Bomb Blast in Kano State

A bomb has ripped through a regional police headquarters in the largest city in Nigeria's Muslim North, tearing away its roof and blowing out windows in a blast felt miles away.

Meanwhile, other explosions could be heard across Kano, Nigeria's second-largest city. Police could not be immediately reached for comment.

The blast at the police building occurred just after 5pm. Police kept reporters away from the building.

A spokesman for the Nigeria Immigration Service in the capital Abuja said officials in Kano told him the blast shook their nearby office and came from a bomb.

An AP reporter could see a plume of smoke also rising from another neighbourhood in the city as people began fleeing the area.

Another reporter said the explosion was powerful enough to shake his car several miles away.

Tu Face Idibia Signs Dammy Krane to Hypertek Records

Dammy Krane (18), officially becomes the first artist  under the Hypertek Records. Details of the contract terms are still unknown but from all indications, it’s a long-term project. Hopefully this is a sign of bigger and better things to come for the young man. Expect new singles from Dammy Krane soon. Congrats Dammy!!!

2012 Look Book: Women's Elusive Strength Collection by Orange Culture

Orange Culture presents Elusive strength Collection and it was created in December 2011; the ready-to-wear collections were created as capsules for Fab Night out for Vlisco and Beth Male Model search 2011 with Martini. This is the creative Director Adebayo Oke-Lawal's second release since the labels launch in April 2011. Check them out:

Elusive Strength
The elusive strength collection was created for the fab night out in conjunction with vlisco. Fabrics include Vlisco, leather, lace and  chiffon. The collection is about a misunderstood type of feminine strength, a strength empowered by a woman's sexuality. It celebrates a woman who understands and owns her beauty and the power that it possesses, thus why the pieces are sexy, strong, but still very feminine.

Photographed by  (@vanitychaser)

Nollywood Loses Another Veteran Actor To Death

This is not the best of time for the motion world in Nigeria, which is called Nollywood by stakeholders, as it has lost another veteran actor, David Ihezie, to the cold hands of death.

The actor died yesterday at his Enugu home, after suffering from Arthritis for some time now.

The Enugu State Chairman of Actors' Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ofiafulugu Mbaka, who said it was unfortunate the veteran actor passed on. In his words, "yes, David Ihezie has passed on. He died yesterday at his home. He has been suffering from Arthritis, an illness known with the aged."

David Ihezie was in his 70s before he passed on yesterday. His remains has been deposited at a Medical Center in Enugu.

May the Almighty give the family, fans and colleagues in Nollywood the strength to bear this loss.

May his Soul Rest in Perfect Peace.

Kenny G's wife files for legal separation

Kenny G's wife has filed for legal separation in their 20 year marriage ..

Lyndie Benson-Gorelick filed papers in L.A. County Superior Court -- citing "irreconcilable differences."

The couple has 2 sons.

There's a lot of money on the line.  There's a report Kenny is worth around $50 million.

There's one big sign the case is eventually headed to divorce court ... both Lyndie and Kenny have lawyered up with high-powered legal guns. Lyndie has Gary Fishbein, who has repped numerous celebs including Gabriel Aubry, Nikki Sixx, and Kenny has Laura Wasser, who has repped Britney Spears, Angelina Jolie and Kim Kardashian, to name a few.

Source: TMZ

Rihanna To Perform With Coldplay At Grammys

Rihanna and Coldplay will perform live together for the first time on February 12 when they take the stage at the 54th annual Grammy Awards for the televised debut of their Mylo Xyloto collaboration, "Princess of China."

Rihanna, nominated for four Grammys this year, broke the news on Twitter, writing, "My friends @ColdPlay and I will be sharing the stage for a performance at this years Annual Grammy Awards!" A short time later she added, "WE reached 2BILLION views on @youtube !!! THANK U!!! I'm in a great mood, and I got some GREAT NEWS!!! PRINCESS OF CHINA #GRAMMYS2012."

The show, which will be hosted by rapper LL Cool J, will also feature a performance by rock icon Paul McCartney, who will join a lineup that already includes Grammy nominees Foo Fighters, Kelly Clarkson, Bruno Marks, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean.

Read my Article on @WESpeakNews .com "The Role of Women in Occupy Nigeria Protest "

Read my Article here and please drop your comments, thanks. Here is the Direct Link (http://www.wespeaknews.com/world/the-role-of-women-in-occupy-nigeria-protest-15140.html)

Blog Post: StReSs BaLLs by @MrOdada

As at the first time I wrote this piece a few months back I was passing through a lot of stress and I felt it was induced by emotions because my side kick/lover and best friend was away on vacation in England; maybe it was because I was getting none *straight face* ...maybe...a few months down the line it only made sense that I should piece this together again, but only this time "I don't need sex, the government f_cks me everyday"...I present to you my StReSs BaLls.

In no particular order though ok #scratchthat I'd tell it from where it hurts the most to the least *scratches head* let me just start from the beginning I decided to name this post "StReSs BaLlSs" well in actual fact the stress is *clutching balls* making me drained physically and even the drinking doesn't help anything; if nothing at all I guess it adds up to being Stressed Out!!

WORK[Stress]:

Getting up every week-day at 4.35am must be probably be the hardest part of daily routine,oh yes because trying to put up a 'fake smile' while attending to customers/yelling at

Music: Introducing ZEEZA

MAGiC Entertainment would like to introduce our new artist Miss Zeeza Sadiq. Zeeza is a recording and performing artist, songwriter, model and actress. She started her career as an actress in Nigeria in 2004 where she featured in a few Nollywood movies. In 2005, she auditioned and took part in the maiden edition of the Amstel Malta TV reality show, Amstel Malta Box Office, a reality show that was created for up and coming actors and actresses which she emerged the winner.

She then went on to work with major media houses in Nigeria like MNET Africa and the BBC World Service Trust. Featuring in Soap Operas and Blockbuster films like "SITANDA" which was produced by the Nigerian Breweries.

She left the shores of Nigeria to the United Kingdom in pursuit of international fame and glory and enrolled in

Radical 77 Performs ''AJE'' Live on Factory 78

Radical77 also known as Olanipekun Osoba hailed from Nigeria. He had his education both in Nigeria and United Kingdom. Being passionate about humanity as a young radical; he decided to express his passion through music. He began his musical career in 2001, released his first official single" KO NI LO LE" in May 2011 and it's official KO NI LO LE VIDEO shot and directed by DJ Tee followed in june. in July 2011, he Released another amazing dance track " MU BI ABE"; which made his fans go "wow".

Watch it Here

Talented singer Saint Paul debuts with impressive “No Dulling” video

Saint Paul has shown his musical prowess having recorded songs of, but not limited to, Pop, R&B and Reggae genres. A gifted and talented singer and song writer, Saint Paul's works showcases an array of uncommon and excellent compositions, rendered with a melodious voice and vocal artistry.Saint Paul has just released a single titled "No Dulling". The video for the number one single "No Dulling", directed by Clarence Peters, has also been released; all of these activities are geared towards the promotion of his debut album which will be released when the time is ripe.

Watch the Video Here

Nigeria Oil Minister, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, Double Standards: Photos Of Son’s Private Jet Lifestyle

 dbanj cecil hammond chima madueke

Photos of  Nigeria Oil Minister,  Diezani Alison-Madueke’s sons, living like Kings in America, complete with private jet travel, luxury ship vacations, frolicking with local and international superstars such as Dbanj, Neyo and Cecil

Music: Al'Chaddas - Freddie

Alfred Ogbonna, born on the 1st of October 1990 is a Nigerian act recording under the stage name Al'Chaddas.  “Chaddas” happens to be a high school nickname and “Al” was copped from his birth-name, and thus brings about the fusion. Al’Chaddas was born in London, but raised in Nigeria [Jos] and still lives in Jos at the moment. He gained some recognition after his hit single “Go” on which he featured Terry tha Rapman and YungEl. With his much anticipated mix-tape to be titled “ALcyclopedia” coming soon and already on the lips of peeps, especially in Jos, he’s decided he’d be letting out 3 singles off the mix-tape. To this effect, Al’Chaddas drops “Freddie E”, a single off the ALcyclopedia mix-tape.

Listen Here 

Michelle Williams Covers GQ Magazine!

 The Golden Globe winner Michelle Williams strips down and, in an emotional interview, opens up about her relationship with the late Heath Ledger in the February issue of GQ.
On the cover, Williams -- currently basking in critical acclaim for her dazzling role in My Week With Marilyn -- dons a blonde wig and shows a lot of skin in her bra and panties to channel theSome Like It Hot bombshell.

In the article, the notoriously private Williams, 31, candidly talks with writer Chris Heath about her relationship with the late actor, with whom she had a child with -- Matilda, now 6.

Goldie Harvey, Kennis Music Artiste Drops Reloaded Album, 'Gold Reloaded', Now on Digital Stores Worldwide

!Headlining Afro-pop star, Suzan Harvey, who is well known and referred to as Goldie has upped her game in the Nigerian music industry by releasing her sophomore album titled “GOLD RELOADED” under the kennis music platform.

After the release of her debut album , “Gold “ late 2010; an album that garnered her numerous awards and featured hits like “Don’t Touch my Body”, “JawoJawo” and “You Know it”  a compilation of some of her best songs and hits, the foremost female pop star has decided to make herself one of the
most relevant act with her recent move. The golden music act, who won the  City People Award for the best

Win Free Tickets to the LIVE Recording of Nigeria Idol

ILLBLISS ON NIGERIAN IDOL AS TOP 30 CELEBRITY GUEST JUDGE!

We are giving out 10 tickets to see the show.

Renowned rapper and lyricist behind the hit track 'Ibo boy' Ill Bliss joins the popular show Nigerian Idol this week. lll Bliss joins Jeffrey Daniel, Yinka Davies and Charly Boy as celebrity judge on the live
recording of  the Top 30 show. Fans of Nigerian Idol now have the opportunity to win giveaway tickets to attend the show.

To win a ticket to the show, please answer this question:

*How many contestants have entered the top 10 stage on Nigerian Idol
Season II?
a)1.                       b)2.                        c)3

Please add your name and contact details.

To catch up on all the action you've missed please visit
www.nigerianidol.com

Creative Five World presents "Charity Lounge Lagos"

It’s time for another Charity Lounge in Lagos (Reloaded, Bigger and Better). Last year Charity Lounge in Yola was oh-so-inspirational & after what seems like forever we are happy that it is finally here again. What makes this edition even more exciting is that this date will mark the maiden edition of Charity Lounge Lagos and the team is proud to be inducting three individuals, Tosyn Bucknor, Donjazzy, and...(we let you guess the third) into the Humanitarian Hall of Fame for their notable service to humanity: We call them the “Compatriots with Compassion”.

Public Spirited Individuals and Organisations are invited to come put the Fun in Fundraising by being present at the January edition of Charity Lounge Lagos. It is going to be a cultural themed event where guests can Mix, Mingle, and Donate Time and Funds.

According to the Project Manager Michelle Emiaha, “Charity Lounge Lagos" is all about creating credible

Paul Apel wins Home Vida Awards with 90 Ninth Day

Zack Orji and Fred Amata with Guests

Paul Apel and wife  with Rapper MI

Movie on corruption in Nigeria hits cinemas January 27th, 2012

90Ninth Day is the captivating story of Jack (Paul Apel) who is awarded a power plant contract by the government. This begins a chain of treacherous and tragic events for him and his family. Susan (Bimbo Akintola) who lost out of the bid embarks on a blind revenge. In the dangerous triangle is one of Jack’s

2face Idibia and His Baby Mama, Pero Adeniyi, expecting New Baby

Tuface's media manager said that he is expecting a new baby with mother of two of his five children Pero Adeniyi. 

Tuface's media manager informed; Innocent 2Face Idibia is about to welcome another baby into the world with his longtime girlfriend and the mother of two of his five children, Pero Adeniyi.

The baby is due to arrive in March and 2face is excited with the new addition to his family. In his own words, "children are a gift from God and I'm glad to have this bundle of joy."

This will be Tuface's sixth child  as he already had two kids with Sumbo Ajaba and one with actress Annie Macauley.

RMD Survives Car Crash

According to reports reaching us, Nollywood Actor and Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State Richard Mofe Damijo popularly known as RMD survived a car crash, this morning survived a ghastly car accident in Warri but he is fine and we are glad he made it out of it.

He was rescued from the vehicle and taken to the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.

Affairs: The Beginning: Breakup

2011.

The set of stories that follow after this prologue is pure fiction and it shall be written in the first person.

Before we get straight into the happenings of the year, let us go back to where it all started from...

AFFAIRS: The Breakup 

September 3^rd, 2010.

I was seated at the edge of the bed in my one bedroom apartment, listening to the words he was saying but not hearing him. Hopefully, if I zone out for a few minutes like I always do and come back, he would say that he was just joking. The words would never have been uttered at all and everything would be just fine.

“I think we should just be friends…”

Whatever explanations he had given after that, I couldn’t recall.  My heart was racing; my palms went cold and sweaty. I felt as if a part of me had been ripped out, like a glass had shattered in my brain and everything else had ceased to exist. My mind was pure black.

I could see his lips moving but I still couldn’t hear a word apart from the ones that kept escaping from my lips.

“No. No. No. Kojo, please. Please. Don’t do this to me. We can fix this”

A part inside of me giggled at how cliché that statement was. I was saying them because nothing else was coming to my mind. Tears were not even flowing so I tried to force them out for a little bit of dramatic effect. Maybe that would move him to stay with me so we could figure out this little problem that we had.

He pulled his hands away from my shoulder where he had placed them earlier before he spoken those deadly words.

“Kojo, wait!” I pulled at him as he got up to leave. “Please, I would do anything. I promised I would never get on my knees and beg a man to stay with me but I love you and I need you so I would lay down my pride and do this”

I dropped to the floor on my knees and held his feet, praying that the true weight of what is really going on would dawn on me and the tears would flow. Nothing.

He got irritated and commanded me up to my feet in a stern voice.

“Don’t you ever do that again in your life, ok?”

He pulled me close to his chest and hugged me, apologizing for the pain he is causing me and how he thinks it is what is best for the both of us.

I smelt his perfume. Giorgio Armani. It had been his father’s. Kojo was one to take care of his looks, his smell and every other little detail about his appearance. It was one of the things I loved and admired about him.

I loved him. I loved Kojo. We were great together but he is leaving and the reasons why is a story for another day.

He broke away from my embrace and left the room. I sat on my bed. Trying to assimilate what had just occurred, to properly understand the fact that I was now single after being with him for over eight months and it was all over.

I got up and left the apartment to that of my friend’s, Zara, which was down the corridor. I knocked on her door and I stood outside her door like I was in a trance, waiting for her to answer. I heard her key jingle as she unlocked the door.

She opened it and I stepped inside.

“What happened?” She asked, locking the door and taking a seat on her sofa. I stood in front of her and muttered those five words. Only then, did it really hit me; did the tears begin to flow voluntarily, did the pain begin to grow and the feeling of loneliness and sadness begin to set in.

“Kojo broke up with me”

I burst into tears and fell into her outstretched arms filled with pats of comfort.

Good enough Introduction? Or not?

TUESDAY.

16:14PM

What to write? What to write? What to write about?

No. It’s not writer’s block. Sometimes, my mind is just too lazy to think of anything.

I look around me. There’s bound to be something to trigger the creative part of my brain to make my fingers spin out of control on this keyboard. Nothing.

“Shit! Olorisupergal is going to eat my soul from wherever she is”, I think to myself. I was supposed to have submitted a post on Saturday and it is Monday. Still, our darling Amanda has not submitted it in.

“Writing can be a bore”

Maybe I should tell you a bit about the post I was supposed to write. Good idea?

The title of the post is ‘Affairs’

It is to be put up on the blog bi-weekly by me. What it is about? Errr… A girl…her life…many men...

Okay, telling you about the post is boring. I’ll just publish it and I hope you enjoy reading as much as I do writing.

Governor Fashola's Speech, as the army invaded Lagos

Dear Lagosians,

For the past few days, I have monitored the developments related to the public protest against the increase in the pump price of petrol.

During that period, I have at the invitation of my colleagues in the Governor's Forum responded to an invitation from the Presidency.

My role since last Monday till date has been to find a ground of compromise that stabilizes the polity, protects our democracy and prevent any loss of lives.

Inspite of these efforts, we were not wholly successful in preventing the loss of the life of a young Nigerian, AdemolaAderinto who was sadly shot. 

I am truly saddened by that ugly development. While I condole with his family, I pledge the commitment of our Government to bring the alleged perpetrator to justice.

I have decided to address you today in view of the very disquieting developments that occurred overnight especially the deployment of soldiers across Lagos.

I have the highest respect for members of our military, especially because they have made a contract with all of us that they will willingly lay down their lives whenever it becomes necessary to do so, in order to protect us.

This covenant is instructive, because soldiers did not sign up to stop us from expressing our grievance about things that we are displeased about.

It is not disputable that the citizens who have gathered in several parts of Lagos like Falomo, Ikorodu and Ojota to mention a few have largely conducted themselves peacefully, singing and dancing while they expressed their displeasure at the way that we have taken decisions that affect them.

That in my view should not offend those of us in Government. The majority of these people who represent diverse interests have not broken any law. If they have, it is my opinion that in a constitutional democracy, it is the police that hasthe responsibility for restoring law and order if civil protests threatens the breach of the peace.

This is not justification for sending out soldiers to a gathering of unarmed citizens. Every one of us, or at least majority of us who hold public office danced and sang before these same people when we were seeking their votes.

Why should we feel irritated when they sing and dance in protest against what we have done?

For me this is not a matter for the military. The sooner we rethink and rescind this decision the better and stronger our democracy will be.

If anything, this is a most welcome transformation of our democracy in the sense that it provokes a discussion of economic policies and this inevitably may result in political debate.

I therefore urge the reconsideration of the decision to deploy soldiers and implore the President and Commander-in-Chief to direct their withdrawal from our streets, I must also emphasize that the rights of free speech and protest is not absolute. They impose the duty not to break the law, breach the peace, endanger human life or destroy property whether public or private.

They also impose the duty to respect the rights of others not to support our protest and indeed to support what we oppose. At the end of the day, it is a contest of ideas in which the most persuasive will get the endorsement of the majority of the people we serve.

I am convinced that our democracy is mature enough to accommodate this. We must do our best to ensure that it does.

God bless you all.

BabatundeRajiFashola, SAN
Governor of Lagos State 

World Bank Vice President Obiageli Ezekwesili to retire May 2012

World Bank Vice President for Africa and Former Nigerian Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, will retire from her position at the World Bank in May 2012.

The President of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick, said that although he had asked Ezekwesili, who was stated for retirement, to extend her tenure one more year in order to enable her finalize a new economic road map for Africa and the World Bank, she had declined the offer.

Zoellick said, "Obiageli Ezekwesili, vice-president for Africa, after five years of important and successful service to the Bank and to Africa, will return to Nigeria in early May."

According to him, under her leadership, the World Bank's African Team employed innovation, knowledge, partnership and financial services to strengthen results across Africa and to improve the prospects for Africa's economic performance.
"Her close attention to the needs of our clients, engagement with African Leadership and with regional institution - such as the African Union, EAC, and ECOWAS - as well as with the UN and other partners, has helped us to leverage our effectiveness across Africa", Zoellick said.

"Oby has done excellent work to mobilize private sector engagement and a better connection of Africa's development to that of other regions, particularly through South-South partnerships."

According to the World Bank Leader, Ezekwesili would leave a legacy in the form of her work at the institution "which includes strengthening mechanisms to fight corruption via the use of ICT".

Kate Winslet Leads The 2012 Golden Globes Award Winners — Full List

The 2012 Golden Globes delivered laughs, tears and the occasional Ricky Gervais-aimed snide remark, but the biggest news to come out of the evening were, of course, the winners, who will take home the coveted Golden Globe awards.
From Claire Danes' win for "Homeland" and Octavia Spencer's award for "The Help," to George Clooney picking up the win for "The Descendants," it was an unpredictable night in Hollywood.

Check out photos of the 2012 Golden Globe winners below

TV Series, Drama
American Horror Story
Boardwalk Empire
Boss
Game of Thrones
Homeland - Winner

Actor In A TV Series, Drama
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Kelsey Grammar, Boss - Winner
Jeremy Irons, The Borgias
Damian Lewis, Homeland