The national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, has ruled out automatic ticket for any of the party’s aspirants ahead of the 2011 polls, including its governors.

Nwodo spoke yesterday in reaction to reports that the PDP had granted automatic nomination to second term seeking governors as part of the deal brokered with President  Goodluck Jonathan that earned him (president) their endorsement for next year’s presidential race.

‘No room  for automatic ticket’

Dismissing the reports that the governors of the PDP had secured automatic nomination for the 2011 polls, Nwodo, who, yesterday, told all the party’s aspirants to get for the ‘’fight’‘, said, ‘’For the avoidance of doubts, all positions in the 2011 primaries are open to all members who have signified their interests to contest. Our guidelines are very clear that all positions shall be contested for. There is therefore no room for imposition of candidates under whatever guise.’‘

In a statement signed  by the PDP national publicity secretary, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali, the PDP leadership said, ‘’We wish to reiterate here that the NWC is committed to the provision of a level playing field for all aspirants at all levels in our primaries.

‘’The aspirations of thousands of our party faithful  who purchased forms to contest for offices on our platform cannot be truncated by fiat especially under the ongoing reforms in our party.’‘

The PDP national chairman, who noted that the party was disturbed by the reports  that some  aspirants will get automatic tickets to contest  the 2011 general elections,  accused the party’s enemies as the brains behind what he termed confusing reports.

Battle for guber tickets

The 215 aspirants jostling for the PDP tickets and the party’s governors gunning for second term are due to be screened at  the PDP zonal secretariats nationwide on December 21 and 22 while the special congresses and runoffs (if any) to elect the party’s gubernatorial candidates hold on January 9, 2011.

Going by the list of aspirants already submitted by the PDP state headquarters to the national secretariat in Abuja for screening, only Governors Gabriel Suswan of Benue State, Chief Martins Elechi of Ebonyi State, Alhaji Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State and Senator Liyel Imoke of Cross River State are not being challenged for the party’s gubernatorial ticket.

Others are Chief Christopher Alao-Akala of Oyo, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi of Zamfara and Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu Magatakarda of Sokoto.

Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva has the highest number of challengers, 10, followed by Admiral Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), 9; David Jonah Jang (Plateau), and Chief Ikedi Ohakim (Imo) 4.

Governors Patrick Yakowa (Kaduna) and Danbaba Suntai (Taraba) have three challengers each.
Others are Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Aliyu Akwe Doma (Nasarawa), Hon. Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), each with two challenges.

Governors Theodore Orji, (Abia), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and Sullivan Chime (Enugu) have one challenger each.

Come Saturday 18th Dec at the MotherLand, Ikeja, Lagos, entertainment pundits,
buffs, stars, fans and lovers of good music gather together in what has been described as the most vibrant  musical event to hit the Lagos state Capital.

It is the 4th Edition of the Ikeja Allstarz concert,  an annual musical event put together by 411 Entertainment company in an effort to celebrate excelling musical icons in Ikeja.

The event provides a platform for artistes in and outside the area to showcase and share their works with fans as well as network with colleagues, media practitioners and corporate Nigeria

The Event features a small media parley,  blue carpet parade and live musical concert. This year’s editiion features over 50 artistes on stage with Mo Cheddah, Jaywon, Skuki, Samklef, D’prince, Kas, Terry the Rapman, Kefee, Seriki, Danny Young, Yung6ix, and Goldie as major headliners.

With Deejay Humility on the wheels of steels, the show promises all the trappings of a world class show.  Major Nollywood personalities are also expected to make guest appearances.

THE age long feud and bitterness between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade and Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola  Adeyemi, ended, on Friday, in Offa as the two prominent Yoruba  monarchs openly embraced eachother.

The historic reconciliation of the two renowned royal  fathers occurred at the coronation of the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Ilufemiloye Esuwoye 11, at the newly constructed palace of the new monarch in  Offa.

Oba Adeyemi arrived the ceremony at 1.20 p.m.  and moved  upstairs where other royal fathers were then quickly moved to the seat where Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade was sitting down and  moved towards him to embrace Sijuwade.
It was at this point that the Ooni rose from his seat  and embraced the Alaafin.

The feud between the two monarchs had started in old Oyo State over the chairmanship of the then state Council of Obas and Chiefs which polarized the council .

The creation of Osun State in 1992 by former President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida apparently mitigated the crisis as the two royal fathers had the chance of heading the traditional councils of their respective states. Since then, the two royal fathers have not had the opportunity of meeting until Friday in Offa..

The event attracted some royal fathers across the country including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar 111, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Etsu of Nupe, Emir of Suleja, Emir of Shonga, Olomu of OmuAran and Alajasepo of Ajasepo.

THE Niger-Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, led by wanted ex-militant leader, “General” John Togo, weekend, simultaneously bombed the Alero and Abiteye flow stations as well as Dibi oil fields, belonging to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company, NAOC, and Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL.

The group, in an electronic mail statement by its spokesman, “Captain” Mark Anthony, entitled, “Oil war: Why we carried out simultaneous bombing of oil locations in Delta”, gave three reasons for its action, among which are the refusal of the Federal Government to convene a post_amnesty conference and the continued siege on Ayakoromor and other riverside communities by the Joint Task Force, JTF, on the Niger_Delta.

The statement reads, in part, “ In further protest against Federal Government’s refusal to convene the post amnesty conference to enable NDLF to go into negotiation by not withdrawing troops in Ayakoromor community and environs, thereby allowing the survivors of the genocide in the innocent Ijaw community to return home to start a fresh beginning; NDLF has carried out bombings of three oil flow stations in Delta State to draw government attention to the plight of the suffering people of Ayakoromor and environs.

“This fresh bombing was carried out Friday 17th December 2010 between 3.13pm, 3.30pm and 4;00pm in Alero flow station, Abiteye flow station and Dibi oil field respectively, belonging to AGIP and Chevron multinationals in Delta State from the ISRAEL BARRACKS through DCP/GPRS wireless  bombing remote operation.

“NDLF leader readiness to surrender arms after a sincere dialogue with the JTF boss on phone was kicked aside by other top presidential security advisers to Mr. President and this is where we have come as all effort to a dialogue failed.

“NDLF effort to come out from the creeks and surrender arms was thwarted with federal troops barricading all routes and we cannot come through the lion’s mouth in the name of surrendering to risk our lives. So, if government is sincere for a dialogue, it should withdraw the soldiers around Ayakoromor and environs and NDLF will faithfully comply with its earlier promises of disarmament for peace to reign”, the group stated.

The militant group said the only way President Goodluck Jonathan would save the nation’s economy and human lives was by “immediately withdrawing the soldiers stationed in sacked Ayakoromor communities and environs in Burutu and Bomadi local government areas to enable the displaced people return home to start a new beginning after JTF massacre and burning of houses”.

President Goodluck Jonathan wants God to take control of the 2011 polls as he pleaded with Christians to pray for the peaceful conduct of the elections.

Addressing a mammoth crowd of worshippers at the grand finale of the Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God on Friday night, Jonathan said that he accompanied the late President Umaru Yar’Adua to see the General Overseer of the Church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye just before the 2007  elections.

According to him, “Pastor Adeboye prayed for us and all the things he told us then had come to pass. I thank God for using Pastor Adeboye to solve the problems of Nigeria.”

The president, who was accompanied by a handful of his cabinet members, took the microphone at about11:55 p.m., immediately appreciated the efforts of  Christians in praying for the peace of the nation.

He  used the platform to call on Nigerians for more prayers for the peaceful conduct of next year’s general elections, stressing that Nigerians should pray extensively for God’s own leader to emerge and not those who will impose themselves on the nation.

Jonathan, who likened himself to the Biblical David who became king of Israel from obscurity without any form of struggle, acknowledged the finger of God in all that he had accomplished thus far, vowing therefore that he won’t do anything outside the will of God.

“I never expected and never struggled for the position of presidency, but God, in His infinite mercy, made me the deputy governor to governor, vice president and eventfully a president. It is not my efforts but that of God. Therefore, anything I need to do, I do it in the fear of God.”

He therefore urged Christians to continue to partner with the government because “your constant prayers have been the sustaining power behind the modest achievements we have made thus far.’‘

Continuing, Jonathan said Nigerians should not relent in their prayers for his administration for them to do God’s will.

He  pledged his government’s commitment to the improvement of the power sector before June next year, education as well as the infrastructure, pointing out: “we cannot woo investors in to the country when there is no power supply. No investor will bring his money into an economy where there is no peace.”

Which is why, he enjoined the Christian community to pray against social crimes in the Nigerian society, adding that his government had perfected plans to flush out any vestiges of violent crimes across the country.

“We are facing a lot of challenges like kidnapping in the nation, religious uprisings in different parts of the country, but I am assuring you that by the middle of 2011, kidnapping will become a thing of the past.

“For Nigeria to develop, kidnapping must be eradicated. Once  kidnapping is wiped out of the Nigerian system, the atmosphere will be conducive for investors to come into the country and Nigeria will develop like other developed countries.”

Responding, Adeboye, who was dressed in a green trouser and a white short sleeved shirt with a green bow tie to match, said he would not hesitate to lead the campaign against electoral malpractice during the forthcoming general elections.

He assured the president of their constant prayers for him and the nation, because “I am a Nigerian and I love Nigeria so much. I have said it before and I will repeat here: Christians must go out to register during the voter fair  registration exercise, you must vote and be prepared to defend your vote.”

Continuing, the General Overseer  urged the Independent National Electoral Commission  (INEC) to endeavour to give Nigeria free, fair and credible elections next year.

“INEC, we love you but I must say it here that there should be no magomago this time around because if there is any magomago, I promise you that I will personally lead the protest. Give us a free and fair election, whatever the results, give us free and fair election. It will be well with Nigeria.”

Other dignitaries at the Friday service include the Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Delta State deputy governor, Pastor Sam Obi, First Lady of Benue State, Mrs. Yemisi Suswan, First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Sarah Sosan, Deputy Governor of Osun State, Otunba Titilayo Tomori, and a host of others.

Congress For Progressive Change (CPC) presidential aspirant, General Muhammadu Buhari declared yesterday that next year’s elections would determine Nigeria’s future

Speaking in a statement in Abuja, Buhari said, “I am doing this (contesting for President) not for myself alone but for many millions who have hope in me and my colleagues, and in our programmes for change that will save Nigeria. I shall continue on this course whatever the outcome of the coming elections”

Consequently he gave what seemed like a pact saying, “I stand by the people for better or for worse; I stand with my supporters through thick and thin; I stand shoulder_to_shoulder with my followers and I will take the rough with the smooth; I will never abandon them no matter how long or how hard the going is.

“After a dozen years of bad governance, Nigerians deserve a change. We (CPC) are offering that change. We are offering a better alternative to PDP. I am humbled by the spontaneous support I have received since the formation of the CPC.

Based on this tremendous support which has shaken other parties  we are confident of victory during the coming elections”. Recalling the treachery of the ANPP leadership under whose banner he ran for President in 2007 and how they sold out to the ruling PDP, Buhari said, “Let explain briefly why it was necessary for my supporters and I to leave ANPP and form another party”.

“ANPP leadership from 2003 to the 2007 elections had exhibited very unprincipled behavior in handling party issues. The leadership did not adhere to party rules, did not reciprocate loyalty to me as its candidate and appeared to be tele_guided by the PDP. The same PDP which in the course of 2003 and 2007 elections organized its thugs to intimidate, maim and kill many of our supporters”.

“And through the misuse of law enforcing agencies, PDP agents stole ballot boxes and stuffed them with illegal votes. In addition, PDP party thugs burnt houses and offices of ANPP supporters and finally forced INEC to rig the elections in the most blatant manner. Yet ANPP leadership decided to join the government which perpetrated these crimes against its supporters”.

“When we went to court on the insistence of the party, ANPP leadership later abruptly withdrew their case at the courts challenging the results of the rigged elections and provided no support whatever to hundreds of ANPP candidates who went to court. Moreover, they jumped ship and joined the Government of National Unity (G.N.U.) for a mess of pottage. They left their supporters to their own devices”.

“Our duty as member of CPC is to: Get registered, Cast our votes and cast them early, Watch and guard our votes, Escort the votes to the collation centres, Ensure true results are announced. We are, through our manifesto and mission statements soliciting the votes of Nigerians to bring about this Change For Good. Our manifesto has been widely circulated and the main thrust of our policies is people_oriented and designed to attack our problems from the roots”, he said.

“Let us again, remind ourselves that this is a country blessed with dynamic  people, abundant natural resources, a good spread of rainfall which makes it possible for every party of the country to produce bountiful harvests to feed its people. All that Nigeria needs to realize its dream of a rich and powerful nation is good purposeful leadership to lead us to the future that surely awaits us” he concluded.

it really cool although some pip's don't like it maybe because of our culture(i.e naija) but left to me i can kiss anywhere, anytime as long as the chick dem make big sense asin she fine well well

It was mixed fortunes for Alaba International market last weekend when the  market was recognized with the prestigious The Eko Awards in the commerce and industry category.

The award came on Sunday night, barely less than 48 hours, the market survived an ill-fated armed robbery attack in the early hours of Saturday through the prompt response of the men of the Nigerian Police Force.

Revealing this to CyberLife shortly after the award ceremony, Executive Chairman of Alaba. International market Association for Electronic section, Dr. Celestine Ezeani stated that the award came  purely on merit, but expressed gratitude to the organizers of the award for their honour done them.

“I never knew it was going to be up to this magnitude. I’m grateful to the organizers of this award.
This is not actually, the first time we are receiving an award. We have received even from United nations but this particular one unique and indeed our hearts because it is coming from our own people.

If you come to Alaba today, you will see that it is quite different from what we used to have.
The market is fully interlocked. We have so many structure and facilities in place and have done a lot to improve our products and services, all to give it international outlook.”

Dr. Ezeani who described the award as a product of hard work and dedication of traders in the market, said with the award, his administration would continue to work harder to sustain the international status of the market, as a way of appreciating the good gesture of the state government..

“The market would continue to grow from strength to strength and leverage on the relative peace restored by the state government through the Nigerian police and donation of Armored Personal Carrier (APC) to pursue excellence and quality in their products and services .

“Recently, we have enjoyed relative peace in the market due to the cordial relationship between us and the state governor, even at the local and federal government levels. Again, this was a result of an appeal we made to the governor yesterday and  he responded promptly by approving the donation of one APC for the market and that was delivered that same yesterday.

To me, that will be bye bye to robbery in Alaba International market.

That is why I said it is the first time we are having a listening governor and we have no reason not to support him by prompt payment of our taxes. For this reason, we enforce tax payment on behalf of the government on our members after we had explained to them the reasons why they should pay their taxes. After all,  the government had  in turn done a lot for us in the market.”

VISTA, Calif. – An actor who appeared in the film "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" was sentenced Thursday to life in prison with possible parole in 12 years for stabbing his ex-girlfriend more than 20 times when he stopped by her home and found her with another man.

Shelley Malil was sentenced by San Diego County Superior Court Judge Harry Elias three months after a jury convicted the actor of attempted premeditated murder and assault with a deadly weapon. The victim, Kendra Beebe, suffered punctured lungs and wounds to her neck, chest, back and arms in the 2008 attack.

Seated before the court, Malil apologized for stabbing Beebe and said he wanted to go to prison.

"I want to do whatever I need to do to make sure I make right from the wrong that I did," he said.

"Kendra Beebe did not deserve anything that happened to her. ... I can't even begin to imagine what she has been through," he added.

Before the sentencing, Beebe also spoke to the court about the physical and emotional pain she suffered.

"Despite the stab wounds he inflicted, I am alive," she said, going on to say Malil's testimony had not been credible.

"During the course of the trial it became clear he was an actor, but not a very good actor at that. His testimony was lie after lie after lie," she said.

The sentence makes Malil eligible for parole in 12 years, but prosecutor Keith Watanabe said Malil could be freed in as few as nine years taking into account time already served and good behavior.

Malil, 45, testified at trial that he visited Beebe at her San Marcos home in suburban San Diego in August 2008 to apologize for taking personal items from her house and to warn that he e-mailed segxwally explicit photos of the couple to her co-workers. He stabbed her with a kitchen knife after finding her drinking wine with another man.

The couple began dating in 2007 when Beebe responded to online personal ad and had a stormy relationship, authorities said. Two days before the attack, Malil stranded Beebe and her cousin at the beach, stole marijuana and other items from her home and locked her out of her house.

Malil — who played Haziz, a co-worker of Steve Carell's character in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" — had faced a maximum penalty of life in prison with no possibility for parole for 14 years.

His attorney argued there was no doubt Malil went too far when he picked up a kitchen knife and began stabbing Beebe, but said Malil never intended to kill the woman. The defense also questioned Beebe's credibility as a witness and described her as a violent drama queen who tried to make men jealous.

The jury convicted the actor of the two most serious charges and acquitting him of residential burglary.

Prosecutors said Malil quarreled with Beebe the day before the attack, stranding her at the beach and stealing marijuana and other items from her home.

Malil fled the house after neighbors heard Beebe's screaming. He was arrested the next day at an Amtrak station in nearby Oceanside.

After the sentencing, Beebe told reporters she believed justice was served and that she hoped Malil's apology was sincere.

(This version CORRECTS Corrects date of attack to August 2008, not April 2008, minor editing. This story is part of AP's general news and entertainment services.)

PRESI DENTGoodluck Jonathan, yesterday, took exception to the threats issued by candidate of the Northern Political Leaders Forum, Atiku Abubakar, and that of former military President Ibrahim Babangida that there may be violence if the zoning arrangement agreed by the PDP was breached in the 2011 elections.

He warned that his government will no longer accept such reckless and rubbish statements from anybody no matter how highly placed.

Jonathan who spoke at the decoration of 22 Navy and Airforce Rear Admirals and Air Vice Marshals with their new ranks  at the Command Officers Mess, said: “Sometimes I frown when some statements are being made by some of our citizens, especially the politicians making statements challenging the sovereignty of this nation.

“Government will no longer take that type of reckless and rubbish statements lightly because when there is crisis, we lose officers of the armed forces, we lose police officers and we lose civilians. Some of them will fly to the United States and Europe to stay and our children will die, our women will suffer and they come back to be our leaders. We will no longer accept that kind of culture.”

Reiterating that government will not allow anybody to take the country for a ride, Jonathan said: “The sovereignty of Nigeria can never be challenged by anybody. I won’t say more than that.”

Advocacy of violence

He gave the warning even as the Goodluck/Sambo Campaign organization said it was unfortunate for some one aspiring to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who was former vice-president and whose democratic and nationalist credentials were once touted, could descend to the level of advocating violence in a democracy.

A statement entitled ‘Politics of Desperation’, signed by Mr. Sully Abu, Director of Media and Publicity of the Campaign Organization stated: “Studiously ignored by the Nigerian people including the blocs they claim to represent, elements of the opposition to the legitimate political aspirations of President Goodluck Jonathan are upping the ante and threatening violence.

“Yesterday, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the so_called consensus candidate chosen by the gang_up of some of the aspirants, spoke of violent change if peaceful change failed. Franz Fanon, who was quoted, must be writhing in his grave. But his quote was turned on its head.

“Fanon was concerned with changing the old order, not perpetuating it. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his fellow travellers on the other hand are actually saying that if they fail in their bid to perpetuate the social and political status quo, then violence would result.

“This position is unfortunate for anyone who aspires to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who was former vice_president and whose democratic and nationalist credentials were once touted. The gathering, at which the pronouncements were made, the nebulously named National Stakeholders Conference, was only an extension of the gang_up of a few elements to present a so_called consensus candidate.

“Obviously, that arrangement, they now see, is doomed to failure and all round defeat stares them in the face. Otherwise, were they democrats, would they not allow their chosen candidate to face President Jonathan squarely at the PDP primaries?

“Instead, they seek to contrive a crisis even in the political party they claim allegiance to, and a party which is successfully resolving its challenges including holding two successful NEC meetings.

“Nigerians are not deceived. The annullers of elections and the motley crowd who made up the latest gathering represent none but themselves and in their desperation may go about renting crowds and urchins to stir up unnecessary dust in sponsored demonstrations. But this would not take them anywhere.

Improvement of living standards

“The preoccupation of Nigerians today is with their material conditions and the improvement of their living standards and this President Goodluck Jonathan is irrevocably committed to do. We are sure Nigerians across the country will resist the incitement of fat cats and other pampered elements who may seek to disturb the peace of the land.

“The security forces, we are sure, are alive to their responsibilities and would not countenance any breach of the peace and the antics of those who want to imperil our hard-won democracy”.

Among officers decorated at the occasion for the Navy are Rear Admiral Joe Aikhomu, Rear Admiral Austin Oyagha, Rear Admiral AOA Ikioda, Rear Admiral Johnson Olutoyin, Rear Admiral (Mrs.) Hotonu, Rear Admiral JN Amaino, Rear Admiral Gabriel Okoi, Rear Admiral Olufemi Ogunjimi, Rear Admiral Ibok Ibas, Rear Admiral Bala Mshelia, Rear Admiral James Akinwale.

For the Airforce, they are Air Vice Marshal Akinola Ogunaike, Air Vice Marshal Isiaku Umar, Air Vice Marshal Aminu Adamu, Air Vice Marshal Monday Morgan, Air Vice Marshal Christian Chukwu, Air Vice Marshal OA Idowu, Air Vice Marshal Abdullahi Shehu, Air Vice Marshal AA Iya, Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar and Air Vice Marshal IA Balogun.

Also yesterday, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar, decorated 36 Air Commodores with their new ranks including Air Commodore JB Adigun, Air Commodore G Truman, Air Commodore BM Maiyafe, Air Commodore Emeka Ozoemena, Air Commodore SA Zakari, Air Commodore AO Ogunjobi and Air Commodore GM Ilyasu

THE battle for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential ticket took a near definitive turn, yesterday, after 21 Governors belonging to the party signed a declaration of support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2011 presidential bid.

The governors, however, couched their endorsement on the President running for a single term of four years.
Jonathan’s rival for the PDP ticket and erstwhile Vice_President Atiku Abubakar, immediately dismissed the endorsement saying it would be of no relevance so long as the democratic choice of delegates to the presidential primaries was not encumbered.

The stage for the governors’ endorsement was set after a series of marathon meetings at both the Presidential Villa and the national secretariat of the party.

The endorsement which came on the heels of the face-off between the Governors on one side,  members of the National Assembly and the President on the other, caught many by surprise at the end of the PDP’s 55th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the party.

Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State who read out the endorsement, said the NEC meeting also adopted recommendations of the National Working Committee’s, NWC, proposals on dates and guidelines for the party’s primaries for elective offices.

Before the endorsement, the Governors led by Governor Bukola Saraki had met in the Presidential Villa from about 4.30 p.m. till about 7.00 p.m. before they reached an agreement which it is believed also paved way for first term PDP Governors to easily get the PDP gubernatorial ticket in their States.

The news of the agreement brought some measured relief to presidential aides who easily heaved sighs of relief at the end of the meeting.

Following the agreement which was conveyed to the President, the Governors proceeded from the Presidential Villa to the national secretariat of the PDP where their resolution was announced by Governor Shema.

Govs that endorsed Jonathan

Governors of the following States endorsed the resolution:
*Benue,
*Niger,
*Katsina,
*Akwa Ibom,
*Cross River,
*Gombe,
*Rivers,
*Adamawa,
*Bayelsa,
*Plateau,
*Nasarawa,
*Kaduna,
*Kebbi,
*Bauchi,
*Kogi,
*Delta, and
*Zamfara.
The Deputy Governors of Taraba,
*Ogun,
*Imo and
*Oyo endorsed on behalf of their Governors.

The governors’ resolution

THE resolution read thus: “At the emergency meeting of PDP Governors held Thursday, December 15, 2010 and having deliberated extensively on democratic practices the world over, observed as follows

*democratic systems the world over recognize the principle of incumbency and continuity
*entrenched democratic culture persistent in presidential systems and our constitution entitles our President to run for a second term, which the PDP Governors support

*the Governors also recognise the Yar‘Adua Jonathan ticket and, therefore, hereby support and endorse President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to contest the  2011 election as the PDP presidential candidate for a period of four years only.

Atiku team dismisses endorsement

THE Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, immediately dismissed the endorsement as irrelevant saying the Governors could only mobilize their own votes for Jonathan.

Atiku’s reaction stated:  “The so_called Governors’ endorsement is of no significance so long as they do not take away the right of delegates to vote. We are in a democracy. Governors have a right to make a democratic choice and so do the delegates. Let there be no intimidation of delegates.”

The party also adopted guidelines and dates for the primaries into elective positions. The primaries are to commence on Tuesday, December 28.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/12/21-pdp-governors-endorse-jonathan/

Two days ago in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nigerian music acts showed to the world once again that they are a force to reckon with by carting away six of the 14 trophies given away at the Channel O Music Video Awards 2010.
This is moving one step higher from last year’s awards when we won in five categories.

Interestingly, the awards didn’t go to some of the very popular and highly tipped videos around here.

Fresh debutante, MTV’s sign-on and MAMA nominee, Mo Cheddah shocked all when she won a high profile category- Most Gifted Female, beating Nigeria’s KSB and three other non-Nigerians. The award was for the song, ‘If you want me’ ft Othello. She easily takes over from Sasha who won the category last year.

P-Square staged a comeback as Most Gifted Duo this year having lost out last year. The award was for E no easy featuring J-martins. D’Banj picked up Most Gifted Afro Pop category for his effort in “Fall In Love” while Storm’s Naeto C flexed his emcee muscles by taking home the Channel O Music Video Award for Most Gifted Hip Hop Video for the track “Ako Mi Ti Poju”.

“Made in Nigeria for global consumption” is General Pype’s tag line and he proved this when the video for “Champion (Remix)” featuring Naeto C., Vector, Sasha, the late Da Grin and GT took the category Most Gifted Ragga Dancehall Video.
Naeto C and General Pype are Storm Records’ winner representatives for this year unlike 2009 when Sasha, Ikechukwu and Naeto won three of Nigeria’s five trophies leaving the remaining two to Darey for ‘Not the girl’ video.

Most Gifted West Video was snatched away by Tu Baba (2Face) with his video for “Implications”.

Although D’Banj and P-Square were absent, all other winners including YQ, SauceKid, MI, Banky, D’jinee, Wande Coal, Sunday Are (Mo Hits manager), Obi Asika (Storm Record boss) and Nigeria’s Big Brother Africa host, IK were at the Johannesburg event.

K’Naan was given the Special Recognition award and he performed via satellite from Los Angeles. Nigeria’s Sasha also joined other performers who thrilled for the night. Banky W‘s Strong Ting, M.I‘s Safe and Wande Coal’s Bumper 2 Bumper did not receive any awards.

All 14 categories at this year’s event (except K’Naan’s special award) were voted for by the public and the results were audited by Alexander Forbes. While host country South Africa swept seven, Nigeria lost three of its nine nominated categories.

They are: Most Gifted Male Video (with nominees Wande Coal and Banky W), Most Gifted Newcomer (D’jinee and M.I) and Most Gifted Video of the Year (M.I).

It’s the most anticipated list this year! The Future Awards, Nigeria’s most influential youth event, after unveiling its spectacular Young Person of the Year nominees has week, has now released the full Nominees List for all 21 categories.

Voting begins immediately! The voting numbers are 33120 for Nigeria and 80079 for the UK and Canada According to the organisers, voting takes only 50% of the first stage of judging, so winners are not selected by voting popularity – there is a 4-stage judging process involving a Board of Judges and an Independent Audit Committee headed by veteran journalist Dr. Reuben Abati.  There is also a two week-period for members of the public to make complaints about any of the nominees to awards Central Working Committee (CWC). Please send complaints to [email protected].

All the nominees will be celebrated at an invitation-only media and VIP Nominees Reception on Sunday December 19, 2010 – where they will also be inducted into the elite The Future Alumni Network. The event will also be an opportunity to raise money for Love on the Streets, an NGO working with disadvantaged children of the Dustbin Estate, Lagos.

“This is the first year we are having 21 categories. We have always had 20 categories, but the Young Person of the Year prize is a special prize and ius taken separately from this year,” said Ohimai Atafo, head of the CWC. “We are confident that young Nigerians will find this list highly inspiring and are inctredibly proud of the nominees we have.”

More information is on www.thefuturenigeria.com. Let the race begin!

ACTOR OF THE YEAR

Ufuoma Ejenobor 29

Uche Jumbo 31

Ini Edo 28

Gideon Okeke 27

Matilda Obaseki 24

Mercy Johnson 27

Tonto Dike 25

Gbenro Ajibade 26

BEST USE OF ADVOCACY

Nmachi Jidenma (Celebrating Progress Africa (CP-Africa.com)/Civic Participation) 22

Orode Uduaghan (Pink Pearl Cancer Foundation/Cancer) 21

Tola Sunmonu (Harambe Nigeria/Agriculture) 22

Ohimai Amaize (B.L.I.N.G. Cybercrime/Civic Participation) 26

Emmanuel Odiase (SmokeFree Foundation/Smoking) 28

Esther Agbarakwe (Nigerian Youth Climate Coalition/Sustainable Development) 26

Francis Anyaegbu (Youth in Transit/Entrepreneurship) 25

Muyideen Salau (Students in Free Enterprise/Agriculture) 29

BEST USE OF SCIENCE

Ify Aniebo 27

Otejiri Oghoghorie 25

Bayo Olushola Omoyiola 31

Moyinoluwa Odugbemi 21

Folashade Kuforiji 23

Taiwo Adewole 31

Debo Olaosebikan 25

Owoeye Oluwatoyosi 30

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY

Olalekan Ayorinde 31

Nkemdili Uwaje 25

Temi Kolawole 25

Iruoye Tolulope 27

Mubarak Mohammed Abdulahi 27

Saheed Adepoju 25

Mayowa Owolabi 27

Tim Akinbo 29

BUSINESS OWNER OF THE YEAR

Bode Pedro (Veda Technology) 27

Toyosi Akerele (Rise Networks) 25

Perez Nekabari (Arden & Newton) 27

Erefa Fynecontry (Doheney Services) 29

Tunde Alade (Dynamix) 29

Karo Agono (Tremor Perfect) 30

Ajiboye Oyeleke (Efficacy Homes) 28

Baye Onipe Patrick (Golden Loaf Bakery)26

COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR

Teju Babyface 27

Princess 30

Seyi Law 27

Jedidiah 31

Tunde Ednut 25

Emeka Smith 27

Omobaba 28

Wale Gates 29

CREATIVE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Adekunle Samuel Owolabi (Design) 25

Onyeka Nwelue (Prose) 22

Ogunnubi Babadeji (Visual) 22

Aisha Augie-Kuta (Photography) 30

Zainabu Jallo (Prose) 31

Chibundu Onuzo (Prose) 19

Babatunde Adebola (Visual) 26

Jaiyeola Ladipo (Visual) 23

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Osagie Osarenkhoe (Manager) 26

Samuel Olatunji (Publicist) 29

Dimeji Alara (Stylist) 27

Bolaji Animashaun (Stylist) 23

Janet Nwose (Manager) 28

Nike Fagbule (Publicist) 25

Godwin Tom (Manager) 23

Bobby Taylor (Publicist) 28

Toni Payne (Manager/Publicist) 30

Emem Ema (Manager) 31

DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

Bridget Awosika (Bridget Awosika) 30

Ugonma Adegoke (Zebra Living) 31

Ugonna Omeruo (House of Nwocha) 26

Funke Ogunde (Phunk Afrique) 25

Akpos Okudu (Akpos) 26

Yvonne Nwosu (Vonne) 27

Rukky Ladoja (Grey) 26

Ebubedike Mary (West & Couture) 27

EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Damilola Ogunbiyi (Lagos State Government)

Oluwadamilola Olushola, 23, (General Hospital Ifako)

Dr. Momoh Rabiu 25 (Lagos University Teaching Hospital)

Hakeem Shagaya 26(Ministry of Finance)

Emmanuel Etim 30 (Africa Union)

Iorfa Tor-Anyiin 27 (Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi)

Fatima Zara Modibo 27 (National Hospital Abuja and Consultant, Human Institute of Virology)

Oladayo Afolabi, 24, (University of Maiduguri)

JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Kemi Ajumobi 31 (BusinessDay)

Lolade Adewuyi 30 (TELL)

Toyosi Ogunseye 26 (The Punch)

Nicholas Ibekwe 29 (NEXT)

Latasha Nwugbe 27 (Thisday)

Tolu Ogunlesi 28 (NEXT)

Chilee Agunanna 26 (Encomium)

Yinka Ibukun 26 (Reuters)

Arukaino Umukoro 31 (TELL)

Segun Adeoye 30 (TELL)

MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

Soundcity Blast

FAB

WOW

SideView

Vibez

Dynamix

Ace

Swag

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

Dr. SID 30

Banky W 29

Timaya 30

Mo‘Cheddah 20

Naeto C 28

Da Grin 25 (RIP)

Jesse Jagz 26

J Martins 30

MUSIC PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

DJ Klem 26

JMartins 30

So Sick 27

Tee Y Mix 28

Dokta Frabz 25

J Sleek 22

IKON 25

Sazzy (Osaze Omobunde – RIP) 27

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR (RADIO)

Tolu Oniru [Toolz] 24 (Beat FM)

Gbemileke ‘Oscar’ Oyinsan 26 (Inspiration FM)

Lorenzo Menakaya 26 (Lion FM, Enugu)

Christopher Molokwu 29 (Cool FM, Abuja)

Tosyn Bucknor [Area Mama] 29 (Top Radio)

Matse Uwatse 29 (Wazobia FM)

Joyce 26 (Cool FM, Lagos)

Oreka Godis 26 (Beat FM)

Dotun 26 (Cool FM, Lagos)

Wana Udobang 26 (Inspiration FM)

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR (TV)

Cynthia Okpala 25 (MTV Base)

Isio Wanogho 27 (Spice TV/G-Bam)

Efemena Tommy Adabamu 24(Excite on TV)

Kemi Adetiba 30(Maltina DanceAll)

Yvonne Ekwere 25 [Vixen] (Silverbird TV)

Eku Edewor 24 (Studio 53 Extra)

Andre Blaze 27 (Nigezie)

Tana Egbo 26 (Peak Talent Show)

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR (CORPORATE)

Adeniyi Olutayo, 31, (Head of Internal Audit, Nestle)

Tony Usidamen, 30, (Group Communications Manager, Dana Group)

Kunle Olaifa 30 (Talent Acquisition Leader, General Electric)

Kola Osinowo 30 (Care Solutions Manager, Nokia)

Akintola Olufemi, 31, (Brand Manager, Nestle)

Tokini Peterside 25 (Communications Manager, GD Netter)

Tosin Adefope 28 (Lawyer, Tadef Inc)

Emmanuel Adediwura, 24, (Business Development Manager of Ascent Resources and Educational Services Limited)

Oye Akindeinde, 31, (Chief Information Officer, Compliance & Content Monitoring Nigeria Limited)

Owoeye Oluwatoyosi, 30, (Physiotherapist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital)

SCREEN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Imoh Umoren 28

Clarence Peters 28

Kemi Adetiba 30

Mex 28

Soji Ogunnaike 27

Yinka Obebe 30

Onye Ubanatu 29

Chineze Anyaene 27

SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

CHINEDU OBASI (Football) 24

VINCENT ENYEAMA (Football) 28

CHRISTIANA NWOYE (Wrestling)

Desire Oparanozie (Football) 17

MOBOLAJI AKIODE (Basketball) 28

TOSIN OKE (Triple Jump) 30

PETER EMELIEZE (Athletics) 22

JANET DUNG (Athletics) 24

TEAM OF THE YEAR

CelebrityRead Africa

YGC Africa

B.L.I.N.G.

Knighthouse

NotJustOk.com

ConnectNigeria.com

Super Falcons

Jobberman.com

YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR

Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu 28– Advocate

Don Jazzy 29 – Entrepreneur

Genevieve Nnaji 31 – Actor

Psquare 30 – Artiste

Uche Eze 26 – Entrepreneur

Nneka (Egbuna) 29 – Artiste

Makinde Adeagbo 25 – Innovator

Ojoma Ochai 29 – Intrapreneur

Debo Olaosebikan 25 – Scientist

Blessing Okaragbe 22– Athlete

Fans of the internationally acclaimed TV comedy series, Papa Ajasco & Company are in for uncontrollable laughter this December when the new series of the popular sit-com will be aired nationwide.

The very hilarious series titled – Wind of Change is a delightful piece of political satire specially written and produced for television, in commemoration of the nation’s 50th independence anniversary.

The cast and crew of Wale Adenuga Productions are rounding up location activities on Wind of Change which comes with plenty of wits, humour and food for thought.

The new comedy series directed by the veteran Bolaji Dawodu features Papa Ajasco as Governor, Mercy Aigbe as First Lady, Pa James as Deputy Governor and Top_notch stars such as Livinus Inochiri, Jibola Dabor, Tunde Alabi, Kehinde Fasuyi, Afeez Oyetoro, Henrietta Kosoko and others.

Wale Adenuga, writer of the latest series said “This is a special storyline, a masterpiece, a powerful serio  comedy laden with messages for both the rulers and the ruled in our society”.

De palm hosts MORGON
De palm, a new hangout situated in Ajao Estate  area of Lagos, is warming up to play host to Movie Reporters Guild of Nigeria(MORGON)for its end-of -the year party billed to hold soon.

MORGON president, Mr Azuh Amatus, who left for Kualar Lumpur, Malaysia, during the week for a 5-day post-independence concert, featuring Nollywood stars and musicians, confirmed the De-Palm’s gesture.

According to the management of the hangout, the idea is to use the gesture to appreciate the movie journalists for their contributions towards the development of the movie picture industry in Nigeria.

The club boasts of an ample dance floor and courteous servers.

There’s also an enclose VIP space for the matured in minds who has need to relax in a balmy environment.

OVER half a million persons last Friday besieged the Tafawa Balewa Square in Central Lagos for what turned out to be an experience of their life. The occasion was the fifth edition of a musical extravaganza aptly tagged The Experience where thousands of Christian faithful gathered to offer quality worship and praise to their Maker, The Almighty God..

As early as 6.00 p.m., the entire space inside the Tafawa Balawa Square had been occupied except for the reserved seats while official ushers and other security operatives did a yeoman job directing participants to the adjoining overflows.

Lagos State Traffic Management authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, operatives were very visible all over the arena maintaining order outside the arena as participants struggled to get parking space in the already jammed arena.

Armed anti_riot policemen and other security operatives were fully on alert to forestall any breach of the peace before, during and immediately after the event.

The strength of the music was such that several participants feared that the very foundations of the TBS may collapse before the end of the occasion as a result of the shaking and vibrations of the equipment as well as the often thunderous shouts of the ‘Praise The Lord’ and the accompanying response of ‘Halleluiah.’

The atmosphere became charged when the Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, picked the microphone to address the crowd, urging them to take advantage of the mixed congregation to work in unity as the nation approaches another election year. He charged the worshippers to register during the forthcoming voters registration exercise and make sure that they participate in the entire process of electioneering and make it a success to the shame of those who think that nothing good could come out of Nigeria.

In his own contribution which was streamed in a multimedia format and watched on the numerous giant screens across the arena and the overflows, President Goodluck Jonathan, acknowledge what the grace of God has done in his own life, Dr. Jonathan admonished the mammoth crowd of worshippers to fear God.

There were moments when several eminent spiritual leaders including the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, past CAN vice president, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Pastor Sam Adeyemi and several others took turn to offer prayers for the electricity sector, infrastructural development, the Niger Delta, kidnapping in the East, unity in the Church, unity and peaceful polls next year.

The theme for this year’s event was Heaven on Earth. The convener of the concert, Pastor Paul Adefarasin of ‘House on The Rock’ church described The Experience as; “a fusion of more than half a million voices, uplifted hands and eager hearts offering up a sacrifice of praise and prayer to our Father in heaven. Here, impossibilities become possible as believers from all walks of life, tribe, tongue, denomination and indeed faith/creed, amalgamate in concerted worship of the God of all flesh”; he announced.

The artistes wowed the crowd with songs, many of which were well known to the crowd. The Nigerian representatives did a good job. So also did Don Moen, Ron Kenoly and Judith Jacobs who took the audience through a wholesome worship experience. Chevelle Franklin, the former secular artiste gave an impressive performance.

It was an awesome moment as the Jamaican performed the Nigerian national anthem together with different Nigeria songs in Yoruba and Igbo language. Her performance was supported by very talented Emmanuelle- a Nigerian based outside the country.

Phil Driscol was another great fellow that many people expected to watch and he did not disappoint. His worship drew many people to reconciliation with their maker.

The event which was the fifth in the series and apparently the biggest since it started about five years ago attracted renowned gospel artistes who graced the occasion included Fred Hammond, Don Moen, Bishop Tudor Bizmark, Ron Kenoly, Mary Mary, Judy Jacobs, Erica Campbell, Panam Percy Paul, Sammie Okposo, Mike Aremu, and many others.

The Future Awards has announced the all-star line-up for its annual Nominees Reception for charity.

All the nominees in the 21 categories will be celebrated at an invitation-only media and VIP Nominees Reception on Sunday 19 December 2010 – where they will also be inducted into the elite The Future Alumni Network.

The event will also be an opportunity to raise money for Love on the Streets, an NGO working with disadvantaged children of the Dustbin Estate, Lagos.

Performers at the event include MAMA Best New Act Mo’Cheddah, Chydinma, Tiwa Savage, Waje, Iceprince and Whizkid.

There will also be the annual Get Your Green On! Fashion show where some of the awards’ official clothiers will unveil from collections themed around green. This year’s designers include MAI, Zebra, House of Nwocha, Sally Bawa Lagos and iamISIGO. The event will be anchored by MTV Base’s Cynthia Okpala and Tinsel’s Chris Attoh.

The general public is reminded that there is a period when complaints about any nominee can be made to the Central Working Committee about the ages, substance of achievement, or any claims or any of the nominees that can be validly contradicted. The two-week complaint window closes on Sunday.

“We certainly have had more than a few complaints about the ages of one or two nominees. We sincerely appreciate those reactions and the fact that people feel so strongly about this awards process confirms to us that people believe in what we are doing,” said Chude Jideonwo, the awards’ Creative Director. “Over the years we have had to withdraw the nominations of a few nominees who have been unable to prove their actual ages; indeed The Future Awards is one of the very few processes that actually demands proof of nominees’ claims.

“However, it is to be noted that nominees have submitted legal documents that corroborate the ages they have given. And unless complainants are able to direct us to documents and evidence that disprove them, we have no choice but to respect legally admissible proofs. More than that, the beauty of this award for many young Nigerians is to find that many achievers who have done so much great work are so young – and we hope that the rest will be able to draw inspiration from these true life stories of excellence and achievement.”

Profiles of all the nominees will be up on www.thefuturenigeria.com on Tuesday, 21 December so members of the public can share their stories. Public voting ends on December 31 2010.

The Central Working Committee for Nigeria’s most respected youth event, The Future Awards, has decided to unveil the long list for the biggest award, Young Person of the Year, one week before schedule!

“We are very excited by what we have come up with this year – so excited that we have 10 names on the list this rather than the usual 8,” says Shade Ladipo, a member of the committee. “And we thought we should share that excitement!”

All the nominees for Young Person of the Year have been taken out of the various categories as always and identified as trail blazing role models for young Nigerians,” Ladipo said. “They are all winners, and so they will all be given plaques like last year. Also, they will not go through the 4 stages of judging for the awards, only one stage for voting and one stage for judging since all of them are finalists and will be so recognized at the awards.

“They have all been contacted and we are incredibly proud of them. You will be inspired.”

THE YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:
1.      Genevieve Nnaji, 31                                 – Actor
2.      Nnaemeka C. Ikegwuonu, 28                   – Advocate
3.      Uche Eze, 26                                            – Entrepreneur
4.      Psquare, 29                                              – Artiste
5.      Ojoma Ochai, 29                                      – Intrapreneur
6.      Michael Ajere (Don Jazzy), 29                  – Entrepreneur
7.      Nneka, 29                                                 – Artiste
8.      Debo Olaosebikan, 25                             – Scientist
9.      Blessing Okagbare, 22                             – Artiste
10.  Makinde Adeagbo, 25                                – Innovator

Genevieve Nnaji – Actor
Genevieve Nnaji is an international star, representing the very best that Nollywood has to offer, and one of the best faces that the country can present to the world. The 31 year old multiple-award winning actress, who has been so credited on CNN and Oprah, is a global role model.

Nnaemeka C. Ikegwuonu – Advocate
Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, 28, has received global acclaim for his work with communities in South-eastern Nigeria where he has promoted sustainable agricultural development and environmental conservation beneficial to rural poor farmers, with recognition that includes becoming a Laureate of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise – Young Laureates Program 2010.

Debo Olaosebikan – Scientist 25 year old Olaosebikan (also a rapper under the stage name Levelz!) is currently completing a PhD in Physics at Cornell University where he is working on the world’s first silicon laser with Dr. Michal Lipson, one of the world’s leading Nanophotonics pioneers, groundbreaking research that will introduce the world to an era of much more faster computer processes.

Psquare – Artiste
Across Africa, the 29 year old twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye have become huge superstars showing what Nigeria is capable of, winning everything from the $1 million Kora All Africa Music Award prize to a multi-million naira telecom endorsement deal.

Nneka – Artiste
No one saw her coming! 29 year old Nneka Egbuna arrived in Nigeria from the world and soon went back to conquer it, becoming one of Nigeria’s most prominent global voices, winning the BET Awards and performing across the world.

Don Jazzy – Entrepreneur
Born Michael Ajere, the almost mythical Don Jazzy is a now-legendary Nigerian music entrepreneur. With Mo-Hits, the 29 year old has done nothing less than revolutionized Nigerian music and the capacity of the Nigerian music industry, creating a string of stars including D’banj, Wande Coal, Dr. Sid, and D’prince.

Ojoma Ochai – Intrapreneur
Ojoma Ochai has distinguished herself with a storied career at the British Council, rising through the ranks to become, at 29, the Assistant Country Director for the international culture organisation, becoming a powerful symbol – in a country with a now-pervasive celebrity culture – that one can stay within and still shine bright and make a mark.

Blessing Okagbare – Athlete 22 year old Okagbare has been referred to as one of 2010’s most important athletes in the continent. A long and triple jumper and short sprinter, the Olympics medallist scored a 100 m/long jump double at the NCAA Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship for University of Texas at El Paso, and won the Nigerian 100 m title in 2010.

Uche Eze – Entrepreneur
Known by her famous brand, Eze is a pioneer in every sense of the word. BellaNaija.com is now the gold standard for online media and others can now do it because the 26 year old dared to quit her job in Corporate Nigeria to champion New Media innovation – becoming a TEDAfrica Fellow in the process, and featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and on CNN International.

Makinde Adeagbo – Innovator
Facebook has changed the world, and 25 year old Adeagbo is one of its frontrunners. A Software Enginner with the company for four years, amongst other things the whiz-kid is famous for being part of a 2-man team responsible for reducing over 1 MB of Javascript to 2 KB, making the site load twice as fast worldwide.

Nominees in the 20 other categories will be unveiled on Monday, December 5, and voting on all categories will begin immediately on that date. More information on the nominees is available on www.thefuturenigeria.com. We can’t wait!

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Multiple award winning act, D’banj formerly called Kokomaster, and recently re-christened Mr Endowed, has continued in his efforts to retain his status as one of Nigeria’s leading artistes.

Early this week, news of a collaboration with American rapper, Snoop Dogg, on a track surfaced.

The tale became more believable when D’banj’s friend and label boss, Don Jazzy posted on Twitter a promo artwork of Mr Endowed remix with D’banj and Snoop Dogg on the cover. The ensuing responses were predictable

Mr Endowed was released in May this year as Dbanj’s lead single off his expected fourth album titled after the single. Scapegoat was the follow up single. For now, it is unclear if Mr Endowed re_mix will be released as single No. 3 or if fans will have to wait for the full album which may or may not drop this year. The singer’s management is yet to make an official statement on the development.

On Dec 27, 2010 all roads will lead to the Eko Hotel, Lagos, where Kilimanajro Entertainment in association with Storm 360 are organising the “Lagos Shut Down Concert” with Rick Ross in Nigeria.

Kilimanjaro Entertainment, the outfit responsible for a number of top level concerts in the earlier part of the decade, with Boys 2 Men, Joe, Sean Paul being just some of the major talents they successfully delivered in major concerts return to the game with this show which is destined to be one of the best shows this season in Nigeria.

This concert is headlined by the Teflon Don himself – Rick Ross – ably supported by some of Naija’s finest – two of the finest emcee’s Africa has to offer back him up with MI locked and loaded and Naeto Super C primed to explode. Also on the bill are Dr. Sid who will bring his infectious hits to the table, “Oleku” crooner himself, Ice Prince, YQ and the emerging young superstar Whiz Kid. Also on the bill is Iyanya – the 1st MTN
Project Fame West Africa winner performing his new release “I’m the One”.

Kilimanjaro Entertainment is using this show as a foretaste of what to expect in 2011. As always, the company is geared to deliver World Class Entertainment based on their reputation already built over time.

In 2010, Rick Ross was voted Man of the Year by The Source Magazine and released one of the most critically acclaimed albums. From mix tapes to the charts, he has been dominant all year and Kilimanjaro is proud to deliver his first FULL concert in Nigeria.

Expect a World Class Show and Expect to be fully entertained. There will be some surprises in production delivery and it is confirmed that all is now set for this event.

Storm 360 will be co-producing this event. According to its CEO Obi Asika, “The year 2011 will be the year of collaborations, starting right here.”

Media partners for this event are Channel O, MTV Base, Nigezie, Soundcity, Hiptv, Mystreetstv, STV, Beat FM, Rhythm FM and Views & Tunes

A Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Wednesday warned that if the leadership of the Party and that of the country jettison the already existing zoning arrangement, it would amount to making violence change inevitable.

Speaking Wednesday at National Stakeholders’ Conference, 2010 at the Thisday Dome, Abuja, the former Vice President who noted that he was not praying that the political situation of the party and that of the country should get to the level of applying violent means to address the nation’s problems, also stressed that if the PDP fails to embrace reforms, it stands the risk of making itself irrelevant.

Meanwhile, Former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu has called on Nigerians especially those from the South to put behind them those eras in the 1960s which produced coups and counter coups in the country, just as northerners became Heads of State during the periods.

According to Ayu, “North is not set out to dominate anybody. I want you to ignore the Nigerian history of 60’s that produced coups and counter coups with its leaders as northerners. It was not conspiratorial on the part of the Northern political leaders, it was accidental.

“When we had opportunity we, not only brought out President Obasanjo who was in prison for treason out, but the north made him President even when his immediate community rejected him. It was the highest show of solidarity by the North. The least our brothers from the south can do is to demonstrate and reciprocate the goodwill.”

Ayu who admitted that the task ahead them is ensuring that the Consensus Candidate for the north, Atiku Abubakar gets the party’s ticket as well as become the President of the country come next year, said, “we are trying to tell you that we have difficult task ahead of us. If you are not present here today, the consensus effort would have been a failure. But with your presence here today, Atiku ceases to be the Northern Consensus Candidate but the Consensus Candidate of Nigeria.”

The Conference which had as its theme, “Building Consensus for National Unity”, was convened by the Northern Political Leaders Forum, NPLF, the Igbo Political Forum, the Yoruba Redemption group and the South South Unity Forum.

Speaking further, Atiku said, “Our coming here is not about Atiku, it is about the peace, the unity and stability of Nigeria as exemplified by all the speakers who spoke to this audience today. Today is about building consensus for national unity. We have some elder statesmen on consensus building. It is about the rule of law, due process and standing for what is right.

“I am an instrument for realizing these value. I promise that by the grace of almighty God, we shall bring this country back to the part of honour. Before I end this short address let me send a message to our great party the PDP: if the PDP does not reform, it stands the risk of making itself irrelevant. Let me again send another message to the leadership of PDP that those who make peaceful change impossible, make violent change inevitable.”

Also in his remarks, former Senate President Ken Nnamani who warned that some leaders of the country were planning to put national unity to the burner, stressed that rotation and zoning which has become part of the nation’s history, was beyond the north, the PDP, adding that it has become a national challenge.

Nnamani who noted that Nigeria has a lot to learn from the process that brought out Atiku Abubakar, stressed that it showed high sense of humility and patriotism, just as he said that if the choice was from some parts of the country, there would have been series of court litigations now, adding that zoning must be adhered to against the backdrop that all political office holders were beneficiary of same process.

The former Senate President who called for the externalization of the Consensus candidate process, also called on Nigerians to disregard comments by the President General of Ohanenze Ndigbo, Ralph Uwachue, adding that as a country, we lack political will to implement agreements, adding that some politicians were over heating the polity for their gains, even as he said that there was tension in PDP because of plans to circumvent the rules.

Roll call

General Ibrahim Babangida, General Mohammed Aliyu Gusua, Atiku Abubakar, Former Chairman, Police Affairs Commission, Chief Simon Okeke, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu; Lawal Kaita; AVM Hamza Abdullahi; Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Ajia Chinyere Ogugua Agagbo; Funke Adedoyin; Professor Babalola Borishade; Alhaji Isa Ozi Salami, Professor A.T. Abubakar, Professor Sam Oyovbaire; Lawal Batagarawa; Saleh Hassan; Haruna Adamu and Saleh Hassan.

Others were former Deputy governor of Kogi, Patrick Adaba, Air Commodore Ibrahim Alkali, Farouk Bibi Farouk; Udenta Udenta; Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Professor Osita Ogbu; Mrs Titi Ajanaku, Chief Peter Biakpana; Oyewale Fashawe; Hassan Mohammed; Aboki Shuluwa; Saleh Jambo; Dr. Sam Egwu, Professor Chinwe Obaje, Professor A.B.C Nwosu; Kalu Idika Kalu; Ibrahim Kazuare; Senator Yushua Anka, Senator Hamman Bello, Dubem Onyia, Representative of Israeli Ambassador, among others.


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