Malaysian Authorities Seize Bibles in ‘Allah’ row

Malaysian Islamic authorities on Thursday seized hundreds of Bibles from a Christian group and questioned two of its officers, one of them said, amid tensions over the use of the word “Allah”.

A court in October barred a Malaysian Catholic newspaper from using “Allah” to refer to the Christian God in its Malay-language edition — a verdict which was welcomed by Muslim conservatives but which sparked concern among Christians, a minority in the multi-faith country.

After the verdict, Prime Minister Najib Razak, walking a tightrope between pleasing his conservative Muslim ethnic Malay base without alienating non-Muslim minorities, assured Christians the practice of their religion would not be threatened.

But Islamic officials from the central state of Selangor on Thursday seized 16 boxes containing more than 300 Bibles from the Bible Society of Malaysia, said the society’s president Lee Min Choon.

Lee said he and a colleague were also detained “under a state law, which prohibits the use of the word Allah by non-Muslims”. They were later released but must meet authorities again next week.

Most of the seized Bibles — imported from neighbouring Indonesia where Malay is also spoken — were in Malay. A few were in Iban, a language spoken by one of the country’s indigenous groups.

“We have been using them (the Bibles) ever since the society started (in 1985), and even before that,” Lee told AFP. “This is the first time we have been raided.”

Officials from the Selangor Islamic Religious Department did not immediately return a request for comment.

The Council of Churches of Malaysia said in a statement it was “alarmed” by the raid and urged the government to “protect religious rights as provided under the Federal Constitution”.

The dispute over the use of “Allah” by non-Muslims erupted in early 2009, when the Home Ministry threatened to revoke the publishing permit of the Catholic newspaper the Herald for using the word.

Authorities said using “Allah” in non-Muslim literature could confuse Muslims and entice them to convert.

The Catholic Church sued, claiming violation of its constitutional rights.

The church says the word “Allah” is the most accurate translation for “God” and has been used for decades in Malaysia and elsewhere.

A court upheld the church’s argument later that year and lifted the ban. But a higher court overturned that ruling in October, reinstating the ban.

The ban’s removal had triggered a series of attacks on churches and other places of worship in early 2010, using Molotov cocktails, rocks and paint, and sparked fears of wider religious conflict.

Muslims make up 60 percent of the country’s 28 million people, while Christians account for about nine percent.

 Malaysia has largely avoided overt religious conflict in recent decades, but tensions have slowly risen along with what many see as an increasing Islamisation of the country.

Graduate Commits Suicide Over Woman in Ikorodu

According to PMNews, a graduate of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ogunsona Daniel Adekunle Adebambo (pictured above) committed suicide by hanging himself in an uncompleted storey building yesterday January 1st 2014.

According to the report, the body of the 30 year old man was found around 1 a.m. yesterday dangling from a rope tied to the hook of a fan in an uncompleted storey building at 1, Alice Ogunsona Street, Hilltop Estate, Eruwen, Ikorodu. His body was found by his younger brother after reading the suicide not he wrote and left at their home. Continue...

The deceased allegedly killed himself because his girlfriend’s father refused to allow him marry his daughter. According to the story, the girlfriend's father, who is from Ondo state, said Bambo couldn't marry his daughter because he's from Ijebu, Ogun State. Some people do not believe that's the reason he killed himself.

A resident of the Hilltop Estate who said he participated in bringing down Adebambo’s body from the ceiling, recalled that he was dead and stiff when they brought him down. "When the family raised an alarm and we came here, he was already foaming in his mouth and his hand was clenched in a fist. This signified that he struggled till he died,” he said.

Man Pours Boiled Water on Girl’s Face For Unfriending Him on Facebook

According To Dailymail, a schoolgirl has suffered severe burns after an older boy poured boiling water over her face because she un-friended him on Facebook.The boy broke into the teenage girl’s house and locked her and her mother in a room before attacking the girl with a pot of boiling water in the city of Muzaffarpur in northern Bihar, India yesterday.

Just weeks before the attack the girl had un-friended him on the social networking site because he starting posting strange comments on her Facebook wall.While he held the mother and daughter captive, he boiled some water in the kitchen then proceeded to pour it over the girl’s face.

Police have now begun a manhunt for the boy, an intermediate student, who fled the scene.The victim, an Indian class eight student, was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

New Year’s Twin Babies Born in Separate Years

As people around the world partied their way into the new year, two mothers gave birth to two of the last babies of 2013 and two of the first babies of 2014. While born just minutes apart, their twin babies entered the world in two different years.
On Dec. 31, 2013, at 11:58 p.m., Yaleni Santos Tohalino gave birth to baby girl Lorraine Yaleni Begazo, who weighed at 6 pounds, 4.9 ounces, at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, in Washington, D.C.
Soon after, her twin brother Brandon Ferdinando Begazo was born on Jan. 1, 2014, at 12:01 a.m., weighing at 5 pounds, 10.4 ounces.
“I feel wonderful full of joy and happiness and a full sense of realization,” the twins’ father, Warren Begazo, told ABCNews.com. “This is her first children ever, and they’re beautiful and she’s really happy.”
In Toronto, two fraternal twin sisters were also born in 2013 and in 2014, respectively. At Trillium Health Partners-Credit Valley Hospital, older sister Gabriela Salgueiro was born on Dec. 31, 2013, at 11:52 p.m., weighing 6 pounds, 16 ounces.
On Jan. 1, 2014, at 12:00:38 a.m., younger twin Sophia Salgueiro was born, weighing 5 pounds, 13 ounces.
“They kind of got that golden ticket. They’ve got different birthdays,” the twins’ mother, Lindsay Salgueiro, told ABCNews.com. “They’re going to be best friends for life.”
“We really did celebrate New Year’s Eve,” Begazo said.
“Not a bad way to end the year and not a bad a way to start the year off,” said Salgueiro.
Both the mothers and babies are healthy and looking forward to going home.

Pastor Disappears After Auto Crash in Osun

Online report obtained via VANGUARD NIGERIA stated that anxiety is mounting over the sudden disappearance of the General Overseer of Christ Worshippers Church with headquarters at Osubi, Effurun, Warri, Delta State Prophet Duromola Adedayo Samuel.

One source said Prophet Duromola might have met his death in a ghastly auto crash that occurred, yesterday, between 6.00 p.m and 8.00 p.m. along Akure-Ilesa expressway.

But another source said he might also have been a victim of kidnap.

A source in Ikeji Arakeji area where the crash occurred disclosed that after the crash and the vehicle veered into the bush, they tried to give a helping hand but did not meet anybody inside the vehicle with the number plate already removed.

Osun State police command spokesperson, Mrs Folasade Odoro, said there was no official report to that effect while family members from Owo, Ondo State claimed that they had gone to various hospitals in Owena, Ikeji-Arakeji, Ipetu-Ijesa, Ilesa as his whereabout was still unknown at press time.

According to the family members on search party, the vehicle was found but the prophet was not found, adding that no blood stain or anything curious was noticed at the scene of the accident.

Elder Boro, a member of the Board of Trustees of the church in a telephone interview said Prophet Samuel phone rang throughout the night without response.

He added that may be he was praying on the mountain in Ilesa.

This was corroborated by Pastor Paul Opoweh, the Prophet’s personal assistant, who said efforts to reach him on phone proved abortive.

When the wife, Prophetess Eseoghene Blessing Duromola was contacted, she said Prophet Sanuel went to a mountain at Ilesa, with a promise to return to Akure to pick her and the children to Warri for the end of the year vigil but that did not happen.

Safety Tips For Women

There are pointers on what a woman could do if she feels unsafe in a lonely place like a lift or corridor, in a taxi, or in a garage. Read and share your thoughts

1) What should a woman do if she finds herself alone in the company of a strange male as she prepares to enter a lift in a high-rise apartment late at night?

Experts Say: Enter the lift. If you need to reach the 13th floor, press all the buttons up to your destination. No one will dare attack you in a lift that stops on every floor.

2) What to do if a stranger tries to attack you when you are alone in your house, run into the kitchen.

Experts Say: You alone know where the chili powder and turmeric are kept.And where the knives and plates are. All these can be turned into deadly weapons. If nothing else, start throwing plates and utensils all over.

Let them break. Scream. Remember that noise is the greatest enemy of a molester. He does not want to be caught.

3} Taking an Auto or Taxi at Night.

Experts Say: Before getting into an auto at night, note down its registration number. Then use the mobile to call your family or friend and pass on the details to them in the language the driver understands .Even if no one answers your call, pretend you are in a conversation. The driver now knows someone has his details and he will be in serious trouble if anything goes wrong. He is now bound to take you home safe and sound. A potential attacker is now your de facto protector!

4}What if the driver turns into a street he is not supposed to – and you feel you are entering a danger zone?

Experts Say: Use the handle of your purse or your stole (dupatta) to wrap around his neck and pull him back. Within seconds, he will feel choked and helpless. In case you don’t have a purse or stole just pull him back by his collar. The top button of his shirt would then do the same trick.

5} If you are stalked at night.

Expert Say: enter a shop or a house and explain your predicament. If it is night and shops are not open, go inside an ATM box. ATM centers always have security guards. They are also monitored by close circuit television. Fearing identification, no one will dare attack you.

In addition to all this, being mentally alert is the greatest weapon you can ever have.

- Gmag

Ini Edo, Rita Dominic & Kate Henshaw At The Lekki Festival Yesterday

 Lekki Residents Association ushered in the new year 2014 with a 1st ever Lekki Festival on Admiralty Way from 12 pm .
It was so much fun and here's a picture of top Nollywood actresses Ini, Kate and Rita at the event.

Beverly Osu Writes An Open Letter To Her Lovers & Haters

Dear Friends of Beverly Osu:

As I look back and reflect on 2013, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you, our loyal fans, for your support of Beverly Osu during the past year.  Whether it was through financial means, words of encouragement, volunteerism, critics or prayer.

This past year I've gotten the platform to use emerging media to entertain, inform and inspire the people of Africa. My vision still holds true today.
I am a young lady ahead of time. Thanks to everyone who has touched my incredible life.
To my lovers: I will never disappoint. You've encouraged me and made me strong to keep moving #kisses.
To my Haters: thanks for making my life in 2013 something to reflect on ..(silence is golden but a duct tape is silver) … You guys have been my entertainment.

D’Banj Gets Caught On Camera Squeezing A Girl’s Bum

I know genny wont be happy with this..This happened last night at the Lagos 2013 Countdown event.

Toke Makinwa Shares Picture of Her Mum

They both look beautiful.

Miley Cyrus Admits She Plays A Character In Public

 Miley Cyrus says she's playing a character in public.

The Wrecking Ball hitmaker claims her raunchy antics in 2013 - including her infamous performance at the MTV Video Music Awards in August - are all part of a "rock'n'roll" act she has created for the purposes of her music career.

She explained: "I went from people just thinking I was, like, a baby to people thinking I'm this, like, sex freak that really just pops molly and does lines all day. It's like, 'Has anyone ever heard of rock 'n' roll?'

"There's a sex scene in pretty much every single movie, and they go, 'Well, that's a character.' Well, that's a character. I don't really dress as a teddy bear and, like, twerk on Robin Thicke, you know?"

The 21-year-old pop star also claims she doesn't have many A-list friends because they are worried about the effect she may have on their public image.

She told the New York Times newspaper: "I don't have a bunch of celeb friends, because I feel like some of them are a little scared of the association. This is terrible."

The former Hannah Montana star says she is now embracing her true self and was eager to shake her wholesome image after ending her contract with Disney.

She said: "Things came out that happened - like, you know, bong videos - when I was on Disney. But I never wanted to do that to Disney. When I was no longer employed by anyone, that's when I was like, 'OK, I'm going to do my own thing.' But I waited until I felt like I had respectfully finished out what I was supposed to do, you know?"

BANG Showbiz

KaySwitch Reveals His Secret Girlfriend, Miss Liberia 2011

Kay switch is D’banj’s younger brother. I guess he probably got tired of hiding his girlfriend who won the Miss Liberia beauty pageant in 2011. He tweeted her this morning and wished her a happy new year and she simply replied with love, calling him kehinde, his real name. Love so beautiful.

TB Joshua's 2014 Prophecy - "Many Corrupt Leaders Will Go Down"

Popular pastor T.B. Joshua has given his prophecies for the new year 2014.

It was an electric atmosphere in The Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) where large crowds thronged to usher in the New Year 2014. T.B. Joshua came out around 11pm to deliver his much anticipated prophetic message in a broadcast beamed live via the churches popular television station Emmanuel TV.

He first counseled believers to stay steadfast in faith despite the challenges that would arise in the coming year. “We are tempted so that we may pray the more. Afflictions are meant for our spiritual benefit,” he encouraged the congregants and television viewers.

Moving on, he spoke about what was to be expected in the New Year, attendees listening with rapt attention and scribbling notes as he spoke. “This New Year 2014 is not like any other year in the past. It is a year of crossing bridge. To cross the bridge, you need to grab onto faith,” he began. “This is not going to be easy for the mighty. Many of the mighty will fall. Pray for them. The rich, famous and popular people – many will fall this 2014 because crossing the bridge is not going to be easy; they need God. Many of them believe it is their own making to be great in their own area of expertise.”

He went on to decry the effect this ‘fall’ would have on the business world as, according to him, “98% of businesses and companies are owned by these people.” Specifying a field of business that would especially be affected, he said the airline industry would face multiple challenges, leading to an unprecedented rise in ticket prices, particularly noting that African airlines would be most affected. Joshua further declared 2014 to be a year of destiny for those would ‘follow the ways of the Lord’. “Many people that are not known will be rise by destiny,” he prophesied.

Talking about the current Nigerian political situation, Joshua said, “There will be a leadership tussle on who will lead and who will be presidential candidate in APC which will affect them as a political party. They should be vigilant. Many are with them in flesh but not with them in spirit.” Talking about the current crisis Nigeria’s ruling party PDP are embroiled in, the prophet stated that they would ‘pay any price to unite’ but that the issue of who would be the presidential candidate would cause challenges.

“Many of the key leaders in political parties will go down in 2014,” Joshua then announced to the somber audience. “If many key leaders go down with 2014, what will now happen in 2015? Pray for 2015 to be fulfilled. The beginner is not the owner but the finisher.”

He then stated to thunderous applause that 2014 would see a positive improvement for the nation in the area of corruption. “What will happen in 2014 will result in the correction of the corruption in Nigeria because many corrupt leaders will go down in 2014.”

Joshua then prayed for the congregants who all lit candles to symbolize the dawn of the New Year. “God has promised that 2014 is the year of destiny. Your destiny cannot be changed. This New Year, your destiny cannot be tampered with. I command your dream to come true, your dream to come to fulfillment, in Jesus’ name.”

Stella Damasus Set To Embark On 21 day Fasting and also Shares Her New Year Resolutions/Decisions

I am starting my year with a twenty one day fast and asking God for strength to see it through.
I know the things that I need God to do for me and my family! I also know that I need answers and direction from God. Most importantly I know that it is time to stop wasting my time and face my calling regardless of what people will say or think.

I know That I want to build my relationship with God and advertise him to the world with all that he has given me. I also know that it is time for you all to step out in faith and live the best life you were called to live. As the world draws closer to its end, we all need to be mindful of what we absorb from this world and society.

- We all need to know where we stand and who we stand for
- We all need to know for a fact, what we are doing and when we are supposed to do it
- We all need to know where we are heading and not be guided by the expectations of people
- I am not going to waste my time in 2014
- I am not going to look the way people expect me to look but the way i know I should look
- I am not going to spend money on irrelevant things when there are hungry and uneducated children out there who need help.

- I am not going to attend an event because people expect me to, but because I am supposed to
- I am not going to comment on something because the world is expecting a reaction from me but speak as the Holy Spirit leads me- I am not going to be afraid to do the things God has asked me to do because of the impression some people have of me
- I am not going to please man and offend God
- I am not going to keep friends who are not willing to follow the will of God and encourage me to love him
- I am not going to beg or seek for validation from man but from God who has already validated and endorsed me
- I am not going to say I am not good enough or I am not qualified because God created me for such a time as this
- I am not going to run away from the real me just because I want to retain fans and friends
- I will be happy and joyful
- I will live my life to the fullest
- I will love and praise God who is the creator of all things
- I will stand by the truth I know, no matter what
- I will love and pray for my enemies no matter how difficult it is
- I will run away from evil and its people
- I will tell those who care to listen about the God I have come to know
- I will sing the songs that I have always wanted to sing whether my voice is wonderful or not.
- I will spend my time on important things
- I will not follow unnecessary trend when I know it is not good for me
- I will be content with what I have and where I am
- I will encourage and teach all those who are in my life


These are not new year resolutions but decisions I know I should have made long ago.

- 2014 is the year that we should all sit back and find out from God who we are, what our purpose is and how to go about it

- 2014 is the year we should all be free to do the work that we would enjoy and be paid for doing it
- 2014 is the year of our financial freedom and breakthrough
- 2014 is the year that we will all realize the Most important things in life
- 2014 is the year that jealousy, envy and gossip will no longer hold us back from our blessings and favor
- 2014 is the year we will stand for what is right and just
- 2014 is the year we stop thinking about ourselves alone but about every child created by God

I declare freedom to everyone

- Freedom to be the you whom God has created
- Freedom to do what you have been called to do
- Freedom to love and live freely
- Freedom from hiding behind society
- Freedom to explore the things you have always wanted
- Freedom to live regardless of what the world might say
- Freedom to be happy without any apologies
- Freedom to love and praise God in public regardless of your mistakes
- It's not too late to say I am sorry
- It's not too late to say I love you
- It's not too late to say forgive me
- It's not too late to show kindness
- It's not too late to give
- It's not too late to pray
- It's not too late to change

In fact, the time is now.
Happy new year and God bless ya all, love ya loads.

Pictures: J Martins Acquires 2013/2014 G-Wagon

Don Family Music Group Boss and Afro Pop Sensation; J.Martins ends the year 2013 on a remarkable note, and rolls into the new year 2014 by rewarding himself with a new car. A 2013/2014 G-Wagon AMG G55. Excited J Martins decided to share the pictures of his newly acquired toy with the media and his loyal army of fans..

Davido’s G Wagon Jeep Has Finally Arrived Nigeria

Finally his highly Anticipated G Wagon Has Arrived Nigeria safe and sound and it is said to be worth over N30million

President Jonathan's New Year Message To Nigeria

TEXT OF A NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN

Dear Compatriots,

I greet and felicitate with you all as we enter the year 2014 which promises to be a momentous one for our country for several reasons, including the fact that it is also the year of our great nation’s centenary celebrations. I join you all in giving thanks to God Almighty for guiding us and our beloved nation safely through all the challenges of the outgoing year to the beginning of 2014.

Exactly 100 years ago today, on January 1, 1914, the British Colonial authorities amalgamated what was then the separate Protectorates of Southern Nigeria and Northern Nigeria, giving birth to the single geopolitical entity known as Nigeria. For us therefore, today is not just the beginning of a new year, but the end of a century of national existence and the beginning of another. It is a moment for sober reflection and for pride in all that is great about Nigeria.

Whatever challenges we may have faced, whatever storms we may have confronted and survived, Nigeria remains a truly blessed country, a country of gifted men and women who continue to distinguish themselves in all spheres of life, a country whose diversity remains a source of strength. We pay tribute today, as always to our founding fathers and mothers, and all the heroes and heroines whose toil and sweat over the century made this country what it is today.

As I noted, a few days ago, the amalgamation of 1914 was certainly not a mistake but a blessing. As we celebrate 100 years of nationhood, we must resolve to continue to work together as one, united people, to make our country even greater.

I assure you that our administration remains fully committed to the progressive development of our country and the consolidation of peace, unity and democratic governance in our fatherland. Despite several continuing domestic and global challenges, for us in Nigeria, the year 2013 witnessed many positive developments which we will strive to build upon in 2014.

Terrible: Man Set Himself Ablaze In Abuja Just A Few Hours To The New Year

A middle-aged man set himself ablaze in his residence located at Gwarimpa area in Abuja today, just few hours into the New year.

The reason for his action is yet unknown as details of the incident was a bit sketchy at the time of filing this report.

It was however gathered that, the neighbours noticed smoke coming from the man’s apartment and ran to the scene. On getting there, they found his charred remains.

His corpse has been evacuated by the police to the General Hospital, Kubwa, Abuja.

Aliko Dangote Joins Twitter, Gets Verified Even With No Tweet

Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote has joined Twitter. And with no tweets yet, he's already verified. And within hours of joining, he's already had over 1,200 followers.

Busted: Pastor Arrested Over Fake Currency Production

The State Security Service (SSS) in Kogi, Lokoja on Tuesday announced the arrest of a syndicate, including a pastor, over the alleged printing and circulation of fake Naira notes.


The Director of SSS, Mr Mike Fubara, said when he presented the suspects to newsmen that the syndicate included 15 others, including the pastor’s six children.

He named the pastor as Godson Akubuiro, the General Overseer of The Mountain of Breakthrough Deliverance Ministry, Lagos.

Fubara said SSS in its effort to trace the source of the ''worrisome fake naira currency in circulation in the state undertook a covert operation to uncover those behind the act’’.

''This operation took the service close to four months before a breakthrough resulting in the arrest of the 16-man syndicate led by Reverend Godson O. Akubuiro'', the director said.

He said that the operation took security agents to The Breakthrough Church, also known as Land of Solution, located at Plot 7, Koya Estate, Igbo Olomu, Agric, Ikorodu, Lagos.

He said that the suspects were being investigated preparatory to their prosecution.

The director said Items recovered from the suspects include equipment and materials used in printing fake currencies.

Other items recovered were a large quantity of printed fake notes, cut to size blank currency notes and N1.3 million fake naira notes.

Fubara urged the public to be wary of the fake naira notes in circulation and report suspects to the service.

Akubuiro, however, told newsmen that he was not using the money for himself but in supporting the less privileged and the needy in his congregation.

He, however, pleaded for leniency, saying men of God were often tempted like King David in the bible, who as a man after God's heart but fell many times and was still pardoned by God. (NAN)