CENIPLUG

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Beyonce Pregnant With 2nd Child

Baby daddy: Jay-Z and Beyoncé welcomed their daughter into the world in January 2012

Giving nothing away: Beyonce showed no sign of a baby bump in the picture she released from her Mrs. Carter Show in Belgium on Wednesday

Despite wanting to keep it a secret, Multiple sources have confirmed that music power-house Beyonce is expecting her second child with husband Jay-Z.
The news first broke about a week ago when urban website MediaTakeout did an exclusive, and since then, Beyonce who planned to officially break the news at the BET Awards in June, has been unable to keep her joyful secret from the prying eyes of the press.
On Tuesday, Beyonce was forced to cancel her Mrs. Carter Show performance in Antwerp, Belgium, after doctors advised her to rest "as a result of dehydration and exhaustion." The songster apologized by a handwritten letter posted on her website, admitting that she has never cancelled a show before in her entire career. This further strengthened the ~~truemors~~ rumors-then yet to be confirmed- that the who run the world singer is indeed pregnant.
It wsill be recalled that the 31-year-old recently spoke out about the possibility of giving 1-year-old Blue Ivy a sibling, telling ABC News that she "would like more children" and explaining that she thinks her daughter "needs some company."
Looks like that company is coming sooner rather than later.
Music maestro Rusell Simmons also tweeted a congratulatory message to the couple, further confirming Bey's expectant status.

Credence: Russell Simmons Tweeted his congratulations to the happy couple

Big congrats to the Carters.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Actress Uche Ogbodo Releases new Beautiful Pictures

Police Probe Bomb Threat Sent To Shoprite Owner

The Lagos State Police Command, Thursday, said it had begun investigation into threat by some unknown person to blow up Shoprite offices in the state.

Unknown person sent a text message informing owner of Shoprite of his group’s intention to blow up all Shoprite shops in Nigeria.

Although the unknown sender did not state the reason, but he disclosed that already, members of his group had planted some explosives in some packs of fruit juice at Shoprite Victoria Island branch.

The text message caused panic as customers reportedly fled the entire mall while motorists deserted the route, with text messages sent to loved ones around the vicinity to avoid the route.

It was even rumoured that there was a bomb explosion around the area.

Part of the text message read: “It is true, we do not deserve amnesty. You’ll even be surprised how I got your number. We came to Shoprite on a mission to drop a bomb. That day, we sow bullet into Five Alive packs. We are from Niger. Someone gave us your number from Abuja. We will make sure we destroy every Shoprite…”

But sources at the Lagos State Police Command told Vanguard that investigation had begun to ascertain the identity of the sender. Although sources dismissed the text message as mere threat but said the command would still go ahead with its investigation.

Tallest cake in africa unveilled in nigeria

The tallest "Cake in Africa’ which stands 28-feet was made by a Nigerian named Tosan Jemide and this has made the Guinness Book of World Records.

The cake was unveiled at Silverbird Galleria in Lagos yesterday

Thumbs up to Tosan Jemide

Another pic below.

How to access the £800Million entertainment fund in Nigeria

Media reports have it that only six applicants have successfully accessed N700 million of the N200 billion entertainment fund disbursed by the Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM) for the entertainment industry. Yet the entertainment industry is in dire need for these funds as the industry especially the film sector is in comatose. For the purpose of clarity, the objective of the fund is to stimulate the entertainment industry by funding of production, distribution infrastructure, acquisition of hi-tech production equipment and project refinancing.

Many practitioners have decried the conditions attached to the fund hence this attempt to demystify the process:

Change your orientation - It’s a loan not a grant.

Most applications still consider the fund a grant. While a grant is non-repayable fund disbursed by the government or its agencies, corporation or foundation often for a specific project, a loan requires repayment, the meeting of certain conditions and here’s the best part – a security or collateral. A loan is generally provided at an interest. So, change the mind-set because if you view it as a loan it becomes easier to consider the terms.

Apply as a corporation – Don’t own one, affiliate with one.

The fund is available to only incorporated companies so if you only registered a business name or enterprise you may not be eligible. You need a memorandum and article of association, article of association, forms CAC2 and CAC7). The company must operate in the entertainment and creative industry. So that registration certificate of Alawada and Sons Limited your father registered in the 60’s to carry out the business of importation of Tokunbo vehicles will not apply.

Funding under the NEXIM bank facility only covers segments of the entertainment industry in the following categories: Music, Film, Television, Radio (Production and distribution) and also fashion segments. So, if you are in the fashion industry and you have been searching for funds for that fashion show, well, you’re welcome.

Meeting the conditions is not rocket science – Hire a consultant

.Non-compliance of stipulated guidelines by the practitioners in the entertainment industry it has been observed is the greatest constraints to accessing the funds. However this does not have to be difficult if you are smart enough to hire a consultant. A firm of chartered accountants and tax practitioners will help you to prepare audited accounts, statement of cash flow, statement of affairs and project feasibility study/business plan. These documents give a picture of the financial state of the business so that NEXIM bank can determine whether it is a viable enterprise. But ensure you do not patronize quacks, it will haunt you when the tax people come calling. Also, the lenders know a statement of accounts prepared by professionals. Call me.

Collateral is not only the family house – Think outside the box

A major constraint to securing loan in this part of the world is our often skewed idea about what constitutes collateral. Usually a secured loan requires the borrower to pledge some assets, e.g. a car or a property. Unsecured loans are not secured against the borrower’s assets.

In the case of NEXIM bank, it is a secured loan hence you require an asset. But there are tangible assets such as a house or a car and intangible assets such as trademark or copyright. So, if you are looking to produce and distribute a film your collateral can include proprietary rights to your business or intellectual property right. Yep, the copyright to the screenplay, music score (sound track) can suffice if you pledge this to NEXIM bank. They will only need to secure it by a stipulated amount. How nifty is that? And don’t forget the distribution rights – so you need a lawyer to protect you. Check rule 3.

Work with structures – Corporations protect you

Incorporated entities have legal lights and liabilities that are distinct from its shareholders hence there’s the presence of a corporate veil that serves to shield its owners in times of adversities. Also corporations prefer to do business with corporations.

However, in the entertainment industry rather than corporations there are groups and associations mostly informal and lacking legal framework. This structure is defective and makes it difficult for other industries to engage the entertainment industry. Register your company.

Set up a disbursement chain

So NEXIM bank has finally agreed to dole out the cash to you (of course, you followed Rule 3) but you need a collection account hence your company’s current account should not be dormant or to be on the safe side, open a dedicated account for it. Loan proceeds too could be disbursed directly to your service providers/contractors against job completion certification hence it is important that you hire only registered service providers.

The best part of the loan is the interest - take advantage of it.

The total interest to be charged on any loan facility under the NEXIM bank scheme is in single digit. This means for loans with maturity duration of 2 -1o years they shall not charge more than 9% interest rates. This is way too generous when you consider that currently banks lend at rates above 22% and in some instances up to 35% with conditions that for the lack of milder adjective we’ll leave at punitive.

There are charges associated with the loan, a processing fee of 1% flat on approved amount, annual management fee of 0.75% of outstanding loan amount payable at anniversary date of the facility drawdown on outstanding loan amount from time to time to cover project management and monitoring fees and legal fees charged to the account of the applicant for sundry legal filings and documentation.

Checklist – the tricky items

Most of appraisal requirements are relatively easy so let’s dwell on the tricky parts. Valuation report on collateral to be pledged – this could be land/building, equipment or intellectual property. When physical asset is not available, you must be ready to produce a valuation report that will show how your intellectual property secures the loan. You must also produce past audited accounts and the most recent management account/statement of affairs and tax clearance. Confused? See Rule 3.

Have a sound business plan – It’s your best defence

If you’ve watched the popular series Dragon’s Dena Sony entertainment franchise where entrepreneurs pitch business ideas in order to secure investment finance from a panel of venture capitalists, then you’ll understand the importance of a business plan. To be effective, it should give a detailed history of the project, ownership structure of the company, details of activity, marketing arrangement, cash-flow and profitability analysis.

Protect your investment

Now that you have understood the value of a corporation, secure yours. Take out insurance indemnity, pay relevant taxes usually with a tax consultant supporting you as they may best advice you on allowances due you. Most importantly, keep a record of every transaction and regularly have your accounts audited. And don’t use the loan proceeds to pay for your wedding. Trust me, your bride will not be happy if she learns she was married on a loan.

By Isaac Anyaogu, a financial consultant offering tax and business advisory services located in Nigeria. A graduate of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Isaac also writes for television and films.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Kidnapped Lebanese Woman Rescued By Police In Lagos

A 61-year-old Lebanese woman, Alhaja Essa Dannawi, who was kidnapped at her residence in Lagos on May 2, has been rescued by the police, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Manko, said on Thursday.

Manko, who was speaking in Lagos, said that the woman was rescued on Sunday by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), led by SP Abba Kyari, without paying any ransom.

“The family members of the victim were extensively interrogated by the Police and after getting enough evidence, a 23-year-old man, who is a nephew to the victim, was arrested.

“Thereafter, we immediately used him to stage and arrest the leader of the kidnappers, a 37-year-old Nigerian, and thereafter, rescued the victim at their hideout in the Oyingbo area of Lagos.

“Investigations continue as we now have details of the remaining gang members who are at large,” he said.

The police boss said that during interrogation, the prime suspect confessed that he organised the kidnap.

“The prime suspect duplicated the victim’s room key and gave it to the suspected kidnappers who quietly walked into her room in her residence at Ebute Meta at about 3:15 a.m. and kidnapped her,” Manko said.

He, however, added that the victim was in good health, while the prime suspect is still helping police investigations into the matter.

NAN

DAVID BECKHAM RETIRES

After a glittering career winning many laurels spanning more than 2 decades, one of the best known footballers on Earth and by extension sportsmen has finally decided to call it a day. Posh Beckham's husband, the one and only Goldenballs, better known as David Beckham has decided to quit football today- Thursday, May 16, 2013 at age 38 years old.

The former captain of the English football team- The Three Lions, who has had a very glorious career, playing for some of the best clubs in the world like-England-Manchester United, Spain-Real Madrid, Italy-AC Milan & France-PSG, but not forgetting USA-LA Galaxy has enjoyed massive fame & wealth. He is reportedly worth about £165 Million Pounds.

Mr. Beckham played for his country's national team for all of 115 times, a record in itself. Played 394 times for Man Utd scoring 85 goals, winning 1 Champion's league title & 6 EPL titles, also played 115 times for Real Madrid scoring 20 goals, played 33 times for AC Milan, scoring 2 goals, he played 118 times for the LA Galaxy, scoring another 20 goals and for his final club PSG of France 11 games and no goals scored, winning the Ligue 1 cup with the team. He is the only footballer to have won league titles in 4 different countries.

He is married to former singer-Spice Girls and now a celebrated designer- Victoria ''Posh'' Beckham and they have 4 kids between them, 3 boys-Brooklyn, Romeo & Cruz & a girl-Harper 7.

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