I was surprised when Ciara released ‘Freak Me’ – Tiwa Savage

Mavin Record first lady, Tiwa Savage has reacted to allegations that American singer, Ciara used her song without seeking her consent.

It would be recalled that when Ciara released ‘Freak Me’, featuring Tekno, she was accused of sampling Tiwa Savage’s ‘Before Nko.’

in an interview with Capital Xtra’s Tim Westwood, Savage described ‘Freak Me’ as a pleasant surprise.

She said, “It’s amazing. It’s an honour. I knew she was going to sample the record.

Her people had spoken to my people but I didn’t hear the final product until it came out but it was a pleasant surprise. Big shout out to her.”

Speaking on her upcoming collaboration with Coldplay, She said: “They have a record with Stargate and it kinda has like an Afrobeat influence in it. I have already worked with Stargate on a couple of records, so they wanted a female vocal on it, so here I am.

“When I was in the studio with Chris Martin, he was so cool. I was so nervous, but he made it so easy.”

The singer also insisted that her collaboration with Duncan Mighty, ‘Lova Lova’, is currently her favourite song, adding, “I knew it was a big record when I recorded it.”

According to afrobeats star, women suffering inequality in the music industry is not limited to Nigeria alone.“I think it’s all over the world actually. I have heard other female acts from America, the UK talk about how hard it is.

“I think it’s a lot easier to accept male artist’s songs. On radio, it gets played quicker. Sometimes, I feel like some records when I have male artistes on it is accepted a lot quicker.

How RMD, Don Jazzy explored Scotland for the perfect blend

Two weeks after renowned actor, Richard Mofe Damjio,RMD, and music producer, Don Jazzy, returned from Scotland after a four-day exploratory trip to understand the secrets of the perfectly blended Johnnie Walker whisky, the buzz is yet to simmer as their teeming fans remain resolute about knowing their findings in the picturesque city of Edinburgh, the home of the foremost Johnnie Walker brand.

But the pair has obliged them by sharing some of their experiences during the trip, which involved an immersion in the process of the selection of the 29 single malt whiskies that are blended into the full flavour that defines Johnnie Walker.

RMD and Don Jazzy toured the world’s largest private whisky collection, the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, Cardhu Distillery and Dalwhinie Distillery, homes of two of the 29 single malt whiskies that are created into the Johnnie Walker blended whisky.

RMD in his post on Instagram explained: ‘@donjazzy and I explored Edinburgh, wore kilts, danced to bagpipes and had our minds blown by the wonder called #JohnnieWalker. Like they say, if music is nice, you play it twice. The journey took us to the historically important Cardhu Distillery, the first distillery bought by Johnnie Walker. A visit to the Johnnie Walker Archives is filled with inspiring history of the human spirit.’

On the visit to the world’s largest private whisky collection owned by Diageo, Don Jazzy had posted: ‘All I see is a lot of journeys blended and placed in bottles. Diageo una try for this one o. #lovescotch #johnniewalker’

Obsere calls K1 De a betrayal,traitor because of Ambode

Fuji music exponent, Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere,PK1st, has lampooned fellow fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde a.k.a K1 De Ultimate, over his stance on the current crises that has engulfed ruling APC in Lagos State, describing him as an ingrate who does not always care to bite the fingers that fed him.

Obesere spoke against the backdrop of the recent video released by K1 De Ultimate on Instagram, where he shared his opinion on the best governors Lagos State has ever had, omitting the name of incumbent governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, further stoking the raging fire of controversy that Ambode truly may have fallen out of favour among the stalwarts of the party ahead of .2019 gubernatorial election in the State.

The relationship between the two musicians over the years has not been as cordial as music fans all over the world will expect it to be, while so many questions have been asked to ascertain the cause of their frequent frictions.

Speaking on the latest development in a statement made available to E-daily, Alhaji Obesere was quick to place it on record that while he is having nothing personal against his colleague, he is always averse to his uncharitable conduct and dishonest attitude, adding the latest preposterous position and outburst against Ambode in his trying period is a clear testimony that 'Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde is nothing but a serial betrayal.'

He bares it all by going the memory lane: "I want to state clearly that I have nothing personal against Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde but looking back to some of his conducts and attitude over the years, I think I have been proven right to stay away from dealing with him. I don't like to deal with an ingrate who doesn't care to bite the fingers that once fed him, "he began defiantly.

"As musicians, we are people's property and I am free to support anybody that I like but I won't come out in the open to smear the character of anybody - not to talk of someone I have benefited from in one way or the other. What is happening in Lagos State is pure political issue and should be left to the politicians to resolve. For, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde to suddenly change gears because of the travails facing Governor Ambode is not only ungodly, slanderous and disrespectful, but it shows that he is a real traitor. "

"You will recall that the same man betrayed our legend in the Fuji Music Industry, late Alhaji Ayinde Barrister some years back. He came out in the open to deny the man who was his benefactor and called him all sorts of names. He once rubbished another amongst our highly respected seniors in the business, Alhaji Ayinla Kollington, and I can go on and on to relay some of his past ignoble actions that portrayed him as someone who cannot be trusted.

And that exactly has been the crux of our disagreements overtimes. The latest one against Governor Ambode is quite unfortunate and as a stakeholder and someone who doesn't love to hide his feelings, I think we should all let him know that, what comes around, goes around and what is not good is not good. As a public person and role models, we should not be seen as people of questionable character who is always running to where our pockets will be served," a highly disenchanted singer popularly known as PK1st posited.

Linda Ikeji ups the ante, acquires A Bentley

Barely few days after she gave birth to her son, Jayce Jeremi and celebrating her birthday, celebrity blogger, Linda Ikeji has gotten herself the most perfect gift anyone can wish for.

Her sister, Laura Ikeji was the first to break the good news on Instagram yesterday by sharing pictures and a video to showcase the latest Bentley Mulsanne.

She wrote: “Dear Jayce, ya mom went crazy the day you came into this world, oh boy! ya own don better. Dem born you buy Bentley. Omo mama olowo. ��. Can’t remember what my parents bought when they had me hehe. Check out Linlin’ s Bentley.

Another sister, Sandra also wrote, confirming the price of the Bentley: Hey lil Jayce, your mum @officiallindaikeji promised you a Bentley , now you have it! Congratulations @officiallindaikeji on your 120mili Bentley #Bentleyforbabyj”

Ghana ready to host AFRIMA in November

*Mike Dada, President/Executive Producer, AFRIMA presents the AFRIMA 23.9carat good-plated trophy . to Catherine Afeku, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, as a symbol of Republic of Ghana winning the host country bid.

Ghana has accepted to host the 5th All Africa Music Awards between November 21 and Saturday, November 24 in Accra this year. It will be hosted in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Committee of AFRIMA.

The host country rights acceptance was conducted on Tuesday at a media announcement at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra.

It followed the official unveiling of the 5th AFRIMA Host Country by the African Union on September 6, 2018 at the African Union Commission Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and the delivery of the Official Host Country letter to the government of Ghana on September 16, 2018.

Leading the Ghanaian government delegation to the media announcement was the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Catherine Afeku accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ziblim Iddi Barri; Ag. Chief Director, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mr. Vitus-Otto Langmagne; Director, Creative Arts Council, Ghana, Ms. Gyankroma Akufo-Addo; and Advisory Board Member, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Ghana, Okatakyie Nana Anim 1.

Speaking at the event where she received the Hosting Right Certificate and the 23.9 carat gold-plated AFRIMA Trophy on behalf of the government and people of Ghana, the Minister expressed her delight at the opportunity given to Ghana to host the biggest music event in Africa.

“We want the people of this beautiful country to see this as a call to duty; a call to every creative artiste in Ghana, from the North to the south, to the east and the west. We, the good people of Ghana, would have to show the rest of Africa and the world that we are up to this task and well prepared to deliver a world-class music event in Africa”.

“And I trust in you, seeing the plethora of attendees here today just for the acceptance tells me that we are well prepared and ready to take Africa by storm. The narrative of Africa must change and it will change through music. We can use music as a conduit for peace and send a strong signal to the rest of the world that Africa has its challenges but we have overcome most of them. Our young people are talented, intelligent and they are ambassadors of hope to the next generation”, Catherine concluded.

Dr. Ziblim Iddi Barri stressed that the people of Ghana were excited about hosting AFRIMA while also indicating President Nana Akufo-Addo’s interest in the AFRIMA project.

“The President has personally demonstrated and expressed his interest in this event, following its presentation by the minister to the cabinet, and the cabinet has also embraced it”.

The President/Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada explained the values of AFRIMA with an acronym; FACE IT, which stands for Fairness, Accountability, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity and Transparency.

“We use the power of superstars to communicate the beauty, glamour and positive side of the Africa continent to the rest of the world. AFRIMA not only provides opportunities to the nominees but the host country as well, in showcasing the unique artistic, tourism and economic potentials of her culturally dynamic and beautiful cities”.

Mike Dada encouraged the nominees to reach out to their teeming followers and solicit for votes on the AFRIMA website, explaining that it is the artiste with the highest votes who will be awarded the 23.9 karat gold plated trophy.

Sharing the story of relatively unknown Ghanaian music artiste in the 2014 edition of AFRIMA, Mr. Dada said “Wiyaala, she won two AFRIMA awards based on the votes by her fans and this subsequently opened her up to countless opportunities”.

City People Magazine honours Merit

Veteran actress, Nnenna Nwabueze-Okonta popularly known as Merit in that pioneering Nigerian movie, “Living in Bondage”, will be in the spotlight tomorrow, as City People Magazine honours her as one of the legends of Nollywood.

Merit will be honoured at this year's City People Movie Awards, holding tomorrow, at the prestigious Balmoral Event Centre, Oreguun-Ikeja, Lgos.

According to the publisher of the magazine, the mother of four is being recognized for her remarkable contributions towards the growth of the nation's movie industry. The award night, which has been creatred from the old City People Entertainment Awards and ran for 7 years now, the publisher said has been split into two major sectors, including music and movie .

Merit, whose career spanning more than two decades is looking forward to the glamorous event.

Those who try to kill us are only helping us to go home and rest, TB Joshua pens touching note in remembrance of victims of Synagogue building collapsed

“Whether we die young or old, what matters is the grace to continue living hereafter. It is now four years since our beloved brothers and sisters slept in the Lord. We must realise that their death is an unavoidable call - a call to our Heavenly home that no one can disobey.

Jesus said that if you do not take up your cross and deny yourself daily and perhaps even get killed for your belief in Him, you are not worthy of Him (Matthew 10:38, Matthew 16:24). The level at which satan attacks us seems to be equal to the level of our commitment to the Lord. I don’t think enough people understand this. If you are totally committed to God, He will take up satan’s challenge against you.

As soon as we make a true conversion, a commitment asking Jesus to purchase us, we become Jesus’ property. Then satan hates us the same way he hates Jesus. That is why the moment we are truly saved, we are engaged in a phenomenal battle (John 15:18-22). We cannot separate warfare from salvation. True salvation is going to put you into direct conflict with satan.

Many of us would say, “Why should I suffer or die? After all, Jesus won the victory on the Cross and suffered for me?” But the question we need to ask ourselves is, “What did Jesus say?” He said, “I have said unto you, the servant is not greater than his Master. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).

Anyone who claims that he does not have to suffer because Jesus did it for him is indirectly saying that he is greater than his Master. He is actually contradicting what Jesus said. Basically, we need to give up our lives here on earth and gain eternal life in Heaven. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we are accepting citizenship in Heaven and death here on earth.

Once Christ purchases us, we become aliens here on earth and there is a barrier between us and everything here on earth. We are servants, we simply obey the command of our Master. We do not decide what suffering we must bear.

Many people have been serving the Lord fervently and have come into difficult life situations because of being mistreated by either wicked men or carnal Christians. The truth is that they have been treated unjustly. But to become offended would only fulfil the enemy’s purpose of getting them out of the will of God. If you stay free from offence, you will stay in God’s will. If you become offended, you will be taken captive by the enemy to fulfil his own purpose and will.

If we are Christ’s followers, we must follow His example. If He could forgive the people who were killing Him, we can certainly find a way to forgive those who hurt us. When we cannot forgive, we hurt ourselves more than anyone. Nursing a grudge damages our heart. Life is too short to waste our time on things that have no lasting value or significance.

From eternity’s perspective, death is not a period; it is only a comma because of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. When a believer dies, he goes into glory, where there is no conflict. Heaven is our home. A man may die young yet be satisfied with living but a wicked man is not satisfied even with long life.

Those who try to kill us are only helping us to go home and rest. But those who send us home will go into further conflict; they will have more questions to answer than when they were alive. The wicked seem to prosper now and live without a care but they will spend eternity in terror and despair.

How can we honour the memory of the martyrs of faith? Endeavour by the grace of God to live for the Lord and give yourself to the needs of others.

Romans 14:8 – “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

What a blessed memorial!

How do I end this write-up? Here, I drop my pen.”

Prophet T.B. Joshua

Legends of BlackMusic Awards berths

On December 1, BlackMusic Initiative, a movement which started about 15 years ago to create a cultural and social change in Africa as a whole will be rewarding key players and major achievers in the nigerian music space.

According to its convener, Ms Fehintoluwa Odejide, the BlackMusic Initiative (BMI) became necessary to meet the need of the foreign market, especially the Europe music market, which expects so much more than we are presently offering.

Speaking on the initiative, Odejide, who boasts of 27 years’ experience in the Nigerian music space, said that the country’s representation on the global stage is small because our focus are misguided. According to her, the youths whose major escape is music don't have enviable role models, and also do not have adequate knowledge of history and culture where there is no repertoire.

“Unofficially, I started my journey 27 years ago as a mere choir girl before forging to tertiary institutions where I studied Music Tech at The Polytechnic, Ibadan and Music Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). My passion goes beyond the classroom. The media then were all about trivialities in music rather than quality sounds and that era swept futuristic music away. I am optimistic that we can take our rightful position in global music market than we are doing,” she said.

Also speaking, BMI’s Project Consultant, Omobolanle Adebayo stated that as part of the initiative’s contribution to youth development, it has an ongoing project, the Youth Against Drug Initiative, YADI, which holds in conjunction with established institutions for proper monitoring and effectiveness.

According to her, the project focuses not only on drug users and addicts, but also on young adults who wish to make a difference.

“In today’s world, the youths are faced with challenges ranging from hardships to the feeling of not belonging in the society. These youths constitute a large chunk of the population yet remains the most subjugated and marginalised. As a result, we seek to bring them together under one umbrella and provide some sort of mentorship for them,” she added.

She added that “the new generation of music/musicians are good but in directing they are promoting immorality, hence the abuse of drugs. It's a give back. It's a mission. It's a divine call.”

The Legends of BlackMusic Awards holds December 1 and will feature the best in the Nigerian and the African music entertainment scene.

AFRIMA's Executive Producer, Mike Dada elected 2nd vice-president of PACC5 Bureau

President and Executive Producer of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mike Dada, was part of Art and Cultural experts invited to the 5th African Union Pan-African Cultural Congress (PACC5) held at the African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from September 5 to 7, 2018. PACC is a platform for Pan-African Cultural Institutions and Civil Society Organizations working on the arts, culture, and heritage field to provide their contributions to the policy making process of the African Union, AU.

Dada, drawing from his experience and knowledge in destination Marketing,Perception Management, Media and Law presented a paper with the theme "Advancing the African Union Agenda 2063 through African Culture and Creative Economy" aimed at sharing best practices for the promotion of the AU Agenda 2063, shared practical knowledge on actions AFRIMA employs in showcasing great potentials and values of the African musical and artistic heritage, while also promoting the positive image of Africa to the world for global competitiveness.

 Dada was also elected 2nd Vice President of the PACC Bureau, a position which will be occupied for 3years, and subject to the PACC objective of proposing policies towards the contribution of culture and arts in the development of the continent. Also elected into the PACC5 Bureau were Chairperson, Mr. Daves Guzha - President of Arterial Network; 1st Vice Chairperson, Prof. Lupwishi Mbuyamba - Executive Director of OCPA; member, Dr. Vuningoma James - Executive Secretary, Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture; member, Mrs Florence Mukanga Majachani - Cultural Policy Consultant and Research; 1st Rapporteur, Mrs. Joy Mboya - Executive Director of the Godown Arts; and 2nd Rapporteur, Mr. Oleg Olivier Karambizi – Pan – African Festival of Dance (FESPAD).

NIFS/NITV Summit Lagos at Glance

It was indeed two days of very compressed business driven discussions and panel sessions at the just concluded Nigerian International Film Summit( NIFS) and NITV Summit Lagos. Both events drew the major decision makers and stakeholders involved in the business of film and television both within and outside Nigeria.

Key players and chief executives from Nigeria's film business core tenets of financing, marketing, distribution ,production and exhibition where all very much involved in the summit to share their wealth of experience within the film business ecosystem. This includes the umbrella body of exhibitors called Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria(CEAN), Filmhouse, Genesis Deluxe, Ozone, Silverbird and Maturion Cinemas.

Executives of PWC, Bank of Industry and Heritage Bank were very much at the forefront of addressing and discussing issues and challenges relating to film financing in Nigeria while some of Nigeria's best film producers where available to give first hand testimonies of the journey so far. The distribution companies were not left out with Filmone Distribution and Silverbird distribution as well as Ebonylife Films all playing crucial roles at NIFS Lagos.

On the TV side, the most active umbrella body of Nigeria's independent TV producers-EMCOAN were quite visible at the event to discuss very serious issues affecting their business as Nigeria's largest collective source of content for television. Very meaningful and insightful business driven conversations was piloted by Executives of RTI, the national TV network of Coted'Ivoire with Ahmadou Bakayoko, RTI's Chief Executive delivery a highly inspirational and optimistic keynote on the possibilities for strong collaboration in the area of content production with Nigerian TV networks /independent producers. In addition, executives from Nigeria's TV networks- Silverbird TV, African Independent Television(AIT), Channels Television, Rave TV,Galaxy TV, Ebonylife Media,HIP TV, Wazobia TV and Nigeria's pay TV operators - Startimes, Play TV and Kwese TV all showed very rare and unequivocal commitment towards this summit with their support and knowledge sharing.

A full communique on the summit will be shared with key government and private stakeholders within Nigeria's film and TV industry in the coming days.

 We sincerely hope that this summit will not only proffer solutions to lingering challenges and issues within the ecosystem but will mark the beginning of a new chapter for industry engagements, new opportunities, optimized networking, viable business partnerships and collaborations and more importantly open the local industry for more global and international opportunities in the business of film and television.

GDL organizes confab for business sector players

Growth and Development Limited (GDL), a financial services group committed to creating wealth and transforming society took their efforts into generating value for the Nigerian middle class a step further by organizing a conference aimed at addressing the issues that result in the untimely death of companies in Nigeria.

In the maiden edition of its Business Conference tagged ‘Building Transgenerational Businesses’ held at The Civic Center, Lagos, attended by numerous industry practitioners and professionals across different sectors, the company identified a number of factors responsible for the high failure rate of businesses as well as the almost non-existence of transgenerational businesses in the country.

In her opening remarks, the Chairman, GDL, Dr. (Mrs.) Nadu Denloye noted that "in Nigeria, it is doubtful if there are more than a dozen indigenously founded companies which have transcended three generations."

In addition, she mentioned that transgenerational corporations are crucial for economic growth, prosperity, and for building a resilient middle class.

In his keynote address, Mr. Simon Aranonu, Executive Director, Bank of Industry, who represented Mr. Olukayode Pitan, MD, Bank of Industry, stressed that transgenerational institutions will contribute in pointing the economy in an upward trajectory. He further noted that the Bank of Industry will continue to work with GDL in identifying and nurturing institutions which are clearly on the trajectory to becoming national champions and transgenerational businesses.

The conference featured business giants, Fidson Healthcare Plc. and Leadway Assurance Company Limited which have proven themselves as worthy examples of transgenerational enterprises in the Nigerian space.

Mr. Kola Ayeye, CEO GDL, in his presentation on ‘The Power of Getting Paid by the Market’, underscored the need for founders to seek alternative ways of getting compensation for years of hard work invested in their organizations without compromising the viability of the business by taking out money from the operational cashflows.

The distinguished panelists, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman, Mr. Simon Aranonu, Mr. Oye-Hassan Odukale, Dr. (Mrs.) Nadu Denloye, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje (moderator) and Mr. Kola Ayeye shared their experiences and emphasized the importance of honesty, integrity, institutionalization, and sound corporate governance as key factors for building transgenerational businesses.

Other distinguished guests that attended the conference include Mr. Remi Babalola, former Minister for State for Finance and Mr. Tunde Lemo, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

GDL which has interests in asset management, finance, securities trading and financial advisory recently offered for subscription 100,000,000 units at N10 per unit in its N1 Billion Money Market Fund. The Fund which opened on August 15, 2018 is expected to close on September 21, 2018.

Adeosun’s Resignation: Davido cancels US tour, orders refund to fans

Pop star,  David Adeleke popularly called Davido has cancelled his Davido Locked Up Tour in the United States of America (USA) which has been running from August 28.

The tour, which covered some selected states in the US was initially scheduled to run till November.

However, due to the recent controversy generated through the forged exemption certificate of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, the musical star cancelled the tour for a more convenient date.

Recall that an online news portal, Premium Times had on July 7, broke the story of the certificate forgery by the minister. She, however, refused to comment on the matter and also avoided public appearance. When the matter became intense, the NYSC leadership promised to investigate the report and make its findings public.

To the surprise of Nigerians, the embattled minister reportedly tendered her resignation letter on Friday. Recall also that Davido had on August 28 registered for the compulsory one-year national service amidst cheers from his fans and colleagues.

He also shared a picture of himself arriving at the orientation camp in Lagos during the registration and swearing-in ceremony on his social media handles.

However, to the surprise of many, some few hours after his official swearing-in ceremony, the multi-award winning artiste jetted out of the country in continuation of his tours in the US.

This was roundly criticized with many asking the scheme to punish him (Davido) like they would have any ordinary corps member.

Sensing danger, the ace musician who has been on tour instead of the 21 days orientation camp decided to suspend the tour to continue the orientation which ends a couple of days away.

He wrote on Instagram and Twitter, “I apologize to all my Fans but Duty calls ! �� But I promise new dates would be announced for Houston Dallas LA and San Francisco ❤️❤️❤️������ We will reschedule and add more dates. Shout out to all the fans who sold out each city so far.

“Due to scheduling conflicts and NYSC commitments in Nigeria, the remaining dates for the Davido Locked Up Tour has been cancelled.

“Refunds will be made available at point of purchase. Davido and his team are working hard to reschedule all dates plus add new dates in the near future. I love guys and see you soon.

“I apologize to all my fans but duty calls. But I promise new dates would be announced for Houston Dallas LA and San Francisco. We will reschedule and add more dates. Shout out to all the fans who sold out each city so far.”

CSP. Peter Y. Gana, The Intelligent Police Officer

Two Lagos-based media Organisations, VOAiyekoto Reporters and Our Moment Newspaper, recently honoured the Officer-in-Charge of FSARS Operations in Lagos, CSP Peter Y. Gana, with the Cop-of-the-year Gold Award.

The presentation., which was done inside Gana's Office at the Lagos State Police Command premises., was attended by Police Officers, journalists, professionals, Lawyers, Civil Servants, Friends, Colleagues, well-wishers, etc.

In his acceptance speech., Gana thanked the Inspector General Of Police, Mr. Idris Ibrahim in ensuring that young officers like himself are awakening to modern policing  in accordance to his dictates . He also thank the organisers of the award and promised to continue to be of good service both in public and private life. He said:' I am very happy to receive this award today. It shows that our little contributions to good and effective policing in the Nigeria Police Force is recognised. I promise to continue to be of good service and to continue to uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I dedicate this award to all gallant officers in the Nigeria Police Force, both living and dead.' 

In his remarks., the Editor of Our Moment Newspaper, Mr David Olanrewaju, thanked CSP. Peter Gana for receiving the award and promised the support of his media organisation for the Command. He said:' We have been keeping a close watch on CSP Peter Gana for the past 5 years and the result is this award presentation today. One of the things that endeared us to CSP Peter Gana is his amazing humility. This Police Officer, CSP Peter Gana is very humble and we strongly believe that he will go places. On our part, we will continue to offer selfless services to the Nigeria Police and the Society at large in terms of reporting, information dIsemination and news coverage.'

Also, in his own closing remarks, the ubuiqutous Publisher of Aiyekooto Reporters, Prince Osuya  Omotunde, sang the praises of CSP Peter Gana and encouraged him to improve on the services of the Lagos State FSARS Operatives. It would be recalled that FSARS operations is under review by the IGP .Omotunde remarked:' The work of a Police Officer, unknown to many people, is very tedious. They work every day and night. However, CSP Gana has been someone that we love and adore a lot because of his intelligence,  humility, brilliance, passion, compassion and discipline. He's a very focused and no-none sense Police Officer. I will also love to use this opportunity of our award presentation to beg him to up the game of his officers. The FSARS operatives have been under severe criticism for too long and I believe the new entrance of CSP Peter Gana to  the Lagos State Police Command can rightly do something about this. He is in a familiar terrain, having worked in Lagos for so many years in the past.'

The award is an annual event given to the best officer in the Nigeria Police Force in the year under review. It is aimed at encouraging them to continue to be of good service, which in the end, will improve the Force and add to the good image of Nigeria Police as a whole, in the eyes of its citizens and the international community. The 2017 edition was won by CSP Ben Osuji of Zone 2.

Oghenekaro Itene breaks another ground in Hollywood

Nigerian-born Hollywood actress , Oghenekaro Itene has landed another landmark in her journey to score a sterling point in the American movie industry. She was recently announced as the official ambassador for the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards,HAPA, which means she will be representing the Africans in diaspora.

Oghenekaro is currently filming her debut movie in Hollywood titled ‘Chase’ where she plays the role of Jayla. The movie is written and directed by Michael Matteo Rossi, co-produced by Michael Matteo Rossi and Katrina Y. Nelson.

Oghenekaro balances three careers, one as an actress, a Makeup Artist - the creator/CEO of Kadia Makeovers and a philanthropist. Some of her notable features include ‘Shattered Mirror’ a feature film directed by Lancelot Imasuen Oduwa, ‘The Prodigal’ and ‘Esohe’ by Charles Uwagbai . She has also featured in some prominent series including, ‘Lincoln's Clan’ and ‘Tinsel’.

Billed for the Alex Theatre in Glandale, California on September 30, HAPA is produced by Founder and Executive Producer, Ms. Tina Weisinger of ‘I Dream 4 All Foundation’. This visionary continues to raise the bar creating synergies and bridging gaps with both cultures by recognizing pioneers in the movies, music and comedy industries. HAPA will celebrate outstanding achievements of artists from various entertainment genres with the vision to continuously blend the richness of African cultures and the beauty of America to promote

In its second edition, HAPA will showcase the grand awesomeness of African royalty merged with the affluence of Western connoisseurs. It successfully celebrates the best of two cultures in 32 categories. In the ‘Oldies but Goodies’ category, along with nominees are Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, The 5th Dimension and Charles Wright. Borrowed by Dr. Dre, Madonna and Diplo; sampled looped by N.W.A. and themed by the NBA, Charles Wright’s ‘Express Yourself’ has touched the lives of generations since 1970; being deemed the most licensed song.

Why Saraki splashed N5m to support AGN foundation

Senate President, Abubarkar Bukola Saraki shocked Nigerians during the week when he splashed the huge sum of N5 million to support the Actors Guild of Nigeria,AGN, new initiative.  The guild recent launched a foundation  to alleviate the suffering of ailing actors in the nation's movie industry. 

Many believed, Saraki's gesture to the guild was part of his tricks to woo the entertainers to support his political ambition.  

Making the donation, while receiving the guild's delegates led by its president, Mr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas  at his  Lagos residence, Saraki showered encomiums on the doggedness, tenacity and determination of the movie practitioners to make the industry great.

President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas briefed Saraki about the necessity of setting up of the AGN foundation with the sole mandate of generating a Five Hundred Million Naira endowment (N500m) fund for ailing actors and also serves as a medium to give back to the fans (community) by engaging in community development project.

Rollas said: “Veterans who have contributed to the development of the industry most times do not have anything to fall back on after so long number of years of service. Some move on to other businesses or sectors while some faces varnish with time. In the recent past the guild have lost prominent veteran actors to serious illnesses due to certain medical conditions which could have been averted if there was a medium or platform set aside to harness the strength of the association to fund medical treatment of our own or a source for funding from philanthropist or Nigerians to help rescue their legends. Actors like Enebeli Elebuwa, Justus Esiri, Arshely Nwosu, Dave lhesie, Sam Loco Efe, Muna Obiekwe, Peter Bunor, Prince James Uche, and host of others have been lost due to certain medical conditions and whose souls are resting in the bosom of the Lord. Recently we lost Chike Osuji in Owerri! He will be laid to rest this Friday, September 13 in Awaka in Imo state.

There was a minute silence for late Chike Osuji.

Saraki said: “Let me thank the president for bringing us together. You have made a lot of us very proud. You have worked hard to support our government. You have shown truly that we have great capacity. Anywhere else in the world being surrounded by the stars I am seeing here, any politician would not let the opportunity slip away. Because we don’t recognize your talent and the kind of people we have, I would like to change that not because of you but because the country needs it. This is a decent industry. The economy will not grow by chance. But, it's my belief that if duly supported.

Nollywood will not only be number one in the world but will create job opportunities, increase the country's GDP and reduce poverty, among several other advantages. Hollywood is great today because the American government supported and funded the industry. Same can be possible for Nollywood."

Maristella Okpala emerges Miss Earth

After much hype and anticipation, the 17^th edition of Miss Earth Nigeria pageant held at the prestigious Presidential hotel, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, last Saturday.

As expected, it was a grand event. A build-up to the event had all the contestants camped for ten days at the exotic Reventon Park Hotel (Lamborghini) hotel, Port Harcourt. It was indeed another plus for Rivers State as it attracted tourists to the state.

Performing on the night were entertainers like famous Harrisong who was on hand to entertain guests. Rivers State Culture was also on display as ‘Owembe boys’ masquerades from Obio/Akpor LGA thrilled the audience. The event anchor was an on air personality who was herself a former Miss Earth Nigeria pageant winner in 2006.

Ibinabor Fiberesima, the national director of Miss Earth Nigeria pageant, was one of the attractions of the night. She spoke with enthusiasm and passion as she introduced the pageant to the guests.

The four winners are Maristella Okpala was the winner of the night. She is Miss Earth Nigeria ‘Air’ while Vinna Snithers Briggs was the first runner-up and Miss Earth Nigeria ‘Water’.

Other winners are Nna-Udosen Chikaodili Enobong, the second runner up and Miss Earth Nigeria Fire with Ekwemozo Adaobi being the third runner-up. The new queen Miss Earth Nigeria, Maristella Okpala is from Anambra State. She is Dental Technician and an NCAA licensed cabin crew. She will be flying the Nigerian flag at the Miss Earth World which will be held on the third of November in the Philippines with over 90 other countries.