COSON To Go On War Path With Hotels In Imo State As "Operation No Hiding Place" Goes East

Chief Tony Okoroji

From every indication there could be a possible confrontation brewing between owners of hotels, night clubs, restaufaunts and events venues in Imo State on the one hand, and the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) on the other. The reason is that COSON, the country's only approved collecting society, has begun a high wire act of full enforcement of its mandate to fight music copyright defaulters in the state. This is also in furtherance of COSON's efforts to spread its nationwide battle titled "Operation No Hiding Place".

A COSON delegation led by the Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji was in Imo State for several days from February 20 to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the battle and no one who deploys music in a commercial or public space in Imo State escapes ‘Operation No Hiding Place’

Speaking at a meeting with the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, Imo State, at Lobic Meridian Hotel Owerri on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, Chief Okoroji described COSON as a very professional and socially responsible organization which believes strongly in dealing with issues first through dialogue. He said that it was in that light that the delegation came to Imo State to engage the hotel owners and other key institutions with interest in music copyright. He appealed to the hotel owners to respect the intellectual property rights of citizens by obtaining the appropriate copyright licence before deploying music in their operations. Chief Okoroji also said that it is far cheaper to obtain a COSON copyright licence than to be entangled in a very expensive copyright infringement law suit which COSON is sure to bring against any defaulting hotel. Emphasizing the point, Chief Okoroji informed the hoteliers that immediately after addressing them, he would be on his way to Lagos so as to be at the Federal High Court the next morning for the trial in a N500 million copyright infringement law suit filed by COSON against a Lagos based hotel, Lagos Oriental Hotel.

Continuing, the former President of PMAN said, “COSON has spent substantial funds to organize a major stakeholders’ forum in Owerri during which we engaged music users in the state on the need to comply with the Copyright Act. We have also been engaged in a substantial public enlightenment campaign in the state. We believe that we have gone a long way to make sure that everyone understands his responsibility. We want to have a cordial relationship with the hotel owners in the state and we expect the association to inform its members of their duty to respect their copyright obligations. In the new digital world, respect for intellectual property rights is central to the growth of any economy”.

In response, the Chairman of the Hotelliers Association, Chief Ishmael Nweke thanked Chief Okoroji whom he described as a proud son of Imo State. He commended COSON for the visit and assured the delegation that the issues raised would be thoroughly discussed and the details streamlined with the COSON Consultant in the state.

It will be recalled that in 2016, COSON hosted a major stakeholders meeting at Rockview Hotel, Owerri to which different music user groups were invited. The meeting was also attended by the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and several of his commissioners.

During the recent Imo storm, the delegation visited several broadcasting stations in the state such as Heartland FM, Hot FM, My Radio FM, etc. The Delegation also met with the Police Area Commander for Owerri, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Atim Bissong.

On the COSON delegation was the General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji, Hon John Ewelukwa Udegbunam, a COSON Director and Sir Edwin Akwaeze, COSON Consultant in Imo State.

Nigerian Polo Great, 2 Others Star On Glo-sponsored African Voices

Neku Atawodi

Guess who is next on the Globs comes pondered television programme, CNN African Voices. Well viewers had better watch out for Nigeria's polo queen, Neku Atawodi will be featuring on the show alongside two other female sports greats shaking the African continent presently.

The two other guests are Bianca Buitendag  of Victoria Bay, South Africa, and Shehzana Anwar of Nairobi, Kenya.

The story of Atawodi is an exciting one. She is regarded as the world’s only active black female professional polo player.

A statement from Globacom said 28 year-oldAtawodi holds a bachelor of science degree in Equestrian Science and a Masters degree in International Business. She has a British Horse Society stage 4 riding accreditation.

Her foray into the game, generally reserved for the men folk, began with her strange love for“the smell of dirty leather.” Atawodi  gradually grew into a legend on the sport and ended up playing professional polo in over fourteen countries. She now sits on the prestigious Federation of International Polo.

The statement revealed that viewers will have a peek into her journey into professional polo which started at age 13 and how, despite subtle discouragement from family members, she remained focused on her ambition until she got to the peak.

The second guest, Shehzana Anwar is the reigning African Archery Champion. She competed in archery at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics where she was the Kenyan flag-bearer. Born in 1989, Shehzana started archery in 2002 and made her international debut in 2008.

The third guest, Bianca Buitendag is a South African professional surfer. She was born in Western Cape, South Africa, in 1993, and grew up near the beach of False Bay outside of Cape Town where she learned to surf at age 8 with her two brothers.

Buitendag  qualified onto the ASP world tour in 2013, and finished the year with the highly coveted ‘Rookie of The Year' Award at the ASP awards ceremony.  According to her, she owes a lot of her success to her father.

“My father was the one who pushed me into my first wave, and he has been supporting me ever since that day. He introduced me to what I know and call ‘my first love’, the ocean, and to a sport that I will do for as long as I can walk”, she revealed.

Viewers will see more of these amazons on the CNN magazine programme which airs at 10.30 a.m. on Fridays with repeat editions at 2.30 p.m. on Saturdays, 12.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. on Sundays. Viewers can also watch the show on Mondays at 11:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays at 5.30 a.m.

COSON =N=500 M Copyright uit Against Lagos Oriental Hotel Commences @ Fed. High Court

Trial on Thursday, February 24, 2017, commenced before Justice Babs O. Kuewumi of the Federal High Court, Lagos in the Five Hundred Million Naira copyright infringement action brought by Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), against Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island and Mr. Philip Speilhage, General Manager of the organization.

Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman of the Board of the organization, a former President of PMAN and author of the celebrated book, ‘Copyright & the New Millionaires’, was in the court as witness on behalf of COSON. The renowned copyright activist was Led in evidence by Lagos Intellectual Property lawyer, Mr. Justin Ige of Creative Legal who appeared for COSON with Mr. Obi Onyewuchi.

Under cross examination by Mr. Durojaiye Mufutua, lawyer to Lagos Oriental Hotel, Chief Okoroji who tendered evidence that he had spent some time at the hotel, testified that by providing the venue for infringement of copyright in music, the hotel was aiding the infringement and therefore was liable. Okoroji also testified that the responsibility of the hotel does not end with the provision of the venue and other facilities but included ensuring that the music performed in its premises was not infringing music. Justice Kuewumi thereafter adjourned the matter to May 22 for continuation of trial.

In the Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1091/15, COSON is asking for the award of more than five hundred million naira in unpaid royalties and damages for the unauthorized copying, communication to the public, permission to perform in public and infringement of the copyright in the musical works and sound recordings belonging to COSON members, affiliates and assignors.

It will be recalled that when the case was filed in 2015, Okoroji had said, ‘Contrary to the belief in some quarters, Nigeria is not a lawless country. Our laws work. We have gone to court to find out if Lagos Oriental Hotel is special and above Nigerian law. As of today, several top hotels doing business across Nigeria are obeying the law, have got authorization for the music they deploy and are paying royalties for the deployment of the music. Such hotels include Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island; Transcorp Hilton, Abuja; Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja; Protea Hotel, GRA, Ikeja; Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island; Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Raddison Blu, Victoria Island; Chelsea Hotel, Abuja, Sereba Hotel, Edo, Rockview Hotel, Abuja;  The Moore House, Ikoyi;  Protea Hotel, Victoria Island, Santex Hotel, Edo State; Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Valencia Hotel, Abuja;  Southern Sun, Ikoyi, Nanet Suites, Abuja;  Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja; Protea Hotel, Abuja, Savoy Suites, Ikeja, Agura Hotel, Abuja; Golden Tulip, Lagos, Victoria Beach Hotel, Lagos, etc. We believe in our courts and we are very interested in finding out if Nigerian laws will be turned upside down just for this set of people.”

Commenting on the development, COSON General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji, said, ‘We have always been one to deliver on our words at COSON. Last year we lunched ‘Operation No Hiding Place’ and promised all music users who have continued to show disdain for the rights of our members and affiliates that they are in for a rough ride. We are approved by the government to revolutionize the copyright culture in Nigeria for the good of the nation. We will continue to do that without any apologies. We are on course and we are not looking back”.

NANS Uncovers Plans To Use Students For Anti-Xenophobia Protests

Cmrd. Chinonso Obasi

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned what it described as plans to call students out to protest against xenophobia attacks in South Africa.
A statement issued by NANS and signed by its national president, Comrade Chinonso OBASI, disclosed that the proposed protests scheduled to hold Thursday, February 23, 2017 in major cities in Nigeria, was calculated to disrupted the harmonious student unionism and the academic progress of Nigerian youths.
The statement added: "While we condemn all firms of discrimination, particularly on foreigners, NANS believes that calling out students for a mass protest at this point in time when they are engaged in serious preparation for their semester examinations dies not augur well for their academic and social health".
Here is the statement:
"The attention of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has been drawn to a plan by enemies of harmonious student unionism and academic progress of Nigerian youths to mobilise students for a purported protest against Xenophobe attacks in South Africa.
The protests have been scheduled to take place simultaneously on Thursday February 23 2017 in major cities in Nigeria.
While we condemn all forms of discrimination, particularly attacks on foreigners, NANS believes that calling out Nigerian students for a mass protest at this point in time when they are engaged in serious preparation for their semester examinations does not augur well for their academic and social health.
Moreover, it behooves of rascality to mobilize students for street protests or even to stampede South Africa firms doing business in Nigeria, especially the MTN, MultiChoice among others, when there is no evidence linking the firms to the obnoxious attacks in South Africa.
As a responsible students union, we believe that there is sanity in the saying that no two wrongs can make a right. In the language of Michelle Obama, the wife of the former United States President, Barack Obama, when they go low, should go high. Therefore NANS urges those planning to protest the violence in South Africa with violation of peace and freedom in Nigeria to mount the high moral ground of civility against the barbaric attacks on aliens in South Africa.
We are informed that Nigeria and other countries have begun diplomatic efforts to ensure that the Xenophobe attacks do not go further. It is our belief that the South African authorities should do all in their power to curtail the excesses of its misguided citizens that may want to vent their frustrations on law abiding citizens of other countries in their nation."

BON Visits COSON, Pledges Co-operation

L-R Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji, COSON General Manager, Mrs. Azeezat Allen, COSON Director, Mr. John Momoh, BON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji,  COSON Chairman, Mr. Segun Olaleye, BON Secretary, Mr. Kenny Ogungbe, DAAR Communications and Mr. Efe Omorogbe, COSON Director at a crucial between BON and COSON which held at the COSON headquarters in Lagos on Monday, February 20, 2017.

The  Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), has expressed its commitment to cooperate with the Copyright Organisation of Nigeria (COSON) in ensuring that all broadcasting stations in Nigeria pay agreed music  copyright royalties in fulfilment of the obligations of the stations under the COSON/BON/IBAN/NBC/NCC Agreement of 2014.

Chairman of BON Mr.John Momoh, made the pledge while speaking at the COSON Headquarters in Ikeja Monday, February 20, 2017 during a crucial meeting between the BON leadership and that of COSON Mr. Momoh who is also the chairman of Channels Television arrived the COSON headquarters in the company of BON executive members including the organisation's Executive Secretary, Mr. Segun Olaleye and Mr. Kenny Ogungbe of DAAR Communications.

The COSON Representatives led by the society’s Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, had General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji and two other members of the COSON Board, Mr. Efe Omorogbe and Mrs. Azeezat Allen.

According to Mr. Momoh, every law in the land must be respected and there is no reason, any broadcast station in Nigeria should avoid payment of music copyright royalties as provided under the law. In his words “I pledge my commitment to work with COSON and to ensure full compliance from our members. This meeting is long in coming. We will meet with our members around the country. I am a stickler for the obedience of the law; It is imperative and obligatory that we pay what we have agreed to”

Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria, (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji commended the new Chairman of BON for taking the bull by the horn and creating the atmosphere for peaceful resolution of the issues. He also commended Mr. Momoh for showing good examples by making sure that Channels TV continuously fulfils its copyright obligations to COSON.
Chief Okoroji said that COSON remains committed to ensuring that Nigeria is a nation in which intellectual property rights are highly respected because according to him, respect for intellectual property is critical to tapping the significant economic potentials of the nation’s creative industries for national development. He also said that he remains fully dedicated to complete transparency, accountability and comprehensive reporting to the different COSON stakeholder groups which he said are the hallmarks of the success and continued growth of COSON.

In recognition of the prevailing economic situation in the country, one of the key decisions taken at the meeting is to extend the life of the 2014 royalty agreement meant to terminate in December 2016. The agreement is now to terminate in December 2017 without any increase in tariffs. Mr. Momoh thanked the COSON leadership for the gesture. It was also agreed that the two organizations meet regularly to review developments.

Lowly Background Motivates Rapper, Olamide

Rapper, Olamide's lowly background is the major reason for his reaching for the very top. And just how exciting is it that Olamide has a woman that makes his liver quiver? Well, just so you know, he's as talented a rapper as he is loyal.
The Bariga raised rapper threw some light on his personality during an interview with Punch's Sunday Scoop.
What we all know about the "Abule Sowo" rapper's love life has been restricted to his son, Batifeori Maximilliano, but as they say, behind every successful man...
Besides, someone had to carry and deliver his son.
Speaking on this incredible mysterious woman who has held him down for the last decade plus, with a smile lighting up his face, Olamide said:
“I’ve actually been in a relationship for about 17 years now. As a matter of fact, she’s the most important reason I am where I am today. Her name is music.”
Speaking of the driving force behind his career, he said, “My major motivation comes from knowing that I came from the bottom, and I don’t want to go back there. I want to live a good life, and because of that, my working life is a relentless grind.
 "I don’t want to go broke, and I don’t want anybody to look down on me. I’m still on top of my game because I don’t see myself as everything. I take advice from my mom, manager, and label mates, and they always help.
"They’re responsible for some of my ideas. Some things that people see and think is all about Baddo is actually their brainwork.”
He adds: “I didn’t start out to be an average artiste, I wanted to stand out. Right now, I’m living my dreams. All I can say is that my life right now is a dream come true.”
It is most soothing to know that as far as Olmide has come, he remains loyal and easy to relate with and that's why we love him!

Ebenezer Obey Celebrates "Uncommon Grace" As He Approaches 75

EVANG. Ebenezer Obey

Among the lot that Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi has to be grateful for, the summit is "uncommon grace."
The veteran singer had beautiful words to say following the announcement of his upcoming 75th birthday celebration.
Sharing his feelings on the new milestone, Obey said:
“I am delighted and grateful to God for this uncommon grace and privilege to have come this far. I can’t thank Him enough because He is the reason behind my journey in life and my talent which grows from grace to grace. To me, it is a rare privilege and I owe God unlimited praises. Above all, I am grateful to God for the good life I have enjoyed as well as the fame. I also appreciate my fans all over the world and my entire family for their support.
“The activities marking my 75th birthday are not about jamboree, but to deeply appreciate God for the journey so far and also to leave a legacy behind. I look forward to an awesome event that will glorify God,” he added.
 Tribune Online reports that the music legend paid a visit to Idogo town last Tuesday, to inspect the readiness of the new Idogo community Police Post in Yewa-South Local Government Area of Ogun State, which is an initiative he has described as part of his community give-back intervention projects marking the commencement of his birthday celebration and the sixth posthumous birthday of his wife, Evangelist Juliana Olaide Obey-Fabiyi on March 23.
According to him, everything needed for the celebration has been out in place as the planning committee would be officially inaugurated on Tuesday in Lagos.
The event will take place at the Obasanjo Presidential Library, Bamora Event Centre, Abeaokuta, on April 3, 2017,with an interdenominational service put together by the Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministry and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), official launch of the Ebenezer Obey Music Foundation and a reception.
It was gathered that friends and well-wishers also plan other activities which would include public presentation of a book on Obey, music compendium, among other events, which would take place in Lagos following the main celebrations.

Use Smaller Gods To Swear-in State Officials In Ghana, Pete Edochie Tells Rawlings

Pete Edochie and Jerry Rawlings

Legendary Nollywood legend Pete Edochie who is in Ghana to shoot Kofas Media and Miracle Wave International collaborated movie has suggested that African leaders swear with smaller gods instead of the bible.

Chief Edochie who paid a courtesy call on the former president of Ghana, H.E Jerry John Rawlings on Friday with casts of the new move said state officials who swear with the Bible become corrupt when they are in office.

To him, God forgives easily so these officials do not take the oath serious whenever they hold the Bible to swear. The Nigerian actor further said that the smaller gods are not merciful like the Almighty God who created heaven and earth so that it will put fear in these corrupt leaders.

To him, the gods give instance justice to persons who break their oath and that will deter politicians from ‘chopping’ state cash.

Singing To Babies Engages Their Attention, Creates Bonds: Research

Mothers singing to babies is an age-old practice found across all cultures and traditions. Now US research finds it is actually an important way to create bonds and stimulate children.

Shannon de l'Etoile, professor of music therapy and associate dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Miami Frost School of Music,  initially set to look at how infants behave in response to their mothers' singing, also called infant-directed singing, compared to other mother-baby interactions such as reading books and playing with toys.

In addition the research looked into the role that infant-directed singing plays in creating the intricate bond between mother and child.

For her initial study, de l'Etoile filmed 70 infants responding to six different interactions: mother sings an assigned song, "stranger" sings an assigned song, mother sings song of choice, mother reads book, mother plays with toy, and the mother and infant listen to recorded music.

The babies showed high cognitive scores during infant-directed singing, suggesting that song is just as effective as reading books or playing with toys for engaging and maintaining babies' attention, and far more effective than listening to recorded music.

The promising results led de l'Etoile to carry out a second study that focused on the mother's role during infant-directed singing by measuring the make-up of the song and the mother's voice.

The results suggested that when infants had a high level of engagement during song, their mother's instincts were higher, with mothers intuitively knowing when to adjust pitch, tempo or key or the song to stimulate and regulate their child's response when the child's level of engagement declined.
De l'Etoile then looked at the acoustic range in the singing voices of mothers with post-partum depression. The results showed that although the children were still engaged, the tempo of the singing did not change and was more robotic. However de l'Etoile added that for mothers with postpartum depression singing to their child can offer a distraction from negative emotions and thoughts, while children are given much-needed sensory stimulation.

In conclusion de l'Etoile commented, "The tempo and key certainly don't need to be perfect or professional for mothers and infants to interact through song. In fact, infants may be drawn to the personalized tempo and pitch of their mother, which encourage them to direct their gaze toward and ultimately communicate through this gaze."

Angelina Jolie Hopes Family Will Come Out 'Stronger' After Break-up

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie says that she and her family have been going through a "difficult time" since the breakup of her marriage to Brad Pitt, but added that hopefully they would come out "stronger for it."

The actress and filmmaker spoke briefly about her personal struggles during a recent interview with BBC World News. She has been promoting her new movie, "First They Killed My Father." It's set in Cambodia and based on the life of author and human rights activist Loung Ung, who was a child during the brutal Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s.

Jolie, who has custody of her six children with Pitt, said that "we are and forever will be a family" and that having faith was how she was "coping."

Nigeria’s Democracy Under Manipulation -- Ekweremadu

• Says Naira Currently Worst Currency In Africa

Nigeria's democracy is being manipulated and tampered with by vital institutions and

Ekweremadu

radical decline of democratic freedoms, said Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, on Monday.
The senate number two man, said in a speech he gave at the stakeholders meeting of the opposition party  at Ekiti House in Abuja on Monday that the attack on chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja on Monday were clear evidence of decline of democracy.
He also said that the PDP was united as according to him, the solidarity of all key organs and bodies of the PDP towards the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee, showed that “it is not the hood that makes the monk.”
He  decried the attack on the International Conference Centre, Abuja, the earlier announced venue of the stakeholders meeting by the security agencies,  adding that such flagrant manipulation of critical institutions of democracy was not only dangerous, but bad news for democracy.
He said: “We are aware that all the institutions of democracy are being manipulated and harassed in this country. The National Assembly and the press are not left out. The INEC has been captured and now a part of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Our judiciary is being insulted and assaulted every day. Their houses are being attacked very late at night and the judges are being harassed. He also decried the continuous fall in the value of the Naira saying the currency has become the worst in Africa.
He said: “They told us that one US dollar would be one naira when they take over. Has that happened? Today, our currency is the worst currency in the whole of Africa. Is that the type of democracy we looked forward to? I can see a situation where the price of oil is going up and the value of naira is going down. What type of economics is that?”
“So, we are not surprised at what we are seeing today (sealing of meeting venue). But what remains is for us to remain resolute.
“If you look around this room, you will see a lot of people who are being harassed, persecuted, and taken to court. What is their offence? They claim they allegedly received stolen property, yet nobody has been arraigned for the actual stealing. As a lawyer, I know that if you are being arraigned for receiving stolen property, you must first of all arraign the man who stole the property. That is not so in our own case. Is that democracy?”

Pro-Jonathan Group Vows To Chase Fulani Herdsmen From Niger-Delta

A  group going by the name, GoodluckNigeria has vowed to stand solidly behind the former President Good luck Jonathan and his wife, Patience to rid the Niger-Delta of Fulani Herdsmen in the region.

,, pro-Goodluck Jonathan, group in a statement signed by its President, Joseph Spiff Wilcox and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, said that the move was a commendable one.

The organisation called on all Ijaw sons and daughters to join in chasing all Fulani herdsmen out of the Niger Delta, noting that it was in the best interest of the Ijaw people.

However, it was learnt that following the threats, a number of Fulani herdsmen are already fleeing the Niger Delta for fear of their lives and the lives of their cattle.

"Very soon, we will lead a massive protest across Niger Delta to sensitize our people on the need to resist the movement of all herdsmen in Ijaw land.

“What happened in Agatu must not be allowed to happen in any Niger Delta community. The senseless killing of 75 people in Delta State by Fulani herdsmen must not go unpunished. That's why we support the move by the former President and his wife to protect our land”.

The Niger Delta group, which was instrumental to the Goodluck Jonathan campaign in 2015, said the resolve of the former Nigerian leader and his wife must be executed to the letter.

“ We align with the thinking of our leader, former President Jonathan and the former first lady to ensure that every part of our region is ridden of all traces of these archaic people whose stock in trade is the killing of our people from the south.

“We also call on all our people to key into this new movement of making sure that Fulani people and their cows do not continue to plunder our land, while we fold our hands and watch helplessly”, the group said.

The group vowed to use anything within its reach to achieve its aim, stressing that Jonathan and his wife deserve the praise of every well-meaning Niger Delta person, who is interested in the growth and security of the region.

9ice Enters Fresh Deal With Temple Management Company

9ice signs the deal

Set to chart a new direction for his career, 'Gongo Aso' crooner, Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has joined the likes of Mavin Records and Iyanya by signing a deal with Temple Management Company.
The deal was consummated on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at the corporate office of the company in Victoria Island, Lagos and witnessed by representatives of both parties.
While receiving 9ice, Idris Olorunnimbe, CEO/ Founder, TMC noted that 9ice still commands a strong place in Nigerian music.
 “We recognize the foundation that 9ice has built and established, together we can build on and take it to newer heights,” Olorunnimbe said.
“At Temple Management Company, we do not gamble but believe in strategy and pinpoint execution,” he added.
 He explained further, “With our team and structure, we are here to support 9ice to actualize his career goals. In 9ice, we see a brand that has an important and strategic core that we can expand.”
In under a year, the management company is now positioned as a powerhouse in the creative sector having amassed clients in sports, arts, media and of course, entertainment

9ice and Temple management 

. Some of its clients include Don Jazzy, Mavin Records, Project Fame winner, Jeff and Iyanya,
In his remarks, 9ice said, “For me, this is the right thing to do at this stage in my career and indeed for any forward thinking artiste. When we started music, we grew with the knowledge that everything was all about the artiste; you are the manager, owner of the record label etc. We did this to the best of our ability.”
“This is the time to give experienced professionals the chance to take care of you because one will become the better for it.  Temple Management are like our own Sony or BMG in Nigeria. Any artiste who plans to grow need to work with the right people such as Temple Management Company," 9ice noted.
On his new direction, 9ice said that with the backing of his new management, he is working assiduously to release new music and will explore an international fan base.

Benita Okojie Gospel Singer Mourns Death Of Dad

Benita

The loss was a sad one for the singer but she stayed positive all the way by focusing on fond memories of the deceased.
Gospel singer, Benita Okojie has taken to her Instagram to mourn the death of her father who recently passed away.
Though saddened by the loss, the demise of the elderly man wasn't all sobs for the singer who chose to focus on the positive impact the deceased had on her.

Okojie, who broke the news of his passing on Thursday, February 16, 2017 was quite thankful for the support her father provided in choosing a career.
"My hero and father has gone to be with Jesus. He made such great impact in my life and in the lives of so many people. I'm eternally grateful to God that you walked me down the aisle.
"Quizzed my then boyfriend like every father would , gave your consent and enjoyed that day and many other months with us.
"I love you with all my heart. Thank you for believing in us (your children) and seeing to it that we all followed our passion.
"Thank you for your legacy.
"No more tears anymore. Now its celebration. You will be celebrated for life. Mummy misses you like crazy but she knows you're with Jesus.
"You remain in our hearts forever. THANK YOU, OBU SIR!!
"Jesus is coming soon so I know we will see in heaven soon.
"Till then, rest with Jesus Baba Benita."

Now a fully grown woman, the 'Osemudiamen' songster was one of the favourite music sensations that graced the late nineties.
Despite choosing the less popular gospel genre, the singer managed to capture hearts with a couple of her numbers.

Iyere King 

Korede Bello To Date One Of His Fans?

Korede Bello

Youthful musician and member of the famed record label Mavin Records has said unequivocally that he would love to date any of his fans on social media when appropriate.

The musician, who has said on numerous occasions that he is single, also denied any involvement with Zahra Buhari.

Korede Bello’s "Godwin" became an instant hit in Nigeria and elsewhere, spreading to other countries like Ghana. It is one of the few secular music offerings which is sung in church across Ghana presently.

He wrote: “It could be anybody. It could be any of them (my belovers), I go through my Instagram, go through my Twitter, Snapchat, just observing. But I want someone that loves me for me.”

Pro NPP Ghana Gospel Musicians Mad Over Don Moen’s Ghana @ 60 Performance

It is not the first time the internationally-acclaimed gospel musician, Don Moen, would be coming to Ghana to perform. He’s been in the country for both high and low-profile events but this visit is generating hysteria among Ghanaians.

The venerated singer has been billed to headline the 60th Anniversary Concert of the country, Ghana, and the announcement of his appearance has elicited a sharp divide in reactions among the Ghanaian music fraternity including stakeholders, gospel artists and music lovers and the populace in general.

According to the Committee for Ghana@60 Celebration, courtesy its Chairman for media and publicity, Jefferson Sackey; the coming of Don Moen is a private initiative and the cost is being handled by the private firm.

He asserts that, the firm had already hired the artist to come to Ghana and the idea was presented to the Committee, which took advantage and made it an official concert for the national celebration.

Critics of the move have questioned the rationale behind bringing an international act to headline the countyry’s independence anniversary. They argue that, the country boasts of chart-topping acts that can headline any concert for the celebrations.

 They have even labeled the move as disrespectful, inconsiderate and a slap in the face of the local music industry and local gospel artists. Unfortunately, the Committee has been unable to disclose the private firm that originally contracted Don Moen and how much he’s being paid for his performance.

Critics are rubbishing claims by supporters of the move that, the government is spending nothing in bringing the artist down, considering the fact that; some money has been assigned for the Ghana@60 festivities.

Defamation Lawsuit Against Bill Cosby Dismissed By Court

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby won a legal battle against one of his accusers Thursday, an event so rare lately that he tweeted about his legal woes for the first time since December 2015.

A federal judge in Massachusetts dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed against Cosby by accuser Katherine McKee, ruling that she had no legal basis to claim the comedian defamed her by defending himself against her accusations.

Cosby was so pleased he tweeted the dismissal order, his first in more than a year responding to developments in his ongoing legal battles, including the criminal charges he’s facing in suburban Philadelphia over a 13-year-old encounter.

Cosby has said virtually nothing in public since the rush of allegations against him began in the fall of 2014.

His Twitter account shows his last post was a thank you to friends and fans, in December 2015. He started posting again in January of this year but only about civil rights history and heroes. Until Thursday.

McKee, one of some 60 women who have accused Cosby of drugging and/or sexually assaulting them in episodes dating back decades, came forward in late 2014 along with other women, claiming her friend of eight years had raped her in a hotel room in the 1970s.

When Cosby and his lawyers denied these and other accusations, some of the accusers sued him in civil court in several states for defamation, asserting that he and his team had suggested they were liars and extortionists by saying he didn’t do it.

“An accused person cannot be foreclosed from considering the issuance of a simple and unequivocal denial, free from overall defamatory triggers or contextual themes.

In the court’s view, such a situation would be inconsistent with basic First Amendment principles,” wrote U.S. District Judge Mark Mastroianni.

“It is paramount in a free society to be able to insist on one’s innocence in the face of serious public accusations, and today’s ruling reinforces that fundamental right,” said Cosby’s current lawyer, Angela  Agrusa, in an emailed statement to USA TODAY.

Bieber Under Investigation For Los Angeles Restaurant Fracas

Justin Bieber

Los Angeles authorities say they are investigating a report that Justin Bieber head butted a man during an argument at a Sunset Strip restaurant.

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department says a witness reported seeing Bieber fighting with two bartenders at a West Hollywood restaurant and then head butt a patron early Saturday morning.

The department says Bieber and the bartenders had left by the time deputies arrived. The restaurant was not named.

The patron allegedly hit by Bieber had no visible injuries and did not file a police report.

But an investigation proceeds in case the person wants to pursue a case later.

Email messages sent to Bieber representatives were not immediately returned.

Cleveland police are investigating Bieber after a Las Vegas man reported the singer punched him in June.

Investigations Into Pastor Ashimolowo’s Church Over Alleged £3.9m Fraud

Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo

Investigations into the case of alleged fraud involving a former Premier League Footballer who lost £3.9million to the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), owned by Matthew Ashimolowo have opened by the City of London Police.

According to the UK Guardian, ex Charlton Athletic player, Richard Rufus, lost the money in a “disastrous investment scheme”.

The criminal investigation follows a Charity Commission report into “mismanagement” at the church, which invested £5million with Rufus.

Rufus, who is a member of KICC, was indicted in 2015 by a civil court judge, for operating a ponzi-style scheme between 2007 and 2011.

The report also claimed the church collected £5.8million from its members in 2015.

In 2009 and 2010, KICC’s trustees reportedly agreed to give Rufus £5million to invest, after he promised them returns of 55% a year.

“Detectives from City of London police’s fraud teams are investigating,” a police spokesman confirmed.

No arrests have been made yet.

KICC issued a statement last month denying Ashimolowo’s involvement in the deal.

2018 Census: Fed Govt Releases =N=775m

The Federal Government yesterday announced the release of over N775 million for the conduct of Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) exercise, ahead of next year’s National Population Commission (NPC) census.

EAD is a process of deploying high calibre technology to divide the land mass of a country into small units that can be easily covered by a team of enumerators during census enumeration.

According toThe Nation, the exercise, which is expected to begin on February 20 and end on March 10, constitutes the foundation on which the census architecture stands.

Addressing reporters in Abuja, the NPC Chairman, Chief Eze Duruiheoma, said the commission would deploy sophisticated technology to carry out the exercise.

Besides, the NPC boss, however, promised to include religion and ethnicity in the 2018 census data as against the conduct of the 2006 housing and population census exercise.

He, however, hinged the conduct of the exercise on a presidential proclamation and funding, which he said were very critical to the conduct of the census.

Duruiheoma said the Federal Government’s plan to conduct the national census in 2018 might be in jeopardy as a result of lack of a presidential proclamation by President Muhammadu Buhari and absence of funding.

A presidential proclamation was expected late last year to railroad the preparations towards the actual census.

But, President Muhammadu Buhari’s absence and subsequent medical vacation to London, United Kingdom in January, has created more uncertainty over the planned census.
Duruiheoma said: “It is our expectation that what will be required for future censuses will be updating. Products from the EAD exercise can also be used by NIPOST to generate zip codes for the country.

“It is in this regard that the commission is deploying sophisticated technology in carrying out the EAD. The methodology for the census is designed to achieve full Geographic Information System(GIS) compliance.

“High resolution satellite imagery will be used to ensure that no area is left un-demarcated or no place is duplicated. The methodology being adopted will not allow for the creation of imaginary EAs. Any attempt to include non-existent households and buildings in the EAs will be detected through satellite imagery. In addition, the Federal Government has released over N775 million for the conduct of Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) exercise.”

The NPC boss noted that the third phase of the EAD will take place in 37 local government areas (LGAs) in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He added that the commission had previously demarcated the 37 LGAS in the 36 states and the FCT under the previous EAD.

He explained: “At the end of the EAD Phase 3, the commission would have successfully demarcated 74 LGAs and remaining 700 LGAs will be covered under the subsequent phases of EAD.

 ”Arrangements for the uninterrupted implementation of the EAD exercise in the remaining LGAs have been concluded. A 50 person demarcation team has been recruited in all the states and the FCT and will be trained from February 13 to 19, 2017 at state level.”

On the inclusion of religion and ethnicity in the 2018 census data, he said: “We want to make sure that whatever product we produce after this census, we contemplate it would be accepted by the majority of Nigerians and that should be the test.

 ”Those things that are ought to be there, such as religion and others; I know there is something controversial about that. Now, we want to engage Nigerians on some of those things. We want to let Nigerians to give us feedback on what they want or what they think because we don’t claim to know it all here.

“And that is why we have never tired of telling you look what we are doing. We tell you all that so that you can criticize us and make input. If you think any particular step we are taking is wrong, tell us. It is our duty to accept corrections.

“So, the assurance I give you is that most of those things you complained about will not be left out in the census we are contemplating.”

Ice Prince Parts Way With Girl Friend, Maima

Maima and Ice Prince

Speaking of his relationships, Ice Prince described himself as the one who always messes up saying he's single now.

Ice Prince in a recent interview talks about his relationship status, growing up as an orphan and others.
The rapper in a chat with Linda Ikeji's blog talked about his label (Super Cool Catz) and relationship with Chocolate City Label.

Speaking of his relationships, Ice Prince described himself as the one who always messes up his relationships due to his tendency to cheat.
He also admitted that his relationship with his French-Ghanaian girlfriend, Maima has ended.
When asked if he's ever been cheated on by a girl,
"I don't know, I wouldn't say I know of any. I haven't caught any of my girlfriends cheating on me. Actually, I always mess up. It's never them messing up. It always me.
I have been blessed to date some of the very nicest girls. I take my time before I get into relationships and I have been blessed to have some amazing women come in my life but I always mess up."
On how ladies feel when they found out he cheated,
"All of them went through hell..lol  It is not something I'm proud of.
It's not a good thing but I'm just being honest with you because you are sitting down here and talking to me about it and I'm an honest man."
If he ever cheated on Maima,
"Yeah."
On she cheating on him,
"No, she didn't cheat on me that time. She was totally honest in that situation. I don't think she ever cheated on me.
I had to defend her then because people were saying stuffs that weren't true and I'm the boyfriend. so, I had to fight for my girl and people were calling her all sorts of name. She was totally innocent in that situation. I did my research very deep.
Even if the world doesn't believe that I know what I'm saying. Nobody knows what we were then. So when I defended her, it was not because I felt guilty about anything, it was because she was innocent and I didn't like the names people were calling her."
"I didn't catch Maima cheating. I didn't think or suspect she was cheating. I think she was 100% honest with me. Maima was very good to me."
On his relationship with Maima,
"No, we are not together anymore."

Love @ COSON Exposes Okoroji, Ras Kimon, Kasi, Others

"Happy Music" moment with Tony Okoroji

At the mention of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), it is likely that what will pop off peoples' heads is the outfit good at suing establishments that allegedly run foul of copyrights of musicians to court. That assertion is correct though, what may be strange to some members of the public is that in and around COSON, there is so much love flowing, and floating in the the air.
That fact came to the fore last Tuesday, February 14, 2017 Valentine's Day when at the COSON Garden in Opebi Lagos, love was strewn all over the place, typified in lovely music, small chops, lavish drinks and most of all, a gregarious gathering of lucky-go-happy personages in a convivial atmosphere to enjoy each others' company as well as what COSON provided for consumtion.
An exciting and exhilliarating time it was as TOPS Music label stable mates of Kasi, Gwilz, and co took turns on stage to thrill everybody in attendance to their newly created styles in music offering. Check out Kasi The June 12 Girl who emerged on stage in her full element, showing off huge talent in song delivery, rendition in both extensive and expansive vocal range which got all responding with various dance moves on the floor.
The acclaimed rub-a-dub master and reggae exponent, RAS Kimono, was also on hand to re-enact the culture that has endured and endeared him to the world of the beat scene for over three decades to the appeal of the gathering. Call it a mini jam session at COSON and you are absolutely right.
But if anybody was in doubt about Tony Okoro's ability to perform on stage, they were compelled to drop their doubting Thomas' toga as everybody around rushed to join him on stage as he belted out his latest offering in 25 years, entitled "Happy Music" with those chieftaincy dance steps only beffiting a titled man in his clime.
The mix, mingling and body riggling in every angle not only fitted the presentation but also accentuated the event tagged "Love @ COSON to the extent that it left no one in doubt that COSON is not only about suing infringers of its copyrights but ensuring that music which is love has to voluntarily pay.

FG Moves To End Varsities Strike, Inaugurates C'ttee On 2009 Agreement

The Federal Government on Monday in Abuja inaugurated a 14-man committee chaired by Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) to end incessant and protracted  strikes in Nigerian tertiary institutions, with a declaration that it does not see the unions as an enemy.

The committee is expected to re-negotiate the 2009 agreement between government, Academic Staff Union of Universities; Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities; National Association of Academic Technologists and Non-Academic Staff Union of Associated and Allied Institutions.

Members of the committee include Prof. Munzali Jibril, Pro chancellor, Federal University, Lafia; Prof. Nimi Briggs, Pro. Chancellor, Federal University, Lokoja; Senator Gbemisola Saraki, Pro chancellor, Federal University, Otuoke; Arc. Lawrence Ngbale, Pro chancellor, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi; Prince Alex Mbata, Pro chancellor, Imo State University, Owerri and Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun.

While inaugurating the the committee, the Minister of Education, Malami Adamu Adamu, said the re-negotiation team was significant government was committed to keeping to its promise and ensure an environment that is conducive for learning, teaching, research and community service "engendered through lasting industrial harmony."

He encouraged the team to undertake the responsibility with patriotism, dedication, mutual trust and selflessness because the future and stake of the university system will be affected by its successes or otherwise.

Adamu said, "Today’s inauguration kick-starts our drive for re-negotiation across the three segments of the tertiary education sub-sector-universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, starting with universities.. Subsequently, the teams of the re-negotiation with the polytechnics and colleges of education, would be constituted as soon as their respective governing councils are put in place", stated.

"The inauguration of the re-negotiation team is significant as it confirms to the unions that government is committed to keeping its own side of the promise. It wants to ensure that an environment that is conducive for teaching, learning, research and community service is engendered through lasting industrial harmony in all our tertiary institutions.

Babalakin, assured the unions of its commitment towards ensuring that there would be no stalemate between the two parties and pledged that the committee's objective will be in creating a better educational system.

He said, "A conducive environment in the tertiary institution is the bedrock for the development of a nation's intelligentsia. A nation's development can be seriously enhanced by the active participation of the intelligence in the pursuit of the country' developmental goals.

"We also want to assure you that we intend to rise beyond your expectations for the fourth realms of tertiary education‎ in Nigeria. This task should not be underestimated and with the commitment of all, it could provide a serious enhancement for education in Nigeria."

Al Jarreau, Grammy-Winning Jazz Singer, Dead @ 76

Al-Jarreau

Al Jarreau, a seven-time Grammy-winning jazz singer dubbed "the Acrobat of Scat" whose work spanned five decades, died Sunday. He was 76.
Jarreau's site confirmed the singer's death but did not reveal the cause. Earlier in the week, Jarreau's Facebook alerted fans that the singer was hospitalized in Los Angeles due to exhaustion and that all future tour dates were canceled.
"It is with complete sorrow, Al is retiring from touring," the note continued. A day later, fans were informed that Jarreau "is recovering slowly and steadily. His son reports that he caught his dad singing 'Moonlighting' to one of the nurses." However, three days later, Jarreau died.
In a note on Jarreau's website announcing his death, someone associated with the singer wrote, "A few days ago, I was asked to describe Al to someone who knew of his success, but did not know him as a person. I responded with this: His 2nd priority in life was music. There was no 3rd. His 1st priority, far ahead of the other, was healing or comforting anyone in need. Whether it was emotional pain, or physical discomfort, or any other cause of suffering, he needed to put our minds at ease and our hearts at rest. He needed to see a warm, affirming smile where there had not been one before. Song was just his tool for making that happen."
Over the course of a career that spanned more than 40 years, Jarreau collaborated with artists like Miles Davis (the jazz legend also performed a song named after the singer), George Benson, Jill Scott, David Foster, David Sanborn, Chick Corea and many more jazz giants.
In addition to winning seven Grammys, mostly in the Best Jazz Vocal Performance category, the singer was nominated an additional 18 times, including a 1982 Album of the Year nomination for his platinum-selling 1981 LP Breakin' Away. His most recent Grammy nominations arrived in 2013 with three nods: Best Jazz Vocal Album (Live), Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist ["Spain (I Can Recall)"] and Best Children's Album (JumpinJazz Kids - A Swinging Jungle Tale).

Anniversary: Dickson SpeaksTo Bayelsans Live On Monday

Bayelsa State Gov. Seriake Dickson

The governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson will Tuesday, 14th of February, 2017 mark the first year of his second tenure of as the State Chief Executive.

As a part of the activities to mark this remarkable event, the Governor will be having a special two-hour live media chat to be broadcast on all the Bayelsa based radio stations.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the chat is slated for Monday, 13th of February, 2017 at 12 O’clock in the afternoon in the Governor’s Conference Room, New office complex, Government House, Yenagoa.

The Governor is expected to address a wide range of issues, including the various steps the Government is taking to address the developmental challenges of the State in the midst of dwindling resources.

Bayelsans and the general public are by this announcement, requested to tune in and also participate.

The statement also added that members of the public, willing to participate are advised to send comments and questions on twitter@govdickson and on the facebook page Gov. Henry Seriake Dickson or through the following mobile numbers; 08084673265 or 08132798648.

Celebrities Mourn Death Of Eric Erubaye

The news about the unexpected demise of gospel singer Eric Arubayi has elicited an instantaneous outpouring of grief and mourning from the celebrities and fans of the singer.
Arubayi died on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital after battling an undisclosed illness.
Eric Arubayi, a Nigerian singer/songwriter shot into the limelight following his participation in the first season of Idols West Africa in 2007 where he was the fourth runner-up.
Here are some of the remembrances posted on social media today, February 12.
"Your Kindness...I Remember Your Kindness And That Smile Of Yours... And Your Voice..How Can We Ever Forget That Voice... Sleep Well Eric" - Adesua Etomi.
"Never Forget you my brother !!! Rest with God Erico I know ure leading the worship in heaven ryt now. Live with Jesus @ericarubayi" - Ice Prince.
"Wow! Eric! Wow! May your soul rest brother.... " - Ruggedman.
"I am so broken right now... it's not like you will come here and read this so what is even the purpose of this? I feel so selfish for not even calling to say Happy New Year... The last time I saw you, you said 'Mobutu, you never come know my house'. Eric with tears in my eyes I'm saying I'm sorry. I will be a better friend, I will make an effort to just reach out and say hello not to you anymore cos you are resting with God, but to all the people I call my friends.
Rest in peace my dear brother" - Omawumi.
Praiz and Ericplay
Praiz remembers the first day he met Eric. (Instagram/Praiz)

"This was the first day we met... the idols audition ... i didn't mKe it but u did ... even after making it big u took me along..
You gave me hope that i cud succeed... treated me like a brother .. seeing u on tv sing and smile gave my heart a lift and hope ...
I remember when u wud call me to tell me u were coming to abuja and invite me.. U made me feel like i was a star..introduced me to everyone...
And when i was leaving back to Kaduna ,u will give me alot of money and clothes.. i never thought i wud have.. I remember when u forced @omawonder to make me sing cos i didnt make it to the idols show...
You taught me how to sing in falsetto... i never thought it was possible cos of my voice texture... u pushed me and taught me how. ...." -Praiz,
"I'm too shocked to shed a tear, I'm that shocked ... How can you make the world fall hopelessly in love with you and then ... Just like a flash you leave without a word. Without a clue... Eric why? Can you just tell me..." - Chioma Akpotha.
"I am still wondering how?! This shouldn't be Chineke ooooh RIP #ericarubayi #gonetoosoon - I am at a loss of words - go with God and may he console your family at this time in ways no human can" - Andrea Chika Chukwu.

One In 5 Secretly Snoops On Friends' Facebook Accounts

If you think your Facebook account has been hacked then there may be a chance that it was your friend that did it, according to the results of a new study by the University of British Columbia, Canada.
According to the new research, one in five of us are secretly accessing friends' Facebook accounts.
For their research the team surveyed 1,308 US adult Facebook users and asked them to answer questions on their behavior on social media.
After gathering the responses, the researchers estimated that 24% of participants implicitly identified with the statement "I have used a device of someone I know to access their Facebook account without permission," snooping on their friends, romantic partners or family members using the victims' own computers or cellphones.
Twenty-one percent described themselves as victims who identified with the statement, "Somebody I know has used my device to access my Facebook account without permission."
The results also suggested that using mobile phones to snoop was more common among younger people, and by those who used smartphones more themselves for social media and private information.
"It's clearly a widespread practice. Facebook private messages, pictures or videos are easy targets when the account owner is already logged on and has left their computer or mobile open for viewing," commented Wali Ahmed Usmani, lead author of the study and a computer science master's student.
In addition the team also found that as the age of the participants increased, the likelihood that they would carry out such attacks decreased. However the same association was not seen between age and being a victim of such attacks.
However, for the likelihood of being a victim, the dependency on age is less pronounced and nearly flat.
The team also found that people admitted to hacking the account of their friends, family, and romantic partners out of simple curiosity or fun -- for example playing a practical joke such as setting a victim's status or profile picture to something humorous.
However other motives were darker and more serious, such as jealousy or animosity.
"Jealous snoops generally plan their action and focus on personal messages, accessing the account for 15 minutes or longer," said co-author Ivan Beschastnikh, before adding, "And the consequences are significant: in many cases, snooping effectively ended the relationship."
Kosta Beznosov, the paper's other senior author, also added that the study highlights not only how many people could be snooping and why, but also ineffectiveness of passwords and PINs in stopping hacking.
"There's no single best defense -- though a combination of changing passwords regularly, logging out of your account and other security practices can definitely help," said Beznosov.

African China Explains Why Police threatened To Shoot Him

Africa China

A video of how African China was harassed by a police officer in the Ajegunle area of Lagos State was shared on the internet recently.
Now speaking about the incident, the veteran singer has opened up on the experience, explaining why the police had threatened to shoot him.
According to him, the police man had threatened his life for refusing to give them a bribe.
Recounting his experience, the singer said,
“Sound Sultan featured me, Baba Fryo, Daddy Showkey, and Marvellous Benji on a song and we went for the video shoot. While we were shooting the video, a group of about 80 area boys approached us and they were disturbing us. They said that they would not leave unless I give them some money. I agreed and told them I would see them before I go but they should present a representative so that I do not have to give out money to multiple people.
"After the shoot, I realised that there was no way I could leave without ‘seeing’ these boys so I called their representative and gave them money. Sadly, the money I gave them caused a fight among them so my boys whisked me into a car and I drove off.
“Shortly after I left the venue of the video shoot, two policemen came out from nowhere and jumped in front of my vehicle. They demanded that I come out of the car or they would shoot me. It was at that point I began to record the video. I obliged and came out of my vehicle then I approached them and introduced myself. I told the policemen that I was an artiste and I just settled some area boys but the money caused problems among them and I needed to leave that vicinity immediately but the policemen refused to let me go.
"They said that I had to give them their own share of the money or they would shoot. At that point I was upset so I went back to my car telling them that they should shoot me because I was not going to give them a dime. They were already creating a scene when one of those area boys came to meet the police to explain to them who I am.
"While they were talking I sped off then I placed a call to the Lagos State Public Relations Officer. She told me to send pictures of the officers and promised to investigate the matter,” he said.
According to reports, African China was invited to the office of the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, the next day to help identify the policemen involved in the incident.
He added, “True to her words, she invited me to her office and I saw the policemen who had already been detained. I identified them but when I noticed that they were going to lock them up, I began to beg on their behalf because I am sure they have families somewhere. It is just sad that there are some bad eggs among the police who are meant to serve and protect us."
The 'Mr President' singer shared a video of the harassment on Instagram on Tuesday, February 7, 2017.
 He wrote alongside it, "Nigeria see the kind of policemen this Government put on our police stations to serve this nation….
"After shooting @soundsultan music video in AJ, I was about leaving after given money to Area boys. This stupid police man jump in front of my car and threatened to shoot me.
"Naija make una see oh. Him beg me to Delete d video but I told him I will post it. @wazobiatvng@opetodolapo @aleeygiwa."

Mary J. Blige, Chance, Neil Diamond Shine @ Pre-Grammy Gala

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige warned the audience at the Clive Davis Gala that she was not in a good place.

"I look happy, somewhat, but I'm going through some horrible stuff right now," said Blige, who was about to perform in tribute to Saturday night's honoree, BET Networks President Debra Lee.

"It's called a divorce."

Driven by her emotions, the R&B star went out to sing rousing renditions of "Thick of It" and "No More Drama" as the audience watched in awe. Diddy, Jennifer Hudson, French Montana, John Legend, LL Cool J and more stars stared closely from the front row, dancing along and cheering Blige on.

She screeched and screamed, ran from left to right, and even got on the floor to close her performance at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, held the night before the 2017 Grammy Awards.

"We are behind you and we love you to death," Recording Academy CEO Neil Portnow said following the performance.

Others, too, had shining moments almost as good as Blige's: Neil Diamond brought the house to its feet with "Sweet Caroline" and "Love on the Rocks" to end the black-tie event; Joe Jonas and his band DNCE was in strong form when singing the addictive pop hit "Cake by the Ocean"; and Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco, nominated for best rock album, hit all the right notes during an energetic performance that won over the crowd.

The night kicked off with Bell Biv Devoe, who sang their classic "Poison," which included full audience participation. Audience members included Stevie Wonder, Jane Fonda, Michael Keaton, Ringo Starr, Lena Dunham, Kris Jenner, Trevor Noah, Barry Gibb, Berry Gordy, Herbie Hancock and Wiz Khalifa, who was curled up with Amber Rose.

Lorde danced excitedly as seven-time Grammy nominee Chance the Rapper hit the stage, where he sang and rapped. And Hudson sang along as country singer and four-time nominee Maren Morris performed her hit, "My Church."

Maxwell paid tribute to Prince by singing "Nothing Compares 2 U," even changing the lyrics to also honor Whitney Houston.

"It's been five years since this day, since you took your music away," he sang softly.

Houston died in 2012 at the Beverly Hilton, hours before the Davis' pre-Grammy gala was to take place at the hotel. Davis only acknowledged Houston after Hudson performed, saying the public may be focused on those rappers leading in music, but that the traditional singers matter, too.

Hudson, in all-white, earned applause when honoring Leonard Cohen, who died last year, with his "Hallelujah."

The night, like many recent Hollywood events, also took some political turns.

"Did you see those photos of President Obama enjoying flight surfing?," asked House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. "I think President Obama is the only person who is happy Obama isn't president."

"At BET we are saying 'yes to us' and it's something we all should be saying loudly. We must persist and say 'yes to us' at a time when we are faced with so many no's from growing economic, religious, racial, gender and sexual orientation barriers, bans and walls," said Lee, who is the first woman to receive the Grammy Salute To Industry Icons Award.

And Judy Collins, who sang in honor of attendee and icon Joni Mitchell, said the day after President Donald Trump won the election it became "the dark ages."

Davis's annual gala, which also featured a performance by song of the year nominee Mike Posner, was tighter than most years, where the party could last into early Sunday. It ended at midnight.

"We started on time and it's going to be a tight show," Davis said.

Most Ghana Celebrities Especially Musicians Lack ‘Real Talent’! Their Priority Is Just To Be In The News

There’s something going on of-late in the Ghanaian dispensation among those who’re believed to be our ‘celebrities’ because they occasionally appear on our screens. Arguably, most of the so called celebrities in Ghana can be best labeled as ‘Village Champions’ because after crossing the boarders or boundaries of Ghana, they’re just normal people who’re not recognized by non-Ghanaians even those that we share boundaries with.

However, when these musicians, actors and actresses are confronted by Ghanaians even for an interview session by our media personnel, come and see the humiliations meted out to them. We live in a country where some celebrities walks with ‘body guards’ which makes it difficult for their loyal fans to interact with them as if Ghana is similar to Afghanistan!

 Now, throughout the week, some people have recorded their names in the media dispensation for no apparent reason that I can personally point it out. Some decided to fake-death reports in order to win the sympathy of the media houses. News popped up concerning Coded of 4×4 fame who was believed to have been hospitalized as a result of car accident which he had sympathy from the online news reporters (Bloggers) and television entertainment programs.

 Meanwhile, the issue took another turn which revealed that all the death rumours were basically for publicity stunt. On the other hand, there was a report on the death of Kumawood actress, Nana Ama Mcbrown over the week who was believed to have fall victim to food poisoning. Indeed, I understand that to stay relevant as a celebrity, is to have your name in the news most often, however, it must be a positive one. But the Ghanaian public personalities I have known thought otherwise.

They always have the conviction that negative or bad news will sell or project their brand to a higher level. Well, a time will come when it won’t be a mere publicity stunt. I’m praying such celebrity faked-dead news will turn out to be true for you can’t deceive nature or better still Ghanaians all the time.

Similarly, our female celebrities are the worse to talk about. Sometime it looks like apart from talking about their sex life in public, they’ve nothing good to offer. It’s so sad that over the week, some female artistes in the person of Ebony Reigns (Dancehall act) and Sista Afia (musician) got themselves trending as a result of declaring themselves as Nymphomaniac or better still ‘Sex Machines‘.

According to them, they enjoy having sex all the time despite the fact that they’re not legally married to any man. Sometimes I wonder if we should blame the media interviewers for asking trivial questions anytime they get the opportunity. Simply, the kind of questions the interviewer will ask call for these ‘no- sense’ responses. Ideally, the sex life of a celebrity in Ghana is of no use or important to the general public.

If you’re a public figure, your works and words that comes out must serve as inspiration to the all those who’ll get the opportunity to listen to you. Fast forward, one person who constantly be in the news for no apparent reason cannot be left out the self-acclaimed Counsellor George Lutherodt who has decided to be a talkative, punching into peoples private matters just for publicity stunt.

Not long ago, he had constantly bashed actor Kofi Adjorlolo, who’s in his 60s, going out with a lady in her late 20s in the person of Victoria Lebene. Truly, everybody has choices, so who cares about the age difference of a person’s fiancee? The fact is that, every country need mentors or role models who serve as a guiding rod for the up and coming ones. Therefore, our celebrities are part of those who serve as role models for the younger generation and whose lives have an adverse effects on their fans or followers.

If so, they must be very careful by the way they carry themselves or better still the news that circulate about or around them, because they command a lot of respect from their followers. For whatever they’ll do, there are some ignorant people out there who’ll copy blindly from their acts believing it’s the best.

Wife Of Buhari Thanks Nigerians For Support To The President

Hajia Aisha Buhari

Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has expressed gratitude to all Nigerians supporting President Muhammadu Buhari and also urged them to sustain the tempo.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank all Nigerians for the goodwill and support for my husband and Nigeria in general,” she said.

Mrs. Buhari made this call on her arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from Saudi Arabia where she performed Umrah or Lesser Hajj.
According to her, she also said while in Saudi Arabia, she prayed for the peace, stability and progress of Nigeria.

A statement issued by the Director of Information, Office of the Wife of the President, Suleiman Haruna, said Mrs. Buhari who arrived the airport at about 3:15 pm local time, was received by the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, wives of the governors of Kebbi and Kogi states, wives of the Service Chiefs as well as the former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Pauline Tallen.

In the same vein, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday called on Nigerians to pray for good health and wisdom for President Muhammadu Buhari. He enjoined Nigerians to also “pray for peace, unity and economic prosperity as well as political stability and general development of the country.

“Let me use the opportunity of the gathering of distinguished members of the Ulamahs to ask that you all pray for our President, Muhammadu Buhari. May Almighty Allah continue to give him good health, the wisdom and know how to lead this country in peace and to prosperity.

“I also pray for our country to have peace, unity, economic prosperity and political stability and general development,” he said.
Also, at the same event in Ilorin, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, enjoined all the people of the country irrespective of their religious inclinations to pray fervently for President Buhari’s safe return to Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Sultan said: “I urge Nigerians to offer prayers for President Muhammadu Buhari, our governors and leaders for God to shine His light upon them for them to live aright. We should offer special prayers for the president for him to come back safely and continue to pilot the affairs of this country to greater heights.”

Sultan Abubakar also enjoined religious leaders in the country to always preach peace and unity.
According to him, “So we call on all of us to always preach peace, stability and love whatever religion we have in our minds. I want our political leaders to work on things that will unite us. Let us work together on common problems such as poverty, unemployment, extremism and so on and so forth”.

He stressed that, “There are so many of the challenges that are threats to peaceful co-existence but not religion. We must use religion to bind all of us together. Let us face our common problems.

“I urge all our political leaders irrespective of their religious inclinations to hold on to their religious beliefs; to administer the people as God put on their shoulders as best as they can. With that I believe there will be no problem.”

Meanwhile, Saraki has assured that the National Assembly would not enact any law that would stifle the freedom of worship in the country.
Saraki gave the assurance during the grand finale of the 31st National Quranic Memorisation Competition held at the Ilorin Metropolitan Square, along Asa Dam road, in Ilorin, the state capital.

The senate president stated that the nation’s apex legislative body would continue to “work to ensure that people freely practice their religion without fear. I want to assure you that the senate in particular and the National Assembly in general will not enact any law that will stifle the freedom of worship. We will always work to ensure that people can freely practice their religion without fear”.
Saraki said he was delighted to join members of the Ulamahs and dignitaries across the country to celebrate contestants in the competition, which drew participants from 33 states of the federation.

According to him, the knowledge of the holy book is one of the best ways to spread the word of God, according to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report.
“I am convinced that if we all forget about religion and look at the rationality of the words contained in the holy books, our world will be better. The holy books of the two major religions, the Quran and Bible, teach morality, justice, equity, love, compassion, and respect for elders.

“They also teach making money through just and fair means and many other virtues, which if we all imbibe them, there will not be war, disease, poverty, squalor, deprivation, crime and injustice. The holy books further talk about the responsibility and burden of leadership. The books say those of us in position of leadership will have a lot to account for before Allah.

“Also, it is true that all of us are in one position of leadership or the other. We are leaders at various levels and we will be held accountable. Even as followers, we will be held accountable on whether we have played our role in making our leaders lead with the fear of Allah,” he said.

He enjoined participants at the competition, which was mainly the memorisation of the Quran, to help preach the word of God to the high and low in a peaceful manner.
“Use your knowledge of the holy book to spread love, peaceful co-existence, understanding, tolerance, unity, compassion and genuine fear of Allah. Use your knowledge of the Quran to let the world know that those who discourage people from acquiring education are not good Muslims.

“Let the world know that those who obstruct the peace of the world do not represent Islam. Let the world know that our holy Prophet lived peacefully with Christians and Jews. He taught us to even emulate him. That is the essence of Hadiths. If we have taken to the words of Prophet Muhammed, there would have been peace and development in our country and the world over,” he said.

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, while speaking at the occasion, urged Nigerians to resist, through peaceful means, those who are bent on misrepresenting religion or fomenting conflict in its name.

“I, therefore urge the people of Kwara State and indeed all Nigerians to continue to embrace harmonious living and adopt peaceful resolutions to disputes that may arise during our daily interactions.

“Certainly, the spirit of good neighbourliness and unity experienced in the state can be traced to our respect and tolerance of each other’s beliefs practices, values and aspirations. Undoubtedly, the use of religion to perpetuate acts of violence is rather unfortunate and ironical given the emphasis placed on peace and justice by both Christianity and Islam,” he said.