Education / News / politics

How I resolved four months ASUU strike in one night — Ex-President Jonathan

A former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has narrated how his government resolved a four-month-old strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities in one night.

Dr. Jonathan spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at the birthday of the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah.

At the conference to mark the birthday, the former president said on the ongoing strike action by the university teachers since February 14, 2022: “The society we are managing is quite complex.

“Yes, I was the president and I tried my best.

“Now, we are talking about ASUU strike.

“During my time too, ASUU had four months of strike.

“Different committees were meeting but nothing was working.

“I said: ‘How can our children stay out of school for four good months?’

“So, I had to call a meeting of all the leadership of ASUU.

“I presided over the meeting with my vice president.

“The Attorney General was there.

“I said that that night we must solve the problem.

“The Attorney General was there, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation was there, the Ministers of Education were there, the Labour Ministers were there, the Finance Ministers and everybody that had to do with it (strike).

“And I thought that my being there would help us to do things quickly.

“But we spent the whole night.

“We finished like 5:30am and the strike was called off.

“So, there were issues.”

Jonathan extolled Bishop Kukah, advising him to keep speaking against bad leadership in society.…

News / politics

Akeredolu to Commissioner of Police: Arrest impostor Ondo monarch

The Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has told the State Commissioner of Police, Oyediran Oyeyemi, to immediately arrest and prosecute Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibi, who he accused of claiming to be the Olofun of Irele in Irele Local Government Area.

Akeredolu made the request in a letter he sent to the CP, which was made available to the media on Wednesday.

He said Oloworiyibi was an impersonator as his administration has not approved or appointed anybody as the Olofun of Irele kingdom.

Recall that Oloworiyibi was crowned last month, but a petition to the State Government cited irregularities in the process that led to his coronation.

Akeredolu said in the letter: “Government has noted with deep concern, the activities of one Mr. Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibi, who has been parading himself as the Olofun of Irele kingdom, in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State. This impostor has not only impersonated the Olofun of Irele kingdom, he has also arrogated to himself the powers to confer chieftaincy titles on unsuspecting beneficiaries and his lackeys/cohorts.

“The position of the State Government is that no person has been approved or appointed as the Olofun of Irele kingdom, hence the activities of Mr. Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibi are not only overreaching but illegal and capable of causing disaffection amongst the peace-loving people of the ancient town which consequences can be better imagined. It is in the light of the foregoing, amongst others, that the Ondo State Government is ordering the arrest and prosecution of Mr. Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibi.

It is a known fact that the Ondo State Government, since the inception of our administration has maintained dignified neutrality in the selection of traditional rulers for towns and villages in the State and this is unarguably responsible for the peace the State is enjoying on chieftaincy matters.

“Consequently, the State Government will not fold it hands and watch any individual or group of Individuals disturb the peace of the State through needless and avoidable chieftaincy tussles. I attach hereto some photographs of Mr. Ademola Idowu Oloworiyibi and …

Entertainment / Movies / News

Leonardo DiCaprio and Camila Morrone break up after 4 years

According to PageSix, DiCaprio and Morrone have gone their separate ways. However, the reason for the breakup hasn’t been confirmed.

There had been unconfirmed reports of cracks in the couple’s relationship.

In May, DiCaprio was spotted comforting Morrone after they shared an emotional conversation on a beach in Malibu.

It is unclear when the pair officially broke up, but DiCaprio has been spotted vacationing solo in Europe over the summer.

DiCaprio and Morrone first began dating in 2017.

Prior to dating Morrone, DiCaprio dated some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

From Bar Rafaeli, Blake Lively and Nina Agdal, the Titanic star has had his fair share of some of Hollywood’s finest.

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Music / News

Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ continues to impress on Billboard Hot 100

In the Billboard Chart dated the week of 3rd September 2022, ‘Last Last’ made an impressive leap on the chart, moving up 12 places from 75th to 63rd position.

This leap is coming off the back of the Burna Boy’s latest sold-out concert in Lowlands in the Netherlands. Also, ‘Last Last’ received an electrifying response from the huge crowd that turned out for the Notting Hill Carnival in London.

The leap signals the continued rise in the song’s popularity which also suggests that a top 50 placement might not be out of reach. Is ‘Last Last’ the Song of the Summer?: At the recently held MTV VMAs at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Jack Harlow‘s ‘First Class’ took home the award for the Song of the Summer.

Mixed reactions trailed his win with several fans arguing that he doesn’t deserve the award. Amongst the artists that fans believe were deserving of the award was Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ which has achieved impressive success across Africa, America, Europe, and the Caribbean.

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News / politics

Osinbajo travels to United States, Nigeria’s energy transition plan on the agenda

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, departs Abuja for the United States of America early Wednesday seeking global partnerships and support for Nigeria’s recently launched Energy Transition Plan.
 
Prof. Osinbajo is leading Nigeria’s Energy Transition Implementation Working Group (ETWG) on the US mission with meetings starting from tomorrow-the 1st of September to promote the plan and secure global support from the US government, the private sector, and other development partners.

The ETWG which is chaired by the VP comprises relevant ministers and other top government officials.
 
Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan officially launched last week at a global virtual event is a homegrown, data-backed and multi-pronged strategy developed for the attainment of 2060 net-zero emissions commitment in 5 critical sectors : Power, Cooking, Oil & Gas, Transport & Industry. Nigeria needs $410 billion to deliver the Transition Plan by 2060.

Among other highlights, the plan needs at least $10 billion per annum above business as usual spending for effective implementation.

At the launch, the World Bank and a renewable energy organization – Sun Africa, pledged a sum of $1.5 billion each totaling an initial $3 billion investment to support the implementation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan. 

While in the United States, Prof. Osinbajo will meet US Vice President, Kamala Harris; US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm; Secretary of Treasury, Janet Yellen, and President of World Bank Group, David Malpass, among others.

The Vice President is also scheduled to speak on Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan at the Centre for Global Development in Washington DC.
 
The Vice President’s delegation to the U.S. will include Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning,   Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Works and Housing, Raji Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu;  Minister of Environment,  Mohammed Abdullahi; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General/CEO for Sustainable Energy for All, Ms Damilola Ogunbiyi. Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Uzoma Emenike will also join the delegation.
 
The Vice President will return to Abuja early next week.…

Movies / News

Ireti Doyle bags doctorate degree

“But at no point did I see THIS coming…Mommy would have been mighty proud!! *Dr. Doyle has a nice ring to it!✨️💫 @iscg_university__ I am highly honored…thank you!🙏🏽💫.”

Congratulations to the movie star from all of us at Pulse.

The movie star was honored alongside her colleague, Bob Manuel Udokwo.

The actress joins the list of celebrities who have been honored with doctorate degrees from foreign universities.

Some of the celebrities who have bagged doctorate degrees include Peter Okoye, dancer Kaffy and Alexx Ekubo.

Okoye and Kaffy bagged their degrees from Escae-Benin University, Benin Republic.

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Music / News

Wizkid makes African history with ‘Made In Lagos’ certification

On Monday, August 29th, 2022, the Recording Industry Association of America announced the Gold Certification of Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’ album after it sold over 500,000 copies in the United States.

This giant stride earns Wizkid the singular honor of being the only Nigerian and African artist to have his album sell above 500,000 copies in the United States.

As expected both fans, admirers, colleagues, and media personalities have showered Mr. Ayo “Wizkid” Balogun with praises for once again putting Nigeria and Africa on the map while also setting the pace for other artists.

The role of ‘Essence’: It’s easily deductible that the American popularity of ‘Made In Lagos’ is driven by the hugely successful ‘Essence’ which enjoyed US success. ‘Essence’ remix featuring American Pop star Justin Bieber peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is two-time platinum.

With the certification of ‘Made In Lagos’, Nigerian fans will be hoping that other albums can follow in its steps and enjoy international success as Afrobeats continues to soar internationally.

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Foreign / News

Dabiri-Erewa applauds diaspora’s contributions to the Nigerian economy as remittances increase

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has commended Nigerians in the Diaspora on the rise of remittances in the first quarter of the year, by 20.3 per cent, representing the seventh consecutive quarterly increase in diaspora remittances since last quarter in 2020.

In a statement by the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun,  Dabiri-Erewa said that increase in remittances by Nigerians abroad which has played a significant role in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), has a great impact on socio-economic growth of the country.

She said, “As the world recovers from the global pandemic and confronts instability of many kinds, we want to honor the efforts of all those who continue to support their loved ones despite the challenging circumstances.”

According to the NIDCOM boss, the recent figures released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed an increase in remittances in quarter one of 2022 to $5.16 billion from $ 4.29 billion same period in 2021.

Also, the ‘Naira 4 Dollar Scheme’ created by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2021, attracted $2.4 billion in diaspora remittances within eight months, surpassing the figure reported in 2021.

She said “NiDCOM will continue to push for more engagement with our diaspora who are an indisputable economic factor and are becoming an investment factor in the country, noting that many Nigerians abroad are investing in agriculture, real estate, health, education and ICT, amongst others.

Dabiri-Erewa implored all stakeholders to continue engagement for Diaspora Voting with the National Assembly to amend relevant sections of the law to enable INEC to do the needful.

She assured Nigerians abroad that details of Nigerians Diaspora Investment Trust Fund (NDITF) will soon be unveiled as a platform for structured diaspora investments, just as Diaspora mortgage and housing facilities are some of the programs being introduced by NIDCOM for the welfare of the citizens abroad.

Similarly, 33 states now have State Diaspora Focal Point Officers with Abia setting up Abia Diaspora Agency, while Edo and Enugu are almost set with …

BBNaija / Entertainment / News

BBNaija 7: Fake housemate Modella has been evicted

Big Brother had viewers holding their breath during the week’s Sunday live show after host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced a possible eviction of at least one housemate.

The housemate turned out to be one of Biggie’s fake housemate Modella. Hours to the live show, other fake housemates Deji, Chizzy and Rachel were instructed to not come forward if an announcement of a “fake housemate” is made.

Modella joined the show with Deji a month ago as a fake housemate. While their roles were not explicitly stated, Modella failed Big Brother’s first task. Recall that the housemate was instructed to cause some chaos in the Beauty and Groovy ship, a task she found too herculean to undertake.

Away from her failed task, Modella’s stay on the show got exciting towards its end with her “situation-ship” with Bryann. Modella also earned herself a role in a Showmax Original for winning the streamer’s task.

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Music / News

Spotify celebrates Lagos as a tastemaker city

On Thursday, 25 August 2022, Spotify brought together celebrities, media, influencers and fans to celebrate Lagos’ status as a city of culture-shifters, innovators, and tastemakers through a full-day experiential event dubbed #SpotifyFunhouse.

At the event, held at Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, guests enjoyed exciting performances and thought-provoking fireside chats, featuring key content creators who discussed Nigerian Gen Z listening habits and how they use music to vibe check.

“Lagos is becoming a global tastemaker city and a generation of artists, powered by online streaming, have got it to this point. Thanks in large part to music, the world’s been given a taste of Nigeria. Moreso, African creators are giving rise to globalization of culture through their work and we are so excited to be part of this success story.” – Phiona Okumu, Head of Music, Sub Saharan Africa, Spotify

“We are so proud to be connected with the Nigerian Gen Z community, and we remain committed to amplifying the talent coming out of Nigeria by providing a platform for local artists and creators in the audio space to showcase their creativity.” Okumu added.

Guests got the chance to explore Spotify’s Blend feature, which is a fun way for users to access unique collaborative playlists that combine their own music tastes with that of their friends and family, and discover where their tastes overlap. Guests were invited to create their own Blends, in a dedicated Blend booth, for a look at how Spotify uses music to bring people together.

Guests also had an opportunity to blend their own Bombay Sapphire cocktails at the Blend Bar. Speaking on the partnership, Lerato Makume, customer marketing manager for Bombay Sapphire said, ”Bombay Sapphire believes in inspiring self-expression. The collaboration with the Blend Bar gave opportunity for Nigerian creatives and tastemakers to express their creativity in a glass by mixing their own drinks as they do their music.”

The RADAR booth featured the six RADAR Africa artists who recently joined the Spotify RADAR program; BNXN (formerly known as Buju),Victony, Ayra

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Awards / Music / News

MTV VMAs 2022: See the full list of winners

The MTV Video Music Awards are being presented on Sunday.

See below for a full list of nominees with the winners indicated in bold.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Doja Cat — “Woman” — Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Drake ft. Future & Young Thug — “Way 2 Sexy” — OVO/Republic
Ed Sheeran — “Shivers” — Atlantic Records
Harry Styles — “As It Was” — Columbia Records
Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow — “INDUSTRY BABY” — Columbia Records
Olivia Rodrigo — “brutal” — Geffen Records
Taylor Swift — “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) — Republic Records *WINNER

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Bad Bunny — Rimas Entertainment *WINNER
Drake — OVO/Republic
Ed Sheeran — Atlantic Records
Harry Styles — Columbia Records
Jack Harlow — Generation Now / Atlantic Records
Lil Nas X — Columbia Records
Lizzo — Atlantic Records

SONG OF THE YEAR

Adele — “Easy On Me” — Columbia Records
Billie Eilish — “Happier Than Ever” — Darkroom / Interscope Records *WINNER
Doja Cat — “Woman” — Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Elton John & Dua Lipa — “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” — EMI / Interscope Records
Lizzo — “About Damn Time” — Atlantic Records
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber — “STAY” — Columbia Records

BEST NEW ARTIST

Baby Keem — Columbia Records
Dove Cameron — Disruptor Records / Columbia Records *WINNER
GAYLE — Atlantic Records / Arthouse Records
Latto — Streamcut / RCA Records
Måneskin — Arista Records
SEVENTEEN — PLEDIS Entertainment/Geffen Records

PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

September 2021: Griff — “One Night” — Warner Records
October 2021: Remi Wolf — “Sexy Villain” — Island Records
November 2021: Nessa Barrett — “i hope ur miserable until ur dead” — Warner Records
December 2021: SEVENTEEN — “Rock With You” — PLEDIS Entertainment / Geffen Records *WINNER
January 2021: Mae Muller — “Better Days” — Capitol Records UK
February 2022: GAYLE — “abcdefu” — Atlantic Records / Arthouse Records
March 2022: Sheneesa — “R U That” — Rich Immigrants / Interscope Records
April 2022: Omar Apollo —
…
Education / News

ASUU extends strike

After a series of heated discussions, the Academic Staff Union of Universities has decided to extend its ongoing strike..

The decision was taken after the National Executive Council meeting at the union’s headquarters at the University of Abuja on Monday morning.…

News / Security

After three months in detention, DSS releases Nnamdi Kanu’s foster mother

A popular supporter of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Madam Ukamaka Ejezie, popularly known as Mama Biafra, has regained her freedom after more than three months in the custody of the Department of State Services.

This development was confirmed by Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lawyer of the Leader of the IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, in a statement.

Ejiofor revealed that the Septuagenarian, said to be the foster mother of Kanu, was set free on Saturday evening.

She was arrested during Kanu’s last court appearance in Abuja on May 18.

Ejiofor said: “I am very delighted to inform you all that Mrs. Ukamaka Ejezie (Mama Biafra) has regained her freedom.

“She is now out of DSS dungeon.

“We thank thee Chukwuokike Abiama for this huge success.

“We are not relenting; every prisoner of conscience, including our indefatigable client, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will soon regain their freedom.

“We in the legal team are doing everything legally permissible to make it happen, we are not resting on our oars at all.

“Be assured forward ever and backward never!

“We move.”…

News / politics

Breaking: Obasanjo, Wike, Obi, others meet in London

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday, met with the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi; and the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in Lodon.

Although details of the meeting were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report,  we gathered that it was part of negotiations ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

Wike attended the meeting with his allies including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, among others.

Our correspondent gathered that a meeting between Wike and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, will also hold in London later today.

Details later……

Foreign / News

FG to Nigerians: Don’t go to Northern Cyprus, over 20 students killed there

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has cautioned Nigerian students against going to Northern Cyprus.

The Chairperson/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, handed down the warning on Thursday in Abuja.

Dabiri-Erewa spoke at a ministerial briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Team.

She said Northern Cyprus was not recognized by the UN, adding that a lot of students had been killed there.

She said: “There have been a lot of problems in Northern Cyprus.

“We have youths come to tell us: please tell everybody to stop going to Northern Cyprus.

“We did that sometime ago and we were challenged at what rights we had to tell people not to go Northern Cyprus.

“I say it again: if you have to go Northern Cyprus, think twice about it.

“No fewer than 20 students have been killed over the years and nothing has happened to the assailants.

“Students who had gone there earlier came to tell us that they had to embark on awareness campaign.

“Don’t go to these places.

“Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey.”

Dabiri-Erewa added that NiDCOM would continue to appeal that Nigeria took a strong decision about places like Northern Cyprus.

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News / Telecommunication

MTN kicks off 5G pilot in Nigeria, targets commercial launch in seven cities

Yesterday, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc kicked off an open Fifth-Generation (5G) pilot in the lead-up to its highly anticipated commercial launch.

The company, which intends to launch 5G services in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri and Maiduguri, is testing the next-generation network infrastructure. Customers with certain enabled devices will be allowed to connect with and try out the new service where coverage is available.

To access the 5G network and enjoy its benefits, customers will need compatible devices, such as routers and mobile phones, which can be pre-ordered from designated MTN walk-in stores and online via the MTN Nigeria website and e-marketplace.

The pre-ordered devices can be picked up or will be delivered to customers post the launch event scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

The telecommunications firm, in a statement, yesterday, said the advanced technology promises to extend the reach and capacity of MTN Nigeria’s data network in Nigeria and enable much faster speeds and lower latency, giving customers near-instant access to the things they care about and downloads that take seconds, instead of minutes.

Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Adia Sowho, said: “Every major technological evolution redefines what is possible – changing the way we live and the way we connect. MTN Nigeria has been at the forefront of every leap in telecommunications – from GSM to 2G, 3G, and 4G; 5G has the potential to change everything. It will allow us to connect, create, collaborate, and compete in ways we’ve not even begun to imagine.

“We appreciate the unwavering support and leadership of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in implementing the National Policy on 5G Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy, which has driven the implementation of 5G in the country. We’re honored to be a part of this revolution and being the first to bring 5G to Nigeria, we are truly excited about all the possibilities for the nation.”

The spectrum issued to MTN Nigeria as one of the two successful winners of the 5G …

Boxing / News / Sports

Jake Paul Teases Fight Contract: ‘Opponent Is Inked. October Is Mine’

Jake Paul appears to have settled on a date for his return to the boxing ring, teasing fans on social media with a tweet indicating he will be back in October:

Paul had been scheduled to fight at Madison Square Garden on Aug. 6, but his opponents dropped out for various reasons. Tommy Fury, the brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, was barred from entering the country. Hasim Rahman Jr. was inserted as Fury’s replacement, but that fight fell through over a weight dispute.

Paul declared on Saturday that his next opponent “will be a pro boxer and of course he will have a winning record just like Tommy and Ramen did before they pulled out.” The 25-year-old hasn’t fought since his December knockout victory over former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, which improved his boxing record to 5-0.…

Movies / News

We will never get over the deaths of these fictional characters

Film is a very emotional medium and most times it is argued that the best of films are the ones that appeal to our emotions more than our intellect. That’s why we get connected with this character on an emotional level and tend to feel it when they die. Here is a list of top deaths of characters that really broke our hearts:

We can never get over this death. Nairobi was everyone’s friend, everyone’s favorite character.

And just when we were so in love with this character, boom; The show producers decide to kill her.

There are other deaths that made our heads spin a bit, like Cedric Diggory and Dumbledore’s. But, deaths like Doddy’s is what put the icing on the cake and made the entire Harry Potter fans weep.

The sight of the honorable hero being cut down at the order of the sniveling and illegitimate King Joffrey, in front of Ned’s young daughters and all of King’s Landing no less, is another death we can seem to forget quickly.

 

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Music / News

Phantom signs a global publishing deal with UK-based record label, BMG

The deal follows the impressive success Phantom born Ayobami Olaleye has recorded in the Nigerian music industry where he has produced some of the biggest hits in last couple of years.

BMG officially announced his signing via their social media pages. “Phantom, the incredibly talented producer behind one of Burna Boy’s biggest hits “Ye”, has signed a global publishing deal with BMG,” the announcement post reads.

Phantom is the man behind Burna Boy‘s career changing hit ‘Ye’, Camidoh‘s ‘Sugarcane’, Zlatan’s ‘Bolanle’, Tekno‘s ‘Skeletun’, and most recently Fireboy‘s ‘Diana’.

Speaking on the new deal, Phantom said: “New season unlocked, more hits coming your speakers. Trust the process, getting the flowers I deserve and more, this year.”– Phantom

The deal is set to further promote Phantom’s fast-growing career and open him to more opportunities.

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Music / News

Mavin Records announce new signee Bayanni

Mavin Records has announced the signing of a new singer who goes by the name Bayanni. The new signee was unveiled yesterday across the company’s social media platforms. The elaborate unveiling video includes guest appearances from ace skit makers Sabinus and Brain Jotter.

Who is Bayanni?: Bayanni is a male singer-songwriter who is a product of Mavin Academy. He was discovered by Mavin’s A&R team who tapped him and put him through their artist development process for him to hone his skills.

His debut EP ‘Bayanni’ is an introduction to his writing and melody which he intends to use to thrill listeners and carve a niche for himself in the Nigerian music industry. He becomes the second act Mavin will unveil in 2022 following the signing of Boy Spyce.

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