Ghana's Andre Ayew named the best African player in france

Ghanaian midfielder, Ayew Andre has been named the 2015 African Player of the year in the French Ligue1.
The 25 year- old edged out Ivory Coast’s Max-Alain Gradel (Saint-Etienne)and Tunisia’s Aymen Abdennour (Monaco) to the Marc-Vivien Foe Trophy.
The Marseille player who scored 10 goals in 27 appearances‎ ‎succeeds Nigerian skipper, Vincent Enyeama who clinched the prize last season.‎
Past Marc-Vivien Foé prize winners
2009: Marouane Chamakh
2010: Gervinho
2011: Gervinho
2012: Belhanda
2013:  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 
2014: Enyeama
2015: Ayew Andre

The impending betrayal awaiting General Muhammadu Buhari | By: Olaniyan Olawale


The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.
– -Abraham Lincoln
  Most of us by now believe the beautiful ones have been born, only time would tell if this is true or is just a case of the old ugly ones changing their faces to a more attractive one. Most people know I  have always been optimistic, albeit about optimism seems like a joke when you juxtapose it with the situation of the country. 
However, we need to face some realities and not deceive ourselves ourselves under the umbrella of optimism. We would be wondering who or what would dare try to betray the tireless General himself, the one Nigerians voted for and trust would provide profound solutions to the nation’s problem. 
Many of us even wish he can resume office before May 29, his official resumption date. Nigerians want Buhari to come in and perform some abracadabra and you would wonder if it is change or miracle they voted for. Anyway that is as a result of the damage his predecessors have done to the nation. 
Unemployed graduates want Buhari to resume power today and recruit millions the following day, market women want Buhari to come in and read in the dailies that” pump price has now been reduced by 50%”, pensioners want Buhari come in and pay them all their arrears instantly, workers want him to review the minimum wage, corps members want their monthly allowance increased. 
As a matter of fact the demands on the ’emergency’ list for Buhari without any form of hyperbole seems endless. Lest I forget, Nigerians want him to fight corruption as well. The atmosphere the General would be facing from May 29th might not be favourable. 

 Firstly, those that want him to fight corruption might not be ready give up their own part of the act. The citizenry undoubtedly have in one way or the other played their parts in promoting corruption. 
At least, we know how we  adjust metres at filling stations, or shuffle employment and admission list to favour or candidates. This is just a few of numerous ways we the citizens practise corruption at the low level. 
We should be asking ourselves if we are ready to give up all these if Buhari decides to lead the battle against corruption. 

Secondly, the General would certainly need money to run the economy; to finance projects, to pay salaries and many more. 
This might not be the best time for him to consider the drop in oil price at the international market. This is ostensibly as a result of much supply of oil compared to demand at the international market. In economics when supply exceeds demand there would be drop in price of that particular commodity in question. To further escalate the problem in the international oil market, Iran; one of the major exporters of oil in the world has been under economic sancttions for sometime now and reports say these sanctions might be lifted soon. 
This simply implies that the oil they have produced and stored over the years would be going into the international market at an outrageous price of $20 per barrel according to information from Tehran, the nation’s capital. We need no professor of economics to help us deduce that our budget which is usually pegged at oil being sold between $40 and $60 per barrel would be running at a deficit because am quite sure no nation would be so loyal to us that it won’t buy from a seller of $20 per barrel and buy from a $40 per barrel. I doubt it

Agriculture might seem a long term solution in this situation. However, products that are being exported to the international market are perennial crops which means it takes at least three years for it to be harvested for sale after planting. So,if Buhari diversify the economy and he is  so energetic to ensure these crops are planted the day resumes office then we should be talking about about 2018 or beyond before we start exporting. At the moment our foreign reserve is not an option,the outgoing administration has squandered it already, they forgot that one should add to foreign reserve and not take from it, you only take from it during war, econimic crisis or any or other disaster. 
 The worst form of betrayal Buhari might be facing would definitely come from the ruling party that would officially become opposition in few days. At the moment they have accepted defeat with magnanimity, their post election candour has been relatively impressive but we might have to wait till after the transition before we can conclude on how sincere they are, because this change means change of ministers, change of special advisers, replacement of contractors, replacement of ambassadors, replacement of heads of university governing concils and the list goes on. These people would be leaving the realms of powers for the first time and this might not be exteremely easy for them. They would no longer hide under impunity, no more excess security personnel and convoys around them, no more gallivanting around the Arab emirates with public funds. Trust me they would find it difficult to adapt to a lifestyle other than that. Hence, they would do everything possible legal or illegal, moral or immoral within their reach to return to power. 
Ergo, Buhari should be ready for all forms of distraction. The opposition party by then would aggrandize any error that comes out of his leadership. 
This situation is similar to the tale in Chinua Achebe’s “things fall apart”. Where the birds asked Tortoise to join them for a feast they have been invited to. The cunny Tortoise persuaded them to let him bear the name ” all of you” in order to get all the food alone. He succeeded  in doing so and all the birds got angry except for their leader; Parrot who accepted defeat and even agreed to deliver tortoise message to his wife. Tortoise never knew he was been lured to where he would be nailed. Maliciosly,Parrot delivered a wrong message to his wife and tortoise shell got broken. We hope they won’t go to this extent after accepting defeat. 


Joseph Edgar's Loud Whispers: Oshiomole and the beauty

Governor Oshiomole did most ugly men proud this week by marrying the most beautiful woman he could find. The fact that he went as far as the Cape Verde does not remove from this victory. This marriage has defied all boundaries, age, height, colour, looks, status and anything you can think of. Love indeed conquers all. When I saw the pictures I was amazed and became deeply proud of Oshiomole, the girl fine. Kai. 
Edo state people should be very proud. They now have a First Lady that can truly and well represent them in the international arena. This First Lady would not be interested in the wahala that comes with those boring summits the other First Ladies usually attend. I see Edo State being truly represented in the hallowed halls of the international Fashion Shows, Grammies, oscars and highly glamorous sporting Events. She will be another Princess Diana who will bring international spotlight to Edo State. 
You guys think that he does not know what he is doing. With a very high rate of single girls daily being exported to Europe mostly from Edo, this First Lady’s job is immediately cut out for her. As a young lady she should throw herself into this matter and bring restitution to the people of Edo by ensuring this is stopped forthwith. 
That is all I will say about this marriage. I am controlling myself, because I can not gauge Oshiomole’s self control especially on this matter so I won’t yab him too much. Even though, I have a lot to say especially on my eagerness to see the looks of their offsprings, his performance in the dark room, if he will take another wife maybe this time from Hawaii and if he will be taking her on his numerous official duties. 
But let me hold my peace for now and send him my wedding gift, six cartons of Viagra. ‎

Photos: Barcelona celebrate La Liga win

A goal from Lionel Messi was enough‎ for Spanish club, Barcelona  to secure the 2015 La Liga trophy and their 23rd title. The winning goal was delivered by the Argentine winger at the 65th minute of the game.
Exactly one year after Atletico won the Liga at the Camp Nou, The Blaugrana  have won the Liga at Atletico’s Vicente Calderon stadium.
Barcelona‎ players and coaches were in high spirits after defeating the 2014 La Liga champions at the 37th game of the season. They took to the pitch and dressing room to celebrate their well-deserved victory.‎
Barcelona now have a game left in the season. With 4 points behind rival, Real Madrid; the outcome of their next game i.e win, lose or draw will be insignificant.
Photo Credit: Twitter

See official portraits of General Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

The Media and Publicity team of  General  Muhammadu Buhari has released the official portrait of the President-elect oand the Vice-president-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
“From May 29, 2015 the President-elect and Vice-President-elect are to be respectively known and addressed as Muhammadu Buhari, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria”. A statement added.
 ‎

My health issues stopped after my husband lost the election. – Patience Jonathan

Nigeria’s First Lady, Patience Jonathan today revealed that she faced serious health challenges during the election period. Most people didn’t know this moreso she kept the public ‘heavily entertained’.
Speaking at a special church thanksgiving and farewell service organized for her and the president at Aso Rock Chapel today, she said she attended rallies in the day and sneaked out of the country at night for medical checkups.
After going through series of tests, she was told her condition will require a surgery. She added that the ailment however disappeared after her husband lost the presidential poll.
“I went through four different hospitals in Germany for the test and they returned a verdict that it was no longer necessary to do the surgery.”‎ She disclosed


Photos from Tiwa Savage's classy baby shower

Singing sensation, Tiwa Savage is currently being treated to a classy baby shower on business mogul, Femi Otedola’s yacht.



Organized by close friends of the Eminado crooner, present at the event include Eku Edewor, Lami Phillips,Toju Foyeh, Annie Idibia, Tania Omotayo, Di’ja, Toke Makinwa, Sasha P, Andrea Giaccaglia, Sika Osei, Freda Francis, Maria Okan and Fade Ogunro and othets.




Ps: She’s having a baby boy! The pretty songstress will pop anytime soon.

Joseph Edgar's Loud Whispers: Olisa Adibua and Mike Aremu what's going on

I was at Olisa’s man cave tucked inside sleepy but highbrow Ikoyi recently. The plush apartment was a single girls delight. Comfy couches, concert memorabilia and like six split Air conditioners all humming so effortlessly while the well stocked bar just stared at you daring you to ask for that drink it cannot provide.
I only just met Olisa when I went to his Radio station to plug my charity football match which was organized recently to raise funds for kidney patients in the country. As I was being prepped up for the interview, my curious self peeped into a door and behold was Olisa  on one of the stools trying to keep busy.
I immediately walked in and introduced myself and there began a friendship I hope will last to the next generation. A nice guy with a cool mien, Olisa and I started talking, looking for what we could do together and finally a joint project with Mike Aremu one of the most gifted saxophonist in the country emerged. 
Now, I have a little story to tell about Mike. One of those years, when my wife caught me again with the daughters of the devil and refused to give me food to eat, I rushed to Mike to come and put mouth. I had only just met him two weeks earlier. My plan was that if an internationally recognized saxophonist with a rich repertoire of nice romantic songs carefully played in the smoothest of styles, played for my wife my problem will be solved and I can continue with my other career.
So I briefed Mike very well and that day, despite his tight schedule appeared at the venue, a lush lounge on the island with his well polished Sax and cool Afro.  He introduced himself to my wife, who gave him a cold stare and just ignored him. Mike, believing in the power of his tunes started playing.
 Ol’boy Mike play that day o, other ladies in the lounge started crying and were moved. I could see them kissing their hubbys’ but my madam no move. Infact the frown got worse, I begged Mike to try some Yoruba tunes since the oyibo one was not working.
Mike started playing some IK Dairo tunes and a faint smile came up. My Yoruba princess was awakening and then Mike hit her with Victor Olaiyas Classic baby jo wo, by this time foluke was up on her fit and shaking that waist that had mesmerized me for years. I was so happy and thanked Mike and wished him well in his career. So we went home and I ended again on the couch instead of the bedroom, Kai mike’s cure only ended in Victoria island o, it did not follow us to Shomolu. 
But ever since, Mike has continued to be my friend, so you see why this coming together of these two showbiz legends to organize this year’s sax appeal is making me feel excited all over again, simply because I am still on the coach and hoping that this time Mike’s healing balm will give a more lasting solution to my wahala with madam. ‎

The Pathetic Bandwagon Of Nigerian Trekkers | By: Paul Olarewaju

Hunger is indeed not the worst feature of unemployment, idleness is! Idleness plays tricks on the human mind, as it convinces one to turn boredom to pathetic pleasure most times.
Little wonder in a country like Nigeria where about 70 per cent of our 80 million youths are either pitiably unemployed or underemployed, idleness has gotten the better part of some people who now see trekking form one state to another as a ‘full time job’.  
Simply because a man identified as Suleiman Hashimu, got the attention and recognition he desired when he trekked from Lagos to Abuja for thirteen days to celebrate the victory of Nigeria’s president elect, so many feeble minds now see long distance trekking as a short cut to fame and fortune.
A couple of days ago, I read an annoying story of a heartless and selfish woman, who decided to embark on a trek from Minna to Abuja with her 40-day-old baby, all in the name of honouring the president elect whom I am very sure will be extremely disappointed at such stunt.
Another desperate young man, Oladele Nihi obviously decided to embark on a trek from Abuja to Otuoke for the outgoing president, after seeing how Suleiman Hashimu was celebrated in Abuja. He evidently must have thought trekking for the outgoing president will fetch him more goodies and attention since he is the first to do such in ‘honour’ of his deeds.
As if that wasn’t enough, in the chase for better media buzz and attention, a lady identified as Gloria squeezed her way into the trek. And ever since, lots of inept minds have been joining the chase for that which is not missing.
Is it worth it? Are there no better logical and reasonable ways to celebrate an achievement, success or heroic deed of a political leader without wasting precious days or weeks of your life? It is a common saying in this part of the world that time is money.
Since time is equal to money, and money is essential to life, this simply implies that some un-calculative, less privileged Nigerians are just pathetically wasting a precious part of their lives and opportunities to better their world and that of others.
If 9yr old Nicole Eniiyi Benson could understand and put into practice the power of proper time and financial investment, by donating N10, 000 out of her savings to the political party she celebrates and the candidate of her choice, while still chasing her precious dreams and aspirations, I think adults should know and do better!
Why pause your life because of the achievement(s) of another person and contribute nuisance to the society? I’m pretty sure majority of these feeble and desperate minds didn’t even exercise their civic responsibility of voting during the election.
I am almost certain that NO political leader in present Nigeria will trek just one local government to another for your sake even if your life depends on it! Wisdom is highly profitable Naija trekkers, don’t trek away your future in exchange for peanuts and a few moment of fame.
To aspiring trekkers, avoid the beaten path and save yourself from the traps of a futile journey.  

Photos: Steven Gerrard bids emotional farewell to Anfield+ his speech

It was indeed an emotional moment for English football and fans of Liverpool FC ‎as the club’s legend, Steven Gerrard made his final Anfield appearance today.

Unfortunately, the game at the club ended in humbling defeat as  beat Liverpool 3-1. Friends, colleagues and fans also took to the social media to pay tribute to the player who joined the club in 1998. Read his emotional farewell speech below.

“It felt very strange [stepping out at Anfield for the last time]. I’ve been dreading this moment. I’m going to miss it so much. I’ve loved every minute of it and I’m absolutely devastated I’m not going to play in front of these supporters again.

“It’s very difficult to pick one. The very first time I ran out, thanks to this man here [Gerard Houllier] is a moment I’ll never forget. The first time you play for Liverpool is a dream come true. Everything else after that was a bonus for me. The very first time to play for Liverpool was an absolute dream.

“The club’s in good hands. We’ve got fantastic owners. We’ve got Ian [Ayre, chief executive] underneath that and a fantastic manager in Brendan [Rodgers]. As you can see there’s unbelievable potential in the squad. I’m sure that there’s going to be some new signings in the coming weeks but I look at the players in front of me who I’ve shared a dressing room with for many years, I absolutely love them to death and I wish them every success in the future.

“First and foremost I want to thank everyone at the club whose helped me over the last 17 years. From top to bottom there’s too many people to name. I’d like to thank all my team-mates today, and the squad, even the players that didn’t get on. All the ex-players that I’ve played with over the years, they’ve made me the player I am today. But I have to save my last thank you to the most important people at any football club but these supporters stand out more than anything I’ve experienced.

“Just before I go, before the tears come… I’ve played in front of most supporters around the world but let me tell you, you are the best. Thank you very much, all the best.”

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