Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Uche jumbo in holding hope
Uche jumbo in holding hope
holding hope is a must watch for every family, it is a true life story, Holding hope is about life, is about a mothers wish for her son to become a better man, it about cancer it also about the fact that we can not change the unchangable. it is an educative story. Uche Junbo says "i lost weight because holding hope was shot over time we went to new york and other places to shot the move".
Omotola and husband
Omotola and husband
Omotola looked better at the Ije premier, i am bothered about her husbands face..................... His face looked bleched or may be a skin problem, this picture is not my favorite.
Joeseph Benjamin:The next big thing
Joeseph Benjamin:The next big thing
Nigerian Denzel Washinton as he is popularly called was recently spotted at the y! magazine launch looking dazling as usuall.the ace actor,compere and voice over artiste is growing higher as he is sought after by a lot producers.
Senator Ita Giwa's Canival
Senator Ita Giwa's Canival
Senator Ita Giwa's led seagull canival band staged a grand performance in the customed dance of efik kingdom at the grand ball room, eko hotel and suite V/I on sunday August 15th 2010. Pictures of Patience Ozokwa and friends
Check out those shoes
Check out those shoes
To Beyonce - must this chic always be on? yes the shoes are rocking, but for were she is walking, it seems a bit "extra" when a nice pair of flat will do with all the cobble stones on either sides of her on that narrow part way. those shoe aint ment for lesure stroll but that just my own opinion.
Djinee bags channel O nominations
our home boy, the very talented singer, Djinee got four channel O music video award nomination, the highest this year kudos Djinee. the award is said to rake place on thurday 4th November at the sandon convention center.
Miss Universe Winner
Miss Universe
Twenty-two years old miss mexico Jimena Navarrele is the 2010 miss universe winner. miss mexico/ unnivers 2010. while asking her the winning question which was: what effect is on supervised internet use having on todays use? through am interpreter, she says " the internet is an undespensable nessacceary tool and we have to make sure kids are using it according to family values.
Entertainment industry -11years after
Entertainment industry -11years after
Since the enthronement of democracy, some state governments like Bayelsa, have taken it upon themselves to sponsor entertainment. The state government has been sponsoring the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) since 2007. Some other state governments like Ogun, also formed a musical band which feature at functions organised by the state.
The comedy sub-sector which, to some people, has become an "all-comers affair," aside enjoying patronage from government officials and humour merchants, has been able to create a niche for itself by cracking jokes that expose wrongs in the society. With forums like the Night of A Thousand Laughters, Laff for Christ's Sake and other events put up by comedians, people get to ease off tension and stress as they laugh to jokes.
One of Nigeria's pioneers of the comedy industry, Ali Baba, told Daily Independent that democracy is a fertile ground for freedom of expression, and so, comedians are able to survive without being intimidated by leaders
"Comedy is a product of society. Lots of materials used by comics are spin-off on society, but the biggest boost to the industry was given by Obasanjo and some governors who appreciate the value of comedy as a service and, for its entertainment value," he noted.
Despite the developments which the industry has recorded since the enthronement of democracy, one problem which, however, seems to have defied solutions is piracy. Piracy which has refused to be tamed, was described by Stella Monye, one of Nigerian's entertainers, as "a big industry which looks bigger than the entertainment industry itself."
Minister of Information, Akunyili, alluded to this when she argued at a recent forum that, "if not for piracy, Nollywood would have been bigger than the oil industry."
AZUKA A. ANUGOM
Since the enthronement of democracy, some state governments like Bayelsa, have taken it upon themselves to sponsor entertainment. The state government has been sponsoring the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) since 2007. Some other state governments like Ogun, also formed a musical band which feature at functions organised by the state.
The comedy sub-sector which, to some people, has become an "all-comers affair," aside enjoying patronage from government officials and humour merchants, has been able to create a niche for itself by cracking jokes that expose wrongs in the society. With forums like the Night of A Thousand Laughters, Laff for Christ's Sake and other events put up by comedians, people get to ease off tension and stress as they laugh to jokes.
One of Nigeria's pioneers of the comedy industry, Ali Baba, told Daily Independent that democracy is a fertile ground for freedom of expression, and so, comedians are able to survive without being intimidated by leaders
"Comedy is a product of society. Lots of materials used by comics are spin-off on society, but the biggest boost to the industry was given by Obasanjo and some governors who appreciate the value of comedy as a service and, for its entertainment value," he noted.
Despite the developments which the industry has recorded since the enthronement of democracy, one problem which, however, seems to have defied solutions is piracy. Piracy which has refused to be tamed, was described by Stella Monye, one of Nigerian's entertainers, as "a big industry which looks bigger than the entertainment industry itself."
Minister of Information, Akunyili, alluded to this when she argued at a recent forum that, "if not for piracy, Nollywood would have been bigger than the oil industry."
AZUKA A. ANUGOM
P-Square Complete N100 Million Mansion!
The P-Square Mansion is finally ready...
According to their spokesperson, the Kora Award winners have just taken delivery of two Range Rover Sports, one X6 BMW and a Jaguar, all 2010 models which set them back a cool N50 million. This calculation is apparently without their eye-popping N100 million home located at Lola Holloway Street, Omole Estate Phase 1 where they’ve finally moved to after months of living in a hotel.
The Okoye’s accommodation problem unravelled in the most public when the twins were evicted from their rented duplex in the same estate; the owner of the duplex alleged that the Okoyes messed his house up.
Thankfully, all that’s in the past now, Paul and Peter Okoye were reportedly attacked with love and accolades in the United States by their Nigerian and American fans, while on their 45-day musical tour which ended July 24.
‘I don’t actually know how to explain how successful the tour was because aside the fact that all the shows were sold-out, the passion shown by the fans, particularly the white ones, was incredible. I never knew the Americans love us that much. Surprisingly, they know the lyrics of our songs and were singing along’, Peter enthused.
MAGARET O. EKPONG
MAGARET O. EKPONG
accident: At Least 40 Dead in Nigerian Horror Crash
t accident: At Least 40 Dead in Nigerian Horror Crash: "The tragic accident happened on the evening of Sunday 15th August on a busy motorway ‘expressway’ between the cities of Lagos and Ibadan. It..."
OLAMIDE E. DOSUMU
OLAMIDE E. DOSUMU
Nigeria at 50: Coca-Cola floats Open-4-Happiness promo
As Nigeria prepares for its Golden Jubilee celebration, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, franchise owners of Coca-Cola and other drinks from the stable of the Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, has floated a sales promotion, tagged, ”Open 4 Happiness promo, which it said, was aimed at inspiring Nigerians to achieve greater feats.
Many corporate organisations have been making preparations to celebrate the nation‘s 50th anniversary in different ways. But Coca-Cola said this would be its unique way of marking ”the occasion in a memorable and spectacular way.”
The company said it had over the years contributed toward the development of the Nigerian economy. ”It is in line with appreciating Nigerians and celebrating the golden anniversary that we have launched a new campaign Open 4 Happiness promotion,” it said.
Speaking at the media briefing heralding the commencement of the new campaign, the Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Austin Ufomba, said, ”The campaign is part of the ‘Open Happiness‘ campaign of the brand, which was also the messaging platform for the just concluded FIFA World Cup tournament.”
According to him, the campaign goes beyond marketing; it is a socio-cultural celebration of Coca-Cola‘s bond with the people of Nigeria .
Built around the theme; ”A New State of Happiness,” the campaign depicts the paradigm in which a positive expectation of Nigeria ‘s future is portrayed. It represents the future Nigeria that all the citizens look forward to.
”This sense of happiness and hopeful optimism”, Ufomba said,noted, ”is the ‘Naija spirit‘ that keeps the Nigerian going even in the face of challenges. This optimistic spirit of Nigerians is what makes him/her one of the happiest individuals and that is the spirit that Coca-Cola wants to celebrate with Nigerians.”
Explaining the mechanics of the promo, Senior Brand Manager, Coca-Cola, Modupe Thani, said the campaign will be an ‘Under-the-Crown‘ promo, with 35cl and 50cl returnable glass bottles.
She explained, ”All a consumer has to do is to buy a bottle of Coke, Fanta or Sprite, look under the crown and see either a unique code or ‘Try Again‘ message. He or she is expected to SMS the unique code under the crown to a short code (33665) and automatically qualify for a raffle draw. Consumers stand a chance of winning daily cash prizes of between N5, 000, N10,000 and N25, 000.
”In addition to the daily cash prizes, consumers stand the chance of taking home N1m every week and the grand prize of five brand new Mitsubishi Outlander Jeeps. The daily cash prize winners will be notified via SMS and the weekly draws will be aired on NTA Newsline. All winners will also be notified via SMS. Winners are expected to keep their winning SMS and their winning crown to claim their prizes. The promo is open to MTN, Glo, Zain and Eitisalat subscribers at N10 per SMS. Redemption of the cash prizes will be done through GTBank branches Nationwide.”
SMITH OLALEKAN SAM
SMITH OLALEKAN SAM
2011: Lagos, behold your Messiah
I hardly ever contend with people who do not find anything positive about government and the act of governance especially, as practiced in Nigeria. Whenever I am accosted by those who malign government, I often listen and nod in agreement. After all, depending on whichever side of the divide you belong, (whether pro or anti-government) there are a multitude of convincing arguments to be advanced for your position.
In fact, it really does appear as though the anti-government exponents have the upper hand. Reason being that; there are more instances of government’s failure than success. Remember Operation Green Revolution, SAP, Vision 2010, Vision 2020, Ten Points Agenda, need I mention more? Government’s performance record over the years has been despicable, deplorable and abysmal. It has evidenced repeatedly an amazing capacity to promise and renege.
So, the logical question to ask is what is the moral derivative for speaking falsehood and a distasteful admixture of half-truths and outright lies? What saintly altitude do we attain by being so irritatingly corrupt? Today, corruption lies as the nuisance of our collective progress. It is perhaps more endemic than HIV/AIDS. What HIV/AIDS does to the human body, corruption has done to the fabric of our nation. It cascades from the top and trickles down to the grassroots.
Government and its cronies pilfer with immunity. Government in turn sets up an Anti-graft agency to hunt down those who sing discordant tunes and then goes for plea bargain if it’s caught in its own web. That is why “rich man wa steal money we no dey see their face for Crime Fighters”. (apologies African China)
Absurdity is really the catchphrase under this clime. Contacts are awarded to dead relatives. Projects are commissioned before completion. Heavy monetary allotments are made for projects that are designed to fail, ab initio. A case in point? Remember that a certain General, who thought he was wiser than us all, allegedly invested over $13 billion dollars into the power sector: we harvested the whirlwind and darkness as accruable dividend!
This for me (among several others) is a classic exemplification of standing logic on its head. I thought people only reap what they sow; at least the Bible says so. Where is Olusegun Obasanjo; where are Ibrahim Babangida, James Onanefe Ibori and the world-famous Alams! Am I accusing these men of criminal complicity? Far from it. Point is, it is worrisome that these men and many of their protégés are paddling a gospel I find beyond my reasoning capability. These people posses a larger than life physique. They make controversies appear legendary. What really is the moral worth of controversies?
Enter Babatude Raji Fashola. He is for me, the breath of freshness in this chaotic contraception referred to as Nigeria. Until I could visibly see the impact of his governance, I had thought we where eternally doomed. His entry into partisan politics marked the beginning of sanity in our polity. His, is politics of more action, less talk. I have taken the liberty to reproduce just a few of a myriad of his achievements for your perusal:
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Among these are the reconstruction of the Murtala Muhammed way (Yaba – Iddo), Herbert Macaulay way, Aje Street, Commercial Avenue, Commercial Road, Montgomery Street and old Yaba Road on Lagos Mainland. The construction of Okota – Itire Overhead Link Bridge and Road works, Ajah - Badore Road; LASU-Iba road in Ojoo; Bourdillion-
Alexandra- Gerrard- Osborne Roads in Ikoyi; Old Ota Road Phase II, Agodo Community Road,Shasha Orisumbare street and Ejigbo Association Avenue in Ikotun; and Ijegun - Isheri Oshun
Isolo Roads.
Others are completion of the second phase of Adetokunbo Ademola road on Victoria Island Admiralty-Alexander (Lekki-Ikoyi) Link Bridge. Dualisation of Mobil Road and Wilmer Crescent in Apapa; construction of a road network in Epe; construction of Ijede-Egbin Road and Rotimi Odusanya Street in Ikorodu; construction of Alasia- Aiyetoro Road, Ijanikun; construction of Ikosi Road, Iba; as well as Ogunoiki, Sule Abore, Oodu Odogunyan-Odonla, and Uniyu roads all in Eti Osa and the commencement of work towards the transformation of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as a ten-lane modern international high way.
The roads are of the highest quality. Not only are they equipped with service ducts, the drains are no longer bricks laid but reinforced concrete to ensure the durability of the roads.
TRANSPORTATION
The BRF administration, implemented the intermodal mass transit option. Today, the take off of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme is a success story. The number of high capacity BRT buses has been increased from 126 to 446 with a capacity to transport more than 400,000 persons daily.
The rehabilitation and construction of jetties, dredging of the waterways and other infrastructure in readiness for the implementation of efficient private sector operated ferry services. They include the construction of standard terminals at Ikorodu, Badore and Osborne as well as the dredging and channelization of the following ferry Routes:
i) Ikorodu – Badore via Oreta, Baiyeku and Ijede;
(ii) Ikorodu – Osborne;
(iii) Badore – Lekki;
(iv) Oke Afa – Mile 2;
(v) Tolu/Ajegunle – PortNovo Creek – Liverpool and
(vii) Planned repairs of Epeme and Iya Afin jetties
The third leg of mass transit is the light rail option. With the design of the designated corridors nearly completed, the BRF administration will soon be able to commence construction of the first route. The designated routes for immediate implementation are the Agbado-Iddo – Marina and Ojo/Okokomaiko to Marina.
An additional five routes have been identified for future construction, namely:
(i) Marina – Lekki
(ii) Ota/MMA – Iddo
(iii) Redemption Camp – Ojo
(iv) Redemption Camp – Marina
(v) Mile 2 – Marina
JOB CEATION
Job creation is evident in the following examples: 5000 employed as street sweepers; Over 2000 employed by the PSP operators for solid waste management; Over 2000 employed in the massive drainage and canal clearing works; about 3000 directly employed in the various greening and beautification projects including those employed in the supply chain; about 2000 drivers employed for the BRT operation; about 500 directly engaged in the Agricultural initiatives like Rice-for-Jobs; about 1000 additional staff employed by LASTMA and the Lagos State Fire Service as at the end of 2008.
Over 9000 self-employed persons graduated from the state’s Skills Acquisition programmes and received financing under the Lagos State Micro-finance Initiative; over 10000 employed directly as construction workers on the various roads, bridges and housing construction projects; the upsurge in public construction works as well as some new regulations have created job opportunities for surveyors, architects, valuers, engineers, accountants and lawyers. Under the state’s vacation job programme, about 10,000 young people were employed on our Enterprise Registration and Identification (ENTRIDA) scheme during the last long vacation period.
EDUCATION
This administration has sustained the provision of free education in all public nursery, primary and secondary schools in Lagos State. In the same vein, it has continued the comprehensive rehabilitation of School infrastructure. In 2008 alone, it undertook the rehabilitation of 746 classrooms, completed 85 blocks of abandoned classroom projects while also undertaking the construction of 704 new classrooms at about N5.07billion.
Government’s efforts also included maintenance intervention works on 712 classrooms, school walls, roofs and drainages. With over N580million spent on provision of science equipment for both senior and junior secondary schools.
Contracts have also been awarded to provide 20,800 pupil’s dual desks, 3150 Teacher’s desks and 90 principal’s furniture. Procurement and distributed about six million free text books for children at all levels in our public nursery, primary and secondary schools while also placing emphasis on training and retention of teachers.
HEALTH
In the health sector, government is committed to providing curative health care at the secondary and tertiary levels while also emphasizing preventive care through the provision of primary health care especially for women and children.
Apart from sustaining the provision of free health care for children under five, the aged above 60 and free ante-natal care for women, it has further expanded services of free screening and treatment for a number of silent killer diseases such as Tuberculosis, Diabetes, High blood pressure Prostate cancer and Breast cancer.
As at 2008, it had made provision for ten new Mobile Intensive Care Units, 57 new ambulances for health care centers at the grassroots and took delivery of a new Field Hospital, which is a standard hospital on wheels that can be deployed during emergencies to on the spot medical and surgical services. In addition to strengthening the School Health Programme with the provision of mobile dental clinics to offer dental care to school children.
Such programs as the Cleft Lip/Palate and the Limb Deformity Corrective surgery continue to offer succor and hope to hundreds of indigent persons. From LASUTH to the General Hospitals in Lagos Island, Amuwo Odofin, Gbagada, Ajeromi, Isolo and Ikorodu considerable development has being achieved.
Other projects completed or nearing completion include the 100 bed maternal and child health complexes within Ikorodu, Mushin, Surulere, Isolo and Ifako Ijaiye General hospitals; the 50 bed trauma and burn centre at the Lagos end of the Expressway and the staff clinic at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, transformation of LASUTH and LASUCOM into centers of medical excellence, rehabilitation and equipping of wards, clinics and the 5 suite theatre complex and the provision of a car park, multipurpose sports complex, Animal House, Dental Centre, the Bola Tinubu 144 bed four storey ward, pediatrics/family medicine complex at LASUTH and the procurement of thoracic endoscopy and pacemaker implantation equipment.
The Governor further states “We understand that a qualitative health care system is not just about drugs, structures, equipment and ideas. It is also and significantly so about personnel. We have therefore been engaged in training and re-training of our medical personnel and this we will intensify as we move forward. We are determined to make the necessary investment for the emergence of Lagos as a prime global destination for persons in quest of qualitative medical care.”
HOUSING
As at 2008, the Ministry of Housing had constructed 2000 housing units in seven locations across the state. Apart from direct construction, gvernment is also utilizing the strategy of Public-Private Partnership to meet the housing needs of the state. In this respect, 27 Developers have proposed the construction of 20,000 housing units in ten different locations across the state. Under this arrangement, the government provides the land as equity while private resources are deployed to construct the estates. Necessary approvals have been given and work is under way in a number of them.
Government is currently addressing the problem of congestion created by high population density in the metropolis through the establishment of Satellite Estates in sub-urban and rural communities such as Agbowa-Ikosi, Ado, Imota, Epe, Igbogbo, Oke-Eletu and Ibeju. It is estimated that these schemes will provide at least 20,000 new housing units for different categories of residents.
This is in addition to the aerial digital mapping of Lagos State through the Geographic Information System (GIS). This project, which is currently on-going, will provide a modern, scientific information data base of the physical features of Lagos to aid effective planning.
Through government’s rural integration program, it has intervened in over 500 communities with the provision of rural electrification, micro water works, rural roads and other basic facilities. These include the provision of 314 integrated development projects in 38 contiguous rural communities.
To improve water supply in the state, it completed five micro-water works at Iwaya, Ojo, Badia, Oworonsoki, Otto-Awori and Igando. Out of the 15 water projects that was planned, it has awarded twelve and will deliver two million gallons of water daily will start reaching completion.
The government has continued the aggressive provision of street lights on major roads while commendable progress has been made in tapping the potentials of marine agriculture in the state through the implementation of the Marine Agriculture Development Program (LSMADP).
In an interview BRF granted Caterina Bortolussi in 2008, he said: “Locally and nationally we can’t finish all the work required in a four-year term but we could set irreversible milestones and an irreversible foundation for the future”.
The future he was alluding to I presume, is 2011. Lagosians, lets do it right again. BRF may not be a saint. Admittedly, there are gravely, yet-to-be-substantiated allegations against him. However, he has shown that he is a departure from the norm. Let us not kill this messiah by denying him our votes. He deserves a smooth pass to 2011. Eko o ni Baje o! O baje ti
Prince Ezebuchi Onuoha
Unilag, Mass Communication, 300level.
liverpool: what chances this season?
At the end of a dreary first half, summer signing Cole sent Ryan Babel in to give them a barely-deserved lead.
Liverpool dominated the second 45, with Cole’s 52nd-minute penalty saved and Christian Poulsen seeing a goal disallowed, but they were unable to extend their lead as young keeper Onur Recep Kivrak kept his side in the tie.
Liverpool started in disjointed fashion, clearly missing the drive supplied by the rested Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano and lacking a sticking-point up front as Babel struggled to hold the ball up as a lone striker.
Indeed, with Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel also rested and Alberto Aquilani not even on the bench, boss Roy Hodgson appeared to be treating the early stages of the competition with the same rotation policy as he did with Fulham in last season’s run to the final.
Liverpool had the first chance though, with Sotirios Kyrgiakos meeting Maxi Rodriguez’s corner but new Turkey cap Onur batted out the header with a good save.
The visitors kept the ball well and closed Liverpool down at every opportunity, with Cole and Babel barely afforded a touch as the hosts were hemmed into their own half.
Burak Yilmaz headed inches wide after being given a free run at a corner and, while Pepe Reina had little to do in the Liverpool goal, Hodgson’s team huffed and puffed as Trabzonspor looked comfortable and dangerous on the break.
As the half progressed the home fans grew frustrated; then a moment of brilliance put Liverpool ahead on the stroke of half-time.
Cole, eager to impress after being sent off on his Premier League debut for Liverpool, found Babel with a superbly-disguised diagonal through ball and the enigmatic Dutchman showed his good side to open up his body and finish across Onur to the right side of goal.
If the first half was tepid, the second was hectic as a reborn Liverpool bombed forward from the outset.
FC Barcelona have completed a unrepeatable season, winning a total of 15 titles between the football, basketball, handball, roller hockey and futsal sections. Never before have the club won so much in a single season.
The football, basketball and handball sections all won four titles, whilst the hockey team won two and the futsal players raised the Copa de Catalunya to make it 15 titles during the 2009/10 season, three more than the club’s previous best achieved in the 99/00, 97/98 and 96/97 seasons.
First World Club Cup
The excellent performance of the 08/09 season meant that Pep Guardiola’s team played in both the Spanish and European Super Cups in August and they carried on where they’d left off by taking the two titles. The title of European Champions meant they went off to the World Club Cup in Abu Dhabi in December where they won the title for the first time in the club’s history. Finally, winning the league in May for the second year running made it four titles for the season
Best in Europe
The two European Cups the club took were both taken in May, with Regal Barca winning the basketball title in Paris by destroying the powerful Olympiakos team 86-68, whilst Ferran Pujalte’s Roller hockey team took their title later in the month, seeing off Vic 4-1 in Valdagno, Italy.
Tight league fights
The two league titles were both won after tight fights which went to the end of the season. The football team led for most of the season and withstood a strong challenge from Real Madrid to take the title on the last day of the season with a win against Valladolid, while the hockey team took their title with two games left to play after a close battle with Liceo.
Three Super Cups
Three Spanish Super Cups were won by the Football, Basketball and handball teams. Guardiola’s team saw off Athletic Bilbao, whilst Real Madrid lost to Regal Barca86-82 and the handball team beat Ciudad Real 33-26 in Guadalajara.
Harry Redknapp questioned the use of Astroturf pitches in the Champions League after his Tottenham side slipped to a 3-2 defeat to Young Boys.
Tottenham were caught cold on the Astroturf surface in the Stade de Suisse, trailing 3-0 after 28 minutes before hauling themselves back into the tie with goals by Sebastien Bassong and Roman Pavlyuchenko.
In the build-up to the game Redknapp had insisted that the playing surface would not be a problem and that his side were prepared to win in Switzerland.
The Spurs manager, however, made several changes to his team from the one that started the Premier League match at home to Manchester City on Saturday, afterwards saying that he had not wanted to risk some of his players on the surface.
He also lost Luka Modric and Jermain Defoe during an enthralling tie which is delicately poised going into the second leg in London next Wednesday.
"I couldn't say it’s a preferred surface," Redknapp said afterwards. "It's a good pitch but you have to get used to playing on it. It's not an excuse.
"I played on Astroturf and hated every minute of it. We had it at QPR but we don't have it any more in England and personally I don't agree with it and I don't think Astroturf should be used in a competition like this."
Goals by Senad Lulic, Henri Bienvenu and Xavier Hochstrasser seemed to have turned Tottenham's Champions League dream into a nightmare on the slick surface, approved by FIFA for the Stade de Suisse in 2006.
"I had a feeling yesterday about today," Redknapp said. "I had a nasty feeling. I kept looking at the players training on the pitch and they didn't look happy.
"I had four players out because they weren't comfortable on the pitch in training. Aaron Lennon wasn't comfortable, Robbie Keane had a problem with his knee and Tom Huddlestone, the last time he played on Astroturf he was out for six weeks."
Despite being behind at the halfway point of the play-off, Redknapp saw positives in the performance and hailed the result “a great defeat.”
"At 3-0 we were out of it,” he told Sky Sports. “We were in desperate trouble, so full credit to the lads, we've come back.
"Now we need to win at home and it gives us a great chance."
Europa League - Balotelli fires City to victory
The 20-year-old Italian calmly converted Emmanuel Adebayor's low cross in the 72nd minute, after a frustrating, tepid hour of football in the stifling Romanian humidity.
Roberto Mancini made three changes to his side after City's disappointing goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday, bringing Adebayor, Pablo Zabaleta and Joleon Lescott back into the starting XI.
City started relatively brightly, controlling possession and passing patiently around the middle of the pitch.
However, the big-spending Premier League side were lucky not to concede a penalty kick with just 14 minutes played, when Zabaleta appeared to make contact with the lively Alexandru Curtean inside the penalty area.
German referee Florian Meyer waved play on, sparing City's blushes against the Romanian minnows.
Timisoara's Cosmin Contra came closest to putting the hosts in front 20 minutes later, with City failing to deal with a high ball in to the penalty area.
It eventually fell to Contra, whose thunderous volley clattered against Vincent Kompany and into the arms of Joe Hart.
Balotelli's introduction on 57 minutes added a much-needed vibrancy to City's attack, replacing the sluggish Gareth Barry and occupying an advanced position on the left.
The youngster should have scored his first City goal just 10 minutes later slamming a left-foot shot into the side netting after Adebayor's header across the face of Costel Pantilimon's goal.
The two combined again to devastating effect in the 72nd minute, with the Togolese striker again providing a perfect ball across the face of goal.
Adebayor's low cross found the rapidly advancing Balotelli, whose cool finish into the roof of the net silenced the bubbling cauldron of noise in the Dan Paltinisanu Stadium.
The £24 million signing from Internazionale wheeled off in celebration, but immediately exhibited the darker side of his game just two minutes later, entering the referee's book after a nose-to-nose confrontation with Timisoara captain Dan Alexa.
City's slender lead was never threatened in the final quarter of an hour, with their combative hosts particularly disappointing in attack.
The second leg takes place at the City of Manchester Stadium next Thursday.
USMAN YUSUF OLADIMEJI
British Homosexual Priest to marry Nigerian Male Model
British Homosexual Priest to marry Nigerian Male Model
A Church of England vicar has stunned his flock by revealing plans to marry a toy boy male model who is 40 years his junior.
Reverend Colin Coward, 65, intends to enter into a civil partnership with Nigerian boyfriend Bobby Egbele, 25.
The Church demands that ordained clergy who are gay must be celibate but the vicar has refused to confirm that he will comply with these rules.
Rev Coward said yesterday: “It’s a ridiculous situation and a real mess. But some bishops who know that a couple are in a civil partnership and are sharing the same bed will approve and will encourage them to do that.”
The pair have caused another stir because they intend to receive a “blessing” in church after tying the knot. But it will officially be a Eucharist because blessing gay couples is forbidden.
Rev Coward said: “Churches can bless almost anything else – animals, bombs, battleships and armies going to war. But gay couples? No.”
He added: “Clearly the blessing is going to be quite a sensitive issue. I know that many people will see it and view it with horror.
“But we are deeply committed Christians so it would be unthinkable not to do it in church with the congregation and our friends.”
Fashion designer Bobby said: “I’m excited about the wedding and that people are interested in it. We want it to be a public thing to inspire other people.”
Bobby is currently here on a holiday visa and the couple are waiting for approval from the UK Border Agency so the marriage can go ahead.
But Christian Voice director Stephen Green said: “Mr Coward is just an emotionally disturbed man trying to inflict his predilections on the rest of the Church. This is an abomination before God, not a holy union.”
Rev Coward and Bobby, who live together in Marston, near Devizes, Wilts, met three years ago at a Christian conference in Togo, West Africa, and became engaged this year.
They plan to hold the civil partnership ceremony at Devizes register office in October before the religious service at nearby St John the Baptist church where Rev Coward is the vicar.
A Diocese of Salisbury spokesman said yesterday: “A Eucharistic service celebrating friendship is what has been sanctioned in this case. This is entirely separate from any civil partnership ceremony.”
A Church of England vicar has stunned his flock by revealing plans to marry a toy boy male model who is 40 years his junior.
Reverend Colin Coward, 65, intends to enter into a civil partnership with Nigerian boyfriend Bobby Egbele, 25.
The Church demands that ordained clergy who are gay must be celibate but the vicar has refused to confirm that he will comply with these rules.
Rev Coward said yesterday: “It’s a ridiculous situation and a real mess. But some bishops who know that a couple are in a civil partnership and are sharing the same bed will approve and will encourage them to do that.”
The pair have caused another stir because they intend to receive a “blessing” in church after tying the knot. But it will officially be a Eucharist because blessing gay couples is forbidden.
Rev Coward said: “Churches can bless almost anything else – animals, bombs, battleships and armies going to war. But gay couples? No.”
He added: “Clearly the blessing is going to be quite a sensitive issue. I know that many people will see it and view it with horror.
“But we are deeply committed Christians so it would be unthinkable not to do it in church with the congregation and our friends.”
Fashion designer Bobby said: “I’m excited about the wedding and that people are interested in it. We want it to be a public thing to inspire other people.”
Bobby is currently here on a holiday visa and the couple are waiting for approval from the UK Border Agency so the marriage can go ahead.
But Christian Voice director Stephen Green said: “Mr Coward is just an emotionally disturbed man trying to inflict his predilections on the rest of the Church. This is an abomination before God, not a holy union.”
Rev Coward and Bobby, who live together in Marston, near Devizes, Wilts, met three years ago at a Christian conference in Togo, West Africa, and became engaged this year.
They plan to hold the civil partnership ceremony at Devizes register office in October before the religious service at nearby St John the Baptist church where Rev Coward is the vicar.
A Diocese of Salisbury spokesman said yesterday: “A Eucharistic service celebrating friendship is what has been sanctioned in this case. This is entirely separate from any civil partnership ceremony.”
POLITICS
NIGERIA GOVERNMENT, PEOPLE AND CHURCH
The constant search for after life, salvation or redemption has led mankind to seek the knowledge of his creator and other creations. Where we come from, our mission on earth and our destination as become a mystery yet to be unraveled. With limited knowledge of God and the mystery behind creation, the existence of mankind has become a challenge to him. This confusion has given credence to the emergence of some set of smart people who claim to be spiritually endowed with the knowledge of God. People now depend on them to guide them through their days on earth to follow the path to destiny.
A dispirited environment with unpredictable economy like ours can lead even the most prudent of men to avoidable temptations. The acclaimed men of God and self ordained pastors are full of false promises of moving their would be followers from sorrow to joy hence they can pay the price. With such vulnerable minds, the church has become a booming industry attracting all calibres of people including those who are supposed to be prudent enough to discern between fact and fiction. With the level of poverty in the country, people are attracted to anything good or bad, right or wrong that could promise any glimpse of hope. The self ordained pastors and ministers of God who vehemently preach the words of wisdom in the valley of confusion with divergent doctrines keep giving their followers hopes that never comes, while actualizing their own dreams by exploiting these followers. These men of God have access to basic things of life this country at the detriment of their followers.
The high profitability of church has led to high labour turnover in the industry as no pastor wants to be under another pastor. Every pastor wants to be the general overseer of his own church. As a result of this hundreds of churches spring up in different parts of the country every year seeking for followers. with multitude of followers, churches now reap without sowing and the more eloquent a preacher is the more the fortunes. Churches in Nigeria operate tax free because their counterparts on the other side see them to be preaching the rare words of God to direct morality and ethical behaviour that curbs crime in the society. It’s a live and let live affair between the church and government. Ironically even with the conglomerate of churches, crime is alarmingly increasing in Nigeria.
The church has become a profitable venture that attracts investors who seek profit for their investment. The government has subjected the people to constant torture, starvation and abject poverty. The people in agony run to church for safety but, little did they know that the church is there to give them non resistant mindset about the government and teach them how to suffer and smile. The church never confronts the government rather they support the politicians who have created an enabling environment for them to operate. It is clear that the men of God of this country are taking undue advantage of the bad governance. Life expectancy in Nigeria is dropping geometrically and the church is making people feel happy about it.
Politics on the other hand has equally become a new corporation for investors. Established politicians who have tasted its rewards with little or no short comings have vowed to hang on because it is the easiest source of illicit money. The godfather syndrome has even worsend the political situation in the country because sponsored individuals to various political portfolios ensure that their sponsors recover what they investors fast as possible. In reality, no one is in the political industry in Nigeria to serve the people but himself and the interest of the godfathers.
The dishonesty associated with both corporations has rendered a meaningless future for the people of Nigeria especially the poor. Government must find a way to tax the churches heavily. people are being oppressed and exploited by the so called pastors , prophets and acclaimed men of God who have created the biggest money making venture in the name of the Almighty whose place of worship has been turned into business centers. The people of Nigeria are as helpless as a lamb between a lion and a wolf.
OCHEMBA CHALES OKECHUKWU
The constant search for after life, salvation or redemption has led mankind to seek the knowledge of his creator and other creations. Where we come from, our mission on earth and our destination as become a mystery yet to be unraveled. With limited knowledge of God and the mystery behind creation, the existence of mankind has become a challenge to him. This confusion has given credence to the emergence of some set of smart people who claim to be spiritually endowed with the knowledge of God. People now depend on them to guide them through their days on earth to follow the path to destiny.
A dispirited environment with unpredictable economy like ours can lead even the most prudent of men to avoidable temptations. The acclaimed men of God and self ordained pastors are full of false promises of moving their would be followers from sorrow to joy hence they can pay the price. With such vulnerable minds, the church has become a booming industry attracting all calibres of people including those who are supposed to be prudent enough to discern between fact and fiction. With the level of poverty in the country, people are attracted to anything good or bad, right or wrong that could promise any glimpse of hope. The self ordained pastors and ministers of God who vehemently preach the words of wisdom in the valley of confusion with divergent doctrines keep giving their followers hopes that never comes, while actualizing their own dreams by exploiting these followers. These men of God have access to basic things of life this country at the detriment of their followers.
The high profitability of church has led to high labour turnover in the industry as no pastor wants to be under another pastor. Every pastor wants to be the general overseer of his own church. As a result of this hundreds of churches spring up in different parts of the country every year seeking for followers. with multitude of followers, churches now reap without sowing and the more eloquent a preacher is the more the fortunes. Churches in Nigeria operate tax free because their counterparts on the other side see them to be preaching the rare words of God to direct morality and ethical behaviour that curbs crime in the society. It’s a live and let live affair between the church and government. Ironically even with the conglomerate of churches, crime is alarmingly increasing in Nigeria.
The church has become a profitable venture that attracts investors who seek profit for their investment. The government has subjected the people to constant torture, starvation and abject poverty. The people in agony run to church for safety but, little did they know that the church is there to give them non resistant mindset about the government and teach them how to suffer and smile. The church never confronts the government rather they support the politicians who have created an enabling environment for them to operate. It is clear that the men of God of this country are taking undue advantage of the bad governance. Life expectancy in Nigeria is dropping geometrically and the church is making people feel happy about it.
Politics on the other hand has equally become a new corporation for investors. Established politicians who have tasted its rewards with little or no short comings have vowed to hang on because it is the easiest source of illicit money. The godfather syndrome has even worsend the political situation in the country because sponsored individuals to various political portfolios ensure that their sponsors recover what they investors fast as possible. In reality, no one is in the political industry in Nigeria to serve the people but himself and the interest of the godfathers.
The dishonesty associated with both corporations has rendered a meaningless future for the people of Nigeria especially the poor. Government must find a way to tax the churches heavily. people are being oppressed and exploited by the so called pastors , prophets and acclaimed men of God who have created the biggest money making venture in the name of the Almighty whose place of worship has been turned into business centers. The people of Nigeria are as helpless as a lamb between a lion and a wolf.
OCHEMBA CHALES OKECHUKWU
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