Effects Of Beer On Health Of Women

Effect of Beer On Health Of Women – Experts Moderate intake of beer can positively impact the health and wellbeing of women. This submission was made by Mrs. Dolapo Coker, a nutritionist and a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, FNIFST even as she warned that alcohol abuse impacts the health of the woman through the direct interaction of alcohol with organ systems such as the brain, liver and gastro intestinal system, when the alcohol is ingested and transported through the blood. Coker, who spoke at the Beer and Lifestyle Symposium organised by Nigerian Breweries PLC in Lagos recently, explained that in the health/lifestyle hierarchy needs, special attention should be given to women because they are classified “as belonging to the risk group where micronutrients shortages are most likely to occur during their different stages of development.” “Although the man is the ‘head’ of the house, the woman is the ‘captain of the home’. She is in charge of everybody’s healthy living. Even if taken in small amounts, the effect of alcohol on women is more than on men. Women are more sensitive to alcohol. Alcohol dehydrogenase is a metabolising enzyme that helps the body to get alcohol out of the system. Women have less of this enzyme than men, so more of what women drink enters the blood stream as pure alcohol”, she said. Coker added that beer is an alcoholic beverage, but it can be classified as food, because of its nutrient value. She listed the nutrients to include: carbohydrates, like dextrins and polysaccharides; proteins in the form of amino acids; load of vitamins like the B vitamins, vitamin C, folic acid etc; minerals like magnesium, potassium, silicon, selenium etc; it contains fibre like betaglucans etc. She emphasised that women in particular are worried about their looks, and that beer has got a lot to do with that. Coker revealed that Ancient Romans used beer baths to sweat out toxins, exfoliate their skin and infuse the body with vitamins. This, she said, led to a clearer skin and an improved immune system. “Beer Spas are pretty popular in Europe. The Spas claim to fight against Acne. Most beers are made from ingredients that are rich in selenium, iron, magnesium, zinc and some B vitamins. Beer is also known to have antibacterial properties that protect against infections within your stomach. It is believed that if it is so good for your inside, surely it can be just as good for your outside, “ she noted. According to her, from loads of research and studies on the effect of beer on the wellbeing of women, moderate drinking of beer is recommended. She also listed the following are health benefits of beer for women: Beer can increase vitamin B levels, as it contains vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12. A Dutch study found that beer drinkers had 30% higher levels of vitamin B6 than their non-drinkers, and twice as much as those of wine drinkers. Beer is also a generous source of B12, an anti-anaemic factor not found in many foods; The fibre in beer helps to reduce your LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) which is called the “bad cholesterol”. LDL collects in the walls of blood vessels causing the blockages of atherosclerosis which leads to heart attack; Beer aids digestion, as the soluble fibre from the cell walls of barley in it, protects you from intestinal disorders like constipation and diarrhoea. Dark beer in particular contains up to one gram of soluble fibre in each 30cl glass, unlike wine which does not contain any fibre at all; Beer contains flavonoids which have preventive effect against hormone-caused cancers, such as breast and uterine cancers; Certain vitamins in beer can regenerate the skin. This makes the skin smoother, suppler and more beautiful. Also speaking at the symposium, Dr. Henk Hendricks, a biologist and a project leader in the Institute for Food and Nutrition in The Netherlands explained that moderation level of beer consumption is beneficial to cardiovascular health. According to Hendricks, some of the inherent advantages of beer include: Low percentage of alcohol; large quantities of water; its role in rehydration; a good source of minerals; a good source of polyphenolic antioxidants; contains anti-inflammatory xanthohumoles; and a large variety of raw materials, including gluten-free' Rich in fibers. In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Nicholaas Vervelde noted Even though beer has been with us for thousands of years, the appreciation of its unique benefits are only beginning to grow. “The knowledge about the benefits of moderate consumption of beer is multiplying every day with so many empirical research findings from all over the world,” he said.

Oguta Beckons Nigeria To Njiko Carnival 2015

Oguta Beckons Nigeria To Njiko Carnival 2015 Uzo Chikere From December 28 to 30, 2015 a convivial crowd will converge on Oguta the lake side town of Imo State to savour the splendor of the first ever Njiko Carnival holding there. Themed” Uniting The People Through Arts and Culture”, the carnival which had in the past years been staged in low key, according to its chairman/national co-ordinator, Charles Oputa aka Charly Boy, was borne out of a strong desire to showcase the very rich cultural heritage of Nigeria which overtime undoubtedly, is being eroded and lost.

Interestingly, the venue of the event which is making its debut as an elaborate affair in the nation’s cultural Calender this year, said Charly Boy, “is the beautiful environment of the Blue Lake of Oguta…the second largest of its kind in Nigeria and chosen for its potential as a perfect tourist location.” He explains further: “It is the only carnival site in Nigeria with this feature which could mark the beginning of a major tourist destination able to become one of the biggest carnivals in West Africa.”

Featuring such component as boat regatta, cultural display from member neighbouring states from the South-East geo-political zone, musical concerts from notable Igbo artistes, traditional wrestling, cultural dances; Atilogwu, Nkpokiti Ohafia war dance as well as popular faces of Nollywood, comedians and sports personalities, Njiko Carnival has as its objectives, to use the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria to foster peace and unity amongst Nigeran by building bridges across the different ethnic regions in the nation. Others include, to give the youth a new narrative that preaches self-reliance and economic empowerment by using the carnival as a machinery for replacing apathy with vision, focus and determination to excel in their endeavours, to imbibe the traditional arts and culture of regions into contemporary Nigeria, to pop culture in reaching the youth whose cultural values are almost lost, and offer the opportunity to lay the foundation for commercial and industrial development in the South-East as well as attract business located outside the zone. Parading 14 events spread across three days, some of them are Igwurube Dance, Mgbakota Ndi Egwu, Igbos Must Laugh, Ndi Igbo Nwere Talent, Fireworks, sky writing and sky lanterns and Christmass Tree Lighting among others, Njiko Carnival has so far been endorsed by two South-Eastern states governors. Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano who recently hosted the Njiko Carnival team led by Charly Boy in Awka described the project as the first South Eastern Nigeria carnival for the lovers of arts and culture, urging the organisers to ensure the sustainability of the Igbo Cultural project, which will serve as an plank to restoring the Igbo cultural pride that is gradually giving in to the adopted western culture. For Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, the Njiko Carnival is a unique way of unifying and promoting the Igbo identity through culture. According to him, Abia will participate and Aba entrepreneurial assets will be showcased alongside the Abia culture and heritage. Says he: “Culture is the unique thing among people. For us in Igboland, it’s time for us to rediscover us; we cannot wait for externals to showcase our culture for us. It’s time to make strong statement about our values and identity. We will like to drive enterprise through culture, therefore we support Njiko Carnival”. With all the thrills and frills lined up for the Njiko Carnival this December in Oguta and being looked forward to by would-be participants and revelers alike, what must not be lost on the entire populace of Nigerians is the essence of promoting business and income revenue through culture and art as typified in the theme of the 2015 edition which is the flood gate to future editions.

Frank Edwards "Overtake X" Ft. Joe Praise Earns Crowd Acclaim

Frank Edward’s 'Overtake X' ft Joe Praize Earns Crowd Acclaim The song, Overtake by Frank Edwards and Joe Praize is becoming a major crowd favorite in a short while, as it has been served a “step-up” treatment, making it a more infectious

tune than it was before. Overtake: The X-Factor Edition is the rehash of the previously released tune and was performed at the just concluded International Music Concert (IMC 2015) with Pastor Chris (Ph.D). Know something? The whole crowd was elated as they confessed their victory in Christ Jesus.

Falz Trying tTo Show How Artistic He Can Be In New Album

Falz Trying To Show How Artistic He Can Be In New Album Enigmatic rapper, Falz ThaBadtguy, has revealed that he is working towards showing of his many talents, when it comes to his music. "With this album, what I was trying to prove was that there is a lot more to Falz the Bahd Guy ... people have seen the funny guy" Falz explained, as opposed to the heavy Yoruba accented English he uses in his music.. The rapper went on to explain that the song ‘Soldier’, which features Simi was a ‘viguratif espreshun’ and had nothing to do with him being raised in the barracks like had been suggested.

Talking about the number of tracks, Falz owned up to recording 25 tracks even though only 17 tracks made the album which was largely produced by Sess. 'Lifestyle is shine but still intellectually Einstein’ was one of the many punch lines that made his album, ‘Stories that touch’ very well loved and appreciated by one of the show hosts. While talking about one of the exceptional songs on the album, ‘Workaholic’, Falz revealed that he had grown to be one because of his crazy schedules, but he advised like he did on the song, that everyone should take time out to relax.

Pope Honours Ugandan Martrys On African Tour

Pope honours Ugandan martyrs on Africa tour Vast crowds of Ugandans greeted Pope Francis on Saturday as he honoured Christians martyred for the faith on the second leg of a landmark trip to Africa, which he dubbed "the continent of hope". The 78-year-old pontiff received a rapturous welcome as he arrived at a shrine to the martyrs at Namugongo, just outside the capital Kampala, where some 45 Christians were executed in 1886 for refusing to recant their faith.

Wild cheers and singing broke out as Francis arrived at the open air shrine. Over 100,000 people had waited from before dawn to attend the mass, a key highlight of his visit to Uganda. Later, he will meet with young Ugandans at a huge ceremonial ground in the capital's Kololo district. Catholic faithful from neighbouring war-torn South Sudan also came for the mass, travelling for 12 hours by bus to catch a glimpse of the Argentine pope, who has made humility and help for the poor a hallmark of his tenure. Despite the hot and muggy weather, Jonathon Ssali said he had managed to sell about 55 souvenir scarves during the morning, each one emblazoned with the pope's image alongside the red, black and yellow of the Ugandan flag. See also: Pope Francis calls for servant leadership, end to graft "This is helping me make a little money," said the 21-year-old, who came up with the idea of selling the souvenirs, each costing 10,000 Ugandan shillings (Ksh303), in June. "I'm excited, it's my first time to see a pope. When Pope John Paul II visited in 1993, I was just about to be born," said Ssali, who is Protestant. "I want to hear his powerful words of unity and compassion," said 37-year-old Anthony Beda from South Sudan, wearing a pope badge and waving a flag with the pontiff's face on it. "If there's one country he should visit, it's South Sudan," Beda told AFP, saying it could help stop the civil war there. "There's a lot of corruption and conflict there. I would love him to go... It would be a blessing." 'Continent of hope' Francis, who railed against corruption and wealthy minorities who hoard resources at the expense of the poor during his three days in Kenya, struck a more optimistic tone in Uganda since arriving in the neighbouring east African nation late Friday.

Pope Slams Rich Elite Over "Dreadful Injustice" To Poor

Pope Slams Rich Elite Over 'Dreadful Injustice' To Poor Pope Francis lashed out at wealthy minorities who hoard resources at the expense of the poor as he visited Kangemi in Kenya’s capital Nairobi. "These are wounds inflicted by minorities who cling to power and wealth, who selfishly squander while a growing majority is forced to flee to abandoned, filthy and run-down peripheries," the 78-year-old pontiff told crowds in the Nairobi shanty town of Kangemi.

Francis, whose visit to the slum is a highlight of his three-nation Africa tour, condemned the "dreadful injustice of urban exclusion." Wild singing and ululating broke out as he arrived early on Friday, his popemobile weaving through streets in a sea of tin-roofed homes. "I am here because I want you to know that I am not indifferent to your joys and hopes, your troubles and your sorrows," Francis told the packed congregation in the church of St Joseph the Worker in Kangemi. "I realise the difficulties which you experience daily. How can I not denounce the injustices which you suffer?" See also: The day Esther Gathoni the cleaner from Kangemi went to see the Pope People arrived long hours before dawn in the hope of catching a glimpse of the pope, who has made efforts for social justice a hallmark of his tenure. Francis criticised the lack of "infrastructures and basic services", including sewerage, electricity, good roads, school and hospitals. "They are a consequence of new forms of colonialism... countries are frequently pressured to adopt policies typical of the culture of waste," he added. "This situation of indifference and hostility experienced by poor neighbourhoods is aggravated when violence spreads and criminal organisations, serving economic or political interests, use children and young people as 'cannon fodder' for their ruthless business affairs," he added, singling out the role women play in binding such societies together. "I also appreciate the struggles of those women who fight heroically to protect their sons and daughters from these dangers."

Here Comes Bishop Who Married A Nun

Here Comes Bishop Who Married A Nun A break-away faction of the Catholic Church has complained of being sidelined during the Papal visit, reports The Nairobian. The Economical Catholic Church of Christ (Reformed Catholic Church) through its African point man Bishop Godfrey Silvester Shiundu told The Nairobian that they had prepared a memorandum for the Pope that could bring monumental changes in the world’s oldest church had been given a hearing.

“We tried to be involved in the papal visit arrangements but our brothers from the Roman Catholic Church frustrated our efforts,” says Bishop Shiundu who is currently the number two to American Archbishop Karly Raymond Rodig. “We have not given up though. Together with other churches we have written to the pope through the office of Apostolic Nuncio’s. In fact, we are optimistic he will listen to us because he has been friendly other religions,” he said on phone interview from South Africa where he is on a mission to open more branches. “I had initially wrote to John Cardinal Njue seeking to be involved. I’m still waiting for a reply,” added Shiundu who runs St Lawrence RCC just 900 metres from Kitale Catholic diocese. “We have cautioned our members who are over 30,000 and 54 priests in Kenya to be wary of our brothers whose main issue with us is celibacy.” Asked on why he stopped being celibate Shiundu minced no words. “When you on a journey and encounter a problem, you change tact. Life is not static. It’s dynamic,” he enthused. The bishop is however optimistic that Pope Francis will accommodate his views and possibly reinstate the ‘prodigal priests’ back to the flock. He added that he was ‘well known’ to the Pope. On marrying a nun he explained that he would tell Pope Francis that ‘his children have been thrown away and need to be brought back to the fold. “That will be our message to the Pope,” said Shiundu pointing a finger at some Catholic clerics for not being mercificy like the Pope. “Many priests who defected live in abject poverty yet their mother church stares in disgust at them,” complained Shiundu. He added that their agenda will include child baptism, partaking on Holy Communion and marriage, which are controversial and needed sober debate. Will the former Catholic priest who had served for two decades take a lesser office should the Pope reinstate him “Once consecrated a Bishop that is all, should the Pope offer us an olive branch, I think he will put me to work with another Bishop before giving me a dioceses to run,” said Shiundu who has already established and consecrated 12 priests to lead revival in South Africa. Other countries in Africa with RCC are Tanzania and Nigeria. Kenya will open a new branch in Kericho. Shiundu’s deputy, Father Felix Malo who left the Roman Catholic Church in 2005 after serving for eight years as a seminarian claiming that he could not continue “lying to himself” about celibacy has two children, a daughter aged 6 and a son aged 3. He ministers at Ikonyero RCC-Kakamega.

Buhari Cautioned To Uphold Integrity

Buhari Cautioned To Uphold Integrity Chief Host, 2015 Igbo cultural Day in Lagos, Eze John Nwosu has asked President Muhammadu Buhari not to lose focus on governance and avoid being deceived by political jobbers. Also, he urged Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode to borrow the good example of his predecessor Babatunde Fashola and consider Ndigbo for appointments in his cabinet. He gave the advice at a press briefing to announce the fourth edition of Igbo Cultural Day slated for Saturday, 5th December in Lagos with the venue at Arch Bishop Aggrey Memorial Secondary School, Ilasamaja Mushin. All the five Eastern State governors: Willie Obiano (Anambra), Owelle Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu(Abia), Engr Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) including t6he governors of Delta and Rivers, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and Barr. Nyesom Wike respectively are expected at the occasion, including Ambode as distinguished guests. Head, Department of Theatre and Film Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof Tracie Utoh-Ezeajugh will deliver the guest lecture. Also renowned royal fathers from the South East: HRH Eze M.A.Ohia(KSC) (Dike Na Ogbogu, Ezeudo VI of Uzii kingdom) Igwe Martin Eze(Idu of Igboukwu), Igwe Christopher Umeaniba( Eze Chukwukwadolu 1, Igwe of Azigbo as well as Oba Fatai Ayinla Aileru 11(Olu of Mushin) among others are royal fathers of the day. Chairman\ Chief Executive Officer, Orient Global Manufacturing Co. Ltd, Chief Ifeanyi Odii is the distinguished chairman of the occasion. Nwosu said after taking a critical look at political development in the land in recent times felt it was wise to advise Buhari to tread cautiously and introspectively before taking certain critical decision. ‘’President Muhammadu Buhari is known for his integrity trademark, he should remain focused and not be deceived by some political marauders that seem to love him greatly now. If he shifts from what Nigerians know him of, that is, integrity, he is finished. He should avoid being used and resist the danger of ‘’I know it all’’. ‘’If you ask me, it is early to criticize Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. I still think he meant well for Ndigbo in Lagos state. He has not been known to have a discriminatory record I will still urge him to integrate Ndigbo in his cabinet as his predecessor did. It will pay him better politically”. Nwosu said his commitment despite the challenges that abound is to continue to replicate undiluted Igbo culture outside Igbo land. He said Ndigbo will use the occasion to honor Under 17 Eaglets Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke for all his contributions to sports development and encouragements to youth. Nwosu said different masquerades from Igbo land will perform, just as students of Theatre Arts Dept. Nnamdi Azikiwe University will be on ground to display their skill. There will be Igbo delicacies exhibition, Igbo Beauty parade and a novelty march between Obieziokwu Ndigbo of Mushin and Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos.

Union Bank Unveils New Look Branches

Union Bank unveils ‘new look’ branches …Launches ‘UnionKorrect’ savings product AS part of efforts to make banking “simpler and smarter” for its teeming customers, the Union Bank Plc on Wednesday unveiled two of its upgraded branches in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. It also launched an innovative savings product, UnionKorrect, which it said was designed to assist customers “save small and win big.” The two upgraded branches of the bank unveiled on Wednesday were those on Bank Road, Dugbe, and the University College Hospital (UCH), in a transformation process the Transformation Manager, Joe Mbulu, described as “work in progress.” Speaking at the event, Joe Mbulu,Director Transformation Union Bank plc said the bank had in the past three years been working and improving on its physical infrastructure to provide customers more comfortable banking services.

“We’ve done a lot of work in the background such that when customers come into the new Union Bank, they can see it’s as good as (if not better than) any other bank in Nigeria. In fact, our goal is to make it better than any other bank in Nigeria,” he said. But beyond the physical infrastructure upgrade, Mbulu said the bank had improved on its operations, especially its technology. Customers can now walk into any of the branches and open an account (including processing of ATM/verve card) in less than 30 minutes. He said, “Our transformation transcends the physical branch. We used to have archaic technology, we admit. The old Union Bank was a bit difficult to work with; but we have currently the best in banking technology in Nigeria. “We have (also) built a world class data centre in Lagos; and we have a backup of that databank. So, the era of ‘system down’ in Union Bank is over. He said in the area of operations, the new Union Bank has centralized basic operations, services and processes, so that in all the branches across the nation, there will be “uniform processes” of simpler and smarter banking operations. Speaking with newsmen, the bank’s Head of Strategy Union Bank plc , Lola Cardoso, said the launch of the branches was an evidence of the transformation the bank had gone through in the last three years as well as the transformation that is yet to come. “As you can see, there is a difference between what you see today and what was here before. We present a simpler, smarter bank. Beside the ambience being more comfortable for our customers, it also demonstrates the fact that we’ve invested in technology. Customers can come in and come out in short time; get attended to with more improved services, and at the same time (we) have a brand identity that is more vibrant than we had before. “So, really this is about making banking simpler so that people can focus on the things that matter most,” she said. ‘We commenced with our people by optimizing our talent base. We hired the right people for the right roles and aligned our compensation with industry standard. We strengthened our technology by undertaking the task of rolling out a brand new banking platform and successfully implemented it. We built a state of the art datacentre. We also built the central processing centre to streamline and standardize operations across board. We restructured our business model to focus clearly on banking. We also re-enhanced our product and service offerings for our retail, commercial and corporate segments.’she noted Cardoso added that ‘Our goal remains singular, to enhance our customer experience. We have begun refurbishing and renovating our branches and today you will notice that our branches have modern aesthetics. We would ensure to maintain a minimum standard across our branches and to ensure they are located in the right areas serving the right kind of customers. The Osi Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun, who represented the Olubadan Ibadan at the occasion, said after inspecting the new look Union Bank: “It promises to be as new technology in banking; one that we may never have seen before in this country. I’m impressed. It could be recalled that the product was originally launched in Lagos on Monday November 2, 2015 In 2012, the Union Bank Management created a clear strategy to turn Union Bank around and to make it a “highly respected provider of quality financial services”. We defined critical pillars for our success and we began the job of executing on each and every one of these pillars.

Foretaste Holds First Musical Concert Uzo Chikere Foretaste musical outreach inspired to reach out to widows, orphans and the girl child in the society has held its debut musical concert to give praises to God. The musical concert tagged: “Hope for tomorrow” still in the development stage took place at the Agip hall of the Museum Center, Lagos, was organized by Gospel singer Dupsy and other anointed singers who thrilled guests from all works of life with inspirational praises to God.

The concert featured gospel artists like Pastor Kunle Ajayi, Segun Obe, ife Akinpelu, Asseta and other gospel artists in Lagos. Speaking with the organizer of the concert Modupe Oyeneyin (stage name ‘Dupsy’), an indigene of Ogun state, she said that it was an event to set a conducive atmosphere for God to dwell in the lost ones. “ I gave my life to Christ in 1987 and since then I have a divine call to spread the gospel in various forms especially through music. I have always had a personal burden and passion to touch the lives of widows and the downtrodden children, especially the girl child within my immediate society, so I decided to fulfill my calling and passion through my natural God-given talent – music”. “If we must get God down to meet our respective needs, we must create an atmosphere conducive for Him to inhabit and dwell in. “In the midst of praises, God does wonders and everybody needs God, but creating that environment is where the challenge lies she said. “It is a forum to help people have that kind of atmosphere to encounter God and their miracle,” Dupsy said. . The multi-talented Gospel singer with a first degree in Microbiology from the University of Lagos and Master’s degree from the University of Liverpool, said, she has released two albums already and presently working on the third. Her first album titled, ‘No More Pain,’ was released in 2007 while the second album is titled, ‘No More Pain Reloaded’. ’ she said. The singer added that the concert was geared toward reaching out to souls, orphans, girl child and the less privileged both believers, non-believers alike to enable them become conscious of God’s goodness at all times. Her word, so many hearts has been hurt and no one cares to show love to them. the need to respond to this divine mandate to care for these ones continues to fuel my commitment to the music outreach arm which i christened ‘’FORETASTE’’ “People like dancing, praises, singing which is why the concert was organised in the hall as an avenue to reach out to different people and the nation at large.’’ Also speaking at the concert, Mr Olugbemi - Oyeneyin, the Coordinator of the Concert said, the event would encourage people to be close God. “In the presence of God, there is fullness of joy, people should understand that healing also comes from praising and worshiping God” Oyeneyin said. “ I believe there is need for us to come together to appreciate God as one body and care for those in need. “It was not ordinary considering that lives have been lost because no one cares to show love to the less privileged” he said. Speaking further he said, the musical concert would create a time of fellowship among God’s people and thereafter, people would be blessed and souls won to the kingdom of God. Segun Obe, a gospel artist at the event who also produced few songs said, that the musical concerts was an initiative of gospel singer who believes in change Obe said: “There is a place for music to reach out to souls and there is also the place of the word of God.’’ According to him, passion is the first thing that should cause one to do anything in life before involving it as business‎, that is why the concert was inspired by the passion to reach out to widows, orphans and the girl child in our society. .

Calabar Carnival Unveils Theme Sunday

Calabar Carnival Unveils Theme Sunday Africa’s largest street party carnival, Carnival Calabar, is unveiling its 2015 theme in Lagos this Sunday, coinciding with the opening day of the biggest travel exhibition in West Africa, Akwaaba African Travel Market. At the unveiling, Akwaaba delegates from all over the world will have a taste of what to expect in Calabar come December. The carnival unveiling in Lagos will be hosted by the Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, supported by Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Chairman Carnival Calabar Band Associations. The event will bring delegates from all over the world to witness the unveiling which is part of the vision of the Governor to internationalise the carnival.

3 Dead, Several Injured As Rival Cult Groups, Gangs Clash

3 Dead, Several Injured As Rival Cult Groups, Gangs Clash in Osun Three people were feared dead while some others sustained degrees of injuries in separate clashes involving two rival cult groups in Osogbo, and two opposing gangs in Ile Ife, during the weekend, ThisDay reports. However, the remote cause of the clashes in Osogbo could not be ascertained, but security sources said two leading members of rival cult groups started the fight that later led to the death of one of their members at a popular pub located along Iwo/Osogbo road last week Thursday. A source, who witnessed the genesis of crisis at the said pub, noted that a member of a cult group that was believed to be holding the reins in Osogbo at the moment attacked a member of a rival cult group by beating him up, when he insisted on entering into the pub against the advice of those in the premises. "After managing to escape, the man that was beaten went to two neighboring higher institutions, names withheld, to recruit more hands to prosecute the fight. "He recognised the man that beat him and since the incident happened, they were on his trail and later caught up with him around Adenle, Sabo Area of Osogbo," he added.

Mambazo Is Still Strong, 55 Years On

Mambazo Is Still Strong, 55 Years On

Sowetan

Despite the demise of its arrow head, Joseph Shabalala, Lady Smith Black Mambazo has continued to forge ahead, going to celebrate its 55^th anniversary this Thursday.   

Isicathaniya music which the group champions may not enjoy much airtime on television and radio, but the Grammy-award winning outfit maintains that the genre has a bright future.

Mambazo, as the group is affectionately known, is among the pioneers of isicathamiya music and has taken the sound to international stages.

Mambazo has also collaborated with international stars and won four Grammy Awards. It is for these reasons that the group will celebrate 55 years of existence with a performance at Gold Reef City on Thursday.

It's a pity the group will celebrate the milestone without the founder, Joseph Shabalala, due to health reasons.

According to Thulani Shabalala, one of the founder's sons in the current line-up of the group, his father is still recuperating from a back surgery.

"Due to the operation, my father cannot travel long distances sitting. He trie[d] when we performed in Durban, but he is not supposed to.

"But this does not mean he has retired," Thulani says. 

Thamsanqa, another one of Shabalala's sons who have replaced other original members, says the group is looking forward to performing in front of a home crowd.

"It is always a pleasure to perform at home. We know that South Africans love and support us. It is through this support that we won these accolades."

The group believes that isicathamiya music will never perish because young people are showing interest in it. Thulani says they have noticed that isicathamiya music is alive and well in schools.

"We are pleased to see that young people are keen to keep the genre alive," he says.

"Last week, we performed in Nigeria. We were welcomed by five young boys singing our songs.

"We get the same when we visit Europe."

Thulani says lack of television airplay negatively affects growth of the music genre. He says many people are not aware that isicathamiya genre is growing because groups are not seen on TV.

Looking beyond 55 years, the group plans to contribute to the growth of isicathamiya and to work harder to achieve more. Thulani says there is room for improvement, but the group is not willing to lose its originality.

The group says winning Grammy awards has put it under pressure to work harder and make sure it ups its game.

"Winning those awards compels us to work even harder and [to] always [be] on point. This has pushed us to forever rehearsing our music, whether the group has a performance or not."

Outfit Packages Nigerians For American Music Awards, Other Top Events

Outfit Packages Nigerians For America Music Awards, Other Top Events 

Lyxvara Concierge, a first class luxury concierge company headquartered in Lagos, has packaged a variety of tantalizing concierge programs and VIP solutions across the world for Nigerians between now and January next year. These include Personal concierge programs, Corporate concierge programs, Hotel/Residential Concierge support, Worldwide VIP Event  and Access and Luxury travel programs.

Top of the deal is the Formula One slated for Sao Paulo, Brazil on November 15, 2015. Formula One (also Formula 1 or F1) is the highest class of single-seat auto racing that is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The FIA Formula One World Championship has been the premier form of racing since the inaugural season in 1950, although other Formula One races were regularly held until 1983.  

Others are the 2015 America Music Awards, billed for November 22, 2015. The 43rd Annual American Music Award will be held at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California. It will be broadcast live on ABC. Jennifer Lopez was announced as the host on October 7, 2015. Taylor Swift leads the nominations with six.

Also packaged  especially for Nigerian fashion lovers is the British Fashion Awards billed for November 23, 2015. The British Fashion Awards celebrate the breadth and depth of talent in the British fashion industry from the emerging stars to the designer brands, models and style icons, from creatives through to awarding the ultimate accolade, Designer of the Year.

Pope Francis’ visit to Uganda is another great programme on the bill. As part of the Holy Father’s first trip to Africa in November, Pope Francis will travel to Uganda for a packed two-day visit. Pope Francis is expected to arrive in the East African nation on Nov. 27

While in Kampala the Argentine pontiff will meet separately with foreign diplomats and then will be received at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine by a congregation of about 570 catechists, 220 teachers and more than 200 couples. In addition, a 150-strong ecumenical council, 30 bishops and 300 Munyonyo parishioners will travel to the shrine to welcome the Holy Father

Also on the package are Nov 10th: Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show; Nov 15th: 22nd Barclays ATP World Tour Finals; Nov 16th: Premiere: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2; Nov 19th: Latin Grammy Awards; Nov 25th: Pope Francis Africa visit – Uganda; Nov 26th: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; Nov 29th: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Formula One; and Nov 30th: Gotham Independent Film Awards

Other future events billed for January and February 2016 include People's Choice Awards (Jan); Sundance Film Festival (Jan); Golden Globe Awards (Jan); Choice Movie Awards (Jan); Producer Guild Awards (Jan); Screen Actors Guild Awards (Jan); and Grammy Awards (Feb)

The company enjoins Nigerians to take advantage of the offer and experience the “courteous difference” with their highly trained staff. 

Outfit Packages Nigerians for America Music Awards, Other Top Events Lyxvara Concierge, a first class luxury concierge company headquartered in Lagos, has packaged a variety of tantalizing concierge programs and VIP solutions across the world for Nigerians between now and January next year. These include Personal concierge programs, Corporate concierge programs, Hotel/Residential Concierge support, Worldwide VIP Event and Access and Luxury travel programs. Top of the deal is the Formula One slated for Sao Paulo, Brazil on November 15, 2015. Formula One (also Formula 1 or F1) is the highest class of single-seat auto racing that is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

Ibu, Bimbo Manuel Headline NOPA 2015

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Ibi, Bimbo Manuel Headline NOPA 2015

Organizers of the annual recognition award ceremony; Nollywood Outstanding personality Awards (NOPA) has unveiled the winners of award this year. Headlining this year’s edition, the eight in the series are top actors ,John Okafor, Mr. Ibu, Bimbo Manuel, Prolific writer, Mr. Tai Emeka Obasi amongst others.

    

A release emanating from the Ikeja Project Secretariat and signed by Stanley Uche Okoronkwo, founder of Nollywood Outsanding Personality Awards, revealed’, As usual, the list of 2015 awardees is outstanding. It cuts across ethnic divides and political leanings in Nollywood it faces art and professionalism. Bimbo Manuel is an actor of no mean repute. He has made his mark in the make believe world. John Okafor rose through the ranks. From production manager to the celebrated actor he is today. Those behind the camera are not equally left out. Tai Emeka Obasi is an accomplished script writer he wrote some of the movies that put Nollywood on the map. Victor Okhai the proprietor of international film and broadcast academy, another recipient is simply a maestro”.

Stanley  stated “former minister of information and culture and chairman board of Trustee, association of movie Journalists the principle partners of NOPA will be On hand to once more ensure and excellent outing’.

NOPA 2015 will return to the Lagos Island where it all started.

Said Okoronkwo’. The maiden edition of NOPA took place in2007 at the Muson Centre in the Island. The 2008 edition held at the National Theatre. Since 2009 has remained in the mainland but this year edition will hold at Piccadilly Hotels. The ambience of the hotel is tailor made for NOPA and other major events. After the red carpet and awards, an after awards party will take place at the same venue and awardees and invites will unwind there.

Said Stanley: “We are pulling all stunts to ensure a great event, though the award ceremony which started in 2007 is yet to attract a major sponsor, we are not giving up. Our conviction and passion for what we do have kept us afloat against all odds".