Cancer Killing Cells Created for the first time

Scientists have created cells capable of killing cancer for the first time. The dramatic breakthrough was made by researchers in Japan who created cancer-specific killer T cells. They say the development paves the way for the cells being directly injected into cancer patients for therapy.

Researchers at the RIKEN Research Centre for Allergy and Immunology revealed they have succeeded for the first time in creating cancer-specific, immune system cells called killer T lymphocytes. To create these, the team first had to reprogramme T lymphocytes specialised in killing a certain type of cancer into another type of cell called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells).

These iPS cells then generated fully active, cancer-specific T lymphocytes. These lymphocytes regenerated from iPS cells could potentially serve as cancer therapy in the future. Previous research has shown that killer T lymphocytes produced in the lab using conventional methods are inefficient in killing cancer cells mainly because they have a very short life-span, which limits their use as treatment for cancer. To overcome the problems, the Japanese researchers, led by Hiroshi Kawamoto, reprogrammed mature human killer T lymphocytes into iPS cells and investigated how these cells differentiate.

The team induced killer T lymphocytes specific for a certain type of skin cancer to reprogramme into iPS cells by exposing the lymphocytes to the “Yamanaka factors” – a group of compounds that induce cells to revert back to a non-specialised, pluripotent stage. They maintained the genetic reorganisation, enabling them to express the cancer-specific receptor on their surface.

The new T lymphocytes were also shown to be active and to produce an anti-tumour compound. Doctor Kawamoto said: “We have succeeded in the expansion of antigen-specific T cells by making iPS cells and differentiating them back into functional T cells. “The next step will be to test whether these T cells can selectively kill tumour cells but not other cells in the body. If they do, these cells might be directly injected into patients for therapy. This could be realised in the not-so-distant future.’ The findings were published in the journal Cell Stem Cell. Dr Dusko Ilic, Senior Lecturer in Stem Cell Science, King’s College London, said:

‘The study tackled a novel, quite interesting approach to cell based therapy, something that we do not usually hear about. “Although this approach requires further verification and a lot of work needs to be done before we can think about clinical trials, the initial data are promising. “This pioneering work definitely provides a strong foundation to build and expand our knowledge about new opportunities in cell based therapy and personalised medicine.”

PRESIDENCY 2015: Uproar greets Jonathan’s Mystirous posters

Barely 24 hours after the re-election campaign posters of President Goodluck Jonathan hit Abuja, unknown persons have vandalised the publicity materials placed in strategic locations in the Federal Capital Territory as uproar greeted the mysterious appearance of the posters.

Checks by Vanguard revealed that most of the posters in Asokoro, where influential Nigerian politicians and economic players reside, had been either defaced or removed. As at 4pm yesterday, the President’s posters around ECOWAS, AYA, Gowon Crescent and adjoining streets had been taken off and replaced with some other religious or social publicity materials.

However,  a few of the President’s campaign materials displayed around the premises of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Secretariat in Wuse 5 and surrounding areas, were still intact as at press time. It was not clear who defaced or removed the posters just as no one has claimed responsibility for placing them in the first place.

Call peddlers to order, Ohanaeze, ACF urge Jonathan

This is coming as the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) urged the President to call those placing the posters to order and the Jigawa State House of Assembly asked the state Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, to run for the presidency.

Umbrella body of Igbo socio-cultural organizations, Ohanaeze, said the posters were plots to destabilise the polity.

Outgoing Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Chief Nduka Eya, told Vanguard that it would be difficult to believe that Jonathan had knowledge of the posters because “from what we know of the president’s character, he cannot do such a thing.

“Some evil minded people may be responsible for the printing of these posters which appeared on the streets of Abuja on the first day of year 2013 when Nigerians are still in festive mood. This is aimed at causing more crises and overheat a country that is already experiencing a lot of problems.

*Campaign posters

“2015 is still very far and it is absurd for anybody to start campaign for the presidency now. Jonathan had promised us that he will run for only one term of four years. If he decides not to keep his promise and decides to run for another term, then he must come out and say so, then Ndigbo will determine the next line of action, but that must be discussed,” he averred.

ACF National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani doubted if those who placed the posters did it with the consent of President Jonathan because “this is not time for politics but for governance.”

Said Sani:  “I am not aware of any posters of President Jonathan flooding the streets of Abuja. But I do not think such would be by the consent of the President, since he told the nation recently that he was yet to make up his mind as to whether to contest or not. More so that a case of whether he can stand for 2015 is still in court. I believe because this is not time for politics, but for governance, the Presidency should call those placing the posters to order.”

They are expressing their views – Presidency

However, the Presidency, yesterday, disowned the posters.

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati, in an interview, said the posters did not emanate from the presidency and that the President has not authorised anybody to print any campaign poster for him as reagrds 2015 elections.

According to Abati, those pasting the posters were trying to express their own view. The President, he said, had stated that he would talk about the Presidency from 2014, adding that those doing this do not have the consent of the president.

“What is most important now is for the president to deliver on his electioneering promises to Nigerians and not embark on the pasting of posters.

“It has not come from the president. Nigerians should take the president for his word and ignore any other information to the contrary.

Asked whether the president would take measures to disuade those doing that, Abati said since the posters do not have the names of those promoting them, there was little the president could do.

It’s act of desperation – Benue CNPP

Reacting to the issue,  the Chairman of Benue State Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, Engr. Baba Agan described the flooding of parts of Abuja with Jonathan’s 2015 presidential campaign posters as an act of desperation and a calculated attempt to create confusion to heat up the polity. He noted that the brains behind the pasting of the posters were doing so in order to fly a kite that was doomed from the onset, adding that “Nigerians would not fall for it.”

Jonathan should first redeem the nation –Bauchi CPC Chairman

The Bauchi State Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Aliyu Abubakar Saidu said the posters were hasty. He urged President Jonathan to redeem the country from its predicaments before talking of elections.

Saidu, in an interview with Vanguard, contended that since the election of the president into office in 2011 the country has gone through very turbulent times, which need to be addressed to restore sanity.

We need problem-solving posters – Cleric

Bishop of Calabar Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Tunde Adeleye said what Nigerians need now is not the posters of President Jonathan for the 2015 presidential election but posters on how to tackle sufferings in the country.

Opposing the move, Bishop Adeleye said: “That is very Nigerian. That is what we do. We major in minors and then divert attention from the problems of the people. It may be the work of some stooges who will want to divert attention from the hardship and poverty we are suffering from.”

It’s too early – SSPA chieftain

Also reacting, a founding member of South South Peoples Assembly, Dr. Ambrose Akpanika said that he was confused whether the issue of 2015 should dominate the political scene of the country now because according to him, Nigeria was facing a very difficult time.

Run, Jigawa House charges Lamido

Meanwhile, the  Jigawa State House of Assembly has announced its full support for the state governor, Sule Lamido to contest the 2015 presidential election. Speaking while receiving the 2013 appropriation bill, the Speaker, Alhaji Adamu Ahmad Sarawa said it had became necessary for the lawmakers to speak up considering the pressure on  Lamido from all parts of the country to run.

“We deemed it a duty to us to follow suit as those working with him, we knew his competence as well as his style and qualities of leadership. We heard so much comments of former and present political leaders and traditional rulers praying for Allah to make governor Lamido the next president come 2015. May Allah accept their prayers”.

Prophet T.B Joshua Prophecies for Politicians In 2013

One of the highlights of the new year in Nigeria is the deluge of prophesies by popular pastors. These prophesies make the headlines of newspapers and tabloids then are referenced all through the year if and when incidences occur.The pastor of one of the fastest growing pentecostal churches in Nigeria, SCOAN – The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations, Pastor T.B Joshua ushered in the New Year with a special service at the church’s headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.

Here is an account of his prophesies;

Loud applause heralded Joshua’s arrival in the service, and he went straight into the prophecy for the year, stating that people wished to hear the mind of God for the upcoming year.

Read the full transcript of his predictions below…

(Unpleasant) Surprises for Famous, Popular and Rich Men including Politicians

“2013 is a year of surprises. I am seeing many great, famous, popular and rich men and politicians will become helpless and in need of help in matters of sickness, disease, finances, death, etc,” he said in the service broadcast live on the popular Christian station Emmanuel TV. “One of the causes, they have failed to reward those who helped them to succeed. This is the year of judgement especially for politicians who use youth to support their political ambitions without reward after winning power.”

Farming will Flourish

Joshua then proceeded to celebrate the future of farming, claiming that providence would favour those who engaged in it this year. “Those in the foodstuff business will have a field day this year. Farming and agriculture will be the order of the day and will help greatly to be the source of solution this year. People engaged in it will be greatly blessed.”

Joshua was emphatic in his conviction that such actions would reap great rewards, stating it was a secret God had revealed to him. “Foodstuff business and agriculture or farming are anointed businesses this New Year, to revive the world from economic depression. This is the secret of God revealed to you today. Quote me; you will not regret doing it. My name is T.B. Joshua.”

Message for Young People – Stop Travelling Abroad and Invest in Agriculture

Joshua, speaking to the thousands who had gathered in his church to usher in the New Year, counselled young people who spent vast resources of energy, time and finances in the pursuit of foreign travel to rather invest in agriculture. “They will achieve greatness by transacting in agriculture and foodstuff and become successful in export and import business.”

Message for Couples & Prospective Entrepreneurs

He further advised couples dissatisfied with their current occupations to allow one of them to pursue a career in agronomy. “Those who have been working for many years and have never been satisfied with the job and salary they receive, the little limited resources at their disposal should be invested in foodstuff business or agriculture, especially those already married. They should divide themselves in such a way that either the husband or wife should step down from service where they receive salary and face agriculture.”

Answered prayers for couples “seeking for the fruit of the womb”

He proclaimed that faithful Christians would receive answers to prayers, especially in the area of couples seeking for the fruit of the womb.

Be Charitable!

Joshua called on people to engage in charitable activities, especially in provision of scholarships to deserving young people. “Share their pain and share their joy. This year, there is great reward in doing this if you do it with all your heart.”

Natural Disasters & Accidents

Additionally, Joshua predicted that natural disasters would continue to abound, alongside accidents on land, sea and air.

Stop Praying against your Enemies

He concluded by advising people to stop the habit of praying against enemies. “Stop praying against those who hurt you. This year, you will see clearly that God is God of vengeance. Instead, you should pray for them.“

More Prophesies to Come

Joshua stated that he would be revealing further prophetic messages for the international community and world leaders in subsequent services. He then prayed for the congregation, including the thousands who had gathered in huge overflow tents outside, decreeing that 2013 would be a year where ‘new dreams come true’ for genuine Christians.

Kumuyi, Adeboye, Predict Better Year

The General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, and the General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye have predicted hope for Nigeria in the new year.

Kumuyi, who spoke at the Watch Night Service of his church attended by thousands of faithful at the Deeper Life Conference Centre, DLCC, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Soutwest Nigeria, said there is a glorious hope for Nigeria in the New Year.

Pastors Adeboye and Kumuyi, predict better year.

“It will be a year of great miracles and wonders,” he said, but stressed the need for a strong foundation anchored in Christ so that the nation could enjoy the best from God, adding that if the foundation of the nation was destroyed, the people would be affected.

He said Christians should expect better things from God in 2013 as God had promised to give hope to His children, but stressed the need for Nigerians to turn to God through repentance in order to make their foundation stronger.

According to Kumuyi, God’s people would live in abundance this year, adding that there was no need to be anxious as the year promised better things for the people than last year.

Speaking at the Cross Over Service of the church at the Redemption Camp, Lagos-Badagry Expressway, General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye  described the new year as one that would be filled with signs and wonders for Nigerians.

He’s optimistic that before June this year, many Nigerians would have cause to rejoice as their hope would rise, but called for prayers, adding that God spared the lives of certain individuals in the country last year because of intercessory prayers of the Christians.

“The prayers of some of you minimized death of prominent Nigerians last year, don’t stop praying. No matter the darkness around you, your star will shine brighter.

“God says He will speak peace to your storms; Certain individuals have stagnated for sometime. The reasons for your stagnation will become known, will be addressed and will be eliminated. Therefore progress will follow,” he said.

Adeboye added that this year would be a better year than last year, saying that the principles to make this happen include praise and worship of God, putting God first before any other consideration; evangelism, among others. He said praising God would be the key to unlock heaven’s door for the outpouring of God’s blessings upon His people.

“If they say we are crazy for shouting Hallelujah in our environment and wherever we find ourselves, then that is a good kind of craziness,” he said.

In his own message, the General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (worldwide), Dr. Daniel Olukoya, described2013 as one of a “rage of political confusion. The year will also experience “uncommon lawlessness,” with “mysterious happenings we never heard before.”

Speaking at the Prayer City on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Tuesday, Olukoya stated that all organised wicked destroyers shall split and destroy themselves this year, adding that the “year will generate widespread sparks of rebellion and it will be volatile with hot temper as the accused will become the judge in some situations.

“This is a year we should approach with great caution, particularly the men as the year will be volatile, very fragile and very dangerous to toy with. If you do, the result will be dangerous.”

The cleric called for prayers to avert natural disasters, adding that 2013 would also witness shaking for nations that support godlessness, as well as “hissing and shame for God’s enemies.

“Year 2013 will, as a result of the love for money by many people, witness a resurgence of occultism, while on the other hand; many sorrows will be turned to joy. The new year will also experience unbelievable betrayal and disloyalty.”

Styl Plus Finally Split

The once popular R&B group Styl Plus make up of Shifi Omoefe, Zeal Onyecheme and Tunde Akinsanmi have finally broken up to pursue solo careers.

Tunde has made his debut as a solo artiste with the single, ‘In Your Eyes’ and has changed his stage name to Native Boy. He has also established his own record label, B.A.T Records.

Styl Plus was one of the hit-makers in the Nigerian music scene in 2003 when they released two monster hits, Olufunmi and Runaway.

It was said that the move to go in different directions was first made by Zeal, who was frustrated by the group’s inability to maintain the standard it created in 2003. He is expected to hit the airwaves with his solo effort next year.

“Zeal is already talking to a big Nigerian music star about the possibility of being signed to his label. He is frustrated like the other members, but he is the one who is making the move to start a solo career,” a source said.

The group’s 11-track debut album, ‘Expressions’ was released in February 2006, but only two cuts, ‘Imagine That’ and ‘Iya Basira’ were hits. Later, there were speculations that Styl Plus was on the verge of breaking up, but they debunked it in a follow up single, ‘Four Years.’

Shifi, Tunde and Zeal first met at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in the late 90s. There, they forged a friendship and a music group that would redefine the R&B music in Nigeria was formed. They were likened to America’s Boys 2 Men.

But their slide began with their obstinate refusal to relocate to Lagos, the nerve-centre of entertainment. This would be compounded by a poor second album, ‘Back and Better’ which saw the ratings of the group drop dramatically.

Efforts to speak with members of the defunct Styl Plus proved abortive.

GTB In Trouble Over Total Oil Company Missing N850m from their account

According to what National Enquirer magazine reported, whilst other banks are closing their end of the year books in peace and fanfare, Segun Agbaje, the managing director of Guarantee Trust Bank has been having sleepless nights over a huge sum of money that developed wings and flew out of the bank`s vault through some of its crooked staff at the information technology department.

According to inside sources, your soar away magazine, National Enquirer gathered reliably that, a whopping sum of N850m (eight hundred and fifty million Naira only) belonging to the multinational oil firm, Total Nigeria Unlimited has been moved out of the oil company`s account from the vault of Guarantee Trust Bank.

The scam which has been tagged “fraud of the year” by detectives in Area F Police Command where the case was reported has seen some staff of GTB been detained at the Police Command while the bank`s management has started running from pillar to post to cover the embarrassing situation

We were informed that, some crooked staff at the IT department of GTB hacked into one of the tellers` systems in Central Business District, Alausa branch and moved out the N850m out twice, the money, we gathered further was transferred via bank drafts into an account belonging to a Mallam trading under a bureau de change name, BDC Bureau De Change in Abuja.

Though we`re still investigating the details of the story, efforts to get GTB`s side have been abortive as severally we called some of those at the Corporate Communications department for response, none of them, Oge, and Lashe picked their calls.

We have sent some of our reporters to Area F in Ikeja to speak to the Investigating Police Officer, one Mr. Akeke to tell us how many of the GTB staffers are in detention including the branch head, Eniola Akiode and how much the bail is worth. We shall serve you details as events unfold.

Culled from National Enquirer

Janet Jackson Converts To Islam As She Prepares For Her Muslim Wedding

American singer Janet Jackson and her billionaire prince charming Wissam Al Mana will be wedded in a Muslim ceremony. According to Adnan Oktar the 46-year-old Janet has converted to Islam as did her brother, Michael Jackson . And she’s choosing to keep her new religion a secret from her fans.

Janet’s wealthy fiance plans on sparing no expense for their spring nuptials in Qatar, and his flying in all of Janet’s friends and family with private jets from all over the world. Allegedly, he will be giving out $10,000 worth of Rolex watch to each attendee as a thank you gift.

I will Never Divorce My Husband Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

Nollywood diva, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde speaks with Mary Ekah on the challenges of her marriage, work and motherhood.

We are two different peopleIt takes two to tangle; my husband and I have our differences, but a lot of men do know what the women expect from them to make the marriage work. I think everybody should first be realistic in marriage.

First of all, you have to realize that you are two different people and if you believe that you are made for each other, and then you should understand that you couldn’t be the same because two of the same kind don’t need each other. If you are truly made for each other you will enjoy your marriage.

The reason I must be with you in marriage is to compliment you and vice versa. This means that you have weaknesses that I can help with, while I have weaknesses that you you can help with and when you understand that as one of the basis in marriage, it makes life easier.

My husband for example is always very prompt but I am always very late; I have no idea of what time. But my husband is trained to be timely because he is a pilot so we always have issues on that. That could always cause a fight and he would go crazy at me. But the way we resolve it is just so silly as well.

I mean we don’t hold anything that seriously because at the end of the day we understand that it is our life and that we both are different. You can try to correct me but you can’t change me. So you have no choice but to live with the differences. I am yours and you are mine. In my family for example, divorce does not exist. We have never fought and one of us said I am going to divorce you. We do not give room for divorce at all. I can’t divorce my husband.

Women talk a lot

For men, what they need to know about women generally is that, we talk a lot and we say a lot of things that we don’t mean but we are very emotional people and we put our emotion out there but men don’t express themselves. We are two different people, so a man will often not talk.

For example, when I tell my husband, let’s talk. He is like, “What are we talking about? There is no problem.” And I am like, for God sake, what kind of man is this?

So for them there is no problem but for you as a woman, you are carrying your problem around and you want to talk about it. So when a man understands the fact that a woman is different from him, he would take things easier and learn to yield to her desires at all time. If she talks, talks and talks after a while she will go to sleep.

How we have kept our marriage intact

I know my husband and he knows me and no matter what he reads or hears about me, he only believes what I tell him and when I mess up, he is the first person I tell. That is how open we both are to each other and because in my family there is nothing like divorce, we have to sort it out within ourselves. Anyway, we need to because whatever my mistakes are, they are his mistakes.

If my husband goes out today and impregnate a woman, I would go out and look for that child because that child belongs to me; it is my seed, I mean that is my mentality – it may be extreme but that is how I feel and that is how far we have gone. So we have thought about it so far that anything below the extreme is not it.

We have thought about the worst thing and any relationship and we can handle it and I think that is the way couple should go. Don’t assume that it could not happen; we are all human being and nobody is perfect. I don’t even trust myself and so, why should I trust another human and why should anybody trust me.

We are all human being and we are all susceptible to flaws but that does not mean that we will continue with a flawed lifestyles, but in case it happens, how are you going to handle it? Talk about it now before it happens. My husband and I are very good friends and I allow him to be himself and I allow him to relax.

I understand that he is different and that we are together not by force. We can actually go apart. It is actually a privilege for him to be with and it is also a privilege for me to be with him; we understand that and we cherish every moment we spend together. We don’t have friends that influence our lives. We don’t make it a must to hang out with friends. I don’t discuss him with friends and the same applies to him. He does not discuss me with anybody even his parent to the best of my knowledge. So we stick to each other.

A man will always be a man

I think that, especially for men, when they feel pressured they go in the negative direction. A man will always be a man, a man is like a lion, they want to be the king of the jungle, and they want to feel that they can express themselves in any way they want and that they can roam around and that this is their territory.

And so, the minute you start to make them feel caged; Just imagine caging a lion for a very long time, the moment he gets an opportunity out of the cage, it is going to tear you to pieces and walk over you. And I realise that, if a man has the fear of God in him, just leave him and believe that he is an adult and could take care of himself. Even if he messes up, what are you going to do?

You are just going to die trying to monitor him any way. I think this is one of the things that my husband respects – the fact that I let him be himself.

My Husband is in support of whatever makes me happy

My husband had no problem about my career and would never. He says he is in support of whatever makes me happy. He supports me a lot. I even went back on set after my first child was just one month old; it was for the movie, “Day Break”. He goes to the market. I don’t and he doesn’t mind doing that. He is my number one fan. He watches my movies like a critic. The only scene he is not enthusiastic about is the romantic scene. But I got to do what I have to do.

My background

I am the first child of three children and the only daughter. I was the only child of my parents for a long time so I was a bit over-pampered. I was my daddy’s pet because I was the only girl. I loved to dance and mime. While in secondary school my friends and I formed a group.

We were three in the group and after school you will find us singing and dancing on the road. I could mime to any popular song back then and singing on the road got me a lot of lifts. I had a stint at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife; I later got admission into Yaba College of Technology to read Estate Management. My acting career had already taken off before I got into Yaba Tech.

I started acting as soon as I left secondary school while awaiting my JAMB results. Even while I was in Ife reading Economics, my acting career had started. I left OAU in my first year because I was getting married and my husband felt it was too far. So I had to get a school in Lagos.

I got in to Yaba College of Technology in 1996 and I got married that same year. I decided to read Estate Management, because I realised that I didn’t like Economics while I was in OAU. My modeling career started before my acting career. I started when I left secondary school. I had modeled for two years before my acting career. I did mostly calendar jobs.

Culled from : Thisday

I Sacrificed My PRIVATE PART For Money Rituals (Restored During Deliverance)

I joined the church of Satan, I sacrificed a baby, I drank blood and so many other things, which I shouldn,t have done. I also sold myself to the devil for thirty years. This confession summed up the story of a 29 year old businessman who in his quest to be rich joined four occult groups where he committed the worst of abominations.At 21, Steven Kofi (not real name) from West coast in Ghana, began his journey into the occult world by joining the church of Satan international before going deeper to join others all in his bid to make wealth.

A once vibrant man with wife and a child along with a prospering oil business had to abdicate his matrimonial responsibility to his wife for eight (8) years after sacrificing his manhood as a condition for wealth. Faced with the threat of death after being given a 49 days ultimatum to live, the Ghanaian ran after God and recently got a relief in Lagos during the Lord’s Chosen Church programme, “Time To Recover All” where we had an encounter with him.

How did he join such groups at an early stage in life? The story started in my final year at the university of Ghana, I was studying oil and gas engineering, I got my master degree in oil and gas engineering. At the final year, things were so tough for me that I needed to finish my education, but there was no way to get financial help, at the end of the day I consulted my parents but it was fruitless”, he stated.

According to him,“usually I chat with somebody on the internet that helps me with money. He is a man and that was before I later got married to a Norwegian lady in 2003. We had a kid before she travelled, but she usually call me on phone once in while, at that time, I called her for financial help but she didn’t have any cash.” He said the person who used to assist him complained that he could not continue sending money to him, and as such, he has to fend for himself.

 “He told me that he cannot continue sending me money. He said I have to work for myself, and I asked him, how, he said you have to do it on your own”, he stated adding that from that point he decided to locate the church of Satan in Ghana where he was told that his initiation would be done in far away in the USA. In deed, travel documents were prepared for him and he travelled to Califonia where his initiation took place.

He said after the initiation process, he demanded to see the devil, and was asked to write a request letter to the devil which he did. His request was granted within two weeks, and he was able to meet face to face with the devil who asked him to make three wishes, adding that his third wish for long life could not be granted because church members only live within the space of thirty years after joining the church of Satan.

“The devil demanded that I make three wishes from him, which I consented to, that I want to be famous, wealthy and live long, but the third one he refused to grant, disagreeing to the idea that any one that joins the church of Satan will always live for thirty years, once you join at 20, you live till 50. This I agreed to because I was eager for money”, Kofi stressed.

He further disclosed that after joining the church of Satan, Satanic Bible was made available to him, sword of slaughter, initiation glove, Suit and other items. He however explained that he didn’t lose his manhood until he added another feather to his cap in the occult world by joining yet another group.

“When I joined the second occult society, that’s when I sacrificed my manhood to increase my wealth”, he added. Beside the monetary gains from the cults, he was also sent on an assignment which is to win souls for the kingdom of Satan. Through this, he has won more than 23 souls for Satan, using the advantage of the wealth he was given. “Boys and girls who are eager for money, wealth, I show them the way.

I have offices in Port-Harcourt, Warri, Abuja, Ghana, I give them what to do and they begin to make money on their own and also teach them how to join and I send them over”, he added. How did this bring joy to his parents? Kofi said after making money, he decided to open a plaza for his mother in Ghana, but she rejected the offer, claiming that it was a blood money, because of her attachment to Christ and a vision she saw in which she saw the source of his wealth.

But his father and siblings accepted him. His trouble however started after he became uncomfortable with his life. At that point, he began to look for powerful pastors that could save his life. When his cults discovered he was going astray, he was penalized and given only 49 days to live. “I was given 49 days to live, I have spent 19 days, and it remains 30 days, before deliverance came to me through Pastor Mouka of the Lord’s Chosen”, he stated.

Having learnt some bitter lessons, Kofi is advising youths not to covet what others have while urging parents to restrict what their children watch on television screens. On his manhood that was restored during the deliverance session, Kofi said I give God all the glory that my manhood was restored back, am happy now that I can make more babies again.

Mercy Johnson’s Baby Girl

Mercy and her baby

Nigeria’s Mercy Johnson’s new baby girl delivered at about 1pm Nigerian time today in a private hospital in the United States of America, has stirred web interest, with Mercy’s colleagues and fans sending congratulatory messages to the actress on the social media.

National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Ibinabo Fiberesima, believes that God decided to console the industry with the baby. “We lost some key members this year, but see how God has rewarded us? I’m extremely happy about this.”

Mercy’s publicist, Samuel Olatunji of Bigsam Media said that the actress and her baby will take time to relax in America before coming back to Nigeria.

“Yes, she was delivered of a baby girl, and both of them are in a good condition. But they will relax for some weeks before returning to Nigeria,” he said.

The photo of the baby and her proud mum has been posted on Mercy Johnson’s online celebrity magazine, www.mercyjohnson.com. The site has over 68, 000 followers on Facebook. The post already attracted over 800 comments, few minutes after the arrival of the baby was announced.

Mercy, who has been in America for over a month now, got married to Prince Odianose Okogie in 2011 under controversial circumstances.

From PM News

Lagos Sacks 174 LASTMA Officials

From PM News

The Lagos State Government has sacked 174 officers of the State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, for their alleged involvement in corruption, over-zealousness and others.

The sack is said to be a move to weed out bad eggs and reposition the authority for better service delivery and traffic management.

P.M.NEWS authoritatively gathered that 34 LASTMA officers were sacked two months ago over cases of corruption, fraud, over-zealousness, among others.

The affected officers had their pictures and names published in the in-house journal of the state government, Alausa Alert, while the public were warned not to do business with the affected officers as they had been relieved of their posts.

Also two months ago, LASTMA recommended 200 officers for dismissal and their names were forwarded to the Civil Service Commission to determine their fate after the affected officers had faced the Personnel Management Board, PMB, a disciplinary organ of the state government.

In the last one week, 140 LASTMA officers have received their letters of sack from the Civil Service Commission after they were found wanting in the prosecution of their jobs.

P.M.NEWS’ investigation revealed that most of the LASTMA personnel sacked were junior officers who had been enmeshed in fraudulent acts, indiscipline, dereliction of duty, extortion of money from motorists, among others.

The state government warned that it would not tolerate acts of indiscipline from LASTMA officers and would not hesitate to wield the big stick on those found wanting, just as it had done to the affected officers.

Head of Service, Adesegun Ogunlewe had said that any LASTMA officer found extorting money from motorists in the guise of the new road traffic law would be dismissed outright as prescribed by the law.

He warned that government would not condone acts of corruption among its officers as transparency and accountability were the keys of governance and public officers must not paint government bad to the  public.

General Manager, LASTMA, Babatunde Edu had been canvassing for improved service delivery by officers of the authority, saying that government would sack officers found to be corrupt in the discharge of their duties.

Urging the public to always report cases of corruption, overzealousness, indiscipline among LASTMA officers to the authority for appropriate disciplinary measures, Edu said once a report about a LASTMA officer was made to the authority, such officer would be investigated and if found guilty, the law would take its course.

Chairman, LASTMA, Young Arabamen also said that several officers of the authority had been dismissed in the past for involvement in corruption and indiscipline.

He warned LASTMA officers to stay away from graft and carry out their duties in a professional manner.

Crashed Helicopter Pictures

L-R THE WIFE OF THE LATE FORMER GOVERNOR OF KADUNA STATE SIR PATRICK YAKOWA MRS AMINA YAKOWA WITH THE PRESIDENT LSM KADUNA METROPOLITANT, LADY JUSTINA ANAVHE.PHOTO:OLU AJAYI.

MRS AMINA YAKOWA WITH ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH BOGOBIRI OF KAFANCHAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE.PHOTO:OLU AJAYI.

THE AIG ZONE 10 SOKOTO ALHAJI ABUBAKAR GINGIRI SIGNING THE CONDOLENCE REGISTER AT GOVT.HOUSE,KADUNA ON SUNDAY.PHOTO:OLU AJAYI.

16 yr-old cable vandal survives electrocution

A 16-year-old boy, Terseer Iorparegh, was yesterday caught stuck in a high tension cable while attempting to vandalize the PHCN cable along Naka road in Makurdi.

Vanguard gathered from the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Gabriel Suswam on Public Utilities, Mr. Gaddafi Asemanya who was at the scene said residents of the area were woken up by shout of help from the young man around 2.am on Thursday only to behold the teenager hanging between the high tension cable after he had suffered shock and first degree burns

Asemanya said the teenager who had removed the lower cable climbed the PHCN pole to vandalize the upper cable when his leg touched a line which caused a spark and fire which spread over his body while he persistently shouted for help.

According to the governor’s aide, “vandalism of PHCN property has become a serious issue in Benue State, in the last one year. I have apprehended over 30 vandals, while some were prosecuted many of these persons were set free because PHCH has no legal team to ensure the prosecution of these suspects”, he said.

Terseer before the elotrocution

He explained that the residents had wanted to lynch the vandal but for his quick intervention and assistance by men of the fire service, the police and officers and men of the civil defence corps who were on hand to assist recover the vandal.

The Special Assitant further disclosed that the suspect was receiving medical attention at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi where he lied critically ill with no one coming to identify him.

Terseer arrested after suffering burns.

Reacting, PHCN spokesman, Uche Oranya who appreciated the prompt action of the residents of the area, as well as that of the governor’s aide called on security operatives to ensure adequate safeguard of PHCN facilities in the state.

Men love my curves-Amaka Anioji

By Tony Ogaga Erhariefe

Waiting is definitely not one of my virtues. As I sat waiting for the star of Till Death Do Us Part, Amaka Anioji to show up for our interview at the lobby of a 5-star hotel in Lagos, I was restless. Reason: I had been waiting for the best part of two hours. For the umpteenth time I put a call through to her publicist who assured me in the most conciliatory tone that her client would soon be joining me.

I had scarcely terminated the last call when it happened! It was her hot legs that caught my attention first; light-complexioned, long shapely legs elevated on high heels as she cat walked into the lobby. Dressed in short, red attire, Amaka was the cynosure of attention as every head spunned in her direction. I was still transfixed when I noticed her reach for her phone to make a call and before I knew it my phone was ringing.

“Hi,” her soft, silky voice dissolved all the pent up anger in me. As she spoke, our eyes connected and I wondered ‘what a pretty lady.’

As we shook hands, I couldn’t help but marvel at the fast rising actress who had only recently trounced the likes of Ini Edo and Nse Ikpe-Etim among other notable actresses to clinch the Most Outstanding Actress award at this year’s Abuja Film Festival, for playing a battered housewife in Till Death Do Us Part.

Amaka has her finger in every pie as far as the movie industry is concerned. She is a scriptwriter, producer and actress. Among others, she is a member of the cast of Tinsel. Her acting credits include Young Erica, Succession of Needs and Seeing Distance to mention a few. Also, her production credits include Life Show and Married. In this interview with The Entertainer, Amaka talks about her career, family, growing up, first love, and of course, movies. Excerpts:

How did you feel winning in a category that had the likes of Ini Edo and Nse Ikpe-Etim among other intimidating artistes at this year’s Abuja Film Festival? 

Sincerely, I was moved to tears because I screamed so hard! These are established artistes that I have respect for and they’ve been there forever. I just breezed in a couple of years back and all of a sudden I did a job and it is recognised and before I could say Jackie Robinson I won an award. I was so stunned; winning just blew me out of my mind!

Can you capture that moment for us?

I was like ‘oh my God! I must be dreaming, I must not cry because if I cry I will wail’. For me it’s a good introduction. I have just started and this is a mighty leap for me. You know what these awards do to you? They make you feel like ‘chick, you’re doing the right thing; this is where you should be.’ It can only get better. It gives you confidence; I was blown away!

When you were auditioning for that movie, did you believe it was going to take you that far?

I did not audition for that movie. The director directed me on Tinsel and also on a drama series that I also wrote and produced called Married. She called me up and said ‘Amaka, I want you on this one. I want you to play my lead lady.’ I was so excited because she is one of the best female directors in Africa. I was like ‘are you kidding me? You want my humble self to act the lead?’  So, she emailed the script to me and when I read it I was moved to tears. I called her up and said, ‘I love this script, let’s do it.’ And when I found that it was OC Ukeje playing the lead guy I was so happy because he’s also a professional. It was very sweet working with him; we had a lot of fun on that set.

Have you ever been battered before?

No.

So, how were you able to interpret the role so well you won an award?

I think the story spoke to me. It had a life of its own and it was very hard of me to think of myself while I played the character. That woman was strong enough to make me forget me. Sincerely, I detached myself from me and became the character.

You also act on Tinsel. How long have you been on the platform?

I have been there for two years and I act the role of a doctor. I auditioned for a role and they said ‘this role doesn’t look like you’ so I left. I guess they were just being polite to me but a lady called me back a couple of days later and said ‘could you come audition for another role?’ That day, they auditioned me for like five times and at the end of the day they said I had a role and two years after, we are still at it.

Let’s look at growing up. Were you born with a silver spoon?

It wasn’t all that bad and it wasn’t all roses either. I was born in Enugu State. I am the fourth of six kids. Growing up was a lot of fun. We had so much love despite a couple of hard times. My parents stuck together and gave us the best. They made us appreciate the little we had and things we did not have we did not care about and those we had we cherished. I had loads of rich friends during my teen years who were always junketing across Europe and America. At the slightest provocation they would announce ‘I am going to The Bahamas for my holiday,’ ‘I am headed for New York this summer,’ and stuffs like that but I never felt that I was missing anything.

We were always together, we didn’t think about Bahamas or London because we were okay with what we had. I remember one time our black and white TV got bad. Rather than go out and watch TV at our neighbour’s place, we did a show; my siblings and I did a show we called, Meet Me in Conakry. These days when I think about it I am drawn to tears because I see my parents doing their best to instill so much discipline in us and it worked for us.

My parents are just fabulous. Right now, my father is about 70 and he still acts like a baby the way he showers love on my mum. Sometimes, I get really angry and I am like ‘Jeez! What is wrong with these people? After being married for 50 years they still have this unique connection.

Which of your parents were you closer to?

I was closer to my dad. I had a lot of misunderstanding with my mum when I was growing up. We are beginning to fall in love with each other now. My mum was a disciplinarian but my dad was the balance. She still is. My mum misunderstood me a lot but now that she is growing old she is becoming softer and we are beginning to fall in love with each other. I was very curious and always asked questions. I would tell my dad ‘can you imagine this? Can you imagine that? And he would listen to me. He was always trying to explain to me why my mum felt the way she did.

When you’re a teenager and you want to be understood and your mum doesn’t understand you, it hurts so much. The good thing about it was that I had a father who brought the balance. I love my dad to death and now I love my mum sincerely but I couldn’t say that when I was a teenager. Maturity changed it all. I was quite inpatient, probing, curious and always seeking answers.

You must have been a rebel…

I had crisis with my parents but it wasn’t a stormy relationship and I wasn’t a rebel. We never took the quarrels far. By dinner, everybody was laughing again and falling over each other.

What would you say was the most remarkable experience of your teenage years?

It was when I did my first presenting at 18 or 19 for a TV show. That was the height. I felt so cool.

How did you come into acting?

I started acting in secondary school. I used to do some shows for UNICEF in Enugu. They were drama presentation for AIDS. I wrote some of the scripts myself. I was on NTA and EBS Enugu. I guess I have been acting all my life. We also had radio shows on Radio Nigeria, Enugu. However, the transition to professional acting began in 2004 when I briefly came in and left. In 2006, I played sub-lead in Evil Altar directed by Emeka Nwabueze and left. Then I came back in 2009, and started work in 2010 and here I am today.

How old are you?

I can’t tell my age, women don’t tell their age

Why?

It’s not cool to tell my age. It just happens and I don’t have an explanation for that. For me, it’s not necessary because I believe age is just a number. The truth is that every time you reveal your age it becomes a barrier. People box you up.

Or are you scared that mentioning your age could throw you out of the market?

It’s not like I am scared it could throw me out of the market. If I tell you my age you wouldn’t believe it. I am young enough. Please stop this age thing.

What would you say is responsible for your astronomical rise two years after you returned to Nollywood?

I think it’s opportunity because there are a lot of talented actresses out there who… but it’s not all of them that have opportunity to work on sets that will project them. There are some scripts you see and wouldn’t touch with a 10 foot-pole because they are crap while there are movies that you watch and it’s not like the actors are out of this world but the movie is good. So, I think its opportunity and hard work. For any actress you need to work hard. I know the industry doesn’t pay the way it ought to but sincerely, if you don’t work hard as an actress, you’re going nowhere.

Do you smoke?

I don’t.

Do you drink?

I drink red wine, occasionally.

How do you get inspiration to interpret your scripts?

First of all I try to understand the character that I am acting because for me, every character is a unique individual. So, I try to understand the person I am acting. I have respect for characters that I play so I try to understand everything about them. I also do my back-story; every script, every character has a back-story. Most times, you don’t get a back story on set so what I do is that I come up with my own back-story.

What did you study in school?

History.

When did you graduate?

I am still in school.

How have you been combining schooling and acting?

It has not been easy. Sometimes after set, I have to be either in my hotel room or at home to read up for tests and exams. Thank God I am graduating; I can’t wait to graduate and hit movies full time.

You get a lot of attention from men?

It’s natural for men to admire women. I enjoy it and the attention is cool.

How would you feel if men didn’t notice you?

If it were to be a character in a movie, I would be sad but in real life I don’t know how I will take it (laughs).

You come across as witty?

My dad is, so maybe, I got it from him.

You are a TV face. How do you handle men?

Sometimes you run into guys who really like and appreciate you and you just enjoy that moment but sometimes you run into people who are very nasty. I remember sometime ago, a guy came along and was all over me ‘Oh, you’re so beautiful’, he kept saying ‘I love you, I want to marry you’ and I smiled at first because I felt this guy was funny and then he started pestering me the whole day. It was at an event and he followed me the whole day. Sometimes you end up not knowing how you handle some of them. I wasn’t rude but I was angry and I stopped being polite. My friends were like ‘please leave her alone.’ This guy was too sweet but he was draining me and I needed a breather. If you have that kind of a relationship with a girl the first time you’re seeing her, she wouldn’t want to see you again.

Are you in any relationship now?

No, I can’t talk about that.

What’s been your most challenging movie role?

The most challenging was Till Death Do Us Part.

Who do you look up to in Nollywood?

What I would say is who are those that have inspired me in one way or the other in Nollywood? As far as acting is concerned, I think Genevieve is a great source of inspiration to me any day. She interprets her roles effortlessly and makes them unique. I like complicated roles that go through different emotions because they make me think deep.

What has been your greatest challenge as an actress?

I think the greatest challenge is not having enough jobs. That’s a big one for a lot of us because you find more than 200 actresses jumping about for one particular job. It’s frustrating. Sometimes you don’t want to go for an audition because you already know everybody is going to be there. Another challenge is the fact that lots of filmmakers tend to keep using the same faces; they give all the challenging roles to the established names while there are actresses like us yearning for such challenges. It’s like everybody is stuck with the old names.

What are those qualities you look for in a guy?

I would love a very confident guy who is very comfortable with himself. I can’t deal with a guy who is not smart. You have to be smart, confident and very comfortable with yourself. I like a guy who is selfless; a guy who lives beyond himself. Sometimes when you start dating a guy you become a part of his life. I want my guy to go beyond that. He does his thing and I do my own thing because we live for other people too. I want a guy who is kind. And he must be funny enough to make me laugh and above all, I want a guy who knows and fears God.

What was the greatest decision you ever took?

Going beyond acting by producing and writing because it’s quite challenging.

What is the most attractive part of your anatomy?

(Laughs) I have discovered that beauty is actually in the eyes of the beholder. Sometimes, when people see me they are like ‘oh! I like your figure; you’re so shapely’ and I’m like, ‘really?’ Sometimes it’s ‘I like your legs, they are so hot; Oh my God!’ And sometimes its ‘baby, you have such a great smile and beautiful eyes’ so right now I am confused.

If not acting what would you be doing?

I will be producing and writing. I can’t think of anything else.

Are you a professional?

To the core!

That means you would do what a professional should do?

I will.

Would you act a nude scene as a professional?

The truth is that professionalism is also an ability to know what direction you want your career to follow. If the direction in my career is to act nude roles, why not? So, as a professional I know exactly what I want and nudity has nothing to do with it.

Could it be that you’re inhibited?

The thing is that anybody can go nude; it has nothing to do with acting…

But if you have to interpret a script…

You must not do all roles. Being a professional does not mean acting nude roles. For me, I have sat down and thought about what I want to do and nudity is not one of them.

Tell us about the first time you were infatuated?

I was a teenager. Whenever I saw this guy I was like ‘oh my God!’ And one day he said, ‘what’s wrong with you. Whenever I want to talk to you, you run away’. I just couldn’t handle it. When I remember it I crack up with laughter.

When was your first kiss?

It was with my first love. Same guy I had my first crush on. He eventually drew me out of my shell.

You’re quite attractive. What’s your beauty routine?

The truth is that I am not religious about any beauty routine. Sometimes I do wash my face and exfoliate. Sometimes I do spar but I am not religious about it. I usually use very soft soaps. I wash my face and take my bath a lot. I maintain soft soaps and avoid harsh creams, and eat healthy.

You must have read a lot of negative stories about actresses. Are you not scared the same thing could happen to you?

I am not scared but I am not ready for controversy. I am just going to do what I have to do and whatever comes I take. I think you can never be prepared for what stardom brings. I don’t think any one could be that prepared for controversy because you don’t know the direction your career is going to take. For instance, when I got the message that I was nominated for this award, I never took it serious. I just got a letter, checked the list and realised that Ini Edo, Uche Jombo and Nse Etim were in the category and I felt like I did not stand a chance, and then I got to Abuja and I won. In this industry you never know what’s coming your way.

What are your dreams?

I want to break old records and set new ones. I want to partner Hollywood. I want to be invited by Hollywood bigwigs to come and work with them, and when I finish I’ll come back home and invite them to come and work with me. I also want to partner Bollywood and any other ‘wood’ in the world.