OPINION VOICES

Friday

AU Special Representative closely monitoring the situation in Puntland after heavy floods

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, November 15, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif is closely monitoring the situation in Puntland in which at least 300 people are feared to have lost their lives, hundreds others unaccounted for, and countless livestock lost after days of heavy storm and floods.

Ambassador Annadif said the African Union and AMISOM in particular are with the people of Somalia and the Federal government during this period of emergency situation. He commended the efforts so far made by the Puntland authorities to help those affected by the floods and calls on other stakeholders to swiftly come to the rescue of flood victims.

He said; “I'm very touched by reports of death, injury and displacement of people in Puntland following days of flooding. It is my humble appeal to both local and international partners to provide the much needed assistance to help alleviate the suffering of those who have been affected.”

FIFA lauds Nigeria for winning U-17 World Cup

The International Football Federation (FIFA) has hailed the victorious Golden Eaglets of Nigeria for their triumph at the U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

A statement reaching Xinhua Thursday from the Nigeria Football Association in Abuja quoted FIFA president Sepp Blatter as saying in the letter that the Golden Eaglets were worthy winners.

The Eaglets won their record fourth U-17 World Cup at the 2013 edition of the tournament which was held from Oct 17 to Nov 8.

Nigeria claimed the title following a 3-0 defeat of Mexico who they had earlier beaten 6-1 in the preliminary stage.

“The FIFA U-17 World Cup lived up to all its promises with some thrilling matches, fantastic goals, incredible emotions and unbelievable twists and turns,” the world soccer body chief was quoted as saying in the letter addressed to NFA President Aminu Maigari.

“All of these combined to keep the fans on the edges of their seats on the final day in Abu Dhabi last Friday.

“In the end, the Nigeria U-17 team saw off the challenge of their Mexican counterparts to claim an unprecedented fourth world title following previous triumphs in 1985, 1993 and 2007,” Blatter said

Fashola bars commissioners from use of siren

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has barred his ccommissioners from the use of sirens.

He said that members of the State Executive Council (SEC) caught using sirens within the state would lose his job.

Fashola handed down the order while addressing stakeholders in the transport sector including the Minister for Transport, Senator Idris Umar at the opening ceremony of the 13th National Council on Transport held at Civic Centre, Victoria Island.

The governor called for concerted actions against the arbitrary use of siren and horns in the country, lamenting health and other social implications resulting from the use of loud horns and sirens.

He said, 'We use loud horn especially the one used during emergency. Are we in a state of perpetual emergency? If those who manage the public transport policy can get away by using sirens, it will never work,' he said.

He said he had never used sirens since he was elected into public office in 2007, saying 'from the day I became the Governor of Lagos State and until this moment, I have not had course to use it. I do not intend to use it. I detest noise.

According to him, 'But I think it is even worse because people elect us to manage public transport on their behalf. We choose to escape from it. After riding in a free car paid for coupled with the free fuel, it is an abdication of duty. It must apply it across the board.

'At least, at the state level, I can speak. My commissioners have a very clear order; they will lose their job if they do. Every form of unqualified person passes through our security post in a siren. We expect to be safe and secure.

'Those we put there to protect us cannot even detect who is who. So, when they approach a check point with a kidnapped victim in their boot, they just put on their siren and drive away. These are things that we must really reflect about and take very hard decisions about which way we want to go,' the governor explained. He also faulted the rights of NIWA, an agency of the federal government, to regulate and oversee the development of the municipal water transportation within the state, explaining that if the states 'have the capacity to operate and manage their municipal road transport system, they must retain a similar capacity to manage water transportation services, as far as it is transportation within the territory of the state.'

The governor at the occasion faulted the power of the National Inland Waterway Authority (NIWA) to regulate the water transport services within the jurisdiction and territory of a state.

He said it was unacceptable for NIWA to require the state government 'to take a permit from it before I set up a jetty in my own lagoon. We will not stand for that. I find it objectionable where NIWA suggests to me that before we can build the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge over a lagoon inside our state, I should come and take a permit to build bridge for the state residents. We will not apply for such permit. These are some of the issues we face. I must say are very important under in implementing some government policies.

'But the parastatals can also be the cog in the wheel of progress when enough attention is not paid to their activities. I think it is not the policy of the national government that state cannot run their own internal water services.'

Also speaking at the council meeting, the minister explained that the federal government had rolled out a comprehensive programme to rehabilitate existing railways across the federation.

The minister said consequent upon the completion of rehabilitation work on the Lagos-Kano narrow gauge, passenger/cargo operations commenced in December 2012, while container movement from Apapa Port complex to Kaduna and Kano commenced in August.

He said works 'are ongoing to complete the rehabilitation of the Eastern Narrow Gauge Line, Port Harcourt-Aba-Umuahia-Enugu-Makurdi-Lafia-Kuru-Bauchi-Gombe-Ashaka-Maiduguri with lines at Kuru to Jos, Kafachan and Kaduna.

Under the railway modernisation programme, Umar said the construction of Standard Gauge from Abuja(Idu)- Kaduna has attained 68 per cent completion, while the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri Line has attained 77 per cent completion.

United States Moved Against Boko Haram, Ansaru Islamic Sects

More facts emerged yesterday on the reasons behind Wednesday’s designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru Islamic sects as Foreign Terrorist Organisations by the United States invoking section 219 of the National Immigration Act and section 1(b) of the Executive Order 13224, despite pressure from the Federal Government to do otherwise.

According to diplomatic sources, the US made the move because of Boko Haram’s threat to attack America, its recruitment of foreigners to plan its operation as well as funding from foreign partners.

Vanguard learnt that Washington wants to prepare itself to deal with potential and existential threats posed by the Nigerian based Islamic insurgent groups that recently threatened to attack America on its own soil as Boko Haram has effectively outsmarted the Nigerian security agencies and the offensive unleashed on it in the North Eastern states.

Diplomatic sources told Vanguard yesterday, that Boko Haram and Ansaru are no longer seen as local insurgent groups whose activities are confined to North Eastern and North central parts of Nigeria, “but well internationalised terror groups that are affiliated to Al-Qaeda terror network where they draw funding, radicalise their members and plan their attacks with the help of foreigners, including citizens of Western nations that share their world views”.

The involvement of foreigners in the Westgate Mall attack in September has alarmed the United States and has compelled it to take seriously the threat of Boko Haram, whose late leader, Abubakar Shekau was among the prominent terrorists that America placed a prize tag of N1.1 billion earlier this year. The terrorist group said it wants to hit the US for precipitating the attack on Shekau, whom they released a video trying to assert that he is still alive.

Reacting to the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as terrorist organisations, President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor said: “I am elated. I am excited. Honestly, I feel fulfilled. It shows that if you believe in something, stay focused on it, eventually it will come to pass. My joy is not about me. It’s about, first of all the families of those who lost dear ones in their thousands. This is good for them. It is about orphans. It is about widows. It is about businesses and churches destroyed. It is about people left hanging, who do not know what to do with their lives any more. So, when I say I feel excited, happy and fulfilled, it is not about me. It goes beyond me; it is this nation called Nigeria. This is good for us. Anybody who says it is not good needs his head examined. It is good for us.”

He added that the US action “sends positive message to the world and to Boko Haram itself because, the UK already did a similar thing, but when the United States declares an organization a foreign terrorist organization, FTO, it is a statement that the whole world receives and acts upon.

The message itself is very positive and very good. Number two; what it also does is that the FBI, CIA and all relevant security agencies in the US and beyond will now legitimately be able to go after the money; who is financing Boko Haram?They will be able to, by law go after the sponsors of the sect.

They will be able to find out those behind the activities of Boko Haram. They would be able to unearth where their financiers are coming from.”
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/52080.html

100 million Nigerians live in destitution – World Bank

About 100 million Nigerians live in destitution, the World Bank has said.
World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Marie-Francoise Marie-Nelly, who said this at the bank’s Country Programme Portfolio Review in Enugu on Tuesday, also disclosed that the bank’s ongoing commitment to Nigeria stood at $5.34bn.
According to the World Bank boss, the number of Nigerians living in destitution makes up 8.33 per cent of the total number of people living in destitution all over the world which she said the bank aimed to reduce drastically by 2030.
She said, “One billion two hundred thousand people live in destitution out of which 100 million are Nigerians. Inequality is rising in many developing nations.
“For this reason, the World Bank’s corporate perspective has shifted more strategically in the past year. The World Bank wants to galvanise international and national support around two goals: to end extreme poverty in a generation and to push for greater equality.
“To end extreme poverty, the World Bank Group’s goal is to decrease the percentage of people living on less than $1.25 a day from 20 per cent today to no more than three per cent by 2030.
“To promote shared prosperity, the goal is to promote income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population in each country. In Nigeria, 63 per cent of the population live on less than $1.25 a day.”

Tuesday

2013 AFRIFF Opening Night: Desmond Elliot, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Uche Jombo, Kunle Afolayan, Rita Dominic, Lynn Whitfield & More STARS in Calabar

Hello STARS!

On Sunday 10th November 2013, the 2013 Africa International Film Festival kicked off with a splendid opening ceremony in Calabar.

Present at the cocktail party were CEO AFRIFF Chioma Ude, Hollywood star Lynn Whitfield as well as Demond Elliot, Rita Dominic, Kunle Afolayan, Lydia Forson, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Uche Jombo, Gbenro Ajibade, Lilian Esoro, OC Ukeje, Linda Ejiofor, Uru Eke and Kemi “Lala” Akindoju.

Later at the FilmHouse Lakes Side in Tinapa, a movie – Of Good Report – which was banned from the opening of the Durban Film Festival, was screened.

Opinionvoices will be bringing you all the photos from the week long festival. Check out these shots from the opening night.

Desmond Elliot

Kunle Afolayan

Rita Dominic

He’s Back! “Obi Mu O” Crooner Obiora Obiwon to Unveil New Album “Gold Water” in Concert! | Get Your Tickets Now

The countdown to the release and launch of a new album from urban gospel recording artiste and music minister,Obiora Obiwon has begun; his first full set in four years.

His new album, “Gold Water” will be launched with a 90-minute Concert on this weekend in Lagos. Guest appearances will be made by Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards, Kenny K’ore, Mike Abdul, Nikki Laoye,ID Cabasa, Jodie, Soluchi, DVD, Alien Nation, Tochi, Victoria amongst others, with a special guest appearance by AliBaba.

Speaking on his journey to this concert and his new album, Obiwon said, “This particular body of work literally took four years to make. Apart from the physical recording, the melodies, lyrics and messages have been authored through the inspiring, joyful and painstaking processes of my life and faith within the period.“

Obiwon marked a season of new beginnings and greater heights earlier this year as he was honoured by theNational Gospel Awards as the Best Crossover Artist, his first ever award in the genre. He is also nominated for two awards at the upcoming Nigerian Gospel Music Awards 2013.

Also reacting to questions on the possible meaning of the album title “Gold Water”, the singer states, “Gold Water symbolizes something awesome, rare, an amazing sight, something unexpected and unusual…water usually signifies cleansing, refreshing and restoration while gold signifies glory and elevation. A combination of both is pretty much the idea.”

The event is supported by Eko Hotel & Suites, Vas2Nets Technologies, BlueMango Interiors and Posh Secrets Wears. Media Sponsors include Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Reel Radio, PraiseWorld Radio, Kingdom Africa, Loveworld Plus, BellaNaija & 360Nobs.

To attend this Concert, fans are urged to visit www.alimemedia.com/goldwater.

About Obiora ObiwonObiora Obiwon announced a full-time gospel music ministry in 2008, following through in 2009 with his sophomore and first gospel album “The Rebirth“. Since then he has consistently impacted the events and gospel music scene with a new sound and “The Rebirth Band”.

The sophomore album became noted for the praise song “F.a.t.h.e.r” and mostly for producing the hit wedding anthem “Obi Mu O“. His 2006 debut “Overture” previously produced the classic ballad “Onyinye“, garnering vocal performance awards at the Nigerian Music Awards and the acclaimed HipHop World Awards both in 2007. Subsequently the R’n’B -singer-turned-urban-gospel-minister also received honours at the 2013 National Gospel Awards for his crossover act, an indication of the growing acceptance of his faith-based transition. He has currently been nominated for Best collaboration and Best Indigenous song for the Nigerian Gospel Music Awards 2013.

After a 4-year major release hiatus, Obiora Obiwon returns in 2013 with a techno-infused HipHop song entitled “Testify”. The up-tempo praise record blazes the trail for the release of a long awaited third album, entitled “Gold Water”.

Iyanya at the 2013 Soul Train Awards in Las Vegas | FAB Red Carpet Shots of Jennifer Hudson, Boris Kodjoe, Toni Braxton, Ashanti & More

Nigerian music star Iyanya was present at the 2013 Soul Train Awards yesterday Friday 8th November 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Iyanya who attended the star studded event with his manager Ubi Franklin, was nominated in the Best International Performance category for his single “Kukere”.
For the event, Iyanya wore his best suit and tie look yet. He chose a black velvet suit, a white shirt, a blue bow tie and black shoes.
Check out photos of Iyanya at the event.
Actor/comedian Anthony Anderson hosted the event.

IK Osakioduwa & Ehiz at the 2013 MTV EMAs in Amsterdam! Red Carpet Photos of Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Swizz Beatz & More

OPINIONVOICES reported on Saturday that Nigerian media personality IK Osakioduwa and MTV VJ Ehizioje “Ehiz” Okoeguale were heading to Amsterdam for the 2013 Europe Music Awards (EMA)
Yesterday Sunday 10th November 2013, IK and Ehiz were present at the awards show. The two media stars were kind to share some photos of themselves at the event.
Check it out!

Saturday

Saka And Wife Olaide Share Their Love Story

It’s been difficult to track down Hafiz Oyetoro. The lecturer-actor-comedian at the centre of the MTN-Etisalat portability drama understands the importance of silence while trying not to escalate an already sensitive and precarious brand war between two giants.

But it was time to break the silence when he clocked 50 recently. And he spoke with OPINION VOICES about his life, family, and more…

How do you feel being celebrated at 50?
I feel so cool. I feel grateful to Almighty God for giving me the grace to reach 50. I know that many people have gone even without reaching the age of 20. 50 years marks a new beginning and I thank God that today I can be alive to see 50.

How did acting begin for you?
As an aspiring actor, when I finished secondary school, I started with a local theatre group in my town, Iseyin. From there, I went to University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University to study Dramatic Artsfor my first degree. I later went to University of Ibadan for my Masters degree in African Studies. I am presently pursuing a PHD programme in Performance Studies at the University of Ibadan. I’m sure you already know that I also lecture in the Theatre Arts Department of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education. During all that process, I got myself involved in different productions on TV, film and radio. It’s been very interesting so far and I thank God for giving me the grace to increase in my chosen field.

How has the journey been so far?
I must say it’s been quite a ride with so many years of sacrifices. I thank God that he has given me the grace to go through all of the challenges and to achieve the little that I have through these years. I know there is still a lot to achieve but it’s been great journey so far.

How was growing up for you?
I come from a very humble background. I grew up in a village in Iseyin, that’s Oyo State. My parents were farmers. They taught me to be contented with what I have. I am who I am because of the values that they have impacted in me. I just thank God that I’m a different story today.

What would you say is responsible for your recent success?
It is God. God has been very wonderful to me. God has been there for me and my family. He has given me the grace to be associated with great people. More so, I have had the opportunity to be surrounded by people that have added positive value to me life. My family, friends, colleagues, employers and clients, they have actually contributed in one way or the other to who and what I am today.

What are some of the challenges that you have had to go through to get to where you are today?
When you say challenges, to me, they are necessary ingredients to live a better life. Challenges actually make room for people to move further in life, to seek for more value and to grow. Challenges are just mere distractions. That is why I say I am thanking God for giving me the grace to surmount all the challenges, to resist all the temptations and to solve all the crisis of life.

What motivated your porting from Etisalat to MTN?
All I can say is that both brands, Etisalat and MTN are fantastic brands and they are my friends.

Why do you think these telecoms companies have chosen you?
I really don’t know. I was just busy doing my thing and then they came. I believe everybody aspires for good things. We all desire for an elevation in status, but how it may come, we sometimes don’t know. The only explanation I can give is to say that it has been the grace of God.

How much did you get for the MTN deal?
I would not talk about that. I would only talk about that much later at the appropriate time.

Do you think people now celebrate and recognize more for your MTN endorsement than for your acting?
I think it more of what I have been doing and God’s grace. I think it is more of everything. And I’m lucky to have worked with MTN and Etisalat.

How much of an influence has your wife been to your success?
I have a very beautiful woman for a wife. A woman who has made the house my home. Every time I go out, I want to go back home. I always feel happy to go home. She’s always been there for me. She’s more of my friend, my mother, my sister, everything. I thank God who has given me the grace to have a woman who shares my vision. The greatest mistake anybody can make in this world is to marry a woman who does not share in his vision. God has given me that grace to marry a woman who shares my vision. The things I do, I do them without any problem. My home is stable and my job is going on well.

You have featured in many stage and screen productions, which of them do you enjoy working on the most?
Each has its own peculiarities, but if I was to choose, it definitely has to be the stage. On stage, you come alive as you would need to interact with your audience by your acts and convince them with every word you speak and action you take. For the screen, you are just performing for the camera. There’s a lot of work being put into either of them, but personally speaking, stage is my thing.

As a lecturer, do you ever find yourself in a position where your students do not take you seriously because of your comic roles on TV?
My students understand the difference between acting and real life. They are Theater Arts students of course and so they should know better. They know the difference between Saka and Mr. Oyetoro. Saka is the actor, while Mr. Oyetoro is the lecturer. They have learnt to always draw a line between the two.

Now that you are 50, what should your fans be expecting from you?
They should expect more productive and positive contribution to the industry from me. I really want to go into television production. I know there are challenges in making films in Nigeria, but basically I am more comfortable with television production. Already we have started with a television production and we hope to put it on air before the end of this year.

How would you describe the present state of the entertainment industry?
It’s been encouraging. In those days when our senior colleagues started, they were not well regarded. They were seen as never-do-wells but today, things have changed. People are living off theatre. People are living off entertainment. Considering our productions here and there, for about two years now, Nigeria has ranked second in the world in terms of production. That means we are productive. Of course we cannot be compared to Hollywood because of the lack of facilities and the challenges of the environment that we have found ourselves, but I believe that in the next few years, we are going to be there.

Although in the past, commitment in terms of what we produce was far better. These days, commercial values are more of paramount interest, but I believe that as time goes on, we will go back and start to think about content. Our stories are good. We have stories to tell but the way to tell it is our problem. I’m very sure we are going to find the right way to tell it one day.

OPINION VOIVES also chatted with Saka’a wife, Olaide:

How does it feel to see so many people coming out today to celebrate your husband?
I feel excited. I feel great and to God be the glory.

How has the years you have spent together been?
It has been wonderful and God has been with us.

What was the main attraction for your husband?
It is simply love. That was the main attraction and I thank God for everything.

Friday

Mary J Blige & Tiwa Savage Reunite @ Sister's With Soul Concert

Tiwa Savage received high praise from the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J Blige, during her recent performance at the Sisters with Soul concert at the Eko Hotel Expo Centre in Lagos recently .

The recognition from the superstar is a testimony to how far Tiwa, a one-time backup singer for Blige, has come on her musical journey.

Mary J Blige stopped mid-way through her performance to acknowledge Tiwa Savage's presence in the audience then recounted the tale of how they met and worked together, before inviting the “Eminado” singer onstage to join her.

The singing sensation proceeded to belt out a few notes to rousing applause from the audience and a heartfelt hug of appreciation from the Queen.

The reunion of the talented songbirds was a highlight of the successful concert, which featured a coming together of ladies of music; further championing the female movement for world domination.

Burna Boy Performs With His Underwears

Pop Sensation Burna Boy must have had seen Fela! in his dreams or had one blunt too many as he stripped to his underwear while performing at the Afrikan Shrine for the close of Felabration 2013.

Burna Boy took to the stage in a pair of tighty-whities (white pant) as a tribute to 'Abami Eda' as he performed some of his hit singles as well as those of the late great Afrobeat legend

On Monday, 21st October, 2013 saw the ending of the annual celebration of the late great Fela Kuti, Felabration 2013 at the New Afrika Shrine and thanks to Burna Boy, it ended in a blast, no pun intended.

The annual Ojude Oba festival

The annual Ojude Oba festival held in Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Ode local government area of Ogun State. The GLOBACOM-sponsored festival is an annual occasion where the ancestral lineage of the first converted Muslims of the Ijebu people pay homage to their King, the Awujale, for allowing their ancestors practise Islam.

It takes place on the third day of Eid-el-Kabir, displaying the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people, and attracting tourists from across the globe and Ijebu indigenes in the diaspora.

The festival witnessed Ijebu sons and daughters including the Baloguns, age-groups (Regberegbes), societies and various groups paying homage to the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, at his newly constructed edifice directly opposite his palace.

Highlights of the event include the parade of the Regberegbes, sounds of gunshots, traditional songs, poems and horses display