Awards / Music / News

Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ surpasses 100 million views on YouTube

Nigerian megastar and Grammy winner Burna Boy has established himself as Africa’s leading export as well as one of the biggest artist globally. His 2022 hit single ‘Last Last’ off his ‘Love Damini’ album has gone on to become of the biggest songs off the continent in 2022.

In another giant stride, ‘Last Last’ has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube joining ‘YE’ and ‘On the Low’ as Burna Boy’s songs to have surpassed the 100 million views mark.

‘Last Last’ enjoyed a fine run in Nigeria where it reached Number 4 on TurnTable Top 100 and Number one on Apple Music Nigeria Top 100.

‘Last Last’ has enjoyed impressive success internationally with the song reaching a Number 4 peak on the UK Singles Chart and a Number 44 peak on Billboard Hot 100.

Listeners are yet to see the last of ‘Last Last’ as Burna Boy has revealed that he is working on a ‘Love Damini’ deluxe which will likely have a ‘Last Last’ remix featuring UK rapper Dave.

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Awards / Gospel / Music / News

Ada Ehi becomes the second Gospel artist in Africa to hit 100 million views on YouTube

Ada Ogochukwu Ehi, simply known by her stage name Ada Ehi, is widely known and celebrated for her vocal dexterity, inspirational songs and top notch music videos. With her hit record ‘Only You Jesus’ surpassing the 100 million streams mark on YouTube, Ada Ehi now joins famous gospel artist Sinach as the only African gospel acts to hit 100 million view on YouTube.

Since arriving on the scene, Ada Ehi has gone on to become a star with a sizeable fan base which is evidence in her Youtube channel that currently boats of over 360,000 Million views and 1.46 Million subscribers.

The talented Ada Ehi was recently awarded The Achievers award in the UK and she also won CLIMA AWARDS as 2022 best collaboration song ‘Congratulations’ featuring Buchi.

After over 6 years of its release ‘Only You Jesus’ remains fresh and appealing to listeners which has contributed to its steady rise in number.

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Football / Music / News / Sports

Kizz Daniel is set to perform at the 2022 World Cup

A few months ago, Kizz Daniel tweeted that he would love to perform his hit single ‘Buga’ at the World Cup. It will appear that the universe has granted Kizz Daniel’s request as he is now set to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA world cup in Qatar.

Kizz has enjoyed a successful 2022 with his single ‘Buga’ becoming one of the biggest singles out of the continent. After embarking on a successful ‘Afroclassic Tour’ of the UK, US, Canada, and select African countries, Kizz Daniel is set to take ‘Buga’ to the biggest event in an event in competitive sport.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is set to hold in Qatar from Sunday, 20 Nov to Sunday, 18 Dec 2022. Fans will be excited at the news of getting to see Nigerian artists perform at the World in what is another high point for Afrobeats.

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Music / News

EMPIRE announces Africa compilation album, ‘Where We Come From (V0L.1)’

Set to highlight the rising talent from their ever-growing roster on the continent, Where We Come From (Vol. 1), is a testament to Africa’s ability to foster unity through music. “Working on this album has been one of the highlights of my career,” Bnxn fka Buju said. “I feel blessed to have been around so much talent, drive, and creativity all in the same room. This album is about showcasing the best that Africa has to offer, and we’ve done that.”

The compilation project is a body of work created during the writing camp at EMPIRE’s headquarters in San Francisco directly following their first showcase “The New Africa” during the second night of SXSW in March. The crowd saw performances by BNXN fka Buju, Cheque, Fireboy DML, June Freedom, L.A.X, Wande Coal, and other African music trailblazers who are signed to EMPIRE. Artists set to be spotlighted on the upcoming project include Fireboy DML, Olamide, Bnxn fka Buju, Navy Kenzo, Wande Coal, Tolani, Black Sherif, Leil, Kizz Daniel, L.A.X, and more.

“This album is a collective of multi-talented, independent artists, who we’ve partnered with to help create a legacy of cultural appreciation and collaboration, ” Ezegozie Eze, Jr., VP, Strategy and Market Development – Africa & Diaspora said. “Building this platform is one way we plan to further highlight the soundscapes of Africa and the diversity of its artists. It’s a celebration of familiar sounds and the emerging fusions, of familiar voices and rising stars. We’re extremely appreciative of the time and dedication it took everyone involved to put this together.”

EMPIRE Africa globalized EMPIRE’s existing success in America by further highlighting and developing the accomplishments of Nigerian artists like Fireboy DML, Bnxn fka Buju, Olamide, KiDi, Black Sherif, and Asake. Named as the top label in Nigeria, EMPIRE holds this title by market share and as the top music company with the collective most No. 1’s in Nigeria according to TurnTable Charts, the Billboard equivalent in Africa. Furthermore,

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Foreign / Movies / News

Harry Potter actor, Robbie Coltrane dies aged 72

His agent of 40 years, Belinda Wright said Coltrane died on Friday and thanked the medical staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, near Falkirk in Scotland for their “care and diplomacy”.

In a statement, she added: “Robbie was a unique talent, sharing the Guinness Book of Records’ Award for winning three consecutive Best Actor Baftas for his portrayal of Fitz in Granada TV’s series Cracker in 1994/1995/and 1996 with Sir Michael Gambon.

“He will probably be best remembered for decades to come as Hagrid in the Harry Potter films.

“A role which brought joy to children and adults alike all over the world prompting a stream of fan letters every week for over 20 years.

“James Bond fans write too to applaud his role in GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough.

“For me personally, I shall remember him as an abidingly loyal client as well as being a wonderful actor, he was forensically intelligent, brilliantly witty and after 40 years of being proud to be to called his Agent, I shall miss him.”

Coltrane was made an OBE in the 2006 New Year’s honours list for his services to drama and he was awarded the Bafta Scotland Award for outstanding contribution to film in 2011.

The actor is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his children Spencer and Alice and their mother Rhona Gemmell.

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Football / News / Sports

Mohamed Salah’s stunning goal earns Liverpool 1-0 win vs Man City

The Egyptian forward was picked out by goalkeeper Alisson and produced a stunning touch and turn, spinning Joao Cancelo in the process.

Salah then kept his composure to steer the ball past Ederson. It was a truly magical goal and has the potential to be one of the standout moments of the season.

The kick. The touch. The turn. The finish. What a sensational goal.

Tight first half at Anfield

Thirteen points separated the Premier League heavyweights at the start of the afternoon.

Previously unbeaten City have been magnificent during the opening weeks of the campaign, inspired by their £51 million summer signing Erling Haaland.

All eyes were on the prolific Norwegian forward at Anfield and he was City’s biggest goal threat during the first half, testing Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson on two occasions.

Haaland will feel that he should have broke the deadlock shortly before half-time with a header from Kevin De Bruyne’s inch-perfect cross.

Liverpool held their own during the opening 45 minutes but only managed to get one shot on target.

Salah’s moment of magic seals Liverpool win

Salah almost put the hosts 1-0 up early in the second half but the Egyptian forward, who scored a lightning-quick hat-trick against Rangers in midweek, saw his effort stopped by a superb Ederson save.

At the opposite end of the pitch, City scored through Phil Foden, only for the goal to be disallowed following a VAR review. Haaland had fouled Fabinho in the build-up to the chance and the goal was chalked off, much to Pep Guardiola’s frustration.

The game had suddenly burst into life. Salah then picked out Diogo Jota moments later but the Portuguese forward headed over the bar.

Alisson then produced another save from Haaland before Salah curled wide with 20 minutes left on the clock.

There was confusion shortly afterwards when it appeared that Salah was one of three players Jurgen Klopp wanted to substitute.

But he stayed on and then scored one of the best goals we’ll see this season in the Premier League, …

Football / News / Sports

Real Madrid Take El clasico win against Barcelona

Real Madrid welcomed Barcelona to the Bernabeu with plenty to lose at the top of the La Liga table, but Los Blancos emerged with all to gain as goals from Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde, and Rodrigo secured a 3-1 victory.

Instead, it’s Barcelona who leave Madrid with yet another black eye, following the midweek Champions League calamity that likely sees them out of Europe’s top competition. Xavi’s sorrows are compounded after suffering through similar defensive mistakes to the ones made against Inter just days prior.

With the victory, Real Madrid take control of the La Liga title race, moving three points clear at the top of the standings. Barcelona are passed, only in the lead on goal differential before kickoff at the Bernabeu.

Karim Benzema was the first on the scene for Madrid, bagging the opener just 12 minutes in. He made way for others in the team, as big-game star Federico Valverde doubled the lead past the half-hour mark with a solid long-range strike.

After halftime, Barcelona pushed hard to get back in the game, and Real Madrid hung on until Ferran Torres brought the visitors back within one after great work from Ansu Fati. Yet it was not to be, as Real Madrid ran to victory as Rodrygo deposited a dubious penalty in stoppage time to secure the points.

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona final score

1H 2H Final
Real Madrid 2 1 3
Barcelona 0 1 1

Goals:
12th min — RMA — Karim Benzema
35th min — RMA — Federico Valverde
83rd min — BAR — Ferran Torres
90+1 min — RMA — Rodrygo (pen)

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona post-match analysis

Toni Kroos, Luka Modric run midfield in El Clasico

The two midfield stars for Real Madrid were yet again showing their ageless beauty as they completely ran Barcelona’s midfield off the pitch.

Toni Kroos was instrumental in the opening goal, somehow managing to deliver a pinpoint through-ball while being dragged back by a helpless Sergio Busquets. He finished 49-of-55 passing, including 6-of-8 on long balls and …

Education / News

ASUU suspends eight-month strike

The Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) has finally suspended the strike it embarked on since on February 14, 2022.

ASUU ended the strike following intense negotiations with the government and the House of Representatives.

The Guardian gathered that the decision to suspend the strike was taken at the end of ASUU National Executive Council meeting which was held at the ASUU secretariat in Abuja.

“Yes, it has been called off,” a reliable source told The Guardian.

After the discussions with the government, ASUU president Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke had said the union could call off its strike in a few days.

“In a few days, we will put this strike to an end. Let all of us working together and the members of the House of Representatives working together, put a beautiful end to this thing we have started so that every Nigerian will be proud that we have the universities we can be proud of,” Osodeke said.

“We also extend our appreciation to the President for intervening in the ASUU strike. And I want to appeal that in future we should not allow strike to linger. Strike should not go beyond two days; if the way the National Assembly has intervened.

“If we had done that long ago, or those in charge of Labour and Education had done exactly this, we would not have stayed more than two or weeks on the strike.

“Strike is all over the world, UK, U.S. all over, but they don’t allow it to last. So, once again, thank you very much and we hope that working together, in the next few days, we can put an end to this particular imbroglio in the Nigerian educational system.”

ASUU president is expected to release an official circular to its member institutions for the resumption of academic activities in the universities.…

News / Weather

Flood: FG releases relief materials for victims in Anambra

The Federal Government FG has released relief materials mainly food and non food items to flood victims in Anambra State.

An Assistant Director in charge of Response and Rehabilitation, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Walson Ibarakumo, said this after a closed-door meeting with officials of Anambra Government in Awka on Thursday.

Ibarakumo said the non food items had arrived but the food items were yet to arrive in Anambra due to the traffic challenges caused by flooding in the confluence town of Lokoja, Kogi State.

The NEMA official and his team were received by Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Deputy Governor of Anambra and Chief Paul Odenigbo, the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency.

He said the food consignment had been trapped on the Lokoja axis where flood had rendered the road impassable to vehicular traffic.

He said the food items meant to Anambra were 1,400 (10kg) bags of rice, 1,400 (10kg) bags of beans, 1,400 (10kg) maize, 75 (20kg) of salt, 75 (20 ltr) vegetable oil, 1,000 cartons of seasoning and 75 cartons of tin tomatoes.

The non food items included 7,350 nylon mats, 1,000 treated mosquito nets, 600 cartons of bath soap, 2,500 Guinea brocades (5yrds) and 1,000 units of each of children, women and men’s wear.

Ibarakumo commended the Anambra government for their efforts so far in the response, rescue and intervention operations while expressing hope that the trapped materials would reach the state soon.

On his part, Ibezim thanked the FG for the support but expressed regrets over the devastating impact of the flood on Anambra.

Ibezim said the number of affected local government areas had increased from five to seven with addition of Ihiala and Ekwusigo.

He said new challenges were emerging each new day due to rising water levels and that the government was still busy with containing the disaster which overstretched their preparations.

The Deputy Governor said efforts were being made to provide minimal comfort to victims and that every item meant to cushion their pains would be diligently distributed.…

News / NFL / Sports

Commanders Defense Pulls Out Washington Win vs. Bears

The Washington Commanders are heading back to the nation’s capital happy after a hard-fought 12-7 win over the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football at Soldier Field.

The score is indicative of the excitement the game gave … not much, at least until the end.

The first points on the board came with 46 seconds left in the first half on a Joey Slye field goal to grant the Commanders a 3-0 lead going into halftime. However, the shutout the defense pitched in the first half came with a few major plays.

The Bears found themselves in the red zone twice on goal-to-go situations, but the Commanders stopped any scoring attempts. In the first quarter, the ball was batted in the air by the defensive line and intercepted by Jonathan Allen. In the second quarter, after allowing a massive run to Bears running back Khalil Herbert, the Commanders drew a goal line stand to prevent any points from going on the board.

In the second half, the Bears found the Commanders at a weakness, and quarterback Justin Fields heaved a 40-yard touchdown to wide receiver Dante Pettis to put Chicago back in front.

The Commanders needed a spark that the offense couldn’t provide, so special teams had to step up. With eight minutes left in the game, rookie return specialist Velus Jones Jr. muffed the punt and the Commanders recovered inside the 10-yard line. Two plays later, rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. scored his first NFL touchdown less than two months after being shot in the knee. Robinson ran the ball 17 times for 60 yards on the day.

Kicker Joey Slye had the chance to put the team up eight points, but missed the 48-yard field goal, giving Chicago one final chance to win the game. Fields ran the ball on a 39-yard gain to get the Bears all the way inside the 10-yard line but cornerback Benjamin St-Juste stopped wide receiver Darnell Mooney on the 1-yard line on 4th down to turn the ball over once again …

Awards / International / Music / News

Burna Boy, Tems, Ayra Starr, Black Sherif nominated for 2022 MTV EMAs [See Full Nominee List]

Nominated for the Best African Act are the Nigerian trio of Burna Boy, Tems, and Ayra Starr who will face competition from Ghanaian fast-rising Hip Hop star Black Sherif, South African artist Musa Keys, and Tanzanian singer Zuchu.

Nigerian international singer Tems was also nominated for the Best New Artist award alongside Baby Keem, Dove Cameron, GAYLE, SEVENTEEN, and Stephen Sanchez.

SEE FULL NOMINATION LIST BELOW.

BEST SONG

  • Bad Bunny, Chencho Corleone – “Me Porto Bonito”
  • Harry Styles – “As It Was”
  • Jack Harlow – “First Class”
  • Lizzo – “About Damn Time”
  • Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl”
  • ROSALÍA – “DESPECHÁ”

BEST VIDEO

  • BLACKPINK – “Pink Venom”
  • Doja Cat – “Woman”
  • Harry Styles – “As It Was”
  • Kendrick Lamar – “The Heart Part 5”
  • Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl”
  • Taylor Swift – “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)”

BEST ARTIST

  • Adele
  • Beyoncé
  • Harry Styles
  • Nicki Minaj
  • ROSALÍA
  • Taylor Swift

BEST COLLABORATION

  • Bad Bunny, Chencho Corleone – “Me Porto Bonito”
  • David Guetta & Bebe Rexha – “I’m Good (Blue)”
  • DJ Khaled ft. Drake & Lil Baby – “STAYING ALIVE”
  • Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa – “Sweetest Pie”
  • Post Malone ft. Doja Cat – “I Like You (A Happier Song)”
  • Shakira ft. Rauw Alejandro – “Te Felicito”
  • Tiësto & Ava Max – “The Motto”

BEST LIVE

  • Coldplay
  • Ed Sheeran
  • Harry Styles
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Lady Gaga
  • The Weeknd

BEST POP

  • Billie Eilish
  • Doja Cat
  • Ed Sheeran
  • Harry Styles
  • Lizzo
  • Taylor Swift

BEST NEW

  • Baby Keem
  • Dove Cameron
  • GAYLE
  • SEVENTEEN
  • Stephen Sanchez
  • Tems

BEST K-POP

  • BLACKPINK
  • BTS
  • ITZY
  • LISA
  • SEVENTEEN
  • TWICE

BEST LATIN

  • Anitta
  • Bad Bunny
  • Becky G
  • J Balvin
  • ROSALÍA
  • Shakira

BEST ELECTRONIC

  • Calvin Harris
  • David Guetta
  • DJ Snake
  • Marshmello
  • Swedish House Mafia
  • Tiësto

BEST HIP HOP

  • Drake
  • Future
  • Jack Harlow
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Lil Baby
  • Megan Thee Stallion
  • Nicki Minaj

BEST ROCK

  • Foo Fighters
  • Liam Gallagher
  • Måneskin
  • Muse
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • The Killers

BEST ALTERNATIVE

  • Gorillaz
  • Imagine Dragons
  • Panic! At The Disco
  • Tame Impala
  • Twenty One Pilots
  • YUNGBLUD

BEST R&B

…
BBNaija / Entertainment / News

BBNaija’s Rico Swavey is dead

Big Brother Naija season three housemate Patrick Fakoya popularly known as Rico Swavey has died.

Co-housemate, Tobi Bakre confirmed his shocking demise on Thursday, days after the reality star suffered fatal injuries from a car accident.

“We lost him. But thanks a lot guys.God knows best,” Bakre tweeted announcing Swavey’s death.

Following the fatal accident which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, co-housemate Alex Unusual revealed that the artiste was in a “critical condition” and unconscious.

An appeal for financial aid spearheaded by Bakare was also promptly set up to keep Swavey on life support.

The 29-year-old reality star featured in the 2018 edition of top reality show Big Brother Naija alongside Bakre, Alex and Cee-C.

Prior to his tragic passing, he solidified his position as a performing artiste with a number of TV appearances.

Keep Resting Rico Swavey.

 

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Music / News

Popular Igbo rapper Tidinz reportedly dies from drug related complications

Indigenous Igbo rapper Tidinz has been reported dead from a drug related complications. Tweets and images of the news of Tidinz death surfaced online on Monday, 10th October 2022. According to different accounts, the rapper was said to have died from drug overdose while others claim he was poisoned.

Dilichukwu Okonkwo popularly known by his stage name Tidinz was born on April 12 1996. He hails from from Enugu, Nigeria from where set up his base and established himself as one of the finest Igbo rappers. Tidinz has worked with popular artists including fellow Igbo rappers Phyno and Zoro. He died at the age of 26 and his death has been met with sadness from fans and colleagues.…

Awards / Music / News

Burna Boy receives MFR Award from President Buhari

President Buhari on 11th, October 2022 presented the 437 nominees for the National Awards with their awards in a ceremony that held at the Government House Villa in Aso Rock. Afrobeats megastar Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu AKA Burna Boy was one of the 75 individuals presented with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic award

The award which was presented in recognition of his groundbreaking exploits that includes becoming the first Nigerian contemporary artist to win the Grammy was received on behalf of Burna Boy by his father.…

Uncategorized

Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’ sets new African record on Billboard Chart

‘Made In Lagos’ has become the first African album to have a run of 100 weeks on the Billboard world album chart. It achieved this feat in the chart week dated October 15th, 2022.

This incredible feat means that the album is only three weeks away from enjoying a run that will span two years on the chart.

‘Made in Lagos’ reached number one on the Billboard World Album Chart spending three weeks atop the chart thus becoming the first Nigerian album to spend multiple weeks at number one.

The album also became the longest-charting Nigerian project in the chart’s history. It tops Fela‘s ‘The Black President’ which spent 45 weeks on the chart.

Its latest accolade of reaching 100 weeks on the Billboard World Album Chart is another feat for the hugely successful ‘Made In Lagos’ which has set numerous records and received several recognitions.

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News / Production

We own Obajana Cement plant 100% – Dangote Group

The management of Dangote Industries Ltd. (DIL) says it owns Obajana Cement plant 100 per cent and its acquisition in 2002 followed due process.

The company said this in a statement issued by Anthony Chiejina, Group Head Branding and Communications, DIL, titled, ‘Obajana Cement Plant: Separating Facts from Fiction.’

The group said the Kogi government had no equity interest in Obajana Cement Plc, and that the company had been paying relevant state taxes, levies and charges to the Kogi government since it started production in  2007.

“This is a statement issued for the sole purpose of addressing the concerns and apprehensions of the stakeholders of Dangote Cement Plc (DCP), especially the over 22,000 people it employs directly, and more indirectly, as well as thousands of contractors, wholesalers, users of our products, our financiers and shareholders.

“At a time of significant economic challenges that we face as a nation, we believe all must be done to keep our economy running effectively, our people employed, businesses that depend on us thriving, and not discourage those who take the risks of needed, lawful and significant investments in our economy.

“The shutdown of our plant has materially jeopardized the economic wellbeing of our country without any regard for its significant consequences,” said the statement.

The group said whilst reserving its rights to proceed to arbitration in accordance with the extant agreement, it had reported the unlawful invasion and the consequential adverse effects of same to all the relevant authorities, including the Federal Government of Nigeria who had intervened in the matter.

“It is hoped that the dispute resolution process we have initiated will quickly resolve the disputes and allow us to focus on our business without distraction and continue our significant contribution to our national economy,” the company said.

According to the group, the Obajana Cement Plant is one of the most critical components of economic activities in the nation, being one of the highest taxpayers, and vehicle for one of the largest companies invested in by thousands of Nigerian and foreign investors.

“Its …

Foreign / History / News

Germany to return 1,130 looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria – Lai Mohammed

Nigeria’s Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed says Nigeria has signed an agreement with Germany for the repatriation of over 1,130 looted Benin Bronze artifacts back to the country.

The Minister disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Washington DC, United States on Tuesday.

This was after three museums in the US repatriated 31 Benin Bronze artefacts to Nigeria.

He commended the German Government for that effort, adding that Nigeria is also getting positive response from France and Mexico to return some of its stolen artefacts.

In 1897 during a British raid on Benin, the royal palace was torched and looted, and the oba (ruler) was exiled.

The British confiscated all royal treasures, giving some to individual officers and taking most to auction in London.

The estimated 3,000 objects eventually made their way into museums and private collections around the world.

The Minister said the world had seen that it was an ethical and moral issue to return the artefacts to their owners, noting that it is not a matter of law as claimed by the British Government.

Mohammed said: ““This is important for the British Museum to understand and for the British Government to know, because I was also in the British Museum to ask them to return thousands of the artefacts in its custody.

“The standard response is that until the British Parliament changes the status, they are not in position to so do.

“The US and Germany are now seeing that this matter is not of law, but of morality.

“It is about doing the right thing.

“I hope that the British Government will also learn from the two countries and do same.”

According to Mohammed, Nigeria is planning to sign an agreement with the British Government on November 28 to return about 86 other artefacts from various museums in UK.

The Minister told NAN that the campaign of the current administration for the return of and restitution of Nigeria’s looted/smuggled artefacts from around the world, which was launched in November 2019, …

Education / News

Unilorin speaks on reported release of post-UTME screening form

The University of Ilorin has dismissed reports that it released 2022/2023 Post-UTME Screening Form to applicants.

Kunle Akogun, Director of Corporate Affairs of the university, spoke in the development in a statement on Thursday.

Akogun said: “This is to inform all admission applicants to the University of Ilorin that the institution is yet to take any decision on the 2022/2023 Post-UTME screening.

“They should, therefore, disregard a message currently flying around online platforms to the effect that the University has started the process for the sale of Post-UTME screening registration form. “This is the handiwork of scammers and admission seekers should disregard it.”…

Music / News

“She threatened me with a knife and told me to open my phone” —Singer Lojay shares domestic abuse experience

Like other countries in Africa, Nigeria has a high incidence of domestic violence. In Nigeria, it is deeply ingrained in the culture that hitting a woman as a form of discipline is acceptable. Now, women are following that belief system’s lead as well. Despite how strange that may sound, it is true.

In a recent podcast with Pulse, Nigerian singer and vocalist Lojay acknowledges having been in an abusive relationship in the past. He admits that the woman had previously stabbed him, and the wound was still visible on his body.

He said that the union lasted six years, starting when he was 16 and ending only when he was 22.

The woman, who also happened to be his first love, had her good and bad times, but the violent portion began with tiny assaults and attacks like tossing shoes when she got upset, which the singer admitted to have found amusing at the time, until things became violent and more physical.

He added that because the woman had so many positive traits, he didn’t realize that the actions were abusive at the time.

“she stabbed me with a fork; that day was hilarious. She smashed a kettle on my head and dented that sh*t. Then, she stabbed me in the hand with a fork. It is a horror story; the mark is with me forever. The funny thing about the moment is that when I look back, the first strike she took was directly to my chest but because it was a fork, it didn’t really cut a lot, but what if it was a knife?”

“…the bad part was that at the time, I didn’t even realize that it was abuse. Because at the time, she’d do like 30 good things and then do like 2 f**d up things.”

The celebrity then spoke on the moment the romance came to an end. He said that he was ill and that while he was sipping water, the lady hit

…
News / NFL / Sports

Matt Ryan, Russell Wilson stumble as Indianapolis barely wins ugly defensive battle

The Broncos and Colts each entered Thursday night’s AFC showdown battered and bruised, with little offense to show for it. And boy did they keep that up in their prime-time “competition.” Injuries, three-and-outs and forced throws headlined the ugly contest, with Russell Wilson and Matt Ryan taking turns seemingly trying to outdo each other in negative plays. The back-and-forth was so brutal, it turns out, that neither side could reach the end zone in four quarters, combining for six field goals to deadlock in a 9-9 tie that necessitated overtime. The Colts proceeded to win the coin toss, add another field goal, and stuff Denver on a fourth-and-1 in the red zone to secure the 12-9 victory.

The Broncos previously entered halftime up 6-3 thanks to a pair of Brandon McManus field goals, but both teams went into the break — and then later overtime — looking, frankly, like losers. Indy’s win improves the team to 2-2-1, while Denver falls to 2-3 on the year with the defeat. But both teams still have major questions to answer moving forward.

Here are some takeaways from Thursday’s sloppy showdown:

Why the Colts won

It wasn’t because they played a complete game, or anything resembling one, that’s for sure. Ryan was hooting and hollering on his way into the locker room after getting the win, no thanks to he or basically the entire Colts offense. Ryan, 37, looked every bit his age flailing around a collapsing pocket, taking a beating that included six sacks and plenty more hits. It’s a wonder he was still standing upright to lead the go-ahead drive in OT. But give credit to Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr., who made the most of the oft-suspect throws Ryan sent their direction. And definitely give it to the defense, which was without Shaquille Leonard but absolutely manhandled whatever Denver was doing with the ball in its hands. DeForest Buckner led the way up front, headlining a four-sack effort that also pressured Wilson into a pair of rookie-esque interceptions. But the …