Tiwa Savage Calls It Quits With Supreme Mavin, Signs On With Universal Music Group

May 2, 2019

Sultry singer, Tiwa Savage has secured an international recording deal with Universal Music Group after parting ways with Supreme Mavin Dynasty run, owned by music producer, Don Jazzy.

This was announced by the American global music corporation through its official Instagram account, saying that they were “thrilled to welcome Tiwa Savage, one of Africa’s biggest stars to the Universal Music Group Family.”

Reacting officially to the deal singed by Tiwa Savage, Efe Ogbeni and Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna of Stealth Management, partners of UMG Group said: “We’re very proud to be a part of this ground-breaking partnership between Tiwa Savage and Universal Music Group.

“Tiwa is undoubtedly the most hard working and talented female artist crossing over from Africa to the rest of the world, and UMG has demonstrated its commitment to the Continent by placing its formidable machinery behind her amazing career.

“Partnerships like these symbolise the hopes and dreams of so many talented artists back home in Africa and it is an honour to be the executive producers of her project.”

Under the new agreement signed on Thursday, Tiwa’s future music will be released internationally through UMG’s operations in more than 60 countries worldwide and projects would be executively produced by Efe Ogbeni and Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna.

Tiwa has also reacted to pitching tents with Universal Music Group saying; “My biggest goal is to make Africa proud. I’m so excited for this moment and I’m thankful to Sir Lucian Grainge and my new UMG family for their belief in my dreams.

“I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career and I’m more ready than I have ever been.

“It’s like a dream and more importantly it means that I’m part of the legacy, I’m part of a huge engine and it’s definitely an honour,” she added.

Meanwhile, Mavin head honcho Don Jazzy has sent his farewell message to Tiwa Savage who spent seven successful years on the label.

Don Jazzy took to his Instagram account to send a “Thank you for an amazing seven years” photo which he captioned:

“Our darling Tiwatope. We at Mavin would like to say a very big thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us, a friend, a sister.

“It’s been an epic journey with you and we are very proud of what we have achieved together.

“As you start this new chapter in your life we want you to know that we are solidly behind you and can’t wait for the world to see what we have always believed you can be.

“Your jersey as the `First Lady of Mavin’ will forever be yours as we do not intend to fill that position with anyone else.

“We love you from the bottom of the heart and pray GOD’s blessings to continue to follow you. Amennnn.”

Source: RipplesNigeria

Airport Authority Shuts Down Gombe, Kebbi Airports Over N800 Million Debt

Editorial staff

May 2, 2019

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed down Gombe and Kebbi airports over an N800 million debt.

The closure of the airports was contained in a FAAN notice on the withdrawal of its safety and fire rescue and aviation security personnel from the two airports.

FAAN had two weeks ago, threatened to withdraw its services from the airports should the two state governments fail to clear their debts.

It was learnt that governments of the two states have not made any move to avert the situation despite the efforts of FAAN to collect the debt. It was also learnt that the debt drive which is in phases would be shifted to other airports after that of Gombe and Kebbi.

Sources said that FAAN wanted to carry out the threat at once in all the affected airports but was stopped by officials in the presidency.

Source: LEADERSHIP

Broadcasting Commission Boss, Ishaq Kawu, In Court Over Alleged N2.5 Billion Fraud

Editorial staff

May 2, 2019

The Director General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Ishaq Kawu has appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged N2.5 billion fraud.

Kawu, who was arraigned at the Court today, Thursday was charged by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on 12-count charges.

He is being tried for allegedly diverting over N2.5 billion meant for the digital switch-over system introduced by the Federal Government.

Also joined as defendants in the suit are Lucky Omoluwa and Dipo Onifade, chairman of Pinnacle Communications Limited and the company’s chief operating officer respectively. The company, Pinnacle Communications Limited, is also joined in the trial.

Justice Folashade Giwa had, in March, ordered Kawu to appear before the court in April even if it requires him being brought in a stretcher.

When hearing was called today, Thursday, the judge granted the defendants bail of N100 million each with two sureties in like sum alongside other conditions.

“In the event that any of the defendants did not meet these conditions within the window of 10 working days from today, they shall be taken into the custody of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences and be remanded in prison pending when their bail conditions are met,” she ruled.

The case was adjourned to tomorrow, May 3 for commencement of trial.

Training Aircraft Crash-Lands In Ilorin, 2 Pilots Unhurt

Editorial staff

May 2, 2019

A training aircraft belonging to the International Aviation College (IAC), Ilorin, Kwara State, crash-landed at the Ilorin International Airport yesterday, Wednesday.

According to report, the aircraft with registration Number 5N-BNH had two pilots on-board, who were said to have came out of the crashed plane unhurt.

Meanwhile, the Accident investigation Bureau (AIB) is reported to have opened investigation into the acccident.

Source: Daily Trust.

Ex Governor Of Enugu Divorces Wife After 11 Years In Marriage

Editorial staff

May 2, 2019

Former Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime has filed a petition before an Abuja High Court, seeking to divorce his wife, Clara, after about 11 years together as husband and wife, even as his wife seeks for the custody of their 10-year-old son.

Clara begged the Court, sitting at Apo village, to grant her the child’s custody, saying that she was ready to accept the divorce which her husband brought before the court but that he must be made to pay her child maintenance fee of N500,000 monthly.

She said that she was depressed during her marriage because her husband only had marital relations with her only on their wedding night and never touched her, so it led to her depressed condition.

Clara denied any allegation of schizophrenia but said she only saw the CMD of neuropsychiatric because her husband brought him to their home.

The Judge, Justice Angela Otaluka adjourned the case to June 10 for continuation of hearing. Source: Punch

Association Laments Exodus Of Medical Workers; 2,000 Of Them Leave Nigeria Yearly

Editorial staff

May 2, 2019

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has lamented the rate at which medical workers exit Nigeria, saying that said over 2,000 of them go to developed countries every year.

According to the President of the Association, Dr. Francis Adedayo Faduyile, expressed worry at the increasing rate of brain drain in the medical sector believed that the present situation can be harnessed and used as an advantage to the country.

Dr. Francis Adedayo Faduyile, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the Annual General Conference/Delegates’ meeting of the Association in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, said that the exodus trend gave rise to the theme of the meeting which is ‘Skill Repatriation in the Health Sector: Turning Nigeria’s brain drain to brain gain’.

The Association President said: “we believe that the situation can be turned to an advantage, hence the need to bring this to the front burner for discussion and proffer a way out to the country’s advantage.”

He advised Nigerian politicians to be more current on the necessary statistics and facts on the matter which has now become a trend rather than make indicting remarks.

“Without intent at generating further controversy on the matters arising from the unfortunate remark by a senior cabinet member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who, incidentally or coincidentally, doubles as a senior member of the Medical Profession.

” it is our firm belief that this gathering would generate firm statistics and facts that possibly would be enough in convincing those policy makers at critical MDAs of government at all levels, including the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity who, perhaps, are yet to come to reality with the scientifically unambiguous deleterious aftermath of the worsening disparity between the health workforce in general and the population.

“Then, they can join us in the clarion call for action and be committed to instituting necessary actions,” Faduyile said.

Recall that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Chris Ngige had said medical doctors were free to leave Nigeria as the country had enough practitioners.

“I’m Not Worried, We Have Surplus (Doctors), if we have a surplus, we export. I was taught Biology and Chemistry by Indian teachers in my secondary school days,”Ngige said

“They are surplus in their country. We have a surplus in the medical profession in our country. I can tell you this. It is my area, we have excess. We have enough, more than enough, quote me.”

Journalism Profession Without Ethics Becomes National Malaise – Buhari

Editorial staff

May 2, 2019

File photo: This picture is used for the illustration of the story

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that journalism profession that is bereft of ethics easily becomes what he called, national malaise instead of solutions to the nation’s challenges.

The President, who greeted journalists across Nigeria today, Tuesday, as they will tomorrow, Friday, join their professional colleagues around the globe to mark World Press Freedom Day today, said: “without adherence to ethics, the professions turn awry, and become part of national malaise, rather than solutions. That is why journalists must constantly recommit to the canons of fairness, accuracy, objectivity, balance, and other ideals that guide their profession.

“On this occasion of World Press Freedom Day, I urge you to rededicate yourselves to the role of being watchdogs of society, while being mindful of the cohesion and equilibrium of that same society. There are always those who want to use the media to emphasize our fault lines as a people, dwell on primordial sentiments, and keep the country perpetually on the same spot. Be wary of such.”

The President said that the theme of this year’s celebration, Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation, is quite germane for Nigeria, having recently concluded the nation’s general elections.

He advised the media to reflect on the deleterious effect of fake news, misinformation and disinformation before, during and after the polls.

President Buhari stressed that his government would continue to ensure that the media is not muzzled in any way, since democracy and freedom of expression are kindred spirits.

“Our administration is committed to the highest levels of transparency, and we will guarantee press freedom at all times. We only require that the freedom be used responsibly, and for lofty ideals of national unity and development.”

The World Press Freedom Day is observed every May 3 to celebrate fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluate press freedom round the world, defend media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

Ndume In Double Battles: For His Seat And Senate Presidency

Editorial staff

May 1, 2019

Senator Mohammed Ndume of All Progressive Congress (APC) is battling in two war fronts: for his Borno South Senatorial District seat being threatened by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Malam Kudla Satumari and also for the position of Senate President.

Kudla Satumari is challenging the declaration of Senator Ndume at National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Nyanya today, Wednesday over who won the February 23 senatorial election in the Senatorial district.

Joined as respondents in the petition are the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The tribunal headed by Justice Peter Kekemeke adjourned hearing in the petition to May 6, 7 and 14 for parties to present their applications.

In the petition dated March 15, with number, EPT/BO/SEN/1/2019, Satumari said that the election was marred by corrupt practices and non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.

He sought the order of the tribunal for cancellation of the election; and for INEC to conduct fresh election for the Senatorial District within 90 days.

Ndume, in his reply to the petition, denied most of the allegations in the petition.

In his reply filed on April 10, he said that the said Borno South Senatorial election was free and fair and not marred by irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

He also demanded that the petitioner provide concrete proof, in accordance with the law, the veracity of the petition.

Ndume claimed that he would prove during trial that the petition was defective, incompetent and lacked compliance with the Electoral Act.

Tribunal relocated its sitting from Maiduguri to Abuja, following approval by the president of Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa.

Source: NAN.

You’re Irresponsible, Liar, Army Tells Sidi Ali Over Claim Boko Haram Pays $3,000 Daily

Greenbarge Reporters

May 1, 2019

The Nigerian Army has described Dr. Sidi Ali Mohammed, a member of Presidential Committee on the North East Initiative as being irresponsible and a liar for comparing what Nigerian soldiers are being paid per day and what Boko Haram is also paying to members per day.

The spokesman of the Army, Colonel Sagir Musa, who made this known in a statement today, Wednesday vowed to report Sidi Ali to appropriate authority over his alleged knowledge of Boko Haram welfare.

Sagir Musa was reacting to Sidi Ali’s allegation that the “terrorist group members earn as much as $3,000 daily, as against the Nigerian soldier who is paid N1,000 only for the same duration.’’

Colonel Sagir called on Nigerians to discountenance the statement credited to Sidi Ali, saying: “steps are being taken to formally report him to the appropriate authorities to further substantiate these unfounded allegations.”

Sagir Musa described Sidi Ali’s statement as “false claim. In it, he alleged that the criminal terrorist group members earn as much as $3,000 daily, as against the Nigerian soldier who is paid N1,000 only.

“This is not true, pure lie and highly irresponsible comment coming from a supposedly knowledgeable person of his calibre.

“It is also criminal and preposterous to compare the gallant soldiers of our Armed Forces with the ragtag terrorist criminal gang.

“Indeed, there is no such basis at all between the outlawed criminal terrorist who commits crime against humanity and our highly patriotic, courageous and brave soldiers whose sacrifice cannot be quantified.”

Colonel Sagis said that over time, the Army have been alerting the world that the menace of Boko Haram terrorism was being “aided and abetted by sympathizers.”

The Army spokesman alleged that Sidi Ali’s statement could be part of a deliberate attempt to demoralise patriotic troops serving their fatherland so that the terrorists can take advantage of it.

“It is also a way of swaying the gullible youths to believe the lies of Boko Haram terrorists.”

He, however, assured Nigerians that the Army would remain resolute and focused in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, adding, “No amount of distraction or terrorists’ propaganda will dissuade it.’’

Sidi Ali had lamented that Boko Haram has been hijacked and operates like a cartel.

“I will give you an example. The Nigerian military, for example, gets N1,000 per day for being in the Northeast, at the war front, as an allowance — the same Northeast, where if you are a member of Boko Haram you get $3,000 per day, as allowance. So it is lucrative.

“Sometimes, they even give you money upfront. So, we must do something about the youths from where they are recruiting,” Mohammed was quoted to have said.

Source: NAN.

Asari Dokubo To Nnamdi Kanu: I Will Smoke You Out And Kill You, I’m Not Boasting

Editorial staff

May 1, 2019

Former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has vowed to kill the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, accusing him of compromising the struggle for the actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra.

In a video he shared on Facebook today, Wednesday morning, he wondered why Kanu is running instead of facing the Nigerian Government squarely.

Asari Dokubo declared: “I will smoke you (Nnamdi Kanu) out. I’m not boasting. “I will smoke you out from every hole, every corner. They know me.

“If one idiot threatens to attack me and makes good his words to attack me, I will kill him.”

Asari accused Nnamdi Kanu of killing Prophet Anthony Nwoko, saying that it is wrong for the Biafran struggle to be turned into bloodshed.

He emphasized that he would not hesitate to kill Nnamdi Kanu if he dares him.

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