Bloodbath in Benue

No fewer than 20 people have been killed and several houses torched in another attack on Tiv farmers by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Logo, Katsina-Ala and Kwande Local Government Areas of Benue State.

Governor Gabriel Suswam, who disclosed this in Makurdi yesterday while signing the 2014 budget of N108 billion into law, said the three local governments were on fire due to the attack of Fulani invaders on the Tiv farmers in the areas, lamenting that the Fulani mercenaries seemed to be encircling the whole of Benue.

New twist in alleged missing $20bn oil money

A new twist has crept into Senate’s investigation of an alleged missing $20 billion oil fund as the Committee on Finance directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to furnish it with more details on a $2.4 billion payment for third party financing.

2015: Election to determine Nigeria’s unity –Gen Abdulsalam

Former Military President General Abdulsalami Abubakar said yesterday that the manner in which the country will handle the 2015 general elections will determine if Nigeria will remain a united and stable country.

From KSA to Tuface: Who is the next Nigerian superstar?

After almost a three-month break from the hassles and battles of organising a national music award, this page is back on steam. Now, our mandate has been expanded – we have been given a free-role like the deadly creative midfielder in a well-trained football team. Expect the darting runs; the wow-evoking dribbles; spectacular free kicks, back breaking assists, and of course, the occasional sensational goals.

Lawal warns: I see Keshi failing in Brazil 2014

Nigerian former international, Garba Lawal has expressed concern over the few playing time given to Nigerian players at their various European clubs this season, arguing that it would be difficult for the Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi, to prosecute the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup with match rusty players.

Lawal, who dropped the hint while answering questions from the journalists in Abuja, where he represented his club, Kaduna United FC during the recent meeting between the League Management Company (LMC) and club representatives, insisted that the inactiveness of the Nigeria’s best legs in Europe ought to bother Keshi.

Asked how he feels that players like John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses among others were not regulars at their various clubs since the beginning of this season, the former Super Eagles utility player, replied: “I want to admit that I equally entertain fears just as any other Nigerian, concerning the bench role of our players at their European clubs.

“The World Cup is not a tournament a coach prosecutes with the majority of his players either sitting on the bench or are match rusty. World Cup is a big stage which requires players in top form. I don’t know how Keshi feels about the situation, but I know that he ought to be bothered that most of his players will not be in form.

“It is going to be difficult for Keshi at the World Cup because of the current form of his boys. The ones he is relying on are not playing regularly, yet he does not want to invite a player like Ike Uche that is doing well for his club this season.”


He cannot let Uche or Osaze Odemwingie to return to the team. I don’t know how he thinks but for me, he needs Osaze and Uche in his team,” he insisted.

On whether we are on course for the World Cup preparations, Chindo, as friends fondly call him, quipped: “I want to think that we are on course, but the head coach should be in the best position to answer the question. I want to believe that Keshi knows what he wants as a coach to prepare and give Nigerians qualitative representation at the World Cup.”

8 ways to look studded

There’s no denying that studs are hot now, and they show no sign of slowing down soon for avid fashion lovers. Even though luxe, punk-inspired looks are trending hard no one wants to look like a rock star without boundaries. Easy does it! Stick to a few key accessories or embellished pieces and never, ever wear all of them at once.
Check out these tips:

Embellished dress
If you are not sure the studded trend is for you, start with a simple dress with delicate bead embellishments along the neckline. You can go for a gorgeous beaded jacquard print dress.

Studs and spikes necklace
Fusing the tribal trend with punk influence, an exotic, stud-adorned necklace that features pops of neon is a great way to wear the trend. Pair it with a simple LBD or a tailored blazer, for a look that is as edgy as it is sophisticated.

Stud adorned blouse
For a diva look, a Diamanté-studded silk-georgette blouse is a very glamorous way to add studs into your wardrobe. Silk blouses with strategically studded collars are already showing up everywhere.

Luxe bag
Cool sophistication and rock-and-roll sensibility should merge with your bag. Get a bag with a unique shape complemented with studs. This is a piece you can use long after the trend dies down. Look for a bag in a neutral colour like black, grey or taupe and for maximum versatility, get a model that features a detachable shoulder strap.

Studded pumps
One of the places studs seem to be popping up the most is on shoes. Embrace your edgy side with a pair of sexy studded pumps. Just don’t be surprised if everyone’s eyes are on your feet.

Pyramid earrings
Add an edgy-luxe vibe to your wardrobe with a pair of studded earrings, they leave your admirers breathless.

Studded bracelet
Look ready to rock in a stunning studded cuff bracelet. Pair it with a simple T-shirt or with cocktail attire for a look that is exciting and directional.

Clutches
Add a bit of heavy metal to your wardrobe with a fun studded, metal-embellished clutches which are a great way to add the trend to your wardrobe without going overboard.