Entertainment / Movies / News

Pete Davidson calls Kim Kardashian his ‘girlfriend’ for the first time

Pete Davidson has for the first referred to Kim Kardashian as his girlfriend in public.

The comedian made this known while answering questions during a chat with People’s TV about his fame and how it has changed his lifestyle.

“Or, if I’m off, I just either hang with my friends or chill with my girlfriend inside. So I don’t do much,” he said. This will be the first time Davidson has publicly addressed the status of their relationship. Kim and Davidson first sparked relationship rumors in October 2021, after they were spotted holding hands on a rollercoaster ride, during a trip to Knott’s Scary Farm in Buena Park, California.

This was followed by another private dinner date about a week later.

Weeks after, they took trips to Davidson’s native New York City and Kardashian’s hometown of Los Angeles.

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Music / News

Olamide is set to take a bow with final album ‘Unruly’

After a decade of dominating the music scene in Nigeria with timeless classics, chart-topping bangers, and street anthems, the YBNL boss is set to make his graceful exit from the music game with his tenth and final album.

Olamide broke into the mainstream in 2011 with his daring single Enduro. His debut album Rapsodi was released in the same year. Its lead single “Omo To Shan” charted on several radio stations in Lagos and across Nigeria. It was followed by YBNL (Yahoo Boy No Laptop) and Baddest Guy Ever Liveth in 2013. Over the years, the singer and rapper have built an epic discography packed with groundbreaking hits and bangers that have soared across Africa and international borders. But none of his projects would top Eyan Mayweather, this he said, in a tweet back in 2020; The same year he released Carpe Diem, a mid-tempo album that signified a transition into his graceful years.

“Next Album, #Unruly; 95% ready. Release date; I don’t know. Taking my time to make it the best ever… probably my last album.” “Though I’ll drop singles once in a blue moon when I feel like it. It’s been a mad ass run, giving albums back-to-back.”. He said.

This announcement has left fans with mixed reactions; some celebratory of Olamide’s decision, others perceiving it to be a joke.

While his mates, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido, who all stepped into the limelight in 2011 and the new wave of artists are continuously shooting for the stars and aiming for the moon for academy awards and international accolades, Olamide’s announcement indeed comes, as a shock considering, the nature of an industry that everyone hits the gas and never brakes.

Whether the message conveyed in the tweet is genuine or a publicity stunt to garner anticipation to his next album, Unruly, Olamide should be celebrated for a successive career run.

This is a progressive time for artists, where the definition of success is relative. Unlike other artists in the Nigerian music industry who consider winning

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News / Security

Just In: Kidnapped Kaduna Catholic priest regains freedom

Rev. Fr. Joseph Danjuma Shekari abducted by bandits on Sunday night, has regained his freedom.

The bandits had stormed the St. Monica’s Catholic Church, Ikulu Parish, in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State and kidnapped the priest at 11:30pm on Sunday night.

The bandits killed one of his aides – the cook- during the attack.

But in less than 24 hours after the attack that claimed the life of the priest’s cook, the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan on Tuesday announced the release of the priest by the bandits. The Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, in a statement, said the priest was released by his abductors around 10:30pm on Monday. The statement read, “With hearts filled with joy, we raise our voices in a symphony of praises as we announce the return of our brother, Rev. Fr. Joseph Danjuma Shekari, who was abducted by armed persons from the Rectory at St. Monica’s Catholic Church Ikulu in Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on Sunday February 6, 2022.

“Fr. Shekari was released around 10.30pm on Monday February 7, 2022.

“As we pray for the repose of the soul of his cook who was killed during the attack, we want to thank all those who have offered prayers and entreaties for his release.

“We pray God to hasten the release of those who are still in the hands of their captors.

“All our Priests are directed to kindly celebrate Mass of Thanksgiving to God for the quick release of Fr. Shekari as well as Mass for the dead and for the departed cook of Fr. Shekari.”…

Basket Ball / News / Sports

Booker scores 38 as NBA-best Suns hold off Bulls

Devin Booker scored 38 points and the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns hung on to beat the Chicago Bulls 127-124 on Monday night.

The Suns led by 27 in the third quarter and withstood a push down the stretch to win for the 13th time in 14 games. They improved to 43-10 overall and a league-best 21-5 on the road.

Booker hit the 30-point mark for the third time in four games. The All-Star guard made 14 of 23 shots, including five 3-pointers.

Chris Paul added 19 points and 11 assists for Phoenix. JaVale McGee finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, and Mikal Bridges scored 15.

DeMar DeRozan had 38 points for the Bulls after scoring a season-high 45 in Sunday’s loss to Philadelphia. Zach LaVine added 32 points after missing two games because of back spasms.

Chicago lost for the third time in four games.

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Music / News

‘Music is not enough to attain that luxury lifestyle that musicians love’ – D’banj

Nigerian music icon Daniel Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj has said that music alone is not enough to attain that luxury lifestyle that musicians love.

The music star made this known while chatting with Premium Times on why he has looked at other sources of income to keep his family and fame intact.

“I tell people this, music brings you into the room but what you do in that room is entirely up to you. So if you’ve read, which I know you have, you see that I’ve been more focused, especially when I became a family man,” he said.

“It’s my sixth year in marriage, and ever since then, I’ve looked for different platforms that would keep my fame and family intact. So if you were to Google Jay Z or the wealthiest musicians in the world, you would see that only 10 percent of their wealth is probably from music.”

When asked if music alone isn’t profitable, he said it is profitable “but music alone is not enough to attain that luxury lifestyle that musicians love.”

D’banj is one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians of modern times.

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Movies / News

Kunle Afolayan kicks off production for Game of Thrones-like epic film

Kunle Afolayan has confirmed his KAP studio’s first film project of the year.

In a recently shared Instagram post unveiling first-look images, the filmmaker revealed that production is ongoing at KAP newly acquired film village in Oyo state.

According to Afolayan, the period piece promises to leave film lovers bedazzled especially as it will explore similar themes as HBO’s hit series ‘Game of Thrones’ but with a representation of the Yoruba culture. “Imagine a movie like the game of thrones recreated in Nigeria but with a better representation of our culture. If you are a true fan of productions born out of Golden Effects Pictures and KAP Motion Pictures, then your imaginations should be running wild,” Afolayan shared on Instagram.

 

“The movie is being shot on our latest project site KAP Film Village Studio and Resort Igbojaye, Komu in Itesiwaju Local Government, Oyo State.”

The feature film (title yet to be confirmed) will see Hollywood actor Hakeem K Kazeem star alongside ‘King of Boys’ star Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Ademoye, Kunle Remi, Taiwo Hassan, Fathia Balogun, Adebayo Salami, Moji Olayiwola, Kareem Adepoju aka Babawande.

Afolayan’s latest Netflix production comes in the wake of his ‘A Naija Christmas’ which debuted on the streaming platform to impressive reviews in December.

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News / Security

Terrorists kidnap Catholic priest, kill aide in Kaduna

Terrorists on Sunday night attacked Ikulu Fari, a Catholic parish located in Chawai, in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The terrorists kidnapped the parish priest, Rev Fr Joseph Shekari, and killed a yet-to-be-identified cook working in the parish house during the attack.

The cook was killed when the marauders stormed the place at 11:30pm on Sunday.

Details later……

Law / News

Igboho: Benin Republic has extended his detention by six months — Lawyer

The authorities of the Republic of Benin have extended by six months the detention of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, The PUNCH is reporting.

The newspaper said Igboho’s lawyer, Chief Yomi Aliyyu, disclosed this on Sunday following an earlier contrary information.

A former lawyer of the activist, Pelumi Olajengbesi, had a day earlier said Igboho will soon return to Nigeria from Benin Republic, where he was arrested last year as he made to leave for Germany with his wife.

Aliyyu said: “Contrary to what was speculated in the news by a lawyer, the government of the Republic de Benin has renewed the incarceration of Chief Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Igboho Oosa for another six months even though there is no criminal charge in their file in Cotonou and without extradition request from Nigeria.” “We will approach the ECOWAS Court which they never obeyed,” he said.…

Music / News

Spotify reports 180 million subscribers and 3bn in revenue for Q4 2021

Some days ago, audio streaming giant, Spotify released its Q4 2021 report and here are key findings from the report;

Q4 Highlights:

  • MAUs, Revenue, Operating Income and Gross Margin performed better than expected.
  • Subscriber growth was inline, ARPU growth increased Y/Y, and our advertising business reached a record 15% of Total Revenue in Q4.

Spotify. (Spotify)

Spotify. (Spotify)

Q4 by the Numbers:

  • Premium Subscribers grew 16% Y/Y to 180 million in the quarter, led by strong promotional campaign performance.
  • MAUs grew 18% Y/Y to 406 million in the quarter and near the top end of our guidance range. We saw double digit Y/Y growth in all regions with particular strength in the Rest of World, which was led by strong results in India and Indonesia.
  • Wrapped: Collectively, 120 million MAUs engaged with Wrapped content in Q4 (vs. 93 million last year, an increase of 29% Y/Y).
  • Revenue grew 24% Y/Y in Q4 (or 20% Y/Y on a constant currency basis) to €2,689 million and was above the top end of our guidance range due to significant strength in advertising and favorable FX movements.
  • Gross Margin finished at 26.5% in Q4, above the top end of our guidance range and flat versus the prior year period.
  • ARPU of €4.40 in Q4 was up 3% Y/Y (or up 1% Y/Y constant currency). Excluding the impact of FX, we saw a benefit to ARPU primarily from our price increases.
  • Podcast MAU ended the year with a double digit increase relative to Q3. Among MAUs that engaged with podcasts in Q4, consumption trends remained strong (up 20% Y/Y on a per user basis) and podcast share of overall consumption hours on our platform reached another all-time high.
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Entertainment / News

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Series 2 -The Rebirth: Sponsor and host reveal holds Sunday, February 6

The Sponsor and Host reveal event is organized by UP, Nigeria’s premier Payments & Financial Technology Company and Leaders in Digital Payments Innovation, in collaboration with BLK Hut Media, the show’s producers in Nigeria under the License of Sony Pictures.

According to the Managing Director of UP, Agada Apochi, the essence of the event is to formally present the new sponsors and the host for the show to the stakeholders and public.

Mr. Apochi assured that the show was returning with a bang and that the audience should get ready to be thrilled with new elements of suspense, education, excitement, and entertainment.

“We are sponsoring Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? to entertain, educate and excite Nigerians. The return of WWTBAM is coming with a bang that would create lasting memories in the audience’s minds. It is going to keep them on the edge of their seats as new millionaires emerge from the show,” he said.

He stated that the sponsors are proud and delighted to sponsor such creative and educative content as the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? TV Game Show for the viewing pleasure of Nigerians.

Also speaking, Hakeem Condotti CEO, BLK HUT said “As a company, BLK Hut desires to continuously deliver creative, intelligent and professional content to the market for the people and partner brands; and in the production of a brand with Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’s stature, we are able to show our range and capacity to this effect.

“With lead sponsorship by UP, we are proud to bring international quality content right to our screens again in Nigeria, be it on TV, Digital, Cable, or Mobile. As part of the much-needed Covid relief that we all need as a nation, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Series 2 – The Rebirth is here to entertain, educate and have viewers on the edge of their seats.”

An adaptation of the British version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? The Nigerian version was first aired on October 8, 2004, and

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Entertainment / Music / News

Rihanna is pregnant!

Barbadian singer Rihanna is expecting her first child with rapper boyfriend A$AP Rocky.

The pregnant singer proudly debuted her bare baby bump during an outing in Harlem, Rocky’s hometown, over the weekend.

The music star wore a long pink jacket that was kept closed by just one button and a pair of loose ripped jeans.

A$AP Rocky confirmed that they were dating in 2021.There had been speculations about their relationship after Rihanna’s split from her boyfriend of three years, billionaire Hassan Jameel, in January 2020.

The two were later spotted vacationing in Barbados, Rihanna’s home country during Christmas in 2020.

A$AP Rocky and Rihanna have been friends for a while now.

The rapper served as an opening act for the U.S. dates of her Diamonds World Tour in 2013.

The rapper has previously dated celebrities such as Kendall Jenner in 2017 and Brazilian model Daiane Sodré in 2019

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Gospel / News

Sammie Okposo returns to Instagram, says he is now free from the power of sin

Nigerian gospel singer Sammie Okposo has returned to Instagram, days after deactivating his social media pages.

The popular music star came under the spotlight a few weeks ago after he was caught in a cheating scandal.

In a post shared via his Instagram page on Monday, January 31, 2022, the music star said he is now free from the power of sin.

“I am the righteousness of God in Christ. I am born of God the life of God is in me; Christ in me the hope of glory I am free from the law, from the power of sin. I am no longer bound by the fear of men,” he wrote.

“God’s grace is available sufficient and working for me. Jesus already saved me not because of any works of righteousness that I have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit.”

It would be recalled that the gospel singer had taken to his Instagram page where he apologized to his wife for cheating on her.

Okposo’s apology came barely 24 hours after a lady by the alias African Doll accused him of impregnating her.

According to the lady, she met the singer in Dallas, United States of America, during one of his tours.

They became close and started an affair which led to the pregnancy.

Things became sour after she informed the gospel singer that she was pregnant.

Sammie Okposo is a gospel singer and minister with several hit songs.

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Foreign / Music / News

Nick Jonas and Priyanka ChopraPriyanka Chopra welcome 1st baby via surrogate

American singer Nick Jonas and his wife Priyanka Chopra have welcomed their first child together.

The former beauty queen and actress and her hubby took to their Instagram pages on Friday, January 21, 2022, where she announced the big news.

“We are overjoyed to confirm that we have welcomed a baby via surrogate. We respectfully ask for privacy during this special time as we focus on our family. Thank you so much,” they wrote.

The couple did not, however, reveal the sex of their baby.

Priyanka and Nick started dating in early 2018. By July of that same year, Nick proposed to the actress.

They went on to wed in a lavish three-day celebration in December 2018 and went on to host four more wedding receptions.

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Music / News

Wizkid’s ‘True Love’ climbs American charts

On January 21, 2022, All Access reported that Wizkid‘s ‘True Love’ will officially crack urban radio in the US on February 1, 2022.

This comes following the lofty success of Grammy-nominated ‘Essence,’ which has since gone back up into the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100. The success of ‘True Love’ also comes perfectly-timed for Valentine’s Day.

Word on the street says that the record was meant to be flagship single for Made In Lagos, till ‘Essence’ distinguished itself and found incredible success. The same rumors also have it that a video for ‘True Love’ has already been shot.

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Music / News

Wizkid says that he wants to see Burna Boy and Davido win

On January 22, 2022, Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Wizkid, was captured in a video saying that he wants to see everybody win. He also notes that it’s a good look for Nigerians.

He said, “People haven’t seen [us show each other love]. There’s actually unity, these niggas are actually cool. We’re all friends, we’re all family, we all love each other… I want to see everybody win and I’m sure everybody feels the same about us.

“No matter how bad we feel about each other, we still want to see each other win. So we have to show the fans in the videos, collabs and shows… It’s very important, man. It’s important for our people at home sef, all those people fighting genocide, who want to kill themselves.”

There’s been a lot of love in the Nigerian music industry recently. Burna Boy and Davido recently settled their beef. Just like Wizkid and Davido were recently seen hugging it out at a club. Olamide was also seen in the studio with Wizkid and Davido recently.

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Entertainment / News

BBNaija’s Omashola and fiancee are expecting a baby

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Omashola and his fiancee are expecting a baby.

The reality TV star took to his Instagram page on Thursday, January 20, 2022, where he shared an ultrasound video of his fiancee and her growing stomach.

“All these years I was thinking my pee pee don’t work, finally we got a very long leg start 🍾🎊💝,” he captioned the video.

Omashola proposed to his girlfriend on the eve of 2022 underwater.

According to him, the biggest highlight of 2021 for him was the proposal.

He later recounted how they met at an ATM gallery and knew they were meant for each other.

Omashola was one of the housemates from the fourth season of the reality TV show.

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News / politics / Security / Transportation

Afenifere decries kidnapping on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has reacted to the recent kidnappings on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and worsening security in the country.

The group spoke in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, on Wednesday in Lagos State.

Afenifere said the kidnapping of seven people around Isara Remo on Lagos/Ibadan Expressway last Sunday was evidence that the governments have failed in their primary duties of providing security to the people and seeing to their welfare.

Ajayi said in the statement: “Reports had it that some displaced terrorists in the northern part of the country led by one Belo Turji are making an incursion into Yorubaland in the western part of Nigeria. “We recall the incessant kidnapping of and attacks on innocent people in Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti States. We also recall the sacking of certain villages in the Imeko area of Ogun State last week.

“These are unacceptable and must be stopped forthwith by all means.

“The lamentations by Governors of Niger, Zamfara, Benue, Nassarawa, Borno, Kaduna, Sokoto and Katsina states on how terrorists seem to be dictating the pace in their areas ought to serve as a wake-up call for the governments and the security agencies.

“Afenifere acknowledged that President Muhammadu Buhari was aware of the security situation going by his recent expressions on the issue. For instance, the President ordered for a ‘robust’ military intervention in the wake of terrorists’ take-over of some local government areas in Niger State just as he asked Nigerians to put their prayers for security before God. The latter he said in a message delivered on his behalf when Governor Ganduje of Kano State hosted the head of Tijanniyah organization worldwide in Kano last week.”…

Music / News

Faze loses mum a year after twin sister’s death

Veteran Nigerian singer Faze has lost his mother a year after his twin sister died.

The music star announced the passing away of his mother via his Instagram page on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

“I don’t know how to express what’s in my heart. My heart is heavy. My Mum passed on last Wednesday, January 12th. This, after my twin sister, left this world last year. I don’t know why so many good people I love are leaving,” he wrote.

“But I just hold on to the thought that God is God and he knows what he is doing. It is well. I just thank Him that she lived a full life and is done with the troubles of this world. Rest well, Mummy. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 🕊.”

It would be recalled that the music star lost his twin sister in Feb 2021, a few days to their birthday. 

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News / Transportation

Sokoto, FRSC unveil speacilised ambulance services for accident victims

The Sokoto State Government and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) unveiled a specialized ambulance to improve emergency service delivery across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Mr Salisu Tureta, state command FRSC Public Relations Officer, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto.

”The FRSC in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health launched the Ambulance Services Scheme and three fully equipped ambulances have deployed to major routes in the state.

”By this, we will provide both emergency response and transfer of patients when the need arises. “The ambulances will serve as primary providers of a-24/7 response to medical and trauma related emergencies.

”A central communication unit has been set up at the State Specialist Hospital to coordinate the ambulance services for easy interface and direction.

“The three ambulances have begun operation along with paramedics from the ministry and about 384 FRSC personnel were deployed during Yuletide.

He further said that joint Yuletide safer road operations were conducted by officials of Red Cross Society, National Emergency Management Agency and state government.

”This year’s Operation Zero Tolerance to Road Crashes covers from Dec. 17, 2021 to Jan. 15, 2022.

” Persons reasonably suspected to have violated any road traffic regulation are being arrested, prosecute and sanctioned appropriately,” Tureta said.

He noted that the cardinal objective of FRSC was to educate the public on safe use of roads.

He said that FRSC promoted the ideals with the aim of creating safer roads for all and environment in line with the provision of the law to reduce to the barest minimum the risk of deaths in road traffic crash.

Tureta urged people to adhere to traffic rules, avoid overspending and dangerous driving.…

Football / News / Sports

500 supporters storm Garoua to cheer Super Eagles to victory

No fewer than 500 members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC) have stormed Garoua, Cameroon to cheer the Super Eagles to victory at the ongoing 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.

The National chairman of NFSC, Samuel Ikpea, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Monday in Garoua, Cameroon ahead of Eagles crunch opener against Egypt Tuesday.

A correspondent of NAN in Garoua who witnessed the flamboyant arrival of some of the members reports that their arrival has brought more zest to the already bubbly Eagles camp.

Ikpea confirmed that despite some of the logistic hitches, the NFSC members were now fully on ground to paint the city green and cheer the Eagles to victory at the competition. He explained that over 250 members had arrived in batches from Nigeria while members on ground in Cameroon have also shifted base to Garoua.

According to him, other chapters of the association from Mali, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire and South Africa were also in town to give maximum support to the Eagles.

” I can tell you that the NFSC is fully on ground in Garoua now, we have about 250 members from Nigeria while others from our chapters in Cameroon, Mali, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa are also here.

“So all together we have about 500 supporters here ready to propel the Super Eagles to victory on Tuesday against Egypt and all through the tournament,” he said.

Ikpea added that the association which was founded 66 years ago will continue to give the Eagles the desired support wherever they play across the world.

He asserted that the structure of the association was unmatched and arguably the best in the world, noting that FIFA had recognized the NFSC as the best behaved in the world.

“Our structure is unmatched and the best in the world and the NFSC have been recognized by FIFA as the best behaved supporters club in the world”, he added.

He called on Nigerians to continue to support the Super Eagles as they begin their conquest for a fourth …