Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog: 06/01/2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

First Suicide bombing, then drive-by shootings, now planking has come to Naija?

I'm sure some of you know what Planking is...or at least have heard of it. For those who haven't, Planking is a lying down game, where one lies face down in an unusual or weird location. The person's hands must touch the sides of the body, and having a photograph of the participant taken and posted on the internet is an integral part of the game. Players compete to find the most unusual and original location in which to play. And it's become quite popular in many parts of the world. And as Naija no dey carry last, the game has found its way here.
These two posted their pics on twitter today. lol.

Will you bring the story of the drive-by shooting that happened in Lagos, tomorrow. More pics of planking, Naija style, when you continue...

A Nigerian national was able to board a flight from Kennedy Airport to Los Angeles without a valid passport or ID -- and carrying someone else's expired boarding pass.

Olajide Oluwaseun Noibi cleared security last Friday to board Virgin America Flight 415 and travel to Los Angeles International Airport, FOX News Channel reported Thursday.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed Noibi was screened at JFK, but said it could not comment further due to the ongoing FBI investigation.

Show Schedule Friday 5th August
3.00 pm Show
Rayo Collection UK/Nigeria
Sophia Brown London UK/Cape Verde Island
Chancie Style UK/Congo
Back2Eden UK/Nigeria
Fee Uhssi France/Nigeria

Graphic nude pics of Amber Rose hit the internet yesterday via mediatakeout.com. Today, Amber went on twitter claiming the pics were two and a half years old and that she was losing business opportunities because of the leak
She tweets,

I was gonna wait until my radio show to address this but I want to say this now. I trusted someone that worked 4 me & allowed them to use my laptop a million times, I caught this person sending my pics to themselves and I fired this person immediately Wiz & I & both of our families have known about this for 2 months now. We tried to prepare ourselves for this day. Those pictures r 2 1/2 years old just sitting in my computer. I'm really hurt & embarr#!@%*#ed because I have so many young girls that look up to me. I would never put those pics out of myself.

More of her tweets and the nude pics when you continue. But we warned, it's very graphic!

The First Lady of Songs and one time grand dame of Nigerian pop music, Christy Essien Igbokwe has died.The first female PMAN president and the lady who brought the ever green song 'Seun Rere' died today after a brief illness at the age of 50. This is so so sad. May her soul rest in peace...amen.

Beyonce's Met Gala dress comes to Nigeria..:-)

Left: Beyonce in a skin tight Emilio Pucci dress at the Met Gala event in May. Right: model/beauty queen (Miss Valentine '07) Mariam Elisha at an event in Lagos recently. You think that's the real Emilio Pucci dress? Mariam is loaded, so...:-)

Send cakes, flowers, wines, other gifts, from any part of the world to Lagos

Do you know you can now send cakes, flowers, wines and other gifts to your loved ones? Pretty amazing, right? It doesn't matter where in the world you are, all you have to do is visit www.giftstonigeria.com. They currently only deliver to Lagos but will be expanding soon. Show your loved ones how much you love them and order now!

Walmart coming to Nigeria?

Walmart, America’s foremost low-price merchandise retail store, is planning to open two stores in Nigeria soon. Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Ade Adefuye, told the Empowered Newswire on Wednesday that representatives from the famous retail store had visited him at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington DC as regards the plan to open the retail store in Nigeria.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday celebrated his 48th birthday with physically challenged children. The Governor visited the Heart of Gold Hospice, Surulere, one of the homes he built in 2009. More pics when you continue...

A 35-year-old man, Ogbona Stephen, was almost burnt to death yesterday morning when policemen in Abuja reportedly shot at his vehicle in an attempt to arrest him for plying the wrong route.

The tricycle burst into flames and Mr. Stephen ran out of the vehicle, his whole body ablaze eye witnesses report. Many people took to their heels at the sight, but a few stripped leaves from trees which they used to smother the driver’s flaming body. According to the witnesses, the good samaritans then apparently laid him on the side of the road near the fence of the Anglican Girls Grammar School, Abdulsalami Abubakar way and covered his naked body with more leaves. Many people taught he was dead hurried past, but one man apparently took the trouble of checking and confirmed that he was still breathing and therefore alive.

N6.5m Up For Grabs As Maltina Sets Up Dance All 5 Stage

Mr Vindah Edem, Media&public affairs mgr, Ottah Kalu, ED, Lowe Lintas, Mr Jacco Van der Linden, MD, NB plc, Mr Ageni Yusuf Corporate Affairs Adviser NB, Ngozi Nkwoji, snr brand manager Maltina and Eti Braimah, CEO Neo Media

Brand team addressing Journalist during media briefing

Ten Nigerian families will slug it out on the dance floor as they attempt to outwit one another as the popular family reality television show Maltina Dance All (MDA) enters its fifth season. The MDA is a unique TV reality show where families strive to outdo each other through the mastery of various types of dance steps ranging from Wazobia, Hip-hop Jive, Pantomime, samba to salsa, it is also the consumer engagement and experiential marketing platform that the brand deploys to resonate with esteemed consumers and the society in general.

Video: D'Banj on MTV Rapfix

Tags: MTV Shows

Watch more of D'Banj's interview here

Is there a curfew in Abuja?

Some friends in Abuja told me that the Federal Government have imposed something similar to a curfew in Abuja from yesterday June 29 due to Boko Haram attacks. They are saying all eatries, fun spots, shops etc have been advised/ordered to close at 10pm till further notice.

I don't live in Abuja, so I don't know how true this is, but what I know is that most of the Boko Haram attacks were done in day light. Meanhwile the Nigerian Army yesterday said they will soon eliminate all Boko Haram members. Amen!

What is wrong with this picture?

Can you explain? lol

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Pictures From MTN Link Night - Benin Event

The panel of discussants

The stage was set for MTN Link Nite on Saturday June 25^th at the aptly located Constantial Hotel, Benin City, Edo State. The event had in attendance the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Chairman of Oredo LGA, State Government executives and the top brass of the Edo State business community.

The interactive session was highly intellectual with questions ranging from finance to personal and business development being asked by members of the audience. These questions were ably answered by the discussants- Mr. Frank Evbuomwan (Commissioner for Works-Edo State), Mr. Tony Imadojemu (UBA branch manager), Naeto C and Mr. Osaze Ebueku- Segment Manager-Professionals MTN.

They used to be best friends. Don't know what caused their 'wahala' but here's what actress Chioma Toplis wrote on her facebook page on June 20. - "Please any one that knows actress Oge Okoye should tell her to free me o, as i am very very busy with my business which is why i am in Nigeria and do not and will never have time for her idle gosips and side talks. While you do please tell her also to concentrate in taking care of her children as i am doing too, and stop wasting her time discussing me as i am not the cause of her failed marriage.

Chioma wrote again: "While Oge Okoye is biting the fingers that fed her, she should also remember that those fingers could still choke her, especially MINE"
Oge is yet to respond.

IG Ringim goes to Washington

The Inspector-General of Police Hafiz Ringim left Nigeria on Sunday on a five-day working visit to Washington, USA. His mission? He's there for talks with U.S officials on the current security situation in Nigeria. He went there to learn how to battle terrorism among other things. So hopefully when he gets back, Boko Haram will be in trouble. *Yimz*...:-)

Nigerian man stabs wife to death, cuts her into pieces

Late Titilayo, with the man who killed her, her husband

I don't have the full story, but the sad news is all over Facebook. The man pictured above, Arowolo Akolade L, allegedly stabbed his wife to death and cut her into pieces on Friday June 24, 2011.

Kolade, who claimed to be a born again Christian, and Titilayo had been married for two years and had a daughter. No one knows exactly what transpired the day he killed his wife, only, family and friends got worried when Titi didn't show up at work or contact anyone for days. The police were called in and when they got to the couple's home, they found Titi's dismembered body and a distraught Kolade there. He has since been arrested.

Friends say Titi had left Kolade sometime last year, after he beat her mercilessly, but went back to him, only to be killed. The late Titi was a staff of Skye Bank, Victoria Island. May her soul rest in peace...amen.

This is so heartbreaking.

Comedian Tee A set to host Mike Aremu’s Sax Appeal

Ace comedian Tee A is set to host the third edition of Mike Aremu’s annual jazz series – Saz Appeal. The upcoming high-profile music event will hold at the New Expo hall of Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos on Sunday July 3, 2011.

Tee A will be fronting the event with a long list of performers including Judith Sephuma, Yolanda Brown, Kunle Ayo, Waje, Mike Aremu, Kenny G and a surprise international act.

Including you sir?

You better believe it!

More photos when you continue...

10 Designers: Presenting The New Era Of Fashion. Tsemeya Binitie, Vonne Couture, Meena, Viv La Resistance, Toju Foyeh, Babuhska, Grey, Virgos Lounge, Obsidian, Republic Of Foreigner

10 Performers: Naeto C, Duncan Mighty, Dr Sid, D’ Prince, Sasha, Shank, Show Dem Camp, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Dotstar from the UK, New Act: Davido

Host: Amber Rose, Banky W. Date is Saturday 9th July at Eko Hotel. Where to get your ticket when you continue...

The daughter of Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, who serves as the Independent National Electoral Commission resident commissioner in Rivers state, 11-year-old Utibeabasi A. Ikoiwak has been kidnapped. She was kidnapped at the premises of Abundance Life Ministries church on Ikot Idon Road in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State On 19 June 2011. Her abductors have demanded a ransom of N100 million.

Ms. Utibe (pictured above) is a year 2 Junior Secondary School student and only daughter of her parents.
Kidnapping a child? This is so so wrong. Imagine the terror the poor dear will be going through.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Photos: Women's World Cup Group A: Nigeria VS France

Nigeria vs France was the first match at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. It took place in Sinsheim, June 26. Nigeria lost to France 0-1, but I heard our girls played a great game. More pics when you continue...

You all remember the soldier that contravened traffic law by passing the lane designated for BRT buses and caused a showdown between soldiers and policemen at Obanikoro late last week? (Read here if you missed it), well, he's been dismissed by the Nigerian army, News Agency of Nigeria is reporting.

“The dismissal of this soldier will serve as a warning to others. Military personnel must be warned that their insubordination of civil law will attract punitive measures like dismissal.” General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Maj.–Gen. Kenneth Minimah said yesterday.

The dismissed officer is Sunday Ayodeji and he was a lance corporal.

Pictures From MBGN 2011 Pageant

For those who haven't seen the pics yet...enjoy...
More photos after the cut...

Here's what Sandra Rose wrote on her blog: "Kanye West recently signed 2 Nigerian artists to his G.O.O.D. Music label. One of them is D’banj, who, according to Upscale Hype, attended the 2011 BET Awards styled in a pair of Christian Louboutin Mika Raja flats ($2,395) from the Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. I would rather see a man dressed like D’banj than one dressed like those untamed beasts who roam the urban landscape with their pants hanging off their butts, like Lil Wayne and that ilk. We have to do better."

D'Banj's shoes is almost N400k? Damn, this guy's paid!
Read more on Sandra's blog

“I feel cheated. I should have won”- Grace Ndam (Miss Lagos/MBGN ECOWAS)

Grace Ndam Sumuko was 3rd runner up at MBGN 2011 that held on Saturday evening, June 24.

Here's what she told reporters after pageant - “I feel cheated. That is how I feel. I was expecting more than what I got. Didn’t you watch the competition? Everyone knew I should have been the winner and someone who didn’t even answer her questions properly became the winner. I don’t understand it. I'm very hurt”

You are a beautiful lady, but I don't know about you winning the pageant...

Meet The Adebanjos - Exclusive Scene from 1st Episode!

More when you continue...

She explains why “Surely, that would have taken my career backward. Why would I want to be a presenter on CNN when I make shows that CNN would happily commission and buy? I have been offered several shows to produce and host for a number of international platforms. Two are in development, both are continental and audacious. If CNN offered me my own Piers Morgan type of gig, then yes! You know what would be great? If I am able to do the same for a coalition of NTA, AIT and Channels. Right now the policies and economies that are against it are daunting but time will tell.”

D'Banj voted BET Awards best dressed on a foreign website

The writer at Jezebel.com wrote: "I'm not familiar with Nigerian singer/songwriter D'banj's work, but he's my pick for best dressed. Such attention to detail! His pants look like they were crafted out of some Italian nonna's tablecloth. And those aren't ruffles on his shirt—they're tasseled beads."

Check it out here...

Google clocks new record of 1 billion visitors a month

Internet search company Google became the first company to register one billion visitors to its website in a month, according to the data released by ComScore some days ago.

The unique visitors to the search giant have risen by 8.4 percent from 931 million million a year ago. Unique visitors to Microsoft's sites rose by 15 percent to 905 million, while visitors to Facebook rose by 30 percent to 714 million. Yahoo had 689 million unique visitors.

UK based Yoruba actress, Yemisi Eleto, passes on

UK based Nigerian actress, make-up artist, film producer and CEO of Yemak films, Yemisi Akande, popularly known as Yemisi Eleto, is dead. The actress, who has appeared in several Yoruba movies died on Sat. June 24 at a hospital in the UK after a brief illness. She was 39years old. She's survived by two young children and an aged mother. May her soul rest in peace...amen

Monday, June 27, 2011

Banky W without his signature hat

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Pictured: Mohammed Manga, Nigeria's first suicide bomber

Mohammed moments before he embarked on the suicide trip

The man who bombed the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja on June 16 was a fairly well-to-do businessman who was actually on a suicide mission on behalf of the Islamic sect the Boko Haram. Mohammed Manga was a 35-year-old married man with five children who drove overnight from Maiduguri to Abuja in order to carry out the morning attack which left about five people dead and many cars incinerated in the blast.

Suspected members of radical Islamist sect, Boko Haram, threw bombs at a drinking spot in a town in Maiduguri yesterday afternoon, Sunday June 25, killing around 25 people and wounding 12, witnesses and military sources said. More details coming...

Style Star: D'Banj and Tuface Idibia

This is what the superstars wore to the BET awards yesterday. Who would you give best dressed? I'm going with Tuface...that shirt on D'Banj...