JAMB Registration Closing Date Extended & New UTME Date – 2017

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB registration deadline and UTME date for 2017 have been extended. New dates have now been announced. The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination for 2017 already started on Saturday, May 13, 2017 as scheduled.

The new 2017 JAMB registration closing date is 28th May, 2017. Sale of JAMB forms and registration will now extend to that date. The authorities have made this know to the general public, especially candidates taking part in the examination.

JAMB UTME Registration Closing Date for 2017 Shifted

The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, yesterday in Lagos disclosed that JAMB’s portal for registration has not closed, adding that it will finally close its registration portal on 28th May.

The registrar explains that JAMB got the mandate from the Senate few weeks ago to increase the UTME registration period by one month, which according to him will elapse on 28th of May, 2017.

Below is the first JAMB Deadline and Exam Date Postponement (Disregard It)

The Registrar of the Board, Is-haq Oloyede, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, also apologised to candidates for the sudden changes.

He said: “We could not go on with the Mock Examination and hereby announce extension of registration exercise of the 2017 UTME.

“Instead of the earlier announced April 19, the deadline for the sale of forms and registration will now extend to Friday, May 5, 2017. Consequently, the 2017 UTME has also been postponed to start on Saturday, May 13 – 20, 2017.

“The Mock Examination earlier slated for Saturday, April 8, 2017 has been put on hold.

“This is because the appropriate rehearsal and test-running of the new system has been substantially achieved.

“The plan was to trial-test the readiness of our facilities and address the challenges that may likely confront the main examination.

“At this moment, we have realized that the plan to hold this Mock Examination was good for us. We are now in a better position to achieve better than we would have done without this trial testing. This is why the exercise is at no cost to the candidates.

“It is our strong conviction that this exercise is an experience for us. Our systems analysis has revealed interesting findings that will engender a seamless and successful 2017 UTME exercise.”

We wish all candidates taking part in the examination success and all the very best!!!

Comment for any questions

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Opera to invest $100m in Africa’s digital economy, $30m in Nigeria

THE developer of popular mobile browser, Opera, has made public its plan to invest $100 million, the equivalent of N30 billion, over the next two years to facilitate the growth of Africa’s digital economy.

Opera Mini
The company, which aims to speed up internet adoption in Africa and strengthen the internet ecosystem with local partners, made this known at a press briefing in Lagos, yesterday, where it also declared readiness to set up shop in Lagos in the next three weeks, increase awareness of an affordable internet experience and spend between 30 to 40 billion on infrastructure in Nigeria.

Speaking on the company’s goal, Richard Monday, Vice President Africa, Opera Software said; “Africa is a very important market for Opera. Nine of the top 20 Opera Mini user countries are from Africa, as such we aim to invest heavily in Africa, build a local platform and grow with the local business partners. This platform will expand the user base for content providers, e-commerce businesses, operators, OEM’s and others to strengthen Africa’s internet ecosystem.

“We are working on providing infrastructure, improving data affordability via data compression, speedy content delivery, as well as value added services like e-commerce, to mention a few. Our key point is compressing data so it works on pretty much any phone. As it stands, 35 million people still need to be reached.”

On value added services, Song Lin, Chief Operating Officer, Opera Software, disclosed; “Opera is seeking local partners to integrate value-added services, mobile payment and data bundling into its browser product. This will grant consumers access to quality content and services, giving them the ability to transact easily on their mobile devices. The range of services to be added over the next 12 months will create a content and services hub that will provide African users with a truly unique experience.”

Speaking on the browser’s latest Artificial Intelligence, AI, system, Monday continued; “Opera is developing a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence engine for smartphone users that will ensure content discovery is at the heart of the browser. Opera users in Africa will get fully personalised and localised content delivered to their browser, the entry point for their internet experience, while data usage can be reduced as much as 90 percent. Opera is now working with over 47 top tier African publishers covering 107 web sites on this initiative.”

Opera Mini browser has been a key facilitator in bringing more than half of Africa’s internet population online by featuring tools for lowering data costs. Recently, the company celebrated  100 million monthly users in Africa  and is now focusing on making the next generation of web browsers to cater the needs of African internet users.

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I Go Dye’s mansion for mum valued at 5.4 million dollars

Since highly rated comedian I Go Dye unveiled the house he built for his mum last Sunday, curiosity has been set adrift in many quarters, with tongues wagging on the possible estimation of the value of the palatial edifice. The Golden Eyes castle is situated at Amb. Francis Agoda Virgin Island,while the almost completed Royal Golden seal is seated at Amb Francis Agoda sugar land, both castles  have attracted many viewers who are fascinated by its uniqueness.

The House, Inset: Comedian, I go Dye
However, Potpourri’s investigation has revealed just how much the mansions must have cost the comedian. According to an architect/ estate developer Wale Balogun ‘’one cannot presume knowledge of accurate sight alone’ but from the structural design and fortification of the castle in question here, both properties will be estimated to the tune of 5.4 million dollars.”

Potpourri further learnt that both castles were contracted to a French company Monreve, which handled all the sculptural and concrete enforcement while Revamp Construction Company owned by the comedian,handled  the building  of the castfles.

“The Golden Eyes which was presented to his mum last Sunday has a unique customized golden sculptured face moulded in the image of his grand mum, Queen Agnes  who nurtured him as a young kid,”  Lilian Akpomene a close friend to the comedian told Potpourri

“Indeed this edifice has a monumental standard, which  will out live  contemporary designs of today and a long time to come. If the essence of a home is just to sleep, I guess a home structurally built as a castle, as a gift to express gratitude for love, is really meant to reflect the true value of what mothers mean to the world,” she added.

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Lanre Gentry, Mercy Aigbe’s hubby, gets new lover?

Lanre Gentry, the estranged husband of Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe is moving on with his life, and reconciliation with Mercy Aigbe, may have been foreclosed.

In his Instagram private account on Saturday, Gentry who was docked at a magistrate court in Ikeja Lagos for wife battery recently, posted the photograph of himself and another beautiful lady.

His simple caption for the Black and White photo speaks volume: ‘Temi My Love”. He left the rest for the imagination.

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Kim Kardashian hits 100m followers on Instagram

Celebrity Kim Kardashian has become the sixth person to amass over 100 million followers on Instagram.

The record holder is pop singer Selena Gomez, who has over 120million followers.

Kardashian celebrated passing the mark on the photo- and video-sharing platform Thursday by looking back at some of her most-liked photos.

“I can’t believe I’ve reached 100 million followers on Instagram, thanks to you guys!!! To celebrate, I wanted to take a look back at my most-liked posts. I appreciate my fans (and family) more than you know. You guys are the best!” she said on her website.

What follows is a slideshow of photos of her with husband Kanye West and their children North West and Saint West.

Apart from Gomez, pop singers Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and Beyonce, along with European soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, are the other users to hit the 100 million mark.

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Seven days, seven nights in prison looks like a whole year – Mercy Aigbe’s husband

Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe’s husband, Lanre Gentry, has said that the government should improve prison facilities across asking that “Is it that they’ve forgotten this people are still Nigerian citizens?

“If I may say, government shouldn’t leave what they ought to do and start involving its selves in (domestic violence).

Gentry said made this statement after he was released from the Medium Prison, Kirikiri.

The couple
He lamented that the Kirikiri Prison ought to be a correctional facility but instead, it is an overpopulated arena where people die every night.saying that ‘I think this place should be a rehabilitation center not a dumping ground, seven days and seven nights at the medium prison looks like I have spent a whole year in there.’

“I have something to tell the world about my prison life and how it happened.

“Watch out for my story.”

On his Instagram page, Gentry said, “Like I have said earlier that I have something to tell the world due to my fresh experience at the medium prison, (Kirikiri apapa)

“At the moment, I would like to say @realmercyaigbe’s effort sending me to jail was another privilege to see, say all which is going on over there.

I think this place should be a rehabilitation center not a dumping ground, seven days and seven nights at the medium prison looks like i have spent a whole year in there.

“Over 3600 prisoners, where we are meant to have just 1500 prisoners. Prisoners are now more or less like beggars.

“I have been there not that am been told, people die every blessed day, am here to tell the whole world that please lets fight this out with our government because I see no reason why tax are being collected and nothing has been produce and provided through all this payment.

“Is it that they’ve forgotten this people are still Nigerian citizens?

“If I may say, government shouldn’t leave what they ought to do and start involving its selves in (domestic violence).

” I won’t say more than this tonight but more to come to come every night.‎”

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EU fines Facebook 110 mn euros over ‘misleading’ info in WhatsApp takeover

The European Commission on Thursday fined US social media giant Facebook 110 million euros ($120 million) for providing incorrect and misleading information on its takeover of WhatsApp, imposing its biggest penalty linked to a merger.

“Today’s decision sends a clear signal to companies that they must comply with all aspects of EU merger rules, including the obligation to provide correct information,” EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

“The Commission must be able to take decisions about mergers’ effects on competition in full knowledge of accurate facts,” Vestager said.

Facebook said in response that it cooperated with the Commission.

“We’ve acted in good faith since our very first interactions with the Commission and we’ve sought to provide accurate information at every turn,” a Facebook spokesperson said.

“The errors we made in our 2014 filings were not intentional and the Commission has confirmed that they did not impact the outcome of the merger review. Today’s announcement brings this matter to a close.”

EU regulators cleared the then $19 billion Facebook acquisition of WhatsApp in late 2014, finding no reason to believe it would dampen competition in the burgeoning social media sector.

In its statement Thursday, the Commission recalled that the merger rules require companies to provide regulators with the accurate information essential to any review.

It noted that when Facebook notified the Commission of the acquisition in 2014, the company had said it would “be unable to establish reliable automated matching between Facebook users’ accounts and WhatsApp users’ accounts”.

“However, in August 2016, WhatsApp announced updates to its terms of service and privacy policy, including the possibility of linking WhatsApp users’ phone numbers with Facebook users’ identities,” it said.

After launching a probe last year, the Commission “found that, contrary to Facebook’s statements in the 2014 merger review process, the technical possibility of automatically matching Facebook and WhatsApp users’ identities already existed in 2014, and that Facebook staff were aware of such a possibility.”

The Commission said Thursday’s decision and the fine would have no impact on its October 2014 clearance of the deal.

Commission spokesman Ricardo Cardoso said the fine was less than it would have been because Facebook cooperated.

Cardoso added it was nonetheless the “highest fine ever” imposed by the commission for breaches linked to a merger and would serve as a deterrent to others.

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Victor Olaiya, Emeka Ibeh, others mourn actress Moji Olaiya

Nollywood actors and stakeholders have expressed shock over the sudden death of popular actress Moji Olaiya. The 42-year-old actor died on Thursday.

Moji Olaiya
Olaiya who delivered a baby in Canada in March is reported to have died in that country.

Just before her demise, Olaiya made some comments on her Instagram wall.

In an Instagram post two days ago, she wrote: “Allhamdulilahi to you Allah I give all the glory for all you have done. I will forever praise and worship you. It’s not by power but the Grace of Allah. Thank you for the gift of life. Thanks also to all my friends and family my fans for your supports and prayers. Love you all.”

And this was penned on Tuesday. The day after, she dramatically left the world.

In another post, she made after, she announced to her fans that Okiki app is now available on Apple App Store. “watch movies from me and other great actors for free”, she wrote.

At the moment, her Instagram account @mojisolaabikeade, where she had 240,000 followers, has been inundated with messages of lamentations and condolences by her fans.

In his reaction, veteran actor Yinka Quadri, said that her death would rob the industry of a talented actress and expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased.

Yomi Fash-Lanso, the Director of Public Relations and Media Affairs of the Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), confirmed the death of Moji Olaiya in a statement.

Fash-Lanso said:“It is with a heavy heart and sad disposition to hear about the sudden death of our colleague; friend and sister, Moji Olaiya, who’s death occurred few hours ago in Canada, few days after giving birth.

“According to reports that we gathered, we learnt she had heart seizure and couldn’t make it.’’

He enjoined all members of TAMPAN and friends to be calm as the association awaited further reports.

“We pray her soul finds eternal rest with her creator and pray to Almighty Allah to comfort the family she left behind the give them the fortitude to bear this great irreparable loss,’’ he said.

Also, Emeka Ibeh, President of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), prayed God to grant the family Moji Olaiya left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.

Ibeh said that the actress would continue to live on in the memories of her fans because of her contributions to the development of Nollywood.

“In her little way, she contributed to the development of Nollywood and she will be greatly missed by her fans.

“I pray that God grants her family members the strength to bear this loss at a time like this,’’ he said.

Ibeh urged other thespians in the country to continue to impact positively on the entertainment industry saying that their good works would definitely live-on after them.

Also, Tope Babayemi, the founder, Different Aesthetics, Arts and Culture Management based at the National Theatre , Lagos, condoled with the family of the deceased.

Babayemi said that the entertainment industry had lost another bright talent that had contributed greatly to the popularity of the local movies.

Actor Femi Branch said: “We were just mere colleagues until the day we had a certain discussion in Sagamu with Aunty `Fali Werepe` and you rose in my defence.

“I have recounted this tale to more people than I can recall and in every instance, the mention of your sincere intervention was the highlight of my tale.

“That day, I knew the good hearted Moji Olaiya and for as long as I have the gift of memory, Mojisola Olaiya will remain embedded in my heart.

“Sleep well `Mj’. May God erect a canopy of protection over your children and the family you left behind.

“Lord, please stay this hand of death moving over our industry and please open our eyes to know that life belongs to you and only you can give it in abundance, “ he said.

Also, Actress Funke Adesiyan said, “Days like today should not exist. I refuse to believe the news of your untimely demise.
“I still don’t get why good people don’t last. You were a true soul.

“B

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Dremo names Davido’s ‘If’ Nigeria’s biggest song

DMW rapper, Dremo, has named Davido’s latest single ‘If’, as the biggest song in Nigeria at the moment. The fast budding rapper boasted that because Davido’s song is currently the biggest in Nigeria, nothing can make him lose his fans; instead, he would grow bigger.

In a chat with E-Daily, Dremo dispelled suggestions that Davido was losing his fans that’s why he recently embarked on a tour of selected cities in Nigeria.

“Can Davido really lose his fans? I don’t think so. What’s the biggest song in Nigeria right now? Isn’t it Davido’s latest single If? So I don’t know where this is coming from, maybe from his haters, I really don’t know. But I believe Davido is only getting bigger; he’s doing big things. I would love to lose fans like David if he is truly losing his fans”, he said

Dremo’s comment is coming on the heel of Davido’s collaborating with Jamaican hot-shot Popcaan in the song ‘My story’.

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MUSIC: AKINNO ft JAY2 in DOPE

 Akinyele Toheeb Popularly known by his stage name AKINNO is back with another HOT BANGER ''DOPE'' featuring JAY2.  Music lover gotta keep waiting for this one.  DOPE!!

You can contact him on

Facebook: Akinno Toheeb Akinyele

Whatsapp: 08131326013

G-mail: akinolamide@gmail.com

Download HERE

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76, The Wedding Party win 2017 NollywoodWeek Public Choice Award

The NollywoodWeek Film Festival has announced Tuesday that The Wedding Party and 76 have jointly received the 2017 NollywoodWeek Public Choice Award.

Nigerian singer Banky Wellington attends “The Wedding Party” premiere during the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival at The Elgin on September 8, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. /AFP
The festival trophy was given to Izu Ojukwu, the Director of 76 and Moses Babatope who represented the film in the absence of the film Director, Kemi Adetiba in a closing ceremony that was followed by the World Premiere screening of Ctach[dot]er by the Director Walter Taylaur.

“I was not expecting this award. It’s an honour for me and for everybody who worked on the film,” said Izu Ojukwu.

In his acceptance speech, Moses Babatope expressed his joy at winning this award and mentioned that it was a good omen as the production of The Wedding Party 2 had just begun in Lagos and Dubai.

The high quality of the selected films for this 5th edition has been praised by journalists and film critics. Eleven films in total were shown during the four days of the festival, including five films in competition: Dinner, Gidi Blues, Green White Green, The Wedding Party and 76.

Historical movie “76”, has won five categories out of its fourteen nominations,at the fifth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Nadira Shakur, the Director of Communication and co-founder of the festival said that “The festival has really cemented its place in the Parisian cultural calendar. Each year we try to offer the very best of Nollywood to the Parisian public by bringing the newest developments in the industry. This year we screened a web-series from REDTV and for the first time, an animated short film from Anthill Studios called Play-Thing.”

The selection of the 2017 edition of NollywoodWeek was rich and eclectic. The Public Choice Award ultimately went to two very different films but both have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian cinema landscape over the past year.

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Why people think I’m arrogant —Davido

Contrary to popular opinion that pop star, Davido is one of  the most arrogant music stars in Nigeria, the HKN Gang henchman has come out to set the record straight, declaring that he’s not as arrogant as many people often perceive him to be. Since his rise to stardom after the release of his debut single, Dami Duro in 2011, he has been slammed with series of criticisms from all quarters about his personality. But in a  recent chat with Showtime, the ‘Aye’ crooner said, “I am a very free person but if you like say, I’m arrogant, I know I’m not arrogant.” According to Davido, he’s a very friendly, receptive and humble person. He emphasized that no matter what the public thinks of him, he insists he is not an arrogant person. “I can bet you now, go to anybody or any street and ask them who is most normal or who is so free they will tell you it’s me. I’m not from the hood! It’s not about giving out money but it’s just me being free as an individual. David said, he believes the reason people harbour such negative perception about him is because they would go crazy if they possess the kind of wealth and affluence he has. “I feel that sometimes people just think I’m that way because if they have what I have they will go crazy, so I think that’s just the problem”, he boasted.

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Originality will earn you credibility; Lil Kesh advises musicians

Former YBNL star, Lil Kesh, has explained what artistes must do to achieve credibility in the Nigerian music industry. For the Shoki rapper, he believes some artistes do too much to achieve credibility, therefore in a brief chat with Showtime he explained that all an artiste should do to be seen and regarded as credible is originality. He stylishly advised fellow musicians to make originality their stock-in-trade stressing how it will earn them all the credibility they crave in the music making craft. “Honestly I’m not going to lie to you, some people do too much, as long as you’re from the street all it takes to be so credible is originality, that’s what I do, that’s what I’m all about; my music, my personality, originality”, he said.

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Amateurs venture into comedy with little sense of humour – Ali Baba

Humour merchant and godfather of Nigerian comedy, Ali Baba, has taken a swipe at the state of comedy business in the country, lamenting the alarming rate at which quacks and amateurs are taking over the business. According to the veteran humour merchant who is gearing up to mark his 30th years on stage as a stand-up comedian next year, the comedy industry is flooded with many non-professionals as a result of unemployment, fuelled by the dire quest for an escape route. In a recent interview, the widely acclaimed King of Nigerian comedy extensively explained that many quacks venture into the comedy business with little or no sense of humour, all because of the financial gains. “There is a very thin line between being funny and being offensive; some people don’t know how to tread it because a lot of people have come into comedy because of the financial reward. So there is an influx of people into it because of the unemployment rate, people who have a very little sense of humour would jump into it and make it look like it’s their escape route to financial glory. So you have a lot of that going on and what that does is that when all comers come into this, you have quacks, people who don’t know the difference between their left & right; and so when they come on stage to tell jokes they jump at anything that they want to”, he said. He advised potential and present comedians to strive to acquire an in-depth understanding of the humour making craft to avoid the risk of getting into trouble after cracking jokes on stage. “Comedians should know that it is not everyone that you relate with, you need to have a relationship with certain people, you need to familiarize yourself with the audience for you to get away with certain things that you want to say”, Ali Baba advised.

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Ace comedian I Go Dye builds palatial home for mum

Ace humour merchant, I Go Dye, born Francis Agoda has done what every good child would want to do for their mum in a special way as the word reaching Weekend Groove has it that he has built a house for him mum.

The House, Inset: Comedian, I go Dye
Though the location of the house is still not known as at press time but its picture, through a very reliable source, has been made available to Weekend Groove. And it is certainly a beauty to behold.

The house, which seems to stand on its own ground, with all modern finishing, is a palatial edifice, painted in all-white with stripes of gold to give off a picture of sheer splendour.

No doubt, the building must have put a huge dent in the comedian’s bank account, but it has been his life-long dream to do something special for his mum.

I Go dye who celebrated his 20 years in the industry recently has a story of ‘grass to grace’ to tell.

“Well, growing up wasn’t rosy at all, some said they had silver spoon but for me, there was no spoon at all, it was just creating means for myself to fend for myself,” he once said in an interview with Vanguard.

“All my early days were spent in the village with my grandmother, who nurtured me with so much traditional values that later amused my peers when I got back to primary school in Warri. There was so much difficulty for my age mates to comprehend my ideas and values of life. It was seen most times that I was saying things that were not achievable because they felt I knew more than my age. I had difficulty also conforming to their standard and it took me sometime to study their moral upbringing, which had so much difference from the way life was in the village and living with an old woman. More so, the challenges of life are so much, it took me strong personal conviction to stand firmly on my belief and dreams”.

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R KELLY REMIX DAVIDO’S IF SONG

R Kelly remixes   davido’s biggest single this year.Davido share the remix of his hit single “IF”  by the American Superstar R Kelly on his Instagram Page earlier today. As expected the American singer did some damaging cover on the song. It is a must listen to. 

Watch Video HERE


Download the Audio/Mp3 HERE

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Music: IJOBA WON by LOCOSCO

LOCOSCO

Ogundairo Olamilekan Popularly known by his stage name LOCOSCO GG is back with another HOT BANGER ''IJOBA WON'' After dropping his official single ''JUBADI'' featured Super D and Petwiz. LOCOSCO didn’t keep his fans waiting too much as he has dropped yet another Hot Rap with a good punch lines ''IJOBA WON'' and music lover gotta keep waiting for this one. The song was produced and masterd by Ycm. EMI N'IJOBA WON!!

You can contact him on

Facebook: Dhairo Olamilekan Locosco

Twitter: @OfficialLocosco

Whatsapp: 08142540257

G-mail: Dairoolamilekan@gmail.com

Download & Enjoy

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Jim Iyke expands into real estate business

Popular Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke who delved into manufacturing business called Burgeon Global  a few years back, is now plotting to expand into real estate business and services.

Jim Iyke took to his Intagram page, weekend,  to announce his latest effort. “Men at work. Lustrous Dynamic Global Services; future horizons. Unveiling soon,”he wrote.

In another post, Jim Iyke uploaded a picture of himself and his workers with a caption; “This is what my team and I look like at the office. It’s not pretty but we get first class work done with first class results. We will announce the first of our many platforms on May 10.”

Recall that the controversial actor, a few years back delved into sachet water business, with its headquarters located in Abuja. Indeed, since he veered into business, fans of Jim Iyke have been missing him on the big screen.

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Omoni Oboli bereaved, launches fashion line

Nollywood actress cum producer, Omoni Oboli, weekend, asked her fans to pray for her family after she lost her beloved father in a fatal car accident last Friday.

The actress made the appeal via her Twitter handle, a day before she launched her  fashion line ‘Omoni Oboli By AVE’ The fashion line was launched yesterday in conjunction with Ayo Van Elmer, yesterday, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“The devil is a liar, pray for me and my family,” she wrote. The appeal is coming three weeks after another Instagram post where she reminisced about a good time she had with her father in Asaba, the Delta State capital, where she was promoting her new movie, “Okafor’s Law”.

Recall that before  now,  Oboli had faced some challenges following a case of copyright infringement and trademark violation brought against her by a Canadian-based Nigerian script writer, Jude Idada, who secured a court injunction to stop the premiere of  Oboli’s much -talked about movie,“Okafor’s Law” and also its release on March 31.  However,  the ban was lifted following a counter suit.

Meanwhile, speaking about her fashion line, the actress who is known for rocking Ayo Van Elmer’s designs said, ‘I am introducing to the world my inner passion and ideas and a new side of me. You all know me as an actress and movie maker, now you all get to see this whole new side of me. I am excited about this fashion line and excited to be working with Ayo Van Elmer. This fashion line is for my fans and fans of fashion’.

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Dancehall music can never die in Nigeria —Marvelous Benjy

Renowned for his popular hit track titled ‘Suo’, which rocked the airwaves, streets and ghettoes in the late 90s, veteran dancehall artiste, Marvelous Benjy, claims to be unruffled by the new generation of dancehall artistes who have been gradually changing the face of dancehall music in Nigeria. According to him, the influx of new dancehall artistes has helped to bring out the best of the music genre.

In a recent chat with E-daily, Marvelous, who is notably one of the pioneers of the dancehall musical genre in Nigeria, believes that competition among dancehall artistes will make the craft better. “It’s a welcome idea to see the new generation of artistes changing the face of dancehall music from what it used to be to what it is now. It’s good for us, it’s a welcome idea, and I like the whole idea of the competition.

The truth of the matter is that the coming of this new trend of dancehall music and artistes has brought about the best of dancehall music, because competition will only bring about the best. To be sincere, either it gingers me or not to do more as one of the pioneers of dancehall music in Nigeria, it brings out the best of the craft”, he said.

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Buhari Leaving Nigeria Tonight For Urgent Medical Treatment In London

Days after Naija Whisper revealed that president Muhammad Buhari was having difficulties eating and drinking, his media team have revealed that he will be leaving Nigeria tonight for urgent medical treatment.
President Buhari earlier met briefly with 82 Chibok girls in a controlled environment at the Aso Rock Villa where only govt-run media houses were allowed to cover the event.

Naija Whisper learned that when Buhari was brought to the Mosque on Friday to show that he was not in bad shape the stress arising from attending the Friday Juma'at prayers actually worsened his health condition. As Saharareporters earlier revealed, President Buhari was billed to travel to the UK on Wednesday, May 10th and three medical personnel had been brought in to Abuja to prepare him adequately for the trip.

Text of Press Statement:
PRESIDENT BUHARI TRAVELS FOR MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP

President Muhammadu Buhari proceeds to London tonight for follow-up medical consultation with his doctors.

He had planned to leave Sunday afternoon but decided to tarry a bit, due to the arrival of 82 Chibok girls who arrived Abuja earlier in the day.

The President wishes to assure all Nigerians that there is no cause for worry. He is very grateful for the prayers and good wishes ofthe people, and hopes they would continue to pray for the peace and unity of the nation.

The length of the President's stay in London will be determined by the doctors. The government will continue to function normally under the able leadership of the Vice President.

President Buhari has transmitted letters about the trip to the Senate and the House of Representatives, in compliance with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

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How Nigeria can make quick return from space technology — Expert

Abuja – The Director, Centre for Satellite Technology Development, Dr Spencer Onuh, says Nigeria requires more communication satellites for it to make quick returns on its investments in space technology.

Onuh said in an interview in Abuja on Friday that the returns on investment in communication satellites usually takes up to 15 years.

He explained that a satellite is an artificial body placed in orbit round the earth or another planet in order to collect information and enables easy access for communication.

“The satellite has the capacity to generate income on a short term basis but not all the satellites.

“It takes three to five years to develop earth observation satellites, but to get quick returns of money from satellites, we need more communication satellites.

“All you need to do is your initial investment, the return on investment is very quick and it takes a shorter period to develop.

“You can still be reaping the income in 15 years time; we need more communication satellites for the interest of the country,”Onuh said.

The director also said that space technology in the country required entrepreneurs to promote products in the industry.

He added that space programmes had the enormous potential to create employment.

“Space is not just about satellites, satellites are the pay load that delivers space products.

“With the kind of economy we operate, we need to develop space entrepreneurship which is lacking till date.

“I am in research development agency where I have my limitations in mass production.

“In design and manufacturing, I need customers and manufacturers that can boost my own production where I’m lacking the facilities.

“It is not my business to do the marketing, it is for the entrepreneurs; I develop the products and I have the spin off.

“The images that innovators capture are enormous, a lot of people need them out there, but there is a gap between the producers and the market.

“When there are space entrepreneurs, they will market space products.

“The company marketing space products will employ one person and so on; space programme have enormous potential to create employment and reduce unemployment drastically,” he said.

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Why Obasanjo lives on

With his three successors in office: Umaru Yar‘adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari respectively dead, politically disengaged and physically infirm, it was remarkable that President Olusegun Obasanjo was bouncy penultimate Friday.

The occasion was the reunion of what his political disciples aptly termed as the reunion of graduates of the Olusegun Obasanjo School of Nigerian Politics which was shut down in May 2007.

The venue of the ten-year reunion was an upscale but yet closeted hotel, in the Ikoyi area of Lagos.

The graduates of the school came from far and near to celebrate what they termed as the most successful president so far of the Fourth Republic. One remarkable thing at the reunion was the presence of the spokesmen of his successors, namely Segun Adeniyi, (Yar‘adua), Rueben Abati (Jonathan) and Femi Adesina (Buhari).

But more remarkable that night was the tribal and religious composition of the graduates; a fact reflected by the fact that opening prayers were offered in Islamic and Christian ways.

Mallam Uba Sani, who acted as special adviser to President Obasanjo on public affairs vividly positioned Obasanjo in his place in history by describing him as Nigeria’s most detribalised leader ever.

One of the most poignant occurrences of the night was the self-introduction of the graduates. Some of the graduates delightfully introduced themselves by inserting OLUSEGUN as their middle name; a moving expression of their eternal loyalty to the former president.

The thread of unity that flowed from the reunion of Obasanjo’s disciples was echoed five days later as some of Nigeria’s most celebrated generals had another reunion at the book launch of one of the most accomplished general of generals, Alani Akinrinnade.

Lt. Gen. Akinrinade who was one of the longest serving General Officers Commanding, GOCs of the 1 Infantry Division, with headquarters in Kaduna, was that day echoed as one of the finest generals ever produced by the Nigerian Army.

Though of Yoruba ethnic stock, General Ike Nwachukwu and General  Aliyu Gusau who heaped some of the most profound praises on him on that occasion did not see him in that ethnic prism that has now pitiably diminished Nigeria’s potentials.

It is against the background of the successes achieved by the likes of Obasanjo and Akinrinade in forging national unity in high office that the two men can today rally disciples from all nooks and crannies of the country many years after leaving office.

The prospect of the present political power wheelers and dealers venerating themselves in that garb of champions of national unity is a challenge that they must aspire to.

They must look beyond the imaginations of ethnic loyalists who gather around them to reflect on the legacy that they would leave behind in the office that they would sooner than later fade away from.

Lamido, Ekweremadu, Rano

The week ending today would be remarkable for three outstanding politicians. Former Governor Sule Lamido returned from prison on Thursday after two nights for the alleged offence of incitement. The remand followed his alleged utterances while mobilising supporters of his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the forthcoming local government elections in Jigawa State.

A day before Lamido emerged, the deputy president of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu cried out over what he claimed as a plot by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to rope him into a gun running and money laundry charges. The existence of a plot was, however, promptly denied by the anti-graft agency.

The following day, a member of the House of Representatives, Aliyu Rano from Kano State for about 15 minutes narrated to members how security agencies raided his residences in Kano in their search for guns and ammunitions.

A common ingredient common to Lamido, Ekweremadu, and Rano is the perception that they have fallen foul of the political sensibilities of those in authority. Hounding them out of political circulation will not help our national image as a growing democracy if there is no justif

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2017 budget, taking too long, says NACCIMA

THE Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines And Agriculture (NACCIMA), yesterday harped on the delay in passing the 2017 budget by the National Assembly.

President Muhammadu Buhari flanked by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, Speaker Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara, Zamfara State Governor Alh Abdulaziz Yari, SGF, Engr Babachir David Lawal, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun and APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun during the formal launch of the Nigerian Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) at the State House Council Chamber in Abuja.
NACCIMA, though acknowledged the thoroughness that the legislators are putting into the 2017 Budget process to ensure that it positively impacts on Nigeria’s economy, it however said, “the process is taking too long, considering the fact that a budget is a life line of the Economic Development of any Nation, which the private sector also depends upon for its initiatives.”

In a chat with journalists on the state of the economy and the association’s perspective on some trending socio-economic issues, the President of NACCIMA, Chief Bassey Edem, said “ there is need for the Executive and Legislative arms of Government to expedite action on the Budget and ensure that the 2017 Appropriation Bill is passed into law as soon as possible. “In doing so, we would successfully reduce the negative impacts which include the stalling of key infrastructure projects and prevention of Foreign Direct Investments waiting for the direction of the Nigerian economy to conclude their investment plans and actions” he said.

Economic Recovery Plan

On the issue of the economic recovery plan, Edem said the chamber acknowledged the effort of the Federal Government in  ensuring that the country is on its way out of the economic recession it drifted into in 2016 adding that the Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP) launched by the Federal Government, which is expected to grow the economy by 2.19 per cent in 2017 and 7 per cent in 2020 is a step in the right direction.

“However, the bane of such a plan is usually the implementation. That is why we wish to start this overview of the trending economic situation in the country by counselling that the Federal Government should ensure that the timeline for each milestone on the ERGP is strictly adhered to, so that the plan as conceived will promote the needed   diversification and resource-based industrialisa-tion plan of government.

Having been part of the process of developing the ERGP, it becomes imperative that the private sector be carried along in its implementation. Hence, we suggest and also counsel that government should work with the Organised Private Sector in the different areas of implementation to enable the country have an all-inclusive depth in its recovery plan and a clear path for implementation” he said.

Foreign Exchange Policies

On foreign exchange policies, the chamber commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for the recent effort in easing the pressure on the Naira through the review of the policies guiding Foreign Exchange Management in the country, adding that the establishment of separate windows for investors and exporters in the Foreign Exchange Market has played a very key role in ensuring normalcy on the foreign exchange market and has enabled some companies to start planning for the commencement of their operations.

“Also commendable is the Special Window created for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). However, for a better impact on the Economic Development of the country, it is imortant for the CBN to consider urther liberalisation of the Foreign Exchange market while also giving a thought to the cessation of the Multiple Windows in the foreign exchange market, review of the CBN policy on the 41 items banned from the official foreign exchange market, through the removal of the essenti

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Edo cricket season ends, as ESCA plans future growth of cricket in Edo state

As part of plans to actualize its vision of promoting the game of Cricket as a household sports in the Heartbeat State, Edo State Cricket Association (ESCA), is set to construct three new practice nets across the State.

The Chairman of ESCA, Mr. Uyi Akpata, made the disclosure at a colourful event organized in collaboration with ‘Templars’ to mark the closing ceremony of Edo State Secondary Schools Cricket / Senior League Season – which held over the weekend at the Cricket Oval of Edo Boys High School in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

He also disclosed plans by the Association to purchase additional junior facilities and kits for its quarterly clinics in addition to providing audio – visual equipment for training, while stressing the readiness of ESCA to partner with and be actively involved in the activities of the Nigeria Cricket Association (NCA).

Reflecting on the upcoming 2017/2018 season, Mr. Uyi Akpata affirmed that the Association’s strategic plan was to increase the number of participating Secondary Schools from 7 to 15, attract three major sponsors to support the game, as well as host an under – 19 South/South Event for boys and girls.

In his remarks, the president, Nigeria Cricket Association (NCA), Emeka Onyeama, commended Edo State Cricket Association for the relaunch initiative, asserting that Edo State has always been a power house in the development of Cricket.

The Cricket Relaunch Season featured five Secondary Schools and four senior teams with Scholars Imperial School emerging as the overall best team with 22 points, while No Limit Cricket Club, emerged as the Senior League champion with 22 points after each of the four teams played six matches out of a total twelve matches during the series.

In his remark, Mr. Olu Akpata representing Templars the law firm which sponsored this year’s League Season, commended participants in the competition and applauded the Edo State Cricket Association, for encouraging the game of Cricket in both Primary and Secondary Schools in the State. Stating further that these young lads in the near future, will constitute the talents that will do Nigeria proud in major international Cricket Competitions.

He promised its organization’s future support for the game of Cricket in Edo State.

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Man City grant Hoffenheim permission to speak with Iheanacho

THE future of Manchester City Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho might be decided sooner than later, as German Bundesliga side Hoffenheim have been granted permission to speak with the forward.

Iheanacho doesn’t fit into the playing style of manager Pep Guardiola despite his high goal conversion rate, with the manager preferring other payers ahead of the Nigerian in attack.

Guardiola has frozen him out of the first team set up since the start of the year. A move which has alerted top clubs in Europe who are keen to have the forward who has been told he is free to leave.

Hoffenheim are one of the numerous clubs chasing his signature this summer, and reports say they have been granted permission to speak with the forward.

To that effect Hoffenheim’s sporting director Alexander Rosen will meet with the forward before the end of this month to reel out the plans the club has for him.

However Manchester City have made it clear that the 20 year old forward will only leave on loan or an outright sale with a buy back clause included in any deal they will agree for his permanent transfer.

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Ndidi to lead Eagles to France camp

Leicester City rising star Wilfred Ndidi will travel to France to link up with the Nigerian national team, two days after the Premier League champs face AFC Bournemouth on the final day of the season.

Ndidi celebrates his goal against Derby
There had been doubts as regards to the availability of the defensive midfielder and Ahmed Musa for the training camp in Corsica and Paris, but those doubts were put to rest when the Foxes were knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid.

In total, five midfielders are guaranteed to be on duty when the training camp begins on May 23.

Tianjin Teda midfielder John Obi Mikel and Trabzonspor star Eddy Onazi have been left out of the squad due to club commitments but are in contention to make the roster for the African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa, barring injury.

Midfielders expected to be on duty in France include Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta), Uche Agbo (Granada), John Ogu (Hapoel Beer Sheva) and Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense).

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NFF formally applies for Aina’s int’l switch

Former England youth international and Chelsea defender, Ola Aina is hoping to commit his international future from England to Nigeria. The young defender is reportedly applying to FIFA to effect the switch.

The 20-year-old, who was born in England and has represented the country at U-16 and U-20 levels, is eligible to play for the Super Eagles but he must get FIFA approval first.

“The documentation has been done and in the new week, it will be submitted to FIFA for approval,” an official of the Nigerian Federation disclosed.

“How fast FIFA and the FA in England work on this will determine how soon his application will come through.”

Aina trained with Gernot Rohr’s team when they were in London during the international window in March.

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Okpe agog as monarch honours BBNaija winner

OKPE community in Delta State is currently agog with paintings and decorations as the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Major Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd) and indigenes of the community are set to welcome 2017 BBNaija winner, Efe Ejeba to Okpe Kingdom of Urhobo community.

Already, all roads leading to Orerokpe, the headquarters of Okpe Local Government Area and houses in the area had been  refurbished and decorated with large bill boards adorning Efe pictures and other brand of decoration  ahead of Efe’s  homecoming today.

The Okpe monarch,who is eager to meet the 2017 BBNaija winner is set to honour him with the title of the Prince of Okpe Kingdom.

In a statement, the Executive Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area and Chairman of Efe Reception Committee, Chief (Prince) Ambassador Godwin Ejinyere, said the indigenes of Okpe Kingdom are fully prepared to welcome their worthy son, Efe Emmanuel Ejeba, back home after winning the prestigious reality television show.

Ijinyere who enjoined all Okpe sons and daughters to come out en-mass to welcome Efe back home, disclosed that  the Pidgin English rapper is a full breed son of Okpe Kingdom who hails from Odjedi and Okuodiete communities of Okpe local government.

“We the Okpe people in conjunction with every Urhobo sons and daughters, Deltans and Nigerians wish to welcome our son, Efe who won the prestigious 2017 BBNaija television reality show.

We are organizing a reception for him today and as well as celebrating the victory of one of our illustrious sons and ambassadors, Efe, and everyone who worked with him to ensure his success in winning the Big Brother Naija 2017 competition.

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After Adesua Etomi & Banky W’s engagement: Don Jazzy named Bachelors’ president

FANS went out of their way, yesterday, to call on Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, to find himself a wife, after RnB singer, Banky W, announced his engagement to adorable actress Adesua Etomi on his Instagram page.

Banky W took a bold step, yesterday, to make the big announcement. He revealed that they have been dating for a while before he finally proposed to Adesua in February, this year.

However, immediately the announcement was made by Banky W, fans took to their different social media platforms; Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, to call on the Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, to follow the footsteps of Banky W and find himself a wife.

‘DON JAZZYOne of the fans, @Shouttoyosi wrote, “Somebody said since Banky W is 36 and Don Jazzy is 34, Don Jazzy has two years to get married or he should go and adopt Korede Bello.”

Another fan, On Air Parrot (OAP) @Dephatcat wrote, “Banky W has finally taken a wife.  Please wherever you are, whisper a word of prayer for Uncle Don Jazzy.”

“Don Jazzy has been made the President Of National Association Of Nigeria Bachelors (NANB) Banky W previously held the position,”wrote Naija Boy.

“Father!!!! You have done it for Banky W. Don Jazzy what are you waiting for? Marry By Fire! Marry By Fire!! Marry by Fire!!”

For Cent Okoh, “That producer that cast Banky W and Adesua in a film should please cast, Linda Ikeji and Don Jazzy, Rita Dominic and D’banj ASAP”

Meanwhile, in his love letter to Adesua, which he posted via Instagram page, Banky W confessed that his path and that of the love of his life, Adesua, have crossed more than  two times since 2012, “but I wasn’t paying enough attention.”

Banky wrote, “I’m not sure what the future will bring, but I’m completely sure that I am ready to face it with you by my side. I pray that God continues to build me into the kind of man that you deserve. I love you Susu, I feel safe and at peace with you. You mean the world to me. Thank you for agreeing to be my lover and best friend. Thank you for agreeing to be my wife.”

”Dear Susu, We crossed paths 2 or 3 times since 2012, but I wasn’t paying enough attention. Destiny was staring me right in the face and I was too caught up in my own hustle and paper chase, to know it. In June 2015, however, God brought you my way again, and this time, I really saw you. I was smitten by your grace, aura, and beauty. So smitten in fact, that even though I didn’t get to say a word to you that day (because you were seated far across the room), I immediately called my best friend @captdemuren and told him I’d found my next girlfriend. Lol. He laughed.”

Adesua replied on her page with; “Olubankole, Your heart is pure and good, to the very core. You are proof that God is real; you are proof that what’s on the inside is greater and so much more powerful than what we see on the outside and you are the evidence of what I hoped for.

I bless God for entrusting my heart in your hands because I know it’s safe. You are everything I prayed for and so much more… Thank you for being who you are, my good luck charm, my King, my lover, my best friend. I love you till eternity and beyond.

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Wizkid, Tiwa Savage to storm America for Jay-Z’s music festival

TOP three Nigerian artistes, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage and Maleek Berry are billed to take America by storm as they perform at the 2017 edition of Made in America festival.

Tiwa Savage & Wizkid
The festival, which will be headlined by Jay-Z, J. Cole and The Chainsmokers, will take place from September 2 through 3 at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. Other performers include Solange, Sampha, Pusha T, DMX, Francis and The Lights, Broods, Ugly god, Yung Lean, and Rapsody.

Also, the likes of Downtown Boys, Queen of Jeans, Kap Slap, Nick Grant, Beach Slang, Migos, Kaskade, Little Dragon, DJ Mustard, Cash Cash, Marian Hill, Stormzy, BURNS, Run the Jewels, Marshmello are on the line up of music acts that will thrill guests at the festival.

The festival was founded in 2012 by Jay-Z, a rapper, record producer and business mogul, in a bid to bring together music and culture. The event features several stages that host live music from a wide range of genres including hip-hop, rock, pop, RnB, and electronic dance music.

The inaugural Made in America festival grossed $5 million in ticket sales and attracted nearly 80,000 people. Wizkid reportedly has a distribution deal with Sony/RCA while Tiwa Savage has a similar arrangement with Roc Nation.

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Facebook helped advertisers target teens who feel “worthless

Facebook's secretive advertising practices became a little more public on Monday thanks to a leak out of the company's Australian office. This 23-page document, discovered by The Australian, details in particular how Facebook executives promote advertising campaigns that exploit Facebook users' emotional states—and how these are aimed at users as young as 14 years old.

According to the report, the selling point of this 2017 document is that Facebook's algorithms can determine, and allow advertisers to pinpoint, "moments when young people need a confidence boost." If that phrase isn't clear enough, Facebook's document offers a litany of teen emotional states that the company claims it can estimate based on how teens use the service, including "worthless," "insecure," "defeated," "anxious," "silly," "useless," "stupid," "overwhelmed," "stressed," and "a failure."

The Australian says that the documents also reveal a particular interest in helping advertisers target moments in which young users are interested in "looking good and body confidence” or “working out and losing weight." Another section describes how image-recognition tools are used on both Facebook and Instagram (a wholly owned Facebook subsidiary) to reveal to advertisers "how people visually represent moments such as meal times." And it goes into great detail about how younger Facebook users express themselves: according to Facebook Australia, earlier in the week, teens post more about "anticipatory emotions" and "building confidence," while weekend teen posts contain more "reflective emotions" and "achievement broadcasting."

This document makes clear to advertisers that this data is specific to Australia and New Zealand—and that its eyes are on 6.4 million students and "young [people] in the workforce" in those regions. When reached for comment by The Australian, a representative for Facebook Australia issued a formal and lengthy apology, saying in part, "We have opened an investigation to understand the process failure and improve our oversight. We will undertake disciplinary and other processes as appropriate."

Facebook Australia did not answer The Australian's questions about whether these youth-targeted advertising practices were the same or similar to those at other international Facebook offices. (The document's scope is actually more compliant with US FTC regulations, which apply to users 13 and younger, than with Australian ones, which apply to users 14 and younger.)

The Australian's report does not include screen shots of the document, nor does it describe sample advertising campaigns that would take advantage of this data. Two Facebook Australia executives, Andy Sinn and David Fernandez, are named as the document's authors.

Facebook's ability to predict and possibly exploit users' personal data probably isn't news to anybody who has followed the company over the past decade, but this leak may be the first tacit admission by any Facebook organization that younger users' data is sorted and exploited in a unique way. This news follows stories about Facebook analyzing and even outright manipulating users' emotional states, along with reports and complaints about the platform guessing users' "ethnic affinity," disclosing too much personal data, and possibly permitting illegal discrimination in housing and financial ads.

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INTL’ LABOUR DAY: Let’s get it right at workplace

International Worker’s day known as Labour’s Day is celebrated in over 140 nations across the world on May 1 of every year. Coincidentally, it is also the Catholic feast of St. Joseph the Carpenter, and the foster Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is also marked as a holiday to celebrate worker’s contribution to national and economic development. In a chat with Rev. Father John Damian Adizie, Catholic priest with Adoration Prayer Ministry Egoro-Amede, Ekpoma, Edo State, he expressed his mind on right and responsibilities of a Nigerian worker on getting it right in the face of the current economic situation.

How should labour be practiced?
Labour is the essence of economic and national development. It is the key to success in life. We cannot imagine success, development or even feed ourselves and our nation without labour. That is why the Psalmist in the scripture declares, “By the labour of your hands you shall eat”. As we celebrate this year’s Labour Day looking at the theme entitled: “Securing Decent Work for Sustainable Social-economic Development”, it becomes imperative to reflect on some of the importance of labour, with special emphasis on the right and responsibility of workers especially in Nigeria.

In other words, labour should be practiced with dignity, sense of commitment with an eye on social and economic development for the wellbeing of mankind and the nation in general.
Pope Francis, describes labour as essential part of God’s creative and loving plan, However, Labour is not just a participation in God’s work. It is also a divine mandate and an essence of human dignity.

According to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, “Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. It gives you the ability to maintain yourself, your family, to contribute to the growth of your nation”. But unfortunately, here in Nigeria, most workers both in private and government establishments are not living up to expectations, or perhaps, lazy. They are only interested in their monthly salary neither do they care much about how and where funds for such remunerations are generated from. Individual attitude towards workplace is so worrisome such as lateness, waste of man hour on gossips, inability to define a full day work schedule with unattended files. All these uncommonly attitudes have a ripple effect on organization in terms of productivity.

Managements of organizations in a workplace are not left out in this saga. Poor remuneration, lack of motivation, none or delayed promotion of meritorious staff and sadly, office politics that favours certain people against hardworking staffs in terms of recognitions and awards. It is even a sad to note that most Government offices at local State level in Nigeria are not able to generate their workers’ salaries. The governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in one his statements has vowed that the state will no longer rely on bail out funds or the monthly allocation accrued from the Federation Account to pay pensioners and worker’s salaries in the state. I see that as a welcome development worth emulating by other States in Nigeria.

Way forward
There must be a simple synergy between an employer and the employee. For this noble vision to materialize all hands must be on deck. It requires hard work, honesty and accountability. There is no food for a lazy man. In the Scripture, St. Paul told the Thessalonians, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this, if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat”. A worker who could not generate his salary is not worthy of his position.

By right, workers should not just earn their salaries but should also contribute to state and national development. Poor economic policies by the government and even individuals are contributing to unemployment. Capitalism and privatization are purely geared towards profit making. Since Nigeria embraced capitalism and privatization, so many workers have lost their jobs. The work force has reduced drastically. The few ones that are employed are working without any breathing space. The so-called cashless theory is another factor causing unemployment. Electronic machines and robots have somehow taken up the role of able bodied workers.

In view of these challenges facing labour, especially in the area of unemployment and the dignity of the human person, Pope Francis stated in his passionate appeal, “I would like to encourage those in public office to make every effort to give new impetus to employment, this means caring for the dignity of the person. Labour is for man and not man for labour”.

Among the numerous challenges facing the workers, inherited debt is gradually becoming a tradition here in Nigeria. Yet, worker’s monthly salaries are not guaranteed. Just recently, a group of pensioners were sited demonstrating over 42 months’ pension arrears. You could imagine how these poor pensioners have been surviving without their pension. Most of them have even died of hunger and frustrations.

Withholding any worker’s wage is a sinful crime. The Lord God said, “You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy. Each day you shall give him his wages, and not let the sun go down on it, for he is poor and has set his heart on it; lest he cry out against you to the Lord, and it be sin to you” – Deuteronomy 24:14-15.

The dignity of Labour is not and should not be reduced to money making alone. As important and valuable as it maybe, money is not everything.

In my parting words to both employers and employees in Nigeria as they mark the global Labour Day, it is important to remember that without commitment, love and selfless service, workplace will always continue to have problems. Pope Francis offers the following words of encouragement to the youths: “I would like to speak especially to you young people: be committed to your daily duties, your study, your work, to relationships of friendship, to helping towards others; your future also depends on how you live these precious years of your life. In a nutshell, there is hope, even in the most hopeless situations.

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