Tayo Faniran joins Tinsel cast, temporarily replaces Gbenro Ajibade

Big Brother Africa star, Tayo Faniran is joining the Tinsel cast. From today the 17th of August, he  will be playing the role of Soji, temporarily replacing GbenroAjibade. This temporary change comes as Gbenro is away on honeymoon.

A man of many parts, Tayo, who will be playing Soji for a few months, is an accomplished model, fashion designer and creative artist. Viewers should tune in to Tinsel to catch all the drama, intrigue, romance, deception and betrayal that the series brings to their screens.

Singer Diamond Platnumz in paternity test scandal

Tanzanian singer, Diamond Platnumz is currently embroiled in a paternity scandal as a man named King Lawrence is demanding paternity test on the new baby girl he welcomed with his Ugandan baby mama, Zari.

According to Nairobi News, Zari was married to Ivan Ssemwanga whose cousin, Lawrence King is now demanding paternity test on the baby girl named Tiffah. A court paper was filed by King Lawrence at Web Advocates and Solicitors law firm and served to Zari on Saturday August 15th stating that Lawrence is demanding that a DNA test be carried out on the baby girl in three countries within seven days to certify who the true father of the child is. A copy of the court paper after the cut

Igbo Leaders Challenge President Buhari

Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), have insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari is being influenced by some former leaders in his anti-graft crusade and challenged him to prove otherwise by waging a holistic war against graft.

In a swift reaction to Igbo Leaders that instead of limiting his searchlight to Goodluck Jonathan, President Buhari should also probe the Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua regimes and that he was being influenced by some of these leaders, the President said he could not be tele-guided by anybody.

Speaking through Mallam Shehu Garba, his Assistant on Media and Publicity, President Buhari said he is not being tele-guided by anybody and that he would ignore the looting of public treasury and crude oil theft. He also said he would not stop the anti-corruption agencies from doing their work.

But the question should be, why will it be President Buhari that should probe all former presidents? It was the responsibility of Yar'Adua and Jonathan to probe the government of Obasanjo who handed over to them and it is the responsibility of Buhari to probe Jonathan who he took over from. Simple!

Details of How Trillions of Naira Were Stolen Under Jonathan

The All Progressives Congress on Sunday alleged that about $56bn (N11.02tn) was looted during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and that the Buhari government needed to recover the funds to fulfill the change promised by the APC.

In the breakdown by the ruling party, it said $6bn (1.2tn, at the rate of N197 to dollar) was stolen by some of Jonathan’s ministers and that 160 million barrels of crude worth $13.9bn (N2.74tn) were lost between 2009 and 2012 while $13bn (N2.56tn) in NLNG dividends was mostly unaccounted for.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said this in a statement on Sunday.

Mohammed’s statement read in part, “Some instances of the looting are as follows: N3.8tn out of the N8.1tn earned from crude oil (2012-2015) withheld by NNPC; $2.1bn (N413.7bn) from Excess Crude Account unaccounted for; Department of Petroleum Resources’ unremitted N109.7bn royalty from oil firms.

“Others are: $6bn (1.2tn) allegedly looted by some ministers of the last administration; 160 million barrels of crude worth $13.9bn (N2.74tn) lost between 2009 and 2012; $15m (N2.96bn) from the botched arms deal yet to be returned to Nigeria; $13bn (N2.56tn) in NLNG dividends mostly unaccounted for; N30bn rice waiver; and N183bn unaccounted for at the NDDC.”

The APC consequently lashed out at those telling President Muhammadu Buhari not to waste time probing the Jonathan administration.

The statement seems to be in reaction to a statement by the National Peace Committee, which reportedly told Buhari that probing the past administration was not a substitute for governance.

The APC, however, said there was no way the Buhari government could effectively take off if it did not recover some of the trillions stolen under Jonathan and that the party’s promise of change was based on the assumption that it would recover some stolen funds.

The statement added, “It is absolutely gratifying that Nigerians are vehemently opposed to the few who would rather have the government of the day turn a blind eye to the looted funds and, in their words, carry on with the process of governance.

“Truly, what sort of governance can go on if the billions of naira in a few hands are not recovered? In the first instance, the government needs every kobo of the funds it can muster to bring about the change it has promised Nigerians.

“Secondly, leaving such hair-raising funds in the hands of the few looters is dangerous, because they can use the funds to destabilise any government. In fact, no one will be surprised if the looters use their dirty funds to sponsor public demonstrations against the government’s determination to recover the funds.

"Thirdly, allowing those who privatised the commonwealth to get away is offering a thumbs-up for looting. No responsible government will do that.”

The party said that those who stole had embarked on an increasingly-bold campaign to discredit the government of the day and sabotage the funds’ recovery process, using newspaper columnists, ‘talking heads’ and otherwise respectable opinion leaders.

The APC submitted that it was necessary to remind Nigerians of the “massive looting of the treasury” that took place in the past few years, so we could better appreciate the seriousness of the issue at stake.

They said the listed “missing” funds constituted just a tip of the iceberg, adding that "The level of looting that went on in other sectors is better imagined, hence the need for all Nigerians to rally around the Buhari administration to recover the loots, bring the looters to justice and to put in place measures to prevent such looting in the future.”

PLEASE HELP: I Am Very Broke

When I was writing my lead post of Sunday on men's age, look and money (read it HERE), I didn't know it would be such a helpful piece to a lot of people, especially my female readers. But I got a message from a woman who said some of the things I wrote there are what she is battling with her husband.

He was one of those handsome dudes back then and used to take her to expensive restaurants while they were dating and she really enjoyed herself. But just 5 years into their marriage the guy is broke. He has failed in two different businesses in the last two years, he got a job but his salary is less than 80k and can't meet up with the rents and daily up keeps, not to talk of any form of enjoyment.

He's a guy who spent "large" just 6 years ago when he made money from deals; but no real life skills.

- below is a message a mature lady who is also facing financial stress sent to ’NIMI AKINKUGBE:

Good Morning Nimi,

I’m writing because I literally don’t know what else to do and I am too ashamed to talk to anyone I know about this. 

I will be 30 years old in a few months and I have no savings whatsoever…not even N1! I have been living a lie for so long, keeping up appearances and giving the impression to others that all is well. I have no excuse; I have been working in a reputable bank for nearly six years and have absolutely nothing to show for it. Sometimes I save enough to go on vacation and then spend all my savings shopping. I am the eldest child. Sometimes I lend money to my parents or pay my sister’s school fees. Recently, I contributed N240,000 towards my sister’s wedding. I am on three bridal trains this year and have spent about N50,000 on Aso-ebi for each of them. I borrow whenever I can and live from paycheck to paycheck. 

I hate my job and cannot see myself doing it for much longer…I practically drag myself out of bed each day and the thought of being away from the job, even though I am completely broke, gives me peace of mind. I know my life will be hard without any source of income but at this point I almost don’t care. 

I have actually been tempted to find a rich boyfriend, but that is not me. I honestly need help, as I feel like I’m drowning and cannot save myself. I read your newspaper column and writing to you seemed like a good idea.
- Charity

Dear Charity,
Thank you very much for your email. I am touched by your story and want you to know that you are not alone in your plight. Far too many young people, even those who are employed, are always broke. If you are unable to save from the N260,000 that you currently earn, it will not be any different even if you earn N1,000,000 a month. Here are a few tips to help you get out of this rut as you strive for financial security.

Track your spending
Write down every single thing that you buy, for a whole month; this will give you a clearer idea of what you need to cut back on or do without altogether.

Establish a budget
One of the best ways to rein in your spending is to budget. List all your routine monthly expenses, and other spending, and subtract those amounts from your income. Making small, manageable changes to your expenses, can have a huge impact on your finances.

Prioritise your spending
The key is to begin to differentiate between wants and needs. If there is an item that you have set your mind on, ask yourself if you really need it. It is nice to eat out but it needn’t be every day.

Pay yourself first
Don’t wait until the end of the month to try to save; there will be nothing left. Put your savings on autopilot; set up a standing order from your current account to a savings account or a mutual fund each month. This will form the foundation of your savings. It will not be easy, but once you get started you will see the savings growing and this will encourage you to continue.

I admire your generosity and it is a privilege to be able to support your family. However, if you are bankrupt and become ill or depressed due to stress, your family will be far worse off. You cannot afford to pay for everything; determine what you can afford and include that in your budget. If the bride and groom and other family members cannot afford a lavish wedding then they might need to work with a smaller budget or postpone the wedding.

Your choice of friends can have a huge impact on your life. Spend time with those that encourage and motivate you to achieve your goals. If you are constantly under pressure to “keep up with the Joneses,” you will have little chance of financial stability and it is time to withdraw from such relationships.

Your admission of your financial problems is a positive start and an indication that you can solve them. The art of saving, like any skill, takes some effort and sacrifice. Investing even small amounts of money regularly whilst you are young will grow into a significant sum over time. The sooner you start saving, the better. With determination, consistency and discipline, you can do it.

I look forward to speaking with you on the telephone to see how you are doing.

Best wishes,
Nimi Akinkugbe

- Those of us who have the privilege of being breadwinners of our family should be more careful. If you are a guy, don't for any reason disclose all your sources of income to a girl out of love, keep her guessing how much you have in your account. In fact let your money be invincible to her until you are sure that she is responsible and will work with you in sincerity, and not just after your cash. Be guided!

Buhari Secretly Identifying Fearless Judges to Nail Big Thieves

President Muhammadu Buhari has quietly commenced the process of identifying fearless and courageous judges who will be saddled with the responsibility of prosecuting persons who have been found to have stolen Nigeria's resources.

“We do not need to entertain any fear that the prosecution of corruption-related cases will not be fast enough because many of our courts are already weighed down by many cases. 

“The truth of the matter is that not all judges will be considered to take up the cases of those who have stolen our commonwealth for their personal enjoyment...

“As a matter of fact, one of the assignments the President gave the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption led by Prof. Sagay is to identify fearless and courageous judges that will handle the cases.

“The idea is to ensure that the judges who will handle the cases will not be just any judges. They must be those who will expedite actions on the cases and discharge their duties with courage.

“You can see that with this development, the issue of special courts for corruption cases may not come. It is about special judges.”

A credible Presidency source made these revelations to PUNCH.

Recalled that Buhari had while granting audience to members of the National Peace Committee led by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday disclosed that the prosecution of the indicted persons would commence in a matter of weeks.

“Those who have stolen the national wealth will be in court in a matter of weeks and Nigerians will know those who have short-changed them,” the President had told his guests.

Nigerian man, Freeman Osonuga, shortlisted to fly Space

A Nigerian man Freeman Osonuga has been shortlisted as one of the lucky human beings to travel to space! Osonuga, a Medicine and Surgery graduate from Olabisi Onabanjo University, was selected through the Rising Star programme, which launched at the One Young World Summit 2014 in Dublin

The programme invites both One Young World Ambassadors and outstanding members of the public aged 18-35, to nominate themselves to take on the trip of a lifetime.

If selected for the programme ​he​ will not only embark on a once in a lifetime flight to space but will also be offered a three year management contract. He will be the ​first Nigerian and First ​black African to fly to space!

Osonuga is a 2015 WIRED Innovation Fellow. He will be speaking live on stage at the WIRED 2015 conference in October, London. In late 2014, at the Peak of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, he worked as a volunteer and worked with the African Union team of Ebola responders for 6 months in Sierra Leone.

Here is

​ Freeman Osonuga's​

profile on the Kruger Cowne website :

‎http://www.krugercowne.com/risingstar/shortlist/freeman-osonuga/

Nicki Minaj & Meek Mill rent out an entire theatre to watch movie + Nicki Twerks for Meek

The rapper shared this photo and wrote "When u & bae rent out the entire theatre to watch #StraightOutttaCompton with the team. so proud of Ice Cube. Can't wait to reveal our lil secret.". Meanwhile, check out a video of Nicki twerking for Meek after the cut...

 

���������������������������� @meekmill I love how we spend our days off. Cheers to everyone living their lives and not being pressed. ������������

A video posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on Aug 15, 2015 at 7:50pm PDT

Don't carry things for strangers at airports. Drug smugglers now use different tricks (photos)

In a 15 seconds video, security experts revealed drugs hidden inside an Aquafina bottled water. When you first look at the bottle, it looks clean, like it's just water, until you shake and open. It's a trick drug dealers now use. Be warned. I screen-grabbed from the video. More photos after the cut...

Photos: Fugitive radical Sunni preacher attempted to enter Nigeria through Cairo

According to reports, fugitive Sunni preacher, Ahmed al-Assir was trying to leave Lebanon to Nigeria through Cairo using fake Palestinian travel documents. Above is a photo of him as he was arrested by Lebanese authorities at Beirut International Airport, Lebanon.

The militant cleric had been on the run since June 2013, after he and his supporters engaged in a deadly two-day battle with the Lebanese army in the southern city of Sidon. He is being accused of having formed armed groups that attacked an institution of the state, the army, killed officers and soldiers, took explosive materials and light and heavy weapons and used them against the army.

Unconfirmed reports said he had shaved off his beard and undergone facial surgery.

Meanwhile, his wives attacked the Lebanese Army yesterday after the latter captured their husband. See photos below..