HIV REDUCED BY 21%, WORLD AIDS DAY 2011

Report by the UNAIDS program on HIV/AIDS that 2011 was game channging year for the AIDS response with unprecendneted progress in scienc. According to report, that new HIV/AIDS infections and death have fallen to the lowest levels since the peak of the epiodemic.

New HIV/AIDS reduced by 21% since 1997,2005. "Even in a very difficult financial crisis, countries are delivering in the AIDS response," " We have seen a massive scale up in access to HIV treatment which has had a dramatic effect on the lives of the people". said Michel Sidibe, Executive Director of UNAIDS.

UNAIDS has mapped a new framework for AIDS investments ,which have focused on high impact. [UNAIDS press repot]

DAVID BECKAM VISITS THE PHILIPPINES FOR AN EXHIBITION FOOTBALL MATCH AGAINST PHILIPPINES AZKAL

The British football star David Beckham  arrives at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on December 1,2011 for a friendly football match against the Philippines Azkal.

Beckham will lead the Los Angeles Galaxy team in an exhibition match against the Azkals on December 3. This is part of their international tour for the team playing for exhibition games.

Last November 30,2011 Beckham and Galaxy team are playing with the Indonesia football team in Bung Karno Staduim in Jakarta. Their next destination after the Philippines will be in Australia.

US ENTERTAINERS REFUSE TO COME TO NIGERIA

You see what Boko Haram and all the bombings and killings in the Northern parts of Nigeria in recent times have caused? Oyibo entertainers are refusing to come to this country for any show. They are going to other African countries but have vehemently refused to come here, especially after they were warned by their country to stay away from Nigeria...in the meantime.

A few major shows in Nigeria have had to be cancelled because of this. R.Kelly, Ludacris, Keri Hilson were invited to perform at three different shows this December and they all turned it down. It's not like it's major issue but it's just not a good image for us...

Hopefully the killings and bombings will stop, and there will be peace again in our land...

ACTOR SEGUN ARINZE/WIFE JULIE EXPECTING BABY NUMBER 2 !

National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, (AGN) Segun Arinze is going to be a dad again!

The actor and his wife Julie, are reportedly expecting their second child.

Julie first child with Segun is about nine months old.

The AGN president has a daughter with ex-wife Anne Njemanze and another child from a previous relationship.

I wish Julie safe delivery.

THE MISERABLE LIFESTYLE OF STAR ACTOR KELVIN IKEDUBA

In the Yoruba sector of the movie industry,Kelvin Ikeduba happens to be the most patronized Igbo actor as he moves from one movie location to the other with ease.Not only that,he is just too good at what he does and many have come to attribute this to his having been born and bred in Lagos.

Kelvin speaks fluent and undiluted Yoruba language although he is by birth from Delta State.He is at his best when interpreting gangster,bad boy or spoilt brat roles.

The gist about Kelvin is that his lifestyle has become worrisome to many of his pals and associates.What is most worrisome to many however is that despite his popularity and the fact that he gets regular jobs,both In the English and Yoruba sectors of Nollywood Kelvin still lives inside the room and parlor in which he was born. His pals in Ebute Meta told us that Ikeduba still lives in that apartment that was rented by his mother with his siblings.

This singular act of his has got many of his friends worried and they had on many occasions talked him into walking away to a more descent accommodation befitting a movie star of his status.

The situation got so disturbing that a friend we learnt,even told him that he will vacate his apartment,a mini flat,for Kelvin to take over.Interestingly,the friend was still having almost a year’s house rent already paid and the friend was not asking Kevin for refund.

We learnt that Kelvin declined the offer and even got angry and told the friend that he,the friend,was ridiculing him and that does the friend think he can’t afford a decent apartment.They said,Kelvin never took the offer.Many have come to attribute his love for the room and parlor apartment as an expression of his having phobia for good and decent home.

Others say it is all because Kelvin lacks focus even though he has the money for a better pad.They argue that Kelvin should have left the Ebute Meta home for his brothers and sisters and relocate somewhere else as a movie star even if it is Ikorodu where most Yoruba movie stars are residing either in their own houses or tastefully appointed rented apartments.

They argue that it will not stop him from taking good care of his siblings if that is his main reason for staying back in the ghetto where Kelvin is said by those who know him to come out in the morning to shout for ‘Omo Ologi’ and ‘Alakara’, meaning pap seller and bean cake seller.

Again,Kelvin who is in his late thirties or early forties is yet to be married and the argument is that no babe will want to be married to a movie star living in a room and parlor with his siblings.

Some people have however come to defend the movie star saying he might be waiting to be married before he moves to a decent apartment or that he is erecting a structure somewhere and prefers to wait and move in once and for all instead of renting another apartment.

ACTRESS RUKY SANDA TALKS TOUGH ABOUT HER MANY SCANDALS

She is one of the most controversial acts in Nollywood but still walks head high as a popular Nollywood actress-cum-producer.

Although her popularity may not be on account of her acting prowess but she has just remained in the news over time.That she is an adventurous and outgoing actress,coupled with her beauty,makes her a name that keeps popping up on the scene.

In a recent interview,she opens up like never before.

Those saying that no actress can make headway without having a man behind her are insane.I don’t think they have any brain at all.As far as I am concerned,Iam single and people that know me will tell you I work very hard.I don’t care about the impression any one may have,I don’t care about what anybody says.They can tag actresses whatever they like,I am not bothered.

I think I have reached a stage in my career that nothing bothers me again.It was when I just started that such things used to bother me.At times,I would start contemplating throwing in the towel but now I have passed that stage.

Nothing could be written about me that moves me again.Even in most cases I don’t get to see them,and no one ever had the gut to say it to my face that I am this,I am that.

It’s amazing these scandals or gossip don’t bother me.It’s amazing how some people want to die over such.What bothers me is how I am going to move forward in my career,move to the next level.

I have a plan of what I do every year but one thing that is certain is that I do business which brings me money.I am a business minded person apart from acting.

I buy and sell.I sell clothes,I don’t just sell to everybody,I have a class of people that I buy clothes for.I sell in bulk.I sell other things so far they bring me money.

Acting has done a lot for me.I have the voice that so many people don’t have.I can say something I consider stupid now but it will matter to some people,that it may eventually have impact on their lives.So,I realized acting has given me a voice,it’s a rare opportunity.Having a voice means that people love to hear what you want to say.

People see you as role model,some people love you,some may hate you for no just cause,some people are jealous of you and all that.It makes me realize that oh!This is what I have and I am going to make use of it.I thank God I am moving on with my career,especially now that I am more involved in production.

YORUBA MOVIE STAR,WUNMI CAUSES STIR IN MECCA

It was indeed drama galore when popular Yoruba actress Hassanat Taiwo Akinwande popularly known as Wunmi,who years back was arrested for a drug-related offence by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) went for the Holy Hajj in the town of Medina,Saudi Arabia to beg for forgiveness for her much advertised drug related sin.

According to an eye witness who was at the scene,the actress drew a lot of attention to herself when she was spotted by some group of worshipers who also went on the holy pilgrimage from Nigeria.

The actress was said to have displayed a care free attitude as fans and other pilgrims stared at her in consternation.The drama took a turn from comedy to an epic story when the actress was set to perform the traditional rite of “stoning the devil” which is customary with the Muslim holy pilgrimage.

Our source revealed that the actress,who said she could not allow herself to be stoned to death by the millions of worshippers who had come from far and wide to perform the same rite,simply dropped the stones which were supposed to be used for the rites by her.

An onlooker,who was beside the actress,was later seen talking to a Nigerian pilgrim.According to the onlooker,Wunmi was heard saying in her traditional dialect(Yoruba)” Satan this is your stone,I live and eat by the rule of the street,let me continue to succeed”

Our source revealed that as soon as she uttered that line she turned her back and exited from the area.The whole drama was said to have elicited a lot of furrowed eyes and frowns to some extent that even Wunmi herself could not comprehend why she created such jeers.

Let’s hope she has finally learnt her lesson from this ablution of sins,since the holy pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam and this Wunmi has performed.

BOUNCING BABY BOY FOR COBHAMS ASUQUO

The latest father in town now is Cobhams Asuquo.

The wife of the ace music producer has just delivered a bouncing baby boy.

Odunola gave birth to the bundle of joy yesterday afternoon at a hospital in the US.

Cobhams tied the knot with Odunola on December 2, 2010 in a low-key affair that took place at the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Congratulations to the family!

AFROBEAT LEGEND FEMI KUTI GRABS THIRD GRAMMY AWARD NOMINATION

Afrobeat singer Femi Kuti has been nominated at the 54th edition of the prestigious Grammy Awards.

Femi picked up his third ever nomination in the World Music Category for his ‘Africa for Africa‘ album last night Wednesday, November 30, 2011 when the list was unveiled at the ‘Grammy Nominations Concert Live!!‘ in Los Angeles, US.

In 2003, Femi, eldest son of late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti picked up his first ever Grammy Award nomination but lost out to Panamanian salsa singer Rubén Blades. He similarly lost in 2010 when he was nominated in the same category. US banjo player Bela Fleck walked away with the award.

His recent nomination sees him up against Latin/Roots music band AfroCubism, South African male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Malian band Tinariwen.

Femi has vowed not to attend the Grammys again after losing out the first time he was nominated. Femi disclosed then that he regret attending the prestigious event.

Last year, he said;

"When I arrived at the red carpet, nobody came for me, my record company didn't come, I felt stupid and so I knew I could not win. I sacked my manager, a French man, and they sacked me too. The journey back home was very long. I felt sad. Since then I vowed never to attend the Grammy Awards again.

My father never went for any awards, and where they presented him an award, he didn't go personally and when they brought the award to him, he would send them back with the award. One day, I was at the World Music Awards and I brought the awards, he said did I send you? You better take it back. As I grew older, I understood what he was saying then."

DEATH AND BLINDNESS RUMOUR:MERCY JOHNSON IS ALRIGHT

Some days back, News of the People reported how mercy Johnson got blind in a movie. But from the looks of things, it seems people didn’t just take their time to read the full report, they only read the headlines and started spreading false rumors about charming Mercy Johnson.

Mercy’s publicist, Bigsam Media has finally opened about the death and blindness rumours.

"As at the time of writing this, blogosphere and entertainment industry is awashed with rumour that star actress, Mercy Johnson suffered blindness and experienced a terrible accident that led to her death.

This rumor has no resemblance or iota of truth. Mercy is on a movie location in Lagos and getting set for her trip to Australia in a matter of days.

After diligent investigation, we discovered the rumour started as a result of a publicity stunt initiated by producer of a movie where Mercy's character lost an eye. Another part of the rumor was started by detractor whose only goal is pull MJ down by all means.

It is despicable to note that these rumors were strengthened by writers who did not crosscheck before posting on their blogs, platforms or newspapers. We decry this act of insensitivity and irresponsibility especially as it affects family, friends and fans.

We appreciate family, friends and fans that have taken time to call out of concern and love and we wish to let them know that mercy is hale and hearty.

We implore bloggers and writers to kindly cross check reports on mercy with us to avoid using their platforms to promote falsehood and abate inappropriate ''PR stunts'' by those who want to sell their movies or those whose goal is to pull others down at all costs.

Our lines are always opened for enquiries.

Thanks for your understanding .

Bigsam media

Abeg my people make una learn to read and understand before spreading false rumors.

STAR ACTRESS BIMBO AKINSANYA ATTEMPTED MURDER CASE ADJOURNED

Nollywood actress,bimbo Akinsanya is standing trial for alleged conspiracy to murder one Reverend Pat Ogechi Dennah.

The Yoruba movie actress was alleged to have on 28 October, 2011 at 20, Samuel Street, Akowonjo, Egbeda, a suburb of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, conspired to commit felony by wounding Reverend Dennah.
One of the charges reads:

“That you, Bimbo Akinsanya and others now at large on 28 October, 2011 at about 2030hrs at No. 20, Samuel Street, Akowonjo, Egbeda, Lagos, in the Lagos magisterial district, did point Rev. Pat Ogechi Dennah to a boy yet to be identified, to kill her and the said boy shot her with a gun and wounded her on her left shoulder and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 338 of the criminal code cap C17 Vol. 11 laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.”

At the court yesterday 30th November,2011, the prosecutor told the court that the victim was still receiving treatment from the wounds he sustained from the gunshot.

He prayed for a short adjournment to enable the victim recover from her wounds.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to 21 December, 2011 for mention.Bimbo pleaded not guilty to the charges.She was granted bail by the presiding magistrate, Mr A.O. Isaac in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties who must be residing in Lagos.

FACEBOOK ADMITS MISTAKES IN PROTECTING USERS' PRIVACY

Government regulators are sharing some alarming information about Facebook. They say that Facebook failed to keep privacy promises and deceived its customers. The unflattering portrait of Facebook's privacy practices emerged Tuesday in a Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The FTC put out a statement last night in which it said that the social networking website had promised that it will secure the information of its users by keeping it secretive but at the same time, it repeatedly allowed the personal information to be shared and made it public on various accounts. FTC noted that these actions were not fair, deceptive and breached federal law.

The Federal Trade Commission has also given the social networking website settlement requirements that require to follow steps that assure that it does not exposes and breaches the information of those using the social networking website, without giving them before-hand notice and keeping their consent in regard.

Some of the complaints against Facebook that has been raised by FTC include changing of the website by Facebook in 2009 that some changes were made to the profile of users which turned their previously altered things which were private as public. The users were not warned of the changes at all. FTC also noted, amongst a list of other privacy breaches done by Facebook, that the 3rd party applications use personal data/all data of users rather than the information it just needs and the users who play these 3rd party applications or use other kinds of such applications, were not aware of it.

The social networking website also had a program by the name of Verified Apps and it was claimed by Facebook that is certified the security rights of the participating applications, when it actually didn’t. The FTC pointed out many other things as well in its report against Facebook. Users haven’t been too happy with the change of settings done by Facebook every now and then, which leaves their privacy to be manipulated in some way or the other.

KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN EXPECTING SECOND CHILD

Kourtney Kardashian and her man, Scott Disick, say they are anticipating their second kid together.

The pair have a son, Builder, who is nearly 2 many a lot of age.

The 32-year-old E! actuality celebrity shows Us Regular that she is nine months expecting.

Kourtney Kardashian's Biography

Kourtney Mary Kardashian (born April 18, 1979) is an American businesswoman, socialite, model, actress and reality television personality who gained fame as a cast member of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kourtney and Kim Take New York, and Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami.

BLACKSTREET, OTHERS TO HIT LAGOS FOR 'THE CORPORATE ELITE', DEC. 16

A one of a kind ‘end of year extravaganza’ for professionals and members of the corporate community, appropriately tagged ‘The Corporate Elite’ is set to take place on 16, December, 2011 at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, which is being packaged by Upfront and Personal, an event managing and global management consulting firm, will feature top-notch musical performances by a number of legendary international music acts including; R&B electro-funk group Midnight Star, Howard Hewett of the Shalamar fame, The Manhattans with members Bivins, Williams, Pazant, Hemphill, and Hardy, Blackstreet, who blew charts with their 1996 Billboard hit ‘No diggity’, and Jessica Reedy.

Special recognition would also be given to the Indigenous, and fast growing music labels like the Mo’ Hits Crew led by Don Jazzy, Chocolate City, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), Storm Records and pioneer Nigerian music label, Kennis Music.

According to organizers, the high-powered black tie event is put together to reward excellence, elegance, integrity, sophistication and diligence among stakeholders in the corporate world and is sponsored by telecommunications giant, MTN and a host of other multi-national organizations cutting across diverse sectors of the economy.

KIM KARDASHIAN EX ACCUSES HER OF FRAUD

"Kris Humphries asked the annulment of the marriage with the diva of the television, which lasted only three months. Their marriage was one of the best media of the year, but honeymoon was short-lived."

The basketball player accused his ex-partner using her marriage only as a sunset scene for her television show, according to TMZ. While he had intentions to bet on a genuine marriage, she really thought how to add audience.

With less than three months of marriage, Kim decided to secede from Humprhies because she was"not" what she had expected. Prior to the Yes on the altar, a millionaire prenuptial contract was signed that if the athlete wants to rescind. However, little so it would hurt, given that they do not share any property or bank account.

For her part, Kardashian told her friends that she never misled her ex to marry him. Apparently, the model loved to truth to Humphries, but changed her mind quickly.

She also denied that the double cancellation is possible because the State of California only recognizes as reasons "impotence, incest, bigamy, mental insanidad, violence and fraud".

GENEVIEVE NNAJI AND STEPHANIE OKEREKE's FIGHT GETS MESSIER

If information at our disposal is anything to write home about, then the relationship between two actresses Genevieve Nnaji and Stephanie Okereke has got messier. It was reported that the two friends are in feud over access to the Presidency and presidential aides.

According to our impeccable source,the rift started during the President GEJ campaign period when Nollywood started its fever pitch romance with politics.

We gathered that Stephanie was the arrowhead of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s campaign contact group with the film industry.

At the height of the chummy relationship with the Presidency officials led by Presidential Adviser on Strategy and Documentation, Oronto Douglas, Genevieve and Stephanie were regular faces at Eko Hotel where meetings were held with film practitioners and at campaign rallies.

Along the line, Genevieve started seeing Oronto and other presidential aides at Raddison Blu Hotel, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos oftentimes without Stephanie’s knowledge.

Every other weekend at Raddison Blu Hotel, Genevieve is with Oronto and other girls at the presidential suites.

Findings revealed that the Presidential aides most especially Oronto Douglas who appears to be enjoying the company of Genevieve these days better than Stephanie, triggered the cold war as we learnt Stephanie is feeling being left out and she is not taking it lightly because she was the one who brought Genevieve into the presidency’s setting.

We shall keep you posted as events unfold.

AMY WINEHOUSE's DRESS SOLD FOR $68,000 AT AUCTION

Late Singer Amy Winehouse’s chiffon dress worn for the cover of her chart-topping album ‘Back to Black’ has sold for $68,000 at Kerry Taylor Auction House in London.

Proceeds from the Disaya-designed dress sale, which exceeded initial pre-sale estimates of a maximum $31,454 will go to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, a charity set by father to the 27-year-old singer, Mitchell Winehouse, which seeks to provide help and relief to young people struggling with ill health, disability, poverty or drug addiction.

The dress will go on display at the Museo De La Moda, a South American fashion museum in Santiago, Chile which acquired the iconic property.

The English singer songwriter, who died in July of 2011 due to alcohol poisoning, is best remembered for her powerful deep contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres including R&B, soul and jazz as well as her sometimes eccentric behaviour.