Anambra House of Assembly on Herdsmen Attacks

MEET NIGERIAN GOSPEL DISC JOCKEY, MAKING GIANT STRIDES AROUND THE WORLD

From radio/tv to blogs and concerts, the name now rings a bell everywhere in Nigeria and beyond.

 He rode on the platform of Loveworld Innovations who powered the first ever syndicated gospel musical show on a radio network.

The show premiered in December 2017, airing in over 20 countries via online radio programming.

Today, the 360 Mix Show with Collins now airs on some of the top online stations across Africa: Kings Radio, PraiseWorld Radio, Triumphant Radio, Amen Radio, Gospotainment, Worship Culture Radio, EMB fm, Radio Lambano to mention just a few. 

I respect Tiwa Savage, Omawumi, Yemi Alade and co — Niniola

Currently one of the biggest acts in the Nigerian music industry, Ekiti State born Niniola Apata, better known by her stage name, ‘Niniola’, broke into limelight shortly after emerging 3rd runner-up in the 6th edition of MTN Project Fame. Renowned for her electrifying display of stage energy, musical dexterity and stage craft, she has been able to create a world of her own in the Nigerian music industry through hard, resilience and consistency. In this interview, she speaks of how she developed interest in music, career success so far and more. Excerpts.

Breaking: Rowdy Session as PDP Senators prevent colleague from dumping the party

As Senator Ogbuoji recants decision after first dumping his party By Henry Umoru ABUJA- THERE was a rowdy session Wednesday as Senator Sunny Ogbuoji, PDP, Ebonyi South made attempt to dump his party for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Senator Ogbuoji had come under order 43 of the rules of the Senate to announce his official defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Members of the PDP and APC didn’t allow Ogbuoji to finish when the floor was thrown

Breaking: Rowdy Session as PDP Senators prevent colleague from dumping the party

As Senator Ogbuoji recants decision after first dumping his party By Henry Umoru ABUJA- THERE was a rowdy session Wednesday as Senator Sunny Ogbuoji, PDP, Ebonyi South made attempt to dump his party for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Senator Ogbuoji had come under order 43 of the rules of the Senate to announce his official defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Members of the PDP and APC didn’t allow Ogbuoji to finish when the floor was thrown

Breaking: Rowdy Session as PDP Senators prevent colleague from dumping the party

As Senator Ogbuoji recants decision after first dumping his party By Henry Umoru ABUJA- THERE was a rowdy session Wednesday as Senator Sunny Ogbuoji, PDP, Ebonyi South made attempt to dump his party for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Senator Ogbuoji had come under order 43 of the rules of the Senate to announce his official defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Members of the PDP and APC didn’t allow Ogbuoji to finish when the floor was thrown

Breaking: Rowdy Session as PDP Senators prevent colleague from dumping the party

As Senator Ogbuoji recants decision after first dumping his party By Henry Umoru ABUJA- THERE was a rowdy session Wednesday as Senator Sunny Ogbuoji, PDP, Ebonyi South made attempt to dump his party for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Senator Ogbuoji had come under order 43 of the rules of the Senate to announce his official defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Members of the PDP and APC didn’t allow Ogbuoji to finish when the floor was thrown

Army recovers 63 bags of Indian hemp from gang in Ondo State

 The Nigerian Army says it has recovered 63 bags of  cannabis sativa (Indian hem) from a notorious gang in a forest in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State. Capt. Ojo Adenegan, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, disclosed this in a statement in Akure on Wednesday.

Breaking: Reps summon Education Minister over National HW budge … say we can reject the entire Education budget if…

MEMBERS of the House of Representatives Committee in Basic Education on Wednesday summoned the Minister of Education to appear before it tomorrow, Thursday to explain the unrealistic budget presentation on the proposed national headquarters of the ministry. Chairman of the Committee, Rep Zakari Mohammed,APC, Kwara made this declaration during budget defence by officials of the ministry.

Lebanon reverses ban on Spielberg film

 Lebanon’s interior ministry will allow the release of Steven Spielberg’s latest film, “The Post”, overturning a ban by the General Security authority, a senior official said Wednesday.
Steven Spielberg The security body had on Monday announced it was banning the Hollywood thriller to comply with an Arab League boycott targeting supporters of Israel. In a rare move, the interior ministry chose not to sign off on the decision by General Security, which in addition to controlling Lebanon’s borders, is responsible for censoring films, plays, and books.

Our policies are youth-focused, says Bayelsa Govt

 The Bayelsa Government on Wednesday said most of its policies were tailored toward ensuring a better life for the youths of the state because of their critical role in society. Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, said this in Yenagoa while addressing the new executives of the Bayelsa
Youth Federation (BYF). Dickson Iworiso-Markson said the state government recognised the‎ importance of youths and was working hard to secure their future. “This government is today preparing your future to make you have a better and prosperous life. “You have seen our projects across the state. They are designed to provide employment and empowerment opportunities for you all.

Manchester United overtake Real Madrid, FC Barcelona as Europe’s biggest earners

Manchester United enjoyed the biggest revenue of any European club in the last financial year after a 32 percent increase propelled them above Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, UEFA say. Manchester United players celebrate a goal In an annual report published on Tuesday, UEFA in the European Club Football Landscape report said revenues among Europe’s 700-odd top-flight clubs totalled 18.5 billion euros (£16.5 billion) for 2016. This is in comparison to 16.9 billion the year before and 2.8 billion in 1996. However, the report acknowledged that nearly half that amount — 9.1 million euros — was generated by 30 clubs. It also noted that the financial gap between the elite ones and the rest was increasing. English Premier League television revenues were now such that mid-table Bournemouth earned the same as three-times European champions Inter Milan. Manchester United’s revenue for 2016 was 689 million euros, compared to 521 million euros in 2015, the report said. United were followed by FC Barcelona and Real Madrid (both 620 million), Bayern Munich (592

N’Delta militants demand restructuring, threaten fresh attacks

THE Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, Wednesday, called for restructuring of the country, declaring anybody opposed to it, including the Federal Government as enemy. File: Militants before the federal govt amnesty programme The group in a statement by the spokesperson, self-styled “Major General” Murdoch Agbinibo, also vowed to resume another round of attacks, in the next few days” on oil installations in the Niger Delta region if government refused to listen the new demands, including control of ownership ofresources and release of detained Niger Delta activists. It words: “While promising a brutal outpour of our wrath, which shall shake the coffers of the failed Nigerian nation, our demand unambiguously is for the government to restructure this country.” “We wish to state in plain terms that anybody against restructuring is an enemy of this country and particularly an enemy of the Niger Delta Avengers; and we shall not rest until such enemies are defeated by the Niger Delta People who earnestly seek to control our own resources,” the group added. NDA warned in the

7 die, many injured as gas plant, depot explode in Lagos

TWO persons died when a gas plant at Magodo, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area of Lagos, belonging to Second Coming Company Nigeria Limited, exploded yesterday. The fate of some severely burnt persons was yet to be ascertained, as they were said to be unconscious at a Lagos Teaching Hospital, while those that sustained varying degrees of burns, were also being treated. Those affected were staff of the company. But reports had it that some persons who had gone to transact business at the company were also affected. Images of the fire victims and the explosion scene at Magodo. PHOTOS: Lamidi Bamidele. It was gathered that three gas reservoir tanks, a 33,000-litre gas truck, the administrative block of the company, electric power generating set, gas cylinders and other equipment were destroyed in the inferno. The cause of the explosion was attributed to gas leakage at the plant located on CMD Road. Also, five persons died in another gas explosion in Ajara Vetho, Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, yesterday. An

Duke indicates interest for 2019 presidency Says Buhari, ministers disconnected

 A former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke, has said that he will contest for presidency in the 2019 general elections. Donald Duke Mr. Duke, who declared his interest for the plum job at the 3rd Mike Omotosho Annual Lecture titled, “Mellinials as Protagonists in Nation Building,” on Sunday night in Abuja, promised to kick-start the process at the right circumstances. According to him, “I am entitled to run for the presidency of this country. I am entitled to it. Only on right circumstances I will aspire for it. I don’t shy away from responsibility, only the right

I travel for business, not for fun –Harrysong

Nigerian singer, songwriter and instrumentalist, Harrison Okiri, popularly known as Harrysong, shares fond memories of his trip to Duisburg, North  Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
When did you visit Duisburg and what was your mission there?

I visited Duisburg two years ago, during my European tour and it was very successful. The reception I got was massive.

Reekado won’t apologise for saying he is better than Lil Kesh – Manager

Reekado Banks’ manager and brother, Temi Solomon, insists that his artiste doesn’t feel sorry for saying he is a better artiste than Lil Kesh.
It will be recalled that when Reekado was adjudged the Next Rated Artiste at the 2015 Headies Awards, it generated mixed reactions. Olamide, who was Lil Kesh’s boss at the time, was furious that his protégé didn’t win the award. While reacting to Olamide’s public outburst, Don Jazzy (Reekado’s boss) said he was ready to let Olamide and his boy have the car prize if that was what made them upset. That comment degenerated into a war of words on the Internet before both parties were implored to sheathe their swords.

Two years after the ugly event, at his recent Thank You concert in Ibadan, Reekado declared in pidgin English that he is better than Lil Kesh and his father.  He said, “I remember when they said I didn’t deserve the Next Rated award. The person that they said deserved the award, I am better than his father.”

I’m proud of my body –Biodun Okeowo

Popular actress, Biodun Okeowo, aka Omobutty, is known to be one of the sexiest persons in the Nigerian movie industry, especially the Yoruba sector.
She recently released some pictures to celebrate her birthday, and it set the pulse of a lot of people racing. In a chat with Sunday Scoop, the actress stated that she didn’t release the pictures to court attention, rather to thank God for what He had done for her. She said, “For every year one spends on earth, we have to thank God because it is all by His grace that we are alive. I have every reason to be thankful and I don’t hesitate to give God praise. I posted those pictures as a way of celebrating my birthday, and not for any other purpose. I am proud of my body and I always love to look good. I thank the people who have been appreciating me and it makes me feel good to know that there are a lot of people who love me out there.”

Commendation service holds for late ex-VP, Ekwueme

 FINAL rites of passage have begun for the late former Vice-President of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme. A statement by Mr. Ken Ekwueme  indicated that a commendation service in honour of late Dr. Ekwueme will hold this Friday, January 19, at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, at 2p.m, while an Evening of Tributes and Music is scheduled for 5p.m. of same day at Muson Centre. Dr Ekwueme Thursday, February 1, is service of songs at Alex Ekwueme’s compound in Oko, Anambra State, at 5p.m. Next day, Friday, is funeral service at St. John the Divine Church, Oko, at 11a.m. Interment and reception follow at his compound.

Fame not my aim for ‘sharing’ money – Williams Uchemba

Since actor and comedian, Williams Uchemba, started his Give Challenge in December, his popularity has soared.
However, in a chat with Sunday Scoop, Uchemba, who was once a kid actor, said he didn’t initiate the gesture to gain popularity or seek attention.
He said, “I have been in the limelight since I was eight years old. What I am doing now is not because I want popularity, irrespective of what anyone thinks. I am doing it because God has said I should do so. As long as people are blessed and their lives are changed for the better, I am happy. Before I started the challenge, I had more than 300,000 followers on Instagram and the number has not changed. The Give Challenge only drew more attention to me, but it has not made me famous. I have my skits and other things I have been doing.”

Negative comments don’t bother me –Efe, BBNaija winner

At a time when the Internet has taken over many things, it will be hard for entertainers to flourish without embracing the social media. But the winner of the 2017 edition of Big Brother Naija, Efe Ejeba, has said that he hardly uses the different social media platforms in vogue today.
In a chat with Sunday Scoop, he said, “The truth is that I don’t know what is happening on social media. When I wake up in the morning, I pray, eat, record songs and I release them. I don’t hear what people say about my music. I am not disturbed about negative comments because it is normal for people to have different views about whatever you do.”

I didn’t lie about N14m stolen from me –Mr. Ibu

During the week, it was widely reported that the house of comic actor, John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, was robbed and that he lost over N14m to the thieves.
While many sympathised with the actor, others also questioned why the actor would keep such a large sum of money in his house, considering the cashless policy adopted by most Nigerians. Some people also insinuated that the actor exaggerated about the amount he lost to the robbery.

In a chat with Sunday Scoop, Okafor made some clarifications. He said, “When I said I lost N14m, there was a misconception that it was all in cash but that was not the case. One million naira cash, and properties worth over N13m were carted away. Some of the items the robbers stole included gold wristwatches, necklaces and jewellery. They also stole shoes belonging to me and my wife, and a lot of other items. The trauma is still very much for my wife and kids. They are still in shock because the thieves knocked down the doors of the house and you can imagine the type of noise they would have made at the time they came, which was about 3am.”

Ooni of Ife is my father, not lover –Ara

There have been reports that popular singer and drummer, Aralola Apake, popularly known as Ara, is in a relationship with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and that she may be his next queen. However, in a chat with Sunday Scoop, Ara rubbished the stories. She said, “There is no iota of truth to such reports, please disregard them. The Ooni is like a father to me, and he takes me as his

daughter. There is no love affair between us at all. The monarch is a very great lover of our culture, and it is obvious that he has done a lot to support and promote the Yoruba culture. I am also a cultural ambassador and the Ooni has lent his support to our cause. I believe that there are a lot of potential in this country that can be tapped. If we harness the tourism potential of Nigeria, it would fetch the

I regret getting married– Gifty Powers

Background
My grandfather is from Obosi in Anambra State. He is a Reverend Father and a barrister. He married my grandmother who is partly Liberian and Sierra Leonean, and they gave birth to my mum before they got divorced. I am my parents’ first daughter, but I’m the second child. I grew up in Ghana, Accra precisely.

Mark Wahlberg donates $1.5 million after pay gap controversy

American actor Mark Wahlberg announced Saturday he would donate $1.5 million (1.2 million euros) to a legal fund for victims of sexual harassment following a controversy over the massive pay gap between him and a female co-star.
Ridley Scott partially re-shot his latest movie, “All the Money in the World,” after Kevin Spacey was fired due to sexual misconduct allegations, with both Wahlberg and Michelle Williams called back to act opposite Spacey’s replacement, Christopher Plummer.

Williams was reportedly paid less than $1,000 while Wahlberg made $1.5 million for reshoots on the film.

Omotola Jalade greets 40th birthday with five-day event

Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, popularly referred to as Omosexy, is set to celebrate her 40th birthday in grand style with a five-day event tagged ‘Omotola4pointO’.
The screen diva who will be 40 come February 7, will be joining her colleagues like Mercy Aigbe and Iyabo-Ojo in the ‘fortified’ clique.

The Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan dies at 46

Irish singer-songwriter Dolores O’Riordan, frontwoman of the multi-million selling rock band The Cranberries, died suddenly in London on Monday aged 46, her publicist said.
“Irish and international singer Dolores O’Riordan has died suddenly in London today, family members are devastated,” Lindsey Holmes said in a statement.
“The lead singer…was in London for a short recording session,” she added.
The band achieved international success in the 1990s with their debut album “Everyone Else is Doing it, So Why Can’t We?”, which included hit single “Linger”.
Follow-up album “No Need to Argue” went to number one in Australia, France and Germany, and number 6 in the United States.

Youths boo Ozekhome at Gani Fawehinmi lecture

There was a mild drama at the 14th Annual Chief Gani Fawenhimi Lecture in Ikeja, Lagos on Monday, as some youths booed Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), who was one of the discussants.
The youths blocked the path of Ozekhome, who arrived the venue of the lecture at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, at about 1.30pm, insisting that the SAN would not be allowed into the lecture hall.
Ozekhome’s arrival was greeted with a loud chant of disapproval by the youths, who disrupted the lecture which was already underway.

My wife wants to kill me with children, man tells court

A marriage of nine years was dissolved on Monday in Lagos after Mr Michael Ayinde, a 39-year-old man, had taken his wife, Glory, to court over her penchant for unbridled procreation.
Ayinde had earlier told the court that his wife, whose name he gave as Glory, enjoyed “giving births at will’’ without consideration for the prevailing economic situation.
According to him, Glory has had six children within the nine-year duration of their marriage.
“Before I married Glory, I warned her that I needed only two kids irrespective of their gender so that I can afford their upkeep. She agreed only for her to discard the agreement after marriage.
“My Lord, my wife wants to kill me with children. She is giving birth to children like rabbits. In nine years, she was delivered of six babies.

Benue killings: You lied, Osinbajo replies Ortom

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday said he was shocked by media reports that quoted the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, as saying that he (Osinbajo) was warned ahead of the January 1 killings in Logo and Guma Local Government areas of the state.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, the Vice-President described as “a terrible falsehood” to suggest that he was ever informed by the governor or any one else of the killings.

Davido to ‘marry’ South African pantless dancer Zodwa Wabantu

 Nigeria’s singer, Davido is set for a collaboration with South Africa’s sensational dancer, Zodwa Wabantu, who normally dances on stage, without wearing a pant. According to reports by Zimbabwe’s Herald, the collaboration between Davido and Zodwa, who is known as Queen of Vosso, is being arranged by Afrotainment boss, DJ Tira. The report said Davido had sought Tira’s help to get

 Wabantu to feature in his upcoming music video. “Hello @DjTira I wanna ft Zodwa Wabantu on my upcoming music video. How can I get hold of her? “(sic), he tweeted. No date has been announced