The workers decided to suspend the planned strike after a meeting between the management and union leaders.

Mr Supo Atobatele. General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA, disclosed this in a statement he issued in Lagos after the meeting which ended late on Friday.

“The meeting is however expected to continue on Monday to further deliberate on issues at stake after the parties agreed that dialogue remains the best way of resolving industrial crisis,’’ he said.

Atobatele said the meeting was attended by representatives of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees.

Mr Abdulkareem Motajo, who led the team from NUATE, was quoted as saying during the two- hour deliberation, that the union leaders were not interested in creating problem for the management.

“The ultimatum earlier issued was to send a friendly warning that there were issues yet to be resolved, ‘’ he said.

NAMA’s Director of Human Resources, Dr Uwem Akangson, who represented Mr Nnamdi Udoh, the agency’s managing director, said the meeting was necessary due to communication gap between the management and unions.

“This had made it difficult to appreciate the extent of achievement on the implementation of the new salary package for the workers,’’ he said.

France became the 14th country to legalise same-sex marriage Saturday after President Francois Hollande signed the measure into law following months of bitter political debate.

Hollande acted a day after the Constitutional Council threw out a legal challenge by the right-wing opposition, which had been the last obstacle to passing the bill into law. The legislation also legalises gay adoption.

But while gay rights groups hailed the move, opponents of the measures have vowed to fight on.

Hollande made “marriage for all” a central plank of his presidential election campaign last year.

On Friday, he tried to turn the page on months of bitter opposition to the measures, arguing it was “time to respect the law and the Republic”.

And he warned that he would tolerate no resistance.

“I will ensure that the law applies across the whole territory, in full, and I will not accept any disruption of these marriages,” said the president.

French Justice Minister Christiane Taubira, who steered the legislation through parliament, has said the first gay marriages could be celebrated as early as June.

gays: they can now marry legally in France

Nigerian lesbians: they are now legal in France

Marriages in France must take place in town halls, most of which take around four weeks to process marriage applications.

The issue of gay marriage and adoption has provoked months of acrimonious debate and hundreds of protests that have occasionally spilled over into violence and is unlikely to drop off the political agenda.

Although the Constitutional Council approved the bill on Friday, the International Day Against Homophobia, its opponents have vowed to fight on.

They have called a major protest rally scheduled for May 26 in Paris — and previous protests have drawn hundreds of thousands of people.

In April, the main right-wing opposition UMP party of former president Nicolas Sarkozy challenged the measures on constitutional grounds immediately after deputies passed the bill in parliament.

But Friday’s statement by the Constitutional Council said same-sex marriage “did not run contrary to any constitutional principles,” and that it did not infringe on “basic rights or liberties or national sovereignty”.

Reacting to the ruling Friday, UMP party chief Jean-Francois Cope told TF1 television: “It is a decision that I regret, but that I respect.”

But late on Friday, between 200 and 300 protesters gathered in central Paris to denounce the ruling backing the bill and calling on Hollande to resign. One police officer was injured after a flammable liquid was thrown in his face.

Earlier, a group of bare-chested men wearing white masks staged their own protest against gay marriage on one of the bridges over the Seine. They call themselves the “Hommen” — a riposte to the bare-breasted feminist protesters known as the “Femmen”.

Gay rights groups hailed the decision as a watershed.

“Now it’s celebration time,” said spokesman Nicolas Gougain of the LGBT association representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

But gay rights watchdog SOS Homophobie added: “Our country has taken a great step forward today although it’s regrettable that it was taken in a climate of bad faith and homophobic violence.”

The issue of gay marriage has divided France, which is officially secular but overwhelmingly Catholic. Protests against the bill drew hundreds of thousands, with a handful of hard-core protesters clashing with police.

Last year, the proposals seemed to enjoy solid majority backing among French voters.

But as the opposition campaign got into gear, more recent polls indicated a shift of opinion to the extent that the electorate is now fairly evenly split on both gay marriage and adoption.

A statement signed by Mr Dave Ifabiyi, Assistant General Manager (Public Affairs), said that a fire incident which occurred on May 14 at the TCN substation in Ikeja-West, Ayobo-Ipaja, in Lagos State was responsible for the rationing.

“As a result of the fire which gutted TCN’s 150 MVA 330/132/33 KV Power Transformers, Lagos power load has been re-arranged to take advantage of excess capacity from other locations.’’

Ifabiyi listed the locations to include Akangba Transmission Substation in Surulere, Aja Transmission Substations in Victoria Island extension and Olorunsogo Transmission Substation in Ogun.

He said that electricity from the locations would be distributed evenly to spread the effect of the loss.

TCN management said investigation had begun into the cause of the fire which destroyed the transformers, manufactured by Mitsubishi in 1976 and inaugurated in 1979.

The statement also quoted TCN as saying that it would continue to work hard to enhance transmission capacity in the areas as well as improve grid power delivery and reliability nationwide.

TCN management expressed regrets for any inconveniences the power disruption may cause customers in the two states.

It, however, said that the quick intervention by its engineers in re-arranging the power load had stabilised the situation, adding that TCN was looking for a replacement for the burnt transformers.

TCN expressed its appreciation to Lagos State government and the Fire Service for helping to put out the fire.

Federer wrapped up the first set comfortably but in a tighter second set the Swiss was forced into a series of unforced errors by the service game of the giant 23-year-old from Lodz.

Janowicz built a 5-4 lead in the second set after hitting two aces.

But the Pole, standing at 2.03 metres tall, squandered a chance to level the match when he made two double faults in the 10th game.

Federer fought back to level at 6-6 and dominated Janowicz in the tie-break.

Rafael Nadal also battled his way into the semi-final, beating compatriot, David Ferrer in three sets. He will meet Czech star, Tomas Berdych in the second semi final match Saturday.

In the women’s championship, world number one Serena Williams will have to subdue Roamanian, Simona Halep, ranked 37th in the world, while Victoria Azarenka faces Italian, Sara Errani, who qualified for the semi without hitting the ball. She got a walk-over over Maria Sharapova, who withdrew from their quarter-final match, for ‘personal reasons’.

Atletico Madrid won their 10th Copa del Rey as goals from Diego Costa and Miranda saw them beat Real Madrid 2-1 in extra-time as both Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo were sent-off.

Ronaldo: sent off

Real had got off to the perfect start as Ronaldo headed them in front after just 13 minutes, but Costa’s drive ensured Atletico went into the break level.

Mourinho was sent from the sidelines in the second-half as Real’s frustration grew after hitting the woodwork three times.

Miranda than headed Atletico into the lead eight minutes into extra time.

There was even more drama to come as Ronaldo was then shown a straight red card for reacting angrily to a late challenge from Gabi with six minutes of extra time remaining.

MADUABUCHI NMERIBEH/ Kano

Gunmen, suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists have attacked banks and police formations in Daura, the hometown of General Muhammadu Buhari, in the Northwestern state of Katsina, where there has never been any incident of terrorism since 2009, when Boko Haram began its military campaign.

Brigadier-General Illyasu Abbah, Commander of The 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, headquartered in Kano, revealed to press men Friday evening that three soldiers and four terrorists died during the ensuing encounter.

Abbah said from reports made available to him, the terror-gang came in large numbers chanting “Allahu Akbar”.(Allah is the Greatest).

The guns seized from the attackers

The army boss who told journalists that intelligence reports at his disposal indicated that terrorists who are being dislodged in the troubled North-East states are shifting their base to the northwest, called for unflinching support from members of the public in terms of giving useful information to security agencies.

Earlier reports on the Daura attack claimed that six police men and two civilians were killed, but the Katsina state Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Magaji was silent on the number of casualties from the police side.

The Police boss told journalists in Katsina that the operation was carried out by armed robbers.

However, addressing reporters at the 3 Brigade headquarters yesterday, the Commander, Brigadier-General Illyasu Abba revealed that three soldiers and four terrorists lost their lives during several hours of gun duel.

Brigadier-General Abbah during his briefing in Kano also noted that four terrorists were arrested, while several fleeing others sustained different degrees of bullet wounds during the cross-fire.

Items recovered by the miltary include, 11 AK 47 riffles, 73 Magazines, 275 rounds of 7.62 ammunition, 118 rounds of FNW ammunition, 141 rounds of 9mm ammunition, one smoke of gun, two vehicles, and various Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Brigadier-General Abbah’s full sattement: “in keeping with the tradition of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Kano of updating residents within its area of operational responsibility on the fight against terrorists and criminal elements, the Brigade states as follows, on 16 May 2013 at about 2130 hours, members of the terrorists sect coordinated simultaneous attacks in Daura Local Government Council of Katsina state, on the Area Command of the Police and the Divisional Police station.
“The terrorists proceeded to rob four banks; however, troops of 35 Battalion responded to distress call and made gains against the terrorists. At the end of the encounter with troops which stretched up to Dutsi along Mani Road, four terrorists lost their lives while a good number of them sustained gunshot wounds. Three soldiers also lost their lives in the shootout while others sustained injuries.
“The Army boss, however, appealed to the general public to cooperate with security agencies by divulging timely information on the activities of the militants, “headquarters of 3 Brigade and, Nigerian Army and all its units within its area of operational responsibility of Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states would like to assure residents that it is ready to respond to these threats.

“The three states may likely experience influx of persons with criminal tendencies fleeing the North-East, “where military operations are ongoing to root out terrorist s operating within the zone. The Brigade would also like to advice financial institutions with outstations outside of the state capitals to always leave minimal unattractive cash in their vaults at the end of business as the terrorists are in need of cash.

“There may be likelihood of house-to-house search; but the success of such operation will depend largely on the cooperation of the people, because the terrorists that attacked Daura were so many as the switched off all the security lights in Daura before carrying out their operation.
“The irony of it all was that when the terrorists invaded Daura, they started shouting Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, as children joined them to chorus it as they carried out their operations.”

CP Magaji, however, claimed that his Command also killed four of the gun men that attacked banks and police stations and also recovered four AK 47 and four IDEs.

“Yesterday (Thursday) around 10:00 p.m, we received an information that some armed robbers were attacking banks in Daura town. When I received this message I tried to connect all the DPOs within the area at the same time dispatched armoured personnel carrier and other vehicles that could rescue the situation.

‘”These hoodlums are armed robbers, I therefore urged people in the community to be wary of strangers and report any person of suspicious movement. The police are always ready to ensure protection of lives
and property and we are on trail of the fleeing hoodlums’ he stressed.

“Most people ran into the bush when the shooting and the bombing started. I believed they came in about ten cars and they overwhelmed the security in the town. In fact everybody was on his own during the attacks by the hoodlums who are armed robbers. I therefore urge people in the community to be wary of strangers and report any person of suspicious
movement. The police are always ready to ensure protection of lives and property and we are on the trail of the fleeing hoodlums.” P.M.NEWS, however, learnt from residents that the Sabon Gari Police station in Daura was also burnt down by the terrorists during the attack.

Members of Boko Haram and other extremist groups in Nigeria, could face war crimes charges for deliberate acts leading to ethnic and religious cleansing, the UN has said.

Rupert Colvile, the spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said this in a statement made available at the UN Head quarters in New York on Friday.

He reiterated calls on Boko Haram and other extremist groups in Nigeria to cease their “cowardly attacks” against civilians, members of government institutions, security forces and foreign nationals.

“The High Commissioner noted that members of Boko Haram, if judged to have committed systematic attacks against a civilian population on grounds such as religion or ethnicity could be found guilty of crimes against humanity.

abubakar shekau: may face war crimes charge

“Deliberate acts leading to population `cleansing’ on grounds of religion or ethnicity could also amount to a crime

against humanity,” Colville stressed.

In recent weeks, more than 220 people have been killed in violent clashes between military forces and the Islamist

group, Boko Haram.

OHCHR has urged the Nigerian government to abide by human rights principles during security patrols.

The rights body also said it was concerned about the large number of casualties, reportedly including many civilians,

and massive destruction of houses and property.

Colville urged the government to ensure that international human rights law was respected during its emergency operations.

Similarly the Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon had said he remained very concerned about the ongoing instability in

the country.

He underscored the need for all concerned to fully respect human rights and to safeguard the lives of all civilians.

Olaoye made the denial while testifying at the trial of seven persons accused of kidnapping him before Justice Olabisi Akinlade of an Ikeja High Court.

The accused are: Esther Phillips, 23; Patricia Nna, 26; Kingsley Okonwa, 24; Osita Adigwe, 35; Uzochukwu Ezioha, 25; Jude Sunday, 36; and Michael Olarenwaju, 31.

The accused, including two women, were arraigned on March 5.

They are facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery and kidnapping.

They, however, pleaded not guilty and were remanded in prison custody.

Olaoye had on Thursday told the court how Phillips, who he described as “a friend”, conspired with the others to kidnap him on April 22, 2012 in Lagos.

He claimed that the kidnappers collected a N5 million ransom from his parents before he managed to escape from their hideout on the fourth day.

Speaking under cross-examination on Friday by counsel to the accused, Mr Abali Abali and Mr F.C. Mbagwu, Olaoye insisted that he had no hand in the kidnapping.

The witness said he trusted the first accused (Phillips) whom he claimed to have met at Pegas Club in Opebi, Ikeja in February 2012.

Olaoye, who denied that Esther was his girlfriend, however, admitted that they had an amorous relationship.

“On the day that I was kidnapped, the third accused (Okonwa) took my phone and called my mother demanding 400,000 dollars.

“He also called my father and told them that I was in his cage.

“My parents were out of the country on that day but my father, Mr Segun Olaoye, returned two days later and paid some money to them.’’

The witness further told the court that he was beaten by the accused, in order to convince his parents to pay the ransom.

Olaoye said it was while they were sharing the money that he was able to sneak outside from where he was held.

The case had been adjourned till June 7, for continuation of trial.

What will be your expectation if you are told that the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest will play against Van Damme, Jet Li, Will Smith and other prominent movie stars in a football match? Such was the situation when former members of the Nigerian Super Eagles staged an entertaining and hilarious novelty match with their counterparts in the entertainment sector on 15 May.

Tagged Soccertainment Charity, the novelty football match truly lived up to its title. It was a match full of laughable dribbles, entertainment, anxiety and drama. Held at the Campus Square pitch, Lagos Island, the match was in honour of Fred Amata, a prominent movie director, producer and actor. The match was part of the activities lined up to celebrate the thespian, who will officially be 50 on 18 May.

In the line-up of the showbiz stars led by the celebrant, Amata, was Ali Baba, AY, Okey Bakasi, Afiz Oyetoro a.k.a. Saka, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Osita Iheme (Pawpaw), Frank Edohor, Kcee, Moses Ewang, Steel and Akpororo, while the ex-internationals side led by Austin Jay Jay Okocha paraded an array of stars including  Peter Rufai, Victor Ikpeba, Ben Iroha, Friday Elahor, Obi-Gold Nwosu, Henry Nwosu, Mutiu Adepoju, Waheed Akanni Emeka Ezeugo and Joe Erico, who was the team coach.

•Line-up of the celebrities

Expectedly, ex-eagles stars dominated the game with brilliant touches, passes and skills, particularly Okocha, who had a field day dribbling the movie, music and comedy stars. But the 5-3 final score was more than enough consolation for the entertainers who were inspired by AY’s brace.

Before kick-off, Daddy Showkey, who was at the venue, had written his colleagues off. He joked that: “I’m just here to support you people, not because I believe you can win. As a matter of fact, they (the ex-Eagles) won’t score less than 50 goals from us. That is the age of Amata.”

Okocha, who played all 90 minutes of the game, inspired his side with a hat-trick, while super sub, Samson Siasia and Friday Ekpo also scored a goal each. Okocha first put his side ahead with two early goals in the fourth and 15th minutes of the game with superb strikes. The entertainers, however, had the opportunity to reduce the tally when a controversial penalty was awarded to them. But Amata was denied a goal by the Ex-Eagles shot stopper.

After some minutes of good and entertaining football by both sides, coupled with some missed clear chances, particular from the showbiz stars, popular comedian, AY revived the hope of his side with a flying header.

•Line-up of the Ex-Super Eagles. Photos: Emmanuel Osodi

Few minutes after the beginning of the second half, Ikedieze (Aki) made the first attempt at goal, but his effort was parried by the opponents’ goalie. Two minutes later, Okocha’s excellent dribbles and ball control almost yielded another result, but his shot hit the crossbar.

Samson Siasia, after beating Ali Baba on a one-on-one effort, fired a shot to the right corner of the entertainer’s goal post. It was a fantastic goal.

Eight minutes later, AY latched on Oreva Amata’s cross to complete his brace. Oreva is the son of Fred Amata. Fifteen minutes later, Okocha completed his hat-trick with a classy finish, while film director, Moses Ewang consoled his tired side with a goal, making the final score 5-3 in favour of the Ex-Eagles.

Aside AY, Oreva, comedian Akpororo, Kcee, Moses Ewang, Amata and Ali Baba displayed some promising skills. Ali Baba, who came on after the break, made good defensive saves, until he was beaten by former Super Eagles coach, Siasia.

The introduction of comic actor, Saka as a substitute created more excitement among spectacles, who screamed as they watched the MTN ambassador display some tackles.

It was indeed an emotion-laden honour for Amata, who said he could not express his feelings at the turnout of his colleagues, friends and fans. Actresses Rachael Oniga and Fathia Balogun were also on ground to give support. Others include Segun Arinze, Keppy Bassey, Jude Urhoha, Nomorloss, Yaw and Elenu to mention to mention a few.

“Honestly, I can’t thank everybody enough. I feel so honoured for the calls, messages and the presence of everybody. God will bless all of you,” Amata said.

Speaking with P.M.NEWS Entertainment Cafe at half-time, Mutiu Adepoju said it was an honour for him to be part of the novelty match. “It’s my pleasure being a part of this. Amata is a good fellow. Everybody is having fun and we are enjoying the game.

After the thrilling encounter, Okocha received the highest goal scorer plaque, while Fred and Oreva Amata received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Most Outstanding Player laurels respectively.

•Former Eagles’ captain,
Austin Okocha (left) fights for the ball with one of the showbiz
players during a match to celebrate Fred Amata’s birthday at Campus Square, Lagos Island, yesterday. Photo:
Emmanuel Osodi.

The charity match, was followed by a white tie charity dinner at the MUSON Centre, where musical performances and excerpts from Fred Agbeyegbe’s Stage play, The King Must Dance Naked was performed by Fred Amata, Kate Henshaw, Segun Arinze, Keppy Bassey, Francis Onwochei and others.

Amata, a University of Jos Theatre-Arts graduate, has always talked about his undiluted passion for football; little wonder the game was part of the activities lined up for his birthday. “I would say that it was condition that didn’t make me play professionally. I went for a couple of trials but they were not willing to take me. You know it is politics. They rejected me. Maybe it was destiny.”

His son, Oreva, was a prominent threat to the defence of the ex-internationals, and Amata believes the boy has the potentials of surpassing his exploits as a footballer. “I had been playing soccer since I was small. I remember my first match. Then, I was in nursery school; I scored a couple of goals. I remember everybody was running around the pitch. Now, my son has improved on his father’s talent and I’m proud of that.”

—Bayo Adetu

Yoruba actress, Bimbo Thomas, tells BAYO ADETU about her journey to the movie industry, her relationship and why many marriages in the industry fail

Bimbo Thomas

What actually attracted you to acting?

I have always loved entertainment even before I went to school, but I never knew acting is the part of entertainment I was going to find myself in. I put in for Mass Communication but unfortunately, my cut-off mark was not enough so I had to do a change of course which had to be Yoruba, History or Creative Arts. The latter sounded like something I could do and when I went through what it entails it was theatre, music and visuals. In my first year, it was a big task because we had to dance round the school, go to the theatre and all that, but I started developing an interest before I rounded off my year one because I saw a lot of actors who were undergraduates like Femi Brainard, Sikiratu Sindodo was in my class. That encouraged me and Sindodo really helped me because most of the time we had class project that we were going to have like a four man cast, she used to cast me and because I knew I was doing it for marks I used to put in my best. I remember one of such class projects we did was for Hamed Yerima and while I was performing on stage, I saw in the audience my lecturer, Dr Hamed Yerima, applauding my performance and I was surprised he did because he’s a critic. Later, Sindodo started taking me around but because I did not want to be a freelance and did not want to be going around, I met with Abbey Lanre of Odunfa Caucus. I had to join Odunfa Caucus and trained there. That was how I started my career.

The exposure of cleavages and other sensitive parts of the body is very rampant in Nigerian movies now. Should we expect that in the movie you’re producing now?

It is different strokes for different folks. I am a theatre practitioner to the core; I read theatre, I know almost everything about it. I’m not going to do just anything, and that is why I took my time. If I’m doing something now, it has to be something reasonable and meaningful. The (theme of the) movie is going to be a tragedy and its going to be society-related.

Did your parents have any reservation on your choice of career?

I’m very close to my mom. When I told her that I wanted to act, what she said was that ‘you that you are shy, do you think you can make a career out of it’ and I said yes. She has been supporting me ever since. When I was still undergoing training, I would be called for waka pass roles; I would take her wrapper and buba. She will even be asking when the movies will be released.

Is it true that English movie actors discriminate against their Yoruba counterparts?

I think it’s an individual thing. In my own case, if I want to act in English movies, I will walk up to a director or if there is an audition, I will go for it. I don’t think there is any segregation or discrimination. Low self esteem is the problem with some of our Yoruba actors. Some of us feel they (the English actors) are too big. I don’t see it like that. I talk to whoever I want whenever I feel.

Are you intentionally restricting yourself to the Yoruba movies?

I have done several soap operas and TV series. I must also say here that I intend to shoot more this year.

What is that thing that gets you attracted to your fans?

My fans will be in the best position to answer this but from observation, I think they are cool with how I deliver or interpret my roles.

When will your marriage bell ring?

It is only God that can answer that question o. It will happen. I will get married, very soon.

Don’t your parents bother you?

No. Like every other parents, my mom would say Bimbo, Ojo n lo o (time is going), but I let them know it will happen. They don’t bother me because they know I’m focused and busy, if I’m a layabout or something, then they might be worried but they know I’m focused.

Why do you think many Nollywood marriages don’t last?

Marriages break up everywhere but in the case of the industry, even overseas, I think the man needs to love his wife real good to be able to cope because of the time we spend on location. We are so dedicated to our job.  Some men are also the cause because they might demand you quit the job because you are spending too much time on location, you are keeping some particular kind of friends. They also believe what some magazines and newspapers have written about you. Meanwhile, these are things he’s been living with before they got married and now he starts making all kind of demands because he knows he has gotten you. I think with a better understanding of your spouse and less interference from a third party, marriages will work.

Is that why some of your colleagues prefer to date men who are based abroad?

It is an individual thing. It’s about what you like. For me, I do my thing, whether you are abroad or Nigeria, I go along with whoever I conclude to go out with. When I conclude you are okay for me then I don’t have a problem with where you reside. My boyfriend is based abroad, yes, but he just relocated and we are together. I would say it’s an individual thing because we have all got freedom to do whatever we like.

What is the most embarrassing thing a fan has done to you?

That was a danfo (kombi bus) driver and his conductor. It happened on Ikorodu road. I was on the road and this driver just crossed me and started shouting ‘that’s her, she’s the one… Omo Ghetto’ and before I knew it, all the passengers had come down from the bus and they were telling me to do different things. I was so embarrassed.

•Krystal

Female singer, Chinyere Aharanwa a.k.a Kryztal has allegedly she rejected a Porsche Cayenne car gift and cheque of N13 million from a male fan.

Bukola Adegbite, a business tycoon and fan of the singer was said to have presented the singer with the gifts, but she rejected them.

Kryztal, who just released a song, Okro, told P.M.NEWS Entertainment Cafe that she rejected the gifts because she is not familiar with Adegbite, though admitted that turning such offer down wasn’t an easy decision. “It is true one of my fans based abroad, Bukola Adegbite communicated with me and said he is so crazy about my songs and performance. He told me he has a Porsche Cayenne car gift for me and N13million. I rejected them because I don’t know him. I have to be sure of who he is before accepting his gifts,” Kryztal said.

She also rebuffed the impression that female entertainers indulge in prostitution. “It’s a wrong impression. It’s very wrong to label female artistes prostitutes. Being a prostitute is a personal thing irrespective of your profession. What sells in music nowadays is age and sex, but it doesn’t mean you have to sleep with someone. What I mean is that you must look sexy on stage.”

A graduate of Pure and Industrial chemistry, Kryztal was formerly in Gloria Ibru’s band and had performed on stage with musicians like Ras Kimono, Sir Shina Peters, 2Face, Alex O, Mike Okri, Oritz Wiliki and Kween.

—Bayo Adetu

Ghanaian female twins Lamberta and Lambertina Hansen have declared their intention to go all the way and win the $150,000 offered by Globacom as the star prize for the X Factor singing reality TV show.

The 24-year-old twins with the stage name Latino were the star attraction at the Accra audition of the show brought to Africa for the first time by Glo. Organizers had a hectic time selecting from hundreds of talented singers who turned up at the Alisa Hotel, Northridge, Accra, venue of the audition.

After qualifying for the next stage, the Latino twins declared they were ready to battle the DNA Twins, a male set of twins who qualified from the Abuja audition of the show, all the way for the $150,000 prize money.

•Hansen Twins

The girls who graduated from the Accra Polytechnic said, “We are grateful to have sailed through the first day. We are very happy now because we are a step nearer the prize money. We hear there are a set of twin guys who also made it through the Abuja auditions in Nigeria. We are female twins from Ghana and with our parents and entire family and the whole of Ghana behind us, we wish to send the Nigerians a message that they have a fight on their hands. We will give them a good run for their money.

“We know this is our time and our God will never fail us. Glo is just superb. The way the officials are even talking to us makes us feel we have already won the money. This is really a good experience.” the Latino twins declared.

“It is true that Nigeria has produced big names in African music industry like Tu Face, P-Square, D Banj and Flavour, we are not scared of them. We believe we can go all the way and that Ghana can produce the first X Factor winner from Africa,” they added.

Popular Ghanaian television personality, Kokui Selomney was among contestants who took a shot at the next stage of the auditions.  She could not however make it to the next stage. The oldest participants of the day were a 54-year old and 53-year old Robert Adinyira and Jonathan Seshie respectively who sang with the group name Crosscrown.

They said they came from Ho in Volta Region on Tuesday for the show but had to go back when they were told no prior registration was required. Making the long journey twice had worn them out, but they noted that they were undaunted. “We do not believe that anything good comes easy. Biblically, it is after the cross that victory comes with a crown. That is the significance of our stage name Crosscrown. This X Factor is the best opportunity that has ever come our way,” they declared.

–Daniels Ekugo

•Ukamaka Olisakwe

Isele, a new literary movement founded to give voice to emerging talents, has started receiving entries for the Spoken Word Contest. Ukamaka Olisakwe, author of Eyes of a Goddess, in a statement released on behalf of the board, said the Spoken Word contest is aimed at discovering emerging talents and appreciating literary excellence in our community.

“The dream is to partner with publishers and writers in promoting various literary activities, publicising works of new voices and appreciating literary excellence in our community through award programmes so that they can serve as motivation to new voices. This dream was born out of the need to build a community of new voices and promote as well as appreciate their creative works. In line with this vision, and in partnership with Saraba Magazine, we are happy to unveil our first Spoken Word Poetry contest,” the statement read.

To enter for the competition, interested poets are expected to write a 2-3 minutes spoken word on any of the following topics:  Love, Peace, Religion, Education and Politics. They are expected to submit a video of the performance in MP4/3GP format not larger than 7MB. Fancy video works are not needed as judges  are only interested in the performances and  word power of the contestants. Renowned performance poets Dike Chukwumerije and Sage Hasson are the judges for this contest. The quality of the submissions will be closely monitored by, Adebiyi Olusolape, the Poetry Editor of Saraba Magazine. The contest starts 3 May  and ends 11:59pm on 12 June .

The winner will be awarded a cash prize of N50,000 , feature on a live radio and television programmes and a string of activities which include a guest appearance at the Orange Crush Awards 2013 in Port Harcourt as well as performing alongside other poets on the variety night of the Orange Crush/Niger Delta Creative Writers Workshop at the Lordz of Rhyme  in Port Harcourt.

All entries will be uploaded on Youtube and shortlisted entries will be further judged by selected critics. These shortlisted entries will be announced via the media and may be susceptible to public voting which may or may not influence the judge’s decisions. Shortlisted poets will be notified by email and via the social media.

–Nehru Odeh

Late Susan Harvey

Project Alert On Violence Against Women, a non-government organisation, has denied stories making the rounds that the proceeds from the auction of the late musician, Susan Harvey’s (a.k.a. Goldie), property would be donated to the organisation. In a statement released by Mrs. Josephine Effah- Chukwuma, the Executive Director, Project Alert, said not only has the organisation not been informed by Goldie’s family, it is also  not aware of the auction which supposedly took place on 1 May.

“We have in the last few weeks read reports on various social media that the proceeds of late Susan Harvey’s property,  to be auctioned on May 1, would be donated to Project Alert. We have also been approached by journalists asking the same questions, and we have had to tell them, that we have not been formally informed by Goldie’s family and know nothing about the sale of her property and donation of proceeds to Project Alert,” the statement read.

Effah-Chukwuma, however, acknowledged Goldie as a former ambassador of Project Alert who strongly believed in its vision and mission. She noted that the late musician had embarked on speaking arrangements, advocating for zero tolerance for all forms of violence against women and supported the organisation in many ways.

One of her very outstanding contributions, Effah-Chukwuma said, was her active participation in the 10th Anniversary Shelter Fund Raising Event which held in May 2009.

–Nehru Odeh

Benita Returns

Benita Okojie, the songstress who ruled the airwaves in 1998 with her chart-bursting motivational songs Osamudiamen, Child of God and others at the age of 10 is staging a return to the music scene with a performance at this year’s Nnenna and Friends Children’s Day Show.

Benita Okojie

Also billed to perform at the event are the comedy troupe, Papa Ajasco & Company, comedian Akpororo, singer Linda and N-Stars among others.

Nnenna & Friends Children’s Day Show 2013, being the latest in a series of live shows by the Nnenna & Friends Brand, has secured the support of top corporate bodies in Nigeria.

The show will take place at the National Theatre on 27, May. It will be recorded and broadcast on wapTV across Nigeria and other African countries.

–Bayo Adetu

Oba Ara Unveils ‘Beautiful Testimony’

Gospel musician, Evangelist Rotimi Onimole popularly called Oba Ara has released his second album.

Beautiful Testimony, a follow up to his debut, Oba Ara, was unveiled during the commissioning of his ultra modern musical equipment.

Present at the event held at Radio Lagos Multipurpose Hall, Ikeja include Mega 99, Segun Nabi, Champion Kunle Opio, Lanre Omiyinka (Baba Ijesha) Ayangbajumo, Bukola Akinade Senwele Jesu with Ifankalleluyah as the MC.

The album, produced by Oluwatobiloba Omologe will be marketed by Balm of Gilead Music. It has tracks like Oluwa Ti Sogo, Olorun Ipe Babalola and Orekelewa.

–Kayode Aponmade

Mighty Ade

Mighty Ade To Rock Country Club

Juju music act, Mighty Ade, has been billed to thrill members of Lagos Country Club tonight.

Tagged An Evening of Cocktail with Entertainment Officer, the show, expected to be graced by the current President, Barrister Wale Osomo and the Chairman of the club’s lawn tennis section, Barrister Ayo Olanrewaju, among other members, is put together in honour of the Entertainment Officer, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Oshinowo.

The self-styled Mr. Chapman and Castro Juju music creator, who has almost concluded arrangement on a proposed musical tour of some European countries, promised to make the show a memorable one.

–Bayo Adetu

Sido’s Bar Thrills Guests

Sido’s Club & Bar, a fun haven in Abule-Egba, Lagos, has continued to be the toast of fun seekers in the area and even beyond.

Iba Sabbath, the acting Public Relations Officer of the rendezvous point attributed the success to the “experience and commitment of our managers to the satisfaction of clients. We have many entertainment packages that keep people asking for more.”

He added that side attractions like Ladies Night, Big Boys Corner Show and Old-School Party are some of the regular events the club organises weekly.

—Bayo Adetu

Yotomi Tv Is Back

•The late Aromire

Yotomi TV, the first24-hour all Yoruba channel cable television station owned by the late theatre icon, Alade Aromire, has returned on Daarsat.

Yotomi TV will now be run under the supervision of Bolaji Aromire, the heir of the late Alade, while respected broadcaster, Dare Best-Alabi and Femisola Atilola will be the General Manager and Head of Operations respectively.

According to Dare Best, “Yotomi TV is back and better. With the standard we are here to set, I’m optimistic that the sky will be the starting point.”

–Bayo Adetu

The side managed by coach Jose Mourinho, who has already beaten Atletico twice this season in La Liga, will seek the second Copa title in just three years with the help of Cristiano Ronaldo’s attacking power. The Real forward has netted 54 goals so far this season between all competitions and has been the top scorer in the Copa for three years running.

Real Madrid have made it to the final after outperforming Alcoyano, Celta de Vigo, Valencia and Barcelona in the rounds leading up to the final. The squad wants to make an addition to their trophy case and is the top-scoring team in the tournament (+13) after scoring in 19 consecutive Copa matches since 2011 for a total of 41 goals.

“Finals are played to win and that’s our attitude; we have to be very demanding of ourselves and give it our all,” said Sergio Ramos. Madrid’s second captain analyzed the upcoming match against Atletico and was confident that they’ll be able to dedicate the title to their fans: “We know our rival and we know that they’re tough. A title is at stake and we have to be demanding and defend the crest until the end. After what happened in the Champions League, which was the last game in the Bernabeu with loads of enthusiasm, we have to try to win the Copa in honour of the fans, to return the affection we felt the day of the match against Borussia Dortmund. But there are no favourites, the score is set at zero and we’ll give our all like we do in every game and that’s the key”.

To forward Gonzalo Higuaín, “The key to winning the Cup is for the team to be at their best, and that’s what we’re trying to do. I hope we win. Afterwards the goals won’t matter if the Cup is ours. If I get to score, that’s great, but our mind is on winning the game.”

“It’s a trophy that we are very excited to win,” Ronaldo said of the Copa del Rey. “We know it will be a hard-fought match against a rival of the same city and it will be quite a show for the fans.”

World No. 1 Serena Williams comfortably made the quarterfinals of the Italian Open in Rome with a 6-0, 6-1 mauling of Slovakia’s 14th seed Dominika Cibulkova yesterday.

•Serena Williams in action at the ongoing Italian Open. Photo… AFP

Serena, who has now won 21 successive matches, will face Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro for a spot in the semifinals.

“Nothing is ever perfect – I learned that last year when I felt perfect,” said Serena, referring to her stunning first-round loss at Roland Garros in 2012.

“I am still in the danger zone.”

Serena added: “I can’t remember the other winning streaks, but I hope I can get to 22 and the rest of the matches that I have here.

“Plus seven, and Wimbledon too, so it would be dangerous to lose now.”

Unseeded two-time champion Jelena Jankovic upset 2011 Roland Garros winner Li Na, the Chinese fifth seed, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5.

“I felt like I wasn’t playing so badly today, it was just a really long, tough match between me and JJ,” Li said.

“I was trying a lot of things out there on the court today. Sometimes it was working, sometimes it didn’t.”

Meanwhile, Russia’s Maria Sharapova has pulled out of the Rome Open, citing “physical problems”, the WTA said early today.

The two-time winner of the tournament and world number two had been due to play Italy’s Sara Errani in the quarter-finals.

Errani, the world number six, will now go through to the semi-finals to meet the winner of the match between Australia’s Samantha Stosur and Viktoria Azarenka of Belarus.

Sharapova had earlier brushed aside America’s Sloane Stephens 6-2, 6-1, to reach the quarterfinals.

West Brom head coach Steve Clarke insists troublesome want away striker Nigerian Osaze Odemwingie will not be sold on the cheap this summer, warning any potential suitors: “We are not a charity”.

Osaze looks set to leave the Hawthorns in the close season after a series of ill-advised Tweets and misdemeanors in the second half of the campaign. The Nigerian was linked with a move to QPR in January but no deal was struck with the player bizarrely turning up at Rangers’ training ground to complete the deal before the clubs had agreed a fee.

His value will have surely diminished due to his behavior then and since but Clarke is insistent his £4million (about N965m) market value remains the same despite him having six months less remaining on his current deal now.

And the Albion chief said: “He has signed a contract.”

He added: “I think his goal record for West Brom is something like one in three. Whoever wants him has to pay the market value. Is that the same as it was in January? Yes. We are not a charity.”

This is something I have been thinking of handling for quite a while but needed to naturally get into it. By using the word ‘naturally’ I mean “Being sure people really wanted to read about it”. Mails, private discuss and anonymous questions have all revealed the ‘heat’.

The word ‘sex’ on its own is treated as sacred; people aren’t very open to talk about it and when used carelessly by young ones is an indication of being corrupt.

Growing up with this mentality has made addressing sexual issues in relationships even as adult almost a ‘taboo’.  Whether we like to talk about it or not has nothing to do with the problem itself; it doesn’t make it go away or get better.

That is why, taking the bull by the horn, talking about it might bring some level of relief to many. People would rather suffer in silence, cry in their closet or be buried in sighs of hurt all night just to show up as ‘happily married’ during the day to other people. This is kept and owned as ‘private battle’ but for how long?

Great shame is associated with rejection generally and now that it’s coming from someone that has not only promised but also ‘VOWED’ to be intimate with you thru life: how humiliating can it be?

The world is used to the man as the ‘chaser’ and the woman at the receiving end – this is the traditional love making queue. A man is the hunter with loads of energy and determination to catch and savour. This in a way boosts his masculine pride; telling him the world is at his foot. When the table turns and he’s no more interested in chasing, his wife gets totally confused and feels REJECTED in every sense of the word: it is a terrible place to be in marriage, the pain bites so deep and it affects other areas of your life.

A mother of four once said to me: “Initially I thought it was my weight that put him off so I practically lived at the gym, starved myself to a size zero yet nothing changed. He doesn’t even hide from me that other babes are on the line.  You can see it all over him that he’s having the time of his life”.

This excruciating and devastating condition gets even worse each time you see other couples holding hands or just stealing romantic looks at each other- you can’t but ask what wrong you have committed to be totally rejected by yours.

If sex for you is a ‘validating tool’, this era of life will be very difficult for you to bear. If your husband’s attraction to you authenticates you, finding other things to fill up this period might be challenging and ‘slow’. You can’t but think; is there something wrong with me? Are other women better than me? Have I changed from the same person that made his head spin? Is someone/something behind my woe?

The questions are endless. The process of finding fault with ‘you’ rips you of self esteem and makes you feel like a-good –for-nothing old brat who is merely managed by her ‘supreme’ boss.

The most painful thing is that women in this situation would hardly remember to think they might not be the cause of the problem at all. The temptation to condemn self is so high and irresistible that they naturally begin to weigh life in relation to what has not been properly done- dressing, respect for the man, support, care, love, etc.

In as much as it is good to check on self to determine if the fault is yours; it would be helpful to understand that some wicked spouses- both male and female- use sex as a manipulative tool. They say; “if he/she does this, they have me fully in bed but if not, my body I keep.”

Whoever withholds sex to exchange for something is cruel. To some, it is a clear sign that “I am no longer interested in this relationship” but for crying out loud, this is a coward’s approach to crisis. Why can’t you face your problems and deal with them; stop being funny.

It might be shocking to hear that some of these rejections are not really rejections but ‘MASK’. A man in his typical nature will not want to openly accept defeat even before his darling wife. Several things may cause him not to want sexual intimacy but saying it might mean weakness to him so he hides under the mask of “I’m not interested.”

Some of these things could be….

•Tiredness: When a man is tired, the show is going to be ‘bad’ so instead of making a mess of himself, he’ll rather decline with pride. He values his performance so much that even when there is no third party waiting to applaud or condemn him, failure is the last thing he will want to experience.

•Timing: A home maker wife who waits all day for her husband’s return will find it hard to believe that he needs some time to recuperate. Being on a stressful job can very easily make nonsense of your evening even with a charming wife willing to give her best.

Instead of early evening ‘play’, catching up with the morning hue might work wonders for some. Experts have also said that the production of testosterone is higher in the morning thus helping the man to be at his best.

•Medication: Certain medications hamper a man’s performance which he might not even know about.

•Medical conditions: There are a thousand and one medical conditions like obesity, impotence, joint/muscles disorder, etc that can make a man feel less than usual. But if diagnosed; treatments also abound.

•Flirting: Men who look out for other women sometimes tend to forget or totally abandon the one at home. After eating ‘junk’ outside; he cannot be bothered to check out what the home front holds for the night- what cruelty!

•Challenges: It’s good to note that when a man is stressed, his desire for sex is suppressed. Be it a difficult time at work, financial pressure, loss of a loved one or any other thing important to him is capable of drowning his drive.

•Attitude: Attitude they say ‘is everything’. If you’ve been having problems generally in the relationship, it would be a bit out of place to expect sex to be working optimally. Your attitude toward him goes a long way to determine if he’ll want to be intimate with you or not. Does he feel respected? Do you talk to him as ‘the man of the house?

•You: If you do not look attractive and smell fresh sex might not interest him. Men love to see good stuff; give it to them but if after all you’ve done he’s still not turned on, be patient and concentrate on other things.

For us at Jovana Farms, raising grasscutter has become second nature. The production of the animal gives farmers a big chance to increase their income and offers an alternative means of livelihood to urban and rural farmers in addressing poverty.  It is for these that we have launched an initiative to promote grasscutter rearing as a suitable occupation that can contribute to food security, wealth and employment creation.

Grasscutter production is emerging as a productive enterprise since it is being reared in small units and is very prolific.  In term of value addition, grasscutter meat can be used in many forms- Sold in butcheries, restaurants and used to prepare different delicacies such as pepersoup, suya, pies and sausages.  The breeding families of one male and four females is sold for N45,000.  The grasscutter is a member of rodent family and they are prolific breeders.  Their rate of production is faster than that of cows, goats and sheep. Grasscutters have gestation period of 152 days.

A breeding doe (female) can produce at least two litters yearly with an average of seven babies; that is, 14 kits per doe yearly if you manage them under good conditions.  A robust and thriving grasscutter meat industry would have an enormous impact on and add value to the economy.

It would  not only offer up opportunities for major investors to start and grow large meat processing companies, and thereby contribute to employment creation, but it also opens up avenues for the lucrative trade in smoke meat export.

What is more, the industry would transform the fortunes of many small producers and leverage assets for the poor.  Others who would benefit from the spin off in the value chain are the manufacturers of animal feeds, distributors, stockists, butcheries, resturanteurs etc.  Besides, the consumption of grasscutter meat has many benefits; the animal has the highest protein percentage and it is one of the most nutritious meats known to man.

We are training and helping more farmers to make it in grasscutter farming and we are also building a value chain. The success in raising grasscutter for profit is determined by three things: a good breeding programme, proper equipment and good care.

Raising grasscutter for meat is a good way to make money.  At present, some farmers do it to make supplementary income. The initial cost of setting up is small; grasscutters breed twice yearly, they have large litters and grow to a marketable size for food in twelve months.

However, it is a part-time job with grasscutter care and good feeding needed.  Like any other business, if one wants to make profit with grasscutter one needs to assess the market.  Grasscutter will continue to make money for one as long as one maintains good breeding stock.

A good doe can breed at the age of six months and if conditions are ideal, she can breed two times a year. Breeding does are usually kept for four years before they are slaughtered.  On the average, they can give birth to 56 young ones in four years.

The males that are not going to be used for reproduction should be fattened and kept until they weigh about 3-5kg each before they are butchered.  This takes about twelve to eighteen months.  Raising grasscutter has an excellent by product for garden and veggie patch.  Grasscutter manure is good for the compost heap. To establish a dynamic and viable grasscutter breeding industry, it is critical that a training and development programme is put in place.

This is the reason we are striving to help entrepreneurs.  And over the past three years, we have received more requests from individuals, seeking to take advantage of the new business opportunity.

Jovana farms organizes nationwide sensitization training seminars on the practical ways of making it through small scale farming.  Attend our nationwide seminars nearest  to you and know more opportunities in grasscutter farming.  Visit www.jovanafarm.com or www.facebook.com/jovanafarm for more details.  Choose also the nearest venue from the adverts box in this page.