Harp Rhythm Unplugged Ibadan, June 2nd at the Jogor Centre

Harp Rhythm Unplugged taking place in Ibadan June 2nd, 7pm at the Jogor Centre. Artists Performing: Tiwa Savage, Dr Sid, Prince, Sauce Kid, Chuddy K, KC, SamKlef, W4, Rayce, Orezi,Jayru, Reminisce, Classiq, Phizzle. Comedians Performing: Apororo, Ebohbom, Pencil, Memory Card, Ajebaba. Host: Seyi Law

Gov Fashola recalls all 788 sacked doctors

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola this evening re-instated all 788 doctors that the state sacked a few weeks back after the doctors embarked on a strike the Government called illegal. The leadership of the Doctor's Association met with reps of the Government and they settled their differences. Now alliswell.

P-Square signs distribution deal with Universal Music Group

P-Square has signed a distribution deal with Universal Music, South Africa. The deal was signed and sealed this afternoon at a press conference in Johannesbourg, South Africa. The music label will be releasing past and future projects with them; and handle all their digital and CD sales all over the world. These guys keep rocking. Congrats to them!

Masquerade rapes undergraduate nursing mother

                                                  The victim, Ngozi Ugwu.                                 The masquerade

Tension mounts in Opi, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State as masquerades took turn in the series of rape stories synonymous with the community.  The alleged rape of a female student, Ngozika Ugwu, presented mixed feelings and reactions to what may have bedevilled the community in the recent past.
Rape stories in Opi, a community in the university town of Nsukka, have occupied major national dailies, hitting banner headlines, from the three quarters that make up the community, Idi, Ogbozalla and Ibeku.
In 2011, the story of the rape of women between 70 and 80 years spread like wild fire in the country, raising eyebrows on the motive for such inhuman and barbaric act by, especially, youths of the community. Some of them  were fingered and allegedly arrested, interrogated by the police but could not be persecuted because of want of  evidence.


Following this development, Ada Enugu Women Organisation led by  Mrs. Kate Ezeofor stormed the community for a church service at St. Charles Catholic Church parish, Opi to cleanse the land and the old women that were defiled.

Few months later, Opi women took to the streets in protest of yet another rape at Ogbozalla–Opi. The protest attracted the quick intervention of the Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Council, Mr. Tony Ugwu who invited all the stakeholders in the community to discuss the ugly development and proffer solutions. Though it was later discovered that the protest had political undertone, the council boss brokered peace to the satisfaction of all.

Barely few months of enjoying peace in the area, masquerades took turn in the series of rape stories in the community by defiling a 28-year-old undergraduate nursing mother.  The victim told Crime Alert in tears that the trauma of the rape will forever live with her but stated that she had forgiven the rapists.

While narrating her ordeal, she appealed to local, state and federal governments to ensure that truth prevails in this country by fighting for the poor masses.  Ngozi, who dropped out from her NCE programme at the Enugu State College of Education (Technical)due to lack of funds after her ordeal, called on concerned Nigerians to come to her aid to enable her go back to school.

She also hinted that the release of one of the suspects on the flimsy excuse that he was going to write his JAMB examination was not encouraging, attributing it to the fact that her family is poor and helpless.

Her story:
It happened on March 21, 2012. There were three masquerades that day but two were spotted and people started running. I was going to fetch water and as people were running, I equally ran and hid somewhere until the two masquerades passed. After the masquerades passed, I came out and continued with my journey. Soon, I heard a child saying that another masquerade was coming. I didn’t see the masquerade but people were running and I ran to enter into someone’s house.

The masquerade emerged from a corner (apiam way) and pushed me into the building where I was running to. I tried to escape but could not. It caught up with me and started beating me. What surprised me was that the masquerade said it has been looking for me for long and had now caught up with me. I sought to know what I did to deserve such treatment and at the same time pleading for forgiveness but it continued with its threat.
This time, it swore to take me to a bigger masquerade inside the forest, saying it has been long I had been insulting them. My cries for help and that I was a nursing a baby fell on deaf ears. As the masquerade was dragging me along, a man with wrapper came and pleaded with the masquerade to leave me but it refused, saying that I have insulted them for too long. It insisted on taking me to the bigger masquerade which will compel my clan to bring a cow as sacrifice.
All my pleadings with the man who came to my rescue failed. The masquerade dragged me to a bush path,threw me on the ground fell on me. It held me on the neck to prevent me from shouting and blocked both my eyes and nose.  At this stage, I nearly lost consciousness until one man came and rescued me from its grip. He removed the face of the masquerade and that was how he was identified. As soon as he was identified, he ran away.
More people gathered there and helped to take me where I was given first aid treatment at a chemist before I was taken to St. Joseph Hospital, Opi. I didn’t know when I was taken to the hospital. When I started gaining consciousness, I did not see my pant and my bra was torn. It was then I realised that the masquerade raped me. Fear gripped me that the masquerade may have transmitted HIV/AIDS into me.
Doctor’s report altered
We went to Nsukka police station and reported the incident. I was surprised that police did not come to the scene of the incident to investigate my claims. What the police did was to take me to a police doctor, Mercy Clinic along University Market Road, Nsukka. It is surprising that a doctor will give evidence against me in a case of rape I reported. Later, police invited me to their office for interrogation.


When I tried to give details of what happened, they shouted that I should shut up and go straight to speak on the doctor’s findings on the case. Surprisingly, the Police asked me to write a letter of apology claiming that the doctor’s report said I was not raped. I did not read the report nor see it. I was forced to write an apology by the police.
While all these were happening, no police officer came to the hospital to take my statement. All the time, nurses would remove drips from my hand so that I would go to the police station to honour their invitation. The masquerade was allegedly arrested and hurriedly released on the flimsy excuse that he was going to write JAMB exams.
Pleas for forgiveness
While I was still recuperating, the mother of the suspected person in the masquerade came and pleaded that his son should be forgiven.  I told his mother that I have forgiven him. What annoyed me most was that some of his relations which included a policeman that works in Enugu, returned home and instead of sympathizing with me, they took sides in favor of their brother.  At a stage, I was forced to go to the police station to close the case.
No refund of expenditure
The police said that I should not be paid what my family spent in the case and that the family of the suspect should only pay for my hospital bill. The rapist family paid the hospital bill grudgingly.  Later, the police invited us again and this time, they asked me to write that I was not raped and I was forced to write that I was not raped. The boy who raped me gave police his name as Asogwa Ifeanyi but people who knew him said, his real names are Ugwunshi Ifeanyi.
The police did not also make efforts to invite the witness in the case while the investigation was going on rather, after they concluded that I was not raped, they tried to invite him but he ignored them.
My Education
I dropped out from Enugu state college of education (Technical) due to lack of fund. I was a second year student when I dropped. I entered the tertiary institution in 2007/2008 session.  For now, it is very difficult to continue with my education after all I have gone through. My father is a mason (Brick layer) at Uzo-Uwani L.G.A, Enugu State. We are five children born to my father and mother.
I am the only daughter.
Police reacts when Crime Alert visited Nsukka Police station, it was gathered that the incumbent Divisional police officer had not assumed office when the matter was incidented but a senior police officer who pleaded anonymity disclosed that a case of assault, occasioning harm was reported at the station but not rape as claimed by the lady stating that the people of the area are very troublesome. “Any small thing in the area, they will term it rape and rush to the press. You can trace the lady to Opi and find out  from her, all that was reported is a case of assault occasioning harm.”
Police Doctor speaks
The police doctor, Dr. Ugwu who reportedly examined Ngozika told Crime Alert that he can’t remember such a matter any longer. “I meet different cases and patients on daily basis. Give me sometime to get across to the police to find out the very incident”.
Elders action
Investigations by Crime Alert revealed that the elders in the community, on hearing the rape story, took action by banning masquerades from operating in the area regretting that youths cashed on masquerade which are meant for entertainment to perpetuate all sorts of evil, painting the community in a bad public image. They also reportedly resolved that the family of the masquerade rapist must bring a cow to cleanse the land, or else they will be ostracized.

Culled from Vanguard

Suteda Beauty introduces advanced special effect make-up courses

Suteda Beauty introduces Nigeria's first ever Advanced Special Effects Makeup Course for Film and TV!!! Classes start June 25th in Lagos!! Breakdown Makeup, Drug addicts, Bald caps, Aging makeup, Cuts, gunshot wounds, Blood and guts and Facepainting!!! Fees: N150K 

 

First five students to call or email using the code Linda5 will get N50K off their fees and all other students using the code will get N25K off their fees. 

 

Book now!!! Only ten students per class!!! Kit included. Call 08106145335 (Imoteda) or 08034089082(Sukie) or email sutedabeauty@gmail.com to book your space!!!! Classes Hold on the Mainland

 

Suteda Beauty is a partnership between one Orobo toh behd (Imoteda) and one very hot chewing gum looking Lepa (Sukie)! We are pleased to be offering Nigeria's very first Advanced Special Effects Course for film and television. Our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SutedaBeauty

 

 

 

What do you guys think about Goldie's meltdown yesterday?

Goldie broke down in tears yesterday in the BBA House after another housemate, Prezzo, told her they were 'just good friends'.

Goldie sat on his bed with tears streaming down her face repeating over and over again "just good friends, just good friends," while shaking her head. She later went to her own bed and continued to cry. She screamed, vomited and almost choked on her own puke. At a point she was gasping for air and struggling to breathe.

She was devastated that someone called her 'just good friends'? I don't get it...for those who watched it, did you? Check out the video after the cut...

Childish Gambino Ft. Beck - Silk Pillow Lyrics

Here is Silk Pillow Lyrics is performed by Childish Gambino Ft. Beck @ monsterlyrics.blogspot.comSend “Silk Pillow” Ringtone to your Cell[verse 1: beck]centrifugal force pulling me off-course, in a horse racechanging horses midstream, fourteenth placei’ll videotape surveillance playbacksigh you lose face, disgraced, god forbid youfall off of the face of the earth with chasethe black hole of what

Jason Derulo - My Heart Lyrics

Here is My Heart Lyrics is performed by Jason Deruloe @ monsterlyrics.blogspot.comSend “My Heart” Ringtone to your Cellthe way you picture methe crowd surrounded mei feel alone so let don’t matter no no no nonow ’cause seems on tvdon’t know i pay for..that i’ve got everything i don’t know know knowi’m, i feel happy don’t call me crazysome say i got it all babyuh, my heart is in danger need

Chris Brown - Countdown Lyrics

Here is Countdown Lyrics is performed by Chris Brown @ monsterlyrics.blogspot.comSend “Countdown” Ringtone to your Cellchorus:lights out, countdownyou should take it off right nowit’s the countdown, about to play you out..i wanna get it like yeahlights out, yeah, count down, yeahi try to take it off right nowit’s the countdown, about to wake you out!i’ve been trying to get it to you…i’ve been in

Bobby V Ft. Lil Wayne - Mirror Lyrics

Here is Mirror Lyrics is performed by Bobby V Ft. Lil Wayne @ monsterlyrics.blogspot.comSend “Mirror” Ringtone to your Cell[hook]she want me, i want heri’m looking in the mirror at all my girls likeooh oh, in the mirror likeooh oh, in the mirror likeshe on me and i’m on herposin’ in the mirror doin’ things to her likeooh oh, in the mirror likeooh oh, in the mirror likein the mirror, in the mirror

'Jonathan’s UNILAG Name Change a Gift Horse' - Prof Wole Soyinka

His statement below...

This is one gift horse which, contrary to traditional saying, must be inspected thoroughly in the mouth.

Primary from all of us must be a plea to the MKO Abiola family not to misconstrue the protests against the naming of the University of Lagos after their heroic patriarch.

Issues must be separated and understood in their appropriate contexts. The family will acknowledge that, among the loudest opposing voices to Jonathan’s gift horse, are those who have clamoured tirelessly that MKO Abiola, the Nigerian nation’s president-elect, be honoured nationally, and in a befitting manner.

Next is my confession to considerable shock that President Goodluck Jonathan did not even think it fit to consult or inform the administrators of the university, including Council and Senate, of his intention to re-name their university for any reason, however laudable. This arbitrariness, this act of disrespect, was a barely tolerated aberration of military governance. It is totally deplorable in what is supposed to be a civilian order.
After that comes the bad-mouthing of MKO Abiola and the Nigerian electorate by President Jonathan who referred to MKO as the “presumed winner” of a historic election. While applauding the president for finally taking the bull by the horn and rendering honour unto whom honour is due, the particularities of this gesture have made it dubious, suspect, and tainted.

You do not honour someone while detracting from his or her record of achievement. MKO Abiola was not a presumed winner, but the President-elect of a nation, and thus universally acknowledged.
It is sad, very sad, that after his predecessor who, for eight full years of presidency, could not even bear to utter the name of a man who made his own incumbency possible, along comes someone who takes back with the left hand what the right has offered.
However, there is hope. Legalists have claimed that there is a legal flaw to the entire process. The university, solidly backed by other tertiary institutions nation-wide, should immediately proceed to the courts of law and demand a ‘stay of execution’. That should give President Jonathan time to re-consider and perhaps shift his focus to the nation’s capital for institutions begging for rituals of re-naming.

After all, it is on record that the House of Assembly did once resolve that the Abuja stadium be named after the man already bestowed the unique title of “Pillar of African Sports”.

He deserved that, and a lot more. What he did not deserve is to be, albeit posthumously, the centre of a fully avoidable acrimony, one that has now resulted in the shutting down one of the institutions of learning to whose cause, the cause of learning, President-elect MKO Abiola also made unparalleled private contributions.
Let me end by stressing that my position remains the same as it was when the University of Ife was re-named Obafemi Awolowo University.

Tonto Dikeh spotted with Keri Hilson in Ghana

The actress was in Ghana to co-host the Stand Up Ghana concert which featured American stars Keri Hilson and Bow Wow. Continue to see what she wore to the event...

 Dress by Elegante by Tiannahstyling

Tweets of the day: Singer Djinee Tweets about war

 

 May we never see war in this country. Too scary to imagine. Continue to see the Tweets...

President Jonathan attends late UNILAG VC's burial in Lagos

Late University of Lagos Vice Chancellor, Prof Sofoluwe, who died May 12th at the age of 62 after suffering a heart attack is being buried at the Ikoyi Cemetary as you read this, and President Goodluck Jonathan is in Lagos to attend the burial.

Lead City Univeristy students mad at rapper 2shotz, dedicated a website to him

These students are not playing o. Heard they pasted this poster all over their school. They are claiming Rapper 2shotz scammed them of N100k. He was allegedly paid to make an appearance in their school but he didn't show up and now they are drawing blood.

Not only did the Lead City students send out a broadcast on BBM and a press release to bloggers, they have dedicated a website to the rapper. Lol. Young people.

In his defense, 2Shotz said he was actually in Ibadan for the event but the organizers did not pick him up at the hotel for the show.

You students should take it easy abeg. Check out the website HERE

UNN student commits suicide this morning

A student from the university sent me a mail about what happened in their school early this morning. The students of University of Nigeria, Nsuka, woke up to find one of their own hanging from a rope in an unfinished Franco building beside the hockey pitch in their school. Roommates of the dead student said he left the room around 2am this morning and they thought he had gone to study, only for his corpse to be found dangling from a rope this morning. He's a 3rd year Physics and Astronomy student in his early 20's. A purported suicide note which read, "The controversy is over" was discovered near him.

The dead student, now identified as Onyebuchi Okonkwo had a mental illness last year and was hospitalized at UI for one month. So so sad. May his soul rest in peace...amen

Paul Okoye chilling with his baby

 

Baby as in girlfriend? Cute girl! Paul doesn't tweet much but yesterday he tweeted this photo of himself and that babe chilling on a boat in Cape Town, South Africa, where P-Square is performing. If that's his babe, now y'all know what she looks like. More photos, paul...:-)

Kaffy Dance Queen and son cover Pregnancy & You Magazine

                                      Kaffy and son                                          Kaffy's son

Tweet of the day

  

Linda Ikeji's most revealing interview EVER!!! (A must read!) :-)

This is by far the most revealing interview I have ever done. I said things here that I have never ever said before in any interview. Yesterday & Today had been chasing me for a while for a no-holds-barred interview and I finally agreed to do it. For two reasons; to set the record straight on some issues and to reveal more about myself that some of you don't know. It's quite revealing. You know me I can say anything, I no send anybody...lol. You will find the interview after the cut. Also I did an interview with Bella Naija last week. You will also find a link to the BN interview after the cut...enjoy...:-)

 

Culled from Yesterday & Today
 

Much has been written in the formal and informal media about Nigerian’s most popular blogger Linda Ikeji, this  last Monday was  a memorable opportunity for a personal conversation with the famous blogger, I  took a deliberate swipe on her on personal issues. I am most happy and comfortable, I could not be more so until I forced every word out from her in a clandestine type of interview. it was for me the most revealing conversation recorded, we had a long chat as my midget captured every dots of the J and every tittle of the T leaving no stone unturned.

A lot of your fans and readers were quite disappointed by your Mark Zuckerberg article last week. It made you sound very materialistic and shallow. What happened?
Linda: I was trying to be funny but people didn't get the joke (laughs). I didn't know people would take me literally and that seriously. I clown a lot. Sometimes I write things just to get reaction or just to make people laugh. Mark Zuckerberg is someone I really respect. I've always said there are 3 people I'd like to meet before I die. President Obama, Mark Zuckerberg and Jackie Chan. In that particular order. So Mark is someone I'm in awe of and I sincerely admire his simplicity. But for a minute I asked myself; is Mark being simple or doesn't he just like to spend money? I was looking to get people's opinion on the issue. What I should have asked was; where do you cross the line from 'simple' to 'cheap'? Remember Mr Scrooge in A Christmas Carol? He had so much money but was a miser. And that was why I put up that post. But I guess I didn't put my point across very well, so I came out sounding shallow and materialistic. I was just trying to be funny and sarcastic at the same time considering how much money Mark has. There are other billionaires who have mansions, private jets and million dollar yachts, it's how they chose to spend their money. Mark obviously is not concerned about such things and its admirable.

So you're not materialist?
Linda: (laughs) No, I'm not! You should see the laptop I'm using to blog. There's so much I don't really care about. Materialism is when you can't differentiate between your want and your need. When money/material things is your driving force. That's not who I am. Like I always say, I'll never sleep with a man for money, date a man for money or marry a man for money. I don't operate on that level because I don't understand it. I believe in hard work, I believe in dignity of labour, and I believe that the best kind of money to have is your own money. I also believe that money should not be the only reason why you do anything. I blogged for four straight years without making one kobo and I was more than happy with it and would have continued for another four years without making a dime but God decided to bless me. That I spend the money God has blessed me with doesn't make me materialistic. It's written in the bible that people should enjoy the good of their labour because its a gift from God. If you get to a point in your life where you can afford to live well, please live well, because you will only live once. I don't believe in excesses like having five mansions, ten cars, four jets, two yachts etc. Just have enough that you need to live a good life. I met a woman once who told me her bag was worth $12 thousand dollars. I looked at her like 'b**ch you crazy?' but she said to me, Linda I've been working for 27 years, I work hard for my money and I will spend it on anything that makes me happy. Will I spend $12 thousand dollars on a bag? Right now I can't imagine it, but who am I to judge her or say she's materialistic? If that's what she wants to use her money for, that's fine. It's her money.

But don't you think a $12,000 bag is excessive?
To some people maybe because they can't afford it but not for someone who has the money. What do you work hard for? So you can live the good life you want for yourself. Whatever that maybe. God blesses us for two reasons; to be able to take care of ourselves and take care of others. I spend more money on people than I spend on myself. The shoes, hair, phones I have are mostly freebies from advertisers on my blog. But if I tell you the things I'm doing for people, you would think I'm only using this interview to show off, which I am by the way (laughs). I'm the same person financing the release of two prison inmates. One of them I already talked about on my blog, the other one I'm not allowed to talk about until we get to a point in the case. People's priorities are different. Whatever they want to do with their money is their business.

So money doesn't freak you? You seem to talk a lot about it. You mentioned once that money is chasing you
(Laughs) Yes I did, but I was just trying to make a point. When I was running my magazine I used to go to a telecoms company begging them for adverts. They gave me no attention. Sometimes I would not even go pass their reception. But now they are the ones chasing me to advertise on my blog. Sometimes I do shakara for them sef. (laughs). I'm happy I have money but it doesn't freak me. For instance I drive a Camry but I can afford a Range Rover. But the thing is; am I buying a Range because I need it or because I want to show people I'm making money? I can afford to live on the Island but I live at home with my parents in Surulere. I get a lot of flak for still living at home at my age, but who cares? Sometimes you have to find a balance between people's expectations of you and your own expectations of yourself.

Okay what about all this talk about you desperately searching for a man? Are you really desperate?
I'm searching for love, desperately. (laughs). I always laugh when I say 'desperate' because it confuses people. They don't know whether to take me seriously or not.

But are you serious when you say it?
Maybe. Or maybe I just say it for the shock value (laughs). But I am seriously searching.

What exactly are you searching for?
I'm looking for a man who takes my breath away. Love I think is the best gift God gave us humans and I'm not going to settle down until I find it. I'm not single because men are not coming. In fact I have more toasters now than ever before. Some men think I have money so they probably want some of it (laughs). But I haven't found anyone that makes me want to give up my single status. Until then I'm happily Ms Ikeji.

You're young, pretty and successful. Why is it hard to find a husband?
Some people don't get it. There are lots of available men for women to marry. But there's a difference between marrying a man who's available and marrying the man of your dreams. If I wanted to be married now, I would. I have a few options. But would I be married to the man of my dreams? No! So I'm just waiting to meet him. I want a man I'm happy to come home to. Someone I miss when I'm not around him. Someone I love to the very core of my soul. I hear some women talk about their husbands and I shudder. I think a lot of people marry for the wrong reasons these days. I'd rather be single than be married to someone I don't love. I'm going to live once and I plan to live it right.

What's your definition of an ideal man?
For me any man who respects women, respects people, considerate, kind, free spirited, funny, supportive and has principles. Also a man with a job. I almost dated a jobless man last year. Cute guy and all, but no money (laughs). At first I didn't mind but then when I had to start buying him shaving stick I knew there was wahala. I took off. I didn't take off because he had no money, I took off because I didn't see any potential and he seemed more than happy to be constantly asking me for money. That says a lot about a man's character. A dependent man can be a real turn off. I don't need a man's money, but let him at least not need mine. Then we will be fine.

So you don't believe in giving money to men?
I saw a $2,000 wrist watch one day and I said to myself I wish I had a man to buy this for. But I won't be buying it because he can't afford it himself but because it's a token of my love. I will definitely support my man financially. I've saved money for the best kitchen in the world (laughs). I think every woman should support their men in every way they can, but not when the responsibility is yours 100%. Those are two different things. You don't have to have as much money as I have but at least don't need me to buy you recharge cards and shaving sticks (laughs).

What if you meet a man who wants you to stop blogging? Would you stop?
Sincerely, no. I won't even get involved with a guy who tries to stop me from living or achieving my dreams. One day this life will be over, so while I still have it, I will live it the way I want to not the way someone else wants me to or thinks I should. I met a guy in 2009 who wanted to marry me but on the condition that I'll stop my modeling and events business. He said he would get me a job at the UN office in the UK. I said to him if you want to marry a woman that works in the UN why don't you go to the UN office building and find a wife there? I met another man in 2010 who wanted me to be a house wife. He said I will give you N200 thousand a month for your upkeep. I said how about you go to your village to look for a housewife. A 21st century woman likes to work. I think the worst kind of man to end up with is a man who doesn't support your dream or tries to cut your wings. He will turn you to nothing. Sometimes I feel insecure men are worse than cheating men.

You mentioned in a recent interview that you can never date a younger man. Why?
It's really hard to explain. The way a broke man is a turn off is the same way a younger man is a turn off. On the plane back to Nigeria from the US in February, I sat next to this really nice looking, soft spoken, intelligent guy. It was a joy sitting beside him for 11 hours. I had the most amazing time talking to him about a lot of things, and for a minute I thought I'd finally found a boyfriend. But then before we got off the plane they gave passengers those immigration papers to fill out and I saw him write down his date of birth. 1984. In my head I was like please lose my phone number. (laughs). I can't explain it, I'd rather just be with someone older than I am.

Have you ever been in love?
Yes. Once. I saw this guy one day and I literally stopped breathing. I'd never been affected by a man like that before.

What happened between you two?
Nothing. We ended up being friends for a long time but nothing happened between us. He wasn't interested.

Why wasn't he interested?
You would have to ask him.

Did he know how you felt about him?
When you love someone, you have to find the courage to let that person know how you feel. How they react to it is entirely their concern.

Have you ever been heartbroken?
I've faced rejection once but not heartbreak. You can't break a heart you never took.

Do you believe in celibacy?
Yes I do. I actually practice it despite all the nonsense I say (laughs). I don't believe in casual sex. I think sex should only happen between two people who love each other. Whether married or not. That's my sincere opinion.


But that's fornication
Unfortunately we live in a sinful world

You once mentioned being circumcised, and not enjoying penetrative sex. Can you tell us more about that?
Yes I said that. But someone told me later, when you find the right man who loves you and cares about your sexual satisfaction, you will enjoy sex. I believe him and I'm waiting to meet that man.

What about all the lesbian talk? I'm sure you have heard some people suggest you're one?
(Laughs) Yes I have. I've been on the internet actively for five years so I've heard it all. But no, I'm not a lesbian. Funny thing is I used to think women who were attracted to other women had some kind of demonic, spiritual problem. I couldn't fathom how that's even possible. You know how we human beings are, what we don't understand we call evil. But now I've learnt to tolerate it even though I still don't understand it. How people choose to live their lives is their business as long as they are not hurting anyone. We have to learn to live and let live.

Tell us about growing up. You mentioned having it tough growing up
Everyone has read my sob story. Next question please.

How much do you earn a month? We heard its up to N5million a month
Not correct! It's actually more.

Are you serious?
(Laughs) No, I'm kidding.

Who's your role model and why?
Tyra Banks. Because we kinda have similar backgrounds. Ex-model, media personality and then she's very morally upright and a go-getter.

Has anything changed about you since you came into the limelight?
Am I in the limelight? I'm only popular online. I walk freely around town and only people who read my blog recognize me. I've changed with age and not with status. I used to be kind of introverted and snobbish but with age comes maturity. I'm a better person now.

I notice you have a thick skin. People are constantly bashing you but it doesn't seem to affect you. How do you do it?
People bash me a lot but I also have voltrons (laugh). I think I generally get more love than I get hate so I focus my energy on those who like me. You can't run a blog such as mine and take everything people say to heart. I don't take myself too seriously so I don't take what people say seriously either. But for those who want to know, there are two major secrets to having a thick skin. 1. Know yourself and love yourself unconditional. With that you don't need validation from anyone. 2. Always have it at the back of your mind that for every person who thinks or says something terrible about you, there's someone out there who thinks or says something terrible about them. Someone thinks you're an idiot. Don't worry about that, there's someone who thinks he's a fool. She thinks you stink? Her ex-best friend thinks she's nasty. He thinks you're arrogant? His brother thinks he's lazy. She says you're rude and obnoxious, well, her colleagues think she's dumb and shallow. And so on and so forth. It's a vicious circle. No one is perfect, so why should the words of an imperfect person give me sleepless nights? Shrug it off and move on.

How old are you really, Linda?
I'm 31.

Some people think you're older
To know someone's real age, ask for the year they finished secondary school. Most people finish between 16/17 years old. I finished secondary school in 1997. I've never lied about my age.

What helps you sleep at night?
I don't concern myself with what anyone else in the world who doesn't know me thinks of me. I know my truth, I know where I am coming from, I know the hurdles I've had to cross to get to where I am now today, I know the good I've done, I know how many lives I've impacted positively. So you see, when I lay my head on that pillow of mine, it's a beautiful, peaceful sleep.

What about those who think your blog is causing more harm than good? Especially the comments section
I can't help how people feel. I didn't start the blog to harm people or bring people down. I'm not an evil b**ch like some people think. The blog is supposed to be a place where people come for news, gossip, fun, share ideas and opinions etc. And that is ultimately what it is. About the comments, I upload them because it makes the blog more interesting. It's nothing personal. People insult me all the time and I upload them. Even my own sister was not spared. She started a new business and I put up her photos and people called her and her new business all sorts of names, and I still uploaded the nasty comments. That's my younger sister who I should protect. But just like me, she has a tough skin and laughed off the comments. I think people should learn not to take things said on the internet seriously. Half the time, the people who write these things don't mean it. They are catching fun so don't take it to heart.

Have you ever been threatened by people you write about?
No, never. People have called to me to take down comments on a post or the post itself, but never to threaten me. I've also heard that I collect money to take some posts down and that's absolutely false. I would never do that. That's like shooting yourself in the leg, it might come back to hunt you. I make enough money from advertisers, I don't need to cheapen myself by demanding for money to take down a post.

Secrets to having a successful blog?
Be passionate about it. Work hard. Be consistent. Be interesting. And finally, make the blog personal. Let it be a reflection of who you are. Instead of being anonymous, let people know the person behind the blog. It helps.

What do you do for fun?
I love watching movies. I go to the movies at least twice a week.

Who's your favorite Nigerian actress and actor
Genny and Omotola. I'm not really a huge fan of Nollywood but I've watched Genny's Keeping Faith like three times and I've watched Omotola's I belong like four times. My best actors would have to be RMD and Ramsey Noah.

And Nigerian musician?
Right now, Tuface, MI and Tiwa Savage.

What's your biggest motivation?
In January 2011 I sat at a friend's office for five hours waiting for him to return so I can get some money from him. I got there 1.30 and I didn't leave till about 6:30 after which I got N10,000, which I was more than grateful for. I never stopped working and I never stopped believing. This is just a year plus later and I can't believe how blessed I am. What's my biggest motivation? God. Every time I remember that he's somewhere up in heaven looking down on me, guiding me, guarding me, it keeps me going. It doesn't matter how tough it gets, God keeps me going.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
I love myself 100%. There's nothing about me I would change because God made me exactly the way I was meant to be.

What do you look forward to more than anything else?
Being a mum. I have a godson and I love him to death. I can imagine how much I will love my own child.

Secrets to success?
Hard work. Determination. Courage. Take risks. Test the limits so you know what you're capable of achieving. Be good at what you do because then you won't have to go to people, they will come to you.

Secrets to happiness?
Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Only then will you know how truly blessed you are to still be here. Also be thankful for the things you have and don't focus on the things you don't have. Love yourself regardless of what anyone thinks of you. And always remember that life is too short to be anything but happy.

Any advice to young people out there?
Three things: One: One day your life will flash before your eyes, make sure its worth watching.
2. Never ever give anybody in this world the power to make you hate yourself. Or the power to make you feel you're not good enough, or deserving enough, or make you believe you won't amount to anything. The only Being that has the right to judge you is God. Anyone else can try but don't they pay them any attention
Finally. There's absolutely nothing you can't achieve. All you need is will, drive, incredible courage and a lot of faith.

It's been great talking to you Linda
I thoroughly enjoyed myself, thanks
***

Find the The Bella Naija interview HERE

Nominations now open as Future Awards 2012 searches for young leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators.

On May 29, Nigeria’s biggest youth event ‘The Future Awards’ organised an elaborate media and VIP launch for its seventh season. The event, which coincided with the country’s Democracy Day celebrations, took place at the Koral Reef in Ikoyi, Lagos.

In attendance were past winners and judges of the awards including Tara Fela Durotoye (Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Person of the Year), Uche Nnaji (Style Entrepreneur of the Year) and Tolu Ogunlesi (Journalist of the Year) who interacted with the media on the impact and influence of the awards.
This year, the Awards – unveiled as The Future Awards for Leaders, Entrepreneurs and Innovators – is themed ‘Tear down these walls!’ emphasising how far and how hard young people have worked to build a new system of innovation and values in Nigeria. The event unveiled the TV promos, radio promos, print and outdoor advertising that will drive the media campaign.

 

 

“The Future Awards led the charge: presenting over 1000 Positive Role Models (especially outside of entertainment) to young Nigerians and Africans over the past years, we have succeeded in establishing faith in country amongst blocs of young people, fundamentally altered for good the way young Nigerians are viewed as leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs,” said a speech by Executive Director of The Future Project, Chude Jideonwo. “What do we need? We need for government to get out of the way – to stop being an obstacle to the revolution powered by these young people. We don’t really need government to create jobs; we need government to create the atmosphere for these brilliant minds to create jobs for themselves and for other Nigerians.

“Where are the investors ready to take risks on our own Facebook or Groupon? Where are the venture capitalists able to drive and to push these young people far and beyond what even they think they are capable of? Where are the hubs structured to give rise to a flurry of ideas that work? Those are the walls that limit many young people from doing all that they can do, from being all that they can be. And we say: it’s time to tear down these walls.”

To emphasise this year’s focus, there are still 21 awards categories, but there are broken into seven broad sections that include categories include CHANGE, CREATIVITY, INNOVATION, ENTERTAINMENT and ENTREPENEURSHIP.

The event was anchored by designer and editor, Ohimai Atafo, who is head of the award’s Central Working Committee. “The season starts immediately,” he said. “We begin the town hall meetings to the six geo-political zones; we will also have special town hall meetings to spotlight innovation in specific fields, there will of course be the Nominees Reception for Charity, all leading to the awards in August – we are excited!”

Also announced were the media partners for Season 7. They include Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Nigeria 99.9 Info, Channels TV, TVC, Hip on TV, BellaNaija.com, Linda Ikeji, NET, Premium Times, FAB, Complete Fashion, TW, and LASAA. Official Media Partners are Africa Magic and Y! (www.ynaija.com).

The Future Awards 2012 will hold on August 26, 2012. Nominations are now on via www.facebook.com/TheFutureAwards. Nominations end at midnight on June 30, 2012.

FULL LIST OF CATEGORIES
Change
Best Use of Advocacy
Best Use of New Media
Creativity
Creative Artist of the Year
Designer of the Year
Excellence in Service
Excellence in Service – Government
Excellence in Service – Journalism
Excellence in Service – Corporate
Innovation
Innovator of the Year – Science & Technology
Innovator of the Year – Education
Entertainment
Actor of the Year
Musician of the Year
Producer of the Year – Music
Producer of the Year – Screen
On-Air Personality – Radio
On-Air Personality – Television
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneur of the Year – Entertainment
Entrepreneur of the Year – Fashion
Entrepreneur of the Year – Technology
Entrepreneur of the Year – Media/Communication
Entrepreneur of the Year – General
The Ultimate Prize
Young Person of the Year

Photos from The African Kings of Comedy event

I was at the African Kings of Comedy this past Sunday and I have to say the event rocked. The foreign comedians, Basketmouth, Bovi, Okey Bakassi, I Go Die and several other comedians brought the house down. Tuface, MI, Davido, Darey Art Alade, Wizkid, Timi Dakolo, Tiwa Savage, Ara, Saucekid, Black Magic, Iyanya, all gave outstanding performances. Please continue to see photos from the event...