Spain earned a late 2-1 win over England to win the 2024 European Championship trophy in Berlin on Sunday night.
The La Furia Roja capped off their impressive performances in the competition with glory after a pulsating encounter.
The first half ended goalless as both sides struggled to get hold of the game before the clash burst into life immediately after the restart.
Lamine Yamal, who had a quiet first half, set up Nico Williams to finish past Jordan Pickford after the England defense suffered lack of concentration in the 47th minute.
The young star became the youngest male footballer to play in a major international tournament final. He surpassed Pele (17 years, 249 days) at the 1958 World Cup.
Substitute Cole Palmer came off the bench to score a brilliant leveller after he was set up by Jude Bellingham.
Another substitute, Mikel Oyarzabal became the hero for Spain with the winning goal in the 86th minute to break England’s heart and set Spain on course for an historic triumph.
Dani Olmo produced a stunning goal line clearance to preserve Spain’s lead as they held on to win their fourth European Championship trophy.
Spain are the first country to win the men’s European Championships four times after their triumph in 1964, 2008, 2012 and 2024.
England’s agonising 58-year trophy drought continues as they switch attention to the 2026 World Cup.
Lamine Yamal was named the young player of the tournament after a return of one goal and four assists, while Rodri was named the player of the tournament.
Meanwhile, A total of six players will share the Golden boot award after they all scored three goals in the competition.
Harry Kane, Spain’s Dani Olmo, Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze, the Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo, Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz and Germany’s Jamal Musiala will share the award.
In the past, UEFA used assists as the tie breaker which could have seen Spain’s Dani Olmo emerge as the top scorer but it was announced at the beginning of the tournament that the award would be decided only on goals.
PRINCE NDUKA OBAIGBENA: Happy 65th birthday to a visionary leader, a media icon and a champion of excellence! - Segun Awolowo
Admin
My Dearest brother & Publisher
Your life's journey has been a testament to innovation and passion. Your contributions to the media industry and beyond are a lasting legacy.
May this milestone birthday be a celebration of your achievements and your unwavering commitment to making a difference. May your day be filled with joy, love and the knowledge that your impact has touched countless lives.
?Here's to many more years of inspiration, leadership, and making a positive impact on our world! Congratulations, my dear brother!
Segun Awolowo
The Arewa Youth Ambassadors have denied the insinuations that it has shelved its planned protest aimed at expressing their concerns over the rising hardship amidst alleged harsh economic policies of the present administration.
A statement signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Yahaya M. Abdullahi said there is no going back on the planned protest.
“Let’s be categorical, there is no going back on our words, as the protest is scheduled for 1st August 2024. Everywhere in the world, people make government, not the other way round. But why should the government brought about by the people in Nigeria be only for those in the corridors of its power?
“If the President Tinubu-led government is for Nigerians as a whole, why on earth the false pretences? It’s so sad and pathetic that suffering have become unspeakable and pervasive, while the power that is keeps on looking the other way.
“We wish to make it clear that the protest becomes necessary considering the insecurity that spirals upward coupled with incessant food and fuel crisis, unemployment and high cost of living bedevilling our region in particular and the country in general”, the statement said.
Arewa Youth Ambassadors said beyond any doubt that the protest will happen on the slated date unless the government reverses its policies that they said are unfavourable to the masses.
“Is Nigeria not even on the brink of revolution? Perhaps if anything has failed to strike a cord for its outbreak, President Tinubu’s starvation scheme surely will. Because Nigerians would rather be killed on the streets by the security forces being paid through their taxes than be laid to death by hunger in their homes, and maybe on or in their beds. And, you know, hunger knows no bounds.
“Therefore, as a group of peaceful citizens, we are left with no option than to protest the anti-masses tendencies that President Tinubu-led government continues to introduce on daily basis”, the statement added.
AN armed robbery suspect, simply identified by his nickname, Bob Jay fell into an open well on Friday night after he and other gang members raided student’s hostel in Unicross, Okuku campus.
The robbers, according to a student of the school who gave her name as Regina, attacked students in their hostel at about 12 midnight and carted away laptops, phones and money and after the robbery, one of the hoodlums fell into an open well while trying to escape with their loot.
“They were many that came around 12 midnight. They robbed all the students in the Okuku hostel. They stabbed one student, broke the head of another with a stick before escaping with phones, laptops and other valuables”. She told Vanguard on phone.
She said the well was used by students to fetch water to bathe and wash clothes and has no cover.
“Nobody knew that one of the robbers fell into the well until dawn when students went to fetch water and saw the man inside dead. They raised alarm and the community people came and took him out and was identified as one of the robbers and some people said his name is Bob Jay from Mbube,a neigbouring village”
She said the police were alerted and they came and took the body away. She said no other gang members identified yet since the robbers phone fished out of his picket is blur.
A man who was accused of allegedly stealing an Uber car after luring the driver with a plate of pepper soup, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
The PPRO said that the Akinpelu Police Division received a report on July 5, at about 8.00 p.m. from an Uber driver, whose name was not mentioned
He said that the driver reported that he picked a passenger, who simply identified himself as Isaiah, from the NNPC Filling Station, Maryland, in his Toyota Corolla car to a certain hotel at Oshodi area.
The spokesperson pointed out that while at the hotel, the suspect bought food for the driver, a plate of pepper soup and one energy drink.
“In the process, when the suspect was looking for a cotton bud to clean his ear, the driver gave him his car key to use
The driver further said that the suspect went downstairs after collecting the car key and went away with his car from where it was parked.
However, a team of police officers on a stop and search operation at Boladale Street, intercepted him.
“When he could not give a satisfactory account of the ownership of the car, he was arrested,” he said.
Hundeyin further said that while the police officers were about taking the suspect to the station, the driver came to the scene and saw the car.
He said the suspect had been detained for further investigation.
Veteran Nollywood actress, Binta Ayo Mogaji, has finally disclosed why she left her 13 year old marriage with retired footballer, Victor Ayodele Oduleye.
The film actress and her colleague, actor Jibola Dabo were once in a relationship and they have a 20 year old, after which she got married to Victor Ayodele Oduleye, a retired footballer and physiotherapist, in 2006.
However, on her latest interview with actress Biola Bayo on the ‘Talk To B’ podcast, Binta Ayo Magaji accused Victor Oduleye of abuse.
She further narrated her love journey with the retired footballer. Ayo Mogaji said:
“We fell in love with each other but received beating over any little thing.
“Even in England the abusive language, the mental torture, the physical abuse, when it gets too much I will advise anybody to get out of that marriage.
“It got to a stage that when it’s only two of us at home, I do go outside the compound and sit till when someone will come around so that I will not be abused. We were in it for like thirteen years and we have been separated for four years now.”
In the same interview with Biola Bayo, Binta Ayo Mogaji revealed how she became a mother at the age of 40 years.
Recounting her life experience, she said she had her baby six weeks after her 40th birthday despite having one fallopian tube.
Binta Ayo Mogaji also spoke on how her ectopic pregnancy resulted in losing a fallopian tube and almost her life.
Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, is back in town, and the heartwarming video of his grand reception from fans has taken the internet by storm.
Late June 2024 saw Davido and his beautiful bride, Chioma, jetting off to the United States for a luxurious honeymoon following their extravagant wedding.
As they boarded their private jet in Lagos, they were accompanied by key members of Davido’s entourage, including Asa Asika, Lati, and Chioma’s manager, Ubi Franklin.
Fast forward to his return to Nigeria, and the scene was nothing short of extraordinary. A viral video shows Davido basking in the rapturous welcome from his adoring fans, who had taken to the streets in droves.
The ecstatic crowd was a sight to behold, causing a major roadblock as they chanted his name and surged forward to meet his convoy.
The atmosphere was electric, with fans expressing their unwavering love and admiration for the music icon.
Moved by the overwhelming display of affection, Davido couldn’t resist immersing himself in the moment. He excitedly shot his head and body out of his car window, capturing the euphoric scene on his phone.
The video continues to melt hearts online, capturing the essence of joy and unity that Davido brings to his community. The moment was not just a welcome back but a triumphant return of a beloved star whose presence ignited the hearts of everyone around.
British rapper and singer Stephanie Victoria Allen, known to the world as Stefflon Don, caused a stir online as she boldly proclaimed Nigerian hitmaker Burna Boy to be the love of her life.
In an intimate and heartfelt interview with Fernando Halman on the Netherlands music platform Real Talk, Stefflon Don was asked if Burna Boy still held a special place in her heart.
With dreamy eyes and a voice softened by fond memories, she responded with an unequivocal, “Yes!”
As the conversation heated up, Stefflon Don didn’t shy away from revealing that she is currently in a relationship. However, she kept fans and followers on the edge of their seats, leaving them guessing about the identity of her current beau.
The plot thickened when the bold and brassy rapper faced probing questions about being married.
Unfazed, Stefflon Don firmly debunked any marriage rumors, making it clear that when she decides to walk down the aisle, the world will undoubtedly hear about it.
In 2022 Burna Boy released the breakout hit “Last Last” which is certified Platinum in the US. The song was rumored to be about his relationship with Stefflon Don which ended 2021.
On the real talk interview Stefflon said Burna Boy admitted the song was about her. “He has actually said that the song is about me.”.
The Supreme Court judgment on Thursday, July 11, granting financial autonomy to the 774 local government areas in Nigeria has been widely commended by Nigerians.
This is as Nigerians have expressed fears that the governors, who may not give up easily, might find another means of diverting council funds.
The judgment reinstated the powers to the local government areas across the nation by mandating that financial allocations from the federation account be channeled directly to them.
It is believed that this would effectively curb the authority of state governments to remove local government executives at will.
The Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had earlier filed a legal suit against the 36 state governors, seeking full autonomy and direct funds allocation to the 774 local governments in the country.
He had prayed the apex court to make an order that funds of local governments being run by caretaker committee chairmen appointed by governors instead of elected chairmen and councillors should be withheld.
The AGF had also asked the apex court to grant all the reliefs sought by the Federal Government and grant the local governments full autonomy as the third tier of government in Nigeria as stipulated in the 1999 constitution.
He prayed the court to order the direct allocation of funds from the federation account to the local governments, even as he also sought an order prohibiting the unlawful dissolution of local government administration and the state governors’ appointment of caretaker committees to run the councils.
The suit was hinged on 27 grounds that the Constitution of Nigeria recognises federal, state and local government as three tiers of government.
It also averred that the three recognised tiers of government, draw funds for their operation and functioning from the federation account created by the constitution.
The originating summons read: “That by the provisions of the constitution, there must be a democratically elected local government system and that the constitution has not made provisions for any other systems of governance at the local government level other than the democratically elected local government system.
“That in the face of the clear provisions of the constitution, the governors have failed and refused to put in place a democratically elected local government system even where no state of emergency has been declared to warrant the suspension of democratic institutions in the state.
“That the failure of the governors to put a democratically elected local government system in place is a deliberate subversion of the 1999 Constitution, which they and the President have sworn to uphold.
“That all efforts to make the governors comply with the dictates of the 1999 Constitution in terms of putting in place a democratically elected local government system has not yielded any result, and that to continue to disburse funds from the federation account to governors for non-existing democratically elected local governments is to undermine the sanctity of the 1999 Constitution.”
The AGF asked the apex court to invoke sections 1, 4, 5, 7 and 14 of the Constitution to declare that the governors and state houses of assembly are under obligation to ensure democratically elected systems at the third tier.
But, the 36 state governments, represented by their attorneys general, opposed the suit on various grounds, including their contention that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit. All the states opposed the suit and prayed the Supreme Court to dismiss it.
However, on Thursday, the seven-man panel of Supreme Court Justices, in the judgment delivered by Emmanuel Agim, declared that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves, maintaining that the power of the government was portioned into three arms of government, the federal, the state and the local government.
However, in the last three days that the judgment was delivered, Nigerians from all walks of life, including ethnic nationality groups, labour unions, eminent lawyers, and ordinary Nigerians, have been commending the judgment.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, described the judgment as timely and courageous, noting that by the decision, money would now be made available directly to the local government areas.
His position was contained in a statement he released after the judgement.
He said: “What the judgement has done is more like interpreting section 162 of the Constitution, which provides for a joint State-Local Government Account. In which case, money is normally paid to state governors’ accounts and then for them to disburse to the local governments for them to share.
“But what has been happening is that, as I noted in 2020, over three years ago, the state governors have been behaving like ‘bandits,’ waylaying local governments funds along the way, and thus, impoverishing them, and leaving them with nothing to work for, just a little for salary, and nothing to actually work for the people whom they represent.
“I agree totally with the judgment of the supreme court to grant full financial autonomy so that money is released and paid directly to the 774 local government councils, which constitute the third-tier of government, to develop their places because the LGAs are grass-rooted and nearest to the people.
“Rather than allow overbearing state governors to throw their weight around and muzzle the local governments and seize their purse, they will now allow LGs breathe some air of freedom.
“If you take a look at our situation, Nigeria is operating a very lopsided federation, more like a unitary system of government. Where the Federal Government is supposed to be a small government, it is controlling 67 items on the exclusive legislative list.
“That is why the Federal Government gets the lion share of the federation account up to the tune of 52.68 percent.
“The states get 26.72 percent, while the entire 774 local government councils in Nigeria get just 20.60 percent of the monthly allocation by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RLASMC.
“The question is: what is the Federal Government doing with almost 53 percent of the national income? That is because it is a government that is behemoth and elephantine; a government that intrudes and intervenes in areas that should not concern it at all.
“What is the Federal Government’s business with licensing cars and trucks for states? What is its business with the Marriage Act, dealing with how people marry and wed in Nigeria and how they live together as husband and wife and separate or divorce?
“What is the Federal Government’s business with unity schools; FG operating secondary schools? What is their business? Why is the FG not allowing states to generate their own power, operate their own railway stations, if they have the capacity?
“Why should the Federal Government not allow states to have their own police force? Even for the local governments to have their own police force as we have in the United States and other advanced countries of the world where even tertiary institutions have their own police?
“The truth is that the Federal Government is over bloated and over pampered. That is why it is using too much money and making the centre become too attractive, eating deep into funds that ought to be meant for the states and local government areas.
“The states take not only that which belongs to the states, but also waylay at source that which is meant for the local government areas. No nation grows that way.
“So, I see this judgment as epochal, having a far-reaching effect because money will now be made available directly to the local government areas, which will no longer be subservient, like fawning slaves to state governors.”
For the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the judgment is a triumph for the nation’s democracy.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, described the judgment as courageous and transformative, saying, “We, at the Nigeria Labour Congress, wish to commend the Supreme Court of Nigeria for restoring power to the local governments.
“Its epochal pronouncement on Thursday, July 11, 2024, directing that financial allocations be made directly to local governments, as well as divesting state governments of the power to remove local government executives, is both courageous and salubrious.
“The Supreme Court, through this landmark judgment, has not only restored our democracy, but also our hope in democracy.
“Not a few believe the stunted national growth or development and the overwhelming surge in crimes and threats to our collective good is directly tied to the seizure and paralysis of local governments by state governments.
“The journey to the local governments’ freedom has been a tortuous one. For years, we have watched with dismay and discontent, the remorseless and mindless erosion of the powers of the local governments, and embarked on a series of national protests as workers.
“We also note the effort made by the Buhari administration to remove the strangle-hold of governors on local governments. We must also mention the commendable role on this matter by the 9th Assembly.
“We pay tribute to the Tinubu government for its presence of mind to institute this action at the Supreme Court. We specifically commend the President and the Attorney General of the Federation.”
Ajaero noted that, henceforth, the focus should shift towards ensuring smooth implementation without any sabotage.
“This brings us to the conduct of elections at local governments. Elections by the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIECS, have been anything but fair.
“The true freedom of the local governments, in our view, must also come from those who govern them. Should SIECS be allowed to conduct elections or should the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, take over, even as they are over-burdened and are not exactly the best example?
“Should there be a regulatory agency or commission with an oversight over SIECs? We will find the devil in the details through a stakeholders’ conversation.
“Finally, the freedom of local governments will be nothing if those who will take charge end up behaving badly like their predecessors in power. Thus, there is need for a self-purgulation or a national rebirth as laws or court pronouncements alone may not be enough,” he said.
Also for the Igbo youths, under the aegis of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, the judgment was a landmark that would deepen the nation’s democracy.
President General of the group, Goodluck Ibem, said it has returned governance to the people in line with the vision of the 1999 constitution.
“All governors should immediately conduct local government elections in accordance with the Supreme Court Judgement and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We call on the National Assembly to amend the constitution to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, conducts Local Government elections.
“The amendments should include that the tenure of LG Chairmen must be three years as enshrined in the constitution.
“We call on the Economic Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, ICPC, NFIU and other anti-crime agencies to monitor all allocations to the local governments to ensure that their funds are being used for the purpose and benefit of the people.
“No local government chairman should allow himself to be intimidated by their governor to handover the people’s money to him. The Chairmen should know that they are only accountable to the people,” Ibem said.
Concerns, fear
Much as Nigerians across all divides have commended the judgment, there is growing concern and fear that the governors might resort to subtle threat to obtain money from the local government chairmen, thereby defeating the purpose of the judgment.
Those on this divide are arguing that if the conduct of the local government elections are still left for the governors, using the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC, they would still handpick and install their cronies and puppets as LG chairmen.
It is the thinking of those who hold this view that the National Assembly should move a step further to make a law that would hand over the conduct of local government elections to the INEC.
One of the proponents of this view is Mr Anthony Ugwuoke, a public affairs analyst.
He said: “The only way to make the joy of Nigerians complete over this judgment is for the National Assembly to make a law removing the power to conduct local government elections from the SIECs to the INEC.
“This is because if SIECs are allowed to do that, the governors will make sure that only their candidates emerge, and by doing so, they will still be in control of the LG funds.”
There is also a call on the National Assembly Joint Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution to legislate a uniform tenure and election for the local governments across the country.
This was amplified by the National President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau, during the opening of a two-day retreat for members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review, the 36 state Houses of Assembly Speakers, and the judiciary in Lagos.
He argued that a uniform tenure of office and election for local government executive would enhance grassroots government and strengthen the country’s democratic experience.
There is also a belief in some quarters that with this judgment in place, it is now time for the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, to track the council funds and prevent their diversion to state governors by council chairmen.
A Lagos based lawyer, Mr Marcellus Onah noted that strict adherence to the NFIU guidelines would prevent any diversion of funds to state governors by local government chairmen.
He told DAILY POST: “Any person that wants to tamper with the local government funds should be ready to go to jail.
“Governors are not only doing it because they have immunity, they are also doing it because the money goes through them to the local governments.
“Now that the money is going directly to the local government account, no governor will ask the chairmen to rewire the money to them.
“I know that some governors would want to try by using subtle threats on the LG chairman, but once the chairmen are aware of the NFIU guidelines, they can stand their grounds and nothing will happen.”
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON as well as the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, are equally asking the NFIU to brace up for the job ahead, as they have also expressed concern that the governors might not want to give up the fight so easily.
[DailyPost]
Access Bank has shared insights about ambitious plans to position its UK subsidiary, Access Bank UK, among the top 20 banks in the United Kingdom, targeting an annual profit of $1 billion by 2027.
This was disclosed by the managing director/chief executive officer of Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna during the ‘Facts Behind the Rights Issue’ presentation held at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) in Lagos.
Ogbonna emphasised that this projection underscores Access Bank’s commitment to becoming a global banking leader, focusing on expansive growth and robust financial performance.
“We are positioning ourselves to be one of the most respected banks globally. Our focus is on superior service across all the continents and countries we are operational in, and by 2027, we aim to be one of the top five African banks, powering trade across the continent and providing superior services to our customers,” Ogbonna stated.
The CEO further highlighted that “Access Bank’s customer base is expected to grow to 125 million by 2027, further cementing its market leadership. This ambitious growth plan is part of the broader strategy to drive organic growth through strategic acquisitions, partnerships with international banks, and substantial investments in infrastructure and technology.”
The insights were shared as part of discussions around Access Holdings’ ongoing rights issue, which aims to raise up to $1.5 billion to strengthen its financial position and support its growth ambitions. The rights issue offers 17.773 billion ordinary shares at N19.75 per share and will close on August 14, 2024.
The shareholders gave their vote of confidence in Access Holdings and Access Bank, and particularly, the rights issue.
The national coordinator, Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Bisi Bakare noted, “since Access Bank first started trading on the stock exchange at N0.65, we shareholders have witnessed its incredible growth and accrued immense value, with the stock now trading at N19.35 as of June 9, 2024.”
“Access Holdings can be confident that as the consolidation phase of the Group’s expansion fully takes shape and the brand’s profitability continues to increase, those of us who have been on this journey from the beginning are not about to jump off now. We fully back the capitalisation plans, starting with the Rights Issue, and are excited for the future that lies ahead for Access Holdings,” Bakare added.
[Leadership]
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Operatives of Ogun State Police command have arrested two kidnappers, who killed their victims, after collecting ransom from their families in Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu North local government area of the State.
Spokesperson for the command, Omolola Odutola, who disclosed this in Abeokuta, the State capital, said the arrest of the kidnappers led to the discovery of the shallow graves of 71-year-old farmer, Adekunle Ifelaja, and Ogunyemi Femi, who were allegedly killed by the suspects in Ijebu-Igbo forest.
She stated that the two suspects; Chukwuma Bartholomew and Igwe Monday, were arrested through technical investigations on June 28, 2024, at about 6:20pm.
Odutola stated that the suspects, after confessing to the crime during interrogation, led the State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, and the anti-kidnapping squad to the forest, where the corpses of the victims were exhumed.
She said, “They are responsible for kidnappings and abductions that have been recorded in the Ijebu-Igbo area. They kidnapped their victims, demanded ransom from their family members, and then killed them.
“They then took them to a forest in Ijebu-Igbo, where they dug a shallow grave and buried them. They were arrested by our anti-kidnapping squad after a thorough investigation, which led the team to the hideouts of the criminals on June 28, 2024, in Ijebu-Igbo.
“After their confession, the suspects took the CP and members of the anti-kidnapping units to the forest where they buried the victims to exhume the corpses.”
The arrest came six months after the last operation in which their victim, 71-year-old Sunday Adekunle Ifelaja, popularly known as Adeife, did not return home after his kidnappers collected ransom.
It was gathered that on November 23, 2023, the suspects, part of a 7-man criminal syndicate, stormed the home of 34-year-old Femi on November 23, 2023, abducted him and took him to an unknown location.
They allegedly made a video of Femi and sent it to his family to demand ransom.
According to the police, the suspects killed the victim despite receiving ransom from his family.
Similarly, after abducting the elderly 71-year-old farmer at Oke-Sopen in Ijebu-Igbo on December 31, 2023, the suspects reportedly recorded a video of the septuagenarian man and sent it to his family via WhatsApp, demanding a ransom for his release.
According to the police, the farmer was killed and buried in one of the shallow graves despite the payment.
“On June 28, 2024, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad made a massive breakthrough in the hunt for the kidnappers when through technical-based investigation, they discovered the hideout of the criminals in Ijebu-Igbo.
For so long Tiwa Savage held sway as Nigeria’s number one female artiste. Not many people would disagree with that.
The only other female artist in the picture at one time, was Yemi Alade. But that didn’t last for long. Of course, Simi, Teni and a couple of others warmed up to the occasion but they never could really bubble over the edge.
Then, Tems and Ayra Starr showed up and the story is never the same. Even Tiwa Savage is nervous and must be working on skates to race free of these two.
Adding to their remarkable growing influence is the recent revelation by global music streaming platform, Spotify, who announced that Ayra Starr and Tems are the most streamed Nigerian artists globally.
Numbers, they say, don’t lie. By Numbers, Tems and Ayra Starr are giving our ‘Queen of Afrobeats’ a run for her money. Tiwa Savage must have been there and done that, and all, these two are catching up fast and may soon have her on the spectators’ stand if “Mummy Jamjam” does not up her game soon enough.
Nonetheless, it would be a hot argument to water down that the trio are not the best Nigeria has to offer, both at home and abroad. And it is not a coincidence that they all have a lot in common. You need what these fantastic ladies have to be extraordinary in the game. First, they are all alluringly beautiful and massively talented.
What have stood them apart and above the reef are a mix of their vocal quality, lyrical depth, sensuality, stagecraft, attitude and more. It is no surprise one bit that they attract international engagements more than any other out of the country because of the allure of these qualities. And by extension, they draw bigger paychecks and performance fees more than others.
Vocal quality
The vocal quality or range of these ladies is awesome. They are the typical nightingale with a soothing and caressing voice that evokes feelings of nostalgia, pleasure and pure bliss. In fact some people have said it is difficult to tell them apart. Only Tems is a bit different with her hoarse edge but all three come through as strong vocalists with an immense range.
Of course, many people would raise Simi in this conversation and they may truly not be off course but Simi isn’t exactly a bundle of tricks on stage or a sensual bolt of electricity as these three when they turn it on.
Lyrical depth
“Nigerian music, especially Afrobeats, has captivated global audiences with its infectious rhythms, compelling storytelling, and innovative sound fusions. Its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries is truly remarkable,” so says Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub- Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu on Wednesday when she announced Tems, Ayra Starr and 28 others as the most streamed artists globally.
Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr and Tems are never short on lyrical content. Their songs are a mixture of “compelling storytelling and innovative sound fusions” which explore relatable themes of love, good times, street vibes and even folklores.
Sensuality
No matter how we look at it, sex sells. In the entertainment space, this is something most people want to see. Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr and Tems are not just naturally beautiful, they ooze some quantum of electricity that leave their audiences in shock of pleasure, gratifying wellbeing and in a trance of affectionate longing.
Stagecraft
None of these three ladies is exactly a Poco Lee on stage. Stagecraft isn’t all about dancing, and most often than not, they have backup dancers to do that for them. But what is unique about the trio is their ability to set alight their endowments to a captivating effect in a most dramatic manner.
Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr take the lead in this regard; their dress sense and style, the sensual rhythmical movements of their body, speak volumes. Tems is also catching up fast, her recent performances are not devoid of some sensual teases and artistry.
[Vanguard]
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B on Saturday, announced the killing of one of its officers identified as Inspector of Customs, Hamza Abdullahi-Elenwo.
The incident, according to the Zone B Public Relations Officer, Isa Suleiman in a statement in Kaduna, occurred on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Achilafia along Daura-Kano road, Jigawa State during a stop and search operation.
The Customs spokesman explained that the incident occurred when the vehicle suspected to have been smuggled into the country hit the operative while trying to evade arrest.
He added that the slain officer was rushed to General Hospital Kazaure and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina, where he was pronounced dead by the Doctor on duty.
According to him, the deceased has been laid to rest in accordance to Islam rites.
Suleiman said, “The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B is sad to announce the tragic demise of Inspector of Customs (IC) Hamza Abdullahi Elenwo in an unfortunate incident that occurred on Friday, 12 July 2024 at Achilafia along Daura-Kano Road in Jigawa State during a stop and search operation.
“The incident occurred when a vehicle suspected to be smuggled into the country hit the operative while trying to evade arrest.
“The late Operative was rushed to the General Hospital Kazaure and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina, where he was pronounced dead by the Doctor on duty.
“The deceased has been laid to rest in Katsina, according to Islamic rites.”
The Customs spokesman quoted the Head of Federal Operations Unit Zone B, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, to have on behalf of the entire Officers and Men of the Unit, extend his heartfelt condolence to the deceased’s family and pray for his eternal rest.
“Comptroller Shuaibu asserted that the incident shows the level of desperation by smugglers operating without recourse to human lives, adding that it is also one of the many instances where smugglers kill and maim Personnel of the service in an attempt to evade arrest.
“The Comptroller vowed to ensure justice is served as One (1) Suspect has been arrested and is in the Custody of the Nigeria Police Force, Gwiwa Division in Jigawa State,” he said.
He added that the unit’s operatives would not be deterred and would remain unwavering in the fight against smuggling.
Our correspondent reports that Inspector Hamza, an indigene of Port Harcourt, Rivers State was born on 15 April 1985.
“He joined the Nigeria Customs Service as Customs Assistant III (CAIII) in the Transport and Logistics Unit on 17 October 2013 and was promoted to the rank of Inspector of Customs (IC) in the year 2022. He is survived by a wife and two Children.
The U.S. Secret Service has confirmed that former President Donald Trump is safe following a shooting incident at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
The Secret Service spokesman, Anthony Guglielmi, issued a statement on the event that occurred while Trump was delivering a speech before a crowd of supporters.
“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania,” Guglielmi tweeted.
“The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.”
The incident reportedly occurred minutes into Trump’s speech, causing chaos at the event.
In trending social media videos, Trump was seen putting his hand on his right ear after sounds of the gunshots.
The Secret Service agents swiftly surrounded the former president and escorted him off the stage.
Some clips appear to depict blood on the former president’s face and a bleeding ear as he was being led away.
Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports that the Butler County District Attorney, Richard Goldinger, stated that two people were confirmed dead following the incident, including one of the suspected shooters.
Media
An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) July 13, 2024