Manchester United and Arsenal beaten to wonderkid signing Bernard Malanda-Adje by Fulham

FULHAM are close to sealing a deal for Belgian wonderkid Bernard Malanda-Adje.

Belgian international Bernard Malanda-Adje

The 18-year-old was an important member of Jupiter pro-league side Zulte Waregem's push for a Champions League spot, with several big Premier League side keeping tabs since the end of last term.

Malanda has since terminated his contract with the club, using the country's labour laws to help him become a free agent, and the Cottagers now looks to be in pole postion to sign him-up.

The west London club was earlier linked to the starlet in January, with a £3.5m being mooted as the price needed to secure the former Lille man's signature.

Bernard Malanda-Adje in action

“Fulham are closing in on Bernard Malanda-Adje”

Manchester United and Arsenal were both linked to Malanda-Adje earlier in the transfer window, while new boss David Moyes tried to lure him to Goodison Park last season.

But according to Nieuwsblad, Fulham are close to agreeing a deal with the midfielder.

And since the player became a free agent, the Martin Jol led team will only have to pay a minimal training compensation fee to Zulte Waregem to complete the deal.

Bernard reveals Premier league bids amid Arsenal signing rumours

ARSENAL target Bernard made sure he left his current clubs as winners last night, before confirming Premier League side had made offers for him.

Atletico Mineiro is helped to victory by starlet by Bernard

The 20-year-old's club Atletico Mineiro battled back from two goals down to triumph over Paraguayan team Club Olimpia in a penalty shoot-out, winning a dramatic 2013 Copa Libertadores Final.

The exciting starlet beamed with pride as he revealed he'd completed his goal of leaving the side in a blaze of glory.

"I do not know what will happen to me from tomorrow," he said.

Bernard has stayed coy over his future

“I do not know what will happen to me from tomorrow”

Bernard

"If I stay or not, I have made it clear that I wanted to leave here with a big title, so I have fulfilled my goal, which I promised to fulfill.

"It is up to God to decide if I stay or not, it's up to God and also the presidency, to Alexandre Kalil, to the board."

Bernard also confirmed the news that several key European clubs were showing big interest in him, including Porto and some unamed Enlighs sides.

He said: "I'll keep working until the board decides something about the transfer," he told Sportv. "There are offers from English football, Shakhtar and Porto."

Bernard impressed during the Confederations Cup

Bernard's agent was less coy about the players future, writing on Twitter: "Congratulations, Bernard. Double-winner! Confederations Cup, Libertadores... the perfect farewell."

French reports claimed the Gunners were on the brink of recruiting the 20-year-old and were hoping to have finalised the £21m deal on Friday.

Arsene Wenger has denied any deal has been struck for the Brazil star

Bernard with teammate Ronaldinho

Everton ready to battle Liverpool for Juventus hitman

EVERTON have joined the race to try and land Juventus star Alessandro Matri.

Juve ace Alessandro Matri

According to reports in Italy, The Toffees are ready to enquire about his availability, following the example set by their Merseyside rivals Liverpool last month.

Juventus have already snapped up Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez this summer, and look set to be welcoming offers for a player who could struggle to gain a starting place next season.

Juve are even said to have revealed the price they'd be willing to sell the 28-year-old to the Goodison Park outfit.

Juve ace Alessandro Matri in action against Atlanta

“Juventus star Alessandro Matri could be heading to the Premier League this summer”

Roberto Martinez has been busy so far this term, bring several players from old team Wigan, including Antolín Alcaraz and Arouna Kone.

Matri has netted 27 times in 69 competitive appearances for the Serie A giants.

It's thought the former Cagliari forward would cost Everton around £12m, while the player is thought to be keen on a potential move to the Premier League.

EXCLUSIVE: Gareth Bale to join Real Madrid bets come flooding in

BOOKIES Paddy Power have received a raft of bzg bets on Gareth Bale to quit Tottenham to join Real Madrid.

Gareth Bale has agreed a contract with Real Madrid, according to Marca

Spanish newspaper Marca this week claimed a six-year deal for Bale to join Real had been agreed.

However, these claims have been refuted by Spurs.

But a Paddy Power insider has revealed to Starsport that money has been flying in for Bale to swap White Hart Lane for the Bernabeu.

A series of three-figure bets have been placed for Madrid to be Bale's next club, although Manchester United are also in the running.

Andre Villas-Boas is confident Gareth Bale will stay

“A series of three-figure bets have been placed on Madrid to be Bale's next club”

A Paddy Power spokesman said; “Despite Marca reporting ‘deal done’ it's up the air as to whether Bale will be a Spurs player at the end of August.

"We think he’ll be staying until the end of next season but if he does go then it’ll be a tussle between Real Madrid and Manchester United for his signature.

"Given Daniel Levy’s previous transfer dealings and a policy of not wanting to sell to direct rivals we think Bale is far more likely to go to Madrid."

One hopeful punter has whacked on a £250 bet on the Welsh wizard to end up at Old Trafford.

Madrid are the clear favourites to sign him, though, and they are now priced up at 1/3.

Marca claimed Bale had agreed a six-year deal at Madrid

Bale would link up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real

Thursday Transfer Zone: Liverpool ready to replace Suarez, United continue Fabregas chase

DISGRUNTLED Liverpool fans say Luis Suarez can go ahead and join Arsenal, such is their frustration at his behaviour.

Arsenal have bid for Luis Suarez

Shola Ameobi hits back

Here's the latest from the Thursday Transfer Zone

The Gossip

Diehard Liverpool supporters have labelled Suarez "an absolute disgrace" to the club.

He is due to hold talks with Arsenal after finally being given the green light.

Liveprool are lining up Luis Muriel as a replacement.

Manchester United and Arsenal are both big fans of Cesc Fabregas but Barcelona teammate Alex Song says he's going nowhere.

And United are still in the hunt for the Barcelona star.

Chelsea are sure they will land Wayne Rooney. Jose Mourinho is so confident that he'll sign him that he's not looking at anyone else.

However, United have been putting pressure on Rooney to play in next month's friendly against AIK Solna.

Newcastle star Shola Ameobi has hits back at recent rumours linking him to a move away from the club.

Bernard has given his club the 'perfect farewell' victory as his Arsenal move draws closer.

Fulham are on the brink of completing a deal for Belgian star Bernard Malanda-Adje.

Chelsea are sure of landing Wayne Rooney

“Arsenal have missed out on Gonzalo Higuain”

The Special One reckons Manchester City have the best strike force in the league - and Manuel Pellegrini agrees.

The Gareth Bale saga rumbles on and Spurs have suffered another setback.

This time it's with Jan Vertonghen, who picked up an injury in their loss to Sunderland yesterday.

Arsenal have missed out on Gonzalo Higuain but a move for Julio Cesar is still on.

Charlie Austin has been offered a new deal by Burnley, despite failing a medical with Hull.

But one team who need to start doing a bit of transfer business is Newcastle.

That's the view of manager Alan Pardew, who has warned Joe Kinnear to get a move on and sign some players.

Fulham are trying to bring in new blood to Craven Cottage with Pablo Osavldo in line to make the switch.

Andre Villas-Boas has seen Jan Vertonghen pick up a pre-season knock

Chelsea target Daniele De Rossi urged to forget about Premier League move

ROMA star Daniele De Rossi has been asked to ignore overtures from any Premier League sides and stay put.

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Current captain Francesco Totti took the chance of wishing his teammate a happy birthday to slip in a little message asking the star to honour the club by extending his contract.

The Blues have been interested in landing De Rossi this summer and recent reports in Italy have suggested the Rome based club could be ready to cash in on the ageing star.

The Italian giants have made it clear in the past anyone is for sale, and the new American owners are thought to be keen to wipe De Rossi's pay off the wage-bill.

Daniele De Rossi has been a Roma stalwart

“Best wishes for turning 30 Daniele”

Francesco Totti

Roma's American president James Pallotta said: "De Rossi? We’ll see. Everybody is on the market, just as they are for the Boston Celtics."

But Totti seemed full of hope that the club legend would enjoy the rest of his career with Roma.

Totti has urged De Rossi to stay at Roma

Totti said in the special Roma channel message: "Best wishes for turning 30 Daniele, even though you are getting old now and are practically finished.

"It will be best if you give us a present rather than the other way around, so stay here at Roma and we will win something beautiful together."

PHOTOS: Nigerians Crowned Mr & Miss Face of Africa USA 2013

Nigerian contestant Anthony Nweke and Nanie Memeh, who represented both Nigerian & Liberia have won the Mr $ Miss Face of Africa USA contest, out of 14 contestants vying for the crown.

Nanie Memeh, 24 comes from a dual African cultural background. She has two Bachelor’s Degrees; Political Science and Law & Justice, a Fashion Marketing Certificate and is currently concluding her Masters in International business. Her African Inspired Fashion line was featured at the ‘Vogue to Africa’ Fashion show in Arlington Texas the night before the pageant.

23 year old Anthony Nweke, on the other hand hails from Enugu, Nigeria. He is a graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in Biology and minor in health. He is currently in medical school.

About 350 attendees witnessed Africa at its best as the young  men & women showed off their talents, swimwear/fitness with their African flags as wraps.

The night climaxed with the top 5 finalist in the Q & A category which left the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The event featured dynamic performances by South Sudanese artist Pay Johaanes, audience interactive drum beats by Baba Kwasi and Afro Hip Hop dance group Dtwon Fellas.

Why I Enjoy Indian Hemp -Seun Kuti

Some weeks back, Tonto Dikeh displayed a picture of india hemp with on her timeline, virtually everybody lampooned her and called her all sorts of name. 

But it is a bit curious that Seun Kuti, the last born of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti recently admitted in an open interview that he takes 'Igbo' to cool off and relax and nobody is raising any highbrow about it.

Hear what he said, "The Indian hemp should not be abused. It is good for mankind. I take Igbo (Indian hemp), but not for performance. I take it to relax and cool off. It is ideal for good sleep, arouses appetite, used to treat cancer, relieves pains, clears the head and relaxes the nerves."

He also said about why the government frowns about Igbo as illegal, "Our government sees Igbo as illegal because it is a black man’s inheritance and not from white people; maybe if it was from Europe like cigarette, it would have been legalised.

We are just fake people who don’t believe in our own abilities, but only rely on anything from the West. If Oyinbo man says something is right, then it is right and if they say it is bad, then it is bad.

Our government should first provide me with the basic, social amenities before telling me to stop smoking Igbo because I take it to reduce the psychological frustration I get from government’s inabilities. They are criticizing Igbo, but there are junkies are all Nigeria now sniffing cocaine and other hard drugs."

Tunisia Politician Mohamed Brahmi Assassinated

Tunisian opposition politician Mohamed Brahmi has been shot dead outside his home in the capital, Tunis, reports say.

Mr Brahmi led the nationalist Movement of the People party. It is Tunisia's second assassination of an opposition party leader this year.

In February, prominent secular politician Chokri Belaid was also shot outside his house in Tunis. His murder sparked angry protests and prompted the resignation of PM Hamadi Jebali. Mr Brahmi was a member of the National Constituent Assembly, which is drafting a new constitution.

It is not known yet who is behind the attack.

"The Royal Baby Is The Antichrist"

The royal baby is the Antichrist, or so claims Mark Dice, a prolific writer who focuses on the Illuminati and the Antichrist from the Bible.

As previously reported by The Inquisitr, Kate Middleton’s royal baby was announced to the delight of both the British and Americans.

But the royal baby hasn’t been popular with everyone. BBC presenter Simon McCoy bitterly related the announcement as “not that it’s news.” But Mark Dice is making a claim about the royal baby that would probably have most of the British population angry.

Mark Dice gain limited fame last Black Friday when he called American consumerists “brain dead, materialistic morons.” He’s more famous for going around asking people to sign a petition that says Obama supporters should have immunity for their President’s actions. Now Mark Dice is calling the royal baby an Antichrist.

Mark Dice calls the royal baby a baby Baphomet, which is probably not one of Kate Middleton’s top baby name choices. Starting by calling the English “brain dead Brits,” following with “Moloch worshiping moronic Americans,” Mark Dice slices into the royal family of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Mark Dice claims the Windsor family secretly believes themselves the lost tribe of Dan from the Bible. The Windsors supposedly believe themselves the “true chosen people of God” over Jews, something Mark Dice compares to Nazi beliefs and their supposed ancestry with the lost city of Atlantis.

When the royal baby becomes the King of England, Mark Dice proposes the royal baby will be the Antichrist, or at least an Antichrist of the “new world order” or the “new British empire.” Mark Dice says people like the royal baby are worshiped because of their power, linking back to Egyptian history and how royal families used to claim they were descendants of the gods due to their royal blood.

Billionaire To Build World's Largest Dinosaur Park

Billionaire businessman Clive Palmer has been given the go-ahead to build the world's biggest dinosaur park on the grounds of his Sunshine Coast resort - as long as they don't roar too loudly.

Clive Palmer poses with Jeff the T-Rex at his Coolum resort on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast regional council voted unanimously to approve the plans which include 149 life-size dinosaur models to join the already existing eight-metre tall T-Rex named Jeff, and a vintage car museum, all within the grounds of Palmer's Coolum resort.

The approval was subject to 30 conditions, including noise and environmental concerns and on the proviso that all models would abide by various height restrictions of a maximum six metres, except for a Ruyangosaurus which will stand 10 metres tall.

Roaring from the dinosaurs must not exceed 5 decibels above background noise levels. No vegetation is proposed to be removed and the resort site's environmentally sensitive areas are to be protected.

The council received almost 200 objections including concerns about parking and noise, and that the park's existence would devalue the area.

However, it was found that "the vintage car museum and the dinosaur park would establish new tourist exhibits to attract patrons to the resort," according to the minutes of the council meeting.

"The new attractions are internal to the resort and would, therefore, not impact on the character of the area."

In March this year, Palmer launched his plans to build Titanic II, a replica of the doomed cruise vessel. This week it was reported that several UAE companies were keen to bring the ship into Dubai once built.

There were also rumours this month the Palmer was looking at launching a newspaper, after it was revealed he had registered the names "The Australia Times" and "The Australasian Times".

Palmer dismissed the rumours, saying "we never said we'd do anything with it, so it's just media speculation. There's no plans to at this stage."

Palmer has been contacted for comment on the dinosaur park. He is currently contesting the federal election through his Palmer United Party. 

Senate To Pass Amended Budget On One-year Salary For Sacked NIMC Workers

The Senate Committee on Appropriation, on Wednesday, formally laid its report on the amendments to the 2013 Appropriation Act before the entire house, preparatory to the passage of the amended budget on Thursday.

The Chairman of the committee, Senator Ahmed Maccido, after getting approval of the Senate leadership, brought the amended budget bill before his colleagues.

The amendments will be passed today before the Senate will embark on a two-month recess.

The Senate read the amendment bill for the second time on Tuesday and gave the committee 24 hours to report back.

The crux of the amendment is the restoration of the N78.54bn reduced from the subheads of some government Ministries, Departments and Agencies by the National Assembly before passing it in December last year.

After an initial stand-off, the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly agreed to restore the cuts by approving the amendments suggested by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The report on the amendment bill is to authorise the issuance from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N4.987tn.

The Senate also on Wednesday approved the recommendation of its Joint Committee on the National Identity Card, Labour and Productivity for the payment of one-year salary to each of the 4,029 disengaged workers of the National Identity Management Commission.

The report, which was presented by Senator Ake Wilson, who heads the Labour and Productivity Committee, agreed that the commission had the right to disengage the employees after designating them as redundant.

Ake said, “Section 20 of the Labour Act allows an organisation to discharge excess workers by declaring redundancy and negotiating redundancy payments, which will be made to the worker compulsorily at the point of discharge.

“The public service rules provide for compulsory severance from service for the purpose of removing excess manpower and facilitating improvement in the organisation.”

The committee then recommended that the 96 officers, who had additional qualifications, should be reabsorbed by the commission.

PHOTO: "I Have Been Stabbed In The Back" - Tonto Dikeh

No doubt, Nigerian actress, Tonto Dikeh has been the brunt of some major controversies for some time now.

In a bid to show the world how strong she is and what it feels like to be used, she shared the photo below on Instagram;

FG Approves N10bn For Cassava Bread Fund

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved N10billion for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Cassava Bread Fund.

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, disclosed the details of the approval at a meeting organised for directors and value-chain leaders of the ministry to enable them give account of their stewardship in the last one year.

Adesina, in a statement signed by the Acting Director, Press/Public Relations in the ministry, Mr. Greyne Anosike, said the President had also agreed to inaugurate the Youth Employment Programme, an initiative aimed at creating jobs through the agricultural value chains.

The minister had last week hinted that Jonathan had agreed to consider the N10bn request for the Cassava Bread Fund.

“This will be a year of greater success for Nigeria’s agriculture. We have the support of Mr. President to turn around the cassava sector. He has graciously agreed to consider our initial request of close to N10bn cassava fund to further explore the potential of the cassava industry,” he said.

Adesina said the fund would be used to support research and development efforts on cassava bread, training of master bakers and support the bakers in the acquisition of new equipment for the production of cassava bread.

He explained that the approval of the fund was apt as it would enhance the cassava Growth Enhancement Support scheme.

DEVASTATED: Patience Jonathan Returns To Nigeria (PHOTOS)

Two days after her foster mother died in a fatal accident in Port Harcourt, the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, last night, at exactly 9.40pm, returned to the country from Geneva.

She returned to the waiting arms of her husband, President Goodluck Jonathan, who was joined by former military Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Anthony Anenih, among dignitaries at their official residence in the Presidential Villa.

Mrs. Jonathan’s foster mother, Mrs. Charity Iwori-Oba, fondly called Sisi Mama, was on her way to Bayelsa when the accident claiming her life occurred.

The First Lady was said to be devastated when the news was broken to her on the telephone.

Others who joined the President to receive his wife were his mother, Eunice; wife of Bayelsa State governor; ministers of transport, aviation, power, science and technology as well as culture and tourism.

Mrs. Jonathan was immediately led into the president’s residence by her husband. The ministers and a few presidential aides were allowed to follow them in.

Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, later led them in a prayer session for the repose of the deceased’s soul, while Anenih gave a brief closing remarks.

As some dignitaries were finding their ways out of the president’s residence, some others, include Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State were arriving to console Mrs. Jonathan.

No Indicted Marketer Can Import Fuel, PPPRA Says

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency has dismissed reports published on Tuesday by Reuters that indicted marketers were listed among the 40 companies that got allocations for the importation of petrol into the country for the third quarter of the year.

The Executive Secretary, PPPRA, Mr. Reginald Stanley, who spoke with journalists on Wednesday, described the report as “misleading and grossly wrong.”

He explained that no company indicted for the subsidy fraud as reported by Reuters was included in the latest list of importers.

Stanley said, “No company that was indicted in the subsidy claims report    can import petroleum products under the new dispensation. In fact, even if we were foolish enough to include any of them, they will get stuck because the Ministry of Finance will not pay them.

“Finance (ministry) is resolute in cleaning up the subsidy mess and has not even finished paying off the genuine claims. So, it will be a big risk for any company indicted to go importing fuel, when it has not yet been cleared, and no businessman will want to tie down his money indefinitely.”

Reuters had claimed that companies previously named in a multi-billion dollar subsidy fraud investigation had been listed as parts of fuel suppliers for the third quarter.

“The list showed four companies that failed to cooperate with parliament’s probe were named as suppliers. These were Nepal, Fresh Synergy, Ibafon and Techno, which the parliamentary report showed collectively claimed subsidies of nearly $60m,” the report had said.

The report also mentioned companies such as Masters, Matrix and MRS, but explained that Matrix provided documents showing it had since been exonerated by the Nigerian authorities.

Stanley clarified that all of the companies mentioned by Reuters were cleared in the subsidy report.

He said, “Masters has been cleared by the Special Fraud Unit, Nepal’s issue with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is closed out. In fact, the company now has a depot at Ogara, the PPPPRA team inspected it and the depot was duly certified by the Department of Petroleum Resources, having met all the necessary requirements for depot operations. MRS was never indicted.

“So, all the companies that have been cleared by the SFU and EFFC that meet the requirements to participate in the Petroleum Subsidy Fund, which include being a registered Nigerian company, ownership of a certified and registered depot and a host of others, are free to participate (in importation).”

The PPPRA boss explained that the Federal Government had plugged all the leakages and avenues for corruption in the subsidy claims system, adding that the process had been fortified with the current tracking system introduced by the agency for monitoring fuel imports.

Arsenal Signs 3-year Deal With Sterling Bank

Arsenal has increased its portfolio of Africa-focused commercial partners after agreeing a three-year deal with Nigeria's Sterling Bank.

The agreement represents the English Premier League club's first partnership with a financial institution in Nigeria and will see the bank issue co-branded debit cards in the country.

The card will offer a range of club-related benefits and incentives to Sterling Bank's customers and Arsenal fans in Nigeria such as official merchandise and tickets to see the team in action at Emirates Stadium in London.

In addition, Arsenal Soccer School coaches will undertake a youth coaching clinic on behalf of Sterling Bank in Nigeria.

In May, Arsenal Arsenal agreed a three-year partnership with Nairobi-headquartered Imperial Bank to issue co-branded debit cards throughout Kenya and Uganda.

Vinai Venkatesham, head of global partnerships at Arsenal, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Sterling Bank who are a highly respected financial establishment, to offer Arsenal branded debit cards to our millions of fans in Nigeria. We look forward to building a strong and successful relationship in the years to come."

Abubakar Suleiman, chief financial officer of Sterling Bank, added: "We recognise our customer's uniqueness and we develop tailor-made solutions that connect with their deepest passion and drive."

Fashola Impressed By The Skills Of Hawkers In Traffic

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday marveled at the ingenuity and the entrepreneur skills displayed by highway hawkers in some Nigerian cities, especially Lagos.

He described the traits displayed almost simultaneously while selling on the highways as misused skills.

The governor said there is nowhere in the world where youths dominated the highways with such entrepreneurship skills.

He said: “I have travelled a little bit and I am not sure if there are many places in the world where we will find young people, running through traffic, balancing their wares on their heads, chase the moving cars and selling their goods, calculating how many they have sold and doing mental sums and giving you change.

“If you just pause to think on the skills displayed, the flexibility and adaptability that is required to carry out those functions. I don’t know how many of us can do it.

“So, let nobody come and tell me that Nigerians are not skillful, let them not also come and tell me that they are not enterprising. If that is not a display of skills and a display of enterprise then you know what it is.”

Governor Fashola, however, lamented that such skills were unfortunately wrongly deployed to unsustainable business, adding that the state government is determined to divert such skills and enterprise to a more promising and sustainable business model.

Die-hard Liverpool Fans Stood By Suarez – Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers insists Luis Suarez will not be able to forget the support he has received from Liverpool fans, even if he succeeds in forcing through a summer move away.

Arsenal lodged a €49m bid for the Uruguay international, while Real Madrid is heavily linked with a move for the striker who has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football.

Suarez’s attitude has alienated many Liverpool fans who stuck by him during the Patrice Evra racism row and Branislav Ivanovic biting incident, for which he is still serving a 10-match ban.

But the unsettled striker was still given a rapturous reception by Reds supporters during Wednesday’s friendly win over Melbourne Victory and Rodgers believes this will play on the striker’s mind.

“The support he has received from the supporters and the people of the city of Liverpool has been unrivalled,” the former Swansea boss told reporters.

“The people have stood by him, like a son, and really looked after him. Whatever happens in the coming weeks that will be in his mind because it’s something you can never forget.”

PHOTOS: Tiwa Savage Goes On Vacation

Tiwa Savage took some time off her busy schedule to go on a vacation to the Maldives.

She will be spending her vacation at one of the resorts in Maldives.

‘Maldives sooo pretty, nothing like sleeping in ur private bungalow in the middle of the ocean #Godisgood‘, Tiwa said as she posted pictures of her new temporary environ.

Maldives, officially known as Republic of the Maldives also referred to as the Maldive Islands, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean.

You don’t need a VISA to get there by the way.

REPORT: 75 Million Nigerians Live In Darkness

Results from the Power Sector Polls conducted by NOI Polls Limited reveal that an average of 47 percent (about 75.2 million) of Nigerians think electricity supply went from bad to worse between April and June 2013.

Results from the poll also indicate that about 8 in 10 of those interviewed (81%) say they generate their own power supply through alternative sources to compensate for irregular power supply. A combined average of 69 percent have experienced increase in their spending on alternative power supply compared to a year ago.

A breakdown of key findings from the poll reveal that while 22 percent of Nigerians said power was very bad and turned worse, 25 percent said it remained bad. However, 33 percent of Nigerians saw some improvement in power supply, 20 percent found that power remained the same with no difference in the past month.

The survey which was conducted by NOI Polls Limited, a Nigerian opinion polling and research organisation, which works to conduct periodic opinion polls and studies on various socio-economic and political issues in Nigeria, said the survey spanned from April to June 2013.

Out of the three months, the report revealed that May had the highest amount of power supply. Also, power supply slightly improved in May as less people had to generate their own power supply compared to other months. The survey further found that 8 in 10 Nigerians used other sources of electricity apart from the power supplied to households by PHCN. A situation which ties with the petrol pump price monitoring polls conducted by NOI Polls which revealed that Nigerians mainly use petrol for their generators.

Several other reports with similar findings have been presented in recent times, what is left to see decisive action from relevant agencies of government and key policy makers in the power sector.

But the minister of power Professor Chinedu Nebo said on Tuesday that very soon the country will attain uninterrupted power supply. The minister, who spoke at the Ministerial Platform in Abuja, said available statistics show that power generation in the last two years has improved and if the tempo will be sustained very soon Nigerians will get 24/7 power supply. He attributed some of the challenges facing the sector to incessant vandalisation of electricity installations in the country.

Dozens Die As Train Veers Off Tracks

A train has derailed in north-western Spain, killing at least 77 of its 218 passengers and injuring more than 100, officials in the Galicia region say.

All eight carriages of the Madrid to Ferrol train came off the tracks near the city of Santiago de Compostela.

Media reports say the train may have been travelling at more than twice the speed limit around a curve.

Officials have not commented on the cause. Analysts say it is the worst train accident in Spain in 40 years.

Spain generally has a relatively good record in terms of rail safety, says the BBC's Tom Burridge in Madrid.

This is a country which has invested huge amounts of money in its rail network, he says.

Spain's last major rail disaster was in 1972 when 77 people were killed in a derailment in Andalusia in the south.

Oge Okoye Speaks On Lesbians And Gays Controlling Nollywood

Oge Okoye is one of Nigeria’s A-list actresses. In a recent interview, she candidly shares her views about Nollywood’s issues.

READ EXCERPTS:

What’s the latest about you?

A lot is in the making for me. I can’t let you know them right now as they are still on the low key but they will all be unveiled gradually before the year runs out by God’s grace. At the fullness of time, all will definitely be in the open.

How many movies have you done this year then?

Well for this year, I guess I’ve done about 10- 12 movies already.

How many movies have you done overall?

Wow! Honestly, I’ve lost count of the number of movies I’ve featured in.

What can you say about the Governor Akpabio N50m donation to Nollywood that is presently causing problems?

Concerning that, my notion is that this goes a long way to show how supportive some of our leaders are to the things that concern entertainment as a whole. Same applies to our noble President, His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan who has been so encouraging and a fat h e r f i g – ure to our large Nollywood family. Opportunities like this are hard to come by so I’ll say it is an impressive, fascinating and motivational gesture from our present government.

Tell us your most memorable role.

My most memorable role is where I took up the character of a vampire. It was scary for me but at the same time enjoyable.

What do you like most about Nollywood?

What I like most about our large family is that Nollywood is a strong voice to the world showing the different lives of different people and different things happening in the world. A strong voice It is indeed.

What do you hate most about it?

Sometimes the negative criticism and judgmental attitude towards us.

Is it true that gays and lesbians are now in control of Nollywood?

I don’t know anything about that aspect. Rather, I’m hearing this for the first time from you. So since I think you’ve got a lot of information on this, please enlighten me more on this piece of news.

What is your advice to upcoming actresses?

My candid advice, as I always say, is that they should always follow their heart and passion of being an actress to achieve whatever and everything they want. It’s about being focused, working hard, making sure they are worth their salt. Never envy anyone, be yourself and make good use of your potentials.

Practice makes perfect. For me, I never knew the ups and down of being an actor but I got into it and I developed myself professionally. It’s not a bed of roses but always have passion and love for it and the Rest will be history.

Naval Officer Murder Car Dealer, Jailed For Life

A naval court-martial handed out a life imprisonment sentence to the officer, Lieutenant Baba Adamu, for allegedly killing a car dealer in Lagos last year.

It was gathered that the officer had in May 2012 allegedly engaged the car dealer in a scuffle, which became bloody and resulted to the death of the civilian identified as Pedro Ikhajagbe.

Trouble started a year earlier when the officer allegedly gave $10,000 to the car dealer to assist him to purchase a car.

Few months later, the car dealer allegedly brought a vehicle which was not the exact specification the officer requested and the lieutenant allegedly turned it down and asked that the specification he requested be bought for him or his money be returned.

However, the car dealer allegedly requested for more time to enable him purchase the exact specification the officer had requested, and he was granted.

But days grew into weeks and weeks into months and yet the car dealer was allegedly unable to reach the agreement entered into with the naval officer.

Daily Sun learnt that one year after the agreement, the officer who was serving in Jos, Plateau State returned to Lagos in search of the car dealer whom it was gathered, lived in the Satellite Town area of Lagos.

A source said before he proceeded for the search, the officer allegedly reported the matter at the Naval Police unit at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Wey, but rather than wait for the naval police to act, he proceeded on the search alone.

According to a source, the car dealer allegedly bolted into his apartment on sighting Naval officer and the officer followed him.

Witnesses said a scuffle ensued resulting to the death of Pedro, adding that Pedro did not die immediately as the officer quickly carried the bleeding car dealer and rushed him to the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital in Navy Town, Ojo Lagos.

While at the hospital, the officer was asked to get a police report to enable full treatment commence and he was alleged to have gone to the Satellite Police Station, Agboju to report the matter.

However, while at the police station, report came from the hospital that the car dealer had died and the police promptly took the officer into custody.

When the matter got to the Navy, naval authorities directed that the officer be retrieved from police detention facility to their own cell at the NNS Beecroft. This was done and the officer returned to naval custody.

A Board of Inquiry (BoI) was constituted by the Force to look into the incident and determine the culpability of the officer.

After the BoI concluded its sitting, Daily Sun learnt that the officer was recommended to face a naval court-martial, headed by a Navy Captain (Colonel equivalent in the Nigerian Army).

The court which started sitting since last year, only concluded its sitting last week and handed a life sentence to the officer for his involvement in the death of the car dealer.

The Nigerian Navy, had at the time of the incident, said Mr. Pedro Ikhajagbe, died from injuries sustained during a scuffle he had with the naval officer in Satellite Town, Lagos.

Poor Funding Of Research Hinders Economic Growth – Sanusi

The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, yesterday lamented the poor funding of research programmes in the nation’s tertiary institutions, declaring that a nation that ignored research was on the path to peril.

Sanusi, who was the guest lecturer at the 42nd graduation lecture at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, said for Nigeria to achieve sustainable economic growth and development, research and application of technological findings were key requirements.

The CBN governor, who spoke on the topic: ‘Tertiary institutions, research, innovation and national development: The changing dynamics for sub-Sahara Africa,’ said research conducted by tertiary institutions often boost the economy of any nation, but noted that lack of funds for research had continued to impact negatively on the Nigerian economy.

For instance, Sanusi said while other developed economies of the world were investing heavily in research, Nigeria was still lagging behind in that regard.

He added that unless the country rose up to the occasion of funding research programmes in tertiary institutions, the quest for economic growth and development would remain a mirage.

Sanusi said: “Overall, in the low income and developing countries, the correlation between research and economic development remains grossly remote and insignificant, compared to the case of industrialised economies. Research funding coupled with the issue of diversification of funding as well as the general funding of higher education remain poor across the region.

“In Africa, the gross domestic expenditure on research and development as a percentage of the Gross National Product continued to remain under 0.5 per cent in the past two decades. For example, while as of 2010, the average expenditure (as percentage of GDP) on research and development was 2.7 ($405.3bn) for USA; 2.0 per cent (($296.8bn) for China; 3.67 per cent ($160.3bn) for Japan; and 3.74 per cent ($55.8bn) for South Korea. It was 0.23 per cent ($0.910bn) for Egypt; 0.39 per cent ($0.13bn) for Uganda; and 0.42 per cent ($0.11bn) for Botswana.”

However, Sanusi noted that Nigeria was not included in the table as countries that spent less than $100m annually on research and development were not captured

BBA: "I've Slept With Men For Money," Beverly Osu Reveals

Beverly Ada Osu, Nigeria’s representative can’t seem to keep her personal business out of the competition but then again that’s what reality shows are for right?

While sharing one of her many precious moments with ‘boyfriend’ Angelo, Beverly, 21, disclosed to her ‘boyfriend’ that at one point in her life, she slept with men for money to take care of her family while her mother was away in the US.

"I’ve done all sorts. I’ve slept with men for money when I had to take care of my family," she confided in South African rep Angelo.

Earlier, Beverly had revealed that she had a four-month baby aborted and that her mother was deported from the US.

She also stated that she has never regretted ‘drinking, smoking, clubbing, partying, meeting with people’ except dating her ex-boyfriend 2shotz.

The rapper weeks ago denied getting engaged with the video vixen/model.

Beverly shocked Nigerian audiences when she got extra cosy with Angelo two weeks ago.

How KCEE 'Mr Limpopo's' Life Changed

Pop singer, KCEE 'Mr Limpopo' is finally enjoying super stardom and wealth all off one monster hit song titled ‘Limpopo’.

Kingsley Okonkwo started like every other upcoming act in Nigeria – the hard way. In the early 2000s, he met with former partner Presh (Precious John) in a church choir.

They met up with a third member, named the group KC Presh and released their first single ‘Ose baba’, shot a video for it, receiving mild success.

Partying ways with the third member in 2002, the duo entered the first ever edition of Nigerian Breweries STAR QUEST talent show and won, beating the likes of Asa, Psquare, Klint da Drunk, Mr Raw (formerly known as Nigga Raw). As part of the spoils, KC Presh signed a deal with Kennis Music (the biggest record label in Nigeria at the time) and made a big debut.

During their time at Kennis, KC Presh never attained super status, it always seemed like they were one hit away. They soon parted ways with the label and set up shop on their own with KP Records.

Their first installment was the OJB assisted ‘Segemenge’ off the album ‘Sio Nkpo’ which bagged them a Channel O nomination and more fame. But while the likes of D’banj and the Mo’Hits were flying high with chart topping singles and back-to-back hits, KC Presh struggled with their careers.

They tried once again with KCEE’s wealthy brother intervening – they restructured, re-launched the label as ‘Blingz Record’, affiliated with Grafton Records in the South and released a new album ‘No Time’ with the lead single ‘Shokori bobo’. All this however did not result in mega success, in fact the duo’s careers’ imploded.

How KCEE got his groove back

After several attempts to stage a comeback, the duo eventually split on good terms but they continued to stay in the same house for months. That separation seemed to be the break for KCEE who immediately put in work releasing his debut single ‘Now I know’.

He took it from there with bigger hits ‘Okpekete’ (with Davido), ‘Give it to me’ (feat Flavour) all under his new label Five Star Music. The signs were there but it was the huge hit ‘Limpopo’ that shattered all barriers and planted him as a bona fide hit-maker and music star.

Written by R&B singer Harrysong and produced by Del B, the song has turned a once undesired KCEE into a fans’ favourite, darling of promoters. That single hit has ushered him into the A list, with an MTN endorsement deal as icing.

The story here is not KCEE’s new cars (thanks to his bigger brother, he’s always lived a very posh lifestyle) but his struggle and eventual breakthrough.