Okupe speaks on viral photo of Peter Obi’s ‘son’ in Biafra attire, stepping on Nigerian flag

The Director-General of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organiation, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has reacted to a photograph circulating on the social media said to be that of the son of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

The reaction of the former presidential spokesman was contained in a series of tweets on his Twitter handle on Sunday.

The photograph shows a young, fair in complexion man wearing a t-shirt with the color of Biafra and stepping on a Nigerian flag.

Those who sent the photograph out said Obi’s alleged son, whose name was not mentioned, was showing the Indigenous People of Biafra “in them….” The write up that came with the photograph said: “This is Peter Obi’s son, the IPOB in them is further confirmed by the clothes he wear and matching on our green white green flag and the same father is campaigning to rule Nigeria?”

Reacting, Okupe tweeted on Sunday: “THIS IS NOT PETER OBI’S SON. NO AMOUNT OF FALSEHOOD WILL DAMPEN THE CURRENT WAVE OF SUPPO FOR PETER OBI.

“See what they’re sharing in the north to scare people from Peter Obi.”…

PDP faults planned BRT fare hike in Lagos, wants reversal

The Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State has faulted the proposed increase in the fare for Bus Rapid Transit across various routes in the state, urging reversal of the plan.

The Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the party, Hakeem Amode, made this known in a statement on Saturday.

The party berated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for approving such hike, saying it would add to the plight of the masses.

Amode said that the All Progressives Congress-led government blaming the hike on the pump price of diesel from N187 to N830 and the unavailability of spare parts for the increase were not justifiable. According to him, with the crippling economic situation being experienced by Lagos residents on a daily basis, the government showed lack of compassion and total disregard for the plight of the citizens of the state.

He said: “Sanwo-Olu-led APC administration has completely abdicated its responsibility to the people of the state, and turned a blind eye to their  predicament.

“The few ‘luxuries’ that the people benefit from the state is being taken away.

“Now is not the time for any form of increment, as the people of the state have suffered enough under this unsympathetic government.”

Amode said the proposed increase should be “shelved so as not to worsen the citizens’ situation in the face of dilapidated infrastructure, insecurity,  hunger, rise in crime”, among others being experienced by the people of the state.

Sanwo-Olu had on Thursday approved a flat rate increase by N100 in bus fares for all Bus Rapid Transit and Standard Routes with effect from July 13.

With the increase, a bus ride from Ikorodu-TBS will now cost N600 from N500, while Berger to Ajah is now N700, up from N600.

Also, Oshodi to Abule Egba will cost N450 from N350 and Abule-Egba-CMS-Obalende will attract a fare of N600.…

‘Essence’ regains top spot on Billboard US Afrobeats Chart after BET win

‘Essence’ rose from number 2 to snatch the top spot from Tems’ ‘Free Mind.’ 

Wizkid became the first African to win a major category at the BET awards after defeating American heavy weights such as DJ Khaled, Lil Nas X, and Doja Cat to the award. ‘Essence’ is Afrobeats biggest song in the US reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The international hit has also spent 14 weeks on the Billboard US Afrobeats Chart.…

Black panther star Chadwick Boseman $2.3 Million fortune to be split

The actor unexpectedly succumbed to colon cancer in 2020, due to his unforeseen demise, there was no will left behind to guide the family on how to handle his fortune.

Boseman’s estate was originally valued at $3,881,758, according to court documents, but after the large funeral bill and lawyer fees the amount came down to $2.5 Million plus $157,000 in cash.

The widow, Ledward-Boseman produced documents with an account of all expenses incurred following Boseman’s death, asking to be reimbursed. The funeral costs amounted to around $50,000 including the purchase of a piece of land close to the actor’s resting place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, where his parents will be laid.

The actor’s company, Chadwick Boseman, Inc. allegedly owed a tax fee worth $51,000 and $900,000 was spent on a bond for a probate case. The remaining $2.3 Million will be split between the two parties with $1.15 Million each. It is said that the large sum in legal fees would have been avoided had Boseman drafted up a will. Taylor Simone Ledward and Boseman secretly tied the knot in 2019 three years after he was diagnosed with cancer. They had been together before the actor’s diagnosis. At the time of his death, Boseman had appeared in the Marvel high grossing superhero movie “Black Panther“, Black-American historic films ‘42‘, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom‘, ‘Get On Up‘ and ‘Da 5 Bloods‘.

R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years for racketeering, sex trafficking

The singer was found guilty of one charge of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act, which prohibits the transport of “any woman or girl” across state lines for any “immoral purpose,” in September 2021. According to PageSix, it took the jury consisting of seven men and five women nine hours across two days to come up with the verdict.

The prosecutors of the case had asked the judge for a sentence longer than 25 years.

Prosecutors also said he used his celebrity status and wealth to lure women, as well as underage girls and boys, for sex.

The judgment was earlier scheduled for May 5th but was later postponed.

It would be recalled that in 2021, the disgraced singer was found guilty of sexually abusing women, boys and girls for decades.

One of his victims was R&B singer Aaliyah, who Kelly illegally wed in a Chicago hotel room in 1994 when she was 15 years old.

Kelly’s legal team called a handful of ex-Kelly employees and associates to take the stand to discredit allegations the singer sexually abused women, girls and boys.

Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz’s marriage crashes

JJC Skillz made this known via his Instagram page on Thursday, June 30, 2022. Dear Friends and family I need to let you know that Funke and I have separated. While it lasted we shared a lot of things together and have created 2 beautiful children. The last two years have been extremely difficult for us,” he wrote.

“I know I have tried my best to fix things but I believe it is beyond repair now. 3 months ago and at Funke’s insistence I moved out of the house and apart from AMVCA have not been able to get Funke to sit down in an amicable manner to discuss the future of our relationship.”

The veteran rapper said he decided to announce their separation to let the public know they are already pursuing their individual lives.

“I’m making this announcement so that the public is clear that we both are pursuing separate lives. We still have issues that need to be addressed such as the custody and wellbeing of our children which is paramount as well as business interests which need to be disentangled but I have no doubt that these will be resolved one way or the other,” he concluded. Trouble in the Bello’s home first got to the public after the movie star’s stepson, Benito, dragged her on social media.

Benito revealed that all was not well in one of Nollywood’s most admired marriages.

He alleged that his stepmom, Funke, was a horrible person.

He made this known following reports of crisis in JJC and Akindele’s marriage.

Weeks later, Benito disclosed he was allegedly assaulted by his father.

According to him, they fell out after he was expelled for bringing alcohol to the school.

Benito gave a detailed account of how the music star repeatedly hit him inside the car as they drove home.

He alleged that he sustained bruises on his face, neck and ribs.

It didn’t end there as he dropped a bombshell about his father and step mum cheating on each other.

According to Benito,

Regina Daniels gifted plot of land worth N35M

The movie star was gifted the choice property by Jerclems Investments Limited. The mother of one was presented with the papers of the property during her investiture as an ambassador for the company.

Present at the event were, representatives of Jerclems Investments Limited; Marketing Director, HRM Prince Okafor, counsels to Jerclems Investments Limited; Barrister Ejikemeuwa Okeke and Barrister Chris Okey Anakweze, among other staff of JC, Regina Daniels, her manager and her legal adviser.

Daniels appreciating Jerclems investments Limited promised to fulfil her part of the contract and also expressed that she looked forward to a smooth time with Jerclems investment Limited as a Brand ambassador.

The property is located at the Sangotedo axis of Lagos Island.

Jerclems Investments Limited is a leading multi-disciplinary property services company, privately held and incorporated in Nigeria.

They provide bespoke solutions across a range of real estate services to owners, occupiers and investors.

They have expanded services based on core strength, unrivalled local expertise and extensive local and international network.

Erigga mocks EFCC over plans to imprison landlords who rent houses to fraudsters

The music star took to his Twitter page on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, where he mocked the agency over its plan. “Dem say 15years imprisonment for landlord when rent house to yahoo boy but what about country when yahoo men dey rule?” he tweeted.

The agency recently announced its readiness to go after landlords who rent their houses to internet fraudsters.

The commission made this known while announcing its virtual townhall meeting, EFCC Connect to expand its reach and engagement with citizens.

As part of its efforts to provide answers and clarifications to issues, the agency announced on its Twitter page that it would hold a Twitter Space on Wednesday, June 28, 2022, at 6 pm to discuss the implications of renting properties to criminals.

The EFCC said the topic; ‘Give your house to Yahoo boys, spend 15 years in jail’, would be discussed by its Legal and Prosecution Officers Sylvanus Tahir and Cosmos Ugwu.

Multiple accident claims three lives on Lagos/Ibadan expressway

The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed the death of three persons in an early Wednesday multiple accident at Mile 12 Ogere on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Ahmed Umar, the Ogun FRSC Sector Commander, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Abeokuta on Wednesday morning.

Umar noted that the accident, which occurred at 3.50am, involved an unregistered truck, another marked T4916 LA and a Nissan Micra car marked BDJ 257 XF.

The Sector Commander explained that the accident was caused by speeding and dangerous driving on the part of one of the truck drivers. He added that one of the truck drivers was trying to negotiate a bend when the other truck, which was coming from Ibadan, rammed into it.

He added: “Since the crash obstructed the road, the driver of the Micra car ran into it but was able to control his vehicle with little damage on the car.”

He noted that seven people were involved in the accident: one woman and six men.

Umar said that the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the FOS Morgue, Ipara.

“Traffic has been diverted and FRSC personnel are still on ground trying to manage the situation and ensure that the obstruction is moved from the road,” he said.

The FRSC boss warned on “dangers of excessive speed,” especially when visibility is poor.

He advised motorists to drive cautiously, avoid speed and obey traffic rules and regulations.…

IPI Nigeria calls for withdrawal of vexatious charges against WikkiTimes Publisher, staff

The International Press Institute Nigeria has faulted the arrest, detention and subsequent arraignment before a Magistrate Court in Bauchi of the Publisher of WikkiTimes online newspaper, Haruna Mohammed, and a Reporter, Idris Kamal, by the police in Bauchi.

The journalists claimed they were physically assaulted while being held by operatives of the Nigeria Police.

A statement by the Secretary of the IPI Nigeria, Ahmed I. Shekarau, condemned the practice of using the police by civilians to harass and intimidate journalists, advising that “anyone who is aggrieved by any news item published by WikkiTimes should seek redress in court instead of using the police or other security agents to harass the journalists”.

The body said further that Nigeria’s legal system has made adequate provisions for protection of reputation. “IPI Nigeria demands the withdrawal and discontinuation of the vexatious charges filed against the two journalists with immediate effect,” the statement said. The body also called on the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, to call the Bauchi State Police Command to order.…

AFRIMA 2022 Entry Submission Portal to close on August 5th

According to the AFRIMA Juror, representing Diaspora Northern America, Hadja Kobele Keita, speaking from Washington DC, United States of America, the award platform would not extend the submission date beyond August 5, 2022.

“It is important that all relevant parties submit their entries on time this year. We are a very thorough and transparent organization; and we have a clear process for the award ceremony every year. Once submission of entries ends, we spend time in judging the materials, before we can derive our final nominations list. We also have a specific time allotted to voting.” She said in the release.

She further revealed that the process will undergo a thorough independent scrutiny to guarantee its credibility. “The entire process is also audited by a firm of international repute, Pricewaterhousecoopers. We do not just wake up and nominate people. AFRIMA 2022 will be held from November 3 – 6 this year. To achieve this, we cannot extend deadlines at this point.” According to AFRIMA, all prospective entries must have been created between August 20, 2021 and August 5, 2022, being the year-in-review for all submissions. Artistes, talent managers, music producers, recording companies/labels, video directors, disc jockeys and other relevant stakeholders can submit their work or submit on behalf of their clients via the official AFRIMA website via AFRIMA website.

Interested parties should note that all submissions must be done in consonance with AFRIMA guidelines, terms and conditions, which are also available on the website.

This year’s edition retains its existing categories, all of which are carefully curated to celebrate the best of talents within the African music scene.

A pre-screening and a main screening process will be carried out, respectively, by a world-class 13-member jury composed of seasoned music experts from across the five regions of Africa and in the diaspora, between August 5 to 16, 2022.

Tems makes history at the 2022 BET Awards

Tems had a great 2021 with her contributions on WIzkid’s ‘Essence’ earning her wide international acclaim. Tems also appeared on Drake’s ‘Certified Lover Boy’ album which further proved her status as one of Nigeria’s biggest international export. With her win at the 2022 BET awards, Tems joins Ice PrinceWizkidDavido, and Burna Boy as Nigerians who have won the BET Awards.

Wizkid records historic win at the 2022 BET Awards

With the win, ‘Essence’ becomes the first African song to win a BET award and Wizkid becomes the first Nigerian and African to win an Award outside the Best International Acts category.

Other contenders for the award include:

DJ Khaled fest. Lil Baby & Lil Durk – ‘Every Chance I Get’

Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – ‘Family Ties’

Doja Cat feat. SZA – ‘Kiss Me More’

Drake feat. Future & Young Thug – ‘Way 2 Sexy’

Bia feat. Nicki Minaj  ‘Whole Lotta Money (Remix)’

Wizkid had previously won the BET HER Award as a featured artist on Beyonce’s ‘Black Skin Girl.’ However, with ‘Essence,’ he becomes the first African lead artist to win a category other than the International category.

Over the last decade, Wizkid has being one of the major acts leading Afrobeats international push and it’s only befitting for him to be the artist to break the BET category limitation for Nigerian and African artists.

See the complete list of winners at the 2022 BET Awards

Afrobeats was well represented at the award with Pheelz performing on the red carpet and Fireboy DML performing at the live event.

Wizkid won the award for Best Collaboration for ‘Essence’ featuring Tems and Justin Bieber.

Tems also took home the award for Best International Act.

Here is a list of all the winners at the 2022 BET Awards.

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

  • Ari Lennox
  • Chlöe
  • Doja Cat
  • H.E.R.
  • Jazmine Sullivan *WINNER
  • Mary J. Blige
  • Summer Walker

Best male R&B/Pop Artist

  • Blxst
  • Chris Brown
  • Giveon
  • Lucky Daye
  • The Weeknd *WINNER
  • Wizkid
  • Yung Bleu

Best Group

  • Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak) *WINNER
  • Chlöe X Halle
  • City Girls
  • Lil Baby & Lil Durk
  • Migos
  • Young Dolph & Key Glock

Best Collaboration

  • Wizkid feat. Justin Bieber Tems – ‘Essence’ *WINNER
  • DJ Khaled fest. Lil Baby & Lil Durk – ‘Every Chance I Get’
  • Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar  ‘Family Ties’
  • Doja Cat feat. SZA – ‘Kiss Me More’
  • Drake feat. Future Young Thug – ‘Way 2 Sexy’
  • Bia feat. Nicki Minaj – ‘Whole Lotta Money (Remix)’

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

  • Cardi B
  • Doja Cat
  • Latto
  • Megan Thee Stallion *WINNER
  • Nicki Minaj
  • Saweetie

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

  • Drake
  • Future
  • J. Cole
  • Jack Harlow
  • Kanye West
  • Kendrick Lamar *WINNER
  • Lil Baby

Video of the Year

  • Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar – ‘Family Ties’
  • Chlöe – ‘Have Mercy’
  • Doja Cat feat. SZA – ‘Kiss Me More’
  • Ari Lennox – ‘Pressure’
  • Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson Paak) – ‘Smokin Out The Window’ *WINNER
  • Drake feat. Future & Young Thug – ‘Way 2 Sexy’

Video Director of the Year

  • Anderson .Paak a.k.a. Director .Paak *WINNER
  • Benny Boom
  • Beyoncé & Dikayl Rimmasch
  • Director X
  • Hype Williams
  • Missy Elliott

Best New Artist

  • Baby Keem
  • Benny the Butcher
  • Latto *WINNER
  • Muni Long
  • Tems
  • Yung Bleu

Album of the Year

  • Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson Paak) – ‘An Evening with Silk Sonic’ *WINNER
  • H.E.R. – ‘Back of My Mind’
  • Tyler, the Creator – ‘Call Me If You Get Lost’

Ansaru militant group bans political activities in Kaduna communities

The Ansaru militant group has reportedly banned political activities in some communities in Birnin-Gwari LGA of Kaduna, where its fighters are said to have bases.

This was revealed by the Chairman of Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressives Union, Ishaq Kasai, in a statement on Sunday.

He said the group regularly recruits young residents and marry the young girls.

According to Kasai, Ansaru has banned political activities in many communities in the eastern part of Birnin-Gwari LGA. He said in the statement: “In fact, the group continues to gain acceptance from many members of the communities, particularly in old Kuyello and Damari communities in Kazage Ward.

The Ansaru and the recruits are of the belief that their numerical strength will help them to bring the present democratic government down.

“Presently the Ansaru are going round  distributing memory cards to the locals which contains their beliefs and doctrine.

“A disturbing scenario is where the group banned all political activities in many communities such as Damari of Kazage Ward.

“Politicians from these communities have to go far away secretly to the neighboring communities before they hold political meetings.

“For instance, this week an Okada rider who lives in Unguwar Makera of Kazage Ward was seen with a sticker of one of the candidates vying for the Kaduna State House of Assembly and he was thoroughly beaten by the Ansaru.”

“People in these communities are now disenchanted and frustrated about participating in political activities.

“We don’t know how the coming elections will take place in those areas because even the last Local Government election in Kaduna state did not hold in those communities due to the escalating insecurity.

“In short, the Ansaru are now in charge of many of the communities in the area and the group is expanding its occupation.

“The terrorists now call the shots and determine what is to be done in the villages they are dominating.”…

Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo is engaged

The music star took to her Instagram page on Thursday, June 23, 2022, where she shared the big news. “I am blessed to be blessed with @theofficialblessed ❤️ The thoughts of doing the next phase and the rest phase of my life with you makes the blessing more real💃 I love you Sweet❤️,” she wrote.

The music star’s soon-to-be husband, Blessed, also shared the big news via his Instagram page.

“I’M THE MAN THE LORD SHOWED MERCY! @mercychinwo thanks for saying YES! I LOVE YOU DEARLY !😍😍😍😍😍 Ecclesiastical 9:9 Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your REWARD for all your earthly toil. #Mercyisblessed,” he captioned their pre-wedding photos. Blessed is a pastor at the WaterBrook Church and The Upperroom. He is also an IT professional.

Chinwo is a Nigerian gospel musician, singer and songwriter.

She won the Nigerian Idol Season 2 in 2012.

Chinwo released her first single, “Testimony“, in 2015, and “Igwe” a year later.

She has also had a stint in acting.

She landed her first film role in Yvonne Nelson’s film, House of Gold where she acted as Lucia, starring alongside Yvonne NelsonMajid Michel and Omawumi among others.

Charly Boy says Peter Obi’s candidacy has activated something unusual in Nigeria

Peter Obi is running for the office of president of Nigeria under the Labour Party.

The music star made this known via his Twitter page on Friday, June 24, 2022.

“I am smelling a “bloodless coup” in the making by ordinary Nigerians to retrieve their stolen future. Peter Obi may or may not become our President at the end of the day, but his presence has activated something unusual in our history and ordinary Nigerians. Wetin u think?” he tweeted.

The former governor of Anambra state’s candidacy has been greeted with a loud ovation by several celebrities across the country.

It would be recalled that about a week ago, veteran comedian, Okey Bakassi mocked those who criticised his trip to Egypt. “Peter Obi critics are angry he went to Egypt for serious business instead of medical checkup in London,” he tweeted.

Since the election season began, several Nigerian celebrities have been vocal about not just their choices but also about citizens’ participation in the forthcoming elections.

“I have just instructed my security and my management that No one is allowed to visit my house or my office without showing their PVC!” Peter Okoye of PSquare tweeted.

Okoye and some of his colleagues have been at the forefront of voters registration ahead of the 2023 general elections.

These celebrities have stood their ground about Nigeria getting it right in the next elections.

Some of these celebrities have even vowed to call out their colleagues who collect money from politicians to campaign for them.

While for some like Okon Lagos, they will be selling their votes to the highest bidder.

Tonto Dikeh nominated as deputy governorship candidate of Rivers State under ADC

The announcement was made known by the governorship candidate of the party, Tonte Ibraye via his Instagram page on Friday, June 24, 2022. “After series of consultations with leaders of our party the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State and the national level, I’m glad to announce Amb. Tonto Dikeh ( tontolet )as my running mate for the 2023 gubernatorial election in Rivers State,” he wrote.

“We are pleased to welcome her to the #RiversRescueMission2023 as we strive to improve the standard of living for everyone in our dear Rivers State. Please join our press conference at 11 am today. #TonteTonto2023.”

The actress also took to her Instagram page where she thanked Ibraye for nominating her for the office of the deputy governor of Rivers State.

“I thank Mr. Tonte Ibraye(@tonteibraye), the Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Rivers State for nominating me as his running mate,” she wrote.

“We are looking forward to investing massively in social protection, creating a social value system for young people, increased women’s inclusion in our governance system, supporting small businesses and strengthening our traditional institutions to be active players in the drive to bring sustainable development to the good people of Rivers State.”

“I am glad to be a proud member of the #RiversRescueMission2023 Please get your PVC and join the movement. You are the Future and The future is now! #TonteTonto2023.”

Dikeh is a Nollywood actress who hails from Rivers State. She is a trained Petrochemical engineer from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

Governor-elect promises full recognition of traditional rulers

Ekiti State Governor-elect, Biodun Oyebanji, has promised that his administration would give adequate recognition and respect to traditional institutions in the state.

Oyebanji made the pledge when he led some Ekiti leaders of the APC on a ‘thank you’ visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe in his palace in Ado-Ekiti.

He said the visit was to express appreciation to the Ewi and other traditional rulers for their support and the fatherly role they played prior to the election, especially in averting crises.

Oyebanji particularly described Adejugbe as “a father who has always shown interest in his career trajectory since their first meeting in the 1990s during the agitation for creation of Ekiti State. ”The traditional institution is an important stakeholder in Ekiti that should not be toyed with by anybody. The institution would be strengthened under me”.

Oyebanji said the visit was to appreciate the royal father for his support for him over the years.

“At a time when most elders would have dismissed a young man like me, Oba Adejugbe embraced me with both hands and gave me an opportunity to fly.

“That singular opportunity equipped me very well and prepared me for the other roles I played in Ekiti.

“Beyond his position as a traditional ruler, Oba Adejugbe put all he had into the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State for us to get the expected result. Again, thank you Kabiyesi.

“Also, I want to use our father as a contact point to other traditional rulers for their stabilizing roles during the campaign to make sure the election was conducted without any crises in our dear state.

“Even though there would still be other avenues to meet the traditional rulers to show appreciation, today’s meeting is necessary as a mark of honour for the traditional institution,” he said.

Oyebanji assured Adejugbe, the Ewi-in-Council and the market women of good governance that would transform Ekiti State.

“I appreciate all for trusting me with their votes on Saturday and I stand here today, assuring Ekiti people …