Davido’s Sister Sharon Adeleke weds Yomi Ademefun in Miami, Florida

The sister of music superstar Davido, wed her prince charming Yomi Ademefun yesterday Sunday 1st September 2013 in a beautiful ceremony in Miami, Florida.

Sharon walked down the aisle in a beautiful wedding dress which features a V-neckline and a dramatic ball skirt. She completed the look with an elegant chignon, diamond drop earrings and wait for it, a diamond encrusted bouquet.

Yomi complemented his wife in a black single button tuxedo.

Later in the evening, Sharon changed into an embellished white dress with a feathered skirt.

Guests present at the ceremony include Koko Master D’banj, stylists Veronica Ebie-Odeka and Remi Fagbohun, media personality Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, fashion designer Kunbi Oyelese, business mogul Aliko Dangote, music stars B-Red and May D as well as music producer Shizzi.

 

Emerging Nigerian Design Label Sisiano presents its Debut Collection – “Ms. Green – The Beginning”

Okay BN Fashion Lovers, it’s time to put on your fashion goggles and find out if this emerging label has got what it takes. New to the fashion scene, Nigerian design label Sisiano presents its debut collection – “Ms.Green – The Beginning”.

The collection features a range of feminine pieces in chiffon, floral prints & lace in white, brown, blue hues, green, red & yellow. It has been created for the luxurious woman and her appreciation of fashion and devotion to looking fabulous all the time.

So BellaNaija Style Rangers, what do you think?

 

    

 

Jim Iyke & Nadia Buari Cozy Up in Cape Coast, Ghana

Aww…Love so sweet.

Nollywood star Jim Iyke just shared an intimate shot with his lady love Nadia Buari in Cape Coast, Ghana. The pair were all smiles in white as they posed for a shot.

Ghollywood star Nadia rocked a pretty white-and-black polka dot dress, a black hat and dark shades, while the Nollywood big screen bad boy kept it simple in a white shirt, white shorts, a brown fedora hat and dark shades.

Since it is the year of celebrity engagements, should we be expecting an announcement from Jim and Nadia anytime soon? 

 

Nollywood Star Oge Okoye goes Blonde

It certainly looks like blondes have the most fun
…or at least that’s what Oge is making us believe.
Over the weekend, Nollywood star Oge Okoye decided to switch up her look; opting for long blonde locks.

    

You’re Invited to the Créativité “Private Shopping Exhibition” | Saturday 5th October 2013

For the third year in a row and by popular demand, the 3rd edition of Creativite – “Private Shopping Exhibition” is set to hold in October.
The exhibition will be bigger this year and will showcase even more creativity. A select number of participants are repeat features, but they are also looking to sign on new creativity this year.
One of the key attractions will be the ‘glam section‘ where the ladies can get a makeover with Dainty Affairs Makeovers and be photographed by TM Ilori, with photos to go.
Admission is free but will be by invitation.
There will be goody bags for the first 25 guests to arrive.
Are you interested in sponsorship, showcasing your creativity or securing an invite? Kindly call 08074015213, 07081811978 or 08051463944 for all the necessary details.
Date: Saturday 5th October 2013
Time: 12 Noon – 7 PM
Venue: The Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos

    

 

First Photos from the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards in New York City – Rita Dominic, Iyanya, Olamide & More

Rita Dominic in House of Nwocha

The 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards took place yesterday Sunday 1st September 2013 at the NYU Skirball Performing Art Center, New York City, USA.
Just before we bring you all the official photos and full list of winners from the show hosted by Basketmouth, check out all the first shots of some of your favourite stars.

Juliet Ibrahim

Iyanya, Emma Nyra & Ubi Franklin

Olamide & Phyno

Sean Tizzle

Kendra Etufunwa & Rita Dominic

DJ Spinall

Emma Nyra’s On Stage Look

 

    

Pictures from Stephanie Okereke hubby's surprise birthday party.

Stephanie Okereke threw a surprise, (yes another surprise lol) birthday party for her husband Idahosa Linus on a boat. Family, friends and her colleagues, including Uche Jombo and Kate Henshaw were at the party. More photos when you continue..

 

Police Declare Amaechi's ADC Deserter

The Rivers State Police Command has declared the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Governor Chibuike Amaechi, Seimeikumo Debewari (acting ASP), a deserter, following his failure to report to the command or police headquarters since July 10.
This came as the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, dissociated himself from his posters being posted in the streets of Bori, headquarters of Khana local government area of the state.
The police in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Administration), Augustine Sanomi, Monday on behalf of the commissioner, said Debewari had also been withdrawn as ADC to Amaechi.
The statement said: "The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that AP/No. 100659, acting ASP Seimeikumo Debewari, who has ignored all lawful directives to see the commissioner of police or the Inspector General of Police, has not been seen either in Rivers State command or at the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja since July 10, 2013.
"His whereabouts is currently unknown to the Nigeria Police Force. Consequently, he ceases to be the ADC to the Rivers State governor.
"As the commissioner of police, Rivers State Command and by the powers conferred on me by section 398 (1) of the Police Act and Regulation Cap 359, Laws of the federation of Nigeria 1990, the officer is hereby declared a deserter from the Nigeria Police Force subject to the approval of the Inspector General of Police."
In another development, Wike has said he had no hand in his posters that have surfaced in Bori for his alleged governorship contest for Rivers State in 2015.
A statement issued by his Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, the minister maintained that he had no hand in the posters and that it was the handiwork of political enemies to discredit him.
He said: "We want to reiterate that such action is a deliberate ploy by enemies of the Honourable Minister of State to destroy his well earned reputation and to cause disaffection between him and the people of the area.
"The Honourable Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, therefore dissociates himself from such ugly development, describing the circulation of posters with his photograph and name in the area as another failed attempt by the Amaechi  administration to deceive Rivers people."

UBA Announces Project Alpha, New Executive Appointments

United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), the Pan-African bank with operations in 19 countries on the continent, New York, London and Paris, has announced the launch of Project Alpha - the group's new focus for strategic transformation.
UBA has for eight years executed a dedicated strategy of local, regional and global expansion, the implementation of which has seen the group transform from a national player to an institution of international prominence.
Project Alpha is a three-year road map of key transformation initiatives, designed to consolidate the group's strategic positioning and fully exploit the burgeoning opportunities from Africa's economic renaissance and the group's unique platform.
Project Alpha is focused on leveraging all aspects of the group's footprint, product offerings and operational capability, allowing a commitment to customer service transformation, market share growth, the implementation of key e-banking initiatives across all segments, the growth of corporate and trade finance capabilities and significant investment in human capital - represented by a workforce of over 25,000 people.
In this regard, a series of senior executive hires underlines the group's commitment to Project Alpha: Mr. Apollos Ikpobe has been appointed the Deputy Managing Director, Domestic Bank and Ms. Obi Ibekwe as Executive Director, Human Resources and Customer Service.
Both appointments have been  approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Ikpobe, who until recently was an Executive Director of Zenith Bank, a position he held for seven years, brings over 21 years experience in the Nigerian banking sector to UBA.
He will be responsible for driving UBA's domestic business in Nigeria. His appointment complements the role of the existing Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, responsible for Resources and Treasury.
The new Executive Director, Human Resources and Customer Service, Ms. Ibekwe, had a distinguished career with Zenith Bank Plc, where she was responsible for Human Resource Management, Customer Services, as well as Credit Risk Management.
She has a background in consulting, banking and customer service, critical for leading the renewed service excellence culture at UBA. Her appointment to the board brings to five, the number of female directors on the group board of UBA.

Nigerian Music Stars Coasting High

                                  

This is the second half of the year and several music stars are increasing the tempo to ensure they end the year on a good 'musical' note. Some started fairly good at the beginning of the year; some started quite poorly while some have been going stronger by the day. In all, 2013 must end well for them as OLUSOLA OLUJIDE AYODELE unveils
Olamide
Badoo, as he is popularly referred to, has risen very fast to become one of the most sought after Hip-Hop artistes in Nigeria. He has been dropping hits from the beginning of the year till now. First was a monster hit which created a lot euphoria and esctascy with fans. The song generated so much on the airwave that telecomms giants, Etisalat, used it for one of their adverts. The song equally popularised some slangs such as 'Are you a learner?' He featured the energetic Koko master, D'banj, on the remix of the song.
However, he didn't drop his guard with that song, feeling he has achieved. He went further and gave his teeming fans more reasons to swam all over him. He dropped more songs such as 'Durosoke' On Sunday July 14, 2013; Olamide was recognised as the best rap artiste of the year. It is an award given to him by City People Entertainment. Olamide is one of the most sought after artistes in Nigeria and he commands a fee of a million naira to feature in any music.
P-square
Peter and Paul Okoye have been in the game for years. They have been able to remain in the minds of their fans simply because they keep churning out excellent music with lovely beats. They really studied what fans want and can't simply decide to fail to keep fans asking for more. They came onto the scene with songs like Bizzy Body and have never looked back. In fact, the very first song ever from them was Igbedu before releasing Bizzy Body. Despite the controversies surrounding them regarding their music which critics say are modelled on western music, they have never failed to reveal that the legandary Micheal Jackson is their inspiration and have won so many awards. Their latest single 'Personally' was dedicated to the memory of the icon. An album was released this year called 'The Greatest Hits'. The album is composed of "No One Like You", "Do Me", "Chop My Money", "Beautiful Onyinye", "E No Easy", "Danger", "Ifunanya", "Temptation", and "Bizzy Body". It also includes one new song entitled "Alingo". Wizkid
The 2013 City People Nigeria/Ghana Entertainment Awards Musician of the Year (Male), Wizkid is never far away from limelight. From the beginning of the year till now, Wizkid whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun and also known with stage names Star Boy, The Pop Prince of Africa, Wizzy has worked with lots of acts, within the country as well as foreign acts. His first album, 'Superstar' was released in 2011 and is currently working on releasing a mix tape this year. However, he has been dropping hit singles like Jaiye Jaiye featuring Femi Kuti; 'Beat of life (Samba) which won the Hottest Single of the Year from the Nigerian Entertainment Awards. He has been featured in several songs and more notably is the song with Nigerian American act, Wale Drop. According to Starboy himself, history is about to be made when he drops his sophomore album with the legendary King Sunny Ade on it. The fans are expectantly waiting for the album. Moreso with KSA featuring in the album and the successful collabo with Femi Kuti. Iyanya
The 'Sexy Mama' crooner simply knows how to keep it going musically. His star began to shine and blossom when he won the 2008 MTN project fame. He hasn't looked back since then. After winning MTN's Project Fame, Iyanya recorded his debut album, 'My Story'. The album showed Iyanya's versatility as an R&B artiste. Sadly, the album was a commercial failure but that didn't dampen his spirits. He looked inwards and saw that people loved Etighi dance (a kind of dance from his native Calabar) and decided to popularise it. This was how the monster hit Kukere came into being. It was a global success. 'Ur waist' was next. Iyanya vs. Desire is the second album released on February 6, 2013, by Made Man Music Group. The 19 track album also featured collaboration from M.I, Wizkid, D'banj, Emma Nyra, Tiwa Savage, Flavour, N'abania, May D, Tekno, and Yung L. One thing is certain, before the year runs out, more singles will be out and keep his fans dancing, whining all the way.

Davido
What else can be said about Davido whose real name is David Adeleke, other than that he is just 'too good' to be ignored. He has proven many times that he is not a fluke by continually dropping singles and producing very 'clean' videos. Despite being relatively young in the music industry, his impact is being felt and it's so huge. As a versatile artiste, Davido is able to adapt to any beat produced by other producers. Just like his contemporaries, Davido has been featured by other artistes and this obviously keeps his brand going. Early this year, he released 'Gobe' which was and is still a club hit. He didn't stop there, rather, went ahead to drop another single 'One of a kind' which is currently making waves. Ice prince
Panshak Henry Zamani's journey into music professionally started in 2004 when he released his debut album 'Extraordinary' and he hasn't looked back since then. In 2010, 'Oleku' was released and at this point, his music career grew in bounds. This, in particular, actually opened up his way to 'superstardom'. He has garnered so many awards in recent times with the 2013 BET International Act (Africa) and 2013 Eggman Best Musician being the latest awards in his cabinet. He has performed in shows across the world. He was the main act at the party of the just concluded Big Brother Africa 8. From 2012 till date, he has released several singles such as Aboki, VIP, More, Aboki remix. However, the four songs are expected to feature on his upcoming studio album, 'Fire Of Zamani', due for a September 7, 2013 release.
Wande Coal
Wande, like most great musicians, started singing in the teenage choir in his church. He got his break in the Nigerian entertainment industry as a dancer. While with the disbanded Mohits records, he played a major role in the released CV (Curriculum vitae) album. His first single of the CV album 'Ololufe' has been described as one of the greatest love songs ever written by a Nigerian. In 2012, following a fallout between record label Executives, Don Jazzy and D'banj, Wande Coal, Dr SID, D'Prince and Tiwa Savage, signed on to Don Jazzy's new record label, 'Mavin Records' but that didn't stop him from doing what he knows best - music. This year alone, he released 'The Kick' which of course doesn't need introduction. It was a song that shook the music industry to its foundations. He went ahead and released other songs such as 'Rotate' and 'Kilaju' which is the latest. D'banj
Dapo doesn't need introduction. He has been in the music industry from 2004 and he is waxing stronger every day. He was signed to Mo'hits records before splitting up and ganging up with international act and rapper, Kanye West. He is currently signed under G.O.O.D music. He has garnered so many awards and he is popular internationally with his song 'Oliver Twist' which was produced by Don Jazzy. A year doesn't and can't go by without him releasing songs and he didn't disappoint. His singles 'Don't tell me nonsense'; 'for example' featuring Kay Switch, his brother ; 'Nous Les Meilleurs (We The Best)" (featuring Fally Ipupa) and "Money On My Mind" (featuring Kay Switch and J.Sol). D'banj is a founder of Koko Foundation for Youth and Peace Development. He is also Nigeria's first United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace and he is a brand ambassador to organisations like Bankof Industry. D'banj is a natural charismatic, energetic and infectious performer that can hold his audience captive for as long as he wants. Without a doubt, D'banj is the 'Koko Master'.
Burna Boy
'Like To Party' is a testament that you can catch a hit record without following the typical music format that rules the airwaves in Nigeria. Burna Boy appeared to have come from nowhere after "Like To Party" became an overwhelming hit all over Lagos and most parts of Nigeria. He has been dropping good music since 2011 and finally caught his biggest hit in 2012. Burna then went on to deliver a quality video for not just his first single off the L.I.F.E album but for his other strong and widely accepted singles such as 'Tonight' and 'Run My Race' which were produced by Aristokrat in-house producer, LeriQ

Banky W
The EME Boss decided to go back into the studio after playing executive role in grooming Wizkid and Skales as solo artistes. Mr W blessed us with two strong singles Yes/No and Good Good Loving and displayed to us the true essence of R&B with his 3rd studio album, R&B which was launched a day after Valentine with a concert tagged the "The Grand Love Concert" which featured several other artistes including Iyanya, Waje and others. The first two singles from the album "Lowkey" and "Yes/No" (which has a spectacular video to it) are receiving rave reviews.
Tiwa Savage
The soul diva of the Nigerian music industry, Ms. Tiwa Savage, who recently got engaged and scored a well-deserved Pepsi endorsement deal in 2012, remains relevant in the music scene and finally released her highly anticipated debut album, 'Once Upon A Time' in 2013. "Eminado" (featuring Don Jazzy) is fast becoming a fan favourite.
KCEE
KCEE, who had dropped two singles 'Okpekete' and 'Give it to Me' featuring Flavour, which were attempts at scoring a hit single, pleasantly surprised all after Limpopo was released in 2013. He successfully gave fans what will probably end up being one of the top three songs of 2013, and followed it up with his new single 'Okoso' which was released recently.

More on This

Artists Set to Define Artistic Identity
TO many, especially parents who discourage their wards from taking visual art as a profession, recent developments … see more »

 

Nigeria: Group Seeks Release of Stowaway Boy From Detention

A group of lawyers under the aegis of De Rauf Volunteer Group yesterday called for the release of Daniel Oikhena, stowaway boy, currently being detained by the Department of State Security Service (SSS).
Oikhena was arrested in Lagos for travelling inside the wheel compartment of an Arik Air plane from the Benin Airport.
The coordinator of the group, Mr Amitolu Shittu, however, told newsmen in Benin that the group was ready to secure the release of the boy from detention.
He said the group led by Mr Yinka Muyiwa would tomorrow meet with the SSS to secure his release.
Shittu decried the continued detention of the boy and appealed to the security agencies to release him without further delay.
He said that the security agencies had enough time to carry out their investigation and urged them not keep the boy longer than necessary.
"They have had enough time to carry out their investigations. We are ready to stand as guarantor to the boy and if the security agencies are not ready to release him, they should charge him to court where we are again ready to defend the innocent boy.
"We believe he is just an innocent child who should not be blamed for the security lapses in the airport.
"The security lapses in Benin Airport have further proved that Nigeria is not secure and so the boy should not be made to suffer unduly."

Nigeria: ASUP May Resume Strike, Says President

Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has threatened to resume a strike action it suspended July 17 due to what it called government's use of "divide and rule" tactics in running tertiary institutions in the country.
ASUP President Comrade Chibuzo Asomugha in a press statement said the union's suspension of its strike was predicated on the understanding that government was to meet certain obligations which it has refused to fulfil till now.
While stressing that the union had "generously" granted government one month, as against the two weeks it demanded, he said two weeks after the expiration of the deadline, the only obligation which government has met in part is the harmonization of the modalities for the migration of the lower cadres of staff, stressing that government has not been able to definitely indicate where the attendant arrears will come from.
Asomugha said other matters which are yet to be settled are completion of the appointment of governing councils in all polytechnics, release of the White Paper on the Visitation to Federal polytechnics, the review of the Federal Polytechnics Act, the commencement of the renegotiation of the FGN/ASUP Agreement due since July 2012, and a Needs Assessment of Nigeria's polytechnics and proper funding of polytechnics.
The union lamented the "unfortunate stance of government in adopting a divide and rule approach to repositioning higher education in the country. Lately, government's whole attention has been focused on the university sector to the total abandonment of the polytechnics and the colleges of  education."
He disclosed that ASUP may be forced to resume its strike if government refuses to fulfil its obligations.

"Marrying Ayo Adesanya was like boarding a 'one-chance' vehicle' ex says

When asked about the lessons he learnt from his relationship with his ex-wife actress Ayo Adesanya, movie producer/cum actor Omogoriola Hassan said marrying Ayo was like boarding a 'one-chance' vehicle. He tells Encomium magazine:"The biggest lesson I learnt was not to trust anyone. The person you trust may eventually disappoint. Then I was the greatest fool but today I am the wisest and happiest. Marrying Ayo then was like boarding a 'one-chance' vehicle. It was like I could never come across a woman I can love like that not knowing I was just being foolish. If not that she had a baby for me, I would have revealed a lot about her. Will just keep them to myself in the interest of our son. But I was agitated when I read that she wants to remove the tattoo on her hand bearing our logo - No Fear. She is free to do but what about the one on her ass where my name was written bold, Omogoriola Hassan? How is she going to remove that? That is stupid of her. If at all you don't like someone again, that doesn't mean you need to go to that extent. But believe me she's still thinking about me because if she's not she wouldn't be thinking about removing my tattoos on her body

Nuella Njubigbo Jets To America On Vacation [Pictures]

Information reaching us from some tale-bearers in the industry confirms that Nollywood actress, Nuella Njubigbo has jetted out to the United States of America (USA) on vacation.

We were told that the actress recently left the shores of the country to relax in Uncle Sam's land after having hectic schedules in Nigeria on some movie locations.

Recall that Nuella was alleged to have cornered a businessman who took her to a state governor as a bait to get the governor's approval for a proposal. It was then further alleged that the expensive car Nuella claimed to have bought was actually courtesy of the said state governor.

Nuella was also accused to have wrecked Tchidi Chikere's marriage, all allegations she has vehemently denied.

Funke Adesiyan Battles To Save Career Over N80k Debt Mess

Like they say, 'it takes a while to build a reputation, but it only takes a second to crumble it if care is not taken.' This illustration might eventually work for popular and controversial Yoruba actress, Funke Adesiyan if care is not taken with the situation she has found herself in at the moment. This is because the light-skinned tribal-marked actress is presently battling to save her career from crumbling like a glass because of an alleged N80,000 debt mess she in embroiled in. Few days ago, there were reports that she is owing a Lagos-based estate agent the sum of N80,000 for helping her get a rented apartment in Lekki area of the state. The news hit her in the wrong place that we heard she is running helter skelter trying to nip the crisis in the bud. In the earlier report, she denied owing the man but claimed that the man was only trying to dent her image after she refused to employ the estate agent as her gateman after she got the said house. A source who claimed to be in the know of the dealings told Nigeriafilms.com that Funke allegedly refused to pay the man the said amount even after her 'lover' promised to offset the bill. Nigeriafilms.com called Funke to get her side of the story, but our conversation with her wasn't clear and she advised we send her an SMS. As the call dropped, we immediately sent the text message to her on Monday, August 5, 2013 at 2:51pm, but as at Thursday, August 8, 2013, she was yet to reply our message. We made another call on Thursday evening, this time, a lady, who claimed to be her PA, spoke to us and said Funke was on set. We insisted on speaking with the actress and reminding her of the SMS we sent to her on Monday. Her PA promised to tell her about our call and get back to us. But as at the time of writing this story, 9:03 am on Friday, we were yet to hear from the actress.