UK health officials confirms first coronavirus cases

2020-01-31T22:30:00.000+01:00

UK health officials on Friday said that two people had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, in Britain's first cases since the deadly outbreak emerged in China and spread globally.

The announcement came as 83 British citizens arrived back on a UK government-chartered flight from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the epidemic which has so far killed 213 people.

The plane carrying the Britons and 27 other foreign nationals landed at the Brize Norton military airbase in south central England shortly after 1:30pm (1330 GMT).

EU citizens on board will continue on to Spain while British families disembarking were set to be isolated for 14 days at a medical facility in the country's northwest.

With a growing number of cases reported in at least 19 other countries, the World Health Organization on Thursday declared an international public health emergency.
Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, insisted the country was "extremely well-prepared" and that officials were working with the WHO and others "to ensure we are ready for all eventualities".

"We can confirm that two patients in England, who are members of the same family, have tested positive for coronavirus," he said in a statement.

Whitty added the patients were receiving specialist care, including "tried and tested infection control procedures to prevent further spread of the virus".

He added officials were working to identify any contacts the two patients had.

AFP understands the pair had travelled to China recently. UK health officials declined to reveal the location, citing patient confidentiality.

The domestic Press Association news agency reported they were being treated at a hospital in Newcastle, northeast England.

Other media reports said they had been staying at a hotel in the northern county of Yorkshire when they fell ill.

"It is not surprising that we now have two confirmed cases in the UK as we live in a global world," said Devi Sridhar, Professor of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh.

"This is still primarily a Chinese emergency as 99 percent of cases have been in China and all deaths have been in China," he added.

British diplomatic staff had been "working round the clock" to organise Friday's airlift, and had expected to evacuate up to 200 people but only 110 boarded.

"We will work with our international partners on further assistance for those who remain," a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.

The British families arriving at the Royal Air Force's Brize Norton base will be ferried by bus for the two-week quarantine at Arrowe Park Hospital in The Wirral in northwest England.

They will stay in accommodation usually used by health service staff, and will have access to the internet.

Anyone with suspicious symptoms will be taken to the nearby Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen Hospital, which has a high-level infectious diseases unit.

"It's welcome news that our evacuation flight has now left Wuhan," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement.

"We know how distressing the situation has been for those waiting to leave."

Angélique Kidjo dedicates her Grammy Award to Burna Boy

2020-01-31T22:11:00.000+01:00

Beninese ace singer, Angélique Kidjo, has dedicated her fourth Grammy Award won on Sunday to Nigerian Afro-fusion singer, Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy.

Recall that Burna Boy lost the Best World Music Album trophy to Beninese ace singer, Angélique Kidjo, at the 62nd Grammy Award held on Sunday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, US.

Burna Boy was nominated for the category for his ‘African Giant’ album alongside Altin Gun (Gece), Bokante and Metropole Orkest Conducted By Jules Buckley (What Heat), Nathalie Joachim With Spektral Quartet (Fanm D’ayiti) and Angelique Kidjo (Celia).

Kidjo is a 59-year-old singer-songwriter, actress and activist known for her diverse musical influences and creative music videos.
She is known for her hit songs “Agolo”, “We We”, “Adouma”, “Wombo Lombo”, “Afirika”, “Batonga” and “Celia”, which clinched the fourth Grammy.

During her acceptance speech, Kidjo dedicated the award to Burna Boy and celebrated a new generation of African artists coming up to represent the continent.

“This is for Burna Boy,” she said, lifting up her award to cheers, and declaring the “African Giant” as part of the new generation of African musicians that are changing global perception of Africa and its music.

“Four years ago on this stage, I was telling you that the new generations of artists coming from Africa gonna take you by storm and the time has come,” Kidjo added.

NAN reports that a win for Burna Boy would have made it the second time a Nigerian would be returning home with the Grammy plaque, as Sikiru Adepoju is the only Nigerian to have won a Grammy.

Rio Ferdinand visits Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos

2020-01-31T21:59:00.000+01:00

Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, visited Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos on Friday.

Odion Ighalo Set To Join Manchester United

2020-01-31T21:49:00.000+01:00

Manchester United are in talks to sign former Watford striker Odion Ighalo, with the chances of a deal being completed before the 11pm deadline rated "50-50".

A £20m bid for Bournemouth striker Joshua King was earlier rejected as United target cover in the absence of the injured Marcus Rashford, but their pursuit of the Norway international appears to have ended.

Tottenham also made their own late attempt to secure a six-month loan deal for 30-year-old striker Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua on Deadline Day, Sky Sports reports.

However, a move to Spurs is not expected to materialise because if Ighalo does leave China he will go elsewhere, potentially to United before the 11pm transfer deadline.

Ighalo is in pre-season training with Shenhua in China, but the new Chinese Super League season has been delayed due to the escalation of the Coronavirus.

A medical could be held in China, but United still face a race to complete a move before the deadline closes.

After the home game against Wolves on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, United have a 16-day gap before they play Chelsea in their next Premier League fixture.

Tottenham, who have explored a number of short-term options to cover for the injured Harry Kane this month, are increasingly unlikely to sign a striker but continue to explore what are now limited options.

Macron aide, Benalla who struck protester to be fired

2018-07-20T12:22:00.001+01:00

The office of French President Emmanuel Macron told AFP on Friday that it has begun dismissal proceedings against a top security aide who violently struck a protester during a demonstration in Paris in May.

A video published this week shows Alexandre Benalla manhandling and striking a demonstrator while wearing a police helmet, even though he is not an officer.

Paris prosecutors also said Benalla has been detained for questioning in the assault inquiry, where he also faces charges of impersonating a police officer.

Macron’s office said the decision to fire Benalla was taken after “new elements” emerged in the case, which has become the most damaging scandal facing the centrist president since his election last year.

A source close to the inquiry said three police officers have also been suspended on suspicion they provided Benalla with surveillance footage of the May 1 demonstration in an attempt to prove his innocence.

“He is suspected of receiving material from the police he was not authorised to have,” the Elysee said.

Lawmakers have also launched a commission of inquiry as a second video of the incident emerged, in which Benalla is also seen violently wrestling a young woman to the ground.

Benalla was punished with a two-week suspension without pay in May and later transferred to another post, but the incident was not reported to prosecutors.

Buhari meets Bukola Saraki in Aso Rock

2018-07-20T11:52:00.002+01:00

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met with Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Saraki arrived the Villa at about 6:02 p.m. and proceeded straight for a closed-door meeting. No official reason was given for the meeting.

On arrival, governors of Kebbi, Ogun, Zamfara and the governor-elect of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who had emerged from a separate meeting with the President, joined the Senate President and the President.

It was learnt that the meeting between the two leaders may not be unconnected with the recent budget request of N242.4 billion for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for the conduct of 2019 general elections, a request that had ignited a fresh crisis between the executive and the legislative arms.

Buhari, in the letter to the Senate, said the funds would be sourced through virement from the 2018 budget.

Meanwhile, Osinbajo and governors of the 36 states of the federation yesterday failed to deliberate on the ongoing crisis in the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) over the disbursement of revenues to the three tiers of government for the month of May.

Osinbajo presided over the National Executive Council (NEC), which met again yesterday in the Villa to discuss issues of critical national importance.

But the committee, which had met thrice, failed to approve available funds for sharing due to alleged revenue underpayment by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, while briefing State House Correspondents after the NEC meeting, said the FAAC revenue sharing crisis did not feature on the agenda of NEC.

The NEC meeting was attended by the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC, Maikanti Baru.

South Korea's ex-President Park given eight more years in Prison

2018-07-20T11:42:00.001+01:00

Disgraced former South Korean president Park Geun-hye was convicted of charges including illegally receiving funds from the country’s spy agency on Friday and given eight more years in prison, on top of her current term.

Park, the South’s first female president, was impeached last year after huge street protests over a sprawling scandal, and was jailed for 24 years for corruption and abuse of power in April.

Friday’s penalty — issued in her absence after she refused to attend the Seoul Central District Court — came after a separate trial for pocketing money from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and improperly intervening in 2016 in the selection of her ruling party’s parliamentary candidates.

The Seoul Central District Court gave Park six years for taking 3.3 billion won ($2.9 million) from the spy agency, and two years for the electoral offence.

The penalties apply consecutively, meaning the 66-year-old now faces a total of 32 years in prison.

“The accused received some three billion won over three years from the three NIS chiefs. Through this crime, the accused incurred a considerable amount of loss to the state treasury,” said senior judge Seong Chang-ho.

Three former NIS chiefs testified they had funnelled the funds to Park on her orders, the court said.

The judge rebuked Park, who denied the charges, for being “un-cooperative” throughout the court hearing and questioning by prosecutors.

Park allegedly squandered the taxpayer money on maintaining her private house, financing a boutique where her secret confidante Choi Soon-sil — the central figure in the corruption scandal — had Park’s clothes made and other private purposes, including massage treatment.

Choi was found to have taken advantage of her “long private ties” with Park to extort bribes worth millions of dollars from businesses including telecommunications giant Samsung and retail conglomerate Lotte.

She is serving a 20-year sentence for abuse of power, bribery and meddling in state affairs.

‘Never repented’
Earlier Friday, prosecutors asked an appeals court to extend Park’s sentence for her corruption and abuse of power conviction to 30 years, arguing the original penalty was too lenient.

They also asked for her fine to be multiplied sixfold to 118.5 billion won.

“The accused has never repented or made any sincere apology before the people,” prosecutors said in a statement. “And since October 2017, she has never made any appearance at court.”

Park’s own lawyers asked for her conviction to be overturned, saying she made no gains herself when businesses “donated” funds to foundations controlled by Choi, and that her impeachment and ouster meant she had already taken “political responsibility” for the case.

The Seoul High Court will issue its decision on August 24.

At her first trial, Park was convicted of receiving or demanding more than $20 million from conglomerates, sharing secret state documents, “blacklisting” artists critical of her policies, and firing officials who resisted her abuses of power.

Park is the eldest daughter of late dictator Park Chung-hee, who oversaw human rights abuses but is also credited with driving the country’s economic development in the 1960s and 1970s.

After her father was assassinated in 1979 by his spy chief, Park isolated herself and was befriended by Choi, the daughter of a shady religious figure, who went on to act as a secret mentor throughout her political career.

Banky W Replies Ladies Trolling Him Over His Car

2018-07-19T12:53:00.000+01:00

A video which made the rounds last week on social media showed some ladies trailing Nigerian musician Banky W and wife Adesua Etomi while they were trying to shop.

The singer was driving a 2008 Range Rover and the women were alarmed wondering why Banky is driving such an old car after all the money he is making.

Read Banky W’s reply on social media below:

Dear Stalker,

In response to the cringe worthy, creepy video you made about my wife and I, I think there are some things you need to know. First of all, poverty will never be my portion in Jesus name. Also, it is a 2008 Range Rover Sport not a 1999. Amen and Lol. Oh, and additionally, it’s currently for sale to the highest bidder. I had decided last month that I’d sell it, and whatever I got for it, I’d hand over
to the “Vocational School for the Blind” in Oshodi and the “Pink Oak Cancer Trust Fund”. My Aunt volunteers at the school, and she reminded me that they were still trying to raise some money to care for their students, so I came up with a plan. I told her that I’d give my followers the background history of my old car, and get all my celebrity friends who’d sat in it at some point or another to autograph it, and then put it up for an online auction. I figured that since I didn’t need the money from the sale to buy a new one, we could just auction it off and hopefully raise a decent enough amount of money to give back to those in need.

You see, I’ve never found it necessary to own more than one car. Mostly because I can only ever DRIVE one car at a time; and when I bought the car in 2011, I promised myself that I would never buy another car, until I owned the home I live in. To me, owning a nice car might help me LOOK like I was doing okay, but owning a nice home would help me KNOW. The way my mind is set up…what good is owning a Rolls Royce, if I’m still paying rent on the house I park it in?

Over the years, as my car went from being kind-of-trendy to being just plain old, people around would occasionally wonder out loud about when I would finally buy a nicer one; I’d just smile and say to myself “not until I own my house”. I eventually did buy an additional much smaller car (a Kia), but that was only because I wanted to use it on “Uber”, so my driver could earn extra bonus money for himself and us, in his free time. I wonder how shocked and horrified you would have been if you’d seen me driving that smaller car instead (which, by the way, I do drive, occasionally).

You might be happy to know that I’ve now FINALLY ordered a newer, nicer, personal car, and my wife has too. We paid for them a month ago, but we will probably never show them to you, because we don’t want you to stalk us again, but also because that’s not really any of your business – much like my old Range Rover wasn’t. The cars we are getting are relatively new this year, but the way my mind is set up, we will probably drive them for as long as possible, until we have stashed away enough money for our future kids’ complete University Education, and until we have secured a hell of a lot more real estate for them to inherit. I’m not sure how long that will take…I’m just grateful that my wife’s mind is set up a lot more like mine, than yours.

With that being said, dear stalker, since you’ve taken it upon yourself to help me advertise my old car, I just thought it’s only fair to let you know that it’s available for sale, and that you can be its next proud owner, should you decide to bid on it. You’d be bidding on a piece of Nigerian Pop Culture history, because the car will come complete with a portrait of my wife and I, and the car & portrait will be autographed by every celebrity friend that I can get to. Everyone… from Wizkid to Tiwa Savage, from 2Baba to Toke Makinwa… from Ebuka to Kemi Adetiba… everyone has been in that car, and I’m gonna try and get them to sign it. More importantly though, if you buy it, you’ll be helping me raise money for the “Vocational School For the Blind” and for the “Pink Oak Cancer Trust Fund”.

See, there’s a difference between you and I. You look down on people because of what YOU THINK they can or can’t afford. You clearly believe that a man’s worth should be measured by the car he chooses to drive… but I think differently. You would actually look down on the very same people that I’ve looked up to for years. Warren Buffet drives a cadillac he bought about 7 years ago. Mark Zuckerberg drives an Acura valued at about $30k. Alice Walton (the world’s wealthiest woman) drives a Ford F150. Ikea’s founder, Ingvar Kamprad, drove a 1993 volvo for over 20 years, until someone convinced him that driving at 91 was too dangerous – oh, and he probably doesn’t know the way to the Gucci store, because he buys most of his clothes from the flea market. Google them. All of them drive “old” cars. But all of them are billionaires who’ve built up their fortune, while giving back to society, and building up the people around them.

I believe that true greatness and success shouldn’t just be measured by what you are able to get… but also by what you are able to give. While driving my very-old car the last few years, I’ve spent a lot of my time giving to the people around me, and giving back to society to the best of my ability. The fact that you’re able to spend time mocking and stalking me outside a grocery store, says a lot more about you than it does about me. I’m just out here minding my business, building my homes and my fortune, while also trying to build up as many people as possible. You should consider doing the same.

Sincerely,

~ B.W.

#TheBankStatements

PPS: The 2008 Range really IS up for auction. We’re using the car sale to raise money for a worthy cause, so we’ll start the bidding at One Million Naira only, and keep it going until August 31st. So if you’re in the market for a used car, or you’d just like to own a piece of Nigerian Pop Culture history, and you have at least N1m to spend, pls send a DM to @theofficialeme_ and place your bid. Highest Bid wins.

Tonto Dike Stands With Bobrisky No Matter How He is Perceived In The Society

2018-07-19T12:45:00.001+01:00

Nollywood star Tonto Dikeh has revealed that she is standing with Nigeria’s male barbie Bobrisky no matter how he is perceived in the society.

She wrote:

Love you so much Bob.
#friemdship #loyalty #LOVELIVESHERE.’

Ekiti Election: Fayemi Receives Certificate Of Return From INEC

2018-07-19T12:32:00.000+01:00

The Ekiti State Governor-elect, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Wednesday, received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The National Commissioner in charge of Oyo, Ekiti and Osun states, Prince Adedeji Soyebi, presented the certificate to him at a ceremony held at the state’s INEC office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress won the Saturday’s governorship election by defeating the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

His running mate, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, also received his Certificate of Return at the event.

Speaking after receiving the certificate, Fayemi thanked the people for their support before and during the July 14 governorship election.

He promised not to disappoint the people of the state who gave him the mandate in Saturday’s governorship election.

The immediate past Minister of Steel and Mines Development commended the electoral body for doing what he described as an “excellent job” in the conduct of the “seamless, free, fair, credible and violence-free,” election.

“For INEC, the work has just ended and for us, the work has just started. We have a responsibility not to disappoint our people.

“We have a duty of responsibility not to disappoint the people for keeping faith with us. Ekiti people will see the benefit of good governance by the grace of God as from October 16,” he said.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof Abdulganiyu Raji, said he was happy that the election took place despite the tension in town.

Olu Jacobs Son Weds Traditionally In Rivers State

2018-07-18T01:35:00.000+01:00

Olusoji Jacobs, son of movie veteran Olu Jacobs has married his Rivers State bride, Boma Douglas.

The traditional occasion was held in Rivers, while the white wedding will hold in Lagos.

Leo, Cee-c Bag Endorsement Deals From Numatville Tourism Megacity

2018-07-18T01:30:00.000+01:00

BBNaija 2018 ex housemates, Leo and Cee-C have gotten themselves new endorsement deals.

The rumoured lovebirds are the latest Numatville Tourism Megacity Ambassadors and have also received plots of lands from the firm.

The company released the statement below:

“Big Brother Naija 2018 Celebrities, *Cynthia Nkemdili Nwadiora aka CECE & Leo Da Silver* joins the list of credible Nigerian celebrities as Ambassadors of Numatville Tourism Megacity. Gets complimentary plots of land each at

the Nollywood Quarters of the Megacity worth millions of naira. – Let’s join hands together to uphold the emergence of Africa’s first & Largest National Tourism & Cultural Megacity in Nigeria… Endorsement confirmed by Hon. Amb. Jonathan Daniel @Jodelamedia

Falz Signs Sir Dauda To Bahdguy Entertainment Records

2018-07-18T01:20:00.000+01:00

Falzthebahdguy Signs New Artist. Sir Dauda To Bahdguy Entertainment Records

Nigerian rapper and musician Falz has announced a new artist, Sir Dauda who has just been signed to his Label, BahdGuy Entertainment.

This was revealed at his just concluded concert, Trace Live Falz powered by Trace on Friday 13th, July 2018 at Terra Kulture.

WoW.. Cardi B Gets 10 Nominations For MTV Video Music Awards

2018-07-18T01:15:00.000+01:00

The 2018 MTV Video Music Awards nominations has been released and new mum Cardi B got nominated in 10 categories. Can you beat that?

See the full list below.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande – “No Tears Left to Cry” – Republic Records
Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – “Finesse (Remix)” – Atlantic Records
Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – “Havana” – Syco Music/Epic Records
The Carters – “APES**T” – Roc Nation/Parkwood Entertainment
Childish Gambino – “This Is America” – mcDJ / RCA Records
Drake – “God’s Plan” – YMCMB/Cash Money/Republic Records

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande – Republic Records
Bruno Mars – Atlantic Records
Camila Cabello – Syco Music/Epic Records
Cardi B – Atlantic Records
Drake – YMCMB/Cash Money/Republic Records
Post Malone – Republic Records

SONG OF THE YEAR
Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – “Finesse (Remix)” – Atlantic Records
Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – “Havana” – Syco Music/Epic Records
Drake – “God’s Plan” – YMCMB/Cash Money/Republic Records
Dua Lipa – “New Rules” – Warner Bros. Records
Ed Sheeran – “Perfect” – Atlantic Records
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage – “rockstar” – Republic Records

BEST NEW ARTIST
Bazzi – iamcosmic/Atlantic Records
Cardi B – Atlantic Records
Chloe x Halle – Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records
Hayley Kiyoko – Atlantic Records
Lil Pump – Warner Bros. Records
Lil Uzi Vert – Atlantic Records

BEST COLLABORATION
Bebe Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Line – “Meant to Be” – Warner Bros. Records
Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – “Finesse (Remix)” – Atlantic Records
The Carters – “APES**T” – Roc Nation/Parkwood Entertainment
Jennifer Lopez ft. DJ Khaled & Cardi B – “Dinero” – Epic Records/Nuyorican Productions
Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid – “1-800-273-8255” – Def Jam Recordings
N.E.R.D & Rihanna – “Lemon” – i am OTHER/Columbia Records

PUSH ARTIST OF THE YEAR
JULY 2018 – Chloe x Halle – Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records
JUNE 2018 – Sigrid – Island Records
MAY 2018 – Lil Xan – Columbia Records
APRIL 2018 – Hayley Kiyoko – Atlantic Records
MARCH 2018 – Jessie Reyez – Island Records
FEBRUARY 2018 – Tee Grizzley – 300 Entertainment
JANUARY 2018 – Bishop Briggs – Island Records
DECEMBER 2017 – Grace VanderWaal – Syco Music/Columbia Records
NOVEMBER 2017 – Why Don’t We – Atlantic Records
OCTOBER 2017 – PRETTYMUCH – Syco Music/Columbia Records
SEPTEMBER 2017 – SZA – TDE/Aftermath/Interscope Records
AUGUST 2017 – Kacy Hill – Def Jam Recordings
JULY 2017 – Khalid – RCA Records
JUNE 2017 – Kyle – Atlantic Records
MAY 2017 – Noah Cyrus – Republic Records

BEST POP
Ariana Grande – “No Tears Left to Cry” – Republic Records
Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – “Havana” – Syco Music/Epic Records
Demi Lovato – “Sorry Not Sorry” – Island Records
Ed Sheeran – “Perfect” – Atlantic Records
P!nk – “What About Us” – RCA Records
Shawn Mendes – “In My Blood” – Island Records

BEST HIP HOP
Cardi B ft. 21 Savage – “Bartier Cardi” – KSR/Atlantic Records
The Carters – “APES**T” – Roc Nation/Parkwood Entertainment
Drake – “God’s Plan” – YMCMB/Cash Money/Republic Record
J. Cole – “ATM” – Dreamville/Roc Nation/Interscope Records
Migos ft. Drake – “Walk It Talk It” – Quality Control/Capitol Records
Nicki Minaj – “Chun-Li” – Young Money/Cash Money Records

BEST LATIN
Daddy Yankee – “Dura” – El Cartel Records/UMLE
J Balvin, Willy William – “Mi Gente” – UMLE/Republic Records
Jennifer Lopez ft. DJ Khaled & Cardi B – “Dinero” – Epic Records/Nuyorican Productions
Luis Fonsi, Demi Lovato – “Échame La Culpa” – UMLE/Republic/Island/Universal Music Latino
Maluma – “Felices los 4” – Sony Music Entertainment US Latin
Shakira ft. Maluma – “Chantaje” – Sony Music Entertainment US Latin

BEST DANCE
Avicii ft. Rita Ora – “Lonely Together” – Geffen Records
Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa – “One Kiss” – Columbia Records
The Chainsmokers – “Everybody Hates Me” – Disruptor Records/Columbia Records
David Guetta & Sia – “Flames” – Atlantic Records
Marshmello ft. Khalid – “Silence” – RCA Records/Ultra Records
Zedd & Liam Payne – “Get Low (Street Video)” – Interscope Records

BEST ROCK
Fall Out Boy – “Champion” – Island Records
Foo Fighters – “The Sky Is A Neighborhood” – RCA Records
Imagine Dragons – “Whatever It Takes” – KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records
Linkin Park – “One More Light” – Warner Bros. Records
Panic! At The Disco – “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” – Fueled By Ramen/Atlantic Records
Thirty Seconds to Mars – “Walk On Water” – Interscope Records

VIDEO WITH A MESSAGE
Childish Gambino – “This Is America” – mcDJ / RCA Records
Dej Loaf and Leon Bridges – “Liberated” – Columbia Records
Drake – ‘God’s Plan” – YMCMB/Cash Money/Republic Records
Janelle Monáe – “PYNK” – Bad Boy Records/Atlantic Records
Jessie Reyez – “Gatekeeper” – Island Records
Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid – “1-800-273-8255” – Def Jam Recordings

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Alessia Cara – “Growing Pains” – Def Jam Recordings – Cinematography by Pau Castejón
Ariana Grande – “No Tears Left to Cry” – Republic Records – Cinematography by Scott Cunningham
The Carters – “APES**T” – Roc Nation/Parkwood Entertainment – Cinematography by Benoit Debie
Childish Gambino – “This Is America” – mcDJ / RCA Records – Cinematography by Larkin Seiple
Eminem ft. Ed Sheeran – “River” – Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records – Cinematography by Frank Mobilio & Patrick Meller
Shawn Mendes – “In My Blood” – Island Records – Cinematography by Jonathan Sela

BEST DIRECTION
The Carters – “APES**T” – Roc Nation/Parkwood Entertainment – Directed by Ricky Saix
Childish Gambino – “This Is America” – mcDJ / RCA Records – Directed by Hiro Murai
Drake – “God’s Plan” – YMCMB/Cash Money/Republic Records – Directed by Karena Evans
Ed Sheeran – “Perfect” – Atlantic Records – Directed by Jason Koenig
Justin Timberlake ft. Chris Stapleton – “Say Something” – RCA Records – Directed by Arturo Perez Jr.
Shawn Mendes – “In My Blood” – Island Records – Directed by Jay Martin

BEST ART DIRECTION
The Carters – “APES**T” – Roc Nation/Parkwood Entertainment – Art Direction by Jan Houlevigue
Childish Gambino – “This Is America” – mcDJ / RCA Records – Art Direction by Jason Kisvarday
J. Cole – “ATM” – Dreamville/Roc Nation/Interscope Records – Art Direction by Miles Mullin
Janelle Monáe – “Make Me Feel” – Bad Boy Records/Atlantic Records – Art Direction by Pepper Nguyen
SZA – “The Weekend” – TDE/RCA Records – Art Direction by SZA and Solange
Taylor Swift – “Look What You Made Me Do” – Big Machine Records – Art Direction by Brett Hess

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Ariana Grande – “No Tears Left to Cry” – Republic Records – Visual Effects by Vidal and Loris Paillier for Buf
Avicii ft. Rita Ora – “Lonely Together” – Geffen Records – Visual Effects by KPP
Eminem ft. Beyoncé – “Walk On Water” – Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records – Visual Effects Supervisor Rich Lee for Drive Studios
Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “All The Stars” – TDE/Aftermath/Interscope Records – Visual Effects by Loris Paillier for BUF Paris
Maroon 5 – “Wait” – 222/Interscope Records – Visual Effects by TIMBER
Taylor Swift – “Look What You Made Me Do” – Big Machine Records – Visual Effects by Ingenuity Studios

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – “Finesse (Remix)” – Atlantic Records – Choreography by Phil Tayag & Bruno Mars
Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – “Havana” – Syco Music/Epic Records – Choreography by Calvit Hodge and Sara Bivens
The Carters – “APES**T” – Roc Nation/Parkwood Entertainment – Choreography by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Jaquel Knight
Childish Gambino – “This Is America” – mcDJ / RCA Records – Choreography by Sherrie Silver
Dua Lipa – “IDGAF” – Warner Bros. Records – Choreography by Marion Motin
Justin Timberlake – “Filthy” – RCA Records – Choreography by Marty Kudelka, AJ Harpold, Tracy Phillips, and Ivan Koumaev

BEST EDITING
Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – “Finesse (Remix)” – Atlantic Records – Editing by Jacquelyn London
The Carters – “APES**T” – Roc Nation/Parkwood Entertainment – Taylor Ward and Sam Ostrove
Childish Gambino – “This Is America” – mcDJ / RCA Records – Editing by Ernie Gilbert
Janelle Monáe – “Make Me Feel” – Bad Boy Records/Atlantic Records – Editing by Deji Laray
N.E.R.D & Rihanna – “Lemon” – i am OTHER/Columbia Records – Editing by Taylor Ward
Taylor Swift – “Look What You Made Me Do” – Big Machine Records – Editing by Chancler Haynes for Cosmo

Atiku Begins Nationwide Tour Ahead Presidential Race

2018-07-18T01:07:00.001+01:00

Former vice-president and leading presidential aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will be commencing a consultation and familiarization tour across the country beginning from July 16, 2018 ahead of the presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former number two citizen will begin with a scheduled visit to Gombe State on Monday then proceed to Borno State on Tuesday, Taraba on Wednesday and Adamawa on Thursday.

According to a schedule released by the the Director-General of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation and former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Alhaji Atiku will commence the South West visitation on Monday, July 30 in Lagos while that of North East will start from Jigawa on August 6th with North West, South East and North Central scheduled for August 7th, August 13th and August 15th respectively.

An official reception in respect of his presidential ambition has been slated for Saturday July 21st in Yola by the Adamawa State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, tagged “Mega Rally”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable released in January mandates all political parties to conduct party primaries including resolution of disputes arising from the primaries between August 18 and October 7, 2018.

Atiku is expected to battle the former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo; former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa; former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Ahmed Markafi; former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki SAN; former Governors of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso for the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Buhari appoints Banire as AMCON Chairman

2018-07-18T01:03:00.000+01:00

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has appointed former Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Muiz Banire, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON.

Buhari also appointed the chairman and 12 commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, at the plenary on Tuesday, read Buhari’s letters to the legislature in which he sought the approval of the chamber, Punch reports.

PHOTOS: Meghan, Harry unveil Nelson Mandela Centenary exhibit

2018-07-18T00:53:00.000+01:00

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on Tuesday unveiled the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition in Southbank, London to celebrate the 100th birthday of former South African president, Nelson Mandela.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex chatted with Mandela’s granddaughter, Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela at the event marking 100 years since the late freedom fighter was born, reports Mirror UK.

The London exhibition provides an insight into Mandela’s journey from young anti-apartheid campaigner to becoming the inspiration for an international movement against South Africa’s violent and oppressive system.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet 92-year-old Andrew Mlangeni, who stood on trial accused of sabotage against the then apartheid government in 1938, and spent 26 years in prison on Robben Island.

Barcelona Set To Join Real Madrid In Pursuit Of Hazard

2018-07-17T23:59:00.001+01:00

Barcelona are ready to join Clasico rivals Real Madrid in pursuit of Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard, reports Don Balon .

The Belgium international has long been linked with a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu and has hinted that he will be on the move this summer.

It could be that he ends up making his way to Camp Nou, however, with Barca - who have already been linked with Chelsea star Willian - considering a big-money move.

Musa battles Ronaldo, Messi, Modric, others for Russia 2018 Word Cup Goal of the Tournament

2018-07-17T23:51:00.001+01:00

Ahmed Musa’s goal in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Iceland at Volgograd Arena has been nominated along 17 others for the 2018 World Cup Goal of the Tournament.

The Leicester City man combined pace, composure and brilliance to complete his brace, after a well-taken opener, to help the Super Eagles secure their lone victory in Russia.

The effort has not gone unnoticed as it has been shortlisted along strikes from Portugal duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma, Croatia captain and Golden Ball winner Luka Modric, Spain defender Nacho, Brazil’s Philipe Coutinho, Russia attackers Denis Cheryshev [2] and Artem Dzyuba for the best goal in the global football showpiece.

The forward will also battle Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, France’s Benjamin Pavard, Belgium trio of Adnan Januzaj, Dries Mertens and Nacer Chadli, England’s Jesse Lingard, Germany’s Toni Kroos and Colombia’s Juan Quintero for the prize.

The winner will be announced after voting close on July 23 according to a statement from Fifa.

Nigeria exited at the group stage of the tournament after finishing third in Group D standing, with three points.

Wenger: My 22 Years At Arsenal Was A Mistake

2018-07-17T23:44:00.000+01:00

Arsene Wenger concedes that spending 22 years in charge of Arsenal was a mistake, with the Frenchman feeling as though he became “a prisoner of my own challenges”.

Having worked so hard to rebuild the Gunners in his image, the long-serving coach found it difficult to sever ties with the club.

There were plenty of opportunities for him to walk away, with Real Madrid and England having made several attempts to secure the services of a proven performer.

Wenger also faced fan protests towards the end of his reign, but he eventually departed on his own terms at the end of the 2017-18 season.

The 68-year-old admits that he should have probably made a fresh start some time ago, rather than clinging on in north London, but his passion for a high-profile job kept him coming back for more.

Wenger told RTL when asked to pick out the biggest mistake of his career: “Perhaps staying at the same club for 22 years.

“I’m someone who likes to move around a lot, but I also like a challenge. I've been a prisoner of my own challenge at times.”

Wenger guided Arsenal to three Premier League titles, with his iconic ‘Invincibles’ side of 2003-04 negotiating an entire English top-flight campaign unbeaten.

He also reached the 2006 Champions League final, but saw European dreams crumble as a succession of last-16 exits were followed by two finishes outside of the top four in England.

FA Cup success helped to paper over the cracks at times, with Wenger leaving north London with seven winners’ medals from that competition.

Fayose Meets Ewi Over Harrassment

2018-07-17T23:31:00.001+01:00

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, on Tuesday made his first public appearance since his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, lost the Saturday’s governorship election.

Fayose, who went to the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, the Aladesanmi III, was mobbed by the people in areas such as Okesa, Oja Bisi, Oja oba, Irona and Oke Oriomi.

At the palace of the Ewi, the governor said it was unfortunate that he and his supporters were still being hounded after the election had come and gone.

He said, “I have come to officially tell you, sir, as the Paramount Ruler of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, that the Government House was invaded by the police. As we speak, over 300 innocent people are in detention. Since the day of the election, I have not been able to come out. My security aides have been withdrawn, continuously I have been harassed. It is dark hours in our history.

“After the poll on Saturday, my wife was prevented from entering the Government House for about 45 minutes. Since last Wednesday, security agents had laid siege to the Government House, and were subjecting people to untold hardship coming in or going out.

“The poll has come and gone irrespective of what we went through. The constitution says I am still the governor till October 16 this year. Our state radio and television stations have been shut down. And there has been no means of getting across to our people.

“It was only this morning that security agents at the entrance of the Government House were withdrawn. If we have been robbed, I still have a right to life and my family has a right to life too.”

Fayose lamented that his security aides had not been restored while the governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, had a retinue of security aides around him.

“The man that won has three units of the police protecting him. All my security men have been withdrawn since last Wednesday. I am only left with just a few.

“Harassing me is not in the interest of democracy. People must intervene before things go out of hand. I don’t know why we should be in this situation in 2018,” he said.

Oba Adejugbe, in his reply, thanked God that nobody died during the poll.

“As if we knew, monarchs arranged many meetings before the election and pleaded with everybody that before, during and after the poll, we don’t want any trouble. We said then that whoever wins, there should be no problem. The way I see you, I know something is happening. You rarely wear this type of dress in the palace.

“I will convey your message to the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, who is the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and we spoke this morning and we were worried about your whereabouts.”

Oba Adejugbe appealed to security agencies to restore the governor’s security aides.

“As Ekiti leaders, we will intervene. You, Fayemi and Eleka (Prof. Kolapo Olusola) are our sons. Peace must be allowed to reign. We need peace in our state,” he said.

Drug peddler dies as cocaine capsule explodes in her stomach In Portugal

2018-07-17T23:24:00.000+01:00

A mother who is believed to have been smuggling drugs to fund plastic surgery died from a drug overdose after a suspected cocaine capsule exploded inside her.

Moments before she died, Dayse Ricarte, 28, spoke in distress to a friend on camera.

She is believed to have swallowed 71 grams of cocaine inside capsules and smuggled them from Brazil to Europe. However, one of them is believed to have ruptured, causing the overdose at Sao Pedro Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal

She told her friend in the distressing video: “I think I’m going to die, my friend. Oh Lord, help me. My friend, talk to my mum and tell her I love her and my dad. I’m not going to make it. God help me.”

Ricarte, a mother to an 11-year-old boy, sent a picture of the hotel’s business card so that she could get help, but moments later, she was found dead in the hotel room.

The friend who spoke to her revealed that she had also spoken to her boyfriend in Brazil. She said she ‘talked to Dayse for about two hours until she gave her last breath and fell back.’

Hotel staff told Record TV that hotel security found her body after she failed to answer the phone in her room.

Ricarte’s aunt, Lilian Souza, said: “We believe someone made a proposal to her and she might have swallowed some drugs.”

Cousin, João Vitor, said: “Dayse was always travelling, and we only found out about the video when it was sent to my aunt. It was through this that we began to investigate to see if the information was true.”

The family friend said Ricarte had a dream of getting plastic surgery and may have agreed to smuggle the drugs to Europe to fund her plans. “The person who did this to her tried to do it with my friends,” she alleged.

“This person sent her there and said that she would have enough money to do her surgery.

She didn’t like drugs, she was duped and sent to her death.”

Federal Police detective Ramon da Silva said those close to Ricarte are helping them with their inquiries.

“We believe this is an international trafficking operation that could not be done by just one person,” he said.

“(Deyse) appears to have had support in Brazil and Portugal. Our suspicion is that the operation is based in Minas Gerais state because the passport was recently issued there and picked up on June 22 and she flew from Belo Horizonte (the state capital).

“We suspect she ingested the narcotic substance shortly before taking the flight.”

He added: “Portuguese police are carrying out their investigations and examinations which will be passed on to the Brazilian authorities.

“The Brazilian consulate in Lisbon is supporting the family with all the necessary assistance.”

Girl beheaded after witnessing grandmother’s murder

2018-07-17T23:16:00.001+01:00

A 13-year-old girl with special needs was beheaded because she saw her grandmother murdered in a cemetery, a US court has heard.

Mariah Lopez was killed after her grandmother reportedly went to buy drugs but the deal turned into an argument.

The teenager saw how her grandmother was attacked with a knife by her live-in boyfriend and left to die on the ground, testimony revealed.

Israel Palomino, 34, and Yoni Aguilar, 26, are charged with two counts each of murder – punishable by the death penalty.

Ms Lopez’s family wept in Madison County Court court as details of the case were related.

The grandmother, Oralia Mendoza, 49, was linked with the Sinaloa cartel, a drug-trafficking organisation, a Madison County sheriff’s investigator said.

The killings happened after Palomino, Aguilar, Ms Mendoza and a woman named Leticia Garcia went to pick up a batch of methamphetamine in Georgia, authorities said. The two women were linked to the cartel, and Palomino suspected there might be a set-up, investigator Stacy Rutherford told a judge.

Two days later Palomino and Aguilar drove Ms Mendoza and her granddaughter to the cemetery in Alabama. Ms Mendoza and Palomino got out of the car and argued about the drug deal, according to Aguilar’s account, recounted in court.

Aguilar told police the argument escalated, and Palomino killed Ms Mendoza. Authorities have said her cause of death was “sharp force trauma caused by a knife”.

Because Mariah was a witness, the suspects took the girl to a secluded area nearby, Ms Rutherford said.

Aguilar said in his statement that Palomino forced him to kill the girl, telling investigators he was holding the knife when Palomino came up to him and moved his arm back and forth in a sawing motion. Mariah was beheaded, Ms Rutherford told the court.

The details emerged during a preliminary hearing for Aguilar, when the district judge ruled prosecutors had enough evidence to send the case to a grand jury. Palomino’s case is set for preliminary hearing tomorrow.

Investigators recovered two knives, believed to be the murder weapons. One was found under Aguilar’s mattress; the other was under Palomino’s mattress.

Nigerian model stabbed to death by rival in Instagram feud over a girl In London

2018-07-17T13:03:00.001+01:00

A Nigerian model, Harry Uzoka, 25, was stabbed to death by a rival model, George Koh, after being taunted that his killer had slept with his model girlfriend, a court heard.

Uzoka was stabbed in the heart after the IMG model, Koh, 24, boasted in Instagram messages that he had slept with his girlfriend, jurors were told, the Mirror UK reported.

Koh was obsessed with Mr Uzoka’s success and told French model Anna Cetta Lafon he had slept with Mr Uzoka’s girlfriend Ruby Campbell, the Old Bailey heard.

Koh also claimed his now deceased rival was a “bad man and a liar.”

The court heard that after being told of the claims by Ms. Lafon, the pair arranged a confrontation in Shepherd’s Bush in west London, on the afternoon of Thursday, January 11 this year.

But Koh and pals Jonathan Arinze, 24, and Merse Dikanda, 24, had armed themselves with at least two knives and a machete, it was said.

Uzoka’s and flatmate Adrian Harper armed themselves with dumbbell bars for the brawl but after realising they were outnumbered they tried to run away.

Uzoka was chased and cornered around a parked car by the trio before Koh allegedly stabbed him three times, including once to the heart.

Wounded Mr Uzoka stumbled towards his Shepherd’s Bush home but collapsed and died on the pavement outside, it was said.

Prosecutor Richard Horwell QC told the jury: “Harry Uzoka was a well known and successful model with a bright future ahead of him.

“This celebrity status is relevant because it is that part of his life that brought him into contact with George Koh.

“Koh was also a model, but not as successful as Uzoka, they were occupational acquaintances but certainly not friends.

“Koh claimed that he knew Uzoka well and said that he had had sex with Uzoka’s girlfriend and that was the reason why the two men no longer talked.

Jurors heard Mr. Uzoka’s girlfriend, Ruby Campbell, was also a model and was out of the country working first in Los Angeles and then in Sweden.

Warren Buffett donates $3.4 billion to 5 charities

2018-07-17T12:39:00.001+01:00

Buffett’s own foundation, named for his late first wife Susan, and charities run by his children Howard, Susan and Peter received the rest.

Buffett, 87, has since 2006 made more than 30.9 billion dollars in donations to the charities, including roughly 24.5 billion dollars to the Gates Foundation.

His largest previous annual donation had been 3.17 billion dollars, in 2017.

Buffett still owns roughly one-sixth of Berkshire, the Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate he has run since 1965, in spite of giving away 43 per cent of the shares he owned in 2006.

Following the latest donation, Buffett was expected to rank as the world’s fourth-richest person, worth 79.2 billion dollars, according to Forbes magazine.

He would have trailed Amazon.com Inc founder Jeff Bezos’ 149.7 billion dollars, Microsoft Corp co-founder Bill Gates’ 93.6 billion dollars , and LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton Chief Executive Bernard Arnault’s 80 billion dollars as well as Facebook Inc co-founder and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg ranked fifth, at 78.5 billion dollars.

The five charities typically sell Buffett’s shares to finance their activities, reflecting his desire that money be spent in advancing the cause of humanity.

Buffett also makes smaller donations to other charities.

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