NIGERIAN BREAKS WORLD RECORD AT PARALYMPIC GAMES

This should make up for Nigeria's woeful performance at the 2012 Olympics. Or what do you think? Yakubu Adesokan has not only won the country's first gold medal on thursday August 30 at the ongoing Paralympics but also created a new world record.

Adesokan's lifted an amazing 178 kg and was 10kg ahead of silver medallist Vladimir Balynedc of Russia. Egypt's Taha Abdelmagid's 165kg effort won him bronze.





Pls give it up for NIGERIA

MICHAEL JACKSON'S CHILDREN PARTY WITH THEIR LATE FATHER'S IMPERSONATOR

You wonder what they were thinking about right? Nòt to worry; he had no harmful intention. Artiste Carlo Riley's presence at "Goin' Back to Indiana"; an annual birthday celebration for the late King of Pop yesterday sparked off some emotions.

But rather than break down or stay away from him, La Toya and Paris braced up, partied and took out time to take pictures with Riley. But it wasn't that easy for Katherine Jackson, "You're going to make me cry" was what she muttered.


Source: TMZ

SPAIN'S ANDRES INIESTA CROWNED EUROPEAN BEST PLAYER

Few months after clinching the Player of the Tournament award at the Euro 2012; Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta has pipped Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to receive the UEFA Best Player in Europe award.

The 28 year-old's award was decided by 53 European journalists who cast their votes during Thursday's Champions League group-stage draw in Monaco.

In his reaction, iniesta said "I am very honoured and I dedicate this award to my Barcelona and Spain team-mates," said Iniesta, who received the award from UEFA president Michel Platini.
I am privileged to be here with two such great footballers as Leo and Cristiano."

2012/2013 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TABLE RELEASED

The UEFA Champions League 2012/2013 draw ceremony was held in Monaco, France on today, 30 August, 2012. Check out the groups!


Group A

Porto (POR)
Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)
PSG (FRA) 
Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)

Group B

Arsenal (ENG)
Schalke (GER) 
Olympiacos (GRE) 
Montpellier (FRA)

Group C

Milan (ITA)
Zenit (RUS)
Anderlecht (BEL)
Málaga (ESP)

Group D

Real Madrid (ESP)
Man. City (ENG) 
Ajax(NED) 
CFR Cluj (ROU)

Group E

Chelsea (ENG)
Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
Juventus (ITA) 
Nordsjælland (DEN)

Group F

Bayern (GER)
Valencia (ESP)
LOSC (FRA) 
BATE (BLR)

Group G

Barcelona (ESP)
Benfica (POR)
Spartak Moskva (RUS)
Celtic (SCO)

Group H

Man. United (ENG)
Braga (POR)
Galatasaray (TUR)

KENNY SAINT BEST LASHES OUT AT WANDE COAL&DON JAZZY

Nigerian gospel singer, Kenny Saint Best is sorely displeased with Mavin Record artiste, Wande Coal and his boss, Don Jazzy over Wande's new video; 'Go low'.

The Kennis Music act recently took to twitter to condemn the video; insinuating that the X-rated video is capable of inciting rape.


Her tweets: "Naked girl in Wande Coal's new video is a thumb down from me. We have kids watching. You are bringing nudity back to Nigerian videos to increase cases of rape in our society. It has stopped. Please stop it.

"We don't want rape cases to increase. Please Wande Coal and Don Jazzy, stop this nudity in your videos before God stops you.

"Wande Coal, my dear brova.... the mercy and d favour of God are d elements that brot you this far o, not nude girls in your video. Nana"

Wande Coal and Don Jazzy have not replied her tweets!

PHOTO OF THE DAY: IS DROGBA PLOTTING A COMEBACK TO CHELSEA?

Speculation is rife that ex Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is returning to Stamford Bridge. Yesterday, I mentioned that there's a row between the Ivorian's Shenhua Shinghai club and it's major shareholders over equity stakes and this might affect their huge pay.

The 34year-old recently visited Stamford Bridge during the Chinese off season ahead of the African Cup of Nations in January and he took out time to pose for pictures with his ex-teammates.






Will his return pose a big threat to Torres's stead at the club?

NIGERIA FASHION WEEK 2012 – “GOING GREEN 2” KICKS OFF IN NOVEMBER

Organized by Legendary Gold Limited in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture & National Orientation, Environment and the World Fashion Organization have announced the official opening of Nigeria Fashion Week 2012.

Scheduled for the 8th – 10th November at the prestigious Muson Centre, Lagos, the prominent event welcomes participants like Fashion designers, Textile, Garment & leather products manufacturers,  Makers of wedding garments and accessories like cakes etc, Producers of lingerie/under wears, Jewelleries, wrist watches, shoes, bags, hats, Manufacturers of cosmetics, make-up, hair and skin care products, Producers of Zips, buttons, threads, tape rule, Manufacturers of various industrial sewing, embroidery, pressing and cutting machines.


The 2011 event with the theme 'going green' presented 42 designers and 39 exhibitors from 22 countries. It attracted both national and international media. The highpoint of the week was the 'going green collection' where most of the participating designers presented special garments made from recycled materials. It was to draw awareness to climate change issues.

Following the success of Iast year's theme, this year's event, tagged 'going green 2'promises to create a bigger platform for eco-fashion -or sustainable fashion as it is also called. More participants and international media are expected as well as buyers from Milan, New York, Australia and Asia. Nigeria Fashion Week 2012 'going green 2' will be declared open by the President of the World Fashion Organization, Paco De Jaimes.


"We look forward to welcoming you all to the exceptional hospitality of the Nigerian people" says Lexy Mojo-Eyes, President of Nigeria Fashion Week

HEADIES 2012 NOMINATIONS LIST UNVEILED

Nigeria's leading and most consistent annual music event- The Headies have released their 2012 Nominees list.

The seventh edition will be anchored by two music giants; Omawumi Megbele and
Jude 'MI' Abaga. Organized by mooth Promotions, The famous event is billed to hold on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the Convention centre of Eko Hotel, ictoria Island, Lagos.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Everybody Loves Ice Prince–Ice Prince

The Invasion–P-Square

Superstar–Wizkid

Super C Season– Naeto C

 

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

P-Square

Wizkid

Ice Prince

Naeto C

D'Banj

 

SONG OF THE YEAR

Chop My Money – P-Square ft. Akon& May-D

Dami Duro  – Davido

Oliver Twist – D'Banj

Gaga Crazy– Chuddy K

Kukere – Iyanya

 

RECORDING OF THE YEAR

Stupid Song – Bez

Private Trips – Wande Coal

Ara – Brymo

I Love You – Praiz

 

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Cobhams – Stupid Song (Bez)

Tee-Y Mix  – Super C Season (Naeto C)

Shizzy   – Dami Duro (Davido)

Jay Sleek – Private Trips (Wande Coal)

Jesse Jagz  – E.L.I (Ice Prince)

 

BEST MUSIC VIDEO (AWARD GOES TO DIRECTOR)

5 & 6 (Naeto C) – Clarence Peters

Chop My Money Remix (P-Square) -Jude Okoye

Ara (Brymo) – Aje Filmworks

Kosorombe (Dipp ft. Da Grin)  – Mex

 

BEST R 'N' B SINGLE

Private Trips  – Wande Coal

Stupid Song – Bez

Nawti – Olu Maintain

Soundtrack – May D

Love Me (3X) – Tiwa Savage

 

BEST POP SINGLE

Dami Duro – Davido

Oliver Twist  – D'Banj

Gaga Crazy – Chuddy K

Chop My Money – P-Square

Kukere – Iyanya

 

BEST R 'N' B/ POP ALBUM

Superstar – Wizkid

Super Sun – Bez

Versus – 9ice

The Invasion – P-Square

 

BEST RAP SINGLE

Too Much Money – Iceberg Slim

Shutdown – Phyno

Angeli – Vector ft. 9ice

Oh My Gosh – Yung6ix

Young Erikina – Olamide

 

BEST RAP ALBUM

E.L.I  – Ice Prince

The Dreamer Project  – Show Dem Camp

Rapsodi  – Olamide

Super C Season  – Naeto C

 

LYRICIST ON THE ROLL

Vector – Angeli

Yung6ix – Oh My Gosh

Iceberg Slim – Too Much Money

Phyno – Shutdown

Erigga  – Mo Street Gan

 

BEST COLLABO

Chop My Money remix – P-Square ft. Akon & May-D

Angeli – Vector Ft. 9ice

Carolina – Sauce Kid Ft. Davido

Stupid Song – Bez Ft. Praiz

Orobo – Sound Sultan Ft. Excel & Flavour

 

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)

Wande Coal – Private trips

Banky W – Low Key

Praiz – I Love You

Brymo – Ara

Bez – Stupid Song

 

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)

Tiwa Savage – Love Me, Love Me

Chidinma – Kedike

Ijeoma – Oloomi

Waje  – Na The Way

 

AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Sarkodie (Ghana)  – Azonto

Camp Mulla (Kenya) – Feel No Pain

D-Black (Ghana)  – Get On The Dancefloor

Zahara (South Africa) – Loliwe

 

BEST STREET HOP

Kako Bi Chicken – Reminisce

Gaga Crazy – Chuddy K

Akpako – Terry G

Roll  – Rayce

Mo Street Gan  – Erigga

 

NEXT RATED

Davido

Eva Alordiah

Praiz

Flowssick

 

HIP HOP WORLD REVELATION OF THE YEAR

Wizkid

Ice Prince

Bez

Timi Dakolo

Olamide

 

HEADIES HALL OF FAME

Special recognition for excellence and outstanding impact to the entertainment industry.

Femi Kuti

EX CHELSEA STRIKERS, DIDIER DROGBA AND NICOLAS ANELKA MAY LEAVE SHENUA SHANGHAI

Like seriously this is going to send shock waves into spines. And you wonder? How? So soon right? Going by reports, I'm afraid, China's Shanghai Shenhua may lose former Blues strikers Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.

The problem is definitely not about poor-performance; Nah! far from it, but the snag is there's a row between the club and it's major shareholders over equity stakes and that apparently might affect their over $300, 000 a week earnings.

Let's see how the whole thing turns out.

WIZKID, TONTO DIKEH, DENRELE OTHERS SHINE AT THE FUTURE AWARDS 2012

 

The 2012 edition of The Future Awards took place on August 27, 2012 at PortHarcourt, River State.
Below are the list of winners


Best Use of Advocacy- Babafemi Oyediran
Best Use of New Media- Gidi Traffic
Creative Artiste of the Year- Bayo Omoboriowo
Designer of the Year- Toju Foyeh
Excellence in Service (Government)- Hadiza Abdullahi
Excellence in Service (Journalism)- Alkasim Abdulkadir
Excellence in Service (Corporate) Ngozi Nkwoji
Innovator of the Year (Science and Technology)- Seun Onigbinde
Innovator of the Year (Education) Otto Orondaam
Entrepreneur of the Year (General)- Ola Orekunrin
Entrepreneur of the Year (Agriculture)- Tochukwu Ikpegbu
Entrepreneur of the Year (Communication and Media)- Uyi Omokaro
Entrepreneur of the Year (Entertainment)-Michael Collins
Entrepreneur of the Year (Technology) Jason Njoku
On-Air-Personality (Radio)- Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru
On-Air-Personality (TV)- Denrele Edun
Musician of the Year- Wizkid
Actor of the Year- Tonto Dikeh
Producer of the Year (Music)-Jeremiah ‘J. Sleek’ Shelika
Producer of the Year (Screen) Clarence Peters
Young Person of the Year- Idris Akinbanjo

HELP OSARERE DEBBY FIGHT CANCER

Idiagbonya Osarere Debby a medical technician lost her father to the cold hands of death on her birthday 1st Aug(3weeks ago). She has been diagnosed of a 4th grade invasive ductal carcinoma cancer of the breast and its spreading really fast.

One of the breasts is condemned already and it has moved to the 2nd and her neck. The only source of support she needs is our financial contribution in any form, she needs N6million.

To save Debby's life

Pls send your financial donations to Access bank, Acc nos: 0000216933,Account name: Idiagbonya Osare

MEET THE TRIBE CALLED FRESH CREW; PARTICIPANTS IN THE BLACKBERRY CAMPUS SEARCH CREW

Amaka Sam, Ca1 and Fweshie Oloye come; collectively known as the "TRIBE called FRESH" crew(2 Rappers and a singer) are not only making headway in the ongoing "BLACKBERRY CAMPUS SUPERCREW" but are also one of the last 10crew standing.

The final round comes up 29th August Unilag Main Auditorium.

RADIO HIT SHOW S2 E16: D'BANJ IS THE NEW ARSENE WENGER

Sup folks?

The truth about being an Arsenal fan is that you enjoy the extreme success and failure of Monsieur Wenger. I can easily relate that to Mr. D'banj, who after lifting our spirit on a great remix with Naeto C, suddenly switches the gear on the biggest song of the year.....Lhl

Songs reviewed this week:

1) Sauce Kid feat. Lynxx, Mi and 2face – E Don Dey Madt
2) P-Square - Alingo
3) Iyanya feat. D'banj - Kukere (Remix)
4) Hakym The Dream – Not May D or Orezi
5) Beazy feat. Jaywon - Go Down Low

We found an easy and stress-free link 

Download Now! :http://hu.lk/zxn7b5657aio

VIDEO: NAETO C FEAT D'BANJ, 'TONY MONTANA (REMIX)

Finally, the remix of the song is here! What else do you expect from these top-notch artistes? Enjoy

STORM 360 AND OLISA ADIBUA PART WAYS

A statement from Storm 360 penned by the CEO of the company, Obi Asika has confirmed that popular on air personality Olisa Adibua is no longer a director of the company. The decision was reached at a properly constituted company EGM.

Asika continued, "Mr Adibua was a non-executive director of Storm 360 and has never been involved in the management and operations of Storm 360.
The company will not engage in public discussions about its internal
business operations

Storm is facing forward and continues to build upon its position as a
leading light in Nigeria's entertainment industry and community."

PHOTO OF THE DAY: CHINEDU IKEDIEZE (AKI) THE PROUD FATHER

I saw this picture everywhere today, so I decided to join the train. You'll agree with me that 'money is really evident on this baby'. Fresh!!!

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA (CBN) TO INTRODUCE N5000 NOTE




The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced its plans to introduce the N5000 note and redesign the N50 denomination.

The Sanusi Lamido Sanusi-led apex bank also aims to convert the N5, N10, and N20 denominations into coins, and again create 50kobo, N1 and N2; thus making the overall Nigerian currency structure six coins and six notes.

And for the first time ever, four historical faces will be plastered on the N5000 note. The faces include prominent politician and social mobiliser, Margaret Ekpo (1914 – 2006); the late politician and activist Hajia Gambo Sawaba (1933 – 2001) and the late politician and women's right activist Funmilayo Kuti (1900 -1978).

The CBN governor said the rationale behind the new note is to reduce the volume of bank notes and the overall cost of currency management. He also stated that efforts are being put in place to ensure that the redesigned N50 and the new N5000 banknotes are launched early in 2013.

VICTOR MOSES SET TO JOIN THE BLUES

Wigan's bid for Nigerian international Victor Moses has not been swept under the carpet, the latest news according to football sites is that the club has accepted Chelsea's offer.

A statement from Wigan's official website confirms the news;
"The club can confirm that after four unsuccessful bids from Chelsea for Victor Moses, a fifth bid has today finally met the valuation and terms set by Wigan Athletic and been accepted, The player has been given permission to speak with Chelsea."

The Super Eagles forward is expected to travel to London for his medicals and agree terms with the Blues.
The footballer will be the third Nigerian after Celestine Babayaro and Mikel Obi playing for the current European Champions.

OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE DEBUTS OWN REALITY TV SHOW

Amnesty international ambassador and multiple award-winning actress, Omotola Ekeinde Jalade is set to kick start her own reality TV show, titled 'The Real Omotola'.

In the new initiative; the delectable mother of four would be letting her fans, viewers and all into her everyday life as a mother, wife and philanthropist.

Omotola, who is presently touring Europe has begun the shooting of the reality TV show, it is expected to hit the Nigerian and United Kingdom screens late 2012.

ON AIR PERSONALITY, MEKA NEEDS YOUR HELP TO SURVIVE




31 year old, Meka Akerejola is a popular Abuja based On Air personality who hosts an early morning show with Rhythm fm. A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Meka was diagnosed with high blood pressure in 2010 and after further tests was discovered to have a failed kidney.

Meka who is an orphan, requires a kidney transplant as soon as possible to survive. Members of the public PLEASE kindly donate the little you can afford as no amount is too small.

All financial donations can be made at Zenith Bank branches- Account number 2080664569, Account Name Akerejola Meka or Call Ojo Olawale on 07025096839

MAIDEN EDITION OF MISS NIGERIA-GHANA PAGEANT TO HOLD IN ACCRA

Tagged 'Re-branding Nigeria through Beauty', the maiden edition of Miss Nigeria-Ghana beauty pageant will hold on October 26, At Accra, Ghana.

An initiative of Delight Communications, the event which will be staged at La Palm Royal Beaach, Accra will feature 100 beautiful Ghana-based Nigerians.
The aim of the pageant according to Bola Olalere, CEO of Delight Communications is to project Nigeria in a positive way.

"We are looking at using this platform to debunk the notion that Nigerians are bad people. Each contestant will portray the values of the states they will be representing. It will not be a nine-day wonder, we are hoping to take it to greater heights in subsequent editions. We have over 25,000 youthful Nigerians, with a large portion forming the female population, in Ghana, so I believe we will make strides."


Interested participants are to get copies of the forms at the Accra Mall Shopping Centre and other designated places for GH¢34 (about N2,700). The outright winner will pick the keys to a brand new saloon car, one year sponsored breast cancer awareness campaign and a Rolex watch worth $6,000.






Source: Daily Times

RITA DOMINIC'S 'THE MEETING' GETS RELEASE DATE

 

The wait is finally over!! The Meeting, one of Nollywood's highly-anticipated movies will be released on October 19, 2012.
Produced by the Audrey Silva Company (TASC), a company founded by Rita Dominic and Mildred Okwo, it was superbly written by Tunde Babalola.

The star-studded romantic comedy flick which will be distributed by the Silverbird Distribution Limited parades stars like Rita Dominic, Jide Kosoko, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Basorge Tariah, Nse Ikpe-Etim, and Chinedu Ikedieze.

On the company's first cinematic offering, Mildred Okwo, Managing Director of TASC stated that, "We are excited about this film because it is a truly Nigerian story that cuts across borders. Anybody anywhere in the world will find something about this film to like. We are not only introducing upcoming stars in Femi Jacobs and Linda I. Ejiofor but we are also showcasing a different and dynamic Rita Dominic."


SYNOPSIS
The story set in Abuja follows the trials of Lagos-based corporate executive Makinde Esho (Femi Jacobs) who finds himself at the mercy of political patronage, bureaucratic red tape and Cupid's arrow while in hot pursuit of a 'meeting' to secure a government contract.

It addresses an array of contemporary issues audiences are sure to identify with from love to African time, to the trials of tackling officials and manoeuvring red tape.


Check out Behind-the-Scene pictures of The Meeting

http://loladeville.blogspot.com/2011/12/behind-scene-pictures-of-rita-dominics.html

PHOTOS: RAPPER SASHA UNVEILS CLOTHING LINE

Unarguably one of Nigeria's most fashionable celebrities, popular rapper and Samsung ambassador, Yetunde Alabi, popularly called Sasha has unveiled her clothing line, 'Eclectic by Sasha.

The event took place yesterday 19th August 2012 at Victoria Island, Lagos. Her collection has variety of trendy dresses/outfits and prices from N8, 500 to N14, 000.

KANYE WEST TO RECONCILE D'BANJ AND DON JAZZY??

If the story in the current issue of City People magazine is anything to go by, then I must say music stars Don Jazzy and D'banj may be back again. According to the soft sell, Kanye is making frantic efforts to reconcile the ex partners after he learnt he caused their seperation.

Excerpts from the magazine

"Kanye West, believed to be at the center of the controversy that led to their fight is making efforts to reconcile them…Kanye West was not aware of the fight between D'Banj and Don Jazzy until 3 months ago and has been trying to get them together."

"While he was in the studio with D'Banj some weeks back working on the remix of "Scapegoat" he brought the topic up again and asked D'banj why Don Jazzy was not in the US with him working on the song. D'Banj was said to have told him that they are still friends but work on different platforms now.

Kanye was said not to be happy about the fact that his name was in the internet as one of the reasons the duo fell apart. He insists they get back together if he has to keep working with D'banj. He prompted D'Banj to once again try and make up with Don Jazzy.

"Recently D'Banj invited Kanye West to come to Nigeria for the video shoot of "Scape Goat" remix he did with Kanye. Kanye accepted but gave a strict condition that he will come only after he must have reconciled with Don Jazzy who must also be in the video."

Don Jazzy reportedly agreed to appear only if he would be paid. Sighhhs! This is business right? Kind of wondering how Nigerians or their fans would react to this. Happy? Indifferent? Who wants them back?




Photocredit: Funmi Ogunja

PLS LET'S SAVE FUNMI LAWAL

Funmi Lawal, a 24 year-old Law graduate needs your help. She's been diagnosed with cancer and doctors say she has to undergo a surgical procedure ASAP. The procedure will cost about 15, 000 pounds (approx. N4million) and the families need serious help in raising the money with urgency.

Hear from Funmi

"I've had this shoulder issues since like 7yrs now though, have done a surgery sometimes back and I've gone to other places too, but no head way (couldn't lift the hand) but when law school came, I dint have time for the hand but studies.. Then it started getting bigger at d shoulder region and bigger by d day.

I went 2 my hospital and they asked me 2 do some test like MRI, fine needle test and all. On d test, they said there is a MALIGNANT SARCOMA. A doctor friend then referred me to an expert doctor in this field… He said its a kind of bone cancer and its extensive, he said I must start RADIO therapy fast to shrink d tumor and stop any spread.

He also said that there is a test called "bone scan" dt will show my whole body to know where it has spread to and this test can't be done in Nigeria because d machine is not in Nigeria yet, that I must find a way as soon as possible to go do d surgery outside the country because its life threatening…

He said if I lose my hand its better than losing my life. Meanwhile my brother contacted some doctors online and hospitals that specialize in this kind of tumor.. He was the one that gave the estimated price via email"



Funmi's phone numbers are: 08096617172, 08055892528

Her blackberry pin is: 2807E7F5

The account detail is: Funmilayo Lawal 0002855164 GTBANK

RADIO HIT SHOW: MR INCREDIBLE FOUND GUILTY AGAIN

Sup folks,

Heaven knows that I am one of MI's biggest fans but I also agree that his lines are slowly falling off the grid. The real question is simple, is MI still the undisputed champion? Shout out to Efa, Maytronomy, Phenom&Pope Da Hitman, one of you is next.

Songs reviewed this week:

1) Duncan Mighty feat Shaggy-Whine it
2) M.I&Naeto C- Bartender
3) Sasha P- Bad Girl P
4) Arrel-Let Go

We found an easy and stress-free link. Download Now: http://hu.lk/rae4n2q1 5318
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

ARSENAL'S ALEX SONG HEADS TO BARCELONA

Barcelona has reportedly paid €19m for Arsenal player Alex Song. He will sign a 5-year contract including an 80M buyout clause.

The 24 year old Cameroonian is expected to travel to the Nou Camp to agree personal terms and undergo medical tests.

MISS CHINA IS MISS WORLD 2012

Miss Yu Wenxia of China has been adjudged the 2012 Miss World beauty pageant.

The first runner-up is Sophie Elizabeth Moulds of Wales and the second runner-up is Jessica Michelle Kahawaty of Australia.
This is the second time Miss China has won the highly-coveted prize, the last time was in 2007 and it was won by Miss Zhang Zilin.

When asked why she should be crowned, the 23-year old aspiring music teacher replied, "When I was young I felt very lucky because so many people helped me, and I hope in the future I can help more children to feel lucky."

The pageant was held in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China today.

PHOTO: DAVID BECKHAM GETS SILVER STATUTE

A chiselled silver statue of football ace, David Beckham has been unveiled and erected in various parts of Los Angeles and San Fracisco.

This is part of his packages as the face of the new H&M underwear campaign.

MANCHESTER UNITED'S RIO FERDINAND FINED £45, 000 OVER TWITTER COMMENT

What's with footballers and 'tweet' fines? The last victim was Emmanuel Frimpong, the newest prey is Man U defender, Rio Ferdinand. He has been heavily fined by according to Football Association for endorsing a racist tweet about Ashley Cole.

The original tweet was from a certain carltonEbanks, "Looks like Ashley Cole's going to be their choc ice. Then again he's always been a sell out. Shame on him."

Rio replied, ""I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic hahahahahaha!!".

The badly-conceived 'choc ice' word means someone is being black on the outside and white on the inside. The tweet came at a time when Ashley Cole appeared in court as a defence witness for team-mate John Terry, who was cleared of racially abusing Ferdinand's younger brother, Anton, in a game against QPR on 23 October last year.

The Football Association made it clear they did not feel Ferdinand was a racist but he had acted improperly and thus deserved a whooping £45,000 fine.

PHOTOS: VAN PERSIE NOW UNITED

You've heard and read it all. The pictures are here. Robin Van Persie signs the dotted lines with his new coach, Sir Alex Ferguson and then trains with his new colleague, Wayne Rooney.

What do you think of the duo? The Red Devil's attacking force this new season will be seismic right?

Meanwhile RVP makes his debut for the club in a game between Manchester United and Everton on Monday. Watch out for Jersey number 31.

SUPERMOM EPISODE ELEVEN FEATURES COBHAMS ASUQUO& KUNLE AFOLAYAN'S MUMS

Hey good readers! How are you finding the stories on Supermom show? Unbelievable and touching right? Now you're fully convinced that behind most successful stars out there are/were mums who suffered to see them rise to the top.

Sit back, relax and enjoy this week's episode!

Singer, song writer and producer, Cobhams Asuquo isn't just one of the most talented young men in the Nigerian music industry, with a remarkable record of success in his chosen career, he is also a conqueror; having won several battles including that against blindness which he was born with.

On this week's celebrity edition of supermom, Mrs Gladys Asuquo and her son, Cobhams who is now a husband and father, tell the intriguing story of how a blind kid turned his disability to a success story. Born like other normal children, Cobhams seemed perfectly normal until about three months after when his very observant mother began noticing his awkwardness.

She quickly took him to the University Teaching Hospital in Ibadan from where they were referred to a hospital in Kano. There, her worst fears were confirmed; her son had been blind from the womb and nothing could be done to restore his sight.
Rather than cry and blame God for her seeming 'ill' fate, Mrs Asuquo who was a clerical officer in the army resigned to take care of her son and prepare him adequately for a future she knew had to be great.

It wasn't easy at all. Her first responsibility was showing him that his blindness wasn't a disability. "It wasn't easy watching Cobhams do chores around the house and run errands like my other children but I resolved to make him as independent and capable of achieving anything he sets his mind to do. I showed him where his box of clothes was and would ask him to go get his clothes after bathing him," Mrs Asuquo says.

These trainings came in handy when he had to move into the boarding school for his secondary education.
Cobhams' father was an officer in the army and was hardly ever around so it was up to the mother to train and sometimes solely cater for her children. At some point, when he was seconded to Chad Republic, things became so unbearable that she had to boil and sell groundnuts to sustain the family. It was in the course of this that she noticed her son's love for the drums. "

He would beat on anything he could lay his hands on so I encouraged him by buying him musical toys. Cobhams never went to school to learn to play any music instrument; I think it was just an escape route for him," she says. She was therefore not surprised when he decided to drop out of the University of Lagos as a 300 level student of Law to face his passion full time.
The Asuquos' edition, airing this weekend on terrestrial television stations across the country, is a tearjerker that would keep viewers on the edge of their seats while the programme lasts.

Alongside the Asuquos, the mother of celebrated filmmaker cum actor, Kunle Afolayan, Mrs Omoladun Afolayan, shares her emotive trajectory with viewers especially having to cope and cater for her kids while the patriarch, travelling theatre artist and filmmaker, Ade Love traversed the globe.

Born in 1943, Moladun got married at an early age to the handsome and famous Ade Love when she was quite young. Since her husband was always on the road and had other wives and children to cater for, preferring also to invest a lot in his art, each of his wives had the responsibility of caring for their children.

A street 'puff puff' seller, who later 'graduated' into selling pepper soup, Kunle, her most famous child was barely five years old when they were rendered homeless during the 'Ghana-Must-Go' era. "We had to move in with my friend's mother," the awards winning director of films like Irapada, Figurine and Phone Swap recalls.

His mother takes up the story; "All we did was spend the night there. I was pregnant with my last child then and would sit outside in the cold till the Mama would come back, freshen up, and then ask us to come in and sleep. It wasn't convenient because there were bedbugs in the room and I had to stay up to keep them from biting my boys."

They finally got a place of their own but in a swampy area and whenever it rained, the house would get flooded. She lost the little property they had to the flood. The days of want are clearly over but, according to Kunle, it has been hard forgetting those days when his mother sold all her clothes down to the last wrapper so they would survive.

ROBIN VAN PERSIE SWITCH: 25 FIERCE REACTIONS FROM THE FOOTBALL WORLD

Boys are still not smiling. Following Robin Van Persie's £24m switch from Arsenal to Manchester United; football fans and pundits took to the social media most especially twitter to vent their anger and register their sore displeasure at the shocking news. Here are some reactions from fanatics, ex footballers, footballers, journalists and all.

A confirmation from Arsene Wenger. "He is at Manchester United, unfortunately for us. The transfer was finalised in the afternoon. It's never great to lose players of that quality but he only had a year contract."

Piers Morgan: "Funny, I really thought @Persie-Official was different. But he turned out to be just another mercenary, heartless, selfish little s**t. What a sickening betrayal of Wenger too - the man who stood so loyally behind @Persie_Official through years of injury. #VanPursestrings


Ian Wright: Sad that an AFC player has gone to a team who use to consider us rivals! God forbid a big team comes in for vermaelin ! Would he stay ?

Rio Ferdinand: 'Welcome to Manchester @Persie_Official!! Ready to win some silverware? #manutd.'

Arsenal fan: 'I have one Arsenal jersey with your name on the back, @Persie_Official. I will spit on it before I burn it.'

Anonymous: '@persie_official i would go on a rant about you, but im too busy taking out the knife from mr Wenger's back.'

FshawOfficial: 7 years..always injured..Wenger stood by you. damn...this hurts. oh well..We rise above bullsh*** as usual. up Arsenal!"

@DavidJonesSky Honestly think the RvP transfer is just the spark the Premier League needed post Olympics. Football is coming...

@ollieholtmirror Van Persie signing big statement from United. Blow for Arsenal, obviously, but still think they can have good season.

@henrywinter I hope @Persie_Official has the class to thank Wenger for taking a gamble on him in 2004 when others wouldn't & backing him during injuries

@lukeyhills No way could @Persie_Official do two seasons on the trot! It's only a matter of time before his knees give way #AFC #Arsenal

@DutchGoonerCov @Persie_Official I guess this is it then. I won't insult you, I'm Dutch. Goodbye. I would say good luck, but not for that team. No way.

@ahmed14ali This is officially the worst news I've heard for 15 years ! I thought @Persie_Official was different to the rest but ... Oh well #gutted

@leebyron To be fair, its going to be pretty sad hearing @Persie_Official get the same reaction from the crowd as Cole, Nasri, Ade after last season..

@colemikori Hey @Persie_Official I'm a gooner from America and you just made me very sad. Your exit is just as typical and equivalent to that of Nasri's

@D_Tiller RVP has gone....we have bagged £24mill!! Go get Llorente!! We HAVE to!! #RVP #Arsenal #Llorente

@simbizhanje As a staunch #Arsenal fan, RVP has committed the ultimate betrayal.

@premy97 I really don't blame Van Persie for leaving but I really don't think people should offend him as much, he is not like Cole and Nasri

@stlawal Arsenal will be underdogs in every game now, but that will work in our favour, RVP is world class but glad the saga is now #OVER

@gooner1886_ I'm glad that the Van Persie saga is over now but I only wished he didn't join another PL team!! I feel angry & let down by Van Persie!

Michael Carrick: He had a terrific season and he will further strengthen our squad. It is a great boost going into the new season. He is a world class player and we have always been about bringing in players of that ability.

Harry Redknapp: "I could see Manchester United winning the league next year, now they've got Van Persie. He could be the difference. He really is a great signing."

Danny Needham: "Arsenal need to congratulate RVP's contribution and be ecstatic with £24m. Just unfortunate he's heading to Manchester."

Mark Thompson: "Thought RVP was better than that but £24M for a 29-year-old with an extensive injury record is a good deal for AFC."

Chris Goodall: "RVP may provide some goals but he won't give Man Utd the composure in midfield that cost them the title last year."

Nigel Winterburn: "What they need to do is work out where they are going to replace his goals. They have players to do that I think in the likes of Lukas Podolski."

Source: Twitter and football blogs!

PHOTO OF THE DAY: HAIR MADNESS

I understand Afro. This I can't fathom. I will never understand why someone would carry this "substantial amount" of hair in the name of style. Jeez!!!

BOLTON'S FABRICE MUAMBA CALLS IT QUITS WITH FOOTBALL

Six months after recovering from a cardiac arrest, Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba has announced he has called it quits with professional football.

"While the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for. I thank God that I am alive and I pay tribute once again to the members of the medical team who never gave up on me."

The 24 year-old continued, "Since suffering my heart attack and being discharged from hospital, I have remained utterly positive in the belief I could one day resume my playing career and play for Bolton Wanderers once again."

It would be recalled that Muamba collapsed on17th March during Bolton's FA Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur and was proclaimed "in effect dead" for 78 minutes.
He was given 15 defibrillator shocks before his heart started beating again and he spent close to four weeks in intensive care.

"As part of my on-going recovery, last week I travelled to Belgium to seek further medical advice from a leading cardiologist.
"But the news I received was obviously not what I had hoped it would be and it means I am now announcing my retirement from professional football."
"Above all else, I love the game and count myself very lucky to have been able to play at the highest level.". He explained.



Wise decision!

ACTORS JOSEPH BENJAMIN AND DOLAPO ONI COVER AUGUST ISSUE OF COMPLETE FASHION MAGAZINE

One of the things that strike me about this particular magazine is the fabulous way they combine their cover colours. And this you'll agree with me is sublime.

LIONEL MESSI, ANDRES INIESTA AND CRISTIANO RONALDO NOMINATED FOR 2011/2012 UEFA BEST PLAYER AWARD

Andrés Iniesta (Spain, FC Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona), and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid CF) have been shortlisted for the 2011/2012 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.

Though launched last year, the award ceremony will take place on 30 August in Monaco and the outright winner will be chosen via an electronic system.


Other 6 nominees are;

4) Andrea Pirlo (Italy, Juventus)

5) Xavi Hernández (Spain, FC Barcelona)

6) Iker Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid CF)

7) Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Chelsea FC*)

8) Petr Čech (Czech Republic, Chelsea FC)

9) Radamel Falcao (Colombia, Club Atlético de Madrid)

10) Mesut Özil (Germany, Real Madrid CF)

THE TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR FOUNDATION (TASF) HONOURS RENOWNED COMEDIAN, JULIUS AGWU

⁠ 
In recognition of his support to the Foundation during one of his visits to America, the Tupac Shakur Foundation ( TASF ) has presented an autographed Autobiography of the late rapper to one of Nigeria's comedy heavyweights, Julius Agwu.


Julius who is the first African recipient of the honour recounted, "I went to the Tupac Foundation in Atlanta and I saw the projects Tupac was working on before he died and what his Mum is presently doing there.  I bought a Brick at the Tupac Foundation and my name was inscribed on it.

If you go to the Tupac Foundation in the USA, you will see my name on one of the Bricks there along with those of other superstars."

The Autobiography titled 'Tupac Shakur Legacy', the demised rapper's mum, Afeni Shakur wrote thus;

" Julius Agwu, Peace, Love, Respect. Se Alaafia Ni? We pray we will be able to come to home, Nigeria in the future. Help make our homeland safe. We are ever hopeful for African Peace and Prosperity. "

The book contains removable reproductions of handwritten lyrics, notebook pages, personal memorabilia and 'Tupac Shakur Speaks', a 60 minute CD featuring rare interviews with the late star.






Source: Ariyatoday

JOSE MOURINHO NOW WANTS TO BE CALLED 'THE ONLY ONE'

Before you consider this as a brag, hear him out.

"I am the only one who won the world's three most important leagues. So, maybe instead of the 'Special One', people should start calling me the 'Only One".

The 49year-old Real Madrid coach said this during an interview with Portuguese television channel SIC.

His achievements: he has won titles in Spain (once, with Real Madrid), Italy (twice, with Inter Milan) and England (twice, with Chelsea), and then Portugal (twice, with Porto).

Nicknamed the 'Special One' after he arrived at Chelsea in 2004, the likeable Portuguese continued,

"Things have been going well for me, thank God. I am focused on others much more these days. The pleasure of winning with Inter Milan was seeing a club which had not won for 50 years winning again. That is what entices me more and more, instead of pursuing individual goals."




Honestly I adore this man!