NAIJAFEED

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Nollywood stars murdered

Two Edo State Nollywood stars were shot dead this Tuesday in Benin by gunmen suspected to be hired killers. Mr Erhauyi Ogbeide a.k.a Ukeke and Eghosa Idehen a.k.a Erejiro were killed at the home of Ukeke's father-in-law located at 39, Ore-Oghene Street in Benin at about 8pm.

They were said to be coming from a location in a community (Iguomo) where they had gone to shoot a film soon to be released.

The killers, who may have been on their trail, arrived at the house about an hour after they got there. The five killers were said to have made straight for the sitting room where the actors and their host were meeting.

They shot Ukeke twice at close range while Erejiro who had escaped into a bathroom was also shot at close range where he hid.

Ukeke and Erejiro's host simply referred to as Chief Olaye, was also shot by the bandits at the mouth before making away with handsets of the victims in a Toyota Camry car they had parked outside. Chief Olaye is now receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Benin.

The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command ASP Peter Ogboi who confirmed the incident said the state commissioner of Police had directed the Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case.

Daily Trust

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Nigeria's religious wars examined

A cross examination from different media sources gathered by Newsy investigates the motives behind the recent massacre in Jos, Nigeria.

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Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Nwankwo Kanu to release biopic and book after World Cup

Africa 's most decorated football player, Nwankwo Kanu has joined the ranks of global figures whose compelling stories_have been immortalized on the silver screen (i.e. Pele, Muhammed Ali,_Maradona and Mike Tyson). But Kanu takes it a notch further as his feature_is to be released simultaneously with his biography, after the World Cup_in South Africa. Kanu considers this movie and book to be his heartfelt gift to Nigeria on her fiftieth anniversary, to Africa and indeed the world.

Titled Lion Heart: The Kanu Story, the movie is a documentary feature,_directed by BBC London-trained Nigerian director, Bayo Awolaja, and_produced by Neil Oyenekan (Dragons Den Nigeria, Taking Sides, 2002, UK ).

The Executive Producers include Kanu Nwankwo, Lighthouse, IBST Media, Worldwide Management Ltd. and Connect Marketing. The movie is currently being filmed in Nigeria, London, Amsterdam, the USA, South Africa and_India, and has a plot that chronicles Kanu's inspiring rags to riches_story from a unique perspective that delves into his journey into the world of soccer from his humble beginnings in Owerri, to his struggle with a near fatal heart condition at the peak of his football career, to his heart surgery in Cleveland, Ohio, and back to his tribulations and triumph at Arsenal, Ajax, Portsmouth etc.

In addition to his exploits on the football pitch, the movie also unveils one of the most recognisable UNICEF ambassadors as a mentor, businessman, husband, and friend. According to the Lighthouse Productions CCO, " this film isn't just about Kanu the footballer, we intend to reveal the Kanu story through interviews with all the world renowned players, coaches, administrators, including his wife, his child-hood friends, his doctors and those people that played very important roles in his life.

"It's going to be a three dimensional documentation of Kanu's story according to Kanu, his fans, and his critics too - it's definitely going to be compelling and well-balanced because we intend to highlight the challenges he's encountered and how he overcame_them, in order to inspire many young Africans with his exceptional story of hope, determination and success"

Explaining the plot a step further, the film director, who used to work with BBC Wales, added that "it's not just about Kanu and his story, but Lion Heart: The Kanu Story is a film with a strong message that will greatly touch audiences across the globe, because despite the fact that his role as a great sportsman is emphasised, yet the salient themes in the movie revolve around determination, overcoming tribulations, triumphing over life-threatening obstacles and circumstances to soar to heights of iconic greatness."

Kanu expressed his excitement when he spoke about the project, saying: "I'm a very private person, but it has been a very interesting experience to watch my colleagues, team mates, coaches, doctors, fans, friends and family telling my story in a very passionate manner. This movie humbles me - I can see the aspects of my life that the world identifies with, and it's not easy to open up your life to the world, but then it is very noble to do so in order to inspire those who wish to do the things you have done - at least so that they can see how you did it."

But why do we have to wait until after the World Cup to see this movie? And to this Kanu replied: "The producers have been working tirelessly for a very long time now, but I believe this World Cup should be part of the film. Whether I play or not, I definitely want the experience to be part of the film "

Lion Heart: The Kanu Story is scheduled for a global premiere in_September, but so far the film parades an excellent cast of renowned footballers from some of the teams Kanu has played for, alongside coaches, and revered FIFA officials, all passionately telling the story of a true African icon in more than four languages.

An official movie trailer, posters, and snippets from the projects will be leaked to the media soon. Also, an interactive website is also in the works, and fans can participate in fun trivia for a chance to win a front-row seat at the London premiere of the movie.

This Day

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Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Naija Child Abuse explained

Having lived most of his childhood on the gritty streets of Ikeja, Lagos and spent some of his adulthood in The States. The gentleman in the video up top has come to the conclusion that himself and the majority of people who grew up in Nigeria were abused as children.

Hitler defends Nigeria

Prank call to Nigerian televangelist

Animated short 'Planes Immigrations Nigerians'

Acting President sacks National Security Adviser over Jos crisis

The Jos crisis which led to the death of about 400 people on Sunday, has led to the sacking of the National Security Adviser, Sarki Mukhtar, by the Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

To replace him is Aliyu Gusau, a one time National Security Adviser to former President, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Meantime, about 400 corpses of the victims of Sunday's massacre were, yesterday, given a mass burial at Dogon Na Hauwa village in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State amid tears and wailings.

This emerged as, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, said there was no alternative to dialogue in resolution of conflicts. He spoke at a peace conference on the recurring crisis in Jos.

Vanguard

Video - Residents worry about their future in Jos, Nigeria

Resurgence of religious riots in Nigeria

Video - Tension in Borno over Al-Jazeera Boko Haram video