Madonna releases six new songs

Madonna on Saturday suddenly released six new songs months ahead of schedule, upset that early versions had leaked online.

The pop icon’s new songs, available immediately for sale and streaming online, will be part of her first album in three years, “Rebel Heart,” which comes out in March.

There may be sequel to 30 Days in Atlanta - AY

Comedian,  Ayo Makun also known as AY has revealed that his wave-making movie 30 Days In Atlanta cost him a lot financially. The movie which clinched the comedy movie of the year at the Best of Nollywood awards has been getting a lot of rave reviews.

Nicki Minaj's ex devastated over split, reportedly suicidal

Nicki Minaj’s ex-boyfriend Safaree Samuels is still devastated following their recent split and friends are allegedly concerned for his welfare.

Safaree Samuels, who dated the Anaconda hitmaker for 12 years, is said to be an emotional wreck and friends are allegedly concerned for his welfare.

Didi Ekanem speaks on having one of the biggest butts in Nollywood

Didi Ekanem is one of the fast rising actresses in Nollywood. Her bum marks her out, but Didi wants to be recognised for her talent on screen rather than for her bum. In this interview with Vanguard, she talks about her career, life and more:

Acting nude is no big deal - Chelsea Edogun

Pretty and daring actress, Chelsea Edogun, has a passion for acting. It has been her lifelong ambition, and she is today doing well in the motion picture industry. The Edo-born graduate of biochemistry from Delta State University talks with Daily Independent, about her foray into movies, among other interesting issues.

Excerpt:

New Music: Stella Damasus releases new track - The Man

Multiple award winning Nollywood actress and singer Stella Damasus releases new track – The Man.

Produced by her partner Daniel Ademinokan.

Gov. Fashola meets with APC candidates, other aspirants in the state

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (middle), the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode (4^th left), his running mate and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule (4^th right), Lagos State Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Henry Ajomale (3^rd left) and other aspirants who participated in the APC Gubernatorial primaries – Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat (2^nd left), former Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Tola Kasali (left), Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (2^nd right), former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Supo Shasore, SAN (right behind), Mrs. Adetokunbo Tobun-Agbesanwa (3^rd right), Mr. Abayomi Sutton (left behind) and Hon. Lanre Ope (right), during a meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial candidates and aspirants at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Friday, December 19, 2014.

Swedish gamer beats Jay Z and Beyonce to secure $70m Beverly Hills estate

The Swedish billionaire creator of Minecraft has reportedly won a bidding war for a Beverly Hills mansion which Beyonce and Jay Z had their eyes on.

Enugu gets first female running mate

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has settled for Cecilia Ezeillo as running mate ahead of the February 2015 general elections.

Ezeillo is the incumbent state house of assembly member, representing Ezeagu constituency.

Confirming the stance of the party, the Publicity Secretary of the party, Dr. Okey Ezeh said: “Yes, she is the governorship candidate’s running mate. We are taking cognizance of women participation in politics in the state.”

Man charged with stabbing co-tenant over bathroom usage

A 48-year-old businessman, Kassim Raheem, who allegedly stabbed a co-tenant for trying to outsmart him by dashing into their residence’s only bathroom, on Friday. He appeared in court in Lagos.

Raheem, who resides at Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of breach of peace and assault before an Oshodi Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

Fire burns family of 7 to death

A family of seven were at the early hours of Friday, burnt to death in a mysterious inferno that engulfed their home at Ayankor, Gboko East, in Gboko local government area of Benue state.

Saturday Vanguard gathered from an eyewitness that the inferno which started at about 1am, engulfed the block of three flats, killing a man and his wife, Mr. And Mrs. Lawani Oye and their five children.

Lawani Oye was said to be a popular automobile panel beater in Gboko while his wife was also a known business woman in the neighborhood.

Lagos gives 15% salary bonus to workers

The Lagos State Government will pay its workers 15 per cent bonus in the December salary as an end of the year gift, the State Head of Service, Mrs Oluseyi Williams, said on Friday.

Williams spoke at the end of the year get together and appreciation party for principals and directors in the Ministry of Education.

She said that the bonus would be paid along with the December salary any moment from now.

According to her, the bonus is to show that the government is committed to the welfare of workers.

“Some states are owing their workers up to four months salary but that is not the case in Lagos.

Two children arrested for trying to rob bank with toy riffles in Isreal

Two boys, aged 12 and 13, were arrested and have appeared in court for trying to rob a bank using toy guns on Wednesday (December 17), police in Israel have said. Police spokesman, Micky Rosenfeld said both were carrying fake M-16 assault rifles and they shouted “this is a hold-up”.

What veterans of Nollywood said at Legends of Nollywood awards

The third edition of Legends of Nollywood Awards, initiated and organised by Nollywood actor, Paul Obazele held on the 6th of December 2014 at the National Theatre in Igammu area. The award was created to honour founding fathers and mothers of the Nigerian movie industry. In attendance were legendary names like Sadiq Daba, Mrs Taiwo Ajayi Lycet, Nkem Owoh, Tony Akposheri, Franca Brown, Zack Orji, Nobert Young, Larry Koldsweat, Ejiro Okurame, Emeka Ike, Henrietta Kosoko and a host of other celebrities and media personalities.

At the award, WG Spoke with some of the veterans concerning the award and here are what they said:

New N100 note goes into circulation

The Central Bank of Nigeria said that the commemorative N100 banknote unveiled recently by the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, is going into circulation from Friday.

This is contained in a statement signed by Ibrahim Mu’azu, Head, Corporate Communications, on Friday in Abuja.

It directed all branches of the bank to commence issuance of the currency in their respective locations.

“The commemorative note will circulate alongside the existing N100 note.

“The note, which is embedded with features to assist the visually impaired recognize genuine notes, also has other security features easily identifiable through look, feel and tilt of the currency note,” it said.

Pakistan to hang convicted militants in wake of school massacre

Prison authorities in Pakistan on Friday were preparing to hang convicted terrorists after the government lifted a six-year moratorium on executions, officials said.

The decision followed the massacre of 135 school children and 12 others by Taliban gunmen at an army-run school in the north-western city of Peshawar.

Corruption in Nigeria, even in churches, ushers steal from offering - PFN chief

Anti-corruption preacher and Deputy National President (South South) Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigerian (PFN), Rev. Simeon Okah has said corruption is so endemic in Nigeria that even in churches, ushers steal from tithes and offerings.

Okah, founder and General Overseer of Flocks of Christ Mission, spoke on the new phase of his anti-corruption crusade as well as the security and political situation in NIgeria during an end of year press briefing at the church’s headquarter in Warri, Delta state.

US restates collaboration with FG to fight Boko Haram, resue Chibok girl

United States said on Friday in Abuja that it remained committed to helping the Federal Government in tackling the threat of Boko Haram and other extremist organisations to the country.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Affairs Department embassy in Nigeria.

It said the U.S. government has also restated its commitment to support Nigeria’s efforts to” rescue the abducted Chibok girls and all others who have been abducted in various communities”.

Agency urges persons with disability to register in Lagos

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) on Friday urged persons with disability (PWDs) to register with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency.

Dr Tunde Awelenje, the General Manager of LASODA, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

BBA Hotshot runner-up, Tayo gets customised whiskey from Jameson

Big Brother Hotshot first runner-up, Tayo Faniran, yesterday got a whiskey exclusively customized with his name from Jameson. It's been from one favour to another for 28-year-old Tayo ever since he walked out of the Big Brother Africa house on the 7th of December. Congrats to him.

Here is his message on instagram about the customized whiskey:

Kidnapped pastor's wife released after 4 years

Wife of Pastor Chris Aniamaka of Dominion City, Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki, Mrs. Ifeanyi Aniamaka was wednesday released by her abductors after staying four days in their hideout.

It was gathered that Dominion City Church did not pay any ransom to the kidnappers before the release of the victim as such process was strictly against the policy of the church.

Speaking with Vanguard, the husband of the victim, Pastor Aniamaka who is overjoyed over the release of his wife stated that it was a thing of joy to be reunited again with his heartthrob after days of painful separation.

Boko Haram kidnaps no less than 185 people in Borno

Boko Haram has kidnapped at least 185 people from the northeast Nigeria village of Gumsuri, carting the hostages away on trucks towards the Sambisa Forest, a notorious rebel stronghold, two local officials and a vigilante leader said Thursday.

The mass abduction, part of an attack that also killed 32 people, occurred Sunday in the village of Gumsuri, Borno state, in the embattled northeast.

Cameroon Army kills 116 Boko Haram fighters

Cameroon’s army said Thursday its troops had killed 116 Nigerian fighters from the Islamist Boko Haram group in the far north.

Insurgents attacked an army base in Amchide on the border with Nigeria on Wednesday, but soldiers repelled them, inflicting heavy losses, the defence ministry said.

MASSOB launches Biafran vehicle plate number in Enugu

The Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra,MASSOB, has launched vehicle plate number for its members.

The group also called on all Igbo in the country to see the launch of the new plate number as their identity and avail themselves of every privileges due citizens of Biafra.

FG declares Dec 25, 26 public holidays

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, Dec. 25 and Friday, Dec. 26 as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Abubakar Magaji, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

World record: Why Star lager built the world's tallest bottle

Nigerian Breweries Plc, makers of Star Lager, the brand behind the record-breaking Star Bottle Tree says the tree was built to showcase the creativity, which abounds in the country.

Sheyi Shay grabs Wizkid's 'thing'

Nigerian born singer, Seyi Shay seems to have gone all out in her new video ‘Crazy’ where she featured Wizkid. The singer was spotted in a scene at a very romantic posture with the star boy Wizkid in the music video directed by Meji Alabi which features strong cirque du soleil elements, and a sexually explicit scene.

The brief scene has Seyi Shay grabbing Wizkid’s crotch. The scene happens in the 2:15 mark of the video. There have been rumours that both acts are ‘more than just friends’.In the video there is also another scene where Wizkid is drumming on Seyi Shay’s backside as the female singer was grinding on him. Well, there seems to be a lot of chemistry between both acts. Could it just be music or more?

Arsenal youngsters ready to star for Nigeria

Arsenal youngsters Chuba Akpom and Semi Ajayi have expressed interest to feature in Nigeria’s AFCON warm-ups against Cote d’Ivoire and Mali in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, next month.

Lagos govt donates farmlands to corps members

As part of efforts to to enhance agro-allied training of corps members posted to the state, the Lagos State Government, has donated an agricultural land, at Itoikin, Epe to the National Youth Service Corps, Lagos State, under the scheme’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED programme.

This is even as the state government also donated a new Ultima Nissan Ultima vehicle to the scheme for monitoring and inspection of corps members by the State Secretariat.

2 sentenced to death for stealing fowls in Osun

Justice Jide Falola of an Osun State High Court sitting in Okuku has sentenced two robbers to death for stealing fowls.

The convicts, Olowookere Segun and Morakinyo Sunday, were found guilty of forcefully breaking into the house of one Mr. Balogun Tope, a police officer attached to Divisional Police headquarters, Okuku, in April 2010 and carting away some of his belongings.

54 soldiers sentenced to death for mutiny

The General Court Martial sitting at the Army Headquarters Garrison in Abuja yesterday sentenced 54 soldiers to death after finding them guilty of mutiny. 59 soldiers were on trial on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny and mutiny.

Etisalat shortlists for Etisalat Prize for Literature

In furtherance of the search for Africa’s best début fiction writer for 2014, Etisalat Nigeria has announced a shortlist of three writers.

The shortlisted writers and their works are Nadia Davids, An Imperfect Blessing published by Random House Struik-Umuzi; Chinelo Okparanta’s Happiness Like Water published by Granta Publication and Songeziwe Mahlangu, Penumbra published by Kwela Books, Imprint of NB Publishers.

The man, Osinbajo

Many have been wondering who this APC presidential running mate, Yemi Osinbajo is. Well, here is a little profile of him.

THE MAN OSINBAJO

Buhari Presents Osinbajo as his running mate

Osinbajo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) has today (Wednesday, December 17, 2014) announced his party’s selection of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as his running mate in the 2015 election.

Full list of Google trends 2014 with Linda Ikeji at the top of the list of 'most searched'

It has indeed been a remarkable year for top blogger, Linda Ikeja as fortune and fame continue to smile on her. From one recognition or award to another, she continues to trend. The latest recognition is her name topping the list of Google 2014 list of MOST SEARCHED, followed by whatsapp. This is big.

Linda Ikeji

Davido, Keshi, "what is Ebola" top Google trends for 2014

Pop star, Davido has, once again, proven that not only is he a gifted crooner, he also has the popularity to match his talent as the hitmaker leads as the most-searched Nigerian music artiste on Google for 2014.

MTN offers scholarship to 167 blind, 1,205 others

The hopes of 167 blind Nigerians were revived at the weekend by MTN Foundation with award of scholarship to pursue their career of choice at various institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.

Similarly, about 1,205 Nigerian youths were also awarded with various categories of scholarship to complete their career at their institutions of study.

"I bought human head for N12,500"

A human parts merchant, identified as Olorunto Dipe, aged 35, currently in the custody of Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Lagos State Police Command, has explained how he became a dealer in human parts.

He said: “I bought a human head for N12,500 from Cotonou, Benin Republic, and intended to sell it to one man called Asiwaju, whom I knew from Oba Ishegun from Atan in Ogun State, for N20,000 before I was arrested.”

Alison-Madueke appointed president GECF

Madueke

The Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Allison-Madueke, has been appointed President of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) by the body at its 16th Ministerial Meeting on Tuesday in Doha, Qatar.

141 dead in school assault, Pakistan deadliest terror attack ever

The death toll in the Taliban assault Tuesday on a school in northwest Pakistan has reached 141, the army said, making it the country’s deadliest ever terror attack.

Chief military spokesman General Asim Bajwa said 132 students and nine staff were killed in the eight-hour onslaught at the army-run school in the city of Peshawar.