September 1 Declared as "No Music Day" in Nigeria

In a move geared towards drawing the attention of Nigerians to the plight of musical artiste in the country, The Copyright Society of Nigeria has declared Thursday September 1, 2011, as a ‘No Music Day’ throughout the federation.

The declaration, which was made in a statement issued by the association's president, Chief Tony Okoroji last week, also requested that all broadcasting stations in Nigeria should dedicate time on the day to grant and air interviews and debates that is related to artistes rights.

According to the day statement, the day "will be dedicated to drawing national attention to the widespread infringement of the rights of composers, song writers, performers, music publishers and other stakeholders in the music industry in Nigeria."

Recall that this is not the first time a protest of this nature will be organised by the association. Lets wait and see how far it would go in achieving its aim this time.

Apple Employs Boy Who Hacked iPhone and iPad

What strategy would you adopt if you have about $76 billion in your bank account to take your business to the next level, but later discovered that all the experts you've assembled to help secure your digital products are at the mercy of a 19-year-old boy? 

Well in our part of the world, some people may consider eliminating the "problem" once and for all. But not so for technology giant, Apple. They did the direct opposite. In what has been described as a wise decision by industry experts, Apple has hired Nicholas Allegra, the notorious teen hacker behind a software known as 'JailBreakMe'. 

The technology he developed makes removing Apple's restrictions on iPhone, iPad and iPod devices as simple as clicking a link. He had uploaded the "dangerous" software on his website from where people break through the security on Apple's devices within minutes. 

Technologists have been amazed at Nicholas Allegra's rare skills, comparing him to sophisticated state-sponsored hackers. But Allegra told Forbes that he likens his hacking to "editing an English paper."  He said the act is so simple for him, adding that: "I don't know why I seem to be so effective at it." 

You may wish to know that this young boy had given Apple “plenty of headaches” in the last few of years.

"It's All Rumors, Our Marriage is Intact" - Will Smith

The couple have finally cleared the air as to whether their union has collapsed or still standing.  Both Will and Jaja Smith had their reps respond to the ‘rumor’ through an e-mail statement. 

The statement reads in part: "Although we are reluctant to respond to these types of press reports, the rumors circulating about our relationship are completely false... We are still together, and our marriage is intact."

Britain Shuts High Commission Over Abuja Bomb Blast

Following the attack on the United Nations building in Abuja last Friday, the British High Commission in Nigeria’s federal capital has been closed to the public.  Sources say the closure is not unconnected with the terror scare in the city on Monday about an imminent attack on high profile buildings including Aso Rock Villa by Boko Haram members.

Also, information posted on the commission's website reads thus: "British High Commission in Abuja and liaison office in Kaduna are closed to visitors on Monday 29 August 2011... Please note that the British High Commission in Abuja and our liaison office in Kaduna will not be receiving visitors or public enquiries on Monday August 29th."

You may wish to know that the IGP, Hafiz Ringim, has disclosed that his men have arrested some suspects in connection with the blast and that the President Goodluck Jonatha will soon make an announcement to that effect.

School Teacher Blinds Female Student With Broom

On the left, Miss Blessing before the incident. On the right, after the incident

For daring to fail a Mathematics test, 10 years old Blessing Okaeben was given the beating of her life by her teacher, one Mrs. Mercy Monday.  The ugly incident which occurred at a primary School in Benin, Edo State, has attracted condemnation from well-meaning individuals.

Narrating her ordeal in the hands of her wicked teacher, the little girl said Mrs. Monday used a cane on her until it turned to shreds after which she resorted to using a bunch of broomsticks, hitting her on the head, face and others parts of the body.  She added that the teacher did not stop at just beating her but kept calling her a witch until she hit her in the right eye.

The second day, the victim’s mother reported the matter to the school authorities. Mrs. Monday was compelled to take little Blessing to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital where a broken piece of broomstick was removed from her injured eye. After then the girl's condition got worse but the teacher said she would no longer be responsible for the treatment, claiming she is pregnant and need money to take care of her unborn baby.

Due to lack of assistance from anywhere, the little girl lost use of the injured eye.  We hear that her parent have consulted a lawyer to help them seek redress on the issue. The lawyer has even written a petition to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, asking for adequate compensation... This is nothing but a clear case of man's inhumanity to man. What a cruel and heartless teacher!

Sallah Turns Deadly in Jos, 20 Killed in Fresh Attack

About 20 persons have been killed while many others sustained injuries as a bid by some Muslim faithfuls to offer prayers marking the end of the Ramadan turned bloody in the crises-prone city of Jos, Plateau State on Monday. 

Trouble started on Sunday evening when Muslims from an area known as Rukuba went to clear "one of their prayer grounds" in another area dominated by indigenes, who warned them to take their prayer to their own domain. But the Muslims insisted on observing their prayers there and went ahead to do so. 

While returning from the prayer ground, the indigenes allegedly attacked them, leading to a riot that has almost turned into a religious crisis.  It took the combined efforts of the military and police to restore relative peace in the city.  As at the last count, over 30 cars and houses have been razed with resident fleeing to neighboring towns for fear of being caught in the cross-fire... May God save residents and indigenes of Jos!

Celebrity of the Week:- Actress Stephanie Okereke

These beautiful shots of A-list Nollywood actress and brand ambassador to Kenaka Corporation of  Japan, Stephanie Okereke, are really stunning, no doubt.  Hence, they won her a spot here as our Celebrity of the Week... A very big Congrats to you, Steph!