The Nollywood Movie Industry - Forward or Backward?

Recently I found myself in an argument with my roommate as to whether Nollywood was really worth the attention. According him, Nollywood was going down the drain in value and worth. He compared early Nollywood blockbusters and how movies "sucked". I dared to ask why. He told me that movies made by Nigerians were become less believable and real, more predictable and stereotyped. I quickly opened my browser sourced for information on Nollywood. I found Wikipedia still acknowledged that it was the second biggest movie industry in the world in terms of number of movies produced a year. Being Africa's largest motion picture industry and having a with a 3.5 billion dollar net worth, I had a rethink.

Really, more than once have you heard people criticise Nigerian movies. But when I reviewed the tremendous source made by this giant movie industry, I tend to wonder if it was befitting to really see Nollywood as far behind. Nollywood was rated above Chinese, Japanese and Pakistani film industries. I was poised to wonder why. If Nollywood movies really "sucked" as my concerned roommate harmlessly said, why was Nollywood receiving global attention? Why were movies by revolutionary movie makers like Kunle Afoloyan and others making it into global cinemas? Since movies where an indirect or direct revelation of a people's style, I told my self that my room mate was really actually comparing Nigeria to America!

I strongly believe that movies are strong ways of showing the technical power and technological strength of any country. Nollywood is a seedling in growth. Even for the masters, it was not easy getting where they are. Since we are technological advancement has improved the world interest in movie making, Nigeria is not left out. Remember that bigwigs in the Nigerian movie industries like Omotola and others are getting international too.
Let us also give credence to the fact that Nollywood is lucrative for the successful or superstar acts. The truth is that people watch these movies. They learn from it. And the actors earn from it. The good ones become stars. What is the primary motive of entertainment industry if not these things?

Therefore, if Nollywood has this kind of global recognition and is the only African country to be rivalling other industries of entertainment, why don't we support it to become better? What if we gave Nollywood chance and time like Hollywood? What if our government encouraged good moviemakers into full time movie entrepreneurs by supporting them financially? Would Nollywood not be a point of global interest and the world's leading movie industry in the near future? Think about it.

Baskethmouth confirms rob incident

Bovi Ugboma, the fellow comedian friend of Baskethmouth recently
reported that Baskethmouth was robbed in his house in Lekki. Baskethmouth confirmed the incident on his social media page. Here is what he posted:
"Yes I was robbed, yes they made away with a lot of valuables.......the great thing is that they didn't steal my sense of humour. Myself, my wife and kids were not harmed, so we thank God. Big thanks to everyone that reached out, may God bless you abundantly".

Our thing: 9 Most used expressions in Nollywood movies!

There are words you can never cease to here in Nollywood movies. Whether most Nollywood scriptwriters have the same thinking pattern or their actors are too cliché-minded, it is a fact. Perhaps, the directors or producers find them interesting and selling points. Maybe it has to do with our language structure. The truth remains, we hear them always and we like them. We do not complain about them or find them boring. In fact, we use them in our daily conversations and even write them. Here, the top 10 most used phrases/words in Nollywood movies.

1. WHAT!: This shows us a sense of surprise or shock. the continued usage of this word makes it difficult to say if the correct pronunciation is "wot" as in "hot" or "wat" as in "cat" Maybe Olu Jacobs just realised his daughter Chioma Chukwuka Akpota fainted at school or his wife had an accident. This word always attract attention to the screen as to what happened.

2. OVER MY DEAD BODY!: Patience Ozokwor(the Queen) just got told by her son Mike Ezuronye(the Prince) that he will marry Tonto Dike(a village girl) and she be like "Over my dead body! You will never marry that girl" Sometimes I wonder if the speaker thinks she/he would never die or is not on their way to death.

3. ABOMINATION(ARU)!: The Igwe just died and the elders hear he died on his throne. The shout this to show detest over what happened and how tragic they find it. Elder Maya is an expert in this expression.

4. EWOO!: A son's death may have been reported to a mother or a woman's husband was battering her. She lets out that painful yell to show the suffering state of her heart.

5. GBAM!: This shows agreement in an opinion or and idea. The village youths might unanimously say this when the elders decide that the village thief will be banished. It is always accompanied by an earth-word pointing, showing that the decision has dropped heavily on the ground.

6. HOW DARE YOU!: The wicked king Pete Edochie is confronted by the Chief priest, and he burns in rage and throws this at the priest who tells him "Do not challenge the gods" with that supernatural voice that goes on a high pitch. The king will always try to murder the priest.

7. WILL YOU MARRY ME?: Desmond Elliot may have discovered his first love Mercy Johnson after five years of leaving school. They discover they are still in love as strong as ever. He kneels down before her inside a restaurant and asks the impossible. She would mostly say yes and hug him. Someone like Cha Cha Eke might reject it by kicking him in the ass.

8. CALM DOWN/ I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL: Words of consolation. From a friend to a friend or from a mother to her enraged son. The after that something like "but . . ." follows.

9.HOW COULD YOU?: Heart break and disappointment.

Maybe there is one that skipped my mind or I haven't heard. Let me in!

Alert! 5 things you should never post on Facebook.

When majority of people in our generation want to be social, so it poses no big deal for people to post information and flex with their life online just any way they like. Posting about personal lives and activities seems to be normal. But before you post that info out for the world to see, did you know you never can tell who sees your posts unless you locked it to yourself alone? Did you know painstaking information passed could never be retrieved from public knowledge ever again? Unless your personal security and private life means nothing to you, here are six things you should never, NEVER post on Facebook, no matter for what short periods they stay.
1. YOUR DATE OF BIRTH- It generally a norm for most people to conceal their birth dates, and for some others, it's really nothing. but the truth is that it matters who see and who know your birth dates. Getting enough Birthday wishes and many likes might be in for it, but its not worth it. Your identity might be stolen. As a matter of fact there are experts in impersonation and your Birth dates is many miles helpful to them. You might make it know however to your trusted friends. If you must put info about your birth, leave out the year at least.
2. MARITAL STATUS: Maybe you find this a way to get people look away from you and know your are not single. Or perhaps you put it up to tell people you are single and searching. The truth is that it gets you nowhere pleasant. Stalkers learn to follow your relationship status and gain knowledge of your personal inclinations if you bare it all. The best bet is to leave the space apparently blank.
3. NUDIES: Sure we are all in a free world. One could do almost everything he/she likes. Even on online platforms. But to face the truth, this act plays a lot of roles in people's psychology. You never can tell who will get to see your posts. This might be a direct way of proving yourself immoral and arrogant. You might think it doesn't matter. But know that the receiver of an information matters and should matter to the sender. Without knowing, you let people know what kind of person you are and what you have in your mind.
4. YOUR LOCATION: Nobody loves being tracked or followed, whatsoever the reason might be. So it is rather better not to give away your location on Facebook or any other online platform. It might be just the info your tracker might need.
5. YOUR FRIEND'S BAD PICTURES: Sometimes we think it fun to share picture of our close friends or relative doing watchable things. But the truth is that no one wants to be made mockery of. So long as it displeases you to have people see you at your bad moments, it good to let them be such times. If you find your fun just a few uploads away from you, remember you too got your bad moments too.

Masters of Jokes! Top 9 Nigerian comedians of all time.

No doubt, comedy is one of the major pillars of the entertainment industry. As a matter fact, hardly do everyone not enjoy jokes. We no doubt have comedians around that have made unforgettable landmarks in the history of comedy in Nigeria. Here are the top ten of Nigeria's all time comedians. While these might not suit your immediate taste, be aware that this list is subject to change and absolute to current rating.

9 ALIBABA:

Ali Baba’s real name is Alibaba Akporobome and he is popularly called the Grand Comedian of the Federal Republic (GCFR), a title he carved out for himself as not only the Father of all Comedians but the best in his field. Ali Baba is said to be the very man who invented the concept of Stand Up Comedy in Nigerian History. This great feats has taken him inside Aso Rock as he no longer crack jokes for the masses as it were but for top Shots. He is also an Event pioneer and MC for most top celebrations in Nigeria; ranging from the Presidency to other Political figures in and outside the country.

8 JULIUS AGWU:

Julius is one of the few comedians with a future to serve their state. Julius Agwu has also carved a niche for himself in the Comedy sphere. He goes by the nickname “Julius d’ Genius” He also delves in to music with his very brand called “Reel Liaf Band” He has also notified his intentions to be the next Governor of his state after the people of Rivers “verbally told him to”

7 GORDONS:

Gordons is definitely one of the most hilarious Comedian in Nigeria with his self-composed jokes especially his flair for Ministry-Based jokes “movement to the permanent site” and his steady slang of often saying “Hallelujah” in between jokes.
Gordons who calls himself Comedy Barlusconi under the ODP political party (Osusu Democratic Party) is just a natural. He has released many joke compilations likewise under his Gordons Comedy Klinic Wards.

6 AY:

Ayo Makun happens to be one of the most creative comedian in Nigeria with his AY LIVE lines of Entertainment. AY as many calls him is not just a Stand-up comedian; he is an Entertainer, an Actor, a Musician and a TV host of his popular who wants to be a Billionaire which often features other comedians especially Bovi. He has acted his mini-movies with top celebrities like Genevieve Nnaji, Tonto Dikeh, Nadia Buhari and many more.

5 SEYI LAW:

Seyi Law is said to be Gordons’ partner in crime as he displays the same agility as Gordons when on stage. His mini-skits in which he played Jesus Christ on the way to be crucified while he carried a cross and been flogged has won many audience over the years too.

4 I GO DIE:

This guy is dope. If you ever sit under his Comedian influence, you will laugh your ribs out with his fast-mouth kind of comedy as he often takes on his guest and those in the crowd. Known for his funny jokes on poverty, politics with his off-colour suits – He lies too. E.g I Go dye will tell the crowd “i was in UK recently to see Barack Obama” We all know Barack Obama is in USA!!! or He was in Aso Rock last week to see President Jonathan to discuss his ambition to run for Presidency!! lol. He’s a real rib cracker and natural.

3 AKPORORO:

This guy is damn funny. He once made it known of his intention in adding Dettol to his enemies soup and his fans were like “WHAT!!!”. Akporo is a Stand-Up comedian who also diversifies and often delves into music.

2 BOVI:

Bovi Ugboma, who goes by the stage nameBovihas over the years aligned himself with other comedians as he climbs the comedy ladder in greatness. The Benin City Born Comedian is known for popularizing the words Akpos in most of his jokes and just so you know, Bovi is not just a comedian as many thought; he has been in the NollywoodIndustry acting funny 30-mins plays before finally switching to Comedy full time. I remember him cracking a joke on basketmouthabout God telling basketmouth to “go to hell” on Judgement day. Basketmouth was seen almost climbing the stage immediately with bottles to break his head.

1 BASKETMOUTH:

Oh Yes!!! If you don’t know who Basket Mouth is, then you are not in this great country of ours. Well, many dubbed him the king of Comedy for his natural physics especially as a stand-up comedian and his frequent mini-movies in collaboration with other artiste, musicians and comedians alike. He’s a Glo Ambassador with a difference. His real name is Bright Okpocha and he’s also won the heart of many other African nations like Ghana.

Do you think the list is perfect? Add the missing link(s) if there is!

Check out the top 50 universities in Nigeria

RANK UNIVERSITY LOCATION 1 University of Lagos Lagos 2 University of Ibadan Ibadan 3 Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife 4 Covenant University Ota 5 University of Ilorin Ilorin 6 University of Nigeria Nsukka ... 7 Federal University of Technology, Minna Minna 8 Federal University of Technology, Owerri Owerri 9 University of Benin Ugbowo ... 10 Ahmadu Bello University Zaria 11 University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Abeokuta ... 12 Federal University of Technology, Akure Akure 13 University of Port Harcourt Port Harcourt 14 Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti 15 Landmark University Omu-Aran 16 Lagos State University Ojo 17 Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka ... 18 Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umuahia 19 Bayero University Kano Kano 20 University of Jos Jos 21 Enugu State University of Science and Technology Enugu 22 Redeemer's University Mowe 23 Rivers State University of Science and Technology Port Harcourt 24 Federal University, Oye-Ekiti Oye ... 25 Babcock University Ilishan-Remo ... 26 Ebonyi State University Abakaliki 27 University of Maiduguri Maiduguri 28 University of Abuja Abuja 29 Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso ... 30 Pan African University Lagos 31 Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti Ado-Ekiti 32 Veritas University Abuja 33 Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko ... 34 Lead City University Ibadan 35 Osun State University Oshogbo ... 36 University of Uyo Uyo 37 African University of Science and Technology Abuja 38 Delta State University, Abraka Abraka 39 Kwara State University Ilorin 40 Federal University, Dutsin-Ma Dutsin-Ma 41 University of Calabar Calabar 42 Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ndufu-Alike 43 Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu-Ode ... 44 University of Agriculture, Makurdi Makurdi 45 American University of Nigeria Yola 46 Paul University Awka 47 Nasarawa State University Keffi 48 Nigerian Turkish Nile University Abuja 49 Bingham University Auta Balifi 50 Baze University Abuja

Tragedy! All passengers die in Umuahia vehicle crash!

Reports say a ghastly accident between a truck (Mercedes 911 Tipper) and a Honda Pilot occurred on Saturday a few kilometres after Ubakala junction, Umuahia, Abia State. According to Abia Facts Newspaper, none of the occupants in the Honda Pilot, including a pregnant woman, survived the accident... A pregnant woman was also among the victims of the crash. May the soul rest in peace. See the photos of the ugly incident below.

Nollywood Actor Down with Liver Disease

All appears not to be well with veteran Nollywood actor, Martins Njubuigbo, popularly known as Elder Maya. Reports have it that Elder Maya, who is arguably the longest surviving Nigerian actor, is down with a liver-related problem as the actor is down with a swollen leg, which causes him pain. The actor, fondly called Papa Labista, who is popular for his village chief priest’s roles in movies, was reportedly diagnosed with liver disease at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos State. This was disclosed by his fellow colleague, actor Ernest Obi, through his Instagram account. According to him: “Elder Maya is currently down with a liver-related problem.” He also started a campaign aimed at collecting funds for the treatment of the ailing actor. Let’s pray for him.

OJB Jezreel, "African Queen" producer is dead!

A few days ago, it was reported that Tu Baba's "African Queen" music producer, Babatunde Okungbowa, popularly known as OJB Jezreel ,died. This was barely three years after a successful kidney transplant surgery in India. He was said to have died June 14, in a Lagos hospital. It had been just one month to his 50th birthday. A family source claimed that his kidney transplant failed completely since last week. His problem had started far back in the year 2013 when he got diagnosed with kidney related disease, and consequently was flown to India for a transplant. On October 21, that same year, the singer successfully underwent the surgery at an Indian hospital. After the successful surgery, OJB Jezreel , showered praises on his first wife, Mama J, for being there for him and donating one of her kidneys to save his life" OJB Jezreel was renowned producer, writer and executive producer for over two decades. During the phase of the birth of the new age music in the late 90′s, Ojb helped to redefine the sound to be more globally accepted with the likes of TX, Kush and Etim Eyo (Arista records) which made the likes of the then Leila Steinberg of interscope records see the possibility in our music becoming international mainstream. His biggest break was with 2face's "African Queen" setting a yet to be beaten record not just in Nigeria but in Africa! 10million copies in Nigeria alone and 8million copies internationally, this made him the most sorts after producing in Nigeria and some regions of Africa. He stamped his presence on the Industry as an artiste with the club banger that still has a hold on the clubs years after! "Pretete"! Meaning the involuntary movement of a woman's back side. And crowned it with a classic love song "Searching".

Amazing Story! After reading this, you'll never disobey your parents.

Hello, people. I stumbled into this heart-touching story and thought I should share. It might change your life. Read on: At the point of death a man, Tom Smith, called his children and after praying for them, he advised them to follow his footsteps so that they can have peace of mind in all that they do. The youngest child, Immaculate, a female, looked at others and yelled, "Daddy, its unfortunate you are dying without a penny in your bank account. Personally, I can't emulate you. Other father's that you tag as being corrupt, thieves of public funds left houses and properties for their children; even this house we live in is a rented apartment, sorry, i can't emulate you, just go, let's chart our own course, let's paddle our own canoe." Few moments later, their father gave up the spirit. Three years later, Immaculate went for an interview in a multinational company. The interview panel had already penciled down a candidate for the highly coveted post but wanted to complete the formality of interviewing all applicants on the list. As soon as Immaculate sat before the interview panel, the Chairman of the committee asked, "Which Smith is yours" and Immaculate replied, "I am Immaculate Smith. My Dad Tom Smith is now late he died a poor man..." But the Chairman cuts in, "O my God, you are Tom Smith's daughter? " He turned to other members and said "This Smith man was the one that signed my membership form into the Institute of Chartered Administrators and his recommendation earned me where I am today. He did all these free. I didn't even know his address, he never knew me from Adam. He just did it for me." He turned to Immaculate, I have no question for you, consider yourself as having gotten this job, resume tomorrow, your letter will be waiting for you. Immaculate Smith became the Corporate Affairs Manager of the company with two cars, one official and one for private use, attached to the office, with a duplex and two drivers and a salary of £100,000 per month excluding allowances and other costs when she travelled outside England. After two years of working in the company, the Group Managing Director of the company came from America to announce his intention to resign and needed a replacement. A personality with high integrity was sought after, again the company's Consultant nominated Immaculate Smith. In an interview, she was asked the secret of her success and the sudden sky rocketing profile and in tears, she replied, "my Daddy paved these ways for me. It was after he died that I knew that he was financially poor but stingkingly rich in integrity, discipline and honesty." She was asked again, why she is weeping since she is no longer a kid as to miss her dad still after a long time. She replied, "At the point of death, I insulted my dad for being an honest man of integrity. I hope he will forgive me in his grave now. I didn't work for all these, he did it for me to just walk in. So finally she was asked, " Will you follow your father's foot steps as he requested? And her simple answer was, "l now adore the man, I have a big picture of him in my living room and at the entrance of my house. He deserves whatever I have after God." Are you like Tom Smith? It pays to build a name, the reward doesn't come quickly but it will come however long it may take and it lasts longer. Integrity, discipline, self control and fear of God makes a man wealthy, not the fat bank account. Leave a good heritage for your children. Are you building a good name for your children & not a fat bank account? As an agent of CHANGE, please share this true life story with your loved ones. God bless us all.

Scrapping of Youth Service: the truth in the lies.

Recently, news has been in the air that the Federal Government has scrapped the POST-UME exams in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. This was entirely true. The Federal Government had deemed it fit to relieve admission seekers of the burden of having to be extorted money from in the name of being screen for competence. Major stakeholders in the education sector had also give credence to this fact and approved it. However, no sooner did this information surface that a news followed; youth service scrapping. This was fast to spread and people actually believed it(and spread it) without inquiries or questions. Recently, an interview with the Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Mohammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity said while reacting to the rumour. According to him, the National Youth Service was established by the law, and only another law can repeal it. As a matter of fact, I have the same viewpoint that it should be left to thrive. Even though it has had so many shortcomings in management and security of servers, no good thing is entirely profitable. What do you think? Do you think Youth Service should entirely be done away with?

How making friends help you make money- Secrets of making-money

Making money is not just about setting up a business you feel is profitable because a particular line of business may be profitable for someone while it may not be profitable for another person and the only difference could be that the successful person had more friends.

I know a lady who makes good money from her catering business. She knows how to cook but the fact that she can cook good food is not the only thing that helps her make money. It is actually the fact that she is member of many public associations through which she networks with people. She attends meetings for her town's people and so many people from her home town know her in Lagos. She also attends church and belongs to a society where she also networks with people. As a result of the fact that she knows people and people know her and her line or work, that's why she is able to get a lot more jobs than other people and there are rarely any public events like on Saturdays that she doesn't get contracts.

There is another man who I know that runs a fashion store where he sells clothes and shoes. He normally imports and sells them to many clients but the bulk of his clients are actually those who are friends he made from public organizations to which he belongs such as his social club. He was able to make friends through those platforms and also exchange contacts and business cards with the people he met.

If you are running a business in Nigeria, one of the things that can help make your business successful is by networking with people. You should make as much friends as you can who are more likely to become your loyal customers. You can choose the social platform through which you can network with people and also try to exchange your business cards or contacts when you meet them.

When you make friends, it's not normally good to hide the type of business you are doing from them unless you don't want them to become your future customers. The more friend and contacts you make, the more likely it is that they will convert to loyal customers.

It is not just by calculating facts and figures accurately that can help make a business to be successful but it's also by using people power. The more people you are able to connect with, the more your business can become successful.

Nowadays, Nigerians business owners connect with people through a variety of public social platforms such as religious places, clubs, academic centres, societies and so on. It's simple. The more friends or contacts you have, the more money you can make.

Source: makemoneyinnigeria.net

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A Nigeria in Travail - Lagos in the scarcity

LAGOS, Nigeria — Young men became entangled in a swirl of flying fists. Gas station workers swatted away boys hoping to fill their plastic cans. A mother with a sleeping baby in her minivan was chased off, rightly accused of jumping the line. A driver eager to get ahead crashed into several cars, the sound of crunching metal barely registering amid the noise.

Nigerians were getting used to days like this.

But then came the ultimate insult to everyone waiting at the Oando mega gas station: A bus marked Ministry of Justice rolled up to a pump, leapfrogging no fewer than 99 vehicles. “Service With Integrity” was painted on its door. A gas station supervisor who calls herself Madame No Nonsense stepped aside to let it fuel up before anyone else. The crowd howled at the injustice.

Plummeting oil prices have set off an economic unraveling in Nigeria, one of the world’s top oil producers, and the collective anger of a fed-up nation was pouring out.

“Starvation in the land of plenty,” said Tony Usidamen, a public relations consultant waiting for fuel.

For months, many Nigerians have endured painfully long lines for gasoline and power failures that last for days — with no fuel for backup generators. Scant power means water cuts for homes that rely on electricity to pump it. Everyday items are missing from stores, and those that remain cost more than usual.

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In this country of rampant inequality, the poor have long been desperate, and the rich are still able to buy their way out of problems. But the situation in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is having an outsize impact on the expanding middle class, which has become accustomed to air-conditioning, owning a car and going out for Domino’s pizza. Now, even a bottle of Perrier is too expensive for many.

President Muhammadu Buhari is urging patience, noting that when he took office last year he inherited a corruption-plagued mess.

   

“We are experiencing probably the toughest economic times in the history of our nation,” Mr. Buhari told Nigerians on Friday. “I cannot promise you that this will be an easy journey.”

Low oil prices are not helping. The resulting shortage of dollars means less cash for imports, including fuel to power the nation. Though Nigeria produces millions of barrels of oil a day, it has long had to ship its own crude oil out of the country to be refined into gasoline.

Imported fuel has been arriving in Lagos, a city of 20 million, by tanker truck, a trip that takes a week. Old trucks and bad roads cause delays. Trucks sometimes disappear across the border, where thieves sell the fuel and pocket the cash, and militants keep blowing up oil platforms and pipelines.

The lines at gas stations ebb and flow, depending on the day. But the government says the supply is getting better. It has finally fired up Nigeria’s three rickety oil refineries, and the wait in Lagos improved drastically last week. Eventually, officials say, Nigeria will make all of its own gasoline.

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“A certain amount of pain must be endured,” said Garba Deen Muhammad, a spokesman for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. “Everybody must make sacrifices.”

At the gas station in Lagos, Olafay Segun and Abu Bellow tried to sleep away the pain of losing a morning of valuable fares in their yellow minibus. They joined a huge line of vehicles backed up along the expressway. Both men stretched across the old metal seats. In the beating sun, it was like sleeping inside a TV dinner.

Suddenly, the car in front gave up on the wait, pulling out of line and leaving a gap. Mr. Bellow bolted for the driver’s seat, turning the key. Nothing happened. Long seconds passed as both men panicked that someone would pull in front of them. He tried the key again. Success. The bus jolted ahead a few feet.

They wound up behind Adeanike Oso, whose mind was on her chickens. As the owner of Oso Farms, a 3,500-bird operation outside Lagos, she worried they might not have enough food and water.

That morning, Ms. Oso had dropped off her children at school before heading to the farm, but her Nissan Pathfinder was running low on fuel so she pulled into line. That was two hours ago.

Toward the front was Toyin Adeniyi, who was on her way to work as a school administrator. Three hours after arriving at the station, she was still waiting.

As midmorning arrived, young men holding plastic gas cans gathered. “There’s no light, there’s no water, there’s no anything,” said one, Michael Tungi, venting about Nigeria. “Everything is spoiled.”

The station was not allowed to sell gas to Mr. Tungi, to prevent fuel from slipping onto the black market. People had been filling jerrycans and selling gas at high prices to drivers looking to skip long lines at filling stations. Mr. Tungi and the others were optimists, hoping to sneak a few liters.

First they would have to get past Nike Olorunfemi, 50, the station supervisor. Wearing a straw hat and bright yellow vest, she hollered, sometimes with a bullhorn, to let them know they were waiting in vain.

“That’s why they call me Madame No Nonsense Action Lady,” Ms. Olorunfemi said. “I don’t take nonsense.”

The day had started out orderly and calm. Drivers inched forward. The procrastinators, the planners, the innocents — the line absorbed them all, having mercy on no one.

“I’m late already,” grumbled Peter Ademola, a swimming pool maintenance man. He had hopped into a minibus, heading to a repair job, but it was low on fuel. Now he was stuck in line, wiping his brow. Tiny beads of sweat formed above the purple lipstick of the passenger next to him.

“What can I do?” Mr. Ademola said.

Another driver, Ify Ezeobi, a shopkeeper, figured every hour of waiting cost him $100 worth of business at his store. “I’m sick and tired of this,” he said.

It was almost noon when the line stopped altogether. The station’s supply had run dry. Vehicles squealed away to search for fuel elsewhere. It was anyone’s guess when the next fuel truck would arrive.

Some drivers made use of the empty hours until more fuel came. A policeman read over a stack of witness statements. One driver repaired a busted side mirror. A doughnut saleswoman paraded alongside the vehicles. Old friends found one another in line, their reunion an upside to the otherwise grim day.

The hottest part of the day came and, with it, stress. A mother made the calculations of every busy parent — if she waited, would she get to school in time to pick up her children? Three energetic boys bounced in the back seat of another car, hanging out the windows and slugging one another. It was the first day of vacation and their father needed gas to reach their grandparents outside the city.

A billboard with a man clutching his head taunted the stalled motorists: “Need pain relief?”

Ms. Olorunfemi — Madame No Nonsense — was still trying to chase off the people holding gas cans. She snatched a can from one man’s hand and threw it onto the freeway.

“Anybody jumping the queue, they call Action Lady and I send them out,” she said. “I hate cheating.”

But by afternoon, cheating was in abundance. Some drivers employed a fried-chicken strategy: gaining entrance inside the station’s parking lot by claiming they were patronizing the adjoining KFC.

At 2 p.m., a fuel truck rolled in, eliciting a cheer. But unloading its 33,000 liters would take hours.

Two men lugging a heavy generator rested it on the driveway. Three elementary-age boys, sent by their mothers, arrived after school with plastic cans to try their luck.

At nearly 5 p.m., fuel was finally in the pumps again. Drivers started their engines. Wheels spun in the dirt. Station employees blocked off the cars at the KFC, dashing the hopes of line jumpers. Workers gathered around Madame No Nonsense for a pep talk.

“Don’t sell to anyone with a can,” she said. “Be nice to all your customers.”

Horns started blaring. A security guard in T-shirt and jeans, with an AK-47 slung around his chest, stepped in front of the vehicles. The station’s gates scraped open.

“O.K.,” Madame No Nonsense said. “Let’s go.”

Source: New York Times

Coach deaths, what is happening? Coach Amodu Shaibu after Keshi.!?

The news of the death of Nigeria Football Federation’s Technical Director and Ex-Super Eagles Coach, Shaibu Amodu, three days after that of another ex-national team coach, Stephen Keshi, has shocked Nigerians and football fans on the continent and beyond.
It was reported that Amodu’s died on Saturday, around 4am in his sleep. He was said to have complained of chest pain, hours before he died. He died at age 58.
 Football lovers, his associates, former players and Nigerians in general have taken to the social media to express their shock and pay tribute to the man who has coached the national more times than any other coach in history.


See the photos of Shaibu's burial today below:

 

 

 

Who said Aki was dead? See what really happened!

True, the Nollywood comedy personalities Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme, popularly known as Aki and Pawpaw were engaged in an automobile crash some weeks back. That was not the only story. People started rumours of there death. Many feared the child-statured adults were in trouble or dead or both. Perhaps a typical Nigerian attitude.


The Nollywood big boys are very much alive. It was recently gathered that Aki is currently on vacation.

Money Talks!: Twenty Richest Artistes in Nigeria and their net worths (2016 stats)

Don't mention! Questions have been on about the richest artiste in Naija. No doubt it is worth the trouble. I got to realize that people's knowledge of their superstars financial worth help define and redefine their perception of them. One's worth as a star can be determine in several ways.

The number one means of knowing how popular a musician or music is, is by checking out it's YouTube stat. If you are popular, it will show on your YouTube views, no manipulation. And if you have a great stat on YouTube, you are a great artiste, making good money.

Another means is through awards but since most music awards are heavily manipulated, we are going to skip awards and use other means such as endorsement and ability to pull crowed and command good appearance fee. Self promotion isn't gonna count in this rating.

I know there shall be wows and uhs in the course of the worthy peruse. Tell me afterwards whether or not you are satisfied.  Enjoy!

20. Patoranking - This guy is making name for himself in the music industry in Nigeria and it's not surprising that he made the top 20 richest musicians in Nigeria despite that it's not been quite long since he breaks into the limelight.

His hit song (Girlie O) featuring Tiwa Savage has grossed over 4 million views on YouTube as the time this article was being written. Patoranking's net worth is estimated to be - N350,000,000

19. Olamide - One of the craziest rapper in Nigeria and Africa. So crazy he called himself Badoo. Olamide has built name and fortune for himself in the music industry in Nigeria. Right from the first day I heard him first song, I knew he was gonna make it in the music industry.

His song with the highest YouTube views is "Eleda Mi" with 1.2 million views. He was able to over take Patoranking due to the fact he has multiple single with collective views of more than 5million. He is believed be to be the mastermind behind the rise of Shoki. Olamide's current net worth is put at - N560,000,000

18. Chidinma Ekile - Chidinma has one thing going for her - she is extremely likeable. That alone has skyrocketed her take home performance fees and worth to an enviable position. From a mere contestant in MTN Project Fame to a household name in Nigeria, Chidinma has created wealth that her peers could only dream about.

Her biggest video to date is "Kedike" with 1.2 million YouTube hit, followed by "Oh Baby" featuring Falvour with 600,000 views. And collective views of about 5 million. Chidinma's net worth is put at - N572,000,000

17. Duncan Mighty - He has refused to step an inch away from the Niger Delta oil. With unique beats, superior voice quality, and dance step to match, Duncan Mighty is considered one of the most successful artistes ever come out of the Niger Delta.

He most popular song on YouTube.com is "Obianuju" and "Port Harcourt Boy" which has collective views of 3.1 million. With strong affiliation to the Niger Delta politicians, Duncan mighty is estimated to worth - N700,000,000.

16. Yemi Alade - How she made it? I don't know, but she is currently the biggest female musician in Nigeria after Tiwa Savage and may overtake Tiwa in a couple of years if not months. The first day I heard "Jonny" played in my car by one of the Nigerian F.M Station, I knew something serious was about to hit us.

Yemi currently has the most successful and most popular music video by any African female artiste on YouTube. The total views for "JONNY" as at this time is 13,435,171. Yemi Alade's current net worth is N820 million.

15. Ice Prince - He broke into the limelight with "Oleku" featuring Brymo which currently has 3.1 million views on YouTube. Ice Prince Zamani is one of the finest rapper in Nigeria. To me, he is better than M.I in terms of flow.

Few days ago, the picture of when he was younger and hustling hit the internet and you can see how far she has been transformed from a naive young boy to a world class superstar! Ice prince net worth is - N870,000,000.

14. Phyno - The only hardcore rapper I've ever seen in Africa. He does it like no other, providing new dimension to rap music in Nigeria. Phyno is to the Igbos what Olamide is for Yorubas but he does it in a completely different fashion. So good that rap haters like me is forced to like rap music.

Phyno is a genius. Everyone wants to collaborate with Phyno for good reasons. He is hot in the market. Phyno's net worth is put at - N900,000,000.

13. Tiwa Savage - Welcome the queen of music in Nigeria, the sexy mama, the first lady of Mavins Record! Tiwa Savage is among the very few Nigerian artistes whose average video is grossing over 1 million on YouTube. She currently has about five videos with more than a million views each. Eminado is currently doing 7+ million.

Her net worth is - N970,000,000 and may soon crossover to billion in this rating within the next couple of months.

12. KCee - Currently making serious wave in the Nigerian music scene, KCee, formerly a member of the KCPresh is one of the most fortunate guys in the industry. He picked the right beat at the right time, and the rest has become history.

His hit songs "Limpopo" and "Pull Over" are currently on 14.5 million views collectively on YouTube. KCee net worth is - N983,000,000

11. M.I - Regarded as the most successful rap artiste ever in Africa, M.I has built a reputation that will be too difficult for anyone to surmount. He is among the major stakeholders in Chocolate City Records and is credited with the rise to fame of Ice Prince Zamani.

For the sake of the record label and the stars that came through it, we are placing MI at number 11 on this list. His current net worth is - N988,000,000.

10. Timaya - Timaya's vocal power is unmatched in the industry. He is one one the best and probably the most successful music star ever come out of the Niger Delta area. Far more successful than Daniel Wilson and others. He is truly the "Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa".

One of his hit track "Sanko" is about to hit 2 million views while his biggest hit "Bum Bum" featuring Sean Paul has already grossed over 16 million on YouTube. Timaya net worth is - N1.1billion

09. Banky W - Two best music videos ever done in Nigeria to his credit (Lagos Party and Wizkid's Holla at ur Boy) and a serious record label of his own, Banky W is surely a force to reckon with in the Music business in Nigeria.

From Etisalat to Samsung, he has the knack to land juicy endorsement deals anytime. Started with a copycat of Rihanna's song, he graduated to international superstar, doing original songs and winning awards. Banky W net worth is - N1.8 billion.


08. Wizkid - From a backup [like] artiste to Banky W, Wizkid was transformed into international mega star by just one music video - Holla at ur Boi! That video created the defining moment in his career and today, he is the Wizkid you and I know.

Widely regarded as the Austine Bieber of Nigeria, Wizkid one of the stars in the industry that many upcoming artistes look up to, to be just like him. What he lacks in vocal talent, he makes up in personality appeal. Wizkid net worth is - N2.3 billion.

07. Iyanya - From a hungry project fame ex-winner to international famous superstar within the space of three years. Iyanya has shown that if you want to be successful in Nigeria, give them what they want and you will be blessed with wealth.

Iyanya's hit song ("Kukere" complete with it's one unique dance step) currently has more than 15 million views on YouTube. His net worth is - N2.5 billion.

06. Davido - What he lacks in physical appeal, he makes up with great vocal talent - the twisted version of Wizkid. Davido is one musician in Nigeria that I so much like his vocal talent, he is a singer and song maker extraordinaire.

His two songs "Aye" and "Gobe" are currently having 15 million and 11 million respectively on YouTube. Son of a politician and business man, Davido' net worth is - N2.9 billion.

05. Tu Face - The one everyone respects in the industry. Tu Face has become the present day legend in African pop culture. By the time he hangs his trumpet, he will be studied in universities across Africa. African Queen remains his biggest hit ever, meaning that this legend lives largely in the past glory

He has not been able to do another song more popular than the famous African Queen or even close to it's popularity. But what he lacks in hit songs, he makes up in reproduction, building future generation of Idibias. Tu Face net worth is - N4.5 billion.

04. D'Banj - From life in the streets of The United Kingdom to MoHit and one of the biggest superstar Nigeria has ever seen. D'Banj has proved that what you need to become successful is in you. You don't need to look for it elsewhere, it's within you.

His biggest song ever is the last song produced by Don Jazzy, Oliver Twist. It dethroned P-Square's songs temporally in 2013 as the highest viewed Nigerian song on YouTube before Personally from P-Square reclaimed the number one spot. D'Banj net worth is - N5 billion.

03. Flavour - Virtually every artistes in the industry has featured Flavour in the songs. His vocal ability is unrivaled. He is one of the very best the industry has ever seen. From the moment he picked up the guitar, you now he is destined to the top. Flavour Nabalia is one like no other and no one could mimic him successfully no matter how hard you try. He is the one and only Flavour, and after him there may be no other Flavour.

He has everything going for him. His physical appeal, pure vocal talent, and mastery of the music instruments, Flavour is everything others desires to be. His current net worth is - N5.7 billion

02. Don Jazzy - The only musician in this list with no song to call his own. Yet, he command so much respect and money that even the best in the industry dare not ask who is he. Don Jazzy is builder, a producer extraordinaire and industry pacesetter. Whatever thing he lays his hands on becomes gold. He produced D'Banj to international superstar, and when D'Banj left, he produced other superstars.

Dorobucci, Eminado, Sulurere, Banana - these are are some of the major hits he produced after the MoHit saga. Don Jazzy net worth is - N7 billion.

01. P-Square - No one does it like P-Square in the music industry in Nigeria! When you think they've done their best, they come up with something completely different. They have no competition, they only compete with themselves. Outside Akon, P-Square is the biggest music stars ever come out of Africa - dead or alive!

You may ask, how about Fela, Ndiaye, Lucky Dube, Blenda Fassie, and Awilo Logomba? Well, they are all legends of music in Africa but when it comes to earning and popularity allover Africa, they are no match to P-Square with all due respect. This is based on facts and figures.

Pick up the all times African top 10 music video on YouTube, P-Square alone has 5, leaving the other 5 for the entire artistes in Africa to share!

Chop my money = 24 million+.
Do me = 14 million+.
Personally = 35 million+.
Beautiful Onyinye = 21 million+.
Alingo = 7 million+.

The only celebrities in the Nigerian entertainment industry that has mansion in Banana Island. They are the Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi of African music. The only artistes in Africa you can not book with less than $100,000. P-Square net worth is - N25.6 billion.

Do you think they are all worth it?