THIS IS TAIWO AJANAKU'S BLOG : April 2015

Thursday 30 April 2015

STRUGGLES OF THE NIGERIAN PEOPLES

At independence, (1960) Nigeria was a multi-party democracy with a federal constitution. Its parliamentary system gave promise of evolution towards a stable pluralist political system. However, this system was soon undermined by the nature of political forces of the time. During this period, three political parties emerged to dominate Nigerian politics: The National Council for Nigeria and Cameroon’s (NCNC), Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and Action Group (AG). However, the disagreement over the 1962/63 population census figures ruptured the Federal coalition of NCNC and the NPC. The conflict over the census exacerbated political tensions that had previously led to outbreaks of violence in the Western Region and some parts of Northern Region. These situations led to the first military intervention in January 1966. After the second coup that was a reprisal for the wanton killing of Easterners in Northern Nigeria, the Eastern Region attempted in 1967 to secede and to create an independent 1960 homeland (Biafra) which resulted in a 30-month civil war. In response, the Federal Military government began to create more state to outflank and break-up the eastern region by providing homelands for ethnic minorities of the region, but also to break –up the dominant bases of power in the west and the north. The military believed that by creating a large number of relatively weak states under a strong central government it could overcome the instability of the past. In other words, the military sought to unilaterally redefine the shape of Nigerian Federation into one consistent with its own hierarchical structure and vision. The result was the creation of multiple state structures. Though seemingly inconsistent with the logic of military rule. The military believed that elected local government would provide a more viable and legitimate form of government at the local level and further weaken the States. Few local government areas were established initially. But over the years the number grew astronomically. During the 1970s, Nigeria evolved from a poor agricultural economy into a relatively rich, oil-dominated one. The economic policy orientation during the 1970s left the country ill prepared for the eventual collapse of oil prices. Public investment was concentrated in costly, and often inappropriate, infrastructure projects with questionable rates of returns and sizable recurrent cost implications, while the agricultural sector was largely neglected.Nigeria’s industrial policy was inward looking, with a heavy emphasis on protection and government controls, which bred an uncompetitive manufacturing sector. While attending an O.A.U summit in Kampala, Uganda on Tuesday 29 July 1975, General Gowon’s government CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA. Indeed, corruption is one of the greatest challenges of the contemporary world. It undermines good government, fundamentally distorts public policy, leads to the mis allocation of resources, harms the private sector and particularly hurts the poor. Many aspect of bribery and corruption include accepting gratification, giving or accepting gratification through agent, Fraudulent acquisition of property; fraudulent receipt of property. Offences committed through postal system, deliberate frustration of investigation, making false statement or returns gratification by and through agents, bribery of public officer; using office or position for gratification; bribery transactions; false or misleading statements to the commission and attempt (conspiracy) punishable as offences. Corruption respects no national boundaries and it deeper poverty around the glebe by distorting political, economic and social life. Transparency inter national (TI) was born from the experience of people who witnessed first hand the real threat to human liver posed by corruption. Today, corruption at the highest levels captures headlines everywhere, and people are becoming aware of its disastrous consequences. Indeed, Nigeria is one of the poorest countries in the world (world Bank, 2003; united nations, 1999). Several factors contribute to the persistence of national poverty, and corruption is definitely one of them. Oil and Gas have brought wealth to Nigeria but these industries have historically provided opportunities for corruption on a massive scale. The corruption perceptions index (CPI) is a poll of polls, reflecting the perceptions of business people and country analysts, both resident and non-resident. The table below shows the relative performance of Nigeria's CPI (1980 –2002). Here, the comparisons to the results from previous years should be based on the country’s score, not its rank. A country’s rank can change suggesting that now countries enter the index and others dropout. A higher score suggests that respondents provided better ratings, while a lower score suggest that respondents revised their perception downwards. However, year-to-year in a country’s score can result not only from a changing way of a changing way of a country’s performance but also from a changing sample and methodology. With differing respondents and slightly differing methods change in a country’s score may also relate to the fact that different viewpoints have been collected and different questions being administered.

9ice’s Cracked Voice & Drug Addiction: Open Letter To Alexander Abolore Adegbola Adigun Alapomeji Cracked Voice & Drug Addiction: Open Letter

To 9ice, Alexander Abolore Adegbola Adigun Alapomeji Ajifolajifaola I feel a very sincere duty of care to offer some advice to you-
“9ice”.You happen to be a very talented musician-You (Abolore) single handedly created a unique kind of music in the music genre-combining the Yoruba, local dialect to blend with the hip-hop rhythm-using the Yoruba proverbs and adages to calibrate your message and rhythms. You also created a niche for yourself which saw your musical
exploits and achievement transcend far and beyond the shores of Nigeria,Africa and beyond. I very much vividly still recollect
one of your lyrics in “GONGO-ASO” when you said you won’t stop until you bring home the Grammy award….please 9ice, what happened to that dream ? which was so full of passion
,zeal and determination. Why am I pouring so much encomiums on one man?-Two things are the reasons; firstly, because all the aforementioned I stated above are facts, secondly; the man (9ice) is a rare gem in terms of musical talents. Having said all of these, it would be a shame to see you waste or fade away like the likes of Majek Fashek,Whitney Houston,Amy Winehouse and a host of others. Please, 9ice, you certainly need to start doing something right about your situation. I don’t want to believe what I’m reading about you and drugs; but regardless; there is what they call corrective surgery and rehabilitation out there, this could be beneficial to you if you act fast. This surgery will correct the damage caused by whatever you have done to your vocal chord. Elton John; once admitted in an interview on Canadian
television some years back that he damaged his voice because he was smoking too much Marijuana-which eventually damaged his vocal chord. The marijuana consumption caused him to have extra growths in his vocal
chord. Elton John is well today because he took the right steps to address his mistakes, and he stopped whatever bad habit he was indulging in, and he went ahead to have a successful surgery on his vocal chord.-“9ice-Abolore Adigun”, you can also do the same if you act fast enough. Also KWAM 1- Wasiu Ayinde Omogbolahan Anifowose, had a
similar corrective surgery done in Canada by Dr. Fletcher Toleto- You can contact KWAM 1,to educate you further about the surgery that saved his vocal chord. 9ice –here is my advice to you, whatever you are doing to
yourself –it’s not too late to STOP now. The only way to your recovery is; “when you and only you decide enough is enough” and you start seeking help and also put a STOP to whatever you are doing which is apparently destroying your vocal chord. A corrective surgery and rehabilitation will enhance your voice by giving it more resonance and it will lower the timbre of you voice which will eventually make it sound stronger, but first
and foremost –you will need to first STOP whatever you are doing that is destroying your voice-I don’t want to judge you –Hence you are the only one who knows what you are using/ doing that is destroying your voice.
Please take great care not to end up like Majek Fashek &, Whitney Houston, because some of us still care about you, please. “A word is enough for a wise man like you”!

Genevieve Nnaji: I’m Still Single & Looking For An Ideal Boyfriend

Genevieve Nnaji: I’m Still Single & Looking
For An Ideal Boyfriend

In a recent chat with Ediale Kingsley, Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji talked about romance and why she is still not married at age 35. See excerpts below:
Why are you still single?
If I get married, I really want to stay married and staying married is not an easy thing. It means you are completely in tune with your partner. It means you have found your
soulmate because you will have to be able to stand a lot of disappointments that would definitely come but then again you have to learn to forgive. Tell me about your first love?
He was a very, very, handsome man. A long time ago, very handsome man, trust me.
Let’s talk about relationships – are you currently in one? Are you looking at settling down at some point? I know you’ve
heard that question a lot of times but tell us the truth now. *takes a deep breath* I think everyone is prioritizing and so am I. It’s not like I don’t want to settle down or want
somebody and until I find that person, there’s no thoughts of me settling down.
When was the last time you had a boyfriend… do you have one now?
I don’t have a boyfriend now. Ok, so what are you looking for in a man? Your ideal guy, what are you looking for in a man?
I am that person that eats with her eyes, like I need to be attracted to you. Definitely. There has to be physical attraction that will draw me to you but at the end of the day, it’s your mind I’m going to fall in love with. I’m probably
looking for a friend, someone who shares a like mind and somebody who is confident. Aww, I love tall guys. I’m short
you have to think of the kids.
Don’t you think a lot of guys are scared of you now? They will say she is good looking, successful, she’s got her own career, let me leave her alone, I can’t handle that kind of
wife I can’t tell her what to do. Then he is a baby, a boy. I’m not looking for a boy. Men don’t let artificial things like that intimidate them. So can you marry a guy you are richer than? How much money do I have? I’m not even that rich. I pay tax, I pay rents, I run an office, I have staff. So, talk about the
money I spend, not the money I make.

Katy Perry's Sunflower Dress Stirs Up Controversy in China: Political Statement or Style Snafu? Get the Details!

Controversy is blooming around Katy Perry in China. What looked like just another technicolor costume for the pop princess has stirred up animosity among those who saw the sunflower-studded dress she wore onstage Tuesday as a pro- Taiwanese statement. Which, considering she was performing in Taipei and she was surrounded by sunflowers, could have been the case--but she's performed in that costume before Taiwan just marked last month the anniversary of the Sunflower Student Movement, when students staged a 23-day occupation of Taiwan's parliament last year in protest of the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement, a trade pact that some Taiwanese feared would give mainland China too much
economic influence in the sovereign state. Thousands rallied outside the building in solidarity with the students inside, and
demonstrators carried sunflowers as a symbol of hope. So that is quite the statement of solidarity Perry seemed to be making. The Prism artist, who also at one point donned the
official flag of Taiwan (aka the Republic of China) as a cape while singing "Unconditionally," certainly kept the conversation light during her concert, at one point telling the audience, "I don't even know how to speak Mandarin. That's what you
speak, right?" According to Quartz, plenty of Perry's Taiwanese fans adored the outfit and what could be construed as its political significance, while posts on Chinese social
media indicated that the pop star may have lost some fans on the mainland. "I'm speechless over Fruit Sister," read one post
on Chinese microblogging site Sina Weibo that referred to Perry by a local nickname (which she got for wearing a lot of costumes that involve fruit). "I suppose she has no chance to
come to the mainland anymore, though she might not care. These performers who intervene in other countries' politics are the most annoying." zAddressing speculationi that Perry could end up banned from performing in China, user robotcl wrote on Taiwanese site PTT, per Hong Kong's Apple Daily. "It's
impossible for China to ban an American superstar." "That's super fierce, wearing sunflowers and the Taiwanese flag," lostguy wrote approvingly, also on PTT. "No wonder mainland artists say Taiwan has too much freedom of expression." And still others assume that Perry's dress is a nonstarter. "I am laugh-crying at Taiwan anti-China dissidents 'moved to tears' because Katy Perry's stylist accidentally committed her to
their cause," Arthur Chu cracked on Twitter. "'I don't even speak Mandarin. That's what you speak, right?' Katy Perry while unknowingly decked out as a member of Taiwan's Occupy," he added. Chimed in good kid., f.O.b. city: "God
bless Katy Perry. She's now Taiwan's most famous advocate without even knowing it." Perry's Prism World Tour touches down May 1 in Macau and then she's off to the Philippines
and Indonesia.

Wednesday 29 April 2015

Bruce Jenner Is All Smiles While With Ex-Wives Linda Thompson and Chrystie Crownover--See the Sweet Pic!

What a precious photo. Bruce Jenner's ex-wife Linda Thompson posted a snapshot that was both nostalgic and sweet on her Instagram earlier today. The blond beauty shared a photo of herself, her ex-hubby, and Jenner's first ex-
wife Chrystie Crownover as the happy trio flashed a smile for the camera. Bruce was married to Chrystie in 1972 before separating in 1981. He was then married to Thompson from 1981-1986. Talk about friendly exes, right?! (At this time, Bruce Jenner has not chosen to publicly identify as a woman and so E! News will continue to refer to him as Bruce and use male pronouns, until he indicates otherwise.) The picture was paired with a caption from Thompson, Brandon and Brody
Jenner's mother, which read, "It has been gently brought to my attention that I never personally shared the link to the Huffington Post abbreviated excerpt from my memoir in
progress. And thank you for your loving & kind response! #chrystiebruceandme" In the lengthy excerpt published by Huffington Post, Thompson details the journey of her romance with Jenner, which began while watching the Olympian win the gold on the TV screen while in bed with--wait for it--Elvis Presley and ended with his reveal of his desire to transition into a woman. When Brody was about 18 months old and Brandon was about 3 and a half years old, Bruce came to me one day with a very somber look on his face and said "There's something about me that I really need to tell you, something you need to know." I truly thought he might possibly tell me he had had an affair while on the road. But that's not what he wanted to confess to me..Bruce told me that he identified as a woman. Not
understanding exactly what he meant, I questioned him. "What do you mean you identify as a woman?" I asked. "What does
that mean?" He replied that it meant that for as long as he could remember, he had looked in the mirror and seen a masculine image staring back at him where there should have
been a feminine reflection. Bruce lamented, "I have lived in the wrong skin, the wrong body, my whole life. It is a living hell for me, and I really feel that I would like to move forward with the process of becoming a woman, the woman I have always been inside." People have asked me, "Were there any signs or
clues through the years that Bruce might have had this issue? Any evidence he wore your clothes?" No. Not a clue. Nothing. Nada. Never. Thompson went on to explain that had Bruce opened up about his gender identity the moment they met, "I would not have married him. Pure and simple. But looking back, I'm so grateful to God, the universe, and Bruce that I
didn't know, and that Bruce played the role in my life that he did." She continued, "I would never have experienced the joy, the honor, the privilege of being the mother of the two most
precious gifts I have ever known, Brandon and Brody. As life has a way of unfolding as it is meant to, I have learned to trust life."

Justin Bieber Triggers International Incident

Justin Bieber's like a Bond villain -- an internationally wanted man -- and there's a push to get him locked up in Rome, but
it hasn't happened yet ... TMZ has learned. Rumors swirled Bieber got busted Wednesday morning when police officers swarmed outside his hotel in Rome. Truth is ... no arrest was
made, but our Bieber sources confirm he is on an Interpol list because of an outstanding warrant in Argentina. As we've reported ... Justin is wanted for not appearing to face charges he allegedly got his bodyguards to beat up a Buenos Aires photog in 2013. We're told authorities in Argentina have contacted Interpol -- and Justin had to go through secondary search at Customs when he flew into Italy -- but there's been no arrest. Bieber's legal team believes there's a grace period
before cops bust him on the warrant ... which was just issued earlier this month. As for the officers outside the hotel ... we're told they were consulting with Justin's security team on
crowd control. Not so fun fact for Biebs -- Italy and Argentina have an extradition treaty. Justin's in Rome to shoot "Zoolander 2." He'd better nail it in one take.

50 Cent I'm Making Big Money Off Mayweather/Pacquiao

50 Cent is jumping on the money train this weekend, where he plans to score huge bank off the backs of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Club sources tell TMZ ... the rapper is getting half-a-million bucks Friday night for throwing down rhymes at Drai's. Fact is, 50 may be hedging his bets. You may recall ... he's put $1.6 mil on the line, betting Floyd
Mayweather will put Manny Pacquiao in his place. And we're told he also made a deal with Effen Vodka to make around $500k for a show 2 weeks later at Pool After Dark in Atlantic City. When it rains it pours.

Hank Baskett Transgender Mistress Attacked by Kendra Fans

The transgender female who had a relationship with Hank Baskett is filing a police report, claiming she was attacked in a
gay bar by Kendra Wilkinson fans who were out for revenge. Ava London is currently telling Modesto Police that she was inside a gay bar called Climax when a man and a woman
attacked her. She says they pummeled her and pulled her weave out, screaming she was a "homewrecker" and a "hoe." Hank has acknowledged he hooked up with Ava. The guy who took credit for the attack posted the above video of the aftermath and wrote, "LOL, the #husbandf***er Ava got told she's a hoe today and she/he went crazy." The guy actually admits the attack saying, "After she flipped her fake-ass hair in my face and after i was being held by security my girl Tee Tee beat the s*** outs her."

AT&T President AXED Over Racist Meme Lawsuit

One of AT&T's presidents was fired following a company investigation into claims he sent a racist meme to a friend ...via text. TMZ broke the story ... Aaron Slator -- AT&T's President of Content and Ad Sales -- was sued by a former employee who claimed Slator's assistant found the text ... showing a dancing African child with the words, "It's Friday
N**s." The employee filed a racial discrimination suit for $100 million ... claiming Slator had it out for African Americans. A company rep tells TMZ, "Aaron Slator has been terminated. There is no place for demeaning behavior within AT&T and we regret the action was not taken earlier." Interestingly, the employee's lawsuit claimed AT&T knew about the meme, but never took action against Slator. Slator had been a key player in the pending merger between AT&T and DirecTV.

Russell Wilson and Ciara Enjoy Date Night at the White House--Is the Football Stadium Their Next Romantic Destination?

It's safe to say Russell Wilson scored some major points with this date night. Just three days after attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner with his grandmother, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback returned to the Washington D.C. landmark with Ciara for a romantic evening together. Dressed up in formal wear, the hot new couple was spotted
holding hands as they attended President Barack Obama's Japanese state dinner with a few famous faces. Guests including Shonda Rhimes, George Takei and Vice President Joe
Biden enjoyed a tasty meal created by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimonto and White House chef Cris Comerford. Just one day earlier, Ciara was back in Los Angeles attending a live
taping of The Voice. When asked about her new man, the "1, 2 Step" singer tried to remain coy. However, there was no hiding her love for Wilson's football team. "Seahawks rock,
absolutely," she told E! News with a giant smile on her face. So she'll definitely be going to some games next season with all the crazy die-hard fans, right? "Absolutely," she added. "I can only imagine. I think [the fans are] pretty much the best." Until it's time for kick-off, the twosome is still getting to know each other. But so far, both parties appear to be more than
happy. "Things are a bit busy for both of them now, but they are willing to make time and see where they may go," a source told E! News. "She thinks he is a complete gentleman
and has really enjoyed hanging out with him these past few weeks. It's constant laughter and fun with them."

Tuesday 21 April 2015

Bobby Brown tells crowd Bobbi Kristina Brown 'is awake’

Bobby Brown attends the 2015 BET Honors at the Warner Theatre on Jan. 24 in Washington, DC. During a show in Dallas on Saturday he told the audience Bobbi Kristina Brown
is ‘awake’ nearly three months after being found unresponsive. Bobby Brown said on stage that his daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown is “awake” nearly three months after being found facedown in a bathtub — prompting howls of joy from the audience and more confusion about the troubled woman’s
condition. The R&B singer made the stunning statement during a Saturday concert at the Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie, Tex.,
TMZ reported . “Bobbi is awake. She’s watching me,” Brown said in a video posted on the gossip site.
BOBBI KRISTINA BROWN REMAINS ON LIFE SUPPORT DESPITE DAD BOBBY BROWN'S CLAIM SHE'S 'AWAKE'
But exactly what Brown meant was unclear.
A call to his lawyer was not returned. A woman who answered the phone of his wife, Alicia Etheredge, hung up when reached by the Daily News. A source told People magazine downplayed the dad’s message. “As far as I know, there’s been no change,” the source said. “We’re still hoping and praying that God will perform a miracle.” Last week, Brown also spoke about his daughter’s condition while performing onstage. “I dunno what the hell I am going through right now,” he said on April 11 at a soul-food festival in downtown Los Angeles , “but I am giving it to God and letting him deal with it.” Bobbi Kristina Brown was found unresponsive Jan. 31 in her Roswell, Ga., home. Bobbi Kristina was found unresponsive in a bathtub in her Atlanta home earlier this year. Pictured, she is seen at the premiere of "Sparkle" in 2012. Bobby Brown, second from right, stands outside of Emory Hospital in Atlanta where his daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown was being treated on Feb. 5. She’s since been moved to a rehab facility in Atlanta. She was placed in a medically induced coma. Her mother, superstar Whitney Houston, died under grimly similar circumstances when she was discovered dead from a drug overdose in 2012. Doctors’ attempts to wean Bobbi off of her coma-inducing medication resulted in seizures as she struggled to wake up, sources said.
Last month, a source told The News that the 22-year-old’s condition had not changed as she was moved from Emory University Hospital to a nearby long-term care facility.
"We've moved her to a place for rehabilitation," Bobbi Kristina's 81-year-old grandmother, Cissy Houston, told New York radio station WBLS 107.5 FM on March 25 about the undisclosed facility. "And you know, still not a great deal of hope. (We're) still praying."

zrivera@nydailynews.com

The Voice Stages Major Reunion: Former Coaches Gwen Stefani, Usher and CeeLo Green Are All Returning!

The Voice Stages Major Reunion: Former Coaches Gwen Stefani, Usher and CeeLo Green Are All Returning!

Are you ready for a major reunion on The Voice? It's going to be one massive party on Monday, April 27, because three former coaches are returning to the NBC singing competition series to help out the contestants! That's right, not only are we going to get to see Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Pharrell
Williams and Christina Aguilera continue to do their thing as the coaches during the two-hour episode on Monday, they're going to be joined by Gwen Stefani, Usher and CeeLo Green, too! E! News can exclusively reveal that the three former coaches are returning for a first-of-its-kind reunion, as they
take on the role of advisers on Monday. They will offer their expertise both as recording artists and former coaches to all the contestants currently in the running to win this season of The Voice. And it'll be the first time the three former judges have appeared on the show at the same time as CeeLo was one of the original coaches, appearing on seasons 1-3 and 5, while Usher served as a coach in seasons four and six and Gwen joined the show, along with current coach Pharrell, for season seven. Who's excited to see seven Voice coaches sharing the red and black stage together for the first time
ever?! We can't even imagine the epic-ness we're about to witness, people! The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC.

It's Official: Rihanna is the Most Badass Bridesmaid Ever-- See the Proof!

It's official, we want Rihanna at our wedding. The "Bitch Better Have My Money" singer flew to Hawaii over the weekend for her best friend Jennifer Rosales' wedding on, appropriately, 4/20. Riri documented the nuptials--and the big bash before the special event--on Instagram, proving yet again that she marches to the beat of her own damn drum. In the beachside bridal group shots, Riri is shown posing front and center with the rest of the bridesmaids in a range of stunning purple gowns. The Grammy winner shows off her
backside in one pic, and holds up a bouquet while smoking in another candid shot. One of the other bridesmaids, Riri's best friend Melissa Forde, also shared a series of photos from the special occasion and it's safe to say that the "Pour It Up" singer had a blast. And why wouldn't she?! She's in Hawaii, with her best friends, celebrating a wedding and April 20. Think about it, you guys. It's like Rihanna's best day ever. And luckily for us, it's documented on Instagram for all of us
to see. Now it's only a matter of time before the post- wedding festivities (we're thinking bikinis and drinks by the pool) begin--so get to it!

The New Tomorrowland Trailer Shows George Clooney's Badass Fight Scene

Well it looks like George Clooney's still got it. And by "it" we don't mean acting chops, good looks or the most accomplished wife around. Sure he has all that, but we're talking about that badass factor. It's not often we get to see
Clooney get super physical in a role (he's more the strong- worded type), but he proves he can hang with the best in the new Tomorrowland trailer. Well, maybe not the best...but he's
still impressive. The clip give us a look inside Clooney's characters crazy futuristic house--you know, the one that's a portal to another world? Britt Robertson shows up to get
some answers on that magic pin she found, and it turns out that a huge team of bad guys has followed her there. Luckily Clooney's got his newly-minted martial arts training to help
defend them. He shows off everything: The grab-the-gun move, the knock-you-out-with-your-own-gun move, even the chop-off-the-bad-guy's-arm move. And yes, those are the
technical terms. Oh, and let's not forget about that bathtub rocket--George and Britt give that a ride, too. Tomorrowland hits theaters on May 22.

Houston Family -- Bobbi Kristina Breathing On Her Own ... Browns Were Right

The Houston family is now changing their tune, saying Bobbi Kristina is OFF life support, but they continue to maintain there's no real hope for recovery. The Houston family now
tells TMZ, Bobbi Kristina is breathing without the assistance of a ventilator. They say, "According to the doctors she's breathing on her own but the trach has to stay." But the
family still maintains Bobbi Kristina has "global and irreversible brain damage and remains unresponsive." It appears the Houston and Brown families have different ideas about how to handle the prospect of long term care ... something that is now a real possibility.

Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge Gone Wrong People Are Pissed And Seriously Injured

The #kyliejennerchallenge has caused some of Kylie Jenner's super fans big problems ... and it's not just their giant lips. It was bound to happen ... a day after the hashtag blew up
online, complaints and pics of disturbing injuries from pissed fans who pushed the limits are now flooding social media.
Before you search #KylieJennerChallengeGoneWrong we have
to warn you ... some of the injuries are EXTREMELY GRAPHIC ... ranging from simple bruises to extensive trauma requiring
hospitalization. Keep in mind Kylie never asked anyone to plump up but some of the results have been painful to say the
least. Some recent tweets include ... "my lips bleeding and they hurt like hell" and "god help my lips."

Sherri Shepherd Judge Says ... You ARE the Mother!!!

Sherri Shepherd has lost her epic battle with her soon to be ex-husband ... she's officially listed as the mother of the child who was born via surrogate ... TMZ has learned. Shepherd
and her estranged husband, Lamar Sally, have been battling in court since the child's birth in August and it's been all about the moolah. Sherri claims she was tricked into having the
child with Sally and therefore has no connection or responsibility to the child. A Pennsylvania just begged to differ, ruling her Hancock belongs on the birth cert. Lamar
says he's ecstatic with the ruling telling TMZ, "I want her to go on television and apologize the same way that she went on there and accused me of being a gold digger and tricking her into having a baby." We're told Shepherd was a no-show at the hearing, The two still need to meet in front of a judge in L.A. to sort out the child support situation. He wants her to help take care of the child.

Monday 20 April 2015

Whitney Houston's Family -- Browns Are Wrong ... Bobbi

Kristina Still Unresponsive, on Life Support
Bobby and Tina Brown are absolutely wrong ... Bobbi Kristina is not off life support and remains unresponsive ... this according to the Houston family. Sources connected with the
Houstons tell TMZ, they have no idea where Bobby Brown is getting his information that Bobbi Kristina was awake, nor do they know why Tina said she's awake and no longer on life support. Gossip Cop first reported the conflicting positions between the Browns and the Houstons. We're told the Houstons are clear ... "She's in the exact same condition she
was in when she went into the facility." They say there is "minimal" reaction ... an occasional eye blink, but that's it. The Houstons say Bobbi Kristina is still on a ventilator.

Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin Divorce a Done Deal Documents Filed Today

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin have sealed their deal on divorce, and the documents will be filed later Monday ... TMZ has learned. Sources connected with the couple tell us ...
Gwyneth and Chris have been using their business managers to hash out a settlement agreement involving both property and custody. We're told the agreement has been signed and the divorce is a done deal ... all that's left is for the paperwork to be filed and signed by the judge. As for the terms of the deal ... we're told it will not be revealed in the
divorce docs ... it's all part of a confidential settlement. But based on how they've gotten along since the split, it's almost certain they'll share joint custody of their 2 kids. We're told
the divorce docs will cite irreconcilable differences, but it's all very amicable.

Pictures: Nigerian Actor Dele Odule, Yinka Ayefele & Titi Atiku At NTA’s Seun Olagunju’s Lavish 40th Birthday Party

Pictures: Nigerian Actor Dele Odule, Yinka
Ayefele & Titi Atiku At NTA’s Seun Olagunju’s Lavish 40th Birthday Party

Nigeria’s most celebrated NTA news anchor, Segun Olagunju who recently turned 40 got a lavish birthday party from her wealthy hubby, FRSC boss Kayode Olagunju yesterday in
Lagos. The birthday party was well attended by top shots in the society. Dignitaries spotted at the event yesterday were Ex-VP’s Atiku’s wife, Titilayo Abubakar, Nollywood actor Dele Odule, gospel star Yinka Ayefele and many others. See exclusve photos below

Kourtney Kardashian Frowny Faced Scott Disick Front and Center for BD Bash

Kourtney Kardashian celebrated her 36 birthday Saturday night in Vegas with boyfriend Scott Disick ... and he looks less than enthused. The bash was thrown at 1OAK. There was a pretty big crowd, sans all the other Kardashians. Kim's at home in L.A., Kylie's at Coachella with Tyga and Kendall. Khloe was busy Saturday night throwing a shindig for her new group messaging app called Regroup. There was a buzz that Rob
Kardashian might have gone to Coachella as well, but there's no evidence of it.

Bobby BrownTells Crowd ... Bobbi Kristina is Awake

Bobby Brown stunned his audience during a concert Saturday night, when he told the crowd, "Bobbi is awake. She's watching me." It's unclear what Brown is really saying. On the
one had, if you take the first comment at face value it seems he's saying Bobbi Krisina is out of the coma she's been in since January 31st. But when Bobby says, "She's watching
me," it makes it sound like something other than consciousness. Bobby made the comment at the Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Kim Richards Off the Wagon or Stone Cold Sober Someone's a Liar

Kim Richards was either a hopeless, pill-popping alcoholic the entire last season of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" or she was sober and doing better than ever ... depending on who you talk to on the cast and production crew. Several sources involved in the production of the show tell TMZ ... Kim's protestations last season that she was sober were laughable. We're told veteran cast members Kyle Richards, Lisa Vanderpump and Yolanda Foster learned to just look the other
way to avoid confrontation, it was only new cast members Lisa Rinna and Eileen Davidson who dared to confront Kim. The sources say Kim would never drink where anyone could
see her ... she'd appear sober but then disappear in the restroom and emerge ... well, not sober. But other sources connected to the show say Kim did better controlling her addiction last season than she has in years. The most interesting cast member when it comes to Kim is Brandi Glanville. Sources in both camps say Brandi sides with them.
If true, Brandi is playing both sides, which would be shocking, right? Kim's sobriety became an issue during the dog biting incident. We're told Kim's camp sent a dog trainer to Kim's house to assess the situation, but the trainer found that Kim was such a mess, he had to help put her to bed. Kim was
arrested Thursday for public drunkeness and battery on a cop in Beverly Hills.

Mariah Carey Eat Your Heart Out Nick I'm Not Coming Back!

Mariah Carey is clearly influenced by a much younger singer, because she's saying she'll never ever ever get back together with Nick Cannon. We know Mariah has seen our video of Nick, telling us he's not closing the door on the possibility of giving their marriage another try. But sources connected with Mariah tell TMZ, she's out of that game. She likes Nick, but there's no chance of a romantic reconciliation. She's not in the market for anyone right now. Mariah has a residency in
Vegas that's just weeks away, She's also into raising the twins. When she's not working she goes to Eleuthera, her private Island in the Bahamas. It looks like she may have a case of post breakup hotness, right? << nick cannon

Thursday 16 April 2015

Nigerian Actress Ivie Okujaye’s Wedding For Saturday, Meet Her Husband-To-Be

Nigerian Actress Ivie Okujaye’s Wedding For
Saturday, Meet Her Husband-To-Be

Beautiful Nollywood actress Ivie Okujaye is set to say her final goodbye to ‘singlehood’.
The 25-year-old Nollywood star will be getting married to her fiance, Ezzy this coming Saturday. Ezzy and Ivy met each other through a friend back in 2010 and since then, they have managed to keep their romance
from the media. Though Ivie has never stepped out with her fiance but she is always been very clear that she is engaged. Congrats to her.

Tyrese Gibson Hands Off Cookie, Terrence... I'm Coming to 'Empire' (Maybe)

Tyrese Gibson thinks Terrence Howard has been a good opening act, but it's time for the headliner -- Tyrese himself -- to join "Empire" and reunite with Taraji P. Henson. Tyrese told our photog what he thought of Henson -- aka Cookie Lyon -- saying it would "break the Internet" if he joined the ever-growing list of guest stars for Season 2. Sounds like he's
more than interested. Gibson and Henson definitely have a hot history -- they met on the set of "Baby Boy" back in 2001 and.then sparks flew off set. Check out Tyrese's take on a possible reunion ... think black 'Notebook.' Watch your back, Lucious.

Kim Richards Arrested In Bev Hills Allegedly Drunk, Kicked Police Officer

Kim Richards was arrested at the Beverly Hills Hotel early Thursday morning -- after allegedly going on a drunken rampage and kicking a police officer ... TMZ has learned.
Sources tell us ... Richards had been hanging out at the famous Polo Lounge inside the hotel and was asked to leave because she was too hammered and being "unruly." We're told Richards went to a bathroom and refused to come out. Cops were called to the scene and we're told they had to "drag her out" of the bathroom. Richards -- who has struggled
with substance abuse in the past -- was reportedly belligerent, slurring her speech and reeked of booze. We're told Kim was taken to a nearby jail -- where she allegedly kicked a police officer. She's been charged with trespass, resisting arrest, battery on a police officer and drunk in public. Cops issued a
citation to Richards -- and she was later released. Richards' sobriety was called into question on the recent "Real Housewives" reunion special -- when Lisa Rinna suggested
that Kim was on something during a car ride earlier in the season. Kim had admitted that she had taken a pain pill -- but was adamant she had not fallen off the wagon

Monday 13 April 2015

See what Toni Braxton wore to an event with her sons

Singer Toni Braxton attended UNCF’S An Evening with the Stars yesterday April 12th, in Atlanta, Georgia with her two boys, Denim and Diezel wearing this see-through outfit.

This photo of Paul Walker's 'ghost' with Vin Diesel has gone viral

A fan created this photo of the 'ghost' of Paul Walker leaning against a car and standing next to his friend and co-star, Vin Diesel. The photo was done in memory of the late Hollywood star, and was released immediately after Vin's emotional tribute at the MTV Movie Awards last night. The pic has gone viral.

Lindsay Lohan -- Dina's Selling All MY STUFF! Threatens to Call Cops

A rep for Dina Lohan tells us Dina has denied
selling any of Lindsay's stuff. Lindsay Lohan's mother is unloading her daughter's prized possessions with an online flea market -- which Lindsay's threatening to shut down with
a little help from cops ... TMZ has learned. Sources close to Lindsay tell us she recently got wind of Dina Lohan's scheme -- selling off Lindsay's clothing, furniture, artwork, etc ... on
the Internet and directly to friends ... all without LiLo's permission. We're told she's hawking items from the massive stockpile of stuff Lindsay moved into Dina's house during the Oprah docuseries. It may seem like a bunch of junk, but Lindsay says it's worth millions. As for Dina's motivation -- we're told she thinks anything left behind in HER garage ... is hers to sell. Linds thinks Dina's just desperate to pay bills. We broke the story -- Lindsay's already pissed at Dina for negotiating a deal to be on "Celebrity Big Brother UK" ... and our sources say this fire sale might be the last straw. Lindsay is urgently trying to get friends to go scoop up her loot before it's all gone -- but if that doesn't work ... we're told she'll get police involved. Buy now!

North West Baptism -- In the Name of the Father, and of the Son ... and the Paparazzi

The baptism of North West was like any Kardashian event ... a total and complete circus. Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and
Khloe Kardashian showed up Monday afternoon to the Saint James Cathedral -- an Armenian church in Jerusalem -- to
baptize 22-month-old North. Kim was mobbed as she walked into the church, shielding baby North from the massive crowd that had gathered outside the church. Once the ceremony was over, Kim and Kanye reportedly had lunch with the mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat. Just another quiet Kardashian family
gathering.

Drake I Wasn't Disgusted by Madonna Kiss It Was Her Gnarly Lipstick!!!

Drake was not grossed out when Madonna planted a prolonged lip-lock on him at Coachella Sunday night ... his reaction was all about lipstick aftertaste. Sources close to Drake tell TMZ ... he loved the kiss. As for whether the kiss was prearranged, Drake says it wasn't ... the plan was for Madonna to dance around him while he sat in the chair. Drake
says he was not banking on a transfer of the glossy stuff and that's why he blanched. When you look closely at the video, it looks like whatever lipstick there is it's pretty colorless ... either nude or beige.

Sunday 12 April 2015

Kim and Kanye Crowd Loses Control Outside Genocide Memorial

Kim and Kanye have turned Armenia upside down ... creating pandemonium among fans, photogs and soldiers. The video is insane. They were leaving the genocide memorial when everyone just went nuts. It's weird ... the most moving.symbol marking the 100th anniversary of the genocide looks more like a Hollywood event. Listen to the crowd as Kim and Kanye get in their SUV. The language differences are fascinating, especially the way everyone refers to them.

Bobby Brown Back to Life at Karaoke Night No Talk of Bobbi Kristina

Bobby Brown is finally getting back to normal life -- in fact, so normal that hours after flying from Atlanta to L.A. ... he got on stage for karaoke night at a pizzeria in the Valley. Bobby was at Paoli's Pizzeria and Piano Bar in Woodland Hills, CA on Friday night. Sources in the bar tell us it looked like he was having a guys' night out -- with about 7 or 8.friends -- from 9 PM until about midnight. We're told one
patron attempted to talk to him about Bobbi Kristina's.condition -- but Brown politely replied, "I don't wanna talk about that." TMZ broke the story ... Brown left his daughter's
bedside Friday for the first time since she was hospitalized. We knew he was performing at the Soul Food Festival in L.A. on Saturday night, but a karaoke event ... we did NOT see
coming. Bobby didn't actually sing, but he did get on the mic once to promote a local duo that was about to perform.

Nelly Busted for Pot & Meth Cops Say Guns Also On Tour Bus

Nelly's tour bus got nailed by cops in Tennessee for a bunch of alleged offenses -- and the rapper himself got hauled off to.jail for felony possession of drugs ... including meth. A state.trooper pulled over the bus Saturday morning for not having a required Dept. of Transportation sticker ... and when the officer caught a strong whiff of pot ... he decided to conduct a search. Cops say they found a baggie with crystal rocks that tested positive for meth, and a small amount of marijuana in
the sleeper area of the bus. They say they also found quite the stash of guns -- a .50 caliber pistol, a .45 caliber pistol, and a .500 magnum Smith and Wesson. Nelly was booked for
the meth -- a felony -- and misdemeanor marijuana possession. He was also booked for drug paraphernalia -- cops say there were about 100 small Ziplock bags commonly
used for the sale of drugs. Another passenger, Brian Jones, was busted for possession of a handgun.

Lindsay Lohan My Mom Comes to England Off With Her Head!!!

Lindsay Lohan believes there's only room for one Lohan in England, and that's why she's waging war against her mother's plan to move there for UK TV fame and fortune. We've learned Dina is in the final stages of negotiations to appear on "Celebrity Big Brother" in the UK. It's a big show there ... Gary Busey won last season. Dina was so excited,
she called Lindsay Thursday to say how great it was going to be that they could spend time together. We're told Lindsay flipped out and began screaming at her mom, saying she had
no right to come to England, where Lindsay went to escape. They fought on the phone and then fired angry texts back and forth. Lindsay doesn't want Dina in England, partly because
she feels her mom is a bad influence and partly because she's just bad luck. Lindsay says she's doing well and doesn't want it screwed up. As for Dina, she feels Lindsay has no right to exile her from England. Here's what we don't get. Why can't Dina come to England and stay away from Lindsay. Too easy.

Ojo Wears Traditional Igbo Outfit To Owambe Party

Check out Iyabo Ojo glowing at an Owambe party she attended in Lagos last week. The actress rocked this nice White and Gold outfit and we’re loving it.

Friday 10 April 2015

Khloe Kardashian Divorce Case To Be Dismissed

Khloe Kardashian has been told to get off her ass in her divorce from Lamar Odom, or the case will be dismissed, and it looks like that's exactly what's about to happen. A document was just filed by the court in Khloe's divorce, saying she has not gotten off the dime and unless she files paperwork to seal the deal in the divorce case or the whole case will be thrown out. Khloe filed in December 2013 and
Lamar never responded. She had a right to go to court and get a default divorce judgment, but she hasn't done it. In fact, sources connected to the Kardashian family tell us she just doesn't want to deal with the divorce and won't take any action. It's become a problem, because our sources say the house Khloe and Lamar owned was sold more than a year ago
for $5.5 million and the business people don't know what to do with the money because the divorce is in limbo. So now the court has made it clear ... if Khloe doesn't file papers to
make the divorce final, she will stay married to Lamar and the divorce case will be dismissed ... as early as the end of April.

Jide Kosoko & Rachael Oniga On The Scorned Help Nollywood Movie Set

Jide Kosoko & Rachael Oniga On The Scorned
Help Nollywood Movie Set

The Nollywood veterans are currently working with Van Vicker, Tamara Eteiomo and others on the set of ‘the scorned help’ film.

Pictures: Toyin Aimakhu Dresses As Old Woman In Iya Ibadan Yoruba Movie Check out Toyin Aimakhu’s look for a new movie titled Iya Ibadan.

Pictures: Toyin Aimakhu Dresses As Old
Woman In Iya Ibadan Yoruba Movie

Check out Toyin Aimakhu’s look for a new movie titled Iya Ibadan.

London-Based Nigerian Journalist Funmi Iyanda Looking Dapper In New Photos

London-Based Nigerian Journalist Funmi
Iyanda Looking Dapper In New Photos
The popular TV show host who has now relocated to London just shared these pictures with fans

Thursday 9 April 2015

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Poses Naked for Violet Grey, Recalls the First Time She Went Nude for a Photo Shoot

Yowza! Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is baring it all for Violet Grey in one sizzling spread. The supermodel posed completely naked for the series of seductive snapshots photographed in
Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades, using only her smize, killer curves and undeniable sex appeal to captivate the eyes of readers. However, along with the memorable and tantalizing
visuals, Rosie discusses working in the industry and recalls the first time she stripped down to her birthday suit for a photo shoot. "I had just started modeling," she says. "I was in
London, and it was a different time. I honestly think I was a lot more free when I was younger. Kate Moss was my favorite supermodel; she set the standard in terms of nudity as fashion and art." The blond bombshell adds, "I think being comfortable in one's skin is the most attractive quality a girl
can have. Beauty for me is about a good workout routine-- that and a signature scent, preferably one that smells like a garden rose." So Rosie smells like a rose...interesting.
Huntington-Whiteley also reveals that there is a certain motto she lives by. "I believe who you surround yourself with is a reflection of yourself. There's a quote I have always liked by Will Rogers: 'It takes a lifetime to build a good reputation, but you can lose it in a minute.'" And although the 27-year-old has gained a lot of success in her career thus far, she has still set certain goals for herself that span beyond modeling and acting. "Being a model, being an actress--it's not decided by
you. You're chosen. You're cast, and that's fantastic, of course. There is always a sense of pride when you make the cut, but there has always been a big part of me that wants to
make things happen for myself. I'd like to get myself into a position where I'm starting something on my own. That's my focus for this year."

JLo & Casper Not Dating, We Swear ... But Still Going Down South

Jennifer Lopez and her NOT boyfriend are enjoying a NOT vacation in Mexico for his NOT birthday. You get our drift, right? It IS Casper Smart's 28th birthday, and he and JLoARE on vacay with her kids ... yet Jennifer insists she's single. Casper did some jetskiing ... JLo's kids went horseback riding, and JLo followed them all around town. Check out the pics ... no kissing or canoodling, but they're
definitely close. As we reported ... sources connected to Jen and Casper tell us they never really broke up -- and a couple weeks ago they were kissing outside "American Idol." But
yeah, like she says ... they're not dating.

Bruce Jenner Here's What Won't Change Love of Sports

Bruce Jenner has been a super athlete all his life, and that won't change when he becomes a woman. Sources close to Bruce tell TMZ his routines -- which involve multiple sports --
will be unaffected. Bruce is a staple at his golf country club, where the members love him, and he will stay active at the club. Bruce is heavy into paddle boarding in Malibu --
something he does with his sons -- and that will continue. We're told Bruce will keep up his passion for racing cars recreationally with his kids. Ditto flying helicopters, both model.and real. Short story ... he's been a world class athlete with a passion for sports, and that's not going to change.

Kim Kardashian on ''Girlie-Girl'' North West's Fashion Sense: Shoes First, Then You Can Change Her Diaper

For most toddlers, crying means they're hungry, wet, cranky, etc. But if that toddler is North West, it could just mean, "Hey, mom...I'm barefoot here..." "Every day she wakes up and says 'shoes,'" Kim Kardashian tells Vogue about her increasingly adorable "girlie-girl," who will be 2 in June. 'You have to bargain with her--before you change her diaper she needs a pair of shoes on." Sounds as though North has come to the right place--in addition to the other irons she has in the fire, mom Kim is the purveyor Kardashian Kids, whose latest
collection launches April 13 on Nordstrom.com. North, of course, graduated from ready-to-wear to couture long ago, her shoes alone coming from the likes of Charlotte Olympia
and Giuseppe Zanotti, let alone the pint-size purses... "Well,North does love handbags," Kim said, acknowledging her daughter's penchant for Chanel and other top designer brands. "And anything where there's a little bit of glitz." (And
we know she loves a stylin' Frozen suitcase!) But while cousin Penelope Disick, Kourtney Kardashian's daughter, sported her share of baby headgear when she was still being transported everywhere via mama's arms, North apparently isn't one for hats or headbands. "She hasn't been the biggest fan of keeping something on her head," Kim laughed. So Kim and North have got the mini-me fashion down. But with dad Kanye West no slouch in the style department, either, we're betting that any future male addition to the family will be just as smartly dressed as his sister. "You know, we're trying to expand the family," Kim said. "We're doing everything we can. I would be so happy with whatever God gave me, but I mean, eventually, yes, I would love a boy." And the only thing more fun than shopping for one? Shopping for two! Don't miss an outfit--a new episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians

Wednesday 8 April 2015

Tom Cruise -- Katie Sources Say He Hasn't Seen Suri in a Year

Tom Cruise said he wasn't able to see his daughter for months because he was shooting "Mission Impossible 5" in London, and he was counting the hours before he came home.to little Suri. But we're told he was off work for 2 weeks after shooting wrapped, yet never saw her. Sources connected to Katie Holmes tell TMZ ... it's worse than that. They say Tom
has not seen the 8-year-old in almost a year. Tom's rep previously denied that and said the actor has seen his daughter plenty, but on the down low to shield her from cameras. But our Katie sources say that's not true ... that.he's just not been a part of her life. There's been speculation Tom is distancing himself from Katie and Suri because they've been declared SPs in Scientology, but we've checked with the
Church and we're told that is simply not true. Tom is now.back to business ... he just began a 90 day shoot in Atlanta. He did take time Sunday to take his son Connor to the NCAA
Women's Basketball Tournament in Tampa. We reached out to Tom's rep .... so far no word back.

Kanye West Settles Paparazzi Beatdown Case with Apology

Kanye West has settled the civil lawsuit filed by the photog he assaulted at LAX ... TMZ has learned. Kanye and Daniel Ramos shook hands as the case was put to bed. TMZ broke
the story, Kanye was criminally charged with misdemeanor battery and pled no contest. He's currently on probation. According to Ramos' lawyer, Gloria Allred, one term of the
settlement was an apology from Kanye to Ramos. We don't know if any money changed hands. Allred says, "We believe that this case sent an important message. Celebrities are not above the law, and they have no right to physically attack someone simply because they were asked a question."

Nollywood Goes Wild: Halima Abubakar Wears Mini Leather Skirt, Flaunts Giuseppe Zanotti Sneakers

Extreme Fashion: Nollywood Actress Halima
Abubakar Wears Mini Leather Skirt, Flaunts Giuseppe Zanotti Sneakers. This is what Halima Abubakar wore on Easter Monday.
To crown it all up, she’s trying to show fans her expensive Zanotti Sneakers. If she wears long pant, it may be invisible. #Nollywood
madness part1