FEATURES

FEATURES

Grammy-winning Canadian singer, Celine Dion, has expressed gratitude and joy after her highly anticipated comeback performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday. 

After a four-year hiatus due to her battle with stiff-person syndrome, Dion delivered a heartfelt rendition of Édith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” from the base of the Eiffel Tower.

She said: “I’m honoured to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favourite cities!”

Dion also praised the athletes for their dedication and hard work.

She wrote: “Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance.

 
 

“All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you!

 

“You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you!”

This performance marks Dion’s second appearance at the Olympic Games, having previously performed at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. 

According to TMZ, Dion was paid for her highly anticipated performance. 

In an interview with Hoda Kotb on the Today Show, Dion had vowed that she wouldn’t let her health battle stop her from performing again.

 [TheNation]

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says the tightness in fuel supply and distribution is caused by a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels.

Mr Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., made this known on Saturday in a statement while reacting to the current queues and scarcity being witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that queues started building up at fuel stations in the FCT on Friday, as motorists were seen lining up at various fuel stations, while some have remained shut.

“The NNPC Ltd. wishes to state that the tightness in fuel supply and distribution witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT is as a result of a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels,” Soneye said.

He said the Company was working round the clock with all stakeholders to resolve the situation and restore normalcy in the operations.

(NAN)

The Dangote Oil Refinery has denied a report that it was reselling cargoes of crude oil bought from the United States and Nigeria to other traders.

The spokesperson for the Dangote Group, Tony Chiejina, described the report as outright falsehood in an interview with The PUNCH.

Reuters had reported that three of the four trade sources familiar with the matter said the reoffer was linked to technical problems at the refinery. 

But Chiejina said the refinery is still sourcing for crude from Angola and Libya and the crude distillation unit is in good condition.

 

“Outright falsehood. We are sourcing more crude from Angola and Libya. Also, our crude distillation unit is functioning perfectly well. You may wish to visit the refinery even today or tomorrow,” he told our correspondent on Saturday.

In a follow-up statement on Saturday, Chiejina also urged the public to disregard such news as it only intends to scuttle the refinery. 

“Our attention has been drawn to a misleading report suggesting that our refinery’s crude distillation unit (CDU) is experiencing issues and that we are reselling crude oil. 

“We categorically deny these claims. The Dangote refinery is not authorized to sell crude oil purchased from Nigeria, and our CDU is fully operational and functioning optimally. 

 

“We advise the public to disregard these false narratives, which are likely driven by interests opposed to the local refining of fuels,” he said. 

The 650,000 barrel-per-day refinery started operations earlier this year, with complaints about crude shortage.

Sources had said cargoes of Nigerian Escravos and Forcados were among the crude grades offered as well as US WTI Midland.

Recall that the Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr DVG Edwin recently alleged that the IOCs operating in Nigeria had consistently frustrated the company’s requests for locally produced crude as feedstock for its refining process.

He said the IOCs were deliberately and willfully frustrating the refinery’s efforts to buy local crude by hiking the cost above the market price by $6, thereby forcing the refinery to import crude from countries as far as the US, with its attendant high costs.

Edwin said, “It seems that the IOCs’ objective is to ensure that our petroleum refinery fails. It is either they are deliberately asking for a ridiculous and humongous premium or they simply state that crude is not available.

“At some point, we paid $6 over and above the market price. This has forced us to reduce our output as well as import crude from countries as far as the US, increasing our cost of production.

“It appears that the objective of the IOCs is to ensure that Nigeria remains a country, which exports crude oil and imports refined petroleum products. They are keen on exporting the raw materials to their home countries, creating employment and wealth for their countries, adding to their Gross Domestic Product, and dumping the expensive refined products into Nigeria, thus making us dependent on imported products.

[Punch]

Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) is a Nigerian reality TV show modeled after the international Big Brother format. Premiering in 2006, it returned in 2017 and has since had eight seasons.

The ninth season is set to premiere on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

Ahead of the premiere of the new season, here is a rundown of some notable moments the BBNaija show has given to viewers over the years:
My greatest challenge Is creating opportunities to show that arts can be commercialised in many....
 
Unforgettable BBNaija moments

Bam Bam and Teddy A (Season 3)

Bamike “BamBam” Olawunmi and Tope “Teddy A” Adenibuyan, who first appeared as a couple on the Double Wahala season three of Big Brother Naija, are now married. They got engaged in August 2019, followed by a traditional wedding in September and a white wedding in Dubai in November of the same year. The couple has two children together.

Cee-C and Tobi’s Drama (Season 3):

Cee-C and Tobi’s storyline in Big Brother Naija Season 3 was one of the most intense of the season. What started as a flirtation quickly escalated into a dramatic power struggle. Their loud, public arguments and harsh exchanges captivated viewers, with Cee-C’s emotional breakdowns and outbursts often focused on Tobi. Despite the high drama, their relationship remained strained by the end of the season.

Tacha’s Controversies (Season 4)

Tacha’s confrontations in BBNaija Season 4 cemented her status as one of the most controversial and memorable housemates.

Her most notable conflict was with Mercy Eke, which escalated to a physical altercation on September 27, 2019, resulting in Tacha’s disqualification after she reportedly threw a basket at Mercy. Tacha also had intense clashes with Seyi Awolowo over personal space and perceived slights, and with Khafi Kareem, involving verbal altercations.

Additionally, her disputes with Omashola Oburoh added to the show’s drama. These conflicts, especially the one with Mercy, were pivotal in shaping the season’s narrative and viewer engagement.

Bella and Sheggz (Season 7)

Chidimma “Bella” Okagbue and Segun “Sheggz” Olusemo, from Season 7 of Big Brother Naija: Level Up, are officially a couple.

They were known for their close bond during the show and have continued their relationship since the season ended.

Ilebaye and Cee-C’s Altercation (Season 8)

The altercation between Ilebaye and Cee-C started with a heated argument that quickly escalated into harsh words and personal insults.

The situation intensified when Ilebaye shoved Cee-C, resulting in a strike from Biggie. Many fans felt that the severity of Ilebaye’s actions merited an immediate disqualification, leading to debate about the consistency of Biggie’s rules for the All Stars season compared to previous ones.

Vanguard News

 

The house of representatives says its probe into the dispute between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is to protect the country’s national assets.

Speaking with journalists on Saturday in Abuja, Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson of the house, said the investigation also involves the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) Limited.

NMDPRA and Dangote refinery have been embroiled in a dispute that began recently.

The dispute peaked on July 18 when Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer of NMDPRA, said local refineries, including the Dangote refinery, produce inferior products compared to the ones imported into the country.

 
 

Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, denied the allegations by testing diesel from his refiner on July 20 when federal lawmakers visited the plant.

He also called for a probe into the allegations of the NMDPRA.

On July 22, the lawmakers launched investigations into Ahmed’s claims.

 

They said allegations that the international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria are frustrating the survival of the Dangote refinery will also be probed.

On July 23, the house of representatives asked the federal government to suspend Ahmed over his “unguarded comments”.

‘DANGOTE REFINERY IS A CRITICAL ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE’

Agbese said the probe aligns with the lower chamber’s commitment to protecting all critical economic infrastructure, such as the Dangote refinery.

 

He said the dispute has led to uncertainties that caused fuel queues to resurface, which he deemed totally condemnable.

“We have been seeing a lot by way of demarketing campaigns to discredit the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and given the negative impact of this, which has caused panic in the country,” Agbese said.

“Unfortunately, what we have learnt is that the NNPC and NMDPRA play major role in these plots to discredit the refinery, which is unacceptable.

“The bigger aspect of our concern is that there are concerns that false narratives are being peddled by certain interests that are bent on importing dirty fuels into the country.

 

“As a proactive institution, committed to the wellbeing of the nation and Nigerians, the position of the house is to investigate the allegations.”

Agbese said the house aims to resolve the issue to pave the way for economic stability.

 

The spokesperson said the leadership of NMDPRA must be removed, asserting that both agencies have shown interest in destroying the refinery.

He added that if evidence of an attempt to sabotage the Dangote refinery is found, the house would call for the dismissal of Kyari. 

“It is on record that the house had directed the president to sack NMDPRA, so the house will also not hesitate to call for the sack of Mele Kyari, the Group chief executive officer of NNPCL if need be,” he said.

According to Agbese, many Nigerians have called off the proposed hardship protest, but they demand Kyari’s dismissal if it will ensure the smooth functioning of the country.

[TheCable]

Grammy-winning Afro-fusion singer Burna Boy marked the 5th anniversary of his critically acclaimed album “African Giant” with a thrilling YouTube Live show.

The event, supported by YouTube Music, featured Burna Boy performing songs from the album, which has become a cultural phenomenon and a testament to African pride.

The album, released in 2019, is a genre-bending blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, pop, and hip-hop, featuring international collaborations with artists like Jorja Smith, Jeremih, Future, Damian Marley, and YG.


Burna Boy expressed excitement about the event, saying it was an “incredible experience” to celebrate the album’s anniversary with his fans.

He thanked YouTube Music for helping create the memorable event and his fans for their unwavering support.

He said: “Celebrating the 5th anniversary of ‘African Giant’ with a special performance in London, supported by YouTube Music, has been an incredible experience.


“This album holds a special place in my heart as it represents a pivotal moment in my career and a powerful statement of African pride.

“Performing these songs for my fans, who have supported me every step of the way, is a reminder of the journey we’ve shared and the cultural impact we’ve made together. I’m grateful to YouTube Music for helping us create this memorable event and to all my fans for their unwavering support. Here’s to many more years of making music that resonates and inspires.”

Head of Music at YouTube in Africa, Addy Awofisayo said: “We are thrilled to present Burna Boy on YouTube Music Nights, celebrating the 5th anniversary of his groundbreaking album, African Giant.”

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, an umbrella body of all the youth groups across the six geopolitical zones, have concluded arrangements to stage a solidarity march from August 1-10.

The solidarity march, according to them, is in  support of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, who, they said, has  been working round the clock to put the nation back to lost glory. 

A statement signed by Comrade Goodluck Ibem, National President of CONYL and Junaid Abubakar, National Publicity Secretary said: “The act of governance is not a magic show where what we expect just happen immediately at the same time for viewers on the show.  

“Governance demands we show some patience and tolerance by all waiting for our expected good results.

“President Tinubu is currently doing his best via different policies and programmes which in  due course, will bring about good tidings for our dear country. What we need now is a little patience to enjoy what the future holds for us. 

 

“Nigerian youths should be aware that some criminals are out there who will want to seize any little opportunity to perpetuate crime by looting and destroying private and public businesses and establishments currently putting food on the table of our follow Nigerians. 

 

“Though protest is the right of citizens in a democratic setting,,but now, is a wrong timing to engage in such given the current situation at hand. 

“We appeal to all aggrieved youths to shun any form of protest and join us who have seen the good things the future holds in a solidarity march in the 36 states of the federation including Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on 1st August to 10th August, 2024 in support of our nation headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Nigerian comedian Anita Alaire Afoke Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, has shed light on the challenges female comedians face in Nigeria’s male-dominated stand-up comedy scene.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Real Warri Pikin, 34, highlighted the systemic barriers that contribute to the scarcity of female comedians in the country.

According to Real Warri Pikin, female comedians must overcome significant hurdles to achieve recognition and success.

 

She described the comedy industry as heavily skewed towards men, requiring women to exert double the effort to stand out.

 

Real Warri Pikin opens on challenges facing female comedians in Nigeria
Real Warri Pikin.

Despite her own notable success, she admitted facing criticism and derogatory comments from fans, critics, and peers.

Real Warri Pikin recalled her experience during a show in Abuja last year, where she was surprised to find a lack of female comedians among her guests.

She took to social media, asking her followers to recommend female comedians, which led to numerous tags and messages from aspiring performers.

 

However, she noted that many of these women were struggling due to the male dominance in the industry.

In her words:

“There are not many women that are doing standup comedy right now. I can actually count them. When I did my show in Abuja last year, I was like “no female comedian?” So I did a post on my page and said, “if you know any female comedian wey good, tag am” and I was shocked. I saw a lot of people tagged and I reached out to them via their DMs.

It was only a few of them that had videos of themselves doing standup here and there. I had conversations with them and they will tell you, it’s a male dominated industry. It is hard.

For woman to dey male dominated industry, you need to work twice as hard before they go come talk say na because you fine na why you funny. So I started having conversations with them, talking to them. It’s not easy for this male dominated industry, but you need to know the craft, and you need to be very strategic. I feel like for more female comedians to fill up the space, we need more encouragement.

I remember when I won standup comedian of the year, no be small curse them curse me for comment section, and if other female comedians see those comments, they will go back to their shell. There are a lot of very funny female comedians but there are a lot of factors.

First, you’re a woman. For you to be woman for this part of the world, the world don give you 1-0. And then the society, and then there’s how people see women.

Even till now, I still get it, as big as I am. You just need to ojiri as a woman. When you don understand the dynamics around the industry, you need to chop ojiri tell yourself all die na die. I must do it regardless.“

Several reactions have followed a video interview of a popular Yoruba movie actor, Femi Adebayo, in which he narrated his experience slapping his father, Adebayo Salami, better known as Oga Bello, on a movie set.

The Jagun Jagun hero shared his experience while he was a guest on a show and spoke about acting with his father.

According to Femi Adebayo, the event happened when he acted the role of a notorious armed robber in the 2008 hit movie Taiwo Taiwo, a movie by Box Office queen, filmmaker and actress, Funke Akindele.

 

According to the movie star, he had gone into a man’s house to rob, which was his father. On getting there, he demanded the money they had come for, but the man [Oga Bello] was stubborn.

Femi Adebayo remarked that he subconsciously raised his hand and landed it on his father’s cheeks. The actor affirmed that his action was not in the script and felt quite sorry afterwards. In his defence, he perpetrated the act to give more life to his role as a notorious armed robber in the movie.

Nonetheless, Femi Adebayo, who recently won a piracy case, confessed to tendering an apology to his father after the scene. However, his father commended him and told him that he would have been in trouble if he had not slapped him.

Actor Damola Olatunji has revealed personal information on his past relationship life.

 

He disclosed this to Biola Bayo on her show Talk To B, that his ex-fiancée became pregnant with someone else’s child just weeks before their introduction, leaving him heartbroken.

 

Olatunji also addressed the rumors surrounding his marriage to colleague Bukola Arugba, stating that he never abandoned his family and continues to pay their children’s school fees.

He emphasised the importance of co-parenting and warned against bashing each other on social media, as it can harm their kids in the long run.

The actor surprisingly revealed that he receives advances from both men and women, acknowledging that he’s not perfect.


He said: “My fiance got pregnant for someone else, weeks to my introduction.


“As a matter of fact, this will be the first time anybody will say I’m talking about my divorce. Some said Damola left his marriage, Damola left the house, and I will be like, these are my kids.


“Feelings die, and love fades. If things are not working in a relationship, it’s better to go separate ways than to become physical. Couples that have kids together should not come online and fight dirty.

“Your kids will grow up one day to read about the things you have said. I am not a deadbeat father. Despite our separation, I still pay my kids’ school fees and attend to their needs. My kids will tell you, ‘My dad is the best in the world. They can never lack as long as I am alive. When you have kids with someone, something will always bring you together for life.


“I get toasted the way ladies get toasted. Both from male and female. Hey, listen, I am not a saint, but I will not do what I will not do”.

Last modified on Saturday, 27 July 2024 13:26