Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has surprised his fans with the announcement of his seventh studio album.
The singer shocked his fans on Monday morning by announcing that he is releasing a new album at midnight without prior notice.
He, however, did not share the album cover or title.
“Album dropping 12am,” Burna Boy wrote via X.
His surprise announcement has generated buzz among fans, who are eagerly anticipating the album.
Nigeria’s D’Tigress made history after winning their first-ever game at the Paris 2024 Olympics by beating Australia on Monday morning.
D’Tigress finally won a game at the Olympics after beating Australia 75-62 in the opening game.
They were unfancied heading into the game but sprung a surprise result to kick-start their campaign.
Ezzine Kalu, who plies her trade in France, oozed class on the court, scoring 19 points.
Nigeria recovered from a slow start to win the first quarter 18-17.
They had an even better second quarter, winning 23-11.
D’Tigress will next play hosts France before wrapping up their group-stage campaign against Canada on August 4.
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has appointed comedian, Oluseyi Aletile, popularly known as Seyi Law, as his Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment & Tourism.
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan disclosed the appointment in a statement on Monday.
Adeniyan said the appointment was in continuation of efforts to enhance governance and service delivery to the people of Ondo.
Also appointed as Senior Special Assistants were Alonge Felix Kolawole (Social Investment), Hon. Tomide Akinribido (ICT), Allen Sowore (Strategic Communication), Femi Lawson (Public Enlightenment), Rotimi Agbede (Citizen Orientation), Muyiwa Ogunleye (Community Integration), Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola (Agric & Agribusiness), Uzoma Egbulefu (Non-indigenes), and Chief Olufunke Adu (Market Women Relations).
The governor equally appointed 20 others as special assistants.
They are Mrs Eko Davies (Traders Affairs), Kike Isijola (Digital Media), Mrs Dupe Adetuwo (Arts & Culture), Oriade Adebanwo (Emergency Response), Fadesola Ojamomi (Inter-Party Affairs), Oladimeji Olawale (Intra-Party Affairs), Akinboni Samuel (Party Affairs), and Bello Titus Abiodun (Innovation).
Also appointed as SAs are Hon Ejor Moses Agagu (Mobilisation), Oluyemi Damilola Grace (Mobilisation), Isaiah Igwe (Non-indigenes for Igbo – North), Francis Belohun (Non-indigenes for Igbo – Central), Uche Okafor (Non-indigenes for Igbo – South), Mohammed Jamil (Non-indigenes for Hausa – North), Goniya Garuba (Non-indigenes for Hausa – Central), and Issa Umar Mohammed (Non-indigenes for Hausa – South).
Others are Tenuche Fatai (Non-indigenes for Ebira – North), Alhaji Abdulkadir Adinoyi (Non-indigenes for Ebira – Central), Alhaji Abdulkareem Ododo (Non-indigenes for Ebira – South) and Imo Owoh ( Non-indigenes for Others).
Adeniyan said the appointments took immediate effect.
While congratulating the new appointees, the governor urged them to dedicate themselves to serving the people of the state.
The highly anticipated ninth season of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) has made its grand debut, introducing viewers to the dazzling new “No Loose Guard” house.
The housemates, who will be competing in the “better-as-pairs” format, will call this luxurious space home for the next 71 days.
As the season kicked off, organizers introduced the housemates who will vie for the coveted grand prize.
The winner of BBNaija Season 9 will walk away with a whopping N100 million, along with other fantastic rewards.
The “No Loose Guard” house is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and stylish interiors, providing a comfortable and visually appealing environment for the contestants.
The housemates will be under constant surveillance, with cameras capturing their every move and interaction 24/7.
For a sneak peek at the interior of the BBNaija S9 house, check out the first glimpses of the luxurious living space that the housemates will enjoy.
See below;
Curvy Nigerian film actress, Destiny Etiko has queried Nigerians for getting excited over the new season of the Big Brother Naija amid the hardship in the country.
In a post on her official page on the photo and video sharing site, Instagram, she noted how the country is currently under an economic downturn, yet Nigerians still have money for data.
She stated that if Nigerians aren’t complaining, then who is she to complain as she is only concerned for the poor masses.
Destiny Etiko noted how the crime rate has increased, and insecurity is the order of the nation, yet everyone is calm.
“E don red for our country, and I still dey see people dey happy about BBN Hmmmm nawa o.
Oh, una still get enough money for data, Abi?
If you guys do not complain, who am I to do so?
Am majorly concerned about the pøor masses, though.
That you can survive does not mean that everyone can o.Crime is now happening everywhere.
Insecurity has become the order of the day, and everyone is literally calm.
The earlier
The better”.
Singer and actor Tunde Obe says he had almost given up on his younger brother, Segun Obe getting married.
The younger Obe got married to Ghanaian, Nita Aboagye in Accra on Thursday, July 18 at the age of 50.
A joyous Tunde Obe shared pictures from the wedding activities on X on Saturday, confessing that he thought his sibling might no longer get married. Tunde Obe wrote:
“It is with GREAT pleasure and tremendous JOY that I announce the wedding of my dear aburo @SegunObe1 to Ms Nita Abogye… In fact, I had nearly given up. But it’s never too late to find love. Segun has found his missing rib, at 50. My happiness knows no bounds,”
The 55-year-old who attended the wedding ceremonies with his wife Wunmi Obe said in another post:
“It was a beautiful week in Ghana, celebrating one of the dearest people in my life, my younger brother.”
Tunde’s post came after his brother confirmed his marriage in a social media post on Saturday. Segun wrote:
“Not a word failed of ANY GOOD THING which the Lord has spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass (Joshua 21:45).
“…and so, exactly a week ago, I got hitched with the love of my life NITA in the city of Accra in Ghana.
“God is never too early, or too late…He is ALWAYS right on time.
“To God be the glory,”
His sister-in-law Wunmi Obe also shared a video from the wedding on Facebook, writing,
“So last week Thursday 18th July in the beautiful city of Accra Ghana, Obe family went to ask for the hand in marriage of one the beautiful daughters of the soil, Nita Aboagye, on behalf of their son, Segun Obe. With this kain steeze on display, how were they going to refuse us?? Naija nor dey carry last, abeg!”
Crowds have besieged the offices of MTN Nigeria in some parts of the country over barred lines.
On Sunday, many Nigerians took to social media platforms to lament that their MTN lines have been barred from making or receiving calls.
TheCable understands that telecommunication companies commenced a mass disconnection of telephone lines not linked with national identification numbers (NINs) late Saturday.
Most 9mobile subscribers have also not been able to receive or make calls since Saturday night.
The restriction comes ahead of a planned nationwide protest billed for August 1.
More to follow…
Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum has attributed his side’s defeat against Spain to poor marksmanship.
The West Africans suffered their second consecutive defeat at the 2024 Olympic Games, going down 1-0 against the world champions on Sunday.
The Super Falcons were pinned back by the Spaniard for the majority of the game but still created enough scoring chances to get at least a point.
Waldrum confessed his side’s failure to put their chances to bed was responsible for the defeat.
“We had three to four good opportunities today, regrettably, we did not convert them”, the American said after the game.
“We had one in the first half, a breakaway and Asisat and Rash (Rasheedat Ajibade) missed those chance. We had chances, regrettably, the Spanish converted theirs.”
Waldrum, however, said his team have shown they can compete with any team in the world.
“We lost to two of the best teams in the world. Spain is the best team in the world right now and Brazil are in the top 10,” he added.
“We have shown that we could have gotten something out of those matches. It shows we can play against anybody in the world. So I am proud of the players.”
Terrorist Insists Tinubu’s Minister Behind Banditry As Islamic Cleric Calls For Matawalle’s Investigation
AFOLABI
A notorious terrorist, Mohammed Bello Turji Kachalla, commonly known as Turji, has reiterated his accusation that the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, supports terrorism in Nigeria’s Northwest region.
In a recent video shared by security expert Zagazola Makama on X, Turji alleged that Matawalle, the immediate former governor of Zamfara State, has ties to bandits.
Naija News understands that Matawalle’s previous tenure as governor was marked by heavy criticism due to insecurity issues that plagued Zamfara state under his administration.
The fresh accusation followed a previous denial by Matawalle’s camp after Turji initially linked him to terrorist activities in the region.
Turji has been operating in northern Nigerian states including Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger.
“What I said in the video is that Dan Maigari and Baleri are siblings,” Turji stated, alleging Bashari’s involvement in armed banditry in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
Turji challenged Matawalle’s supporters to investigate his claims rather than dismissing them as propaganda.
He questioned the role of Matawalle and others in the kidnapping and subsequent release of female students in Marado.
He asked, “Since you said Bashari is not a bandit and said Matawalle has no hand in the banditry activities, I am asking you from whom did they rescue the girls?”
Turji accused Bashari (an alleged bandit) of continuous operations between Zamfara and Sokoto states without any evidence to suggest he had surrendered to authorities.
He insisted his allegations are accurate and based on truth.
“Every sensible person is aware of the situation and knows what I’m talking about,” he said.
Recall that in July, Turji had accused Matawalle of complicity in backing terrorism in Nigeria.
The notorious bandit alleged that the issue of insecurity plaguing the country had the full backing of Matawalle.
He said, “My name is Muhammed Bello Turji, and I am releasing this video to reach all Nigerians, from the leaders to the poor. This is the message I want to convey to everyone.
“The issue of insecurity plaguing our country has the full backing of the immediate past Government of Zamfara State. I have evidence to support this claim. The past government, under His Excellency Bello Mattawallen Maradun (State Minister of Defence), is well-known to everyone in the region.
“This government has been complicit in backing terrorism. There are individuals from Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Issah who cannot deny this video.
“Many Nigerians, for example, those in Bauchi or Kaduna, may not be aware of the problems in Zamfara. However, I want to assure the federal government that if they are unaware, I will provide names, details, and evidence. I urge them to investigate the past actions of these individuals and their discussions with them. As a citizen of this zone (North West), I swear before God that I speak the truth.”
Reacting to allegations made previously, the minister’s camp swiftly denied the allegations and described them as falsehood.
A rejoinder signed by Deyemi Saka, Lead Partner at Lambert and Curtis, said in part, “Our attention has been drawn to a video shared on the X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook page of your media organisation in which baseless, malicious, unfounded, mischievous and deliberately concocted lies were told against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle.
“We are not unmindful of the sustained attacks on the person, integrity, and patriotic sense of duty of our client. What we find disheartening and despicable is the brazen disregard for public safety and national security.
“While the video speaks to its discredibility, it is pertinent to address the outlandish allegations made by Bello Turji, a wanted kingpin of banditry.
“It is noteworthy that the efforts of the honourable minister of state, while as Governor of Zamfara State between 2019 and 2023, saw banditry and all other sundry of criminality tackled head on.
“His demonstration of strength of character by insisting he was not going to negotiate with Bandits after the closure of the amnesty window for them to lay down their arms, and strong insistence of Bello Turji doing such is enough motivation for the hatchet man job he is doing.”
“Anyone with basic knowledge of the psychoanalysis of a terrorist and deranged mind like Turji will know that he is engaging in ‘victim mentality,’” the statement added.
Meanwhile, a popular Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Murtala Asada, known for his relentless preaching against banditry and bad governance, has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s government to investigate the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mattawalle, to prove its sincerity in the fight against insecurity.
The cleric said nothing should stop the Federal Government from investigating the Minister and others accused of complicity in backing terrorism in Nigeria’s North West if they are indeed serious about fighting banditry.
Asada’s challenge comes days after Kachallah Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader operating in the Nigerian North West regions of Zamfara and Sokoto, released a video accusing the Defence Minister of fully backing terrorism plaguing the country’s North West region.
The Minister denied the allegation through his media consultant, Deyemi Saka.
The bandit kingpin further referenced previous allegations made by Sheikh Murtala Asada that there were bandits and their sponsors operating within the city.
During his Sunday preaching in Sokoto, Sheikh Murtala Asada said that if the Federal Government of Nigeria were sincere about ending terrorism, they would have immediately reacted to this revelation.
He said: “Is Bello Mattawalle supposed to continue holding the position as the Minister of State for Defence up to this moment? Because all evidence has been proven against him, or has it not?
“Has it not been proven that there are bandits in the cities of Sokoto? Should they not be arrested and investigated?”
The scholar continued, “Please tell me, are there indiscriminate killings of people or not? This simply shows that the Federal Government is only wasting its time negotiating with these bandits when those sponsoring the bandits are within the cities.
“If you negotiate with ten bandits in the bushes, those within the cities will facilitate and kidnap hundreds more victims and send them back to the bushes. The bigwig sponsors are living in the cities.”
“Oh, Muslim Ummah, we must all dedicate ourselves to seeking divine intervention through prayers. It is due to these prayers that God is now exposing them. Dan Ubayyu, the leader of the hypocrites of God, you know that Bello Turji has absolute knowledge of the dirty deals going on between politicians and bandits because he was one of those bandit leaders at the forefront during the negotiations. God forced him to speak up. This is a result of the prayers of Nigerians, and he came out to confirm that there are bandits in our cities. He listed some of those in the cities of Sokoto, and anyone following the issue of insecurity knows that they are still in the cities of Sokoto. People like Kabiru Maniya, Bashir Maniya, and Buhari are currently in the cities, living lavishly in their houses.”
Media
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, over the weekend, faced a chorus of “we are hungry” from Abuja residents as he pleaded with them not to join the planned August 1 protests over economic hardships.
The video, which surfaced on social media, shows Wike attempting to pacify an agitated crowd, urging them to support the government despite the current economic challenges.
The authenticity of the video and its exact location in Abuja could not be independently verified by Naija News.
In the video, Wike is seen addressing the residents, who repeatedly interrupted his speech with chants of “We are hungry.”
“I’m begging you all,” Wike implored, as the crowd’s cries continued.
“Hunger has been since before now. Ours is to support the government to succeed. I know the pain you are passing through. It is your sacrifice for the country.”
He added, “I know the president. Just be patient. Hope is coming back. This hunger will reduce very soon. I believe in Tinubu’s government.”
The minister’s plea comes as momentum builds for the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1-10, which are being organized in response to the skyrocketing cost of living and economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.
Previously, Wike had issued a stern warning against protests in Abuja, declaring the FCT “unavailable for protests.”
In response to the growing unrest, President Bola Tinubu has mobilized clerics, religious associations, and traditional rulers to dissuade citizens from participating in the protests.
The administration has been under pressure to address the economic crisis that has led to a significant increase in food prices and living costs across the nation.
Watch the video below:
Media
More...
The much-anticipated 9th season of Big Brother Naija has kicked off with a unique twist, featuring 28 housemates consisting of pairs.
This season, notably titled ‘No Loose Guard,’ includes two different sets of identical twins and a married couple among the contestants, setting the stage for an intriguing 10-week journey.
During the opening event, host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu revealed that the Head of House ballot would commence at 10 a.m. on Monday.
This season’s grand prize is an impressive ₦100 million, which includes a cash prize and an SUV, along with additional sponsored prizes to be announced.
The show, running for 10 weeks, will conclude with the finale on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
With its theme promising exciting twists and surprises, viewers can expect an electrifying season that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
[TheNation]
The 9th season of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality TV show, themed ‘No Loose Guard’, kicked off on Sunday.
Naija News reports that the show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, in an unexpected twist, unvieled the housemates who were being introduced to the House in pairs.
This is a departure from previous seasons where housemates entered the House as individuals.
The first pair to enter the House were Chinwe and Zion, known as Zinwe.
The first housemates were followed by Femi David and Michael, also known as Radicals.
The third pair to enter the BBNaija house were DJ Flo and Rhuthee, also known as Flourish.
Also, Chinne and Nne, better known as Ndi Nne, who came in as an aunty and niece, were the fourth pair.
Topher and Sooj, known as Aces, entered as the fifth pair.
Coming in as the 6th pair for season 9 were Victoria and Shaun (Shatoria), while Wanni and Handi (Wanni X Handi) came in as the 7th housemate pairing.
Another set of twins were two brothers known on the show as Mbadiwe twins. They said they are currently on the show to correct the narrative.
The 9th housemates are the BETA duo.
BETA are followed by the TAMI duo, who are longtime friends.
Another pair of housemates are NELITA.
Married couple – DOUBLE KAY.
CHEKAS are another pair who said they are on the show to stir up some trouble.
This year’s grand prize is N20 million less than the N120 million awarded in Season 8 of the show.
A former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has cautioned Labour Party members and supporters against attacking the party’s ex-Presidential Campaign Council spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, over his differing opinions.
The PUNCH reports that a few hours after Okonkwo announced his resignation from LP, the party’s leadership described him as one of the moles in their camp.
Okonkwo dumped LP on Sunday over the lingering internal strife and leadership crisis threatening to tear the party apart.
But reacting to the development, Obi, who was the party’s presidential candidate during the last general elections, said despite dumping the labour party, Okonkwo remains his trusted ally.
In a series of posts on his X account on Monday, the former governor said Okonkwo’s differing opinion does not make him an enemy, but rather a strong voice and friend.
He wrote, “Yesterday, I read my dear brother Kenneth Okonkwo’s open letter in which he expressed differing views with me on the skirmishes in our party. And today, I saw various responses to the letter.
“I want to, therefore, categorically and emphatically declare that Okonkwo remains my beloved brother and a trusted ally. I sternly caution against referring to him as a mole or making any negative remarks. Kenneth Okonkwo has stood by me through thick and thin, and his loyalty and commitment cannot be overstated or diminished.
“Disagreements and differing opinions are a natural part of any group, society, or movement, and it is essential to maintain a level of respect and decorum even when we disagree. Having differing views does not make someone an enemy, and it is crucial to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to personal attacks or negative remarks.
“In fact, to me personally, I don’t want to work with anyone who always agrees with me, because as a leader, learning and listening are critical components of leadership. I want to listen to those who have different opinions and try to convince them otherwise or take their advice if it is better.
“I urge all believers of a New Nigeria to remain strong, resilient, and focused, and to refrain from discouragement or negative remarks towards Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo or anyone who leaves or disagrees with our views, strategies, or tactics. My message is clear and simple: unity, respect, and civility must prevail, even in the face of disagreement and variance.”
[Punch]
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is mobilising Abuja youths and other stakeholders against joining the planned August 1 to 10 nationwide protests over hunger and hardship.
Speaking during a ministerial engagement with FCT youths from Abuja South Federal Constituency, in Kwali Area Council of the FCT on Sunday, Wike said, ”Youths and other stakeholders in Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils will also be engaged on the same issue in the coming days.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a similar interaction was held with stakeholders in Abuja Municipal Area Council, in Abuja on Saturday.
The minister explained that the interaction was to enlighten them on the ills of protest and why they should not be part of it.
He thanked the traditional rulers and the area council chairmen for mobilising FCT youths for the interaction to enlighten them against joining a protest they do not have a stake in.
“There is no need for the protest. The current administration is barely one year in office and not enough to assess its performance.
“You can’t judge leadership within one year. I have not been in office for up to a year, but I have done so much that should be appreciated and convince people that FCT is working,” he said.
The minister said that so much has been achieved in education, health and other sectors, particularly security.
He urged residents to commend and encourage the security agencies to do more, adding that it would be unfair not to do so.
“It is not fair to say we have not done anything on insecurity when we have improved security in FCT,” he said.
He said that in view of the current development in the FCT, what was desired was peace and not protest.
“We want peace in FCT and so, we cannot fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed in the guise of protest,” Wike said.
On the proposed Federal Capital Territory University of Science and Technology, Abaji, the minister said that efforts were on top gear to ensure that the university was one of the best in the country.
“I don’t want to set up a glorified university. I want to put up a university that we will all be proud to have and gladly tell the world that this is the university I attended.
“We are currently on procurement to build classrooms; to build lecture theatres and laboratories for the university,” he said.
Speaking on land matters, the minister said, “The problem of Abuja is land. Once you’re made a minister, it is as if you are coming to share land.
“Nobody talks about development. Everybody is land, land, land, land, land. I feel so bad. Each time I am in my office, when 20 people come to see me,18 will talk about land.
“Nobody will talk about infrastructure; nobody will talk about no hospitals; nobody will talk about no schools, everything is, I need 20 hectares of land and I say, ‘if you carry all this land, where will the indigenous people stay?”
Wike urged youths to cooperate with the current government and stay away from the planned protests organised by people whose agenda was not so clear.
NAN