Entertainment / News

Comedian Basketmouth welcomes 3rd child with wife Elsie

The comedian took to his Instagram page on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, where he announced the big news.

“Happy birthday darling dearest @elsieokpocha I am so blessed to have an amazon for a wife. Here’s wishing you the very best things in life….which starts from me,” he wrote.

“P.S: Thanks for updating my fatherhood licence a month ago, I am now upgraded to version 4. P.S.2: You’re beautiful AF!!! ❤️❤️❤️.”

Elsie also took to her Instagram page where she shared the good news. However, she revealed she had three miscarriages before welcoming her third child.

Congratulations to the Okpochas from all of us at Pulse.

This is Basketmouth’s fourth child.

The comedian and his wife have three children together.

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Entertainment / News

Runtown releases with track-list for new album

Titled, Signs the new album will be a follow up to Tradition a 6-track EP he released in 2019 as well as his 2015 debut album, Ghetto University which was released to wide acclaim.

Till date, Runtown’s debut album saw him rise from a promising act to an African international pop star, topping charts across the globe, and by extension, led him to headline an array of massive gigs from Lagos to Kampala, London, South Africa, Zanzibar, Trinidad, New York and more recently, Paris.

Armed with utter focus and peace of mind, with this new EP, the singer is ready to raise the bar beyond familiar boundaries.

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Business / Music

Boomplay announces partnership with Turntable Charts

The ranking of music will provide music lovers access to collaborative content which seeks to recognize the top songs and artistes across the country.

Speaking during the announcement, Tosin Sorinola, Director of Artiste and Media Relations at Boomplay stated that this partnership affirms the company’s commitment towards the advancement and growth of music across Africa, “With this new partnership, we are bringing Boomplay’s leadership in digital music across Africa together with TurnTable’s definitive music chart to give creators, artists and fans access to even more credible statistics that they can rely on.”

“This agreement is a natural extension of our music strategy to bring exciting music experiences to fans across Africa while helping them to find the hottest, most popular music hits and singles from all musical genres in Nigeria,” she concluded.

Her sentiments were echoed by Ayomide Oriowo, co-Editor-in-Chief of TurnTable Charts, “This new partnership is a landmark for TurnTable Charts as a music chart publication as it represents our first direct agreement with a DSP operating in Nigeria. The partnership makes the data points used for our charts better and bigger. Additionally, it offers an opportunity to provide better platform-specific analytics and reports.

“Finally, with Boomplay as the largest music streaming service in Nigeria, this is the first step to creating genre charts that puts the spotlight on other genres of music beyond popular music in Nigeria as well as an albums chart that gives the performance of albums across all platform. We are delighted to have Boomplay as a partner”

The TurnTable Top 50 is the publication’s biggest music chart – the first ever standard aggregate music chart in Nigeria that combines radio airplay, TV airplay, freemium streaming and now Boomplay data, the most credible and a true reflection of what music lovers are listening to in the country.

TurnTable Charts publishes weekly music charts in Nigeria, mostly based on Friday to Thursday tracking.

About Boomplay

Boomplay is a music streaming and download service provided by Transsnet Music Limited. The company

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Entertainment / News

‘I promise you your family will be safe and good’ – 2Baba to Sound Sultan

The singer passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at the age of 44.

He died following a hard-fought battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a group of related cancers that affect the lymphatic system.

The music star took to his Instagram page on Tuesday, July 13, where he penned an emotional note.

“Couldn’t bring myself to do this but what can we do. Rest well. Till we meet again my dear friend and brother. Still so unreal. Will never stop celebrating u. I promise u your fam will be safe and good. #GRATEFUL for u and the blessings that u represented in my life,” he wrote.

The music star was buried according to Muslim rites on Sunday in the United States of America.

He is survived by a wife, three children and siblings

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News / politics

2023: Tinubu won’t be president, polls may be postponed — Primate Ayodele

The Founder of Inri Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, has spoken on what to expect of the 2023 polls in the country.

Ayodele spoke during the presentation of the 2021/2022 edition of his book of prophesy: “Warnings to the Nations.”

The book is a compendium of prophecies for countries of the world, with special focus on Nigeria.

On the 2023 general election, Primate Ayodele dismissed the threat that there would be no polls, adding that it could, however, be moved forward.

“Nobody is going to stop the election.

“Though the date of the election might be shifted, but there will be elections.”

On the presidential ambition of former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Servant of God ruled out the chances of his taking over from President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said: “Tinubu taking over this country from Buhari is going to be another disaster.

“The best Tinubu should do for himself is to keep away from politics now.

“Tinubu cannot become the president of this country.

“APC will not even give him the chance.”

Primate Ayodele also spoke of more problems ahead for the Peoples Democratic Party, adding that two more governors would desert the party for the ruling party to worsen the crisis rocking the party.

He said: “If the elections were to hold today, APC would definitely lose out, but the question is: does PDP have the right candidate for the election now?

“Nigerians are definitely tired of the APC, but the PDP does not have anybody.

“It’s only if the PDP can present a credible person.

“Mark my words.

“(Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar) Malami factor will decide a lot of things in APC.

“Likewise in PDP, (Aminu) Tambuwal, (Abubakar Bukola) Saraki, (Rabiu) Kwankwaso and (Nyesom) Wike will determine a lot of things in PDP.

“PDP will have a lot of problems because of the plot to remove (National Chairman of the PDP, Uche) Secondus.”…

Crime / News / politics

Ex-governor Suswam opposes state police

A former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has spoken against the creation of state police.

Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Suswam said even when he was a governor, he opposed state police because he believed “most of us don’t have the maturity to control state police.”

He said: “The proposal in the constitution for amendment is that governors will appoint Commissioners of Police, and I can’t be party to that because I know the implication for that. That will be a recipe for complete disintegration of the country, except we want that.

“As a governor, there is no way you will come to my state and misbehave and I won’t charge you for nuisance and put you in jail. And when it comes to elections, you know that I can appoint a Commissioner of Police.

“My mother can be Commissioner of Police, my cousins will be the DPOs here and there, and my lackeys can be in positions; so, anywhere somebody is my opponent politically, that person is gone. So, we can’t practice state police.”

He said Nigeria should not compare itself with developed countries on the issue of state police as those countries had “gone past where we are today.”

“We’ve to wait until we are mature enough for state police,” he said.…

Crime / News

Kaduna: Bandits kill 222, kidnapped 774 in three months – Commissioner

Bandits in three months in Kaduna State have been reported to have killed 222 persons and abducted 774 during heavily armed attacks.

This was disclosed by the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan.

The Commissioner, who spoke on Tuesday when he presented the second quarter security report in the state, said bandits raped 20 women between April and June 2021.

He noted that 159 persons out of the total number killed were from Kaduna Central Senatorial District, which falls under Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas. He said 54 persons were killed in Southern Kaduna Senatorial District.

Five of those killed were women, with four minors.

Aruwan said for Kaduna Northern Senatorial District, nine deaths were recorded, adding that among those abducted were 239 women and 32 minors.

He said 87 bandits were killed by security agencies and 24 suspects arrested by the Department of State Services.

He put the total number of cattle rustled by bandits at 8,553.

Aruwan added: “Insecurity, particularly in frontline communities, have threatened food security because most farmers in those communities have abandoned their farmlands for fear of being killed or kidnapped for ransom.”…

Crime / Education / News

Chaos in Abraka as student is killed, two others Abducted

Gunmen have killed a 400 Level student of the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Stephen Odje, and abducted two others.

The students killed as they journeyed back to school to resume for the 2020/2021 academic session.

The management of DELSU has confirmed the development.

In a statement by the Dean, Students’ Affairs, Prof. Chukwujindu Iwegbue, the management, with the family of the deceased, called on the relevant security agencies to fish out the assailants and ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victims.

So also has the Student Union Government of the school called for the arrest of those who killed Odje and release of those abducted.

In a statement by the President of the SUG, Comrade Mukolo Ogelenya Solomon, the students deplored the precarious state of students in the hands of murderous hoodlums.

The statement said: “It is also painful to the entire student body that when such incidents occur, law enforcement agencies within and around the state have not done enough to bring the perpetrators to book.

“The incident may lead to a breakdown of law and order within Abraka and its environs and the entire state in general if urgent steps are not taken to effect the immediate and unconditional release of the kidnapped victims.”

The Delta State Police Command has also confirmed the development.

The spokesman of the Command, DSP Bright Edafe, said operatives had been deployed to rescue the abducted students as well as arrest the perpetrators of the crime.…

Crime / News

Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, orders arrest of three traffic robbers

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, ordered the arrest of a gang of suspected criminals that specializes in harassing motorists and road users in traffic.

Sanwo-Olu had while handing over security equipment purchased by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, for the use of Lagos Police Command, on Thursday, June 10, 2021, said there would be no hiding place for criminals in the state.

He said: “We are determined to stabilize the security situation in Lagos State, as our own contribution towards lasting national security.”

Sanwo-Olu stated after the security personnel arrested the three machete-wielding criminals that the exercise was a warning signal to other criminal elements and prospective traffic robbers in Lagos that there is no hiding place for criminality in the state.

ALSO, the Strike Squad of the Lagos State Taskforce carried out a massive raid on motorcycle (okada) riders at Second Rainbow and Toyota Bus Stop along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

During the raid, which lasted for some hours, 105 motorcycles were impounded. Prior to yesterday’s raid, 201 motorcycles were impounded last week.…

Boxing / Sports

Andy Ruiz Jr stood up Joshua’s power, but Otto Wallin can KO him – Salita

The Swedish heavyweight is eager to secure a big-name fight after his career-best win over Dominic Breazeale, a dominant points victory in February. “Otto and Andy gave the toughest challenge to two of the current world heavyweight champions,” promoter Dmitriy Salita hopes that Otto Wallin can secure a high stakes showdown with rival contender Andy Ruiz Jr.

 

Former unified champion Ruiz Jr sealed a unanimous decision win over Chris Arreola in May, and Salita hopes to guide his fighter Wallin into a high stakes showdown with the rival contender.

“Beating Breazeale the way he [Wallin] did shows how much he has improved since the Fury fight,” Salita said. “I am sure his size, skills and devotion to his craft is making world class fighters think twice about sharing the ring with him.

“Otto and Andy gave the toughest challenge to two of the current world heavyweight champions. It makes sense for them to fight, especially if Tyson Fury fights Anthony Joshua [in and undisputed world title fight].” Wallin emerged with credit from his only defeat, a bloody decision loss to Fury in September 2019, while Ruiz Jr stopped Anthony Joshua in June 2019, only to lose his world titles in an immediate rematch in December of that year.

Asked if Wallin could win by knockout, Salita said: “Definitely and I believe he has the skills, power and size to do it!”

Wallin has previously told Sky Sports that he hopes to earn a second fight with Fury, who went on to stop Deontay Wilder in his next fight to claim the WBC belt.

“My dream is to fight and win the world title so for right now I just have to keep fighting and improving so when I get the shot I’ll be ready to grab it with both hands,” said Wallin.

“The Tyson Fury rematch is not my top priority but I truly hope I get another shot at him.

“I just have to keep fighting and winning and show that I’m worthy of a rematch and when …

Entertainment / Foreign / Music

Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ cracks the Billboard Hot 100, debuts at No. 82

This comes after the song cracked the Billboard Bubbling Under Charts for the first time. This marks a remarkable achievement for Wizkid and Tems, who are signed to the same label and for African music as a whole.

The song marks Wizkid’s third appearance on the charts, after ‘One Dance’ famously hit No. 1 in 2016. For Tems, this marked her first appearance, as her launch gathers heat.

 

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Entertainment / Foreign / News

Eddy Murphy’s son is dating Martin Lawrence’s daughter

Jasmine Lawrence revealed their relationship in a sweet Instagram post celebrating his 32nd birthday on Saturday, July 10, 2021.

“Happy birthday, my love! I’m so incredibly blessed to know you, to love you, and to have you by my side. Cheers to many more blessings, laughs, and beautiful memories! I love you so much!! 🖤✨,” she wrote.

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Football / Sports

Euro 2020 Team of the Tournament

GK: Gigi Donnarumma (Italy)

The imminent arrival of Gigi Donnarumma on a free transfer already looked like a sensational bit of business by Paris Saint-Germain – now it is looking like one of the best deals in history.

The 22-year-old was utterly immense as Italy won Euro 2020 in dramatic fashion, with their giant of a goalkeeper saving two penalties in the final, including the decisive spot-kick from Bukayo Saka.

The Arsenal teenager deserves the utmost sympathy for his miss because there is no more intimidating shot-stopper in the world right now, as underlined by the fact that Donnarumma is five for five in terms of shootouts, for club and country.

UEFA’s Player of the Tournament and our obvious choice for the No.1 jersey.

RB: Joakim Maehle (Denmark)

Atalanta have done it again: the masters of the transfer market have unearthed another gem.

Just over six months after signing Joakim Maehle from Genk for just €10 million (£8.5m/$11.9m), the versatile wing-back is now arguably worth three times that amount thanks to his sensational displays for surprise semi-finalists Denmark.

Despite being right-footed, Maehle proved a phenomenon on the left flank, scoring two goals and creating another.

Indeed, the 24-year-old produced the most outrageous assist of the tournament by finding Kasper Dolberg in the area with a stunning outside-of-the-boot cross in the quarter-final win over Czech Republic.

CB: Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)

What was truly incredible about Leonardo Bonucci’s Man of the Match-winning performance in the final was just how ridiculously easy it made it all look.

He was calmness personified. On two separate occasions, he nonchalantly flicked headers back to Donnarumma, even though Raheem Sterling was close by, looking to pounce on any mistake.

Bonucci, though, turned in a flawless, outrageously composed display.

His passing, as always, was sensational, while he was also on hand to score the crucial equaliser when Marco Verratti’s header came back off the post.

Bonucci has sometimes been accused of playing as more of a midfielder than a defender. At Euro 2020, he proved himself one of

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Crime / Law / News

Naira Marley’s alleged internet fraud case adjourned for 3 months

The music star was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in 2019 for alleged internet fraud.

On Monday, July 12, 2021, Justice Nicholas Oweibo of a Federal High Court in Lagos adjourned till October 5 (85 days) to continue the alleged internet fraud trial.

At the resumption of proceedings, counsel to the EFCC, Bilkisu Buhari, informed the judge that the matter was slated for cross-examination of the second prosecution witness, Anosike.

She prayed the court to invite the witness for the continuation of the hearing.

However, the defense counsel Akinwale Kola-Taiwo, prayed the court for a short date for the continuation of trial on the grounds that “the matter is for mention today and not continuation as disclosed by the prosecution.”

Granting his prayer, Justice Oweibo adjourned the case till October 5, 6 and 7 for continuation of trial.

The long adjournment is in view of the court’s annual vacation, which begins on July 26 and ends on September 17 (53 days).

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News / politics

Kalu speaks on report he discussed IPOB with UK at meeting

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has debunked reports circulated on the social media that he paid a private visit to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, where he allegedly discussed the affairs of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

The former Governor of Abia State spoke on the development in a statement on Monday.

This was even as he snapped at individuals and groups to desist from antagonizing his person.

In the statement by Emeka Nwala, Kalu explained that the British High Commissioner visited him (Kalu) in his Abuja residence on May 13 in company of the Political Counsellor, British High Commission, Jonathan Bacon, and Stuart Gardner, the First Secretary, Political.

“To put the records straight, I neither visited nor discussed IPOB with the British High Commissioner as reported.

“Those behind this repeatedly shameful act will live to regret their actions as their efforts will not only fail but turn around to favour me.”

The fake story circulated in the media with Kalu as the author read: “I visited the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mrs Catriona Laing with my brother Senator Chris Ngige to express gratitude over her contributions in silencing the issues of insecurities and attacks on the Nigerian force personnel championed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as the issue of insecurity and killing has been defeated totally in the Eastern region.

“We also made it known to her that the entire Igbo elites strongly believed in one Nigeria and very much in support of President Muhammadu Buhari led government.”

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News / Production

There won’t be petrol subsidy after Buhari signs PIB – Minister

Nigeria will no longer operate the subsidy system to regulate the cost of Petrol once President Muhammadu Buhari signs into law the Petroleum Industry Bill, recently passed by the National Assembly.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, announced this on Monday.

Sylva, who spoke at: “Nigeria/Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries: 50 Years of Partnership,” press conference in Abuja, said it was best for Nigeria that the Federal Government discontinued subsidy on petrol, stressing that the recently passed PIB had no provision for subsidy.

He said: “This (subsidy removal) is desirable for the interest and growth of Nigeria.

“Of course, everybody will have their perspectives, but from where I sit, I believe that subsidy removal is the best thing for Nigeria, not just the industry.

“So far, the discussions with stakeholders are still ongoing.

“But I will also bring it to your attention that today, when the President assents to the PIB, subsidy will become a matter of law because it is already in the PIB that petroleum products will be sold at market determined prices.

“The removal of subsidy has the potential of unlocking a lot more funds for deployment to development.

“Unfortunately, what we are doing by way of subsidy is like cutting our nose to spite our face.”

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Basket Ball / Sports

Nigeria Beat Argentina in exhibition game 94-71 two days after beating Team USA

Nigeria continues to tear things up on the hardwood ahead of the Summer Olympics.

Led by former NBA head coach Mike Brown, Nigeria followed up its 90-87 upset of Team USA with a 94-71 demolition against Argentina, the world’s No. 4 side. That’s two massive wins for D’Tigers as they ramp up ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. And they’re not just hitting shots on the court.

Jahlil Okafor led Nigeria with 15 points while Josh Okogie and Chimezie Metu had 10 each. Nigeria limited Argentina to 35.9 percent shooting from the floor while hitting 48.1 percent of its own shots. D’Tigers didn’t make an insane amount of triples this time around, but did well enough in other areas to win in a rout.

Many pundits and fans were blasting Team USA for losing to Nigeria, but it’s becoming clear D’Tigers are no pushovers. A 23-point win over Argentina shows Nigeria has the talent and coaching to make noise in the upcoming Olympics. Keep an eye on this group going forward.…

Sports / Tennis

Novak Djokovic wins Wimbledon to join Federer & Nadal as 20-time Grand Slam champion

World No 1 Novak Djokovic wins sixth Wimbledon title to claim sole ownership of fourth place on the list for most men’s singles titles at the All England Club, ahead of Bjorn Borg and Laurie Doherty; the Serb also becomes the fifth man in history to win the first three Slams of the season

Djokovic eventually overawed his Italian opponent 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-4 6-3 on Centre Court to become the first player since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the first three titles of the year, keeping him on track to emulate the Australian by claiming a calendar Grand Slam.

Throw in an Olympic singles gold medal in Tokyo, for which he will also be favorite, and Djokovic is on course to become the first man ever to win a Golden Slam. “That was more than a battle. Congratulations to Matteo for a fantastic tournament. It was a tough match today. He’s a true Italian hammer,” said Djokovic.

“Winning Wimbledon was always the biggest dream as a kid. I have to remember how special this is and not take it for granted and be aware this is a huge honor and privilege.

“From being a seven-year-old constructing a Wimbledon trophy out of raw materials to standing here with a sixth trophy. It’s incredible.”

On drawing level with Nadal and Federer, he added: “It means none of us three will stop!

“I have to pay a great tribute to Rafa and Roger. They are legends of our sport. The two most important players I ever faced.

“They are the reason I am where I am today. They made me realize what I had to do to improve. The last 10 years has been an incredible journey that is not stopping here.”

Djokovic has been a one-man brick wall in keeping the younger generation’s hands off the biggest titles, defeating Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and now Berrettini in Slam finals this year.

Big-serving Berrettini came into Wimbledon as one of the favorites having won his first grass-court title at Queen’s Club, …

Boxing / Sports

Tyson Fury must endure a ‘very frustrating’ wait for trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder which is set to be rescheduled in October

“Really frustrating for Tyson. By the time he gets into the ring, he will have been out for nearly 20 months,” promoter Frank Warren reflects on the postponement of Tyson Fury’s third fight against Deontay Wilder 

Britain’s WBC heavyweight champion was due to face Wilder in Las Vegas on July 24, but a Covid-19 outbreak in Fury’s training camp caused the postponement of their trilogy fight. Frank Warren’s, Fury’s UK promoter, confirmed the 32-year-old tested positive for Covid-19 and expects a new date to be finalized.

“It’s looking some time in October, which is a great shame it’s been postponed, but it is what it is,” Warren told BT Sport.

“Unfortunately, they in the camp and himself got tested positive for Covid-19. There’s nothing we can do about it.

“It’s the times we live in, so the fight is postponed. Pushed back.

“Very frustrating. Really frustrating for Tyson. By the time he gets into the ring, he will have been out for nearly 20 months. That’s a long, long time.”

Dillian Whyte has expressed his desire to fight Wilder instead of Fury and the WBC ‘interim’ champion called on the governing body to promote him to full WBC heavyweight champion. “When stuff like this happens and fights fall through and the champion is injured or can’t fight, or for whatever reason can’t defend the title, then the interim champion steps up.

“Make me world champion, I’ll fight Wilder as a world champion, and the winner of that fights Tyson Fury, and the winner of that fights Anthony Joshua for the undisputed.

“That is where everything is solved with one action.”…

Boxing / Sports

Akpejiori adds a ruthless knockout win to his record after calling for a fight with Fury

“My goal is to have the heavyweight belts in my hand. Once I’ve accomplished that, everything else will fall in place,” Nigeria’s Raphael Akpejiori adds another knockout win on his pursuit of a world title.

The unbeaten Nigerian delivered another display of his destructive power, stopping Steven Lyons in the opening round in Miami on Saturday night. Akpejiori has knocked out all 12 of his opponents inside two rounds and has told Sky Sports that he would welcome a fight against Fury or top contender Dillian Whyte. “If I was going to name a dream fight for me in the next year, I would say Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte,” Akpejiori told Sky Sports.

“Those are two guys I know I can step in the ring with and beat both of them.

“But my goal is to have the heavyweight belts in my hand. Once I’ve accomplished that, everything else will fall in place.”

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