BGYS Melodious, a newly formed Doha-based Nigerian music group, will perform during the ‘African Night’ show slated to be held at the Ramada’s Giwana Ballroom on June 30.
The show, which is the first of its kind in the country and the region, will feature live performance by the group displaying Nigeria’s popular high-life music with a touch of the country’s Southwestern Juju, a folk music.
The night will feature comedy shows by Doha-based Nigerian stand-up comedians as well as a colourful performance by cultural dancers from Ghana.
Talking about the group and the ‘African Night’ show, BGYS director and manager Yemi Emiola said, “I have lived in Qatar for many years now and have witnessed the city’s transformation.
I wanted to be a part of the country’s rapid development.
Hence, we decided to establish the group in February.” “The ‘African Night’ would feature live Juju music.
Juju is a popular Nigerian music, derived from the traditional Yoruba percussion.
The name comes from a Yoruba word Juju which means ‘throwing’ or ‘something being thrown’.” According to Emiola, the music group, which will launch its debut album in collaboration with a Qatari artiste in December, is seen as a platform to bring the Africans together.
“The group’s name, BGYS Melodious, is an acronym of the members’ names — Bosun, Gbenga, Yemi and Segun.
It was formed to showcase Nigeria’s musical talents and potentials among the African communities, residing in Qatar.
Our objective is actually not only to play music for people to relax, but also to convey a positive message on Nigeria and try and correct the misconceptions about our country,” he said.
Emiola said the ‘African Night’ show will create more awareness and draw attention to the Africans living in Qatar.
The group has already got a nod from the Merweb hotel to perform on a regular basis, he said.
“We have signed a contract and secured a place with Merweb hotel to perform every Wednesday night (10pm-1am) and we are currently holding similar talks with a number of other top-rated hotels like Rotana and La Cigale,” Emiola said.
Besides hotel shows, Emiola said, “The group wants to perform in social gatherings like weddings, inauguration events and other community engagements involving different nationalities.
The music group also hopes to perform with Arab musicians from Qatar, Egypt and other African countries.
And the BGYS Melodious certainly wants to jam with local musicians back home in Nigeria in the future.” Emiola also thanked the Nigerian Diaspora Organisation-Qatar Chapter (NIDO-Qatar), and its president Olu J Millar for its active support and constant advice and suggestions.
Interested music-lovers can get more information about the ‘African Night’ show, which begins at 7pm, by dialing ‘55106938’ or ‘77740115’, or email at oluemiola@ yahoo.com, or via the Facebook.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Two girls killed in fresh Nigeria blast: army
Two girls was killed and three customs officers seriously wounded in a fresh blast on Monday in troubled northern city of Maiduguri, an army general said.
"Three customs officers were seriously injured in the attack while two child vendors -- both of them girls -- were killed in the blast," the commander of the city's joint task force, general Jack Okechukwu Nwobo, told.
Residents and witnesses put the death toll at about a dozen, however.
"I was about 100 metres (yards) from the customs bridge roundabout when the blast happened. It was a crowded area. I saw two vans conveying the dead. From my estimation, not less than 10 people were killed in the blast," a resident near the scene, Sheu Abdulkadir, told AFP.
A local journalist said he saw several dead bodies on the ground after the blast.
"I escaped death by the whiskers. I had just negotiated the roundabout when the blast happened. I saw many lifeless bodies on the ground. I counted at least 12," said the journalist, who declined to be named.
The exact nature of the blast was not immediately known.
Security agents had cordoned off the site of the blast.
"Three customs officers were seriously injured in the attack while two child vendors -- both of them girls -- were killed in the blast," the commander of the city's joint task force, general Jack Okechukwu Nwobo, told.
Residents and witnesses put the death toll at about a dozen, however.
"I was about 100 metres (yards) from the customs bridge roundabout when the blast happened. It was a crowded area. I saw two vans conveying the dead. From my estimation, not less than 10 people were killed in the blast," a resident near the scene, Sheu Abdulkadir, told AFP.
A local journalist said he saw several dead bodies on the ground after the blast.
"I escaped death by the whiskers. I had just negotiated the roundabout when the blast happened. I saw many lifeless bodies on the ground. I counted at least 12," said the journalist, who declined to be named.
The exact nature of the blast was not immediately known.
Security agents had cordoned off the site of the blast.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Meet Nigeria's wealthiest pastors
Nigeria's top five wealthiest pastors according to Forbes
Bishop David Oyedepo
Affiliation:
Living Faith World Outreach Ministry, aka Winners Chapel
Estimated net worth: $150 million
David Oyedepo is Nigeria’s wealthiest preacher. Ever since he founded the Living Faith World Outreach Ministry in 1981, it has grown to become one of Africa’s largest congregations. The Faith Tabernacle, where he hosts three services every Sunday, is Africa’s largest worship center, with a seating capacity of 50,000. Oyedepo owns four private jets and homes in London and the United States. He also owns Dominion Publishing House, a thriving publishing company that publishes all his books (which are often centered on prosperity). He founded and owns Covenant University, one of Nigeria’s leading tertiary institutions, and Faith Academy, an elite high school.
Chris Oyakhilome
Church: Believers’ Loveworld Ministries, a.k.a Christ Embassy
Estimated net worth: $30 million – $50 million
Last year, the charismatic preacher was at the center of a $35 million money laundering case in which he was accused of siphoning funds from his church to foreign banks. Pastor Chris pleaded no wrongdoing and the case was eventually dismissed. His church, Christ Embassy, boasts more than 40,000 members, several of whom are successful business executives and politicians. Oyakhilome’s diversified interests include newspapers, magazines, a local television station, a record label, satellite TV, hotels and extensive real estate. His Loveworld TV Network is the first Christian network to broadcast from Africa to the rest of the world on a 24 hour basis.
Temitope Joshua
Church: Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN)
Estimated net worth: $10 million – $15 million
Nigeria’s most controversial clergyman is also one of its richest and most philanthropic. T.B Joshua heads the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), a congregation he founded in 1987, which accommodates over 15,000 worshippers on Sundays. The Pastor has remained controversial for several years for his inexplicable powers to heal all sorts of incurable diseases, including HIV/AIDS, cancer and paralysis. For miracle-craving worshippers, it’s the perfect seduction. The church currently has branches in Ghana, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Greece. In the past three years, he has given over $20 million to causes in education, healthcare and rehabilitation programs for former Niger Delta militants. He owns Emmanuel TV, a Christian television network, and is close friends with Ghanaian President Atta Mills.
Matthew Ashimolowo
Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC)
Estimated net worth: $6 million – $10 million
In 1992, Foursquare Gospel Church, a Nigerian church, sent Ashimolowo to open a satellite branch in London. But Pastor Matthew had other ideas and decided to set up his own church instead. Today, his Kingsway International Christian Center is reportedly the largest Pentecostal church in the United Kingdom. In 2009, the church posted profits of close to $10 million and assets worth $40 million. Ashimolowo earns an annual salary of $200,000, but his real wealth comes from varied business interests including his media company, Matthew Ashimolowo media, which churns out Christian literature and documentaries. Ashimolowo’s representatives did not respond to a request confirming his net worth and ownership of all these assets.
Chris Okotie
Church: Household of God Church
Net worth: $3 million -$10 million
Pastor Okotie made his first success as a popular pop musician in the 80s. He found the light, embraced the bible and set up the Household of God Church, one of Nigeria’s most flamboyant congregations. His 5,000 member church consists predominantly of Nollywood celebrities, musicians, and society people. He contested and lost Nigerian presidential elections for the third time this year under the Fresh Party, a political party he founded and funds. An automobile lover, he owns a Mercedes S600, Hummer and Porsche among several others.
Bishop David Oyedepo
Affiliation:
Living Faith World Outreach Ministry, aka Winners Chapel
Estimated net worth: $150 million
David Oyedepo is Nigeria’s wealthiest preacher. Ever since he founded the Living Faith World Outreach Ministry in 1981, it has grown to become one of Africa’s largest congregations. The Faith Tabernacle, where he hosts three services every Sunday, is Africa’s largest worship center, with a seating capacity of 50,000. Oyedepo owns four private jets and homes in London and the United States. He also owns Dominion Publishing House, a thriving publishing company that publishes all his books (which are often centered on prosperity). He founded and owns Covenant University, one of Nigeria’s leading tertiary institutions, and Faith Academy, an elite high school.
Chris Oyakhilome
Church: Believers’ Loveworld Ministries, a.k.a Christ Embassy
Estimated net worth: $30 million – $50 million
Last year, the charismatic preacher was at the center of a $35 million money laundering case in which he was accused of siphoning funds from his church to foreign banks. Pastor Chris pleaded no wrongdoing and the case was eventually dismissed. His church, Christ Embassy, boasts more than 40,000 members, several of whom are successful business executives and politicians. Oyakhilome’s diversified interests include newspapers, magazines, a local television station, a record label, satellite TV, hotels and extensive real estate. His Loveworld TV Network is the first Christian network to broadcast from Africa to the rest of the world on a 24 hour basis.
Temitope Joshua
Church: Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN)
Estimated net worth: $10 million – $15 million
Nigeria’s most controversial clergyman is also one of its richest and most philanthropic. T.B Joshua heads the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), a congregation he founded in 1987, which accommodates over 15,000 worshippers on Sundays. The Pastor has remained controversial for several years for his inexplicable powers to heal all sorts of incurable diseases, including HIV/AIDS, cancer and paralysis. For miracle-craving worshippers, it’s the perfect seduction. The church currently has branches in Ghana, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Greece. In the past three years, he has given over $20 million to causes in education, healthcare and rehabilitation programs for former Niger Delta militants. He owns Emmanuel TV, a Christian television network, and is close friends with Ghanaian President Atta Mills.
Matthew Ashimolowo
Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC)
Estimated net worth: $6 million – $10 million
In 1992, Foursquare Gospel Church, a Nigerian church, sent Ashimolowo to open a satellite branch in London. But Pastor Matthew had other ideas and decided to set up his own church instead. Today, his Kingsway International Christian Center is reportedly the largest Pentecostal church in the United Kingdom. In 2009, the church posted profits of close to $10 million and assets worth $40 million. Ashimolowo earns an annual salary of $200,000, but his real wealth comes from varied business interests including his media company, Matthew Ashimolowo media, which churns out Christian literature and documentaries. Ashimolowo’s representatives did not respond to a request confirming his net worth and ownership of all these assets.
Chris Okotie
Church: Household of God Church
Net worth: $3 million -$10 million
Pastor Okotie made his first success as a popular pop musician in the 80s. He found the light, embraced the bible and set up the Household of God Church, one of Nigeria’s most flamboyant congregations. His 5,000 member church consists predominantly of Nollywood celebrities, musicians, and society people. He contested and lost Nigerian presidential elections for the third time this year under the Fresh Party, a political party he founded and funds. An automobile lover, he owns a Mercedes S600, Hummer and Porsche among several others.
President Jonathan visits bombed police headquarter
President Goodluck Jonathan visited the site of the first suicide bombing in Nigeria on Friday, which killed a policeman and destroyed properties, assuring that security agencies were tackling the "ugly" emergence of terror attacks.
"The security agancies are on top of it," Jonathan told reporters after his inspection at the site.
The president was taken round the site by the lucky Hafiz Ringim,whom was the prime target of the Boko Haram attack.
The radical Islamist Boko Haram sect claimed responsibility thereby scoring a devastating goal at the premises of the National Police Headquarters, in Abuja on Thursday against the Inspector General of police, barely 24 hours after the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, boasted that the violent Islamist sect, Boko Haram, would be suppressed in days.
Speaking at the premises of the police headquarter
, President Jonathan said, "Let me use this opportunity to assure Nigerians, it is a period globally, that we experience all these terrorist attacks all over the world. No country is free."
"Nigeria is also having some ugly incidents relating to that.
People working in offices hundreds of metres away from the police headquarters said the force of the explosion rattled their building and forced many of them to abandon work. Even police officers working at the headquarters decided to take the day off. Several offices within the police headquarters itself were damaged in the blast.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Boko Haram said on Thursday that the group was responsible for the explosion in an interview with VOA. Usman Alzawahiri told the group that "Yes, the blast is our handiwork. We are behind it and we are going to attack the entire north and other parts of the country, including the capital, Abuja." He also said Boko Haram personnel just returned from Somalia five days ago and have been scattered around northern parts of the country. He said his group is advising Nigerians to be careful.
THE fear of Boko Haram is, to state the fact, the beginning of wisdom in some states of the Northern part of Nigeria. The group, which parades religious extremists pushing for the enthronement of Sharia and abadonment of western education in the region, has always sent jitters down the spines of old and young in the North Eastern states of Borno, Bauchi, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba. Wherever the group operates, it often leaves behind sad stories and scary scenes of destruction, maiming and death.
"The security agancies are on top of it," Jonathan told reporters after his inspection at the site.
The president was taken round the site by the lucky Hafiz Ringim,whom was the prime target of the Boko Haram attack.
The radical Islamist Boko Haram sect claimed responsibility thereby scoring a devastating goal at the premises of the National Police Headquarters, in Abuja on Thursday against the Inspector General of police, barely 24 hours after the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, boasted that the violent Islamist sect, Boko Haram, would be suppressed in days.
Speaking at the premises of the police headquarter
, President Jonathan said, "Let me use this opportunity to assure Nigerians, it is a period globally, that we experience all these terrorist attacks all over the world. No country is free."
"Nigeria is also having some ugly incidents relating to that.
People working in offices hundreds of metres away from the police headquarters said the force of the explosion rattled their building and forced many of them to abandon work. Even police officers working at the headquarters decided to take the day off. Several offices within the police headquarters itself were damaged in the blast.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Boko Haram said on Thursday that the group was responsible for the explosion in an interview with VOA. Usman Alzawahiri told the group that "Yes, the blast is our handiwork. We are behind it and we are going to attack the entire north and other parts of the country, including the capital, Abuja." He also said Boko Haram personnel just returned from Somalia five days ago and have been scattered around northern parts of the country. He said his group is advising Nigerians to be careful.
THE fear of Boko Haram is, to state the fact, the beginning of wisdom in some states of the Northern part of Nigeria. The group, which parades religious extremists pushing for the enthronement of Sharia and abadonment of western education in the region, has always sent jitters down the spines of old and young in the North Eastern states of Borno, Bauchi, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba. Wherever the group operates, it often leaves behind sad stories and scary scenes of destruction, maiming and death.
Monday, June 13, 2011
US convicts Nigerian woman of 'modern day slavery'
Bidemi Bello, a 41-year old Nigerian woman was convicted of human trafficking and several other charges after forcing two women to work unpaid for her for years, in what prosecutors called "a case of modern day slavery."
She was convicted by a federal jury on Friday of eight counts: two counts of forced labor, two counts of trafficking for forced labor, one count of document servitude, one count of alien harboring and two counts of making false statements in an application to become a US citizen.
"The defendant both physically abused and psychologically intimidated these women for her own personal gain," said Thomas Perez, assistant attorney general for the civil rights division, after a verdict was reached in the week-long trial.
"This was a case of modern day slavery hidden within an expensive home in an upscale neighborhood," said US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Sally Quillian Yates.
"The two women who were abused here thought they were going to be nannies; instead they were treated inhumanely.
"The laws of the United States protect all victims from such abuse, regardless of where they came from or how they came to be in the United States," Yates said.
According to evidence and testimony presented during the trial, the two women were separately recruited in Nigeria by Bello and brought to the United States to work as her nanny.
The Nigerian woman had promised to send the young women to school in the United States, and in the case of one victim, had promised to pay her as well.
But the testimony showed, however, that once in the United States, Bello became verbally and physically abusive to both young women, who were forced to sleep on the floor even though her upscale home had multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. They were given little to eat and forced to work unreasonably long days in harsh conditions.
Officials said sentencing for Bello has been set for August.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
18 years after June 12; MKO Abiola
June 12, 1993, presidential elections was held throughout Nigeria, and the good people of the country came out in their millions to vote for MKO Abiola, who won 58% of the votes. However, on June 23, Babangida, using several pending lawsuits as a pretense, annulled the election, throwing Nigeria into turmoil.
June 12 by far is the freest and fairest election we’ve ever had in the history of Nigeria.
People voted willingly, putting aside all the prejudices that had hitherto divided them (ethnic, religion and culture) as a people; and the rest, as they say, is history.
18 years on from that historic day,the June 12 debacle, as far as I’m concerned set us backward for 40 years. If Abiola had ruled this country, I’m sure things would have turned a lot better. And the problem is worse of now because we all seem to have forgotten the people that died including Abiola, all his businesses have been destroyed.
In fact, the enemies of democracy used the instrumentality of the Federal Government to fight him. Thirteen years after, we are yet to get over this challenge. We have to find out what is happening to Abiola’s family.
Nigeria is at a standstill today because the blood of people that was killed is still crying for justice in their graves.
There is need for restitution because the Truth and Reconciliation Committee that Obasanjo set up, a lot of the dramatis personae like IBB and co didn’t show up. As such, it was a mere window-dressing.
Rest in peace MKO Abiola.
June 12 by far is the freest and fairest election we’ve ever had in the history of Nigeria.
People voted willingly, putting aside all the prejudices that had hitherto divided them (ethnic, religion and culture) as a people; and the rest, as they say, is history.
18 years on from that historic day,the June 12 debacle, as far as I’m concerned set us backward for 40 years. If Abiola had ruled this country, I’m sure things would have turned a lot better. And the problem is worse of now because we all seem to have forgotten the people that died including Abiola, all his businesses have been destroyed.
In fact, the enemies of democracy used the instrumentality of the Federal Government to fight him. Thirteen years after, we are yet to get over this challenge. We have to find out what is happening to Abiola’s family.
Nigeria is at a standstill today because the blood of people that was killed is still crying for justice in their graves.
There is need for restitution because the Truth and Reconciliation Committee that Obasanjo set up, a lot of the dramatis personae like IBB and co didn’t show up. As such, it was a mere window-dressing.
Rest in peace MKO Abiola.
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Dimeji Bankole pleads not guilty
The ex- Speaker of the House of Representative, Dimeji Bankole has appeared in court on fraud charges. Bankole pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of fraud.
The ex House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole filed the plea during a court appearance in Abuja.
Mr Bankole was arrested on charges of misappropriating millions of dollars of government funds.
Nigeria’s anti-corruption body, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said it arrested Mr Bankole after it had received information that he had planned to flee the country.
His spokesman has denied that he planned to leave Nigeria.
It is alleged that Mr Bankole secured a 10bn naira ($65m; £40m) loan, which was then shared out among senior figures in parliament.
The first charges relate to the purchase of 800 computers, 400 widescreen TVs, three Mercedes cars, two Range Rovers and a selection of office equipment.
Bankole has acknowledged that the loan exists but says he did not gain personally. Prosecutors say they are planning to bring more charges next week.
Justice Okorowo adjourned the case to July 26 and 27 for trial.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Baby facory raided in Aba
Nigerian police have raided a home allegedly being used to force teenage girls to have babies that were then offered for sale for trafficking or other purposes, authorities said on Wednesday.
"We stormed the premises of the Cross Foundation in Aba three days ago following a report that pregnant girls aged between 15 and 17 are being made to make babies for the proprietor," said Bala Hassan, police commissioner for Abia state in the country's southeast.
"We rescued 32 pregnant girls and arrested the proprietor who is undergoing interrogation over allegations that he normally sells the babies to people who may use them for rituals or other purposes."
Some of the girls told police they had been offered to sell their babies for between 25,000 and 30,000 naira (192 dollars) depending on the sex of the baby.
The babies would then be sold to buyers for anything from 300,000 naira to one million naira (1,920 and 6,400 dollars) each, according to a state agency fighting human trafficking in Nigeria, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
The girls were expected to be transferred to the regional NAPTIP offices in Enugu on Wednesday, the regional head Ijeoma Okoronkwo told AFP.
Hassan said the owner of the "illegal baby factory" is likely to face child abuse and human trafficking charges. Buying or selling of babies is illegal in Nigeria and can carry a 14-year jail term.
"We have so many cases going on in court right now," said Okoronkwo.
Cases of child abuse and people trafficking are common in West Africa. Some children are bought from their families to for use as labour in plantations, mines, factories or as domestic help.
Others are sold into prostitution while a few are either killed or tortured in black magic rituals. NAPTIP says it has also seen a trend of illegal adoption.
"There is a problem of illict adoption and people not knowing the right way to adopt children," said Okoronkwo.
Human trafficking is ranked the third most common crime after economic fraud and drug trafficking in the country, according to UNESCO.
"We stormed the premises of the Cross Foundation in Aba three days ago following a report that pregnant girls aged between 15 and 17 are being made to make babies for the proprietor," said Bala Hassan, police commissioner for Abia state in the country's southeast.
"We rescued 32 pregnant girls and arrested the proprietor who is undergoing interrogation over allegations that he normally sells the babies to people who may use them for rituals or other purposes."
Some of the girls told police they had been offered to sell their babies for between 25,000 and 30,000 naira (192 dollars) depending on the sex of the baby.
The babies would then be sold to buyers for anything from 300,000 naira to one million naira (1,920 and 6,400 dollars) each, according to a state agency fighting human trafficking in Nigeria, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
The girls were expected to be transferred to the regional NAPTIP offices in Enugu on Wednesday, the regional head Ijeoma Okoronkwo told AFP.
Hassan said the owner of the "illegal baby factory" is likely to face child abuse and human trafficking charges. Buying or selling of babies is illegal in Nigeria and can carry a 14-year jail term.
"We have so many cases going on in court right now," said Okoronkwo.
Cases of child abuse and people trafficking are common in West Africa. Some children are bought from their families to for use as labour in plantations, mines, factories or as domestic help.
Others are sold into prostitution while a few are either killed or tortured in black magic rituals. NAPTIP says it has also seen a trend of illegal adoption.
"There is a problem of illict adoption and people not knowing the right way to adopt children," said Okoronkwo.
Human trafficking is ranked the third most common crime after economic fraud and drug trafficking in the country, according to UNESCO.
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