The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

  • Chinese pastor sentenced to 12 years in prison

    The Christian pastor of a church in Henan province has been jailed for 12 years by the Chinese courts.

    Zhang Shaojie, who leads the Nanle County Christian Church, was found guilty of fraud and of “gathering crowds to disturb public order” on Friday.

    His lawyer contends that the pastor is innocent, but “was targeted by authorities who are trying to control the fast growth of churches”.

    Shaojie and 23 members of his church were first detained last year as a result of a land dispute with local authorities but supporters insist that they are being persecuted by the government and are innocent of all charges.

    “This case shows the Chinese government continues to cover up religious persecution with fabricated criminal charges against an innocent church leader,” Bob Fu, the head of US-based Christian group China Aid, told The Telegraph.

    “Total fabricated charges!” he tweeted, following Shaojie’s sentence this morning.

    “I strongly believe Zhang Shaojie is innocent. This is a total set-up by the local government,” warned lawyer Liu Weiguo who has previously worked with the church leader.

    Although the right to freedom of religious belief is guaranteed under Article 36 of the Chinese Constitution, that protection is limited to those who worship within state-sanctioned religious bodies.

    Those who choose to practise their faith outside of these, or whose beliefs are not officially recognised by the government, are at constant risk of being accused of participating in illegal activities, which carries heavy punishment.

  • Mya denies Jay Z affair

    Mya denies Jay Z affair

    The ‘Case of the Ex’ singer chalked up reports that she has been secretly dating the ’99 Problems’ rapper to ‘illegitimate, thirsty sources with no facts.’

    ‘I play second to no one,’ Mya (left) wrote on Instagram Wednesday after a fan asked whether she is having an affair with Beyoncé’s husband, Jay Z.

    “Never did, never was, never will,” the pop star said about her rumored affair with the “99 Problems” rapper, after she was asked about the gossip on Instagram.

    “Heard you and Jay Z had an 11-year affair,” the fan wrote Thursday. “Are you his side chick or nah?”

    A recent blind item suggested Beyoncé’s husband has been secretly dating – and financially supporting – Mya for years. The “Case of the Ex” singer strongly refuted these claims.

  • Julia Roberts blamed in sister’s suicide note

    Julia Roberts blamed in sister’s suicide note

    Nancy Motes’ suicide note blamed her mother and “so-called siblings”, including half-sister Julia Roberts, for sending her into a deep depression.

    Motes died of an overdose in February and in her suicide note – which has been made public for the first time – she said her mother Betty, the ‘Pretty Woman’ star, actor Eric Roberts and actress Lisa Roberts Gillan deserved “nothing” because of the way they treated her.

    The note begins by saying Nancy’s fiance John Dilbeck can have “whatever he wants” of her possessions, including their dog Lucy.

    It continued: “My mother and so-called ‘siblings’ get nothing except the memory that they are the ones that drove me into the deepest depression I’ve ever been in.

    “I have suffered thru this disease all my life, however It has never been this bad.

    “I burst into tears every morning b/c I woke up.(sic)”

    The note was filed in court papers in relation to probate of Nancy’s estate and has three specific sections, one addressed to John, another to her mother and Julia, and a third addressed to “everyone”.

  • Kemi Alao-Akala plans 52nd birthday

    Kemi Alao-Akala plans 52nd birthday

    COME 7th of July 2014, all roads lead to the Ogbomoso home of the Alao-Akalas, as the amiable wife of the Oyo State ex-governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, who also held sway as first lady of Oyo State between 2007 and 2011, Chief (Mrs) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, will be 52 years. In her usual style, it will be prayer and thanksgiving galore.

    Except for her 50th birthday which she celebrated with grace and candour, her unique style of celebrating her birthdays in church, devoid of the usual camaraderie that people in her class are known for, sets her aside from the crowd and has further endeared her to many who see her as a worthy role model.

    To her, this year’s occasion will not be an exception as family, friends and well wishers will again gather to celebrate with her in the usual atmosphere of praise and thanks giving. But for her political family, this opportunity must not slip by as they are out to make a statement in the usual politicking razz-mattaz way. Aso-ebi is already in circulation and, to them, Yeye Otun of the source must be celebrated after the church things are over.

  • Peplum still rocks

    Peplum still rocks

    These days, it is not uncommon seeing designers splashing colourful and attractive peplum designs in sheer slinky fabrics, ruffle, lace trimming and slips. Peplum dresses are versatile pieces and accordingly, they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

    This soft, feminine look is very much in vogue right now and of course, it adds volume to your hips! Also peplum skirts and tops are a great wardrobe piece, because you can wear just about any top or pants/skirt to complement it.

    How to rock peplum trend

    •For a semi-formal evening-style with some dressy sandals and a tantalizing handbag.

    •When wearing peplum, consider accessorising it with a skinny belt, as this will further accentuate that hourglass shape.

    •Lastly, add a pair of stylish over-sized earrings to make a chic and lasting statement

  • Nicki Minaj denies feud with Iggy Azalea

    Nicki Minaj denies feud with Iggy Azalea

    She was recently accused of ‘throwing shade’ at fellow female rapper Iggy Azalea, but Nicki Minaj looked nothing but relaxed on Thursday.

    The 31-year old rapper and singer was seen leaving her hotel dressed comfortably in a red Juicy Couture tracksuit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    The Starships hitmaker was heading to a rehearsal for her performance at the Philly 4th of July Jam and Grand Fireworks Finale.

    Minaj, who was make-up free, obviously did not have the alleged feud on her mind as she waved and smiled toward adoring fans on the sidewalk as she made her way to the performance practice.

    Along with the bright red velour ensemble, the rapper whore a pink shirt and a pair of black and varsity red Jordan VI retro sneakers.

    It was a refreshingly low-key look for the star, who wore her jet black locks down and unstyled on the outing.

    Earlier this week, she was interpreted as ‘throwing shade’ in her acceptance speech and during Iggy Azalea’s performance at the BET Awards in Los Angeles.

    As cameras shot to Minaj in the audience she was flicking her hair and pouting at the camera, an act that was interpreted as making fun of Azalea – who is also a model.

    In her award acceptance speech Minaj also commented on writing her own raps, which was said to be a criticism of the Work singer who is rumoured to use a ghostwriter.

  • Eni Ogun for Soyinka

    Eni Ogun for Soyinka

    As Professor Wole Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel Laureate marks his 80th birthday on July 13th a number of activities, mostly stage plays, have been lined up at different venues and locations to make the event a memorable one.

    At the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, Eni Ogun, a play written by Wole Oguntokun based on the autobiographical works of Soyinka will be staged.  The play billed for July 19 and 20 is also directed by the playwright who today is considered as one of the best directors in the industry.

    Its content spans over six decades of the life and times of Soyinka both as a writer, an activist, academic, defender of human rights, public commentator and social critic.  Other plays of Soyinka to be staged are: Dance of the Forests, Death and the King’s Horseman, Kongi’s Harvest and lots more.  The plays will be staggered to last the whole of July in order to give Soyinka, Africa’s foremost playwright, a befitting 80th birthday anniversary.

    On July 13th, there’ll be a lecture at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Lagos, to be delivered by Professor Abiola Irele in honour of Soyinka.  The lecture will highlight the place of the celebrator in the annals of world history, international politics, writing and what next to do to have a better society where peace and love for one another predominate.

     

  • A bit of phenomenon

    A bit of phenomenon

    Title: Uwem Phenomenon (…a people manager par excellence)
    Author: Sunday Obanubi
    Publishers: Rhegos Resources, Lagos, Nigeria
    No of pages: 65
    Reviewer: Blessing Olisa

    What does it take to sail through stormy seas and come out unperturbed, yet standing tall? Which African woman gets impregnated by a man and chooses not to get married to him because he doesn’t fit in the picture of her future? Uwem Akai Martins is the exception to the rule. Welcome to the world of a woman who is strong, courageous, focused, disciplined and above all, a phenomenon.

    Reading through the 65 pages of her biography written by Sunday Obanubi, will keep you star-struck. It will dazzle you and just makes you want to keep digging into what makes the value of this jewel inestimable. The book also gives a deeper reavelation of the word, phenomenon.

    In the biography, titled, Uwem Phenomenon, Obanubi takes you through the life and career of Uwem, a people manager par excellence and  the woman everyone refers to as the proverbs 31 woman.

    Born into a Christian home of seven, Uwem grew up as a regular kid with her four siblings in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Her life went on normally until 1995, when some events with a goal to alter her life began to unfold.

    A young woman who had a major challenge with her job found out she was pregnant with her first child. Unlike most young women, Uwem refused to get married to the father of her baby because she was convinced that wasn’t the right thing to do. How could she even determine that? Pride? Dignity? This biography takes you on a trip of self realisation, gives you a reason to face your fears, man up to the reality at hand and also stay focused in trying times.

    The charming Uwem wields a personality that helps you see through who you are and who you want to be. Her personality also gives you an insight on achieving everything that you desire, giving you a reason to develop your strong points, stay on your dreams and pursue your dreams at all times till they materialize.

    Simple and charismatic Uwem reveals how to lead and grow a team from 15 to at least 200 people, yet being a very professional leader who leads by example. She gives all her subordinates a reason to be the best and stay the best in everything they get involved in.

    Uwem, who is the envy of many, gives an insight on ‘how to be an enviable professional’, while leading your team successfully.

    Obanubi reveals how this virtuous woman from Proverbs 31 strikes a balance between being a professional at work and in her home. The beautiful mother of two, Uche and Atinuke is happily married to Adetokunbo Martins and puts her family before everything else, without any conflict. She also conveniently spreads her love to her extended children, her over 200 staff members.

    Uwem Martins not only leaves her mark with those she comes in contact with, but also with those who read her biography.

  • Simi Osomo gets wedding date

    Simi Osomo gets wedding date

    Simi Osomo, the fiancée of hip-hop sensation, Dr Sid, has picked a wedding date. The couple, who had their engagement last December, has picked 27th July for their wedding. SID and Simi got engaged in the beautiful city of Venice in Italy last year.

    Simi Osomo, a 25-year-old former assistant editor of Complete Fashion Magazine, was born to lawyer mum and businessman dad. Simi toed the line of her mother by graduating with a law degree in 2012. In September 2012, she was featured in the London Evening Standard which reported she spent £30,000 yearly shopping on six trips to the UK.

  • Tien Udejiofor gets first baby

    Tien Udejiofor gets first baby

    Former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, who represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2006, Tienepre Oki-Udejiofor, and her husband, Charles Udejiofor, have welcomed her first child, a baby boy.

    The couple, who celebrated their first wedding anniversary on the 13th April 2014, announced the joyous news via the social media with a photo accompanied by the caption “Introducing my lil prince!” Tienepre Oki is currently the publisher of Mademoiselle Magazine and her hubby, Charles Udejiofor, is a banker.

    The couple met through a mutual friend and they became good friends. Few months after they met, he professed his love at a wedding they attended together, and they officially started dating before they finally tied the knot last year.