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I was loyal to a fault - May D tells fan

2012-09-12T16:18:00.001+01:00

Ever since he was sacked from Square Records, May D has remained silent on this issue. Different views have been made known by fans of both parties with each taking sides of their favourite.

Just over the weekend, news went round that May D was set to drag his former music label to court over breach of agreement. In some quarters, it was said that there was no formal contract signed by both parties while others claimed Jude Okoye, who heads Squares Records, couldn't have taken risk; signing an artiste without the necessary paperworks.

Few moments ago, a fan asked May D on twitter why he has been silent on the whole issue. He was asked, "MayD, you have been quiet all this while, what's going on? Talk to me." The 'Ile ijo' singer then answered, "They say silence is golden! And I've always been guided by the word that says: 'be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger."

When he was later asked "MayD, how would you describe your relationship with Square Records before now" by the same person, May D replied, "very cordial. Infact, I would say I was loyal to a fault."

Many have still wondered what went wrong May D and Square Records. He was the first artiste signed by the label after much criticism from fans that P-Square were being 'selfish' by not involving outsiders in the prosperous music business.

Leonora Okine replaced Matilda Obaseki on Tinsel

2012-09-11T13:51:00.004+01:00

Leonora is the very pretty Ghanaian actress who replaced Matilda Obaseki as Angela Dede on Tinsel

Meanwhile, network has been really really bad today...

Singer Obiwon Obiora and wife Nkechi welcome baby girl

2012-09-11T13:42:00.003+01:00

Their little bundle of joy was born last week September 4th. Obiwon and Nkechi got married in September 2011 after dating for four years. Congrats to them!

Damilola says goodbye to Tinsel

2012-09-11T11:49:00.000+01:00

Damilola Adegbite, who before now, played Telema, on M-Net’s soap opera, Tinsel, has confirmed that she is leaving the show. The decision comes four years after she shot into limelight, playing Soji Bankole’s (Gbenro Ajibade Emmanuel) romantic sidekick. According to the starlet, it is strictly a professional decision.

“Damilola is sad to be saying goodbye to the show and would deeply miss everyone,” a statement from her agent, Cartwheel & Pandora PR said, “The last four years spent on the show has been a very beautiful and fulfilling experience for her; Damilola over the course of four years has built not only a good work relationship, but great friendship and regards the entire cast and crew as family.

“She is however very excited about the next phase of her career, as she is currently on a movie set with AMAA award winning film maker, Michelle Bello, where Damilola will be playing a lead role in the upcoming movie.”

TINSEL’S MATILDA OBASEKI AND FIANCE WELCOME BABY BOY

2012-09-06T10:15:00.001+01:00

Five months after her engagement, Tinsel actress, Matilda Obaseki is pregnant and has since been relieved of her role on popular MNET soap Tinsel.

The Edo state born actress was recently replaced by Ghanaian, Leonora Okine and although the reason was not disclosed, fans have been speculating that her pregnancy could be the cause as it doesn’t fit with the role she plays in the MNET produced soap.

Obaseki, 26 got engaged earlier in the year.

Now

Matilda Obaseki and her fiance welcome their first child
Nigerian actress Matilda Obaseki is now a mother.

NET gathered that the Tinsel star delivered a bouncing baby boy early this week.

We’re told mother and child are doing well, and that Obaseki’s fiance is besides himself with joy.

KANYE WEST FEATURES D’BANJ ON G.O.O.D MUSIC ‘CRUEL SUMMER’ ALBUM

2012-09-06T10:00:00.001+01:00

D’banj and Kanye West on the set of ‘Oliver’….
Self proclaimed ‘African Michael Jackson’ D’banj has featured on Kanye West‘s label G.O.O.D Music compilation album titled ‘Cruel Summer‘.

The supposed tracklist which leaked today through HMV Japan and Tower Records shows D’banj collaborated with six other US acts on the song titled ‘The morning‘. D’banj had a cameo in the video to ‘Mercy‘, the first single off the album.

The other acts include – Wu Tang rap veteran Raekwon, and D’banj’s fellow G.O.O.D Music acts Pusha T, Common, 2 Chainz, CyHi Da Prynce and Kid Cudi.

Other big names on ‘Cruel Summer’ include R. Kelly, Jay Z, and a surprise cameo from Harlem rapper Ma$e.

Check out the tracklist and cover art below…

1. To The World (Kanye West & R. Kelly)

2. Clique (Kanye West, Jay-Z & Big Sean)

3. Mercy (Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz)

4. New God Flow (Kanye West, Pusha T & Ghostface Killah)

5. The Morning (Raekwon, Pusha T, Common, 2 Chainz, CyHi Da Prynce, Kid Cudi & D’Banj)

6. Cold (DJ Khaled)

7. Higher (The-Dream, Pusha T & Ma$e)

8. Sin City (John Legend, Travi$ Scott, Teyana Taylor, CyHi Da Prynce & Malik Yusef)

9. The One (Kanye West, Big Sean, 2 Chainz & Marsha Ambrosius)

10. Creepers (Kid Cudi)

11. Bliss (John Legend & Teyana Taylor)

12. Don’t Like. (Kanye West, Chief Keef, Pusha T, Big Sean & Jadakiss)

Wizkid, Davido, Phone Swap top NEA 2012

2012-09-06T09:45:00.001+01:00

The 2012 Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) held on September 2, at the Skirball Centre for Performing Arts, New York City was hosted by Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele Oloyede and comedian, AY.

The awards celebrated and recognised the contributions of entertainers to the African entertainment industry.

The awards in its 7th edition was divided into 3 main categories; music, film and others, and considered work released into the open market, radio stations and online media over the past year.

The top winners include, Wizkid whose "Superstar" won the Best Album of the Year, and also Best Pop/R&B Artist; and 'Dami Duro' crooner, Davido clenched the Hottest Single, and Best New Act awards. Tinie Tempah took home the Best International Artist; Olu Maintain's 'Nawti' won Best Music Video; and Don Jazzy won Music Producer of the Year award.

The Best Actor and Actress in Film was won by Wale Ojo and Funke Akindele Oloyede respectively.

The sub-categories under film saw Kunle Afolayan's Phone swap win Best directing, Best Actor, and Best Picture. DJ Jimmy Jatt received the World DJ, while Uti Nwachukwu won the Entertainment Personality of the year.

Celebrities at the awards include newly weds Uche Jombo and Kenny Rodriguez; Brymo, Waje, Juliet Ibrahim, Susan Peters, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, eLDee and Vector.

Previous NEA winners include Tuface, M.I., Jesse Jagz, Omawumi, Wiz Kid, Lara George, Fally Ipupa, Chris Attoh, and Jackie Appiah. Others are Ramsey Noauh, Genevieve Nnaji, and Kunle Afolayan.

Full list of winners:

Best Actor in Film: Wale Ojo (Phone Swap)

Best Actress in Film: Funke Akindele (The Return of Jenifa)

Pan African Actor: Majid Michel (Somewhere in Africa)

Pan African Actress: Yvonne Okoro (Single Six)

Best Director: Kunle Afolayan (Phone Swap)

Best Picture: Phone Swap

Best TV Show: Big Brother Africa

Best Album of the Year: Superstar (Wizkid)

Hottest Single of the Year: Dami Duro (Davido)

Best New Act of the Year: Davido

Gospel Artist/Group of the Year: Tim Godfrey

Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year: Wizkid

Best Rap Act of the Year: Vector

Music Producer of the Year: Don Jazzy

Best International Artist: Tinie Tempah

Best Music Video of the Year: Nawti (Olu Maintain)

Most Promising Act To Watch: Eva

Pan African Artist/Group of the Year: Vivian Ndour

Best US Based Artist of the Year: Awon Boyz

Best Indigenous Artist/Group: Flavour

World DJ: DJ Jimmy Jatt

Best Comedian: Ali Baba

Best Entertainment Personality: Uti Nwachukwu

Entertainment Promoter: Flytime (Nigeria)

Media Personality: Toolz (Beat FM 99.9 Lagos)

Entertainment Executive: eLDee

Best Collabo of the Year: Sauce Kid ft Davido (Carolina)

Remember to leave a comment as u go.........

Two New Singles release by Waje

2012-09-05T13:07:00.000+01:00

Soul sensation, Waje has released two new songs, ‘Oko Mi’ and ‘I wish’ off her upcoming album, the self-titled WAJE [Words Aren’t Just Enough].

The songs which were officially released as a birthday gift to herself, spent the whole of Sunday as one of the trending topics on social networks, Twitter and Facebook.

The songs Written by Waje and Del B were produced by Del B and Papy J respectively.

“Oko Mi is the song every girl, every woman wants to sing to the man she is in love with,” Waje explains.

For ‘I wish’, the singer digs deep into her darker side with deeply emotional lyrics fused with a slow tempo ragga beat.

With unforgettable lines like “I wish I didn’t have a heart, na only stone fit dey inside,” the song hits all the sad notes! “For every heart that has been broken,

‘I wish’ is a song that says I’ve been there, I will survive, “Waje explains simply.

Waje who was nominated as 'best female vocal performer' for the Headies, celebrated her birthday with friends in New York .

NBC bans Wande Coal’s ‘Go Low’ video

2012-09-05T13:04:00.000+01:00

The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has banned Wande Coal’s controversial ‘Go low’ video on grounds of nudity.

Before now, the same video had come under severe attacks from fellow artiste, Kenny Saint Brown, because of content which she described as immoral.

She said the video was one of the reasons rape was on the increase in the country, and some of Wande Coal's fans have blamed her for the ban.

After several complaints over the semi-nude ladies featured in the video, 'Go Low' was officially banned from local TV stations in Nigeria.

Peter Okoye Throws Surprise Birthday Party For Girlfriend, Lola Omotayo

2012-09-05T13:02:00.000+01:00

Peter Okoye of P-Square organized a surprise birthday party for his pregnant girlfriend, Lola Omotayo on Sunday, 2 September, 2012 at West Fosters, located at 70, Queens Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The bash was attended by family members of both Peter and Lola, in attendance was Lola’s father, Mr. Omotayo, her cousins, Peter's sisters and close friends of the couple.

Uche Jombo And Husband At Nigerian Entertainment Awards In NewYork...Cute??

2012-09-04T16:37:00.001+01:00

Uche Jombo And Husband At Nigerian Entertainment Awards In NewYork...Cute??

source: naijapals

Fast rising Yoruba actress Seun Ogunlade Dies After Brief Illness

2012-09-04T16:17:00.001+01:00

Yoruba actress Seun Ogunlade is dead

Seun Ogunlade popularly known as Seun Effizy Po, is died after a brief illness. May her soul rest in peace, amen.

Just a week into the mourning of famous entertainment journalist, Amadi Ogbonnaya of Vanguard newspapers, the industry was dealt with another devastating death blow early this morning. This time,Seun Ogunlade an up and coming actress in Yoruba movie sector has been confirmed dead.

Gistmania gathered Seun died this morning after being ill for only few days. Many of her collegues says they are mourning the passage of a young and promising actress who would have made a great name for herself if not that death took her away so soon.

Popular Actress, Funke Akindele-Oloyede Is Pregnant

2012-09-04T16:08:00.002+01:00

Yoruba actress Funke Akindele-Oloyede spotted yesterday at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards which held in New York looking pregnant.

Congratulation.

Traditional And White Wedding Photos Of Teju Babyface Oyelakin & Tobi Banjoko

2012-09-04T15:24:00.002+01:00

Top Nigerian comedian/TV Host, Teju Babyface Oyelakin and his fiancée, model/beauty queen Tobi Banjoko are now husband and wife.

White Wedding
The holy solemnization between the couple took place on Saturday 1st September 2012 at the Chapel of Life Church, Alausa, Ikeja. The couple were joined in holy matrimony by Pastor Sam Adeyemi of Daystar Church.

After the church wedding, Teju added a unique touch by whisking his wife away in style. The newlyweds drove to the reception at MUSON Centre with Teju at the reins of the steering wheel. Spotted at the reception were some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Richard Mofe-Damijio and his wife, Jumobi, Tee A, Ali Baba – the master of the ceremony, Yinka Ayefele, Kayode Peters, Jedi, DJ Jimmy Jatt and Kunle Afolayan.

The traditional wedding of the couple was held on Thursday 30th August 2012 at 10 Degrees, Billings Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. The man of the day, Teju arrived at the venue in a silver EL 550 sport car with Fuji master, Sir Shina Peters.

The bride, Tobi looked gorgeously resplendent in her aso-oke outfit as she danced her way into the venue to meet and be joined together with her husband the traditional way.

SOURCE FROM NAIJAPALS

Behind The Scene Photos From 2face Idibia's "The Name" Video Shoot

2012-09-04T15:09:00.002+01:00

Women, women, women and MORE WOMEN are just what you need to make a good music video these days, 2face isnt new to women, after dating close to 50 and making babies with 4, having women around him was not a peculiar incident as he shoots video for his song, "the name".

Checkout photos from this shoot

Nigerian powerlifter wins silver despite setting world record

2012-09-04T14:46:00.002+01:00

The incompetence of the Team Nigeria technical crew was brought to the fore on Monday when the country’s 75kg women powerlifter, Folashade Olufemiayo, was short-changed of the gold medal despite setting a new world record at the paralympic event.

The event was won by China’s Fu Taoying, although both had a lift of 146kg. As the plot for supremacy between the Nigerian and her Asian counterpart thickened, the Chinese officials pulled a fast one straight out of the books by having their athlete come out first for the final and third lift when it became clear that Olufemiayo who was scheduled to come out first would win on the final attempt.

Taoaying, with a body weight of 72.53kg, went on to lift 146kg in her final attempt, to set up a near-world record; Olufemiayo stepped out and reproduced the 146kg.

With a lesser body weight, it was clear that once they tied on the final lift, the Chinese athlete would win the gold, and that was what happened at the end of the contest.

Officially, after the three attempts, the competition was over, but the athletes continued with the battle for supremacy and Olufemiayo lifted 148kg in her final attempt to set a new world record, but it did not count.

Speaking after the encounter, bleary eyed Olufemiayo said: “That was my gold medal that was given to the Chinese woman. And I would want to say that I’m more than disappointed that this could be happening. I was supposed to come out first for the final lift, but they changed the schedule and made Taoying come out first.

“This is what they did to us yesterday when they conspired against Lucy Ejike. They have done it to me and I am very sad.

“I am the best and everyone saw what I did. I guess the officials had a mindset of who they wanted to win.”

However, an international power-lifting official who pleaded anonymity traced Olufemiayo’s ordeal to the lack of tact on the part of Nigerian officials.

“The Chinese coach knew that her girl didn’t stand a chance and she called out first for an increase in weight of 146kg and that was why she had to come out first,” he said. “If the Nigerian officials were thinking they would have increased the weight of their athlete to 147kg for the final attempt, but they didn’t. However, the attempt on 146kg by the Chinese was not a perfect lift, that is where I disagree with the judges.”

Lucy Ejike also failed to win gold under similar circumstances in the women's 56kg category on Sunday. That notwithstanding Nigeria’s still tops the power-lifting medal table with 4 gold, 5 silver and one bronze won by veteran Victoria Nneji.

In the overall medals table, Nigeria is in the 10th position. Reacting to the two incidents, Coach Are Ogunfeyisetan hinted at a possible international conspiracy to stop the Nigerian paralympians from winning more gold medals.

“I am not happy at all because it seems the international federation already knows how many gold medals they wanted us to win at the Games, but we have shown here that we are the best,” he said.

Echoing Ogunfeyisetan’s thoughts, the team doctor, Samuel Ogodeminu, said: “The third Chinese’s lift wasn’t good, yet it was allowed. We protested but it was always bound to fail. We are very upset but what can we do?”

Cossy Orjiakor Reveals How She Bought Her N100M Mansion

2012-09-03T16:31:00.001+01:00

If you have been in the Lagos hustle, you will understand what Psqaure had in mind when they sang the song "E no easy o". She might have been a topic of mockery amongst jealous ladies, but that doesnt stop the sexy Cossy Orjiakor from getting her hustle on, she just completed her massive multi million naira mansion in Lagos.

Photos of Cossy relaxing in her mansion below:

Checkout Headies 2012 Nominees List

2012-08-30T17:39:00.003+01:00

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Best album (solo or group) in year under review, that meets judges’ requirements of excellence (in every realms: songwriting, production, rendition and promotion) and acceptability (sales, popularity).

Everybody Loves Ice Prince – Ice Prince
The Invasion – P-Square
Superstar – Wizkid
Super C Season – Naeto C

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Most critically and commercially adjudged artiste in the year under review Overall most successful artiste for the year under review.

P-Square
Wizkid
Ice Prince
Naeto C
D’Banj

SONG OF THE YEAR
Most popular song from an album in year under review. Decided by voting

Chop My Money – P-Square ft. Akon & May-D
Dami Duro – Davido
Oliver Twist – D’Banj
Gaga Crazy - Chuddy K
Kukere – Iyanya

RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Best single recording (on-air only or released) by artiste or group in year under review. Originality and production very essential

Stupid Song - Bez
Private Trips – Wande Coal
Ara – Brymo
I Love You – Praiz

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
The individual responsible for producing the most acclaimed songs/album in the year under review. His CV for the year includes top-notch tracks and production credits no one can fault.

Cobhams – Stupid Song (Bez)
Tee-Y Mix – Super C Season (Naeto C)
Shizzy – Dami Duro (Davido)
J Sleek – Private Trips (Wande Coal)
Jesse Jags – E.L.I (Ice Prince)

BEST MUSIC VIDEO (AWARD GOES TO DIRECTOR)
Best conceptualised, best edited, best picture, best directed and most exciting video in year under review as voted by fans and decided by the jury.

5 & 6 (Naeto C) - Clarence Peters
Chop My Money Remix (P-Square) - Jude Okoye
Ara (Brymo) – Ajeh
Kosorombe (Dipp ft. Da Grin) – Mex

BEST R ‘N’ B SINGLE
Best R&B single in year under review (by single individual or group)

Private Trips – [color=]Wande Coal[/color]
Stupid Song – Bez
Nawti – Olu Maintain
Soundtrack – May D
Love Me (3X) – Tiwa Savage

BEST POP SINGLE
Best pop single in year under review (by single individual or group)

Dami Duro – Davido
Oliver Twist – D’Banj
Gaga Crazy – Chuddy K
Chop My Money – P-Square
Kukere - Iyanya

BEST R ‘N’ B/ POP ALBUM
Best R&B or pop album in year under review (by single individual or group)

Superstar – [color=]Wizkid[/color]
Super Sun – Bez
Versus – 9ice
The Invasion - P-Square

BEST RAP SINGLE
Best single released on-air recording of a rap song

Too Much Money – Iceberg Slim
Shutdown – Phyno
Angeli – Vector ft. 9ice
Oh My Gosh – Yung6ix
Young Erikina - Olamide

BEST RAP ALBUM
Best album by a rap artiste or group in year under review

E.L.I – Ice Prince
The Dreamer Project – Show Dem Camp
Rapsodi – Olamide
Super C Season – Naeto C

LYRICIST ON THE ROLL
Rap Artist with best lyrical depth and performance on a single song or album

Vector – Angeli
Yung6ix - Oh My Gosh
Iceberg Slim - Too Much Money
Phyno - Shutdown
Erigga - Mo Street Gan

BEST COLLABO
Best R&B, Pop or hip hop collaborative track (including cameos) in year under review

Chop My Money (Remix) – P-Square Ft. Akon & May-D
Angeli - Vector Ft. 9ice
Carolina - Sauce Kid Ft. Davido
Stupid Song - Bez Ft. Praiz
Orobo – Sound Sultan Ft. Excel & Flavour

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)
Single male artiste with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album

Wande Coal – Private trips
Banky W – Low Key
Praiz – I Love You
Brymo – Ara
Bez – Stupid Song

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
Single female act with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album

Tiwa Savage – Love Me, Love, Love Me
Chidinma – Kedike
Ijeoma – Oloomi
Waje - Na The Way

AFRICAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Non Nigerian category

Sarkodie (Ghana) – Azonto
Camp Mulla (Kenya) – Feel No Pain
D-Black (Ghana) – Get On The Dancefloor
Zahara (South Africa) - Loliwe

BEST STREET HOP
The most popular street-hop single in year under review

Kako Bi Chicken – Reminisce
Gaga Crazy – Chuddy K
Akpako – Terry G
Roll – Rayce
Mo Street Gan – Erigga

NEXT RATED
Most promising upcoming officially unreleased act in the year under review

Davido
Eva (Alordia)
Praiz
Chuddy K

HIP HOP WORLD REVELATION OF THE YEAR
Best New artiste in the year under review

Wizkid
Ice Prince
Bez
Timi Dakolo
Olamide

HEADIES HALL OF FAME
Special recognition for excellence and outstanding impact to the entertainment industry.

We didn’t sack May D, we let him go – Square Records

2012-08-29T15:58:00.004+01:00

R&B duo P-Square, P Square and brother, Jude Okoye, in an interview with BBC London, cleared the air on the issue between them and Akinmayokun Awodumila, popularly known as May D.

P-Square was in London to perform at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo, London for the Love Afrobeat Festival, visited BBC Africa's studios, just before the concert.

Responding to questions sent by Facebook, Twitter and Google+ followers; CEO, Northside Ent. Ltd/Square Records, Jude Okoye said, "We did not sack May D. We just let him go."

It was reported last week that Square Records released a press statement announcing the end of their business relationship with the only other artist on their label, Mr May D.

According to the statement, the split is due to the irreconcilable differences between the two parties. The Okoyes further wished May D all the best in his career.

Reacting to the statement, May D said "I do not know what they are talking about. You know I don’t stay in their house so how am I meant to know this?”

May D was signed by the label some months ago and has released few hit tracks under the label including ‘Ile Ijo’, ‘Soundtrack’, and the remix he did with Akon and P-Square.

They also sang a cappella one of their latest hits, Beautiful Onyinye, which they recently recorded with American superstar rapper, Rick Ross.

The Love Afrobeats Festival, a cultural celebration of African music, was organised by African promoters, Cokobar, SMADE and Phoenix Global Media.

The festival took over the 5000 capacity venue with performances from the biggest music forces including, Wande Coal, and Ghana’s finest E.L and Azonto sensation Fuse ODG, as well as two promising upcoming UK-based Afrobeat artists, DL and Ezi Emela.

Iyanya Before Before And After

2012-08-27T15:41:00.001+01:00

KUKERE THINGS! Photos Of Iyanya Before Before And After The Fame

An evident of the good things money can do in your life! he looks so wretched in the previous photo

2016 Olympics: Sports federations get 2-week ultimatum

2012-08-27T12:47:00.000+01:00

The bodies are to submit their programmes and targets for the event Daily By Olorunwa Lawal The National Sports Commission (NSC) has given the various sports federations in the country a two-week ultimatum to submit their programmes and targets for the 2016 Olympics or get blacklisted. Giving the directive at a meeting with the sports federations' presidents and secretaries on Sunday, Bolaji Abdullahi, Chairman of the NSC and Minister of Sports, said he would set up a committee to monitor their programmes and target for the next four years. The NSC chairman vowed that any federation that did not meet its target would not be favoured in terms of planning and implementation for the 2016 Olympics scheduled for Brazil. The directive is coming at the heels of President Goodluck Jonathan’s order of a re-organisation after Team Nigeria’s disgraceful outing at the 2012 London Olympics. Dr. Jonathan Nnaji, President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), noted that the timing of the preparation was good, but expressed worry over poor funding and lack of facilities. "Give NSC and the federations the required funding; put them in a challenge and if they don’t give you result in four years time, then you can crucify anybody heading the place,’’ Nnaji said. "We have a minister who is intelligent and knows what to do but he wants to know some of the problems from the federations. One of the things is that we have to come back in two weeks' time with a developmental programme for four years and another one for Rio 2016.'' Dr. Patrick Uwagbale, Secretary General of Nigeria Amateur Boxing Federation, said that the body had drawn up a programme tagged "The Road Map to Rio 2016." He said the boxing federation would be ready to submit the programme to the minister in two weeks. “We are going to put all these things together to make sure no mistake is made, to make sure we achieve our projections,’’ Uwagbale said. Also speaking, Navy Capt. Omatseye Nesiama, Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), said that a programme known as “Project Rio 2016’’ had been designed to change the fortune of athletics in the country. According to him, the programme conceived in London, after Team Nigeria’s poor show at the Olympics, would come in two phases. "That project is going to involve coaches from the grassroots. It is going to be focused on developmental and performance aspect; we don’t want to mix up these two. If you want to achieve podium performance, there are certain things you need to do, and if you want to develop, there are certain things you need to do,” Nesiama said. “In the developmental aspect, we will take cognizance of our junior and youth athletes because they are the ones we are going to develop into the elite category. For the athletes already in the elite level, we are now going to focus on the performance aspect. These are the two programmes we are coming up with and Project Rio is going to take care of it.”

LANCE ARMSTRONG BANNED, STRIPPED OF SEVEN TITLES

2012-08-25T19:20:00.001+01:00

Former US professional road racing cyclist Lance Armstrong has been stripped of his record seven Tour de France titles. He also received a ban from the Olympic sports after conceding to a doping conspiracy during his career. Armstrong announced on Thursday night that he would disregard a midnight deadline the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency had given him to challenge the results of USADA’s two-year investigation of his legendary cycling teams, New York Daily News reports. ‘There comes a point in every man’s life when he has to say, ‘Enough is enough.’ For me, that time is now,” Armstrong said in a statement claiming he was the victim of a witch hunt. “The toll this has taken on my family, and my work for our foundation and on me leads me to where I am today — finished with this nonsense’, embattled Armstrong said. Armstrong will now be disqualified from every competition he participated in since August 1, 1998, including all Tour de France races where he attained famed and high status and also the 2000 Summer Olympics, where he won a bronze medal.

LANCE ARMSTRONG BANNED, STRIPPED OF SEVEN TITLES

2012-08-25T18:54:00.001+01:00

‘WE HAD MANAGEMENT ISSUES WITH MAY D’ – PSQUARE SPEAK

2012-08-25T18:48:00.000+01:00

Psquare and Jude Okoye at the BBC, London. Peter and Paul Okoye, collectively known as Psquare have disclosed that former Square Records act May D made his exit from the label due to ‘management issues’. At a press briefing held in London in preparation for their August 26 live performance gig at the HMV Apollo, when asked about the recent split with the talented upcoming act, the twins responded; ‘It was just management issues that’s all‘, Peter Okoye said. Square Records boss and elder brother to the twins Jude Okoye had released a statement on Monday dissolving any arrangement May D had with the label and their entertainment company Northside Entertainment. May D however told NET he was unaware of their statement as at the time it was released. Further calls made could not reach him ever since then. Meanwhile Psquare are already gearing up for tomorrow’s show which will also feature MAVIN Records star Wande Coal.

Chelsea Completes Signing Of Nigerian Star, Victor Moses

2012-08-25T18:06:00.000+01:00

LONDON (AFP) – Chelsea are set to sign Nigeria forward Victor Moses from Wigan after the European champions finally met the Latics’ asking price.The Blues had seen four bids for Moses rejected by Wigan chairman Dave Whelan during the course of a fractious transfer saga that had lasted since the end of last season. Quote Whelan had infuriated Chelsea by speaking publicly about the negotiations in a bid to drive up the price. But Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo is on the verge of getting his man at the fifth attempt after Wigan confirmed they have accepted an improved offer and have given the 21-year-old permission to discuss a contract with the west London club.

“The club can confirm that after four unsuccessful bids from Chelsea for Victor Moses, a fifth bid has today finally met the valuation and terms set by Wigan Athletic and been accepted. The player has been given permission to speak with Chelsea,” a statement on Wigan’s website confirmed. It has been reported that Wigan were demanding around £9 million for Moses, who joined the Latics from Crystal Palace in 2010 and has risen to prominence after a series of impressive displays last season. That makes Mikel Obi and Victor Moses The Two Nigerian Stars In Chelsea