Davido probably listen to one of olamide's dope song on his album....he tweeted Olamide is a Legend..Olamide replied saying he is too...check out their tweet.
Monday, 29 February 2016
Sunday, 28 February 2016
Mugabe's 92nd birthday party criticised
Zimbabwe's ruling party has been criticised for hosting lavish 92nd birthday celebrations for President Robert Mugabe while swathes of the population face food shortages.
The event reportedly cost almost $800,000 (£575,000).
The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) called the celebrations "obscene".
Mr Mugabe has dominated Zimbabwe politics since independence from the UK in 1980.
The event, which was televised and featured schoolchildren reading poetry about the president, was held in the drought-stricken south eastern city of Masvingo.
BUHARI- BOKO HARAM NO LONGER A THREAT
WHO IS YOUR BEST PRESIDENT SO FAR
Who is your best President so far ?. This is just a simple question don't take it too far guys
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Saturday, 27 February 2016
DRAKE AND RIHANNA BACK TOGETHER.. .✌. ..I'VE GOT MY FINGERS CROSSED ON THIS ONE
Rihanna and Drake have been making up and breaking up for years, and they just can’t seem to stay away from each other. Two days before their Brit Awards performance, they partied together at the Libertine nightclub until the early hours of the next morning.
“They were like a couple of teenagers — snogging and following each other around the club,” an eyewitness told the outlet. “It was like watching scenes from their new video when they danced together.”
Rihanna and Drake’s music video for “Work” had dropped the same day, so they could have been celebrating. The two definitely show off their insane chemistry in the video. Then, the pair made our jaws drop when they hit the stage at the Brit Awards on Feb. 24. Rihanna twerked hard on Drake while performing their hit “Work.”
The two partied together again in London after their performance. They left separately, but it was a night to remember for Drake. He posted a photo of Rihanna twerking on him and captioned it, “Living the dream.”
An insider close to Drake has denied she’s back together with Drake.
Have you been waiting for Rihanna and Drake to get back together? Let us know!
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GUANGDONG--CHINA REPORTS TWO NEW ZIKA INFECTIONS
China's southern province of Guangdong reported two new Zika infections on Saturday, according to local health authorities.
The patients are two Chinese siblings who returned from Venezuela. One of them, a six-year-old boy, was found having a fever when he arrived at Guangzhou's Baiyun International Airport on Feb. 25, according to the Guangdong Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission. Meanwhile, the boy's eight-year-old sister were found to have developed a rash.
The two were confirmed to have contracted the Zika virus on Saturday, and are receiving treatment in hospital.
With eight confirmed imported Zika virus cases and the weather beginning to warm up across the country, China is on high alert.
The National Health and Family Planning Commission has urged the public to stay vigilant as the spread of the illness cannot be ruled out in some regions where the mosquito population will increase as the weather warms.
CAITLYN JENNER PARTNERS WITH 'MAC' COSMETICS
"I'm finally free to announce my partnership with MAC Cosmetics! We created a unique lipstick called Finally Free and 100% of the sales go toward improving transgender communities. Look for it in April! #MACCaitlynJenner" ----She announced on facebook
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NIGERIA IS #50bn RICHER, 🆓 THANKS TO MTN
The Federal Government has confirmed the receipt of N50 billion from telecommunications giant- MTN.
The telecoms company had on Wednesday, revealed that it had paid the said amount, as part of the N1.04 trillion fine imposed on it by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
In October 2015, NCC had slammed a fine of N1.04 trillion on MTN for failing to deactivate over 500,000 unregistered subscribers after repeated warnings had been issued to this effect.
Back then, the initial fine was $5.2 billion but it was later reduced by 25 percent to $3.9 billion after intense lobbying by MTN.
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Fulani herdsmen: ‘The killings are getting out of hand’ | Governor Ortom runs to FG for help
Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, has appealed to the Federal Government to help rid the state of the scourge of the incessant bloody clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers of in the state.
The governor made the appeal on Friday, February 26 following another attack on the people by Fulani herdsmen who invaded the state.
Speaking after a meeting with Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo at the presidential villa in Abuja, Ortom revealed that the purpose of his visit was to intimate the Vice president of the disturbing killings in the state.
He declared that the situation in Agatu Local Government was spiralling out of control and needed immediate intervention.
“There are issues in my state especially the invasion of herdsmen in one of my local governments, Agatu Local Government. While we are making our own efforts to ensure that we maintain law and order, I thought it was necessary to also brief the Presidency.”
“We also discussed other issues of interest. I think that the situation in Benue, especially in Agatu is getting out of hand. Right now as I talk to you, several settlements have been razed down, an undisclosed number of people are killed and my people are refugees all over the place. I cannot sit back in Benue State when such thing is happening.”
“The security agencies within the state are also trying. The police, the army and the civil Defence and the DSS. We have been holding series of meetings. It is really alarming.”
Furthermore, the governor proferred possible solutions to the growing menace.
He said: “Both the state and the Federal Government need to come together and do something because the state is not just peculiar. I am aware that this is also happening in other states too. Like I keep advocating, there is need for us to find a lasting solution which is ranches, that is the best global best practice. That is what is happening everywhere in the world.”
“The lands that used to exist in 1950s when we have cattle routes and grazing areas. It is no longer there. It is the same 923,000 square meters that is existing. Then, the population of Nigeria was less than 60million, today we have a population of over 170million. How do you cope with allowing grazing areas and all that.”
“But what I have been telling our people is that what we need as a lasting solution is ranches. I have been telling them to sheathe their swords, we must learn to live with one another. The herdsmen must appreciate that the farmer lives on his farming and the farmer must appreciate that the herdsman lives on his cattle.”
Friday, 26 February 2016
See Van Gaal's Opinion on Martial Injury.. Insists He Must Play Against Arsenal
Manchester United striker Anthony Martial had a hamstring problem in the warm-up and forced to sit out the Europa League clash with Midtjylland at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
The Frenchman was replaced at late notice by teenager Marcus Rashford, who was promoted from the bench in order to make a dramatic first-team bow, scoring twice in the 5-1 victory that sealed a 6-3 aggregate success.
After losing David De Gea in the build-up to the first leg in Denmark, it is the latest in a series of unfortunate injury blows for Louis van Gaal's team but the boss suggested afterwards the decision to withdraw Martial was a precaution.
"It should be his first muscle injury [since arriving at the club]," he told BT Sport. "But he is smart and wise to step out. It is not a rupture or anything like that. A tight hamstring. I don't think it is very heavy."
The manager elaborated further at his press conference: "Anthony can be tired. He's only 20 and he's played all the matches so it's not so remarkable. He stepped down himself and that I like very much.
"I have already explained to you the only muscle injury we have is Marouane Fellaini. That we know already when he played so many matches in a row. It's always like that when you don't have other players and it's difficult to change or rotate. So the next muscle injury would be [expected to be] Martial but I don't think he has a muscle injury. He is very intelligent - he steps down when his hamstring is tight.
"You have to cope with that, it's difficult also for the team because, after David De Gea, now Martial, and Martial and De Gea have played very good seasons, I think, and they have to be replaced."
Nonetheless, everybody will be eagerly waiting to see if Martial will be available for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Gigi Hadid Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction.... Nipples gets exposed 👎👎👎
Gigi Hadid was strutting down the Versace runway during Milan fashion week on Feb. 26, when something seriously crazy happened. She donned a slinky black gown with a low-cut neckline and her bare breast fell out, completely flashing her nipple!
This is so unfortunate and i feel so bad for Gigi. What do you guys think of her wardrobe malfunction?
Gigi Hadid, 20, headed to the Versace show in Milan for fashion week on Feb. 26, and the blonde bombshell looked gorgeous on the runway, as usual.
There was a twist, though — Gigi flashed her entire bare breast and nipple by accident! Oh boy, this is seriously crazy and i feel so bad for Gigi, but she handled it like a champ and kept strutting her stuff, regardless of the slight draft. What do you guys think of this wardrobe malfunction?
See more mouth watering pics below....👍👍
She even reacted like nothing happened on twitter..….below
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1 injured, 1 arrested after shooting in Texas high school parking lot
One person is hospitalized with a gunshot wound and another is in custody after a shooting in the parking lot of a Texas high school before a basketball game, authorities said Friday.
The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. in the Palestine High School parking lot before the playoff game between high school teams from Teague and Malakoff.
A group of teens told the Palestine Press-Herald they heard shots ring out and were told to turn back after returning from a nearby fast food restaurant. They saw a man fleeing the parking lot who they assumed was the shooter.
Palestine police Capt. James Muniz says the wound was not thought to be life-threatening, despite the person being shot in the head, according to KXAS-TV.
Palestine school district spokeswoman Suzanne Eiben told the Palestine Press-Herald that the shooting involved two men from Teague.
The identities of those involved in the
Incident has not been released
UK ready to repatriate looted Nigerian funds – British High Commissioner to Nigeria
Arkwright told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja that the UK Government had no intention of holding onto the money.
According to him, however, there are certain legal requirements that Nigeria had not met to facilitate the repatriation of the funds.
“We (UK) have no intention of holding onto Nigerian funds, they belong to the Nigerian people and they should be returned to the Nigerian people.
“Clearly, there are legal requirements that we have to meet. We are working with the Nigerian Government to see what we can do to return those funds.
“They (money) will be returned, there is absolutely no doubt about it,” he said.
Arkwright said it was untrue that the UK was not ready to repatriate the money back to the Nigerian Government but that issues around were being discussed.
He however refused to disclose the exact amount to be repatriated.
He explained that everything was being done to fast-track the repatriation process.
“The Prime Minister’s anti-corruption summit will be held in May; we are hoping that President Muhammadu Buhari will attend that anti-corruption summit in London.
“We expect that there will be some further news on how we can accelerate that process of repatriating the funds.
“I think we have no intention of holding onto this money, despite some of the reports in the press,” he said.
The envoy, however, said there was the need to extract the commitment of the federal government that the money would be judiciously spent when repatriated.
“We need to make sure that the money is well spent when it returns to Nigeria. We need to make sure that we can do that in a proper way, which is fully in compliance with the British law,” he added.
Gianni Infantino voted new FIFA president
Gianni Infantino was elected as the new president of FIFA after seeing off his four rivals in the second round of voting. The secretary general of UEFA, Europe's governing body, replaces Sepp Blatter at the top of world football.
Petrol tanker crushes children, others to death in Osun
Tragedy struck at Akoda Junction along the Gbongan-Osogbo Expressway late on Thursday night when a petrol tanker veered off the road and crushed five persons including two children to death.
Our correspondent gathered that the NNPC truck, which was travelling towards Osogbo, the Osun State capital on top speed, had a break failure and the driver lost control of the truck.
The truck veered off the road- crushed five persons to death and injured four other persons who were believed to be trading or waiting by the roadside.
However, some residents said the number was much higher than that. One of the residents, who identified himself as Bode told our correspondent that no fewer than 20 persons died in the accident.
He said, “A lot of people died in the accident but I cannot give an exact number because it was dark.
“The truck ran over two commercial buses at the entrance of the motor park. There were traders by the road side who were also killed. The number will not be lesPetrol tanker crushes children, others to death in Osuns than 20 but I did not count them.”
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Osun State Mr. Umar Ibrahim, could not be reached to comment on the accident. Calls to his phone rang out.
An official of the FRSC, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, however, said five persons were killed and five injured in the accident.
He said, “Three adults and two children were killed. Five persons were also injured. It was a gory sight. The accident was caused by speeding. The tanker suffered a break failure and ran over those people.
“We thank God the accident was not accompanied by a fire incident, it would have been disastrous. All those who were injured would have been burnt to death and even those nearby could have been burnt to death.”
The Area Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Osun West Senatorial District, Mr, Femi Awofadeji, when contacted said he could not give a specific figure for those affected, saying only that a lot of people died in the accident.
Our correspondent, who visited the scene of the accident, saw that one side of the expressway was barricaded by security agents, who were present when the wreckage was being cleared.
Shabab Militants Claim Deadly Attack on Hotel in Somalia
The Shabab, an Islamist extremist group, claimed responsibility for the attack. Four Shabab militants were killed in the clash, security officials said.
Somali security officials said that the attack began when explosives loaded into at least two vehicles were detonated close to a security checkpoint near the garden, killing two guards.
Gunmen using another car bomb then attacked the SYL Hotel and tried to storm the building, but they were stopped by members of the security forces, according to the National Intelligence and Security Agency. A total of four militants were killed at the two sites, security officials said.
There were conflicting reports about the number of civilian casualties. With a large number of people suffering wounds from the explosions, the death toll could rise, officials said.
The garden, known as the Peace Garden, is a popular attraction in the capital, especially on Fridays, when families tend to visit. The hotel, which is not far from the presidential palace in Mogadishu, often draws government officials and business people for meetings.
On Thursday, the Shabab militants claimed responsibility for a mortar attack that was believed to have been aimed at the presidential palace but fell short, killing at least three civilians and wounding at least eight.
Mogadishu has been plagued by violence for decades, after Somalia’s government collapsed in 1991. In recent years the city has struggled to enjoy something of a renaissance, attracting millions of dollars of new investment, which has helped build many hotels, restaurants and shops.
But the Shabab has not gone away. Assassinations and car bombings carried out by the group have become the city’s steady background noise. Many of the biggest hotels have been bombed, and in recent months the Shabab have stepped up their attacks across Somalia.
Many analysts warn of a Shabab comeback and say that unless Somalia’s leaders generate genuine popular support, the militants will be difficult to defeat. But Somalis widely suspect that their leaders are corrupt, which hinders the government’s effort to mobilize support.
Source: New York Times
Sony Pictures Releases Uncharted 4 Trailer ...VIDEO HERE
We’re being careful not to reveal too much — but story trailers by their very nature contain some story spoilers. If you’re on a media blackout… what are you doing here? For everyone else, we have what we consider to be the best trailer in Naughty Dog’s history.
Still with us? Good. Enjoy:
As you can see, there’s quite a bit at stake for Nathan Drake’s closing chapter. The team is working extremely hard to deliver our most ambitious game to date. We can’t tell you how excited we all are for you to play the final game.
There’s plenty more to show from now until launch. We’ll be dropping new info, screenshots, and behind-the-scenes videos on a regular basis. Until then, don’t forget you can preorder the game or the Limited Edition Uncharted 4 PS4 bundle.WATCH VIDEO
These were the exact words from Sony entertainment
Thursday, 25 February 2016
See Worlds Most Beautiful Cat 💋💋
Scientists named this cat most beautiful, I strongly agree about the idea. This cuttie blue eyes are more than enough muah 💋💋💋
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Sunday Oliseh resigns as Super Eagles Coach
The controversial coach announced on Twitter about his resignation...He stated the reason for resigning as coach.He tweeted below
" I feel fortunate, blessed and eternally grateful for having had the honour to Play,Captain & Coach this great Nation of ours,Nigeria.
— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh)
Meteor Exploded Above Atlantic Ocean on Feb. 6, NASA Says
These NASA people sound so incompetent, Earth was on fire 19 days ago and they are just telling us now.... Well read NASA statement
Th event was the largest atmospheric impact recorded since the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor in Russia, and released energy equivalent to the detonation of 13,000 tons of TNT, NASA said.
On Feb. 6, a large meteor exploded over the South Atlantic Ocean, and no one noticed. The meteor released 13 kilotons of energy while it burned in the atmosphere, close to the amount released by the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima.
It was the most powerful meteor to have entered the atmosphere since 3 years ago, when the 440 kiloton meteor exploded over the skies of Chelyabinsk, Russia. The sound from the Chelyabinsk was so loud that glass windows were shattered for miles around the blast region, and many people were injured.
On the other hand, because the Feb. 6 meteor blazed up over an area without inhabitants, it was first publicized by NASA employee Ron Balkee on Feb. 18, nearly two weeks after it hit the atmosphere.
Meteors of that size are rare. In all of 2015, for example, there was only one meteor that had released more than 1 kiloton of energy. NASA keeps a running list of all the meteors that blaze up in the atmosphere and become “fireballs.”
The list isn’t a comprehensive one of all the meteors that enter the atmosphere. That would be impossible to count. Everyday, more than 100 tons of meteoroids enter the earth’s atmosphere, most of it burning up before it becomes visible to the naked eye.
We Will Not Involve Jonathan- EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC) on Tuesday said it could effectively prosecute the trial of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman, Olisa Metuh, without involving former President Goodluck Jonathan in the case. EFCC’s position followed Metuh’s argument that since Jonathan wasitial esidential campaign, the ex-president is a necessary witness in the case. Metuh and his company, Destra Investment Limited, are being tried before the Federal High court, Abuja, for allegedly receiving N400m from the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for security services, which he allegedly diverted to fund his party’s activities. They are also accused of flouting the money laundering Act by making $2m suspicious investment. At the conclusion of the prosecution’s witness last week, Metuh filed a no-case submission in court. In the application, he argued among others, that the prosecution has failed to make out a prima facie case against him by not inviting Jonathan as its witness. The EFCC in its response argued that it had conveniently made out a case against Metuh for which the court should direct him to enter defence. The commission argued that Jonathan is not a necessary prosecution witness, saying it has effectively established its case with the number of witnesses invited to testify in court. It urged the court to dismiss Metuh’s no-case argument.Extract from Osun defender
Protests by Chad’s opposition close down N’Djamena & other cities
Chad’s capital N’Djamena and other cities experienced closing of markets, shops and slow traffic on Wednesday following countrywide protests by the country’s opposition at President Idriss Deby’s bid for a fresh fifth term in office.
The spokesperson for the “That’s Enough” opposition grouping, Mahamat Nour Ibedou, said the cities of Sarh in the south, Abeche in the east and central Mongo were also locked down.
“This shows people have realised they can exercise their democratic rights,” said the spokesperson for the score of civil society groups involved, including the Chadian Human Rights League and the Union of Chadian Trade Unions.
Wednesday, 24 February 2016
Facebook Launches Reactions Buttons Alongside Like button. You Really Have To See Them
"Today is our worldwide launch of Reactions -- the new Like button with more ways to express yourself.
Not every moment you want to share is happy. Sometimes
you want to share something sad or frustrating. Our community has been asking for a dislike button for years, but not because people want to tell friends they don't like their posts. People wanted to express empathy and make it comfortable to share a wider range of emotions.
I've spent a lot of time thinking about the right way to do this with our team. One of my goals was to make it as simple as pressing and holding the Like button.
The result is Reactions, which allow you to express love, laughter, surprise, sadness or anger.
Love is the most popular reaction so far, which feels about right to me!"-------Mark Zuckerberg
My opinion; Facebook thought a little too hard on this one. Likes were fine - you could have just added a dislike button, adding to that concept - the feature of disliking comments would have also been a plus 🤑 All we are left with now are android looking emoticons
If Facebook aren't going to add a dislike button because of bullying - then why add these "emoticons" at all, wasn't the one (like) click feature good enough in the first place?
Sepp Blatter & Michel Platini lose FIFA Appeals but bans reduced
Outgoing Fifa president Sepp Blatter and suspended Uefa boss Michel Platini have had bans from all football-related activities upheld.
But the suspensions have been reduced from eight to six years by Fifa's appeals committee.
Both were found guilty of breaches surrounding a £1.3m ($2m) "disloyal payment" to Platini.
They both deny any wrongdoing and have said they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Blatter and Platini said the payment honoured a verbal or gentleman's agreement made in 1998 for work carried out by the Frenchman when he was a technical advisor for Blatter.
Blatter, 79, added in a statement that he was "very disappointed by the appeal committee of Fifa".
Platini, 60, said it was "insulting and shameful" and a "political decision".
The committee said "activities and services rendered to Fifa, Uefa and football" was a mitigating factor.
Fifa's presidential election is due to take place on Friday to find Swiss Blatter's replacement.
Fifa boss since 1998, Blatter had already announced he was quitting after reports emerged he was under investigation in the United States.
Platini had been tipped as a future leader of football's world governing body and is a three-time European Footballer of the Year.
Court hears detained military officer’s human rights enforcement suit today
A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja will today hold the hearing of Enforcement of Fundamental Human Rights suit filed against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by a Colonel Ojogbane Adegbe, who is motion challenging his detention since February 11, 2016 by the anti-graft agency.
Adegbe is said to be in detention due to investigation being undertaken by the EFCC, in relation to certain activities of the then government under former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Along with an affidavit attested by brother of the applicant; Michael Daniel Adegbe, the motion was filed pursuant to Sections 35, 41 &46 (1) &(2) of the 1999 Constitution; Order ii rules 1, 2 &3 of the fundamental rights (enforcement procedure) rules 2009; Articles 5, 6 &12 of African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights & under the inherent jurisdiction of the Federal High Court as preserved by Section 66 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Among others, the affidavit stated that :Col. Adegbe is a serving military officer in the Nigeria Army and was Aide de Camp (ADC) to former President Goodluck Jonathan until May 29 2015.
Sequel to the completion of the applicant’s assignment as ADC to the former President on May 29, 2015, he was purportedly sent by his employers on a military course in the United Kingdom (UK).
Col. Adegbe was invited by the EFCC through the Nigerian Army owing to investigation being undertaken by the agency and was summoned to return to Nigeria.
Upon reporting to the EFCC , he was asked to , invite his lawyers over before making his statement. Adegbe therefore invited his lawyers led by Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN) and in their presence made his written statement in response to questions directed to him by officers of the EFCC on the same day – 11th February, 2016.
According to the affidavit , the applicant despite making his statement on the said day, Col. Adegbe has remained in the custody of EFCC with refusal by the anti-graft agency to grant him bail or charge him to court.
Based on the development, the said Chief Onoja, on February 15, 2016, five days into Col. Adegbe’s detention, made an application for the bail of the applicant. The said application was annexed as Exhibit “A”.
The EFFC was stated to have refused the applicant bail even though the application was acknowledged by the agency.According to the lawyer to the applicant, Chief Onoja, the case against Col. Adegbe, as discovered from interrogation and questions put to him, relates to his military official duties in receiving concealed messages from the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and delivering them to persons on the instruction of former President, Goodluck Jonathan.
In the matter to be heard at the Federal High Court today, the applicant will be praying the Court for among others : a declaration that the arrest and continued detention of the applicant by the respondent since February 11, 2016 is unconstitutional as it offends his right to personal liberty as guaranteed by S. 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended);an order directing the respondent to release the applicant from unlawful detention with immediate effect or in the alternative to prayer, an order admitting the applicant to bail pending his trial in a court of competent jurisdiction;N100,000,000.00 as general damages for unlawful detention of the applicant and a written apology by the respondent to the applicant among others. THE NATION edited
Can ‘Gods of Egypt’ Take Down ‘Deadpool’ at the Box Office?
For a movie that may not have been made if not for leaked test footage, Deadpool is proved to be a box office gamble that has already paid off in spades. The superhero adventure has taken in $236.8 million domestically and $256.2 million internationally for a global total of $493 million, and it will likely cross the $500 million milestone sometime this week. Heading into its third frame in theaters, Deadpool will face three new releases at the box office this weekend, Lionsgate's Gods of Egypt, 20th Century Fox's Eddie the Eagle and Open Road Films' Triple 9. If the projections at Pro.BoxOffice.com are accurate, Deadpool should have no trouble winning for a third weekend in a row.
While Deadpool has had success beyond most analysts' expectations, its second weekend drop of 57.4% could mean that it may not have as much staying power in theaters. For example, throughout Star Wars: The Force Awakens' 10-week run in theaters, they have only posted a decrease of more than 50% once, and they have consistently managed to drop somewhere in the 30% range almost every weekend, which is surely a factor in its record-breaking success of $921.7 million domestic and $2.04 billion worldwide. Then again, Deadpool only cost $58 million to produce, so it is already wildly successful, even if it does continue to drop 50% or more each weekend. We're projecting that it will take in $22.5 this weekend, which should be more than enough to fend off these three newcomers.
After receiving a slew of positive reviews, Deadpool shattered the record for highest grossing R-rated opening weekend of $91.7 million, held for 13 years by The Matrix Reloaded. It also broke Fifty Shades of Grey's February record of $85.1 million, along with its four-day President's Day weekend record ($93 million), the record for highest-grossing R-rated comic book adaptation (300, $70.8 million), largest winter opening weekend (American Sniper, $89.2 million) and it became the biggest opening ever for 20th Century Fox, surpassing 2005's Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith record of $108.4 million.
Triple 9 is projected to open in second place with $12.5 million, followed by Gods of Egypt in third place with $11.5 million and Eddie the Eagle in fourth place with $7.5 million. Kung Fu Panda 3 will round out the top 5 with $6.4 million. The projections are certainly interesting, since the R-rated thriller Triple 9 is only expected to open in 2,000 theaters and it currently stands just below "Fresh" at Rotten Tomatoes, with a 59% score. Gods of Egypt is expected to open in 3,000 theaters, while Eddie the Eagle is also opening in approximately 2,000 theaters. While there is no RT score for Gods of Egypt yet, Eddie the Eagle is a critical hit with a 76% Fresh rating. It's possible that Triple 9 potentially out-grossing two PG-13 movies could be a by-product of Deadpool's unconventional success, as fans may be hungry for more R-rated content.
Triple 9 follows a group of thieves who plan to kill a young LAPD officer to divert the police away from a daring heist they're perpetrating across town. The title Triple 9 refers to police code indicating that an officer needs immediate assistance. The all-star cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Casey Affleck, Kate Winslet, Aaron Paul, Teresa Palmer, Gal Gadot, Woody Harrelson, Norman Reedus and Clifton Collins Jr.. John Hillcoat directs from a script by newcomer Matt Cook.
Gods of Egypt is an action-adventure inspired by the classic mythology of Egypt, where magic, monsters, gods and madness reign throughout the palaces and pyramids of the Nile River Valley. With the survival of mankind hanging in the balance, an unexpected hero takes a thrilling journey to save the world and rescue his true love. Set (Gerard Butler), the merciless god of darkness, has usurped Egypt's throne, plunging the once peaceful and prosperous empire into chaos and conflict. With only a handful of heroic rebels opposing Set's savage rule, Bek (Brenton Thwaites)
Fayose Of More Worth To Biafran Struggle Than “Coward” Igbo Governors – MASSOB
The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has declared that Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, is worth more to its cause than some political office holders in the Southeast, who it described as “stooges and cowards”.
Gov. Fayose had last Saturday faulted the application by the federal government to secretly try the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, by using mask-wearing prosecution witnesses.
The governor had described the move as a mockery of democracy.
In its reaction, MASSOB, in a statement signed on Monday by its leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, condemned the silence of some Igbo Governors and federal lawmakers on the plight of Kanu and other detained Biafran agitators, wondering “if Igbo blood is running in their veins”.
While hailing Governor Fayose for his staunch support for the defense of the detained IPOB leader and non-violent Biafran agitators, the group said: “Governor Fayose’s sympathy on Biafra and outburst against Buhari led wicked administration, which exhibited religious, ethnic and personal hatred has proved him as a true nationalist, who has the interest of the people at heart”.
The factional MASSOB leader lamented that whereas Governors from the northern part of the country were collaborating with Boko Haram, just as their Southwest counterparts were doing with the Odua People’s Congress, OPC, their Southeast counterparts have refused to identify with the genuine Biafra struggle.
According to Madu, “The northern and western Governors/senators openly and secretly collaborate and work with Boko-Haram and Odua People’s congress (OPC) respectively for the interest of their ethnic block but their Igbo counterparts are always shying away as cowards”.
While expressing delight that some Niger-Delta groups have joined the Biafran struggle, he said, “The rising of more south-south groups for Biafra, with the existing ones from south-east shall spell more doom for Nigeria unless Nnamdi Kanu and other agitators are released, which will soften the tempo of the current agitation.
“MASSOB under my leadership will continue to maintain our non-violent principles and work in collaboration with other genuine Biafran groups both at home and in Diaspora and other relevant international organizations in preparation of Biafran referendum, which the major part have been achieved”.
Nigerian navy recovers hijackjed oil tanker after fierce shoot-out
Nigeria’s navy has recovered a Saudi Arabian oil tanker that had been hijacked on February 18, killing one of the hijackers in a fierce gun-battle and arresting six others.
The tanker, Maximus, had 18 crew members, including 10 Indian sailors, when it was hijacked off Ivory Coast’s waters.
Two of the crew are still missing after they were taken hostage by two pirates who escaped in another vessel. The hostages are believed to be from India and Pakistan.
Bare-chested and handcuffed, the men were paraded in front of local and international media as the Nigerian naval officers described how they stormed the ship on Saturday and arrested the pirates off the coast of Sao Tome and Principe, West Africa.
The suspected hijackers, all Nigerians, were named as Captain Mike Ugborama, Ayo Joshua, Marcus Adesoji, Adeyemi Paul, Oluwafemi Samuel, and Collins Friday.
Among the haul recovered from the ship were AK47s, magazines, bullets, different currencies, satellite phones and even protection charms from local traditional medicine men.
The Indian defence attaché, Capt. Gautam Marwaha, was at the scene to welcome the rescued crew. He told CNN no ransom demand had been received yet for the missing crew members.
Ex-PDP BoT chair in fresh N300m arms scam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja a fresh evidence of N300m allegedly received by a former Chairman, Board of Trustee of the Peoples Democratic Party, Haliru Bello, from the Office of the National Security Adviser, on February 27, 2015.
The EFCC had on January 5, 2015 arraigned Bello, his son, Abba, and a firm, BAM Project and Properties Limited (owned by Abba), on four counts of money laundering involving a separate sum of N300m security funds which they allegedly received from ONSA last March.
An
operative of the EFCC, Rouqayyat Ibrahim, who opened her testimony as the first prosecution witness on February 16, 2016, said on Tuesday that investigation had further revealed that Bello received N300m from ONSA in two tranches of N150m each.
The two N150m transactions, which were said to have been carried out on the same day of February 27, 2015, were not captured in the four counts against the accused persons.
Our correspondent learnt that the EFCC had taken the decision to amend the pending charges and that the defendants would only be made to take a fresh plea after which the case would continue from where it was stopped.
Ibrahim, who was led in evidence by the EFCC’s lead prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), testified on Monday that the sum of N300m was transferred to BAM Project and Properties Limited from the account of Jabbamer Ada Global Services Limited on the instructions of the then Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda.
According to the witness, before the discovery of the N300m payment, Jabbamer was already being investigated for about N1.5bn it had received from ONSA.
Ibrahim said, “The analysis of the statement of account of BAM Project with Sterling Bank revealed that the account received a total of N300m in two tranches of N150m each on February 27, 2015.
“On that day (February 27, 2015), transfers of N150m and another N150m were made into the account of BAM Projects with Sterling Bank.
“Before then, we were already investigating Jabbamer Ada Global Services Limited in a different matter.
“We discovered that Jabbamer Ada Global Services Limited was a bureau de change firm and that the company received payments of a little over N1.5bn from ONSA. The company also received payments from the Nigerian Air Force and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and several other sources.
“We interviewed the owner of the company and account and he stated that all the deposits I mentioned earlier (into Jabbamer Ada Global Services Limited) were made on the instructions of the former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, and that the disbursement of the funds were on his (Bashir Yuguda’s) instructions, including the transfer of N300m which he made to BAM.”
“He (Yuguda) is currently standing trial in court in respect of the same matter. Effectively, the complaint against the defendants is with respect to N600m. They (the defendants) said they used it for the 2015 election of the PDP.”
The trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, on Monday, admitted as exhibits the account of the ONSA with the Central Bank of Nigeria and other documents.
The case was adjourned till March 3 for the cross-examination of the witness by the defence lawyers – Mr. Solomon Umoh (SAN) for Abba; Mr. Ogala Osoka for BAM Projects and Properties Limited and Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), for Bello.
Ibrahim had, on February 16 while opening her evidence, given details of how Bello, his son, and BAM Project and Properties allegedly shared the initial N300m security funds for election campaign activities of the PDP.
The prosecutor alleged that instead of using the money to provide “safe houses” – the purpose for which it was released to them by ONSA- the accused persons used the money to foot personal bills and shared the money to some corporate bodies for the campaign activities of the PDP.
Ibrahim testified that the N300m was part of the N30bn released
President Buhari to travel to China next month for a 2 Billion dollar loan
An advance team headed by the finance minister is expected to travel to Negotiate the loan and President Buhari would travel to China to sign the loan in March. President Muhamadu Buhari recently presented an ambitious budget to Nigeria’s parliament. At 30 Billion dollars, it is the highest Budget proposal in Nigeria’s history.
Analysts think Buhari’s administration is attempting to spend its way out of recession by investing a huge chunk of the budget in infrastructure but he doesn’t have access to funds for that. The deficit stands at $5 billion for now but it could rise up to $15 as Buhari’s administration plans to spend billions on infrastructure and uplifting social service.
Nigeria’s economy has been contracting consistently for more than a year – Rapidly falling oil prices taking a toll on the economy.Crude oil accounts for 90% of the country’s exports and 70% of its earnings.
Development expert Jayi Gaskia thinks Nigeria needs the loans for immediate budgetary support but a major bailout could be imminent unless a resurgence in crude oil prices happens soon.
Last year Nigeria barely escaped a recession – experiencing double negative growth in succession. It is currently grappling with a shortage of foreign currency- with the Naira trading at 334 to a dollar in the parallel market although the central bank has kept the official exchange rate at 197.
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Glo halts psquare contract renewal
Glo Nigeria has halt the endorsement of p square following the misunderstanding between paul peter and jude...
As Mike Adenuga recently renewed the contract of its ambassadors, he decided to halt Peter and Paul Okoye endorsements. However, GLO further explained that if the situation remains the twin brothers would seize to be GLO ambassadors immediately their current contract expires...
Mark Zuckerberg calls For Universal Access to Internet
Founder and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg delivers a speech during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, on Feb. 22, 2016. The annual MWC, which gathers companies from all over the world to display their latest devices, gadgets and services, kicked off on Monday. (Xinhua/Lino De Vallier)
BARCELONA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Facebook founder Matt Zuckerberg said on Monday the "whole world deserves to have access to the Internet," to a packed crowd at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona.
Zuckerberg's appearance was one of the most eagerly expected event of the opening day of the congress, which began Monday and runs until Thursday.
"Everyone deserves access to the Internet and I don't understand how we can still be like this in 2016... if there are more and more people with Internet access, it is a business model which works," said Zuckerberg, who highlighted that more clients for Internet providers would then lead to "investment in infrastructure."
He also spoke about the move towards 5G, questioning why the industry was moving so quickly to this level of connectivity when the important thing is that all the world can afford an Internet connection, "not just those who have money to pay for expensive connections."
EXCLUSIVE :ALMOST 40 LONELY AND BITTER.. ..WIZKID CRASHES LINDA'S CAREER
Linda Ikeji has been in the news in the past few days after she took on fans for calling her bags fake.
Some weeks back Linda Ikeji showed off two Hermes Birkin bags on her Instagram page as new acquisitions. Before anyone could say jack, internet trolls had sent the bag to Hermes for Authentication. Hermes came back and confirmed the bags are fake.
I do not believe she knew the bags were fake, so I’ll give her a pass for that. What shocked me was the way she went all out to defend herself, like her life depended on it…
– “I can afford to buy a N500million house but can’t afford a $14k bag? B**ch pls!”
– “This lovely bag cost me more than these haters cars cost and they want to come and disgrace me online? Lol. Lailai”
– “The side of the bag. Oh and I’m snapping from my banana island mansion(insert LMAO emoji) love this life
– “….can someone cc Hermes with the new images? These people can’t come and disgrace me here. Lol”
– “Too rich to buy fake…”
All of the above quotes are some of the words to defend her purchase of a fake bag
But before then linda ikeji already posted a report late last year that wizkid was paid 8million naira by an american university in yola but he diidnt show up,Linda was said to have been tagged on the report but she did not verify from the singer before publishing it, the report later turned out to be untrue as the management debunked the report.
Wizkid didn't find the report funny took to his twitter page to cuss out the blogger and other member of her family
Earlier this year already accused wizkid (baba NLA) of having a child with another baby mama which he stayed silent until he retweeted a post on twitter suggesting Linda ikeji was suffering from "POVERTY MENTALITY"( his retweet was a sign of agreeing).
Linda decided to return a jab by posting an article titled "when your baby daddy is not a deadbeat"
Wizkid seem not to be okay with the retweet he then shared the picture below on snapchat with caption "ALMOST 40,LONELY AND BITTER!PRAYERS UP FOR YOU" with this picture it seems Wizkid is out to destroy
Get Social✌
Uganda challenger Besigye claims poll fraud over Museveni win
The main opposition leader in Uganda, Kizza Besigye, has rejected the result of Thursday's elections, in which President Yoweri Museveni won a fifth term of office.
Mr Besigye, under house arrest since Friday, said Ugandans had seen "the most fraudulent electoral process".
He described the poll as a sham and a creeping military coup.
President Museveni, in power for 30 years, received nearly 61% of the votes, with Mr Besigye taking 35%.
Foreign observers say the poll was conducted in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
While praising the "remarkable determination" of Ugandans to vote, EU chief observer Eduard Kukan said the governing National Resistance Movement's "domination of the political landscape distorted the fairness of the campaign".
The election has been marred by sporadic violence and opposition allegations of electoral fraud, with social media sites and messaging apps blocked.
"My home is sealed off and I am not allowed to leave. Nobody is allowed to access my home. I am also under some kind of electronic blockade. I am unable to access any form of internet service in my house.
"Generally, the regime is baring its bloodied fangs and claws for all to see. This has not been an electoral process. This is a creeping military coup."
It was the fourth time Mr Besigye, candidate for the opposition Forum for Democratic Change, had taken on President Museveni.
The two men were once allies, with Mr Besigye serving as Mr Museveni's personal doctor when they were guerrilla fighters.
He was placed under house arrest ostensibly to stop him announcing his vote score unilaterally.
Mr Museveni seized power in 1986 and is credited with restoring stability to Uganda. However, critics say he has become increasingly authoritarian.
The next closest challenger to Mr Museveni, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, is also reportedly under house arrest.
The National Resistance Movement put out a statement celebrating the win, saying Mr Museveni's opponents had "failed to offer any alternative".
India caste unrest: Water supply 'partially restored' in Delhi
Water supply has been partially restored in the Indian capital, Delhi, where up to 10 million were affected after protesters sabotaged a key canal.
The army took control of the Munak canal in neighbouring Haryana state on Monday after Jat community protesters, angry at caste job quotas, seized it.
Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra said the "crisis was still not over" and urged people to use water carefully.
The city's schools, which were closed because of the crisis, have reopened.
Sixteen million people live in Delhi, and around three-fifths of the city's water is supplied by the Munak canal, which runs through Haryana.
Monday, 22 February 2016
Naira rises to 375 as dollar demand drop
The naira rose to 375 against the dollar at the parallel market on Monday as the demand for the greenback began to drop.
The demand for the United States’ currency, which closed at 390 against the naira on Friday, had been on the rise in the past two weeks, forcing the local currency to enter a free fall mode.
Foreign exchange dealers told our correspondent that the demand for the greenback started waning after President Muhammadu Buhari restated its resolve that he would not devalue the naira.
“The demand for forex, especially the dollar has started reducing; it became obvious over the weekend when the President repeated his decision not to devalue the naira,” a forex dealer at Lagos Island, Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal, told our correspondent.
“I cannot determine if this will continue throughout this week; we hope the naira will firm up over the coming days,” he added.
The CBN official interbank rate remained at 199.50 to the dollar at the close of trading on Monday.
The central bank has resisted the depreciation by imposing hard currency curbs. It banned dollar sales to retail currency outlets last month, sending the naira to record lows on the parallel market, and later stopped daily sales to the interbank market, in an effort to external reserves, now at their lowest in more than 11 years.
Financial analysts and experts said the outlook for the naira looked bleak.
“The naira may moderate slightly this week at the parallel market given the recent statement of the CBN on school fees and medical bills. However, the spread will continue to incentivize round-tripping and speculations,” the Head, Investment Research, Afrinvest West Africa, Mr. Ebo Ayodeji, said on Monday.
Economists are divided as to whether the CBN needs to devalue the naira or not.
While some believe the CBN needs to act fast and devalue the currency, others believe there is little the central bank can do in the absence of robust external reserves..
Zuckerberg Support Apple For Refusal To Unlock Terrorist Iphone
Mark Zuckerberg on Monday threw his support behind Apple in its bitter battle with the United States government over attempts to gain access to information protected by the company’s sophisticated encryption technology.
Speaking at the Mobile World Congress, an annual tech and telecommunications conference here, Mr. Zuckerberg said that Facebook would play its part in the fight against global terrorism, but that weakening the digital security of technology companies was a bad idea.
A federal magistrate judge, at the Justice Department’s request, recently ordered Apple to bypass security functions on the phone of a gunman in the December mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif. But the company has refused to comply with that order, fearful that it could be forced to create a so-called back door to its encryption technology that could be misused by government agencies.
“I don’t think building back doors is the way to go, so we’re pretty sympathetic to Tim and Apple,” said Mr. Zuckerberg, in reference to Apple’s chief executive, Timothy D. Cook.
Mr. Zuckerberg’s comments mirror previous statements that Facebook and other global tech companies have made in support of Apple’s standoff with the government.
While these companies have said they would comply, when legally obliged to, with handing over information on their users, they say they believe that creating technological back doors to their digital systems can lead to potential abuse by governments worldwide.
For Facebook, which has almost 1.6 billion global users, the encryption debate is only one of the growing number of policy hurdles that the company needs to overcome as it expands its global presence.
In India, one of the company’s largest markets, the country’s national regulators this month banned free mobile data programs that favor some Internet services over others. Facebook had introduced Free Basics, which offered people no-fee access to a text-only mobile version of the company’s social network, as well as to certain news, health, job and other services.
Speaking on Monday, Mr. Zuckerberg said his company wanted to offer Internet connectivity to the developing world that did not have digital access and that Facebook would look for ways to continue doing that in India and beyond.
“It’s disappointing to the mission that we’re trying to do,” Mr. Zuckerberg said about the recent decision in India that outlawed Free Basics. “What works in one country may not work in another.”
Despite his attempts to downplay the setback, the recent decision by Indian regulators has put Facebook and its 31-year-old chief executive in an unusual position in the debate over net neutrality, which says that Internet providers should provide equal access to all web content. In the United States, Facebook has been a proponent of net neutrality.
Internet giants like Facebook and Google can expect more scrutiny around the world as they continue to expand, said Pierre Louette, a deputy chief executive of Orange, the former French telecommunications monopoly. When confronted with this scrutiny, he added, tech companies may look to build bridges with traditional telecom operators that have faced similar regulatory challenges for decades.
“They need more friends than before,” said Mr. Louette, in reference to global tech companies.
Militant Threatens To Blow More Pipeline
NIGER Delta Avengers, the militant group which claimed responsibility for blowing up the Forcados Terminal Pipeline in Delta State, recently, has served notice of attacks on more oil pipelines in the region until the Federal Government addresses its grievances.
The group vowed: “Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, Forcados terminal is our latest casualty. There are many more to follow in the days and weeks ahead.”
The group, in a statement obtained in Warri, said that it was prepared to reduce Nigeria’s daily oil production and supply to zero barrel if its agitation was ignored.
“The same factor that brought about the Niger Delta arms struggle is fast resurfacing as the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is poised to exterminate Niger Delta people for being benevolent enough to allow the nation’s mono-economy thrive on our oil.
“We are being oppressed, pushed to the wall on various fronts, which is why we have picked up the challenge to be the outlaws this government will have to contend with till daily production of oil is reduced to zero in the Niger Delta, so government can use the oil from the North to run Nigeria’s mono-economy.
“We believe that Nigeria can practice true federalism where our resources will be controlled by us and used for our own good. The reverse is the case today, where the goose that lays the golden egg is killed along with the egg,” they said.
New Olubadan to be Installed March 4
The
Olubadan-Designate, High Chief Saliu Adetunji may be installed as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, March 4.
The Olubadan-Designate,High Chief Adetunji disclosed this over this over the weekend while receiving Juju music maestro, Chief Ebenezer Fabiyi Obey in his Popoyemoja, Ibadan residence.
High Chief Adetunji noted that the date was arrived at after extensive consultations with stakeholders in the state.
According to him, the coronation had not been held before now because the late Olubadan Odulana Odugade deserved to be given a befitting burial, which was successfully completed last week.
“Sincerely, the Olubadan-in-Council must not only make, but submit their endorsement of the new Olubadan to His Excellency, the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. Then, the Governor must ratify the decision.
“Once you cross the barrier, you get the date. So, the date is Friday, March 4 at Oja’Ba, Ibadan where the previous Olubadan received their staff of office. But, Saturday, March 5 is for big reception at a venue that is yet to be decided,” he said.
Earlier, the Juju music maestro, Chief Ebenezer Obey had described the Olubadan-elect as a dependable and reliable pillar in music recording, composition, promotion, advertisement and marketing.
He said nothing could be too much for any musician to do to ensure the success of Olubadan’s coronation. He prayed for continued peace, progress and development in Ibadanland under the new leadership.
The Olubadan-in-waiting spoke in the same vein in a message he sent through his Media Aide, Mr. Adeola Oloko to the President of Ibadan Descendants Union, Mr. Laja Akintayo, saying Friday and Saturday, March 4 and 5 this year remain sacrosanct.
The Ibadan Descendants Union in the United States had asked to know the date of the coronation and to determined the extent of their involvement.
CPC orders Multichoice to Compensate Consumer
The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has ordered MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, provider of Digital Satellite Broadcast Television (DStv) service to compensate and provide toll-free lines to its subscribers.
The information is contained in a statement issued by the CPC Deputy Director of Public Relations,
Mr Abiodun Obimuyiwa, on Sunday in Abuja.
He said the order was passed after an extensive investigation on alleged violation of consumers’ rights.
He stated that the CPC had ordered the provider to suspend its service when consumers were away; release free-to-air channels even when subscription had expired and compensate consumers for lost viewing time.
According to the statement, the council also ordered the introduction of local toll-free lines and reasonable equitable spread of popular sports channels, among others.
It stated that the company was required to present written assurances in line with Section 10 of the Council’s enabling law that it would not engage in any conduct detrimental to the interest of consumers.
It added that in the same vein, the company shall for 18 months from the date of the orders, subject its processes to the Council’s inspection to ensure compliance with the directives contained in the orders.
The statement noted that the Council observed that the company’s billing system, whereby “billing is not contemporaneous with the provision of service” was not in the best interest of consumers.
It, therefore, ordered MultiChoice to install a billing system that would ensure that billing starts with the provision of service.
It also ordered the company to, within 90 days, provide across board compensation to subscribers, considering the fact that many of them have over time lost legitimate and paid viewing time by its conduct.
Such compensation, it added, include not restoring service contemporaneously after payment as well as other instances of disruptions.
Similarly, the company directed the company to, within 180 days, adopt a technology that supports suspension of service when subscribers are unable to enjoy their service on account of being away for a limited period of time.
It explained that such request for suspension of service could be done between seven to 14 days and not more than twice in a year with a 72-hour notice to MultiChoice.
On non-availability of popular channels in certain bouquets, the CPC ordered the firm to, within 90 days, ensure reasonably equitable spread of popular sports and other channels.
MultiChoice should also keep local and free-to-air channels open so that subscribers would have the opportunity of watching these channels, even when their subscriptions had expired, it ordered.
Also, the satellite viewing channel should maintain local toll-free telephone access lines for its call centres, but should ensure the call centres operate for longer hours during public holidays and weekends in order to aid easy and fast access by subscribers who wish to make complaints or enquiries.
It said the company should also develop a Customer Care Manual which should contain mechanisms to address customer complaints in an accurate, friendly, timely, efficient, courteous and honest manner and further details be made available on the company’s website and other information channels.
In addition, the pay-media company was to not only ensure that accredited dealers and installers carry certified means of identification but educate subscribers periodically on the means of identification.
The statement then quoted the Council’s Director-General, Mrs Dupe Atoki, as expressing optimism that compliance with these reforms would bring about a new dawn for Nigerian consumers.
Atoki said it would henceforth allow consumers to enjoy value for money in their engagement with the company.
She reiterated the Council’s commitment toward sanitising the nation’s market-place for the benefit of consumers.
She, however, that no stone would be left un-turned to ensure that it was no longer bu
Sunday, 21 February 2016
Samsung Announces a New Reality Unique Camera
With competition continuing up in the handset market, Samsung Electronics is relying heavily on virtual reality to help distinguish its smartphones.
The South Korean manufacturer, which is the world’s largest phone maker by units, on Sunday announced two new Galaxy smartphones along with Gear 360, a camera for recording virtual reality videos. The company made the announcements at the Mobile World Congress, one of the tech industry’s largest events for mobile products, held in Barcelona, Spain.
The Gear 360 accompanies Samsung’s Gear VR, the virtual reality headset that the company developed with Facebook’s Oculus, which was released in November. The Gear 360 has two cameras — one on the front and one on the back — to allow consumers to shoot 360-degree videos. The videos can then be viewed through the Gear VR, which works only with Samsung’s Galaxy phones.
As for the phones — the Galaxy S7, with a 5.1-inch screen, and the Galaxy S7 Edge, with a 5.5-inch curved screen — there isn’t much new about them. The devices are water-resistant up to five feet deep and the cameras have been improved to autofocus on images faster. The gadgets also have what Samsung calls Always-On screens that constantly light up just the pixels needed to show the time or calendar notifications; the feature turns off when the phone is tucked away in a pocket or purse.
With the lack of new phone features, Samsung is betting hard on virtual reality to help maintain its lead.
“Samsung continues to push the boundaries of the mobile experience to extend beyond the smartphone,” D. J. Koh, a Samsung executive, said in a statement.
In the fourth quarter of last year, Samsung had 21.4 percent of the smartphone market, followed by Apple, with 18.7 percent, according to the research firm IDC. Notably, the Chinese phone maker Huawei increased unit sales by more than a third, to grab 8.1 percent market share.
“Usually, the conversation in the smartphone market revolves around Samsung and Apple, but Huawei’s strong showing for both the quarter and the year speak to how much it has grown as an international brand.
Samsung did not reveal price details on the new products. The phones will be released on March 11 in the United States, and the Gear 360 will be available later this year.
Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria declares March 1,2016 as a No Banking Day
The Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON, a consumer rights NGO) has declared Tuesday, March 1, 2016 as a "No Banking Day" for Nigerians to protest against the exploitation & excessive bank charges.
NnnnThe communique issued by CAFON noted the following: * For many years now, consumers of banking services have been subject to series of poor and unsatisfactory transaction and relationship terms; * We have endured excessive charges, illegal fees and unfair contracts that only protects the bank but does not protect the consumers;
* Banks debit our accounts at will for charges we never agreed to or were not aware of; *Banks charge us for every little service, we pay for getting our statements; introduction letters, etc and now, some banks are charging N200 for the use of deposit and transfer forms;
* Under the current CBN management, abolished fees are being reintroduced;
* ATM withdrawals that was free now cost N65 on 3rd withdrawals.
* We pay N1000 for debit card issuance and renewals;
* We pay N105 for every online transfer, and they still charge N105 as Annual Debit Card Maintenance;
* Alert on transactions at inflated amount and now, a new Stamp Duty charge of N50 on every credit of over N1000 has just been introduced;
* COT that was supposed to end finally in 2016 is now being reintroduced as 1% of every withdrawal, purportedly as Monthly Current Account Maintenance Fees. These and many more are to say the least unacceptable! The fact is, Consumers are being exploited by all the banks and CBN is aiding and encouraging these exploitation. We cannot continue to endure these exploitations! That is why Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria CAFON, a consumer rights NGO is calling consumers to join us in protest against Banking Exploitation by declaring Tuesday, March 1 2016 as "NO BANKING DAY!" Our Demands are as follows: a) We want bank charges reviewed downwards; b) Banks must clear fees with consumers BEFORE debiting our accounts; c) Bank forms and contracts must be reviewed to include more protection for consumers; d) Consumer complaints must be resolved promptly and satisfactorily d) CBN must review the new Stamp Duty Charge, Account Maintenance Charge AND Debit Card Maintenance Fees; We urge ALL consumers to boycott ALL banking services in protest of these excessive charges and policies. That means, on Tuesday March 1st 2016:
1. Don't visit any bank or branches to transact any business;
2. Don't use your ATM from 12a.m -12 midnight on March 1;
3. Don't log in to any of your accounts online and don't do any transfers from 12am-12 midnight;
4. Don't make any online payments from 12am- 12 midnight;
5. Don't issue any cheques or banking instruments dated March 1, 2016;
6. Avoid doing any financial transactions on March 1. We can all commit to observe a "No Banking Day Protest" to press home our demands, after all, if we don't patronize them, they can't be in business. Please share with your friends, loved ones and family members until we have mass awareness, so everyone can observe the "No Banking Day Protest". It is not right, so let's use our Rights! Signed by: Sola Salako; (President, CAFON).