10 Year Old Nigerian In UK Varsity

Ten year old Esther Okade, one of UK’s youngest students from Nigeria, has been accepted to start her maths degree at the Open University. Esther, who enrolled three weeks ago, is already top of her class, scoring 100 per cent in a recent test.

Esther’s mother, Efe, said the process of applying to the university was ‘an interesting one because of her age. She said “We even had to talk to the VC and after they interviewed her, they realised that this has been her idea from the beginning. From the age of seven Esther has wanted to go to university.

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Falling oil prices threaten my agenda — Buhari

ABUJA—THE President- elect, General Muhammadu Buhari yesterday painted a gloomy picture in the economic development of his administration as he said that the decline in the revenues due to fall in oil prices poses a great threat to his administration’s development agenda. 

Buhari who visited the newly elected Senators and House of Representatives members who are undergoing induction course in preparation for the 8th National Assembly in Abuja also said that the decline in revenue would affect the reconstruction of devastated areas in the country as a result of insurgency.

He reminded the elected members of the 8th assembly of the challenges the nation had been facing which he also said would continue in the near future.

The challenges according to him include general insecurity and insurgency that has caused extreme human hardship and destruction of lives, livelihoods that would take over a decade to rebuild across most of North Eastern Nigeria and some parts of North western Nigeria.

Another threat to his administration according to him was the devastation and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta area which he said must be attended to.

Others include, “endemic corruption which has crippled human and infrastructure development for decades. Unacceptably poor provision of power supply which has had a crippling effect on development of small businesses and indeed the wider economy.

“Deindustrialization for the past three decades leading to closure of many industries and migration of many to other African countries. Unacceptably high levels of unemployment and especially Youth Unemployment reaching over 40 per cent.”

Besides, Gen. Buhari mentioned high cost of governance that has been crowding out the nation’s capital and human development, erosion of public social services such as infrastructure, health and education as well as lack of development in the agricultural and solid mineral sectors as areas that should be aggressively addressed.

While soliciting the support of the lawmakers, the President-elect said, “The legislature is a critical component and necessary ingredient of democracy and good governance. The legislature by nature is inherently democratic in the sense that all members are equal and are elected representatives of the Nigerian people.

“As President-elect, I recognize this fact and believe that legislators carry this heavy burden of representation with all the seriousness it deserves.

“For a president to be successful in addressing community development and general welfare of the various people of the country, he or she would benefit from working closely and in harmony with the legislative arm of government.

“I therefore commit myself to working with the legislature as development partners motivated by the desire to deliver good governance”.

He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the role he played in the sustenance of democratic institution by accepting election result, saying that Nigeria was in the threshold of history.

Bemoaning high cost of governance, he said, “First and foremost, appropriate policies need to be put in place and such policies may have to be translated into laws.

“Secondly, the oversight functions of the legislature is critical in ensuring that policies are implemented effectively and transparently. Therefore, my mission to bring integrity into governance would better succeed if complemented with a strong culture of transparent oversight.

“We need to collaborate on the budget process and restructuring of the public sector so as to collectively tackle the menace of high recurrent cost at the expense of capital and human development.”

“There is an urgent need to contain this high state of insecurity. All of you are representing various communities. We need to work together to address the problem from both its roots and manifestations.

“The strongest mitigating forces at this point are to redress the power sector deficits, encourage investments that are job creating and focus on human development and reconstruction. We also need to deploy efforts in conflict resolution and peace building in all our communities.

“I am here today, to invite you to work with the executive as partners in progress, as champions of good governance and development and as warriors for change. Together, we can make this nation great and as a role model in Africa and other emerging economies and democracies.”

President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, David Mark, who ushered in the President-elect into the International Conference Centre, in company of other leaders of the National Assembly, described the visit as historic.

Noting that it was the first time a President-elect was considering it worthwhile to address a joint session of the National Assembly, Mark agreed it was a historic meeting in the journey of democracy.

For the Speaker, House of Representative and Governor-elect, Sokoto State, Honourable Aminu W. Tambuwal, Buhari has extended a hand of fellowship to the legislature by his personal visit.

Tambuwal however expressed hope that his colleagues would reciprocate Buhari’s gesture by also extending a sincere hand of fellowship to the President-elect when his government fully takes over.

Source

WOW! This Nigerian Lady Really Made Us Proud In America

Nigerians usually excel outside the country but find it difficult to even get ahead at home, this is one example. The United States First Lady Michelle Obama joins other dignitaries to celebrate Merrilyn Akpapuna, a Nigerian girl that emerged best graduating student at the Dillard University, New Orleans.

Like a giant masquerade in the market place, all eyes were on 20-year-old Merrilyn Akpapuna, recently at the Dillard University, New Orleans, United States.

The Psychology graduate not only obtained the highest academic honour Summa Cum Laude (first class), she also emerged the best graduating student in the ivory tower. As the institution’s valedictorian, she was on the same podium with the wife of the President, Michelle Obama, during its convocation.

Interestingly, three other Nigerians joined Akpapuna in the league of the best graduating students at the university. The three salutatorians are Victor Ogburie, Stephen Igwe, and Emole Anyadimgba. They also made a first class in their chosen disciplines…

According to Punch, beautiful Akpapuna also won two other awards for highest academic achievements for the College of Arts and Sciences and College of General Studies.

In an online interview with Charles Abah, the youngster says her success in the 155-year-old ivory tower was not without some challenges.

She notes, “When I first got to Dillard, I had to learn the differences in the spelling of certain words and adjust to a new metric system. These constituted challenges but I was able to overcome them by putting in extra time to study. I also faced some difficulties due to the difference in the education system. In Nigeria, the teaching system follows the British pattern, which is different from the system in the United States.

“However, despite these challenges, my cumulative grade point average is 4.0/4.0. In other words, I made an A in every course I took during my four years study in the university.”

But her stay in the US and particularly in the university was not all about academic work. She participated not just in student politics but also in other activities that affected humanity positively.

She adds, “My stay in the university was not all about studying. I took time out for my social life and made a great effort to ensure that my spiritual life did not suffer. I was also a student activist and a leader. I was the President of the African World Network Organisation and Lead Fellow of the Melton Foundation.

“At Dillard also, some of my awards and recognitions include the Daniel C. Thompson/Samuel Dubois Cook Honours Programme, Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honour Society, Dean’s List of Scholars, 1st Place for exceptional work in Algebra Relay, National Institute of Science, Beta Kappa Chi Honour Society, Alpha Kappa Mu national Honour Society, and Psi Chi National Honour Society.”

Again, for the youngster, her Dillard accomplishment is not just by a mere stroke of fortune. Excellence seems to be her middle name. Indeed, following her success at the Management Education Training, Ikeja where she took tutorials on Scholastic Aptitude Test, she received full scholarship to study in the university.

Before then, the third daughter of a dental surgeon, Emmanuel Akpapuna, had excelled in the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination, coming tops of her class at the Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls Secondary School, Yaba, Lagos.

The Delta State-born psychologist enthuses, “Upon graduating from secondary school, I took SAT classes in Management Education Training in Ikeja. I decided to come to the United States after I had received full scholarship offer for my tuition, room and board. In fact, I had scholarship all my four years in college.”

But being a female student, did she experience any case of sexual harassment from her lecturers and fellow students? Akpapuna, who says she wants to proceed immediately to the Western Michigan University for her graduate programme, says there was nothing of sort.

“Men did not disturb me on campus and no lecturer ever asked me for séxual favours.”

"My Father & Mother Are Actually Brother & Sister" Says HARRYSONG

In a shocking revelation, singer, Harrysong told Yes Magazine that he is the product of a brother/sister union... ..When asked why his parents didn't have other kids after him..He said..

" It’s just that after my dad and my mum gave birth to me, they separated and went their different ways. So, my father got married to another woman and also my mother to another man. They separated because I was given birth to by two relations. My father and mother are actually brother and sister. They gave birth to me before they could realize that.

Well, I learnt that when my mother was alive, she met my father. Then she was still in school and they were in the same class and the same village. But she didn’t know that they are closely related. So, I was born based on what our villagers regarded as abomination and therefore they had to separate. Because it was a big abomination, so they had to separate. Even, they attempted to kill my father in that village, but he fled, because in Warri where I come from, it is a taboo. They termed it incest."

An Exclusive With Nigerian-American Music Rave, JANELIA!

A widely acclaimed player in the music scene in the United States, Nigerian-American, Janelia was caught-up with in Lagos and sat down with Naija Chit-Chat for this revealing exclusive.

Please give us an insight into your person.

I am a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter and a performing artist. Three words to describe me would be creative, personable and compassionate. Basically I’m down to earth, I no dey form. I have a passion for music and I love people, even the not so good ones; I pray for them. I also enjoy cooking and I’m known to host the best house parties, invite only, (she laughs!)

How long have you been into music and what propelled you into it?

I’ve been doing music professionally for 10 years. I have always been drawn to music and the arts as a child and wrote my first song when I was 9 years old. Music is one of my few passions, especially singing live with my band. Making music has always been a part of who I am and will continue to be a part of me.

What’s your genre and who did you decide to go into this style?

My genre of music is a beautiful fusion of soul and Afro-pop (or like we call it in Nigeria, Naija hip-hop). My music embodies the Nigerian-American that I truly am. I have the ability to move fluidly between genres, this is why you will hear funky, soulful and afro rhythms in my song writing and vocal delivery. Now that I have teamed up with some of Nigeria’s A list producers such as Young D and Fliptyce, I feel the sky is not my limit but my starting point.

USA is the music capital of the world, since last year, you have been in Nigeria; why this decision and what do you hope to accomplish outside the US?

After I finished secondary school in Nigeria and decided to further my education in the United States, my plan was to return after my studies so that I may give back to my community and contribute to the progress of Nigeria. It is time to come back home! Other than doing music I am also passionate about helping those that are less fortunate, and want to continue my philanthropy work in Nigeria as I have started in the U.S. I am grateful for God’s blessings in my life and it is simply time to give back to my beloved country. I feel Nigeria needs me and this will become evident as time goes on.

 

So how has your music been doing in the markets?
 
My past releases have done well on iTunes for an independent artist. We will see how the Nigerian market will embrace my music in the long run but so far the response has been great and I’m looking forward to even greater responses.

When do you hope to return to the US?
 
I am what you call a Jet-setter. I fly back and forth across the ocean as necessary; it all depends on what music and my other businesses call for. Nigeria is my home so Nigeria will always be my base.

How do fans get to buy your music.

All my music is available to my fans worldwide through iTunes & most international digital download outlets.  It will soon be available through Caller Tunes, Spinlet and other digital music distribution in Nigeria. Once my album drops later this year it will be available on the streets but for now you can find “Sexy Nana” on many mix tapes on the streets. Also it’s free when you join my official mailing list. I like to provide this free download so that I can have direct access to my fans through my mailing list. I send timely updates to my fans and make sure I respond to their feedback because they are the ones for whom I make music.

Janelia's Links:
Website: http://www.janeliasoul.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/janeliasoul
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janeliafan
Official Email List: https://www.facebook.com/janeliafan
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sexy-nana-single/id840260955

Copyright: All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from Naija Chit-Chat

Contact: naijachitchat@gmail.com

No Mugabe, Zimbabawe More Corrupt Than Nigeria, Says Campbell

Ambassador John Campbell, a great critic of Nigeria’s government has waded into the diplomatic spat between Nigeria and Zimbabwe, over President Robert Mugabe’s denigration of Nigeria as a corrupt country. Campbell, a blogger on the website of US Council on Foreign Relations, said contrary to the impression Mugabe created, Zimbabwe is worse than Nigeria as a corrupt nation.

Campbell relied on the Corruption Perception Index published by Transparency International to reach his conclusion. In the last edition, Mugabe’s Zimbabwe was rated 157, while Nigeria was rated 133.

Besides, the 70 year old Campbell, who was US ambassador to Nigeria between 2004 and 2007, described the controversy as needless distractions for the two countries.

Here is the full posting on his Africa In Transition Blog. It is entitled “Zimbabwe and Nigeria: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who is the Most Corrupt of Them All?”

“Robert Mugabe, the poster boy for bad governance in Africa, said last month that Zimbabweans were behaving “like Nigerians” with respect to bribes and corruption. This, he implied, is not a good thing.

“The administration of Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan was apparently enraged. On April 11, the Nigerian Foreign Ministry called in the senior Zimbabwean envoy in Abuja to protest, characterizing Mugabe’s comments as “vitriolic and denigrating.” According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The ministry’s statement continued, “not only does it not reflect the reality in our country, but to come from a sitting president of a brotherly country is most unkind and very dishonorable.”

“Transparency International’s well-regarded “Corruption Perception Index” lists Nigeria as 133 out of 175 countries, and Zimbabwe at 157. The country ranked one (Denmark and New Zealand tied) is considered the least corrupt, that listed 175 (Somalia, Afghanistan, and North Korea tied) as the most corrupt. So, Mugabe is wrong: Zimbabwe is more corrupt than Nigeria. Nigeria faces the Boko Haram insurrection in the north, ethnic and religious conflict in the Middle Belt, and the prospect of renewed insurgency in the oil patch. Zimbabwe remains an international pariah and faces unresolved succession issues.

“Nigeria may feel especially stung by Mugabe’s comments because it prides itself on the assistance it provided to southern African liberation movements in the days of apartheid in South Africa and Ian Smith’s white-ruled Rhodesia. But, perhaps it is also a useful distraction for both countries to quarrel over which is the more corrupt than to face their numerous other internal challenges.”

Nigerian Students In Malaysia Cry For Justice

Nigerian Students in Malaysia said they are fed up with the constant intimidation, harassment and illegal arrests carried out on them by Malaysian authorities while staffers of the Nigerian High Commission are indifferent in complete disregard of their diplomatic responsibilities of protecting them.

In an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigerian students under the aegis of NANS Asia, catalogued a series of harassments and injustice suffered by them in the hands of the Malaysian police and the judicial authorities. The students even accused their schools of conniving with their ‘harassers’ to deny them of their school fees.

The petition was signed by the association’s president, Prince David O.C Nwaogwugwu.

Nwaogwugwu said the Nigerians “are now constantly being duped of their tuition fees and falsely accused of crimes not committed by the institutions they study in, their apartments being regularly raided even without warrants, blackmailed and set up for the purpose of extortion, falsified evidence accepted by judges against them in courts which are presented by the police and prosecutors, deported by the immigration authorities for the failure of the institutions of learning and the same immigration departments who fail to quickly process the renewal of Visa for these Nigerian students who have handed in their passports for weeks, months and even years”.

He blamed the Nigerian High Commission Staff in Malaysia and Asia at large for being complicit, indirectly in the grave injustice meted out on Nigerian students, in not responding to their plight on time and in being discriminatory when responding.

“There are several cases where police officers in connivance with school security personnel’s, local and foreign agents and lawyers go after students who they believe have financial backing at home. They blackmail such students and threaten to put them in trouble if they do not pay certain amounts of money. Some of the students who refuse to be oppressed by such threats are then arrested, taken to court and false evidence presented against them. In the courts, the prosecutors do not allow the students to speak in protest or self defense. The proceedings in Malaysia courts against Nigerian students are carried out in the Malaysia language of which Nigerians schooling in Malaysia are not mandated by any law to study Malay and therefore do not understand what the prosecutors are telling the judge or what the judge is saying to the court”, Nwaogwugwu said.

Among the cases listed by Nwaogwugwu was that of Nkem Okpa, a research student who was detained for 11 days on mere suspicions three years ago.

There were other cases:

1. Gabriel (2010): Arrested on the street and thrown into a bus with some people who had been arrested for drug possession. He had never met the other people arrested with him before. Gabriel was in Sungai Buloh Prisons until 2013 when the culprit pleaded guilty. Gabriel’s entire life has been ruined for nothing.

2. Oyewole (2013): Student arrested for not being in possession of his passport which had been submitted to his school for visa renewal. The Police went ahead to carry away cloths and electronics in his apartment.

3. Segun (2013): House mate to Oyewole. They were arrested together and their possessions stolen by the police.

4. Adeniji (2013): A student arrested and deported while his passport had been submitted to school for renewal.

5. Victor (2013) Student arrested on the school campus for being in possession of drugs he knew nothing about. His house mate confirmed he was set up. In court, the police presented false evidence against Victor. Victor refusing to be blackmailed by the schools security and the police inspector in charge of the case spent about 3 months in remand until his parents told him to plead guilty and be done with it. The High commission was informed but nothing was done about it.

6. Bartholomew (2013): Arrested for a crime he knew nothing about. Evidence and witnesses prove his innocence but he is still locked up in Jail and the Nigerian High Commission is saying nothing.-Body Number : 313….

7. Umar Garkida (2013): Arrested from his hostel, false evidence of drugs presented in court against him. He has refused to be intimidated to plead guilty and has been in jail since November while the High commission and his school are silent.

8. Fahat Sanda (2013): Arrested from his hostel, false evidence of drugs presented in court against him. He has refused intimidation, refused to plead guilty to a crime not committed and so has been in jail since November. The school and High commission are silent.

9. Umar (2014): Arrested from in front of his hostel by the police. Asked for his passport which he had submitted to the school for renewal of Visa, he stated his case and presented his ID as the Student Rep President alongside his student ID, but the police insisted on arresting him unless he paid some bribe. Umar called Mr Banum the head of the school security to come and identify him as the Student Rep President, but he never came. The police officer then arrested Umar and took him to the station and threatened to put him in trouble. Umar then succumbed to the threat and paid Rm300 to regain his freedom on the spot. On returning to the school premises, Umar confronted Mr Banum to know why he refused coming to identify him but there was no response. He then requested that the money he paid be refunded of which Mr Banum said he will refund him and write a petition against the officer in question. Till date, nothing has been heard about the issue.

10.. Several Nigerian students in February 2014 were arrested within their school premises by the police and immigration personnel’s for not being in possession of their documents which had been submitted to the school and hence immigration for renewal. The School ignored these students for about 2weeks to suffer in detention and the High Commission did nothing.

Nwaogwugwu’s letter also catalogued a number of Nigerian students killed in the country. Among them were:

1. Onoche Martins (March 2012): Master degree student. Killed by Malaysian Police personnel’s after he allegedly outraged the modesty of a 43year old lady by hugging, kissing and exposing himself by 11am. These accusations do not make sense to any sane being. Nothing has been heard from the Nigerian High Commission.

2. Solomon Okolo (March 2013): Student from Delta state. Killed by Malaysian citizens in the presence of Malaysian police officers after crashing his vehicle. His wife was at the scene of the incident and to date, nothing has been heard about that case or the culprits. The High commission is silent.

3. Tunde Adelabu (March 2014): A Student Killed by Malaysia policemen who ran away after shooting him. Later on, the policemen came back and arrested Tunde’s friend who had witnessed the shooting. Today, nobody knows where this boy has been taken to or if he is still alive. The school he attended are now denying he was ever their student. The High commission is still silent.

4. In India on the 25th of March 2014, Two Nigerians were found stabbed on Devli Road, New Delhi. One of them succumbed to injuries and died while the other is at the AIIMS Trauma Centre.

5. In Malaysia, a Nigerian died in detention camp sometime in March. The Nigerian High Commission was invited for the burial or which they attended without contacting the family of this Nigerian. The family of this Nigerian back home believes their son is alive somewhere. The High Commission should give reasons for their action

The students want President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in their matter.

PM NEWS

Chiwetel Ejiofor: ‘I’m Proud To Be A Nigerian’

Chiwetel Ejiofor

London-born Nigerian Hollywood star, Chiwetel Ejiofor, on Friday said he was proud to be identified as a Nigerian.

Ejiofor said this in Lagos at the premiere of a movie “Half of a Yellow Sun’’ based on a novel written by a Nigerian novelist, Chimamanda Adichie.

He said that there was a wrong impression that he claimed not to be a Nigerian.

“During the period of publicising “Twelve Years a Slave”, I was asked where I was originally from. I suppose I was trying to give an honest answer about where I was born, and so, I said London, which is where I was born.

“And to me, it was a surprising reaction that people then concluded that I didn’t identify as Nigerian.

“Of course, I am Nigerian-British, but if they ask me where I was born, I can’t say Enugu, because I wasn’t born in Enugu, but, it doesn’t mean that I don’t identify as Nigerian.

“I am proud of being Nigerian that I am extraordinarily happy to be here to make this film. We wanted to make a film in Nigeria for several years, maybe 20 years. Several years we talked about making a film in Nigeria, internationalise the market, we know there is so much, there’s a handful of energy and ability in Nigeria.

A scene from the movie

“And, for those of us that were born overseas, we want to get back into all of that and try to work together and make films and internationalise what is a wonderful market community.

(Watch the trailer here):

Biyi Bandele, who directed “Half of a Yellow Sun’’ said, “the movie is essentially a love story.”

According to him, it’s about people falling in love and the sacrifices you have to make sometimes when you are in a relationship.

“It is about a generation of Nigerians who grew up in the 1960s which is when Nigeria, along with most African countries gained independence.

“And, this is a generation of Africans, of Nigerians, who were so imbued with confidence, with enthusiasm, with optimism about the future of the country and Africa.”

Bandele said the movie was shot in just 33 days at Tinapa Calabar and other locations in Nigeria.

Biyi Bamidele

He said that artistes from more than 12 different countries were involved in the production of the movie, which he said would make Africa proud.

Also, Mr Kene Mkparu, the Chairman of FilmOne, a distribution company responsible for the movie in Nigeria, said it was “the beginning’’, and urged Nigerians to support the movie.

`Half of a Yellow Sun’ features actors such as Onyeka Onwenu, Genevieve Nnaji, O.C. Ukeje, John Boyega, Anika Rose, Tina Mba, Wale Ojo, Thandie Newton and Gloria Young.

It was produced by Andre Calderwood, Sandra Obiago, Yewande Sadiku and Mukhtar Bakare.

The movie would be released fully in Nigerian cinemas on April 25.

Excel Set to Release Her Gospel CD Celebrating God’s Excellence!

Seriously, when you are looking for an unassuming person, look no further! If you seek someone with the beauty of God radiating all around, we are glad to introduce to you, South Africa based Nigerian Gospel Artist, EXCEL. A lady that continues to dazzle the Christian music industry with her voice and style. Naija Chit-Chat wasted no time in setting up an Exclusive Interview with her. Enjoy the chit-chat as sent in by our Representative in the Rainbow country, Mantombi Makhubele.

Give us a little info about your person; like Background

My name is Excel Emoshoke Elijah; but I only use my first name, EXCEL in my music carrer.  I’m a Nigerian, born into a Royal family of Auchi in Edo state. My father was a pastor who departed this world some 7 years ago, my mum still lives and doing great works in God’s Vineyard as a Pastor.  As children, we are 7 in number and by the special grace of God, we are blessed and doing well.

I did my primary education in Kano State (Northern Nigeria) while my secondary education was in Auchi where I also obtained my Higher National Diploma in Auchi Polytechnic in Marketing/ Business Administration.

How long have you been in music and what are your motivations?

I have being in the music industry for 10yrs.

Has gospel music always been your first choice or it is just something you dabbled into?

Gospel music has always being my choice of music; it’s my own way of wining souls into God’s Kingdom and giving people hope that Jesus cares through the songs that I sing.

You are a Nigerian, what prompted your relocation to South Africa?

South Africa has always been a country I love so much; it’s my dream country. I’ve always loved the people, the colorful traditional wears, language, people and the way they sing and dance.  In 2010 my father in the-Lord and Mentor, Apostle Johnson Suleman, sent for me and told me that I’ll be joining the team he is sending to South Africa to start a branch of the church, Omega Fire Ministry. It became a dream come true for me; here I was, falling in love with a country I have never been to and her people and God divinely using someone to send me there! That was how I came into South Africa in August 8^th 2012.

You have some songs on ReverbNation that really made Christians take a second look at you; what is the story behind the flavor in your songs?

The story behind my story is the special grace of God. He loves me so much. When I look back from where I came from and my present state, I cannot but to give the Lord all the praise with every fiber of my being hence all I can do is to express it through my songs.

Mantombi Makhubele & Excel

You were once #1 in the ReverbNation Charts for Nigeria for quite some time before changing your Country to South Africa. We have observed you have not climbed to #1 in South Africa. Is it fair to say the music industry is tighter than Nigeria?

Yes, I was No. 1 on the RevebNation Charts for Nigeria for quite some time. However since I am based in South Africa, I decided to change my country to where I live. God has been faithful thus taking me to No. 1 within a week and remaining there for over a month; it was quite an experience because Nigeria has thousands, if not millions of gospel Artists and to become No. 1 in a short time, was quite a blessing and an experience.

I wouldn't say the music industry in South Africa is tighter than Nigeria because music depends on the efforts you put in it.

We see there is a big thing coming up for you on April 20, 2014. Give us the full gist.

I’m so excited because on that day, my CD will be officially released! I will also be having a Concert on that special day in my life, April 20th. God laid in my heart for a very long time to put up a Concert and have my CD released as a joint project. I am about to move into a new phase in my life, and as I take this next step by obeying the call of God, as a Worship Leader with a mandate to recruit and develop an army of worshipers, that will worship Him in spirit and in truth. The Concert and CD release event is tagged. "In The Throne Room"

People are excited and looking forward to it. My father in the-Lord Apostle Johnson Suleman gave me his blessings and support and also my pastor here in south Africa Pastor Emma and Tomi Sule also gave me their blessings and great support as well. My church Omega Fire Ministry is also not left out, the members are so excited and supporting me in their own little way. I feel so happy and honored knowing I’m loved and cared for and people are celebrating the grace of God in my life. I’m truly blessed!

So who are the other Artists coming to share the stage with you? Tell us about them

Wow...... what excited me the most is that God presence will definitely be manifested. As you can see, It’s actually going to be an international event with great ministers of God sharing the stage to give God all the praise. Four of the Artist South African based and the other Two are coming in from Nigeria a week before the programme. The amazing part of it is that they are footing their expenses; this is another show of God’s love upon my life. They just want to support their sister and friend in the gospel music industry I am so proud yet humbled by their love.

James Okon, is one of South Africa best of the best. A Nigerian who has brought pride to every Nigerian based here; he a Songwriter, Pastor, Composer, Teacher and Dancer.  He’s widely travelled blessing people with his gift of ministering in songs; he’s been to the United States, Canada, Europe, and other parts of Africa. He collaborated with Pastor Benjamin Dube, Judith Sephuma, Rebecca Malope, Lionel Piertersen, Solly Mahlangu, and so many others in the South African music industry and all over the world. His latest album is titled:  Mambo Sawa Sawa.

Ayo Solanke, is the newest Saxophone sensation in Johannesburg music scene, with a unique soulful style that distinguishes him from the rest. His sound touches the mind and reaches deeply into the soul; always leaving his audience and followers yearning for more. He has been in the industry for over two decades and has featured in dozens of performances and albums as both leader and sideman. He performed and recorded with some of the finest like,  Zahara, Asa, Pastor Benjamin Dube, Danny K, Vusi Kumalo, Judith Sephuma, Oyenka Owennu, Hugh Masakela, Pops Mohammed, Mimi Mtetwa, Tee Mac, Wole Oni just to mention a few. And he’s currently working on his album titled:  "The Journey Still".

Stev Afro Plus, is a great singer and Keyboardist he has performed along side some great musicians like  Adlan Cruise, Shola Allyson Obaniyi, Samsong, Panam Percy Paul, Chobalms and many more. He is presently working on this new album title:  "The White Project".

 

Pastor Anthony Ceemony, is an inspirational singer who he carries the presence of God. He is a word-depth singer. Presently pasturing a branch of Omega Fire Ministry in Pretoria, South Africa. He is currently working on his soon to be release album titled; "Praise Revealed".

Marvel Wisdom aka Marvel Joks is a Composer, Songwriter and a man of the Word. He has performed alongside Asu Ekiye, Buchi, Frank Edward, Samsung, Sammy Okposo, Midnight Crew, Victor Atenaga, Chioma Jesus and so may others.

Johnson Jerry, is taking the gospel of Jesus through music to another level through his Hip-hop gospel style. He has performed alongside Chris Morgan, Samson, Dr Panam Percy paul and a host of others.

I can go on however for time constraint; I have been very brief with a synopsis of the Acts coming to jam with me.

Any special thing you want your fans and loved ones to expect on that day?

Hmm, that day is going to be a day to remember in the history of South Africa.  God is going to show off Himself and pour out His blessings.

Is there any one you would live to give a shout-out to? If “yes” what influence have they in your life?

I would like to give a shout-out to my father and mother in the-Lord Apostle Johnson and Rev. Lizzy Suleman for believing in the gift of God in me and providing the platform to reach millions of souls through music. They have always encouraged and supported me all the way. Also to my mother, Rev. Victoria Elijah Momoh; I say; “Thank you my sweet mummy for your love and understanding. Also to the good people of South Africa for accepting me in their country, which has become my home and also accepting my music. Lastly, to a very dear friend of mine in the United States, Aita, you are indeed a God sent to my life! Thank you for all the wonderful ideas and great work you and your family are doing in my musical career. God bless you and a Happy birthday to you in advance; Aita’s birthday is also on the day of my Concert and CD Release, April 20^th; what a divine coincidence!

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

That’s tough because everything in life is in God’s hands. In answering your question, I see myself becoming a house hold name in South Africa and the world at large. I see the lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear and lots of Miracle happening in all my concerts and ministrations. This is from my heart and the Lord shall put His stamp of authority in it in Jesus name, amen.

Any special message to your fans?

There is no me without my fans. I love them so much. Thank you my fans for believing in me and standing by me through thick and thin, to see that the name of the Lord is being lifted high. I love u all.

Thank you for doing this interview with Naija Chit-Chat

Thank you for your time. Your guys are doing a great job. God bless you.

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Horror: 20 Corpses Of Ritual Victims Uncovered In Oyo State

20 Corpses of Ritual Victims Uncovered In Oyo…..

One of the rescued victims believed to have been bewitched and bound with fetters in a dungeon, in Soka, Oluyole local government area of Oyo State.

About 20 bodies of people believed to have been killed for ritual purposes were discovered, yesterday, in Soka, Oluyole local government area of Oyo State. Also, 18 men and five women, believed to have been bewitched and bound with fetters in a dungeon, were found and rescued. 

The rescued victims looked emaciated. One of the women was said to have been delivered of a baby who was sold to a waiting buyer among those who always thronged the secluded area at night to buy human parts. Some of the captives were too weak to tell their stories. It was gathered that some Fulani cattle rearers grazed their cattle in the bush around the area.

A suspect identified as Akeem Isiaka (38) was arrested in connection with the incident and taken to Sanyo Police Station. Containers and wells containing human parts including skulls were also discovered in the bush.

A woman, Titi Adeniyi, who managed to speak, said she had been held captive for more than two years.Another captive, Tunji Alabi, who said he was a bus conductor before he became a victim of the ritualists, could not say much.Oyo State Police Command PRO, SP Olabisi Clet-Ilobanafor, said some arrests had been made over the discoveries.

Source