Meet the man who tamed Nigeria's most lawless city

Babatunde Fashola, governor of Lagos, has transformed the city - and helped halt the spread of Ebola in Nigeria

Babatunde Fashola has won near-celebrity status for transforming West Africa's biggest city Photo: AFP/Getty Images

He famously claims to be "just doing his job". But in a land where politicians are known for doing anything but, that alone has been enough to make Babatunde Fashola, boss of the vast Nigerian city of Lagos, a very popular man.

Confounding the image of Nigerian leaders as corrupt and incompetent, the 51-year-old governor has won near-celebrity status for transforming west Africa's biggest city, cleaing up its crime-ridden slums and declaring war on corrupt police and civil servants.

South Africa returns seized $15m to Nigeria

South African President Jacob Zuma

The South African Ambassador to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, said in a news conference on Friday that the $15m earlier seized from some Nigerians by the South African Government had been released to Nigeria.

The South African Government had, on September 5, 2014, seized $9.3m cash belonging to Nigeria and a month later seized another $5.7m, claiming that both funds were to be used for illegal purchase of arms, www.thecable.ng reported.

However, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, said the transactions were legal, urging the South African Government to stop actions that could degenerate to a diplomatic showdown.

The South African Government on October 14, 2014 said it would return the money to Nigeria.

Mnguni also spoke on the collapsed building in the Synagogue church in Lagos State and its effect on the relationship between the two countries.

He said that the two countries had come a long way and that the development would only make them remain stronger.

4 key reasons why it matters to put your spouse before your children

There are important reasons why your spouse should be your first priority, even before your children. That doesn’t mean you don’t love your children; it means you love them enough to keep your priorities in the right order.

 

• There is a natural order in marriage. It begins with two people falling in love, believing that they are the most important person in the world to each other. As children come along they need to be cherished and loved but never more than your spouse. Then when they're grown and gone, it's back to just two people again. When these two remain in love, it provides a stability and a legacy for the children, no matter their age.
  

Teaching children about prayer

It takes just a simple moment to teach children about the power of prayer.

 

 

• You can talk until you are blue in the face to you kids about how prayer works.
  But it just takes a simple moment ….
  Let me backup.
  A few weeks ago, Princess P left her lunchbox on the school bus. Now, drama-rama is the code name for our house in the afternoons already. We weren't even into double digits for how many days of Kindergarten she has been to. I do believe this was day eight. Anyway, she is having a tough transition, and the thought that her beloved lunchbox may never return to her lovin' arms was too much for her to take.
  

How You Can Avoid Marrying The Wrong Person & Make Your Marriage Work

 

The fact is no one looks 25 forever. Ultimately, we love the person we marry for more than their appearance. When we get to know someone we love and admire, we’ll love them for their inner beauty and overall essence.

Once we find someone, we consciously or subconsciously want so badly for it all to work that we decide not to question or see what is clearly in front of our eyes: they were rude to the waiter, speaks ill of others, is rude to you, etc. We don’t stop to ask, “What does all of this mean about their character?”

Be flexible. Be open-minded! See the secrets to a great marriage below:

Sitting down for long hours makes your butt bigger - Scientists reveal

 

 

I know many ladies would be happy about this. Want to have a big butt without surgery? All you have to do is sit down for long hours. Scientists at Tel Aviv University have confirmed that sitting really does cause a fat backside.

The more we sit down, the more fat cells in the buttocks expand creating a rounder derriere.

They revealed that 'Cellular expansion' plays a key role in fat production because the pressure on cells causes them to increase in size by 50 per cent.Fat cells exposed to sustained, chronic pressure - such as what happens to the buttocks when you're sitting down - experienced accelerated growth of lipid droplets, which are molecules that carry fats.

Finally: President Jonathan Declares He Will Contest 2015 Election

After months of indecision brought about by questions as to how to position his re-run, President Goodluck Jonathan today finally threw his hat into the 2015 presidential contest.

Reports from Abuja say he made the move in Aso Rock, the seat of the presidency, telling top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) he is set to go.
He also announced a presidential declaration committee, headed by former Minister of Defence Haliru Bello, to prepare for his formal declaration, which will take place in two weeks.
The PDP adopted Mr. Jonathan as its candidate, sidestepping the procedure of primaries that it feared would split the party and weaken Mr. Jonathan in the real contest next February.

You can be sixteen again

Wherever you are in life, even if you feel older than Methuselah, find time to reclaim the innocence of youth.

 

 

• I had to hide a giggle when my 21-year-old daughter announced her wedding song: "You Make Me Feel So Young" by Frank Sinatra. But then, after pondering it a bit, I realized what she and her fiance were doing. They were capturing a moment in their history. One day when the kids are gone and their joints are stiff, they will be able to look into one another's eyes and share a dance with innocence once more.
  

Suicide is not your only option; indeed, it isn't an option: Find a better way

There is no sin in temptation, only in acting on the temptation. Ask God for strength to resist Satan and the wisdom to recognize your possibilities.

• If you have ever contemplated suicide, or are now, we have something in common. I would like to tell you my story and why I am here, 35 years later, to tell you about it.
  First of all, I need you to understand where I was and where I am spiritually. I am a Christian. I believe in the literal fight between good and evil in the world. I believe in a God that is strict, but understanding and very loving, who knows me personally. I also believe that satan is real and wants me to be as miserable as he is.
  I had a loving husband and six children to raise. The oldest was 15 and the youngest about 1 year old. Why would I even think about taking my own life?
  We started a family publishing business that required a tremendous amount of work. We also had a convenience store and small motel to run, as well as a large family to raise. I was overwhelmed with the responsibilities. We decided to sell the publishing business. I prayed so hard for a buyer.
  

10 benefits from growing up in a big family

Children from large families have many advantages. With birthrates at an all-time low, this list of benefits of children growing up in large families puts a positive spin on big families.

 

 

• Strolling around New York City with a pack of nine people wearing matching yellow T-shirts may not be something I enjoy reflecting on. But as the youngest of seven, I have many fond memories of growing up in a large family. With birthrates at a record low, many are missing these advantages. Here is a list of some of the positive aspects of growing up in a big family.
  

• 1. Learn to share and compromise

  A 2004 study of more than 20,000 kindergarteners in America found that teachers rated students who had at least one sibling as having an edge in social skills. They were better at making friends, helping other kids and more in tune to the feelings of others. Compromise and cooperation are just some of the positive results kids can benefit from having multiple siblings. These abilities help children build more positive relationships with one another.
  

“Believe In Yourself!” Watch D’Banj’s Motivational TEDx Speech about the Future of African Youths

 

A couple of weeks ago D’Banj was at the TEDxWBG conference to deliver a speech where he shared the stage with President of the World Bank – Jim Yong Kim and Eleni Gabre-Madhin, the Co-founder and CEO of Eleni LLC.

The Nigerian artiste delivered quite a motivational speech on change and the future of African youths. The video for the speech is finally available and we can’t wait to share it with our BN readers.

Nigeria’s Constitution Reviewed: Immunity for Presidents and Governors Removed

On Wednesday, members of the House of Representatives endorsed some new amendments to the 1999 constitution.

One of the most notable amendment is the removal of the immunity clause, which applies to the president, vice president, governors, and their deputies, 

This amendment means that people in the aforementioned offices can be tried for crimes while still in office.

There were 71 amendments to the constitution, NAN reports.

Among the 261 house members who participated in the process, 252 members voted in favour of the amendments, eight voted against and one abstained.

A two-third vote (240 of the 360-members) is required to amend the constitution.

I’m not in the presidential race – Adams Oshiomhole

 

The Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, on Thursday disclosed that he would not contest the 2015 presidential election, following earlier reports of his interest in the presidency.
Oshiomhole explained that although he had received calls urging him to vie for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress following his commitment to the Nigerian project, he however, chose to focus on accelerating the pace of development in the state.
He recalled that in 2007, shortly after the expiration of his tenure, as a two-term President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, he came under similar pressure from well-meaning Nigerians from across all the divides, including the late human rights lawyer and activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, to vie for the presidency.
He, however, noted that he believed that his party had “enough credible materials” to pick to fly the party’s flag in the election.

Why Men Sleep After Sex

Since the inception of sexuality, many reasons have been given why men sleep just immediately after sex; with ‘they are selfish’ point topping the list of reasons, many need to know the real reasons why this has been prominent with men.

Although sex has been referred to as one of the most enjoyable things between a man and woman,  the woman race has been on the search to know why men nods straight to sleep after a good sex. With most women thinking ”dropping” straight into sleep by their men is a complete negative phenomena, the general notion has been that men are actually selfish to sleep immediately not minding how their mates feel about it.

Photo: Taiwo Oshadipe Buried Amidst Tears In Lagos

                                      Late Taiwo                                      Her Twin, Kehinde in white

Popular Gospel singer, Taiwo Oshadipe has been buried. She was buried today at Victoria Court Vaults, in Lekki amidst tears. Everything was quiet with only family and close friends in attendance. There was no dust-to- dust rite.

Shhhh! Today is Horn Free Day in Lagos!

The Lagos Horn free day is an initiative against noise pollution, intolerance, indiscipline lack of respect to road users and other negative attitudes. Here are some tweets from the Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos- State, Hon. Kayode Opeifa.

The Things Some Nigerian Women Do To Get Husbands

 

"Statistics show that only 3% of single women of marriageable age in Nigeria are undisturbed by their lack of a spouse! The other 97% would do just about anything to become Mrs. Somebody''.

As we read on, we are going to see some rather unorthodox things Nigerian women will do in their quest to bag a husband! Some are bizarre, some are skanky and some are downright sad but if you are willing to try anything and getting a husband is the only activity left on your bucket list, you might want to try a few! (Men beware).

In no particular order:

1)Snatching a friend or relation's man.
All is fair in love and war! Rumor has it that women have resorted to locking their phones, hiding their men and coding their gist from so-called friends because it's a jungle out there.

Ekiti State Governor-Elect, Ayo Fayose Releases New Photos Ahead Of His October 16 Swearing-In

 

Ekiti Governor elect, Ayo Fayose has new photos to show off! The soon to be Governor of Ekiti was at the studio few hours ago with his men for a new photoshoot ahead of his swearing-in ceremony. He will be officially sworn-in on Thursday, October 16, 2014 in Ado-Ekiti. More photos after the cut. They think it’s only entertainers who take pictures? They don’t know whatsup sir, lol.

Exposed: Asari Dokubo was in the Private Jet caught smuggling $9.3m into South Africa?

 

Explain Asari Dokubo’s role in the $9.3m cash-for-arms scandal to Nigerians; APC tells Presidency

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to explain to Nigerians what Mujaheed Asari Dokubo, was doing on the plane that illegally ferried US$9.3 million to South Africa, where Asari Dokubo, another Nigerian and an Israeli were arrested, according to a published report.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said since the federal government has taken ownership of the funds by saying the National Security Adviser (NSA) issued the end-user certificate for the arms purchase, it stands to reason that the same government will know the involvement of all those aboard the plane.

7 Annoying People You Meet At The ATM

Being in a long queue, hoping to use an ATM service can be very frustrating at times. Thanks to these characters who make it annoying.

1. The guy that counts money before leaving the ATM for others. As if if the money short, ATM go complete am for am?

2. The dude that knows he does not have a kobo in his account, but hopes for a miracle. After wasting everyone's' time,' insufficient balance' will chase him away!

3. The guy that multiplies the cue just to check his balance. You will be left wondering whether he does not

HORROR: Nigerian airforce pilot reportedly beheaded by Boko Haram

A new video is reported to have been released to AP by Boko Haram men showing the beheading of a man said to be a military pilot who co-piloted the missing Naval air force jet.

The video also shows burnt out plane parts with Nigerian military markings. Two pilots and an Alpha jet have been missing since Sept. 11. Below is the report from AP...

A new video allegedly shows Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau disputing claims of his death, and the beheading of a man who identifies himself as the pilot of a missing Nigerian Air Force jet. It shows burnt out plane parts with Nigerian military markings, the first indication that Nigeria's homegrown Islamic extremists have the capability to shoot down aircraft. The man beheaded with an axe identifies himself as a wing commander, saying he has not seen his second pilot since the jet was shot down.

TRAGIC: How Taiwo Oshadipe reportedly died

Details are still sketchy but according to what her twin sister reportedly told a journalist, Taiwo Oshadipe died in the early hours of today in her sleep. Her sister said Taiwo had fallen ill about three weeks ago and had been treated at a Lagos hospital. She was getting better and seemed okay when she went to sleep last night only for her not to wake up.

"She went to sleep last night in her usual bubbly self. This is unexplainable. We are still in shock"

Athlete who spent one year training for triathlon missed it because he overslept (PHOTO)

 

An athlete who spent a year training for a gruelling triathlon missed it - because he overslept.
Jody George spent months taking donations and keeping friends up to speed on his preparation for the Challenge Weymouth Triathlon.Mr George set his alarm for 3am, giving him plenty of time to drive to Weymouth Bay, Dorset, for the start.The heartbroken athlete said..

'I set the alarm on my phone for 3am. It went off but I hit snooze, as I normally do.
'The only trouble was I hadn't switched on the snooze facility for the new time. I went back to sleep, and the next thing was the alarm going off at five to six.'I held the phone in my hands and looked at the time for a while in disbelief. I knew instantly that was it. '
I was in total shock. I just went downstairs and made a cup of tea and said to my fiancee PJ, "that's that, I'm not racing today".'She was the one shouting and swearing, I was in shock for

Bishop Oyedepo To Build More Universities In Nigeria, Other African Countries

 

Bishop Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide is set to build more universities. The Bishop announced this recently while celebrating his 6oth birthday that two more universities belonging to Winners Chapel are currently under construction and will soon be ready for academic activities. He aslo said, they will be living the shores of Nigeria in the nearest future to build the 5^th, 6^th and 7^th universities in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa respectively.

It will be recalled that, Bishop Oyedepo presently owns Covenant University and Landmark University which is located in his hometown, Omu-Aran in Kwara State.