Happy Independence Day....

Congratulations Nigeria, we are a year older and to acknowledge Naija's independence day on October 1, there is need to reflect on the country's situations. You can as well enjoy the latest updates around the world of Politics and Entertainment, and much more! trust me you can get this anywhere else....

Nigeria: 48yrs After
Wow! According to the Yorubas they usually say this, “Omode kii pe da gba o” meaning - it doesn’t take so long for a child grow. Nigeria, the biggest black nation and self-acclaimed giant of Africa, is 48yrs today. 48yrs since gaining independence under the colonial masters. Reminiscent the past years of struggle, power tussle, and oppression, one could have swiftly concluded that Nigeria would not stay this long as an entity. Still, with over 140million of people in population, the nation has hence shown its capability to propel itself against all odds practicing democratic governance known as the Govt. of the people…for the people…and by the people. Celebrating a year older is obviously no joke taken into cognizance the challenges faced during such phase. However, this year’s anniversary has been put to be a low-key one as urged by the nation’s no.1 citizen Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua. Indeed it calls for real sober reflections bcos the event coincided with the annual Eid-Il-Fitr festival observed by the Muslim faithful after successfully ending the year’s Ramadhan fasting.
This article is thus concerned with the Ups & Downs of over a year into the present administration. Let’s check out how the country has fed in a few key areas of our social lives; Health, Education and Entertainment which i tagged the H-E-E code.
Health: the wise saying, “a healthy nation is indeed a wealthy one” could not just be ignored at the slightest instance. You would agree with me that Nigeria has had its own fair share in this sector. Over the years, there have been cases of dreadful diseases ranging from Cholera, Diarrhea to Diabetes, Cancer, Malaria, and even the prominent HIV/AIDS (still got no cure); presently a scenario effectively managed though with skirmishes here or there. At least, the fight against these life-wreckers is ongoing and intense. Except for the fact that our elites have deemed it fit to still pass a vote of doubt in the country’s health sector instead of encouraging its drive for more efficiency. This area is one which requires a diagnostic approach.
Education: wow! It has not been worse than this in past years as this sector has greatly suffered in the hands of successive governments. The country’s budget does not adequately cater for education as a priority been laid down by the United Nations (UN). Worst-still is the epileptic calls for industrial actions by Labour. It has always been a case in the middle of either the State or Federal Govt. (as the case may be) and any of the labour arm i.e. between Govt. and NUT or ASUU or NASU, or even Govt. vs Civil servants. During hostilities, the pupils and students are the poor ones who often bear the brunt while the government sits back and watch proceedings until it becomes unbearable on its part. This ‘gesture’ has greatly shown the kind of governance and leadership structure we have which is not worthy of the positive media image it demands arrogantly. The Yar’Adua regime that started on a rewarding note however has also taken to the queue of past careless leaders.
Entertainment: unlike the aforementioned sectors highlighted earlier in the article, the Showbiz industry in Nigeria has witnessed a B-O-O-M! Spanking hot performances from foreign artistes and of-course from our own superstars over here, it couldn’t have been better. This is one sure way of wooing the corporate organizations to “cough-out” chunks of money for maximum entertainment and viable tool as well. The nation’s movie industry otherwise known as Nollywood is not doing bad at all the moment, topping the list in Africa and third placed in the world behind India's Bollywood and America’s Hollywood. Comedy now wears a new look whereby comedians not only manage shows here in Nigeria but also in the White man’s land. With the likes of Gandoki, Okey Bakassi, Basket Mouth, Omobaba, Gbenga Adeyinka de 1st, smiling to the banks from this mere “comedy”, of-course they could only wish for more. However, the huge impact of the people on this nation and even to the rest of the world has been much more felt in the music industry. Leading the pack is Africa’s pride and Nigeria’s finest Tuface Idibia a.k.a “Mr. Unstoppable” who has not only put Nigeria as a household on the continent but the world over with MTV Europe and MOBO awards in his kitty alongside several national and international plaques. Also on the list of music artistes making waves are 9ice, D’banj, Olu Maintain, P-square, to mention but a few, with credible awards as well.

Undoubtedly, celebration of Nigeria’s 48th anniversary comes with mixed feelings from the citizens themselves owing to different reasons; some good….bad, and some really ugly. Anyways, I think we should mark this day as another step ahead and hope for a more meaningful and brighter nation in the nearest future.

News: Power Share Fallout...and more

Power Share Fallout
Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) says talks with President Mugabe have failed to produce agreement on cabinet posts. MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa accused Mr Mugabe of demanding all the key ministries for his Zanu-PF party in the new unity government. He was speaking after a meeting between MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai and the Zimbabwean President. A power-sharing deal was signed two weeks ago to end the political crisis. Mr Chamisa said the opposition and Mr Mugabe remained far apart on the issue of who should control which ministries.


Preparing for Voting ahead U.S.Elections
Early voting is getting under way in the US battleground state of Ohio, five weeks exactly before the 4 November presidential election. It comes a day after Ohio courts ruled that new voters could register and cast an absentee ballot on the same day. Republicans, who argue same-day voting opens the door to voter fraud, opposed the measure; Democrats backed it. Both John McCain and Barack Obama have been campaigning hard in Ohio, seen as a key swing state. John McCain, accompanied by running mate Sarah Palin, used a rally in Columbus, Ohio, on Monday to attack his Democratic rival over his economic policies. Mrs Palin, Republican governor of Alaska, is preparing for the vice-presidential debate scheduled for Thursday night, in which she and Democrat Joe Biden will face each other for the first time.
She has come under increasing pressure after a series of TV interviews which critics say have exposed her lack of readiness for the role.


UK Confirms economic Depression
The UK economy saw no growth in the second quarter of 2008, while the gap in the current account widened to its highest level in almost a year. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed economic output remained the same as in the first quarter, confirming previous estimates. Growth was 0% in the second quarter - which was even lower than the 0.3% figure for the first quarter of 2008. Some analysts think the Bank of England may cut interest rates as a result. Output was revised up to 1.5% from a previous estimate of 1.4% year-on-year. The new data takes into account improved methodology and was revised back to 1961. This adds £19.5bn to the 2007 gross domestic product (GDP) figures.

Entertainment info....

janet jackson released from hospital
Janet Jackson has been released from a Montreal, Canada hospital after she was admitted to the emergency room with a mystery illness on Monday (29Sep08).
The R+B superstar was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital on Monday night, shortly before she was due to take to the stage for her latest stop on her Rock Witchu tour.
The Nasty singer "got suddenly ill" during a sound check and was taken to seek medical attention. But she was discharged after a brief consultation. Rebecca Burns, spokeswoman for the MCGill University Health Centre, which operates the hospital, says, "Yesterday evening she was checked into the Royal Victoria Hospital and left a couple of hours later."
The show in Montreal had to be postponed, with her representative blaming the cancellation on "production constraints". Further details of the star's health problems have yet to be released, although sources close to the 42 year old's boyfriend, music producer Jermaine Dupri, claim she has been suffering from exhaustion. According to an insider, "A 42-year-old body can't handle what a 22-year-old body can. I can tell you that she's definitely tired. It was probably exhaustion. She is doing back-to-back, three-hour shows, and her body isn't the same as it used to be." Jackson's Rock Witchu tour is her first in seven years. She is due to perform in Boston, Massachusetts on Wednesday night (01Oct08), but it is unknown as yet whether the show will go ahead as planned.

movie box office
Shia LaBeouf thriller Eagle Eye has topped the US box office in its first weekend on release. The movie, one of four new entries, pulled in $29 million to secure the top spot ahead of romantic drama Nights In Rodanthe. Last week's number one Lakeview Terrace slips to third place. Firefighter drama Fireproof debuts at number four, while Spike Lee's World War II epic Miracle At St. Anna makes its bow at number nine in the chart.
The top ten in full:

1. (-) Eagle Eye - $29,150,721
2. (-) Nights In Rodanthe - $13,418,454
3. (1) Lakeview Terrace - $6,966,711
4. (-) Fireproof - $6,804,764
5. (2) Burn After Reading - $6,196,269
6. (4) Igor - $5,383,912
7. (3) My Best Friend's Girl - $3,882,912
8. (5) Righteous Kill - $3,709,480
9. (9) Miracle At St. Anna - $3,477,996
10. (6) Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys - $3,125,620

victoria parleys with paparazzi
Victoria Beckham will "never complain about the paparazzi" because she understands they are just part of life as a celebrity. The former Spice Girl admits that there are negative aspects to the press attention, but claims she has learned to accept their constant presence because it was her decision to step into the spotlight.
And she reveals that the snappers have also provided her with some of her favourite family pictures. She says, "(I) would never complain about paparazzi intrusion. I put myself in this position. I am a celebrity and so is (husband) David.
"Sometimes the paparazzi do get violent, they drive dangerously, and it's not fair to the kids. That's the sad thing about it. "The good thing (is) you never have to take a camera because somebody is always going to capture that moment…and they often re-touch the photos."

ODD NEWS....

A donkey from the northeast Egyptian city of Tanta has been sentenced to 24 hours in jail for stealing corn from a field owned by a local agricultural research center, the Al-Ahram weekly said on Thursday. The head of the research center called police after corncobs began vanishing from a field. The police laid a trap for the corn thief and subsequently caught a local donkey red-handed. Local media reported that the donkey's owner, a local farmer, then admitted to training the animal to steal corncobs. A local judge sentenced the donkey to 24 hours in jail and fined the farmer 50 Egyptian pounds ($9.5). This May, a donkey from the southern Mexican state of Chiapas was found guilty of assault and battery and thrown behind bars after he attacked two men.


SANTA TO BECOME U.S.PRESIDENT..
WASHINGTON, September 26 (RIA Novosti) - A man who changed his name to Santa Claus three years ago has successfully registered as a presidential candidate in the U.S. state of West Virginia, local authorities said. A total of 14 people, including an inmate at a Texas prison, have managed to register as write-in presidential candidates in the state, thanks to its simple registration process. "All they have to do is file a form at least 42 days before the election," a local electoral official said. Santa Claus, who sports a long white beard, changed his name from Thomas O'Connor in 2005. The write-in candidates' names will not appear on West Virginia ballots at the November election, but voters can write the name of any officially registered candidate on the ballot paper.


BREAST MILK BETTER THAN COW MILK!
A U.S. animal rights group has sent a letter to a major ice-cream producer suggesting that they replace cow milk with milk from lactating women in their products, the group said on Thursday. "The breast is best! Won't you give cows and their babies a break and our health a boost by switching from cow's milk to breast milk in Ben and Jerry's ice cream?" Tracy Reiman, vice-president of the Virginia-based nonprofit organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), said in her letter to Ben and Jerry's. The organization cites Storchen, a new restaurant in Switzerland that earlier announced plans to replace at least 75% of the cow milk that it uses in its ice-cream with milk from female breasts. Ben and Jerry's, however, were cautious in their response. "We applaud PETA's novel approach to bringing attention to the issue, but we believe a mother's milk is best used for her child," the company said in a statement. PETA failed to mention in its letter that the Swiss restaurant abandoned its plans after government inspectors warned of possible legal action, saying that human milk was not on the list of approved dairy products.

MTV/ZAIN Advance Warning!

The Collabo between MTV and new Nigeria's GSM operator ZAIN is somehow yielding some results in their quest to discover Nigeria's best upcoming artiste in a show tagged "MTV/ZAIN Advance Warning". The segment is hosted by Siezle in alliance with Naija's top acts/DJ.
The show gives the viewing public to vote their favorite upcoming artistes for next round till the final battle for the title and boasts of acts such as Waje, Amaka, W4, M.I, ZDON, Kel, Pype, among others. The fixtures for the first round look like this:

Waje vs Pype

Kel vs Terry G

Durella vs O.D

W4 vs G.I Joe

Terry Da Rapman vs Soty

Big Weeze vs Gt da Guitaman

Dee vs F.Shaw

Nikki Laoye vs Kaha

Amaka vs Kani

Frank Denero vs Blaise

Barbara vs Cyrus the virus

Z-don vs SLK

M.I vs Kenzos

Brief Info about some of the acts contesting on the show.
Waje - an incedible lady from Edo state, attended the University of NNsuka and majored in social work, she has done some collabos with P-square in Do Me. Her album “Breathles” is coming on the way. She would like to work with producers Tinberland, Kanye west and Cobhams.

Amaka: She started singing at a tender age in nursery and primary school in plays and school choirs, singing occassionaly with her elder sisters at family gatherings like birthdays, weddings etc. Greatly influenced by the musicians whose styles range from classical to jazz to rhythm and soul and reggae, she started writing songs in secondary school and in university where she performed at social events and functions. It was there she met a group of guys who were rappers of the conscious circle and they formed a collective called “the thoroughbreds”. Their motto is to maintain a high level of quality in music with lyrical skill and conscious messages.

W4: Wale Adepoju a.k.a w4 is a native of Osun State, born in Oshogbo on April 20, attended command Day seconadary school, ojo, lagos where he attended his O’ level. He is also the genesis of his career with the Group called sentiments. He became Professional Artist in 2005 when he released his 1st single “Temperature” from his first debut album “Temperature” with Hits like Temperature, Solo, Too Kpokpos, lover love, Am in love and amen. The album was released under hypodrum records and hypertek entertainment as management.

Bet you this is gonna be off the chains....

Victoria Beckam drops Lawsuit ...+ more

Victoria Beckham has dropped her earnings lawsuit against US fashion firm Rock + Republic. The former Spice Girl filed the suit at London's High Court earlier this year, alleging that the company owed her up to £50 million in wages. She originally signed with the label in 2004 but left two years later after falling out with owner Michael Ball. According to rreports, she has now given up pursuit of the earnings and does not want to waste any further time or money on the matter. "Victoria had meetings with her [legal] team, who have advised her extensively on the case. She just wants to move on and focus on her own successful line of clothing and draw a line under the matter," said a source.


CHURCH REQUESTS FOR TATTOO
Charlotte Church reportedly wants boyfriend Gavin Henson to prove how he feels by dedicating a tattoo to her. The singer is thought to have been worried that Henson will cheat on her after she put on weight following the birth of their daughter Ruby. She is now expecting the couple's second child and told friends that she would like to see him make the commitment. "Charlotte has been begging Gavin to get her name tattooed on him as she's still terrified he will stray. She has been designing tattoos that he could get done. She thinks that because they're not married he should do one special thing for her," a source told Closer. Church previously insisted that she has no plans to marry the rugby player anytime soon. "We both think a wedding on a beach would be very romantic - when the time is right," she said.


MADONNA SLAMMED FOR ABOUT 135,000 POUNDS
Madonna has been fined £135,000 by Wembley Stadium for breaking a strict curfew when she performed at the venue earlier this month, according to a report. Artists are told that they must wrap up their gigs by 10.30pm when they play at the stadium, but it is claimed that Madonna ran over by 40 minutes when she brought her 'Sticky & Sweet' world tour to London on September 11. The Sun reports that she was fined £50,000 for every 15 minutes beyond the curfew. A source told the newspaper: "The concert was meant to start at 8.30pm but Madonna didn't come on stage until 9.10pm. The gig ended at 11.10pm so she was quite a bit over. Her people knew about the possible implications for going over the curfew but this is a pretty hefty fine, even for Madonna." Madge brings the European leg of her tour to a close tonight with a concert in Athens, Greece.

BET AWARDS .....

The 2008 edition of BET awards came to climax last Thursday 25th September with lots of glamour as usual. among the highlights was the lifetime achievement award bestowed on R & B star Al Green, and a special tribute to Quincy Jones rounded out the night — not to mention Barack Obama who was also informally honored throughout the evening as the audience erupted in each time they were reminded that "America was this close to elected its first black president."

Below, check out the complete list of major BET Awards nominees and winners honoring the very best in music, entertainment and black achievement for 2008 ....

Best Female R&B Artist
* Alicia Keys
Mary J. Blige
Mariah Carey
Keyshia Cole
Rihanna

Best Male R&B Artist
* Chris Brown
Raheem DeVaughn
J. Holiday
Ne-Yo
Trey Songz

Best Group
* UGK
Danity Kane
Day 26
Gnarles Barkley
Playaz Circle

Best Gospel Artist
* Marvin Sapp
The Clark Sisters
Deitrick Haddon
Kirk Franklin
Trin-I-Tee 5:7

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
* Missy Elliott
Eve
Kid Sister
Lil Mama
Trina

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
* Kanye West
Common
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
Snoop Dogg

Video of the Year
* "International Player's Anthem" - UGK & OUTKAST
"The Way That I Love You" - Ashanti
"Honey" - Erykah Badu
"Just Fine" - Mary J. Blige
"Like You'll Never See Me Again" - Alicia Keys
"Good Life" - Kanye West featuring T-Pain

Best Video Director
* Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto
Benny Boom
Gil Green
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams

Best Collaboration
* "Good Life" - Kanye West featuring T-Pain
"Kiss Kiss" - Chris Brown featuring T-Pain
"Let It Go" - Keyshia Cole featuring Missy Elliott & Lil' Kim
"Low" - Flo-Rida featuring T-Pain
"I'm So Hood (The Remix)" - DJ Khaled featuring T-Pain, Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe & Birdman

Viewer's Choice
* "Lollipop" (featuring Static) - Lil’ Wayne
"No One" - Alicia Keys
"Kiss Kiss" (featuring T-Pain - Chris Brown
"Let It Go" (featuring Missy Elliott and Lil' Kim) - Keyshia Cole
"Crank Dat (Soulja Boy)" - Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
"No Air"(featuring Chris Brown) - Jordin Sparks

BETJ Award
* Raheem DeVaughn
Chaka Khan
Ledisi
Jill Scott
Angie Stone

Best New Artist
* The-Dream
Estelle
Flo-Rida
Chrisette Michelle
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em

Best Actress
* Halle Berry
Angela Bassett
Queen Latifah
Jill Scott
Chandra Wilson

Best Actor
* Denzel Washington
Anthony Anderson
Don Cheadle
Idris Elba
Terrence Howard

A GREAT FEELIN'....

It's a great feelin' steppin' out in style on my new blog. It's gonna be mindblowing i promise y'll cos i've got a lot in stock.....the regulars are created in segments for ur choice viewing, they include 2ru Talk which highlights on topical issues affecting us as youths and members of the society as a whole; General News comprising Politics, Education, Entertainment, Sports; Specials which deals with latest events in town; and a newly created corner tagged Beauty, Brains 'n' Bucks aka 3ple 'B', it defines the combination of intellectual mind and beauty from the female perspective- though it's yet to be launched and definitely the ladies will luv this one once it's ready...... plus other stuffs comin' ur way.

Ur comments are also welcome in reaction to any of the posts here on the blog and y'll can try this anytime anyday.

This week, the regulars are in it except for Specials and 3pple 'B'', but i'm sure u would enjoy every bit of it.... sit back relax and off we go!!

dis is yours truly, Shyne.

First Round - Obama Wins!!

US presidential rivals Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama have attacked each other over foreign policy and the economy, in their first debate.  Asked about a proposed $700bn (£380bn) bail-out of the US economy, Mr Obama said it was the "final verdict" on eight years of Republican policies.  On Iraq, Mr McCain praised the "surge" strategy, while Mr Obama said the US military had not been "used wisely".  Neither landed a knockout blow but polls suggested Mr Obama may have won.  An immediate telephone poll by CNN and Opinion Research Corp found 51% said Mr Obama had done the better job, to 38% for Mr McCain.  A poll of uncommitted voters by CBS News found that 39% gave Mr Obama victory, 25% thought John McCain had won, and 36% thought it was a draw.  Both campaigns claimed victory, with Mr McCain's team saying their candidate had shown a "mastery on national security issues" while Mr Obama's aides said he had passed the commander-in-chief test "with flying colours".

Chinese Astronaut walks in Space...

Three Chinese astronauts orbiting the Earth are about to take part in their country's first space walk.  One astronaut will leave the vessel for 20 minutes to conduct experiments while a second will don a spacesuit but remain in the spacecraft as back-up.  The operation will be broadcast live on television across China.  Conducting operations outside a spacecraft is essential if China is to fulfil its goal of building an orbiting station in the next few years.  The 42-year-old fighter pilot Zhai Zhigang is due to carry out the manoeuvre at 1630 Beijing Time (0830 GMT) on Saturday.  The Shenzhou VII capsule soared into orbit on a Long March II-F rocket from Jiuquan spaceport in north-west China.  The rocket put the Shenzhou capsule in a near-circular orbit more than 300km above the Earth.

Mugabe calls for Lift of Sanctions

In a remorse mood, Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has urged the lifting of what he called illegal sanctions against his country.  Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, he said the sanctions were hampering Zimbabwe's economy.  After his re-election in disputed polls this year, Western countries tightened measures against individuals and firms seen to be supporting Mr Mugabe.  At the UN, he also called for reform of the Security Council, saying it had become the tool of powerful countries.  Zimbabwe's economy has gone into a sharp crisis in recent years, with annual inflation officially standing at 11,000,000%.

Zulu Reed Dance Outdated!

The traditional Zulu reed dance is sexist and outdated, South Africa's Young Communist League (YCL) says.  YCL spokesman Castro Ngobese said the cultural practice in honour of the Zulu King Shaka makes women "chained prisoners of backwards traditions".  But traditionalists say the annual ceremony gives dignity to participants.  The YCL dedicated this year's Heritage Day events to a young girl who was raped during last weekend's reed dance celebrations in northern KwaZulu-Natal.  The South African press reported on Tuesday that a 14-year-old Zulu maiden who had been participating in the ceremony at King Goodwill Zwelithini's palace over the weekend was dragged outside and gang-raped.

HipHopWorld set for PARTEA!

The 4th edition of the most-anticipated annual party of the year, ‘The Hip Hop World Exclusive All White Partea’, is set to hold again in London and Lagos. This year’s party will however hold with more colour and grandeur as it is coincides with the first anniversary of Hip TV and rebirth of Hip Hop World Magazine. Designed to be a two-pronged soiree of fun, entertainment and networking, the first leg of the party is billed for GEMS @ The Britannia Hotel, Cannary Wharf, London, England on Friday, August 22 while the Lagos edition of the same party will hold at a yet to be announced date and venue. The party will be sponsored by Lipton Tea (major sponsor since inception), a top Unilever brand. Also supporting and partnering the initiative like it has done since inception is DJ Abass’s DJA MUSIC. The all-white-dress-code shindig which brings together the finest of Nigeria’s entertainment practitioners, music impresarios, corporate players and brand executives held for the first time in 2005 and had since become the biggest gathering for players in Nigeria’s entertainment community in Nigeria and in the UK.

Akon signs Sway!

Senegalese born US rapper Akon has signed British hip-hop artist Sway to his record label.  Sway has been one of the biggest stars on the British hop-hop scene in recent years, and will now release his music on Akon's Kon Live label in the US.  Akon has had a string of hits including the UK number one singles Lonely and Smack That, featuring Eminem.  The deal is the latest example of UK urban acts getting noticed in the US. Estelle's career was revived when she was signed by soul star John Legend.  In 2005, Sway beat US heavyweights 50 Cent and The Game to win the hip-hop award at the Mobos, and he was named best UK hip-hop act at the BET Awards in the US in 2006.  Sway's debut album This Is My Demo was also nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in the same year.

Melaine Brown auctions Property

Spice Girl Melanie Brown is auctioning off the contents of her former home in the UK to raise money for charity.  Items on offer include a "Scary Spice" leopard print outfit, the coat used in the Stop video and five Roberto Cavalli outfits from the Spices' recent tour.  "I hope that people have fun bidding on a piece of me," said the singer, who is now based in Los Angeles.  Proceeds from the online auction, which runs until 26 October, will go to children's cancer charity Clic Sargent.  "As a mother, it was important to me to be a part of an organisation that provides clinical, emotional and financial support to children and young people with cancer and their families," said Brown.

Up Chelsea!!!

Well my team has never disappointed in a high tempo game especially one involving rival Manchester United. Man U should be thanking their luck cos we ought to have beaten them silly! But we lost some vital chances infront of goal and earned ourselves a deserving draw anyway.  The game ended 1-1 at Stamford bridge.

Kudos to John Obi Mikel for his outstanding play in absence of creative midfielder Deco and micheal Essien who just had a successful knee surgey, and Chelsea's coach, Big Phil as he is fondly called has this to say: "Mikel was fantastic, playing in back, in front left side, right side, fighting jumping. This is the spirit I want and the spirit Chelsea have, I am happy for this.”

To all Chelsea fans, i must say we are goin' for a trebble this season, yeah!

Relatively, stay glued for more news bits from around the world, trust me, i'll always serve the hottest and juicy stories anywhere anytime..... stay on top this week.

RECOGNIZING OUR MOTHER TONGUES

Just recently, Cultural Day was observed in Nigeria and may as well seem like marking it for celebration-sake which at the end of the day has no effective impact on the society. Well yet another year’s celebration, it is necessary to reflect on some aspects of our culture. Aspects of our culture that have almost gone into extinction, such as mode of dressing, dialects (mother-tongue), traditional rites. But one area we would be looking at is concerning our diverse dialects.
An ambassador of China was once opportune to address a gathering of top government functionaries from around the world. Expectedly, one would have thought he expressed himself in the widely recognized language – English, but opted to speak in his native dialect. He is definitely proud of his local language.
However several years after independence, numerous countries are yet still under language colonization. In the continent of Africa specifically in Nigeria, there is still this mentality that expressing oneself in the local dialect portrays one as an illiterate. In our education system, Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo are not only seen as inferior subjects but also regarded to have no meaningful impact in one’s future endeavour. Majority of the students taking these subjects at secondary school levels do so with the intention of just getting a “pass” in them without realizing the true essence of those subjects. In recent times there have been various calls for preserving our culture especially our local languages by those we refer to as great minds of intellects in our society, among whom we have Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Peter Fatomilola, Chief Adebayo Faleti. In their candid opinions, if we don’t appreciate and attach value to what we have, nobody would do that for us. Foreign languages are supposed to complement our primary (native) dialects. Consequently, some improvements have been cited in our music industry where artistes are now proudly expressing themselves in their native ways. Big-Ups to Lord of Ajasa, Da Grin, Cash 11, T-Izze, AY, and a host of others representing the motherland. Same revolution should be experienced in the education sector, giving us somethin’ to cheer within the family setting and I believe the time change is now!