9News Nigeria

A 37-year-old man from Harare in Zimbabwe who is fun of dating married women has found himself in distress as a mysterious skin disease takes hold of his whole body.

The man identified as Thomas Simani is calling for help from well wishers to bail him out.

The skin disease is characterized by a thick layer of sores that intermittently fall off, accompanied by dust scaling out from his body upon touch

The ailment which has already reached Simani’s head made his hair barely visible and his skin generating powder at any scratch.

Persons who are close to him report a pungent smell, making it unbearable to be near him.

This has led Simani to believe that it is more than a physical ailment as he attributes it to spiritual causes and associates his condition on his romantic entanglements with five married women.

He believes that the use of juju (traditional African magic) by one of these women’s husbands has resulted in his current predicament.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Wike’s name appears in APC’s Campaign Council list and also in PDP’s Campaign Council list for the forthcoming Bayelsa State elections.

Wike neither here nor there, see new photos of his appearance in PDP, APC

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

As he was crying shouting I’m dead oh I’m dead oh I ask him what happened the only thing I heard was “come oh please” he ended the call. I have to drive out that night at 1:30 am to his house on getting there I don’t have time to ask what happened.

I first of all put him in the car we move down to chibuzo hospital we took him to emergency ward.

It was later I asked his wife with 4 kids what happened she said she has been suspecting her husband for a long time.

so last night he came home from business and went to bathroom to bath so I took his phone to play game on the process here comes a message that says:

“thanks dear for the new phone it was really my dream phone for a long time. Good night and take care.”

So l droped the phone without asking my husband as he came out from bathroom.

It was late at midnight I slick to the kitchen and boiled hot oil and pour it on his back.

Now my friend is telling me that after he survive this he will file for divorce.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

An eyewitness account said the customer died after futile attempts to withdraw cash from the bank but the police have dismissed the account, saying the customer was at the bank to collect his Automated Teller Machine card.

A yet-to-be-identified bank customer has slumped and died after spending hours at a generation bank in Agbor, Delta State, South-South Nigeria.

9NEWSNIGERIA gathered that incident happened on Thursday in the Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

Confirming the incident to SaharaReporters, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state, DSP Bright Edafe, said the deceased was in the bank to collect his ATM card.”He was not trying to withdraw cash, he came to collect his ATM card,” he said.

Read Also: Naira paucity: Gone So Soon, As Pregnant Woman Dies After Husband Could Not Get Cash To Pay Hospital Bills

Nigerians have decried the painful experience they endure in commercial banks to withdraw cash following the redesign of N200, N500 and N1000 banknotes by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the attendant scarcity.

Many banks and ATMs have not been dispensing cash – either old or new notes.Some frustrated bank customers including Point of Sale operators have lamented how they visited different banks but could not make withdrawals at the counter or from ATMs.

Meanwhile, some banks have been rationing cash dispensed to customers with some paying a maximum of N1,500 per customer.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

PHOTOS: World-record nonuplets return home to Mali from Morocco

A Malian mother who gave birth to nine babies in Morocco last year returned home on Tuesday with her infants.

The babies broke the Guinness World Record for the most children delivered in a single birth to survive.

Ahead of the birth in May 2021, the mother Halima Cissé, now 27, was flown to Morocco for specialist care.Before returning they had been living with medical support in Casablanca.

Arriving back in the Malian capital, Bamako, in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the father Abdelkader Arby thanked the Malian government which he said had been helping the family financially.

“It’s a lot of work but Allah, who gave us this blessing, will help us in their upbringing and taking care of them,” he added.

Credit: NDTV

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Ace music executive Don Jazzy has hinted on his plan regarding love.

Jazzy in a TikTok video said he was still open to finding love.

He said he’d continue to search for it till the end of the year.

He shared an hilarious TikTok video that sees his image sailing in a boat with sweat dripping down his face like one who’s exhausted from his mission.

The video which and Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” playing in the background also held the words, “Still searching for love before the end of 2022.

While it’s caption read: “Na only God know where this canoe dey carry us to o.”

9News Nigeria

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has dealt a deadly blow at his Anambra State counterpart, Governor Chukwuma Soludo in a statement indirectly telling him to mind his business.

Governor Wike invited Peter Obi to commission the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Flyover in Rivers State as a way to extend a hand of friendship and support for the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour party.

In his welcome speech, Wike commended Peter Obi over his performance while serving as governor of Anambra state and told him not to worry about those who try to give him a bad name out of envy.

Wike said “You have worked very well in Anambra. But some people because of the level you are now, they are envying you, don’t worry, that is how it is.”

In statements ostensibly directed to Governor Soludo regarding his recent verbal attacks on Peter Obi’s presidential candidacy, Wike said: “I have always told people when you’re given an opportunity to serve, use it and showcase what you can do. Stop criticizing somebody who has already left. You have been given the opportunity now, show it. I’m a professor, professor well. I’m a doctor, doctor well, I’m a lawyer, lawyer well. I’m a mechanic. mechanic well.”

“I invited you here because I know you worked in Anambra.”

“They envy you in your state because of where you are now. Don’t mind them.
A man’s enemy are his own people. Now they have the opportunity to perform, let them perform.
If you are a professor, professor well. If you are a doctor, doctor well. “

” Any day you want to launch your campaign in the state, let me know. We will give you all the logistic supports you need.”

“They say they will sack me from the party. Let them sack me na. If they sack me, Peter Obi will see me every day.”

9News Nigeria

#9NEWSNIGERIA

9News Nigeria

DSS have arrested Joseph Onuorah (the Lagos coordinator for Obi rally) upon his arrival in Lagos.

He is said to be returning from France for the Obi Rally In Lagos when he was apprehended.

9news Nigeria

9News Nigeria

From Princely Onyenwe

Nigerians will be happy to witness the commencement of operations at the Lekki Deep Seaport as its operation kickstarts on Friday.

With this rapid development, the maritime infrastructure will deliver on the promised economic benefits of the first deep seaport in Nigeria.

Lekki Deep Seaport begins operations Friday, 16 September 2022, to kickstart the dry-run phase while full-scale operations start year ending, 9News Nigeria reports.

Landlocked countries such as Mali, Chad, Niger Republic have shown interest in hurling their cargoes through Nigeria ports.

China Harbour Engineering LFZ Enterprise and the project manager, Louis Berger WSP have put into ensuring that the twin objectives to complete construction and start port operations by the end of the year is realized.

Recall that on the 5-09-2022 Lekki Port again received the second batch of shipments few weeks the first shipment was delivered.

The 2nd shipment comprised of two ship-to-shore cranes with 115 packages of accessories, and five Rubber-Tyre-Gantry cranes with 270 packages of accessories from Shanghai, China on the Zhen Hua 35 vessel.

The Management of Lekki Port held a technical meeting few weeks ago to facilitate this gesture and those present are:

The Minister of Transport, Alh. Muazu Jaji Sambo, alongside Managing Director, Mohammed Bello Koko, Director-General NIMASA Bashir Jamoh and Executive Secretary Nigerian Shippers Council, Emmanuel Jime.

9News Nigeria (Owerri) For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

From Princely Onyenwe

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State, commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma for his efforts in developing the state, saying, “You have written your own history,’’ after he saw the ultra-modern chamber of the rebuilt House of Assembly.

President said his administration will leave a legacy of major development projects across the country, while saluting Imo State Governor for giving more attention to constructions and institutional reforms that will improve lives of the people.

President Buhari, who commissioned the Owerri/Orlu dual carriage, Owerri/Okigwe road and the renovated House of Assembly Complex, noted that the Imo State government had made remarkable progress with infrastructure in three years.

“I am delighted to be back in Imo State – the Eastern Heartland – to commission a number of projects executed by the administration of His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodinma.

“I am happy to note that within just three years of the administration of Governor Uzodimma, I have made two official visits to Imo State to commission projects in the state.

“On each occasion, I have received a very warm hospitality of Imo people, for which I am always appreciative. Ndi Imo, Ndewo!

“As it is often said in local Igbo parlance, a good road deserves a second passage. It is a pleasant coincidence that the name of your governor, “Uzodinma” is derived from this same idiom. Little wonder, therefore, that he has made the provision of good roads one of his top priorities,” he said.

The President said his administration recognizes the importance of critical infrastructure in economic development and was determined to drive the economic development of Nigeria through the provision of vital infrastructure across the length and breadth of the country.

“This can be seen in our commitment to certain critical projects such as Deep Sea Ports, new airport terminals and buildings, various railway projects, a network of gas and power infrastructure, roads and bridges including the Second Niger Bridge, telecommunications infrastructure to mention but a few.

“I am therefore happy to see that the APC administration of Governor Uzodinma is doing similar improvement here in Imo State.

“I commend the Governor for being able to do so with the limited resources at the disposal of the State Government. This proves that when leaders are dedicated and focused, much can be achieved for our people, “ he added.

The President said the Federal Government will continue to support the government of Imo State to ensure that it continues to provide the dividends of democracy to the people.

“This support is equally available to all the states of the Federation irrespective of the differences in political party affiliations,’” he assured.

The President encouraged Imo State indigenes to keep supporting the Governor to actualize his dream for the state, particularly on good governance.

“In my last visit here, I encouraged you all to support your Governor so that he can do more for the people of Imo state. I am happy that you took my advice and today, he has presented to me three key projects for commissioning.

“I have just commissioned the dualized Owerri – Orlu road, the Owerri Okigwe road (Phase 1) and the rebuilt House of Assembly Complex.

“I am told that these two major roads, which I commissioned, cut through several local government areas of the state. The roads will therefore serve as major stimulants to the local economy of these parts of the state,” the President stated.

President Buhari noted that previous administrations in the state were unable to fix the roads because of their unique and difficult terrains, which were complicated by erosion.

According to him, “it took the sheer determination and courage of the current government to fix these roads. So, I say “Bravo” to the Governor of Imo State, whose name I was informed means “good road”.

“I was also informed that the House of Assembly Complex which I have just commissioned was dilapidated and abandoned for over 10 years before the intervention of the present administration.

“This is equally commendable, because of the importance of the legislative arm of government in the sustenance of democracy. I, therefore, applaud the governor for according due respect to this arm of government which is at the heart of our democracy, “ he said.

President Buhari extoled the Government of Imo state for “the road revolution”, describing it as “infrastructure revolution”.

In his remarks, the Imo State Governor noted that the Owerri/Orlu dual carriage and Owerri/Okigwe road had significant economic value to the state and other neighboring states.

“Each of the projects has a remarkable history. Behind the dualized road has been a nightmare for decades,’’ he said, adding that erosion made the construction more difficult.

Gov. Uzodimma said: “To the glory of God we have found the courage, dedication and means to fix the road. The seemingly intractable challenges have been addressed.’’

The Imo State Governor noted that the renovation of the House of Assembly had made it more befitting for the lawmakers, after it was abandoned for many years.

The Governor thanked President for his interventions to ensure development in the South East, with historic projects, like second Niger Bridge, which would gulp the highest single investment in the zone of more than N360 billion, approval for upgrading of the Federal Medical Centre to a teaching hospital and establishment of a naval base in Oguta, Imo State.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 13, 2022

9News Nigeria (Owerri) For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

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9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Another video of 10 Year-Old Chrisland ‘Cowgirl’ Also performing ‘Reverse Osmosis’ position with her schoolmate is currently trending online.

9news Nigeria recalls that Chrisland School, Lagos, has broken its silence on the sex scandal that forced Lagos government to shut all its branches in the state.

In a viral video, a 10-year-old female pupil of the school was seen being involved in sexual act with some male pupils.

The incident, which sparked outrage on social media, was said to have occurred during a trip to Dubai for the World School Games that held between March 8 and March 14, 2022.

Daily Trust had earlier contacted the school over the incident, but a representative, who spoke said a statement would be issued.

In the statement, which Akin Fadeyi, a member of the School’s Advisory Board issued on behalf of the management, the school confirmed that a total of 76 students were taken to Dubai.

Of the 76 children who represented Chrisland, Fadeyi disclosed that 71 “ensured an untainted adherence to the standards, abiding with laid down regulations and code of conduct”.

“Within these 71, we kept our girls on the 11th floor and Boys on the 4th floor to draw clear lines that respect moral boundaries.”

“While we understand the emotions this has generated, we assure the public that our first approach as an institution was to assume parental roles by offering support to those involved and ensuring that nothing affected their senses of esteem. However, after a comprehensive evaluation of the situation, we cannot help but express how scandalised and distressed we feel as mothers, fathers and instructors with a relationship that holds a direct bearing on the development of those involved.

“We were, however, compelled to engage with the parents of the remaining students who unfortunately got themselves involved in misconduct, and in accordance with our code of conduct processes, which are well known to the parents, we meted out measured reprimands to them to instill a sense of discipline and as deterrence to others. This was also to caution our students on the need to remain on the path of resisting wrong influences.

“The disciplinary action was in order not to undermine our cohesive culture as a community of future leaders and committed instructors, but to be assertive in handing down the sort of discipline that seeks to correct and reform our children, when they stray from the path of rectitude.

“While we hasten to affirm that as an institution that is managing children from diverse backgrounds, we cannot lay claim to, or embark on any sense of self-righteousness in our approach, but we learn and evolve within the frames of best practices every single day. We recognise that there will always be space for improvement, we are therefore irrevocably committed to re-evaluating our processes to reinforce child protection protocols, even as we shall leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the senses of esteem of the children involved are uncompromisingly preserved.”

Fadeyi also denied that a pregnancy test was conducted on the minor involved in the act as claimed by the mother, explaining that it was a COVID post travel test.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Chrisland school girl who was caught in a s*x scandal has an online page where she posts dance and erotic videos.

The child who posts her self-recorded videos on an app called ‘Likee’, titled her page “madness and cringe”.

Her handle called “bhadgurl4k (bad girl f#ck) already has over 24,000 likes. She has posted over 526 videos with 4,134 followers as at Easter Monday.

Investigation revealed that the videos were recorded in her home. She tries to show off dance moves with erotic mannerisms.

Another source revealed, she might be 10 years as claimed but she behaves like an adult of 37- year-old as she alleged might have been going to night clubs without her mother’s knowledge.

She has been a p@rn star long before now.

This is purely a case of parental failure

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A woman called the police on her biological father after finding out that he created fake social media accounts and has been paying to view her naked photos and videos.

21-year-old Karla Ramirez said her father had been buying her OnlyFans content through two accounts for more than a year.

She said she found out her father was the person behind the accounts while having a phone call sex with the anonymous customer only to hear her mother’s voice in the background during the call.

In a series of TikTok videos explaining the situation, Karla said that the man, who she later figured out is her father, forgot to mute his microphone while on a paid sexual phone call with her.

She wrote on TikTok: “When my dad yes, my DAD has been buying my OF through not one but two accounts, and was a personal client of mine on both accounts for over a year, and the only way I found out is because he called me to ‘play with myself for $150 and I could hear my mum in the back ground talking on the phone.”

In a series of follow-up videos, Karla explained that she’d moved out of her parents’ house when she was just 16 years old, and hadn’t talked to her father in the years since.

Disgusted by finding out that he’d been following her adult content online, she acknowledged she’d suspected something funny about that particular follower for a while.

She said in one video: “I should have just known. I should have just known from the get-go that something was off.”

She went on, explaining that she called the police about the horrific situation, and then rushed to her parents’ house to confront her father.

At her parents’ house, she began to yell at her dad while he allegedly tried to prove his innocence by denying that he had the accounts linked on his phone.

Karla said she never specifically revealed why she was there to her father so “it was just so obvious” as to why he was apologizing preemptively.

She recalled: “I go inside and I started beating him. I’m your daughter you sick f**k and my mom was yelling at me to stop. … He just knew why I was there. It was just so obvious. He already knew why I was there and he was just trying to cover his ass.”

Karla went on to explain that she believes her dad has allegedly been catfishing her ever since she was in middle school by using fake Facebook and Snpachat accounts.

She also alleged that her father sexually assaulted her and put her in a position to be molested when she was a very young girl.

She also revealed in the clip that her father allegedly sent her money to rate his d*ck pictured via Snapchat.

Her story has gone viral on TikTok and it’s being widely shared on other platforms too.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

EFCC Arrests Son, Mother, Others for Internet Fraud in Kaduna
The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested the quartet of Lucky Ebhogie, Richman Kas Godwin, Israel Justin and Precious Iwuji for internet-related fraud.

They were arrested on August 5, 2021 in the Sabo area of Kaduna, Kaduna State following intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud activities.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are mostly involved in impersonation and romance scam; faking the identities of US military personnel on foreign missions to deceive their victims.
One of the suspects, Lucky Ebhogie allegedly recruited his mother into the scam by using her account to launder suspected proceeds of crime. On July, 30, 2021, he purchased a Mercedes Benz GLK car for N7 million through the mother’s bank account.

Another suspect, Precious Iwuji was discovered to have sold her photographs and Facebook account to internet fraudsters, which they used to ensnare their victims.

The suspects will soon be charged to court.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

ABUJA (9News Nigeria) – The Nigerian president has presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State House, FCT Abuja today, 24th March 2021.

In attendance at the meeting were the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and other executive ministers.

9News Nigeria has not been able to ascertain full information regarding the issues discussed in the meeting, but according to an insider, security issues and updates on ministerial projects were part of meetings agenda.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday 23rd March 2021, the president had a special consultation meeting with the Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff in State House, FCT Abuja.

Photos below:

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Onitsha Ado in Anambra state has launched a new vigilante security outfit, 9News Nigeria learnt.

Here are photos made available to 9News Nigeria.

Details later ..

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Ghana’s longest-serving leader, former President Jerry John Rawlings, will be buried on Wednesday.

His body has been lying in state since Monday and hundreds of people have taken the opportunity to pay their last respects.

The funeral rituals are taking place with strict enforcement of coronavirus restrictions.

Rawlings died on 12 November at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in the capital, Accra, after a short illness. He was 73 years old.

He was credited with maintaining Ghana’s stability.

Rawlings led a military regime for more than a decade before returning the country to multiparty democracy in 1992.

He also contributed to peace efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone during the civil wars in the 1990s and most recently was an African Union envoy to Somalia.

He will be remembered as a disciplinarian but also as a leader who cared about the poor.

Source: BBC, VOA, DW

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

[post-views]

Background to my story.

Buhari is the most hated Politician in Southeast and the highest Infrastructural builder and Developer in Southeast

Goodluck Jonathan is the Most Loved Politician in Southeast but the worst President who couldn’t commission even one Borehole in Southeast

This life no Balance.

This is the prevailing situation in the South East before the three wise with Lion heart erupted & took the bull by the horn.

First among the wise men with Lion heart is Orji Uzor Kalu, popularly known & referred to as OUK. He was a the governor of Abia State for eight years & an early entrant to the APC from South East. He was formerly of People’s Democratic Party(PDP) & later later Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA). He caught the vision of a resurgent Nigeria.

The second musketeer is Chief Hope Uzodinma, Onwa Onuma, executive governor of Imo State. He is another Lion hearted man from the East. He as others used to belong to PDP, “he had a Damascus road experience like the biblical Saul, who became Paul.

And comes the man of the moment, Chief Engr Dave Umahi, governor of Ebonyi State. Like Orji Uzor Kalu he has not been a PDP man throughout his political career. He was a deputy governor to Martin Elechi for eight years & succeeded Elechi as governor. According to Femi Adesina, Presidential spokesman, Umahi had always loved & respected President Muhammadu Buhari, and never hid it, though they were of different political parties. His movement to APC is done & dusted after several years of speculation & only a man with Lion Heart can do it.

According to Femi Adesina “What Umahi exhibited last month in crossing from PDP to APC can best be described as the heart of a lion. We know how the region he hails from has long been overtaken by the PDP, and with little to show for it. Their roads were dilapidated, bridges rickety, and in fact, the second bridge over the River Niger was built by mouth for the 16 years PDP held sway. Now, President Buhari is building the bridge, and is poised to complete it in 2022. Holy Moses!

Why did the South East hold tenaciously to PDP, despite being given the shorter end of the stick? Nobody knows. Till people like Orji Uzor Kalu, Hope Uzodimma, and now, Dave Umahi, began to ask questions, and followed it with pragmatic action.

Umahi has displayed a courage of conviction. He said the South East has been let down by the PDP in the last 21 years, so it was time to switch camp. It takes the heart of a lion to change course in such setting. Some people said it was because he wanted to run for President in 2023. And why not? The party has not come out with its zoning formula, but in a democracy, anyone can aspire for any position, as long as he can muster the needed support and momentum for victory.

I’ve always said it. The South East must play better politics to get the ultimate office in the country. Sleeping and facing the same direction may not be the best option. The Orji Kalus, Hope Uzodimmas, Chris Ngiges, Dave Umahis, Dr Ogbonia Onu and many others, are now shining the light, so that their people can find the way.
And so let it be.”

The big masquerades mentioned above are the musketeers, men of means & valor & men of timber & calibre who are working tenaciously to take Ndigbo to the centre of attraction.

Compiled by Mr Oliver Okeke.
A business man, political commentator & public opinion analyst.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Meghan Markle has suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle has opened up, narrating her sadness and that of her dear husband, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry after suffering a heartbreaking miscarriage earlier this year.

Meghan said the miscarriage occurred during an ordinary morning in July, while she was changing her son Archie’s nappy. She said that she and Prince Harry went to the hospital, where they both broke into tears. The Duchess opened up about her “unbelievable grief” in an emotional opinion briefing published in New York Times.

She wrote in The New York Times publication: “After changing his diaper, I felt a sharp cramp.

“I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was not right.

“I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second.” 

The Duchess of Sussex recalled the pain she and Prince Harry experienced in the immediate aftermath of the miscarriage.  

“I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears.

“Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we’d heal.” 

Meghan said miscarriages are far from uncommon experience, and described the loss of a child as an “almost unbelievable grief.”

She wrote: “Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief, experienced by many but talked about by few.” 

“In the pain of our loss, my husband and I discovered that in a room of 100 women, 10 to 20 of them will have suffered from miscarriage.”

READ ALSO: Royal Wedding : Meghan Markle Says ‘I Do’, Shares First Kiss With Her Husband, Prince Harry, As She Officially Becomes British Royalty(Photos)

“Yet despite the staggering commonality of this pain, the conversation remains taboo, riddled with (unwarranted) shame, and perpetuating a cycle of solitary mourning. 

“Some have bravely shared their stories; they have opened the door, knowing that when one person speaks truth, it gives license for all of us to do the same.” 

She continued: “We have learned that when people ask how any of us are doing, and when they really listen to the answer, with an open heart and mind, the load of grief often becomes lighter — for all of us. 

While Sharing this traumatic experience, Meghan added, “it can be helpful to begin the healing process.” 

“In being invited to share our pain, together we take the first steps toward healing.”  

Meghan and Prince Harry have been living with their son Archie Harrison in Montecito, California after they decided to relinquish royal duties.

The family-of-three moved to the Duchess’ homeland in late March, a few days before officially stepping down as senior royals.  

The Duchess, in the article on New York times, also reflected on how 2020 has been a difficult year for the whole world, filled with unexpected events such as coronavirus, the death of George Floyd and the subsequent lockdowns and Black Lives Matter protests. 

READ ALSO: Meghan Markle Accidentally Revealed One of Her Nicknames for Prince Harry…and It’s Very ‘Gossip Girl’

She also recalled her interview with Tom Bradby during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s tour to Africa in September last year, during which the journalist asked her if she was OK. 

The Duchess believes checking on one another may be the key to be able to heal after a difficult year and get together despite the limits imposed by the coronavirus pandemic. 

READ ALSO: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Expecting A Baby

She said: “So this Thanksgiving, as we plan for a holiday unlike any before — many of us separated from our loved ones, alone, sick, scared, divided and perhaps struggling to find something, anything, to be grateful for — let us commit to asking others, ‘Are you OK?’

“As much as we may disagree, as physically distanced as we may be, the truth is that we are more connected than ever because of all we have individually and collectively endured this year.”

Meghan has been praised by many social media users for finding the courage to speak about such a deeply personal tragedy. 

READ ALSO: Meghan Markle shares new photo with week-old son Archie

One Twitter user with the nickname ‘book worm3’ said: “What a powerful article. Heartbreaking but still so hopeful and helpful to all who have suffered / suffering a similar experience.

“I feel desperately sad for what Meghan and Harry have experienced, but I know that it would have made them even stronger as a couple & family.” 

Another social media user, Qondi also said: “Meghan sharing this deeply personal story is one that resonates with so many women.

“There’s a particular pain in losing a pregnancy while caring for other children. Reading this is cathartic.”  

And a third Twitter user said: “Those words by Meghan did really touch me. All my love to Meghan and Harry, sad they have to share this painful information with us. I hope this will help others.”

Prince Harry’s uncle, Charles Spencer, publicly offered his sympathy to his nephew and his wife during an appearance on the ITV show Lorraine.

He told the host: “I can’t imagine the agony for any couple of losing a child in this way.

“It’s so very, very sad. And of course, I totally agree with you, all thoughts with them today.”

Source:

Compiled and edited by Obinna Ejianya @obinna_ejianya

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Executive Governor of Adamawa State, HE Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri inaugurate members of the Judicial panel of inquiry.

Fintiri on Thursday inaugurated and charges Members of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate the alleged brutal activities of the Anti-Robbery Squad SARS in Adamawa State.

The Governor said the recent alleged Police brutality by protesters across the Nation has necessited and warrant the inauguration of the judicial panel which have become mandatory as to enable the

Adamawa State government address the alledge issues of Police brutality on the good citizens of State. He task the members of the inquiry to be fast with the process even as he insist on Justice and fairness in the process.

“I understand the grievances of the youths and I promise with the inauguration of the judicial panel of inquiry today, Justice shall prevail.

“My appeal to the youths is to resist the temptation of destroying properties why they peacefully protest, he added”.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A Mother and her three kids were killed in a horror crash on the A40 near Oxford which also left her husband and toddler fighting for life in hospital.

Mummy blogger Zoe Powell, 29, died alongside her two daughters, Phoebe, eight, and Amelia, four, and their six-year-old brother Simeon.

Husband Josh, 30, and their 18-month-old baby girl survived the smash and are described as being in a “critical but stable” condition at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital.

Eyewitnesses described a “scene from hell” after coming across the accident on the A40.

The family’s silver Subaru collided with the HGV close to a railway bridge to the west of the city at 9.50pm on Monday.

Flowers were laid outside St Andrew’s Church in Chinnor by locals and friends of the family yesterday to commiserate with them.

Chinnor Parish Council posted on Facebook: “We are all so saddened and shocked to hear about the tragic accident.

“The community church have created a space for flowers to be laid for the family.”

One parishioner said: “At the moment it’s just so raw. The community are very upset.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Today, 7th of October 2020, the Honourable Councillor representing ward 12 Igwruita Ikwerre Local government area of Rivers state, Hon. Churchill Wali bagged 9News Nigeria “Good Governance Award” in acknowledgement of his remarkable performance both in infrastructural developments, human empowerment as well as humanitarian services that affected lives of people of his ward.

Honourable Churchil received the award during the event that culminated a 2-week long Free Skill Acquisition Program which he organised for the empowerment of the people of his ward in commemoration of his 40th birthday celebration.

Youths of the local government immensely benefited from the Free Skill Acquisition Programme that allowed them to learn skills such as shoe making, soap making, hair salon and barbing, bead crafts, catering services etc.

The beneficiaries expressed their joy of having the opportunity to acquire such skills that most of them have longed for, but having no funding to acquire the training.

Hon. Churchill Wali also received an Award of Excellence from the Nigerian National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Rivers state chapter.

By Atseyinku Emmanuel – 9News Nigeria South South Correspondent, Port Harcourt.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Here are the photos of of the Peace Accord Agreement signing by Edo state governorship candidates of APC and PDP parties.

Recall that 9News Nigeria has reported that, with the Edo State governorship election barely four days away, candidates of political parties today signed a Peace Accord.

The deal which was organised by the National Peace Committee was held in Benin City, the state capital.

In attendance were the Chairman, National Peace Committee and former Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar, member of the committee and Catholic Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah among others.

Also, members of the political, traditional, and religious circles were there to witness the signing, to pave way for the smooth conduct of the exercise.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the Executive and Legislative Party Consultative Committee at the Council Chambers in the Statehouse, Abuja on Monday, 31st August 2020.

The Committee is chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
31-08-2020

Photos are shown below:

9news Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has inaugurated the Ondo State Security Network Agency, code-named Operation Amotekun.

The inauguration was done at Gani Fawehimi Arcade in Akure, the state capital on Tuesday.

This development is coming months after the bill setting up the security outfit was passed into law by the state House of Assembly and signed into law by the governor.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Akeredolu said the community policing became necessary to curb all forms of insecurity in the state.

Six southwest governors, on January 9, launched a security outfit, code-named “Operation Amotekun” to defend the region against rising insecurity marked by indiscriminate killings, kidnappings, banditry and destruction of farmlands.

After its launch, the initiative triggered a controversy across the country as the Nigerian government through Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation, described the initiative as illegal.

The governors later met Mr Malami and the parties agreed to give legal backing to the initiative but said it won’t be a regional outfit as earlier conceived, but state-based.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Earlier today, August 1,2020, The Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and Leader of Akwa Ibom State National Assembly Caucus, Senator (Obong) Bassey Albert joined other faithfuls of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the inauguration of the Permanent Secretariat of the party in Atan Offot, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

In a party activity update released via a tweet on PDP’s official twitter account @OfficialPDPNig it was stated that: #PDPAkwaIbom The National Chairman of the @OfficialPDPNig, @UcheSecondus, is currently in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for the inauguration of the party secretariat in the state. Also on the trip are, the NPS, @officialKolaO, the NO

According to reported made available to 9News Nigeria via one of the parties leaders @SenOBA who was present at the inaugration, the event was attended by the State Governor,Mr Udom Emmanuel, National Chairman of the PDP,Prince Uche Secondus,State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Udo Ekpenyong, National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Barr.Emmanuel Enoidem and many others.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A US police officer has been shot and killed in protests as a state governor admits authorities are struggling to contain the violence.

A Federal Protective Services officer has been killed in protests after two officers suffered gunshot wounds in California.

Two Federal Protective Service officers were shot during a protest in Oakland in California on Friday night, police told CNN. One of the officers died from his injuries.

Protests raged for a fourth night across the US, sparked by the death of African-American man George Floyd, who was allegedly killed by white police officer Derek Chauvin. State and federal authorities are investigating Mr Floyd’s death, and Chauvin has been charged with third degree murder and manslaughter.

“Two Federal Protective Services officers stationed at the Oakland Down Town Federal Building suffered gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, one succumbed to his injury,” the police department said in a statement.

The Federal Protective Service is controlled by the US Department of Homeland Security and secures government buildings. The report said arrests had occurred in Oakland but didn’t provide specific details.

The Governor of Minnesota has described the deteriorating situation in Minneapolis as “life threatening” and “incredibly dangerous” saying law enforcement are struggling to deal with the situation on the ground.

State Governor Tim Walz called the situation in the Minnesota city “dangerous” and “dynamic” as protesters continued to burn buildings and clash with police.

The government has called in 1700 members of the army as they try and regain control of the city, after days of rioting, looting, fires, violence and unrest.

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Mr Walz said officers were focused on holding their ground and weren’t in a strong enough position to move to making arrests.

“The situation is incredibly dangerous. The situation is fluid, it is dynamic,” he said on Saturday.

“I understand the rage, I understand it. We’ve talked about it. We understand what has to happen.

“But the absolute chaos — this is not grieving, this is not making a statement — that we fully acknowledge needs to be fixed.

“This is life threatening, dangerous to the most well-qualified forces that are out there,” he said.

Minneapolis police said shots had been fired at law enforcement officers during the protests but no one was injured.

Shortly before midnight, scores of officers on foot and in vehicles moved in to curb the violence, one day after city and state leaders faced blowback for their handling of the crisis. On Thursday, protesters burned a police station after it was abandoned by police and went on to burn and vandalise dozens of businesses.

The Governor vowed to take a more hard line approach on rioters, but acknowledged on Saturday morning the protesters had outnumbered his officers.

“We do not have the numbers,” Mr Walz said. “We cannot arrest people when we are trying to hold ground.”

Mr Walz said he was moving quickly to mobilise more than 1000 more members of the National Guard, for a total of 1700, and was considering the potential offer of federal military police. But he warned that even that might not be enough, saying he expected another difficult night Saturday.

The city’s Mayor Jacob Frey has pleaded with protesters to “stop” the destructive protests, saying on Friday “we can be so much better than this”.

The Pentagon on Saturday ordered the Army to put military police units on alert to head to the city on short notice at President Donald Trump’s request, according to three people with direct knowledge of the orders who did not want their names used because they were not authorised to discuss the preparations.

The rare step came as the violence spread to at least 19 other cities and a man was shot dead in Detroit.

—with AP/ News Australia

9News Nigeria

She wrote:

“21 Years Ago, a 15 year old seeking to find her path was brutally raped by her employer, all she had to show was a twin birthed 9 months after.

Hid behind the childhood abuse, layers and layers of Rejection, often criticized, broken, bruised, she refused to be a statistic and became the standard to many more young men and women who would be battered, abused…. TODAY…. the evening and the morning and it’s the 21st Birthday of my sons. Everything has changed since the blood.
Happy Birthday KanKan and Dada.

IF I were allowed a choice of my battles, I would have chosen simpler conflicts but no, this life chose me and I will live it fully.

I have made a lot of mistakes but each time I look at both of you, I knew I did the right thing to keep you even when I didn’t know just how.

To every single teenage mom, to every young person who has been themed a mistake and misfit… here I stand your validation that “No one and nothing has the power to define who you become but you!”

Choose what you will and desire to be.. well.

To thousands of young men and women around Africa and the world who would be raped, battered, abused and denied a fair hearing just because they see us as kids. You are not voiceless, you won’t forever be hushed. They will hear us.

You are bruised and beautiful.

When you think of the Rapist Declare:

I forgive you
I let you go
You inspire me
To stand up against RAPE
To speak up and tell my story
I will do better
I am proud of me
Thank you

unforgiveness is too heavy to carry around with me. I cannot carry you and grow.

Now Breathe!!

9News Nigeria

Cynthia Morgan earlier today disclosed how she went into depression bcos of the issues she had with the CEO of her former record label Jude Okoye Northside Records.

It has been the talk of the day on Twitter as everyone have gone sympathetic for her.
Touched by her ordeal her fans have set up a GoFundMe account with the hashtag #BringBackCynthiaMorgan.

Davido have 2 hours ago reached out to Cynthia Morgan via Twitter.

He wrote: “Cynthia Morgan call me” and in another post he wrote “Tell Cynthia Morgan I got an anthem for her. I’ll record my verse now”

9News Nigeria

Timaya’s first daughter is 8years today and her mother Barbara posted stylish photos of her on Instagram to celebrate her

She wrote:

 “YIPEEEE!!It’s my first fruit’s birthday.God bless you my sunshine as you turn 8 today. May God’s love and blessing be yours today,now and forever. Mummy loves you silly.”

While Timaya posted a photo of Emma and wrote:

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY my special one. I LOVE U EMMA.”

9News Nigeria

Nollywood actress, Emilia Dike, has died. The actress reportedly slumped and died in Enugu state on Wednesday May 20. Movie Director, Okechukwu Oku, announced her passing on his Instagram page.”Why is death taking the best people???? I’m confused oooo. Just filmed with Mama here on my 2 last projects, excited to release it and this horrible news today. A woman with a heart of gold, Aah noooo. Will miss you Mrs Dike. Nollywood has lost a gem in you. This is messed up” he wrote

Actors, Uche Ogbodo, Anita Joseph, Belinda Effah, Ken Erics and others have expressed shock at the news of her passing.  

Emilia Dike featured in Nollywood movies such as Ignorant couples, Dust of yesterday, Kings Guard, Where Money Never Sleep 1 and 2, and many more.

9News Nigeria

Justice Jane Inyang of the Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has sentenced Yinusa Dalhiru to 26 years imprisonment for abducting then 14-year-old teenage girl, Ese Oruru, from her home in Bayelsa state to Kano state where he got married to her and impregnated her.

Ese made news in 2015 after the story of her abduction by Yinusa was widely reported. Yinusa had met the 14 -year-old Ese at her mother’s shop where he and his peers go to buy food. He abducted and took her to Kano on August 12th, 2015 where he forcefully married her and had her name changed to Aisha after she was converted to a Muslim.

After months of outcry from her parents and Human rights activists, she was returned to Bayelsa in March 2016, pregnant with a child. She was delivered of her baby girl on May 26th, 2016. Ese in an interview said she did not know how she followed him to Kano. Yinusa was arrested and arraigned in court on charges bordering on child trafficking, child abuse, rape, kidnap, infringement of right of religion, and holding a person against their will. After four years of litigation, Justice Inyang on Thursday morning May 21, convicted him and sentenced him to 26 years in prison.

9News Nigeria

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) , have arrested 30years old James Kifo Muriuki who alleged dehumanised his wife, Charity Wairimu on May 16, 2020.

Reports revealed that the suspect ordered his wife to strip naked and confess to him all the men she had slept with while he was away in Nairobi.

He then added pepper, salt and onion in his wife’s private part using a sharp knife, when she hesitated, before applying superglue mixed with sand to seal it off. Then he lured her in the dead of the night to River Kathita.

According to Citizen Digital, the suspect committed the act while their 3 year old son was watching and it was the voice of the boy when screaming that alerted the neighbors who came and rescued the woman and rushed her to the hospital.

The suspect has been arrested on Thursday morning (today) after he was apprehended from his hideout at Kaningo in Kitui County by a combined team of DCI detectives from Special Crime Unit, DCI Tseikuru and DCI Tharaka South.

Muriuki is expected to be charged once all the necessary police procedure are complete.

9News Nigeria

Fatima Babashehu Liman demands for justice for her cousin, Sadiq, who’s been admitted after suffering gunshot wounds in his hands following attack by SARS officials in Abuja on Monday May 18.

She wrote:

belowJUSTICE FOR SADIQ!!!With deep sorrowful broken heart I write dis painful story of what happened to my cousin today. Today as a Nigerian citizen, I have seen the highest order of abuse of office by the SARS officers and cruelty.At about 1pm SARS officers jumped the fence and entered my aunt’s house in gwarinpa abuja, and started shooting, Sadiq was performing ablution for zuhr prayers. On sighting one of the officers shooting, he got scared and he thought they were armed robbers. Out of fear, he jumped in to their neighbour’s house. One of the officers shot him on the hand, Sadiq was bleeding. He handcuffed Sadiq and one of the neighbour’s son and took them in to their vehicle. Meanwhile, the remaining officers broke the doors in to the house, brought out the remaining boys and her Husband and started beating them up and took them away and after some minutes, some of the officers came back to the house and packed the bullets that were on the floor in an attempt to hide evidence. After making several phone calls, they were said to be taken to the SARS office at Guzape with alot of cooked up stories. On reaching there, they took us to see one of the heads of the office. He narrated the story that the officers were chasing a kidnapper demanding a ransome and the kidnapper jumped into my aunt’s house and that they didnt shoot any body, that Sadiq got injured by a barb wire while trying to escape and that Sadiq is the kidnapper. After narrating our own side of the story, the officer realised they were some hidden facts. After clear listening to his step mum, the officer asked them to release every body. I demanded they take Sadiq to the hospital and get him treated and they must foot the bills. The commander and his deputy threatened to arrest me for saying that, and he said everyone should be rearrested he is not releasing anybody. After going back and forth, I insisted they give us Sadiq for treatment and seeing is a gun shot injury, non of the hospital’s will accept us without a police officer attached to us. I demanded one of the police officer accompanies us to the hospital. They took Sadiq into their Hilux vehicle, drove him to National Hospital and left. The Doctors told them to wait behind and submit their statement, they refused and left us there. When the bandage on Sadiq’s hand was removed, it was a gun shot injury. The bullet has damaged his Radius and Ulna bone, and also damaged the whole tendons on the wrist. We are demanding justice for Sadiq and the entire Family if there is any justice remaining in Nigeria, if not we have raised our hands and prayed to Allah in this Holy month for devine intervention, but today as a Nigerian Citizen, our government has failed us. SARS officers are very cruel and in human, the officer that shot Sadiq was looking like a hoodlum, with is tattered hair style and chains hanging around his neck, if any one can help us raise the alarm until it reaches the ears that needs to hear and Justice is given to Sadiq it will be appreciated, pls help us share until it reaches the ears that need to hear… This is Sadiq’s picture at the trauma Centre in National Hospital Abuja…”

9News Nigeria

There has been panic among Kano residents following an unusual increase in the number of deaths in the state. The toll from the mysterious deaths that have hit Kano State has continued to rise. According to reports, no fewer than 190 people had been buried within four days in Kano and the cause of these deaths are not known. The state imposed a lockdown shortly after recording its first COVID-19 case last week. At the moment, Kano has a total of 73 confirmed Coronavirus cases, according to NCDC. Some people worry that the mysterious deaths in Kano may be linked to the deadly COVID-19. However, some worry it may be something else. Undertakers who double as grave diggers in certain cemeteries in Kano state said the frequency at which they receive corpses these days is unusual when compared to the number of people they buried before the coronavirus outbreak. Areas where an increase in deaths have been reported include; Zage, Kano Municipal, Tarauni, Gwale, Kurna, Dala, Chiromawa, Zango, Kofar Mata, Fagge, Kumbotso, and some local government areas outside the metropolitan like Bichi, Kunchi, Wudil, Gwarzo, and Shanono. Adamu Umar, a cemetery guard at farm centre, said he buried over 17 people on Sunday alone, adding that the situation is scary, as it is unusual since he began working there in the last four years. Bashir Mohammed, one of the undertakers at the Dandolo Cemetery in Goron Dutse, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, said, “This is worrisome, we are becoming overwhelmed by what we are seeing here these days because to me, the way people are dying is not ordinary.”  Mohammed popularly known as Mai Sana’a, said between Saturday and Sunday, over thirty people were buried in the cemetery in contrast to maximum daily record of ten burials previously. The figure of the dead buried in the three cemeteries excludes other people buried in dozens of burial grounds in the eight local government areas that constitute Kano metropolis, though those working in such cemeteries said they did not notice anything unusual. Also, authorities in Kano, community leaders, families of the deceased and medical officials have given different opinions on the matter with the state ministry of health saying it was investigating the matter.  Tijjani Hussaini, the state’s executive secretary of the primary healthcare board, said they were yet to ascertain the cause of the said deaths, but that the situation had “sent residents panicking.” “The investigation is prompted by reports that more deaths have been recorded in the past seven days. We want to know the number of persons already dead. We also want to investigate how they died,” he said. “It is when we have a good idea; it is when we get the outcome of the findings that we can properly draw conclusions and brief the public.” Mustapha Hikima, the chief medical director of Nassarawa Hospital, said the areas where deaths have been recorded are densely populated which makes the number insignificant. “We don’t have the baseline information, but considering the high population size of Kano, the increase in the deaths is not significant,” he said.  He said the Ministry of Health had conducted a survey between April 13 and 19 to see the pattern of deaths in the state. He added that “after the quick survey, the result had shown that there was no significant increase in the rate of death recorded in the state.” He continued:  “We should also take the time of the occurrence of the deaths into consideration. The time happens occasionally. So it is subjective to judge when a case happens within just three days. To me, this is not a serious problem because it happens sometimes. So I appeal to people to be calm.”  Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has directed thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of strange death. Reacting to the development, Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, who acknowledged the strange deaths, told journalists that government had swung into action to assess the matter. Although Garba disagreed that the sudden rise in the case of death in Kano was related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), he noted that Governor Ganduje had directed the state’s ministry of health to investigate it. The Kano government says it has activated community informants structure of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to report deaths and cause of deaths and has also deployed officers in all cemeteries to count bodies brought in for burial every day. The development has thrown many residents of Kano into fear. Some suspect a possible community transmission of the ravaging COVID-19 within the state capital. A number of Kano residents have taken to Twitter and Instagram to express their fears following the increase in death. 

9News Nigeria

Today, the 22nd of April, 2020, marks 10 years since the Nigerian music industry lost a legend, Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun also known as Da Grin.

On April 14, 2010, he was involved in a ghastly motor accident. His vehicle rammed into a stationary truck at night. Da Grin went into a coma as a result of the collision.

Da Grin was super talented, and his family, friends, and devoted fans will never stop remembering. Da Grin used Yoruba, English and Pidgin to revolutionise rap in Nigeria.

For sure, the Da Grin remains forever in the hearts of Nigerians.

9News Nigeria

A twitter user identified as Timmie has accused Davido of being a ‘petty clout chaser, as she claimed that Davido’s fiancee, Chioma never tested positive to coronavirus.

Timmie claims, Davido only used her as a bait to be on the headlines and trend in all media platforms. She further attacked the singer, calling him a petty a clout chaser.

She wrote:

“Davido is just a petty clout chaser! Chioma was never positive, man just needed to be on the headlines. What a petty grown up man!!!”

9News Nigeria

A photo have emerged on social media captured the heavy traffic that was witnessed on the popular Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos despite the lockdown order that was given by the state government.

A resident in Lagos state took to Twitter to alert the state government to the fact that the lockdown order to combat the spread of Coronavirus is not being taken seriously.

Oloruntobi Adejare shared photos showing heavy traffic on Third Mainland Bridge this morning.

Sharing the photos, he captioned ;

Traffic on 3rd mainland bridge this morning as sent in by our Correspondent Hushed face please where are these people going even after cases in Lagos rose to 70 just last night. What is the colour of our problem?

9News Nigeria

A Nigerian lady Tina Obiora based in Lagos has on Wednesday narrated how a stray bullet from nowhere pierced through the wall of her home into her room.

According to Tina, her babies were two meters away from the bullet when it landed, but fortunately no one was hit.

“What kind of useless country is this? You are staying at home, wahala, you are outside wahala. From no where this bullet just pierced our POP and hit the tiles with a loud bang… By Gods Grace no one was hurt.” she wrote.

9News Nigeria

Black Panther star Actor, Chadwick Boseman has left fans worried over his dramatic weight loss after the actor shared a new post on his Instagram page.

Boseman spoke in a video he posted about his partnership with Operation 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day and announced a donation of $4.2 million worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) to hospitals that serve African-American communities during the Coronavirus pandemic.

One couldn’t help but notice the change on his looks

9News Nigeria

Popular Nollywood Actress, Mercy Aigbe has lost a family member, her sister whom she identified as Lizy.

Mercy made this known on her IG page as she shared a photo of her late sister and captioned it “Fly high with the angels lizzy, it is well”. Then posted a lit candle with the caption “Still feels like a nightmare, but God knows best! It is well”

9News Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria have yesterday April 15 shut down ALLEGED ‘quack’ cosmetic surgeon, Dr Anu’s Fella clinic, Med Contour, days after a botched surgery at the clinic caused social stir. the owner is reportedly on the run.

9News Nigeria gathered that, Anu took to her heels after the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has shut down Med Contour plastic surgery facility

The FCCPC commenced an investigation againt Med Contour after receiving petitions against the facility’s owner, Dr Anu Fella. The plastic surgeon was accused of engaging in unprofessional, misleading and potentially injurious conducts. 

Med Contour’s facility in Lagos was sealed yesterday April 15, by the agency, in an abundance of caution & consumer safety pending further inquiry.

9News Nigeria

I’ll make ur life a living proof that OBO DEY – Nigerian singer, Davido has promised to better the life of one of his fan who named his son after the him.

The follower, who calls himself “Davido twin” and shares a little resemblance with the singer, according to Twitter users, shared a photo online and told Davido that he named his newborn baby after him because of the admiration he has for him.

“My wife just gave birth to a bouncing baby boy and I named him David cos of the love I have for @davido and I want him to be successful like @davido. King David come and bless my son ooo,” the Twitter user wrote.

Davido responded: “Show me proof !! And I’ll make ur life a living proof that OBO DEY !!!”

9News Nigeria

Toke Makinwa, Media personality has today reacted to belittling tweets from some users on Twitter referring to her as Abule Egba Kylie Jenner.

She earlier on took to her twitter handle today to advise people to go for cosmetic surgeries if it’s what makes them happy.

The vlogger and business woman who has had her butt and lips augmented, wrote :

If you want to get your body done, do it, life is too short and just make sure it is what you want and not what you think is expected of you, No one is perfect and you’ll still need lots of exercising to keep fit. Surgery is half of it, any surgeon will tell you.

In other words, if you must cheat, cheat but know that the body is not a machine, you’ll still need discipline, exercise and portion control to stay fit. The weight after surgery is not cute, start exercising now so it becomes a lifestyle”.

Nigerians took to her comment section to troll her, with some refering to her as Abule Egba Kylie Jenner and she responded

It’s all love. Thank you all for my new title, one day I’ll get to #IkoyiKylieJenner, until then my Abule Egba people…. I’ll rep you die

9News Nigeria

Tboss aka Idowu has revealed how she copes with the lockdown

The reality tv star made the revelation on IG as she shared these new set of photos of herself spending time with her daughter.

On one of the photos, Tboss stated that she is thankful for the Gift of her daughter and she’s reminded daily of God’s infinite wisdom because while she’s is been stressed over the lockdown, her daughter is all the distraction & entertainment anyone could ever have asked for.

9News Nigeria

As the world battles to curb the deadly virus which has forced many plans and events to be either postponed or canceled

A relentless couple went ahead with their wedding as they smartly used technology to their advantage by having an online wedding, to give their family members the opportunity to ”attend” the wedding.

9News Nigeria

Tacha the Nigerian reality star, was asked the whereabouts of the famous tattoo of Davido she had on her chest and she gave a rather awkward reply.

Tacha shared an eye popping photo that showed off her cleavage and her fan noticed the tattoo was missing so he asked

“Haha, where is our Davido?”

Tacha then replied ;

Missing

9News Nigeria

Nollywood actress and philanthropist, Tonto Dikeh has shared that she is set to feed no fewer than 5,000 Nigerians during this period of lockdown over the novel coronavirus.

The controversial actress shared photos of the food items to be given out via her official Instagram page on Monday, 6th April.

The items include packed 5kg rice, groundnut oil, palm oil among others. Adorable isn’t it?

Arrival of different food items to feed 5,000 Nigerians by the Tonto Dikeh Foundation.

See what she posted below:

9News Nigeria

Popular Nollywood actress, Regina Danielshas taken to her Insta story to reveal she misses travelling around the world in her husband’s private jet.

The actress expressed her disappointment over the ravaging coronavirus that has ruined her plans.

Taking to the photo-sharing app, Daniels shared some throwback videos of her trips.

In one of the videos, she could be seen walking to board her husband’s private jets and she captioned it; “I miss”

9News Nigeria

Media personality, Toke Makinwa suffered a huge knock from TV host, Shade Ladipo after her comment on people not “filming receipts of their benevolence”.  Toke Makinwa in her tweets had also told those who insist on filming, to blur the faces of those receiving the gifts because they didn’t ask to be seen on camera.  She tweeted;  Here’s an appeal not shade, not a call out either, I salute everyone who’s giving out to the less privileged this season, you are not the government and your kindness will be rewarded by God but can we stop filming the recipients of your benevolence?You can film your acts of kindness for yourselves, your archive or documentation purposes, etc. pls blur out the faces of those receiving them cos they didn’t ask to be seen on camera and you can protect their dignity. 

Shade Ladipo who took a dig on Toke Makinwa over the tweets, accused her (Toke) of filming giving her Personal Assistant a car last year. The TV host who said that documenting benevolence does more good than bad, disclosed that Toke’s act of kindness in 2019 made her buy her PA a laptop.  She wrote;  

9News Nigeria

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control NCDC, has dispelled rumors that the medical kits brought in from China are contaminated. Rumors have been rife that the medical equipments donated to Nigeria by Jack Ma, Chinese billionaire businessman, were contaminated. The NCDC on April 5, debunked the rumors saying the the medical kits are good and are effective when safely used by health workers

9News Nigeria

A father took to Facebook to apologize to his wife after the Coronavirus lockdown taught him a lesson. Adebayo Ireoluwa, who goes to work every day of the week, said he had no idea what his wife goes through or what it takes to manage a home until he stayed home for these few days. He shared a photo of his daughter, who had emptied a jar of cream on herself and also on him while he slept, and narrated how his wife has been the one running around, trying to make her behave. 

He said he’s exhausted already from it all and it “seems like he should faint.” He went on to apologize to his wife for not appreciating her efforts, adding that if he feels this way already, “how much more someone who is always home to put things in place.” 

He wrote: “After this isolation or whatsoever, I’ll appreciate my wife the more,imagine my girl emptying a whole hair cream on herself and still coming to share me some in my sleep jeje, this innocent woman has shouted leave there more than 30 times in 5minutes,and me will just put on one yeye suit go out and come back home expecting to eat the meal and still eat the maker of the meal.. 

 “Please, let’s appreciate our wives the more,they go though a lot in our absence…This few days at home seems like I should faint,how much more someone who is always home to put things in place. I tender an unreserved apology to my wife for my previous gragras and shakaras, it’s not easy. Thank you COVID19 for lessons taught.” 

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Kogi state Commissioner for Water resources, Abudulmumuni Danga, has been accused of physically assaulting a lady, Elizabeth Oyeniyi (Queen NiNa) over a Facebook post she made about him and his family. A former governorship candidate of the state, Natasha Akpoti, called out the Commissioner on Facebook, demanding for an investigation into the matter. According to Natasha’s post, Elizabeth who goes by the name Queen Nina on Facebook, is a friend of the Commissioner’s sister. She went on her Facebook page to accuse him of not helping his Family members, particularly his sister who is her friend, reminding him that charity begins at home. 

Natasha accused the Commissioner of beating Queen up, stripping her naked and forcing her to make an apology video which was posted on Facebook. Natasha has called on the state Commissioner of Police to investigate the matter. See what she wrote below

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Is this a Joke or what?

Reality star Ifu Ennada says Reality star Kemen has been begging her for Marriage?WOW!!!

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A Facebook user identified as Precious Williams has announced that she tested positive to the deadly coronavirus disease. According to the lady, Coronavirus is real and she is dying already.

In her post, she wrote “I’ve tested positive for the corona and i have pneumonia. Been in the hospital for a week and i’m dying! Well, at least that’s what it feels like! This thing is a monster! Not being able to breathe is the worst feeling in the world!!! Its not a game people!!! please pray for me”

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus.The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. You can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and avoiding close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell.

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Actress Anita Joseph has slammed trolls who made comments about her marriage which didn’t sit well with her.

This was after she showed off her man on social media in celebration of his birthday.

Anita Joseph wrote: “Happy birthday to the most handsome man in d whole world to the Choosen one @realmcfish
my Hubby Don learn igbo finish oh biko My Yoruba Co wife’s come to my Rescue teach me oh 😄
AND THANK YOU ALL MY REAL 1.3MILLION FOLLOWERS”

Some trolls on her page decided to give her a piece of their mind by telling her not to come around in a few years time with claims that he’s poor in bed.

Anita Joseph responded as seen in the screenshot below.

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Controversial reality star, Natacha Akide alias Tacha has taken to social media to reveal that she will be taken her family on a well-deserved vacation.

9News Nigeria recalls the disqualified Big Brother Naija housemate had clearly stated that she will not be returning to Nigeria  because she prefers the lockdown in the United Kingdom, UK.

Taking to the photo-sharing app once again, the reality star made it known that she and her family were denied 13 years ago and now, she has the opportunity of turning things around.

In her words;

”13Years ago I and my FAMILY were DENIED VISA! 13years later I’m in the UK  Next TRIP would be a FAMILY VACATION ✈️“

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Despite the increasing spread of coronavirus in Nigeria, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state strongly believes the disease won’t get to his state.

In a video that surfaced on Twitter on Sunday, the governor said, God had promised the people of the state that no disease would touch them, adding that Abia is the only state mentioned in the Bible.

He said, “Abia is the only state that is mentioned in the Bible. We have been promised by God that none of these diseases will get to us. We saw Ebola and pox, even this one (coronvirus) it won’t get to us”.

Meanwhile, since the outbreak of coronavirus in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed cases of the disease in five states including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

As at 11:00 am on the 22nd of March, there are 27 confirmed cases of the disease in Nigeria.

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Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike’s wife, Yolanda Pfeiffer has taken to her Instagram page to shower him with sweet words as he turned 53 on Saturday.

The South African beauty shared a photo of her man carrying their baby girl at a restaurant.

The curvy model captioned the post;

”朗Wow 53 never looked this good  Happy birthday to my Zdaddy with the sugar, my rock …Ezigbo dim Oma ahuru m gi na anya ❤️❤️❤️❤️ @emekaikeofficial alles alles gute zum Geburtstag Schatz ”

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The Nigerian man who reportedly showed symptoms of coronavirus after attending the 7th edition of the AMVCA last weekend, has gone public with his own side of the story.  

There was report yesterday that a documentary producer warned of a suspected case of coronavirus who might have attended the AMVCA and interacted with a number of Nigerian celebrities. According to Ifeoma Chukwuogo, the man flew in from the UK and is down with coronavirus symptoms, but has refused to report himself to the NCDC to get tested. 

Documentary photographer, Seun O has confirmed that he has been feeling unwell since Sunday March 15, barely a day after self-isolating. Seun who disclosed that he was referred to the Lagos State Government after he went to Lagoon hospital in Victoria Island to get tested, also confirmed that screenshots of a Whatsapp chat which has gone viral online was a conversation he had with a friend.  

Serving an update, the documentary photographer said a medical team was sent over by the NCDC to get him tested after he spoke to Lagos State Commissioner for health.  

Here is the Whatsapp conversation he had with a friend below; 

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In a bid to discourage the possible contamination of the dreaded Coronavirus among residents in the state, the Benue state government has announced the closure of all schools operating in the state indefinitely, as from Friday March 27, 2020. Taking to its official twitter handle, the state Government wrote; ”SCHOOLS TO CLOSE INDEFINITE All Schools in Benue State, starting from Basic Education, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions are to close down on 27/03/2020~ Prof. Dennis Ityavyar.” 

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A Nigerian lady took to Twitter to share some of her symptoms after testing positive for coronavirus in the United Kingdom.  According to @d_pyscho_guru, she tested positive for the virus after someone coughed into her face mistakenly at work. She revealed that some of the symptoms she had include diarrhoea, cough, sneezing, loss of appetite, fatigue and loss of breath.  Read her tweets below;  

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Following the now-trending news that a third case of the deadly coronavirus has been confirmed in Lagos state on Tuesday, popular singer Tiwa Savage has queried why the federal government has not closed its borders before the situation gets out of hand.

The singer made this known via her official Instagram story after the third case was confirmed on Friday.

The third case is a Nigerian lady who returned from London.

She wrote:

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Former BBNaija reality TV star, Gifty Powers reveals danger in posting pictures of one’s kid in school uniform on social media.

She shared a screenshot showing a warning against the act done mostly by mothers especially during Back To School period.

Captioning the screenshot, Gifty Powers wrote:

“Dear Parents, I know we all want to prove to society/gram that we taking our kids to the most expensive schools in the world, but let’s not forget that we put them in danger while pleasuring our selfish interest.

“Note: God forbid, but if worst comes to worst, your kids are the ones that will get traumatized due to what happened to them and based on Nigeria terms if you no get money, your case won’t be heard.

“Please Let’s avoid what can easily be avoided abeg.
After God, na our children oo”.

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Evelyn Chinwendu Ejike (nee Ogechukwu Osita) succumbed to her wounds, after she was hospitalized due to a cooking gas explosion at her home in Abuja.

We don’t have the full details of the incident yet, but it was however alleged that Evelyn who was 7 months pregnant, was cooking and using her phone when the gas exploded.

The woman suffered 90 per cent burns on her body and died at the hospital where she was receiving treatment.

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Actor Idris Elba and James Bond movie actress Olga Kurylenko have announced that they tested positive to coronavirus.

Olga Kurylenko was the first to break the news about her test result which she did after falling ill for a week.

She shared: “Locked up at home after having tested positive for Coronavirus. I’ve actually been ill for almost a week now. Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms. Take care of yourself and do take this seriously!”.

Actor Idris Elba has announced that he has tested positive for Covid-19.

The star of Luther and The Wire said on Twitter “I feel okay”, and does not have any symptoms.

Elba, 47, said he has been isolated since finding out he was exposed to the virus. “Stay home people and be pragmatic,” he said. “I will keep you updated on how I’m doing. No panic.”

Elba, who posted a video also featuring his wife Sabrina Dhowre, said she has not been tested and is “doing okay”.

Elba said he got tested after finding out on Friday that he had been in contact with someone who had the virus. “This is serious,” he said. “Now is the time to really think about social distancing, washing your hands.”

Elba told fans to remain “really vigilant”. He added: “Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now. If you’re feeling ill, or you feel like you should be tested, or if you’ve been exposed, do something about it.”

This is coming a week after Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson announced that they tested positive for coronavirus while working in Australia.

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Former Big Brother Nigeria housemate, Ifu Ennada has taken to her Instagram page to brutally drag some ladies whom she accused of trolling her over the outfit she wore to the AMVCA  awards which held on Saturday.

Also, she shared the photos of the ladies along.

She wrote:

See some of the ladies hating and bodyshaming me because of my #AMVCA2020 #CORONAVIRUSFASHION outfit last night. How you gotta be shaped like expired Tissue Roll laced in a timely concoction of ugliness and still have the mind to troll me? Akwa Nwa dika’m, Egovin Nwa dika’m.

_____

The lady at the top left so ugly and disheveled she had to cut her face off in her own picture. . I know this is way out of character for someone like me, but pls let me just enjoy this moment.

_____

I don’t mind contrary opinions on my posts, not everyone likes Plantain (I personally don’t), but when you now start bodyshaming me, insulting the designer and really just taking the piss, then you truly have a devil inside of you and I will destroy that devil with words if I have to.

_____

Once again you can express your dislike for something without talking down on the subjects of the topic. I won’t tag these ladies because they deserve to be nameless and unrecognised for the rest of their lives. (Again I was probably too harsh with this last sentence, but I’ll take down the post soon, I just want them to suffer small depression which is what they would have drove me into if I didn’t have a strong spirit).

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Controversial Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing Sunday was caught flirting with Dubai based Nigerian big boy, Ismalia Mustapha alias Mompha on Instagram.

The actress had shared a photo of herself at the gym in which she put her big backside on display.

On seeing this, Mompha trooped to her comment section to air out his mind and he wrote;

“Fresh dinner ❤“

In reaction to the comment, Blessing wrote;

“Come chop ”

A closer look at the picture shows the man took the photo of the actress.

The man could be seen dressed in a white overall and he looked like the Dubai based big boy but the actress denied it in the comment section.

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Popular Nigerian music producer, song writer and singer, Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly called Don Jazzy took to Instagram page to reveal that he is a virgin.

The ace music producer sharing a throwback picture of himself revealed that the day he took the picture was the day he decided to remain a virgin till he gets married.

The 37 years old chief executive of Mavin Records remains one of the most eligible bachelors in the entertainment industry.

See his post below:

9News Nigeria

Quite bold and outspoken Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing, has reminded of one of her trolls that her Sugar daddies are comfortable with her kind of dressings; cleavage exposing or not.

 This is coming after Nkechi shared some beautiful photos she wore to a wedding on Saturday, March 7.

The photo got lots of mixed reactions and Nkechi in her usual way was ready to fight dirty.

See what transpired between Nkechi Blessing and the fan below…

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A Nigerian man identified as Zeromni Freedom has taken to Facebook to justify his reasons for having s*x with his sister and cousins. According to the man, Cain did the same in the bible so there is nothing wrong with siblings having s*x with eachother as long as it is consensual.

In his words ” I ONCE FUCKED MY SISTER

People always shy away from this question : “Where did Cain get wife?”
Who did cain fcuk? If the bible story was real, or let’s assume it’s real, cain must have fcuked his sister. Now , the story may not be true, but so many of us have fcuked our blood sister and brother or cousins but we kept it secret because our environment frown against it so we hide it and keep it secret.

In some countries, it is legal for siblings or relative to marry each other and have s*x. The truth is that ,there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with incest. People create law to make it wrong and we grow with that mentality that it’s wrong. Animals fcuk each other , they fcuk their siblings and enjoy life. We too are animals, we are more intelligent, yes. But we experience nature the way other animals do too.

When I fcuked my blood sister , it was long time ago. We were playing on bed and she had only her short skirt and pant, we didn’t know when we kissed and start romance and we fcuked . It happened like 3 times and I also fcuk one of my cousins .it was consensual. We both want it. We kept it secret until we outgrow the feelings and they are married now .

The truth is that if many of us will be honest and truthful, some of us had fcuked our relatives. We just kept quiet about it because we don’t want people to know the truth. We keep it secret because we don’t want people to blame us or condmn us. But it’s life it happens.

Now, I am NOT talking about forced s*x . You don’t have to rape your sibling or cousin because you have a sexual feelings for them. Thats wrong. The feelings must be mutual and you must both consent to it before it happens.

If you see it as bad and wrong, don’t do it. If your country have a law against it, go to another country where it is allowed. Live your true life. Enjoy your life as it is. If there were truly a Cain then, he must had fcuk his sister.
If the story is a myth, then take a study of all of animals and find out if they fcuk their siblings, if it’s true , which I know it is, then why should human be any different?

9News Nigeria

Popular Nigerian rapper, Naira Marley has reacted after a lady shared a   in Dubai.

In a new post on Instagram, the rapper shared a photo of himself spread out on the bed, wearing just his boxer before he took to his Insta-story to react to the viral video.

The indigenous rapper claimed he didn’t know the girl and he had nothing to do with her because he wasn’t the one she came to see.

The ‘Mafo’ crooner also wondered how the lady managed to enter his room

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Reacting to the rise of married women harassing their husband’s side chic, Bobrisky has penned what he plans to do if any of such ugly drama comes to him.

This is coming after the social media sensation professed his undying love for alleged fraudster, Mompha.

He wrote, “Don’t come to me when you see your husband with me. If you try shit with me. I will beat you to comma. If you’re looking for your missing husband wait for him at home. Be warned!!!”

He continued, ” It doesn’t make any sense fighting your husband’s side chick. Wat if d man didn’t open up yo her that he is married? How am I supposed to know he is truly married. You will now leave that man and come to me, I swear I will beat you hospital will reject you.”

Bobrisky whose real names are Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju, is a Nigerian internet personality who is known as a transgender woman in Nigeria, a country with no LGBT rights. 

She is also known for her presence on the social media app Snapchat.

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Victoria Inyama has slammed women who break families with their sexual prowess. The former Nollywood actress took to Instagram to call out women who put other “women in tears”. She said women breaking into homes by having sex with the husband has become a trend. She went on to ask men who entertain mistresses why they bothered to get married in the first place. Read her posts below. 

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Popular Nigerian clergyman, TB Joshua has prophesied against coronavirus and how God will intervene.

The man of God said he had specifically prayed the Lord to send down rain to wipe away coronavirus from Wuhan, China.

Prophet Joshua via his official Facebook page returned with a claim that someone living in China confirmed rainfall in the country.

The prophet, who is well known for making prophetic declarations that sometimes come to pass, has done it again to the admiration of many.

9News Nigeria

Popular Nigerian actress, Regina Daniels finally returned to the movie scene shortly after the launch of her very own magazine in Abuja.

The actress, who was spotted playing the role of a NYSC Corps member, donned the full regalia while on set of a movie.

Daniels also shared videos of her on the movie set via Instagram and it appears she tried to conceal her growing baby bump by tying the NYSC jacket around her tummy.

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Tonto Dikeh has shared a video of a new Bentley she says is hers in a bid to shut down the claims that she’s living a fake lifestyle. The actress shared the video on Instagram and added a caption directed at her critics who say her lifestyle is “audio”. “Chai, where are those people that laughed ooo,” she wrote, adding, “My audio lifestyle, new audio Bentley, new home under construction in my son’s name. New audio Lexus for my baby boy tooo wey we never pay for finish. Who is your God?” She added:  #Awon Audio detector, how market??Las las God I’m not making mouth I’m just humbled …I AM JUST A SIMPLE FARMER OOO, imagine if I become actress??? Ehmmm#ANYWAY THESE ARE THE REASONS I HAVE BEEN PUSHING AND MIA.. e no easy I no go lie #AUDIOLOGESTYLETHATPAYS #AUDIOKING 

 “That is King Tonto’s car, all cleared and paid for,” a man with a foreign accent is heard saying in the background of the video. In an earlier post, she revealed that it’ll cost her an additional 7 million Naira to clear her Bentley. 

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Senator Shehu Sani says he hopes the Italian man with Coronavirus in Nigeria isn’t a spirit. This is because the government has refused to share the name or photo of the sick man. According to Senator Sani, if it was a Nigerian that had the disease in Italy, the Italian government would have shared every available detail of the man. You agree with him?

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Toke Makinwa has disclosed that she has been losing friends lately after saying a “tough prayer”.  The media personality averred that God has been exposing and revealing people to her after praying for people who are not meant to be in her life to be taken away.  Toke Makinwa wrote via her Instastory;  

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Scores of mourners including learners from local schools and government officials gathered on Sunday march 1st, at Ga-Phasha village, outside Burgersfort in Limpopo, South Africa for the funeral of four children who were allegedly murdered by their father. 

The bodies of the siblings, Katlego Phasha 9, Joyce Phasha 7, Tshepho Phasha 5 and Adel Phasha 2, were found with multiple injuries in the bushes around the area. The children were brutally murdered by their father, 50-year-old Lucas Phasha after he accused their mother of infidelity. See previous report HERE 

Their father Lucas Phasha, pictured above, has been remanded in custody after appearing at the Mecklenberg Magistrate’s Court last week. MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Hon. Namane Dickson Masemola joined councillors from both Sekhukhune District and Fetakgomo-Tubatse Municipalities, Traditional Leaders, SAPS Management, ANCWL members, and other mourners to pay their last respect. 

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Congratulations are in order for Laura Ikeji and her husband Ogbonna Kanu, who just welcomed their 2nd child – a baby girl!

The news of the baby arrival was first announced when the proud father shared a photo on Instagram waiting patiently for the arrival of his daughter. He captioned the photo:

I’M HERE NOW

Hours later, he photos of himself and Baby L on Instagram. He wrote:

28-2-2020 My baby girl came into this world. Mom and daughter doing well. I thank God almighty

Congratulations!

Photo Credit: ogbobekee1

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Nigerians are currently reacting to the news of the first confirmed case of Coronavirus in Nigeria. While some are praying for God to intervene as he did when Ebola was detected in Nigeria in 2014, others are calling on the Federal government to step up measures to prevent the spread of the virus.  See reactions below… 

9News Nigeria

Nigerians are currently reacting to the news of the first confirmed case of Coronavirus in Nigeria. While some are praying for God to intervene as he did when Ebola was detected in Nigeria in 2014, others are calling on the Federal government to step up measures to prevent the spread of the virus.  See reactions below… 

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2019 Big Brother Nigeria winner, Mercy Eke also known as Mercy Lambo has taken to her official Instagram page to advise her teeming followers to always stay humble, work hard and be kind to each other.

The reality TV star share along with the advice, some lovely photo that has since been causing reactions from celebrities and fans on social media.

The ex-housemate recently sparked outrage on social media after she was spotted with Willie Xo with the duo rumoured to be dating.

She wrote:

Stay humble, work hard and be kind.

9News Nigeria

The internet has been buzzing since these inflatable latex trousers were showcased at the London College of Fashion by a young designer named Harukrushnan.Are there fashion forward Nigerian men you think might try them? 

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A woman shared photos of the injuries her ex-boyfriend inflicted on her because she reposted Pretty Mike’s post stating that a beautiful woman isn’t meant for only one man.  Pretty Mike explained in his controversial post that it is hard for only one man to take care of a beautiful lady, except he’s “capable of doing what eleven men can do.” The post went viral and a lady took a screenshot and posted it on her Instagram stories. She said it angered her boyfriend and he stormed her house to rain insults on her. He called her a prostitute then bit her breast and broke her nail. The lady later took to Instagram to lament to Pretty Mike, who, in turn, shared it to Instagram. He wrote in the caption:  this is Totally Uncalled for Mr Lekan,I don’t know why a lot of guys are feeling insecure about my previous posts,attacking ur ladies who agrees with me or some of the ladies who reposted the post on their stories,Did I say anything wrong ? Or is it a crime to advocate for our beautiful ladies,i do not condone any man laying his hands on any lady for any reason more less because of a post I made,all our ladies deserves to be cherished and pampered and if you cannot take care of your woman properly den 11 other men will do that for u !!! “chai Oga u even bit her, u be Vampire ? you want to use that ur crocodile looking teeth to disfigure her breast or what!!! My dear I deeply apologize on behave of my male specie, You deserve the world and every beautiful thing in it… God will bless u endlessly , I will call u later in the day as promised #SayNoToAbuse#SayNoToToxicRelationship #TeamHusbandMaterial 

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Davido gushed over his fiancee, Chioma Rowland’s beauty and added that he is considering getting her pregnant again. The couple welcomed their first child together in October 2019 but it appears the singer is ready for another. 

Reacting to new photos shared by Chioma, Davido wrote: “U so sexy I’m gettin U pregnant again…” He added lovestruck emojis as he continued: “I love you my dear wife… who ever near u nah 6 FT!!” 

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A busty woman with natural 34KK boobs who receives hundreds of messages a day, has shared some of the disturbing messages she gets from strangers online. Despite having back pain and struggling to find clothes that fit due to the size of her boobs, Anastasia Berthier, who lives in Russia, says she is proud of her ‘Mother Nature.’ She said: “I haven’t done any surgeries on my breast. Mother Nature was pretty generous to me. “As a teenager, I used to be embarrassed of my big breasts. At the age of 15, I was already a D cup. But when I grew up, I learned how to accept myself and my body and even benefit from it. “There aren’t many women in the world who have my natural breast size, a fit body, and cute face, so why I should be not happy? 

 “However, it’s hard to find lingerie for my size. Some stores cater to my breast size, which is often the biggest size they have in stock, but not for all types of lingerie. “I have to buy clothes in really big sizes then go and customise it with a tailor to fit, because I have a small waist compared to my breasts.” “I do have back pain if I stand or sit in the same position for too long, but daily activities are fine and it does not bother me at all to do sports with the right sports bra. And yes, I can sleep on my stomach.” 

She said she has faced repeated harassment from an online stalker for years, who has also disturbed her friends, family and even photographers she’s worked with in hopes to reach out her. “And I have crazy stalker who is following me for a few years, annoying my family, friends and photographers with who I work. she said She said one of her followers also threatened to slit his wrists open if she didn’t reply back to his messages. “One crazy guy was threatening me that he will go to the kitchen and cut his veins if I will not answer. 

 “There is a lot of pretty ill people and it’s can be dangerous when they obsessed with you.” Despite that, Anastasia loves her fans and said they constantly inspire her to create new content to share to the world.She added: “I do have a lot of admirers and I really love my fans, they are such an inspiration for me! They give me a lot of support and ideas!“My favourite comments are from women. When a woman gives you a compliment it’s always a big pleasure, but it’s very rare. Also, I love when followers appreciate my philosophy or my life advice.” 

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Some beggars took to the streets of Lagos today February 25, to protest against continous arrest by officials of the state government. The beggars who stormed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s office in 10 buses and seven tricycles, also barricaded the entrance to the State House of Assembly as they demanded for audience with the Lagos State Governor.  

They held up placards which read  “Enough is enough, stop the persecution of people with disabilities,” “Save the waterfront, enforced conviction, we demand justice,”If you don’t want to see us begging on the streets, give us skills and empowerment,” “Seeing beggars all over our streets and roads is the failure of the system” and “We are tired of running without legs or eyes, give us skills and empowerment.” Mohammed Zanna, Spokesperson of the beggars and Coordinator of Physically Challenged Empowerment Initiatives (PCEI), recounted how some of them were arrested during a similar protest in 2017 and taken to Majidun, which he described as a prison. He alleged that they were ill-treated and manhandled by government officials, leading to death of some of their members.  

He further stated that the recent ban on commercial motorocycle and tricycle which some of them have been able to purchase, has made business difficult for them as they now have to trek from bus stops to their destinations.  Zanna said;  “We cannot enter buses now because we cannot fight and struggle. We are seeking audience with the governor. Let them come and tell us what they want to do with us. We need skills and empowerment. We are tired of sitting at home. We are demanding to be skilled. “We do not want to beg on the streets. We have used our own ingenuity and resources to provide alternative livelihoods for ourselves that are more dignified, safer and productive to society. Yet, in the blink of an eye, this government is willing to destroy all we have built for ourselves and push us back into poverty and life without basic human dignity.“We are ready to work with government to find workable alternatives through appropriate regulation of keke, special permits for People Living With Disabilities to use our keke for transportation of our members or real and immediate support for alternative livelihoods through skills training and support for PLWDs to start new businesses.”    

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Former Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has called for the reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), days after a Remo Stars player identified as Kazeem Tiyamiyu (Kaka) was allegedly killed by some operatives of the security outfit deployed to Sagamu-Abeokuta road. In his tweet, the former Vice President stated that the reform of the Nigeria Police especially the SARS unit, is long overdue. He added that the police was created to protect the life and property of citizens and not to put them into harms way.  Atiku tweeted;  The reform of the Nigeria Police, especially the SARS unit, is long overdue. The@PoliceNG is meant to protect the life and property of our citizens and not to put them into harm’s way. -AA 

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Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus, has said that people do not have to be nude for them to feel sexy. In a post shared on her Instagram page, the 41-year-old said one can appear sexy by just wearing a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, being confident, among others. Posting the photo above, she wrote“I will say it again. You don’t have to be nude or vulgar in your appearance to be SEXY. The way you carry yourself even in A pair of Jeans and a sweatshirt can make heads turn. Your confidence can be SEXY. Your smile can be SEXY. Your voice can be SEXY. Even your eyes alone can make you SEXY. Don’t show it all or put everything out there to be called SEXY. You are enough dear.” 

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Davido’s second baby mama, Amanda took to her Insta-story to share a disturbing post about ”disappearing” with her daughter.  Amanda disclosed that her decision to disappear with her child and never return is centered on Instagram becoming the main platform for disgusting people, fake people, liars, opportunists and those who play on all sides.  She wrote;  

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One of Nollywood’s veteran actors, Patience Oseni has passed away.

The death was announced by Nollywood actress, Ejiro Okurame via her Instagram page on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, where she shared a photo of the actress and captioned it with a post.

“You fought a good fight 😥😥 God bless your soul as you meet with your Creator😫😥 Rest in Peace Legendary MA Patience Oseni,” she wrote.

Her daughter, Augusta Akomolafe confirmed the actress’ death to the National President of AGN, Ejezie Emeka Rollas. Oseni was a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the organization is mourning her demise.

The actress is said to have passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020, in Calabar, Cross River State. February 17, 2020. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace from all of at 9Newsng

Originally from Ogun state, she started her acting career in 1995 when she first starred in the movie ‘Deadly Passion.’ Patience Oseni rose to prominence in Nollywood back in the late 1990s with her role in the movie ‘End Of The Wicked.’

The actress threw subtlety to the wind as a witch in the Helen Ukpabio movie, “End of the Wicked.”

No on-screen or even off-screen villainous act beats a mother-in-law growing a penis with which she rapes her daughter-in-law.

She later went on to star in other movies including ‘Heat Of The Moment,’ Super Story (Series) and a host of other movies.

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Hey People! It’s a pleasure to introduce to you, Mrs Nina A… The latest ex-Big Brother Naija Bride.

The reality star had her traditional wedding sometime last week and she took to Instagram to share photos from the event.

Photos below:

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In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, here are some of the sexy photos shared on Instagram by various female celebrities as they celebrated the annual event.  See full photos below.  

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Former First Lady, Patience Jonathan’s cousin who is simply identified as Victor Oba has allegedly crushed the legs of his ex lover, leading to amputation

Miss Seigha Atia has had her left leg amputated after Victor Oba, reportedly rammed into her with his car.

Oba, who is the Manager of the First Lady’s hotel, Aridolf Hotels and Spars, reportedly hit 23-year-old Atia with his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), damaging her left leg beyond treatment.

He was said to have left her for dead and sped off afterwards. He was subsequently arrested but was later freed by the police. 
The victim’s lawyer, Aluzu Ebikebuna, confirmed the amputation of his client’s leg.

Narrating the incident, the victim said: “On the day of the incident, we had an argument and he called me and asked me to come outside of our gate to get the rest of my things in his car.
The next thing, he drove his car into me with speed. He hit me against our gate, held me there and did not reverse his car despite the fact that I was screaming in pains.

He later reversed and I fell to the ground and he zoomed off. My neighbors, who watched what happened screamed for help and came to my rescue. This relationship lasted for four months. 21 year old FUNAAB student in N11.3bn forex mess gets arrested

But I decided to quit when I discovered that he was a violent person. He had hit me once that was when everything started to take a nosedive.“ 

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Media personality, Denrele Edun has revealed the way he is treated by people who perceive him to be a gay man.

He narrated the awkward experiences he had with the husband of a friend of his whom he met on two occasions.

On one of the occasions, Denrele Edun said he could hear the man express disgust for him and also called him a homosexual.

He also revealed how he tried to shake the man who reacted in a manner that shows he got irritated by the gesture.

See his post below:

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Mohammed Alhaji-Musa and Hauwa Yahaya-Bagudu, the two serving corps members who began a romantic relationship after meeting in NYSC’s 2019 Batch ‘A’ Orientation Course, have finally tied the nuptial knots.  The couple got married on Friday February 7, at the Nigeria Air Force Base Central Mosque in Kano. A major highlight of the event was the couple exchanging their marital vows in NYSC uniform.  

Kano State’s NYSC coordinator, Malam Baba Ladan led other NYSC Staff and Corps Members to the wedding reception. He commended the new couple for maintaing their relationship which blossomed into marriage and fulfilling one of the objectives of the NYSC Scheme which is to achieve national unity and integration. 

The bride is from Niger State while the groom is an indigene of Nasarawa State. Here are more photos from their wedding ceremony below;  

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Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has threatened to hunt down the children of Abia Police Commissioner, Ene Okon if any killing occurs at the burial ceremony of his parents in Afaraukwu on Friday February 14.  The IPOB leader addressed the Abia Commissioner as “Inspector Okon” and also attached his photo in the Facebook post in which he passed off his threat.  Nnamdi Kanu wrote;   “If Inspector Okon and his commanders come to my father’s house to kill anyone on 14th February 2020 at my parents’ burial, we will hunt down their children.” 

This is coming few days after the Abia Commissioner, Ene Okon warned IPOB members to steer clear of the burial. He was quoted saying;  “Do you think we will sit down here and allow IPOB to participate in the burial? Whoever thinks along that line is fooling himself. IPOB will dance during the burial and the police elephants will dance too.“I have already reached out to the traditional prime minister of Afaraukwu (Nnamdi Kanu’s community) and told him that if they want the burial to go smoothly and for police to give them security, they should tell IPOB not to near the area not to talk of participating in the burial. If they fail to adhere to what we’ve told them, that means they do not want the burial to go on smoothly because we are going to scatter the place.“IPOB is proscribed by the Federal Government. I, as the Commissioner of Police in Abia cannot sit here and allow any proscribed group to operate anywhere in this state. I am saying this again for emphasis that there is no way police will allow a proscribed group to participate in the burial of the King and Queen of Afaraukwu simply because they are the parents of their acclaimed leader, we will not allow that and we cannot take anything for granted in the face of abundant intelligence on threat by IPOB.“If the burial committee writes to police to provide security during the burial, we will oblige them on the condition that they will guarantee us that IPOB will never, ever be part of the burial, IPOB will never get near there, in fact that IPOB will never, ever enter Umuahia. That police will not see any Biafra flag, IPOB insignia or IPOB member disguising as Jewish or Zionist Church members”

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Popular Nollywood actor Yul Edochie took to his Twitter handle to state that it is best for Catholic priests to be allowed to get married.

Recall that the actor recently revealed how sex for role destroyed many men in Nollywood.

The actor expressed that as grown man he is of the opinion that Catholic Priests should be allowed to get married.

He tweeted:

“Now that I’m older and wiser, I believe it’s best for Catholic priests to be allowed to get married. Don’t ask me why”.

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A 33-year-old landlord, Stanley Ejike Awam, has been arrested for allegedly harbouring suspected internet fraudsters. Stanley and 10 other suspected ‘Yahoo Boys’ were arrested by EFCC operatives today at different locations of the Ibadan metropolis following actionable intelligence on their alleged illegal activities. A statement released by EFCC spokesperson, Tony Orilade reads in part “For men of the commission who carried out the arrest, it was a daunting task locating Stanley’s six-flat property tucked inside an isolated environment around Ologuneru area of the Oyo State capital.” He revealed that nine suspects, including Stanley, were arrested at the premises in Ibadan. Others are Henry Echefu, Usman Mustapha, Adeleke David, Olafuyi Josiah, Shorefire Ayokunmi, Riliwan Ajao, Abulsalam Abubakar and Lukman Salam. Orilade said investigations is still ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court in due time.   

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Toke Makinwa got her followers talking this morning after she shared these photos flashing her camel toe…lol. See the comments and more photos below 

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5:55 PM PT — TMZ Sports has obtained some of the last photos taken of Kobe Bryant with his daughter, Gianna, and it’s clear they both had basketball on the brain in one of their final moments together.

READ ALSO: – Basket Ball Legend Kobe Bryant and Daughter Killed in a Helicopter Crash

TMZ.com

The pics were shot Saturday at Kobe’s Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, where Gigi’s Mamba team played two 8th grade girls games that day. You can see KB watching carefully from the sideline as Gianna was on the court.

TMZ.com

At one point, Kobe was seen giving his kid some tips. It’s unclear if he’s the head coach of her current squad or not, but he was definitely in coaching mode from what we can tell. We know he’s coached other teams she was on in the past. Kobe said Gianna had aspirations to be in the WNBA, and by all accounts … she was well on her way to getting there.

One thing that’s pretty obvious from this snapshot moment is that they were both fierce competitors and loved the game they played.

4:56 PM PT — The Mayor of Costa Mesa, Katrina Foley, just confirmed the identity of one of the other victims in the helicopter crash … girls basketball coach Christina Mauser, who’s married to Tijuana Dogs singer Matt Mauser. Matt also confirmed the news himself.

On Facebook, he wrote … “My kids and I are devastated. We lost our beautiful wife and mom today in a helicopter crash. Please respect our privacy. Thank you for all the well wishes they mean so much.”

4:30 PM PT — L.A. weather was extremely foggy Sunday morning, and law enforcement sources tell us even LAPD air support was grounded because of it. Flight tracker data shows Kobe’s chopper appeared to first encounter weather issues as it was above the L.A. Zoo. It circled that area at least 6 times at a very low altitude — around 875 feet — perhaps waiting for the fog to clear.

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FLIGHT TOWER AUDIO

We know the pilot contacted the control tower at Burbank Airport around 9:30 AM PT, and the tower was aware the pilot had been circling for about 15 minutes. The pilot eventually headed north along the 118 freeway before turning to the west, and started following above the 101 freeway around Woodland Hills, CA.

At around 9:40 AM they encounter more weather — as in seriously heavy fog — and the chopper turned south. This was critical, because they turned toward a mountainous area. The pilot suddenly and rapidly climbed from about 1200 feet up to 2000 feet.

However, moments later — around 9:45 AM — they flew into a mountain at 1700 feet. Flight tracker data shows they were flying at about 161 knots.

3:49 PM PT — Michael Jordan has spoken on Kobe’s death, saying … “I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe — he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much.”

He adds, “He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply — and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball. Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world.”

3:01 PM PT — The players, coaches and families at the Mamba Academy were obviously emotional when they heard the news about Kobe’s death … but came together for a moment of silence and prayer.

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AT THE ACADEMYTMZSports.com

Some of the Academy leaders addressed everyone at the facility — encouraging them to support each other, grieve together and honor Kobe by living good, quality lives.

TMZ.com

Kids, parents and fans left a shrine to Kobe outside the Academy’s doors.

2:40 PM PT — Officials say they believe 9 people were on board — 1 pilot and 8 passengers — and there were no survivors. Still unclear why the chopper crashed but an investigation is under way.

2:42 PM PT — Authorities say responders had to hike to get to the crash scene. When they finally got to the incident site, it was clear no one survived.

2:08 PM PT — Barack Obamasays, “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act.”

“To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”

1:48 PM PT — Authorities near the crash site are about to hold a news conference, detailing the fatal incident. We will be streaming the whole thing live. The start time has been pushed to 2:30 PM PT.Play video content

POST-INCIDENT UPDATEWashington Post

1:46 PM PT — Shaquille O’Neal just posted a tribute to Kobe … saying, “There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of loosing my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie.”

He continued, “I love you brother and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW!”

1:19 PM PT — We’ve obtained the dispatch audio in which you can hear the operator directing emergency personnel to the crash scene.

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CRASH DISPATCH AUDIO

1:12 PM PT — Rick Fox’s attorney confirms the former Laker was NOT among those on board the helicopter, despite rumors that circulated suggesting he was. At least one of the other passengers HAS been confirmed, John Altobelli. He’s a baseball coach at Orange Coast College.

12:49 PM PT — President Trump just tweeted about Kobe’s death … saying, “Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!”

12:35 PM PT — Kobe’s daughter Gianna Maria Onore — aka GiGi — was also on board the helicopter and died in the crash … reps for Kobe tell TMZ Sports. She was 13.

We’re told they were on their way to the Mamba Academy for a basketball practice when the crash occurred. The Academy is in nearby Thousand Oaks.

Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas Sunday morning … TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Kobe was traveling with at least 3 other people in his private helicopter when it went down. A fire broke out. Emergency personnel responded, but nobody on board survived. 5 people are confirmed dead. We’re told Vanessa Bryant was not among those on board.

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THE SCENE OF THE CRASHRMG News

Eyewitnesses also tell us that they heard the helicopter’s engine sputtering before it went down. As you can see, flames and smoke covered much of the scene from the wreck. The official cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

Kobe has famously used a helicopter to travel for years — dating back to when he played for the Lakers. He was known for commuting from Newport Beach, CA to the STAPLES Center in DTLA in his Sikorsky S-76 chopper.

KB is survived by his wife Vanessa. Together, they have four daughters — Gianna, Natalia and Bianca and their newborn Capri. Kobe and Vanessa got married in 2001 after meeting in 1999.

A memorial to Kobe has already sprung up outside of Staples Center, where Kobe played for years.

Kobe has recently been spotted out at NBA games with his daughter Gianna — a rising star basketball player herself. Their youngest daughter, Capri, was just born in June 2019.

Celebrities from all over the world and all parts of entertainment are paying tribute to Kobe on social media. Tom Brady, President Trump, Dwyane Wade and more.

Kobe is widely considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time — making 18 All-Star teams during his 20-year career with the Lakers. He was a first-round pick in the 1996 draft, winning 5 NBA championships, 2 NBA Finals MVPs and he was the league MVP in ’08.

He was on 15 All-NBA Teams, 12 All-Defensive Teams and led the league in scoring for two seasons. He ranks fourth in the NBA for all-time regular season scoring and all-time postseason scoring. He also repped the USA in a number of Olympics appearances, for which he helped secure gold medals twice.

The Lakers famously retired both of Kobe’s jerseys, numbers 8 and 24 … the only player in team history to receive that honor.

Kobe’s accomplishments stand far outside of the basketball world. He won an Oscar for his short film, “Dear Basketball,” in 2018. He was also involved in a handful of charitable efforts — including being an ambassador for the After-School All-Stars, which provides after-school programs to kids across the U.S. He also partnered with China to help launch the Soon Ching Ling Foundation — an org that earmarked funds for education and health programs.

He was a bit of a business mogul too, starting a venture capital firm with his biz partner, Jeff Stibel. Kobe also started Kobe Inc., and invested in sports drinks, among other things. The champ also put out a book called, “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play” in 2018. It was a best seller at the time. Kobe also dabbled in music — he rapped for a number of years on and off.

On Saturday, LeBron James passed Kobe as third on the all-time NBA scoring list. He paid tribute to Bron on Instagram — his last post — by saying, “On to #2 @kingjames! Keep growing the game and charting the path for the next.”

At age 34, Kobe became the youngest player in NBA history to surpass the 30,000 point mark. Speaking of putting up points, the guy was notorious for his 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006. It was one of the greatest performances in modern NBA history.

Another major highlight from his long career was his final game in 2016 against the Utah Jazz, when he dropped 60 points and went out with a bang to help his team win. It was especially moving considering his injury-plagued years, which started in 2013 when he tore his Achilles tendon.

He was 41 years old. RIP

Story developing …

Originally Published — 11:24 AM PT

9News Nigeria

Mike Ezuruonye is grateful for the gift of sight after he spent 8 hours undergoing surgery to fix his eyes. The actor revealed he had a growth encroaching the pupil of both eyes due to harsh movie production lights. A doctor advised that he should undergo surgery to prevent permanent damage and he took the advice. He went on to point out that people who spend a long time looking at their phones and laptop screens are at risk of such danger and he advised such people to go for check-up. He wrote: Forgive being Reluctant but just had to share..Many don’t know what we go through in the course of our work (FILM MAKING).. Had a growth encroaching the pupil of both eyes cos of over exposure to HARSH movie Production LIGHTS over the Years…(Heard looking into your PHONE/COMPUTER for too long also puts one in Danger)..Advised to get Surgery done,I was Scared… After Surgery, for over 8 hrs ,i was without sight as my eyes were Demanded Tightly Closed,Tightly Shut by the Ophthalmologist Team of Doctors..Hmnnn.. These Made me Appreciate more the GIFT of Sight GOD gave me…Goshhhh that I can never ever take for Granted..Scary experience…But GOD is always Faithful..Glad Surgery was SUCCESSFUL and i will be back real soon to my work and Passion… Thanks to my FANS and TRUE SUPPORTERS..(NOTE Pls :Dont adhere to any IMPOSTOR who would want to take advantage to defraud anyone of his or her money…Pls I am Fine and Healing) I love you all always.  

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A video of two-middle aged men fighting inside a gutter over N100 has since gone viral. Twitter user @omotayo_b who shared the video online, did not state where exactly it happened.”Lmao, what if I told you N100 caused this fight” he wrote Watch the video below  

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Lil Wayne is allegedly engaged to a plus-sized Latina model named Latecia Thomas. Wayne and Latecia reportedly met over the summer and they bonded quickly. An MTO source claimed that “Wayne fell in love [with Latecia] on the first day, and so did Latecia.” 

Latecia works as a plus-size model and is signed with Wilhamena modelling. She describes herself as a body-positive activist. 

Rumours about her being engaged to Lil Wayne started last month when she was seen wearing what looks like an engagement ring in a video shared to Instagram. She has also been seen leaving heart emojis and comments on Lil Wayne’s posts. 

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Uriel Oputa told her followers that she used to be a full-time hairdresser before she went for the Big Brother Naija reality show that made her a celebrity. She shared a throwback photo showing her styling a customer’s hair and wrote: “2014 I was a full Time Hair Dresser.” 

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As shared by the Nollywood actress on Instagram.

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Nigerian comedian, Emeka Erem a.k.a Ajebo welcomed his first child with his wife Uchechi Kalu .  The excited comedian described their bundle of joy as the best Christmas gift they could ask for. Ajebo who revealed he was present throughout the birth process, added that the journey to fatherhood has been an amazing experience.  He wrote;  God has done so much for Us, We cannot tell it all. The journey to fatherhood has been super amazing with my ride or die @uchae_eremThis is the best christmas gift we could ever ask for.. Our bundle of joy, Daddy’s girl. I saw with my 2 eyes the entire birth process and I stood confident in the fact that the host of Angels were in that room..God be praised.

Ajebo also disclosed that their baby girl has been christened Zikora Shefa Ngozi Erem. He wrote;  I celebrate you my wonder woman, play buddy and best friend. Thank God for the gift of you and Our budle of Joy Zikora Shefa Ngozi Erem.It’s Ok to call me Daddy Zee!God be praised. 

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The premiere of Jadesola Osiberu’s new movie, SugarRush, took place in Lagos last night and as expected, celebrities including Toke Makinwa, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Funke Akindele Bello and hubby JJC Skillz, Darey Art Alade, stepped out in their best. See more photos below. 

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Singer, Rihanna was pictured looking all sexy while posing in a nude bodysuit from her new Savage X Fenty Lingerie. See full photos below.

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The Sugar Rush movie premiere held last night and celebrities stepped out dressed in their best, but ex Big Brother Naija house mate, Anto stood out in her outfit and it’s got people talking. While other ladies had on colourful dresses in line with the theme of the premiere, Anto wore a yellow bodysuit under a jacket. A number of Nigerians on Instagram didn’t approve and they asked if she was going for a swim or to a pool party. 

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Publisher, Dele Momodu and his wife, Mobolaji, are celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary today December 19th. The couple got married in 1992 and have four boys. Dele Momodu posted this photo of them on his Instagram page and wrote Happy wedding anniversary to us… Against all odds, MOBOLAJI, God has been most kind to us in 27 years. It has been a fairytale and rollercoaster… Congratulations darling… Happy anniversary to them! 

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A woman has just received the shock of her life having discovered that her husband recently got married to her best friend of over 25 years. A Facebook user named Christine Aluyi, who has known both women for decades, took to Facebook to share the shocking story. Christine revealed that two women named Rukevwe and Cordelia have been friends for over 25 years. Rukevwe got married and later divorced. She eventually had a child after her divorce but didn’t remarry. As for Cordelia, she was married and her marriage seemed happy. Her home in Warri was open to Rukevwe. 10 years ago, Cordelia and her husband moved to the UK and Rukevwe was welcomed whenever she comes to visit them in the UK. The women also had another friend named Bawo but she was married and mostly focused on her own family. In July this year, Cordelia’s husband started pressuring her for a divorce. She granted his wish and moved on with her life. She later planned a trip to Nigeria and asked to stay at her best friend Rukevwe’s home in Nigeria. But Rukevwe kept avoiding her and claimed she wouldn’t be around. Cordelia came to Nigeria all the same and discovered, to her shock, that Rukevwe was avoiding her because she has married Cordelia’s husband. Apparently, Rukevwe was the one who encouraged Cordelia’s husband to seek a divorce from her best friend and marry her. “Betrayal of the century. God save us from enemies that call us friends,” Christine said as she shared the story. 

Read the shocking story as narrated by Christine Aluyi below. The Face of a Betrayer….I don’t know if I am dreaming or if this is true, Bawo I will need you to tell me that it is not a dream…. I cannot believe this. Rukevwe, you? You of all people? So all these tens of years that you have been acting like Cordelia Ufuoma Rowayinor Ovakporae ‘s best friend and sister, you have been hating her? You hated her so much that you pulled the trigger. It would have been better, if you had shot her. Rukevwe, why? Of all the men in the world, it is Cordy’s husband that you can marry. Cordy your best friend and sister?Friends, pls forgive my ranting this morning, I just got the rudest shock of my life now. Maybe I am dreaming o. My former neighbour and friend, Cordilia Rowayinor on the right in the two photos and wearing red hat, woke me up with this heartbreaking news, that Rukevwe, on the left in the two photos, wearing white hat, whom I have always known to be her bestie just married her husband. Rukevwe and Bawo were the closest friends she has had for over 25yrs since I knew them. They are all younger than me, so I was not in their click of friends but I am more of a big sister to Cordy.Cordy, her husband and I and my husband used to live in the same estate in Warri . We had our children in that estate until they relocated abroad for about 10yrs now and I moved out. Rukevwe has been part of her life. She was married briefly and divorced and later had a child for a man she was dating before she got married. All through, she has been having a very good relationship with Cordy and Cordy has invited her to spend time with her in the UK a couple of times. Rukevwe and Bawo are the friends who became sisters to Cordy. Since, Bawo got married, her marriage keeps her occupied, but the close friendship still exists. Rukevwe is the free one who was available until now.Though, Cordy and her husband has been having a rough time, it never got to asking for divorce. He pestered her for divorce in July this year, which she granted unknowing to her, that it was to enable him marry her best friend and supposed sister. Apparently, it was Rukevwe who was pestering him to divorce her.Cordy came to Nigeria for a marriage ceremony. She would have put up with Rukevwe, but Rukevwe told her she was out of town to prevent her from going to her house. Only for her to find out that, in the month of July when her husband was pestering her for divorce, he came to Nigeria to marry Rukevwe.This is a very big blow to Cordilia cos it never crossed her mind that even if her husband wants another wife, it would be her best friend. A friend she has shared all her life with. Rukevwe gave Cordy the deepest cut, the biggest heartbreak.Who knows when he started sleeping with her? Probably, the relationship has been on all the while they were in Warri before they relocated abroad and the times Rukevwe went to visit them in the UK, he has been having it out with her when Cordy went on night duty. Na only God know.This is sleeping with the enemy part 2. I cannot comprehend this. I still want to believe that the call Cordilia put through to me this morning was in a dream. I am looking forward to waking up from it.Cordy, it is well. You will recover from the shock. God will strengthen you and give you reason to be happy that both of them have left your life. Thank God that in her desperation to marry your husband, she didn’t poison you or kill you through other means, she only asked him to divorce you. We should be thanking God for your life.Rukevwe, it is only God that can judge and reward you. I hear you people want to relocate to Canada. Know that God is omnipresent.This is a true life movie and it has just been acted.I am Christine Aluyi, a living witness to this friendship. 

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Nigerian Twitter users have called out Bishop Umoh a.k.a Okon Lagos for allegedly faking his weight loss claim which left his followers stunned.  The social media users who countered the Nollywood actor’s weight loss claim, also had photos to ”back up” their drag posts.  While one of the Twitter users claimed Okon Lagos still looked like his former self after seeing him at UNIBEN in November, the other pointed out that nothing has changed in the actor’s physique with photos from the burial ceremony of Madam Lucy Odili on Saturday, December 14.  See the Twitter exchange below;  

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Cardi B made a fashion statement during her latest court appearance in New York on Tuesday, December 10.The rapper arrived to Queens Criminal Court wearing an elaborate feather coat that trailed behind her and had a hooded cape. She also wore black trousers, a white shirt and tie and heels.”Court,” Cardi captioned photos shared to her Instagram account. 

Cardi was back in court over an alleged fight that took place at a strip club in New York City last year. She was arrested in October 2018 and accused of taking part in the fight involving two female bartenders at the Angels Strip Club.The two women involved in the incident claim they got into an argument with Cardi and two other people, allegedly resulting in their injuries from bottles and chairs being thrown around the strip club.Back in June, Cardi pleaded not guilty with regards to a 12-count indictment, including charges of assault, harassment, conspiracy and second-degree reckless endangerment. 

According to Entertainment Tonight, Tuesday’s court hearing was to discuss private social media messages involved in the case.Another hearing has been set for 17 January 2020, but it’s reported Cardi will not attend. 

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Nigerian singer, Terry G has taken to his Instagram page to issue a public apology to his baby mama, Mimi Omoregbe.  It’s unclear what must have led to the misunderstanding between the pair who have a son together. But the ‘Akpako Master’ has made it clear he wants to make things right if given another opportunity.  Read what he wrote below. Sometimes, there are simply no words that can adequately Express the depth of a person’s feelings that are plagued by regrets, guilt, and sadness for a wrong done. I want to tell u am sorry a thousand times, but that can’t undo what has been done or ease the pain in your heart. I totally deserve all the anger and resentment from you,u are the nicest person any sane man wld wanna have as a part of them in this thing called life, your calmness, niceness, understanding is unbeatable, how and why I did not think of moments u might get really hurt and walk away, without a word, your silence is killing, am full of regrets, pls @cocomims,I know I don’t have the right to ask anything from you when I have offended u, but if u can find it in your heart to forgive me and give me other opportunity to prove to u how much I love u.and a chance to make your future a happier one with more laughters and few tears..       View this post on Instagram         sometimes, there are simply no words that can adequately Express the depth of a person’s feelings that are plagued by regrets,guilt and sadness for a wrong done.i want to tell u am sorry a thousand times, but that cant undo what has been done or ease the pain in your heart.i totally deserve all the anger and resentment from you ,u are the nicest person any sane man wld wanna have as a part of them in this thing called life ,your calmness,niceness, understanding is unbeatable,how and why I did not think of moments u might get really hurt and walk away, without a word, your silence is killing, am full of regrets, pls @cocomims ,I know I dont have the right to ask anything from you when I have offended u,but if u can find it in your heart to forgive me and give me other opportunity to prove to u how much I love u.and a chance to make your future a happier one with more laughters and few tears..A post shared by TERRY G (@iamterryg) on Dec 10, 2019 at 2:50am 

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Big Brother Naija housemate Khafi Kareem is the latest car owner in town, courtesy BBNaija and Innoson Motors.

Recall that Khafi won the car prize in one of the various tasks during the show. For the sole act of being the last housemate holding on to the ribbon, Khafi won the challenge and the Innoson IVM Fox.

Khafi, accompanied by Gedoni, finally picked up her car today and she’s naming the new baby “Lady Foxy.” Sharing photos on her Instagram, she wrote:

Guess who’s the newest car owner in town?! I finally got my car and I couldn’t be happier!! Thank you so much @officialinnosonvehicles!! I will be calling her “Lady Foxy”. So if you see me drive by, holla at your girl!!

See photos of Khafi and Lady Foxy

9News Nigeria

Nollywood actress Chizzy Alichi has tied the knot traditionally with her fiance, Chike Ugochukwu.

Chizzy got engaged to her boyfriend back in September 2019, and their traditional marriage took place in her hometown, Enugu State.Friends, families and colleagues, including Judy Austin, Eve Esin, Iheoma Nancy, Patience Ozokwor, Pete Edochie and Ebele Okaro graced the ceremony to support Chizzy and her husband.

Check out photos below:

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An 18-year-old boy has allegedly been shot dead by a police officer because he retaliated when the officer slapped him. Awuzie Duru, 18, was allegedly killed within the premises of a new generation bank branch at Umuaka on Sunday, December 1. According to reports, Awuzie, popularly known as Aboy, from Isiozi Aka in Umuaka, Imo state, had gone to the bank to withdraw money from the bank’s ATM gallery. The boy took his space on the line and other newcomers took their place behind him. After a while, Awuzie left the line to answer a call. When he returned to take his place on the ATM queue, the bank customer who was behind him refused to let him back on the line. This led to a verbal confrontation. A policeman present witnessed the confrontation but did not interfere. The fight soon turned physical and the policeman got involved and started scolding Awuzie. According to The Nation, Awuzie then told the officer that he refused to do anything when the were simply exchanging words but wants to scold him now that it has turned into a physical fight. At this, the officer reportedly slapped Awuzie for talking back at him. Awuzie slapped back and the officer allegedly shot him.

The boy’s killing stirred up tension in the town as the youths in the area began planning an attack on the police station. According to village sources, the youths mobilised to attack the police station but some elders appealed to them to allow the police hierarchy handle the matter. An elder in the area told The Nation: “I can tell you that the boys were not happy with the matter is that policeman killed the boy over an altercation. So, they had mobilised to burn down the station to show their anger and loss. “But, some of us had to intervene because this kind of thing has happened here before about 15 years ago when some policemen caused the death of some people in Umuaka here and our youths burned down the police station. So we don’t want this kind of thing to happen anymore. “Some of them are still planning to launch an attack but we’re still appealing to them.” The state police commissioner, Rabiu Ladodo confirmed the incident. He added that the command was doing everything possible to contain any further crisis that might arise from the incident. Ladodo also disclosed that the policeman involved had been arrested and will be punished if found guilty.

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9News Nigeria

The winner of the just concluded gubernatorial election in Bayelsa state, Mr. David Lyon of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has paid a courtesy visit to the president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

My Lyon made the visit in a way to appreciate the president and the APC executives for the massive support and political catalyst he received during the last concluded election.

However, the election was heavily marred by characteristics of violence of the highest order according to report by Civil society groups.

The Centre for Democracy and Development and the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities had gravely accused Nigerian security operatives for allegedly colluding with state officials to undermine the electoral process in both Bayelsa and Kogi states.

READ ALSO: Security officers helped to manipulate and rig elections in Kogi and Bayelsa – Civil Society

Presenting a report on the elections to journalists in Abuja on Monday. According to the news report earlier published by 9News Nigeria, Mrs. Idayat Hassan, the Executive Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development had said that many voters were disenfranchised in Kogi as a result of threats to life.

In her words, the CDD Executive Director said: “violently and crudely undermined by an unrelenting band of partisan outlaws.” She also noted that CDD observers and journalists in Kogi had reported the death of 10 persons and over 79 critical incidents during the polls in the state.

In the same manner, there were numerous reports of grave violent activities witnessed and recorded by observers in Bayelsa state as well.

Report by Obinna Ejianya @obinna_ejianya

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

WASHINGTON / MINNEAPOLIS – Two years ago, Sara Duku received a telephone call that would change the way she saw herself both personally and professionally. 
 
An annual conference called South Sudan Unite, run by the Luol Deng Foundation, needed South Sudanese fashion designers to display their creations for the event’s fashion show. Organizers wanted to feature Duku’s clothing at the event, which was held in Dallas, Texas, in 2017. 

The now-22-year-old seamstress who “dabbled in sewing” hesitated. 

“They called me a fashion designer and I didn’t see myself as a fashion designer. I didn’t see myself as creative or in the art industry. Even when I first came, I didn’t know where I myself was heading,” said Duku at this year’s show, held recently in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Nervousness

Duku, who is from South Sudan and didn’t even know how to cut clothing patterns two years ago, was filled with anxiety.

“Are they going to like me? Are they going to judge me?” she asked. 

Duku said she reluctantly accepted the invitation. She began designing her pieces, debuting them in 2017 at the fashion show in Texas.  
 
“That first fashion show really took me in the direction that I am in now. People believed in me enough to put this label on me and actually believed that I was good. I actually believed that I was good, too,” said Duku. 
 
She has since started Duku’s Boutique and Tailoring, a home-based startup in Dallas that serves the local South Sudanese diaspora. 
 
Her growth is emblematic of the vision behind South Sudan Unite of inspiring the diaspora to come together and build. 
 
That development has come amid challenges facing South Sudan, the world’s youngest country. 
 
The onset of conflict in December 2013 — stemming from a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his then-deputy, Riek Machar — crippled South Sudan’s economy and led to the declaration of a famine in February 2017.

First conference

Amid the collapse of peace negotiations between South Sudan’s leaders and the spread of the conflict, the diaspora gathered in Washington for the first South Sudan Unite conference.  

Arek Deng is the chief executive officer of the Luol Deng Foundation, which was founded by her brother, two-time National Basketball Association All-Star Luol Deng. Arek Deng said the conference was aimed at highlighting the community’s strength and discussing issues, including the effect of conflict on South Sudanese, young and old.
 
“We started to realize that was happening amongst the older generation, but it started to affect the younger generation, where we were beginning to attack each other,” said Deng. 
 
Mistrust and division among South Sudanese at home and in the diaspora grew, social media became a battleground for angry South Sudanese and hate speechbecame the weapon of choice.
 
Those divisions were reflected in how South Sudan Unite was received. 
 
Arek Deng said the Luol Deng Foundation went ahead with plans to grow the event. 

Force for change

“We thought that the youth would be the driving force to make a change in how we view each other as South Sudanese. South Sudan Unite became a platform to celebrate all of our cultures, all of our differences and all of our similarities in a platform that is positive,” said Deng. South Sudan is home to dozens of ethnic groups. 

Duku credited the South Sudan Unite community for her growth as a young professional. 
 
“Even just looking at myself from the first year to here, I’m proud of myself. I have grown mentally, spiritually. Every area of my life is starting to find meaning,” she said. “The scars are there, but those scars are healing other people.” 

Source: Voice of America

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

IS supporters are celebrating the Sri Lanka suicide bombings as payback for the Christchurch mosque shooting, a terrorism expert claims.

Islamic State may be preparing to take credit for the Easter Sunday suicide bombings in Sri Lanka that have left at least 290 dead and around 500 injured, a terrorism expert has warned.

No group has officially claimed responsibility for the blasts, which ripped through three churches, four luxury hotels and a unit block in Colombo. Scores more died in attacks in Negombo and Kochchikade, north of the capital, and Batticaloa in the island nation’s east.

SITE Intelligence Group director Rita Katz says IS supporters have boasted on social media Colombo was revenge for the Christchurch mosque massacre and the US-backed military campaign in Syria.

Australian born Brenton Tarrant is facing 50 counts of murder and 39 counts of attempted murder after opening fire on two Christchurch mosques in New Zealand’s worst terror attack.

1) Hundreds killed and hundreds more wounded in Easter blasts at #SriLanka churches. While no group has yet claimed responsibility, targeting Christians is a staple of #ISIS attack directives (not to mention past attacks in places like Egypt). pic.twitter.com/USGwiCnw1v

— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz) April 21, 2019

2) To that point, #ISIS supporters are already celebrating the attacks as revenge for the military campaign against the group: “Just like the massacre of mosques, it is an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” https://t.co/jPlsihzVpZ

— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz) April 21, 2019

8) At this point, #ISIS channels—posting rampantly, praying “may Allah accept” the attackers, celebrating casualties, etc.—are clearly paving way for ISIS to claim responsibility. While such a claim may frame the op as revenge for #NewZealand, this was likely planned long before. pic.twitter.com/j4dSfs7wWB

— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz) April 21, 2019

https://twitter.com/EvaChanda/status/1120010171386822657

Ms Katz said IS media channels were “posting rampantly” about the explosions and praying “may Allah accept” the attackers, indicating the group may be planning to claim responsibility.

“While such a claim may frame the op as revenge for New Zealand, this was likely planned long before,” she said.

An infographic gloating about the death toll has also been disseminated on social media by IS supporters.

The death toll from the eight blasts is expected to soar past 300, with hundreds more injured, many of them critically.

Around 30 foreigners are among the dead, including five British nationals — two of whom held dual US citizenship. The others came from China, Denmark, The Netherlands, India, Portugal and Turkey.

It has not yet been established whether any Australians are among the casualties.

Authorities have arrested 13 people over the attacks, describing those in custody only as “religious extremists”.

Ms Katz said the attacks bore chilling similarities to the bombing of a Roman Catholic cathedral on the island of Jolo in the southern Philippines in January.

IS claimed responsibility for twin blasts, which killed 20 worshippers and wounded scores more.

Sri Lankan fighters have been rising in the ranks of IS, and the country would have been “easily accessible” for its supporters in the region, Ms Katz said.

Islamic State supporters are spreading this infographic glorifying the Sri Lanka attacks on social media, according to the SITE intel group. Picture: SITE/TwitterSource:Supplied

Ms Katz says the Colombo attacks mirror the Islamic State bombing of a Roman Catholic cathedral on Jolo island in the southern Philippines on January 27. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Supplied

Sri Lankan security personnel walk past dead bodies covered with blankets at St Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, Colombo. Picture: Ishara S Kodikara/ AFPSource:AFP

In 2016, the Sri Lankan Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe warned 32 people from prominent Muslim families had slipped out of the country to fight for IS in Syria in a surge of local support for the terror group.

“They are not from ordinary families, these people are from the families which are considered as well-educated and elite,” Minister Rajapakshe said, according to Reuters.

He said the Government had also received intelligence foreigners were entering Sri Lanka to spread what he called Islamic “extremism”.

The Colombo attacks come just weeks after IS launched a massive global military campaign dubbed the “Revenge Invasion” as payback for the loss of territory in Syria.

It has emerged Sri Lanka’s police chief Pujuth Jayasundara warned suicide bombers were planning to hit “prominent churches” 10 days before yesterday’s attack.

“A foreign intelligence agency has reported that the NTJ (National Thowheeth Jama’ath) is planning to carry out suicide attacks targeting prominent churches as well as the Indian high commission in Colombo” he said.

The NTJ is a radical Muslim group that was linked to the destruction of Buddhist statues last year.

Sri Lankan soldiers survey the destruction inside St Sebastian’s Church at Katuwapitiya in Negombo. Picture: STR/AFPSource:AFP

The St Sebastian’s Church blast was so powerful it blew the roof off. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Clashes between Sinhalese Buddhist and Muslim communities have escalated in recent months, with some hard-line Buddhist groups accusing Muslims of forcing people to convert to Islam.

But Muslims have also been targeted. In 2018, mobs of Buddhists descended on small towns in the hills of central Sri Lanka, attacking mosques and Muslim-owned shops.

Viral misinformation and calls for anti-Muslim violence, circulating largely on Facebook, were blamed for the riots and lynchings that followed.

In response, the Government cut off the population’s access to social media, a strategy it also adopted in the wake of yesterday’s terror attacks.

Economy Minister Harsha de Silva said yesterday the latest ban was temporary and access would be allowed again “once investigations have concluded”.

Only about 6 per cent of majority-Buddhist Sri Lanka is Catholic, but the religion is seen as a unifying force because it includes people from both the Tamil and majority Sinhalese ethnic groups.

Last year, there were 86 verified incidents of discrimination, threats and violence against Christians, according to the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka.

The Colombo bombings are the worst violence in Sri Lanka since the country’s bloody civil war ended a decade ago.

A broken Virgin Mary statue at St. Anthony’s Shrine. Picture: Ishara S Kodikara/AFPSource:AFP

 

 

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, Professor Ike Ekweremmad visited Motherless babies homes, Hospitals and old people’s homes to mark his 56th Birthday.

The enviable and admirable Deputy Senate President had chosen to visit those who are having hard lives, the less privileged ones,  and those more unfortunate than the rest, to spend time with them, make them happy, as a way to celebrate his “this year’s birthday”. 

Professor Ekweremadu had gone the unusual way by forsaking his fellow elites in order to put smiles on the faces of those the society seems to leave behind, most of the time.  

On his twitter timeline, the one in a million distinguished senator, who stands tall as one of the most experienced and diligent among the rest, tweeted to his fans on how he celebrated his 56th birthday visiting motherless babies homes in Enugu, UNTH hospital and old peoples’ home, all in Enugu state.

Going by the tone of the tweets, it’s evident that the Deputy Senate President has special empathy and compassion for the less privileged of our society, and it also depicts that the visitations meant so much to him.

“I visited the UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State ; Mother of Perpetual Help Old People’s Home, Enugu; Holy Child Motherless Babies Home, Enugu, and the National Orthopaedic
Hospital Enugu to spend time with the patients and inmates to mark my 56th Birthday”

https://twitter.com/Ike_Ekweremadu/status/996045633877348362

It is usually commonsensical for the rich especially those in high positions in government to throw expensive high society parties, spending a lot of money to entertain those within their circle, and calling TV stations to cover the fabulous events. But this time, the Enugu state Igbo man had decided to remember those that needed hospitality the most.

He had visited University Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla in Enugu State, and Mother of Perpetual Help Old People’s Home also in Enugu state.  

He then went ahead to visit Holy Child Motherless Babies Home, Enugu, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu where he spent some time with the patients.

Happy belated birthday, Professor Ike Ekweremadu

By Obinna Ejianya @obinna_ejianya

For 9News Nigeria @9newsng

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

On her blog and Instagram Millionaire Blogger and Iconic achiever, Linda Ikeji has released a Happy Birthday wishes attributed to herself, appreciating her fans and well wishers for the years of continuous patronage.  She went further to thank God for taking her to greater heights.

Happy birthday to me. Yay! And thanks guys for the amazing, beautiful birthday wishes. Love you all…😚😚😚

A post shared by Linda Ikeji (@officiallindaikeji) on Sep 18, 2017 at 4:16pm PDT

In her words

“ Wait, it’s already one year from the day I made that ‘famous’ video? Lol. It’s my birthday guys and like always, I am grateful for how far God has brought me. I am starting a new chapter in my journey and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to share my life with you all. I hope it continues to inspire you and make you go out there to fight for your dreams. You must make your life count. Really, you must! In the littlest way you can.

Thank you guys for your prayers and continuous support and staying loyal to LIB. And thank you for all the wonderful birthday wishes. I love you all!! Kisses!”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

– CNA/mz

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Michelle Obama‘s going out with a VERY expensive bang.

The United States of America’s First Lady’s body was straight fire — with all due respect — in a form-fitting custom-made rose gold Versace gown during President Obama‘s final State Dinner Tuesday night.

Michelle and Barack were hosting the Italian Prime Minister and his wife — so, maybe she went Versace just to make them feel at home. But more likely … she just loved the couture.

The evening was topped off with a duet from Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nineteen candidates are vying for the ticket to the Government House. But the main contest is seen to be between Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress, the ruling party in the state, and Andrew Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party.

There’s only one female governorship candidate, Tracy Agol, the 44-year-old Peoples’ Party of Nigeria aspirant.

Seven political parties have women as their deputy governorship candidates.

Edo State has a total of 1,925,105 registered voters; 192 Registration Areas (RAs); 2,627 Polling Units (Pus); and 4,011 Voting Points (VPs).

A total of 25,000 police officers were deployed across the state to ensure peace and security during the polls, while 44 observer groups were accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission as election monitors.

PREMIUM TIMES’ Josiah Oluwole and Ben Ezeamalu are in the state to bring you live, minute-by-minute updates of the election as it unfolds in the 18 local government areas of the state.

LIVE UPDATES

Voting material have arrived at Polling Unit 005 in Benin.

An INEC adhoc staff explains the voting process to prospective voters at a primary school in Benin.

 

“The process has changed. Now after accreditation, you vote immediately.

“Voting starts by 8 am and stops at 2pm. Those who are in the queue when it’s 2pm will be allowed to cast their votes.”

At PU 001 in Asoro Primary School, Benin, a party agent attempted to tell people to vote for her party.

Chaos ensued.

Eghosa Arase, a voter, said everything was fine until the agent began canvassing for her party.

“The election is going peacefully, but some certain things is happening, some other members of some party, they are trying to cause crisis though we’ve tried to bring everything down.

“When you want to canvass, you have to canvass at home before you come here.”

PREMIUM TIMES found out that one of the major parties was giving out N2,000 to have people vote for its candidate.

80-year-old Alice Akpaha arrived at the polling unit with her temporary voters card and was told she couldn’t vote.

“They’ll give you the one you can use in 2019,” a party agent told her.

Voting has commenced at PU 021, Emokpae Primary School, Benin.

Godwin Obaseki, the APC candidate, arrives at his polling unit to cast his vote and shouts of ‘next governor, next governor’ rents the air.

Mr. Obaseki joins the queue to vote.

Mr. Obaseki, speaking in Pidgin English, said he is impressed with the voter turnout at his polling unit.

 

“Na my papa area where dem born me. So a lot of my family dey around here and everybody dey happy say governorship candidate come from their own area,” he said.

Mr. Obaseki is queued behind his wife. There are still 26 people before them.

“The queue for my unit is still very long, it will take some time but I no mind at all. Everything dey very calm, peaceful, no trouble at all.”

Peter Nwadichi, an election monitor and the Coordinator, Network on Good Governance, told PREMIUM TIMES that “The process has been peaceful in the sense that materials came on time. As we speak people are being accredited, voting is taking place simultaneously.”

“For now, INEC has gotten it right. The card readers have not malfunctioned, they are working perfectly for now. We have not seen anybody that complained that the card reader is giving them problem, so let us just assume that the card reader process is going on smoothly.”

PDP candidate, Andrew Ize-Iyamu, yet to vote at his Iguododo village.

He took out time to move around his community greeting elders and community leaders.

Voting commenced in the area AT about 8.30 a.m. and everywhere is calm and peaceful.

While doing this, cameras were not allowed to take pictures.

Mr. Obaseki voted at exactly 10.30 a.m., one hour after joining the queue.

 

Afterwards, he told journalist he had confidence in INEC conducting a free and fair poll.

“We’d had an isolated incident from somewhere in Edo Central but I think that is being handled.

“My expectation is that at the end of the day, the exercise will be peaceful because what is important is that we don’t lose lives, we don’t spill blood because of election. My hope is that we a very peaceful election and at the end of the day we strengthen our electoral process.”

APC Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, arriving and casting his vote at PU001, Staff Training School, Benin.

Mr. Oyegun after voting:

“I am very pleasantly surprised because this is the best turnout, I’ve always voted here, this is the best turnout I’ve ever experienced. It presumes that something good is about to happen, that people are keen to express their democratic options.

“It’s peaceful so far, I’ve been watching on TV.”

At the PU where he voted, PREMIUM TIMES observed APC members compiling a list and giving out money (a beneficiary said it was N10,000 each) to voters. A fight almost broke out in the process.

When Mr. Oyegun was confronted with the development, he replied:

“When I look at a place like this I don’t know how you can give someone money. How do you know somebody has voted, given how secret it truly is, nobody will know how you’ve thumb printed.

“Please is there somebody sharing money let me go to him and take my own.”

On the security arrangement for the election, the APC chairman described it as “lovely.”

“Well, I’m national chairman of the party and it was something that was of grave concern for us all the time. All the security agencies have given us iron clad assurance that there will be no incident, at least, no major incident.”

Matthew Urhoghide, senator representing Edo Central, after voting at PU 004, George Idaa Model Primary School in Benin, said the issue of vote-buying by the APC should be nipped in the bud.

“There is criticisms for some of the things going on, particularly the horse trading and the haggling, the touting that is going on,” he told PREMIUM TIMES.

“It’s very obvious in this Unit 4 and, of course, I think this is obscene. The APC is doing it with a whole lot of impudence.”

But for a quick security intervention, the safety of election observers would have been jeopardized, as thugs tried to disrupt voting activities at Unit 26 and 27 at Iduenbo Ward, Orhiowon Local Government Area.

The scene of the skirmish was not far from Iguododo, the village of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

Officials of Cleen Foundation were at the unit to observe the election when they observed some of the thugs create a scene.

As they tried to take pictures, the thugs assailed them, but they fled in their vehicle leaving one of them behind.

One of the officials, Chigo Okoro, told PREMIUM TIMES that the thugs pursued them until they got to Iguododo. He said they were rescued by officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The security officials immediately escorted the observers back to the scene of the crisis to secure the life of the Cleen official left behind.

When PREMIUM TIMES got to the unit, calm had returned.

The Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Edo governorship election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, voted in his Iguododo community at about 10 a.m., on Wednesday, praising the conduct of the election so far.

Mr. Ize-Iyamu, who did not queue for his turn when he arrived at his unit 26, Ward 5, voting point, was immediately given the chance to exercise his franchise as soon as he arrived.

He said the exercise was going smoothly and that the card readers within his community were working perfectly well.

He, however, expressed doubts that the same was witnessed in order centres, as telephone networks were so bad he could not reach out to his agents to determine the state of things.

He expressed hope that the peaceful conduct would continue throughout the election.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Barack Obama arrived Saturday afternoon in Hangzhou, China, where he will join other world leaders for the Group of 20 (G-20) summit.

He will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the summit.

After the G-20 summit Sunday and Monday, the U.S. leader will travel to Vientiane, Laos, for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and East Asia summits Tuesday through Thursday.

Obama, on his 11th trip to Asia as president, faces a long list of tough issues during the G-20 summit, where leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies are expected to have a robust debate about how best to stimulate the sluggish global economy and push ahead against climate change.

Obama spoke Thursday in Honolulu to a group that included the Pacific Island Conference of Leaders, telling them, “No nation, not even one as powerful as the United States, is immune from a changing climate.”

Strategic rebalance

Obama has worked throughout his two four-year terms to bolster America’s power and influence in Asia. The future of his strategic rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region and his legacy there are still uncertain, however.

Obama has said the foreign policy rebalance is critical to America’s future security and prosperity.

FILE – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, left, and U.S. President Barack Obama chat during a session of the G-20 Summit in Antalya, Turkey, Nov. 15, 2015.

Key meetings at the G-20 meeting will include talks between Obama and Xi, as well as between the U.S. leader and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Ergodan. Obama also most likely will speak on the sidelines with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Obama will meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday, a White House official said. It will be their first official meeting since May took office in July, following David Cameron’s resignation after the British vote to leave the European Union.

TPP ‘a litmus test’ for U.S.

White House officials said that while in Asia, Obama will repeatedly make “a forceful case” for ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The trade deal, signed by 12 Pacific Rim nations, is the economic foundation of the so-called pivot.

“TPP is a litmus test for U.S. leadership,” said Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser. Without ratification, the U.S. “would be ceding the region to countries like China, who do not set the same types of high standards for trade agreements,” he argued.

But whether the U.S. Congress will ratify the deal is very much in doubt during a presidential election year in which trade has been blamed for lost jobs. Both major party candidates, Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, have spoken against it.

Obama is expected to make a final push for ratification after the presidential election in November.

“The chances of [ratification] are growing slimmer by the day,” said Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “If we don’t have that, the rest of the rebalance to Asia looks hollow.”

On the agenda

The U.S.-China talks will cover American officials’ concerns about Beijing’s cyber activities, economic practices and aggressive actions in the South China Sea, where it has claimed disputed territory, raising tensions with its Southeast Asian neighbors.

FILE – President Barack Obama, left, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping outside Paris, Nov. 30, 2015.

With leadership changes set for next year, it is critical “to stabilize the U.S. relationship with China as they go through simultaneous political transitions in both countries,” Paal said.

“I think the important thing for Obama during his meeting with Xi Jinping is to establish some red lines, things that we will not tolerate,” he added.

White House officials said it would be the last such meeting between Obama and Xi.

Obama and Erdogan will discuss Turkey’s crackdown since a failed coup attempt, which the Turkish president has blamed on elements within the U.S. Also on the agenda will be the fight against Islamic State, instability in Syria and the refugee crisis.

Possible talks between Obama and Putin are expected to focus on the conflict in eastern Ukraine and Moscow’s role in Syria. The U.S. has urged Russia to persuade Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to abide by a cessation-of-hostilities agreement and allow the flow of humanitarian aid.

First visit to Laos

Obama will be the first U.S. president to visit Laos when he travels to Vientiane for the ASEAN and East Asia summits. He will hold talks with that country’s leaders as part of the ongoing effort to build ties with people and develop more trade and investment.

After the meeting, the U.S. leader will deliver a speech on his Asia policy and his vision for America’s future in the Asia-Pacific region.

FILE – President Barack Obama, center, sitting next to Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, left, and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, right, speaks during a meeting with other leaders of the Trans-Pacific Partnership countries in Manila, Philippines, Nov. 18, 2015, ahead of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

“I think he’ll speak to the fact that we’ve significantly upgraded our commercial and economic diplomacy in the region [and] our security presence in the partnerships that we’re building, both with allies but also with emerging partners, on issues like maritime security and disaster response,” said Rhodes.

He again will press for U.S. ratification of TPP during the remarks.

Obama also is scheduled to meet with the Philippines’ new president, Rodrigo Duterte, to discuss an international court ruling at The Hague against China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The president will also seek to reassure Southeast Asian nations about the U.S. commitment to the rebalance.

But progress on the security and diplomatic fronts are not enough, said Matthew Goodman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, where he holds the William E. Simon Chair in political economy and is senior adviser for Asian economics.

The future of the rebalance and Obama’s legacy rest on TPP, Goodman said, and “if it doesn’t get ratified, then I think his legacy will be seen as mixed, at best, in Asia.”

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9News Nigeria

Usain Bolt lives as fast as he runs.

The Jamaican sprinter did some record-breaking partying last week, hitting clubs in central London for a stamina-testing four nights out of five since he arrived there straight from celebrating in Rio.

He had plenty of company, too.

After hanging out with a bevy of beautiful women on the dance floor, Bolt took six of them back to his hotel room around 5 a.m. Saturday. Some carried roses as they crossed the lobby.

And that was just the latest leg of his marathon. The three-time triple-gold winner was seen piling into cabs with at least 10 beauties heading back to his hotel on two separate nights earlier in the week.

“I love London!” Bolt posted to Snapchat at one point during the epic run.

Bolt’s also been racking up bar tabs bigger than the distance he put between himself and his rivals on the track since he turned 30 last Sunday. He reportedly dropped $15,800 at London’s Libertine nightclub on Wednesday, mostly for 12 bottles of champagne that alone cost nearly $1,000 a pop. His tally Tuesday at the Tape nightclub approached $9,000.

With a reported net worth of around $60 million and a new contract from Digicel Caribbean Ltd. to serve as the wireless carrier’s “Chief Speed Officer,” Bolt can afford to be generous.

The after-party for his Olympic gold medals for the men’s 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter relays may end with a few hurdles to jump, however.

His girlfriend of two years, Kasi Bennett, 26, hasn’t been seen on any of the dance floors where Bolt made his moves.

She has been liking tweets all week mocking his antics.

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9News Nigeria

In January, a Tanzanian student was assaulted and partially stripped by a mob in the southern Indian city of Bangalore after a Sudanese student’s car ran over and killed a local woman.

Shocked by the incident and other similar attacks on Africans in India, independent photographer Mahesh Shantaram began documenting the lives of Africans living in India.

Beginning with Bangalore, Shantaram travelled to the cities of Jaipur, Delhi and Manipal, choosing to focus on students, as they are a small and vulnerable group.

Shantaram’s series of intimate portraits is part of an upcoming exhibition organised by Tasveer.

“Each portrait plays a part in unravelling the complex web of experiences of Africans in India that, put together, paint a picture of loneliness, placelessness and a sense of hostility,” says art expert Caroline Bertram, in an original text on the exhibition.

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9News Nigeria

The Rio 2016 Olympics have provided an abundance of memorable moments. Here are some of the best – good, bad, and ugly.

The first defining moment of any Olympic Games, Brazilian long-distance runner Vanderlei de Lima lit the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony.He won bronze for Brazil in the marathon at the 2004 Games, but only after he was grappled by a spectator while leading the race.

Opening ceremony had warmth, passion and hope

One of the first Olympic moments to go viral happened when Pita Taufatofua, Tonga’s flag-bearer, appeared at the opening ceremony. The taekwondo athlete emerged topless, wearing traditional Tongan dress and apparently covered in baby oil. It did not go unnoticed.

Athlete outfits from the opening ceremony

The Rio games became the first to feature a refugee team, made up of 10 athletes. The team featured five athletes from South Sudan, two from Syria, two from DR Congo and one from Ethiopia. They received a heroes’ ovation when they walked into the opening ceremony at the Maracana.

One photograph quickly demonstrated that the Olympic games caters for all shapes and sizes. This photo of US gymnast Ragan Smith and basketball player DeAndre Jordan swept across the internet as soon as she posted it online.

• Who is your Olympic body match? Find out here

Another Olympic highlight captured on social media. Lee Eun-ju of South Korea and Hong Un-jong of North Korea provided a moment of unity as the two gymnasts – from countries technically still at war with each other – posed for a smiling selfie.

North Korean athlete selfie: What happens next?

It wasn’t always so friendly in the swimming pool. Twitter went into meltdown after swimming legend Michael Phelps was pictured giving rival Chad le Clos a “death stare”. He was caught putting his game face on while in the warm-up area of the Olympic pool, prompting #Phelpsface to trend on Twitter.

The first golden moment for the host nation – the story of Brazil’s 57kg judo champion Rafaela Silva shone a light on some of Rio’s poorest residents. From one of Rio’s toughest neighbourhoods, the so-called City of God, Silva was disqualified at London 2012 and later labelled an embarrassment. Her victory marked a fairytale rise.

Brazil’s first gold from the City of God favela

It wasn’t long before Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, broke into a smile, beating le Clos of South Africa in the men’s 200m butterfly final.Some suggested le Clos should have been looking where he was swimming rather than watching his rival.

It was not all about the winners in the pool. Rami Anis – a swimmer for the refugee team who fled war-torn Syria in 2015 before travelling by boat across the Mediterranean Sea to Turkey – earned a standing ovation after setting a personal best in the men’s 100m freestyle.

It wasn’t just the swimmers attracting all the attention. Some bored-looking lifeguards – who had been charged with watching over the best swimmers in the world – caught the attention of many people on social media.

A memorable moment for a small nation. Fiji’s rugby sevens players burst into song as they celebrated winning their country’s first-ever Olympic medal – a gold – after beating Great Britain 43-7 in the final.

Nineteen-year-old US gymnast Simone Biles took the Games by storm, producing a stunning performance to win the women’s all-around Olympic gold medal. She ended up taking home four gold medals and a bronze. She was even watched by Buzz Aldrin, a man who has walked on the moon.

Why Simone Biles is the best at the Games

The colour of the water at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre became a major talking point, after it turned from aquatic blue to a murky green overnight. Games organisers blamed chemical levels in the water.

Pictures of Egypt’s women’s beach volleyball team swept the internet, after Doaa Elghobashy took part while wearing a hijab.

Does this picture show a culture clash?

American swimmer Katie Ledecky dominated in the pool, taking nearly two seconds off her own world record to win the women’s 800m freestyle final in eight minutes 4.79 seconds – finishing nearly 12 seconds clear of the rest of the field. She also won the women’s 200m freestyle, the 400m freestyle and the4x200m freestyle relay.

When the athletics finally got under way on day seven, it was the empty seats inside the Olympic Stadium that initially got tongues wagging rather than the performances on the track.

Why are there so many empty seats?

Is the #RioProblems hashtag a fair reflection of #Rio2016?

The first world record inside the Olympic Stadium went to Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana, who smashed the previous record by more than 14 seconds to win gold in the women’s 10,000m.

Egyptian Islam El Shehaby caused controversy when he refused to shake the hand of Israeli opponent Os Sasson after losing in the men’s judo. El Shehaby was roundly booed by the crowd and was later sent home from Rio, the International Olympic Committee said.

Singapore’s gold medallist Joseph Schooling, who idolised Michael Phelps as a child, managed to get the better of his hero in pool, winning the 100m butterfly ahead of Phelps, Chad Le Clos and Laszlo Cseh – who finished joint second. A photograph of a young Schooling, then just 13, with Phelps at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 quickly went viral.

One of the images from the track cycling came when Laurine van Riessen, of the Netherlands, managed to avoid a nasty crash with France’s Virginie Cueff by riding up and along the barrier at the side of the track. Such was the extent of her precautionary action, she became almost horizontal.

Some athletes were disappointed to miss out on gold, or with having to settle with a mere silver or bronze medal. Not Aurimas Didzbalis of Lithuania. The weightlifter celebrated pocketing a medal in the men’s 94kg with an impressive back flip.

A nation gasped when he tripped and fell, but despite taking a mid-race tumble, Britain’s Mo Farah became the first British track and field athlete to win three Olympic gold medals as he retained his 10,000m title with a thrilling victory.

It wasn’t all tears on the podiums. Britain’s Sir Bradley Wiggins instead poked out his tongue to celebrate winning the men’s cycling team pursuit – his fifth Olympic gold medal. He also became the first Briton to win eight Olympic medals.

Wiggins and other podium moments

Chinese diver He Zi had just collected her silver medal in the 3m women’s springboard final when fellow diver Qin Kai entered the podium presentation. He duly got down on one knee, produced an engagement ring and proposed. She said yes.

Never far from the spotlight, Jamaica sprinter Usain Bolt managed to find time to smile for the cameras while easing to a 100m semi-final victory. It prompted a flurry of internet memes. He later won the final in a time of 9.81 seconds – his third 100m crown in three Olympic Games.

How do you upstage Mr Bolt? Why not break a world record less than half an hour before the great man was due to run in the 100m final? South Africa’sWayde van Niekerk shattered Olympic legend Michael Johnson’s 17-year-old 400m world record by 0.15 seconds to sensationally win Olympic gold. Apparently the credit goes to his 74-year-old great-grandmother – who happens to be his trainer.

Old master, new hero: How Bolt was nearly upstaged

How can you forget a dancing weightlifter? Big David Katoatau, from Kiribati,threw some shapes every time he successfully made a lift. He finished sixth in the men’s 105kg Group B final but certainly kept the crowds entertained.

Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas somehow managed to win a dramatic gold medal in the women’s 400m final – by diving over the line. Miller stumbled in the final stages and then lunged forward as she headed towards the track, edging out American world champion Allyson Felix to win in 49.44 seconds.

Ireland’s bantamweight Michael Conlan went out of the boxing tournament in the quarter-finals – losing on points to Vladimir Nikitin of Russia. Conlan was furious at the verdict, which was booed by the crowd, and he vented his frustration at the judges afterwards, saying he had been “robbed” of his dream of winning Olympic gold.

A golden night for Britain’s golden couple. Laura Trott first won gold in the women’s omnium – following up her victory in the women’s team pursuit.She then had to sit trackside as fiance Jason Kenny won his third gold of the games and his sixth in total in a dramatic keirin – which twice had to be restarted. One relationship, 10 Olympic gold medals. Not bad.

Laura Trott & Jason Kenny – Britain’s golden couple

Cycling’s Posh and Becks: Golden couple ‘just Laura and Jason’

There were tears on the podium for France’s Renaud Lavillenie, but for all the wrong reasons. The pole vault silver medallist was booed by the Rio crowd for a second time in 24 hours, having lost out to home favourite Thiago Braz da Silva in a dramatic final.

One of the most bizarre stories from Rio involved American gold medal-winning swimmers and a petrol station. Ryan Lochte, Jimmy Feigen and Jack Conger became embroiled in an international scandal over a made-up robbery. It became an Olympic mystery and resulted in a police investigation and a series of apologies.

US falls out of love with the ultimate ‘bro’

Ryan Lochte, Prince Harry and the ‘grill’

Was it fratricide? Was it brotherly love? It definitely ended well for the Brownlee brothers, Alistair and Jonny, who won gold and silver in the men’s triathlon. The image of the British brothers collapsing into each other arms at the finish line will live long in Yorkshire memories.

The inside story of the Brownlees’ triumph

Unperturbed Bolt, once again, shows his gregarious personality by pointing in admiration at Canada’s Andre De Grasse as both men cross the line – in first and second place respectively – in the men’s 200m semi-final. Bolt went on to win the final, of course.

Morolake Akinosun ploughed a lonely furrow down the home straight after the USA women’s 4x100m relay team was allowed to re-run their heat after dropping the baton. They successfully argued they had been obstructed in their first race and ran on an empty track to qualify for the final. All the extra effort was worth it as the USA went on to win the final in 41.01 seconds – the second-fastest time in history.

Nick Skelton became Britain’s second-oldest Olympic gold medallist when he won the individual show jumping event. The 58-year-old, who had retired in 2000 after breaking his neck in two places, triumphed after a six-way jump-off. The only person older than Skelton to win gold for Britain was shooter Joshua Milner in 1908 – aged 61. Skelton will not beat that record as he has ruled out competing in the Tokyo Games in four years’ time.

The true Olympic spirit shone out when New Zealand’s Nikki Hamblin (left) and Abbey D”Agostino of the USA helped each other out after colliding in their heat of the women’s 5000m. D’Agostino tore her anterior cruciate knee ligament in the incident but both runners insisted on completing their race. They were both handed places in the final but the injury prevented the American taking part.

The triple triple? The treble treble? However you dress it up, Usain Bolt has nine Olympic medals from three Olympic Games. He said victory in the 100m, the 200m and the 4x100m relay would make him “immortal”. It is hard to argue.

Bolt’s amazing Olympic career in numbers

Brazil exorcised the demons of their 7-1 defeat by Germany in the World Cup semi-final in Belo Horizonte in 2014 by beating them in a penalty shoot-out to win the Olympic gold medal. The match had finished 1-1 after extra-time and star striker Neymar, who missed the World Cup humiliation because of injury, scored during normal time before converting the decisive penalty and bursting into floods of tears.

Britain’s Mo Farah completed the double double as he became only the second man, after Finland’s Lasse Viren, to retain both the 5,000m and 10,000m Olympic titles. His four gold medals make him his country’s most successful track and field athlete.

After the competition, came the party as Rio produced a carnival-style closing ceremony full of music, dancing and colour.

The Olympic flame was extinguished with artificial rain – on a night where there had been plenty of actual rain.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appeared dressed as computer game character Super Mario, with the next Olympics being held in Tokyo in 2020.

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9News Nigeria

Think working in Australia will be all beers in the sun and after-work surfing? You may be surprised.

For Gigi Foster, the move to Australia was not as smooth as she expected.

“I almost needed a translation guide when I got off the plane,” says Foster, a consultant and academic who emigrated from the US to Sydney. “I was used to being forthright in meetings. That works in the US, but how you interact with your work colleagues in Australia is very different.

She migrated to the land down under several years ago after working her way through university posts at Yale and Maryland. She jumped at the chance to take up a position at an Australian university, where she is now an associate professor. “Many people told me that Sydney was all about the beach and surfing” she said, “but it’s not. It’s about putting in the hours and hard word in a new culture that seems similar, but works in subtly different ways. It’s not an easy transition.”

People told me that Sydney was all about the beach and surfing. But it’s not – Gigi Foster

She moved to Australia hoping for both a lifestyle change and a move up the career ladder, like thousands of professionals who have headed to Australia, drawn by its sunshine and beaches. For many, the move is part of a lifestyle change, to a continent which is often viewed as an easy place to work and live. However, many migrants have found the working culture starkly different to what they expected.

Many come for a laid-back life of sun and surf – but for some it isn’t that easy (Credit: iStock)

Working life

Although not as permanently sunny as television shows like Home and Away portray, the warm climate makes Australia a hotspot for global professionals hoping to combine a new job with the beachside lifestyle found in most of the country’s largest cities. This year, Australia is offering up to 190,000migration places for people looking to move there.

Foster is one of fewer than 100,000 expats in Australia who have arrived from the United States. The largest group of expats in Australia come from the UK, at more than 1.2 million.

She first arrived in Australia in 2005, before leaving and returning in 2007. She gained dual Australian/US citizenship five years ago. Foster initially thought she had arrived in an easy-working country, as staff would leave their office earlier than she expected. “However, it was because they arrived so early. Then on a Friday they head out to the pub with the boss. So working hours are actually longer.”

It’s important to socialise with your colleagues outside the office, Foster says

Despite a permanent visa, many new expats may not get to enjoy the surf. She warns that the traffic can make a commute into Sydney hideous. To dodge the jams, many workers drive into the office very early.

You need to socialise with your manager and workmates

She has also found there is a much more casual way of working, without the hierarchical structures she was used to in the US, and outside of the office you need to socialise with your manager and workmates. “If you just go home at the end of the day, you won’t get promotion. There’s a covert system of mateship.”

Lost in translation

Many expats in Australia – especially those from the US – can find there are nuances in the language of business that can take some getting used to.

“Managers have an indirect way of talking to direct reports.” she said. “As an expat you quickly find small differences which assume huge importance. It’s a steep learning curve.”

“If your manager said they want to mention something ‘incidentally’, you must understand it is primary purpose of the discussion,” she said. As well, “if they want to ‘briefly consider other options’, immediately scrap what you are working on and start again.”

Don’t big yourself up. Aussies hate what they call ‘tall poppies’ at work, who get cut down to size – Gigi Foster

She has found self-depreciation in the office essential. “Don’t big yourself up. Aussies hate what they call ‘tall poppies’ at work, who get cut down to size.”

James Cridland, who migrated to Brisbane from London, agrees the language is a barrier. Brisbanites talk about being ‘rorted’ (scammed), feeling ‘crook’ (unwell), and buying ‘Manchester’, which means bedding. “Even going out for a beer means drinking schooners, not pints,” he said, having assumed Australians would speak the same tongue, “but ‘strine [Australian English] is very confusing. Maybe it is because it is so distant from the rest of the world.”

Cridland at home with his family in Brisbane (Credit: James Cridland)

Taking leave

Four weeks of annual leave is the norm, unlike in Europe where the legal minimum is five for countries like France, Denmark and Sweden. However, Australia is unusual in that some employers allow workers to roll over leave continually from one year to the next.

Data from Australian market research company Roy Morgan indicates that the average employee has banked up three weeks of annual leave, typically because their company discourages long breaks. Institutions often mandate using a week of annual leave for Christmas, leaving just three weeks, of which workers are expected to only take only two.

Visiting friends and family back home can eat up a lot of leave too – expats from Europe and the US have a long way to travel if they want to take a trip back.

The distance is a tyranny for many expats – James Cridland

Business travel, too, can be arduous. Brisbane-based Cridland is a media consultant and he’s found he treats planes like buses. “I jump on a long haul flight frequently. Last week it was 15 hours to Los Angeles for a meeting. The distance is a tyranny for many expats.”

Expats from Europe or the US have to take long-haul flights to get to their home countries (Credit: iStock)

Doing your homework

The golden sands of Australia are a major draw for many migrants, but Darrell Todd, who founded migration consultancythinkingaustralia to help professionals obtain work visas, has a warning for potential new arrivals: “Do your homework.”

Often migrants contact him from Qantas’ check in at Heathrow or JFK, asking about visas – after they’ve sold their house and packed up their life. “Australia used to be easy – turn up and work. Not anymore. It’s really tightened up.”

Australia used to be easy – turn up and work. Not anymore – Darrell Todd

This year 44,000 ‘Skilled Independent’ visas will be granted to workers assessed using points for education or experience. Extrapoints are given to those with in-demand skills, such as auditors and accountants.

If you’re a Sydney worker keen on an after-work surf, the traffic might thwart your plans (Credit: Alamy)

But, Todd adds, previous experience may not count for much, with many Australian companies preferring skills learnt at home. “Be prepared to take a step down the career ladder.”

Those failing the skills test try and grab one of 48,000 ‘Employer Sponsored’ visas. He said it’s a genuine pathway to work in Australia. “But if the company downsizes, you’re first out, and have to leave Australia, unless you quickly find another sponsoring employer.”

Grass is greener?

Cridland cautions that Australia may not be the transition to an easy lifestyle many expats expect. “You’d be making a mistake leaving London for Sydney, imagining your life will improve, swapping one place where costs and stress are enormous, for another.”

Brisbane might be a good option for those after the Aussie expat experience – there’s even a beach for lunchtime swims (Credit: iStock)

But it can depend on where in Australia you live, he says. Cridland feels Brisbane is starkly different to Sydney. “There’s a community feel – you assimilate quickly. Brisbane even has an artificial beach for office workers’ lunchtime dip.”

Despite the unexpected hardships, Gigi Foster can’t imagine living anywhere else. “It’s hard work to assimilate to a new country – but worth it in the end.”

Source : BBC

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9News Nigeria

New York police have arrested a man who tried to scale Trump Tower in midtown Manhattan using rope and suction cups.

Workers removed windows from the glass-faced, 58-storey skyscraper to prevent him from going higher.

Police officers eventually grabbed the man as he reached the 21st floor and pulled him inside the building.

The building is the headquarters of the US presidential campaign of Republican nominee Donald Trump. He also lives in the building but was not in New York.

Police described the climber as a 20-year-old man from Virginia who wanted to meet Mr Trump. Police said they did not believe the man intended to harm anyone.

Image copyrightEPA

Image copyrightAP

In a YouTube video posted earlier this week he described himself as an “independent researcher” and needed to deliver an “important message” to Mr Trump.

The man was taken to Bellevue Hospital to be psychologically evaluated, police said.

Large crowds gathered outside the building along Fifth Avenue as the incident unfolded over several hours.

“This man performed a ridiculous and dangerous stunt,” said Michael Cohen, executive vice-president of the Trump Organization. “I’m 100% certain the NYPD had better things to do.”

Image copyrightAP

Image copyrightAP

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9News Nigeria

Up and coming artiste, Sandra Ifudu, tells Saturday Beats about her career

Why did you decide to become a professional artiste?

Singing has always been a part of me. It is innate. I remember when I used to take readings and psalms in church and a lot of people would wait to see me after service to tell me how beautiful my voice was. So the decision to do music was taken at an early age too, say about when I was 12 years old. I remember being obsessed with the likes of Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton and wanting to be like them when I grew up.

But we have a lot of female musicians at the moment; do you think you can deal with the competition?

It is not a competition and it shouldn’t be. I am not here to compete with anybody other than myself.  The point is that I am here and this is me, this is who I am and this is what I have to offer and no one is like me. I will always try to do better than I was yesterday, musically and otherwise.

Are your singles out now?

Oh yes. I have three singles. The latest one ‘Yeah, Yeah’, is doing so well on air. The second one is ‘My Baby’.

How come a record label hasn’t snatched you up?

If a record label comes along the way, then great! But I will not sit and wait for one. I will keep releasing music all the time and even till I get noticed internationally.

Which Nigerian stars do you admire?

I like Davido. I think he is amazing. I also like Phyno. He has captured my heart. Dare Art-Alade is awesome… Yes! I would love to work with them, including Asa.

How would you classify your genre of music?

I would call it afro pop, afro funk, afro RnB. My music always has that afro feel.

Did your family support your interest in music?

Of course they did! I come from an entertainment and music family. It wasn’t strange to my parents when I decided to do music professionally. They know the talent that I have.

Some people actually got into music because of the fame and not necessarily because of the talent…

Fame is the least of the reason I got into music. Fame is not even success. For me, music is my passion. I don’t see myself doing anything outside entertainment. This is what I am called to do.

How far did you go in school?

I have a degree in English from Madonna University.

You were a part of Next Movie Star few years ago, why haven’t you done anything relating to movies after the reality show?

Music is my first love. I would love to conquer the music industry first before delving into other parts of entertainment. Then again, I haven’t seen that role that is worth to go down in history as my first movie role yet. It doesn’t have to be a lead or sub lead role but it has to be really a tangible script. I have turned down a couple of scripts since after NMS. Whatever I put my name on must be a classic.

How was NMS experience?

It was fun. I learnt a lot in the house. I didn’t know the technicalities of acting and filmmaking prior to going into the house. I just went there with my talent and I came out as the second runner-up.

How was growing up?

It was fun. I come from a big family, so we had a lot of fun. My dad made sure we didn’t lack anything.

Is your boyfriend supportive of your showbiz career?

I don’t have a boyfriend and I am not looking for one at the moment. I don’t want unnecessary distractions at this early stage of my career, so I am putting my career before boys.

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9News Nigeria

In 1939, the producers of Gone with the Wind had to fight for the inclusion of Rhett Butler’s famous line, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” And it’s been downhill ever since.

One survey found almost 90% of Britons swear (an average of 14 times a day) and barely any of them think it’s offensive

Swearing is everywhere and we’re all to blame. One survey found that almost 90% of Britons swear (an average of 14 times a day) and barely any of them think it’s offensive.

So if everyone’s doing it and nobody cares, should we just stop clutching our pearls and accept salty language at work? In truth, many of us do it anyway. And while the professional world disapproves (or at least acts like it does), some researchers think swearing has certain advantages.

Swearing at work can have its advantages, some researchers say (Credit: iStock)

The right image

Does swearing make you look stupid and unprofessional?

It can make you feel better, but it doesn’t earn you respect – James O’Connor

Many people think employees should take the high road. ACareerBuilder survey found that 81% of employers think profanity is unprofessional. And most think it shows immaturity, a lack of control and even makes the employee appear less intelligent.

“You might ask what harm does it do, but what good does it do? It can make you feel better, but it doesn’t earn you respect, reflect strong character, solve disagreements, exhibit intelligence, or get you promoted,” says James O’Connor, the author of Cuss Control, a book on how to curb cursing.

James O’Connor, author of Cuss Control (Credit: Getty Images)

Then again, there are plenty of people at the top of the pecking order who swear. It’s not just celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay or fictitious characters like the industrial-strength foul mouth Malcolm Tucker from The Thick of It.

Executives like Yahoo’s former CEO Carol Bartz and T-Mobile’s current CEO John Legere have both happily and publicly dropped the f-bomb. Even US President Barack Obama famously said he was trying to figure out “whose ass to kick” after the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Clearly, swearing hasn’t stopped every potty-mouth’s career progress. One study even shows that “judicious” use of swearing can make you more persuasive. Maybe, out of the right mouth, it’s a leadership tool.

T-Mobile CEO John Legere is known for his colourful language (Credit: Getty Images)

A career booster?

Nobody’s suggesting that swearing is a substitute for being good at your job. But can it help? Some research suggests it might, in a roundabout sort of way.

In a 2007 study, a researcher went on an undercover mission, as a worker at a British mail-order warehouse. He was initially excluded from the social group in the office, but things changed after he swore at another employee. It was a sort of initiation rite that cemented a bond with the rest of the group.

Swearing like a sailor isn’t just a blue-collar hobby

The co-author of the study, Yehuda Baruch, who’s now a professor at the University of Southampton Business School, says that swearing like a sailor isn’t just a blue-collar hobby.

“We are all human beings, and even if you’re a distinguished lawyer, you might swear,” according to Baruch.

But how does that help? Well, carpet bombing your workplace with profanity won’t get you a promotion, but fitting in at the workplace helps.

“I’m not saying this a major criteria for promotion, but one criteria for promotion is the ability to connect with people. In certain contexts, swearing is a way to connect,” he says.

Two sides of the coin

But this might also suggest a broader problem with swearing. If it serves to consolidate the bonds in one group, is it to the exclusion of others? And if so, could it play a part in making the workplace more hostile?

“Swearing usually expresses anger or a negative attitude that can be contagious, creating a less pleasant working environment,” James O’Connor says.

Peter Capaldi’s foul-mouthed character Malcolm Tucker made swearing an art form (Credit: Alamy)

And really, its effect on the working environment is where it becomes a genuine issue.

“Context is everything,” according to Roland Hassall, who’s a Sydney-based workplace lawyer at Sparke Helmore. His firm deals with a case a week where swearing is a factor. But it’s almost never the only factor, or even the main one.

Most workplaces today aren’t concerned about offending tender ears. They’re interested in creating a harmonious and productive working environment. Employment cases that involve swearing are more often about something more serious, like bullying or harassment.

Society is a lot more permissive now than say in the 1960s in terms of what you can say

“Society is a lot more permissive now than say in the 1960s in terms of what you can say,” Hassall says.

But there is a clear exception to this rule. There’s far less tolerance for sexist and racist language, which can quickly cross the legal line into sexual harassment or discrimination.

“Most of the tribunals or commissions would have no hesitation upholding disciplinary action in cases like that,” he says.

Properly targeting your f-bombs

But if sexist and racist language is rightfully a no-go zone, there are other well-worn rules for avoiding trouble. If in doubt, don’t swear in front of children, microphones, customers, patients or interview panels. And swearing at an actual human is riskier than swearing at the paper jam in the printer.

When, where and how you swear matters just as much as which linguistic grenade you toss

When, where and how you swear matters just as much as which linguistic grenade you toss. But figuring out what’s acceptable and what’s off-limits is subjective and blurry, and at times pretty weird.

Rapper 50 Cent was fined $1,100 for using profanity at a show in St Kitts (Credit: Getty Images)

At the extreme end of the spectrum, swearing is flat out illegal in some countries. Recently, rapper 50 Cent was arrested and fined for using profanity during one of his shows in St Kitts. In the United Arab Emirates, there are more serious penalties, even for swearing over a messaging app.

Figuring out what’s acceptable in other cultures can be very tricky. While religion-based swearing has lost its impact in many western countries, blasphemy laws are still enforced in the Middle East. In some Asian cultures, a poorly-placed swear word might result in a loss of face, which could sour the relationship. Even within the US, there are some pretty dramatic differences in what people find offensive. In short, it’s probably best to err on the side of caution if you don’t know the rules.

One Sydney-based journalist, who asked to remain anonymous, broke most of the rules and came out better off. She says firing off nuclear-grade expletives at her boss actually earned his respect.

She was covering a story on a hot summer day, and asked the chief of staff to send a bottle of water and a sandwich when he changed over the camera crew. Neither the water nor the sandwich materialised and she fainted in a press conference.

Later, she called him and gave him both barrels, loudly calling him a name most wouldn’t use on their worst enemies.

The odd curse word here and there hasn’t hindered Gordon Ramsay’s career (Credit: Alamy)

“I’m really glad I did it, and I think the swear words expressed exactly how angry and upset I was. It may not have been ‘professional’ but I think it got me a lot more professional respect,” she says.

“He later told me he had a lot more respect for me after this incident, and since then has genuinely checked with me to make sure I’m OK (not in a patronising way either – I think it just made him remember I wasn’t a robot).”

But again, context is everything. She had the moral high ground in the dispute. She works in an office where swearing is common. Perhaps in another workplace, it would have ended very differently.

-BBC

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Zimbabwe’s war veterans’ spokesman, Douglas Mahiya, has been arrested.

He was taken into custody on Wednesday, the day President Robert Mugabe threatened to punish those war veterans who last week said they were withdrawing their backing for him.

Mr Mahiya, along with about 150 others, attended the meeting of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association which came up with the communique accusing Mr Mugabe of being dictatorial and egotistical.

The BBC’s Brian Hungwe in the capital, Harare, says he has yet be formally charged.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights told the AFP agency that he may be charged with “subverting a constitutional government and insulting the office of the president”.

Pressure on Mr Mugabe is growing, with factions in the governing Zanu-PF openly fighting to succeed him and protests about the failing economy.

AP

Source : BBC Africa

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[BBC Africa] Some Zimbabweans have been sharing photos on Twitter this week of a vendor in the centre of the capital, Harare, who is dressed as a graduate.

Like what @PastorEvanLive did. He paved the way. Look now other people are beginning to find their voice. #ThisGown pic.twitter.com/f7ZCP39cUV

— Tinashe Nyaruwanga (@tnyaruwanga) July 26, 2016

They say it a sign of how far the economy has deteriorated. With unemployment at more than 90%, many Zimbabweans have become vendors and rely on cross-border trading to make a living.

Intellect Firewood @Wamagaisa @ThisFlag1980 @ali_naka @DougColtart @BrezhMalaba @PastorEvanLive @maDube_ #thisgown pic.twitter.com/J8a7kraxl4

— Gilbert.Navonika (@GNavonika) July 26, 2016

It has spawned the hashtag #thisgown – a reference to the#ThisFlag campaign which was launched by Zimbabwean Pastor Evan Mawarire a few months ago to demand accountability from the government.

#ThisFlag backed a stay-at-home strike earlier this month, one of the largest anti-government protests in years.

Like what @PastorEvanLive did. He paved the way. Look now other people are beginning to find their voice. #ThisGown pic.twitter.com/f7ZCP39cUV

— Tinashe Nyaruwanga (@tnyaruwanga) July 26, 2016

Mr Mawarire was arrested in the wake of the stay away, but released when a court threw out the charges after his lawyers successfully argued he would not get a fair trial.

He is now in South Africa with his family.

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A selection of photos from across the African continent this week:

Image copyrightAP

Image copyrightAFP

Image copyrightAP

Image copyrightAP

Image copyrightAP

Image copyrightREUTERS

Image copyrightAFP

Image copyrightAFP

Image copyrightAFP

Image copyrightAFP

Image copyrightREUTERS

Image copyrightAP

Image copyrightREUTERS

Image copyrightEPA

Images courtesy of AFP, AP, EPA and Reuters

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9News Nigeria

Abuja, July 16, 2016 (NAN) The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 18 Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police.

It also approved their postings with four other AIGs, 12 are to man the 12 Police Zonal Commands, while the remaining 10 will head Police special formations such as Operations, Training, Police Academy, Info-Tech, Investment, among others.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations of the commission in Abuja on Saturday.

The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, Ibrahim Adamu, is now AIG, Zone 1, Abdulmajid Ali, CP, Ogun State, AIG, Zone 2 and Usman Tilli, AIG in charge of Border is now AIG zone 3.

While AIG Dorathy Gimba retained her Command of the Investment Formation, AIG Mohammed K. Mohammed, SPU and Mohammed Katsina moved from Maritime to DS, NIPSS, AIG Katsina would be replaced at the Maritime Desk by Paul Okafor, CP Benue State.

It said the commission also approved the appointment of 37 Commissioners of Police including nine Deputy Commissioners of Police whose promotions were approved by the Commission.

The statement said 16 of the commissioners retained their Commands.

They include, CP Peace Abdallah, Ebonyi; Emmanuel Ojukwu, Enugu; Frederick Lakanu, Imo; Adeleye Oyebade, Oyo; Basen Gwana, Abia; Yunana Babas, Taraba

Others are, Austine Iwar, Gombe; Murtala Mani, Akwa Ibom, Fatai Owoseni, Lagos and CP Henry Fadairo was also moved from Research and Planning to Jigawa State.

It said the Chairman of the commission Mr Mike Okiro, said the promotions and postings were in line with the commission’s resolve to reposition the Nigeria Police Force

He said the commission would hold any of them personally responsible for any failure in the discharge of their duties.

The chairman said they should rededicate themselves to the service of the nation and abide by the rules and regulations guiding police work.

He noted that this leadership positions should be held with the fear of God and fairness to all parties. (NAN)
JPE/AFA

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The brutal shootings of two black men at the hands of police officers this week have caused many people to speak out about their grief, frustration, and heartbreaking fury at the state of our country. As our feeds are filled with footage of Alton Sterling’s son crying for his father and Diamond Reynolds describing the horror of seeing Philando Castile, her fiancé, shot multiple times over a broken taillight, the words of others can help us navigate through this collective sorrow.

While wait for more details of both cases to come out, celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Amy Schumer, and Drake have taken to social media to express their thoughts. Today, Beyoncé released an impassioned statement about the situation on her website.

“We are sick and tired of the killings of young men and women in our communities,” her statement begins. “It is up to us to take a stand and demand that they “stop killing us. We don’t need sympathy. We need everyone to respect our lives.”

Describing the current events as “robberies of lives” that make us feel “helpless and hopeless,” she then asks us to look towards the future and for the “next young men and women who believe in good.”

Beyoncé goes on to describe the current events as a “human fight,” before explaining that “this is a fight for anyone who feels marginalized, who is struggling for freedom and human rights.”

Her letter is a rallying cry to stand up “and fight against anyone who believes that murder or any violent action by those who are sworn to protect us should consistently go unpunished.” She then asks for everyone to channel their frustrations into being proactive by contacting politicians and legislators to demand change. A link to contacting Congress is included in the post, as well as individually voicing protest for both Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.

“Fear is not an excuse. Hate will not win.”

Beyoncé has expressed her thoughts about police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement before, resulting in some accusing her of being anti-police. The video for “Formation” included footage of a young black boy facing a line of armed police officers while the camera pans to a graffiti on a wall that reads “Stop shooting us” while the visual album for Lemonade featured cameos by the mothers of police brutality victims Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, and Eric Garner.

Beyoncé responded to the accusations in the May 2016 issue of Elle. “I’m an artist and I think the most powerful art is usually misunderstood. But anyone who perceives my message as anti-police is completely mistaken,” she explained. “I have so much admiration and respect for officers and the families of officers who sacrifice themselves to keep us safe. But let’s be clear: I am against police brutality and injustice. Those are two separate things.”

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Hundreds of people have gathered for a second night of protests at the spot where a black man was pinned to the ground and shot dead by police.
Mourners, friends and relatives of Alton Sterling met at the shop in Baton Rouge where he was killed on Tuesday.

Meanwhile video has emerged of another black man being shot dead by police, this time in Minnesota.

Philando Castile was shot in his car as he reached for his driving licence, his girlfriend said.

He had earlier told the officer who pulled him over that he was licensed to carry a concealed gun and had one in his possession, she said.

The footage taken by her shows Mr Castile covered in blood next to her and the officer outside the car pointing his gun at him.

“You shot four bullets into him, sir. He was just getting his license and registration, sir,” the woman says, local media reported.

Police said an investigation was under way.

In Baton Rouge, some demonstrators chanted “Black lives matter” and called for justice.

A second video emerged on Wednesday that showed the altercation between the 37-year-old and two police officers.

It appears to show Mr Sterling being held down and then shot several times, although some shots are heard when the camera moves away from the confrontation.

Seconds later, one of the officers is seen removing an object from the man’s trousers as he lies on the ground with blood on his chest.

Police have said Mr Sterling was found to be armed. Officers were initially called because of a 911 report of a man brandishing a gun.

The latest video was provided to the Daily Beast by the shop owner, Abdullah Muflahi, who said it proves the man was no threat to the officers when he was shot.

At the scene: Laura Bicker, BBC News, Baton Rouge

The cry is for “justice”. But most of those here say it’s not something they expect. They distrust the police, they say they fear all authority and they’ve gathered at this street corner where Alton Sterling was killed to stand together and say “no more”.

They’ve prayed, they’ve sung, they’ve cried and they’ve danced. An artist has spray painted Mr Sterling’s face on the side of the convenience store. Others lit candles and released balloons.

It has been peaceful but there is real anger here and at times almost despair.

It’s not just about the death of one man. There are some who feel that the fight for equality might be one that they will never win.

Mr Sterling, a father of five, died at the scene and hours later a video filmed by a bystander and showing his death was released.

Officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake II were put on administrative leave.

The US Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation and Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has appealed for calm.

About 200 people protested on Tuesday night and on Wednesday there was unrest in Philadelphia where about 75 people blocked a busy road as they protested about the killing of Mr Sterling.

His death follows a long line of high-profile incidents involving African Americans at the hands of the police, igniting a national debate about the lethal use of force.

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[Reuters]  South African Paralympic gold medalist Oscar Pistorius arrived in court on Wednesday for sentencing for the 2013 murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, bringing the curtain down on a trial that gripped the world.

Dressed in a dark suit, the 29-year-old hugged members of his legal team in the packed Pretoria court room. He then took his seat and was seen tapping away on his mobile phone.

Pistorius was found guilty of murdering Steenkamp by an appeals court last December. He had initially received a five-year sentence for a manslaughter conviction in 2014, a ruling derided by women’s groups as too lenient.

The athlete had the lower part of his legs amputated when he was a baby and his lawyers have argued that his disability and mental stress should be considered as mitigating circumstances to reduce his sentence.

The state says he has shown no remorse and has called for him to receive no less than the minimum 15-year sentence for murder.

The original trial judge, Thokozile Masipa, will deliver the sentence.

The length of any jail term depends on how she will weigh the role of his disability in the killing and the time Pistorius has already served in jail as a result of his original conviction.

Pistorius was freed from prison last October after almost a year behind bars to serve out the remainder of his term under house arrest at his uncle’s house in a wealthy suburb of the capital.

Some rights groups have said Pistorius, a wealthy white man and international celebrity, has received preferential treatment compared to others without his status or wealth.

Outside the court, a group of people held up placards backing the athlete. One read: “Give Oscar his freedom back please”.

Steenkamp’s mother and father, who said Pistorius had to pay for his crime, were also in the court.

Members of the Women’s League of the ruling African National Congress, who have attended the trial in support of the murdered Steenkamp clad in their green and black uniform, were seated in court awaiting the ruling.

Johannesburg-based lawyer Ulrich Roux, who is not involved in the case, said Masipa would have to balance any mitigating circumstances against the seriousness of his crime.

“For her it’s a delicate balancing act,” said Roux, adding that either the defense or prosecution could mount a legal challenge if they felt the sentence was too lenient or harsh.

Department of Correctional Services spokesman Manelisi Wolela said Pistorius would be taken to jail immediately after sentencing.

(Writing by James Macharia; Editing by Ed Cropley)

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[News Australia]

Dan isn’t ashamed to say that he’s spent a lot of time in karaoke bars and red light districts around Thailand. After all, he’s just one of many Western men doing the same thing.

But while Dan could be your average Australian sex tourist there’s one thing that sets him apart; he’s actually an undercover rescue worker, searching for underage girls and trafficking victims.

“It’s a rough industry,” he admits, as we talk of the girls he has seen rescued and the men who travel to Thailand to purchase them.

While the exact figures vary, research has shown Australian men to be among the largest contributors to sex tourism in southeast Asia, with cities such as Pattaya becoming a “home away from home” for an increasing number of Australian retirees.

However, despite being surrounded by beautiful beaches, cheap dining and endless sex, Dan says that many of the Western sex tourists he meets still feel like “something is missing”.

“These men who’ve moved to Thailand, moved to Pattaya, moved to Bangkok, they’ve all got the same story,” he says, sharing with me about the sex tourists and expats he’s gotten to know over the years.

“They think coming to Thailand for sex is going to fill a void in their lives, so they pursue this dream — and then they realise that the lifestyle they’ve chosen is empty and meaningless.”

Over the years Dan has spent time talking to many western sex tourists, many of whom — he says — seem to share a hauntingly universal story of broken relationships and regrets.

“[At first] they say, ‘I get sex whenever I want, it’s great!’ But when you go a little bit deeper they always talk about their broken relationships, and how [their marriage was] the only one time that they felt true intimacy and love; that they could truly trust somebody,” he reveals.
In particular, Dan remembers an Australian man who threw away his relationship back home to follow a lifestyle of freedom and pleasure in Thailand; a decision the man admitted was the ‘biggest regret of his life.’
“He tried everything [to fill the void],” says Dan. “Sex with young girls, sex with ladyboys, everything. And then one day he got to a point where he was like, ‘what’s next? What’s left to try?’
“I was sitting next to him, and out on the street in front of us were deaf girls, prostituting. He said: ‘Hmm, deaf girls. Do you think they might be a good root?’

It’s easy to understand the emotional toll that such work takes on rescue workers and anti-trafficking staff like Dan, but it’s a cause he says he never regrets leaving Australia for.

“Sometimes I wish that my calling was back in Australia, but there’s a lot of hurt and broken girls that need assistance, and that’s why I’m here,” he says.

Sharing with me the impact that his work has had on him, Dan says that journeying into red light districts at times feels like he is entering the “most evil places on earth,” but the joy that comes from helping young women inspires him to keep going.

“When we first meet them [the girls] they hate themselves … these girls were raped and abused, and now they feel that’s all they’re worth,” he says. “So to see them loving life and thriving is what gets me off.”

It’s evident that Dan feels deeply for each of these girls, and his voice is often drenched with emotion as he talks about the damage done to young women at the hands of men looking to satisfy their own lust.

“Men pay for sex and then they leave; they don’t journey with the girl,” he says. “They don’t see her crying in her room … they don’t see the side I see [after a rescue].

“The more men that have had sex with them, the harder it is and the less worth they feel. Lots of guys say ‘they love it, they love this work.’ No, they don’t,” Dan says emotionally.

As I listen to Dan recount story after story, I wonder how a man so moved by justice can bear to speak to the men who purchase girls and women for sex. After all, many of the girls he has seen rescued were once raped and paid for by western sex tourists, men who Dan says excuse their behaviour by claiming that they are helping the women.

“I feel like saying, ‘if your daughter ended up in Thailand and didn’t have any way to make money, and she was working in one of these bars, would you mind if I went and had sex with her? Would you see that as me helping her?’

“They would do anything to get them out of there, but they justify it [when it’s a Thai girl],” he says.

Incredibly however, for a man who has at times seen the worst of humanity, and heard every possible excuse, Dan can’t help but feel sadness for the men he meets.

“Understandably, a lot of people in Australia, a lot of women, look at these men with bitterness and hatred and anger, but when you talk to these men, you realise the truth; that they’re hurting men, they’re lost men, they’re men who’ve made decisions that have set them on a path of destruction,” he explains.

“I remember one man asking, ‘do you think after we die, we’ll have to pay for all of these bad things that we’ve done?’” he recalls.

Recognising that each of these men are fighting their own battles does not mean that Dan condones their behaviour, but rather, he understands that sex tourists need help to overcome their addictions — which in some cases, are killing them.

Over the past five years there have been many reports of Western men “obsessed with the Pattaya lifestyle” committing suicide from their hotel balconies; some of which have been caught on camera.

“Pattaya is meant to be the capital for men who want to move overseas for sex, but so many men commit suicide there,” says Dan sadly.

“We were working with police and they showed us a video of a guy who threw himself off his balcony. They call it the ‘Pattaya Plunge.’”

Discussions on the website ‘Thai Visa’ show that Western suicides are common, with many referring to the mysterious deaths as ‘the Pattaya Flyers club.’ Some attribute the high rate of deaths to the region’s wild and unsustainable lifestyle.

“ … all the balcony jumpers is becoming all too frequent (sic),” says one user.

“Maybe after all it isn’t paradise here, as some want us to believe?” says another.

It’s an issue that has caught the attention of several organisations and ministry groups around Thailand such as Night Light International, and the MST Project, both of which aim to provide support to male sex tourists.

It’s something that Dan agrees is well needed, not only to help men overcome their addictions, but to also help stop the damage done to young girls caught in the industry.

“I think if there were a group of men who went to the bars to meet these guys — not to preach at them — but to get alongside these men, to become mates with them and listen to their stories …[ that would definitely help],” Dan says.

As we come to the end of our chat, I ask the rescue worker what he would say to these men if he could say anything; if he didn’t have to hide who he was.

“If I could say everything and anything, I guess it would be: ‘are you happy with who you’ve become, are you happy with this life?’

“You can use all your skills and abilities to help people, not to take from them,” he says.

“It’s not too late to turn things around and become the man you’re proud of.”

Jas Rawlinson is a Brisbane writer who is passionate about social justice. You can read her blog, Thoughts from Jas or follow her on Facebook.

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[Istanbul – Reuters] Three suicide bombers opened fire then blew themselves up in Istanbul’s main international airport on Tuesday, killing 36 people and wounding close to 150 in what Turkey’s prime minister said appeared to have been an attack by Islamic State militants.

One attacker opened fire in the departures hall with an automatic rifle, sending passengers diving for cover and trying to flee, before all three blew themselves up in or around the arrivals hall a floor below, witnesses and officials said.

The attack on Europe’s third-busiest airport was one of the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings in Turkey, which is part of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State and is struggling to contain the spillover from neighboring Syria’s civil war. It is also battling an insurgency by Kurdish militants in its largely Kurdish southeast.

Police fired shots to try to stop two of the attackers just before they reached a security checkpoint at the arrivals hall, but they detonated their explosives, a Turkish official said.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said: “This attack, targeting innocent people is a vile, planned terrorist act.”

“There is initial evidence that each of the three suicide bombers blew themselves up after opening fire,” he told reporters at the airport. Yildirim said the attackers had come to the airport by taxi and that preliminary findings pointed to Islamic State responsibility.

Two U.S. counterterrorism officials familiar with the early stages of investigations said Islamic State was at the top of the list of suspects even though there was no evidence yet.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the use of suicide bombers against “soft” targets was more typical of Islamic State than the other obvious suspect, Kurdish PKK militants who generally attack official government targets.

One of the officials also said that, while Islamic State had recently stepped up attacks in Turkey, the group rarely claims responsibility because Turkey remains one of the main corridors for its fighters traveling from Europe to Syria and Iraq.

No group had claimed responsibility more than nine hours after the attack, which started around 9:50 p.m. local time (1850 GMT).

The attack bore similarities to a suicide bombing by Islamic State militants at Brussels airport in March that killed 16 people. A coordinated attack also targeted a rush-hour metro train, killing a further 16 people in the Belgian capital.

“THE ROOF CAME DOWN”

Most of those killed were Turkish nationals but foreigners were also among the dead, a Turkish official said.

Ali Tekin, who was at the arrivals hall waiting for a guest, said the roof came down after an “extremely loud” explosion. “Inside the airport it is terrible, you can’t recognize it, the damage is big,” Tekin said.

A woman named Duygu, who was at passport control after arriving from Germany, said she threw herself to the floor after the explosion. “Everyone started running away. Everywhere was covered with blood and body parts. I saw bullet holes on the doors,” she said.

Paul Roos, 77, said he saw one of the attackers “randomly shooting” in the departures hall from about 50 meters (55 yards) away. “He was wearing all black. His face was not masked,” said Roos, a South African on his way home after a holiday in southern Turkey.

“We ducked behind a counter but I stood up and watched him. Two explosions went off shortly after one another. By that time he had stopped shooting,” Roos told Reuters.

“He turned around and started coming towards us. He was holding his gun inside his jacket. He looked around anxiously to see if anyone was going to stop him and then went down the escalator … We heard some more gunfire and then another explosion, and then it was over.”

President Tayyip Erdogan said the attack should serve as a turning point in the global fight against militant groups.

“The attack, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, shows that terrorism strikes with no regard for faith and values,” he said in a statement.

The United States said it stood in solidarity with Turkey, its NATO ally, and that such attacks would only reinforce their joint determination. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the need to intensify global efforts to combat extremism.

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[BBC]

A man has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting of Labour MP Jo Cox.

West Yorkshire Police said Thomas Mair, 52, has been charged with the murder of the 41-year-old.

She was shot and stabbed outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire, on Thursday.

Mr Mair will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and faces a number of other charges, including grievous bodily harm.

He is further charged with possession of a firearm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon, the force said.

Speaking on Friday, temporary Chief Constable Dee Collins said a 77-year-old man remains in a stable condition in hospital after he was injured when he “bravely intervened” in an effort to help the mother of two.

Vigils were held across the country on Friday evening as members of the public and politicians came together to lay flowers, light candles and stand in silence in memory of Mrs Cox.

The Prime Minister said the whole nation was “rightly shocked” at her death and called for people to “value, and see as precious, the democracy we have on these islands”.

Politics is about public service and MPs want to “make the world a better place”, he said.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn described the former aid worker as “an exceptional, wonderful, very talented woman…. [who] had so much to give and so much of her life ahead of her”, during a joint visit to her home town.

Meanwhile, Downing Street has confirmed a female MP wrote to Mr Cameron last year raising concerns about the safety of her colleagues and attacks on her personally.

‘Inadequate protection’

A statement from Number 10 said: “The Prime Minister replied to the letter and voiced deep concern about the attacks she had suffered.”

It said “action was taken at the highest levels of government” in response, and the Home Secretary had met the MP and the chief constable of the MP’s police force. A new security package for MPs had also been unveiled in January, it added.

Chris Bryant, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, told BBC Newsnight he had warned Westminster authorities about “inadequate protection in their constituencies”.

“I’ve said in terms an MP will be shot. This will happen. And the truth is we all know we can’t guarantee that something like this won’t happen again but we need to make sure that we’ve taken all the proper precautions,” he said.

“I don’t think the system is right to be able to deliver real security… for constituents when they come to a surgery, for staff in MPs offices, for MPs. There needs to be a regular risk assessment.”

Tributes have flooded in from across the world to the “humanitarian with political nous”.

President Barack Obama offered his condolences and phoned Mrs Cox’s husband from Air Force One.

‘Zest and energy’