ota, a suburb of Ogun State.
P.M.NEWS gathered that youths in Ilata Ota were planning to hold a carnival on Saturday 27 April, 2013 and there was an argument between some of the youths which led to a fight and one of the boys identified as Dayo broke a bottle which he used to stab Salako in the neck and he bled to death.
When the police arrived at the scene of the fracas everyone had fled leaving behind the cow bought for slaughter during the carnival and the police arrested the cow and took it to the station where it is currently being detained.
When P.M.NEWS visited Sango Area Command where the incident was reported, both the Area Commander ACP Titi Kayode and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Sango Division CSP Dibie were not available for comment.
However, a source at the station who confirmed the incident on condition of anonymity said the suspected killer is on the run as no arrest has been made.
“Both the Area Commander and the DPO are not around now. We are still investigating the matter as no arrest has been made. The person who was alleged to have stabbed the deceased is on the run. It is only the cow the youths wanted to use for the carnival that was brought from the scene,” said the source.
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Experts say four children: Tochukwu, 14, Ifeanyichukwu, 11, Vivian and Marvelous, born by the same parents, Mr. and Mrs. Zebulun Onyia-Eburuo, may not live long because of a genetic condition inherited from their parents, known as muscular dystrophy.
Diagnosis reveal that the type, afflicting the children, is Duchane muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy has several types, depending on the part of the body under siege.
The condition has no cure while research shows that sufferers die before they attain the age of 19 or 20 years. The very lucky ones may live up to 30 years.
Due to wrong diagnosis, few cases have officially been reported in Nigeria. However, the condition is a rare disease.
Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon, National Orthupaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, Dr. Babalola Olatunji, speaking on the prevalence rate of the disease, said, "We have to appreciate the fact that one out of 3,500 live births usually has it. But, remember it is more commom for male population. We’re talking about one out of 3,500 male birth. For female-births, you multiply that by two, that’s about one in 7,000 live births.
"These are the characteristics: by five years, it starts manifesting, ten years later they’re found on wheelchairs. By 30 years, most of them are gone, that’s Duchane muscular dystrophy. It is more severe.
"Muscular dystrophy is a group of muscle diseases that weaken the musculoskeletal system and hamper locomotion. Muscular dystrophies are characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in muscle proteins, and the death of muscle cells and tissues.
"The signs and symptoms are progressive muscular wasting, poor balance, drooping eyelids, atrophy, scoliosis (curvature of the spine and the back), inability to walk, frequent falls, waddling gait, calf deformation, limited range of movement, respiratory difficulty, joint contractures."
According to experts, there is no known cure for muscular dystrophy. 
Narrating the story of his life, Onyia-Eburuo who is a painter by profession, told Daily Sun how his marriage produced five children, four males and a female. Of these, only the eldest, Prince enjoys good health. “We got married in 1992. In 1993, we had our first child, a boy, who is now 19. The youngest among them is eight years. With the exception of the oldest, all my four children are suffering from muscular dystrophy. Recalling how the children’s ill-health started, he said they were born perfectly normal and were attending schools when all of a sudden, the condition began to manifest in his second son, Tochukwu in 2006.
"So we started treating him, carrying him up and down; here and there, from one hospital to another without getting any result. After sometime, we started noticing the problem in the other children. And began taking them to hospitals. We went to Isolo General Hospital,Lagos, then, to National Orthopaedic Hospital,Igbobi,Lagos and Lagos University Teaching Hospital(LUTH) without getting any solution because the disease has no cure.
"We consulted some religious and spiritual homes for help. We also tried alternative therapy. At some point, we started going to churches and so on. Till date, there was no solution. Instead, their conditions just got worse, deteriorating by the minute."
He continued: “We have also tried the native way. When tribulations like this come, no parent would just sit, fold his hands and watch his child die just like that. Not even where it affects just a child, let alone my case, it is not just one, not even two, nor three, but, four of my children being diagnosed of this same ailment. Somebody was treating them with herbs.Initially, he thought it was stroke. So he was giving them herbal treatment meant for stroke. But he later told us it was not stroke and stopped the treatment."
The traumatised father said, "Initially, I did not understand what they said it is. According to the doctors and surgeons, they called it Duchane muscular dystrophy and said the thing is destroying their muscles. If you see them now, they cannot lift their hands and legs. So, it has become practically impossible for any four of them to lift himself or herself up. So they just sit or lie at a spot."
Onyia-Eburuo said his children’s failing health has at the moment, stalled their education. "As their muscles get eaten up by this disorder, within a short time, they are not able to do anything by themselves because they can’t even lift an arm let alone their bodies. So, they have all stopped going to school. The four of them are at home, always sitting or just lying down at a place.
"Initially, we were forcing them to go to school. But as their conditions got worse that they could not get up by themselves, we had to let them be. This is because we have to carry them to the toilet to urinate or defaecate whenever any of them wants to. And the terrible thing about it all is that you have to be there to hold them so they won’t fall off the water closet. We brush their teeth, bathe and feed them, put on their clothes, even fetch water and help them drink the water.
He explained that despite all hospital visitations, the children have not received any form of treatment. Reason is that there is no known cure for Duchene muscular dystrophy.
"Infact, there has never been any good treatment since 2006 we first noticed this problem in Tochukwu. What we have been asked to do is run one test or the other. No form of drug whatsoever has been prescribed for them. I just can’t understand. It’s been test, test and tests. We go for one, they suggest another and nothing is done. When the doctors find out they cannot be of any help to us, they refer us to another hospital. The hospital will again, recommend other tests which we also went for. Yet, the story remains the same.
"It was in our search for a hospital, where perhaps, they can even give us something to straighten their bodies that we then went to private hospital which was our last point of call. This was after we’d gone to Isolo General Hospital, then Igbobi and LUTH and nothing came out of these visits. At Igbobi, sometimes, they asked them to do exercise which was absolutely difficult for them to do. That was the only therapy they were giving to them. No drug has ever been administered to them.
Asked if any form of corrective surgery has been recommended, he said none has been suggested, adding that, "if any hospital exists anywhere in Nigeria or overseas, that is capable of providing cure for my children, I have no idea."
Speaking on family history, Onyia-Eburue dismissed any trace of the disease in both families joined by marriage. His words: "There’s no history of such in my family. And none in my wife’s family, the sickness does not run in the two families."
Available research indicates that affected victims die by their 19th or 20th birthday or before they turn 30.
Naturally, this couple presently are overwhelmed by the thought of losing four of their children. Eburuo’s worries are not all about his children’s health challenges. He narrated that the suggestions proffered by people around him left him more worried.
"The terrible state my children are in now has scared away all our friends and relatives. Even as science has identified what their problem is, many people find it difficult to accept why or how the four of them could be affected. And because of the plight my wife and I have been going through and the untold difficulty we have been through, a lot of them have suggested that we feed then with poison and let them go."
According to him, his father and mother died at age 90 and 133 years respectively. "The same also applies to my uncles. They all died in good old ages. As for my wife, her mother is still living but her father is late. He also died at a very ripe age of 90 or 90 plus. We never experienced something like this. It is completely strange."
Since it is established that children affected by this condition usually die before age 20, you then begin to wonder aloud and feel the pulse of Mr. and Mrs. Onyia-Eburuo, if a time comes, and death begins to pick, one after another, these four precious lives.
The helpless father said, "When that happens," even though he shivers at the mere thought of it, "I will only take solace in the fact that God’s Will reigns supreme.
"I don’t have any choice but to accept it as my fate. I don’t have any option. I can’t fight God. This is why we have come to call on the medical world, physicians and researchers to rally to our aid and see what could be done to avert this imminent terror. Because it’s going to be terrifying and heart-rending for any couple to watch helplessly and their four children die just like that."
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