Lagos State government reduces the controversial Land Use Charge

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state has reduced the rates of the land use charge following widespread criticism. 

The government had reviewed the rates upward, charging property solely occupied by the owner for residential purpose at the rate of 0.076 percent per annum; property occupied by the owner and tenant(s) or third parties at 0.256 percent per annum; while investment property fully occupied by tenants or third party(ies) for revenue generation at 0.76 percent per annum.

It also threatened to penalize those who do not make payment after receiving notice. Failure to pay between 45 and 75 days attracted 50 percent increase; after 105 days, a 100 percent increase. The law prescribed that a property shall be liable to enforcement if payment is not made after 135 days of notice.

However, at a press conference in Alausa, Ikeja today, Akinyemi Ashade, commissioner of finance, said commercial property owners would get 50 percent discount. Owner-occupier 25 percent, while there would be waiver for late payment and tax credit for those who are prompt in payment.

Payment in instalment was also introduced in the new arrangement. The government took the action after the pressure from individuals, pressure groups and civil society organisations (CSOs).

Culled from www.lindaikejisblog.com

Pop singer, Dencia meets with Kanye West, Kim Kardashian in LA

Dencia is fast becoming Nigeria's most recognized celebrity in Hollywood...and she's got proof too!

The Cameroon-Nigerian singer, model, actress, philanthropist and entrepreneur recently posted photos of herself hanging out with top US celebrities Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton and many more stars at the ROC Nation brunch Pre-Grammy gig which held on Saturday, February 8, 2015.

Dencia also got to walk the red carpet in her pink embroidered jumpsuit.

"Yeezy had a diff facial expression on err pix lol #Kanye #Dencia", the singer wrote as she posted photos of herself and Kanye.

The gig, hosted by ROC Nation boss Jay Z was also attended by Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kelly Rowland, DJ Mustard, Fabolous Big Sean, Karen Civil and many more.

More pictures after the cut...

Woman killed as Bruce Jenner crashes car in US paparazzi chase

Los Angeles (AFP) - Olympic decathlon star and former stepfather to the Kardashian clan Bruce Jenner was involved in a car crash Saturday that killed one and injured several others, though he was unharmed, TMZ reported.

The 65-year-old has Americans' rapt attention amid talk that he is soon to come out as transgender.

Jenner was driving a large SUV and was being trailed by at least five paparazzi when he collided with a white car that then swerved into oncoming traffic, TMZ reported. The driver of the white car died.

Check out first photos of celebrities at the 10th anniversary celebration by D'banj with American diva, Amber Rose.

Nigerian superstar, D'banj is celebrating his 10th anniversary, and it has kicked off with a party hosted by American diva, Amber Rose.

Last night was utter fan-demonium at Oceanview restaurant in Lagos when D’Banj stepped on to the red carpet with his host of the evening, Amber Rose.

Both dressed in black, the duo stepped out to waiting fans, cameras and paparrazzi who couldn’t wait to catch a glimpse of Amber & her ASSETS!

For her night in Lagos Amber showed off some cleavage in a floor length long sleeve black dress which was also backless, while D’Banj rocked skinny black jeans, a black t-shirt and a black vest over it, his gold chains were hard to miss.

A number of celebrity guests are in attendance at the Ocean View, Lagos, including Ice Prince, Kayswitch, Seyi Law, Orezi, Toke Makinwa, and others

Check out hot pix below

More pictures after the cut...

'The Antique'

Movie set to hit cinemas in February 

DJ Tees's AMVCAs nominated movie 'The Antique' is set to hit the theatres.

Dj Tee's movie 'The Antique' is set to hit the cinemas on February 13, 2015.

'The Antique' stars Olu Jacobs, Funsho Adeolu, Bimbo Akintola, kiki Omeli, Rykardo Agbor, Sadiq Adebayo, Gabriel Afolayan, Seun Akindele, Omoye Uzamere, Tope Solaja, Seun Olaiya and several others.

The movie which premiered in October 2014 is a fictional story, inspired by events of the Southern Nigeria people in the 19th Century, with a technique that combines theatrical aesthetics and culturally derived meanings.

Antique tells the story of an innocent girl who must journey to a land where mortals are forbidden, in search of an antique. But will she return?

Have a peek by Watching the trailer.

Johnny Depp & Amber Heard Getting Married In A Week!

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard are set to tie the knot – and soon!

The 51-year-old actor will wed the actress, 28, next weekend, according to People.

The couple's nuptials will take place on Johnny's 45-acre private island (Little Hall's Pond Cay) in the Bahamas, according to the mag.

News of Johnny and Amber's engagement broke in January 2014 and the pair celebrated with an engagement party in March 2014.

The couple was plagued by split rumors after a long stretch of gossip-fueling solo red carpet appearances, but stepped out together at the 8th Annual Heaven Gala in December 2014, and shared a very public kiss.

The soon-to-be spouses met while co-starring in 2011's "The Rum Diary," but didn't begin dating until 2012 (after Johnny split from longtime lover Vanessa Paradis, with whom he has two children).

-- Erin O'Sullivan

Bruce Jenner Is Transitioning to a Woman

Bruce Jenner's evolving appearance has been the source of speculation for more than a year, and now People reports that the former Olympian "will soon be living life as a female."

"Bruce is transitioning to a woman," a source close to the Jenner family confirms to the magazine. "He is finally happy and his family is accepting of what he's doing. He's in such a great space. That's why it's the perfect time to do something like this."

Another insider adds that Jenner will document his transition for a docu-series to be released later this year, a claimed backed up by Us Weekly and Variety's similar reports. "It will air when he is ready to be open about his transition," the source says. "But he's acting more and more confident and seems very happy."

Since splitting with his wife of 23 years, Kris Jenner, in 2013, the reality star has grown out his hair, has been spotted with painted nails and wearing lip gloss and underwent surgery to pare down his Adam's apple. According to the source, Jenner decided to transition slowly in part to help his family adjust to the change. However, "not everyone is 100 percent on board," one insider says. "Different people have different reactions. But everybody loves him."

It does seem that whatever Jenner is going through, his stepdaughter Kim Kardashian gives him her full support. When asked about Jenner on ET, Kardashian simply made it clear that it was Jenner's life and he was the only one with a right to discuss it. "I think everyone goes through things in life, and I think that story and what Bruce is going through, I think he'll share whenever the time is right," Kardashian said.

In addition to Kim, Jenner has three other stepchildren, Kourtney, Khloe and Rob Kardashian. He also has six children of his own, Kendall and Kylie, with Kris Jenner, Brody and Brandon, with ex-wife Linda Thompson, and Cassandra and Burt, with ex-wife Chrystie Crownover.

Source: TV Guide News