Entertainment / Movies / News

Nollywood veteran Victor Olaotan is dead

Nollywood veteran Victor Olaotan has died. The movie star passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021, after a prolonged illness.

His widow, Julia Olaotan, broke the news of his death to PREMIUM TIMES on Friday morning.

Mrs Olaotan said she is grateful that the 69-year-old actor can finally go to rest after suffering for years.

“He has tried. It is not easy to be trapped in your own body for five years. He can finally rest now,” she said.

Olaotan was bedridden for five years after he was involved in a ghastly accident in 2016.

At some point, several of his colleagues solicited funds to help get the movie veteran back to his feet.

Olaotan became a household name in the country after he starred in the award-winning TV drama series ‘Tinsel‘ where he played the role of Fred Ade Williams.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

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News / politics

PDP to Buhari: You, not Ortom, are spreading division, hate

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asserted that the Muhammadu Buhari Presidency is responsible for spreading division and hatred among Nigerians and not the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, as claimed in the Presidency’s press release.

The party was reacting to the hate statement issued by the Buhari Presidency in a bitter personal attack on Governor Ortom on Wednesday, in which the Presidency made allusions to genocide in Rwanda.

The PDP recalled how the Buhari Presidency has been planting seeds of discord in the country with hate language, divisive tendencies and unconcealed nepotism, to the extent that the nation has become widely divided along all fault lines.

“Nigerians have not forgotten how President Buhari, ahead of the 2011 general elections, declared that ‘if what happened in 2011 should again happen in 2015, by the grace of God, the dog and the baboon would all be soaked in blood’.

“Moreover, Nigerians can recall how Mr. President tagged those whom he believed did not vote for him; how he described citizens as ‘dot in a circle’, as well as the hate language that attracted sanctions by Twitter.

“It is rather alarming that instead of taking steps to address the killings in Benue state as well as the worsening insecurity, carnages, banditry, terrorism and imminent humanitarian crisis in the country, the Buhari Presidency is thinking of Rwandan genocide while exposing its deep-seated detestation for Governor Ortom.

“Governor Ortom is a highly principled and forthright leader, who is loved not only in Benue, but also across the nation. The PDP urges Nigerians to hold the Buhari Presidency responsible should any harm come to him or his family members.”

The party asked the Buhari Presidency to come clean on its handling of insecurity in the country, particularly against the backdrop of its manifest failure to battle and rout out terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and marauders that have taken over the highways, forests, pillaging communities and killing Nigerians on a daily basis.

Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, said in a statement: “Under President Buhari’s lethargic …

News / politics

Nigerians are unbreakable people, do not hate each other – Osinbajo

Despite the activities of those with divisive agenda, Nigeria will prevail over her tribulations due to the resilience, faith, hope and strength of its people, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Thursday at the National Social Cohesion Dialogue organized by the Africa Polling Institute, which held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

Describing Nigerians as “an unbreakable people”, the VP emphasized the shared interests of Nigerians across different facets of life, noting that Nigeria’s diversity can be used to drive further economic growth.

He explained, “And in the face of the challenges confronting us, we must remind ourselves of certain truths. The first is that our present challenges are neither unique nor exceptional. Various nations at various points in their histories underwent similar tribulations. It is within our power to address these issues and emerge from them even stronger as a people. “Despite the divisive rhetoric of demagogues and the utterances of those who profit from disharmony, Nigerians do not hate each other. Every day, millions of Nigerians of different ethnicities and creeds comingle, make common cause and forge friendships across our fabled fault lines. While we have our share of such acrimony, the situation does not support the narrative that we are a nation of fragments condemned to be perpetually at each other’s throats.

“What matters is how committed we are to the constructive management of diversity and the peaceful resolution of such conflict. This is where we can and should certainly work much harder.”

Advocating for unity despite sundry differences, the VP warned against “polarising identity politics”.

He said, “the truth is that Nigeria has evolved beyond the sort of easy balkanization that is proposed by some separatists. Politicians who continue to traffic in division and discord are behind the times and have failed to take note of how much more integrated our society has become.”

Noting that the fair, swift and equitable dispensation of justice to address both everyday grievances and long-suffered wrongs is essential for fostering social cohesion, the …

EndSARS / News

Eight states submit EndSARS judicial panel report to NEC

All 28 states that established judicial panels following the EndSARS protests last year have now completed the assignment, except Lagos State which will conclude later this year in October. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made the disclosure on Thursday at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, saying that eight states had turned in their reports and that NEC looks forward to discussing them in full at its next meeting as more states are expected to make their submissions as well.

This was among resolutions reached at the end of the council’s 119th meeting (eighth in 2021), held virtually and presided over by the Vice President, with state governors, federal ministers, and other senior government officials in attendance. Speaking on the consideration of the panel reports, Professor Osinbajo listed the eight states that had submitted their reports as: Abia, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ondo, and Rivers.

Other highlights of the meeting include the presentation of financial updates of the ministries, departments and agencies.

Excess Crude Account (ECA) balance as at 13th July 2021 stood at $60,855,153.31; Stabilisation Account balance, N30,757,901,458.81; and Development of Natural Resources Account balance, N33,891,412,441.85. The governor of Lagos State, Babjide Sanwo-Olu, made a presentation on the progress report of the NEC ad hoc committee interfacing with the Presidential Taskforce  on COVID-19 to ease the lockdown on the economy.…

Movies / News

September 2021 Movie Releases

September 2021 is looking to be a legendary time at the movies.

Friday September 3rd

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Theatrical and Disney+ Premier Access Release – Rated PG-13 – Simu Liu, Awkwafina

Friday September 10th

The Card Counter – Rated R – Oscar Isaac, Tye Sheridan


Kate – Theatrical and Netflix Release – Rated R – Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Woody Harrelson


Malignant – Rated R – Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson

Friday September 17th

Cry Macho – Theatrical and HBO Max Release – Rated PG-13 – Clint Eastwood, Fernanda Urrejola


Copshop – Rating TBD – Gerard Butler, Frank Grillo


The Eyes of Tammy Faye – Rating TBD – Jessica Chastain, Andrew Garfield

Friday September 24th

Dear Evan Hansen – Rating TBD – Ben Platt, Julianne Moore


The Guilty – Theatrical and Netflix Release (Streaming October 1) – Rating TBD – Jake Gyllenhaal, Ethan Hawke

 

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Entertainment / News

‘He messed with loyalty’- Basketmouth speaks on alleged beef with AY

Nigerian comedy great Bright Okpocha, better known by his stage name Basketmouth has opened up about his alleged beef with AY Makun.

There have been long-running speculations about the relationship between the two comedy greats who have never worked together.

During a recent interview on Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s Black Box Interview series on Bounce Radio, the conversation of alleged disunity among comedians in Nigeria came up.

Ebuka brought up the alleged comedy beef with AY during the conversation, and Basketmouth revealed that he fell out with his fellow comedian because he messed with loyalty. “I don’t mess around with loyalty. He came into my space and messed around with loyalty,” the comedian said about his issue with AY.

Watch the interview

“He said something that he wasn’t supposed to say. That was going to cause a rift between me and this person.

“It was Magmus (Umeri), my lawyer. I said something to AY, and he told Magmus, and he wasn’t supposed to say it.”

The 43-year-old comedian, however, played down the situation and revealed that they have settled it and moved on.

“We made peace and he apologized,” Basketmouth said but also clarified that although he and AY are not friends but remain cordial.

Also, in the interview, Basketmouth played down the speculation that he fell out with AY because he took his former mentee Bovi from him.

“I did not snatch Bovi. Bovi is not a girl,” the comedian said before narrating that he met Bovi for the first time at a comedy event in Abuja, and from there, they became friends.

Basketmouth, however, seemed to throw a shade at AY with a story about a boy who lost his girlfriend to his neighbor but later clarified he wasn’t talking about the Bovi and AY.

He and Bovi were inseparable at some point, always hanging out together and collaborating on several projects.

It hasn’t been like that in recent years, prompting speculations that they

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BBNaija / Entertainment / Health / News

BBNaija 2021: Liquorose reveals how BBN saved her from depression

In the wake of Kayvee’s premature exit from the ‘Shine Ya Eye’ season, housemates are impressively opening up about their personal mental struggles. The latest to share her story is new head of house, Liquorose. The professional dancer, in a chat with fellow housemates, revealed she battled depression for four months before getting the greenlight to participate in the new season.

Liquorose said she became depressed after someone suggested dance was not for her during an audition.

“I was depressed for four months before Big Brother,” Liquorose shared. “I went for audition and someone said to me ‘Rose, dance is not meant for you’ then I stopped going for auditions and was depressed for four months before Big Brother.”

Impressively, Liquorose emerged winner of the week’s HOH tasks earning her immunity and veto power for the week. Liquorose is also one of the highest winners of tasks since the show kicked off five weeks ago.

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Entertainment / Music / News

Kanye West reportedly files paperwork to change his name to ‘Ye’

American rapper Kanye West has reportedly filed paperwork to change his name to ‘Ye.’

According to TMZ, the billionaire rapper filed for the name change on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at a Los Angeles court.

This move is coming ahead of his forthcoming album ‘Donda‘ which he named after his late mother.

Interestingly, Kanye’s estranged wife, Kim Kardashian still has his name attached to hers, months after filing for divorce.

It is not clear if she’ll change her name if the court approves the billionaire’s decision.

The rapper first hinted about plans to change his name in 2019 when he had a conversation with Yeezy’s head footwear designer Steven Smith.

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BBNaija / Entertainment / News

BBNaija 2021: Angel shares stunning revelation about Boma’s bedroom game

More situation-ships are headed for the rocks in the ‘Shine Ya Eye’ season with the latest being Boma and Angel.

The short-lived romance that has seen Boma share a few nights in Angel’s bed appears to be headed nowhere especially after she recently discredited his bedroom game.

The 21-year-old, in a chat with co-housemate JMK on Tuesday, revealed she was tired of having Boma in her bed due to his mediocre knowledge in the art of locking lips.

After a few seconds of worrying about Ebuka discussing her revelation come Sunday live eviction, Angel shared that she was sick of hosting her new sweetheart.

Angel’s new revelation comes amid video clips making the rounds that the pair got their hands busy under the sheets these past days.

Recall they got other housemates speculating last week that their executive lounge visit involved sex even though they spent the short time talking about their sexual preference.

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Music / News

MI Abaga laments the condition of Nigerian police stations after spending 2 hours in one

Nigerian rap veteran M.I. Abaga has lamented the state of Nigerian police stations across the country.

The music star made this known via his Instagram Stories on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, after spending two hours in one of the country’s police stations.

“Spent two hours in a police station last night. The working conditions, mental conditioning, dilapidation. We have work to do as a country,” he wrote.

Get your PVC. No, really, get your damn PVC.”

It is not clear what was the reasons behind the rapper’s visit to the police station.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Alexx Ekubo and fiancé Fancy Acholonu reportedly split 3 months to their wedding

There are reports that Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo and his fiancé Fancy Acholonu have called off their engagement. There are reports that she called off the engagement and deleted their joint Instagram page, FalexxForever. Acholonu has unfollowed the movie star on Instagram even though he still follows her.

However, Ekubo still has photos and videos from their proposal and engagement ceremony on his Instagram page.

While Acholonu has deleted every photo she has with the movie star on her Instagram page.

The couple got engaged in Los Angeles, United States of America.

They were billed to walk down the aisle in November.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

‘The Matrix 4’ full title unveiled alongside trailer release date

Finally! A first look at the long anticipated ‘The Matrix 4’ trailer is set to premiere ahead of its December 22, 2021 release.

Warner Bros recently unveiled the title of the new sequel as ‘The Matrix: Resurrections’ during their CinemaCon panel alongside the official trailer billed to premiere August 25, 2021.

According to news platforms, the new trailer promises an exhilarating ride for fans with appearances from Keanu Reeves as Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss and Trinity.

Shot in Berlin and San Francisco in 2019, the Lana Wachowski film is also set to star Jada Pinkett Smith, Neil Patrick Harris, Jonathan Groff Yahya Abdul Mateen II and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

The last ‘The Matrix’ installment ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ premiered in 2003

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BBNaija / Entertainment / News

BBNaija 2021: Nini and Saga get busy under the sheets

The Saga and Nini ship just might be on its way to becoming official despite Nini’s persistent talk about being in a relationship outside the house.

In a new video making the rounds, the two who are currently enjoying the luxurious Head of House lounge, were seen getting their hands busy under the sheets.

While it is unclear how far the movements got, fans feel they may have finally succumbed to the coldness of the house and sought warmth in each other’s embrace.

Watch the video:

The pair have left fans hanging these past weeks on the status of their relationship. While Saga has opened up a few times to the guys in the house about his feelings for Nini, the mixed-race damsel has continued to sing of her relationship outside the house.

Following Liquorose’s emergence as Head of House for the week, she nominated Saga as her deputy who in turn chose Nini to enjoy the luxurious HOH lounge.

Away from the lovebirds, the week has seen some of the housemates step around romantic alliances.

With Boma and Angel, things just might have nosedived after Angel recently turned to the patient and loving arms of Sammie for a stolen moment of lips locking. This was hours after she told JMK that she no longer wished to entertain Boma in her bed.

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BBNaija / Entertainment / News

BBNaija 2021: Saga says he would have rejected DHOH role for Nini

‘Shine Ya Eye’ housemate Saga has shared how he would have been the first in Big Brother Naija history to turn down a deputy head of house appointment.

In a chat with Big Brother during his Wednesday diary session, Saga revealed that he would have rejected Liquorose’s Deputy HOH nomination had Nini turned down the offer to share the luxurious lounge with him.

Saga’s statement certainly comes as no surprise going by a new video currently making the rounds. In the video, the couple appear to be enjoying the privacy of the HOH lounge going by their under the sheet movement which had fans speculating about how far they went.

While Saga has been quite vocal about his feelings for Nini, the mixed-race Edo born housemate has maintained that she has a relationship outside the house. Despite Nini’s talk of a relationship outside the house,

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Entertainment / Music / News

Tiwa Savage shares video of Brandy crying after recording ‘Somebody’s Son’

On August 22, 2021, Nigerian superstar, Tiwa Savage shared a video of legendary American singer, Brandy crying after she recorded her verse on ‘Somebody’s Son.

The record, which documents a woman’s yearning for love and the warmth of romance after enduring years of heartbreak aligns with the heartache that Brandy and Tiwa Savage have both suffered in their personal lives. On the song, Brandy delivered in Yoruba and sang with panache, as expected.

Watch the video of Brandy’s adorable tearful moment below;

During a recent chat with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Savage revealed that Brandy is her idol, “Brandy is literally the reason why I started singing, literally. As a kid, just listening to I Want To Be Down, every interview I’ve ever had, she’s my favorite, my all time, my mentor, everything. And I’ve been trying to work with her for years. It was a dream of mine.

“And when it happened this time, it’s not even just music, we connected like sisters. She’s someone that I speak to literally every other day. It’s beyond my expectation.”

‘Somebody’s Son’ looks like the leading track from Savage’s newly released EP, Water and Garri.

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BBNaija / Entertainment / News

‘I have a handsome man by my side who loves me’ – BBNaija’s Mercy Eke

Nigerian reality TV star Mercy Eke has revealed that she has a man in her life. The winner of the fourth season of popular Nigerian reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, made this known during a chat with Vanguard Allure.

The reality TV star was asked if she has a new man in her life and what she loves most about him. “I can’t mention his name. You know what they say about protecting people you love and cherish? That’s what I’m doing. I have a handsome, loving man by my side who supports and loves me,” she said.

It would be recalled that a few weeks ago, she debunked the rumors that she had tied the knot.

However, in November 2020, she told fans that she was married.

She broke the news while clearing the air about her relationship with reality TV star, Ike.

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Crime / Entertainment / News

BBNaija’s Dorathy accuses EFCC of breaking into her home

Dorathy Bachor, former housemate of Nigerian reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of breaking into her house.

The reality TV star took to her Instagram Stories page on Monday, August 23, 2021, where she narrated what happened at her residence.

”What is the need of being a citizen in this country if I can’t feel safe in my house. It’s 5:am and I’m literally shaking and so upset right now. At 4:45 I heard a loud sound and voices followed after, I rush out almost naked to see 5 fully armed @officialefcc men in my living room,” she wrote.

“One of them said ‘oh na that big brother babe be this’ in my confused stated I asked what the hell was going on, why did they break down my door.”

Then one of them said they were looking for someone who ran into my estate and I should lock my door, stay inside and lock my door.”

The reality TV star said the incident almost gave her mother a panic attack.

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News / politics / Security

Sit-at-home: Security operatives plan to disguise as ESN — IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra has alleged that security operatives in collaboration with some politicians have perfected plans to disguise as members of the Eastern Security Network to enforce the sit-at-home order it had relaxed.

The spokesman for the group, Emma Powerful, levelled the allegation in a statement on Sunday on the sit-at-home.

Powerful said: “Security agencies have perfected plans to unleash  attacks on innocent people in the name of ESN and IPOB volunteers.

“We have no plans again to enforce any sit-at-home order. “They want to wear jeans trousers and combat knicker jeans and  brand it ESN and IPOB volunteers.

“Our people should resist any attempt by anybody to attack them tomorrow (today).

“Fleet of Hilux vehicles have also been set aside for this assignment.

“Our people need to be cautious.

“We want to put the world, especially residents of Biafra-land that IPOB has since two weeks ago suspended its initially declared Monday sit-at-home order.

“It, therefore, makes no sense that we will at the same time be enforcing the suspended order.

“IPOB restates that there is no longer ghost Mondays in Biafra-land in solidarity with our detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“Sit-at-home will only be observed on the days our leader will be making appearances in court. Such days will be well publicized ahead of time.

“Everybody is hereby placed on  alert about this wicked plot.

“IPOB will not tolerate any attack on any Biafran or resident of Biafra under any guise.

“People should be allowed to go about their businesses without any molestation or harassment.

“We are warning politicians and traitors including security agents who have designed to destroy IPOB and tarnish our hard-earned global reputation to retrace their steps.

“Biafrans are free to come out tomorrow and every Monday to do their normal business.

“All market leaders in Biafra-land are advised to comply with this directive and ensure their markets are open for business.”…

Education / News

Lagos insists on reviewed boarding fee for Model Colleges

The Lagos State Ministry of Education has appealed to parents of students of Model Colleges to accept the upward review of the boarding fees, saying it was in the overall interest of the students.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday by the Ministry’s Public Affairs Officer, Ganiu Lawal.

It stated that Folasade Adefisayo, Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Education, made the plea while addressing the concern of some parents on the review of the boarding fees in the 32 Model Colleges across the state.

According to the statement, the boarding fees charged per term for the past 18 years have been N25,000 for a student, adding that parents are expected to show understanding in the matter and development. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that parents of Lagos State Model Colleges had kicked against the astronomical increment of students’ feeding fee from N25,000 to N75,000 per term.

Adefisayo said: “The Ministry had meetings and engagements with the parents’ fora of the model colleges and upgraded schools where reasons for the review were `clearly and unambiguously’ enumerated.

“It was agreed that the review of the fees became necessary due to economic realities viz-a-viz the current cost of food stuff, provision of energy, medical care and general school maintenance.”

The Commissioner hinted that as at June 2021, the market cost of commodities and school maintenance services analysis showed that N125,000 would be required to keep a student in a Model College, with 80 per cent of the cost to be expended on meals.

She said: “Hence, the resolve to peg the boarding fees at N50,000 per term is premised on the realization that the State Government will bear N75,000 subsidy per child, while the school will receive subventions per term to cater for the expected gaps.

“Feeding a child at N73.30k per meal is not healthy for growth; hence the government cannot be running a boarding system with same amount that has been in place for over 18 years.”

According to Adefisayo, the State Government runs a free education policy, …

Entertainment / Music / News

Top musicians who have accused Sarkodie of ‘disrespectfully’ ignoring their calls

The former Black Avenue Muzik label star has called out Sarkodie for ignoring his messages on WhatsApp and rather attending to South African rapper Cassper Nyovest.

Dee Moneey now joins a tall list of top local and international musicians who have complained bitterly about how the two-time BET Award-winner ignores business talks.

Below, we share with you seven local and international music stars who have lamented Sarkodie’s call ignoring attitude:

Dee Moneey 

On Thursday, August 19, 2021, Dee Moneey shook Twitter when he boldly quoted Sarkodie’s WhatsApp chat with Cassper Nyovest with a message that suggests that the SarkCess Music label owner has been ignoring his messages. Sarkodie, who is currently in Nigeria for “No Pressure” album press tour, shared a WhatsApp screenshot of Cassper speaking Twi. Dee Money, who had Sarkodie on his 2013 hit song “Finish Line,” boldly quoted the tweet: “Ah so your Whatsapp dey work? Cool.”

Edem

On February 22, 2021, the Volta Regime Music Group (VRMG) label owner called out his former Last Two label mate on Twitter for failing to appear for the video shoot for his latest song “Favour.” “Yo @sarkodie I know you feel bad for not showing up for #Favour video,” Edem tweeted. “Team even lose money for that…But I forgive you my g..No hard feelings…Call me when you need me, I go dey for you.”

E.L

In March 2018, rapper E.L, in an interview with Giovanni Caleb, disclosed that he made several attempts to reach out to Sarkodie for collaboration but proved futile. He further stated that he cannot point to what is wrong that is preventing Sarkodie from returning his calls as well as text messages. A month later, Sarkodie invited him for the ‘Highest Feast’ and in 2020, Sarkodie jumped on E.L’s song “Revival.”

Kwaw Kese

The MadTime Enterinament label owner in May 2020 told 4Syte TV that Sarkodie has been ignoring his calls and wouldn’t respond to his collaboration requests.

“If I send you a message, you have to respond…it’s not Sark alone it goes to

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