People would say I’m a Short Woman – Nigerian Comedian, Helen Paul

Helen Paul-Bamisail has been a household name in entertainment industry. The Edo State- born comedian, presenter, singer and actress popularly known as Tatafo doesn’t need any introduction. Ask any Nigerian kid and he would tell you that lady who mimicked our voice. The University of Lagos (UNILAG) graduate of Theatre Art is counting her blessing on her baby voice that has brought her to limelight with little or no scandal. In an exclusive interview with Saturday Sun, the mother of one bared her mind on her journey into entertainment as an all-rounder and why the name Tatafo. Background I am from Edo State but born and bred in Lagos. I attended all my schools in Lagos- primary school to the university. I had my Master’s degree and other certificates in Lagos. The name Tatafo Tatafo was given to me by a friend called Matthew. Matthew is someone that is very hilarious. We used to work together at Eko Mix school’s, that’s Eko FM. And most times we sit together and exchange jokes. So, later Matthew left Eko real mix studios and got a job at Radio Continental as a producer. He suggested that I could use this Tatafo thing as a good content on radio. I accepted the idea as longer I would make a living out of it. Sincerely, I just enjoy mimicking people and I mimic not just children, even adults, friends and family. By so doing, I was now able to adopt the baby voice and ever since I’ve been using it. Growing up Very funny, I had an interesting scenario and a lot of fun. I grew up in Fadeyi area of Lagos with my great-grandmother, a strong disciplinarian. Later I started staying with my mum, though she is playful, but at the same time disciplined. She doesn’t need to shout on you or talk too much, with her blinks alone, you already know what she means. Her singing also tells you something, so you should know what to do. I grew up with those things, learning to talk with non-verbal communication. It was very interesting and that’s what made me who I am today. Parents My dad is in Abuja and he is someone who is busy, but my mum is the one I see every time when I need to pay school fees, eat and when I cry. She laughs with me when I laugh. She is always there with me. That’s why I am always fond of her as the only child. Challenges helen-paul-at-the-elegushi-beach-8I don’t think I have challenges in my life. I didn’t actually know I was going to shine. So, I’m always enjoying myself, doing what I like to do best. But I didn’t really struggle. I was actually shocked at a point that I would get this type of attention, audience and love from my fans. Sincerely, I want to use this opportunity to thank all my fans that showed me love and made me feel special. With my fans, I don’t think and feel like coming out faking. I would like to come out real- the way I want to look, talk, dance and jump. They make me work hard and try to give them new things. So, when we talk about challenges really, I am just grateful to God because I’m not always talking about odd moments. If you keep celebrating your past, you will never move forward. So, I only look forward. Marriage I got married in 2010. I met my husband through my boss, Uncle Paul in our office then in Eko FM and we were friends. He was first brother. I used to call him brother, but now I call him by by his name, Femi. For me, I’m just enjoying myself. Anything I feel like doing, I invest in it and tell God about it. I am not thinking evil of anyone, I’ve never thought of destroying anybody’s life nor doing any evil to someone. So, why should my own have any problem? Things would work for me except anyone that is sitting down, thinking of evil and not have time to think of new ideas. I’ve never thought of all that. There’s no way you will be plain with God that things will not keep coming to you. Ideas and concepts would be coming, but when you are there, destroying other people, busy thinking of what you`re not meant to think, of course you will not be able to come out with concepts or ideas. Why celebrity marriages crash No one wants to break up his/her marriage, no one wants to cry. It can happen because there are no rules on how you can stay in marriage. If God is helping you, you thank your God. If it is not working for other people, we have to pray for them that God will help them locate the best person that would make them happy all their lives. It’s not just in entertainment industry that marriage problem comes. No, it happens in other industries but just because we are famous, that’s why people keep shouting that actresses, actors, musicians, comedians and those in the industry don’t stay in marriage. The real fact is that it happens, it’s a normal thing that happens in our society. It happens in the banking sector. It happens to doctors, lawyers, etc. No one wants marriage break-up, no one wants to pull out of marriage. Marriage is a good thing, but you know, it’s not easy coming together as husband and wife. That means you`re thinking of the other person. Scandal Some people always abuse me too. Sometimes when I don’t have time to make up, they abuse me. They would say that without make-up I’m not fine. Some people would say I’m a short woman, but I don’t care because it is not about size. If they don’t talk about you, that means you are no more living or relevant. Programmes I like it. I feel very cool. I just love camera. When I see camera or anytime I see micro-phone in front of me, I’m always excited. Experience doing her job and at the same time pregnant It was not easy, our body is different. For me, I’m a sanguine. helen-paul-at-the-elegushi-beach-6It’s very funny. Whenever I was pregnant, the child would start blowing me when I was on duty. I would caution him not to disturb me, that I am working. I would tell the unborn baby, “You know I’ve tried by transporting you down to Nigeria, so you too behave yourself.”. I took my drugs when I was meant to take them. It’s not easy being a mother. Advice to youths I tell them to keep being themselves, live a positive life and don’t try to please anyone. If someone is wearing Brazilian hair, you wear your three-in-one if you can afford it and carry yourself well. Success is not the way you look, it is what is inside you. If you are joyful and happy inside, the sky is your limit or your beginning. Just keep being yourself and don’t let anyone talk down to you. You don’t try and follow what the society wants you to be. Who does God want you to be? Those are the questions you should be asking yourself. It is up to you to confess it over and over again to yourself that you are a great woman of substance, different from other women. Vision We thank God for the gift of life. The Bible says, “Write the vision and make it clear so that men can run along with you”. So, this is the vision you’re seeing now. I have a bridal shop, I sell ankara, lace fabrics and all stuff. I want God to keep giving me concepts; I pray for more ideas, I pray to get better each year, each time and season. If you cannot utilise your dreams, someone else would use them to utilize his/her own. Crazy experience by a fan My fans are my friends and my love. One of the experiences I had was the day a fan slapped me from behind, out of excitement, but I could not talk. I am sure I cannot take that again. Such a person would be arrested person. Treasure Truth be told, God’s mercy. I value His mercy; I pray His grace should not leave me. Advice by her mother concerning sex and men She told me, “Don’t open your laps for men, they are bad”. Everybody is my friend, I said so, but men are bad, simple. And they are very deceptive. I had it in mind. So, I fought them, I made them my friends and nothing more than friends. Not only men that deceive, women deceive too and women’s own is worse. Most times, I’m the one that breaks their hearts, because I have many male friends. Often, men don’t actually see me as a girl they can toast, rather they see me as a sister. My mind is not dirty, anything that wants to happen would happen, first through your mind. So, my mind is plain and their mind too is plain. It is when one is thinking of evil that evil would come and consume the person. I was a tomboy, so they didn’t see me as a girl, they saw me as a sister. Uti and me My husband is jealous of me and my love Uti. He is my love on Jara show, nobody can take the place of it. Uti is my love, because Uti makes me get money from Jara. I like Uti very well. Music album As I said, every gift of God within me must find expression. I have talent to sing, dance and do comedy. I have talent to sell things, so I am just enjoying myself. Stage fright As I said before, be yourself, enjoy what you do and definitely people would identify with you. Once you are good, people will follow you. People, who wouldn’t want to follow will sit down, so just be you and observe your society. Acting career I act now. My director and producer, Elvis Chuks invited me one day. He said I’m funny and should come and act. I demanded my money and he quickly paid me and I was very happy. When I heard I was going to act along with Funke Akindele, Mama G and Bishop, I was excited. That brought out the joy in me. We did it, so we thank God.

Ribery ruled out of Arsenal clash

The Bavarian powerhouse will be without the France winger in Wednesday's match as they aim to book their place in the quarter-finals Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes will have to do without the services of Franck Ribery for the second-leg of their last-16 Champions League clash with Arsenal. The France international featured for the full 90 minutes in Bayern's 3-2 Bundesliga win over Fortuna Dusseldorf at the weekend and even scored the equaliser to make it 2-2 in the 73rd minute. Nevertheless, he complained about pain in his left ankle after the match, and Bayern have now confirmed that he will not be match fit in time for Wednesday's clash with the Gunners. Ribery's injury is yet another blow for Heynckes, who will also be without Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jerome Boateng due to suspension. Bayern defend a 3-1 lead from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger: We have to believe we can beat Bayern Munich

Arsenal were beaten 3-1 by the Bundesliga leaders at the Emirates in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie, but the Gunners' boss insists his side still have a chance Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists his players must believe they can beat Bayern Munich in their upcoming Champions League last-16 second-leg clash if they are to stand any chance of overturning the 3-1 loss at the Emirates. The Gunners were blown away by the Bundesliga leaders in London with goals from Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Mario Mandzukic giving the Germans a commanding advantage for the return leg at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday. Despite the unenviable task facing Wenger's side, the Frenchman wants his team to pull together and make the "impossible possible" in order to progress to the quarter-finals of the illustrious competition. "There have been a few wins by Arsenal in the Champions League that we are all very proud of. We just have to convince ourselves that we can do it in Munich as well," he told Arsenal Player. "Yes, the chance is small, but the chance makes the impossible possible. That would be a great credit for our team if we do it. We have to try to achieve it. Our mentality is to go there, not resigned, but ambitious and provoke things, not go there and think 'we will not qualify anyway'. No, not at all. "We have to go there and give ourselves a chance to qualify with everybody believing we can do it. We have to behave on the football pitch like a team who wants to do it. That will be the task in the preparation." While Bayern will provide a fearsome offensive threat with the likes of Mandzukic and Muller (as well as Arjen Robben, who is struggling for a starting XI place), Wenger hinted that he will set out his team to get goals from the off. "How will we go into the game tactically? I haven't decided yet," he continued. "It will be with an ambitious plan, that is for sure. We have to try to put Bayern on the back foot; subconsciously anyway, they think they are through and we have to subconsciously think that we can do it. The only way to do it is to have a very positive attitude from the start."

Champions League is the pinnacle, says Carl Jenkinson

The Gunners right-back is in line to play against Bayern Munich and wants to keep his side in the "fantastic" competition that he dreamt of playing in as a youngster Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has insisted that he is determined to keep his side in the Champions League as it is "the pinnacle of football". The 21-year-old is in the frame to face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday in the second leg of the Gunners' last-16 clash, as his side look to try to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit after a difficult night at the Emirates Stadium two weeks ago. Jenkinson, a boyhood Arsenal fan, has admitted that he has come to realise that the Champions League is the height of football, and is excited about getting the opportunity to appear in the tournament again. "I've learned and realised that the Champions League is just the pinnacle of football," he told the club's official website. "When I was growing up watching the Champions League, it's the competition you dream of playing in. "The build-up, the song that's played before the game that sends shivers down your spine, everything about the Champions League is just classy. It's where you want to be as a footballer. "I love playing in it. I've been lucky enough to play a few games in it, and I've enjoyed every minute. "I used to go to games when I was younger, and I'd be at school telling my mates I'm going to the Champions League tonight's. It's just a big buzz. "There's such an aura about the Champions League. It's a fantastic tournament and I can't get enough of it."

The Goal Rich List 2013: Rules of Engagement

This list comprises a wealth index of current and active professional footballers, as measured by their identifiable wealth. Those who qualify for the list include Fifa registered professional players of all nationalities in any professional league across the world - or registered players currently without a club, but who are actively looking to sign for a professional club. We attempt to measure only identifiable assets including salaries, length of contract, bonuses, endorsement and sponsorship deals, accounts filed at Companies House, properties and other business interests. We have no access to bank accounts and do not attempt to compromise player privacy in any way. As a result, cash holdings in private accounts are not considered in this research and so actual wealth may vary slightly from the figures we have concluded. Business interests may include stakes in quoted companies as of 31 December 2012. It is much more difficult valuing stakes in private companies. We try as a general rule, to base valuations on the prevailing price/earnings ratio for a sector or an equivalent quoted company. Business interests under the name of a spouse or other family members cannot always be accounted for, but where this is possible these have been taken into account. We do not rely on gossip or other tittle-tattle in compiling this list. Most of the player information has been sourced from public sources such as company accounts lodged in Companies House or international equivalents. We have also drawn upon the expertise of reputable sources such as France Football, Forbes, The Financial Times, Four Four Two magazine, The Times, the Mail on Sunday, sportingintelligence.com, SportsPro Media, Transfermarkt and Deloitte. We have also spoken to and utilised the expertise and knowledge of a number of player agents, marketing experts and club sources. We only use private information about individuals if it has been published already in reputable newspapers, magazines or reference work or is known by reputable sources within the football and related industries, but information gathered from players is not always verifiable with absolute certainty. Where currency values have had to be converted, we have used currency valuations as of 31 December 2012 and we have not included the financial aspects of any deals or renegotiations that players may have enjoyed after 31 December 2012.

Barcelona have a 90 per cent chance of signing Neymar, says Roberto Carlos

The Brazil legend feels the 21-year-old's future lies at Camp Nou and is confident he will fit in well with the Blaugrana's star names Former Brazil international Roberto Carlos believes that Santos star Neymar is destined to join Barcelona at some point in the future. The tricky attacker stated earlier this week that he does not have a preference between the Catalan powerhouse and Real Madrid, but his compatriot has little doubt that he will eventually end up at Camp Nou. "I have spoken with him. He should have left Brazil already in my opinion. I believe that Barcelona have a 90 per cent chance of signing him," Roberto Carlos told Al Jazeera. The 39-year-old then went on to dismiss suggestions that the attacker might not be compatible with Lionel Messi. "He is able to adapt to any situation," he added. Neymar has a contract with Santos until the summer of 2014.

Northerners hold 83 per cent of oil blocks – Senator

AMID a raging debate on the Petroleum Industry Bill, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Business and Rules, Senator Ita Enang, on Wednesday, said that 83 per cent of oil blocks in the country are owned by Northerners. “There should be equity and federal character in the allocation of oil blocks in this country. Eighty-three per cent of all present oil blocks are held by northerners,” Enang said on the floor of the Senate, without any of the senior lawmakers contradicting him. Enang, representing Akwa Ibom North-East (Uyo) Senatorial District, therefore demanded a review of oil block licences in the country even as other senators from the South urged him on. Enang’s disclosures came a day after the debate on the Petroleum Industry Bill had split the senators along North-South lines. The senators held a rowdy session as those from the north stoutly opposed the provision of 10 per cent Host Community Fund in the bill. The provision requires operating companies in the Niger Delta, home to Nigeria’s vast oil resource, to pay 10 per cent of their net profits to the fund for the development of the communities. Strengthening his submission, Senator Enang gave a summary of major oil blocks vis-a-vis their ownership. Enang said Cavendish Petroleum, the operators of OML 110, awarded to Alhaji Mai Deribe of Borno State (North East), makes an average of about N4bn monthly. He said, “Seplat/Platform Petroleum, operators of the ASUOKPU/UMUTU marginal field has Prince Sanusi Lamido (not CBN Governor) as a major shareholder and Director. “South Atlantic Petroleum Limited (SAPETRO), was established by Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, who is also the Chairman of ENI Nigeria Limited. SAPETRO partnered with Total Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI) and Brasoil Oil Services Company Nigeria Lomited to become operators of the OPL 246. “AMNI International Petroleum and Development Company is owned by Alhaji (Colonel) Sani Bello of Kotangora, Niger State. They are operators of OML 112 and OML 117. “A former Petroleum minister and former OPEC chairman, Rilwanu Lukman, another northerner, manages AMNI oil blocks and with very key interests in the NNPC/Vitol trading deal. “Oriental Energy Resources Limited, a company owned by Alhaji Indimi, runs three oil blocks: OML 15, the Okwok field and the Ebok field. “Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s Express Petroleum and Gas Limited operates OML 108. “OML 113 allocated to Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Limited is owned by Alhaji. W.I. Folawiyo. “OPL 291 was awarded to Starcrest Energy Nigeria Limited, owned by Emeka Offor, which was sold by Starcrest to Addax Petroleum. Emeka Offor still has a stake in Addax operations in Nigeria. “Mike Adenuga’s Conoil is the oldest indigenous oil exploration industry in Nigeria with six oil blocks; “Alhaji Saleh Mohammed Gambo’s North East Petroleum Limited is the holder of the OPL 215 licence. NOREASTER Petroleum was awarded blocks OPL 276 and OPL 283 and closing thereupon a Joint Venture Agreement with Centrica Resources Nigeria Limited and CCC Oil and Gas. “INTEL is owned by (Abubakar) Atiku, Yar’Adua and Ado Bayero and has substantial stakes in Nigeria’s oil exploration industry, both in Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe. “These need to be looked into, revoked and re-awarded. The Federal Character which is a principle applicable in every aspect of our national existence should also be brought to bear in the application of our oil blocks, marginal fields and prospecting licences.” Enang’s disclosures came amid a consensus among the lawmakers on the need to let the bill sail through second reading, while further legislative work would take care of the contentious issues. Enang, who spoke in support of the PIB, also argued for the retention of the 10 per cent host community fund, adding that it did not amount to an additional derivation. Speaking also in favour of the bill, Senator Chris Anyanwu (Imo East) said the bill would address the issue of criminality in the sector. She said, “The element I like most in the bill is the host community fund because it removes the motive for crime. It gives them a sense of belonging and ownership. Until the PIB is ready and people know that their investment is safe, they will not come to Nigeria.” Senator Ayogu Eze from Enugu North also urged his colleagues to support the bill so as allow for the fine-tuning of other controversial areas. Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (Oyo South) argued that Section 191 of the bill gave too much powers to the President, which must be curtailed. Norther senators whose earlier position was outright rejection of the bill have moved to give the bill a chance. Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) captured the new mood when he said, “I was one of the people completely opposed to the bill but from the trend of the debate it looked like the Senate is ready to do a thorough job without fear or favour. For this reason, I will join others in asking that this bill be considered while the contentious positions are addressed. “It is necessary that the powers of the minister be reduced so that whosoever is the minister is not a super minister.” In spite of this, Deputy Leader, Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central); Senators Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa West); Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna North); and Nurudeen Abatemi (Kogi Central) raised concerns on the provisions for host communities’ fund. They also expressed hope that the issue would be properly thrashed at the critical stages of the bill. The debate on the general principles of the bill would be concluded on Thursday (today).

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Everything you need to no about "2face Idibia"

2Face Idibia Birth nameInnocent Ujah Idibia Also known as2Face, Tuface, 2Baba or Tubaba Born September 18, 1975 (age 37) Jos, benue State, Nigeria GenresR&B, hip hop, Reggae, Afrobeat OccupationsSinger-songwriter, Musician, Record producer, Executive producer Years active1997–present LabelsHypertek Entertainment Konvict Muzik Associated actsSound Sultan, R. Kelly, Beenie Man, Akon, Faze, Plantashun Boyz, BlackFace Naija, Wyclef Jean Website2faceonline.com Early life Innocent Ujah Idibia (born in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria), or better known by his stage name 2Face Idibia, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, actor and record producer. He was a member of the defunct R&B/hip hop group Plantashun Boyz. 2Face Idibia was born Innocent Ujah Idibia in Jos, Nigeria. He is from the Okpokwu local government area and from the Idoma ethnic group in the southern part of Benue State, in central Nigeria.[1] He attended Saint Gabriel's Secondary School in Makurdi, Benue State. He schooled briefly in the Institute of Management & Technology, Enugu (IMT), where he did his preliminary National Diploma course in business administration and management. While attending IMT he performed at school organized shows and parties, as well as other regional schools such as the University of Nigeria and Enugu State University of Science & Technology. He would not graduate college. While attending IMT, 2face Idibia started composing and singing jingles at the GB Fan Club at Enugu State Broadcasting Services (ESBS) in 1996. He would move to Lagos and started performing with fellow rapper BlackFace, forming the Plantashun Boyz. He had met BlackFace while attending IMT.[2] He started calling himself "2Face" in 1996. He cited the reasoning as "trying to demarcate my personal life with my business life.[3] In 2006, his song "African Queen" was used in the soundtrack for the film Phat Girlz, which was released internationally.[4] The Plantashun Boyz came together briefly in 2007 to record an album which they titled Plan B.[2] He also released a promotion album in 2008 releasing the single, "Enter the Place". Problems with album distribution in 2007 caused as shift of the release date of the album from 2008 to 2009. Tuface released two singles from the international version of his Unstoppable album and is the first Nigerian artist to have an appropriately priced[5] international album.[6] 2face Idibia released The Unstoppable International Edition album in 2010. For the album, he won two awards at the 2010 SoundCity Music Video Awards.[7] He also won the Channel O Music Video Awards Best African Western award and the MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Male and Artist of the year.[8] Upon leaving the music label Kennis Music, he set up his own record label known as Hypertek Entertainment.[9] He is part of the Sony All African One8 Project alongside seven other musicians across Africa recording a single with R. Kelly and Prince Lee titled "Hands Across the World".[10] He is the first non-Liberian to become an honorary member of the Liberian music society in recognition for his outstanding contribution to the growth of music in Africa. 2Face is known for his narrow escapes from death. He had a close shave with death three times, at different locations and times, including gun shots.[6][11] On May 2, 2012, 2Face Idibia and Annie Macaulay, a Nollywood actress, got married in Lagos, in a private ceremony.[12][13] 2face announced his marriage via his Twitter page. He has a child with Annie Macaulay, and five children from previous relations. Philanthropy 2Face has established an NGO called 2Face Idibia Reach-Out Foundation.[14] which motto is service to humanity. In 2009, 2Face was appointed as ambassador the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.[15] He released a song "Man Unkind" in order to raise awareness on the menace of fake and sub-standard food and drug products in Nigeria.[16] In 2009, he was presented with the prestigious International Youth Ambassador for Peace Summit and the Nigeria Youth Merit Award by the National Youth Council of Nigeria in recognition of his contributions to youth development in Nigeria.[17] Discography 2004: Face 2 Face 2006: Grass 2 Grace 2008: The Unstoppable 2010: The Unstoppable International Edition 2012: Away & Beyond Awards Won Best Male Vocalist 2002 Affinity Awards Music of the Year 2004 Excellence Recognition Awards Outstanding Contribution to the Entertainment Industry 2004 Award for Excellence Best Male Vocalist 2004 A.M.E.N Awards Song of the Year 2004 A.M.E.N Awards Best New Act Male 2004 A.M.E.N Awards Best Video 2004 A.M.E.N Awards Song of the year for "African Queen" 2004 Nigeria Entertainment Awards New York Best Album of the year 2004 Nigeria Entertainment Awards New York Best Hip Hop and R&B Artiste 2004 Nigeria Entertainment Awards New York Musician of the Year 2004 City People Awards for Excellence Best Male Video 2005 Channel O Music Video Awards Best African Video of the year 2005 Channel O Music Video Awards Best African Act 2005 Channel O Music Video Awards Best African Act 2005 MTV Europe Music Awards[18] Best African Act 2005 Kora Awards[19] Best Musical Artiste 2005 Afro Nollywood Awards African Song of The Year (Non Ghanaian) 2005 Ghana Music Awards Special Recognition Award 2005 Hip Hop World Awards The Outstanding Musician of the Year 2005 Black Heritage Awards for Excellence Best Song of The Year 2005 G.C.E International Awards Musician of The Year 2006 The Future Awards Africa Break Through Artist of the Year 2006 Nigeria Entertainment Awards New York Best Album of the Year 2007 Nigeria Entertainment Awards New York Best African Act 2007 MOBO Awards[20] Song of the Decade 2007 Nigerian Music Awards Best R'n'B / Pop album 2008 Hip-Hop World Awards Best African Act 2008 Australian African Awards Best selling Nigerian Artist 2008 World Music Awards, Monaco, Spain[21] Best R&B MTV Africa Music Awards 2009[22] Artist of the Year MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 Best Male MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 Most Gifted West African Video 2010 Channel O Music Video Awards[23] Best Pop Video for "Implication" 2010 SoundCity Awards Best Western 2010 SoundCity Awards New Champions For An Enduring Culture 2011 16th edition of the Annual THISDAY Awards presented by former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger[24] Best International Act: Africa BET Awards of 2011[25] Album of the year 2011 Hip-Hop World Awards – "The Headies"[26] Artist of the year 2011 Hip-Hop World Awards – "The Headies" Best R'n'B / Pop album 2011 Hip-Hop World Awards – "The Headies" Nominated Best African Act 2005 MOBO Artist of the Year 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards[27] Best Male 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards Best Video for "Enter the Place" 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards Most Gifted African West Video for "Only Me" 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards[28] Most Gifted Video of the Year for "Only Me" 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards References ^ "Rise and Rise of Tu-Face". newswatchngr.com. January 9, 2006. http://www.newswatchngr.com/editorial/prime/bob/10109113755.htm. Retrieved March 6, 2012. ^ a b "Innocent Ujah Idibia (2Face)". Idomalang.org. http://www.idomaland.org/icon/innocent-ujah-idibia-2face. Retrieved March 11, 2012. ^ "2Face Idibia Live in London". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLOjyMuKH20. Retrieved March 11, 2012. ^ "Phat Girlz soundtrack". Soundtrackinfo.com. http://www.soundtrackinfo.com/title/phatgirlz.asp. Retrieved 2010-05-22. ^ "TuFace Checks Piracy With Classy Album Price". tribune.com.ng. http://www.tribune.com.ng/sat/index.php/entertainment-extra/1108-tuface-checks-piracy-with-classy-album-price.html. Retrieved March 9, 2012. ^ a b "2Face Idibia’s BET International "Welcome to America" Interview". Bellanaija.com. April 27, 2011. http://www.bellanaija.com/2011/04/28/watch-2face-idibias-bet-international-welcome-to-america-interview-with-lola-ogunnaike. Retrieved March 7, 2012. ^ "Soundcity Music Video Awards 2010 – The Winner’s Circle". thenetng.com. November 22, 2010. http://www.thenetng.com/2010/11/22/soundcity-music-video-awards-2010-the-winners-circle/. Retrieved March 9, 2012. ^ "Fally Ipupa & Tuface Idibia lead MTV Africa Music Awards winners 2010". museke.com. December 12, 2010. http://www.museke.com/node/7071. Retrieved April 9, 2012. ^ "Tuface Idibia opens up on why he left Kennis music". Nigerianewsdaily.com. October 28, 2011. http://www.nigerianewsdaily.com/nigerianewsentertainment/nigerianewsmusic/12942-tuface-idibia-opens-up-on-the-sucess-story-of-his-hit-track-african-queen--why-he-left-kennis-music.html. Retrieved March 9, 2012. ^ "Hands Across The World Video – ONE8 with R. Kelly". Rnbmusicblog.com. November 19, 2010. http://www.rnbmusicblog.com/hands-across-the-world-video-one8-r-kelly/17936/. Retrieved March 9, 2012. ^ "Tuface Idibia recuperating and fine". nigeriavillagesquare.com. October 9, 2007. http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/articles/ahaoma-kanu/tuface-idibia-recuperating-and-fine.-with-exclusive-pict.html. Retrieved April 9, 2012. ^ "2face Idibia and Annie Macaulay wed secretly". thenetng.com. May 4, 2012. http://thenetng.com/2012/05/04/2face-idibia-and-annie-macaulay-wed-secretly. Retrieved May 4, 2012. ^ "Annie, anointed queen of a shooting star". punchng.com. February 17, 2012. http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/arts-life/annie-anointed-queen-of-a-shooting-star. Retrieved March 3, 2012. ^ "'2Face' Idibia: Message behind the music". edition.cnn.com. November 29, 2011. http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2011/11/28/inside-africa-2face-idibia-nigeria-a.cnn?iref=allsearch. Retrieved March 6, 2012. ^ "NAFDAC appoints 2face Ambassador". vanguardngr.com. September 18, 2009. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/09/nafdac-appoints-2face-ambassador/. 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Senate seeks return to national development planning

THE Senate has emphasised the need to return the country to the path of national planning, as a means to ensure sustainable growth and development. Towards this end, the upper legislative chamber, on Thursday, mandated its committees on National Planning and Finance to review the current planning linkage and recommend amendment to relevant laws. It also described the current budgeting process adopted by the Federal Government as arbitrary, declaring that the “envelope” system adopted in 2003 by the Ministry of Finance in arriving at budgets for ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) would be scrapped in 2014. The Senate also contended that the current national budgeting process had made the legislature to be less involved, relying solely on the information provided by the executive arm of government. This was sequel to a motion moved by Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, who described national development planning as the dominant policy instrument in many low-income and emerging market economies. He said the role of national planning, which once served as Nigeria’s roadmap to development, had been subsumed into the Nigerian budget process. He averred that what used to be a five-year development plan had now been replaced by Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). Deputy Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi, said national planning would enable a nation to know its standing. In his remarks, Senate President, David Mark, described the motion as one of the most important ones ever considered in the chamber. According to him, national planning had been jettisoned, adding that as a result, poverty and unemployment had continued to be on the rise.

Nigeria Hip hop act, Damino Damoche shot dead at LASU

RISING hip hop act, Olaniyan Damilola, popular known as Damino Damoche, was shot dead on Thursday around 5.00 p.m at the Iba Gate of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, by people suspected to be cultists. Nigerian Tribune gathered that Damoche was shot in the head twice, after he finished writing a test at the Faculty of Management Science of the institution. The hip hop artiste, who broke to limelight mid-2011, was, until his death, a 400-level Banking and Finance student at LASU. He was said to be working on his next album due for launch in April when the incident occurred. Ngozi Braide, the image maker in charge of the Lagos State police command, cofirmed the killing. She added that the police had deposited the corpse at the mortuary. The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the hip hop act was on his way out of the campus , when some alleged cult guys accosted him and shot him at a close range. The death created panic in the school, as students rushed to the scene to catch a glimpse. A student of LASU, who simply identified himself as Ojo, informed the Nigerian Tribune that “it is not unusual in LASU for someone to be killed before examinations. We know that they will surely kill since we are starting our exams next week.”