The Lily Post

Blaise Compaoré, who has resigned as president of Burkina Faso after protests against a planned vote to alter the constitution. Burkina Faso’s president, Blaise Compaoré, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, has been swept from power after 27 years by a violent popular uprising. Compaoré announced his resignation on Friday as hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in protest at plans to extend his rule. General Honoré Traoré, head of the armed forces, said he had taken charge of the west African country. 

Teachers who give struggling pupils "lavish praise" could make them even less likely to succeed, research into classroom tactics has suggested. The Sutton Trust education charity has warned that many strategies used by teachers have no evidence to show that they really work.   Too much praise for low achievers can "convey a message of low expectations". Is this true, a true sense of self-worth in children should come from the parents with the cooperation of the teachers. From my own research, low achievers are greatly inspired by peer participation and engagement (peer – peer learning) and that it what works. What are your opinions on this, does praises makes a low achieving student stimulated in his studies?

Murray-Bruce has expressed interest in running for Bayelsa East Senatorial seat under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa on Thursday that his desire was to eradicate mass poverty in Nigeria as a lawmaker, using the tool of legislative advocacy. Murray-Bruce, who hails from Akassa in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa, said that he would deploy creative legislative skills and strategy to fight the alarming rate of poverty in the country.

The world mourns John Moore; he graced our TV's as "Father Christmas" in Coca-Cola adverts has passed away at the age of 86.

This is an artist impression of a new Britain: two single mums with their children and not a present of their dads in sight. Gillian Wearing actually created this sculpture in Birmingham on what it means to be an ordinary family in 2014.

I noticed in wandsworth that the mention of Black History Month was relatively silent, till I stumbled upon this poster that said "Diversity Month". I was baffled because in the previous years they as a council had celebrated BHM how come this year it was subtly coined as diversity month without informing its residents? I checked on other boroughs to check if this was the same, Lambeth celebrated its BHM, even in barnet, there was a celebration of BHM. London has always been a diverse capital but that does not negate the fact that its BHM should not be celebrated. Are their residents not worthy of celebrated in their community? 

A woman who claims she was duped into marrying a billionaire who was already wed is to fight on against a divorce court order that she must pay the tycoon’s £100,000 legal bill. Mercy Ogbedo thought her dreams had come true in 2002 when she went through a spectacular wedding to Nigerian shipping magnate Moses Taiga.

A bogus groom who agreed to pay a stranger to marry him to secure a UK visa has been caught out after his sham bride revealed a secret of her own. The groom, an Indian man called Ali, offered to pay Harriet Morter £5,000 via a sham-marriage fixer – and an additional £10,000 if she would have a baby with him.

According to a new study, men who sleep with multiple women are almost a third less likely to develop the disease. Researchers found men who have more than 20 notches on their bedpost slashed their risk of prostate cancer by 28 per cent. And the study also revealed that men who have slept with more than 20 women reduced their chances of getting the most aggressive tumours by 19 per cent. Celibacy, on the other hand, doubles the risk of the disease.

This is termed the viking boat table used for power- packed-short conferences. I call it the dragon's den table; if only one could afford it. Would you use this as as conference table? Photo credit: imgur

T he Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) of Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Uzoma Dozie. He spoke on “Media Trends in Business and Big Data Management” at the Society and Technology Conference and Exhibition 2014, which held in Lagos yesterday. 

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The girls who escaped from the clutches of boko haram and were promised study  sponsorship  in different institutions across the nation, have complained of neglect and abandonment by the state government  the Borno State She said “over 50 of us were kept in a single room without adequate food, as only two persons were left to take care of our feeding. Most of us came with only two or three pairs of clothes but we were only given N10, 000, five wrappers and a phone”.

Tennis champion Zhang Jike was not expecting the shock he received after celebrating his big win against his fellow opponent Ma Long. He got punished for it. His $45,000 (£28,000) winner's cheque stripped away just seconds after the end of the match.

Gary Scott Following the death of president Sata being announced today, an interim president has been named as Mr. Gary Scott.

As the trial in the case of Dewani continues, video footage that was  filmed on security cameras at the Cape Grace Hotel has emerged. When Zola Tongo, who was later convicted of killing 29-year-old Anni, arrives the pair then disappear into a room.   The taxi dr90iver claims 34-year-old Dewani promised to pay him 5,000 rand for his role in his wife’s hijacking and killing 29-year-old Anni on November 13, 2010.

Some one was trying to play a fast one on iceland by doctoring the package to make the pies looked "minge" and not mince- got caught out and gone viral on internet. 

T he Federal Government of Nigeria is suing Coca-Cola and Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), over alleged failure to comply with Consumer Protection Council (CPC) orders over two half-empty cans of Sprite. The lawsuits follow a consumer complaint, which ended in investigation into the half-filled cans of Sprite bought at a supermarket in Abuja. The case was brought to the Federal High Court in Abuja against Coca-Cola Nigeria and its chief executive as well as the Nigerian Bottling Company and its managing director for criminal breach of the Consumer Protection Act.  Both firms stand accused of “deliberately failing, refusing and/or neglecting to comply” with orders over the inspection of their manufacturing processes. We all want value for money but selling half-filled cans at the price of a full can really takes the biscuit.

Jennifer Lawrence was seen stepping out with her father, Gary Lawrence on a night out after it was reported that her relationship with Chris Martins had been called off.The short- lived romance was called off by Jennifer Lawrence after it emerged that Gwyneth Paltrow ex-wife of Chris Martin had driven a wedge between himself and Jennifer. She is now single again and I'm sure the men will feel relieved.

Remember her? Amma Asante, the british-born film director who graced our screens with the film "Belle" based on a true story of a mixed-race woman in the 18th century. She has added another feather to her cap. The success of her movies Belle has led to her to direct her first Hollywood studio blockbuster. 

Adewale Ayuba's "We are happy people" reminds me of my childhood years.

A son's pain at his mother's loss - Mr Bankole Cardoso paid homage to his mother Late Mrs Stella Adadevoh. "On the first day, I was able to stand by the window and speak to her, but as time went on, I wasn’t even able to do that. It is the worst part of this illness – as upset and emotional as you are, you have to hold back "It was her sharp-eyed diagnosis, however, that identified Nigeria’s first case of the virus which also claimed her life.   Her courage had a high price.  Were it not for her quick thinking, however, the current Ebola outbreak would almost certainly be far worse than it is. Take heart.. RIP to the selfless woman  who was an inspiration to all.

Would you buy this? As halloween draws closer, people are now cashing in on "ebola outfit" for halloween. People are drying in this crisis instead of creating an health awareness on curbing it; some are doing their damn best to profit from it. I call this the lowest form of being tasteless.

Beyoncé  is about to launch her own active wear label that will include ‘clothing, footwear and accessories across dance, fitness and sports categories.’  She is already involved in the fashion industry via the House of Deréon brand she started with her mother. Last summer she collaborated with the H&M fashion chain.  She has also worked with the Tommy Hilfiger label on a range of fragrances. She has other collaborations under her belts. “I have always loved Topshop for their fashion credentials and forward thinking. Working with their development team to create and produce a technical and fashion led collection is exciting and I’m looking forward to participating in all aspects of this partnership.” Can't wait to see the collections next month.

It is only in the western world, prime ministers get shoved, pelted with rotten eggs and gets heckled at. You rarely find such news or event happen anywhere in Africa. Leaders are hailed; celebrated and respected even if their opinions and policies are not in conformity with the masses. Should be termed as a freedom or just being downright disrespectful? The police would have to be vigilant. Photo credit by Ross Parry 

It is being known as the common slogan "sex sells", did not know supermarket chains too where in the act of sex sales till I saw this packaged product. How times are changing. Does Tesco have to use this branding to sell a product?

 

As I took a stroll today, I saw this guy with a child carried on his back on an  wheel without handles, I later discovered it was called a solo wheel. This is the first time I would see such invention, especially being hands free. Everyone was looking at the guy and he zoomed past. especially when he was carrying a child with his spine erect.

Music has always been an important part of my life, in difficult times I turn to music be it praise or classics to cheer me up. Atimes it could be a bit of Jazz (African or all things foreign). What song do you play to feel better?

That fish looks nice on the plate but it was disaster to the family who cooked and ate it. The Souza family from Rio de Janeiro were gifted the fish from a friend who had just returned from a fishing expedition. The creature, which contains tetrodotoxin is deadly and more   poisonous   than cyanide, it must be expertly prepared to avoid poisoning. The family have been hospitalised.

According to PR Nigeria Online, The Government of Nigeria has  pledged to despatch 506 Volunteers To Liberia, Guinea And Sierra Leone To Help Contain the ebola virus. The Minister of State and Supervising Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan disclosed that the Federal Government has developed a National Ebola preparedness plan with all elements to work with the state governments to activate their incident management systems, to strengthen national preparedness which will ensure prompt response to a potential outbreak should it occur again.

This is a long awaited news the world would actually love to witness. This news was made known by the "secretary General of the insurgents", Mallam Danladi Ahmadu Ahmadu confirmed that the final meeting between the group and the Federal Government to finally seal the ceasefire deal has been slated for Monday in Ndjamana, Chad and to be supervised by the Chadian leader, Idris Derby. I look forward to that day and pray all ends well.

Ever witnessed the scenario of parents complementing others people’s children and not theirs? "That child she is so dense, I do not think there is much hope for her/him", why can’t you read or be like the rest of your colleagues (age mates)? and so on. This is the dilemma parents are faced with because they fail to see the gifts and talents in their children being displayed before them on a continual basis, thus they panic out of sheer frustration and hopelessness. Being from the African lineage makes it bewildering the extent at which parents and family members will go to humiliate such a child. God helps the child who has no interest in schooling! He will need sheer determination and strong metal agility to convince his parents of his future plans.

With all the drama surrounding churches globally, this video will cheer you all up a bit. A pair of priests from the U.S. are charming audiences at their seminary in Rome with their tap dance routine<Priests tap dancing for the Lord should I say or for the enjoyment of it.  God bless.

Black History Studies  will take part in the Break the Silence Congo Week for Black History Month 2014. The reason we host Congo Week in the month of October is because it was in October 1996 that mainly Rwanda and Uganda first invaded the Congo and triggered the catastrophic crisis that we have endured for the past 18 years. The purpose of the  Breaking the Silence Congo Week  is to raise awareness about the devastating situation in the Congo and mobilise support on behalf of the people of the Congo. 

Mr Lacrosse looks to be having a wild time of his life as re recreates the famous lift from the musical Dirty Dancing. This picture is mimicking Patrick Swayze as he lifts his baby above his head in a Louisiana swamp. He has been swimming with alligators since the age of nine. The fearless father-of-three has even been filmed feeding his favourite swamp-dwellers marshmallows from between HIS TEETH. This stunt was quickly stopped by Airboat Adventures – the company that employs Mr Lacrosse -which is located in Jefferson Parish, where the activity is prohibited.

Don't touch my girlfriend. I am sure Obama was not expecting this. I am reeling with laughter as I type this.

I t was reported back in September 2014 that a woman with 2 wombs - doctors call it uterus didelphys gave birth to triplets. Hannah Kersey is the Northam resident born with uterus didelphys, which is when a womanhas two wombs instead of one.

What do you wear when you have to interview Lady Gaga? a risque outfit or dress demure

Metro reported Alan Knight faked being in a coma for two years after conning his neighbour who was  an elderly man.

Awareness, being conscious, focus, living in the moment - it has been claimed to have various meaning to people but the essence remains the same, “To be aware” A friend once called it "taming the monkey of the mind" I find mindfulness being useful as it promotes clarity, calm stress, bring attention to the positive, and boost health in numerous ways.

It is finally here, the much acclaimed Mavins Concert  ft Don Jazzy gave a press conference today.  The hottest crew in Nigeria is in England, performing at London's Ritz, Manchester on the 21st October and Indigo O2, London on the 23rd October 2014. Featuring Tiwa Savage, Dr SID, D' Prince, Di’ja, Reekado, and Korede Bello and none other than Don Jazzy himself. I am sure this will be the finest event of the year.

In an article in the New Yorker, Gladwell said that Jobs was more of a ‘tweaker’, rather than a true innovator and visionary. He argues that Jobs didn’t invent the graphical user interface (GUI) and the mouse, instead he took the ideas from the Xerox research center at Palo Alto (PARC). He also didn’t invent the iPod, he waited until early MP3 technology had been tested and developed elsewhere and then launched his own device. Gates, on the other hand, would be remembered for his charitable work and the fact that he has established the Gates Foundation with billions of his own money, claiming that there would be statues of him across the Third World, not for his entrepreneurship or leadership, but because his money is likely to fund a cure for malaria. Who would you remember in years to come, the visionary or the philanthropist?

Give it a go and the answer will be revealed after your answers.

The world waited for the sentencing of Oscar Pistorius for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, Mr. Trump has spoken his mind. What do you think of the sentence. Fair or not?

Would you help a competitor during a game or just look away just to win the coveted cup. The story says it all... For me this is simply team work, selflessness and sportsmanship at its finest.

All I can say is God is my present help in times of trouble... The answer always shows up at the right time.

 You like...... Hmmm

A year does make a difference in the life of a celebrity, the shock came when Renee Zellweger debuted her new look on the red carpet for Elle’s 21st annual Women in Hollywood awards with her boyfriend Doyle Bramhall II by her side.

Remember Sister Cristina Scuccia?  A singing nun who won the Italian version of the The Voice, See Here has released a cover of Madonna's Like a Virgin for her debut single. She said she chose the song herself "without any intention to provoke or shock", but says she is ready for any criticism. "It's a song about the ability of love to make people new. To redeem them from their past. And that's how I wanted to interpret it," she tells the Catholic newspaper Avvenire. Far from copying the original upbeat pop song, the 26-year-old Sicilian has turned the track into a ballad. And where Madonna's video saw her writhing around in a Venetian gondola while apparently being pursued by a lion. Sister Cristina says she doesn't think Madonna has heard this new take on her song. "But I'd love to see her face when she does, and when they tell her it's a nun singing." Congratulations 

The essence of marriage is a beautiful thing when it is crowned with love and children and the happiness that goes with it.  I read from a blog where a woman was with a man for years with children and no marriage in sight she finally left the relationship out of frustration. It made me ponder marriage is it for the kids, the wife, or the couple for now till eternity.

Picture by Dave Benett It takes courage to say that one does experience self-hate at times and look up to someone else for inspiration. Irrespective of the pseudo confidence that trips up once in a while. It takes the grace of God and and unshakable faith in Him and him alone to say "I am". Earlier this year Lupita made a speech about self-esteem READ HERE  and how Alex Wek's status as a supermodel had helped her regain her own confidence.  I use this opportunity to say a big thank you to all those who have inspired me with life lessons. Who are your greatest role model? kindly leave a comment.

I was listening to Abike Ade yesterday on Naija 101.1fm  on a program called "Call a spade a spade" where she spoke on community matters concerning Nigeria.  She actually spoke about a woman who had a boyfriend for 9 years, ended the relationship only to find out that this same man is in a relationship with  her own daughter aged 23. People phoned in to give their opinion and called it immorality which was forbidden in yoruba culture and what the mother of the daughter could do. Has he been grooming his lover's daughter while he was in a relationship with her mother? It actually baffled me that in 2014 people still engage in such acts? How would you handle such situation? 

Serena Williams slammed Russian tennis chief Shamil Tarpischev for his insensitive, "sexist and racist" remarks when he referred to her and her sister Venus as 'the Willams brothers' on television. Tarpischev also went on to say the pair were 'scary to look at'. Williams says she fully supports the WTA's decision to hand Tarpschev a one-year suspension She said he was acting as a bully when he referred to her and her Tennis-Wta Bans Russia Tennis Chief For 'Williams Brothers' Jibe. What do you think about the jibes towards Serena Williams, kindly leave a comment. 

Some good news at last,  according to BBC, while Ebola cases spiral out of control in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, there are glimmers of hope elsewhere, with Nigeria declared Ebola free. Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to discuss how to strengthen their response to the threat posed by Ebola. We thank God for this great news.

Another episode of bad romance.  Lovers got glued togerther while discreetly lovemaking session ended them in hospital. The young pair were relaxing on a Porto San Giorgio beach when they decided to take to the water to express their love.

Who said romance is dead?  Making deadly excuse for finding a wife is not funny but may be found amusing by some. A savvy man has come up with a novel (and creepy) way to find a mate by using the deadly Ebola virus. An advert was posted to Craiglist.com titled ‘Escape the Apocalypse with me’ in which the poster asked for a female companion to join him in his bunker in preparation for the end of the world that will inevitably follow the Ebola scare.

A man is in police custody for infecting a 12 year old girl with HIV. This occured in Bauchi State of Nigeria with the Dass Local Government. The named culprit  Haruna Mohamed. He had been having sexual intercourse with her since 2012, when she started showing signs of the diesease which was confirmed in hospital. Amazing things...  parents please be vigilant...

This short film is dedicated to Mrs. Katie Haines, she was overcome by Carbon Monoxide (the silent killer) and drowned in her bathroom. The inhalation of carbon dioxide has killed many a soul globally and this should serve as an awareness drive on how to combat it.

Introrducing Uzoechi Osisioma Emenike, professionally known as MNEK, is a Grammy-nominated British singer-songwriter and record producer of Nigerian descent, signed to Virgin EMI Records. Check him out on Wiki

On the 14th October 2014, members of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign took their agitation to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, to protest what they consider government’s failure to free the girls from Boko Haram captivity. Led by former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwezili, the protesters were stopped before they could get to the Presidential villa.Hopes that the Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan would meet the campaigners were dashed when a government delegation announced that he was “very busy and cannot come out”. A similar protest took place in New York, led by American R&B star Alicia Keys, who said there is a need to keep up the pressure and for more to be done to bring the Chibok girls home. US First Lady also tweeted that they haven’t forgotten about the girls.

Nobody needs a nosy brother but it has paid off for Natalie Whitley. Her brother Adam Clarke was tired of her moaning all the time about being single so he decided to do her a favour of advertising her on the internet and now she has lots of potential suitors.

Ladies be honest, If you found out that the lover or husband you were dating or married to had just being prosecuted and found guity of rape would you still continue with the relationship? What would make you stand by your man.  Comments please.

Christmas is round the corner and to  all the chocolate lovers, I don't know whether to declare this the worst media scare or what - Price of chocolate could increase because the production of cocoa which is mainly harvested in Africa (Ghana and Ivory Coast) is being tainted with the horrible dis-ease Ebola. The price of these chocolates would be passed to the consumers. yes (you and me)...... while the media continue to portray Africa in a bad light. This has to stop NOW.

With the increase of Ebola deaths on the horizon, the drug ZMapp is now hastened; it is made in genetically modified tobacco plants by Kentucky BioProcessing. Whaley said the Owensboro, KY company will continue production as fast as possible.You can read more of this from the San Diego Union Tribune Report.

China sentences two cult members to death for McDonald's murder. A Chinese court has sentenced five cult members for beating a woman to death at a McDonald's restaurant in Shandong province last May.

With the spate of divorces around lately, I questioned myself , what is the real key to a successful marriage. According to new research, at Emory University in Georgia, studies found out that women whose wedding cost £12,000 or more were three and a half times more likely to get divorced than those who spent less.

S trange things do happen, men experiencing morning sickness, researchers at St George’s University, London, monitored 282 dads-to-be throughout their wives’ pregnancy.

According to woman aid,  Whilst the risk of staying may be very high, simply leaving the relationship does not guarantee that the violence will stop. In fact, the period during which a woman is planning or making her exit, is often the most dangerous time for her and her children.

The Bonanza of Breathing properly 1 . Breathing Detoxifies and Releases Toxins The body is designed to release 70% of its toxins through breathing. If you are not breathing effectively, you are not properly ridding your body of its toxins i.e. other systems in your body must work overtime which could eventually lead to illness. When air is exhaled from the body  carbon dioxide is  released   passed through from your bloodstream into the lungs. Carbon dioxide is a natural waste of your body's metabolism. 

Thomas Eric Duncan, who caught the virus in his native Liberia has died according to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. Prior to Duncan's death, his son Karsiah Duncan said he was thankful for all the support he and his family received concerning his father. So sad.... RIP Mr. Thomas Duncan.

According to psychology today,Statistics for restored marriages, where ex-spouses remarry each other, may be somewhat surprising. While statistics suggest that 6 7% of second marriages and 73% of third marriages end in divorce, things seem to go a little better for people who remarry their spouses. Divorce is what you make it and not what you think other people make out of the situation. Would you consider a reconciliation after divorce and what are the benefits of the reunion?