'You never want to break up a family': Jennifer Lopez finally opens up about her divorce from Marc Anthony...

On the up: She's had a rough year, but J-Lo is looking and feeling good.

Hello Friends!

Quite understandably, Jennifer Lopez has been reticent to talk about her split from husband Marc Anthony. 

The former couple have two gorgeous children together, a long friendship and seven years of marriage under their belt; so the 42-year-old is wise to use restraint.

However, it seems that the time has come for J-Lo, now happily loved up with dancer Casper Smart,26, to talk more about the harrowing split. 

J-Lo, looking immaculate in her favourite neutral palette, sat down to talk to Kate Couric for her new eponymously titled show, and admitted that the split was devastating for her. 

Mother to twins Max and Emme, four, J-Lo explained: 'You never want to break up a family.'

She also explains that she hasn't given up on love despite this failure and her other two broken marriages, not to mention that engagement to Ben Affleck. 

Couric also told J-Lo that hip-hop star Nicki Minaj and country crooner Keith Urban will join Mariah Carey and Idol fixture Randy Jackson on the American Idol judging panel when the show returns in January.

Lopez asked: 'Did they announce?'

Chat: Katie also drew J-Lo on the possible new American Idol judges, but J-Lo would only say that she loves Randy.

Mates: J-Lo's interview was quite a coup for Katie's new show.

'Oh, thank God. I love Randy,' J-Lo replied. 'I’m glad he’s doing it.'

She added: 'That’s an eclectic group.'

'I think they all have something really different to offer, so it should be interesting.'

A Fox representative told ABCNews.com: 'Please note that the only confirmed judge for American Idol is Mariah Carey. No other judges have been announced at this time.'

Neutral palette: J-Lo looked lovely in cream and brown.

Culled from The Daily Mail UK.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Lady Thief Apprehended In Abuja.....

Hello Friends!

It was a so shameful to see a beautiful lady stripped naked in Abuja when she was nabbed for stealing. 

When a robbery team of six men and two ladies stormed Lagos last week Sunday and robbed in four different locations, It was shocking to many people. 

Men, according to what we gathered are now luring ladies (the greedy ones) into the dirty act of robbery. 

Recently, at Bunmi Oyeniyi's Unveil Shop, it was said that robbers entered her shop at gun point and robbed them of their jewelries and gold wedding rings displayed. 

The naked lady in this picture, led a team of robbers yesterday afternoon at around 2:00pm in Abuja where they robbed another lady. They drove a grey colored Nissan Sunny car, while people watched them as they robbed the lady. 

After the robbery, it was gathered that they were chased and they met up with traffic. Others quickly rushed out of the car and escaped but she was apprehended and stripped naked.

Loads of ATM cards, passports of different people and many phones where recovered from their car. As you're reading this, the Police are investigating her case.

We shall keep you posted as event unfolds.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

NGOZI NWOSU BEDRIDDEN…DIAGNOSED WITH KIDNEY PROBLEM

Hello Friends!

Popular TV comic actress Ngozi Nwosu is currently sick and bed-ridden,the versalite actress has been on the movie scene professionally since 1985 till date.

The report from her present state of health is not cheering at all . She is seriously sick and needs the prayers of all well-meaning Nigerians and her fans across the globe to pull through.
The doctors in the private hospital she was in last week says her kidneys are leaking. She is being taken today to Gbagada general hospital. She claims Amaka Igwe promised to send her abroad so she has to get her consultant’s report but Amaka Igwe has denied this. 



However she is refusing to go to any hospital but her friends are insisting and are making plans to carry her there. Right now she is incoherent and barely talking well. She lives alone in ketu with a new housemaid.

Wishing her sound health and God's intervention.

Culled from NigerianFilms.

xoxo
Simply Cheska...

Two Nigerians Teenagers Face Deportation In Canada....

Hello Friends!

Toronto Sun Newspaper has just reported the case of two Nigerians who are faced with deportation challenged over ignorance.

These teenagers, two University of Regina students, from Nigeria have been hiding in a church for months to avoid deportation for unwittingly working at Walmart without the proper permits.

Ihuoma Amadi, 21, and Victoria Ordu, 20, have attended the school for three years on a scholarship. Last year, the pair worked at the store for two weeks, but according to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, international students can't be employed off campus without a work permit.

"It was an honest mistake. They want a second chance. There are better measures that could have been used rather than the ultimate punishment, which is deportation," said Kay Adebogun, vice-president of the Canadian Association of Immigration Consultants, who is representing them pro bono. The students said they quit immediately when university staff told them the rules. Later, Canadian Border Services Agency officers arrested them and they were scheduled to be deported June 19. It is unclear how the women ended up getting hired without the appropriate work permits.

Walmart said it is investigating the matter and declined to go into detail.

"We have a process in place to ensure associates have appropriate documentation to work in Canada," the statement said.

Desperate, the women said they sought sanctuary at an undisclosed church in Regina nearly three months ago in hopes immigration officials will show "mercy" for them.

Woman in court for forcing nieces into prostitution...

Hello Friends!

A 50-year-old woman, Yemisi Olalekan, has been remanded in prison custody by an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court for allegedly coercing two of her under-aged nieces into prostitution.

Testifying before Magistrate Olusola Aluko, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges of seduction, unlawful detention, exploitation and threat to life.

The charge sheet obtained on Wednesday alleged that Olalekan, who sells locally-brewed gin, was in the habit of tying her nieces to the bed in her room while she collected money from men to have carnal knowledge of them.

The charge sheet gave the nicknames of the nieces as Omogbe and Idi-Ileke aged 14 and 16 respectively, adding that the offence was committed in Ipetumodu last December.

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Elisha Olusegun, told the court that Olalekan exploited the under-aged to enrich herself. Olusegun said Olalekan also threatened to kill the teenagers if they exposed her.

The police prosecutor contended that the alleged act was contrary to Section 222, 226 and 86 (A) (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria.

Aluko, who said the accused must file a formal bail application, ordered that she be remanded in Ilesa prison custody till October 18, 2012, when the case would be mentioned in court.

Culled from The Punch Nigeria.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Hoodlums cause mayhem at Computer Village...

Hello Friends!

The ever-busy Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos was shut down for over four hours on Thursday after hoodlums wielding cutlasses and other dangerous items caused pandemonium in the area.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the violence was as a result of a feud between legitimate traders and hoodlums who operate as roadside traders.

It was learnt that because of the frequent cases of selling and buying stolen items by the hoodlums as well as the frequent complaints by environmental agencies, the Computer and Allied Product Dealers Association of Nigeria, which comprises legitimate traders, issued an eviction notice to the roadside sellers in the area.

PUNCH Metro learnt that crisis erupted in the market which is known for sales of phones and accessories, after the compulsory environmental sanitation exercise observed every Thursday in all markets in the state. It was learnt that the hoodlums who did not take kindly to the eviction order resorted to violence. The act was said to have caused anxiety as passers-by scampered to safety.

One of the CAPDAN officials, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said the order was to sanitize the market.

He said, “We did not just wake up to order them to evacuate from the market. It was a well thought-out process and it was influenced by many cogent reasons. First, I don’t know if you are aware of the constant raids by the Environmental Services and Special Offences Unit of the state government on these same set of people (hoodlums).

Father remanded for killing 41-day-old son...

Hello Friends!

An Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, on Thursday remanded in Ikoyi Prison a 34-year-old bricklayer, Abiodun Otaoroju, for allegedly killing his 41-day-old son.

The defendant is facing a two-count of murder and administering obnoxious substance.

His plea was, however, not taken as the court has no jurisdiction to try such case.

“I hereby remand the defendant at the Ikoyi Prison, pending the outcome of the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions,” Magistrate Helen Omisore said.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Idowu Onime, had told the court that the defendant, on August 30, unlawfully killed his son, Kazeem.

He said, “The defendant used an obnoxious substance known as ‘Bint El Sudan Perfume’ to kill the deceased.

“The defendant, who lives at 16, Aiyegbami Street, Ibeju Lekki in Lagos, was arrested by the police after the mother of the baby cried out to the neighborhood for help.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the alleged incident, which took place in Epe, in Lagos State, contravened sections 221 and 241 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

Omisore adjourned the case to October 31, for the DPP’s advice.

MTN donates N500,000 for shot baby’s treatment...

Hello Friends!

My Thoughts: This is exactly what I am talking about...The show of Corporate Responsibility to her citizens and customers...Thank You MTN!

Mobile telecommunications company, MTN, has paid for the N500,000 needed for treatment of the one-year-old baby Taiwo Lawal, who was shot by armed robbers in the Gbagada area of Lagos on Sunday. The company’s Public Relations Manager, Mr. Funsho Aina, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

He said the company had paid the money into the account of the baby’s family member.

“We have paid the needed N500, 000 into the family’s account today in response to the PUNCH Metro’s story. Ceremonial cash presentation to the family holds tomorrow (Friday) at our Head Office, Golden Plaza, Falomo, Ikoyi,” Aina said.

Taiwo was among those hit by the robbers’ bullets when they opened fire on some policemen in Gbagada area during one of the simultaneous robberies that took place in different parts of the state on Sunday.

Culled from The Punch Nigeria.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Nigerian Branding Maestro Leke Alder marries Corporate Brand Executive Morenike Popoola in Lagos...

Hello Friends!

Leke Alder, the Brand Consultant and Principal of Alder Consulting, the company credited with introducing branding as a discipline to Nigeria, is married. 

“4 years after, Leke Alder moves on“, the author and public speaker recently married Morenike Popoola, a Corporate Brand Manager and Executive in a private wedding ceremony in Lagos. 

Mr Alder has consulted on policy, politics and business at the highest levels at home and abroad. He recently served on the Board of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

Congrats to the couple! 

Photo Credit: Ty Bello

Culled from BellaNaija.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

‘Contract money to be recovered before my removal’...

Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola.

Hello Friends!

The public hearing by Osun State panel of inquiry probing major financial transactions between May 2003 and November 2010 climaxed in Osogbo, on Thursday, with the appearance of Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, and his predecessor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Oyinlola, who appeared in company with his lawyer, Chief Kunle Kalejaiye (SAN), said he served the state for seven and a half years selflessly, admitting however, that there were some slips made by his administration in contract executions.

He admitted that the N1.5bn Free Trade Zone contract was not properly executed, adding that he took responsibility of the failure of the contract.

Oyinlola, who answered questions from the six-member panel, led by a Professor of Criminology, Femi Odekunle, for about two hours, admitted that the FTZ contract was mismanaged.

He maintained that his administration had undertaken moves to retrieve part of the contract sum from the contractors before he was removed as governor by the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, on November 26, 2010.

The contractor that executed the FTZ contract in Ede was Industrial Development Group, which the panel described as “nameless entity in which monies were paid into private accounts without government signatories.”

But Oyinlola said, “I discovered the IDG case and by the time I was addressing the issue, I was sent out of government.”

Defending the collection of N18.38bn loan less than one year to the end of his tenure, Oyinlola said his administration decided to obtain the loan in order to execute projects in the interest of the masses.

Alleging that Oyinlola had a history of non-performance in government, Aregbesola said Oyinlola failed as the governor.

He said, “When we assumed power, we had to re-negotiate the loan at the 13 per cent interest rate and 36-month repayment period to 10 per cent interest and a year moratorium with 60-month repayment period.”

Oyinlola faulted the immediate past Head of Service, Mr Segun Akinwusi, and the Permanent Secretary, Osun Ministry of Finance, Mr Abiodun Akintaro, who had appeared before the panel to say that they had no input in the decision to take the loan.

Describing the claim as spurious, Oyinlola said Akinwusi took the minutes of meetings on the decision to take the loan while Akintaro was a member of the committee set up to source for a bank that would grant the loan.

I was pressurised to join ACN – Mimiko...

Hello Friends!

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko on Thursday said his refusal to join the Action Congress of Nigeria after much pressure was the cause of the face-off between him and the party leaders.

Mimiko also alleged that “nothing but expansionist tendency and the desire to annex Ondo State rather than any desire to develop it are the prime reasons why the leadership of the party want to capture the state at all cost”.

He said this while addressing the people of Ile-Oluji, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government in continuation of his campaign tour ahead of the October 20 governorship election.

A statement by the Director, Media and Publicity of his Campaign Organisation, Mr. Kolawole Olabisi, also stated that Mimiko told the people that the desire by the political party “to annex Ondo State was to include it in their flagging empire which they are attempting to build in the South-West”.

Mimiko, however, warned the opposition to forget about “capturing” the state, on October 20.

The governor, according to the statement, was unhappy that the opposition parties had been boasting that they would capture the state.

He said the people of the state were “not animals that could be captured and caged as the opposition parties are posturing”.

He said, “They did not say I have not performed; in fact, they acknowledged that Ondo State is working. But they said I should come and join their party and we told them that the people have not asked us to join any political party as the Labour Party is doing fine.

“They then threatened to make the state ungovernable and capture it if we did not join them. But let me warn that they should remember the fates of the boastful in history; God abhors the boastful.

“They are haughty and want to ride roughshod over our people and add them to their empire. But I can assure them that God will thwart their evil plans and they shall fail.”

Culled from The Punch Nigeria.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Jonathan meets Northern governors

Hello Friends!

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday evening met behind closed door with state governors from the Northern part of the country.

The meeting which started at about 9.30pm was held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja and had Vice President Namadi Sambo in attendance.

Northern governors who attended the meeting included Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Idris Wada (Kogi), Seidu Dakingari (Kebbi), and Babangida Aliyu (Niger).

Others are Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarrawa), Patrick Yakowa (Kaduna), Jona Jang (Plateau), Isa Yuguda, Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe), Kashim Shettima (Borno), (Bauchi) and Gabriel Suswam (Benue). Adamawa, Kwara, Zamfara, Gombe and Katsina State governors were represented by their deputies.

Our correspondent gathered that issues relating to amendment of the Constitution would take a centre stage at the meeting.

Specifically, a source said the meeting would look at the call for the abrogation of the onshore/offshore dichotomy being spearheaded by the northern governors.

Issues bordering on the agitation for state police was also said to be on the meeting’s agenda.

Apart from the constitution ammendment, another source said the President might use the meeting to test the water ahead of the 2015 presidential election. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Chief of Staff to the President, Mike Oghiadomhe; and Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak, also attended the meeting.

Culled from The Punch Nigeria.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

'Furious' Kate and William may sue French magazine over publication of topless photographs taken on private estate...

Hello Friends!

A 'furious' Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are considering legal action against a French magazine that has published pictures of Kate topless.

A spokesman for the couple told Mail Online today: 'Their sadness has turned to anger and disbelief as we have learnt more about the photographs. We believe a red line has been crossed and we are consulting the French lawyers to see what, if any, action can be taken.'

Sources said the Duchess and her husband were 'hurt, shocked, furious and disgusted'.

Kate and her husband, Prince William, were informed over breakfast of the scandal shortly before they departed to visit a mosque in Kuala Lumpur and have seen copies of the pixellated photographs.

The pictures were teased on the French version of Closer magazine's website billed as 'World Exclusive; Kate and William in Provence: Oh My God!'

St James's Palace was bracing itself after Closer trailed its 'exclusive' on its website with the words: 'World Exclusive; Kate and William in Provence: Oh My God!'

It is all the more sensational because France has some of the strictest privacy laws in the world, yet one of the country's own magazines has decided to publish pictures, if genuine, clearly taken in private with a long lens.

Closer is not run by the same company as the British title, it is run by Italian business Mondadori, owned by former president Silvio Berlusconi's holding company Fininvest.

The magazine's website also showed an image of the front cover which pictured the Duchess in a bikini apparently about to remove her top.

A senior royal source told MailOnline: 'The Duke and the Duchess were told at breakfast and are obviously saddened and disappointed if they are genuine as they believe they have a right to privacy - particularly on holiday.'

Specifically alluding to the death of Princess Diana, William's mother, who was killed in a Paris car crash in 1997 as she was chased by paparazzi, the source said: 'This incident turns the clock back 15 years.'

Tour: Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, today arrives at a Kuala Lumpur mosque and then covers her head before entering.

Respectful: Prince William and his wife Kate take their shoes off.

Movie protests: Tension mounts in Kaduna, Jos...

Hello Friends!

There was tension in many cities in the North on Thursday as security agents made efforts to prevent outbreak of protests over an amateur film said to be offensive to Muslims.

In Jos, Plateau State; Kaduna in Kaduna State and Kano, Kano State, security operatives intensified patrols, especially at flash points in the cities.

The PUNCH learnt on Thursday that fundamentalists in the North had been holding meetings to kick against the film which on Tuesday caused riots in Benghazi, Libya; and Egypt.

The United States Ambassador to Libya, Chris Steven, and three other American diplomats were killed on Tuesday by gunmen who attacked the US consulate in Benghazi.

But less than 24 hours after the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, put the Police on the alert nationwide, the US advised its citizens in Nigeria not to take the threat of attacks by extremists lightly.

“Extremists may attempt to target US citizens and other Westerners in Nigeria. The US Mission in Nigeria strongly urges US citizens in Nigeria to consider their personal security and to keep personal safety in the forefront of their planning,” the embassy warned in a statement on Thursday.

The statement on the Embassy’s website added, “The US Mission reminds citizens of the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against US citizens and interests overseas.

“Violent and deadly demonstrations and attacks occurred in Cairo, Egypt, and Benghazi, Libya, in the past 24 hours, including a lethal attack against the US Consulate in Benghazi

“Last week, extremists attacked cellular telephone towers in Northern Nigeria, damaging over 30 towers and degrading cellular telephone and internet communications nationwide.

“Additional attacks could further weaken the ability of citizens to communicate through cellular telephones and the internet.

So shameless: Mother stands by the thug who raped law student after she was thrown off bus for the want of 20p...

Deluded: Joseph Moran's mother Sarah pleads his innocence outside Nottingham Crown Court.

Hello Friends!

Her son beat up and raped a law student who had been thrown off the last bus home for being 20p short of a £5 fare.
But Sarah Moran showed no more shame or remorse than her child Joseph did as he was jailed indefinitely yesterday for the 'brutal and horrific' attack.

She protested outside court in a jumper bearing the 19-year-old thug's face under the word 'innocent' and carrying makeshift signs. She insisted he had been falsely convicted.
Mrs Moran, who arrived at Nottingham Crown Court with her son's girlfriend and several family members and friends, said his DNA was found at the scene only because he had cut his arm. 

He had simply stumbled across the girl in Nottingham city centre at 3.30am one night last December and had gone to her aid, she maintained.

Jailed: Joseph Moran, 19, of Sneinton, Nottingham, claimed he had stumbled across the 23-year-old victim and helped her last December

The judge branded her son a 'pathological liar' for sticking to the story throughout the case.
In fact, Moran had pounced on the young woman after she was left stranded in the dark.

In a chilling example of Britain at its most heartless, the 23-year-old had not been allowed to stay on the last bus home because she was 20p short of the fare. Disturbing CCTV footage showed her pleading with the driver for eight minutes, while his passengers simply watched.

The girl had to call her mother to ask her to pick her up and began walking in the direction she would be approaching from. But, after travelling less than a mile, she was pounced on by Moran, who, drunk and high on cannabis, dragged her into a park and subjected her to a 25-minute attack.
After being found guilty of rape and wounding with intent, Moran was handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public.

Picking his fingers and nonchalantly stretching his arms in the dock, he was told he must serve a minimum of six-and-a-half years before he will be considered for release.

He will be freed only if he is no longer seen as a danger to society.

Thrown off: The bus stop outside Boots, Nottingham, where the woman was not allowed to board.

Scene of horror: The Forest Recreation Ground where victim was raped after being thrown off bus.

Hearing: Moran was ordered at Nottingham Crown Court to serve more than six years in jail (file picture).

Judge James Sampson said Moran had carried out a 'brutal and horrific' attack and had not shown 'an ounce of remorse or shame' for what he had done.

He said his victim was 'intelligent, hard-working, brave, full of the optimism of youth, and delightful', adding that she 'for the want of a small act of kindness was left isolated and vulnerable in the small hours'.

'People should stop staring and start learning': World's ‘ugliest woman’ gives courageous interview...

Battle: Lizzie Velasquez says she has had to face being stared at and bullied because of her unusual looks.

Hello Friends!

She has been ridiculed, stared at in the street and called 'the world's ugliest woman' by insensitive cyber bullies.

But, after years of misery and self doubt, Lizzie Velasquez says she can finally shrug off the hurtful comments about her looks as 'just words'.

Miss Velasquez, from Austin, Texas, was born without adipose tissue - meaning she has no body fat and, despite eating up to 60 small meals a day, remains at a delicate 4.4stone (58lbs).

The rare condition still baffles doctors and is thought to affect just two other people worldwide. 

Miss Velazquez has now written a second book about her struggle to be accepted and hopes it will help others in a similar position.

In Be Beautiful, Be You the 23-year-old college senior shares advice on being unique, how to make and keep good friends and how to deal with bullying and negativity.

Speaking to Dr Drew Pinsky on Tuesday night about her experiences, Miss Velasquez said when cyber bullies first started attacking her online it was hard.

Rare: Miss Velasquez was born without any adipose tissue, meaning she has no body fat and, despite eating up to 60 small meals a day, remains at a delicate 4.4stone (58lbs).

She told Dr Drew: 'I'm human... of course these things are going to hurt... (but) I'm not going to let those things define me.'

Eventually Miss Velasquez realised the people issuing the hurtful comments online were just cowards hiding behind a computer screen. 

'At the end of the day, these are just words,' Miss Velasquez told Dr Drew. 'If they are so proud, then they should show their face.'

When asked how she deals with being constantly stared at in the street Miss Velasquez said: 'I'm starting to want to go up to these people and introduce myself or give them my card and say, "Hi, I'm Lizzie - maybe you should stop staring and start learning".'

Dinner: Miss Velasquez says she has to eat high calorie food every 15-20 minutes to keep her energy level high.

Davido, Wizkid At Loggerheads, May Take Fight To Streets Like Pasuma, Osupa Saheed...

Hello Friends!

Disturbing news exclusively reported by NET about two young singers, Davido and Wizkid may get dirty if it is not quickly dealt with by icons in the industry. 

According to what NET reported, all seem not to be well between the two former close pals. At the September 2, 2012 NEA awards held in New York, USA, Davido reportedly walked out on Wizkid when the latter mounted the stage to perform at the event. 

Sources then revealed to us that Davido stood outside doing nothing but may have intentionally walked out because he didn't want to see his 'rival' perform while he would be watching. 

Report says that the strain in the relationship between Davido and Wizkid may have started when news went round that Davido was signed on D'Banj's record label. This, as it was reported, caused his relationship with Wande Coal to hit the rocks as Wande' boss, Don Jazzy was no longer in good terms with D'Banj after their reported split early this year.

Both Wizkid and Davido were reported to be learning the ropes from Wande Coal, who they took as mentors, until Don Jazzy, as reported, ordered Wande Coal to cut off his relationship with Davido after the latter decided pitched tent with the Kokomaster, D'Banj. 

It was even reported that Davido had initially planned to feature Wande Coal and Wizkid in two different songs of his but both stylishly shunned him. First, Wande Coal was reported to have told the 'omo baba olowo' to pay 1.5million Naira to have him on his song. Davido was reported to have wanted to go ahead to provide the cash, but his manager, Asa Asika stopped him. 

Secondly, Wizkid was reported to have told Davido that his beat, which he reportedly made for the collabo to featured Wizkid on, was below standard. This, as reported, angered Davido and the battle line was drawn from that moment. 

Wizkid was said to have declined doing any duet with Davido because of Wande Coal, who was reported, may have told Wizkid to do so. 

The seven-year-old boy trapped in a silent world... until his cat Jessi taught him to speak...

Firm friends: Lorcan Dillon with his cat Jessi who taught him to speak.

Hello Friends!

When Lorcan Dillon uttered the words ‘I love you’, for the first time, his mother Jayne was understandably elated.  ‘I was so moved, but I had to hold myself in check,’ she says. ‘No matter how excited I felt, I didn’t want him to realise just how important it was for me to hear those precious words.’

But this seven-year-old boy’s first declaration of love wasn’t directed at his devoted mother. Instead, it was aimed at the family cat — a loveable ball of fluff named Jessi-Cat. 

Lorcan, at the time, was a lonely little boy trapped in world of silence by a condition called selective mutism, which left him unable to talk or express emotion.

But, after forging an extraordinary bond with his two-year-old cream Birman, this slight, sandy-haired child has spoken for the first time.

This inspiring story meant the pair won first prize at the Cat’s Protection Awards at London’s Savoy hotel last month. And a moving video of the pair playing together made by the charity had more than 115,000 views on YouTube. 

And Jessi-Cat is loving every minute of her fame. Former midwife Jayne, 44, says: ‘Most cats would run and hide around strangers. But even when the TV crews were here, Jessi-Cat adored the attention. 

Wordsworth: Jessi cat has opened a new world to Lorcan Dillon, who suffers from selective mutism and is pictured here with his mother Jayne.

‘She seemed to understand her role was to stay by Lorcan’s side. When he played with his model soldiers, she even put out a paw and pushed one over for the cameras.

‘This cat has an extraordinary sense of duty. She cannot bear not knowing what Lorcan is doing, and if she hears him laugh, she’ll come and find out what’s going on.

‘The other day, I found Lorcan reading to her. Her paw was resting on his hand, while her blue eyes were just gazing into his face in adoration.

‘Every night, she sleeps beside his bed and when he comes home from school, he runs to scoop her up and hug her,’ says Jayne.

‘This cat is the only living thing that Lorcan can talk to without hesitation. She is not there to judge him — she is just there to listen.’

Lorcan was born in September 2004. Jayne, from Manchester and husband David, 48, a GP, already had a four-year-old son, Luke. 

Lorcan was a healthy baby who cried lustily but, as a toddler, he would fall silent if other people entered the house.

Jayne says: ‘When Lorcan was three, his grandma came to babysit with another little cousin. Lorcan didn’t say a word to them all day.

‘I can also recall going into a shop, and Lorcan skipping in happily. Then, the shopkeeper said hello to him, and he hid under the counter. At home, he chatted away happily, so I assumed it was shyness.’

Pony birth claim triggers controversy

Hello Friends!

Controversy has continued to trail the alleged delivery of a strange creature that looked like a pony during prayer session in a Beni-based church on Tuesday, as it became a case between science and fiction.

While the General Overseer of World Liberation Ministry where the incident occurred, Evangelist Silva Wealth Iyamu and some members of his church, Wednesday insisted that the woman actually gave birth to the animal, the Medical Director of Central Hospital, Benin City who is a Consultant Gynaecologist , Dr. Jerry Uwaifo said it was not medically possible for a woman to deliver an animal. The church insisted that the incident was real, adding that there was always genetic basis for giving birth.

“A woman can give birth to a deformed child but not an animal. How come they didn’t bring her to a reputable hospital so that it can be verified?, said the doctor.

“God does not perform a miracle in that way. He will not allow a woman to deliver a horse. God will not allow that,” the evangelist retorted.

He said medical personnel cannot do an independent investigation unless they were invited with the consent of the husband.

The Cleric who disclosed that the identity of the woman remained unknown as he said the woman was not a regular member of his church and that she was invited just like any other person for his Tuesday’s prayers and prophetic services, stated that when he called the case of a woman with an issue of pregnancy that comes and go, the woman came from the back and knelt down begging him to pray for her.

He said that they were not expecting anything but that during the prayers, they saw blood but he was later called to be told of what came out.

“I don’t know how I felt. I have been seeing things but this is extra-ordinary. The whole church shouted. She collapsed and we prayed for her to revive her. She was still losing strength. She later told me she wants to go and see her nurse.”

The middle-aged Pastor informed journalists at his church premises that he started his ministry in 2006 and has been blessed with prophetic gifts since his secondary school days.

On allegations that the incident was staged to attract more members, Silva challenged anyone in doubt to come with requests.

Why Jonathan returned ahead of schedule –Presidency

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.

Hello Friends!

The Presidency on Wednesday explained that President Goodluck Jonathan returned to Nigeria from his two-nation visit to Malawi and Botswana on Tuesday, a day ahead of his scheduled return, because he accomplished his missions earlier than expected.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said this in an interview with our correspondent.

Abati had in a statement on Saturday said the President would return to Abuja on Wednesday after his visits to the two countries.

But the President returned on Tuesday evening fueling speculation over the state of health of his wife, Patience, who is believed to be undergoing treatment in a German hospital.

But the presidential spokesman said there was no hard and fast rule about the duration of working visits such as the one Jonathan embarked upon.

He insisted that the President left Botswana after he had exhausted all the agenda on the second leg of the trip, having earlier visited Malawi.

He said, “There is no hard and fast rule about the duration of working visits. It is determined by what the two leaders decide when they meet. There is no rule that it must run its course.

“When we got to Botswana on Tuesday, President Jonathan had a tete-a-tete with the Botswana leader. They also had a bilateral meeting which bothered on mining, agriculture, trade and investment, arts and culture as well as the need to revive the Nigeria-Botswana Bilateral Commission.

NYSC inspectors extort money from corps members – DG

Hello Friends!

Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig.Gen. Nnamdi Okore-Affia, has alleged that some of the inspectors of the scheme extort money from corps members.

Okore-Affia blamed the development for acts of indiscipline among corps members.

The NYSC chief stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Inspectors Development Programme organised for inspectors in the South at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Sagamu, Ogun State on Wednesday.

Okore-Affia, who was represented at the event by the Director, Corps Welfare and Inspection, Mr. Emmanuel Obi, also said many of the inspectors had performed poorly.

He said, “As field officers who constitute the engine room of the operations of the scheme in the states, you are expected to be above board and act as role models and dependable mentors to the corps members. It is however regrettable that the attitude of many of you leave so much to be desired. “Reports from the recent nationwide inspection and corps members’ forum indicated that some of you engage in acts capable of bringing the scheme into disrepute.

“Unwholesome practices such as delegating your responsibilities to corps members, non-residence in the communities where your workplaces are located, thereby leading to irregular attendance and poor supervision of corps members not only detract from the noble objectives of the scheme but negatively affect her corporate image.”

LASAMBUS driver dies after police brutality

Hello Friends!

A driver of the Lagos State Ambulance Service, Jimoh Fasasi, has reportedly died after he was allegedly brutalized by some policemen from the Surulere Police Station at Barracks Bus Stop, Lagos. Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that Fasasi was on his motorcycle when he was arrested at the bus stop by the policemen around 6pm on Tuesday for plying the bridge.

It was learnt that after a while, an argument ensued between the two parties. One of the eyewitnesses alleged that one of the policemen hit the driver with the butt of his gun.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Fasasi, 56, was heading to his Mushin home when the incident happened.

An eyewitness, who did not give his name because of the sensitivity of the case said, “The man was wearing a LASAMBUS uniform and I think he also showed them his identity card too. They still did not let him go. I did not think the altercation was serious when I heard them arguing.

“I was working on my motorcycle when I noticed the man fall to the ground. Those who saw what happened said one of the policemen hit him on the head with the butt of a gun and he fell down.”

Some other eyewitnesses said the policemen wanted the driver to bribe them but the deceased chose to call someone for help, adding that this infuriated the policemen.

When our correspondent visited the LASAMBUS office at the General Hospital, Lagos Island, on Wednesday, Fasasi’s colleagues were in sombre mood.

The highest ranking official in the office, who did not give his name, said he had yet to brief his superiors and could not comment on the incident.

An official said, “We were already on our way, because we thought that the fact that he was wearing his uniform should be enough for the policemen to let him go.

“Not long after that, we got a call from someone, who used his (Fasasi’s) phone. The caller was shouting that we should hurry, that he fell down after he was hit with a gun and that he was foaming. By the time we got there, he was dead.”

Lagos robberies: Shot baby needs N500,000 for treatment

Hello Friends!

Taiwo Lawal, a one-year-old baby, who was shot in the head by armed robbers in the Gbagada area of Lagos State on Sunday needs N500, 000 for treatment.

Taiwo, along with many others were shot by the robbers who robbed victims in various parts of the state with impunity.

Taiwo’s father, Wasiu Lawal, told our correspondent that the toddler was hit by a stray bullet during the robbery.

He said, “On Sunday afternoon, Taiwo and my neighbours’ children were playing in the compound when the robbers began shooting.

“Taiwo is still toddling. The other children immediately ran into their houses but Taiwo was hit in the head by a stray bullet.”

Eyewitnesses said Taiwo was hit by the robbers’ bullets when they opened fire on a policeman, Emmanuel, and another victim, Sikiru Abiodun, who later died on Monday during a surgery to remove the bullets in his body.

A vulcanizer, who craved anonymity said, “I don’t know the exact number of robbers that invaded our neighbourhood that day but they came in a Nissan Armada Sports Utility Vehicle.

“The robbers were said to have snatched the car from someone at Ogudu. The robbers forcibly took the vehicle’s owner with them in case the car had a security device.

“One of the robbers was a woman while the men were dressed in native attire. The robbers opened fire on the policeman and shot indiscriminately. It was in the process that Taiwo was shot.”

Our correspondent learnt that Taiwo and other victims were immediately rushed to Gbagada General Hospital but Taiwo was immediately placed on oxygen and drip.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Taiwo was subsequently transferred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba because of the severity of his injury.

'Her body is covered in sores and her teeth are rotting': The former America's Next Top Model contestant battling a meth addiction...

Before and after: Jael Strauss, a former contestant on America's Next Top Model (left) has spent six years struggling with drug addiction since she left the show (right).

Hello Friends!

Jael Strauss, a former contestant on America's Next Top Model, has spent six years struggling with a drug addiction which has ravaged her once striking looks, leaving her desperate and homeless.

At 22, Ms Strauss was an aspiring model and a finalist in cycle eight of the Tyra Banks hosted show, But now, the 28-year-old's family says she is close to losing her battle with methamphetamine. 

In what they say was a last ditch effort to reach out to their daughter, the family enlisted the help of Dr Phil. However on the episode, which airs on September 13, 'the full blown meth addict' resists all help.

With Ms Strauss living on the streets, Dr. Phil her brother, Brandon, and mother, Debbie, go to her hometown with the hope of finding her. Reluctantly, she agrees to travel to Los Angeles to see Dr. Phil.

However, after she is seen physically resisting being placed on the Dr Phil stage, she then runs away, out onto the Paramount lot.

Dr. Phil follows her, and makes a point of noting: 'This is the first time in ten years I've come out here, [and it's] to talk to you.'

America's Next top Model: At 22, Ms Stauss was an aspiring model and a finalist in cycle eight of the Tyra Banks hosted show.

Ms Strauss, who called herself 'well-rounded' while on the show, also had her fair share of struggles prior to her appearance on Dr Phil.

A few episodes into the 2007 America's next Top Model season, she had to deal with a friend's death from an overdose.

While she decided to remain on the show, saying in an interview, 'There was never, never a question in my mind to leave the competition. My friend is gone and I am still here living life to the fullest,' she chose to dedicate her picture that week to her dead friend.

Ravaged: Jael Strauss refused to appear onstage beside Dr Phil as she was so ashamed of her behaviour.

Ashamed: Jael Strauss found it a struggle to appear on the US show but told Dr Phil she was a 'well rounded person'.

Broken: Jael Strauss' close friend killed themselves during series 8 of the show which her family claimed left her vulnerable.

Then, that same year, she sued over the release of erotic photos taken of when she was 16.

Her family adds that while experiencing her friend's overdose 'really shook her', she herself could not keep away from drugs.

A habit they say has taken its toll both mentally and physically, including rotting her teeth and leaving her body covered in sores.

Devastated: Jael's behaviour has broken her family, including mother Debbie.

Every chance: Jael Strauss placed sixth in Cycle 8 of America's Next Top Model (far left, middle).

Intervention: In what they say was a last ditch effort to reach out to their daughter, Ms Strauss' family enlisted the help of Dr Phil.

Dr Phil: On the episode, which airs on September 13, 'the full blown meth addict' resists all help from Dr Phil.

See Video Link Below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbhEm0x7SYM&feature=player_embedded#t=0s

Culled from The Daily Mail UK.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...