My relationship with PSquare’s Peter Okoye … The true story – Munachi Abi

Since Munachi Abi came into limelight after winning the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria( MBGN) crown in 2007, life has never been the same again. Within a very short period of time, Muna, as she is fondly called by her admirers became a household name especially when she emerged one of the formidable female artistes in the Nigerian entertainment scene, floating her own record label company called, No Koncience. But while Muna’s profile was constantly on the rise, so did the number of controversies trailing her.
From her rumoured ‘love affair’ with Peter Okoye, one half of the superstar duo, P-Square, to her public dispute and reconciliation with rapper, Mode 9, Muna fluctuated between popularity and notoriety. However, in this interview, she addresses some of the nagging issues affecting her personality and career. She also narrated the circumstances that informed her decision to set up her own record label, No Koncience among other things….
Do you still recall how you felt that fateful day you were crowned as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, MBGN 2007?
I was excited. I didn’t think I was going to win but I won.
Before you won the beauty pageant, you were with a group called, The Specimen?
No, I wasn’t with them. They only gave me an opportunity to feature on their album as at that time. That was my first time rapping on wax. I used to write a lot of lyrics until my friend saw my notepad and quickly notified “The Specimen” about me. They were glad to ask me to join them as they wanted to see what I could do with my talent. I would say, I learnt the art on the spot.

*Muna

Have you written songs for any Nigerian artist?
Yes, back in the days, I wrote a song for J Martins, Waje. I have a good chemistry, I co-wrote the song, “I Wish” with Waje in her current album.
Aside writing songs and rapping, you are also into modelling. Do you still have that contract with Unilever as Face of Lux?
My contract with Lux is under review. They are trying to renew it.
And your programme with Sound City. Is it also under review?
I still have an amazing relationship with SoundCity. I worked with them for over a year. We didn’t actually split but at that time, I was trying to get into the music business seriously. You really can’t do a lot of things at the same time. So, I took a break. I can always go back and say, I need my job back.
Looking at your first video, Ifunanya, you played your character well; the love smitten girl and you have the looks too. Why didn’t you get into Nollywood?
No. I really don’t think I can act or even make it as a good actress although I haven’t tried it. I probably do know how to act, it’s just that I haven’t found the right script yet.
Have you been approached before?
Yes, I do get a lot of scripts. But I still haven’t found that one; when I find it, its going to make everybody cry.Do you want to play a tragic character?

Exactly, the kind of story I’m looking forward to interpreting because it moves me.

You recently set up your own record label called, No Koncience. Why did you leave RMG to form yours?

I needed to become a little bit more independent and you know one needs to grow. I have learnt how to handle things on my own and become responsible. It was something I needed to do because one cannot continue to be under someone’s wings forever. There comes a time when you have to spread you own wings and fly.

And you have a first single from this label?

Yes, my single “No Tomorrow” is out. It came out on the 10th of this month, and it’s been good and a video for the song will soon be put together. My album, The Goddess, The hustler” is still receiving finishing touches but I may have to change the name.

Unlike many of your counterparts in the entertainment industry who prefer to climb the ladder of stardom by escalating their biffs with their colleagues. While your misunderstanding with Mode 9 lasted, you took the pain to call him on the phone and even tweeted a public apology, what informed your decision to re-trace your steps?

I hate to be in enmity with someone. Life is too short for that. It’s not who I am. I have a good relationship with Mode 9, there’s no biff. And really it wasn’t a big issue it’s just you, the media who escalated things, trying to make a mountain out of nothing. You keep hammering on the same question trying to get the person to react negatively and it’s really frustrating. Mode 9 and I are very good friends and we’ll keep it that way.

It is alleged this is partly why you left your former label, RMG, for being too hard on fans with that strong worded press statement that told everyone off?

No, I did not leave RMG for that reason. I still have a good relationship with my former label and I was aware of all the statements written concerning that issue. I left RMG because I needed to start up my own thing; there was nothing more to it. I have no issues whatsoever with RMG.

What’s your opinion about love?

Love is life. It’s the most beautiful thing to happen to anybody.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Yes, it could happen. It is possible.

Is this what happened between you and Peter Okoye (PSquare) love at first sight?

Look, I know Lola Omotola very well. I have known her for years and we are really close. All those things you heard or read about us are not true. Peter Okoye and I are friends. I know his family well. I was just invited to be in his video (Ifunanya) and that was it. Nothing more than that. I know how Peter and Lola love each other and I respect their love. I could never do that to them. I could never bring myself to do anything to hurt them.

It’s good to have you clear the air!

(She interrupts) What you’ll see is another screaming headline, “Muna again denies affair with Peter Okoye.” It’s not fair, it’s heartbreaking and very frustrating. Some of these things you media guys write about us hurts us so badly.

How have you learnt to deal with rumours about you?

I try to remain focused and I move on.

How supporting has your family been?

My family has always been there for me. My mum particularly, she is my rock. She’s always asking when am I going to get your song to use as my ringtone?

If offered a role to play in a steaming love scene who will you do it with?

Maybe, with Johny Depp and Brad Pitt … except Brad Pitt says he won’t be doing sex scenes again because of Angelina Jolie, but for them, I am ready to play more than romantic.

What about Nollywood Actors?

No. There is no one hot enough for me in Nollywood. No one.

What’s your vision for your new label?

To take over the world. (laughs) really it’s just to grow and be an inspiration to the next generation. To let them know anything and everything is possible once you set your mind to it.

Is marriage knocking on your door?

Yes, I believe it will come when it has to come and you all will know when the time is right.

What’s your favourite dance move?

I really don’t think I have any particular one. You know as a rapper you aren’t really supposed to dance. You just stand on one spot and wave your hands.

OJB kidney ailment: ‘I was misconstrued’ cries actress Juliet Ibrahim

Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim has come under fire, mortar and brimstones after releasing statements on her Instagram that asked ailing singer and producer OJB Jezreel’s handlers “to reach out to the right people and stop harassing celebrities for funds”. In a fresh statement hastily released by her media manager, Juliet cries out that her words were misunderstood.
Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim has come under fire, mortar and brimstones after releasing statements on her Instagram page that asked ailing singer and producer OJB Jezreel’s handlers “to reach out to the right people and stop harassing celebrities for funds”. In a fresh statement hastily released by her media manager, Juliet cries out that her words were misunderstood.


Juliet

“I don’t mean for my tweets to be misconstrued and I won’t take OJB’s health problems with levity as many have misconstrued me…all I was trying to do was bring an idea of where we can get the transplant done since it’s utmost necessary we get it done soonest and funds ain’t coming in as much expected, thus, I thought we could try a better and certified centre which isn’t as expensive as the current one in UK when there are several cheaper countries to perform the surgery. Also instead of people lashing out on celebrities, they should rather be asking the government to help.

“It should be further noted that we are all finding a lasting solution to help end the pain of the talented entertainer and bring smile to his face once again and not generate issue out of someone’s suggestion or hand of help,”

She stated further ““Currently I have 2 relatives living with kidney failure whom I’m responsible for and caring for, thus, I’m no stranger to whatever OJB is going through.”

The fair complexioned actress came under fierce attack after her published statements went viral today.

Sourced from vanguardngr.com

Stop harassing celebrities for funds, actress Juliet Ibrahim tells OJB handlers

Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim has lashed out at the handlers of ailing producer, singer and song writer OJB Jezreel asking them ‘to reach out to the right people and stop harassing celebrities for funds’.

Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim has lashed out at the handlers of ailing producer, singer and song writer OJB Jezreel asking them ‘to reach out to the right people and stop harassing celebrities for funds’.

OJB has been diagnosed with kidney failure and has made a passionate appeal to the general public to help him raise the $100, 000 (approx 16 million naira) needed for a kidney transplant.

Juliet Ibrahim..

Juliet also countered this stating that a kidney transplant should cost no more than $50,000.

Read the rest of the post she dropped on her Instagram page…

Her statements has been met with mixed reactions from the public.

Meanwhile, more and more celebrities have continued to reach out to the ailing singer as pop twins PSquare and their elder brother Jude Engees Okoye donated five million naira. Also Kukere master Iyanya and his manager Ubi Franklin have donated 1 million naira. Don Jazzy, Mercy Johnson and Rugged Man have already made their donations to OJB.

The singer had earlier granted an interview stating that his appeal for help is not directed to any one particular group of personalities.

“It’s not like people are coming there and making 50 billion naira donations. People have brought in 100 naira, 1,000 naira and I appreciate this. If you’ve seen me in the past ten years, you’ll know it’s not the same OJB you knew.” He said.

Read OJB’s interview here.

hanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim has lashed out at the handlers of ailing producer, singer and song writer OJB Jezreel asking them ‘to reach out to the right people and stop harassing celebrities for funds’.

Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim has lashed out at the handlers of ailing producer, singer and song writer OJB Jezreel asking them ‘to reach out to the right people and stop harassing celebrities for funds’.

OJB has been diagnosed with kidney failure and has made a passionate appeal to the general public to help him raise the $100, 000 (approx 16 million naira) needed for a kidney transplant.
Juliet Ibrahim..
Juliet also countered this stating that a kidney transplant should cost no more than $50,000.
Read the rest of the post she dropped on her Instagram page…


Her statements has been met with mixed reactions from the public.

Meanwhile, more and more celebrities have continued to reach out to the ailing singer as pop twins PSquare and their elder brother Jude Engees Okoye donated five million naira. Also Kukere master Iyanya and his manager Ubi Franklin have donated 1 million naira. Don Jazzy, Mercy Johnson and Rugged Man have already made their donations to OJB.

The singer had earlier granted an interview stating that his appeal for help is not directed to any one particular group of personalities.
“It’s not like people are coming there and making 50 billion naira donations. People have brought in 100 naira, 1,000 naira and I appreciate this. If you’ve seen me in the past ten years, you’ll know it’s not the same OJB you knew.” He

Tonto Dikeh posts marijuana photos on her instagram page

Well, she's the poko queen and doesn't care what none of y'all think...:-). The actress posted that rolled up joint on her instagram page yesterday with the caption 'Mi smoke gaja mi smoke weed while my hatez smoke ma gossip' and then she posted a photo of herself looking like she just finished...etc..
And just in case some of you don't believe that's really weed, the actress posted another photo to convince you all. See it after the cut...

Yanya and manager Ubi Franklin donate N1million to OJB

Iyanya and his manager/business partner Ubi Franklin this evening visited ailing super producer OJB Jezreel at his Gbaja, Surulere residence and donated N1million to him. I learnt that OJB produced 'Gbadun You', the first track on Iyanya's first album after he won Project Fame in 2008.

Iyanya and Ubi returned from London this evening and went straight to see OJB. God bless them.

Peter, Paul and Jude Okoye donate N5million to OJB

P-Square and their elder brother Jude 'Engees' Okoye yesterday donated N5million to ailing music producer OJB who needs N16million for a kidney transplant. God bless you guys!

Photos: Terry G visits Charlyboy at his office ahead of Abuja concert

Terry G visited Charly Boy's New Wave Productions office yesterday Thursday June 27th where he officially presented the AreaFada with his latest album titled Book of Ginjah. Terry G is in Abuja for his Book of Ginjah concert (launch of his new album) which will hold at the ThisDay Dome on the 5th of July. More photos when you continue...

 

From yo-yo to all go: Biggest Loser presenter Ajay Rochester tries hard to shift the pounds on Las Vegas holiday

Australian weight-loss guru Ajay Rochester is making yet another effort to shift the pounds – but this time it looks like she is taking it seriously.

The former presenter of Biggest Loser admitted recently that she was ‘eating herself to death’ and has piled on 105 pounds since her show ended in 2009, but on holiday in Las Vegas she looked to be sticking to a regime of salads and plenty of exercise.

Taking the lead: Yo yo dieter and reality TV star Ajay Rochester running along the Las Vegas strip with her dog at the Bellagio casino
She has boasted of not gaining a single pound while spending a week there, and has tweeted about her 4-mile runs and eating habits.

Ajay was spotted in the pool at Mandalay bay casino in Las Vegas with her son Kai, clearly enjoying herself.

She spent time floating around the swimming pool 'river' and then went to find her son who was in the wave pool. While she was in the pool she was taken by surprise by a large wave that almost knocked her over.

Patriot games: Ajay sported a stars and stripes bikini in the pool on her Las Vegas trip

She was also spotted running along the Las Vegas strip with her dog. She wore a simple black t-shirt, black leggings and white running shoes as she ran past the water fountain at the Belagio casino.

Later in the day she was seen eating a heathy salad.

The once-svelte 44-year-old admitted that her weight yo-yos regularly as she struggled to cope with emotional issues.

Making a splash: Ajay in the pool in Las Vegas

She was physically abused by her adoptive mother during her childhood and they are now estranged. She found her birth mother Kaylene when she was 22, although her mother committed suicide a year later.

In 2003 she became a top-selling author in Australia with Confessions of a Reformed Dieter and later released The Lazy Girl's Guide to Losing Weight and Getting Fit.

'I've have put on about a kilo (2.2lbs) a week, 48 kilos. I'm huge,' the Excess Baggage star told Australia's 2Day FM earlier this year.

'To be really blunt I can eat a whole heap of crap in one day...Then I just lie down all day because I can’t move because my arteries are so clogged. And then I drive past Carl’s and get a burger and fries. I’m laughing about it. But it’s really serious because I am eating myself to death.'

The Confessions of Reformed Dieter author was formerly engaged to British-born telecommunications manager Martin Gleave, but called off the wedding and ended the relationship in 2007.

5 Steps To Finally Remove Cellulite For Good

One of our contributing experts recently put together a kick-butt article that is the “Do This – and DON’T Do That” rule-book when it comes to getting rid of unsightly cellulite dimples, shadows and ripples. It’s a quick read with some eye-opening tips and a helpful video that you’ll want to see while it’s still up.

———————————————————————————

-contributed by – Joey Atlas, Womens’ Body Enhancement Specialist — M.S., Exercise Physiology”

“Ask any woman on the street what the definition of “cellulite” is and you’ll get a confused variety of answers. From “toxic fat pockets caught in the skin” to “bands of fiber pulling down on the skin”and many odd things in between…”

Cellulite Gone – Bikini On

The truth is: most people really don’t know what “cellulite” actually is, or, what causes this odd appearance of the lower body trouble zones…”

This is no surprise as there actually is no such thing as ‘cellulite’… So how do we get rid of something which doesn’t exist?”

Here’s the answer:

“The word, “cellulite”, was cleverly made-up several decades ago, in a European beauty-spa, to DESCRIBE the bumpy, shadowy and dimpled appearance of skin in the lower body trouble zones of the female body. (butt, hips, thighs, legs)”

The beauty spas then started cashing-in and profiting big-time by marketing “beauty” services and products to get rid of “cellulite”. And if you’re like most women who’ve been challenged by this issue, then you probably already know all of those passive and superficial beauty treatments do not get rid of the dented shadows and mushy dimples on your buns, legs and thighs.”

In order to make your lower-body smooth, tight and attractive, there are 5 steps to follow.

Here they are:

5 CRITICAL KEYS TO KILL YOUR CELLULITE

1: You cannot get rid of the dimples and shadows (cellulite) by rubbing an odd gel, weird lotion or goopy cream on your trouble zones and problem spots.

So, stop using them – as some can actually make your cellulite worse.

Despite the fact that there are dozens of supposed ‘cellulite reduction creams’ on the market, there is no possible way for any one of them, no matter how expensive, to get rid of your cellulite. Cellulite is not a skin problem. Its an underlying structural issue, that can only be corrected by reversing the cause of atrophied muscle fibers directly beneath your “cellulite” trouble spots.”

Since the squishy dimples and shadows are a superficial symptom of a problem below the surface; it’s impossible for the creams, lotions or gels to have any physiological impact on the cause of the issue…”

2: Risky and expensive ‘medi-spa treatments’ can only reduce your bank account – not your cellulite problems. And there are many consumer reports about women being seriously scarred or injured as well.

Stay away from these as the FDA reports show women who’ve been scarred or injured for life.

Painful, dangerous and uncomfortable services ranging from endermologie to body-wrapping have been proven to be totally ineffective when it comes to treating cellulite. However, advertising and marketing loopholes allow these services to be cleverly marketed to desperate women who are at wits end with the unattractive dimples and shadows on the lower-body problem areas.”

3: The unattractive dimples, shadows and saggy ripples known as cellulite are not ‘genetic’ and you are NOT stuck with them forever if you have them.

Falsely believing this will prevent you from getting rid of your cellulite. So, don’t entertain this nonsense for 1 second.

These two ridiculous myths are often passed around by ‘neighborhood know-it-alls’ – and many women actually believe these 2 myths – especially if they haven’t found the right way to get rid of the cellulite. Whats even more alarming are the number of doctors who also believe in and foster these 2 demoralizing falsehoods.

Yes – it is common to see a mother and daughter, both with the lower-body “orange peel” look, BUT this doesn’t mean cellulite is genetic – it simply means both women have not found a way to lift, tone and firm the muscle layers under the dimpled, saggy skin.”

4: You can get rid of cellulite, regardless of your age – or when you began to notice it.”

Since cellulite is a structural issue (muscle) – it can be fixed with simple and unique body movements which target the cellulite areas.”

These types of moves can be followed by any woman, regardless of her age or fitness level. And it doesn’t matter if the cellulite started in the early teen years – or after pregnancy – or after menopause – it’s still a structural issue that results from soft, un-toned muscles underneath the saggy, dimpled, shadowy skin.”

5: The only proven way to permanently get rid of the dimples and shadows of cellulite is through a series of simple, yet specifically targeted lower-body movements”

These unique movements focus on lifting, shaping and toning the muscle layers so they gently push outward against the skin – to bring back the smooth, tight and sexy appearance, while burning off any excess flab, if there is any.”

This is how regular women reverse the cause of cellulite dimples and shadows… AND, if there happens to be any excess fat in those zones – it will be burned off as fuel by the muscles. This bonus of losing any unhealthy excess body-fat is nice because it reveals a great body and it works wonders for your health profile.”

BUT you won’t learn about these unique slow-tempo movements in the gym or your local health club.”

These body movements are NOT done with typical weights and machine type exercises.” “Most regular fitness instructors don’t even know about this type of targeted cellulite-killing method. (click to watch video)”

These muscle-stimulating movements can be done right at home, in total privacy.”

– The female lower-body has over 90 muscles…“

Picture those 90 muscles BENEATH your skin’s surface in your legs, butt, hips and thigh zones. That’s where the magic happens in regards to true removal of mushy dimples and saggy shadows in the trouble spots and problem areas…

Despite what most women have been led to believe, there is a critical difference between a ‘general workout program’ – and a laser-focused, cellulite removal method. The sweetest benefit of this is; you don’t need access to a health club or fitness center.” …”Just click PLAY on this video by Joey Atlas, (M.S., Ex.Phys.) and get it started now:” (it opens in a bigger screen so you don’t miss a thing)

These are simple, unique moves you can start doing today, right in the privacy of your own home. And if you start this type of targeted muscle stimulation method today – you will start feeling results within 2 weeks and seeing results within 3 to 4 weeks.”

To see the 90 muscles in your lower-body and

how you can reverse the cause of the bumps,

shadows and dimples in your trouble zones and

problem spots, just click play above.

'He tries to open his eyes': Nelson Mandela's eldest daughter says he remains critically ill but is 'still here'

Nelson Mandela is responding to touch and trying to open his eyes, his daughter said today, adding: 'He's still there.'The former South African president is said to be on life support after his condition deteriorated over the past few days, but a government spokesman said that he 'improved' overnight and is now 'stable'.
His eldest daughter Makaziwe said that when she went to see him in hospital this morning he was still responsive and conscious.

• South African icon cannot breathe unaided, claim sources close to family
• He is in hospital in a critical condition with a recurring lung infection
• Close family members called to his bedside today as nation waits
• Daughter Makaziwe says he is still conscious and responds to relatives
• President Zuma cancels Mozambique trip after visiting Mandela
• Hundreds of messages and flowers have been left outside the hospital
• Archbishop of Cape Town offers prayer for 'a peaceful, perfect end'
• Obama arrives in Africa but will only visit Mandela with family's permission

'I won't lie, it doesn't look good,' she told SABC. 'But if we speak to him, he responds and tries to open his eyes. He's still there. He might be waning off, but he's still there.'
Mr Mandela's granddaughter Ndileka said he was 'stable', and thanked the well-wishers from around the world who have sent their support.
The whole family was said to be summoned to his bedside today, and president Jacob Zuma was believed to have been seen entering the hospital.
In the Eastern Cape province, where Mr Mandela grew up, a traditional leader said that the time was near for the former leader, who is also known by his clan name, Madiba.

'I am of the view that if Madiba is no longer enjoying life, and is on life support systems, and is not appreciating what is happening around him, I think the good Lord should take the decision to put him out of his suffering,' said the tribal chief, Phathekile Holomisa.

'I did speak to two of his family members, and of course, they are in a lot of pain, and wish that a miracle might happen, that he recovers again, and he becomes his old self again,' he said.

'But at the same time they are aware there is a limit to what miracles you can have.'

Scroll down for video


Vigil: Well-wishers hold candles as they pray outside the former president's hospital on Wednesday night
Touching: Children light candles as they take part in a candlelit vigil for Mr Mandela

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj told the state broadcaster: 'Over the past 48 hours, the condition of former president Madiba has gone down.'

A South African newspaper has also reported the icon is on life support, citing numerous sources close to the family.
The Citizen newspaper says Mr Mandela has a team of doctors supporting him at a Pretoria hospital.

One source was quoted as saying that his family had the option to switch off the ventilator. 'Mandela is fluttering his eyes': Former SA president's daughter...

Consolation: Mr Mandela's daughter Makaziwe, pictured right outside the hospital today, said he was 'still there' but admitted that his condition 'doesn't look good'

Family: The leader's granddaughter Ndileka arrived clutching a large bouquet of flowers today

Mr Zuma cancelled a trip to neighbouring Mozambique, intensifying speculation about the deterioration of Mr Mandela's condition.

The president made his decision not to leave the country after visiting the 94-year-old late yesterday in the Pretoria hospital where he has been receiving treatment for a lung infection for nearly three weeks.

'Clearly the issue of seriousness has been such that President Jacob Zuma has cancelled his trip,' Mr Maharaj told Talk Radio 702.

He declined to comment on reports that Mandela was on life support, saying: 'I cannot confirm any clinical details.'

Peaceful: 95 children released balloons outside the hospital in honour of Mr Mandela, whose 95th birthday falls next month



Admiration: Two people look at the tributes to Mr Mandela left outside the hospital where he is being treated

CNN also reported that the former president could no longer breathe unaided, quoting an official who 'had been briefed in detail on his condition'.

George Bizos, one of Mr Mandela's closest friends and his former lawyer, told The Daily Telegraph that they had never discussed his wishes towards the end of his life.

'We can only hope for the best, and that is what the doctors decide to do,' he said. 'I am sure that the members of the family are discussing the matter with the doctors but it should probably be primarily the doctors in consultation with the family if the situation is critical.'

Last night a leading clergyman visited Nelson Mandela's bedside to offer prayers for his 'peaceful, perfect end'.

Thabo Makgoba, the Archbishop of Cape Town, issued an emotional statement asking that the former president of South Africa, who is in a critical condition, be released from pain and suffering.
Tributes: A woman and her young child look at prayers left by well-wishers outside the hospital
Support: A girl holding a teddy bear stands in front of the wall of tributes left to the anti-apartheid icon

However, Mr Mandela apparently opened his eyes and smiled when he was told about Barack Obama's forthcoming visit to the country, according to his daughter.

Mr Makgoba posted a message on Facebook asked for courage to be granted to Mr Mandela's wife, Graca Machel, and others who love him 'at this hard time of watching and waiting'.

He added: 'May your blessing rest upon Madiba now and always. Grant him, we pray, a quiet night and a peaceful, perfect, end.

'Uphold all of us with your steadfast love so that we may be filled with gratitude for all the good that he has done for us and for our nation, and may honour his legacy through our lives.'

Visit: Barack Obama holds his daughter Sasha's hand as the he and his family land in Dakar, Senegal

Waiting: The balance of Obama's Africa trip could hang on the health of Mr Mandela

The statesman was able to show his pleasure at hearing of the U.S. President's visit.

Mr Obama is believed to be keen to meet Mr Mandela, but given the delicate condition of the African leader he will not do so unless he is invited by the Mandela family.

That prospect appeared to be more likely after Mr Mandela's daughter Zindzi described how she told her father that Mr Obama would be touring South Africa.After she told him 'Obama is coming,' she said, 'He opened his eyes and gave me a smile.'

Visit: Mr Mandela's ex-wife Winnie, centre, and daughter Zindzi, right, arrive at the hospital yesterday


Relatives: The leader's grandchildren Ndaba, left, and Nkileka, right, also paid visits to him yesterday

The U.S. President arrived in Senegal yesterday and will travel to South Africa on Friday during his second trip to Africa since taking office.

Speaking in Dakar today, Mr Obama paid tribute to Mr Mandela and insisted his visit to South Africa would go ahead matter what.

He said that the anti-apartheid campaigner had helped inspire him to enter politics with his bravery and self-sacrifice.

'I think he's a hero for the world,' Mr Obama said. 'And if and when he passes from this place, one thing I think we'll all know is that his legacy is one that will linger on throughout the ages.'


Crowd: Children gather to deliver their best wishes to Mr Mandela as he remains in a critical condition

Prayer: A pupil leads his classmates in praying for Mr Mandela, who is suffering from a lung infection

Flowers: Another supporter of the former president left a bunch of roses along with a message

Mr Mandela has been in hospital being treated for a lung infection since June 8, and over the weekend his condition was downgraded from 'serious' to 'critical'.

Close relatives of the 94-year-old held an emergency meeting on Tuesday at the former anti-apartheid leader's home in Qunu, in the Eastern Cape.

As fears for Mr Mandela's health worsen, well-wishers have flocked to the hospital to leave letters, cards and flowers along the outside of the building.

Among the cards were handwritten notes from schoolchildren thanking the inspirational leader who helped bring an end to apartheid in South Africa.




Tributes: A police officer places flowers for former South African President Nelson Mandela outside the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, where the former anti-apartheid leader is being treated for a lung infection



Well wishers gathered outside the hospital to sing in tribute to South Africa's first black president




A community group from Pretoria sing hymns and songs outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital where the former South African president is being treatedThe security wall at the hospital has now been transformed in to a homage to Mandela - who spent 27 years in prison because of his activism.

One of the messages read: 'We love you Mandela. God bless you'.

Another read: 'We love you Tata Mandela. I am still young, I still need to see you. Get better. Tino.'

Other well-wishers have travelled to Nelson Mandela's home in a Johannesburg suburb to pray for the 94-year-old.



Meeting: Pedestrians and a vehicle are seen at the entrance to the homestead of former president Nelson Mandela in Qunu, South Africa, as close relatives were locked in a meeting at the property in Eastern Cape province




Discussion: Family elders of the Mandela family arrive the former president's home in Qunu today as he remained in critical condition in hospital



We love you: One of the dozens of hand-made messages of support for former South African President Nelson Mandela posted to the wall outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital

'I will wait for Madiba to come back home. I will make sure, I'm going to pray later, and then Mandela, I hope you come. I love you Mandela,' Thembi Magagula said outside Mandela's home in Houghton.

Mr Mandela, who became South Africa's first black president after the end of apartheid in 1994, was hospitalised for a recurring lung infection. This is his fourth hospitalisation since December. Mandela was jailed for 27 years under white racist rule and was released 23 years ago, in 1990. He then played a leading role in steering the divided country from the apartheid era to an all-race democracy. 

As a result of his sacrifice and peacemaking efforts, he is seen by many around the world as a symbol of reconciliation.