Do not walk your dog here! Muslims do not like dogs'

                                 
An MP has complained after seeing a sign posted near a popular park warning dog-walkers to stay out of 'Islamic areas'.
Labour Member of Parliament Jim Fitzpatrick alerted police and the local mayor about the sign after it was flagged up by one of the residents in his east London constituency.
The sign, which was spotted on the railings of Bartlett Park, reads: 'Do not walk your dog here! Muslims do not like dogs. This is an Islamic area now.'

The body-builder with no arms: Meet the inspiring mother-of-two who can still hold her own

                                        
This past weekend at the NPC Junior USA Bodybuilding Championship, only one bodybuilder among hundreds of the men and women competing got a standing ovation.
Though she didn't win any major awards, armless bodybuilder Barbie Thomas had the Charleston, South Carolina crowd cheering and on their feet.
The 37-year-old mother-of-two lost both her arms during a horrific electrical accident as a toddler - but that hasn't stopped her from pursuing her bodybuilding dream.

                               
She said: 'I'd say to anyone, you can do whatever you put your mind to.
'The only limitations are the ones you put on yourself. Everyone has limitations and handicaps in some way or another - mine are more visible than yours maybe.'

Abusive men should be excommunicated-Funmi Iyanda

                            
DURING the week, the social media buzzed with so many activities, among which issues on spousal abuse were raised.
A Twitter user, @Moe, who was an eyewitness to a violent couple scene, narrated her ordeal, saying “My hands are shaking. I have never seen a woman being beaten like that in my entire life. I have never.”
According to her, she was driving when she noticed strange movements inside a car that was driving in front of her.
“Before it stopped so abruptly, I noticed weird movements in the driver and front passenger seats. I wasn’t wearing my glasses. As the car stopped, I came down (from) my car to holler. Next thing I saw clearly. The man (driver) was punching the passenger so hard. He was beating her so ferociously. All windows were up. There was a baby in a baby car seat behind. I kept hitting the windows, At last the man rolled down. At this time I was so furious.
“‘How dare you beat a woman like that?’ was all I kept saying. The man replied ‘I am not a mad man that I will just be beating her for no reason; ask her what she did. See my shirt. She tore it.’
“I went to the passenger’s side, opened the door and asked the woman to come down. She said ‘I do not have anywhere else to go.’ She sat there in the car, the man kept beating her. As he was beating her, he kept screaming ‘How many times? How many times?’
“I kept begging the woman to come down. She just closed the door and rolled up and he kept beating her. I kept hitting the car. Then, they drove off. I don’t even know how to react. I am still on that spot, trying to make sense of what I just experienced.”
To this, TV presenter and activist tweeted: “No family/church/institution should encourage a daughter to return to an abusive relationship/marriage. If you touch my child, l will kill you.”
Funmi Iyanda further added: ‘Girls, rule 1. There are no princes anywhere waiting to rescue you. You own and owe you; not him or anyone else. Leave at first slap’
An enranged Iyanda then said ‘Churches, if not so concerned with the bottom line of patronage would excommunicate abusive men or women.’

They did not destroy property worth 100m – Caleb Parents

                                 
Parents of Caleb University students have said the surcharge meted out to each student for damages to the school property during the fracas two weeks ago was high as students could not have destroyed property worth N100 million.
The school management sent this text message to parents earlier in the week: “CUL Parents and Students are hereby notified that school resumes Mon,June 2. Exams start Mon,June 9. Male students are to pay N100, 000 while the female would pay N50, 000 by Bank Draft into Ecobank Acct 1993000979 to offset damage to school property.
Balance of Sch. Fees should be paid into Sterling Bank Acct. 0020022195. No student would be allowed into the University Premises without evidence of payment of school fees and the surcharge. A guarantor must accompany each student with a letter of undertaking to be of good behavior.”
A mother, whose daughter is a student at the school told Saturday Vanguard: “The money they asked us to pay is too much. There are at least 1400 students in that school.
If they must pay this much to offset the damage, that’s at least N100 million. What did they destroy that is worth that much? A lot of students lost their property.
My daughter lost her laptop, she was in the hostel when the whole thing happened. Where will I get money to buy a new laptop and then pay this surcharge?”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/05/destroy-property-worth-100m-caleb-parents/#sthash.Xb1taW9m.dpuf

Boko Haram kills Abducted Emir Of Gwoza

                                 


There were reports earlier today that two prominent Borno State Emirs, the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrissa Timta (pictured left) and Emir of Uba Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza (pictured right) were kidnapped by Boko Haram men while on their way to Gombe to attend the burial of Emir of Gombe, Shehu Abubakar.
According to Daily Trust, one of the Emirs, Alhaji Idrissa Timta has died. Security sources said he died of heart attack while fleeing into the bush after gunmen attacked his convoy and fired several shots which forced it to stop. Continue...
“Already, arrangement is being made to bring his corpse to Gwoza from Shafa. His corpse was found in the bush,” a source said.
The Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza, who is younger, escaped while many of the people in their entourage have been reportedly abducted by the attackers.
It was gathered that most of the vehicles in the convoy have been set ablaze.
Source: Daily Trust

Kim & Kanye’s Wedding Kiss Photo Breaks Instagram Record

                                   
The West has made history! Mr and Mrs West‘s wedding photo shown above, has the highest number of likes in Instagram’s history. The photo has almost 2 million likes.

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez’s photo previously held the record for most photo views back in January with 1.82 million likes:
                           

BREAKING: Boko Haram kidnaps two prominent Emirs

                   
The extremist Boko Haram sect has kidnapped two first class traditional rulers in Borno state – the Emir of Uba, Ismaila Mamza and the Emir of Gwoza, Idrisa Timta, security officials aware of the incidence have told PREMIUM TIMES.
The two emirs were seized by gun-wielding insurgents at 10a.m Friday near Shaffa while they were travelling to Gombe to attend the funeral of the Emir of Gombe, Shehu Abubakar, who died on Tuesday evening at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, where he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
The two abducted emirs were elevated to First Class traditional ruler status only in January.
The Borno state government is yet to issue an official statement on the abduction.

Toni Payne-Why i Will Remarry

                                      
Tony Payne, the ex-wife of Alexander Abolore Akande, the Gongo Aso crooner, famous for his stage name 9ice, has been around in the entertainment industry. She has seen the industry grow as a publicist and an online publisher of entertainment news. She talks with Adedayo Showemimo about her new plans for the industry and her marriage in an Interview with Adedayo Showemimo

You've been quiet lately, what have you been up to?
I wouldn't say I have been quiet. I have only reduced my public engagement and social outings because I have been busy with my rebranding project. I wanted to make sure that the rebranding process get to a point where there is nothing left out before getting out there. If anyone is looking for me, I am easy to find via my official website.

So, what is to be expected from the new Toni Payne brand?
Well, if you can recall, my career started in the entertainment industry as a publisher of the first online entertainment magazine called Nigerian Entertainment. The creation stemmed from my passion, so I have decided to retrace my steps back to what I love doing, which is creative writing. The new Toni Payne brand is all about poetry. I also write articles where I express my opinion about pop culture, lifestyle and entertainment events. I also get involved in product, movie and event review. It’s like viewing different topics from my perspective and sharing my views with the world.

You were seen reading some of your poems at events. Are you really taking poetry as a career?
Poetry for me is a passion. I enjoy writing, reading and doing role play of my poems. If it takes me somewhere good career wise, I am well prepared. I keep busy developing my craft so I see good things happening.

Why poetry and not music?
Well, may be because I don't think I have that sweet voice. Of course, poetry is also what I am good at so I didn’t want to overdo it.

What's the focus of the new website?
I have decided to rebrand my website tonipayneonline.com to fit in the general scope of things. It isn't exactly what my online magazine was. I wanted to do something different. I know I am very opinionated, so I decided to apply that into what the site is all about. So I write my views on things I see, from Beyonce and JayZ to Chris Brown. Anything I find interesting, I talk about. You can call it traditional blogging, even though in Nigeria we misuse the term blogging severally. I do food reviews and if I try a product, I talk about it also.

It also has a weekly audio podcast that I record and that one is free on itunes and my website. I discuss a variety of topics like how to lose belly fat, relationship talk, pop culture and so much more. I share updates on my twitter handle and facebook page but anyone can visit the site daily or sign up for the newsletter for updates. It’s a fun concept. My style of writing is "real". Something people enjoy, because I discuss a variety of topics.

You’ve been away in the United States for a while, does it mean you have relocated?
I'm in-between. I wouldn't say I have relocated and I wouldn't say I haven’t. I have been doing the back and forth thing for as long as I have known so I could decide to chill in Nigeria for months and just visit the US or chill in the US for months and just visit Nigeria, it all depends.
                                 
How did your journey into entertainment begin?
It started in 1999. Back then I noticed that our entertainment industry was blossoming but for us that lived in the US we did not have easy access to it. So I did my research and decided I would start an online magazine where you can read about the Nigerian entertainment industry. I was one of the first to do online interviews for people like 2face Idibia. I would travel back to Nigeria to bring CDs to sell. It was fun and motivating for me. Funny enough it was quite easy. I know how to work hard, I built contacts, did my research and knew how to apply it so when I work, I get results and results attract people to want to work with you.

You worked with 9ice, Olamide, Tuface and others, how would you describe the experience?
One thing they have in common is their unique talents. There is a misconception that 2face and I have a working relationship, we are just good friends. I talk about 2face’s music a lot, because I like it, so it comes off like I'm promoting him. That is not the case. However I have had a professional working relationship with Now Music, his management company, styling a set for one for his concerts. All have been wonderful experiences. I learned a lot through the process.

Olamide said in a recent interview that gossipers came between the two of    you and that's what caused his fallout with you, what's your take on it?
From my perspective, that wasn't the issue. The issue was never with him. We never had a fall out. My agreement then was with coded tunes and I opted out for personal reasons. I hear things about my artistes all the time, I will ask you and we can sit and talk but hearsay is not enough to make me walk away.

So how would you describe your relationship with him now?
We are cool. That's one of my sons. That hasn't changed.

How would you describe the present state of Nigerian entertainment indusrty?
It has really grown over the years. There is room for improvement and a better structure is needed, but we shall get there.
As a child growing up, what profession fascinated you the most?
I really wanted to be a lawyer.

So what happened to that dream?
I opted for creative arts so I changed my major from psychology as a pre-law to video digital art. I found it fascinating. The older I got the more I figured out who I am and what made me happy. I just felt I enjoyed it more and went for it.

What was your childhood like?
My childhood was beautiful. I am blessed with a wonderful family who really love and support each other. I shuttled between America and Nigeria. As kids we did a lot of travelling with my grandmother during holidays. We had lovely birthday parties and during summer vacations we would all be at my grannys place, including all of my cousins. It was like having big parties for the kids and if we spend it in America, we would go fishing, Disney land, Sea World and others. I have a lot of lovely memories from my childhood.

Looking at your career now, would you say you are fulfilled?
Oh wow! I think I have managed to establish myself as a hard working lady who has explored and enjoyed whatever her heart wants career wise while it lasts.

What's the biggest risk you've had to take in your career?
Believing in others and dedicating 100 per cent of myself to their cause.

Do you have any regrets?
No regrets, just life lessons

What's been your lowest moment in life?
It has to be reading so many wicked lies about me in papers. It really over shadowed all the hard work I had put in over the years. It was hurtful but at the same time, I later realised God was preparing me for something greater. It made me stronger and wiser and today I am even more focused because I am determined that forward ever, backward never.


How about your happiest moment?
It was when I finally got to see my son face to face. I was like, so it’s you that has been kicking my tummy all these months. With him, every day is a new kind of joy.
Recently, you came online to speak about your relationship with 9ice, what's status of your relationship with him now?
I'd rather not discuss him.

There’s also news of finalising the divorce process with him?
That is one topic I'd rather move on from

How do you cope as a single mum, taking care of your son alone?
My son is fine. He has an excellent support system around him. Lots of love and care and I am grateful to God for his blessings.
Would you consider re-marrying anytime in the future?
Yes of course.
                                 
Are you in a relationship at the moment?
I have always joked that no one will know if I am in a serious relationship till after years together. There is an element of truth in that joke. I may change my mind as my spirit moves me but for now, I’ll keep that to myself

So that implies that you are in a relationship?
No, it implies I am not ready to share that information.
Is the person in the entertainment industry as well?
I don't know oh! If he is short, tall, fair, dark, cute or ok I don't know.

Since you said you'll surely re-marry, what qualities do you look out for in a man?
The beautiful thing about growth is it helps you further learn what you want from life or in this case a partner. Top qualities for me would be compassion, care, love, ambition, hard working and honesty. Someone who loves me and everything that is mine genuinely and to a certain degree unselfishly. I am so romantic so he has to be too.

What's your relationship with Lola Omotayo, because you stood up for her recently?
She is a friend and a very nice person but it wasn't so much about her as much as it was about people attacking a woman based on hearsay. We hear of jungle justice but their own was verbal jungle justice. It was about how some people like to condemn women without hearing facts, if something happens, it must be the woman’s fault. Why?  they did not even wait to hear from her hubby or his bros. They were sold a notion by someone who I am not sure what her intention or gain was but they bought it hook, line and sinker, ran with it, and then went for the jugular.

It was painful to watch. She was being called all sorts of names based on speculation and I just couldn't take it. It got me so angry and I decided to air my views, irrespective of what anyone else thinks. I was also irritated, because I saw how other women in the industry kept quiet. I know some of them will carry placard talking about stop this violence against women and all that, if it is a public event, but none would risk putting his/her name on the line to say what people are doing to Lola is very bad. It is not until you only stand up for a cause just for publicity or carry placard to look good in the press.

Stuff like this has to come from the heart or it is meaningless. If speaking up against what they saw was trending or Oprah defended her, you will now see them follow and do the same. When the elder bro came out and finally said, free her o, it’s not about her, I wondered how those who were attacking her felt. I wish I had that luxury during my time. I had to defend myself vehemently. I am sure they all felt very foolish for attacking a lady without hearing from the source.

I killed first wife to marry stoned woman -husband

                                             
The husband of Farzana Parveen, the Pakistani woman stoned to death for refusing to participate in an arranged marriage, told CNN he killed his first wife so he could marry Parveen.
Authorities said the first wife was killed six years ago.
“I wanted to send a proposal to Farzana, so I killed my wife,” Mohammad Iqbal said Thursday in an interview with CNN.
Zulfiqar Hameed, district inspector general for the Punjab police, said Iqbal’s son from the first marriage alerted police to the slaying six years ago.
Iqbal was arrested but later released on bail because his son forgave him, Hameed said.
The son, Aurengzeb, who is in his 20s, confirmed his father’s statements to CNN. He said his father served a year in jail.
Parveen, who was three months pregnant, was beaten to death with bricks Tuesday in the eastern city of Lahore by a group of about 20 people, including her brothers, father and cousin, police said. Police have arrested Parveen’s father and are searching for the other killers in this all-too-common crime.
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has requested that Punjab’s chief minister, Shahbaz Sharif, submit a report on the incident.
The United Nations estimates 5,000 women are murdered worldwide by family members each year in “honor killings,” so named because the woman’s actions are considered to have brought shame on her family. But women’s advocacy groups say the crime is underreported and the figure could be around 20,000 a year.
“Most ‘honor’ crimes can be traced to inflexible and discriminatory attitudes about women’s roles, especially around sexuality,” said Rothna Begum of Human Rights Watch. “Women or couples seen as having brought ‘dishonor’ on the community face violence, which is then held out as a chilling example for others.”

King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM-1) – State of Nation ft. Olamide

                                       
This collaboration has been on the cards for a while now and its finally here. King Wasiu Ayinde A.K.A Kwam 1 combines with Baddo Olamide for this ‘State of the Nation’ tune.
The tune surprisingly came out correct with some conscious lyrics and great chemistry on display between the urban music Legend K1 and man in form, Olamide. Listen below and lets see what you think.
LISTENhttp://notjustok.com/2014/05/29/kwam-1-state-of-nation-ft-olamide/

Microsoft Introduces First Dual SIM Windows Smartphone to Nigeria

Following the successful acquisition of Nokia Devices and Services business, Microsoft Devices, has unveiled the first smart dual SIM Windows smartphone, Lumia 630 into the Nigerian market.
During interactive session with the media held recently at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, the technology giant stated the Lumia 630 Dual SIM with Windows Phone 8.1 in now available for consumers in Nigeria. The Lumia 630 Dual SIM delivers an unrivalled smartphone experience, with quad-core processing at a price that sits right with our consumers.
Head of Marketing, Nokia West and Central Africa, a subsidiary of Microsoft Mobile, Debbie Shepard noted that all across the world, millions of people are switching to Lumia Windows Phones and getting a taste of Affordable Innovation at its best! “We are thrilled to extend this innovation to Africa and super excited that the Lumia 630 Dual SIM is now available in NIGERIA” she said.
Continuing, Shepard said “we are extending our high-end technologies and apps to more customers across our various markets, with a seamless Windows Phone 8.1 experience and the first ever Dual SIM technology on a Lumia Windows Phone, enabling people to seamlessly switch between their SIMs without switching off their devices.
The Lumia 630 Dual SIM is built with a 1.2 GHz Quad Core Snapdragon Processor which makes the device super fast and delivers fast, uncompromised social experiences. It also boasts of a bold 4.5” clear black screen.
It also comes with the new Notification Centre called the Action Centre that allows users simply swipe from the top to the bottom to gives a user quick access to Calls, e-Mails, App Updates as well as the Word Flow keyboard which is regarded as the fastest and most personal shape writing keyboard.
Fielding questions from the media, Managing Director, Nick Imudia said “the Lumia 630 Dual SIM provides the perfect value smartphone experience with Windows Phone 8.1. We believe the smart Dual SIM capability and signature Lumia design and experiences make it unbeatable in its range. With the Nokia Lumia 630 Dual SIM, you get MORE of everything you want from a smartphone.”

e.”

Jonathan declares amnesty for Boko Haram members

                                          
Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna, on Thursday disclosed that President Goodluck Jonathan has announced amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect as parts of his administration’s youths-friendly programmes and policies. Haruna disclosed this while giving an overview of youth’s position in the present administration’s transformation agenda at a special event tagged “A day with young leaders of Nigeria” to mark the nation’s Democracy Day in Abuja. The minister said series of integration programmes have been lined up for members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace. He therefore called on them to embrace the government’s gesture. The minister said, “President Goodluck Jonathan has also declared amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect.

Jonathan receives locally-made vehicles

                                                            
President Goodluck Jonathan was on Thursday presented with three Made-in-Nigeria Nissan vehicles to commemorate the nation’s Democracy Day.
The Chairman of Stallion Group, Mr. Sunil Vaswani, presented the three vehicles to the President at the International Conference Centre where a special event organised to mark the nation’s Democracy Day was held.
The vehicles, which were said to have been produced at the Stallion Nissan Motors Plant located on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway included a Nissan Patrol SUV, Nissan Almera (Sunny) saloon car and a Nissan NP 300 Pick-Up.
After the President inspected the vehicles, Vaswani said they met global standards of product and technology and that they were produced in Nigeria in pursuant of the Federal Government’s new Automotive Policy.
Vaswani said the plant was established following the signing of the agreement between Nissan Motor Company and West African conglomerate of the Stallion Group on October 9, 2013.
He commended the government’s automotive policy, which he described as a historic step towards industrial and economic rejuvenation.
He said, “We are grateful for implementing this initiative, which is part of the Federal Government’s seven-point agenda to attract Foreign Direct Investments and emancipate the dormant sectors of the economy.

Ex-Oyo gov, Ladoja, loses son in auto crash

Adebola Ladoja

A former Governor of Oyo State, Rasheed Ladoja, on Thursday lost one of his sons in an auto crash on the Eko Bridge in Lagos.
The deceased, identified as Adebola Ladoja, was driving a Golf saloon car, marked, AKD 107 CJ, and was said to be on his way to Lagos Island when a Daf truck, with number plate, JJJ 59 XA, driven by one Justice Oseghai, rammed into his car on the Eko Bridge.
An eyewitness said the driver of the Daf truck, who was on top speed, lost control of his vehicle, rammed into the median of the bridge, before he eventually crashed into the deceased’s car.
He said, “It took several hours before the victim could be rescued from the wreckage of the vehicle. He was trapped behind the wheels with blood gushing out of his head.”

D’banj wins ‘Best Selling African Artiste’ at 2014 World Music Awards

                                           
D”banj won ‘Best Selling African Artiste’ award at the 2014 World Music Awards which took place on Tuesday 27th of May at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Congrats to him..

Last photo of the mother left in such agonising pain in hospital

                                       
Mrs Lamberty had a history of blood clots, but her family claim medics failed to carry out the proper tests when she was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pain.
Instead, they say she was left in a side ward for three days before passing away, when suspected clots in her bowel triggered her organs to shutdown.
The family, who are preparing to take legal action against the hospital in Stoke-on-Trent, say Mrs Lamberty was apparently left to lie in blood-stained bed sheets for 24 hours, and was forced to wait half an hour for a nurse after buzzing for help.
Her eldest daughter, Miss Lamberty, 28, claimed: 'My mum was failed by the doctors and the nurses.

The 45-year-old grandmother was forced to crawl on her hands and knees to beg for painkillers after her cries for help went unheard, her family claim

                               

It's official: Apple buys Dr. Dre's Beats Electronics for $3billion

                           
Apple has confirmed it will buy headphone maker and music-streaming service provider Beats Electronics.
The deal is worth a total of $3bn (£1.8bn), and is thought to be Apple’s largest acquisition to date.
As part of the acquisition, Beats co-founders Jimmy Iovine and Dr Dre will join the technology firm.
Apple boss Tim Cook said the deal would allow the firm to “continue to create the most innovative music products and services in the world”.
In a statement, Apple said it is paying an initial $2.6bn (£1.6bn) for Beats, and approximately $400m (£239m) “that will vest over time.”
Beats was founded in 2008 by music producer Jimmy Iovine and hip-hop star Dr Dre and until recently was best known for its headphones.
It started a subscription-based music streaming service earlier this year.
Apple has its own iTunes store, the world’s largest music download service, and launched iTunes Radio last year.
But despite having been an early pioneer of digital music, the Californian firm has been facing increased competition from subscription services such as Spotify, Pandora and Rdio.
However, Beats’ music service only has about 110,000 subscribers, compared with Spotify’s 10 million.
The deal with Beats also marks a departure for Apple, which has a reputation for developing new products in-house, rather than buying up smaller firms – a method preferred by rivals Google.
But in an interview with the New York Times, Mr Cook hinted that Beats’ founders may have been part of the attraction.
“Could Eddy’s team [Eddy Cue, Apple executive in charge of iTunes] have built a subscription service? Of course,” he told the newspaper.
“You don’t build everything yourself. It’s not one thing that excites us here. It’s the people. It’s the service.”
“These guys are really unique,” Mr Cook added. “It’s like finding the precise grain of sand on the beach. They’re rare and very hard to find.”
The Apple boss also said that Dr Dre and Mr Iovine would be coming up with “products you haven’t thought of yet”.

Read President Jonathan Full Speech On Democracy Day.

                                                  
DEMOCRACY DAY BROADCAST
BY
H.E. GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR
PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
MAY 29, 2014
Fellow Nigerians,
1.   I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.
2.  Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

3.  Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.

4.  As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.

5.  As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people over the past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.

6.  On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.

7.  In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.

8. Significant increase in mobile telephone and national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy.  We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.

9.  Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.
10.               The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.
11.                 In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations.
12.                Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free choice. The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is on-going. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.

Dear Compatriots,
13.                It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedom we cherish and celebrate today.
14.                The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.
15.                In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been  injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states  is in jeopardy.
16.                There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue.
17.                I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.
18.               Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone,  Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.

19.                Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.

20.              It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.
21.                I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.
22.               I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.
23.               For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.
24.               My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.
Dear Compatriots,
25.               We must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.
26.               The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.
27.               We are a strong, resilient and courageous people.  We will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination.
Fellow Nigerians,
28.              Yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children.
29.               Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
30.              Thank you and God bless Nigeria.

Kim Kardashian Changes Name to ‘Kardashian West’ on Her Social Media Accounts

Kim has officially added her husband’s name to her name on all her social media accounts and will now be referred to as Kim Kardashian West. This is the first time Kim is doing this as she has previously been married twice but still maintained her Kim Kardashian name the way it was at both times. Internationally, female celebrities who have built a brand around their names rarely use their spouses last names. The couple are still on honeymoon in Ireland. Wishing the couple a happy married life.