Hafiz Abubakar, the deputy Governor of Kano State tendered his resignation today amidst crisis with the state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
This is coming as many have speculated that he will be leaving the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as the relationship with him and the Governor deteriorates.
In his resignation letter dated August 5, 2018, Abubakar said he had desired to remain in office until the end of their tenure, but chose to resign due to irreconcilable differences with the governor.
“I regret to write and notify you of my decision to resign my position as deputy governor of Kano State with effect from Saturday 4th August, 2018.
“Your Excellency, I would have desired to remain up to the end of our tenure in order to fulfill the aspirations and expectations of the good people of Kano State as expressed in their mandate given to our joint ticket in 2015, but with the current and persistent irreconcilable differences on matters relating to governance and government operations, personal opinions, and the concept of, and respect for, democratic ideals and values, it would be unfair to my conscience, to the good people of Kano State and to you as the head of the government to continue to remain in my position as the Deputy Governor of Kano State.
“Your Excellency would recall several instances I had to draw your attention to the need to understand and appreciate these differences in order to avoid drifting into the kind of unnecessary crisis we are facing today, but to no avail,”the letter read in part.
Recall that on July 30, Mr Abubakar petitioned the police and State Security Service, SSS, over threat to his life and plans by the state government to stage rally against him.
Mr Abubakar, a loyalist of former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, has been at loggerheads with the state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, for siding with Mr Kwankwaso in the political impasse in the state.
Nollywood Actor turned Politician, Kenneth Okonkwo has reacted to Reno Omokri’s call out tweet against him.
Kenneth Okonkwo has been in the news lately for declaring his support for President Buhari as he indicated his interest to contest in the Enugu State Governorship Election under the platform of the APC.
Reno Omokri had tweeted:
This is Kenneth Okonkwo when he was telling @GEJonathan the same thing he is now telling President @MBuhari. He will also say the same thing to the next occupant of that office. That is what he is good at. He knows how to ACT loyal without BEING loyal!
Reacting to the tweet, Kenneth Okonkwo wrote on Instagram;
My attention has been drawn to a writeup by one Reno Omokri, under this picture, who wrote that “Kenneth Okonkwo acts loyal without being loyal”. I learnt also that she/he worked with His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan.
Let me clarify his/her ignorance.
I was invited by labor on a May Day to deliver a speech on labor matters at eagles square. Indeed I rode on the same vehicle with Comrade Peter Esele, the TUC leader, to the venue.
After the delivery of my speech, President Jonathan was so impressed that he asked his details to get me to greet him in the state box. I humbly did. It’s on record that throughout his regime, I did not request any appointment to see him, even when he told me how he appreciated my person and my humble achievements in Nollywood.
I never worked for him and I have never had any private discussions with President Jonathan. He is alive and this can be confirmed. So the issue of loyalty does not arise.
One wonders what this busybody wants to achieve by writing this. It is this shameless, sycophantic attitude of such people like Reno Omokri, of writing falsehood, that is promoting the culture of fake news on the internet. Shame!!
Veteran Actor, Sola Fosudo who is now a Professor at the Lagos State University (LASU) has disclosed why he made the decision to leave Nollywood for lecturing.
He revealed that he started off as a theatre practitioner, but applied for a job at Lagos State University, Ojo when he saw an advert which stated that the English Language Department of the school was looking for a lecturer who had a background in theatre arts.
Here are excerpts from the interview he had with Sunday Scoop below:
Would you say it was easy for you to attain professorship?
Professorship is not a political position that people fight for or seek elections to. There are criteria for evaluating the application of anyone for a position in the university. When you have the needed number of publications to apply for a position, you will apply and it will go through necessary procedures. Once you are qualified, you will be appointed as a professor.
When did you start focusing more on academics?
I think in everything one does in life, there is the hand of God in it. Though I started as a theatre practitioner, at some point, I saw an advert where the English Language Department of the Lagos State University, Ojo, was looking for a lecturer who had a background in theatre arts and I applied. Then, I was not just an actor; I was directing and producing plays both on stage and screen. I had already produced about four video films as of then.
I applied to LASU, passed the interviews and was employed. But when I joined LASU in 1994, some people felt I was unserious or insane. I was already earning N150, 000 to appear in movies. I had featured in popular movies like Glamour Girls, True Confession and a host of others. However, when I joined LASU as a Lecturer 2 in 1994, my salary was N5,000.
A few years after joining LASU, I was instrumental to the establishment of the Theatre Arts Department. I joined the English Language Department, but I later applied to the Department of Theatre Arts, which started in 2001. For me, this is a major achievement as many students have passed through the department.
Why did you leave acting for lecturing?
I was happy with the industry at the time I moved to LASU, but I have always looked forward to growth and I knew LASU would be a platform for me to make a bigger contribution to the development of theatre in Nigeria. Development theatre in Nigeria should not be only through films but also by training people.
Even before I went to study theatre arts, I was a professional teacher. I love teaching and reading. So, when I saw the lecturing advert, I was attracted by the fact that a theatre person was needed.
How did you cope with N5,000 as salary at LASU?
I was not bothered about the salary because I was still acting until years later when I became busier with the school job. For the first few years as a lecturer, I was still getting some additional income from productions.
Meanwhile, it is incorrect to say I have left acting for lecturing. I am doing the two and I am not the only one doing this. We have many lecturers who are in the university and are also theatre practitioners. We call them scholar-artistes. For me, it means one is relevant both in theory and practice. We can be practitioners in different ways, but most people recognise actors better because they are always on television. This does not mean other practitioners are not playing their roles well.
Nine members of the National Youth Service Corps who are currently serving in Taraba State on Saturday drowned in River Mayo-Selbe in Gashaka Local government Area.
Taraba State Police Command Police Public Relations Officer, ASP David Missal, who confirmed the death of nine out of the 22 corps members who were swimming in River Mayo-Selbe said seven corpses have so far been recovered from the incident.
“Information available revealed that 22 youth corps members had gone on a picnic party in River Mayo-Selbe in Gashaka LGA on Saturday when the incident happened.
“We were made to understand that while they were swimming in the river, there was sudden upsurge in the volume of water, which carried them away.
“Nine of them drowned, while others managed to escape.
“We have so far recovered seven corpses, while the search for the two remaining corpses is still in progress,” Missal said.
State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Florence Yaakugh, also confirmed the incident, which she described as “most unfortunate.”
Yaakugh also confirmed that seven bodies have been recovered, while the search for the other two bodies was still ongoing by the locals in collaboration with security agencies and the NYSC.
“It’s a very sad development and we would soon have the identity of all the corps members involved in the accident and make such information known appropriately.
“We have very sketchy information indicating that about nine of our corps members drowned in Gashaka yesterday.
“So far, seven bodies have been recovered and we are working with relevant persons to recover the rest of the bodies and to identify them.
“This is a very sad development and the entire NYSC family in Taraba State is already thrown into deep mourning,” she said.
Some corp members who are currently serving in Taraba state drowned in River Mayo-Selbe in Gashaka Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.
In a report by Vanguard, the Taraba State Police Command Police Public Relations Officer, ASP David Missal, who confirmed the death of nine out of the 22 corps members who were swimming in River Mayo-Selbe said seven corpses have so far been recovered from the incident.
“Information available revealed that 22 youth corps members had gone on a picnic party in River Mayo-Selbe in Gashaka LGA on Saturday when the incident happened
“We were made to understand that while they were swimming in the river, there was sudden upsurge in the volume of water, which carried them away.
“Nine of them drowned, while others managed to escape.
“We have so far recovered seven corpses, while the search for the two remaining corpses is still in progress,” Missal said.
State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Florence Yaakugh, also confirmed the incident, which she described as “most unfortunate.”
Yaakugh also confirmed that seven bodies have been recovered, while the search for the other two bodies was still ongoing by the locals in collaboration with security agencies and the NYSC.
“It’s a very sad development and we would soon have the identity of all the corps members involved in the accident and make such information known appropriately.
“We have very sketchy information indicating that about nine of our corps members drowned in Gashaka yesterday.
“So far, seven bodies have been recovered and we are working with relevant persons to recover the rest of the bodies and to identify them.
“This is a very sad development and the entire NYSC family in Taraba State is already thrown into deep mourning,” she said.
A 37-year-old Nigerian nationale, who created a fake look alike website of Fortis Hospital and Kidney Institute, Kolkata, India and floating an advertisement asking for kidney donations was sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment along with fine of Rs 1 lakh on Friday, August 3.
David Uzoma Ubah was arrested from a rented accommodation in Bengaluru on October 4 last year.
A resident of Lagos, he was brought to the city on transit remand and was charged under IPC sections (420 and 467) dealing with cheating and forgery along with sections under Information Technology Act.
David Uzoma Ubah
Ubah was arrested based on a complaint filed by Mohit Arora, the facility director of the hospital at Rashbehari Avenue in Kolkata.
He was lodged in an Alipore jail before a Bankshall court recently sentenced him to two years imprisonment.
“In the advertisement Ubah had sought for kidney donors and had claimed that the donors would be compensated by the hospital itself. In another website mentioning the name of the hospital, another similar advertisement was floated with the name and mobile number of a doctor, claimed to have been associated with the hospital,” said a senior officer at Lalbazar.
Actor Kenneth Okonkwo earned the ire of a number of Nigerians after he declared support for President Buhari, stating that Nigeria will not get a better President than the current one.
He got called out for his statement but he stood his grounds and said he owes no one an apology and he stands by his words.
A number of celebrities, including Charly Boy, have called him out for his statement. Fellow actor, Digidi Dunhill also called Kenneth Okonkwo out, and actress Georgina Onuoha shared Digidi’s scathing message to Kenneth while praising one and joining in slamming the other.
She wrote:
Words fail me as I watched Kenneth’s video regarding his political views and his comments about the Igbos. Seeing these words from Digidi Dunhill just left me wondering how powerful our voices can be as actors. These two men are products of Nollywood. Both respected and accomplished in their own way. I will stand by dignity, principles and honesty over anything.
Here is Dunhills words to Kenneth Okonkwo “ I want to categorically say this after watching his recent utterances on the issues concerning Nigeria, that I DIGIDI DUNHILL regrets knowing this man whose picture appears here. I am aware that we have freedom of speech, beliefs and association, but I see no freedom in what kills mothers, children, fathers, brothers and sisters.
When you are supposed to be the voice of the unheared ,but because of selfish gains decided to be a voice of the heared speaking against the unheared.That day you became a disgrace to Igbo race, a Judas to Nigerians, an embarrassment to your fans, a betrayer to politicians, a traitor to your kinsmen, an insult to Nollywood and a cancarworm to manhood.
A lot of our colleagues will not tell you this, but I am known for speaking without fear or favour, you got it wrong by telling the world that you are mentally and spiritually poor. Poverty is not how empty your bank account is,but how empty your heart is.Your fans made you, watch the same fans wreck you.I know we all need to make greens,i am ashamed of your desperation in making greens. YOU LIVE AND REMAIN IN BONDAGE”
Leave your opinions and comments below. Where do you stand as a true Nigerian that wants reform, progress, human dignity and decency. I will err on path of truth.
Politics is the act of the impossible as many will do any and everything for power and money. May wisdom find us all. If the current state of affairs in Nigeria is good for you, follow your heart and continue this anarchy and Fascism going on in Nigeria masquerading as democracy. I cry for my people, I cry for my country Nigeria ??. Until we begin to look beyond our stomach and politics of identity, our suffering and bondage will only continue as a people.
Newly engaged University of Jos graduate, Joy John Dabong was among victims of a deadly accident, which occurred last Friday along the Abuja-Akwanga Road, Dakunji Farinlamba Turu Vwang Jos South Local Government Area.
According to her friend, Chris Mulak, on July 22, Joy had raised concern over the ”havoc some trucks were causing Nigerian roads. ”
Joy John wrote last week about the havoc Dangote trucks are causing on Nigerian roads not knowing you will be a victim of same uncontrolled trucks plying Akwanga-Jos road
Retired superstar boxer, Floyd Mayweather took to Instagram to celebrate his daughter Iyanna Mayweather, 18, as she accepted her high school diploma three-years after she graduated.
Sharing photos with his daughter and her mother, the undefeated boxer wrote :
‘The sacrifices we make for our loved ones are always blessings later on down the line. I dropped out in the 12th grade, with just a couple of credits left to go just to give my parents and siblings a better life. I encourage and preach to my children every day that education is extremely important because I want them to be better than me.
My daughter excelled and finished high school when she was just 15yrs old, but decided to finally walk the stage today and have the honor of receiving her diploma in her hand amongst her peers and family. This is yet another family goal and a notch under our belts that makes me proud to be a Father. I love you @moneyyayya! Keep up the good work…we are just getting started!’
Sergio Aguero’s 200th Manchester City goal – the first player to reach the landmark for the club – had the reigning Premier League champions leading at the break, however with Chelsea bossing possession as they tried to claw their way back into the match, all effort proved abortive as they lost the match by 2 goals to nil in Wembley.
New Chelsea Coach Sarri deployed the 4-3-3 formation with Marcos Alonso and Azpilicueta manning the wings, but the west-londoners were often caught napping due to their high offside press during the course of the match.
The Citizens clinch their first trophy of the 2018/19 season and it is safe to say we have an amazing year of English Premier League football ahead of us
An unfortunate incident occurred at Rumuapara-Port Harcourt on the East-West Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area yesterday where four persons were crushed to death by a tanker in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
According to reports, It was gathered that the tanker was heading for the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited in Eleme near Port Harcourt when it rammed into the four persons drinking in a bar.
The driver, according to witnesses, lost control of the vehicle, after brake failure, dragging a parked Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) within the Rumuapara junction. It destroyed the building before crushing the four victims with many persons also injured.
Policemen from the nearby Rumuokoro Divisional Police Headquarters, Port Harcourt removed the bodies of the victims after arresting the tanker driver.
Popular designer and sibling to the popular comedian Ayo Makun (AY), Yomi Makun, aka Yomi Casual, and his wife, Grace, speak with TOFARATI IGE about their marital experience.
How did you meet your wife?
Yomi: We met at a friend’s party some years ago. She came with her elder sister and I think then they worked together at Music Africa.
What were the qualities that attracted you to your spouse?
Yomi: She was the only reserved girl in the party that day and I was surprised as to why a pretty Lagos girl would wear a suit to a birthday party all covered as if she was going to a church service. That was what really caught my attention. I greeted her but she wasn’t so receptive.
Grace: I liked the fact that he is a very kind and understanding person. He is also ambitious and focused.
Was it love at first sight for you?
Yomi: It wasn’t because when I met her, I was in a relationship.
Grace: I didn’t even look at him twice when me met. I had nothing like that on my mind.
What finally convinced you to take the relationship to the next level?
Yomi: When love happens, you really cannot explain it. I cannot really say that the qualities I found in her is the reason I decided to get married to her but she complements me. Ever since we began dating, everything just moved smoothly, and I think that’s enough reason to know that I had found my life partner.
Grace: Like he said, we complement each other. I am always happy whenever I am with him and I was convinced that he is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.
How did you propose to her?
Yomi: I proposed to her at a friend, Funny Bone’s show. She actually didn’t see it coming because she thought I wasn’t ready. Even before we got to the show, I had told her that I wasn’t ready for marriage just to take her mind off it.
When you initially got married, what were some of those adjustments that you had to make?
Yomi: When you are married, you know that you have to go back home on time. The day you have to stay out late, you need to discuss with your wife. Don’t think that as a man, you have the right to stay out late if you want to. Some of us had very rude parents and we don’t want to be like them. This is 2018 and there are different ways of doing things in this era. If you treat a woman well and give her the best, you will get the best from that woman. I always try to come back home on time and if I’m staying out late, she knows wherever I’m going to. I always try to carry her along.
Grace: I have always being a homely person so there weren’t many adjustments to make. However, marriage curtails a bit of your freedom as you have to be answerable to your spouse.
Can you recall the first disagreement you had as a married couple?
Grace: The first disagreement we had was about staying out late. Sometimes, he has to work late at the office and I had the mindset that my husband always had to come back home on time and stay with me. However, I have understood that staying out late at times has to do with his job. If he would be staying out late, he always lets me know beforehand.
When you have quarrels, who usually apologises first?
Yomi: I’m always the first to do that because I hate trouble. Before she starts talking, I just tell her that I’m sorry. She also apologises too and that’s why I said we complement each other.
What are some of the most memorable moments of your marriage so far?
Yomi: That was when our child came; it was a sweet moment for us.
What would you say fatherhood has changed about you?
Yomi: It has changed a lot. I used to be hot tempered but fatherhood has calmed me. Instead of getting angry now, I just smile. I have learnt to create excuses for people and even if that’s not the reason, it will make me feel good about myself. Fatherhood has also taught me how to save money in terms of my business and general lifestyle. Before I buy something now, there has to be a serious need for it. Before spending money, I think of how many things I can buy for my baby with that same amount.
What are some of the most important lessons that you have learnt in marriage?
Grace: I’m still very new in the game as my marriage is barely a year-old so I’m still learning. Many people are scared of marriage because a lot of negative things have been said but I’m yet to witness any of such things. I believe marriage is about understanding and I read some books before I got married. Whenever any issue arises, I know where it would likely lead to if I don’t nip it in the bud. Marriage has made me to be very patient.
Do you usually involve third parties in your marriage when you have issues?
Yomi: I will advise everyone never to think about that. Never involve anyone, not even your family. Even if you catch your wife cheating, don’t reveal it to anybody. Keep it to yourself because when you guys make up, you would have already killed your wife’s image and trust me, bad news spread faster than good news. We have seen so many celebrities that quarreled and put it on social media but when they made up, people made jest of them. It’s normal to have issues in marriage but we resolve it between ourselves.
Do you keep a joint account?
Yomi: Yes, we do.
Would you advise people to try that?
Yomi: It depends on who you are married to. I know my wife very well and even though she likes money, like everybody else, she is a very good manager of resources. Right from when we were dating, I have learnt a lot from her and I trust her.
What are some of those special things you do to keep the love burning in your marriage?
Yomi: Many men abandon their wives after they get married and that’s not right. I believe your wife is like your car; the more you take care of your car, the better it looks. If you look at your car and see a scratch, you take it to the painter and fix it. You have to continually keep taking care of your wife. Make her look good and she will not be vulnerable to anyone. Too many women have fallen for small temptations. A guy could just offer them some money and they would get carried away. I can walk around Lagos barefoot while my wife drives my car; I don’t mind. You can know a rich man by how good his wife looks.
Do you have pet names for each other?
Grace: I call him Yom I and he calls me Gracious.
How do you deal with the fact that your spouse has admirers of the opposite sex?
Yomi: If I have a wife that men are not dying to get, that means I don’t have something valuable. Sometimes, she would tell me about the men that send her messages on social media. We would look at the person’s pictures together and laugh over it. Some popular people also send her messages. I actually like it when men admire my wife. Some men would rather allow their wife to tie wrapper and stay at home.
Grace: It is normal for women to admire my husband. At times, I encourage him to visit the gym and he would tell me that would make many girls admire him because of his buff chest and flat tummy. I tell him it doesn’t matter, that I want the girls to come.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has responded following the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo’s remark that God will not forgive him if he supports Atiku’s presidential bid ahead of 2019 elections.
According to Vanguard, Atiku has now replied Obasanjo asking him tidy up his relationship with God, instead of hanging his judgment with God on things concerning him (Atiku).
The development follows what some had considered as a dilemma for Dr. Obasanjo who supported Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 campaign but is now a major face against a second term for the incumbent. Atiku Abubakar who served as vice president in the two terms of the Obasanjo civilian presidency between 1999 and 2007 is one of those aspiring to take over Buhari’s office.
Atiku and Obasanjo have, however, had issues arising from perceptions of what Atiku allegedly did to undermine Obasanjo as president during the first term of their presidency. Obasanjo has, however, put his opposition to Atiku on insinuations of corruption which, however, have never been established by either Obasanjo or the court of law.
Obasanjo, when asked, in an interview with Premium Times, whether he will support Atiku’s 2019 presidential bid, had said:
“How can I be on the same side with Atiku? To do what?
“If I support Atiku for anything, God will not forgive me. If I do not know, yes. But once I know, Atiku can never enjoy my support,” he added.
“I do not have personal grudges with anyone,” Obasanjo said. “If you do not do well for Nigeria, you do not do well for all of us.
On a personal note, the former President added, “If my children are getting married, he has sent representatives. If his children are getting married, I have sent representatives. That is social. That is not political.
“But on political ground, my position has not changed. If I support Atiku for a political office other than the one I supported him in the past when I did not know him,” maybe, but not “now that I know him, God will not forgive me.”
The Atiku 2019 Presidential Campaign responding to Obasanjo’s missive at the weekend through its spokesman, Segun Sowunmi, said:
“The first is to say it upfront that HE former Vice President Atiku Abubakar holds former President Olusegun Obasanjo in very high esteem, just as he holds every other leader in Nigeria high esteem.
“The esteem that President Obasanjo enjoys is premised on two things; one, being the former president, Atiku also understands that he cannot and should not desecrate anybody that has sat in the office that he aspires to.
“The second is the fact that they had worked together on a joint ticket as president and vice-president towards the 1999 and 2003 elections, for those two reasons, HE the former vice-president does not want to join any issues with him and respects him and understands that as an individual Obasanjo is within his right to have his point of view.
“It is a little bit suspect what Obasanjo means, that God will not forgive him if he supports Atiku. I think that is really a personal relationship between him and his God, and it will be better for him to use his later years to tidy up relationship between himself and his God, instead of hanging his judgement with God on things that concern him and Atiku.
“Having said that, we are completely convinced that the (Atiku’s) decision to run for the presidency is premised on the condition that this country can benefit from the God-given talents and the experience he has garnered.
“There is nothing that has not been thrown in the way of Atiku to cow him, to break him, to harass him, to intimidate him or to just make him uncomfortable. He has demonstrated that he has the tenacity to withstand it and he has the robustness of mind to remain calm.
“We still believe that in the course of this journey, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo may have to reconsider his stand in line with the wish of the majority of Nigerians, which, in my opinion now, is that of all the aspirants for the office of President, that H.E. Atiku Abubakar has the experience, has the democratic credentials, has the vision, has the workable programme and is in sync with what the Nigeria nation needs now and can leapfrog it to higher levels of development.
“All the same, we will continue to wish Chief Olusegun Obasanjo well and we would want to say that nothing can be further from the truth (that) if Obasanjo follows his Christian dictate he would understand that God that he expects to judge him would not expect him to be a permanent traducer of every other person apart from himself. He has enjoyed the benefits of other people, other people must also enjoy his benefits. Obasanjo cannot be an enemy to every person except himself.”
I’m nothing without God that’s why I don’t brag, favour and grace speak for me. Every month I dance and praise God from street to street #streetpraise today I’m bless with one. My life is a testimony
Jephthah Bowoto, popularly known and referred to as Akpororo, is a Nigerian stand-up comedian, vocalist and actor
Popular Nigerian singer Chidinma in apparently in trouble with promoter Romaric Boco, aka Air Dubai, over an alleged breach of contract for a show in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
According to Sunday Scoop, Boco said after agreeing and collecting some money for the show, Chidinma signed another contract with some other persons for the same show and refused to refund him.
The promoter said:
“I have reported her to the Interpol in France, Benin and the Nigerian police. I paid her N800,000 in advance and also gave her manager, Rasheed, N200,000.”
In the contract letter, it was agreed that Air Dubai Entertainment would pay Chidinma N1.8m for her service to perform at Abidjan on Friday, July 27, 2018, at Mix Night Club.
The letter also stated:
“The total sum of N1.8m will be paid in two installments. The sum of N900,000 will be paid to Chidinma prior to signing the contract agreement and N900,000 will be pay to her at the Lagos airport when she is going for the show.”
When Sunday Scoop contacted Chidinma’s manager, Rasheed Ogunsanwo, he described Boco as a fraudster, insisting that all he said were blatant lies.
He added:
“The event was done and Chidinma performed at the show in Abidjan. I have videos and pictures of the show. The people, who contacted Boco to hire Chidinma for the show, asked for a refund when they discovered he wanted to scam them. But he ran away with the money they gave him. I was in the loop from the start. I can give you the promoters’ numbers.”
Shaba Entertainment frontliner, Solidstar is our here with a fresh from the bakery banger, which he titles , “Shawarma”.
With rumours of him working on the remix of his hit record Eleganza alongside other top cats in the industry, Joshua Iniyezo better known as Solidstar teases fans with this new musical.
On this number, Solidstar is quite audacious as he brags about his abilities of laying any lady once she passes her boundaries. This new number is produced by Drips.
All efforts to obtain the admission status of Davido’s girlfriend, Chioma Rowland, from Babcock University have been futile following reports emerging recently that Chioma’s parents were unhappy that their daughter had decided to jeopardise her education for a romance with Davido.
It was alleged that she had dropped out of school following her struggle with her studies.
When Sunday Scoop contacted the school’s Director of Communications and Marketing, Joshua Suleiman, he said it was not possible for him to know every student in the school.
He said ;
“I don’t know the person; you know I cannot know every student. But I can give you the number of the students’ development staff; I am not sure they will also know her unless they find out. I manage the school’s information, but we have about 10,000 students. Even lecturers don’t know all the students in their class.”
The Associate Vice-President, Students’ Development, Dr. Williams, who Joshua said was in the best position to have Chioma’s details, also directed Sunday Scoop to the Registrar’s Office. She stated, “It is only the registrar that can give you such information. If you go to our website, you will find their phone numbers there.”
Upon calling a number found on their website, a young woman who identified herself as Funke, confirmed Chioma as a student at Babcock University. She said, “Oh, Chioma! The girl dating Davido! She is our student, but the person to give you more information about her is not here. I will give you the director of communications’ number (Joshua). He is in the position to tell us to give out the information you need.”
The director of communications later insisted that he would make inquiries and get back, but he didn’t. He said, “Someone has told me they know her, but I will like to find out her department. I don’t know whether she is still a student or not. When I find out before the close of work today, I will let you know. Like I said earlier, I don’t know if there is anyone by that name in the university.”
Giving further details to Sunday Scoop, Okoye said,
“I had my first album done in Jos in 1995 and all the friends around me told me that it was good and record labels would pay me good money for it. As a result of that, I took a flight of N2000 from Jos to Lagos in search of a record label that would pay me for the album. I went with two empty Ghana-must-go bags because I expected that they would pay me a lot of money.
Even though I didn’t know anybody there, I went to Ivory Music to see the talent manager. But when I got to the company, they told me that he was on leave and I would have to come back the next week. That’s when reality dawned on me because I hadn’t planned on how I was going to get back to Jos. From there, I went to the Ijora motor park hoping to take a bus back to Jos. On getting there, I found out that the bus fare was N600. I didn’t have that money so I ended up sleeping under the bridge. Being that my mother was a prophetess in Jos; once in a while, I ran into people who knew her and they gave me some money.
From there, I was able to get an attachment bus ticket, which meant I had to stand all through the trip from Lagos to Jos. After that experience, I still went back to Ivory Music two months after. It was then I met Zaaki Azzay and he shared his experience with me. The songs on my album were purely hip hop and he advised me to infuse some Nigerian flavour into it to make it more marketable.
When I eventually met the talent manager, a certain Mr. Morgan, he collected the tape and told me to come back in two weeks’ time. Meanwhile, I didn’t have a place to stay for that period so I had to squat at Bright Chimezie’s boys’ quarters with his friends at Ogba area of the state. When I went back to Mr. Morgan after two weeks, he didn’t recognise me. At that point, I was frustrated and I told them to give me back my tape. Still, I didn’t give up and I released my songs in Jos.
I became a local champion because the songs were popular then. From there, I decided that maybe a music career wasn’t meant for me and I focused on my kid brothers. Then, they were just dancers and weren’t known as P-Square. I wouldn’t say I sacrificed my career for them because it wasn’t working for me anyway.”
Amara Maduka, is gradually becoming one of the most sought after in the movie industry.
In this interview, the Anambra State-born role interpreter speaks on her career, love life and challenges of being a plus-sized actress.
Can you briefly tell us about yourself?
I’m Amara Maduka, from Anambra State. I’m from a family of three. I’m the first daughter and second child. I’m an actor, writer and aspiring producer.
How long have you been acting?
I have been acting for five years now.
Can you mention some of the movies you have done?
I have featured in Maduka Daughters, Village Flavour, Okirika, The Israelite, Good Marriage, and Three Bad Girls, to mention a few.
How did you join the movie industry?
I joined the movie industry after leaving school. I knew I have the talent and I decided to pursue it.
What were the challenges you faced at the early stage?
My weight was a big challenge. I was very fat at the time and I didn’t get featured in roles I knew I could deliver, because all the producers saw was a fat, ugly girl. Not my talent.
How did you overcome it?
Oh well, when you get tired of being fed bullshit, you have to make a change at some point. All that matters is how you see yourself. I knew I am more than what they could see and that image alone kept me going.
Did it make you depressed?
I battled depression at some point. But like I said, if you know who you are, nothing can stop you. Not for too long.
Sexual harassment is a common trend in the industry, how did you scale through?
I haven’t been sexually harassed by any producer, I’m one of the lucky ones.
Did you hit the gym or work on your size to fit in?
I didn’t work on myself to ‘fit in’. I’m working on myself for me. I love to look good. And I’m only just getting started.
How supportive were your parents when you took the bold step to join Nollywood?
I have just my mom now. My dad wouldn’t have allowed it, but my mom is supportive.
You lost your dad?
Yeah in 2012.
Did your boyfriend at that time give you the go ahead?
I’ve never really dated anyone all my life. It’s funny but true. I’m just learning to truly give love a chance now.
Ghanaian-born American comedian, Michael Blackson has taken to his social media page to expose a direct message he got from a Nigerian woman who is married to an Igbo man.
Just read it for yourself below, and peep his savage reply to her.
Michael Blackson, a.k.a “The African King of Comedy,” has been entertaining audiences all across the country and around the globe for more than a decade.
Born in West Africa, Blackson came to America when he was 13 years old, and immediately met with some problems. “I was just a regular little boy who looked forward to coming to America to live the American dream. But I didn’t understand the other kids, and they certainly didn’t understand me,” says Blackson, whose comedy will be evident at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside on Nov. 11 as he appears with other comics in Shaquille O’Neal’s ”All-Star Comedy Jam.”
This Adorable photo of a Nigerian couple with their children and grandchildren as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary is melting hearts all over the internet and it will surely make you smile.
The bond that has been encapsulated in this single photo is something one should consider as #Familygoals as each and every member of the family seemed so cheerful and happy as they posed for the camera
Former Big Brother Nigeria contestant, Uriel Oputa, has said that the constant body shaming she gets from online trolls doesn’t affect her.
She told Sunday Scoop ;
“Body shaming does not affect me; I just move on. I feel people who do that are not confident in themselves. I feel those people are cowards who lack self-esteem. I have no plans to do a boob job.”
Speaking on her new talk show, Uriel Talks, she said;
“Uriel Talks is a talk show where I talk about issues that affect people. The last one I did was about whether it’s right to move in with your partner when you’re not married. These are things that happen every day so we’re just trying to analyse them.
It is an interactive show where people share different views and opinions. I talk a lot and I like to hear other people air their views as well. On the show, we talk about everything or anything. At the beginning of the show, I usually showcase a dish that I prepared beforehand. I have plans to take the show on TV but for now, it’s just on my Instagram page and YouTube.”
On if there are limits to the things that would be discussed on the show, Uriel said, “I won’t talk about religion. I also won’t really talk about sex because that’s not my brand; I won’t dabble into things like that. I will talk about relationships but not about sex point-blank.”
She bagged a second class upper degree from Business Administration at the UK university.
In attendance at her graduation ceremony were her family members who showed her massive support. Her mother, Bianca Ojukwu who shared pictures from the graduation ceremony, wrote:
“My dear friends, Thank God with me. Abuzi kwam ‘nne a graduate’. My beloved daughter Chi has just graduated from the University of Brighton with a 2:1 in Business Administration. I thank Almighty God for blessing me with a daughter who has literally been like a mother to me. I call her Nne m o.
This would have been a very proud moment also for her daddy. He used to call her ’Daddys secretary’ or ‘secretary gburugburu’ because as a child She loved to spend her afternoons after school with him in his office, playing with papers on the floor.
How time flies! It was a splendid ceremony and much anticipated family reunion.
Her brothers came in from the States while her Aunty, Ambassador Lilian Onoh, currently Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Namibia also flew into the UK for the ceremony. We joined friends for the post ceremony cocktail and then headed to Brighton Pier for a seaside treat!”
Nigerian actress, Funmi Adelewa has opened up on the case of actresses sleeping with producers for movie roles.
Fondly called Morili, the beautiful role interpreter is also a producer with more than six movies to her credit. In this interview, she opens up on what she’s been up to lately, her relationship and many more. She also addressed the issue of actresses sleeping with producers for roles.
According to her, only desperate people do it.
Transcript from her interview below ;
What does the ‘Morili’ brand stand for in the Yoruba movie sector?
It stands for my brand as an indigenous actor, a comedienne to be precise. And I want to use the brand to put an end to child abuse.
What or who is your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration is Funke Akindele popularly known as Jenifa.
You look so amazing, what’s your beauty routine?
I eat vegetables and drink lots of water.
How were you able to cope with locating little Taju and the saga behind his going back to school?
I don’t regret helping the little boy because he has a better tomorrow. Thank God I achieved it. He is now doing fine and enjoying his new life.
What do you stand to gain now that your state government has taken charge of the little boy?
There’s no personal benefit for me. I never thought of such while helping the little boy. But as for Taju, there’s much benefit for him.
Are the parents of Taju grateful for what you did?
Yes, they are grateful.
Your latest movie, Gbakoje is very hilarious, how did you come about the story line?
I came up with the story one night after I had a discussion with my childhood friend, about our childhood game, Kelegbe. Then, I built a story around the concept.
Is Funmi Awelewa in any relationship?
Yes, I am in a relationship.
Do you think the relationship will end up in marriage?
Only God knows the best.
Are you actually ready for marriage?
Yes, I’m ready.
Do you believe in s*x for role?
No, only desperate actresses fall for it. Only God can make one famous. If you like have s*x with 20 or more producers; if you’ll be famous, you’ll be. If you won’t be famous, there’s nothing you can do about it. Directors and producers only take advantage of desperate actresses.
How do you handle your male fans?
I handle them the way it supposed to be, I treat people equally.
Have you ever been sexually harassed?
No.
Which part of your body is your best asset?
Every part of my body is an asset.
How naughty can you be with your partner?
It’s personal.
What project are you working on at the moment?
It’s a multi-million-naira project that will come up before the end of the year.
Are you considering relocating to Lagos from Ibadan like some of your colleagues?
For now, I’m not thinking about that.
Where do you see yourself in the next three years?
I see myself in a bigger place; with God everything is possible.
A married teacher was arrested for performing sexual act on her 14 year old student.
The teacher who admitted performing a sex act on a 14-year-old boy has avoided jail and will not be banned from the classroom.
29-year-old, Dori Myers had a sexual relationship with the boy in numerous locations while teaching social studies at The New School for Leadership and Arts in New York.
Meyers
She is married to a sheriff’s deputy, and has pleaded guilty to a criminal sex act but will not be stripped of her teaching licence.
Myers will have to sign the sex offenders register and has been given ten years of probation.
Manhattan Supreme Court heard she has been sacked from her job at the school in the Bronx after entering her plea.
Pleading with the judge not to ban her from the classroom, her lawyer Andrew Stoll said: “There is a possibility that she could teach adults now or in the future and we want to preserve that possibility.
“She still is a talented teacher and has those skills, and I don’t see any reason to destroy her ability to make a living and to contribute to society in a positive way.”
Myers was arrested in January after the victim confided in a classmate about their relationship.
Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, popularly known as Skales, in an interview with ADENIYI ADEWOYIN, speaks about how he became homeless after leaving Banky W’s E.M.E records and how Timaya and Olamide delivered him from homelessness.
Read excerpt from the interview ;
YOU just released your third studio album, can you tell us about the album?
It’s all about love. People who have known me know that what has really kept me going is love and the love that I get from the people, from the media, my fans and people that I don’t even know. So, that’s just why I just call myself Mr Love. The fact is that I am one of those people that believe in love. I hardy fight. Recently, my brother Wizkid and I just linked up and that is a perfect story.
People did not know we have been talking after what happened five years ago. It is just that we have not made it public. That day, we were so happy about our achievements and how far we have come. We were so excited and the next morning when I woke up I saw Wiz tweeting about me because we had balled a night before.
So, the whole inspiration is just love. Love has kept me going. I bring myself down to everyone. I would not want to blow my trumpet but I help people who come to me for help. The name Mr Love started up with my friends. I don’t know if you have seen the album’s cover. It has my mum’s picture and mine on it. The album is dedicated to my mum, because I don’t know how to explain true love than mothers’ love. She helped me a lot and that was the whole inspiration.
You said the album is dedicated to your mum. Why was she not present at the listening?
She can’t fly for now for health reasons because she lives in Kaduna. My mum has stroke but she is recovering. I can’t do some certain things till she gets better. Of course, I have her full blessings. I just shot a video and she was in the video and the song is the first track on my album called ‘Good Life’ and it’s all about my mum. She’s the vixen in the video.
You are speaking so much about your mum, what about your dad?
I feel like mothers do most of the works and it’s not like the fathers don’t work but you know how it is. Even the fathers appreciate the mums because the mothers make the job easier, because they are always there for the kids. But, at the same time, there are other fathers that also do as much as the mothers. For me, my mum was like the only person that raised me. My parents separated when I was very young.
That’s why I am all about my mum. She basically suffered for my sake to make sure that I have a good life and that’s why I even have the first track named ‘Good Life.’ I am inspired because of my mum. I am motivated because of my her.
You once revealed that Olamide paid for your hit single ‘Shake Body’ video…
Yes, after E.M.E I was a broke boy, I was homeless, sleeping from one studio to the other but I had a car. I wasn’t a friend of Olamide but he just liked me since when I was in E.M.E. I never told anybody that I didn’t have anywhere to stay.
One day I went to Timaya’s house and it got late at night. I didn’t have anywhere to go. I was sleeping in the car outside Timaya’s house and the gateman told him “Skales is outside sleeping in the car.” Timaya came and asked me what’s going on? He looked at the back of the car and saw my bags which means practically I was living in a mobile house. Timaya asked me to move into his house and gave me his pent house which was really big. And that was where I recorded ‘Shake Body.’ When I released ‘Shake Body,’ I didn’t have money for promo. I just had one manager (Osagie) that believed in me. The song was everywhere but I didn’t have money to shoot the video and I wasn’t getting shows. People didn’t really know it was me that sang the song.
One day, Olamide found out it was me who sang the song and asked where I was and we spoke at length. He asked what was going on with me and why I hadn’t shot the video and I told him I didn’t have money. He said I should send him my account number which I did and like five minutes later, I got an alert. And that’s how it happened. When I tweeted it, he wasn’t happy with me because he begged me not to ever tell anybody about it. But I wanted to just tell the world how good of a guy he is and big shout out to Davido also. He was always checking up on me. There are lots of people who were checking up on me. The list is endless.
What other things are you working on?
People don’t know I have my own music company that I opened before I got signed to Baseline called OK Entertainment. It’s been on a low for a while but we’ve been releasing songs off it. As a matter of fact, Paul Pogba just danced to one of the songs from the label. For now, I won’t say we have many artistes because I am still signed to Baseline that I am very loyal to because they are the reason why I am here right now. They practically helped me be who I am right now. I will be launching my EP maybe months after I drop my third studio album.
How necessary is it for artistes to own a record label?
If you know me well, you will know that I am a businessman. Apart from the music business, I am also an entrepreneur. I do other things I don’t want to discuss in public. It’s not necessary but I feel like a lot of artistes would rather open their record label so that they can be in charge because they don’t want to be controlled. But the good thing for me is that I was lucky to be signed to a record label that gives me the opportunity to do what I want to do as long as it is fruitful and beneficial to the record label.
Baseline is getting all the hype now but you became popular under EME records. What happened at EME?
Of course, everyone knows EME was a big success story. Big shout out to Banky W. He kind of opened everybody’s eyes to know that you can sign teenagers and make them superstars. They signed me at the age of 16 when all I knew was to just make music. During my stay there, Banky also taught us about the music business. He didn’t hide anything from us. He taught us how to make money from music and you can tell by the success of Wizkid and I that we had a very good mentor.
How has life as an entertainer been?
Honestly, I am used to it because I have been signed since I was 16 years old. Everybody knows the Skales’ story has been told over and over again. I have been through a lot of backlashes but it’s all love, most especially from the media. They’ve shown me so much love and support regardless. My main goal is to touch somebody’s life with my story. I came from a very poor home but now look at my life. I can afford to buy a Range Rover, I can afford to buy a car and dash somebody, I can afford to do a lot of thing and sometimes I am still shocked how I got here. I am just 27years old and I have travelled to a lot of countries and have worked with lots of top artistes I never believed I would work with.
A Nigerian man, Osaremwinda Iduwanyi who allegedly killed a mother of three, Gladys Okoh for alleged infidelity has given the main reason why he killed her.
The deceased before her death was a divorcee. Iduwanyi confessed that he killed the woman after finding condoms in her handbag.
He made the confession while being paraded by the Commissioner of Police in Edo state, Kokumo Johnson. The police commissioner said Iduwanyi stabbed his victim severally “on the stomach, back-side, ribs and private part with a knife. The suspect accused the victim of infidelity having discovered condoms in her handbag”
According to Iduwanyi, “What happened was a mistake, I never did it intentionally. We were living together with a promise to get married.
We were serious in the relationship. I had earlier warned her to desist from receiving phone calls from his male friends and she promised to stop it. One day she said I should give her money to start business and I had to sell my car for N250, 000 and gave her N150, 000. She travelled to Lagos and used the money to and buy personal clothes and the next day I reported the matter to the brother that I had to sell my car because of her and now she used the money to buy clothes for her personal use.
“On the day that I killed her, I saw her with my mother quarrelling accusing my mother of gossiping about her which my mother denied. She immediately went into the house and parked her things that she was leaving. I had to allow her go but the next morning I went to her and begged her to stay. She pushed me away that I should go and meet my mother. She said my mother was responsible for my frustration.
I saw her getting dressed preparing to leave and when I pleaded that she should stay she pushed me away and we started fighting. There was a knife very close to her which she picked up and wanted to stab me but I collected it from her and stabbed her in her abdomen several times. I ran away by jumping through the fence. I also found condoms with her on several occasions.
My wife and two children were in Italy. I came to Benin because of my father’s burial . I pray to God to forgive me. It was not intentional.”
A woman has been arrested by the Lagos state police command for killing her husband.
According to reports, Olumide Ayeni, tied the knot with his wife in February with whom he has two children. Tragedy however occurred in the late hours of July 3, when Ayeni was allegedly murdered by his wife.
She had reportedly seen her husband Olumide Ayeni with a lady a few hours before and upon Olumide returning home, she picked a fight with him and stabbed him in the chest in the process.
In the heat of the argument, she attacked him with a knife, and ended up stabbing him in the chest. The injured Olumide was rushed to a hospital close to their Lagos Island home where he eventually bled to death.
Just last month, there were reports about A 19-year-old boy, Junior Omo Shaba, who killed his girlfriend and dumped her corpse by a roadside along Siluko road in the outskirts of Benin, Edo State.
The deceased, Matilda Odiri, 18, was said to have been stabbed to death inside the room of her boyfriend at 2, Akugbe Street, Off Sikuko road, Ogida, last Saturday.
She was said to have gone to the boy’s house where she was expected to pass the night. An allegation of infidelity levelled by the suspect against the visitor, was said to have degenerated into a fierce argument.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo earlier today said that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar should not count on him for support in his latest bid to become the president of Nigeria.
According to a report by Premium Times, Obasanjo hinged his blistering position on the unsavoury corruption perception of Mr Atiku.
“How can I be on the same side with Atiku?” Mr Obasanjo asked. “To do what?”
“If I support Atiku for anything, God will not forgive me. If I do not know, yes. But once I know, Atiku can never enjoy my support. I do not have personal grudges with anyone. If you do not do well for Nigeria, you do not do well for all of us.”
It is not a question of working with or not working with an individual. If you are working for the good of Nigeria, I am working with you. If you are not working for the good of Nigeria it does not matter who you are I am not working with you.
Most of you do not understand the way I operate. I know Atiku very well. And I have mentioned my position with Atiku. My position has not changed,” he said.
On a personal note, he added ;
“If my children are getting married, he has sent representatives. If his children are getting married, I have sent representatives. That is social. That is not political.
But “on political ground, my position has not changed. If I support Atiku for a political office other than the one I supported him in the past when I did not know him,” maybe, but not “now that I know him, God will not forgive me.”
Fast rising Nollywood Actress Mimisola Daniel in a chat with TheNewsGuru, opened up on her personal issues, her passion for acting and also the most challenging movie role she’s ever played.
Read excerpts from the interview below:
What prompted you to become an actress?
“I have always wanted to be an actress; it is a craft I am very passionate about.”
Tell us about your educational background?
“I had my Primary education at Staff School University Of Ibadan. I then proceeded to Queens School Apata Ibadan for my secondary I am a graduate of Economics from Olabisi Onabanjo University.”
What movie would you say gave you your big break?
“I cannot say I have had my big break. I am still an upcoming actress, working hard to gain ground. My movie ‘Mothers Wish’ definitely helped to some extent.”
What is your most challenging movie role?
“I am yet to get a challenging role, still looking for that movie that will stretch me.”
You said in an interview that you might cheat on a man who is not good in bed. Do you still hold on to that opinion?
“Yes I did. Sex is an integral part of a relationship or marriage, hence my stand on whether I will cheat or not. I wouldn’t marry someone who isn’t sexually fit in bed.”
