FAYOSE BOUNCES BACK,ERECTS MULTIMILLION NAIRA BUILDING IN BANANA ISLAND

[caption id="attachment_3660" align="alignleft" width="480" caption="Ayo-Fayose House on Banana Island"][/caption]

Ayo Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti State has reportedly joined the league of Nigerian billionaires who are erecting state of the art buildings in Banana Island, Ikoyi. According to report monitored on societynowng.com, the building is already nearing completion.It is a twin building and it has 12 block of flats. It is located on close C, off Nassarawa Street in Banana Island.

[caption id="attachment_3661" align="alignleft" width="256" caption="Fayose"][/caption]

Banana Island is regarded as the haven of billionaires in Nigeria. It is perhaps the most expensive place to own a property in Nigeria. The likes of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Mike Adenuga, Senator Florence Ita Giwa and others have property there.

People have started wondering why the Former governor who is standing trial for gross embezzlement of public funds running into billions of Naira, told the court the other day that he want his case transferred to Ekiti because he does not have  enough fund to pay transport, hotel bills while coming for trial in Lagos. Fayose was charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

At the moment, Fayose is seeking elections as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the platform of the Labour party.

Societynowng

additional report by Gistmaster

THE AMAZING STORY OF US BASED NIGERIAN STAR, NGO OKAFOR:THE MODEL, BOXER AND ACTOR

[caption id="attachment_3645" align="alignleft" width="349" caption="Ngo Okafor"][/caption]

By Niyi Tabiti

Ngo Okafor has his eyes on the top. With fame and fortune rolling his way, the  University of Connecticut,USA graduate of Computer Science is fashionable just as he is humble, connecting his world with a win win attitude.

If you think that his look is enough sense of appeal, then wait till you listen to the United States of America based Nigerian star.He is got a vision well mapped out and he is ready to join in making the Nigerian entertainment industry grow bigger.

He told Gistmaster.com in a telephone interview from USA that he is ready to contribute his quota to the Nigerian entertainment industry if given the chance.He also has a vision to build a boxing gym so that young talent can also be discovered in that area.

[caption id="attachment_3648" align="alignleft" width="320" caption="Ngo Okafor, the model"][/caption]

According to him, one of his most excited moment in life was when he won the Golden Gloves title, the highest distinction in amateur boxing  in the US.

He would like to build a boxing gym in Nigeria where talents can be discovered too.

Ngo told gistmaster.com that he is ready to work with the movie industry in Nigeria.

On his assessment of Nollywood so far, Ngo disclosed that the stories are good. That is why people from other African countries are watching Nigerian movies but the production standard needs to be upgraded so that the movies can also be released in other parts of the world

Ngo told Gistmaster.com "They have so much potential in the Nigerian movie industry. The only problem is that they don't crossover to the point that the actors and producers can make good money from blockbusters. You know when you make real money, and then we can make the industry bigger"

" Look at the Indian movie, the Slumdog millionaire- the movie won so many awards and they rake in millions of Dollars.We have better stories than that in Nigeria but we need good production quality so that the film can measure up to world standard" He said.

[caption id="attachment_3649" align="alignleft" width="360" caption="Ngo Okafor"][/caption]

Ngo has made a mark in his acting career. His television work has included appearances on All My Children, One Life to Live, Six Degrees and Kings. He also featured alongside award winning actress, Catherine Zeta-Jones On the Rebound. The new work is set for DVD this fall.

Unlike some Nigerians who are completely lost abroad, Ngo still carries his traditional identity. He speaks the Ibo language with pride. Despite staying in the US for long, he still pride himself as a real African.

As a model, Ngo made a name for himself, posing alongside superstars like Gisele Bundchen and queen of hip hop, Mary J Blige. He has also appeared in top selling magazines such as Vogue,ESPN,Wall Street Journal magazine (where he was celebrated alongside five other Olympians. Recently, Ngo was named  the face of sportwear Under Armour and he is currently considered the most downloaded African-American model on the internet.

Ngo told Gistmaster.com that he is still single because he has not been thinking of marriage. When asked on his kind of woman, he told us that he would like a woman with the true quality of African woman. She must flesh here and there but not too much. Aside his interest in taking part in Nigerian movies, he also believe that at the right time he can feature for top Nigerian designers. He believe s so much in creativity and getting the right result.

NGO's limited edition "Best Of" calendar was recently unveiled on hit talk show "Mo'Nique" (BET channel) in which he will send all proceeds from the calendar to Nigerian children

Interview:Niyi Tabiti

email: niyi@gistmaster.com

Photos:Ngo Okafor

EFCC ARREST US BIG BOY OVER NIGERIAN EMBASSY FRAUD

[caption id="attachment_3637" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="EFCC boss,Mrs. Farida Waziri"][/caption]

By Gistmaster.com

A US based Nigerian lawyer accused of pocketing about $1.6 million meant as tax refund to the Nigerian embassy in Washington DC has been arrested. Mr. Femi Babafemi the spokesman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission told newsmen today that the lawyer, Ephraim Ugwuonye is facing charges over his role in the deal.

Gistmaster.com gathered that the US based big boy was arrested on Saturday 12 February 2011 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, about one year after the EFCC has been on his trail.

Ugwuonye allegedly defrauded the embassy to the tune of $1.6 million Dollars ,being the amount the IRS refunded to the Nigerians embassy after properties worth $26 million was sold. Ugwuonye was in charge of the four properties when it was sold.

GUNMEN INVADE UNILAG, TWO PERSONS SHOT

By Gistmaster.com

The long peaceful atmosphere on the University of Lagos, Akoka campus was shattered yesterday as gunmen suspected to be cultists engaged themselves in a fracas. People were shot while others were injured. gistmaster.com gathered that some people were shot near one of the hostels.While news filtered that not less than two persons were shot, the school authorities said the two persons were only injured.No mention was made of the degree of injury.

UNILAG authorities confirmed the development in a statement which was posted on the website.

According to the statement "The attention of the University authorities has been drawn to the incident which occurred in one of the Halls of Resident in the late hours of Monday, February 14, 2011, where two persons were reportedly injured in a fracas.

The University Management has commenced investigation into the unusual incident, in particular at a time when preparations for the First Semester Examinations which will commence on February 21, 2011, are in top gear.

Security has been intensified to ensure safety of life and properties on campus. Law Enforcement agents have been involved to assist the University in this respect.

Staff and students are hereby advised to go about their programmes without any fear of molestation. Management urges members of the University Community to be vigilant and those with useful information to make them available on the helpline 01743778"

NEWS REVIEW TODAY

By Gistmaster.com

Billionaires in Nigeria including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, Otunba Mike Adenuga, Tony Elumelu,Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, Dahiru Manga, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Femi Otedola and Kola Salako have been appointed into the donor team of President Goodluck Jonathan Election bid. The money bags are expected to lead the pack of Billionaires and millionaires who will raise money for the execution of national and international campaign for Mr. Goodluck Jonathan in the forthcoming election.

It would be recalled that most of these businessmen have been in the forefront of donations for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since inceptions of the fourth republic in 1999.

Meanwhile, Bahorun Dele Momodu the presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party have asked the billionaires to stay off the presidential campaign of Jonathan, insisting that using their resources to support the candidature of President Jonathan's  campaign is not in public interest.

EIGHT PEOPLE KILLED IN JOS MAYHEM

Not less than eight persons were killed yesterday at the Abuja Market in Jos yesterday.

Jos, the Pleateau state capital, which has become a regular theater of massacre. inter-religious crises in the state have rendered several persons dead in the past. According to eye witness account, the crises started after a policeman was stabbed to death by a meat seller in the market. By the time dust settled, not less than eight persons have been killed while several others were injured.

MUCH ADO ABOUT YOMI FOLAWIYO's SECOND WIFE

[caption id="attachment_3611" align="alignleft" width="320" caption="Yomi Folawiyo spraying King Sunny Ade at Polo Club Gala Night.Photo:Niyi Tabiti"][/caption]

By Niyi Tabiti

Those who know Yomi Folawiyo in the Island social circuit will tell you that the guy like to enjoy himself as if there is no tomorrow. In 2008, those who were at the Polo Club Gala night where King Sunny Ade performed will not forget in a hurry, how Yomi Folawiyo climbed the stage and held king Sunny Ade literally hostage with wades of currency as he sprayed away. He sprayed the Juju musician to a point that we lost count.

Gistmaster.com gathered that the latest news about the socialite is that most of his friends are wondering why he had to take a second wife at this stage. The girl at the centre of the controversy is Bimbo Kashamu. Report indicate that Bimbo was married Ayo Shamak before she moved out of her home to marry Yomi.One of the reasons why Yomi's friends were against Bimbo is the way she abandoned her husband who is working in Abuja to follow Yomi, Younger brother of billionaire businessman, Tunde Folawiyo.

Yomi's  first wife, Ronke is not happy about the whole development. Sources disclosed that she went abroad due to some domestic reasons.

MONALISA CHINDA TALK ABOUT EX-HUSBAND'S WEDDING TO NEW WIFE "THE WHOLE STORY IS JUST LAUGHABLE...I WISH THEM WELL"

[caption id="attachment_3606" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="monalisa chinda"][/caption]

For Nollywood actress and Glo ambassador, Monalisa Chinda life goes on but not without a word or two for  her ex-husband,Dejo Richards who recently  got married to another woman.

In her reaction to the way her ex-husband showered encomium on the new wife, Monalisa says " The whole story is laughable, I am happy for the new couple in town.

In response to another question on what she felt the day she got information and BB pings on the wedding of her ex, she smiled and told the reporter "I didn't feel any how,honestly, I am happy for him,I don't feel anyhow,good luck to them.

The crack in Monalisa Chinda and Dejo Richards became obvious in 2009 shortly Monalisa was paid millions of Naira by Telecmmunication company, Globacom. She was endorsed among other  Nollywood stars endorsed as glo Ambassadors.

There was accusation and counter accusations from both parties over greed. While Monalisa disclosed that her husband relied so much on her income and also was on the habit of beating her, Dejo Richards alleged that his wife was 'money drunk'. According to him, Monalisa is misbehaving because of the money she collected from Glo. He also said some producers and single actresses in Nollywood are bad influence on his wife.


-Story: Jombo Uche

Additional report: gistmaster.com