Onyi Alex robbed at gunpoint !

Sexy  actress, Onyi Alex reportedly was robbed at gunpoint yesterday.

The actress had to rush to a nearby car mechanic after the screen of her car got destroyed by armed robbers. Sharing the video on her page, Alex said the robbers had guns and collected her bag and phone.

Nigerian youths disagree with Femi Adeshina over President Buhari's comments *President Buhari couldn't have derided all Nigerian youths--Adeshina *The twisting of his statements didn't start today--Youths

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adeshina came out yesterday, to clear the air, following the statement credited to President Buhari, where he was alleged to have derided all Nigerian youths, while he was delivering a keynote address on Making Business Easier Between Commonwealth Countries, in London. 

However, defending the President, Femi Adeshina in a statement he posted on his Facebook page wrote:

At the Commonwealth Business Forum in London on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari gave a keynote address on Making Business Easier Between Commonwealth Countries. The presentation was followed by a discussion, and question and answer session.

Responding to a question, President Buhari had cause to talk about some Nigerian youths, and he said: " We have a very young population; our population is estimated conservatively to be 180 million. More than 60 per cent of the population is below the age of 30. A lot of them have not been to school and they are claiming that Nigeria has been an oil producing country, therefore they should sit and do nothing and get housing, healthcare and education free.”

Typical of their stock in trade, manipulators and twisters of statements of Mr President, who lie in wait to make mischief, interpreted the comment to mean that President Buhari had taken all Nigerian youths to the cleaners. But elementary English recognizes a wide gulf between "a lot of" and the word "all." How can "a lot of them," suddenly transmogrify to mean “all of them?” Mischievous and unconscionable!

There is no way President Buhari, father of the Nigerian nation in every sense of the word, who equally has biological children of his own in the youths age bracket, pass a vote of no confidence on all youths. It can only exist in the imagination of those who play what the President has described as "irresponsible politics" with everything.

President Buhari has always applauded and celebrated Nigerian youths who excel in different areas of endeavour, from sports, to academia, and other realms. And he will continue to do so, because he values the youths, and knows that they are the fulcrum on which the future of the country rests.

Indeed, every country has its share of idle population, and it is the bounden duty of government at all levels, to create an enabling environment for them to actualize their potentials. That is what President Buhari is committed to doing.

The focal areas of the administration; securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption, are actually intended to give youths a future and a hope. This much was emphasized in an April 5, 2018 comment by President Buhari, while receiving Letter of Credence from the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria, when he said: " Our insistence on probity is to encourage people to be accountable, and accept honesty as a lifestyle so as to secure the future of our youths.’’ The President also said more than 60 percent of Nigerians fall into the age category of youths and deserve to inherit a stable and prosperous country that they can be proud of, adding that the government will work assiduously to prevent waste and the depletion of resources by corrupt Nigerians.

It is futile for mischief makers to lie in wait, and take a minor part of the words of the President, and turn it into negative commentary, peradventure they could diminish the profile of the President. Nigerians across all walks of life know who is serving them faithfully and truly, and they will always reciprocate such fidelity as occasions demand.

This is the reactions that follow his defense:

Ibrahim Olajide: Didn't believe it that you delete comments that doesn't agree with you sir until today.

As I noted in the deleted comment, "a lot of" means above average. The President doesn't necessarily have to say "all of them" before it is considered that he is referring to every Nigerian youths. How can a President goes abroad and tell an international audience that 'majority' of youths in the country he presides don't go to school and are lazy?

It's like a father saying his son is not responsible in the presence of his in-law and expect them to give him their daughter. President Buhari should stop demarketing Nigerians

Blaise Udunze: Sir Lanre, let's not go down this route. With this comment of yours, Nigerians will consider you insulting their intelligence the more. At least we all attrnded primary schools...? For me, the point is that it's totally wrong for our father to make such statement. Believe me, no matter how we try to defend his comment, it will definitely have a measure of an adverse effect on Nigerian youths around the world.

Dare Moses :From the statement above,we can simply translate it to mean "SOME"Youth, Not ALL". I wonder why people play politics with every comment. May God help this country.

Kunle Fasanya: With all due respect, whether "all" or "many" or even "some", it is still wrong for ANY President to say the statement in international waters surrounded by international audience. I hope President Buhari apologise and not listen to ill advise that wil...See more

7

More Reactions · 22h

Samuel Omogunwa II

Samuel Omogunwa II @kunle apologising will not solve this issue... We as youth need to take the bull by the horn and stop arguing on social media. We need to kick all the old dementia politicians out of office, cos they do not have a clue @ all. Let's stop sugar coating ...See more

LikeShow More Reactions · 11h

Arikpo Nkanu I have been waiting for this response since sir, Tnx u for clearing the air. It has become a campaign slogan since yesterday. And I know many will misinterpret it to their pay masters, so as to make money from it.No president can have the cause to call his youths "Lazy", Tnx God u said it all

LikeShow More Reactions · 1d · Edited

Uzoma Nwigudu

Uzoma Nwigudu God bless PMB. The twisting of his statements didn't start today. It has been their stock in trade but we're not deterred. Nigeria will succeed.

LikeShow More Reactions · 1d

Okwudili Ani

Okwudili Ani I don't envy you in this your ministry of clarification. Keep it up but....

17

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 1d

1 Reply

Okodugha Festus

Okodugha Festus sir when a president go to the international community and tell them that majority of his youths but not all are lazy and uneducated, sound nice to the ear,then u know something is wrong. every countries have challenges but they solve it within them

16

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 1d

Idris Mahmood Aliyu

Idris Mahmood Aliyu Very many youths in this country are very very lazy, in fact, their entire existence is equal to laziness. There is nothing we need to explain to anybody; if in your heart of heart believed you belong to the demography talked about by the president, then you are lazy and there is no explanation or apology about it.

3

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 1d

Taiwo Moses Ayodele

Taiwo Moses Ayodele It will not be a bad idea if PMB speeches are well scripted henceforth, and stick to each time he found himself at any international speech delivery. This is controversially sad!

1

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 21h

View 1 more reply

Peters Ichull

Peters Ichull True, we can't be interpreting and representing every speech. Presidential communication must be strategic, concise, fashioned and designed for positive effect. We are in an election year, major communication arteries should not be clogged with needless controversies.

3

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 19h · Edited

Olatunde Malik

Olatunde Malik Thank you for your good and enduring effort, particularly for clearing the air on this issue. I want to suggest that you organize a press briefing with the press and by extension involve some youth advocate to the forum. Make it as interactive as possible. Its well. We are Buharist, we are proud of our track record

8

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 1d

1 Reply

Rume Ima Niboro

Rume Ima Niboro We must understand the idiosyncratic use of language that is a fixture of the dialect called "Nigerian English ". Our use of "many", "plenty", "a lot " and other such adjectives is hardly statistical. When a Nigerian speaker says "plenty people " for i...See more

2

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 1h · Edited

1 Reply

Mosun Adeboye

Mosun Adeboye Obviously!!! President did WRONG on this and should apologise to nation who put him in so called Post!!!

1

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 8h

Arikpo Nkanu

Arikpo Nkanu Only God knows how much they have collected one man contesting for president, from yesterday?. He is the first to condemn it through his page, and I believe millions have gone just for buying fake news. Time will tell.. Congratulations PMB

8

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 1d

Celestine Okafor

Celestine Okafor Femi, your job is a difficult one, my brother. But don't despair. Truth is eternal. The reason for God to allow President Buhari to become Nigeria's leader especially at this time is beyond human comprehension. You can see the level of destruction that...See more

2

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 49m · Edited

Peters Ichull

Peters Ichull A president of a battered, curious and suspicious people needs strategic communication and not "brutal facts". That's why doctors administer injection on soft tissues and anesthetize before surgery. He needs to learn communication anesthesia with his people. He he he

4

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 22h

Taiwo Abiodun

Taiwo Abiodun They are just crying.They should go and see those who are into rituals, into robbery, and roaming the street.Are they not youths who want to get rich at all cost?.Let them twist PMB's words 1000 times all I know is that the truth will prevail.

Painfully some reporters are even supporting these mischievous people .

3

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 18h

Umar Abubakar

Umar Abubakar In my view the borne of contention should be on the place and audience before whom the President made this unpalatable (to some) comments.

But unfortunately the naysayers have seized or grabbed the opportunity so carelessly placed on their laps by the President. For certainly, "some" or even "most" can not be the same with "all".....

1

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 1d

Nasir Bala Abdullahi

Nasir Bala Abdullahi Our media is our greatest problem & their are the enemies of our dear nation. God bless Nigeria, God bless PMB

2

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 1d

Ndianabasi Udofia

Ndianabasi Udofia Truth is always bitter especially to those that know they are guilty. Then the regular n professional wailers will capitalize on it n politicize it. They are simply idle n wasting their time bc the truth is always the truth and will continue to be the truth.

1

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 10h

Abiola Big-goals

Abiola Big-goals A LOT OF THEM/ SOME OF THEM OR MOST OF THEM are

Lazy and haven't been to School...........See more

2

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 10h

Oladele Boladale Luqmon

Oladele Boladale Luqmon Thanks God, you are there sir, I would be grateful if media in their bid to sell paper reduce their sensational headlines like this, this is equally amounts to treason by the paper that publish the story.

1

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 1d

Otunba Alonge Alexander

Otunba Alonge Alexander Rate at which some so call oppositions going about their utterances can not lead this country anywhere only because is not business as usual, as at today among the top two opposition what d age difference between one of them an PMG.

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 1d

Bobby Olalekan Olokuntoye

Bobby Olalekan Olokuntoye Honestly it has turned to chorus since yesterday... I'm sure they will still understand your simple English now

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 1d

Sunusi Surajo Yahaya

Sunusi Surajo Yahaya Youths voted for Buhari massively in 2015. So they need to be encouraged

2

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 23h

Arc John Agmada Bawa

Arc John Agmada Bawa Please let's just vote Buhari out and avoid any further embarrassment and insults.

2

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 16h

Success Ayobore

Success Ayobore Your boss is a major PR disaster to this country and to your career if you value your profile

1

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 19h

Japhet Ogunniyi

Japhet Ogunniyi Synecdoche ,taking a part for a whole. Fallacy of Hasty generalisation.All because of 2019.This President we know. Buhari we trust.

Manage

LikeShow More Reactions · 1d

DrSegun Oshinaga

DrSegun Oshinaga I tire for our people o. We shall overcome

2

Mohammed Ramat Akwu: EXACTLY THE POINT, MISINFORMATION IS A COMMON BUSINESS IN OUR NATION. MR CLEAN, THANKS FOR THE CLARIFICATIONS. ALMIGHTY GOD IS UR STRENGTH. WITH PMB, NIGERIA WILL BE GREAT AGAIN.

Kunle Fasanya :With all due respect, whether "all" or "many" or even "some", it is still wrong for ANY President to say the statement in international waters sorrounded by international audience. I hope President Buhari apologise and not listen to ill advise that wil...See more

Queen Elizabeth hosting President Buhari, Aisha Buhari, others at Buckingham Palace in picture

President Buhari and Wife Aisha departing for the Dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth II for Heads of Government and Spouses at the Buckingham palace London on Thursday. 

AGN rebrands...unveils new logo, identity card

After many years of infighting and leadership tussle, the Nigerian Guild of Actors,AGN, is back on track to reclaim its lost glory. The Emeka Rollas-led new AGN leadership, hit the ground running on Friday, when they rolled out a new package geared towards rebranding the once troubled guild.

Briefing the press about the rebranding project at Sheraton hotel, Ikeja, Emeka Rollas, on Friday said the need to brand AGN comes from a burden of the effects of the rancour and disunity which has plagued the leadership and permeated the membership of our noble guild in the past. At the event, which was attended by top Nollywood stars, the guild's new logo and identity card were unveiled to set a new record for AGN. Unveiled also were the guild's new insurance policy, mobile App with payment gateway/website and showcase its interactivity. It's a new dawn for members of the guild.

Lagos jazz fest set to celebrate late Hugh Masekela

Plans are in top gear for the hosting of the 10^th anniversary of Nigeria’s premier jazz festival, the Lagos International Jazz Festival,LIJF, scheduled to hold on Monday, April 30, which is globally recognized as International Jazz Day.

The one day multistage event takes place at Freedom Park on the Lagos island. According to the organizers, the event dedicated in memory of the late music icon and father of South African Jazz trumpeter,Hugh Ramapolo Masekela who died early this year.

LIJF founder and festival director, Ayoola Sadare in a statement said “It’s with great pleasure that during our 10^th anniversary, we are able to honor the late international music icon, cultural statesman and father of South African jazz, Hugh Maleeka. Hugh was an inspiration to the jazz community both locally and globally. Although he never performed on the LIJF stage, we believe it's our duty to celebrate him for his achievements through his music. Even though he's no more, Masekela’s spirit lives on.” The maiden edition of LIJF took place in 2008, at Studio 868 in Victoria Island. It was headlined by South Africa’s award-winning Freshly Ground & UK’s Courtney Pine. The event, organized by Inspiro productions is part of the Lagos Tourism Arts and Culture Calendar.

Abuja Writers: April Guest Writer Session Spotlights Bikers and Mexican Literature

 The April 28 Guest Writer Session of the Abuja Writers Forum, themed “Beyond the Bike” will spotlight the literary side of two bikers and some current trends in contemporary Mexican literature. The Mexican representation is through Ambassador Alejandro Garcia Moreno Elizondo, while Ogbonnaya Kanu and Osisiye Tafa will stand in for the biking community.

Moren

Mr Alejandro Elizondo is a career diplomat. He has been Mexico’s Consul in the Greater Seattle Area of the United States Of America, and only recently took up his tour of duty in Nigeria. He also presented his letter of credence to the President of the ECOWAS Commission this montBorn in Zambia, raised in Nigeria and Bulgaria and ridden around the world, Ogbonnaya Kanu also known as ‘Fotodadi’ or ‘FD’, is a chemical engineer, avid motorcycle adventurer and mechanical geek. His passion for motorcycling keeps taking him to roads untraveled and newer heights.

In his over ten years of motorcycling, Kanu has ridden motorcycles in over 30 countries of the world, with his motorcycling exploits garnering him recognition both at home and abroad. He is the only Nigerian to have participated in the challenge for the Triple Crown Award in the USA, organized by the Southern California Motorcycling Association undergoing three motorcycling tours in the span of 5 weeks.

Kanu

He is the only Nigerian to have ridden from South Africa to Lagos, passing through seven countries. The trip also saw him become the first and only Nigerian member of the Iron Butt Association aka the world’s toughest riders.

He is also the first and only Nigerian to have ridden from Lagos to Europe and back on amotorcycle, a distance of over 16,000km. The details of his Lagos - Europe Tour arepublished in his book, FD Breaking Limits: Road to Europe.

The second book in the FD Breaking Limits series, Road Home From The South, waslaunched in May of 2017, and chronicles the details of his adventure ride from SouthAfrica to Lagos.

Proceeds from the sales of the books, are channelled to a foundation he co-founded -The Fotodadi Foundation (aka FD Foundation) - which awards scholarships to orphansand fatherless children from primary through to first degree level.

Kanu is currently the highest certified motorcycle instructor in Nigeria, having completedLevels 1 & 2 training at the California Superbike School, UK; Levels 1 & 2 GS, BMW OffRoad Skills, and Lee Parks Total Control course.

He is also a strong advocate of safe motorcycling practices and is at the forefront ofchanging the general negative perception of bikers and what they stand for.

He co-runs the Ride Easy Super Bike Training School in Ikeja, and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ride Easy Motorcycling Club.

Kanu is the MD of Seindeo Limited - a company offering water treatment and conditioning services.

Osisiye Tafa describes himself as “a mix of acoustics by Rick Rubin, acid house sound, and skanking vocals”.

He grew up in six states of Nigeria and currently lives in Lagos, Nigeria with his mutt, Simba and two rabbits, Labake and Cardamom. When he is not riding around town on his café racer, he documents the cityscapes in writing on TinyLetter where he chronicles popular culture, city living and opinions.

Tafa

His debut novel titled Sixty Percent of a True Story is a work of creative non-fiction which chronicles campus living from the eyes of three undergraduates in the University of Lagos. He also write on lifestyle and the political economy and has had articles published on The Guardian, Businessday newspapers and Bella Naija.

Tafa was a participant at the Short Story Day Africa/Goethe Migrations Flow Workshop hosted by Short Story Day Africa and the Goethe Institut in June 2016. Writers were selected from a rigorous process based on writing entries submitted.

He practices candid photography and themes constantly explored in his work include childhood, friendship, nature, physical form, and biking. He has had a well-received photography exhibition exploring childhood as part of the Goethe Institute FotoParty on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at City Hall, Lagos.

Tafa loves to organize events which combine art forms like music, dance, food, technology and spoken word poetry, and is currently interested in travel, the subconscious, and spirituality.

The Guest Writer Session, an initiative of the Abuja Writers Forum, started in June 2008 and holds at the Aso Hall of Nanet Suites. Each edition runs from 4-7pm featuring side attractions of poetry performance, a raffle-draw for books and live music.

Fyne Geh debuts as Waptv presenter

After several months of a nationwide search, wapTV, your favourite Family Entertainment Channel, has finally unleasheda new presenter, the afrocentric, hilarious and gorgeous aptly-named “Fyne Geh”; and since she debuted on the channel on April 16, Geh has already formed a strong connection with wapTV viewers across the country.

According to the Managing Director of wapTV, Wole Adenuga, “We are delighted that Fyne Geh has joined the wapTV team alongside Veronica, Chief Olododo, SlimmyTee, Eric and Mama Kwube. While viewers are already watching her Vox Pop segmentand Street Challenge Games daily, audiences will soon get to meet and interact with her in real time as she would start appearing live on Kookoorookoo Morning Show as from 23rd April 2018”.

Portraying the colourful“Fyne Geh” character I sDivine Some fun–a 22-year-old graduate of Education, Guidance and Counselling/ Communication and Language Art from University of Ibadan. Divine is also receiving additional professional training in Acting & Presentation, at the renowned PEFTI Film Institute, to further enhance her multiple talents as a TV Presenter,Model,Actress,MC and Dancer. Since wapTV was launched in 2012, the channel has won several awards from reputable bodies worldwide and entertained millions of families across Nigeria.

Grammy Award-winning Tim Kubart and Space Cadets Storm Lagos For World Intellectual Property Day Concert…Iyanya, Bisola, Jeff Akoh also lined-up

The Grammy Award-winning singer, Tim Kubart and his band, the Space Cadets, are gearing up to bring their live music charm to Lagos on Thursday, April 26, at a concert organized by U.S. Mission Nigeria marking World Intellectual Property Day.

Also joining the Grammy Award-winning band are popular Nigerian artists including Iyanya, Bisola Aiyeola, and Jeff Akoh.

Organized by U.S. Mission Nigeria, in collaboration with leading talent agency and event firm, Temple Management Company (TMC), the night of music, fun, and enlightenment is scheduled to hold at Freedom Park, Lagos, Thursday, April 26, at 7:00pm.

“This concert highlights the creative energy of Nigerian and American artists,” said U.S. Ambassador W. Stuart Symington. “On World Intellectual Property Day, it also recognizes the importance of copyright in encouraging creative expression. Legal protections incentivize people to produce and share the work that contributes to our countries’ cultural and economic power.”

In his remarks, Terfa Tilley-Gyado, Director of Communication, TMC, said “It is an honour to work with the U.S. Embassy on this important project. This is the second time we are collaborating with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria and we promise a very fun night.”

The concert will be open to all members of the public and is billed to start at 7:00pm at Freedom Park, Lagos. The Public is invited to share, on their social media platforms, their thoughts on intellectual property rights (IPR) using the hashtags: #RespectNaijaCreativity and #WorldIPDay

Praiz releases 'Here and Now' Video

Since award winning singer, Praiz, joined the music industry, the young man doesn’t want to take the back seat when it comes to Rand B music.

The singer has not stopped dishing out the best soul-touching music, which has got more fans endeared to him.

Just back from an international travel tour, Praiz is melting hearts again with his music.

The X3M Music singer has just released the visuals of his hit song, Here and Now, and indeed, the video spells greatness.

A highly captivating video directed by Ani James of Aje Filmworks, Here and Now is one on of the songs off Praiz’ latest body of work titled ‘2 Minutes The EP’.

COSON crises: 2face petitions NCC

Following the crisis rocking the Copyright Society of Nigeria,COSON, in recent times, music icon, 2face Idibia has petitioned the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), calling for an end to the lingering mess.

In a lengthy petition addressed to Mr. Alam Ezekude, Director-General of NCC, the ‘African Queen’ crooner expressed deep concern following the leadership tussle trailing the society with Tony Okoroji and Efe Omorogbe as the chief actors.

In the petition, which he also copied Ibrahim Idris, the Inspector-General of Police, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and President Muhammadu Buhari, 2face lamented that Omorogbe and other COSON board members were “being harassed, intimidated, and demonised” by the police. He also accused Okoroji of fighting for the control of COSON for “personal ends”.

“It is quite unfortunate and disheartening that a simple call for accountability and transparency has degenerated into relentless media attack, harassment and intimidation of the group of people who made the call. The personal interest of a few should not supersede the collective interest of generality of members and overall well-being of the society.”

“I will like to implore you to use your good office to engage the Inspector General of Police with a view to setting the records straight and reversing the embarrassing and dangerous scenario where Mr Efe Omorogbe and Mr Joel Ajayi, chairman and members of the commission-recognised board acting under the directive of the regulator, are now being harassed, intimidated, demonised and prosecuted by a sister government agency – The Nigerian Police Force.

“COSON is formed and built by the collective efforts of like-minded industry stalwarts, and it will be a shame to see all of the hard work that has gone into building the society, go down the drain. Our CMO is under siege and our commonwealth is threatened by Chief Tony Okoroji and his agents who for personal ends, continue to demonstrate deep contempt for regulation and the call for accountability.”

Iyanya drops audio and visuals of latest single, Biko

Sensational Temple Music singer and performer, Iyanya, has released the audio and visuals of his new single, Biko.

The spectacular video which was shot in the serene capital of Cross River state, Calabar by Temple Motion Pictures showcases a creative blend of the rich Efik culture and style.

Also known as the ‘Kukere Master’, Iyanya who rose to fame after winning the first season of Project Fame West Africa in 2008 is currently signed unto leading Pan-African record label, Temple Music. Biko is the latest single from Iyanya in addition to three successful albums released in 2009, 2013, 2015 and an EP in 2017.

Biko now airs on major music channels and is released online and for digital downloads on local and international platforms from April 19th.

Russia Says Chemical Attack In Syria Staged By UK

*President Vladimir Putin of Russia

The Russian Defense Ministry on Friday accused Britain of staging a fake chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma last weekend, a bold charge that comes amid Moscow’s stern warnings to the West against striking Syria.

A day before a team from the international chemical weapons watchdog was to arrive in Douma, just east of Damascus, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, said that images of victims of the purported attack were fakes staged with “Britain’s direct involvement, ” without providing evidence, AP reports.

White Helmets first-responder volunteer and activists claimed an alleged chemical attack on April 7 by the Syrian government killed over 40 people in the town of Douma, the allegations that drew international outrage and prompted Washington and its allies to consider a military response. Moscow warned against any strikes and threatened to retaliate.

Konashenkov released statements by medics from Douma’s hospital, who said a group of people toting video cameras entered the hospital, shouting that its patients were struck with chemical weapons, dousing them with water and causing panic. The medics, however, said none of the patients had any symptoms of chemical poisoning, according to the statements.

Konashenkov said that “powerful pressure from London was exerted on representatives of the so-called White Helmets to quickly stage the premeditated provocation.” He added that the Russian military has proof of British involvement, but didn’t immediately present it.

The accusations followed an earlier statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who said that “intelligence agencies of a state that is now striving to spearhead a Russo-phobic campaign were involved in that fabrication.” He didn’t elaborate or name the state.

Last month Britain blamed Russia for a nerve agent attack on an ex-spy and his daughter, accusations Russia has vehemently denied.

As fears of a Russia confrontation with Western powers mount, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his “deep concerns” over the situation in Syria in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to a statement by the French presidency, Macron called for dialogue between France and Russia to “continue and intensify” to bring peace and stability to Syria. The Kremlin readout said that Putin warned against rushing to blame the Syrian government before conducting a “thorough and objective probe.”

The Russian leader warned against “ill-considered and dangerous actions … that would have consequences beyond conjecture.” Putin and Macron instructed their foreign and defense ministers to maintain close contact to “de-escalate the situation,” the Kremlin said.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council called by Russia Friday that “there is no military solution to the conflict.” He said “the Cold War is back — with a vengeance but with a difference,” because safeguards that managed the risk of escalation in the past “no longer seem to be present.”

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said President Donald Trump “has not yet made a decision about possible actions in Syria.” She said of the alleged chemical attack that “Russia can complain all it wants about fake news, but no one is buying its lies and its cover-ups.”

Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia insisted that there was “no credible confirmation of toxic substance use in Douma,” adding that “we have information to believe that what took place is a provocation with the participation of certain countries’ intelligence services.” ″We warned about this long ago,” he said.

Russian officials had said before the alleged attack in Douma that the rebels in Damascus suburbs were plotting chemical attacks to blame the Syrian government and set the stage for the U.S. strike. Moscow alleged quickly after Saturday’s suspected attack that the images of the victims in Douma are fake.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also said that following Syrian rebels’ withdrawal from the eastern Ghouta suburbs of Damascus, stockpiles of chemical agents were found there. The ministry additionally pointed to previous alleged use of chemicals by the rebels in fighting with Syrian government troops.

Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Lavrov reiterated a strong warning to the West against military action in Syria. “I hope no one would dare to launch such an adventure now,” Lavrov said.

He noted that Russian and U.S. militaries have a hotline to prevent incidents, adding that it’s not clear if it would be sufficient amid mounting tensions.

Russia has been a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government and has helped turn the tide of war in his favor since entering the conflict in September 2015. Syria’s civil war, which began as a popular uprising against Assad, is now in its eighth year.

A fact-finding mission from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is expected to head to Douma, the site of the suspected attack. Both the Russian military and the Syrian government said they would facilitate the mission and ensure the inspectors’ security.

Lavrov said Russia expects the OPCW team to quickly visit the site. The Russian military said its chemical experts visited Douma shortly after the alleged attack and found no trace of chemical agents in ground samples. It also said Russian officers found no patients with chemical attack symptoms at a local hospital, and no indication of any burials having taken place of the victims.

*Agency Report 

Tonto Dikeh Hosts Nigeria Goodwill Ambassador Awards

Award-winning actress and philanthropist, Tonto Dikeh has been announced as host of this year’s edition of ‘Nigeria Goodwill Ambassador Awards,’ the annual celebration of Niger Delta Peace Ambassadors impacting positively in the region.

The event holds Saturday, 21st April in Port Harcourt City and the organizers said it is an extravaganza in its usual extension of the annual celebration of heroes who brought peace to the Niger Delta Region.

Some of the awardees include Chief Edwin Clark; former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; Donald Duke, King Ateke Tom, Governor Udom Emmanuel, Engr. George Iwo, Amb. Adokiye Kyrian, Godwin Obaseki, Rt. Hon. Friday Ossai Osanebi, Chief Joseph Evah and many others.

Many Feared Dead As Fresh Violence Erupts In Taraba, Benue

Several persons are feared killed following fresh violence in Taraba and Benue states, both in Nigeria’s North-central region.

The attacks, which reportedly started in Taraba State on Wednesday, was said to have spread to Akaanya and Nenchi villages in Ukun Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving 10 persons dead.

Chairman of Ukun LGA, Mr Tyokaa Iberlogo, confirmed the attacks to Channels Television on Thursday but said details on the incidents were still sketchy.

Jandeikyula, a Tiv village in Wukari Local Government Area in Taraba State was allegedly the first to come under attack yesterday (Wednesday) evening, resulting in the death of more than 20 persons, including a soldier.

Channels Television also gathered that more casualties might have been recorded as some of the villagers are said to still be missing.

In Benue State, gunmen suspected to be armed herdsmen carried out a fresh attack on Agbo community in Makurdi, the state capital on Thursday.

The attacks came a few days after the withdrawal of troops on Cat Race Exercise deployed in the region to stop the attacks by herdsmen on the communities in the North-central.

Prior to the withdrawal of the troops, President Muhammadu Buhari had visited Taraba and Benue states to condole with the families of those who lost their lives in the wake of the herdsmen-farmers crisis in the region.

Addressing Benue leaders in Markudi on March 12, President appealed to them to convince their constituents that the Federal Government was doing its best to end the recurring attacks by armed herdsmen.

Responding, Governor Samuel Ortom urged the President to upgrade Exercise Cat Race to a full military operation.

He noted that the attacks by armed herdsmen predated the current administration, stressing that the recent attacks have displaced more than 170,000 people with children of school age constituting 60 per cent.

Mr. 2Kay on UK media tour *Set to hold new album listening party

Singer Mr. 2Kay is currently in London to promote his latest album titled, Elevated. As a sequel to his album listening party held on February 11 at the Tilt Terrace, Lekki, Lagos, the singer will be hosting friends and fans to his ' Elevated Album' listening session on Thursday, April 12, at ESQ Lounge, Kent Road, London.

Already Mr. 2Kay is rekindling his force in the city of London as various radio stations are beginning to interchange his previous releases including “Bubugaga,” “Ladder,” and “Bad Girl Special” with his new songs like “Banging,” “Belema,” “God Can Bless Anybody,” and “My Lover” off his 'Elevated' album. He has also been going round various radio and TV stations to discuss his recent album.

So far Mr. 2Kay has thrilled guests at Seyi Law’s ‘London Must Laugh’ comedy show, and Falz UK Tour. The singer will also be shutting down Club M in Coventry on Saturday April 7 before heading to The Lounge in Manchester and then London, before heading back to Nigeria to commence rehearsals ahead of his upcoming Elevated Concert holding in Port Harcourt.

How Area Boys held Mr. Ibu hostage at child dedication party

Nollywood comedian, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu will live to retell his story after he was held hostage Sunday evening by Area Boys a.k.a Agberos in Surulere, Lagos.

The comic actor, had stormed Ayinde Giwa Street, Off Masha in Surulere, venue of the dedication party of the National President of Actors Guild of Nigeria,AGN, Mr. Emeka Rollas' new born baby.

No sooner Mr. Ibu arrived the venue with his entourage than his fans suddenly besieged the area.

The over anxious fans thronged the street including the Area Boys and within minutes crowded the actor like bees on a honeypot with some pressing to touch their idol.

Spotting Mr Ibu, as he was making his way to his black Vennza Toyota SUV, the Area Boys blocked him and immediately closed the street gate, asking him to bless them. “Mr. Ibu can't to this area and left without blessing us...”, they kept shouting.

In fact, every effort made by his entourage as well as his host fell on deaf as Mr. Ibu was later compelled to part with some money before they allowed to leave the place. Nonetheless, the dedication party was one in town. It had in attendance, some big names in Nollywood, including actress, Ifeoma Okeke, Mr Ifeany Dike, BoT Chairman,AGN, Sunny Macdon, Secretary General, AGN-BoT, actress Ijeoma Imo, Boma Arinyedokiari among others. However, despite the mild drama, Mr. Ibu had a swell time at the event.

Bisola looks back one year after leaving BBNaija house

One year after the last edition of Big Brother Nigeria, BBNaija reality TV show ended with Efe carting away the grand prize of N25 million with a brand new SUV, the 1^st runners-up on the show, Bisola has had cause to recount on how the experience has changed her entire life.

According to the Temple Music artiste, thinking about it, she never thought in her wildest dreams how the “hype surrounding everything we were doing and how our lives were going to change.”

She poured out her heart in an Instagram post,where she paid glowing tributes to her handlers, pan-African talent agency, Temple Management Company,TMC, for their huge role in her post-BBN career trajectory. Bisola

Bisola wrote, “Today is a birthday of sorts for me. One year ago, I left the Big Brother House as runner-up and set upon a path that has been beyond my wildest dreams. People always ask me about my time in the house, but truth is none of us imagined the hype surrounding everything we were doing and how our lives were going to change. It still takes me by surprise when I travel around The world and people come up to me to wish me well and sometimes even quote things I said from a year ago.

I went into the house with just one purpose which was to reach as many people and showcase my talent.”

When I think of the things that my Big Brother experience has allowed me to do in the past 12 months, it is difficult to do so without overwhelming gratitude. It has connected me to my beautiful family, @thetemplecompany. It has allowed me greater selection in the kind of projects I do. It has given me the opportunity to add my voice to the plight of our young girls who have the smallest voices in our country. Most importantly, it has allowed me to be closer to all of you. I thank My mother, my sister @Adunola.a ,My daughter Leyla for their constant support. I thank each and every one of you for continuing to tolerate my craziness and allowing me to be myself,” she wrote.

AWF revives Abuja literary festival

The Abuja Writers Forum (AWF) has announced the return of the Abuja Literary Festival which will run from June 28-30, 2018 in Abuja.

The Festival is being re-launched to mark the tenth anniversary of the Abuja Writers Forum which began its literary activities in June 2008.

It will feature bookrama sessions with authors from within and outside Abuja, panel discussions, film screenings, drama performances, an international art and photo exhibition, poetry performances, a five-day drama workshop, a book exhibition and a script-pitch.

The workshop is designed for potential dramatists between the ages of 18-35, focusing on developing scripts relevant to societal development and will be facilitated by two experienced dramatists.

There would also be a one day digital media training for the workshop participants as part of the Festival. The objective is for the participants to recognise that story-telling has now become multiplatform and they should start appreciating relevant digital tools for writing, editing, formatting and production. This is significant because digital literacy has become important across board, and creative writers need to become aware of the enormous potential the platform offers for production and distribution.

The Abuja Literary Festival made its debut in 2008 and enjoyed the support of a few stakeholders including the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NNLG) company. More details of the Abuja Literary Festival will be announced in the coming weeks.

U.S. Consulate, FSD Academy train 121 emerging entrepreneurs in P'Harcourt

The United States Consulate General Lagos in collaboration with Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy, on Wednesday, concluded the second edition of the Conference for Emerging Entrepreneurs which was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

One hundred and twenty one (121) budding Nigerian entrepreneurs participated in the two-day workshop. The up-and-coming entrepreneurs, selected from across Nigeria, learned how to transform their ideas into practical business plans, manage business risks, navigate difficult moments, seek capital, and develop partnerships to help their businesses grow.

United States Consul General F. John Bray declared the workshop open and was joined by Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Ndowa Lale.

In his welcoming remarks, Consul General F. John Bray explained that one of U.S. Mission Nigeria’s primary goals is to support Nigeria’s economic development. According to him, the U.S. Department of State supports entrepreneurs all over the world through training and mentoring, while also working with governments to create enabling environments and entrepreneurial cultures.

“There is growing evidence that entrepreneurs the world over are the drivers of job growth. The United States government is firmly convinced that in addition to creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities, entrepreneurship contributes to political stability and a vibrant civil society,” Consul General Bray added.

Leading business leaders including Sahara Group Co-Founder Tonye Cole, Emzor Pharmaceutical CEO Stella Okoli, Andela Co-Founder Iyin Aboyeji, award-winning designer Zizi Cardow and senior executives of prominent commercial banks mentored and trained the participating young entrepreneurs.

The Conference was organized with a view to equipping the entrepreneurs with the requisite skills and entrepreneurial know-how to enhance their success in the business world. The first edition was held in Lagos in March 2017.

COSON shuts down Kano with successful stakeholders forum

The main hall of Royal Tropicana Hotel, Kano was on Thursday April 12, 2018 thronged by several top personalities as Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), the nation’s wave making copyright collective management organization for musical works and sound recordings in Nigeria successfully held its Select Stakeholders’ Forum for copyright owners and users in the North-Western states of Nigeria.

The stakeholders’ forum was preceded by a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano, His Excellency Muhammad Sanusi II at his palace.

Receiving the COSON delegation led by the COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji; the Emir, H.E Muhammad Sanusi II welcomed the COSON team to the ancient and historic city of Kano, in Kano State. The Emir expressed his admiration for the COSON Chairman, Chief Okoroji for continually spearheading the drive for the respect of intellectual property in Nigeria and ensuring that creative minds reap from their creative works through royalty collection which COSON has paid to right owners since inception. The emir also noted that the visit to Kano simply showed that COSON is an organization for all irrespective of location, religion or sentiment.

The delegation then proceeded to the extraordinary event which witnessed a historic gathering of Northern artistes, songwriters, composers, music publishers, performers, record companies, broadcast stations, hotels, night clubs, restaurants, transport companies and Disc Jockey’s from Katsina and Kaduna.

The forum which lasted over 5 hours, afforded music users and music stakeholders the opportunity to understand the concept of copyright, and the importance of the respect for intellectual property in the new knowledge driven economy.

Speaking after the forum, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji said, “The Kano State Select Stakeholders’ Forum provided us an opportunity to interact with the people on whose behalf we work. COSON continues to take giant strides across the nation and across the world. One of the key reasons for the rapid growth of COSON and the significant stability that this great organization enjoys is that COSON is stakeholder driven. The COSON Stakeholders’ Forum has been held several times in Lagos, Abuja, Onitsha, Owerri, Ibadan, Uyo, and more recently, Port harcourt. Through a network of activists and consultants, COSON continually strives to make an impact across the country. We happy that our objective of going to Kano which was to ensure that the COSON revolution continues to inspire and energize the music industry, and to make great impact in the national economy especially in the North Western part of our nation, was greatly achieved”.

Speaking also on the stakeholders’ forum, COSON General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji said, “In the last seven years, COSON has continued to redefine the music copyright licensing landscape in Nigeria as it continues to push for better education of music users to ensure better copyright remuneration for music copyright owners, and the Kano stakeholders forum was an avenue for us to achieve this. We are committed at ensuring that Nigerians begin to understand the importance of the respect for intellectual property.’’

On the COSON delegation to Kano State were the Rub – a – dub maestro and COSON director, Ras Kimono, COSON General Manager, Chinedu Chukwuji, COSON Head of Corporate Affairs, Chibueze Okereke and COSON Head of New Media, Tolu Balogun.

INEC Laments On Nonchallant Attitude Towards PVC Collection

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has decried the nonchalant attitude of Nigerians in the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) saying the atittude was not in the best interest of the country for the 2019 election.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo, Prof. Francis Ezeonu, made this known at a sensitisation meeting with stakeholders in Owerri Municipal and Owerri West Local Government Areas of Imo.

Ezeonu said the attitude was more prevalent in the South East.

He said that politics was a game of numbers which required citizens to arm themselves with their PVCs as ready tools to vote in credible candidates.

He enjoined the people to go and collect their cards and take the election processes seriously.

He cautioned politicians against collecting’ PVCs from voters and hoarding them only to bring them out during elections to cause confusion.

Ezeonu said the tour of the 27 LGAs in Imo was to sensitise the general public on the need for PVCs collection, registration as well as intimate them on the electoral rules and processes.

He allayed the fears expressed by the people saying the national office is doing all possible to handle all the challenges, assuring that hijacking of ballot boxes was now a thing of the past.

Speaking, the Electoral Officer of Owerri Municipal Council , Mr Andrew Ereforokuma,said that the commission had always believe there was the need to partner with the people inorder to have an acceptable election,.

“As we continue in our preparation towards 2019 general elections, we shall have more opportunities as this to share information and build the necessary trust for a rancor free elections.”

Ereferokuma said registration exercise has so far been successful in the LGA, adding that as at the end of the first phase, data of 17,913 people (9,024 males and 8,889 females) have been captured.

The Electoral Officer of Owerri West, Mrs Ebere Orji, said the town hall meeting provided stakeholders and the commission an avenue to create the needed synergy for achieving good result in 2019.

“INEC cannot achieve a free, fair and credible election alone. It has to work in collaboration with other stakeholders for its mission to be actualised.

Orji said communities in the LG are faced with bad roads, collapsed bridges and swampy areas, which had hindered timely delivery of materials during the registration exercise.

She said the LG currently has 34, 229 uncollected PVCs.

The meeting comprised traditional rulers, the clergy, security personnel and stakeholders in the communities.

The stakeholders had complained about registration centers being far from the people, alleged under-aged registration in some parts of the country as well as appealed for creation of more polling units and wards.

PM News

Adebola Williams, Chude Jideonwo, Omoni Oboli, others make Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellowship 2018

The chief executive officer of RED, Adebola Williams; chief of staff to the chief credit officer, Barclays Africa Group, Sizwe Damane; founder of Joy, Inc., Chude Jideonwo; aviation finance consultant, Makoena Mabusela; and popular actress and film director, Omoni Oboli are among the emerging African leaders announced to be part of the prestigious Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellowship 2018.

As a flagship leadership development programme under The African Leadership Institute, the Tutu Leadership Fellowship Programme welcomes an elite group of Africa’s highest potential young leaders representing a wide range of sectors.

Among nearly 300 nominees of outstanding qualities from over 30 African countries, the candidates represent 10 African countries and various industries. Aged between 30-39, the selected candidates have demonstrated incredible wealth of leadership talent among Africa’s youth.

Speaking after the announcement, Adebola Williams said, “I am honoured to be selected among some of the most talented and influential change-makers on the continent driving new narratives and provoking action. The Tutu Leadership Fellowship is one of Africa’s leading platform interested in driving inclusive change for Africa communities, I have no doubt whatsoever that this current generation of Africans have the potential to truly transform the continent.”

The fellowship provides participants with intensive learning and broad experience on the principles and application of leadership, an opportunity to explore the issues and specific characteristics of leadership in Africa, including the global challenges and dimensions of an African leader.

Upon completing the programme, Tutu Fellows return to play active roles in their respective communities, countries and spheres of influence. As part of this network of global leaders, all Fellows are expected to attend AFLI alumni events, including functioning as ambassadors for the Fellowship across all segments of society.

Bisola Out With ‘Luchia’ Music Video

Temple Music artiste, Bisola Aiyeola is out with a crisp new music video for her single, Luchia.

The colourful music video is brought to you by Temple Motion Pictures.

Produced by talented beat-maker, Rhyme Bamz, multi-talented Bisola sings about her rejection at different auditions before she finally found her breakthrough at Big Brother Nigeria (BBN).

Luchia now airs on major music channels and is released online and for digital downloads on local and international platforms.

M-Net Movies Launches 10-day Marvel Studios Pop-Up Channel on DStv Premium

From Friday, 13 April to Sunday, April 22,  DStv Premium customers will experience an unprecedented cinematic journey with the M-Net Movies Marvel Studios Pop-Up Channel. This super-powered channel, which will be added to the already existing six M-Net Movies channels on DStv, will be available for ten days only on channel 109 and will feature 15 of the most pulsating films from the massively popular Marvel Studios franchise.

During these ten days, the M-Net Movies Marvel Studios Pop-Up Channel will run from 5 am to 11 pm daily. Each day of the week a film from the franchise, which has overlapping storylines, will be screened in chronological order, i.e. according to how the films were released in cinema. Starting with 2008’s Iron Man, viewers can revisit the stories of their beloved heroes all the way through to Spiderman: Homecoming, which will close the channel on Sunday 22, April.

“This channel is a special treat for the legions of Marvel fans—both old and new—who have enjoyed the live-action exploits of favourite Marvel Superheroes in films that express the unique vision and creativity of their filmmakers and deliver thrilling action and visual spectacles with relatable characters,” says Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu Regional Director, M-Net West Africa. “The timing of our M-Net Movies Marvels Studios Pop-Up Channel is also absolutely perfect with the franchise currently creating an incredible buzz worldwide"

The release of the recent Black Panther became the biggest film of all time, showing that Marvel Studios is at the forefront of the comic-book-turned-action-pop-c ulture phenomenon. While the M-Net Movies Marvel Pop-Up channel will give DStv viewers the opportunity to enjoy more gems of the franchise, which has been ten years in the making, it also serves as a lead-up to the new Avengers: Infinity War which hits cinemas on Friday, 27 April 2018.

On top of the 15 feature films, there will also be programming linked to the behind the scenes of the movies, such as United We Stand, Divided We Fall; The Making of Captain America: Civil War; Guide to The Galaxy with James Gunn and more.

Additionally, avid fans of the blockbuster franchise will be treated to a range of documentaries offering incredible insight into the history of Marvel. These include: Marvel 75 Years From Pulp to Pop; From Asgard To Earth (Thor); Marvel's Captain America: 75 Heroic Years; Ultimate Iron Man: The Making of Iron Man 2 Rebuilding the Suit; Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe just to mention a few!

Oga Bello lands juicy deal with StarTimes

Veteran Nigerian actor, filmmaker and director Adebayo Salami popularly known by his stage name “Oga Bello”, is said to have signed a production deal with Nigeria’s leading pay-TV Company, StarTimes. Although details of the deal have not been made public, it is believed to be a juicy deal worth millions of Naira and will see Oga Bello produce a 26-episode series in Yoruba language exclusively for StarTimes Nigeria.

When contacted for more details, the Chief Operating Officer of StarTimes, Mr. Tunde Aina, said the company would make more information available when the time is right but confirmed that they were in talks with Oga Bello on production.

According to sources, shooting have already commenced in Ibadan with some big names in the movie industry listed in the cast.

Failed lung: K1 De Ultimate in Canada

King of Fuji music, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshall is currently in Canada on a 10-days medical trip.

This is coming few months after the veteran musician lost his daughter, Wasilat, who was based in the North American country.

Sources close to the King of Fuji music, said this would be the first time the artiste would be going to Canada since the demise of his daughter.

The medical trip, according to the source, is long overdue after a corrective surgery carried out on his lungs.

According to the source, K1 who just released a one in town album ‘let the music flow’ will soon be in full force for further musical entertainment after the 10 days medical trip.

I'm honoured, says Banky W ...as he becomes Brand Ambassador for Uber Nigeria

Uber has officially announced Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W as its new Uber brand ambassador in Nigeria for 2018, making him the first musician to be the face of the leading ride hailing technology in Nigeria.

The musician, artist and entrepreneur was unveiled to select members of the public and media on Wednesday, at an upscale, invite-only cocktail event in Lagos.

“A lot of deliberation and careful thought went into choosing and selecting the Uber brand ambassador” said Margaret Banasko, Country Marketing Lead for Uber in West Africa. We decided to go into partnership with Banky W because we recognize the fact that he's a well respected artiste and has his hand across multiple industries including music, film, production and enterprise. He is incredibly engaging on social media and has a great rapport with his fans - characteristics that are extremely important to us as a brand that cares deeply about its customers.”

Also speaking at the event, Lola Kassim; General Manager Uber West Africa said: “Uber is a brand that takes Diversity and Inclusion seriously as shown by key initiatives currently ongoing within the organization. Banky W’s successful imprint across various industries mirrors the diversity that has become one of the key pillars of our business globally. We remain committed to continually providing economic opportunities for people to thrive.”

Banky W, however, expressed his excitement at being announced as the Brand Ambassador for Uber in Nigeria: “I'm very excited and honoured to be partnering Uber, as I'm a huge fan of the way they have completely revolutionized the transportation business globally. I've actually been an avid user of this innovative service for years, and I'm looking forward to what we will accomplish in Nigeria together. Uber is solving some of the most pressing mobility challenges in Nigeria, and I’m thrilled to be partnering with a brand that has innovation at the core of its operations.”

At the event, Banky W also utilized the opportunity to share with his fans and members of the audience an exclusive sneak-peak of his soon-to-be-released video. The video which had a surprise cameo was greeted with loads of approval and admiration from all who viewed it.