Singer CHIDINMA Forced Out Of Church Choir For Indecent Dressing

The MTN project fame 3 winner, Chidinma Ekile aka
Mz Kedike is rumour having problems with her church
choir.
Chidinma Ekile is a member of the Choir in Foursquare
Gospel Church in Nigeria, since her teenage days and
has since been dedicating her success to her family and
the Church of God.
When it comes to dressing, Foursquare Gospel church is
very strict with its members and workers.
Following her fame and genre of music, rumour has it
that some other members of the choir have started to
have slight issues with Chidinma – especially her
dressing.
With these, they concluded she wasn't spiritually
eligible to be in the church choir
Chidma in an interview recently said she has not
deviated from the doctrines of the church and that
music cannot take church service from her. According
to Chidinma, the church has no problem with her career
as an artiste at the same time, singing in the choir

Dangers of using sleeping pills

It's the middle of the night and you are staring at the
bedroom ceiling, thinking about work, expenses, or the
kids. Sleep just won't come. Before you reach for that
sleeping pill, you may want to think again. Do you know
that relying on them may put your life at risk?
Sleeping pills help us to have a decent night sleep,
especially when we cannot seem to do it on our own. But a
new research by scientists in Pennsylvania, USA, has
revealed that these pills doing more than knocking you out.
The study, which involved over 10,000 patients who took
sleeping pills and 20,000 matched patients who did not,
shows that users are four times likely to die from it than
non-users.
According to the lead scientist, Dr. Daniel Kripke, patients
who took sleeping pills died 4.6 times as often during
follow-ups averaging 2.5 years.
It also shows that the patients who took higher doses
(averaging over 132 pills per year) died five times as often,
while those who took fewer than 18 pills per year had very
significantly elevated mortality than patients who were not
using it.
Kripke, an emeritus professor of psychiatry at the
University of California, San Diego, who began looking at
a possible link between sleeping pills and death risk in
1975, also links indiscriminate use of sleeping pills to
cancer.
"We found out that those who averaged over 132 sleeping
pills per year were 35 per cent more likely to develop a new
cancer. We are not certain. But it looks like sleeping pills
could be as risky as smoking cigarettes," he says.
Also, results from clinical trials conducted by the Food and
Drug Administration in the 80s shows that rats and mice
that were given high doses of some sleeping pills developed
cancer.
The report states,"The sleeping pills broke chromosomes,
which is a well-known specific chemical mechanism by
which drugs cause cancer. The animals that were given a
particular pill in the market, which contained zolpidem,
developed three kinds of cancer. We are concerned about
these hints of carcinogenicity."
An analysis of studies financed by the National Institutes of
Health, United States of America found that sleeping pills
had chemical substances that were hynoptic in nature which
could impair brain activity the next day.
One of the experts in the study, a sleep disorders specialist
at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Dr. Gary Richardson,
says taking sleeping pills is well known to impair brain and
bodily function the following day. So it should not be taken
as an alternative to getting a refreshing sleep.
He says, "Unlike getting a restful night's sleep, which will
leave you alert and refreshed, getting slightly more sleep (or
what you think is more sleep) by taking a sleeping pill is
not the same thing. Sleeping pills make your brain less
active, they produce immediate impairments in memory and
performance. Furthermore, there is extensive evidence that
these pills on the average impair performance and memory
on the following day."
Richardson notes that the hangover feeling users experience
from taking sleeping aids may cause confusion, sleepiness
and increase their risks for falls and automobile accidents.
He states, "Certain sleeping pills are very strong. They can
have a half life of about 18 hours. So, if you take them
every night, you are basically sedated for a large portion of
the day as well! Not surprisingly, they are associated with
cognitive deficits in the morning."
They note that most sleeping pills are potent anti-
cholinergics, which suppress REM sleep and dreaming, and
this could increase the risk for dementia in seniors and
hallucination in young people.
The experts conclude that sleeping pills do nothing to help
the underlying reasons why one is having trouble sleeping
in the first place.
Instead of depending on drugs, here are some tips that
would help you overcome sleeplessness.
Cover your windows with blackout shades or drapes to
ensure complete darkness
Even the tiniest bit of light in the room can disrupt your
internal clock and your pineal gland's production of
melatonin and serotonin. Even the faint glow from your
clock radio could be interfering with your sleep.
Also close your bedroom door, get rid of night-lights, and
refrain from turning on any light during the night, even
when getting up to go to the bathroom. If you have to use a
light, install so-called 'low blue' light bulbs in your
bedroom and bathroom. These emit an amber or red light
that will not suppress your natural melatonin production.
Keep the temperature in your bedroom at or below 70
degrees F (21 degrees Celsius)
Many people keep their homes and particularly their
upstairs bedrooms too warm. Studies show that the optimal
room temperature for sleep is quite cool, between 60 to 68
degrees F (15.5 to 20 C). Keeping your room cooler or
hotter can lead to restless sleep.
When you sleep, your body's internal temperature drops to
its lowest level, generally about four hours after you fall
asleep. Scientists believe a cooler bedroom may therefore be
most conducive to sleep, since it mimics your body's natural
temperature drop.
Check your bedroom for electro-magnetic fields
These can disrupt your pineal gland and the production of
melatonin and serotonin, and may have other negative
effects as well.
Some experts even recommend pulling your circuit breaker
before bed to kill all power in your house. Move alarm
clocks and other electrical devices away from your head. If
these devices must be used, keep them as far away from
your bed as possible, preferably at least three feet.
Shut down
If you are feeling anxious or restless, try to shut down
emotional problems two hours before sleep. This can help
you address psychological issues that might keep you
tossing and turning at night.
Source: punch

Photos: D’Banj Gets Booed Off Stage In Zimbabwe

Kokomaster Dbanj was supposed to storm and take over
Zimbabwe last weekend at the Lion Lager Summer Beer
Festival dubbed the "Battle of Africa" but according to
reports from Zimbabwe, our man delivered a very
lukewarm performance that eventually had him booed off
stage.
According to AllAfrica, the festival featured Ugandan
reggae musician Bebe Cool and local dancehall artistes
Winky D, Guspy Warrior and King Shaddy.
D'Banj represented West Africa while Bebe Cool
represented East Africa.
D'Banj was the main attraction and when it was turn for
him to perform, he exploded onto the stage
amid pomp and zest but soon fizzled out and slumped into
near- pornography with some fans.
He ran out of steam after exhausting his familiar songs in
less than an hour and went into what many revellers
described as "hogwash".
His opening song was "Fall in Love", followed by "Oliver
Twist", "Kukere" remix, "Don't Tell Me Nonsense",
"Igwe" and "Why Me". Then he lost the plot.
Neither his scantily dressed dancers nor his swag was
enough to sway the majority of the crowd that became
visibly restless and disappointed.
So disappointing was his performance that he resorted to X-
rated antics with ladies he calls "Kokolates" on the stage, in
a bid to kill time.
Among the "Kokolates" was songstress Ammara Brown,
who jumped on stage and joined in the dirty dancing.
"Let me see all my Kokolates on stage, now shake your
boom boom and do the catwalk," he said, amid boos from
the crowd, especially men.
Some disgruntled fans hurled insults and obscenities.
D'Banj failed to impress and was the opposite of the
Nigerian twins P-Square who performed at the same
festival last year and left fans asking for more.
P-Square were even barred from leaving the stage by fans
who craved for more.
"This guy should not have been the main act at the show.
He has a few hit songs we know that he has performed.
Now look at how he is whiling up the remaining time with
the ladies," said a fan in the crowd.

Davido Planning To Quit Music For Oil And Gas Business

Davido, the 'Omo baba olowo, is one artiste that
has got lots of money to throw around. From
having a rich dad to having a successful career,
personal home, fleet of cars and lots of fans.
In a recent interview with a national daily, speaks about
his music career, competition in the music industry and
his hit song 'skelewu'.
See excerpts of the interview below:
On competition in the music industry?
"I'm not afraid of competition or the fact that some
person will just appear on the scene and take the shine.
After all, I did it to some people, so I expect that it is
something that must happen to everyone because you
can't be shining forever. But once you are good to
others, make good music, have loyal fans, that's all that
matters."
On Wizkid being a threat or music rival?
"Not at all. The rumour is cool. But I see nobody as
competition or threat. God is behind me, so I just go
into the studio, do my music and everything is fine. I
develop and write most of my songs in the studio."
On how much influence his father has had on his
career?
"Yes my father is rich, but the truth is some people
only knew who he was after I released my song, 'Omo
Baba Olowo'. I want people to know that the song was
not a hit because of my father but because it was dope.
I didn't sing 'OBO' because of my father's wealth
contrary to what people think. My father and family
always keep me grounded. They call me from time to
time to ask about my welfare. My father actually visits
all these blogs to read and see all my nonsense. Just like
the typical Yoruba father, he scolds me and whenever
he does that, I will say, 'Daddy cool down, what's
going on, relax.' Although he is also very proud of me,
he is scared and happy for me at the same time."
On Skelewu?
"The song is big already; so whatever we do people are
still going to talk anyway. I shot the video like a movie
and there are three videos, so people can watch
whichever one they want. If you don't like the
instructional video, you can watch Sesan's, if you don't
like that one; you can watch Moe Musa's. If people
want, I will shoot one more video, it's not easy."
On Future plans?
"I have plans to go into oil and gas business with my
elder brother next year. I want to do music for 10
years. By that time, I will be 30, and free to rest. Some
people are just starting out at 30 but I am already a
success and threat at 20. Fame at a young age is a plus
because I still have like 10 years to ball while some
people are just starting at 27 and 30."

Photo: Baby Son Who Was Born with a ‘Tail’

A devastated mum in China is begging doctors to
help her seven-month-old son – who has a three-
inch tail sticking out of his back.
Little Xiao Wei was born with spina bifida, which
means his vertebrae didn't form properly.
The result is a growth that protrudes out of the back of
his spine and is still growing.
Xiao's mum Chen, from Guangdong province,
revealed: "We have asked the surgeons to remove the
tail but they tell us it is not that simple."
Surgeon Huang Chuanping explained: "The growth is
quite well developed and now measures some 10
centimetres.
"If we cut it off it will simply grow again. We need to
repair the spinal canal first to stop it reoccurring."
Myelomeningocele is the most common type of spina
bifida, affecting 1 in 800 babies born.

FG Lied About Releasing N100bn To Universities – ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has
alleged that none of the universities had received any
money from the N100bn the Federal government
claimed to have disbursed to 59 public universities to
improve infrastructure.
Speaking yesterday, after leading members of the
branch on a peaceful march around Makurdi town in
protest of the lingering Federal Government/ASUU
impasse, Chairman of the Federal University of
Agriculture Makurdi branch of ASUU, Dr. Celestine
Aguoru, said: "As we are talking today, government has
not released one kobo out of the N100 billion they
claimed they have given the universities; this goes to
show the level of insincerity of the government.
"The truth is that government is paying lip service to
the development of education in this country and has
therefore resorted to playing politics with the education
sector and the future of our children.
"It is rather unfortunate that majority of those who are
leading us today went to school in their time on
scholarships, but today they do not want our children to
benefit from that same gesture, all because of greed.
"Today we are faced with a situation where the amount
Nigerians spend yearly to educate their children in
Ghana is far more than the yearly budgetary allocation
to the education sector.
"Our leaders are not being fair to our country,
government should as a matter of priority implement its
agreements with ASUU, Nigerians are tired of this
deceit; they should remember that if they continue to
negate their responsibilities to the people, one day they
will certainly give account to God."
Meanwhile, former Head of State, General Yakubu
Gowon has appealed to both parties to strike a
compromise for the sake of our children and the
country.
Speaking in Lagos, at the launch of the first edition of
the Shell Nigeria Scholars Forum, for the beneficiaries
of its scholarship, General Gowon argued that one of
the parties must be prepared to yield ground in order to
save the education sector.
He said: "I do believe it is time for all lovers of
education to come together and get both the federal
government and ASUU to return to the negotiation
table and resolve all outstanding grievances. Both sides
must be willing to yield ground for the sake of our
children and that of our dear country Nigeria."
In an elaborate ceremony chaired by Gowon, the
Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, and
Managing Director, SPDC, Mr Mutiu Sunmonu, said
the forum "would serve as a meeting place for all
beneficiaries of Shell post secondary scholarship
schemes.

Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Admission 2013/2014

This is to inform the general public that online
application for admission into the 66th Regular Course
of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna will
be available for sale from 1st November 2013 to 28th
February 2014. Admission into NDA is open to both
MALE and FEMALE Nigerians. Upon purchase of
Access or PIN Codes, prospective candidates should
follow the link on the NDA official website
www.nda.edu.ng or log on to the application
portal www.ndaapplications.org and complete the
online application form.
Admission Into The Nigerian Defence Academy 66th
Regular Course
Method of Application
Interested candidates are advised to purchase access or
PIN codes from any of the branches or cash offices of
Zenith Bank Plc nationwide, at the cost of N2,500.00
only, excluding bank charges of N500.00 for an online
application. Applicants applying for admission into
NDA MUST also apply to the Joint Admissions and
Matriculations Board (JAMB), and carefully select
Nigerian Defence Academy as their choice of
university. Such applicants are expected to sit for the
JAMB Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examinations
(UTME).
Submission Of Application
Applications should be submitted online. On
completion of the online application, candidates are to
download an Acknowledgement Form. Upon release of
the JAMB results, candidates should return to the
applications portal and download their Examination
Admission Card. Only candidates who make the JAMB
national cut-off mark will have access to print out the
Examination Admission Card.
Admission Requirements
The requirements for various undergraduate degree
programmes are as detailed in the NDA website /
applications portal, as well as in the JAMB Brochure
and website. All other information concerning degree
courses, eligibility and examination centres are as
contained in the NDA website / applications portal.
Examination Conditions
Only candidates who meet the JAMB national cut-off
mark will be eligible to sit for the NDA Entrance
Examination at their Examination Centre of choice.
Examination Date and Requirements
The examination will be conducted as an Entrance
Examination (similar to Post–UTME examination in
conventional universities), and is scheduled to hold on
Saturday 17th May 2014. Therefore, all eligible
candidates are to bring along their Acknowledgement
Form, JAMB result slip and TWO (2) postcard sized
(3.5 x 5 inches) photographs to the Examination Centre
on the examination date. The photographs should show
only from the chest upwards and should contain the
candidate's Name, State, Centre and Signature at the
back. Only successful candidates at the NDA Entrance
Examination will subsequently be invited for the
Armed Forces Selection Board following which the list
of admitted candidates will be published.
Nature and Duration Of Training
Admitted candidates into NDA for the Regular Course
will undergo military and academic training as Officer
Cadets for a duration of 5 years. On successful
completion of training, graduands will earn a university
first degree (BSc, BEng, BA) and a commission into
the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Administration
Regular Course cadets will train at NDA Permanent
Site, Kaduna. Cadets will be kitted, accommodated and
fed at Federal Government expense throughout the
duration of training. Officer Cadets will also receive a
monthly allowance for general upkeep.
Reference Materials
In response to requests from candidates for reference
materials, the Academy has offered a Compendium of
Past Questions & Answers at the cost of N3,000.00
only. This can be purchased from the Registry
Department, NDA or from designated Zenith Bank
branches.