by Ifreke Inyang

“Please just let him go. He’s just an old man, he hasn’t done any harm to anyone as far as I know and I don’t know why he has been taken. Nigeria is the country I am from. I’ve always tried to help my country in any way I can, playing for my country or anything. This is a time where I need the country to help me. Whoever has got my dad, whoever knows where my dad is, please contact me and hopefully he can be released.”

Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi pleading with the kidnappers of his father, Michael Obi, to release him. Michael Obi runs a transport company and has not been seen or heard from since he failed to return home from work in Jos, the capital of Plateau State in central Nigeria.

 

“The relationship is fantastic. On Friday, I said goodbye to him and I got very emotional because he’s like a father figure to me. I couldn’t even talk at one stage, when I wanted to say how grateful I was. I got a bit emotional and couldn’t talk much. I had to send him a message afterwards, saying ‘I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me’. If it hadn’t been for him I wouldn’t be here today, living my dream.”

New Barcelona signing, Cesc Fabregas insisting in an interview that he parted ways with Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger on good terms.

“Was I nominated? I didn’t know. Thank you so much. I’m honoured. Really, Cobhams and I shouldn’t be nominated. I like Samklef and wish he wins, everybody please vote for Samklef.”

Don Jazzy’s response to his nomination for Producer of the Year for the 2011 Headies in an interview with Toolz on Beat FM. He was nominated alongside Cobhams, Samklef, Jesse Jagz and J Sleek.

“Thank you for caring enough to give us your feedback about the recent ‘Re-civilized’ Nivea for Men ad. This ad was inappropriate and offensive. It was never our intention to offend anyone, and for this we are deeply sorry. This ad will never be used again. Diversity and equal opportunity are crucial values of our company.”

Skin-care company, Nivea, issuing an apology via Facebook. They recently released a print ad that caused such an outrage in the African American community. The ad shows an African American man preparing to toss a decapitated head with an afro-style haircut. The ad copy reads: ‘Re-Civilize Yourself.’ They have since taken down the ad and issued an apology via Facebook, where they got most of the backlash.

“So I’m in Jos and apparently there’s a little trouble in town so I can’t fly out.. God help Jos.”

@MI_Abaga’s tweet last week. The rapper was stranded in his hometown after violence erupted in Jos leaving people dead and several others injured. The violence began after an Okada rider was killed in a robbery. Angered by this, youths in Nasarawa Gwom took to the streets and attacked passers-by who were on their way to church, killing at least three.

“We are proud to announce that musical sensation and social phenomenon Rihanna has partnered with the Barbados Tourism Authority as an exclusive promotional partner for three years.”

The Barbados Tourism Authority’s announcement where they confirmed that Pop star, Rihanna was now a Tourism Ambassador for the country. This comes after she brought international attention to Barbados by participating in the traditional Bajan festival as the carnival queen. Rihanna has been signed to a three year deal exclusively by the Barbados Tourism Authority to promote the island.

 

“Dignified, with just a hint of willful naiveté, the deep, rich “oh’s” and “eh’s” of Naija bend the English language without breaking it, arousing tremors in places other languages can’t reach. Kinda makes the occasional phone scam worth the swindle.”

A brief summary of the Nigerian accent on CNNGO’s web page. In the top 12 hottest accent compiled by CNNGO, the Nigerian accent was ranked 5th hottest after the Italian, French, Spanish, and Czech accents.

 

“What I learned from her is what I learned from Mike (Michael Jackson), and I know that’s blasphemy to compare the two because Mike was such an innovator but she’s like the second coming. For the hard work and the dedication that she puts into her shows – it just makes you want to work harder at your craft, she’s like a machine.”

Superstar rapper, Jay Z comparing his wife, Beyonce to the late King of Pop in an interview with Miami radio station, 99 Jamz.

 

“Private courier companies cannot compete with NIPOST because of its effectiveness in rendering service to the people at the grass-roots level.”

Borno Territory Area Postal Manager, Mr Bature Alex affirming in an interview that mails sent through NIPOST are secure and safeguarded to the point of delivery.

“I sacrificed so much as a kid and as a teenager. I have no regrets because my job kept me focused. When you’re young—18 or 19—you have the energy and drive. That’s the time to work as hard as you can. Now I’m a woman, and because I gave it my all, I can focus on my marriage. I can decide I want to have kids. I can be the mother I want to be and dedicate myself to my children.”

Beyonce hints in an interview in the new issue of InStyle Magazine that she is ready to slow down.