Lecturers @ American University of Nigeria earn $1m monthly

American lecturers at the American University of Nigeria, owned by the former vice-president and now presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, earn one million dollars per month.


This was disclosed by Abubakar, at the second National Joint Education Stakeholders Action Coalition held in Abuja on Thursday.


According to him under the salary was part of the negotiations that he had with an American university in Washington D.C in the United States before it allowed the lecturers to come to Nigeria.


Atiku said, "Today I do not derive one kobo from all the investments I have made in education. Rather, in the university I still continue to pay the American lecturers one million dollars every month because the school fees that they are charging are not even enough to fuel the generators that they are running because the university was built to American standard. Because I have a special agreement with the American university in Washington, managing the university and everything I do must conform to American standard."

Courtesy:the punch

Avatar sequels get confirmed release dates

The first sequel to blockbuster hit Avatar will be released in December 2014 with a second to follow 12 months later, 20th Century Fox has announced.

James Cameron will start writing the scripts early next year and said the films will be "self-contained stories that also fulfil a greater story arc". "We will not back off the throttle of Avatar's visual and emotional horse-power," the director continued. Avatar has earned $2.77 billion (£1.76 billion) at the global box office. It holds for the record for the highest-grossing film ever, having exceeded Titanic's international takings of $1.84 bn ( £1.16 bn) in January. Like the first film, the Avatar sequels will be set on the distant moon of Pandora and will be shot in 3 D.

Cameron, 56, has yet to decide whether he will make the films separately or back to back. In a news release, the Oscar-winning director said the Avatar sequels would "continue to explore its themes and characters, which touched the hearts of audiences in all cultures around the world".

THIS PINGING SHIT!!

Before i got mine, everywhere i went it was always blackberry this, blackberry that. It was all so irritating to me. It got to a point that hearing the name "blackberry" for whatever reason made me nauseous. Adding salt to pepper, when i and my friends engage in very serious gists i subconsciously notice the sudden hush of some of them like they had gone mute, then surprisingly they start chuckling, some even roar with laughter. I then think to myself "have they gone bananas?" without further ado i ask what their problems are and the reply i get is: "this person wey i dey ping dey bust my head". This makes me go red in rage but without agitating, i hiss it all off and say to myself what the hell is it with all this blackberry drama. After being forced publicly to know much about it against my wish especially with much display of the device from ladies, i opted for one. Ever since my life has not remained the same. Using one gave me a new perspective of the old saying "na who wear shoe no where e dey pinch am". I must say the makers of this phone are tear tear my skull. Apart from making the world less than a global village, the trips you catch from pinging, browsing and listening to music all at once is off the hinges. The downloads and applications at your disposal could make you go wild. Even for all those sharp boys that love to keep in touch with their babes, the blackberry internet service has made communication easier and free since all you need to do to talk, and listen to your sweetheart's voice if you can't call is to send voice notes (that's if she has one o!). I must comment that the blackberry virus is officially the most virulent cos' once it hits you, you'll go all BLACK 'n' BERRY. The BB flu is widespread and is still spreading rapidly. In the world of distractions, it has occupied the number 1 spot, displacing the television and some girlfriends. The pinging technology has cut the cost of making few seconds calls to ask frivolous questions (why call when you can ping). As a bad guy if you want to meet a babe, the BB apart from boosting your swag, also helps you cut the chit chat and convincing that it takes to get the girl's nos, all you have to do is collect her pin. For all you immoral users that see the BB as a tool for dirty acts you will be charged to the BB court of law. Its official from now on my guys make una no vex but 'No BB No friendship' and my girls 'No BB No........' I pray ooo. I could go on and on but i bet you get my drift. To all those seasonal pingers please go and pay for your BIS, its worth it................. If you want to reach me, just ping.

Ayo Babatunde

Kunle wins GUS 7

Oyekunle Oluremi is certainly one of the happiest man on earth right now.The 23-year-old dude is now a millionaire after winning the Gulder Ultimate Search 7.


On Thursday afternoon, the Omo Forest, Ogun State, venue of the show witnessed the battle among the three finalists: Adeleke, Atiku and Kunle, to determine who would win the 2010 edition of the GUS, where 12 contestants started the search for the Ultimate Hero.


"Am I the Ultimate Hero? Am I dreaming? Ah! Ah! I am the last man standing," were all Kunle could scream, having realised that he had beaten two others to pick the N7m and a brand new Sports Utility Van among other freebies as the first prize of the GUS 7.


After unhooking his bundled plates and constructing his boxes, the winner ran wildly to the beam; took his machete, set his three boxes, climbed over the boxes, cut the rope that tied the bridge to the beam; ran across it like a wild cat and picked the pole.


He jumped inside the champion spot and hoisted the pole with the champion's flag.He just couldn't believe it.
Congrats to him

Join Uti @ MMA by 8pm

Information reaching me is that there will be a surprise welcome for Uti Nwachukwu;winner of the BBA Allstars by his family, friends, and well wishers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport today Thursday 21st of Oct by 8pm.so catch ur bus or flight to Lasgidi and join the party...u may get a fair share of the 200 dolls..wink

Beyonce not pregnant-Mum

Beyonce's mother has gone on US television to deny reports that her daughter is expecting her first child.


The singer, 29, who is married to rapper Jay-Z, was said to be shocked but pleased about her pregnancy .

But her mother Tina Knowles told The Ellen DeGeneres Show: "It's not true".

On a preview clip posted on website TMZ, Ellen asked her: "The rumours are that Beyonce is pregnant. Are you going to be a grandmother again?"

Tina responded: "I heard that but I'm here to clear the rumours up."

She joked: "The truth is that it's not Beyonce that's pregnant. It's me."

She added: "I'm kidding. I'm 56. No, no, it's not true, not right now. I'm looking forward to it. With all the rumours by now I'd have about five or six grandchildren."

Charly boy and Denrele;what the hell is this?

Both these Wierdos have been highly suspected, Over and Over again...

Their sexuality have been questioned and both of them are said to be really fond of each other.

Derenle Specifically has maintained that he is a straight dude and that he really likes girls.

Well, Bright and Early this morning,these pictures were leaked and I really wonder wot it is all about....

CAN SOMEONE PLS TELL ME???

Fayemi becomes new Ekiti state governor

Ekiti State governor, Segun Oni, has been relieved of his job as the federal appeals court rules this afternoon in Ilorin that his opponent and Action Congress governorship candidate in the 2007 election, Kayode Fayemi was the rightful winner of the election.

The court, ruling on a legal challenge to a rerun election held in the state last year, cancelled the result of voting in Ido Osi and Ifaki, saying these were concocted. The 8000 votes were then deducted from the PDP result - thus handing over victory to the Action Congress candidate.

The judges lampooned INEC and Police's handlings of the 2007 and 2009 elections in the state.

Source:234next.com

"I will stop working when I have money" ; 82 year old canoe operator

An 82-year-old canoe operator, Mr. Wahide Peremule, who said he had been paddling canoe since 1955 said he would not quit the job until he had enough money.

Peremule, one of canoe operators ferrying residents living around Agiliti area in Agboyi Ketu Local Government Development Area of Lagos, told PUNCH METRO said it was proceeds from paddling canoe and hewing of wood that he used to pay the bride price of his wife.

"I will quit paddling canoe as soon as I have enough money so that I can go and retire in my home town in Rivers State," he said.

The octogenarian, who looked energetic and showed dexterity as he paddled some victims of the floods, said he was not bothered by competition from young canoe operators, adding that paddling canoe also required experience.

Born in 1928, Peremule said despite his age, he could still paddle canoe to a long distance and could ferry four passengers at a time.

Peremule, who said he was used to long voyage, added that he made N1,000 daily but could make N2,000 when "business is good."

He said, "I am not a happy man. They demolished my house and I was not given any money to build another house. Where will I stay now? I do not have any place to stay. I am squatting at Maidun. I am married and have four children and a grandchild. Some of my children are still in school. They do not like the job I do. In fact, this is not a good job. I do not like it.

"If I get another job, I will leave it immediately. However, I am in this job to make money and also because canoe paddlers are not many, residents and visitors will suffer as there is no other means of transportations to and from the town."

Culled from the punch newspapers

...OMG is this not pathetic....when am thinking of retiring at 42.....@ 82,he is still thinking of makin money.....when then is he gonna spend it???

Quote of the day

Hi guys,av not been feeling fine for some time now...so I decided to take solace in the words of a renowned Author and Poet......Henry David Thoreau who said....

"It is healthy to be sick sometimes"....

Does this really make sense to you?....Lemme have ur comments pls

Pic of d day!

This is my new bed...got it some days back...since then I av been bed ridden...I guess d reason is pretty obvious....lol...I pray o!

We did it the Chilean way!!

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has spoken of his pride and gratitude following the successful rescue of the 33 trapped miners.

At a news conference just minutes after the final man was hoisted up, Mr Pinera thanked the miners for showing "companionship, solidarity, teamwork and unshakable faith".

He said those values and sentiments would "stay engraved in the deepest parts of our hearts".

"They have given us an example of nobility and greatness that I hope will inspire us.

"When I saw them emerge they were so happy because they were experiencing a kind of rebirth, and this country is more united and stronger than before."

Shift foreman Luis Urzua, 54, was the last miner to reach the surface, the climax of a rescue mission which has gripped the world.

After being embraced by the president, Mr Urzua told told him: "I hand over my shift - I hope this never happens again.

"To our rescuers, to all of Chile and all of the people, I am proud of living in this country."

Mr Pinera replied: "I receive your shift and you have done your duty, coming out last as a good captain will always do.

"I feel proud of each and every one of the 33 miners because they have given an example of courage and loyalty."

Mr Pinera told reporters that as a result of the event, Chile was a "more respected" country.

"People now know more about this small country. It's a country that is able to fight against adversity - to unite with strength, faith and hope.

"I'm very proud to have the privelege and responsibility to be the president of Chile in a year of adversity."

Mr Pinera went on to say the rescue effort was an "inspiring experience" for Chile as well as the world, adding: "We did it in the Chilean way, we did it well."

Edo Language now compulsory in Edo schools

To ensure that Edo does not become extinct, the language is to be made a compulsory subject at the primary and junior secondary levels in the state, Permanent Secretary of the ministry of education, H. Iyawe said yesterday.

Speaking at the matriculation ceremony of 300 Edo language trainee teachers at the College of Education, Ekiadolor, Benin, Mrs Iyawe, who represented the state commissioner for education, Ngozi Osarenren, said Edo Language has also been approved as a school certificate subject at the senior secondary school level.

She commended the Benin Cultural Heritage Centre (BCHC), which provided the scholarship for the students, for collaborating with the College of Education to run the special Edo language programme designed to raise the necessary manpower for teaching the subject.

She assured that at the end of the training, the students would be employed by government and deployed to schools.

....Edo Language for WAEC!...Nawa o

Women's 100m champion fails doping test

The Nigerian's sample contained the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine, which was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) list of banned substances for the first time this year.

The 24-year-old's suspension was extended after a hearing on Monday and she will keep her gold medal until after her B sample is tested.

"(The) B Sample result is expected within 48 hours from the time of the request so further details are not expected until Wednesday morning," said a Games Federation statement.

Oludamola took gold after Australian Sally Pearson, who crossed the line first in Thursday's race, was disqualified for a false start three hours after the finish.

Natasha Mayers, who crossed the line third in the blue riband sprint to take St Vincent and the Grenadines' first athletics medal, will be elevated to gold medallist if Oludamola is stripped of the title.

Cecilia Ibru bags 6mnths in jail

Cecilia Ibru, the former managing director of Oceanic Bank PLC, is to spend six months in jail and forfeit over N150 billion naira in assets and cash.

The former managing director was convicted of bank and securities fraud earlier today by a federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by Justice Dan Abutuin .

The judge said Mrs. Ibru will not get one month credit for time already spent in EFCC custody during her arrest and interrogation. Her six months jail time would run concurrently. She was convicted on several counts of bank and security fraud.

Mrs. Ibru has vast assets throughout the world and some of the properties at stake include:

1. Good Shepherd House, IPM Avenue , Opp Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos (registered in the name of Ogekpo Estate Managers)

2. Residential block with 19 apartments on 34, Bourdillon Road , Ikoyi (registered in the name of Dilivent International Limited).

3. 20 Oyinkan Abayomi Street, Victoria Island (remainder of lease or tenancy upto 2017).

4. 57 Bourdillon Road , Ikoyi.

5. 5A George Street , Ikoyi, (registered in the name of Michaelangelo Properties Limited),

6. 5B George Street , Ikoyi, (registered in the name of Michaelangelo Properties Limited).

7. 4A Iru Close, Ikoyi, (registered in the name of Michaelangelo Properties Limited).

8. 4B Iru Close, Ikoyi, (registered in the name of Michaelangelo Properties Limited).

9. 16 Glover Road , Ikoyi (registered in the name of Michaelangelo Properties Limited).

10. 35 Cooper Road , Ikoyi, (registered in the name of Michaelangelo Properties Limited).

11. Property situated at 3 Okotie-Eboh, SW Ikoyi. 12. 35B Isale Eko Avenue , Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi.

13. 38A Isale Eko Avenue , Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi (registered in the name of Meeky Enterprises Limited).

14. 38B Isale Eko Avenue , Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi (registered in the name of Aleksander Stankov).

15. Multiple storey multiple user block of flats under construction 1st Avenue , Banana Island , Ikoyi, Lagos , (with beneficial interest therein purchased from the developer Ibalex).

16. 226, Awolowo Road , Ikoyi, Lagos (registered in the name of Ogekpo Estate Managers).

17. 182, Awolowo Road , Ikoyi, Lagos , (registered in the name of Ogekpo Estate Managers)

18. 12-storey Tower on one hectare of land at Ozumba Mbadiwe Water Front, Victoria Island .

19. 5, Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos (registered in the name of Casi Properties & Investment Ltd).

20. 18A, Adetokubo Ademola Street , Victoria Island, Lagos (registered in the name of Casi Properties & Investment Ltd).

21. 270, Ozumba Mbadiwe , Victoria Island, Lagos (registered in the name of Casi Properties & Investment Ltd)

22. 270, Ozumba Mbadiwe , Victoria Island, Lagos (registered in the name of Ogekpo Estate Managers Limited).

23. 15,000 square metres of land at Okunade Water Front, Lekki Peninsula .

24. 7,000 square metres of land at Okunade Water Front, Lekki Peninsula – (registered in the name of Melake Properties Limited).

25. 8,000 square metres of land at Okunade Water Front, Lekki Peninsula – (registered in the name of (Casi Properties Limited). 26. 1,000,000 square metres of land in Lekki.

27. 101 hectares of land along Lekki Expressway behind Chevron Nigeria .

28. 103 hectares of land bought from Dom Gas

29. Plot 5, Igbo-Efon, Off Lekki/Ajah Expressway, Victoria Island, Lagos by 1004 (registered in the name of Casi Properties & Investment Ltd)

30. Block 6, Flat 1 &2, Femi Okunnu H/Scheme Phase IV- Lekki (registered in the name of Oceanic Homes Savings & Loans Ltd)

31. One storey building at 50 Marina , Lagos .

32. 10 storey building at 60 Marina , Lagos .

33. 60, Marine View, Apongbon, Marina , Lagos (registered in the name of Dele Oye & Associates)

34. 10, Sobo Arobidu Street , Ikeja, GRA (registered in the name of Jeedab Fibre Limited).

35. Property at 10A Sobo Arobiodu Street , Ikeja (registered in the name of Chiaroscuro Limited).

36. AP Filling Station (Beside Former Hotel Bobby) Onipanu Lagos , (registered in the name of Vivi Oil Investments Limited).

37. Building at 154, Ikorodu Road , Lagos (registered in the name of Casi Properties & Investment Ltd).

38. Ilemba Hausa Road , Ajamgbadi, Lagos (registered in the name of Vivi Oil & Gas Company Limited).

39. Land at Iyana Ipaja Round About, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos , (registered in the name of Vivi Oil Investments Limited).

40. Building at 7, Randle Road , Apapa, Lagos , (registered in the name of Ogekpo Estate Managers Limited)

41. Block 34, Flat 6, LSDPC Housing Estate, Ebute-Metta Lagos (registered in the name of Ogekpo Estate Managers Limited)

42. Three residential towers at Port Harcourt , GRA. 43. 22 Sani Abacha Way, Port Harcourt, GRA (registered in the name of Velvox Investment Company Limited).

44. Metro Plaza Building , 991/992 Zakari Maimalari Street , Central Area, Zone 5, Abuja , (registered in the name of Abinof Food Company Limited).

45. The 4 Floor Building at Herbert Macaulay Way , Wuse Zone 6, Abuja (registered in the name of Casi Properties and Investment Ltd).

46. Metro Plaza Building, ANNEXE B, Zakariya Maimalari Street, Cadastral Zone, AOO, C.B.D, Abuja (registered in the name of MST Properties West Africa Ltd).

47. Flats 1-4, Block D33, Abuja Games Village , Abuja (registered in the name of Convent Trade & Services Limited).

48. Block D33 (Flat 1-4) Games Village , Abuja (registered in the name of Casi Properties and Investment Ltd).

49. Block B40, Flat 5 & 6, Zone 3, Gymnastic Games Village (registered in the name of Oceanic Homes Savings & Loans Limited).

50. Executive Guest House, 4 bedroom Bungalow, Ndanuba Street , Maitama, Abuja (registered in the name of Ogekpo Estate Manager Limited). 51. Executive Guest House, Ali Akilu Crescent , Asokoro, Abuja , (registered in the name of Ogekpo Estate Managers Limited).

51. 29 Real estates in Dubai

52. Seven residential properties in Dubai

53. 15 Real Property in South Africa

54. Other properties in London, England

55. Abridged Shares In listed Nigerian Companies without limitation

Source: 234next.com

Hidden dangers of bad breath

It can spoil more than your social life

Bad breath will kill your social life, so it's reasonable that you should figure out what may be causing it. Some causes, like spicy foods, are easy to fix, but others may well point to something more serious.

But let's take this step by step.

How do you know you've got bad breath? Well, people may be keeping their distance, but may be too polite to tell you the real reason.

If you're lucky, someone will be direct, but failing that, you can lick your wrist and smell your saliva - if it stinks, your breath probably does too.

Ok, so you've got bad breath. Let's look at the possible causes.

SMOKING

Are you a smoker? Smoking, aside from the many other obvious ways in which it is bad for you, will make your breath smell of stale smoke. It will also irritate your gums and may increase your risk of gum disease, which can also cause bad breath.

Solution? Stop smoking.

FOOD

Next is food. If you like your garlic and onions raw, you'll just have to choose between this particular passion and decent breath. Alcohol and coffee also affect your breath, but fortunately you can get rid of your bad breath by limiting your intake.

Solution? Watch what you eat and drink.

Keep in mind that eating infrequently, or dieting can also cause bad breath. This is also the case if you're not eating carbohydrates. There, eat that croissant without guilt - it's good for your breath.

HYGIENE

Of course, if you're casual about keeping your mouth clean, no amount of cutting down on garlic will be of help. The old "I'll brush in the morning" routine doesn't really cut it.

Your mouth is full of bacteria which cause plaque, gum disease and dental decay.

When the bacteria are mixed with saliva and food trapped between your teeth, a bad odour ensues. The bacteria can also reside on your tongue, which will also impact your bad breath.

Solution? Obviously, floss and brush, at least twice a day. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and take your time to clean the teeth and scrape the tongue.

You can also rinse with anti bacterial mouthwash, though this does not replace brushing your teeth, no matter what your friends tell you. Visit a dentist.

GUM DISEASE

So, after reading this article you've been diligent and keeping away from the garlic and brushing furiously, but the bad breath persists?

Well, you might have gum disease or dental decay. This is something that should immediately be addressed by your dentist.

MEDICAL PROBLEMS

Though this is rare, your bad breath could actually indicate a medical condition.

For instance, your mouth might not be producing enough saliva, or you could have an infection in your lungs, throat or nose. The bad breath could also indicate you have diabetes, liver or kidney problems, or that you suffer from heart burn.

If you've been diligent about your oral cleanliness and the bad breath persists, see your GP.

And if you're not quite concerned enough yet, here is something that will make you brush as soon as you're done with this article.

Recent studies have confirmed that poor oral hygiene can actually increase your risk of heart attack.

This is because poor hygiene can lead to bleeding gums, which provide bacteria with a route into the bloodstream, where they can initiate blood clots leading to heart disease.

Culled from Yahoo news

Hope rises for NFF

The Confederation of African Football confirmed on Friday it had told the match officials for Nigeria's fixture against Guinea in Conakry to travel for the game in the expectation that the suspension would be lifted.

A spokesman told Reuters they were awaiting word from FIFA, who on Monday suspended the west African country from international competition.

The Guinea Football Federation said it had received faxed instructions from the CAF to continue with preparations for Sunday's Group B qualifier, according to local media.

Nigeria were suspended after weeks of political intrigue in a battle to control the country's football affairs following a disappointing World Cup showing.

FIFA said the ban, which effectively halts all international contact, had come after court actions prevented Nigerian Football Federation officials from "exercising their functions and duties" and after interference from the country's Sports Minister and National Sports Commission.

"The suspension will be maintained until the court actions have ceased and the duly elected NFF Executive Committee is able to work without any interference," said Monday's statement from world football's governing body.

Since then, a court bid that sought to nullify recent federation election results has been withdrawn and the NFF's acting general secretary, Musa Amadu, has been reinstated in his job.

Nigeria's team have continued with their preparations for the Nations Cup qualifier but acting coach Austin Eguavoen said he and the players were unhappy with the situation.

FIFA have not yet provided an update on discussions over Nigeria's ban.

Abstinence from sex;key to my Longevity-Centenarian Virgin

Britain's oldest virgin has celebrated her 107th birthday  - and put her longevity down to her abstinence.

Proud Clara Meadmore has never had sex because she was 'too busy' for intimate relationships, which seemed like 'a lot of hassle'.

Clara knew she would remain single from the age of 12 and abstained as a young woman to concentrate on earning a living.

The retired secretary said sex meant marriage during her youth in the 1920s and 1930s and she wasn't interested in settling down.

She has now reached her 107th birthday and marked the milestone by holding a small party with friends at the Perran Bay nursing home in Cornwall.

Clara, of Truro, Cornwall, also received a card from the Queen and celebrated with a drop of wine - from her favourite beaker.

Speaking on her birthday in 2008, Clara revealed that she was proud of the fact she remained a virgin.

She said: 'People have asked whether I am a homosexual and the answer is no. I have just never been interested in or fancied having sex.

I imagine there is a lot of hassle involved and I have always been busy doing other things.

'I've never had a boyfriend - I've never been bothered about relationships. When I was a girl you only had sex with your husband and I never married.

Pic of the day

See Naija......I just hope this is not SSCE they are writing

Nigerian Idol begins auditions this October 2010. The schedule is as follows:

Enugu, 9th and 10th of October 2010–The Universal Hotel
Abuja, October 15th and 16th–The Nicon Luxury Hotel
Calabar, October 22nd and 23rd–Cultural Centre
Lagos, October 29th, 30th and 31st– Within D Box studios, 1 Bamako Street opposite Omole Phase 1 gate

WHO WILL DELIVER US FROM ALCOHOL?

Shayo na bastard; that's what i and most of my alcohol dependent friends say after an awesome night of binge drinking. Recounting all the fun and excitement we must have had the previous night, we often make jest of ourselves and in the end laugh it off. This drink of old, which is closely linked to human tradition and genealogy is what scientists have termed ethanol, but to we that consume it, we prefer to be spared all that detail. Some of its effects as we know are euphoria, sexual arousal, reduced alertness, urinary frequency, increased bowel habits to mention a few. I wonder what it is about this substance that makes it more expensive than water even more treasured. Despite conscious awareness of its harmfulness (when taken chronically in large quantity) we still crave for it. Alcohol and music are not so distant relatives because they can both be used in celebrations, burials, and various occasions. But unlike music, a man takes alcohol when he wants to relax, when he is heart broken, or in some schools of thought when he wants to make love. Even in times of settling dispute alcohol is often used to pacify aggrieved persons. Some people even prefer giving alcohol in time of need than food. Blame them?! I will not, because alcoholics value alcohol than food and are often very loyal to people that buy for them. Just like football, alcohol brings unity that transcends race, class, creed and colour (during the period of highness). The deepest secrets are shared when people drink. They say the way to a man's heart is through his belly, that secret substance in the belly is obviously 30percent food, 70percent alcohol. Alcohol brings out the innermost feelings in a man, thats why some people drink and start to believe that they are "superheroes". When like minds brainstorm on who actually invented alcohol, we often conclude that it must have been through serendipity judging from its aged history. All the same, i "tuaile" for the discoverers and the refiners of this product, from the local brew to the luxurious spirits and wines. It is one of the inventions of man with unchanging effects over the years and remains one of the most difficult addictions to cure. My biggest problem, is some alcohol devotees turn beer parlours to their homes. While i write this piece, sipping on a glass of red wine and gradually getting under the influence, it is noteworthy to say that i find myself loving liquor more when i strongly decide to quit. Now i understand why, when a friend of mine who promises to quit, says he wants to go and rush a bottle of beer, he comes home drunk.

Ayo Babatunde

HIV-positive muppet to star in Nigeria's 'Sesame Street'

One of America's best-loved children's shows, which began life on a fictional New York street over 40 years ago, is about to land in Nigeria under the title of "Sesame Square" -- bringing with it some distinctly West African twists.

The show stars Kami, a girl Muppet who is HIV-positive, has golden hair and a zest for adventure; and Kobi, an energetic, furry, blue Muppet whose troublesome escapades help others learn from his mistakes.

In a country with a population of over 150 million -- where nearly half are under the age of 14 -- the show will address some of the biggest challenges faced by young people in the region: AIDS, malaria, gender inequality, religious differences -- as well as many positive aspects of Nigerian life.

Wrestler loses Medal for rude gesture @ Commonwealth games

Hassene Fkiri was furious after being disqualified from the gold medal bout in the Greco-Roman wrestling for repeated dangerous play.

Indian media reported that he received three warnings before being disqualified, but was outraged at the decision in front of a boisterous and partisan crowd. Fkiri refused to shake hands with Indian opponent Anil Kumar and raised his middle finger at the judges as he stormed out of the arena in disgust.

The Tunisian-born wrestler would have been handed silver despite his disqualification, but following his gesture he was thrown out of the event completely and lost the medal.

The 36-year-old, who represented Tunisia at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney before switching nationalities, will make a personal apology to officials and his opponent on Wednesday - but it will be too late for him to claim his medal.

"Fkiri will today visit the wrestling venue to personally apologise for his actions to the opponent, referee, judges and officials involved," said Australia team spokesperson John Gatfield.

Following the disqualification South Africa's Kakoma Hugues Bella-Lufu was upgraded from bronze to silver and Canada's Eric Feunekes from fourth to bronze.

INDEPENDENCE SPEECH

‎​It is indeed a time for sober reflections. From Boko Haram killings in the north to militancy in the south, kidnapping business in the east, armed robbery plus unemployment in the west and epileptic power supply plus diseases spanning accross all geographical zones of our richly endowed country. Amidst all this, there is still cause for celebration, though we might be bequeathed with dysfunctional leaders and always bring ethnicity and zoning to the fore of our arguments we are still one all the same and we remain united under the canopy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If u have no reason to celebrate your country at all then you could celebrate your family and personal achievements. So in the spirit of faith and oneness lets clink glasses and make a toast to Nigeria: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE HAPPY NIGERIA LONG LIFE, UNITY AND PROGRESS lies ahead!!!