By Oladapo Udom

Mr Frank Ikegwuonu,the Founder, Queen of Nollywood Reality TV Contest, South West Edition, says the competition is to showcase Nigerias vast cultural heritage to the outside world.

Ikegwuonu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos that the TV contest would be organised and sponsored by The Queen of Nollywood Film Academy of Germany and the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

According to him, 36 girls representing each state of the federation would feature in the competition scheduled for August.
The show is an acting competition where every contestant must have a basic knowledge of the Nigerian culture and language.

Each contestant representing each state will have to study the norms and values peculiar to the state which she is representing.

A good representation of the state will be an added advantage for the contestant to move on to the final stage of the competition, he said.

Ikegwuonu said that the top six finalists representing the six geo-political zones in Nigeria would be awarded certificates, cash prizes and crowned Queens of Nollywood 2018.

AGN will appoint at least one representative from each geo-political zone to supervise the screening and selection of the semi-finalists and the finalists for the contest, he said.

Ikegwuonu said that the first top three winners would be sponsored to any European country of their choice with a cash prize of N500, 000 each and N500, 000 as the acting contract sum.

Also, the Vice President, AGN, Southwest, Mr Tope Babayemi, said that the competition was a commendable idea because it would provide a platform for ladies to build a career in Nollywood.

The competition is relevant because it will add value to the entertainment industry and thrill our audience to a relaxing atmosphere after a hard days job, he said.

Babayemi said that AGN would be partnering no fewer than 20 major film producers both in Nigeria and abroad to ensure that the winners featured in films immediately after the contest.

Source: NAN

Juventus sealed a seventh straight Serie A title on Sunday and their 34th, after a goalless draw against ten-man Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Turin giants had needed just a point to officially seal another title and become the first team to complete the league and Cup double for four consecutive seasons.

Roma played the final twenty minutes a man down after Radja Nainggolan was sent off for a second yellow card after a foul on Argentina striker Paulo Dybala.

It is the 34th Scudetto in Juventuss history.

Massimiliano Allegris side also won the Italian Cup in the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday with a 4-0 win over AC Milan.

With one game left to play Juventus cannot be caught by second-placed Napoli who are four points behind after winning 2-0 at Sampdoria on Sunday.

Eusebio Di Francescos Roma team had already sealed their Champions League place next season after Inter Milans 2-1 loss against Sassuolo.

Juventus had early chances with Edin Dzeko firing over, a Lorenzo Pellegrini right footer flying wide and Aleksandar Kolarovs free-kick hitting the side netting.

Paulo Dybala threatened early and broke through early in the second half after an Alex Sandro cross but the goal was disallowed because the Argentina striker was offside.

Nainggolan received two yellow cards in the space of five minutes and left Roma down to 10 men for the final 20 minutes.

But Juventus did not take advantage of their advantage although Dybala did have penalty appeals.

Source: NAN

Super Eagles coachGernot Rohr has named captain Mikel John Obi, defender Elderson Echiejile and Leon Balogun, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi and Oghenekaro Etebo and forwards Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses in Nigerias 30-man provisional list for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

The list also includes Spain based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Joel Obi and John Ogu and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi.

Chelsea wingback Moses was Nigerias top scorer in the qualifying campaign with three goals, while Captain Mikel Obi, Iwobi, Simon and Iheanacho weighed in with two goals each.

All invited players have been told to report at the Le Meridien Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo on Monday, 21May.

Uyo, as home ground, was the conquering terrain for the Super Eagles during the qualifying series.

Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Dele Ajiboye (Plateau United)

: Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (Ado Den Haag, The Netherlands); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England); Elderson Echiejile (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium); Brian Idowu (Amkar Perm, Russia); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Stephen Eze (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (UD Las Palmas, Spain); John Ogu (Hapoel Beer Sheva, Israel); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Joel Obi (Torino FC, Italy); Mikel Agu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey)

: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai, China); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Nwankwo Simeon (Crotone FC, Italy); Junior Lokosa (Kano Pillars).

*Published by theNFF.com

Source: NAN

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)leading top scorer Junior Lokosa and Simeon Nwankwo are the new faces that graced the 30 man provisional list released by Gernot Rohr ahead of the World Cup.

Kano Pillars forward Lokosa recording 18 goals as at Match day 21 is getting his first call up as well as Crotone of Italy striker Nwankwo.

A quintuple of Leon Balogun, Wilfred Ndidi, Etebo Oghenekaro, Joel Obi and Tyrone Ebuehi who are recuperating from injury also made the lists.

The team is scheduled to take on DR Congo on May 28, before moving out to England to take on Three Lions in Wembley stadium on June 2 and Czech Republic on June 6.

Goalkeepers:
Francis Uzoho
Ikechukwu Ezenwa
Daniel Akpeyi
Dele Ajiboye.

Defenders:

Leon Balogun
William Troost- Ekong
Kenneth Omeruo
Brian Idowu
Elderson Echejile
Shehu Abdulahi
Ola Aina
Tyrone Ebuehi
Stephen Eze
Chidozie Awaziem.

Midfielders:

Mikel Obi
Joel Obi
Ogenyi Onazi
Mikel Agu
Etebo Oghenekaro
John Ogu
Uche Ago
Wilfred Ndidi.

Attackers:

Odion Ighalo
Ahmed Musa
Moses Simon
Victor Moses
Junior Lokosa
Simeon Nwankwo
Alex Iwobi
Kelechi Iheanacho.

Source: NAN

Embattled Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, who vowed to attend Tuesdays plenary of the senate in compliance with a court decision failed to turn up.

The Senate on April 2, suspended Omo-Agege (Delta-APC) over a dissenting comment on decision of the Upper Chamber on adoption of conference report on INEC Commission Act (2010) Amendment Bill.

Omo-Agege, however went to court to challenge his suspension and the court in its ruling, declared the action unconstitutional, saying that the Senate could not suspend a member beyond 14 days.

The Senate appealed the ruling but said in statement that while it was waiting for a stay of execution, it would not stop the lawmaker from resuming plenary.

Omo-Ageges suspension, which was expected to last for 90 legislative days, followed a report of the Senate Committee on Ethics Privileges and Public Petitions.

Chairman of the committee, Sen. Sam Anyanwu, had said the committees probe followed a Point-of-Order raised by Sen. Dino Melaye (Kogi-APC) on the matter.

According to Anyanwu, Melaye drew Senates attention to a media briefing by Omo Agege, faulting senates adoption of the conferences report on Feb.14.

He said that Melaye further intimated the senate that the media briefing by Omo Agege indicated that the resolution of the senate was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari.

His suspension was based on his comment that amendment to section 25 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), bordering on reordering of elections sequence was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of Federal High Court on May 10, held that while the National Assembly had the power to discipline its erring members, the premise on which Omo-Ageges suspension was anchored was illegal.

Although the court refused to grant any of the seven prayers sought by the senator, it held that the suspension could not hold on grounds of the violence it did to the Constitution.

The judge noted that from the wording of the report of the Senates Ethics and Privileges Committee which recommended Omo-Ageges suspension, he was punished for filing a suit against the Senate after apologising to the legislative house over the allegation leveled against him.

Access to court is a fundamental right in the Constitution, which cannot be taken away by force or intimidation from any organ, the judge ruled.

The judge also added that the Senates decision to punish Omo-Agege for filing a suit against the Senate and for punishing him while his suit was pending constituted an affront on the judiciary.

He added that even if the Senate had rightly suspended the senator, it could only have suspended him for only a period of 14 days as prescribed in the Senate rules.

He also ruled that the principle of natural justice was breached by the Senates Ethics and Privileges Committee by allowing Senator Dino Melaye, who was the complainant, to participate in the committees sitting that considered the issue and also allowed him to sign the committees report.

The judge therefore nullified Omo-Ageges suspension with immediate effect.

He also ordered that the senator be paid all his allowances and salaries for the period he was illegally suspended. (NAN)

Source: NAN

By Hajara Leman

The police in Gombe on Tuesday charged 50-year-old Samaila Zakari at a magistrates court with raping and impregnating his 15-year-old daughter.

In the First Information Report, the police said Zakari of Deba town in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, committed the acts on May 2 and May 8.

The prosecution said that about 10p.m. on the mentioned dates, the accused took his biological daughter to his matrimonial room and had canal knowledge of her without her consent.

The prosecution further stated that the girl was currently carrying a two months old pregnancy for her father.

The prosecution said the accused committed incest and rape by his action contrary to section 390 and 282 of the Penal Code.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges before the magistrate, Mr Dorabo Sikam.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Baba Shekari, asked for the adjournment of the case to enable the police to complete their investigation.

The magistrate adjourned the case until May 21 and ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody.

Source: NAN

By: Hamza Suleiman

The Nigerian Army says on Tuesday it has lunched a new operation to totally flush out remnants of Boko Haram insurhents in the Lake Chad region.

Lt. Gen. Tukur Burutai, disclosed at a press conference in Maiduguri that Operation Last Hold began on May 1, and has a target of August 31, to accomplish its mission.

Represented by Maj.- Gen. Abba Dikko, the Commander of Operation LAST HOLD explained that it was intended to facilitate the clearance of the Lake Chad waterways of sea weeds and other obstacles obstructing the movement of boats and people across the water channels.

It will also ensure the destruction of Boko Haram Terrorist camps and strong points in the Lake Chad Basin general area. The operation will also facilitate the rescue of hostages,he said.

Buratai said that the Army was determined to consolidate on its recent gains in the ongoing push especially in the Northern most part of Borno.

Operation LAST HOLD is expected to last for 4 months and it will entail deployment of additional manoeuvre brigades and other critical assets in Borno State.

The end-state of Operation LAST HOLD is the total defeat of the Boko Haram Terrorist Sect in northern Borno. This will pave way for the return of local administration and people to their responsibilities and communities.

According to him, The operation will facilitate the restoration of fishing, farming and other economic activities in the Lake Chad Basin.

Additionally, it will facilitate the relocation of Internally Displaced Persons from IDP camps back to their communities,said Burutai.

Source: NAN

The estate developer said that his organisation has designed a flexible payment plan to enable civil servants own their own houses. This, he said ranges from N8 million for 1 bedroom and 2 bedroomapartments which goes for N12 million.

Edeko also said duplexes and penthouses are also available for those that can afford them.

Source: NAN

By Johnson Eyiangho/Joseph Edeh

The FCT Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 60 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in the territory during a violent protest on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group defied warning from the police and staged the violent protest to demand for the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who had been detention since 2016.

The spokesman of the police in the FCT, DSP Anjuguri Manzah confirmed the arrest to newsmen in an interview on Tuesday at the Garki Hospital.

Manzah was in the hospital to see how the two personnel of the command, who sustained varied degree of injuries while dispersing the protesters, were recuperating.

They are SP Linus Ogah, who had bruises on his face and could hardly speak or open his eyes, and Insp. Mary Ameh, who sustained injury in one of her hands.

The spokesman said that bullet had been removed from Amehs hand, adding that the protesters also destroyed some police operational vehicles.

During the Monday protest, members of IMN or otherwise known as Shiites engaged police and haul stones at police personnel deployed to disperse them.

They also smashed some vehicle glasses parked around the Federal Secretariat, he said.

On April 16, the police had arrested 115 members of the sect when they embarked on a similar violent protest to demand that their leader be freed.

Manzah, who said that though citizens had right to protest, advised that they should do that in a civil manner and not disturb public peace.

He said that the command had taken proactive measures to check violent protest in the territory.

Source: NAN

Strange and funny things will never stop happening.

In a bizarre incident, a man in Mbezi, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania was forced to surrender to police after a sack of maize he had stolen got stuck on his head.

23-year-old Frank Japhet had to walk to a police station himself after the 20-kilogram sack he had allegedly stolen from a woman in Nyambwiro area refused to detach itself from him.

​Authorities in Tanzania had to take him in as he had tried numerous methods to get the sack off him but in vain.

He was to leave the bag he had stolen at a friend’s place and got get another one, but this one simply couldn’t ‘let go’.

Source: Standardmedia