INEC accredits 29 observer groups for Ekiti, Osun governorship polls

AHEAD of the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC, yesterday said it has approved twenty nine (29) Observers groups to monitor the elections. The accredited groups are expected to participate in the elections, scheduled for June 21, 2014 and August 9, 2014 respectively. The Commission noted that the accreditation was sequel to the initial application of the observer groups, as contained in the completed Form EMOC 01 which was assessed by it. The electoral body, according to the Commission’s daily bulletin, also warned that any observer group other than those accredited found in the field in the course of the two elections would be prosecuted. The groups include Centre For Education (Aka) Transition Monitoring Group (TMG); Justice And Equity Organiza-tion; NEPAD Nigeria and Reclaim Naija; Centre For Democracy And Development; Centre For Peace Building & Socio-Economic Resources Development (CEPSERD); Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Policy And Legal Advocacy Centre); Nigerian Bar Association; National Association For Peaceful Election In Nigeria; Independent Election Monitoring Group (IEMG); Rights Monitoring Group; Election Monitor; Police Service Commission; Cleen Foundation and Institute For Peace And Conflict Resolution. Others are: Research Initiative For Sustainable Development And Gender Awareness (RISDGA);Justice Development And Peace Commission (Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria); The Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON);Women Arise For Change Initiative; EU Delegation – Abuja; International Foundation For Electoral System (IFES); United States Mission To Nigeria; High Commission of Canada; British High Commission; UNDP/DGD – Abuja; Embassy of Kindom of Netherlands; Embassy of Switzerland; Embassy of The Federal Republic of Germany and Embassy of France.

Angelina Jolie on Maleficent: 'Brad Pitt was worried about me'

Angelina Jolie has spoken about taking on the title role in Disney's Maleficent. The actress admitted on ITV's This Morning that Brad Pitt was "worried for a period" when she brought home the Disney's villain's magical staff and started "shouting at bushes" On being offered the role, Jolie said: "[She's] the most evil person in the world, so you're either flattered or extremely offended - and I was flattered! "I've loved her since I was a kid, she just really enjoyed being evil and she seemed like she was having a great deal of fun. I love an action scene and when I get to fly, it was great." She explained that she had to practice at home to get into character: "I was shouting at bushes, there was a lot going on! I'm not sure what the neighbours thought but Brad was worried for a period!" Jolie's daughter Vivienne also appears in the Disney film. The actress said that it came about because all the other children were too scared of her.

Kim Kardashian And Kanye West Bombarded By Paparazzi As They Step Out With Baby North Ahead Of Wedding Celebrations (PHOTOS)

The famous family were flanked by flashing cameras but baby North was kept hidden in her pram, which was covered with a blanket. Also joined by Kris Jenner, the couple appeared to be going somewhere special, as Kanye was dressed to the nines in a dark navy and black two-piece suit. According to TMZ, Kim, 33, has no idea of the details of her own wedding, with Kanye reportedly taking hold of the reigns and planning everything as a surprise. The website also claims that the couple will get hitched in Versailles after all, following reports that they had been snubbed from the Palace of Versailles and were tying the knot in Florence, Italy, instead. Post-wedding celebrations are rumoured to take place at a 16th century fort in Florence, with a “big” second event planned to take place in the city.

Chelsea to complete double Atletico Madrid raid by adding £16.5m Filipe Luis to Costa deal

Jose Mourinho has already lined up a £32m swoop for Atleti striker Diego Costa and he's now ready to add team-mate Luis into the deal, by bidding £16m for the 28-year-old, report the Daily Telegraph. The Blues have made signing a replacement for Ashley Cole top priority, with the Arsenal man set to quit Stamford Bridge. Luis has starred for Diego Simeone's side during their run to the Champions League final, and fits the bill as an experienced replacement for 33-year-old Cole, who is leaving Chelsea after eight years in west London. The only hiccup in the proposed deal, would be the unlikely event of Southampton defender Luke Shaw becoming available. The Chelsea boss is believed to have given up hope on signing the England ace, with Manchester United in pole position to snap up the 18-year-old.

Arsenal Plan Move For Atletico Madrid Ace As Wenger Eyes Two Signings before WorldCup

As we approach the opening of the summer window clubs will be intensifying their efforts in the transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Gooner Mac brings us news of Arsenal’s interest in an Atletico Madrid ace. Arsenal are weighing-up a move for Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran as boss Arsene Wenger looks to tie up two deals before the World Cup kicks off in mid-June, according to reports today. A new right-back has become a priority with widespread reports claiming that Bacary Sagna has rejected our final contract extension offer and will join Manchester City after supposedly agreeing terms over a three-year deal worth in excess of £100,000-a-week earlier this week. Toulouse’s Serge Aurier has been touted as Wenger’s main target in recent weeks with the 21-year-old coming off the back of a hugely impressive campaign in France which saw him score six and provide six assists to be named in the Ligue 1 team of the season. Speculation in the newspapers suggested earlier this week that Arsenal have a €9m deal in the pipeline to sign the Ivory Coast international as soon as Sagna’s exit to City was officially confirmed. However, Goal are claiming that the boss is now contemplating going for experience over youth and has identified Atletico Madrid’s hugely impressive right-back Juanfran as a possible alternative to the much younger Aurier. The 29-year-old was a key player in helping Atletico land the La Liga title, as he played more outfield games than any other player, and he will look to secure an historic double when they meet city rivals Real Madrid in the final of the Champions League on Saturday night. It remains to be seen whether Atletico would even contemplate selling one of they star players or if they did, what kind of fee it would take, but Arsenal would certainly be getting their hands on one of Europe’s best right-backs if they could somehow pull it off. However, a deal for Aurier would be much easier and cheaper to do, and the player would have a significantly higher potential sell-on value given he’s 8 years younger that Juanfran, so for this reason I can see the boss opting for the Ivorian over the Spanish international. Goal claim that Wenger wants two deals in place before the World Cup kicks off in mid-June, but is prepared to wait for the transfers to be officially announced after the tournament.

Chelsea: David Luiz closing in on £40m Paris St-Germain move

Chelsea are in advanced talks with French champions Paris St-Germain over the sale of defender David Luiz for about £40m. The 27-year-old Brazil international joined the Blues from Benfica for £21.3m in January 2011. He has made 143 appearances, featuring predominantly at centre-back but also as a defensive midfielder. Luiz has three years left on a five-year contract he signed in September 2012. The Brazilian has been the subject of interest from Barcelona in the last two summers, but French champions PSG - despite recently failing Uefa's financial fair play (FFP) rules - are set to break the transfer record for a defender to secure his services. Chelsea only narrowly complied with FFP and see this as a sensible piece of business, given the profit it would generate. Luiz is not part of manager Jose Mourinho's first-choice central defensive pairing and his exit would provide funds to strengthen in other areas. Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa is among those linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Luis Alberto Linked with Loan Move Back to Spain

A first season spent largely on the fringes of the first team has led to speculation that Luis Alberto could be headed for a permanent exit just a year after arriving, but Friday's chatter has him headed back to Spain on a temporary basis.

Of the signings brought in last summer, few had a season as anonymous as Luis Alberto. Victor Moses, Iago Aspas, and Aly Cissokho come close, but each were involved as substitutes, albeit with very reduced minutes, for most of the year. Alberto featured here or there in the first half of the season, making a handful of substitute appearances, which seemed to be the way forward given that he wasn't popping up for the U21s and a loan deal in January never materialized. But as winter turned to spring he was less and less involved, floating in and out of the matchday squad depending on the fitness of others. His two January appearances--the first of which saw him hauled off at the half against Oldham--proved to be his last of the season, giving way to talk that his Liverpool career would be over before it ever really started. And while that's mostly been the narrative over the past few months, furthered by news in late April that he was caught driving under the influence, today he's been linked with a move that wouldn't completely bring his Liverpool career to a standstill--AS are claiming that Malaga are interested in bringing the player in on loan next season, which would mean a move close to home and a chance (assuming he's interested) to play for his Liverpool future. It's clear he needs regular minutes, and a loan would be preferable to completely cutting loose of a player who showed such promise during the fall of 2013, but it's also looks clear that he's going to have to make some alterations to his game in order to feature under Brendan Rodgers. Liverpool's non-Steven Gerrard components in midfield need to be energetic and proactive, and Alberto was typically anything but. That isn't necessarily a slight, as his comfort and patience on the ball are impressive in their own right, but the visual evidence and idle chatter during the season indicated that the fit wasn't quite there as Rodgers turned the volume up to eleven. Whatever ends up panning out, hopefully he does find that fit, as there's enough evidence to suggest that he has a bright future ahead of him. Once it's proven that he still exists, of course.

Cardiff City sign Burgstaller from Rapid Vienna

The midfielder scored 12 goals this season, impressing Ole Gunnar

Burgstaller arrives at the Championship-bound club for an undisclosed fee, having impressed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with 12 goals from midfield this season in all competitions. The move to Wales ends a three-year spell in the Austrian capital for Burgstaller, where he has experienced Europa League football, challenged for the league title and earned his first international call-up. And the 25-year-old cannot wait to get started at Cardiff, who finished bottom of the Premier League this season. "My decision to join Cardiff City was never in question when the club first contacted me," he told the club's official website. "It has always been a dream for me to play in this country.

Manchester United Manager Louis Van Gaal To Swoop For Dutch Duo

Manchester United’s new manager Louis van Gaal has lined up moves for Dutch full-backs Daryl Janmaat and Bruno Martins Indi as potential defensive cover for the Red Devils, the Daily Mail reports. The 62-year old Dutch boss wants to bolster United’s defensive reserves and has been scouting a number of targets recently. Janmaat is an emerging right-back from Feyenoord, whilst Bruno Martins Indi is a versatile defender capable of slotting in at centre-back or left-back. United need to replace the veteran central defensive duo of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, along with veteran left-back Patrice Evra. The club are already said to be closing in on a massive £30m deal for Luke Shaw, who is widely being regarded as the ideal long term option for Evra at left-back, given his stellar displays for Southampton over the last couple of seasons. Van Gaal has a tough job on his hands to identify and land the right targets though, and the fact that he is away on national team duty with the Netherlands only makes his job harder.

Manchester United Eye Shock Move For Everton Midfielder

Manchester United are ready to turn their attentions to Everton midfielder James McCarthy after Louis van Gaal has opted against signing Toni Kroos. The former Wigan midfielder has impressed in his debut season at Goodison Park since his £13.5million move last summer and played a big contribution in Everton’s fifth place finish. According to Sky Sources, Van Gaal has been impressed with the 23-year-old and has emerged as a surprise candidate to slot into the midfield next season. Manchester United have been linked with an array of foreign talent including Bayern Munich’s Kroos but reports claim that the new United boss has given up on his chase for the German international and will move for the Republic of Ireland international. Everton remain keen on extending McCarthy’s contract but they may need to move quickly with United lurking.

GOV FASHOLA ORDERS RE-OPENING OF EX-GOV ORJI UZOR KALU'S IKOYI HOME

Gov Fashola orders re-opening of Ex-Gov Orji Uzor Kalu's Ikoyi home Press release from the Lagos State Government The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to a misleading claim by a businessman, Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu that his Ikoyi home has been sealed off following a threat to sue the Lagos State Government over an unrelated matter. We wish to state, for the avoidance of doubt, that nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu’s property in Park View Estate, Ikoyi was distrained pursuant to Section 40 of the Revenue Administration Law of Lagos State for failure to pay the statutory annual land use charge despite three separate notices delivered to the said property. As a government driven by law and process, the Lagos State Government will ordinarily expect all law abiding residents to discharge their responsibilities to the state. If, in spite of failing to do so, Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu wants to give ethnic colouration to a routine performance of its duties by an agency of the state government, which in this case is the Land Use Charge Office, under the Ministry of Finance, he is welcome to do so. However it should be noted that when the issue was brought to the attention of the Governor, Tuesday evening, he directed the agency to unseal the property and that an additional 14 days grace period be given to Mr. Kalu to pay the said charge. It should be emphasised that notices like these are served on defaulting property owners on a regular basis who either comply or contact the Agency to raise any objections they might have to such notice. Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu, like every other citizen, must fulfil his obligation to the State. Signed: Aderemi Ibirogba HON. COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION AND STRATEGY Posted by Linda Ikeji

INJURY MARRS BIG WIN FOR CHALOBAH

INJURY MARRS BIG WIN FOR CHALOBAH Posted on: Wed 14 Aug 2013 Nathaniel Chalobah was was taken off injured as England's Under-21 side beat their Scotland counterparts 6-0 in Sheffield. The Three Lions, under the guidance of senior manager Roy Hodgson, were already 2-0 up courtesy of strikes from Nathan Redmond and Raheem Sterling when the Chelsea midfielder went down under a fierce challenge by Tony Watt just before half-time. Chalobah received treatment for a few moments before it became apparent he would be unable to continue, and the youngster was then stretchered off. Second-half goals from Ross Barkley, Connor Wickham, Jonjo Shelvey and Thomas Carroll compounded the visitors' misery. Islam Feruz started the game for Scotland, while Todd Kane, currently on loan at Blackburn Rovers from the Blues, was an unused substitute for England.

PAT NEVIN: BLOSSOMING BLUES

PAT NEVIN: BLOSSOMING BLUES Posted on: Wed 14 Aug 2013 Another Chelsea legend returns this week as Pat Nevin files his first column of what he anticipates to be a hugely exciting campaign... Jeepers, I remember the days when pre-season friendlies were roughing it down at Aberystwyth in Wales or a little jaunt out to Brentford to get the old muscles moving. Going west now means a rather longer trip, especially as it started out in the Far East for the current squad. All in all it was a pretty successful build-up to the season, though the cliché still holds that the results in these games stand for little or nothing once the season really gets started. The fact that Jose got to test his team against the likes of Roma, AC Milan, Inter and Real Madrid will give him a real feel for who he thinks is best suited for the season's attack on a variety of trophies. With the return of De Bruyne and Lukaku suitably improved and experienced alongside the additions of Michael Essien, Andre Schurrle, Marco van Ginkel and Mark Schwarzer, there appears to be something approaching an embarrassment of riches to choose from. There may of course be the odd extra player to come in but for me that looks awfully like a squad that is capable of slugging it out with the very best anywhere in world football. Last season was one I thoroughly enjoyed but I suspect, like many others, this could be one of the most interesting and entertaining seasons in Premier League history. Clearly Man City and United are going to be up there again, but I have to say I will be surprised if Chelsea find themselves off the pace this time around. Maybe even more importantly I suspect this group will only get better as the likes of Mata, Hazard and Oscar are only likely to become even more influential as time goes by. It is the beginning of the season so there is always hope, but I suspect the clichés will be rolled out about taking every game as it comes. That being the case the fixture computer has once again been kind to Chelsea at the start. A couple of home games that are eminently winnable against Hull and Villa could really allow the team to settle very quickly. That is not to say they will be easy, Aston Villa in particular appear to have acquired intelligently over the summer, but with the right attitude it could be an early boost and hopefully six points out of six. Anyone who has been watching Chelsea TV and enjoying the pre-season games will possibly be none the wiser about who will be in the starting line-up come Sunday afternoon. This is often portrayed as a negative by some, who question whether or not the manager actually knows what his strongest team is, but I do not think that is the case with Jose at all. He has chopped and changed to such an extent that very few players will be comfortable that their names will be among the first 11 at the weekend and that will quite simply keep them on their toes and keep them voraciously hungry. If you get the nod in the first game you know fine well that you will have to be at something approaching your very best if you want to stand a decent chance of staying in the team. From the others point of view, if you are not starting then you will be bursting for your chance, even if it is as a substitute. Coming on as a sub for the last half-hour in this team will need an explosion of energy and skill to get the approval of the boss. Any player under Jose Mourinho who does not have the right attitude and displays a 'petted lip' if he isn't a regular, might as well pack his boots and get out. I suspect there will be no divine right to a game for anyone at all and I suspect the players know that already. It really is one of the top benefits of having a great squad and a great manager. Among the most common questions I am asked these days in the media, okay, the most common question by miles, is who I think will win the Premier League. With all respect to the likes of Spurs and Arsenal I really do think it is a three-horse race and it is impossible to predict, certainly I don't think it would be wise to do so anyway at least until the transfer window closes. One extra player can make a difference, just think back to the Robin van Persie effect last season. I would however predict one thing; no one will run away with the title with the quality that is around in the upper echelons of the league. Another hot topic is who is going to be the premier Leagues star individual performer this this time round. Last season's candidates such as Benteke, Bale ( if he is still around) and Van Persie will of course be in the running, but Chelsea have any number that could step up to the plate. Would you be surprised if Mata, Oscar or David Luiz was in the running for Premier League Player of the Year come next May? I wouldn't and I would be even less surprised if Eden Hazard was in that elite clutch by the end of the campaign. Maybe this more than anything else is why I am so up about the season to come. How many other teams, including United and City, have so many players who have the chance of blossoming into the league's brightest star? So with the best manager still in the business at the helm, who is famed for building teams from great individual players, not always the easiest skill, I am not saying Chelsea are going to win the league, but I certainly wouldn't bet against us. Relax, sit back and enjoy the show, I know I am going to. PS The quiz will be back next week with the usual prizes I am glad to say. Is there no end to the things you can look forward to! Source: Chelseafc.com

INSPRIRATIONAL FRIDAY

A MUST READ! EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is necessary. All lines are open to heaven 24 hours a day. When you are in danger, call Psalm 46. When God seems far away, call Psalm 139. For peace and rest, call Matthew 11:25-30. For keeping things in perspective, call Psalm 91. When the world seems bigger than God, call Psalm 90. For Christian assurance, call Romans 8:1-30. When you leave home for labor or travel, call Psalm 121. When your prayers grow narrow or selfish, call Psalm 67. If discouraged about your work, call Psalm 126. When someone fails you, call Psalm 27. When you want courage for a task, call Joshua 1. How to get along with others, call Romans 12. If you are depressed, call Psalm 27. If people seem unkind, call John 15. For assurance of salvation, call Romans 10:13. When your faith needs stirring, call Hebrews 11. When you are lonely and fearful, call Psalm 23. When you feel condemned, call John 3:16 - 17. When you grow bitter and critical, call Corinthians 13. For the secret to happiness, call Colossians 3:12-17. Who has a friend with whom to share, Has double cheer and one- half care. For a Best Friend, call Psalm 9. When in sorrow, call John 14. When you have sinned, call Psalm 51. When you worry, call Matthew 6:10-34. If your pocketbook is empty, call Psalm 37. This are the phone numbers to call God. Brethren, Please I beg of you, pass this message round. Copy and paste it, share it, call, email and text it.. Have done my part, it's now your turn to spread the Gospel. God is waiting for your call. Let this Gospel reach million people by pressing "LIKE" and writing,"AMEN"

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH DAY ONE PREDICTIONS

REAL MADRID V MANCITY: The most-awaited clash of the Champions League group stage happens to be on Matchday One as mighty Real Madrid welcome Manchester City to the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday. The clash between the Spanish and English Champions is the biggest draw in the ‘group of death’, which also comprises Borussia Dortmund and Ajax. The battle at the Bernabeu is filled with countless subplots as the fixture sees the established power collide with the new pretender, Jose Mourinho facing his predecessor at Inter Milan, Roberto Mancini and not to forget the stellar list of players on show. Madrid have made a stuttering start in the La Liga, winning just one of their four fixtures so far. Man City’s defence of the title hasn’t gone to plan either as they have drawn two of their four games. The big game on Tuesday could just be the trigger both teams have been waiting for, although City will be wary of Madrid’s imperious home record which saw them win all six of their home games in the Champions League last season, scoring 24 goals in the process. Probable Line-Ups: RealMadrid(4-2-3-1): Casillas(GK), Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Alonso, Khedira, Ozil, Ronaldo, DiMaria, Higuain ManCity(4-2-3-1): Hart(GK), Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Y.Toure, Garcia, Nasri, Silva, Milner, Tevez. PREDICTION: RealMadrid 2-1 ManCity MONTPELLIER V ARSENAL: The Uefa Champions League anthem will blare out in the unfamiliar surroundings of the Stade La Mosson on tuesday night as newcomers Montpellier welcome the mighty Arsenal in the matchday one clash in Grp B. The french champions will be turning out in europe's elite competition for the first time in their history, in stark contrast to arsenal who are making their 15th consecutive appearance in the competition. The defending french champions have failed to liveup to their recent reputation as they have claimed judt 4points from their first five games this season. Meanwhile, the Gunners have garnered considerable respect for their new found defensive discipline. Despite a slow start with two goaless draws, Arsenal's new look forward line has begun to work its magic, scoring eight times in their last two premier league outings. This appears to be a lopsided fixture and Arsenal are widely expected to negotiate past their french opponents with considerable ease. However, in the world of football, anything can happen in 90minutes. Probable Line-Ups Montpellier(4-2-3-1): Geoffrey Jourden, Yanga-Mbiwa, Hilton, Henry Bedino, Congre, Stambouli, Utaka, Belhanda, Cabella, Ait Fana, Herrera Arsenal(4-3-3): Szczesny(GK), Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs,Diaby,Arteta,Cazorla,Oxlade-Chamberlain,Gervinho, Podolski PREDICTION: Montpellier 1-3 Arsenal BORUSSIA DORTMUND V AJAX AMSTERDAM PREDICTION: Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Ajax Amsterdam MALAGA V ZENIT ST PETERSBURG PREDICTION: Malaga 1-1 Zenit St Petersburg AC MILAN V ANDERLECHT PREDICTION: Ac Milan 2-0 Anderlecht OLYMPIACOS V SCHALKE04 PREDICTION: Olympiacos 1-1 Schalke PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN V DYNAMO KIEV PREDICTION: PSG 2-1 Dynamo Kiev DINAMO ZAGREB V FC PORTO PREDICTION: Dinamo Zagreb 1-3 Fc Porto. What do you guys think?... Watch out for Match Day Two Predictions on tuesday.

PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND-UP

MAN-UTD VS WIGAN: ManU ran out 4-0 winners with Paul Scholes scoring on his 700th appearance.Javi Hernadez saw his weak effort well saved from the spot by Al-Habsi.With Robin VerPersie on the bench, manU searched for the first goal with Danny Welbeck and Nani shooting wide from close range in the first half. Six mins into the second half, Scholes broke the deadlock. Hernadez doubled the home side lead on 63mins with Butner getting the third 3mins later.Nick Powell came off the bench to netthe fourth for the red devils. QPR VS CHELSEA: All eyes were on the events before the kickoff at loftus road with anton Ferdinand eventually decided not to shake hands with John Terry and Ashley Cole and when the action started neither side could get a goal with Eden Hazard guilty of two clear chances. The R's eventually ended the European champions 100% record in the premier league this season. ARSENAL VS SOUTHAMPTON: Arsenal continued their start to the campaign with an impressive 6-1 victory over southampton with Gervinho netting twice and Podolski scoring a wonderful freekick with Theo Walcott aldo putting his name on the scorers sheet with the other two goals being an owngoal. Southampton got a consolation when Szczeny failing to collect Jason Puncheon and Danny Simpson was around to blast it in. STOKE CITY VS MANCITY: Mancity were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke city at the Brittania for a fourth sucessive season in this fixture. Stoke city went ahead in the 15mins mark through a controversial Peter Crouch goal. The visitors drew level when Carlos Tevez freekick was met by new signing Jarvi Garcia to bundle home. SUNDERLAND VS LIVERPOOL: 1-1 (Scorers: Fletcher, Suarez) FULHAM VS WESTBROM: 2-0 (Scorers: Berbatov<2>) READING VS TOTTENHAM: 1-3 (Defoe<2> Bale) ASTON VILLA VS SWANSEA: (Lowton, Benteke) NORWICH VS WESTHAM: 0-0 EVERTON VS NEWCASTLE: Not yet played.Will come up on monday 17th September

AGBANI DAREGO

In 2001, she shocked the world, beating over 70 gorgeous girls to emerge as Miss World. Young, beautiful and natural, Agbani Darego is a young woman full of promise. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she is the sixth of eight children. At the age of two, she moved to Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and says her childhood was loving and memorable, although it was tainted by the death of her mother, who passed away due to breast cancer when Agbani was eleven. She attended Bereton Montessory Nursery & primary school, Federal Government Girls College (F.G.G.C) Abuloma, where she was awarded ‘Most distinguished Alumni’ in 2010, and the University of Port Harcourt, where she studied Computer Science for a year before her foray into the pageant world. In 2001, she achieved great success when she won Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN). During her reign as MBGN, she represented Nigeria in the 2001 Miss Universe competition, held in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. She placed among the top 10 semi-finalists, finishing seventh. She was the only black semi-finalist that year – and the only finalist to wear a one-piece swimsuit as opposed to the more popular bikini. Encouraged by her position at Miss Universe in 2001, Agbani then competed at the Miss World pageant in November 2001, which she won, becoming the first native Sub-Saharan African to claim the title, a victory widely welcomed in Nigeria. Agbani was honoured with the Nigerian national honour ‘Member of the Order of the Federal Republic’ (MFR) after her win as Miss World in 2001. During her reign, she visited a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, South Africa, Puerto Rico, the United States, Germany, Italy, China, Spain and France. She was a public favourite, as for the first time in the history of the Miss World Pageant; TV Viewers were invited to participate in the Final Vote. Since then, Agbani has made appearances at and judged the Miss World pageant, as well as Miss England, Miss Bulgaria, MR Scotland, Miss Tanzania and the Most Beautiful girl in Nigeria pageants. In 2002, she relocated to London for two years. There, she signed with Top Modeling Agency Next Model Management and worked, strutting the catwalks during Fashion Week, gracing Magazine Editorials, and clinching the distinguished beauty endorsement with L’Oreal, which ended in 2005. In 2003, she made the move to New York, where she signed with Next Model Management NY for four years (2003 – 2007), and later moved to Ford Models NY; featuring in numerous beauty and fashion advertising and commercials, including Avon, Christian Dior beauty, Sephora, Target, and Macy’s, to name a few. She graced more pages of several magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Allure, Trace, Stitch, Cosmopolitan, Essence magazine , working with respected designers like Oscar de la Renta, Marc Bouwer, Tommy Hillfiger, Ralph Lauren, Gianfranco Ferre, and eminent Photographers Annie Leibovitz, Markus Klinko, and Richard Burbridge. Always the multi-tasker, she then decided to finish up her education in 2007, enrolling at the prestigious New York University (NYU) where she majored in Psychology, graduating in 2012. Agbani currently works with Ford Models NY and often shuttles between New York & Lagos. Culled from www.agbanidarego.com

SALUTE TO THE INCREDIBLE SOUND SULTAN

Sound Sultan performs at the Ha his all star anniversary concert.. Last night in Lagos, Sound Sultan wrote his entrance examinations for the legends university. And he passed in glowing colours. The singer-songwriter- performer used a brilliant assembly of poetry, choreography, pantomime, drama, and song, to create an unforgettable night for the thousands that came out for his 12th anniversary concert. The Harbour Point auditorium must have been more than pleased with Sound Sultan, his band, the Crown Troupe, DJ Jimmy JATT, the many guest acts, and the creative team, for a brief but near-excellent show that proved that not all concerts held outside the Eko Hotels’ insanely expensive yet structurally and technically inflexible hall, are subpar. A veteran by all definitions, Sultan did not seem like he was trying to prove any point, yet that’s exactly what he did – showing, with each set, that he’s not in the league of today’s hit-drunk pop stars who have no qualms miming at their own concerts. Starting from his debut album ‘Kpsheew— the sound of a Frustrated Mouth’, he worked with the band to deliver Jagbajantis, ghen ghen and more, with minor tweaks only ardent fans would notice. Lanky and fragile in person, the boldness and courage of his lyrics made many compare him with Fela since the early 2000s. Last night, he brought back those memories again, with the power of his lyrics, with some of his Fela-inspired costumes, and with a surprise Afrobeat set that featured that genre’s king Femi Kuti. But Femi was not the only king that came out to jam with Sultan. Africa’s king of pop and a legend in his own right 2face Idibia joined his friend for a thought-provoking performance of ‘bush meat’; while M.I, arguably the leader of Nigeria’s hiphop community, joined Sultan for their conscious collabo ‘2010’. Just before M.I and 2face, the concert paid a powerful tribute to hip hop, with an elaborate freestyle session featuring some of the rappers that matter today: Yungsix, Ice Prince, Ikechukwu, Dr SID and Uzi. 2face and Timaya would have made that list, had the show’s director not chased them off stage, midway into their ambush freestyle skit. Unpredictable from A to Z, a fashion session engineered by co-host IK Osakioduwa would lead into a performance of Sultan’s ode to plus-sized women ‘Orobo’; just as a brief stand-up act by Koffi (who was at his best last night, despite the initial lukewarm reception) would lead into, first a drama featuring Sound Sultan as groom-to-be who waits impatiently for his bride-to-be (Tiwa Savage) during a traditional Yoruba engagement ceremony; and later a Sultan- Tiwa duet of ‘Oko won lode’. With Crown Troupe members as support cast (friends of the groom, friends of the bride, parents-in-law etc), and Koffi as overzealous MC, the wedding episode continues, with 9ice performing for the ‘couple’, before Fuji giant Adewale Ayuba emerges, to entertain them with hits from the 22-year-old evergreen Bonsue LP, getting us all on our feet, screaming – such incredibly scripted; almost impeccably executed show that the words of no writer can fully capture. In spite of noticeable sound hitches and repeated dead air, and a few performances that failed the test, this low budget concert gets a first class – where many before it, for example, the Davido O.B.O. concert, fails woefully. Young boys like Davido should actually have been at Harbour Point last night, taking notes. Welcome to the Legends’ club, Sound Sultan. Please take a

SALUTE TO THE INCREDIBLE SOUND SULTAN

A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE

My friend,Nnenna was waiting at the airport one night, with several long hours before her flight. She hunted for a book in the airport shop, bought a bag of popcorn and found a place to drop. She was engrossed in her book,but happened to see, that the man beside her, as bold as could be, grabbed a popcorn or two from the bag between, which she tried to ignore, to avoid a scene. She read, munched popcorn, and watched the clock, as the gutsy "pop corn thief" diminished her stock. She was getting irritated as the minutes ticked by, thinking, "If i wasn't so nice, i'd punch his eye!" With each popcorn she took, he took one too. When only one was left, she wondered what he'd do. With a smile on his face and a nervous laugh, He took the last popcorn and broke it in half. He offered her half as he ate the other half. She snatched it from him and thought, "Oh Geez, This guy has some nerve, and he's also rude, why, he didn't even show any gratitude!" She had never known when she had been so galled, and sighed with relief when her flight was called. She gathered her belongings and headed for the gate, refusing to look back at the "thieving ingrate." She boarded the plane and sank in her seat, then sought her book, which was almost complete. As she reached in her luggage, she gasped with suprise. There was her bag of popcorn in front of her eyes! "If mine were here," she moaned with despair, "then the others were his and he tried to share!" Too late to apologize, she realized she with grief, that she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief!