Yemi Alade Releases ”Mama Africa”, To Give Album Sales Proceeds To Charity

Yemi Alade‘s anticipated sophomore album “Mama Africa: The Diary of an African Woman”, has been released by Effyzzie Music Group.

Yemi Alade will give a percent of album sales to charity, through the #FeedAChildproject. The initiative will see the African diva personally visit and donate album sales proceeds to orphanages across Africa. This is not first time Miss Alade has shown her interest in charity work; she has displayed this in the past during the video creation of her sit single “Na Gode” and her numerous works with ONE.

The album features guest artistes like P-Square, Rotimi Keys, Sauti Sol, Flavour,Sarkodie, DJ Arafat and Selebobo; with production from GospelOnDeBeatz, DJ Coublon, Selebobo, Philkeyz, BeatsByEmzo, Masterkraft, Rotimi Keys and Mr. Chidoo. Yemi Alade will release the deluxe edition of the album in the future and will embark on an extensively world tour to promote the album“Mama Africa”.

 

The LP which serves as the follow-up to the acclaimed “King Of Queens”; is available in digital and physical stores globally.

DOWNLOAD YEMI ALADE – “MAMA AFRICA”

Six people arrested in Brussels after Tuesday attacks

Six people were arrested on Thursday night in a series of police operations in the Brussels, Belgium, the federal prosecutor's office said, only two days after the terror attacks left 31 people dead.

Gunfire, grenades and explosions were all reportedly heard as police conducted the raids last night.

Three of the suspects were detained "outside the door of the federal prosecutor's office", in Schaerbeek, spokesman Eric Van der Sypt said.
Two more people were arrested elsewhere in the city and the sixth was detained in Jette, on the outskirts of the capital, the spokesman said. The identities of the 6 suspects haven't been released yet.

"It will be decided tomorrow if an arrest warrant (charges) are brought against these people," he added.

A Frenchman was arrested during an anti-terror raid in the northern Paris suburb of Argenteuil over a planned terrorist attack which was in the 'advanced stages', according to French officials.

 

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said the man detained could be part of a high level terror network that was planning another attack in France. He said: 'They planned to hit our country'.

Mr Cazeneuve said there was no confirmed link between the man they arrested in Paris and the attacks in Brussels. on Tuesday. He said the man had been under police surveillance for 'quite some time and that the arrest was the result of the dedicated work carried out over the last few weeks by intelligence services,'

 

He said the man was of French nationality and was 'involved in the plot at a high level' and was 'involved in a terrorist network that was ready to attack France.'

 

The two men identified by police from surveillance footage at the airport and metro station where the attacks took place are still at large.


Source: AFP

Lekki Gardens building collapse: Lekki Gardens boss Richard Nyong released on bail

Richard Nyong was arrested on March 11 for the collapse of the five storey building in Lekki that killed about 35 people. Chief Superintendent of Police Mr. Eno-Edobor Thomas had requested that Nyong remained in jail while investigations were concluded but a Magistrate court in Ebute Metta granted him bail. OAP Freeze also confirmed his release. Read what he wrote after the cut..

Sofia Vergara, Kylie Jenner, Selena Gomez others make Victoria's Secrets What is sexy 2016 list

Victoria Secrets released it's 11th annual What is Sexy list, handing out awards to who's who of Hollywood in categories like Sexiest Legs, Sexiest Lips, and Sexiest Sense of Humor. 

Of course no Victoria's Secret Angels or fashion show models made the cut. More photos and full list after the cut..

 

 

Full list:

Kylie Jenner- Sexiest Style Risk Taker

Ellie Goulding - Sexiest Lips

Demi Lovato- Sexiest Songstress

Jennifer Lopez - Forever Sexy (She is officially the oldest person to ever appear on the list).

Taylor Swift, who won in 2015 for Sexiest Legs, won the Sexiest Music Tour for her 1989 tour.

Olivia Munn - Sexiest hair

Selena Gomez -Sexiest Red Carpet Look

Kerry Washington -Sexiest Actress (She won Sexiest Lips in 2012).

Sofia Vergara - Sexiest Mogul

Hailey Baldwin - Sexiest Bikini Babe

Alicia Vikander - Sexiest International Import

Rashida Jones - Sexiest Sense of Humor

Julianne Hough - Sexiest Legs

Demi Lovato - Sexiest songstress

Maria Menounos - Sexiest Smile

Priyanka Chopra - Sexiest Eyes

Keke Palmer - Sexiest Breakout Star

Alex Morgan was named Sexiest Athlete

Priyanka's new show, Quantico, won Sexiest TV Cast.

Sexiest Furry Friend: Pippa, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's dog

Sexiest U.S City: Nashville

Sexiest Fitness Star: Hannah Bronfman, HBFIT.com

Sexiest Beauty Star: Zoe Sugg, YouTube: Zoella

Sexiest Fashion Star: Sonya Esman, ClassIsInternal.com

Banky W Reveals Taking A Break For Marriage

 


‘Lagos Party’ crooner, Banky W will soon take a break from the music industry, as a recording/performing artiste, to concentrate on finding a woman to marry and build a family with.


Banky W, who first revealed his intention to retire in 2015, made his plans known in an interview with Channels Television’s Entertainment News.

News that Banky W was considering early retirement spread like wildfire in June 2015, following a series of tweets, where he revealed he has new projects in the works, as well as his desire to work with Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy.

Earlier this year, he revealed he would be releasing three albums in 2016.
Entertainment News gathered the three comprise of a solo album titled ‘Songs About You’, a joint RnB with Iyanya and a rap mixtape with EME signee, DJ Xclusive.

In the exclusive interview, Banky W made known his desire to have a wife and children, a desire he has decided to actively pursue by taking a break from the industry.

“Living an artiste’s life does not lend itself to (kind of) working on a relationship. It’s tough.
“It’s something that I actively (really) want to do, so I want to take some time off, after I’m done releasing this music and touring, I want to take some time off. Like I want to have some kids you know, get married, you know. Get married first and then have some kids,” he said.

About his impending retirement, it appears it might only be temporary as Banky W stated “Somebody told me that musicians don’t retire. You stop when you have (nothing left) no more music left in you (and) I have a lot of music left in me.”

He noted that he may decide to release music after 5-10 years, adding “I will let the music lead me”.

UNIC Urges Nigerian Children To Shun Slavery

 


The United Nations Information Centres (UNIC) has asked Nigerian children to say no to all forms of slavery.
The UNIC took the campaign to the Southfield Academy in Lagos on Thursday, to mark the Remembrance Day of the Victims of Slavery.
A member of the group tasked the pupils of the school, as well as youngsters in the country live up to any challenge they might come across.
“Those slaves taken from East Africa and transported to India by the colonial masters at that time did not resign to fate. We are saying that even those Africans that were transported to other parts of the world still found a way of making their marks in the lands they were transported to,” he said.
The Executive Director of Africa Anti-Slavery Coalition, Femi Phillips, also highlighted corruption and bad governance as the forms of modern slavery that should be resisted by the populace.
“In this our present generation, we have rulers who do not fear God. That is why we are having these problems of bad governance in Nigeria,” he said.
This year’s remembrance of the slave victims is focused on ‘African Slaves Taken to India’ with the aim of imbibing into the young ones, the resilience and resourcefulness of African slaves.

Defence Headquarters Dismisses New Boko Haram Video

 

The Defence Headquarters has advised the public to dismiss an online video said to have been released by Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau.


According to the BBC, Shekau had reportedly released a video purportedly showing remorse over the insurgency in the northeast of Nigeria.

But the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in a statement says the Nigerian Armed Forces will continue with its operations against insurgents in the north-east in spite of the purported Boko Haram video.

The DHQ also stated via its Tweeter handle, “The video clips by Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, should be disregarded as it could be another antic of the terrorists.

“Members of the public should not be carried away by the video clips, and be security conscious at all times during Easter celebration and beyond.”

APC NEC Meeting: Buhari Decribes Rivers Violence As Shameful

 


The President has expressed disappointment at the violence that marred the Rivers State re-run elections, describing it as shameful.
President Muhammadu Buhari said he would address the problem of election violence in subsequent elections.
The President made this known at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at its headquarters in Abuja.
President Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as well as some governors and party leaders are present at the meeting.
This is the party’s second NEC meeting after the Buhari led administration came into power.
Speaking on the fight against corruption, President Buhari said efforts are being made to publish a list of funds recovered from corrupt politicians and public

Fears grow for priest 'kidnapped by ISIS' who may be crucified on Good Friday

Fears are growing for a priest believed to have been kidnapped by ISIS as sickening reports suggest he may be crucified on Good Friday.

Father Tom Uzhunnalil was seized when four armed militants stormed an old people's home in Aden in Yemen on March 4.

The gunmen killed 16 people, including four nuns, in the brutal attack.
No group has come forward to claim responsibility for the kidnap of the priest, who was a member of the Silesian order in Bangalore, India, but a survivor said ISIS was to blame.

Now reports shared on social media suggest the priest faces being brutally tortured this Friday as Christians mark the day Jesus died.
The Franciscan Sisters of Siessen, based in South Africa, posted on Facebook: "Was informed that the Salesian priest, Fr.Tom who was kidnapped by ISIS from the Missionaries of Charity Home in Yemen is being tortured and is going to be crucified on Good Friday.
"This calls for serious concerted prayers from all of us."

 

Fr Tom has been missing since March 4

Since the reports were posted, members of Fr Tom's order have stepped forward to deny them.

However they are unable to say where the priest may be held or whether he is alive or dead.

 

The sole survivor of the attacks apart from the priest said ISIS was to blame

Father Mathew Valarkot, spokesman for the Salesians’ Bangalore province to which the kidnapped priest belongs, said: “We have absolutely no information on Fr Tom.
"But even today we do not know who has taken him and what their motives are because no one has claimed responsibility."
Earlier this month, the sole survivor of the brutal attack, Sister Sally, described how the militants, who she said belonged to ISIS, killed everyone else.

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Her account, reported in the Christian Post, described how she evaded death while the ISIS fighters searched for her by hiding behind a door.
It reads: "They were killed one by one. They tied them to trees, shot them in the head and smashed their heads."
"These ISIS men were everywhere, searching for her, as they knew there were five [nuns]
"At least three times they came into the refrigerator room. She did not hide, but remained standing behind the door — they never saw her. This is miraculous."

10 things you need to know about Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday was one of the most important days in all of history. It was a pivotal day in the life of Jesus Christ. Here are 10 things you should know about it and how we celebrate it today.

 

Every single Mass, we hear the words "on the night he was betrayed."
That night was Holy Thursday, and it is one of the most important nights in all of history.
Here are 10 things you need to know.

1. What happened on the original Holy Thursday?
An amazing amount of stuff! This was one of the most pivotal days in the life of Jesus Christ.
Here are some of the things the gospels record for this day (including events that happened after midnight). Jesus:

• Sent Peter and John to arrange for them to use the Upper Room to hold the Passover meal.
• Washed the apostles' feet.
• Held the first Mass.
• Instituted the priesthood.
• Announced that Judas would betray him.
• Gave the "new commandment" to love one another.
• Indicated that Peter had a special pastoral role among the apostles.
• Announced that Peter would deny him.
• Prayed for the unity of his followers.
• Held all the discourses recorded across five chapters of John (John 13-18).
• Sang a hymn.
• Went to the Mount of Olives.
• Prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
• Was betrayed by Judas.
• Stopped the disciples from continuing a violent resistance.
• Healed the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant, after Peter cut it off with a sword.
• Was taken before the high priests Annas and Caiaphas.
• Was denied by Peter.
• Was taken to Pilate.

2. Why is Holy Thursday sometimes called "Maundy Thursday"?

The word "Maundy" is derived from the Latin word mandatum, or "mandate."
This word is used in the Latin text for John 13:34:

"Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos."

Or, in English:

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you." 

Holy Thursday is thus sometimes called Maundy Thursday because it was on this day that Christ gave us the new commandment--the new mandate--to love one another as he loves us.

3. What happens on this day liturgically?

Several things:

• The bishop celebrates a "Chrism Mass" with his priests (usually).
• The Mass of the Lord's Supper is held in the evening.
• At the Mass of the Lord's Supper, the priest (often) performs the washing of feet.
• The Tabernacle is empty and the Eucharist is put in a place of repose.
• The altar is stripped.
• The faithful are invited to spend time in Eucharistic adoration while the Sacrament is in repose.

4. What is the "Chrism Mass"?

According to the main document governing the celebrations connected with Easter, Paschales Solemnitatis:

35. The Chrism Mass which the bishop concelebrates with his presbyterium and at which the holy chrism is consecrated and the oils blessed, manifests the communion of the priests with their bishop in the same priesthood and ministry of Christ.

The priests who concelebrate with the bishop should come to this Mass from different parts of the diocese, thus showing in the consecration of the chrism to be his witnesses and cooperators, just as in their daily ministry they are his helpers and counselors.

The faithful are also to be encouraged to participate in this Mass, and to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Traditionally the Chrism Mass is celebrated on the Thursday of Holy Week. If, however, it should prove to be difficult for the clergy and people to gather with the bishop, this rite can be transferred to another day, but one always close to Easter.

The chrism and the oil of catechumens is to be used in the celebration of the sacraments of initiation on Easter night.

5. Why is the Mass of the Lord's Supper significant?

According to Paschales Solemnitatis:

45. Careful attention should be given to the mysteries which are commemorated in this Mass: the institution of the Eucharist, the institution of the priesthood, and Christ's command of brotherly love; the homily should explain these points.

6. Is the Eucharist in the Tabernacle during this Mass?

No. According to Paschales Solemnitatis:

48. The Tabernacle should be completely empty before the celebration.

Hosts for the Communion of the faithful should be consecrated during that celebration.

A sufficient amount of bread should be consecrated to provide also for Communion on the following day.

7. What does the rite of foot washing signify, and is it to be done for men only?

According to Paschales Solemnitatis:

51. The washing of the feet of chosen men which, according to tradition, is performed on this day, represents the service and charity of Christ, who came "not to be served, but to serve. This tradition should be maintained, and its proper significance explained.

Although some have interpreted the rite as reflecting the institution of the institution of the priesthood or being unique to the apostles, this interpretation is not found in the Church's official documents, such as Paschales Solemnitatis, which interpret it as a sign of service and charity.
The rite is optional. It does not have to be performed.
Although until 2016 the Church’s official texts used language that indicated only men (Latin, viri) could have their feet washed on Holy Thursday, the Holy See had permitted individual bishops to wash the feet of females and younger males (vir means "man," not "male") for some time.
Pope Francis himself had been doing so, and in 2016 he had the Congregation for Divine Worship revise the law to bring it into alignment with contemporary practice.

8. What happens at the end of the Mass of the Lord's Supper?

According to Paschales Solemnitatis:

54. After the post-Communion prayer, the procession forms, with the crossbar at its head. The Blessed Sacrament, accompanied by lighted candles and incense, is carried through the church to the place of reservation, to the singing of the hymn "Pange lingua" or some other eucharistic song.

This rite of transfer of the Blessed Sacrament may not be carried out if the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion will not be celebrated in that same church on the following day.

55. The Blessed Sacrament should be reserved in a closed tabernacle or pyx. Under no circumstances may it be exposed in a monstrance.

The place where the tabernacle or pyx is situated must not be made to resemble a tomb, and the expression "tomb" is to be avoided.

The chapel of repose is not prepared so as to represent the "Lord's burial" but for the custody of the eucharistic bread that will be distributed in Communion on Good Friday.

9. Is there to be Eucharistic adoration at this time?

According to Paschales Solemnitatis:

56. After the Mass of the Lord's Supper the faithful should be encouraged to spend a suitable period of time during the night in the church in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament which has been solemnly reserved.

Where appropriate, this prolonged eucharistic adoration may be accompanied by the reading of some part of the Gospel of St. John (chs. 13-17).

From midnight onwards, however, the adoration should be made without external solemnity, because the day of the Lord's passion has begun.

10. What happens to the decoration of the Church at this time?

According to Paschales Solemnitatis:

57. After Mass the altar should be stripped.

It is fitting that any crosses in the church be covered with a red or purple veil, unless they have already been veiled on the Saturday before the Fifth Sunday of Lent.

Lamps should not be lit before the images of saints.

‘We are brothers’: Pope washes feet of Muslim, Hindu, Orthodox refugees in Holy Thursday Mass

Osservatore Romano / Associated PressPope Francis kissing the feet of a young offender after washing them during a mass in 2013.

CASTELNUOVO DI PORTO, Italy — Pope Francis has washed and kissed the feet of Muslim, Orthodox, Hindu and Catholic refugees in a gesture of welcome and brotherhood.

Several of the migrants wept as Francis knelt before them during a Holy Thursday Mass with asylum-seekers at a refugee shelter in Castelnuovo di Porto, outside Rome. He poured holy water from a brass pitcher over their feet, wiped them clean and kissed them.
In his homily, Francis said: “We have different cultures and religions, but we are brothers and we want to live in peace.”
Francis also denounced the Brussels attacks as a “gesture of war” carried out by bloodthirsty people beholden to arms traffickers.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai spends time with the Super Eagles team, assures them of full support

Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and the Executive Council members spent time with the Super Eagles team who are preparing for the qualifier against Egypt. The Governor assured the team of the full support of the government and the people of Kaduna. They will be playing their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier match against Egypt at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Friday, March 25th. More photos after the cut...