Xtopher Ephraim's Blog: May 2014

29 May 2014

Roy Hibbert says LeBron told him the Heat's final play

(USA TODAY Sports)

LeBron James is pretty difficult to guard. At least that’s what it looks like, I’ve never guarded him before. Roy Hibbert was was standing next to LeBron on the Heat’s last possession of Game 4 and King James decided to help the Pacers big man out on defense by telling him what he was planning to do with the ball.

It's becoming a disturbingly familiar sight to see Vitalii Sediuk being carried off red carpets around the world.

The Ukrainian journalist, 25, was accused of attacking Brad Pitt at Wednesday night's Hollywood premiere of Maleficent. Pitt was at the premiere to support his longtime partner, Angelina Jolie, who stars in the Disney film.

Selena Gomez is being treated for the serious disease of lupus, according to her grandfather, but is doing well.

The word comes just as Gomez, 21, has returned from Nepal where she visited as a UNICEFambassador to bring attention to children in need.

NEW YORK -- Best-selling author James Pattersonaccused online retailer Amazon of hurting the publishing industry in a speech Thursday in front of hundreds of independent booksellers.

''I plead that we all join the Obarekis and Teddy Don-Momoh to pray for 'Branama'
singer Kefee who collapsed mid flight on her way to Chicago forcing the plane to make an emergency stop so she can receive medical attention in LA.

We ask that God breathes life into her lungs and strength in her limbs that she may return to full health.
It is not her time, we refuse for it to be her time.

Oghene Ose, agbadagbururu, omo vwe o obo vwe. Biko. Biko Oghene!...AMEN!'' Source SDK

Nollywood stars march for missing Chibok girls (Photos)

Some Nollywood stars including Chinedu Ikedieze, Thelma Okhaz, Mercy Aigbe and led by Patience Ozokwor, today May 29th took to the streets in support of missing Chibok girls. They marched from Allen Avenue to Alausa Secretariat where they met with the state House of Assembly Speaker, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji. See more photos after the cut...

The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna today May 29th revealed plans by President Jonathan to grant amnesty to members of Boko Haram once they lay down their arms and embrace peace. The Minister revealed this while speaking this morning at the national Democracy Day programme tagged A day with young leaders of Nigeria.

"President Goodluck Jonathan has also declared amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect. Series of integration programmes have been lined up for the members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace. Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Federal Government, to call on the members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the government’s gesture and key into the amnesty programme " he said

To strengthen its support for creativity and transformation in Nigeria using Art, Absolut Vodka, recently raised the bar in party style when the brand showcased the combination of colours, vibrancy and celebrations at the Art Party 2014 which was held at the Lagoon Crest in Lekki Lagos. The much anticipated event remains the talk of town within social circles as fashionistas, celebrities, party-buffs, fans, and consumers of Absolut Vodka had the entertainment of a lifetime. Continue...

The Secretary to the Borno State Government, Ambassador Ahmed Jidda was a guest on Channels TV Breakfast show, Sunrise Daily this morning where he gave the state government's account on the missing Chibok girls and why Borno government appeared handicapped in providing security for the school girls on the night of the abduction.

During the interview, the SSG said the initial number of girls abducted were 276 with 53 escaping and now remaining 223. He said with the recent return of 4 more girls, the number of girls now with the abductors is 219. He said the 77 girls shown in the recently released video by Abubakar Shekau have been identified by their parents and that the 57 girls that have so far returned are currently at the state Governments house where they are being taken care of. Continue...

Port Harcourt, Warri, Enugu & Aba are you ready??!! If you thought the weekend couldn’t get any better than hanging out with your crew and a chilled bottle of Harp at your favorite joint, then you better guess again. Harp Premium Lager is bringing 3 top Nigerian artistes to a bar near you.

Enugu and Aba, we’ve got you covered with the one and only Ada Ada crooner, Mr. Flavour N’abania so you better get ready to move your waist. PH & Warri get ready to be hit by the fire of Zamani from the one and only suave, cool & collected Ice Prince, the gorgeous irawo singer; Seyi Shay will also be breaking it down with Mr. Zamani in Warri town. Continue...

The Harp Music Train takes off from Lesukaa Bar Port Harcourt (May 30th), moves along to Toscana Hotel Enugu (May 31st), Sugarland Bar Aba (June 1st), and Laurel Bar Warri (June 1st). To WIN FREE TICKETS, COOL HARP MERCHANDISE and AIRTIME; join the party train; follow us on Twitter @HarpNigeria and like us on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/HarpNigeria.

Nigerian lady found dead in her hostel room in South Africa

Nigerian student Naizi Evah, (pictured above) a third year Computer Systems Engineering student of Vaal University of Technology, South Africa was found dead on Saturday May 2014 in her hostel room, this is according to her friends who are trying to get the media involved in the case.

One of her friends who reached out to me said prior to her death, Naizi had been in an abusive relationship with a Zimbabwean student, who also studies in same school with her, studying same course. The unidentified man was arrested by police in connection with Naizi's death but was bailed two days after police said they couldn't find any substantial evidence linking him to her death.

It's official. Dr Dre is set to become the first billionaire in Hip Hop. Apple Electronics announced today that it has acquired Dr Dre's Beats Electronics for $3billion. According to Forbes, Apple paid $2.6billion cash upfront and gave $400million in stock that will vest over time.

The $3billion purchase price includes Beats Music, the sister company that runs a subscription streaming music service. As part of the deal, Beats co-founders Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine will join Apple in undisclosed roles.

Happy Democracy Day to all Nigerians. Read the Democracy Day national broadcast by our president below...

Fellow Nigerians,

1. I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.

2. Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

There was panic in the Kurudu, Jikoyi community in the outskirt of Abuja this morning after a loud explosion was heard. Residents in the area were reportedly seen running for safety when they heard the loud bang.

It was initially thought to be a bomb blast but a Spokesman for the Nigerian army assured people it wasn't, explaining that a rock blocking a new road being constructed from Karishi to Apo in the Abuja city centre, was blasted with dynamites to help free the road and allow construction to continue

Charles Novia calls Tiwa Savage's "Wanted' video Gross,"stupid art" and a silly attempt at imitating Rihanna

More reactions over Tiwa's video and I know everyone has been waiting for Charles Novia's opinion..Well, yesterday her husband Tee Billz called it "art"..He is calling it "Tart" and feels comparing Rihanna is just a silly analogy.

On Monday, The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh said the military knew the location of the schoolgirls, abducted on April 14. This has reportedly infuriated the FG and US .President Jonathan is reportedly unhappy with the claim ,which he considered as a breach of military tactics capable of hindering the efforts to free the school girls.
The U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters, yesterday..

“we don’t have independent information from the United States to support that statement. We, as a matter of policy and for the girls’ safety and wellbeing, would not discuss publicly this sort of information regardless.”

US University Studies Brymo's "Personality & Music" as Project Course

Jay Z, Miley Cyrus,Beyonce and Kanye West are currently being studied in some Universities as courses.Now,Nigerian singer Brymo is set to join this elite list.According to Netng, they received a letter sent to Byrmo from the department of Communication Studies,Southern Illinois University, Carbondale...

‘Just last month, our Communication students did lyrics decomposition of Brymo’s song titled ‘Down’. Success of the studies has prompted us to do further and more detailed studies of you, your music and your story. I write to inform you that as part of our yearly project work, my students will be studying you (your personality and music),’ ...

Dbanj has beaten fellow nominees 2Face Idibia, Akon, Banky W, Darey, Davido & many others to cart home the World Music Award for "Africa’s World Best Male Artiste"2014
The award show took place on Tuesday, May 27, in Monaco.

Congrats to him..Another photo below..

Obama: Not every problem has military solution

President Obama sought Wednesday to recast American foreign policy after more than a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, outlining an approach built on alliances with other nations designed to combat terrorism and other global threats.

"America must always lead on the world stage," Obama told graduates of the U.S. Military Academy, but he added that "military action cannot be the only — or even primary — component of our leadership in every instance."

Celebrated memoirist and poet Maya Angelou, 86, who was found dead Wednesday at her home in Winston-Salem, N.C., was a high school dropout who became a professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.

Angelou was an American Study herself. "I have created myself," she told USA TODAY in 2007, "I have taught myself so much."

As he prepared to make his new album, David Gray knew he needed a new start.

"I was at the end of myself," says the British singer-songwriter. "I realized I had to die and be reborn."

Gray's new single Back in the World, the video for which is premiering at USA TODAY, represents that new awakening.

BBC reports that gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram this evening around 5pm attacked a security base in Buni Yadi, in Gujba LGA killing 24 officials. Residents of the area said the victims include 13 soldiers and 11 police officers and said the gunmen came in 10 Hilux vans, an armoured tank, and several motorcycles.

BBC Hausa Service reports that the gunmen told residents of the area to stay indoors as their target were the security personnel in the town.

The men then proceeded to attack the military base, a local government secretariat and burnt down several buildings.

Rick Ross tattoos 'Rich Forever' on his chin...:-)

Rapper Rick Ross, who is worth roughly about $30million, shared a pic on his instagram page yesterday showing his new chin tattoo...he tattooed the phrase 'Rich Forever' on his face...

He's being massively criticized for it with one fan writing "He's not rich enough that he doesn't have to worry about money for the rest of his life. The way he spends it he may be broke soon...the life of a rapper is short lived" but I guess it's a good thing, the tat will remind him for a long time to spend money wisely so he can live up to the phrase on his face. I'm sure he wouldn't want to one day change it to 'Used to be rich!" lol. See another pic after the cut...

Forbes magazine just released its list of the World's 100 Powerful Women 2014 and two Nigerian women made the list. They are; Nigeria's Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister for Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who came in at No. 44 and Oil magnate and Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, who came in at No. 96.

Other women that made the list include Beyoncé - at No. 17, German Chancellor Angela Merkel at No.1, Malawian President Joyce Banda at 40, Michelle Obama at No.8, Lady Gaga at No. 67, Queen Elizabeth at No.35. Ellen Degeneres at No.46. Angelina Jolie at No.50, Gisele Bundchen at No. 89.

Find the full list HERE

Chibok leader claims 4 more girls escaped from Boko Haram camp

According to a report by Punch, 4 more Chibok girls have escaped from Boko Haram. The Chairman of Chibok Local Government, Mr Bana Lawan made this claim today May 28th at a stakeholders meeting initiated by the National Emergency Manangement Authority, NEMA, for the validation of draft humanitarian response plan for the abducted girls in Abuja. Mr Lawan who was represented by the Director of Personnel and Management, Musa Elijah said the number of girls that have escaped have risen to 57

“The people of Chibok are anxiously waiting for the safe return of their children. Except for the unfortunate situation where two of the parents have passed on. They were known to have BP (blood pressure) issues, although I am not a medical expert, but they will not be opportuned to welcome back their daughters. Latest report reaching us is that instead of 53, those that have escaped are now 57 and those remaining are 164 and not 168 as before. This is out of the 221 girls that were abducted.”

That's the word that's got Rihanna and Nicki fans all excited, according to MTV.

Last night, Rihanna posted song-like tweets with the hashtag #Barz. Five days ago, Minaj used that same hashtag to go with a drawing she posted on Instagram.

OK, so it's not exactly irrefutable evidence that the two artists will be working together, but it's certainly a great talker.

Discuss.

Manchester United Football Club owner Malcolm Glazer dies

The owner of Manchester United football club, Malcolm Glazer, has died. The billionaire business man who bought Man U in 2005 and also owned NFL team Tampa Bay Buccaneers, died today May 28, three days after his 86th birthday.

He was the president and chief executive officer of First Allied Corporation, a holding company for his varied business interests. He was worth $4billion.

He left behind a wife, 6 children and 14 grandchildren. May he RIP!

Nigerian sentenced to 27 years imprisonment in Cambodia

23 year old Precious Chineme Nwoko (pictured above) has been sentenced to 27 years imprisonment by a Cambodian Court for drug trafficking in Cambodia.

Police sources say Nwoko was a ringleader in a heroin smuggling cartel in Cambodia. He was arrested last month for handing a backpack containing 2.2 kilos (4.8 pounds) of heroin to two women, 41year old Australian Yoshe Ann Taylor and 19 year old French Charlene Savarino, for onward transportation to an unidentified man in Australia. Both women were however caught and arrested.

At their trial last month, it was discovered that 19 year old Savarino was Nwoko's girlfriend and they worked closely in smuggling heroin. 41 year old Taylor had also previously helped to smuggle heroin using the backpack.

If you recall, after the Solange attack on Jay Z in an elevator, there have been reports that it was because Jay was flirting with Racheal Roy, who happens to be the ex-wife of his former partner,Damon Dash...She also attended Kim's wedding while Jay Z & Beyonce didn't make it,fuelling speculations they didn't want to run in to her..Damon used to be worth $50m but is now broke ,so he and Jay Z don't really get along as much
Now, Damon is making fun of Jay in a new interview with Hip Hop Motivation

“I was laughing! That shit was funny! I wouldn't have handled it like that but I thought that shit was funny cause Jay is the kinda guy you don’t see him move like that that much. And when he does move, if it’s not that cool looking, then it’s going to be kicks. Also I feel like nobody teases Jay but me for some reason. It’s just the first time I’ve seen people freely expressing

Omg !This is daring..Everyday this Crocodile Trainee risks her life for a miserly fee of £4 by placing her head in a crocodile's jaws just to pull in crowds at a Thai zoo. She does it alongside her more experienced trainer at Pattaya Crocodile Farm.
Each year, many die as some of the crocodiles slam their jaws shut .Their trick is to use a bamboo stick to put the crocodile in a trance before placing their heads in its wide mouth..

Indigenous people armed with bows, arrows & charms clashed with police in Brazil's capital,Brasilia,outside the Mane Garrincha National Stadium ,two weeks before the World Cup begins.They are protesting the hosting of the world cup by Brazil because they feel it will cost too much for a developing nation.They say the billions spent could be used to better the lives of the poor.

They were further infuriated after learning the Brasilia's stadium will cost 1.9 billion reais (£500million),triple the amount earlier earmarked .The protests forced the government to cancel the exhibition of the World Cup trophy.
Some fired arrows at the mounted police who retaliated with tear gas but did not use guns..

A pregnant woman has been stoned to death by her own family in front of a Pakistani high court - for marrying the man she loved.Nearly 20 members of the woman's family, including her father and brothers, attacked her and her husband with batons and bricks in broad daylight.
Farzana Parveen, who was three months pregnant, was killed before a crowd of onlookers in front of the high court of Lahore.

According to Daily Mail, Police official Naseem Butt said the 25-year-old had married Mohammad Iqbal, with whom she had been engaged for years against the will of her family. Her father had filed an abduction case against her husband, which the couple was contesting, her lawyer Mustafa Kharal said.Kharal said Parveen's relatives waited outside the court, which is located on a main downtown thoroughfare.

Yesterday being children's day,Iyanya was invited to Aso Rock to perform at an event organized by the office of the First Lady..
After posting two photos, one where he called Patience Jonathan Dr Patience,his fans accused him of not using the opportunity to tell them about #BringBackOurGirls..Some asked why he didn't wear the Tshirt.He deleted the other because of the negative comments ..Lol

Screenshot below

A suspected female kidnapper was stripped naked and beaten in in Odi-Olowo street in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.According to reports, she was caught entering a house to kidnap a child who was home alone.

Someone raised an alarm and she was rounded up,beaten and paraded for more than two hours .They say they found money on her which she confessed was from the sale of a previously kidnapped child.She was eventually rescued by the police..

Convicted Boko Haram member, Kabiru Umar (aka Kabiru Sokoto), has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan for pardon.He is promising to assist the FG to fight end the Boko Haram menace.

Umar was sentenced to life imprisonment on December 20,2013 after he was found guilty of the December 25, 2011 bombing of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madala, Niger State.
In a letter to the president, written on his behalf by his lawyer, Sheriff Okoh, Umar said he was innocent.

The letter obtained by Punch to the president reads:

Omotola whose body earned her the title "Africa Magic" says she wants to get her body back .She has been working hard at it. You can tell from her abs......She said

So, Tiwa's video for "Wanted"dropped today and it's blown up the internet...Many have criticized her for pushing the envelope and going too sexy..Her husband and friend,OAP,Gbemi are fully behind her..Gbemi says we hail Rihanna and Beyonce ,so why not Tiwa? Her hubby also said if she can't act like the best in the world(Beyonce,Rihanna )who else should she act like...

More below

Aww! She officially took his Kanye's name by adding West" on all her social media accounts.Usually, most female celebrities who have built a brand around their names rarely add their spouses last names.
They are still on honeymoon in Ireland and looks like Kim and Kanye are going to prove critics wrong..True Love is a beautiful thing..

See her twitter bio below

Karrauche is usually silent about criticism,but I guess calling VH1 naming her a "side chick" is more than she can swallow..She wrote

"when no one understands you.. they misinterpret you.. judge you.. label you.. this is embarrassing to see, but I can do nothing but laugh because at the end of the day you can say whatever you want about me.. Label me however you please.. Your words do not define who I am. I'm happy with myself.. Flaws..wrong choices..mistakes and all and that's all that matters. I usually don't speak up on shit like this but whatever. I have family that has to see shit like this. I don't even think we're all on the same page as to what a "side chick" really is.. Either way ✌️

I see why this is painful to her.If they tag her a side chick, that means they think Rihanna is the main chick..

13 Celebrity Weddings That Put Kim and Kanye to Shame: They Spent HOW MUCH?!?

13 Ridiculously Expensive Celebrity Weddings

1. Prince William and Kate Middleton

In fairness, $32 million of the $34 million tab went to security. The rest of the money was spent on flowers ($800,000) food ($150,000) and champagne ($60,000), among other details.

Perhaps you've heard, but Kim Kardashian married Kanye West this weekend.

No, really! Those kids just up and decided to get married with no fanfare at all.

Wow! Peter Okoye goes Bald(Photos)

Peter just showed off his new look..Said he shaved it all off..Some fans love it and some don't..
I think it's cool.Makes him look younger ..
Ladies ,if you don't like the head atleast you will like the chest..

She shared the photos from a photoshoot. Stunning lady..
More below...

Find a statement posted on Professor Dora Akunyili's Facebook page below

Immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, is presently in India on a visit to see former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, who is receiving treatment in the country. Mr. Obi left for India yesterday in company of his media aide, Mr. Valentine Obienyem. The two men confirmed in a message from India that Prof. Akunyili is responding to treatment and that her situation is nothing near the scary picture being painted by rumour mongers.

E! just released some pics from Kim and Kanye's extravagant wedding which held this past Saturday May 24th in Italy. Kim's Givenchy wedding dress is so beautiful but the dress she wore to marry Kris Humphries in 2011 was heavenly. See more photos after the cut...

The rapper/designer who turned 30 on the 21st of May,looked gorgeous for her birthday party on the 23rd of May..
Celebrities like Naeto C,Toke Makinwa, Niyola, Dare,Ice Prince and many more turned up to celebrate with her..

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29 May 2014

28 May 2014

27 May 2014

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