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  • Tiwa Savage, Davido, Simi nominated for 2019 AFRIMA awards

    The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA)  on Wednesday unveiled Tiwa Savage, Davido, Burna Boy, Simi, Wizkid, Kizz Daniel, Teni, Yemi Alade, Niniola along other international artistes  nominated for  2019 edition of the prestigious award.

    This was made public  during a press conference held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos by Aderele Niyi, AFRIMA’s Associate Producer.

    Niyi said that the nominees that  cut across Western, Eastern, Central Southern and Northern Africa were carefully picked after  rigorous screenings by a group of professional jury.

    She said thatcsome of the criteria used in arriving at the nominees include:  fairness, creativity, excellence, integrity, originality of their music, authenticity which must reveal African concept among other things.

    According to her, the world music festival will  hold  between Nov.21 to  Nov. 23  2019 in a country that will be announced next month.

    Niyi said that the event was established to reward and celebrate musical works, talents and creativity around the African continent, while promoting the African cultural heritage.

    “The platform is to position Africa as a musical hub for the world as Africans are seen as talented and highly creative.

    “This is going to be  the 6th edition of AFRIMA and I can say that it has been getting better each year; this year’s edition promises to be a unique one,” she said.

    Niyi called for continental  support from African leaders in order to enlarge the scope of   the event for more international acceptance.

    She also urged music artistes to see the platform as theirs for better exploration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the following were nominated for the best male artistes from   West Africa: Burna boy with his song “Ye”, Davido’s “Wonder Woman”, Kizz Daniel’s “Madu”, Wizkid’s “Fever”.

    Other nominated artistes are : King Promise from Ghana; Salif Keita from Mali, Shatta Wale from Ghana, Sidiky Diabate from Mali and late DJ Arafat from Cote d’Ivoire

    The nominees for the  female category from Nigeria  and their works are : Simi’s “I Dun Care”; Tiwa Savage’s “One”; Teni’s “Case”; Yemi Alade’s “Oh My Gosh”; Niniola’s Bana.

    Others are : Aya Nakamura from Mali; Jossey from  Cote d’Ivoire ; Kanuer Adams from Liberia; Manamba Kante from  Guinea and Mzuee from Ghana.

    The best male artistes nominated from  Central Africa are : C4 Pedro from Angola; Fally Ipupa from  Congo; Locko from  the Cameroon; and Magasco also from the  Cameroon.

    Others are ; Maitre Gims from Congo; Rui Orlando from Angola; Niska from  Congo Brazzaville; Salatiel from the  Cameroon and Ya Levis from the  Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

    The best nominsted  female artistes from  Central Africa are : Anna Joyce from  Angola; Blanche Baily from the Cameroon; and Bruna Tatiana from  Angola.

    Others are; Charlotte Dipand also from the  Cameroon; Daphine from the  Cameroon; Duda from  Angola; Shan’l from Gabon and Titica from Angola.

    Also, the best male artistes from   North Africa are:  Ahmed Soultan from -Morocco; Aminux from  Morocco; Amr Diab from  Egypt; DJ Moh Green from  Algeria; and  Mostafa Hagag Kelso from Egypt.

    Others are: Soolking from  Algeria; Tamer Hosny from -Egypt and Yann Sine from Morocco.

    In the best female categories : Cairokee from Egypt; Kenza Morsfi from  Algeria; Nada Azhari from Morocco; Psychoqueen also from Morocco; Salma Rachid also from Morocco; Sherine from  Egypt and Souhila Ben Lach from Algeria.

    For the best male artistes from  Southern Africa are:  AKA, Nasty C, Prince Kaybee, Casper Nyovest, Black Coffee x David Guette, Sjava from South Africa and Jah Prayzah and Winky D from Zimbabwe.

    Also, nominees for the best female artistes from   Southern Africa are : Ammara Brown, and  Tamy Moyo from Zimbabwe; Zonke, Kelly Khumalo, Nadia Nakai,  and Sho Madjozi from South Africa; Trina South from Zambia and Chikune from Namibia.

    Those nominated  for best male artistes from  East Africa are : Black Boy from  Madagascar; Diamond Platinumz from Tanzania; Harmonize also from  Tanzania; and Khaligraph Jones-from Kenya.

    Others are: Shyn from  Madagascar; WCB Wasafi,  Rayvanny- and  Mbosso from  Tanzania and Nyashinski from  Kenya

    NAN

     

  • Soldiers kill one, injure others in Ogun

    Armed men suspected to be soldiers allegedly roamed into Isheri, a border community between Ogun and Lagos State, rupturing the peaceful celebration of the indigenes on the third day of the Eid – el – Kabir with shooting, killing one and injuring four others.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who made this known in a release on Wednesday, stated that the Police Commissioner, Bashir  Makama, has ordered a full scale investigation into the incident, ostensibly to bring the perpetrators to justice.

    Abimbola, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), added the incident occurred on Tuesday  and that the suspected soldiers were believed to have come from Ikeja military Cantonment on posting to Kara market but left the area for Isheri – Olofin, resulting in a clash with the people.

    “Credible Information at the disposal of the Command has it that on the said date,four men of the Nigerian Army believed to be from Ikeja Cantonment and posted to Kara Market, left their beats and went to Isheri Olofin, a border town between Lagos and Ogun State where the indigenes of the town were celebrating their annual “Isheri Day.”

    Read Also: Ogun set to support pig business

    “The Soldiers, on getting there, had a minor disagreement with some youths which made the soldiers to start shooting sporadically into the air. Consequently, one Damilare Adelani was hit by bullets and he died on the spot. The ugly incident infuriated the people at the scene who in turn reacted violently against the soldiers leaving one of the soldiers and three other civilians injured.

    “The Soldiers quickly took their injured colleague to a hospital (name with-held) where they met one of the injured civilians being attended to by a Medical Doctor on duty.

    “The Statement from the officials of the hospital reveals that the Soldiers ordered the Doctor on gun-point, to leave the injured man and attend to their colleague. They then dragged the patient out of the bed and subsequently stabbed him to death with a Bayonet attached to the muzzle of his rifle.

    “The Command has contacted the military authorities in Ogun State and efforts are in place to ensure that the suspected killer(s) are brought to book,” he stated.

     

     

  • Obaseki assures of support to traders of Benin Auto spare parts market

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured traders in Benin Auto Spare Parts Market, Uwelu, whose businesses were destroyed by midnight fire, of government’s support to get them back to business.

    The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday while assessing damages wrecked by the fire incident in the market in Uwelu, Egor Local Government Area of the state.

    He said a committee would be set-up to unravel the cause of the inferno which destroyed goods worth millions of naira.

    The governor, who sympathised with the traders, urged them to be peaceful while the circumstances surrounding the fire outbreak would be ascertained to prevent future occurrence.

    He added, “I will hold a meeting with the Head, Edo Fire Service; sister agencies which helped in putting out the fire; members of the State Executive Council and officials of Egor LGA this afternoon and a team will be set up to investigate the fire outbreak.”

    Read Also: Lawmaker hails Dangote, Benin Monarch for settling Obaseki/Oshiomhole feud

    He said the committee would be given a week to carry out the investigation on the cause of the fire, ascertain the number of traders whose goods were damaged and the monetary value of goods lost, which will enable the state government in providing assistance to the victims.

    “The team will also advise the state government on measures to put in place to ensure that fire outbreak in markets are minimised and prevented, where possible,” he added.

    In his remarks, Chairman, Motor Spare Parts Association, Uwelu Market, Mr Augustine Osaretin, said the arrival of officials of the Fire Service ensured the market was not completely reduced to rubbles.

  • LG Election: Adamawa SIEC extends party primaries deadline

    The Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC), on Wednesday announced two weeks extension of deadline for political parties to conclude primaries for candidates participating in the November council polls in the state.

    Alhaji Isa Shettima, the Executive Chairman of the commission, made the announcement in a statement issued in Yola.

    Shettima said that the deadline had now been shifted to Sept. 21, as against the initial Aug. 31.

    Read Also: Adamawa council polls hold November 9

    He explained that the change was as a result of the Eid el-Kabir festivity.

    The chairman said that all dates scheduled for other activities as contained in the election timetable earlier issued, remained unchanged.

    African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) have indicated interest to participate in the election and had since commenced the sales of forms to candidates.

    (NAN)

  • Brazil 2019: Eaglets begin camping in Abuja

    Five –time champions Nigeria have kick-started their camping programme for the FIFA U17 World Cup finals taking place in Brazil 26th October – 17th November 2019.

    The Golden Eaglets picked a ticket to the championship after finishing among the top four teams at the Africa U17 Cup of Nations held in Tanzania in April this year.

    Head Coach Manu Garba has called up 52 players who have been instructed to arrive at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Abuja on Tuesday, 13th August 2019.

    Manu Garba was head coach of the squad that won Nigeria’s fourth title in the United Arab Emirates in 2013. The Golden Eaglets also triumphed at the 1985, 1993, 2007 and 2015 championships in China, Japan, Korea Republic and Chile respectively.

    Read Also: Golden Eaglets will do better in Brazil, says Abdu Maikaba

    THE FULL LIST:

    Goalkeepers:

    Sunday Steven, Suleiman Shuaibu, Joseph Oluwabusola, Zubair Suleiman, Moses Aluko, Anthony Okoronkwo

    Defenders:

    Etim Charles, Ogaga Oduko, Ferdinand Clement, David Ishaya Akulo, Shedrack Tanko, Mayowa Abayomi, Kelvin Agho, Dahiru Yusuf, Adeniyi Timilehin, Ismaila Salaudeen, Usman Mohammed, Emeka Egbu

    Midfielders:

    Samson Tijani, Alfred Olaniyan, Ibrahim Jabaar, Fawaz Abdullahi, Shuaibu Abdulrazak, Peter Agba, Muyideen Oyindamola, Suleiman Lawal, Longbak Kling Shak, Damilola Adeyeye, Ajir Sesugh, Gotee Ntignee

    Forwards:

    Akinkunmi Amoo, Olakunle Olusegun, Wisdom Ubani, Divine Nwachukwu, Mubarak Gata, Adrien Akande, Etim Friday Ubi, Haruna Lawal, Egesionu Suporu, Sunusi Ibrahim, Samson Komolafe, Ismail Ayodele, Ogunkoya Paul, Iniobong Okon, Opeyemi Qudus, Tobi Adeleke, Oluebube Oguduba, Usman Abba, Odeh David Emeka, Gideon Okon Asuquo, Bashar Issa Olatunji, Mohammed Dikko

  • 15M EURO MONACO CONTRACT: Yobo ‘sad’ over Onyekuru’s move

    Former Super Eagles’ captain, Joseph Yobo has expressed disappointment over Henry Onyekuru’s move to Monaco.

    The former Galatasaray attacker has completed a €15 million transfer to the French Ligue 1 side, a move which has left a bitter taste of frustrated hope for the retired Super Eagles’ defender.

    While charging Onyekuru to justify his high ratings at the Stade Louis II, the Everton legend admitted he would have loved to see the 22-year-old in the colours of the Premier League side to show the Goodison Park fans what they were missing.

    “He is a fantastic talent and I would have loved to see his deal [with Everton] go through but work permit restricted him from playing in the Premier League,” Yobo told Goal.

    Marco Silva’s side had to move the Nigeria international on after their application for a work permit for him was not granted by the British Home Office.

    “But he has shown what he’s got at Galatasaray, very exciting to watch and he can score goals as well. I was happy seeing him play for Nigeria national team but he didn’t get that chance to play for Everton because he didn’t play more international games to give him the right,” the Super Eagles’ legend said.

    “As an Evertonian, I feel he is a good prospect and would have been a great talent for Everton. He did very well at Galatasaray and was one of the fans’ favourites and if he had his way, he would have stayed to continue his progress but then, the club wanted to do a different business which was against his wish,” Yobo noted.

    “Monaco is a good team but haven’t done well in the past few years. Everything is now new for Henry to

    prove himself again,” Yobo said.

    Onyekuru joined the Merseysiders in 2017 and has since spent time on loan at Anderlecht and most

    recently Galatasaray, where he helped the Lions win a domestic double last season.

    “He would have been happy at Galatasaray and done more because he knows the club and their culture

    but in Monaco, he must prove himself. He is a striker, young and still learning the trade. I wish him all the

    best and hope he performs well as he did in Turkey and ultimately bring his form back to the national

    team.” Onyekuru joined the Monegasques on a five-year deal.

  • Kante injury worry for Blues

    Chelsea will almost certainly be without three key starters for the UEFA Super Cup against Liverpool tonight, Frank Lampard has revealed.

    The Europa League winners were heavily beaten 4-0 on the opening weekend of the Premier League by Man United, despite a good first-half showing.

    Centre-back Antonio Rudiger missed that fixture, as did winger Willian, as both make their way back to full fitness after injuries over summer.

    Neither is quite ready to start for the blues, says Lampard, although they have travelled and will be on the bench—and he’ll make a judgement call as to whether or not they feature as subs.

    Read Also: Liverpool thrash Norwich to open new EPL season

    “Willian and Rudiger are here with us an in different stages,” Lampard told journalists at his press conference. “Willian is not far from fit, he’s in training; [but to] put him into a high-intensity match would be a risk, he’ll be working on fitness this week but tomorrow on the bench. Similar to Rudiger, we’re in a position where they are feeling good but there’s one more step to go [before they start games].”

    Of more concern to the Chelsea boss—but potentially a bonus for Liverpool—is N’Golo Kante’s ongoing fitness worries.

    The French midfielder has been one of the best players in the Premier League over the last few seasons, but only appeared off the bench at Old Trafford and picked up another injury in that time on the pitch.

    “Kante on the bench [against United] was purely because of injury. He wasn’t ready but I’m very aware

    of his importance to Chelsea. He picked up another small injury and we are assessing it with regards to

    today. It’s a small injury which we’re concerned with and we’ll make a decision this evening.”

  • Liverpool set to pile more misery on Chelsea

    Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool has begun their journey to Turkey for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup showdown with Chelsea.

    The Champions League winners take on the Europa League victors at Vodafone Park in Istanbul with manager Klopp looking to get his hands on a second trophy with the club. And the squad were all smiles as they arrived at John Lennon Airport on Tuesday morning.

    The likes of Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane were happy to stop and greet a small group of excited fans as they made their way off the coach, while Klopp looked amused as he signed one supporter’s miniature replica Champions League trophy.

    Read Also:

    The team had every reason to be in high spirits after kicking off their season with a 4-1 victory over newly-promoted Norwich on Friday night.

    The Reds wrapped up the three points before half-time with Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Divock Origi all netting after an early own goal from Grant Hanley at Anfield.

    Not everything went according to plan, however, with goalkeeper Alisson being substituted after picking up a calf injury.

    The Brazilian will be sidelined for at least ‘a couple of weeks’ with the club set to sign veteran Andy Lonergan on a short-term deal as cover. Summer signing Adrian is in line to make his first start for the Reds.

    Liverpool will be hoping the match goes like their last one in Istanbul, where they famously came from

    0-3 down to beat AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.

  • Minimum wage: Nurses call for compromise between Labour, govt

    Some nurses, under the aegis of University Graduates of Nursing Science Association (UGONSA), have called for a compromise between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the N30,000 new minimum wage.

    Speaking through their National Secretary, Mr Goodluck Nshi, they said an amicable resolution of the disagreement would enable workers and government to focus on their primary duties of developing the country forward in view of the enormous challenges facing the nation.

    Nshi, who spoke yesterday with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, said they believed that though it was good to index minimum wage against cost of living, but the Federal Government and NLC should realise that issues on minimum wage and standard of living are knotty.

    The nurses called for a deeper understanding of the factors at play, saying it is necessary to find a more encompassing solution to the impasse.

    They recalled that in 2011 when minimum wage was increased from N7,500 to N18,000, the money amounted to United States (U.S) $112 at the then exchange rate of N160 per dollar.

    Read Also: Row over minimum wage payment delay

    “Today, at the rate of N360 per dollar, the N30,000 minimum wage amounts to U.S $83.

    “Therefore, even with N30,000 minimum wage, it is understandable that there are still gross marginal wage deficits, if wages in 2019 are compared with what they were in 2011 in U.S dollars.

    “This, notwithstanding, it is also understandable that prices of commodities are higher today than they were in 2011.

    “On the other hand, the price of crude oil (which is the mainstay of our economy) has dropped from $110 per barrel it sold in 2011, to around $60 per barrel in 2019.

    “This represents about 45 per cent reduction in government revenue from what it used to be in 2011, when compared to what it is in the current year.

    “These factors need to be considered by both Federal Government and organised labour for the necessary compromise to be made to move the country forward,” UGONSA said.

  • Abiodun: Ojude Oba, a unifying force worthy of emulation

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun yesterday described the Ojude Oba Cultural Festival as a unifying traditional festival among the Ijebu and the entire people of Ogun State.

    Abiodun said Ijebu land occupies an important place in the development agenda of the Gateway State.

    The governor hailed the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, for his fatherly role in preserving the pomp and pageantry of the Ojude Oba Festival as well as the style and substance of the annual carnival.

    Abiodun spoke in Ijebu-Ode at this year’s Ojude Oba Cultural Festival/Carnival.

    The event was sponsored by Globacom, a major national and international telecom operator.

    The governor assured that his administration would continue to support the festival as it is desirous of sustaining and promoting culture, tourism and the lessons of the positive development that would be engendered through collective efforts.

    He said: “The Ojude Oba Festival has metamorphosed from being an homage-paying visit to the Awujale by the Ijebu-Ode Muslim community, led by Balogun Odueyungbo Kuku (the second Balogun of Ijebu-Ode), to becoming a unifying traditional festival among the Ijebu and the entire people of Ogun State.

    Read Also: Hard times await kidnappers in Ogun, says Abiodun

    “The Ojude Oba Festival has grown to become a major communal activity that brings about general development, not only to the Ijebu community but to the entire Ogun State. As a government, we are most delighted to be part of the 2019 Ojude Oba Festival.

    “Let me observe that the choice of the theme for this year’s Ojude Oba Festival, The Uniqueness of Ijebu Nation, could not have been more apt, considering the fact that Ijebu land occupies a very important place in the development agenda of Ogun State.

    “The Ijebu are known to be successful merchants and entrepreneurs. Ijebu is home to many renowned sons and daughters of Ogun State who have made their marks in different walks of life, notably among whom are: Chief Adeola Odutola, Chief Okunowo, Chief Bayo Kuku, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Oba Otudeko, Prof Akin Mabogunje, Chief Mike Adenuga, Baba Okuboyejo, Prof. Oyinade Olurin, Prof. Beatrice Aboyade, and many others too numerous to mention here.

    “In the area of culture and tourism, Ijebu land is home to very interesting artefacts and historic sites as well as unique traditions and customs of which the Ojude Oba Festival is one. In addition, Ijebu Kingdom is endowed with numerous and long-standing tourist attractions, such as the Birikisu Sugbo Shrine, Yemoji Natural Pool, Iwasi Eco-tourism Centre, Iwopin Water Front, Ebute Oni Tourist Beach, the magnificent Awujale Palace and so on.

    “It is no gainsaying that the Ojude Oba Festival has grown to become one of the most popular socio-cultural events in the entire Southwest of Nigeria and indeed a global tourist attraction. It showcases the cooperation and collaborative tendencies of the rich Yoruba culture.

    “Our administration will continue to support this great festival as we are desirous of sustaining and promoting culture, tourism and the lessons of the positive development that would be engendered through our collective efforts.

    “Permit me to note that the lesson of collaborative effort, which the yearly commemoration of the Ojude Oba Festival promotes, is significant to the successful implementation of our administration’s Building our Future Together agenda.

    “As an Administration, we understand the fact that no meaningful development can occur without the collaborative efforts of all and sundry.

    “We understand that for any development to take place, the people have an important role to play by contributing meaningfully and positively. We, therefore, seek the support and cooperation of our people at all times in our quest to build a solid foundation for the future of our dear state…”