Killer: Man remanded in Ikoyi Prisons for slapping wife to death

For killing his wife, a man identified as Premie Imafidon is to remain in prison while a court ponders on his matter.

In Lagos, a 47-year-old man, Premie Imafidon has been remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons for slapping his wife to death.

The order was given on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, by Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.O. Ajibade.

For advice, the judge recommended the case to be transferred to the State Director of Public Prosecutions.

 

According to Punch News, the accused who lives in Agege killed the deceased Hope on Friday, June 15, 2018.

He has been charged with murder as a result. The court is expecting him for a subsequent appearance in September.

ALSO READ: Man splits wife's head in two because she denied him sex

Man who beats wife too much killed by in-laws

In Ondo State, a husband Adelogba Ademuyiwa, has been killed by in-laws who thought him too violent with their sister, Itunu.

On Tuesday, June 20, 2018, the victim had just attacked Itunu who needed treatment following another brutal attack in his hands.

 

A private source who spoke to Punch News confirmed that the killing of Ademuyiwa was in response to an assault on his wife.

“The husband was fond of beating his wife. The domestic violence against the woman became unbearable for her family members. 

"So, on Tuesday, he again beat up his wife and took her to a health centre in the town.

“He was at the health centre with his wife when some boys from the wife’s family attacked him. They beat him till he gave up the ghost,” Punch gathered in a report published two days after the incident.

ALSO READ: Mob justice for man who beat wife to death

 

One of four men who beat up the deceased has been arrested by the police. Spokesperson Femi Joseph made this known in a statement.

Joseph described the event as a case of murder. Other suspects involved in the death are still on police radar.

Imu-Ahia: The Igbo apprenticeship system that builds wealth and started the incubation system

How the Igbo apprenticeship system has helped the Igbos after the Nigerian Civil War.

Have you ever visited an Igbo shop and met a handful of teenagers to young adults as employees who attend to customers?

After the desolation of the Civil War and its terrible legacy of scattered grounds in Eastern Nigeria, the Igbo couldn’t return to their homes or schools, thus they turned to the alternative — business.

For Stears Business on June 11, 2018, Tosin Adeshokan states that, “By the end of the War in 1970, the region was so devastated that money and human capital were scarce.”

 

He continues, “Thousands of people were unable to return to homes they previously owned in other parts of Nigeria. Not only was the hope of Biafra lost, but livelihoods were also halted. Petty trade became one of the few ways money could be made.”

Before the war, the Igbo were largely in their third generation of foreign-trained professionals, at least a step ahead of the Yoruba. The war meant any chances of such continuance was ruined. An October, 2015 article in The Nation newspaper titled 'People and Politics' by Muhammed Haruna, stated that “by 1963, the Igbo were producing their second generation in Law, Medicine and Engineering.”

The initial idea was petty business for the average man as a means to survive combined with what Ejike, a 36 year old Iron rod merchant calls “zero toleration for idleness in youth”, the Igbo forged a reputation as business savvy people from would be ruins.

Asides that, they created a sustainable and enviably raw initiation-incubation/training-investment system that continues to soar as a means of livelihood and create sustainable wealth in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.

Though the Igbo were monetarily not able to continue their legacy of staying at the forefront of education, they turned their troubles into a model, worthy of adoption.

Today, Nigerians say “Igbo like money” because of their positive idea to business. Their tough choice became a positive lifestyle.

Imu-Ahia or Ímù Ólú

 

It is simply the Igbo name for their apprenticeship system that purports a responsibility established businessmen [the nurturer] in a town, street or locale to pick up teenagers-young adults [the apprentice] from their homes and give them an informally formal, but raw and practical, cutthroat business education.

Though these apprentices are not paid, they are afforded accommodation, transportation costs [where necessary], feeding and clothing. It also takes roughly 5–7 years.

The idea centres around taking them off the streets and the perilous tendencies of a idle mind to give them a purpose, worthy of emulation, so they can also continue the trend when they are established.

The contemporary style of nurturing tech companies by incubation hubs has long been Igbo Culture. What we went to Europe to adopt was right under our noses.

Like anything, the West has taken this glory.

After recruitment of “Chinedu, you are following me to Lagos, Aba or Onitsha”, and ingratiation, the incubation/training and funding ends the process.

Ingratiation

 

Companies like WeWork or CCHub who take in worthy projects with potential the Igbo apprenticeship system also aims to take on human-projects.

The difference is that, the Igbo Apprenticeship System sometimes takes in mavericks and rejects, hoping to give them a future. Modern incubation systems are very sensitive and generally risk averse with a few exceptions.

Even when businesses have potential, they might get cut for little as a poor business model. The Igbo apprenticeship system is mostly about giving chances, without core evaluation, although some apprentices get rejected for character issues.

The ingratiation process basically is targeted at introducing apprentices to the system, their duties, roles and overall workings of the system.

It also involves the entire orientation process.

Incubation

Like modern incubation platforms that offer businesses spaces for learning, co-creation, trainings and cultivation of business models, the Igbo apprenticeship system offers same, in the raw, cutthroat world of high stakes business where profits and loss hold a premium.

Both are preparation grounds for some higher purposes, but the Igbo apprenticeship system offers more risky and practical platform, training and nurturing.

While some apprentices start at low risk points of stall managers or in heavy lifting for example, there is a worthy responsibility that matters to the overall conduction of the businesses they are in.

Some of these apprentices are even in charge of sales and store management where honesty, accountability and work ethic are core principles.

The differences is that in modern incubation spaces, business owners participate and pay rent, while in Igbo apprenticeship system, apprentices are just employees saddled with high responsibilities in the practical world.

Usually, apprentices do not pay rent, but as Ejike, further states, “some masters might decide to keep apprentices grounded by ensuring they earn their keep.”

Funding

Upon ingratiation and incubation period that usually takes 5–8 years, asides exceptional cases, the Igbo apprenticeship system system frees its trainees and establishes them.

Writing for YNaija on July 13, 2017, Ezinne says, “when the treats are over, and the boy is as good as his master the master sets him up with some cash — and goods — to start his own shop.”

He continues, “Sometimes, in order to prevent the apprentice-graduate from squandering all that capital at once, the master tells him that at the end of one year, a certain percentage should be returned. The apprentice graduate also gets his own boys who learn at his feet and on and on it goes.”

 

Modern incubation spaces also graduate businesses — not just individuals, but the difference is that, Igbo Apprenticeship System does not have equity shareholding or return on investment [ROI] as fundamental principle to apprentices and their businesses.

For context on how much some masters give their apprentices, Chiagoziem, a 34 year old Marble Store Owner in Dei-Dei, Abuja says, “My Oga gave me N12 million after 9 years. I joined him at 16 and 30 percent of that N12 million is a loan to be repaid over my first 5 years. I finished paying 9 years ago, but he gave it all back to me.”

In the end, the Igbo apprenticeship system is more gratuitous that the strict business of modern incubation. The Igbo have always stayed ahead of the business curve, in a ideal that originates from their struggles. If this trend continues and Nigeria somehow finds a way to monetize Aba and other Igbo business hubs, Igbo might taken absolute control of national wealth.

Nigerian venture capitalists should also look to modernize the Igbo apprenticeship system.

Roma block out all Malcom news ahead of Barcelona preseason clash

Tottenham fought back from two goals down in the Rose Bowl, but Barcelona earned the win on penalties, with Malcom burying the final kick. Sid Lowe details how Malcom's arrival at Barcelona makes the club's Ousmane Dembele problem even more complicated. Barcelona's newest signing Malcom gives his first interview after sealing a €41 million move from Bordeaux. Roma have moved to ensure they will be free all Twitter posts regarding Malcom throughout their preseason clash with Barcelona. Malcom appeared set to join the Giallorossi from Bordeaux earlier this summer and the Italian side's Twitter account even posted an update confirming a deal had been agreed. However, Barcelona swooped in at the 11th hour and stole the Brazilian away. Match day pic.twitter.com/VcxxnXcC1n— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) July 31, 2018 Ahead of what now looks to be a grudge match, Roma's English Twitter account posted an image with a list...

Star Lager: Kaduna, Onitsha produce 18 more millionaires in brand's national promo

The new millionaires were full of joy and gratitude all through the evening, while meeting with the Nigerian Breweries brand representatives in Kaduna and Onitsha during the presentation events.

Star Lager millionaires promo now in its sixth week, has produced eighteen more millionaires in the Kaduna and Onitsha areas as more winners were presented with their prizes this past  weekend during gala ceremonies held in Kaduna and Onitsha.

John Paul Ocheme a thirty five year old student based in Kaduna, Zenith Abubakar, a forty four year old businesswoman based in Sokoto and Cornelius Ocholi a forty one year old Police Officer were among the lucky Nigerians who became millionaires in the past week

The new millionaires were full of joy and gratitude all through the evening, while meeting with the Nigerian Breweries brand representatives in Kaduna and Onitsha during the presentation events.

 

At the Kaduna presentation, John Paul Ocheme a student, expressed his delight in winning one million naira. According to him, “I never expected to win, in fact, I usually do not have faith in promos, but Star Lager has really surprised me. I am going to use the money to further my education.”

Onitsha based Ezeonyebuchi Kosiso shared similar sentiments as he described his two million naira win as the “best thing that happened to me this year.”

Commenting on the regional presentations, Abayomi Abidakun, Senior Brand Manager Star Lager Beer, Nigerian Breweries Plc, said, “We are grateful for having customers all over the country who have remained loyal over the years. This promo is our way of appreciating them and  we will continue to reward more Nigerians in the United We Shine Millionaires Promo.”

Star Lager team has promised to continue rewarding winners with multi-millions in the weeks to come.

 

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Zimbabwe General Elections: Woman dies while casting her vote

While Zimbabwe awaits the results from its general elections, a woman has died while casting her vote.

In Zimbabwe, a woman has died while casting her vote at a polling station in the first Mugabe-free election since being removed from power.

Priscilla Chigumba, the chairperson of Zimbabwe's Electoral Commission confirmed this in an iHarare report.

"The commission is saddened to learn of an unfortunate incident in Bulilima where a female voter collapsed and died at a polling station.

"We want to express our deepest condolences to the family of the now deceased," says Chigumba in a statement she made on Monday, July 30, 2018.

 

The turnout at Zimbabwe's General Elections held on Monday, July 30, 2018, has been put at 75% according to many reports.

It is the first poll since the army removed Robert Mugabe from power in a coup d'état.

ALSO READ: Husband stabs wife for voting in Ekiti 2014 election

Heavy punch knocks man unconscious on queue for INEC's PVC

A man has reportedly been knocked unconscious after he was hit by a punch while on a queue reserved for the collection of INEC's Permanent Voters' Card (PVC).

The incident happened in Alapere, Lagos, according to an IG post shared by Instablog9ja on Thursday, May 10, 2018.

 

A video showed a man who laid still on the floor. He was seen been tended to in a first cut. In a following one, he had returned to consciousness and was seated upright.

In the clip captured a text by a person who witnessed the beginning of the drama.

ALSO READ: Husband stabs wife for voting in Ekiti 2014 election

It was gathered that a fight broke out in just ten minutes into the allocation of the PVC to registered voters.

 

The victim who fainted has tried to help maintain peace before a punch hit him.

Wants It So Bad: Man splits wife's head in two because she denied him sex

In Ghana, a 38-year-old farmer reportedly murdered his wife who denied him of sex. Her copse has been recovered by the police.

A Ghanaian farmer Kofi Abraham has reportedly murdered his wife Nana Yaa for denying him sex.

The killer who is four years older than 34-year-old partner, allegedly slaughtered the deceased on Monday, July 30, 2018.

It happened in Assin Fosu located in the Central Region of Ghana says a report by Adom News which also confirmed that her corpse has been retrieved by the police.

 

Reports confirmed that the deceased experienced several machete wounds.

ALSO READ: Woman denies husband sex but freely gives it to others

5 men raped by gay baboon admitted in hospital

In South Africa, a gay baboon named Somizi is a major headache for male residents after five were reportedly raped by the animal.

The victims were made to visit a hospital where they received treatment for an intense anal pain and weakness.

 

George Chiune, one of the victims had thought the baboon had an intention to kill him on his first encounter with Somizi.

The animal was however interested in only sex according to Zimbabwe Today (ZT).

“I thought it wanted to kill me but realized it was after my bum," Chiune expressed according to ZT.

ALSO READ: Wild female Chimpanzee forces itself on Cross River farmer

Somizi, reportedly accustomed to travelling alone, is believed to be an outcast.

 

Lizzie McKenzie, a specialist in the study of animals suspects the baboon is an outcast in a ZT report.

Separated Forever: Groom dies in a van-truck accident while visiting his bride

Unfortunately, a groom was unable to make it to his destination when he and others embarked on a visit to see his bride.

In Hanoi, Vietnam, a groom set for his wedding has been killed when a van conveying him and some party guests crashed into a truck.

The incident occurred on Monday, July 30, 2018 according to reports.

 

CBS News confirmed that 13 people died from the incident was recorded at the Quang Nam province.

The accident which left a highway in a horrific state also left four other passengers with critical injuries.

Some of the surviving victims include two 6-year-old kids.

According to more reports, the wedding company were on a 280-mile drive to the bride's family in Binh Dinh city when the incident occurred.

The impact from the accident left both vehicles in ruins, but the van being inferior in strength suffered more damage.

Nasty God Is Good bus accident has got woman thanking God for life

The miraculous survival of her sister who was involved in a nasty car accident has made a woman, Joy Joseph, offer thanks to God.

A video shared on Facebook showed a massive wreckage involving a God Is Good (GIG) bus enroute Benin and another vehicle.

 

According to Joseph who is Law degree undergraduate at the University of Benin, her sister had just arrived Nigerian following a trip abroad.

"So my elder sister survived this and you wanna tell me there's no God up there.

"Tell me what He can't do, lemme show you what He has done... 

"She just came back to the country to spend the Easter with us and they wanted to change the narrative. She had the accident on her way to Benin.

"I can't even describe how grateful I am right now.

"When my sister told me about it, I thought it was a minor accident until my other sister sent me photos," writes Joy Joseph.

Pulse Opinion: Has Twitter NG become too woke or toxic?

Twitter NG has become a spot where divergent opinions are no longer tolerated.

On Twitter, it seems we have developed a low tolerance for different perspectives and the right for people to have different opinions from ours.

Twitter NG is an interesting enclave. Though Twitter is a fertile ground for never ending conversations, Twitter Nigeria has an “X factor” to its own fabric. That X factor is “the Nigerian trait” of it for better or worse.

What is “The Nigerian trait”?

The Nigerian trait represents the positivity of our attitude when we band up for the same cause. An example of this is when we teamed up to diss Ghanaians and Kenyans when they threw shade at Nigeria.

 

On the flipside, there is the negativity, toxicity and divisive nature when we remotely disagree on any topic. A hot topic example of this has to do with gender equality.

While Nigerian Twitter has grown to become very interesting  it can really be a madhouse when we disagree. At the height of this worrying trend, one misses the era of banter when we all wanted to seem smart with our fabricated bios while we tweeted about songs and 'set p' in the DMs — this was 2009–2010–2011 Twitter, before our egos matured as a generation or when we became woke.

Then, we were all young kids with half-baked opinions on life. Who knew 'ignorance is bliss' will prove so useful and positive in the context of reason, what an irony.

These days, asides the perpetually energized, volatile market of gender wars where anything goes there are always sides to every argument, with each side constantly battling for supremacy.

The worst set of people are the ones who just want to be right and not be trifled with. Everyone feels like an island of knowledge.

The Case of Entitlement

At the base of everything all is entitlement. Everyone wants to be perceived as an authority. On the one part; you see the ones with regularly high numbers of likes and retweets talking straight our of their empty houses. They know that no matter what they tweet, their cronies will egg them on and scream “dansaki!” all the way.

They are drunk and high off the power. In their little nests of ignorance, retweets and likes mean popularly accepted opinions. These ones are typically entitled to rightness by default.

On the other hand, you have the ones with little to no retweets and likes and hungry for same trying to gt some virality, so they find the surest enclave to join to get an identity by going against every naysayer to their crusade.

 

This entitlement sometimes moonlights as anger, other times as ignorant confidence and some times, as a cry for help from the perpetually angry ones who think they are just joking. In this reality, everything gets lumped up.

Arguments That Lack Context

The overall consequence of the foregoing is arguments that lack context. Everyone interprets tweets through their entitled glasses and almost intentionally neglect context to argue even when there is no forthcoming reason.

Asides Wizkid and Cristiano Ronaldo fans who are on a whole different planet of comical entitlement close to degenerating into a severe medical condition, there are some terrible specimens out there who just want to criticize.

There is a difference between subtle shading and perpetual madness. “Berserking” has become the default mode for some Twitter Nigeria account holders and the only thing they want to do is abuse. It’s sickening.

Equally, over the weekend, some people simply tweeted concern for Wizkid’s weight. What ensued for most of them was a bloodbath.

We Can’t Always Blame Wokeness

 

This era might have coincided with the Nigerian era of “wokeness” but it will be lazy to blame wokeness. We are better off blaming degenerative and negative confidence.

It’s good be confident and analytical, but when reason eludes you, no matter how analytical you are, you will always end up with a pathetic viewpoint and make a mockery of your intelligence.

The problem is not that these people are gullible, they are not. They have just chosen to only attack before evaluating. It’s worse when they have something in for whoever tweets an opinion.

Twitter NG has become a gathering of self-employed custodians of rightness who cannot even define good things in their own lives. Life is hard, but Twitter is not where to take out your anger on innocent people, without context.

Our children are looking up to use to show them the way. Is this the legacy we want to create? Is this the idea of diverse perspective and freedom of speech we want to create?

What is the modern, democratic world without freedom of speech. Asides the fundamental right entrenched by several laws across the world, it is a human right. If you can’t take another person’s opinion, you placenta has not been tied to the place, you can move on.

 

I promise you, you will not die. It’s a long shot advising anybody to get out of those pitiful haze. Most people described under this heading are in their 20s. They might not be beyond change, but change is a choice and sadly, it remains to be seen whether they are capable of it.

In case the toxicity has gotten on your nerves, just mute, block or unfollow for the sake of good health and your sanity.

Taboo: Man rapes 3 grandchildren while babysitting for his son

One of the victims faces a likelihood of not being able to be pregnant following a damage to her vital organ.

A man has reportedly raped his grandchildren, all girls while babysitting for their parents.

The victims who are three in number are of ages 5,7 and 9 respectively.

Their mother found out about the sexual assault after returning from work.

 

She confirmed via a viral post that the trio had to delay their holiday lesson in order to keep the suspect company while he was on a week visit to their residence.

After a visit to the hospital, the oldest among the victims may have issues conceiving a child. The mum explained this in the post.

The father of the girls is at loggerhead with the granddad as a result.

A number of viral cases of sexual assault against little girls in Nigeria appear to be on the rise in Nigeria where there have been minimal conviction for men accused of rape.

Apparently, little boys are not exempted from the preying eyes of sexual offenders.

ALSO READ: Man who rapes 6-yr-old daughter blames it on wife's absence

Little boy cuts off private part of policeman who tried to rape him

The police in Katsina State are embarrassed over the conduct of one its men who reportedly had his private part cut off by a little boy he tried to rape.

Before the incident on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, the policeman who was not named has had encounter with others.

Vanguard News confirmed this in a report.

 

A police spokesperson Gambo Isah expressed disappointment over the alleged rape but promised a thorough investigation as soon as the officer has fully recovered.

Punishment awaits the policeman if he is found guilty.

"We received the news with dismay. We are not expecting our men to be involved in this kind of act.

"He is in the General Hospital at Faskari and has been referred to the General Hospital, Katsina, but is still in Faskari.

"The Command is investigating the matter. Immediately he recovers, we will investigate the matter and get all the witnesses.

"If found wanting, he will face necessary disciplinary action and charged to court," Isah told Vanguard.

Johnnie Jazz and Whisky: Siasia, Ehiz, Nedu, Tobi Bakre, Others step out in style in Abuja

Attending the all-black themed night, guests looked fabulous in stunning attires on the black carpet.

Last Saturday 28th July, JJW stormed Central Park Abuja for yet another night of music and flavour.

Attending the all-black themed night, guests looked fabulous in stunning attires on the black carpet.

The legendary Lagbaja and the soulful Simi brought the Abuja audience to a standstill when they performed Lagbaja’s ‘Wherever’.

Johnnie Jazz and Whisky is brought to you by Johnnie Walker Black Label.

See photos below:

 

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Wages Of Sin: University students to die by hanging for killing pastor

Two cousins who killed a pastor in Ghana are to face capital punishment for the murder.

Two cousins, Kwame Dogyi and Obio Akwasi of the Tamale Technical University (TaTU) in Ghana have been sentenced to die by hanging after killing a pastor.

The deceased, Pastor Ebenezer Ocran was reportedly murdered in cold blood at his residence in Kumbuyii.

He died on Thursday, November 9, 2017, says a report by My Joy Online.

 

Dogyi and his cousin also took away a Toyota Highlander vehicle belonging to the murdered pastor.

It was reportedly repainted to be sold for approximately N770,000.

Before presiding judge Mr Justice Edward Apenkwah of the Tamale High Court gave a verdict, nine witnesses were called to testify but the convicts failed to provide any.

ALSO READ: This 27-year-old man has killed 7 women he met on dating sites

Woman kills 2-yr-old grandchild as a lesson to its mother

In Katsina State, Nigeria, the police have arrested Aisha Ibrahim, a 55-year-old woman who dumped her grandchild in a well in order to punish its mother.

Punch News gathered that she tied the deceased with a rope and released it into the hole.

 

The parents of the infant were attending an event in a neighbouring village. Aisha has been having issues with the baby's mother ever since the latter married her son Bello Ibrahim.

She now regrets her action.

“I told my husband to tell his son to divorce his wife but he did not listen to me.

"My daughter-in-law is fond of insulting and assaulting me all the time and the only way I could pay her back was to tie her daughter with the rope and throw her inside a well to die so that she will equally feel the pains and agony I have been going through.

“We have been living in peace as one big family before my son married her; I have 12 children and all of us are living in one compound; she cannot come from somewhere to destroy the family I have suffered for years to keep, it is unacceptable.

“It was temptation, I didn’t know when I did it, I can’t just tell but may Allah forgive me. Honestly, it was a wicked act that can never be accepted anywhere in the world," a repentant Aisha Ibrahim noted in a comment captured by Punch.

Rest In Peace: Pastor, wife and five children die in a fatal accident

The family from Nachi, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State were reportedly on their way to church on Sunday June 10 when the unfortunate incident occurred at Ugwu Onyeama, along the Enugu-Onitsha road.

A Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, ThankGod Ifeanyi Onyia from Nigeria, his wife and five children were reportedly laid to rest on Friday following their passing in a fatal accident their vehicle was involved in on their way to church.

The family from Nachi, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State were reportedly on their way to church on Sunday June 10 when the unfortunate incident occurred at Ugwu Onyeama, along the Enugu-Onitsha road.

In a burial ceremony held on Friday, July 27, the entire family of seven was buried amidst tears and mourning.

The incident involved a Toyota car with registration number CM960FKJ and Toyota Hiace bus with registration number ENU75YY, belonging to a mass transit company.

 

READ MORE: Pastor accused of having threesome with little church girls

Spokesman for Enugu State Police Command, Ebere Amaraizu who confirmed the incident to the media said the “two vehicles collided.”

The burial ceremony was well attended by church members and other dignitaries from distant places, due to the sad manner in which the entire family had perished.

 

Video: Man catches his wife and another man having sex in a car

The dramatic incident reportedly occurred at Bamburi, also in Kenya, and the video has gotten many social media users reacting.

A Kenyan man from Mombasa became completely uncontrollable after he reportedly caught his wife and another man believed to be her secrete lover having sex in a car.

In a video that has been circulating on social media, the angry unidentified man is seen physically assaulting his ‘rival’ who was still seated in the car in which he had been romping the married woman.

The dramatic incident reportedly occurred at Bamburi, also in Kenya, and the video has gotten many social media users reacting.

The video shows the supposed adulterous woman in a long red skirt attempting to prevent her husband from further beating her illicit lover who was obviously trapped in the black saloon car.

READ MORE: Woman marries ghost, says sex with him is so unimaginable

During the woman’s efforts to restrain the angry husband, the trespasser quickly jumped out of the car through the other side of the car and ran away half naked.

Watch the video below:

 

1966 Coup: 52 years after, we are still paying the price

The legacy of the 1966 coup is still felt today in Nigeria as tribal lines are deeper than ever before.

Monday, July 30, 2018 marks the 52nd anniversary of the 1966 coup and the failure of the first republic.

It legacy and that of the first republic is planting seeds of persona and political tensions into the heart of Nigerian coexistence of cultures.

For one, the resulting grievances of the Igbo fueled their need for secession and in turn the civil war, led by Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, then the Military Governor of the Eastern Region.

His grievance reportedly originated from the conspirators passing over the most senior army officer after the Aguiyi Ironsi, Brigadier Babatope Ogundipe, and appointing Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon, who was of the same rank as him.

His fury was sealed after the terms of the January 1967 peace conference of the Nigerian Army leadership held in Aburi, Abuja were not upheld. He subsequently declared the Eastern Nigeria the sovereign state of Biafra on May 30, 2018.

Asides the civil war that lasted over 24 months, claiming lives and property through violence, military tactics and famine, the Nigerian history of tribally charged, political tensions was written by the event of 1967.

Nigerian history is littered with instances of tribalism. It’s shocking that despite our hypocritical focus on including “national character” into even the slightest things, we still struggle with our history of tribalism.

Destructive tribal bias is usually precipitated by ego, power thirst, paranoia and unresolved issues.

While coups de’tat are a fundamental part of military fabric, National character could have saved the bloodshed.

Nonetheless, the failing of the civilian government are well documented.

The first republic led by Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and President Nnamdi Azikiwe was littered with continued corruption and embezzlement in the upper echelons of Nigerian power.

Obafemi Awolowo was also found guilty of the financial misappropriation of the Western Region Marketing Board. There was also the issue of personality clashes between Chiefs Obafemi Awolowo and Ladoke Akintola. The timing was also off as military coups in Dahomey, Algeria, Egypt and other countries must have filled conspirators with confidence.

While Adewale Adegboyega later acknowledged the role of personal ambition to right wrongs in power as fuel to fire, calls to install Awolowo as President straight prison did not help matters.

Before July 1966

 

On January 15, 1966 an aborted coup, led by Kaduna Nzeogwu and Emmanuel Ifeajuna killed 22 people. It was majorly led by officers of the Igbo tribe.

Kaduna Nzeogwu reportedly began planning the strike in August 1965 against Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

Conveniently, the Igbo President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was out of the country at the time.

The mutiny eventually led to Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi becoming Nigeria’s First Military Head of State. While Ironsi captured Nzeogwu, the seeds of tribal bad blood had already been planted; Ironsi was Igbo, Azikiwe was spared and Acting President, Senate President Nwafor Orizu, an Igbo was also spared.

A significant number of the casualties were Northerners.

What Happened in July 1966?

Following the events of January 15, 1966, the Northerners were aggrieved by the massacre of their kin.

Between July 28 and July 30, 1966, what was dubbed a “counter-coup” or the “July rematch” turned ruthless. It was masterminded by Lieutenant Colonel Murtala Muhammed and Lt. Colonel Akahan.

It was seen as the Hausa direct response to the events of January 1966 by a significantly Igbo conspirators against majorly Hausa Politicians. It resulted in the death of Military Head of State, Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi and concluded with Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon as Head of State.

Asides the obvious murders, Historian, Max Siollun pegs the Hausa inspiration as non-trial of January 1966 conspirators for treason, passage of the Unification decree and plans to rotate the military governors of the different regions.

Aftermath

The counter-coup triggered another era of bloodshed; the Nigerian Civil War. Till date, tensions still subsist between Hausa and Igbo. It even permeates in the lower rungs of Nigerian existence, away from the rooms of power.

What we do know is that it further planted an evil seed of tribal tensions into Nigerian fabric.

Those tensions do not look like subsiding soon. As recently as 2017, Igbo still made a move for secession, led by Nnamdi Kanu. We can blame people all we want, but our founding father should accept their fair share of the blame.

They might not have fanned the flames, but they definitely planted the seeds. They failed to see beyond their selfish interests into the future of the country they got entrusted with.

While arguments can be made for how they were not selfish because they were avenging their kin, it is still selfishness — the country comprises of 3 major tribes. Right decisions should be judged on how general benefits, not that of a tribe.

Though corruption and tribal entitlement has always formed a part of Nigerian politics, corruption, in part played the role of trigger for these coups. The height of the Nigeria Civil War was truly the height that the country has not returned from.

While the conspirators failed, the founding fathers; Awolowo, Azikiwe and Tafawa Balewa planted the seeds of corruption that served as impetus for discord, dissatisfaction and consequently, a thirst for power. The failure was collective, regardless of tribe and we all need to accept responsibility before we can heal as a nation.

Barcelona youngster Riqui Puig's debut hints at his very bright first-team future

Ernesto Valverde singles out Barcelona debutant Arthur and outlines what he brings to the table after their ICC penalty win over Tottenham. Tottenham fought back from two goals down in the Rose Bowl, but Barcelona earned the win on penalties, with Malcom burying the final kick. LOS ANGELES -- Supporters at the Rose Bowl on Saturday would be disappointed to not have been able to watch Lionel Messi, still on his post-World Cup break, as Barcelona took on Tottenham in the International Champions Cup, eventually winning via penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time. However, in years to come, they may be able to boast about an "I was there" moment. Messi famously made his non-competitive debut for Barca against Porto in a friendly in 2003 at 16 years old. Fifteen years...

LIVE Transfer Talk: Manchester United to turn to Yerry Mina if Harry Maguire pursuit fails?

Gonzalo Higuain to Milan, Yerry Mina to Manchester United and Christian Pulisic to Chelsea are just a few of many hot rumours in today's Transfer Rater. Today's transfer rater features the likes of Jerome Boateng, Jordan Pickford and Petr Cech, and Brian McBride is here to break it all down. Yerry Mina opens up about his future with Barcelona, as rumours continue to swirl over a possible move to Everton. The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout the summer. When does the transfer window close in the Premier League and the top European leagues? TOP STORY: Man United to turn to Mina? Manchester United have asked Yerry Mina to wait for them to make an offer for him, Sport say. The Barcelona defender has been heavily linked with a move to Everton in this window, but United could beat them to a deal for the Colombia...

#MTNPulseHouseParty: Falz, DJ Spinall overwhelm lucky fan with surprise gig at show's season 2 in Abuja

Having no big plans for the weekend, @Obivva, an avid music lover decided to sign up for the Pulse house party.

Friday the 27th of July 2018 started off with the usual “TGIF” buzz with people in various fields and walks of life looking forward to a weekend where they can have fun and rest after an eventful week.

@Obivva (Obinna Amaku), a final year law student of Benson Idahosa University, Benin who is based in Abuja did not have any spectacular plan for the weekend, just a little hang out with friends and his family. But Obinna got to know about the MTN Pulse house party, an initiative which is aimed at making the dreams of the young, vibrant, tech and music savvy Nigerian youth come true by inviting their favorite celebrities to party with them and basically have a great time together.

Having no big plans for the weekend, @Obivva, an avid music lover decided to sign up for the Pulse house party. After following the simple and easy sign up process, he could only pray that he gets to be the lucky fan to be selected among the millions of MTN Pulse subscribers.

Friday came, the day MTN Pulse house party season 2 was earmarked to kick off and @Obivva was going about his day. Little did he know that world class DJ, Spinall and sensational musical act Falz were already in Abuja to party with him.

In a teaser video posted on MTN’s instagram page (@MTNng), Falz and Spinall revealed that they were in an unknown location ready to go party with a fan. Fans were anxious to see who it would be and where exactly the party will hold.

At about 4pm Falz, Spinall and the entire crew went in a convoy to @Obivva’s house and as soon as they entered into the estate where Obinna lives with his family, people in the street stopped to see the strange sight of too many cars in their estate. Falz and Spinall made  their way to knock on @Obivva’s gate. On opening the gate, he was shocked. He couldn't believe his eyes. His favorite music stars were right in his house for a party.

 

His compound was transformed to a party space within minutes and the gig kicked off with high intensity. There was palpable joy in the compound as Spinall controlled the console and Falz thrilled the party guests with his songs.

“The Cap” as Spinall is popularly called because of his distinctive cap, for the first time in his life gave a cap to a fan and @Obivva was that lucky fan, he also got a framed photo autographed by Falz, Spinall and the MTN Pulse team.

 

In the coming weeks, Falz and other notable celebs will be storming houses across the country with the #MTNPulseHouseParty this month. To party with celebs in your house, just like @Obivva, simply visit the link on @mtnng’s bio (on social media), repost the Falz video on @mtnng’s social media page with the #MTNPulseHouseParty and get ready for the surprise Pulse house party of a lifetime.

 

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Loose Talk Podcast: Episode 129 - Surviving Cancer feat. Sensei Uche

The saying 'health is wealth' hits home on this episode as popular on-air-personality narrates his ordeal with cancer.

 

For Apple users, you can listen to this episode of the Loose Talk podcast HERE

This week's episode of Loose Talk promises to be an all-time favourite as well as a must listen to.

The guest on this episode of Loose Talk is the popular on-air-personality who goes by the name Sensei Uche.

 

In his conversation with the Loose Talk Giants, he speaks on his childhood, musical background, his love for football and his involvement in the Gospel music scene during the days of Roof Top MCs.

During the convo, Uche Sensei speaks on how he broke into radio, developed his craft and maintained good relationships with Nigerian biggest artists while paving way for the new acts.

Uche Sensei who is also a very popular hypeman told AOT2, Osagz and Steve how he got into that line of business and what it really means to be a hypeman.

As interesting as all these topics are, nothing is greater than his captivating tale of how he found out that he had cancer.

On June 30, 2017, exactly a year ago, Uche Sensei came out on Instagram to appeal for funds for his cancer treatment in Istanbul, Turkey. Thanks to a lot of goodwill, he was able to raise the necessary funds for his treatment.

It was a race against time which Uche Sensei narrates emotionally on this episode. After his near death experience with cancer, the OAP speaks of the absence of a health system in Nigeria.

Now back on his feet, Uche Sensei has a new gig with HOT FM.

You surely don't want to miss this episode.

Porn Star: Ghanaian pastor caught in adult video with married woman

The reports indicate that the married woman was a member of the church who had been with her husband for the past 6 years.

A pastor in the Awutu Breku District in the Central region known by the nickname, Akwadaa Nyame, is believed to be on the run after he personally leaked an adult content video involving himself and a married woman.

The reports indicate that the married woman was a member of the church who had been with her husband for the past 6 years.

The video which has started spreading in the Awutu Breku Township has caused the police to step in and are currently on a manhunt for the pastor over the act.

Husband of the lady whose name has been withheld for security reasons, is of the assertion that his wife was seduced by the pastor into sleeping with him.

The video is reported to have been shared among people leaving in the community and many people are of the view that the video was leaked by the man of God.

The police in the area who are still on the lookout for Akwadaa Nyame have asked the general public to assist them to make the arrest.

Adult tape scandals are a worrying trend that has rocked some parts of the country this year already. It is yet to be ascertained the reason why such acts are recorded.

Despite the dangers associated with having such videos go viral across all social media platforms, people still take the risk to record themselves in such situations.

Toni Duggan: Life at Barcelona, U.S. tour, highs and lows, Phil Neville and England

BEAVERTON, Ore. -- A year has passed since Toni Duggan uprooted her life in England to sign for Barcelona. There have been highs and lows since, but she's feeling better than ever as she prepares for the new season as part of the Catalan club's tour of the United States. It's the first time Barca have ever brought the men's and women's teams on the same tour and Duggan talks exclusively to ESPN FC about the message that sends to the world of football, her first year abroad, winning next year's World...

No Respect For The Dead: Pastors refuse to conduct burial ceremony for 82-year-old kidnapper

The refusal of the local pastors in Irewa village to bury Karanja and Kang'ethe saw pastors from Nairobi officiating the burials ceremony.

Local pastors refused to conduct burial ceremony for an 82-year-old kidnapper and her nephew after they were killed by policemen.

Tuko reports that clergymen in Irewa village, Kiharu, Muranga County, Kenya, refused to perform Christian rites on the kidnapper, Wangari Muturi Karanja and her 26-year-old nephew, Sammy Mwangi Kang’ethe on Friday, July 27, 2018.

The refusal of the local pastors in Irewa village to bury Karanja and Kang'ethe saw pastors  from  Kayole in Nairobi and in Naivasha officiating the burials ceremony.

The late Karanja, Kang’ethe and another man from Njumbi village in Mathioya constituency were reportedly shot dead when armed police stormed the home of the deceased.

ALSO READ: Kidnappers free pregnant woman

Karanja and her nephew had reportedly kidnapped Margaret Waitherero from Samar village in Maragu.

An AK 47 assault rifle, a homemade gun and several bullets were recovered from the grandmother’s home during the raid.

The kidnappers had demanded ransom from Waitherero’s family before they could release her, with police sources confirming that the woman’s husband had sent part of the ransom.

Crime or Politics? Court remands Bayelsa APC leader in prison for alleged rape

Kpodo, a leader of the APC in Bayelsa State, was remanded by a court on two counts of unlawful detention and rape of the victim.

A politician in Bayelsa, Chief Perekeme Kpodo, has been remanded in prison by the magistrates’ court for alleged rape of a lady.

According to a report by Punch, Kpodo, a leader of the All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State, was remanded by Magistrate E.T. Empire-Ugwa on two counts of unlawful detention and rape of the victim on Friday, July 27, 2018.

Charges against Bayelsa APC leader, Kpodo

According to the charge sheet, Kpodo, a former Security Adviser to the Bayelsa State Government, was alleged to have detained the victim on June 2 at the Etegwe area of Yenagoa with the intent to defile her and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 155 of the Criminal Code of the state.

On count two, the politician was said to have, on the day he allegedly detained the lady, raped her, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 285 of the Criminal Code.

Kpodo pleaded not guilty to the two charges when read to him during the court proceedings in Bayelsa on Friday, July 27.

Kpodo remanded despite plea of bail on health grounds

Despite plea by Kpodo’s lawyer, Julius Iyekoroghe, represented by Funlayeifa Seibokuru, for Kpodo’s bail on grounds of ill-health and self-recognition, Magistrate Empire-Ugwa remanded him in prison till August 10, 2018.

ALSO READ: Life of NYSC member in doubt after 15 men raped her at lodge

Though Kpodo's lawyer argued that he was hypertensive and suffered other sicknesses, the prosecution lawyer, Ayibatonye Jumbo, opposed the bail application.

Jumbo argued that being a politician and influential businessman, granting Kpodo bail could jeopardise the case as he could interfere with the witnesses of the prosecution.

This is a political attack - Kpodo

The accused, Kpodo, has alleged that he was being victimised for criticising Governor Seriake Dickson’s government.

Kpodo, who made the statement outside the court premises said, “This trial is politically motivated; the case was reported in June to the police. The girl in question made the allegation as a tool of blackmail to cover up a fraud allegation of N500,000 and the case was withdrawn when the family apologised to me.

“But the government has been mounting pressure on the girl to come up and the girl spoke on the phone to my hearing that the matter was closed. Only yesterday, July 26, more than 30 policemen came to arrest me on the orders of Governor Dickson because I spoke out against his government. I shall not be intimidated. I am not going to keep quiet. The battle has just begun.’’

Another Sad Death: Drunk Nigerian killed for harassing a female bar attendant in South Africa

A drunk Nwankwo was reportedly shot at a local bar in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, after harassing a female attendant.

A 42-year-old Nigerian has been killed after allegedly harassing a female bartender in a drunken state in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The deceased was identified as Chibuzo Nwankwo, a native of Enugu State in Nigeria.

Nwankwo was reportedly shot in the early hours of Friday, July 27, 2018 at a local bar in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, following a disagreement with an unknown person.

His death was confirmed by the Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Habib Miller on Saturday, July 28, 2018.

ALSO READ: Nigerian killed after jumping from 9th floor to escape police in Joburg

Nigerian Union secretary narrates how Nwankwo was killed

Narrating the circumstances surrounding Nwankwo's death, Miller said the deceased got drunk and harassed a female worker when things got out of hand.

“The deceased, a patron of the bar, got drunk and started harassing a female worker.

“Information available to the union said that Nwankwo was chased out by security personnel, but he kept on coming back; became very aggressive and rude before the ugly incident occurred.

“A murder case has been opened and investigation has started. We call on Nigerians to be calm and allow the law to take its course,” Miller said.

ALSO READ: South African policemen jailed over death of Nigerian

121 Nigerians killed in South Africa since 2016

Miller also said that Chibuzo Nwankwo’s death brings to 121 the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa since January 2016.

He said the union was against at any form of violence, adding that it would monitor the case to ensure that justice prevailed.

Angela Igweatu: Corps member shot by policeman buried in Anambra

Igweatu was allegedly shot by a policeman while she was travelling home with her friends on Wednesday, July 4, 2018.

Angela Igweatu, the corper who was shot by a policeman in Abuja has reportedly been buried.

This was made  known by a Twitter user @mosco4all, who said “The body of our dear sister Angela igweatu killed by Nigeria police while serving her father land will be laid to rest today in her home town Anambra state. Rest in the lord sister.”

 

Igweatu was allegedly shot by a policeman while she was travelling home with her friends on Wednesday, July 4, 2018.

The young lady later died she died around 3am that same day in Mabushi area of Abuja.

The policeman who killed Igweatu was later dismissed and arraigned in court over the incident.

Angela Igweatu: Corper shot by policeman buried

Igweatu was allegedly shot by a policeman while she was travelling home with her friends on Wednesday, July 4, 2018.

Angela Igweatu, the corper who was shot by a policeman in Abuja has reportedly been buried.

This was made  known by a Twitter user @mosco4all, who said “The body of our dear sister Angela igweatu killed by Nigeria police while serving her father land will be laid to rest today in her home town Anambra state. Rest in the lord sister.”

 

Igweatu was allegedly shot by a policeman while she was travelling home with her friends on Wednesday, July 4, 2018.

The young lady later died she died around 3am that same day in Mabushi area of Abuja.

The policeman who killed Igweatu was later dismissed and arraigned in court over the incident.

Pulse Opinion: Is Saraki the real-life Frank Underwood?

Bukola Saraki's senatorial career might be similar to that of a fictional senator who rose to become President of America.

The events of the last six days within the National Assembly reminds me of the Netflix TV series, House of Cards.

The TV series is about the Democratic senator Frank Underwood uses his ruthlessness and gift for coming up with diabolical schemes to plot his way to The White House.

Underwood comes up with delicate and intricate plans to get rid of his opponents and advance his mission, to become the President of the United States. In his quest for power, nothing is beneath him, there is no level he won't stoop to become POTUS.

 

At the heart of the defection-Olympics in Nigeria's legislative arm is the Senate President Bukola Saraki. A target of corruption charges and an unbelievable link to an armed robbery sting in his home state, Saraki has deftly evaded all the attacks against him. Just like Frank Underwood, when you think you have boxed him in a corner, he pulls out a joker.

 

House of Cards starts off with Frank Underwood rejected for the Secretary of State role which he had worked hard for all his life. He heavily campaigned for the Democratic presidential candidate on the promise that he will be made Secretary. When the candidate became the POTUS he pulled the deal and told Underwood to still stick in the House of Assembly where he was a very influential Chief Whip.

ALSO READ: APC welcomes to defecting senators back to its fold

This rejection had Underwood reeling and made him start planning his revenge. He got rid of the Secretary of State his nominee and got his candidate the job. He then manoeuvred his way to become Vice-President.

When the APC swept into power in 2015, Bukola Saraki wasn't the choice for the position of Senate President. He, however, pulled a mini-coup within his party to get the position, in defiance of the choice of the powers that be in the APC.

 

We cannot deny that Saraki is a force within the Senate. Just like Underwood who was a very influential Chief Whip, he determines how the Senate leans. 

In the first couple of seasons of House of Cards, you will see how Frank Underwood makes the legislative bend to his will which sometimes did not align with the best interests of the Executive.

 

No one is saying Saraki is capable or has committed any of Frank Underwood's many crimes but you can't help notice that both men are skillful in pushing their agenda forward despite the opposition.

Frank Underwood no longer exists thanks to the predatory behaviour of Kevin Spacey who plays the role of the Machiavellian character. We can, however, watch Saraki's moves and how it would affect the 2019 elections.

Culture Appropriation: Dear Nigerians, we do not have a summer season

'Summer' does not exist in Nigeria but this hasn't stopped Nigerians from imbibing it into their pop culture.

Seasons are synonymous with human beings. Asides determining agricultural produces, they determine fashion choices, lifestyle changes and types of enjoyment.

However, due to geographical locations, weather differs. Thus, seasons do. Europe, The Americas, Oceania and Asia have more complex seasons and weather than most parts of Africa.

Due to America and Europe being the ideal concept of "good" to the average African-Nigerian, and their status as the bar for most of the world, their livelihoods inspire the rest of us.

If you are in your 20s, you must have heard your parents refer to July - September classes as "Summer lesson". The problem, it's far too unrelatable to average Nigerians.

 

What is Summer?

Typically, a summer is usually a long, heated season of low natural, cooling moist and filled with a need to sleep in ice block.

Asides the Southern Hemisphere, most of Europe and America - Africa- Nigeria's biggest influences, both enjoy summer between June and September.

To the West, it is a time to relax, go on holidays to exotic locations, sweat wild oats, party, engage in random hookups, eat through Rome, party till 6am, purchase footballers for exorbitant prices and so forth, depending on what affects you.

 

The idea of summer as a period of enjoyment and chill is the little to no moist. Rain can sometimes be an inhibiting factor to certain outdoor activities and even constrain movement.

The Problem

 

‘Cool’ Nigerians might refer to June to September as "Summer" due to an adoption of foreign lifestyle. However, June- September is known as the rainy season in Nigeria while dry season is from October to April. So where does this craze for summer come from?

Colonialists were used to the idea of summer, and since they brought contemporary literacy and education to Nigeria, learning and information passed must have made cultures overlap.

Summer must have been attributed to our own June - September when in fact, it is usually our wettest season. The problem was, we accepted it without due evaluation.

 

However, we cannot be blamed.

What we can be blamed for is how we strengthened the hold of this phenomenon even in our literacy and through contemporary media - music, movies and the Internet - imprinting our psyche.

Without due evaluation, some of us picked the idea of Nigeria July - September for shows. Why is beyond me because it usually ends in disastrous manner.

The Correction

If we claim Westerners appropriate African culture, we should equally not appropriate western culture because we do not even have a summer.

FESTAC 77: Find out about the twisted legacy of the great black festival

Despite huge efforts for FESTAC 77 to celebrate black culture it ended up being an event that left a controversial trail.

Before the recent obsession with Afro-Nigerian art and culture, there was 1977, the awakening for to beauty inherent in black art and culture.

Prior to 1977, African art was arguably subordinate in originality and style due to its anonymity to the world outside Africa.

Regardless of individual perception, 1977 was a pivotal year in Black History.

First, the monumental 'Roots' was released and became a fundamental theme for Afrocentrism, FESTAC '77 was a pivotal celebration of back artistry and African music virtuoso, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti found his identity. The central theme to all these events; they were vehicles for the allure African.

 

What is Afrocentrism?

'Afrocentrism' or 'Afrocentricity' is simply the appreciation for art and culture of African origin, through contemporary history.

Some historians have pegged it as a response to 'Eurocentrism’s' continued derogation of the efficacy of African art and culture due to racism and sentimental documentation.

Nonetheless, Afrocentrism is mostly associated with Western folks of African descent - the Africans do not really have to celebrate what is their everyday life except when they simply enjoy.

Historically, the idea of Western Afrocentrism, though with filled with a need to identify with roots, over an environment where derogation of ethnicity, it was also subject to some thirty for uniqueness by some sections.

In perfect order, the chronology of events and their relevance is Roots, the awakening; then FESTAC '77, the activity; and Fela, the legacy.

Due of these factors, deeper exploration and appreciation for African art and culture caught Western attention and its brilliance could no longer be denied.

In essence, 1977 might be argued as progeny to 2012 and 2017/2018.

Fittingly, Nigeria is at the centre of it all. She hosted the pivotal unification of black culture that was FESTAC '77.

Uchenna Ikonne, writing for Red Bull Academy on May 13, 2017 called it "the perfect opportunity for Nigeria to flaunt its newfound status as a prosperous petro-state, demonstrating its worthiness of the nickname 'the Giant of Africa'."

What Was FESTAC '77?

The Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture is now known as FESTAC '77. It was held in Lagos, Nigeria. The first festival was held circa 1966 in Dakar, Senegal.

 

It commenced on January 15, 1977 and lasted for 17 days. The event accumulated 17,000 artistes from 55 nations, across Africa, The Americas, Europe, Canada and The Islands to celebrate culture.

Fittingly, it was held in the thick of racial tensions and black need for a source of identity. It duly provided that and more. Black people stormed Lagos with vitriol.

It's success created a notoriety that almost makes FESTAC '66 irrelevant.

Also, according to Uchenna Ikonne, renowned poet and former Senegalese President Leopold Sedar Senghor was instrumental in using Nigeria as a beacon of unification.

He declared, "Nigeria is to Africa what Greece was and still is to the history of Europe."

Before The Event

Preparations kicked off around 1965, but by 1967, Nigerian became embroiled in a civil war. It's South Eastern zone, fronted by General Odumegwu Ojukwu wanted cessation to become an independent state, Biafra.

Fears mounted about whether the target could be met, or worse, as Uchenna put it "The question was not whether Nigeria would be prepared to host the festival, but whether Nigeria itself would still exist."

Despite the Civil War coming to a sudden end in 1970, with Yakubu Gowon as President, the Fela story had been forming over the past few years.

How FESTAC '77 Created Entitlement to National Wealth

While the idea of FESTAC '75 took a hit over obvious reasons of instability and uncertainties. The nail in the coffin was however the deposition of Yakubu Gowon in a 1975 coup d'etat.

His successor swiftly and indefinitely suspended preparations for FESTAC '75.

While he later prepared for a FESTAC '76 due to pressure from other committed countries, he was assassinated in 1976 by an abortive coup led by Lt. General Olusegun Obasanjo. He ramped up plans for FESTAC '77.

Funds were committed and efforts were heightened. Spendings were aided by Nigeria's sudden emergence as an energy force.

Financially, this was the best man Nigerian era but it was equally the worst; a time of gross mismanagement and lack of vision that rubber stamped the shambles and failure Nigeria now represents.

An Era Of Madness

On this, Uchenna states that "In 1971 Nigeria had joined the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries... OPEC’s imposition of an oil embargo in 1973 resulted in the price of oil skyrocketing four times over, making Nigeria suddenly, startlingly affluent. The strength of Nigeria’s currency, the Naira, even dwarfed the US dollar, with ₦1.00 trading for $1.60 by 1976."

Uchenna reports a famous Gowon quote that “money is not Nigeria’s problem, but how to spend it”. Nigeria spent the money on infrastructures, facilities and centric constructions for FESTAC '77 hit over $300million in '70s dollar.

 

Nigeria's wealth at the time meant funds can be embezzled without significant negative effects on the Nation's economy. The system slowly became our fabric and our future got shortchanged by lack of vision.

A nation that fails to visualize into its own vision is doomed to fail and that's the Nigerian story. It wasn't just about positively investing our wealth either.

We failed to realize the concept of potential hard times. We allowed ourselves be deceived by momentary wealth and selfishly shared it in parts amongst ourselves.

This trend of entitlement to our nation's wealth is the ditch we are still in - even in recession, grabbing what we can is still our culture.

While corruption might be part of Nigerian fabric as some claim, metaphysical determinism can only be back up by the events of 1977 and how it laid down an unsustainable system - dynamic suicide.

A gauntlet represents the accepted norm. 1977 created the Nigerian norm of entitlement to National wealth that ha since festered into near-incurable corruption.

Fela and FESTAC 77

As he is famed for, Fela strongly criticized the government's spendings. He was also billed for membership on FESTAC’s National Participation Committee, comprising dramatist Hubert Ogunde, writer Wole Soyinka and filmmaker Ola Balogun.

However, he soon resigned from the committee and naturally, Ogunde, Soyinka and Balogun left with him in activism.

They refused to be chaired by Major General I.B.M. Haruna, the Commissioner for Information. On this, Fela said "He started demagoguing, man... Saying he was ‘open’ to fresh ideas and that kind bullshit. So I resigned.”

Even he couldn't have predicted the storm his press conference to decry the festival would have caused. He told his biographer, Carlos Moore who wrote Fela: This Bitch of a Life that “I didn’t know that my resigning would cause so much shit. You see, the stage was being set for a very serious confrontation. But I didn’t know it.”

 

The real tale though was how Fela suffered at the hands of the Nigerian Military over his activism. As the 29-day FESTAC '77 went live, Fela unrepentantly boycotted it and started hosting shows at Kalakuta Republic in a celebration to criticize the Nigerian Government.

Slowly, his showings created a buzz and major artistes started boycotting major events and performances at FESTAC '77 to go savour some Fela magic.

Chyke Madu of The Funkees was documented by Uchenna Ikonne as saying "What Fela was doing at the Shrine was more exciting and more raw than any other programs at the festival."

Kalakuta Republic became an alternative or as some quarters claim "the main event" to FESTAC '77. Superstars like Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masekela, Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso were hosted nightly. Sadly, it all had consequences. Fela had defied the military government of Olusegun Obasanjo.

Soldiers raided Fela just a week after the successful completion of FESTAC '77. They pillaged and shot at people after a dispute with Fela's boys.

Despite the uncertainty of the events, Uchenna reports that "Witnesses testified that the military personnel storming Kalakuta numbered over one thousand men... There was no was that many soldiers could have been mobilized without orders from above."

It did not stop there. Fela and his residents were soundly beaten and his Mother was infamously thrown from a second storey window, which later led to her death.

 

The worst part as Uchenna reports was how Fela's cash from his the recently signed one million-dollar deal with Afrodisia Records was carted away by soldiers.

The British Denial and Magnanimity

In the events leading up to FESTAC '77, the Nigerian Government made a $3 million loan to the British Museum for the Mask of Idia - a 16th Century sculpture depicting the Queen Mother of the Benin Empire.

 

The reason was FESTAC organizers had selected it as official emblem for the event. The request was rejected. The reason was that "the mask was too fragile to withstand overseas transportation". Nigeria had to make a replica.

 

The British Government rejected our offer for a stolen artifact of proven Nigerian origin.

The history of appropriation of Black art typifies the hypocrisy Black art now enjoys across the West. While FESTAC '77 and Roots forced the Western world to acknowledge African artistic brilliance, it only recently started celebrating it again - post Fela.

Love Scammer: This 27-year-old man has killed 7 women he met on dating sites

Investigators believe Drayton uses dating websites to hook up with unsuspecting women who he rapes and sometimes murders.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of several women he met on dating websites.

According to a report by ABC7, the alleged serial killer has been identified as Danuel Drayton.

Drayton was arrested by the LAPD after being linked to several rape and murder cases.

Investigators believe Drayton uses dating websites to hook up with unsuspecting women who he rapes and sometimes murders.

Authorities claim investigations have linked Drayton to as much as seven murders with the pattern being the same.

Drayton's alleged nemesis

Drayton, who hails from Connecticut, was arrested after being found wanting in the murder of a practicing nurse who was found in her New York City home on July 17, 2018.

ALSO READ: Man murders lover who dumped him for another

The nurse was identified as 29-year-old Samantha Stewart.

It was further reported that the police said Stewart was reported dead after being in close contact with a man she met on dating app: Tinder.

Drayton behind bars

Drayton is currently behind bars with his bail set at $1.25 million after he was arrested in North Hollywood on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 for attempted murder, penetration with a foreign object, and false imprisonment, after a woman was found locked up and battered in the area.

Wire Fraud: 2 Nigerians sentenced to U.S prison for defrauding banks

Two Nigerian men will spend 13 months in a U.S prison after defrauding several banks. They are to be deported after completing their jail terms.

In the United States of America, two Nigerians have been sentenced to prison following attempts to defraud several banks.

The pair, Olugboyega Akinloye Fasanya and Anthony Chidozie Ezike, are both 36 years old. They reportedly admitted to altering checks deposited in several banks.

This was done using counterfeit passports from Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa, says a report by Tampabay News.

 

According to more reports, Fasanya and Ezike, both of Yoruba and Igbo origins, deposited $1.2 million and withdrew about $487,000 before the fraud was detected.

Stephen Dambruch, a U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island has ordered the Nigerians to pay back the sums of $380,000 and $230,000 respectively to the banks defrauded.

This is to serve as restitution to the cheated institutions.

They are expected to be deported from the U.S as soon as they complete their 13-month jail term.

ALSO READ: Wealthy Nigerians kids nearly sent to UK prison over richest dad fight

Masters of love scams arrested by EFCC

The Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has reportedly apprehended three Yahoo Boys who specialize in love scams.

This is according to blogger, Linda Ikeji (LIB), who published on Monday, May 28, 2018.

 

The suspects, Sylvester Osolase, 30; Seyi Ajayi, 36 and Monday Mayaki, 37, were reportedly arrested a day before the report.

They were nabbed at River View Estate, Lagos, following an intel received by the EFCC.

LIB confirmed that the suspects have defrauded victims all over the world.

ALSO READ: Yahoo Boys abandon exotic cars at Club 57 to escape EFCC raid

This was gathered in a confession which also revealed that the trio spend their ill-gotten gains on travelling the globe, acquiring luxury vehicles and paying house rent.

 

According to LIB, the suspects who were caught with "laptops, cars, mobile phones and incriminating documents" are expected to be arraigned in a court of law soon as investigations reach a conclusion.

Strange But True: Soldier sets himself ablaze to protest dismissal

Ulianov had reportedly poured the content of a bottle - suspected to be petrol - on himself and lit himself up just after his dismissal ceremony.

A soldier has set himself ablaze in protest for his dismissal from the Ukrainian Army.

The former Ukrainian soldier, Serhii Ulianov, reportedly set himself on fire in protest for his sack from the force during a televised ceremony.

Ulianov had reportedly poured the content of a bottle - suspected to be petrol - on himself and lit himself up right at the middle of the ceremony.

 

Dressed in his official uniform, Ulianov was flamed up in seconds in the shocking protest outside the Ukrainian Defence Ministry headquarters in Kiev.

ALSO READ: Man who could not kill himself with bleach tries petrol

Colleague rescues burning Ulianov

However, as Ulianov burns in protest, one of his colleagues managed to pull him to the ground to put out the flames.

 

It was further reported that some of those who witnessed the scenario were pulled away from desperately trying to jump in to help Ulianov.

The race to rescue Ulianov was heightened when firefighters and other military officials jumped in to cover the ex-soldier, spraying him with a fire extinguisher.

Ukrainian media reports that servicemen were aware of Ulianov’s plans and had managed to restrain him from his attempted self-immolation.

“33” Export: Beer brand brings Phyno, Harrysong to Calabar to thrill fans at 'The World Friendship Day' concert

The duo arrived the Margaret Ekpo International Airport today ahead of the concert happening this afternoon, and tomorrow Sunday 29th at the Municipal Garden in Calabar.

In just a few hours from now, the beautiful coastal city of Calabar will be lit up. It’s World Friendship Day and the number one friendship beer, “33” Export is set to make this year’s celebration a memorable one for all with some of Nigeria’s A-List artistes including celebrated rapper, Phyno and Mr Songz himself, Harrysong already confirmed to be on ground in Calabar.

The duo arrived the Margaret Ekpo International Airport today ahead of the concert happening this afternoon, and tomorrow Sunday 29th at the Municipal Garden in Calabar. The two day event will bring together friends from across the country to celebrate the values of friendship in an atmosphere of music, dance, comedy, games and fun in the people’s paradise.

The beautiful city of Calabar, famously known as Nigeria’s tourist capital, houses several resort centers, historical sites, waterfalls and hills. It is also known for its sumptuous local delicacies like Edikaikong, Ikong Ubong, Mmong mmong Ikong  and Afang soups.

Calabar plays host to Africa’s largest street carnival, the Calabar Carnival which debuted in 2004 and attracted millions of tourists from around the world. With these credentials, Calabar is definitely the place to have a great time with friends and loved ones and with the World Friendship Day already here, it just makes perfect sense that the “City of Friends” will happen in the beautiful coastal city.

Rap god, Phyno will be thrilling fans in Calabar to some of his hit songs including “fada fada,” “Connect,” as well as songs from his “Playmaker” album and most recent NWA single.  Hit maker Harrysong aka Mr Songz will also be shutting down Municipal Garden, venue of the party, with back to back hits from his collections. He definitely will be thrilling the audience with his club anthems like “Selense” “Reggae Blues”, “Better Pikin”, and  “Happiness” among others.

Homeboy and Calabar’s finest MC Galaxy will also be joining the duo of Phyno and Harrysong to delight the attendees with captivating music and dance performances of some of his hit songs.

There will be no shortage of comedy as the hilarious MC Shakara will be there to thrill the audience as well.

Unable to attend the City of Friends party in Calabar? Not to worry, the Lagos edition will hold at the Eagles’ Club in Surulere on 3rd and 4th of August with top artistes like Pasuma, 9ice, Simi and Small Doctor confirmed to perform.

As always, attendees are definitely in for a great time at this year’s City of Friends so don’t dull, go have a great time with your friends, or Day One Niggy as Lasisi Elenu calls his.

 

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