How Alakija’s wealth grew from $3.3bn to $7.3bn to become world’s richest black woman

Seyi Gesinde takes a look at the story surrounding the lastet announcement of Mrs Folorunso Alakija as the world’s richest black woman by a pan-African magazine, Ventures Africa.

Nigerian oil tycoon, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, is now said to be the richest black woman in the world with an estimated fortune of $7.3 billion.

The latest ranking by a pan-African magazine, Ventures Africa, rated Alakija above an American TV queen, Oprah Winfrey, who, according to Forbes magazine ranking was earlier said to be the world’s richest black woman with a networth of $2.9.

In the latest edition of Ventures Africa, the magazine said the African continent boasts of 55 billionaires, worth $143.88 billion in total.

Alakija, a 62-year-old mother-of-four, apart from being a business woman, also has a charity called the Rose of Sharon foundation that helps widows and orphans by empowering them through scholarships and business grants.

In 1993, her company, Famfa Oil, was awarded an oil prospecting license, which later became OML 127, one of the country’s most prolific oil blocks, by then-president Ibrahim Babangida.

The company owned a 60 per cent stake in the block until 2000, when the government acquired a 50 per cent interest without compensating Alakija or Famda Oil.

In May 2012, Alakija, challenged the acquisition and the Nigerian Supreme Court reinstated the 50 per cent stake to her company.

Ventures Africa narates how Alakija grew her networth from $3.3bn to $7.3bn: “In November last year when Ventures Africa published a story outing Nigerian fashion designer and oil magnate Folorunsho Alakija as the richest black woman in the world, we pegged her net worth at $3.3 billion and explained the rationale for our valuation in detail.

“But in our inaugural ranking of Africa’s richest people, which we published on Monday, we place Alakija as the fourth richest person in Africa with a fortune we estimate at $7.3 billion.

“Here’s our rationale: In March this year, Petrobas, a Brazilian oil company that owns an 8 percent working interest in OML 127 in which Alakija owns 60 per cent, announced that it was actively looking to dispose of its stake for a figure in the region of $1.5 – $2.5 billion. According to sources at Petrobas, there are a number of interested suitors for the stake.

“Since we prefer to be as conservative as possible, we take the low-end and assume that they will fetch $1billion for the stake. If their 8 per cent fetches them $1 billion, then Alakija’s 60 per cent is worth over $7.3 billion. Alakija also owns a Bombardier Jet as well as a large collection of prime real estate in Nigeria and London.

“Alakija, born into a wealthy, polygamous Nigerian family, started out her professional career in the mid 70s as a secretary at the International Merchant Bank of Nigeria and in the early 80s, quit her job to study Fashion design in England.

“She returned to Nigeria shortly afterwards to start Supreme Stitches, a premium Nigerian fashion label that catered exclusively to upscale clientele, including Maryam Babangida, the wife of Nigeria’s former military President Ibrahim Babangida. Leveraging on this proximity to power, she acquired an oil prospecting license, the basis of her enormous fortune today.

Source: Nigerian Tribune

Artist photographs his MOTHER having sex with young men as part of controversial exhibition

Most young men would be haunted for life by the sight of their mother having sex - the last thing they would want is a picture of it.

But for Leigh Ledare that image was such an inspiration that he decided to capture it on camera for the world to see in a series of photographs that Sigmund Freud himself could only have dreamed of.

The American artist has now sent shock waves through the art world after his collection explicit images of his mother, Tina, cavorting naked with an array of younger men was showcased as part of a new exhibition in London.

The New York-based photographer, 36, is showcasing the controversial series, many of which are too graphic to publish on this website, in a bid to redefine the perceived boundaries between mother and son.

In one, the middle-aged woman stares confidently into the camera as she removes her underwear, her legs spread wide in a pose that leaves little to the imagination.
Another shows her laughing in bed as she cavorts naked with a younger lover to whom she appears to have tied herself with a belt.

Meanwhile, others need little explanation beyond their titles, such as the provocatively-named 'Mom Spread with Lamp' and 'Mom F***ing in Mirror'.

Asked by The Guardian if he ever gets turned on when taking such pictures of his mother, the artist replied ambiguously: 'I don't know what to say.'

'I think already in the background there were some foggy boundary issues. What people talk about as being Oedipal – there's a flirtation with that, but the boundaries were never actually crossed,' he said.

He says he gained inspiration for the series after returning home for Christmas one year to be greeted by his mother in a most unusual manner.

'I arrived home not having seen her for a year and a half,' he recalls. 'She knew I was coming and opened the door naked.' 

He said when he then entered the house and caught a glimpse into her bedroom, 'a young man, almost exactly my age, was sprawled out naked. He rolled over to see me, saying hello, before rolling back over and returning to sleep.'

'I had a camera and began making photos of her then,' he added. 'She was the catalyst.'

The exhibition also includes extracts from his own adolescent diary entries; ads Tina placed in the Seattle Weekly for 'a generous, wealthy husband (not someone else's) who wants his own private dancer'; as well as descriptions of her fraught relationship with her sons and former husband.

As a teenager, Tina was a ballet prodigy, who danced for the New York City Ballet Company, but turned to stripping when her career ended prematurely.

For seven years, Ledare has been photographing her in her most intimate acts and attitudes, exploiting her need for recognition and her boundless and exhibitionist attitude.

The pictures will be showcased in an exhibition The Home Truths: Photography, Motherhood and Identity – at the Photographers' Gallery in London

Red Lobster Waitress Gets $10K Tip After Racist Receipt

                                                

A Red Lobster waitress, who said a customer left her a receipt with a racist slur, has received the tip of a lifetime, thanks to a fundraising from online supporters.

Toni Christina Jenkins of Franklin, Tenn., said she was shocked when she saw a receipt on the table with “none” on the “Tip” line and the N-word on the “Total” line.

“I was just stunned that it happened,” Jenkins, 19, said. “It’s not something that you think in our generation would actually take place, so I was just blown away by it.”

After posting a picture of the receipt to Facebook Sept. 10, her story sparked outrage online, prompting a California man to take action. Matthew Hanson, founder of AddictingInfo.org, heard Jenkins’ story and started an online fundraiser called “Tips for Toni” that collected $10,749 in place of Jenkins’ non-tip on the bill for $44.53.

“It was about sending a message to racists that Americans aren’t going to tolerate that,” Hanson said. “We raised $10,000 within seventy-two hours. It was really amazing.”

Hanson presented the check Sept 30 to Jenkins, who was unaware of the fundraiser.
“I literally screamed. I was so confused,” Jenkins said. “I was just so thankful. I felt so blessed and so honored that so many people came together on my behalf to give this to me.”

Citing a company policy that prohibits employees from posting a guest receipt online, Red Lobster suspended Jenkins with pay after the story went public, but she has now resumed work.

“We are disgusted by the language used on this guest check and it has no place in our restaurant or anywhere else,” a Red Lobster representative said in a statement to ABC News. 

“We were in constant communication with [our server] throughout this situation and have extended her a high degree of respect and caring for what happened.  No one should have to endure what our employee went through.”

Some online commenters have called the authenticity of the receipt into question, but Jenkins stands by her story.

“I was just trying to create awareness that racism is still taking place in this generation,” Jenkins said. “For people who think it’s fake, my heart goes out to them and I wish them the best.”

A rash of receipts left with racist remarks have made headlines recently, from a Papa John’s employee who identified a customer as “lady chinky eyes” to a CVS employee referring to an Asian woman as “Ching Chong Lee” on her receipt.

Wayne Rooney is refusing to open talks on a new Manchester United contract.

The England striker's current deal expires at the end of next season and his camp have recently rebuffed efforts from the Premier League champions to tie him down.

Despite describing himself this week as “happy” and “settled” at Old Trafford, the striker still wants to explore the possibility of leaving the club.

It is understood that Rooney’s camp have rejected a recent approach from United chiefs to start talks on extending his contract, which expires at the end of next season.

The forward, who turns 28 later in October, has begun the new season in outstanding form but is ready to renew his attempts to leave the Premier League champions, possibly even as early as January.

Rooney is believed to be keen to seek a fresh challenge at an established Champions League club, where his status as the team’s principal centre-forward would be unquestioned.

His disillusionment at occasionally being played out of position by Sir Alex Ferguson last season has only partly been rectified by being consistently handed the No.10 role under new manager David Moyes.

Speaking on Wednesday, ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley on Friday night, Rooney offered only a flicker of public encouragement to United that he would sign a new deal.

Asked directly if he would like to stay at United, Rooney said: "You can see I'm playing and I'm happy in my football. I'll have more discussions with the club and we'll see what happens from there."

Privately, Rooney has provided no assurances to his employers and there is a sense among senior United officials that the forward’s agent, Paul Stretford, will use the uncertainty as leverage to engineer a transfer.

Chelsea made two bids for Rooney in the summer after being told that the 27-year-old wanted to move to Stamford Bridge, and there was also strong interest from Arsenal up until the final week of the window.

United refused to sell Rooney to Chelsea, a club they regard as a principal title rival, but the league champions could be hemmed into a corner if the player pushes hard for a transfer either in January or next summer while refusing to extend his £250,000-a-week contract.

Speaking in July, new United chief executive Ed Woodward claimed there were no immediate plans to hold fresh contract talks with any United player, adding that there was “no trigger day” for discussions with Rooney about a new deal. Six weeks later, Nani signed a new, five-year contract.

Rooney spoke publicly for the first time on Wednesday about his reasons for wanting to leave United, blaming his disillusionment on Ferguson playing him out of position following the signing of Robin van Persie.

He said: "Everyone at the club knew where I wanted to play and I think that's why I was disappointed. I got told to play in midfield and I didn't want to. I just think there had to come a point when, for my own career, I had to be a bit selfish really."

Rooney claimed he was happy with his role in the team under Moyes, which has yielded five goals in eight United matches this seasons.

"David Moyes has come in, he's playing me up front and I'm enjoying it," explained the striker. “I've scored a few goals and I'm playing every week. I feel as fit as I ever have done.
"I had a couple of injuries pre-season but I feel great and in good shape. It's a mixture of things, but I am happy and I am enjoying my football."

Victoria Beckham's fashion empire boosts Brand Beckham earnings by £100,000 a DAY

She emerged from the shadow of the Spice Girls to become one of the world’s most sought after fashion designers, and her increasing popularity has seen Victoria Beckham eclipse husband David’s immense earning power.


Brand Beckham’s annual earnings rose to £35.1 million in 2012 thanks, in part, to a string of endorsements, sponsorship deals and David’s sizeable salary with former club Los Angeles Galaxy.

But it is Victoria’s growing empire that is thought to be behind the surge in profits having made a £2m profit over the course of the year, boosting their daily earnings by £100,000. 

Hand over fist: The Beckham's earning power has risen over the last twelve months, with Victoria's growing fashion empire thought to be the primary reason

Her catwalk shows in London, Paris and New York are amongst the most eagerly anticipated during Fashion Week, while celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts and Beyonce lead a growing list of celebrity fans.

While David was widely regarding as the main breadwinner, Victoria is understood to have earned £50m in her own right since finding fame with The Spice Girls and is planning to open her first boutique.

Ironically, the Beckham’s ability to create a wide profit margin has been bolstered by David’s decision to retire from football at the end of last season.  

High end: Victoria's runway shows, such as this one at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, are amongst the most eagerly anticipated on the fashion calender

The former England captain hung up his boots after quitting Los Angeles Galaxy for one last European hurrah with French club Paris Saint Germain.

Having walked away from the game, Beckham – sponsored by sportswear giant adidas throughout his career – will now have more time for endorsements and advertising campaigns.

The most recent of these saw him parade across a London rooftop in his briefs while he filmed an ad for his new H&M underwear range – one of a string he’s filmed for the Swedish high-street chain.

Beckham has earned a comfortable £14.1 million from his image rights company, while separate ambassadorial roles with Sky and the Chinese Super League will earn him £20m and £50m respectively. 

 Emotional: David Beckham retires from football at the end of the 2012/13 season, but the move will help boost his earning power

The family recently sold their sprawling Hertfordshire mansion, dubbed Beckingham Palace – a move that netted them a healthy £10m profit.

They are now thought to be looking for a home in London – with one West End property, worth £45m, already catching their eye.

Despite their immense wealth, David recently admitted it’s the simple pleasures, such as spending time with children Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper, that give him the most satisfaction.

‘What I have enjoyed is being there for the kids more,’ he said. ‘I take the kids to school every single morning instead of every other morning.’ 

Moving: The Beckham's are currently house hunting in London, with one West End property, worth a reported £45m, catching their eye

Sold: David and Victoria's sprawling Hertfordshire mansion, worth £18m, has been sold. The move reportedly netted the couple a healthy £10m profit

9 year old Nigerian Jomiloju Tunde-Oladipo becomes youngest Microsoft certified professional

A primary six pupil of Role Model School, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, has emerged one of the youngest pupils to obtain the Microsoft Certified Professional certificate, Punch reports

A nine-year-old pupil of Role Model School, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, Jomiloju Tunde-Oladipo, has emerged the youngest Nigerian Microsoft certified professional.

He came tops among 21 pupils who sat for the professional examination in Lagos.

He is now a Microsoft office specialist in office word 2010.

Jomiloju scored 769 out of 1,000 in the examination held in August.

In his examination score report, the slim-built boy performed well in Sharing and Maintaining Documents, Formatting Content, Applying Page Layout, and Reusable Content, among other subjects.

By the feat, Jomiloju has joined the league of young Microsoft certified professionals, including Nigeria’s 10-year-old Anjolaoluwa Seyi-Ojo;  an eight-year-old Indian, Lavishnashree, and two Pakistanis, named Arfa and Thobani.

Microsoft Certified Professional is a certification programme provided by Microsoft Corporation. The certification is tailored towards building skills on Microsoft business solutions, focusing on client-end operating systems such as windows XP, Vista, Windows7 among others.

Jomiloju, whose certificate was signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft Corporation, Steven Ballmer, says he did not achieve this feat easily, but through persistence and hard work.

He says, “It was not all that easy, because I had attempted the examination last year, I did not make it then. But I remained focused and I put in a lot of hard work.

“At home and in the school, I am always on the computer. After school hours, if am not doing anything, I will go to my Information Communication Technology teacher, to learn more.”

Jomiloju sat for the examination when he was in primary Five.

Relating his experience, Jomiloju says, “In all, I answered 20 questions, after answering a question, the computer takes you to another one. And at times, there will be an instruction to skip the next question. But the programme still directs one to come back to those questions one had earlier skipped.”

But was he really scared having failed once to meet the cut off mark? He stresses that he was really afraid due to his earlier experience but he was optimistic of having success, because according to him, he has prepared well.

He also gives kudos to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tunde-Ladipo, for their support and imbuing in him the ‘can do’ spirit in achieving the success.

He says, “My mum and dad were very supportive. They always tell me never to give up and eventually it paid off. Moreover, they had bought the latest Dell laptop. Again, I am always fascinated about computer. The way it works and the process, and the way it organises data.”

Jomiloju who is a left-handed writer, according to his parents, has been a gifted child. He has always been in love with gadgets. His mum, Toyin, says, “Jomiloju since he was baby had loved playing with gadgets, he was never interested in toys. He would pick up remote controls for both TV and air-conditioner, and he would correctly use them for their specific functions.”

His father adds, “It is not that we are unnecessarily indulging him but he is such a brilliant child. He’s multi-talented. He plays the saxophone, he’s good on keyboard, he acts very well and he’s a good swimmer.

“Each term, he participates in school drama and quiz. He also gets prizes in other subjects, apart from ICT.”

Does Jomiloju want to pursue a career in software/hardware project like Bill Gates and Steve Job?  Spotting an innocent smile, the youngster nods his head in affirmative.

His school administrator, Mrs. Adesimbo Banjo, who speaks glowingly about Jomiloju, says the feat recorded by her pupil is a tonic for other pupils.

His ICT teacher, Mr. Mathew Alo, also commends Jomiloju for the feat.

He adds, “Jomiloju was taught all the necessary things he needed to know and he came out as the most outstanding among  20 others from different schools in Lagos.

His class teacher, Mrs. Elizabeth Ogunrinola, says Jomiloju takes his studies seriously. She states, “He is not only good in ICT, but in other subjects. He is hard working and well behaved.”

For Jomiloju, he’s not resting on his oars yet, as he says he is still going to seek more Microsoft certifications.

“I still want to sit for more examinations. I will still do excel and power points,” he says.

Karen Igho Tells Yvonne Nelson To Get Her Bóóbs In Shape

Apparently Karen Igho is one of the many who does not believe that Yvonne Nelson was hacked.

She took to twitter to tear the Ghanaian actress apart.

Check out her Tweets below…..

Karen later deleted her tweets and jokingly claimed she was was also hacked. Continue…

The tweet from Yvonne’s account that ticked Karen off…