Wasiu Ayinde goes into active politics

Investigation has revealed that Fuji King, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly called K1 De Ultimate, has perfected plans to contest for an elective position in the 2015 general election.
Information made available to us has it that the Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State born popular fuji Lord has been holding political meetings with strong politicians in the state political circles.
There is no doubt the Arambambi, the 1st will be contesting in 2015, sources said.
It was learnt that this is the reason he has practically relocated to Ijebu-Ode, with the aim of meeting and aligning with political stakeholders in the state.

He was said to have been advised by the former Lagos State Governor and National leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria,ACN, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to move to Ogun State where he would contest for a seat in the House of Representatives on the platform of the yet-to-be-registered All Progressives Congress.

The fuji star has been a major factor in the Action Congress of Nigeria since he was introduced to the party by Tinubu.

NTDC endorses Kollington’s celebration of 50yrs on stage

The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation has indicated its willingness to collaborate with ace fuji artiste, General Kollington Ayinla as he celebrates his 50th anniversary on stage and also launch his music foundation.

The promise was given by the Director-General of NTDC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe when the veteran musician alongside members of his delegation visited the tourism village in Abuja.


Ayila

Otunba Runsewe, speaking during the visit, stated that the fuji General needs to be celebrated as he has undertaken a music career spanning into decades devoid of controversy.

He stressed that “we need to celebrate our best especially those who have contributed immensely to the development of indigenous music genres like fuji and juju.”

He further commended General Kollington for his innovation particularly in his introduction of several local music percussion that have stood the test of time. Runsewe assured Kollington of NTDC’s support for the anniversary and setting up of his foundation.

The event which is slated for April 28th in Lagos will feature greats like King Sunny Ade, Pasuma, Femi Ransomkuti, Ebenezer Obe, Obesere amongst others while top personalities‘ like the governors of Lagos, Osun, Kwara and Ekiti respectively are expected to grace the occasion.

Expressing his gratitude, General Kollington thanked Otunba Runsewe for his kind gesture maintaining that he came to solicit the corporation’s support because tourism, culture and music are related.

Nigerian Actors And Actresses Sleep With Each Other On Movie Location – Actress Moji Olaiya

Nigerian Yoruba actress Mojisola Olaiya popularly called Moji Olaiya has come open in a recent interview
We asked: But do you agree that actors and actresses sleep with each other on location?
Moji Olaiya said: It is possible. Sex is an adult game that requires both parties to agree. Since no one has ever complained of being raped, there should be no complaint about that. Other people in other professions also sleep with each other.

I’m not ashamed of following Onyeka Onwenu’s footsteps – Omawunmi

Just as interesting as her music is, Omawunmi Magbele strikes you like a girl next door. Judging from when she made her debut till date, she has not stopped thrilling her fans with her mind-blowing, soul-stirring songs. It is not for nothing that she is referred to as Onyeka Onwenu of this generation. In this interview with Showtime Celebrity, Omawunmi takes us into her intinery, her music and personal life which she vowed to keep secret from the world. Enjoy!

What have you been up to lately?
I’ve been working very hard towards my forthcoming concert titled “Lasso Of Truth.” It’s about showing the real me, as a mother and an entertainer. My character as a very funny person, the serious side of me, my experiences, my personal and otherwise.

Laso Of Truth is the title of my second album which has already hit the market. The reason behind the title lies in the fact that my first album was titled “Wonder Woman” and people also call me Oma Wonder. So, Laso Of Truth is a golden rope that could go through the fire yet to be indestructible. For every time, like when people heard the song, “If You Ask Me”, they knew what I said in the song was true. All I’m trying to do is make people to connect to the message I’m conveying through my music. Basically, that’s what tomorrow’s concert is all about.

Is it going to be a solo concert?
Yes, it’s basically going to be a solo concert. I may have some music acts like Tuface Idibia, Onyeka Onwenu, Tiwa Savage, Waje, Wizkid, Seyi Shay, Winner of Nigerian Idol, 2012, Mercy, Timaya and Flavour who would be supporting me on that fateful day. We are trying to tell a story with the concert; all of that will be unveiled on that day. But for every time they come on stage, they are coming to do something with me and also, reach out to their fans.

For how long will the concert last on that day?
It’s going to be a three hour concert that will have interludes of comedy. We don’t have an MC. I have a desire to package a never- seen-before- concert. And because we have a long list of artistes, each will be coming on stage to do what they know how to do best. It will be holding at the Oriental Hotel.

Omawunmi

Does it mean you’ll be working with a band?
Yes, I’ll be working with my band members and most of them have been with me since 2009 .

Bringing Onyeka Onwenu on board is fascinating. Is it because people call you Onyeka Onwenu of this age?

I don’t know why but I imitate her character and her person. For her to still be relevant till this age is a path worthy of following. I am not ashamed of following her footsteps. If there were more female singers of her time around, you would have seen them featuring on my show. If you listen to my music you would realize that even those who were born before me appreciate them.. So, the first song I performed was her song and it sounded as if it was Onyeka on stage herself and she was so proud of me. And then, she often calls me to do one or two things with me.

What is the making of the Laso Of Truth album?
The title of my first album Wonder Woman was as a result of someone who used to call me by that name. But with the Laso Of Truth, a lot of things that happen around me found their way into that album. There are a lot of women who stay in a violent marriage and still pretend as if all is well with them. But right inside of them they are dying in pains. So, one of the track, I Go Go is saying that if a man doesn’t love me enough to show me love then, I’ll go. It’s not encouraging women to quit marriages but I understand that if you can’t love yourself then, you can’t love someone else. A lot of women can relate to that song and it’s an example of the Laso of truth.

There’s also another track called Warn Yourself featuring Wizkid. I looked at myself, how can a guy who isn’t my age or my standard walk up to me to ask me for a date. Then, I’ll tell you no, it can’t work, which is also the truth. In our country right now, the situation of things are bad, no checks and balances. Just recently, some people were pardoned for crimes they evidently committed. But who Am I to question the decision of Mr. president. Then, there’s a song in my new album titled, What A Bang-Bang. So, I’m tilting towards the conscious side by preparing our minds for a future reaction because our music will surely live after we have all gone.

How many tracks does the album contain?
It’s a 12- track album.

You sounded as if you are gender sensitive?
There’s nothing wrong with becoming a feminist . But that word is too strong to be used like that. I think everybody should have something they are passionate about. So ,I’m passionate about being a woman.

You must be passionate about getting rid of malaria parasite too ?
Oh yes. There are actually some African countries which are free from malaria parasite.

So, what’s your experience like when you toured those African countries with mortein?
 Last year, we visited the largest maternity hospital in Kenya where a minimum of 200 children were affected by malaria parasite every week. The reason I embraced that campaign is because children from 1-5 years have weaker immune systems. Why must we always fall sick and buy insecticides when we can prevent malaria by keeping our environment clean and using treated nets which is not costly What are your plans with Mortein this year?
Omawunmi

We did a campaign last year. This year, we are going to Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Rivers, Delta to also sensitize women because I found out that Malaria kills more than HIV. It kills a minimum of five children a day in Africa. So that’s why I’m passionate about it. Some people say “we played your song for mosquitoes they didn’t die(laughs).” It’s not about the song but when you listen to it, it makes sense because if we tidy our environment, we will have a malaria free Nigeria . It’s not impossible to do that.

You’re fighting against malaria in one of your songs, If You Ask Me when you talked about insects. Is it that consciousness that is growing in you or for commercial reasons?

If it were for commercial reason then, I wouldn’t’have tilted towards the conscious side. When I carry crosses like these, it’s not just violence against women. I also champion causes for breast cancer, for young people to prepare their mindset, especially in Nigeria. Every average young man wants to well-do . Every young girl wants to date very successful people in our society . However, these are all the social issues I’m championing because as a musician, our mission is to make sure that even if you are saying ten rubbish, say two good ones . Some of our legendary musicians I try to follow their footsteps include late Mariam Makeba, Onyeka Onwenu, Majek Fashek who used to be an activist.

There was a show where you performed and the dress you wore revealed a larger part of your breasts. Was it intentional?

Because I have small shoulders and my breasts are actually beautiful. I tend to wear revealing upper body dresses. But when you are looking into the mirror, you are not as tall as to see how troublesome it could be. That dress has feathers in front of it and before I left my hotel room, I asked someone if the dress was okay and she said yes. So , I wore it to the show and when I was performing at the show, of course, paprazzi took my pictures and they were released, I realised my breasts were practically pouring out of my dress, there was no way I could have put my breasts back .

Going back to where it all started. Statistics show that those who go for talent hunt shows don’t actually make it when they finally get there. Why was your case different?

Everything was in the hands of God. I can’t tell you that I was in the right place at the right time. But I’ll advise young people who are towing that line to understand that they must work hard, take advantage of every opportunity and everybody is important, no matter how little they look. When I first started out, I had a small book where I used to write artistes numbers and I would call them and introduce myself to them, ask them how they went about their work. I asked questions and made sure I was being seen. Lady Gaga didn’t have a pretty face to go with her voice so she had to go controversial.

In Botton Belle, your fans believe you were materialistic ?
I wouldn’t want to join issues with anybody, because I’ve already sang the song.

What message are you trying to convey in Bottom Belle?
That men should appreciate the opposite sex the best way they can.

In a men dominated society like Nigeria, only few strong women like you can hold their own. How did you do it?

That’s why I said, my own case has the hand of God in it. There are so many ways of selling your music. If you put a conscious music to the dance hall, before you realize what’s happening, you already have the attention of the audience. Most times, I approach organisers for shows and I also present my music to them. I don’t just sit and complain that I’m getting shows. I try as much as possible to develop myself to the standard where I know my fans always want me to be.

So what has changed about you since you started?
I’m more matured now than before. My music has also become more matured. I’m also more sensitive because as a younger girl, we were overwhelmed by the youthful exorbiancy. So, in my new album, you would notice that I’m more relax.

But you have your ups and downs?
I don’t like to concentrate on my downs, I can only tell you about the ups.

You’ve been very busy unlike other female artistes, you are married…?
I’m not married

How do you cope with your daughter and your music?
When my daughter was younger, she used to go everywhere with me. My manager even back her sometimes. When I was pregnant, first of all, I had to cool down. Then, after giving birth, I had to understand that my daughter is my priority. So, I re-arranged my rider. Whenever I travel, I have my nanny with me and if I’m performing in a hotel, I must have a room there and my daughter will be there with me. So, when I come down to perform, after that, I go back to my room.

And my mum helped me a lot. She was with me for close to eight months before she took her leave. And my daughter comes from a very big family from her side and her father’s side. So, everybody makes sure she doesn’t lack affection. And when I work for longer time, if I don’t see my daughter for more than three days, I feel guilty and less productive. So, when I’m going for a show more than five days, and outside the country, I beg them to allow me fly with my daughter.
It’s a wonderful experience to be a mother and I’m grateful to God. It has helped me to be more down-earth and I feel my daughter made me to be more responsible.

But don’t you think people are thinking you’ve been hiding the identity of her father?
It’s not as if I’ve been shielding that aspect of my life. I know fans want me to talk about who I am and who I’m sharing my life with but they should understand that as long as I breathe, I will keep my personal life away from my music. Take one because you can’t take all of me. So sometimes I’m aggressive and shun whoever asks me questions about my personal life. But all I’m offering is my music. I never said it one day that I’m offering my life because it’s only Jesus I can offer my life to.

A MUST READ: Celebrities and Their Financial Misfortunes

Over the years in Nigeria, we have seen artiste and sports men who were once living large as a result of their huge income, return to poverty within a decade. We observed that this trend is resurrecting again as some musicians and actors that were seen as comfortable few years back now struggle to feed.
This eye-opening piece will tell you why and how these things happen and what to do...
Legendary singer Dionne Warwick has filed for bankruptcy. In a statement last week, her publicist said the singer’s filing was “due to several consecutive years of negligent and gross financial mismanagement.”

Dionne Warwick’s success began in 1962 with “Don’t Make Me Over,” followed by 18 consecutive Top 100 singles. Her repertoire includes "say a little prayer", "I know I’ll never love this way again" and numerous others. Since she did not write her most famous songs she has not benefited from the significant royalties that songwriters, Burt Bacharach and Hal David did.

Even though the singer has worked for over fifty years and sold over 100 million albums and 30 million singles, it is alarming to read that she, at 72 years old, must continue to work hard and give live performances to keep earning to supplement her income from social security and a pension. Dionne Warwick will always be a legend; she is a truly gifted singer, and she leaves a legacy of some of the world’s greatest music.

This is yet another sorry tale that graphically illustrates the far too common “riches to rags” saga [of celebrities]. There are some common threads that run through the reasons why so many high earning celebrities such as musicians, actors, and sportsmen go broke.

Artistes and sportsmen are particularly vulnerable when it comes to their personal finances as they face unique challenges. When the funds start coming in, many don’t realise that they may be earning a lifetime of income within a relatively short time frame. Careers are often brief and uncertain particularly for sports men and women whose careers can come to an end in their 30s or sooner, and one serious injury could cut short a career overnight. Musicians cannot predict the popularity of their music, and an actress doesn’t know which will be her last role. Unrealistic assumptions about future earnings can cloud judgment when it comes to savings and spending.

Don’t neglect your education. It is very easy when the money starts rolling in to view education as a waste of precious time. This is a huge mistake, as the benefits of education will remain long after a career has ended. Many celebrities shortchange themselves by dropping out of school to pursue their celebrity and many more fail to return to complete their education. By getting a qualification, there is a better chance of being able to earn even when celebrity is waning.

Excessive spending is a reason for celebrities suffering financial misfortune. Regardless of whether you make N500, 000 or N50m a year there is the very real possibility of going broke. One Hollywood star is reported to have had 22 cars, four yachts and 15 expensive homes all over the world some of which he never visited.

Along with their large incomes, celebrities, and some Nigerian stars are no different, maintain enormous overheads that include large homes, managers, agents, stylists, publicists, bodyguards, assistants and hangers-on; they are besieged by family members and friends who regularly require assistance. Some are naïve and as they become very popular they fall victim to those who are willing to pander to their celebrity for financial gain. Members of their entourage constantly surround and insulate them from reality feeding their egos. “Untidy” personal lives are also a common feature with multiple relationships resulting in multiple children and the attendant costs of education and upkeep.

A lack of financial knowledge often makes celebrities vulnerable to business owners, financial advisors, bankers and stockbrokers some of whom may take advantage of them and who are eager to help them “invest” their fortunes. Most have never learned the basics of financial management and end up making poor investments and end up losing millions. One must bear some responsibility for not being more vigilant with one’s finances. It doesn’t matter how much money you make; if it is mismanaged or spent frivolously, it will be gone very quickly.

George Foreman appears to stand out from many sportsmen; he turned professional at 20 and displayed much financial acumen relatively early. He put aside about 25 per cent of what he earned at every fight into a pension plan. In spite of his commitment to investing he did expose most of his assets to significant risk in poor investments losing a fortune.

In later years he was to become wealthier than he ever was during his boxing career. In 1999, he sold his name and image to the manufacturer of George Foreman’s Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine for $137.5 million in cash and stock.

When celebrities are in their earning prime, spending rises to meet income levels. When income falls, it becomes difficult to curb expenses quickly enough either because they cannot break the spending cycle, or because they have already committed to large purchases and cannot meet debt payments. It doesn’t take long for one to be broke if income stops and spending continues. Sometimes one may be in denial and may be unwilling to accept the fact that the lifestyle must change. By limiting expensive fixed costs and overheads, one can adjust a lifestyle for the realities of inconsistent income.

One watches with rapt attention, the exciting growth of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, an increasing crop of outstanding musicians, actors and actresses, comedians, producers and directors, sports men and women. A word of caution is important however.
Artistes and sportsmen must plan for what could be an uncertain future by diversifying earning streams, investing and protecting the large sums of money earned today. Do not be complacent. Whether you are a celebrity or a successful business owner, learn from past examples and protect your future to avoid the well-trodden road from riches to rags

Father Of Former Speaker Dimeji Bankole Impregnates 3 Ladies At The Same Time

Wonders, they say, shall never cease, news broke out that the Ogun State political god father and father of the former Speaker of the Federal House Of Representatives , Dimeji Bankole, Chief Alani Bankole at 71 has impregnated a lady who recently delivered a baby for him.
Many were shocked because of his advanced age, all unanimous in their views about where and how the elder states man should channel his energy, which should be nurturing the older and existing of his off springs rather than making more babies.

Nigeriafilms gathered from close sources that two out of the three women the highly potent Egba High Chief impregnated, two delivered their bundles of joy early this year while the third is due to be delivered of her pregnancy soonest.
Bola Ewebiyi, a 26 years old Business Administration graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, the first amongst the three baby mamas was delivered of a baby girl. Likewise a 33 year old Indigene of Ilaro. They were both said to have delivered a week apart of each other in January

Controversial Adokiye returns with “Love you Better”

Until her controversial semi-nude pose for a United States based tabloid last year, Adokiye Kyrian Yvonne a.k.a Adokiye was relatively unknown in the Nigerian music scene. But today, she has become one of the rising female singers who are charting a new course for the industry.


Adokiye

Last Friday, while many Nigerians indulged in sober reflection, following the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, this sexy diva resorted to giving herself a triple treat. The Afro-pop singer did not only mark her birthday anniversary on that holy day, she equally triples it all with the release of her hit single titled, “Love Better ft Hot sensation Addiction” produced by Baby Rhymsz.

Also, to celebrate with the Aproko, Port-Harcourt based singer, CityFM 1051 held a live party in honour of the controversial singer.

Adokiye

Speaking on her new single, the diva said, ‘’ My song is all about preaching God’s Love and how to love your neighbour. I also want people to say positive things about me, see what I can do and not the negative side of my life. I promise never to disappoint you all.”

Adokiye last year posed semi-nude for a US based tabloid for the sum of $200,000. Her erotic pictures surfaced online, after which she started trending. Her first singles were released in August, last year, one of which featured popular rapper Olamide.

Nollywood Actress, Ebube Nwagbo Acquires N18million Porsche Panamera Car (Photo)

Nigerian actress Ebube Nwagbo has proven beyond doubt that she is a now a big babe.
The actress who got involved in a messy Porsche-Honda controversy on Twitter few weeks ago has finally acquired the luxury car.

In the controversial tweet, Ebube Nwagbo excitedly shared the photo of a Porsche car on her Twitter page but she tagged it 2013 Honda Cross tour.
Confused fans immediately hit her with series of questions, some even called her a village girl for tagging a Porsche car as Honda Cross Tour.
Ebube Nwagbo’s brand new wonder on wheels costs a whopping N18 million.
“It’s here finally!!!Loving my New Toy!!4Eva thnkful Lord!!” – said Ebube via her twitter page.

Mercy Johnson returns

Nollywood most-sought-after actress, and mother of one, Mercy Johnson who is currently missing on screen, following her continues sojourn in the United States after giving birth to her first child, Purity, is set to reconnect with her fans again through the release of last movie, “ Baby Oku in America.”

Mercy starred in the movie alongside, Chets Aniekwe and fast rising star Ani Amatosero before embarking on sabbatical leave few months ago.


*Mercy Johnson

The movie produced by Gabriel Moses, the CEO of Amaco Films and I-Com International Company is a comedy that tells the story of a newly married Nigerian couple that relocated to the United State of America, a move that brought out the ignorance and unpleasant character of the woman in the marriage as she strive to live and preach the gospel of gender equality in their marriage in the wrong way.

According to Gabriel Moses, the executive producer of the movie, the cast and crew had to work in Nigeria and the United States to show the beauty of both countries while taking full advantage of the cordial bilateral relationship that exist between the United States of America and Nigeria.

Meanwhile the ace movie producer who has produced films like One Dollar, Abandoned, Old School among others, has promised that Baby Oku in America will not be his last movie in the business.

Actress Mercy Aigbe Disgraced By Her Husband

 On Sunday April 7,2013 whilst you and I were going about our businesses,A little drama unfolded in Lagos between Actress Mercy and her hubby Lanre.

This is the gist from the beginning for those who will not understand if I start from what happened.
Sola Fajobi, that guy that organises NextMovieStar and Supermom has just floated 2 TV stations, V Channel and Oodua TV. So yesterday, he hosted Mercy Aigbe, its was a recorded TV Show for Oodua Amounmaworan (TV). It was a star studded show attended by Mercy’s husband and friends.
So slightly before the show ended, Mercy just vanished and everybody started looking for her including her hubby, Lanre Gentry.
After like an hour or so, the hubby forced the MC to announced that he was looking for his wife and when that didn’t work, he stood up a with fierce look and began causing a scene..when it was obvious he meant business,they later took him to a room where his darling wife who has arrived the venue in a short black dress with her back bare had changed to a night gown!!!
Enraged hubby Lanre dragged her out in the night gown and threw her into his SUV and drove angrily out of the venue whilst shocked onlookers looked on!”
As you read this now, Mercy’ s car a Nissan Solaria is in front of Sola Fajobi’s Troy Lounge in Ogba
and no tone word has been heard of what might have transpired last night.
The question now is..Why did Mercy change into a night gown in a room whilst her hubby was in the recording room watching the show being recorded?
Why did the couple arrive the venue in different cars?…To pose?
What could have happened?Was the actress in the room making a movie unknown to the hubby?
I hope she is okay sha and has not been pummelled by hubby indoors last night.
I no fit answer any of these question but denials are free of course!

Omawumi, Timi Dakolo, Gordons, others storm Eko hotel for Vanguard Personality of the Year award

Nigeria’s pop diva, Omawumi Megbele, Timi Dakolo, Temi Sax and ace-comedian, Gordons will be leading other entertainers to the maiden edition of Vanguard Personality of the Year award ceremony holding this evening, in Lagos.

Other top entertainers who are billed to make the event colourful are Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) President, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Segun Arinze, Ejike Asiegbu, Monlaisa Chinda, Zik Zulu Okafor, Kate Henshaw, Emem Isong, Ireti Doye, Gabriel Okoye a.k.a Gabosky and Victor Osuagwu. Others are Ebube Nwagbo, Bukky Wright, Desmond Elliot and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde.


Omawunmi

The event which promises to feature politicians, bankers, business icon,celebrities will be hosted by multi-talented artiste, Basorge and comedienne cum broadcaster, Helen Paul a.k.a Tatafo.

Vanguard Media Limited would be honouring the duo of Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Executive Governor of Rivers State and Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, GMD/CEO, Access Bank, for excellent strides taken in public service as well as in the private sector.

The occasion, slated for today, at Expo Hall, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, will be chaired by former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida with Senator, Edwin.K. Clark, former Federal Commissioner for Information being the father of the day. The event which is strictly by invitation opens by 6.00 pm.

However, explaining the essence of the award ceremony, Deputy Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Eze Anaba who doubles as the Chairman, organising Committee said, the event is billed to celebrate Governor Amaechi’s achievements in the last one year.

“After a rigorous selection process, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State emerged the winner of the organisation’s Personality of the Year award alongside MD/CEO, Access Bank, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. We just want to celebrate them today.” he explained.

Meanwhile, pop diva, Omawumi who is billed to stage a special concert for the launch of her new sophomore effort, “ The Lasso of Truth, at Oriental Hotels, Lekki, tomorrow, will thrill the audience with her imitable dance steps, and vocal dexterity as she adorns the same stage with her 2007 Project Fame Reality show rival, Timi Dakolo. Celebrated stand up comedian, Gordons will also be on hand to spice up the glamorous event with his rib cracking jokes just as Temi Sax will bring his artistry to bear on stage

Foods that boost virility

Food performs various functions in the body, the most basic of which is keeping us healthy to be able to meet other obligations, including sexual obligations, especially for men.

Nutritionists say food can boost or bust a man’s libido, depending on what he ingests. Indeed, researchers say it’s impossible to build manly vigour on a diet of denatured foods like processed meats and other junk foods that fill the space these days.

Experts warn that to boost manly strength behind closed doors, men need foods that are well supplied with the elements that give strength and stamina.

Nutritionist and weight loss expert, Dr. Oluwakemi Oluwa, says all foods that are best for building health, pure blood and vitality are also best for virility building, most especially when eaten in their natural form. Indeed, she nails foods that have undergone “processing, refining or improper cooking,” such as refined flour, refined sugar, and polished rice, among others. These foods, she contends, are only filled with pure starch or other carbohydrate, literally starving the nerves, bones and blood vessels of the elements which they need most.

In terms of warning, researchers recommend this diet for the impotent and sexually debilitated men, especially those over 40 years of age. Young men in their prime who scientists consider already sexually overstimulated are advised to use less of eggs and meats — especially red meat, because of its stimulating character.

They also advise that, where possible, a breakfast could consist of mainly fruits and vegetables, with two small portions of solid foods to round off the day.

This being the case, what foods do we have within reach which can give men the sort of strength they always dream of?

Nutritionists recommend full diet for this category of men, with a fairly liberal allowance of meat, eggs and other proteid (protein-rich) foods. Poultry, fish and sea food are said to be of little help here, though their dietary value cannot be contemned. More important, they also advocate a diet rich in fruits and vegetables eaten “as is.”

Top on the list is watermelon. Currently in season and sometimes throughout the year, this fruit is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is also considered as a good source of potassium, and a very good source of vitamins A and C. Its crowning glory, however, is citrulline, an amino acid that stimulates nitric-oxide production and increases blood flow to the male organ, strengthening erections.

For those with sweet tooth, it seems to pay off here. Researchers at the University of California say the flavonoids usually found in dark chocolates improved blood-vessel dilation by more than 10 per cent among men that ate it. The result is an improved blood flow to the nether region, with the attendant boost as needed.

Other sources of flavonoids are green and black tea, apples, apricots, blueberries, pears, strawberries, cabbage, onions and tomatoes.

It’s not just the phallus shape of bananas that make them a fruit of interest. Their libido-boosting values are also of great importance. Said to be high in potassium, nutritionists say this lush fruit relaxes blood-vessel walls, allowing for better blood flow throughout the body. Indeed, a study published in the journal, Hypertension, claims “it offsets a high-sodium diet, keeping the blood pressure in check.

Though smelly, the influence that garlic has on men’s sexual well-being overrides its obnoxious smell. This is because this vegetable boosts blood flow to the penis by increasing nitric-oxide production and relaxing the blood vessels.

Walnut is another rich fruit that scientists say boost the libido. In separate researches, the European Food Safety Authority, and researchers at the University of Malaya in Malaysia say L-Arginine, an amino acid found abundantly in the fruit, is one of the building blocks of nitric oxide. As such, they say, a diet that includes these nuts with the rock-hard shell makes for consistent, rock-hard erections.

Ginger is spicy and can be used as food seasoning, meat tenderiser or taken in juice form. Whichever way you like it, a study published in the International Journal of Cardiology claims that ginger rids the blood vessels of free radicals and decreases inflammation, thus relaxing the arteries and improving blood flow. The researchers say just about one teaspoon of ginger (in powder form) a few times a week is all you need to reap its cardiovascular rewards.

Better still, a Nigerian scientist at the University of Ibadan, Dr. Yinusa Raji, reportedly fed rats ginger extract for eight days. At the end of the experiment, he found that their testosterone levels had increased, while their testes had gained weight. The jury is still out on these findings, though.

Nutmeg is also a seasoning agent and it is available in powder or block form — all in its natural state. In a study of natural aphrodisiacs published in the journal, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers say nutmeg increases libido and erectile performance, what with its myristic acid, which they say stimulates the production of nitric oxide, “the key to a healthy erection.”

Olive oil is not only good for anointing, as a study published in the journal, Lipids, seems to suggest. The researchers claim that the revered oil helps increase testosterone production. And when the testosterone level increases, we know better.

So, as the world marks the 15th ‘birthday’ of Viagra, with its controversial side effects, the uplifting — literally — derivable from the aforementioned foods can be indulged in, with no fear of untoward side effects except, possibly, that of a quick visit to the labour room by Oga Madam nine months after

Mo’Cheddah joins others ‘missing’ in action

Mo’Cheddah joins others ‘missing’ in action

CHUX OHAI takes a look at some wave-making music artistes that are less visible on the entertainment scene


Mo’Cheddah

Modupe Oyeyemi, aka Mo’Cheddah, has won some awards and proved herself a worthy artiste. Since scandals are also part of the game, this pretty singer has had her fair share of darkish tales.

In one of such scandals, a naked photograph of the singer suddenly popped up on Twitter. She was said to have mistakenly tweeted the picture while trying to send it to another artiste named ElDee da Don.

As expected, the picture, which showed Mo’Cheddah in her natural ‘swim suit’ posing before a mirror in her bedroom, and an accompanying message to ElDee urging him to pretend that it was sent by one of his pals, went viral on social media and attracted shocking reactions from her followers and fans.

Embarassed, Mo’Cheddah had tried in vain to deny the tweet. But the damage had been done. The tweet subsequently fuelled the rumour that she was actually neck-deep in a sizzling romance with ElDee. Some followers of both artistes were further convinced that the photograph was a clear evidence that she was in love with him.

More important, however, is the fact that the singer, who arrived the music scene at the same time as Wizkid is far from being active in recent times. Indeed, while Wizkid and her other contemporaries including Davido and Tiwa Savage, seem to be everywhere, many fans are simply asking, “Where is Mo’cheddah?”


Ruggedman

Rapper Micheal Stephens, aka Ruggedman, was recently the special guest of V-Channel, an entertainment cable TV channel on Startimes at its weekly ‘Celebrity Night Out’ party at Troy Lounge in Ogba, Lagos.

The event had fellow music stars, such as Kenny Saint Brown and Essence in attendance. Many music fans turned out to express their love to the rapper and Ruggedy Baba, as he is fondly called, partied the night away with attention-grabbing dance moves, amidst cheers from gathering.

It was Ruggedman’s first real public appearance in a long while. The last time he had a real outing was in 2012 when he performed alongside other artistes in a concert in Asaba. The show was hosted by the Delta State Government to celebrate its success at the last National Sports Festival.

Always controversial, the rapper was said to have almost started another controversy after he goofed during a recent appearance on TV continental. The subject was his much-publicised breakup with erstwhile pal, 9ice.


Paul ‘Play’ Dairo

Not long ago, Paul Dairo reportedly sued MTN Nigeria and Ultima Limited for allegedly infringing on his copyright. Both companies were said to have used his song ‘Angel of my life’ for the MTN-sponsored reality TV music talent hunt show, Project Fame without his permission.

The development implied that Paul, who was in the USA, had finally recovered from a spell of ill-health that kept him away from the music scene and the limelight for a while.

The singer has been reportedly struck by a strange illness that almost ended his career. Last year, after leaving his hospital bed, he had promised to head straight to the recording studio and out with two new albums at once. But so far, his fans are still waiting for the fulfilment of that promise.


Tony Tetuila

Tony Tetuila was one of the groomsmen of Tuface Idibia during the latter’s recent wedding to actress Annie Macaulay in Dubai. It was an indication that both artistes had remained close friends despite the challenges that they had to face these past years.

But, while Tuface’s career appears to be constantly on the rise, it seems that Tetuila’s quiet struggle to regain relevance is yet to yield positive results.

Meanwhile, the singer, whose last successful album was recorded a couple of years ago, has been spotted in some fun spots in Lagos simply idling away. Last year, he was rumoured to have impregnated a young lady living in the United Kingdom.


Olu Maintain

After recording ‘Nawti’, his last album that enjoyed tremendous reception from music fans here in Nigeria, Olu Maintain sort of faded out of the entertainment scene. Lately it was rumoured that he had dumped his American girlfriend, Natalie Nunn, for a Nigerian female artiste.

If that story is anything to go by, it is possible that the singer, who rose to fame with the success of the hit-song, ‘Yahoozee’, is too absorbed in his new relationship to realize how much music fans yearn for his return to the scene.


Bouqui

Fans of self-styled rapvangelist Bouqui (real name is Bukola Folayan) were pleasantly surprised when she brokered a new deal with the American records label known as Xist Music, which is guaranteed to launch her career to greater heights. Even they felt better when it was announced that the award-winning rapper planned to release a double CD album titled ‘Marks of a General and Eve of Independence’. But that was where the excitement ended.

The truth is that Bouqui has been ‘missing in action’. Many fans think she has skipped too many A-list concerts in town and she has been lying too low for comfort. Although she released a single album early this year, it was hardly noticed.


Faze

Having joined his pal, Tuface Idibia, at Musiz Records, one would have expected Chibuzo Orji, aka Faze, to have upped his game. But the R&B singer and ex Plantashun boy appears to be having a tough time turning his career around. Not even the arrival of his fourth and most recent album, ‘Refazed’, in which he tries to reassert his relevance on the music scene, has made a difference.


Eedris AbdulKarim

Ex-Remedies star, Eedris AdulKarim, can be seen here and there. But his efforts to reclaim his former position as a foremost rapper has not yielded results. Beyond his last single CD, in which he carried on his private ‘conversation’ with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, it is certain that Mr Lecturer ought to prepare more punchy handouts for his fans.

Can this APC cure Nigeria’s headache? (1)

As the merger of the country’s major opposition parties crystallised a few months ago into a mega party known as All Progressives Congress, known better by its catchy acronym, APC, I received an email from my friend, Richard Mammah, who wanted to get my opinion on the new party. “Is the new mega party in Nigeria a marginal improvement over where we are coming from?” Mammah asked pointedly. My immediate response was emphatic: “It is (if it succeeds). It is important that genuine democrats and progressives find a way to key in as soon as possible”.

Since then, there have been debates (among progressives) about the desirability of “joining” the new party. Expectedly, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party responded to the news of the merger with disdain. “No merger will succeed against us in 2015”, was the party’s official position through its former national secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who spoke to journalists in Abuja. Oyinlola dismissed the merger as “gang-ups”.

“We don’t think we are threatened by what we would call gang-ups”, said the former governor of Osun State who was sent packing by the court in 2010 before he could complete his second term. “In those days when the National Party of Nigeria and Nigerian Peoples Party closed ranks, it was called an accord. When the Unity Party of Nigeria and Great Nigeria Peoples Party did the same, they called it a “gang-up.”

“Honestly speaking, ganging up is an indication of some weaknesses. Why can’t a party stand on its own and contest elections if it is sure that it would be acceptable to the people? You don’t need to gang-up. If you are ganging-up, then you don’t have the strength. The only true national party today that cuts across every nook and cranny of the Nigerian federation is the PDP. A gang-up has never succeeded; it will not succeed.”

Oyinlola’s diatribe was upped by Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State who described the opposition parties as “inventions of the last two years”. “They are the invention of pain, agony and anger”, Lamido said, adding, “They thought the PDP is like them. We have political party history from 1998 when they were not in existence. Those who were talking in the ANPP, ACN and CPC were formally PDP members that were flushed out in the field by the party (PDP).”

Bamanga Tukur, the national chairman of the PDP, in his now infamous reaction to the merger, described his party as the “Messi of Nigerian politics”. “If you go for a contest, you have the striker. You know Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentine football star)? The PDP is Messi in that contest. They (opposition) are no threat at all. It is better, it inspires the PDP to action. In that contest, tell them the Chairman said the PDP is the Messi”. Football lovers in the country must feel insulted and incensed by this laughable comparison.

Of course, the PDP is grandstanding and its disdain for the APC is borne out of fear more than anything else. I can understand the position of the Oyinlolas, Lamidos and Tukurs. It is one that demands no response. For them, there is no meaningful job other than being in the corridors of power. And that has to be done by any means necessary. I felt differently, however, when I read a response on the merger from a much younger former colleague, Ohimai Amaize, who “joined” the PDP by way of political appointment about three years ago.

In his piece, “The APC, is it a merger or ‘maga’?” Amaize asked, “What is the core ideology of this new contrivance? What is its blueprint for Nigeria’s regeneration? An existing manifesto or some consultants are still working on it? When will it be ready? Perhaps, a few months to the next general elections! And this is part of the problem. Contrivances don’t work”.

According to Amaize, “The assumption by some of our youths that Nigeria will be transformed simply because some ‘big guns’ within the political class have assembled under the toga of a new opposition party remains nothing but an illusion. The notion that a group of recycled politicians uniting against the ruling PDP in the name of ‘opposition’ will present an already-made change, is at best, a hasty journey to a land of frustration. It is not that simple. There is nothing like already-made change. Nirvana does not exist. We must humble ourselves, bury our pride and work under existing political platforms no matter how educated and enlightened we think we are”.

Amaize admonished Nigerian youths to be wary of the APC. “When this new opposition party was being formed, what was its agenda for the youths?”, he wondered. “Is there any or will it hurriedly cook up one within the next few days? Which of the pro-APC youth activists on Twitter can confidently tell us the youth agenda of their new party? How many of my fellow Twitter busybodies were consulted to share their ideas for this merger before it was hatched? None! Because as far as they are concerned, you are not important in the scheme of things and do not exist”.

These are legitimate questions from a very “concerned” young Nigerian knowing Amaize’s antecedent before he joined the “transformation” wagon. However, the analysis shows a shallow and opportunistic reading of history. It presupposes Amaize is “happy” with the way things are in the country and if ever there is any talk of change, it can only take place “under existing political platforms”. And by this I am sure he means the PDP.

Of all the arguments in support of the emergence of the APC, or what the response of genuine democrats should be to the new party, two stand out. In his piece, “APC and the continuing crisis of Left politics in Nigeria”, Adagbo Onoja concluded that, “As long as there is no Left party or a broad-based democratic coalition in Nigeria, comrades would have no option but spread to whichever platform they find space to continue the struggle in whatever ways possible”.

In his article, “Reflections on party combinations”, The Guardian, March 7 & 14, 2013, Edwin Madunagu noted: “The announcement of a merger of the leading opposition parties in Nigeria is a development which no serious political formation or tendency in the country can ignore or dismiss with cynicism of the type: ‘They always do this whenever a major election approaches’”.

“Yes, ‘they’ always announce coalitions, alliances, mergers, working agreements, etc, and the more uncharitable commentators may also remind us that they almost invariably fail to achieve their minimum post-announcement objective, that is, to actually deliver a living (and not a still-born or mortally sick) child”, Madunagu wrote. “When we have granted the cynics and pessimists their due, we may still insist that we are confronted with a development, which rules out the option of ‘Siddon look’.”

These two arguments speak for themselves and capture, to a great extent, what the response of radical and progressive elements, particularly youths and students, should be with regard to the APC as we head toward 2015

Rape: NGO takes custody of minors

The orphanage

The two minors, allegedly raped by the Director of Light of Hope Orphanage, Mr. Atunde, have been taken into custody by a non-governmental organisation, Project Alert on Violence against Women.

The teenagers were taken in by the NGO after Atunde was arrested by the Zone 2 Police Command on Wednesday.

Project Alert had on March 26 written a petition to Zone 2 after officials of a private secondary school where the minors were students made complaints that both girls had been sexually abused by Atunde.

A copy of the petition made available to us read, “On Friday last week, 13-year-old (name withheld) came late to school crying and not walking well. On close observation, they saw a trickle of blood coming down her legs. When asked what happened to her, she said, ‘Daddy forced me to have sex with him.’

“She pleaded with the officials not to tell Mrs. Atunde; she was afraid Atunde would be informed and could drive her away from the orphanage,” the petition said.

The petition also claimed that the NGO had earlier received a complaint from a former cook of the orphanage, Mrs. Akintunde, concerning Atunde.

Akintunde had alleged that she was fired by Atunde late last year when she stumbled upon him having sex with one of the female orphans.

We gathered that Akintunde, representatives of Project Alert and Atunde met investigators at Zone 2 on Thursday.

Executive director of Project Alert, Mrs. Josephine Effuah-Chukwuma, said, “The girls are presently in our care, we have taken over their welfare. We got a document from the police to have them examined at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. They have been examined by doctors today but still have to undergo more tests tomorrow.

“We intend to notify the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs formally because they licensed Atunde to operate that orphanage. It is important that the ministry investigates what is going on there because the girls have already said they are not the only victims there.”

The Police Public Relations Officer Zone Two, Mr. Femi Balogun, when contacted said, “The investigation is ongoing; Atunde is in our custody.”