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Entertainment

Nigerian Idol returns with season five

‎All is set for the nationwide search for the best music talents as the 5th edition of Nigerian Idol kicks off.
Foremost owners of entertainment franchise in the country are Optima Media Group, in partnership with telecoms giant, Etisalat Nigeria and carbonated drink,Pepsi. Other sponsors include Payporte and Dabur Herbal.

The unveiling of the annual music TV reality show is billed to hold in the first week of the New Year at a venue in Nigeria’s entertainment capital, Lagos.  

Beside the main task of the day, the event will also feature the public presentation of the three-man panel of celebrity judges for Season five and show modalities including procedures for participation in addition to the offer of opportunity for a press Idol to emerge through an on-the-spot singing competition that promises a reward prize of a thousand US Dollars for the top performer of the day.

The reality show, which is in its fifth season, is coming in furtherance of the company’s commitment to providing young Nigerians with exceptional talent in music the opportunity to unearth their potentials, hone their skills and develop into fulfilled music stars. 

The Group Managing Director of Optima Media Group, Rotimi Pedro expressed delight in the potentials of the platform to offer talented Nigerian youths with flair for music the unique opportunity to express themselves on a global stage while creating a career path for themselves.

“We are delighted to be able to create the right and unique platforms across different fields for Nigerians to take advantage of and maximise their potentials. We have successfully done this over the years on a global stage as the Idol franchise provides. Our further commitment is to work with more partners in achieving this,” he said.

Nigerian Idol was successfully introduced on the Nigerian TV reality show scene a few years ago, and has seen its stock rise over the years with growth in popularity and followership hitting tens of millions. It is the only music TV reality show with a global appeal that currently cuts across 46 countries.

The reality show focuses on discovering Nigerian youths with talent in music and giving them a unique platform to take shots at stardom. The winner of the show will get N7. 5 million, a Galaxy Tab, a phone, an iPod, a recording deal with Universal Music Company and a brand new SUV car. The first runner up gets N1.5 million, a Galaxy Tab, phone and iPod and the 2nd runner up will receive N1million, a Galaxy Tab, phone and an iPod. 
In addition, each of the finalists from 4th to 10th place will also receive N100, 000, a Galaxy Tab, phone and an iPod. 
Nigerian Idol season five during the season will feature exciting performancesfrompast winners; YekaOnka, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Adigwe and Evelle.

Nationwide auditions will hold between January and February 2015 across five Nigerian cities; Benin City, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Ibadan and Lagos while airing kicks off from March.
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Entertainment

Gareth Bale shuts down Manchester United rumours

Real Madrid forward, Gareth Bale has shut down rumours linking him with Manchester United. The former Tottenham striker who is currently with his team-mates in Dubai on a mid-season tour told Dubai TV he is happy at Madrid.

"Go to Manchester United? I am very happy in Madrid, a city, a climate and a club that I love. My contract ends in 2019 and I could sign a renewal. I am very happy at Madrid and I hope to win many more titles in the future.

"It has been a fantastic year for me. I wanted to come to Real Madrid to win titles and work alongside the best players and that is exactly what I have done in a single year. I hope that we keep improving, winning more titles and that I can keep giving my all." He said

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Entertainment

Brazilian legend, Ronaldo unveils his ultimate XI team

Brazilian football legend, Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima popularly known as Ronaldo has unveiled his ultimate XI team.

The iconic footballer Ronaldo picked for a 3-4-3 formation. Midfield maestro and Argentine talisman, Xavi Hernandez and Lionel Messi are the only two active players featured on the list.

Ronaldo’s goal skipper is Spain legend, José Ángel Iribar, who played at Atletico Bilbao between 1962 and 1980 made the list. Next is Bayern Munich’s Franz Beckenbauer.

Other people on the list are his AC Milan team-mates Cafu and Paolo Maldini. Football icons, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Zinedine Zidane, Pele and Alfredo Di Stefano.

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Entertainment

14 people, issues or events that shook Nigeria in 2014

As the year draws to a close, Loladeville Blog takes a look at 14 people, issues or events that shook Nigeria in 2014‎. From the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, Ebola and the shocking deaths of Prof. Dora Akunyili, Amaka Igwe and others. These are the stories worth reviewing before the year ends.
(1) NIS recruitment tragedy- The Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment tragedy of March 15, 2014 is one that will not be easily forgotten. The issue is not that over 6million people paid an application fee of N1,000 for 4,000 vacant positions but that 23 Nigerian job seekers who left their homes were trampled to death whilst trying to gain entrance to venues, several others were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals.
(2) Bring Back Our Girls– Albeit interest in it has waned considerably, the abduction of nearly 300 Chibok school girls on April 14, 2014 in Borno State Nigeria by Islamic sect, Boko Haram topped social media’s most trending topics list in Nigeria in 2014. The kidnap prompted a global campaign tagged ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ to ensure the safe release of the poor girls. The #BBOG campaign drew unprecedented attention from the international community, protests were held severally in different parts of the country and abroad. High-profile international figures shew their support/solidarity via placards with the #BringBackOurGirls caption, tweets, instagram and facebook posts etc. Today marks the 261th day of their captivity and sadly the the girls have not been brought back
(3)Patience Jonathan’s viral bant– All Nigerians picked from an “emotional” 2-minute video of Nigeria’s first lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan addressing Mrs Asabe Aliyu Kwarmbula, the Principal of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State over the abducted 234 students of the school at a press briefing was her pidgin English. We all agree that her relationship with English is strained, Nigerians had a field day with the video just like they did with last year’s ‘Oga At The Top’ bant. The video went viral, (and of course it was available for download) and phrases like “Diaris God”, “Na only you waka come” became an anthem on the lips of both young and old.
(4) Dora Akunyili– Will Nigeria ever forget Dora Akunyili? Certainly not. The widely revered woman of substance passed on on June 7,2014 after a 17-year battle with uterine cancer. She was aged 59. The amazon was an ex Minister of Information and former Director General of The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control. Needless to say she was a passionate campaigner against fake and substandard drugs in Nigeria. She will be sorely missed.
(5) Amaka Igwe– The sudden death of one of Nigeria’s iconic filmmakers, Amaka Igwe which occurred in Enugu on April 28, 2014 left several if not all entertainment practitioners in shock. According to reports, the 51 year-old multi award-winning movie producer suffered an asthma attack on a movie location and gave up before she was rushed to the hospital. Her death has been described as an irreparable loss to the motion pictures industry.
(6) Kefee– It all started with the news of her collapse in a Chicago-bound plane. The plane we gathered had to make an emergency landing so she could receive medical attention. Fans, family and friends were however shocked out of their wits when the news of the death of the sapele-born frontline Gospel singer, Kefee Don-Momoh seeped into the air. The Branama queen died in an undisclosed Los-Angeles hospital after 15-days in coma.
(7) Ebola– In Nigeria, the name Patrick Sawyer is synonymous to Ebola. The 40-year-old Liberian brought the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to Nigeria on July 20, 2014. He vomited frequently during his flight and on arrival was hospitalised at the First Consultant Hospital, Obalende. His arrival set a chain of transmission that got 19 people infected, 8 of whom died. He died on 25 July. But for Dr Stella Adedavoh, a senior consultant at the hospital who promptly alerted health institutions after a malaria test carried out on Sawyer came out positive and stopped the Liberian from leaving the hospital for a conference in Calabar, the death toll would have increased. Sadly Dr Stella died few days later after a direct contact with the Ebola victim. Nigeria was declared Ebola-free by World Health Organization (WHO) on October 20, 2014
(8) Psquare’s alleged breakup– The news of their breakup started with Jude Okoye, the elder brother of singing duo, Psquare’s tweet one fateful day, “After 10 years of hardwork, I am done”, it was difficult to believe all was well with the Okoye brothers. There were reports that they fought severally at rehearsals and had to be separated by their dancers. Shortly after that fans, celebrities and friends of the singers took to several social media platforms to advise them to sheathe their swords and shelve their planned break-up. Fans however heaved sighs of relief after the brothers debunked the rumour via their various twitter accounts. “Forever Psquare”. “Psquare! Stronger than ever.” They wrote.
(9) 2014 World Cup– The World Cup is unarguably the biggest sporting competition in the world. The 2014 edition held from June 12- July 13 2014 in Brazil. 64 matches were played, 32 countries were represented, 12 venues were featured and 1 winner emerged- Germany. There were those who jetted out to Brazil, some saw the games in the comfort of their homes, viewing centres and in large malls. There were others who followed the games on several social media platforms and got connected to a community of football fans around the world. They followed live updates, analysed matches and players/teams’ performances, talked about goals or funny/bizarre goal celebrations, praised or lashed out at players, won prizes for predicting games correctly etc. 
(10) Ayo Fayose- The return of Ayodele Peter Fayose to the Ekiti State Government house is one of the issues that dominated political discourse in the country in 2014. Fayose who was impeached from office in controversial circumstances in 2006 defeated Dr Kayode Fayemi in the Ekiti gubernatorial election held in June this year. He made history in Nigeria as the first politician to defeat two incumbent Governors for the same office twice. He was sworn in on October 16,2014.
(11) ‎Entertainers in politics– The year 2014 saw many Nigerian entertainers expressing their interests in qualifying for one political office or the other. Roll call of celebrities who vied for political seats include: Julius Agwu (Rivers State Governor), Desmond Elliot (Lagos State House of Assembly Surulere Constituency), Abolore ‘9ice’ Akande (House of Assembly Ogbomosho North/South Orire Constituence Oyo), Kenny Saint Best (Lagos State House of Assembly Ikeja Constituency 1), Daniel Chibuzor a.k.a Dan D’ Humourous (comedian) (House of Assembly Ikweme Constituency), Kate Henshaw (Federal House of Representative Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency), Bob Manuel Idokwu (Anambra State House of Assembly Idemli North) and a host of others. Sadly, majority of them lost out in the primaries.
(12) AFCON – Two goals from Super Eagles’ Sone Aluko didn’t help Nigeria to qualify for the African Cup of Nations 2015 to be held in Equitorial Guinea. Nigeria crashed out after failing to beat South Africa at the newly commissioned stadium in Akwa Ibom. Nigeria garnered a total of 8 points and came third in a group comprising of South Africa who qualified with 12 points and Congo who occupied the second spot with 10 points. Nigeria is however the only country who has not defended the nations cup after winning it in 1996 and 2013.
(13) Primary Elections- Primary elections were held in several states of the nations for candidates vying for Gubernatorial, Presidential and other positions in the 2015 elections. While President Jonathan emerged PDP candidate for the Presidential election, General Muhammadu Buhari garnered a total of 3,430 votes to emerge the presidential candidate of APC. Who wins a ticket to Aso Rock next year? That’s one question Nigerians will find answer to in 2015.
(14) Keshi’s sack and reinstatement – National team coach, Stephen Keshi was highly commended for helping Nigeria to win the African Cup of Nations in South Africa last year. The story is different today. The ex international was relieved of his job on October 15, 2014 after a disastrous AFCON 2015 qualifying campaign and a former handler, Amodu Shuaibu took over.
Two weeks after, Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan ordered his reinstatement to oversee the two remaining qualifying matches. That didn’t help matters as Nigeria failed to pick the 2015 AFCON qualifications ticket. The debate for Keshi to remain as the Super Eagles coach is one of the most controversial issues in the Nigerian sports circle.
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Entertainment

Photo of first British Ebola victim surfaces

The British health worker who became the first person to be diagnosed with Ebola in the UK has been identified.
She’s been transferred from Glasgow to the isolation unit at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
A passenger who sat next to her on the plane told Daily Mail that the Ebola testing regime at Heathrow Airport was shambolic as staff ran out of medical kits.
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Barcelona's transfer ban upheld. No buying of players until 2016

The Court of Arbitration for Sport on Tuesday today upheld a one year transfer ban against Spanish football club, Barcelona for breaching rules on signing under-aged players.
The implication is that the club will not be able to buy players until 2016.  Barcelona was also fined Swiss €375,000.
A statement from the court reads,”The Panel found in particular that FC Barcelona had breached the rules regarding the protection of minors and the registration of minors attending football academies.“‎
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Entertainment

Ebola: 3 cases confirmed in the UK


‎I hope this is contained as soon as possible. Two cases of the Ebola Virus Disease has been confirmed in the UK.
The first case is from a 58 year old British health worker who had been working in Sierra Leone with Save the Children. She was diagnosed of the disease while on a flight from Casablanca to Glasgow on Sunday night. She was admitted to Glasgow’s Gartnavel Hospital hospital on Monday morning and transferred to a specialist unit in London this morning.
Two more patients have also being tested for Ebola in Scotland and Cornwall. One is being examined at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, Cornwall, and the other – a female heath worker – at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland told BBC radio. “Although this is another returning healthcare worker from West Africa, the patient here has had no, as far as we’re aware, direct contact with people infected with Ebola. This patient over the course of today will be transferred for tests.”
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Taye Taiwo says Keshi isn't fit to continue as coach.

Super Eagles/Bursasor defender, Taye Taiwo also doesn’t think out-of-contract coach Stephen Keshi has any business continuing as national team coach. The major reason the Turkey-based player cited was Keshi’s failure to qualify the country for the Africa Cup of Nations? 

“Everybody in Nigeria knows that when Siasia did not qualify everybody from the media, the fans insisted that they have to sack him, so it is normal that when a coach does not qualify for the Nations Cup or the World Cup he is not allowed to stay on, I am sorry to say that; they have to sack him.”

“Nigeria is not just for one person, if a coach does not qualify you for a competition why do you have to keep him?”.

The 29 year-old added that he nurses no hard feelings against the Big boss, “Please don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with Keshi, Amokachi or even the NFF. The players that have been called are also doing fantastically well; everything is in the hands of Allah. If I get the chance to play for Nigeria I will, if not, life goes on.”

“Personally, I am not happy that Nigeria did not qualify for the African Cup of Nations and the problem started right from the day we lost our home game but I believe we can plan again and reposition our football. We have the talents and as a nation in Africa , we should be seen at the top.”‎

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Entertainment, Sports

Torres confirms Athletico return.

‎From Athletico ‎ Madrid to Liverpool to Chelsea to AC Milan and back home….Athletico. Spanish footballer, Fernando Torres who kick started his career at the Spanish club at the age of 11 is rejoining the team on an 18-month loan deal. 

The 30 year-old confirmed the news on his official twitter account.
‎”At last back home. Thanks to all that have made this dream come true. Forza @Atleti. #TorresHaVuelto http://pic.twitter.com/HZjMI5v6Gl”
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General Buhari Is Unstoppable Now | By: Joe Igbokwe

What happened in 1993 between Alhaji Bashir Tofa and the late Chief Moshood Abiola of the blessed memory is about repeating itself in Nigeria in Nigeria today. Before the June 12 1993 presidential elections, handlers of Alhaji Bashir Tofa knew that comparing Bashir Tofa and Chief Abiola is like Apples and Oranges comparison.
They knew that it is like comparing a giant with a dwarf. They knew that there is no basis for the comparison, and if it is a 100m dash Chief Abiola would have hit the tape while Tofa is at the starting point. The handlers led by Dr Doyin Okupe initiated a strategy to hit Chief Abiola from all corners and try to panel beat him to Tofa’s level. They failed miserably and woefully too. In the process of doing that they helped in no uncertain terms to catapult Chief Abiola to an unprecedented height. The rest is now history.
In 2015, the reckless, useless and fraudulent historians and hack writers are at work again. This time it is a battle between President Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari has contested presidential elections in 2003, 2007, 2011 and even though he did not make it, he gave a good account of himself.
Though he was cheated out, he got millions of votes. He remained consistent, committed and courageous even in the face of all the troubles he had to go through. President Jonathan became a deputy Governor and through luck he became Governor, Vice president and now President and he would have ruled Nigeria for six years by next year.
In 2015, Nigerians will take stock. Nigerians are looking back, they are looking at the present and as well as the future. In the past sixteen a lot of water has passed under the bridge. Nigerians have seen a lot. Devastated, pillaged and gang raped in all fronts, Nigerians are now thinking seriously. Shall we continue with this mess? Do we have an alternative? Can we do things differently? Is Nigeria a basket case? Are we helpless and hopeless? Are our destinies in our hands? Can we bring the change we all desire? Can we raise the bar of leadership in 2015? Can we recover our stolen country?
Many hard questions demanding hard answers. After the 2011 elections, General Buhari said he may not seek the highest office again. But the crisis of leadership in our country has pushed him to throw his hat into the ring again. He has been compelled by the forces of history to step forward again and this time it is a different ball game.
 General Buhari of yesteryears is no longer the same Buhari of today. Things have changed. Time has changed. The calculations, equations and permutations have changed. Nigerians want Buhari to come clean up the Augean Stable PDP led federal government is leaving behind. GMB is coming to change the way we think and the way we work.
But the enemies are at the door again. The thieves are at the door once again. They are with guns, bombs, Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (IBM), Rocket Launchers (RL), Warships, Jet fighters, Bows and Arrows, AK-47s, etc to shoot him down. They tell us he is a Religious Bigot, an Islamic fundamentalist, a semi-illiterate person, too old and too weak to get things done. They are still manufacturing every bad thing under the sun and are heaping them at GMB’s doorsteps.
They are desperate, vicious, hopeless, helpless and potentially dangerous. They are doing everything humanly possible to stop and if possible to kill General Buhari. This is the reason why l want maximum security for General Buhari now.
These meretricious mediocrity can pull the house down to remain in power. They are ready to slaughter thousands to remain. They are ready to continue to divide the country to remain in power.
The corrupt people and criminals in the land will do everything humanly possible to stop Buhari. We have seen them at work. They know the consequences of General Buhari’s presidency. They know that he is a no nonsense man. They know he will fight criminals head on. They know he is going to remove feeding bottles from their mouths. They know he will do things differently. They know his puritanical disposition and they know he will stop at nothing to stop the mess in the land.
General Buhari may be a religious bigot, he may be a fundamentalist, he may be a dictator, he may be an old man and semi illiterate, he may be everything they claim he is but these congenital liars from the pit of hell will kiss the dust. They will swallow their words when the chips are down. They will go down with their pathological lies when it dawns on them that no 21st century idiot will stop an idea whose time has come.
They can call General Buhari names, they can call him anything but it will amount to nothing. Those who claimed they are PHD holders have disappointed us. Those who claimed they are not dictators have bruised and oppressed us. Those who claimed they are young brought shame and mediocrity to us. Leadership is not measured by height or age.
Mr Webster wrote Webster Dictionary at the age of 80. Buhari remains a candidate to beat in the 2015 presidential election and I pity these characters who will dare to stand on his way. I pity those who did not know when the train left the station. I sympathize with those who did not know when to call a spade a spade. I fear for those who did not know that an idea whose time has come is here. I worry that history is leaving some people behind in Nigeria. I fear that some compound idiots who have ruined Nigeria for years are yet to come to terms with GMB’s towering personality.
TIME WILL TELL
Credit: MustardPressNG
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