Stephanie Okereke Linus's Movie ‘Dry’ Premieres In Nigerian Cinemas [Watch Trailer]

After a successful screening debut in Wales, UK, the critically acclaimed movie ‘Dry’ will premiere nationwide in Nigeria beginning August 14th, 2015. Produced, directed, and starring Nollywood’s A-

List actress, Stephanie Linus, the film is an inspired true story that follows a trail of Zara’s (played by Stephanie Linus) trip to Africa, her constant turmoil as a result of inexplicable horrors from her child hood, her experiences and heartaches while working with young girls suffering from complications from early child birth as child brides, against the backdrop of a rich African culture. It is full of intrigue, suspense, unbelievable surprises, the joy of reconciliation and the power of the human spirit that is guaranteed to captivate and engage moviegoers.

The film stars: Darwin Shaw as Dr. Alex, the legendary Liz Benson Ameye as the Matron, Bill McNamara as Dr. Brown, and Introducing Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge as Halima the teenager who had to endure a life not designed for a child: to be married to a man who was more than four times her age. Produced by Next Page Productions, this film was supported by the Office of the special adviser to the president on MDGs Nigeria, Aberystwyth University Wales, Diamond Bank, Ford Foundation, Project Act Nollywood, USAID Acquired fistula, Vlisco and more.

Also starring in the film are Olu Jacobs, Tijjani Faraga, Hauwa Maina, Rahama Hassan, Rekiya Attah, Hakeem Hassan and Afamefuna Klint Igwemba (aka Klint da drunk). The production’s creative team includes director of photography, Angel Barroeta, executive producer, Linus Idahosa, co-produced by Jane Lawalata with Akanimo Odon and Murtza Ali Ghaznavi as line producers and Chinedu Omorie as first assistant .

“Dry journeys into heart-wrenching details of a culture not too many films dare to explore. The issue might seem controversial, but if it will set one girl free and open the minds of the people, and encourage us all to take action, then the movie would have served its purpose.” – Stephanie Linus, Writer, Director & Producer.

The movie trailer for DRY can be watched through this link-http://youtu.be/soXkS9BnKu0

Moviegoers can follow the film on the official movie site at www.themoviedry.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/themoviedry or on Twitter with the handle @Drythemovie

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Nigerian Man Arrested in Iceland for Allegedly Infecting Women with HIV

A Nigerian man, whose identity is yet to be revealed, has been arrested for allegedly affecting young women with HIV.

The accused is said to be a Nigerian asylum seeker who arrived in Iceland in August 2014, Iceland Review reports.

According to the report:

Part of the investigation includes finding out if any more women have been in contact with the man, and whether they might also be infected…

Details of the man’s suspected crimes have not been released. One likely explanation for his arrest could be engaging in unprotected sex with the women without telling them he has HIV—an act which would be against the law.

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Read How Amnesty International Is Set To Legalize Prostitution

500 Amnesty delegates from more than 80 countries will gather at an international conference next week in Dublin to vote on whether to advocate the elimination of all penalties for sex work, on the grounds that it is a matter of privacy between consenting adults. Simply put, the Human Right group will vote on a new policy that calls for the global decriminalization of sex trafficking.

The sex-trade policy, according to the group is the best way to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of sex workers.

Its Deputy Executive Director, Cammie Croft said, "Sex workers are one of the most marginalized groups in the world so it is important that we understand how, as Amnesty International, we can work to support their human rights.

The violations that sex workers can be exposed to include physical and sexual violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, extortion and harassment, human trafficking, forced HIV testing and medical interventions" “They can also be excluded from health care and housing services and other social and legal protection.” she added. -

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Satanists Unveil Statue, Vow To Take Over The World

On Saturday, July 25, a group of ‘devil worshippers’ unveiled an 8-foot-tall statue of the Satanic Temple’s Baphomet in Detroit, the USA

According to CBS Local, the event which sold tickets for $25 was sold-out.

Reports say that the event took place at an undisclosed industrial building downtown Detroit, with an estimated crowd of 700 people in attendance. The location was kept a secret because of the threat of religious protests.

CBN News reports that the Satanic Temple had plans for a private event at a Detroit restaurant, but the owner canceled the group’s reservation after learning of what was planned.

Bert Dearing, the owner of the restaurant, was quoted by Web Pro News: “When I rented the place, I just thought it was a church. I didn’t know about the unveiling of a statue. We weren’t aware they were into devil worshiping.”

Witnesses say that attendees were forced to clear two security checkpoints at separate locations before arriving.

However, opponent Matt Pearson, an executive producer of Church Militant, discovered the location at Chene Park in downtown Detroit.

According to a Fox News report, the “guests were washed in red light shining down from the rafters at the venue as “dark punk” bands played and DJs performed from a stage located beneath a lighted, upside-down crucifix. Satanic Temple officials delivered speeches and a pair of shirtless men held candles on either side of the statue, prior to its unveiling.”

A ‘no photography policy’ was passed at the event, but despite the decree, a six-second Vine has surfaced of the ‘great unveiling’.

Meanwhile, the news has now gone viral, and some prominent Nigerians have begun to share it on tweets and Facebook statuses.

For instance, the director of media and publicity for Jonathan/Sambo campaign organization, Olufemi Olu-Kayode, was impressed by the statue’s height.

The Satanic Temple says it supports separation of church and state, hence the statue was meant for the state capitol in Oklahoma City until its Supreme Court banned a monument of the Ten Commandments.

Jex Blackmore, the director of the Satanic Temple Detroit chapter, said temple members planned to transport the sculpture to Arkansas, where earlier this year, the governor signed a bill authorizing a Ten Commandments monument on the State Capitol’s grounds.

The Temple had unsuccessfully applied to have the statue placed near the Ten Commandments monument installed in 2012 on the Oklahoma State Capitol grounds.

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Facebook Baby: Mark Zuckerberg & Wife, Expecting A Baby Girl After 3 Miscarriages

Mark Zuckerberg the owner of the biggest social network (FACEBOOK) in the world shared this on his Facebook page.

His wife, Priscilla after having series of miscarriages in the past is expecting a baby girl soon, and Mark has this to say:-

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BREAKING: Divorce rumours trail Will and Jada Pinkett..once again!

According unidentified family sources, Will and Jada Pinkett are calling it quits after 20yrs together. We have heard this rumour many times in the past but this time, they swear it's for real.

From The National Enquirer

"For Will and Jada, holding it together these past few years has been tough because their marriage has been on life support for a long time,” said an insider.

“They’re exhausted from trying to maintain the façade of a happy union. They’ve decided to pull the plug in a carefully choreographed manner, [and] agree announcing their split at the end of the summer is the right move.”

The A-listers have already “worked out a confidential settlement to protect their $240 million fortune, and prepare their kids [son Jaden, 17, and daughter Willow, 14] for the fallout,” the source said.

Meanwhile check out photos from Jada's new photo shoot below...

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See Photos From Actress Joke Silva's Mother's Funeral

Photos from the funeral mass of Dr. (Mrs) Marianne Abimbola Silva, the mother of veteran actress Joke Silva which held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos today July 30th. Guests at the funeral mass included former Interim president, Ernest Shonekan and wife of former Ekiti state governor, Mrs Bisi Fayemi. Dr Abimbola Silva died peacefully on July 19th. More photos after the cut...

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Is Walmart Coming To Nigeria? See Gov. Ambode's Meeting With Walmart Executives

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday pledged his commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors as a way of creating jobs for youths in the State while receiving a delegation of Walmart Incorporated, a leading global brand in retail supermarket.

He said that the state was ready to give necessary support to assist investors in establishing presence in the state. According to him, the presence of the brand in Lagos will go a long way, not only to create jobs for teeming youths, but also boost the economy of the state.

He said that the success story of the brand, which currently operates in 28 countries with over 2.2 million employees, would be beneficial to the growth of the state. The governor said it would also help in actualizing his vision to make life comfortable for residents.

“That summarizes the reason Walmart has to berth in Lagos. We are committed to expanding the business scope for Walmart and like I said, I am interested in having your brand signature in Lagos. You have been pro-people and that is why we find a congress between the objectives of Walmart and Lagos State Government. We have a population of over 21 million people and four million of that population is in the middle class. We have a bulging youth that is craving for employment.

And whatever it is that we do, we want to make sure that we attract as much investment in Lagos that can help us to take our youths off the streets and give them employment. What I stand here to offer is the commitment to make the investment climate favourable to investors and we are committed to the judicial and security sector reforms.

These reforms will ensure that investments are well protected and that the sanctity of law is protected in this state. I want to assure that in the area of land permits or authorisation for issues that relate to setting up business, we are committed to make sure that we fast-track and do it as transparent as possible to allow more businesses come to Lagos, ” he said.

Shelley Broader, President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada, acknowledged the investment opportunities that abound in the state.

Broader said that the Group was ready to expand its business horizon and create jobs for the people.

”We are incredibly excited and proud to be in this exciting state of Lagos. Just looking at the burgeoning economy and at the growth in this market is very exciting.

”Walmart operates around the world in 28 countries and our mission is to lower the cost of living, to help people save and live better,” she said.

Photo Credit: Business Day

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Gov. Ambode Approves Bursary For Lagos Varsity Students

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the payment of the annual bursary awards for students in higher institution of learning across the country stressing that his administration is determined to ensure that no child who seeks education is left behind.

In a statement issued, Wednesday, by the Director, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs. Omauton Yetunde Jegede, the Governor said the funds have been released for the fifth and sixth payments of bursary to 2010/11 bursary beneficiaries in universities across the country.
 
He said that second payment for 2013/14 beneficiaries studying in Polytechnics and Colleges of Education is also ready.
 
The statement further affirmed the governor’s responsibility to assist students to graduate and prepare them for the future.

He therefore urged all concerned beneficiaries to be at the Lagos State Scholarship Board’s Office, 254, Ipaja Road, beside NYSC Orientation Camp, Agege, from Wednesday, July 29, 2015 by 10am daily for necessary documentation preparatory to the collection of the bursary awards.

The Governor, who also reiterated his administration’s commitment towards addressing the issue of quality of education, said every investment made by the government, represents the strongest way of securing a better and more dignified future for the students. 

He enjoined all concerned beneficiaries to take along to the Board’s Office, a copy of the Bursary Award Letter, ATM verve cards and School Identity Card.

He however assured other categories of beneficiaries that are not included in the current exercise that all outstanding bursaries would be paid in due course.

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/07/ambode-approves-bursary-for-varsity-students/#sthash.1bMKdrbQ.dpuf

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Drogba Mobbed By Fans After Touching Down In Canada To Start New Chapter In MLS

The Chelsea legend was mobbed by hundreds of fans as he arrived the Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, Canada yesterday Wednesday July 29 after agreeing to join Major League Soccer side, Montreal Impact, believed to be 18-months in length. 

The 37 year-old Ivorian star left Chelsea in May after playing 381 games for the Blues and winning four Premier League titles with the London club. See more photos

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Doctor, Nurse Land In Court After Aborting 6 Months Old Pregnancy Of 31-Year Old Lady

According to Tribuneonline, a man who claimed to be a medical doctor, Taiwo Ogunlana and a nurse, Kafayat Oyekola, have been arraigned before an Ebute Metta Magistrates' Court, Lagos State, for carrying out an illegal abortion on one Miss Kemi Awoniyi.

Ogunlana, who claimed to have attended Lagos State University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing between 1979 and 1983, worked with the National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.

He was also said to have been sponsored by the hospital authorities for Post-Basic Theatre course in 1987 and is presently the proprietor of Amu Medical Clinic registered by the Lagos State Private Hospital Authority and situated at 4, Church Street, Dalemo. Continue...

He told the court that Awoniyi was brought to his facility on July 6 at about 6:30 p.m. by the nurse.

He said the nurse told him that the lady had taken some drugs which resulted in abdominal pain for three days.

"When I checked her, I discovered that there was a foul odour emanating from her vagina and protrusion of the foetus which was already dead.

"The lady was cleaned and taken to bed to relax before going home. I charged N25,000 for the treatment but she said that she would contact her boyfriend whom I have not met before.

"This she did and the boyfriend said he would require my bank details to send money to me which he did not send up till now."

He added that Kemi said she wanted to go home because she was afraid that her father would find out.

"She started feeling dizzy and I had to ask her to stay in the hospital  only to discover that she was pale. I immediately ordered that she receive two pints of blood," he said.

Ogunlana added that the nurse had worked with him for six months as an intern and had brought many patients to him for abortion which he did successfully, adding that she got commission for any patient she brought.

It was gathered the the victim was six-month pregnant before the abortion was carried out.

Speaking at the court, the nurse said the lady came to her and told her that she was having body pains because of some tablets she used.

"I asked her to come back on Monday which she did and on that day, I realised that she had a very bad odour coming out of her body.

 "I took her to a doctor in Sango Ota who checked her and discovered that the tablet she took had affected her pregnancy," the nurse said.

The charge against the duo read: "That you, Taiwo Ogunlana and Kafayat Oyekola, on the 6th day of July 2015 at Oke-odo area of Lagos State, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did unlawfully carry out abortion on one Oluwakemi Awoniyi, aged 31 years and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 145 of the criminal laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

The two of them pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The magistrate, Mr. L.A Layeni, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties each in the like sum. The matter was adjourned till August 31.

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See How Buhari Was Hosted In Cameroon

On Wednesday, July 29, President Buhari was hosted to a state dinner by Cameroonian President, Paul Biya and his wife, Chantal Biya at the Unity Palace in Yaounde, Cameroon.
Also present at the dinner were Governor of Cross River state, Ben Ayade as well as his Borno state counterpart, Alhaji Kashim Shettima.
See photos below

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White Policeman Indicted for Fatally Shooting African American Man Sam Dubose

The amount of instances of police brutality against African Americans resulting in deaths, appears to be on the rise. From Sandra Bland to Eric Garner and several others, this is becoming quite an alarming trend.

And now, another African American, Sam Dubose, 25, was fatally gunned down by University of Cincinnati policeman, Ray Tensing, on July 19, during a traffic stop, CNN reports. 

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D'banj Blasts Nigerians Who Laugh At Him For Selling Koko Garri

Bangalee Aka Dbanj or the Kokomaster is not smiling with his garri business. The singer made his seriousness about promoting the brand known in an emotional piece on Instagram.

He slammed Nigerians for placing much attention of imported products and failed to support their own insisting many of the products we embrace and cherish in the country are foreign products.

He then hinted that, he will kick off a Kokogarri competition where the winner will have a chance to represent the brand and get a start up capital for the Koko garri business.

Read his emotional outburst next


His write up,

Guys, KokoGarri is available on Konga & in Ebeano Stores!

Who owns Ciroc vodka? Who owns Beats headphones? Who own RocknRepublic? The list goes on. What we do in Nigeria is to laugh at people’s hustle. And when it starts paying, creating jobs and moving the person to the next level, we are quick to ask why is the person living so large? Does he know how many people are hustling and going to bed hungry? But we don’t consider the person’s hustle in the beginning worthy of support. I am a strong Supporter of Nigerian Brands. How many politicians bought this Koko Garri to give their supporters? But they gave imported rice abi? When Otunba Ghadaffi started his mobile toilets, people called him “Agbe po!!!” It wasn’t for long, others joined DMT to do what he was laughed at. I know that a few think what’s DBanj thinking to invest in Garri. Newsflash!!!! I bet you all that is a $30b market. KOKOGARRI to be promoted & distributed in hotels and restaurants. Wherever beans and moi-moi is served, there should be packs of Koko Garri as options to pap, dodo and yam. Trust me, you will see how it will grow. I think there should be a Garri soaking competition sef. The hamburger competitions we see on television don’t even have as much entertainment value…
Round 1, Koko Garri and groundnuts,
Round 2, Koko Garri and coconut,
Round 3 Koko and Kilishi… Powered by Eva Water and Dangote sugar… Winner gets a Koko Garri distribution vehicle and a start up store

#KokoGarri #IjebuRedefined#NigerianBrand cc @iambangalee

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Photos: When Tony Elumelu And President Obama Met In Kenya

Chairman of Heirs Holdings and founder of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program, Mr Tony Elumelu met president Obama in Kenya last week after he was invited by the White House to speak at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi. See another photo .

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Federal Government Appoints New Head Of Multinational Joint Task Force On Boko Haram

A new head of the multinational Joint Task force on Boko Haram has been appointed. He is Major General Iliya Abbah.

Until his appointment, Maj. Abbah was the head of operations in the Niger Delta. He takes over from Brig-Gen. T. Y. Buratai who was recently appointed the Chief of Army Staff by President Buhari.

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