Jerry Douglas' Blog

Super star, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun popularly known as Wizkid is definitely not taking things slow or looking back. Wizkid who has been in the UK sure started the year on a good note from acquiring a new house to hanging out with famous artiste, Tinie Temaph in London. He showed his love for Rolex wrist watches and posted on his Instagram two pairs of wrist-watches he just got said to be worth millions of naira. The popstar has promised to give his fans a new thing by releasing a mixtape in April. He also confirmed that the video for his Azonto track would be released in some weeks away. See photo below  

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set new deposit limits for all categories of account holders and has introduced three-tier “Know Your Customer” (KYC) requirements for banks. The policy pegs a maximum single deposit amount of N20,000 and maximum cumulative balance of N200,000 at any point in time on the Low Value Account. It also places a maximum single deposit of N50,000 and a maximum cumulative balance of N400,000 on the Medium Value Account. However for the High Value Account, no limit is placed on cumulative balance. The policy also categorized bank customers into Low Value Accounts (level one); Medium Value Accounts (level two) and High Value Accounts (level three). In a circular to all banks and other financial institutions the Apex Bank explained that the policy became exigent after the CBN recognized that access to basic banking facilities and other financial services is necessary in achieving the policy on financial inclusion.

Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, is not likely to start when the Eagles confront the Chipolopolo of Zambia in their second match of the African Cup of Nations, AFCON 2013. An official of the team disclosed at the Eagles base in Nelspruit that Kenneth Omeruo is likely to be paired with Godffrey Oboabona in the central defense. The decision of the Eagles technical team to bench the team captain may not be unassociated with his woeful performance in Nigeria’s first match against Burkina Faso. The match is expected to kick off at 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

A couple of week ago, An unconfirmed report informed that Wizkid moved to his own crib in Lekki. This move however didn’t go down well with Wizzy’s mum who felt it wasn’t time for him to leave the EME mansion. The pair had an argument concerning his new home and leaving his the EME label according to the unconfirmed report. Earlier this week, Banky W however shut down these reports as being rumours. In his recent interview, he said that Wizkid is still very much part of EME and that he only has international management and recording contracts with Tinie Tempah’s Disturbing London outfit and Konvict Records respectively

Former vice president of the World Bank, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili has alleged that the Umaru Yar’Adua and President Goodluck Jonathan administrations squandered the $45bn that was left in the foreign reserves account and the $22bn left in the Excess Crude Account by the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. She called on the concerned administrators to explain to Nigerians how the said money was squandered.. Oby Ezekwesili, who was also the Minister of Solid Minerals and Education under Obasanjo administration, disclosed this during a lecture. Presented a speech at the convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, she decried: "Nigerians do not have dignity because of the ravaging poverty caused by poor choices of the privileged, corruption, and lack of investment in education." She added that Nigeria has enjoyed several years of oil boom and has failed to use the income to get renewable assets through training of human capital, improvemen

Super Eagles defender Godfrey Oboabona has declared that Zambia won’t be lucky on Friday as Burkina Faso were against them. Oboabona told MTNFootball.com that he was disappointed Nigeria let in an equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game, but promised the defence will be a lot tighter against champions Zambia. “Burkina Faso were lucky to get the draw, they never expected it. Zambia won’t be lucky against us because we blew away many chances against Burkina Faso. I am sure this won’t happen against Zambia,” said the Sunshine Stars skipper. “We are set to raise our game. We won’t lose focus, and we will correct our mistakes in the next game.” Oboabona told MTNFootball.com he is not under pressure even though his slip allowed substitute Alain Traore to fire home a stoppage time equaliser on Monday night

Civilisation certainly remains in quirky progress in Nigeria. This reality is again dramatised recently with the shocking discovery of about 30 male corpses floating on Ezu River in the border between Enugu and Anambra states of south-eastern Nigeria. The Nigeria Police, with its customary pretensions of efficiency, has moved in and quickly scaled down the figure of the gory find to "only 18". The fact that there is no information on the identity of  the corpses  - and on how they came to be dumped in the river -  adds to the dismaying situation. That it is occurring at this time of the current security challenges facing the country should galvanise the authorities to move quickly to solve the riddle, because it has increased the general apprehension over the rising cases of ritual killings and kidnapping, particularly in the eastern part of the country. As it were, the puzzling discovery of these decomposing corpses by fishermen in the part of the river at Amansea, i

Watch the trailer of action movie ‘30 Days‘ which features Genevieve Nnaji as the lead actress. Other actors in the movie include Joke Silva, Segun Arinze. It was directed by Mildred Okwo. Watch trailer below

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved a new date for the 2011/2012 convocation of the University of Lagos. The President had allegedly frustrated the institution’s bid to confer various degrees and diploma certificates on its graduating students last week due to the institution’s alumni association’s rejection of the renaming of the university after late politician, Chief Moshood Abiola last year by the Federal Government. Jonathan’s refusal to confirm the date of the convocation, it was learnt, compelled the university authorities to hurriedly postpone the convocation initially scheduled for between January 17 and 19, 2013, indefinitely. But following pressure from stakeholders, the President had approved new dates that would run from February 7 to 9 for the convocation. A top source at the Federal Ministry of Education, who denied that the President was responsible for the postponement, however, confirmed that the President had, in a letter to UNILAG through the Minist

Men struggle with fashion. That’s a plain fact you can prove for yourself just by going to a sports bar. But with some simple guidelines we can all dress better and maybe attract a few more women in the process. I’m not talking about something like 12 mistakes men make when dressing. When women write these things they get caught up in the minutiae that women may understand, but complaints like “too many fabrics” and “length of t-shirt” are a little fine for many of us to really absorb (unless you’re wearing a belly-t-shirt, dude — that’s just wrong). No, when an average kind of guy writes a piece like this it turns out more like Asylum’s Top 8 Men’s Fashion Mistakes to Avoid, by Brad Adam, who for the most part nails it: Worrying too much about what your buddies will think.  This is usually an excuse for dressing down rather than dressing up. Just worry about looking good and let your buddies catch up, which they’ll do sometime around the third girl who flirts with you. Not

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has said his government will no longer look back in its investment in hotels, tourism and commerce. The governor said this on Tuesday at the inauguration of a shopping mall at the site of the abandoned Ikenga Hotel Royale, Awka, which is the only remaining government monument after several others were burnt down in 2004 during the political crisis in the state. Obi also laid the foundation of the Lake Hotel and Convention Centre within the capital city. While inspecting the project site, he said the shopping mall was in response to the yearnings of the people for a befitting shopping arena in the state capital. At the Agulu site of the Lake Hotel and Convention Centre, the governor said the project was in response to calls since the time of Chief Jim Nwobodo as the state governor for the development of the tourist potential of the lake. “Many big organisations wanted to hold their annual general meetings in Awka capital territory but we

Chelsea forward, Victor Moses has declared that he wants to pick the three points against Zambia in their second Africa Cup of Nations game and dedicate to his son, Brentley. Moses missed the first game against Burkina Faso due to an injury he sustained in their training camp in Faro, Portugal. The forward says he is ready to take on Zambia and wants to contribute his quota to a resounding victory against the defending champions. "I am  now fully fit for the game against Zambia and will like to score a goal for my three months old son, Brentley.  “I have been in touch with the mother and my little boy and I feel I should do him a world of good by picking three points from Zambia and eventually winning a trophy from Africa for my little boy. "Apart from scoring in the Zambian game, I would also love to win the trophy in my first Africa Cup of Nations participation. "We have a good team and every player is ready to play their part so we can realise our ambition of

Manchester United have agreed a fee with Crystal Palace to sign Wilfried Zaha. Zaha, who is undergoing a medical today, will be loaned straight back to the Championship club for the rest of the current season, before moving to Old Trafford in July. The winger has agreed personal terms and the deal is expected to be concluded next week. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We are signing a player of potential. We always feel we develop players well. We have proved that many times. We hope the boy enjoys coming here, when he comes in the summer." Zaha said: "I am delighted to be joining Manchester United and ending the recent speculation. "I would like to thank the owners at Palace for making the move possible, however my focus for the next five months will be solely at Crystal Palace. "I have been at Palace for more than 10 years, I will always love the club and I want to help get them get back to the Premier League, particularly for the fans w

Three words that come to mind when I asked Zambia coach Herve Renard to describe himself during Thursday’s press conference at the Protea Hotel, Nelspruit ahead of his team’s crucial clash against Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations: “I am tall, I am French, I am a coach.” One thing that the Frenchman neglected to say is that he is the present African champion. Confidence a bit shaky going into Friday’s game following their opening draw against ten-man Ethiopia, Renard was quick to accept the blame for his side’s poor performance against the east Africans when they had the numerical advantage. That is the fillip they need to confront the Super Eagles and give them a great challenge for the right to potentially top Group C. Zambia and Nigeria have had testy duels in recent times. The Super Eagles defeated them in the final of the 1994 Afcon in Tunisia soon after they lost almost an entire generation of players in a plane crash off the coast of Gabon. Renard was in charge

With the clubs tied at 2-2 following the opening match at the Nou Camp, Pedro gave Barca a ninth-minute lead only for Joaquin to level matters four minutes later. Gerard Pique then restored the Catalan side's advantage four minutes into the second half, but the home side again fought back with a goal from Roque Santa Cruz after 68 minutes. However, late strikes from Andres Iniesta (76) and Lionel Messi (80) finally put the tie to bed with a 4-2 scoreline on the night. In Thursday night's other quarter-final, a 1-1 draw with Real Betis was enough to send Atletico Madrid through 3-1 on aggregate. Looking to defend a 2-0 first-leg advantage, Atletico extended that with a goal on the stroke of half-time from Diego Costa. Betis were never in the match and a last-minute penalty from Jorge Molina was little more than a consolation for the hosts.

Kanye West just showered his baby mama, Kim Kardashian with over $100,000 worth of Cartier bracelets. The brunette beauty was so excited about her recent gift that she posted a photo on her Instagram with the caption, “the Don strikes again! #SoLucky!!!” First up is the famous Love bracelet in yellow gold with pave diamonds throughout. The bangle set West back a whopping $37,700 but that didn’t slow down his shopping spree one bit. Kardashian also received a yellow gold Panthere bracelet complete with onyx and emeralds for a staggering $29,000 – and that’s the price of the bracelet without diamonds. Finally, West surprised Kardashian, 32, with a stunning oversized Juste un Clou bracelet – the brand’s latest design masterpiece that retails for $36,000. See photo below

Actress, Folashade Omoniyi Adewale, popularly known as Lepa Shandy, has been delivered of a baby girl. The child, as a source disclosed, was given birth to some days and the parents are greatly joyed at the bundle of joy that came into their family. Lepa Shandy and her hubby, Adedayo David Adewale, who is an indigene of Ogun State, already have a son together. We learnt that the mother and child are in good condition.

After Theo Walcott's long running campaign to be played as a frontman in Wenger's line-up ended successfully, the suspicion was that Podolski was next in line to put pressure on the Arsenal boss to play him in a more direct role. But the Germany international, who won rave reviews for his display in Wednesday night's 5-1 rout over West Ham from the left side of midfield, claims he is content to play as a makeshift winger, even though he admits the role reduces his scoring chances. "I think I can shoot more and get more goals when I play No. 10 or as a striker, but with the style of the game at Arsenal I do it well on the left side and I am happy to play there," Podolski told the Arsenal website. "I've scored seven goals now and have nine assists. It's an okay start for me. I have played on the left for Koln sometimes and the national team, so this is not something special. "What is more important is that we are in the Champions League

Both sides have a point from similar 1-1 draws and according to Herve Renard, Chipolopolo coach “We left ourselves short after the first game and we now have to do it the hard way. The Frenchman went on to say “I told the players we did not perform as we are capable of and against Nigeria we cannot afford to do the same “ The reigning champions may even consider themselves fortunate to come away with a point after Saladin Said had his spot kick saved by Kennedy Mweene. Zambia seemed to have been thrown off course by the resilient display and fight by ten men Ethiopia who fought back to equalize through captain Adane Girma. The defending champions and their Friday opponents, The Super Eagles were touted as two teams fancied to go through to the next round but the “minnows” Ethiopia and Burkina Faso did not read the script. After the game, coach Renard congratulated Ethiopia and acknowledged the deserved their point. Since that match Renard banned his team from looking back at

Rapper, Eva Alordiah continues to show her flexibility is not confined to the studio; she’s running things in front of the camera too. She recently teamed up with photographer, Obi Somto and a mannequin to pull off some curvy looks for her soon to be released track, Mannequin.

The Rastafarian community in Jamaica are waging war against American rapper turned reggae artiste Snoop Lion. Ethio-Africa Diaspora Union Millennium Council a.k.a. Rastafari Millennium Council filed a 7-paged demand letter to Snoop Lion. The rastafarians claim that Snoop Lion had lied about becoming a Rasta just to make a movie and sell records. In the document, they claim to have made it clear to Snoop that ‘smoking weed and loving Bob Marley and reggae music is not what defines the Rastafari Indigenous Culture’.  They want Snoop to stop using the name ‘Lion’, pay up the ‘financial and moral support’ they claim he committed, and issue a public apology. Amongst the rastafarians is Bunny Wailer, an original member of Bob Marley and the Wailers, who says ‘Snoop is engaged in an outright use of Rastafari Community’s personalities and symbolism and has failed to meet contractual, moral and verbal commitments’ The artiste formerly known as Snoop Dogg is yet to respond to the

Andre Agassi was shocked and saddened by disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong's confession to using performance-enhancing drugs and the eight-times grand slam champion said tighter, more frequent dope testing procedures in tennis would be good for the sport. The American, who co-founded a philanthropic organisation with Armstrong and other athletes like Muhammad Ali, women's World Cup winner Mia Hamm and NBA champion Alonzo Mourning, said he had been convinced of Armstrong's innocence. "Well, my reaction to it is the same as everybody. It was shock, hard to stomach, sadness, disappointment. I think 'anger' is a fair word," Agassi told reporters at Melbourne Park on Friday. "I was certainly one of those that flat out believed him that long period of time. The thought of it not being the case was unconscionable to me." Armstrong, 41, admitted in an interview with Oprah Winfrey last week that he used performance-enhancing drugs and lied a

Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to name agents of Boko Haram in his government and possibly prosecute them. This was even as General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) had condemned the Jonathan administration for failing to secure lives and property in the country. National Publicity Secretary of the CPC, Engr. Rotimi Fashakin, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja accused Okupe of deploying bullish tactics to shut up critics as well as opposition in the country in his response to the former Head of State’s comments. “Does it not speak eloquently on the mind-set of the President that he encourages his aides to lambast a former Nigerian leader and respected statesman for volunteering his concern on the general insecurity in the Nation state? “Is it not a matter of grave concern that when a respected monarch, with all the retinue of security staff, could be so gruesomely attacked on the street, what hope is there for the ordinary

In order to reduce maternal mortality rate, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Kwali area council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Dr. Okeke Kanayo, has built a healthcare centre in Fula community of the council. The health centre, valued at N3.9 million has five rooms including a consulting room, waiting room, nurses’ station, dispensary room, emergency and recovery room. Speaking at the commissioning of the project on Wednesday, Kanayo said he embarked on the project as a way of helping to reduce incidents of maternal mortality in the council. According to him, health centre would bring some respite to people of the community who often had to embark on a long journey before having access to health care facilities. The Chairman of the council, Mr. Joseph Shazin Kwali, who was represented by the supervisory councillor for Works and Housing, Mr Danjuma Dauda, commissioned the project. He assured the community that the project would be sustai