Tuesday, 26 August 2014

Japan offers experimental Ebola treatment drug, Favipiravir

The Japanese government has offered to release an anti-influenza drug called Favipiravir, which they claim they developed for the treatment of new and re-emerging viral diseases, including Ebola. They say the drug can treat Ebola and other influenza viral diseases.

Announcing the offer to newsmen yesterday August 25th in Tokyo, the Chief Cabinet Secretary of the Japanese government, Yoshihide Suga said the Japanese government is waiting for the World Health Organization to request for the drug and it will be dispatched immediately. He however said that pending the time WHO will approve and request for the drug, any emergency request by any individual may be responded to by Japan.

Pics from a Night of Tribute for Late Prof. Dora Akunyili

Onyeka Onwenu
A Night of Tribute took place yesterday evening at the International Conference Center Abuja in honor of Prof Dora Akunyili who died on June 7th in India after a battle with cancer. Dignitaries included former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Former Education Minister Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Onyeka Onwenu, Minister of Power Chukwu Nebo, Senator Chris Ngige amongst others.

President Jonathan will lead other men and women today to Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral Catholic Church, Garki, Abuja, for a Requiem Mass in honour of late Akunyili. She will be buried at her husband's home in Agulu Anambra state on Thursday August 28th.

Boko Haram: Nigerian military denies reports of soldiers fleeing to Cameroon

The Nigerian Defense HQ has denied claims that 480 Nigerian soldiers fled to Cameroon after a sustained battle Boko Haram yesterday at Gamboru-Ngala in Borno state. Find their statement below...
The Nigerian troops that were found in Cameroon was as a result of a sustained battle between the troops and the terrorists around the borders with Cameroun which saw the Nigerian troops charging through the borders in a tactical maneuver.  Eventually they found themselves on Camerounian soil.  Being allies the normal protocol of managing such incident demanded that the troops submit their weapons in order to assure the friendly country that they were not on a hostile mission.
Following necessary discussions between Nigerian and Camerounian military authorities, the issues have been sorted out.  Subsequently, the troops are on their way back to join their unit in Nigeria.
The reference to the incidence as a defection is therefore not appropriate considering the discussion between the two countries’ military leadership and the series of contacts with the soldiers who have confirmed that they are safe.
Meanwhile, troops are repelling a group of terrorists who are trying to enter the country through Gamborou Ngala.    A group of them who fizzled into the town are being pursued.

President Jonathan on arrival in Abuja after a private visit to Germany

Goodluck Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan pictured on arrival in Abuja yesterday after a private visit to Germany. See more photos after the cut...

Woman jailed for 11 years for beating 3 year old son to death and hiding his body in suitcase

A judge has blasted a mother who repeatedly punched her 3-year-old son until he died in an attack that 'simply beggars belief'. Rosdeep Adekoya, 34, has been jailed for 11 years for killing her son Mikaeel Kular, who she savagely beat then left to die for two days during a family holiday in January.

After discovering his lifeless body on the floor of their Edinburgh home in Ferry Gait Crescent, she wrapped it in a duvet cover, put it in the suitcase and drove to Kirkcaldy, Fife, to hide it in woodland.

Actress Anita Joseph shares bathroom pics

Anita JosephAnita JosephAnita Joseph
 Oh dear....

Enugu Assembly impeaches deputy governor for rearing chicken

Sullivan Chime
Embattled deputy Governor of Enugu state, Sunday Onyebuchi, has been impeached by members of the Enugu state Assembly. The Deputy Governor, who was served his impeachment notice on July 22nd, was voted out of office this morning.

Details of his impeachment session is still sketchy but it is believed to have been masterminded by Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime. Among the allegations leveled against Onyebuchi was that he was unlawfully rearing chickens in his official residence plus disrespecting the state governor.

Monday, 25 August 2014

New Video: Banky W - Jaiye Ori Mi

Banky W has released the video to his new single, 'Jaiye Ori Mi'. Concept & Screenplay by Banky W, directed by Clarence Peters and shot entirely in Lagos, Nigeria. The song showcases Banky W's versatility once more, as his singing and rapping flow effortlessly on yet another banging MasterKraft production. This song sees a more personal side of Mr W as he addresses a lot of the issues that have been brought up about him and EME in the media & blogosphere... poking fun at it all, while encouraging the listener to do as he does… believe in yourself, go for your dreams, live for today, and don't care what people say. Enjoy...

Photos: Singer Niyola flaunts sexy bikini body

NiyolaNiyola
Beautiful body...

Meet the only child of late Dr. Adadevoh, Bankole Cardoso

Bankole Cardoso
Bankole Cardoso (pictured above) is the only child of late Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, the doctor who died on Tuesday 19th August after contracting the deadly Ebola virus from Patrick Sawyer.

Bankole, 25, is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of EasyTaxi Nigeria, a leading taxi hailing mobile application in Nigeria. Bankole is a certified Public Accountant licensed in New York. He has a degree in Business Management and Accounting from Boston University in America.

Earlier this year, Bankole was listed in Forbes 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs and featured on CNN's Startup. Bankole started his career with the prestigious firm, Price Water Coopers, PwC in New York. He later moved over to the Carlyle Group before he returned to Nigeria to co-found Easy Taxi company, which he runs.

Boko Haram disarms 480 Nigerian soldiers in Borno state

Boko Haram
Boko Haram men today launched an attack on Gamboru-Ngala village in Borno state, displacing many of the villagers and disarming about 480 Nigerian soldiers stationed at the Cameroon-Nigeria border.

According to reports, the attack started around 5.30 this morning in the army barracks in Ngala known as Harmony Camp before proceeding to Gamboru where they took over the town without any military resistance. The insurgents reportedly embarked on a house-to-house raid in Gamboru.

Cameroonian Army spokesman, Lt Col Didier Badjek, who confirmed that soldiers have been disarmed said they are now being accommodated in schools. Residents of Gamboru-Ngala village are said to have taken refuge in Fotokol town in Cameroon.

Late Dr Adadevoh's younger sister tests positive to Ebola, hospitalized

According to Sahara Reporters, the younger sister of late Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh who died of Ebola on Tuesday August 19th has been confirmed to have Ebola and has been hospitalized. The report below..
SaharaReporters has learned today that Amy Ngozi Adadevoh, younger sister of the late Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, has reportedly tested positive for the Ebola virus.
Miss Adadevoh had previously been a suspected case, a suspicion confirmed today by blood test. She has been moved to isolation at the Ebola treatment center in Lagos. She joins two other patients there undergoing evaluation and treatment.

Ibinabo Fiberesima looks stunning in Ankara dress at event in U.S

Ibinabo FiberesimaIbinabo FiberesimaIbinabo Fiberesima
Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) president Ibinabo Fiberesima shines in an Ankara dress as she received the African Woman of Worth Award at the 6th edition of the Africa Women in Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday August 23rd.

Ebola Virus: Liberian doctor dies despite taking Zmapp

Ebola Virus
The National Deputy Chief Medical Doctor in Liberia, Abraham Borbor, has died from the Ebola virus disease despite taking the experimental drug, ZMapp. Late Dr. Borbor contracted the deadly virus while attending to Ebola patients at the John F. Kennedy Medical Centre in Monrovia.

Liberia's Minister of Information Lewis Brown announced his death to reporters in Monrovia this morning and said the late doctor was improving as at yesterday August 24th but suddenly took ill and died.

Singer Seyi Shay acquires brand new 2014 Hyundai SUV

Seyi Shay
The singer just acquired this brand new Hyundai Evolution SUV. Seyi shared the pics on instagram and wrote;
"And he used Hyundai to be the blessing! I copped this 2014 Hyundai jeep evolution with full spec the other day for a bargain! It's really smooth, economical, cheap on gas and perfect for a young working class spinster like moi that needs a Lil run around car!"
Congrats to her. See more photos after the cut...

Wow! Check out this throwback photo of Omotola Ekeinde

Omotola Ekeinde
Omotola flanked by other actresses on a movie location many many years ago...

Read this controversial article about God and Ebola

UK Guardian columnist Michelle Hanson wrote this article that has sparked quite a debate on social
media about God and why he saved an American doctor and let 1,200 Africans die of the Ebola virus. The writer, who said she gave up on God many years ago, wondered how God works. Find the article below...
"Lucky Dr Kent Brantly, the American doctor who has recovered from Ebola, having been given a dose of the experimental antibody serum Zmapp, whizzed home to the US, and given another dose. He is now thanking God for saving his life. Through the medical team and drugs, he admits, but ultimately, it seems, God was in charge. And he chose Brantly, not the other 1,200 mainly west African people who have died horribly, which seems a bit picky."

"President Goodluck Jonathan is not sick' - Presidency

Goodluck Jonathan
Presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati has denied media reports that the president, who left for Germany on Friday August 22nd, is sick and is in Germany for medical checkup.

Abati said Jonathan traveled to Germany for a private visit and not because he is sick. He said the false report is being peddled by a newspaper outfit owned by a chieftain of an opposition party.
"Before leaving Nigeria, I issued a statement that the President will be embarking on a private visit to Germany with a few of his aides. On Saturday, I sent out a statement that the President spoke with the Falconets on the telephone. I also sent out the video and audio of his conversation with the players where he promised to stay awake and watch the final match. The NTA and some other broadcasting stations aired the video and audio. There are also photographs out there showing the President when he was leaving Nigeria and when he was arriving Germany. The President is hale and hearty. In fact, he is treating files in his hotel room. Are these not enough proofs that Mr. President is not sick as they want Nigerians to believe? It is important to note that the publisher of the newspaper that has been writing this false report is a chieftain of an opposition party who also have an ambition to be President.” Abati said.

Beyonce and Jay Z steal the show at 2014 VMAs

BeyonceJay Z
 "The greatest living entertainer' that is how a proud Jay Z introduced his wife when he handed her the night's prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

The couple, who have been plagued by divorce rumours for a while now, did a good job last night to dispel the rumours when Jay Z, carrying their daughter, joined Beyonce on stage after her incredible performance to hand her the award.

Jay Z, with tears in his eyes, kissed his wife, while she called him "my beloved." And then adorable Blue Ivy said 'Mommy' and a visibly moved Beyonce said;
“I'm so full. Thank you. I have nothing to say but I'm filled with so much gratitude. I thank God for this moment. I love you so much. 'Baby Blue, I love You. My beloved, I love you. My fans, I love you. MTV, I love you. Goodnight."
Beyonce was the night's biggest winner with four awards. Continue to see more photos of the couple at the awards

Pic: Nigerian footballer wins Best Player at U-20 FIFA World Cup

Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala (pictured above) was voted the Most Valuable Player/Best Player at the 2014 FIFA U20 World Cup in Canada. She was awarded the Golden Ball award and Golden Boot having scored seven goals and provided two assists.

French midfielder Griedge Mbock-Bathy was awarded the Silver Ball while her compatriot Claire Lavogez, was the Bronze Ball winner.

Meanwhile, the Falconets lost 0-1 to their German counterparts in the Finals of the World Cup played in Montreal, Canada yesterday.

2014 MTV Video Music Awards Red Carpet + Full List of Winners

The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards held last night at The Forum in LA. Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Amber Rose and J.Lo pictured above. Continue to see more red carpet photos and full list of winners...

Photos: Mercy Johnson speaks on why she loves Genevieve Nnaji

Mercy JohnsonGenevieve Nnaji
The actress has spoken once again of her love for actress Genevieve Nnaji, who she says is her role model. Speaking with City People magazine, Mercy Johnson said she adores Genevieve and doesn't know what she can do that will be better than what Genevieve has done in the movie industry
"I think I have one of the best role models ever. I like Genevieve like crazy. I started watching her movies from the onset but I didn't want to be Genevieve, I wanted to be Mercy with the motivation that a Genevieve could give me. So I watched lots of movies. I don't play with her movies. I don't know what I can do that will be better than what she has done. But I just try to improve on it, try to do it the way she will do it and perhaps even better to my own level. I practice like all the time. It is like a passion. It is just where I want to be. I am alive and I am in my space. It was paramount to perfect that space. I need everything. I watch everything. Nothing passes me by. I watch newscasters reading there news and after they are done, I sit down the way they do and read the news like that. So it is practice and Passion." she said.

New video: Sean Tizzle - Perfect Gentleman

Sean Tizzle finally drops his most anticipated "Perfect Gentleman" video. Perfect gentleman is the 1st track off his The Journey album. This video, directed by Unlimited LA and produced by Uprooted Media, is one of the three videos he shot while on vacation in South Africa recently. Enjoy...

Congo confirms its first cases of Ebola, as British patient is flown to the UK

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed the first cases of Ebola virus in the north-western region of the country. Confirming the cases, the country's health Minister, Felix Kabange Numbi, said 8 people have tested positive to the deadly virus.
"The results are positive. The Ebola virus is confirmed in DRC," Mr Numbi told AFP
DR Congo is the first country outside the West African region to confirm positive cases of the Ebola virus since the recent outbreak. So far 1,427 people have died from the virus.

Nigerians doctors finally suspend strike

After 65 days, the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has suspended its strike. They made the announcement on their official twitter handle yesterday, NMA president, Kayode Obembe, told journalists that the association decided to suspend the strike because of the Ebola outbreak.

He said all Nigerian doctors are expected to report to work today Monday August 25th.

The Idibia family release statement on the passing of Michael Idibia

2face Idibia
2face Idibia lost his dad on Saturday Aug. 23rd to cancer. The family has released the statement below...
With sadness in our hearts, but with gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing on of our father, brother, uncle and in-law, Michael Agbo Idibia, a native of Okpokwu Idumoga in Benue State. Born on July 25, 1946, Mr. Idibia is an alumnus of Kansas State University, USA, and retired from the Ministry of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.‎ Survived by wife, Mrs. Rose Owoyi Idibia, children: Steven Idibia, Innocent '2face' Idibia‎, Hyacinth Idibia and Oche Idibia, grand-children, and siblings. ‎ Burial arrangements will be announced by the family. We plead with the media and the general public to respect the privacy of the family in this difficult time. Thank you.

Fiance of late nurse Justina Ejelonu discharged from Ebola treatment centre

EbolaEbola
The fiancé of late Justina Ejelonu, the First Consultant nurse who died on August 14th from complications from the deadly Ebola Virus has been discharged from the Ebola Isolation Centre, Sahara Reporters reports.

Dennis (pictured right) who turned himself in for observation after falling ill 14 days after his fiancée Justina died, was certified free of the virus and discharged from the Isolation center on Saturday August 23rd after tests carried out on him showed he didn't have Ebola.

Narrating how Justina fell ill and later died, Dennis said Justina, who was two months pregnant when the illness started, began vomiting on him and then collapsed in his presence before he immediately rushed her to the hospital. He said while she was admitted at the isolation center, he hung around the hospital occasionally going into the Ebola ward to cater for her as nurses and doctors abandoned her to her fate at the treatment center.
Justina was the nurse who attended directly to Patrick Sawyer at the First Consultant Hospital.

35 policemen missing after Boko Haram attack on Police academy

35 policemen have been confirmed missing after members of Boko Haram launched an attack on the Nigeria Police Mobile Force Academy located in Gwoza, Borno state on Thursday August 21th.

According to a statement by the acting Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police force, DCP Emmanuel Ojukwu, the police officers who ran during the attack have been found but as of August 23rd, 35 policemen are still missing.

Find the press statement after the cut...

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde shares family vacation photos

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
 Omotola and her family are still on holiday in South Africa. See more pics after the cut...

Nick Cannon's father gets dragged for exploiting Nick and Mariah's divorce news

Mariah Carey
On Friday night Nick Cannon's father, James Cannon, posted some relationship questions on his Facebook wall that hit a little too close to home considering his son's impending divorce from Mariah Carey.

When Mariah fans who felt he was referring to her dragged Mr Cannon for his post, he claimed the questions came from a book he wrote three years ago and had nothing whatsoever to do with his son and daughter-in-law's crumbling relationship. See the questions and what he wrote afterwards...