Lagos traffic: The Economist blast Ambode, says he is full of excuses and few solutions

The Economist few days ago wrote an article on the persistent traffic gridlock residents of the state have come to experience in recent weeks. In the article which is titled "Paralysed, Why Nigeria's largest city is even less navigable than usual", the international magazine stated that the new governor Akinwunmi Ambode, unlike his predecessor, is full of excuses and few solutions. Read the full article after the cut...

"Traffic is a way of life in Lagos, Africa’s most populous city. Home by some counts to over 20m people, it is among the most notoriously congested places in the world. The “go-slow” piles up long before dawn as businessmen in SUVs and traders in battered buses hit the overburdened roads. It lasts until well after dark. Often the queues can be unfathomable: a rainstorm, a breakdown or a public holiday can condemn a driver to hours in horn-honking hell. Tardy workers proffer one irrefutable excuse: “Traffic is bad.” Yet the gridlock that Lagosians have suffered in recent weeks is noteworthy even by the city’s horrendous standards. Rush hours have lengthened, and vehicles back up at unusual hours along the bridges linking the mainland with an island business district. Safety concerns are mounting as armed robbers pillage stuck cars while police are far away. Security experts reckon this is symptomatic of a broader increase in organised crime under a new and less competent state government. Lagos is a hub for investors in Africa—it is a bigger economy in its own right than most countries on the continent, so this is of serious concern. The state’s former governor, Babatunde Fashola, who left office after elections in March, was lauded for improving traffic and security. He curbed dangerous motorbike taxis and brought local “area boys” (street children), under control. Cars were terrified into order by a state traffic agency, LASTMA, whose bribe-hungry officers flagged down offending drivers. His successor, Akinwunmi Ambode, is full of excuses, but few solutions, for the worsening gridlock. Traffic is always bad during the rains, he says. Nigerians are migrating to Lagos en masse in search of work in a worsening economy, his office adds. Yet the root of the problem is in policy: Mr Ambode cut the powers of traffic controllers by banning them from impounding cars. In retaliation, officers have refused to enforce the rules. Reform in a culture riddled with corruption is never easy. Mr Ambode’s office says the measure was intended to create a more “civil society”. Less fastidious types think it amounts to weakness, and would prefer that he focused on public transport instead. The biggest concern is that the gridlock is a sign of a breakdown in relations between security forces, government agencies and the new governor. If that is the case, there could be worse to come. That is bad news not only for Lagosians, but all Nigerians too.

Bride dies in Motorcycle crash on her way to reception minutes after marrying new husband

An Illinois bride (pictured above) died just minutes after saying "I do" to the love of her life when the motorcycle she and her groom were riding to their reception crashed, family said. Jana Miles-Burnett, 40, exchanged vows with William Burnett, 31, in a city park in Illinois about 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

The couple had met through friends and decided to wed after a whirl-wind romance, family told Inside Edition. "After two months, they knew they wanted to be together," the woman's daughter, Sarah Smillie, said.

 "There wasn't a time that I had seen her happier. If they were together, she was smiling," Smillie, 22, told IE. The wedding ceremony reflected their relationship and was light and full of love, she said. "I’ve never been to a wedding where there was so much laughter. They were stumbling over each other's words because they were nervous, but they were laughing," Smillie said. "It was the most relaxed and funny thing I've ever seen at a wedding."

After being pronounced husband and wife, the couple hopped on Burnett's motorcycle and waved on family to start a procession to the reception, Smillie's husband, Khole Smillie said. Read: Engaged Couple Who Discovered They Were Preschool Sweethearts Return to Old School "They went to do the procession and they wanted them (Miles-Burnett and Burnett) to go first, but Jana waved everyone on because she wanted to be the last one," Khole Smillie said.

"They all got to the reception and they saw ambulances and firetrucks going back." It was during the procession that a deer ran onto the road and into the newlyweds' lane, causing a crash that threw Miles-Burnett, 40, to the ground. "There were three or four motorcycles together and William tried to swerve and did everything he could. It (the deer) had turned around and darted right at the bike. There's some things you cannot control," Khole Smillie said.

"Deer were going crazy that night. It's mating season and it's a rural road. Coming back, we saw 30 deer in a 20-minute ride running across the road." Still wearing her wedding gown, Miles-Burnett was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved and was pronounced dead an hour later. "At least she didn't suffer. Everybody else just suffers the pain now," Khole Smillie said.

Her new husband suffered minor injuries in the crash. "We've seen each other every day since then," Smillie said of her mother's husband, who in less than a day of being married, became a widower. "He's holding up. He's like me. Every hour or so he breaks down."

Source: CNN's Inside Edition

Oh no,he didn't! Wayne Rooney slaps WWE Wrestler Wade Barrett

Wayne Rooney decided to relax a little and went for a WWE match in Manchester accompanied by coach Ryan Giggs, former teammate Darren Fletcher and son Kai. Little did the Manchester crowd know they were in for a thrill. After spotting the Man. U captain, Manchester-wrestler Wade Barrett attempted to playfully humiliate Rooney. Wade, 35, goaded him, saying: 'In this ring are two men who can easily be described as championship material. Which is, of course, more than can be said of Wayne Rooney and Manchester United.'

Barrett didn't end there. He now goaded Rooney and his son seated ringside which the England striker apparently couldn't take.

'I'd hate for your little boy to sit there and watch his own father fail. Because let's face it, he gets to experience that every single time you step on a football pitch.'

Wayne Rooney then stood up challenged Barrett to a fight, gesticulating to the wrestler to come down from the ring to which the wrestler responded. Upon reaching Rooney's ringside sit, the Manchester united striker slapped him, all to the amazement of little son Kai Rooney...Lol

The amazed Manchester crowd chanted Rooney's name as the striker's blow left Barrett sprawling on the floor. The incident - true to professional wrestling - was of course scripted and England skipper Rooney 'revelled' his role. 

Afterwards, Barrett tweeted: 'I'm heading to Old Trafford early tomorrow morning. I hope @WayneRooney has the guts to meet me there.' He then added: 'Does anyone have Phil Bardsley's phone number?' 

A WWE source, speaking to Sportsmail, said: 'It was brilliant. Wayne was in great spirits before the event and he happily agreed to take part in the stunt with Wade Barrett. The fans absolutely loved it and I'm sure his son Kai would have enjoyed it too.' 

Rooney, of course, is no stranger to 'pretend' fighting after a video of him apparently being knocked out by Phil Bardsley went viral in March

Oh no,he didn't! Wayne Rooney slaps WWE Wrestler Wade Barrett

Wayne Rooney decided to relax a little and went for a WWE match in Manchester accompanied by coach Ryan Giggs, former teammate Darren Fletcher and son Kai. Little did the Manchester crowd know they were in for a thrill. After spotting the Man. U captain, Manchester-wrestler Wade Barrett attempted to playfully humiliate Rooney. Wade, 35, goaded him, saying: 'In this ring are two men who can easily be described as championship material. Which is, of course, more than can be said of Wayne Rooney and Manchester United.'

Barrett didn't end there. He now goaded Rooney and his son seated ringside which the England striker apparently couldn't take.

'I'd hate for your little boy to sit there and watch his own father fail. Because let's face it, he gets to experience that every single time you step on a football pitch.'

Wayne Rooney then stood up challenged Barrett to a fight, gesticulating to the wrestler to come down from the ring to which the wrestler responded. Upon reaching Rooney's ringside sit, the Manchester united striker slapped him, all to the amazement of little son Kai Rooney...Lol

The amazed Manchester crowd chanted Rooney's name as the striker's blow left Barrett sprawling on the floor. The incident - true to professional wrestling - was of course scripted and England skipper Rooney 'revelled' his role. 

Afterwards, Barrett tweeted: 'I'm heading to Old Trafford early tomorrow morning. I hope @WayneRooney has the guts to meet me there.' He then added: 'Does anyone have Phil Bardsley's phone number?' 

A WWE source, speaking to Sportsmail, said: 'It was brilliant. Wayne was in great spirits before the event and he happily agreed to take part in the stunt with Wade Barrett. The fans absolutely loved it and I'm sure his son Kai would have enjoyed it too.' 

Rooney, of course, is no stranger to 'pretend' fighting after a video of him apparently being knocked out by Phil Bardsley went viral in March

FFK calls out Buhari for appointing another northerner as EFCC boss, describes pro-biafran protest as instructive, formidable

President Buhari sacked Ibrahim Lamorde as EFCC chairman and appointed Mustapha Magu as the acting EFCC Chairman yesterday November 9th.

Tweet of the day!

Food for thought!

Photos: Miss Philippines wins the world's largest transgender beauty pageant

Yes, this used to be a man! Trixie Maristela was crowned Miss International Queen 2015 on Friday at a contest in Thailand billed as the world’s largest transgender pageant. The 29-year-old beat 26 other competitors for the coveted crown, with second and third place going to contestants from Brazil and Thailand respectively.

Thailand remains a largely conservative society, with no laws recognising same-sex unions. But it has a prominent lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, with many members playing leading roles in its entertainment industry.

Photos: One injured as Pro-Biafrians protest in Port Harcourt

Pro-Biafrians are currently protesting along Aba road in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Meanwhile Imo state governor, Rochas Okorochas has called for an emergency meeting of South East leaders to deliberate on the recent agitations by some youths for the creation of Biafra. The meeting is expected to take place at Owerri, Imo state this weekend. Continue to see more photos..

The world premiere of Fifty! 4 women! 1 week! 4 journeys! 1 city!

I’m an avid reader of your blog and hope that your readers can help me put things into perspective. My name is Elizabeth and I’m in my late forties to early fifties (I don’t want to give too much away). Here’s my dilemma, I have a daughter who I absolutely adore and love with my whole heart but she has distanced herself from me, in fact she has lost all respect for me simply because I desire and date younger men. I understand that it can be awkward for her to have a mother who dates men her age but I can’t control what my heart and body wants, abi?

What should I do? Give up what makes me happy in order to get close to my daughter again, or live my life how I want? After all I only have one life to live, abi?

Elizabeth is played by Ireti Doyle in the EbonyLife Film production of FIFTY, executively produced by Mo Abudu. Will you sympathize with Elizabeth or blame her for her situation?  Watch the MUST-SEE film this December to live the situation with her.

‘FIFTY’ stars four of Nigeria’s power actresses including Ireti Doyle, DakoreEgbuson-Akande, OmoniOboli and NseIkpe-Etim. What is the premise behind the film? Well, in the words of the executive producer herself, Mo Abudu it is to “showcase African women coming of age, loaded with increasingly similar aspirations and dilemmas faced by their contemporaries everywhere, while yet navigating unresolved traditions and obligations”. 

The Grand Premiere of FIFTY comes up on Sunday 13^th December 2015 at Eko Hotel and Suites and will be in cinemas nationwide on December 18^th December 2015.

Tickets for the Grand Premiere are limited, so book your ticket(s) now!

CallTemidayo on +234 809 871 8555

***Platinum Exclusive Benefits - Front Row VVIP Table for 10. Red carpet interviews Performances by KSA, Tiwa Savage and Waje. Fine dining and champagne. The exclusive premiere of FIFTY Meet and Greet with our stars. Photo opportunities with our stars. Access to our FIFTY Old SkoolAfter Party.

***Platinum Plus Benefits -  Gold Circle Row VVIP Table for 10. Red carpet interviews Performances by KSA, Tiwa Savage and Waje. Fine dining and champagne. The exclusive premiere of FIFTY Meet and Greet with our stars. Photo opportunities with our stars. Access to our FIFTY Old SkoolAfter Party.

***Platinum Premium Benefits VVIP -  Tables and Special seating for couples and singles. Red carpet interviews Performances by KSA, Tiwa Savage and Waje. Fine dining and champagne. The exclusive premiere of FIFTY Meet and Greet with our stars. Photo opportunities with our stars. Access to our Fifty Old Skool After party.

'Arsenal does not necessarily need God to win' - Arsene Wenger says in bizarre interview

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in a bizarre interview with French magazine L'Equipe's Sport spoke on a wide-range of topics including time, religion and more. When he was asked for similarities between his faith and his football and whether he has a "mystical power" over his players, he said;

"I am only a guide. I allow others to express what they have in them. I have not created anything. I am a facilitator of what is beautiful in man. I define myself as an optimist. My constant battle in this business is to get out there is beautiful in man. We can at this level portray me as naive.

"At the same time, it allows me to believe it and it often gives me reason." Wenger who early in his career used to read from a book of prayers before matches says he doesn't do that again and doesn't feel his team needs 'God to win.

"Unfortunately today, it works less! At the same time, fortunately, it means that my team does not necessarily need God to win. The only time possible for happiness is the present. The past gives regrets and future uncertainties. Man quickly realized this and created the religion. It forgives him what he has done wrong in the past and told him for the future not to worry. I'm always afraid of being late and not to be ready, not being able to accomplish all that I planned. My personal relationship with time is scary. To go back in time, to look behind yourself is equally staggering. First of all, you're frightened because there is less to come than the time already spent. If you wallow with that feeling, it's definitely scary and sometimes you feel guilty."

'If you see ministers flying first class, take a pic & send to me' - Ben Murray Bruce

What if they flew 1st class before becoming ministers? Most of the minsters confirmed by the senate include wealthy govt officials & ex governors. Would they now downgrade? According to him, Silverbird TV will keep these officials honest by airing any of their defaults.  More of his tweets after the cut...

Who rocked the look? Rita Dominic vs Ono Bello

 Rita Dominic and Ono Bello both rocking a Lanre DaSilva Ajayi dress. Who rocked it?

Who rocked the look? Rita Dominic vs Ono Bello

 Rita Dominic and Ono Bello both rocking a Lanre DaSilva Ajayi dress. Who rocked it?

Wow! ISIS 'gun down 200 Syrian children' in horrifying mass execution video

Sickening new footage shows ISIS terrorists gunning down 200 Syrian children in a savage mass execution. The video, which was circulated online by a Yemen-based anti-ISIS activist, shows the children bound and forced to lie face down in a line. The killers then open fire with automatic rifles.

The authenticity of the video has not been confirmed, but the terror group's slick propaganda team is known to film their barbaric executions and circulate them. Islamic State is also known to have executed children in the past.

Photo credit: Mirror Online

Erm...Chris Brown is convinced Aliens walk among us...:-)

On Saturday night November 7th, strange lights streaked across the sky in Southern California that was seen from as far away as San Fransico. The US military dismissed the sightings and said it was "missile testings" but Chris Brown believes it's aliens...lol. See what he tweeted after the cut...

Erm...Chris Brown is convinced Aliens walk among us...:-)

On Saturday night November 7th, strange lights streaked across the sky in Southern California that was seen from as far away as San Fransico. The US military dismissed the sightings and said it was "missile testings" but Chris Brown believes it's aliens...lol. See what he tweeted after the cut...

Photo: Pastor Paul Adefarasin and his very toned physique

We can admire a pastor's physique abi? #Justasking! :-). The senior pastor of House on the Rock Church Lagos, Paul Adefarasin pictured with celebrity fitness trainer and winner of Gulder Ultimate search 2007, Dominic Mudaba

Ben Murray-Bruce reveals how he founded his Multi billion naira company with N20k his father borrowed him

Senator Ben Murray-Bruce revealed on twitter that his father borrowed him N20, 000 in 1980 to start his business, Silverbird Group. They are celebrating their 35th anniversary this year. He said his story is evidence that you do not need to steal to make it in Nigeria and when people started running their mouths, he said anyone with evidence that he stole to build his organization should show evidence. See some reactions after the cut...