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Ex-Super Eagles star Tijani Babangida escapes death, loses brother in ghastly accident

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Super Eagles winger Tijjani Babangida today escaped death in a fatal car crash, which unfortunately claimed the life of younger brother Ibrahim, a former youth international.

Childhood friend and former international Abdul Sule confirmed the unfortunate incident.

The Babangida brothers along with the wife of Tijjani were travelling along the Kaduna-Zaria highway when the car they were in was involved in the accident.

Tijjani was the one driving and he ran into a parked trailer.

Ibrahim Babangida died on the spot, while ex-Ajax flying winger Tijjani, who is the president of the country’s players’ union, his wife and child were taken to hospital for treatment.

Ibrahim, who won the 1993 FIFA U17 World Cup alongside the likes of Nwankwo Kanu and Wilson Oruma, will be buried according to Muslim rites in Kaduna tomorrow.

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Entertainment

Gospel artiste, Bidemi Olaoba apologises to white garment churches over use of candles, perfumes for prayers

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A renowned gospel artiste, Bidemi Olaoba, has apologised to white garment churches following a video that sparked controversy on social media platforms.

Olaoba, in an interview with Pastor Lekan Adeboye during a TV live show tagged ‘Confession Box with PLA’, said he can never perform in a church where they use scents and burn incense.

According to him, the reason he will never accept to perform in any white garment church is because of the usage of candles, perfumes, and some other spiritual materials during prayers and services.

But in his apologies, Olaoba emphasised his belief in the universality of the gospel and expressed regret for any misunderstanding caused by his previous remarks.

Olaoba clarified that the church mentioned in the video was not a white garment church, despite misconceptions.

He urged viewers to watch the full video on YouTube to grasp the context accurately.

Olaba said, “Whilst I urge you to search, watch, and analyse the full video on YouTube, please allow me to urge you to disregard such insinuation. The body of Christ is one and indissoluble to which I am a proud member.

“I have been commissioned by the author and finisher of my faith to be an instrument of praise that will bring the saint and the sinners to the presence of God for salvation. One Love, God bless you.”

Highlighting his connections with the Celestial Church of Christ, Olaoba stressed his respect for the body of Christ and acknowledged his performance at the Lully Concert, a significant event organised by the CCC.

He said, “The church I was referring to when I was asked that question was not even a white garment church in the first place. And I didn’t mention white garments in the video. Please I like you to watch the full video to understand the full context. I was trying to avoid the name of that church and that was why I didn’t want to mention the name.

“That was why I qualified them with those things that I said in the video. So, I want to urge you to please go watch the full video on YouTube. So that you can understand it fully.

“I had ministered at the Lully Concert which happens to be a mega concert of CCC. I have a lot of friends that are from the church. Three of my band members are from the Celestial Church of Christ. So, I have nothing against CCC because I believe that the body of Christ is one as I said earlier.

“So, it’s not only Celestial Church that uses those things that I mentioned in the video. I did not even mention Celestial – that is the funny thing. So I don’t know why you know this narrative is going this way.”

Immediately after his interview went viral, stakeholders in the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide reacted and condemned his comment.

Also, some youths of the church asked members to unfollow the gospel musician on social media.

A Facebook page, CelestialFocus directed members to unfollow Olaoba.

The post on the page states, “If you belong to any white garments churches, please kindly unfollow Bidemi Olaoba.”

A commenter on the post identified as Itunuoluwa Olaotan, said, “Best decision. You have to choose between him and Celestial. For he has blasphemed and antagonised us.

“Only non-Celestials are against this opinion here. A real Celestial must unfollow him right now! Just to let him realise what he has done.”

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Sports

BREAKING: NFF Appoints Finidi George As Super Eagles Head Coach

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Committee to appoint Finidi George as Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

George, who spent 20 months as assistant to coach José Santos Peseiro before the Portuguese voluntarily left the post following the accomplishment of the Africa Cup of Nations runner-up position at Cote d’Ivoire 2023, took charge of the squad in an interim capacity during two friendly matches in Morocco last month.

His squad edged Ghana 2-1 in the first match, ending an 18-year winless streak against the Black Stars, but then lost 0-2 to Mali in the second game.

George, a member of the so-styled ‘Golden Generation’ that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Tunisia and emerged as the second most entertaining team in Nigeria’s debut at the FIFA World Cup finals in the USA the same year, won 62 caps for Nigeria, including featuring at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals. He also won gold, silver, and bronze medals from the 1992, 1994, 2000, and 2002 AFCON tournaments.

The 52-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Real Betis (Spain) forward, who made a scoring debut for the fatherland in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Burkina Faso at the National Stadium, Lagos on 27th July 1991, also featured for Calabar Rovers and Sharks FC in the domestic scene before heading to Europe.

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Entertainment

“Pack out of my house or change your birthday message” Portable threatens wife

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has threatened to send his wife, Bewaji Ewatomi, packing over a birthday message she posted.

The singer’s wife, also known as Mama Zeh, flooded her social media timeline with adorable pictures to celebrate the birthday on Friday.

However, the ‘self-made queen’ caption she added to the birthday post didn’t resonate with her husband, who swiftly responded.

The singer corrected his wife’s ‘self-made queen’ tag, stressing that he is the one behind her popularity.

“If them dey call you strong woman na me make you strong, I don’t understand why you call yourself queen of yourself, It Is Either You Change Your Caption or You Pack Out of My House,” he said.

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Entertainment

BREAKING: Elon Musk introduces charges for posts by new X users

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Elon Musk, the owner of microblogging platform, X, has disclosed plans to charge new users for posting on the platform.

Musk said charging new users is the most effective strategy to combat the proliferation of bots on the platform.

He made the remark in response to questions on the new X’s policy for newly created accounts,

Musk further disclosed that new users would be granted free posting privileges after a three-month period.

According to Musk: “Unfortunately, a small fee for new user write access is the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots.

“Current AI (and troll farms) can pass “are you a bot” with ease. The onslaught of fake accounts also uses up the available namespace, so many good handles are taken as a result.”

Musk had introduced a $1 per year charge for new users of the platform in New Zealand and the Philippines on October 17, 2023.

The charge was introduced to allow users from both countries have access to essential features such as tweeting, retweeting, liking posts, and replying to posts.

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Entertainment

Shock as 10 Nigerian Nollywood members died in 4 months

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian film industry suffered a string of losses in 2024, with not less than ten actors and actresses giving up the ghost between January 1 and April 10.

Leading Reporters gathered that Nollywood covers the different regional and languages in an industry, contributing to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Here are ten actors and actresses who died in the sector during the first four months of 2024.

Olofa Ina

Veteran actor Adedeji Aderemi, often known as Olofa Ina, died in January aged 73 after battling an illness. He was born on May 15, 1950.

In 1972, he formed a theatre group with his friends named “Olofa Ina Theatre Group”.

He started his major acting career in 1980, with his debut film being ‘Ejo Ngboro’ by Tunbosun Odunsi

Jimi Solanke

The veteran actor, poet, and playwright died on February 5 after a prolonged illness. He was 81.

He was often referred to as Uncle Jimi and was well-known for his roles in Kongi’s Harvest, Sango, Shadow Parties, Death and the King’s Horseman, Kurunmi, and The Divorce, among others.

Ethel Ekpe
Ethel Ekpe, a veteran Nollywood actress known for playing the role of ‘Segi’ on the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom, ‘Basi and Company’ died on February 7 after a long battle with cancer.

Sisi Quadri

The actor, whose real name is Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, died on March 1 at the age of 44 after an undisclosed illness.

He rose to fame in 2004 after his role in Seniyan Seranko and the 2020 film Ebundola.

He also starred in Kunle Afolayan’s Netwlfil original, Anikulapo: The Return of Sceptre, which was scheduled to be released on the day he died, March 1.

Mr Ibu

The death of actor John Okafor, popularly called Mr Ibu, occurred a few hours after Sisi Quadri died.

Mr Ibu died at the age of 62 on March 2 after a prolonged illness that led to a series of surgeries.

He was one of the famous faces in Nollywood and admired for his comic roles in films.

Andy Best
The Nollywood producer, Ikechukwu Nandi, also known as Andy Best, passed away on March 19.

He hailed hailed from Umunkwo, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State and was a famous producer and marketer with decades of experience in the industry.

He was the chief executive officer of Andy Best Production.

He produced several movies, including Lion of Africa, White Poison, and My Father’s Cup.

Amaechi Muonagor

Amaechi Muonagor, died on March 24 after suffering from kidney disease.

He was 61.

He was in the industry as an actor and producer for over three decades and was well known for his comic roles in Nollywood films.

Adejumoke Aderounmu
Aderounmu, famous for her role as ‘Esther’ in the popular sitcom Jenifa’s Diary, died on April 6. She started her acting career in 2008, appearing in various Nollywood sitcoms and films, including Jenifa’s Diary, Dazzling Mirage, Alakada 2, and Arugba.

Saratu Gidado
Gidado, often known as Saratu Daso, was a famous Kannywood actress who died on April 9.

She was 56. A successful and prominent figure in the Hausa film industry for over two decades, her death was shocking to many because days and even hours before her death she was active on social media.

Jnr Pope

Actor Junior Pope Odonwodo, mostly known as Jnr Pope, died Wednesday, April 10, after he was involved in a boat mishap on his way back from the location of a movie shoot.

He joined Nollywood in 2006 and rose to fame after starring in the hit movie Secret Adventures, directed by Tchidi Chikere.

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Entertainment

BREAKING: Bobrisky sentenced to 6 – month jail without option of fine

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Popular Instagram crossdresser, Idris Okuneye popularly know as Bobrisky has been sentenced to 6-month jail term by Justice A.O Awogboro of the Federal high court, Ikoyi.

LEADING REPORTERS earlier reported that Bobrisky was Arraigned and charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for abuse of the Naira note.

More to come…

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Entertainment

Junior Pope: Actors Guild Bans Riverine Shoots, Suspends Filmmaker Adanma Luke

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has banned the shooting of movies in riverine areas and also suspended filmmaker Adanma Luke following the death of actor Junior Pope Odonwodo.

Junior Pope was among the persons who drowned while returning from a shoot for a movie called “Another Side of Life” which was being produced by Adanma. Their boat capsized around Cable Point at the waterside of River Niger in Asaba, Delta State.

While there were initial claims that Junior Pope was revived, the AGN said the actor is dead, prompting its suspension of shoots involving riverine areas and boat rides.

“Following the tragic incident of boat mishap that claimed the life of Mr John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope and four other crew members at the waterside of River Niger Cable point Asaba on 10 April 2024 on a movie set titled ‘The other side of Life’ produced by Adanma Luke,” the AGN president Emeka Rollas said in a statement on Thursday.

“The leadership of the Guild has taken the following decisions: (1) All films that involve riverine areas and boat riding are at this moment suspended indefinitely, (2) no shoot on all locations Nationwide on Thursday, 11 April 2024.

“(3)The film titled ‘Another Side of Life’ is suspended indefinitely (4) No actor is allowed to work with Adamma Luke as a producer till further notice. (5) While we keep searching for the bodies of the remaining persons, may their souls rest in peace.”

The move is coming after the AGN president said the actor was alive after initially confirming Junior Pope’s death. But hours later, he deleted the post on his Instagram handle, posting another one where he said reconfirmed the actor’s death.

“It’s so so sad that our joy was shortlived. My first post was out of excitement when we noticed his tingling fingers. Two notable hospitals tried their best to revive him but to no avail. God knows the best,” he said.

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Entertainment

UPDATED: “Junior pope is alive, currently receiving treatment in the hospital” — Actors Guild of Nigeria President (VIDEO)

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Actors Guild of Nigeria President, Emeka Rollas Ejezie has revealed that Junior Pope is alive and currently receiving treatment after a boat mishap today.

Watch video below….

Details Later……..

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