I'm glad my parents died young: It's a confession that will shock, but after seeing friends caring for aged relatives, TESS STIMSON reveals why

My mum was a wise old bird. ‘Our parents either live too long, or die too soon,’ she told me once. ‘We either go when you still need us, or we become a burden. There’s no middle ground.’ In her case, I lost her far too soon.
Her sudden death at only 59 came like a bolt out of the clear blue sky. My father’s death a decade later, aged just 68, only reinforced the sense I’d been cheated. And yet, much as I loved them both, I’m glad they’re dead.
Don’t get me wrong: I adored my parents. I was heartbroken when they died, and there isn’t a day goes past I don’t think of them, often reaching for the phone before remembering there’s no one left to pick up.
But as I watch my friends and contemporaries - the so-called ‘sandwich generation’ - struggle to balance the need of their ageing parents with those of their children, fighting to hold down jobs and marriages, their finances buckling under the strain, I’ve realised there’s a silver lining to being a 42-year-old orphan.

Her mother was 59 when she died in 2001, and her father was 68 when he passed away last year

Read more: Full story culled from dailymail

Police rescue 2-yr-old kidnapped by uncle

Detectives in Ondo State have rescued a two and half years old boy, Modupeoluwa Saka, who was kidnapped by his uncle, Taju Ayuba, at Ijebu-Owo, Owo Local Government Area of the state.  Police spokesman, Wole Ogodo, said the operatives of the State Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, rescued the victim from the kidnappers’ hideout after five days in their den. He said no ransom was paid. 

The boy was said to have been tied to a chair in an uncompleted building along a road that leads to a popular private university in the town, when he was rescued.  Ondo State Police Command has sent its men to search for and arrest the principal suspect, Ayuba, who was said to be on the run. 

Two of the kidnap suspects, Ganiyu Oseni (29) of 43, Oke-Ijebu Owo and Oderinde Joshua (18) of Owaluwa Street, Owo, have been arrested by detectives.  During interrogation, the two suspects reportedly fingered the victim’s uncle (Taju) as the person that masterminded the kidnap.  Father of the victim, Hassan Saka, who is a proprietor of a popular school in Ijebu-Owo, is half-brother to the suspect. 

Police source said that the three suspects invaded the residence of the victim’s father at about 9p.m., stole N50,000 and also forcefully took the victim from the mother.  The kidnappers escaped on a motorcycle and after some hours put a call across to the victim’s father, requesting for N4.5 million as ransom to release Amos.  The case was said to have been reported to SARS and the operatives swung into action.  Vanguard gathered that during investigation, a prime suspect, Oderinde, who was feeding the victim at their hideout, was arrested.  Ogodo said Oseni and Oderinde confessed that they kidnapped the victim in the presence of the mother at gunpoint and collected her money.

Bad roads: FG to reintroduce toll gates

Against the backdrop of deteriorating Federal roads nationwide, the Federal Government may have decided to reintroduce tolling on its highways, to raise money to fix the roads.A policy document on the reintroduction of tolling may be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council by Works Minister, Mike Onolememen, for approval and implementation.

Read more: Author's website

Court vindicates Ibori on $15m bribe allegation, says Kpateghe

FORMER Commissioner for Special Duties, Delta State, Chief Champion Kpateghe, has said that last Friday’s judgment by a Federal High Court, Abuja, that the $15 million purportedly offered by former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, to ex- Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, be forfeited to the Federal Government has vindicated


Mallam Nuhu Ribadu had claimed that Ibori offered him the amount to escape investigation and prosecution when he was head of the anti- corruption agency.  Chief Kpateghe, however, told Vanguard:
“The ex-governor has consistently maintained that he neither stole from Delta State government coffers nor did he  offer the alleged bribe, as claimed by Ribadu. From the judgment, it has become obvious that Ibori did not steal from Delta State. The money always belonged to the Federal Government and the judgment as expected has confirmed it.”

Nollywood honours Olu Jacobs with a bronze statue

This might be no news (stale) but because he is one of my favourite actors;

Veteran actor, Olu Jacobs has just been honored with a bronze statue.

Reports claim that the actor was honored with the statue for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

Congrats to you sir!

Lagos, Ogun States donate N3.5m to Pa Kasumu

The governments of Lagos and Ogun States have made a N3.5million donation to help ailing Yoruba actor Kayode Odumosu popularly called Pa Kasumu.

In a telephone conversation yesterday, Pa Kasumu’s son, Tunde Odumosu told Nigerian Entertainment that Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State finally made his donation to Pa Kasumu after footing the bills of his initial medical check up three weeks ago.

‘We got a call on Friday (October 25, 2013) to come to the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa. When we got there, we were presented with a cheque of N1.5million on behalf of the State Government’, Odumosu said.

On Saturday, October 26, 2013 the representatives of the Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosu visited Pa Kasumu’s residence in Mushin and also made a donation of N2million.

The team which was led by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa also had the company of the Commissioner of Tourism and Culture, Yewande Amusan and the governor’s personal physician. ‘We are indeed very excited and grateful to these governors that have come to help my father. We certainly can’t thank them enough’, Odumosu added.

Colleagues present at the actor’s residence during the presentation include, Dele Odule, Mr Latin, Yomi King, Olaide Bakare, Yomi Fabiyi and others.

“Dead bones shall rise again” – Funke Akindele parties with Ini Edo and Nkem Owoh

It’s been 3 months now since Funke Akindele’s marriage to politician/businessman Alhaji Kehinde Oloyede Almaroof ended and even though their separation caused her a lot of pain, Funke has gotten her groove back.

Having survived the pain and hurt, Funke Akindele shared a photo of herself looking all prettied up and sexy on Instagram to celebrate her strength with the caption “Thank you lord, dead bones shall rise again, God is able”

She also shared a photo of herself partying with colleagues, Ini Edo and Osuofia star, Nkem Owoh.The actress shared the picture on her Instagram account with the caption, “#partying #fun parrying like a bigs geh with my darling @iniedo and #osuofia.”See photos below:

 

 

O yea, because i am not priding, i am happy for you my roles model* lol..

Fans mob Wizkid at his father’s 70th birthday celebration

Thousands of fans allegedly mobbed super star Wizkid and prevented him from spending time with his father at his 70th birthday party which held recently.

Punch reports thus:

“Young musical sensation, Ayo Balogun, alias Wizkid, is any parent’s delight.

 

Even his father, Ibrahim Balogun, is awed by his superstar son, at least his 70th birthday celebration proved that.

 

At the event, thousands of fans mobbed his superstar son and prevented him from spending time with his father.

 

It is no surprise then that he would be one of those calling for the release of Wizkid’s album. Wizkid shared this information on his twitter page when he wrote; ‘My dad just called, asking why my album is not out yet.  Lol!  Bless him.’ Obviously, the senior Balogun has converted from being a father to a fan".

Mr. Latin's P. A, Lanre Commits Suicide

Strange things are happening. Mr. Latin is still yet to fathom what exactly has led to his Personal Assistant of almost a decade to have decided to commit suicide by jumping into the river.

Lanre started living in the US last year when he went on a visit with Mr Latin and decided to stay back at the end of his visit. After living in Minnesota, he moved to Texas where things got better for him.

He acquired some exotic cars and started living a good life, but things however changed for him this year. He's friends said he started behaving strangely and refused to talk to anyone.

Though, his strange behaviour was said to have had a political undertone, no one could rescue him out of his moody situation until he embarked on the suicidal mission as all efforts was said to have been to no avail.

Lanre, however ended his life, when he jumped into a river. No one knew his identity until his ID card was found.

Lanre was Mr Latin's P.A for 8 years until last year when he stopped working for him.

* sad face*

Seun Kuti Spoils Pregnant Girlfriend, Sends Her To Paris To Rest

Abami Eda's last born, Seun Kuti, who, obviously, is matching on his late dad's career has put his dancer, Yetunde George in family way. Old news you would say.

Recent event, however, has shown that Seun means well for his pregnant girlfriend as we gathered that the girl is now rocking Paris. She was said to have been in Paris for a few months after she discovered that her tummy was protruded and she left Nigeria when her pregnancy became more obvious.

Yetunde who couldn't attend the 2013 Felabration in Nigeria, was spotted at the on-going one in Paris looking heavily pregnant.
As you can see, she is due to put to bed in a couple of months' time.
From this stable, we wish her safest delivery!.



Yetunde George (Middle)

Bulletproof cars: We don't have documents, NCAA tells Falana

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has denied having any documents relating to the  two BMW bulletproof cars it bought for the Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah.

The denial came two days after Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), gave seven days ultimatum to NCAA to supply his law firm with the information.

Falana's request, dated October 21, 2013, was made on the strength of the provisions of the Freedom of information Act.

But a copy of the reply to the request dated October 23, 2013 by the NCAA Director-General, Mr. Fola Akinkuotu, through the NCAA Legal Adviser, Mr. E.K Chukwuma, Akinkuotu also claimed not to have in the possession of the NCAA any documents relating to previous purchase of such cars.

The reply read, 'I am directed to your letter dated October 21, 2013 on the above matter (Request for information on N255m armoured cars for Aviation Minister, Ms Stella Oduah) and to inform you that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is not in possession of any document relating to the purchase of the armoured cars for the Aviation Minister, Ms Stella Oduah.

'With regard to your request for records of previous purchase of armoured cars by the Aviation Ministry or NCAA, I am to inform you that the  Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority does not have such records.'

But Falana, in a telephone chat with our correspondent on Sunday, said he was going to request the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute the NCAA DG.

He said, 'Since copies of the documents on the Oduahgate are available the DG has wilfully violated the provisions of the FoI Act, I am sending a request to the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute him without any delay.

'Since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced investigation pursuant to my petition, I am also forwarding the DG's letter to the Commission for necessary action.'

Falana, had in his letter, written on his behalf by a lawyer in his law firm, Mr. Adedotun Isola-Osobu, asked Akinkuotu to supply his chamber with detailed information on the vehicles.

The SAN had  predicated his request on the claim by Akinkuotu during a press conference on October 18, 2013, that the NCAA indeed bought the cars for the minister.

In his letter to the NCAA, Falana had asked Akinkuotu to supply records of previous purchase of such cars if indeed it was customary for the NCAA to purchase such cars for the aviation minister and visiting foreign dignitaries.

The letter read, 'In your press conference at Abuja held on Friday, October 18, 2013 you did admit that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority actually bought the controversial armoured cars and that 'it is customary to convey the minister and visiting dignitaries in security vehicles whenever they are in Nigeria.'

'In the light of your claim at the said press conference we are compelled to request you to make available to us certified true copies of the documents relating to the purchase of the cars, including budgetary approval and due process for the entire transaction.

'Since you claimed that it is customary to purchase such cars for aviation minister and visiting foreign dignitaries you are also requested to provide the records of previous purchase of armoured cars by the aviation ministry or the NCAA.

'Take notice that you are mandatorily required to supply the requested information within seven days of the receipt of this letter by virtue of the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.'

The NCAA had admitted to have spent   a whopping $1.6m (N255m) on the two cars. The purchase of the cars had since ignited calls for the removal of the aviation minister.

Mike Akhigbe dies at 68 of throat cancer

Former Chief of General Staff (CGS), Vice Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe, has died at 68.

Akhigbe was a retired Vice Admiral of the Nigerian Navy, who served as the CGS (equivalent of the Vice President of Nigeria) during the General Abdusalam Abubakar led military government from 1998 till the termination of military government in Nigeria, in 1999.

He had also previously served as Military Governor of Nigeria’s Ondo State and Lagos State, after which he was appointed Chief of Naval Staff, the highest-ranking officer of the Nigerian Navy.

Reports indicate that he died at the weekend in England, after a long battle with cancer.

Before his appointment as the chief of general staff following the death of the then Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, in 1998, Akhigbe, who hailed from Edo State, was the Chief of Naval Staff.

After his retirement from the navy he went to read law and became an attorney with specialisation in Maritime and Real Estate Law.

He was a seasoned businessman with substantial interests in real estate.

During his military career that spanned several decades, he was the Principal Welfare Officer of the Nigerian Navy Flagship NNS Aradu, military governor of Lagos and Ondo States, Director at the Naval Headquarters and Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command Akhigbe attended the Nigerian Defence Academy  (NDA), Royal Naval School of Maritime Operations Dryad, Southwick the United Kingdom, Command and Staff College Jaji, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru and University of Poitiers, Rouan, France.

May his soul rest in peace!

Delta government may appeal ruling on Ibori's $15m bribe money

The Delta State Government may appeal the ruling of the Federal High Court on the $15 million bribe allegedly offered Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to stop the prosecution of former Governor, James Ibori.

The indication was given by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah, on Saturday

Ogeah, who spoke in Asaba, the state's capital,  said that the government was still studying the judgment and would make its position known once it got a certified true copy of the judgment.

He said he was in touch with the state's Attorney General, adding that the State would seek to find how the trial judge arrived at his decision of giving the money, which he insisted, was 'unclaimed property' to the federal government.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday ruled that the recovered sum should go to the federal government and not the Delta State government, which had fought to secure its custody and ownership.

The court said the state failed to prove that the money belonged to it, since Ibori,who is currently serving jail term in UK prison had denied having anything to do with the $15 millions (over N2 billion).

Ogeah said that since there is the option of appeal, the government could take such option.

He said, 'We have not read the judgment yet. The option of appeal is there, but first, we have to read the judgment to know how the judge arrived at the decision, both in facts and law.

We will write for the enrolment of the judgment; we will demand for a certified true copy of the judgment once it has been enrolled.'

The commissioner lamented the outcome of the judgment, saying Delta intended to use the money on human capital development and numerous infrastructural projects across the state.

Pension Scam: Witness says accused cashed 303 cheques in director's name

The FCT High Court on Thursday heard that an accused, Veronica Onyegbula, allegedly cashed 303 cheques in the name of the Director, Police Pension Office.

A witness, Julius Adebulu, an Internal Auditor at the Police Pension Office, told Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, that the cheques were drawn in the name of Uzoma Attang and Ms. Onyegbula.

The EFCC had on April 10 arraigned Uzoma Attang, Esai Dangabar, Atiku Kigo, Ahmed Wada, Ms. Onyegbula, Sani Zira and Christian Madubuke, over their involvement in the police pension scam.

They took their pleas on an amended 20-count charge that borders on criminal breach of trust, which contravened Section 315 of the Penal Code.

Led in evidence by Rotimi Jacobs, the Counsel to EFCC, Mr. Adebulu alleged that the cheques were drawn in the range of 500,000 to 4.9 million.

He told the court that before September 2009, the Police Pension Office made payments in forms of cheques and cash in the names of retirees who provided Letters of Identification.

After listening to the testimony, Mr. Baba-Yusuf adjourned the case to October 25 for continuation of hearing.

(NAN)

Lagos to borrow $200m from World Bank in 2014

The Lagos State Government will next year draw down second tranche of $600 million loan approved by the World Bank under a development policy operation (DPO) scheme for which it applied in 2010 and approved by the National Assembly.

This fund is part of the basket of financing for the ambitious 10-lane Lagos- Badagary Expressway.

The scheme, according to the borrowing plan, is to be implemented in three tranches by the state government. Accordingly, the first tranche of $200 million from the $600 million loan was obtained by the state in 2011.

In a letter addressed to Senate President David Mark and read on the floor of the chamber yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan urged the Senate to include the second tranche of the scheme into the current borrowing plan.

The president explained that the borrowing plan was not captured in the 2012-2014 medium term borrowing which he earlier submitted to the parliament.

'The World Bank has therefore embarked on restructuring of the project in the face of current realities in a manner that would release US$200 million for allocation to Lagos Development Policy Operation II. This is an action that the World Bank with the support of its board can undertake. They propose that the US$200 million DPO would enable the state complete some critical infrastructure projects,' Jonathan said.

The president further explained that when the loan is obtained, the state government plans to use it for the construction of ultra-modern burns centre and cardiac and renal centre at the Gbagada General Hospital as well as the 27-kilometer light rail project along Lagos-Badagry Expressway Corridor to Marina.

The balance, he said, would be used for the completion of $70 million gallon per day Adiyan Water Facility, among others.

The president while pleading with the lawmakers to accommodate the plan in the nation's borrowing plan, further disclosed that doing so would enable Lagos State to consolidate on the gains of the first tranche of the credit without any fresh implication to the borrowing plan.

Also yesterday, the Senate congratulated the president on the election of Nigeria as a non-permanent member of the United Nations' Security Council for a two-year term with effect from January 1, 2014.

Nollywood actress sues AIT for N5m over movie

Nollywood actress and producer, Queen Temitope Oluwa has has instituted a legal suit against Raymond Dokpesi owned Africa Independent Television, AIT, over the airing of one of her flicks, Atupa Emi.

The Saratu star filed a legal case with the help of her attorney, M.A Bashua & Co. suing the television company to the tune of N5million.

When contacted, Queen said,
“I don’t have much to say but I have instituted a legal case against AIT over an infringement on my rights as a citizen and as the copyright owner of Atupa Emi, which is illegally been aired on their medium.”

In a letter served the management of AIT, Queen is demanding the whopping sum of money as a fee for breaching of her intellectual property rights to the flick, Atupa Emi.

American Rapper Iggy Azalea Rejects $1M “Intimate Dinner” With Oil tycoon

Iggy Azalea is a hardworking woman who has done what she needed to in order to gain the current level of fame she has, and when it comes to selling herself out, she’s not about that life.
Reports Vlad:

British publication The Sun wrote a rather interesting article that Iggy reposted to her Instagram account. The article detailed Iggy being offered $1 million for an “intimate dinner” date with a fan, who allegedly turned out to be a “Russian oil tycoon” who really had the money to give.

The offer stemmed from Iggy apparently holding an online competition in which she would “help change the lives of her fans.” Iggy apparently declined the offer for a $1 million “intimate dinner.” Who knows exactly what “intimate” would entail in this situation?

Iggy found it rather funny that the story was reported, and posted it on her Instagram account. Check out the writeup for her $1 million turn-down below.

And now…the article.

This is EbenGregory.com…telling you on another note, an objection is not a rejection; it is simply a request for more information.

Pictures From Sarah Ofili’s ‘Twerktastic’ Birthday Party

Sarah Ofili’s ’twerkastic’ birthday party held yesterday in Victoria Island Lagos. More pics when you continue

Parry hot!!

Drake’s Birthday Cake is rocking! Check It Out!!

Singer Graham Drake, turns 27.

The picture above, is an elaborate cake modeled after his hometown, Toronto, Canada.

Details on Drake’s birthday cake:

• His favorite hookah bar, Habibiz,
• a “Started from the Bottom” billboard,
• a Starbucks
• the CN Tower.
• The streets are paved with Smarties and then there is also a giant Toronto

 

 

I like! *just saying*

Nkiru Anumudu Rocks Big PineApple on her head To The Lagos Fashion & Design Week

The socialite first rocked a shoe hat to an event last month, before rocking a Pineapple hat which comes with a clutch bag to Lagos Fashion and Design Week which started on wednesday.

Fashion!! thumbs up or down?

Rihanna Twerking A Pole In Her Bikini In Greece

Last month Rihanna became the first girl to twerk on water in her new music video “Pour It Up.”



The Bajan pop beauty continues to twerk all over the world including her latest stop in greece where she strip down in her bikini.

RiRi posted these photo on her Instagram showing off her banging body in some elaborate pole including the one above where she posed in a twerking position on a rail.

Rihanna also shot a new campaign for her River Island fall collection.