Clarifying Nigeria's debt position - Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

A statement from the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

There has recently been a lot of misinformation and misconception in our public debate on debt. My goal in this article is to shed some light on the public debt, to clarify the real state of Nigeria’s debt position, and hopefully, provide a knowledge platform for constructive debate.

Let me say at the outset that no one in government is supportive of a Nigeria that returns to a high state of indebtedness. On a personal note, having gone through tremendous stress during the quest for Paris Club debt relief, I am committed to a Nigerian economy that is fiscally prudent, balances its books and remains at a low state of indebtedness.

Russia's Putin and wife say their marriage is over

By Alexei Anishchuk and Steve Gutterman

Culled from Reuters-

MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin and his wife, Lyudmila, told Russians on Thursday that their 30-year marriage was over, confirming longstanding speculation that they had separated.

In a rare appearance together on state television, Putin was asked about rumors that they no longer lived together and answered: "That is true."

The announcement removes a big question mark about the private life of a president who has increasingly touted traditional values and championed the conservative Russian Orthodox Church as a moral authority.

Politically, Putin may have calculated that it was better to be seen coming clean about a separation many Russians have long taken as fact than to be suspected of hiding the truth or living a secret second life.
The couple looked nervous as they stood side by side in the Kremlin, speaking to a lone reporter. They referred to each other formally by first name and patronymic, adding a respectful but uncomfortable touch.
Putin smiled woodenly and nodded as Lyudmila spoke, though they both appeared more relaxed after making the announcement.
Lyudmila, a former airline stewardess five years younger than the 60-year-old president, said it had been "our common decision".
"Our marriage is over due to the fact that we barely see each other," she said. Putin also said it had been "a joint decision".
The Putins married in 1983 and have two daughters, both in their 20s. The announcement came 13 months into a third presidential term for Putin, who came to power in 2000 and has not ruled out seeking re-election in 2018.

Obama Kisses Bush?!?!

Fmr US President George Bush and  RECent President Obama Trying to Smooch? #isaidnothing!

Amazingly hot Tiwa Savage covers Guardian Life magazine

And don't forget her album - Once Upon A Time drops June 14th...

Meet the 2013 Mr Ideal Nigeria - Chibudem Osugade

He'll represent Nigeria at the Mr Africa International. He won a KIA Rio. And his name is Mr. Chidubem Osugade, and he beat 33 other contestants to win the 2013 edition of the Mr Ideal Nigeria contest which took place on the 16th of May in Lagos.  More photos when you continue...

Nigerian Beats the odds Graduates with 4.0CGPA out of 4.0 in University of Texas

24 year old Nigerian, Uwa Osamede Imafidon, just graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in the US with Masters degree in Microbiology and made a 4.0 CGPA out of the maximum 4.0 CGPA.

She had earlier bagged a First Class Degree in Crop Science from University of Benin, as the Best Graduating student in her Department.
We should be getting reports like these instead of trying to bomb everyone in this planet!, after the cut...

Fmr Miss Nigeria, Regina Askia Williams covers new issue of Beauty Overdose mag

Your favourite beauty guide, B.O.Magazine is back with its 4th edition set to be out on June 10th 2013. B.O.M brings more sizzling & exciting juicy content and features this season.
 
On the cover of this issue, B.O.M features former Nigerian actress& beauty queen, Regina Askia Williams. She has been living in the U.S for over a decade and has also started a family of her own.

B.O.M had a chat with Regina in New York and catches up with the former actress and what she has been up to over the years.

 

INSPIRED!

Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, Nas and Timbaland pictured in the studio together working on new music
...what can be more inspiring than this...?

'I chose to be with Peter Okoye, ring or no ring' Lola Omotayo Tweets

more after the cut...

Kim Kardashian's had Enough with 'em paparazzi's; reveals they threatened her life

More Tweets when you continue...

Beat FM becomes first ever Radio station in Africa to get verified by Twitter

Well, so says OAP, Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi. Kudos!

Justin Gatlin Unbolts Usain Bolt in 100m in Rome

US sprinter Justin Gatlin beat six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt in the men's 100 metres race at the Rome Golden Gala, Diamond League, which took place on Thursday this week. Justin Gatlin beat Usain by one-hundredth of a second, that's like 1% of a second. Justin actually had to dip his head over the line to win in 9.94 seconds. Usain came in 9.95. nothing is forever*

Usain was making his first appearance in the Diamond League this season since his recent recovery from a hamstring injury. Usain explained what happened to him:

TUSH AWARDS 2013

JJC Skillz involved in Motor accident

Prolific music producer and singer Skillz of the JJC was involved in a ghastly motor accident early this morning in Ogba, Ikeja. A trailer which breaks failed rammed into the side of his Nissan Altima car, badly damaging the back door. JJC and the other passenger in the car were shaken but unhurt. thank God!

World's Most Expensive champagne Created by Luxury designer Alexander Amosu

Nigerian luxury designer Alexander Amosu has created the most expensive champagne in the world called Taste of Diamonds. The drink costs 1.2million pounds. Converted to Naira it is -A whooping N250million, this can get you haven on earth! and some people will actually squash it!

Tragedy: Babcock student loses 8 family members in car accident on their way to her graduation

One of Babcock's best graduating student, Margaret Okwuikpo, lost eight members of her family in a horrific auto accident on Friday May 31st in Port Harcourt. Margaret's father, grandmother, sisters, brothers and a cousin were on their way to her graduation ceremony, which was to take place on Sunday June 2nd, when the commercial bus they were traveling in crashed.

Margaret's mum, brother-in-law and two other people survived the accident and are being treated in the hospital.

J.Lo to Replace Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey on Idols

J.Lo is going against the grain and unlike ALL of the other judges, hopes to return to the Idol judging panel for next season!! as Mariah and Nicki quit!

A source reportedly has said:

“J.LO’s manager, Benny Medina, was in talks with FOX even before Mariah and Nicki announced their departures last week. Benny told FOX that she does indeed want to return. They’re talking. Negotiations are in their infant stages, but they’re underway to get her back to the judges’ table.”

Serena Williams' bikini body cover Essence magazine June isse

On the attention surrounding her body, the tennis champion tells Essence:

“It can be a bit weird. Before it was, ‘Serena has a big butt,’ and that was all. Now there are way more people who feel comfortable with themselves and they’re saying, ‘I’m a woman, and this is what I look like.’ I always say, ‘We’re popular now! We’re finally in style!’”