You Won’t Believe What Bullies Did To This Girl

A Florida school district is looking into an incident in which 13-year-old Melanie Conn was bound in plastic wrap by two of her peers while waiting for the school bus.Mother Holley Angerson-Conn tells WKMG that the two boys surrounded the middle school girl at the Ormond Beach bus stop, wrapping her 10-15 times to cover her from the waist to over the chin, nearly enveloping her nose and mouth.

“This is not a joke,” Conn said. “This could have become very serious if they would have had a little bit more and nobody was able to get it off of her.”

Conn says the bus attendant was aware of an alleged threat from the boys a few days earlier, but did nothing stop it. Volusia County Schools spokesperson Nancy Wait told the station that the district “takes every reported incident of bullying seriously, fully investigates them and, if substantiated, takes disciplinary action.”

The boys have been suspended, and one of the mothers says she doesn’t understand why her son did what he did, himself being victim to years of bullying.

Allegations of insufficient busing oversight have surfaced nationwide. Indiana mother Lora Hoagland is upset that a school bus driver failed last month to intervene immediately when a student beat her son to the point that he required stitches.

But sometimes even the adults can’t fix everything — when they become the victim. A video depicting Greece, N.Y. school bus monitor Karen Klein being maliciously verbally abused by the students she was watching over went viral in June, sparking national outrage and leading to a campaign on website Indiegogo.com to buy the district staff member a dream vacation.

The campaign brought in about $700,000 in donations, some of which Klein is planning to put toward the Karen Klein Anti-Bullying Foundation.

“We’re hoping to get other people to put money in it, and this is going to be for education for people that have been bullied, for people that just — for people that need it for this situation,” she told WROC last month.

New baby issue: Please they should leave us alone to enjoy our marriage – Chinedu Ikedieze

Chinedu Ikediezen Not long ago a photograph was published in the media of Nollywood superstarChinedu Ikedieze carrying a beautiful baby. Many bloggers took over the story and claimed it was the actor’s child.

Anyways, the actor popularly known as Aki has come out to deny the story.

Here him:

“Pregnancy? Na wah o! They should leave us alone, won’t we settle down first before making babies. Please they should leave us alone to enjoy our marriage.

“Everybody knows my wife graduated from a fashion school a couple of weeks ago. Did she look pregnant or was she like a nursing mother?

“Yes, the photo is mine but it was taken in 2008 with a fan’s baby. I don’t know why it is now being recycled.

“I honestly don’t know the intention and plan of those who are sharing the photo.”

Now we’ve heard him. Let people leave Aki to enjoy his marriage.

Olusegun Ajose fights for WBC super lightweight crown

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NIGERIAN boxer Olusegun Ajose will face Argentina's Lucas Matthysse on Saturday September 8 in a bid for the World Boxing Council (WBC) super lightweight crown. 

In a match that promises to be exciting, Ajose, the 32-year-old undefeated Nigerian, will face WBC number two contender, Matthysse, for the vacant WBC interim super lightweight championship. Ajose, the world number one contender with 30 undefeated wins, 14 of which have been knockouts, has fought the majority of his professional bouts in the United Kingdom.

Ajose made his US debut in September 2011, with a 12-round unanimous decision over Ali Chebah in a WBC title eliminator. This latest fight will be there too and Ajose, an active soldier in the Nigerian Army with 11 years of professional boxing experience, says he is confident of victory.

“I’m coming to America to win a world title. After the fight, I’m going back to join the army and live and train in the barracks. That’s the way it is. I’m a soldier. You don’t become a soldier if you’re not tough,” he added. Matthysse, one of the most feared knockout artists in boxing today, has fought in 31 matches, only in two of which he was defeated. Even Ajose conceded to the fact that his opponent's two defeats were due to poor decision making by the judges.

Ajose added: “I know he’s one of the toughest in the division. He’s quite tough. He lost twice, but I think he was robbed both times. There are more fights of me on YouTube than there are of him, so he probably knows more about me, but when we fight we’ll learn a lot about each other.

"Other than me, he’s probably the toughest in the division. I’m the only one better than him. Now that I have this opportunity I’m not going to let it go. I better win this fight. I’m going to give everything I have to win this fight.

Ajose said he is not going to be relying on a knock out to beat Matthysse, but if the opportunity presents itself, he will grab it. Ajose and Matthyse will face each other at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas this weekend.

XCLUSIV FOTOS:Big Brother Amplified Housemates Arrive In Ghana To Support 'Konfidence'

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Confidence Haugen

She promised inviting them to Ghana whiles in the Big Brother house and this seem to be the right time for her to host her BBA Amplified housemates.

Ghanaian socialite and entrepreneur, Confidence Haugen is set to host her fellow Big Brother Amplified mates in Ghana for the launch of her new fashion accessories brand, Konfidence.

Ms. Haugen who is well known for her fun parties at her Aphrodisiac Night club will host the ‘Amplified Party’ at the nightclub on Saturday, September 8 prior to the main launch.

The “Amplified Party” will be for the visiting Big Brother Housemates to party with their Ghanaian fellow housemates and fans at the Aphrodisiac Nightclub. While in Big Brother Africa Season 6 (Big Brother Amplified), Confidence shared her experiences of managing one of the biggest nightclubs in Ghana with her fellow housemates, and promised to invite them over to party with her.

Big Brother Amplified housemates, Vimbai (Zimbabwe) will also cover the launch of “Star Gist” on DSTV, Vina (Nigeria), BBA Amplified winner Karen from Nigeria, Hanni (Ethiopia), Lomwe (Malawi), Millicent from Kenya and others are expected to arrive in Ghana today Thursday September 6 to attend the launch of the Konfidence shoes, bags and accessories brand on Sunday, September 9 at the forecourt of the Aphrodisiac night club.

All Ghanaian Big Brother representatives from BBA season one to Big Brother Stargame, are all expected to be present to support Confidence.

So far, Kenyan housemate, Millicent is the only one from the bunch who has been visiting Ghana and the Aphrodisiac Nightclub frequently. Therefore, this weekend’s activities will serve as a fulfillment of Confidence’s promise and also a chance for the housemates to experience the new chapter in the life of Confidence Haugen.

According to Confidence, the Konfidence label was founded on the ideals of designing a sophisticated line of shoes, bags and accessories to meet the needs of a modern and global woman. Whether it is rocking a tote bag to the office during the day or a clutch bag with an evening wear for a formal dinner, there is something for the ‘Konfidence’ woman.

“The brand takes inspiration from global current trends illustrating the beauty of excellent craftsmanship and finishing. Konfidence first collections boast of a palette of vibrant bold colours and touches of African prints paying homage to her cultural roots. Trendy and Sophistication defines the Konfidence Label for the free spirited, confident woman,” she comments.

The ten Miss Maliaka 2012 finalists are going to be the official models to hit the runway to catwalk and display the various Konfidence shoes, bags and accessories. Several celebrities from Ghana and all over Africa are expected to be present on night of authentic African fashion and music.

Confidence Haugen

Big Brother Amplified winner Karen from Nigeria

Alex Biney aka Bomayo from Ghana

Beautiful Hanni from Ethiopia

Lomwe from Malawi

Millicent from Kenya

Vimbai from Zimbabwe

The Konfidence Shoes, Bags and Accessories

Confidence Haugen pose with her designs

A colorful Konfidence shoes

Konfidence shoes

Konfidence bag

Konfidence bag

Confidence

Konfidence bag

Konfidence bag

Konfidence bag

Konfidence Design

Sample of Konfidence foot wear

NMA AWARDS 2012 NOMINEES LIST

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NMA AWARDS 2012 NOMINEES LIST. VOTING COMMENCE NOW AND END 15th, NOVEMBER. NMAA “REWARDING TALENTS”.

To vote for nominees text nmaa (space) nominee name/category to 33140 and win ticket/other gifts. Celebrating Models, Brands & Unusual Cre

ativity in Advertising. Go online for more details:www.nmaang.com, info@nmaang.com or nmaaward@gmail.com 08023226980,07034582934,08054790398,08177585842,07041700155.
1. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING OUTDOORS ADVERT OF THE YEAR AWARD (brand): The outdoor advert with unusual creativity in projecting the brand with use of models image to attract customer loyalty.(a) GLO (G-Bam Free browning).(b) MARTINI (No Martini No Party).
(c) LACASERA (I love this drink).(d) MORTEIN (Our voice against malaria).
2. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING TV COMMERCIAL OF THE YEAR AWARD (brand): A television advert, that is innovative and creative in projecting the brand with models.
(a) GUINESS SCOUT (Ticket). (b) MARTINI (No Martini No Party).
(c)INDOMIE (Mama do good). (d) HARP (Best enjoy with friends).
3. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING ADVERTISING AGENCY OF THE YEAR AWARD: An advertising agency that makes good use of quality models in projecting brands, innovative marketing communication services with a good number of adverts on multimedia formats and is concerned about the welfare of the models.(a) LTC/JWT. (b) DDB CASERS. (c) 141 WORLDWIDE. (d) INSIGHT COMMUNICATION.
4. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION HOUSE OF THE YEAR AWARD: A TV production company that makes best use of models in projecting brands with outstanding TV commercials in terms of creativity.(a) AUDIO VISUAL FIRST.(b) DV WORX. (c) ARK RESOURCES. (d) URBAN TOUCH. (e) CREATIVE NIGERIA STUDIO.
5. NMAA HONOUR AWARD OF THE YEAR: This award goes to Icons that have been able to make a very impressive mark in his/ her area of specialization, most especially modeling/Entertainment Industry.
(a) NDUKA OBIAGBONA (Thisday). (b) STEVE OJO (Galaxy TV).
(c) BEN BRUCE (Silver Bird). (d) SONNY ERABOR (Ruyi Communication).
6. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING PRINTING HOUSE OF THE YEAR AWARD: An outstanding printing company with exceptional quality prints especially in outdoor adverts.(a) CALIGRAPHY(PHC).(b) POMAT-PETERS(LAG). (c) ADVANTAGE(LAG). (d) PRINTSERVE(LAG).
7. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING FASHION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD: A creative fashion designer who has been able to do incredibly well in the fashion industry, with effective use of models. (a) KETO COUTURE (ABUJA). (b) MIA-ATAFO (LAG).(c) MUSAFA HANSANALI (TANZANIA).(d) ANJOREEN COUTURE(LAG).
8. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR AWARD: An outstanding photographer, with a good portfolio of creative works and who has been consistent over the year and always ready to work with models. (a) DE-LAW STUDIO. (b) REZE BONNA STUDIO.(c) DAZZLE STUDIO. (d) AUSTIN OSAGIE STUDIO.
9. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING HAIR PRODUCT OF THE YEAR: An excellent hair care outfit that has been able to put a mark in the hair and beauty industry. Must have a good advertising jobs portfolio. (a) EXPRESSION HAIR. (b) NOBLE HAIR. (c) KANEKALONE HAIR. (d) AMIGO HAIR.
10. NMAA MOST PROMISING KIDS MODEL OF THE YEAR AWARD MALE/FEMALE: A male or female kid model, who is good in fashion shows and photography modeling, and has been able to build a strong portfolio over a short period of time. Age two to twelve years. (a) PRINCESS UNIGWE. (b) AYOMIDE AKINSANMI.(c) CHIBUIKE OKOLO. (d) OLAMIDE AJIBOLA.
11. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING MAKE-UP ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD: An excellent makeup outfit that has been able to put a mark in the beauty industry. Must have a good advertising jobs portfolio.(a) DABIRA. (b) FEYI INDIAN. (c) TOOSHME. (d) BIMPE ONAKOYA.
12. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING MODELING AGENCY OF THE YEAR AWARD: A modeling agency with; an office, working website and training facilities for the models. Must have kept most of its models busy with good jobs for the past 12 months and has credible records with platform.
(a) XA! (Lag). (b) APPLE HOUSE (Lag). (c)LEGENDARY GOLD(Lag). (d) BLACKFOX MODELLING PREMIER(Tanzania).
13.NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING ADVANCE MODEL OF THE YEAR FEMALE AWARD: An outstanding mature female model above the age of 40 years, with an excellent portfolio of good jobs done over the past12months.(a) IBEH ANGELINA. (b) PATIENCE OSENI. (c) TOLU GOMES. (d) IRELE.
14. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING ADVANCE MODEL OF THE YEAR MALE AWARD: An outstanding mature male model above the age of 40 years, with an excellent portfolio of good jobs done over the past 12 months.(a) SAM KALU. (b) AKIN ONOMAKINDE.(c) BIG TONY. (d) PASTOR FIDELIS
15. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING MODEL PRESENTER OF THE YEAR AWARD: A successful model that has an iconic fashion statement in modeling, excelling as a presenter. (a)ADAMS ABRAHAM(Spice tv). (b) STEVE ONU YAW(Wazobia Fm).
(c) EDEWOR EKUH(M-Net). (d) IKPONWOSA OSAGUEDUWA (Rhythm Fm).
16. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING RUNWAY MODEL OF THE YEAR AWARD FEMALE: A female runway model that is consistent on the runway and has an outstanding portfolio and must have the potential to move to supermodel status. (a) BINTA SANI. (b) CHIKA EMMANUELLA. (c) SHEYI ADETAYO. (d) UBA AHUNWA.
17. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING RUNWAY MODEL OF THE YEAR AWARD MALE: A male runway model that is consistent on the runway and has an outstanding portfolio and must have the potential to move to supermodel status. (a) KELVIN GODSON. (b) VICTOR AKOMAYE.(c) FEDRICK KERELODI. (d) BOSUN AWOSAMA.
18. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING PHOTOGRAPHY MODEL OF THE YEAR AWARD FEMALE: A female model that is photogenic, and has a portfolio of outstanding photography jobs.
(a) ADA-UGO IWUOHA SEGUN. (b) PRINCESS CHINEKE.(c) ANITA UGOCHUKWU. (d) CHIAMAKA OBI.
19. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING PHOTOGRAPHY MODEL OF THE YEAR AWARD MALE: A male model that is photogenic, and has a portfolio of outstanding photography jobs. (a) MARK OBANUFOR. (b) HENRY OJINI.(c) ALEX EKUBO. (d) USMAN SULEMAN.
20.NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING MODEL OF THE YEAR AWARD FEMALE: A female model that is good in both fashion runway and commercial photography. Must possess a portfolio of jobs, running for the past 12 months, both on runway and photography modeling. (a) MARY LAZARUS. (b) MARVIS OFOR.
(c) SHEYI ADETAYO. (d) MECHELE UDOKA.
21. NMAA MOST OUTSTANDING MODEL OF THE YEAR AWARD MALE: A male model model that is good in both fashion runway and commercial photography. Must possess a portfolio of jobs, running for the past 12 months, both on runway and photography modeling.
(a) KELVIN GODSON. (b) UTI NWACHUKWU.(c) SUNNY AJEARO. (d) IKECUKWU OGBONA.

NMAA Be Recognized…!

NMAA 2012 Nominees Party hold on September 30th(Independence Eve) Tagg: ‘’Green White Green ‘.’ At Caliente Club, 9, Goriola street off Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos.

NMAA 2012 holds on November 17th at The Bespoke centre, BY GERMAINE AUTO, CHISCO B/STOP , Lekki express way, Lagos.
Green Carpet : 4pm.

African Movie Academy Awards Calls For 2013 Entries

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Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, CEO of AMAA

Reports from Nigeria say African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) is accepting feature, short and documentary film entries for its 2013 edition of the annual AMAAs.

Since its inception in 2005, AMAA has established itself as the most prestigious and glamorous awards celebrating filmmaking on the continent.

The gala event, which is televised live around the world, attracts Hollywood celebrities alongside their African counterparts, as well as African politicians and media.

The award jury anticipates attracting works from around the African continent as entries closes on December 31.

The 2012 edition of the award was organized on April 22 in Lagos and it attracted international stars as Morris Chestnut, Rockmond Dunbar and a number of others.

Ghana’s Majid Michel and Nigeria’s Rita Dominic won Best Actor In Leading Role and Best Actress In Leading Role respectively.

Organizers are yet to make an official declaration about the 2013 awards ceremony but entries are open for..

Goodluck promises to listen to diasporans and society groups

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PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has promised to listen to the opinions of Nigerian’s in diaspora and civil society groups as his governments seeks to shape its policies and programmes.

Speaking at a special retreat for Professional Associations and Civil Society Groups in Abuja today, the president said that from henceforth, his government would listen. Nigerians in the UK were represented at the event by Bimbo Roberts Afolayan, the chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK.

President Jonathan said: “I will listen to your ideas and government will be respecting your opinions. The constitution should come from the people themselves hence this first retreat with stakeholders because you are closest to the people.”

Chairman of the occasion Justice Alfa Belgore, delivering his keynote address, said Nigerians are always calling for constitutional changes but no one yet has a clear idea of how the new constitution should look. He added that Nigeria is one of the greatest gifts to the world.

ICE PRINCE TO HEADLINE HIS FIRST MAJOR SHOW IN LONDON

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Everybody's favourite rapper Ice Prince Zamani will headline his first UK show in London at the O2 Academy Islington.

The 'Oleku' star who has just released his new single 'Abooki', has graced the stage in the capital at least 3 times this year but accompanied with a live band this will be his first major show.

Speaking exclusively to Nigerian Watch the Chocolate City artist says he is nervous about his upcoming performance but confident that the fans will give him a great reception. "Any time I come to London I am always amazed at just how supportive the fans are here. I think because they don't have direct access to their favourite Nigerian musicians when we do come it's mega mega  love."

The show is on Thurday 4th October 2012 at 7pm. Tickets are available http://www.gigsandtours.com/tour/ice-prince

I will go for Big Brother With Halle Berry and Rihanna–John Dumelo

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One of Ghana’s leading movie actors, John Dumelo, has disclosed that he will only enter the Big Brother reality show if Halle Berry and Rihanna were also housemates.

John Dumelo made this statement when he appeared on the ‘Hang Out’ segment on the ‘Cruise Control’ show with Kwame B on Hitz FM.

According to him, there were various branches in entertainment and his specialty was acting, although he was versatile.

He explained that “sometimes it is difficult crossing to another area in the entertainment industry and I think I will fail miserably if I participate in the Big Brother Star game”.

He further said the only reason that would make him join the Big Brother competition was Halle Berry and Rihanna taking part.

Asked who he kissed in a movie and wished it was real and loved to continue, John disclosed that he was cool with every kiss in his movie but enjoyed the ones with Yvonne Nelson the most and this was because they got along well on and off set, adding that she was a close friend.

Photos: Did Kim Kardashian Almost Go Topless For This Event?

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Kim Kardashian was at the Du Jour Magazine launch party in this beautiful dress. You like?

New faces on the Nollywood block

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The standards for content, sound and general production quality of Nollywood movies have gone up a notch higher in the last five years. Producers and directors painstaking spend days to bring out great movies. However, it will be foolhardy to spend millions of naira to shoot a good movie and have the wrong set of actors in the movie, as actors are the centre of attention in a movie.

Based on this the producers of the movie Heavy Beauty Grace Edwin-Okon and Gbemiga Oladele  as well as the director Stanlee Ohikhuare spent a lot of time approximately three months to search for the perfect actors for their movie. Celebrities like Denrele Edun, Karen Igho (Big brother  Africa winner), Female comedian Lepacious Bose, Kunle Oluwaremi (GUS winner) and Reel Radio presenter  Uche okoli featured in this movie alongside some fresh faces, the uniqueness of the Heavy Beauty story required  a very believable young set of cast in the lead and support roles as the movie is primarily targeted at teenagers and young adults.

The story of the movie Heavy Beauty is centered on a naive eighteen year old beauty Pageant contestant Priye Epelle played by Akwa ibom state born, light skinned, beauty Israel Samuel Obioh who falls in love with a cunning, insensitive and quite selfish but at the same time sort of charming young man called Tega, the character of Tega is flawlessly interpreted by Edo state born Nosa Luni Omusi who in reality has a completely opposite life style from the Character, Nosa a graduate of Agriculture from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, who is also a creative writer for an advertising firm and a rapper, used his romantic lyrics to charm Priye and she agrees to engage in premarital sex with him, months later she found out she was pregnant, and this pregnancy came while she was getting prepared for a beauty pageant.

Tega goes on to date other young girls one of which is a spoilt, rich, “razz” girl called Shola, the role of Shola is played by another Akwa ibom state born, dark skinned Beauty, Victoria Antai who is a graduate of the prestigious Lead City University Ibadan, the rivalry between Priye and Shola gets to a point where Shola is ready to do anything she can to frustrate Priye and bring her to tears daily, but Priye is defended by her new found friend Chinwe played by pretty Anambra state born actor and model Ada Ezeoke a graduate of medical lab science from UNN, Priye also  had support throughout her ordeal from her older sister Boma played by Bauchi State born, light skinned beauty Tari Maikudi.

These young set of actors as well as the rest of the cast did a fantastic job in interpreting the roles they had to play in the soon to be released movie Heavy Beauty and they claim they are ready to take on challenging roles Nollywood producers and directors have in store for them.

Checkout location pictures of these actors on www.heavybeautythemovie.com or reach them by following @derwinprod or like the facebook page http://www.facebook.com/derwinproductions

Iyanya On Set with Tu Face for 'Omo T'osan' Video in London

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 Check out pictures from Tuface's  New Video FT Iyanya 'Omo T'osan'

Singapore-owned tanker hijacked in Lagos

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Kuala Lumpur – Pirates have hijacked a Singapore-owned oil tanker in the Nigerian port of Lagos – the third attack in just over two weeks in the Gulf of Guinea, the International Maritime Bureau said on Wednesday.The vessel, which had 23 crew on board, was laden with fuel, the bureau’s Kuala Lumpur-based piracy reporting centre said, adding that the pirates were sailing the ship into the open sea.

It did not say how the pirates hijacked the tanker on Tuesday evening.

“We have informed the Nigerian authorities who are taking action,” Noel Choong, head of the IMB’s Malaysia-based piracy reporting centre told AFP.

The crew members had locked themselves in a safe room, said Choong, who added: “We are concerned about their safety and the spate of hijackings,” he said.Pirates hijacked and looted two oil tankers off nearby Togo last month. The two ships and all crew members were later freed.

Choong said the same criminal syndicate could be behind the latest attack since the modus operandi was the same.

“The would seize the ship for about five days – ransack the crew’s cabin and syphon the oil to another pirate vessel,” he said.

The IMB has repeatedly warned ships plying the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Africa to be vigilant and called on authorities to step up patrols, saying last year the region was emerging as a new piracy “hot spot”.

The area has seen 37 attacks, including several hijackings, kidnappings and killings, so far this year. Pirates usually target cargo, loading it onto other ships to sell on the black market.Nigeria and nearby Benin launched joint patrols last year in a bid to combat the problem.

This Picture Was Worth $52 Million

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A picture may be worth a thousand words, but for one lucky California couple, one photo was worth $52 million.

More than a month after a Mega Millions drawing on July 27, the California Lottery stil hadn’t found the winner, so the agency last Friday posted a photo of a mysterious man it believed had bought the winning ticket. Just hours later, an unemployed Fremont man came forward to claim the prize.

Bladimir Agnite had no idea he had won until an in-law called in excitement to say he had seen Bladimir’s picture on television news. The surveillance video image showed a man in a white t-shirt and sunglasses. It was taken at a Kwik Stop at 3157 Walnut Avenue in Fremont, where Bladimir regularly bought lottery tickets, according to NBC, and where the winning ticket was sold on July 25.

When Bladimir went on the California Lottery’s website to check the photo, he realized it was of him and rushed to tell his wife, Marita.

“I said, ‘We’re wanted — in the lotto,’” he said during a Friday press conference.

The couple claimed the winnings Friday at a Lottery office in Sacramento, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

In a statement released by the Lottery, officials said they posted the image when they realized the winning ticket — with the numbers 2, 3, 4, 8, 43 and the Mega number 26 — had been checked several times at area stores but no one had come forward to claim the money.

Badimir explained what happened. “I scanned it multiple times. ‘See the clerk.’ We didn’t see the amount, just, ‘See the clerk’. We didn’t know,” he told Lottery officials who wondered why he waited more than a month to cash in.

Marita said she started crying when she realized they had won. “He hugged me and we just cried and cried,” she said.

The windfall couldn’t have come at a better time. According to the Lottery, Bladimir recently was laid off from his job at a printing company and the family had been living with friends. The couple now plan to buy a house and send their children to college.

And Marita plans to continue working as a nursing assistant at a hospital in the Bay Area. “You can’t just quit the job,” Bladimir said. “You never know what’s gonna happen.”

The Concert: Sound Sultan Celebrates 12 Years in Music

Venue: Harbour Point, VI. Date: September 15th. Time:7pm. Tickets: 5k and Tables 500k

Artists performing with Sound Sultan:

Dbanj, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Seyi Shay, 2 face, 9ice, MI, Ice Prince, Vector, Banky W, Mode Nine, eLDee, Omotola, Iyanya and loads more

Tickets sold at Ozone Cinemas, Silverbird Galleria and The Place in Ikeja