Omawumi Opens Up On Friendship With Waje

Nigerian singer Omawumi has finally opened up on her relationship with singer, Waje. She did so as a guest on Battabox's "Conversations with Labo" where she talked about her longtime friend Waje, new friends and more. Omawumi who celebrated her birthday back in April with an intimate party put up pictures with the hashtag no new friends. When asked by the host why she wrote that she had this to say, "There is nothing wrong with new friends, I just don't have any. The devil you know is better than the one you don't." On her friendship with soul singer Waje, "From the moment I got into this industry me and Waje have been friends. We are alike, we like the same things, we pray a lot. We do a lot of pray, a lot of God factor. We empower each other, encourage each other. We no dey jealous each other and then we celebrate each other, We understand each other. We try to be there for one another when either of us is sad." When asked if her husband affects her relationship with the other mother of one, Omawumi had this to say, "When he met me, he met us together. She's one of the very few people my husband is comfortable with around me. We fight, but the good thing about it is when we fight, we give each other time then we trash it."

Ubi Franklin Congratulates Iyanya On New Signing

Barely minutes after Iyanya announced his new signing with Temple Management Company, former partner, Ubi Franklinhas congratulated him, ruining any speculations of a feud between the two.

The singer made the announcement via his Instagram page yesterday, July 27, 2016, adding that his new album would be released under his new label. Its unclear if the label actually belongs to Iyanya who has expressed plans to floating his own record label, but Ubi who has confirmed his support of the singer's plans, made sure to repost the Instagram post and as well as congratulate him. play Ubi Franklin congratulates Iyanya on new signing (instagram) Commenting on the post, Ubi wrote: "Congratulations my brother forever." Iyanya disclosed in his announcement that he would always be brothers with Ubi but was taking this step to move to the next level, while promising to bring his fans the same level of quality, verve and energy he always has.

Avengers Are Within Your Government, IYC Tells Buhari • Says Lagos Militants, Avengers Are Not Ijaw People

The umbrella body of Ijaw youths, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide, on Thursday, told President Muhammadu Buhari that members of the militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) were within his government. The President of IYC, Mr. Udengs Eradiri, who briefed the press at the Headquarters of the council in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, also lamented constant linkage of avengers and criminals in Lagos State to Ijaw people. Eradiri advised President Buhari to begin

the search for avengers within his government insisting that members of the militant group were in Aso Rock villa. He wondered why the military was laying siege in Gbaramatu Kingdom for members of NDA whom he said were not in the community. He said: “Why are they always quick to attack our communities. Gbaramatu is not the headquarters of avengers. It does not habour any avenger. Do you think that the community people are happy that they are under siege and cannot go about their normal duties? “The more they are doing this thing, the more Ijaw people will begin to come together and we will never be divided. The government should stop harassing our people. “The NDA is within them. They know themselves. They are blocking the President left, right and centre so that he would not see them. The NDA is with him and his people there”. Eradiri also insisted that the Ijaw people were not behind the violent attacks on communities in Lagos and Ogun states by militants regretting that some people deliberately ascribed such criminalities to Ijaw to cause ethnic war between Ijaw and their Yoruba neighbours. He asked the security agencies to do their job by flushing out the perpetrators of Lagos violence and stop making public statements that could create ethnic tension. He said: “There are some groups in Lagos engaged in criminal activities and those activities are now threatening the brotherly relationship our people have enjoyed in Lagos. “First, Nigeria should stop ascribing anything that happened in the Niger Delta to Ijaw people. For the avoidance of doubt, Niger Delta Avengers are not Ijaw people. I am tired of answering questions about Niger Delta Avengers. “I am the President of the Ijaw Youth Council. I am not the President of NDA. NDA are not Ijaw people. We don’t know who Niger Delta Avengers are. If the security agencies know avengers, they should arrest them. They should do their jobs. “They should stop transferring their jobs to community leaders or youth Organisations or leaders of ethnic nationalities. Their duty is to maintain law and order, to gather intelligence and do whatever they deem fit to ensure that there is peace in the country. “Please stop ascribing negative things to Ijaw people. We are the fourth largest ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and I agree that we are the people who refuse to eat sand and call it food. But that does not mean that every little thing that happens in the region will be ascribed to Ijaw people”. Eradiri said the Lagos issue has assumed a worrisome dimension adding that all the criminal activities in communities hosting the Arepo Atlas Cove pipelines in Lagos and Ogun States were being perpetrated by thieves who were out to enrich themselves. He said there is widespread economic crimes along pipelines in the country and that the Lagos scenario involved people from all the ethnic groups. He said: “So, Nigerians should stop ascribing it to Ijaw people. Ijaw people are peace-loving people. For over hundreds of years, our people have cohabited with other ethnic nationalities. We have never been known to be hostile people. “We sympathise with families that have lost their lives especially during the Ogun-Arepo crisis. As much as our hearts grieve with the affected families, we want to say that the aggressors are not Ijaw people. They are common criminals who are stealing refined products for economic reasons. “Therefore, the police and other security agencies that are sustained by taxpayers money should go and do their job. It beats our imagination when a police commissioner will stand up publicly to ascribe such crimes to ethnic nationality. “However, whichever way we can assist to resolve the issues in Lagos, we are willing to support. But the problem is snowballing into crisis between Ijaws and Yorubas and that is why we are concerned. “We will not support any negative thing that will be done to destabilise Lagos and its environs because our people are peaceful and law-abiding. We appeal to the Yoruba community, all those who are fanning the ambers of ethnic crisis should stop it. There are some individuals who are behind it and any little thing that happens they want to ascribe it. “This is just to build bad blood against our people. The government should be very vigilant because just on Wednesday, properties of the Ijaws were destroyed within the outskirts of Lagos because of media propaganda against our ethnic nationality”. He added: “We appeal to the Yoruba people; don’t allow yourselves to be used by people because they just want to create conflict. Conflict in Lagos will never help any of us. We still remember the injuries that were inflicted upon both sides during the OPC, Ijaw crisis. “Go back and investigate the issues, you will be amazed that one nonsense matter that has no bearing that caused it. Yoruba nation must know that we are their brothers. We share the same aspirations. “Ijaws will not sit down and said lets go and destroy Lagos. Lagos share the same terrain with us and we cannot destroy our home because we see Lagos as home. “We see Ogun as home. Let’s not be deceived into an unnecessary conflict. The security agencies are to be blamed. They should go and do their jobs. The waterways should be policed properly”. 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Dokpesi Lashes APC Over Lack Of Capacity To Lead Nigeria

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has has been accused to have demonstrated that it lacks the capacity and experience to lead a united and prosperous Nigeria. The national chairmanship hopeful of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, made the disclosure during his meeting with delegates from Ebonyi state at the party secretariat in Abakaliki, said that APC came to power by accident and has failed to fulfill its campaign promises. “The APC has shown they came to power by accident with no clear plan on how to govern the country. They lack the required capacities and experiences to lead Nigeria. “Those that said they have better ideas than the PDP have left the country in hunger. They have divided the country and failed to deliver on their electoral promises. The cost of kerosene, diesel, tomatoes, garri, rice and others are at all-time high,” he had earlier stated at Enugu where he was warmly received and assured of support. The media mogul maintained there is no faction in the PDP, noting that the era of impunity is gone for good in the party. “There is no faction. It is a group of persons living in the past, in the era of impunity. They will not succeed because the will of God and the wishes of the 99.99 percent party faithfuls will prevail,” he said. He told the delegates that he is ready to rebuild, rebrand and reposition the party, adding that APC has failed Nigerians. “I am soliciting for your support so that I can serve you. I am a builder and a pioneer in so many areas, so, I am ready with your permission to rebuild our great party for Nigerians. In 2015, our then presidential candidate, former president Goodluck Jonathan maintained that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. It is a lesson that democracy can work in Africa. With your support, I will lead a vibrant PDP as opposition and we will present candidates that will win in 2019 so that power can return to the people,” he said. The Ebonyi state PDP chairman, Barrister Onyeka Nwebonyi, lauded Dokpesi for presenting himself to serve the party at a critical time. He assured him that the state will not disappoint him because he has the credentials to lead the party. “PDP is facing a critical challenge and we require an experienced, intelligent and God-fearing leader like you. You are qualified to lead the party. We will take your message to our leader, the governor of the state, that you have met the delegates and offered to serve the party. We are united and we will not disappoint you at the convention. From the reception and the reactions of delegates to your speech, you can see that you are at home and we are for you,” he said. Dokpesi and his team, made up of eminent Nigerians, including the former Chief whip of the senate, Victor Kassim Oyofo, Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara, Prince Lekan Tejuoso have visited Edo, Delta, Anambra, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Enugu with a promise to tour all the states of the federation before the August 17 National Convention.

Beyonce's visual album Lemonade has led the nominations for the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, receiving a stunning 11 nods. The result is a career-best for the singer, who has never before received as many nominations at a single VMA.

Beyonce dominates MTV video nominations Beyonce's Lemonade has earned her 11 nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards. Adele and Kanye West also walked away with multiple nods, but surprisingly nothing for Taylor Swift. Adele also stacked the categories with her comeback ballad Hello, which will go up against Beyonce's Formation in the Video of the Year category. In an awards ceremony shaping up to be a major win for female artists, Taylor Swift is noticeably absent. The 26-year-old singer was nominated for 10 awards last year. However, Swift's one eligible video, Out of the Woods, was left off the nominee list. Rap's biggest names are also strong contenders at the 2016 MTV VMAs. Drake's instant-classic Hotline Bling is up for two awards, including Video of the Year, as are Kanye West's Famous and Justin Bieber's Sorry. West was blasted last month for his Famous video clip, which features sleeping actors who had been styled to look like a naked Taylor Swift, Donald Trump, Rihanna and Caitlyn Jenner. Australian singer Sia is up for the Best Female Video gong for Cheap Thrills, while Rihanna has also been nominated for her two collaborations with Drake on Work and Calvin Harris on This Is What You Came For. Last month, it sensationally emerged that Taylor Swift had written the song for ex-boyfriend Harris under the pseudonym, Nils Sjöberg. The MTV VMAs will take place on August 28 at New York's Madison Square Garden for the first time, making the pilgrimage from Los Angeles.

Star Wars Star Harrison Ford 'Could Have Been Killed' In On-set Accident, UK Court Hears

An accident involving a hydraulic metal door with the strength of "a small car" left actor Harrison Ford with a broken leg on the set of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, a British court has heard. The injury, which created headlines around the world at the time, forced a production delay to the film, which went on to become one of the most successful box office blockbusters of all time. Producers guilty on Ford's Star Wars leg break A production company involved in making Star Wars: The Force Awakens has pleaded guilty to failing to protect actors and workers after an incident in which Harrison Ford's leg was broken. Two years on, the film's production company - Foodles Production Ltd, which is owned by The Walt Disney Company - has pleaded guilty to two breaches of health and safety legislation. During a hearing at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court in the UK, prosecutor Andrew Marshall said the door "could have killed somebody". Almost crushed to death by a hydraulic door on the set of the Millennium Falcon ... Harrison Ford as Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.. Photo: Disney/Lucasfilm Marshall told the court Ford, who plays smuggler-turned-hero Han Solo in the Star Wars films, had been on the set of the Millennium Falcon space ship. Ford had walked through a doorway containing a hydraulic-powered door but believed the set was not live at the time. The door, which was operated remotely, closed on him and Ford was struck in the pelvic area and pinned to the ground. He could have been killed had someone not activated an "emergency stop" function, Marshall said. Harrison Ford influenced Han Solo's fate Speaking with Jimmy Kimmel, Harrison Ford reveals how his Star Wars campaigning paid off and why he's excited for another Indiana Jones film. Contains Star Wars spoilers. At the time, Ford was airlifted to a hospital in Oxford. During a television interview with British presenter Jonathan Ross, Ford noted that in the original Star Wars trilogy the Falcon's doors were pulley operated, not hydraulic. "Now we had lots of money and technology and so they built a f---ing great hydraulic door which closed at light speed," Ford said. The 74-year-old American actor told Ross the door struck his left hip because he was turned to the right, and then flung his left leg up and dislocated his ankle. It also broke two bones in his left leg. A spokesman for Britain's Health and Safety Executive told the court the power of the door's drive system was roughly equal to "the weight of a small car." "This was a foreseeable incident," the spokesman said. "Foodles ... has accepted it failed to protect actors and staff and HSE welcomes the firm's guilty plea," the HSE said in a statement. Foodles said it had provided "full co-operation" to the investigation. "The safety of our cast and crew was always a top priority throughout the production," the company said in a statement. The incident occurred in June, 2014. Four charges were initially brought against the company, but two of the charges were withdrawn. Foodles is pleading guilty to the breaches, but is contesting the severity of the risk. The company will be sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court next month.

2-Face Talks About Growing Up, Coronation In Kaduna

2Face Idibia has in a chat on EbonyLife TV, talked about growing up in Makurdi, his coronation, his life with Annie Idibia and more. When asked about his childhood in Makurdi and his fondest memory the 'Officially blind' singer said, "One of the memories I can never forget is going to the Zoo." Talking about his rise to the top, "There's no shame in entering Molue as long as you reach were you dey go. Because one thing about life is when you are down and you are ashamed of yourself that is the biggest set up you are setting yourself up. Because that means you will not move." 2Face also opened up on his coronation as the 'Tafidan Kudendan' of Kaduna State. According to him, "They were impressed by my Vote Not Fight campaign during the elections. After that he was like he's going to honour this dude with a title. I thought it was a joke at first until letter came in, official invitation came in. Even when I went for the coronation, I thought it was going to be recognition but lo and behold, it was actually a title." He recently, threw a birthday bash for his 10 year old daughter, Ehi in the United States. All this comes after 2Face's wife, Annie Idibia, was dragged on social media by Pero's older sister for allegedly keeping the singer away from his kids.

Video Evidence, Peter Okoye And The Congo Show

Just when it was thought that the Okoye brothers were back together for good, another drama emerged as Peter Okoye took to his Instagram page to threaten to sue anyone who used his image and that of P-Square to book shows without his permission. Below is what he wrote: “DISCLAIMER This goes out to all my Fans in Congo Specifically and the entire world in General. My attention has been drawn to a much publicised show holding today 8th July, 2016(VIP SHOW) and tomorrow 9th July, 2016,(in Goma) and on the 17th of August in Kinshasa wherein the name Psquare was used maliciously and mischievously to garner patronage and huge fans attendance as against the stage name Rudeboy which is used when my Twin Brother, Paul, and Co-owner of the stage name Psquare performs alone. I never endorsed the usage of my name as the contractual terms presented were not favourable to me, thus I am not part of the show booked by our former manager Jude and I wholeheartedly disassociate myself from the unauthorized use of my Co-owned stage name (Psquare) and images for promotional and economic reasons without my express written consent or permission. Contrary to the wild allegations making the rounds that I could not attend the show because I am sick and missed my flight along with my crew members, I wish to counter same and state categorically, that I am 101% healthy. I shall take appropriate legal actions in the nearest future against the character assassination and malicious misrepresentation. Thank you. MR.P (Peter of Psquare)” Contrary to what he said, an Airtel East Africa representative has now released a video showing that Peter actually endorsed the show.

Wizkid seems to have addressed the rumors of him dating US singer, Justine Skye. The rumor which has been ongoing for a while peaked during the One Africa Music Festival, held Friday, July 22, 2016 at Barclays Centre in New York. To set the records straight, the singer shared a photo of himself and Justine Skye via his instagram page with the caption: “No Questions”, as he responded to the dating rumors. The singer also shared some back stage photos at the One Africa Music Festival. Meanwhile, Wizkid has announced a collaborative project with multiple Grammy awards winner, Alicia Keys. He said: “Last night I made magic with Alicia Keys,” Wizkid emphasizing that their upcoming song is “real music” and that he feels, “#Blessed!”

Buhari Opens Abuja-Kaduna Rail Line For Services

The first phase of the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Rail Guage was yesterday opened for services by President Mohammadu Buhari with a promise to boost rail transportation in the country. Towards this end, his administration would pursue a 25-Year Strategic Railway Master Plan which is aimed at rehabilitating the existing 3,505km narrow gauge rail lines, and developing as well as constructing new standard gauge rail lines across the country. Though conceptualised by the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006, the actual execution of the project started in 2009 under the administration of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2009. At the commissioning of the project yesterday, Buhari said the completion marked a major milestone in the annals of the country. “The construction of the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge rail track commenced in 2009 and happily, seven years after, we are on the threshold of presenting to Nigerians a standard gauge railway train service that will be safe, fast and reliable. “The train service will provide the much-needed alternative transport link between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State, a corridor which has a huge potential for industries, agricultural activities and a growing labour force. “This project was conceived by a previous administration, started by the last government and I am pleased to complete and commission it,” Buhari said. The president recalled that between 1963 and early 1980s, Nigeria had a vibrant rail system which conveyed agricultural, livestock and solid mineral resources to Lagos …Read More Source: The Guardian

APC, PDP Youths Take Over Benue Assembly

The N750 million car purchase scam rocking Benue State House of Assembly has led to the complex yesterday being taken over by security personnel and youths of All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic, PDP. Benue Assembly This came as suspended member of the Assembly, Kester Kyenge, blamed his suspension on his call for an investigative panel to probe how the bailout fund to the state by Federal Government was spent. Kyenge, who is leader of the Consensus for Change group in the House, was handed a five months suspension for alleged unruly behaviour. The security operatives, including a detachment of the Mobile Police Force and operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, mounted checkpoints at over 800 metres from the complex, frisking anyone heading towards the Assembly. The security operatives also ensured that the aggrieved youths were prevented from causing a breakdown of law and order both within and outside the complex. The House Committee Chairman on Information, Bem Ngutyo, said the presence of security operatives was to forestall any criminal act in the Assembly. Source: Vanguard

Peter Okoye Apologizes To Fans, Says Psquare Is Back

One half of P-Square, Peter Okoye has apologized to fans for his counter-productive behaviour that led to the temporary split of the group. Peter Okoye in an Instagram video posted Monday (July 25, 2016) apologized to fans for the way he has behaved over the last few months and announced that the successful

pop group P-square is back. Peter Okoye further wrote a lengthy apology letter on his Instagram page chronicling the origins of Psquare, and taking responsibility for the drama and controversy that has engulfed the group over the last few months. He also stated that the group is about to start a new journey with his brother/manager Jude Okoye. Earlier this year Peter Okoye announced that he would no longer work with Jude Okoye for his lack of direction. Peter Okoye's reads as follows: "My dear fans, P-Square is back. Ours is a journey that started from our mother’s womb. It was a journey that started from Primary School, continued to St. Murumba College, to when we were in University in Abuja. It was a journey in which we shared childhood memories and grown-up dreams. We are back because brothers do not let each other wander in the dark alone. We are back because we have tried the lonely road and it was not the same. "I want to take responsibility for what has happened and sincerely apologise to you our fans. For supporting us throughout this journey we owed you so much more than what you have had to endure and I apologise for that. We are embarking now on a new journey with exciting new management (Jude Okoye), new music and new ideas. Peter Okoye knew about the concert, and even made a promotional video with his brother Paul, stating his involvement in the show. "We cannot thank you enough for all your prayers and support throughout this difficult period. Maya Angelou once said that brotherhood is a condition that people have to work at. We will continue to work on that and you can be prepared to be blown away by this new phase of P-Square. "God bless you all and be assured that you have not seen anything yet! Peter Okoye." In July, Peter Okoye threatened to sue his brother Paul Okoye for performing at a concert in Congo with the Psquare brand. It was later revealed that Peter Okoye knew about the show in Congo but pulled out when his demands were not met by the organizers. Following issues arising from friction between Peter and Jude earlier this year, the singing and dancing duo split up as Jude got fired from his role as manager, causing bad blood for over a month.

M.I Raps With Rubbin' Minds On Chocolate City Structure

M.I Abaga has been announced as the new CEO of Chocolate City.

M.I Abaga was a recent guest at TV show Rubbin' Minds where he talked about his reign at Chocolate City, new imprints springing up under the label, relationship with artistes like Ice Prince and Jesse Jagz and more. Abaga talks about life as a CEO being 'terrible' but loves the thrill that comes with it despite the rigours. “Terrible Terrible,” he said. “I love it. I love going to work. It’s hardwork. Shout-out to everybody that has a 9-5 job out there and then balancing it with my career and also being the guy that takes the bullets, when things don’t work out the way they should. However I am blessed and it’s the best experience.” he added. Speaking on how far the label has come, M.I said " We are the teenager in the industry, eleven years now, oldest fully functional label, we had a great year last year and it was shocking to everybody that even though our year was great, everybody said, 'Ah Chocolate City, what's going on. What's M.I doing, I just told my staff. just told the boy that we have to look past that and understand that we are becoming more of a corporate business than a boutique brand that people can be excited about...," adding that they were fully in support of Ice Prince's Super Cool Cats as well as Jesse Jagz' Jagz Nation, and that they were looking to float more labels. He also defended Chocolate City as being sustainable countering the perception that all Nigerian record labels are not sustainable. The 'Bad belle' rapper also talked about the company being on the look out to sign new acts in addition to the 12 he mentioned that they already have, which will be done by the A&R. About Ice Prince and working with him, he said "Ice Prince is the easiest but also the most difficult person. He’s so opinionated and he knows what he wants and he is a go-getter which makes it easy but also difficult because you are always catching up when you meet him again. He’s always on to the next thing and his zeal is something that has been apparent since he was 16 and 17 in Jos. You know you could always see he was going to be a big star and conquer Africa and the world as he has done is doing.” Speaking of Jesse Jagz, he made it known that Jesse Jagz was still close to Chocolate City during the period of his exit from the label in June 2013, and was of the opinion that Jesse's departure was right to find his identity outside Chocolate City. Although he made a return to the label in March 2015, the rather unceremonious manner in which he left two years earlier made people believe that there was bad blood between the two siblings. M.I further revealed that Jesse was done working on his album as he received a call from him to that effect. On gaining international recognition, M.I stated that he wasn't interested in pursuing global fame "I’m very weird about the international thing. I’m not interested at all. I’m interested in building Africa and building in Nigeria. I think in that way, the biggest thing we can do internationally is to set up our businesses and our industry right here. America is very funny. You know I had the opportunity."

Fayose Tells EFCC To Publish Dasuki’s Statement, My accounts

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has challenged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to make public the statement it has extracted from the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, in its ongoing probe of money meant for the purchase of arms and the funding of the last general election. He also said the agency should publish his personal accounts that it froze to let the whole world know what are contained therein. The governor threw the challenge at the weekend while featuring on an interview programme on a radio station, Fresh FM. In a statement issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor opined that by publishing Dasuki’s statement, it would at least show whether the ex-NSA gave money to the former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, or anybody to give to Fayose. “What I am facing in Ekiti is a war of the elite and incidentally, it is the masses that vote people into office. We know some failed Ekiti politicians who now resume daily at the EFCC office to concoct stories and give same to their commissioned newspapers to publish. It is only one or two newspapers that always have their so-called exclusive stories and they follow the same pattern. “The EFCC is only engaged in mind game. They think they can wear me out, that is not possible as God is on my side because I stand for the truth. EFCC has not told Nigerians how money was wired to me. They must be responsible to do investigation that would not be a media issue. What the EFCC and their APC collaborators are trying to do is to set the people of the state against me and they have failed. “In my two accounts that they have frozen, I have N300 million in the fixed deposit and N82 million in the other. Both accounts and my property were duly declared in my asset declaration form. They are treading the same 2006 path and they will fail woefully by the grace of God. What they did in 2006, the Supreme Court declared it illegal and I came back to office exactly eight years after. It means one of us lied and was mischievous,” he said. Fayose also challenged the APC and its leaders to also tell the people how their own elections were funded, noting that a defector from the PDP to the APC should not suddenly become an angel or a saint. “We cannot all be in the APC, if we are then, we are no longer practising democracy. There must be opposition and that is to keep those in government on their toes, but if you now make silencing the opposition your main programme, then, you are short changing the people. The people are hungry, they are ravaged by poverty and what you think is the best step to take is to kill the voice of the opposition. If the situation was this bad, the PDP would have been removed from office a long time ago,” he added. On the June 21, 2014 governorship election that brought him to office, Fayose said Dr Kayode Fayemi and APC leaders conceded defeat and that both local and international observers described the poll as free and fair. “After the APC leaders failed to stop my inauguration, get me impeached, they know that they will still lose again in 2018. What they are trying to do is to create a wedge between me and the people of the state who love me. As far as I am concerned, their project is dead on arrival. The voice of the people is the voice of God,” he stated. On the claim by the APC-led federal government that massive fraud during the Goodluck Jonathan administration was responsible for its poor performance, Fayose said it was only a lazy worker that would complain about his tools. “President Barack Obama, despite what he inherited from the Republican administration, still made the difference. The problem we have is not about the vehicle, but the driver. Let them give account of what they have realised as revenue, as recovered funds and the billions of dollars found in people’s houses all over the world. We want to know what has become of the funds,” he stated.

Breaking: Buhari, Obasanjo In Closed Door Meeting

Reports reaching beats-onit just revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari is currently meeting behind closed doors with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Obasanjo, decked in a blue agbada and cap to match, arrived the Presidential Villa, Abuja for the meeting at about 12.54pm. He was driven to the forecourt of the President’s office in a black Sports Utility Vehicle marked ABJ425 PY. The former President was accompanied by one of his daughters.

The New Day In Ninivaga: A Brief Review

"The New Day In Ninivaga A Triology" is a book of drama set in a third world country called Ninivaga. Authored by Donne A. Chikere, the work is an effort in capturing the perversive disposition of third world rulers whose stock in trade is to plunder their counties' wealth whilst ruling rather than leading, with every instrument of coersion. As the economy of Ninivaga goes bad with despair and despondence being the hallmark of despicable rulership, some young military officers decide to overthrow the government in a coup d'etat. Even at that and all promises that things will improve for the citizens, they get worse in Ninivaga. But there comes a new day in Ninivaga when a new government emerges to cater to the needs of the people; providing health care, education, bank facilities, transportation, care for the aged, pregnant women, kids etc. Though, the author here wishes for eutopia, he leaves his audience cum reader wondering if Africa can deliver a government so wonderful as the new day in Ninivaga being witnessed by her people currently. This work is a must for students of literary studies and those aspiring to venture into leadership at any level.

Imo Govt Suspends 10 Monarchs Over Alleged Disobedience

Ten traditional rulers in Imo State were yesterday, summarily “suspended indefinitely”, by the state government. The Governor Rochas Okorocha-led Government’s position was made public via a press statement endorsed by the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Sir George Eche, and repeatedly aired on the channels of government owned electronic media oufit, Imo Broadcasting Corporation, IBC. According to the terse government statement, the monarchs were suspended for alleged disobedience, indiscipline and active participation in partisan politics. The affected royal fathers include Eze Ben Nwaneri of Owubinubi autonomous community, Ikeduru Local Government Area; Eze Clifford Amadi of Amawuihe Ubomiri autonomous community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area and Eze V. O. Ahamefule of Oboro Amurie autonomous community in Isu Local Government Area. Others are Eze A. E. A. Durueburuo of Okwudor autonomous community in Njaba Local Government Area; Eze Reginald Amadi of Obetiti Nguru community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area; Eze Akujuobi Osuagwu of Awaka community in Owerri North Local Government Area and Eze Fionna Iriele of Ogberuru autonomous community in Orlu Local Government Area. The rest are Eze D. O. Izim of Umunkwo community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area; Eze Innocent Ikejiofor of Amandugba autonomous community in Isu Local Government Area and Eze Chinedu Osuebi of Azara Obiato in Mbaitoli Local Government Area. The statement then directed the Commissioner for Community Government Council and Traditional Institution to retrieve their certificates and staff of office immediately. Source: Vanguard

Iyanya Denies Engagement Rumours

Contrary to reports that music star, Iyanya was engaged to a US based Liberian woman, Georgianna Weah, 34, the singer in a post on his Instagram page has denied the news. Taking to the photo sharing site yesterday, he quickly debunked the rumour saying: "Apparently I'm engaged and I didn't even know." This is not the first time the 'Oreo' singer would be linked to a lady. Back in April, he shared a photo of himself snuggled up to a mystery woman. “No days off,” he captioned their cute photo, leaving followers guessing who the lady is. Recall that he reportedly broke up with Freda Francis early this year after he unfollowed her on the photo sharing platform. Rumour of their breakup started in January after he deleted all photos of himself and Freda Francis except for a selfie of Ubi Franklin and Lilian Esoro which Freda photobombed on Instagram. Recall that Iyanya in an interview with Punch back in February revealed plans on getting married this year away from the prying eyes of the public. "I am making plans to do all that but I don’t think I would want people to know anything about it. I will not miss the single life" said the singer. The truth is that once it gets to the hands of the media, we both lose it. But it is not your fault because you are just doing your job. But then, it just takes a negative effect on the relationship," he told the Nigerian newspaper. He further added "It puts us on unnecessary pressure. It gives the people who don’t even have the right to talk, an opportunity to interfere even when they don’t know the truth about what is going on. “So from social media, I’ve learnt to keep my relationship private and to give the people more music. That is what they know me for first of all. I don’t let the other things cloud the music that I’m known for." It could be Iyanya is actually getting ready to walk down the aisle and doesn't want the media to know about it.

Tevin Campbell Believes "Love Songs Will Never Die"

“Love songs will never die” those are the words of American R&B singer Tevin Campbell. The artist is once again in South Africa for his tour. “It’s all about interpretation. A lot of R&B artists that are doing the meaningful music are being swept under the rug and not getting the publicity that other artists get. So there is great R&B music that is being made it’s just not getting noticed.” Campbell was speaking during a press conference held at the Maslow hotel on Tuesday

afternoon. He went on to say that the likes of Adele are proof that love songs are not dead, although the music is done differently to classic R&B. He also praised husky voiced song writer and singer Jazmine Sullivan saying that she’s ‘underrated’. Although Campbell enjoyed a successful career in the 90s, he is virtually unknown to the young market. He jokingly referred to the fact that the youngest fans he has probably remember his songs from the Disney film - A Goofy Movie. Campbell stated that although he would still love to reach out to younger fans, he is not prepared to ‘sell-out’ his sound to gain them. “I’m not a sellout, I’m not gonna go out and try to do Chris Brown, I love Chris Brown but I would never try to do, that’s just not me. I’m a singer, and Chris Brown has a great voice but he’s younger and he’s catering to his generation. I have to still be real to what I do,” he said. Campbell who has not released any new music for close to two decades now is currently working on new material and plans to give his fans a taste of his latest work in his upcoming show. We touched on the subject of appreciation and acknowledgement of his contribution to music. Campbell feels that he is more appreciated outside of his home country. “’I feel the appreciation more here, you gotta understand America is fickle, we’re a very fickle people. R&B music is just not appreciated like it is worldwide. America is just, we go with the trend, you know most people go with their followers, they’re not leaders. I do feel more appreciation outside my country but that’s a beautiful thing.” Asked what his thoughts were on artists who benefit from the black people minority in America but would not stand with them in issues of racial discrimination and recent cases of police brutality. “What’s going on in my country has been going on for a long, long time we just have video cameras and video phones now. “This is nothing new that’s happening, absolutely nothing new. I mean if you watch some of Malcom X’s speeches on police brutality it was happening back then. This happened before his time, cops have been killing black people for years in America. Nothing new, but something has to be done about it, because it’s really getting out of hand.” The musician appeared slightly dejected and upset by the issue of artists not standing up for black people who support their music. “It’s unfortunate that I like some of these people that I am fans of their music. It sucks, they go on social media when the cops get off, when Trayvon got shot, that’s a while ago but all the stuff that happened this year and then they get on social media and say ‘All lives Matter’, ‘Black Lives Matter’, it’s all just bulls***t. “I think they do it because of the people around them, their team. Like this will look good for you, but it doesn’t. “ Campbell is back in the country for three performances – at Grand West Casino in Cape Town on Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday at Carnival City in Ekurhuleni.

Finance Minister Admits Nigerian Economy In Recession

The Federal Government of Nigeria has admitted that Nigeria’s economy is in recession after all. Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun yesterday formerly confirmed this even as she added that federal government had since adopted some strategies and policies to address the problems. Adeosun, who stated this while briefing the Senate, however, assured that there was no cause for panic, describing the recession as a mere technical one.

She said: “Technically, our economy for now is in recession because if you go into two quotas of negative growth, your economy can be said to be in recession. Thus, technically, we are in recession but I don’t think we should dwell on the definition; I think we should really dwell on where we are going. “I think if we are in recession what I will like to say is we are going to come out of it and it would be a very short one, because the policies that we have will ensure that we don’t go below where we need to go; and I think with what we are doing right now, we will begin to turn things around.” However, when reminded at the session that the International Monetary Fund, IMF, in its latest reports predicted that the Nigerian economy would continue to shrink till the end of the year, the minister said the reports should be disregarded as such projections had not always been accurate. “I am not too worried about the IMF projection because their projections have not always been accurate. They equally issued a negative report on Britain as a result of Brexit. I don’t think we should panic every time IMF speaks. I think we need to be confident around what we are doing and where we are going. I remain extremely confident as I said around Nigeria,” she said. Adeosun further explained that in getting things turned around faster, government in its implementation of the 2016 budget had been very strategic in spending by investing in infrastructure, a move she said had made government release a total of N247.9billion for capital projects execution in the 2016 budget. According to her, out of the N247.9billion released so far from the N1.1trillion capital votes in the budget, N74billion went for infrastructural development as against N19billion released to the sector for the whole of last year while N21.6billion and N22billion were released and cash backed for execution of capital projects in the agriculture and transport sectors respectively. She added that the federal government in few weeks time would make additional release of N60billion for capital projects execution. The minister in response to question on financial status of the country inherited from immediate past administration, said the present government inherited little reserves but huge debts, one of which was the $5billion cash calls indebtedness. She said: “I think at a time like this blaming who was responsible doesn’t actually take us anywhere but I will tell you what I inherited. I inherited very little by way of reserves; I inherited significant debt, contractor debt, cash calls of $5 billion dollars outstanding to the oil companies. “Many of the contractors even though we have paid them N107 billion find it very difficult to work because they are owed and some of them have not being paid since 2012. Their claims are over N390 billion. “So, I didn’t inherit reserves that are positive, I inherited reserves that tend to be more negative than positive because the economy is actually in very good hands and we are doing absolutely our best to get through this difficult period. “We are doing everything possible to avert and to manage the situation which we didn’t create, unfortunately, but which we inherited and we as a nation we must all get out of.” She in her presentation appealed to Nigerians to patronise locally made goods as against imported ones as a way of strengthening the naira and revamping the economy. The minister also assured the lawmakers that federal government was seriously putting measures in place to diversify the nation’s economy in view of the dwindling revenues accruing from crude oil sales, aside decline in its production level as against increase in population. “Government is seriously moving towards diversification of the economy more so, since the mono product template can no longer sustain the survival of the country economically. “While Nigeria with her 170 million estimated population, produces 2.2million barrel per litre of crude oil per day, Kuwait with a far less population of 1.4million people , produces 2.9mbp and not talk of Saudi Arabia populated by an estimated 30million people, producing 9.7million barrels per day,” she explained. FG, states, LGs share N559.032bn In what appeared to be an improvement in federal allocations to the various tiers of government, the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, last night announced that the federal, states and local governments would share N559.032 billion for the month of June. The amount represents a marginal increase compared to that of the previous month. The amount shared among the Federal, States and local governments is N129. 198 billion higher than the N305. 128 billion distributed in the month of May. The obviously elated minister of finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun attributed the enhanced revenue generation to the the federation account to improvement in collection from non oil revenue by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and the Nigerian Customs Service. The excess crude account, according to the Minister now stands at $3. 094 billion as at July 20, 2016. A breakdown of the money shared among the three tiers of governments shows that the gross statutory revenue of N538. 788 billion received for the month of June was higher than the N237. 466 billion received in the previous month by N301. 322 billion. Crude oil export volume increased by 1.9 million barrels in March 2016, despite the subsisting Force Majeure declared at Forcados Terminal.

Positives From Backlash Tsabalala Book Release

Author and editor Lerato Tshabalala has spoken out about the backlash she received following the release of an extract from her first book‚ saying that there were some positives that she took from the experience. Lerato made headlines earlier this month when an extract from her debut book was published by the Sunday Times‚ detailing why she prefers “to give white people jobs over black people.” Her comments sparked debate and outrage online and soon Lerato had to come out to defend herself.

But just over a week after the fiasco‚ Lerato appeared to be in a more relaxed space as she spoke to TMG Entertainment ahead of the official launch of her book. Reflecting on the events of the last few days‚ Lerato described it as “a very strange experience” that allowed her to present both herself‚ and created debate around important topics. “There were positives that came from it. It opened up discussion with people I otherwise wouldn’t have had a conversation with. It has been lovely in that way‚” she said brightly. Looking back at her book‚ which bares the warning label “Guaranteed to offend“‚ Lerato says that she has no regrets. “I am a writer‚ I will never be satisfied with anything I put out. I want to make revisions and changes. But I don’t regret anything. Could I have done anything differently? Yeah. But at the time‚ with the timelines and tools that I had‚ I did my best. So‚ I stand by my word‚ ” she added. Lerato later revealed to those in attendance at the launch‚ that she has not lost any friends over the incident. “I don’t think I’ve lost any friends. The people who are gone were never on the bus. I’ve had people that I was cordial with‚ that I am now no longer cordial with‚” she said. She added that her true friends have stuck by her‚ even if they don’t always agree with her opinions. “My friends taught me that disagreeing doesn’t mean that we are not friends. Disagreeing doesn’t mean that we must be rude to each other. That actually disagreements often come from an informed decision. Unlike those that came after me that day‚ that were not informed and was based on 800 words of a 17-chapter book. So that perspective is needed‚” she said. Reflecting on the one lesson she hopes readers will get from the book‚ Lerato told TMG Entertainment that she hopes all South Africans can become more invested in the country. “I think as South Africans‚ it is up to us to become fully invested in this country. To be critical is not a bad thing. Even in business‚ you have to do a SWOT analysis of your strengths and weaknesses. We need to be critical of ourselves so that we can get over the threshold and onto the next thing. We all want a safe South Africa and the only way to do that is to address the inequalities of the past. Ignoring them will not take us there‚” she said

AMAMN Holds Seminar For members

The Association of Music Artistes Managers of Nigeria (AMAMN) has concluded plans for training of its members to sanitize the artiste management sector and help improve the service. Ashley’s Lounge at Ikate-Elegushi, played host to a multitude of recognized, practicing and fresh artiste managers on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, as the Association of Music Artiste Managers of Nigeria began the first in its intended training series of its members. The aim was not only to guide and direct upcoming artiste managers, but also to share ideas, challenges and solution so that the profession of artiste management is improved and better practiced. Titled “The ABC of Artiste Management”, the seminar had speakers like Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, Esq.,a seasoned entertainment lawyer who spoke on ‘The Dotted Lines”, covering what to look out for and include in contractual agreements between the Artiste Manager and the Artiste and also with the record label. Ms Emem Ema, a talent manager, film producer and trained lawyer also took members on “The Business of Artiste Management’, with emphasis laid on the business aspect of artiste management and graphic representation of the financial flow in the music and entertainment industry and how an artiste manager can tap into it for their client. Mr. Ben Omesiete, a talent manager, spoke to the audience on “Creating and Managing unique Brands”, while Mr. Edi Lawani, a talent and event manager expert, capped it up with a training session on ”Artiste and Event Management Basics”. The President, Sijuade Adedokun popularly known as OBASIJUADE said event was meant to address the basics of the profession and refocus members and practicing artiste Managers on what these basics are and from the response of participants, these aim were achieved. Lastly, membership certificate and Identity cards were given to members who had completed their registration process with the Association, with more still to be given once their registration process is completed. The President, Obasijuade wishes to bring to the notice of the public the need to engage qualified and trained Artiste Managers, as only professionals can ensure value for the funds invested by clients and the public in engaging the services of an Artiste.

"Marriage Is Not By Force", Says Yvonne Jegede

Nollywood actress, Yvonne Jegede has called on all singles not to marry by force. The actress in a post shared today, July 20, 2016 on Instagram says she doesn't think marriage is mandatory.

She wrote: "Marriage is not by force, I repeat...marriage is not by force. If you cannot see yourself submitting totally to your husband, please let him just find the woman that would, no need to marry. I don't think it's mandatory... Peace is good for everyone.. You can submit to yourself and marry yourself. But if you choose to marry then respect him completely and submit totally. If you don't want to marry that's very very okay and if you cannot love the woman totally, Nwanne I repeat... Marriage is not by force... Stop wasting each other's time Biko!!!" Recently, Jegede took to Instagram to air her thoughts on depression and suicide. She has also been very vocal on social matters lately. Just last month, she weighed in on the current unemployment situation in Nigeria. She wrote: "1st May was "Workers Day" I'm wondering the people who stayed back at home to celebrate this so called Workers day when the youths are already at home anyways. This is not the time to act like everything is alright, this is not the time to pretend I'm not affected, this is not the time to manage, it is the time to speak up. I, Yvonne Jegede is sick of this, I am personally speaking for myself and people who are affected. Unemployment leads to criminal activities, when people are hungry, they are angry." Yvonne is known for the movies, "3 Is Company", "Missing Angel 2" and "Under the Sky 1&2".

AFRIMMA 2016 Olamide, Phyno, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid Lead Nominee Lists

The third edition of the annual African music awards in the diaspora, African Muzik Magazine Awards set to hold in Dallas, Texas, United States of America on October 15, 2016 sees Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Flavour and Olamide leading with number of nominations. The award is to be hosted and co-hosted by Nigerian comedian Basket Mouth and American supermodel, reality television star and actress Cynthia Bailey. Following the success of the first and second editions, the third edition is expected to be an equal success story.

The list is as follows: Best Male West Africa Wizkid – Nigeria Bisa Kdei – Ghana Serge Beynaud – Ivory Coast Olamide – Nigeria Flavour – Nigeria Carlou D – Senegal Davido – Nigeria Sarkodie–Ghana Best Female West Africa Tiwa Savage – Nigeria Yemi Alade – Nigeria Efya – Ghana Vivian Chidid – Senegal Mz Vee – Ghana Dobet Gnahore – Ivory Coast Adiouza – Senegal Almok – Togo Best Male East Africa Eddy Kenzo – Uganda Diamond Platnumz – Tanzania Jacky Gosee – Ethiopia Ali Kiba – Tanzania Jose Chameleon – Uganda Bebe Cool – Uganda Sauti Sol – Kenya Dynamq – South Sudan Best Female East Africa Victoria Kimani – Kenya Vanessa Mdee – Tanzania Ester Aweke – Ethiopia Tsedenia Gebremarkos (Ethiopia) Linah (Tanzania) Knowles Butera – Rwanda Sheebah Karungi – Uganda Akothee – Kenya Best Male Central Africa Fally Ipupa – Congo Magasco – Cameroon Ferre Golla – DRC C4 Pedro – Angola Stanley Enow – Cameroon Kyaku Kadaff – Angola Franko – Cameroon Fabregas – Republic of Congo Best Female Central Africa Anna Joyce – Angola Laurette La Perle – Congo Betty Akna – Equitorial Guinea Charlotte Dipanda – Cameroon Chikune – Namibia Daphne – Cameroon Rennis – Cameroon Arielle T – Gabon Best Male Southern Africa Aka – South Africa Black Coffee – South Africa The Dogg – Namibia Vee Mampeezy – Botswana Dj Bongz – South Africa Emtee – South Africa Roberto – Zambia Casper Nyomvest- South Africa Best Female Southern Africa Zonke – South Africa Miss Lira – South Africa Ice Queen Cleo – Zambia Lizha James – Mozambique Pah Chihera – Zimbabwe Nnunu Ramo Gotsy – Botswana Busiswa – South Africa Best Male North Africa Amr Diab – Egypt Tamer Hosny – Egypt Chawki – Morocco Mohammed Hamaki – Egypt Douzi – Morocco Saad Lamjareed – Morocco Khaled -Algeria Saber Rebai – Tunisia Best Female North Africa Samira Said – Morrocco Ibtissam Tiskat – Morocco Angham – Egypt Sandy – Egypt Amal Maher – Egypt Latifa – Tunisia Amani Swissi – Tunisia Jannat Mahid – Morocco Best African Group Sauti Sol – Kenya Radio & Weasel – Uganda Os Moikanos – Angola Bracket – Nigeria Mi Casa – South Africa R2bee’s – Ghana Bana C4 – Congo Yamoto Band – Tanzania Crossing Boundaries With Music Award C4 Pedro (Angola) Wizkid (Nigeria) Maitre Gims – (Congo) Tinie Tempah – Nigeria MHD – Senegal Ayo Jay – Nigeria STL – (Kenya) Rotimi (Nigeria ) Best Gospel Frank Edwards – Nigeria Uche Agu – Nigeria Willy Paul – Kenya SP Koffi Sarpong – Ghana Icha Kavons – Congo Ntokozo Mbambo – South Africa Sinach- Nigeria Sonnie Badu – Ghana Best Newcomer Adekunle Gold – Nigeria Reekado Banks- Nigeria Harmonize – Tanzania Falz – Nigeria Locko- Cameroon Nathi – South Africa Kofi Kinaata – Ghana Humblesmith – Nigeria Best Video Director Justin Campos – South Africa Godfather – (South Africa) Clarence Peters – Nigeria Patrick Elis- Nigeria Mysta Adrenalyne -Cameroon Enos Olik – Kenya Phamous Films – Ghana Savy Filmz – Uganda Best DJ Africa Dj Spinall – Nigeria Dj Joe MFalme – Kenya Dj Cndo – South Africa Dj Neptune – Nigeria Dj Malvado Jnr – Angola Dj Shiru – Uganda Dj D-Ommy – Tanzania Dj Labastille – Cameroon Best African DJ USA Dj Tunes – Nigeria Dj Amin – Ethiopia Dozzy Ross – Nigeria Dj Deemoney – Nigeria Dj Silent Killa – Carribeans Dj Akua – Ghana Dj Fully Focus -Kenya Dj Rell – Sierra Leone AFRIMMA Video of The Year Flavour – Champion (Nigeria) Emma Nyra ft Patoranking – For My Matter (Remix) Sauti Sol ft Ali Kiba – Unconditional Bae (Kenya/Tanzania) Bisa Kdei – Brother Brother (Ghana) Akothee ft Diamond – My Sweet Love Kenya /Tanzania Stanley Enow ft Aka and Locko – Bounce (Cameroon/South Africa) Phyno ft Olamide – Fada Fada Korede Bello ft Tiwa Savage – Romantic ( Nigeria ) Music Producer of The Year Young John – Nigeria Masterkraft – Nigeria Dr Fizol – Uganda Kaywa – Ghana Visita – Kenya Tweezy – South Africa Tud Thomas – Tanzania Dj Coublon – Nigeria Best African Dancer Kaffy Dancequeen – Nigeria Ezinne CEO – Nigeria Brenda Derry – Cameroon Sherri Silver – Rwanda La Petite Zota – Ivory Coast Eddy Wizzy – Uganda Moses Iyobo – Tanzania Roxy Roberts – Best Rap Act Phyno – Nigeria Olamide – Nigeria Aka – South Africa Sarkodie – Ghana Casper Nyovest – South Africa King Kaka Sungura – Kenya Octopizzo – Kenya Prodigio – Angola Best Collaboration Reggea Blues – Harrysong , Kcee , Iyanya, Olamide and Orezi Finally by MasterKraft , Flavour and Sarkodie Mr. Eazi ft Efya – Skin Tight – Ghana Diamond Platnumz ft Aka – Make Me Sing Wizkid X Dj Maphorisa – Soweto Baby Kiff No Beat ft Dj Arafat – Approchez Regardez Lil Kesh ft Patoranking – Is it Because I love You J Martins ft Youssour Ndour – Time is Now Song of The Year Sauti Sol ft Ali Kiba – Unconditional Bae Franko – Coller La Petite Reggea Blues – Kcee, Harrysong, Orezi, Iyanya and Olamide Bisa Kdei – Mansa Tekno – Duro Kiss Daniel – Mama Phyno ft Olamide – Fada Fada Diamond Platnumz ft Aka – Make Me Sing Artist of The Year Flavour (Nigeria) Diamond Platnumz ( Tanzania) Sarkodie (Ghana) Wizkid (Nigeria) Aka (South Africa) Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) Sauti Sol – Kenya C4 Pedro – Angola Dancehall Act of the Year Timaya – Nigeria Stonebwoy – Ghana Buffola Soldier – Zimbabwe Burna Boy – Nigeria Mc Norman Ganja -Uganda Samini – Ghana Patoranking – Nigeria Shatta Wale – Ghana AFRIMMA Caribbean Artist of The Year Morgan Heritage Alaine Machel Montano Sean Paul Konshens Busy Signal Tarrus Riley Olatunji

I am Still In APC, I Only Attended PDP Event As Senate President, Says Saraki

The news making the rounds that Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), may be a ruse after all as the man in the centre of the matter has debunked reports in the social media. Senator Saraki stressed that he remains “committed to the APC; a party that he helped midwife and worked for its victory in the 2015 elections.” In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Assistant, New Media, Bamikole Omishore, the Senate President through his Media Team asserted that claims of his purported defection making the rounds on social media were entirely untrue. The statement explained that, “In his official capacity as Senate President and chairman, National Assembly, he attended the end of session event of the PDP caucus yesterday evening and spent only 30 minutes before leaving the members to continue with the event. “The Senate President would like to assure every Nigerian that he is committed to the APC-led government and appreciates the confidence reposed in him and the APC during the 2015 General Elections.

Crisis: Senate Call On FG To Evacuate Nigerians In South Sudan

The Federal Government was on Thursday called upon to put in necessary measures to evacuate Nigerians in South Sudan, currently facing internal conflicts. The Senate made the call following a Point of Order by the Deputy Spokesman of the Senate, Sen. Ben Bruce, at plenary. Bruce while raising the point of order said that reports reaching him indicated that Nigerians in Sudan were the only nationals still left in the country in spite of the increasing tension. Ben Bruce According to him, rather than being evacuated by the authorities, Nigerians in South Sudan are being subjected to question and answer sessions and subsequently dismissed. “As we speak, in the Hallowed Chamber, the fate of Nigerians in South Sudan is unknown and there are no indications that they have been evacuated,’’ he said. Bruce urged the Senate to summon the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, to explain why Nigerians were allegedly abandoned in the war turn country. The lawmaker also urged the senate to mandate the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, to carry out holistic investigation into what transpired between Nigerians at the Nigerian Embassy in the country. In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the relevant authorities would be communicated appropriately to ensure that the lives of Nigerians in South Sudan were not in danger. “Ben Murray Bruce came to discuss this matter with me and I think that based on our rule there will be no debate. “But we will get the message across to the relevant ministry to see that a thing like this doesn’t happen and action is taken to properly address the matter.’’ The Republic of South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, following a referendum that passed with 98.83% of the vote. The country, has however, suffered internal conflicts since its independence, with a resurgence of violence following its fifth anniversary as a country. Source: Vangurd

Man Throws Son From 6th Floor Balcony

A three year-old boy survived being thrown from a sixth floor balcony in Hillbrow by his father on Wednesday morning. The 41-year-old father‚ however‚ died after he then threw himself from the building during a standoff with police after a heated argument with his wife. Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Tsekiso Mofokeng said the problem started on Tuesday afternoon when the man had an altercation with his wife. “He stabbed both his wife‚ 33‚ and son‚ 11‚ with a sharp object on the lower body‚” said Mofokeng. His wife managed to escape but the man trapped their three-year-old son‚ and police hostage negotiators were called in to handle the situation. The drama continued until the early hours of Wednesday. “…At about 1.15am‚ the man threw the child from the sixth floor balcony to the ground‚ and he also jumped. The man was certified dead on the scene‚ and the wife and children were admitted to a local hospital for treatment‚” said Mofokeng. A case of attempted murder and kidnapping is being investigated. – TMG Digital

David Bowie's $13-million Private Art Collection To Go On Display, Sale

David Bowie's private art collection, including works by Henry Moore and Damien Hirst, will go on display to the public for the first time before heading for auction later this year. The "Bowie/Collector" three-part sale in November will feature around 400 items from the pop icon's private collection and is seen fetching "in excess of £10 million" ($13.24 million), a spokeswoman for the auction house Sotheby's said. Late musician David Bowie's art collection will go on display to the public for the first time before heading for auction later this year. Bowie, who died aged 69 in January, straddled the worlds of music, fashion, drama and art for five decades, and was known for some of the most innovative songs of his generation. However his art collector side "was something he kept almost entirely hidden from public view", Sotheby's said. "Eclectic, unscripted, understated: David Bowie's collection offers a unique insight into the personal world of one of the 20th century's greatest creative spirits," Oliver Barker, Sotheby's Europe chairman, said in a statement. Among works to be featured is late American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat's Air Power painting, estimated between £2.5 million and £3.5 million ($4.38 million and $6.13 million), and Hirst's kaleidoscopic Beautiful, Shattering, Slashing, Violent, Pinky, Hacking, Sphincter Painting, seen fetching £250,000-£350,000 ($437,996-$613,194). There are also sculptures and design furniture, including a 1960s record player by Italian brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. The collection will be exhibited at Sotheby's galleries in London in early November. Before that, the auction house will hold previews around the world. - Reuters

Milli Cautions: "Don't Ask Me What Happened"

While signed to Chocolate City, the highly rated 23-year-old artiste and songwriter

Milli was preparing the release of his first body of work, the “Childish” EP, which never dropped. Instead of “Childish”, Milli has released as “Don’t Ask Me What Happened” today, an EP with seven tracks, five new ones in addition to ‘Unlooking Uncensored’ and ‘Animals After Dark’. “Don’t Ask Me What Happened” is distinctly New School. The EP features some strong Hip-Hop and some dark Rap, alongside tracks that include loftier R&B vibes; but it’s Milli’s signature Trap-influenced New School sound that is the key common denominator across all songs. While “Don’t Ask Me What Happened” is Milli’s artistic way of getting over the label break-up and coming to terms with the industry, don’t expect any bashings or tell-all songs, rather, Milli’s EP is setting out to make a point that there is an emerging New School sound in Nigeria, and that the versatile singer, rapper, co-producer and leader of the Up Next Movement is truly about setting his art free, without wanting to be limited to one particular genre. Milli is featuring the 20-year-old PatricKxxLee on two tracks, the up and coming Zambian rapper and producer, who many refer to as “Africa’s Travis Scott”, and who is also the main producer of the “Don’t Ask Me What Happened” EP. Apart from ‘Unlooking Uncensored’, which was produced by CKay and Reinhard, the EP also features an opening and a closing track produced by Surulere beat maker Beats By Jayy.

Just In: Dogara Kicks Committee On Appropriation Chairman

House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has removed the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, Mr. Abdulmumin Jibrin has been removed by the speaker of House of Representative. Jibrin, an APC member from Kano State, hard serious disagreements with his colleagues over the handling of the controversial 2016 budget. Details later…

Bracket Comes With ‘Fever’

Bracket, the singing duo has released fresh visuals for their love song, ‘Fever’. The music follows the singers' 'Shoe size' single. The 'International baby' crooners featured on ace producer JFem’s single 'Sokkor'. Bracket is made up of Obumneme Ali and Nwachukwu Ozioko popularly known as Smash and Vast. The singers are signed to Ape Planet.

Richard Mofe Damijo, Joselyn Dumas To Host NEA 2016

Veteran actor, Richard Mofe Damijo, and Joselyn Dumas are expected to host The Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEAs) 2016. The NEA is an annual award ceremony with primary objective of recognizing the contributions of Nigerian and African Entertainers. The award ceremony, in its 11th year, is not only focused on recognizing Nigerian entertainers but also highlight Nigerians who continue to make an impact in our immediate communities in Nigeria or extended communities in the diaspora. This year, the producers of the NEAs are excited to announce the addition of some new categories and also the expansion of some existing categories to reflect the ever changing entertainment industry. The 2016 NEAs will be held on September 4th, 2016 at the prestigious Tribeca Performing Art Center, 199 Chamber Street, New York, NY 10007, United States of America. Tickets for the show are now available on the NEA website -www.neaawards.org Here is the full nominees list for the various award categories: 2016 NEA NOMINEES LIST – MUSIC CATEGORIES Best Album Y.A.G.I (Lil Kesh) Applaudise (Iyanya) Eyan Mayweather (Olamide) Ghetto University (Runtown) R.E.D. (Tiwa Savage) Stories that Touch (Falz) Seyi or Shay (Seyi Shay) Mama Africa (Yemi Alade) Hottest Single Osinachi (Humblesmith) Duro (Tekno) Baba Nla (Wiz Kid) Lagos Boys (Olamide) Mama (Kiss Daniel) Jagaban (Ycee) Best Song Pick Up (Adekunle Gold) Oluwa Ni (Reekado Banks) Vow (Timi Dakolo) You Suppose know (Bez) Type of Woman (Iyanya) Go On (Niyola) Afropop Artist Tekno Wiz Kid Tiwa Savage Kiss Daniel Chidinma Davido R&B Artist Waje Niyola Praiz Seyi Shay Dare Iyanya Rap Act Vector MI Phyno Olamide Reminisce CDQ Gospel Artist Uche Agu Frank Edward Nikki Laoye Sammy Okposo Obiora Obiwon Onos Brisibi Dancehall Artist Patoranking Timaya Cynthia Morgan Ceeza Burna Boy Ketchup Indigenous Artist 9ice Flavour Tillaman Jaywon Olu Maintain Kcee Alternative Artist Temidollface Bez Mystro Brymo Aramide Timi Dakolo Best New Act Niniola Ycee Adekunle Gold Humblesmith Mz Kiss Toby Grey Most Promising Act to Watch Shobzy Mr. Eazi Teeblaq Spyz Terry Apala Coco Benson Diaspora Artist Shiikane Ayojay Mr. Eazi Lioness Duncan Daniels Stylezz Best Collabo Moniegram (Mr. 2Kay ft. Timaya) Romantic (Korede Bello ft. Tiwa) My Woman, My Everything (Patoranking ft Wande Coal) Yaya Oyoyo (Lil Kesh ft. DaVido) Reggae Blues (Harry Song ft Others) Your Number (Ayojay ft. Fetty Wap) Sekem (MC Galaxy ft Swizz Beats) Finally (Masterkraft ft. Sarkodie, Flavour) Best Live Performer Omawumi Tuface Solidstar Yemi Alade Dbanj MC Galaxy Best Music Video Emergency (Dbanj Dir. Unlimited LA) Right Now (Seyi Shay Dir. Meji Alabi) Condo (Kuammy Dir. Moe Musa) Karishika (Falz Dir. Aje Films) Duro (Tekno Dir. Patrick Elis) If I Start to Talk (Tiwa Dir. CP) Quality (Pasuma Dir. HG2) Sisi (Sexy Steel Dir. Chad Tennies) African Male Artist (Non Nigerian / Africa) Stonebwoy (GH) FA (LIB) Sarkodie (GH) Sauti Sol (KQ) Deng (LIB) Papa Denis (KQ) Bisa Kdei (GH) Eric Geso (LIB) African Female Artist (Non Nigerian / Africa) Vannessa Mdee (TZ) Efya (GH) Lira (SA) MZ Vee (GH) Sheebah Ndiwanjawulo (UG) Adiouza (SN) Victoria Kimani (KQ) Knowless Butera (RW) Music Producer DJ Coublon Masterkraft Young John Cobhams Mystro Jay Pizzle 2016 NEA NOMINEES LIST – FILM/TV CATEGORIES Lead Actor in Film IK Ogbonna (Stop) Daniel K. Daniel (A Soldier's Story) Femi Jacobs (Taxi driver-Oko Ashewo) Ramsey Nouah (Gbomo Gbomo Express) Joseph Benjamin (Rebecca) Julius Agwu (Wives on Strike) Supporting Actor in Film Sambasa Nzeribe (A Soldier's Story) Hafiz Oyetoro (Taxi Driver-Oko Ashewo) Desmond Elliot (Falling) Tope Tedela (Surulere) Femi Jacobs (The Visit) Olumide Oworu (A soldier’s story) Lead Actress in Film Omoni Oboli (Wives on Strike) Adesua Etomi (Falling) Genevieve (Road to Yesterday) Nse Ikpe-Etim (The Visit) Belinda Effah (Stop) Fathia Balogun (Ishanna) Supporting Actress in Film Osas Ajibade (Gbomo Gbomo Express) Chioma Omeruah (Road to Yesterday) Beverly Naya (Surulere) Linda Ejiofor (A Soldier's Story) Kehinde Bankole (Wives on Strike) Rita Dominic (Surulere) Director - Film Akin Omotoso (Tell me Sweet Something) Frankie Ogar (A Soldier's Story) Ishaya Bako (Road to Yesterday) Walter Taylaur (Gbomo Gbomo Express) Niyi Akinmolayan (Falling) Salisu Balarabe (Dadin Kowa) Best Picture A Soldier's Story Wives on Strike Road To Yesterday Tell Me Sweet Something Taxi Driver (Oko Ashewo) Ishanna Best Short Film Blood Taxi (Folasakin Iwajomo) Hell Or High Water (Oluseyi Amuwa) Good People Dead (Nodash) The Encounter (Tolu Ajayi) Child Soldier (Folasakin Iwajomo) Brave (Lowla-Dee) Best Actor - TV Basorge Tariah Jnr (Do Good) Folarin Falana (Jenifa’s Diary) RMD (Hush) Keppy Ekpeyong (Festac Town) OC Ukeje (Before 30) Kelechi Udegbe (Officer Titus) Best Actress - TV Ini Edo (Desperate House girls) Kate Henshaw (Do Good) Funke Akindele (Jenifa's Diary) Beverly Naya (Before 30) Oge Okoye (Festac Town) Abimbola Craig (Skinny Girl in Transit) Best TV Show Festac Town Baby's Daddy Jenifa's Diary Skinny Girl in Transit Officer Titus Do Good Africa (Non Nigerian) Best Actor Majid Michel (The Department) Abraham Attah (Beast of No Nation) Idris Elba (Beast of No Nation) Henry Adofo (Freetown) Van Vicker (A Long Night) Chris Attoh (Happiness is a Four letter word) Africa (Non Nigerian) Best Actress Fulu Mugovhani (Ayanda) Nuong Faalong (Freetown) Ama K. Abebrese (Beast of No Nation) Nana Mensah (An African City) Yvonne Okoro (Rebecca) Faridah F. Kuteesa (House Arrest) Africa (Non Nigerian) Best Picture Freetown Ayanda Beast of No Nation Silverain House Arrest Rebecca 2016 NEA NOMINEES LIST – OTHER CATEGORIES Male Disc Jockey DJ TTB DJ Kelvin (PH) DJ Enimoney DJ Vinnie DJ Tunez DJ Gavpop Female Disc Jockey DJ Lambo DJ Mystelle DJ Nana DJ Sensei Lo DJ Switch DJ Soupamodel Disc Jockey Collabo DJ Shabsy ft. Kiss Daniel - Raba DJ Kaywise ft. Oritsefemi – Warn Dem DJ Xclusive ft Cassper Nyovest, Sakordie, Anatii & Banky W. DJ Spinall ft. Yemi Alade - Pepe Dem DJ Jimmy Jatt ft Wizkid – Feeling The Beat DJ Kentalky ft. Lil Kesh – Blessings African(Non Nigerian) Disc Jockey DJ Lebbie (SL) DJ Bossman (LIB) DJ Mensah (GH) DJ Joe Mfalme (KQ) DJ Slick Stuart & Roja (UG) DJ Vyrusky (GH) Music Executive Don Jazzy (Mavin) Ubi Franklin (MMMG) E-MONEY - FIVE STAR Ossy Chiori (Achievas) Steve Baba Eko (Xtreme) Okwudili Umenyiora (Eric Manny) Radio OAP Teddy Don-Momoh (Star FM) Tisan (Raypower) Toke Makinwa (Rhythm) N6 (Cool FM) Ushbebe (Naija FM) Igos (Wazobia) TV Presenter (Lifestyle) Eku Edewor (53 Extra) Ehiz (MTV) Bolanle Olukanni (EL) Adams (Soundcity) Daala (Ovation) Nansy Isime (Hip TV) Comedy Act I Go Die Akpororo Seyi Law Ushbebe AY Basketmouth Fashion Model Akpede Oghenekevwe Mayowa Nicholas Ndigwe Victor Uju Marshall Akomaye Kwen Opeyemi Awoyemi Best Online Comedy Act Craze Clown Emmanuella Chief Obi Iya Ibadan Foxy P Wowo Boyz

Rio de Janeiro Seems Not Ready For The Olympics, And IOC Is To Blame

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been playing with a lake of fire, and it's everybody else that's going to get burned. You can feel it coming, can't you? One of these days there's going to be a catastrophe. The Olympics will be lucky to escape a large-scale disaster in Rio de Janeiro, and if it happens we'll all wonder why we didn't do more to stop IOC officials from dragging us all down into their suck. Half a million people will descend on Rio for the Summer Games, with a security force of just 85,000 to keep them safe from terrorists and roving bandits. Many of them are resentful underpaid law enforcement officers with out-of-gas cars and grounded helicopters in the midst of the country's worst economy since the 1930s, who were already trying to cope with one of the most seething, crime ridden cities on earth. In the last year state hospitals have lacked basic supplies, and medical facilities have cut hours. So yes, by all means, let's accept the IOC's confident declaration issued on Monday that "Rio is ready." And just hope that if there's real trouble, Mother Gaia or some invisible super hero Skyman will descend to save everyone should the hour turn darkest. The IOC declares that Rio is ready because 44 test events have been held there - neglecting to mention that competitors in some of those events have been stricken by rashes and vomiting from the trash and raw human feces flowing into Guanabara Bay, the toilet bowl of Rio. Or that a group of Brazilian scientists this week detected a drug-resistant super-bacteria growing off the beaches which can cause meningitis, and pulmonary, gastro and bloodstream infections, or that a dismembered foot recently washed up near the volleyball venue. The IOC's head inspector assures us cheerily that Rio "is ready to welcome the world," to the epicenter of the mosquito-borne Zika virus outbreak, even though 150 scientists, doctors and researchers have called for the Games to be postponed or

moved. The IOC has dismissed their concerns of a global epidemic, apparently because Rio's views are divine. In their judgment, it's worth injecting half a million foreign visitors and tourists into a viral urban petri dish. "I cannot imagine more spectacular backdrops for the world's top sportsmen and women to showcase their talents to a watching world," Nawal El Moutawakel said in a statement from the IOC on Monday. As for Zika, she mentioned as an aside that Rio's "organizers are working to minimize the risk to visitors." How reassuring, since those organizers have been so very organized up to this point. They are so organized that in June a new railway lost power just a week after it opened. So organized that a $3 billion subway line isn't finished yet and won't be fully tested before it takes on Olympic passengers. So organized that a few weeks ago a newly built seaside bike path collapsed, killing two people, because the builders failed to take into account the fact that it might be struck by one of those surprising things that often come from the sea - a wave. The truth is that a large-scale catastrophe is already happening in Rio, but it's been happening in slow motion over a period of years. The state is running a $6 billion deficit. These Olympics will cost it $4.6 billion, overrunning the projected budget by 51 percent. There is only one reason why the IOC doesn't do the prudent reasonable thing and postpone or move the Rio Games: money. The right thing is to get a grip on Zika, finish venues properly without being fleeced at the mercy of contractors, and launch an environmental cleanup. But too much cash and loss of face is at stake for sponsors and organizers. So they will double down on a risky bet and let it ride. "There is this element," says Oliver Stuenkel, assistant professor of International Relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Sao Paulo, "that they will somehow wing it." The Olympics themselves are the catastrophe: an unwieldy cash-and-corruption-engorged monster that descends on the host country with a ravenous maw and leaves a swathe of human and economic casualties in its wake, from Athens, to Beijing, to London, to Sochi, to Rio, and presents a terrorism target that requires a massive security effort to defend against. At what point will world capitals stop participating in this folly? The answer may be sooner rather than later, as more and more cities conclude its just not worth it. According to a report issued this week by investigators from Oxford University's business school, the Olympics over the past decade have cost an average of $8.9 billion dollars, with an average cost overrun of 156 percent. Not another megaproject project in the world has a record of such irresponsible and suspiciously large cost overruns, no bridge, tunnel, or dam. The report notes, with emphasis, "All Games, without exception, have cost overrun. For no other type of megaproject is this the case." The report declares, "For a city and nation to decide to stage the Olympic Games is to decide to take on one of the most costly and financially most risky type of megaproject that exists, something that many cities and nations have learned to their peril." At least some of this financial risk is due to corruption. According to a report from the Institute of Russia, about a third of Sochi's budget was lost to graft. Two Rio government officials have been accused, and denied, of engaging in bribery schemes around Rio's new $2.7 billion rail line. "There is general expectation as happens with all large projects that a lot of money will be lost on the way or will be stolen, and the long term benefits for the population will not necessarily be significant at all," says Stuenkel. This is the real Olympic game: cash. Ask yourself a question: Why doesn't the IOC ever go back to cities that have built-and-paid-for Olympic structures? The IOC counts on our romanticism to cover over the fiscal insanity and scandal. For two weeks, the gold medal performances and pretty screen shots on NBC will give us temporary amnesia. Only afterwards will the real cost kick in, and it will hit Rio harder, and longer, than most places given its $6 million deficit. For a comparison of the likely effect, just look to Athens in 2004, where the Olympic debt deepened a financial crisis that still exists today. "The high average cost overrun for the Games . . . should be cause for caution for anyone considering hosting the Games, and especially small or fragile economies with little capacity to absorb escalating costs and related debts," the Oxford report concludes. A Rio Olympics was a romantic idea when the city first bid on them and the entire world fervently hopes that they are a safe celebration for the city. But the fact is that Brazilians themselves are apprehensive about hosting them given Rio's "profound problems," Stuenkel says. "The situation of the whole country is so dire that it's difficult to openly and in an unrestrained way say 'I'm really looking forward to it.'"