Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog


Footballer John Ogu releases new photos

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 12:37 PM PDT

Super Eagles player John Ogu, who also plays as a central midfielder for Academica de Coimbra, in Portugal just released these sexy new photos.

He also launched his John Ogu Football Academy today. The academy is aimed at getting youths involved in football and giving them a better football exposure.

New Video: Frank Hult - Ite Ego

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 11:54 AM PDT

Frank Hult, real names (Ikebudu Frank Chimezie) is a rapper and singer presently signed to Star Happy Entertainment.(SH2E). Hult is Anambra State University best rapper of 2013! This is his first official single featuring "Reminisce" titled "Ite Ego" watch out for him! Enjoy the video...



Youtube link= http://youtu.be/b9vwnDcPDtE

Rihanna claps back at Wendy Williams for saying she's not girlfriend material

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 11:27 AM PDT

Wendy Williams is very opinionated and let's her opinion known on her talk show. During a Hot Topics segment on her show some days ago, Wendy discussed Chris Brown and Drake being in the studio together, and slammed their mutual connection, Rihanna.

Speaking about Rihanna, who has dated both Chris and Drake, Wendy Williams said;
"Rihanna is not girlfriend material. She's hot, she's sexy, you do her, then you take your penicillin."
Well, Bad Gal RiRi was not impressed and posted a popular Vine clearly directed at Wendy. lol. See that after the cut...


Rihanna posted the popular 'My p**sy popz severely' vine...lol


Peter Okoye shares another pic of himself chilling @home in Lagos

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 10:42 AM PDT

In case some of you didn't get it the first time...Peter Okoye just shared another photo of himself chilling at Squareville mansion in Lagos with some friends. His older brother Jude Okoye's wedding is still on-going in Anambra state! See more photos from the wedding after the cut...



Afrinolly sets up Industry Screening Lounge at the Durban Film Mart 2014

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 10:02 AM PDT

Afrinolly will be showcasing their Short Film Competition winning films and providing an industry screening lounge for all filmmakers to use their facilities to present projects to potential clients at the Durban FilmMart, set for 18 – 21 July 2014 at the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel in Durban. Continue.



Developed in Nigeria in 2011, Afrinolly is a free mobile app that gives Africans access to view movies, trailers and short films produced in Africa, mainly of Nollywood and Bollywood. Having become one of the most downloaded apps in Africa, which can be used on Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows and Nokia smartphones, Afrinolly also brings its users the latest news and gossip about movies, music and celebrities in Africa.

In its second year attending DFM, Afrinolly will be sponsoring a luncheon and industry screening lounge, which is open to all delegates and filmmakers attending the DFM. This Industry Screening lounge will give African filmmakers a platform and facility to present their projects to potential funders, sponsors and co-production partners. 

The Industry screening lounge will also serve a purpose for Afrinolly, who plan to showcase the significance of the app and the winning films from their recent Afrinolly Short Film Competition (ASFC). This competition was a unique and innovative online competition, focusing on the youth in Africa encouraging entrants to submit a 15 minute short film telling their story and addressing their African issues. Afrinolly will be using the DFM as a vehicle to demonstrate the talent in Africa and illustrate how the app can and has played a part in developing and distributing African film content. 

"The screening lounge is our chance to publicise the short films that came through the ASFC, and to showcase the talents resident within this pool of young film makers. In addition, to provide them with a platform to show what they are capable of doing. We will also accommodate Q & A during the screening, both about the screened movie and Afrinolly in general," said Afrinolly's Jane Maduegbuna.

"Afrinolly is a fairly new product but has grown tremendously through the years. Their app has helped distribute many African films, creating awareness of African stories, issues and people in our film industry. The participation of Afrinolly is welcomed and we look forward to seeing how the app is taken up at DFM," says Durban Film Office's Toni Monty.

The Durban FilmMart will be taking place on 18 – 21 July 2014, alongside the Durban International Film Festival which will be on 17 – 27 July. For more information on the DFM go to
http://www.durbanfilmmart.com, to register for DFM visit the delegate registration desk at the Elangeni Tsogo Sun Hotel on Thursday 17th 13h00 to 16h00 and from Friday 18th to Monday 21st July from, 08h00 to 16h00. 

To book a session at the Afrinolly screening lounge contact privatescreenings@durbanfilmmart.com 

OMG! Malaysian passenger plane shot down in Ukraine, 295 dead

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 12:01 PM PDT

A Malaysian Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur has crashed in eastern Ukraine. There were 280 passengers and 15 crew members on board.

Ukrainian Interior Minister said all on board are dead and that the plane was shot down by Russian ground-to-air anti-aircraft missiles at 32,000 feet and at 500mph.

The plane, a Boeing 777, came down near the city of Donetsk, which is a border between Russia and Ukraine where a Ukrainian transport plane was shot down at 21,000 feet on Monday July 13th and a military jet shot down last week from the Russian side of the border.

The Interior Minister said pro-Russian separatists have been hunting down their planes for weeks. 6 Ukrainian military jets have been shot down in the last few months by the Russians. There's been military conflict between Ukraine and Russia for a while. And now they are shooting down passenger planes? The plane departed Amsterdam at 12.30pm and went down around 4.30pm. See photos from the crash after the cut...


The BUK surface-to-air missile system (like this one) that is believed to have shot down flight MH17 is an old Soviet-built weapon designed to engage light aircraft, cruise missiles and drones

 The flight on the tarmac of Amsterdam airport just hours before it was shot down over Ukraine

As it departed.

Photo: Here comes the bride and groom - Jude and Ifeoma Okoye

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 08:58 AM PDT

Beautiful couple!

Lagos state okays six-month maternity leave, 10 days for fathers

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 08:43 AM PDT

Lagos state government has introduced a new leave regime for all male and female civil servants in the state. Henceforth, all male civil servants whose wives give birth are entitled to a 10-day paternity leave while female civil servants had their maternity leave extended from 3 months to 6 months.

The new leave regime was announced today by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs Josephine Williams at a press conference held at the Baguada Kaltho Press Centre, in Alausa, Ikeja.
"A female officer shall be entitled to 24-weeks maternity leave with full pay in case of her first two deliveries. The said leave shall commence, at least two weeks before the expected delivery date; a male officer, to who a new baby (or babies in case of multiple births) is born shall be entitled to 10 working days" she said.
She added that subsequent deliveries after the second baby by any employee will only get 12 weeks maternity leave for a female officer while the men will not be entitled to the 10-day leave.

Special adviser to the Lagos state Governor on public health, Dr Yewande Adeshina, said the 6 months leave will enable women complete the mandatory months required for breastfeeding new born babies.

Jamal's Grilled Chicken Suya opens for business in Wuse 2, Abuja

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 08:11 AM PDT

You first read about the ever so succulent, unique flavour, mouthwatering and finger-lickin fabulous Jamal's Grilled Chicken here.

Jamal's Grilled Chicken has relocated and has now opened its permanent suya spot in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja....

 

According to Ishaqu, the manager, the need to find a suitable location that is in the heart of Abuja's social life was paramount. 


Regarding flavour and consistency he said "there were some challenges at the outset because the pre-opening publicity succeeded beyond our wildest imagination and we were somewhat overwhelmed. But thank God our customers have been patient and helpful. We have listened to their suggestions and have now perfected a grill technique and flavour that is so unique that anyone and everyone will love and be proud. For example, we realized that a lot of people in Abuja prefer their grilled chicken a little spicier than we had initially assumed. So we improved on that. A significant number of our customers advised we introduce the Hausa delicacy "Masa" which we now sell. Also, we will be starting chips very soon as well." In a nutshell, Jamal's Chicken offers chicken suya lovers in Abuja a different and unique suya experience.  

Another convenient service Jamal's Grilled Chicken has introduced is the office and home delivery service. This service runs from 1pm to 9pm Mondays to Saturdays. It gives chicken suyalovers that work long and productive hours in the office or those at home the opportunity to enjoy our delicious chicken; without having to go out of their way to pick up. 

Jamal's Grilled Chicken is  located at:

Matambella Republic Garden
Luanda Crescent, 
(Str. after EFCC, Opposite New Rockview Hotel)
Off Adetokumbo Ademola Crescent,
Wuse 2, Abuja

Opening Hours: 1pm to 10.30pm Mon-Sun

Office and Home Delivery Service Hours: 1pm to 9.30pm Mon-Sat
*please note that both office and home deliveries cover limited areas at the moment and are subject to the discretion of the delivery company*

You can now pre-order large orders/ book for outdoor events or order your chicken via:

BBM PIN: 25B8266E or
Call 0903 916 4529.
Follow us: @JamalsChicken

www.jamalchicken.com

Jamals Grilled Chicken partners with delivery companies for office or home deliveries. Call us to find the areas we cover as well as the rates.

....here comes the bride...Ifeoma Umeokeke on her wedding day...

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 08:42 AM PDT

The MBGN Tourism 2012 is marrying her man Jude Okoye today in Anambra state. Beautiful bride. See more photos after the cut...



Drake and Chris Brown's skit at the Espys mocks their beef (watch)

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 07:25 AM PDT

Drake hosted the ESPY Awards last night & killed it (ESPY means Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award presented by ESPN to athletes). The part of the award that's got everyone talking is Drake's skit with his former arch enemy, Chris Brown…

In a skit called Blake vs Drake, Drake and LA Clippers player Blake Griffin set out to ruin each other. The skit begins in a law office, then a locker room and finally in a surgeon's office with 'Dr Blake' standing over Drake on an operating table like he's getting ready to perform surgery...then Chris Brown suddenly shows up with surgical tools ready to do the work on Drake...hehe.

Chris later comes out and introduces himself as America's sweetheart as Drake is shown tied up back stage. Lol. See the skit after the cut...




 The skit...



...and Peter Okoye misses brother Jude Okoye's wedding

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:37 AM PDT

During Peter Okoye's traditional wedding to Lola Omotayo last year, not only did his older brother Jude Okoye not attend, he also posted a picture on his instagram page showing that he was in a studio in Lagos. Well, fast forward to today, Jude Okoye's wedding, not only is Peter Okoye not attending the wedding (yes I confirmed), he also posted a photo on his instagram page showing that he's not in Anambra. He hadn't updated his instagram page since July 13th but made sure to do so today in case some of you were mistaken that he will be at the wedding in Anambra...

Brand new video: Presh - International Lady

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:42 AM PDT

Ericmany Entertainment presents new and revamped Presh. Video was shot in SA and was directed by Sesan. Song is titled International Lady. Enjoy...
 
 
Link to the song - http://hu.lk/5bbiuu3f99s0

First photos from Jude Okoye's traditional wedding in Anambra state

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 07:44 AM PDT

Paul Okoye, Flavour, Julius Agwu, Phyno, and many others at Jude Okoye and Ifeoma Umeokeke's traditional wedding going on right now in Nnewi Anambra state. See more photos after the cut...



Anna Banner pictured left
 MBGN Tourism 2013

Nigeria rises from 44 to 34th on FIFA ranking after World Cup outing

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:20 AM PDT

The Super Eagles have risen up 10 places from 44 to 34 in a new FIFA World Ranking released today July 17th.

FIFA released the new list based on countries performance at the just concluded World Cup in Brazil. Nigeria went up 10 spots courtesy of the Super Eagles' second round finish at the World Cup.

The Super Eagles now rank third place in the African continent after Algeria and Cote d'Ivoire who came 24th and 25th respectively on the World list.

World champions Germany was ranked number one on the list while Argentina was placed second and Netherlands 3rd. Colombia came 4th, Belgium 5th, Uruguay 6th, Brazil 7th, Spain 8th, Switzerland 9th and France 10th. Continue to see Africa ranking...


Ranking In Africa
1. Algeria
2. Cote d'Ivoire
3. Nigeria
4. Egypt
5. Ghana
6. Tunisia
7. Guinea
8. Cameroon
9. Burkina Faso
10. Mali

Photo: Solar powered car made by Nigerian inventor

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 04:20 AM PDT

Trying to get more details about the Segun dude. Apparently, he built this solar-powered car. Good stuff!

Mente de Moda Fashion & Art Festival: August 2014

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 04:03 AM PDT


Mente de Moda was created to give new brands a rare opportunity to get their products onto the fashion high street. It gives labels the opportunity to experiment with physical retail, get face-to-face consumer feedback, and test the market.
This August sees the return of the Fashion&Art showcase with bigger and more eccentric brands, the time has come to expose underrated talent, trailblazers, pacesetters and truly gifted minds within the fashion and art sphere. Continue...

Since inception the Mente de Moda franchise has been known to cater to a wide demographic of buyers and sellers, not just within the Lagos district but from other cities across the country. Making networking at the festival equally as important as making a sale. With side attractions like live poetry, smooth acoustic performances from underground music acts, candy floss, slush, happy hour discounts on selected items at the festival and more, all set in a youthful and energetic environment in the Victoria Island area every first Sunday of the month.
Not to mention the level of exposure our kind media partners provide during the festival; Mente de Moda is a great avenue to take your first step out of many in making your brand a household name.
The August edition of this lifestyle festival is set to hold on Sunday 3rd of August 2014 at Maddox, 82 Adetokunbo Ademola street Victoria Island, Lagos featuring all the usual deals, steals, fab fashion accessories, menswear, womenswear, live paintings, spoken word sets and more.
To participate as a vendor at this event please call visit our website www.bangandkosher.com
Send an e-mail : info@bangandkosher.com
or call:
08186807844
08089750366
This edition of Mente de Moda is proudly supported by

Guess who?

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 04:03 AM PDT

Clue: He's a Chocolate City artist...

Ex-premiere league player goes from earning £40k a month to £800 cleaning toilets

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 04:05 AM PDT

Life! From international football ace to ship cleaner. Former Sunderland player, Kevin Kyle, who used to earn £10,000-a-week playing for the premiere league team now earns £800-a-fortnight working a 12-hour shift on a ship stacking boxes & cleaning toilets. (pictured above left on the ship).

Kevin, 33, who started the job on board the 300-capacity ship on July 8th, said he had no choice but to take the job,
"I'm trying to provide for my family. Many footballers pick up jobs after football but I don't see stories about them in the newspapers. I don't really want to publicize my lifestyle in the newspapers about whether I have a job or don't have a job. I have to work at some point to put food on the table and to provide for my family." He said
The dad of 3 was jobless for 6 months after his contract with League One minnows Ayr United was scrapped in January.

Managers on the ship reportedly warned his new co-workers not to discuss Kevin's former life as a footballer or bring it up with him as it's a touchy subject.  Continue...


"Kevin started work on the ship earlier this month. It's sad really to see someone who was obviously well-loved by the fans seemingly ending his career relatively early." A source said
Kevin Kyle works on the Regina Baltic ship in Lerwick's remote Mairs Quay. Pictured above taking a break in the ship's communal room.
His duties include cleaning floors and toilets, making beds and stocking up supplies on the ship.

Apart from Sunderland where he last played in 2006, Kevin also played for Coventry, Kilmarnock, Hearts, and Rangers.

In a 2010 newspaper interview he said:
"Sometimes in life money is not everything. I know a lot of people disagree with that but I had all the money years ago when I played with Sunderland and Coventry and I p***** it up a wall gambling. So money doesn't always make you happy. The happiest I have been was the first year at Kilmarnock, playing football and knowing what my wage was."

'May I not marry a man like my father..."

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 05:33 AM PDT

When I saw this tweet this morning, I was taken aback at first...'You don't want to marry a man like your father?"...but then I thought about it again...there might actually be many women out there who don't want men like their fathers. Many in fact! That someone is your flesh and blood does not mean that they are perfect or what you wish for yourself.

Are you one of those women? And what's your reason? Let's discuss!

Strategic Offshore Placement Ltd Entrance Exams holds tomorrow

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 02:11 AM PDT

Strategic Offshore Placement Ltd will be holding Entrance Examinations for entry into Global International College in September 2014 across the West, South-South and the North of Nigeria.

The Entrance Examination is scheduled to hold on Saturday the 19th of July 2014 at Lagos, Ibadan, Warri, Port-Harcourt, Enugu & Abuja. University Placement processing will also be available for Post-Graduate applicants. Read more...



Venues
Lagos: Global International College, Plot 12 Block 26 Admiralty Way Lekki Phase 1 Lagos. 08055461116
Ibadan: 18 Oba Akenzua Avenue, off Oshuntokun Avenue, Old Bodija, Ibadan. 08036706483
Warri: Mom Civic Centre, Airport Road Opposite D- Range Restaurant By Greener Line Motors, Warri. 07037232816
Port Harcourt: No 61 Olu Obasanjo Way, Port Harcourt, 08084182246
Enugu: Kidsville, 15 Ituku Street, Upper Chime Street, New Haven, Enugu.07083797961, 0802455454, 09092155493, 08097914171
Abuja: Global International College, Plot 111, EbituUkiwe Street, Near Chida Hotel off Mike Akhigbe street Jabi district Abuja. 08038905205

Target applicants to this event includes: Students who have completed SS3/Year 11, Postgraduate applicants.
Interested applicants are to come to the venue with their credentials as on the spot admission into Global International College to undergo your Foundation Programme will be given to Eligible Students.
Post graduate students will also have their applications processed into the following universities
UK
University of Essex, University of Kent, University of Exeter, University of Northumbria, University of Surrey, Swansea University, University of Newcastle, St. Georges' University, London.
Canada
Carleton University, University of Manitoba, Brandon University, St Francis Xavier, University of Alberta, University of Winnipeg, University of Ontario
US
Suffolk University, Boston, Oregon State University, University of South Florida, University of Massachusetts (5 Campuses), Abilene Christian University, Dallas Baptist University, Le Totrneau University, Texas University
Hungary
University of Szeged, University of Pecs, Semmelweis University, University Budapest, University of Debrecen
Dubai
Gulf Medical University, Institute of Petroleum, SAE Institute, American University of Emirate, Michigan State University, American University of Dubai, American University of Shajar.
Caribbean
University of the West Indies

'Those who want to take power through the backdoor will die' - Gov Akpabio

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 01:46 AM PDT

The Governor of Akwa Ibom state Godswill Akpabio has pronounced death on any politician who tries to gain political power through the backdoor come 2015, adding that the PDP in the state will continue ruling the state. The Governor made this declaration yesterday July 16th at the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the new PDP Secretariat in Uyo, the state capital. He also stated that all those who betrayed him in politics would not enter into the government house
"Just as God threw Lucifer unto the Earth, those who have betrayed the governor of Akwa Ibom State will not enter the Government House. And because of impatience, Absalom (son to King David) wanted to take over by killing King David. And when David heard, he asked the people to leave him. This did not end up well with Absalom. He died before his father. Those who want to take power through the backdoor will die and the PDP will continue," he said.

Photo: See what a white man is doing in public in Lagos

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 01:32 AM PDT

Pic taken this morning at the bridge linking Third Mainland to Obalende. Imagine this?

Presidency hired Washington PR Firm for $1.2m? Oby Ezekwesili slams firm on Twitter

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 01:26 AM PDT

A Washington DC-based PR Firm named Levick today sent out a statement to the Nigerian media on the meeting with the Chibok parents and girls. It's now being reported that the PR firm was hired by persons within the Nigerian government and allegedly paid $1.2million to help fix the government's lagging reputation in the aftermath of the Chibok crisis.

#Bringbackourgirls convener Oby Ezekwili took to twitter this morning to angrily slam the PR Firm which she says was hired by the presidency to deceive and alternate the truth for Nigerians. See more tweets, the report on the new PR contract and the statement Levick released after the cut...





Statement regarding the cancellation of meeting with parents of abducted Chibok children and five escapees.. (supposedly sent out by Levick)
"It now appears that our fight to get the girls of Chibok back is not only a fight against a terrorist insurgency, but also against a political opposition.
"It is with great regret that I announce the cancellation of the meeting with 12 parents of the abducted Chibock children, as well as five of the brave girls who escaped from the terrorist organization Boko Haram. I scheduled this meeting, which was to be open to the media for coverage by Nigerian and international press, to listen to their stories and to privately brief the parents and the girls on our efforts to rescue the abducted girls.
"My priority is not politics. My priority is the return of these girls.
"Unfortunately, political forces within the Nigerian chapter of Bring Back Our Girls have decided to take this opportunity to play politics with the situation and the grief of the parents and the girls. They should be ashamed of their actions.
"Those who would manipulate the victims of terrorism for their own benefit, are engaging in a similar kind of evil: psychological terrorism.
"I want to be clear, this government stands with complete solidarity with the girls and their parents. We are doing everything in our power to bring back our girls. Despite the shameful and disgusting games being played by the Nigerian chapter of Bring Back Our Girls, as a father of girls, I stand ready to meet with the parents of our abducted children and the truly brave girls that have escaped this nightmare through the grace of God."
And here's the report from snddenjpic.org that Levick has taken president Jonathan on as a client..

Washington PR Firm Inks $1.2 Million Deal, Immediately Places Nigerian President's Op-Ed In Washington Post
In an op-ed published in the Washington Post on Friday, Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan pushed back on criticisms that his efforts to find more than 200 missing schoolgirls has been ineffective. This plum placement comes, however, just days after signing a lucrative contract with a Washington PR firm to help fix the Jonathan government's lagging reputation in the aftermath of the crisis.
"I have had to remain quiet about the continuing efforts by Nigeria's military, police and investigators to find the girls kidnapped in April from the town of Chibok by the terrorist group Boko Haram," Jonathan wrote in his op-ed. "I am deeply concerned, however, that my silence as we work to accomplish the task at hand is being misused by partisan critics to suggest inaction or even weakness. My silence has been necessary to avoid compromising the details of our investigation. But let me state this unequivocally: My government and our security and intelligence services have spared no resources, have not stopped and will not stop until the girls are returned home and the thugs who took them are brought to justice."
Those critiques, as the government has so far been stumbling in its fight against Boko Haram, have been admittedly harsh at times. So harsh, in fact, that the Nigerian government has turned to outside help to shore up its international reputation. According to documents filed under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, and as first reported at The Hill, Nigeria has hired the Washington, DC public relations firm Levick to promote its image abroad and in Nigeria. Eleanor McManus, who will be working on the Nigerian case for Levick, confirmed to ThinkProgress that her firm did place today's op-ed from Jonathan in the Washington Post.
Technically, the contract is between Levick and the News Agency of Nigeria, the country's state-run news agency. Per the FARA documents, Levick began charging the Nigerian government at the rate of $100,000 per month over the course of the next year for its services starting on June 16. According to the contract between the firm and Nigeria, Levick will provide "government affairs and communications counsel with the primary objective of changing the international and local media narrative" on a number of issues. These include, as quoted from the contract:
The Government of Nigeria's efforts to find and safely return the more than 200 girls abducted by the terrorist organization, Boko Haram, in the Borno State of Nigeria
Assisting the Government's efforts to mobilize international support in fighting Boko Haram as part of the greater global war on terror.
Communicating the President Goodluck Jonathan Administration's past, present and future priority to foster transparency, democracy, and the rule of law throughout Nigeria.
"A more comprehensive approach, using vehicles, such as public diplomacy and engaging outside experts to enact real changes, is how the advocacy industry is evolving," Phil Elwood, a vice president at Levick, told The Hill. "A communications strategy alone is not enough to solve the complex and multifaceted problems facing some of the more controversial nations."
In addition, Nigeria is also engaging Perseus Strategies, a law firm centered around the promotion of human rights, as a subcontract of its work with Levick to the tune of an additional $25,000 per month. Jared Genser, the lawyer at the heart of Perseus, has previously had such clients as Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and currently represents Chinese human rights activist Liu Xiaobo. This is in contrast to some of the past associations of Levick vice president Lanny Davis, who will be working on the Nigerian case along with several others, who made a name for himself around Washington for representing more repressive governments, including Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang and for a period Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo.
The use of PR firms to place op-eds and other commentary from world leaders is not a rarity. Last year, the New York Times published a controversial op-ed from Russian president Vladimir Putin critiquing U.S. foreign policy and the threat of military action against Syria. As Buzzfeed reported, public relations firm Ketchum was behind the placement of the piece, as part of its broader contract with the Russian government. McManus, when speaking with ThinkProgress, would not confirm whether the Washington Post was the first outlet contacted for Jonathan's op-ed.
As for the effect that the new PR blitz will actually have on changing the narrative, Africa hands are skeptical. Political parties in Nigeria have previously hired foreign firms to help manage their reputation in the past, both from Jonathan's PDP and the opposition APC. But the timing is really suspect, one development professional recently returned from Nigeria told ThinkProgress, due to Wednesday's explosion in a well-off neighborhood in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, that most observers believe Boko Haram perpetrated. "It's just a really inopportune time, hiring a PR firm while Abuja is literally burning," she said.
Laura Seay, an assistant professor at Colby College, also pointed to the Abuja explosion as a reason that the timing of Levick's hiring and the Washington Post op-ed is problematic. "I don't think any efforts that Jonathan makes in Nigeria will be effective unless there's a significant change," she said. The audience for Levick's efforts aren't Nigerians, she said, saying that "people on the ground are going to look at [Jonathan's op-ed] and laugh, they're going to not believe it, because it's not reflective of the reality."
"I don't think most Nigerians are going to be very convinced," Seay continued, noting that the money spent on hiring Levick would be better spent equipping the forces in northern Nigeria combating Boko Haram. In the aftermath of the kidnapping two months ago, soldiers repeatedly told reporters of the lack of morale among the army in the face of the much better armed fighters in Boko Haram. "As one Nigerian told me when I was there, they hire these guys for the army, so they recruit," the development professional said, "So they have these recruiting drives, then they send the boys up there to northern Nigeria with no bullets. How can you fight against against terrorists who have armored personnel carriers with no bullets?"
As for the declarations of Gesner and Davis that Jonathan has been taken on as a client because he, as Gesner said, "has said clearly to us that he wants results," there's also skepticism. "It's not gonna change a thing," the development professional said, adding that Nigerians on the ground are very distrustful of the government, especially when it comes to Boko Haram. Such a shift in actions from Jonathan would be a major change, Seay said, one that would certainly be a response to international pressure, particularly the #BringBackOurGirls hashtag. "But Jonathan has allowed this situation to fester for his entire term in office," she said, noting that he hasn't taken the concrete steps on the ground that are necessary to fix it." This, on top of the disparity between how securely Nigerian politicians live compared to the average Nigerian who are targeted in Boko Haram's attack, causes the idea that reforms are soon coming to "ring hollow," Seay said.

One Night In Vegas: showing nationwide in cinemas from July 18th

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 12:47 AM PDT

Movie lovers are in for a theatrical treat as Nigerian born director; John Uceh's 'One Night In Vegas' hits cinemas across the country tomorrow Friday, July 18. Produced by Koby Maxwell, a Ghanaian musical star and film producer, 'One Night In Vegas' is described as a more collaborative alliance and partnership between Nollywood, Ghollywood and Hollywood. Continue...


The movie which has received critical acclaim at various international film festivals as a landmark film setting a new standard of excellence for the African movie industry features Ghollywood's John Dumelo, Van Vicker and Koby Maxwell. The cast also includes Hollywood's Jimmy Jean Louis, Miss Universe 2010 Sarodj Bertin and African King of Comedy Michael Blackson.

'One Night In Vegas' focuses on a couple who try to better their relationship with a trip to Las Vegas, the events that occur don't go as planned but unlike the popular saying, 'what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas. Watch Trailer below...
 

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