People told me I’d be Dino Melaye keeps mum a failure over actress Bisi Ibidapo–Beautiful Nubia Pg29 Obe’s pregnancy –Pg35
TSweekend OCTOBER 12, 2012
Little black dress –Pg34
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•Sports •Fashion •Music •Movies •Celebrities •Interviews •Events By ROMANUS UGWU, Abuja
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ith his vantage position as Nigeria international, Super Eagles’ captain, and having the 2008 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) as wife, the wedding between Joseph Yobo and his better half, Adaeze Stephanie Chinenye Igwe, was certainly supposed to be a highly celebrated society wedding by every standard. However, tongues have continued to wag on why Yobo opted to wed the Awka Etiti-born former Miss Anambra State and Nigeria’s representative at the Miss World 2008 in South Africa at midnight despite the clandestine impression associated with that odd hour. The reason for the couple’s midnight wedding and other sundry football-related issues, were what TS Weekend Magazine confronted the Turkish-based footballer with in this explosive interview at the Super Eagles’ camp in Abuja recently. Yobo did not, however, disappoint in going behind the curtain of his life to narrate why he surmounted pressures from Nigerian and European ladies to settle for Adaeze Igwe, the legacy he would leave behind as Eagles’ captain, the purported impression about the existence of cabal in the Super Eagles, his retirement plan and more. Enjoy it. TURN TO PAGE 27
JOSEPH YOBO Why I had my wedding at midnight
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TSweekend OCTOBER 12, 2012
THISWEEK
That nocturnal wedding of a footballer and beauty
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e was virtually an unknown bunch until he was called to play for Nigeria’s Under-20 team, the Flying Eagles, during the World Youth Championship tagged Nigeria ’99. His profile got further lift when he played in his first World Cup in 2002 at the Korea/Japan Mundial. Today, Joseph Yobo is a celebrity and a household name, not only in Nigeria and Africa, but also, in the world as a whole. Yobo, now captain of Super Eagles of Nigeria, started his football career in a modest amateur club - Michelin FC in Port Harcourt before he jumped onto the ‘professional train’ to Europe, where he laced boots for Standard Lierge in Belgium and later moved to Everton of England, where he played for several years. Although his exit from the English club was enmeshed in controversy, Yobo still says; “I’d remain grateful to Everton and its management for given me the needed opportunity to enjoy my passion.” Today, Yobo is plying his trade in Turkey with Fenerbahce, a club he ranks among Manchester United of England, Chelsea FC and Liverpool. Hence he exclaims; “I’m not missing the Premiership!” The renowned defender is happy for his achievements and what he says God has done for him. But he regrets one thing - missing a deal to play for Arsenal of England - a club he had wished he donned its jersey to answer ‘a Gunner!’ The 32-year-old professional, who currently holds the record of ‘most capped player’ in the Super Eagles, has yet to consider retiring from active football, and he says: “I want to leave a legacy behind in the game I love.” Though very happy, one controversy trails the Super Eagles’ captain, who married an ex-beauty queen, former Ms Adaeze Stephanie Chinenye Igwe, who was crowned the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) in 2008. The controversy: Although people had expected the wedding of those two celebrities to pull a record crowd, as it ought to have made waves as a grand society wedding, it did not after all, because the couple decided to tie the nuptial knot at midnight on December 31, 2009 in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, when the earth, not heavens, was dead asleep. But why did Yobo and his queen conjure that oddity for their wedding, holding such a ceremony in the dark and unholy hour? These and many more are the issues the footballer gave answers to in this explosive interview with TS Weekend Magazine. And does Yobo owe apologies to anyone for his actions? Hear him: “Though I never planned to wed at midnight, I’m happy for the decision after all. The time and date for the wedding – the night of December 31, which slept into the New Year, is historic and will ever remain memorable in our hearts. I’ve no regrets. It’s my life, my decision!” In the Entertainment segment, you are trilled with the story of Beautiful Nubia, who says people told him that he would be a failure. Enjoy your weekend!
THE TEAM Tosin Ajirire
Entertainment Editor
Gbolahan Dada Sports Editor
Josfyn Uba Style Editor
Sam Olatunji
>> >>Gbolahan 08037618840
Deputy Entertainment Editor
Joe Apu
Chief Correspondent
CONTENTS
Chimaobi Uchendu
Senior Correspondent
Sam Anokam, Braide Damiete, Monica Iheakam, Mercy Jacob and Kate Halim Correspondents
Tony Ogaga Ehrariefe, Demola Balogun, Christine Onwuachumba and Aderinsola Ajao Contributors
40 GUS: Chidi Mokeme bounces back!
40 At the launch of Amiran Farmers Kit from Dizengoff held at Victoria Island, Lagos
Chima Jupadim
Assistant Chief Proofreader
Shina Ogunbiyi, Kayo-Sanya Kayode and Paul Nnayereago Layout & Design
TS WEEKEND is a weekly publication of THE SUN Publishing Ltd. 2 Coscharis Street, Kirikiri Industrial Layout, Apapa. PMB 21776, Ikeja, Lagos. 01-8980932, 6211239 Email: tsweekend@sunnewsonline.com Website: www.sunnewsonline.com
OCTOBER 12, 2012 TSweekend
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Sports/JOSEPH YOBO The journey so far It has been very good even though it would have been better. I’ve every reason to be grateful to God for the opportunities and His blessings to me. I’m happy for where I’m today. I’ve been consistent for quite a long time now and I’ve been on the right track.
‘We have big boys in Super Eagles not cabal’
Transfer saga with Everton
new challenges. I’m simply amazed in Turkey, because I never knew that the country is that big. The people appreciate what you do and that’s what I’m enjoying in the land. They also tell you when you’re not doing well. Everybody around me, including my family, feels the impact of the fans’ appreciation. That’s what every footballer needs as motivation.
I served Everton for about eight years. Football is business. If I had known what I know today, I’d not have probably signed the last deal I did with Everton. I’d have left the club when I had one year remaining in my contract. However, Everton managers had to do what they deemed best for them while I did what I felt was best for me at the point of leaving the club. Whatever has happened, my gratitude goes to Everton for the opportunity it gave to me in my career. Everton gave me a name because of the passionate following the Premiership enjoys. It might have been rough, but I think that everything was smooth irrespective of any issue I might have had with anybody with regards to my transfer out of the club.
Challenges in Europe Every player faces a lot of challenges, especially at the early stages of his career. However, I’ve been in Europe for a long time and have realised the need to confront the challenges in other to succeed in my career. I had to handle the situation knowing that I’m into a job I have deep passion for. Now, I’m more relaxed. Good enough, my family likes Turkey and they’re with me. However, there’re a lot of challenges that can distract a footballer, they range from language to pressure from women. But I’m not really into the women stuff. Young players might find it difficult to adjust, but an experienced person can handle the situation.
Goodison Park and players From my experience with Everton, I’d advise professional footballers not to stay more than four or five years in the club. Every player needs new challenges, except one that is playing for one of the best teams in the world. But a player who is at any of the average teams should go for fresh challenges after playing few years for such clubs. I might have taken my own decision a bit late, but I don’t regret my action. I think I’m on the right track. However, no matter what happened, I’ll always be grateful to Everton even though it would have been better. Individuals must have differences. I must not agree with everybody. If you don’t like my opinion, you might equally think differently. My bosses will always remain my bosses, but I like my opinion to be heard even though it might conflict with those of the people around me. I’m the kind of player who would always want to play and if I think that I deserve to play and the coach feels otherwise, I would leave. I can’t be training from Monday to Saturday only to be sitting on the bench. Though I know I can’t play every game. There ought to be balance in what we do because life is all about competition. It was the bench role I was consigned to at Everton that prompted my leave. Everything about football as career depends on the player because, apart from the finances we get, we need challenges to push the career up. For a player to be happy, he needs a considerable playing time. Playing about 20 games in a season of 40 matches is considerable. It becomes a problem if you don’t get those playing time as a national team player. So, when one is consigned to the bench for a season plus, the best thing is to move to another club.
Is Yobo missing anything in the Premiership? The Premiership is always glamorous. But I’ve done my part in the league in the years I was there. I don’t think I’m missing anything. I just need new challenges. But honestly, if I were playing for a club like Manchester United or any other big team in the Premiership, no disrespect to Everton, I’d have missed the competition to win the league or FA Cup. But since it was Everton, where I never won a trophy, it’s a bit different. Now that I’m in a club where I’m challenging for everything in Europe, I don’t really miss anything in the Premiership. I’m playing for one of the biggest clubs in the Turkish League.
On retirement mission to Turkey I want to believe that the impression that I’m on a retirement trip to Turkey is a creation of the media. If you follow my track record, you’ll understand that it’s amazing. I always take up challenges and that’s why I joined Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce is a big club in Europe, the type that can challenge the like of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and other big clubs in the Premiership. But one can only have the impression that I’m there to facilitate my retirement because it’s a Turkish club. When you talk about Fenerbahce and Galatasaray FC, you’re talking about the clubs that could challenge the biggest teams in the world. There’re other teams bigger than them, but they’re in the Grade A category. So, I couldn’t have asked for more and I’d say that I’m privileged to be playing for one of the biggest teams in the world at the moment. Honestly, I’m surprised to hear that Nigerians felt that I’m on retirement mission because if that were to be true, I’d have gone to Qatar or China to chase real money. But now, I’m chasing trophies and laurels in European football
Does wife love football? My wife’s my biggest fan even when I didn’t want her to get deep into football. I wanted her to be like me. I’m not a football fanatic. I don’t really follow football, though I watch big games. There’s so much to it. Football can make one go crazy. However, my wife has no choice because I’m a footballer. She’s my biggest critic too. She tells me everything about my performance. Before we get married, she did not know much about football, but now she knows. She knows when I’m exceptional and when I’m playing on the average. She knows when I have a bad game and how to help me out.
Pressure from women I was in a position where when you talk about the happening persons, I was there. I had my time and problems with women, but I was able to manage the situation. The most important thing is that I followed my heart when it came to marriage. It wasn’t difficult for me to settle for the woman of my heart. There’s something about love and likeness. I went after my wife at the appointed time because that’s where my heart was and that’s where it will always be.
Marriage proposal to beauty queen She was surprised when I proposed to marry her, just like any other woman would be. But the good thing was that everything was in order and things happened very fast. I and maybe after two or three years, you never can tell was very happy and in that frame of mind, I felt like start where I would be. my own family. When I realised that I had passed the stage Right now, I’m a very competitive person. Thank God I of hanging out with boys. I found a good young lady and signed a three-year deal with Fenerbahce and hopefully, I’ll did not waste time in settling down with her. serve out the deal and look elsewhere, probably, when I’ll start the retirement mission people talk about. Why wedding at midnight?
Favourite Premiership club Arsenal was my favourite team when I joined the Premiership. That’s why I stepped up my game anytime I played against the Gunners because I wanted to attract the attention of the club managers. Arsenal was a club I really wanted to play for and I was eventually noticed, but the deal did not click. The good thing is that I did my best while in the Premiership. I’ve no regret, especially now that I’m playing for a team where I have chance to play in the UEFA Champions League. That’s exactly what I wanted at this stage of my career.
Why Arsenal deal failed Sometimes, it happens depending on varying interests. Even when both parties want to come together, the team may not agree on the player’s term and vice verse. If I had pushed myself to join a club where I would win laurels, I’d have joined Arsenal. That’s why I think I wouldn’t have signed my last deal with Everton. I’m not blaming anybody for my decision anyway. I only thought that I’d have stood my ground. I’d have insisted on going to a bigger club. However, I enjoyed every bit of my stay at Goodison Park. I was so used to the Premiership, but now, I’m facing
Funny enough, I didn’t even know that my wife was a beauty queen when I met her. Sometimes, I’m real to a fault that I don’t believe that beauty can sweep me off my feet. If you talk about beautiful women, I can boldly say that I’ve seen many. I’m not an ugly man either. But, when I saw the one that was created for me, my feelings responded to hers. And I married her because I followed my heart. I’ve no iota of regret in the choice I made. People always speculate one thing or the other, but marriage is a crucial issue that nobody should decide for anybody. People should not tell a man what to do when it comes to marriage. A man can only be the best father to his child and nobody can tell him how to treat his child. There’re some issues that are left for an individual to decide because he’s the one to face the consequences, and marriage is one of them. Yes, my wedding was done at midnight, because there was this pastor I met when I was in Liverpool. The first time I met him, he told me that he has heard about me but did not know me in person. After chatting with him, he prayed for me and like a premonition, he asked after my life. I remember that I told him that I was single then. Two years after, I met him again and we spoke about my family life. I told him that I had found someone to marry. But there Continued on page 36
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SKOOPS
OCTOBER 12, 2012
WITH TONY OGAGA 08127879911
Kate Henshaw’s dilemma before you say Jackie Robinson, the story is out that she is dating the guy. You may not believe it but there have been numerous speculations on who her new lover is and this has greatly embarrassed the actress who would rather keep a low profile,” the source added and queried, “if one is spotted with a guy, does that necessarily mean that one is dating him?” Any way, Kate has devised a new means of cutting rumour mongers off. These days, she now attends events all alone. She has been spotted at a couple of highbrow events all by herself lately. Sister Kate, don’t mind rumour mongers. Skoops is saying just live your life. • KATE HENSHAW
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ave you spotted actress Kate Henshaw at any event lately. Have you noticed how she is always by herself? Ever since her divorce from her ex, sources say actress, Kate Henshaw’s world has not been the same as she has become the target of rumour mongers. “Getting over a divorce is not easy and I can assure you that Kate has overcome that initial challenge and is doing quite well. The challenge she is facing now is the reaction she is getting from people all around her,” a source told Skoops. “In fact, whenever she is spotted with a male companion,
Beast of No Nation
• RITA DOMINIC
Rita Dominic’s Fela’s children may sue dashing new Okonjo Iweala’s son look
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tar actress, Rita Dominic dazzled the paparazzi recently during Senator Ita Giwa’s Red Ball for Bakassi Kids held at the new Expo Hall of Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos.
Dressed in a red evening gown that revealed ample cleavage, it took a while for guests to recognize the actress who arrived the ball in the company of ace actress, Joke Silva. Indeed, Rita was the centre of attraction as she hit the red carpet and cameras clicked away. “This is a shock to me,” a guest complained. “I couldn’t recognize her. Rita has definitely undergone some transformation lately. Honestly, I couldn’t recognize her.” |Said another guest: “Rita’s looking fab! Likely, she’s been going down through serious slimming regiments. She just blew everybody away on the red carpet.”
Tuface remixes Victor Olaiya’s Jowo
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ela’s children and Uzordinma Iweala, son of Finance Minister, Okonjo Iweala, may be on collusion course over a book published a couple of years ago by the latter entitled, Beast of No Nation. According to sources, Harvard
belongs to and is a property of Fela’s estate, and so nobody should use it without permission,” the source says. When contacted on the issue, Yeni Kuti had this to say: “We are going to discuss the issue with our lawyers if we can sue so that we can chop some government money.”
Tee Mac apologises to Oyedepo but…
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ollowing comments credited to flutist, Tee Mac Omatsola Iseli, in which he accused the General Overseer of Winners Chapel, Bishop Oyedepo of exploiting the poor and owning a private jet while
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t’s a meeting of the old and the young as Tuface Idibia blazes a new trail. As you read this, the pop star has completed a remix of iconic highlife musician, Victor Olaiya’s classic, Jowo, and guess what, he is featuring the lengend on the track. “This is a big one for me,” Tuface happily told close pals, “it’s like a dream come true. Olaiya is a legend and I respect him so much. I am really privileged to have this opportunity to remix his evergreen hit. It was great working with him in the studio. I must confess, I have learnt a lot from him.” Sources say it has always been Tuface’s dream to do a track with Olaiya, who turned 72 recently, and when the opportunity came, he jumped at it. The source added: “On his part, Olaiya sees Tuface as a very talented artiste and the light of his generation and that’s the reason he allowed him remix his classic.” The single, which was mixed and mastered at Forster Zeeno’s Zane Pro Studios in Opebi, Lagos, should hit the airwaves any time before the end of the year and plans are also in the works for a video.
trained Uzordinma is alleged to have committed a breach when he christened his book, Beast of No Nation, a title of one of Fela’s albums. “There is trouble in the air. As I speak to you, Fela’s children have contacted their lawyer and are making arrangements to sue Iweala for unauthorized use of their father’s intellectual property. That title
• TEE MAC
responding to a Facebook post, the renowned musician has apologized. A statement posted on his Facebook timeline reads thus: “You may have read on many blogs a statement I made about Bishop Oyedepo (the bloggers love to pick up any statement by a celebrity because they have nothing else to write) “In Nigeria at the moment, millions do not know where to take the money from to buy their next meal; millions go to bed hungry and then this opulence by a “Man of God!, I may have been a bit harsh and somehow regretted that I even responded to that FB message, but I am a bit out spoken and don’t mean bad. I have seen pastors and nen of God in Nigeria who carry bags of rice on their shoulders to help
the hungry, who drive cheap second hand cars and their office is a small cubicle, because they believe the money given to them by their congregation is given to them to distribute to the poor. I know a man of God who heals hundreds and doesn’t ask for one Naira, no, he will even give the poor and sick transport money to go home. My partner and myself tried to sell him a second hand cargo plane so he can fly food and blankets to disaster areas, but that man of God stated: “I cannot own a plane, even if you prepare a good lease/repayment schedule, what will my congregation think? The money they put into the envelopes on Sunday must be used to the last Naira for charity only”. If my statement about Bishop was offensive to him and his followers, I render herewith a sincere • OYEDEPO apology.”
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ENTERTAINMENT/BEAUTIFUL NUBIA
People told me I’d be a failure –Beautiful Nubia
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ENTERTAINMENT/BEAUTIFUL NUBIA
BY LUKMAN OLABIYI
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here are many sides to Segun Akinlolu popularly known as Beautiful Nubia. Before going into full time music, he combined performance poetry with his job as a Vetinary doctor. Today, the dreadlock-wearing singer, composer and instrumentalist has taken the Yoruba folk culture to another level with hit songs like Jangbalajugbu, Owuro Lojo, Ife Oloyin, Sun no Dey Sleep, and Mama Bendel among others. The Ibadan-born artiste who is always on concert tour of the country speaks to The Entertainer on his philosophy, music, and newfound love. Excerpts MY MUSIC The music I play reflects who I am and who we are as a band. It is a core African traditional folk rhyme. The music speaks for itself. Also, the music speaks for the common man. It speaks against injustice, preaches love and communalism. The music cries out against greed and selfishness and anything against the development of the black race. The music is an organic entity that is growing. The brand has developed over the years, but there was a core idea and it is developing from that point and taking a life of its own. ON LIFESTYLES AND BELIEFS I am who I am. Many people are trying to run away from who they are. They are running away from who their parents are, from the heritage that is theirs. I embrace my heritage, where I’m coming
from, the language they speak, the values they uphold like honesty, selflessness, uprightness, selfpride, truth and communal spirit. Many Nigerian artistes would do anything to run away from who they are. That is my own package; I embrace traditional values, I embrace our people’s way of dressing, I embrace the ancient wisdom of Africa. What some people are running away from; what they are calling too archaic, I go towards it. I always tell people one thing; what the West gave us that we are trying to run toward, that all of us are trying to adopt, has its own values, advantages and disadvantages. On the other hand, what we inherited from our forefathers, ancestors are values and advantages. As somebody who has been exposed to the two, I should be a perfect agent and know the one that is superior. MERGING BOTH CULTURES I take what is good in Western culture and my ancestor’s culture, merged the two to become what I can be proud of. Currently, we’re just importing everything from the West either good or bad. We’re saying that we want to be Western, whoever does that never does well. For you to harness the energy and potentials in your environment; you have to be the master of your environment. Already, many people in this country are now strangers to their environment. Due to this, I’m trying to use my music to take back our environment; become friends to our environment. We need to turn our eyes around and see what is beautiful in ours. Some people think that to be sophisticated is to know how to
knot a tie. To me, to know how to prepare African dishes is sophistication. One culture is not superior to another neither is it inferior to another. We need to turn our eyes around in order to see the beauty in our heritage. Ancestral worship is what Africans are used to. Sango, Ogun and the rest were ancestors, who have been elevated to the position of gods and goddesses. These are belief systems. I don’t discriminate against any kind of belief or religion. Everybody is welcome to my world. Personally, I don’t practice any religion but I understand religion and every religious person is welcome in my world. When I have a show, all kinds of people come. Those who worship Sango, those who practice Christianity, Islam and many other religions you can think of, come to my show. At the show, they would drop their beliefs for love. I use music to preach love and unity. I preach that it is important to develop this beautiful soul that can see beyond face and gender, colour and faith. It does not matter to me whether somebody is a Muslim or Christian. Even if you are an idol worshiper, it does not matter to me. I deal with human beings not their religion. Whatever anybody believes in, I’ll support him or her. I think it is high time we stopped looking down on people who worship idols. They are not inferior to their Western counterparts. Western beliefs are not superior to traditional African beliefs even though I don’t practice any religion. A true artiste should embrace all religions; a true artiste must have a large heart that can take everybody for who they are. I deal with human beings and that
OCTOBER 12, 2012 TSweekend
ENTERTAINMENT/BEAUTIFUL NUBIA
explains why my music connects with everybody. HAPPIEST MOMENT Every moment is a happy moment to me, and anytime I release an album is a happy moment because every album came out from serious struggle, pains, self-denial and sacrifice. So, every time that I finish work on an album, it amounts to joy to me, it means ‘we did it, at least we got this album out’. Some people told me earlier in my career that I would not be successful as a musician, so, any time I released an album or did a show and people turned out en mass and they were happy, I went home and be thankful. Music enables me to heal people’s wounds, it influences them more than religion can influence them, it is a gift I am always grateful and happy for. Anytime I have positive impact on people’s lives is my happy moment. SAD MOMENT I don’t have sad moments. I can only feel depressed but I don’t experience that for long because I know how to lift myself up whenever I’m down. MISCONCEPTIONS Some people believe that I live in Canada. I’m always surprised whenever I hear this. It is total misconception. I live everywhere but I’m always in Nigeria. I perform in different parts of the country. I don’t know where that idea came from and it got stuck. Some people even said that I’ve not released another album after Jangbalajubu, even as I have six albums already. I am always surprised when people ask why I’ve not released another album after Jagbalajubu or tag me ‘Canadabased artiste’. For a longtime as an artiste I don’t live in one place; I don’t sit in one place, I go everywhere, I spread the message, I go to Canada, US, Europe, and I come to Nigeria. Nigeria is my primary market, this is where I have my largest fans, and this is where my music is from. I don’t cause scandals and I don’t look for scandals, I don’t look for negative publicity. FAMILY MAN I have a family. I am 44, so, what do you expect? In a tra-
ditional Africa setting, I should probably be a grandfather but I’m not a grandfather yet because I did not start early. WHAT I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR I don’t know where I came from and I don’t know where I am going. All I know is about existence. So, I’m not bothered about what I will be remember for because I don’t think I will know anything about it even though it might be good for my children and inheritors.
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When turquios Lio BY CHRISTINE ONWUACHUMBA
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ndividual sense of style is often not easy to achieve for many women but for those who know their onions when it comes to that, putting it together just comes with a snap of the fingertips. So, how does it go
when so an event core ing tough de Recen inagurat women
OCTOBER 12, 2012
TSweekend
n gold met se in Simons ons Club
ome one else chooses a colour code of the day for t? Pretty difficult, indeed. Perhaps, because of the gredients of colour, design and the fabric, it is a ecision. ntly, in Lagos when the Simons Lion’s Club ted their President, Mrs Lorretta Onyima, the showed the stuff they are made of. Glitz and glamour were the hallmark of the event as they
shimmered in their turquiose blue and gold ensemble. Ordinarily for many people, it would not have been classy but the women gave a good interpretation of it through their carriage,elegance and avante-grande designs. The celebrant, of course, stood out and was the cynosure of all eyes in her floor-sweeping, one-shoulder turquoise gown.
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OCTOBER 12, 2012
LIFESTYLE
BY JOSFYN UBA
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Evolution of LBD
n the years gone by, black was not particularly alluring color. Black was the color of misfortune, despair, decadence, death, nightmares and vampire capes. Even for Christian faithfuls, you are not to touch anything black with a 50 ft pole as it was the color, priests warned, that your soul would turn if you sinned. But as time went on, the black colour gradually got demystified. In fact, in today’s world of fashion, part of becoming a real woman of style is realizing the mythic power of the little black dress in a distinct style. In demystifying this colour, designers had carefully cashed into the w o m e n ’s
choice of uniqueness, desirability and intense love for anything chic, as such, the little black dress has, for centuries dominated the global fashion scene. No woman wants to be caught dead without one hanging in the closet Perhaps more than any other piece of clothing, the little black dress is, women have been told, the essential, the one that will take you practically anywhere. And perhaps more than any other designer, Coco Chanel was the one who popularized it. She did not invent the concept, of course, but according to Coco Chanel “the little black dress was not formally identified as the shape of the future until 1926, when American Vogue published a drawing of a Chanel design.… It was an apparently simple yet elegant sheath, in black crêpe de Chine, with long, n a r r o w sleeves, worn with a
string of white pearls; and Vogue proved to be correct in the prediction that it would become a uniform. True to this prediction, women have adopted this dress which has evolved as the greatest classic of all times. The beauty of this little black dress is that you don’t need any embellishment for it. All you need is gorgeous pumps, lovely pouch and simple jewelry for that understated elegance, yet classy look.
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UPTOWN WITH KEMI YESUFU 08055001849
Halima Babangida’s Ramadan largesse
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he holy month of Ramadan has come and gone for the people of Niger State. But one thing folks in the state governed by the Chief Servant, Muazu Babangida Aliyu still hold on to is a dazzling show of generosity by Halima Babangida. Remember her? Halima is the last child of former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd). Her birth in the Aso Rock Villa made headlines. It is no
surprise as she was one of the very few children born in the seat of power. Well, the little girl is all grown up and she is gradually emerging from the shadows of her elder siblings. Never mind that it’s the political pundits who are speaking louder than the regular people who are grateful to Halimat. They are talking about the happy Sallah posters from Mohammed Babangida that have almost drowned the words of commendation coming the way of baby of the house in the Minna
Hilltop. Uptown can inform you that all through the month of Ramadan, Halima shared food and household items around Minna and other parts of the state. On a few occasions, she participated in the distribution of Zakat ensuring that the less privileged were well reached. Her acts of kindness have further increased the interest in Halima as a wife. Unlike Mohammed and Aisha both of whom are married, Aminu and Halima are still single.
Dino Melaye keeps mum over actress Bisi Ibidapo-Obe’s pregnancy • HALIMA BABANGIDA
Phillip Aduda’s smile returns
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he past one year was tough for Senator Phillip Aduda. He lost his greatest supporter, his mother, Hajia Jummai Aduda, who passed on in an Indian hospital after a long battle with diabetes. As if that wasn’t enough, the Abuja legislator also lost one of his Personal Assistants. However, many who have seen the urbane politician recently say that the smile on his face has returned courtesy of his wife, Hauwa. She recently gave birth to a baby boy. The youthful lawmaker and his wife are childhood sweethearts. They both come from prominent families in Abuja. This explains why they have remained lovey-dovey with younger couples looking up to them. Already, there are speculations that the Adudas will organise a one-of-a-kind event to mark the arrival of the newest addition to their family.
The simple life of Adaeze Oreh
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nly a few silver spoon kids would work in a ‘lackluster’ government agency. Most of these scions of the power class would rather be involved in glamorous sectors such as banking, oil and gas. But there is always an exception to the rule. In this case, the rich kid humble enough to work in an unglamorous government agency is Adaeze Oreh. For those who don’t know Adaeze is the daughter of the former first couple of Rivers State, Dr. Peter and Justice Mary Odili. This young lady who is the apple of her father’s eyes works with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS). A trained doctor, the only thing that gives Ada away is her poise and carriage. And yes, the wonder on wheels that she comes to work in also shows that she is not your every day public servant.
“W
ell, y o u ha v e answered the question yourself. You have mentioned him. You are right, the person is Dino Melaye” was how popular Yoruba actress, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe answered to a question on the paternity of her child posed by the reporter of a top soft sell magazine. Ever since the interview was published, tongues have been waging over the allegations made by the sultry actress who is six months pregnant. According to her, the fiery youth activist turned lawmaker is the father of her unborn child. While almost every member of
Abuja’s upwardly mobile crowd has been talking about the scandal involving the flamboyant lawmaker, he has chosen not to say a word. When Uptown called Melaye on Tuesday, he refused to react to the Bisi’s revelation. “I will never make a comment about fiction,” he said. Even when persuaded to clear his name, the Kogi born politician who is married to Tokunbo, a banker with three children, declined to state his position on the matter. When asked why the actress picked on him, he simply said “no comment”. “If you want to talk about more important issues, I will say something”, he said, displaying no worries over the talk, which has taken over popular gossip blogs on the Internet.
• BISI AND DINO
Andy Uba buries mum in grand style
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t’s easier to ask who wasn’t there than to list all the dignitaries that stormed Uga in Aguata LGA, Anambra State for the interment of Dame Ezinne Uba, matriarch of the Uba political dynasty. It was quite obvious from the big names that graced the burial that put Anambra on a standstill that the Uba brothers are power brokers. Chief Chris Uba, the youngest of the brothers, is a controversial political leader in the state. He once boasted of installing the state governor, 30 members of the state’s
• UBA
House of Assembly, and their colleagues in the National Assembly. On his part, Ugochukwu Uba was between 2003 and 2007 a Senator representing Anambra South. His younger brother, Andy, was sworn-in as governor shortly after, but was ousted by the Supreme Court 17 days later. From 2003 and 2007, Andy was considered the most influential presidential aide. The soft-spoken politician was credited with being instrumental to the emergence of at least 10 governors, in 2007. Little wonder the roll call at their mother’s funeral was intimidating. Vice President Namadi Sambo led the VIPs. If what sources in Anambra said is to be believed, but for the Bakassi impasse, President Goodluck Jonathan would have attended Dame Uba’s burial. But Mr. President’s absence didn’t take the shine off the event as Senate President, David Mark led over 20 Senators, including his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, former governors Bukola Saraki and Chris Ngige, political foe of the Uba family to the funeral. Speaker Aminu Tambuwal led a high-powered delegation from the House. SGF Anyim Pius Anyim, former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, Governors Peter Obi, Adams Oshiomhole, Patrick Yakowa, Theodore Orji, Godswill Akpabio; Skye Bank chairman, John Ayeni, PDP chieftain’s Bamanga Tukur’s wife, Woman Leader, Kema Chikwe, FRSC’s Osita Chidoka; military and paramilitary chiefs. Many have said the Ubas have pulled off the most attended funeral in the South East in recent times.
Ade Abolurin’s burden
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hese are not the best of times for Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ade Abolurin. In recent time, the NSCDC boss has had to put up with negative media reports on employment scam rocking his organisation. Though, Abolurin has declared his innocence, what might worry him the most is that his move to prosecute those fingered as being behind the scam is drawing flacks from certain quarters. Some people have asked why the NSCDC should be a judge in its own case. However, some observers have argued that not only does the civil defense corps have the power to prosecute suspects; they say the jobs for cash scam is an in-house affair that should be looked into by the management of the organisation especially if investigations will be carried out transparently. Many expect that heads will roll in the NSCDC, anything less will not satisfy critics keenly watching out for the report that will be presented by the probe panel set up by NSCDC Commandant-General.
• ABOLURIN
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Sports/JOSEPH YOBO
‘I respect everybody’s opinion but I can’t accept every opinion’
•Yobo Continued from page 27 was an unresolved issue of whether to organise a society wedding or a low-keyed one because of my status in the society. I wanted to know the people to invite to my wedding, but unfortunately, I don’t keep contacts. I have a fault. I don’t relate intimately with people. So, if I had to make the wedding elaborate, I might certainly have missed inviting so many people. Not because I wouldn’t want them at my wedding, but because I might have lost their contacts. And if that has happened, some people would have felt offended. Confronted with that situation, I spoke with my wife and the pastor, and the pastor gave us a date - December 31 night. He told us that the time was going to be amazing and memorable until the rest of our lives especially, as it would break into the New Year. It was actually a New Year wedding, which has become a day we always celebrate specially. My wife would always mark the date, even when I’m not around. We settled for the midnight wedding because the date and time was very unique. The roll over night to the New Year will ever remain special for the rest of our lives. We did not want to wed at night, but I did it so privately that it was only the two families and very few family friends and the church that were at the wedding. It took place inside the church because, as Godfearing couple, we needed to wed in the presence of the Almighty. For me, my wedding day will ever remain very special and historical and I’ve no regrets for my decision.
•Adaeze development of football in Nigeria. People should also remember me as an achiever in my position in the national team. I may not have really won a laurel, which makes me feel bad, but I have to look at the millage I’ve covered. It’s awesome and a big privilege. I’ve been in a position where I thought we were going to win a Nations Cup trophy, but we ended up losing it. However, my consolation is that I’ve done my best even though I could have done better. I want people to remember me as someone who has tried his best even in a most difficult situation. I was always there and I think I’d have done my beat for Nigeria by the time I’d quit. I want to ensure I leave a legacy behind.
Advise to young players
History and Yobo as Eagles’ captain
In as much as any of them wants to become a great footballer, education is very important in their career. I feel very bad when I hear certain things about some retired footballers. The career is very important, but they need to learn how to present themselves. Education is very important. We should not sacrifice football for it. Every player is supposed to have at least a school certificate. If a player does well in his career, he probably might not need a university certificate to survive in life, but he needs to, have at least, a secondary school certificate to defend himself. Again, players must hold on to God whether Christian or Moslem. They should know that God would bless them if they work hard. They should also know that many are called, but few are chosen. If a player believes that he has faith and talent and works hard towards success, he will definitely achieve his dreams.
I think I want people to remember me first and foremost as Joseph Yobo and then, for my contribution to the growth and
Captaincy in Nigeria’s wobbling football era
I respect everybody’s opinion but I can’t accept every opinion. It’s by God’s grace that I occupy whatever position I occupy in today. Football is a very complicated game. The sacking of Coach Samson Siasia for example, was the decision of the football federation. It has nothing to do with any of the players. No player, not even the captain, has the power to decide the future of any coach. Certain things are prerogative rights of the administrators. When it comes to issues that concern the players, I would certainly have a say because my opinion would count. But when it involves the coaches and administrative matters, it has nothing to do with me. I’m just a footballer.
Big boys in Super Eagles Respect must be given to whom it’s due. We’re all players in the team, but there must be some amount of respect. There’re elderly players and senior colleagues in the national team. If you do not respect your elders, you can’t grow or learn. However, no player in the national team is bigger than the country. We’re a united family now. We encourage one another, but there’s respect for those it’s due even when we’re joking. There’s nothing like cabal in the Super Eagles. I’ve been a member of the team for a long time now and I can reliably tell you that there’s no cabal in the team. If there’s a cabal, I think I should be spearheading it. After a decade playing in the national team, I can tell you that no cabal exists in Eagles. No player can be bigger than his boss. Any player that wants to carry out any action comes through me because I’m the captain and I’m ready to report to the authorities any clandestine activity from any quarter. Don’t get me wrong. At times, people have misunderstanding among themselves. There may be close friend in a group of individuals, but that does not mean they are cabals.
CAN 2013 qualifier fixtures 13 October Malawi Botswana Uganda Nigeria Equatorial G Tunisia Senegal Morocco Ethiopia
– – – – – – – – –
Ghana Mali Zambia Liberia DR Congo Sierra Leone Cote d’Ivoire Mozambique Sudan
14 October Cameroon Togo Burkina Faso
– – –
Cape Verde Gabon Central A/Rep
TSweekend OCTOBER 12, 2012
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Come out en masse ...Keshi urges Nigerians to cheer Eagles to victory
By JUDEX OKORO, Calabar
E
agles’ handler, Stephen Keshi, has urged Nigerians to come out en masse at the UJ Esuene Stadium on Saturday to cheer the national team to victory against Liberia’s Lone Star. He also called for prayers and encouragements from all and sundry for the team to excel in the last qualifying match that would determine if Nigeria will be at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations. Keshi further said that he needed all the good Players in the National Team but cannot bring them at the same time. In an interactive session on the preparation for Saturday’s AFCON qualifier, he said Nigeria had a crop of good and quality players but that it was impossible to play all of them at the same time. “We need Anichebe, Obafemi Martins, Uche Kalu, Yakubu Aiyebgeni and all the good players. “But I cannot bring all the players at the same time. There must be a number of players that I must work with in any match,” he said. He said that invitation to the National Team must always be on merit. “Invitation must always be on merit and never on sentiments. I am thinking of how to make Nigerians happy on Saturday,” adding that the players are ready to do their best against Liberia. On why Captain Joseph Yobo was missing in the team, he said it was due to injury he sustained while playing for his club. “My captain is injured. He has a little problem in his knee. We wish him well. He is still very m u c h needed in the team,” h e said.
Commending Cross River Government for the maintenance of the UJ Esuene Stadium as the Stadium was getting better with every match, “There is a lot improvement; this is one proof that we can maintain things in this country; I just want to thank the good people of Cross River State.” He said there was need for all Nigerians to pray for the team, adding that the boys required the encouragement of all and sundry. “I want Nigerians to come and cheer the players; and they will reciprocate the gesture by
winning the match,” Keshi assured. Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi arrived and became the last player to arrive the Metropolitan Hotel camp of the Eagles. Mikel arrived the hotel at about 12noon to complete the number of invited players to 22 excluding injured Captain Joseph Yobo. As at the time of filling this report, the camp was bubbling as the players were seen in high spirit and looking optimisitic of weathering the storm.
Malawi FA declares war on Ghana
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he Football Association of Malawi (FAM), has declared war on the Black Stars of Ghana by calling on Malawians to put on red colours when the Flames host the visitors on Saturday at Civo Stadium. In a statement made available, FAM’s Commercial Manager, Casper Jangale dubbed this initiative a revenge mission for the 12–0 humiliation which Ghana inflicted on Malawi on October 15, 1962. “Fifty years ago and to be exact, on 15th October 1962, Gold Coast as Ghana was known, toured Nyasaland (Malawi) and mercilessly hammered our forefathers in the beautiful game of soccer by 12 goals to nothing,” Jangale said. “Our forefathers did not reply at all back then, as they were just picked from the streets and it did not matter at all. It matters now as
our Flames are 90 minutes away from booking a flight to South Africa, where the AFCON 2013 finals will be held. “That is why Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is calling on our football army of supporters, clad in red Flames home Jerseys to go to Civo Stadium this Saturday to avenge the humiliation our forefathers suffered at the hands of Ghana 50 years ago. “We need not just say the words that we want Ghana to see red, but show Ghana by putting on red Flames jerseys, which will be available for sale from today at all points of sale where tickets will be sold at only MK5,000.00.” Malawi lost 2–0 in the first leg in Accra and now need to win by a three-goal margin to sneak through to the Nations Cup finals in South Africa.
Bwalya tips Zambia to qualify for Nations Cup Z
•Moses
ambian legend, Kalush a Bwalya, is confident the Chipolopolo will qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in South Africa. Zambia, who are the reigning champions, take a 1–0 lead into the second leg of their final round qualifier away to Uganda on Saturday. Although the Chipolopolo will be without injured midfielder, Rainford Kalaba and Striker Jacob Mulenga, who is mourning the recent death of his father, Bwalya believes his country hold the advantage. “We know what to expect… but this is football and there’s no scripture for football,” Bwalya said. “We have a massive lead in my opinion. One goal is very important and if we can go to Uganda and get a goal, it means they have to score at least three goals. “I just hope we can get that goal. It’s easier said than done but I just hope (Coach) Herve Renard will come up with tactics that will befit Zambia as African champions.” The former African Footballer of the Year added: “I think that
Zambia deserve to go to South Africa and defend the title and see how far we can go.” Zambia have set up camp in South Africa but an advance delegation from FAZ arrived in Kampala on Monday to check on the facilities. Namboole Stadium, which will host the match, was recently closed for repairs following a complaint from the Zambian Football Association over its condition and suitability. Meanwhile, the Zambian government has offered $5,000 to each of the players as a bonus if they beat Uganda. Sports Minister, Chishimba Kambwili, said the increase in the allowance was to motivate the players. “Instead of the usual $3,000, we shall give them $5,000,” he told a local radio station.
•Kalusha
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Sports/LIFESTYLE
Vitamin jabs helped me cope with Ashley’s adultery – Cheryl her autobiography, Cheryl: My Story, which lays bare her despair on discovering that the Chelsea and England’s footballer had cheated on her during their four-year marriage. In one extract, she tells how she flew at Cole in a fury after hearing the first girl’s claims that she slept with him in Las Vegas. She admitted ‘shaking him, kicking him, scratching his face, pushing and shoving him like I was a lunatic’ before sobbing uncontrollably. Miss Cole went to stay with her Girls Aloud bandmate Kimberley Walsh during the break-up but needed medication from her GP to calm her nerves and did not sleep for days. ‘Kimberley cried when she saw me,’ she recalls in the book. ‘I was still in shock. I wasn’t in control of myself at all. I
C
heryl Cole has told how she relied on a cocktail of pills and injections to cope with the news of ex-husband, Ashley’s, infidelity. She said finding out that he had been
needed medical help. ‘I got pills off the doctor to calm me down and lay on Kimberley’s sofa. But I still couldn’t sleep. ‘We had a videoshoot for our new single coming up and my unfaithful made her so miserable that she doctor gave me a vitamin injection in my turned to tranquilisers to keep functioning. bum to perk me up, but it didn’t work.’ She also had vitamin injections in her botIt is claimed that vitamin injections can tom. give the body a boost when it is run down The 29-year-old singer recalls her ordeal in or exhausted.
Rugby league star loses testicle to injury during match
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rugby league star played through the pain barrier after being kneed in the groin and suffering a ruptured testicle in a cup final match before calmly heading off to hospital to have it surgically removed. Warrington Wolves prop forward, Paul Wood, lost more than the match when his team went down 26-18 to Leeds in the Super League Grand Final. Mr Wood, who celebrated his 31st birthday on Wednesday, was hurt early in the second half of the match at Old Trafford, but finished the game and even appeared in a post match interview
where he made no mention of his injury. He is now out of hospital after undergoing surgery overnight and even managed to joke about the incident on Sunday morning. One of his tweets read: ‘Ruptured my right testicle, got a knee 1 minute into the second half, had to have it removed.’ In the afternoon he added: ‘Just coming out the hospital to go home... Seriously feel like I’ve left something?’ Referring to the team talk given by the Warrington Wolves head coach he said: ‘Tony Smith did say in his pre-match team talk last night “your balls are on the line here guys!” I
didn’t think he meant literally’. The father-of-two has not yet announced whether he intends to carry on playing. Other rugby players who have lost testicles have chosen to retire over fears they may lose the other.
After the initial revelations, Miss Cole then heard further allegations from women, claiming to have slept with her husband, some dating back from before they were married.
I
f she had been mugging up on the offside rule in preparation, the palace was being characteristically discreet. Fortunately, the Duchess of Cambridge’s husband is President of the Football Association and was on hand to steer her through any choppy sporting waters. In fact, Aston Villa fan, Prince William, was in his elements on Tuesday as he and Kate, wearing a grey wool coat by her favourite High Street designer Reiss, arrived in Burton-UponTrent, Staffordshire, for the official opening of St George’s Park, the FA’s new National Football Centre. The 330-acre, £100m site is one of the most advanced sporting facilities in the world, and it is set to become the base for all coaching and development work undertaken by the game’s governing body. It will also be the training and preparation ground for all of the England teams. It boasts 12 world-classes pitches, state-ofthe-art hydrotherapy suites, biomechanic gyms and video analysis amenities. Today, the royal couple was given a tour of the main facilities before meeting England manager, Roy Hodgson, and his squad as they train at St George’s for the first time ahead of their World Cup qualifier today. In a speech after being shown round the centre, William said: ‘?Coming here this morning, seeing these wonderful facilities and beautiful surroundings – just experiencing this extraordinary place - gave me the same feelings I had when I first went to the Olympic Park. ‘A mixture of pride that we are capable in this country of creating something so beyond compare anywhere else, and excitement at what this means, not just for our national game, but for sport and opportunity in this country as a whole.?? George’s Park, and the concept that underpins it, is something totally new. It will be far more than just a world class facility for training our future world-beating national team. ‘It is more than just the university from which thousands of highly qualified coaches will grad-
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Sports/LIFESTYLE
M
ario Balotelli is splashing £750,000 on love nest for him and his pregnant former girlfriend, it emerged yester-
day. The 22-year-old, who has rekindled his romance with Raffaella Fico, 24, after they had a dramatic doorstep bust up earlier this year, has commissioned an architect to design the new pad which will be his main base in Italy when on leave from Manchester City. Raffaella, who is expecting a Christmas baby, is not thought to have seen the new apartment yet but has seen pictures of it on the internet and the two have discussed plans for furnishing it with the new addition in mind. The 250 square metre apartment will be in Brescia, close to the foster home where his adoptive parents live as well as their children Giovanni, Corrado and Cristina and a few minutes walk from the city’s university and football stadium. It has spectacular views over Brescia as well as the nearby mountains and has floor to ceiling windows, several terraces, a marble kitchen and
Balotelli gives pregnant girlfriend’s love nest £750,000 face lift bathroom, with luxury fittings and has been designed by a renowned Italian architect, Elisa Bianchi, from nearby Mantova. Each room will also have a full length mirror and the bedroom will have a luxury round bed while the bathroom also has a mini spa facility one thing there won’t be will be a book case as Balotelli, he is currently in Milan visiting family and friends, told Miss Bianchi he rarely reads. She said: ‘The apartment is made to measure, but it has been very difficult to sort out as he is only in Italy every now and then very briefly. Most of our meetings have been at McDonald’s over a quick hamburger and beer. ‘The initial contact I had was with his brother, Corrado. I think the idea is for him to have an Italian base close to his adoptive family home. He will be very pleased with the apartment. It is high tech and very tastefully furnished with bright, light rooms and wonderful views. ‘The rooms are beautifully decorated and the bathrooms are very chic with a spa function, so he can relax in private. Mario likes light, so there many windows and in the bathrooms the lights are in the plant pots. ‘There are large wardrobes and there is a large plasma screen TV. I asked him about a library with bookshelves and he said: ‘What for ?’ I got
the message that at 22, maybe he has other things on his mind - so I suggested a side room with shelves to display his trophies and medals. ‘The apartment will be ideal for entertaining and the kitchen will have modern appliances I’m even going to suggest he has some modern contemporary art to hang on the walls.’ A source said: ‘The idea is to have somewhere in Italy of his own. Raffaella will use it as she will be closer to Milan where she has work commitments which she hopes to return to after the baby has been born. There is plenty of space and her mother can come and stay to look after the little one. ‘She has a flat in Milan at the moment, but it’s rather small and when her brother stays there, it gets very cramped. Now, they will have their own place instead of having to stay with his adoptive parents or in hotels when he is over.’ Last week, it was confirmed that Balotelli, who is back in Italy on international duty, had patched up things with Raffaella after they were pictured kissing on the balcony of her home in Naples. The two had split up in April after she flew to Manchester and confronted him over a string of affairs he had had but the argument ended up heated and the police were called.
Hulk Hogan fears fresh leak of sex tape
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Behold! New home of the Three Lions
uate. It is also a magnificent example of the sort of social initiative that brings opportunities and purposes to wider British life. It will provide employment and a social hub for local people and, through the thousands of volunteers on which coaching relies, it will foster community spirit, purpose and hope throughout England. ? ‘The superb medical and rehabilitation facilities that St George’s Park possesses, offer us the clearest example of how this incredible place will help those way beyond the frontiers of football.’ Ex-servicemen and women, some of whom will have been wounded in the service of our country, will find respite and care here – and for that, we must all be grateful to the innovative minds that created St. George’s Park.’ He added: ‘2013 will be a great year for the Football Association. It will be 150 years-old and England will be hosting the Champions League Final and the UEFA Congress. There could be no more fitting way of marking these important events and a century and a half of England’s unique contribution to the world game than the existence of St. George’s Park.? And the prince couldn’t resist a joke at his brother’s expense, saying: ‘I feel tempted to cry “God for Harry, England and St. George”, but I really don’t want to lower the tone by bringing my brother into it.??’ After their tour of the facilities, William and Kate stepped onto one of the centre’s grass pitches - with exact size of that at Wembley. There they met with members of the England squad who had been training with manager Roy Hodgson. The royal couple posed for a ‘team’ photo-
graph then set about chatting with the players. William made a beeline for Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole. As he shook Cole’s hand he appeared to rib the player about his current ‘difficulties’ with the FA, of which he is president. Cole visibly blushed, laughed and stared at his feet as the pair jested. Sources said later that the prince had told Cole, who has been charged with bringing the FA into disrepute after calling them ‘ a bunch of t***s’ on Twitter: ‘If you continue to be a naughty boy, then they will take your Twitter account off you!’ The exchange was said to be ‘incredibly lighthearted’ despite William’s position. Kate, meanwhile, chatted at length to Frank Lampard, Adam Johnson and captain Steven Gerrard Asked whether Kate, a formidable sportswoman herself but one more interested in tennis and hockey, had been reading up on the offside rule in advance, a spokesman laughed and said tactfully: ‘The Duchess knows enough about football already and much of today’s event is about coaching and schools activities. ‘I’m sure if the offside rule comes up, the Duke will gallantly explain.’ As she had a tour of the National Football Centre with Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge joked about putting on trainers for a kickabout. Burton MP Andrew Griffiths said: ‘I asked if she was going to come for a kickabout later. She said ‘Have you got a pair of trainers I can borrow?’
urther embarrassment could be heaped on Hulk Hogan and his family following claims that another sex tape starring the wrestler could surface online. A one-minute clip featuring the 59-year-old muscleman and the ex-wife of his DJ pal Bubba The Love Sponge emerged last week. It shows the wrestling legend stripping off before climbing into a four-poster bed with Heather Clem and is thought to be just a snippet from 30 minutes of X-rated footage. And now it’s been reported that Hulk has warned his ex-wife Linda, his daughter, Brooke and son, Nick, that this wasn’t his only sexual tryst caught on camera. It comes after Linda Bollea added to the family’s woes last week when she was arrested for drink-driving. A source told RadarOnline: “Hulk is very concerned that a new sex tape could emerge. “After the first video was leaked, he warned Linda, Brooke and Nick that he could have been caught on camera in the past. “The family is absolutely mortified their name has been sullied in such a tacky way. They never imagined that Hulk could drag them into such an embarrassing situation. “Hulk’s admission has left the family praying that their reputation isn’t further muddied – last week was a week to forget for the Hogans, including Linda’s DUI arrest. “But only time will tell if another sex tape finds it way on the internet. The family is cer-
tainly bracing for the worst.” Meanwhile, Hulk has confirmed the woman in the tape is Heather – and says his pa,l Bubba, gave the sexual encounter his blessing. The wrestler revealed to DJ Howard Stern he had sex with the former bikini model six years ago. Although, it’s not known who leaked last week’s tape, it’s claimed that Hulk – real name Terry Bollea – played no part in its emergence. A source said: “Hulk didn’t leak the tape. He probably didn’t even have a copy of it.”
Amir Khan knocks out 6 car thieves
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mir Khan was forced to call upon the skills that make him a former world champion after an armed gang ambushed the British boxer. It’s been reported that the 25-year old and his brother, Haroon, 20, were caught up in a street brawl in the early hours on Monday as up to six armed gang members attempted to steal Khan’s £100,000 Range Rover. And despite trying to block the duo’s path by using a 4x4, Khan and his brother fought back before fleeing from the scene in Birmignham. An onlooker is quoted saying: ‘These guys tried to jump Amir and his brother but they picked on the wrong blokes. ‘They parked their car in front of the Range Rover. At least, one had a cosh. One slapped Amir and clipped him on the lip but Amir pulled back and knocked him out cold. ‘Then, five of them went for Amir and Haroon - but they stood their ground and these guys got dropped one by one. They left these men with cuts and bruises but all they were doing was defending their property.’ A police spokesman confirmed they had been called
to the scene after reports of a fight but said nobody came forward about the incident.
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GUS: Chidi Mokeme bounces back!
L
overs of Gulder Ultimate Search reality television show who have been clamouring for the return of first anchorman, Nollywood star, Chidi Mokeme, can now heave a sight of relief. Seven years after he departed the show, Mokeme has finally staged a grand comeback. Mokeme’s return was announced at the final selection party held to unveil the 12 finalists who would make the trip to the rugged Usaka forest in Akwa-Ibom State, venue of this year’s competition.
• CHIDI AND THE CONTESTANTS
Hoodrush premieres today
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he much-awaited flick, Hoodrush starring actress, Bimbo Akintola and O.C Ukeje among others will premiere exclusively at the upscale Silverbird Galleria, Lagos today. The musical from the stable of Flipsyde Studios also features an impressive cast of talented actors like Chelsea Eze, Gabriel Afolayan, Bolanle Ninolowo, Ijeoma Agu, Lee Byoma and others. Celebrities and industry
EVENTS
stakeholders are all expected to grace the red carpet while popular TV host, Denrele Edun will anchor. The cast and crew of the movie will be present to sign autograph for their fans. Speaking on what to expect at the premiere, Bimbo Akintola said: “Finally, the wait is over, the cinema audience can now go and see what we the actors and Flipsyde Studios have been busy cooking these past months, they won’t regret seeing the movie as it is a departure from the norm in Nollywood.”
Chidi Mokeme was the first anchor in Gulder Ultimate Search, back in its inception in 2004. He would repeat the role a year later during the second edition of Gulder Ultimate Search. With his comeback, Mokeme now replaces Nollywood actor, Bob Manuel Udokwu as anchor of the reality TV series. The 12 qualifiers for this year’s edition include Ujam Emmanuel, Nuhu Haruna, Ogbuefi Michael, Ifet Aniobong, Ojezele Pascal and Adah James. Others are Kofya Brown, Bornford Patience, Ayo Ojueromi, Uzor Osimkpa, Udodi Onyinyechukwu and Ezeh Priscilla. The qualifiers emerged from a pool of 30 successful aspirants selected from the regional screening exercises held in Makurdi, Benin, Owerri and Lagos. The initial 30 contestants from all the regions were put through rigorous oral interviews and intense medical and psychological examination before the final 12 were selected. Indeed, it was mixed feelings for the contestants after the final selection party; joy and relief for the successful ones, pain and anguish for the unsuccessful candidates. The lucky contestants will slug it out for who will become the champion in the year’s edition of Gulder Ultimate Search with the theme: “The Gatekeeper’s Fortune”. While Chidi Mokeme will certainly be putting the contestants through their paces in Gulder Ultimate Search 9, he would be joined by the trio of Michael Nwachukwu, Dominic Mudabai and Christopher Okagbue, past champions of Gulder Ultimate Search in the 4h, 5th and 8th editions respectively. The three Ultimate Men are returning to the jungle as Gatekeepers in this year’s edition.
• BIMBO AKINTOLA AND O.C. UKEJE ON THE SET OF HOODRUSH
LAUNCH OF AMIRAN FARMERS KIT
At the launch of Amiran Farmers Kit from Dizengoff
• L-R: MOSES OKONKWO, MR PATRICK OHAJI AND RICHARD HARGRAVE, MD DIZENGOFF
held at Victoria Island, Lagos Photos: Olufemi Kayode • L-R: MR PROF KOFFI DUNCAN, CHAIRMAN, DIZENJOFF AND MR LAXIMARAYIN PAI
• L-R: MR ANDREW SCHOLTZ AND MR DANIEL A. HUGI, BOTH OF DIZENGOFF
• L-R: PROF WALE OMOLE AND PROF YOMI DUROSIMI ETTI
• L-R: MS YOMI BOLODEOKU OF ECOBANK AND LAXIMINARAYIN PAI OF DIZENGOFF