HAJJ STAMPEDE KILLS OVER 300 MUSLIMS

Muslim pilgrims who have gone for this year's hajj were met with their dead a Mina near MECCA as they went to "stone the devil" in Kaaba. The act of "Stoning the devil" is an annual Muslim ritual during the Hajj pilgrimage.

 

The stampede, according to early report, has led the death of over 300 people and over 450 injured.
This is the second tragedy on this year's greater hajji in which multitude died. We recall the first being the collapse of construction crane which fell on the pilgrims and about 107 died including 6 Nigerians, and over 200 injured.

More casualties are been recorded as at press time. May their souls rest in peace.

RELEASE MY HUSBAND NOW - CKN'S Wife cries out.

The Chief editor and publisher of CKN News, Mr. Chris Kehinde Nwandu, was last week denied bail by a Lagos High Court in the defamation case against him by the MD of Fidelity Bank Plc.  

It was expected that the judge would grant him bail since the case is a "bailable offence". But the judge adjoined the bail hearing till next week again making his family, his wife especially to now cry out to the judge and Nigerians generally to be fair to her husband, who for the past 5 years of running the online news magazine. 

Here is her letter to this effect. Please, read and share as a solidarity to the journalist who many has seen to be credible, his mistake not withstanding. 

“My husband’s right to bail and due process of the law is being abused by the Police at FSU. He has a right to face his accusers in the court and defend himself from the allegations. He appeared three times before the honorable Judge Muhammad Yunusa; each time he was denied bail without reasons. He is being charged with “accomplice to defamation” because he reposted a story of alleged affairs and infidelity involving the MD of Fidelity Bank of Nigeria. Yesterday was the third time my husband’s bail application was postponed. My husband is now very sick at the Ikoyi prison due to the unhealthy and inhuman condition of the prison. His life is continuously under threat and harassment in prison. I am pleading to Nigeria’s Human Rights organizations, The Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Union of Journalists, The National Human Rights Commission and Nigerians and world leaders and media organizations to help me seek bail for my husband. If he has been charged with any crime, he should not be in Jail, he should be given his due process and let justice prevail. Please Justice Muhammad Yunusa, let my husband be bailed out so that he would face the charges in court of law, not in Prison. He is innocent until proven guilty. PLEASE SET MY HUSBAND FREE. ALLOW DUE PROCESS OF THE LAW. GRANT MY HUSBAND BAIL NOW”

PS: Mr. Nwandu within the past five years, published over 20,000 stories: none has been libelous. He has also won over 10 local and international awards for outstanding performance in online journalism.

STARDOM CALLS AS SOO LIVE THE DREAM TALENT HUNT DEBUTS

PRESS RELEASE

Stardom Calls as SOO Live The Dream™ Talent Hunt Debuts
For many talented young Nigerians who have dreamt of becoming superstars and aspire to fame and fortune, a new music talent hunt project has been born. The new project, SOO Live The Dream™ Talent Hunt, is poised to offer Nigerian youngsters within local communities a platform to bring their musical talents to the spotlight, with this first edition targeted at giving life to the aspirations of music-oriented youths from Esan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency of Edo State, Nigeria.

SOO Live The Dream™ Talent Hunt, scheduled to hold from 17th to 20th September, 2015 is the first of its kind in Nigeria, introducing an array of innovations in talent hunt that will give the participants a chance of a lifetime to kick-start their careers.  

Powered by Hon. Barr. Sergius Oseasochie Ogun (SOO), the Honourable Member representing Esan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, and organized by Dihoo Records Ltd, the project aims at identifying budding talents in singing and music production.
Speaking to journalists during a pre-event media parley, Oseasochie said that the objective of the first edition of the SOO Live The Dream™ is to promote gainful and socially accepted enterprise among the youth population of Esan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, as well as to jumpstart the careers of music-oriented members within the target population.

“One of the sectors that have really shown some inspiring growth in Nigeria is the entertainment industry, and the youths are the energy behind this sector that not only brings recognition and honour to the country but also adds a lot of value to the economy,” he said.
Speaking further, he noted that one of the promises he made to his constituency is to empower the youths and  SOO Live The Dream™ is one of the platforms that will be used to launch the careers of the next super stars in Nigeria and Africa. 

The Judges
With thousands expected to take part in the competition, singing their hearts out to prove their mettle in different genres of music, a super select Panel of Judges, comprising Muyiwa Asenuga a.k.a Nomoreloss, Sydney Shocker, Monique D Vibes and Elcee McEdwards would be saddled with the difficult task of complimenting and criticizing the contestants in their search for true talent. It is expected, of course, that they would find some surprises along the way.   

With a unique strong compelling voice and her over seven years’ experience  as an OAP, Monique D Vibes will be looking for that artiste that will rock her mind and make her give a nod to their ambition of joining the stage with Tuface, Davido and P-Square. 

“The task will be enormous; finding that super star will involve looking at every detail, their voice, performance, energy and charisma,” she said.
It sure would not be a problem for the presenter who also has a single to her credit as she will draw from her experience as a judge in several reality shows including MTN Project Fame. 

Multi-faceted and multi-talented artiste and media specialist, Elcee McEdwards, whose creative dexterity has seen him penning down and composing over 70 songs in a musical career spanning over 20 years,  will be on the lookout for uncommon balance and excellence in delivery and mastery of notes.   

“I will be looking for that person that will give me a combination of styles; that is confident and knows it; that will believe in his or herself and sing a song that will make sense. I want that singer that would move from the SOO Live The Dream™ stage to join the A-List artists in Nigeria. That’s who I will watch for,” he enthused. 

With a strong passion for music, two music albums and many recorded studio songs, Elcee will definitely be a tough bridge the contestants will have to cross to get to stardom. 

How to Enter: 
To participate in SOO Live The Dream™, eligible participants are to pick up free entry forms from any of the designated Form Collection Centers or visit the SOO Live The Dream website at http://soolivethedream.com/ to download the entry form online. Completed entry forms are to be submitted at the Form Collection and Submission Point nearest to the intending contestant. The Form Collection Points are: Ubiaja Post office, Edo State. Hon. Barr. Sergius Ogun secretariat, 67 Market Road, Ubiaja. Uromi Post Office, Edo state. 19, Mission Rd, Kuddy Ranky, Opp. 1KD Supermarket, Uromi. 52, Old Agbor Rd, After Iyere Plaza, Uromi, Edo State. Cooperative Fast Food Restaurant, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma. Auchi Poly, Esan Students Meeting Ground, Opp. Man-O- War Base.Unicafe Business Centre, Shop 1, Shopping Center Uniben Main Gate. 

Auditions for SOO Live The Dream™ will take place on Thursday and Friday, 17th to 18th September, 2015 by 8 am prompt. During the auditions, it will be at the discretion of the judges to choose 20 candidates who will go on to the next level of selection, called the Performance Screening.    

On Saturday 19th September, the Performance Screening will take place, during which 10 exceptionally talented contestants will be chosen to slug it out in the next stage known as the Grand Finale. Seven of the 10 contestants will be determined by the judges, while three would be ‘saved’ by the audience who would be guided to choose their three favorite contestants from the remaining thirteen.   

Unlike other talent hunt shows where the winner takes all, SOO Live The Dream™ will afford the 20 contestants an opportunity to attend a one-day seminar, where heavy industry players will coach them on the business of being a recording artiste, music promotions and legal frameworks free of charge.   

The Grand Finale will see the emergence of the winner of the competition and prize presentations by the initiator of the project, Hon. Sergius Oseasochie Ogun.   

The SOO Live The Dream™ Grand Prize winner will clinch a cash prize of N200,000 and an all-encompassing record deal with Dihoo Records, while the 1st and 2nd runner-up will get a promotional contract that would see each of them recording two singles that would be promoted locally along with cash prizes of N150,000 and N100,000 respectively.   

CEO of Dihoo Record, Morgan ‘Diwise’ Uwadileke, who will be present at every stage of the competition, will be looking forward to meeting the next act that will pen down the chance-of-a-lifetime record deal with his music outfit. 

“I am ecstatic, I am optimistic. I am waiting for the next artiste that will sign up with Dihoo, and it’s in your hands,” he told journalists during the unveiling. 

This edition of SOO Live The Dream™ is open to persons between the ages of 18 and 30 (as at August 15, 2015), as long as they are natives of Esan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency of Edo State, Nigeria.
All prospective participants who meet this criteria and submit their application forms on time will be contacted via e-mail and text messages.
Get updates on The SOO Live The Dream™ on our Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/SOOLiveTheDream 

And follow on TWITTER:  @soolivethedream

Judges Bio
Elcee McEdwards:
Elcee would best be described as a multi-faceted and multi-talented artiste and media specialist, having competences in writing, editing, public relations, magazine production and online publishing. His creative dexterity has seen him penning down and composing over seventy songs in a musical career that spans over twenty years, with several of his songs celebrated in and around Nigeria.

Considering his very active involvement in media practice that cuts across print media, online media and public relations in the past thirteen years, and his evident leadership and painstaking managerial qualities, Elcee brings an uncommon balance and excellence in the myriads of projects he has been involved with. 

He has worked as Editor and Consultant Editor for a number of print media publications and top-flight public relations agencies, with his work as Editor getting him involved in the planning and execution of several stakeholder roundtables, conferences and seminars.

Aside his involvement as a singer, song writer and music coach, Elcee has had the opportunity of participating in different management, business and media related seminars and conferences, and has served as facilitator and speaker at different productivity seminars organized by Wisdom House, Lagos. 

Teaching and counseling being second nature to him, Elcee has been involved with the House of Elcee (an NGO devoted to the promotion of workplace productivity, responsible sexual behavior, and family values) since his university days, organizing a number of seminars, talks and workshops that explored issues of friendship, love and productivity.
Due to his strong passion for music, Elcee has recorded many studio songs and has two music albums to his credit. He boasts a thorough knowledge of the Nigerian and international music industry.

Monique D Vibes
Monica Aigbe (Formerly Monica Okhihie), a.k.a Monique D Vibes, is a multi-talented OAP with over 7 years in Broadcasting /Entertainment Industry.  A graduate of Theatre Art from the University of Benin, Monique loves nature, reading, singing, entertaining people and playing hard.
Monique started her career at an early age in her secondary school where she got involved in extracurricular activities such as acting, dancing, singing, poetry, fine art and broadcasting at ‘Infinity Radio’ owned by the school. Up on graduation, she did hosting and co-hosting of events, Red Carpets and Voice Over for Radio and Television jingles and adverts.
In 2008, Monique co-hosted the popular television show in the South-South region of Nigeria known as ‘Grand Style’.

Her Professional Career started with SilverBird’s Rhythm 93.7FM Benin in 2008, where she spent 4 years thrilling her listeners with inspiring yet entertaining topical issues. At Rhythm 93.7FM she hosted  “Rhythm and Soul”, “Rhythm of the Night”, “Sunday at the Rhythm” before moving to Vibes 97.3FM where she currently produce and presents programs such as “Vibes Divine”, “Flight973-The Cockpit”, “Daybreak Benin- Community Square”, “Vibespiration”, “Swing Low Show”, “What’s Cooking”.
She has served as a judge for the MTN Project Fame West Africa both in 2013 (Season 6) and 2014 (Season 7) Benin audition and co-hosted the South-South Music Awards (SSMA- 2013)

She has a strong and compelling voice (one of her unique asset), which will sure keep you glued to her programs. She has interviewed a wide range of celebrities from the likes of Tu Face Idibia, Sound Sultan, Dammy Krane, Harrysong, Terry G,Da Prince, Faze, Praiz, Cynthia Morgan, Cyrus Da Virus, Fame, Patoranking, Splash, Waje, Oritze, BNG, Efex the Entertainer, Maleke, Oriri, Lanceslot Imasuen, Dayo of HipOnTv and have worked with Derenle Adun  (Channel O), Adams (SoundCity), Joseph Benjamin (MTN Project Fame West Africa), MacEbi (Saturday Spice), Andy Bello (Lockdown Entertainment/Convener; SSMA) and many more…

AWARD NOMINATIONS
•             Best Radio Presenter - Naija Delta Advancement Awards   (Presently)
•             Governor Adams Oshiomole’s Youth of Excellence Awards 2014
•             Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards 2014.

She also has a single “Big Girl” released in 2013.

Monique’s Social Media platforms
Website:www.moniquedvibe.com

Twitter:@moniquedvibes

 Instagram- @moniquedvibes      

     
Email:  moniquedvibes@gmail.com      

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Monique D Vibes       

KEHINDE BABATUNDE ADEMUWAGUN DUMPS SICK WIFE, SECRETLY MARRIES ANOTHER

Kehinde and Augsta 

It was with pain that she spoke to me after sending this material. Anthonia, who had done her best to reach the man who married her sister, Augusta Omotose, and now in  an unknown location with another woman he'd secretly married.

Her in-law, Kehinde Babatunde Ademulewagun, who married her sister in May on 2007 at Living Faith Church, Badagry , has allegedly abandoned his wife, her sister in Benin where she is receiving medical attention, and had gone to secretly marry one Mary Paul. These pictures on this post say it all, but Anthonia with her family, has gone a great length to explain what actually transpired in the past few years.  

Kehinde and Mary Paul on their secret wedding day

According to the family's story, "...Mrs. Augusta Omotose Ademuwagun ...had a dream of living happily ever after with her beloved husband. Augusta is a hardworking young woman who grew from working in the oil and gas industry as a contract staff to pioneering a business Eagles Wing Oil and Gas Ltd, Calabar....she co-opted her husband Kehinde into it. She was happy; her marriage was blossoming, the business was growing. Except for the blessing of children which was delayed, Augusta had the life she had dreamed and prayed for. She could not imagine a future without Kehinde, and she expressed their love as one by registering most assets in the name of her husband Kehinde Babatunde Ademuwagun...."

Mr Kehinde Babatunde and Mrs Augusta Ademuwagun on their traditional wedding

Kehinde Babatunde Ademuwagun - New weddng

Mary Paul - New bride

 "...All was well until January 2014, (when) we, her family were informed by Kehinde that our sister Augusta was on Admission in the Teaching Hospital in Ibadan. It was surprising to us as they reside in Calabar. As the story unfolded, we learnt that our beloved Augusta was struck with cancer. A lump was discovered in her breast, a tumour was found growing in her brain. She hence underwent a brain and breast surgery without her family being informed. Kehinde had called us only when she further suffered a stroke and her condition worsened.... ...Our Sister Augusta was caught between life and death. Between the worries that filled the heart, Kehinde was observed to be mostly non-challant, usually busy on his phone and looked unperturbed....

.

"...Augusta survived! She was discharged but very frail with many months of recuperation awaiting her. Only her sisters could assure her of round the clock care and support, hence we took turns to sit by her bedside. Kehinde was sparsely around. From calling every day, to every other week to every other month, he kept reducing contact and visit to his wife. There was no sense of care or concern for the pain and suffering his wife was going through. Despite his not appreciating her fight, Augusta’s deepest heart cry was to recover and return to her beloved husband. Once in a blue moon, Kehinde will breeze in and out of Augusta’s recovery home. On one of those visits, he came and left with all her mobile phones. Despite been asked to drop the phone, he said he will keep it since she was not receiving a lot of calls anymore. With that, he cut her off all common friends they have. 

"While Augusta cried for better health to resume her life and marriage, news came to Augusta’s family that Kehinde had secretly married another woman. Confronted with this news, Kehinde denied and his family corroborated his story. The advent of the internet and social media has indeed made the world a small village. Alas, it was true, while his marriage with Augusta stands, Mr. Kehinde Babatunde Ademuwagun desecrated his vow to support his wife in sickness and her worse state. Taking all the sick woman had worked for all his life with him, Mr Kehinde secretly wedded one Miss Mary Paul who he now calls his lovely angel.... 

While Kehinde Seems to be enjoying his new marriage, "...Augusta still undergoes speech therapy as her speech is not so clear. She is under constant physiotherapy and can now move with crutches. We are hopeful she is getting better, but in her frail state, it saddens us that such news will destroy her permanently if it doesn’t kill her...." 

The family also leaves a message for the new wife of Kehinde: "To Mary Paul, as you read this, it is clear you are not ignorant of Augusta’s existence and suffering anymore. We have reached out to you and you confessed that you know. It is clear that you have chosen to be blinded by desperation, dancing and glorying in a sick woman’s misfortune. Telling you that the cane used in wiping the first wife, awaits the second wife is not important. Today her pain is your gain, you have chosen to find happiness in Augusta’s ruin, but it is only a matter of time. While it tarries, we pray for you a good prayer, may your God make happen for you, all that you make happen for poor Augusta....."

And to Kehinde himself: "Kehinde, beneath the sun, there is nothing hidden. Before God and all honourable people, you pledged yourself with a vow to hold Augusta, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part, according to God's holy ordinance.... ...When you deep your hands in Augusta’s purse to spend these days, do you honour her sweat and labour or care how she feeds? When you kiss Mary do you not see Augusta? How does a haunted man like you sleep with the memories of his victim engraved in his heart and life? You have sold your rest Kehinde...."

The family also has this to say to the public. 

"Dear brothers and sisters reading, we have no choice than to bring this to the court of public opinion, while you all take a leaf from Augusta’s sad story, perhaps you can appeal to Mr. Kehinde on 08033959018 or 08095778222 (or Mary Paul on 07033404871) to choose the part of honour and return what is left of Augusta’s sweat to enable us support her through this time. We ask that you all pray for Augusta when you can that God grants her healing and restores all that the locust and cankerworms have taken."

By Omon Arhebun

For the Arhebun Family

 EDITOR's NOTE: We will do our best to reach the other party, if possible, feed our readers back

PHOTOS FROM TONTO DIKE'S MARRIAGE

Some rumours do turn out true. Tonto Dike is set to marry her boy friend whom she had only revealed as Mr. X. Mr. X now turns out to be Churchill Olakunle Oladunni. 

They had their marriage introduction over the weekend in Port Harcourt. Below are photos from the engagement ceremony. 

Another rumour we wait to confirm is if she is pregnant. But is it really our business? Please, enjoy the photos. 

MEET THE GREAT CAST OF WHEN LOVE COMES AROUND

Ghanaian/Nollywood actress,  and Peace Ambassador, Model and producer of When Love Comes Around, has released her film to the Nigerian Cinemas. This film which features great talents from Nigeria and Ghana will start showing from the 3rd of August, 2015. The cast in the film include Eku Edowor, Jim Iyke, Douglas and several others. 

Make out time to see this movies at the Silverbird Cinemas, Lagos and other movie centers in Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Zynnell Zuh has also been nominated for the NAFCA 2015 award. Vote for her. 

Watch the trailer of When Love Comes Around Ft.Jim Iyke,Eku Edewor,Zynnell Zuh,Pierra Makena,Premiering at all cinemas in Nigeria from the 31st of July 2015 http://youtu.be/_JaskrWN4uQ

BOBBI KRISTINA HAS DIED AT 22

Bobbi Kristina, the daughter of Whitney Houston has been pronounced dead today, after months of being  in a medically induced coma and placed on life support.  She was only 22. 

Kristina was found under the water in her bathtub on the 31st of January, 2015. Her boyfriend, Nick Gordon was suspected of killing her since bruises were found on Kristina's face and body.  Her mother, Whitney Houston, also died in a bathtub in a hotel room in Beverly Hills after she'd had drug overdose. 

Since Bobbi was found in a bathtub, unable to resuscitate her, the doctors had placed her on life support. But, according to TMZ, "ultimately, Pat Houston and Bobby -- co-guardians for Bobbi Kristina -- had to make the decision to withdraw medications. It was a rare moment of agreement for the Browns and Houstons ... who had battled about BK's condition throughout her hospitalization".

"Bobbi Kristina Brown was an American reality television and media personality, singer, and heiress. She was the daughter of singers Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston".(Wikipedia)

May her soul rest in Peace.

NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS IFY OKEKE RELEASES NEW PHOTOS ON HER BIRTHDAY

Big, Bold and Beautiful, Nollywood Actress, Ify Okeke is a year plus today. To mark this day, the pretty actress shares her cute photos and what's in her mind. Here is part of what she said, "I just can’t believe I’m turning 30+. Honestly, I can’t. If someone asked me how old I am, my first instinct would be to say 30 or 29. I don't know why, I just feel as though I’m still in my last-twenties or early thirties. If someone asked you the same question, what would your gut reaction age be?"

Read the full text of her message and the people she hold dearly at: http://goo.gl/8puDJo

 Make sure you read to the end to find out all the 11 names she has. You can also wish her a happy birthday here or there. 

We at Africa Entertainment News wish you a very happy birthday, long life and prosperity.