Photos: Khloe Kardashian dazzles in blue cut out dress

30 year old Khloe Kardashian showed off her curves in a blue bodycon David Koma dress that featured strategic cut-out panels along the bust, midsection and thighs. She was spotted outside the Trump SoHo Hotel as she made her way to the Javits Center event for the  BookCon in New York City today. More photos after the cut..

Photo: President Buhari receives former Kosovo President in Abuja

President Buhari today received former President of Kosovo, Mr. Behgjet Pakolli at the State House Abuja. More photos after the cut...

Cristiano Ronaldo shows off his dance moves aboard luxury yacht

The 30 year old footballer was seen busting some moves aboard a yacht in St. Tropez. Cristiano was on board with his rumoured girlfriend Chloe Green, the Topshop heiress. The boat is owned by her dad, billionaire Sir Philip Green.

The Portuguese hunk happily showed off his honed footballer physique in all its glory and looks like he may have taught his buddies some of his moves. More photos after the cut.

Muslim Woman recounts discrimination against her on her flight over an 'unopened can coke'.

A screenshot of her sad, unfortunate experience at a place she couldn't back out of. See the rest after the cut...

Blatter wins election to remain as FIFA president

Sepp Blatter has won a fifth term as FIFA president with victory over Prince Ali bin Al Hussein in the long-awaited Zurich election.

The 79-year-old was returned to the presidency but he failed to secure election on the first ballot with Prince Ali withdrawing before second ballot was undertaken.

Blatter polled 133 of the 209 votes in the first round, seven short of the two-thirds majority he needed,

Prince Ali had asked delegates to “listen to your conscience” and warned the watching world would not accept another Blatter win on the back of a week of dawn raids, criminal investigations and staggering corruption allegations.

But the status quo prevailed, leaving UEFA president Michel Platini, Football Association chairman Greg Dyke and the rest of Blatter’s critics to ponder their next move.

Both Platini and Dyke have refused to rule out the option of boycotting future World Cups, while the outcome means David Gill will make good on his pre-vote promise not to take up his FIFA vice-presidency in the event of a Blatter win.

SOURCE:THE NATION

I wasn't interested in politics - GEJ says + pics from his reception in Bayelsa

Former President Jonathan said during his reception in Bayelsa yesterday that before he became deputy governor of the state, he had no interest in politics. Narrating how he dabbled into politics, Jonathan said,

“It all started with me and Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. I knew Alamieyeseigha when he wanted to contest the governorship of Bayelsa State under the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party. That was the first time I knew Alamieyeseigha. We formed groups in every local governments – two persons to sign petition to enable Alamieyeseigha to contest. But a late Chief Judge asked me and one person from Ogbia to sign the petition. Even though I was a civil servant, I signed the document. I was in the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission then. Of course, when he started his campaign, I joined.

His story is very interesting. Continue to read it plus photos from the reception after the cut...

Pregnant footballer wife Abbey Clansy poses completely nude in new shoot

Footballer Peter Crouch's model wife Abbey Clansy, 29, who is expecting the couple's second child posed completely nude in new photos she shared online. See the photos after the cut..

Photos from the presidential Inauguration Gala

Some photos from the presidential Inauguration Gala which held at the Presidential Villa last night. More pics after the cut...

Black Japanese Miss Universe Japan fights for acceptance in her home country

After winning Miss Universe Japan and facing criticism for not being “Japanese enough,” Ariana Miyamoto is still fighting to change the conception of mixed-race people Japan.

Race is based off what heritage you link back to, while ethnicity is the learned cultural behaviors of a certain region. This means because Miyamoto is half African American and half Japanese, her race is African-American and Japanese, while her ethnicity is Japanese because she was born and raised in Japan.

CHECK OUT NICKY MINAJ THROWBACK PICS OF HERSELF

The 32 year old rapper shared this photo of herself when she was younger and captioned it 'Chase your dreams'. When you chase your dreams with hard work, perseverance and dedication.. and sometimes luck, dreams do come true.

Check out inside Pharrell William's new $7million LA mansion

Singer and music producer Pharrell just dropped $7.14 million for this stylish Hollywood Hills' mansion set on top of 1.5 acres high above the Sunset Strip in the historically musical area of Laurel Canyon. Original Listing released pics of the home, which has 6 bedrooms, 5 full & 2 half bathrooms (total) and it's beautiful. See pics after the cut...

Neverland Ranch is up for sale for a whopping $100m

The Neverland Ranch which belonged to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson is up for sale at the cost of $100 million. The ranch which he bought in 1987 for $19.5 million and moved out in 2005 after his acquittal on charges that he molested children has 2700 acre property and  features 22 structures, including a 12,000 square feet main home with six bedrooms and attached staff quarters.

Happy for him! Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala gives new ADB president, Adesina, tight hug

Former Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former Minister of Agriculture now President of the Africa Development Bank, Akinwunmi Adesina in a tight hug after the he was announced the new President of the African Development Bank in a keenly contested election in Cote de Ivoire yesterday May 28th. She seems really happy for him! Congrats to him once again..

Etisalat Partners GTBank to Offer New Retail Banking Service, GTEasySavers

Etisalat Nigeria and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc., one of Africa's biggest financial institutions, have partnered to introduce GTEasySavers, a Tier 1 savings account that is easy to open and easy to operate via any Etisalat mobile phone.

Nigeria's new First Lady with her daughters (photo)

New First lady Mrs Buhari with her daughters and step daughters. Beautiful ladies...chaii 

Full Text of President Buhari's Inaugural speech

Below is what the new president said; 

I am immensely grateful to God Who Has preserved us to witness this day and this occasion. Today marks a triumph for Nigeria and an occasion to celebrate her freedom and cherish her democracy. Nigerians have shown their commitment to democracy and are determined to entrench its culture. Our journey has not been easy but thanks to the determination of our people and strong support from friends abroad we have today a truly democratically elected government in place.

I would like to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his display of statesmanship in setting a precedent for us that has now made our people proud to be Nigerians wherever they are. With the support and cooperation he has given to the transition process, he has made it possible for us to show the world that despite the perceived tension in the land we can be a united people capable of doing what is right for our nation. Together we co-operated to surprise the world that had come to expect only the worst from Nigeria. I hope this act of graciously accepting defeat by the outgoing President will become the standard of political conduct in the country.

I would like to thank the millions of our supporters who believed in us even when the cause seemed hopeless. I salute their resolve in waiting long hours in rain and hot sunshine to register and cast their votes and stay all night if necessary to protect and ensure their votes count and were counted. I thank those who tirelessly carried the campaign on the social media.

At the same time, I thank our other countrymen and women who did not vote for us but contributed to make our democratic culture truly competitive, strong and definitive. I thank all of you. Having just a few minutes ago sworn on the Holy Book, I intend to keep my oath and serve as President to all Nigerians. I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody. A few people have privately voiced fears that on coming back to office I shall go after them. These fears are groundless.

There will be no paying off old scores. The past is prologue. Our neighbours in the Sub-region and our African brethenen should rest assured that Nigeria under our administration will be ready to play any leadership role that Africa expects of it. Here I would like to thank the governments and people of Cameroon, Chad and Niger for committing their armed forces to fight Boko Haram in Nigeria.

I also wish to assure the wider international community of our readiness to cooperate and help to combat threats of cross-border terrorism, sea piracy, refugees and boat people, financial crime, cyber crime, climate change, the spread of communicable diseases and other challenges of the 21 st century.

At home we face enormous challenges. Insecurity, pervasive corruption, the hitherto unending and seemingly impossible fuel and power shortages are the immediate concerns. We are going to tackle them head on. Nigerians will not regret that they have entrusted national responsibility to us. We must not succumb to hopelessness and defeatism. We can fix our problems.

In recent times Nigerian leaders appear to have misread our mission. Our founding fathers, Mr Herbert Macauley, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Malam Aminu Kano, Chief J.S. Tarka, Mr Eyo Ita, Chief Denis Osadeby, Chief Ladoke Akintola and their colleagues worked to establish certain standards of governance. They might have differed in their methods or tactics or details, but they were united in establishing a viable and progressive country.

Some of their successors behaved like spoilt children breaking everything and bringing disorder to the house. Furthermore, we as Nigerians must remind ourselves that we are heirs to great civilizations: Shehu Othman Dan fodio’s caliphate, the Kanem Borno Empire, the Oyo Empire, the Benin Empire and King Jaja’s formidable domain.

The blood of those great ancestors flow in our veins. What is now required is to build on these legacies, to modernize and uplift Nigeria. Daunting as the task may be it is by no means insurmountable. There is now a national consensus that our chosen route to national development is democracy. To achieve our objectives we must consciously work the democratic system. The Federal Executive under my watch will not seek to encroach on the duties and functions of the Legislative and Judicial arms of government.

The law enforcing authorities will be charged to operate within the Constitution. We shall rebuild and reform the public service to become more effective and more serviceable. We shall charge them to apply themselves with integrity to stabilize the system. For their part the legislative arm must keep to their brief of making laws, carrying out over-sight functions and doing so expeditiously. The judicial system needs reform to cleanse itself from its immediate past.

The country now expects the judiciary to act with dispatch on all cases especially on corruption, serious financial crimes or abuse of office. It is only when the three arms act constitutionally that government will be enabled to serve the country optimally and avoid the confusion all too often bedeviling governance today. Elsewhere relations between Abuja and the States have to be clarified if we are to serve the country better.

Constitutionally there are limits to powers of each of the three tiers of government but that should not mean the Federal Government should fold its arms and close its eyes to what is going on in the states and local governments. Not least the operations of the Local Government Joint Account. While the Federal Government can not interfere in the details of its operations it will ensure that the gross corruption at the local level is checked.

 As far as the constitution allows me I will try to ensure that there is responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country. For I will not have kept my own trust with the Nigerian people if I allow others abuse theirs under my watch. However, no matter how well organized the governments of the federation are they can not succeed without the support, understanding and cooperation of labour unions, organized private sector, the press and civil society organizations. I appeal to employers and workers alike to unite in raising productivity so that everybody will have the opportunity to share in increased prosperity. The Nigerian press is the most vibrant in Africa.

My appeal to the media today – and this includes the social media – is to exercise its considerable powers with responsibility and patriotism. My appeal for unity is predicated on the seriousness of the legacy we are getting into. With depleted foreign reserves, falling oil prices, leakages and debts the Nigerian economy is in deep trouble and will require careful management to bring it round and to tackle the immediate challenges confronting us, namely; Boko Haram, the Niger Delta situation, the power shortages and unemployment especially among young people. For the longer term we have to improve the standards of our education.

We have to look at the whole field of medicare. We have to upgrade our dilapidated physical infrastructure. The most immediate is Boko Haram’s insurgency. Progress has been made in recent weeks by our security forces but victory can not be achieved by basing the Command and Control Centre in Abuja. The command centre will be relocated to Maiduguri and remain until Boko Haram is completely subdued. But we can not claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by insurgents. This government will do all it can to rescue them alive.

Boko Haram is a typical example of small fires causing large fires. An eccentric and unorthodox preacher with a tiny following was given posthumous fame and following by his extra judicial murder at the hands of the police. Since then through official bungling, negligence, complacency or collusion Boko Haram became a terrifying force taking tens of thousands of lives and capturing several towns and villages covering swathes of Nigerian sovereign territory. Boko Haram is a mindless, godless group who are as far away from Islam as one can think of. At the end of the hostilities when the group is subdued the Government intends to commission a sociological study to determine its origins, remote and immediate causes of the movement, its sponsors, the international connexions to ensure that measures are taken to prevent a reccurrence of this evil. For now the Armed Forces will be fully charged with prosecuting the fight against Boko haram.

We shall overhaul the rules of engagement to avoid human rights violations in operations. We shall improve operational and legal mechanisms so that disciplinary steps are taken against proven human right violations by the Armed Forces. Boko Haram is not only the security issue bedeviling our country. The spate of kidnappings, armed robberies, herdsmen/farmers clashes, cattle rustlings all help to add to the general air of insecurity in our land.

We are going to erect and maintain an efficient, disciplined people – friendly and well – compensated security forces within an over – all security architecture. The amnesty programme in the Niger Delta is due to end in December, but the Government intends to invest heavily in the projects, and programmes currently in place. I call on the leadership and people in these areas to cooperate with the State and Federal Government in the rehabilitation programmes which will be streamlined and made more effective. As ever, I am ready to listen to grievances of my fellow Nigerians. I extend my hand of fellowship to them so that we can bring peace and build prosperity for our people. No single cause can be identified to explain Nigerian’s poor economic performance over the years than the power situation.

It is a national shame that an economy of 180 million generates only 4,000MW, and distributes even less. Continuous tinkering with the structures of power supply and distribution and close on $20b expanded since 1999 have only brought darkness, frustration, misery, and resignation among Nigerians. We will not allow this to go on. Careful studies are under way during this transition to identify the quickest, safest and most cost-effective way to bring light and relief to Nigerians. Unemployment, notably youth un-employment features strongly in our Party’s Manifesto. We intend to attack the problem frontally through revival of agriculture, solid minerals mining as well as credits to small and medium size businesses to kick – start these enterprises.

We shall quickly examine the best way to revive major industries and accelerate the revival and development of our railways, roads and general infrastructure. Your Excellencies, My fellow Nigerians I can not recall when Nigeria enjoyed so much goodwill abroad as now. The messages I received from East and West, from powerful and small countries are indicative of international expectations on us. At home the newly elected government is basking in a reservoir of goodwill and high expectations. Nigeria therefore has a window of opportunity to fulfill our long – standing potential of pulling ourselves together and realizing our mission as a great nation.

Our situation somehow reminds one of a passage in Shakespeare’s Julius Ceasar There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life, Is bound in shallows and miseries. We have an opportunity. Let us take it.

Thank you Muhammadu Buhari
President Federal Republic of NIGERIA and Commander in-chief-of the Armed forces

Official portrait of The First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs Aisha Buhari...

She's beautiful! Photographer: George Okoro. MUA: @mamzabeauty. Assisted by Joseph Isaac

Photo: Oshiomhole & new wife at presidential inauguration lunch

Why does new bride Iara Oshiomhole look sad? Or maybe she's just bored?.. The couple pictured at the presidential inauguration lunch this afternoon.

Almost looks like North West was arguing with her cousin in these pics

North West seen with her cousin Penelope Disick on their way to their ballet lesson yesterday. North looked like she was arguing with Penelope and got frustrated about something...lol. Then like a drama queen - that her dad is - she seemed to walk away...lol. Just making up my own story. She was probably more frustrated with the paparazzi taking her photos. More pics after the cut...

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GEJ and wife arrive their hometown of Otuoke (photos)

Below is the Bayelsa state governor.. 

Photo credit: Oladele Nihi...

Photos: Buhari and Osinbajo with their children

Lovely photos of incoming president and children lots of girls are already loving the son of the president

Photos: AU Chairperson arrives Abuja for the inauguration ceremony

Guests are already arriving Abuja for the inauguration ceremony which takes place tomorrow. Pictured above is the Chairperson of the African Union, Her Excellency Dr Dlamini Zuma who arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja this evening. More photos after the cut...

Okonjo-Iweala replies Oshiomhole - says his criticism is baseless

Press statement from Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in response to Gov. Oshiomhole who attacked her (read here) over the lingering fuel scarcity. Read below...

It is no surprise that a few days after the Federal Ministry of Finance published the details of what the Federal and State governments received from the Excess Crude Account over the past four years, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has launched an attack against the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. His article “Economy: Okonjo-Iweala’s hidden figures” is full of gaping holes, both in facts and logic.

Photos: Governor Fashola presents handover notes to Ambode

Governor Fashola presented his handover notes to the incoming governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the State House Marina today May 28th. More photos 

Full text of GEJ's remarks at the presentation of Handing-over notes to Buhari

Read full text below... 

1. I  welcome you all to this occasion of the formal presentation of the Hand-over notes of my Administration to the in-coming Administration of the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.

2. This event and tomorrow’s inauguration of a new administration are truly historic as it is the first time in the history of our nation that we are witnessing the democratic and orderly transfer of power at the Federal level from one political party to another.

3.   The Hand-over notes which we now present, contain the governance philosophy, strategies, policies, programmes and activities of my Administration for the period - 2011-2015. Also to be found in the notes are the objectives, targets and implementation strategies, achievements and challenges of our key policies, schemes, initiatives as well as the status of commitments and liabilities of the various MDAs.

4.   As we hand over the affairs of the nation, it is appropriate to recall that at inception, in May 2011, we committed ourselves to consolidating national unity through democratization and good governance. Our assessment then, and our firm belief ever since, is that the unity of Nigeria, the security, well-being, greater freedoms and opportunities for all citizens must remain the primary objectives of government.

5.    The Agenda for National Transformation which we did our best to implement consisted of clear and consistent governance strategies, policies, plans, programmes and projects, in all facets of our national life. Emphasis was placed on human and state security, democratization, sound economic management, as well as structural and institutional reforms.

Fun as Orijin launches Africa’s biggest drum

It was fun all the way as Orijinunveiled Africa’s biggest drum. The event which took place at the national theatre, Iganmu, Lagos drew a lot of entertainers as well as fans of the alcoholic herb drink.

President Jonathan

Jonathan to Buhari: extend probe to Obasanjo, others

President Goodluck Jonathan replied yesterday to calls for the probe of his administration. He said any probe by the incoming Muhammadu Buhari administration should not be limited to his administration.

Speaking during the valedictory session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, he said that those calling for a probe of his administration should ensure that the same treatment applies to other administrations before him.

FirstBank CEO Bisi Onasanya

FirstBank MD Onasanya to retire in December

AFTER over three decades of “inspiring and enviable career”, FirstBank Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Olabisi Stephen Onasanya is set to retire. He has completed his tenure.

Onasanya’s retirement takes effect at the end of the current Financial Year on December 31.

A statement signed by the bank’s Global Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said Onasanya is retiring on the heels of an inspiring and enviable career spanning over three decades of diverse management and operational experience, 21 years of which he has spent with FirstBank, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc., serving meritoriously in the last six years as Group Managing Director/CEO.

Onasanya was born on August 16, 1961.

The statement added: “He has been able to stabilise and modernise the expanding FirstBank brand since his appointment in 2009, thus reinforcing the confidence of the bank’s diverse stakeholders and the global financial publics. Mr. Onasanya’s successor will be announced in the last quarter prior to his exit. This is in sync with FirstBank’s corporate governance practice, which provides for seamless transition for the office of Group Managing Director. As is well known, FirstBank’s corporate governance posture has won it much respect and awards both locally and internationally,” the statement said.

Onasanya is described as “a seasoned banker and chartered accountant; a highly respected and personable executive who has established a reputation at FirstBank for solid performance and sound judgment”.

“He is widely reputed as the architect of the modern FirstBank, associated with various innovative and creative achievements. He was Project Coordinator of Century 2 the new frontier, FirstBank’s far-reaching enterprise transformation project at the turn of the century, as well as Project Coordinator of the FirstBank Corporate Transformation project which has seen the bank accentuating its foothold on modernisation. Mr. Onasanya also superintended the latest composite Corporate Identity/Brand Refresh of the FirstBank Group, a bold step heralding the international expansion of the FirstBank brand,” it said.

“A corporate strategy and development pacesetter, Mr. Onasanya has ensured the steady internationalisation of FirstBank, which under his leadership now boasts of subsidiaries with operations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

SOURCE:THE NATION