DESPITE RECESSION, LAGOS GENERATED MORE REVENUE IN 2016 – AMBODE

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday hailed tax payers in the State for performing their civic obligations faithfully, saying the State recorded more Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2016 than what was recorded in 2015 despite economic recession in the country.

As at December 16, 2016 the State had raked in N287billion IGR for the year under review as against N268.2billion generated in 2015.

Speaking at a special evening of music and camaraderie held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, to usher in the Yuletide season, Governor Ambode said the taxes paid by the people have been judiciously utilized to upgrade infrastructures and provide various services, just as he said that Lagosians deserved to be appreciated for cooperating with government in that regard.

Speaking on the significance of the event which featured performances by array of evergreen musicians and was attended by top political leaders, captains of industries, media executives, professionals in various fields, members of the diplomatic corps, among others, Governor Ambode said the State Government was greatly appreciative of the contributions of the people to the growth of the State in the year under review, adding that the event was principally to appreciate them.

He said: “You wonder what it is that we are doing? We said it is an evening with the Governor but the truth is I just set this up to appreciate all of you and to say a big thank you. Yes, people have been saying that Lagos is working but Lagos is only working because of the people who are seated here.

“The tax payers are the ones giving us the little energy that we have and even though when they say Nigeria is in recession, but somehow Lagos has been able to do it and it is because people are paying their taxes.

“The truth is that the people have been carrying out their civic obligations and somehow we have been returning those obligations with the services that we have provided and you found out that this year; we have actually made more IGR than last year under a recession.

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left), with Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Hassan Babatunde Fasinro; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former Interim National Chairman, APC, Chief Bisi Akande during an evening of music and camaraderie with the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Sunday, December 18, 2016

“So, somehow, we need to appreciate all the people that have made this to happen and then I look at the way I could use Arts, Entertainment, Tourism and Hospitality not only to promote the excellence that Lagos has always been known for but to provide another sector of revenue for Lagos State and I felt one of the ways to go about that was to invite our old celebrities that we seem to have forgotten and spend an evening with them,” Governor Ambode said.

The event was attended by top leaders including National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Governor of State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule; Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; former Governors of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande and Senator Isiaka Adeleke; former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke; Majority Leader of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Senator representing Lagos West at the Senate and his predecessor, Solomon Adeola Olamilekan and Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon respectively; Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe; South West APC Women Leader, Chief Kemi Nelson; Iyalode of Lagos, Alhaja Binta Tinubu, among others.

Some of the legendary musicians that performed at the event include Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Sir Shina Peters, Lagbaja, Queen Salawa Abeni and Adewale Ayuba.

Russian founder of MMM, Serge Mavrodi

Following the reported crash of the MMM  money doubling scheme in Nigeria, the founder of the initiative has responded via a notice accredited to his picture. Read Below:

Serge Mavrodi, Founder MMM

"The Rock" Voted the 'THE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE!'

'The Rock'

The highest paid actor in Hollywood, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has been named People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive.

The 44-year-old scoops the title from last year's winner David Beckham, and can be seen on the cover of the magazine's new issue.

The snapshot shows The Rock flexing his muscles on the beach while clad in a simple white T-shirt and jeans. The actor and wrestler, while appreciating this recognition advised  the ‘wanna-bees’,  'Remember, sexy isn't something you "try and be". Sexy happens naturally when you're comfortable just being yourself,' he wrote.

 

LEKKI GARDENS BUILDING COLLAPSE: CONTRACTORS, OTHERS TO BE PROSECUTED – LASG

The Lagos State Government is set to commence the prosecution of suspects linked to the collapse of a five – story building on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, in Lekki, Lagos which led to the death of 30 persons.

A press statement issued and signed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem stated that the Government has concluded all legal preparations and is ready to prosecute the nine suspects deemed culpable in the collapse of the building.

According to the statement, “Following the conclusion of investigation by the Nigeria Police Force and technical reports of relevant experts, the Office of the Attorney-General has concluded its Legal Advice and decided to prosecute the suspects for failure to obtain Planning Permit contrary to the provisions of the State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, and Involuntary Manslaughter contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 respectively”.

It reiterated the commitment of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration to protecting the lives and property of its citizens and assured the general public that it would leave no stone unturned to ensure that criminal negligence and any form of crime is duly brought to book.

Recall that on Tuesday 8^th March, 2016 at about 05:00hrs, a property being built by Messrs. Lekki Gardens Estate Limited and Get Too Rich Investment Limited, also known as Horizon 1 Extension, House H15, Lekki, Lagos State collapsed claiming the lives of 30 people.

Story from the LASG.

21 CHIBOK GIRLS FREED SAYS THEY WERE NOT RAPED BY BOKO HARAM!!!

some of the girls free last month

 The 21 Chibok school girls freed by Boko Haram militants last month say they were not abused or raped during two-and-a-half years' captivity in northeast Nigeria, a source close to the presidency said on Wednesday. Many girls kidnapped by the Islamist militant group have been used as sex slaves, fighters and even suicide bombers, according to rights groups including Amnesty International. But the 21 freed girls said the militants treated them well while they were held captive ...  DO YOU BELIEVE THAT???

THE KING OF MONEY

Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan

So much has been written and said about Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, from his love for the oil business to his $1m wristwatch, his queen-type Rolls Royce and his very expensive out of the world palace, yet nothing has been said of how the Olugbo has helped placed Ugbo kingdom to vantage recognition. 

In March 2014, world’s foremost money magazine, Forbes, named Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan as the richest Nigerian King with an estimated net worth exceeding $300m, this acknowledgement helped triggered some form of curiosity as regard The King and his kingdom; and historians and Journalists ever since discovered how much their pen loved “Ugbo Kingdom and Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan’.

 A primary setting in the popular Moremi legend, Ugbo Kingdom is a town in Ilaje local government area of Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria, with fishing and farming as the dominant occupation. The Olugbo ( King of Ugbo) is a First class Yoruba Monarch who rule over many smaller communities from OdeUgbo, their ancestral power seat.

The current Olugbo, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan was born in 1950, to the royal family of Sir Frederic Adetolugbo at Ugbo.  Obateru started Obat oil in 1981 with the vision to build a corporation of great reckoning. Today, Obat oil owned one of the largest tank farms in Africa with over 50 gas stations across Nigeria, with a refinery in the offing. 

Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan is noted to love the splendorous lifestyles as rumors of his diamond laced shoes and other accessories have being the toast of many journalists.

TALKING ABOUT QUEEN GUSHI..

Queen Sekinat Elegushi

Gone are the days when traditional First-ladies comes ‘out-of-date’ and goes un-reckoned, today these African Queens are as beautiful, gorgeous, industrious and attractive like diamonds in the sun. 

Oba Saheed Elegushi and Olori Sekinat 

Talking about diamonds and the African pride, Queen Sekinat Aramide Elegushi, the wife of the king of Ikate-Land in Lekki Peninsula, sure exudes these characteristics and more. 

Always one to keep out of the spotlight except when she is beside Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, but like the gold fish that has no hiding place, LEKKI PEOPLE magazine reporter sighted the gorgeous queen at a recent event organized by the international Women’s society, IWS, Ikate where she was a key-note speaker at the graduation ceremony of 112 participants in the society’s skill acquisition scheme.

Apart from donating Trophies and gifts to spice up the event, Queen Aramide, a rising figure of gender empowerment and a key supporter of the International Women society, enjoined the graduands never to stop learning as skills learnt is bound to come handy during life’s  tough moments.

She said, “You may have graduated today from this program but you will never graduate from learning. You will go through many ups and downs but it is the skills you have acquired that will be the pillar you can always lean on.” Talking about beauty and brains…

Her husband, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, popularly called King Gushi by praise-singers, is the Oba of Ikate land and he is among the wealthiest and most flamboyant kings in Lagos state. Until his installation on 27^th April 2010, he was a big player in the real estate sector of Lekki Peninsula and has served as a top official in the Lagos State government from 2003 to 2010, when the demise of his father called on him to serve the people of Ikate land as the youngest king in Lagos state.

LAGOS STATE READS RIOT ACT TO BUILDING DEVELOPERS, CONTRACTORS!!!

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday read the riot act to developers and 

contractors alike, saying that the Government would no longer tolerate flouting of building 

regulations in line with its resolve to restore confidence in the building control and supervision 

process to ensure a safer Lagos. He said that much as his administration is addressing the challenge of housing deficit, the issue of safety concerns in the building sector was also top priority.  

Governor Ambode, who gave the warning at the celebration of 2016 World Habitat Day organised by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development with the theme, ‘Housing at the Centre’, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, said that Lagos State will create an additional 187, 500 new houses in the next five years which would go a long way to reduce the housing deficit estimated at 2.5 million in the state.

President Barack Obama has said that he and his family will remain in Washington, D.C., after they leave the White House in January so that his youngest daughter, Sasha, can finish school. And it looks like the Obamas have settled on a neighborhood.

Obama and first lady Michelle will lease an 8,200-square-foot mansion in the Kalorama neighborhood of D.C., according to Politico. The residence is reportedly owned by Joe Lockhart, Glover Park Group co-founder, and his wife, Giovanna Gray Lockhart, the Washington editor of Glamour.

Bruno Mars Releases '24K Magic,' His First Solo Song in Four Years

He's back! Bruno Mars released "24K Magic," his first solo song in four years, on Thursday, October 6. The song is the title track from the singer's upcoming third studio album, due out November 18. It's his first album since 2012's Unorthodox Jukebox.

Mars, 30, whose last music release was the megahit "Uptown Funk," which he collaborated on with Mark Ronson at the end of 2014, also dropped a music video for the new song on Thursday night. The colorful clip features a "what happens in Vegas ends up in this music video" theme.

7 PERSONS KIDNAPPED IN SCHOOL!

On Thursday 6^th of October 2016, the ugly incidence of Kidnapping rocked the nearby town of Epe when around 8:15am, a group of assailants stormed the premises of Igbonla Senior and Junior Model College, Epe Town, Kidnapping some students and teachers of the Secondary institution.
Although it was not made very clear how many people were kidnapped, however insiders within the School told LEKKI PEOPLE Magazine that five students and two teachers were abducted. According to a student who witnessed the attack, four men and a woman armed with guns came into the school premises and forcefully took an assistant principal and five students at gun point, while shooting into the air to scare away everybody.

In a chat with LEKKI PEOPLE, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni assured that the rescue operation had commenced already and promised the parents and families of the victims that in due time they will be reunited with their families.

ANGELINA JOLIE AND BRAD PITT OFFICIALLY DIVORCED!!!

                Angelina Jolie has filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, according to the USA TODAY. 



              The couple married in 2014 and has been together since 2004.

"This decision was made for the health of the family," Robert Offer, an attorney for Jolie tells USA TODAY in a statement. "She will not be commenting at this time, and asks that the family be given their privacy during this difficult time."

Jolie, 41, and Pitt, 52, have six children together: Maddox, 15, and Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, and Vivienne, 8, Shiloh, 10 and Knox, 8.

In court documents the date of separation is listed as Sept. 15, and Jolie has asked for physical custody of all six children.

Pitt soon released his own statement. "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids," he told People. "I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time."

For 12 years the couple has captivated international audiences with their jet-setting glamour, their commitment to philanthropy, and their stunning red carpet turns. But they put off getting legally married for a decade, until announcing a surprise ceremony in France at Château Miraval in August 2014.

In December 2014 Jolie told Vanity Fair being married did feel different for the couple. "It feels nice to be husband and wife," she said.

Their children helped them write the vows for their ceremony, she revealed, adding, “they did not expect us never to fight, but they made us promise to always say, ‘Sorry,’ if we do. So they said, ‘Do you?,’ and we said, ‘We do!’ ”

Jolie was previously married to actors Jonny Lee Miller (1996-1999) and Billy Bob Thornton (2000-2003). Pitt was previously married to Jennifer Aniston from 2000 to 2005, and the two announced their separation just before the release of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, which starred Pitt and Jolie as husband-and-wife spies.

Though Pitt and Jolie denied infidelity, Pitt later told Rolling Stone he "fell in love" making the movie. A month after the film's release, the first paparazzi pictures of Pitt and Jolie surfaced.

AMBODE RECEIVES BEST PERFORMING NIGERIAN GOVERNOR AWARD IN NEW YORK

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode at the weekend said the State was gradually emerging as the choice destination for investors, assuring that his administration would continue to work round the clock not only to become a shining example for Africans in Diaspora but retain the State as investors haven.
The Governor, who spoke at the 2016 International Forum on African Leadership, where he received an award for Best Performing Governor in Nigeria, organised by the African Leadership Magazine and held at the Regis Hotel, New York, USA, said since he assumed office on May 29, 2015, efforts have been geared towards creating a conducive and friendly environment for investors and for businesses to thrive.

Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, apologised for his absence to receive the award, but said that he acknowledged the importance of the event hence his decision to send a powerful delegation including Durosinmi-Etti; the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; his Special Adviser on Overseas Affairs and Investment, Professor Ademola Abass; and his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, to represent him.

The Governor, in his remarks shortly after receiving the award, said the security and judicial reforms which he initiated at the commencement of his administration and the creation of the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment were part of efforts to reduce the burden of bureaucracy and security concerns for would-be investors.

While stating that the State is open for

business, Governor Ambode assured would-be investors that government would continue to invest in security, job opportunity and infrastructure which are the tripod upon which his administration was built.

He said that Lagos is also playing a leading role in the Nigeria economy, and as such must not shy away in ensuring that it takes the lead as Nigeria restrategises to restructure its economy for greater prosperity.

“Lagos as the fifth largest economy in Africa is like a country and with the momentum with which the State is moving, it might soon emerge as the biggest economy in Africa. It is home to almost every religion, tribe and colour and accommodates the largest pool of black people all over the world, including Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who is from Nigeria and has a home in Lagos”, the Governor said.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of African Leadership Magazine, Mr. Ken Giami while thanking participants for finding time to honour the occasion, said the focus of the Forum was for good governance and how it could impact on the African continent.

“We have to connect, build bridges and cultivate both intra and inter African interests and connection, continue discussion and conversation on how to move Africa forward.

“A continent that has all the natural resources but still at the lowest ebb in the rank of other continents, needs trade and investment because there are many opportunities that abound in Africa. This is the time for countries all over the world to explore the resources that abound in the continent to make the world a better place for us”, Giami said.

Other recipients of the African Leadership Awards at the event include the President of Malawi, Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika; President of Burkina Faso, Mr. Roch Marc Christian Kabore; Vice President of South Sudan, Mr. Taban Deng Gai, among others.

AMBODE DONATES LAND TO GERMAN FIRM INVESTING $75M IN LAGOS

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday demonstrated his commitment to attract foreign investors into the State by approving land for the establishment of a training centre in Lagos where architects, civil engineers and craftsmen will be trained on modern trends and technologies in the construction sector.

Governor Ambode, who gave the approval when he received a delegation from The Knauf Group, which is a German firm currently establishing a $75miilion building/construction tools manufacturing factory in Lagos, said the approval for the land became imperative in view of the need to encourage investors to continue to invest in Lagos.

The Knauf Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of modern insulation materials, dry lining systems, plasters and accessories, thermal insulation composite systems, paints, floor screed, floor systems, and construction equipment and tools.

The delegation was led by a member of the Management Committee of the firm, Isabel Knauf and Consular General of German Embassy in Lagos, Mr. Ingo Herbert.

Governor Ambode, who recalled the last time Herbert visited the Lagos House about eleven months ago, said his administration has remained focused to the promise of upholding judicial and security sector reforms, as well as creating a friendly environment for investment to thrive.

He said the massive investment by The Knauf Group in Lagos was a pointer to the fact that investors were still willing to invest in Nigeria despite the economic recession, and that the country will come out of the economic doldrums even stronger.

“I must commend the German government and The Knauf Group for showing something important to all Nigerians that beyond the economic recession, their total believe in our economy is unshaken because it is not enough for any investor to come into an area where they have never invested before and months after, the parameters for investment are not really looking good, but you stuck in there and beyond the fact that you have gone to procure land, you also have an established office within the last eleven months and you are already pumping in money into what you want to do.

“This is a great pointer to the fact that you believe in the Lagos economy and also believe in the future of Nigeria and I like to encourage other investors to emulate what your firm and government is doing in Lagos and as they show interest, we will not hesitate to give them the necessary support,” the Governor said.

Governor Ambode said The Knauf Group specifically deserved to be commended for not just investing in Nigeria, but also bringing the German vocational expertise on an area of construction that was hitherto not in existence in Nigeria into Lagos.

Besides, the Governor said he was excited about the fact that the firm was not just establishing a factory here in Lagos, but also a training centre where Nigerians will be trained, adding that he would stop at nothing to encourage investors such as The Knauf Group.

Earlier, Isabel Knauf said the team was at the Lagos House to brief Governor Ambode on the progress made so far since the project started in September 2015.

She said the firm has 23 training centres all over the world training about 14,000 people annually, and that they would like to build the same training centre in Lagos where architects, civil engineers and craftsmen would be trained on how to technically install their products.

She said upon completion of the factory, the firm would create 25,000 direct employment, adding that the training centre will cost about two million Euros to establish, while at least 800 Nigerians will be trained annually in the first phase.

Knauf, however, solicited the support of the State Government in land space for the training centre and permit issues, a request which was instantly granted by the Governor.

AMBODE SEEKS SCAPE GOATS ON SEXUAL OFFENCE !!!

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday led an All Male Walk against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), vowing that his administration would leave no stone unturned to ensure that all perpetrators of such crimes are made to face the wrath of the law.

The walk, which proceeded from Ikeja under Bridge through Awolowo Way to Lagos House in Alausa, witnessed the participation of dignitaries from all walks of life, including members of the State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, key government functionaries, entertainers, youths, artisans, workers, among others.

While addressing participants at the Lagos House, Ikeja, the Governor decked in a black T-shirt and armed with a placard with the inscription ‘Stop Rape, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse’, said it was time for men to stand up and take the bull by the horn in tackling the menace of sexual violence in the society, as recent research has shown that women are more prone to being victims of these crimes. The governor said, “I will like you to join hands with me to say no to rapists, say no to women beaters and wherever they are, we know that the Task Force that we have set up will swing into action once it receives any petition from any member of the society. We are looking for the first 11 scapegoats whether highly or lowly placed in the society. We say no to domestic violence and sexual abuse,” Governor Ambode said.

Among celebrities who joined the walk include Ace comedians, Alibaba, Teju Babyface, Omobaba and music artiste, Bez.

Gov. Ambode (3rd right); SA on Commerce, Mr. Olabinjo, member, Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu; Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem; member, Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu and Commissioner for Science & Technology, Mr. Olufemi Odubiyi during the walkAdd caption

EXCLUSIVELY PICTURES FROM KING SUNNY ADE 70TH BIRTHDAY !!!

King of world beat, King Sunny Ade clocked 70 recently. King Sunny Ade held a party to mark the event in Houston. Adé was born in Ondo state. His father was a church organist, while his mother was a trader. Adé left grammar school in Ondo under the pretense of going to the University of Lagos. There, in Lagos, his mercurial musical career started and he rose to become among the most successful African musician. Kunle Afolayan and Dayo Adeneye led a host of other celebrities from around Africa and the world who trooped into Houston, America for the big gig.

EXCLUSIVELY PICTURES FROM KING SUNNY ADE 70TH BIRTHDAY !!!

King of world beat, King Sunny Ade clocked 70 recently. King Sunny Ade held a party to mark the event in Houston. Adé was born in Ondo state. His father was a church organist, while his mother was a trader. Adé left grammar school in Ondo under the pretense of going to the University of Lagos. There, in Lagos, his mercurial musical career started and he rose to become among the most successful African musician. Kunle Afolayan and Dayo Adeneye led a host of other celebrities from around Africa and the world who trooped into Houston, America for the big gig.

STAY AWAY FROM THE SUN IN SAUDI ARABIA – DOCTORS WARN LAGOS PILGRIMS

The medical team of the Lagos State Government, presently in Saudi Arabia to cater for the health needs of Lagos pilgrims, has warned them to avoid moving around in the sun, saying it is dangerous to their health because it can affect the blood system, dry out water in the body fast, cause headache, pains, weakness and dehydration.

Dr. Abdul Majeeb Muhammed-Isa, leader of the team, gave the warning while answering questions from the pilgrims on how to live a healthy life while in the kingdom, adding that they should also carefully plan their movement during the day, especially while going to the mosque, buy things from the stores or visit friends and families.

He said his team is expected to provide an on the spot medical service, health talk and enlightenment programme to the Lagos pilgrims, stressing that, “It is imperative for pilgrims to carry out their activities in the morning or in the night because the hot weather in Saudi Arabia is hazardous to people’s health.”

The Doctor noted that though he is not discouraging pilgrims from going for prayer at Haram but only advising that they go for Subhi, Maghrib and Ishai at the mosque while Zuhri and Ashri prayers should be observed at home.

Dr. Mohammed-Isa implored the pilgrims to eat enough fruits and drink plenty of water to boost their immune system as well as to help them stay healthy at all times.

He said that the State Government is working round the clock to solve the problems of those who are unable to bring their prescribed drugs to Saudi Arabia due to one reason or the other, pointing out that the administration had provided necessary drugs to cater for their health needs.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef has assured families of pilgrims, who are in Saudi Arabia, that their relatives are in safe hands.

He stressed that the new policies of Saudi Arabia on security measures, which mandated the registration of SIM card before usage, had prevented pilgrims from communicating with their loved ones and appealed to the families of pilgrims to be patient as this problem will soon be over.

The Commissioner also disclosed that State pilgrims will soon move from Medinah to Mecca after they have completed the necessary prayers and visitation to Masjid Haram, Jabali Uhud, Mosjid  Kiblatyn, Sabuha Mosjid and Mosjid Kuba as well as other historical sites of prophet Moham

EXCLUSIVE PICTURES OF RICHARD BRANSON'S NEAR DEATH ACCIDENT>

ir Richard Branson has revealed how he feared he would die after crashing head first onto a road in a high-speed bike crash on the British Virgin Islands.

The 66-year-old Virgin tycoon was on a training cycle run with his two adult children Holly and Sam when the horrifying incident happened on Virgin Gorda on Monday.

Sir Richard, who is worth nearly £4billion, was taken to Miami, Florida, for X-rays and scans - which found he had suffered torn ligaments and a cracked cheek.  

One of his team sprinted over to help him and he was taken to Miami for treatment, but admitted he had been ‘extremely fortunate’ with his lack of major injuries.

He added: ‘My biggest hardship is having to drink tea out of a straw. Oh, and being called elephant man by a six year old.

‘My attitude has always been, if you fall flat on your face, at least you’re moving forward. All you have to do is get back up and try again.’ 

The accident took place on the fifth anniversary of the fire on his private residence of Necker Island, which gutted his £75million house and led to it being rebuilt.

On Tuesday his Twitter account posted CCTV images appearing to show Labour's Jeremy Corbyn walking past empty unreserved train seats before he was filmed sitting on the floor complaining about 'ram-packed' carriages on a Virgin service.

LESBIANS AND GAYS: SHOULD THEY HAVE A SAY IN NIGERIA?

Two years after the Nigerian government placed a heavy penalty on same sex relationship, information reaching Lekki People Magazine suggests that the Nigerian people are massively in support of the decision of the law makers. This is buttressed by the growing incidence of intimidation and harassment of gays and lesbians in the Nigerian society. Two weeks ago at Okokomaiko, a Lagos suburb, a young lady named Nike  was striped naked and paraded by her aunt on the suspicion that she was a lesbian. Most recent report received on 21st August accounted that a gay, David Micheal, 24 years old, was stabbed and almost mugged to death by an unknown group in a border town in Nasarawa state, Nigeria. According to the source of the news, Michael was a known gay in the community and the youths of the community who are Muslim faithfuls have on numerous occasions commanded Michael to leave the community but his failure to do that made them to descend on him on this particular day with knives and clubs. Luckily for him he was able to escape with his life.

A similar and more gruesome attack was also recorded in early 2013 in Kano, a city not too far from Nasarawa state. In this particular incidence two gay boys were caught making out by the local Muslim vigilantes, a crime which according to their religion is punishable by death. One of The boys called Dan kano - an Hausa man and their fellow Muslim, was beaten to death on the spot while the other man called Loveday, from the igbo tribe, escaped by the airs breathe. Apart from the fact that gay-ism and lesbianism are alien cultures to Africa the big question is;do gays and lesbians deserve the treatments meted out to them or a more sacrosanct recognition?   Please drop your opinion.