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Showing posts from September, 2024

Davido’s manager Asika proposes to girlfriend

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Nigerian music superstar Davido’s long-time manager, Asa Asika has proposed to his girlfriend, Leona Adesanya. The proposal, which was captured in a viral video, shows the talent manager guiding Adesanya to the venue, where he then popped the question. The video also captured friends and well-wishers cheering in the background as Davido proudly said, “He is my boy”. Davido also took to Instagram to share the heartwarming moment, declaring, “we got a BIG wedding to plan. I’m proud to say I saw ur ring first.” This comes a few months after his wedding to Chioma Rowland. The couple tied the knot in an elaborate ceremony at the Eko Hotel and Suites in June.  

Filmmaker, Pascal Atuma to release movie on “Japa” syndrome featuring Omoni Oboli, others

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Nigerian filmmaker, Pascal Atuma, who resides in Canada, is set to release his latest movie titled “Imported Wives,” which explores marriages affected by the Japa syndrome, featuring a stellar cast of Omoni Oboli, Nancy Isime, Mama Gee, Ngozi Nwosu, Linda Osifo, Joseph Benjamin and others. Atuma, who is both the director and producer of the film, disclosed to journalists in Lagos during a press conference ahead of the release. that the movie took him a year and eight months to complete. According to Atuma, the film highlights what occurs when men bring wives from villages in Africa to marry and then ‘import’ them abroad to start a new life. Atuma explained, “This movie reflects my growth as a filmmaker based on my past experiences. For me, a movie must be substantial. It was shot in Nigeria and Canada, but the auditions were conducted in the U.S.” He continued, “The movie follows a man in the U.S. or Canada who returns to Nigeria to marry a wife and bring her back. Once the wife settle

Sex has become trade everywhere — Actress, Chioma Ivoke

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In a reaction to the notion that “sex-for-roles” syndrome exists only in Nollywood, actress Chioma Ivoke, in an interview with Potpourri says nothing is farther from the truth as she maintains that sex is a weapon being used as a means to an end everywhere there are human interactions. She stated, “Sex for roles in all ramifications is messy to not just the girls but the guys as well. However, sex has become a trade for a lot of things in diverse firms and fields, not just confined to Nollywood or the entertainment industry. This is a condemnable act that should be curtailed or eradicated if possible.” On maintaining her privacy despite her public profile, Ivoke explained, “The thing one must understand is that social media is a marketplace where everyone across the globe might meet and as such, one must be disciplined enough to keep what is meant to be private private no matter the social media pressure.” When asked about balancing decency with flaunting her sex appeal, she said, “Wel

Messi scores twice on return from injury as Inter Miami defeat Philadelphia Union 3-1

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Lionel Messi dazzled in his return from injury Saturday, scoring two goals in the space of four minutes and adding an assist in Inter Miami’s 3-1 Major League Soccer victory over the Philadelphia Union. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner hadn’t played since injuring his right ankle during the Copa America final on July 14, when he helped Argentina to victory over Colombia. Since then he had missed eight MLS games for his club and this month’s World Cup qualifiers for his country. Messi hadn’t played for Inter since June 1, but he didn’t miss a beat as he was inserted into the starting lineup. “The truth is that I’m a little tired,” he said after the match. “The heat and humidity in Miami don’t help much either, but I really wanted to come back, I had been off of the field for a long time. “Little by little I was training with the group, feeling good and that’s why we decided that I would start, and I’m very happy — very happy.” Miami coach Gerardo Martino was delighted to see his star c

Germany opens doors to 250,000 Kenyan workers

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Germany has signed an agreement to allow 250,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers from Kenya to migrate under a new labour migration deal aimed at addressing workforce shortages in Europe’s largest economy. The agreement, which focuses on controlled and targeted migration, was signed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kenyan President William Ruto in Berlin. As Kenya faces increasing challenges in providing employment and adequate income for its young professionals, Germany is experiencing a shortage of skilled labour. The deal offers a solution to both countries’ issues, creating opportunities for Kenyans to work in Germany while addressing the country’s labour demands. In a pilot phase of the program, five Kenyan bus drivers have already arrived in Flensburg, northern Germany, as part of the larger plan. Migration agreements like this one have become a key element of Germany’s broader efforts to manage immigration and labour shortages effectively. The deal will also simplify the re

Sowore released after brief detention at Lagos airport

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The Nigerian Immigration Service initially detained Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday immediately after his return to Nigeria. This occurred on the same day that members of the Take It Back Movement and other activists gathered at the airport in anticipation of his arrival. Sowore had been in the United States with his family. His flight departed from Washington Dulles International Airport at 6:14 AM EDT and landed in Lagos at approximately 9:43 AM WAT. When contacted on the telephone, Sowore disclosed that he was detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service and that his passport was seized. He stated that no reason was given for his detainment, and officials told him they were acting on instructions from higher authorities, needing to call Abuja for further direction on the matter. Sowore later confirmed his release via his X handle, stating, “I have just been released by the Nigerian Immigration

Unanswered questions one year after Mohbad’s death

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Despite continuous investigation to unravel the true circumstances surrounding the death of late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, the air remains thick with unresolved questions and lingering grief. On September 12, 2024, while his family quietly commemorated the first year anniversary of his death, the shadows of uncertainty loomed larger than ever. Fans and loved ones are left grappling with a profound sense of loss and a desperate yearning for clarity. The singer had died in controversial circumstances on September 12, 2023 and there has been no concrete account for what led to the death of the late singer, though there have been wide and wild speculations from diverse quarters. In this piece, Saturday Beats takes a look at significant steps that have been taken towards the unraveling of the reason behind his death so far Inconclusive autopsy results Despite the fact that the body of the late singer was exhumed for the purpose of an autopsy to determine his death on September 2

How Davido’s marriage inspired my new single — Morravey

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Singer, Daniella Danielle, aka Morravey, who is signed to Davido’s DMW label, has said that her soon-to-be-released single was inspired by the love, and some recent marriages, including that of her label boss. In an interview with Saturday Beats, she said, “Love is at the heart of my latest work. With so many people getting married, such as Davido and Yemolee, I felt I should create something special for all the lovebirds out there.” Reminiscing on her journey in the music industry so far, she said, “So far so good, it has been a good ride for me because I am signed to DMW and even though I relate with many men, they have been helping me and supporting my music.” Advising other female artistes, Morravey said, “Don’t stop doing what you are doing. Work hard and stay consistent. Utilise social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to showcase your work. It is essential to keep posting. Above all, pray and seek God’s guidance in everything you do. I always commit whateve

Single ladies panic as bloodthirsty boyfriends slaugter lovers

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Many women are growing increasingly fearful following the rise in cases of boyfriends killing young women for ritual purposes in different states. The women view the killings as a reflection of societal failure, greed, and cruelty, leaving them feeling unsafe, even in public spaces. One recent case involved a 25-year-old man, identified simply as Elisha, who was arrested on May 14 for allegedly killing his lover in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Similarly, Christiana Idowu, a female student at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Ogun State, was kidnapped and killed on August 19 by one Ayomide Adeleye, who had previously been accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in 2018. Other cases include the August 6 arrest of Fatai Mogaji in Lagos State for allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend, Opeyemi Shoyinka, to death, and the chilling murder of 19-year-old Damilola, a student at the Federal University in Lokoja. Damilola’s killer, 20-year-old Jeremiah Samson, was arrested after dismember

FG declares Monday as Eid-ul-Mawlid holiday

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The Federal Government has declared Monday, September 16, 2024, as a public holiday to mark the celebration of the Eid-ul-Mawlid. Eid-ul-Mawlid is the commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government in a statement by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on Friday. While congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the occasion, he implored them to use the opportunity of the period to pray for enduring peace and a more prosperous egalitarian nation. The minister urged the Muslims and all Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of patience, sacrifice, and resilien  

NAFDAC investigating Pastor Jeremiah’s miracle water, soap – DG

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has alerted Nigerians to the activities of a faith-based organisation, Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, led by Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, using the agency’s name to deceive the unsuspecting public. NAFDAC, in a statement on Sunday signed by its Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, noted that none of the products advertised and sold are registered with the agency. It said, “NAFDAC wishes to alert the public on the activities of a faith-based organization – Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries – that uses NAFDAC name to deceive the unsuspecting public. “Recently, NAFDAC has been inundated with petitions from concerned citizens about Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin of Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, Km 5 Effurun, Sapele Road, Delta State, on a Miracle Water and Miracle Soap being advertised with healing and miracle claims and sold to unsuspecting members of the public by the Spiritual Ministry. The Min

Nigerians Face New Financial Strain as Moniepoint, Opay Impose N50 Electronic Transfer Levy

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Nigerians are set to face additional financial burdens as Moniepoint, Opay, and other fintech banks have introduced a fresh N50 charge, labeled the Electronic Transfer Levy (EMTL), for transactions above N10,000. The new fee, which takes effect on September 9, 2024, comes in response to directives from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Customers of Moniepoint and Opay were notified of the impending charges over the weekend. This levy is being introduced at a time when the nation is already grappling with rising fuel prices, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) recently increasing Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) pump prices to between N855 and N897. Moniepoint, in its notice, informed customers: "An N50 fee will be charged on inflows you receive of N10,000 and above from Monday, September 9, 2024. Your BRM is available to answer questions." Opay issued a similar statement: "Starting September 9th, 2024, a one-time fee of N50 will be applied

US rapper, Rich Homie Quan, dies at 33

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United States rapper, Dequantes Lamar, popularly know as Rich Homie Quan, has died at the age of 33. The Atlanta rapper, who burst onto the hip-hop scene in 2013, was said to have died in Georgia on Thursday. In a statement, the Fulton County Medical Examiner said that Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital notified its personnel of the rapper’s death. It added that the cause and manner of death has not been ascertained and an autopsy has been scheduled for Friday. The statement read, “On Thursday, 5 September 2024, the Fulton County Medical Examiner was notified by Grady Memorial Hospital of the death of Dequantes Devontay Lamar. “An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday, 6 September 2024.” Quan was born on October 4, 1989, in Atlanta. In the 2010s, he started making trap music and collaborated with rappers like Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, YG, Young Thug, Trinidad James, and more. He was considered part of a rising generation of rappers who delivered songs with intense emotion and fiery passion

Spreading death rumours about my husband callous — Joke Silva

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Veteran actress, Joke Silva and wife to actor, Olu Jacobs, speaks to NAOMI CHIMA about the movie industry, her husband, and other issues With streaming platforms and global collaborations on the rise, some say Nollywood is losing its unique touch? People sometimes feel that if something doesn’t have historical and cultural symbols, it is not culturally relevant. We forget that culture is dynamic, and we now live in a global village, because of the Internet. There is no way that we won’t be influenced globally. I believe we should deal with these issues based on context. I don’t think we are losing our cultural relevance and essence because of streaming platforms. Instead, those platforms want us to be as culturally relevant as possible, because that’s what technology is all about— bringing together storytellers from around the globe. Do you believe the industry is doing enough to provide roles for veteran actors, and if not, what changes  do you advocate for? That is something I have b

Why I took time off acting movies – Omotola Jalade

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A popular Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has addressed her long absence from acting, which made her a darling of many Nigerians and other foreigners. In a post via her official Instagram page on Friday, the actress revealed that she needed to take a break from acting to relax, reflect and recharge her body. Jalade-Ekeinde, who started her acting career at age 15, explained that working non-stop for decades made her feel the need to unwind and revitalise. She emphasised that taking time off is essential to maintaining her creative energy and passion for her craft. The actress wrote, “I know many never understand why I take time off movies for a few years, then come back and do it again! Lol… “I see fans asking when I’ll be back on screens, but when you’ve been working since you were 15, like I have… “You’ll do good to Relax, Relive, Relearn and Recharge. Who understands & who’s following.”  

Nigeria Immigration Service deported 61 foreigners over irregular migration

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No fewer than 61 foreign nationals were deported by the Nigerian Immigration Service from the country in August 2024. This is because the new visa policy facilitated a total of 8,352 Visas on Arrival for travellers in the month under review. The figures were contained in a report by the service detailing the NIS achievements for August. In the report, the reason for deporting the foreign nationals was to address the issue of irregular migration in the country. The report partly read, “The NIS eased out 61 foreign nationals to address irregular migration. The new Visa Policy facilitated 8,352 Visas on Arrival.” This is, however, not the first time the immigration would be deporting foreign nationals from the country. Between 2020 and 2022 no fewer than 70 foreign nationals were deported from the country.    

Anti-party: PDP panel gets report on Wike, Ortom, Makinde

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The Peoples Democratic Party National Disciplinary Committee has received reports on alleged anti-party activities of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and others from the National Working Committee. The committee, led by a former Foreign Affairs Minister, Tom Ikimi, was set up to address and manage all disciplinary matters. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, and others were reportedly summoned by the party to appear before the panel following a series of petitions against them bordering on allegations of anti-party activities and sabotage during the 2023 elections. Five former governors of the PDP, led by Wike, allegedly worked against the party and its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the 2023 election. Wike, Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu State), Samuel Ortom (Benue State), and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State fell out with Atiku over the refusal of the former National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, to relinquish his pos

NNPC, refused to be the sole buyer of Dangote Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), Dangote refinery may dump local market, to start exporting petrol

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The Dangote refinery may resort to exporting its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) following the refusal of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to be the sole buyer of its product. The NNPC, in a statement by its spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, said on Saturday that it would not buy Dangote fuel unless it was cheaper than that of the international market. This is contrary to claims by the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, that the refinery was waiting for the NNPC to roll out its product. On Saturday, the NNPC stated that it would only fully offtake petrol from the refinery if the market prices of PMS were higher than the pump prices in Nigeria. The NNPC also declared that Dangote and other domestic refineries were free to sell directly to any marketer on a willing buyer, willing seller basis, adding that it had no desire or intention to become the distributor for any entity in a free market environment. The company was reacting to a press release by the Muslim Rights C

Victor Osimhen, to earn €6m in Galatasaray

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Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray have announced the signing of Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen on a season-long loan from Serie A champions SSC Napoli. The club unveiled the Super Eagles striker with a video on their social media pages. The video, which highlights the club’s latest high-profile acquisition, features the 25-year-old Osimhen in a striking moment that fans won’t soon forget. “Masquerade with a special guest. Osimhen is here,” the club posted alongside the video, signaling the arrival of the Nigerian star in Istanbul. In the video, Osimhen, donning his trademark mask, confidently declared, “We are the best,” while pointing towards the Europa League trophy—a clear statement of intent for the upcoming season. He then placed his iconic mask on the table, marking the beginning of his new journey with Galatasaray. The move is seen as a significant addition to Galatasaray’s squad, as they aim for domestic and European glory this season. Details of deal Meanwhile, Galatasaray

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman nominated for Ballon d’Or 2024 award

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Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award. Lookman made the award nomination list after his heroics in the Europa League final where he scored a hat-trick as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen. Other nominees in the men’s player of the year nomination list includes Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, Man City’s midfielder Rodri and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal. Ademola Lookman only African in full list of Ballon d’Or contenders Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid Lautaro Martinez – Inter Ademola Lookman – Atalanta Alejandro Grimaldo – Bayer Leverkusen Dani Carvajal – Real Madrid William Saliba – Arsenal Lamine Yamal – Barcelona Bukayo Saka – Arsenal Hakan Calhanoglu – Inter Rodri – Man City Declan Rice- Arsenal Harry Kane – Bayern Munich Cole Palmer – Chelsea Vitinha – PSG Vinicius Jr – Real Madrid Martin Odegaard – Arsenal Dani Olmo – Barcelona Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen Mats Hummels – Roma Erling Haal

Rema donates N105m to home church for supporting family after dad’s death

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Afrobeats sensation, Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, donated N105m to a Christ Embassy church in Benin, Edo State, on Sunday. The donation was made during a Sunday service, where Rema thanked the church for its support and guidance. In a now-viral video, he said, “I’m not here to give myself any accolades or glory. I’m here to give God the glory. I feel like it is important to give back because the church has embraced, prayed for me, and has kept me very consistent with my spirit. “Firstly, I want to give a pledge of N40m to the infrastructure of the church. I want to pledge N20m to Rhapsody of Realities, and being the fact that I came from the teens church, I also want to pledge N25m to the infrastructure of the teens church. “I’m pledging N20 million to widows in church today.” Rema further revealed how the church supported his family during a difficult time after his father’s passing. He said, “When I was eight year old, when I lost my dad, we felt very lost and abandoned. All th

American tourists spent 36 years in Nigeria with 10-day transit visas

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Two American tourists, Liza Gatsby, and Peter Jenkins, have recounted what led them to spend over 36 years in Nigeria instead of the 10-day transit visas that were approved for them in 1988. The two tourists made the revelation in an interview with a content creator, David Nkwa, monitored by our correspondent on Wednesday. According to them, they never planned to stay in Nigeria beyond their approved days of visitation until they saw the need to save drill monkeys in the country because they were impressed by the dominance of interesting opportunities in areas of Science and Wildlife Conservation, the roads, the hospitality of Nigerians and the living condition that appeared better compared to America in those days. “I’ll tell you what I like about Nigerians. Okay, that’s what makes Nigeria different from every other country in Africa. They would say ‘hey! Oyinbo, come in na, sit down, make we talk. Make I go buy you drink.’ That is the difference between Nigeria and the rest of Africa

Nigeria police will torture, kill me if I surrender – Wanted British national

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The British national declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force, Andrew Wynne, has said he won’t be turning himself in because he feared for his life in the hands of the police. The police had on Monday declared Wynne and one Lucky Obiyan, a Nigerian, wanted and placed N20m bounty on them for allegedly trying to overthrow President Bola Tinubu by allegedly financing the recent #EndBadGovernance or #Hunger protest in the country. Wynne had denied the allegations and accused the police of not extending an invitation to him. But reacting on Tuesday, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, insisted that the police had invited Wynne and given him ample opportunity to come forward to prove his innocence. “We have established an offence or offences against him (Wynne), and we have even declared him wanted. His accomplices have been charged in court. Let him come out. At least those people worked for him. As a good leader, a businessman, and a smart man who mobilised and organised sleeper cel

NAHCO rewards cleaner, who found and returned $10,000, while cleaning an aircraft in Kano

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The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance) has rewarded a staff member of the Company, Mr. Auwal Ahmed Dankode, who found and returned $10,000, while cleaning an aircraft in Kano. The Kano-born Dankode was hosted at the headquarters of the company at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos for his transparency, honesty and integrity. Dankode was assigned alongside other colleagues to clean the MS 878 passenger aircraft operated by Egypt Air, when he found the money left behind by the passenger on seat No 25H,  at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, on Wednesday. PUNCH Metro learnt that he promptly turned the money over to the airline’s Station Manager. The Group Managing Director/CEO of NAHCO, Mr Indranil Gupta, while commending Dankode for being a true NAHCO ambassador, who had put into use the training he received in the company, announced a handsome cash reward, instant promotion and appointment as NAHCO Brand Ambassador, a statement from the com

Dangote petrol ready for rollout

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is set to roll out the sale of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol. This is coming a few days after the 650,000-capacity refinery engaged in a test-run of the product. Industry sources confirmed to our correspondent that the product would hit the market soon. The sources, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that the government and the Dangote Group were working out modalities for the circulation of the product. A government source hinted that the sale and distribution of the PMS is being sorted out with the Federal Government. The source added that only the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited would be authorised to sell the Dangote fuel at the moment. Recall that petrol from the Dangote refinery was supposed to have been out since June, but the refinery battled crude shortage and entered into a brawl with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, which accused the refinery of producing substandard diesel. Th