Five storey building gutted by fire in Lagos

UBA Plaza a five storey building on Bread Fruit Street, Lagos started burning around 5:00pm according to those present at the scene.

Eye witness present at the scene said the fire started shortly before 5:00 p.m., the fire started on the fourth floor and then moved to the fifth floor.

As of 08:20 p.m. on Saturday, firemen from the Lagos State Fire Service and other relevant agencies, were still battling the fire according to report gathered.

A senior official from the Lagos State Fire Service in charge of rescue operation, said the arrangements products inside the warehouses was too compact for water to get through which gave rise to the unsuccessful penetration of water into the core part where the fire started from.

The banking hall on the third floor might have not been affected, as well as many offices on the second floor.

In order to secure properties worth millions of naira to be looted by miscreants in the Breadfruit area police and officials of other security agencies quickly swung to action to protect these wares.

BREAKING - BOMB EXPLODES IN A CHURCH IN KADUNA

Explosion stricks a church in Kaduna.....Details comes shortly

UNITED STATE PREPARE FOR A SUPERSTORM A YEAR AFTER IRENE.

Hurricane Sandy taught to be the latest powerful storm hitting the state and with Saturday’s forecasts indicating the devastating potential of this storm which is likely to sweep along the Eastern Seaboard as early as Sunday evening, tens of millions of people began evacuation as state and local authorities increased the urgency of their warnings.

New York along with several other states have declared states of emergency and urged residents to take precautions. In Philadelphia, the mayor called for voluntary evacuations of low-lying areas as did New Jersey’s governor, Chris Christie.

From Plymouth, Me., to Cape Hatteras, N.C., people boarded up windows, stocked up on water, batteries and food and prepared to hunker down. Airlines have cancelled their flight plan due to this ongoing nature unrest.

In New York City, the mayor told residents to stay out of city parks starting on Sunday, and to stock up on basic supplies. All construction activities were also suspended.

“This is a large, unpredictable storm, so be prepared for possible outages,” The New York mayor said at a news conference Friday afternoon.

The latest computer models tracking the storm showed it likely to make landfall somewhere between Delmar, Del., and Long Island. But as Hurricane Sandy churned in the Atlantic, it began to spread out, casting tropical-force winds some 450 miles from the center of the storm, which was just north of the Bahamas as of 10 a.m, residence are advised to take precautions and stay in door.

“This predictions are suspect to change”, said the weather forecasters. Hurricane Sandy weakened overnight Friday into a tropical storm and then strengthened again to hurricane level, with sustained winds of over 75 miles per hour recorded by ocean buoys more than 100 miles from the storm’s center.

Experts said that even if the Hurricane decreased in strength, the storm would likely still be powerful because of the unusual convergence of several weather systems.

The full moon on Monday could also mean flooding, with tides with be at their peak.

In all, the hybrid storm is estimated to affect as many as 50 million people.

In many of the states in the storm’s path, there are still fresh memories of storm this summer which was accompanied with gale-force winds, tornadoes and lightning that left millions stranded without power for days.

Hurricane Irene in 2011 cost $15 billion in damage across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, according to federal officials and these is expected to cause more damage.

12,000 SOUTH AFRICAN SACKED MINERS REINSTATED

The world's largest platinum producer, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), has reinstate the 12,000 South African miners sacked for taking part in an unofficial strike.

This agreement was under the condition that the miners get back to work on Tuesday, the National Union of Mineworkers said.

This ever growing sector of South Africa's economy has been hit by huge setback following series of strikes which have cost millions of dollars been lost.

As reported in earlier posts, dozens of people have been killed following strike-related violence.

The miners were sacked three weeks ago are now expected to return to their posts and "that will mean the end of the strike".

Amplats said in a statement: "Employees who refuse to return to work on Tuesday... will remain dismissed and will be subjected to the illegal strike disciplinary action and will not be eligible for any of the benefits mentioned above."

The company said it was offering the miners a one-off hardship payment of $230 (£140) to facilitate their return while other mining companies are also agreeing to higher wage demands but in the long term more miners may lose their jobs due to the salary structure.

IRAQ SUFFERS ANOTHER ELD ATTACK

At least 16 people have been feared dead after fresh attack in Iraq on eld - mubarak, with many more left injured.

The children were the first targeted when a bomb near Bawiya neighbourhood playground of Baghdad killed several people, including at least three children.

The second exploded in a pilgrim bus which was suspected to be conveying Iranian.

Although, security measures have been put in place over the four-day holiday of Eid al-Adha but the state of insecurity in this state continues.

"Nobody expected this explosion because our neighbourhood has been living in peace, away from the violence hitting the rest of the capital,"Bassem Mohammed told the Associated Press news agency after the attack.

He added,"We feel sad for the children who thought that they would spend a happy time during Eid, but instead ended up getting killed or hurt," Although no group has been associated with the attack.

In Mosul a northern city of the country, gunmen burst into homes belonging to the Shabak minority families, leaving several people dead.

In the Shia neighbourhood of Tuz Khurmatu, north of Baghdad another bomb exploded leaving several people dead.

Violence in Iraq as since hit the height of insurgency in 2006 and 2007, most recently In August, more than 90 people were killed in a wave of attacks before  Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan

Berlusconi gets 4 years jail term

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has survived so many critics over the years was on Friday in Milan sentenced to a four years in prison for tax evasion.

Berlusconi who owns one of the country’s most successful club side AC Milan, is likely to appeal, but complained it is " an unacceptable political sentence" in an interview that aired on CNN affiliate TGCOM24.

He said "I was convinced that I would get acquitted of an accusation that is far from the truth,

 "This is a conviction I can easily define as political, incredible and even intolerable, I'm a victim of judicial harassment" He added.

His trial, which also involved executives from his Mediaset television group and the head of a Swiss bank, concerned the purchase of TV rights for films that were then resold within the group at inflated prices.

Prosecutors said, he was avoided of the major tax bill from filming 3000 American films.  If found guilty he may have to pay a fine of up to €10 million ($12.9 million).

Although he still has the right to appeal twice.

ONLY GOD CAN DETERMINE MY FUTURE – MEEK MILL TO RICKY ROSS

Question  linking with Rick Ross' MMG to meek mill were asked  but in no way is the Philadelphia rapper reliant on the Boss to make a way for him.

"Me, I don't rely on no man in the world. I don't think no man determines my future," Milly said on Wednesday's "RapFix Live" in response to a Joe Budden question about Ross' roll on the rookie MC's lifestyle.

Meek, who is a Boss according to his single is looking forward to the release his debut album, Dreams & Nightmares,

He further stated that Ross saw him as a good investment after witnessing the young rapper perform in front of 30000 people which was where he met the MMG CEO.

LIL WAYNE IS ALIVE AND STRONG AFTER SUFFERING FROM DEHYDRATION.

Lil Wayne is stronger after an in-flight medical scare forced the YMCMB rapper's plane to make an emergency landing in Texas.

 Weezy who is suspected to have suffered from seizure-like symptoms on a private jet. The place of landing was undisclosed but was taken to a local hospital and treated for several hours before being released around 6 p.m.

The rapper’s representative refuse to comment on the incidence.  The illness which was taught to be seizure has now been found out to be dehydration.

Weezy is currently working on his 10th solo album I Am Not a Human Being II, which is set for release in December. He recently spoke to MTV News about the album when he was in Las Vegas last week.

He is currently at home on doctor-mandated rest but will return to work soon. He appreciates all of his fans for their support, prayer and love."

EPL Round 9 : Wigan 2 – 1 West Ham

Wigan 2 – 1 West Ham

Wigan won their first game at home win this season with a beautiful passing display against a sloppy West Ham.  It was a fiercely contested battle resulting in seven yellow cards but the goals were also adequate to earn the Latics their first home win.

The Latics an early lead with a magnificent volley straight from Ivan Ramis delivered from  Jean Beausejour's corner.

James McArthur increased the lead with a 15-yard strike after Jussi Jaaskelainen's poor kick.

West Ham failed to trouble Ali Al-Habsi until James Tomkins headed which was a late consolation.

EPL Round 9 : Stoke 0 – 0 Sunderland

Stoke 0 – 0 Sunderland

Sunderland left the match with a feeling that they were denied a penalty in a goalless stalemate with fellow draw specialists Stoke. 

Stoke were the better side today but were lucky to escape when Robert Huth handled the September ‘s Player of the month Steven Fletcher's second-half shot at the Britannia.

Black Cats keeper Simon Mignolet produced great saves to deny Charlie Adam and Ryan Shawcross before the interval. Stoke Marc Wilson was taken to hospital after a challenge from Fletcher's.

EPL Round 9 : Reading 3 – 3 Fulham

Reading 3 – 3 Fulham

The last kick of the match from Hal Robson-Kanu ensured Reading and Fulham shear a point each.

The game had every bit of a memorable match.  

The first blood was drawn from a thunderous drive from Mikele Leigertwood gave the Royals a deserved half-time lead.

But Fulham fought back and took the lead with goals substitute Bryan Ruiz and Chris Baird before Garath McCleary got Reading back on level terms.

Dimitar Berbatov's continued his rich form with a low shot looked to have snatched the win for Fulham, but Robson-Kanu poked home at the death.

EPL Round 9 : Arsenal 1 – 0 QPR

Arsenal 1 – 0 QPR

Arsenal avoided another shocker as Mikel Arteta struck late to give the red Londoners their first win in 3 matches. 

The gunners have failed to score in their last two matches losing both of them. They came out strong against their fellow Londoners passing and creating chances at free will. 

The game got worse for the visitors when former Liverpool striker was shown a straight red for a challenge on Vermalean.

EPL - Aston Villa 1 - 1 Norwich

Aston Villa playing a 1 – 1 draw with Norwich  at villa park.

Norwich deservedly earn a point at Villa park through Michael Turner's header to denie 10-man Aston Villa victory in manager Paul Lambert's first meeting with his old club. Lambert’s side took a first-half lead through Christian Benteke's cool finish but the game took a new twist seven minutes after restart when Villa's Joe Bennett was sent off for a second booking.

     Villa's home troubles and after sustained pressure, Turner's header earned a deserved draw.

ADELE GIVES BIRTH TO A BABY BOY

Multiple reports out of the UK suggests that the multiply Grammy awards winner is the latest mother in town after she safely delivered a baby boy.

Adele and Simon [Konecki] said “they are ecstatic at their new arrival,” a source told the UK’s Sunday People.

The UK’s Daily Mail reported that the baby was born on Friday.

Although Adele’s repeatedly declined to comment on the reported birth, saying, “We are not releasing a statement at this time. No comment.”

The 24 years british singer, announced her pregnancy on her official website in late June.

“I’m delighted to announce that Simon and I are expecting our first child together,” she wrote in a post at the time.

She continued “please respect our privacy at this precious time”.

She first met boyfriend Simon Konecki, 38, a businessman tycoon who co-founded UK bottled water charity Life Water, in summer 2011 after which they have been spotted together in Florida as well as the most noticeable 2012 Grammy Award were she won six awards.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE WEDS JESSICA BIEL

Jessica biel and Justin Timberlake are currently the hottest and the most talked about couple in Hollywood as the “Senorita” singer said “yes I do” in a romantic evening in Southern Italy.

The duo have been in courtship for the past five years have been spotted together at different events such as basket ball matches, dinners and award night and so on.

The new couples told People,”It’s great to be married, the ceremony was beautiful and it was so special to be surrounded by our family and friends”.

They had their engagement last December.

I GOT WHAT I WANTED – TONTO DIKEY REPLIES CRITICS

Rivers State-born actress, Tonto Dikeh became the topic of discussion just few minutes after the release of her much anticipated singles.

Everything about the Ikwere actress started trending on the social media as fans expressed their grievance about the singles.

Singles, 'Itz Ova'; 'Poko' and 'Tonto Dikeh' flooded the social media world and the internet. After the harsh comments the young university graduate has got responded to her critics via her tweeter account "I wanted to do music that millions would listen to and I have achieved that”

She declared her intention to go into music in 2011. She later went to the studio with popular singer, Kas but the song collabo was to no avail. As for me I think she should focus more on acting where she is a commanding figure rather than making a muse of herself.

SPAIN DECIDES AS PRIME MINISTER GETS MIXED POLL RESULT

As polls reaches later stages Spain’s Prime Minister Rajoy gets mixed regional poll result suggests that nationalist parties have won regional elections in Spain's Basque Country, which is likely to fuel calls for independence.

The Nationalist Party came top in the poll, followed by the Euskal Herria Bildu coalition of left-wing separatists.

In Galicia's regional poll, PM Mariano Rajoy held to its absolute majority as the centre-right People's Party came up top.

These comes weeks before elections in Catalonia, where the nationalist party call for an independence referendum. The elections are seen as a key test of the government's austerity policy.

Landmark elections

The exit polls say the (BNV) is likely to win 24-27 seats in the regional parliament, while Bildu will have 23-26.

The opposition Socialist Party sits in the third place with up to 15 seats, followed by the Popular Party (PP) with 11.

The Basque elections have been described as a landmark by analysts.

Eta group are ineligible to vote as they were banned by the Spanish government nearly 10 years ago. This led to the left-wing Bildu establishment.

Bildu has publicly condemned the use of political thugs and violence.

In Galicia where Mr Rajoy's amalgamated from, his PP won between 39 and 42 seats in the 75-member regional assembly, the exit polls suggest. 20 seats goes to the socialists.

Spain has been experiencing economic meltdown since 2008 while unemployment rate rise to 25% nationally, and 21% in Galicia. 

BROOKFIELD SPA MASS SHOOTING

A US media report has it that a number of people are feared to have been shot at a spa in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Witnesses from the Azana spa said they saw a man with a gun shoot sporadically before a large number of police arrived.

Three people are feared to have been critically injured as they were rushed to the hospital while four others were treated with minor injuries.

The shooter is currently being searched for as Brookfield Square mall is in lockdown as Police and specialists takes center stage.

The shooting began around 4.15pm yesterday and all personnel from the SWAT team to FBI officials have quickly reacted.

A quick reaction Swat team and hostage negotiators are also on the scene - in addition to FBI personnel.

A local channel, WISN-TV, reported that the mall's parking lot is currently evacuated.

At least 20 fire fighters, ambulance and police vehicles are there in addition to a medical helicopter were on ground.

It was the second mass shooting in the city this year.

As reported in August, A US Army veteran Wade Michael Page and group killed six people as at a Sikh temple near Milwaukee.

In March 2005, when a gunman opened fire at a Living Church of God service held near a hotel.

Is Cossy Orjiakor now a porn star?.....

Images of cossy's new pictures suggests that nollywood actress might be leaning towards that direction following thiese shoching pictures

ONDO ELECTION - Mimiko gets second terms

The Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the Labour Party aspirant, incumbent gov Olusegun mimiko as the winner of the Saturday's gubernatorial election.

 The incumbent governor of the Labour Party polled a total of  260,199 votes his PDP’s counterpart, Olusola Oke polled a total of 155,961 valid vote while ACN’s candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu polled a total of 143,512 votes of the 18 local government.

Olusegun mimiko won in 15 local government while his ACN's counterpart Rotimi Akeredolu won in 2 local governments and Olusegun Oke won in just 1 local govenment.

The president of the country Goodluck Jonathan was the first to congratulate him and the speaker of the house of assembly as also full of praise for the ONDO man with a trademark short cap remainding him to steadfast to the course of serving the nation.

Microsoft Launches New Logo

The world’s largest software company launched a brand new logo on 23rd August in order to change their look that has existed for 25 years..

There was no huge difference from the former only that the later is simple and plan

The general manager of Microsoft’s brand strategy,Jeff Hansen ia statement said ”This is an incredibly exciting year for Microsoft as we prepare to release new versions of nearly all of our products. From Windows 8 to Windows Phone 8 to Xbox services to the next version of Office, you will see a common look and feel across these products providing a familiar and seamless experience on PCs, phones, tablets and TVs.”

Hansen adds: “This wave of new releases is not only a reimagining of our most popular products, but also represents a new era for Microsoft, so our logo should evolve to visually accentuate this new beginning.”

The new logo would be used in all the Company's shops, web pages and adverts from September.

It's fifth time Microsoft has changed its logo since the company was founded in 1975.

The logo was unveiled for the first time at three Microsoft retail stores in Boston, Seattle’s University Village and Bellevue,

What do you think about CBN rebranding of the Naira note '5000 note'?

The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria announced the introduction of the 5000 naira note into the system with the images of three prominent women activist on it. Where exactly do u think this is driving to...Is it to give the Naira a stronger power against the dollar?..... Or what exactly do think feel free to share your views and post your comments below

Multiple people shot dead in New York Empire State Building

A gunman at the Empire of State building has wounded several people at the early hours of today.

At least 2 people were killed while several others were left injured at an incident that happened at about 9am.

The state of the casualties still remains in doubt. The incident does not appear to be terror-related, police said.The tourist attraction centre is currently filled with security men to ensure peace is quickly restored.

One witness, Aliyah Imam, told TV station Fox 5 News that the gunman was "shooting indiscriminately at people".She said a young woman standing next to her fell to the ground after being shot.

Source: Bbc

Obama race into lead in Ohio but lag behinds in Florida and Winconsin polls shows

President Barack Obama is  currently leading in Ohio, but behind in Florida and Wisconsin, according to New York time polls.

Voters in all three states give favorable ratings to Ryan, but his Medicare plan is opposed by majorities of voters.  Obama is viewed as better at handling Medicare than Romney in all three states, the poll shows.

Here's how the new poll looks

• Ohio: Obama (50 %), compared to (Romney's 44 %).
• Florida: Obama has slipped from 51% to 41%, while Romney is now at 46 percent.
• Wisconsin: Obama has dropped to 49 percent from the 51 percent he had in an Aug. 8 poll, and Romney has inched up to 47 percent from 45 percent in the Aug. 8 poll.

"It seems like the pick of Paul Ryan has had some small beneficial effect for Mitt Romney," Peter Brown, the assistant director of the Quinnipiac poll, told CBS News' Bill Plante on "Face to Face". Referring specifically to Wisconsin, Brown added, "Obviously, it's had some home-team effect."

The latest poll showed that Ryan is unknown to about four in 10 likely voters in Florida and Ohio, and obviously most familiar to Wisconsin voters.

The poll was conducted via telephone August 15-21. The number of  voters interviewed in each state was 1,241 in Florida, 1,253 in Ohio and 1,190 in Wisconsin. The margin of error in each state is plus or minus four percentage points.

i phone 5 cable/charger revealed

A leak picture of the charger /cable of the new i phone 5 was posted on twitter 2days ago. The phone which is slated to be out on September 21st. The picture revealed that Apple the makers of i phone is switching from their traditional 30 mouth pin connector to a smaller one.

Do you know?....Arsenal FC

Do you know that about 20 players has left Arsenal Football Club in the last 7 years and they have collected 41 titles between the while their counterparts that remained in the Club has nothing to show.

Text Messages you should avoid sending

1. "I think we should see other people."

Statistics has found that 33% of adults had broken up with someone via text, e-mail or Facebook. 40% said they "would never" do it, indicating that 7% of the surveyed humans are soulless jerks who haven't but would hurtfully sever ties with a lover if only someone would respond to their advances.There are obviously several ways to go about it.Most text of these such only ends up in complete and distance break up.

2. "Will you marry me?"

A text proposal is not the best way to propose to someone you wish to spend your entire life with. It actually happened, people. And if that isn't innards-wrenchingly horrific enough, after it happened, Can we please consider marriage proposals one of the few remaining bastions of old-fashioned romance, free from the lackadaisical pall that technology has cast over everything?

3. "We're thinking about going to Shortstop later but Aiden is still napping & Mona was talking abt having ppl over for a cookout. IDK if I want to be out in the heat tho since I'm still hungo from Bosco's pirate party thing last night. Are you and Weeds still... [1 of 2]"

4. "...wandering around the park or did you want to do something later? Hit me up if you see this before 10. Gonna go pass out for a while. [2 of 2]"

Texting was supposed to save us time by letting us bypass the phone call and just instantly telegraph the important stuff. But we've grown so reliant upon it that we obliviously miss, Mr. Bean-like, the conversations that could happen expeditiously over the phone.

5. [a photo of your junk]

According to a Research Center study that is (according to the Times) due out later this year, 6% of American adults -- that's one in 17 upstanding citizens -- has sent a nude or nearly nude (but not"never-nude") photo on a cell phone. And 15% have received such a text. (Apparently these self-portraitists are prolific.)

4 Kidnapped OIl workers freed from Nigerian pirates

The workers who are staffs of Netherland based sea truck group were kidnapped earlier this month on August 4 but where released today although the company did not state if any ransom was paid. This nature of scene is now increasing at an alarming rate in the middle belt pert of Nigeria which is an Oil producing section mostly occupied by foreigners.  

World News- South African mourns victim of mine clash

Several people of South Africa took to the street to mourn victims of the clash between Police and and protesters at the Marikana Platinum mine.

Obama mocks republican

President Obama recently mocks republican senator Todd Akin after the Senator's  remark about a womans' body being able to reject pregnancy in what he calls a legitimate rape.The president said the senator must have missed some of his science classes back in school

NUPENG suspends Strike

The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers has suspended their proposed strike owing to on going dicussion between group and federal government. The union also claimed its action was not due to the Oil marketers probe .

Subsidy Probe- 4 more oil marketers to be probed

The minister of finance as well as her counter part from that of economics  has released the name of the 4 oil marketers in the on going subsidy probe. These marketers are Pinnacle Contractors, Sifax oil and Gas,Tonique Oil and Top Oil and Gas.

Chelsea hazardous to Reading

Chelsea survived a late scare to secure their second successive win in a row winning 4-2 at the bridge.Chelsea took the lead in the 15th minute when their most influncial player of the night was brought down in the  box for the 2nd successive game which Lampard stepped up and put it past the keeper soon Reading scored 2 goals in quick succession after petr cech fumbled a free kick to allow the second.
Chelsea came out stronger in the second half with hazard providing another assist for Cahill to score a 30 yard shot which the keeper should have done better than parry the ball into his own net.A couple of mins later Chelsea regained its lead with a good 1-2pass between Mata and Torres then to A. Cole who then passed to Torres to slot into an empty net although replay shows the striker was off side. In the final minute of the game Hazard provided his 5th assist in 2 matches after a good counter attack before he passed to Ivanovic to score in 2 successive matches.No thought that Hazard is a man to watch out for in the blues colour unarguablely the best play for tonight's match.