WEDDING FOR VISA?: Newlywed Grandma ‘Bride’ & Her Nigerian ‘Young Chap’ Jet Out Of The Country

The newlyweds were seen at the airport after their wedding…Their (Honeymoon) destination unknown though…

Sharp guy, dreams do come true…Time shall tell

If you missed their initial wedding story, you can read it HERE…

Whitney Houston’s Mother, Cissy Houston Shares Tear-Jerking Letter Written To Daughter, Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston's mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston, shares the pain of her loss and the joy of raising Whitney in a beautiful, tear-jerking letter written to her daughter after her passing.

“I never told you that when you were born the Holy Spirit told me that you would not be with me for long and I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years,” Houston wrote, signing the letter “Mommie.”

The letter was included in the booklet passed out at Whitney’s “home going” service last Saturday.

Read it in full below:

Lion 'On A Rampage' In Yobe State, Nigeria…Kills Two

A lion has killed two herders and 30 livestock in a settlement in northeastern Nigeria's Yobe State, the environment commissioner said Tuesday.

"We have a lion on the rampage which has so far killed two people and around 30 herd", Ahmed Wakil Sarki told AFP.

He said the lion attacked the settlement on the edge of a forest in Gujba district, 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the state capital Damaturu on Monday.

"We are trying to mobilise our rangers from the wildlife department to capture the predator alive or hunt it down to avert further destruction," he said.

Mr Sarki said the lion was believed to be holed up near Damaturu as residents in nearby villages reported seeing the devoured remains of animals they suspected to have been killed by the big cat.

He added that it was not clear whether the lion lived nearby or came from afar.

Tribunal Strikes Out Dora Akunyili Case Against Chris Ngige

The Anambra State Election Petitions Tribunal on Tuesday struck out the suit filed by a former Minister of Information, Dora Akunyili, against the election of Chris Ngige as the Senator representing Anambra Central.

The tribunal cited lack of jurisdiction as the bases for its ruling. It was based on a recent Supreme Court judgment that all election petitions should be concluded within 180 days.

Prof Akunyili, who ran on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), filed the matter in May 2011.

Nigerian Michael Prest, UK Based Oil Magnate Turns To Nigerian Customary Law To Fight £17m Divorce Payout In British Court

Michael Prest and Yasmin

Nigerian Michael Prest is no doubt one of Britain’s most successful black businessmen. The 50-Year Old Oil Tycoon, who was once named one of Britain’s most influential black men, is attempting to overturn a High Court ruling in which he was ordered to pay £17.5 million cash and assets to his wife of 15 years, Yasmin.

The judge found that despite Mr Prest's claims that he was £48 million in debt, he was worth "conservatively...at least £37.5 million" and had treated the court proceedings "as a game."

However, Mr Prest applied for permission to appeal on the grounds that his oil company’s assets did not belong to his wife but were "held in trust" for his children, and the children of his four siblings in Africa, under Nigerian Itsekiri customary law.

The Appeal Court heard that his company, Petrodel Resources Ltd, was established using a gift of £10,000 "seed money" from his Nigerian father before he died in 1992.

Martin Pointer QC, for Mr Prest, said that under customary law in Nigeria, the death left Mr Prest as head of his family, with a responsibility to use the inheritance to look after his siblings and their children. Mr Prest's brother, Michel, launched a claim in the Nigerian High Court in 2009 seeking a declaration that the oil company forms part of the estate of their late father.

Mrs Prest, 49, fiercely contested the assertion, telling the court that Petrodel, one of the largest independent energy investment companies in Sub Saharan Africa, was "100 per cent owned and controlled" by her former husband and was effectively his "alter ego."

But although Lord Justice Thorpe criticised Mr Prest's "flagrant breach" of his duty to fully disclose his financial affairs, he granted him permission to appeal after hearing that the Nigerian court had forbidden him from sharing information relating to Petrodel with third parties.

"We are giving you leave on the customary law point and permission to bring in the Nigerian judgment" he said "The ownership of Petrodel is bound up with Nigeria and may be governed by customary law."

Lord Justice Thorpe also criticised the "astronomical" legal costs of the case, which have almost reached £3 million since the couple, who lived in a £4 million property in west London, split in 2008.

Mrs Prest had sought a payout of more than £30 million, plus more than £730,000-a-year for her and their four children. Mr Prest, who was named third in The Power List 2007 by leading black newspaper New Nation, had offered her £27,000-a-year and a lump sum of less than £2 million.

Customary law, which reflects the ancient rules of various ethnic and religious groups, is one of the foundations of Nigerian law, alongside common law and legislation.

telegraph.co.uk

Noise Pollution: Government Shuts Down Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Church & 6 Other Churches In Lagos

The Lagos State Government has shut down the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic  Revival Ministry and six other churches in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria over noise pollution. Officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA stormed a branch of the Lord’s Chosen Church at 25 Omobola Street, Lawanson, Surulere area at the weekend and shut it down.

Other affected churches are Bible Church, FESTAC; The Chapter of Christ Church, Oregun, Ikeja; Assemblies of God Church, Ikeja; The Golden Gate Church, Ifako-Ijaiye and Seek and Save Ministry, Abule Egba.

The closure of the churches is coming after pre-sanction notices were given to the churches to abate the noise pollution emanating from their worship centres. General Manager, LASEPA, Engr. Rasheed Shabi said the closure of the churches became imperative after several abatement notices issued to them were disregarded.

According to him, some of the churches even rebuffed meetings called by the agency on how to resolve the issue. “The agency’s stance is clear on issue of noise pollution level permitted. This has been communicated to all worship centres in the state”.

“The level of noise pollution allowed in the state is between 55 decibel during the day and 42 to 45 decibel at night,” he said. Shabi said the state government was determined to reduce noise pollution in the state because of the anomalies and diseases related to it.

Engr. Rasheed Shabi enjoined worship centres in the state to comply with the state’s standard on noise, while suggesting the use of sound proof equipment by churches to reduce noise during their worship services.

pmnews

Nigerian Journalist Ugochi Anyaka, 29, Wins UN Prize For Young Environmental Journalist Award

Achim Steiner (R), UNEP Executive Director, Anyaka Ugochi (2nd R), YEJA Winner 2011, Patricia Okoed-Bukumnhe (2nd L), YEJA Winner 2010, Joe Murphy, (L) USA State Department.

Ugochi Anyaka, a radio reporter from Nigeria, has won the United Nations Environment Programme's Young Environmental Journalist Award (YEJA), beating over 120 entries from reporters in 28 African countries.

Ugochi Anyaka, 29, received her award at a special ceremony held during the 12th Special Session of the UNEP Governing Council / Global Ministerial Environment Forum in Nairobi, Kenya

The winning report, entitled Saving the Trees for Paper Briquettes, was broadcast on ASO Radio in Nigeria, where Ms. Anyaka works as a journalist and presenter. The radio feature profiled a project in a low-income suburb of Abuja that manufactures briquettes from waste paper, in order to provide an alternative fuel to traditional firewood.

"This story was done to show the opportunities in a changing climate - and not just the woes," said Ugochi Anyaka.

"It also seeks to show the conflicting view points about the Clean Development Mechanism. But ultimately, it tells the story of what some Nigerians are doing to protect their vulnerable environment and save their very existence. Winning the UNEP Young Environmental Journalist Award is the greatest moment of joy in my career. It is such an honour to be recognised in this manner," she added.

The YEJA jury described Ms. Anyaka's winning entry as a "well-researched report that clearly explained the essence of reducing green house gas emissions and the need for creating environmental development in Africa".

The winner was presented with her specially-commissioned trophy by Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, Joseph Murphy, US Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-HABITAT and Patricia Okoed-Bukumunhe, the winner of last year's Young Environmental Journalist Award.

Ms. Anyaka hosts an environmental radio show "Green Angle" on ASO Radio and also works as a producer, reporter and continuity announcer with the station. She writes an environmental blog, Eco Nigeria, at www.greennigeria.wordpress.com. She lists her main interests as sustainable development and climate change.

As part of her prize, Ms. Anyaka will take part in a professional exchange visit to the United States, following a specially-designed "green itinerary".

Launched in 2010, the UNEP Young Environmental Journalist Award aims to showcase excellence in the field of environmental reporting and nurture new talent that will help to shape opinion on the environment in Africa, and beyond, in years to come. The award is made possible though funding support from the US Department of State.

The winner was chosen by the YEJA jury, which brought together four experts from the worlds of journalism, development and science. They were Amie Joof, Executive Director of the Senegal-based Inter-African Network for Women, Media, Gender and Development (FAMEDEV), Diran Onifade, journalist and manager with the Nigerian Television Authority and President of the African Federation of Science Journalists, Stanis Nkdundiye, Steering Committee member of the Federation of African Journalists and Sunday Leonard, Special (Scientific) Assistant to the Chief Scientist of UNEP.


www.unep.org

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN: Kenyan Men Urged To Boycott Meals Cooked By Their Wives & Partners In Abuse Protest

According to BBC, a Kenyan men’s lobby group has called for a six-day food boycott to highlight what it says is increasing domestic violence against men. The organisation, Maendeleo Ya Wanaume, wants Kenyan men to stop eating meals cooked at home by wives and partners.

It says men should instead eat together outside the home, and share experiences of emotional and physical abuse. Kenya’s government does not take domestic violence against men seriously and may be fuelling it, the group says.

Maendeleo Ya Wanaume’s leader Ndiritu Njoka told the BBC’s Network Africa programme that he called for the nationwide boycott to try to stop women beating up or emotionally abusing their husbands and spouses.

Most meals in Kenyan homes are cooked by women – and culturally it is important for men to eat at home in order to show their appreciation for women. Maendeleo Ya Wanaume – which means Development for Men – was set up to try to encourage men to speak out in a society that often ridicules as weak, men who are subjected to domestic violence.

The group says the problem is growing as Kenyan women become more economically independent – in part, it says, because of government initiatives to improve the status of women.

Last year, the group conducted its own survey of Central and Nairobi provinces and found that up to 460,000 men said they had been subjected to some sort of domestic abuse.

These figures have not been independently confirmed, BBC stated. The two provinces have a combined population of more than seven million people.

REMIX: Rihanna Criticised For Chris Brown Collaboration…Critics Brand Singer "A DUMMY"

RIHANNA has been branded 'dummy' for collaborating with ex boyfriend, Chris Brown, on her latest single.

The Rude Boy singer, who split with Brown after he assaulted her in 2009, released the controversial single, Birthday Cake, yesterday to coincide with her 24th birthday and opened herself up to a barrage of criticism.

"Young girls look up to people like you to guide them through circumstances too complex for them to tackle on their own, and by granting Chris Brown an iota of tolerance, you implicitly encourage others to consider doing the same," Jason Lipshutz, assistant editor of Billboard.com wrote in an open letter to the star.

Excerpts of Jason Lipshutz's open letter to Rihanna

He continued: "If you continue letting Chris Brown slither into your work or personal life, nothing tremendous will happen- bloggers will blog and a backlash will form, but you'll no doubt continue ruling the Hot 100 and the world will keep spinning."

"WOOOW . . . RIHANNA RELEASED TWO NEW SONGS WITH CHRIS BROWN . . . WHAT A DUMMY!!!," wrote gossip site, MediaTakeOut.

REMIX: Chris Brown & Rihanna TEAM UP For "Birthday Cake" (Remix) & "Turn Up The Music" (Remix)

Chris Brown and Rihanna are back together again...at least in the studio the radio.  Listen to the former couple on remixes for "Birthday Cake" and "Turn Up The Music"…Both artists have released remixes to their latest tracks featuring their other. 

For Rihanna's latest, both tweeted their excitement about the release.  

And Rihanna Retweeted saying:

Listen to Rihanna's "Birthday Cake" (Remix) ft. Chris Brown:

When it comes to Chris' latest track, she tweeted: 

Listen to Chris Brown's "Turn Up The Music" (Remix) ft. Rihanna:

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!! from Mechanical Dummy on Vimeo.

These remixes are gonna cause ruckus. But maybe in a good way…

PICS: Chris Brown and Rihanna were spotted arriving at the same recording studio at different times, both wearing camo.

Here are pics of Rihanna getting fly for her birthday dinner in London yesterday night and hopping out a white Maybach:

She headed to the luxe Nozomi restaurant for some delicious Japanese cuisine.

{pics: theyby & globalgrind}

PHOTOS: FIRST JOINT PUBLIC APPEARANCE - Beyoncé & Jay-Z GET Spotted At The Nets Vs. Knicks Game At MSG

Beyoncé and Jay-Z made their first public appearance together Monday night since the birth of Blue Ivy a month and a half ago. The Hip Hop's newest parental powerhouse made their way to Nets vs. Knicks game to watch Jay's team take on Jeremy Lin & Carmelo Anthony Madison Square Garden (MSG).

The twosome hugged and laughed it up on the sidelines.

Beyoncé, in a bright yellow blazer and skinny jeans and her statement blue nails, chilled beside her hubby as they watched their Nets win over the Knicks. This was Beyoncé's third appearance after hitting Carnegie Hall two nights in a row recently to watch her man perform for the Shawn Carter Foundation/United Way charity concerts.

MORE PICS BELOW:

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Kelly Rowland, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Other Celebs Honor Muhammed Ali At The "Power Of Love" Gala

John Legend, Kelly Rowland, Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Diddy, were some of the celebs who attend the Keep Memory Alive foundation’s “Power of Love Gala” celebrating Muhammad Ali’s 70th birthday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena over the weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Other celebrities and performers at the celebration included the man himself Muhammad Ali, wife Lonnie Ali, Sean Combs, Anthony Hopkins, David Beckham, Ne-Yo, Samuel L. Jackson, Common, LL Cool J, Cee Lo Green, and many more. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center.

Kelly Rowland was clearly the belle of the ball (going through three outfit changes) as she performed a few of her hits along with a tribute to both Whitney and Mr. Ali "The Greatest Love Of All."

Add caption

Music icon Stevie Wonder also played a few songs for the boxing great.

Kelly Rowland and Stevie Wonder perform Whitney Houston's Greatest Love of All at Muhammad Ali's [VIDEO BELOW]

Snoop Dogg wore a beige vest with a picture of the boxing legend painted on the front. 

LL Cool J fittingly hit the stage and performed "Mama Said Knock You Out."

Diddy also had a few words during the show.

Singer NeYo served as one of the presenters.

Samuel L. Jackson attended with his wife LaTanya Richardson.

Boxing icon Muhammed Ali was presented his honor by wife Lonnie Ali and Diddy.