Insurance firm AIG slams Kardashian’s bodyguard $6.1m lawsuit

Two years after Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in Paris, her insurance company, AIG is suing her former bodyguard and his security firm in the United States for $6.1 million.

The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday in Delaware by AIG, which accuses Pascal Duvier and the company he worked for, Protect Security, of breach of contract.

Celebrity website TMZ, which first reported the suit, says Duvier left the luxury residence, where Kardashian had been staying during Paris Fashion Week in October 2016, and followed two of her sisters to a nearby club.

As a result, Kardashian was left without security. The lawsuit also accuses Duvier of failing to plug a number of breaches at the property that allowed the masked gunmen to enter, TMZ reported.

Five men tied her up, gagged her and locked her in a bathroom, before making off with jewels worth $10.6 million, including a diamond ring gifted by rapper husband Kanye West, which she had flaunted on Instagram.

AIG is seeking the $6.1 million that it paid Kardashian after the robbery, holding the bodyguard and firm negligent, TMZ said.

Duvier no longer works for the mother of three.

French justice charged 11 suspects in connection with what was the largest robbery of an individual in France for 20 years. Only one piece, a diamond-encrusted cross, has been recovered.

The suspected ringleader, Aomar Ait Khedache, told investigators he had struggled to find a buyer for Kardashian’s 18.88-carat ring, complaining it was “too recognizable” and that he had given it to an unidentified third party.

No plot by detractors can stop our national convention, says PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, has said that no plan can stop its Saturday’s national convention to elect its presidential candidate for 2019 national elections.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the party’s National Working Committee’s meeting held on Thursday in Abuja.

Ologbondiyan said that the convention would be successful in spite of alleged plot by some organisations to disrupt the event scheduled for Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 in Port Harcourt.

He said that PDP was aware of plots or machinations of all kinds to stop its national convention.

According to him, the party leadership has been informed of machinations by some organisations to disrupt PDP convention to ensure that we do not have a presidential candidate.

“We invite Nigerians to take note of this. We invite the international communities to take serious note of the plots to thwart the efforts of the opposition to elect a candidate that will go into the February 2019 general elections against President Muhammadu Buhari

“We invite all Nigerians to take cautious note of this development. However, on our own part, we wish to inform Nigerians, particularly member of the PDP, that the national convention where our presidential candidate will be elected that has been scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt will go on as planned. No plot, no plan by detractors can stop our national convention,” he said.

Asked if the party had made necessary preparations for security, Ologbondiyan said that the necessary security operatives and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been served notices on the convention.

He also disclosed that the party would be holding a special meeting this morning, October 5.

U.S. Consul General F. John Bray’s Remarks 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship Reunion Conference

Welcome to the 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship Reunion Conference. I am exceptionally pleased to be here to open this event, and very happy to see all of you, recently returned from your six-week fellowship experience in the United States!You spent time at some of the best educational institutions our country has to offer, and I hope to hear about your experiences.

In 2014,President Barak Obama created the Mandela Washington Fellowship in an effort to engage entrepreneurial and energetic young African leaders, thus bringing Africa and the United States closer as we move forward together.

Since then, nearly 3,700 young Africans have traveled to the U.S. for an exchange designed toempower them and enhance the great work they are already doing. Among those who have participated in the program were 360 Nigerians. I am told, the course work, leadership training and networking opportunities you experienced were invaluable.

Now that have returned to Nigeria, you will enter the next phase of this exchange. The purpose for bringing you all together immediately after your fellowship experience is first and foremost to compare notes on your experiences and explore ways for all of you and the U.S. government to collaborate going forward.

Second, we hope to help you expand and increase the sustainable impact of the Mandela Washington Fellowship in your communities and nation-wide, forging new networks to magnify the positive changes that you are already making. We will do this through the grants and assistance that we provide Mandela Washington alumni each year. We also encourage you to reach out to the alumni of other U.S. exchange programs and to engage with the thousands of young people who have joined the YALI Network in Nigeria.

We have made a considerable investment in you and I am sure you will prove that it was a worthwhile investment in the future of your country and in the future of Africa.

Now, I would like to single out a few high-achievers sitting in your midst, Mandela Washington Fellows who have gone above and beyond to impact their communities and who have proven themselves outstanding partners for us in our work to support Nigeria.

2018 Mandela Washington Fellow Ugochi Obidiegwuis a true leader. She hasbeen an instrumental force in bringing a group of young professionals together to establish the Lagos hub of the YALI Face@Face group, a key partner for the U.S. Mission in our effort to reach young Nigerians and discuss important topics such as democracy, economic development, education and entrepreneurship. Thank you so much for your hard work Ugochi!

This year, 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow UchennaOnwuamaegbu-Ugwu mentored five school girls from Onitsha, helping them develop an app titled FD-Detector, which helps to identify fake pharmaceuticals. Noting the importance of their work, she entered the group as competitors in the junior category of the 2018 Technovation Challenge in the U.S. Last month the young girls won first prize. Outstanding work Uchenna!

SegunFatudimu, 2017 – 2018 President of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association, worked with other MWF officers of the alumni association to significantly increase the effectiveness of the organization he leads. Under his leadership, the MWF Alumni Association sponsored more frequent and more effective events focused on uplifting Nigerian youth. Theyhosted a Young Leaders Assembly, which inspired 500 young Nigerians to develop strategies for achievingNigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals, and they sponsored the Beyond School Challenge, which harnessed the entrepreneurial skills of secondary school students from across the Nigeria and helped them hone their efforts.Segun, you and your colleagues are an inspiration!

As Consul General, I have been interacting with MWF alumni for years, always impressed and captivated by your achievements. I will tell you that thesuccess stories from within your ranks emergewith amazing frequency and each new story provides me renewed inspiration. Thank you all!

I hope that over the next two days you will all benefit from the time you have together, working hard yet again to enhance your individual and collective efforts through collaboration. I know there is no limit to your potential. Keep up the work, and please have an excellent reunion – you deserve it.

Energy Institute Nigeria to host energy sustainability confab in Lagos

Energy policy makers, investors and industry leaders are gearing up for the inaugural edition of Energy sustainability conference 2018, billed to hold on October 11, in Lagos.

The participants will be discussing the theme, “Energy Dynamics; current issues and policy options”, and explore collaborations for a more resilient energy future.

According to the organizers, Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo will deliver the opening remarks, followed by Mr Osten Olorunshola, Chairman Energy Institute Nigeria who will deliver the keynote address.

Under the theme, “Energy Dynamics, current issues and policy options”, the conference will feature prolific experts who are leaders in government and public policy, industry leaders from the private sector policy makers, regulators, energy consultants and analysts, who will discuss and analyze critical issues on creating an energy sustainable future for Nigeria by promoting the exchange of knowledge, best practices, innovative ideas and past experiences between important stakeholders from across the energy spectrum.

The confab will also provide exclusive round-table networking opportunities chaired by leading organization with innovative projects and initiatives within the energy sector. As well as identifying synergies and forging partnerships in off-grid renewable energy.

Others speakers at the event include, Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo - Vice Chairman, World Energy Council, Mr Ademola Adeyemi-Bero - Managing Director/CEO First E&P, among others.

Aduah returns as FVPMAN chairman

Popular movie marketer and CEO Magnetic Lynks limited, has been re-elected for the second time as the chairman of the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria,FVPMAN, the umbrella body for all film marketers and executive producers in the country.

Aduah was re-elected alongside Chibuzor Emelu Simon and Chika Ogbaya Philip who emerged first and second vice-chairmen respectively.

While the positions of Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and Welfare went to Tony Iyke Okafor, Obinna George, George Onyekaonwu and Osita Eze Onyebuchi in that order. Other elected officers were : Uchenna Nsidinaya, Okwuchukwu Umeh, Ezenwa Chibuzoba Pascal and Akuegbonwu Morris Emeka who respectively clinched the posts of Financial Secretary, Chief Provost, and Assistant Provost. The new executives will pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Aduah thanked the members for the confidence they have reposed in him to continue to the pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years. He, however, promised not to let the association down, adding that he would use his good office to move the industry to the next level with the support of all stakeholders and practitioners. Particularly, he promised not to relent in his fight against piracy believed to be thriving at Alaba International Market.

According to the chairman of the electoral committee, Emelu Simon Chibuzo, the election held at Lakeview Hotel, Ojo, Lagos, was conducted in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Entertainers gather for Sound Sultan’s ‘Jungle Story’ musical

Award-winning musician, Lanre Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan has unveiled details of his star-studded Broadway-styled musical tagged Jungle Story.

The live stage show, which features many of Nigeria’s most prominent actors and muscians, also marks the 18th year of the singer, songwriter cum actor who became a public sensation after he made a debut with the popular song, Mathematics (Jagbajantis).

‘Jungle Story’ is scheduled to hold October 12 to 14th at Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island with the weekend events showing twice, 3pm and 6pm respectively. It is produced by his Naija Ninja productions in collaboration with creative talent agency, Temple Management Company.

Sound Sultan is pulling all stops by forcing legendary actor of the ‘Storyland’ fame, Jimi Sholanke out of ‘retirement’ to play his traditional role as Narrator’ in the drama-packed stage production. Also teaming up with the musician is his long-time collaborator, Segun Adefila and his drama troupe.

Other A-list celebrities on the line-up include Richard Mofe-Damijo, Wale Ojo, Ali Baba, Mr Ibu, Helen Paul, Kunle Afolayan, Reekado Banks, Seyi Shay, 2baba, Simi, Niniola, kate henshaw, Basketmouth, Harrysong, Gbenga Adeyinka, Emmanuella, Ramsey Nouah, Bovi, Lasisi Elenu, MC Lively, Broda Shaggi, Segun Adefila, Fals, Okey Bakassi, Olamide and Baba Dee among others.

On his inspiration for Jungle Story, Sound Sultan said, “art as they say is the imitation of life and that’s exactly what the Jungle Story is about. It’s still the same story of the poor getting poorer and rich getting richer. I am trying to use my music and art to influence the society in a very creative way that will hold the audience spell bound.

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”.