Delta State Through My Eyes: Actress Stella Damacus

This is a good move by Nollywood actress Stella Damacus because not every celebrity has thought of doing a documentary on their home state, and not many people know Delta State so well, there have been negative and positive story from the state, so the actress has made a new TV documentary which is starring herself, Stella Damasus and the series is set to air in TV stations across Nigeria soon.

The documentary series titled Delta State Through My Eyes is aimed at showing the world what Delta State, Nigeria is made of.

According to the Asaba born actress, when people talk about the Niger Delta in Nigeria, the images and impressions created are not the prettiest.

Stella Damasus said this is why she has made up her mind to do a documentary series to show people the real Delta state. The show will also features veteran Nollywood actor turned politician, Richard Mofe Damijo, RMD and the Governor of Delta state, Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Though The mother of two is yet to announce the TV channel that will be airing the documentary.

Watch the preview of the show below

Duncan Williams Preaches Mandela Instead of Christ

It is sad to see in this day and age that there are many pastors who no longer want to mirror Christ, but they rather mirror their own celebrity idols. Recently, the Archbishop of Action Faith Ministries, Nicholas Duncan Williams was quoted saying that he wants to live and die like Nelson Mandela. Did Mandela ever confess to being a Christian? He wasn't buried as one, he was buried as a Xhosa chief. 

At the Service, which was attended by Former President Rawlings and President Johna Mahama, Duncan said, “I want to be like him when I am old and gray-haired; that is the way I want to go, it’s a good way to go. I must say God will grant me my desire”.

Why should any pastor want to be like a man who never committed his life to Jesus Christ?

In more heresy, Duncan Williams told his congregation that the late South African president showed the world how to forgive and reconcile and all should learn from the forgiving spirit of Mandela. 

What about the forgiving Spirit of Jesus Christ who reconciled the word?

In 1 Corinthians 11:1 of the Bible the Apostle Paul wrote “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” If the pastor at your church is imitating Nelson Mandela who are you suppose to imitate?

Iyabo Ojo Has Droped Her Ex Husband’s Name; Changes To Maiden Name ‘Ogunro’

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo was 21, when she married a Lagos-based movie marketer who introduced her to Nollywood. After 2 kids with marriage issue, she left him, among other controversies, In 2013, Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo was rumoured to be dating fellow actor Muka Ray.

Unlike her colleague in the Nollywood movie industry, Fathia Balogun who insisted on using her ex-hubby’s name, movie producer and Fespris CEO, Iyabo Ojo recently told fans she will be changing her last name soon.

The actress who dumped her ex-husband and the father of her 2 children a while back said she is ready to move on.

On Wednesday, the 22nd of January, 2014, Iyabo Ojo told fans she will also be changing her movie production company from Iyabo Ojo Films Production to Fespris Production.

‘Attention! Attention!! Attention!!! To all my fans and love ones, I will not be using IYABO OJO FILMS PRODUCTION as my movie production name! FESPRIS Production is my new movie production name from henceforth as I will be dropping d name ‘ojo’ soon :x;). From d stable of Fespris production… Comes 2 outstanding movie TENBELU & SILENCE #sayNo2childabuse’ – Iyabo Ojo said on Facebook

Sean Tizzle Covers Bubbles Magazine Cover Page For January

The year 2013 was a very successful one for fast-rising singer, Sean Tizzle. He enjoyed the spotlights as well as getting big shows to perform at.

His ‘Sho Lee’ single was highly requested for on radio while many danced to the song whenever it was played in clubs and social functions.

For those in the entertainment industry, the publication, Bubbles Magazine will not be new to them. The widely read magazine has profiled top artistes in the country. In its January edition, which is the first for 2014, Sean Tizzle graced the cover.

The young man was celebrated by the magazine and was described as a beacon of hope for millions of youths. 

In the January issue of the paper, Sean Tizzle took the magazine through his journey to stardom. He hinted that one of his forthcoming single is titled ‘The Journey’.

He’s No Pope Francis - T.B. Joshua Turns Gay Man Straight

In the wake of Nigeria’s anti-gay bill signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan, the nation’s popular televangelist, T.B. Joshua addressed the issue of homosexuality during a live broadcast of his Sunday Service on his own television network, Emmanuel TV. A young man by the name of Tedus visited T.B. Joshua’s church and was apparently delivered from a ‘demon’ which he claimed was the cause of his homosexual lifestyle. 

T.B. Joshua addressed the issue saying,

“God loves sinners but hates sin. We should hate the act but not the people - because sinners can be delivered and changed. Sinners can be reformed since our battle is not against the flesh and blood but against the spirit beings that cause these acts”.

He used the Bible scriptures Romans 5:8, Jude 1:23 and Ephesians 6:12 to support his teaching.

During the live broadcast Mr Tedus, who said he had been a homosexual, was asked a series of questions and shared his experiences which were posted on the ministry’s Facebook page in a post titled, “Deliverance is the Answer”. He said that he remembered a time he felt a spirit enter him and after that, he began to feel affection for men. That was how his journey as a homosexual started. He said that after his deliverance at the church his desires have changed and he no longer has passion for men but rather for women.

This all seems to be a more in-depth spiritual approach on the issue of homosexuality then the statements made by Pope Francis in July when he said that he will not "judge" gays and lesbians, including gay priests, signalling a shift from his predecessor and hinting at a possible change in the Church's approach to historically marginalised groups. "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” Francis said in a wide-ranging news conference aboard the papal plane.

T.B. Joshua said, “If we fail to see that there are powers that cause people to be bowed down in bondage, we are fighting the wrong battle. That is why so many churches today are fighting the wrong battle. When you are armed for battle, you will not fight the wrong battle; you will listen to the inner voice of the Holy Spirit. The issue of faith is not an issue of man’s flesh. It is of man’s spirit, not man’s flesh”. .
Mr Tedus later gave advice saying, “If you come across someone with the same problem, you should not condemn. The only answer is deliverance.”

Tope Alabi Gives Free Concert To Fans

Highly celebrated gospel musician, Tope Alabi has decided to throw a free concert for her teeming fans. 

The former god-daughter of the late controversial man of God, Pastor Ireti Ajanuku announced that she will be expecting her followers to be at the show holding on 

Sunday, Febuary, 16, 2014 by 2pm. The event is slated for Blue Roof, LTV 8 Ikeja, Lagos. Other gospel artistes will also entertain the audience. 

The concert is tagged ‘Praise The Almighty,’ which enters its second edition this year.

TOTAL WAR: Homosexual Governors Declare War On President Jonathan

**Faces of Prominent Politicians Who Are Gay

Fresh and authentic news filtering in social circle indicates that a group of powerful politicians, who are prominent in the act of homosexuality, are the force behind the seemingly unpopular agitation against the anti-gay bill, which was recently signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan.

At the forefront of this group is a very powerful oligarchy, which has seen it all in the business circle having been on the board of many viable companies including a bank owned by a very powerful chief from the South West.

Also prominent in this clique is a top politician in the seat of governance in Nigeria, whose voice cannot be ignored as he stands as the most powerful politico from his stock in the present dispensation. 

Two Governors from a very influential geographical area in the country are also neck-deep in this agitation against the Bill, but cannot come out to admit their preference for same sex.

The last personality that cannot be ignored is this slim-built politician, who sources say might be back to reckoning soon in the scheme of things in the country.

Our investigations revealed that the godfather of this powerful league of homosexuals is now the vice-president of a powerful elitist sport that once claimed the life of a top government official many years back.

A source actually revealed that this group operates like a cult; they know themselves and always ensure that their members rise into prominence.

The said leader always dresses like a monarch and goes around in a full paraphernalia of royalty in view of the powerful title he holds in the particular part of the country he hails from, he is in his 70s or early 80s now.

“He is stupendously rich, a traditional title holder and served on the board of a popular bank owned by a powerful chief from another part of the country, you can also trace his fingers on the board of many blue chip companies. The first Governor is slim-built, very handsome and deeply close to the big man in the government circle, he actually owned his rise to this quiet and also good looking politician, who sources said has slept with some of the aides of this Governor and the Governor himself.

“This set of folks is known to take advantage of poverty stricken gang boys, with promises of empowering them financially. It couldn’t have been worse than Sodom and Gomorrah,” a source told us.

The second Governor is said to be neck deep in this gay mess that his exploits once threatened his government and he had to practically go on his belly to appease a group, which threatened to expose his activities about four years ago.

“At a point, the most popular talk on the streets of the state capital is this phrase “the Governor, who goes in pampers,” you know what that means, it is now that he is getting ready to quit office that he is having the effrontery to talk.

“These are high ranking gangs bankrolling the activities of the gay rights group behind the iron curtain, I wish they can be bold enough to show their faces just like their counterparts in the western world,” said our source.

Our investigations revealed that they are aware of the implications and would do or go to any length to cover their tracks.

“They use middlemen, who are close to them to reach out to these gay rights advocates to give them the courage and the financial backing to fight their cause in Nigeria and abroad,” a source told our reporter last week.

The Nigerian anti-gay law bans same-sex marriages, defying a threat from Britain to withhold aid from nations violating gay rights.
The law by Africa's most populous nation calls for a 14-year sentence for anyone convicted of homosexuality. Anyone who aids or "abets" same-sex unions faces 10 years in prison, a provision that could target rights groups.

Homosexuality is illegal in most African countries based on remnants of sodomy laws introduced during the British colonial era and perpetuated by cultural beliefs.

Culled from First Weekly magazine

Good Men Will Treat You With Love And Respect---Actress Stephanie Okereke Linus

As the week starts, it ought to be starting with mediation and new expectations. And Nollywood actress Stephanie Okereke Linus has a message for ladies to mediate on this time , she says “Don’t Be a woman that needs a man Be A woman a man needs”

The Popular and Happily married actress, Stephanie Linus shared some vital tips with single ladies on her blog a while ago. Enjoy….

Hi ladies :

The words in the picture below mean a lot and I think it’s something we should all take seriously

Many times as women, we tend to feel incomplete without a man by our side and would go to great lengths to ensure we don’t remain “single”. I know that feeling.

But it’s also important we do not express our vulnerability or sound too desperate that we forget to build ourselves up as individuals. Sometimes, we give up our lives, our careers, our dreams for the desires of a man and leave our own self worth and fulfillment aside.

I am not trying to undermine the importance of men in our lives. Our husbands, our partners, our relationships are very important and sacrifices can, and should be made sometimes. However, I’d just like to remind us today not to forget who we really are.

I know its hard, especially for women who have reached a certain age, to feel incomplete without a man in their lives. But please, do not lose track of your dreams. When you build yourself and you are proud of the person you are, you will naturally attract good men who would be inspired by your success and treat you with love and respect.

I do hope this inspires someone today.

Have a great day! 

BREAKING NEWS… KELLY ROWLAND TO PERFORM AT DAREY’S LOVE LIKE A MOVIE -SEASON 2

After much speculation, multiple award winning American singer and actress Kelly Rowland, has been unveiled as the surprise act performing at the second edition of Darey Art Alade’s critically acclaimed music concert, Love Like a Movie: The Love Roller Coaster!

The popular Grammy Award winning artiste and former member of the best selling female R N' B group of all time, Destiny’s Child, will electrify the stage accompanied by her world famous dancers.

The fashionable songstress, recognized by UK magazine, Glamour, in 2012, as one of the best-dressed women in the world will also be hosting the red carpet/fashion police with Darey and analyzing the style and fashion that will grace the red carpet in this year’s edition of LLAM.

LLAM 2, an exciting fusing of world-class music and breathtaking theatrics promises to surpass the incredible excitement provided in Season 1 with an amazing line up of artistes and performances.

Speaking on why Miss Rowland was selected, Darey Art Alade says “ Kelly is a great performer and we’re delighted to have her on board LLAM Season 2: The Love Roller Coaster! She's an extremely talented artiste, beautiful, sexy, very friendly and humane. She will undoubtedly enjoy her stay in Nigeria and I'm also hoping she will try some pounded yamand efo riro before she leaves!"

“I’m so excited to be a part of this innovative concert! And I’m really looking forward to coming to Nigeria too. I hear LLAM Season 1 was simply magical and I really can't wait to get on stage and give a great show.”

“There’ll be a little bit of everything and much more at this year’s edition of Love like A Movie -music, excitement, amazing acrobatics and lots of jaw dropping surprises. This open air event will host aerial artistes flying from cranes and other spectacular displays not forgetting the suspense that promises to hold our guests spellbound right from the first note, Darey assures.”

Other artistes to perform at the second edition of LLAM include D’banj, Tiwa Savage, Seyi Shay, Mo ‘Eazy, Zaina, Timi Dakolo, Waje, Muna, JJC, Eva and others.

The special edition of the LLAM red carpet will be streamed online across the world and will hold on Saturday 15 February at Eko Hotel & Suites Oceanview Grounds.

Last Valentine, super star R N' B maestro Darey Art Alade, redefined the term music showmanship in Nigeria with a first of its kind concert combining the very best of entertainment, music, theatrics and more on one stage. Special guest, international reality show megastar Kim Kardashian co-hosted the red carpet with Darey.

Collette Orji Fetes Mothers, Children In Enugu (Pictures)

There is a Yoruba adage that says ‘a river that forgets its source will surely dry’ probably that was what Nollywood actress, Collette Orji realised that have continued to spur her to give back to the society, which made her what she is today.

On Saturday, January 11, 2014, the delectable make-believe star went to her root in Anambra State to spoil the children and mothers in the community with lots of gifts, foods and drinks. 

Not minding the local government elections that took place that day, Collette attracted her people, who came to partake in her New Year blessing. Shortly after the elections, she started giving the villagers five-star treatments and she received their blessings in return.

To start with, she repainted her late father’s grave with the assistance of her Coco Medicare ushers, who were with her.

At exactly 4pm, the children stormed the venue of the event to catch fun with the movie star. The oldest man in the community, who happens to be from Orji family, opened the event with prayers. 

The children were handed school materials, foods and drinks, while the mothers, apart from getting foods and drinks, went home with wrappers. They were also attended to by the Coco Medicare team.

According to the movie icon, “the experience was beautiful, I felt joy in my heart, I don't even have money, but I felt fulfilled to put smiles on peoples’ faces.”

Explaining the rationale behind the gesture, Collette said, “2013 was an amazing year for me, I didn't even have to do 50 movies, but God chose and screened each job I did last year and I won an award as the Best Upcoming Lead Actress in 2013.

“In the same year, I launched Coco House, Coco Medicare Foundation, signed deals and business arrangements worth more than I've done in five years. I also took business and pleasure trips all around the world. I have every reason to thank God for all these.

“God stood by me and blessed my family with good health. I had every reason to use this little to invest in the lives of kids through education with the support of my foundation. I am happy to start my year this way.

“I wish I can do much more than this, but I am happy, I can't stop. I've learnt that you can always do your part, so yes, I am going to do my part with every opportunity I get.”

Click the link below to go to...

MORE PICTURES

I'm Not Like Naija Celebs who wear Fake, I Have $200k Watches ––Freeze of CoolFM

Cool FM on air personality Freeze has revealed that most celebrities wear fake accessories and are not bold enough to tweet the receipt of these accessories, he also said he has wrist watches worth $200,000. “Not like how many, like how much.I have maybe $200,000 in wristwatches. What I am wearing now is a Rolex Daytona, I got it from Polo for Christmas. It cost about $30,000. Polo is Nigeria’s only authorised dealer, so I bought it from the company and I love it. First thing first, for all the entertainers putting up pictures of their accessories on Instagram, can they please tweet the receipt from an authorised dealer. Trust me, I have seen too many celebs wear fake stuffs. You can tell that they don’t know what they are wearing. Of course, there are a few brand names like D’banj, Don Jazzy, P-Square or Wizkid that would not wear fake. I have seen them wear good watches. But there are some other people who I have seen wear funny looking pieces. There was one particular musician that I saw wearing a Rolex and the gold was fading. Rolex never uses gold plates, they use pure gold. If you see anything gold on a Rolex, it is pure gold. When I saw that, I was disappointed at the musician, especially because of the level of respect I had for the musician. There is no such thing like buying a Rolex with a credit card. You can’t buy a Rolex with a credit card; who are you? Diddy? For you to be able to walk away with a £20,000 watch, you would have a substantial amount of money in that card.”

What Happened between Me and Prophet Ajanaku ––Tope Alabi

The controversy between gospel singer Tope Alabi and her late "Spiritual Father" Pastor Ajanaku is one that a lot of people want to know the truth about. Tope Alabi shares some with The Punch in this chat:

Your husband has been supportive; he is even your manager...

He is no longer my manager. I have a new manager. He is the marketer now. He is my boyfriend and the father of my children. He is the small boy in the house that must eat first even if no other person has eaten.

But most men don’t want their wives to be in the spotlight, how come he supports you like this?

I just thank God for his life. You can imagine, when we go for programmes, I would be given a seat in the front row while my husband would be given a seat at the back. Imagine! I would always tell him to come and sit in front so I can go to the back but he would never agree. He would ask me if he was Tope Alabi. God has been guiding us. How would I have managed without a husband like this?

Another story that generated some kind of controversy is the issue you had with the late Pastor Ajanaku, did you ever make up before he died?

On that issue, I would rather say no comment. When God is working in your life, anything can happen along the line. The Israelites faced turbulence and eventually got out of it. We need people who are spirit-filled to just fold their arms and watch what God will do.

Some people say you are happy he is no more...

God doesn’t like anybody who rejoices over a friend or enemy’s death. I cannot be an enemy of what God created. I can only be an enemy of God’s enemy. If you don’t like God, certainly, I will not like you. But I still say no comment on that issue.

Does it mean you will not tell us what really caused the problem between you two?

No comment. I just want people to say what they want to say. You are free. Your heart is not in my heart. People can speculate. People can feel whatever they want to feel.

But we learnt he anointed another singer as his spiritual child and it got you so upset...

I wasn’t there. I don’t know. So if I wasn’t there, how would I now ‘put mouth’ in something I don’t know about? I can’t say what I don’t know.

But did you feel bad that he replaced you, even if you weren’t there, you must have heard it?

I cannot feel bad. I didn’t feel bad. I can bring somebody today and I decide to bring that person up. Anybody is free to do whatever he/she feels like doing.

We learnt you also stopped attending his church…

Actually, I was never a member of his church but people don’t know this. I am just a woman who loves to help ministries. I go to the church and I give money, not small money. I can work for six months and I take my tithe to him just to bless his ministry. I do that in other ministries. I can minister in churches without collecting money. I know what I have passed through. I know where I am coming from. I want to bless God and thank Him. 

The first day I ministered in his church, he gave me money but I didn’t collect it. I never collected money from him in my life, but I have donated millions to his church and so many other churches. I have so many people living in my house that I don’t even know their parents; and I just help them. I pay their fees. My husband helps the widows, we donate to orphanages. We just want to help.

Waje share her photo with her beautiful daughter

Singer Waje and her 14 year old daughter Emerald looking really cute in this pic...

Tonto Dikeh, AY Comedian In Twitter Fight Over Jokes

Ace Nigerian comedian, AY Makun, who is well known as AY, has been getting into troubles recently. One thing the comedian knows how to do best is to apologize after hitting hard at some celebs with his jokes.

Few days ago, he was in the bad books of ‘bad boy’ actor, Jim Iyke, when he mimicked his controversial deliverance at TB Joshua’s church in Lagos.

Now, the humour merchant has crossed the line with ‘bad girl’ actress, Tonto Dikeh. 

The two public figures got it dirty in the early hours of Sunday after AY insulted the Rivers State born actress.

Tonto, as many would expect, didn’t take it lightly with the Delta State born comedian as he called him a motherfu*ker. “Fu*k you brother,” Tonto further told AY.

Tonto further tweeted that, “comedy is not an act to destroy people, rather an act of happiness and joy. Comedy is not a usual act but a talent. It heals, not hurts.

“No one is coming out to pull off your dirty line, bro, why don't you respect our views?

“Bro, you take the piece, how do you sleep at night? It's not a joke or job anymore, you are one selfish motherfu*ker. Comedy isn’t people's lives.”

Responding, AY wrote, “you just responded to a very positive December 31 tweet about you. We both don't need this publicity. Hugs

“I just called your line now. I have no intention to demean, belittle or deflate your achievements. I am now clear about my boundaries. Love you.

“You don't have to call me a motherfu*ker. Let's not allow our self-protective mechanism to switch to arrogance. You are still my girl.”

Relationship Wisdom - 15 Types Of Relationship: Which One Do You Have?

There is often confusion about the kinds of relationship my clients are in, so let me define them here in this article. Any of these can also be stages you go through in your relationship life.

Truly compatible:

Depending on your definition of the 'perfect relationship' this is it. There is a high degree of mutual understanding and acceptance of who and how you are. You are in love and people around you admire you for your connection.

Imperfect:

Something in your partnership isn't working properly. Either you are challenged by your communication with each other, have a lot of conflict or sexual differences. Couples usually stay together as they are not unhappy as such. This is a pretty normal stage for any relationship to move through.

Unhappy:

In addition to something not being perfect you are also unhappy in your relationship. The reasons to stay may be financial dependency, social expectations or mutual children.

Emotional affair:

You might be sharing personal details or secret with someone without being physically intimate, maybe because you or the other person is already in a committed relationship. Often, one, the other or both fall in love with each other without realizing it.

Sexual affair:

You might be enjoying having sex with someone without emotional attachment or intent to take this to the stage of a relationship. More often an emotional affair is secret when you or the other are in committed relationships already. If it is an openly sexual affair is often referred to as "friend with benefits".

Asexual:

You are no longer interested in having sex with your partner but otherwise more or less enjoy each other's company, friendship or shared parenting responsibilities. This can also be a stage that you go through after childbirth or following a hurtful personal or relational situation.

Temporary:

You are with a partner with whom you have little or no intention to build a future. As much as you are "good for now" you know it will not last forever.

Co-dependent:

This is where you are dependent on your partner and cannot function properly without each other. You might change plans or yourself solely to have more time with your partner. Often, co-dependent couples totally forget their friends around them, more than what is normal in the honeymoon stage.

Independent:

The very opposite of co-dependent is when you are mostly focused on yourself, your career, hobby, social life etc. that you are not prepared to make any compromised for each other. Love and relationship is not a priority and mostly just a convenience.

Controlling/dominating:

One partner has a controlling or dominating role to which the other more or less agrees. Dominating relationship will involve your partner distancing you from your social network and making you feel frustrated, insecure and helpless.

Abusive:

This is where the control or domination has passed the point of healthy relationship by a long shot. Not only when it has become physically abusive, but also with emotional abusive there is only one answer: get help and walk away. Even if you are convinced that it was a one-off incident, it almost never is.

Volatile:

This can also be called the "love-hate relationship" and can lead to not just verbal but physical violence in conflict resolution. As couples you might be head over heels in love one day and at your throats the next. This seesaw of emotional outburst sooner or later needs to be addressed otherwise you will destroy your partnership.

Toxic:

There can be any of many reasons your relationship has become toxic. Here are some possible interactions that are signs: blaming your partner, dropping hints, being passive-aggressive, competing with each other, or emotional blackmail threatening the commitment to the relationship.

Open:

Both partners agree to be emotionally committed but leave each other the freedom to have sex with other people with each other's consent. This agreement needs to be reassessed regularly to avoid jealousy or other frustrations in the relationship.

Long distance:

Even though you are emotionally connected, maybe Skype twice a day, the fact is that you physically live on two different continents (or cities) and therefore only share limited physical intimacy. This kind of relationship can work for certain types and not for others.

There are other types or stages or relationship to add here, but these are the main ones I often refer to. Please add any others in the comment section.

N8 TRILLION oil money in private pockets — Amaechi

THE Rivers State Governor and Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi has said the $49.8bn (N8tn) missing from the Excess Crude Account was in private pockets.

Amaechi also called on the people of Ogoni to fast and pray for God’s intervention so that the Federal Government would release $1bn for the clean-up of the polluted Ogoniland as recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme.

The governor, who spoke at the rescheduled Save Rivers Movement rally in Bori, Khana Local Government Area on Saturday, said the Federal Government should tell Nigerians where it kept the money if it (FG) insisted that the money was not missing.

He said, “They (FG) said no $49.8 bn is missing. If they say $49.8bn is not missing, let them tell us where the money is, let them publish; it is in their pockets.”

Amaechi, who commented on the security provided by the police at the venue of the rally, explained that the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Muhammed Abubakar, made it possible.

“The security you see here is provided by the Inspector-General of Police. I called him and told him I was going to Khana and he graciously agreed to provide us with security. I thank him very much for his sincerity,” he added.

The governor decried calls from some quarters on him not to attend the rescheduled Save Rivers Movement rally in Khana, arguing that as the state governor, he was in charge of every local government area and that those that advised not to attend the rally were ignorant.

He said, “This morning, several persons called me and said ‘don’t go;’ I said ‘okay, give me a reason why I shouldn’t go;’ to send over 2,000 to 3,000 people to Bori for them to be shot and I won’t be there to be shot; will that be fair? If they are going to shoot you, they should shoot me first.

“I want to start by thanking the Inspector-General of Police; I had to call him and I told the IGP that I am going to Khana. I thank him for sending security and I reassured him that Rivers people are peace-loving people.”

FG yet to prosecute 500 Boko Haram suspects

The Federal Government is in a dilemma over the planned trial of 500 Boko Haram suspects who have been kept in military detention facilities since they were arrested in the three north-eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. The states are under emergency rule.

The suspects were arrested in Maiduguri, Yola and Damaturu between July and September, 2013.

They were part of the 1,400 detainees screened by the Joint Investigation Team set up by the Defence Headquarters, Abuja and are awaiting trial for offences ranging from terrorism, armed robbery, and murder to drug-related issues.

Their prosecution was expected to hold in Abuja and some other states.

However, investigations showed that since the military announced that it had concluded arrangements for the trial of 500 of the terror suspects, the relevant government agencies had not taken the expected steps to commence their prosecution.

A highly placed security source told our correspondent that the military was still holding the 500 terror suspects because it was awaiting directives from the relevant quarters to effect the recommendation.

The source explained that the military was left with no option but to keep the 500 terror suspects in military detention facilities.

The source who pleaded anonymity said, “There is no prison in the North-East that can hold these high-profile suspects.

“I can also tell you that there is no police facility that can be trusted with holding this class of detainees; that explains why the military cannot release them to these agencies.”

It was further gathered that the planned trial of the suspects was also being stalled by the increasing reluctance of judges and even lawyers in the North to take on Boko Haram-related cases.

In addition, it was learnt that prosecution witnesses are also afraid of coming to testify against the suspects for fear of being killed by the Islamic sect.

The members of the sect had made several attempts to infiltrate the detention facilities and free the terror suspects and these led to some attacks on military bases in Damaturu in Yobe State and Barma and Maiduguri in Borno State.

Among those recommended for trial are some paramilitary and service personnel who were fighting on the side of the terrorists and other individuals who offered direct logistic support to the terrorists, including a medical doctor working with the World Health Organisation.

The Director of Defence Information, General Chris Olukolade, had last month said that the JIT recommended the release of 167 of the detainees from detention in Maiduguri, Yola and Damaturu.

About 614 others whose cases were inconclusive were recommended for review.

He said, “The Joint Investigation Team set up by the Defence Headquarters has recommended the immediate trial of over 500 persons apprehended in the course of security operations against terrorists in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states.

“Those recommended for immediate trial include high-profile suspects, some of whom were training other terrorists in handling weapons, as well as those who confessed to having been trained in Mali and other countries for the purpose of perpetrating terror in Nigeria.

“Also among those recommended for trial are a medical doctor, paramilitary or service personnel who were fighting on the side of the terrorists and other individuals who offered direct logistic support to the terrorists.”

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Ambrose Momoh, said he had no information on the planned prosecution of the terror suspects.

He added that it was only the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, that could comment on it.

But, the Attorney-General of the Federation could not be reached for comments.

A man who identified himself as the Personal Assistant to the Minister, and gave his name as Adams, answered the call to the minister’s line and said his boss was in a meeting.

He promised that he would return the call as soon as he relayed the inquiry to the minster after the meeting. His response did not get to our correspondents as of the time of filing this report.

Pastor Ashimolowo Celebrates 40 years in ministry

This January, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo celebrates his 40th year in ministry, but the exciting journey began long before that, in a house in Chindt, Nigeria army barracks, in Zaria, in Northern Nigeria, with surprises.

Originally, he wasn’t born a Christian. Born at 9 am on Monday, 17th March, 1952, the child was named Ahmed Abiodun Ashimolowo, according to the Islamic faith of his father.

One day in 1972, something happened which was to change the course of his life forever. Ahmed was at home and had been drinking heavily without a care in the world. He spotted a piece of paper close to him and picked it up and read it. It was a tract, and despite the haze of alcohol, the message of the Gospel of Christ got through to his heart and he repeated the sinners’ prayer, without realising the impact it was going to have on his life and the lives of millions of people who would be influenced by his decision in the future.

Ahmed was now a born-again Christian. The angels were having a party up in heaven. Destiny had spoken.

Ahmed had become a Christian. Just like his father, who, in the past, had opted for a different life from the rest of his family, the young man had turned his back on the faith he had known and embraced the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. He was now Matthew Abiodun Ashimolowo and a new future lay in front of him.

In mid 1973, a relative of his,`Mama Aladiye’, invited him to the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), situated at Oke-Anu, Akarabata, Modakeke, Ile-Ife, a thriving university town in Western Nigeria. It was there that he met a man who was going to be instrumental in impacting his destiny.

A man who he still credits as being his pastor, mentor and father in the Lord –Pastor Oyebanji –under whom he served as a church sexton. Matthew was baptised by water immersion soon afterwards, followed by the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. It did not take long for Pastor Oyebanji to see that this young man had the calling of God on his life.

It was around this time that an evangelist called Matthew Adediran, who had noted the strong call of God on Pastor Matthew’s life, spoke to Pastor Oyebanji about the young man accompanying him on ministrations. He also advised Pastor Oyebanji that Pastor Matthew’s gifts and calling could be enhanced if he went to Bible school.

Bible school days were days that required stamina and discipline. Although he learnt to feed himself on the Word, getting physical sustenance wasn’t always possible due to the constraint of funds.

It was during these days that his principal, Mr. Mitchell Belobaba, recognised the gift in him and realised that his favourite subject was Hermeneutics – the study of the interpretation of The Bible. Life in Bible school was very regimented. Marks could be deducted for lateness, failure to submit assignments on time, untidiness and failure to attend early morning prayers. This approach embedded a disciplined approach that continues to permeate every area of Pastor Matthew’s life.

After graduating from Bible school, he was assigned to the Foursquare Church in the busy suburbs of Shomolu in Lagos, which was pastored by Rev. Olu Osibanjo, who was later to become his father-in-law.

Those who remember Pastor Matthew back in those days say that he looked much younger than his age, but was a teacher and pastor whose ministration was unusual and different. He joined the choir, as he loved to sing and learnt to play the guitar. He was also responsible for working with and counselling the youth. He regularly ministered in the Scripture Union (SU) in university campuses and was quite popular among the undergraduates. This was preparing him for the future work he would do with young people and singles in the body of Christ.

One day, he was talking to an elder in the church about marriage, who advised him that, instead of expecting to marry someone who was active in the ministry, God could be leading him to someone to nurture and mentor for ministry. It was at that time that the revelation came to him in a flash, that Yemisi Osibanjo, his pastor’s daughter, was the woman who was going to be his partner for life. With the revelation at the forefront of his mind, he attended an all-night prayer meeting and proposed to her there.

After an exemplary courtship, which was to serve as an example to the many singles he was to mentor and teach later on in life, Matthew and Yemisi adhered to the highest moral conduct and were married on 29th August, 1981.

After more than 30 years of marriage, the love they both share is going strong and the joy and pride in their two sons, Tobi and Tomi, who are both graduates, is evident for all to see.

In 1984, Pastor Matthew and his family came over to England as part of the Foursquare denomination as a missionary, to establish a branch in London. When you look back at his life, even from the day he was born, which happened to coincide with the day Christianity was introduced to Ireland, parallels can be drawn with the way God sent him from Africa as a missionary to the United Kingdom, to touch destinies and bring the fresh Word of God to a society where Christianity had been relegated to cold grey buildings, men in long robes and Songs of Praise on the BBC.

The Foursquare Church, part of a family of international Pentecostal churches, had grounded him in the core principles of Christianity on which his faith in God rests. Its main tenets, being the principles of Jesus the Saviour, Healer, Baptiser with the Holy Spirit and soon coming King, helped Pastor Matthew as his desire to grow and establish his faith deepened. He started the ministry in a building on Balls Pond Road but left soon after when he realised that it was owned by freemasons. The ministry moved to St John’s church and quickly grew then moved to an Elim church building on Regina road in Finsbury Park.

More expansion followed and the ministry started holding large conferences, things that had only been done in the States. The first conference was so well attended that the church had to get stewards to deal with the crowd. The church sought larger facilities for its conferences and was the first Black led church to invite Pastor Carlton Pearson to the City Temple for a conference in 1998.

Pastor Matthew’s quest to reach for new boundaries made him restless in his spirit, as he desired for Christians to experience the fullness of God in their lives. He had read books and listened to tapes, watched videos and was enlightened about the new innovative ways to reach out to the world: an insight that was beyond what his current denomination’s grasp and full appreciation. He and his wife, Yemisi, together with Esther Appleton (their first member of staff), began to seek the Lord in prayer for 18 months before taking the step of leaving the Foursquare denomination in 1992 to start KICC (Kingsway International Christian Centre) that year with approximately 300 adults and 100 children.

This decision caused some consternation with the denomination and he found himself having to start a church from scratch as the equipment and materials had to be relinquished back to the Church headquarters. However, despite all the misunderstandings and unrest that surrounded his departure from Foursquare, God confirmed his leading with miraculous answers to prayer even on their first service, which took place at Holloway Boys School, Hilldrop Crescent, North London. A few days before, a musical group had disbanded and they sold all their equipment to the newly formed KICC.

Once he founded KICC, the Lord told Pastor Matthew that everything KICC would receive would be on its knees. This embedded a strong foundation of prayer in the church. June and December were set aside as months of prayer and fasting – and still remains so, although the first prayer in June was originally for 30 days, but it went on for 60 days as Pastor Matthew did not have a release to stop. Prayer became the bedrock of the ministry, with the leaders and stewards meeting every weekend to pray.

Pastor Matthew intensified the God-given vision for KICC to Grow Up, Grow Big and Grow Together. His desire was for the entire ministry to strive for excellence and to glorify God. As the Senior Pastor of KICC, he has the mandate from God to challenge the people who become members of KICC to prosper, mature and reach their true potential in Christ through the Word of God. The church soon expanded and within a year, a four storey multi-purpose building was acquired at No 1 Darnley Road in Hackney.

KICC began hosting yearly conferences; starting with Wake up the Mighty Men, which became The Warriors of Righteousness, the Gathering of Champions and finally the International Gathering of Champions. IGOC is Europe’s premier Christian conference featuring renowned and respected international speakers, including Bishop TD Jakes, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Prophetess Juanita Bynum, Dr Joyce Meyer, Dr Mike Murdock and Dr Bill Winston, to mention a few.

The church started increasing and gradually Pastor Matthew’s gift for administration was evident as he implemented church growth strategies that God had placed on his heart – membership grew rapidly. KICC started steward management training, incorporating spiritual and management principles.

These were so effective that KICC stewards translated this into their professional lives at work, leading to advancement and promotion. Between 1992 and 1995, the KICC brand was taking shape. There were audio tapes, CDs, videos of Pastor Matthew’s teachings and books. KICC became the first church to have regular air time on BET (Black Entertainment Television). BET, known for its music and films, was very popular with young people returning home from clubbing, who would tune into the station, see the programme, get convicted and show up at a KICC services on Sunday morning.

KICC has become known as a church with a thriving and active youth ministry. In January 1995, Pastor Matthew re-launched the brand KICC – with a new logo, corporate structure, vision, code of conduct and statement of faith. These services were held in Hackney Empire and were significant in seeing many people sign up for membership to KICC.

In August, 1998, the Church expanded and moved to 57 Waterden Road, which was named the Miracle Centre. A miracle because of how God came through and the site was brought, despite having to contend with big players, such as Sainsburys, who also had their eyes on this location. The eight-acre facility had space for a 4000-seater auditorium and parking for more than 1000 cars. By the grace of God, KICC has continued to grow.

However, the Olympic commission’s possession of Waterden Road, caused KICC to move offices to 3 Hancock road, Bromley-By-Bow and the Church to the Land of Wonders, Hoe Street Walthamstow. Sunday’s saw Pastor Matthew preaching at five services, every one as full as the previous service.

Since that moment in 1998 Pastor Matthew, through God’s guidance has expanded KICC by focusing on increasing chapels, opening city churches and planting churches overseas. As a result of this church growth strategy, we now have over 20 chapels and branch churches in the UK.

It was during this time that Pastor Matthew again intensified his personal and corporate prayer, and God answered with a eye has not seen testimony, 24 acres of land with 12 buildings, in the beautiful woodland grounds of Buckmore Park in Kent.

During the last weekend in July 2013, KICC’s new home- Prayer City, was dedicated by Pastor E.A Adeboye and ministration by Bishop T.D Jakes. Under Pastor Matthew’s leadership, KICC has grown tremendously with over 45 branches and satellite churches established in eight nations.

KICC has great plans to execute for the young and the old, men, women, families, students, professionals, entrepreneurs and ordinary people, to experience and benefit from. More importantly, continuing to preach God’s Word to a dying world using timely technology. The community work both internationally and locally is not to be forgotten. Thousands of pounds has been raised for charity projects including Tsunami appeal, famine in East Africa appeal, sickle cell society, World Vision, Operation Christmas child, Wells in Mozambique and over 1000 hampers given out during the last festive season. Pastor Matthew has been constantly giving to widows in Ode-Omu, Osun State for the past 5 years. January 3 – 4, 2014 saw over 3000 widows presented with food, money and clothing.

The vision is ‘To Grow up, To Grow Big and To Grow Together’. It has always been one of the cornerstones of the vision ‘To Grow Big’, using every medium available to reach the lost. The television ministry is now a powerful tool for reaching the unsaved and strengthening believers. The media ministry has been able to reach countries and in turn homes that we would not physically be able to reach.

Currently, his TV ministry broadcasts into more than 100 million homes, over 120 nations throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Indeed, KICC is truly a church without walls and a church for all.